morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-09
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful day today! We awoke to find the sun shining brightly. As I walked back to the trail, I saw that we were actually ABOVE the clouds. All around, below our vantage point, was a sea of cottony white with just the peaks of the surrounding mountains poking through.The hike was easy going today. Lots of flat ridge walking on a smooth dirt path (a rare thing on the AT). I was going along at a nice pace for quite a while, when suddenly my legs switched gears into reverse and backed up about 10 paces even before my brain registered the word for what I saw: SNAKE. Big, fat, monster of a snake. It was about as think as my wrist. It was stretched across the trail, its head and tail hidden on opposite sides of the path by the thick undergrowth. All I could see was the middle two feet or so of its body. It didn't move, or make a sound. As I stood there gaping, a tiny bird came right near the snake, chirping out a warning. I have no idea what kind of snake it was, but there are a few venomous species commonly found in this region. I wasn't taking any chances. It was the biggest snake I've ever seen, except through a plexiglass window. I walked off the trail and made a wide arc around the beast. I looked back at it one more time before hiking on.I got to the shelter early, around 4:30pm. I considered hiking on, but thought, "whats the rush?". I'll sleep in my tent here, though, since that's my preference over the mouse-infested shelters. Here tonight are fellow thru-hikers Loon, Moose, Spirit Al, and Canada Goose. Moose brought some vodka and kalhua from town, and Loon brought some flavored coffee. We're enjoying cocktails in the woods. It doesn't get better than this!
Date: 2004-06-14
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: VA 624, Catawba, VA
Miles today: 46.8

6/10: to War Spur Shelter, 12.7 miles6/11: to Sarver Hollow Shelter, 12.2 miles6/12: to Pickle Branch Shelter, 15.9 miles6/13: to VA624, Catawba, Virginia, 6.0 milesMy last four days on the trail were a whirlwind. I got caught in more thunderstorms, saw more snakes (not as big though), as well as wild turkeys and grouse and deer and these tiny red lizards that liked to hang out on the trail. The terrain got much rougher, with lots of steep climbs and rocky ridges. It's the rocks that did me in. The unstable footing of smaller rocks, plus the angled walking on large rock slabs, really took a toll on my achilles tendon. Until now, it had been 'manageable'. But now it was managing me. The last day was short, mile-wise, but took a long time. I did a section called the Dragon's tooth. It's a high rocky ridge on Cove Mountain. Frequently, I was walking with my feet at very painful angles. There were sheer rock faces that I had to traverse, or climb up or down, sometimes with only a toe-hold for my feet. With achilles tendonitis, you can't really support your weight (plus the pack) on your toes. I was getting sharp pains in the tendon and up the back of my leg. It was clear I was doing damage. On the high point of the ridge, which would have had spectacular views if it weren't for the rain and clouds, I sat down. My eyes welled up. I know today was my last day. I had to 'cut my losses' before it got any worse. I limped out of the woods and called a number that was in my book. A gentleman named Del Schecterly, a true trail angel, was listed as offering shuttles. I knew I needed to get to a town, and take a day or two of rest before making my final decision. I called Del and asked how much he'd charge for a shuttle from Catawba to Troutville. He didn't have a price, just said give what you can afford. He picked me up in no time and took me to town.I stayed here at the Comfort Inn and got some much needed rest. My trail angel, Del, took me around town to pick up my mail and do laundry, and refused to take any money. Before I started the AT, I promised myself I wouldn't quit on a bad day. I had to take time to decide. But as I limp around here, it's clear that my hike has ended for this year. Tendonitis takes months to heal, so there's no way I can get back on the trail this year. I'm not done for good, though. I will finish the AT, next year or the year after that. I definitely have the AT bug and the backpacking bug. I suspect I'll do other long distance hikes in the future as well. I loved being out there.There's an AMTRAK station not far from here. I'll be taking a train to Philadelphia on Wednesday.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Haddonfield, NJ

