morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-20
From: Tent, Abol Pines camping area

To: Shelter, Katahdin Stream Campground lean-to
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This was our last hiking day that didn't involve a climb up Big K. I can't believe how slow we went. Troll and Oblivious hiked with Squid Jerky. I hiked with Ug. Ug and Squid could both have been done in about 2.5 hours. But they hiked and talked with us.    We took a lunch break at Big Niagara falls. Our food bags are so empty and light. It feels like we are slackpacking. We often think and speak of Wilderness Bob as he summits today.   We got to the campground and decided to stay there instead of going onto the thru hiker campground. We send Oblivious to the thru-hiker campground to get Pickwick to stay with our group again tonight. We registered and got our completion paperwork. The troll family is 265, 266 and 267 for the year. We can no longer see Katahdin. She has covered herself in clouds again.   We hear that Wilderness Bob is down off of the mountain. We rush over to see him. He is glowing. Good Time also summitted and he is there and he is glowing. I want to glow. We all want to glow.   We meet Leviathan¢s parents. They are so excited and anxious for him to be here. The Muppets roll in. Birdy has our pocket knife that I lost in the wilderness. Leviathan rolls in. Squid Jerky's friend and ride home drives in. There is a huge fire. Beer, friends and a torrential rain downpour. Each and every person is so excited for their tomorrow. Most of us have already gone to the ranger station for daypacks for tomorrow's climb. The troll family day packs are already packed and ready to go.   Take care and we will see you on the trail.
Date: 2005-09-22
From: Mt Katahdin terminus sign

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This cartoon by Hazy Sonic was in the Rainbow Streams lean-to. It is a classic Hazy Sonic register entry. The Uber hiker reference started in Hot Springs. Oblivious even had an Uber Hiker marching song. The Milo reference is true to life and will not be identified. Thanks to Pickwick who took the photo. Below is the narrative, F@#!#$ING Troll family language and all. 9-14Tales of the AT-XMEN Mutant Hiker Trash by Hazy SonicOblivious ¢Daddy, can I have a candy bar?¢Troll ¢Not until you finish your beer son @#!#$!$!! @#!#$!$!!, Anchor, control that kid @#!$!!¢Anchor ¢ Not @#!#$!$!! now, I¢m doing email and sign the register will you¢Milo ¢Don¢t touch that register hippy hiker trash! That¢s for official ATC messages only, not for silly poetry and hiker banter.¢Milo ¢You hikers are all just punk assed chum¢¦pssst!¢Uber ¢UBERHIKER to the rescue! We will sign that!¢Anchor ¢Uh, we don¢t need saved UBER ¢ in fact we object on religious grounds, @#$!$!!¢Troll ¢Since when have we been religious dear @#!#$!$?¢Anchor ¢We¢re ANTI everything, remember? Especially, everything @#!#$ UBER¢Sonic ¢Sonic to the rescue! I¢ll use the ¢diamond¢ to shoot a deadly vector of haze at the enemy¢¦ Shock and awe!¢Milo ¢(Cough Cough) I¢m out of here man¢Troll ¢@#!#$!$!!, Beat it UBER!¢Anchor, Troll, Oblivious ¢THANKS HAZY! @#!#$!!¢Sonic ¢No problem! Say, can I use your ashtray?¢THE END
Date: 2005-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The fare for a Greyhound ride to Atlanta from Cinncinnati is about $75. A seven day reservation is $49. I'm not sure what day I want to leave. So, no reservation for me. I would spend the amount of the difference in price and more waiting around here anyway.   I located a person who provides shuttle rides from Atlanta to Amicalola Falls State Park. I'm relieved about this part. I found this information on trailplace.com. Well, now, I'll wait a couple of days to find out if the drilling job comes about.Really, I don't care about a job, but, the money would be nice.
Date: 2005-01-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Went shopping at an indoor flea market today with a friend (sugarfoot), but didn't find anything. Was looking for clothing. I am ready to get going. I'm staying with an old woman that needs help all the time, but she wants to play cards all the time. As soon as I get word about the drilling job, if it's no, I'm gone.
Date: 2005-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Windy and 38 degrees. But it's not raining in Atlanta. Marty is to put me up at 9 AM.I'm not motivated this AM, but I must go. A lot of days are like this - I just have to push myself.Marty dropped me off at Springer Mtn terminus. We had some good conversation along the way. A good fellow. His price for shuttling is very reasonable. I was his first run for the year.Walked to the summit and registered. In case some don't know, you have to go around to the right of the boulder with the plaque on it and there is a metal lid. Spent the night at Stover Creek Shelter. I heard it is to be around 20 degrees. Built a fire. Set tent up in shelter to block some of the wind. Light snow. Finally ceased. Windy. Cold.
Date: 2005-02-11
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

