morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

Last night was cold, Lisa and I shared a big bed as the Hostel was full and only had two thin blankets. I was thankful to hear Gary put some wood on the stove around 6am. I laid around until 7:30 when I started packing up my backpack.The most AMAZING breakfast was served at 8:10. Pancakes(with homemade blueberry syrup), sausage, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, orange juice, and good company. It was the best breakfast I think I have ever had. It was oh-so-good! The meal was started with a nice (not preachy) prayer and we chowed down from there. After the meal we had to split shuttle groups into two as there were so many people at the hostel. I decided to chill out with Lisa and Wild Bill, and joined the second group. Guano went with the first along with Tall Oaf. I really can't say enough about Gary and his amazing hospitality. He takes in the smelly and treats us like family. His hostel is run on a donation only basis and he doesn't turn folks away. People like Gary really make the trail what it is. He truly is an angel, and his kindness will not be forgotten.We hugged Gary goodbye at Dick's Creek Gap and were off hiking by 10:15. Since our plan was to skip Franklin we had 6-7 days worth of food, which is a lot compared to our usual 4-5. It was slow going on the up hill for me, after that amazing breakfast my motivation was low. The first few miles were killer but eventually we met up with Guano on Buzzard Knob. We all sort of hiked together till we reached a major milestone... the GEORGIA/NORTH CAROLINA BORDER! To celebrate we all ate donuts, and joked around with Wild Bill, Detective, and the Professor. After the celebration we pushed on. I wanted to make the shelter while Lisa and Guano were going to camp closer to the border. I totally forgot the two crazy killer climbs as you enter North Carolina. They were straight up and didn't really offer much for views. It was a nice Welcoming that is for sure I was very tired but wanted to get to the shelter. On the way I passed Tank who was finishing his hike at the border to go back to work. It will be sad to not see him everyday, he was a lot of fun to hike with and get to know.I reached the shelter just before 6, I was lucky enough to snag a spot in the shelter, but there were so many people there camping. I think there had to be at least 35 people in all, a lot were new people that I had been following in log books. As I was making dinner Lisa and Michael rolled in, I was a bit surprised to see them but happy they made it. All the hangers went off to find a nice campsite with a view of the valley below. I took a silly side trail to Raven's Rock which pretty much lead absolutely nowhere haha. Luckily I had set out to see the sunset early and joined to folks at their campsite. The Sunset was amazing. Such vivid colors- a wonderful end to my long day. I am excited about tomorrow... Indian Mountain oh-lahlah!Beamer
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelters
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

After last nights sunset I went back to the shelter and the old man next to me was already snoring and yammering in his sleep. So I put my ear plugs in and read a bit of my book. I slept really well considering my shelter mate. I have always been pretty luck in the fact that I can sleep through pretty much anything, I think that is why I am such a shelter rat. I got up early-ish around 7 when all the other guys in the shelter were getting up. I ate a quick breakfast, packed up and was on trail by 8:30. About a mile in I hit the "Chunky Gal Trail," a fond memory of my last hike. I am glad the sign is so awesome, and I was able to get some new pictures. I kept going and ended up in the location of the 08' Easter Feast. I fondly remembered all the kindness that Tarheel and company treated us to last time. I ate second breakfast in Deep Gap, and watched as a large group of guys headed off South on the AT, they had looked a bit confused but had a GPS with them so I assumed they knew where they were going. I then took off toward Standing Indian, as I went up I ran into two guys who asked if I had seen a large group. I informed them of the group I saw... they had gone the wrong way, oops. So they took off after them. I continued on to Standing Indian, I took the blue blaze to the top and enjoyed the nice weather and view. Eventually the group I had seen earlier arrived and took a break up there as well. They even gave me a PB and banana sandwich, it was so tasty. The bananas were perfect not even a bit mushy. I got there at 11:30 and ended up staying until 1. A little while after I left the summit I ran into Lisa and Ryno. I lazily hiked the rest of the day, and ended up at the shelter around 3:30. I put my stuff out to dry/air out. And sat down and read. Guano and the Baltimore Boiis showed up a while later. We all ate dinner together then began the show.For Saturday night entertainment Lisa took off her boots to reveal some pretty gnarly blisters. I have seen a ton of blisters in my day as a thru hiker and outdoor educator, but these really took the cake. She decided she should pop them to start the healing process. She sanitized the needle, and then as we all grouped around her she popped them. Her biggest one was the size of a golf ball. As she popped it the pressure in that beast shot out blister juice all over. I have never seen a blister erupt as that one did. The juice shot everywhere getting all over her rain jacket and crocs. We all had a good laugh and thus as Wild Bill filmed the entire thing... Lisa got her trail name. She became Miss Blis-ter-s or Blis for short. It was nice that she finally got a name, but sad in the fact that her feet are in so much pain. She is a trooper though and I know she can continue on. Now we all have trail names.... Guano, Blis, and Sunbeam taking on the trail.Beamer.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Carter Gap Shelters

