morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: few clouds

Today I started off feeling really sluggish but about half way through the miles I finally kicked in gear. Was some tough miles but we made it to the shelter just before the rain started. Been off and on rain and hail since around 4, its now almost 7. Tonight people are getting kicked out and some shuffling is going on to get everyone spots. So to the hike today which was very scenic. About mid day we climbed Rocky Top, and took a ton of pictures and a video. Took the video while playing Rocky Top Tennessee song. Then we took a lunch and sat there for a bit. When then got moving and made it to the shelter. Dinner tonight was my homemade chili spiced up even more with slices of the jalapeno I have and half a package of powdered gravy. Was one of the best meals I have had so far. I will save my second batch till I get some more gravy. So the headcount tonight in the 12 man shelter is 24. At least four sleeping on the ground, so 20 in the bunks. Packs hanging everywhere or against every wall. Got so good pictures when AJ climbed into the rafters and got pictures from up top. It s early on before everyone started setting up beds though. Probably going to bebone of those memorable nights for sure. One guy set his tent up outside early and is the only person not under the shelter. Its 8:30 and everyone is pretty much going to bed, writing journals or reading.We are expecting rain all night and into the morning and if it is we will most likely do a short day to the next shelter and hit Clingmans Dome the next and go to Gaitlinburg the same night. While waiting for everyone to settle down Lindsay asked what my favorite and worse day has been so I thought I would share that here as well. Interesting enough today and yesterday have been those two days. Today was my favorite although it was tough. Rocky Top was one of those spots and listening to the song on top was great. Huge views, perfect weather, friends to enjoy with, it is what the trail meant to me. Yesterday for the worst simply because I was in so much pain, it really hurt to be doing anything for a few hours but I had to push on.Rain or snow, we walk on tomorrow, supposed to clear up the day after tomorrow so maybe we can get a good view if we short it tomorrow with 7.2 mile day to the next shelter. Shelter spacing is so odd here with some 2 miles apart and others 10 or more. Till tomorrow when the journey continues good night!
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Morning update: Woke up to snow this morning with it still snowing out. Made a snow man and put him on the cooking shelf when I went out to the restroom earlier. Pretty sure today will be one of those short days I mentioned last night. Till later tonight for the full update.Evening Update: So we where supposed to do 7.2 miles but we felt adventurous and with the sun poking out and decided to get to clingmans dome today and do the 13.5 leaving about 4 tomorrow. AJ's aunt will pick us up and take Lindsay, Pappy, Shepherd and myself to the GrandPrix hotel for a nero. Laundry, shower and good food. So with our extended miles today we climbed Clingmans Dome, and we had a good view wohoo. The exchange was freezing weather, a tourist said they left Gaitlinburg and it was 31 there. Expected weather tonight is around 20. Back to the day we hiked in the snow today with cold weather and very wet feet. We all gathered around like penguins and huddled for warmth on top and got pictures from the center of the huddle, great picture. Snow covering everything was great as well. Although we walked 13.5 we walked an extra half mile to the shelter which is on a side trail. We are staying at Mt. Collins shelter and again have a packed house with 21. Not much else to say but had a great day.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Grand Prix Hotel Gaitlinburg
Miles today: 4.5