Elev 3260 ft. Was informed today by some day hikers that it was 17 degrees last night - not counting the wind chill factor.The ice storm a week ago has dome some MAJOR damage to the trees. The sky is clear and the sun is smiling. The wind is just strong enough to remind you who is in charge. The wind changed and blew me into the Hawk Mtn. Shelter. Staying the night. Will clean up some debris.I see in the register there are some thru-hikers ahead of me, one is going to Canada (he says on foot) imagine that.The Great Wahzoo and Keith came in for the night. Made a fire and talked. They are from Texas.
Date: 2005-02-12
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter 
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Not as cold today, about 30 degrees. Taking a break on Sassafras Mtn, enjoying the solitude. Elev 3340 feet. The wind is moving the smaller trees and branches of the bigger trees making a rubbing/creaking noise, leaves still on some trees are making their rustling noise and the whistling of the wind is all I hear.NO MAN MADE NOISES or barking dogs.
Date: 2005-02-13
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter 

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The morning rain is dancing on the tin roof. Sounds so pleasing.   It just softens my thinking. The fuel (rubbing alcohol) will not stay lit. The alcohol is left over from my Arizona walk. I guess now I know rubbing alcohol don't burn in this cold weather. Can't get denatured til Neels Gap.The sun broke the hrizen at about 8 AM. We are going to Suches. The Texans need some fuel. I want a cheeseburger and hot cocoa. Well the store didn't sell fuel by the ounce. Told Wahzoo to get gas - he had a MSR - international. He didn't know. On to Woods Hole Shelter, elev 3590 feet.
Date: 2005-02-14
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

The Texans left about 8:10 AM. I'm sick. Can hardly move. I must though. It's raining. I geared up. It was hard to get up Blood Mtn, only because I'm sick and weak. I was getting cold decenting the Mtn and soaked to the bone. All I could think of while going down was dry clothes, heat and fruit.When I reach Walasiyi Center, I went right into the hostel and claimed a bunk and began changing clothes. No need for a shower. A younger fellow named Larry (Pied Piper) said you sound sick. I said weakly - yes. He directly handed me an orange. At that moment, that was the best gift anyone could have given me. Later, Jeramie gave me a banana. I felt terrible all day. I lost a hat on the mtn.
Date: 2005-02-15
From: Neels Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A lot better today, but will stay another night. Walasiyi is a cherokee word for 'frog place'.Yesterday evening about 4 PM, we were all (Jeramie, Pied Piper, Wahzoo and me) were setting and talking. Jeramie asked if anyone wanted a beer. Do you really need to ask a bunch of hikers - OF COURSE. He had some at his base camp on Blood Mtn.Pied Piper left today. Apple Pie came in carring my hat. Thanks. I want to leave today, but I'm waiting to see if I can get a ride to town for some fruit and crystal light. NO LUCK.
Date: 2005-02-17
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

Mallrat and Chasing Amy passed and headed to Tray Mtn Shelter. I'm trying to hitch a ride to Helen for resupply. Pied Piper, Matt and Jay show up. We decided to go (try hitching) two at a time. Wahzoo and Head lamp (Keith) show up and decided to go to town also. A pick-up stops and four of us get in.Ichecked in at the Super 8 for two nights. My goal is to resupply for eight days (83 miles) to N.O.C..Befor I forget - KUDOs to the GATC and any other volunters for their work on the AT. It was a mess - thanks to mother nature.The town of Helen has German accent (totally). Pop (they say) is 300. A lot of tourist come here and that is their money. It's pretty town.
Date: 2005-02-19
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

