morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Manchester

To: Manchester
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I can't tell you how much it means to us to be able to spend a day of rest and relaxation here in Manchester. It's such a pretty town. Some hikers shun towns, while others seem to be hiking only to get to the next town stop, but for us it's a bit of both. We love being on the trail, but we also love the chance to pamper ourselves for a day or two every so often. One zero day in town is always enough for us, then we're rested and ready to get back on the trail. I'll tell you though...Manchester is one nice place to stop and rejuvenate. We got up at about 8:00 this morning and headed over to the Up For Breakfast Restaurant in the center of town, and what a breakfast it was! Take a look at the picture I took of my breakfast...doesn't it make you hungry? After breakfast, we got our dirty clothes together (which was basically all of them) and walked down to the laundromat. After doing our laundry, we went to Ben & Jerry's again for another ice cream cone. After enjoying our ice cream, we stopped at the grocery store to pick up a couple of things, then it was over to the little park near the center of town, where we just sat and relaxed for awhile. We also stopped and browsed in a few stores but didn't buy anything since we'd only have to carry anything we bought. After we dropped off our laundry back in our room, we just sat out in the sun for a while, reading our books. After a short nap, we walked back into town and gorged ourselves on pizza and soda then it was back to Sutton's Place where we spent the rest of the evening watching the Olympics on TV with Bulldog and 2 other hikers. I'll tell you...it sure is stressful trying to cram all of this inactivity into one day! I was wondering what the best way would be to get to the trailhead tomorrow. Either we could hitch or we could pay a few bucks to a local guy who offered a shuttle service. We decided to pay for the shuttle service. Not sure if I'd do that again though because we found out after the fact that if you just go down to the donut shop early in the morning, you can usually hitch a ride from one of the locals who would be heading back up towards Bromley anyway. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Manchester. Thank you, Frank, for your hospitality. You have a lovely place and when we stop in Manchester on our future thru-hike, we'll be coming to see you again. Tomorrow, it's off to Bromley and the next segment of our adventure.
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Winturi Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

Another beautiful day today. Today was notable because we started hiking through open pastures and clearings which gave us some really nice views. We didn't have far to go today, so we took our time and enjoyed the day. The highlight of the day though was when we took the short sidetrail up to the Lookout. The Lookout is a privately owned cabin that the owners allow hikers to use. It sits up on a ridge and the cabin has a ladder that you can climb to a viewing platform over the roof. From there you have panoramic views all around. We could see all the way to the beginnings of the White Mts about 50 miles to our northeast and we could look back and follow the Green Mts far up and down Vermont. What a view! Arriving there at about noontime, we had lunch on the rocks beside the cabin and just soaked up the warm sunshine for awhile. During lunch, we met up with a thru-hiker named Blaze. This was only his 2nd day back on the trail after being out of commission for a month with Lyme Disease. He was in the hospital in Rutland for almost 2 weeks because in addition to his Lyme Disease, he had also contracted Meningitis, which is really serious. He mentioned that when he was finally released from the hospital, they made him a cake in the shape of a tic. We had a good laugh when he showed us a picture of it. While recuperating in Rutland, he was able to work for stay at a local hiker hostel and give a little back to the trail community. He was a very nice guy and we wished him well on the remainder of his hike. We spent quite awhile at the Lookout before finally moving on. At about 2:30, we arrived at the Winturi Shelter and picked out a tent site behind the shelter. We spent awhile getting all of our afternoon "chores" done, like setting up the tent, getting water for dinner, hanging some of our clothes up in the sunshine, and washing up. There were only a couple of hikers that showed up for the night at the shelter, probably because it is set downhill about .3 mile from the trail. Most thru-hikers probably just continue on. We only have 2 more days on the trail now until we have to go back and face the "real world" again. That's going to be tough. After being in the woods for almost 2 weeks, we have really started to lose touch with many of the issues and turmoils of the outside world. Instead, we have settled into the natural rhythms of the earth. We rise when it gets light out, we sleep when it gets dark, and we eat when we get hungry. Who could ask for more? I'm already missing it with 2 days yet to go. Tomorrow, it's on to Thistle Hill Shelter for our final night on the trail.
Date: 2008-03-24
To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

One week until a thru-hike! Bacall is sewing our 2000 mile rockers on the already loaded packs and the anticipation is high. We finished section hiking the entire Appalachian Trail in 2006 where we had been Bogie and Bacall for 10 years, but when I decided to retire this year, the challange of a thru-hike was just too much to pass up. We know it will take a few weeks of slow hiking to get back in shape, but we are going to give it a try. Over the years we have met a lot of great people on the trail and are looking forward to getting to know many more new friends and perhaps running into some of those again from the past. Our plan is to start at Springer Mt. on April 1st, Bacall's birthday.Good luck and hope to see you up the trail!
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Springer

