morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-14
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody's Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just wanted to say Thanks to everyone that is sending me moral support, I enjoy reading everyones comments. And Suzie you married him what can I say!!! Well keep the communication coming, it all helps.Today for some reason I got a slower start, 10am this morning. Still will blame it on the no system for breaking camp. I hope it comes soon. I discovered today that I left my toiletry/1st aid bag at Hawk Mtn. shelter, will need to replace all of that stuff but no biggie. I'm planning to go back to the Hiker Hostel for the night tonight. Played leapfrog with a boy scout troop today. One of the boy scouts was dropping M & M's, if I had found out who I would have told him to stop. Feed a bear out here you kill a bear, not good. The trail was really cool. Lots of ups and downs (PUDS-pointless ups/downs)(MUDS-mindless ups/downs) I think the PUDS are pre trail legs and MUDS are post trail legs. But for right now I find the ups/downs both mentally & physically challenging. It was a long day for being short miles. Hitched a ride back to the Hiker Hostel from Sir Woodchuch, thanks, your a good man.Once back at the hostel, got cleaned up and went shopping to replace stuff and then ordered pizza, yummo. Called twotone (boyfriend for those that don't know), great hearing his voice, repacked, laundry, journaling, and off to bed. Sweet dreamsMary
Date: 2010-03-15
From: Woody's Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Weird dream last night, about an old boss. Don't know where that came from, strange. Woke up around 3:45am going over stuff that I still need to replace: chapstick, moleskin, comb, hair ties. I forgot to tell you that my 1st night out my phone got moisture in it and it would not turn on, ugh. Took it apart left it that way in a double plastic bag till I got back to the Hiker Hostel and put it on the charger and over the heating vent on the floor, and guess what it works. Man did I get lucky! Also my bic lighter crapped out on me, of all the gear-my phone and lighter go figure. Well all is working now.Got my trail name this morning at breakfast. I have been running around the hostel looking for all my gear that has exploded all over the place. I can't seem to keep track of it when I am at a hostel. So Eric (marine), really cool guy said I was a gearbomb. Well it stuck and it fit me perfectly so Gearbomb it is.Got shuttled back to Woodys gap headed for Slaughter Creek campsite right before Blood mtn. When I got there it was early about 2pm, cold and wet. So I pushed on over Blood mtn once there it was only 2 miles to Neels gap, so on I went. When I crossed the road to Neels gap, Missionary saw me and Kat and said he had a free cabin with two double beds. Yep we're there. Beautiful cabin. Thank you so so much Missionary you are a life saver. After our 1st double digit day. Plan is to do a shake down at Mountain Crossing tomorrow. For right now we are cozy in the cabin with the wind howling outside and good company inside. Good night all.Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-16
From: Neels Gap

To: Cowrock Mtn
Miles today: 4.7

Slept okay last night, but shared a bed with Kat and I had a cough so I worried about disturbing her. Got to Mountain Crossing, which is a outfitter and gift store around 9:00am, there was no waiting list for the shake down, good. Winton Porter, author of "Just Passing Through" did my shake down. That was pretty cool, you know star struck by all the legendary hikers. He said I was pretty good, didn't send to much home. But what was very useful was seeing how he repacked my pack, I paid close attention, good education. Of course bought a few things and sent some home. Didn't get on the trail til 2:00pm so planned on a short day. Missed the campsite we were looking for so we stopped on top of Cowrock Mtn, beautiful view and it was sunny and warm. Tried to get a fire going, no luck. So it was in bed @ 7:45pm.NightGearbomb
Date: 2010-03-17
From: Cowrock Mtn

To: campsite (formerly site of Rocky Knob shelter)
Miles today: 12.4

Okay folks let me tell you my 1st trail lesson. The wind is not your friend out here. Last night about midnight, 40mph winds whipped up the mountain and slammed into my tarp, I just prayed my tarp knot would hold because I did not want to get out to fix them. They did thank goodness. Morning finally came, I think I got about 2 hrs sleep, I packed up heading to a lower elevation to get some breakfast.Pretty good trail today, no big climbs. Wicked downhill with lots of rocks (twotone you would not have liked this), I rolled my ankle several times, last time with a pop. Not a good sign, but could still bear weight so we are good. Finally reached campsite around 6:00pm, to pooped to cook ate cold chef boy ar dee and peanut butter, yummo. Tired going to bed, hope it is a quiet night.Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-18
From: campsite (formerly site of Rocky Knob shelter)

