morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-19
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

Last night I slept very poorly, but most did. The shlters in the smokies have chin linked fences to keep out the bears. Someone put plastic tarps across the fence to block the wind. The wind whipped all night and made it sound like it was storming. Most of my stuff was wet this morning, such as my food bag that I had hung on the bear cables. Usually everyone is up by bout 7 a.m. Everyone slept in until after 8 today. The bad weather doesn't make you want to get up. We were all moving slow this morning.The highlight of the day was when Hot Poles and I crossed over Rocky Top and Thunderhead. The tops were exposed and reminded me of the White Mountains. No trees for protection from the elements. The winds were about 40 mph and we thought we were gonna get blown away. Add in fog and drizzle and it makes for an interesting climb and day's walk.We got here to find an almost full shlter at 3 plm. We accomodated everyone else who continued to pour in. Twenty two people are here tonight, including four on the floor. Also Heald and Red and two others are in their tents. It is very warm, with a fire and all these bodies.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Eckville shelter

To: Tripoli campsite
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Our morning began with a descent, unusual because we generally head uphill after sleeping near a water source, but today we went down into a drainage where we were startled to see a "feral" chicken appearing well-fed and happy, but miles from any residence. When we had made it up about 800 feet we encountered rocks. We were at Hawk Mountain and there were tents wherever there was a flatish spot, quite a weekend destination. The rock fields were extensive and it took forever to cross them as we continued to climb. The views at the Pulpit were beautiful, but it was crowded with locals. We saw lots of day hikers, but the footing was so difficult we really had to focus to avoid injury rather than visit. We were delighted to make it to Allentown Hiking Club Shelter for a break. The shelter looks brand new and has a checker board painted on the floor. But it featured something even more attractive, a couple of soft folding chairs. I sat until I felt guilty about hogging this luxury from Twigs, Daddy Longlegs and Paraguay. The water source here is a couple of tenths downhill so we didn't refill, hoping the day wouldn't get too hot or the terrain too difficult. In fact, the next miles were on well-blazed woods roads and absolutely level and the water source for the shelter was just off the trail 2 tenths further on. We met Sunshine and Not Yet here and learned that her parents were doing trail magic at the parking lot before Bake Oven Knob. Not in our plans for today. We were almost at PA 309 when we met two ladies of very advanced years from Florida. They have been sectioning the AT for 18 years and figured they would finish in just 2 more. What an inspiration! As we stepped out onto the road sholder we could see The Blue Mountain Summit B&B just down the road. We had planned on staying here and had a resupply box waiting, but the B&B was closed this weekend while the owners went to a wedding out of town. It didn't really matter because the restaurant was open and we chowed down on great Broccoli, Potato and Cheddar Soup, a house specialty, and quesadillas. We learned that the husband of one of the older ladies we had passed was Bernie the Whittler and had made whistles and stick figures for hikers, but he had moved on in his van to meet the women. The back yard was a lovely, shaded field that was available for camping, but it was only 2:00. We wandered back to the picnic table and both of us napped in the grass. We awoke so refreshed and rested and slowly gathered our things, filled our water bottles and ordered grilled cheese sandwiches to go. BB and Flow and Stripe were just leaving too while Pants-a-Lot and Sunshine and Not Yet had left earlier, rushing to get to trail magic. It is so great to be able to take advantage of nearby civilized society (meaning food). We had a quick and easy walk to the new Tripoli Campsite where we met a group of young men roasting a pig for a bachelor party. They invited us to share and it was truly the best pork I have ever had in my life! I was stuffed and sat up late (8:30) talking around a campfire.
