morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 18, March 19, 2014 Today was not easy for me, I'm not going to lie!! I was telling Radioman about it near the end of the hike and he's like... "I thought it was an easy day...lots of ridge walking and switchbacks". I was like, "WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM?!?! That was yesterday day. Today it was monster climbs straight up hills. We agreed to disagree. But I thought one of us is losing it. We got to the shelter; NASA folks and Doomsday are there and Doomsday states how hard the day was for hiking. I asked all about ridge walking and switchbacks. They confirmed that was yesterday. So I guess we know who is losing it!! Today we went under 2000 miles until completion. It's a Milestone, I'll take it!!! So the AT is marked by white blazes. Side trails to cut-offs, privies, water sources are often marked with blue blazes. Today I learned about a new blaze, Pink Blazing. It's when a fellow follows a young lady up the trail!! Who knew(Paul - What can I say...I prefer to walk uphill. Our shelter experience was entertaining. A group of college students tried to build a fire in the fireplace of the shelter. Their method seemed to consist of throwing wads of toilet paper at sticks, attempting to light them, then alternating between praying, shivering, and swearing. After an hour and half a roll of paper I pointed out that they had about 15 minutes worth of sticks and they managed to reach a culmination point and the point of diminishing returns at the exact same time. I suggested they spend 15 minutes prepping next time and to use dry birch bark and more kindling. I thought about getting out of my bag and helping them but it was cold and they were entertaining... some lessons are best learned through trail and error.)Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 14.7Completed: 204.3Remaining: 1991.0Start Point: Russell Field ShelterEnd Point: Silers Bald Shelter
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 19, March 20, 2014Today was an AWESOME day on the trail.We hit the 200 mile hiked mark.We hit a famous AT landmark Clingman's Dome. I thought it just an observation deck. It was very cool and well worth the hike. Neat structure and awesome views.We crossed into Tennessee. But it really doesn't count as another state. The trail will cross back and forth between NC and TN for the next 100-150 miles.We went through some beautiful old forests. One thing we noticed was how there where tons of trees that had fallen over ROOTS and all. (See attached picture of Radioman by a root with a huge rock webbed inside the roots.)Coming into New Found Gap we were looking at 3 more miles up hill to the next shelter and rice dinner. We lucked out again! Bangarang's parents were there with trail magic!! Radioman and I each had 2 sodas, an potato salad sandwich, some sweets and a ham, turkey, cheese and lettuce wraps!!! We were so energized we did this last 3 miles in 1 hour 17 minutes!!!Now we are in the shelter. It is 7:25 pm. We are in bed. We usually are in bed by 7 or 8 each evening. (Old people that we are.)(Paul - We go to bed because we are cold, not tired! Our sleeping bags are the warmest place we have, so we go there when the sun is dropping. I usually crank up the radio and we listen to music for an hour or so before sleeping.)Loving trail days via daylight and giving our bodies time to mend.Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 14.7Completed: 104.3Remaining: 1991.0Start Point: Silers Bald ShelterEnd Point: Icewater Spring Shelter
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 20, March 21, 2014Radioman and I both agreed that today was arguably the easiest day so far on the trail. It was mostly good trail and lots of ridge walking. We had awesome awesome views for a better part of the day! I only took a couple pictures because I figure you all might be sick of vista picsWe got to the shelter about 2:45..... and had the whole afternoon to lay on the sun and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Today a young man came rolling in about a half hour after us. He had done 26 miles. He is going as far as Harpers Ferry and then has to go back to work. Here's the sad part. He was having zero fun and wasn't even sure why he was doing it. But he had dehydrated 70 pounds of ground beef for his 70 days.   