morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Smoky Mountain Baby

To: Smoky Mountain Baby
Miles today: 11.0

Had a great stay with Jeff and Nancy Hoch at the Hike Inn. Diesel and I enjoyed the day in Robbinsville, using the internet, grocery shopping, and mail drops. For the prices, you just can't beat the Hike Inn's service. They cater exlusively to hikers, lodging, shuttles, and trail knowledge. If you stay anywhere else in the area, you are doing yourself a disservice. Diesel and I started out from the Fontana visitor's center this morning at 9:15. About 3/4 mile up the trail, she exclaimed, "We forgot to re-register!" We dropped our packs and turned around, sigh...If we have our permits, no problems, if we don't we'll get busted - Murphy's Lab. So we added a mile and a half to our journey. Oh well. Catch this though, as soon as we hit teh AT trailhead, maybe 300 yards in, I heard something in the woods. I stopped, as I always do, and took a look around. Deer #6! I motioned Diesel to come up and grab my camera. The does stood still and watched us as we took pictures. The day was breezy and overcast, good hiking weather. I saw no southbounders or section hikers for 5 days. In the first 3 hours of the Smokies, 9 section hikers. We made the climb up Shukstech. While we were eating lunch, I heard a Northbounder. I recognized him right away, Phil. I should out at him, and he took one look and recognized me. The look on his face was priceless. "No Way Man!" Both of us were sure he'd be past me by now. Ed will be coming up behind tomorrow. I was moved to tears a couple of times on my hike today. Tears of joy. Hey Mom and Dad, I'm back and hiking the Smokies. Thanks for bringing me here 30 years ago and getting the seed planted. I'm sorry you're not here to share this with me. Staying at Mollies Ridge Shelter. Phil is here, met Wild Poodle, Mr. Blister's here, Sy my pal, and his hiking partner. Joe Crow showed up shortly after we did. Good group here. Greybend, a ridgerunner, is here too. He's full of knowledge, a former thru hiker himself. He basically patrols a section of trail, matining trails, helping hikers, and sort of policing the area. Good guy. It's going to be a cold one tonight. The wind is blowing pretty hard. It is really, really cool to be in the Smokies, this was/is something I want really bad. YEAH!!
Date: 2006-04-30
From: A Blustery Day in the Gazillion Acre Woods

To: A Blustery Day in the Gazillion Acre Woods
Miles today: 11.7

Well, didn't see Pooh today, or any other bears for that matter. It might be too early in the season for that, mixed blessings? I would like to see a bear, but from a distance of course. Las night's wind kep up all day. We walked in 30 mph wind with gusts up to about 50 mph. Clear mist of the day, with some spotting rain from 2ish to 4ish. As far as I'm concerned, it can rain from 10-5 every night/morning. haha. It's gorgeous here in the Smokies, as it has been everywhere on the trail. I'm afraid I don't have the words to properly describe the natural beauty. I'm fortunate to walk through. There are wildflowers everywhere here. Diesel had it right when she called it a tapestry. Staying tonight at the Derrick Knob Shelter. Almost a full house, me, Mr. Blister, Fanny, Diesel, Zamboni, Sy, Joe Crow, and Enduro (sp?) This shelter is an open face (as they all are), but made of stone and mortar. We have a fireplace inside, which is great, since the rain is bouncing off the roof at 20:00 hrs. Last part of our hike was tough, big climb, but big views. Stood a mile high on Rocky Top and had my breath taken away by the vistas and strong winds. Diesel and I were both getting real tired when the shelter cam into view. Yeah! Easy day tomorrow, to set us up for Clingmans Dome the following morning. Well, that's the plan right now, as with all trail plans, subject to change quickly and without much warning.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: May Day

