morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Bly Gap campsites

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello dear readers,I'm writing this a few days later, and all I can say about this day was intense. I woke up to driving rain, and really appreciated Joan's tarp to finish packing up under! After a few foggy pictures at the famous Bly oak, we parted ways, me ever onwards north, and Joan back to her car at Dick's Creek Gap. Joan is able to come out again next weekend, yea!, so we knew it wouldn't be for that long. I was feeling quite apprehensive about the weather, which was quite a cold rain. I began the long hard climb that is the introduction to NC. It took me a while as all climbs do, but I was feeling drained. At Muskrat Creek shelter, I was just going to eat lunch before going on to Standing Indian shelter, but I immediately knew I was too cold when I stopped. Normally I am warmish even I the rain from the exertion, and quickly don layers until I'm moving again. I told the guy who was there with me, we had been leapfrogging all morning, that I needed to change NOW into warm clothes. He was great, immediately went around the side of the shelter and told me to yell for him when I was done. I got changed shivering quite a bit, and then set up in the shelter and got into my warm bag. 2 other hikers showed up shortly thereafter and were planning to stay for the night. I was relieved, as I really didn't want to be there by myself feeling as I did. I didn't even ask their names for over an hour! Eventually I got warm again and did other camp chores, made hot tea, etc, but still wasn't feeling hungry, which is strange. Granted, I definitely haven't gotten the "hiker hunger" 'yet, but I'm usually pretty ready for dinner.   Other hikers were there at that point, and several asked how I was doing and urged me to eat something. Otherwise, I just absorbed the chatter without saying much myself. Very odd, not how I expected my first night in a shelter to go! Helped to hang the bear bags (no cables at this shelter), at least contributed the carabiner, and then to bed. Whew, what a day flirting with hypothermia!
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Deep Gap, NC

To: zero day!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good evening dear readers,I finally had time to type in all of my journal entries today - please go back to 3/13 if you hadn't read any descriptive details yet. I'm hopefully getting back on the trail tomorrow and should be in Franklin NC on Friday - all depends on the weather and if I can get back on where I bailed on Monday. I had a very nice restful zero day, ran a few errands, primarily to get a new water purification item. RIP sawyer filter, which I let freeze on Sunday night, and there's no way to test if it still works right. Aquamira for me for at least the next few days! Very small outfitters here in Hiawassee, so hoping for larger in Franklin to address my glove issue - see pic! Been thinking a lot of everyone at home, thanks for all of your notes and emails, love you all!!
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Long Branch Shelter area

