morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Winding Stair Gap US64 to Franklin

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Felt every spring in that mattress last night¢¦especially the 'sprung' pointy one, but oh it was ever so nice. A good nights sleep and I scrambled to make the 9am shuttle. Thankfully Ron Haven was late and I just made it as it pulled out of Franklin. Van occupants were Tricks and Aquaman from Indiana - Matt from Maine - Yankee & Z from Phoenix - Jiffy Pop from Holland - Metric from Australia - Trooper from Germany - Knife from Switzerland - Dudditz & his dog Lakota from Iowa - Ying & Yang from Missouri - Sticks from Missouri & 65 who is hiking from Key West to Canada. I had resupplied at Ingles grocery store yesterday and my pack felt heavy. It may also be from the two pitchers of Yuengling that Chris, Knife and myself had split last night at Mulligan's. Sticks also came out and joined us at the table for a while. Whatever it was, I was a little sluggish out of the gate. There was a very taxing LONG uphill to Wayah Bald. My feet and legs were hurting. Trooper was set up for the night at Wayah Bald Shelter as I went by but it was a little too early to stop. I wanted to make it to Cold Spring shelter area to set myself up to go into the NOC tomorrow. It rained a couple of times during the hike today but it was not when I got to the shelter area. My legs were very tight and sore as well as the bottoms of my feet. I set up my tent with others on top of the hill as the shelter was again packed. After setting up, I joined the others for dinner around the campfire. Gourmet dinner of golden grahams with powdered milk and Carnation instant breakfast. I have been trending towards a larger lunch, such as my soft tortillas with Spam or tuna, and a lighter quicker dinner. I hung the food bag so no animals would get it and was in bed by dark.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Good nights sleep. Woke up to clouds and humidity but no rain. I broke camp and went down to the shelter. Almost everyone had left and it was not even 8am. They were motivated today. I waited till 8 and called the Nantahala Outdoor Center to make reservations for tonight since I had a cell phone signal. Tim, aka That Guy, is now renamed King of the Hill. King left a few minutes before me as well as Slow Lee. My legs were still tight and sore so I took 3 Vitamin I's (ibuprofen) before heading out. Within the first 45 minutes or so my right leg started talking to me. A little behind the knee and a lot in my center quad area. I have had many aches and pains so far, but this seemed different. The pain got worse after I started walking down Rocky Bald to Tellico Gap. Then going up Wesser Bald it seemed to get manageable, or so I thought until I started the descent. WOW! Holy Painful Pain Batman! I limped into Wesser Bald Shelter just as the heavens opened up. I took 4 more 'vitamins' to dull the pain and ate lunch. Trooper, Metric & Jiffy Pop all stopped in and left before I headed out. My pace was cut in half. The pain was the worst when I was going down hill. Guess what? It just happened that the rest of my day was a 6 mile descent. The next 5 miles of pain took 4 hours. As I reached A. Rufus Morgan shelter I was ready for more ibuprofen. I was also ready for the cold Yuengling Lager that another hiker offered me. The hiker that gave me a beer turned out to be Fudgy. I had spoken with her father back at Amicalola Falls Lodge before beginning the approach trail. They were from Stroudsburg PA and it was good to put a face to the name. Fudgy is hiking with her friend S ____? !@#$%^&* my memory. *EDIT* Fudgy & Sancho
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

1st Zero DaySoon after the pain started in my leg yesterday I decided that I would listen to my body and take a Zero day today. After limping in yesterday, I put laundry in and took a shower. A burger and beer both, I'm sure, helped nurse my leg to useable status. It is better today and I hope it will hold up to the huge uphill tomorrow out of the NOC. I was planning on a two day hike over to Fontana Dam but will break it up into three instead. Thank You So Much Jen! A friend of mine had sent a Tastykake care package to me at the NOC. Tasty-Klair pies and Kandy Kakes from home area lifted my spirits.It has been difficult to keep up with my trail journals along the way. I do not carry a smart phone. Please be patient with the entries. If you see 'Day _' instead of an entry, please check back later. I may not have had time to write a complete entry, but will plan on updating it on another day. My many photos will be downloaded in the future. I may decide to mail my memory card home soon. Thank You all for your continued support and I will see you up the trail!
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Sasafrass Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

