morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: moderate rain

Well it did rain extremely hard all night long. I prayed for it to stop, but it did not. It rained so hard so long that it started to flood our tent, which I had never seen before. We stayed mostly dry atop our sleeping pads, but the tent got drenched, along with part of our sleeping quilt and the bottom of our packs. I had a hard time getting ready to go, but since Nepsis had to go pee, we got up. Thankfully, it was only lightly raining by then, and we packed all of our wet and heavy things away to get going. Once we got back on the Trail, it felt like we were walking in a creek. The water filled the path, rushing down it as we tried to walk around the small stream as best we could. Eventually, the rain died all the way down, but a cold and wet mist hung in the air all day long. It was as if we were walking through a cloud. Inevitably, my shoes got soaked, leading to my socks getting soaked, leading to my feet getting soaked. My morale hit rock bottom and I moved very slowly. We crossed the only road in the Smokies on the Appalachian Trail and stood by it for a long time, contemplating hitching into Gatlinburg or another town for some more food and a respite from the wetness. Eventually we worked up the courage just to move on, because we really didn't have the time to go into town. I thought about how I was is more miserable situations many times during my stint with the Marines, but my morale barely wavered there. I think it was because I knew there was no choice there. Out here I have complete control. I could stop any time I want. The freedom of choice is terribly enslaving. We planned to go much further, but had to stop at Icewater Spring Shelter because of our morale situation. Thankfully, there were only a few hikers there so we finally got a spot inside the shelter and wouldn't have to set up our soaking wet tent. After a few hours more hikers showed up with some much needed Trail Magic! We were too early to catch it at the road we had crossed earlier, but the trail angels had only seen two hikers so they shoved a bunch of extra food in their packs and told them to give it to other hikers. They gave us cold corn dogs, Capri-Suns, honey buns, and other Little Debbie snacks. It was heavenly and exactly what we needed to get through the Smokies without having to ration our food intake to so little every day. Another hikers also gave us a handful of mini Crunch bars because he had too many. Our day ended happily, as we slept in the warm, dry, shelter with packs full again with food.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: broken clouds

We woke up early knowing we had a lot of ground to make up. The day wasn't as cold as it had been, but all views were blocked by a layer of white. We were still walking through the clouds. We pushed ourselves all day through the mountains until we arrived late at Cosby Knob Shelter. There was no room inside and when we asked if we could be squeezed in we were responded with silence. That was disappointing, so we cowboy camped right between the shelter and the picnic table. Our tent was still drenched. The hike wasn't too bad and we were happy knowing we would finish the Smokies the next day and get to spend a couploe of days with some old friends!
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: I-40
Miles today: 9.9

We woke up early and packed up our things before anyone else woke up and stepped on us. As we walked out of the Smokies we noticed a thin layer of snow on the ground. We practically ran down the mountain to get out of the Smokies and with excitement of seeing my friends, who I had not seen in almost six years. When we were all the way off the mountain, just before crossing Pigeon River, two ladies had set up some snacks and sandwiches as trail magic. We didn't eat too much since we were about to get off the Trail and were on our way. We got to where the Trail passes I-40 in the afternoon and waited to be picked up. Gabe, and his wife Becky, were my RAs at the boarding school I went to in Germany. Gabe drove two hours to pick us up with his three year old son I had never met. You know you're dealing with good people when they're willing to drive so far to pick you up. We caught up on things on the drive back and after showers we had a delicious taco dinner, made by Becky. It was great seeing them both and meeting their son and ten month old daughter. After dinner we hung out in their backyard. It was very restful and fun to watch a young family interact. It made me really look forward to growing closer to Nepsis and one day having some children. After the kids were in bed we had apple strudel in honor of our German heritage and chatted a bit before we went to bed.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: I-40

To: I-40
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We woke up and were soon off to a day in Charlotte! It was great to take a zero away from the Trail culture for awhile. We stopped by Bojangles to have a southern fast food experience complete with biscuit sandwiches. Gabe and Becky had a few errands to run throughout the day and Nepsis and I spent a few hours in the morning at a park with Becky and the kids. Then we had another southern experience for lunch at Sauceman's where we had BBQ, hush puppies, and other southern standards. It was incredible, but our stomachs have shrunk on the Trail and we couldn't finish it all. After that, they dropped us off at a movie theater so we could see The Grand Budapest Hotel which really took us away from the Trail. After that we went to the nearby Starbucks to do some more blogging before Gabe picked us up to pick up dinner at Zoe's Kitchen, a sort of Qdoba for Mediterranean food. We brought it to another park and ate. We didn't have much time for blogging all day, but it was very restful. Blogging takes a lot more time than I thought it would, but ultimately I think it is good to do, as a good record of out time on the Trail if for nothing else. Back at their home, we stayed up late talking to Gabe and Becky around the dining room table. Just like back at the dorm! It is amazing how good it feels just to sit and talk to good friends when we haven't lived with anyone close for almost two years since we were in college.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: I-40