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Good morning dear readers, Yesterday was another great day on the AT, I've walked to Franklin, which seems like another milestone passed. The Hiking was nice, overcast skies and it felt like I was racing the rain at times - which I was, it started to sprinkle not long after I reached Winding Stair Gap parking area. The climbs out of Rock Gap and then Wallace Gap were pretty steep, but I felt like I had a slightly better handle over breathing and pace today - slow down, Baby steps, and focusing on breaths out - all 3 great advice received from various people! As I walked, I was contemplating that responding to the name Pathfinder still is not second nature, but I'm getting there - if I'm not expecting it, I still need to be called twice. But, I'm coming to realize that this is who other people see me as - they don't know "Renee" and who I am necessarily in the front country....odd for me to contemplate, but remarkably freeing! At Winding Stair I met Spark 2 Fire, Buttercup's friend fromAtlanta who is starting her flip flop thru at Damascus in May. Fantastic trail angel, I don't think I've inhaled a little debbie snack so quicklh ever! She and Buttercup gave me a tide into town and let me share their hotel room with them, which was so very awesome - thanks ladies!! I've really enjoyed getting to know both of them, they are so funny and generous of spirit, just great! We had a great meal at the Blue Ridge Roadhouse - yum, steak, milkshake, rolls with cinnamon butter and we can't forget Spark's birthday brownie dessert! Wow, amazing not to worry at all about calories. . One of the best parts were the fantastic attention we received from the owner Mary and Joe, our waiter. So very interested in our hike, and friendly, it was great. Mary drew us a fantastic map to Walmart - directions like I would give - all, turn here and when the road ends....so funny! We got there for resupply with only 1 wrong turn. My first resupply in a store! why does nothing come in single servings? I really didn't need that much from the overpacking I had done with the boxes previously. Hopefully I figured this out better! The rest of the evening we went to one of the outfitters where I bought some new Mountain Hardwear wool/synthetic gloves - we'll see how they work in the rain! Laundry and a phone call home wrapped up the night. I've decided to zero for the Franklin Hiker Bash festival and to hike out on Easter Sunday - though I just zeroed earlier this week, I don't want to miss this aspect of the trail. .
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Zero Day in Franklin! 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Good afternoon dear readers,I had a great relaxing day here in Franklin! Buttercup, Spark and I started the day with the breakfast buffet at Shoney's where I totally stuffed myself silly. Enjoyed our spirited conversation and the French toast sticks in particular. Afterwards we went to the outfitter and saw lots if other hikers, and I bought a collapsible mug - I love my titanium mug but it is so bulky. Plus, this allows me to lend the mug to another hiker for a bit. What goes around comes around! The Franklin Festival was just lovely - great sunny day, friendly people and a several great booths from local trail groups and local vendors. Held on the square, I felt like I was experiencing a true piece of small town Americana, just awesome. A short nap and time for calls with families and friends rounded off the afternoon. I'm totally on vacation! Got a little teary talking to Mom and Dad, but it was great to hear their voices and catch up. I have a serious case of envy for missing their famous potato salad they were making for Easter! Dinner was another dinner at the roadhouse, their BBQ smothered chicken is to die for! Another special personal experience, such a great time. Back on the trail tomorrow - no rain no Maine!
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wine Spring campsites
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter dear readers!Even with the clouds and mist it was a beautiful morning. I had a wonderful surprise when Spark checked the hiker box at the Budget Inn - she found my missing ziplock with guide book pages and journals. When she showed me, I teared up and was so happy, I couldn't believe that someone had found it before Albert Mountain and had carried it out to the very place I was staying, a place that easily could have been different if Buttercup and Spark hadn't invited me to stay with them. Trail magic to the extreme, how wild is that?! . The cool mist made for a lovely hike, blowing in and out - one moment the woods and path would be foggy, the next clear with crisp fresh details. Siler Bald was socked in, so no views there, but the conditions made for a more contemplative, intimate nature experience day. Rain began in earnest mid afternoon and it was a quick drop the pack to put on rain gear. The next few hours was filled with tunnel vision from my rain hood, certainly not what I prefer. I also struggled a bit because the rain was so cold - I stayed comfortable (well as much as possible) but I was anxious remembering the brush with hypothermia I'd had after Bly Gap in similar conditions. I had been shooting for the shelter but a few miles before reached the camping area and quickly decided to stay when a few other hikers showed up rather quickly and looked as sopping wet as I was. Setting up in the rain happened relatively quickly, and though my new gloves remained warmer for longer, after a certain point became saturated and useless. I'm glad I had this more positive experience - set up and kept camp clothing dry, was able to do normal camp chores, just a bit more hassle with the rain. It'll be good to air everything out and dry out, but I'm much more confident now knowing I can handle thae conditions. Some firsts today - cooked in my vestibule! Slept with my food! I'm really glad that I have an odor proof inner bag, though that may give false confidence. Game (doggy) was in camp, too, and after all the branches I chose were too small, dead, or impossible to grow I admit I cut my losses and gave up. I don't quite have some of the others more blas© attitudes towards not hanging food, but again I'm glad I had this experience, it really is a spectrum on what you are comfortable with - I think I'll continue to hang as much as possible. However, I do admit that breakfast "in bed" tomorrow morning sounds awfully convenient and appealing! Provided, of course, that I don't have any night time visitors, yikes!
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Wine Spring campsites

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Good evening dear readers,A new month on the trail, hoping that spring may actually start to arrive soon! Here at Cold Spring shelter area, a verifiable sea of humanity in the wilderness. Hard to believe that when I got here (early, before 4pm) I had my choice of spots and now tents are stacked on top of one another and I feel somewhat invaded, this certainly isn't "my"'mountain tonight! I'm actually somewhat lonely - I don't know many in these groups and while others are obviously solo and I've had some nice conversations, it's more a feeling of being alone in a crowd. Funny, I had no problem hiking alone all day. Gorgeous views from up here on this ridge, and I'm looking forward to sunrise tomorrow. Today's highlight was Wayah Bald, and the great observation tower there. I'm so glad I didn't press on last night, because I would have hated to miss that view in the bright sunshine! I had a first glimpse of my beloved Smoky Mts where I'll be so soon it's unbelievable to me. Warm sun, cool breeze, the view - absolute perfection for a mid morning snack! Wayah all to myself, what a difference a day makes! My solitary revere interrupted - just classic - a family arrived and the grandsons pranked the grandma, making her think there was a snake! Nice family, all laughing together. They couldn't believe I was hiking the entire trail. Mud, mud everywhere today from the rains. I didn't see a turn and went off the trail for a bit - a moment of panic, where was the last white blaze?! Others had done the same, it was obvious. Happily I didn't go more than a few tenths of a mile out of my way, and it was easy to retrace my steps back to the trail and be on my way. I also met a quartet of section hikers this afternoon from Ohio, Wooster of all places, my college alma mater! I had fun chatting with them for a few minutes. A small world, indeed.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

