morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Russell Field Shelter to Spence Field Shelter - 2.9OK, so today was a short day. I left the shelter late and after the rest of the group. It took me 2 hours to hike 3 miles. The trail was full of snow and mud mush. The rhodedendrums were also covering the trail and I had to hike up over around and thru them. The trees also tried to hit me with the melting ice and snow. When I got to this shelter Moose was here all snuggeled in his sleeping bag. His knee was hurting and he didn't want to go on. I ate lunch and started to freeze because I stopped moving. Dimple Rock and Wrong Way Brown showed up and it didn't take much to convince me to stay. I really couldn't see myself pushing on for 6 more miles in the cold and slush. I would have been miserable and after two hours would have been wishing I had stayed. I figured it is better to be warm and happy than cold, miserable and far from a shelter.So now I am separated from our big group of 10. I wish I could have moved on to stay with Big Red and to meet back up with Switchback. Hopefully I will catch up with them after Newfound Gap. Maybe I will just go into Gatlinburg for a meal and try and get back on the trail the same day. It's tough when you get separated from the people you have been hiking with, yet at the same time you need to keep yourself happy and safe in order to move on. Hiking in this snow is dangerous right now with how slippy everything is. My problem today is that I was hiking alone and wasn't very motivated to go far. On a nice day hiking alone is ok, on a yucky day it isn't.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Byrd Nest #3
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I stop at Big Meadows Hayside for breakfast and some high calories food. Breakfast good and a decent price. I was planning to get pass Mountain Hut.I make my first mistake on the AT today. It started to rain when I got to the Pinnacles Picnic Area. I stop change into my rain gear, had a snack.Normally when I approach a open area I always look for the Blaze going North I didn't, with the fog I couldn't see, so I took the Trail going back South. I started noticing things I passed, I am thinking man this is the same, until something click. I check the next post marker, realized I was heading back South. I walk 3 miles South, total of six miles.I lost all motivation for a while. I had to climb the same hills twice but I quickly overhaul the low feeling. It was my fault, so pull my self together and charge up the hills.As I approach the Byrd Nest Hut Area, it started to sleet hale force wind. I decided it is not worth the while pushing on to pass Mountain in this weather.I decided to stop at Byrd Nest Hut. I set my tent up in the hut and moved it to the campsite. The wind was blowing me and tent around, had to collapsed the pole. Finally got it set up. I must say my big Agnes stand up to a lot of wind, a little noisy but tough tent. When I got back to the hut for y pack, there were two Thru-Hikers there. I didn't get their names, they started back in January.These guys spend about 30 mins lighting a fire in the Fireplace. I prepared and ate my dinner and retreated to my tent. They were still asleep when I left the next morning.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Totally forgot to add this entry. It is now months later but here are the things I remember about this day.The sun was out, but the trail was snowy, muddy and slippery. I fell twice, no injuries.I tried out the old baggie trick that Wrong Way Brown and Dimple Rock were sporting. My mom did this to us too. Basically, put your foot in a plastic bag and then in your wet boots so your socks stay dry. Worked out nicely.I was the first girl to get to the shelter and it was a strange event. Everyone was happy to see me. I had nowhere to change or pee as there were alot of weekenders out looking for firewood and the shelter was at a bald so the woods weren't very dense.I stayed up late playing the name game with Two Speeds, Wrong Way Brown, Dimple Rock, Justin (who is now Chafe Master J) and a weekender. It was the most fun I had in a shelter yet.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Byrd Nest #3

