morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Cody Gap

To: Hike Inn
Miles today: 8.8

   My tent was poined in just the right direction to wake up to a full viewof the sunrise. What a beautiful view.   I end to get up earlier than Bumpkin, but soon I heard her rustling around in her tent, packing up. Soon after, I was packed and ready to go. Istayed around camp a little longer so that I could say bye to Bumpkin face to face instead of through a barrier of silnylon. I guess I just wanted tomake sure she was up and moving before I left. And after yesterday'sdisappointing discovery of the fact that she would no longer be hiking with Hiker Biker Babe and Silver Lining, I thought it might be nice if I stuckaround a little longer to let her know that I wasn't just going to take offwithout saying that I was leaving. I think, no, I KNOW she was bummed by thelack of communication with her former traveling companions. I made a vow tomyself that if I needed to part ways with Bumpkin (for any reason), I would let her know face to face. And I guess I now meant that for morning partingas well, even though we had plans to meet at Fontanta Dam later on.I can really honestly say that I enjoyed my hike today. Definately not aneasy section with all the PUDs (pointless ups and downs) but we had greatopportunities for views all day. My favorite was towards the end when I couldsee the dam through the trees. I knew I was almost there. A nice soft bed anda hot shower were waiting for me and were now just an hour and a half away.What luxuary.I waited by the rest rooms at the Fontana Marina for about an hour. AfterBumpkin arrived, the shuttle to the Fontana Village pulled up to let people out to continue their hike. We had been trying to decide what we were going todo, as I had my mail drops at the post office and hers were at Hike Inn. Thearrival of the shuttle decided our current plan of action. To the Village! Onto the buffet! Food was more important that our mail when we found out the buffet was open for only the next half hour before they closed to set up for dinner.After our "town chores" we called the Hike Inn and Nancy came to pick us up(a quick plug - Nancy and Jeff the owners of the Hike Inn are wonderful. If you are ever in the area, stay there. They are so helpful.)I let Bumpkin take the first shower and went to talk to Nancy. Soon after,another customer walked in and after some confusion on my part, I realized hewas trying to tell me that he had been chasing rumors of Bumpkin and I aroundFontana and that this was Bumpkin's husband!Well, that changed plans a little. Bumpkin told me to pack up my stuff andgo find another room. LOL She didn't know I had already made other arrangements while whe was in the shower.I was glad that Jerry showed up, it really cheered her spirits to have someonefrom home after the last few days of disappointment. She very need a break from the trail and the events of the last week.
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Hike Inn

To: Hike Inn
Miles today: 1.4

Today we did trail magic with Bumpkin's husband so that he could meet some ofthe people she had been hiking with.   We brought food over to Stecoah Gap and then over to the Fontana Hilton. (This shelter is called the Hilton because of how many people it sleeps.) Jerry ended up receiving a trail name, The Bomb. Bumpkin kept telling him thathe was "The Bomb" and it stuck.   We did the mile and a half between Marina and the visitor center so that wedidn't claim another zero day.
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Hike Inn

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

   We started into the Great Smoky National Park around 10:30am despite theforecast of rain. Jerry brought us down to the dam, where he and Bumpkin said their goodbyes.   We were ready to challenge Shuckstack, our first climb into the Smokies. Shucktack remains undefeated again. That mountain was something else. Four miles of a very challenging climb. I took a break at the top near the side trail to the firetower, while Bumpkin went to see the view. As I was waiting,it started to rain. A cold, wet rain which followed us all the way to the shelter. A very full shelter.   After a wet miserable day, it is disappointing to find a full shelter, butthat's the way it goes. Bumpkin was ready to set up her tent in the drivingrain, but I really didn't want to ask if there was any more room in the shelter. One guy spoke up, saying "in this kind of weather, there is alwaysroom." I found out later his name was Male Drop and he was hiking a sectionof trail with a friend who was thru hiking. He made room for me on the top level of the shelter, while someone else made room for Bumpkin.   Soon after I was helping Bumpkin with opening something, as her fingers were numb and she was having a difficult tne with her chores. One guy was veryconcerned and ask her if she wanted to hold his freeze dried meal, which he hadpoured boiling water into the bag to rehydrate. She gladly accepted and wasable to get her fingers warm again.   Tonight there are 19 people in the shelter made for 12. Should e warm tonight, which is good because of the rain.   Tonight at the shelter are three guys who haven't really talked to people,Nemo, T-bird, Jenn, Male Drop, Montana, Theat, and Makosika, Steama and the Rock Stars, Bumpkin, Snowberry and her husband and a couple of others.
Date: 2003-04-19
From: DerrickKnob Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 10.1

