morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-25
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 6.7

Got up early and went to communal kitchen. Made breakfast: 1 lb blueberries with quart of strawberries and a banana. Cooked with 1 1/2 cups dry oatmeat + a pack of instant grits. Borrowed some sugar. 2 cups of coffee and 3 cups of green tea. I was still hungry so had 2 pop tarts for desert.My hand were swollen and sore in am..could barely move. A little worry especially since I didn't even play guitar much last night. Probably shouldn't drink so much beer...I gave half my 6 pack away though. A hot shower and massaged fingers with Voltaren gel then they felt OK. I might have slept funny neck was stiff sore too. I am finding my air matress in the tent on a bed of leaves or dirt is more comfy than most hotel/hostel beds!With rain coming again I skipped working on the computer to take advantage of nice weather and head North. Sorry, still no pics uploaded. But not after spending several hours working on my carry system and weather protection for the gutiar. Rigged it up to fit inside my rainjacket with the neck sticking out the collar. Also bummed and bought stuff from the kayak/bike outfitter to construct spacers to hold the guitar away from my body for hot weather. Although I'm trying to be more "artist" its still fun to do some impromptu engineering. I'm proud that my imventivness allows me to carry full size guitar in a way that actually reduces stress on my back and shoulders from the pack. The guys at the outfitter said I should be working at NASA when they saw my carrying system. I wonder if it can be patented? By the time I mailed by stuff ahead it was around 1pm when I hit the trail for the big climb out from the river,
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Sassafras Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light snow

Packed up tent in the rain. Was able to get fully packed inside the 1 man tent without getting anything wet. Went under shelter to rig up "Hondo" the guitar inside my Packa rainjacket. Got all fouled up with the straps in the dark. Eventually got it right. Hiked all day in the rain, temp around 45F. New boots very comfy and dry! Trail magic at gap right before climb up Jacob's Ladder. Ate a piece of cold wet Pizza along with 3 donuts, 4 granola bars some cookies, a coke a gatorade, and perfectly ripe pear. Was cruising up the climb when "Drum Solo" and "Bean" passed. They had to be going over 3mph up the steepest climb so far!! I call them the wrecking crew. They flattened the mountain. Stopped around 1pm at Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Nice little shelter made in log cabin style. Nice to get out of the rain for a while. Everyone made hot drinks/food for lunch. Got out "Hondo" and gave her to "Raingear" We tried jamming with 3 different key harmonicas and got it to work in E, D and Aminor. Everyone but me smoked the Apallachian trail tobacco. Me and Raingear had some Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Noreaster showed up. Everyone said they enjoyed the jam. Hondo made it thru the day and stayed completely dry. Continued another 6 or 7 miles in the rain to Cable gap shelter. Shelter was completely full with stuff hanging everywhere. Bean and Drum Solo finished their hot dinner and took off for another 6 miles to meet friend joining them at Fontana Lodge.
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana 28 Crossing
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: broken clouds

Woke early after going to bed at 8 since I was in shelter with other early and long sleepers. It was so crowded, my sleeping pad was 1/2 overlapped with Barry. Somehow he didn't bother me at all. At 4:30 I couldn't get back to sleep so listened to Bob Marley for 45 mins. When I turned Bob off to try for more sleep, Owls were putting on an awsome concert. One was really close making all kinds of strange songs and hoots. I tried out Ibird pro, but couldn't see to operate it from inside my bag. (Everyone else was back to sleep) The phone started making all kinds of bird calls which I couldn't control so I turned it off. Still restless, everyone still sleeping, dark and raining. I managed to get my raincoat on over my long johns, grabbed Hondo and went to the privy which was very airy with large roof. Played guitar in the privy and tried to sing about 10 songs till I heard banter and joking coming from the shelter. Had incredibly beautiful lesiurely hike into Fontana Dam. The rain lifted with bands of sun and fog. Couldn't stop taking pictures. I let Hondo carry my hiking poles and got out a harmonica at the endo of the day. Made up a dumb song about doing laundry getting dry and getting good food at Fontana. Set up on the side of the road to hitch into the village, laundry hotel etc. Now a point of honor to hitch vs paying 3$   for shuttle 2miles. After a few minutes got out Hondo, still perfectly dry thinking she might improve my image. It worked got the next car in. Laundry till 6:30. Nice hotel at the lodge. Went down to bar at the gas station while clothes wash. Awsome dinner at the lodge restaurant. Owner bought a round of drinks after kentucky beat NC to reach final 4. Met a real nice father and son motorcycle riders from Florida. We talked for 1 1/2 after restraunt closed. They gave be 1/2 of the rack of ribs they couldn't eat. Hope they will come visit in SLC for week of speed at the Bonneville Salt Flats! Had great phone calls from my son Michael and daughter, Kathleen. So sweet after getting homesick see the Dad and Son team.
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Fontana 28 Crossing

