morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Nanatahala Outdoor Center

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

Woke up in a comfortable bed... as the rain fell outside. I was very happy to be where I was. I finally pulled myself from my nest to walk down to the diner for my third big meal since I got here... BREAKFAST. i trod and I walked down to the restaurant with lightning and thunder around us. I ate a heaping stack of French toast and drank some chocolate milk. All was well. i trod headed out shortly after breakfast, as I waited for the weather to clear. I took my time packing up and made a few phone calls. I got out just before the 10am checkout time and was glad to see a dry outside when I got there. The clouds were still low but it still seemed to get really muggy as the sun came out. I had heard that the climb would be rough, but it was not as bad as I thought it would be. The humidity did add a bit of a challenge to the situation but all was well. There were a few steep ups but the rest was gentle switchbacks. Some areas were really beautiful. It reminded me of a rain forest especially with the rhododendrons and cascading water. So pretty... made great mental memories. After a few more false summits I made the shelter sign. I was so happy I nearly fell on my bum going down the hill. Darn muddy spots, it is hard to stay up when you are getting sucked down haha. I am so graceful sometimes. It was at this shelter that the Giant Mutant "poop" Rat was seen. Poor Sunkist walked into the sketchy privy a bit fearful just by the look of it. A few brief moments later a scream... and poof she appeared. "There was an animal down in the hole!" After trying to contain our laughter we decided that the "rat" was on the loose and feeds on crap. He travels around leaving dirty Sanchez mustaches across your face as you are curled up in your sleeping bag. That is how you know he was there... so future hikers of Sassafrass Gap be warned... the giant mutant pooh rat is on the looseOh what happens when hikers have a bit too much free time on their hands... Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"Cinnamon Rolls! I let Sun Beam go in first, she didn't die right off so I   had one too. I hope we live." Bus Drivers entry in todays register.It was a foggy blanket day, but enjoyable. finally the peak from the NOC to cap. Cheoah Bald. It was much like looking into the mirror after a hot shower... that is what I saw... Nothing haha. I still find the views that are socked in beautiful even if there is "nothing" to see. I enjoyed myself today, although my calves hurt from yesterday, I didn't let that get me down. Ate lunch at Stecoah Gap, yummy cherry pop tarts made me so happy. Its the small excitement in my hiking day that make the trail awesome. We had some fun running across Rt. 143, Bus Driver nearly got hit by an ambulance as he crossed.. wouldn't that have been ironic? The rest of us fared easier and were off to Sweetwater Gap. Golly the climb up the unnamed mountain was horrid! Very much straight up, every time I saw another blaze I had to think "Now, how am I going to get there?" It was challenging but fun. The rest of the 2.2 miles to the shelter were much easier, but that climb was the topic of the night. Several people had some choice names for that piece of rock. I was happy to reach the shelter ready to be done for the day at a early time... 3 pm. To make life more entertaining there were some cinnemon rolls sitting at the shelter. (they were in packaging only a few were gone) I was hungry and so... I ate one.. Haha I didn't die so others choose to have one too. Boy were they great! They hit the spot for sure. Thanks to whomever left them, it made today more bearable. I really think my hiker appetite is finally kicking in... I could eat a whole lot of food tonight.    A note on the privy here... it has not walls, but the most amazing view. I enjoy the surprises the trail crews leave for us each day. Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam "Hilton" Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Greetings from the most amazing shelter ever! The Fontana Hilton is tops... no it is not a real "Hilton Hotel" but it is a brand new shelter built to hold 20. With access to showers and bathrooms... what else could I ever need? In addition the people here are amazing. Now today should have been a 12.7 mile day, but Bus Driver, Trout Bum, Wolly Mamoth and myself all got a ride into the classy Fontana Village via a $2 shuttle. The hike today was pretty quick, made 3 miles in an hour and 15 minutes... I am slowly getting up there in speed. I ate a delcious lunch at Cable Gap Shelter, the usual granola bar and poptarts. I know a sugar diet isnt so great, but they taste like a million bucks after hiking for a while. There was a bit of rain (not enough for me to put on my rain jacket) and then all was clear. The views of Fontana Lake were at first a bit fuzzy, we couldnt figure out if we were actually seeing a lake or really low lying clouds. Eventually it was unmistakablly a lake, glistining with blue green wonder. The lake and the dam seemed so close, but the mountain we were on was decieving. It sure took a good long while to get down to the "AT Crossings" Hut where I picked up my back country camping permit for the SMOKIES and we called the shuttle. My mom sent me the most amazing mail drop filled with candy bars, poptarts, ramen, a new book to read, warm pants for the smokies, and a new rain jacket. The zipper on my old one broke or actually was broken in the begining but I made it work till this drop. Everyone seemed to get a mail drop of goodies as well and so the front porch of the general store was filled with stinky hikers and their boxes. In town I caught up with Aqua Maria and Eric who offered me a place to stay in their room, I told them I would take them up on it tomorrow when I take a full day of rest. Tonight I am in the shelter. I finally caught up to Hi-Lo, and Brad from days long ago caught up too. We have been having fun hanging out and chatting, and perhaps breaking a law of the shelter... (no alcoholic beverages or guns) take your pick as to which it was hehe... Overall a long but amazing day today, I am very happy to be living life at its finest. Sun Beam
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Fontana Dam 