To: Painter Branch Campsite
Miles today: 2.9

We woke up a little bit later than when we are used to getting up on the Trail and had a great oatmeal breakfast before Gabe took us to Aldi to buy food. Since it was so cheap we thought we would buy a little more than we needed since it was so much cheaper than small-town grocery stores or outfitters. We went back and ate homemade chicken nuggets and potatoes by Becky. Afterward, we took a photo of us all and said goodbye before Gabe took us back to the Trail. It was late afternoon so we just decided to hike a little bit, and boy was it difficult. It was all up and I think we bought too much food. Our packs felt really heavy and it was quite the climb. Soon we found a campsite near Painter Branch and went to sleep.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Painter Branch Campsite

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

We woke up and made the rest of the climb up Snowbird Mountain. The going was a bit slow, but we made it up and down the mountain before going up to Max Patch. Max Patch was a wonderfully beautiful grassy bald. It was like a humongous field on top of a mountain with great views all around. We sat up there and had dinner and enjoyed the grass and views for about an hour before walking down to Roaring Fork Shelter to sleep.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike was much easier since we had lightened our packs by eating our food and got used to hiking again after our break from the Trail. We still took several breaks, but made it to Deer Park Mountain Shelter with enough time to hang out a lot with two other hikers named Oconee and Wreaking Ball. We decided not to go into the nearby Hot Springs so that we could have all day there the next day. It was really warm as we tried to sleep in the shelter, but eventually we fell asleep.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2

We left the shelter early so we could be one of the first to arrive in Hot Springs, our first town that the trail itself actually runs right through, and secure a place to stay. The Hostel at Laughing Heart was the very first business coming off the mountain and we quickly found Chuck Norris, who allowed us to use the three-person bunkroom as a private room. All the other private rooms were few and there was only a few spots left in the large bunkroom. It was good that we were the first ones to get there in the morning. Hot Springs had a total population of 637 and it was less than one mile from one edge of town to the other. Still, Main Street was full of all the quaint little shops thru-hikers enjoy. After showering we went to the Hiker's Ridge Ministry for some free snacks and were told there to go to the Take Out for lunch. That was a very small store and restaurant and we both got lunches that were too big for us to finish. We spent several hours at the local library updating our blogs on actual computers. We resupplied most of our food at the local outfitter, where the scale also told me that I had lost ten pounds since beginning our thru-hike. The outfitter had these delicious high-calorie bars that are tons tastier than Clif Bars. They were called B!g Sur Bars and we hope we can find them other places along the way too. We bought some more food at Dollar General, but every place we went was completely sold out of bagels so we got crackers instead. We went back to the hostel to drop off our groceries and hung out with other hikers for some time. A lot of them we keep running into and have gotten to know them a little bit. There's J-Walk, Willy Wonka, Silver Stag, and Fromage. The Pope and Muriel showed up, who we hadn't seen since one of our first days on the Trail, so we went to a local diner with them for dinner. As we were finishing up our meals the waitress came over with four portions of extra cobbler she gave to us for free. As with most of the young thru-hikers, the Pope and Muriel are on a strict budget and since Nepsis and I have saved a lot of money we decided to pay for their dinner, despite their protests. As one of my good friends once told me, "The Lord blesses so that others might be blessed through you." That night, it took me a long time to fall asleep. For half an hour I really felt like I was on the verge of throwing up and I don't know why. Maybe I ate too much, but I'd like to think that my body is very strong and fought a tough battle against something bad in my system, and after thirty minutes was ultimately victorious.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jones Meadow
Miles today: 10.7

We didn't leave our tent early, but eventually ventured out into the cold to get hiking. A few miles in we started up the long ascent of Camp Creek Bald. It was slow going and very tiring. It took us most of the day and although we had planned to go much further we set up camp at Jones Meadow.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Jones Meadow

To: Big Flat
Miles today: 17.2

A few miles into our hike we started climbing through the Firescald which were massive, medium-sized, and small rocks we had to maneuver over for a mile and a half. It was a great change of pace. We actually had to use our hands to climb over and squeeze through some of the rock formations and at the top there was impressive views. It was a little bit of actual mountain climbing rather than hiking up a mountain path. Just beyond this we passed our 300-mile mark. After that we climbed up Big Butt Mountain which had two large rocks at the top that were positioned in such a way that they looked like a big butt. A few miles further was on old memorial   for the Shelton Laurel Massacre where a Confederate Lieutenant-Colonel executed thirteen civilians he suspected on Unionism, including three boys. We moved on, trying to cover as much ground as we could since we didn't go as far as planned the day previous and ended up camping near the Big Flat.
Date: 2014-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am so excited. We leave tomorrow morning to drive to Atlanta, GA. We will stay with my sister and celebrate my 60th birthday on April 4. Then I start my hike on April 8. I am blessed to have so many supportive friends and family. We have had non-stop celebrations this last week. Many dinners at the Doyle (my favorite restaurant!). I'm feeling more confident by the day. I know my gear, I've done this all before. And this time I have the best pit crew ever! Now to get this show on the road!
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Still cool and windy but no rain. Got to count your blessings! Met a nice woman hiker named Mary from Ohio. No trail name yet. Slept in my tent at same spot I did in 2008. Got down to 31 degrees and I was cold. But all is good!
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek Campground
Miles today: 8.5

