morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Ice Water Springs shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. William Arthur Ward   I am so grateful for this hike and these experiences. I've met so many fascinating people. Today I feel very rested, totally nourished from a day and a half of town food and set to finish the hike through the Smokies.    We don't have to return the Jeep until the afternoon, so decide to slack ourselves over Clingmans Dome. I'm the better climber, so Capt. Dan and Top drop me off at Newfound Gap and I hiked the 7.9 miles up to the top. They parked up there and hiked down, giving me the key when we passed one another.    Best of all, when I got to the top it was clear, sunny and you could see for miles. YES!! I finally got incredible views from the highest pint on the AT. Could not be more grateful or happy or humbled.   I saw Billy, the ridge runner we'd met two nights ago at Double Springs Gap. Camel and Alfalfa were there, too.    Since I now had the Jeep, I was able to drive Billy to Newfound Gap. He had one more night out, then would have a couple days off. His car was parked half way down, so he stopped there to pick up his food.   Arrived back at Newfound Gap to find a rapidly filling parking area.   He hiked back up the trail I'd taken this morning and I relaxed and waited for the guys. He told me that yesterday had been cloudy, so I am once again grateful for hiking this part today in perfect weather. The trail was wet but not icy, another blessing to decrease the danger on the rocky areas that have caused such havoc for hikers this year.       When the guys arrived, Top stayed with our packs while Capt. Dan and I returned to Gatlinburg. Jeep returned, trolley to town, stop at McD's for a bag of burgers to go. We opted to hitchhike back to Newfound Gap. Since it's Saturday, Gatlinburg is packed with tourists. Someone will surely give us a ride.It didn't take long before a nice couple in a pickup stopped for us. She said we didn't look dangerous. LOL, maybe it's my gray hair. Glad I don't look like a killer. This bodes well for future hitching.   We found Top and ate lunch back at Newfound Gap. I'm way too full and would rather take a nap in the sun. This is becoming a theme for me. I force myself up, don my pack and head for Ice Water Springs shelter, just three miles north. There are loads of folks out day hiking and enjoying the beautiful day. I had to correct my clothing right away, but then found my stride and made it to the shelter in good time.      There are a lot of peeps here, tents everywhere and the shelter full. I found a spot, got settled and opted for a cold dinner of avocado, sausage, mustard, cheese and sundried tomatoes on tortillas. Yum. The shelters always have cables to hang food bags, making that chore easy.    Camel, Alfalfa, Butter Cup and Woodstock are here. Another ridge runner, too. Icewater Springs is at just over 5900 feet, so it's getting cold, but I will be toasty warm in my tent tonight. In bed at hiker midnight (8 p .m.). Tired and very happy. No wind tonight. It's all perfect.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Ice Water Springs shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. Ralph Waldo Emerson   The hiking today was spectacular. Just rolling along with views on both sides. Photo ops all day long.   Amazing.   OK, so here comes the whining. We stopped at Tri Corner shelter because the next one was 8 miles further. I've loved the Smokies, but I'll be happy to get away from the restrictive camping rules. The area around the shelter was not favorable for tenting. Ick.       I don't like sleeping in shelters because you are lined up next to others, people snore, it's a good place to pass germs and it's a lot colder than my tent. But, it's gonna rain tonight, so I grab a spot next to the wall. There is about a five inch gap between the edge of the platform and me so I'm hoping this will keep the mice at bay. Double ick.       This is a double decker shelter and sleeps 12. Four more have set up on the ground so we are packed to the gills. In addition to our group, I met BLine, Why Not, Slim Jim, David (a section hiker) iand Wild Willy. Next to me is Little Sas (stands for slow and steady). She is 60 and her daughter thru hiked two years ago. It's been fun to chat with her.       A cold wind is blowing. Ick ick ick. I'm getting up early to hike out of here. I'm planning to go to the Standing Bear Farm hostel, about 17 miles away and just outside the GSMNP.   It's at a much lower elevation so I can get out of the cold. Hot shower. Warm food that I can cook in their outdoor kitchen. I can charge my phone with an outlet.   I am so in.       Everyone is chatting now, waiting for a little more time to pass before attempting sleep. I have actually had two decent nights of sleep in a row, so I hope I can get some good sleep tonight. I have my earplugs. Ick.       To close this entry on a better note, we climbed up Charlie's Bunion today and had spectacular views. I'm going to post some pix on my Facebook when I get service. It's all good, even in the shelter. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-16
From: I-40 underpass

