morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Started:Standing Bear Hostel,8:00amFinished:Groundhog Creek Shelter, 2:30pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:7.2 MilesTotal Miles AT:244.5 Miles(w/approach trail) 253.3 MilesMy pack was way to heavy today. Trying to carry 10 days of food is a weight nightmare. You add a 2463 ft. climb over 4.7 miles and everything hurts. I packed it in early at Groundhog Creek Shelter. Only 7.2 miles, but I worked for every one of them. Smokey and Caveman rolled in at around 3:00. They were looking to call it a day too.Bluebird Reports: Usually after you take a zero day you have a climb to make. Most towns are located in gaps and after you've laid around for a day and your muscles think they can atrophy, they are in a state of shock when you slap a reloaded pack with fuel, water, and food on your back and send the message from your brain to your legs to move. It is actually hot today. Summer's a coming. Wanted to say I enjoy walking alone. It's like a whole new hiking experience. More intimate.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Hot Springs Campground

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

Started:Hot Springs Camp Ground,0 day Finished:Hot Springs Camp Ground,0 daySleeping:TentMiles:0 MilesTotal Miles AT:270.7 Miles(w/approach trail) 279.5 MilesI thought I would get out of Dodge by noon. I spent all morning trying to sort out Pocketmail. This is why my journal suddenly has 10 entries. Tried to reach my daughter all day. Purchased one of these calling cards and racked up $10.00 in surcharges just trying to reach her. I never spoke to her and eventually my card didn't have enough dollars on it to place another call. SCAM!!!Took a walk over to the Hot Springs with 10 other hikers. 1 hour in all natural, hot mineral water was good for my bones. My injuries are healing. My left eye is still slightly purple over the lid. My reminder to be careful. Tomorrow is a 14 mile slack packing day for a group of us. We'll pick our packs up from Mala around 3.00 pm and, with full packs on, go another five miles to Little Laurel Shelter. On to Erwin TN.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Hot Springs Campground

To: 3 miles short of Little Laural Shelter
Miles today: 16.6

Started:Hot Springs Camp Ground, 7:45am Finished:3 miles short of Little Laural Shelter, 6:00pm Sleeping:TentMiles:16.6 MilesTotal Miles AT:287.0 Miles(w/approach trail) 295.8 MilesHere we go again! Today was a big day with a trail magic at the home of Fal and Hercules. A fabulous hiking couple with thier very own trail ministry. They gave me a book to read (what's a few more ounces when your packs been named the heaviest on the trail) Title: Can Man Live Without God, by Ravi Zacharias. They fed us pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, dill pickles and dessert. I had Fal's homemade ice cream cake. It was amazing, with pecans, caramel, chocolate, whip cream...yummy! All the food was fabulous. God bless them for their hospitality, kindness and generosity. It was the best.After leaving their home I took to the trail again. The storm that had been brewing around us all day decided to raise its ugly head as we started up towards a ridge. I stopped when lightening and thunder began and immediately made camp in the rain. A bit messy, but after hanging my food bag from a tree limb a distance from my tent and getting into dry clothes I feel much better. I feel so good that it does not matter that the whole storm blew over and I'm out here in the mountains of Tennessee all by myself...shhhh was that a banjo I heard playing the Deliverance theme song? Oh mama take me home to Pennsyl-tucky! What was-that... Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Flint Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 5.9

