morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Random Ridge line above Hot Springs
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Another perfect day weather-wise. It might have actually been a touch too hot, my forehead and face feel sunburnt. The coolest thing today happened about a third of the way up Bluff Mountain. There was a small clearing about a hundred yards from the Trail & a jeep was parked there with people milling about. I looked closer and it looked to be an archaeological digsite of some sort. Very, very nifty! I should have stopped to chat with them but I kept going up the mountain instead.Had lunch today sitting on a rock at the top of Bluff Mountain. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful spot. It was a fun climb up and well worth the effort.The worst thing today was an error on my trail map. I got to where I'd planned on stopping earlier than anticipated, and since my map showed a tiny knob with only a 140ft elevation gain ahead, I decided to push on for another 30mins or so. 2 hours & much higher than 140ft later, I finally reached the top. Guess that was my "April Fools" for the day.I'm camped tonight on a ridgeline just on the other side of this unnamed mointain. Pulled an 8.0 mile day today, and man does everything hurt. Should make it to Hot Springs tomorrow.
Date: 2010-03-01
To: Training hike
Miles today: 0.0

Jeez, another hike on the Appalachian Trail! I think I'm a bona fide addict.Here's the plan for now: On April 22 I start the Pacific Crest Trail. But I'm in lousy hiking shape, and they say you need to start off with 20+ mile days on the PCT. Living in Maine, the winters are not conducive to long distance hiking, so I've decided to do some of the AT down south in order to get my trail legs working.Next week I'll start making my way down to Georgia via Chinatown Buses, friends with cars, and walking. That's half the adventure right there.I'll be on the AT for about a month, I think. That should give me plenty of time to get accustomed to walking all day for weeks on end again. It's been a while, or so it seems. I guess the New England Trail was only five months ago, but it seems longer.I can't wait to meet some of you crazy hikers out there on the AT. See you there!
Date: 2010-03-08
To: Moving along...
Miles today: 0.0

Departure time from Belfast, Maine yesterday: 7:30 AM. Arrival time in Philly: 9:30 PM. It was a long day, but really not bad for such a long drive.My dad drove through Boston on a business trip, so I got a ride with him to South Station, arriving there just before noon. I caught the noon Fungwah Bus to NYC, which was much less sketchy than I'd been led to believe from all the rumors in the past years. I actually had a pretty relaxing ride, listening to Galactic and Neil Young on my new trail ipod. Usually bus rides make me ill, but I think that's because I try to read. Instant disaster, that. Instead, this time, I just closed my eyes and cruised.In NYC I met ex-girlfriend, Kate, for dinner and a bit of hanging out between buses. She's an amazingly wonderful lady, and it's been years since we last saw each other. It was a great way to spend a few hours in the city, catching up on the news and hearing what she's been up to.All too quickly, however, I was back on another Chinatown bus to Philly. Another easy ride into the City of Brotherly Love, and my best friend from college, Aaron, picked me up and drove me out to his place.The next step is to find my way further south, but there's time for that. I'll be in Philly for a week or so, figuring that out.
Date: 2010-03-17
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: clear sky

Long day in the sun. Great views from Kelley's Knob and Wind Rock, but I was zonked by the end of the day. Probably bit off more than I could chew for my third day out. Luckily, Sarver Hollow Shelter is a palace, and well worth the side trail to get there. Didn't see a soul all day.
Date: 2010-03-18
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Rough trail at the beginning of the day, but I saw three more people in the morning. That makes four people all week. Felt like a long day, so Pickle Branch was a welcome sight. Wicked sunburned from all the sun and lack of shade. Whoops.
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Got an early start and a great view from the Dragon's Tooth. Last time I was here, I didn't realize you had to take a little side trail for the actual Dragon's Tooth, so I completely missed it! Good thing I came back.The ridge to Catawba was hot and sunny again, so I am thoroughly sunburned now. Hung out with a few weekenders in town, then met Groovasaurus for dinner at the Home Place. I'd missed that last time, too. I'm very glad I came back.Hiked into Catawba Mountain Shelter by headlamp. Pretty sweet.
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: Andy Layne Trailhead
Miles today: 10.9