   We had plans to meet Mud Butt today in Gatlinburg, so we decided to hike to Clingman's Dome and hitch a ride to Newfound Gap to wait for her. We would have to get a ride back later to pick up the section that we missed, but that wouldn't be too difficult to do.   Maledrop, who came out to hike with his friend Jenn, decided that he needed to go into Gatlinburg because of some kind of illness. I told him that he could join us in Gatlinburg if he wanted. He made plans to meet up with Jenn in a few days at the end of the Smokies at Standing Bear Farm Hostel.   I got up near Clingman's Dome and decided to wait for Bumpkin at the trail intersection that lead to the dome. I ended up talking to a family with a couple of boys and they were very intrested in my hike. I was able to get them to agree to give us a ride to Newfound Gap, but Bumpkin never showed up. She had been right behind me. I had been waiting almost 45 minutes for her.    I hiked to the top, and found Maledrop who was waiting for Jenn. He hadn't seen Jenn either. We decided to hike down to parking lot to see if they had gone down there. Half way to the parking lot, I saw Bumpkin heading our way.   She had taken a side trail and had ended up in the parking lot. Jenn had also taken the same side trail. As we were joking around, I noticed a couple who were trying to keep their laughter quiet as they were watching us. I started up a conversation with them and ended up getting us a right to Newfound Gap.   We had to be at Newfound Gap to meet up with Mudbutt. She wasn't there when we arrived so the three of us sat down to wait. After an hour or so, I got up to walk around. I ended up talking to a couple and got us a ride to Gatlinburg. The parking lot was clearing out and this was our best chance for a ride to town, I told Bumpkin and Maledrop. We decided to take it.    We got a room in G-burg, got some great food, and walked around awhile. I think the highlight of the night was when Bumpkin walked over to a statue of a chicken and kissed it. She's such a hoot!
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   Bumpkin, Maledrop and I took a zero day to go to Easter service and hang out.    We found out that Mudbutt had not been able to find someone to drive her to G-burg, so we were on our own. Mudbutt - we miss you! Heal fast so you can come back out on the trail with us!   I am really starting to enjoy Maledrop's company. He was going to be hitching a ride around the rest of the Smokies to meet up with his friend Jenn, but he has decided to hike with us through the rest of the Smokies. I am glad for the opportunity to hike with him some more and hope to get to know him better.
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: moderate rain

   We seemed to have a little trouble getting organized to get out of town this morning. After we were finally ready, we headed over to the outfitter, The Happy Hiker, to grab one more thing before we left. I also hoped to run into the owner, Barrett, as I had met him last year and I was really hoping to be able to talk with him again. He had helped me out last year and I wanted to thank him. He was out of town though, and was not expected to be back until tomorrow. Darn.   While we were there, we tried to get someone to give us a ride back to the trail, with no luck. No one was heading in that direction. We sat outside of the store, packing our stuff and trying to get a ride from someone. At that moment, I saw a car that I recognized pull into the lot. It was Barrett! I was going to be able to talk to him after all! Yeah!   He recognized me right away, which was cool, as I had not seen him since last year as I went through G-burg. He ended up giving us a ride back to the trail. Thanks Barrett!   When we got to Icewater Springs, Sassy and Kodiak had brought a feast of food up to the shelter and we cooking hot dogs for everyone! Wow! Those two rock! They are so cool to have done that for everyone!    Lots of people at the shelter tonight, so Bumpkin, Maledrop and I had no choice but to tent. Hope we don't have to deal with any bears tonight. With all the good smells around, I'm sure that they will be in the area.
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

