morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Another shelter night for me. It drizzled most of the morning and early afternoon today. Padre was out early and I haven't seen him since. A few people stopped by the shelter, and moved on to the next or beyond as I arrived or shortly after. I was contemplating moving on myself as I arrived at the shelter at 2:40pm. But I was pretty wet and shoulders were a little more sore then they had been. So I cooked up some lunch, made some hot tea, and proceeded to use "hot water bottle" method and body heat to dry my clothes on my body, before climbing into my sleeping bag. 20 minutes to half hour after arriving at this shelter, I realized how good the idea to stay really was as the heavens opened up and released a great downpour! I fear I was the only person in the shelter this night unaffected by this weather change. But I got to meet some new friends and see some previous ones. Almond Joy made it in from Dick's Creek Gap (met him at the Blueberry Patch), Colonel Mustard was there too. Hodge Podge was the first to arrive after I had settled in for the day with at least a minor case of hypothermia. He was too cold to cook something to help him warm up, and I am not sure he had much to wear that was not already soaked. So he quickly climbed into his bag and stayed there for quite awhile as the shelter quickly started to fill. Papa Jack arrived undaunted by the weather. He happily set up his tent and then came back to the shelter for a visit. Red Bear also set up tent and was back to visit and cook under the covered "picnic" table of the shelter. Then arrived Chris and her dog Madison. As she was drying herself, then Madison, she was named Ducky (she came up with the name) which quickly stuck. She and Madison shared the shelter as we didn't mind the extra warmth of a dry dog. Late arrivals (after I had already gone to sleep, I'd say somewhere after 9:00pm) were Nick and his dog Blue. They also tented. Hiker attitudes vary greatly in rainy conditions. A few were affected physically as well as psycologically by the wet and cold, while others seem to really enjoy the hike so much that weather conditions cannot dampen their spirits!
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

For being one of my longer hikes this year, the day and terrain made this a very pleasant day. St. Patrick would approve I am sure! This is the shelter I stayed at in 2004 where, after 2 days of snow, I gave myself a nice black eye while breaking firewood. It took the reminder of Ducky for most of us to realize that this was the famous Irish holiday where you dress in, eat and drink green. Not being a beer drinker myself, I could not fully appreciate the loss of pub access in Boston on this fine day. Today was so beautiful most of us took to setting up tents at the shelter. Interesting point is that there is a very neglected older version of this shelter still standing about .2 miles from this one. Water, as usual, is a pretty long downhill hike. Papa Jack took a short day to Standing Indian Shelter. He seems happy to meet many of the hikers that pass through as he takes his time meandering up the trail. Too bad I will not get to hike with him again for awhile at least. Very nice guy. Missing the "Mad Kiwis" as we had hiked together for at least half of this 2 weeks. And I really enjoyed their company. But I know they will catch me eventually or our paths will cross at some event. Did I say TWO WEEKS?! Yes, as of today I have been on the AT for 2 weeks now! Minus my 2 days off, that is, but I am really starting to huff and puff a lot less on the uphills. Maybe I speak to soon as Albert Mountain is a challenging hike up tomorrow! We shall see what tomorrow brings. Today was Soooo great, and again some new friends. Almond Joy, Colonel Mustard, Ducky and Madison, Red Bear, and Nick and Blue all made it to the shelter. We also had Wounded Knee stop in. I find if I cannot write down trail names fast enough, I do not retain those names. As with every day of this hike, there is way too much stimulus out here. With the beauties of sight and sound all around us, there are also thoughts of friends and family who daily become a part of my day and of my hike. They don't have to be physically present to make a great impact on everything I do. I am so greatful each day for the people who have been a part of this amazing life adventure.
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was another beautiful day. Albert Mountain was much easier than I had remembered, and the views were superb! The day started out well. I took a few nice little breaks to get mileage and prepare for climbs and try to figure my destination. But when I got to the top of Albert, I could not help making a photo shoot of the 360 degree view from the fire tower. Even got some pics of Ducky and Madison after their summit. And the rest of the day was filled with nicely graded trail that made the miles cruise by as I hit and past the 100 mile point on the AT. Unfortunately, 2 seconds of no concentration can lead to an unexpected faceplant! Little scrape on my arm, but some blood from the knee, and a huge welt from some unkown rock or root on my right leg made for a bit of stiff decent and slightly slower pace to the shelter. The pain did not take away from the great weather and views of this day. Only encouraged me to pay closer attention to the trail at hand. Nothing like a wake-up call to get you to live in the here and now! Not that I will no longer day dream as I am hiking, but maybe I will focus on retaining at least some attention to my current environment. Ouch, to add to my slightly painful wounds, I set my tent on a very unlevel parcel of shelter real estate which made sleep difficult. But, no worry as I will be in Franklin as soon as I am able tomorrow. Bed, shower, clean clothes and town food should heal all of my wounds (not necessarily in that order). Colonel Mustard, Ducky and Madison, Red Bear, Wounded Knee, Nick and Blue, and 5 others stayed at this shelter or in thier tents. In my "weakened" condition, I failed to write any notes in my journal about this night. I know one of the group of 4 who camped by the road is Phoenix. The other 4 hikers' names escape me at this time. This is alright as I have already missed keeping track of at least a dozen other hikers I have stayed with.
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 0.1
Weather: clear sky