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Today started out rainy and cold. Seems there is a pattern in the Smokies. After a few minutes I was drenched from rain and sweat. We all took a break at the nice Slier Bald shelter. Journeyman decided to call it a day at 11:30. Red and Space Monkey were trying to convince us to call it a day or to hike 1.7 miles to the next shelter and call it a day. We were all cold and tired and wet and the idea was pretty enticing. However, we needed to be within good striking distance of Gatlinburg, Tennessess where we plan to stop for lunch and resupply. I have to send my boots home from there.I stopped at Double Springs Gap shelter to get some water, eat lunch and use the privy. Red was the only one who stayed back. The rest of us decided to press on. The rain stopped a bit and I started to warm up even in my wet clothes. I hiked the three miles up to Clingman's Dome alone and it was so peaceful. The surroundings changed for the first time. We were over 6000 feet and there were more boulders and roots and spruce trees. The air had that fresh X-mas tree smell. Started to remind me a bit of the Whites/Vermont/Adirondacks which made me yearn for the North. Guess I am just a Yankee stuck in the South.There were absolutely no views from the top of Clingman's, but we climbed the observation tower anyway. It is the highest elevation on the AT at 6643 feet. Technically speaking, it is all downhill from here. It's the hightest I have been on foot which is always a feat (bad pun, sorry). I had a hard hike today despite the second half being quite pleasant. I fell twice which always brings down the spirits. The Trail was an absolute stream all day. My socks and shoes were soaked and caked with mud. Some parts of the Trail resembled a river. We also saw our first snow coming down from Clingman's. Just small patches. I was just tired and frustrated all day but I made it through. The sun popped out at the end. The first time in a week I've seen the sun. This shelter is a half mile off the trail, but its in a very pretty area. I saw a rabbit right near the shelter and tried to chase him for a picture. Someone thought it was funny that I was making such a big deal over a rabbit, but we do not have them in Brooklyn, so I guess it was very cool to me! Tomorrow the first day of spring - well see what Mother NAture has in store.
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

What a difference a day makes! Today the sun came out as we woke, appropriately enough as today is the first day of Spring. We hiked the 4.5 miles to Newfound Gap very quickly. Amazing how fast your hike when town food is dancing around in your head.Everyone was ahead of me except Dimples and when I arrived at the Gap they were all sitting around in lawn chairs, eathing food. Trail Magic. Thanks so much to Mary Jane and Janice. They fed me, Heald, Donkey, Cannoli, Hot Poles, Monkey, Dimples and Brendon, chili, brownies, yogurt, furit, chocolate, chocolate milk, and more. It was so unexpected. We were on the way to town with full stomachs.Brendon and I hitched a ride with two guys from NY. One from the Bronx, the other from Rockland County. They were in Tennessee for a bowling tournament. They drove us the 15 miles to Gatlinburg. We all met and had lunch at the Smokey Mountain Brewery. Everyone with the exception of myself drank beers. I just had a salad. I have been craving veggies for a while. Later I went to KFC for a popcorn chicken box. We spent a couple of hours at the Outfitter - the Happy Hiker. I sent my boots home from thre. I am very pleased with my trail runners. I also re supplied for the next 2-3 days until I pick up my box at Standing Bear Hostel. We didn't leave Gatlinburg until after 4 p.m. We had a difficult time hitching. It is hard to find someone who will pick up six hikers. The police stopped and told us it was illegal to hitchhike, but decided to let us go without a fine. It was getting cloudy and the clock was ticking and I thought we were going to be stuck in G-Burg. Finally, an older biker couple picked us up and we all crammed into the back of their pickup. We froze on the way up.We climbed 300 feet and the late afternoon mountain air was chilly. They dropped us off and I hiked alone. It was so cold. I had to start moving. And moving is what I did. I covered the three miles in under an hour. The Trail here is beautiful. The ridge climbed to 6000 feet and for once I got outstanding views. I was alone and the sun was going down and I was in heaven. Stopped to take apicture. I think this has been my favorite part of the Trail so far. I got here and expected it to be packed, but only Red was here and a couple of weekenders.   The shelter is really nice and area around is gorgeous. Its really cold tonite. We are at 5920 elevation. The highest we have camped. I'm absolutely in love with the Smokies and couldn't be happier.