To: Haddonfield, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

I've been at Mom's for a few days now. I've spent some time reflecting on my trip. I did over 500 miles on my feet, quite an accomplishment. I knew from the beginning that my physical and financial limitations would probably end my trip before Katahdin, so I made it a point to really enjoy every day. I definitely accomplished that. I miss the trail already.Adjusting to the real world again is interesting. I was only gone two and a half months, but it feels like I lived an entire life out there on the trail. Like I was gone for years, not months. I'm adjusting, though. Last night's lobster dinner helped with that. As do the daily showers and the full wardrobe of clean clothes. And quality beer. And being inside, dry and comfy, during the recent thunderstorm. This isn't so bad...
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Haddonfield, NJ

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Stuff I learned from my AT hike:Duct tape really can fix ANYTHINGAnimals are more intelligent than we give them credit for. Even the tiniest lizard will look you in the eye as you pass.Food, clothing, and shelter are all that you need.Well...and coffee. Food, clothing, shelter, and coffee.Oh, and garlic, and olive oil. They make any trail meal edible. So you need food, clothing, shelter, coffee, garlic, and olive oil.   But that's it.It's worth it to take a risk. Follow your dreams wherever they take you (even if it's not your original destination).When you think you can't possibly take one more step, you're usually wrong.I am not afraid of hard work (really hard, grueling even), when it's something I'm passionate about. I AM NOT DONE YET.
Date: 2004-04-14
To: Up to Springer
Miles today: 13.0

We are enroute north. Yesterday it was snowing and today the 8.5 mile trail up to Springer Mtn, our start, is snowy and cold. That all changed as we reached the summit; there were nice views in all directions and a bright warm sun. Pete and I drank in the views for some time before continuing/beginning. Behind us we have thirteen miles traveled for the first day, though officially only 4.5.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Up to Springer

To: Suches, then Neels Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

We are at Neels Gap, arrived yesterday, sooner than expected. There is a hostel here, and we used the showers, but with such nice weather, we opted to sleep outdoors behind the hostel. Since we were ahead of our schedule, we had an easy morning, getting a much-needed long rest. The trail is not too rocky, and in Georgia it is mostly ridge walking. The views are great because there are no leaves on the trees yet, but that sun is frying us! Joan seems to be hurtin¢ from sun exposure and a heat rash that is swelling her legs. Some Benadryl helped, without making her dizzy. Both Joan and Pete have hand blisters from the trekking poles. At Suches, our first resupply site, our hiker appetites had not yet surfaced, and the fear of transporting those heavy packs convinced us to leave food in the hiker box. It did not slow us down.
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Suches, then Neels Gap

To: Rainbow Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.0

Rainbow Springs, NC, pizza, Ben & Jerry¢s, fruit, and extra snacks; goodbye to Georgia, we are now in the Nantahala National Forest, with the temperatures in the high 70¢s. Regarding trail food, Pete eats more than Joan, but that is good! The mountains are higher here, and we are doing more side hill walking than ridge walks. After Neels Gap, we camped at Low Gap with at least 30 other distance trekkers. There was a shelter there and many campsites around the area. Once the leg swelling (from early in the journey) decreased, we have done days with 18, 15, 19 and today until noon 10 miles. Pete has feet and legs that are a little sore, but Joan¢s remember the PCT, and they are happy. Joan left a voice message for Dad, and Dad found Rainbow Springs on Mapquest.com. Later, talking with Joan and viewing Topozone.com, Dad could trace the trail to the dirt road leading from Wallace Gap and the road to Rainbow Springs. Technology can be amazing, when at a distance.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Rainbow Springs, NC

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Checked in at the Fontana Hilton, going for the deluxe accommodations. With all the hikers on the trail, how unlikely to have gone a whole day and seen no one else. The Hilton is ours alone; perhaps it is our timing, as we will have to wait until Monday for a food resupply.   There are many little towns and village stops, and Joan remembers being near the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center...a rafting mecca)from a spring rafting trip a few years back; Pete remembers the roast beef sandwich he obtained there this year! Distance hikers on the PCT had singular goals: get in as many miles as you could, and get to Canada. Here it is very different, very varied in purpose and drive. For some, every little village should be visited, and town stops are important. On the PCT, town stops were necessary, but to get back on the trail was paramount, you spent as little time in towns as you could. Getting to Maine does not seem as driving a force as Canada was for the PCT hiker. More on this later.   There is quite contrast between being up on the mountains, where spring is just starting to unfold, and descending into the gaps and villages below, where spring is in full force. You sense the increasing humidity and lushness as you drop in elevation, and everywhere the colors are strong. Dogwoods predominate.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Fontana Dam