The Super 8 doesn't provide shuttle runs to the trail head as Wingfoot's book saids. The woman at the desk gave me the phone number to the visitors center - what? I threw it away. Got to the end of town next to Mom's Way Cafe and began hitching at 8:30 AM, by 10:30 I gave up and went into Moms and got a B-fast (she piles it on). Sat there about an hour and a half. A little past noon began again with the hitching thing. It wasn't 10 minutes and I had a ride. The ride cost me a 16 oz Nalgene bottle - fell from pack. Second one this year. The other is in Arizona somewhere.Reached Tray Mtn Shelter - staying for night. Windy and cold. The wind died and all I hear now is the cracking of the fire pit and the ringing in my ears.
Date: 2005-02-20
From: Tray Mtn Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Light rain all day - trail slicker than snot. Was going to Plumorchard Shelter , but Blueberry Patch Hostel sounds real tempting - I'm going.Heat, roof, shower, dry clothes, B-fast.There already was Jorge, Matt, Jay and Piper.
Date: 2005-02-21
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Glad I stopped at the Blueberry Patch - Gary and Lennie are wonderful people. I can't remember the last time someone, other than me, washed and FOLDED my clothes. Light rain all AM and calling for PM thunder storms.Piper was snacking at Bull Gap, stopped for a second, then pushed on for the shelter. The wind is getting stronger and colder. It's telling me something. Following the wind was dark blue and grayish masses. The darkness is coming in fast. I can see up ahead a mass of boulders'rocks atop a ridge. I began moving as fast as I possibly could hoping for a cubby hole/over hang to squeeze into. This was going to be a dosie. CRACK - BOOM. To the left about 20 feet - yes - perfect. While under cover I was wondering about Piper. It's raining with hail the size of peas. There he is - HEY - up here. While we were waiting for the storm to pass, Piper asked me how far the shelter was - I told him I was missing that page. He dug his out - one mile. CRACK - BOOM. As soom as it let up a little we made a mad dash for the shelter.Nice shelter - 3 levels, I slept in the basement, Matt, Jay and Piper were in the Exec Suite.Good day, though, Gary and Lennie Potech feed us eggs, pancakes, sauage, OJ, coffee, homemade cheese biscuts, maple and blueberry surup. Their prayers were a welcome thing.
Date: 2005-02-22
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

Beautiful day for walking, in the 60's I guess. Seen two woody woodpeckers (the big ones) this AM. Spotted and marked a bear track for others to see. Late AM seen 2 more woody woodpeckers, maybe same ones? Anyway, I'm setting on a rock about 15 feet up from the trail and below the overhang looking ast the little wooden plank that reads "NC - GA". Three miles from Muskrat Creek Shelter. Will have a bite to eat there and push on. Reached Standing Indian Shelter (elev 4760). As I was making supper a thru-hiker came in. Are you Tumbleweed, he asked. Yeah - who are you?Name's Mark from NH. I've been following you since Atlanta. Do you remember Marty Rodgers"Yeah. Great guy.Well, I'm his second shuttle ride and he told me about you.A thought - There are a lot of good people on and around this Appalachian Trail.Well, I had tuna and mac for supper - yum, yum.
Date: 2005-02-23
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