Date: 2003-03-22
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today was the way the SMokies should be. A whole day of beautiful views and ridgewalking along cliffs 5000-6400 feet. We watched as the clouds lifted and the sun shone. We had views on both sides of the moutnain. At one point there were clouds and fog to our left and sunny skies to the right - fantastic scenery. I've loved the northern part of the Park. Lots of cliffs, ridgewalking, and fragile vegetation. Sure beats walking through a forest in my opinion. We really cruised all day. We arrived at the shelter at 3:10 and just relaxed. The sun was shining so I went out on the grass and read Ishmael. Its a really good book and very appropriate for being out here. It was so relaxing to soak up the rays, listen to my music and read. I would have pushed on but the next shelter is 7.7 miles away. Woulda made today a 20.5 miles day. Too long. Tomorrow we are going to go at least 15 miles. I will probably stop in at Standing Bear Hostel to pick up my maildrop - most of the crew wants to press on to Hot Springs. It's gonna be another 3 1/2 or 4 days until we get there.Today was a really pleasant day. Dimples and I walked along all day. We took some nice breaks. I can't explain bu the mood of the day was so nice - the weather, the pace, the company - spring is starting to kick in. We saw a bunch of Juncos. they are always on the Trail. I also saw a grouse in the bushes. First we thought it was a pheasant. Looking forward to spotting more wildlife in the future.A lot of people we have been walking with are a day or so ahead. It's tough. They leave entries telling us to catch up. The phrase "Hike your own hike" is really prominent. As much as I want to see some of my Trail buddies, I gotta hike this hike for myself. I'm loving the pace we've been going and when the time is right we will increase the miles. I think its important to enjoy the trip, remember what I'm seeing and doing - some people are way too obsessed with miles. That's not why I am out here. I am loving it though.
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Filbert B&B, Danielsville

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We had a zero day which began with a fabulous breakfast omelet, fruit and toast and some very good coffee. Kathy shared some of her past and her goals for the future as she drove us all the way back to our starting point for this section. We were sorry to see her leave, but we will stay with her again when we return to the north. We spent the afternoon at Cabellas where we both got new shoes. Dirtdog had bought Keenes just 4 days ago and they were already delaminating and my feet were a sorry mess from shoes that really didn't fit so we had some serious shopping to do. His shoes were easily returned and Nathan made many trips into the back room to find the perfect pair for me. DirtDog did some trail magic picking up and driving hikers wherever they needed to go while i worked on this journal. We had had such a good lunch at Red Robin that we went there for dinner too. Then we cruised over to the Pavillion at Port Clinton to find out how many hikers would be there because DirtDog had planned a big treat of Egg McMuffins and hot coffee to help the hikers get started on their next day. McDonalds opens early so we went and paid for everything tonight and left plans to pick up the goodies at 5:45.
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was an awesome day! Last night was so cold though - slept very poorly. We wokd up and everything was frosty - ice and dew on the grass. The shelter roof started to leak - I don't know if it was condensation or dew. I left at 8:30 and hiked alone all day. I hiked listening to music for the first time. It was pretty funny. It was a beautiful day - and pretty easy walking. Amazing vews from Sun up Knob. Monkey and I sat there and watched hawks soar back and forth. Absolutely breathtaking. I arrived at Davenport Gap Shelter at 2:20 where we planned to stay for the night. 14.8 miles at such an early hour. Heald, Monkey and I were sitting in the shelter debating what to do. An elder couple walked up the shelter and offered to drive us to Mount Momar store. I intended to skip this place. It is 1.3 miles off the Trail and has rubbed hikers the wrong way. It has a reputation for great big cheeseburgers - so we had them on our minds. The couple brought us there but took an extremely long out of the way route there. We drove through a trailer park community with extreme poverty. It was real redneck mountain folk. An eyeopener for me. Well, the cheeseburger did not disappoint. We each ate one and fries and 24 oz. Mountain Dew. We were in a comma afterwards. Just when Heald bought some snacks for the others, in walked Dimples, Hot Poles and Sugar Daddy. They read our note and caught a ride. The couple who drove us decided to stick around until we were done eating. They drove all six of us back to the Trail. We limped another mile to a beautiful campsite next to a creek. This was my longest day yet! We all camped under the stars tonite. No tents. It's great to be camped at 1650 feet instead of 6000 feet. We have a sweet fire going. stopping at Standing Bear Hostel in the a.m. to pick up my mail drop.
