morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Amicalola Visitor Center

To: Springer Mountain, GA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Note: Hi, this is Libby's transcriber. I got my first installment from the trail and will be updating as soon as I get the journal entries. Good luck Libby! I can be reached at corylampert@hotmail.com.Libby writes:First day out, yikes, I HURT twards the end there. I could definately tell a difference in my fitness level this year from last. Went slow, but was able to keep up with a couple of guys on the approach trail. Met a guy hiking in jeans and all cotton shirts. Pretty impressive. Another guy who lived in Glenhaven for a while, was carrying 62 lbs! 62 lbs. Wow! 15 lbs just in food. Again, impressive.Springer was a great reward for a first day out. Seems like there are plenty of nice people out here so far. I must say, I think it'll be a much different experience on my own. Only shed a few tears as my Dad and I parted ways. I was amazed at how comfy I felt so quickly, which was nice. I'll miss you thought BURNIE! well, more to write tomorrow.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Hawks Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was alright, not so super awesome, but alright. Weather was a bit of a bummer, kinda gloomy. Hawk Mountain Shelter is as busy as last. LOTS of people here again. I arrived quite early today so lots of time to sit and recap. Its hard not to but I've been thiking a lot about my feet. Mind over matter, I know, but its HARD not to. The immediate goal is Neel's Gap and then I'll go from there, assess and get a new goal. Hips are VERY sore today, but no knee pain. Feelin good, no complaints I must say, its pretty freakin' cold out here. I'm loving my new power stretch a la REI.Nothing too profound to say quite yet. This IS pretty cool though!
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Hawks Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day! Left Hawk Mountain at 8:30 and arrived at Gooch Gap at 1:30 pm. At 1:35 it started to POUR! Hiking wasn't too bad today, a BIG up, but doable. I've got a new pace, it's called slow, real slow. Makes those ups alright. I think downs are harder with the slowness. Luckily, I was able to get a spot in the shelter tonight. Lots of hanging out today, we've got a good group here tonight. Hot Flash and her adorable 7-year old grandson, Snook, (he's chatty). Jeff aka "Bond, Gold Bond", Mad Dog, Georgia, Tim, Bruce, Jarred, Ch, Eagle Eye, and others. turning out to be fun despite the weather. All well too. Gonna keep going slow for the next few days.Really, watching hikers at camp can be as good as TV. Quite entertaining!With all this rain everything feels so damp, oh, can't wait to crawl into my bag tonight!
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Woody Gap, Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Alright. I'm still going;. Last night was wild. Yo! A CRAZY storm, thunder, lighening and LOTS of rain. Did stay dry though. I know I've said this before, I'll say it again, I love my sleeping bag! While it was raining and keeping me awake I was mulling over what to do today, it was a hard choice, but I decided to hike to Woody Gap only 5 miles, and get a shuttle to Hiker Hostel. Which by the way is AWESOME. Only their second year, but they seem to really be busy. Got my first shower after only hiking for a four days. Can't wait to sleep in a bed tonight. I hope there aren't any snorers in my room! Earlier this evening we went to Wal-Mart, picked up some calcium gum, hopefully it'll heal my feet all the way REAL quick. Vitamins as well. Unfortunately, it adds a bit of weight to the pack. Goinig to do the unthinkable and SLACK tomorrow from Woody Gap to Neels Gap. 10.5 miles with my new REI Flash, I'm pretty excited to see how it works. A perfect test run. Grr, did I already mention that I forgot my tent footprint at home? Annoying, but I'm wondering if its a sign to order a new tent? Also looking forward to Neels Gap to lighten my load, maybe start a bounce box. No shuttle to town though, can't let myself get sucked into spending MORE $$ money on FOOD!I'm amazed to see all the cell phones out here. Last night a pair of friends were sharing a satelite phone. Nuts!Oh, one more thing, tonight at dinner I'm sitting with the woman working at the Hostel, she attempted a thru-hike last year and was right ahead of me. Her husband waited it out with her for a few days and he kept going, he left Neels two days after me. Apparently she heard about my broken feet and met Burnie. Funny, small world.
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Woody Gap, Hiker Hostel

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

So, I did a "bad" thing today and slacked. Meaning, I only hiked with a day pack and sent the rest ahead. It worked out well for me. I must say. Still, tried to go slow though. It was an absolutely amazing day for a long walk to and over Blood MOuntain. The highest point on the AT in Georgia. Great views, I think we found Springer, pretty cool to see where you've come from.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Neels Gap

