morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This morning, we woke up to rain. Again. We contemplated staying another day, or hiking out, and I contemplated what to do about my sore throat. It had gotten to the point to where it was almost unbearable, due to the fact I could hardly drink, eat, swallow, and had difficulty breathing. I decided that I should possibly get a ride into town to get some medicine, or something, because I couldn't keep hiking like this for too long. I then went to the restroom area, where there is a mirror (the first one we had seen in a while), to check out my throat...see if it was swollen, red, etc. So, I peered into the mirror, opened my mouth as wide as possible (which was about an inch at this point), shined my headlamp toward the back of my throat....and immediately started to panic.The right side of my throat had swollen to well over half of my throat opening. In fact, the size of my throat had been reduced about 75 percent. My uvula was no longer existant. I had never seen anything like this, and here I am, hundreds of miles from home, with this crazy thing happening to my throat. I immediately decided to get into town, somehow, and get to a doctor. I called my mom, talked to her about it, and then talked to my fellow hikers about my decision. We would be in Hot Spring, NC, in a couple of days, so I decided to get a ride there. I called Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, asked about a doctor's office in the area, and reserved a room, explaining my situation. Curtis then agreed to drive me in. I got there, and ran into quite a few hikers I had not seen in a while. Wildflower was at Elmer's, about to leave, as was Andy, a hiker who started the same day as me. Two other hikers from Houston were also there, and then Cloudwalker (aka Lee) hiked on into town. I started moseying around town, and soon ran into a plethora of other hikers! Spin and Cheesecake were there, as were T-Bone and Red Dirt. I soon also ran into Peach Monkey (Grant), Tie, BackDraft (GoodWill), Thoreau, Ted, and a lot of other hikers I had met here and there. After laundry, a bunch of us headed down to Paddler's Pub, the town bar and grill. We shared a few stories, I tried to eat another hamburger (at this time, I just couldn't eat anything), but soon gave up and just stuck to beer. Almost everyone was heading out tomorrow, with the exception of T-Bone and Red Dirt, as it was Red Dirt's birthday tomorrow. So, we all walked back to our respective hostels, and I fell into a very uneasy sleep. To the doctor tomorrow!
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 24: (D1 in Smokies) Today we start hiking the Smokies. It's sunny and in the 50s and thanks to Stand Up he slack packed us to the Fontana Dam visitor Center, almost 2 miles. Even though it had rained all day and all night yesterday, the trails were in great conditions. Today we are climbing from 1700 feet to 4602 feet in elevation. Halfway up, was a very old fire tower which we were able to climb up. The view was incredible and clear. We were told that you could see six states. I think we even saw Michigan! Overall, the trail was exceptionally quiet today except for an occasional woodpecker or bird. For the most part, we were hiking by ourselves but would pass each other throughout the day. We met Ox, Who is a North Carolina Smoky Mountain Trail maintenance volunteer. In the Smokies, one of the rules is for all hikers to sleep in the shelter. Once it's full, we are then able to tent near the shelter. Our first stop is Molly's Ridge shelter it holds 12 hikers and has a fireplace in the shelter. There are approximately 30-40 people here tonight. It's 7:30 PM our chores are done and we are in our sleeping bags. There is a lot of chattering and laughing as the sun goes down. We have our whole group camped around each other and are talking through our tents as well. This has been another wonderful day and we are feeling good and happy.Salsa
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Hot Springs

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up feeling the same as yesterday, and still could not talk. I felt very alone for the first time on the trail. Most of the hikers I knew had left town, and I couldn't introduce myself to the new hikers coming in. I was quaranteened to the single bed room at Elmer's, as well, as I did not want to pass Strep Throat along to anyone else. At 9, though, I couldn't handle being idle anymore, and got out, journal and pen with me. I tried my best to talk to Elmer about my update, and staying a few more days, which he said was fine. I then ran into Cloudwalker and shared my predicament with him, to which he immediately shunned me. I don't blame him, I wouldn't want to catch it either. I then wrote down that I needed to get to the library, and one of Elmer's helpers wrote the directions down for me. So, I killed some time at the library, and decided to walk around town a bit more. I then ran into Nova, who I was surprised to see. She had come into town from Max Patch, because of hydration. I wrote down my story, and she mentioned that the rest of the group (Moss, Magic Rat, and Tito) were arriving today, and that she was headed down to the trailhead to leave them a note, so I walked with her. We caught up on the past couple of days (well, she caught me up...it just kills me not to be able to talk!), and ran into Magic Rat as we arrived at the trailhead! Nova told him about me, and where we were staying, and we all went back to Elmer's so he could get settled in. Soon after, Moss and Tito showed up, and we all went over to do more laundry. They were hungry after that, so we parted ways. Me to my room to rest and read, and the rest of the gang to one of the nearest restaurants. Let me tell you, I got a lot of resting and reading in this past couple of days! I kept mainly to myself for the remainer of the day, joining everyone out, later on, when they went to the Paddler's Pub. I, once again, couldn't eat, so I had a couple beers. Hey - those are calories, too! It really sucked sitting there, not being able to talk, and having to keep up with conversation by writing in my journal. Someone would mention something, and I'd scribble down a reply to it, only to have my thoughts finished and read, halfway into another conversation. I soon just gave up. So, we retired, myself into another restless sleep. I really am hungry today. Hopefully I can eat something tomorrow!!!