Date: 2013-06-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today is another zero day which began with the delivery of breakfast to the group at the pavillion at Port Clinton and it was great to hear their surprise and gratitude at such a good start to the day. We spent the morning lazing about, organizing gear and running errands and then had one more good meal at Red Robin before we headed down to Jonestown to wait for Spike's arrival tomorrow and the start of our next adventure.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Max Patch

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning we got out of our tents and watched the sun come up at 6 a.m. Another amazing experience. We are just perched on top of everything surrounding us. Started hiking at 7:30, our earliest start. Plan was to make it to Deer Park Mountain shelter. 17 miles. That way, we'd only have three miles in the morning. It was another really hot day. Really feels like spring. Birds are singing and the bugs are coming out. I actually saw a lot of bees out. I drank 4 liters of water and felt dehydrated all day. I usually drink about 2 a day. When I finally reached the shelter I was dead tired. But the prospect of doing my first 20 mile day was very tempting. Hot Poles and Space Monkey had food and beer on their minds and the pull of town was very tempting. Didn't take much to twist Dimples', Heald's and Brendan's arms either. The six of us set down the Trail and hit down the Trail in a single line and hit town in time for supper at SMoky Mountain Diner. Tomorrow we'll take a zero day. 52 miles in the past 3 days is pushing it a little too much. We saw a dead vulture on the Trail coming into town. It was pretty unappetizing especially with dinner on the horizon.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Our morning dawned sunny and refreshingly cool. The walking was easy and Spike and SweetPea set a quick pace. Consequently, we were at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park by noon, in time for sandwiches from the General Store. Crazy Horse drove up and bent our ears with many stories for a long time. Dirt Dog and I went to visit the AT Museum and the shelter Earl Shaffer built. I remembered this shelter from '04 which was originally situated north of the Peters Mountain shelter. We watched the hikers participate in the 'half gallon challenge,' an attempt to eat a half gallon of ice cream at a sitting. They all succeeded and soon returned to the store for burgers and fries. After hiking so many miles most of them are in a state of semi-starvation and there is no such thing as too many calories. Now the half gallon is only 3 cups, rather than the 4 that make a real half-gallon. Very impressive, in any case. We moved over to the porch of the Ironmasters Mansion, our destination for the night to pass the afternoon napping and reading. The hostel doesn't open until 5 pm and the dinner that is available is just a tv dinner, so we jumped at the chance to go to a motel if we could be picked up. Spike spotted the ad on a note board at the end of the porch and we were soon picked up by Cindy from the Holly Inn in Mt. Holly Springs. This inn had begun as a stagecoach stop in the 1700s and this building was constructed in the 1880s. The showers and nearby laundry were outstanding and the dinner in the tavern was prime rib and was delicious. This is a stop I would make again as I think it's important to patronize the businesses that go out of their way for hikers.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Taking a much needed zero day in Hot Springs, NC. Staying at Elmers Inn tonight. Lots of people in town-Dimples, Space Monkey, Heald, Hot Poles, Subman, Journeyman, Java, Grunt, Earlyriser and lots more. Having a great time. I did very little today. Not a whole lot to do in these small towns, which is a good thing because my body needs the rest. I did walk the AT many times today, as the Trail skirts Main Street. Did laundry, grocery shopped and spent time at the Outfitter checking out gear. I bought a new journal as I've already filled the first one. Tonight I'm staying at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. Its a beautiful Victorian house run by Elmer Hall. He also has an organic farm and cooks delicious vegetarian meals. This place is heaven. There is even a music room complete with piano, guitar, banjo and a clarinet! We had a good old time last night and today playing around. After a fun and delicious community dinner we're headed down to the Paddler's Pub to celebrate Sugar Daddy's departure back to the real world tomorrow. There is a large crew of people in town, as we tend to convene only in towns. Can't wait to start hiking again. Oh and I ate at the Smokey Mountain Diner two more times today. Its a hikers paradise: cheapy, greasy, fatty foods served with a smile. One downer was the fact that Dimples had her clothing stolen from the laundromat, a real shame with this being such a quaint little mountain town. Just reaffirms the importance of being in the woods, away from the competitive society that we normally live in. We passed a hat around at Elmers and all the hikers were great about coughing up some cash for her to replace some stuff. I think people gave her extra gear too. Such a generous band of people.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: PA 94, Mt. Holly Springs
