morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-05
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: few clouds

Great, Easy Day Today was a short easy day. Most of the day was a gradual elevation increase. There were a couple of places where icicles formed a curtain of ice similar to cave formations. There were some single icicles 2 to 3 feet long. The mountains out here look like they go on forever. There was very little snow to deal with today. There were a couple of climbs at the end of the day. There are six of us here tonight: Jack Straw, Not So Swift, Growler, Critter, Railroad, and me, Mudflap. Trail names are like CB handles. If you don¢t have one, someone will give you one you don¢t like. You may get one for something you did or a funny quirk or something you carry with you. At one shelter this hiker was trying to get her stove started and a two-foot flame came out. So someone started to call her FLAME THROWER. Chainsaw got his name because he snores loud. While I'm typing this journal I can hear the mice in the rafters of the shelter. I could hear owls in the woods earlier. I just heard several coyotes howling in the darkness. By the way, I also hear Growler snoring next to me. Guess what he sounds like: a growling bear. He got his name just earlier today because Critter said that¢s what he sounded like last night when we were tenting. You know she's 100 percent right. He does sound like that. THAT¢S HOW YOU GET A TRAIL NAME ON THE AT. Good night. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-06
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 2.2

"GOING TO EAT SOME REAL FOOD" We woke up to a beautiful sunrise over the mountains. This was right from our sleeping bags. We made it thru the mice running about the shelter. We packed up and headed out to hitch to town. There were a couple of short climbs before we started the 1000 foot drop to Unicoi Gap. When we got to the road, RXR and Critter got out their "hiker to town" bandanna. One person holds the bandanna, the other looks needy and holds out their thumb. It¢s easier for two to get a ride than four. It took about 10 to 15 minutes for a vehicle to stop. A Dodge pickup stopped. He said he could take all 4 of us. His name was Harold and he was trying to track down one of his hunting dogs. We all squeezed into his truck cab with 4 packs. He had a big dog box in the back. We thanked him for the ride and told him we would keep a eye out for his dog. When we got to town we used our trail books to find the best rate. The Super 8 matched the other two motels. Growler and I shared a room. We got cleaned up and did laundry first. Then we did what hikers do: we ate. We headed to the Chinese /Sushi buffet. When we got there it was closed during the slow season. What a bummer. Hikers love buffets. We found a little local sports bar. The food was real good and plentiful. I had some BBQ wings and a huge chicken sandwich. Next, we resupplied. We headed to the Dollar Store. I only needed a little bit to get to Franklin, NC. Dollar Store is a great place to shop. We then headed to our rooms to relax and pack some of our gear. A short day of hiking in or out of town is called a nero: which is almost a zero day, which is a day off. In the morning we will go back to the trail. KEEP ON TRUCKIN! MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Helen, GA

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: scattered clouds

"SHORT DAY OUT OF TOWN" I woke up this morning ready to get on the trail. I went to get my free continental breakfast. I tore it up. I had 4 mini muffins + 3 sausage biscuits. Helen was a great town to stop in and resupply. RXR & Critter went to get a sandwich and hitch out. Growler and I hitched from the motel. It took about 15 minutes to get picked up. We loaded up and went about 100 feet when we saw some trashy looking hikers hitchin. Oops! It was RXR & Critter. Our ride said he would pick them up, too. Rob Patrick was the man who picked us up. Thanks, Rob.We hiked out of the gap. It was a pretty good climb. That¢s the norm out here. Between the breakfast and drinking plenty of water, I felt good. The weather was in the 70's today. There were some great views. There were plenty of day hikers out, too. There were also several dogs out. Most hikers love to see day hikers. We didn't go very far today. Most of the hikers who went to town stayed here tonight. Today was a great day to hike. TAKE CARE, EVERYONE. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-08
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