To: Jim & Molly Shelter
Miles today: 36.1

What a difference a day makes. Today was sunny and mild, first views sine I enter the SNP. During the hike this morning I realized the bad weather was only in the area. If I had continue I would have passed it, oh well.I stopped at Elk Hollow Wayside for breakfast, then continue on. My goal today was to exit the park. Once I exit I looked for shelter.The Jim and Molly Denton was the best option distance wise. After SNP the trail was mostly down hill, so easy hiking.I met two gentleman trying to go into SNP but was headed North. I felt their pain after I did the same yesterday. I got them point in the right direction.When I turned into the Shelter my jay dropped. My what a beautiful Shelter and I had it all to myself. I cooked dinner ate on the porch, enjoy the sunset. If I wasn't hiking to food I would have a zero there. I think it is the best Shelter on the AT so far.Today was good. Today's hike has the longest distance wise. Hoping for a goodnight sleep in the beautiful Shelter.Note I didn't tent.
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

4/13Siler Bald Shelter to Newfound Gap - 12.5 milesToday I hiked the highest point on the AT - Clingman's Dome (6,643 feet). It was an awesome day. For the second day in a row I woke up to the sun coming up over the mountains and peeking into the shelter. I was on the trail by 9 and reached Clingman's Dome by noon. There were awesome views all around the park from the observatory deck. It is very true about how hazy everything looks. I took several pictures but I'm not sure how great they will turn out. In person you see layers upon layers of blue ridges, but the haze fades them out. The trail is getting better, less mud and slush.I also found it amazing how the environment changes as you hike through the park. Today I hiked through a lot of fir and pine forest. It is also true that there are alot of dead trees in the park. In some places the dead trees outnumber the live trees. Apparently the trees are dying from the pollution and acid rain. After Clingman's Dome I hiked to Newfound Gap. It is another tourist stop in the park. The AT crosses the street there and starts up again next to the bathrooms. I felt like a celebrity when I was there. I was just sitting on a rock wall in the parking lot and getting my stuff together when a lady asked if she could have her picture taken with me. I guess seeing the sign about the AT and seeing an actual hiker is exciting enough to take a picture.Then I had to hitch alone into Gatlinburg - 15 miles. Again I had great luck. Within 5 minutes a car stopped. A big thank you to Gabe and Jeff from Tennessee and Micky from Canada for the great ride into town.I ended up reunited with the group, Big Red and Switchback at the Grand Prix hotel. Wooo-Hooo. Had a great dinner of barfood and beer. I even tried the local brew Purple Haze which tasted alot like Schukyll Punch back home.A great end to a milestone day:highest point and first solo hitch.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 36.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Left about 0720 want to get a early start because of upcoming Roller Coaster. Make good mileage until the Roller Coaster.A group of Senior Citizens were on the trail, bird watching and photographing wiled flowers. The air was scented with fragrance from the flowers.Life was good until I approached the sign from the PATC trail boss about his proud creation and maintenance of the Roller Coaster "something about enjoying the ride if you survive. I am thinking this can't be that bad. The hills are not that high, well I didn't know about the third dimension, rocks, rocks, rocks of all shapes and sizes. To make a long story short the 13.5 of the Roller Coaster I had to used my Headlamp for the last 1 1/2 mile hike to the Black Burn Center my destination for the evening.The Blue Blaze Trail was well mark to the center. When I was about 200 miles from the center I took my eyes off the trail to look at the light coming from the center, next thing I realized is I am falling and can't stop it. I stump my toe on a rock and went flying forward, poles flying, water bottle rolling, I was able to break some of the fall. Have a little scrape on my knee but I am ok.I am 1000 plus miles ice, rocks, mud, you name it, I walk on it and haven't fell until tonight.Got to center, no room at the Inn so I like Mary and Joseph I slept on a bench on the Porch, not complaining better than having to set up my wet dirty tent, plus I am only 12 mile from the train ride that will take me to food, real food.Today test me a little but I survived and put in my longest hiking day on the AT 36.2 miles 13 hours 15 mins of hiking.The things I will do for food.
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Newfound Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: few clouds

