morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 12.6

Hellooooooooo North Carolina! We have arrived!It was an absolutely beautiful day and the trail was nice and easy. As we were walking towards Dicks Creek to hitch a ride into Hiawassee for a resupply, we could just see the North Carolina mountains in the distance. They seemed a bit intimidating compared to how they loomed over the Georgia mountains, but they were beautiful. Then once we got to the other side of Dicks Creek, it was just amazing to see the Georgia mountains as if we were saying goodbye. That feeling is pretty exciting!Our original plan was to reach Plum Orchard Gap and camp there for the night. But just as we got there, B-Line, Hand-me-down, and Day Tripper were headed out. They were gonna go on and reach the NC/GA border today. With only 4.4 miles left to go before reaching that border and 2 hours left of sunlight, we decided to do it and now here we are (with achy legs and extremely sore feet and all)!!!We came in just before the sun had set. So we had arrived late, but it couldn't have been a more perfect night. I've never seen the night sky so filled with stars. It was like they had blanketed the sky. It was absolutely breathtaking. It was as if they we're saying to us, "Congratulations! You've done it! You've made it to North Carolina!" Thwap-Thwap!- Barnacles
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Bly Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

After a 12 mile hike, it wasn't very fun for us to wake up to Courthouse Bald. We didn't even get a chance to warm up our legs before we had to hit that insane mountain. I thought Wildcat Mountain was tough, but this one slightly beats it. At least the trail after that tough climb was nice and easy. That's when we started to actually enjoy being in North Carolina!We decided to push on past Standing Indian Shelter (where we originally were gonna stay) and decided to push on until Beech Gap. Hooray for another 12 mile day! Once we got there though, we camped alongside a boys scout troop from Knoxville, TN and I must say, they were the most sweetest boys! David (one of the troop leaders) was kind enough to give us trail magic which included homemade cookies and brownies and nice, juicy apples! The boys had a really nice fire going for us and it was just a joy spending time with kids on the trail. It was a nice kind of different, like a breath of fresh air from their silly innocence. Thank you all!Thwap-Thwap!- Barnacles
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Beech Gap

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today could not have been any more perfect. The trail was graded perfectly, the weather was unbelievable, and the views were amazing. By far, today has been the best day on the trail. Originally, we were going to hike only 7 miles and stay at Betty Creek Gap, but we were having such an amazing time that we decided to push on and do a third 12 mile day (and also because we heard a snow storm was coming our way).The trail was smooth sailing literally all day that once we hit Albert Mountain, it was a breeze. If the trail had been tough otherwise, we probably would've suffered a lot! And I must say, every tough step of the way up Albert Mountain was absolutely worth it. Before we even reached the very top, we could see glimpses through the trees and already the view was incredible. The adrenaline combined with the astounding view just made me want to cry. The instant we reached the top, we were speechless. We climbed up the fire tower and stood there for a long time just taking in the view.Like I always tell myself, the toughest hikes have the greatest views and therefore every step of the way is always worth it! I can't wait for more amazing trail and views like today. It's moments like this that motivate me to push myself further each and every day.Thwap-Thwap!- Barnacles
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

We woke up this morning at Long Branch Shelter a little restless. The mice were very persistent last night and we both had to wake up several times to shoe them away from our packs. Rain was falling when everyone got up so as everyone put on their rain gear, we stayed in our sleeping bags. We slowly began to pack up and by 11 the rain had stopped and we took off towards Franklin. Trail was nice and easy all the way in. We talked about McDonald's pretty much the entire last 3 miles in. We hit the road and as i put my pack down to grab my fleece, Barnacles throws her thumb up at the first van to pass and much to our surprise she stops! A nice woman and her daughter gave us a ride to McDonald's so we could gorge. We ordered 4 double bacon cheeseburgers, a 10 piece nugget and a large fries to split. While we were there we finally turned our phones on and that's when we heard terrible news from home. Michelle and I work at a Country Club in Marietta. We found out that one of our favorite members was tragically killed in a car accident yesterday. Mr Strickland was one of the most genuine, kindest people I've ever met. He helped support Michelle and I on this hike, he helped us purchase these down jackets we had to buy to stay warm in Helen. Michelle and I are truly heartbroken over this, our prayers and thoughts are with Mrs Strickland in her recovery and with the rest of the family. We are going to zero tomorrow in Franklin, and leave out on Tuesday afternoon. They're calling for snow on Monday night into Tuesday morning so we are probably going to be starting our first hike in the snow. Everyone drive safe out there, there's no reason to be in a hurry all the time. SuperFeet
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Franklin, NC

