morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-14
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: haze

Some people ask what it takes to hike the AT. I tell them, the first thing you have to do is stop taking your anti-psychotic medication. You have to have a few loose marbles to want to hike this trail. I really felt that way today at the top of Wild Cat Mountain. It is a steep and sometimes scary 2,000 foot climb in just over a mile up Wild Cat Mountain. It was quite warm and I was hot and sweaty by the time I got to the top. At the top, there was a gondola where a bunch of tourists were milling around. They were nice and clean and left me wondering about my sanity after I had hiked up. They were fascinated that I was a thru-hiker and wished me well. I had to laugh at some of their comments... I heard one man say that it was strange to see one alone. They usually travel in groups... I felt like he was talking about a wild forest animal! It was a disjointed day. It started by doing the relatively easy 1,100 foot climb to the top of Mt. Washington. I then had to pay a shuttle driver to take me down to the AT where Pam & I had hiked to a few days ago. I picked up the trail and hiked to Pinkham Notch where I had lunch with Minnine and Moonpie. I then started the strenuous section between state route 16 at Pinkham Notch and US2 on the Rattle River. I hiked until dark to get to a hut and it sounds like the long streak of nice weather is going to end. They are predicting rain and storms tomorrow.
Date: 2005-09-15
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 7.2

As a whole, the weather has been awesome. This morning at 3:00 a.m., it started to rain. I slept in and didn't start hiking until after 12:00 noon. Fortunately, it was only wet and didn't rain through the afternoon. It was a steep climb up Carter Dome and a steep drop off North Carter Mountain. Switchbacks, which are so common in the south are nearly unheard of in this part of the country. The trail tends to go straight up and down the mountain! There are numerous places coming down where you have to hang on to roots and trees to lower yourself down the rocks. Some of the trees have nearly been pulled out of the ground by people hanging on for dear life! Someone at the shelter had an interesting point. He said there used to be ladders on the sheer drops. However, now that the area is a wilderness area, they have removed the ladders because they're not natural... Go figure! They also are not putting white blazes up because they are not natural either. They left me tromping around on the fragile alpine vegetation on top of Mt. Hight in the fog looking for the trail. I have to exit at US2 tomorrow and get into town to do laundry and groceries.
Date: 2005-09-16
From: Imp Campsite

To: Gorham, NH / US2
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: fog

I stayed with 2 nice fellows from Rhode Island who were section hiking at the shelter last night. Unfortunately, one of them snored loud enough to rattle the rafters. It woke me up before 5:00 a.m. and I couldn't go back to sleep. I finally packed up and hit the trail by 6:00 a.m. A couple hours later, as I was coming down Mt. Moriah, I stopped to rest. As I was standing there, a rabbit came up the trail running toward me. I thought he was going to run into my leg. When he got to within 2 feet, I waved my poles. He turned and started back down the mountain before turning and coming toward me again (I felt like I was Alice in Wonderland!) I waved the pole again and this time he went into the brush around me. About 20 seconds later, I heard another animal coming up the trail. As I stood there, a weasel came running at me, full bore. He got to within 8 feet of me before stopping. It took him a few seconds to decide how he was going to get around me! I hope I delayed him long enough for the rabbit to get away! I got to US2 late morning and got a ride to town. I got a room in the Royalty Inn for $45/night, the thru-hiker rate. After grocery shopping and laundry, I sat in the hot tub to rest my aching muscles and legs. This evening, Marshmellow, Colorado, Not Guilty, Pixie, Pinedragon and I crawled into a small car and went to an AYCE (All You Can Eat) Chinese Buffet and my stomach hurts tonight!!
Date: 2005-03-10
To: final preparations
Miles today: 0.0