Last night a group of mostly 20somes were enjoying the evening. This is the social part of a NOBO AT thru hike. It is part of the lure and romanticism of the trail. It did get me thinking though- how many people quit the trail because of unmet social expectations? Radioman and I also had a conversation about not treating water. The water at this shelter comes straight from a Spring and is probably 99.9% ok. After some debate we decided that was dumb and a bad habit to get into. We will continue to treat our water. (Paul - Yeah for the poop fairy! I'm not as regular as I am back home. They have very nice privies here. Funny thing is they seem ADA compliant. Are you following me? I have trouble walking on a lot of the trail, and they made the privy wheelchair accessible? It makes as much sense as watching the guy driving a tractor with a giant leaf blower blowing leaves up the side of a hill only to watch the leaves fall right back down. Smokey Mountains Park is as beautiful as it is odd.)Laying in bed at 630 pm listening and partaking in some chit chat. A guy named Coconuts brought some SOCO. We passed it around like common hobos.(Paul -southern comfort = yum! Half Moon told us the place we plan to stay tomorrow is "sketchy". I asked what does sketchy mean. I wanted to know if bearded men with pitchforks would attack me or if the shower did not drain properly. After much laughter and discussion, I still have no idea.)Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 14.7Completed: 222.4Remaining: 1962.9Start Point: Icewater Spring ShelterEnd Point: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light snow

Day 21, March 22, 2014Today was our last day in the GSMNP. It was mostly a downhill grade and we ripped miles. Partly because it was down and also because we were picking up the little man. We have seen a lot of CCC and CPW work on our journey. It makes me wonder why in our current times we don't capitalize if you know what I mean. (Editor's note...COULDN"T AGREE MORE!!! People from the city NEED to see nature and there are too many people not working that could benefit from some time in nature working in and on the land.)Shortly after leaving the park we found ourselves literally walking on the I-40 on-ramp!! WTF Anywho we took a diversion to a small Kingdom. Upon entering the kingdom we were greeted by their version of Julie McCoy, Rocket. He had a warm smile and immediately made us feel welcome. He gave us a grand tour of the kingdom and Radioman and I decided to stay with our pretentious hiker persona and we opted for the cabin via the bunk house. It came with linen, albeit you had to make you own bed It had an awesome outdoor shower and even though the toilet was a privy we did not have to walk up three flights of steps to get there. The pillow cases did have plastic on them but thankfully none of us peed on our pillow cases so disaster was avoided. King Curtis is a kind and Benevolent leader and mingles amount his subjects. My Little Man was delivered as promised by Loving Care Kennels (big shout out). True to form, almost immediately he chased the kings chickens up the hill side. Needless to say King Curtis was NOT HAPPY!!! But true to his benevolence he did not ban me or my beast to the dungeon. He only made me promise to keep him leashed per the kingdom rules, which I did!!This kingdom is based on an honor system. They have a little store. You can do laundry (hand wash, electric dryer) and a open air kitchen you can use. It is rustic and in a beautiful setting (a stream ran right under our cabin). Radioman said he would bring loved ones back there. I concur. It is worth a stop. Just remember to listen to the king. Aw yes it's good to be king. Have a great day!! (Paul - Standing Bear farm is worth spending a night as you exit the Smokies. Great and very easy stop. Nothing but positive things to say about this place. But, be sure to check the expiration dates on items purchased in the pantry. A few things may be expired.) Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 18.4Completed: 240.8Remaining: 1944.5Start Point: Tri-Corner Knob ShelterEnd Point: Standing Bear Farm
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light snow

Day 22, March 23, 2014Today was rainy and cold. Little Man does not like that combination and neither does his mama!!! You can tell his mood by his tail. If I had one it would have been tucked too! We crossed another famous AT land mark, Max Patch. It is a bald that is at least a mile in circumference. In warm clear sunny weather it might rock. Alas it was still amazing and I know I have more in the future. Radioman stated how it reminded him of Scotland. If it did (or Ireland). Allegedly back in the day they cleared the summits of all trees and let the cattle graze there. While walking down the bald we saw a lone man coming towards us. I told Radioman that it was some poor fellow who had lost his sheep. Actually it