Wow! This is my shortest NERO (Nearly Zero) day ever. I didn't even have to walk a whole mile today. Which is a very good thing. My right leg had stiffened up pretty good overnight, and with the lack of sleep from pain and the discomfort of trying not to slide off my sleeping pad all night, I would have had to struggle to hike the 4 miles to the main road crossing (Winding Stair Gap). Eight of us got on the bus to town from Rock Gap as our host, Ron Haven, went on to explain our options, the local terrain, Indian terms and names for the locale, the upcoming event in the town of Franklin and all of the wonderful services he and his facilities provide. Among the 8 were Colonel Mustard, Charles, Phoenix, McBride, Nick and his dog, Blue and myself of course.The other 2 hikers were traveling with Phoenix and McBride. Red Bear and Ducky and Madison hiked on as they are hurrying to Fontana Dam for their food drops. I was told last night that Almond Joy was trying to get a ride into Franklin last night. I am happy to have waited as I now have the whole day to shower, wash clothes, do internet, eat AYCE Mexican cuisine, read my book, watch a little tv, go to the outfitter, shop at Ingles, and then catch up on my online trail journal. This has been a wonderful day and very productive stop for me. Oops, I forgot to mention my phone call to Home Depot in Ellisville, MO where I talked to about a dozen of my former co-workers, and Wild Bill (I know it sounds like a trail name). This was also productive as it used the last of my battery life so I would be able to fully recharge my cell phone, not that I ever really get any kind of signal unless I am in town. But my food bag is once again refilled and it is now 8:45pm ... well past my trail bedtime... and now I am caught up with my new trail journaling. Only left with some past journaling to catch up on. Maybe after breakfast if the computer is empty. I may need to grab a quick bite before I turn in. If my journal entries seem brief, it is just because of a lack of internet time. I just wanted to get them posted so people could see some progress. Hopefully my next journal entries will include pictures from my hike up to Neels Gap. Back to hiking some miles tomorrow!
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Got started from the shuttle at 9:30. Feeling real strong this morning. May make it a big day... but, Trail Magic at the Winding Stair Gap produced food, drink and the Mad Kiwis!!! Haven't seen them for 5 days. A short chat made me rethink the day about 3 times and, well looks like another stay in Franklin is in the cards for me. We really had a great visit though. Sat through a video interview of three young girl hikers by Dulcimer Dave and Mosey, who were given a camera for a future AT video. Trail Magic is just so hard to pass up even when slack packing (Dulcimer Dave and Mosey did a few days slack packing since they own property in Franklin). After they took showers and I settled into Miss Janet's hostel, Ron, Merryll and I got a ride from Ronnie Haven to the Shoney's for all you can eat salad and hot food bar. We walked from there to the outfitter (my second trip to that particular outfitter) where I proceeded to spend well over my weekly budget in 2 short visits. But I did buy some necessary items. When we got back to the motel, the Kiwis did laundry while I took my second shower in 2 days - I know... I spoil myself sometimes. Later that night we met with 4 other hikers to go get dinner at Cody's Roadhouse. There Roxanne and Mike got their brand new trail names (Top Shelf and Gazza = pronounced Gezza {a New Zealand slang for Gary = Mike's middle name}). The other couple who joined the festivities was Hope (Thin Mint) and Mike (Ziggy Stardust). Also into the Hotel that night were Brooke (Wampus Cat), Nathan (Davey Jones), Mr. Green Tea, and Adam. Colonel Mustard and Charles had taken a zero so were still there as well. Since I had already spent over my budget and I didn't expect to see the Mad Kiwis any time soon, I had myself a nice fillet mignon and glass of cabernet sauvignon. I know... somewhat out of character for me! Was a great town day for me.
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Winding Stair Gap

