morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Walasi-Yi Center

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice day for hiking, weather was windy all day, but depending on which side (windward or leeward) of the mountain it was hot or cold. Couple of sprinkles for the last mile, heavy rain forecast for tonight. Interesting cast in the shelter tonight, 7 in the actual shelter and about 12 more either tenting or in hammocks nearby. I was the first from our "group" to arrive and was greeted by a lady reading scriptures. I have been traveling with a group of 7-8. some days, 1-2 go ahead to the next shelter and we pick up a couple of folks. I'm the oldest of the current group, but I'm holding my own. My left great toe is taking a beating. I hope the picture I took shows some detail. On down hills, my toes drive into the toe box. I tightened the laces so tight they cut into my ankles. The toe nail is going to fall out and there is a big blood blister just below the nail. It doesn't hurt unless I stub it. It's a little after 6 and I'm all ready thinking about crawling into the bag.
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day, started rainy, sun around mid day, then fog. One of the first out of the shelter this morning so I hiked most of the day alone. Got some trail magic today, a trail angel left a cooler with oranges on the trail near a road. My body was happy to get some fresh fruit! I haven't shaved since I left, but I don't have a mirror so I can only imagine how I look.
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel, Dicks Gap, Hiawassee, Ga
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Cold rainy day of hiking. Came across a hiker that couldn't carry his pack down the mountain. He wanted us to find some one to carry his pack for money. Said he had not keep food down for several days. So the Rock Stars (Amanda and Elizabeth) and I carried some of his stuff and gave him some Gateraide. After he made it down the 1.5 miles he called us lifesavers! Going to spend the night at hostel that includes a bed, shower, laundry, breakfast and shuttle back to the trail for $18.All is well.
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Longest mileage day yet, plus over a hundred for the trip. Started in the snow. Had to crawl in places where the Rhododendron trees were weighted down by the wet snow. As the elevation dropped so did the amount of snow. But as the snow melted, it fell off the branches, usually down the back of my coat.Had the greatest trail magic ever from Rosey Cheeks and Dr Ragamuffin, thru hikers from 1999. They brought cookies, brownies, chips, cokes and hot chocolate to the shelter. They are from Knoxville and do it once a year. We lucked out big time
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Rock Gap

To: Stealth camp - .4 miles north of Wayah Bald
Miles today: 14.3

Great trail magic again this morning. The thru-hikers from 1999 came back and served us chicken biscuits, donuts and coffee at the shelter. The sun finally came out and it made for easier hiking. Still traces of snow depending on the altitude. Have been between 3600 and 5340 feet. This afternoon was mostly uphill so I was pretty burnt out by 4 pm. I don't think I drank enough water for as warm as it was. I'm camping with 8 other people. Fairly long day tomorrow to get to Nantahala Outdoor Center, but dreams of a hot shower will drive me on. I have a small mail drop plus a new cartridge for my water filter.
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Stealth camp - .4 miles north of Wayah Bald

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Great day for hiking. Got some more trail magic at lunchtime. Hammock Hanger came by and gave us cold sodas and offered to "slack-pack" us. Slack packing is walking without your pack while someone drives it to your destination. I'm still a purest. My thighs were burning coming down the last 3 mile decline into NOC. Got my mail drop and goodies, thanks Diane and Melissa. My feet are taking a beating so I'm going to drop the miles for a few days to rest them and get ready for the Smokies. I'm still having the time of my life.
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 6.9

Slept late, hit the trail at 1130. Long steep climb from 1750' to a fantastic camp site at 5062' From the door of my tarp I have a 270* view of the mountains. It's a big grassy field with about 12 other hikers. Some in the woods, some in the field. The Rock Stars (Amanda and Elizabeth) are doing their gourmet cooking next to me and making fun of my cooking style. I had two packets of chicken with the last of the burrito shells and M&Ms for dessert. While they had curry chicken with pineapples and cashews over rice. All homemade and dehydrated. I have been hiking with them for a little over a week and enjoy their company. Sometimes we don't see each other for hours, sometimes especially around hills we leap frog. My feet are a little better, no new blisters. I used lots of duct tape on them this morning. Lost toenail count: 1, with 1 on deck. Happy trails!
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up during the night thinking it was morning, but because of the near full moon it was only 11:30. Might start thinking about night hiking. Nice mix of ups and downs. Kinda hot without much shade. My feet are still covered with blisters. So much so, that "Lion King" who is filming a documentary on the AT took some video of them. He says it will be available at www.walkingwithfreedom.com While in Fontana Dam, I plan to checkout the outfitters and maybe get lighter and bigger shoes. When I pulled into the shelter at 5:15 there was only one other person planning on sleeping in the shelter. Now it's around 8 PM and there must be twenty people here. Also staying here are a family (husband, wife and daughter) hiking the trail together. They also have a website at www.trailjournals.com
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Inn
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice short hiking day. Got to the Fontana Dam Visitor's Center at 1200 and called for the shuttle only to find out it stopped running until 1.So we started walking the three miles into town and then got an easy hitch.Ran into a bunch of hikers I had not seen for days or weeks. Everyone wants to do the same things: get their fooddrop, laundry, and shower before heading for the Smokies. Unless you hitch the 8 miles into Gatlinburg, it's 70 miles of walking with no resupply.After taking a long hot shower, I soaked my feet in Epsome Salts, lost two more toe nails, and popped some skanky blisters and my feet looked a lot better. So I bought some new lightweight trail shoes a full size and a half bigger than my normal size. Bring on them hills...Still having fun!Mike
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Fontana Dam Inn