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up this morning, feeling a lot better than the day before. I then took a drink of juice, and noticed that it was much easier to take in. So, I started talking to myself - - not because I'm crazy, mind you - - to see if I could talk. I could!!! What a great day! I wanted to run in to the boy's room and start talking to them, to show them I could talk, but it was 7 in the morning, and nobody was up. So, I showered, organized all my belongings, paced around a bit, and finally ran into the boys. 'Hi!,' I exclaimed, 'I can talk!' I was no longer contageous, but I still couldn't quite eat solid foods. So, it looks like another day of jello for me!We all milled around town a bit, and started trying to decide what to do next. I couldn't hike out for a day or two still, as I was not completely healed, and the others were contemplating on finding a ride up to Trail Days. I was originally going to skip Trail Days, because I wanted to make up miles for hiking, but since I wasn't going to be going anywhere for a few days, decided to join them on their quest. We talked to a few people in town, who were offering rides, then headed down to the outfitter, who apparently offered shuttles to Damascus, where Trail Days is held. They gave us a figure on the shuttle cost, and we then went into recruitment stage, in order to bring down the per person price. We were able to find a total of 8 (including us), and possibly 9, which brought the price per person to about 10 bucks, and were satisfied with that.I then called my mom, to give her some updates on everything. She immediately answered the phone, and went on about how she had been worried sick about me. I had not talked to her since Sunday, when I told her I was going into town to see the doctor on Monday. I couldn't really call her, though, until I got my voice back. She, strangely enough, knew of my predicament already. It appears that she began to panic when I didn't call her and update her on Monday, and began calling places in Hot Springs, to figure out what happened to me. She called the visitor's center, the doctor's office, virtually every hotel, campground and hostel in vicinity (except, of course, the one I was staying at), and virtually had the entire town on the look-out for me. After calling for a good 24 hours, she got word that I had lost my voice, had strep throat, but was okay. Mothers are funny sometimes. We decided, once again, to hit Paddler's Pub later on, where I tried (unsuccessfully) to eat a salad. By the way, don't order the Greek Salad from this place. They don't know what one is. They put croutons in it, don't have anything that resembles a Greek dressing, and don't even put feta cheese in it! No loss, though...I couldn't eat it anyway. Magic Rat found pity for me, and bought my drinks for the night. After a few hours of good times, we all decided to retire for the night. We have a big day tomorrow, for we will pack up and head off to Damascus, for Trail Days 2003!
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 27: (D4 in Smokies) We slept in a full shelter last night. We left around 7:45am to get a good start to Clingman's Dome. This is the highest point on the AT. As we climbed, it was getting cloudy and misty. We got close to the tree line and the trees became sparse. It was getting impossible to see with only about 50 feet of visibility. Once we got to the top there is a walkway to get you higher above the few trees that were standing. We couldn't see a thing but still took some pictures. Then Alex, 1-2 and I went down to the visitor center. We got there just as they were opening up around 10am. We then met up with Stand Up who resupplied us for the next 3-4 days. He also brought us a great surprise - fruit. After talking to the ranger and Stand Up we made the decision for both of us to walk Clingman's Dome Road and bypass the icy section which is about five miles. However, to "yellow blaze" is always not such a popular decision, this was our decision to ensure that we both can continue without injury to hike on. The other thing is that we will be walking this (not riding in a car) so we ended up going further than the actual trail. This road ran right along side the trail and we were able to get on at Indian Gap which was only a five mile bypass. We passed the Mount Collins Shelter and ended up at Ice Water Spring Shelter. We still came across ice and snow but it wasn't too bad.Salsa
Date: 2003-05-18
From: TRAIL DAYS!!!