4/14Newfound Gap to Icewater Spring Shelter - 3.0 milesThis morning I had the AYCE breakfast at Shoney's - yummy.I also gave in and bought the latest AT hiker fashion - Waldies. They are plastic rubber like clogs that look like gardening shoes but with lots of holes for ventilation. They come in a variety of bright colors and when walk in groups in town we are quite a scene. I was hoping to buy a green pair since the majority of my clothing is some shade of green, but I ended up with a black pair which mathes my evening wear. It was tough to resist these shoes as all the outfitters on the trail sell them and EVERYONE is wearing them.I ended up hitching back to the trail alone again. I got to the corner of the main road, stuck my thumb out and the second car stopped. A big thank you to Mo from Gatlinburg for the ride. I'm really glad I hitched into town for two reasons. 1-just to see Gatlinburg since everyone talked about it as tourist trap and indeed it was. It totally reminded me of Niagara Falls with all the Ripley's buildings and a space needle etc. etc.2- I got to see a lot more of the park that I wouldn't have seen from the trail. Like the river and "the loop".I got my picture taken again in the parking lot by a guy who read a book about the AT...ok. I hiked 3 miles and got to this great shelter. I was originally going to sleep out under the stars but the clouds rolled in and so I opted for the shelter.The story of the day is about RifRaf. Rifraf is two guys from Columbus, Ohio. I ate dinner with them Sunday at Coyotys. Anyway, they were trying to hitch back to the trail when the park police pulled up. They asked if is was ok to hitch and the lady said yes. A couple minutes later she asked them for id, ran their info thru the computer, and searched them and their packs. After all that she gave them a ride.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 11.9

Hike to food 160.9 miles 6 days, average 27 miler per.Up and out by 0630. I hike the first 8 miles in 2.5 hours. For some odd reason I was thinking the Train was leaving at 12:50 hrs so I slowed my pace to get to the ATC after 09:00. I stop chat with Active Duty Soldier and his buddies out for a Section Hike. I eventually got to the ATC about 10:30 proudly announced I am a Thru-Hiker. I mentioned that I will be taking the Train to D.C. The Lady told me she thinks the train leaves at 1115 hrs. She went online to check the Amtrak schedule. The train leases at 1055 AM. So decision time do I stay take picture or try to catch the train. Well it wasn't really a decision. I went into my pack grab my town shirt, use the rest room, wipe my armpit with hand soap, put on clean shirt, put my pack on and start jogging the .5 miles to the station. The train was late, Government run. I was told I can't buy ticket on the train, have to purchase over phone but it was too late being the train is due soon. So I called my sister, she was finally able to speak to a real person and was able to get me a ticket. She then call me back with the reservation number. Train didn't show up until 12:30 hrs. So I am on my way to Sister's Home for you guess food, food, food. Will do the ATC thing next Tues/Wed.
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: few clouds

4/15Icewater Spring Shelter to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter - 12.6 milesI was up and out by 7:15 today. I ate breakfast at Charlie's Bunion and got to take in some great views of the smokies. Got to the Tri-Corner Knob shelter by 3:30 and just realized that I am going to have to do some big miles the next few days in order to get to Hot Springs by Friday. Yikes, may be doing some 18 mile days.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Sister Home-Maryland
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

At my sister's home. After what I dubbed my Hike to Food (Mom's Guyanese Food)6 days 160 miles from Waynesboro to Harpers Ferry(disclaimer: kids don't try this unless your are in good shape and have food on your mind)I want to gave a special shout out to the Trail Boss- PATC, the 13.5 Roller Coaster you maintained was a great ride, I enjoy it immensely. I think you need some more rocks and loops(sarcasm).I am taking 3 days off to Eat, relax and spend some time with my family, I walk a 1000 plus miles to get here. Be back on the Trail to continue my hike to Maine.I will leave my journal with my sister, so she can fill in the entries up to Harpers Ferry.-Saber
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Waterville School Road (Standing Bear Hostel)
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