To: Ramblings From Fontana
Miles today: 0.0

Thoughts from Fontana Dam.   I've learned in the last few days that there are many reasons and ways to hike the Appalacian Trail (AT). Stretching some 2,100 miles from Springer Mtn, GA to Katahdin, ME, the AT could take you 6 months (average) or 50 days (the speed record) to complete. Apparently Pete and I have been "cruising" compared to the average AT style and we have passed numerous groups of hikers and have consequently encountered many different types of thru-hikers:* larger, older woman carrying heavy packs, a frying pan, and ham and cigarettes for breakfast* steady, retired men slowly making their way north w/o ambitious goals* speedy, retired men who hiked the trail last year, and having nothing better to do after 3 months of rest, decided to hike it again!* of course there are plenty of younger people like us, following a childhood dream before moving on, or just itchy/questing souls adding the trail to a list of random accomplishments since college.   Sometimes I'm quite amazed that I'm off on an adventure of PCT length again. I was so itchy a year ago as I was studying for the MCATs. Many of my best friends were abroad and I was already feeling very impatient with the whole med school process...was there any chance I would get in anywhere? If I did would it be near somewhere Pete could go to grad school? The future seemed so uncertain and I was just dying to jump away and live w/o worrying about it all; but I stuck with it.   Pete and I moved into a great apartment in downtown Burlington and kept working. We were both determined to get into a school before we made any serious plans, but we also both really wanted to go off on another adventure. It was a busy, busy year...but a great one: we met many cool people in Burlington and had a great time. We both learned a ton through life, work, and extra classes...and now we are actually out on the trail!   I'm very curious what this trail has in store for me. The great desire to run away that I felt a year ago was replaced by a more pragmatic feeling of moving forward and on to the next step (ie, moving out, med school, trail prep and even hiking). But thru-hiking is always so much more than a 3-4 month break from your normal routine. I'm curious about the sense of peace that I felt on the PCT...will that return on this trail...and what exactly was it?    I still love thru-hiking...that fact has not changed. I love the pace at which life moves, the simplicity and sureness of every step as we are moving steadily forward towards a larger goal. There are so many forces to contend with in life and I always want to tackle and overcome them all. On the trail, these forces are simpler and more straight forward, they tend to stare you in the face.   There is a large mountain in front of you and really you have no choice but to climb it as the trail dictates to accomplish your goal. In life you never know if the easy path (the cleared trail) is actually the best way. Sometimes it's better to skirt around the mountain...anyway, enough blabber, the shuttle is outside to take us back to the trail.
Date: 2004-04-29
To: Account of the Smokies
Miles today: 20.0

