morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Franklin

To: Lick Log Gap
Miles today: 12.3

Today we got our first taste of what balds are. We past by Wayah bald and Siler Bald. These are places where there is little in the way of trees and shrub type vegetation and lots of grassy field type space it is pretty cool....We were going to stay at winespring but it was cold and wet so we decided to push on in search of the El Dorado of campsites which by the way you will all be glad to know we have yet to find...we settled for a spot with no water and therefore we had to make like squirrels and eat gorp for dinner! Oh well it could be worse we could be working!! Hahah
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Lick Log Gap

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

So I bet the burning question on everyone's mind is....how our the little toesies? Well, I am happy to report that hiking boots are bad and sneakers are good!! The really bad pain in my feet are gone and now there is only general soreness but that is ok! Lug got some free tuna from some folks from Bowling Green University (THANKS) We tried to rename our frind Matt (who by the way has been with us from the beginning in one form or another) Gorporal today but he didn't really go for it! We are all starting to go a little nuts and I am planning on sneaking into Roots tent and liberating her beef jerky....
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Hanging Limb Campsite
Miles today: 9.3

Today Lug got a present at a shelter on the way into the NOC. It was a cold bottle of cider. He shared it with Gorporal and then I practically had to carry him down the hill he was so drunk! We had lunch at the NOC and I saved half of my sandwich for later and it was really good...by the way Lug is still reeling from his half a bottle of booze. Oh teah the NOC is the Nantahala Outdoor Center and it is right on a river and is really cool! Check it out!
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Hanging Limb Campsite

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

It rained last night but when we awoke the skies were sunny and blue! Yay! Today we decided that it would be a good idea to hike a crapload. We were going to stop but we had no water and so just kept on going...in fact after night fell we decided to just keep on going...we came to this vertical climb that we had to bust out ropes and elevators and even a couple of sherpas or two but we finally made it to camp...and then guess what we have water now but nowhere to camp so we do our best and that's really not very good either...Lug got a hole in his therma rest and Zama(that's me) so kindly gave hers up...and still not much sleep...but hey it's not raining and my feet don't hurt! Root showed true grit pushing through on today's hike. We're proud of her.
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Racoon Stink Campsite

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: broken clouds

Last night our campsite smelled like racoons or maybe something else. As usual I slept through some commotion caused by the usual habitants of our little abode. Lug and Root filled me in though on all the creepy sounds and stuff....what can I say I am blessed...I hope they have pizza in Fontana cuz I am almost there!!! That's where the Great Smoky Mountains are too! That should be really fun!
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Fontana Dam

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.0

Today we lost one of our hiking group. Root has been having some problems with her feet and has decided to get them checked out before doing anymore hiking so it is just Lug and I now so there is a little less for the bears to munch on in the smokies. I traded in all of my gear for root's and lost about 5 pounds in my pack which is huge...we also got all the good yummies and all the other good stuff that root has and we pushed off into the smokies. The trail today takes us across Fontana Dam which is the biggest dam west of the mississippi and is awesome. The weather is foreboding but so far is holding. Lots of Flowers today on our hike in to the campground. When we get to our destination there are some law school students Eric and Yarrow who made us hot falafel with hummus and spinachy tofu goodness all wrapped up in a tortilla yummmmmmY and big thanks to you! Also to day we met Applesauce and Cruise we'll see ya'll again I am sure.
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