US 76 Motel: "TOWN FOOD AGAIN" I started hiking about 8 am. There were a couple of decent climbs early. I stopped at Deep Gap for a break. About 10 minutes later RXR & Critter came up the trail. RXR said he wanted to hitch to town and get Chineese food. We were going to be at the road at 2 pm. I got to the road at 2:05; they got there at 2:20. We tried to hitch for about 45 minutes, but no luck. We decided to call the Hiawassee Inn. They will pick you up if you stay the night. The shelter past the road has been having bear problems. We got to town, cleaned up, and headed to the Chinese place next door. The buffet was closed so we ordered off the menu. The food was good. We even got ¢To Go¢ boxes. We then went next door to the DQ and got dessert. We went back to our rooms to relax and rest our sore muscles. It¢s back to the trail in the morning. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-09
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

"ONE DOWN 13 TO GO" We started about 9 am after being dropped off. There were several climbs today. The big climb was into NC. That¢s one state down, 13 to go. I believe I'm getting stronger day by day. I still have to stop to get some oxygen on steep uphills. It was in the 70's again today.The trail in GA was in great condition. The shelters and trails are maintained very well in GA. Most of the work is done by volunteers. For dinner tonight I mixed Ramen with potato flakes with some sausage. I mixed them because I have plenty of food to get to Franklin. There are about 20 people at the shelter, only 7 in the shelter. If any one has a question or a suggestion, please let me know. Thank you for checking out my journal. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

"BEAUTIFUL DAY TO HIKE" Today went pretty good for the most part. I rolled my ankle on a rocky downhill. I'm not real agile on the steep or rocky parts. I did good on Standing Indian Mtn. It was never steep going up. My feet and my ankles were screaming today. I was glad to get to the shelter. In the shelter tonight is RXR, Critter, John (no name), Sponge Bob, and me. Big Boots is in his tent next to the shelter. Farther down in a big tenting area there are at least 20 other hikers. Some are out a short time. The day after tomorrow we will be in Franklin, NC. If anyone reading my journal would like to ask me something, or if you have a suggestion on my journal, please sign my guest book. I do check it all the time. It's hiker midnight (dark): time to go to bed. KEEP ON TRUCKIN¢! MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-11
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

"100 MILE MARK" It was overcast part of the day today but it was a great hiking day. I met a southbound thru-hiker today. Mr. Magoo was his name. He started in August of 2008. He got off the trail during part of the winter. Today the only big climb was Albert Mtn. It was the first place you use your hands to climb. It's very steep in places. We hit the 100 mile mark today. Tomorrow is a short day into Franklin, NC. I think I'm taking a zero day in Franklin. I need to rest my feet and get some things done. I feel stronger overall, but both my ankles have been taking a beating. I have a tendency to roll my ankles on the downhills. Hopefully, I will get to put some pictures up. It's getting dark, time to go to bed. GOOD NIGHT. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

"FIRST BUFFET" Everyone at the shelter wanted to make the 9 am shuttle to Franklin, NC. We woke up at 6 am; we had to leave by 7 am. We had to hike in the dark for about 40 minutes. We all made it with no problem. About 8:40 a truck pulled up to set up to give out trail magic. I forgot their names, but it was a local church. They had quite a setup. Thank you! That was my first trail magic for this hike. Ron Haven pulled up at 9 am. We squeezed 6 hikers and their packs into his van. Ron owns 2 motels in town and he caters to hikers. He also has a hostel being hosted by Miss Janet. It was great seeing her again. Miss Janet had a hostel in Erwin, TN for years. I got a room and cleaned up. We had serious business to take care of: FIRST BUFFET ON THE TRAIL FOR US! It was a Mexican place and it was great. Hikers love buffets. We talk about it days before you get to town. After we went and stuffed ourselves, we did our food shopping and mailed items home. You are always trying to get your pack weight down. I used the computer at the motel to put my pictures up. I still have to put them in order and describe them. Later, RXR, Critter, and I went out to get some food and a couple of beers. We had a beer at a small place in downtown Franklin. They close at 7 so we went upstairs to the Frog and Owl. It was a nice place with a finer dinning flair. Tonight they had a bar menu since it was Thursday, and had karaoke, too. The food was very good. About 8:30 the locals started to pour in. This must be the place to be in Franklin on Thursday nights. It was a lot of fun watching the people do karaoke. Most people did a great job. We had a great time. Franklin is one of the best trail towns on the trail. Between Ron Haven and the friendly people here, this town is GREAT!!! I want to thank my transcriber and support with food and gear. THANK YOU MYRA & DAD FOR ALL YOU DO! Thank you to all the people checking out my journal. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-13
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"NIDHATAK" I took a zero day today. That¢s basically a day off from hiking. The forecast is for rain and cold weather. I may even take another day off. Let¢s see what the weather forecast is. I relaxed, sorted and packed my food. Nidhatak is my hiking partner. His name is Katahdin spelled backwards. I call him Nid for short. I will never be alone out here with Nid riding along. My girlfriend gave Nid to me to keep me company on the trail. He is a great partner out here, except I have to carry him. THANKS, JJ FOR GETTING NID FOR ME. THANKS, JJ FOR HELPING ME WITH MY PHOTOS. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