After our first zero day in Fonatana village (the first day we really saw rain!) we crossed the 480 ft high 1/2 mile long dam built by the TVA, and began to climb into the Great Smoky mountains. We steadily gained elevation as the days rain tapered off and the temperature dropped. By evening it was clear and cool. We camped at the Mollies Ridge shelter 4/26.   The following day we hiked 19 miles along the NC/TN border, the whole time a strong and bitterly cold wind blew from the TN side. Views were incredible from Rocky top and Tunderhead. The last few miles, we walked into our first pine forest as we approached Clingman's Dome. The ridge became sharper and Joan started to think we were in the White mountains of New Hampshire. We reached Double Spring Gap shelter late in the day and could tell that it was going to be our coldest night yet.   As we hiked through the Smokies we've marveled at the interesting terrain these mountains have to offer. We left Double Spring Gap shelter early on 4/28. It was so cold I only ate half my breakfast, while in my sleeping bag, and then Joan and I hit the trail. 7:30am, 27 degrees. We hiked up and over Clingmans with Day Break, and enjoyed talking with him for some of the day. It was cool and blustery at the top, where a "space age" cement tower, circa 1950, stands desolate. Typically it would be crowded with people who drove up this mountain.   From Clingmans the vegetation and landscape transform as you hike north. The forests are pine, with many huge blow-overs, their roots standing 15-20 feet high as discs of soil and rock. The hills get steeper and rockier, the AT navigating a knife-like ridge with huge drops on either side. In a few places landslides are apparent. As we hiked through this section, the pointy, pine-covered mountains reminded me of the Frank Church River or no Return Wilderness in Idaho. While I hike, I find my mind drifts back to my experience on my SCA work crew, and so many other past experiences. As the steps turn into miles my past plays before me like a dream - like taking photo albums out and fliping through them, as my body ranges over the well-groomed trail. It's even more involved than that: like pulling out memories and trying them on to see how they fit, to remember what it felt like to be so many different people through the years and re-live the joys and lessons of each past life, and so converge on my present self.   So far I havn't thought much about the future out here. Professor Wyatt of Middlebury said that the ancient Chinese view of time was one in which the "viewer" experiences life as one would watch a river- but facing downstream so that future events are only apparent as we live them and then watch them flow into our growing past. This has been my experience on the trail.
Date: 2004-04-29
To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 16   It smells like feet!   It is a beautiful day once again. Pete and I feel so spoiled this year; we heard it rained almost everyday last year! We were both quite tired and hungry today, but we cruised right along on the nice and easy grade. The Smokies have been amazing and I will be very sad to leave them. I had no idea they were like the White Mountains!    I feel as though I've seen so much out on this trail and yet we've only been out here a few days. This is the magic of backpacking...you can be out for just a bit and it feels like forever. The lifestyle is so different!-SCRUBS
Date: 2004-05-04
To: Camp just before Devil's Fork Gap
Miles today: 20.0

Day 21   Happy Birthday Dad! I thought of you today as we were walking along. It was a beautiful spring day...clear blue sky, shining sun and temps ranging 40-55 degrees. Despite seemingly easy terrain, Pete and I did not manage to travel at our usual pace (~10 miles before lunch) and we consequently ran out of water twice today! There is so much water on the AT that this is hard to do. Ironically when we were carrying water, we crossed plenty of flowing springs and when we were dry and thirsty, so was the trail!    Despite water difficulties, today was still a great day. We have been meandering in and out of NC/TN since the beg. of the Smoky Mountains and it is really neat to see the contrast between these two states. NC is wild and underdeveloped - hills, valleys, and tree covered ridges as far as the eye can see. TN is dead flat. We have been looking out and down to the developed areas of Maryville and Knoxville and can actually see quite far west before our vision is obscured by the smog line.   We ran into the Dog Sherpa's again today. I hope we get to meet them again for a night of interesting and extensive conversations.    Late this evening we came across the highest concentration of hikers we have seen camped/sheltered anywhere so far (perhaps we are approaching the bulge?) It was a bit difficult to find a site for ourselves, but we were happily tucked away on an old road by 8.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Erwin, TN

