morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cable Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

It was very cold as we left the Cheoah Bald...I had all my winter gear on but removed the gloves and hat as we hiked lower. We started early as we had a long day ahead. I made the mistake by telling people there was usually trail magic at Stecoah Gap because I have always had the fortune of refreshments when I hike past that busy highway. We make our way down the technical rocky section and, alas, there was no trail magic. Guess I better keep my mouth shut in the future. There was a huge trash bag filled with paper plates and empty packages (like we had been a day late for the magic).So, we said goodbye to Ranger Bob as he was only doing a section hike and it was time for him to leave. Can't thank Winkle, Greg, Bob and Anna enough for their hospitality and shuttling. It was something I never expected and I know they did it with the love of the hiking spirit in their hearts.So, I started up Jacob's Ladder remembering how tough it was. Seriously people, it was so steep that if you stood up straight you would fall backwards....no joke!Bama and I made good time and made the 14 miles to Cable Gap in early evening and seriously considered going the 5.5 more to Fontana, but we opted to tent at Cable....around 9:00 p.m. it started pouring rain and never stopped until 8:00 a.m. Everything was soaked and the rain was so heavy that many peoples' tents started to leak....mine was starting to leak so I got out in the rain and packed up. Such is hiking. (being home in my warm bed sure entered my mind).(I will upload pics from my IPhone when I get phone/web service. I am using the computer at Fontana. Can't get good phone reception) {Please read 3 new previous entries and thanks to everyone following me and sending support}
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Cable Shelter

To: Fontana
Miles today: 5.6

We packed up about 8:00 a.m. after laying in the tents waiting for the rain to clear (or at least slow down)....we packed up quickly and slammed everything quickly into our backpacks, wet tents and leaves and anything else that was stuck to the gear. The morning was very muggy and we were socked-in from any views at first. The lower we hiked we could see some of the distant mountains shrouded by cloud puffs.At the very lowest levels of the mountain the trillium were plentiful and each one was more spectacular than the next. If I had taken as many pictures as my impulses dictated I would never make it to the Fontana Village.We checked into the Lodge and I was happy as I would get to watch the NCAA Championships as Kentucky is my team. (Sadly they lost but there is always next year as the team is made up of freshmen.) We ate plenty of healthy food (Pricey but decent....best fries ever!!)The next day was a zero as I need to rest my knees and I took the luxury of soaking in a HOT bath!! I bounced a box of supplies forward and the lady at the post office started talking about her pets and that they were old and she dreaded the day they would pass on.....so I shared the story of my Tater Tot who died right before my hike start. I am praying so hard for spring-like weather as we hike through the Smokies. It is getting a bit wearisome backpacking in cold and rain.Okay, so it is onward through the SMNP without stopping until we are out the other side.Peace to all.....
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Fontana

To: Mollies Ridge
Miles today: 11.0

Sorry it has been a while since I made any entries but I am still going strong.....(well, still going, anyway)..ha ha... We left the Fontana Lodge (goodbye all you can drink coffee and warm beds) and started our steady trudge up Shuckstack. It was like the mass exodus up the steep trail and met lots of new people. Giggles & Chuckles, Hat-trick (from Ky.) and Fiddy-Shrimp (also a Kentuckian)...it was a cold day so people did not want to hang around the fire tower. We arrived at Mollies Ridge Shelter and the regulations state we must stay in the shelters. Arriving in the southbound directions were acquaintances Cathy and Jenny. A few people proceeded to make a nice fire but the chimney was clogged (probably a squirrel nest) so the smoke was backed up into the shelter. I slept with one of my buffs up around my mouth and nose.Also that afternoon Spider came running into camp and had been frightened by a bear who I am sure was just as startled when he met Spider (Spider is now called Running Bear).Pics uploaded soon
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Mollies Ridge