"DOUBLE ZERO" Well, it looks like I'm taking another zero day. The weather is cold and with a 90% chance of rain. It's going to clear up Sunday morning. I now have all my pictures sorted and labeled. Franklin has been great, the people have been great. Thank you to Ron Haven and all the people of Franklin. This is truly one of the top hiker friendly towns on the trail. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: mist

"BACK TO THE TRAIL" Yes, I finally went back to hiking the trail. I was more than ready to get out of town. There was a drizzle when I got onto the hiker bus. I started off with rain pants and rain jacket. I had to peel them off because I was burning up. The rain never got very hard. There were a couple of climbs today. When I got to Wayah Fire Tower it was socked in. It was a great day considering the forecast. Time to go to bed. It's dark already. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

"TRAIL MAGIC ON THE TRAIL" It started to rain early this morning. We were hoping the rain was done. I went down the muddy wet trail heading northward. I got to Burningtown Gap and there was a huge dome tent next to the trail. It was an oasis of TRAIL MAGIC right on the trail. Apple does trail magic every year. He does the AT in March & November. He also does the Colorado Trail in June and July. His tent is the type of tent you can use as a base camp on Mt. Everest. He has a wood burning stove in the middle that vents out the top of the tent. He has a couple of burners to cook on. He has a microwave plus lights that run off a generator if needed. He also has propane heating lights if needed. When you walk in he gives you some hand sanitizer to clean up with. There are 6 to 10 chairs set up inside the tent. He had hot chocolate, coffee, sodas, cookies, and hot dogs for the hikers. Apple also does trail maintenance; he builds and repairs trails and shelters. I had a soda, a couple of hot dogs, and some cookies. Apple has been doing this for 7 years. THANK YOU, APPLE, FOR ALL YOU DO! Today I was either hiking in the clouds or in the rain. The trail was a slippery mess. Sometimes I would slide in the mud, hoping to regain traction before going down. I never went down today, but I had several close calls. Sometimes the trail is so muddy it looks like a creek. No matter what, it's the path I have chosen. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 5.7

"WEATHER CLEARS" I left the shelter just before sunrise. Hikers always are in a rush to get real food and get cleaned up. The rain stopped before sunset last night. The sunrise brought a beautiful day. There were several small climbs before we plunged over 2300 feet down to the N.O.C. It was steep in some places and slippery and muddy in others. When we got to the bottom we had to figure out where we would stay for the night. RXR & Critter checked out the N.O.C.; they only had bunkroom space. Critter called Wesser Cottages. They had space for us. We ate at the Rivers End Restaurant at the N.O.C. We then waited to be picked up by the lodging people. I resupplied out of their store, plus I bought some food for tonight. Like I said, it¢s hard to pass up real food and a hot shower. Growler and I are sharing an A-frame cottage. I even got to do laundry -- although there was no soap. I will be at Fontana Dam on Friday. After that it's the Smoky Mountain National Park! MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-18
From: N.O.C.

