morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Rainbow Springs Campground

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This morning started off with a nice shower and privy call. In the bunkhouse a woodstove heated the room nicely and dried out our wet clothing. At 9AM we were back in the store having coffee, and I had to have some more Ben & Jerry's ice cream. At 9:30 Night Stalker took us in to Franklin NC and the Microtel Motel.BigTinyLittle went to the clinic for medicine for his gut. He is still feeling poorly. The rest of the day was spent watching the war.
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Franklin, NC

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

Springtime! A beautiful day. BigTinyLittle still feeling pretty bad, so we didn't do much except for eating, sleeping and one trip to 3 Star Outfitters. I sent my tent (which weighed 6 pounds) home, and bought a 2.5 ound Slumberjack tent, more sockliners and warm long johns.
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Waiting for a ride back to the trail at Wallace Gap. Jack Coriell (The Old Smoked Ham) AT 66-86 picked me up at the Microtel and took me to Wallace Gap. Franklin is a very hiker friendly town. Euchre came in yesterday (we met in Hiawassee.) BigTinyLittle is going to lay up for one or more days to get better. He seems to be wavering as to whether it is worth it to stay on the trail. I hope he does. He has been a good friend and good company to hike with. I started at Wallace Gap and hiked to Siler Bald shelter. It is 5PM and I'm the only one here. ShortLeggedKiwi passed me about halfway here. She had her dog (a beautiful white German Shepherd). Her plan was to hike on to another campsite tonight. It is cold but clear.I want to say this about the speed and distance I am going. I estimate it will be another month before I get my hiking legs. At 62 it takes a little longer. I've still got about 7 months and am in no big hurry.Tonight I fixed myself Peppermint tea, red beans and rice with instant potatoes mixed in.Well surprise, surprise at about 5:45PM three guys, a dog and a goat stopped for the night! I didn't know what to say. After a bit I found out that they were out for an overnight hike. They cooked up chicken burritos and drank wine. When they offered me burritos and wine, I had a second meal. All three teach school over in SC, so we sat around a big fire eating and talking. At about 8PM, I turned in and went to sleep right away.Until tomorrow
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

I got started at 8AM this morning. As I was getting water at Cold Springs shelter, the posse from Montgomery County, MD stopped by for rest and water. They are four retired detectives from Maryland. Their trail names are Herminator, Cougar, Saucy Dog and Detective Friday. Josh was with them (a young teacher). Also ChickenFeet and Flanders stopped by. It is 12Noon, so I gotta go.The rest of the trail today went over Copper Ridge Bald, Tellico Gap, over Wesser Bald and then to Wesser shelter. With me are Detective Herminator, and AlsoKnownAs (AKA). Tenting are the rest of the posse (Cougar, SaucyDog, Detective Friday and Josh the teacher.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

I was up and gone by 7:30AM. I could hear that restaurant food calling. I made it to Nantahala Outdoor Center (Wesser) by 11:30AM. After eating a huge sandwich and nachos supremes with 3 big glasses of sweet tea, I got a room, showered and washed my dirty clothes. When I picked up my Bounce box, BigTinyLittle (Ray Collins) had left me a note saying that he was getting off the trail for a while. I hope he comes back when he is well.
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 14.0

I was up and out with my pack and caught a ride back to Stecoah Gap. It was about 10 AM when I got off the bed of a pickup truck (very cold) and I started to Fontana Dam. It was a lot harder with a full pack.When I got to the road (Hwy 28) I called and someone from Fontana Village picked me and two other hikers up for the Hotel / Resort. I signed up for 3 days to rest up.This night I had a full dinner (All you can eat)
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Fontana Village