We headed to McAfee Knob for great views in the morning, and were at Tinker Cliffs by lunchtime. Again, blistering hot, but the views were great. It had been rainy the last time I was there, so I had no views then. Good thing I came back. Hurrah!Met Cough Drop at the bottom of the Andy Layne Trail, then headed to his place to prepare for the next leg of the trip: Springer to the Smokies!
Date: 2010-03-22
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

Slept horribly due to another hiker in the shelter who had thought a sleeping bag would be unnecessary. He tossed and turned all night, wrapped in a hardware store tarp, while snow fell outside. Great.Hiked in clouds most of the day, and caught up with dozens of through-hikers. Gooch Mtn Shelter was packed to the gills, with a tent city out front. Gooch Gap, however, was completely deserted. Better tenting there, anyway.
Date: 2010-03-24
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Poplar Stamp
Miles today: 15.4

The wind blew so hard on the tentsite that I barely slept. I woke up early in the morning and headed into Neel's Gap, where the hostel had been packed the night before. I spent way more time there than I'd planned, seeing Ms Janet for the first time in several years, eating trail-magic burgers and cake, doing a little shopping.I'd forgotten how beautiful the trail is north of Neel's Gap, so it was nice to go over it on a nice day. I met Jim & Elaine from Maine and chatted for a while. I also met Hike On, who will be on the PCT with me in a few weeks.Low Gap was packed, so Cough Drop and I pressed on to Poplar Stamp. Once again, not a single person, and a nice tent site.
Date: 2010-03-25
From: Poplar Stamp

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: light rain

Rain threatened all day, and finally hit in the afternoon. Until then, we had nice walking, another big trail magic cook out at Tray Gap, and lots of people to see while hiking.With the rain and wind, I've decided my tarp, which is perfect in New England with all the sheltered campsites, isn't going to cut it out here. I need to get a pyramid-style shelter. More money to spend... damn.Got into Deep Gap shelter just about at dinner time. A few blisters on my toes, but nothing too bad. It feels good to be out.
Date: 2010-03-26
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained hard at night, so the shelter was nice. Cough Drop and I met Kentucky Blue near the gap, and got a ride into town. I dropped my things at the Blueberry Patch, then we hung out in town for a while and made our plans for later. I'll be seeing Blue and Cough Drop when I finish this section hike in a few weeks.At the hostel tonight are Hans, who was at the shelter last night; Duchess, Hoogan Doogan, and Not Bad, three girls from Indiana; and Murray from Australia. Good times were had by all.I ordered a Six Moon Designs Wild Oasis, sort of on a whim. I felt kind of stupid ordering it, since I've never researched it before. All my attention has gone to MLD or GG stuff, but the Wild Oasis seems nice. I'll see when I get to NOC.
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day at the Blueberry Patch. Great breakfast, great bunks, and great company. Hans and Hoogan Doogan and I headed into town for groceries and internet. I don't think they had planned on a zero day, but I did, and we all ended up zeroing anyway. I guess we'll catch up with HD's friends later at Franklin or the NOC. And I think I'll slow down a bit to hike with these two. They're pretty fun to hang out with.We hitched back to the Blueberry Patch, then back into town again. Had a nice bottle of wine on the lakeside after hanging out with the owner of a nice wine store in town, which was nice and relaxing. In the end, we went back to the Patch and got ready for the next day, which is supposed to be torrential rains. Great.
Date: 2010-03-28
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: moderate rain