I enjoyed breakfast at the NOC with Trooper and Tugboat before heading uphill. It was snowing lightly when I left. Very blustery on and off and the temp was dropping. A decent size tree branch fell from a tree just ahead of me and to the left of the trail. I noticed the water from my bottle was colder and that ice crystals had formed on the loose moist soil at the edge of the trail. I needed to put my outer wind breaker on as my third layer along with my gloves. It was !@#$%^&* cold! I reached Sasafrass Gap Shelter by 12:30pm. My leg felt good but I decided to stick with the plan of cutting back on mileage for a few days.Cold night ahead with temps predicted below freezing. Matt from Maine, Captain Guts and Impulse are staying at the shelter tonight.
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Sasafrass Gap Shelter 

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Day 14 - Two weeks in. I left the shelter by 7:30. Glad I didn't push yesterday as my leg started hurting within the first 5 miles today. Decent short uphill today at Jacobs Ladder before Brown Fork Gap Shelter. It hailed a little after Brushnell Knob.Before that at Stecoah Gap I ran across some nice trail magic. Matt from Maine has a previous thru hiker friend (Fig) who had him meet up with his friend and trail angel, St. Pete Sue. She was waiting at the gap with water and snickers. Also Rabbit, a previous thru hiker, provided cans of Coke. Thanks to both of you. I heard that Dudditz and Lakota got turned around and had to traverse Jacobs Ladder twice. At Cable Gap and ready for bed by 6:30pm. I plan to to spend some time with an audio book. Only three of us in the shelter tonight, a nice change from the norm. Matt from Maine, Slow-Lee and myself.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center - Hike Inn
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night was warmer than the previous one, but I am glad I was in the shelter last night as it rained. Easier 5 miles or so to the Fontana Dam Marina area. There is a courtesy phone there that I used to call the Hike Inn to arrange my shuttle ride. I chose to hike the additional bit over to the visitor center and get picked up there. On the way I visited the Fontana Hilton Shelter and took some pics of the beautiful reservoir. Ran across some hikers doing Yoga; also Dudditz and Impulse nearby.Jeff from the Hike Inn was waiting for me by the time I got down to the dam and visitor center. He shuttled me over to the Hike Inn that he owns with his wife Nancy. I showered and turned my dirty laundry over to them. Nancy drove me down the road to some good local bar-b-que. Back at the motel, all cleaned up and with a full belly, I fell into a pleasant afternoon nap. In the evening, Nancy drove me into town and dropped me off for a couple of hours. I had a nice Mexican dinner, called home, and went to a pharmacy and grocery store. Topped off with food, Aleve and an Ace bandage...I was ready to head back. After getting back, I met some hikers at the motel who are going to do a section south from Clingmans Dome. Pod and Hanging Burritto were on the front porch waiting for two others (Cookie & David). They gave me a Red Hook beer from Seattle and we sat and talked with Jeff and Nancy for a little. Thanks for the beer guys I will look for you on the trail. Thank You Jeff and Nancy for a great stay at your establishment. Keep up the good work!
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center - Hike Inn