was a day hiker and he asked is of we knew where the Appalachian Trail was. Too cute Today we had our first taste of AT cliques and it hurt our feelers. We came into the shelter late as I am not the fastest of hikers. We asked if there was room and no on moved or said boo!!! Radioman was going to shelter due to rain (remember I am self banned due to puking incidents). Well, we shrugged and set up both tents. Listen- they were spread out in this shelter to the point of even cooking!! Anyway we go to bed. About an hour later two members of their clique showed up and they couldn't move quick enough to make room. Future thru hikers don't be rude. Cook at the tables, take space for one and make space in shelters. Again, it hurt our feelers. (Editor's note-Karma will catch up to these naive people, pray for them anyway.)(Paul - They are good hikers. I think they were just cold and caught up in their own activities. Nothing but a couple bruised feelings, so no worries.)Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 15.1Completed: 255.9Remaining: 1929.4Start Point: Standing Bear FarmEnd Point: Roaring Fork Shelter
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 23, March 24, 2014Today when I woke up I was so very cold. VERY VERY COLD!!! So Radioman and I have had an on going conversation. 25 degrees versus 95 (we both agree warm is best...this is an extreme conversation). I of course vote 95. I have a whole list of reasons why bit right now I am to cold to list them. Suffice it to say the only item under 25 is your not as thirsty. Anyway we got moving. Our initial plan was to pull up short to Hot Springs and do a Nero tomorrow. Well, once I realized I could not feel my toes I said screw it let's hike to Hot Springs and zero!!!! About two hours into our hike I regained feelings in all my flanges and Coopers tail was at full mast. Life is good. We had a great hike. Stopped In a sunny spot for lunch and rolled into Hot Springs. Radioman did laundry in his rain skirt. We are well feed, watered and warm.(Paul - I love this town! People say Hot Springs is "Hiker Friendly", but I think they are just all around nice folks here. Small town southern hospitality is the best way I can describe it. Alpine Motel is a good little motel. Very responsive, clean, and hospitable. Tavern has great beer and burgers. The diner in town has a skillet the is HUGE! I fear that the Poop fairy will be replaced by the Poop Demon later today. Delight did laundry last time, so after we checked in and went through a massive box of food Erika sent us; I took a shower. After my shower I put on the only clean clothes I had. Teva sandals with socks, a t-shirt, thin woll sweater, and my plastic rain skirt. I gathered up all of our dirty clothes and walked down Main street praying that a gust of wind would not blow my skirt up. I chatted with a couple other hikers, Tree & Fleet Foot, while washing clothes. Good guys who can easily pull 20+ miles daily. While my clothes were drying, I decided to wander about town a bit. I heard someone say, "That is a look only a through hiker would attempt!", and turned around to see Lowjack. I never thought I would see him again. He is young and fast. Surprisingly, he stops and enjoys the views, but still racks up miles. He had zeroed the day before. I turned around and he said, "Radioman! Wow, you lost weight." We chatted and he told me he was leaving in the morning. Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 18.0Completed: 273.9Remaining: 1911.4Start Point: Roaring Fork ShelterEnd Point: Hot Springs, NC
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: TN 70 Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.8

Day 25, March 26, 2014.Today was Radioman's favorite day on the trail and it was a pretty great day!!!It started out with breakfast courtesy of Squirrel and Tree Frog.Thanks guys- that was very thoughtful and generous. As nice as it is in trail towns with food and comfort there is something so special about getting back on the trail. Today was a festival of sights. We started out walking along the French Broad River. Then up we went. We went by a beautiful little pond and throgh meadows. We saw the most snow we have seen to date on the trail and I for one hope it is the last!!!The weather would be very cold and then warm and back and forth it went. I just kept my jacket on all day. Had a great day!!!While we were stopped for lunch Mr. Bangerrang stopped by and said they were camp sites in Allen Gap and water. We opted for that as our goal so we could be closer to 15 miles. Mr. Bangerrang had another surprise up his sleeve. Some people he knows stopped by with drinks and cookies and apples and M&Ms!! Poah Near walked with us most of the way and is also tenting with us. Mr. Blue Sky and Flex are also here. I guess tonight is going to be cold bit then the weather warms up for the next few days albeit with some rain. Have a great day!!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 14.8Completed: 287.8Remaining: 1895.6Start Point: Hot Springs, NCEnd Point: TN 70 Allen Gap
