morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: clear sky

I finally got a brief moment to check my messages online in Franklin. Thank you everyone for signing my guest book. The thoughtful comments are very encouraging. I only wish I could keep a better journal out here, but it's been challenging! Without a smart phone or ipad etc., I am unable to post immediate updates. I plan to add photos once I get to my daughter's house at the end of the month.   Before setting foot on the trail, I thought I would have so much time to reflect upon and analize my life. Thus, subsequently relate profound insights through this journal. I thought I would have time to plan for my future and reflect on my personal relationships. Here is the reality: the moment I let my mind wander from the trail, I am immediately jolted back to the present by some object in the path that I either trip over, slip on, or get whacked in the face by. Or, instead I find myself plowing ahead through gusting wind strong enough to knock me over, being pelted in the face by driving rain, or pushing myself through a snow storm thinking of nothing else but my immediate survival. My only objective becomes reaching my destination, getting into warm dry clothes and eating a hot meal. Bed time is when the sun goes down so I'm not thinking about much else other than hoping for a pain-free good night's sleep at that time.   I think that's the beauty of life on the trail. It can be difficult yet simple. It seems more natural to be concerned with basic necessities rather than being concerned with having the latest electronic gadget or looking good in the latest fashion or worried about how to keep up with the payments for all these modern day "must haves".    My Hubba tent arrived today and I can't wait to crawl inside and feel at home again within the tiny confines of it's minimal space. Thanks to local trail angels Double Healer and Tinkerbell, I made it back to the trailhead in plenty of time to get to Siler Bald before dark. There is a good group of young folks here tonight plus Chickadee and her father, T-Dog. They are very nice people from Asheville and I hope to stay in touch.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Yay! I finally got a full day's hike in. I still feel like I'm running out of steam on the uphills by the end of the day. But I feel like I'm making progress. I count my steps on the uphills adding one more step each time before I stop to catch my breath. I know I am stronger today than the day I started.    It was very difficult to ignore the signs on the trail for the Aquone Cabins. I looked atthem online before I left home. They are very nice cabins and at $20 for a bunk and only $5 for a shuttle (plus they slackpack), it is a great temptation. as much as I would like to go there, I am not yet due for a night indoors. Tomorrow I will reach the NOC after a long, sometimes steep 3,000 ft. descent. I will most likely stay in the bunk room there.   Tonight I am in the shelter with a fun bunch of young people. Tarzan & Coffee Pot are brother and sister. They are 18 and 20 years old and make a great team. They even have their own "secret" language...so cute.   It is still terribly cold out...I love my zero degree bag.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.6

Spring is on it's way! I saw my first wildflower today and a butterfly too! It was sunny and warm today (which also brought out the gnats and flies)! That made the trail a little more pleasant but did not prevent me from experiencing excruciating pain in my toes from the relatively precipitous drop down into Nantahala Gorge. By the last two miles or so, my toes were numb on the outside but screaming on the inside from the continuous jamming into the front of my boots.    As I checked in at the General Store, I could barely speak my feet hurt so bad. I was told it would be a steep climb up to the bunk room. While I wasn't exactly happy to hear that, I was very glad it was uphill and not down. I bought a couple of resupply items and headed across the street to the outfitter. I had to purchase more Aqua Mira because I left mine at Cold Spring Shelter. I actually saw it sitting on the the little table outside the shelter, but mistakenly thought it belonged to someone else. I found out earlier in the day when I filled my bottle with spring water and discovered I didn't have it. It cost twice as much at the NOC than what I paid when I ordered a bunch of it online. I did all my shopping before going up to my room because the way I felt, I doubted I would want to come back down.   So I claimed my bunk in the empty room, gathered my "town clothes" and headed straight for the showers. Once inside, I found a stall where someone had left some men's Dove body wash. It was very perfumy but I used it anyway. I also washed my clothes with it in the shower. Back at the bunk room I hung my wet clothes to dry, gave myself a nice foot massage and felt about 50% better. I knew I would feel even better after a good meal. so i went on down to the River's End restaurant and treated myself to meal of grilled cheese & tomato sandwhich, mushroom & brie soup and a salad. Yum! I ate alone but just as I was leaving, many other hikers showed up. Oh-well, my appetite couldn't wait. I'm too tired to do much socializing anyway. I did see Rampli and Tarzan near the camp kitchen and Rampli pointed out that there was ice cream in the freezer. Perfect! My evening is complete.   I almost forgot to mention... the rhododendrons are budding! I can't wait till they blossom.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.3

