morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-09
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Plum Orchard Gap
Miles today: 4.3

Start: 11:15Stop: 13:30Short day today after a great night in town. Willow, Sweet Cheeks and I hitchhiked out of Hiwasee and got a ride from the third car that came by with a very nice old gentleman that took us all the way to Blueberry Patch. I picked up my drop package and left a lot of the food from my box there. I put way too much food in all my packages, but I guess I will get the amount right soon.We hitched another ride to the trail with a nice lady who had already picked up other hikers in town.   Got to the shelter pretty fast and decided to make it a short day. It started snowing right after we got here and snowed on and off all afternoon. It was very pretty. It isn't very cold right now, at least not as cold as the night before last. There are 10 of us in the shelter tonight. We had a nice fire and everyone is in good spirits. I realized today how young I feel. I get along with everyone I have hiked with no matter their ages. I guess it is just because we have a common goal. Last but not least I got to talk with my wonderful wife last night and this morning. I miss her a great deal, but knowing that she is totally behind me in this adventure makes it worth doing.
Date: 2004-03-10
From: Plum Orchard Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Start: 07:45stop: 15:30Milestone day today! I crossed my first state line and am no longer in Georgia. I'm now in North Carolina! WOOHOO! Hiked most of the day in snow but it warmed up pretty fast and ended up hiking in a long-sleeved shirt. After crossing the state line there was a big uphill pull for about a mile. It was very steep and very tough hiking, but I have to give myself a pat on the back for making it all the way without stopping.I hiked most of the day with Willow. When you are hiking with someone that goes at about the same pace that you can talk with makes the day go by fast. Saw a group of men clearing the trail of blown down trees and brush. I told them how much we hikers appreciated the work they do. Keep in mind these men do this for their love of the trail. They are not paid anything and do the work on their own time. Tonight is a little warmer and I am using my tent for the first time. It's a little cramped but I'm sure it will keep me dry and warm.
Date: 2004-03-11
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Start: 08:00Stop: 16:00Long day today, but nice views and easy hiking most of the morning. There was one place where you had to cross a small stream on a log that was still covered with snow. It was a little tricky but I made it. Lots of places where the trail was covered by rhododendrons. After lunch the trail was pretty level and easy walking until the last 3 miles. The trail goes along a cliff edge with great views. It then goes up 1000 ft in about a quarter mile. It was very tough climbing.Tomorrow I will go in to Franklin, NC and take a zero day. My feet are really hurting, so I am going to get some insoles and let my feet relax a bit.
Date: 2004-03-12
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Start: 08:00Stop: 15:00Today was a good day. I passed the 100 mile mark at Glassmine Gap! Also, I hiked 3.8 miles in 1 hour. The trail was relatively flat and slightly down hill so it made for good hiking. When I got to Wallace Gap I walked down the road to Rainbow Springs Campground to get my dropped package. When I got there I drank a soda and ate a cookie. It was the first I had eaten all day. I haven't been hungry yet. People tell me that my appetite will increase as I go along.I sorted out my food and the owner of the campground, Phil, gave me a Pop tart and a ride back to the trail. Everyone at the campground and at the outfitters was really helpful.When I got back to the trail I hiked over a hill to Winding Stair Gap and started hitch hiking into Franklin, NC. I was just about to give up and start walking when a hiker stopped and gave me a ride to the hotel where all my hiking buddies are staying. A big thanks to Ken for the ride! It would have been a long walk without his kindness. Tonight about 7 of us walked to the laundry about a mile away and washed our clothes. We must have been a sight for the locals. I weighed myself at a scale in the Kmart and I'm down to 179. A 3-pound loss in 3 days. Everyone is still in good spirits. Willow had a little crying spell tonight about a tent she was having mailed to her here in Franklin that hasn't arrived yet. I'm sure things will work out; they always seem to on the trail.
Date: 2004-03-13
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: No Where!
Miles today: 0.0

I'm taking a day off today, letting my feet have a little rest. Our group of 8 stayed at the Microtel here in Franklin last night. Mr. Clean, Willow, Sweet Cheeks and Mudskipper headed out this morning. K-lee, Georgia, Shinobi, and I are still at the hotel for a day off. Since I'm not hiking today I thought I would tell a little about the people I am hiking with and a few things have seen on the trail.The four of us have been together pretty much since Springer Mountain. The four us are: Paul (Mr. Clean), Hannah (Willow), Lauri (Sweet Cheeks), and myself. Paul is from South Carolina. He is hiking to Hot Springs and then going home while his wife is having surgery. He is a faster hiker than me, but we meet up in the shelters at the end of the day. Willow and Sweet Cheeks went to college together in Maine. They are both great fun to be around. Willow is from Maine. We tend to hike about the same pace so we are together often. It makes the day go by fast while we are hiking together and talking about all sorts of things. Sweet Cheeks (I gave her the trail name because of her rosy apple cheeks) is a very smart young lady. She wants to finish the trail by August 25th so she can start graduate school. She is studying environmental biology. She always has a bright smile that makes it hard to resist smiling yourself.The days on the trail seem to start blending together so you can't remember which day is which. One day I am on a cliff watching a hawk soar. I remember that, but don't know if it is the same day that I saw a deer¢s severed hind leg in the middle of the trail or the day I had to cross a stream on a slick snow covered log. I know in the end the trail will give me great friends and great memories.
Date: 2004-03-14
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