Good evening dear readers,How happy I am to switch over to a new page in the guide book today! It's the little things in life, particularly out here. Last night, it was an amazing site when I got out of my tent to use the privy - tents were glowing from headlamps, with the stars brightly above. Tonight I'm also tenting, on a rather sloping spot above the shelter. Supposed to be rain overnight, but I'm taking my chances (and not sleeping in the shelter) since I didn't sleep the greatest last night since I was so warm. I do like my personal space! Today's hiking was pretty hard - we had an easy mile final descent into the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which is an outfitter and river guide service - many people come here to do white water rafting and the like. Buttercup and I had a great breakfast, and then after resupplying (so glad I sent myself a box here, pickings seemed very slim) got started on the long 3000 foot climb back to the ridge line. I was surprised at how dry the first several miles were, considering the rain and snow recently. Unfortunately I forgot to fill my water before leaving the NOC, and so was rationing for a while before the first source - not fun, it was HOT! Needless to say, I drank down some untreated water when I got to the steep blue blaze trail at Grassy Gap a few miles in. If I get giardia (fingers crossed I don't!) I'll know where from. I do think that area was safe, though, unless you're desperate, a hiker probably isn't going to go down the access trail.   Some of the climbs this afternoon were really steep - no switchbacks here! Gorgeous views from the "Jump Up" point, nice afternoon snack with a handful of other hikers including Windy, Breeze, St Nick, and Nutella, amongst others.   Great group at the shelter area tonight, and some very incentive bear bagging going on!
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap - Robbinsville
Miles today: 6.7

Well, dear readers, the only good thing about today's hike was that I passed 150 miles. Otherwise, between the freezing rain, the ice being pelted on us from the trees, and the treacherous mud, the less said the better in my opinion. Today was the only day so far when I asked myself, "would you rather be out here or back home working?" I thought.....maybe. I told myself quite firmly that I was NOT going to fall off the mountain as the descent into Stecoah Gap was seemingly endless with sharp dropoffs on one side, plus rocks, lots and lots of wet, slippery muddy rocks. It was a group of 4 miserable hikers sopping wet, cold and soaked to the skin that bailed at the gap for Robbinsville. When OB passed me and mentioned his idea of going to a motel to dry out, it took me all of 60 seconds, if not less, to think that was the best thing I'd heard all day!   The great owner at the San-Ran Motel (name is a combo of the owners first names), picked OB, Loon, and myself up in his very clean new looking 4 door truck, and was nice enough to wait for Buttercup. I don't think I've ever been quite as cold, that shower was the hottest I've ever taken!After a late lunch at McDonalds, where for the first time ever I didn't feel disgustingly full after a large Big Mac meal (yep, hiker hunger definitely setting in) OB, Buttercup and I had a fun time doing laundry at the most costly laundromat I've ever been at, then eating again with Cabo at a small local place called Carolina Kitchen - great food and conversation turned a miserable hiking day around, that's for sure!Okay, one waxing poetic about nature today, all of the ice on Cheoah Bald was lovely, though the feeling was somewhat time limited
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Stecoah Gap - Robbinsville

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Good evening dear readers,A gorgeous rambling walk in the woods today! What a change from the sucky day yesterday. I am camped next to a babbling brook, let's hope it doesn't keep me up all night having to visit the privy. Today was exactly the type of picture perfect day I had in my rosy daydreams about the trail prehike. Sunny bright blue skies, a warm breeze and cool temps, white puffy clouds, lovely views, like minded companions enjoying the day....does it get any better than this?! I kept marveling at the beauty of the day, and since we kept miles low had the luxury of soaking it all in. Climbing out of Stecoah Gap, I was reminded of my happiness yesterday upon hearing the traffic, relief from the woods was close at hand! Today, I wanted the traffic noise to disappear quickly so that I could get back to the relief and serenity of the woods....The climb up Jacob's Ladder early in the day was greatly aided by a large breakfast, in fact Buttercup, OB, and I weren't positive we had actually gotten past it until we saw the sign for the shelter! An easy 2.5 miles today that would have felt like 10 yesterday. Today I felt like I reclaimed the wonder of the first few days of my hike, 3 weeks ago as hard as that is for me to believe. Time out here is so strange - if it weren't for my watch I'd have no idea what day of the week it is. The "front country" life goes on without me, and my life now is much simpler, a true blessing. I love sensing the majesty in the nature around me, and I'm really enjoying the gradual spring awakening of the forest around me. The clinging bushes on the hillsides, the first wildflowers blooming at high elevations....just great stuff. Waxing poetic enough for you? What a difference a day makes, indeed
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana AT crossing - Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: clear sky

