morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter 

To: Slaughter Gap
Miles today: 12.7

I left Gooch Mountain Shelter at 7:23 and watched the orange sun rise above a distant peak. The trail was wet from the nighttime rain. In the shelter there were 7 hikers. Yellowstone Man, Austin from Texas (he is working for the ATC, testing the water at certain streams along the trail. Thru hiker, Bill, is a large, jovial man with a gray beard and some cool hiking gear. Thru hiker John, is a young man whose cooking gear was confiscated by the TSA; because of this, he had to head into Suches to get new gear to compensate. Warren is a local man who is on a 5-day hike and will probably get to his car today. He is also an active Scout Dad preparing to go to Philmont - very cool Warren - Have Fun!!! Section hiker Dave Brown is headed for Unicoi Gap where he plans to meet his wife and take her to Helen to wine and dine her so she will let him hike another section.Around Gooch Gap the Flame Azaleas were plentiful. I sure feel rewarded for the miles I hike; when I see them I really notice their beauty and they give me a wonderful feeling.After Woody gap I passed a huge ¢3-story" granite boulder covered with spring water cascading gently down to the trail, crossing the trail in small brooks. Twenty yards later I flushed a large wild turkey with a wingspan easily greater than six feet.I ran out of energy climbing Turkey Stamp Mountain. I thought I'd never reach the top. I finally arrived at Slaughter Creek Campsite near sunset and hurried to set up my hammock between two small trees, one was too small. When I got in the hammock the two small trees bent enough so that I was resting lightly on the ground. For some reason, movement inside the hammock was much more difficult than normal, so I found a couple bigger trees and slept well.Tomorrow I will send this off from Neels Gap and my next updatewill be from Hiawasee.
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Slaughter Gap

To: Bagg Creek
Miles today: 7.5

Entry 11:30 AM: I arose early, but two other hikers were out of Slaughter Creek Campsite before me. Roberto, from Mexico City, and John from Salt Lake City! John had decided not to go to Suches, but decided to get what he needed in Neels Gap instead.Entry 12:45:I left Neels Gap a few minutes ago after hiking over Blood Mountain. Last year I MUST have taken a wrong turn, because today's descent was much, much easier.During my ascent, I rested on a rock for a long time. I dried my sweaty socks and insoles in the sun and had a bagel. A Russian chemist who currently lives in Austin, Texas came walking up the trail, almost walking by me until I said, "Hello." He was a little startled, but threw off his pack to join me in a rest and conversation. Later as he was leaving he passed on a quote: "There is nothing more wonderful than sitting on a rock thinking about nothing, unless of course, one issitting on a rock thinking about how wonderful it is to be sitting on a rock."   I saw my friends Yellowstone Man, Dave Brown and John at Neels Gap. They are all taking a longer break there. I bought some very stale bagels at he store in Neels Gap. (I'm not going to walk back to get my money back) and expensive ramen noodles. Grrr. I sat down for lunch a short distance from Neels Gap. John caught upand we chatted awhile then hiked together the rest of the day. We have interesting conversations. He has an amazing sense of direction. He gave me the trail name Slickrock, which has a natural relationship with Whetstone, it's a name for a park someplace, and it's the name of a brand of beer. So from this point forward - I'm Slickrock.Right now it's threatening to rain, so I'll likely be turning insoon. G'nite! Oh! An interesting note. John and I both flew out of SLC on the same day, same flight. He had a different flight out of Houston. I first saw him and his backpack on the MARTA train from Atlanta, but I didn't get a chance to speak to him because of the crowd on the train.
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Bagg Creek