To: campsite 8 miles from Neels Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, today was not quite as fun as yesterday. I did resupply, so I had a bit more weight, but I weighed my pack before I left Neel's Gap and it was 32 lbs. Not too bad. But yeah, only 8 miles, but they were hard. Our first relatively hot day as well as buggy. Tried to push it to 11 miles, but couldn't quite make it. My feet were starting to hurt and I was sick of being by myself. I heard Mighty Mouse and Netty in the distance and almost started running. They had found a nice little camp site so I decided to stay with them. Shortly after I made the decision Mad Dog, Mother and Tim showed up. Needless to say, I was glad to see them. I guess I'm gonna stick with small miles for the next week or so, I must really remind myself that there is no rush quite yet.On a brighter note, I have---a trail name! VOGUE. Apparently my picky taste in fashion shows througheven in the woods. So far its the best fit.
Date: 2005-03-26
From: campsite 8 miles from Neels Gap

To: Shelter [possibly Blue Mountain]
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Missed writing yesterday...[note from transcriber, I am putting this entry for 3/26 in separately, even though it is combined in the original journal entry from Libby]...there was just so much going on that I didn't have time to write. Took off from camp and hiked a nice easy three miles to the first shelter, picked up some water and headed on. The weather was great and ended up taking lots of nice breaks, it made for an enjoyable day. Did have a minor panic when I thought I passed the shelter we were staying at. Luckliy I didn't, but probably almost ran the last mile or so. All the thru-hikers ended up having to tent cause the 10 OSU Spring Breakers took up the whole shelter. Grr! Oh well. Rehab, a section hiker, ended up twisting his ankle REALLY bad and limped into camp. SOunded like he was in major pain. Tim ended up taking charge of the situation and alled EMS. Waiting for them to arrive turned out to be the entertainment for the evening. They, two guys, arrived well after dark with an ATV. REhab is not a small guy either. Sounded like it took them quite a while to drive the 2 miles to the road. Quite exciting! It ended up raining too, we were and still are, in a big cloud. EVERYTHING is a little damp.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Shelter [possibly Blue Mountain]

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Hiking today wasn't too bad. Again, it was raining for the most part, so I didn't stop a whole lot on the way here. Was hoping to come across the same Easter buffet I found last year. I've kept pretty much the same schedule. Arrived here at Tray Mountain Shelter at 1:30pm. I think I was the last one in. It's a full house with Famous Dave and Maytag, Moonpie, Billy Goat, Mother, Tim, Pumpkin, and Stove Pipe. I think the majority of us are heading to Hiawasee tomorrow and zeroing on Tuesday. Yippee! I know mere only day 8, but my feet need the rest. So far, so good, still truckin' along.
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Hiwassee Inn (Hiawasee, GA)

To: campsite at Bly Gap
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Since last I wrote much has happened...heard some great news from home and crossed the GA/NC border. Yippee! Yeah, so the bad weather finally broke and we were able to spend a zero day walking around town doing our errands in the SUN for a change! Didn't do anything too exciting, slept VERY well in a bed, took a few showers and ate a LOT of crap food. Oh well. We stayed at the Hiawassee Inn, same place I stayed last year. Ron and Sam are AWESOME, they just treat hikers so well.Wciting for today though...we crossed our first state line. A much nicer day than last year (remember that one Burnie? with the ladies at Muskrat Creek!) We are now camping in a great spot after the official line. hopefully this nice weather will hold for another day so I can get in some relaxing miles.Are you asking yourself who "we" is? It's my new trail family "Pumpkin" from Vermont, "Moonpie" from Tennessee, Tim from Boston, and "Mother" from West Virginia. They are all very nice of course, and great company. I've sort of almost forgotten that I came out here by myself. So much for worrying about being lonely. I must say though, I do really miss all of my friends from last year.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: campsite at Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: moderate rain

[Trascriber's note- this was written at 3:54am at Bly Gap- she spent the evening of 3/31 at Standing Indian Shelter]Oh my gosh! I can't sleep right now, so I figured I'd write. We are camped up on the side of a ridge right now. Yesterday when leaving town we heard it was supposed to be nice tonight, so we didn't have any problem with the idea of tenting. Yiks. At 2:15am I wake up to go to the bathroom and I could hear those who were sleeping out saying there was lightning and they were moving their tents. There sure was lightneing and lots of it, but you could tell it was far-ish away. I got back into my tent and waited for what I thought was going to be just a normal storm. Its getting closer and closer, the lightning is brighter and brighter. I decided I was a wimp and joined Moonpie and Pumpkin in Pumpkin's tarp tent. I was glad I did cause the short, but fierce storm that passed over us was kinda scary. Again, LOTS of lightning and HAIL! Anywho, I survived and I am now in my own tent, but unable to sleep. Guess I'll try again. Night. Night.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: moderate rain

