morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Low Gap (GA)

To: Tray Mountain shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Slept pretty well last night - a little tossing due to sore and cramped muscles - it was nice to be in the open air of a shelter. I had some weird dreams last night...I parked a car (mine?) in a snowy lot on N 2nd St in Philly, but it seemed like N 5th because there weren't many buildings. So I head south, and around Christ Church these transvestite hookers try to pick me up, but I lose them due to a block party on Market St. Then as I'm walking by a limo in front of the restaurant Cuba Libre, the passenger jumps out of the car and into my way with their back to me. I reach my hands out to grab their shoulders so we don't collide. The man turns to me, then his assistant & says "get this man a thank-you package." So the assistant gets a big bag & directs her film crew to shoot me opening this bag - it's a promo-pak for a new show - I think about coffee (the logo was 2 goofy coffee beans in orange and green). The bag was full of kooshes, pens, pencils, mugs...all with the logo. They ask if I'm thrilled. I say I probably won't be able to use the stuff because I'm a thru-hiker. They then get a shot of my calves & the dream ends.Back to...reality? So the owls woke me up this morning - Cloudwalker left first, then me & AbleJack was left behind. AbleJack runs along the Trail, so he passed me within a few miles. Beautiful morning turning to overcast with drizzle. I did 10 miles before lunch - ate a lot (tuna, pita, jerky, peanut bar, 1/2 jar of Nutella) & that fueled me for another 5 miles to Tray shelter. I met a group struggling up the Trail to Tray - Krush, Parkay, Ryan, and a guy with a dog. When I arrived, the shelter already had Cloudwalker, AbleJack, Spoons (new guy), and an older couple...GottaGo & Lilengine. The weather is supposed to be bad tonight - thunderstorms and hail - but I'm in my tentI'm considering going to Hiawassee or a hostile tomorrow night. There's one at the road in 10 miles, and I could use a shower...and maybe a prime rib! We'll see.
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Tray Mountain shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap (GA)
Miles today: 10.0

It was a cold morning. "Spoons" in the shelter said it was 42 degrees. There was a lightning storm last night, but I slept fairly well & nothing was too damp. I made 7 miles in brisk but sunny weather to Deep Gap shelter for lunch & was soon joined by GottaGo & Lilengine - the couple from Tray mountain shelter. We had a talk about dehydrators, food, etc. They're in there late 50's! Then I was off for the final miles to Dick's Creek Gap to get a ride to Hiawassee for a shower! I was at the road pulloff for 10 minutes & Lilengine & GottaGo come out of the woods - they're going to hitch to the Blueberry Patch Hostle - so 3 of us are waiting for rides. I've got my thumb out for 20 minutes & finally a couple pulls over. He's "Nightwalker," and she's "Squeaky." He's getting ready to thru-hike. The 2 door convertible is already crammed with his gear and misc. junk (cinderblocks??), so the only way we can get it all in is to put the roof down! Meanwhile, Lilengine & GottaGo get a ride in a cushy Jeep! Well, it was a chilly, but welcome ride. I decide to go to the Hiawassee Inn & it was like emergency room service for hikers. The owner Ron says "OK - here's your key. go to your room, get out of your clothes and into this sweat suit. Bring your laundry to the end of the hall - I'll start your laundry, you shower, shave if you want - and we'll go to dinner at 6." I do everything & go to the office & he says "the steak house is a mile down on your right & you'll see the grocery store on your way. Here are the keys to the van...you have a license, right?" What a day! I eat, shop, make a couple of calls, look at a few maps...and it's off to bed. "Breakfast at 7, shuttle at 9."
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Dick's Creek Gap (GA)