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Walking across the dam in the morning, the local ranger or ridge runner pulled up next to me in his pick up truck and offered me a warning. He said that within the hour there could be severe thunderstorms and up to quarter size hail. Welcome to the Smokeys. Just past the dam I met another thru hiker named Whiffletree Chicken and passed the warning on to him. I also inquired about another hiker who is from my hometown. It seems that he stayed at the Fontana shelter and has taken the name Blue Sky. On the way up it started to rain heavily and thunder. The lightening was close and Whiffle Chicken had shed his pack and trekking poles then hunkered down away from them. I followed suit. It seemed like it was farther away after about 10-15 min and we continued. It wasn't too long before it got bad again and this time we were hunkered down for about 30 min. Another hiker joined in the waiting game and I met Blue Skies for the first time.My leg is not 100% but getting close to it. Major storm hit right after I got to the shelter for the night. Thankfully there was room. I have never seen it hail so much. It hailed almost continually for an hour. Half way through it, Impulse came in looking wild eyed. Bad storm to be out in. Even in the shelter it was extremely loud. Others in the shelter included Yoopak and Stephanie from Michigan, Whiffletree Chicken and Fozzie Bear. Others came in after the storm. Wet stormy day. Did I mention wet?
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Up by 6...out by 7. Challenging day and got 9 miles in before noon. Stopped at Derrick Knob shelter for an hour lunch. Noticed a massive amount of flies out today, many biting. Ran into the four section hikers that I had met at the Hike Inn taking lunch at the shelter. Saw two doe after lunch. Also for several miles there were those baby grasshoppers all over. A little before Double Spring Gap shelter I saw a couple brown squirrels. At the same time I heard a defending trilling sound. I am not sure if this is a sound from the squirrels or something else. Shelter full so I set up my tent. Met another hiker From PA today by the name of Tigger. Snackasaurus Rex, Sasafrass, Sherbert, Blue Skies, Whiffle Chicken and numerous section hikers are at the shelter tonight. Tomorrow 10.8 to Newfound Gap and then a hitch into Gatlinburg.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap - Gatlinburg
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

Again, up by 6 and out by 7. Tent is wet since I'm up in the clouds. No views from Clingmans Dome. Smokeys are living up to their name. Cleared up some when descending. 10.8 miles to Newfound Gap and walked into some wonderful trail magic provided by Noah's Ark Widows' Ministry. Snack packs, cold drinks and freshly made sandwiches were plentiful. Well done ladies...much appreciated. Hitched 15 miles into Gatlinburg with local hikers Doug & Donna. Good people. Thanks for taking this stinky hiker into civilization to get cleaned up and rested.Staying at the Gran Pride Motel...a great dive that caters to hikers. Shower and laundry come first as usual. KFC lunch and some trail journal entry time. Visited the NOC Great Outpost and a little store named Old Dads for my resupply. Numerous hikers staying here. They include Chris (now Waldo), Whiffle Chicken, Leonidis, Gutter Snipe, Nemo, Strawberry?Moonshine, Porkypine & Viking to name a few. Blue Skies came in for resupply but headed back out today. Dinner and finish updating trailjournal are in my future plans for the evening. ENJOY!
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Newfound Gap - Gatlinburg

To: TriCornerKnobShelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

Had a great breakfast with Whiffle Chicken at the local Pancake House. He opted to stay in town for part of the day as I hitched the 15 miles up to the AT crossing at Newfound Gap. A local man, Mike from Pigeon Forge, was going part way up the Mountain to collect some ramps (small wild onion type of vegetable). After the partial ride up from Mike, a very nice couple from Southern Louisiana took me the rest of the way. It was a little before 12 that I started hiking.Lots of flies again.It wasn't until around 8pm that I got into the shelter. It was very full with almost no room for tenting. In the Smokeys, Hikers are restricted to camping ONLY at the shelters and will be fined otherwise. After searching around for 5 minutes, the only viable option was directly under the one set of bear cables near the privy. Got set up while the last rays of light filtered through the trees.Loud Little Frogs Sang a Chorus of Lullabies to us.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: TriCornerKnobShelter