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

After the crazy father/son fiasco (campfire+alcohol=big fight at 11pm) I finally got to sleep.I was able to cook down to Betty Gap, I passed a few folks and even a few of the guys commented on my downhill abilities. From there I hit Mooney Gap, ate second breakfast and pressed on up to Albert Mountain. The view was amazing, much better than the snow I had last time I was up there. We celebrated 100 miles by taking a sweet shot from the fire tower. We (Blis, Guano, The Detective, The Herbalist, and I) made a 100 with our bodies as Wild Bill took the photo. The trail was nice today, fairly gentle and I really enjoyed it. As I nearly was at the shelter I stumbled upon a box hanging from the tree above me. While the box was empty, there was a nice note that went with it. It mentioned that "the first person to reach the summit loses." I strongly agree with that, and while we are hiking much faster than I was last time, I still think we are taking our time and loving it out here.I reached the shelter around 4, I was feeling ready to push on. The Baltimore boiis and Canadians were pushing on into Franklin for a resupply, but we were planning on skipping it. Blis told me that I couldn't move on, and while I was still ready to move Gingersnap (GAME 11') showed up with fresh from the oven brownies, bananas, and soda. I was sold. It was heavenly, I enjoyed listening to her take on the trail. As usual I didn't talk about my past thru hike, just smile and nodded as she handed out advice on different aspects of the trail.We also met a nice lady from Florida today. Her name is Jenna and she just got back on the trail after an injury. She started in March and hiked over Albert today. It is nice to see other ladies out on the trail. Usually they are with guys or in a group (like us) but we are pretty rare out here. She seems awesome, and I hope we get to hike together.Tomorrow I have a plan and want to stick with it, I am feeling the need to do a bigger mile day, but we'll see. Its hard to leave the heard. I am hoping to reach the NOC sooner rather than later.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, today was a long day, but I am glad to say I pushed myself. Left the shelter around 8:40, dropped some trash off where a ton of folks were waiting for the shuttle. I got an odd vibe from them. It's funny how you find your little group and get comfortable with them, but other groups can be a bit off to you. I passed the road going into Franklin and pushed on. Guano and Blis caught up to me at Panther Gap as I was having second Breakfast. We hiked together to the big field around Siler Bald. They stopped to have lunch in that beautiful spot, but I decided to push on as I had summit fever.For a while I hiked with two robins who would tip-toe along the trail ahead of me, then fly off to a branch next to the trail, fly back to the trail and do it all over again. I am assuming they were mommas trying to keep me from their nests but it was a fun little moment and I enjoyed their company. I thought I was doing well in the hiking area, then I came across as sign that told me I still had 1.8 miles still to Wayah Bald..BOO. Eventually around 3 or so I made it to the paved path up to the rock tower of Wayah Bald. I sat down and ate a very late lunch. The view was a bit hazy, but you could still make out the peaks we had climbed to get to that point. It's always neat to see where you came from. A bit later Blis and Guano showed up, I goggled them both (a game we played as instructors for the AMC) and we all got a good laugh. We got a bunch of pictures and decided to push on the 1 mile to the shelter as it was looking a bit like rain.We all hiked together to the shelter and even sang a few songs along the way. We found the shelter full when we got there, but thankfully most of the folks were moving on. We put our stuff down and relaxed the rest of the afternoon away. I went and got us all water, it was a nice peaceful walk to the water source. It was full of rhododendrons and very jungle like. I sat there longer then I had planned but it was quiet and peaceful.Another great day.Beamer.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Between a bit of snoring, a mouse, and the city lights below the shelter... I slept fairly well. I got up a bit later then other folks in the shelter. Of the three of us I was the first one hiking. It was mostly downhill and I kicked ass, I made 4ish miles to Burningtown Gap in a hour... not to shabby. I pushed on to the shelter where I ate second breakfast while fighting blackflies and listening to another hiker play his flute. I left the shelter a bit after 10:30.I huffed up to the tower at Wesser Bald. The skies were still sunny and the views were great! There were a few hikers I had never met up there, a bunch of younger folks, and eventually Blis and Guano joined me. We ate lunch in the sun. We decided due to the impending rain storm and the fact we were in a large bubble that we should get a hotel room reserved at the NOC. So I made the call and was able to get a reservation. I am excited for our nero tomorrow! We stopped at Wesser Bald shelter so I could treat my water and leave some notes for the rest of our group (Team Chick-Fil-A) in the log book. As we left the shelter it began to sprinkle a bit, I put my rain cover on my pack and put my rain skirt on as a just in case. As we hiked along the never ending ridge we began to hear thunder off in the distance. We could tell it was coming from trail East and could even see heavy rain in the distance. We high tailed it past many folks, the fastest I have ever seen Blis move as the storm was right on our heels. Then Boom, as we worked our way toward the end of the ridge and down the sky opened up. We were pummeled with rain and several close strikes of lighting. It was enough to get your adrenaline pumping, and as an after thought a lot of fun. We reached the shelter as a break in the rain hit, luckily there was enough space for 3 more in the shelter. As we put out our sleeping pads the rain started again. We cooked dinner in the pouring rain and another batch of Thunderstorms. There have been a few more folks coming up to the shelter since it is so small we were able to add another person but had to turn several away. It sucks, I know I've been there but we tried to fit in as many as we could. The rain sounds great on the tin roof, and tonight I will dream of the lovely bacon cheeseburger that tomorrow will bring. NOC here we come!
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: The NOC
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: moderate rain

