morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 8.8

So I was bad and didn't journal last night so I'll try to quickly recap the day. Was up early at sunrise and as usual took my sweet time having breakfast and packing up. Ended up being the last one even out of camp around 9:30 (everyone was motivated to get to Fontana Dam).Hiked by myself most of the day but was a nice easy morning and arrive at the road crossing about 1:30. Weather was beautiful, some flowers were beginning to bloom and I was just strolling along singing to myself (selection for the day was Sound of Music). Highlight of the day was passing a tree that had a hiking pole bent in half duct taped to a tree with "WTF" written on it. Actually made me laugh out loud. Met the crew at the road crossing and the boys headed off to the Hike Inn (local resupply) and the girls and I headed into the P.O.Well turns out the P.O. closed at 3 and not 4:30 as the guidebook said, so we decided to split a room at the village to wait until it opened in the morning. Ended up being a great night; ran into the Crusher's friend who is doing the ECT (?) SOBO (Southbound) - which means he is coming on the trail from Canada all the way down to Key West in Florida. He's been on the trail for about 9 months and still has another 4 to go! Was fun t hear about everything coming up ahead of us. Had a great night doing chores (shower, laundry) and we all went out for a nice meal and had a bottle of wine and feast of chocolate and dried fruits in the room. An unexpected NERO but turned out to be loads of fun. And since I was feeling pretty good and the weather is fab, it's into the Smokies tomorrow!
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Fontana Village

To: Birch Spring Gap Campsite
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a relaxed morning - got to the P.O. when it opened. Ran into Caribou and Yolo, and D-squared turned up! After his rafting he had taken an 1 8 mile day to catch up with us so we were impressed! He, however, was not so impressed to find that we were headed out and not taking a zero day. Went back to the road and walked the mile to the shelter to meet the boys (bringing our new French-Canadian friend Spaz McGee with us). THe Crusher was delighted to meet his friend and speak French (guess my French wasn't cutting it - ha).We took our time , hung out by the lake, checked out the dam, and headed to Great Smoky National Park about 1 for a short 6 miles to the campsite (or so we thought).Now I don't want to sound ungrateful or unappreciative for the beautiful weather we are having because I'm not. I know we are lucky to have views here and clear trails after such a tough winter, as I know many people end up walking in a cloud at this elevation and we're all bulked up with extra layer, mittens, warmers, etc. specifically for the Smokies. But I'd just like to mention that it can be a beast of its own to climb that elevation with a heavy pack, in 80 degree heat (my thermometer read 90 but that can't be right). in full sunlight with no shade from the bare trees yet. It was a tough climb... we probably all stopped about 80 times and went through liters of water. But the views were great from the fire tower and aside from the million bugs it was a pleasant eve. There is a forest fire going on not too far away from us which is a little spooky to see but rain in predicted for tomorrow so hopefully that'll cool it off slightly.P.S. Homeward got his hair cut into a mullet in town. It's pretty sweet - business in the front, party in the back!
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Birch Spring Gap Campsite

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

Evening was bear-free which was pretty cool. Hoping to see a bear just not from my tent at night! We are being extra cautious here in bear country and are hanging our packs at night. Heard an owl just outside my tent during the night which was cool. It has been surprisingly easy to adjust to living outside. Am sleeping very well out here. The woods really aren't at all the scary place people make them out to be. It's those road crossings when your guard goes up.Had a pleasant walk today. Weather was slightly cooler and overcast and am rocking my new hiker skirt! (figure with al the dirt and toil a little feminine touch can't hurt!). Got the idea from some bad as hiker chick who rocked them last year like Wags and Gangsta). Legs and feet were quite sore today but we took nice long breaks at the two shelters we passed which broke up the day nicely.Met ridge runner Grey Beard from Kentucky (former AT and PCT hiker - must look up his blog when I get home as he was full of good info). Also met a couple at the second shelter riding through with horses which was pretty cool. At the shelter tonight with the Gooch crew (Goochie is our new mascot a la Amelia Poulon), Homeward, Brendan (from MA), ad Wild Man turned up for a fire but is heading on tonight.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter! Today was another scorcher! Started of early and was a long day of walking (maybe longest yet) but broken up with many nice breaks at viewpoints and shelters. The terrain in the morning was tough but it was a good climb. Felt pretty good aside from occasional knee pain and of course my feet hurt with every step near the end of each day. Can't decide if that's just how these things go or if I should get some new shoes... thinking of possibly investing in a new pair...Saw an interesting bird today that walked right in front of me. Think it might be a grouse but not sure. Took a picture of it so will try to identify it later. Klarity also said she saw a bear today which is pretty sweet.So off to bed early (ish) tonight as attempting to wake up at 4AM to (night) hike the few miles to Clingman's Dome (highest point on the AT) to watch the sun rise. Then on another 7 miles or so to hitch a ride into Gatlinburg, TN (the Vegas of the Southeast apparently). Yeehaw!P.S. I apologize if my entries are very stream of thought. I am too lazy to keep both a personal journal and blog so it is all one in the same. Lots of this stuff I write is for me to remember in years to come. Anyways, good night!
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