To: May Day
Miles today: 7.2

What a glorious day. No wind, and sunshine all day. The plan for an easy day held up. Left the shelter around 9:30 - took a nice lunch break and arrived at Double Sprig Gap Shelter around 3:00. When we got to camp, Kevin was there. Kevin is a trail angel. He was leaving chips and homemade salsa along with a couple of apples. We got to talking, and found out he's from Knoxville (so he can be close to the Smokies). He is a huge music fan, even travelling to Chicago to see shows at the Vic, Abbey Pub, Martyrs, and the Black Orchid. He has walked almost all of the 800 miles of Smoky trails, quite an accomplishment. Come to find out he's a photographer with a Knoxville TV station, and he knew of Kathy, the photographer, from the newspaper. I mentioned I had been at Neels Gap when she and Marshall the reporter, were there. He said that article had run just yesterday. He'll check when he gets gome to see if my picture is there. www.knoxnews.comHis salsa was the best I've ever had! Mmmm! New subject....It's amazing that you can walk out here without having any cars or roads, but always are aware of airplanes in the sky. I promised myself I wouldn't get political on this trip, and have been fairly successful, but here goes: I need to get this off my mind. Remember how quiet the skies were after 9/11, when all air travel was suspended? All but one flight that is, a plane full of bin Ladens headed home to Saudi Arabia. Why wasn't a bigger fuss made over that by the press and public? And speaking of bin Laden, where the fuck is Osama? Bushing, care to comment? Ok, rant is done. Mind will clear. Had a ranger come by with a rifle. He asked if we saw any sign of Hog Rooting. Wild pigs have run kloose in the park since the 50s. They damage the ecosystem and are trapped and shot. I'm not much for guns and stuff, but keeping this beautiful place in as close to its natural state as possible is right and fine by me.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Clingmans Dome Take Three

To: Clingmans Dome Take Three
Miles today: 13.8

How wonderful! How wonderful! Things are perfect exactly as they are. Buddha, wow...where do I begin? So many memories from today. There was a light rain off and on this morning, just enough to need pack covers. The rain did nothing to dampen the day. Started out sunny, then rain, then sun, then rain, then sun the rest of the day into evening. Today's trail from Double Sprigs Gap to Icewater Spring Shelter was awesome. It's what I pictured in my mind when I dreamt of the AT and GSMNP. Rocks, stone, roots, tree stumps, changing terrain, alternating beechwood and fir forests. Amazingly beautiful. Returning to Clingmans Dome by hiking was a dream come true. I remember my grandparent's vacation slides of Clingmans. I went there as a young boy with my mom, dad, and sister. I climbed up to the observation tower on my honeymoon, 20 pounds overweight, cigarette smoking, and feeling the thin air pierce my lungs. Today- in shape with a 35 pound backpack, didn't hardly phase me. Yeah!The other day when we reached Fontana, Diesel told me she was "proud" as that was her first big goal. Today I told her I had the same feeling reaching Clingmans. I'm at 206.6 miles now - How's that? Memories from today - meeting Fanny as he came down from the observation tower. Making small talk and then him saying bye and taking off...in the wrong direction. I pointed the way to the three blaze marked trees. "Well, I suppose it is," he said. Ha. The sun shining brightly between the trees, between the showers. Donning our raingear, just as the mist rolled over us, the smoke of the Smokies!Having a great hike with Diesel, Ed, and Alex. Haning out at the Newfound Gap, the site of the park's dedication to FDR. We lunched right at the base of the stone veranda. Tourists were so funny. Many would look at us and whisper, a few would come up and ask questions. I know we were in a bunch of pics and videos. The dad and two sons passing southbound. "Couldn't ask for a more perfect day!" The mom and two daughters passing a few hours later. They were singing 100 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of beer, take one down, pass it around, you know the rest. I smiled and begged for a beer as they laughed and sang. Finding a couple of the Giggling Sisters at Icewater Spring. Back at the Hilton, there were four of them. They awoke us with their giggling first thing in the morning. They started sectioning years ago, unfortunately, two have already dropped off this year. They are always having fun. Meeting a married couple from England who are hiking from NC to DC. They ate lunch with us at Newfound Gap and were also an object of curiosity from the busloads of tourists. Did I say a great day with Alex, Ed, and Diesel. My food supply is just about right. I'll run out when I get to my next drop. My hunger is really starting to kick in hard. Ed--Is this a long story? Cause you can see I have to much to do, like watch the fire or go to bed. Round of laughter at 19:43. Sun's not down . Alex--that's the funniest thing I've heard all day. You just have to be here.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: GSMNP - Day 5