start time: 09:00stop: 17:45Great day for hiking. We had nice weather, temperature in the 50's. Saw a great view from Siler¢s bald. I guess I could see for 70 miles. Met some great section hikers that convinced me to drop my pack and climb Siler¢s Bald. It was well worth the extra effort for the great view.Today is the most miles I have hiked in one day, but I felt great. I got my first blister today. Must be from the new insoles I got. When we got to the shelter tonight it was full so there are 5 of us in our tents. We had a nice fire and good conversation before the rain started but it is slacking up now.I have to send out a big thank you to Jack Coriell of the Nantahala Hiking Club who gave 4 of us a ride to the trail and for his work maintaining the trail. And also to Apple of Austin, TX for his trail magic. Thanks for the hotdogs.Long day so now it¢s bedtime.
Date: 2004-03-15
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: light rain

start: 10:15stop: 16:15Very rainy day. Was soaked to the bone by the time I was finished. Fell three times, nothing bad but on one of the spills my finger got caught under a root. If I would have fallen much farther I might have broke a finger.Not many people on the trail today. I guess most people have better sense than me. The last 4 miles were really slick with water running right down the trail. Lots of roots and rocks. Yesterday something happened that I forgot to put in my journal. I came up to Wayah Bald and had to stop since I was out of breath. There was a couple there with 2 little girls. I think I sort of surprised them and the conversation went something like this:Me: wow, the up hills kill me.Man: How far have you came?Me: About11 miles today but I started in Georgia.Man: Georgia! Me: Yeah Georgia, about 115 miles so far.Man: So, where are you going?Me: Maine.Man: Maine!It was funny.   I had heard people tell similar stories and was wondering if it would happen to me. Georgia, Shinobi, Castro and me went to dinner tonight at Nantahala lodge. Got a ride there from people at NOC and a ride back from the former president of NOC.Got to call my dear wife and hit the hay.
Date: 2004-03-16
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

start: 10:15stop:16:00Long day with short miles. 3000-foot elevation gain in 7 miles. It was a long day on sore feet. I hiked with Castro all day. He is a great hiking partner. We had good conversation all day.We got to a place where you could step a few feet off the trail and look back into the valley where we had just came from. The view was awesome! We watched a hawk soar above us that kept rising on the thermals. It must have been 6000-feet above the ground. Not once in the ten minutes we watched did he flap his wings.When we got to the shelter, I was greeted by a big chorus of "Ichabod!" Just like when Norm walks into cheers on TV. Willow, Sweet Cheeks, and K-less had taken a zero day and were at the shelter. It was like a family reunion. I had been missing their company. I hadn't seen them in three days.   It was a chilly night but, great companions.
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

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

start: 08:15stop: 18:00Hiked most of the day alone. Every day there is part of the day when you are alone. Not everyone leaves the shelter at the same time so sometimes I start with someone and sometimes I don't. I catch up with people or people catch up with me throughout the day. But today I took my time and took a couple 30-minute stops to have a candy bar and just relax. Came into Brown Fork Shelter about 2:00 after a very hard climb out of Sweetwater Gap. Georgia and Sweet Cheeks were there and Georgia asked me what I thought of the climb. My reply was "too tired, can't think." They left shortly after I arrived and I set around for about 45 minutes trying to decide if I wanted spend the night there or head on to the next shelter. If anyone would have came to the shelter I probably would have stayed. I figured I had enough daylight to make it to the next shelter if I didn't waste any time. So I headed on. Also, it would give me a short day into Fontana dam so I could get my food package and call my wonderful wife.Got to the shelter right at 6:00. Dave had started a fire and it was welcomed warmth. I got a space in the shelter and just sat for about 30 minutes. I was really bushed. I chatted with everyone and made a PB and J on a tortilla for dinner. I was too tired to cook and nothing I had in my food bag looked appetizing. We sat around the fire and told stories and a few lies then it was time for bed.Fontana Dam tomorrow.
Date: 2004-03-18
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