To: Newport, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle. Ben Franklin      Today was a day to assess some physical issues. I now have a good bruise on my leg, just above the knee. Ice has been helpful and I'm running up and down stairs to keep it loose. There is a clicking noise when I walk. What's that about? I haven't a clue. My big toe is a mess--blister city. I'm letting the skin wear off, keeping it clean and letting it get some air. My arms are a mass of little blisters and peeling skin from the sunburn. None of these things is serious, but I have take care of it all.    Top (now renamed Tank) and Capt. Dan rolled in later last night, so we four are together eating huge amounts of food and making a plan to go forward. Jolly is awaiting a package here--he swapped out his hammock for a tent in Franklin and now wants the hammock back (although a different one/gear head !). The guys are tired as they arrived later yesterday. I have data service so have spent some time updating this journal and adding photos to previous entries. And icing.   After brekky we all need haircuts so we walk to a salon. My hair has been way too long and is a mess hiking in the warmer weather. It's a relief to cut a bunch off. The guys all have very short hair now. I'm jealous. I remember being bald during chemo and that doesn't sound too bad right now!      Next stop is Walmart for resupply. We decide to see a movie--The Croods--at a $5 theatre a short walk away. Best is dinner: all you can eat rib night at the steakhouse. I have never eaten so much meat in my life. I never even order salad anymore, just bring on the beef, chops, ribs or whatever. And I know I've lost weight. I think I've bought too much food for the next few days, but I'm finding that I hike stronger and climb better if I've eaten more. My food bag is full of cheese, candy, peanut butter, energy bars and tortillas. We have a five mile climb tomorrow morning.    So, the great part about today is that I could spend time with my hiking friends while giving attention to necessary things. Plus, Capt. Dan found the biner from my food bag and returned it.   I was so brain dead yesterday I didn't even know I lost that too. I am thankful that my stuff seems to be coming back to me. Capt. Dan carried my rain pants all the way down yesterday, too. I owe him.       I'd rather just ignore this stuff and hike, but today the best choice was to hang out. And search for my brain. It's all good, always Tie Dye.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Newport, TN

To: Brown's Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Set a stout heart to a steep hillside. Scottish proverb   Today's hike just kicked my butt. I'm so glad to be in my tent, waiting for darkness to come. It's only 7 p.m. It was very humid when we began hiking this morning around 10 a.m. And spitting raindrops.   My T shirt was sweat soaked quickly, and my shorts were damp. The trail went up, up, up for nearly five miles. There were lots of hikers at the first water stop at about mile three. I saw a cool box turtle on the trail right away.    The weather closed in as I neared a grassy bald at the top of Snowbird Mtn. Cold rain and wind dictated a stop to don rain gear.   But, my clothes were already wet and I wanted something dry so I swapped out for my vest and rain gear. Kept moving to stay warm. I absolutely hate being cold. In a cloud and I couldn't see a thing at the bald, but thereof was a fire tower up there somewhere. No view today.       Finally began a downhill, still in the cold rain. I ran the flat parts. The rain finally let up, but I was soaked through.   I stopped to eat at Deep Gap, then tackled the final three miles of the day. Two miles of up, one down. This last bit was very steep and I was a crabby pants. Too hot, but no real good choices for clothes. The zippers on my vest and jacket kept sticking. My music isn't shuffling, just stuck on the same song.   Really, if this is all that's bothering me, I have a great life. But ackkk! I just want to get there.      I couldn't take the heat of my rain pants any longer, so another stop was required to put on my shorts right at the end of the last climb. I crested the last hill in a T shirt and shorts, just as I'd started the day. I took the last downhill slowly and got to Brown Gap around 3:30. Quickly set up my tent and got in to rest. Nothing ever felt better. According to Jolly, I was snoring when he rolled in. Double ack. Oh well.    Knoll and Jigsaw are here with us. Dinner is done and it's very quiet. Going to read a little, then sleep.       The woods smelled very piney again today. There are many wild flowers blooming now, and the trees are leafing out. It's gorgeous, even in the rain. Saw some black millipedes with bright yellow feet and lots of bugs and butterflies. It's all good and I'm tired. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Brown's Gap