Started:Jerry Cabin Shelter, 9:45am Finished:Flint Mtn. Shelter, 1:30pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:5.9 MilesTotal Miles AT: 303.0 Miles(w/approach trail) 311.8 MilesRain, rain, rain...soggy, wet, saturated, drenched, soaked, permeated, Sponged Bob. The list goes on and it is all that discribes the condition of AT hikers at the Flint Mtn. Shelter. When the rain ceased Rainbow Kid and Wes built a fire from wet wood and my denatured alcohol. Up to 17 people began to dry all they owned on treking poles and sticks. Tents, socks, clothes, hankies, stuff sacks and packs were hung on Rhody brushes all around the shelter. It looked like wash day in Hershey, PA back in the 1950's.   I packed it off to bed before doing my journal, so I now sit and do my duty. My pack is lighter now that 2 gallons of water has evaporated from my clothes. I am also seriously low on food 'til I reach Erwin. Like 'Billy Goat' says, "I'm always hungry, I've eaten all the food I have. Where's the berries when you need them"!Bluebird goes a hiking...
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Flint Mt. Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Started:Flint Mtn. Shelter, 8:45am Finished:Hogback Ridge Shelter, 2:30pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:8.8 MilesTotal Miles AT: 311.8 Miles(w/approach trail) 320.6 MilesA most beautiful day. For the past two days we have been swimming the AT. The rain has left the trail soft and nicer on the feet than the normal hard dry compacted surface. Plan to get into Erwin in two to three days. Rod will be meeting me there for the weekend. I'm looking forward to some R&R with Rod. He's coming in for my birthday on the 29th and we'll be planning a few activities. Maybe some white water rafting or a trip back to the Hot Springs Spa. Rod's been doing a great job on my mailings. He has made this pilgrimage that much easier for me. Talked to my daughter Sarah today. Busy doing her cinema thing in San Franisco and winding down to finish out her spring semester at Academy of Arts University.   Stll trying to reach son Jack. Will try again this evening. I have a signal at this shelter, amazing.Bluebird Reports: Being on the trail not only reminds me of things I normally take for granted, but also never even consider. Putting on a pair of dry socks...now there is an AT event.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 13.4

Started:Hogback Ridge Shelter, 8:30am Finished:Whistling Gap, 5:45pmSleeping:TentMiles:13.4 MilesTotal Miles AT: 325.2 Miles(w/approach trail) 334.0 MilesHiked half the distance to Erwin, TN today. Got to talk to my mom before I headed up the six miles over Big Bald. I planned to call her from the top, but couldn't get a signal. Sorry Mama!On the way up I ran into two local gentelman, Warren and Forest, got their picture. They were out gathering a type of wild onion and leafy green (like leaf lettuce). Warren said he lived on this mountain since he was a child and they take the two items and cook them in bacon fat. Yummy. Forest gave me a piece of soap stone from an abandoned mining pit on the mountain. It writes like chalk. Melatonin said that they used the soap stone to make talc. Camping about 3.4 miles past the last shelter to better balance the hiking miles into Erwin. I didn't want to hike seventeen miles in one day. I'm down to one bag of Ramen Noodles for tomorow. Good time to get to town. I dread the added weight of my next mailing. it's amazing how much lighter my pack is without food or fuel.I heard there is a hostel in town that will shuttle you north (20 miles) so you can slack pack back to Erwin (that's north to south) I may do this, as Rod is not due in 'til Thursday. If I don't it would be five days without any miles under my belt. I gotta keep these legs a moooooovin.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Whistling Gap

To: Nolichucky Hostel, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Started:Whistling Gap, 7:45am Finished:Nolichucky Hostel, 3:30pmSleeping:HostelMiles:13.5 MilesTotal Miles AT: 338.7 Miles(w/approach trail) 334.0 MilesIt was an interesting day today. A long walk with an unexpected downpour before noon. I stopped to cover my pack, but did nothing to cover myself. I figured I'd been wet and I was absolutely filthy, so what did it matter. The day was warm and the rain felt good as it soaked me to my skin. I got to the last shelter before Erwin and the rain stopped as as Cheeto, Puffy Nipples (don't ask) Cheese Wiz, FDR, Keystone and I rested. When we struck out again the sun was shining causing the ground to send up a warm aroma of earth and moss. The smell of pine was heavy in the air. The moment was nothing short of delicious.When I came off the AT path out to the road near Erwin, I heard Rainbow Kid call my name from the deck of the Uncle Johny's Hostel. The place was packed with people I hadn't seen in days. My first big AT reunion. I got a quick shower, gave the hostel owner my laundry,(they do it for you for $3.00, not bad) and headed to town with about 11 other hikers for dinner and to wash my sleeping bag.I got to meet a delightful woman, Dorothy, at the laundry. She had her own trail hikers laundry journal for thru hikers to sign. A really nice local lady with great southern hospitality.Back at the hostel the gang got into a marathon Monopoly Game. It's still going and it's 11:40pm I was thinking of doing a 19 mile slack pack tomorrow, but you guessed it...they're callin for rain. We shall see.To bed.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Iron Mt. Gay (today I walked north to south)

To: Nolichucky Hostel, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: moderate rain