Greetings from Gatlinburg, Tennessee! The day started off early. We were up at 4 to hike to Clingman's Dome ( the highest point of the AT) and watch the sunrise. From the night hiking I realized that my headlamp (a) sucks, (b) s not made for night hiking or (most likely)(c) needs new batteries. In any case, the Crusher was very good and warned us of obstacles along the way.Sunrise was pretty sweet (all downhill from here, right?) but then the hike down the North side of the mountain was super snowy! Sometimes was fun sliding down in the snow, other times not so fun sinking 4 feet into a snow drift but overall it was slow going! The day was fun though as I ended up hiking with Klarity and Powernap. As I said earlier I think I usually estimate my hiking time by about 2 mi/hr. So by my estimates I was expecting to be finished around 12 - so when I finally made it to the Gap by 3 I was ready to be done!Was a wonderful sight when we came out and we met Bronco there hanging out ('08 thru-hiker who had given us trial magic in GA) and he had a bag of trail magic for us from a woman whom had just taken off. He then gave the three of us a lift into Gatlinburg (redneck Vegas) to the Grand Prix Motel which was full of our trail friends hanging out! Enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city (especially the ppl watching!). There was a good choice of ice cream shops and anything Ripley you could ever want. As the Crusher said "Ripley is the Ron Haven of Gatlinburg!"
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: few clouds

Ah, town! Had a great breakfast this morning at Flapjacks with a little bit of everything - omelette, pancakes, grits, hash browns, OJ and coffee. Oh the hiker appetite - how wonderful. We all packed up and then ventured to the Outfitter (where I managed to spend a small fortune on new boots, a tank top (yup it's been hot) and a flashy pair of new shades (sorry Nana; the ones you gave me got busted), P.O. and Food City. Once again I managed to buy way too much food - one day I'll get the balance right!Ended up getting a lift back 15 miles to the trail from the Outfitters so we didn't have to hitch. Turns out the Outfitter just opened the other day (literally on Thursday I think) so they were pumping us for info on products and they gave us some fresh fruit to munch on (they sure know the way to hiker's hearts!). Was a great break in Gatlinburg, but I was ready to get back to the trail - was turning into a bit of an assault on the senses being there so was very happy to be back in the woods. Was an easy walk in today and we didn't begin til about 4:30 so temps were cooling down. I've gone back and forth between feeling like I'm getting stronger and feeling like it's day 1 all over again. But I sure felt good today with all the day hikers - made me feel like hopefully I've improved a bit over the past few weeks. And it was cool so many people were interested in what we were doing and asking questions - was a lot of fun chatting to them!
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful sunrise at the shelter this morning and another beautiful sunny day. Looks like out luck is running out though as thunderstorms are predicted overnight and to continue tomorrow. Cant complain tho - only 20 miles or so short of the end of the Smokies. Hike was great today with the highlight being hanging around Charlie's Bunion and having a Gooch crew photo shoot and some rock scrambling to the top which was fun. Longish hike today but took a nice long lunch break and the new shoes seemed to hold up really well.Bit of drama when we arrived at the shelter tonight. Apparently a bear (male, 350-400 lbs) came to the shelter last night about 3 times, stole someone's pack ad seems to be habituated to humans. The ridgerunner was by and says they expect the bear to return again tonight so we tried to eat away from the shelter and most people hung their packs. Luckily it's a full house tonight and most of the hiker crew from last night is here again... safety in numbers I think! We've also got Caribou here with Yolo the wonderdog so I'm sure he'd warn us if the bear comes around. We'll see how the night goes;;;
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Tri-Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: moderate rain