To: Birch Spring Campground
Miles today: 6.3

I went to all you can eat breakfast and made the decision to start through the Smokies. The weather is clear and very windy and cold. After breakfast I went to the Post Office to check on my Bounce box but the Postmaster said it wouldn't arrive until 11 AM so I didn't wait. I finally got to the Dam and started hiking at 10:30 AM. It seemed like forever before I topped out on Shuckstack Mountain at around 2PM. The actual tower was about 200 feet off the trail. I left my pack on the trail and climbed to the top step because the door to the top was closed.I decided to camp at Birch Spring campground. This used to be a shelter, but the powers-that-be tore the shelter down and created some flat tent spaces. Three other hikers were there and had set their tents up in the horse hitching area. I went on down to a place near the source stream where we got our water.Snow was covering every surface to the ground was very soft and wet. As the temperature was near freezing I got something to eat and drank some hot mint tea. Then I put on as many clothes as I had and turned in for the night
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Birch Spring Campground

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: clear sky

I broke camp this morning and hiked through the snow, mud and water in the trail. Most of it was slicker than owl poop, but I only slipped down once and then in the snow.The weather was warmer and skies were clar. I could see Fontana Lake and dam for most of the day. When I got to Mollies Ridge Shelter there were about eight other hikers. Three had already set up tents so I claimed a spot in the shelter. After getting out of my wet shirt and into some dry warm clothes, I took some aspirins and just sat there resting. My legs were very tired. I still had some congestion from the cold I had in Fontana Village. Water was about 200 yards down a very slick path. One of the other hikers about my age took a fall as he was coming down for water. I think it didn't hurt him except for getting muddy and wet.The rest of the day was spend doing dinner and talking to the other hikers. Melissa NTN (No Trail Name) pitched her tent on the NC side of the trail. The privy area was on the NC side of the trail and the shelter and water was on the TN side.Other hikers at the shelter were, Deja Vu, Zero, Skeener, Skettles, Mule, Goldberry, Charlie and at least 15 others camping out.
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

I was the last to leve Mollies Ridge Shelter at about 9:30 AM. The weather was warm and sunny so I was feeling good. Devils Tater Patch and a very steep unnamed pop-up (about 400 feet) made the hike to Russell Field Shelter seem longer than it was. I just stopped for water and a short rest.When I got to Spence Field Shelter, Rambler was there rolling a cigarette which was not very well made so it was throwing up a huge cloud of smoke. Rambler is a funny guy. He has a pack that must weigh about 50+ pounds that includes the largest sleeping bag I've ever seen. He told me that he was in California and Washington State when he received a food stamp card from each state. He looks strong and healthy and is about 27 years old. I don't think he'll be on the trail very long. Later, other hikers came in. Dunky, Spunky, Leap Year and others came in later, so there weren't many people in the shelter for a change.
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: clear sky

I left about 8:30 AM and crossed over Rocky Top, Thunderhead Mountain and Brier Knob to Derrick Knob Shelter. There were great views on Rocky Top and Thunder Mountain, but just a hard climb up and over Brier Knob.There were lots of hikers in the shelter and tenting in front and around the place. I snuggled in for the night.
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up and gone by 8:00 AM this morning. When I had gotten about 2 miles down the trail I met "The Old Man & Son". The son had fallen and hurt his ankle and the old man was calling the ranger station for help getting his son out by horseback.By the time I reached Silers Bald Shelter I was really tired so by the time dark arrived I was ready to stop. It started to rain about 7:30 PM and continued very hard all night long. The wind, lightning and thunder were so loud that the other people couldn't even hear me snoring.By morning the storm was gone and the sun came out.
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Today was perfect. The sun was out and the air was clear and warm. I was up and gone by 7:00 AM. My feet were ready to go. The only thing and the last thing in my food bag was a Cup-of-Noodles & Vegetables some other hiker gave me.The views were unbelievable all the way to Clingman's Dome. I got there about noon. As I went up the sidewalk to the tower I guess I did look and smell odd to all the nice weekend crowd that had driven up there in their automobiles.I shouldn't, but I couldn't help but feel a little pride in the fact I had walked up there from Fontana Dam.I deposited my pack on the bench below the tower and climbed to the top with everybody else. I started talking to a group of Oriental men while coming down the tower ramp. I must have answered two or three dozen questions about my hike. I told them my trail name and where I was from. I invited them all to come to Tybee Beach this summer and visit Doc's and all the other Island fun spots.When I got to Newfound Gap I met Kathy and Marcus, two trail angels with a pickup truck that took me and two other hikers down to Gatlinburg and the Grand Prix Motel. They had five or six sacks of groceries in the pickup and urged us to eat as much as we wanted to. I ate 4 California Naval oranges, two bananas and six Krispy Kreme doughnuts before we got to Gatlinburg.When I check in I paid for three days in Room 32 at a very reasonable rate. As soon as I could get cleaned up I went down to Peddlers Restaurant and ordered the biggest Prime Rib they had. It also included all you can eat salad bar. That plus several beers and then toppped off with blueberry pie with ice cream on top. I was happy as I went back to my room with a full stomach.
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well when I checked into the Grand Prix Motel I paid for 3 days to rest up. Then the bad weather set in and then the road back to Newfound Gap was closed for 3 days. So I ended up staying and enjoying the delights of Gatlinburg for 6 full days. I love this hiking stuff.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Gatlinburg, TN