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: moderate rain

Well! 6.4 miles today. I'm settling into a SLOW PACE. I'm not going to worry about trying to speed up either. I sure enjoy it here in the woods and even my slow pace seems like an achievement when I drag into camp.Last night it rained a lot. I kept waking up to thunder and the immediate heavy patter of rain but I seemed to fall asleep listening to the rhythm...When I finally got up and started packing up, it started raining again and remained continuous. John headed out ahead of me and I HOPED I could meet him at Blue Mountain Shelter - our planned destination, but with soaked, tender feet I decided to stay here at Low Gap Shelter. I hope he does well and maybe we will meet again soon. Now it is still raining, temperature 50 degrees. I'm warm and my feet are drying. The hot spots I felt didn't develop into blisters, except a small one, and I am sure stopping short was the sensible thing to do. Short day!
Date: 2005-05-16
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is a beautiful day. I woke this morning in Low Gap Shelter to cold. We all remarked about how we could see our breath. I stayed in my sleeping bag until the sun came to the shelter. I wanted to dry out everything before I left. I did leave at 11:00 AM and hung wet socks and a wet shirt from my pack so they could dry enroute to here... Blue Mountain Shelter.The trail was great. It followed contour lines most all the way. There were several sections of trail over boulders that were tough on sore joints. Still, I arrived here surprisingly early, in spite of my late start. I decided not to press on because that would require hiking down to Unicoi Gap and back up a steep climb to get to any sort of campsite with water.I forgot to take my Vitamin I before I started out. Bad mistake. When I realized it, my joints were already complaining and they didn't forgive me even though I could tell the Vitamin I was working.There are several "new" people at the shelter. One is a man from Texas who started 3 days ago, and a couple who is tenting here, and didn't stay to chat. Yellowstone Man, Dave Brown and I seem to be constants. Too bad Dave will leave the party tomorrow.I had the BEST rice and chicken with green peppers and onions for my first course this evening. Wow it was delicious! Thanks Sue! Second course was ramen noodles, another of my favorites. Lots of carbs, huh.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Blue Mountain shelter

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

I rose early and sat in my sleeping bag, as did Dave Brown and Yellowstone Man. We watched the sunrise from inside the shelter. I left the shelter within a half hour and started out feeling very good.There were lots of PUDS that were frustrating, but expected. I passed through Unicoi Gap and went up the other side. When I arrived at Tray Mountain I started to feel some friction. I checked my foot I had a small blister, so I decided to stay here. I had a lot of energy left over, so it seems my destiny is SHORT DAYS. Maybe, just maybe I will be able to make it Hiawassee tomorrow - hope so.Here at Tray Mountain there is a lively crew of eight. We are enjoying lots of tales and conversation. There are two couples, names unknown, and although they are not together, both couples are leaving the trail tomorrow. John of Salt Lake is here and Yellowstone Man. The most entertaining is Alaska Bob with a deep, resonating voice and a ton of great stories. He has hiked an amazing number of trails. As a group we are planning to witness the sunset as we chat. It's going to be a fun evening.
Date: 2005-05-18
From: Tray Mountain

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

I was pleased with my progress today. Sore feet aside, I made good time. Every day I see so many noteworthy things, but it seems repetitive to mention each new sighting day after day. However, I want to mention a few things because they were enjoyable for me. As I approached the road that connects to Hiawassee, I saw the first Pink Lady's Slipper I've seen in Georgia. Then, Flame Azalea, which so far has been a solitary bush, was concentrated in twenty or so bushes on a small hill a few hundred feet from the highway. It's an amazing display.Each day as the trail meanders along I walk into a wide slope covered with wildflowers: Trillium, Violets, Geraniums and a beautiful white flower. They are so plentiful that it seems a master gardener has planned the flowerbed. The fragrance in the air is like the fragrance of a rose garden.The trail also had a lot of torn up turf. The sides of the trail seem to attract wild pigs. They destroy the vegetation and dig up the soil, leaving it vulnerable to the next rainstorm that will wash the loosened soil down the slope.I wish there were some way to relate some of the more ordinary sights smell and sounds. The woods are so alive with creatures and plants here. It's totally different from the mountains at home. Hardly a square inch of soil is barren here.I am doing well, with a couple minor exceptions, which are a couple small blisters, and a rash on my knees - I think its poison ivy. Anyway, I feel good. I am at the Hiawassee Inn, there was only one room left and Yellowstone Man and I arrived together... a king bed. I saidI'd go to one of the other places in town, but the manager did some shuffling and got us a room with two beds. Much better. We were hitching a ride when two hikers I had spoken with came off the trail. They asked me to take their photo. Then they said they could take us part way to town, so we hopped into the back of the pick-up. He changed his mind and brought us all the way here!! Nice guy.
Date: 2005-05-19
From: Hiawassee

