morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Franklin, NC. US 64

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: clear sky

I slept in until 9:00. The sheets and pillow at the Kutzuba's felt amazing. After a hearty breakfast, John brought us back to the Outfitter and I purchased a pillow and sleeping bag liner. I heard it will be even colder in the Smoky Mountains. We walked 5 miles in great spirits and are camping at a really nice spot tonight. Some hiker friends in our bubble just showed up, it was fun to hear what they've been up to. We haven't seen much wildlife yet..... Bunnies, birds and butterflies.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

As we were making our way to Wayah Bald, the four of us got talking about all the mistakes we have made so far on this journey. Here's a combined list of some of our goofs!*busy warming hands on the jet boil and burning new down jacket...feathers were flying faster than I could poke them back in*tent stake scare....didn't put them back in the correct bag and was convinced that they were left behind *forgot to put phone on airplane mode*lost fly--caught between foot print and tent*forgot to zip tent back up after midnight potty break*finish bear bagging and proceed to put hands in pockets and come up with a snicker bar*not trusting your own instincts and be talked into (by mountain crossings worker) sending all your cold weather gear home*being in the line of fire when someone is bear bagging*forgetting to leave something at the entrance to the privy so everyone knows that you're in there*not knowing that your headlamp has been on all day long in your packAs you can see, we're still learning! The view from the stone tower, Wayah Bald, was amazing. We got into camp late and enjoyed a great sunset as we ate dinner.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Another great day to hike, in the low 70s. My feet are feeling super, blister free. I use Glide (an anti chafe balm) and swear by it. I've seen some serious taped up feet this past week. Trillium and I climbed up to the Wesser Bald Observation Tower for a panoramic view. We could see Fontana Dam in the distance. Gandolf was playing the jaw harp, it sounded great. Coffee takes his hiking pole and dubs people--we named Govenor and Twinkle Feet today. Trillium and I took a 45 minute lunch break and made sure to take off our boots and socks. I then ate up a storm, the hiker hunger has definitely set in. In the afternoon, I enjoyed walking on pine needles and freshening up in the stream. Water has been plentiful. Poppy and Coffee arrived at the campsite a little later. It was fun hearing about their day. The moon and stars are incredible tonight. And there is some creature noise right now.. Not sure what it is!
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 1.0

We hiked down into the NOC this morning and spent a leisurely day doing laundry and shopping. The center has a lot going on. It was fun watching people raft down the river and zip line. I was tempted to zip line but it was $50 for a small zip course with an unlimited climbing ropes course. For some reason I didn't want to climb! It rained today, I was glad not to be out hiking. But we got to get going tomorrow and it is predicted to get down into the mid 20s. And that's not even up in the mountains.Poppy just traded her painful, poorly fitting backpack for a new awesome Ferrari of a pack ( Osprey Airscape.)
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: haze