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

Papa Tom's friend Josh took me back to Newfound Gap and I got off to a 10:00 AM start. I was feeling pretty good but the trail was like trying to walk up a plank covered with slushys. Snow was still 12" to 24" over big stretches of the trail. It was a climb the whole 3 miles to the shelter so by the time I got there I decided to stop.All around the shelter the ground was covered with at least two feet of snow all around the shelter. The shelter had about 14 or 15 hikers. When I woke up four tents were set up in front of the shelter.
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

I got started at 8:20. The snow had continued to melt and this made for lots of water and mud in the trail. Footing was very slippery with snow and ice covering most of it. When I got to a part of the trail called the Sawtooths where even in the best conditions the trail calls for extreme caution. With the snow and ice there were times when I might have been scared if I had been the scary type. But other than the slippery trail the day as bright and warm with sunshine. The views were awesome.Not long before I got to Pecks Shelter I was being overtaken by another hiker and as I stepped back to let him pass me the ground gave way and I fell down the hill for about 15 feet. A small tree stopped me from rolling further. No real harm came about except for a small cut on my knee and torn long johns. It does go to show that a person has to be very careful. Trouble can happen quickly.Other hikers here at the shelter are Cakalaki, Scuba, One Foot Forward, Papa Tom, Wanderer, Deacon Blues, Baby Steps, Pokey, Scotland and three obnoxious section hikers.
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Tri-corner Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: few clouds

I just lazed around because I didn't have far to go. I finally got going at 10:30 AM. I crossed over Mt. Sequoyah and then Mt. Chapman with just a few stretches of snow in the trail. What it lacked in snow it made up for in long wide sections of mud. There was the mushy, doughy kind, the sloppy sticky and the deep miry over the top of your boots kind. Every once in a while the snow melt would be like a stream going down the middle of the trail. But the sky was clear and the sun made the temperature around 70°. All in all a grand day to hike. I got to the shelter at 3:30 PM because I did stop for a Snickers and nap at about the halfway point. Only 3 other hikers stayed and they were section hikers.
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Tri-corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

Apple Chillin, Thirsty, Lama, Slip & Trip, Granite, Breakin, Ringo, Snack Attack and Cuss are staying here tonight.This shelter is facing East so we all got a great view of the sunrise. The water source is on 30 feet away and is a nice spring coming out of the mountains. There is also a privy and bear bag cables to hang food from. I had noodles w / chicken & parmesan cheese for dinner, with lemon tea. Very good.Good night and happy IRS day.
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Momma's (Davenport Gap)
Miles today: 10.3

I was up early and was on the trail by 7:30 AM. My legs and breath are much better now, so the hiking is a lot easier. When I got to Mountain Momma's the first thing was to get in and order two large cheeseburgers with fries and two Big Red colas. Afterwards I paid for a bunk, proceeded to shower and do laundry.This place is run by Kathy and John. Kathy runs the store and John is a wheeler dealer. He has a collection of restored automobiles. 1939 Chevy, 1950 Chevy, 74 Yellow Bug, an old completely restored A Model Ford car and a truck that I don't know what kind.Papa Tom was there and trying to recover from a bad case of the shin splints. His left leg is swollen and tender. He may have to get off the trail and rest up back home in Richmond, VA. Anyhow, I'm fed, I'm clean and my clothes are clean again, so until tomorrow,HAPPY TRAILS
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Standing Bear Farm