To: Aquone Hiker Lodge
Miles today: 5.9

Leaving the Budget Inn, we figured the weather wasn't going to be too bad even with the snow and all. We expected nighttime to be cold, but we didn't expect our hike to be full of snow flurries. As we hiked, the snow just got heavier and was covering up the already hard to see trail from the snow from the night before. Our hands were frozen and it was getting difficult to see very far with the snowflakes hitting our numb faces. Once we got to Wayah gap, we stopped for a quick break just as Big Dawg and Indiana Jones came by to join us. That's when they told us they were headed out of the cold and into the warm hospitality of the Aquone Hiker Lodge owned by Wiggy and Maggie. A warm place to stay for the night out of the freezing cold? Well that was a no brainer! We quickly decided that that was the move to make and it is here where I am writing from and enjoying the company of a dozen clean hikers. That's right, the moment any hiker walks through the door, they very quickly showed them to the shower. Haha.We've reunited with a couple hikers here at the lodge: Long Bow, MC, Crazy Horse and Young Gun. And we've met All Day and Malibu as well. Right now we're all sitting around watching Rocky VI while playing Scrabble and relaxing after having an amazinggggg dinner made by Maggie. I was sad I couldn't even finish my portion. SuperFeet sure was hungry though because he was quick to ask for it before I could even offer him any!The snow is still falling even after dark, but with a full stomach and a warm bed, I'm definitely gonna have a great night's rest tonight!Thwap-Thwap!- Barnacles
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Aquone Hiker Lodge

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiking through the snow today was amazing. Every inch of the forest was covered with snow, from the tree tops to the trail floor, and it was so beautiful. It felt like we we're hiking a whole different trail in another world! And for awhile, we were the first ones to walk through the untouched, snow covered trail. It was just so cool and I loved everything about it!We got to the Wayah Bald fire tower and the views were breathtaking. It was really cool how there were maps of the mountains that helped to identify which mountains were which in every direction. And off in the very far distance, you could see a tiny tiny dot ontop of a mountain which was none other than Albert Mountain and its fire tower! Seeing how far we had made it in just a couple of days was just amazing and I could barely believe it. It's just such an amazing aspect!We've decided to spend the night at Cold Spring Shelter inside the shelter. We didn't want to deal with packing up a tent in the morning even though it probably would've been warmer in a tent. Here, we've met Solo, Gray Ghost, Rainpants, Mio, and Patrick. Blueberry Bear joined us tonight as well!It's supposed to be really cold tonight but hopefully we can stay warm!!! Thwap-Thwap!- BarnaclesBtw, I'm pretty sure everyone's been wondering what "thwap-thwap" means and I should've explained earlier, but it's the sound a barnacle would make as it attaches onto something. Orangutan gave me the breakdown as he named me that drunken night at Gooch Gap. Oh the memories!
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up from a pretty restless and very cold night with my toes frozen and my neck hurting. I was uncomfortable all night and I'm not really sure why since the mice didn't even come out. It was probably too cold for them to. But as we slowly woke up late in the day (as usual) tons of hikers were passing through and all were new faces to us. As we introduced ourselves, one girl named Bennett who was hiking with her father, Buzz, says, "Oh, so you're SuperFeet?" Turns out she's friends with SuperFeet's friend, Justin Webb, whom he hiked with back in '05. Talk about a small world!Going up Wesser Bald was a breeze surprisingly. I was completely zoned out, not really sure what I was thinking about, but I was feeling absolutely great. My legs weren't burning, I wasn't out of breath, I couldn't even feel my pack. Suddenly SuperFeet's voice interrupts my intense concentration saying, "Wow! You're keeping a really good pace. I can't even keep up!" And...that's when it all went downhill. I remembered what I was doing and I ended up slowing down (says SuperFeet). But at least we were near the very top when I slowed down!The view from the fire tower was beautiful - just like every other panoramic view! From one view, you could still see the snow covered mountains and as your turned your back to see the other view, you could see the mountains without the snow. It was just an amazing site to see such differences so close. As we got closer to the NOC (after the incredibly long and hot trail down), we could hear the Nantahala River and cars drive by. The smell from the NOC restaurant became so overwhelming that SuperFeet jumped a switchback, cutting me off and he just took off!! I tried to run after him and keep up, but when it comes to food and beer, he is one fast man and NOTHING can slow him down!After having an amazing burger (the Mile Post 137) and a chicken salad on croissant with onion rings and tots, we've decided to spend the night at the NOC bunk house. Rain is supposed to come in tomorrow morning and it seems like a 24hr thing. However, the Hoffman's have offered to let us stay with them tomorrow so we'll be nice and dry! Hellooooo zero day number four! Btw, we have to give a big thanks to Brian. He was hiking the trail for only a couple days so he gave us his extra food before he got off and I think we have food for weeks now! Homemade venison jerky, pumpkin seeds, coffee (with sugar!), snickers bars, cliff bars, and so much more!! No need for a resupply now thanks to him! Thwap-Thwap!- Barnacles
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Hoffman's Home
Miles today: 0.0