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: clear sky

Woke up in deluxe lodge. AM rain had breakfast w Sheera, Chris and Avatar at restaurant. Got on the lobby computer and caught up journal some. Spent 2 hrs trying unsuccessfully to up load pics. EE did put in some I emailed. My jump box from NOC with food for the Smokeys didn't arrive till around 1pm. Hung out on the front porch w Artgypsy and Booksmart. My stuff finally showed up at the lodge not the post office where I was waiting.Took over 2 coffee tables and sofas to spread out and repack my stuff. Avatar showed up and played some sweet melodies on Hondo for about an hour. Went to PO to fwd my shoes etc to Hot Springs but she had closed early. Not wanting to stay an extra day, I hollered and the nice young lady came back from parking lot and mailed my box. On the way back to the trail, stopped at the store for the 10th time. SO EXCITED.... Found the perfect nalgene bottle for harmonicas and whiskey. Now I can share harps wout germs!!Walked 2 miles back to trail then 1.1 mile on trail to "Fontana Hilton" Trail Shelter.I never did figure how to upload pics. This is my daughter, Kathleen. I sure miss her! K loves owls so I think of her when I hear them. ( most mornings on the trail)
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a very late start at 12:30pm after packed at 8 am. Spent 4 1/2 hrs on phone trying to straighten out medical bills from the outhouse which has power strip for iPhone. Managed to get out of my groove, despite the consolation of Red Bellied Woodpeckers serenading from the tree next to outhouse for 5 hrs straight. So loud the nice lady at U of U accounts payable really enjoyed hearing them sing. Loons called all morning on the lake until just after sunrise... My favorite sounds.... Somehow still got grumpy. Feeling sorry for myself getting left behind.So pushed on for 11.7 miles. Arrived at shelter at 7:15 just before dark. Very cozy dry in shelter when big thunder storm blew in at midnight.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 18.9

Hiked all day in rain, sleet and fog. Couldn't see a thing over countless peaks and balds. Hiking in rain soaked in mid 40s F is rather pleasant. Water cooling keeps me from overheating as I burn huge amounts of energy hauling my fat ass up the mt. Pack and guitar were very comfortable today so forged on hoping for plenty of time to hang at Clingmans Dome, highest point on whole AT!Was very happy to see Drum Solo, Bean, Savage, Brain Frog when I pulled in last again. Also enjoyed company of Owen and the two Germans. Hondo got passed around Allred evening until an hour after "hiker midnight" which is 8 o'clock.Shelter was full so I set up tent in rain while dinner simmered. Plenty warm in tent despite getting down bag pretty wet. Temp down to 34 again. Managed to dry socks in bag to damp instead of soaking wet for next start. But boy did it stink in my bag!Woke up at midnight, hungry and dehydrated. Got the food out of bear cables and at a large pack of craisins with 2 litre water. Rain stopped stars out for 30second. Good omen for tomorrow ascent of Clingman's.
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Newfound Gap, Family Inn, Gatlinburg, NC
Miles today: 10.7

Got up late and slowly knowing Clingman's Dome is only 3 miles and 1000ft up the trail. Want to leave plenty time on top to hopefully watch morning white out fog "burnoff" and get some pics of classic Smokies smoke! I left "Hondo" out on a bench in the relatively dry shelter instead of taking her in the damp tent w me. I tried to focus on the amazing beauty of Mts and atmosphere to distract me from how upset I really was finding Hondo's bridge coming loose.Artgypsie and Booksmarts showed up just as I was ready to leave. We hiked the whole day together and became family for a day. We time it just right and the sun came out as we approached the summit. If there are no sensational photo's recorded, it is definitely not God's fault.Spent 2+ hrs on top, the only time all day with a view. We left and all decided to share a room at Family Inn where Artgypsie has maildrop. Very cold at pass trying to get ride into town total whiteout. Lot's of tourists driving by smirking at us freezing our butts off. Of course there are always good Samaritans and all 8 thru hikers got into town safely.We pigged out at a sports bar then headed for the Giant JACCUZZI!!!
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Newfound Gap, Family Inn, Gatlinburg, NC