It was difficult leaving this morning . Poppy decided to stay 1more day at NOC, Coffee wanted to go out for breakfast and then decided to stay another night, and Trillium needed to go shopping. So I decided to head up the hill at 10:00. I waited for it to stop pouring then I left In a drizzle. I climbed to an elevation of 4,400 feet and it was cold. I felt something hit my head and it was an ice ball. The climb up to the shelter was steep and rocky. I couldn't stop and rest because I would get too cold. Trillium has now arrived and we're up in the loft in the shelter. A guy named, Fozzy, from FL is so excited because the snow is accumulating. He has never seen snow. Dragonfly, 74 years old is laying on my other side. If she successfully thru hikes she could be in the record books.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to snow! Got an early start. Everything really looked beautiful with a layer of frost on it. Hiked alone until I got to Stecoah Gap. An angel left oranges, apples, chocolate milk and granola bars on the picnic table. Freckles, Dragonfly and I had a great picnic lunch. It got cold again as I was finishing a mean pasta side. I still stink at cooking!
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Cody Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early and headed for Fontana Dam. It heated up quickly and turned out to be a gorgeous day. I turned a corner and was almost knocked over with the gorgeous view of The Dam. I had to get to Fontana Village for some resupplies. It was a 2 mile road walk....so I attempted to hitch hike for the first time of my life (WES kids, I don't recommend, this is a hiker town and the townspeople are use to it.) Vista(cute girl with a heavy southern accent) and I stuck together. Nobody picked us up! I was getting offended! So we walked! When I got to town I pigged out at The Pit Stop. The Fontana Shelter is called The Hilton! I'm staying there tonight in my tent. This picture is a view from my tent--really gorgeous. It has a KOA feel, it even had a hot shower! I saw Trillium with a bag of ice on her knee--oh no, she'll take a zero tomorrow. This is the place to do it. Poppy and Coffee are feeling better after their extra day of rest, I wish I could email everyone separately that signed my journal but I run out of time, battery and data! Thank you for all your well wishes!
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept great last night; out by 8:15. Everyone was excited about being in the Smokies. We all had our senses alert for bear. I'm spending the night in a shelter with a fireplace. Lots of people here tonight. I bumped into Ladybug and Camel-a great young couple from Maine. As I was talking to Ladybug a ladybug landed on her-a little spooky!Everyone uses hiking poles-they're fantastic. Sometimes I feel like I'm cross country skiing- all bundled up and shuffling along.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Started the day hiking with Tortoise and her friend, Carrie. It was raining all day and we had lots of mud to deal with. The shelter was full. I thought they'd be cages on all the shelters, but they've been taken off. Bear , deer and wild boar were spotted. I heard ruffed grouse's mating call for the first time. A couple section hiking had extra vodka, olive oil and ramen noodles..they were very popular .
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 12.5

It was a gorgeous day today filled with adventure. I thought I could make it to Ice water Spring Shelter but I ran out of daylight . I spent a lot of time at Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT. It was lots of fun there. We were hoping the gift shop would have some junk food though. Tortoise(naturalist/biologist/ranger) and Carrie shared a chocolate bunny with me to celebrate Easter . We totally enjoyed smelling all the pines and firs. Tortoise's friend gave me, Siesta and Broadcast a ride into Gaitlinburg, TN. We were squished in the back of his trunk. I went to the steakhouse for dinner and kept bumping into different thru hikers that I've met along the way. I'm sharing a room at The Grand Prix with Siesta and Broadcast; hot shower, electricity, and washing machines...what more do you need! Oh, we passed the 200th mile today!!
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Icewater shelter
Miles today: 3.0

Siesta. Broadcast, and I jumped on the trolley and set off to explore Gaitlinburg. Of course, our first stop was the post office. At the PO, I noticed a great big S on a belt buckle and then looked up to see Santa. Next stop was Food Time. We resupplied and then pigged out on the curb in true hiker trash form. Siesta suggested wine tasting; the first wine we tasted was Trillium. I sure hope Trillium's knee is better and that she is back on track. We got a ride back to Newfound Gap. A nice couple from Baltimore in a compact car picked us up. Broadcast put his pack in the trunk and Siesta and I tried to keep our end of the conversation flowing--not easy with a crushing pack on our laps. I began my hike to the shelter at 5:00. I loved it- it was so beautiful, it felt right to be back in the woods. I want to thank Connie Dragonfly Payne and her husband for all their trail magic on Easter afternoon. Connie and I met on line and she was hoping to meet me in person. Unfortunately that didn't happen but it made 35 other thru hikers very happy. My view from my tent was gorgeous tonight. I was very content to munch on my honey mustard pretzels and gaze at the stars.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Icewater shelter

To: TriCorner Knob
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is my husband's birthday and I couldn't get any phone service. Verizon has been excellent, but figures it failed me today. So Happy Birthday, Albert.It rained all today; not heavy downpour but a steady drip. Charlie's Bunion was socked in with fog- that was unfortunate- heard there were great views from there. I stayed in the shelter and chatted with Zone. We talked about our golf games!Speaking of birthdays, I want to wish all my my family and friends who have birthdays in April a happy birthday and good wishes for your next year. A special shout out to brother , Bill, who turned 60 earlier this month ----hey sistahs you're next!
Date: 2014-04-23
From: TriCorner Knob

