morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Baggs Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 31.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Boy, alot can happen in two days. This account covers two days, March 22 and March 23. On Thursday, Mr. Ed(his trail name) woke up at 5:30 after a good nights sleep. Tent sleeping on the ground is getting easier all the time. He didn't get up until 6:30 because he didn't want to wake up Evil Eye. He left camp at 7:15(Evil Eye was still sleeping). He was lost by 7:30. It was foggy and dark. He came to a cliff, and the trail took a hard left turn. After walking for about 20 minutes, he came to see an unusual sight. A camp site had been deserted. The tent and tent poles were broken. Several pillows and quilts were scattered around. A checkerboard was in the fire pit. Other items were scattered around. These people were not backpackers. Mr. Ed wondered what had happened. It didn't look like this camping trip had a happy ending. Then he saw a blue blaze, and realized he had missed his trail. The AT is marked with white blazes. He found his way back to the trail and white blazes. He had planned to meet Evil Eye at Blue Mountain Shelter, but arrived at 3:00 and still wanted to hike. Now you can see how he got his name. He walks the trail like a horse - non-stop. The trail became rugged and rocky. He had two hard climbs one of those being Unicoi Gap. He finally stopped at Rocky Mountain and camped alone. He ate, hung his bear bag, and was in bed at 7:30. The day had been a great one. He had met several nice people and even caught up with YouNdum who has a sore heel and is taking it easy. He did not get to phone home because the batteries in his phone were dead.On Friday, Mr. Ed was up at 6:30 and on the trail at 7:00. He immediately started seeing beautiful views around Tray Mountain. Tray Mountain has an elevation on 4,200 feet. That was a medium climb. The next climb at Kelly's Knob was a killer. After passing Addis Gap, elevation 3,304 feet you climb to Kelly Knob, elevation4,276 feet. This is a distance of 1.1 miles. In other words, straight up.This is the first climb in which Mr. Ed had to stop and rest before making the crest. He walked on to Hiawassee,GA by 3:00. He was traveling with Ben and Erwin, two nice college kids off on break. He hitch hiked with them and Sara Yates into town to resupply, eat a good meal and buy a new phone. Mr. Ed stayed at Holiday Inn Express where he charged his new phone and called home. He wants to tell Evil Eye that he will call him around 7:00 tonight. He wants to find him and continue part of the trail with him. He needs to slow down.
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Mr. Ed hoped to enjoy his night in a regular bed in the Holiday Inn Express but found that he did not rest any better than he did in his tent on the ground. He was in bed by 10:00, tossed and turned until 4:30, and got up at 5:00. From my perspective, I believe he is still so wired with adrenaline that he cannot sit still. I hope he does not crash in the Smokies where he will soon face some rough mountains. I have expressed to him my thoughts that he should SLOW down. I might as well say fly. Oh, well. This is his experience and adventure. I have to hope that he knows best.He ate breakfast at 6:00. The hotel told him that a shuttle would take him to the trail at 8:30. Did he wait for the shuttle? Heck, no. He went out and hitchhiked again. That is four times he hitchhiked in Hiawassee - I am glad the town understands AT hikers. He has not hitchhiked so much since college.He was on the trail by 8:30 and hiking hard and fast. He did not stop for lunch until Rich Cove Gap. Sandwich and One-Third caught up with him. They had been passing each other for two days. Mr. Ed walked to the Georgia-North Carolina line. One state down - 13 more to go. He has been seeing few people on the trail. He has talked to many people who are getting off the trail. They say it is just too hard. Some expected to get in shape on the trail. That is probably not a good idea unless you can deal with pain and perservere through it. Mr. Ed says he is glad that he spend lots of time climbing hills in WV with his pack on his back before attempting the trail. It has made everything much more enjoyable.When he signed the register at the North Carolina line, he saw where Retriever(Tom Goldman) had signed it three hours earlier. That inspired him to try to catch up with him. He had met Retriever at the AIT given by Dr. Doyle. Tonight he will stay in his tent at Standing Indian Shelter. He is glad he purchased his new tent. He likes it very much. He is there with several others - M&M, Combat, Flint, Jubilee,all from Utah. Bowleg and his dog Cuff are there. Also Sandwich and One-Third. Sandwich can out hike most men.Ed had no signal for his cell phone and could not call Evil Eye. He hopes to find him on the trail but isn't sure he will. He wishes him great hiking and a great journey. He is having the time of his life.If you wonder why I am concerned, most hikers do not get to the point of hiking 20 miles a day until sometime in Virginia. Mr. Ed has already hiked 16.5 miles in one day. Will someone out there remind the man that he is 60 years old?