Well, I wasn't going to do it , but I did. I went to the summit of Standing Indian Mtn, elev 5498 feet. Great view off the west side. I can see only one structure (miles away). There is a hugh lake of which is really clouds that twist and turns between the mountains. The sun is smiling upon me - clear skies and light breeze. What a beautiful view and day. Have to stay for awhile and soak it in. There are a couple of fire rings up here. For B-fast I had hot cocoa and oatmeal.Comming down Standing Indian Mtn at a clearing I stopped to look around and spotted a grave marker. It said Frankie Wright Lindsey, 1935-1988, with the AT symbol, and Child of God. Wonder who he was?
Date: 2005-02-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Got rolling at 9 AM. Light rain to mist most of the day. Good hike, though. Walking through clouds, also. Decided to go into Franklin, will wait til I get to Rock Gap to determine if I go today or tomorrow.Well, I can see the shelter (Rock Gap) elev 3760 feet. Looks like a beer bottle with a note under it and something hanging from the mice lines. It is a beer - it's from Mark (NH) how thoughtful. Hillbilly had came up last night and treated him, so Mark left some (trail magic) for me. Also, an apple and banana.After reading the register it seems that hikers are having a bit of a problem getting into and out of Franklin (10 miles). So, I'll wait til tomorrow, anly 3.8 miles to the road. Will put me in town early and I can get everything done. Then spend a night at the motel relaxing. Got a Franklin radio station - calling for freezing rain tonight - yippie-ki-ya.Supper tonight is "hiker supreme" the ramen noodles with 6 kennels of corn, 20 pieces of carrots, don't see any peas and 3 pieces of some sort of meat.Sure would like some company - but the birds are intertaining and owl gave me a hoot.Fixed the pipe at the spring - it was clogged up.Owls hooting later in the night.
Date: 2005-02-25
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Well, it didn't rain last night, but it was cold. Made B-fast, geared-up and rolled. Bound for Franklin - need to resupply. I've been eating a lot. Got a ride about an hour after I started hitching.Staying at the Microtel (used military discount) $40. Walked downtown to wash clothes and use library. Was passing a place called "The Stitching Station", owner/seamstress Malinda Simon, on a whim, I stopped to see if someone could fix my pants (the snap broke off). She said yes. Malinda spent about 20-30 minutes on it, to no avail. I suggested velcro. She put that on. Every thing HAD to match. When she was done I asked her how much - nothing, she said - Iinsisted - nothing. Ok, I gave her a big thank-you. Went to laundrymat - closed. Well, I'll hand wash at the motel with bleach. Filled the bath tub up and threw everything in. Now my tan pants look camo (black and tan).
Date: 2005-02-26
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Took two rides to get back to the trail head. One fellow gave me a pack of cigarettes.Stopped on Wayah Bald elev 5340 feet, to eye ball the area from the stone observatory tower. Beautiful views all around (360). Talked to a couple of women for about an hour. One's cell phone ranged. Husband wanted her to pick up some beer. Sounds good. She asked if I needed to make a call. No - unless I could have beer delivered. Made camp about four tenths of mile from tower.
Date: 2005-02-27
From: Wayah Bald

To: Wesser, NC (N.O.C.)
Miles today: 16.9

Cold and windy. No B-fast. Seen hairy trees. Dropped around 200 feet - no wind. Haven't seen any hikers in four days.Wesser no longer a town. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a big place. Biking, river sports and hiking. Hantahala (I heard) means "Place of the noon sun".
Date: 2005-02-28
From: Wesser, NC (N.O.C.)

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light snow

Last night I chatted with a 71 year old woman, a kayak racer. She has been active outdoors, since she was 45 (hiking, biking, and kayaks).Rained last night. Heavy mist this AM. Started running into snow above 2000 feet (approx). Hard to walk in snow. Got to shelter, snow coming down thicker. Done for the day. Had to get in sleeping bag to warm up and dry everything. No birds, must have gone to town for easy food.Supposed to be in the teens tonight.
Date: 2005-03-01
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap (Robbinsville)
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light snow

Cold, windy and snowing. Got five inches last night. Boots were wet when I took them off last night. This AM, they were froze. Hard to get on. As soon as I got to Stecoah Gap, I stuck my thumb out - for a ride to town. Got on. When I got inside the car, I pulled the sun visor (mirror) down - beard is covered in ice and snow. Darn it, another dry town. Guess I'll just have to drink some good stuff.
Date: 2005-03-02
From: Stecoah Gap (Robbinsville)