Well its 12:30 already and Im just getting to my journal. Not going to write much most likely but first wanted to add that yesterday we also passed the 200 mile mark.So for today we walked into Newfound Gap and got our ride to town. Had lunch at a brew house the went to the outfitter for supplies and then the real adventure started. We took the trolley system over to Pidgeon Forge to Wal Mart to get our food. 7 transfers and about 5 hours later we finally made it back to the hotel at about 7:30. Ordered pizza and prepared our food bags. Then we got to do laundry and then eventually showers. All teady to go for our big 3 mile day tomorrow. We will be getting a late start as AJ will spend some time with his Aunt before we leave.Walking this morning was very slippery and icy with the snow refreezing, I slipped and slided quit a few times but never fell, still haven't fallen yet. I had left earlier than everyone this morning so missed the others during there sliding but apparently Lindsey had a close one and caught her self on on foot with leg out and hands and face inches from the ground. As they get to the gap they relay the story to us and say it was very mission impossible like and hum the tune when someone says that is her trail name. So now Lindsey is Mission Impossible or maybe just MI for short. So now we just need names for Phil and AJ.Well time for bed.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Woke up early this morning and got on the trail at 6:30 and headed to Charlies Bunion for breakfast. Was hopeful for a good sunrise but there was to much cloud cover. Had a few bowls of cereal and got a bunch of pictures then headed out to finish my 12.6 mile day. Snooze break, started writing this early at 7:30 tonight and passed out for a bit just listening to music drowning out all the talking, was a great refreshing nap but I am back now but not for long its 8:30 now and hiker midnight and everyone is going to bed.So after breakfast the walk was just a ast walk to the shelter other than lunch at the same spot Chris and I took one before. Sourdough roll with green pepper, peperoni slices and string cheese. At the shelter at 1 I had another, and waited an hour and a half before everyone else arrived. Played some greed and talked logistics for the next few days. Big 3 days coming up with a zero reward in Hot Springs. 18.2, 13.6, and a 19. 18.2 will get us to Standing Bear hostel where we pick up Daisy and stay the night and resupply. 13.6 gets us to Max Patch bald where we will cowboy camp as per tradition if weather allows. We need to be there Sunday as currently weather gets bad Monday. The its 19 into Hot Springs where the tentative plan is to rent a cabin with kitchen and be able to cook our own meals and have a cheap night with us all piled in. So tomorrow we will get up early and get started asap. Today getting up early definitely took its toll as obvious from my nap but it sure felt good just listening to music dozing in and out with no distractions. During the last few miles I thought I was about two miles closer than I was and really needed to stop for more food but pushed on thinking I would be there sooner and could eat then. That also took its toll today, you definitely need to eat something about every two hours out here.Well time to get a good nights sleep.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Longest day so far at 18.2 miles but only for two days as we have a 19 coming up. So we had a couple smallish climbs in the Smokies before making a very long down to exit the Great Smoky Mountain NP. To greet us at the exit was Trail Magic. A family had picked up a hiker back at Fontana Dam and during his zero they provided trail magic for the day. Had a mini Butterfinger, bottle of water, M&M's, and a Milky Way to go. The last two miles it was extremely hot and everyone was burning up. We made it to Standing Bear Farm though and enjoyed showers and some did laundry. Had any food you can think of and for dinner I had a can of chili. Would of loved pizza but they where $10. Tomorrow Shepherd is making omelets as they have all the makings and a kitchen for the hikers use. The place is very rustic but really neat. Little buildings for all the different things, showers, bunks, privy, kitchen, internet/phone room, resupply shop, private cabin. A small stream also runs through the place, with an area for a fire and a few porches. So during a run to town it started raining and got some hail. We got lucky to get in to the hostel tonight and avoided any issues. Obviously I started out saying it was super hot today so there was definitely some weather changes today.So the plan has changed some what for Hot Springs, Shade essentially lives in Asheville and 45 minutes away so his brother is bringing out a van and taking us back where we are zeroing and can cook what ever we want and not pay any money on hotels and such and do laundry and shower. Will be a great zero and well earned after a 19 mile day. Tomorrow we go to Max Patch. Its pretty late here at 10:45 but I don't have to pack anything tomorrow
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Max Patch Bald
Miles today: 13.6