4/16Tri-Corner Knob Shelter to Waterville School Road (standing bear hostel) - 18.1 milesWoo-Hoo! Today was my highest mileage yet. It was also my last day in the Smoky's. I took my time and enjoyed the views and rest spots. As soon as I left the Smoky's I got to see waterfalls and many wildflowers.I arrived at the Standing Bear Hostel around 7pm. That place is awesome. It is located about 200 yards from the AT and right next to a good flowing creek. They have a bunkhouse, guest house, cooking shelter, laundry, internet, outside showers and a small snack shack. The owners are super nice and run a great hostel. Baby Mackenzie is the cutest. Spit the rotweiler and Casper the cat were even nice. I can't say enough good things about this place. It was very relaxing and conducive to hanging out with trail friends around a fire and drinking beer. When I got there Switchback was there too! They offered us a steak dinner with baked potatoes-with lots of fixings, salad and bread for only $10. Yummy!!!Staying at Standing Bear was a great way to end the Smoky's. It was so scenic and beautiful in the Smoky's that I didn't want it to end. There are hundreds of miles of trails other than the AT which makes me think I may be vacationing in the Smoky's again just to see different sites in the park, especially waterfalls.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Annapolis Rock Campsite
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: light rain

Good breakfast at Hostel. Left 0915, went to ATC to take yearbook picture. I was Thru-Hiker number 50 and Thru-Hikers signed in after I left on Friday.Was on the trail at 1000 hrs. This part of the trail is call the Civil War Trail, lot of battle were fought in this area. So I took the opportunity to visit the Civil War site close to the AT.The trail out of Harpper Ferry was along the Canal Haul Road. It was well graded, lot of Turtles live in the Canal. I can safely say this was my best day of hiking, where I did not have to climb any Mountains. A few small hills.I visited Mount Vernon and George Washington Monument, it started raining and thunderstorm, so I didn't stay long.The day was pretty easy, especially after 4 day off trail and carrying 5 days food.I was able to setup tent, cook dinner before the rain start falling again. Hoping it stop before morning
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Waterville School Road (Standing Bear Hostel)

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

4/17Waterville School Road (Standing Bear Hostel) to Groundhog Creek shelter - 7.2 milesShort day today. Walked up to Snowbird Mountain and saw a spaceship looking structure which ended up being an FAA radar thing. Lots of uphills to start the morning with.Forecast called for showers and maybe thunderstorms this afternoon so I stopped at this shelter to avoid tenting. So far we haven't had anything heavy. Switchback convinced me to stay and do a 22 mile tomorrow so we can make it to Hot Springs Saturday morning. We'll see if that happens.I spent the afternoon in the shelter with Switchback, Charity, Cumugwee, Peppermint Patty, Goat and a few others. Fun conversations. It's a good day to give my body some rest.Today I also received some trail gossip. Turns out that I experienced the first drop-out of someone I knew. Woodpecker decided he wasn't having as much fun as he thought he would have. He is kind of a quiet guy and doesn't sit around and tell stories or start up conversations, but he is fun to talk to when you get him started. He's a strong hiker, very fast. So he wasn't having any physical problems, he just wasn[ having any fun. When I was getting eady to leave standing bear I asked him if I would see him down the trail and I swear I heard "I'm going to stay around here for a while." Thinking back maybe he said "I am getting off the trail" or something like that. Wish had heard him better, not that I could have talken him out of stopping,but at least just to say bye. It sounds like he has some fun plans in the works. He may do other sections of the AT and possibly a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon-that will be great fun! Good-bye Woodpecker and good luck!
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Annapolis Rock Campsite

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 31.3
Weather: light rain

Out at 0715 wanted an early stared 30 miles. I was worried about PA rocks that I heard so much about. The first 10 miles was uneventful until I hit the Maryland rocks, made it to the Mason Dixon Line where the North/South divide. Enter into PA, the rocks so far are not too bad. Made up time lost in Maryland until the thunderstorm came. That slowed me down a bit. Got to the Shelter at 1845. A couple Thru-Hikers here, they are planning to flip flop to Harper's Ferry - Maine, Harper Ferry - Georgia. Past a few Section Hikers going both South and North.Well today I got my first blister from my pack. It was riding too low and started rubbing my underwear waistband. With the sweat running inside. It was painful, had to take off the underwear at the Pelmar Recreation Area, have to come up with a quick fix.Today was the first using Deet, the flies and mosquitoes are out, they go for the face. The Deet seem to work.
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

