morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Wayah Bald @ Bartram Trail

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

After several hours of rain showers, clouds, and cold, I landed at the NOC hostel to rejuvenate. I ended up sharing a bunkroom with Old Forester (who I met at camp last night) whose version of trail magic was a hearty burger, fries, and a HUGE plate of salad at the restaurant. He has been working in the forestry and timber industry since graduating from Auburn several years ago. He has pieced together hundreds of miles of the AT during many week long trips and will likely top Katahdin before finishing smaller sections closer to home. I was glad to have met him on the trail, and hope to have future encounters with people like him.I met fellow thru-hikers AbleJack and Bugs here. Bugs was wearing the curtain from her room following her shower so she could wash all her laundry. Tonight, I also met UT spring breakers on a kayaking trip. Mary (from Greeneville) and Lindsey (from California) were interested in AT stories and were also past rowers on the NCAA UT women's team. We enjoyed lots of conversation about our shared hometown, their boating trip, and my time on the AT.Post NOC arrival menu: Butterfinger bar, Cliff bar, dinner 1: burger, fries, salad, bread pudding, dinner 2 (courtesy of UT kayakers): spinach shell burrito with beans, rice, chicken, and green peppers, gatorade, twin pack of Nutty Buddy bars.
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Staying at NOC proved to be a wise move. Dried out my gear and thawed out while enjoying a warm room for the evening. The morning brought less rain and warmer weather. The sky began clearing after lunch, and after I crossed Cheoh Bald. I met Headrest and Jaws during the hike today. Jaws completed a SOBO thru-hike a couple years ago, and aims to complete a NOBO now. Tonight I am with Casey Jones, Doodle, Bugs, Squirrel and another whose name I forget. The crowd has provided a lot of fun and much needed laughs.Today's menu: 2 packets oatmeal, 2 Kashi bars, Cliff bar, peanut butter and crackers, cheese and crackers, gatorade, Uncle Ben's rice/chicken packet from Old Forester, and some Ramen noodles.
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Brown Fork Gap

To: Fontana Dam Hilton
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

Today was very nice. Woke up to a light dusting of snow and a few flurries in the morning. I arrived at the Fontana Marina near 12:20pm and called for the Village shuttle. Jaws (from the Harper's Ferry area) and I shuttled over together. First we hit the restaurant and I enjoyed some coffee while he ate from a slightly rough looking buffet. After a trek to the outfitter and the general store, I spent the next couple hours in front of the post office shuffling the mail drop and arranging travel from the trail. I also just found out that next week I fly to San Antonio (Air Guard) for another round of examinations called medical flight screening. This schedule change marks the second major shift in my hiking plans. The first being that I hiked so much of TN/NC before starting in Springer. I now plan to get picked up at Davenport Gap on 3/26 to prepare for travel on 3/28.My birthday was nice, including a remarkable letter from Eric (and a phone call to the payphone) and cookies from mom. The village was rejuvenating.Arriving at the 'Hilton' I showered and rinsed out my clothes. Squirrel and AbleJack built a fire which facilitates drying my clothes nicely. Bugs is here tonight, and I met Sasparilla and Crumbs (sisters from Pennsylvania) too.
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Fontana Dam Hilton

To: Spence Field
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I left near 7:30am this morning and decided to reach Spence Field rather than Russell Field. 4 section hikers from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana are here: Abby, Anna, Chelsea and Haley. They are on their last night of a loop hike in the Smokies. Sounds like they have enjoyed their time here. Greybeard (Carl) is the Ridgerunner for this section of the Smokies and a past AT thru-hiker. He is full of information, including the forecast for 5-6 inches of snow tonight. Chestnut, from Blairsville, GA is here. He left Fontana this morning after returning from a short stay at home. Squirrel, Crumbs, Sasparilla and Jaws arrived too.The snow is falling heavily now, and I've realized that tomorrow may bring wet feet. I'm hoping to cross Clingman's Dome (highest point on the AT) tomorrow. It could be a pretty challenging day with all the snowfall.
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Spence Field

