morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Wild Cat Mountain

To: Rocky Knob
Miles today: 10.9

The morning started with fog, but within 30 minutes of our hike the fog lifted and we had bright, beautiful sunshine. We could actually see more than 50 feet in front of us. It was great.We ate lunch at the Lowe Gap Shelter and it was disgusting. People paid no respect. There was zip lock bags of trash, unwanted clothes, etc...no wonder the shelters are infested with mice. It's sad, though, that people do not understand the concept of pack it in, pack it out.I guess the warm weather brought out the gnats. We felt like Pig Pen the character off of Charlie Brown that always has a swarm of flies flying around him.Our camp tonight is in a gap (a place between 3 mountains) which makes it pretty breezy. It's a bit chilly. First night I'm in my sleeping bag with my jacket and gloves on.I think my feet are growing. They are a bit sensitive, but I know it's all part of the experience. It's only normal to have your body change when doing something like this, but it's still strange.
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to freezing temperatures. Looked at the thermometer after the sun came up and it was 38 degrees. Broke camp early because we were on a mission to get to town.Not too bad of a hike today. Just one long uphill at Kelly's Knob. A group of us had lunch right at the base of Kelly's Knob to energize our bodies for the ascent. It was me, Wrong Way Brown, Pippi, Journey, Two Step, Sheep Stuff, Drink Water, and Lucky. We all laughed because Lucky was the only male and supposedly there's more men then women on the trail.Felt great to get into Hiawassee. I really needed some good food, hot shower, and rest. Wrong Way Brown and I both have a little bit of a cold. There's a lot of hikers staying at this hotel and if you would've been sitting at breakfast this morning you would've thought it was a doctor's waiting room. Three guys have bum knees, one guy has some kind of foot fungus, Wrong Way Brown and myself are blowing our noses. It's kind of funny. I think with a day or two of rest everyone will be back out there.Walking the last mile yesterday I could understand why people leave the trail. It is hard. Your body aches, you're hot, sweaty, dirty, gnats follow you, and you think the last mile will never end. But somehow you make it through. I know the first 2-4 weeks aren't too fun because of all the challenges your body has to endure. It will be nice to be done with the first month. And I cannot lie, there are times I ask myself why am I doing this?But I know the reasons why and I know the rewards will outweigh the initial pain. Anything I've done that was worth doing was never easy at the beginning. And Wrong Way Brown and I have both admitted to each other there's been a time we've wanted to cry. We are taking it one day at a time and listening to our bodies. It's not a race. The trail is slowly shaping and molding us, smoothing out the rough edges. We are having a great time...it's just there are moments that are much harder than others."Everything I do is judged. They mostly get it wrong. Oh well. The bathroom mirror has not budged and the woman who lives there can tell the truth from the stuff that they say. She looks me in the eyes and says, 'Would you prefer the easy way?' Well, okay then don't cry." Joyful Girl, Ani Difranco
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Hiawassee

To: Bly Gap, NC
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Got a late start out of town this morning. Hit the trail about 10:00am. Still made good time, and man was it a gorgeous day. Clear blue skies today and the sun shone brightly all day.Met up with our friends Tucker and DeAnna yesterday and today was their first day on the trail with us. We all feel great after resting up yesterday in town.We crossed into North Carolina today! What a mile stone! One state down, 13 to go. Tucker and DeAnna had a finish line for us with a red bandana draped over the string. Piper and Just Josh were there too and Piper actually had some red wine, so we all took a sip of that. It feels great to have come this far.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Bly Gap, NC

