morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Springer Mountain

To: Gouch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

After years of planning and prepartaion we finally strated the trail. We got up at 6:00, ate and packed then headed to the visitor's center to sign in and weigh our packs. My pack was 38 pounds with food and H20 but only 22 pounds with just gear. Next we drove for about 30 miles around the mountains to a service road 0.9 miles down the trail so Willy and his parents and I hiked to the top of Springer and officially began our AT hike.The weather was great. It was supposed to be the coldest morning in the lat month but it was great to me. The first part of the hike was downhill or flat so we made great time. Then the up came followed by down, up, down, up etc. But my legs felt great and the day flew by. We passed alot of people on the hike, most who had hiked the 9 mile approach trail and were now wishing they didn't. Willie's pace was the same as mine so that is nice.We just got into camp and met 2 people from Maine already. Alot of northerners out here.Its after dinner now. I had some Lipton's cheddar and brocolli. The wisperlite stove worked great and the food wasn't bad. Then I filtered so that I can just get up and go in the morning.Met a guy who was in the Navy. He did 20 years and retired but didn't look more than 25 years old. He gave me some chocolate with rum in it for my birthday.Tomorrow we head to Blood Mountain Shelter. Looks like most people are going there too. We may head a few miles further to Neel's Gap if we feel good.
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Gouch Gap Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Woke up around 6:30. Slept a good 11 hours. When the sun is down all you can do is sleep. Getting ready in the morning was quick. Took about 20 minutes to wake up, eat and pack but I had to wait for Willie anyway.Right off the bat my knees hurt. Then after a few miles my ankles hurt too. Luckily it wasn't the ankle I sprained a few months ago. But my knees hurt all day especially on the downhill. They better toughen up soon so we can put the miles on.We decided to go a few extra miles so we couuld get to civilization and make some calls. We also resupplied and cleaned up. We met some thru-hikers going south. They started in September, crazy.
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Neels Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a rough one. Right from the start my knees were killing me. I was barely able to do anything, up or downhill, cause my knees stapped with every step. But I kept waddling along and eventually they only hurt on the downhill. I really hope the pain goes away in the next few days because I don't think I can take much more of this if I want to walk when I'm older.On a better note, crossing the road we came across 2 people at their car giving away drinks and food for free. We sat in some lawn chairs and chatted for a while.We also saw our first deer today. It was right in the middle of the trail but we were talking when we came across it and it ran away.Met some interesting people today. One guy named Nathan, who is a little slow in the head, was a riot. He started the hike with 65 pounds and buried his radio on Springer because he didn't want to carry it. He had jeans and everything he owned wasmade of cotton. At our campfire that night, our first one by the way, Nathan goes, "Hey, lets sing some campfire songs! Bird bird bird, bird is the word. Anyone know any Beatle's tunes?"Also of note was Christine who just graduated from Colby. She is having the same knee problems as me and after talking for a bit we found out that we both walked backwards down the same stretch to ease the pain.
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

This was the hardest day yet even with the lower mileage. My knees hurt more this morning than they have yet. The 80 degree weather made things worse.We passed a bible thumper today. He started by telling us about the high failure rate or thru-hikers. Then he went on to complain about the Methodist and Catholic church while preaching about his hate for gays and lesbians and then he had the nerve to tell us how righteous he was. We just smiled and nodded but in all truth this guy is not going where he thinks he is.Here are some great quotes from our friend the preacher: "You read any good books lately?" "I bet your wondering why I am holding this 3 pound book in my hand." "The main thing is I read it, the main thing is I learned it, the main thing is I live it!"We ran out of water with about a mile to go so that was a little scary. When we got there I went to purify some water and clean up a bit when this old lady jumped into the brook upstream from me and started washing her legs. It was gross so I left and came back later.
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