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: scattered clouds

better sleep last night, no wind. I woke to soft rain for awhile. Up at 7:15 (alarm set on camera), on the trail by 9:00am. I am beginning to get a routine. Two big climbs today, Rocky mtn and Tray mtn both were tough climbs. Atop of Tray there was still some snow took some pictures. Weather was cloudy but temp was good and no rain. Reached Tray mtn shelter around 4:00pm. Met some cool dudes around the campfire they built. Sorry guys I forgot your names already. Met Buck snort a 70 yr young man thru hiking. He hit the sack early. Good conversation and whiskey, while I caught up my journal. Tomorrow I hike into Hiawassee and will take a zero or maybe two, they are saying to not hit the Smokeys for another two weeks. So I may slow it down a bit, lower mileage and an extra zero day here and there. I'm in no hurry.Off to bed.Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

I either camped by a very active critter or a leaf that blew all night, cuz I could hear noise all night. Plus I couldn't get my temp. under control, made for a sleepless night. Still up at 7:15am and on the trail by 9:00am getting the routine down, just need to speed it up now.Today looks beautiful, gorgeous sunrise. One big, steep climb today Kelly Knob. Then pretty much downhill into Hiawassee. It took me 45 min to climb Kelly Knob and about the same to get down. Buck snort said that his wife was waiting for him at Dicks Creek Gap and could give me a ride into Hiawassee. Great, thanks little bear and buck snort. I pushed myself today knowing that I was going to take a zero day. My feet were really hurting when I got to the gap.Got dropped off at the Holiday Express around 4:00pm. Made it to my room and exploded my gear, talked to twotone, showered, laundry, tv and bed. Will take a zero tomorrow. I met another thru hiker, Riverdog, he invited me to dinner but I was to tired, but thanks for the invite. Spent some time on the computer entering my journal. Getting tired, bed is calling.See you in the morning.Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Slept terrible last night, was sore and couldn't get comfortable. Got up around 2:00am and worked on my food resupply, went through the pictures on my camera. Then again about 5:00am I tried to go back to sleep. Slept until my alarm went off, that's right 7:15am. Got up ate breakfast, will resupply and then move to the Hiawassee Inn for tonight. Hope Cindy comes into Hiawassee tonight, gave her a call. Rest of the day devoted to relaxation and foot rest.Won't update again til next time I'm in town. Love the comments, look forward to reading them when I get to town. Thanks for all the support.Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-21
From: Hiawassee

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Worst weather, rained all day. Crossed into NC today. I did stop in the pouring rain to get the picture of the GA/NC sign. Whooo hooo 1 state down 13 to go.I camped at bly gap rite past the border, set up was a pain as it was pouring by this time. Cobb and Akido Jo were both there and set up. It was 4:00pm when I arrived and about 4:30 when I was in my hammock. About two hours later I changed into dry clothes and tried to warm up. It made for a very long nite. My gloves were soaked, good thing I got extras. While relaxing in my hammock the weather turned even worse, winds 40mph and few lighting bolts and one clap of thunder but that was it. Well need to warm up and try to get to sleep. Good night! Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-22
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light snow

