morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Winding Stair Gap/Ron Haven's Budget Inn

To: Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

It is the evening of the 19th. Will be heading out in the morning @ approx. 9:30am. It sure seems to be tough leaving town. At times I was bored, but honestly, at times today it was nice. I am sure that I will get back into the flow once the hiking begins"Highway" from FL came in today. He wants me to use Wyoming Shan as my trail name. I will stick w/ Shamrock for as long as Unicorn/Pegasus are on the trail.Well better get things mostly packed so as to make the morning less hectic.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Zero day

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6

ONce again today was a day of extremes. Didn't want to leave Franklin but once on the trail I felt like Superman. Almost two days of rest! But didn't take long to come back down to earth. Struggled a little mentally as I was going up to Wayoh Bald. But as I was walking up I ran into Pegasus. Him, Unicorn, Low Impact and Sherpa were on top. I thought they were a day ahead of me. Let them go ahead as I took a break but caught them later. Then decided to hike w/ them. Ended up going at least 3 miles longer than I had intended but it actually worked out well so that I can easily get into the NOC tomorrow. Or further. Great to see these guys again. Lifted my spirits. They are good people.Not entirely sure what I am going to do tomorrow. Will see what the day brings. Will listen to ta little music before bed. Maybe read a chapter as well. It is 9:45 latest I have been awake on the trail. Pegasus had a fire going so we stood around it for awhile. App, a trail maintainer, is camped here doing tail mant. I had my first trail magic here. He ahd set out some pop for us to drink. I had a mist.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Mile 137.4
Miles today: 15.2

Today was a great day. Although I was tired at the end (biggest mileage). I felt that I made good progress. Plus I set myself up to get to Fontana Dam early enough to get my food drop. If I had to wait until Thursday it would a waste of a half a day. Probably the hottest day so far, partially because the trail drops so low as it crosses the Wantahala river @ the NOC. Left Pegasus, Unicor, Low IMpact, and Sherpa this morning. I don't think that I will see them again until maybe Hot Springs. I enjoy their company but they start later than I prefer. Hope to see them again. Just camping at a spot tonight. Will get back on schedule with the the shelters tomorrow. The company is nice @ the shelters and will have to get used to them in the Smokies. All for today.
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Mile 137.4

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

The day started great but ended sour. Wow we did some climbs today. Mentally they were draining. Heels really hurt today. Vitamin "I" tonight. Hope to get an early start into Fontana tomorrow. Opted to stay in Motel to do laundry & shower before the push thru the Smokies. Weather has been great. Will see wht the next four days brings. Starting to see some wildlife. Saw a deer yesterday, as well as, a rabbit. A wild turkey as well. ALmost stpped on a snake early this morning. Brown. So I didn't even see it until it slithered by me. I might have to slow down after tomorrow. The body is taking a beating. I will reach another milestone tomorrow. I will have hiked more distance than ever before. A new frontier after that (I am counting the mileage of the Approach trail). RedEyes wandered into the shelter around 7pm. I had thought he was ahead fo me but he took a zero @ the NOC. Ran into Rabbit and Throughfoot where trail angel brought us water. They wnet on to the next shelter. I think that they plan on going into the Smokies tomorrow. Beaker & Hanna are going into Fontana and will stay in motel as well. I might catch up to them if I get an early enough start. Need to be at post office before 4:30pm. Will be a little tight but should mke it. Shooting for a 7am departure time. Morning will come early so this is all for now. I need to check phone to see what Dr. said regarding Holly. She went to the doctor this morning. Hope everthing is ok. (side note: she is fine and got medication to get her well)
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Lodge Motel
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Had a pretty good day today. Still a lot of heel pain but tolerable. I don't think it is structural. Simply bruised from rubbing on the long uphill segments. Came into Fontana Dam Village today. Couldn't resist the temptation of a motel and shower! Picked up food drop. All set for six days through the Smokies. I think that we should have sun for the first 2-3 days. Sure would be nice if the weather holds. Pack is going to be heavy. Had dinner w/ Rabbit, Throughfoot, Beaker, Bandana (formerly Hanna) and Stranger. Stranger is living in New Zealand. This group all started within a couple of days of each other. Not sure who is @ the shelter. Will see tomorrow. the Smokies require that you sate @ shalters. So it should be pretty crowded.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Fontana Lodge Motel