So the rain never came until it was sleepy time and again we awoke to pretty clear weather...which for the smokies means fog until at least noon. Today we met back up with Jessica and Mic w/o Hershy cuz dogs aren't allowed in the smokies but horses are and we saw one on the trail today! Another cool thing here is the frost that settles on the trees and grass from the fog rollin through and then freezing it up! It sure is pretty here..The shelter tonight is pretty full so we are going to have two dinners and go to bed! Good Night Friends.
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Whoooaaaa longest day yet! Lug really enjoyed hiking along the ridgeline today which was cold and foggy and windy and miserable....in my opinion. We are trying to get in touch with Root because she has goodies for us but the cell phone does not work well here!!!Tommorow we go to Clingman's Dome and the highest peak on the AT! See ya there!
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Holy Crap we are up before the sun and have eaten our oatmeal and are hiking in the dark...have we been kidnapped by AT robots and forced to become superhikers or is there beef jerky waiting for us at the road....we hike 11 miles before noon to meet up with Root and get goodies...on the way we cross over Clingman's Dome the highest point on the trail at 6,643 feet and there was not another soul there. The road is clsed until April and we were basically there at sunrise and the view was well worth it!   It also snowed a little bit on us today and we passed the 200 mile mark! Wow. We just beoke a hundred records! We got filled up on supplies said our good byes to Root and Fred and handed over the cell phone(good bye 8 ounces) and away we went!!!!
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night we were bumped from the shelter by a bunch of grumpy old men carrying pillows...we put up our tent and slept wonderfully. We heard the next day that the snoring was around 308948576 decibels. By the way they didn't even say thank you! Oh well. I hope the get giardia and need to take flagyl....just joking. or am I? Today our hike was a big suprise. It was cold and we hiked along some more ridges mostly at 4,500 - 5,000 plus feet. Sure is beautiful and I haven't even been licked by a bear yet?
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: CatEye Island
Miles today: 17.0

Last night we shared a shelter with Shatter the ridge runner. He recited some spoken word of Saul Williams it was great. We awoke today to almost clear skies at 6 am which is weird for the smokies but proved to be a beautful hiking day out for us. Beautiful rhyme enchanted forests and georgeous vistas. Today we ate M & M's off of the trail and passed up a couple of hostels and found what has yet to be our best campsite to date. Cateye Island....a cute little spot where the stream breaks in two and there is a flat spot and a fire ring...pretty much all we need...Come on out and join us!
Date: 2006-03-19
From: CatEye Island

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

Lug tried to cross the stream on a log and it broke and he fell in.Hahahahha That is pretty funny out here! We met back up with Cruise and Applesauce and their friend Salsa and enjoyed some MT. Dews that Ice Cream left on the trail for us! We stopped at Standing Bear Farm and met Sprocket. We purchased 4 hot cocoa's with our last dollar and I got a free slim jim which by the way made me sick. We hiked and hiked and finally made it to Max Patch. It was totally awesome...I heard Bingo say send in the mother ship and pick us up and envisioned Doug and Jin leading all the pub crew on a crazy wild trip here! Pretty cool! Tonight at the shelter we met back up with Scout and Firefly some folks we met in the smokies and also ran into Southpaw and Bemis our first Southbounders who have been doing a winter hike and are on their eighth month! We should be hitting Hot Springs soon!!!! We'll keep you informed!
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Holy Crap! We hiked our butts off today! Why you ask? Well let's just say it was a little thing called freezing rain/snow.slush/the trail has turned into a frozen stream! We didn't want to do it but Mother Nature made us! It was a cold miserable day but when we got to Hot Springs it was all worth it....mmmmm corn nuggets and onion rings I love you so!!! Bisquits with gravy.....let;s take a bath together. We are staying at Elmer's also known as Sunnyside Inn and Retreat where they feed you vegetarian food and you get to stay in an 1840's mansion! Cool huh! Don't ya'll wish you were here!!! I do!!
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Hot Springs

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

Today I am sitting in front of a computer forever but I am done now. We will be heading back out tomorrow and will be in Erwin Tennesee in 68 miles!!! We will try and keep the updates coming as much as possible and we miss and love you all!!! love Zama and Lug
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Hot Springs