start: 09:00stop: 11:45Got a good scare last night. I was sleeping next to Dave and I guess I was disturbing him with my snoring. He gave me a little kick on my feet and growled. I thought a porcupine was on my feet. Try as I might I couldn't get my sleeping bag unzipped. Finally I got my head out and was awake enough to see what was going on. We all had a good laugh in the morning.Just when we woke up it started to rain. But we decided a little rain would not keep us from a rendezvous with cheeseburgers at Fontana Dam Village. The rain lasted just until I got to the road leading to the village but it was enough to get me totally wet and make the trail very slick. Once I covered about 30 feet in three steps because I slid 10 feet between each step. At one place I had to slide down a rock because I was afraid I would slip and break a leg if I tried to jump the three feet to the ground.Once I got to the road I called for the shuttle to take me to the village. Met up with Dave, Miranda, and Sweet Cheeks and we rode to the shuttle together. We were all disappointed that nothing much was open at the village. But the lucky stars were shining on us. Georgia's father and uncle had come to visit him and they took Willow, Sweet Cheeks and myself to Robbinsville for dinner. Nicer people cannot be met. Great big thanks to Uncle Tim and Daddy Keith!When we got back to the village we had another reunion with about 17 hikers staying here tonight. Was really surprised to catch up with Mr. Clean. The whole gang is here tonight. With the exception of Sugar Daddy, everyone I was with at Springer Mountain is here. Met new friends and caught up with old ones.What a wonderful day! Tomorrow it¢s the Smokey Mountains.
Date: 2004-03-19
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollie Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

start: 11:00stop: 17:30First let me say I didn't actually start at Fontana Dam. I stated at the marina where I started yesterday. Good walk today. Feet were a little sore but I made it to the shelter in good time. Hiked with Boxtop and Packrat for most of the morning and ran into the rest of the normal crew at the fire tower on Shuckstack. The view from the tower was awesome. Took quite a few pictures.We took a rest at the tower for about 30 minutes then headed on. In about one mile I was behind everyone but I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. Met up with K-lees and Willow and stopped to have a candy bar and some Koolaid. While we were there we met another thru-hiker we hadn't met before. Her name is Quincy Girl and she started on March 5th. She left a little ahead of us but we soon caught up and were on her heels all the way to the shelter. At the shelter I caught up with Poptart who I had last talked to at Winding Stair Gap. I thought he was long gone. Also met Lopaka who I had exchanged a couple e-mails with before the trip. Mudskipper is here also. There are about 6 people in the shelter and about 10 more tenting out. I chose the tent to get away from the bad snorers and to give the non-snorers a break from me.It was a tough day but the views and the company not to mention a day closer to seeing my wife make it worth the effort.
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Mollie Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: few clouds

start: 09:30stop: 16:45Very nice day so I hiked most of the day in shorts. Got to one of the famous Smokey Mountain Balds and had lunch in the long grass. Quincy Girl, Eric the Red, and I kicked off our boots and took a nap. It was very hard to get moving again. Had a long pleasant climb up Rocky Top. Not too hard but really long. Got to the shelter later than most and tented out. Just after we got into our tents a huge thunderstorm blew through. The vent on my tent acted as a funnel for the rain and forced me to wiggle down to the bottom of the tent. Wet night but like they say at least the spring will be full.
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

start: 08:45stop: 1730Wet night last night. I had a cold start this morning. Was one of the last ones out. Hiked with Quincy Girl, Dave and Miranda most of the day.   It was a long hard climb up to Clingman's Dome. The temperature dropped quickly and I had to wear most of the clothes I have. It was so cold I opted out of climbing the tower on Clingman's Dome. It was pretty foggy and snowing some so I don't think I missed any views.The trail got very icy and slick on the way from Clingman's to the shelter. I got one of the last spaces in the shelter and was glad I wasn't tenting tonight. We had to get water from runoffs on the trail. Definitely a night to boil the water.Dave tried for over an hour to get a fire going but finally gave up. Very cold tonight but I get to see my wonderful wife tomorrow.
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: few clouds