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a day of milestones. Entered the Smokies, have hiked more than 176.2 miles which leaves less than 2,000 miles to go. I felt pretty good mentally again today. The heels are hurting but I think it is just bruises. I felt exuberant this morning when I discovered I could walk across Fontana Dam. The world for over a weeks has been that it was closed and we would have to blue-blaze around it approx. 2.5 miles but 1,000 ft of elevation loss and gain. Exuberant isn't the the exact term. I actually giggled I was so happy. Low IMpact will be very pleased as well. Another interesting thing happened. Josh of the Hiker Hostel (they picked me up at the iarport) had told us about a couple on the trail that were only doing 3-5 days. He was a comedian and magician. Anyway, I passed them today. He goes by Punchline and she is Tag. Have to stay in shelter tonight. I can tell right now that it is going to suck. Will keep my MP3 player handy. Might have to listen to it all night. Speaking of achievements, I also did more miles than ever. What this does is to postiion myself to get out of the Smokies in 5 days. I think I am not impressed with them yet. Maybe will get better. Clingman's Dome is ahead. Highest point on the AT. By getting out early, I might get to Hot Springs early. So maybe another nero and zero. Kinda hiking with Rabbit and Throughfoot. Not sure if I like it. Will see what tomorrow brings. Well back to the shelter masses. Might try to read. I am missing my swetheart bunches. All for now.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I was out of it a little bit today. Zoned out. About all I can remember thinking about until noon was my strategy to hike out of the Smokies. One thing that became perfectly clear to me was that yesterday tool a lot out of me. So, today I decided to hike 13.5 miles to Double Spring Gap Shelter. My feet are in agony still. On a positive note, we went thru some sections with the forest floor just covered w/ wild flowers. Little white ones and purple ones. I don't think I will continue to hike with Rabbit and Throughfoot. Their style is a little to frenetic for my taste. I hike, obviously, as we started about the same time, about the same pace/distance; I just prefer to do it my way. Good guys though. Another highlight is I will be going over Klingman's Dome tomorrow. It is the high point of TN/NC? Not sure which right now and it is the highest point on the AT. The 3rd highest peak in the East, as well as, the highest in the Smokies. Six of us are in the shelter tonight. Better than the 12 at last nights. After re-evaluating it, I don't think that I can leave teh park Monday. I just don't think that I have a 20+ day in me yet. So, will plan now on leaving the park on Tuesday. MIght stay @ a hostel, Standing Bear Farms. We will see what time I get down to it. I will have to get a short-term re-supply (2 days) regardless. Might call on my motel in Hot Springs from Klingmans. Should be there Thursday?Oh, met Hobo Joe yesterday. Had heard about him.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: moderate rain

In spite of rainy weather, I actully had a great day. Basically got soaked but after dropping down I dried out and didn't feed too bad. Did a high point today. Klingman's Dome. I think it is in TN, but not certain. The weather was so bad that I didn't get the best photos but at least I have proof I was there. Heels continue to hurt. Not sure if a switch to my other shoes might not help. Will make that call in a few days while I lounge in Hot Springs. I have scripted the next 5 days out. Plan on being in Hot Springs by noon on Thursday 1 May. That gives me moderate days so that I won't go in all beat up. Road Rash, Rabbit, and Throughfoot are going into Standing Bear Farm on Monday. I will stop in and re-supply fairly early on Tuesday. I gave Throughfoot some foot this evening. He has eaten almost all of his supply. He is ok, so I didn't mind giving him a little of mine. Now, I wouldn't do the same for Red Eyes. Caught up with several new thru-hikers. Won't list them until I see them again. One guy, "Fat Jim" has been into the Johnny Walker Red label, but he seems ok. If nothing else, he is a character. Doc, Rabbit, Roadrash, Throughfoot are all here. Red Eyes went into Gailinburg. Supposed to catch up tonight. We will see if he does. It is getting cold now. Forecast is for a cold front to come in tomorrow. Hopefully it won't last too long. Get back to some warmer weather. All for now.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tricomer Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: moderate rain