To: BarkBarkMoo Camp
Miles today: 16.3

Today we left behind Elmers, Hot Springs and the greasy spoon....We definitely needed it after the freezing rain dogging us all the way in....we were up and out early and had an enjoyable day of hiking after some ominous looking dark clouds on the morning horizon. We were rewarded with a beautiful sunset and have seemingly been equipped with new taste buds when we weren't looking. Today Lug said "Mmmm cocoa is better than coffee!" and Zama said "Mmmm I heart oatmeal!" Hmmm strange. We fell asleep to the sounds of baying beagles and an active yard of cows...ahhhh side notes....we like garlic and I made Lug skip some trail magic today...I'm sure he will remind me about it for the next 1000 miles or so.
Date: 2006-03-23
From: BarkBarkMoo Camp

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

WooooHoooo today we passed the 300 mile mark!!!! Everyone drink a pint to that! We also decided that if Lug was a noodle he would be a Lasagna noodle and I am opting for penne of the mini variety!!! Looks like some rain is a coming but we'll probably set up our tent here by the shelter anyhow....see you guys in the morning!!!
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light snow

Okay so I know you asking yourself 7.9 miles what is up with that? Are they lazy or broken? Well the answer is....remember that rain....yep...well guess what it was really....drum roll here.....a snowstorm!!! Yipppeee. Our first on the trail and well we couldn't of been more excited when the tent collapsed on us under the weight of snow @ 11 P.M Especially because there were some locals sawing trees for their fire till about 2 A.M. And now were are really excitied because we have a new obstacle to overcome!!!! Yay! Let;'s dry ourselves out and get to our new home for the night!!! See ya There!!
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light snow

OH YEAH!!! Almost 21 miles today!   We ate 2 dinners last night hoping to make our packs lighter for this big day!!! We met back up with some of our friends last night at Hogback Ridge and we all decided the thing to do today was just plow on through the storm in case it keep getting worse...which it just might! So today Cruze, Applesauce, Firelfy, JulieAnne and Thoreau(The Dog) Lug and myself braved Big Bald and it's waist high snow drifts...that's waist high for me...and have us an adventure. Lug and I went down with a couple of face plants and other acrobatic spills mixed in for good form about a dozen times...but it was like falling into a jar of marshmallow all soft and stuff. Our water purifier was frozen so we ate snow and we hiked for 11 hours with maybe three little breaks...to shove gorp down our throats!! Oh frozen boots and dehydration how we adore you. Can I marry you blizzard of 2006? BUT seriously can you believe how beautiful the forest was....I hope that everyone out there can because I sure enough do not have words to describe it! Well....we get to go to Erwin tomorrow and defrost....I hear that they have a VCR where we will bw staying....I'll race you there Lug!!!
Date: 2006-03-26
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin!!!
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: broken clouds

So...we had a small skunk and a big skunk in our shelter last night! One of them was very cute and the other....but in other news we are almost to Erwin and then we can eat and eat and then maybe we will take a nap and eat some more...last one in eats the rotten egg!!
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Erwin!!!

To: SnowMash Camp
Miles today: 11.1

Last night we stayed at the Nolichucky River Hostel @ 25 yds from the trail and today I amdedicating this page in my journal to all of those that made our stay there wonderful and bellyfilled! First!!!!Huge thanks to the families of Cruze and Applesauce....thank you so much for adopting us into your extended trail family!!! We will never forget the kindness that you have shown us!Second!!!!Shelly and Frank at the Nolichucky...you guys were great...and this place rocked! We got our own cabin that had a TV/VCR(Iwatched the color of money)and a great bathhouse with rockin showers and tons of other great stuff. They even do your laundry for you for a measly 3 ducks!YAY!!!Also a shout ou to Scout who was doing some hiker-hiker trail magic offering rides and passing out bananas!!! We heart you Scout!!!I could keep going but we better get our feet moving or we will stay here forever..or maybe just move in with Mama and Papa Applesauce...
Date: 2006-03-28
From: SnowMash Camp