To: Simp Gap
Miles today: 11.5

"BIG CLIMB OUT OF N.O.C." We got a late start today out of the N.O.C. The cabin rental place did not pick us up until 10 am. We had a huge climb this morning, over 3000 feet. I had a rough time today. I just had no energy. Today's weather was great. There was a beautiful view from Cheoah Bald. We had planned to camp at Locust Cove Gap tonight. When we got there we found a huge group from a bible college camped out. There were over 25 of them + 5 other hikers. We got water there and some of us ate dinner. I just got water and hiked on looking for a place to set my tent up. I was worn out, but I kept going. I went about a mile and found a small spot for 3 tents. I knew there were at least five more coming. Only Preacher Man and me stayed at this spot. The rest went a little further or squeezed in the last spot. Good night. I'm falling asleep while doing my journal. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Simp Gap

To: Campsite after Walker Gap
Miles today: 13.6

"THE TRAIL PUT A WHOOPIN' ON MUDFLAP" I woke up to a beautiful sunrise over my campsite. I packed up and ate my three granola bars and headed north. I still don¢t feel up to par. I think I may be sick. There was a very steep climb almost straight up. I had to pick a spot to catch my breath. I would do that over and over until I got to the top. I feel like I can¢t get enough air in my lungs. That mountain wore me out today. I took a break at Brown Fork Gap Shelter. I did better on the next couple of climbs but I still was not at 100%. When I got to Cable Gap Shelter it was still early. We decided to at least get closer to Fontana. I needed to go to the PO and the store to resupply. We made it to the last campsite before Fontana Dam. Before I cooked it started to rain lightly. I cooked from my tent and got ready for bed. I'm very tired tonight. GOODNIGHT. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Campsite after Walker Gap

To: Birch Spring Tent Site
Miles today: 9.5

"IN THE GREAT SMOKY MTNS. NATL. PARK" I was so tired last night that I fell asleep with my tent open. I woke up and saw a tiny mouse under the vestibule of my tent. That is one reason I use a tent instead of a tarp, to keep animals out of my tent. More hikers showed up while I was sleeping. I found out in the morning that Growler was ill. He had to contact the VA to get looked at and get some medicine. I hope Growler is OK and he can catch up to me. I went to Fontana Dam, NC to get my food drop. I received my box plus 2 very special packages. The Fouts family sent me cookie squares, which I shared with Growler, Preacher Man, Critter, & RXR. THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOUTS FAMILY. The other package was from JJ, my girlfriend. She sent me candy, Pringles chips, tiny nail clippers, and some other great things. THANKS, JJ, YOU¢RE THE BEST. Having people look at my journal makes me feel good. It¢s like having your own cheering squad. THANK YOU! IT MEANS ALOT TO ME. I'm glad I sent and received boxes in Fontana Dam. The main store was closed. You could resupply out of the gas station, but they had only some basic foods. The gas station also had a bar that sold draft beer. I ate a couple of cheese dogs and drank a Coke. I tried to squeeze all my food in my pack. Critter put one of the bags of cookies in her pack. They will share with some of our hiking friends. I have a cough. This way I won¢t get anyone sick. We got a ride back to the trail and headed to the Smoky Mtn. Park. The walk across the dam was the easy part of the day. The climb up Shuckstack is long and sometimes steep. As you go up the lake the dam gets further away. There is a fire tower on Shuckstack which you can barely see from the dam. The Smokys are very beautiful. I have loved going there since I was a kid. THANKS DAD! I can hear the owls and the strong winds. It will be below freezing tonight, but I will be warm in my sleeping bag. Goodnight. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Birch Spring Tent Site

