morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

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

Today we (Melissa, Frank, John and I) got up at 6am. We were on the trail by 7am to get the hard stuff out of the way before it got too hot out. As usual, I got left behind after a few minutew because I hike slower then the others. Plus, I actually much prefer hiking by myself, but I really like knowing people at the shelter at night. I think the other three will be moving on tomorrow, while I'm going to stay at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. I'd like to keep on with them, as they've been fun, but I'm not giving up my stay at the Blueberry Patch for it. Besides, time and time again I've heard finished thru-hikers saying they wish they'd hiked their own hike and not tried to match others' schedules.So this morning was tough. Up, then down, then up, then down - all VERY steep. It was worth getting up early though, 'cause I made it to the next shelter by noon. That's 7.9 miles. I was pretty proud of myself. After lunch I kept hiking, and eventually some section hikers told me there was trail magic up ahead. Was there ever! There were sodas, fresh fruit and the fixin's for sandwiches! It was fabulous. The guy was gone for the afternoon, but his note said that he also did dinner and breakfast. We weren't going to stay though, 'cause we wanted to get into town early the next day. I did, however, get half a diet coke, half an orange, a tuna fish sandwich and four other slices of bread. The bread was heaven! There were even some lounge chairs to relax in (I've got a great picture of this, which I'll post when my film's developed and put online).The last two miles of the day kicked my butt! The hill was awful and I was so tired! Finally though, I made it to the shelter. Now half of us are reading/writing and the other half are sleeping - and it's only 7:45pm. It's funny how early I go to bed out here. Still can't believe how many miles I did today - feels crazy for so early on. Well, town tomrorow, can't wait!
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 3.5

Today was an awesome day! We got up at 6am in order to make it to the road for the 9:30am pick-up. The hike was fine, although I could barely keep up with the others. We got to the road about 8:45, so we had some snacks and chatted. AT about 9:40, we decided that the shuttle wasn't coming, so we split up to hitch-hike. John and Melissa hiked down the road, while Frank and I tried fromt he trailhead. I tried to look cute and pitiful at the same time, and after about ten minutes, a gentleman from Mexico picked us up. He also stopped for John and Melissa, and we all went into town.When we got there, we got oriented, and then we headed to the library. We all used the internet there, and then the librarian was nice enough to let us leave our packs there. We journeyed to the post office, then to Ingles (a grocery store). It was hard to restrain myself there, but I knew I had a maildrop coming. After the grocery store we went to the AYCE (All you can eat) Chinese bufet. It was awesome (although I felt too full afterwards). We then went ot the Rite Aid, then to the center of town to sort packs on the gazebo and use the pay phone.A quick hitch out of town followed, where we arrived at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. The owners weren't home, but there were already several hikers there. We got situated, then prepared to hang out and redo food and packs. But first.....came my shower! I had sent myself a bottle of shampoo, and it was the most glorious shower I think I've ever had. As for the rest, I redid my pack, had my laundry done, and in general - recooperated.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

I officially made it into a new state today!! It started out at the Blueberry Patch. I slept in, then got my stuff together. Breakfast was served at 8:30, and it was amazing! There was orange juice, coffee, tea, pancakes, blueberry syrup, eggs, sausage and biscuits. Oh, the biscuits! I think I may dream about them for teh rest of my life! They were amazing! Anyways...after breakfast, we got dropped off at the trailhead about 10am. I started hiking, and I soon met up with some great new people (who hike more my speed). Two Dogs, Skywalker, Bonzo (and his dog Rio), Red Soxs and Eye Forget. I hiked and hung out with them for most of the day. We got to the GA/NC state line about 4pm, and we got some pictures. The last few miles of the day were awful!!! I was tired, my pack was really heavy, and the North Carolina Trail Club had apparantly decided that too many thru-hikers were finishing every year, so they were going to do their best to discourage this. By that, I mean they rerouted the easy, around the mountain trail to a crazy, insane up the hill trail. I was exhausted when I finally pulled into camp. I did my chores and went to bed.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm finally camping!! I decided to tent tonight (because the new shelter is full and the old one is nasty). It looks like a chicken coop, I'm not even joking. I'm loving my tent so far - the privacy, convenience and warmness. I may become a convert to tents even if they do take longer to set up and take down. Well today, I stayed with my new group again. While I hiked and breaked with everyone a little, I mostly hiked with Skywalker and Two Dogs. They hike about my speed, so it works out well. Day was fairly normal as far as hiking goes. My ankle was more swollen but hurt less - go figure. I may have to take a zero day soon for it - we'll see. Enjoyed my dinner of instant mashed potatoes with salmon and hot chocolate. Hung out with a bunch of other thrus, and I am now going to bed soon. Melissa, Frank and John hiked on past the shelter today, so I guess I'm no longer hiking with them. Maybe I'll see them again. Missing all my friends and family from home! Oh, and I saw a bunny this morning!
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