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 18.4

I really didn't want to hike 18 miles, here's my story! I was out before 8:00. My food bags had frost all over them. As the day progressed, it warmed up. I hiked alone for most of the day. I had planned to stop after 14.8 miles @ Davenport Gap Shelter. It was deserted and it had a cage in the front to keep the bears away. I didn't want to stay there alone so I popped 2 Advil and ran down the mountain to an eclectic hostel named Standing Bear Farm. I popped in a pizza, set up my tent and took a nice hot shower.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

I am out of the Smokies and I'm heading for Hot Springs. The roosters started crowing early! I was on the trail a little before 8:00. The first 5 miles were straight up hill. At the very top was a professional trail angel. Many people have written about him. He had donuts and drinks ready for us. He also had some folding chairs. We had a great group of 8 laughing and enjoying. I continued on to Snowbird Mtn. (Fl friends i had to get it in). It was a gorgeous day and when I made it to Max Patch, the 360° view was spectacular. The trail was marked so well. I appreciate that so much. I've been hiking quite a bit by myself and I'm enjoying it. Tonight I was the only woman at the shelter. Lover Boy got me water and I gave him a bag of skittles in exchange. I pitched my tent but man was I on an angle!
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

It started out to be a nice day but soon we had a downpour and the temperature dropped 30°. I put my rain pants on and flew down the mountain.I passed many Mayapple plants. In early July each plant will yield a yummy apple. I was the first one at the shelter and hoped someone else would arrive! And they did and I don't even care that they snored all night!
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Deer Park Mt. Shelter

To: Barbara's beautiful Fairview, NC home
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: clear sky

I'm so excited to be at Barbara's house for some R&R. We met in Hot Springs at the Smoky Mtn Diner. I had time to have a hot cinnamon bun and scrambled eggs. Barbara looks great and her 3 dogs are so well behaved. Nellie reminds me so much of Winnie, so sweet. I had two beers and brownies and was finally able to post. Coverage has been so spotty this last week. I'm looking forward to a hot bath and sleeping under real covers!
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Barbara's beautiful Fairview, NC home

To: Barb's beautiful house!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

My first thought when I woke up this morning was oh my goodness I can sleep here another day! I had a breakfast for a champion; brownies, orange juice, fruit and pancakes! Then it was time to ice my feet. They are wicked swollen. I'm kind of walking funny. It was tough for this Florida girl to put her feet in those two ice buckets. Barb's dogs kept eating all the ice cubes. It was something. Then we took off for Mandy and Brian's house (Barb's daughter). They have goats, chickens, three dogs and pigs. Their garden was huge and gorgeous. I bought some more Advil and picked up some more food oh my goodness my pack is going to be so heavy! Barb made a healthy, huge salad and bread for supper. Just a reminder, I'm going back into the mountains and I might not have service again. It might be many days until I can update my trail journal. Backpacking is fun but it sure is a challenge! Especially after being pampered by trail angel Barb!It's not about the miles it's about the smiles!
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Barb's beautiful house!

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I met Barb at Warfield Elementary School. We use to car pool together. I'm so glad that we've kept in touch. We hadn't seen each other for about 8 years, but you 'd never have known. We picked up right where we left off. Thanks again Barb for everything. Barb packed up a great lunch for me and I was on my way. Hikers walk right through Hot Springs. The AT symbols are on the sidewalk. Hot Springs is a great little town. Gnats were everywhere though! The French Broad River was really pretty. I loved listening to the water rush by.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

Here's where I started my day. Wow, they didn't spare any plywood on that privy, I could barely fit in. The day continued to have surprises. I thought we'd have an easy afternoon and was it a challenge! Zone and I tackled Big Firescald Knob--rocky and strenuous.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hog Back Ridge
Miles today: 14.7