To: Mt. Collins
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light snow

The snowfall continues along with the cold. I hiked with Chestnut all day and we shot through the snow quickly to stay warm. Arriving at Derrick Knob shelter for a short break, I became very cold. We got moving after a snack and the hiking kept me warm and removed the shivers. Clingman's Dome was very interesting with snow, ice, cold, and low clouds all around. We hiked hard through the 4-5 inches of snow then up to 10 inches of snow today arriving at Mt. Collins Shelter. According to the journals, most hikers went to Gatlinburg. Although I would really like to complete the Smokies before my trip to San Antonio, the thought of town is attractive. Arizona must have thinned my blood too much for the 15-20 degree days and nights. We have decided to trek the 4.5 miles to Newfound Gap and decide there.
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Mt. Collins

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We bailed out. Breaking snow for 4.5 miles was somewhat challenging, but the bitter wind and cold was just unpleasant. Arriving at Newfound Gap, we debated for a few minutes before a couple section hikers from Knoxville came along. Their truck was at the gap and we asked to ride down in the bed. Then... along came two snowplows! After obtaining permission from their dispatch, the drivers took Chestnut and I down the mountain to the park entrance as they continued clearing the road. At the gated entrance, we jumped in the truck with Roger and Michael who drove us into town. Chestnut opted to stay in Gatlinburg while I rode along to Pigeon Forge for a pancake breakfast. Mom & Dad were already en route to pick me up in Pigeon Forge. Roger and Michael were from Knoxville and shared stories about the trail. Before leaving brunch, Michael told me about Roger's trip to Mt. Everest in a couple weeks. Hard to believe a Knoxville native is journeying to the Himalayas. Even when I've been uncertain about the best decision, some good things seem to result. I did not want to bail today, but made a couple new friends in Knoxville. "Hike your own hike" is much deeper than words.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After returning from medical flight screening in San Antonio yesterday, I wanted to hit the trail ASAP. Jerry (Eric's dad) was planning to camp in Hot Springs for the weekend, and gladly gave me a ride so I could slack from Hot Springs to Allen Gap. It was great to visit with him during the ride from Greeneville and the day turned out great.I ran into Dragon Slayer, a GAME'r from a couple years ago. She had day hiked to Lover's Leap. She was encouraging and looked forward to hearing about my hike. It was great to meet so much enthusiasm.Before leaving this morning, Dudley from the Maine Train called and said they would be in Hot Springs on Monday or Tuesday. I look forward to meeting them again, and bringing them to my hometown for some downtime. I have not seen them since Neel's Gap.I made it back to Allen Gap in less than 5 hours enjoying the trail on which I took my first backpacking trip. The same 5 hr, 15 mile hike took us 2 days when I was 11 or so years old. Mill Ridge was interesting from the apparent controlled burn of a day or two ago, and the memories of a survival trip we took when I was 15 or so years old. We were very, very cold that night.Although my original hiking plans have changed significantly after this week for weather, unexpected travel, and a rendezvous with hiking friends, the AT experience continues to unfold positively and keeps me focused on the truest part of the thru-hike adventure.
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Davenport Gap

To: Groundhog Creek
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

After a great family lunch at Grandma's, I drove to Mtn Momma's and left the Trooper in the parking lot. My plan is to finish Davenport Gap to Hot Springs, hang out with the Maine Train, and then later in the week get dropped off at Newfound Gap and return to the car at Mtn Momma's. (My original hiking plans have been altered again.) I checked out the Standing Bear hostel on my way to Groundhog Creek; it was a nice setting and looked to be a good place to stay. Just before arriving at the shelter, I caught Lab Dad and Bluebelt, and their two lab dogs. I last saw them at Neel's Gap. They are moving steadily, but seemed to be losing a little steam, possibly because of the hours of dog sitting. I hope they find the energy to keep moving. They plan to hike home to Maryland, where they are getting married.Arriving at the shelter I heard AbleJack say, "it's flying Ryan." A name that will not stick, because of unwritten thru-hiker code, my request, and common sense. I met AbleJack at the NOC and last saw him at the Fontana Hilton. A former Navy guy, he has provided some pretty funny chatting. I then saw the Maine Train in the background. Arriving a few minutes before me, they were just ahead of me in setting up tents adjacent to the overloaded shelter. They allowed me to set up in the middle of their site (before we realized the pounding we were about to take from the rain), and after eating in the dark and going to bed under starry skies around 9:00pm (the latest so far), the thunder and rain came in a fury. My tent occasionally dripped from being pelted with the heaviest rain it has seen, while next door, Hot Rod and Blistah became a little wet from the condensation of their single wall tarp style tent.It is great to be on the trail again!
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Groundhog Creek