Made it thru the nite, lousy nite's sleep. Crazy nite-wind, rain, lighting, freezing rain, did I mention the wind!!! But alas, it is morning time to hit the trail, the wind calmed down around midnight last night and the rain stopped, so at least we didn't have to pack up in the rain. Got packed and headed out around 9:00am, first thing a climb. I still don't like climbs first thing as my legs need about an hour and a half to work fully. But a climb it was and then it started snowing. Snowed all day as we were headed up in elevation. The forest, however, was absolutely serene with the snow coating everything and falling.Stopped at Muskrat Creek Shelter for lunch, met dreamcatcher doing a zero and trying to stay warm and get some sleep. Ran into Lenni and Hunter again they were headed out. Akido Jo finished up lunch and was off, I was soon to follow.Hiked all day in the snow but feet felt good and strong. Arrived at Standing Indian shelter around 3:00pm. Akido Jo was there, I decided to stay in the shelter thought it might provide more wind protection. On the loose showed up and so did Will See, Nugget, and John. Nugget and John pitched tents. I hung my tarp in front of the shelter to provide wind coverage which helped immensely. We all made our hot meal and jumped into our bags to try to stay warm cuz it was COLD. BRRRRRRR Good night - Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-23
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Last nite it got down to about 26deg. I managed to stay pretty warm but was very uncomfortable. The hard floor is not for me. I tossed and turned all nite from one side to the other. Little if any sleep. This morning we all decided to get a late start cuz the weather was suppose to get better. Rite now it is 27.5deg, about 10:00am it was 32deg, so I decided to get up and start the process of packing up which includes putting on cold everything and frozen boots.We had about 4" of snow, beautiful outside. There was talk of the sun popping out later in the day, so I didn't hit the trail til 11:30pm. Around noon the sun came out and it was a great day to hike. The trail was kind today no insane climbs. Arrived at Carter Gap shelter around 4:00pm. Many hikers already there, as I am pretty slow; walking man & Grace n Glory (married couple), Mitch, beefstick, cariboo & yolo (the dog). Beautiful out til the sun went down then its to bed for warmth. Overall a great day. Good nite - Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Gorgeous morning but still a little cool at 32deg. The sun and no snow made for a perfect start. Slept great last nite, I think for the first time. I decided that I am not a shelter type girl, hammock for me from here on out. I will take my chances with the weather. I did not enjoy the shelter experience. Live and Learn!!!Today was a long day and had a very tough climb Albert Mtn. 5250 elevation, first rock scrambling we had to do. The last .3 mile was very steep. But it was a clear day and we had great views from the top. Took several breaks but made it. We ate lunch at the summit and then continued on.Hiking solo is really cool, all the quietness and all the sounds are all yours, nothing to interfer. The lil streams are cool, lots of them with all the snow we have had this year. I stopped by one and soaked my feet, water was cold but it felt so good. I reached the 100 mile mark today, stopped made sign and snapped a picture. whooo yoo 100 miles on the AT.My feet ache but no blisters but the 3 middle toes on my right foot go numb after about 2 hours of hiking, I try to walk on my heel which helps but it is very annoying and painful. I usually have to stop and take a 15 min break. Which slows me down even more, but it is not a race. I finally reached Rock Gap shelter and missed the trail magic, but On the Loose was looking out for me and brought back a doggie bag for me. Thanks, good looking out. It had 2 hot dogs, apple, cheese, brownie, chips, and a coke. yummo - I shared.Spent the night around a great camp fire roasting marshmellows and laughing, got caught up on my journaling. Everyone tonight is on the quiet side, not sure why. Could be tired or going through the "getting comfortable" with the trail family stage, either or its all good.Off to bed, its late 9:30pm. Good nightGearbomb
Date: 2010-03-25
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light rain