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

Well, the cold that I was trying to ignore has finally taken hold of me. Didn't sleep a bit last night since I couldn't breathe out of my nose. Not being able to breathe properly made it a tough hike today. I was tired and had a horribly runny nose. We were hoping to do a big mile day, but my body was having none of that. At one point I was so tired and frustrated I threw down my poles and pack and just sat on a rock drinking some water trying to collect myself. I thought this is where I'm camping tonight. Luckily after a rest I felt better and just went as slow as I needed to go.Arrived at the shelter about 3:30 and slowly got unpacked. We had a great dinner--mashed potatoes with real bacon bits was the highlight. Tucker and DeAnna had a nice camp fire going all evening for all to enjoy. Got to know Serendipity, Piper, and Just Josh better. We also got to talk with some really nice section hikers who are on their 10th year of hiking together.Serendipity and Piper gave me some Vics and Nyquil to help with my cold. I'm so grateful. You should see my bandana--there's not a clean spot left on it. Tomorrow will bring a better day.
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Asheville

Miles today: 0.0

I slept so good last night and felt 100 times better today. We finally left the hotel around noon and drove around Asheville. It's a neat town. We actually got to borrow real clothes from Tucker and DeAnna! We also smell good becasue we borrowed perfume and deodorant from them as well.We ate mexican buffet for lunch--strange, I know. We stopped by an outfitters and got a few items and then we went to Best Buy and bought MP3 players, so we'll have good music for the trail. We spent all afternoon loading 30+ songs on the two of them. Thank God Tucker had her laptop. We also got to check our email at a cyber cafe. First time in 2 weeks.We did finalize Tucker and DeAnna's trail names yesterday. DeAnna's is 'Suitcase' because her back pack looks like a big, boxy suitcase. It caused her issues the whole time. And after the whole rat's nest incident, I said "How about just that--'Rat's Nest'?" She (Tucker) didn't like that, so I said "How about 'Sparkplug'?" since that's what the rat chewed through. She liked that. Later, I said we'd call her 'Sparky' for short. That made us all laugh. Good times, good times.I was worried yesterday getting off the trail so soon after just having a day off, but I know now it was the right thing to do. I feel so much better and will be so much stronger. It was worth it.
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Deep Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up this morning in the hotel in Asheville; looked out the window and was surprised to find about 2 inches of snow on the ground and more coming down by the minute. Turned on the weather channel and they said it was under forecasted. So in other words they didn't see it coming.Suitcase and Spark Plug drove us to Deep Gap where we got off 3 days ago. It was slow going on the highways. Cars off in ditches all over. We said our good-byes and head off into the snowy forest. I was a bit nervous and a little scared. The cold and snow can be intimidating. After we get going it's not bad. My body is warm and the snow is beautiful. After a couple of hours my feet do become wet, but if you keep moving it's not bad. The temp is in the 30's and it is supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow. I am sitting in the shelter now wrapped in my sleeping bag. I will be joyful for the warmer temps. I heard we got a total of 6 inches of snow!Three others are with us in the shelter--Goat, Spike, and Flow. They are 3 guys from PA and they are pretty funny. It's nice to have company on a cold night.I was thinking a lot today as I as hiking about going with the flow of the trail. I think I fight it sometimes and it makes it harder. I'm trying to enjoy wahtever it brings--even if it is snow and temperatures in the teens."I took my love and I took it down. I climbed a mountain and I turned around. I saw my reflection in a snow covered hill. Well, the landslide brought me down. Oh, mirror in the sky what is love? Can the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?" Landslide, Fleetwood Mac
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

I am thanking God today that we are all alive. The temperature last night was around 15 degrees. I didn't sleep well because I was scared I'd suffocate in my sleeping bag. I stayed warm for the most part. My feet could've used some more heat, though.This morning wasn't fun. Everything was frozen--water, tennis shoes, lighters, baby wipes. We all woke up around 7:30am, but no one was brave enough or warm enough to leave until 9:45. It took us that long to de-thaw everything. Tonight everything is going in my bag with me. Although it should only get to the 30's tonight--a real heat wave.It was nice day in the mid to upper 40's. The sun was shining all day, melting the snow, which made our feet wet. Luckily the trail was relatively flat. I was so grateful. We did the first 4 miles in 1.5 hours. The last miles were tough. Feet and knees were tired and I really needed some water. I didn't drink enough last night because it was so cold.We are in a shelter again tonight with Sprite, Goat, and Flow. They are good company and it's nice to have guys around that can laugh off these miserable conditions. Flow informed us that the 3rd leading cause for hikers to leave the trail is poor dental hygiene. We have all made it a point to brush our teeth.Read in the register that Goober got off the trail about 5 or 6 days ago. Not sure why; something about taking care of issues back home??Oh ya, broke 100 miles today--yeah!
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Bartram Campsite
Miles today: 12.0