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It's 7:26 AM now; I've just had a nice breakfast right here at the Hiawassee Inn. These folks, Sam and Ron really try hard to please. They are on the go constantly to make sure their hikers are being taken care of. "Did you get your fuel?" "Let me do your laundry.¢ "I just checked the dryer, it will be a few more minutes."; "Do want me to take you to a restaurant?"; "Breakfast is ready!" I don't know of ANYPLACE that is so concerned about a hiker. Soon I will be taking the free shuttle back to the trail.
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am not sure that I will leave here today. Leaving seems to insure certain problems. Blisters, in a word. I have several now. They are more painful today than yesterday. The trail is wet and getting wetter, making it a 100% chance of getting more and aggravating the current ones. So it seems wise to stay put.I am watching the party of seven. They are scurrying about, putting gear everywhere. It's daytime drama. The party of seven left during a lull in the rain - brave souls. Other hikers are planning to leave also.For about three minutes, I was alone here. Then a group of six men came to the shelter for lunch. They are friends and family. Very nice people and sharing the burden of eating well ¢ VERY WELL - during their hike. One guy has the knife, another has the 3 lb sausage, another has a two lb block of cheese, and others have crackers and other commodities. Sure looked good. They left after a while; and all day hikers came, left and some stayed. A group of firemen arrived. They looked very tired. They were quiet until they had recuperated for a few hours, then they began a lively banter and started a few practical jokes on each other. One of them stepped on a 4-foot rattlesnake near the privy. Then at near midnight they started slapping at mice. It was very funny, because they had a great sense of humor. Well, back to sleep.
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I rose and left the Plumorchard Shelter at about 8:15 and broke any cobwebs that were left after the rain. The firemen said they'd catch-up, but they didn't. I made up my mind I wouldn't press for speed. I just tried to keep a two MPH pace and it seemed I was right on. I saw my second Pink Lady's Slipper making a pair. I just didn't seem right seeing only one. (Here)I passed the GA/NC sign, and later the actual border that is marked by an awesome gnarled oak tree on the top of the ridge. Then the challenging "Welcome to North Carolina" climb began. Soon I started to overtake the party of seven; then the six gourmet guys, and I arrived at Muskrat Creek Shelter. I have not so fond memories of it last year. After I redressed my two blisters and had lunch, I prepared to leave. In the meantime, all the gourmet guys and five of the party of seven had arrived. I enjoyed talking to them and said a good-bye and left. I felt sluggish after the long rest, but I picked up speed and arrived at Standing Indian Shelter at about 4:30. Now I've had dinner - two courses of flavored carbs and whey for dessert. What could be better? Well... never mind. It's been overcast all day and it's threatening to rain tonight. I am under a shelter, dry and warm.Nite! nite!
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Standing Indian Shelter 

To: Big Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I left Standing Indian Shelter at 7:20. Standing Indian Mountain was covered in a cloud that kept dropping water on the tin roof all night and continued dropping rain as I walked, but it didn't get me wet. I haven't seen the sun for over two days, and it seemed today would be cloudy too. The sun finally appeared around 10:00; and I reached Carter Creek Shelter around noon basking in the warm rays. I dried my feet, socks, rain jacket and a shirt while lunching. It sure changes my attitude when I'm dry.After lunch I made good time to get to Betty Creek Gap. I couldn't find the spring... well I gave up when I'd walked some distance with no spring in sight yet. I had a little water left in my bottle anyway. So I started out for Albert Mountain figuring I'd by dry as a bone by the time I reached the summit. I found plenty of springs along the three miles before Albert. Betty Creek Gap is at an elevation of 4320 ft. In the next 3 miles I gained 400 ft. Then I started the climb up! At Albert Mountain, I gained 500 ft. in three tenths of a mile. It was pretty intense. Feels good.
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Big Spring Shelter 