   We got to bed late last night due to the festivities. Maledrop and I stayed up a little longer, talking. As we were talking, we were scared out of minds by a sudden loud, shrill scream. What the heck was that? We couldn't figure out what it was. Good thing Bumpkin and Maledrop were both close by,otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get any sleep.   We slept in late due to the fun of last night and also the dense fog that we woke up to. I usually am able to wake up when it starts to get light out, but the fog was so think that it stayed realitivly dark.    After packing up, I went over the shelter to sign the book. Only three guys were left in the shelter and they were also ready to leave. I asked them if they had heard the scream last night. One guy looked down and turned bright red and said, " It was me. I have night terrors." No wonder the screams were so horrifying. I don't know if any of you have ever heard someone having a night terror before, but it's very scarey if you don't know what is going on.   Bumpkin and Maledrop had left before me, so I ended up chasing them down the trail for the first hour or so. They had a 20 minute head start, so I had to hike fast to catch up.    We ended up hiking a really short day today due to our late start. Bumkin didn't think she could make it to the next shelter before dark, so we made Pecks Corner our home for the night. Lots of people here that I'm just meeting for the first time, plus a lot of section hikers here tonight. Takereasy (Jason, who I met the first day) is here. It was good to see him again as I haven't seen him in awhile.
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   I really wanted to get going early to get into Mountian Moma's for one of her famous cheeseburgers. They were the best cheeseburgers on the trail last year, and I'm hoping for the same this year.    Maledrop and I hiked ahead until we realized that Bumpkin still hadn't caught up with us even though we had taken several breaks. When we got to the last shelter in the Smokies, we decided that we should wait for her. I kind of wanted to hike the last mile of the Smokies with her as I had started the Smokies with her. Being sentimental I guess. :)   Soon, several other hikers came hiking down the trail. Takereasy, Rumbler, Prozak and his dad, and someone else all had equipment straped all over their packs. Strange, they didn't have anything on their packs before. I soon learned that Bumpkin admitted having trouble with her knees, and everyone started taking gear out of her pack to relieve the burden on her knees. She was almost crying at the kindness of these people, most of whom she hardly even knew. Ah, the trail family comes together at times of need, and this was one of those times.    Soon Maledrop and I also had extra gear on our packs and Rumble strapped Bumpkins almost empty pack to his own, so that the last down hill out of the Smokies wouldn't take it's toll on Bumpkin's knees.    As we hiked down the road, heading to Mountian Moma's, I heard a car coming and waved to them to stop. I told them the situation of Bumpkin's injury, and asked if they would be willing to give her a ride to the store. Sure, they said. They made room for her in their very small, very full car. I was glad that she wasn't going to have to walk down the hill to Mountian Moma's. I don't think that she really wanted to admit just how much pain she was in.    We met up with her at MM's and the 8 of us sat down for cheeseburgers and fries. The burgers were great but the fries were over cooked, but still tasted good after getting off the trail.   As a group, we decided that we were going to go stay at Standing Bear Farm. Because of the little rivalry that is happening between MM and SBF, we had to be discret about our phone call. Curtis, from SBF, said that if we walked down the road about 1/4 of a mile, he could pick us up. Sounds good!   When we arrived we were shown around and Curtis let us know of our sleeping options. Maledrop and I decided to sleep in the teepee. Should be intresting.
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