Ups and downs, terrain and mood. Probably the hardest days on the trail but the end completely makes it all worth the pain. We left Standing Bear and began the huge climb after Shepherd made us baked omelets. Started pretty late around 9:15 and that was probably our first mistake. As we where leaving the weather for today said clear for the night which meant we needed to get to Max Patch today. It also said record breaking heat which didn't lie. Shepherd's watch said 92 and it definitely felt it, I had about 5 liters on the trail. I was drenched in sweat all day and probably lost more than I had easily. But once we got to the bald the view here is absolutely incredible with a complete 360 degree view from the top. As we get to the top AJ's uncle meets us here with food. Subways sandwiches potato salad beer chocolate milk water and apple fritters, it was so good. I was the first at the potato salad and as I spoon some on to my sandwich wrapper Bob tells me that its a single serving, I get a confused look and realize that there is a pound of potato salad for each of us. We each got a pound of potato salad, foot long sub, chocolate milk and apple fritter, we all pretty much ate it all other than a few who didn't eat a few bites of potato salad. Later some of the others ate a candy bar for dessert. On the food note, jars of peanut butter last about two days on top of 2-4 candy bars a day which are usually dipped in the peanut butter. This isn't including breakfast and dinners. Breakfast might be two packages of pop tarts or three bowls of cereal. I have taken to carrying a pound of honey and taking shots of it. Going up a hill I had to stop and munch down a candy bar and granola bar to make the last climb. Dinners seemed so huge in the beginning but are now easily eaten. Enough about food before I get hungry again. So tomorrow if everyone is doing good we do 19 miles to Hot Springs for a zero at AJ's house. Wohoo. So far with our zeros and neros we are averaging about 10 miles a day so far but our mileage is picking up and we are getting closer to flatter terrain. Just hope the heat doesn't get much worse than today. Time to rest for the big day tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Max Patch Bald

To: AJ's House in Asheville
Miles today: 19.3

Long day, in fact the longest as I mentioned previously I believe. We left Max Patch to a cloudy morning early to get a jump on the miles. After the first climb from mile 5-7 the next 3 downhill flew by. After taking a quick lunch I needed to push on fast to get to the post office by 4 when they closed. At two miles an hour I wasn't going to make it so I had to go faster than normal. With 3 miles left I knew I was good but it sure didn't make it any easier. It was hot again today and the last mile was killing me. You come over a ridge line and can see the town below you, but the trail just kind of circles around it forever. On top of that my feet knees back and all the other backpacking muscles are sore and hungry. Finally get into town and drop my pack at Elmers hostel and head to the post office and get my tarp and some other goodies my mom sent, thank you. Made it there at 3:15. Now its time to eat so I head to the Smokey Mountain Diner for food, the plan was to possibly eat here that evening but I skipped my last snack so needed food right away, I could always eat again later. I get a third pound burger and huge order of fries and dr pepper. It was good and gone long before the others arrive two hours after me. AJ's cousin arrives at the same time as them and we go in for food again, I actually refrain from eating again and just have another dp. We drive to Ashville 45 minutes away and begin the process of preparing everything. With my package I am swapping my tarptent for my tarp and dropping a lot of my spare clothing. Weights about 6 pounds which is significant weight when I am already carrying less than 25. Finishing yesterdays journal today as I feel a sleep last night trying to write. We stopped by the grocery store on the way home and picked up food for breakfast and I got some dr peppers and some allergy medicine. I have had horribly clogged sinuses the last two days, the trees and everything is blooming and I don't think my body is used to the allergies that are here. Got to upload all my journals for the last few days but obviously haven't done this one yet. Till tomorrow, which is today, a fabulous zero coming up.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: AJ's House in Asheville