After breakfast, Hoogan Doogan, Hans and I started off from the Gap in nasty weather. It was supposed to rain hard all day, but it was more of a drizzle and misting. We decided to only go as far as the first shelter and wait, since there was supposed to be serious lightning.We got there just after noon, and the shelter was full by 12:30. Tons of people! We met some pretty cool folks there, but I had to restrain myself from moving on. It's hard to go from 15ish mile days to something like this. Luckily, HD and Hans and I hit it off pretty well and entertained ourselves throughout the day. Probably annoyed some of the other shelter inhabitants, but... what can you do.The really bad weather never really hit, but we could hear the thunder in the distance. Dodged the bullet that time, I guess.
Date: 2010-03-29
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

We left the shelter late: around 11, I think. Hans and Hoogan Doogan are late sleepers, which will take some getting used to. I'll probably stick with them until Franklin, but who knows. They're pretty fun to hang out with.We hiked in a cloud all day-- cold, wet, and nasty. Passed into North Carolina without much fanfare, then got to Standing Indian. By dinner time it was already 32 degrees, the shelter was full, and a tent city had already popped up around the shelter. It's going to be a chilly one tonight.
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Another late start to the day, but that turned out to be good. The clouds on the summit of Standing Indian cleared late in the morning, and we had great views from up there. It got wicked cold in the night, but it warmed up faster than I'd like.We got to Cooper Gap shelter at 6 PM, found it completely full and overflowing, and pushed on to Betty Creek Gap. That was full, too. I don't like how crowded this trail is right now. Oh well. Anthony has joined our group, so the four of us found a good place to camp further down the Betty Creek trail, and had a nice night near a babbling brook.
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

And another late day getting out of camp. It seems I'll be getting used to this, since I'm sticking with Hans, Hoogan Doogan, and Anthony until the NOC or Fontana now.We climbed Mt Albert at the worst possible time, as the sun was beating down and dehydrating us. Views were pretty good, if hazy. We actually had a tremendously good view the night before, just south of Betty Creek Gap in the evening. When the haze drops, things get much nicer.I rested for much of the day in a rhododendron grove alongside the trail. Once Hoogan Doogan and Anthony caught up, we thought of going into Franklin to meet Duchess and Not Bad that night rather than in the morning. Decided against it eventually, and stayed at Rock Gap shelter. Good crowd there, too. Hung out with Mad Mike, Buckaroo, Radar, Uncas, and a few others.
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We ended up going into Franklin from Rock Gap rather than Winding Stair. Anthony went ahead, but HD and Hans and I were lazy. I'm learning some bad habits from them... getting up late and so on.We got to Haven's Budget Inn, and immediately had a bad encounter. We'd called the night before to reserve a room, but when we arrived they doubled the price of the room because of the Hiker Bash that weekend. That's shady business as far as I'm concerned. I had no interest in going to the bash, and they had quoted us a price on the phone the night before, but Ron Haven has hikers by the balls in that town. I was not impressed.Ron proved to be a good guy later on, but I'm still a little pissed about that incident. Two zero days in town? At least I've got good company with Anthony, Hans and Hoogan Doogan.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Franklin

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Another zero day. Hans' mother came up to visit him and rented a "cabin" in the mountains for a few days. We all stayed there in the evening after a full day of wandering the town in 90+ degree heat.Not much to report for now. It's hot, the hiker bash is going on, and drunk hikers are shuttling into town all the way from Neel's Gap. It's a madhouse. Glad I'm getting out early.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

We got out late again, but only planned on going 10ish miles. Hoogan Doogan had some nasty leg problems, though, so we took it real slow to Siler Bald Shelter. A bunch of other people were there who had been disappointed with the bash in Franklin. It's good to know not all of the people who hike in the pack are interested in stupid, drunken binges.Hans stayed behind with his mom, so it's just Anthony and Hoogan Doogan and me, now. I guess she's been renamed Giggles by Mad Mike and Charlie. I think that's more fitting. And easier to say.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

A nice morning. I took the detour up Siler's Bald in the morning, which I hadn't done last time I was there. The views were spectacular! It's too bad the AT only hits the bottom of the bald. Most of the through-hikers miss the views because of that, and it's their loss.Giggles' foot problem wasn't so bad today, so we just edited our itinerary to get to NOC at a different time.Wayah Bald was nice and hot, but otherwise it was a nice and easy Easter sunday.
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