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: light rain

Back on the trail at last! I retired yesterday, today is Bacall's birthday and we are together on the AT again. Shutle commander and son dropped us off at the Benton McKay trail on the forest service road and we hiked backed to Springer and then to Stover creek after tagging the plaque. Nice people at the shelter including Roots, Zeke, Trillium - great conversation. Bacall is in her element.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 12.4

Rough climb over Sassafrass Mt for a couple of out-of shape old farts. Just about kicked our butts! Deer on top in a grassy field just looked at us, shook her head and ambled off. Lots of bloodroot, violets, and toothwort and what looks like wild peach trees. Again a great crew all around and good conversation.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

To: Blood Mt Shelter
Miles today: 12.9

Wow! One misty, moisty, morning, when cloudy was the weather! All day long foggy and windy but we did some terrific hiking and also had some great trail magic at Woody Gap from Indiana Jones (Thanks!)- what an awesome array of food and drinks. Wild, windy night in the shelter with Maniac, Mary Poppins and Game. No views due to the constant fog.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Low Gap shelter

To: Blue Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Super easy day.Great chance to dry out from all of the rain. The trees look like christmas with all of the wet clothes, tents, etc hanging out to dry. It was a beautiful ridgewalk with the sun on our right and the fog in the valley on our left. Good views of the mountains all around. Great visiting with Nichole, Alaska and Buddy(dog), House the Cat and Micro. The trail is filled with interesting and fun people.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Blue Mt Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Extremely difficult day over 3 large climbs. Fat still gets in the way! This was challenging but very rewarding. Bacall got that determined look and just kept pushing up the trail, so I had to hang in there too! Totally exhausted after a good Mac&Cheese dinner and ready for a full night's sleep.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Mostly foggy until right before the shelter so still no views. The wind is brisk and chilly. One of the best nights for conversation and conspiracy to solve a crossword puzzle that Lady Green and Sir Wounded Knee brought along. Several hikers here along with a great chorus of owls. They started in early and went on until late into the night. It's really a funny evening.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

YEA!!! We left Georgia behind! We are now in the Nantahalas and it is immediately gorgeous all around! We love walking through the many rhododendren tunnels and along the better graded trails of NC. Spring beauties cover the hillsides along with bluets and yellow violets. Terrific mountain views.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big spring Gap shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Started the morning with an amazing vista from atop Standing Indian Mountain and then strolled along singing oldies tunes until we got to Albert Mt. This was again a good challange with the steady uphill and the the rock climb at the end. Best day yet! The view from the fire tower was truly one of the greats along the AT. Mountains in all directions with a beautiful farm in the green valley. This area shows the crafting by God's great hand. We are loving every minute if it.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Big spring Gap shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap & Franklin
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy morningwalk into the gap and a quick pickup by the wonderful people at Budget Inn in Franklin. They are terrific! Nice room, shuttle all around town for resupply , laundry (thank goodness!) and good hot showers (needed more than anything!). Bacall replaced the chafing Patagonia shorts with Underarmor - we love those. First thing in town was a good ol' Hardees monster burger for lunch. Supper will include a salad for sure and probably a mild libation. AHHHH! We get to sleep in a real bed tonight! What more could a hiker want?
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Winding Stair Gap & Franklin

