morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Pigeon River

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 14.5

We packed and left the cabin. We arrived at I-40 exit 451, where the trail resumes, at about noon. We said our good byes and hiked up the stairs and into the forest. We entered Trail World. It was difficult saying our goodbyes not knowing when we would see each other again. Now there are three of us. We hiked up to Green Corner Road and up to the Standing Bear Farm where I picked up my new map and talked to Curtis and White Crow. We left and it was turning into a hot day. It didn't take long for us to work up a sweat. The trail is very uppish. Just when you thought there was no way for the trail to go up it would turn and there would be another big up. We worked our way from 1400 feet up to 4600 feet. There were many ups all day long. We stopped at Groudhog Creek shelter and got some water and talked to Ghost. We hiked on planning to find a campsite in the next couple of miles. Plans change and we ended up walking up many more mountains until we had to put our headlamps on. We ended up on top of Max Patch. It was dark. We pitched our tents on the very top and made dinner. We quickly got into our bags hoping to find comfort and warmth. We ended up hiking over 14 miles some in the dark. It will be nice waking up on the top of Max patch tomorrow morning. The forest is changing as it gets warmer. The trees are budding and some have new leaves. There are spring flowers and we are beginning to notice flies from time to time. Today is our first dat without Taken and I miss her dearly. It was a hard day but we will go on. I have her headlamp on and it feels like she is here with us. There is a ring around the moon tonight. Good night all. Taken, you will be at every campfire when I turn on your light.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Max Patch

To: Deer Park Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

Max Patch was beautiful. I always wanted to camp here. The night was windy but not too cold. The morning was warm promising a hot hike today. The hike started easy, mostly down past creeks then to Roaring Fork Shelter which was built in 2005. We walked another 5 miles reaching the Walnut Mtn shelter built in 1938. It's an oldy but a goody. This is where Little Brother, No Worries and I slept in last year because it was freezing and a foot of snow was on the ground. Good memories. Today I am hot, it's amazing how different the weather can be the same time of year. We hiked on over a few more mountains finding many ups to keep us warm on a hot day. I'm not complaining about the heat, I'd rather be warm than freezing to death. Our hike finally brought us to Dear Park Mtn. Shelter where we will stay. We have the shelter to ourselves which is very nice. We only have a few more miles to go into Hot Springs tomorrow morning. I am very hungry tonight. I made a roll up sandwich to finish my meat and cheese then decide to have South West style rice adding a foil packet of chicken and several slices of swiss cheese. Afterward I am full again. We start a camp fire and after putting everything away we rest by the fire before going to bed. The night is pleasant with no breeze. We have fire, water and a beautiful night to enjoy. Tomorrow we will enjoy what civilization has to offer. We are alone at this beautiful old shelter and all is well. This shelter is also old having been built in 1938. I feel like I am staying at a place which should be in an A/T museum. If a museum is ever build I hope this shelter ends up there. We are hiking good but all of us miss Taken. She is at our fire by way of the headlamp again and will be every night.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Deer Park Mtn. Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we go into town. I called Sleeper to tell him we would be in town. He wanted to meet us and hike a few days. I also called Tofurky. She said she was in Asheville but would come see me later. Sleeper said he would leave later and drive to see us. We had the thought of breakfast in town calling us as we hiked with purpose and arrived in town in around an hour. We crossed into Hot Springs and arrived at the diner with Tofurky welcoming us to town. We all had breakfast and Tofurky invited us to see her play at UNCA. Her play was called "Act of Kindness." We called Sleeper and told him to meet us in Asheville. We spent the day in Hot Springs doing what we needed to do in town and then headed to Asheville where we met Sleeper and went to dinner. We then headed to the play, when we got there we saw Elmer, Golden Boy, Dan from the outfitter, and several other Hot Springs people. The play was great. We all enjoyed it and congratulated Tofurky on her part. It was great seeing her doing so well and enjoying herself. We came back to Elmer's and had an impromptu party in his driveway. We were with Pegasus, Caboose, CB, Mean Joe, Sleeper, Old Yeller, Singe, and Golden Boy. It's time to go to bed at Elmer's. And as a side note, thanks to Sleeper for coming out and the magic.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Hot Springs