   I'm feeling very frustrated today. I was hoping to get back on the trailtoday, as I feel I have been in town way too much lately.    Bumpkin had her chiropractor appointment and told us that she neededto stay at Standing Bear Farm. I had a plan to hike a few miles to makeit a shorter day tomorrow. Brown Gap was waiting and I wanted to spend asmuch time there as I could. I had met some of the Blue Blazing Hiker Trashlast year when I hiked and Couldn't wait to see some of them again.    The plan was to meet up with Bumpkin at Brown Gap. Male Drop was coolwith the plan, but then before I knew it, we were staying.   I know I could have hiked myself, but part of the fun of hiking the trail is the people and I didn't feel safe with camping alone because thisnext section is where I saw my first bear last year. I really don't want tohave to deal with bear encounters alone.   One very good thing about staying was that we got to go to the frontporch, which is a mexican restaurant with live bluegrass music. Greatfood. Too bad we were there a bit too early because we didn't stay to listen to the band.   Tonight Male Drop and I are going to brave sleeping in the teepee again,despite the pending thunderstorm. I just hope Curtis' white cat doesn't pay us an unexpected visit.
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 12.5

   The rain held off until about 6:30 am when it started pouring. Good thing we had left most of stuff in the cabin, otherwise it would all have been wet.   We slipped quietly into the cabin and fell back almost right away. Whenwe woke up it was still raining, so we decided to wait to see if the rain wouldquit. It didn't although it did lighten up quite a bit.   We arranged a slack pack with Curtis, and headed back out to the trail. Ahh, It was great to be back out on the trail even though it was raining.    I hiked with Male Drop for most of the day again. This is quickly becomingthe favorite part of my trip so far. I have enjoyed hiking with him as we havea similair pace and love to stop to look at the sceanery. Plus our conversation has kept me occupied so that the miles fly by.    We arrived at Brown Gap an hour after Bumpkin and within 15 minutes wewere enjoying a steak, chicken, beans, corn and bread dinner thanks to RatPatrol and the Blue Blazers. What a great meal! Trail Magic at it's best. Thanks to the Hiker Trash.   Bumpkin was quiet all night, not really saying much to me. I asked her when she had arrived. She told me and then made a comment about Male Dropand I "fooling around". I didn't know if she meant that to be mean because wewere taking our time hiking or if she thought that there was something goingon between the two of us. I must say, I was offended that she would thinkthat. I hope that is not what she meant.   Male Drop, Bumpkin and I are tenting tonight at Brown Gap with about 40people, most of them being the big group of Blue Blazers. I have enjoyed meeting Lone Wolf, Rat Patrol, Ox, Paw-Paw, Johnny Rebb and many others. It was also good to see Mala, Wee Willy and Pirate again, who I had met last year.   I was glad that the rain had stopped before we got to the gap as it madefor a very enjoyable night.
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Brown Gap

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast at Brown Gap was just as good as dinner. The eggs weren't quite ready yet, but Lone Wolf saw I was watching them and motioned me over. He madeup a mound of scrambled eggs with veggies for me before the other ones were done.While I was eating, Mala mentioned that there had been some talking coming from my tent late last night and had determined that either Male Drop or I hadbeen talking in our sleep. I do occasionally talk at night and mentioned thatwith a grin. I wonder just how many times I have done that while on the trail.After Male Drop and I packed up, we realized that it was almost lunch time,so I convinced him to stay. It was well worth it. The biggest burgers with all the fixings were coming off the grill. I was almost ready to stay for another dinner.We did eventually get on the trail, and I'm glad we did. We spent two hours on Max Patch on a beautiful sunny day. I was glad to have such greatcompany to enjoy the view with. As we got closer to our destination for the night, Male Drop told me thathe didn't feel good and was very dizzy. We decided to turn around and go backto the last shelter, which we had hiked about .6 miles past.I was very concerned and really didn't know what to do, so I agreed to goback. There was only one problem, we both were carrying some of Bumpkin'sstuff. How were we going to get that to her? Luckily, one hiker, Takereasy, was heading to the next shelter ans was willing to take it up to Bumpkin. Thanks TakerEasy!After we had settled in, with the tent set up and dinner cooked, I realizedthat Male Drop had been in a good mood since we had arrived. He had mentionedthat he wanted to stay when we had left the shelter. I kind of got the feelingthat this was the cause of his sudden illness. If that was the case, I wishhe would have just said that.Tonight at the shelter we have the company of Male Drop, Dirt Nap, Jersey,Footslogger and Groovy.
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