 Fantastic day today! Made it to North Carolina. Hiked our first 20 mile day. Bagged 3 peaks taller than anything we had climbed yet. And to top it off my knees are feeling much better today.Last night was dull. We stayed at the shelter with about 10 other people and they were all over 50. Not one of them even said hi. Then one guy snored all night. But this was not a normal snore. It was like he saved up 20 snores for one huge one ever few minutes.But today was fun. We hit NC and got our pictures taken by some day hikers. The first 2 miles in NC were straight up. We cruised along and found some "trail magic" towards the end of the day. Someone had left some sodas.We pitched out tent for the first time as the shelter was full. We also pitched our own bear bags for the first time. Tomorrow we plan for another 20 miler and try to hitch hike into Franklin.
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Another long day today. Fortunately the trail was very flat for most of the day. We did 14 miles by lunch and the afternoon went quick too.As we got to the road to hitch-hike into Franklin some kids pulled up with smoke pouring out of their hood. We asked for a ride when they fixed the problem. The kid in the passenger seat had a pistol in his lap.They dropped us off at the Haven's Motel in Franklin about 10 miles away. The Motel is kind of a dump but its good enough. The people are very nice with their southern hospitality.We cleaned up, went to an all you can eat, then headed back to the motel to call Crystal and the folks. We decided to take a zero day tomorrow so that we could get some things done but I am really tired right now.
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We decided to take a 0 day today to resupply. We also did laundry and I bought a knee brace. Went to McDonalds and bought out the dollar menu. But mostly we just took it easy and tried to stay off our feet.We met quite a few other thru-hikers at the motel. Stayed up late talking with them and we all ordered pizza. It was a nice day off but I am anxious to get back out hiking.
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

We had a late start today since we couldn't get a shuttle to the trail until 9:30. It was pouring when we woke up and sprinkling while we were driving so we had all our raingear on but it stopped for the rest of the day once we started.The first five or so miles we climbed alot. We had some great views and took some pictures. We got to the shelter really early even with the late start. Maybe it was beacuse our legs finally had a break.
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Woke up to about 2 inches of snow. We put on the waterproof socks and faced the cold. As we lost elevation the snow eventually went away and turned to rain. But it wasn't too cold so we didn't use raingear.We came to the town of Wesser, NC around lunchtime. I heard that the kayaking portion of the Atlanta, GA Olympics took place here. We had lunch at a restaurant with Keith, another thru-hiker. After a nice lunch I called Crystal to say hi and then we hit the trail heading back into the snow.The wind picked up and the temperature fell but we kept going on up into the snow until we found the shelter with a village of people huddled inside their sleeping bags.
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Sassafras Gap shelter

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: broken clouds

More snow today. It was a bit windy and some of the snow drifts were up to 8 inches. But overall it was a cold and wet miserable don't stop until your done day.Eventually we ducked below the snow line and had some great views of Fontana Dam. Joel and Luaren, some friends we have run into a few times, also made it from Sassafras to Fontana. We all plan to share a motel room tomorrow. There was a nice warm shower at the visitor's center nearby which was a nice bonus as well as a payphone.
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Fontana Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Taking today off was a great idea. The weather was cold and rainy all day and I can imagine the weather in the Smokies.We resupplied, did laundry, and ate some real food. This place is strange, its like a resort but not really a town. When we asked someone who worked there if there was any other place in town to eat he said, "What do you mean by town?"We shared the hotel room with Joel aka Stink Foot, Lauren and their dog named Root. The dog was not allowed in there but we snuck him in anyway.
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Fontana Village Inn

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Big day today! First day in the Smokies, less than 2000 miles left to hike, saw 2 horses, and finally got a trail name which is "Good To Go." I'm not really sure how to type it, maybe one word would be better. Bear Behind gave the trail name to me after I had said the phrase a few times. I like it because it kinda describes me and its easy to remember. Willy's trail name so far is "Willy Goat." I'm trying to get him to change it to just "Goat."Today was another tough one on the feet. We climbed 3500 feet and most of it was in the cold sluch. The waterproof socks in the sandals was a bit cold. Everytime I stepped in the slush my feet about froze but warmed back up very quickly.Some weekend hikers gave us some wicked good food and made a fire which was nice.
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Mt. Collin's Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

Toughest day yet by far. Extremely cold and windy and the snow on the ground was frozen solid making it tough on the ankles. In fact my previously sprained ankle started acting up on me for the first time this trip. We averaged under 2 MPH for the first time too. But even so we were going much faster than anyone else and still put in a close to 20 mile day.We summited Clingman's Dome which is the highest peak on the AT at 6643 feet. We took lots of pictures too. So its all downhill from here. But it was a rugged day and I'm very glad its over.
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Mt. Collin's Shelter