To: Camp site at mile 279
Miles today: 9.1

We checked out at Elmer's and prepared to hike. Sleeper had his truck arranged to be taken up to Allen Gap so he could hike out with us today. We hiked out of town across the French Broad River and then us to Lover's Leap for a nice look back to Hot Springs. We hiked up and over Rich Mountain where we found a perfect campsite. Pegasus set up our hiking poles to make an arrow to the site. We then hiked up to Rich Mountain fire tower. When we came back down we ran into Mean Joe and CB. Old Yeller and Singe were just behind. We all agreed to stay and had a gathering which lasted until late. The night was windy and it was foggy or cloudy so we were in wet misty weather. The fire was warming so we had a late night. There are five tents and one hammock tonight. It looks like a new group may be forming.
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Camp site at mile 279

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

In the morning our tents were wet but we were dry and ready to hike. We hiked out to Allen Gap where Sleeper's truck was parked. We ate and drank from Sleeper's cooler. Before coming out of the forest we came upon a sign that said there was trail magic at the home of Fal and Hercules. We decided to go and were greeted warmly and invited into their home. This goes beyond trail magic. They offered Belgian waffles, beef stew, bbq pork, potato salad, ice cream desserts like banana splits and brownie sundaes. They offered as much as we could eat. We ate much and thanked our hosts. While there we spread our tents out to dry in the driveway. We repacked our gear and headed to our next camp at Little Laurel Shelter. We all tent camped and finished dinner. We had a crazy bear bag hanging and finally ended up by the camp fire. CB, Mean Joe, Pegasus, Caboose, Old Yeller, Singe, Golden Boy, and I enjoyed conversation. I turned on my head lamp so Taken could see the camp fire and the gathering. I grew tired and returned to my tent for a rest.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Moutain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike had different terrain than usual. Most of the day seemed to be up. We reached the Blackstack Cliffs and had a nice midday break. We hiked more ups and some steep downs for awhile. We broke again at Shelton Grave's where we celebrated our 300 mile point. We hiked on arriving at Flint Mountain Shelter. We had the shelter to ourselves - Pegasus, Caboose, Mean Joe, CB, Old Yeller, Singe, and I. We gather wood, cook dinner, start a fire, and eat dinner and have hot chocolate. I am behind on my journal so I caught up today sitting at a picnic table by the campfire. The wind is howling its song and we prepare to sleep again. I will see Bonesaw and Tricycle soon and also will be in Erwin soon.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Flint Moutain Shelter

To: Hog Back Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained last night. The fire burned completely. We rested well. Everyone is quiet this morning. I am wondering what is on everyone's minds. I am feeling the effects of hiking hot and sweaty and not having a shower. My pack is heavy and we have many miles to go. We hike together and enjoy the trail. As we hike it begins raining. The layering games begin as I start with shorts and short sleeves and go to a rain jacket then back. We reach the Hog Back Ridge Shelter in a cold rain. We are wet and cold and use the shelter to get dry and fueled up. It's cold and off comes the wet and on goes the dry. We actually talk about hiking again but finally decide to stay here. It's a good decision. It's raining, it's cold, and we can have a place if we decide now. Out come the pads and bags as we claim our spots. The shelter is full and many tents are up as a new group catches us. As usual we enjoy a beautiful camp fire. Our group gathered firewood before the others arrived and we all enjoyed the fire until late. We plan a nice long day tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Hog Back Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap Camp Site
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