Updated 4/19/13: Sorry for the delay in transcribing, internet service and my free time has been spotty!Good afternoon dear readers,After a slow start on a lovely morning, an easy hike saw me descending before Fontana Lake and Dam. The first glimpse of the lake brought a grin to my face and an extra spring to my step - my beloved Smokies were near at hand! Another warm day, I'm looking forward to the leaves coming in. It was neat to see the trillium in various stages of bloom - descending down in elevation brought more and more flowers at hand on the hillsides, a truly lovely sight. Fontana Lake and Marina, where I stopped for the day to get a quick shuttle to Fontana Village 2 miles away for a quick overnight and resupply, was a great area despite the pop machine being out of everything but Diet Coke, which I despise due to the nasty aspartame aftertaste. Buttercup, St Nick, and I got an easy shuttle to the Fontana Lodge, which was rather more upscale than I was expecting! Very nice place, plus the hiker rate can't be beat. Buttercup and I shared a poolside room (unfortunately the pool wasn't open yet for the season, would have loved to dip my legs in) which was very spacious, at least until our gear was here, there, and everywhere! Amazing that we really don't carry much with us and when packed I know precisely where everything is (or should be), but when the "gear explosion" happens I can't find anything quickly. I was bummed that my food resupply box didn't make it, though was glad my bounce box did - I was glad I threw in some extra allergy/asthma meds at the last minute, as that saved my bacon from running all over the place trying to get a prescription filled, on a weekend no less - would have been impossible. The little General Store had enough for resupply, but I'll be eating a lot of the same thing the next few days until Gatlinburg. Buttercup and I trekked up and down the hill doing resupply, lunch/dinner (great salad bar at the grill!) and then laundry. Amazing how much time is sucked up by chores when in town. I'm hiking out tomorrow - would rather have a zero day in Gatlinburg, as while Fontana Village is quaint and inviting, there really isn't much here, especially when on foot. Smokies, here I come!
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Fontana AT crossing - Fontana Lodge

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Good evening dear readers,My first night in the Smokies, and I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed so far. All of my memories are from the late summer and autumn, and feature lush, diverse forests with a magical feel. Today, on the other hand, was just....winter woods on a hot day. All brown, dry, and frankly ordinary. Clearly, my expectations were a bit unrealistic. Granted, the view from Shuckstack Mountain was spectacular, too bad the rest of the climb today didn't have the same amazing views. Buttercup and I started the day with a great buffet breakfast at Fontana Lodge - highly recommended! After a quick shuttle back to the trail, we did the easy mile or so to Fontana Dam. After learning the "Fontana Hilton" shelter was down a rather large hill, each of us quickly decided we didn't need to see it. The Dam itself was very impressive! I've never seen a really large dam before, and was awed by the scale. The walk across the top was fun, and the views to either side so diverting. After a small sign welcomed us to the Smokies, we began the long climb back up to 5000 feet. The gnats and black flies were out in force today, which I didn't really expect - yes, it's been quite warm recently, but it's only the beginning of April - we had freezing rain and an ice storm last week! Oh well, guess my decision to bounce the Deet ahead to Hot Springs wasn't the best decision. The last 1 1/2 miles to the shelter seemed especially hard. The initial climb was physically harder, but I think I totally hit the wall around 5pm - totally ran out of gas. I swear I saw the shelter a good half mile before it really was there - took forever to get there. In addition to the physical lethargy, the mental game gave me a quick punch - I knew I had to stay at the shelter (a regulation in the Smokies to keep pristene areas un-impacted) so it was "do or die". However, once at the shelter, I enjoyed talking with Floater and Gi, a nice father/daughter pair from New York, along with Hopeful (AT 2003) and some other trail maintainers. So nice to get their perspective on things in the Smokies. I'm hoping sleeping in the shelter tonight will go well! Another regulation we have to contend with out here - sleeping in the shelters is mandatory unless it's full, and non-thru hikers who reserve spaces have the priority. It wasn't a problem tonight, as the trail maintainers chose to camp. Nice shelter, all around!