Started:Iron Mtn. Gap, 8:30am Finished:Nolichucky Hostel, 6:30pmSleeping:HostelMiles:19.1 MilesTotal Miles AT: 357.8 Miles(w/approach trail) 366.6 MilesI did it. I had myself shipped to Iron Mtn. (in the rain) and dumped off with no where to go but South to Uncle Johny's Hostel. I am sore and tired, but I saw some things today that made the effort worth every step I took. The top Unaka Mtn. was spectaculer. It is covered by a large stand of red spruce that spread a canopy overhead that blocked out most of the light from above. The floor of the woods were covered with pine needles, who knows how deep. It was like walking on a thick soft sponge. After the rain let up, the woods seemed very quiet, except for bird song. Near the end of the nineteen mile walk there was at least one mile that of trail that paralleled a cascading creek with falls and deep pools. The water is crystal clear and bordered by carpets of moss and emerald green foliage. I had the unexpected pleasure of seeing not one, but two bright orange salamanders. They look, at first, unreal. The trail continues to fascinate me. My sister Dot asked me if I was bored yet...Let's see...NOPE!
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Holiday Inn Express, Erwin, TN

To: Holiday Inn Express, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Started:0 DayFinished:0 DaySleeping:Holiday Inn ExpressMiles:0 MilesTotal Miles AT: 357.8 Miles(w/approach trail) 366.6 MilesYesterday Rod arrived from PA and picked me up at Uncle Johny's. We headed straight to Ewin's Burrito for the hikers favorite & famous burrito the size of your forearm!! Oh, are they good. Today we went to Hot Springs for my birthday. After one hour in the a natural hot spring whirlpool and a bottle of wine we both had a personal one hour message. I was reduced to Jello. I was past relaxed. Then it was into town to the Paddler's Pub for a big burger with cheddar cheese, fries and a pitcher of Yueingling Lager. After an hour drive back to Erwin from Hot Springs, we were wiped out and ended up falling to sleep at 3:30pm and waking up at 8:45pm. I feel GREAT! Does Rod feel great Yes, Rod feels great!Tomorrow it's an 11 mile White Water Rafting Trip...my first. I am really looking forward to this.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Holiday Inn Express, Erwin, TN

To: Holiday Inn Espress, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started:0 DayFinished:0 DaySleeping:Holiday Inn ExpressMiles:0 MilesTotal Miles AT: 357.8 Miles(w/approach trail) 366.6 MilesWhite water rafting is a blast! Rod & I went today, down the Nolichucky River with High Mountain White Water Rafting. We were allowed to join their staff on a field training run for their new guides. We learned a lot about rafting, by watching them go through their drills and listening to the seasoned guides teach them about the river and how it changes depending on the depth of the water. Very interesting. I recommend this rafting company highly!Hungry? Yep. We hit Erwin Buritto for a second time and ordered one burrito to eat in and one to go for lunch tomorrow. Planning on taking a short hike tomorrow, if the rains hold off till Monday.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Iron Mt. Gap