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: light rain

I called home today and Told the folks there that I am done with the trail, I am having no fun and well.. It is just not what I expected. To which my father replied "Does this mean I have to look for a job for you?" AHH! Haha What and April Fools joke on both sides of the fence. At Least I know that if I do plan on getting off My dad will be there to get my mind back on the trail haha! I am finally showered and well fed, another Bacon Cheese Buger to make me happy. The "Lodge" here is really fancy, however it is off season so they can cater to the hiker trash like myself haha. I feel to much like a low life for this place the rooms are super nice as is the resturant. I hiked a huge 1.1 South today to back track. I played a joke on myself as hiking south. I just needed to do the part where the shuttle gave me a ride from to the Shelter. It was great to have such a simple day, and now this "zero" day has become a "Nero" day, ah the tricks of a hiker. I spent most of my day today exploring and eating. I found a computer to get on, and an indoor pool, and sat in a rocking chair for a good 4 hours on the front porch of the general store. The problem with that being, everytime somebody came out with a tastey treat, I needed one too haha. I had heard that there was supposed to be a 90% chance of rain, so of course the day was about 70* and sunny! It never fails, I now know that the weather on the trail is just that. Very similar to the saying in Maine, "if you dont like the weather, just wait five minutes." Spent the rest of the time watching some tv, a mix between the Deadliest Catch and Dirty Jobs. In the evening we had to watch American Idol, Aqua Maria and Eric are big fans. It was funny because it was Dolly Parton night and many songs were about the Smokies... I will be there very soon. Tomorrow we have to head around the Dam, because it is closed for repairs. We missed the cutoff by a half a day. A huge bummer what could have been like a 10 minute walk is now a 2.5 mile detour. Oh well, Whats a few more miles right? TO THE SMOKIES-Sun Beam
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Fontana Dam