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Caught the 9 AM shuttle to the TVA Visitors Center. Started walking across the dam and realized we didn't have the back-country permit the NPS requires when camping in the Smokies. So we headed back to the visitors center, but no, you have to go to another place a mile away to get it. So we ended up walking a one mile section of the AT four times! I guess it was better than risk a fine for not having the permit. Not a mile past the dam we ran into 3 deer that were very tame. The hike was very pleasant, until the rain started around 3PM. Had hoped to go to the second shelter, but I was soaked to the skin and cold. So around 4 PM I stopped at a very crowded shelter. The Rock Stars pulled in about 20 minutes later so we decided to stay. Because of the number of people there isn't enough floor space for everyone to cook at once! It' kind of ironic that as I type this journal on an electronic device, I'm laying on my back with a headlamp in a two story shelter made from field stones with a tin roof that leaks, listening to someone snore like a freight train and it's only 8:20. I almost forgot there are wet clothes hung from every possible nail, hook or sharp edge and there was a mouse running around the floor. Best of all, because we are in bear country, the open side of the shelter is covered with a chain link fence. I sure hope someone closes the gate:) Welcome to the Smokies...
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Nice day for hiking, slight overcast, fog rolled in by late afternoon. Had visions of hiking a little further, but because of the bear population you are required to stay in a shelter or tent near it. The next shelter is five miles further. All the shelters have chain link fence with a gate on the open side. Haven't seen a bear yet but I'm still hoping! The shelter is not as crowded as last night. Someone found a big plastic playground ball under the shelter so there is a major league kick-ball game going on. The feet are doing much better with the new shoes. I just need to be more careful when stepping around water because they are not nearly as waterproof as the old boots. For supper I had Ramen noodles with a packet of tuna. Someone suggested I add powdered milk for extra calories. It tasted kind of like tuna casserole.
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

Nice hiking day, sunny all day. The trail was muddy and seemed not to be marked as well as other sections. Heard several grouse in the distance. They start with a very deep thumping sound that increases in frequency. They almost sound like a helicopter. Climbed to the top of Clingman's Dome, the highest summit on the AT. It is several feet taller than Mt Washington in NH. At Clingman's there is a road and parking lot right next to the observation tower. We sat on the wall and answered the usual questions from the people visiting the dome like: Where/when did you start? When will you finish? Got lots of encouragement. Also, yogied an apple and granola bar from a tourist. While on the observation tower, we got this idea to form the AT symbol on the deck below with human bodies. T-bird took the picture while Me and the Rock Stars and our hiking poles formed the symbol with people walking around us. The shelter is only half full, I suspect because it is .5 miles from the trail. Seems like the snorers (me) are staying in the shelter and the non-snorers are camping out. Happy trails.
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Easter Reasons (in no particular order)today was my favorite day on the trail so far: -big miles. -Montana scored a bag of almonds from the dumpster at New Found Gap and we gorged ourselves for Easter dinner. -Got to talk with a bus full of tourists from Canada at New Found Gap -outstanding views especially my favorite at Charlie's Bunion. -Someone left another bag of almonds and walnuts at the shelter so we gorged again. -Yogied sandwiches and cookies from a very nice family from Andover, MA. -Found a beer in the spring and split it three ways. There is a fine line between being homeless and thru-hiking. Still having fun.
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: moderate rain

Awoke to pouring rain, thunder, and lightning. Waited until 9:45 for it to let up and made a run for it. Only walked about a mile and it stopped. Couple of sprinkles throughout the day made for a very muddy trail. Only have about a mile left before the Smokies are done. The Smokies are the only place on the entire trail where horses are allowed. I have nothing against horses, but it sure will be nice to walk without dodging horse poop. Planning on getting up early and hitting Mountain Moma's Kuntry Store and Bunkhouse in Davenport Gap TN for breakfast. I have been dreaming about what to have all day. I have crossed back and forth between NC and TN for several days. Someone said the AT is the state boundary. I don't know for certain. Almost 8PM, Time for bed.
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Just north of Max Patch
Miles today: 21.8