With talk of a 20 plus day we all head out after enjoying a morning fire. The weather is improving as we leave. We hike up and over High Rock where there is a nice rocky summit and then down to Sam's Gap where there is trail magic. Hellbender's friend, Kirby, has driven up with sandwiches, fruit, sodas, beer, and other treats. We all gather with the other group that stayed at the shelter. Night Rider, Johnny Hand, Freight Train, Anonymous, Hellbender, Dirty Blonde, and Back Bend decide to slack pack the rest of the day to Erwin and leave their packs with Hellbender's friend. She offers to take the packs to Miss Janet's. They have a long day ahead and will walk about 27 miles today. We decide to keep to our plans. We walk out and up eventually reaching Big Bald at about 5500 feet. The bald is a beautiful place but it is windy. From the bald you have a great view but unfortunately there is a huge development scarring the landscape. We enjoy the openness and views, then hike over large open balds to the shelter where we take a break. Pushing on the group is walking in smaller groups of two and sometimes we are alone. I enjoy hiking alone hearing the sweet sounds of the forest, the wind in the trees, the song birds, and the sweet scent of flowers blooming. Some areas are covered with flowers and it looks like a snowy patch on the green forest floor. We hike up to Little Bald and up to High Rocks. We finally reach Spivey Gap and wait together. Bonesaw and Tricycle are driving down from Buffalo, NY to visit and trail magic is in the air. I call and they are close. When they arrive we are all treated to drinks. They have scoped the area and recommend we camp at the Spivey Gap picnic area where we are treated to cheeseburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, soft drinks, beer, and whiskey. We set up a tent city and build a nice fire. We stay up late enjoying the full moon and the wonderful company. Bonesaw, Tricycle, and I remember the good times from last year. We have much fun and then head to our tents for a much needed rest.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Spivey Gap Camp Site

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

We plan on walking to Erwin today. Bonesaw and Tricycle fire up their grill and we start our day with more cheeseburgers and dogs. A morning fire is going and we get ready to go. The hike is a nice gentle rolling hike and we aggressively attack the the trail making it to the No Business Knob Shelter where we break and see that we have 5.7 miles to go. The remaining hike is more rolling hills, then a descent with fine view points. We arrive at the trailhead and find a note under a rock saying "We are across the river with Bonesaw and Tricycle." So we walked across the bridge and reunited over some drinks before heading to Miss Janet's. We see Fish, Chips, Golden Boy, Dirty Blonde, Back Bend, Johnny Hand, Anonymous, Hell Bender, Night Rider, Octagon, Mr. Happy, and of course Miss Janet. We met a guy named Bowser who has hiked with us the last few days. Miss Janet's is full so we go to the Super 8 for the night. We go to the Erwin Burrito for dinner. It's great to see Miss Janet and she gives a warm welcome to us. Miss Janet invites us to breakfast even though we aren't staying there.
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Erwin, TN