To: Muskrat Creek (NC)
Miles today: 12.0

Got great rest in Hiawassee, had breakfast with a crew that stayed - Krush, Parkay, Lone Wolf, Ryan, and Frosty. Frosty is probably in his late 40's & has the flu...so he gave us a ride to the trailhead. We saw Possum hitching, so we squeezed him in & gave him a ride to Unicoi gap...Woofy the dog was riding shotgun! It was off to Dick's Creek Gap for us & we saw Lilengine & GottaGo arriving from the Blueberry Patch hostle. We also saw Becka (now "Bugs" because she brought a 2 lb. bag of fresh carrots to eat) and AbleJack come out of the woods, so Frosty gave them a ride into town. I was off!Now heading out of Georgia and into North Carolina. It was a sunny, crisp day of hiking. I ended up crossing paths with a few people I knew, but I was glad to be primarily by myself in the woods after a town stay. I arrived at Muskrat Creek shelter in the late afternoon & met Cloudwalker & 2 new people - Dylan and Rebecca. Lone Wolf arrived soon after - I had to loan Cloudwalker my stove because he left his fuel bottle at the Blueberry Patch. We all ate & built a fire...it got COLD! Low 40's and falling! Some journal entries said it was recently below freezing...BRRR! A new arrival strolled in well after dark. "Sundancer" is in his 50's & from New Mexico. He ate & we sat around the fire & talked. As I was getting in my tent to sleep, Krush, Parkay & Ryan strolled in...tired! I showed them a good spot to tent - now it's off to bed for some good hiking tomorrow! One state down...13 to go
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Muskrat Creek (NC)

To: Carter Gap Shelter (NC)
Miles today: 12.0

Its been a full week since I embarked on this journey & I feel great! Yes, there are times I dont want to keep walking, but as long as it's just muscles, I push through. Today I woke to near-freezing conditions, but I was toasty in my tent & sleeping bag. I made breakfast & heated some water for Cloudwalker as he left his fuel bottle at the last hostle. I packed up & headed out. As I was leaving, it began to snow & it continued until I reached the top of Standing Indian Mountain - about 6 miles. Then it was bright & sunny & reached the low 60's! I had lunch in the Nalahila "Bear Sanctuary," and that made me a bit uneasy. The rest of the afternoon was hiking through forests of rhododendron - speckled sunlight - mossy runs - beautiful! My legs were a bit sore, so I stopped after 12 miles at Carter Gap Shelter. Lone Wolf & Sundancer were already here as were Old School, B-Rad & New Day. I also met Brian. It's just Lone wolf and I in the shelter - the rest are in tents. More may come this evening, so there's plenty of room. Tomorrow may be a long, hard chug to Winding Stair Gap and the town of Franklin. If I want to go in tomorrow, it means 16 miles! I'll see how I feel...it's do-able.Sang some songs out loud today - "Baker Street" (I used to call it the horn song), Smiths "Shoplifters of the World." Do you care...good night!
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Carter Gap Shelter (NC)

To: Rock Gap (NC)
Miles today: 12.0

Decent sleep in the shelter - sometimes I was hot, then cold - foot cramps woke me, and I had to rub them out. Chilly morning, but things warmed to the mid 60's. Saw many of the people from the previous night in Carter Gap shelter, but I kept cooking along the trail with thoughts of a buffet...and green beer in Franklin, NC! The miles were easy, and 6 miles into the day...my 1st real trail magic! "Gator-Aid" and Keith had a huge set-up at a fire road adjacent to the AT - a fire going wit a big grill - cooking pancakes and coffee. They also had soda and fruit. I sat a nd had a cup of coffee. Gator-Aid asked me if I wanted an orange and I accepted. There's a way to carve an orange peel to make a man...I'll try to post the picture. So I carve it and show it to Keith & Gator-Aid. They can't stop laughing - they take pictures of the man & set him in a chair. Gator-Aid says "Your trail name should be Orangeman with talent like that!" And that's how trail names start. I've now taken my Trail name of "Orangeman" - being from Syracuse & all...it just seems to fit. Plus maybe I can "yogi" citrus along the way!Many easy miles with great views from tops of mountains - sun dabbed hollows of rhododendron...warm & beautiful! Thought of a cartoon called"The Boy in the Boat" I did in high school, and I thought of many "The Boy on the Trail" scenarios to put in trail journals...more to come.I was thinking of the Trail community - it's a Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn sort of thing...an adventure...I feel like I'm a character in a wild adventure. And the Trail towns - people with words of encouragement, free food & rides - they understand & want to be a part of the adventure. I think I'm starting to get it.So I get to Rock Gap shelter after 12 miles & decide it's time for lunch. I eat almost everything I have left, sign the journal & along comes Lone Wolf! I had noticed a shuttle service posted to Franklin - we try to call, but no cel phone reception. I had read in the journal that there may be some Trail magic ahead, so we go to the road crossing.We meet "Crutch" at old route 64. I introduce myself, and Lone Wolf does the same. "Hey buddy - you can't be Lone Wolf - there's only one and he's got a beard down to here!" (motions to his chest) So Lone Wolf is back to being "Randy." So Crutch calls Ron Haven who ownsthe Budget Motel in Franklin to come pick us up & we get a ride into town. Randy and I get our rooms & agree to meet later fofr laundry and all you can eat (AYCE) buffet! Shower, laundry, food & it's off to bed!PS- I'm past the 100 mile mark...and a woman congradulated me on making it further than half of the people who start (they've already quit...more stories about some of the most unprepared hikers...WOW!)
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Rock Gap (NC)