The rain last night was amazing, I woke several times to the heavy downpours. I was very happy to be warm and dry under the roof of a shelter. I was really lazy this morning too. While Ryno and Butcher were up and moving I rolled over and went back to sleep. When I finally did get up, I wasn't in any particular rush. Blis and I took our sweet time, but even Guano left a good hour before us. It was still rainy, but it seemed as though the worst of it was over for now. I made my way down to the NOC, a very quick one mile jaunt. It was beautiful, the small little streams were bursting with water and there were plenty of little waterfalls along the way. I reached the road and went to see if it would be possible to get into our room any earlier. I think being friendly to the guy helped out, as I went back when he told me too and he requested that the cleaning crew got to our room quickly. I always try to treat people well, and get good results. I don't understand when other folks go in demanding to get what they want, and then they get angry when it doesn't happen. Just because you are a thru hiker doesn't mean the world owes you anything. Kindness is what counts. (rant over)I went to join Guano at the restaurant for a hot cocoa. Blis joined us shortly there after. She was in contact with a friend from Colorado who is a pro whitewater kayaker. It just so happened that she was at the NOC too! We ended up meeting up with Haylee and her boyfriend Mark and their awesome dog Shredder. They were awesome and even gave us a ride into town on their awesome RV to get our resupply as the NOC offerings were limited. They also showed off their cool moves later in the night playing in a new feature that was put into the river. They were very awesome and it was nice to meet them.We got into our room in the early afternoon. We spread all of our wet gear out in the room. It was funny, we ended up in the same room that I had stayed in last time with I-trod back in 08'. It had a sweet loft and two nice beds. We showered and did laundry before making our way back to the restaurant for BACON CHEESEBURGERS. I had been hyping them up, as I remembered them being my favorite burger along the entire trail. I hoped we wouldn't be let down, and we weren't. They were amazing. We were joined by Butcher, Ryno, Matt, and Nimbus. I think everyone enjoyed the feast. After the resupply in Bryson City, we ran into the rest of Team Chick-Fil-A at the outfitters. They just did a pretty big day in the rain to get into the NOC. They were even joined by Jenna who they had met the night after we had met her. We joined them in the "Loud folks Hostel" for some laughs and Phish Food Ice Cream. No matter how hard I try, it is so hard to go to bed at a decent hour when you are in town. I am pretty exhausted and ready for a good night sleep on a comfortable bed with the sounds of peepers in the background.Happy Dreams, Beamer.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