To: Birch Spring Gap Campsite
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Great Smokie Mountain National Park.. is all that AND a bag of chips. Since the dam was closed I added a good 2.something onto my day. It was neat to see the dam from the river below, but the hike up the large hill in the heat was a bit rough. I will try to remember the good parts, like hiking next to the beautiful river, the green grass, and the butterflys flying around as I hiked along. Even a few flowers in bloom, oh so nice! Only to show up on the exact opposite side of the dam. I really did think about crossing it to see what would happen, I have heard rummor of a fine... but there was a good old police officer sitting right before it. BUMMER! After a short break by the dam I was off up the hill into the woods. On the short road walk up I ran into a Ridgerunner, we chatted for a while. He reminded me about the permit, as well as telling me that it was manditory that we sleep in shelters. He was a nice fellow, who wished me well. I continued on my way, up, up and away. I felt like I had been making good progress till I was able to see the firetower off in the distance. It was not close by any means... which means just keep walking. Once I got to the top of the mountain I was able to climb the sketchy fire tower. Usually I have a big fear of heights, (well actually of falling) but lately as I have been scaling these beasts Its getting better. This tower seemed so so... but I made it to the top and it was Open... And oh what a view! After a lovely photo where I am hanging off part of the tower I was off again.I really thought I had it in me to hike on another 5 miles to the first shelter. But the .8 miles to the only campsite on the trail in GSMNP seemed to kick my butt, so I decided to call it a day. I am happy I did though because I have great company tonight. i trod, hi-lo, Aggy and Brad, Bahamma Dave, Hot wheels and shutter bug, aqua maria and eric, as well as the other brad. A fun crew to spend the first night in the Smokies. Some saw deer and even a bear today! While I saw nothing, I think the wild life tries to avoid me haha maybe I smell? We had a nice fire and now I am happily snugg in my tent.Good Night,Sun Beam
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Birch Spring Gap Campsite

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Another great night in my tent last night. I woke up to a bit of rain, but I stayed dry and it lulled me back to sleep. I heard itrod and hi-lo get up well before 8, so I tried to go back and "sleep in." Once I got everything in order I finally got outside and ate my breakfast. Lucky Charms are amazing on the trail! Thanks Mom! The campsite was a great place to stay last night. I was hearing wind but we were really protected down in the gap. Plus the water was really close. Overall I highly recommend it over Mollies Ridge Shelter (less crowded too.) There was a bit of a steep climb to begin with but after a while it wasn't too bad. I made it to Mollies Ridge Shelter around 11:30, by then the rain had started and the fog had set in. It was starting to get rather chilly too, when its cold you are less likely to stop for a break because once you stop moving your cold. Since I thought I was close to the shelter when the rain started I decided to not put my pack cover on and just keep moving. Lunch was what I needed to re-energize. The next shelter from Mollies was only 2.5 miles away; this made a great mid-point to my day. With the bad weather coming in I was happy to have a dry place to rest for a bit. The last 6 miles to the shelter were not so bad; I made great time even in the rain. I only had one minor mishap, when I was thinking of how cool it would be to see a bear... I rolled my ankle, and then fell onto my pole. It would have hurt a lot more had it been an inch higher as I hit my collar bone. No pain, no gain right? There was a bald or a field right before the shelter that was beautiful! It was so foggy out today you could hardly see anything but an open field was nice! The shelter is pretty full tonight; the tarp in the front keeps in some heat. We are all happy to be here that is for sure. It is still raining outside, even down poured for a while. Heard weather is supposed to be bad again tomorrow... but I have heard many stories about the Smokies... the weather is never usually nice haha. All part of the fun,Sun Beam
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today reminded me of being 10 and being at camp. It was so muddy, it was like the ¢mud hike¢ where we hiked through a bog. Only today¢s hike was on the AT, and it was not sunny haha. So once again, I survived the Mud Hike! It started out a little foggy, and later it rained. It did a lot of on and off again rain throughout the day. I was able to get a little bit of a view as the clouds around me broke. It wasn¢t for more than 10 minutes, but I stopped and enjoyed the view. The 6.02 miles to Derricks Knob were rough, eventually I made it. I had taken my time so I was not expecting to see anyone in the shelter. I was wrong, there were plenty of folks there, everyone was trying to get warm and dry out a bit. Lunch was much needed and good, I sure was happy to take a rest.   The mud fest continued on for the next 5ish miles, if I wasn¢t slipping or sliding I was going up hill. I fell once and happily was not hurt. From the looks of the prints in the mud I wasn¢t the only acrobat on the trail today. I also ran into another Ridgerunner who said the shelter I was heading to was full, so I should stay at the closer one. He told me the weather, more rain¢¦ but It was okay, I actually enjoy hiking in the rain.    Finally I got to Siler¢s Bald Shelter, I sure have been having a blast with Brad and Aggy as well as the other Brad. We have been laughing it up, which helps brighten the rainy days. We joked about ¢Spooning people to death,¢ food, and of course falling down the poop hill. We¢ve had steady rain as well as a few thunder boomers passing through. There is a leak in the roof above me- hopefully I¢ll stay dry tonight.    I am hoping to make the big 12 mile push to Gatlinburg tomorrow for resupply and greasy food. Perhaps I may even stay a night in town to get out of the rain¢¦. Ohh food sounds so good right now!--Dreaming of A cheeseburger,SUN BEAM
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Newfound Gap- RT 441 

