morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Hurricane Gap

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

K is for Knees, Kindness and KateA beautiful morning; dry, warming sunshine gave birth to a beautiful, albeit hot, day. Coming to a close with a thunder and lightning storm. Ahhh nature, so diverse. A great day to hike and trail magic too. We also found Butters and met some new fantastically friendly hikers. A red letter day really.Knees- I have a "bum" knee. A lot of hikers have "bummier" knees complete with surgical histories. From the get go I have been wearing a cho-pat knee brace on the right without a moment of pain. My left knee hurts from saving my tootsie from falling every time my right ankle rolls. What a mess I am. The biggest problems for knees are the downhills, especially the hurried one guiding you downhill. Poles help but physics say "ow!" to that downward forward thrust. I go slow and try to brace the steps. Advil, Aleve, ginger foot falls - now if only my ankle stayed upright I would be in business. Go cho-pat!Kindness- there is so much of it on the trail: kindness to strangers, friends new and old, animals and the trail. Just today alone a family opened their beautiful home (thank you fall and Hercules) to many smelly hikers, feeding us waffles, stew, ice cream sundaes and ice cold drinks. I found someone¢s fleece jacket and was carrying it when Moss, who I had only met moments before offered to carry the extra weight for me. Beatbox woke to find two stray hounds that he fed and cared for all day. So much kindness it is really inspiring.Kate- my sister. My hero, the coolest cat in all the land. I am her number one fan. Everyday I think of how dynamite it would be to have her here with me. Kate, you make weary hikers smile and you can make anyone want to dance.Off to a rain-slicked tent, tomorrow I think I might go hiking.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: spring near Shelton gravesite
Miles today: 10.0

L is for lazy (or lazing, lungs and legs)An unexpectedly beautiful day with fantastic views resulted in a lot of faffing about. It took us four hours to go seven miles, then fifteen minutes for Butters, Sampson and I to decide that we may call it a day. We lazed about basking in the sun for two hours, and in a single moment chose to push in just a bit further. There is a fine line between lazy and lazing. I hope I learn to accept a little more lazing, it really enriches the day.Lungs and Legs- hiking is hard, camping can be tricky but backpacking is wicked tough. Going up hill I don't know if it is my lungs or my legs that are the first to say uncle. They say it takes six to nine weeks to have your hiker legs! Sometime I feel like I am running on gummy legs (especially at the end of a long day). I feel like my lungs are stronger. I get breathless but recover quickly. No wheezing, coughing, or gasping for air but I am not exactly flying over the miles either. Lungs- keep up the good work. Legs-you can turn into hiker legs any time now...Bonus L for Rich- Lizard. I saw about eight anol© lizards the other day. I was the only one in our group to see so many. I was not scared because they weren¢t snakes and they have limbs so it seems reasonable that they move so quickly.Early bed tonight, big plans tomorrow, but I won't ruin the surprise.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: spring near Shelton gravesite

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program for a notable milestone¢¦**One month on the trail (3/14-4/13)**Let's review some statistics:300+ miles21 ramen dinners3 days in ice and snow13 days of rain3 states (two of which I had never been to before)5 falls (all without injury!)15693 near falls that my hiking poles saved me from4 sore spots on my body5 blisters1 day cursing the mountain2 different pairs of hiking footwear4 summer sausages (half of each)31 mornings waking because I needed to use the bathroomCountless summitsCountless false summits (although I suspect it is a greater number than the true ones)10 dirty fingernails1 pack into ravine incident5 new towns (four regretted town meals)1/2 bottle of Aleve7 showers1 combing of the hair3 loads of shared laundry (eep that number should be a bit higher)2 stray dogs, one turkey, four squirrels and I did not see the mice but...29 (two zeros) days of being outside, walking in the woods and being pleased31 days where I was shown time and again the beauty of nature, and of the people who reside within it.....And an avalanche of new friends, all unique and memorableSo far so fantastic.Today was a long day (check that mileage) spent entirely in the cold and non accumulating snow. Sampson and I stopped for lunch and I nearly "got the death". Well not really but I had to start moving PDQ or I was going to chatter my way into the ground. My body felt good but I was pretty done when we set up tent. I can hear the snow falling on my tent now. Cross your fingers.The MaineAttraction just rolled in! They had a late start this morning so I am proud like a parent that they pulled out the miles! "Reunited and it feels so good...."Tomorrow I wonder what I will find outside my tent.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Low Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