To: Old road bed
Miles today: 15.8

Delight in the little things. Rid yard Kipling   Today was an amazing day in every way. I love every day out here and I know that whatever happens next will be an adventure. But, today, WOW.    We hiked up to Max Patch first thing. It was so beautiful to see views with each step. Breathtaking. It was windy but I was so happy, I couldn't keep it in. I hollered and skipped across the top, then just ran. Couldn't help myself. The best day ever.      Reentering the forest, there was a blanket of tiny white/pink flowers as far as you could see. I felt like Dorothy in Oz.   More walking led to tons of flowers of all colors and trees beginning to leaf out. I saw butterflies, millipedes, iridescent green beetles and a little snake.       We climbed Bluff Mtn., the last big uphill of the day. I usually keep one page of my guidebook in my pocket, but today it fell out. You can really over think this stuff--if you want to know where the trail is going next, just look for the highest mountain and that's basically it. The AT will head right up there, then down the other side. Just follow the white blazes.       We were hiking together now and headed for an old road to stop for the night. As we neared a road crossing at Lemon Gap, the trail sprouted tiny American flags on both sides. Two ladies and a dog appeared--"trail magic ahead!", they announced to four sweaty hikers. Really? We were in the middle of nowhere. OK, of course I'm in. Always!   At Lemon Gap, we saw rows of chairs. Yes, a real chair to sit in-I'm in heaven. A man was fixing scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, tea, hot cocoa, homemade cinnamon buns and homemade biscuits. And brownies. All beautifully served in baskets lined with napkins on a covered table. I was overwhelmed. They had me with the chairs! These ifolks are the most amazing trail angels. They had served up treats to some of the Warrior Hikers passing by during the day. I feel grateful to be hiking in their bubble.    More hikers rolled in for this feast. We enjoyed everything, then hiked on for another couple hours. We wanted to join up with Camel and Alfalfa, but they were behind us. We'd left a note for them at a shelter and hoped they would see and meet us in Hot Springs the next day.       I ate a cold dinner and got ready to read in my tent when I heard familiar voices. It was Camel and Alfalfa--they had walked nearly 20 miles and found us.   The perfect end to a perfect day. It's all good when friends meet up on the AT.Tie Dye.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Old road bed

To: Hot Springs/Capt. Dan's cabin
Miles today: 7.5

I awoke early and was on the trail to Hot Springs at 6:30. This is the first time I used my headlamp, but I didn't need it for too long. Skies were mixed and I put my pack cover on. I love my pack, but it holds water if it gets wet and that adds weight. I hiked pretty fast and was soon half way there.       I love hiking towards a town. You get little glimpses as you get closer--farm fields, buildings, road noises. Today brought views of the French Broad River. I knew that I'd be walking right by a hostel on the edge of town, so I stopped in there for a $5 shower. The others left later than I did so I had plenty of time and I was really grubby. I'm always motivated by the chance to get cleaner.      Next stop was the outfitter to pick up a mail drop and some other items. Found a great tie dye tee shirt that I just had to have. My mail drop had my hiking skirt in it, so I had a new set of clothes to wear.      The AT goes right down Main St. In Hot Springs. The town was getting ready to host a trail festival and was packed with hikers. We had called from Newport days earlier and were unable to find anywhere to stay. Capt. Dan generously offered to have us stay at his cabin, about 90 mins. away. He'd arranged for a friend to pick us all up at 2 p.m.       Once again, we lucked out big time. When everyone had arrived to town, we met at a diner and ate. It started to pour rain and never let up. We found Capt. Dan's friend, who had brought CDan's truck and some large plastic bags with ties to keep our gear dry. In the pouring rain, we got everything into the truck and set off. We had torrential rain for the next few hours. So glad to be headed to a dry place and thankful for the thoughtfulness of Capt. Dan in making all the arrangements for the six of us. It was a crazy ride, with seven of us shoehorned into the truck.       We arrived to a beautiful cabin with room for all. The best!! After the usual (showers, laundry started) we went to dinner at a local restaurant and killed a huge plate of wings for the table, big dinners and dessert.       We made plans for a zero the next day. I slept on the porch and loved seeing the moon and stars. It's all good at the cabin.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Man Cave