What an awesome day so far! Up at 7:30 after sleeping in my tent last night - very enjoyable! I left about 9:20 and had a very chilly morning hike. Soon, the sun came out though. Eventually I climbed up Albert Mountain - what a bitch! By far the hardest .3 miles I've done so far. Had to put away my hiking poles and use my hands at one point. The view from the top was worth the climb....absolutely spectacular! The firetower was locked, but from the top of the stairs you could see 360 degrees. Kept hiking - finished up at Rock Gap Shelter about 5:30. My two companions, Sarge and Foot went to bed before 7::30. Lost all my other hiking buddies, hope I meet more! SHort day tomorrow!
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Silar Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a very interesting day today! It started out by ignoring the other two thru-hikers staying in the shelter. They were gone by 7:30, and I didn't get up until at least 8. Hit the trail about 9:30 and met some other hikers in the parking lot. They offered to drive me down to Standing Indian Campground, where I could take a shower. I took them up on it and had a lovely shower! It even included soap and conditioner, which other people had left there. Afterwards I called my mom, then hiked 1.5 miles up the road to get back to the trail; however, I wasn't done with my side trips yet.I wanted to hike to the Wasilik Popar - the 2nd largest poplar in the United States. Well, it was a little disappointing because my book failed to mention that the tree was dead. I did see a nice waterfall and some wild flowers, so it wasn't a completely wasted trip. About noon I finally started my hike on the AT. It was a short day today - only 7.5 miles, so it was okay that I started late. About a mile in I ran into some trail magic - someone had left a whole bunch of Capri Sun juice boxes sitting ina stream. It was really tasty!The hike itself wasn't too bad, and I even stopped for an hour to read my book. It was very relaxing. It met 4 new people at the shelter - Cornbread, Faith Walker, John and John. Had broccoli and cheese soup with tortollini in it for dinner with a Snickers for dessert. Talking, reading and writing complete the day, and I'll be going to bed soon. Overall I felt good today - I'm happy being on my own again!
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Silar Bald Shelter

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Weird sort fo day today. I was grumpy and tired when I woke up this morning. Looked like a decent day on the trail, and I was out by 7:30am. Was still tired and grumpy though, so it was slow going. After an hour and a half or so, I realized that it was going to rain - and possibly storm soon. I got my jacket on and my pack-cover on and kept trudging. It got worse and worse as I got higher, and at one point I tried to decide whether to chance it and keep going, or sit in the rain for a few hours at a lower elevation. (There was no shelter between the one I stayed in last night and the one I wanted to get to). I decided to keep trucking, and even though it was cold, rainy and wet - it never stormed so much I had to get rid of my pack. By the time I got to the top of the bald, I was really cold and wet. The 1st building I came to was a bathroom, and I totally spent about 20 minutes in it, drying off and getting stuff out of my pack. I eventually got going, and the 2nd half of the hike was much better then the 1st. Met up with John about 3 1/2 miles from the shelter, and I hiked with him the rest of the way. The shelter is nice - I arrived there about 2:30. Met Buoy along the way, and Righty, Left and Jilly while I was at the shelter. John shared his freeze-dried beef stew with me, and I contributed dehydrated vegetables and chocolate pudding for dessert. Looks to be a cold night, so I'm going to bed early!
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center Hostel
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early and wanted to get to the gap. Ended up hiking with John the whole way, and we kinda kept trucking along. Got into the gap about 2:30 and immediately got a hostel room. Prana (Sarah) ended up sharing a room with me, and I met her, Chad, Estel and Don. I got a very nice shower, then investigated the store and had dinner with everyone. Dinner was tasty - I had onion rings for an appetizer and I had a cheeseburger for dinner. After dinner I made some phone calls and the guys went after some alcohol (I got wine). We hung out, drank and played cards until close to midnight. I had a little too much to drink, but I definitely had a fabulous time. Taking a zero day tomorrow!
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center Hostel