To: ClydeSmith Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Last night we camped on the snow....I know that I haven't mentioned it but yep it's still hanging around...just making everything so gosh darned beautifully miserable....if we keep walking today we just might catch up with Applesauce and Cruze and in case ya'll didn't know...we heart them too! Oh yeah today I fell down while standing still...I am a real acrobat...super graceful too.
Date: 2006-03-29
From: ClydeSmith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

We heard a rumour that there is a big red barn in the woods and that you can stay there...we are hoping for chickens to catch and grill and maybe a good oldfashioned tire swing. Lug says he wants spring daffodils and maybe a salad bar...we'll see what happens though!!
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: ChickenTarp Camp
Miles today: 17.1

Well whan we got to the barn the salad bar was totally wiped clean and there was only cornish game hens and them suckers are fast...instead we had to settle for a sack full of teethmelting goodies packed in by Pogue, Superman and Big Un...thanks so much you guys....I had a midnight snack in the tent and Lug made me breakfast in bed today.....I am the queen of the trail the queen of the trail....la ala lalla...oh...you guys are still here....well go out tonight and eat something good for me will ya? In trail news in case you were wondering Little Hump and Big Hump mountain were pretty hiking and the views were gorgeous...blah blah....everything is so pretty and beautiful.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: ChickenTarp Camp

To: kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.4

Well howdy there folks and welcome to the next page....today we are hiking down into Dennis Cove and the legendary Kincora Hostel which is run by Bob and Pat Peoples. We seem to be about the only folks who don't really know anything about these legends but are about to be schooled. Everyone else is in the know about everything and we know only right foot forward left foot forward and so on and on and on....todays trail is very beautiful and we had great weather until dark but by that time we were gorging ourselves on pizza and cadbury cream eggs so we hardly even noticed! When we arrive at the hostel we were greeted by Bob who has a real thick Boston tongue and the friendliest white cat this side of the continental divide. The hostel only costs us 4 dollars and they have laundry and shuttles to town. Lug is trying to eat his body weight in cupcakes and cream eggs and various other odds and ends it is quite impressive! Tonight we are bunking up with all of our friends on the trail and there is a full house. Tomorrow we plan on being superstars and making breakfast for the gang before heading out. Really it is just my way of tricking Lug into taking a half day....pretty smart huh? All ya gotta do is feed em and they forget about the daily average and all the other stats...Well we plan on eating nothing but candy until we get to Damascus so I will let you know how long my belly lasts before is revolts....
Date: 2006-04-01
From: kincora Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

It seems a little strange to me that 10.7 miles is now our easy day...I am thinking of defecting to Mexico but it is almost the rainy season there and my margaritas will get watered down to easy....tonight we saw a flying squirrel and ate 2 dinners topped off with stream cooled pudding...mmmmm...mmmm....we also saw two snakes and my April Fool's plan for today backfired because I tried to use it yesterday. I know 30 days has September..blah...blah...blah...Oh well I will get them next year, maybe I will have my friend Peaches rig up a trick hot dog on a string that you can never quite reach.....that'll learn em!! Much love to you all!!!!
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Today we took our own good time getting going as the sun was shining and the temperature was up! There are butterflies everywhere and the trail is still looking good. We ahve been following Watauga Lake which seems to spread out all over the place and sure is beautiful!!! We decided that tonight we are going to eat all of our food and hike 26 miles to Damascus in the morning. It seems like a case of trail madness if ever there was one......
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: light rain

Last night was the 34th annual mouse olympics at the Iron Mountain Shelter...tickets were free but the food was lousy. We had mice all over....they were only kinda cute but mostly annoying! Also thunder and lightning came for a visit. I sure do love those folks...but today is hoagie lane day and after only one short marathon wearing 30 lb weights on our back we'll be home free!!!!Since all I really remember about this day is I walked a freakin marathon I will just list highlites...We ate 8 candy bars.Lug touched a snake(it was as big as a worm but still a snake)We reached Virginia(our 4th state)The Applesauce/Cruze connection did it again! Thanks to all!!!Mmmm Soda!!Oh yeah and we hiked 26 miles.Beat that Apollo!
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Damascus