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

Today, Mr. Ed got up at 6:00AM. By 6:30 AM he was standing on top of Standing Indian Mountain watching a beautiful sun rise. The sun was red and glowing and lit the sky with gold and red all around. It was worth the climb to see it. The next 12.2 miles were easy. He saw no one. He stopped at Timber Ridge Trail to eat lunch. That location provided rock cliffs with a view that lasted for miles. Later came Mooney Gap. Below Mr. Ed on the side of the hill were ramps. If anyone does not know, they are like a wild onion that make a great spring tonic, but leave you with an unusual odor oozing from your pores for several days. Ed pulled a few to eat and asked the hikers that passed him if they knew what they were. Only one person had heard of ramps.After Mooney, there was a hard climb over rocks that lasted for 1.3 miles to Bear Pen Trail. That is when he noticed that he had left his fanny pack containing his camera and cell phone back at Mooney Gap. He left his pack and slack packed back to get his fanny pack. This was one of the times that it pays to have a very good sense of humor on the trail. Two and six tenths miles later he saw Albert Mountain, elevation 5,250 feet. It looked at first glance like Mount Katahdin. It was a hard climb. He passed a few hikers that he had passed going back after his fanny pack. From there to Rock Gap shelter, the trail was easy. He was alone the next three hours. Mr. Ed stayed at his first shelter at Rock Gap. He had the shelter to himself. That was the second time he experienced Trail Magic. Someone had left a can of soda in the spring. Trail Magic can be many things. It is a thing that someone does that is unexpected but very nice to a tired, hungry hiker. Mr. Ed had traveled 19.2 miles, not counting the backtracking he had to do. He was ready to eat and then sleep when a late hiker came to the shelter. His name was Hangman(Puck Gilcrest). He was very considerate and slept in his tent due to his loud snoring. Mr. Ed had accomplished two things - walked 100 miles and on the trail for one week.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Today, Mr. Ed tried to stay in bed because of his hard day yesterday. However, he was up at 6:00 and one the trail by 7:15. He hiked to Winding Stair Gap which crosses US 64. Two people were doing some trail magic. Ron Haven and a friend were serving cake, cookies, and Cokes. Ron Haven is very well known in hiking circles in Franklin. Mr. Ed had read many stories about his hospitality and caring ways. Mr. Ed did not plan to go to Franklin. He just needed to charge his batteries to his phone. Ron took him into town and let him charge his phone and took him back to the trail. What can you say about people like that? Not nearly enough. Mr. Ed told Ron about the ramps he had seen back at Mooney. He and a friend were goiong to see if they could find them. At Wayah Gap, Mr. Ed ran into three wolves lying on the trail. One of them had a tracking collar on him. They just moved over for him. They were unafraid of him. Mr. Ed was unafraid of them. (Ron had given him a head's up that he might see them in the woods.) Another act of kindness from Ron.By the way, Wayah is a Cherokee word for wolf. I found that an amazing coincidence. At Wine Spring he met Stringer and his buddy. Stringer had finished the trail last year. He is now 71 and doing a section hike. He was quite an interesting character. It seems like the trail gets into your blood and never leaves. Next he came to Wayah Bald and experienced a hard climb to the top of Memorial Tower. It is a stone observation tower built by the CCC in 1937 and renovated in 1983. After leaving the tower, he started looking for a new shelter that was supposed to be built. He could not find it. Tonight, he is camping in the woods alone. His legs look like pin cushions due to the fly, gnat, and spider bites. He is dirty and tired. But he is happy and feeling incredibly strong. The 43 miles of trail in NC has been easier than the miles in Georgia. He traveled 14.8 miles today.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Campsite

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