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Lay in bed for an hour and a half this morning - it was awesome! Finally got up and went down to the restaurant for breakfast. Sat with Dane (Animal House) for breakfast, and I saw lots of other people I knew. Took a look at the campsite (free), but decided I'd rather pay for the hostel for the night again. Hung out with Chad and Estel for awhile, then took a shower! Went down to the river, and everyone decided to go do a rafting trip. We signed up, watched the video, and we were soon on the bus - going 8 miles upriver! Since Chad felt okay being out "guide," we had no official guide, and it was just the five of us in the raft. The rafting was amazing! We went through mostly Class II's, with one Class III at the end. There were several "incidents" along the way. First, Chad went into the river to save his beer from being washed overbaord. Later, after a stop to chill and drink beer, Estel pushed Sarah out of the raft (and fell in with her). Then Sarah pushed Don in (and fell in with him). Towards the end of the trip we got in a precarious place and I started to fall out of the raft. Chad pushed me back in - but in the process, he fell out of the boat. That was a little interesting, as we were in the middle of the rapids with our "guide" in the water. Eventually the raft flipped around, and we backpaddled until Chad could reach the boat and get back in. Shortly after, we beached so we could scope out the Class III rapid. AFter we had a look, we went through it. It was frickin' awesome! I can't wait to go again!Dinner after that was good (especially since I didn't eat lunch). The blackberry cobbler was awesome! After I made a few phone calls, hung out with a bunch of new thru-hikers (Josh, Cassie, Antonio, Becca, Adam and more). Didn't stay long though, 'cause I was really tired!
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center Hostel

To: Locust Grove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was an awesome day! I didn't expect it to be, as the 6 miles of uphill out of NOC is supposed to be one of the big endurance tests on the trail. However, since I like uphill and wasn't carrying a ton of food, it wasn't too bad.I won't go over the boring details of the rest of the day because it was the night where I had the fun. I had decided to try to make Locust Grove Gap, where all my friends would be. I got there, sat up my tent and ate dinner by 6pm. At this point, I could just sit around the fire and talk for the rest of the evening.The fire started out a little scarily because there was a wet rock in it that kept exploding and sending small pieces flying through the air like missiles. This occurred while we were all trying to cook dinner around it. One piece landed in Sarah's hair, and Estel had a hole burned in his shirt from one. The gap was a very interesting place to spend the night - especially because there were eleven of us camping in it - which meant 10 tents. It looked so cool and wa so much fun! We all had a blast hanging out all night!
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Locust Grove Gap

To: Fontana Dam Resort Hotel
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

Crazy long day today! My longest yet! Wasn't planning on going that far, but I got suckered into it. I started out by getting up decently late and putzing out around 9:30am. The hike was normal - up and down. Got into Cable Gap Shelter around 3pm - about 11 miles in - expecting to stay there for the night. Come to find out - everyone else in the group wants to continue on to the town. I wasn't going to go, but eventually Estel guilted me into going. It was a LONG 6 miles down, but I got to the marina just as people were taking a shuttle into the resort. Apparantly we were all getting a hotel room for the night. So we took the shuttle and got our room - 7 in all. After we dropped off our stuff, we went to eat dinner in the fancy hotel restaurant. I had bread, trout, brown-sugar carrots, red potatoes and chocolate cake with raspberry drizzle. It was all amazing!! After dinner we hung out in the room. I got to sleep in a bed - my 1st since starting - as the guys were being gentlemen and made us girls take the beds.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Fontana Dam Resort Hotel