I am sitting here with the cat, logging in some good kitty time before I depart in only two days. We are drivng down to Dahlonega,GA on Saturday, a small town about 16 miles east of Amicalola Falls State Park. The AT trail begins above the falls on, aptly named, Springer Mountain. I have all my gear (some of it very new), THE food, warm clothes for cold nights and others that will wick-away-moisture and dry-fast!, emergency meds and first aid which I pray we will not have to use, and most of all... I have my nerve! (Most of it.) All that I have left to do is some laundry and I guess some minor bag fiddling. I have not weighed it yet, but I am betting it is going to be about 30-35 lbs. I miss my friends and family already. My sentimental self is showing plainly. Grrrr! I have gotta stop that. I am supposed to be kick-ass here! (smiles) Love you guys.
Date: 2005-03-13
To: Leaving Dahlonega, GA
Miles today: 0.0

We woke up a little bit late this morning, but it's the last time that can happen. Where we are going, the days do not revolve around a clock. For our first day, off Springer Mountain, it is gorgeous. It is the sort of day Virginias dream about: bright blue sky, not a cloud in sight, the sun is warm and the air is cool. I couldn't be happier about the weather. I'm wearing my "super hero" outfit, as Alex calls it; which is my wine red clibing pants and pale blue long sleeved moisture-wicking shirt. This is me. How I will look for many many days to come. I might change into my baby blue T-shirt here in a sec., it is just that warm. I added a chic visor to my wardrobe this morning, purchased from Wal-mart. (But Alex wants to keep this stop on the down low.) We are on our way to Amicalola Falls after spending the night in a comfy hotel. The last shower for a few days. It is 9:30am and I am all anticipation.
Date: 2005-03-13
To: Amicalola Falls State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We sign in at the welcome center, and they take a polaroid of the two of us. We're added to the pile of other thru-hikers who are planning to leave today, hoping for Katahdin. Already there is a stack. Footloose and Fancyfree are a couple who catch my eye. The fact that they are hiking as a pair and already have names, is notable. I'm eager to meet Just Playin' Jane and Mother Goose since they've both signed my Guestbook. We meet Jerry Boone in the parking lot, "direct decendant of Daniel Boone." He told me, "Lil' girl like you, you'll never make it out there." Ha! We drove up to the parking lot atop Springer Mountain with Eric (Badger, AT '02 GA-ME) and his younger brother Mark. Badger told us nostalgic stories of his '02 trek of the AT. Mr. West hiked our first two miles. We met Seth atop Springer and Gizmo, the ridgerunner, when we got back to Springer parking lot. The ridgerunners are basically caretakers and informants to hikers.
Date: 2005-03-13
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Three Forks Campground
Miles today: 5.0

Our campsite looks like a prop. There is a rustling stream behind/beside the tent... fallen logs to sit on... an old fire circle we don't use. Cooking was a hoot! We really should have tried the stove out before we left civilization. Our routein could have been submitted to America's Most Funniest. We did manage to have Mac-and-Cheese with tuna for dinner. Mmm-mmm! All of our food in now safewly in a tree thanx to Alex. Let's hope we are smarter than the bears; we'll know by morning. Gosh! It sounds so serene out here ... the sounds of insects, wind, and our neigbor the stream. Alex says the bird of the day is the Dark-eyed Junco, apparently not just a "snow bird."
Date: 2005-03-16
From: Woody Gap, hiker hostel

To: The Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

So... shhh! (whispers) We're going to keep this on the down-low. We took a zero day today, no miles to hike, only amenities to enjoy. Ahhh-, what a day. Joe hiked out today, but Bearbait and Footloose & Fancyfree are all skipping school with us. It is so deliciously wonderful! Blood Mountain looms in our hiking future (the highest point on the AT in Georgia), and we are all serously preparing for it. Bearbait, Footloose & Fancyfree all go to Neels Gap to get lighter or more appropriate gear as the case may be; and Alex and I ... we order pizzas with Chestnut.   A new character turned up today, Chestnut! "like the tree." He is over abundant with good humor and I look forward to when he catches up with us. He starts hiking the AT tomorrow from Springer Mountain; this is his 3rd time hiking the International AT, which goes all the way to Quebec.   On our very busy day here at the hiker hostel, I manage to find time to play with Maggie, the Saint's sweatheart of a dog who loves feet. She loves me too ... and everybody else.
Date: 2005-03-18
From: Neels Gap, Walasi-Yi Center!