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

What a great Day! It started with an early morning chat with Miss Janet whom I had met several times in 2004, but never got to stay in her hostel which was then located in Erwin, Tn. Then a few hikers came in to have coffee and chat while breakfast was being prepared. And finally just before breakfast was completed we had a pretty full house of hikers plus (3 brothers from Germany stayed at the hostel because the hotel was sold out). So for breakfast and conversation was Miss Janet, Ashtray (a past thru hiker I had met in 2004), Ron and Merryll (Mad Kiwis), Hope (Thin Mint) and Mike (Ziggy Stardust), Roxanne (Top Shelf) and Mike (Gazza), Wicked Wahini (just met her that morning), 3 brothers from Germany (I didn't write down their names) and myself! Was a great breakfast, but time sped by so quickly that I didn't get to do a couple of the things I had planned before having to catch the shuttle out. And I almost forgot my hiking sticks! But back on the trail I had plenty of energy from that wonderful breakfast that nearly caused my waistbelt to explode. Hiked through a burned out area of trail on the way up to Siler's Bald. Great views and pictures from the very top of the bald (of which I had never completely climbed before ... well worth the extra effort). Out of town that morning were Colonel Mustard (who had to get off at Rock Gap), Thin Mint and Ziggy Stardust (who were also very full from our incredible breakfast), Wicked Wahini (who says she is always slow), Finch (whom I just met on the shuttle from town), Spokes (whom I met on the ride back to Franklin yesterday), and Charles who stayed with us at Rock Gap Shelter and spent 2 nights in Franklin. As I reached Wayah Bald near the stone tower, I ran into Lil Engine and Spike (whom I had met briefly in on the shuttle to town yesterday). Had some great pictures and met some nice people at the stone tower. This tower was totally fogged in when I hiked through in 2004.
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

My biggest day this year! Full shelter last night. Had fun watching Wampus Cat and Mr. Green Tea pracice their bear bag hanging skills before Adam helped. Shelter contained Spokes, Wampus Cat, Mr. Green Tea, Adam, Davey Jones, Thin Mint, and Ziggy Stardust. Tenting was Wicked Wahini, Finch, and myself. Just about 3 1/2 miles from the shelter we hit an interesting Trail Magic site. Trail Maintainer Apple has a Mount Everest Base Camp tent that he fills with trail magic items such as coffee, hot chocolate and oranges. He caught 10 of us at once that morning! Too bad we missed the rest of the trail magic at the next parking area the day before we arrived! I took a few breaks today. One of those happened to be where Dulcimer Dave and Mosey had stopped for lunch. Most of the gang had stopped at the fire tower on Wesser Bald when I arrived for some more great pictures. Spokes, Finch, Ziggy Stardust, Thin Mint and I all made it down to the NOC tonight (after I came Accross Nick and Blue {dog} at the A. Rufus Morgan Shelter, .8 miles from NOC). When Nick and Blue and I arrived at NOC I was supprised to see so many familiar and new hiker faces. Aside from the previously mentioned were: Papa Jack, Tuna, 2 Pounds, Pecan (whom I had heard about on numerous occaisions), Wounded Knees, McBride, Phoenix, Lil Engine and Spike, and met Jeffrey, Otto and other hikers whom I do not remember at this time. I was able to get a room at the hostel even though the office was closed at 5:00 pm and I arrived around 5:30. When I got to my room, I spent a couple hours making phone calls, then checked out the showers and kitchen area.
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.1