I was hoping to catch up with Bumpkin today, but she continued into town. We decided to stay at the last shelter so that we could get a spot at Elmer's.Elmer's is an old victorian home that has been converted into a bed andbreakfast, but during hiking season, he lets hikers stay for a discount. Ididn't get a chance to stay last year so I hoped to this year.The hike today was good. We didn't see too many other people, so wefigured that we might be the only ones there that night until Alpha, herhusband and dog showed up. Soon the shelter area was full of tents.Tonight we have Twigs and Nuts, Peraguin, and Big Red, Loser, Moose and serveral others whoes names I didn't get.Tomorrow-onward to Hot Springs and Elmer's.
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Duckett House Inn
Miles today: 3.2

We got up early cause we wanted to get a spot at Elmer's. A new record forthis hike was made today, as we started hiking at 6:50 am. I was determined toget there early.The first thing we did when we got to town was to go directly to Elmer's and put our names at the top of the list. Then we went to get breakfast. Thatshows where my priorities were for the day. I'm sure Male Drop would havepreferred to go right to breakfast.We walked around town, waiting until 10:45 to go back to Elmer's for a place to stay. When we got there, we found he had given the first and only room to someone else and then told us we could stay in the greenhouse. And still pay full price? Yes! We opted not to stay there. We later heard thatsomeone else had been offered the greenhouse at a discounted price. Thatannoyed me that Elmer would to that. Well, I guess I won't ever stay there ifI am ever in town again.We ended up going to the Duckett House Inn, a bed and breakfast that offers a discount during hiking season. What a beautiful, relaxing place. Theowners, Brian and Frank, really know how to make a person comfortable. I heardrumors of the wonderful breakfast in the morning.Tonight, Baltimore Jack has rented movies, so I am getting ready to godownstairs and watch "The Patriot" with him. No one else seems interested inwatching the movies tonight. They have other priorities - the pub in town.I have arranged a slack pack from the outfitter for 10 people and a dogtomorrow. Don't know how many are going to show, but the more that do, thecheaper it will be. Should be fun.
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Duckett House Inn

To: Duckett Inn
Miles today: 14.7

The shuttle for the slack pack was arranged for 9:30 and we were suppose tomeet by the outfitter. Of course, being that I organized it, I end up showingup last and got some good natured ribbing. I am always late for things likethis.Male Drop had changed his mind about slack packing with us, and decided tthat it would be a good day to try to hitch a ride into town. I am going to miss hiking with him, but it is time for him to go home. He has a few photography jobs lined up, but is thinking about joining Bumpkin and I later, after he is done with them.Today was a great day for a slack pack. With the rain, thunder, lightning and hail, it was nice to come back to a nice warm dry bed and a hot shower.The hail was a pacticularly nice addition to our hike today. It startedoff as beebee sized, and soon went to pea sized which led to chickpea sizedhail and finally to grape sized hail. Wow! I'm glad I brought my rain gear,as it sheilded me somewhat from the hail. It sure did sting though. Somepeople didn't even bring rain gear and were miserable. A few people hitcheda ride into town at a road crossing ten miles into the hike. Bumpkin and Idecided to go to the Mountain Magnolia Inn for dinner. Very good food, a little pricey, but well worth it.When we arrived back at the motel room that Bumpkin was staying at, there were two notes on the door, one from Q and Janachi and the other from Male Drop. Male Drop had gotten a ride to Ashville and couldn't get a ride toFontana, so he had rented a car. He needed our help. The plan was to pick uphis car at Fontana, then I would follow him in his car to Ashville to drop offthe rental car. Male Drop thought it would take 3 to 4 hours, and then wecould get back on the trail.Tonight I am staying at the Duckett Inn again. The breakfasts are just toogood to pass up.