To: North of Bluff Mtn
Miles today: 16.8

The rain, thunder, and lightning hit a few times last night, adding to the already abundant sounds of I-40 traffic in the valley below -- can you say jake brake? I joined the Maine Train in departing around 9:30am, a fortunate tardy departure as Max Patch was only partly cloudy with plenty of sun as we crossed. The hours before and after our crossing were cloudy and less attractive. On the summit many of us decided to dry our tents and soaked gear in the high gusts of wind and sunshine. Staking my tent out for about 10 minutes did the job. We (Maine Train, Brian, and I) trekked to the north side of Max Patch for lunch out of the high winds. Passing through Walnut Mtn Shelter, the Maine Train and I said bye to AbleJack, Betty, and Brian as we trekked on toward Bluff Mtn. Crossing Bluff Mtn, we filled up water at the first spring and camped on an old road out of the wind... well, sort of out of the wind. We all look forward to Hot Springs tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: North of Bluff Mtn

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

We made it into the Springs early afternoon. We had lunch in town and hit the post office and outfitters before mom picked us up in the Tundra. The five of them did not want to overwhelm my parents, but I told them about having 3 sisters. My parents were pretty used to it, and used to the hiker messes thanks to the past 400 miles of to and from hiking I had been doing. We dropped off a hiker at Allen Gap on the way home too. I forgot his name, but he was from NYC... New York City! His shoes broke so he hitched back to Hot Springs and we returned him to his home away from home a day later.Returning home, I found an article mom had cut out from the Knoxville News-Sentinal discussing Roger's trip to Everest. Roger and Michael gave me the ride from GSMNP to Pigeon Forge during the heavy snow on March 25. I plan to follow his expedition online as much as possible: "Hillbilly in the Himalayas."The front yard looked like a hiker yard sale; tall unmowed grass covered in sleeping bags, backpacks, tents, boots, and unshowered "people." After cleaning up, Hot Rod and Lotus relaxed at the house, while Mufasa, Blistah, Dudley and I picked up pizza and ice cream. We read a few trail journals online, watched Maryland beat Duke in the women's championship, and caught up with the other world's events. Dudley informed me of the news about Phoenix passing away in the Mt. Collins shelter sometime on the night of March 30th. I shared Blue Mtn Shelter with him a couple weeks ago. He was mid 60's on his third lond distance hike, and had plenty of sarcasm to go around. Sounds like he passed quietly in the night. Hat's off.Sharing the past couple days with the train has been rejuvenating, exciting, humorous, and motivating. The boredom found in solo hiking was replaced by new friendships and great conversation.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Greeneville