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Two good climbs and great views from the Wayah Bald stone tower. This was one awesomely clear day but windy and chilly. Temps dropping fast. From the tower mountains abound in all directions and a pretty little town lies serenly in the valley. This was a great day except for stove troubles at suppertime. Repack graciously boiled water for us so we still had our beef stew and mashed pototaes. Full shelter tonight with nice views out the front and lots of laughter. Rolling Thunder came up for some conversation looking like the Michelin Man on the commercials with his puffy wind suit by MontBell, but I believe he's the warmest of us all.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Longest day yet! The wind howeled all night and most of the day. Kind of reminds me of a beagle I used to have. Reba would sing at all hours just to hear her own lovely voice which was so good that when I'd take her rabbit hunting, we'd walk out into the field and she'd just sit in one place and sing while all of the rabbits in the area would go into a swoon. Then she'd just walk around and pick up a limit and lay them at my feet. Sure miss that dog. One day she got laryngitis and couldn't sing so she took my harmonica to the rabbit fields instead, hiccupped and choked on it while all the rabbits stood around laughing. I think she died in the key of C.Cloudy in the morning but by noon on Wesser bald nothing but clear skies and gorgeous vistas. You could easily pick out Clingman's Dome and Fontana Lake was sparkling and beautiful.This morning we saw two deer running down the mountain. We are now at the NOC and just finished a huge double cheeseburger and onion rings. Glad to be in for the night. It was 28 degrees when we got up in the shelter this morning and spitting a few snow flurries on our hike, but down near the road at the NOC we had some huge white trilliums blooming.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero day at the NOC! The weatherman blew it! It was supposed to be rainy and snowy all day so we kept the room for another night. While it is cold, there's no precipitation at all. At least it gave us a rest and a chance to wash clothes and about three showers each. Hey! the NOC outfitter's people called Primus for us and told them about our Omnifuel messing up. Those terrific people at Primus said to just throw it out and they are sending us a new one right away. Can't beat that! I got a MSR pocket rocket to do in the interim, but I really like that Omnifuel. It had a lot of miles on it since we got it with no previous problems.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Wow! 16.1 rugged miles over fabulous mountains with unbelievable views! Snow on the trail and snow covering the Smokies in the distance. Beauty everywhere. We immediately started climbing out of the NOC this morning and didn't stop climbing until about noon.Along the way we had pink fireweed and a few dogwoods bloomimg down low. When we got to the 5000 ft range there was snow all around. The highlight of the day was absolutely the prettiest skunk we have ever seen. He waddled down the trail in front of us for a time, obviously thinking he was among relatives, before climbing about 8 feet up a tree beside the trail to let us pass and pose for pics. (He had a clothespin on his nose by this time!)The views from the gorge overlook are terrific but Cheoah Bald takes the prize so far with the Smokies on one side and layer after layer of mountains on the other. The second half of the day was grueling over boulders and straight up the mountain at the end of the day. We're totally spent and headed for slumber.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Wildflowers abound! One mountainside was white with anemones and spring beauties. Also, today we added loads of white, yellow, and red trilliums, and even the purple wild geraniums. Behind the shelter a wild locust is blooming and we are really enjoying the lake in our own back door. Lots of hikers here for the night from all over, including Israel and Australia.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

15.6 miles including the 2.5 required blueblaze since the dam is closed. That's 2.5 miles around to get about a tenth of a mile. Ridiculous. We heard that a couple of hikers sneaked across, but the police were sitting there waiting when we got there, so around we went. Good long climb up Shuckstack and a great walk all day long. We had lunch in the top of Shuckstack tower and Daisy, from Australia, was a real hoot overcoming his fear of heights with, "I want me mammy!" and "Gosh, I think I s*** me pants!"The mountains on both sides of the trail were totally covered with trout lilies and spring beauties as far as you coud see.We met up with Amoeba midway between Mollies Ridge shelter and Russel field! Amazing, after hiking with her in Vermont about 5 years ago to just run into her in the Smokies. She hasn't changed a bit and still has that terrific smile.This was the warmest day yet.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: few clouds

Beautiful day with hard climbs and hard descents over Rockytop and Thunderhead, but, man, what views! Again the magic carpet of spring beauties and trout lilies for miles and miles! In early and enjoying lazing in the sun. Packs-a-lot and Buckeye baked a birthday cake for Bulldog and it was really delicious. It was complete with candles and a card we all signed. Bulldog is also an ex-Marine (Semper Fi!) and has Harleys, so we have a lot in common to talk about.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 9.7

Nasty ole rainy morning! As we walked through the foggy, rainy, spooky woods, I looked back and saw a misty figure all in dark with hood covering the face and walking with a thick 7 foot staff. I told Bacall it looked like the Grim Reaperwas stalking us! When he caught up with us it turned out to be "Game". Whew! What a relief. The sky finally cleared up about noon and we continued to climb to the highest point on the AT. Shuttle Commander picked us up at the tower and brought us home for a couple of days of pizza, showers and a soft bed. First thing I did was start up the Harley - sure miss that sound. Hey, Bogie's weight loss so far is 12 pounds and Bacall's loss is 15 pounds. Awwright!
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Home