To: Derrick Knob
Miles today: 12.0

Today would prove to be a very hard day. (We were told by the Ridge runners that this WAS a very difficult section of the Smokies). We started out very cold and I was so indecisive about clothing, taking off this and putting on that....trying to stay comfortable in the cold wind and trying not to sweat too much.I cam upon the ridge runner, Billy who greeted me with a big grin and said "My, aren't you stylin' today?" I said "Pardon?" He said he liked all the colors I had around me, purple shirt, green pants, turquoise buff and pink handkerchief. I said "Well, thank you but I can't take it as a trail name because I have a good hiking bud who is already Stylin'. So we chatted a bit and I had to get going before I got too cold and as I headed north and he headed south he yelled "Have a great hike.....and just remember you ARE stylin'".....ha haI didn't have enough water in my Platypus and ran out too soon as the day proved hard with some technical rock climbs and ups and ups and more ups. Almost everyone ran out of water as the last 2 miles just seemed endless. My legs were screaming to STOP!! I sat up my tent and had the most wonderful nights sleep.Can you believe I still have not heard any owls. I know I will be hearing them, though.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Derrick Knob

To: Mt. Collins Shelter, Smokeys
Miles today: 13.9

Today was a beautiful day as we headed out to seek the highest point on the AT....Clingman's dome. (AWOL has Mt. Buckly a little higher)....It did get rather warm as we climbed up toward Clingmans. Meagan, Bama and I had to take a few rests as we were huffing and puffing and sweating quite a bit. I'll take any opportunity to hike in my short sleeve t-shirt and this was one of those days . (I applied the sunscreen liberally.)The views were so breathtaking as we took little snack breaks and gazed out over the vistas of steep mountains ranges covered in ever green trees.   The day smelled like Christmas as we hiked because the trail maintenance crews had just been through and had trimmed the evergreen branches and the trimmed branches lay on the trail at our feet. I picked up a small one and attached it to my backpack to I could bring it to my nose occasionally for a sniff. (Heaven knows I needed to sniff something good because I certainly have a bad hiker stink going on....ugh!!We got to the Clingmans Tower and climbed to the top where we sang happy birthday to Cupcake. All the vacationers were staring like "What is going on with all these dirty, stinky people??" (But, we were Happy, stinky, people)...lolWe talked to the rangers and they were warning that the bears are getting VERY active and are hungry for what ever we are carrying and to be careful.Meagan, Bama and I had 3.3 more miles to the shelter and it was so cool hiking this portion. I felt like I had entered the set of a Hobbit movie and it was like a little enchanted path with lush green, lots of moss and little ever greens. I swear I could imagine little fairies and gnomes playing under the mossy logs. (after having had the 'bear talk' with the ranger I was a little spooked too because the sun was setting fast (A bear's favorite time to scout for food)...it was a long day I made it to the shelter just before dark. Oh, did I mention the 1/2 mile walk to get my water?? I was TIRED!
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Mt. Collins Shelter, Smokies

To: Peck's Shelter, Smokies
Miles today: 15.2

Everyone was up and out early as we had heard from the rangers that trail magic would be at Newfound Gap today!! YAY!! Bama and I had decided to hike straight through the Smokies and not stop on Gatlinburg so we were very tight on our food supply. Any trail magic at this point would be so much appreciated.It was a glorious morning and skies were so blue and it was with light hearts (and hungry bellies) that we took on those first few miles.We came out of the woods into a very busy section of the trail...Newfound Gap! Lots of motorcyclists, RV users, tourists in cars (starring at us with curiosity) We were greeted by Godspeed who made our sandwiches to order. Ham and cheese with lettuce and mayo & mustard. There were chips and soda. (I don't drink much soda so why does it taste so good out here on the trail?)yummy! Godspeed is an avid hiker who had a wonderful story about him and his son hiking the trail part way, then his son was diagnosed with cancer. They were successful with treatments and Godspeed and his son went and finished the AT when they were able. Such a beautiful thing to see God's miracles..thanks for sharing and giving, Godspeed!Then came the long, hard part of the d ay. As we climbed out of Newfound Gap it was a long, difficult up. A lot of people stopped us to talk as some had heard of thru-hikers and some just wondered where we were going with such heavy loads on our backs. We stopped and shared about our journeys and answered LOTS of questions. Yes, it put us behind on a long, hard day's mileage but who are we as AT diplomats if we don't take a bit of time to share our enthusiasm and maybe spark a thought into someone's head about hiking the Appalachian Trail?We had hiked quite a while and it was 2:30 and came upon a sign that said we had over 6 more miles to our shelter! At this point you don't 'think' about thing and how hard things are....you know you HAVE to get going and you will eventually get there. Don't whine or complain as this is what we signed up for!! Character building! :DThis was my longest day yet and I was SO ready to sleep.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Peck's Shelter, Smokies