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 11.0

Erwin, TN Mile 350I'm tired.Pete and I have hiked 350 miles in 21 days.    But, I feel ready to go again. There is enough fat in my belly from my sausage and veggie breakfast omlet to last at least half the way to Damascus, VA (120 miles from here). The Smoky Mountains were a hungry section. When the temperature drops below 30 degrees F and our daily miles are held steady at 20, my appetite soars...there just wasn't enough food. Ok, there was enough food, just not enough fat.   For lunch on one of the later days in this section before we came into Hot Springs, NC, I filled my lunch bowl full of nutritious bulgur wheat. It filled my belly and powered me the rest of the day, but next day my colon reminded me that there is only so much fibrous carbohydrate a body can take! A 3/4 lb burger, 5 monzerella sticks and a pint of Ben and Jerry's cured my fat desire. This morning's breakfast was just icing on the cake...don't worry, it came almost a week later so I don't think I'm at risk for an immediate heart attack heading up this next hill.    Pete and I left Hot Springs on Monday afternoon and although we dealt with a brief bit of hail and rain on the way out of town, the weather cleared and we had gorgeous hiking for the next three days on our way to Erwin, TN. I love Erwin! We arrived in time for a much needed lunch break (11 miles by noon!) and picked a site in the shade at Uncle Johnny's Hostel/Campground where.. guess what.. they have FREE bikes!   It was so much fun to travel at a different speed for a change. We left the hostel and cruised 4 miles to downtown Erwin to pick up our food drop, visit the grocery store, and find some dairy products.    Now though, the day is getting late and the temperature is only increasing in this southern valley town (predicted 80 degrees!) so it's time to roll on.
Date: 2004-05-07
To: Low Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 24   I love campgrounds! There is something so neat about having your own stretch of grass and a picnic table for setups. Erwin was a great town stop for childhood memories...scampering back to the tent after a midnight pee...looking at all the stars in the sky!   Good filling breakfast before we left town with a crazy wandering/hiking dude. Prices are so cheap in the south...a huge breakfast for two for under $15! I feel older on the AT...it's amazing what 3 years can do. I'm more sure of who I am and what I want to do. There are many on the trail who are out here seeking direction, the next step in their lives...including many people who are retired or fed up with their job (interestingly there are a high number of medical professionals out here!) Most approach this trail as a journey to something better, although I can appreciate any insights that may occur along this journey, I keep thinking of it as more of a vacation...a relaxing summer spent hiking hard and enjoying the better of the woods.    Sometimes the numbers of people out here surprise me. With fewer people and fewer places to stay in town on the PCT, you could manage to talk to/get to know everybody...out here there's just too many people...and some weird ones too. On the AT you can just wander, pick up the trail at any road crossing and hike, or simply hang out in town living the "hiker" life.    Hot hiking all day back up into the mountains out of Erwin. We cruised along, heads down, faces dripping with sweat (I hate it when it gets into my eyes!) until we cruised on top of Beauty Spot Gap...absolutely beautiful views of the mountains behind and a glimpse of what's to come (Roan Mtn). East coast blurry blue southern ridges are hard to beat-they're so jagged and yet soft on the horizon.   Driven by whatever inexplicable force seems to compel Pete and I to hike 15's out of town, 20 plus on a normal day, and be the overacheivers that we seem to be in life- we pushed on in the evening light up and over Unaka Mtn. My body was tired and my mind blank with evening exhaustion as we plodded up the last hot hill, but on top the world changed. Our sun-squinting eyes could relax in the soft, piney light; our feet stopped kicking rocks and we silently padded north in awe of the serenity and sacredness of this place. If I had a choice, this would be my church (there are lots of discussion of various churches down here)...not a place to congregate, but a place to meditate and appreciate the silence that can exist in this world. Natural, living silence-ancient and patient-reminding me that I am only a small being passing through.       Down the hill to camp. My tired body didn't want to begin camp chores, but while I trekked down the hill 0.5 miles to dig into the moist soil and find my own spring, I was again reminded of the patience necessary sometimes to deal with the moment...even on the trail...life takes patience. It would be easy if I wasn't so impulsive all the time...k...gotta run -SCRUBS
Date: 2004-05-08
To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 25   Oh I'm a sleepy, tired girl but my belly is full, thanks to a great dinner and plenty of trail magic cookies! Today was a hot and humid day of hiking - I was slow and sluggish all morning long - plodding up and down steep, humid hills. It's amazing how my mind shuts down when my body's tired and can only plod along.    Once afternoon hit I felt a bit better and we continued to plod up Roan Mtn. It's beautiful up here (especially by the bag of cookies). We were chased early into the shelter tonight by threatening thunder and tired bodies. Highest shelter on the whole AT, just 4 ft short of Mt Washington in NH. Hoping to cruise more easily in the coming days, although I did enjoy slowly staggering up the mountain.SCRUBS