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: clear sky

Back on the trail! Easy 3.4 from Clingman's Dome plus .5 from the parking lot plus .5 down the shelter trail. Beautiful sunny day. Mother and Dad and my sister brought us back to the trail after a wonderful couple of days off. Milestone! we went over 200 miles on the trail today. Had a great time off eating and visiting everyone. Hey! Paid off the Harley!!! Its all mine! Several hikers here for the night.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Entire day of fabulous views! Best day yet with long ridge walks and vistas on both sides of the ridge for a good 50 miles. Good views of Douglas Lake and Sevierville, Dandridge, and the entire Tennessee valley on one side and layer after layer of mountains on the other. Up high there are still plenty of dead trees from the Wooley Adgelid (or whatever you call it) but it really looks like it is starting to recover. Full shelter tonight with Dutch (originally from Holland) Bama (originally from Alabama, Duh!!) and Nichole the mousesaver. I returned from yet another trip to the privy to find all of the hikers laughing up a storm except Bacall. She was buried down in her sleeping bag with the radio earphones on just singing at the top of her voice to "Living on the edge" by Aerosmith and had no idea how loud she was singing. After thumping her on the head to let her know everyone was enjoying her singing, she turned redfaced and just grinned. This was indeed a gorgeous day and even a little premium Jack (compliments of my son-in-law) to finish it off. Life is good.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Perfect day all the way around! (Getting boring isn't it?) The trail was easy in places and challenging in places with views and wildflowers abounding including a great many blooming Sarvice trees (serviceberry trees to you Yankees). Good views of Cosby and I-40 in the distance.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Out of the Smokies! Another milestone and another beautiful day with view after view, wildflowers, and even a couple of deer posing for pictures in the trail. We are now in a really quaint cabin with Dutch and Bama. We've had a great hot shower , pizza, and a couple of Pepsi's each. It's a really neat old farm 200 yards off the trail at a gravel road crossing and cater's well to hiker's needs. Got a nice soft bed waiting for tonight. Looks like rain may be on the way.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Standing Bear Hiker Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

After a great night at Standing Bear cabin, two long climbs this morning, hot and tiring - then, Trail Magic!!! Great Cheeseburgers and baked beans and cokes from some trail maintainers all decked out in UT orange. Real nice paople with the best assortment of trail magic yet - and big UT fans. Rainy afternoon walk over Max Patch but we still had some good views through the clouds. Also - milliums of trilliums! White, red, yellow, painted - they're everywhere! Also mile after mile of may apples in the woods, and we had one pink lady's slipper and one flame azalea. Had the shelter all night to ourselves!
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

Rainy and chilly almost all day long except for a snack break on top of Walnut Mt. Still even more wildflowers - today we added dutchman's britches. We had lunch with the Carolina Mt. Club on top of a mountain and while there Amoeba and her hiking companions joined us. Can't wait for tomorrow and a good hot shower at Hot Springs.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

Easy rainy miles. We are staying at the Bridge Street Inn & Cafe. Really nice place and nice people running it. By Midday we have already had a hot shower, a terrific lunch and started the clothes in the laundry. Later we spent an hour at the mineral hot tubs. It felt GREAT!!! It's been a health spa since 1800 and was also used as an internment site for germans in the first world war. After nearly 300 miles, Bacall finally tripped and fell - not on a rock, not on a root, not on a limb, -on the 2 inch high steps inside the outfitter's store! I never thought she knew those words! Apparently I've become a bad influence after 36 years. Imagine all thse husky outdoorsmen turning red and hiding their faces when she let fly a stream of words. I paid for the few items I had and tucked my tail between my legs and slinked out!
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Hot Springs

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 16.3

Awsome trail with trail magic today and even a cabin at the end! This has been one amazing day! We left Hot Springs well rested and well fed intending to do 11 miles but it was cold all day so we decided to keep going when we met up with EZgoin and Little bear and found out there was a heated cabin awaiting us 5 miles on. On the way we saw a sign for some trail magic at a previous hikers house and man was it good! Belgian waffels, pork stew, brownies and ice cream, coke!! When we got to the cabin, we turned the heat WAYYYY up and enjoyed a hot shower. It is supposed to be 28 degrees tonight so we are thankful to be here. Oh, yes, we also had great views from Rich Mt fire tower at lunchtime.
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

After a very cold night (29 degrees) we had a chilly morning hike. The owner of Hemlock Hollows dropped us off back at the trail about 8:30 and we started climbingNot a bad trail today with wonderful views at White Rocks and on top of Bald Mt. Terrific rock scramble all along the ridgetop. Bacall finally had a legitimate tumble - merely a flesh wound. Cold wind blowing now. Several others camping around us including EZDoesit who hiked with us part of the day,
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice, easy morning including the grave of the Sheltons, the Yankee soldiers ambushed by Confederates and buried where they lay, then a climb up Big Butt Mt. (Sorry, no sign to get a picture of Bacall with!) and a hard climb up Sugarloaf but with great views and waterfalls and a nice creek. Good temps today and beautiful mountains full of flowers. Below the shelter near the water source is a makeshift shelter made of huge boulders, limbs, logs, and bark, with a nice big fire ring. Looks like something from "Survivor".