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a day of beautiful views.....those steep mountain drop-offs (by the trail)had me really focused on my foot work. We walked a lot of ridges today and had one beautiful snack break with a breathtaking view. I had a butterfly light on my knee (i have a pic to upload)and he waited until I took his photo before he flew off.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear
Miles today: 10.0

Today we are up at 6:00 a.m. to hike out of the SMNP and get a bed at the hiker hostel, Standing Bear! I feel so discombobulated trying to use my headlamp, in a shelter to pack up my gear! But I finally got it somewhat organized and put very little water in my Platypus because I wanted the hike to be as light as possible. I knew we had a lot of descent and it would make my knees very sore!We had some CRAZY strong winds as we climbed upward at the start of the day. A few of the gusts brought me to a knee just to stay low and ride out the blast! WOW it was something else!!We finally got on the downward part and I have to take it very slow. Being successful in my hike takes me being mindful of what I do to my body in the beginning. I am so happy to be 240 miles into the hike (not really the beginning) but I do have a lot of miles to go!We reached Davenport Gap and exited the park.....YAY, now I do some tenting in camping areas!....freedom. I realized I was about out of water but made a mistake because we now have to do some hard climbing to get 2 more miles to Standing Bear! We were fatigued and about out of snacks. I ate the last of my almonds and Meagan was eating dry Ramen. We did make our way to the cool little hostel, Standing Bear and the first thing I did was get a soda.....hmmmm, soda fix again. But it was a fun night's stay and I loved re-supplying out of Curtis's little 'honor system' store. You pick out what you need and pay when you are getting ready to go. You are totally on your honor for what you spent.We all ate pizza and told crazy trail stories around the table and greeted new hikers as they arrived. Big Spoon hiked a 17 mile day to get there and we were very happy to see him.There were also a few hikers held up at the hostel for their injuries. I do hope they heal and get on their way soon.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Standing Bear

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today we were supposed to hike out with my long time buddy (and 2007 hiking partner) Tigger. She arrived at 8:00 a.m. with Maw-ee at Standing Bear but it immediately started to rain and get colder. We bounced a lot of ideas around and as we heard it is supposed to snow, we decided to drive back to Laughing Heart Hostel, in Hot Springs (run by Chuck Norris and Tigger)and fill in the section we missed in the next few days.We all had a wonderful breakfast at Smokey Mt. Diner and now I finally got to update the journal.As I sit in the library I see a lot of hikers wrapped up in rain coats and backpack covers heading out of town. Good luck to them. I am thankful to be in a warm bed with great friends all around me.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Unnamed gap and campsite (south of Hot Springs
Miles today: 11.8

To get in our total miles we decided it would be fun to hike sobo to Standing Bear. We knew we would see all our friends and we wanted to see the surprised looks on their faces.We did pull the prank several times of telling people "You are going the wrong way" but the look of despair on their faces (thinking they had walked many miles out of their way) was a little too much to remain a fun thing to do.Tigger from the Laughing Heart hostel joined Bama and I. She is an avid hiker and lover of trekking so we headed out on a cold morning. We named ourselves the Three Spoons (teaspoon, soup spoon and ladle) but Chuck Norris said "I think you guys are the three spatulas"......huh??? Chuck you are so silly!!It was fun all day seeing our hiking bubble and our hike south was hard as we did climb upward about 80% of the day.That night we sat up our tents and as we cooked dinner Tigger saw a bear run down the hill!! We made sure we hung our bear bag good and high.That night the wind roared like a 747 and I prayed my tent would just stay 'staked'. It was FREEZING!
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Unnamed gap and campsite (south of Hot Springs