To: Gatlinburg, TN, Grand Prix Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Artgypsie went back on trail after dealing w/micro burst in FL which dagger her home and van full of her paintings!Booksmarts and I moved across the street to cheaper hotel w Internet and laundry. He chilled all day trying to heal sore leg. I on the other hand put in 12 - 15 miles walking the town trying to get materials and instructions to fix The guitar.Now Gatlinburg is aTOURIST Town. Like a giant Jackson Hole spread out. Incredibly beautiful setting but makes my skin crawl to be weaving thru thousands of fat people jamming the sidewalks. At least 40 shops taking fake antique photo making you look like Hillbilly or Cowboy. Another 20 selling paintball guns, hookas, and medevial battle axes. Robot cowboys and pirates insanity. Ripley's Believe It or NOT owns half the town. All art and crafts stores making dulcimers and banjos were out of business. The one local playing harmonica on a park bench warned me not to play music with a hat out. That got Jim arrested! Too real for this place. I after walking to 5 or 6 stores suggested by locals with no luck, I called a music store in another town for advice, then headed to the other end of town to Ace hardware.   Collected various razor blades, sandpaper and glues. Thankfully caught a trolley to save walking some of the 4 miles back. Back at the hotel started work and couldn't get nut unscrewed inside guitar with pliers on my leatherman tool. Hands too big and swollen from hiking in cold rain with poles.Called auto parts place and asked if they had the box wrench I needed. "sure come on over it's only 4 miles you can make it on the trolley before we close. So I got trolley ride, but the driver stopped and talked at every hotel so missed connecting trolley. I jogged the last 2 miles to get there before closing. The guy I had called and talked to now said "we don't have nothin like that. So I jogged another 1/2 mile back to ACE arriving 5 mins before closing time, but they were long gone. I was getting sick of smelling barbecue after passing at least 20 with best ribs in town while shoving thru crowds of tourists. Cheered up a little when saw Girl Scouts selling cookies! But out of thin mints! Bought two boxes of something else for dinner w quart milk (5$) at had station.The nice hotel owner looked for tool but couldn't help. Eventually Booksmarts got the nut off with his smaller stronger hands. Got the bridge fixtured at 9pm with Gorrilla Glue. Should find out if it still sounds good later today. Booksmart is right, an aerospace engineer should be bright enough to figure out it's stupid to to try an carry a full size guitar 2000 miles in wet weather. But right now I'm happy enough to be dumb.
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Gatlinburg, TN, Grand Prix Hotel

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

I didn't sleep too well. 2 boxes of cookies cheered me up but not so good to sleep on. Peanut butter GSA cookies every bit as good as thin mint with plenty milk. Repair job on Hondo looked pretty clean for horrible glue. Should be bomber when fully cured. Worried I messed up the intonation or used strings won't hold pitch. Have to wait and see. Had to rum into town for more dental floss ran out due to eating too much ribs need to brush and floss 3x day! Miss electric toothbrush. Signed up for 3pm free shuttle with NOC Outfitter. Beautiful sunny day could stay in town. Uploaded pics to shutterfly but it took so long, I almost missed shuttle. Sorry not posted here.Good part of Gatlinburg is the end closest to Smokies, including NOC, Family Inn and Grand Prix Hotel.   All wonderful people w low $ friendly to hikers.Stellar sunny weather but only a few non thru hikers on trail! Got in around 5:30 and sat tight worried it would get dark if I pushed another 71/2 miles to next shelter. My friends "savage" and "Plato" did go on OK. They wanted to get closer to Standing Bear Hostel to hole up for on coming storm with tornadoes forecast.
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early after good long sleep knowing a long day. Japanese hiker, V8, left in dark at 6am. He is going ultralight averaging 25+ miles a day. I found his gloves but could not catch up as I "only" managed 20.3 miles.Hiked the afternoon with a retired radiologist named "Rueben2"He kept saying what amazing shape for someone my age that he couldn't keep up. But he kept up just fine and he is 65! Miles flew by easily once we realized plenty of time before dark and slowed a little to talk. After being introduced to him, everyone was dreaming about Rueben sandwiches.Artgypsie, Booksmarts , Savage, Plato and the very pleasant German, Matlock were all there as well as a big group of young men & gals who were partying while planning 5am departure to watch sunrise. I was surprised and excited to see Lucky and Moonshine again. Savage grabbed Hondo as soon as I pulled in and played until after everyone was I'm bed. The official ridge runner was very nice he didn't notice anyone drinking or smoking pot which are Forbidden in the Smokies. He loved music and sang along w Savage. I couldn't play at all as Hondo refused to go into tune. I was pretty sure I had ruined her with my repair job. Didn't bother Savage, he just played 2 string chords so it didn't sound so bad.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green's Crossing, Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.5