To: AJ's House in Asheville
Miles today: 0.0

So I am writing this the next morning because I fell a sleep after the huge dinner we had late. Cooked up our breakfast we where supposed to have in the morning. I made sausage gravy Hover made pancakes, Shade made bacon, Shepherd made scrambled eggs and baked the bisquits. Chris, AJ's brother also ate with us. Everything was gone when done. So the morning we woke up and had assorted breakfasts. Then headed out for resupply and a trip to rei. I had $105 dollars to spend from my dividend from last year. I had to replace my Msr dromedary I managed to leave at a shelter some time last week. I replaced it with a lightweight version. I also got a pair of desert gaitors, everyday I get a ton of dirt and rocks in my shoes so hopefully this solves the issue. I also got a new pot that is smaller than mine but really not much lighter but does save a few ounces. I managed to get out only spending $3 extra dollars. We then resupplied at Wal Mart and got food which will be a whole other paragraph. Late lunch was at a restaurant called Nachos and Beer, a small diner type mexican restaurant. Had a huge meal with chips and bean salsa. After that we went back to AJ's and prepared our food and packs. It was an awesome zero being able to stay at a house.So I sent about 5 or 6 pounds home but yet my pack is super heavy, so let me explain tomorrow, which is technically today. Overall the day was good with a lot of eating and lounging around watching some tv.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: AJ's House in Asheville

To: Rich Mountain Fire Tower
Miles today: 8.7

Todays theme heavy from start to finish. Woke up and had a very small breakfast of a banana muffin before packing everything up. As mentioned I believe I lowered my base weight a little sending gear home but that didn't matter. Tip everyone knows, don't go to the grocery store hungry, especially if you have to carry it for 6 days. My food bag started by weighing 20 pounds, but I had a plan, I would maildrop my self my extra food to the next city. So I got it down to about 17 and my bag weighed about 39 on the scales at AJ's. We head out for the 45 minute sardine ride to Hot Springs and the trail. We start by getting to walk the length of the city, one mile. But in the middle we stop at the PO and outfitter. At the PO I drop some more food in the box amd mail home or forward my two packages. Then I go to the outfitters where I find a bug bivy I will need for my tarp later. Shepherd gets new shoes which is a story later. As we are leaving they have a scale to weigh your pack. I started the trail with 27 pounds, today I left the outfitter with 36. I was the lightest with Shepherd at 41, Hover 42, Shade and Fiber at 45, and pappy at 49. We only had 8.7 miles to do so it wasn't to bad. On the trail around 11:30 we pretty much decided to take it very slow and we did taking about 5 hours. Our destination was Rich Mountain Fire Tower where Shade, Hover and I are sleeping in the tower. Pappy wanted to use his hammock, Shepherd has Daisy and couldn't stay up here, and Phil didn't want to stay up here. Another hiker showed up and is staying as well. So tonights dinner was great, with death threats from Pappy, who stated he has a knife. I made pizza and let everyone try a bite without the sauce. Made with Jiffy pizza dough box that I separated into 6 balls and smushed flat, then chopped up jalapeno, pepperoni and cheese and placed in flat then rolled the edges over and essentially made a stuffed disk. Then I dropped into some oil and cooked for a bit until crispy. Next I heated up a package of Boboli pizza sauce and then threw in the fried disk. Tasted just like pepperoni pizza. Then I made another group dessert from a graham cracker crust, chocolate pudding, and Andes mint cooking chips. The Andes are basically crushed up mints. Tasted very good from the little I had. I started out portioning to the others a little heavy and Hover and I didn't get very much but Shade gave me a zero bar.Weather was a little warm but a very good day, and rain not forecasted till Friday.So at the tower Jenn and James show up and Jenn mentions she got new shoes. James says he got someone elses shoes and shows us. I immediately recognize them as Shepherd's old ones. Apparently his died and his mom sents Jenns shoes not his in their maildrop so he needed another pair and the outfitter was throwing away Shepherds and said he could try them. Very crazy!Well its late and although I could write a lot more I need to sleep.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Near Jones Meadow