To: Log Cabin Drive
Miles today: 16.6

Find the good and praise it. Alex Haley   For me every day on the trail is a great day. Today was a hard hike but the day was so pretty. Terrific hiking weather. Wild flowers are blooming everywhere, butterflies float by and I saw a pileated woodpecker.    I said goodbye to Jolly, Tank and Capt. Dan at the outfitters in Hot Springs and left town at around 10:20.   The trail followed the French Broad river first, then went right up.   It was a butt kicker--one day off and the legs take a while to find the right gear for climbing.   My pack was heavy with five days of food, three new items of clothing and the new water filter.    I settled in and by 12:45 had reached Tanyard Gap, where a bridge takes the AT over US 25/70. There was trail magic on the far side--fruit, cold drinks and someone cooking up sweet potatoes in a pan. I sat there and had lunch. I still have to force myself to eat and I had another eleven miles to go, so I ate an orange, two little cheeses, a peanut butter tortilla and a smushed nutty bar.    Quite a few hikers were there when I left to hike on. I met Wilson, Army Ant, Double Dare and Sole Sister. She had begun hiking on March 1st and was slammed with the cold weather. She pushed through some awful days because she was getting off the trail in Asheville to fly to South Dakota to stay with her daughter, who was about to have a baby. Today was her first day back hiking after a month away. This is her second thru hike. She hiked with her son in 2007.    The afternoon wore on with some good climbs and steep downs. I was headed for Hemlock Hollow hostel. When I reached the road leading there, another hiker named Odaat popped out of the woods from the south, headed for the hostel. Hmmm, slack pack? Yes! He'd done 18 miles back to Hemlock Hollow. Def on my agenda for tomorrow as my back is tired from the heavy pack. I'd developed a knot between my shoulders. He mentioned that he and a friend had slacked the part I did today too. Hmmm...better share this news with the zeros at the cabin.    Got checked in and hit the shower to work out that knot. I'm in a bunkhouse. Joined others in a nice dining room for a grilled catfish hoagie. Mmmmmm.      I found service and called Jolly. He is on the phone with the owner right now, arranging their trail plan for tomorrow. I'll enjoy a hiker brekky here and head to Devil Fork Gap so I can walk the 18.8 miles back with my tiny pack. I'm gonna have to ditch some food, as I don't need it now. Anything to lighten that load a bit. Off to the bunks.    Looks like I'll see the others here tomorrow night. Happy happy happy. It's all good!Tie Dye. PS. Added this on a ridge top on Mon. where I have service. Met up with Violet Beauregard today! Some of my readers have been following her journal and see some similarities between us. I knew she was nursing an injured foot in Hot Springs. I will def see her tomorrow. She said she hasn't posted much lately but to tell all she was doing great. Looking forward to hiking with her.   It's all amazing!
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Devil's Fork Gap

To: Hemlock Hollow hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I was up last night and this morning with diahrrea and couldn't eat my breakfast. So, here's the good news. I moved to my own tiny cabin and am sitting next to a lovely stream in my full tie dyeness. Have my sleeping bag over me and am taking in the wonderful sunshine. I sat on a big rock and watched patterns in the rushing water and saw tiny fish.       Many hikers have been struck with a norovirus in this area. I've avoided shelters but guess I'll have to let this pass. I'm grateful that I'm able to just rest and heal. Prayers for healing are welcome as I know how powerful they are. I'm so thankful for all who post messages, as they are a delight to me, each and every one.    I'll update later. Jolly is gone. We will see him when we hike in NY. He's the best and I pray for his recovery and that he can get fast relief from the pain he feels. It's all gonna get better. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Hemlock Hollow hostel