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, trying to get out of Robbinsville is hard. After about an hour of standing on Hwy 143 in front of Sweetwater BBQ, I was cold. Went into Sweetwater BBQ for a coffee. The cook, Charles Holloway, came over and offered a free breakfast - but I was full. I just ate a bunch of fruit and other stuff at the motel room. I told him I was just wanting a ride to the trail head. He leaves and returns in a few minutes - got you a ride when ever you are ready. YIPPIE-KI-YA. Talked with Lorrie Pollard, Manager, she offered B-fast. This is one time I wished I was hungry, or just had some room in my bellie for more.Henry Crisp gave me the ride. All very generous people.WOW - hard climb up out of the Gap - almost straight up, it seems. Clear skies, sun smiling, ground white with snow. Drifts up to one and a half feet. Fell twice, luckly not over the side of the mountain.Got to Fontana Dam late - everything closed. Wasted about two hours wandering around for hostel or someone to get info. Decided to go the shelter at the dam.A vehicle was approaching - stuck out thumb - got a ride. I asked if he knew about "The Hike Inn". He lived about a half mile from it. I went there.
Date: 2005-03-03
From: Fontana Dam

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 0.0

Last night I learned from Mark (NH) that the Smokies were really bad. Snow three feet dee4p. Can't find trail/water. Road to Gatlinburg, closed. Mark walked in 11 miles and came back to Fontana Dam. Jeff/Nancy (owns The Hike Inn) also telling stories of the Smokies. What to do?Mark was getting a ride to Waynesboro tommorrow. Decided to go also - shuttle around Smokies to Davenport Gap, Standing Bear Farm (hostel). Chris, a great host. I like this place - I can finally drink some beer.
Date: 2005-03-05
From: Green Corner Road

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Left about noon, only doing about seven miles today. It was hard to leave.Trudging through 6 inches of snow on Snowbird Mountain. Met some folks on horse back. They offered food - didn't need it. Beer - heck yeah. Dranked two and chatted for awhile.
Date: 2005-03-06
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Snow on ground, of course, hard to walk through. Max Patch (elev 4629 feet) a grassy bald, excellent views to day.Coming down through the wooded area, was hard to find trail - snow - foot prints going everywhere and no white blazes.
Date: 2005-03-07
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Decent day for walking. Snow on Bluff Mountain elev 4686 feet, made it ruff at times. Finally seen deer tracks. Birds are active on the mtn.Feathers of a turkey - obviously a meal for something, probably a coyotee. Foud two arrowheads along the way.Reached Hot Springs. Staying at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. The Inn dates back to 1840. It is now placed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is such a privlege to be able to stay at a place like this (being a thru-hiker). Elmer is an excellant host. Had four pints at the Pub.
Date: 2005-03-09
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Spring Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Well, as always, it was hard to leave. First, I had to muster up some motivation, Apple Pie and Ron (IN) came in yesterday afternoon. AP says to me - I didn't see you in the Smokies. I wanted to say - well then, you didn't see any fools. But I told her what happened and why I went around. She said that she and Chasing Amy caught a ride on a snow plow going to Gatlinburg.
Date: 2005-03-10
From: Spring Mt. Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

It was in the low 20's or high teens last night and snowed about a half inch. Man, what a tough day. Trudging snow all day. There were pretty sights, but dangerous (rock ridge). My boots are soaked (leather), they'll be groozen again in the morning. Sure would be nice sitting by a fire with something to drink. The laurel branches are weighted down with snow and ice - I have to darn near do the duck walk or crawl to get under them.
Date: 2005-03-11
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Flint Mt. shelter
Miles today: 5.9

I'm tired of this snow! But, I guess it is better than the humidity and hot sun of an August day. The wind has been blowing me around, mainly on Big Butt (elev 4840 feet).Got to Flint Mtn. Shelter about noon and was making some hot cocoa. The clouds broke up and the sun was smiling. So, I put all my wet stuff out to dry. It wasn't long and the clouds formed again and snow was falling.There were seven waves of snow fall and one was of rain. Man, what a crazy day. I'm staying here.Apple Pie wandered in looking tired and frustrated. I'm glad I didn't go on to Hogback Ridge Shelter - I'd be the same way and cussing myself.
Date: 2005-03-15
From: Sams Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm at Miss Janet's figuring out what to do. Do I keep going or go some where else? A tumbleweed just drifts. I like the AT, but there is so much more. Alaska - South America - West Indias - Scothland (my spelling is bad) or do I just road walk around the United States - I don't know.