I keep talking of getting out of the Smokies fast. I want to make it clear that it isn't because of the place itself. It is solely because of the shelter policy. That being said, the Smokies have been by far the best scenery so far. In spite of a second straight day of rain, it was great hiking today. Basically it is ridge walking along the TN/NC border. I had many profound thoughts today as I trudged thru the rain, but I can't remember them. To put it simply I was a wet and cold pup when I got to the shelter. This place looks like a laundrymat as there are wet, stinky and dirty clothes hanging everywhere. No way will they be dry by tomorrow. That will be quite the experience putting on wet clothes in the morning, but better to hike in them and keep my dry clothes dry. We will see as they will have about 16 hours of dry time. Who am I kidding, they will be wet and cold. Got my first blister today. I think that 2 days fo damp feet was the primary culprit. Didn't get a chance to try to call my setty today. Too wet and cold. Will try tomorrow. Pretty full shlter tonight. Myself, Doc, Rabbit, Throughfoot, Road Rash, Coana, Zephyr, Stick, Repscallion, Red Eyes, and Trailrunner. Weather forecast is for cold tomorrow night, but I will be low so it shouldn't be tto bad. All for now.P.S. sevearl more hikers came in late last night. Must have had 17 - 18 in the shelter. Actually had a mouse on the back of my neck last night.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Tricomer Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: moderate rain

In great spirits tonight. Staying at Standing Bear Farm Hostel. I would recommend this to other Hikers. Woke up this morning w/ the intentions of only going to Davenport Gap Shelter, but after putting on wet socks and soaking wet boots, I decided to push for this hostel. 18.1 miles is my biggest day so far. Easy miles as it was mostly downhill all day. Made goot time in sprite of the trails being miniture streams for most of the morning. three straight days fo rain! It started raining early last night and did not quite until mid-morning. Once again I think the ridgewalking would have been great views, but alas the fog and rain. Anyway, out of GSMPP in 5 days. I now have to slow down a bit to accomodate my reservation dates in Hot Springs, which works out well so that I can be fairly fresh for my rest days. I think after Hot Springs, I might kick up the average daily mileage by 2-3 miles. My legs are feeling great. If only the heels would come along. I continue to have heel problems. Very sore and stiff. On another note, I almost ran into another guy from Wyoming. Missed him by an hour or so. He is going by the trail name Powder River. Might cath him. We will see. At the Hostel are myself, Rabbit, Thoughtfoot, Road Rash and Red Eyes just got here. There are 3-4 others. Rabbit, Thoughtfoot, and Road Rash are going to zero here tomorrow. With my light day tomorrow and my zero, they will probably end up a day ahead of me. Should see them again. Talked w/ Holly today. First time in about 5 days. Will try to call again before I leave in the morning.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

At Groundhog Creek Shelter. Opted to sleep in shelter as I am uncertain what the weather was going to do, but totally clear now. Oh well. Dirty Jerz and Red Eye are the only others here. Bot that nicest shlter. Can't say enough good about Standing Bear Farm. Great place to stay. Rabbit, Thoughtfoot, and Roadrash are zeroing there. Not sure where Doc ended up going. Haven't seen him since yesterday morning. Did a very easy day today as yesterdays mileage put me ahead of schedule. One more night then a motel in Hot Springs.It's going to be very shilly tonight. Already cold and the sun isn't even down yet. Nice hiking otday. Went over a bald and had a goof view of Max Patch. Will cross it around noon tomorrow. All for today. Too cold to write.
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mtn Shlter
Miles today: 13.6