To: GSMNP - Day 5
Miles today: 12.6

Another awesome day in the Smokies. This morning was alternately howling wind and blowing mist or sunshine. It just depended on which side of the ridge you were on. We were walking on the backbone of the Appalachians. The sun came out and stayed out around noon. Ed left the shelter early, he needed to walk 20 miles and get food before he ran out. Diesel and I left shortly after with TriCorner Knob Shelter as our goal. Alex caught the two of us lunching on the side of the trail. We were contemplating a run down to the Pecks Corner Shelter, but it was 1/2 down a side trail. There was water there, but the guide said we'd find water on the trail one mile up. Diesel, Alex, and I trudged northward. Guess what? No water source to be found. We tried pumping from a puddle on the trail, but couldn't get the pump to work. 5.2 miles without water. Ouch. Made it to Tricorner without incident. Found Ed here and we all pitched in and gave him a bit of food. I've nade it 219 miles! Ten percent of the trail done. Last shelter didn't have a register, so I took out a few blank pages to keep my journal and left the bulk of the notebook behind. My spare pen too. What's supposed to happen is that when the register is full, someone will mail it to me. Let's hope so. That would be a nice momento from the AT. The Giggle Sisters are here. It's them, Ed, Alex, Diesel, and me. We have a nice fire going and lots of laughter all around. Planning an early departure tomorrow. Depending on our legs and the terrain, we're shooting for Mountain Mommas Cheeseburgers in Davenport Ga. Will be a 17 mile day, let's see how it goes. Oh, no Ibuprofin today, just a nice brace and few grimaces along the way. Peace.
Date: 2006-05-04
From: A Tale of Two Songs

To: A Tale of Two Songs
Miles today: 14.8

Well, today started with the Beatles, "Here comes the Sun, here comes the sun, I say it's all right"..and ended up with the Eurythmics, "Here comes the rain again, falling on my head like a new emotion." Last day of the Smokies, sort of. Diesel and I stopped at the Davenport Gap Shelter. It's .9 miles short of the Smokies border. We are both tired and will descent up Mountain Mammas for breakfast/cheeseburgers, then press on to Standing Bear Farm Hostel. Ed and Alex pressed on today, hopefully, we'll catch them in Hot Springs. Saye?, Foot and English showed up. They're planning the same thing tomorrow. We had lunch at Cosby Knob with the Giggle Sisters, and found out they're really "slow" and "poke." They come out for a week a years. They've taken six years to make it to this point, and love every minute of it. Goes to show, there's no one way to do this hike. It's as individual as the person doing the hike.
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Cheeseborger, Cheeseborger

To: Cheeseborger, Cheeseborger
Miles today: 3.5

Diesel and I woke, took it easy, and strolled down to Mountain Mamas hunting store and bunkhouse. Their cheeseburgers are legendary among hikers. I had two for breakfast at 10:00 along with four cups of coffee and two cokes...mmm, anything but Lipton rice and tuna! We actively walked an extra 1.3 miles down the road to Mountain Mamas. Spent a couple hours there, eating and going through the food drops we sent ahead. As we were leaving (with packed full bellies), three construction workers who had lunchthere offered us a ride back up to the trailhead. We gladly accepted and hopped in the back of their truck. It was the first time Diesel rode in the bed of a pickup! As they dropped us off, the obligatory Q&A sesstion transpired. It's always a blast to watch peoples' reactions as they realize you have a) walked 235 miles, and b) plan on walking all the way to Maine. They wished us well, turned around, and went on to work.We had just a 2.5 mile walk to Standing Bear Farm, a rustic bunkhouse. Along the way, we caught up with Sy and Joe Crow. They're good guys, a lot of fun to hang with. We spent the day at the hostel, showered, laundered, emailed, and stayed dry while it rained all afternoon. Cari sent me a link to the Knoxville News article on Neels Gap (of which I was featured!) I dropped an email to the reporter, Morgan, providing him with my progress update. He replied right away, wished me well, and said to keep them posted! Too cool.
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Freedom's just another word....