Another beautiful, sunny day made for excellent hiking. There are still some patches of ice and snow around, but not a problem. I took my time climbing the 3,500 feet out of the gorge to the summit of Cheoah Bald. There were gorgeous views from the "Jump Up" and also from the top of Cheoah.   I am happy to have reached Locust Cove Gap but I am ecstatic about sleeping in my Hubba tent: Home Sweet Hubba.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

The day began on a very positive note as I felt stronger than ever and ready to tackle Jacob's Ladder. Back in '06, I thought this was the worst climb in the south. The trail was muddy and slick so that evry step up this verticle climb would result in a half step back because of the lack of traction. I was enjoying my day so much that this beast of hill didn't bother me at all! I used my counting method and reached the top before I knew it. that's not to say it was easy, just not as formidable as I remembered.   After a good lunch of tuna wraps at Brown Fork Gap shelter, I continued on my way enjoying the birds and occasional chipmonk. While it hadn't exactly been a cloudless day, I never would have expected what happened next. As I sat on a log bench at Hog Back Gap, the sky issued it's first warning of deep rolling thunder. I quickly strapped on my pack, hoping to not get too wet over the next three and half miles to Cable Gap Shelter. Too Late... the thunder was joined by lightening and a deluge of rain which soon turned to BB sized hail. I was moving at a pretty good clip by now, but questioning why I would bother since I was already soaked anyway. I almost didn't mind the rain. As they say : "no rain, no pain - no Maine". I am just happy to be out here. T-Rex was the only other hike at Cable Gap when I arrived. I promptly staked my claim on a spot in the shelter by the wall. Before long, the shelter was packed with dripping, cold hikers. Our entertainment for the evening: Mother Nature's special effects. Fun Times.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I phoned for a shuttle at the Marina and it took me to Fontana Village. I sent a package there containing all seven days' worth of food for the Smokies. When I went to claim my package at the P.O., the clerk told me they didn't have it. It really shouldn't take six days for it to get there from Franklin, so the lady tracked it. She told me the last place it registered was in a town called "Almond" about thirty minutes away. I felt immediately defeated. I certainly didn't feel like hitching a ride to Almond, where ever that is to retrieve my package. I still needed to wash my clothes, shower and eat. I also cannot afford another zero either finacially or time wise. I am currently right on schedule to complete the Smokies by the 26th so I can catch my flight out of Asheville on the 27th. the clerk tried calling the front desk at the lodge to see if it was sent there, but there was no answer. She said "they must be out to lunch". So I decided to get my laundry done next door while waiting to call the front desk again. Here's where I had another one of those "homeless" sort of experiences. I really was averse to putting clean clothes on a dirty body. But I needed to wash the clothes on back. I noticed there was a space on the back side of the washers and dryers that was big enough for a person to fit in. So I went back there (one side was exposed to a big window at the front of the building)with my wet wipes and cleean clothes. I took a very quick "bird bath" and put on my town clothes with no-one seeing me. Whew! I felt a little better. I then asked the group of hikers outside if they knew of anyone wanting to split a room at the lodge. Dumbledore and Dozer were there and said I could be the fourth person in their room. Yay! That made my day. Originally, I was going to stay at the "Fontana Hilton" but with my package MIA, I felt better being closer in to the village. Me, Dumbledore and Dozer walked down to the Pit Stop convenience store for some sausage dogs and pizza. Meanwhile, a hiker named Muffin Man came up to me to inform me that they did indeed have my package at the front desk of the lodge. Wow... I went from anger, disappointment and worry to very, very happy in a matter of a couple hours. Yes... and before I forget, I saw bunches of Trillium on verge of blooming on the way into Fontana. Oh happy spring!
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Fontana Dam