start: 07:45stop: 09:45It was 14 degrees this morning. My boots were hard to get into because they were almost frozen. I guess I should have put them in the bottom of my sleeping bag. Didn't eat any breakfast because I was in a hurry to get to Newfound Gap to meet my wife. The trail was very icy and slow going. When we got to Newfound Gap it had warmed up some but not enough to matter much because of how the wind was blowing.Quincy Girl got a signal on her cell phone and I called my wife. She was just leaving her sister¢s house and said she would be there to meet in 30 minutes. She arrived about 2 1/2 hours later. She had run into road construction in Pigeon Forge. We were about frozen but seeing her warmed my heart immediately. She had a cooler full of ham, turkey and cheese. We all made sandwiches and piled into the truck to eat because of the cold. The ride to Gatlinburg was something to remember with 7 hikers and their gear in their laps and me with the cooler in mine and my wife driving. She might have been able to see out of one mirror.We all got rooms and got showered then met at the Smokey Mountain Brewery for dinner. Great time with all the hikers and my wife, sister-in-law Lynnette, niece Chelsey, nephew Adam and Chelsey's boyfriend Brad. Adam had made Brownies for everyone that went over great. Another great day. Who could ask for more. Friends and family really make for fantastic memories.
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Spent the day with my wife in Gatlinburg. Started by having a great breakfast and then doing laundry. We met Willow, Sweet Cheeks, K-less, Eric the Red, Mudskipper and Quincy Girl and went to Wal-mart so everyone could resupply. We all had lunch at Ryan's and really showed our thru-hiker appetites. Then to the post office so people could get their mail drops. I think everyone was really appreciative of my wife's generosity, especially me. Thank you Natalie for sharing your time and sharing me with all my friends.Natalie and I walked through Gatlinburg and spent some time together. It was great to be with her. We went up in the Space Needle and had great views. It was fantastic being with her. I really miss not being with her.   I know the sacrifice she is making for me to be out here. I don't know how I can love her anymore than I do, but my love for her grows everyday.
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Newfound Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Start: 12:45Stop: 1415We all got a late start this morning. Natalie, Quincy Girl and I had breakfast at Shoneys then back to the hotel to collect our gear. We met the rest of the gang and drove up to Newfound Gap.   At the gap we all had one more round of Natalie¢s Trail magic: sandwiches and soda for everyone.We said our goodbyes and Nat headed back to Gatlinburg to pick up Eric the Red and Mudskipper. She was taking Eric to Knoxville to the bus station so he can head home and Mudskipper is riding with her back to Ohio to take a few days off.The rest of us (Georgia, K-less, Sweet Cheeks, Willow, Quincy Girl and myself) had a short day. We got to the shelter and ate our first day back on the trail food: Cheetos and beer. Later we had a pretty full shelter with about 10 people in all. Met some new thru-hikers including Wing and Feather, Chestnut and Satori. I built a fire and I must say it was the best one we have had so far.Great day with good hiking and great friends, but I am really missing Natalie. Love you honey, hope to see you soon.
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

start: 07:45stop: 15:30Fantastic day. The weather was great and we had the best views so far. Hiked out of the shelter with Quincy Girl and the trail was very icy for about the first quarter mile. We got to Charlies Bunion and had to take off a layer of clothes. The view from the rock was beautiful.Quincy Girl and I talked most of the day and made the day go by really fast. When we were at Charlies bunion she was taking my picture and walking backwards to lineup the shot. I told her not to walk off the edge because I really liked my camera. She started laughing at that and I thought she would never stop. There were a couple of steep climbs but I felt really good. I guess I am finally getting into shape.There are 7 of us in the shelter tonight. We had a nice fire and more great conversation. There is a little stream in front of the shelter and I'm sure its lullaby will put me right to sleep.
Date: 2004-03-26
To: Mrs. Ichabod
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Readers - My husband has been a bit lax in updating his journal, so I thought I'd post an update for him until he's caught up. I met Ichabod in Gatlinburg on March 22. It was cold on top of that mountain at Newfound Gap! I took the hikers some food (turkey, ham, cheese, Coke, cookies and fruit). It was so cold that we all piled into the truck to eat and left the packs outside. Finally we got all the gear and people wedged into the truck (we have an Expedition that was at full capacity)! Everyone was dropped off in Gatlinburg to find hotel rooms for the night. Later that night, my sister (Lynnette) and her kids Adam, Chelsey and Chelsey's boyfriend Brad went to dinner. There were 19 of us in all. Ichabod, Quincy Girl, Willow, Sweet Checks, Poptart, Kless, Mudskipper, Dave, Miranda, Georgia Boy and some other wonderful hikers. The next day we took the short bus (our truck) into Walmart to shop! Kless, Willow, Sweet Checks, Quincy Girl, Mudskipper, Eric the Red, Ichabod and I went to the AYCE buffet at Ryan's. Everyone left stuffed and ready for a nap. That night Ichabod and I spent some quiet time roaming the streets of Gatlinburg and ducking into the various stores along the way. We had a wonderful time together. On March 24 it was time to head back up the mountain. We were smart this time and tied some of the packs on the roof. Once we reached Newfound Gap, we broke out the cooler and had a little picnic. After a few pictures and hugs good-bye, this wonderful group of hikers were on their way up the trail again. I headed back to Gatlinburg to pick up Eric the Red and Mudskipper. Eric the Red was leaving the trail so we dropped him off in Knoxville to take the long bus ride home to CT. Mudskipper rode into Columbus with me and waited for his parents to come get him. He plans to return to the trail in a week or so and meet back up with group. I'm so happy that my dear husband has a chance to hike with these remarkable people. They all seem to get along and take care of each other. I will update this journal with Ichabod's entries in a few days.Natalie (aka ATWidow2004)