Carter Gap ShelterSo, I woke up after that storm two nights ago and hussled my butt to the next shelter, arrived quite early, there were still people packing up to take off for the day. The rest of my gang decided they wanted to stay put, but I felt I had some more miles in me. It wasn't raining, so I felt there was no reason not to be hiking. After much debate I decided to push on to Standing Indian Shelter. I'm SO glad I did. It was BEAUTIFUL hiking with the mist in the air, such vibrant colors, it really was great. I was also glad to be able to push on for myself, not to feel tied to this group. I do enjoy them, but I came alone for a reason, to make independent decisions. Again, I was glad I did, I met some new people and heard new stories. I'm here now at Carter Gap Shelter for the rest of the day waiting for the others to catch up. It's cold here and I probably have a few more miles in me, but I'll be glad to see my new trail friends again. Here's hoping for some SUN!
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Waht a day! I awake to the pitter patter of rain this morning, shattering the hope for sun, so I was a little slow to get going. The rain quickly turned to snow and the accumulation was amazing. We had decided to do a 12-mile day so I was trying to psych myself up. We were climbing Albert Mountain today so that was awesome in itself. Anywho, got going and the snow was awesome! Only 7 miles to the next shelter where we were going to have lunch. 1/2 mile from the climb of Albert we came across the BEST trail magic. Barry and Terry who used to manage Rainbow Springs Campground have an AWESOME set-up right before Albert. A huge griddle with beans and rice for burritos, coffee and hot water for tea and lots of sweet blueberry goodness. Such a welcome sight during a cold, snowy afternoon, much better than a Clif bar lunch and the shelter. Going up Albert was so cool! The view at the top though was obviously nonexistant, bummer. So, we hiked on to mile 12, Rock Gap Shelter. When we got there though the entire floor was covered with snow and we decided it wouldn't be suitable for stay. Luckily, there was a cell phone in the group, so we hiked to the road .3 miles and called for a shuttle. We are now in a warm motel room in FRANKLIN, NC, out of the snow. It's April 2nd, am in Wisconsin or North Carolina??? Can't quite figure it out. Oh wait, the best part of the day...when checking into the hotel I see SMOKEY T from last year, how awesome!!! Then...I hear "Libby!" I look over and I see Clayton and Eric!!! Uh! Small world. Now, Smokey was not as big a surprise cause I knew she was on the trail this year, but Clay and his dad, wow! So nice to see familiar faces out here. And nutty that we only spent such a short time together, but they feel like old friends.
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC-Sapphire Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Franklin, NCSo, another zero day in the first two weeks. I dunno. We tried to avoid coming into town for two nights but the darn SNOW. Oh well. I had another day off the feeties, which is never bad for the walkin'. Just chillin' at the Sapphire Inn a Ronnie Haven establishment. Not a bad place to be.Yesterday hiking was so fun, I found that hiker smile again, finally. Just one you can't quite wipe off yer face! I was glad I didn't leave it at home. I'm ready to get back out there and do some walking in sunny weather. Key word, SUNSHINE!Oh, bad news, sounds like the awesome burrito trail magic is getting people sick. All the hikers in town right now are spending entirely too much time in the bathroom. Oh, was that too much information???
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Franklin, NC-Sapphire Inn

To: Siler's Bald
Miles today: 8.3

Oh, I just love this spot! I have fond memories of it from last year and it's living up to my memories this time, too. Did I mention that I ran into Smokey T, a friend from last year, in town? What a great treat! She and her brother Mutt, are camping up here tonight too. Again, it's so nice to see a familiar face! And such a nice one at that.I'm looking forward to Wayah Bald tomorrow! Hopefully, it'll be clear so we'll have some good views! Only a few days from the NOC and some yummy food. Yippee!An observation, haven't met too many people this year. Of course, I know my core group, but not many day hikers out quite yet or weekend walkers. We did meet two really nice girls staying here tonight, one has an awesome dog named VISA. Her cats at home are Debit and Platinum! How funny!Any profound thoughts? No, not really. Oh, well. Ronnie Haven was yet again, awesome to us hikers! Thanks a bunch Ronnie and friends!
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Siler's Bald

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

A little longer of a day than I expected. Kinda warm today and lots of ups. Wayah Bald was awesome for lunch though. GREAT views and it was nice and clear. Tomorrow we'll be walking down into the NOC. I hear a burger or burrito calling my name. I hear it's supposed to rain tomorrow night and for the next three days, grrr! Maybe we can stay inside tomorrow night.Beth and Laura the section hikers we hiked with today are getting off tomorrow, they were a fun addition to the group. After tomorrow, will be the test for my feet! This upcoming section is the one that did me in last year. I'm really trying to stay positive right now! Campfires...they hurt me! My eyes, my lungs...but I like them so very much. Bummer...I really hope it doesn't rain tonight, the wind is starting to pick up, yicks. Again, nothing profound to say, today. Peace!
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Now, I forgot about the hike into the NOC! It's a killer. However, I'm feeling really quite nice. A little sore, but no major pain. These next few days are the test though. Views were pretty fantastic today. It was clear and not super hot, perfect hiking conditions in my opinion. Walked up Wesser Bald fire tower by myself and got a little freaked out. Am I afraid of heights? Guess so...It was windy up there, but well worth it. Moonpie, Desert Rat and Jarred night hiked last night and went up there when it was dark, they said it was AWESOME, they could see just about everything.Talked to my Dad tonight, he said he's heard from a lot of you. That's so cool to know that other people think this trip is neat too. It means a lot to me that you all are interested.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: [possibly Cable Gap Shelter]