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's amazing how quickly things can change, although I will admit that this turn of events does not take me by complete surprise. As I have been saying all along, I have been trying to make my flight from Asheville to Rapid City on the 27th of March in order to spend time with my daughter and family during the birth of the new baby. The problem is, they have been stuck in Florida with no money and a bad transmission since the 26th of February. My son-in-law needs to get back to work, my daughter is about to have the baby and my 11 year old granddaughter has been out of school the whole time. Apparently nobody else is either willing or able to help them. It has been rather ironic pushing myself over these mountains and even altering my hike in order to make it to their home when I have been well aware that they are not even there. I bought my round trip tickets out of Asheville back in December and do not wish to forgo my trip thus, losing the money I spent on the tickets and missing out on seeing my family. For these reasons, I have decided to pay for the transmission repair and help them drive home. Granted, they made a bad decision to go to Florida when they did, but I will try not to lecture them as they are now adults. This is not something I can really afford and it could prevent me from completing my thru-hike. Theirs is a sealed transmission so it will cost double the amount to fix as a regular transmission. They plan to pay me back when they get their income tax return, but I am not holding my breath for that.Originally, I would have been shuttled to Asheville by Curtis at Standing Bear on the 27th, but under the circumstances, I hired Gene's shuttle service from Fontana to Standing Bear where I have a package containing my traveling clothes and other items. Then, I will change my flight plans (which will cost extra) to meet the family in Augusta and drive to SD from there. The reason I am helping them drive is because my son-in-law does not have a license because of a DUI, and my daughter should not be driving that distance considering the baby could come any time now.Some may criticize me for helping them thus risking my thru-hike, and I can understand that. But when an 11 year old is out of school for nearly a month, that's just not fair to her. She will struggle to catch up. I did not have family support growing up ( with the exception of a grandmother). So I always say...family first.I'm here at Standing Bear Farm with Rocket who is a hired hand, and Gator who is working for stay for a few days. I wonder where all the other hikers are. It's very cold out there but I'm the only hiker checking in for the night. It's quite cozy here and their little resupply store is well stocked with hiker provisions and frozen foods to eat while staying here. I'll probably be here for another night because I'm waiting for an overnight package which will probably take until the following day to arrive. I'm trying not to worry too much. I have to have faith that things turn out for the best. But I do hope I get to finish my hike.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Rapid City, SD

To: Asheville
Miles today: 0.0

With conflicting emotions I am preparing myself for resuming my hike on the A.T. I am missing my family already even though we have not yet left for the airport. On the other hand, I feel ready to be back on the trail which I have missed while here for nearly a month. It is still snowing here, so I think the best news for me is I will be heading into spring---Finally! Sophia was born April 10th during a record snow storm. Twenty inches of snow fell on the 9th setting an alltime record for a 24 hour period here in Rapid City. She is a very healthy baby with a voracious appetite and Mommy is working overtime to keep her fed. Autumn, who is 5 years old, is begging to go "hunting" with me. I have promised her we'll go camping next time I visit. Briauna, my eldest granddaughter will be 12 on April 26th. She has repeatedly asked if I could stay for her birthday. My heart aches to remain with my family. They moved away from Tampa two years ago and I can barely stand being away from them.   So I look forward to forming new bonds with my trail family as I make my way towards Maine. After that, who knows where life will take me?See you up the trail!
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Rapid City, SD

To: Asheville
Miles today: 0.0

Flew out of Rapid City in the snow. I hated to say good-bye to the family. It always breaks my heart. I also hate missing Bree¢s birthday ¢ I hope she has fun.Arrived in Minneapolis with a 4-1/2 hour wait for my next flight. I walked around, got something to eat, then sat in front of Gate G-20 for over two hours. I made a bunch of phone calls, and while talking to Emily, I happened to look up at the screen and discovered that my gate changed to gate G-2. It was now 5:10, and my flight was scheduled to leave at 5:25! It was a huge airport. I took off walking as fast as possible to get there ¢ but it was too late!!! The plane was still at the gate, with the bridge attached, but the door was closed, and airline personnel would not open it. Four other people also missed the flight and everyone was upset. They got me on the next flight to Atlanta at 7:25, but I wasn¢t able make my connecting flight from Atlanta to Asheville. Instead, I spent the night in the Atlanta Airport. MISERABLE!
Date: 2013-04-18
To: Asheville
Miles today: 0.0

Made it to Asheville, got picked up by Maryanne (¢Unemployed¢). She took me home, and I got cleaned up. Still tired, but refreshed, we went to lunch at Green Life, which is a health food store/caf©. We ate al fresco, then she took me on a tour of downtown. It was great! Very funky, bohemian, artsy/fartsy. Love, love, love Asheville. She also took me over to Grove Park Inn. We went into the spa, and I spoke to the front desk people about the recruiting info. They were going to let me speak with the manager, but he was busy, so they asked for my contact information. I told them I had already exchanged phone messages with HR, so we left it at that.In the evening, we went to a grand opening event held by a good friend of Homeless and Unemployed, a man named Adam, who is opening a plumbing business in Hendersonville. He is the son of a man who hiked the AT with Homeless and Unemployed. He also hiked a bit with them. When I heard we were going to a plumbing store, I pictured PVC pipes and copper tubing. Boy, was I wrong! This was a stunning showroom display of all the latest and finest bathroom fixtures and furniture ¢ very high end. Adam himself is a sight to behold -- exquisitely handsome, and also quite amiable. Homeless is building a new home on a lot across the street from his current home, which he also built. Adam is offering to set him up with some very nice plumbing for the new home, for some kind of great deal. How nice! The hors¢dourves were quite good too!
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Asheville