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: broken clouds

Started:Iron Mtn. Gap, 10:00am Finished:Cherry Gap Shelter, 1:45pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:6.1 MilesTotal Miles AT: 363.9 Miles(w/approach trail) 367.7 MilesToday Rod dropped me at Iron Mtn. Gap before heading back to PA. Having him with me the last four days has been nothing short of delightful. I had one of the best birthdays I've had in years. It now seems odd not having him here. Back on the trail, I made the decision to keep the first day short and break myself back into the treking mode s-l-o-w-l-y. Tomorrow I want to go over Roan Mountain (the highest point left, 'til I hit the White Mtns. in New Hampshire.)Bluebird Reports: I have shed my Marmont Precip Jacket & Pants, also my pack cover, 'til I get to the White Mtns. In an effort to keep my things dry I have placed a large 3 ply trash bag inside my pack (like a trash bag in a can) and put everything down inside it. I purchased a silicone inpregnated, nylon poncho that opens to go completly over my pack, as well as my person. I will report how well this keeps me and my pack dry after I pass through the next monsoon. FYI This arrangement would not be good if it were still cold, but is great now that it has warmed up. The poncho allows air to circulate under it so you sweat less. The jacket and pants are beter when it's cold, because it holds in heat by limiting circulation of air. You sweat more, but you are warmer. I would suggest the garbage bag in the pack in both cold and warm weather. The folks that havee been doing this from the get go are the only people that have not had items get wet in thier packs during hard rains. FYI!Nothing is completly waterproof.Tonight I managed to set myself on fire. My alcohol stove tilted over as I took my boilng water off the flame. Flaming alcohol spilled down my left hand and leg. It also got on my long sleeved silk top and hiking skirt. I became the human torch, everybody in the shelter jumped up and started beating me out. My hand has finally stopped stinging, I've cut the melted portion of it off my shirt and my skirt remains unscathed. I am soooooooooooooo glad I already have a trail name. Anyone who hikes the AT will understand my meaning! Aurgh.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Started:Cherry Gap Shelter, 8:00amFinished:Overmountain Shelter, 5:00pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:12.9 MilesTotal Miles AT: 376.8 Miles(w/approach trail) 385.6 MilesOuch, ouch, ouch, OUCH, OUCH, OOOOOOOOOUCH!!! My feet are killing me. Three Advil and an Ambien CR are already in my system. I want oblivion. I want the ouch to cease and sleep to hit me like a 2 x 4.Today's hike was brutal, but on the brighter side, I had two wildlife sightings. I spooked two deer on the path that ran forward then up above me. We all just stood there looking at each other for a while. A little later I had a wild turkey walk across the path, about 15 ft. in front of me and then by me on my right. It was huge, gorgeous, and made neat little turkey sounds.The shelter I'm staying in tonight is a converted barn with a view that is amazing. I'll be getting a picture in the morning.New names: Master Plan, Post Card, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Lothar, Little Spoon, Comando, Mandingo, Zoomer, Blazer, Model T, Misfit, & Ranger Dog. You 0 for to many days and you have a whole new group of names to learn...it's great!Sending my love to all those I love and miss. Have have much time for thought as I walk. I think about all of you...You know who you are! I just saw a mouse!
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Mt. Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 8.7

Started:Overmountain Shelter,9:30 amFinished:Mtn. Harbor Hostel,3:00 pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:8.7 MilesTotal Miles AT: 385.5 Miles(w/approach trail) 394.3 MilesIt's 8:00am Wednesday morning. I'm usually on my way by now, but the view of this valley before me, keeps changing as the light of a rising sun affects it and pulls me back. I'm stuffed down into my sleeping bag with my pack behind me, propped up against the back of the shelter wall. It's cold this morning and alot of hikers have shifted in there bags but few have made the move to prepare for the day ahead.Later: The best plan is not to plan...I am forever ending up some place I never heard of, doing something I didn't realize I could do.I had planned to be at a shelter, I am not...I did not plan to slack pack tomorrow, I will be. I find myself wondering what's next? and I'm excited at the prospect.Today's hike took me over along and huge bluff. I started looking for Julie Andrews and swore I heard her singing "The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music" I don't know how well she would have handled it.....45 mile per hour winds!!!! Another blow-me-off-the-mountain do-da-day! It was a much better day for me physically. I have however, purchased an ankle wrap and some memory insoles. I WILL find a way to handle my right foot. I am a woman alone in the hostel tonight. Testosterone overload. The best plan is not to plan...I am forever ending up some place I never heard of, doing something I didn't realize I could do.I had planned to be at a shelter, I am not...I did not plan to slack pack tomorrow, I will be. I find myself wondering what's next? and I'm excited at the prospect.Very odd taking a shower in a room with 5 men o the other side of a folding door. TRUST is part of the hiker commandments!
Date: 2006-05-04
From: US 19

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Started:US 19, 7:30amFinished:Moreland Gap Shelter, 7:30pmMiles:17.7Total Miles:403.2Miles:including approach trail:412.0 I did a flip floop today. Slack packed from Walnut Mtn. Rd. back to the hostel (10.2) miles, then back to Walnut Mtn. Rd., with full pack, to the Moreland Shelter. (7.5) miles...what was I thinking. First I did not eat enough and the last four miles were hell. I simply ran out of energy. Upon seeing the shelter, FINALLY, I was thanking Jesus! I fell onto the shelter floor and just laid there wondering if I could manage to get up and to perform a simple task like take my boots off. My inner self reminded me that, "we've been HIKING FOR 12 HOURS!" I'm better now, thank you.Today's wildlife was a bird-o-rama! I spotted a Blue Indigo Bunting, a Rufus Sided Towhee, and a Pileated Woodpecker. I got these names from another hiker 'Lincoln' after discribing them. Oh, I also ran smack into a Blood Hound. It had it's nose to the ground and I scared the crap out of the poor thing. It took off letting out a howl that sounded strangly like Bar...oooo, Bar...ooooo! Made me laugh.Question:If Bluebird laughs in the woods and no one hears her...did she make a sound? hmmmmm.Bluebird Reports: You can never over eat on the trail. If you refuse to eat anything that is not nailed down you will run out of the energy you need for your daily treks. Eat it whether it moves or not! That is all.
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 16.1