Well there was no sighting of the bear at the shelter last night. Pebbles said he saw him walking by the bear cables but I think he was just messing.The ridgerunner was right about one thing - it certainly did rain today! The temp dropped and it poured down all day while walking with a bit of thunder and lightning thrown in for good measure a few times too! It's amazing how you don't even notice the rain after walking in it for a while (aside from tje sloshing in your shoes). But that's probably because everything gets so wet there is nothing you can do about it but keep walking. And despite the weather we managed to knock out our longest day yet - nearly 15 miles! I have to say though by the time I got to the shelter I was pretty chilled and delighted to put on dry clothes. Powernap also get's the hero for the day award for arriving early an starting a fire in the shelter fireplace (shelters in the Smokies have this feature which is fab).So tomorrow we say goodbye to the Smokies and on to a short day to Standing Bear Farm.P.S. We passed the 10% mark - woohoo!
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up this morning to a cold but drier day. Unfortunately all our clothes were still quite wet and frozen solid. But luckily we only had a short dat today to standing bear. We were greeted with some trail magic as we left the Smokies - first with a sign and some sodas congratulating us from Bravefriend (whom we had met at the outfitter in Gatlinburg) and then from Bucksnort and Little Bear at Davenport Gap who were there with some sodas, snacks and fruit for us. Feels good to be through the Smokies and we really were fortunate with the weather.Arrived at Standing Bear Farm around noon an had a nice shower and did a little laundry (by hand on a washboard for the first time ever!). This is a real cool little place and everything is on the honor system which you never see anymore. Spent the afternoon hanging out with the hikers and eating lots of pizza and ice cream There was a guitar here so spent the evening having a sing-a-long with the Crusher an just chatting and hanging around. Also met Lucky (SOBO - southbound hiker) who is just about to finish up his thru.P.S. While some of my clothes were hanging to dry in the shelter last night, it appears a mouse somehow ate it's way through my Smartwool shirt! I attempted to sew the neck and sleeve together but it is still riddled with holes - trail couture perhaps? Must have been a mouse of taste cos it knew to go straight for the expensive stuff.
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Max Patch Summit
Miles today: 13.6

Well today didn't start out so well. Packing up, having a sausage, egg and cheese sandwich and heading out began well. The sun was shining, trees were blooming (purple seems to be the color of the moment) and before I knew it I had been walking for a while ... not on the trail. Before I knew it I ha walked about a mile out of the way and bak to back track - adding about 2 miles to my already long planned day. So I was slightly frustrated but decided not to focus on that and instead just tried to enjoy the walk!Luckily (for me) it was 5 miles uphill to begin with so I was able to catch up to some of my friends and surprisingly had a really great day hiking! One of the best so far and I felt really good despite the long miles. Another big day planned for tomorrow - 16 miles - s hopefully that'll go well.Tonight we are cowboy camping on Max Patch Bald (which means sleeping under the stars in your sleeping bag). There is a group of about 15 of us here so having a good time. No where to bear bag so hopefully the bears won't visit us tonight. Of to watch for shooting stars from my bed!
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Max Patch Summit

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Yup that's right - we rocked over a 16 mile day today (myself, Klarity, Fly Catcher, the Crusher, D-squared, Powernap, Tatoo, Sweet Tea, Joe (yet to accept a trail name) and Papa Georgio). Feel pretty bad ass but to be honest I am actually quite sore and blistered (walking around like a baby deer). Luckily we have a short nero and hopefully my first zero to look forward to in Hot Springs.Cowboy camping on the patch last night was amazing! Not a cloud in the sky and I even saw my first shooting star! It got pretty chilly overnight but my trusty sleeping bag kept me nice and warm (lots of love for my sleeping bag) and surprisingly there wasn't much condensation on it in the morning (I read somewhere once that if you pack up your down bag first thing in the morning your residual body heat will dry the little condensation created overnight - so far that seems to work!). The sunrise might have been even more spectacular then the sunset (I'm partial to sunrises) and I got to watch it from the comfort of my sleeping bag.Beautiful weather again today. Spent a pleasant morning hiking and chatting with the Crusher and then hiked (trudged) on my own in the afternoon. By the last few miles my knees and feet were screaming at me so I actually listened to music while I hiked for the first time today to get my mind off the pain and long day. The hike itself was fabulous tho - as I mentioned the weather was great, the flowers were blooming, scenery was fab and the trails seemed slightly more graded (with less rocks and roots) than the Smokies so that was a nice change. Had a good time at the shelter tonight chatting to section hikers from Ontario (Crusher w delighted to meet more Canadiens!) Sandlewood and his niece Chatter. Should hopefully be an easy few miles into Hot Springs tomorrow... where I'm hoping there will really be hot springs we can go in!
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Elmer's Sunnybrook Inn, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