I cruised into the NOC as early as I could to pick up my Wild Oasis, send my tarp home, do some gear shopping, and see what I could find there. I found Duchess and Not Bad heading out to slackpack from Stecoah Gap, so I guess we're not going to catch up with them anytime soon. No worries, though. Giggles and Anthony are great company, even if I'm not hiking as far as originally planned.We got some inside info on a place to tent just a hundred yards down the river from NOC, so we didn't have to get gouged for bunkrooms there. Good deal! Especially since so many people were heading into the NOC for food and gear.The heat was unbearable during the day. I think it's going to get worse.Had dinner with Mad Mike and Charlie, our two favorite old dudes on the trail. They're a riot. Hope we see more of them in the near future.
Date: 2010-04-06
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Anthony and Giggles had to deal with a bunch of gear, mailing, and phone calls, so we didn't get out of NOC until around noon... with 90 degree heat.We had planned to try the 16 miles that I'd done last time I was in the area, but that wasn't going to work out. We got to the first shelter, then decided to only go a few more miles to Locust Cove. That way we got great views in the evening from Cheoah Bald, and were able to tent in peace. The shelter wasn't crowded as they have been in past nights, though. Mad Mike, Charlie, Chef, Gator & Ugly, and Kumquat were there, which isn't a bad crew. But I'm trying to push on a little while still hanging out with Anthony and Giggles. Compromises...
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: tentsite near Walker Gap
Miles today: 14.6

It was so windy last night, but my Wild Oasis worked quite nicely. Unfortunately, with the much taller trees we were in danger of being crushed by falling branches.We aimed for bigger miles today, and actually did quite well. Just like yesterday, we had the hardest climb at the worst possible time of day: Stecoah Gap is steep as hell, and it was near 90 degrees again. On the way up I ran into Not Bad and Duchess. They'd stayed at the NOC longer than expected, so we would camp with them tonight.Anthony and Giggles and I had a nice long lunchbreak siesta at Brown Fork Gap shelter, then continued on and finally caught up with the other girls in the evening.Fontana tomorrow, then who knows.
Date: 2010-04-08
From: tentsite near Walker Gap

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: moderate rain

Duchess, Not Bad, iSlack, Anthony, Giggles and I headed to Fontana early, ahead of the crowd that had camped at the previous shelter. Turns out we had a good plan: it started raining hard, with thunder and lightning, just after we made it to the outfitter.Everyone converged on the porch at the outfitter (a loose term for Fontana's touristy general store) and hung around all day because of the hard rain. Captain Radish apparently almost got hit by lightning while we were avoiding the worst of it. Mad Mike and Charlie got drenched coming in. It was a big mess.Dinner at the Wildwood Grill was just what I needed, then staying at the packed Fontana Hilton was not. I've got my plans set now... I'm going to stick with Giggles and Anthony until Gatlinburg, then haul ass to Hot Springs. It's been a good time hanging out with them. I'm getting antsy for the PCT, though.
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

It took us a while to get out of Fontana Dam, but we finally headed out around noon. It was a great day to hike: cool, sunny, and clear. The views from Shuckstack Firetower were tremendous, and the wind was just strong enough to dry us out perfectly. The trail in the Smokies is as I remembered: easy as pie.We hiked with Mad Mike and Charlie until the first tentsite, then said our goodbyes (again... we keep thinking we're going to push ahead for good, then end up seeing them yet again).
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Another day of clear skies, good views, and easy hiking. We had amazing views from Rocky Top, which I had completely forgotten about from the last time I hiked. I guess it was really cloudy then. This time it was hot and humid, but the Smokies' characteristic haze and smog was almost nonexistent. Amazing!I'm starting to think I'll edit my plans again. Instead of pushing on ahead of Anthony and Giggles, I might just shuttle to Asheville from Standing Bear (I'm meeting a ride in Asheville on the 16th). That way I can hang out with them a bit longer. I'll worry about the long miles once I get to the PCT.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Again, I got out of camp at a decent hour, and tried to hike a bunch before it got too hot out. Called Standing Bear about the shuttle to Asheville from the first shelter, and got my plans all worked out.Again, we had amazingly clear skies. Views from Clingman's Dome were perfect, even better than the last time I was there. And then we got to hike on some of the snow that's left over from the huge dumpings that the Smokies had over the past few months.Mount Collins Shelter is wicked nice. And that 0.5 mile side trail really doesn't feel that long. Good deal.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