M is for miles, mountains and Mother NatureWhat a crazy wake up call ¢ the sound of sheets of snow sliding off my tent onto piles of snow that had done that very thing All. Night. Long. Now "piles" is an exaggeration; there were two inches of ground cover and four surrounding my tent, but when that tent is a three season and you are dealing with the four seasons, everything becomes a little amplified, just a bit. Sooo, I was motivated to try something new, and as the snow continued and was mixed with rain I knew in my heart of hearts I could go the twenty + miles to make it to town and into a warm dry bed. Having a single ramen left in my food bag was almost equally compelling.Miles ¢ they all feel different. Some last minutes, others hours. Some seem too far away to dream about and then they roll under my very real feet. A day where twenty is possible may be book ended with ten-milers. They say they will get easier, I still notice (and work for) all of them.Mountains ¢ What makes a mountain a mountain, a hill a hill and a knob a knob? They all feel up to me. Up is up, title schmitel. Mother Nature ¢ snow in Tennessee, in April, really! That is all I want to say about that.Brief, yes. Fatigued, double yes! Goodnight, tomorrow a dreamy zero ¢ just can't get enough of them lately.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Erwin, TN

To: ...Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A day of rest ¢ Rest the bones, rest the muscles and the mind. A nice day to relax and a lucky day for hitching a ride. Five of us (Sampson, Rocksteady, Beatbox, Butters and I) had the best luck and hardly had to walk more then fifty yards of non-trail! We went to an all you can eat pizza place, seven other hikers were there too, like a magnet!More rest planned for today, including naps and hot tub time.Back to the mountains, miles, and the alphabet tomorrow.Big hugs to all of you.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Erwin, TN

To: Curly Maple Gap
Miles today: 4.9

N is for New, Nudes, and NeedsThe ugly snow monster seems to have hidden his twisted horrific monster face, for now. I am not sure that we have seen the last of him. The sun was shining, the air clean and we were all getting antsy (and poor). It was time to go back into the woods and to hike again. Well just a little bit of hiking.New- lots of 'em. New record today leaving town ¢ 1:40. New snail pace for me, I was going so slowly that it was efficient for me to sit and have a good talk with the wall I seemed to be hitting. Ugh! Part of it was the extra weight in the pack (seven days of food), also town makes you soft! Also new were my shoes. Montrail low top shoes, feeling good, fitting great, light as pillows, and not a single ankle roll. I did not exactly put them through their paces today but so far so good. The boots- just wait to buy those Asolos until I can do some time tested comparisons. Also new tent! The fly tore on the Eureka and I was having a heck of a time keeping the fly from the tent. Failure to do so resulted in rain/snow entering the sacred domain of a hiker's tent. Bad form. It went back to Campmor (finest retailer on Earth) and a new sierra designs clip light arrived. Heavier, smaller vestibule but maybe worth the weight. We shall see.Nudes- yup nude. June 21st, the summer solstice is rumored to be hike nude day. Today two hikers, known only as Chuck Weathers and Scottie Pippin hiked through Curly Maple Gap shelter in the nude to get some water. There were cat calls and excuses of lost bets exchanged but I fear this is not the last we "see" of this duo.Needs- Maslow¢s hierarchy of needs vs. AT hikers pyramid of needs. That deserves a dedicated entry that we will formulate as a collective. Today we needed to camp more then hike (note puny mileage), tomorrow we may need to laugh more then hike alone. Each day what you need is different, and when you only want to carry twenty-five pounds you better hope that you can meet those needs on flexible, yet lightweight, terms.I need sleep stat! Tomorrow more hiking, I promise.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Curly Maple Gap