Getting warmer. Got a nice surprise when George camped at Woody Gap and hiked in to catch us on the trail. He was hiding behind a tree taking my picture when I saw him. Then we stopped at motorhome for a nice cold coke before we hiked on. We stopped at a well known camp site today to avoid having to do 15.9 miles over Blood Mountain into Neels Gap. The area from Jarrod Gap to Neels Gap is bear canister only because of the aggressive bear population. The camp site was nice and I met several section hikers as well as some thru-hikers (Katie, 2 German guys). Met a man named No Regrets carrying a lot of weight (excess gear). Hope he gets a shake down at Neels Gap so he can complete his dream. Bear bagging our food sacks was iffy so I hope the bears don't expand their territory!
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Lance Creek Campground

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4

Easy hike over Blood Mountain into Neels Gap. There is a hiker resupply store at Neels Gap. The weather is getting warmer. We had a sunny lunch on top of Blood Mountain on a rock. Then I was ready to go down to meet George. He surprised me part of the way down. But went back to help Paralee and Mary. What a great guy I'm married too. Spent the night in the motorhome with George and Paralee. Nice hot shower, real bed. Life doesn't get any better than this!
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Neels Gap

To: 1.5 miles past Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Another George siting! He was waiting for me at Tesnatee Gap. People up and down the trail are getting to know George (and me by association)! I think he is liking this too much! I stayed about a mile past Low Gap Shelter. Met Slim (from Boston) at the shelter when I got water. Then hiked on. I set up camp alone but was joined by three guys from NC. Unsure, Ashley and Rob. Next morning they said it was Ashley's birthday. So I gave him a small candy bar. So hot that night that I slept in t-shirt and shorts.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: 1.5 miles past Low Gap Shelter

To: Trey Moutain Shelter
Miles today: 14.6

Another George siting! Going to name him Waldo (as in Where's Waldo). He is really getting know all the hikers too. I'm becoming well known as George's wife Sherpa Mom. Rocky, a hiker from WI, that is doing the trail using two cars and slack packing told George that today would be very tough for me so George carried my bag down into Unicoi Gap and then back up the mountain. I'm getting spoiled! We had a nice gathering with all the hikers at the motorhome in Unicoi too. Met Blaze and Jukebox, Moose and Teton, and others. Helped a few hikers with gear issues and just enjoyed everyone. Rained a little during the night, very windy. Bad storm coming tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Trey Moutain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Much easier day, only two mountains to climb. When George met me I didn't even want him to take my pack. It started raining hard about 45 minutes before we made it back to the motorhome. We were both soaked. But a hot shower and dry clothes fixed everything! Saw Mud Brick at the parking lot. He had slack packed south to Dicks Creek Gap and was going to zero tomorrow. They are calling for lots of rain and temps in the 20's at night tomorrow. May zero. Going to wait and see how bad it gets. I almost enjoyed the rain because it kept me from getting so hot. Thought for today: Where ever you are, be all there. I try to enjoy the moment be it hot, cold, rain or wind. Look at the flowers and scenery. Not always think of what is coming next or where I want to be. Apply that to your life too!
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Wet and cold. Taking a zero day. (No hiking) Will get caught up on my town chores and rest. Tomorrow will be dry but cool and tomorrow night is going to be below freezing. Gotta pack my warm gear. Ugh a heavy load. When I leave I won't see George for 4 days. Miss my Waldo!
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 15.8

My trail angel (George) hiked me out about 3 miles, over two humps, carrying my pack. Made it possible for me to do more miles. We met Shepard again hiking with her 3 little dogs. She's doing the trail her way and enjoying it! I got into camp around 5:30 but it was cool because I didn't have to cook. I hiked out a sandwich and chips for supper. It was cold, around 28 degrees. I was nestled in my tent by 6:30 enjoying a book on tape on my ipod. All is good!
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Deep Gap