Yes I skipped a day of journaling because I am taking my first zero in town today! (So today's milage is actually from yesterday because I'm staying put and it's wonderful!).So yesterday morning was up and out early (before 8) for the short walk into Hot Sprigs (the trail literally goes through the center of town here). This is a great small town (pop. 637) so everything is conveniently located in one area. Managed to get a spot at Elmer's which I am pretty psyched about. It is an old Victorian house turned into hiker hostel (B&B in off season) and they offer gourmet vegetarian dinners and breakfasts (and tho I'm not vegetarian this is where I'm eating because it's a great value and the best food I've ever eaten on the trail!). Klarity says this is a magical house and I have to agree. There is really something special about this place. Spring has definitely arrived here as the sun in shining, birds are singing and trees are blooming.Taken care of the usual camp chores and hung out with a lot of the gang we've been hiking around with who are all in town. Went over with Caribou yesterday to soak in the mineral tubs they have which are basically like outdoor hot tubs with a river running by and the mountains in the background - was amazing. We took turns jumping into the (cold!) river and then back in the hot tub which was loads of fun. Also learned a song on the guitar. I was dueting with the Crusher (Elmer's has a well equipped music room) - it's that song from the end of the movie "Juno" so only 2 chords over and over again... right up my alley!Well, that's all the journaling for now, still some things in town to take care of today. Was out at the pub last night with the hikers in town but I'd say tonight will be mellower. Think a pint of Ben & Jerry's (per person) an a dvd might be in the cards for this afternoon so happy days! D-squared is leaving us today to start pulling bigger miles before college begins so I wish him the best.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Elmer's Sunnybrook Inn, Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

Slept like a log last night - it was fantastic! We just chilled out at the hostel and attempted to recreate the dueling banjos from "Deliverance" with Jacob and Tornado from the hostel. Enjoyed a nice breakfast this morning, packed up and hit the trail by 11.Was a great chilled day of hiking and felt really good. Nothing too exciting to make note of - I saw a lizard and the green and wildflowers are starting to bloom everywhere which was beautiful. Also got to hear all the gossip I missed from last night so that was pretty entertaining (WWDD - What Would Doppler Do). Its a really warm day (80-85) but now things are cooling down. There is a new moon tonight so I'm tenting without the rainfly so O can get a good look at the stars.P.S. - Briefly had a look at my TJ in Hot SPrings and noticed there were a couple questions regarding my shoes and headlamp. Re headlamp - changed the battery and it is much brighter so it was my own fault really. It is a Princeton Tech Scout think. The new shoes are Keen Voyagers I think which are working out great. HAve some cuts on my ankles from breaking them in but my toes have a ton more room to move around which is wonderful! They aren't the waterproof ones but in the experience I've had out here so far with shoes,water is going to et in your shoes if they are waterproofed or not ... and at least if they are not waterproof the water will leave more quickly. They are also the shoes that they had at the Outfitter in Gatlinburg and I tried them on and they felt good. Wasn't exactly a well thought-out process!P.P.S. - Weighed my pack on the way out of town today and it's increased to 40 lbs - d'oh!! My food bag is quite heavy and know I've added some extra clothes but might have to give myself a pack shakedown in Erwin!
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Had a great day today - was hot as anything once again but I have really enjoyed the hiking the last couple of days. Have been going through about 4-5 liters of water a day with the heat. And the bugs have been pretty terrible... they bite. But I don't notice them as much while I'm walking. Terrain was varied today which kept things interesting = went from flat up and downhills to rocky trails to cliffs and ridgewalks. We had some great views and cool scenery. At one point the rocks we walked though looked like something out of an Aztec ruin - was pretty sweet.Speaking of sweet, myself and Sweet Tea went off on a little adventure this afternoon which was fun. We came to a road crossing early in the day and there was a sign for a store selling sodas 1.7 miles away or something. Sweet Tea was saying how he'd love a soda and was thinking of hitching but he pressed on. Later we came to another road crossing where it said the shop was .06 miles away. We thought there was no way that could be right but saw some houses through the trees and figured we'd check it out. Things looked good when we saw a guy outside but when Sweet Tea asked him if this was the shop he said no - but then offered to give us a lift there. So in we hopped in the back of Glen's pickup truck and down to the store for some ice cream and sodas. Glen was a great guy and even waited for us and drove us back- a trail angel if I've ever seen one! Of course when I met bak up with everyone they thought I had gotten lost (again) but they were happy (or jealous) to hear of my ice cream adventure. was also cool to get a glimpse of small town Tennessee (as a side note the last 100 miles or so we've been kind of dipping back and forth between North Carolina and Tennessee so I'm never sure which state I'm in at any given time!).