To: TriCorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Coldest night so far. I had my fleece and long underwear on in the sleeping bag and was still cold. It was definately below 20 but it could have been in the single digits. I left in the morning with both my fleece and wind jacket on for the first time this trip. I kept them on for a good few hours because of the piercing wind.Lots of people at Newfound Gap, guess its a tournist spot. I told a woman who was waiting for some people that they were not far behind and she gave me a Mountain Dew.I felt really good today. Tomorrow we leave the Smokies and in a couple of days we will hit Hot Springs for a well deserved break.
Date: 2004-04-06
From: TriCorner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farms Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: few clouds

Finally we are out of the Smokies!!! No more snow and its spring again! Last night we stayed in a very full shelter. Probably close to 30 people all who ran away to the closest town when the snow hit. Some people had stayed in town for 4 days and were just now realizing the snow wasn't going to go away.The hike was nice, mostly downhill. We stayed at a nice hostel with good company. You could get food there on the honor system, just take what you want and leave the money in the morning. I also had a chance to update my webpage a little. I hope to get it up to date in Hot Springs.
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Standing Bear Farms Hostel

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 30.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We were trying to figure out the best way to get to Hot Springs and stay only 1 night but still get a nice break. We finally decided to just hike like crazy tonight so that we can take a very short day tommorow and another short day after that. We did 30 miles in 12 hours through medium difficult terrain. It was a long day but I am very glad we did it.Tomorrow we will hike 3.2 miles into town and get resupplied. We are thinking about going 70 miles to Erwin NC next and then go to Damascus for our next mail drop.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs Camp Ground
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

We found a camp ground in Hot Springs for $5 right near everything and the weather looks good enough not to need to stay inside. We ate a big breakfast and checked out the local shops for food to buy later.Right now I am typing this up obviously. We found a library in town that limits internet usage to 30 minutes. We are pushing 2 hours now, maybe we smell and they don't want to approach us. I changed a few things in my earlier entries because I was very pressed for time when I put those up. Sorry for typos.I would really like to plan to see both Sally Chamberlin and the Maryland clan when we get to Virginia and Maryland as well as anyone else near the trail. Right now I'm thinking we will get to Damascus, the southern tip of the AT in Virginia, around April 18th or sooner. I guess the best way to figure out where we will be is to figure 20 miles per day with a rest day once a week so about 120 miles per week. Now that we are out of the bigger mountains for a while we should be able to put on some miles.Thanks to everyone for signing the guestbook. I wish I could reply to them all but the Internet doesn't grow on trees yet.We sent out 2 more rolls of film today for Matt to put up on the page. Hopefully they will be up within the week.Because of the huge snowstorm in the Smokies tons of thru-hikers all got held up. Right now we are basically ahead of the entire pack except for those who left in early March. We expect to not see too many hikers for the next week or so.Since I'm bored and have nothing else to do now I'll share my eating diet with everyone. It's very nice. Pop tarts for breakfast. Candy bar, usually snicker or a milkyway unless someone sends me the good/expensive stuff (powerbars or protein bars) for a snack before and after lunch. Lunch generally consists of a bagel or some form of bread cover in the worst peanutbutter brand we can find. The more calories and fat the better. Dinner is Lipton's soups. We like the noodle ones but sometimes the stores only have rice types. Now that we are a few weeks in our appetites are supposed to take off. Therefore I am going to start taking more cheap foods like a box of nutty bars. The main rule for foods out here is that the worse they are for you the better they are for you.Quote of the day, "Why do they call you Poppins?" "Cause I'm so damn Merry!"
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Hot Springs Camp Ground

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Slept late and had another big breakfast. Then I called the Marines who said things are looking good, whatever that means, I'm not really sure. Talked to Crystal too, she is doing good and is too busy with college to miss me.We headed out for another short day. We saw three small lizards, I got a picture of one, and a two foot snake.Right now Full Moon, Midas, and Apple Pie are eating dinner at the shelter with us. Apple pie is a little annoying, more like very annoying. I hope she moves on tonight because she thinks she wants to tent tonight. I have much more to say about this but will refrain since some hikers read other hikers journals while they are out here.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Birthday Crystal! Thought about you alot today, sorry I couldn't be with you today.We had a nice day today. We did finally get the shelter to ourselves, everyone else tented it.We walked across a beautiful ridgeline this afternoon, amazing views. Then we got passed by Roobi, the first time this trip we have been passed while not on a break. But he left Hot Spring's before us yesterday so we are just crossing paths back and forth probably.Had a nice easy day overall. The 20 mile days are very easy after a 30 so we will probably make 20 miles the minimum day from here on out.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 29.4
Weather: moderate rain