Last night was great, slept like a baby. Even got warm had to pull my arms out of my TQ (top quilt). Packed up and was on the trail by 8:30. Knew it was going to be a short day heading into Franklin today to resupply, laundry, and shower. Reached Winding Stair Gap and trail magic, love trail magic. Joyce and several others had hot choclate, food, first aid, tp, duct tape whatever a hiker might need and chairs. We all enjoyed the trail magic and waited for the shuttle to come in about an hour to take us to town. Thanks Joyce and the crew for the magic!!The trail today wasn't bad one medium climb and the rest downhill. But several hikers need to rest so about 10 of us are headed in for the night. Beefstick, On the Loose and I are sharing a room (saving a few bucks)(good company too). We all went to Mi Casa for lunch, lots of good food and we ate all gone. Walked back to the Budget Inn, showered, laundry, resupply chores and updating journal. Some took in a movie, I passed. Just wanted to lay around relax, check pack.Now that I am up to date on my journal, will head back to my room to rest. Loving it out here even though it is very hard.   Oh and by the way my WW friends I'm paying for being able to eat the way I am, but I have to say its fun eating!!!! And a big thanks to all of you that are following my journal, it is a lot of fun to get into town and read all your entries. It is more encouraging that i could imagine. Plus it lets me stay up to date on what is going on with all of you. It will be about 3 days before I am able to post again, until then.Good night - Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-26
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning we got up early and went to breakfast at the Baptist Church. They had hotcakes, bacon, OJ, hot chocolate. They were wonderful and bagged up the left over bacon for us to take with us. That will make a great lunch on the trail.Today I left Franklin later becuz I had to run to the post office. Didn't get on the trail til around noon. I was planning on a short day as my left ankle hurts-being very cautious not to roll it again. It was over cast but sun was in the forecast. It was a good day, everything worked. I felt good and strong. When I reached Siler Shelter it was to early to stop and to far off the trail for lunch so I pushed on. Two big climbs over 5000' but was still feeling good. As I rose in elevation the forest became socked in the fog. There is something peacefully eriee about the woods in this state. When I reached Wayah Gap there was a sign posted "bear warning has taken packs from hikers, showes no fear of humans" Oh great won't eat my bacon lunch here. I was hiking solo all day so I started talking to myself but then thought, ya know if the bear isn't afraid of humans my talking to myself won't do anything but point out to the bear where I am. hmmmmmmmmm! By that time I was doing a pretty steep clim and figured the bear wouldn't wander that far so I stopped talking to myself. I reached the top of Wayah bald, it had a great stone tower and FOG of course, got a great picture of it, the fog that is. Continued with my hike got .5 miles past the tower and what the sun comes out, clears all the fog away, but I'm not hiking back lost that view.Reached Wayah shelter around 5pm, lots of people here: Pebbles, Castor, Stryder, Dufuss, Denver, Too Much, Caribou & Yolo, Dr. Rock & KitKat (which stayed to themselves), Perfect Storm, and a few others whom I can't remember their names sorry guys. Fixed some dinner on the fire, lil conversation, melted my pants and early to bed. Suppose to be upper 20's tonite. Good NiteGearbomb
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Stayed warm in hammock, I love it. Retrieved my food and got water and hit the trail around 9am. Cool but sun was shining. I noticed I had a blister on pinky of left foot and that my andle was swollen but still planning a moderate day, want to get to NOC on Sunday with short miles becuz it is suppose to rain that day. I taped my blister and took off. It was 4 miles to Burningtown Gap where there was the best trail magic ever. I stopped my feet were killing me. Denver gave me a better bandaid and I re did my tape job. Trail magic consisted of 1st aid kits, sausage biscuits, fresh fruit, pop, OJ, and then later they threw on some chicken, burgers, hot dogs on the grill with chili, so I stayed for both breakfast and lunch as did many others. Thank you, so much it was very much appreciated. I called NOC and reserved a bunk for Sun and Mon night. Got back to the trail around 12:30pm. Again with a big climb, one of two today. Beautiful views today on both climbs. Stayed pretty close with Denver, Dufus, and Too Much, Labrat, Peggles, & Castor today. We got to the shelter at 5:45pm. Set up camp met Leslie who started in Feb. We built a fire and I got a foot massage, it felt soooo good, my feet had really been aching. My feet were in bad shape today.In my hammock now, wind is kicking up-rain is suppose tomove in after 2am. I hope it waits til later morning. Well need sleep Good Night.Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-28
From: Wesser Shelter

To: NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center)
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: moderate rain