To: Bear Den respite @ Hemlock Hollow
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

....the secrets of making dreams come true....can be summarized in the four C's. They are curiosity , confidence , courage, and constancy, and the greatest of all is confidence, when you believe a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably. Walt Disney   I spent today eating. Those reading who know me, know that I am a total foodie, so this day was bliss. Hattie makes the best food here, and after a day of no food, I replenished my body to be ready to hike on tomorrow morning.      Copilot was a bit worried about my little illness and we texted back and forth. Here is the gist of that conversation:"No need to worry. I'm in the exact right spot in my universe, doing what I'm supposed to be doing and have all I need for safety and security. I have no doubt or fear, respect the world around me and am prepared in every way.       I never do anything without calculating the risk. I know I can rely on myself for what I need but there are so many caring people out here to call upon if needed and I won't hesitate to do that. It's all exceedingly amazing and there is nothing to worry about.    I am confident in every way and you know how stubborn I am so that will get me where I'm going, which is Maine. Love this experience-- it's incredible."   And that's my truth. I can't wait for the next day, to see what new thing is out there for me. Spring is coming!! The world is beautiful and I'm walking through parts of it every day on this hike which take my breath away, cause me to stop dead in my tracks and say "wow" over and over, and which bring smiles to my face and into my heart. I am a lucky girl. And I'm so glad to be feeling better. It's all good here in the Bear Den at Hemlock Hollow.Tie Dye PS. When I get data service, I finally have a pix of me which will explain my trail name. I'll upload that in Erwin, TN, the next big town. Should be there by Sat. PPS. It is pouring rain now. So glad to be warm and dry tonight.PPPS. A reader comment asked where I lived in NJ but had no return email to send an answer. I lived in the village of Stanton, in Hunterdon County, for 25 years. It's near Flemington.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Low Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

The mountains call and I must go. John Muir   One of the readers of my journal, Trouble (Patrick P) has given me so much great info. He advised that after I bounced back from the icky sick that the first positive experiences would blow me away. Oh, how right he was. Oh my.    I was up and out before 7 today. After the late start yesterday (hiking by 10:30), I was determined to enjoy the morning hours. I was surrounded by the beautiful blankets of tiny white wildflowers for the first hour and a half. I stopped so many times in awe. What a gift.    Then I arrived at Big Bald. It was 8:30 and I was there alone, a clear blue sky above me, a slight breeze across the grassy bald and views that were not just breathtaking but so humbling that I teared up. I felt so small but so special to be in that place. My hands were raised in praise.       I could see where I'd come from and where I'd be headed later. I could see so far into Tennessee and North Carolina, hill after hill, beautiful mountains everywhere. Beyond blown away. I sat and ate a second brekky, then took photos and gathered my stuff. It was hard to leave, but this was a skipping place if there ever was one. I skipped down the bald a bit, and settled into the next climb.    The hiking was easier today, and as the day passed, I realized that I was going to town. Erwin TN, Uncle Johnny's hostel and a hot shower were powerful magnets. I would be my longest day yet, but I felt great.    Ten hours later, I popped out onto a road and had Uncle Johnny's in sight. I was lucky to be able to share a cabin with a nice section hiker from Franklin. He'd just finished the trail from Hot Springs to here. A shuttle was going to a local grocery and eatery soon, so I took the world's fastest shower and climbed in the van. Bliss....I'm clean and going to get food. Laundry, too. Best day ever.   It just keeps getting better.    Now for the photo. I got a great deal on my base layer (this is what I sleep in and it's merino wool mid-weight). But it was cream color. Polaris took one look and said I had to tie dye it or it would look disgusting in no time. Enter my talented daughter, Kelly. I brought the items to her, and she hooked it up beautifully.    She is the best daughter a mom could have. So smart, independent and a friend to all. Gorgeous, too. I have learned so much from her. She is graduating from college on May 10th, and I'll be taking a few days off for this happy occasion. I miss her so much, but know that she will always land on her feet. She just has it all figured out. I'm so proud of her cannot wait to see her in a less than two weeks. She is my hero. It's all good and I am blown away. Happily Tie Dye.