I was startled awake by a gentleman snoring, as it echoed off the shelter walls. It sounded like bats fighting. But as I looked outside I noticed a firefly, then another. It was beautiful to see, and enjoy the peace of a firefly dance in the night.I heard Jenna get up around 6, and I laid back down and finally got moving around 7. By 8 I was on the trail heading up the ridge. It was breezy and cool, but still a workout. I kept on moving nearly falling to my room as I rolled my ankle on the ridge. I made it to the marina/info center around 10. I dropped off my trash in the bin and used the nice bathroom. It looked like it was getting ready to rain so I pushed on the last 1.2 miles towards the Fontana Hilton. There were a lot of folks hanging around. Mange and Jenna beat me to the shelter, but not by much.Once the others arrived and after a few games of cribbage we took off towards the village. Guano, Blis, and I headed to the lodge to pick up packages, and joined the others at the Wildwood Grill. We had a whole bunch of food ordered. I alone got fried pickle chips (my favorite), a mr. pibb, a BBQ sandwich, and an order of fries. Needless to say, I cleaned my plate we all did. It was nice to sit on a porch and relax.After a long stop at the general store, nothing like sitting in rocking chairs watching the VW Golf convention roll bye. We headed back up towards the dam and got some pictures as the fog rolled in. We then hit up the lagoon for a swim, it was a bit cold but really refreshing. Friar, Mange, Cheetah, The Detective, Wild Bill, Guano, Jenna, and Blis all went in. We then skipped a few rocks and played in the water. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.After our swim, Jenna shared her goodies she got when she went with her Mom to town. She got us 2 tubes of cookie dough, chips, oranges, and man was it good. We pigged out and started a fire in the pit. A bit later a bunch of loud obnoxious boys came back from town. They had been kicked out of the bar for having to much and were not happy about it. They started going on about people in the shelter and disrupting folks who were trying to sleep. Eventually they decided to move on, but took their sweet time in doing so. As I went to get dry clothing to change into some of them started commenting on me. I didn't think much of it and shook off their remarks. But a bit later several of the Chick-Fil-A crew were asking if I needed them to kick some arse, haha. It's nice to have folks looking out for you. I like that I have an amazing trail family and we all look out for one another. Another great day on the books, Tomorrow a ZERO
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Wow, a zeroI slept pretty well last night in this big shelter (it says it sleeps 20, but it much larger.) I didn't even notice a bunch of people leave, but I guess ear plugs help. I got out of bed a little after 7:45, and it was pretty chilly. I had a blueberry Ugli (think fruit fritter) and some chai for breakfast. I chilled out basically all day (isn't that was a zero is for?) and I ate a bunch too. Around noon Jenna, Cheetah and I hitched a ride back into the village with a guy named Rock Ocean. He drives a sweet Westphalia (my dream car) and is planning on shuttling folks around the AT. A pretty sweet gig, and a really nice guy. I picked up a few last minute items to get me well into the smokies. We hit up the pit stop as we were heading back to the shelter where we loaded up on nachos, hot dogs, and a little mini pizza. We got back and shared our goodies. I was content to spend the rest of the day reading and playing cribbage. The temperature seems to be dropping and it seems as though we have once again hit a large bubble of "interesting" hikers. Oh well, still a blast and ready too push on to the Smokies tomorrow!
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

I couldn't put my book down last night, so I got to bed much later than I had planned. Luckily I was sleeping next to the wall and didn't disturb anyone. It sure got cold last night too, again I am very happy I choose to use my 15* bag. I can't imagine being in a summer bag when it was that chilly. I had some oatmeal for breakfast for warmth and an apple ugli, because it was chalk full of calories. As we set off for the dam we passed a bit of trail magic left by the bathrooms... oatmeal cream pies! I stashed mine in my pocket as a treat later on.We reached the dam around 9, and took all sorts of crazy pictures. Guano, Blis, Cheetah, Mange and I all got a picture by the welcome sign. From there we all walked up the road and onto the trail. (I can tell you that crossing the dam on foot was a lot better than the 2 mile blue blaze we had to do in 2008 hehe, especially because they dump you out into the same spot.) As we started the "up" of the smokies grapple started falling from the sky. The wind also was picking up, and made it feel really cold as we pushed towards the ridge. Blis, Guano, and I made it to the fire tower on Shuckstack around 11:30. We left our bags on the AT and hit the short blue blaze to the actual tower. We climbed up the rickety old tower to get some pictures. We got down just as a snow squall hit, I had so many layers on that I actually needed to add more. From there we headed towards Birch Spring Campsite were we ate a quick lunch in an effort not to freeze. As we left the site I stopped as Guano pointed off the side of the trail. There was a momma black bear and her cub. She didn't mind us as we watched her and tried to get a few pictures.Again we climbed this time to Mollies Ridge, after a quick stop at the shelter for some calories (I was starting to bonk) we were on our way. We joined a huge cluster of hikers at the shelter tonight. Luckily someone started a warm fire and there is a tarp over the front of the shelter to keep us warm. The wind is howling. The Smokies are as cold as they were last time, and even snow is on the peaks. I am excited to be back. Off too bed soon, as this fire is so nice to sit around
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

Last night was cold, but thankfully Caveman go the fire going in the wee hours. It was hard to crawl out of my bag but eventually I got going around 7:30. I finally was headed out and on trail around 8:40. I followed Agent Orange and his son for a while, then passed them on my way to Rocky Top. The views from the top were amazing, and yes I did sing "Rocky Top." From there I kept on, the snow started, and would continue on and off for the rest of the day. I was starving after the 6.3 miles to my lunch spot. I had two lunch sandwiches one sweet and the other savory and a whole bunch of GORP. The cold really makes you hungry. I pushed on the next 5.5 miles in a few huge snow squalls where it was hard going. Once I reached the shelter I found a school group bundled up. I ate a snickers and decided to push on to the next shelter with everyone else. I took my time on the last few miles. I even got a view as the clouds parted for a split second. I found the shelter full when I got there, but luckily a few folks moved their things around and I got a spot. I made dinner and have been trying to stay warm as a hard sleet is falling outside. There are some funny folks in the shelter tonight, we just had a shelter wide sing along of "Doe a Deer" and continue to laugh. It was our longest day yet, I am tired and trying to figure out what I should do about hitting up Gatlinberg tomorrow. Lots of Options... Good Night and stay dry!