Wow what a day. Where do I even begin? It was flipping cold last night. Slept in shelter because of weather but no rain. Had to have longjohns (top and bottoms), socks, wind shirt, skull cap, and neck gaitor. I knew everyone else was cold as well and couldn't sleep well because there was no snoring for the majority of the night. Finally got up just to get the blood flowing. Slept in until about 8:15. Everyone else did as well. Tough day starting uphill to Max Patch. Flet like I had dead legs. Finally made it to the top and it was the most spectaculor view of this trip. NOt a cloud in the sky. No haze, no smog. The views were outstanding. Max Patch is just a great place. I am not even going to comtemplate as to what causes the balds. Also at the top was trail magic. Matt & Jody were on top with a cooler of pop. So, I had myself a Ginger Ale. Spent about 45 min on top. Matt had done his thru in 2007. They were on their way to Hot Springs to start hiking into Damascus for Trail Days. Good easy hiking coming down and made goot time to Roaring Fork Shelter. Just stopped to use the privy and moved on. Walnut Mtn Shelter was my destination. Got to the shelter and found a food bag just shredded. Big tears in the bay so I assume a bear. We had heard about some bear activity for the last couple of shelters. I took my pack with me to the water source and got water. Then went back to wait for Doc. ANother thru-hiker (Excitable Hiker) stopped and had dinner as I waited. Waited about an hour and decided to push on. Not sure if Doc and WingDIng and Spirit Hiker had maybe changed their plans. Anyway, I wanted to put a little distance between me and the bear(?). So, I walked about 20 min. down the trail. Found a very good site. So tonight I am solo stealth camping. It will be the first time this trip that I have camped completely solo. It feels a little strange not to have other hikers around. Don't know why as I frequently hike solo at home.What a day. Hope I sleep well. Sometimes it si tough when you are worried about company. Want to get an early start tomorrow so that I can get to the motel! And the hot, solid food. Looking forward to a burger and fries.P.S. Been in my tent about an hour now. Didn't realize how much I like to tent, as I have been in shelters 5 of 6 nights. Going to read now.
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Walnut Mtn Shlter

To: Hot Springs Alpine Hotel
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept great much warmer. Wake up a couple of times thinking I hear steps in the dry leaves. Just my imagination, I think. Got up early. Wanted to get into Hot Springs early. It was a very easy climb up Bluff Mtn and a very easy descent into town. Ran into many thru-hikers that I haven't seen yet. Ohm, You-go-girl, Powder River, and fiew more I can't remember. Also saw Rabbit, Thoughtfoot, Redeyes, Wookie, Wasabit (used to be Skid Plate). It seems like everyone (or many at least) congregate in Hot Springs. I have to admit it is a great little town. Really caters to thru-hikers. Nice to get a shower and into cleaner clothes. I don't think clothes ever get really clean after used for this many days -- an to think it is early. Just kicking back now. More tomorrow.
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Hot Springs Alpine Hotel

To: Hot Springs Alpine Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero in Franklin. Gave myself a haircut and did all of my chores. Charge camera, cell phone, prep food, trimmed toe nails, etc. Basically didn't do too much. Then, as I hadn't had any beer yet, I wondered down to Paddlers Pub and had a few beers. Ate dinner with Peach, Fuzz, and Party Animal. Party Animal had hiked the AT twice before and was talking about different aspects of hiking the trail. Very informative dinner. Wandered back to the motel and called home. Then went straight to sleep. All for now.
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Hot Springs Alpine Hotel