To: Greeneville
Miles today: 0.0

Today was very relaxing. We lounged most of the morning while enjoying mom's coffee cake and watching "A River Runs Through It" on the tube. After hitting the supermarket, I joined the Train for a trip to Kathy's, a college friend of Hot Rod's dad who recently moved to Greeneville. Four wheeler rides and horseback riding passed the afternoon in style. Then, a game of Boggle where Hot Rod and Kathy were basically unstoppable. Although, compared to me everyone else was pretty skilled. Before the evening meal I enjoyed lots of conversation with Dudley, and mentioned to her the change in mentality their hike had given me. It is amazing; when you think that you somewhat understand most of the goals of your actions (for instance, hiking the AT) and new reasons and purposes become exposed. It is rewarding to begin letting go of worries and unproductive thoughts. A good friend told me that "I could choose to try and control, or choose to try for happiness." Dudley also left me with a phrase that I cannot forget, part of which follows: "all I know is...." I felt that she was saying, "at this or any moment there is plenty to contemplate, debate, worry, or think about, but how about letting go of the items out of your control and enjoying the moments, the people, the possibilities, and in this case, the hike?"I passed along a copy of the Mat Hazley article "The Speed Hiker" that appeared in National Geographic Adventure for drop off with Nean at Hot Springs when the Train returns there tomorrow. Lotus later reported his excitement to receive the page. This summer Nean will be helping Mat (Squeaky) on his attempt at a speed record thru-hike.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Mom & Dad dropped me off at Newfound Gap at 11:00am this morning. Blue skies and pleasant temps - much better than when I left this spot on March 25 with Chestnut. I made it to Tri-Corner near 4:30pm and found a place before the remainder of the 34 people arrived. Yes, 34 people... insanity! The shelter has 34 people tenting and shelter crashing tonight. I met several people today, including many sightseeers and short trippers from Newfound Gap. A far cry from when Chestnut and I broke trail in over 12 inches of snow to a closed Newfound Gap road a couple weeks ago. I met Jim the Ridgerunner who informed of the 26 people he had passed before me this afternoon! It's officially a circus on the AT!After seeing his band play in Boone last week, a couple of Crider's songs were playing in my head today. They were enjoyable and much better than randomly thinking. I debated the pros & cons of solo hiking and group hiking. I immensely enjoyed hiking with the group last week. It was a great change from the rush of my solo style and it definitely provided great fellowship and fun. Ultimately, it was strongly motivating. I really saw the urge and pull of the thru-hiking adventure. Before that hike, I was a beginning to feel a little run down about completing the 2200 miles. 'They' say, "hike your own hike," whatever that means to you. Given the likelihood that I will go to training in August, a complete thru-hike at a slower pace looks bleak. That is not totally debilitating though, as I have been pounded with the idea of "slowing down to smell the roses" thoughts lately. During trail magic with FAL and Hercules, FAL remarked, "God showed me that it was not always the destination, but the journey," when referring to her 1999 thru-hike. I also found an old note quoting C.C., "All paths lead nowhere, so it important to choose a path that has heart." What do I want to walk away from the AT with in 2006? The idea of taking it one day at a time is forcing its way into my walk.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Tri-Corner Knob

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Finally!! Over the past few weeks I have pieced together every mile of the AT between Springer and Damascus. Unexpected trips, weather, and new friendships have made the hike unexpectedly more exciting than my 16-17 mile solo days had been. While outpacing several of the thru-hiking community this early in the game has given me lots of experiences and confidence, it has been a hard realization that I might only leave with just that, "I hiked fast." As Gene Schnell would say, "double whoopy." I have found good people that have tremendously enhanced my hike and helped my outlook on the experience. I look forward to an opportunity to continuing the hike with them; however that experience may unfold.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Damascus, VA

To: Road 601 / "There"
Miles today: 18.1

Today was a great day to resume. Yesterday in Damascus the storms were very strong. Today it is about 70 with blue skies and an occasional breeze. When the Maine Train and I reached the split between VA Creeper and AT, Dudley and I opted for the AT and the rest went Creeper trail. Blistah and Lotus were trying new methods for shoes and the gradual trail was better for them. Since I had biked the Creeper several years ago in scouts, I took the previously unseen AT.With several days off previous to today, and carrying two packs I was slow hiking. But, the hikers we passed did not notice as I handed them Easter Candy. It was fun to pass out surprises to unsuspecting hikers. Kind of like driving the Philmont roads with donuts.As we arrived at Lost Mtn Shelter, we found that the rest of the group had continued on with the Wrens and FreezeOut to the abondoned house. Dudley and I finished the last couple miles and enjoyed everyone's company "there."Returning to the trail feels like home.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Road 601 / "There"

To: Wise
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

The April showers returned today. The terrain was nice and Dudley and I did the 1/2 mile side hike up Mt. Rogers. Noone else joined us, but I could not walk by another state top. That makes my fourth I believe: TN, CO, NM and VA. Earlier in the day, Hot Rod, Mufasa, and Dudley lightened my candy load as the extra 15 lbs or so was taking a small toll on my pace. Hiking with a group is much different than my earlier hikes. The group setting has drawbacks and advantages. Sort of like being at Philmont, but all the hikers are older and stronger. We saw only one wild pony today. The weather must have kept them bedded down.My boots are heavy and a little painful. Hopefully, getting to Roanoke will not be too bad and I can search out some more trail runners.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Wise