Started:Moreland Gap Shelter, 9:00amFinished:Kincora Hostel, 1:00pmMiles:6.1Total Miles:409.3Miles:including approach trail:418.1Today's birds are the Red Throated Gross Beak, the Scarlet Taninger (wow), the Barred Owl (did not see them, but I could certainly hear them last night) also heard a Wipperwill. Junco's are everywhere. Very brave little birds.I woke this morning with an upset stomach and the rain, oh the rain. Hey Virginia, the poncho works great, but I believe I must look like the hunched back ghost of Christmas yet to come. Okay, just try to visualize.I found my way to the Kincora Hostel after noon. Being sick to ones stomach slows one down. It's okay, it's not giardia, I ALWAY PURIFY MY WATER!! I am feeling better now and plan to do a 13 mile slack pack tomorrow just to prove my point...to myself. Somebody stop me. Please. The woods continue to be reborn. Each day I hike I see new greening, wildflowers I've never seen before. I realize that every one of my senses are tuned into my walk and the longer I walk the more acute my senses become.
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Watauga Dam Road

To: Kinkora Hostel
Miles today: 13.1

Started:Watauga Dam Road, 8:30amFinished:Kincora Hostel, 4:00pmMiles:13.1Total Miles:422.4Miles:including approach trail:431.2Absolutely wonderful hike today,a mud dam with man made lake in a deep gorge. Walked around part of the lake, over a large mountain and along a deep fast moving creek to the Laurel Fork Falls. The sound of the rushing water and smell of the woods slowed my pace. The currents of air created by the water's motion cooled me as I walked. I came across a beaver dam and although I didn't see any beaver, the signs of their hard work was apparent. It's wild to see the size of the trees they bring down by simply gnawing them with thier teeth. I had planned to take a swim, but it got cooler in the afternoon...another cold front moving in and that means more rain. Iam going to sleep like a log tonight. A sweet goodnight to all. Happy Mother's Day Mama!! You are the best! My mom's the best!Bluebird
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Watauga Dam Road

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: moderate rain

Started:Watauga Dam Road, 9:00amFinished:Vandeventer Shelter, 12:30pmMiles:4.4Total Miles:426.8Miles:including approach trail:435.630 miles and I will be entering VA. at the 456 mile point. I am 87.5 miles short of being 1/4 of the way to Katahdin, MA. Ooooooo-kay.Short day today. Started in the rain and that was fine, but then it turned cold. I stopped at the first shelter (only 4.4 miles in) I've been here since 12:30 pm and called it a day. Collected rain water from off the roof of the shelter and ate a hot lunch.Mouse ,Shasta, and H-bomb left with thier adopted trail dog, Roxy. Chardonay and Cabernet stopped for a nap and dinner and headed out. New couple (in thier 40's) Axe-less and Debbie have joined thru hikers to do a three month section hike. Another sectio hiking couple, Luke and Jeanette rolled in and gathered wood for the fire Luke made. Thank you!I should be in Damascas by Tuesday or Wednesday. I plan to move on to Atkins, VA and then head back to Damascas for "Trail Days" from the 18th to the 21st. I may opt to volenteer to go to Kincora to help build a new Hiker's Shelter on the 22nd and 23rd, then be shuttled back to Atkins VA on the 24th to continue my trek. I would like to give a little back to the ATC. This trail and its maintainence goes beyond anything I ever imagined.Bluebird Reports: Keep your silks 'til after Damascas and Mt. Rogers. I wish I had them right now. I am very chilly!As it begins to rain, yet again, I send my love and thanks to my family, friends, trail journal signers, and Hershey's CMN donators. To everybody who continues to support me and the cause!Bluebird