4/18Groundhog Creek Shelter to Deer Park Mountain Shelter - 23 miles Today was my first 20 miler, actually is was 23.0 to be exact. The first part of the day it felt like I was fogged in and it was rainy. I climbed Max Patch and there wasn't much of a view except for fog. I could see the trail which was a good thing.It started to clear up when I stopped for lunch. We saw a red squirrel in the shelter where we ate lunch. The most wildlife I've seen in a while. I got a second wind around 4 and knew that I was definitly headed to the shelter. The last 2 miles were the worst as I thought I saw the shelter but the trail went in the opposite direction around many mountains. I'm still not sure what I saw but it wasn't this shelter.When I got here I was greeted by 4 great danes, their family and Charity - no Switchback. Of course he couldn't sit still. Apparently there was a good party at Paddler's Pub Friday night including live music. So Switchback wasn't here to celebrate with, but Charity was :)We were very tired and ready to crash in the shelter when we heard mice running around in the roof. So Charity and I tented with the family.Around 9 Cumugwee and Peppermint Patty showed up too. A few others showed up around midnight (and were greeted by the great danes). Can't wait for Hot Springs tomorrow. Beer, Pizza, hot springs and maybe even a massage. I can't wait!
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite AWOL Mile Marker: 1108.8
Miles today: 34.0
Weather: broken clouds

With the daybreak about 0530, I am up earlier. I was up packed by 0720. I planned a 30 mile day.For all the talking about PA being a Rocky State, I made good time, 12 miles by noon. I cross the guide halfway point, MN 10934 AT 1345. I always pass the AT official halfway point, don't know which one is right. The AT halfway point is 10905 but further up the trail than AWOL 10934, either way I have walked more miles than I have left to Maine.I never envision getting to the half-way point so quickly. I decided to stop at the AT Museum by the ice cream challenge store (not), but they were both closed for the season. The At museum doesn't open until tomorrow for the start of the season, only if had walk a little slower, I would have been able to visit it.So en route I decided to add a few more miles and stop at the Green Mountain store 0.2 mile of AT for dinner. I got Roast Beef Sub, Turkey Sandwich and some other nix, naxs. The thunderstorm that was threatening came. It was pouring rain and lightening, so I waked through this stuff. I was even surprised to see three Section Hiker hiking in it too. They were going South to James Fry Shelter.When I got to the campsite the rain ease a little, so I was able to put up my tent. As soon as the tent was up the storm picked up speed. A major downpour, flashing lightening. I was in my big Agnes, which hold up very well ( I really love this tent). Stopping at the store for dinner was a good move. I wouldn't have been able to cook in the storm, so with my belly full, its an early bed. Big day tomorrow going all the way to Duncannon.
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

Deer Park Mountain Shelter to Hot Springs - 3.2 milesWas on the trail by 8 and ready for a real breakfast. Charity and I hiked into town together. Our first stop was the Smoky Mountain Diner where I found a group of hikers and easily found out where Switchback and the others were. It's weird, in these small towns it's almost as if we know everyone in the town as the hikers are everywhere, like a traveling community. I soon found Switchback and picked up my resupply at the post office. I got a surprise package from Katie at work. Easter candy and power bars and the coolest pez dispenser - a fuzzy bear. Thanks Katie and the boys.Big Red's parents are cooking breakfast for a group of us tomorrow. I also made an appointment for a soak in the hot springs and a massage. What a way to spend Easter Sunday. And some people think this hiking thing is rough - ha. After the 23 mile day I think my body will appreciate the pampering.