Amesome day today! We crossed a road this morning and someone was giving out Easter candy. Then later we came across a cooler with soda, beer and candy. I had a beer and a peep. I was definately feeling the peep being on an empty stomach.We got to our intended shelter at 3:00 and it was drizzling but we decided to go five more miles and tent. When we got there it was pouring so we decided to j ust keep going to the next shelter. So tomorrow we have 6 miles to go then we will hitch-hike into Erwin then go straight to Pizza Hut.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Miss Janet's, Erwin TN
Miles today: 6.3

We ended up staying in the shelter with Roobi and Nick, someone we met a week ago. We got into town around 10 and then hitch-hiked in the back of a pickup truck 4 miles to the hostel. It was pouring the whole time. Then we went straight so Pizza Hut. I had 5 plates on pizza and bread sticks. I have never eaten so much so fast in my life. Needless to say I didn't feel too good walking back to the hostel. Everyone at the hostel is nice. There is alot of slackpacking going on here. Slackpacking is where you hike a portion of trail with just lunch and water, basically a day trip, then get a ride back to the hostel for the night. Then the next day you do the next part of the trail, never really carrying your pack or staying outdoors over night. I am totally against is but just about everyone here is doing it. Lazy in my opinion. We will take a 0 day tomorrow then start out Thursday morning for a five day 110 mile trip to Damascus to finally get into Virginia, I can't wait.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Miss Janet's, Erwin TN

To: Miss Janet's, Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0

Had a nice relaxing day. We got our laundry done and resupplied. Then we drove around in the shuttle for a few hours.We went to McDonald's for dinner and then it started raining while we were there. I didn't bring my rain jacket so we headed back to the hostel in the rain. Then a wicked slow train came through so we waited for it too pass in the freezing cold, luckily there was a gas station nearby so we waited out of the rain. Then as the train finally passed after a good 10 minutes another train started on the track behind it. After stopping and going about 20 feet at a time it stopped and went back the other direction just as slow. So it took us about an hour to get from McDonald to the hostel .3 miles away.Later I jumped into a poker game at the hostel. We played a few diferent types of poker but after a few hour I had everything.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Miss Janet's, Erwin TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light snow

The snow is back. As we climbed back into the mountains we hit about 6 inches of snow. It took longer to get there than expected. We planned for some big mile days ahead. Hopefully the snow won't last or slow us down much. We planned for 5 days to travel 120 miles to Damascus. I am just not looking forward to waking up tomorrow in the freezing cold. We braved some fierce winds as well as some near white out conditions earlier. I thought we left this horrid weather in the Smokey's.
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

Very fun day today, alot of things happened. We got passed for the first time by people who actually started after us. But these weren't just any people/ It was Flyin' Brian and his hiking partner Silver Girl. In 2001 Flyin' Brian became the first person to hike the AT, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail all in one calendar year, 300 days. That's an average of like 35 miles a day. Silver Girl is a sponsored runner who does 100 mile races. They started on March 30, 1 week after us. We hiked with them for a few miles in the morning. They said we were the first to hike with them for any real period of time since they started. They lost us on a long uphill section after lunch. But later we ended up passing them back, granted they had stopped for a while and were talking to some people so maybe it doesn't really count. So we have stayed with them last night and tonight now, great people.The weather was really nice today. It was sunny and the snow was melting really fast. It was practically raining in some section because the snow was melting of the trees.Today might have been one of the last real hiking days. Tomorrow is mostly flat and it will stay like that into Damascus. Then some easy states until up north.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Man am I tired. I'm not sure why either. We have 57 miles to go into Damascus in 2 days, I hope we can do it.We started the day climbing 2 bald mountains with incredible views. But then we ducked into the woods and twisted and turned this way and that for 18 miles, very boring. Hopefully the next 2 days will be better.I forgot to mention yesterday that we drank unpurified water for the first time. Flyin' Brian drank out of the spring so that was good enough for us.