To: Siler Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 9.0

Good nights rest. I woke at 6:30, showered, got some things sorted...and got back in bed to watch some TV - NICE! I got back on the computer for a few minutes & then Ron Haven pulled up with the short bus to take us to breakfast - it was just Randy and I eating, the rest were headed to the Trail. Big breakfast with eggs, grits, country ham steak, biscuits & gravy - YUM! Then Ron took us to Ingle's Market & dropped us off to do some shopping. I bought supplies for 6 days of hiking - I want to make it from Rock Gap to Fontana Dam (the "gateway to the Smokies") without stopping - about 60 miles. Walked back to the motel, packed up & headed to the post office. I sent back my spare clothes. so I pretty much wear the clothes I carry except for socks (3 pair) and underwear (2 pair). Um...TMI? Then it was time to get a shuttle up to Rock Gap & get back on the Trail!We arrived & Crutch was manning his Trail magic table. Some of the cast of characters was there - waiting for a ride to Franklin, or enjoying Trail magic. I headed down to see the Wasalik Poplar which is supposed to be the 2nd largest poplar tree in the world. It's a huge tree - probably 8 feet wide, but it's dead - bummer.It was about 1pm when I finally started north on the AT - I was glad to be back on the Trail. Beautiful, sunny - upper 50's. I made good time & about 9 miles to Siler Bald shelter. I found Randy, Bugs, Ablejack, Woody & Rat Puke. We did dinner & sat around the fire until the cold & drowsiness drove us to our sleeping bags. I'm in my tent tonight & the door is pointed east - I'm hoping to wake early as I'd like to do 17 miles tomorrow! We'll see.It was interesting to see how Ron Haven runs his motel & shuttle - It's a moneymaker for him & the community & a great service to hikers, but maybe a bit too convenient. I'm going to try to keep focused on the journey & not be drawn into the Trail towns by making distance strategies...but a shower & bed does feel great!
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Siler Bald Shelter 

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 18.0

Woke this morning at Siler Bald shelter. Heard coyotes & owls all night. Saw the early dawn & packed up early & prepared for an 18 mile day. Another crisp & beautiful morning - started in the low 40's & moved to the mid 50's. Ice formed like ribbon candy from the ground in the hollows & crunched under foot. I saw a few insects - bees & butterflies. Songbirds were around & I startled a medium sized pheasant. Some Trail magic appeared - a bag of candy near a road crossing & a Fosters at a viewing tower on Wesser Bald...a nice way to close a day of hiking.I got to Wesser Bald shelter & Wildman & Rat Puke were settled in - they were the only two thru-hikers I saw since I began the day. I quickly set to making dinner of mashed potatoes with carrots & chicken - surprisingly good & filling. It's not even 8pm & time to sleep! Tomorrow I'll go through the Nantahala River outdoor center (NOC) & grab lunch, a shower & provisions before continuing north.Songs today? Boston "Takin' My Time" & Springsteen "Born to Run." Am I picking these songs??
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Woke at Wesser Bald shelter at about 7:30am, but took my time getting out of bed as it was a cold drizzle. I finally ate, packed & was ready by 9am. I said good-bye to Rat Puke & Wildman & headed toward Nanahila Outdoor Center(NOC). The trip to NOC is 6 miles downhill with a vertical drop of 2500 feet. With the rain, the Trail was slick, muddy & technical. I made NOC by 12:30, bought a few provisions at the outdoor store & went for lunch at a nearby restaurant. I had a huge salad, ribeye steak with green beans, fries & a big brownie with ice cream, nuts & hot fudge - YUM!There's a hostel at NOC, but I decided to hike the 6 miles to Sassafras shelter. This time, it's 6 miles UP with a 2500 foot rise in elevation. It was still a cold rain, but I was prepared in my rain gear. I ran into several college students from Wesleyan College. They said it was too cold for them & they were calling their spring break hiking plans. I then saw a father & son descending - they were wet, dirty & looked tired - they said it was icy up the mountain, but I pressed on. When I got about half way up, it started getting colder, and I tried to keep my temperature up. I was clammy & wet in my rainsuit, but I just moved faster to stay warm. With more than a mile to go, thick ice was forming on the trees for the steepest part of the climb & I had to duck or push aside heavy frozen boughs of rhododendron. It was a chilly but beautiful scene!I made it to the shelter, and there were 8 people including Jaws, Alexander, Doodle, Squirrell, Pockets, 365 & 2 others already set up. It's a large shelter, so there was plenty of space for me. I picked a spot on the top bunk, changed into dry clothes & set to making dinner - I experimented with dehydrated mashed potatoes & gravy with some beef jerky. It was more like soup, but hot & satisfying. I brought a quart of tea to bed & put it in my sleeping bag for warmth. It's pretty icy outside & some tree limbs have fallen. This may turn to snow...we'll see in the morning.On the playlist today? Bob Marley, Big Black, again Springsteen "Born to Run" - I keep hearing the BELLS in that song! By the way, these songs I sing out loud or in my head...no MP3 or anything!
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Sassafras Shelter