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

O is for One, Original, and OutsideWas this the most beautiful day to hike in ever? Yes, yes I think it was! The morning was dry (i.e. no wet tent to pack), the sun was shining, and there was a cool breeze. We took an early break to play catch and a long lunch on "Beauty Spot". Beauty Spot was appropriately named. A meadow on top of a mountain with views 360 degrees and the sun shining without a cloud in the sky. We ate then lazed on our backs and all got too much sun. Perfect it was. All that lazing does lend itself to a shorter day then planned, but where is the rush?One- There are lots of thoughts on how to hike the trail. Go light, go fast, no zeros, avoid the shelters.... on and on. There is only One way really to hike the trail, HYOH- hike your own hike. I believe this; I try to employ it. It may be the only One on the trail.Original- there are some original meals made out on the trail. How many ways can you mix the seven same ingredients? Don't challenge a thru hiker; they will win. Chicken and rice, on a burrito, with summer sausage and cheese, chased by an oatmeal cream pie, preceded by raw ramen. Gravy with anything, anything plus peanut butter, you name it. Any diner "original" probably started on the trail.Outside- Outside everyday. I feel like I have won the lotto. I have more of a tan than I ever had my whole life. Sampson¢s sock tan line is so stark it looks like he has leggings on. You wake outside, eat, drink and toilet outside. All grand when there is no precipitation. Really it is all grand anyway, not always rainbows and lollipops but I wouldn't trade it for a second.Now I go to bed, outside. Tomorrow may be grand too. We shall see.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

P is for pain, pace and profileAnother beautiful day. I understand the Northeast is having unseasonably warm temperatures, good for them but as a backpacker I am glad things are hanging around standard here in the south. We were treated to trail magic by Mango (he thru hiked in '06) early in the day. Rocksteady, Sampson, Butters and I were joined by a young married couple from Kentucky ¢ Shuffles and Stomp. We have been yo-yoing with them for a few days, their company and humor is always welcome. We spent over an hour talking with Mango; it was a great reprieve in our day.Pain- each day there is pain. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot, and sometimes it just seems to be there. For me the pain only is upsetting when it is limiting, it often goes away at the top of a climb or a downhill (knees!) or even after a break. Sometimes when my feet hurt just taking my shoes and socks off and looking at my feet make the pain dissipate. A lot of Aleve and Motrin are taken out here but sometimes just a goodnight¢s rest is all we need. Then just get up again and make something new hurt. It is called newbie hiking and I hear this too will pass.....right?Pace- two miles an hour. Try driving that in your car, even riding it on a bike is tough, walking that or slower for eight hours a day ¢ well you can really get to know your surroundings, that's for sure. I am a slow and steady hiker; the only one bothered by this is me. My hustle is brief and terrain based. I have no buckle down, nose to the grindstone setting; I just walk. I like it. I don't hurt myself, I am not setting any land speed records but I always get to where we are going. Everyone out here has their own pace and it varies day to day and with each manner of trail. I am so amazed when people hike, I mean actually hike together, for days, months on end. I just can't imagine a match like that.Profile- All of the Appalachian trail maps come with a profile, as does my new handbook "The Appalachian Pages". The profile shows over miles the nature of your climbs and descents. Helpful when plotting out your day but deceiving none the less. A big climb to your legs may be a blip on the profile, and a bump you were expecting may have just blurred in with that last one. Today one thing was clear on the profile, Roan Mt. at 6285 feet with a climb from 4000 feet that lasted nearly three miles. We were all weary, out of water and the sun was setting but we pushed to the top. When "the men of Roan Mountain and the Lady of Roan" reached the top there was much rejoicing. Then we planned dinner.Tomorrow- the descent!
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Q is for QuestionsSoooo, we are really exercising our will to do just as we like. The day started with rain and fog. Views were zilch and the wind pushed our packs like parasails as we crossed the moor-like Jane's Bald. We reached the shelter with plans for a hot lunch with some of the fresh ramps we had gathered. Ramps are onion like plants that grow wild in the woods; they are refreshing and delicious. Well as time passed the cold increased, the view came and went, and our joints stiffened. The boys wanted to stay rather then go another nine miles, my will was weak and we stayed. The shelter is an old converted barn that was once used in the filming of a horror movie. No one talks about this because maybe we are always close to being freaked out. Thunderstorms came and went all afternoon and evening with hardy winds and temperatures in the thirties and forties. We were glad to be under a solid roof. The picture is the view from the shelter/barn, same for the privy. They say it is the nicest view from a privy on the whole trail. So far I agree.Q-questions... I had lots of them. I still have hundreds more. I may be able to answer some of yours. If you have a question ask away in the guest book (note: sign in to the (non-anatomical) left on your screen) and after the alphabet series comes to a close I can try and formulate some solid answers for you. This will give me time to survey other hikers as well, to make the answers more well rounded and informed, just like a good political candidate (please refrain from political based questions, also anything about geology, that should probably go to my Uncle David).Sooo, tomorrow we plan to work a little harder. Tonight we plan to freeze our butts off and hear a lot of tiny mice feet and snoring (I am not sure if you noticed but I have not stayed in a shelter since leaving the Smokies (were it is mandated to reduce impact) but these are prime motivators to stay in your very own tent). Apparently I am hiking the parentheses mountains sheesh- anyway
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