Had a great time at NOC meeting new hikers and seeing hikers whom I had already met. Also good to talk to friends and family since I had a great cell phone connection and a private hostel room. The hike out was pretty strenuous, but not nearly as tough as I remembered from 2004. I paced myself very well even though I didn't leave NOC until 10:30. I arrived at Sassafras Gap Shelter at 4:30 and made my dinner/filled my water bottles so that I would be in good shape to summit Cheoah Bald for a beautiful Sunset and tent out under the stars. The group I hiked with today kind of split. Most stayed at the shelter, but some moved on to tent at Locust Cove Gap (not nearly the views I had). It really was a beautiful night with great photo opportunities, and my first night camping alone since Amicolola Falls at Max Epperson Shelter. With any luck, and determination, I will hike my first 20 tomorrow. As I arrived at the summit, the sky was still full of clouds, so I set up my tent and wrote in the hiker log book in the ammo case by the trail. After about an hour and a half, of which I was setting up my bed and reading/writing in my journal and basically just puttering about in my tent, the sun started showing through the clouds. As I noticed the direction the light was coming from, I went out to explore the views and found what I was looking for, the perfect vista point for a beautiful sunset. I took dozens of photos at different zooms, speeds and aperatures to look for some really interesting colors and patterns in the sky and of the sun itself. I will not be posting all of those pictures, but will ask someone to pick out at least 5 of the best to post. Later as nature awoke me to the dark clear night sky, I noticed my best views of the stars since I started this amazing adventure. And waking up before the sunrise, I again sought out my best vantage point for the sunrise pictures. Though slightly obscured by the treeline to the East, I was able to get some really nice pictures of the sky and moon and a decent sunrise picture. This spot was all I had hoped it would be. Though the pictures I took could hardly capture the amazing beauty of it all, I will post them so that you can get a little glimpse of what this marvelous evening and morning had in store for me. (Note:This may take a few weeks as I have not yet come close to filling my memory card, even with the many hiker pictures I have taken since arriving at Fontana Dam.)
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Wow! This was an amazing day. Lots of things on my mind beside the trail, but it helped me to complete these miles. I took many breaks today, but tried to keep them all short. A really good friend of mine is going through some really tough times with personal issues, work issues and maybe extreme health issues. Unfortunately there is not much I could do for her even if I was there. So I will continue to hike. If I do find I need to leave the AT, I am sure I will be back if that is what was meant for me. In that I can do nothing to change these issues, I will continue this journey that is 20 years of planning, learning, adventuring, and the completion of a 20 year dream for me. So back to the here and now. My most recent hiking associates: Wampus Cat; Mr. Green Tea; Davey Jones; Adam; Phoenix; McBride; Ziggy Stardust; Thin Mint; Finch; Spokes; Nick and Blue; Ducky and Madison; Red Bear; Wounded Knees and some I haven't seen for awhile: Almond Joy; Wishy Washy; Retro; Alice (now Snooze); Tracey (now Pokey); and Erin (still no individual trail name, but part of the MD3) and even some I have not yet met: Turnaround (whom I did get a picture of in NOC); and Cajun all were a part of my hike today! Most of the hikers I was with the past few days stayed at Cable Gap Shelter for the night. I only took a small break there so I would have energy to continue. Hearing that rain was apparent for the late evening, I was determined to get in my longest day. I also had lots to think about, and was happy to take my mind and body to complete exhaustion to force out thoughts of things I could do nothing about. And if the rain would continue as anticipated, I would have lots of time to work these things out. Suprises all around, from me (seeing hikers I didn't think I would catch up to), and other hikers (who really didn't expect to see me). And also for me to find out I didn't have to walk an extra half mile to the dam just to get a shower. Showers are a great addition to the restrooms in front of the shelter. I also forgot how annoying the last mile's ups and downs can be after a long day! But I did a great hike today and I am happy I completed it. Some extremely tough climbs, both up and down, in the terrain made this an even longer day. It took me a full 12 hours with my break times. All in all I did pretty well as the last 6.6 took me less than 3 hours to finish with some pretty tough terrain. Good thing the trail was dry and the sky had enough light even to the end.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Lots of hikers I had met before here have left today. I did some photo journaling as they progressed out of the shelter. Some I may never see on the trail again. Though I will continue watching for journal entries in the shelter log books. And those listed on trailjournals may be contacted at future dates.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Well, after 4 days off waiting for the rain to stop, I have allowed the Mad Kiwis to catch up with me. Got to spend a day with them in Fontana Village yesterday and decided I want to hike with them at least through the Smokies. Fell behind in my journaling, so will have to fill these up at a later date as I just want to catch up to my current location.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Clingman's Dome bypass