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

"NICE COOL DAY" It was cold in the morning when I got up. When I got to the top of Doe Knob I saw a wild boar trap. I'm still feeling a little congested this morning. I talked to the Ridge Runner at Mollies Ridge Shelter. They basically patrol busy sections of the AT. The views were great since we were on ridges most of the day. You have a view on both sides of the trail. Pictures don¢t do the views justice due to trees being in the way constantly. I could even see Cades Cove from the trail. Today the trail wasn't very steep at all. I was still tired after 10.8 miles. Tomorrow I think I'm doing over 13 miles. I shared the cookie bars with several hikers. Thanks again, Fouts family. I stopped at Spence Field Shelter. It is full tonight with several tents. I hope the weather is good thru the rest of the Smokys. My journals may be delayed due to my battery and signal strength here. See ya¢ later. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

"ROCKY TOP TENNESSEE" Today was great for outstanding views. The Smokys are spectacular. The weather is still great. It¢s below freezing in the morning, the highs are in the 50's: perfect for hiking. I'm still feeling under the weather. I have a bad cough and it affects my breathing. I have a lot of problems on any uphill. I could go nonstop up gradual inclines before I got this bad cough. I am feeling run down since I have had this cough. I'm going into Gatlinburg tomorrow to get some medicine + some rest. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

"SUNRISE AT CLINGMANS DOME" I left the shelter at 5:45 am for two reasons: I wanted to get to town early, and I wanted to see the sunrise at Clingmans Dome. That meant I had to hike in the dark. I made it just as the sun came over the mountains. It was a beautiful sunrise. It was cold up there; there was ice on the trail in places. The rest of the morning went by fast. When I got to Newfound Gap there was someone giving out trail magic. His name was Camron. He had all kinds of things hikers crave or might need. THANKS CAMRON! It took about 20 minutes for us to get a hitch into Gatlinburg. The Losey family gave us a ride into Gatlinburg. They are a great family. THANK YOU! We hit KFC, then we got a place to spend the night. After I cleaned up, I went to the pharmacy to get some medicine for my cough. I ate some dinner and I washed my hiking clothes in the sink. I hope the cough gets better. It¢s back to the trail in the morning. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Newfound Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

"LATE START" I stayed in town until after lunch. I used my bandanna that says "HIKER TO TRAIL" to hitch back to Newfound Gap. The Dieterle family picked me up. Mrs. Dieterle had her three children with her. She took me to Newfound Gap, even though she wasn't going that way. She went 30 miles out of her way for me. THANK YOU, MRS. DIETERLE, SO MUCH!From Newfound Gap, back on the trail, we were only going to the next shelter. It was 3 miles to Icewater Spring Shelter. This way I will be able to get some rest. I think the medicine has helped me. It was a good hike to the shelter. It looks like rain is coming in the morning. The wind is blowing; it will be cold tonight. The shelter is full tonight with some people tenting. Time to go to bed. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Coner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

"COLD,WET,& WINDY" The storm came in the early AM hours. The wind was blowing like a tropical storm. It was going to be a rough day of hiking. RXR, CRITTER, & another hiker were going to hike back to Newfound Gap. Two people were out for 2 days & they said they would take them to Gatlinburg. It was great hiking with them again. We did about 10% of the AT. They are only out here for 3 more weeks, then they are off to the PCT. I wish them a great hike out on the PCT. I will miss them. I started hiking in the cold rain at 9:20. There were no views today. We were in the clouds all day. The trail was a creek in some places. There are great views on this side of the park when it's clear. Today it¢s just cold, wet & windy. I hope the weather is better tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Tri-Coner Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 18.1

"MORE WIND AND RAIN" It was raining hard when I left the shelter. The trail was a roaring creek at times. There was no stepping around the water. The wind was still blowing hard. About midday the rain stopped and the skies started to clear. As I was heading to Davenport Gap Shelter I could feel my sore feet. My feet have been wet for days. I got to the shelter and I decided to push on to Standing Bear Farm Hostel. I was tired but I was ready to put the Smokys behind me. This was my most miles (in a day) so far. I got to the hostel at 6 pm. I got a bunk, took a shower, and resupplied. I ate a couple of microwave sandwiches, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, and 2 little Debbies bars. RXR & Critter were here, too. It's back to the trail tomorrow. I'm wore out and so tired. MUDFLAP