To: Campsite
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

This has been a very interesting day!I rose 6:30; it took me a long time to pack, so I was on the trail at 7:45. It was all down hill for the first five miles. I saw a beautiful yellow flower today that was very showy. It was shaped like an urn - or more like Aladdin's lamp. Its sepals were thin, three inch green spikes. They hung below the urn and they were in a twisted shape like a cruel dagger. When I saw it, I didn't recognize it, but a forest researcher I chatted with thought it could be a Yellow Lady's Slipper.I arrived at Rock Gap and started unloading my garbage into the dumpster there. I heard a shout, "There he is." It was the six gourmet guys coming down the trail. We chatted a moment, then I left - heading toward Wallace Gap. I had only gone a few tenths of a mile when a snake SPRANG at me. I saw it in an instant.First, the trail was traversing a steep slope. There was a woody shrub partially overhanging the trail. I moved to the right so I could get around it. Touching the tips of the branches, I startled a snake, (Black snake - I think. It can deliver a painful bite, but no venom). The snake fell to the ground and coiled immediately making a loud sound in the dry leaves. Hearing the sound I looked just in time to see something like a gray fastball coming at my head. I didn't have time to focus. It looked like a stick at first; for some crazy reason, I noticed it's tail wagging as it was completely airborne. I flinched, turning away and the snake struck my backpack just behind my left shoulder. THWACK! It bounced to the ground and disappeared under the leaves.I continued on, arriving at Wallace Gap a few minutes later. The climb out of Wallace Gap was looong. Not much else unusual happened, but when I arrived at the turnoff to Siler Bald Shelter, I sat on a rock and composed this little rhyme while I ate some Ramen Noodles and Whey Protein. Stinky ole Dave sat on a rockEating his carbs and wheyWith a groan he said, "Cripe! I really am ripe.But, I'm having a wonderful day".So here I am on the top of a ridge not far from Wayah Bald - which I'll see tomorrow. The campsite is covered in knee-high grass, bluets and violets are abundant and it's going to be a cold night. My hammock is hung and my camp chores are done, so I'm going to crawl in now.Nite! nite!
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Campsite

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I started out this morning by stopping by Wine Spring to camel up. It tasted like water. My ankle is quite sore, but after a while it loosened up. There was a bypass around a slide area. I really appreciate the AT volunteers who silently maintain the trail and create such things as bypasses when necessary. The work needed to make this bypass was enormous.It's cold! The Geezettes (Ruth, Elyse, Kenton, and Lorraine) were starting a fire when I arrived. They quickly moved their gear so I could place my sleeping bag in the shelter. We had a great time sitting around the fire and chatting. Life is good.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke early and started packing up to leave. Over the scream of Yellowstone Man's Dragonfly stove I yelled goodbye to three of the Geezettes and YM. The Geezettes were always cheerful and great company. Then I went up the hill with my pack and noticed the fourth Geezette was outside her tent. Ruth is a person that you like instantly. She has an amazing knowledge about these woods, the flora and fauna. After a brief chat with her I hit the trail. The flower of the day is Mountain Laurel. Hundreds of shrubs in full bloom crowded the trail.I eventually arrived at the NOC. My left knee and ankle are sore and work as allies to slow me down. I paid for a shower and laundry in the outfitters store and tried to re-supply, but the selection of foods was pitiful. I walked about a mile up the road, which has virtually no shoulder for pedestrians, to a convenience store. They at least had peanut butter but no honey and no minute rice and a grumpy clerk. I sit outside the store having some lunch. . More later....OH!... I feel so much better. At home I walk a few steps and get into a warm shower and it feels great, but there's something extra special about a shower when your last shower was seven hard days ago and you smell like a polecat... ahhh. My laundry is in the spin cycle, and I will be leaving here in a few minutes, not looking forward to the steep climb to Sassafras Gap Shelter. . More later.The climb to Sassafras Gap was MUCH more challenging than I expected. Do you have ANY idea how many PUDS fit into 6 miles??? Anyway, I arrived a few moments ago and the sun is setting as we speak. I'm glad I didn't have to night hike because the moon doesn't rise till late.Here at the Sassafras Gap Shelter are two high school boys on their first day out and two thru hikers. The thru hikers and I have been leapfrogging since Carter Creek. Today we talked a bit on the trail, her trail name is Lady Long Legs because one day there were lot of Daddy long leg spiders crawling on her and her pack. His name is Megapole... I'm not going to ask why. Now for some dinner - then sack time.
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter 