To: Bedtime Camp
Miles today: 0.0

Well Root came to get us last night and we went shopping and got goodies and then showers and laundry and breakfast and soda and popcorn and candy and really good food and lots of it! can you tell that food is a huge part of town life? Thanks a ton to Root and Fred who picked us up and fed us helped with everything that we needed to do in town and also watched TV with us! You guys are great!!!Thanks again for everything!
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Bedtime Camp

To: CruzeTime Camp
Miles today: 0.0

Today we bought a new tent.Ate more food.Got a ride into Damascus from Footloose who thru hiked in 1996.Went to the post office.Came to the library.And now we are going to a party!!! Yay for party's!!!Tomorrow we hit the trail again after two entire glorious days off.Oh I almost forgot before we go to the party we are going to the dairy king which we are hoping is the gay dairy queen.There will be some more fun stuff coming up...I hope!!! Talk to you all soon!
Date: 2006-04-06
From: CruzeTime Camp

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Well...after alot of food compliments of Root and Driver A.K.A Fred and the combined families of Applesauce and Cruze AND just to make sure we hit up the Dairy King for some biscuit sandwiches on the way out of town...we finally hit the road again today. We were planning to stop at the first shelter out of town but we had a little extra time and hoofed it another 6 miles. The AT follows alongside the Virginia Creeper Trail out of Damascus and let me tell you it looked like fun. It is an old rails to trails with some built-in fishing platforms and beautiful fishing holes. A paradise for the biker/fisherman in the family! Although the scenery is beautiful I can't help but continue dreaming of my dinner out with Root and Driver...Mmmmm...sweet tea!!!
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

OH MY GOD....WILD PONIES!!!! Today I turned back into Root's little girl as our hiking took us through Grayson Highlands state park over Mount Rogers and through Massie's Gap....where there is a herd of wild ponies!!!! There are some balds here which are big ol fields on the tops and sides of the hills. They are really popular with hikers and picnicers so they keep the free of growth through the use of ponies and mowing and fires. It was a really windy day and we watched a thunderstorm a blowin in as we tried to make it to the shelter in time. We did but were treated to another thuder/lightning display overnight which when you've been out in the woods for 45 days is kinda like hiker TV. I had to force myself back to sleep...it was hard to do! Well, we've met back up with Scout and Firely and Tank and are now just missing our buds Aplesauce and Cruze...but I am sure we'll see them soon!!
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Yay...it is still raining...Yay more fruit left for us at the road crossings...Yay Waterfalls...Yay Everytime we see a grouse we scare it and it scares us...Yay for flowers...Yay for fireplace....Yay for Silverstreak, we just found out that he is the fruitgiver!!!Yay... for walking!!! Yay for you...we'll see you tomorrow!
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Skull Hill Camp
Miles today: 20.0

So, we decided that we would hike 20 miles again today...because our cable went out and Lug had a day off. Although this is very exciting the phrase of the day as not 20 miles but "Pizza how I love and cherish thee, Pizza will you marry me?" Well, after about 10 miles of hiking today we came upon the partnership shelter where they have menus(for PIZZA) and a phone to order!!! We got 78 dollars in pizza amongst 6 of us. Lug and I got a turkey sub too...but we waited until sunset on skull hill to eat it. I really can't explain what it is like to have a turkey sub at the end of the day when you should be eating ramen but it's kinda like when you really have to pee and the driver of the car doesn't want to pull over and it takes 30 minutes longer than you think you can last until you get your chance...yeah it's kinda like that.P.S. Speedy Gonzales won the 5 foot dash last night at the shelter leaving Mighty to cry in the corner...
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Skull Hill Camp

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Although alot of good stuff happened today all I can remember is that noone wanted to pick us up hitchhiking. We walked four miles on the blacktop to the post office. BooHoooHoo. When i got there I was rewarded with a giant hershey bar!! Yay! Thanks Dawn