Ok......I think I'm going to end up whining. I have chigger bites down my spine, my right foot near the toe pad is hurting, shin splint is acting up, hip belt isn't feeling quite right (need to purchase a smaller size), nose is clogged, not sleeping good, it's raining again, I let my pack weight creep up........things were going so well......BUT, I'll figure this out. Just had to whine.Trail magic galore here! Some kids at the shelter are singing and having a blast . I'm laying in my tent 25 yards away. Someone just hiked in some sloppy Joes and beers! I listened to all their highs of the day and hopes for tomorrow. There are many really wonderful people out here. I just read all your encouraging entries in my guest book, thanks so much for reading.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Hog Back Ridge

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

What a difference a day makes! Powerhouse and I practically ran down the hill until we reached Sams Gap. I couldn't believe the generosity. About 12 men, former hiking buddies, love giving back to the trail community. They circulated around and tried to talk to everybody. We all signed their log. When it was time to leave, I had a lump in my throat and it wasn't from the hamburger, donuts, salads, etc. They were just so nice to strangers. I continued up the hill and I was startled to see all the white flowers! It truly looked like snow.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Whistling Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I was on the trail at 7:15. It was a very chilly night last night and a chilly morning too. It ended out being ideal hiking weather though. I'm really enjoying breathing this cool mountain air. Everything smells so fresh. There were a lot of rocks today, so the bottom of my foot still doesn't feel right. I'll figure this out! This is a shout out to Albert, my base manager, he has been so helpful. When I arrived at Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel, he had a package waiting for me. He put my new orthodics in there. Thanks Carol D. for sneaking in some Snicker Bars too! Albert has been super creative with the food that he has been sending me. The Hostel was very welcoming. A hiker named Walking Stick helped me design a rain skirt! I'm sending home my rain pants, just too heavy. And I cut the sleeves off my fleece. I regretfully am sending home my kindle (I'm just not using it enough.) I then took the shuttle to downtown. At the Mexican restaurant, Bama, Iron Cheeks, and Earnhardt invited me to join them. We had an early Cinco de Mayo! I came home and took a long hot shower, did laundry, and worked on trail journals. Good night!
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel

To: campsite west of USFS 230
Miles today: 12.7

Walking Stick and I left Uncle Johnny's around 11:00. We had lively discussions and the time flew by. I loved listening to the train whistle coming from Erwin....it gets me a little home sick. When we got to camp Freckles and Dragonfly were there. Of course we had a lot of laughs. Debbie Crowder wrote on my guest book that some how problems have a way of resolving themselves on the trail. She's right...my bites are drying up, I'm breaking in the orthodics, my pack weighed 27 lbs when I left the hostel (that was including 2 liters of water and 5 days of food)! Things are looking up .
Date: 2014-05-04
From: campsite west of USFS 230

To: Clyde Smith Shelter, NC
Miles today: 14.0

Well, my new best friend, Walking Stick, is off the trail. He told me early this morning that his wife is on her way to pick him up . There was a family emergency and his parents could use his support. He's a great guy, I was sorry he had to leave...but he might be able to continue this summer with his 16 year old son. Update: Trillium's knee is feeling better after 2 1/2 weeks rest-she will continue from Fontana Dam. Poppy is back in the Smokies and Coffee is doing great, maybe 4 days behind. I tried to take a picture of all the leaves kicking up and swirling around me and the baby crickets popping all around my feet but they didn't come out. When I got to Iron Mountain Gap there was trail magic. Ron drives his Caspar the white van around, he's from Dalton, MA. I downed a thirst quenching soda and ate 2 ding dongey choco cakes that I would never eat in the real world....then I chased it with an apple! The golden ragwort (yellow field flower) were all blooming. And the rock pillar looked pretty cool. Lot of ups today and more ups tomorrow. Roan high bluff and knob sit at 6212 feet. I better get some rest. Who can solve this riddle? I am down 2 with 8 to go...what am I talking about?
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Clyde Smith Shelter, NC