To: Brown Fork gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

I couldn't get moving today. I left Sassafras late and every hill was tough to climb. Generally speaking, it was a rough day. As I walk through these woods I often see an enormous tree. They are majestic and I can't help but wonder how old they are and what they might have witnessed in their lifetime.I'm thinking about changing my hike to a section hike.
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Brown Fork gap Shelter

To: Erwin, TN (Skip Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I hiked to Stecoah Gap and called Miss Janet to ask her about my options regarding skipping the holiday crowds in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and shuttling to Sam's Gap to complete the section I didn't do. She picked me up and we followed a scenic course (including the famous "Tail of the Dragon" road) to her hostel. It was difficult to decide against a pure thru-hike, but I feel it's the right choice. She has a great understanding about hikers and their problems and she is a good counsel, listening and offering wise suggestions to help out.
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Erwin, TN (Skip Day)

To: Bald Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Miss Janet took me to Sam's Gap where I started out again. I felt I was dragging all day, but I finally finished the short hike about 4 hours later. I met Turtle Girl from Atlanta, and we passed each other several times during the day.At the shelter were 5 local hikers and 5 thru hikers: Tim, Spartan, Bass, Noah and Brad. The locals left and I enjoyed the company of the hikers that remained. It felt very cold at night. I ate well, a generous portion of rice with chicken and veggies: it was very tasty.
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Bald Mountain Shelter 

To: No Business Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I arose late and started hiking, the funk I'm in still makes me feel sluggish. My feet, ankles and knees were especially tender all day. A blister on my heel was also a factor. Soon Turtle Girl caught up and we hiked together for a while - until she couldn't cope with my slow pace any longer and went ahead. We played riddles and "20 questions" and it was fun hiking together.At the shelter there were the locals that we'd met at Bald MountainShelter. They made a hot campfire that warmed the shelter too much, but it was nice to share conversation and humor with them.
Date: 2005-05-30
From: No Business Knob Shelter 

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 6.3

I arose early and broke spider webs until I was only a few hundred yards from the river. On top of Temple Hill I saw a young buck with velvet spikes standing on the trail. I got closer and closer until he jumped off the trail, but he was still curious enough to allow me closer. I walked slowly until I passed less than 6 feet from him. The trail passed through several groves of fragrant Mountain Laurel. I stopped to clean up a little before re-entering civilization and TurtleGirl came down the trail and we walked into town together. Hitching with a girl is NICE!!! Only a few cars passed by before we were picked-up.After my shower, I walked to Sonic and had a super-sonic combo. It was very good. I'm wishing I'd had the restraint to order a salad instead. I went to the ATM, and tried a couple stores on Main St. but they were closed for the holiday. As I was walking back to Miss Janet's, one of her neighbors was sitting on the porch playing a guitar and singing. I waved and he asked if I'm a hiker and where I'm from. He said, "How do you like our little Marberry town?" I laughed because that's what I called it last year too. I do like this Mayberry Town a lot!
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Nolichucky River

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke this morning and started preparing for a slack hike from Iron Mountain Gap to Indian Grave Gap. Miss Janet prepared a wonderful breakfast and we all enjoyed an omelet dish, fruit, and French toast with OJ and milk. It was very good. Soon we were on our way to the trailhead. It was a nice hike, carrying so little weight. When I hiked to the top of Beauty Spot there was trail magic: Brownies, Little Debbies, and oranges. Then a few hundred feet later more fruit with a couple bananas. Yum! It was really a treat. As I approached Indian Grave Gap I suddenly walked into a grove of blooming rhododendron. Large purple flowers were everywhere.