To: Newfound Gap US441
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Slack packed between Clingman's Parking area and Newfound Gap today. Was a great idea as the weather will be bad again tonight! Heading back to Gatlinburg for another night with Ron, Merryll and Red Leg (Aiden). Also picked up Colonel Mustard in our wake. Was good seeing him. He had a rough day and his spirits seemed a bit shattered. Major feasting was had at Newfound Gap, though Ron and I had to do a bit of detouring before physically able to consume any food. Was a great day!
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Newfound Gap US441

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, another zero for me yesterday as the weather was much worse in Gatlinburg, so obviously horrible in the Smokies. We did a good day today though. Sad news that Colonel Mustard has a fractured left elbow so needs to take about a month off of the AT. Hope to see him back soon. Beautiful day today and fantastic views. I will have pictures posted from today as soon as I can. Especially Charlie's Bunion!
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road to hostel
Miles today: 18.1

Second longest day for me today! Had to leave Ron and Merryll at the Cosby Knob Shelter after a late lunch so I could book down the last 10 miles to Standing Bear Farm Hostel. Not too worried as I am sure they will make it in tomorrow.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Green Corner Road to hostel

To: Green Corner Road to hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Zero today. Have to buy some new boots (actually just picked up sneakers) as my boots were eating my socks. All is well as Ron and Merryll hiked in today. I was at Walmart getting shoes and some supplies when they arrived, so I had a few nice suprises for them when I got back. Rained last night so I also found out my tent is not waterproof. Gear problems always come in threes also??? Not this time as everything else seems to be working fine. Some snow flurries today, and definitely colder. No accumulation yet. Lot's of hikers in for the night. Including a group of 22 High School students. Meeting new hikers all the time. I did get to see a few hikers yesterday I met in the Smokies, who have left this morning. Including Aiden (Red Leg) who celebrated his birthday in Gatlinburg. He left a day before we did, but he seems to be doing alright even with the bad weather he's encountered.Anyone who may be interested in sending me something, I have entered my maildrops thus far. Obviously I have recieved my first 2 maildrops, but my next maildrop in Damascus, VA is pending. You can just check my maildrops section of this journal.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Green Corner Road to hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Just a few short logs to get caught up. 10 days behind at the moment. Lots of info to fill in, but I want to catch up first. Well, This is where Spike hit Ron (of the Mad Kiwis) from behind and tore his left rotator cuff. Ron is on his way home to have an operation to fix this problem. I will fill in the information here when I get caught up some more in my current location.