To: Brown Gap camp site
Miles today: 12.4

We woke up and it was so cold the ground crunched as I retrieved our bags from the bear chord. No one wanted to crawl out of their sleeping bags so I gladly got back in my and pulled the downy material up over my head. It was easily in the 20's and windy.We finally did pack up and got on our way about 8:45....Max Patch Mt. was waiting! At a break at Walnut Mt. Shelter we saw our friends Big Spoon and Meagan and both wondered why in the world we were hiking south.Max Patch was just beautiful as the sky was blue, blue, & more blue and the winds had died down. Saw Longhorn as we reached the top. He has such a winning smile, always nice to see him. Tigger pointed out the great Smoky Mts. in one direction then on the opposite side you could see where the mts. become smaller and it becomes the Tennessee foothills.It was a long day and we finally arrived at our campsite where we met Toasted Toes and Townie. We were all discussing which tree to hang our bear bags and Ideally you want to large sturdy tree with a limb standing out to the side. I pointed out one such tree but they opted for a whimpy little spindly tree and tied the bag on a drooping limb. Now these guys were fun to joke with so we began giving them a hard times about their 'bear bag abilities' and we proceeded to find a tree and as it turns out the food bags were not very high off the ground so they said "Oh wow, what a GREAT job you did!! All the bear has to do is raise up and grab THOSE bags"....so we continued to rib on each other. The next morning the two guys were still sleeping and Tigger and I took their bags down and spread around just a little of their food and made claw marks in the dirt....(as if a bear got into their food)......as we ran off laughing we let them know that their bear-bag hanging effort failed....lol. It was all in good fun and we did no harm but we heard Toasty Toes say....."Hey girls, it's a long way to Maine and there may be some payback"......yikes.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Brown Gap camp site

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 10.0

We packed up early and made the long long descent down to Standing Bear farms where Chuck Norris picked up.Earlier that morning a gentleman named Apple was handing out glazed doughnuts and cokes. We sure needed the sugar fix as we had just climbed 5 miles up Snowbird Mt. After a zero day tomorrow we will be on the road to Irwin....WooHoo the adventure continues. Winkle arrived to continue hiking Northward with us.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Hot Springs, Laughing Heart Hostel

To: Spring Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Happy Easter!! It was a fabulous day of hiking and i keep thanking the Lord i am able to do this!We said goodbye to Chuck Norris and Tigger at the Laughing Heart hostel and hiked out before 8:00. We were loaded to the brim with food supplies for 5 days of backpacking and knew the climb out of Hot Springs would be taxing. I carried less water than usual to decrease the pack weight. I did manage the steep technical climb but i was sweating plenty at the top !!After 5 miles we found a nice treat left by Chuck and Tigger .... Cold Cokes and fresh water. They are such giving people. The day had some steady upward climbs but all in all a good day on the AT. I have my tent set up on a hill past the shelter and other hikers have followed suit. Jersey Girl is set up beside me. We have crossed paths the past few days. I can tell she has a passion for being out here.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Spring Mt. Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started peacefully enough. Bama and I started out downward in the peaceful early morning sunrise. Nice temperatures and birds singing. We had heard that there was a little general store to purchase snacks and a cold drink so bout 10:30 we hiked upon a sign attached to a tree saying "Mom's Store ~~ Hikers Welcomed".It was a true experience. Windows were boarded up and some of the wondows were cracked but a cardboard, handwritten sign said OPEN so we went inside. Cobwebs adorned the ceiling and in the far part of the store were tractor and small machine parts (all rusted) and some cool very old advertisement signs. The lady behind the counter was very friendly and told the story of how her mother-n-law owned the store at one time and they just re-opened. I purchased a few snacks then had a seat in the old, stained upholstered chairs and sat and chatted. (Ya know folks, it's just these kind of things you do on the trail that make the experience golden. We hiked up a very hard mt. to get to Little Laurel Shelter and several of us had lunch, Big Spoon, Digger, WINKLE, (the two guys with the cosmic running shorts, whose trail names I forgot but they were from near Atlanta). We gave ourselves a big pep talk to get up the next Mt. because it was a doozie!! This day was VERY tough! Then came the exposed ridge walk which had a lot of tricky (and scary) rock scrambling.....the pic is standing at the top of one and trying to make a plan to get down. ha haI finally arrived at camp just at dusk and got the tent set up for a great night sleep. Big BONUS...an owl lit in a tree right above me and hooted away as I smiled....good night's sleep.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