Date: 2014-03-27
From: TN 70 Allen Gap

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 26, March 27, 2014Today we hit another milestone - we have reached the 300 mile mark!! I think it is an AT law that everyday you have to conquer at least one massive mountain. Today that mountain was Big Butt Mountain. I tried to find a sign to get a picture, no luck (sorry Dorito ) The weather was a little more windy them anticipated but still a little warmer than yesterday. A good part of the day was uneventful as we walked ridges and the "Green Tunnel". Not boring mind you... and still beautiful... just more typical. Later in the day we were rewarded with a great ridge walk that had some fun rock scrambles, meadows, memorials and a Pleasant walk down an old logging road. Pooh Bear and Mr. Blue Sky are here with us, along with 4 section hikers. Tomorrow will be a shorter day. Have a great day!!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 17.5Completed: 306.2Remaining: 1879.1Start Point: TN 70 Allen GapEnd Point: Flint Mountain Shelter
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

Day 27, March 28, 2014We were walking down the trail and what do we see about an hour into the hike but Pooh Bear sitting on two chests of trail magic!!! Which brings up another topic - Trail Magic. There are some folks who think there is too much of it on the trail. I think it is now part the trail experience. Former thru hikers, family, friends and future hikers all giving back to a trail that has given so much. I guess if you think it diminishes the experience don't take it, sort of like turning off the tv if you don't like the program. I for one love trail magic and today I gobbled up my chili cheese Doritos and Mountain Dew!! The only way it could have been any better is if I were eating Ann or Kimmy's egg's Benedict and downing an ice mocha from Beans and Brew. It never rained today but the trail was a muddy mess do to the melting snow. Today's big Mountain was Big Bald Mountain. It was an accident because missed the tent site at Low Gap and ended up doing 18.9 miles!!!!Tonight we are actually sleeping in the shelter. We usually tent. It's us and Pooh Bear (he missed the tent site too) and Mr. Blue Sky. Tomorrow it looks like we are going to push to Erwin early. I have some mail I need to fetch. Have a great day!!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 18.9Completed: 325.1Remaining: 1860..2Start Point: Flint Mountain ShelterEnd Point: Bald Mountain Shelters
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Day 28, March 29, 2014Well, we had a long day today and our feet are very sore as proven by our hobbled gait. I have been having some phone issues; my phone is possessed (it is an evil possession) and does not want to stay charged. So much so that it turns itself on in the middle of the night (no joke)!! So I spoke with Verizon a couple days ago and worked it out to get a new phone in Erwin. which I now have. I didn't get all my pictures transferred over so excuse the fact if some, or most, are upside down due to my taking pictures of pictures. Today was a pretty good day. No huge hills but steady. We did get rained on for about an hour, which did not please TLM. I do have to mention the Know Business Knob Shelter. It was arguably the crappiest shelter to date. It was full of graffiti with garbage and food scraps everywhere. Mice must love this shelter. During the last four days I have noticed a lot of unmaintained old barbed wire fence. It got me thinking. I heard that during the early days of the AT there were a lot of land grabs by the government needed in order to create the continuous foot path that millions now enjoy and that it did not obviously sit well with those who lost land. To the point that it was actually a little dicey for hikers in this area. I was thinking maybe all this abandoned fencing might be from that era. Today I was also thinking about the saying "hike your own hike" (HYOH). Ever since I concocted this AT hike plan, I have heard that and it has only really dawned in me what it means. I think I used to think it meant literally the walking part of the hike. But it is much much more than that. HYOH encompasses every aspect of the AT endeavor. Starting with the first question: NOBO or SOBO (Northbound or Southbound starting point). Then: what will you eat, carry, save, hostel or hotel or none, shuttle or hitch, start date, go to trail days or not, boots or trail runners, Jet Boil or alcohol or no stove, wait for someone?, ditch someone?, pink blaze? synthetic or wool, take the dog or leave it with a loved one, etc etc etc each day provides each person with way more chooses then one would think possible. Today as I write this I like our hike thus far. Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 16.4Completed: 341.5Remaining: 1843.8Start Point: Bald Mountain ShelterEnd Point: Erwin, TN