To: Overmountain. Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was a great day . I left the campsite at 7:20. Almost immediately I had a rock climb. Between the new orthodics, Aleve, and biogel..my feet are feeling better. I enjoyed gorgeous views. I never know if I'm in TN or NC. It was fun hiking right into the old remnants of a chimney. In the afternoon, I buddied up with HoboNobo. She is living in ME and is home bound. She's originally from RI and was a mechanic in the Navy--really funny lady. We are staying at Overmountain Shelter. This shelter sleeps 20. It's an old converted barn. HoboNobo is staying in the shelter and I'm tenting in. It's windy, hope I jammed the tent stakes in enough. When I was setting my tent up, it took off in the wind, it was all assembled just not staked, I was horrified! Answer to the riddle is: I've lost 2 toenails, 8 remaining....toenails are for sissies anyways!
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Overmountain. Shelter

To: Elk Park, NC
Miles today: 8.7

HoboNobo and I hit the trail at 7:00. It was extremely windy all night and I was on a slope but I did manage some sleep. It was incredibly windy crossing Little Hump Mt. Honestly, the gust must have gotten up to at least 60mph. Then quite a bit of rocks and downhill. A nice man gave us a lift to the Moumtain Harbour B&B/Hostel. He is the support vehicle for his hiker wife so he helps as many other hikers as he can. HoboNobo had reserved a gorgeous room built in the 1800s and she asked me to join her. Breakfast, laundry, shuttles, and hot showers included. Wow!We went into town in the afternoon. Check out my pictures.....here's a question for you.....did I get the Holy Cow meal or dare to go in that beauty shop for a $12 cut?I'm having a blast. A cool group of people arrived and tented and stayed at the hostel. A core group from the 'AARP Gang' were here. We ended our night eating fudgicles and watermelon. They have dogs, goats, mules and horses here and a huge wrap around porch. Nice and clean.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Elk Park, NC

To: Upper Laurel Fork campsite
Miles today: 13.2

Check out the breakfast at this B&B. Mary, the owner, took so much pride in presenting her dishes. It was delicious! And what an appetite everyone had. HoboNobo, Major, Sweeper and I left at around 9:15. How fun to dunk into the streams and waterfalls. I really enjoyed my time with this group. It's official! North Carolina is done and soon Tennessee will be history. We're heading for Damascus. We passed the 400 mile mark and I wore my new orthodics all day. Do I dare say that my feet are feeling better! I bought a chunk of cheese in town and I'm enjoying that. I'm in my tent listening to the water flow by. Oh, the answer is I did not have The Holy Cow but I got my hair chopped off (the hairdresser was really cute, we weren't her average customers!)..thinking maybe I'll dye it a funny color!!
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Upper Laurel Fork campsite

To: Laurel Fork campsite
Miles today: 14.0

HoboNobo and I were up and out by 7:00. The temperature was just right for hiking. We saw Daddy Long Legs and Rudy a lot. They are making a documentary in honor of Rudy's Grammy. She had Alzheimer's. After 12 miles we dropped into the Black Bear Resort for beverages and a lot of little packs of 75cent chips! I weighed myself and have only lost 4 lbs. so I was thrilled. So many hikers are already down over 20lbs. The remaining 2 miles were extremely challenging--rocks, steep inclines, water but sure beautiful. We spotted Mountain Laurel. Again, I'm snug in my tent listening to the waterfall. Oh, a shout out to SwampTromper, Dirt Dog and Nails. They belong to my local hiking club, Tropical Trekkers, and they're section hiking the AT. I sure hope I bump into them. They were so helpful when I was preparing for this adventure.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Laurel Fork campsite

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

HoboNobo and I hiked for 11 hours today; huge elevation gains. We stopped at Shook Branch Recreation Area for lunch. We were so close to going swimming but chickened out at the last minute. It was a little chilly. Watauga Lake is huge. Lots of people fishing. Then we began our climb up. I didn't think we were ever going to get to the shelter. Lots of hikers are telling bear stories. I haven't seen one yet. Lots of mice encounters in the shelters. I've stayed at about 6 shelters and I haven't had any sightings. Glad I'm in my tent tonight though. We're suppose to get a lot of rain so I hope I keep dry.