We woke up to a not-so-rainy morning that everyone had been expecting. Had we known it would only sprinkle and not be a constant downpour as it was predicted, we probably would've camped right outside the NOC alongside the river with Hand Me Down, Day Tripper, and Rock Sloth. The clouds were casting a gloomy shadow on everything, but it felt like it was gonna be a good day. We stopped by the outfitters to get SuperFeet new socks because he ended up ripping his coming down to the NOC yesterday. While there, he was also able to replace his Big Agnes sleeping pad that was defected just as mine was. For awhile he noticed cold spots and didn't really know why until he shined a light on it and realized that the same problem was happening with his pad as had happened with mine. Thankfully, Big Agnes and the people at the NOC outfitters came through and helped him get a new (and upgraded version) pad. Big Agnes has just been so understanding and helpful to us. Any problems we have and they're there to take it all away!We've spent the entire day with Lynne and Mike Hoffman today and it has just been so wonderful. Lynne picked us up from the NOC and stopped by Stecoah Gap where trail magic was happening by White Waters and Video. We happened to run into Young Gun, All Day, Cheesestake, Morrison, Sole Power, and Long Bow at the gap. It's just so fun leap frogging everyone and seeing old faces down the line.As we got to the Hoffman's home, it was just astounding how beautiful it was. From afar, seeing their home through the trees on a mountain was a sight, but as we got closer it was just amazing. They built this home from the ground up and everything about this place is just so beautiful. We're definitely spoiled now coming here after sleeping in the woods for so long!Lynn kept us fed for sure. We had fruits galore, gouda cheese, chips, and crackers once we got there. We ended up sitting in the hot tub for hours just soaking in the heat and bubbles. My muscles couldn't be more thankful now that they've been massaged and aren't tense. And for dinner we had amazing steaks and potatoes made by Mike. It was so delicious I quickly devoured my food and left nothing! They've been such amazing and fun hosts.Thank you for inviting us to your beautiful home and for your hospitality Mr. And Mrs. Hoffman!!Thwap-Thwap! - Barnacles
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Hoffman's Home

To: Hoffman's Home
Miles today: 0.0

We woke up today to an astounding view. It was gloomy and cloudy, but that's what made it beautiful - an eerie kind of beautiful. The clouds hovered over the lake and covered the mountains with its peaks seeming to be the only visible view of it. We packed up our belongings and got ready to head back out to the NOC. As we sat around and ate breakfast made by Lynne, the rain was coming down pretty hard. SuperFeet and I looked at each other and were dreading hiking out in it.That's when Mike said, "You sure you wanna hike in that? We have a hot tub and beer here!" Lets just say we were easily won over and here we are again at the Hoffman's home for yet another zero day! So we've been relaxing around the house with the company of their daughter and son-in-law and their daughters. Its been fun hanging out with everyone!Tomorrow we're heading out no matter what. We're excited to go back out, but were not looking forward to the hike out of the NOC. After relaxing for a few days, it's definitely gonna be tough...but lets hope for the best!Thwap-Thwap!- Barnacles
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7

Today has been the latest start for us yet! We woke up around 10, but didn't head out until 2. It was tough leaving the comforts of the Hoffman's home! We sat around the NOC for awhile and bought our permits for the Smokies. SuperFeet bought a new hat as well. It's a Patagonia hat that he says the colors remind him of PBR. We've ran into everyone here! Day Tripper, Hand Me Down, and Rock Sloth are back, but headed out again for another zero day (or two!) and Indy, New Heights, and Knaffles and Champ were getting ready to head out - a late start for them as well.The trail hasn't been excruciating, but everything has been all uphill and some parts have been very steep. At least the shelter we were planning on staying at for the night wasn't too far away - Sassafrass Gap Shelter.We've finally reunited with Meticulous here! Oh how we've missed her company. And we've just met Tuna and Black Horse. Tortoise, Just Paul, Indy, Knaffles and Champ, New Heights, and FuzzyWuzzy are here as well. Full house tonight!We hit Jacob's Ladder tomorrow. I'm not excited for it, but hopefully it's not as bad as everyone is making it seem. Hopefully. Thwap-Thwap!- Barnacles
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