Hiked 1.25 miles off the trail to have breakfast at Mountain Moma's. I had a stack of pancakes, eggs, home fries, toast, Easter cake, milk and cranberry juice. It sure was good. My body seems to be craving food all the time. We got shuttled back to the trail by our favorite trail angel Hammock Hanger. The same person that gave us cold sodas at Teleco Gap. Got to Max Patch late in the day and planned on camping on top. Max Patch is a huge bald grassy mountain top about two miles across. It was so windy and cold, no one camped on the bald, but moved into the woods to block the wind. The temp continued to drop and by the time I got my tarp set up I was chilled to the bone. I crawled into my sleeping bag and had some cheese and a snickers bar. I started feeling warmer and then got some trail magic from Elizabeth and Amanda. They boiled some water and put it into a Nalgine bottle for me. I put the bottle in my bag and in no time had warmed up so I could take off some clothes. I would guess the temp was in the 30's and the wind at 30 MPH. I was truly touched by the thoughtfulness of the Rock Stars.
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Just north of Max Patch

To: Camp ground in Hot Spings NC
Miles today: 14.3

After a slow start, the hiking was good. No steep ups or downs. We had planned on a moderate day and then into Hot Springs for a well deserved "zero day". Around 4 PM we couldn't find a good campsite so we headed for the shelter that is 3 miles south of Hot Springs. The shelter was crowded and campsites were sparse so at 6:30, we hit the trail for the final 3 miles. There was no room at the Bed and Breakfast that only charges $15 for thru-hikers, so we ended up at the campground by the railroad tracks. I took a long hot shower and removed the first layer of dirt and funk. I don't think my body has ever smelled so bad. It was kind of like wet dog multiplied by 10! Then I had a basket of shrimp and a couple of beers at the local pub. I thought I would sleep soundly after being so tired and the beers. But the sounds and lights of the little town woke me several times. Lots of little chores to do while in town. Happy Hiking
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mnt Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

While in Hot Springs I was able to stay at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. It's a Victorian Bed and Breakfast that caters to thru-hikers and serves gourmet vegetarian meals. The house was built in the 1800s and full of antiques. I slept on a daybed with real sheets and a pillow...got my best night's sleep of the trip.The Rock Stars met a trail angel that gave them certificates for time at the Hot Springs Spa. They were nice enough to share a soak in the hot mineral waters with Peter and me. Peter is Amanda's boyfriend who has joined us for a section hike. After the spa, I was so relaxed, I could barely keep my eyes open through supper. The water did wonders for my feet, skin, and hiker funk. Hot Springs is a very nice small town that caters to AT hikers; the trail runs right along the main street. While I enjoyed my zero day and was able to restock and wash clothes, I was also very happy to leave. Towns are like a vortex, just sucking your money and time.While on the trail today, I met a youth group of United Methodists starting a weekend hike. They were fun to chat with. Because the Rock Stars had some last minute things to mail and the post office was closed for lunch, I left about an hour ahead of them. When they arrived at the shelter, Elizabeth told me she had a surprise. She had carried three bottles of beer 11 miles up the side of a mountain and gave me one. She amazes me. So we enjoyed beer with supper. I carried my empty bottle out of the woods.All is well on the AT.
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Spring Mnt Shelter

To: Jerrys Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

For the last week or so, the trees and bushes have been in full bloom in the valleys and Gaps but in the mountains, just buds. But today every place is a sea of green with lots of wild flowers. I am walking with the spring. Had one long steep climb today, the rest was pretty average. Started the day packing up a wet tarp in the rain. The sun made a few peeks for short periods, then the rain, fog, and mist returned around 4PM. Amanda's birthday is today so I made a backpack blueberry cheesecake and everyone in the shelter sang Happy Birthday to her. I think she was shocked. Don't know what the weather will be tomorrow, but I hope the rain stops.
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Jerrys Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