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today, we all woke up to a very busy camp ground. Vendors were packing up, hikers were packing up, and the alumni were taking off. Moss and I had arranged a ride back to Hot Springs with Turkey Bacon, a 2002 thru-hiker who was heading back home to North Carolina afterward. He only had room for a few people, but it all worked out, as Magic Rat, Nova and Tito were offered a ride back the day prior, as well. Their ride was leaving as soon as everyone packed up, so we parted ways, planning on meeting back up in Hot Springs and hiking out to a campsite by the French Broad. Our ride was entered in the Hiker Talent show, so that left us to roam around in Damascus for a few more hours. So, we did laundry, made some calls, scouted what was left of the vendor area for free stuff, and watched the talent show for a while. The couple playing bluegrass was a great treat! Around 2 or 3, we met back up with Turkey Bacon, packed up and took off for Hot Springs. He had another hiker with him, who's name I will not mention, and he was headed back to the NOC. My reason for not mentioning this hiker? Well, he had a bit of an attitude, to say the least. He asked way too many questions about hiking and gear. Granted, we had been on the trail a bit longer than he, but this was overkill. Not only that, but he asked Moss and I about our hike, and then made a snide comment about how we must really be taking our time to only be as far as Hot Springs. I wanted to kick him after that, but I maintained my cool.Nonetheless, we finally made it to Hot Springs with no fatalities (he he), and thanked TB for the ride. We met up with the rest of the gang (Magic Rat, Tito - who has been Christened with a new trailname...Slideshow Bob, and Nova), and contemplated on what to do next. It was about 4-5, and we were hungry. So, we went back to the Paddler's Pub, got some food (I was able to eat this time, and I tore that burger up!), and got a room at the motel next door. We were sitting there for a while, having some drinks and talking about trail days, when Goof walks in! Goof was a former thru-hiker who hiked into Damascus for Trail Days this year. So, he sits and talks to us for a while, and offers to slack us out of Hot Springs in the morning, which we take him up on. Slack-packing, by the way, is hiking with limited supplies - - basically without your full backpack, and picking your pack at the end of the day. Some hikers consider this cheating, but I consider it to be just FINE. So, we finished up, and crashed for the night.Tomorrow we will leave the vortex of Hot Springs! Promise!!!
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

Day 31: We had to bid farewell to our friends Annie and Teddy from PA. It was very sad to see them go and enjoyed their company on the trail. Hopefully, Teddy's back will feel better soon. We left Standing Bear Hostel at 9:44am. There was a huge thunderstorm last night not to mention a tornado watch. It was so nice to be warm and snug in the bunkhouse while the lightening storm was going on. It was still raining this morning and once we got on the trail, it was misting. As you can see, we put in some miles today. We could have easily stayed at Standing Bear Hostel but Hot Springs is calling for us. There are several great eating places for hikers there. The nice things about this stop is that the trail goes right down the middle of town and the town welcomes the hikers. The hike was really up and up and then a lot of downs only to go up again. The highlight is getting to Max Patch Bald. Very unusual site as it looks like a field on top of a very high mountain.   Since we got off to a late start today, we got into camp around 6:30pm. Alex stayed up a little to converse with Twigs, Guru and Red Knees. It was a great day and my legs are definitely back to normal. No more quick starts!Salsa
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We're finally leaving Hot Springs! As long as I've been here, it feels like I'm leaving home again. So, we got up, somewhat bright and early, and started thinning down our packs, to give to Goof. I made some last-minute mail-outs, a few others visited the Outfitter once more, and then we all trickled down to the diner to have breakfast. Goof joined us for breakfast, along with several photo albums documenting his 2002 Pacific Crest Trail hike. Well, this sold a few of us on the PCT, and some tentative planning started forth for when we were going to get out to the West Coast to hike. I know, you're thinking...easy there, you haven't finished this one yet! This is normal, though. Once you're out here, it's hard to look forward to anything else but hiking (if it's really for you). Well, back to breakfast. Slideshow Bob, Moss, and I decided to try to conquer the skillet breakfast at the diner. This skillet breakfast is known to break many a hiker, due to the ridiculous size. Well, to say the least, Moss and I were successful....Slideshow Bob, not so much. He was smart; he knew when to quit. After breakfast, we all waddled out, and finished getting everything intact for the day. More likely, stalling until it was quite necessary to leave. We made plans to hike to Allen Gap, about 15 miles away, where we would meet up with Goof and hike up to the next shelter, which was 4 or 5 past the gap. So, around 1 in the afternoon, we headed off. Once past the town, I threw up my hiking sticks in the air, and exclaimed "free at last!" The vortex had been broken!The hike that day was just awesome. The weather was nice, and the trail was pretty. Of course, about half an hour into the walk, I began to feel the pain that is gorging yourself to excess, and turned a nice shade of green. I let everyone pass, giving funny excuses as to why, but in reality I just didn't want these people to witness my throwing up, in case it came to that. Little did I know that Nova had a little too much at breakfast as well, and she was doing the same. So, we both took turns passing each other, and giving excuses as to why the other should go ahead. After about an hour, the feeling passed, and I was able to enjoy the hike once more. We passed a neat little pond along the walk, and just took our time enjoying the scenery today. Bright, sunny days seem to be a rarity on the trail, so when you get one, you have to enjoy it. There's the turmoil of wanting to make big miles on those days, too...but, in the end it's much better just to enjoy it if the scenery is nice. We finally made it out to Allen Gap around 6 or 7, and set up camp just past the road. Goof took a few of us to the nearest store, to where provisions for the night were purchased (i.e. wine, hot dogs, ice cream). After a nice meal around the camp fire, we all tucked in and drifted off to sleep....just glad to be back out in the wilderness again!