To: Trimpi
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: moderate rain

After a night of storms, we departed under more rainy skies. We had 2nd lunch at Hurricane Mtn Shelter and the weather began clearing soon after providing for great hiking. Today we crossed a mountain not on the maps or in the books...hmmm.During the morning hike, Hot Rod, Blistah, Dudley and I passed the time with song and movie trivia. Hiking with them was rejuvenating during the rain.Dudley mentioned riding along with me into northern VA to see her family when I report in Martinsburg. I hope it works out, as it would definitely make the trip more enjoyable. Tonight, she spilled her supper water on her legs and, under orders from FreezeOut and Hot Rod, I poured cold spring water on her. She seems to be fine.Tonight we are with FreezeOut, Uber Dude (Berkely, CA) and Buttercup (formerly known as Brian)
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Trimpi

To: Chatfield
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

We speedily arrived at the legendary Partnership shelter in time for lunch. I walked to Mt Rogers Headquarters and ordered pizza for everyone. I also spoke with mom & dad for a few minutes in the sprinkling rain. We also took a shower, more of a rinse, at the shelter while eating.My feet are continually sore, and I attribute that to the boots and too much pack weight. Hope to shed some pounds in Roanoke.During the afternoon we once again played some trivia games while hiking. When the time gets a little boring, a group like the Maine Train keeps you motivated.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Chatfield

To: Davis Path
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

More rain last night, but nice today. We arrived in Atkins near 10am and thumbed a ride from a guy in a big Chevy diesel. He did not give too many details, but had just returned from the middle east on a mission trip. He dropped us at the Post Office and I mailed home the 2nd backpack and the half quart Nalgene.While in town I made arrangements for drill weekend in Martinsburg, and talked with mom, dad and Eric. I also grabbed six days of food to get to Pearisburg. It was my first attempt at resupply without a mail drop. The biggest disadvantage is the lack of homemade treats...hint hint. Spent about $40 dollars in food and fuel, and a few more in postage and in-town snacks. We said bye to FreezeOut and Buttercup who plan to meet us in Pearisburg.We were the only six at the shelter and had time to work a crossword puzzle and fix holes in Thermarest and Big Agnes sleeping pads. My pack is heavy again. Leaving town after resupplying seems to have that result. Phone calls while in town are rejuvenating and motivating though.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Davis Path

To: Lick Creek Camp
Miles today: 14.3

Today provided many thoughts on the benefits of hiking so much. Over 550 miles done and it has turned into a lifestyle. It is an interesting adaptation to this world -- one that many may never know. I keep thinking of Philmont and the opportunities I have had there, and the good people I have met. I am not certain what the best physical and mental prep for AMS really is.We camped just beside the big creek and rain began to fall just after camp set up. The rhododendrun plants are providing excellent cover for dinner prep though. Dudley shared her large pouch of chili with me and the variety was great.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Lick Creek Camp

To: Jenkins
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: moderate rain

After hanging our bear bags on a tree extending over the creek, Hot Rod waded out up to his knees to retrieve them. The water level really increased with the rainfall last night. We all reached Chesnut Knob shelter for a morning snack after hiking in the rain and thick fog. The shelter was fully enclosed like the Roan High Knob Shelter in TN.Arriving at Jenkins shelter, we were greeted by 5 section hikers occupying most of the space. On a rainy day, not what we were looking forward to. I mentioned hiking further if we were going to camp anyway, but we decided to squeeze 4 of us in the shelter and the other two would tent.After cooking and eating, I patched my thermarest with the help of Mufasa, Lotus, and Dudley. I must of scratched it on my cooking pot in my backpack. The ultralight thermarest has been a great sleeping pad for several years, so I hope the patch works well.From the journals, it looks like former hiking partners Restless, 2 Shoes, and Buree are nearly 6 days ahead."Hot Rod, stop doing jumping jacks, because you are burning too many calories needed for hiking." -Blistah at Chestnut Knob Shelter