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

After lollygagging around town all morning we decided to zero. Yup we got pulled into the lure of Gatlinburg, the place I lovingly call ¢DOLLYWOOD!¢ I ate a decent second breakfast at the pancake house, where I had a ¢short stack¢ for the low price of 7.99 (WHAT A RIP!). My first breakfast consisted of leftover pizza from last night (I ordered a large all to myself.) While letting our bellies settle with all of the food overload, we watched a bit of trashy, but entertaining TV. From there it was off to do laundry and then eventually to the outfitters for some fuel. I lounged around in a tie-dye crazy creek by the foe campsite, as Brad and Aggie shopped.    For dinner the lot of us plus Bus Driver hit up the strip in town. We walked up and down the finest areas of Gatlinburg. There were all sorts of fun tourist traps and gimmicks to look at. It really was a bit of an overload for me, especially after the simplicity of the woods. We had fun people watching though, so it was all totally worth it. We ate dinner at a SHONEYS AYCE, and later hit up the Ben and Jerry¢s Ice Cream Shop where I got some yummy Phish food Ice Cream.   The night on the town ended where we listened to some amazing live bluegrass by a store called ¢The Happy Place.¢ I was stoked because I knew a few of the songs. My pal Brian B. gave me an amazing cd several years ago and they sang some of them. Haha so if you read this Brian I still rock out to Old Rocky Top!   I also bought a pair of scissors from the convenience store for the final act of the night. I had Bus Driver chop off a good 8 inches of hair to celebrate my 200 mile victory. Long hair is a hassle on the trail anyway so after the initial shock I was and am VERY happy to have short hair. It fits nicely behind my ears? and It will be easy in the hot weather! Tomorrow it is back to the trail, I am very happy to be getting out of this commercial Mecca. Life on the trail is much simpler and much more inexpensive~! Short Haired Gal,Sun Beam
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

WOW! There really are beautiful views in the Smokies and on the AT. Today the sun finally came out and what a difference it made. I heart the sun!    I decided once again to sleep in, now really since I do it all the time are you shocked? Once I finally got out of the motel room it was 9:45, I made a quick stop at the convenience store for some final snacks and food items. And poof, Bus Driver, Brad, Aggie, and myself were all out hitch¢n out of town. Pretty much after we passed a set of traffic lights we all put our thumbs out (kind of as a joke) and poof we had the first truck pull over and give us a ride back into the park. The ride up was much different than the ride down as we were actually able to see things. The park was beautiful man waterfalls and rivers flowing next to the road. I guess that is what happens when the sun comes out.    Finally back at the Gap we became celebrities! A tour bus from Canada Stopped and out popped several tourists with cameras and questions. I just soaked it up it was great! Several folks though we were crazy while others said they wished they could do it. (you can, anyone can get out here!)    The first stop was Ice Water Spring Shelter- only a short 3 miles up the trail. After a quick lunch it was off to Charles Bunion. This is a beautiful outcropping of rocks with a grand view. We took so many pictures there and just hung out. It¢s nice when the weather cooperates with you ha-ha. The rest of the hike was along a ridgeline, views from both sides I really enjoyed hiking today. With the views time flew by, before I knew it I made it to my destination.       I was the first one in so I looked around for a while and eventually took some time down by the spring- which created a nice small stream. It was so peaceful, exactly the opposite of Dollywood. I love the woods.    Tonight we are joined by two teachers on their spring breaks from Atlanta and FL, as well as Dorothy a mile hungry section hiker from NH. She left Springer on the 28th and already made it here¢¦ that is nuts! More power to her though!    A happy hiker,   Sun Beam
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Damascus, VA