R is for Rest, Reunion, and RestaurantHeave hooo- "up and at ¢em!" We were at Mother Nature¢s whim today. I started off in the mist with a hint of sunshine. On top of Hump Mountain (really that was the name of it, real loving and sentimental) I had a cellular opportunity to call my mom and coordinate her visit to Damascus. By the time I got off the phone I was chilled and it was raining. Pack on; hiking forward it turned to snow, all views were obliterated. The sun later came out then more rain, sun, rain, evil clouds of looming death, then a cloudy temperate night. Mother Nature is bonkers and she is currently running my life. We found a great place by a stream and all hit our respective tents early.Rest- it is quite renewing, without it you can feel robbed (check out all those R¢s). My sister told me of the levels of rest she had heard about, the ABCs of AT hiking. A level ¢ A break involves stopping, only briefly ¢ perhaps for water or to stare at the impending mountain. At Level B your pack comes off and you are sitting for a prolonged period of time, ten minutes or so. Level C -hiker yard sale- pack off, boots AND socks off, sitting and more likely than not digging and ravaging your food bag. I have to listen to my body and take what I need when I need it or I can get a good pout face going. Hiking is hard, being a sourpuss and hiking- way harder.Reunion- Beatbox left us for a few days ago to do some solo night hiking. We all missed him dearly and our reunion could not have been more fitting. Sampson, Butters, Rocksteady and I had all congregated at the Applehouse shelter for lunch plans and were walking down the trail when "whizzzz shank" a hiking pole flies down from the overlying ridge piercing the trail just feet in front of us! Beatbox had been lying in wait under a rhododendron bush plotting his ambush. Perfect. Hugs where passed around and tales of things that go bump in the night were shared. Reunited and it feels so good.Restaurant- Directly after the reunion we hiked half a mile to the "King of the Road Steakhouse" for their Sunday serving hours. When you are on the AT hiking you see other hikers. When you are in a town or restaurant you see other people, but I really cannot imagine what they see or think. I like to think they know what we are up to, what we have been through, what lay in store and why we love ice and can eat so much. I feel pride in my filth and tattered appearance. Some hikers feel poorly, or apologetic; they think they are being viewed as rogue vagrants. I have met many a person who may drive past the trail daily who is surprised to hear of its existence, or certainly its expanse. It is possible that we appear to be hungry, dirt-caked, homeless hobos, but I prefer to be called a NOBO (north bounder). Anyway, the food is always tasty, and I am always proud- that smell is hard earned.Tomorrow I will have traveled over 400 miles, that is if things go as planned.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Walnut Mountain