To: Powerline Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Slept fairly well in Sassafras shelter last night. Heard ice chunks fall from trees & some rain. Woke & made my way aroung the crowded, muddy shelter & made oatmeal and tea. I put my wet pants on from the night before & packed up the rest of my wet, muddy stuff. I hit the Trail destined for Powerline Gap shelter 15 miles away. The day began overcast with a bit of drizzle, but soon the sun shone through & I hung some wet items on my pack to dry. It was beautiful hiking & I took time to savor the views. I saw a yellow butterfly & an actual fly (1st one)! I saw the plant Ron Haven in Franklin called "Crow Foot." He said to use it in a salad. Lots of buds pushing up through the leaf litter...and Indian pipes, too. I had a long, leisurely lunch & then started out for the final 6 miles. Late in the day, the clouds came back & brought light drizzle, but nothing major.Made it to Power Line Gap shelter by late afternoon & saw Alexander from the night before & met Calumet. Made ramen with chicken & carrots. Jaws & one other hiker showed up late. Tuck me in & say good-night! Tomorrow I'll be in Fontana Dam which is the "gateway to the Smokies" and my 1st maildrop. I'll probably stay at the Hike Inn hostel - grab a shower & bed before a week in the wilderness.
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Powerline Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.0

Woke at Powerline Gap shelter to some very fridgid temperatures with icicles hanging & snow on the ground - but it was just a dusting. Got myself packed, fed & ready to go. Alexander was up, but Jaws and Calumet were still dreaming. I headed out to cover the 6 miles to Fontana Dam - and it may have been the most amazing hiking to date. The forest was covered with wind-driven ice crystals...up to 1" thick in some places. It was like walking thorugh a crystalline world - and it made me stop & study things - especially when the sun peeked through the clouds.As I descended in elevation to around 2000 feet, that world melted away, and my new reality was a warm...Fontana Dam! I found an info board near a marina & found there was a $1 shuttle to "town." I waited for Alexander as he wasn't far behind & we called for the shuttle. I signed for a room at the Fontana Inn & headed for the post office for my 1st maildrop. Before I left Syracuse, I sent a "motherlode" box of food & supplies. I took what I needed & sent the rest ahead to my next two mail drops.I did my regular town things - shower, food, laundry & bought provisions. I sorted everything out for the next day & headed for an early dinner. There's only one restaurant open as this is a private resort town - and it's off season. It was decent but expensive chow. I then headed to the main building to use the internet...20 cents a minute??? UGH! Well I did what I had to do & then back to my room for rest...I'm starting a 70+ mile trek through the Smokies tomorrow, and the weather is looking cold & possibly snowy. I'm ready for it, tho!
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollie's shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Had a 6:30am wake up call - got up & relaxed for awhile until 7:30 breakfast. Caught the 9am shuttle & was back on the Trail. Crossed Fontana Dam & saw Ablejack on his way into town. Into the Smokies! It was a long climb most of the day & I was full of biscuits & gravy...so I was slow.   But I made it to Mollie's shelter...and it was beginning to snow!   I made dinner & jumped into my sleeping bag...wonder how much snow I'll see tomorrow. The weather report was calling for 1 inch...hmmmm.
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Mollie's shelter