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

Ouch, the past few days have not been the most fun hiking. 15 miles yesterday of UP, DOWN, UP, DOWN. Today only 5.5 to Fontana Village to pick up a mail drop before the post office closed. Tomorrow we head into the Smokies! This is where my new adventure begins: yipppeee! We're meeting new people these days, which is cool, always fun to come across new faces.I've been thinking a lot about work the past few days, or lack therof. Just about the friends that I made and the fun that I had. Miss y'all! Only 4 weeks that I've been unemployed and it feels like six months or so. Will I really be able to join the "real world" after this? Scary thought! So funny that I worked my butt off to come out here and now I feel like it's been a half lifetime ago. Didn't know it would be so soon, but here I am! Let's see, looking forward to Gatlinburg and all its nuttiness. We're gonna zero it up there! SO many more zeroes this year, hopefully that is what is keeping me out here.Man, I get to camp and want to write in my journal, but I forget everything I want to say. Grr! Seriously, I should have a dictation device in my brain to record all my great thoughts. Today, I was thinking how cool it is to hike into spring. These large elevation changes are pretty swell on the eyes, not on the feet. Tonight, at Fontana Dam Shelter we have quite the crew, MUCH larger than last year and I'm laughing A LOT, it's great!! Sorry for my randomness!
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

We are officially in the Smokies now. Yicks, what a hike today. It was not easy. I thought that my memory of it from last year of being not so fun was because I was in so much pain. Apparently, that's not the case. I must say though, we had great weather today for some great views and there were great meadows of wildflowers closer to the top here. Really can't complain!Moonpie was quite entertaining today! SHe was asking if we had seen her toboggan? Her wha??? I've only used that word to describe a type of sled and that would not be something that anyone would have out here. Apparently, she was referring to her winter hat. Its gotta be a southern thing, huh? Or at least I hope so. She was also wondering if the back of her shorts were dirty and asked, "Is my mutt buddy?" We were all more than ready for lunch at that point and I almost fell down a mountain 'cos I was laughing so hard.Ooh! exciting, the shelter is full with section hikers right now, so in the Smokies, thru-hiker have to give up shelter spots. We are all tented tonight.Anywho earlier this afternoon there was a BEAR sighting at the water source. Should be a fun night listening to the creepy crawlers. Hope I remembered to ahng everything!
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Lunch at Russell Field ShelterTravelling with a larger group can be frustrating sometimes. Deciding where to go and when, and to make sure everyone is relatively happy with the decision. ARGH! This too shall pass!So, I passed my ending point just an hour or so ago. Honestly, this is so cool to be in new territory! Just this field where I am eating lunch right now is worth the miles I walked all over again this year! TRULY- this spot is so cool. I haven't spent much time out west, but this is what I imagine it would be like. The Dixie Chicks sing this song something like "Cowboy take me away." This would be my thought for that song. This moment is really what the trail is all about for me. Being able to enjoy a beautiful location with the sun shining, but not too hot, a breeze that is the perfect temperature and of course CHEESE and GUMMY BEARS!First thing this morning was great hiking too. I was really able to just let my feet do the walking and my head just wander from thought to thought. In the ZONE. Thought a lot about Jim, missing him terribly out here, but of course I know this is really something that I MUST do.I wish I could capture all this beauty and awesomeness and send it home for EVERYONE to enjoy!Derrick Knob ShelterAs far as awe-inspiring views go, today takes the cake! My first day of new terrain ranks up there with one of the best by far. It was great! Surrounded by great company too. I'm LOVING the Smokies! I think we are VERY lucky with the weather too, today and the day before were beautiful. It is supposed to rain tomorrow, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll wait 'til the late morning. We'll be walking to Clingman's Dome tomorrow, the highest point on the AT at 6643'. It's hard for me to imagine that we won't climb anything higher than that up north, but alas we will not.Did I mention that I'm excited for Gatlinburg? We may even double zero, did I mention that as well? Funny quote of the day: "Have I mentioned that I HATE exercise?"-Pumpkin while climbing the last big up of the day.