To: Dennis cove (the Kincora Hostel)
Miles today: 14.0

S is for Spring, Sleep, and ScheduleI awoke this morning to the sounds of the spring rolling by, and once again the urge to urinate quite presently. It was overcast but the air had good potential for warmth. We had a slight delay to our start today because Beatbox found a vine that was prime for swinging on. We jumped, swung and shouted bizarre statements such as "Matchbox 20 rules!" (jokingly of course) until every hiker who had camped back at the shelter marched past, already working on the miles for the day. We were proud. Indications that the vine was about to bust forced our reason and we too started to hike.Spring- it is coming. I can smell it, you can hear it and see it on the slopes. Colors are coming up all over the place. I will try and capture it in all its phases.Sleep- I need it. I am a light sleeper. I rest in tiny vignettes of sleep interrupted to turn, note the time, notice the cold and hyper-interpret each noise I hear. This works until you get four collective nights and bam! the fatigue gets ya. Some people sleep with ear plugs, some sleep entirely nude, others fully cocooned in all their clothing, mummy bag snuggled to the tilt. I think there will be three weeks of perfect sleep; I anticipate many stream-side naps as the days grow longer.Schedule- The answer everyday to "what is the plan?" is- "let's play it by ear". Not typically my style but ahhhh I can learn to relax....well I can work on it, I am working on it. Honest...Tomorrow a zero to rest my weary bones...
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Dennis cove (the Kincora Hostel)

To: Pond Flats
Miles today: 5.7

T is for Trail, Tenting, and TransitionsAnother town boss to beat, this time I think we fared pretty well. The morning was lovely; we all made a big breakfast together in the hostel's shared kitchen, made phone calls and then slowly made our way out to the trail after arranging and planning our food for the next four days. Rocksteady got a super surprise in the mail- a backpacker¢s guitar so we were played for throughout the day. The weather was beautiful and the first two miles took us along waterfalls and right beside the river. It also took us in and out of the gorge, which made for some steep work. The first shelter was two miles out but we pushed on to tackle a big climb (2000 feet in 2 miles) and found a great camping spot.Trail- the Appalachian Trail is 2176.2 miles long. I have barely put a dent in it. It has a beautiful history and I hope a lasting future. Each day so far has been different. What rolls underfoot can change moment to mile- pine, dirt, rocks, moss- fantastic (not the rocks, they stink). Look around at your library or the Internet to learn more about this awesome trail and the ordeal it was to see it come to light.Tenting- I am a tenter. I used to aim for shelters and hope hope hope there was room. Now, unless it is raining, I just want to be in my tent. No one snores, no one ever toots (making me giggle), there is one kicking me and I don't have to worry about disturbing anyone. Like a little refuge. I love it.Transitions- A lot of thru hikers are in transition stages of their lives. I didn't think I was but I wonder how the entering Abby will vary from the departing Lady Cluck.Tomorrow more climbs and more miles.Currently I am lying in my refuge while the boys play a very literal game of hot potato. Entertainment is cheap and light out here. I am off to stare at the stars.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Pond Flats

To: Turkey Gap
Miles today: 15.6

U is for Uphill, Urine and Under-litA beautiful sunny and hot day. We had plans to go swimming mid-day and some of us did. With the sun turned up as hot as it was and the trail proposing some steep climbs we decided to take a long break in the shade by Wataga lake. The break lasted hours and involved swimming, sunbathing (some dressed, some in the buff!), serenading, and foot soaking. Perfect way to hike the A.T. if you ask me.Uphill- We are out of switchback country it seems. The climbs are not as long or high but they are steep. In order to rest my heels I face downhill as I catch my breath and my heart slows. Today there were climbs that produced sweat I could feel running off my nose!Urine- in the woods. There are many ways to approach this task, avoidance is futile and quite dangerous. For the gentleman the equipment is handy and accessories are limited. Hand sanitizer and perhaps a designated urine jug may be in order. The urine jug allows a gentleman an opportunity to urinate during the night without having to leave his tent, let alone his sleeping bag. Just don't spill it or confuse it with your water or fuel bottles. The lady hiking the Appalachian Trail has many more options. You could bend at the knees and wipe with TP each time or....a. P-rag- nefarious among male hikes, a designated cloth for wiping urine to save on TP and its environmental impactb. Lady Jay- a funnel making it possible for a lady to stand and urinatec. Skirt- handy reallyI am sure there is more but I feel we have lingered quite enough.Under-lit- hiking at night, no moon, cheap headlight. Not the most fun I have ever had, but an experience none the less. No major injuries, Rocksteady got a bit sea sick.Ugh, nearly midnight- way wayyy past hiker bed time.Tomorrow back to daylight.