Today, Mr. Ed was up by 6:00 and on the trail by 6:30. Last night was his best night's sleep so far. He is hiking in the dark using his head lamp between 6:30 and 7:30. By 7:30, it is daylight. He is thinking how great this is! A team of horses could not pull him off the trail and away from his adventure. The thought of quitting has never entered his mind. His body is sore, his legs hurt, his feet hurt, his shoulders and hips hurt from carrying a 40 pound pack. He smells so badly that water is afraid to touch him. But it has been great to climb mountains and meet new friends.He talked to Evil Eye last night by phone. He was doing fine. He was camping at the 90.7 mile marker at Carter Gap. Evil told him that YouNDum had to stop in Hiawassee for a few days. A doctor told him to stay off of his heel for a few days. He misses Evil Eye's companionship but cannot seem to slow down. He is definitely walking his own walk and enjoying the freedom of the trail.At Licklog Gap there had been a controlled forest fire. By the marks on the trees, the flames had to be 50 feet high. At Jump-up Lookout, he saw a great view of mountains, miles and miles of them. He knows why this place is named Jump-up. One step too many and you will be in the mountains instead of looking at them. The trail turns right and you are there on top of a cliff with that magnificient view.From there the day was all down hill(literally). From an elevation of 5,080 feet he walked down to the Nantahala Center, elevation 1,740 feet. His knees hurt. He is staying at the center tonight. At the River's End Restaurant, he ate a hugh hamburger, fries, and two beers. He is a little disappointed in the center. He has been other places where they cater to thru hikers more. They don't open till 8:00 and close at 6:00. There is no place to buy snacks. He cannot wait to move on. He will try to make Fontana Dam in two days. He walked 19.5 miles today, catching up with many people who started much earlier than he did. Why am I not surprised? I don't even mention slowing down any more.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Hogback Gap
Miles today: 18.0

Last night Mr. Ed spend the night in Nantahala River Outdoor Center with several young people sitting up telling stories till 10:00PM. While at the center, he was exhausted and getting cranky. By the time he washed his clothes, the store was closed. He left a cranky message somewhere at the Center. He wishes to say that he could have been more positive. The miles and tiredness did the talking for him, and he could have been nicer.Today, he was up at 6:00 AM and on the trail by 6:30 AM. From Nantahala River to Swim Bald the elevation climbs from 1,740 feet to 4,710 feet. The distance is 6 miles. It is a hard climb. He focused on putting one foot after another and made it in 3 hours. The rest of the day was fairly easy. He was alone until 1:00 PM. Then he met 3 women and a dog. One of the women was a thru hiker, Bag Lady. At Stecoah Gap, he met Jelly Bean. She and Bare Bear, 2 thru hikers from 2006, were doing trail magic. They took 6 people's backpacks up the mountains so those hikers could slack pack. Mr. Ed was offered the chance to slack pack, but he turned it down. Jelly Bean and Bare Bear plan on staying in the area for 2 weeks doing trail magic. They provided Mr. Ed with an orange, an apple, candy, chips, soda, and water. He enjoyed each gift very much. He says they are very nice people. He visited with them about an hour, and got a much needed break. From Sweetwater Gap to Brown Fork Gap, the elevation climbs from 3,270 feet to 3,700 feet. The distance is a little more than a mile, but there are no switchbacks. The trail goes straight up. Even for a ace hill climber like Mr. Ed, he sucked air all the way up and still thought he was going to step on his face. But he says it was fun. The forest is starting to turn green. At 5:00 it started a light rain. It felt good. It only lasted 15 minutes. He is camping alone tonight. It is starting to rain again. Today, he walked until 6:15 PM to get to Hogback Gap. That is a total of 18 miles. He needs only 9.5 miles to get to Fontana Dam - and then the Smokies. He may rest a little at Fontana Dam before starting the Smokies. I hope he does.