To: Green Corner Rd (Standing Bear Hostel)
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Met a couple of section hikers who are out for a week or so. Brad and Dave if I remember correctly. They were at the shelter that I stayed at last night. They refer to themselves as the slackpackers. Slackpacking is known in the hiker world as hiking the trail without a full pack. Basically just a day pack instead of carrying everything you need all the time. They can do this because their wives are driving their RV and meeting them every night and sometimes at points during the day where the trail crosses the road. Nice way of doing the trail and for every one (including their four dogs) to enjoy the trip. It was a pleasure meeting them and I thank them for the cold beer that they provided me at the RV when it was parked at the Pigeon River and I-40? overpass.Went to Green Corner Rd (unmarked) and hung a left to Standing Bear Hostel. At first, it looked like a dump and I almost must apologize for these initial thoughts. After settling in, it had everything that was needed and more. Very antiquated with a couple of shack type buildings, it would definitely qualify as 'rustic'. Shower, dinner and laundry (hand washing) followed, then I decided to set my tent up instead of utilizing the bunk house. Rocket was helping out the owners and filling in as the caretaker. There was an honor system when it came to the always open resupply store. Again I met numerous new hikers at this stop. Rocket even had a pet squirrel that he had raised and bottle fed from very young.On a side note (not being specific to this hostel), I am not naive, but am surprised how prevalent marijuana (pot,weed,maryjane,hash,bud,etc) is on the trail. Also surprising is how relaxed people are about smoking it in front of basically any other hikers. Usually not even trying to be discreet, even lighting up right in the shelters. Not judging, to each their own, but just an observation.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Green Corner Rd (Standing Bear Hostel)

To: Walnut Mt Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Wanting to get into Hot Springs in two days instead of three, I decided to hike my first 20 mile day on this trip today. Beautiful day, but a few dark clouds passed overhead just as I was going up Max Patch Bald. Thunder offered its ominous note and a few sprinkles started. I saw the 'Slackpackers' RV support crew at the top. Then just passed them, Serial had some 'beer magic' set up by their tents. Thanks again for the PBR. Great views make this a special stop on the AT, but I did not want to linger with the possible storm. I stopped for dinner at Roaring Fork Shelter and massaged my aching feet. It seems like pains come and go and actually take turns testing or taunting hikers throughout the day. I ended up at Walnut Mt Shelter. Exactly 20.0 miles from my previous location of Green Corner Rd.There was lots of talk at the shelter of Militia and Guns and who among those present was the ultimate Survivalist. I opted to tent up the hill, furthest away from the shelter.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Walnut Mt Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Up a little after 6 and out hiking a little after 7. I arrived in Hot Springs anxious for some time in town. I remember asking Warren Doyle after taking his ATI Class last year what his thoughts were about some stumbling blocks I may have on the trail. He had responded that I was very social and comfort level may be an issue. Well, I am social and hiking the AT can be as social or anti-social as you want. As far as the comfort level, it doesn't seem to be an issue when I am in town . I don't consider myself a born hiker or outdoors-man. I am more along the lines of the average Joe. Just like everyone else, I do like comforts. This can be good and bad on the trail. It definitely motivates me to hike into towns as short term goals. I know I will have to curtail this somewhat in order to keep anywhere near my planned budget.Showered and settled in at the new hostel named Laughing Heart Lodge, I head out with my laundry to the other end of the small town. I saw Porkypine on the way and we threw our laundry in together to save a buck or two. Resupply at the Dollar store and a few beers to take back to the hostel tonight.Had a great dinner at the local Tavern with Hot Wheels, 4lb, Trooper, Porkypine, Blue Skies, Snackasaurus, Sasafrass, Impulse, Jiffy Pop, Sex Panther, Fuzzy and Sour Puss. If it seems like I am always talking about eating or drinking beer, it is probably because I am. Not too excess, but these simple pleasures are very much sought out after a long day hiking (if available). A note about the difficulty of this hike. Note: This hike is harder than I had anticipated. The physical aspect seems to be getting a little better...I can go up hills easier, or at least many times without stopping than previously. But pains are still there. Not complaining, just noting. The day after day is starting to set in. I guess this would be considered the mental or emotional aspect. I see why people get the 'blues' and leave the trail. Thoughts run back to those left at home, specifically my daughter. Numerous people have already left the trail. Some have left and come back after only a few days. This can really tear you up inside if you let it.I called my family and daughter and it was great to hear from them. I feel better. I am going to take a Zero day tomorrow, rest my body physically and emotionally, then head out the following day. Sorry for the Rambling.
Date: 2012-05-04
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Jones Meadow
Miles today: 21.7