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.4

Day 29, March 30, 2014Everything in Erwin is hard!! It started with our walk into town. We do NOT like to walk extra steps. Our walk was an extra 2 long rainy, windy miles. We should have hitched but neither of us really could just yet bring ourselves to stick up a thumb!!We got the the motel where we had sent my phone and Radioman's shoes. The price was much higher then listed in the guide book. We did not care it was the only mini-pig friendly joint in town. Well, my phone was there. It took me hours to get everything rolled over. I can not remember a password. Good grief! So every app was drama. I wish finger or retina scans were the norm. Next was laundry....remember, we only have one set of clothes. Low and behold we have a place right by us. Long story short Radioman did our laundry. Ok today I yogi'd. It freaked me out. Radioman went to the store to get a Coke after we realized we were in a dry county. So I was standing outside and this guy Billy, drives up in a 2000 red mustang. Some how we start talking and the next thing you know I'm cruising down the freeway to the next county in a red Mustang and buying adult beverages!! Billy was driving. I thought to myself stranger--Danger but still went (sorry mom) Then about 530 pm Tree Frog and Squirrel call. Come on over we say!! They had a heck of a trip; wet and cold (see video). Radioman takes over and the next thing you know I am doing laundry for them (remember this is non fiction) another long story but I'll make it short - there's a start button#! Uuuhhhggg!!! And they somehow had clean clothes. Ok so squirrel wants beer. Guess who takes him? YEP Billy! Trail Angel in the making. So today was an administrative day. I payed my bills, got the phone transferred and resupplied. We did fail on some mailing stuff, but Squirrel and TreeFrog are helping us out tomorrow as we hike. Ok so back to Billy for a sec. He is a crack up. Loves to make jokes and has a heart as big a Texas. He is a true trail Angel. Not for what he did but who he is!! (And he smells nice) Ok back at it tomorrow. Hope to be in VA by Apr 9. Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 16.4Completed: 341.5Remaining: 1843.8Start Point: Erwin, TNEnd Point: Erwin, TN
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Day 30, March 31, 2014Today I was feeling so thankful that I have the health, time and money to walk the AT. It is a bazillion times more enjoyable then sitting in a cubicle working on a PowerPoint slide. I hope I never take this journey for granted.Today's hike started out with a blissful 45 minute walk on flat terrain paralleling a lovely stream. Some ups in the morning but nothing strenuous.In Indian Gap, Fresh Ground was serving lunch at the Leapfrog Cafe. We had chili, fruit and Kool Aid. Cooper got a hotdog and some fried potatoes. It was our third encounter with Fresh Ground and we hope to see him again on the other side of Damascus.Today's big climb was up Mount Unaka. Our starting elevation was 1742 and Unaka's summit was at 5180. No views but the top is covered in spruce trees and it was incredibly beautiful.Today was great weather. The only downside was all the snow was slush and the trails were wet and slippery. Everyone's feet and shoes were soaked.Pooh Bear hiked with us again. We sure like that guy. He is hiking for "hike4wellness" and is very passionate about recovery and helping people. Check out his web site of you get a second.We are with a new group of hikers tonight. Shaman Raman' Cheese Its, M and Penguin Man.Cooper is pooped today. Check out the picture of him asleep on Pooh Bear. I might be biased but I think he's so adorable!! Ok off to bed. Big day tomorrow up Roan Mountain (elevation 6212). I think this is might be the last time we see 6000 feet until the Whites.Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 17.5Completed: 359.0Remaining: 1826.3Start Point: Edwin, TNEnd Point: Cherry Gap Shelter (tenting)