To: Fontana Dam Resort Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was a really fun day! Slept in late, then headed out to do laundry and get my package. Package was much heavier then I wanted, so I decided to forward half of it to Gatlinburg. Got a creamsicle and a berry-blue kool-aid (both awesome) and hung out on the porch with the other thru-hikers. I sorted spent the time sorting through my package, figuring out what I needed and what I didn't.Eventually Prana and I went to a cabin to bake a cake for Don (it was his 31st birthday). We also had scrambled eggs and cheese and lay in the sun. After, I went to the Outfitters and I got gloves from Jumpstart and then got a shirt that won't smell as bad as my polypro one. I got a nice Columbia in the same color as my old shirt. At points I also made some phone calls, watched tv and read my book. In the evening we had dinner at the grill and celebrated Don's birthday. Overall a fun zero day!
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Fontana Dam Resort Hotel

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm really tired tonight, so I'm not gonna write much. The dam was REALLY cool to see, and I had fun walking across it. The uphill hike was hard, as I was really dragging butt. However, I did go 1/4 of a mile off the trail to climb the super-sketchy firewtower and that was well worth it!Halfway through the day, Estel joined me for hiking because he was really tired. We hiked for like 2 1/2 hours through the rain together to get to the shelter. It was full, but because the other six people in my group were moving out to the next shelter, there was room for me. Ate dinner, hung out and went to bed.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

So last night was absolutely crazy! Around midnight, a storm system came through. It decided to sit on the ridge (where the shelter is located) for at least half an hour. The thunder and the lightning were going off at the exact same time, and the hail and rain were defeaning on the tin roof. It was really scary! Finally went back to sleep and didn't wake up 'til 10 of 9. It was really crazy - the whole shelter basically slept that long. That never happens! Got ready quick and got moving. The 1st hour or so, the woods was foggy (in the clouds), and it was really cool to walk through. Then the fog lifted and the world was sunny! It was a fabulous day for a hike! I was having a tired day, so I was having a hard time hiking. The first 5 miles, however, were the most beautiful I've seen on the trail! Just absolutely gorgeous!Rocky Top was fun because there were two people handing out brownies and playing "Rocky Top" on the banjo. It was really cool!The 2nd half of the day was really hard! Lots of up and down! I was really tired when I got to the shelter. Made an awesome dinner of teriyaki rice, tuna and peas. Saw a coyote today too!
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Got up early this morning and was out of the shelter by 8am. Hit the 1st shelter by 11 and the 2nd one by noon. Lunch was awesome - crackers, cheddar cheese and pepperoni! Hung out for 1 1/2 hours to see if the black clouds would pass. They sorta did, so we all took a chance and went for it. headed up to CLingman's Dome (the highest point on the AT). The fog was pretty cool, and the viewtower was cool too. Had half the view from the tower, so I was pretty happy with that.Met a ridgerunner on top, and he told us that people now have to have permits to do trail magic in the Smokies. Kinda sad, what it's all coming to.At the shelter tonight we had a potluck dinner. We (Mt. Dew, Nails, Dutchy and Jane Doe) had macaroni and cheese spirals, chicken noodles with mashed potato flakes and pepperoni and tortollini and pasta with mashed potato flakes, peas, corn and carrots. Very fun and even pretty tasty too! Happy with my mileage the last few days, and I'm hoping I'll get my energy back soon (it's kinda been lagging)!
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg (Grand Prix Inn)
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