To: Tesnatee Mountain
Miles today: 6.2

We leave from Neels Gap as soon as I pick out a new sleeping bag. Mine has been keeping me too cool and we still have the Smokies to cross. Oddly enough I got the same sleeping bag as Torch. It's hard to leave this thriving pit-stop. People come and go, arive, depart, pick up and drop off boxes, share brownies from home, pick out new gear, eat just bought snacks ... but we finally get moving.   ...   I got ditched today. Alex out-hiked my butt and left me. Grrr-r, I was pissed! Angry enough to turn my ankle (again). Finally, I caught up and passed him, as he had stopped at an overlook that I had missed. I hike on for a moment, then ... BIG sigh ... pull over at a nearby log just off the trail, and hail the conquering hero as he passes. Mom says I am a which when I get mad, but oh! Alex! When he has passes through reason to anger, BEWARE! He barely wanted to talk; I did. He walked away once more, and I called him back. I think that if he did not come back, it would have been a very bad ending.   The day has an audible silence. There are the birds and wind and such, but our silence is not of peace. It is careful, weary.   ...   "Trail magic" is a term broadly used when anything good comes about unexpectedly. Sometimes it is the unhailed ride into town, or the discovered candybar in the path, or simply a missed storm that breaks after you reach shelter. Hikers are a positive bunch because, sure, many storms break before you reach the shelter, but that's to be expected... and, trail magic is everything that makes you unexpectedly happy.   ...   So, we're in the woods, moddily so, when we pop out on a rock-sided vista, a gorgeous view! ... and we have company. There haphazardly laying out, enjoying the sunny, warm day, is a man; he's waiting for his friends to come along, eventually. "And, I figure here's a-good-a-spot as any," says Fish. I took his picture laying up there, in the moment. Here he was enjoying this day, this sunlight, this vista. I asked why we was "Fish." "Because I swim upstream against the current ... like the salmon." Meeting Fish was part of the day's trail magic.   Angry Alex had wanted to do a long mileage day, but in the end, we went back to our original plan. The late start from Neels + The Confrontation + Fish = left us with not much hiking time. We ended up over shooting our campsite and ran into local, George Owens, a delightful gentleman who recommended a campsite with a sunset view.   We camped on Tesnatee Mountain. The bird of the day became the Rufus-sided Towhee(s) that dominated the bushes around our campsite. We watched the sunset over the mountains and took pictures. The day ended peacefully, Thank God.
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap, and Helen, GA
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I took my ear plugs out in the night and was indeed greated by night mice mischief sounds. There were maybe 20 or so; they sqeaked and scuffled around. It was surprising even after all the stories I've heard. By day, the shelter looks quite barren and really pretty clean concidering. To think they just hide all day to do their mischief at night! I'm happy to be snug in the middle of our puppy-pile, sandwitched between Torch and Rabbit.   We are only 2,2 miles from Helen, GA. and we've decided to skip a breakfast of oatmeal and hope to find a place in town. All the others are going on and not stopping in town at all. We've decided to not only stop in this sister town of one in Germany, but to stay the night in a motel. These days of low, low mileage that often coincide with a town visit are "nero" days, nearly a zero.   Luck is with us. When we stumble out of the woods and into the adjacent parking lot, there is a van waiting. Daniel and (step?)son, 10 year-old David were dropping off some of the family to go hiking themselves. They were accompanied by Grandpa "Bootman," who has his own unique AT story.   Helen, GA is highly tourist-ized place. We caught it in the off season, thank goodness; all the buildings follow the German theme. We sign into the Super 8, then walk through German town to find the temping bakery we passed. After a fabulous "mountain climber's breakfast," it's to the grocery story for goodies. Fresh fruit and cheese are on our list of desires.   The day is warming up quickly. First, I stip off the fleece, then the legging and socks, until I'm left in sandles and my rolled up pants. We become tourists, shopping as we walk back through town, stopping at the candy shop for fudge samples. We test the waters of the Chattahoochee, pick up a few new birds, and head back.   We have laundry to do, lunch eventually, a trip to the outfitters to look for raingear for Torch (which turns out to be a mile out of town, then a mile back in), and dinner. Footloose and Fancyfree turn up and join us for German cuisine.   The town bird of the day is the blue jay.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Unicoi Gap, and Helen, GA