To: Hostel Hamlock Hollow 
Miles today: 16.3

Didn't sleep well again last night. Too hot in room even with the air on. Must be getting used to sleeping in the cold. So, finally just got up and packed for the trail. Left motel by 8:30am. Just like when I was leaving Franklin, it was tough. Almost checked to see if I could stay another night. The whole morning I was in a mental funk. Don't know what it is about town stays that make hitting the trail so tough. Finally around noon, my mind was back into it. "Hike On" passed me in early afternoon. He is hiking to Erwin in 4 days. As I was hiking I noticed a blurb in the guidebook about a hostel. So, on a whim I decided to stay there as opposed to tenting. So, I stayed at Hamlock Hollow. It is quite nic. Staying in the bunkhouse with You-go-girl and Slow Barbara.Both are nice. I had met You-go-girl in Hot Springs. They ahd both left there yesterday. So I caught them in a day. I did pretty goo mileage today. If I can do it again tomorrow, there is a slim chance that I can hit Erwin on the evening of day 4. If so, I will stay @ the Hostel (Uncle Johnny). If I don't get there until the following morning, I will probably just shower, do laundry and hike on. We will see what tomorrow brings. I had checked my e-mail while in Hostel and a former co-worker had asked me a few questions. So in tomorrow's post I will attempt to answer them. Should do it tonight, but I am too tire. All for now.
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Hostel Hamlock Hollow 

To: Flint Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Passed 300 miles today!Overall a great day. A little sore and tired, but nothing too bad. Would have like to have gone another mile to a campsite but at least two groups had the same idea. So I tented near the shelter.Day started @ Hamlock Hollow Cabins and Hostel. Highly recommend. Clean and well ran. They also have more than adquate re-supply. After a little uphil the trail was great. Nice and cool. Good hiking. Then came to Big Firescald Knob. It is an exposed ridge with great views. Very rock, reminded me a little of hiking above tree-line. Dropped down and came to Jerry Cabin Shelter. Trail magic! There were sodas in the creek. Unfortunately, I did not have one as I didn't want to haul the can for 3 days. Oh well. Maybe next time.After the shelter I met "Fuzz" and "Peach." They had stayed @ Hamlock as well last night and were slack-packing an 18 mile sction SOBO (south-bound). They have asked me if I wanted to join them but had politely declined. My goal is to whiteblaze the entire way with pack, etc. NOt sure if it will last, but that is my intent. Don't mind what they did it simply isn't for me.Easy climb up Big Butt Mtn. Then a nice, easy, falth (!) sectin. But the trail down was a knee-strainer. Torture on the feet and knees. Not sure what I intend for tomorrow. First shelter is 9 miles and the second one is 19 with a climb over Big Bald. Will have to see how I feel. Realistically I will make Erwin early on day 5.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Flint Mtn Shelter

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 18.9

Trail magic twice today. Cokes @ Devilfork Gap and again just before the climb to Big Bald. Life can be good on the trail. If you are early. Today was like opposites. Got up early because I knew it was a big day and the first 11-12 miles was perhaps the easiest section so far. Flint Mtn to Sam's Gap is easy. Then it got tough. Perhaps because I was doing a long day, but the lst couple of hours hurt. Don't even remember thinking about much from noon on. Just one of those days. Feet really sore. I was in pain. But, this morjning was great hiking. Looking forward to more of that type of hiking. Called Holly when I got to the shelter. Nice to hear her voice. Big Bald was nice but doesn't even compare to Max Patch. Irwin tomorrow. Will hike slower during the next section.
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Uncle Johny's Hostel
Miles today: 16.4

Fairly easy day from Bald Mtn Shelter into Irwin. Apparently, about 4 days ago they did a controlled burn for about 3 miles before No Business Shelter. Nothing was posted so I walked through it. Did come across one area with 4 hot spots still smoldering. Anyway, made it to Irwin early and stopped @ Uncle Johny's Nolichucky Hostel. It isn't mentioned in Baltimore Jacks re-supply article at all. Not sure why, but I can only base my opinion off of my experience. It is well ran and I enjoyed the stay. Talking with "Hike On" he made mention of a fe places up the trail that a person could re-supply. But I'm going to stick to my original plans. It seems simpler and probably cheaper. Although a little heavier. Plus I don't want to be tempted to stay in hostels that frequently. Once every 4.5 days is sufficient. Still trying to get back under my budget.Will call Holly tonight and talk with her. She will be leaving on a business trip and I won't be able to talk w/ her for about a week. Need to ensure all map/gear drops are coordinated.