To: zero day
Miles today: 0.0

We check out of the Super 8 and head to Miss Janet's. Last night we had a long talk about our plans. We have decided to slack pack. Old Yeller and Singe are heading out today. As the day goes on we decide to zero. The weather does not look good. It looks and feels like rain. We sit in Miss Janet's playing cards and making more new plans. The day passes and we get to our chores. I go to the outfitter and get my laundry done. Plan now is for Bonesaw and Tricycle to move their truck up north so we can hike to it. Now Granite (AT06) has shown up and plans to hike with us a bit. Staying here might have consequences, our group might get split up. But others are also heading out tomorrow so we might get new friends to hike with. We look forward to a fun week with our new friends and my old friends. Next stop is Kincora, then Damascus. I got a call from home today and I am homesick. The day turned out to be beautiful and the forecast is for clear cold weather.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Erwin, TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We checked out of the Super 8 and headed over to Miss Janet's. I walked with Granite, Tricycle, and Bonesaw. Caboose, Pegasus, CB, Mean Joe, and Bowser drove over to Miss Janet's in Granite's car. Bonesaw's truck was blocked in at Miss Janet's last night so we just walked back with our packs on. We arrived at Miss Janet's and enjoyed a breakfast of Eggs Benedict. I went to the grocery store to get the food that will get me to Kincora. Bonesaw drove his car to Greasy Creek and Granite drove them back. Granite then drove her car to Indian Grave Gap so she could day hike with us. Miss Janet drove us all to the bridge where we walked to the other day. We took photos and said goodbye to Miss Janet. She gave us all a big hug before we started back on our hike. The trail climbs on the side of the mountain and up past a creek which we crossed several times. Tricycle, Bonesaw and Granite took off at a brisk pace with me trying to keep up. We eventually reached the Curley Maple Gap Shelter where we stopped and talked for a while. It was turning colder and the wind was strong. After some discussion about how cold it was going to be on Beauty Spot we went on. The hike was up to Indian Grave Gap where Granite's car was. She debated going with us but did not have all her gear and needed to go back for work and school. She left saying she'd come back later and meet us at Greasy Creek Gap. We hiked on reaching the Beauty Spot just after sunset. We enjoyed the view for about 10 seconds because it was very windy and cold. We hiked on reaching a camp site at Deep Gap with our headlamps on. Bonesaw started a fire and we really needed it to get warm. It was so windy I needed help holding my tent down. It was blowing like a kite. We pitched our tents close to shelter each other and gathered around the fire to keep warm. It wasn't a late night. The wind and cold drove us to the warmth of our bags. Bonesaw boiled some water on the fire and we put it in a nalgene to warm our bags. It's great hiking with Bonesaw and Tricycle again.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Deep Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.2

It is cold. Very cold and windy. Bonesaw made a nice warming fire and eventually we all left the warmth of our bags and tents. We huddled around the fire and tried to get warm as we discussed our options for the day. Singe and Old Yeller left us a note at the Curly Maple Gap Shelter and we hoped we could catch them soon. We finally broke camp and hiked on. The day was beautiful. The hike took us up over Unaka Mountain where we walked through a beautiful Spruce forest. The top of Unaka Mountain looks like an enchanted forest. The hike through this section has many ups and downs and takes more effort than we imagined based on our map profile. We reached Cherry Gap Shelter where we had lunch and a rest. There were good coals still in the fire pit from Singe and Old Yeller's fire earlier this morning. We hiked on and I was hiking with Caboose, CB, and sometimes Tricycle when he would slow down. We reached Greasy Gap where Pegasus and Bonesaw had a midday warming fire. We all gathered around the fire and decided to split up. Bonesaw, Tricycle, and I headed down to Greasy Creek Friendly. The others waited for Mean Joe and Bowser to catch up. We arrived at the hostel finding thru hiker Bacon who welcomed us. Bonesaw's truck was there so we had some beers and treats. Granite arrived a short time later with some more magic. She brought cheeseburgers, fries, a pan of homemade dessert bars, and a bottle of fine bourbon. We talked for awhile and then headed to bed. Its has been snowing for awhile and starting to accumulate.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Warren Wilson College
Miles today: 0.0