I got to Newfound Gap early, and we got a ride into town from the father of a current through-hiker. I didn't even have to stick my thumb out.Gatlinburg is a culture shock, as always, but the new NOC outfitter there is pretty sweet. They gave us free showers, a ride around town, and we signed up for the shuttle back to Newfound Gap the next day.Decent restaurants and cheap motels... what more could we ask for.
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

Anthony had to stick around in town with Uncas, so Giggles and I headed up to the Gap on the noon shuttle. Our hiking posse dwindles again. And in a few days Giggles and I will end our trip, too. Somehow, leaving Gatlinburg turned out to be a little bittersweet.Charlie's Bunion had some great views, and the crowd of hikers that we've been along since NOC seems to be sticking around us. That's good, since they're an easygoing, laid back crowd. Jenky, Kumquat, Captain Radish, Alkaline, Compass, Trooper... good folks.At Peck's Corner, there were plenty of people and no tent spots, so I had to set up my shelter right by the privy. Good times.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: few clouds

We had another really nice day for hiking. This time through the Smokies has been amazing. Some trail maintainers told us that they've rarely had conditions as good as these, so I'm pretty happy about that.I ran into the ridgerunner, Flying Squirrel, in the afternoon. She and I had met a few years ago with Kentucky Blue, so it was good to catch up on old times. Turns out she's applying for the same job I had while I was living in Vermont, so I gave her the lowdown on all of that, then Giggles and I headed on to Cosby Knob.Again, the same crowd of good folks. And my last night on the AT for this year.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was much hazier than the last several, so I guess that's normal for the Smokies. But it was still nice.Giggles and I left the shelter late, relaxing on our last day of hiking. Since most of the hike would be a gradual downhill, we weren't in a hurry. I took the side trail to Mt Camerer, which was well worth the small amount of time it took. Definitely the best views in the Smokies. Just like so many other short side trips, it's sad so many through-hikers miss it.We got to Standing Bear late in the afternoon, kind of sad that this was the end of the line. It was packed to the gills-- the bunkhouse and cabin were full, and there were at least ten tents set up on the lawn.At least our hiking crowd from the past few days was there to see us off. I'll miss them... but maybe I'll see them in Maine.
Date: 2010-04-18
To: And a quick departure
Miles today: 0.0

The shuttle to Asheville left earlier than I'd planned, so I said my quick goodbyes to Giggles and everyone, then headed out. Just like leaving the trail any year, it was hard, but I've gotten used to this sort of thing.I hung out in Asheville for a few hours, got a ride from Moss and Daks, who are on their way to Springer. We stayed at the Franklin Motel (much nicer and just as cheap as the Budget Inn, so take that price gougers!), had a big dinner at Cody's Roadhouse, and worked on hiking gear.Moss (Angela) started her through-hike the next day, so it was a weird mix of emotions on Saturday. I was sad to be leaving the AT, but I was also excited for Moss and for the PCT. Moss was getting excited and nervous about starting the AT. It was too much for me to think about. Kentucky Blue picked us up at Neel's Gap, where Daks left for a shuttle to Springer, and we drove to Amicalola Falls State Park. Moss started up the approach trail, and I headed to Athens.It'll be a whirlwind of a week for me. Only a few days left until Blue and I fly out for the ADZPCTKO. I've got so much crap to take care of in the meantime... But I know it'll work out fine.