Today was a great day! I felt mentally good. I think the cold and snow kind of freaked me out and I was struggling with that fear. Last night was in the 30's, which I can totally handle. The weather today was great hiking weather; sunny and in the low 60's. The snow had pretty much melted, so we had dry feet! Unfortunately because I had wet feet all day yesterday I developed a big blister on my left pinky toe. I hadn't had any up until now. I'll keep a close eye on it and it should be better in no time.It felt wonderful to move past Standing Indian Campground, Winding Stair Gap, and Franklin, NC. I felt like I had been stuck there for 3 days because of my cold.Met some new hikers today. They are a father/daughter team from the UK. The father's trail name is Carnethy Bob and the daughter's real name is Verity. She is thinking about Wee-Toe as her trailname, but is still undecided. They are very nice folks and we are camped with them tonight. Bridget is also camping with us tonight We hadn't seen her since before Woody Gap. Apparently she had to get off the trail for a few days because of bronchitis. Verity and Carnethy Bob also took days off because they felt ill. So it sounds like everyone has had a go at being sick. Bridget's trailname is now Rockie for numerous reasons, she says.I'm starting to feel at home on the trail. I'm so happy to be here. Shine on, shine on...
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Bartram Campsite

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was a good day. We left camp early 8am. We knew we had a big day, so we wanted to get an early start. It was sunny and about 75 degress. Our goal today was to get into the Wesser Bald Shelter, so we'd have an easy 5.6 miles into town. It will be nice to have a shower and some good food tomorrow.Had our first experience with trail magic in the form of food. When we got to the shelter we found oranges and cold coke. It was very nice. We also found Pippi. She had been really sick and had to take 3 days in Franklin.Good company tonight at the shelter--Soynut, Pippi, Verity, Carnethy Bob, and Greg. Greg even got a fire started. Spark Plug and Suitcase you would've been proud of us because we collected wood and helped build the tee-pee to start the fire. We sure did miss Suitcase and Spark Plug the night of the freezing temperatures because they would've built us a good fire. I forgot to mention something funny Sprite said on that cold night. I said something about how I wished Spark Plug and Suitcase were there because we'd have a fire and in a small, quiet voice Sprite says, "Yeah, I miss them too." It was so funny--especially because he'd never met them.Soynut made an interesting observation tonight. She said it's hard not to get sucked up into the race of the trail. It's so easy to feel competitive. She mentioned how so many people as "When did you start?" just to judge you and your speed. It will be nice when we all start to lose that judgemental/competitive mentality. There's really no purpose for it out here.
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Wesser, NC, NOC
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: clear sky

Welcome to the N.O.C.! I didn't really know what the N.O.C. was until today, but boy do I love it. It is the Nantahala Outdoor Center. It's a quaint, little center that has an outdoor store, lodging, restaurant, kayaking, rafting, etc...The Nantahala River goes right through it and it's beautiful. Mountains in every direction.We left camp at 7:30am (can you tell we wanted to get to town?) and trekked the 5.6 miles into the N.O.C. as fast as our legs would carry us. We dropped 2,365 feet this morning. My knees were definitely feeling that descent. There was a section today that was really fun. There were lots of roots and large rocks to maneuver around and it was very steep. Almost felt like we were rock climbing without ropes.It was a big reunion when we got here. We caught up with Sprite, Goat, Flow, Scuba-Man, Slow Walker and Just Josh (who is now Rooster). Scuba-Man is doing well. He had back pain in Hiawassee, but is fine now. Found out from Rooster that Piper left the trail for a few weeks because of his ankles. And Slow-Walker (one of my favorites) had both his knees go out on him. So he's been here close to a week recovering and is trying to decide if he should wait it out here or go home and recover. I hope he heals fast. He is a retired trauma surgeon from Chicago, although originally from Ireland. He is such a kind man.We also got to know Carnethy Bob and Verity better. They too are some of my favorites. Verity is 18 and smart as a wip. I believe in the UK kids take a year off between high school and university (as they say over there), so that's at least one reason they are here. They too are so kind and sweet. They have a gentle way about them that is comforting.We had pizza tonight for dinner and boy did it hit the spot. I told Wrong Way Brown while sitting by the river eating pizza that I could be a river rat. I could handle living on a river in the mountains, but for now I'll be happy being hiker trash!
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Wesser, NC, NOC