Didn't sleep that well last night, I think I was worried about the rain. The rain didn't start til about 7am for about 45 min. Then the rest of the moring was fine. Today was mostly down hill, a long downhill into NOC. Great view at Jumpup look out snapped some pictures. Continued downward, feet were not liking me today - but tonite I get to sleep in a bed.Took a break at Rufus Morgan Shelter-Dufus shared his dried mango, Thanks I love that stuff. Also met a trail maintainer "the geek" we talked with him for a while, cool guy. These guys do a lot of work and keep the trail in great shape. Shout out to all the trail maintainers.Made it to NOC around 1pm already had reserved a bunk for two nights. NOC is a cool palce big kayaking place. The Canadian Olympic team was here doing some sort of tryouts or something. I grabbed a shour did some laundry, then we wnt to dinner: Red Hat, Leslie, Denver, Dufus, All Good, No Teck, Labrat, Too Much. I got the spicy burger, shili, onion rings, yummo. Rachael Ray's travel show should come here. When I left the place I asked for some ice for my ankle they said no problem, thanks.Now back to my room to ice down my ankle and do some journaling, sitting on the porch watching the sun turn to rain, turn to sun, and back to rain, and finally into night. Made my phone calls: Jessie and Princess, its great talking to them, I miss everyone so much. Tomorrow no plans, lounge around check things out. Later for now.Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-29
From: NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center)

To: NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Dreary day, misted on and off, good day to zero (0 miles hiked). Ate breakfast at Rivers End which sits rite on the river (can watch the kayaks go by on a nice day). Resupplied at the general store, not much there but enough to get buy, should have walked up to the full serv. gas station a mile up the road oh well. Hit the outfitter and bought some "hiking undies" thats right I said underwear. Cost me $20 too! I've been wearing them around today and I think they may work out. I also called back to Neels Gap and ordered a different sleeping pad which they will ship ahead for me to pick up at Gatlinburg. Took a nap, gabbed with the guys and then headed to dinner. Pizza and onion rings tonight, saved leftovers for the trail tomorrow. Need to get pack read to head out in the morning. Tomorrow is all up hill. Need a good nights sleep. LaterGearbomb
Date: 2010-03-30
From: NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center)

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.1

Didn't sleep well again last nite. This is a reoccurring theme, I must be a hammock girl for sure. Got up at 5:30am went to the commons room and read until 7am. Then went back to bunkhouse and packed, visited with Red Lobster for awhile, cool girl.Went to breakfast at River's End again, wanted hot chocolate which i got along with some quiche, yummo! I hit the trail at 8:30am, all up hill coming out of the NOC (well at least 7 miles of it). I am rested and feel good. I am the first one to the bald imagine that-my mantra was "broke down in sections anything is possible" which I repeated during the last mile of the hike. The top of Cheoah Bald was magnificant great views and had a perfect day for it. You can see the Smoky's from here of course we are not sure which one is Clingman's Done. The group i was hiking with had a mishap and Dufus got his hiking poles taken when he stopped for lunch at the shelter. It's a shame when that kind of crap happens. Some words were exchanged on top of the bald about the poles, so the guys hiked a little further on, I stayed at the bald. I will catch up with them sometime. I got to the bald at 2pm so I relaxed and enjoyed the view. I met Achilles and Skat (married), Beaver Chief and Nesta, Beans, Pyro, Sweet Cheeks, and a lot of other hikers. I made some dinner and then we all went to watch the sunset-awesome, got some great pictures. I got a great picture of everyone watching the sunset, all ages both genders mesmerized by the beauty, amazing. We built a fire talked/laughed for awhile.One of the nice things out here is that we are all the same, no ages, no classes, no nationalities - we are all hikers and walk the same miles, a true community/trail family. Tonight there is about 21 of us, too many in one spot but its fun to meet everyone.Good Day, now for a good night, I'm in my hammock.Gearbomb
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

On the trail by 8:15am, getting this packing up routine down, now I have a system. It was a hard day, trail wasn't that bad except for one up hill past Stecoah Gap, it was a son of a b_____, but I made it. I was glad to here everyone else thought it was awful too.Stopped at the shelter and someone had written in the register that Buck Snort (a 70+ yr old) had in fact broke his ankle and was taken off the trail. Sorry Buck, I enjoyed playing leap frog with you and appreciated the ride you and lil bear gave me into Hiawassee. Hope you get better soon and finish the trail. Got to Cody gap at dinner time decided to stay and made spagetti w/alfredo sauce, yummo it was very good. Filled up my water, did some journaling and will be in bed soon. When the sun goes down, it cools down quickly so we jump in the bags to stay warm. It was to windy for a fire tonite.Gearbomb