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Leaving town proves to be a more difficult task than I thought, but it's all good. Breakfast again at the German Bakery with Footloose and Fancyfree. Then, it is back to the old-timey grocery store to supply, since our resupply bounce-box did not show up. Cheking out of the hotel ... the box shows up. We walk it back down the street to send it up ahead. FINALLY, we can try to hitch out.   Still novices at thumbing down a ride, we walk through town hopeful. Without much warning, a ramshackle car swerves our way. Tom, the chef, picks us up pn his way to get beer on his day off. "You'll get in trouble walking through town like that. Where're you going, I'll take you." He told us stories of cheffing in DC and Paris.   We hike a short day. I see a chipmunk run the length of a log then dive off.   The shelter is at the top of a mountain. (I'm sensing a trend.) Everyone seems to have aimed for this shelter and it is crowded. We can tent, but even tent sights are sparse. Although we luck out. Not only do we find a spot, but it has a view and a porch! There is a gorgeous overlook of the valley below and a rock outcrop to walk out on. Despite the sparsely veggitated side, it is not that windy.   We make dinner by the tent instead of the crowded shelter. I've hung my candle lantern nearby on a low tree branch. Our tenting neighbors are Echo and Turtle Rose, and Tentshaker. Tentshaker was named by his students ... it's how he wakes them up on outdoor trips.   Gypsy-Lu-Lu stops by and introduces herself. Fancyfree spoke of her in Helen; that she plays the flute and dances by the fire, a free spirit. Her name suits her; she ties a sarong over her pants, wears dangly earings, and a patterned bandanna to keep her hair back. Gypsy-Lu-Lu invites her up to the shelter to share the fire and meet everyone. We had already planned on socializing.   Gypsy-Lu-Lu is here with her sister, Touk, and many other people who I will try to remember, let's see: Bassline (plays base), Jax, Bottoms-up (bathroom-break gone bad), ... and yeah, I forget everyone. We sang by the fire tonight, very kumm-by-ya.   Back at the tent, our home with a view now overlooks a sea of lights. Crazy. People live down there and have no idea we watch the twinkling of their idle house-wanderings.
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We spent a rainy aternon in the shelterwith Ah Youth and Runaway going slightly stir-crazy. It was a lovely shelter with a doorway, not just an open side, and a front porch. We all decided to sleep in the loft; they took one side and Alex and I took the other. There was plenty of room to spread out, so we left our packs downstairs.   First, we all jumped into our sleeping bags to warm up. Then, we ate. Twittled our thumbs. Played cards, all of us. Torch and I journaled, and Ah Youth and Runaway played my itsy-bitsy checkers game. We read the shelter log which fore-warned of active night mice. Should be an interesting night.   Bird of the Day: White-breasted Nuthatch
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap, and Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light rain

The curious mice were stealthy in their mischief. I awoke to find they left me a walnut in my boot and Runaway had an acorn in her pack. Ah Youth promply claimed my walnut as his and ate it! Right out of my shoe. He was a strange old man and really funny. He made a green goo for dinner, a concoction of his own making. Before he came, he went to a health food store and decided that everything must be good for you, so he mixed a little bit of all of the powders into a bag. Out here he: boils water, adds his goo, then a glob of peanut butter(?) and a glob of butter(?) It was hard to tell. Then, ate it.   We short hiked to the road and did our best to hitch in. It took us a few times then we got a man on his way to work. The Blueberry Patch is owned by Gary and Lenny, a couple devoted to serving. Gypsy Lu-Lu was on her way out of the hostel and raved about the generosity of the owners.   We found a bunk; Gary had built them himself from unstripped trees that still had branches. I got the bunk by the window. We helped ourselves to the pudding and sodas inthe fidge that were "provided due to the generous contributions of the hikers before you." We were starved.   They did our laundry for us; I wouldn't have asked, but they insisted. We showered and went to town. An unlikely hitch, a woman picked us up in her truck. I had my first mail drop in Hiawassee and I was exstatic! Mom sent me a box, and both Peter and the grandparents sent ]letters. Mom sent homemade gorp, some other food, and a letter. Peter sent love. Grandimary and Grandipop sent stories, encouragement, and $20. Whoo-hoo thank you Grandis!   Alex and I walked to the local cafe and got a late lunch and coffee. Then, it was back to retire at the Bueberry Patch. Torch was lured out with the promise of food to the Baptist dinner. I enjoyed some alone time ... journaled and called home.   Tomorrow we'll zero, catch up on our trailjournals and enjoy the town. Ahh, hostels feel good!
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Dicks Creek Gap, and Hiawassee, GA