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

I woke up with the sun shining brightly on us and feeling warm in ny sleeping bag. Not shivering first thing in the morning? That's a first! It was a sign that today was gonna be a good day - and it was! It was pretty hot, but the wind was steady so it felt amazing. All day I had been dreading hiking up Jacob's Ladder. I had heard so much about this mountain and how steep it was that I was getting really nervous. As we got closer, we ended up shorter on water than we had expected so Jacob's Ladder was seeming more and more dreadful. However, as we turned the steep corner towards Stecoah Gap, we see Juliette and her pup, Doodle Bug, with trail magic! Cokes, chocolates, multiple fruits and one last bottle of water! With the soda and fruit energizing us, Jacob's Ladder ended up being much easier than expected. That doesn't mean it was easy though because it wasn't. It tough. We took multiple short breaks to catch our breaths, but we made it up faster than I had expected!Tonight we're staying at Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Indy, Tortoises, Just Paul, and Black Horse are here as well. And we've just met Deluxe, a couple from Luxembourg. They're carrying a huge tent - 12kgs to be exact! That's insane! The flies here are intense. There's tons and they're biting. Hopefully the fire will keep them away once SuperFeet and Indy get it going. The flies are getting unbelievably annoying...Thwap-Thwap!- Barnacles
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Fontana Village Resort

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 0.0

Today unexpectedly turned into a zero day! We woke up and heading down to the laundromat (which was an extremely long walk from the lodge). Here, we seemed to have run into everyone! Hand Me Down, Day Tripper, Rock Sloth, Knaffles, Indy, Meticulous, Tuna, Tatonka, Sits in Chair, and about ten other hikers were all here sitting on the porch of the General Store. Of course, with everyone here, everyone decided to start drinking and we all decided that tonight we would all take a zero at the Fontana Hilton. Especially because Hand Me Down was headed off the trail for the PCT so of course everyone wanted to party for him! We'll miss ya! As everyone was drinking and having a good time catching up, a couple guys working for Budweiser pulled up. Instantaneously, everyone cheered for them as they came up the steps. Apparently they were loving the hiker vibe because they came back out of the General Store with a 12 pack of Bud Light and Budweiser each and handed it out to everyone! Thanks guys! It was a different kind of trail magic (for me at least), but it was definitely appreciated by everyone!When we got to Fontana Hilton, I was definitely impressed by how large the shelter was and the giant fire pit that was next to it. I wasn't too impressed with the bathrooms and shower though because it was pretty dirty...not sure when the last time it was cleaned was. Probably because too many hikers have passed through!SuperFeet got a massive fire going with his impressive fire skills. It was so big and so hot that no one could even stand anywhere near it for the longest time! By far this was the best fire of the hike. Everyone agreed to that!With how beautiful the day was, SuperFeet and I decided that tonight would be the night we were going to cowboy camp! My first cowboy camp! I'm excited to fall asleep staring into the star-filled skies!Btw, we heard that Rock Sloths mother, Nancy, was reading our journal so we wanted to say hi to you and thank you for your support! It's just the greatest feeling knowing that people are actually interested in our lives and are interested enough to read our entries. So thank you to everyone!!Thwap-Thwap! - Barnacles
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today has definitely been the hottest day of the trip by far. We left Fontana Hilton around 1 (because we were debating on whether or not to stay for another zero since Hand Me Down was headed off for the PCT). It was a nice, hot walk over the dam. It was really cool seeing the fire tower across the lake and knowing that in just a few hours, we would be standing at the top looking down on the lake. It's just a really cool feeling!As we started our hike into the Smokies, the temperature shot up a billion degrees. I was sweating more than I have ever sweat before and I was panting as if I was gonna die. SuperFeet on the other hand was fine and wasn't dying like I was. Since I was dying from the heat, my pace slowed down a lot so SuperFeet went ahead of me for awhile. I even had to take my shirt off and hike in my sports bra because with it on, I felt like I couldn't go on. It was insane! Thankfully as it got to be around 4, a strong breeze starting hitting us and it cooled me down unbelievably. I felt great with the breeze against my skin and I started picking up my pace a lot more. Or so I thought because we hadn't gone very far at all and the shelter was still far off. So we pushed ourselves and I definitely pushed myself past my limits. We were about a mile and a half away from the shelter and I was absolutely exhausted. I guess the heat from earlier was catching up to me and I could barely move on. SuperFeet kept having to push me forward because I was ready to stop. Eventually we finally made it to the top of the mountain to where the shelter was and I was dead. That was definitely the longest and toughest mile and a half of my life. I sat down for a very long time before I could move around. I hated today's hike, but I made it and that's what really counts! Today was just a preview of what summer will bring, but at least now I'll be prepared for it!Thwap-Thwap! - Barnacles