Got up at 6 as the youngsters were moving out rapidly to get to tower on next peak before sun. Wanted to go pretty early to beat severe storm forecast for late afternoon. Every one wanted to get to Standing Bear to ride out storm at low elevation in very cool place.It was another gorgeous day. Caught up w Booksmarts when he stopped a spectacular rock outcrop to enjoy the views. We strolled along as 10.5 m was a short day. State Line Creek was amazing w many beautiful waterfalls pools and Rodedendren Groves . Got to bridge across Pidgeon River at noon and lingered to watch rafters come thru.   Now at low elevation trees are sporting brand new leaves mixed w red buds. Enjoyed trail magic then rolled on to Standing Bear Hostel. Almost every one showed up storm held off till after dinner then hit w vengeance. Sweet sound of rain on tin roofs.   Bunkhouse and cabin have nice open covered porches. I opted for sharing the cabin w Lucky, 3 bags and Breeze.   It was so sweet w glider love seats on porch and rushing stream going right under the cabin.   Play music w Savage and Breeze. Had good time shared harmonicas w breeze.Others played poker, drank moonshine and some stayed up for NCAA final.Woke many times to big thunder but lulled back to sleep by sound of rushing water. Slept on floor where I could actually feel vibrations of the stream 3 ft below!
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Green's Crossing, Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Got up early w Breeze planning a big day to get into Hotsprings tomorrow for mail drop before 4. Cold morning w sleet snow was good temp around 40f for the big climb up from the river. Very beautiful light and clouds as cold front moved thru following the big storm. Felt good climbing but my right ankle started to get a liitle sore where my big boots rub on ankle permanently swollen from old high school wrestling injuries.   Stopped to take lots of pictures due to dramatic light. Beautiful storm clouds from top of first big bald, Snowird Mt.   Interesting snow, rime, and light on bare trees.Continued on to Max Patch, one of the prettiest spots on entire trail. Very green grass w patches of snow and huge dramatic vistas in all directions.   IWind must have been near 50 mph! I resolved to stay and photo anyway. It took about 15min to get every warm thing out of my pack and on. Had to hold on to everything or it would be blown away! Hands getting numb guitar flapping on tether like a kite on a string. Tried but don't know of any good pics till check on big computer. Impossible to hold camera still in wind. Couldn't work camera controls w numb fingers I'm big gloves!200 ft below summit wind died off completely and I immediately start to sweat. Kept all my clothes on 1.8 mile to next shelter. At roaring fork, Breeze was already in his sleeping bag trying to warm up and rest for 19 mile day tomorrow. Felt good and plenty of time for 5 miles to next but decided to stop and cook double dinner.   Too cold to even consider guitar.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC, Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 17.3