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 12.2

I crossed my first state border today! 1 down, 13 to go. Took it easy, hiked slower, enjoyed the views. Got into camp around 4pm. Hiked with Paws, a man from Cape Cod with his chocolate lab Hanna. What a sweet dog!Gotta tell you about a hiker named Rocky. He is from Wisconsin, has long hair and pigtails, wears a kilt. He is doing a NOBO self shuttle with two cars. He parks one North then hikes South the to other one. So we see him every day. George has gotten to know him from being parked near him. If you met him in town you would judge him by looks and never guess the great caring man he is. But we all know and love him! Last night he took George up the mountain to find me at my camp site. What a surprise and great Waldo moment! We all sat around the campfire and laughed. Then they drove off and we went to bed.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Crossed the 100 mile mark today. Just need to do this 20 more times. I think I can do it! Another easy day. Into MH by 2:30.Today George hiked in 6.5 miles to meet me. He took my pack and hiked me out. How I love this man! He is getting to know all my hiker friends and enjoying the camaraderie too. In the motorhome for the night parked at Winding Stair Gap. Cold, windy and may rain. Loving this!Met On Purpose (Maine), Stitches (SOBO 2012). Saw Rocky again. You know life would be so much better if we could judge less and love more. I have so much time to think while I hike!
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6

Beautiful day for hiking - cool and misty. I slack-packed for the first time. Waldo is meeting me at Burningtown Gap with the motorhome. That way I can do Winding Stair Gap to Nantahala Outdoor Center in two longer days. I climbed two mountains over 1000 ft and two other smaller bumps, probably climbed 10 out of the 14 miles. But without a pack it was easy! Saw few hikers all day. Most stayed in Franklin. Waldo popped up at Wayah Gap with a cold coke and a nice spot to lunch. Love that man! We parked the motorhome so close to the trail you could touch it while hiking in. Lt Dan and gang came by. We gave them a coke. Ben too. At 2am next morning a van pulled up and a bunch of hikers got out, hiking south. Not sure if they were doing some amazing trail magic (Easter Sunday) or just crazy!
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 12.9

Got out on the rail by 7:30am. Waldo wanted to move motorhome before other hikers filled parking lot. Slack packed again. Loving this! The hike was pretty easy. Stopped at Wesser Bald fire tower for lunch. Waldo tried to get to me at Telico Gap but almost got the motorhome stuck on a muddy dirt road. Coming off the Bald it seemed like I was going down and around every mountain in the state. I could hear the road or hikers below me then the trail would turn and go around the mountain. I was getting frustrated, wanting to be in the NOC with George. Then I remembered "Where ever you are, be all there". You can't change the trail, so why fight it. Also it was a beautiful sunny warm day and why would I want to rush into an overcrowded retail resort? I slowed down and enjoyed it. Then the time went quickly. Spending the night at my dear friend Paralee Hayward's house. She was my trail angel in 2011 and is my trail angel again. Waldo will spend the day tomorrow golfing with her husband Ed and I will hike on. Tough job but someone has to do it!Also spent the last few days going over lots of good memories and thinking of my many trail friends. Remembering hiking pizza and wine into Siler Bald Shelter with Low, Pegasus and Unicorn. Staying at Paralee's with Chaco and Sketcher. Miss all my old friends but loving making new ones!
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Campsite
Miles today: 10.3

After a great night at Paralee's house we headed up the long climb (3300 feet) out of the NOC. Paralee hiked with me for about 4 miles. It was pretty warm and the views were wonderful. We had a quick lunch and then parted ways. That is when the going got tough. It took me two more hours to climb to the top of Cheoah Bald. I ate lunch #2 on top of the bald. Talked to Hendoah and Hendoah's Mom. Hendoah is a 20 year army woman hiking off the war. Wish her well. Cool that her mom is there to help her! Saw Ben on top, took pictures and headed down. I made it to camp (2.5 miles past the bald) around 4pm. I was beat. Ate my supper and was sacked out in tent by 6:00pm. I camped with Timber (nice young man), Hendoah and her mom, and another two guys that came into camp later and I never met them. But they hung an Army Strong and a Don't Tread on Me flag over camp. Guess it was a night for Army vets and family!
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Locust Cove Campsite

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: moderate rain

Hike 3.1 miles from campsite to Stecoah Gap. Guess who popped up on the way in. Waldo! He took my pack and hiked me in to the motorhome at the gap. It was misting and starting to rain. But once we got into the motorhome it really let down. Sweet! I spent two hours in the MH eating breakfast #2 and enjoying the break. Then around noon Waldo took my pack and hiked me out 2.5 miles. What a great Sherpa he is! I continued to hike another 6 miles to the shelter in the rain. But it was good. Got in around 4pm, set up camp, ate my 2 sandwiches from the MH visit, talked to some other hikers and went to my tent by 7pm.I realized my mom was wrong, it is GOOD to walk in the rain. So peaceful and keeps you cool. And walking in mud is good too. So soft on your feet. And I've finally gotten the hiker appetite. I have breakfast #1 & #2, same for lunch, a good dinner and then I'm hungry in the middle of the night. Finally I can eat all I want and not gain weight!