To: Vanderventure Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Made a big push today because my legs were feeling really strong. Rain welcomed in the new day- must be a cold front as the weather turned very chilly. I was hiking next to the river a lot of the day which rocked. Several areas were buldging with all the extra rain water. It was pretty especially near the big walking bridges they had for us. From there the big push was up "Pond Flats" a very large mountain with many false summits. Several times I thought I was at the top but since it was sooo foggy I was often wrong. I took a lot of breaks today and thus the climb really wasnt that bad. The down part was quite easy as there were plenty of switchbacks and gentle slopes. When I reached Shook Branch Recreation area I was excited by the chance to use a bathroom with running water and soap! I ran into "Site" there who said it was only .5 to the shelter from the Rec area, (he was wrong it was actually 1.5 but it happens haha.) I ended up walking around Watuga Lake and near several dirty campsites. It seems the locals like to party in the camping areas. Finally I reached the sign for the shelter, the funny thing was it was pointing towards a raging stream that I needed to cross to get there. I took this as a challenge, and only got a little wet rock hopping to get over it. At the shelter I found THe Walrus and Bus Driver in their sleeping bags. BD was really sick and Walrus was just trying to get warm. I ate my lunch there and pushed on. Several hikers are comming down with some form or another of sickness. I am trying really hard to avoid this at all costs. Lots of vitamins and airborn to hopefully ward off illness. I also try to stay away from sleeping near the sick folks. As I continued on the sun attempted to come out just as I passed over the Watuga Dam. It was a really cool area with many low clouds and beautiful scenery. I was able to see a different view of the lake which was nice. I hiked alone for the rest of the day finding nice places to take breaks. One spot was a grassy area next to a road. I seem to have a new love of the green lush grass. I especially enjoy laying on it in a hot day haha. The peacefullness of the day was nicely offset by the company of good people. Site, Brown Bag, v8, and Auntie Mame brought about good conversation and a great evening. I had to break out my winter clothing again though, as it seems to be getting really chilly. Hopefully I can stay warm.Freezing Hiker,Sun Beam
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Vanderventure Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

Yeozah, all of a sudden it is winter again. Last night the rain switched to Thunderstorms and then became snow and ice. It was very odd but I was very happy in the shelter. My bag kept me nice and toasty yet again. The warmth of my bag also made it a nice place to hang out in untill 11.. yup I know my laziness is getting a bit out of control. But who would want to hike in the cold after being spoiled with lovely weather?My motivation was low all day, but I knew I could reach the miles as the trail wasnt too much of an up and down. The best part of today was an amazing feild with a park bench in the middle. Thew view from the bench was amazing plus it seemed like a nice and sunny spot for a break. This seemed to really perk me up and thus the next few miles to the shelter were lovely. I reached the shelter at a respectable 6:30, made myself some yummy dinner. Then I fought with my bear bag line. First I got it in a weird spot that was not the right distance or anything... then I couldnt get it in the spot again. B.D. and Brown Bag laughed at me so I moved away. Only to get stuck in another bad spot. My binner was stuck up there for 20 plus minutes. In my frustration I finally figured out how to get it unstuck... ductape and my treking pole plus a branch. All was well and I was happy. Sometimes you have to have the problem days to make the great days that much better. Peace,Sun Beam