Got up at 6 when Breeze started packing.   He left in the dark. I cooked Spanish rice, coffee and tea while waiting for light. Left at7:15 hoping to get to post office in Hot Springs before close at 4. I felt pretty good but right ankle started to get sore where big boots rub on old high school injury. More sunny weather not too hot. Some climbs more down to low spot at French Broad River cross, Hot Springs. By 12 miles I was hurting pretty bad with "boot bang" extending into possible shin splints on rt ankle. Realizing I would arrive around 2, slowed down and limped to keep pressure off right ankle. Loved Hot Springs right off. Opposite of Gatlinburg: compact, laid back, scenic, historic and funky in a good way. People friendly.Rushed to get mail drop, stuff at outfitters then checked in at Elmer's, shower and start laundry to be ready to meet Barb Jones coming to visit me from Fairview NC (near Asheville). Barb is EE's old friend from High School in Cal.Could not believe Sunnybank is a hiker hostel. It is such a fine old mansion. Barb got a quick taste of trail culture meeting Breeze, Plato and Savage before she tracked me down in front of Elmer's.   Her little dogs, Patrick & Chester loved walking up and down all 3 blocks of main. We ate at the diner. I had quart of Ben&Jerry's before for appetizer, then mountain plate of chopped sirloin w many fried extras. Large blueberry pie a lamper. Enzid and High Five joined Booksmarts and Hot Sauce at next table. Everyone talked about how much they are eating. Showed picture of Booksmarts eating 2pm mountain burger double. Barb is glimpsing hiker appetites. Then Barb drove home giving Savage and Plato a ride to Asheville for the wide spread Panic concert.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Hot Springs, NC, Elmer's Sunnybank Inn

To: Hot Springs, Sunnybank Inn 
Miles today: 0.0

Jacob and Gingersnap served up a gourmet breakfast of fruit and 1 1/2" thick whole grain waffles w nuts in the batter. Jacob is working, cooking, the season. Gingersnap works for stay while recovering from shin splints.Didn't feel good and my legs both pretty swollen especially right w shin splints as well as bruising. Also got an unexpected rash of severe blisters. One chillibane sore from a month ago still not healed- hurts intensely. Also headache, tired, hands, feet, wrists ache, and whole inside of mouth involved w sores. So reluctantly had no choice but to sign up for zero at Elmer's.   It took 2 hrs on Bluff Mt Outfitters' business computer to up load pics.. I had wore out my welcome. Moved to town library, but their system had glitch. Too much brain fog and headache to accomplish anything. Went back to Sunnybank and slept the rest of afternoon. Got up at 7 for amazing gourmet vegetarian feast served family style. Can't remember everyone tho Elmer started w introduce around.   Crankdaddy, Moses, Lucky, Artgypsie, Grasshopper, Tinman, Hot Sauce, GingersnapDelicious the most full and completely satisfied I've ever been from all veg.Felt a little better and played guitar by my self for hour on the front porch balcony. Bed early then woke at 9 when EE called to tell Barb coming to pick me up in a.m. for more R&R. Somehow EE did emergency code to override silent mode on my phone. It took me at least 5 min to wake and realize it was my phone .. Not Tibetan prayer cymbals coming from downstairs.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Hot Springs, Sunnybank Inn 

To: Fairview NC, Barb's
Miles today: 0.0

Because I still felt bad and extreme swelling of right leg, Barb took me right to the ER at Mission Hospital, next door to Biltmore.Rested several hrs while waiting for tests. Ultrasound showed no blood clots in leg. I researched symptoms on the Internet the whole time. I am convinced it is a flare up of Drug Induced Lupus (by Lamisil). But ER doc doesn't even want to consider going there.   Discharged me saying all blood and urine normal. Rest for 3 -4 days until swelling and pain in legs. They think my mouth is sore due to poor hiker diet: pre-scurvy. She doesn't budge from that opinion when I tell her I take 2 multivitamins w C /day and that I eat more fresh and dried fruits and veggies than any hiker on trail. I have carried more than 20 lbs fresh fruit and veg in pack (5day supply). I go on the beer run to seek out fruits and veggies. I just drank 2 litre of cranapple and quart of orange juice this a.m. She is set on scurvy and no Lupus.Barb makes me rest then takes me out for a delightful dinner in Asheville. Asheville is crazy on Fri night w WideSpreadPanic going on. Barb won't let me run off with young partyers or even walk around. We drive by the drum circle and local bookstore. Everyone in Asheville is super friendly. 60s Deja-Vu!
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Fairview NC, Barbs

To: Fairview NC, Barb's
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Barbs cousins came to visit from Ohio. They are really fun, loud, always laughing talking in funny voices.   I enjoy visiting but try to give them space so they can have their family girl time. Went to REI and Diamond Brand outfitters for odds and ends. Talked about local whitewater and ended up buying local guide book. Should keep feet elevated more, continue to improve slowly. Barb's son, Remington, and girl friend, Becca, came over. Handsome couple. He instantly figured out every question on my IPhone I could think of.