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided yesterday afternoon that we had earned a zero day. We had survived the snow and freezing temperatures and besides the N.O.C. is a hiker's utopia. I've also learned by watching others that being kind to your body is probably the #1 best thing you can do for yourself out here. My knees and feet have been a little achy and a day off does them a world of good. Besides I'm not trying to win any world record out here for fastest hiker. Spark Plug joked with me last night on the phone that I'm going for the most expensive thru-hike ever.Wrong Way Brown and I concluded we'd never have survived as settlers back in teh 1700's. We couldn't imagine hunting and gathering and no showers for our entire life. We are way too wimpy for that.I took my first shower in 5 days yesterday, and there are some interesting things that happen when you don't shower regularly. First of all your shampoo doesn't create suds because your hair is too greasy. The skin on your fingers peal and when you brush your hair it basically all falls out. After getting out of the shower you lay on the bed in total shock because that shower has been the best damn thing that's happened to you in 5 days. Besides you have forgotten how good soap smells and you're trying hard to forget how bad BO smells.I bought a new pair of trail shoes today. I'd been hiking in Nike tennis shoes and they just weren't sturdy enough for all the rocks and roots on the trail. So I bought some Montrail trail shoes. They feel like they'll give me more stability, so I'm excited about that.We sat with Slow Walker at breakfast this morning. He told us about his knees, and how he got down the mountain into town. He had to take a zero day in a shelter because he couldn't stand up. He told us how generous and kind everyone was to him and how he thought he'd be lonely sitting there all day, but in reality he had a new visitor every 30 minutes. He said people gave him pain killers, food, and books. He was amazed. So the next day he wanders down in the SNOW with a 42 lb pack. And remember this is a 2300 ft descent, which is a KILLER on your knees. He had a pproximately 2 miles left and a guy came up to him and asks if he's the man with the bad knees. Slow Walker says yes. So the guy says he's come to take his pack and Slow Walker at first protests, but finally realizes he needs to accept this wonderful gift. The man said his name was Phil and he was out for a day hike, since he couldn't kayak on a snowy day. He wouldn't accept anyting. He was just happy to help. Goodness is everywhere...
Date: 2003-04-05
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: moderate rain

Good Lord was it a tough 7 miles today. We were finally able to break away from the N.O.C. vortex. I think today was so hard because I had a big, breakfast buffet in my belly. Got into the shelter around 3:00 and called it a day.We're with a new group of hikers now. Cakalaki, Two Speeds, Last Minute, Tyler, Ben, Gazer, Switchback, and Rockie. Soynut and Babysteps are just a few miles ahead.This morning we woke up to thunderstorms but luckily we were in the hotel and then by 10:00 it was clear skies. Forecast calls for rain the next 4 days. Yippee!
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Wahoo what a big mile day! We had wished to go this far, but didn't think it was possible. The weather helped us make our decision. It was nice all day until about 1:00 and that's when it started to sprinkle and later turned to big rain drops. We got to Cody Gap and decided might as well go another 2.5 miles to the shelter and stay dry. Got to the shelter and it's full, so ended up in the tent anyways. We are praying that it doesn't rain. I'm happy to think that we only have 5.5 miles to Fontana Dam tomorrow, which equals town. This will be our last town stop before we enter the Smoky's.We had our first big experience of trail magic with food today. A guy with the trail name of Ox was at Stecoah Gap giving out cookies, cokes, donuts, oranges, gatorade, etc...it was awesome! We had a tough descent into Stecoah Gap and having some treats made all the pain go away. Ox thru-hiked in '97 and comes up here at least twice a month around this time of year. He lives in Atlanta, which is about 2 hours away. Gotta love those trail angels.We had a great time last night at the shelter. After Two Speeds tried for about 3 hours to get a fire started, Ben was successful. We actually all got to eat smores. It was the non-traditional smore. We had to use Nutella instead of chocolate. It was still great. Ben and Tyler are to thank for the marshmellows and Rockie for the Nutella and graham crackers. We all had some good laughs around the camp fire. A real AT bonding moment.It is now raining...
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Cable Gap Shelter