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 32: We have three big hills to climb today and then a lot of downhill into Hot Springs tomorrow. Before I got to the second big hill (Mt. Bluff), I decided that I needed some motivation so I put on my headphones and turned on the IPOD. The first song was Bob Dylan, "Slow Train Coming." This song had a good beat and was one of my favorites, so I decided that I was going to listen to this song over and over until I got to the top. Guess how many times I had to listen to this song to climb over 1000 feet in less than 2 miles? Eleven times! We made good time (around 3pm) to the Deer Park Mountain Shelter. It had great tent sites so we quickly ate lunch/dinner. We camped with Twigs, Red Knees, Guru, Mitch and his dog Bella, Wooden Spoon and her dog and Wherdago (a recently retired 68 year old professor of economics). It was nice to chat a little more with Wherdago since I met him back in Ice Water Spring Shelter in the Smokies. Oh we are so looking forward to Hot Springs. We have not done laundry in over 10 days. I think 10 days is the point where I can no longer stand my self if you know what I mean. It was very difficult to go to sleep at night all zipped up in your sleeping bag, with no good, fresh air. Salsa
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today, we had planned on hiking covering about 16-17 miles. Well, plans are made to be broken.We packed up, said our goodbyes to Goof, and were on our way. I was still not feeling 100%, and wasn't having a good day of hiking. My knee bothered me for a good part of the day...and I really felt it toward the end. I stopped a few times, let it rest, wrapped it up a bit, and took some Ibuprophen. It helped a little, but not much. I had fallen on this knee in the Smokies, but it had not bothered me until now. I am not too concerned, though, for we have not walked for at least a good week, and our packs are laden since we just left town yesterday.   It seemed as if we were all having a slow day, so we stopped early, at Jerry's Cabin, where we met up with 2 other thru-hikers; Wolverine and Annie. It was cloudy and overcast the whole day, not to mention chilly. Funny...yesterday it was hot and sunny. I guess it goes to show you that you never know what to expect in the mountains!Anyway...funny story...I broke out a mocha pie dessert that I had been carrying for us all to share, but only a few of us wanted to partake - - Moss, Magic Rat, Nova, and myself. Well, about half of our group has "the hunger," and Magic Rat was not one of those who had. He had finished his dinner, and wanted to let it digest before he had his dessert. Moss, Nova and I did not want to wait. So, we divided the pie into 4 nice, even pieces....and jumped in to devour our own little piece. It was quite a funny site! When the carnage was complete, there was nothing left of this pie but a perfect quarter that had been rationed off for Magic Rat. It was so funny that we had to get a picture of it, and this picture can almost speak for itself about what a powerful force the hunger is!!!On a side note, I do believe that we have been traveling together for way too long. In fact, I think our group scares people. We were sitting around, cooking, talking, singing and laughing when a group of day hikers came in from the North. We talked for a few minutes, as they dropped their packs...and then they all picked up their packs and started asking about camping down the trail we had just walked. Well, it was about 7:30, the skies were really clouding up, and there was not a good camping spot for at least 5 or 6 miles. So, we told them about 6 miles to the next camping areas, and about the same for water sources...and they said "well, ok, we're gonna get to hiking!" and took off!Oh well! More room in the shelter for us "weirdos!"