CC the owner of the hostel came home late last night so we got to meet her for the first time this morning. CC is very friendly and welcoming towards us. The snow has accumulated and looks to be six or seven inches deep and more than a foot in some places. The temperature has dropped into the upper single digits and we are concerned about Singe and Old Yeller who we think are at Clyde Smith Shelter 2.5 miles away. We decide to have Pegasus and CB try to catch them and convince them to come back to the hostel. Pegasus and CB get outfitted to do a hike to the Clyde Smith Shelter. Bonesaw and Tricycle prepare to drive home to Buffalo. A few hours later Pegasus, CB, Singe, and Old Yeller arrive back at the hostel looking cold with snow on the caps and in their beards. CC stokes the fire in her stove and they all gather around to warm up. Granite has arrived and is trying to convince us to go to Asheville and stay at her dorm and then go to Miss Janet's for Easter Sunday. It looks like we wil go with her and leave most of our equipment at CC's so we can return to our hike. I think CC is disappointed we are leaving. So Singe, Old Yeller, Mean Joe, CB, Caboose, Pegasus, Bowser, Granite, and I all pile into Granite's Subaru wagon and ride into Asheville. We arrived at Granite's dorm and unloaded the small amount of equipment we brought and then all headed to downtown Asheville to grab some dinner at Barley's. After a good meal at Barley's we were driving back to Granite's dorm when suddenly the curb jumped into the middle of the road and Granite had no choice but to jump it with the passenger side of her vehicle. The front tire instantly went flat so we pulled into a church parking lot and attempted to replace the flat tire with the spare. We borrowed a tire iron from one the the nice gentleman inside the church. After we got the front tire repaired we noticed the back tire had an abnormal bulge in it. We decided to drive to Wal-Mart to get the tire fixed. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot the rear tire lost all air. We went to the Tire and Lube Center at about 7:15 and were told the shop closed and 7:00 and they couldn't fix the tire. I asked to speak to the manager and explained our situation and he agreed to help us out. The only problem was we could not get the rear flat tire off the car. So we had to ask the manager to come out and help us remove the tire. He then repaired both rims and gave us two used tires and we were on our way again. Even though we weren't on the trail, that was the best trail magic we had recieved. We attempted to reimburse him adequately for his helpfulness. We arrived back at Granite's dorm and had a pleasant evening with her and some of her friends. Thanks so much Bonesaw, Tricycle, and Granite for all you have done for us. We wish you could walk with us more.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Warren Wilson College

To: Greasy Creek Hostel ~ Friendly
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We left Granite's dorm and headed over to Miss Janet's for Easter dinner. There were about 70 hikers and friends at the church where she has the dinner. After dinner we hung around then headed out to Greasy Creek for the night. CC let us all sleep in the house so we would be warm. Mean Joe is the only one that stayed in the bunk house. The stars are out so beautifully and we enjoy them in the front yard. This has been a great day. We are all anxious to get back on the trail tomorrow. Here's the update on the day. Easter day in Asheville. We got up early and readied for church at the campus church. We arrived early at 9AM. We were early and decided to go to town for breakfast. We then returned to Granite's place and got ready to go over to Miss Janet's Place for Easter Dinner. We arrived at Miss Janet's just in time for dinner at the church across the street from her place. There were about 70 some hikers and friends for dinner and we all enjoyed a great covered dish dinner. After we pitched in to help clean up the dishes and such and then we went back to Miss Janet's to relax. We then drove via Granite's Subaru to Greasy Creek Friendly and settled in. CC let us sleep in the main house on the floors since it was cold in the bunk house. We had fun with CC and Bacon and went to bed late again.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Greasy Creek Hostel ~ Friendly

To: Over mountain shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

We are leaving to go to the Overmountain shelter today. There's still much snow on the trail. We are going to Kincora next. I will update again as soon as possible. The hike will be very strenuous and cold. I'm updating from Laurel Creek lodge on Dennis Cove RD. We woke at the Greasy Creek Friendly and settled up with CC before getting another late start. Mean Joe and I left last. We hiked up Greasy Gap to the Overmountain Shelter. I passed up a stop at the Clyde Smith shelter and continued up. We were hiking in deep snow up the three peaks of Roan Mtn. The trail was beautiful - a winter wonderland with snow in the spruce trees. At a snowy slope some of the guys ran and slid down the snow on a makeshift snow run. We continued up walking in deep drifts arriving at the Roan High Bluff where we took a break. We then hiked up and over Roan heading down to Carter's Gap. We then went up and over the grassy balds and ridges enjoying many 360 degree views before heading down some steep trails covered in snow to the Overmountain Shelter. We had to end the hike with our headlamps on as it was dark. The scenery was fabulous. We all re-connected at the Stan Murry Shelter. We all decided to press on to Overmountain in the dark. After some confusion over the water source we settled in on the second floor of the barn like shelter. The place was crowded with some hikers setting up their tents inside to keep warm. I had a bad night; my socks burned by the fire when I tried to dry them. Also my thermarest pad sprung a leak and I was on the cold floor with out cushioning. It was a long night.