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Hogback Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Last night Mr. Ed was in his tent by 8:00 listening to a light rain. He was up at 6:00AM and on the trail by 6:30AM. There were light off and on rain showers which made the trail slick. While coming down some wooden steps, he slipped and fell backward. Thankfully, he was not hurt. Eleven days without a fall - it is amazing. While trail walking with me, I stumble, but he falls down as a general rule.At Cable Gap, he met 20 year old Diamond from Florida. They walked together to Fontana Dam. From there, both had reservations for The Hike Inn run by Jeff and Nancy Hoch. Nancy transported them to Robbinsville to resupply and to get dinner. Mr. Ed happily carried a large Papa John's pizza back to his room where he watched WV beat Clemson in the championship game of the NIT. This is just the second NIT championship won by WV. The first was back in 1942. It is about time they won again.Today, Mr. Ed hiked 9.6 miles. He decided he needed a day of rest before conquering the Smokies. He hopes to get through them in 5 or 6 days. He is looking forward to them. Go Mountaineers and Happy Trails to Mr. Ed
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night Mr. Ed was in bed by 11:00. He thoroughly enjoyed his pizza, cokes, and the Mountaineer game at the NIT. He says, "Yahoo," to their winning the championship. Today he was up by 6:15. Jeff took him to the trail by 7:15. He walked across Fontana Dam and into the Smokies. He wanted to get some pictures of the lovely area of Fontana Dam but it was overcast with poor visibility while he was there. You can always tell when you are leaving town. It is always up hill and your pack is 10 pounds heavier due to the food you are carrying. He has enough food for 6-7 days. He is eating meals in a hurry - not because he is so hungry, but he wants to lighten his pack. He encountered a beautiful sight at Doe Knob. There were pink and white flowers all over the mountain. There were so many that it looked like snow on the ground. They are called Spring Beauties. They deserve their name. Also, he saw many bluets. Once up on the mountain the walking was not so bad. Lots of ups and downs but nothing like the change from 1,700 feet to 4,570 feet from Fontana Dam to Mollies Ridge Shelter. He arrived at Spence Field Shelter tonight at 6:00 PM He was the second hiker to arrive there. Now there are seven of them. All are thru hikers but one. He met "Greybeard" Carl Goodman who was a thru hiker in 99. Now, he is called a Ridgerunner. He goes from shelter to shelter checking shelters, maintaining trails, and checking permits. Also, Waffle, Fly Away, Mystery Chicken, Yardsale, and Terrapin Flyer are there. He is celebrating an accomplishment - less than 2000 more miles to go. But he is enjoying every minute of hiking on the trail and all of the people he meets. Happy Trails to you.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Springs Gap
Miles today: 13.5

Today Mr. Ed got up at 6:00 and was on the trail by 6:30 AM. Fog had set in and the going was slow. For the next 6.4 miles he hiked one of the toughest sections of the trail. There were wet,slick rocks, mud, sharp roots to trip on, and generally miserable conditions. It was a fight - climbing from 4,400 feet to 5,607 feet. He arrived at Double Springs Gap at 4:30 PM with no more energy left. The next stop would have been Clingsmans Dome, elevation 6,643 feet. The spirit may have been willing, but the body said no. His legs, feet, and back all hurt. There is a front coming in with rain and cooler temperatures. He was hoping for good weather to climb to Clingmans, but whatever happens, it will be a challenge. Clingmans at sunrise in good weather would have been a beautiful sight. Tonight in the shelter are Crank Bait, Dog's Life, Buckles, Fly-Away, and Mystery Chicken. Dog's Life is quite a character. He is a lawyer from Boston - more than 20 years and would like to start a new career - perhaps teaching. Tonight bed will be in the shelter to try to get protection from rain. Smokies are a challenge.