To: Freedom's Just another word....
Miles today: 14.1

This line has been in my head since the Hiwassee Inn. Monique, aka Crescent City, brought it up over dinner. If yyou've got no home per se, and carry everything you need on your back, well, freedome can't really be far behind, can it? This is truly a freeing experience. Many lessons have been learned, with more to come. I'm here to liberate myself from the constraints of society, while living in a society all its own. I hope this makes sense, I've not got the proper words to put down on paper yet. Today was a beautiful day to hike. Yesterday, it rained pretty much all afternoon, great day to have a roof overhead and a wood burhing stove in the bunkhouse. Today was sunny and warm. Quite a constrast from the chilly weather throughout the Smokies. One more comment about the Smokies. I was in awe of the perfect balance of life and death that surrounded me in that great forest. One of today's highlight was climping up Max Patch. It's a huge, cleared area that offers 360 degree views of the entire area. We planned to tent ther, but found it too windy. We walked down, back into the woods about another mile and found of couple great tentsites. I'm really enjoying Janneha as my hiking partner, and it's reciprocal. We've had some great conversations, deeper than the ones the 'guys' have. No topic is off limits, it's refreshing to find someone so open-minded, non-judgemental, and free thinking as I hope I am. We talked about friendships today. We both find it easy to withdraw and shut off from others. That's part of what I'm working on leaving behind. Relationships past have been much on my mind when I'm hiking and thinking. In the future, I hope I find healthy relationships like I have with my hiking partner. We're equals, with give and take, joint decision making, and no agendas other than to enjoy the trail, both separately and together. I hope this friendship lasts, regardless of the distance that will too soon separate us. I believe it will, if we both choose to put the effort in.
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Hot Springs, NC - NERO

To: Hot Springs, NC - NERO
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, Hot Springs, NC - 270.7 miles. I've been told repeatedly this is a great trail town. It is. After a long hike yesterday, we stayed at Deer Park Mtn, Shelter. It had cleared enough in the afternoon that we took our rain jackets and pack covers off. Just as we found the side trail to the sleter, it began to rain again. Quick dash and we made it, getting only slightly more damp. Over dinner we made grand plans to Friday, get into Elmers Sunnybank Inn. Breakfast, lunch, massage, and hot spring spa at the resort, then the pub and steak dinner. Tomorrow, Tuesday, would be a complete zero day and errands would be done. Restock, outfitters, laundry, pack, post office, etc. Well, you know the one about the best laid plans...The AT runs right through Hot Springs. We were greeted by AT symbols in the crosswalk, and concrete AT ties in the sidewalks. Elmers is ahuge Victorian home. It's a gorgeous building, grand staircase, porches, music room, library and book shelves full of great stuff everywhere. The staff here cooks gourmet vegetarian meals. Anyways, we arrived at 10:00 and Elmer told us to come back for checkin after 11:00. When we gave our names, he remarked to Diesel, "Your reputation preceeds you." I'm not sure it translated to Dutch well. Over breakfast, where we met up with Phil (Zamboni) and Alex (Can Man), we sat with them as they finished and we ordered breakfast. I assured Diesel that nothing bad could have been said about her, we laughed. Later, I repeated that to Elmer, his reply - If it had been bad, I would have told you. I was full up :-) Ha!Bumped into Ed, Dogwood, and Mr. Blister on separate occasions. After breakfast, we showered and put our tents out to dry. Wandered down the street, AT, and ducked into the outfitters. Diesel wanted to call home, so I popped in to the bar to see if I knew anyone there. Ed's eating wings and watching ESPN. Well, long story short, when Diesel came to find me, we all sat there most of the afternoon. So much for the spa! Back to Elmers around 5:30, dinner at 7:30. Wow, what a feast. Spicy califlower soup, great green salad, a greek style casserole with eggplant, feta, olives, spinach, and more, and a chocolate pecan tart. All made from scratch that day in the kitchen by Sadie. Most of the ingredients were grown on Elmer's farm. I cannot wait for breakfast tomorrow!
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Hot Springs, NC - Part II