This was a short day as we three gals were beginning to get some feet and ankle problems. We hiked out dry, across a beautiful field but soon the rains came. I was pretty drenched by the time we reached the first shelter so we decided to stay and rest our feet. We cooked and visited with passers-by.Tonight in the shelter is Zig Zag and her beautiful black dog Lazurous (sp?)Also arriving was Long Horn, Bones, Smurf, Smoky-Beard, Fiddy-Shrimp & many more.It did stop raining so we will hike out extra-early tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap Camp Site
Miles today: 14.9

We packed up in the early morning darkness and headed out for a long day of hiking. We knew Jersey-girl's husband would be at a road crossing with trail magic.Coming down to the road Bama was walking very slow and said she needed to go into Irwin for a few days to rest her hurting ankle. Get better Bama!! Jersey-girl's husband gave her a ride to town and I got a boiled egg!! YUM!Winkle and I traveled onward and were VERY surprised to receive trail magic at Sam's Gap (just when we were wanting food the most) The trail does hand you things you need through such awesome people willing to help the hikers.This group of people were doing geo-caching and thought they would also do some trail magic since the parking area coincided with their day's plans. We had grilled chicken and delicious slaw and a salad and variety of chips and a HUGE plate of cookies!! These people were so much fun and biggest surprise of all was James who was a huge CLEMSON fan (my daughter graduated from Clemson)AND he lived on Hilton Head Island when I did!! He was a cool guy. After my belly was totally stuffed we made a 'bear' of a climb up the next mountain. Then Winkle and I decided to camp at low gap.This turned out to be fabulous as two owls carried on crazy conversation for a quite a bit as we were in our tents. It just made my day!!
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Low Gap Camp Site

To: No Business Knob
Miles today: 14.8

This day was pure beauty (and rough on the feet).It was cold starting out but after I shed the layers I had made my way to Bald Mt. It is my favorite view so far...way off in the distance you can see the distinct outline of the A.T. as it disappears into the next mt. range.The end of the day involved some slanted ledge walking which really hurt my left ankle. Looks like a zero day at Uncle Johnnies.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 8.7

The climb up Hump was fantastic!! Long and challenging but spectacular at the top!!(Hello readers! Just want you to know i will fill in more detail in a few days. Please understand it is tough to do the journal when there is very little internet capabilities)But i am still hiking along and looking forward to Damascus!!! Thanks for reading and all your guest book entries!!
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: campsite north of Laurel Fork
Miles today: 15.7

Was a beautiful coolish day. The first several miles were a gradual 'up'. My legs were truly thankful it wasn't a Roan or Hump Mt. kind of a day! My belly was stuffed a fantastic breakfast at Mountain Harbor. (Thank you Mary and all). Vagabond does an awesome job managing the hostel. She graciously gave Bama and i a ride back up the road to the AT. For breakfast there was a baked pizza with breakfast items adorning it, tomatoes, cantaloupes, home fried potatoes and french toast and lots more!!I wanted vary little snacks all day! As i hiked into the afternoon a medium size gray snake startled me as it ran from the path. (Two snakes so far)We are tenting be a sweet little creek and i should sleep well. Also i hung a good bear bag on the SECOND attempt! Birds are chirping their night songs.It was a wonderful day!