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Impending rain was the story of the day which started just now. Weather was first forcasted for this afternoon according to last nights forcast but this morning it changed to evening. So we only did 10.5 today because of the rain. We wanted a shelter as you are pretty much guaranteed a dry night, and the next one would of been another 9 miles and probably full when we got their. I left camp at 7:30 to get to the shelter early to get a spot, and arrived at 11:30. The trip however had a very nice scenic view on the way. Firescald knob was a very exposed ridgeline boulder scrambling walk. To top it off the wind was gusting an estimated 40-50, enough to actually knock you down if you weren't careful. As mentioned yesterday we also passed 300 miles just before Big Butt mountain but I didn't remember until about half a mile later. I drew a big 300 in the dirt of the trail and got a picture. Later everyone else saw it and asked about it. Pappy arrived at the shelter an hour and a half after me and was behind everyone else. Apparently they got lost and took the wrong trail which was easy to do today. We played a game of greed today and Fiber won for the second time in a row, usually Hover wins. AJ also got all points taken away again by Pappy, which he is the only one to have done.So I didn't bring enough lunch snacks for the trip so tomorrow we pass a rode with a market 3 miles away, I am going to have to hitch into town and resupply early. Will be my first hitch if successful and it is against the law to hitch in the area. Might be an extra 6 miles to a 14 mile day if I am not lucky, but hey maybe they have drpepper.There was another huge black snake at the shelter here today. That makes 4-5 snakes but no bears. Spitwalker who has been at the same spots with us the last three days saw one yesterday though.Since I need to go into town tomorrow I will need to get up early and leave which might be hard if its raining still. I am pretty much known for waking up early and being gone before others awake, go figure, for those who know me well it would be no surprise. I want to leave around 6 tomorrow. I have to do 11.5 to the road with a lot of climbs which slow you down pretty good. Then another 3.2 to the planned camp site. I might bring something special with me if they have anything unique. Wohoo I love early days lol.Time to get sleep so I wake up early, takes forever to pack when trying not to wake anyone.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap Campsite
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a long walking day but only 14.7 miles counted, I walked an extra 5.5 miles to get to a gas station to supplement my food to get to Erwin. Ate most of what I had for lunches and snacks by 10 this morning. So the day started at about 6 when I got up to pack and eat and then was on the trail at 6:50. Shortly after leaving it started raining with high winds which is the worst. It really takes the energy out of you. Stopped at the shelter 8.8 miles in and had some coffee and the food I had, mostly a bunch of gorp. It had stopped raining but wind was still really strong. Made it the 2.7 miles to Sams gap for a total of 11.5 miles by 11:30. Then had to walk 3.3 miles into town which don't count towards actual mileage. Grabbed some food at the gas station and stopped by the cafe on the way out. Had a burger and fries for $4.75 very cheap for a huge cafe meal. Then started the walk back, a mile from the trail someone finally stopped and gave me a ride back. The gentleman lives about 100 yards away and commented that he couldn't understand why we walk the trail 30 miles to Erwin when its just 10 miles down the road. So three hours and thirty minutes later I make it back to the trail. Also mention while at the gas station I dried my clothes for a bit on the blacktop. So with just a few miles from tonights chosen spot and a full stomach I headed on, Aj Fiber Pappy Hover and Spitwalker had all made it here but I did beat Shepherd in. Interesting (sort of in an off manner way) thing happened today. I meet uhaul who carries about 90 pounds of gear at the first shelter, he was leaving as I was arriving. Later up the trail I pass by him about 10 feet off the trail leaving a biodegradable donation, not something you want to turn a corner and see. Spitwalker has also had this happen, some just don't care. He also saw a cub bear today so that makes two for him in just a couple days.So today I walked for 20 miles although the mileage doesn't count and I don't feel bad at all, good sign. Before long we will be doing 20's regularly. A couple of early days in a row so tomorrow I plan on sleeping in a bit, hmm 7:30 sounds good haha, hopefully I can make it to 8 or later.In two days we get to Erwin for resupply shower and laundry, will be a nice nero. Tomorrow is also 1 month on the trail for official start of the 17th, and yes it is still great to be out here. I want to thank everyone for the emails and journal post. It is great to get to towns and read new stuff from people. Keep them coming!Hopefully I will have some bear stories tomorrow, goodnight!