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

Unemployed and I came into Hot Springs about mid-day. As soon as we got to Laughing Heart Hostel, she met a thru-hiker from ¢01 who she hiked with that year. His name is Coco-Pele, and he¢s thru-hiking again this year. Then, we met Chuck Norris and Tigger, well-known hikers on both the AT and the FL Trail. Chuck Norris remembered Unemployed from last year, when she did a section hike through Hot Springs. From there, we went over to the Smoky Mountain Diner. Unemployed had the ¢hiker special,¢ which was a double-cheeseburger and a mountain of fries. I had the daily special, which was a mountain of popcorn shrimp, hush puppies, fries and cole slaw.The hostel is very nice, with a full-kitchen and comfy living room, where you can watch movies if you want. Unemployed also helped me get my bounce bag to and from the post office. I was very appreciative, as it weighs 30 lbs. ¢ a bit much to carry back to the hostel. After awhile, it was time for Unemployed to head back to Asheville. I was hoping to connect with her again in the fall when I hike the Smokies to Hot Springs, but she and her husband are headed to Spain in September to do the Camino Trail. I wish them well ¢ they are terrific people.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Hot Springs

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It was Trail Fest Day in Hot Springs. A lot of hikers were in town to enjoy the festivities. Miss Janet was there too. In addition to a talent show, there was the shortest parade ever. Apparently, the hikers didn¢t know about the parade. It was just me, Miss Janet, Caboosy, and one other person (whose name I don¢t know) holding a banner and walking behind the children¢s section. No other hikers joined in. Kind of pathetic if you ask me. Other than us, the warrior group was in the parade. They are a group of veterans on the trail, raising money for injured vets and also to ¢walk off the war.¢ Cool.For me, tonight was the most fun of all. First, we watched Oh Brother, Where Art Thou in the chapel. Then we had a big bonfire and drum circle. I danced around a drum circle for the first time ever. What fun!
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Rich Mtn. Fire Tower

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Hot, hot, hot! I don¢t know what the actual temperature was, but the morning started out COLD, then it got hot in the afternoon. I went through 3 liters of water and that wasn¢t enough. Then there was a 5 mile climb at the end of the day that kicked my butt! I actually stopped about 3 miles short of my destination to take a nap. After my nap, I felt a little better, but I¢d had a headache all day.I kept looking for a place to camp prior to Little Laurel Shelter, but I never did find one. I pushed on until I got here. After a dinner of Ramen Noodles and a dessert of 12 a Snicker¢s bar, I do feel a little better. First thing in the morning, I¢ll have a 1,100 ft. climb up the rest of this mountain, and should cover that ground in 1 mile. It¢s a hell of a way to start the day, but it looks a little less challenging after that. I¢m glad to be back, and on my way to Maine.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Originally, I planned to go 12.7 mile today. The trail started out very steep in the morning, making for a pretty rough beginning. Then, after summiting Camp Creek Bald, the trail was absolutely beautiful. There were meadows teeming with wildflowers amidst the deep green grass. The Rhododendrons were reflecting a dark green sheen in the morning sunlight. I was delighted to be walking through spring-time. Then I came to one of my favorite places on the trail. Beginning with White Rock Cliff to the south, through Big Fire Scald Knob to the north, the trail is a jumble of white rocks. These rocks are often situated one on top of another, yet others are strewn about. I should be saying ¢these boulders,¢ because that is what they are. They remind me of the ancient ruins in Greece and Rome. Many of the hikers complained about this section, saying it wasn¢t what they expected or it was tiring and difficult. I say if they think that was hard, wait till Pennsylvania, or better yet, the Whites. I love the rock scrambles. Climbing over them makes me feel like a kid again.So, that was the good news. The other news involves three things (you know the old wives¢ tale about things happening in three). First, my camera battery died in the middle of the beautiful, scenic ridge walk amongst the rocks. And I¢m four days out from Erwin, so I¢ll go picture-less for four days. Next, as I got onto smoother trail, past all those rocks, I was walking and talking to another hiker named Pam, who I¢d just met, when I tripped over a lone rock in the trail and went crashing down to the ground. I landed on both knees ¢ HARD! Then I fell onto my side and had a hard time getting up with my pack on. Pam and another hiker named Phoenix, who was just behind me, helped me get my pack off so I could stand. One knee has multiple abrasions and the other one is bruised, tender and swelling. I have wrapped it with some self-adhesive wrap, but the darn stuff keeps rolling up around the edges. Oh well, I¢ll live. Lastly, I have lost my glasses somewhere at this campsite/shelter. They¢re just reading glasses, but they¢re my favorite. I have a spare pair, but they are very scratched up and kinda ugly. Oh well, I¢ll live. C¢est la vie. Life is good.