To: Derrick Knob shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Woke to some chilly air...warm in my bag, 'tho. Looked out at 4 inches of snow, and it was still coming down! Got my boots & gaitors on & made breakfast. Brian & Bugs were up & Calumet was still asleep. I split Mollie's shelter destined for Derrick's knob - 12 miles away. It was a tough go through the snow, but I made it & found the shelter with 4 ridge-runners (park patrol) & the rest thru-hikers. Jaws, Alexander, Brian, Bugs & Squirrell - all trying to stay toasty - built a fire for warmth & to dry wet things. Hopefully the snow will let up a bit as I've got 50 miles left in the Smokies. We'll see in the morning!
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Derrick Knob shelter

To: Mt Collins shelter
Miles today: 13.0

Woke this morning & really didn't want to get out of my sleeping bag. I looked out & it was still snowing! 8 inches covered the ground - beautiful sight, but cold & not the best for hiking. I have to look at the bright side - it could be freezing rain...YUCK! Plus I'm prepared for this weather & there's no mud! I really pushed on today as I find stopping the cold to be a problem. Cooling down, relayering...starting again & gradually having to unlayer so as not to sweat...it's a pain! So just quick stops for snacks & water.Beautiful snowy scene all day - felt good & did the Clingman's dome trail even though the ridge runners said it was icy...HA! Hiking takes longer & is more strenuous in the snow - so I made the 13 miles from Derrick's knob shelter to Mt. Collins shelter just before dark. Bugs & Brian were already in & eating - just cold stuff as they were beat & wanted to sleep. I went for water - hot dinner for me, When I returned, Alexander had arrived & Bugs & Brian were already asleep! I made dinner & set up my bed.Bugs is hitching into Gatlinburg tomorrow. She has only sneakers & no gaitors, so her feet are soaked all day. I gave her some sock liners & Brian gave her some socks. I'm sure she'll hit the trail with better gear...or when the weather improves!Songs today = "Electrolytes" by my band Grisly Fiction from the early 90's ("My eyes are feeling like pissholes in the snow"), & "UFO out of the H2O" by another one of my bands called Underraga. Plus I kept telling myself "it doesn't matter" when wondering where a shelter or water source was...I'll get there when I get there, so don't worry about it!
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Mt Collins shelter

To: Pecks Corner shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Woke to...snow! Yes it was still snowing - about 1 foot now. Decided I was going to push to Peck's Corner shelter, so I woke & pried myself out of bed & into frozen boots & gaiters. I had to pound my boots into shape so my feet could slide in! Off we went - me, Brian, Bugs & Alexander. Brian & Bugs decided to hitch at a road crossing as the road into Gatlinburg had just reopened. Alexander and I continued on. I saw a few other north bound thru-hikers - I guess they have the same idea...get through this before it turns to slush & mud! But it's cold - one more night in this weather & then I descend 4000 feet in elevaton & into more moderate temperatures!Beautiful & wild hiking today. The snow stopped in the early morning, and the skies began to clear. Big mean grey clouds being blown over mountain tops. Brilliant sun on trees caked in ice - like too-thick frosting. Vistas for miles, maybe 80 - 100 miles at any given time. Walking on narrow ledges & sharp ridge lines with steep drops (hundreds of feet!) to either side - and in snow drifts up to 3 feet deep!Made Peck's corner shelter after dark - quickly made dinner & set up my bed - BEAT!!
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Pecks Corner shelter

To: Cosby shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Woke to freezing conditions, but it was sunny! Boots were frozen rock solid - dry on the inside, but still difficult to get the feet into. Did breakfast with Alexander, SubZero & Matt. Time to hit the Trail. The sun was warming me, the trees & the ground. The result? No jacket for me, snow & water constantly falling from the trees & trails turning to slush & mud. But it was happy hiking with amazing views...and lots of food fantasies! Belgian waffles - because someone's shoe tread ahead of me left "waffle" footprints in the snow. With fresh fruit, butter, syrup, whipped cream...Arrived at an empty Cosby shelter in the late afternoon & started dinner. SubZero Matt & Alexander soon followed, and we discussed staying at a hostel the next night. It would be a short 9 mile day tomorrow with the promise of cheeseburgers, laundry, shower & a bed...oh the luxury!Hiker midnight approaches. Can't be up past the break of 8pm!