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

This morning my knees were singing pretty loudly to me. So just about when I was ready to head out one of the hikers told me she had a ride coming to shuttle ahead to Hot Springs and she wanted to give her feet some time to recover. So on the spur of the moment I decided to spend the Easter weekend in Hot Springs, too. So here I am. I'm paid up through Easter Sunday.
Date: 2002-09-16
To: GA - ME
Miles today: 0.0

This will be my 2nd time to try to thru hike the AT.I feel like I will be more ready to make it mentaly and after about a month on the trail physicaly too. Time just flies by. Here it is Sept and I've got lots more conditioning, equipment to buy, etc. I'm going to shoot for a starting date of March 3, 03. I'll be starting slow (under 10 miles per day) untill I get my hiking legs. The first time I started, March 29,1997,under the twin tailed comet, Hale-Bop. I was really inspired. I was doing well then during trail days I came down with the flu and ignored it until after two weeks it just got worse. To make an unplesant story short I finialy went to a doctor and from there to lots of shots and medecine. When I finialy recovered fully it was late in the season and all my funds was gone so I had to go back to work. This time I'll make it and along the way I'm going to have more fun and enjoy the views and people I meet more.Tybeepete
Date: 2002-09-21
To: GA - ME
Miles today: 0.0

September's almost gone and my o3 hike is commig on. I'm late getting started as usual for me. Lazy is my middle name and working out is not my game.I have to force myself to do these three and four mile walks. I love to eat and now I've been cutting back trying to get in some sort of shape.My gear is going better. I bought a Tri-light 2 Mountain Hardwear tent. It is a three season two man tent and weighs 4 lbs. In addition it is free standing. The advantages are that it has enough room to bring my pack inand being free standing makes it easier to setup on hard or rocky ground.My financial situation is in good shape and I have someone to keep my cat, Swish. Ty Pete
Date: 2002-10-02
To: GA-ME
Miles today: 0.0

This getting into shape aint fun!! Itwas fun putting on the lard but trying to get it off is another story. I'd just like to get to where I started in my 1997 try. Hiking the trail is the only real way to get into shape. Good conditioning dose help though.I think I have almost all my gear ready. I have been thinking of getting a new sleeping bag and maybe go to a three quarter Therma-rest sleeping pad. I've am undecided about wheather to take a radio or not. I really want to get away from the news and have a lot of quiet time.The last time I didn't worry about food or bounce boxes or mail drops. I did make a list of POs that I could pickup my mail from my friends. This time I've got this journal and everybody knows about this hike. I'm Mentally, finiancialy and prepared for the long hike this time.Tybeepete
Date: 2002-10-07
To: GA - ME
Miles today: 0.0

I'm behind in my physical conditioning program but that's normal for me. I love hiking and everything but I detest all the conditioning needed before the real thing. For most folks, especialy me, the AT ends up getting them into hiking shape the hard way. A few things I do before a long hike is to make sure that my boots, socks and feet are trail ready. Too many hikers don't break their boots in and develop the worst blisters I've ever seen.I'm still trying to decide on what kind of cold weather cothing to take. Most of the stuff I have is getting frayed around the edges. I just about freeze after a long hike because of being wet with sweat after removing my pack.I'm definely going to need a new sleeping bag of at least 15 degrees. Well I have to go do that four mile walk. (Boreing!)Later T Pete
Date: 2002-12-19
To: GA - ME
Miles today: 0.0

Christmas, already. How time flies! I'll spend Christmas with my granddaughter in Arkansas and then from the 27th to January 4 it will be hiking in the Smokey Mts checking my gear out. I've really commited myself this time by telling everyone I know to read this journal.I ask (BIG RED 02 2000 mile thru hiker) what kind of weight he lost starting from 345lbs. He said the first 400 miles (50 days) he lost 40 lbs. I need to do the same. So the hardest part of my hike should be the first two months. untill after Christmas, Tybeepete
Date: 2003-01-01
To: No Longer 'Next Year'
Miles today: 0.0