Today was a short hiking day. Up and out early with a cold breakfast to get to the road to get to town. Five easy miles found me with a coke when I got to Newfound Gap (a nice guy had brought them in case he saw any thru-hikers). Only took about 10 minutes to get a hitch into Gatlinburg - it was with a preacher named Tony who had already picked up John near Clingman's Dome. Checked into our hotel - The Grand Prix - and took a shower! Went to McDonald's for lunch and had a fish sandwich, a cheeseburger, two apple pies and a chocolate milkshake! Afterwards I went on a trolley-riding adventure to the post office, where I picked up the rest of my food. Did laundry, used the internet, then got a new pack! I love it so far!Cinco de Mayo dinner at No Way Jose's completed the day, with a top off of a double scoop mint chocolate chip waffle cone at Baskin Robbins. Played M&M poker until late.Can you guess what's always on a thru-hikers mind? If you guessed food, you've hit the nail right on the head!
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Gatlinburg (Grand Prix Inn)

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got up around 7:30am and went to breakfast at a pancake place with Mt. Dew. Met Muddyshoes there, and I ordered a 3 chocolate chip pancakes, along with a glass of chocolate milk. Trying to hitch a ride back to the trailhead took awhile - maybe 35 minutes, and then it was only partway. Finally got to the trailhead, and my friends showed up, so we all got pictures. Hiking with Mt. Dew today, and I led out.Got to Ice Water Spring Shelter for lunch feeling really good! Watched three section hikers saw down a tree and got sandwich fixings from some other day hikers. Continued on hiking along the ridgeline with absolutely gorgeous views for the whole time! I even got to go to Charlie's Bunion (a rock formation in the shape of a bunion on Charlie's foot, the discoverer of it). Was really happy and tired when I got the shelter for the evening! Played cards with Mt. Dew and went to bed.
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

Woke up to rain this morning. Lounged in my sleeping bag, and I only got up when I really had to pee. Cooked breakfast (highly unusual) and didn't leave the shelter until 11am. By then it'd stopped raining, so Mt. Dew and I stayed dry and made it to the next shelter by 2pm. It was a pretty crappy hike though, 'cause my new pack was super uncomfortable the way I'd packed it that morning. However, I experiemented when I got to the shelter, and I think it's better now. Spent most of the afternoon/evening in my sleeping bag because it was so cold. Cooked mac & cheese for dinner, but I spilled half of the macaroni on the ground, which was really sad. People that I've met in the last few days include Muddyshoes, Popcorn and Yougobyebye. Still hanging out (tonight anyways) with Mt. Dew, Nails, Jane Doe and Dutchy. Finally, here's a very funny song that Muddyshoes wrote."Old Dome Clingman"(sung to the tune of "Old Susanna")Well I climbed out of my sleeping bag, that morn on Derrick's KnobI tried to walk outside to pee, my left leg it did throbOh, Dome Clingman, oh don't you hurt my knee'cause the morn after I climb you, I'll again have to go peeSo I hobbled out intot hte bush and pulled my zipper downThen promptly tripped upon a root and toppled with a frownOh, Dome Clingman, oh don't you hurt my knee'cause the morn after I climb you, I'll again have to go peeSo I slowly rose onto my feet, to try it once againAnd midway through my morning pee, I finally found my zenOh, Dome Clingman, oh don't you hurt my knee'cause the morn after I climb you, I'll again have to go pee
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Long day today, but it wasn't too bad overall. It didn't rain today, but because it had rained so much yesterday, the trail was complete sludge. Mud everywhere! Ridgeline hiking, then lots of downhill completed the picture for the day. I got to see an old plane crash from the 60's, that was neat, although a little surreal. Made Cosby Knob shelter for lunch, and I pressed on to Davenport Gap Shelter for the night. It's called "the Sheraton" of the Smokies, so I thought it would be really nice. However, it was probably one of the worst shelters I saw in the Smokies. Very disappointing. =(The company was good, however - Nails, Dutchy, Jane Doe, Mt. Dew, Muddyshoes and a section hiker named Nate. Nate was trying to go Southbound through the Smokies in 4 days (it took me 8 going Northbound). Good luck!Finished off the evening by having a fire - which we eventually tossed my fuel into (because it wasn't burning right in my stove and I wanted to get rid of it). The flames got really high when it went on! (For those of you under 18 - this is your disclaimer). Don't try this at home!