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Double Springs Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Today is April Fool's Day. Maybe that is why heavy rain and wild wind came at 4:00AM. Mr. Ed tried to sleep in,hoping the rain and wind would abate. He got up at 7:00AM and left the shelter at 8:00 AM. He was the first to leave, walking in rain and wind all morning. Most of the climb to the Dome was in Fraiser firs and Red Spruces. The sad thing is that most of these beautiful trees are dying due to atmospheric pollution. The pollution weakens the trees, making it easier for the Balsam wooly adelgid to attack and eventually kill the firs. Pollution can drop visibility from 93 to 22 miles. Ozone can make breathing difficult. Most of the pollution comes from distant cities and power plants to the west. It really is a small world. This was a very hard climb due to the wind. This part of the trail was built in 1946, so it is worn. The trail today was like walking in a creek with 5-6 inches of water in it. Everything on him became soaked. Even with a rain suit on, he got soaked through and through. When he got to Newfound Gap at 3:00, he decided to hitchhike to Gatlinsburg to get dry. He was picked up by 4 nice college kids down from New York looking around on break. They had never heard of the Appalachian Trail. The funny thing was that he had encountered them about a mile back at Indian Gap. The had wanted to take his picture and asked him many questions. The students were Chinese, but they spoke good English. They thought Mr. Ed was a very funny guy. Thankfully, they did not mind picking up a very wet, very tired backpacker who speaks the King's English West Virginia style. I am surprised they could understand a word he said. Thank God for nice people in this world.Mr. Ed is spending the night at Quality Inn. He ate dinner at Texas steak house where he ordered a 16 ounce sirlion but could not eat it all. He says his stomach has probably shrunk. He probably doesn't think about it, but it has been years since he even thought of ordering a steak that large(almost obsene and against all health rules). Today is his brother's birthday. He wishes him a very happy one. He would call but does not think he has enough minutes on his cell. He has accomplished two things. He has been on the trail for two weeks. He wanted to hike at least 100 miles, but has hiked 203.6 miles. He knows what has happened ahead of him, but wonders what has happened behind him. How is Evil Eye? How is Cimaron? He hopes they are doing well. He wishes all of those with him on the trail great hiking. He looks forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

They say, No pain, no Maine." Yesterday, Mr. Ed experienced plenty of rain and lots of pain. Now, only Maine is left on the list. He slept well at Quality Inn until 6:00AM. He ate breakfast at 6:30 and started hitchhiking back to Newfound Gap. He was picked up by two guys coming home to South Carolina from Minnesota. They travel all over the country because they are iron workers. He was on the trail by 8:00AM. Right away, he had a climb of 600 feet. The climb was easy, but the footing was tricky. He had to go slowly because of the rocks, roots, and man-make water breaks that keep the trail drained of water. The sun came out, the sky cleared. The forest had a wonderful smell after a day of rain. It seemed to say that this was going to be a great day.The Smokies offer so many breath taking views from the high ridges of the A.T. It is very hard to make miles, because every time you climb a peak, there is a spectacular view that you must stop and let your senses soak in it. He wonders what he missed yesterday. It was raining and foggy all day. However, today makes up for it.Mr. Ed doesn't plan on big miles. There are too many ups and downs at high elevations. He hikes from 5,200 feet up 6,400 feet all day. At this elevation, there are only firs, spruces, and thick,green moss on the ground. He make it to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter by 5:00 traveling 15.8 miles today.At this shelter, eight high school seniors from City High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, six section hikers, and one other thru hiker plan on spending the night. There are 16 people in a shelter built for 12. It is going to be an interesting night. One more day and Mr. Ed will be out of the Smokies. He was asked many questions by the high school kids and the section hikers. Their packs weigh 50-60 pounds. One of them has eight pairs of socks in his pack. All of them have camping gear instead of backpacking gear. Mr. Ed told them how to pack a pack and how to tie your boots so that your feet do not scoot around when going down hill. It can prevent lots of blisters. Just passing along the wisdom that has been passed along to him.