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: few clouds

DirtDog and I slept so well, even after a massive dinner last night and gulped down a good cup of coffee and a couple of bars so that we could be driven back to the trail for a slackpack. Cindy has made our stay so pleasant and we have decided to return! We had a beautiful walk in a mature forest with lovely pines (they gave us such a soft surface under our hot feet). It didn't take too long to get to the Green Mountain General Store where we consumed huge quantities of lemonade, tea and water along with delicious sandwiches. The day had become really hot and SweetPea had developed swelling and pain in her ankles. Since she has had 4 major surgeries on her right ankle this was a significant issue. An early afternoon pickup at PA 94 brought us back to the Inn where a wedding was in progress. We hand-washed a few pieces of laundry and hid out in our rooms, other than a quick walk to the Dollar Store, because the temp was in the 90s. We scrapped our plans to walk to an Italian restaurant because of SweetPea's feet and dined in the Tavern again. It was nearly deserted, as opposed to the sold-out evening before. Even though we haven't been on the trail for long, the appeal of going to sleep very early is irresistible.
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Spring Mt Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Dimples and I awoke at about 7:15 this morning and everyone else besides Red was out on the Trail. Sometimes it's nice to get an early start but I don't get why everyone is in a rush. I used to like the security of getting into camp at an early hour - to be able to get my bearings and to do all my chores long before dark. And to claim a space in the shelter Now I like to use most of the day to hike. It's nice to take breaks and stroll on the touvh sections. I also really enjoy hiking in the late afternoon - especially between 4 and 6. The sun is creeping lower and the temperatures cool a bit. Today we stopped at Allor Gap and were both almost out of wate. We walked down the road to a run-down gas station. To our luck, there was a spigot with water flowing from it. The next six miles were up CAmp Creek Bald. We stopped in at Little Laurel shelter and ended up sayting for an hour and a half. Heald stayed for 3 1/2 hours. The trail was extremely pretty up on the ridge. I feel like every section of the Trail is unique in its difference way.Dimples and Heald and I talked of moving on 5.8 miles to the next shelter but when I arrived it was 3:5o. They came in after 4:00 and we decided it wasn't such a good idea. I wasn't really up for 21 plus miles. Subman, Java and Grunt were already here. The original plan was to hike 17 miles to Sans Gap and hitch to Miss Janet's House in Erwin. We were gonna slack 24 miles the next day into Erwin. I may carry my pack all the way to Erwin. The plan sounded good but I'm just not ready to be back in town again tomorrow night. I am also concerned about spending multiple nights in town. Feel like I gotta watch my spending a bit. I also need to factor in 30 bucks for my new headlamp. MIne is really wacked out. Its one of those "old" Princeton Tec ones. I am the only one on the trail with the old school version. Java got a fire going so I am going to enjoy it with everyone. I am starting to get these vibes that people seem a little sad. I don't know why - maybe its just the fun and excitement of Hot Springs wearing off.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: PA 433

To: Swatara Gap
Miles today: 1.4

Yesterday we stopped a short distance before Swatara Gap and today we wanted to finish the miles. Very early before the heat set in, DirtDog dropped me off at PA 433 and drove back to Swatara and we traded the car key at the halfway point; I drove back to pick him up when I reached the car. Then we spent the rest of the morning shuttling hikers back to the trail before we left town and the trail for a visit with our daughter and husband in Philly.