To: Blueberry Patch Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

We were heavenly blessed with pancakes and blueberry syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, orange juice, coffee, and homemade biscuits for breakfast. Mmm-mmm! Then, to town; and the library to spend the day typing.   We found a fabulous place for pie and coffee. Alex got a slice of blueberry pie in honor of our lodging, and I had a slice of the just-out-of-the-oven German Chocolate pie. The Best. And, the ice cream brand for the store was Calico-Cow. Ha-ha!   Gena and Kristy, two girls searching out a college-to-be, picked us up in the midst of their roadtrip and took us to the Bleberry Patch. They thought I must be a "cool hiker chick," so they could give us a ride. (Teenage girls, another very unlikely hitch ... if their mothers found out!!!)   Domino made all his fellow hikers chilli. The group event prompted story hour. Ranger and Grunting Bear, two gals hiking together, told stories on how they got their trail names that topped all. (You'd have to hear them tell it.) Fun night of goofing.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: moderate rain

I am not that up-to-date with my journal writting. I should be documanting days past, but I would much rather tell you about eating jelly beans in bed. Mom sent an Easter basket to Franklin that had all sorts of goodies in it. The brownies didn't last the hour. And, I am right this very minute eating the last of the jellybeans that taste more like jelly bellies. I forgot to put them in the bear bag, so I have to eat them. Really. There goes brushing my teeth. Speaking of which ...   Did you know hikers floss? All of them, or alot of them do! I thought that not flossing was the civilized man's secret. That despite what they told their dentist, they never really flossed. Not so out here; everyone carts it, just in case they need to make a quick mend to just about anything. Dental Floss can fix boots, tents, packs, holes in clothes, AND while everyone is lugging around that ounce of nylon, they practice good hygene and floss their teeth.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: moderate rain

The miles hurt today; my ankles plague me. I've started tapping into our Ibuprofin supply. taking two at a time. I bought a brace in Frnaklin, but apparently I do not have small/medium ankles as I thought. Right now the brace is stretcing out on my Nalgene bottle, looking like a cozy. It turns out, uphills hurt your muscles, downhills hurt our joints.   I think I will start a wildflower list since we pproach the Smokies and the sightings will be so rich and wonderful. I mildly welcomed dandelions, bluets, and both the yellow and the blue violets as early wildflowers. But seing the bloodroot blooming today with a few others that I still want to double-check their identity before I claim them ... I'm excited! I saw Trillium leaves today. A sure sign the Smokies are near, leaves of three. We will see them blooming before we finish. Torch threatens to call me "Trillium" because I cannot stop from pointing it out as we pass it by.   We walked in for dinner tonight (another .8 miles each way); twas a treat! Bar-be-qued tempah for me with a side spring salad. Sounds good, huh, Emily? (miss you) We ate with Linux tonight. He carries Shakespeare and Walt Whitman both to read. We tried to carry on a bit of onversation about books, but :guy-talk" won out at the table. That happens alot. I'm like the guys, I miss girls.   Torch and I played in the stream by the shelter before we closed down for the night. We found a crayfish under rock number one and a salamander under rock number two, = good drinking water source. I also found a few itsy-bitsy salamanders.   Ok, time to blow my candle lantern out and brave the night and mice. I'll let you guys know tomorrow if they cause mischief. I like the shelters despite the mice and snoring ... right now the tin roof tink-tinks under the rain. It's nice.