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

It rained all night, but we were nice and dry in our tent. I slept well and we didn't get out of camp until 10:00 am. We didn't see any reason to leave early since we were so close to town.Fontana Dam is an interesting little village. It reminds everyone of that town in Dirty Dancing except it's deserted. It also reminds me of the movie The Shining. It's quaint, but strange. And lucky for us we haven't seen any crazy caretakers like Jack Nicholson.I turned on the TV tonight and what do you know the Jayhawks made it to the Championship round of the Final Four. What luck I was in town to watch it. It was a great game even until the final seconds, but once again a disappointing loss for Roy and the boys. Poor Roy--he'll be back, though.I forgot to mention that Slow Walker did decide to go home to recover. Hey Slow Walker, I did put in the Sassafras Gap Shelter register that you got off the trail, but will be back! I wish you a speedy recovery! Remember positive affirmations. I got a new one for your knees--"I am flexible. I bend and flow with ease." See you soon.Spring is on it's way. We can finally see little buds on the trees. It will be nice to have some color, so far it's been barren and brown--but still beautiful.
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Fontana Dam

Miles today: 0.0

We took a zero day today, so we'll be rested up for the Smokies. My right knee was a bit swollen yesterday and I didn't want to push it. It's feeling much better after rest, some ice, and elevation.It rained all day. I'm so glad I'm inside, but the forescast calls for more rain the next two days, so I won't stay dry for long.I met a cute, plump calico cat at the outfitters today. She was so fun and it made me miss my calico Brown.Well, I'm off to bed. Got some big mountains to climb. I can't wait!
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a terrible, miserable day. If I could do it over, I'd have stayed at the hotel until Friday. The weather is horrible. Started off partly sunny and around 55 degrees. Got up into the mountains and by 3:00 it was raining and the temperature was steadily dropping. So we hiked about 3 1/2 hours in the cold, miserable rain. The wind was blowing and there was at least 3 inches of thick mud on a majority of the trail. Supposed to be more of the same tomorrow. Wrong Way Brown and I agreed if it's like this tomorrow we are either going to hike 2.5 miles to the next shelter or 5.5 to the shelter after that. In this kind of weather there are no breaks because if you stop you get cold and wet. So you have to keep moving, but that's no fun either because you're tired and really want a 10 minute break. Who knows by morning it might turn to snow. It's probably in the mid 30's right now.The shelter we are staying in has 3 stone walls and then a fence in the front of it. The fence is to keep out the bears. Although the Ranger that checked us in today said all the fences at the shelters have been removed. Guess he didn't get the memo about this one.I am glad to finally be out of the rain. It was very hard day--really nothing good about it.
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

Miles today: 0.0

We woke up this morning to cold and snow. Wrong Way Brown and I couldn't bring ourselves to leave the shelter. The wind was blowing like crazy and everyone that stopped in the shelter said it was pretty bad. Although most continued on. I don't think either of us could've mentally handled another miserable day. Tomorrow is supposed to be more snow and possible colder. Today it's around 30 degrees, but with the wind I'm sure it's colder. No matter what we are leaving tomorrow. One full day in a shelter is enough. I'm ready to be done with the cold weather.