No rain today! I was able to dry my tarp in the sun at lunch break. We may have hit a gourmet low in our diets. For lunch we had cheese and crackers smeared with squeeze Parkay. Tasted pretty good. After lunch we crossed paths with two trail maintainers surveying the trail for blow-down and other damage. They told us they had cokes for us in their white pickup truck at the next road. We had a little motivation and took off at a good clip. Little did we know the road was nearly 3 miles away. We set a personal best speed record of 3 miles in an hour. Sure enough, we enjoyed a cold coke and cookies under the shade of an apple tree. Today's hike while not long, was tough. Had a couple of climbs that seemed to go straight up with many false summits. Passed several gravesites today. One was a family, one Thru-hiker that had his ashes sprinkled on the trail, and 3 folks killed during the Civil War. They were 2 Union Solders and the nephew from TN on their way home and were ambushed. The nephew served as a lookout, but since he was only 13, he didn't get a gravestone.Also passed the 300-mile mark on the trail. Someone positioned small stones into the number 300 right in the middle of the trail. A month ago, I could not have imagined walking for 300 miles.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap, near US 19W
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Sleeping under the stars with no tent (cowboy camping) about 10 miles south of Erwin TN. Today's journal is a poem by fellow thru-hiker Slaughter.WHY THRU HIKEBy SlaughterWell, I don't like the upsAnd I don't like the downsI hate being dirtyBut I don't like the townsI'm sick of all this walkingThrough the woods all dayAnd I wish that all these bugsWould just decide to stay awayI don't like the sunAnd I don't like the rainAnd I really, really hate itWhen my body is in painThe shelter floor's too hardBut the forest floor is wetThe privies all are smellyI hate everyone I've metBut there's one simple reasonWhy Thru-hikers still abound...ALL YOU CAN EATAnd you won't gain a pound!
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Spivey Gap, near US 19W

To: Best Southern Motel, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

The cowboy camping experiment worked out very nice. Got a very good night's sleep. Saw our 2nd snake today on the way into Erwin. Luckily it was facing away from me when I almost stepped on it. I think it was a timber rattler. Elizabeth was about 10 feet behind me when I jumped and screamed. I distracted it so she could pass by.The trip to town has been like a visit to the twilight zone. Both hostels are full so we called the hotel to see if they had rooms. They said they did, so we hitched a ride the 3 miles to get there. When we got to the motel, there was a note on the door saying they went to a doctor's appointment and would be back at 4. So the 6 of us left a note, hid our packs in the bushes and walked the 2 miles to the post office. The fun continued at the post office because REI sent my new sandals to the post office via FEDEX. I think everyone in America but REI's shipping department knows the post office won't accept deliveries from FEDEX. They are reshipping them to my next stop.We lucked out and got a ride back to the motel only to be told they had no rooms. So as we sat trying to find a way back to the trail, the owner with the doctor's appointment drives up. She was able to get us rooms. After that I put my rain gear on and went to do laundry. Picture this: sunny day, me and 3 other fellow hikers in our rain suits sitting outside the combination Laundromat and car wash...maybe a new fashion trend?I can't wait to get back on the trail where life is simpler:)Happy Hiking
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Best Southern Motel, Erwin, TN

To: campsite at Indian Grave Gap ~8 miles north of Erw
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

We got a late start out of Erwin after getting our fuel bottles re-filled at Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel. Johnny has gotten a lot of bad press along the trail, in shelter registers, and the internet. It's sad because he has such a great location. While in town I finally got to meet the famous "Miss Janet" She runs the other hostel in town and is by far the nicest person I have met on the entire trip. She gave us a ride back to the hotel and we mentioned that Peter needed to get to the airport to pick up a rental car. She also had other runs that night so she picked him up. She is just so nice. It was sad to leave Peter in town, he was a lot of fun to hike with. He did very well and put in his miles with no trouble. Hopefully he will have the chance to hike with us again. Leaving towns are tough because your pack is full of food and extra heavy, plus you always have a long uphill climb. Today we also had the weather to contend with. There were thunder clouds building, but not in the direction we were headed or so we thought. After about an hour and a half we knew we were going to get wet, but the shelter was only about a half hour ahead. We quickened the pace, but about 3 minutes before the shelter we were in a full lightning, thunder and a hail storm. I didn't know I could run with a full pack, but I sprinted the last 100 feet. We then waited out the storm with 14 people in a shelter designed for 6. After the storm passed over we walked another 4 miles to a nice campsite and built a nice fire. It's sprinkling now, but hopefully will end by morning. All is well
Date: 2003-05-01
From: campsite at Indian Grave Gap ~8 miles north of Erw

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

Pretty uneventful day so I thought I would describe my daily diet. For breakfast I have taken to eating a couple of packets of instant oatmeal dry directly into my mouth followed by some water. I also have a pack of pop tarts with the oatmeal. Before lunch I have two snacks on the trail and after lunch I have 2 more snacks on the trail. Snacks are things like power bars, snickers, little debbies, candy, cheese and crackers, gorp, or nuts. For lunch I have cheese for the first two days after town or peanut butter with either bagels or burrito shells. For supper I cook things like: Ramon Noodles with a packet of tuna mixed with some powered milk; Mac and cheese with tuna; Lipton¢s noodles or rice with a tuna or chicken packet; or a double Backpackers dehydrated meal. I chase it all down with 3-4 Liters of water, sometimes flavored with Gatorade or Koolade.. I try not to drink past 5 PM to avoid the middle of the night trip to the closest tree. In spite of all that food, I sometimes crave more, but I think I'm still losing weight. I have seen people put squeeze parkay on sardines or dip their snickers bar in peanut butter to get more calories. Such is life on the trail