To: Hot Springs, NC - Part II
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Ahhh.....a True zero day. Breakfast at Elmers was delightful. Waffles, muslix, strawberries, melon, coffee, milk, and juice. I'm sleeping in this victorian mansion circa 1890. I've got a mattress, quilts, and a four poster bed. This place has such a great energy and positive vibe. The whole town of Hot Springs is an idyllic paradise on the AT. I enjoyed Elmers so much I inquired about a staff position come winter time. Did errands, post office, outfitters (how come I still buy gear?), groceries, etc. At 4:30, Janneha and I went to the Hot Springs Resort for deep tissue massages and a dip in their famous hot spring tubs. Oops, no bathing suits, no problem, when with a European, do as the Europeans do - au natuyral. Burger and beer at the pub then back to the hostel to pack for tomorrow.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was hard to leave Hot Springs, even harder making the climb up here. The weather held until we got to the shelter and fetched water, but just barely. The first day out of town always sucks, fully loaded with food for the next five or six days. All day we wondered if there would be room at the five person shelter, and guess what, we were numbers four and five. Anne, Dylan, and Crazy Bear (Andy) were there. As the skies opened, Sarah, Becka, Don, Adam, Chad, (don't have all the names) - seven more showed up. We made room for all to get out of the rain and cook. Oops, can't forget this - I saw my first snake today. I walked right up on top of him without noticing him until I just about stabbed him with my hiking pole. Scared the crap out of me. I jumed and ran a few steps up the train, my stomach up in my throad. Janneha was not far behind and laughed at the little dance I did. We took pictures. This guy was pitch black, about 2.5" in diameter, and four feet long....ewwwwwww. I was on high alert for the rest of the day. And one more thing from yesterday. We used the Internet at the Hot Springs library, and I was able to play my hike theme song for Janneha. You, the intrepid reader may have noticed my signature here - "I've got a long way to get before I get home." It's from a song by Bob Schneider. He's another unrecognized musical genius. Check his website www.bobschneidermusic.com   You can listen to his latest record there, long way to get is song number 6. It's only 2:17, so please check it out.
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

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

What a difference a day makes. Today started after a night of rain, duh, but was clearing as we broke camp at 9:00. As you were all on your way to work, I donned my still damp shirt, socks, and shorts (in the interest of saving weight, all my extra clothes were sent up to Erwin) and began the morning hike. 1000 foot elevation gain over 1.3 miles, mmmmmmm good breakfast. Three quarters of the way up, I paused to catch my breath. The mists blew up the mountainside and enveloped me then passed on. A moment later, the sun broke through the clouds and shone directly on me for the first time in a couple days. I raised my hands in job and my eyes welled up with tears. It was just what I needed to push to the top. It did stay overcast and cool (55) until about 2:00pm when the sun came out. Blue skies and white fluffy clouds, so close you can almost tough them. Today's trail was all sorts of terrain, your typical path straight up a hill, foot path through meadows, rock scrabbling across a ridgeline at 480-0', and an old fire road, pretty cool hiking. This rock scrabbling is something I really like. It's like a big puzzle, what's the best line through here, how do I best approach this section. Unfortunately, today's rock scrabble score was AT-2, Pacer-0. I fell a couple of times on the wet rocks. Oh well, no blood drawn. We lunched at Jerry Cabin with the Shaman warrior, our paths had crossed since late the night before. Got to Flint Mountain Shelter around 5:00 and enjoyed the company of Don, Ben, Sarah, and Aragon. Nice fire too. We're going to have to do a couple 15's in a row to set us up for Erwin on Monday morning. Good night. Oops, how would I forget this - 300 miles!!!!