Hoofed a 20+ mile day. Partially to get to the trail magic that Greeneville TN Hiking Club was throwing at Camp Creek Bald. Awesome Burger, Dog, Chips, Dip, Homemade Cookies, Sodas, Water, Etc. Big Thanks!It was another hot and humid day. Rained on me on 1st ascent out of town, even while hiking by the French Broad River.Tented just past the trail magic. Big Moon in the sky, very noticable even at dusk.
Date: 2012-05-05
From: Jones Meadow

To: Flint Mt Shelter
Miles today: 10.6

Started raining at 5:30 am. Partial break between 6-6:30. I took this opportunity to break down camp and pack away wet tent and gear. Rain started back up HEAVILY. No Lightening though, which was good, since I was hiking an exposed ridge for about 1.5 miles. Stopped at Jerry Cabin Shelter & ate my 2nd Breakfast and warm up. Put on layers when stopped. Rain slacked off and I headed north to Flint Mt Shelter for Lunch. Sun Came out and I hung everything out to dry. Decided to make it a short day and dry out. Stayed in shelter.
Date: 2012-05-06
From: Flint Mt Shelter

To: Bald Mt Shelter
Miles today: 18.9

Started out as a low energy day. I hiked 11 miles to Sams Gap & Hitched to Wolf Creek Market (Exxon C-Store). Purchased, Nuked and Enjoyed a Rib Sandwich, Pair of White Castle & Steak/Chs Burrito. Also downed a 32oz Gatorade and got a few items for short term resupply. Hitched back to town with a pick up truck that just brought down a bunch of other thru hikers.BEAUTIFUL Meadow and Bald in the afternoon. Headed up to the bald, there was a thunderstorm to my right and slightly behind me. It was blowing horizontaly to me and I thought I could stay in front of it. I did and saw some nice storms to one side of the bald and sun with puffy white clouds on the other. Group of hikers including Erbal Baggins (aka 4lbs aka DWP) and Belch were at the shelter when I arrived getting ready to night hike. I built a small fire before bed, Big Rig would have been proud. I had the shelter to myself for the evening...well almost. Random Song Running Through My Head Today: Simon & Garfunkle - Sound of Silence.
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Bald Mt Shelter

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Though I had the shelter to myself. That was until I turned out the lights. Like it was on cue, the scampering began. Numerous rodent critters explored every piece of the shelter and my belongings. Waking up between 5-6am I no longer heard the mice & decided to sleep in a little. Didn't get on the trail till 9am. Random Songs going through my head today: Here comes the Sun and the theme song from Mission Impossible.Getting to Spivey Gap I ran across some trail magic in the form of small cans of Mountain Dew in the Cold Stream. Gave me the extra energy that I needed to get up the next few hills. I stopped in No Business Knob Shelter for a short bread and called the Holiday Inn and made reservations in Erwin. I still have a few Priority Club Points to afford this luxury. I was in town by 5pm and stopped by Uncle Johnnys Hostel and said hi to the thru hikers that I recogized there. Erbal Baggins & Waldo were settling in and Fudgy & Sancho were pushing on. I pointed myself towards the Holiday Inn and started walking. I did not get far before Trail Angel Miss Janet pulled up and offered me a ride. I know her from previous hiker get togethers. I thanked her and reintroduced myself. She was headed to dinner shortly with her friend Navigator and JK. Los Jalepenos in Unicoi was good and we stopped in for a light resupply before heading back and getting dropped off at the Hotel. Thanks again Miss Janet!Beautiful room! I actually uttered a giddy 'wow' when entering. Nice! Much more than I need or am currently use to, but somehow I will manage. I already took two showers today and probably another one tomorrow. Catching up on my Journal and Laundry. NOTE: Thanks Big Rig for updating a few pictures of the first week! See Photo Section...Also, Thanks again for all the Support that is offered via Text, Emails or Signing my Guest Book. It is really appreciated!