It's so hard to believe that I no longer have to say 'Next year' when people ask me when I'm going to hike the AT. The countdown continues: 59 days! Unbelievable!Not only am I anxious for this adventure to begin, but I can't wait to meet some of the other hikers embarking on the same adventure. I've met a lot of people thruhiking this year (mostly via internet), and I always enjoy emailing and chatting with them. Many total strangers have also helped me via the internet mailing lists. All of these people have given me encouragement when I was doubting, advice when I was pondering, and humor all the time.It will be very difficult to leave the safety and security of 'home'. I've lived here for 25 years, always near family. My job is the only one I've known since college, almost 10 years ago. I'm going to miss all of my friends dearly. But I feel that it is my time to do this. And do this, I will.
Date: 2003-01-05
To: Boot Update
Miles today: 0.0

Finally! I made a significant purchase! I bought boots this weekend. I ended up with Vasque Clarion boots. Montrail Torre GTXs almost won, but after wearing them for 20-30 minutes, my toes on one foot started to get a little numb. The Vasque boots felt good after that many minutes, and the price was right ($99), so I made the purchase. I am relieved, and ready to break them in!I didn't even know this outfitter (Environeers in Sarasota) existed, but I am glad I found out! I'll be going back there when I'm ready to resume the pack search. I can't believe I'm going to do this! I love talking to people about it, and I am amazed at how much support I've gotten. Not only from family and friends, but from strangers too! This is going to be a grand adventure. I can't wait for it to begin!
Date: 2003-01-25
To: Why?
Miles today: 0.0

People ask 'Why do you want to do this?' The truth is, I don't know why. Well, there are many little reasons, but not one tangible reason that explains it. It's a physical challenge, a mental challenge, a logistical challenge; time to spend with Nature, time to spend alone, time to spend with people I'd never spend time with otherwise. Mostly, I think it's a personal journey; an opportunity for me to take care of myself, RELY on myself. I think I have a lot of growing to do, changes to be made. How will I change? I hope I will become more independent, comfortable with who I am, appreciative of simple things, honest and trusting of others. Ihope I figure out how I want to spend my life, where, with whom, and doingwhat. I hope I get done, and decide it's okay to not KNOW exactly what Ishould be doing. Most of all, I hope I learn to appreciate each moment forwhat it is.Is that too much pressure on a hike? I wonder sometimes. As much as I try to keep this kind of pressure off of my hike, I DO look at it as a life-changing event. I won't be disappointed if I don't get all the answers I'm looking for. I have a feeling I will learn much more than that, more than I can even imagine. Worst case scenario: I get a vacation hiking the Appalachian Trail, starting in Georgia, going North, with a destination of Katahdin in Maine!What will I do after the hike? I don't have a clue. I'm leaving that open for a later decision, but sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't be putting some effort into it now. After all, when I'm done, I'll have no home, and no job. I THINK I'll have my car (my brother might 'rent' it from me while I'm gone), but that'll be about all I'll have (other than my tent, and backpack). Those are just possessions... I believe I'll be armed with greater knowledge of Self, and with that, anything is possible!
Date: 2003-01-30
To: Hair
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Why an entry on hair? I guess it's because I don't know what else to write about. :-)No, really, I have long hair. It's been long for a long time, but before I leave for Springer, I'm going to get my hair cut short, and send the long locks to Locks of Love (www.locksoflove.com), where my hair will be used to make wigs for children who have hair loss due to medical reasons. It will be hard to picture myself without a bushy ponytail, but so much easier to deal with on the trail. I hate fussing with my hair, so I don't. I wash it, brush it, and let it dry. It's usually in a ponytail. After I get it cut, I can just wash it, and shake my head. See, it's about simplification! :-)I promise I'll get some pictures posted here soon! And when I get my locks lopped, there will certainly be Before and After photos posted! Keep on the lookout, it'll happen by Feb. 27th!