morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-10-19
From: Nolichucky River

To: Spivey Gap/US 19W
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

From Mary: Half day hike. Lynn is on the mend from ankle surgery and a half day is all we planned today. Early in the morning we enjoyed a climb that led us above the clouds which sat low in the valleys and over the river. What a thing to watch the sun rise above a sea of clouds, kind of like being on top of the world. Lynn's parents kindly moved her car to our finishing location at Spivey Gap, so it was there waiting for us when we reached the road at 11:15 am. We admidred the colors, which are even more wonderful when viewed from a car, as we made our way back to Lynn's in Greenville. For lunch we stopped at a sports bar in Ashville... and after a pitcher of Sweetwater 420 the world was looking pretty good. Neat town. Beer of the day... you guessed it Sweetwater 420
Date: 2008-10-20
From: Greenville, SC

To: Greenville, SC
Miles today: 0.0

From Mary: Lynn played hookie from work today to hang out with us. We went shopping for real people clothes, (opposed to hiker clothes) and both put on our first pair of jeans since June. Mmmm cotton. Had a relaxing afternoon of reading, foot soaking, and pumpkin carving. Then Lynn took us to a Brazilian Steak house where we did some serious damage. Yea for thru-hikers. Great times, even better friends.
Date: 2008-10-21
From: Greenville, SC

To: Greenville, SC
Miles today: 0.0

From Mary: Ran errands and went to a local outfitter. Lunch at Olive Garden to satisfy salad and breadstick craving. Went for our first run status-post hiker mode. We found out we only have one gear: granny. Watched Lynn play volleyball then went to game night with her work friends. Lots of laughs.
Date: 2008-10-22
From: Greenville, SC / Roswell, GA

To: Greenville, SC / Roswell, GA
Miles today: 0.0

From Mary: Mad dash to get in exercise, laundry, and packing before picking up our rental car and a lunch date with Lynn. Drove to Roswell, GA to Jay's sister's house. Played with our nephews: 9 month old Reid and 8 year old Gibson. Dinner at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries with Jay's folks. Yum. Then we were off to see a wonderful production of Wicked at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. Great show! Many thanks to Jay's parents!
Date: 2008-10-23
From: Spivey Gap/US 19W

To: Roswell, GA / Traverse City, MI
Miles today: 0.0

Six-Toe and Fjord (Jay and Mary) divide and conquer for a couple days. Mary:Flew from Atlanta to Traverse City via Chicago. No problems. Dad was waiting with mountain bikes at the airport. We rode the VASA single-track loop. I hadn't gone this fast in the woods in a long time and I was looking for my seat belt as I came around the first curve. Before crashing I had a wonderful dinner with my parents, with a view of the most beautiful lake in the world (my world anyhow).
Date: 2008-10-28
From: Spivey Gap/US 19W

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

From Jay: Back on the trail today after our extended vacation. We stayed at Uncle Johnny's hostel near Erwin last night after our friend, Lynn drove us from Greenville, SC. We then got a lift from the hostel to Spivey Gap, where we had gotten off the trail eight days ago. It was a heck of a welcome back, with blowing snow, freezing temps, and winds up to 30 mph. We haven't seen snow the entire trip until today, now we're walking in 6" of white stuff. We stayed fairly warm while hiking, but really had to limit our breaks as we chilled immediately after stopping. Tonight we have the tent set up in the shelter to help retain heat. It's gonna be a cold one! We were moving a bit slow today getting back into the swing of things and are definitely much more sore from such a short day than we should be. Hopefully the sun will reappear tomorrow and bring a little warmth to our muscles.Tonight's dessert: Jelly Bellies (frozen)
Date: 2008-10-29
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

From Mary: Someone once asked me what the hardest part of our trip was and I responded: "Putting on wet shoes and socks." Well today I have one to top that, putting on wet socks into frozen shoes. So, when Jay was saying "it's gonna be a cold one," about last night, that was an understatement. When we added water to our podered milk this morning it was so cold it becme slush. As we set out for the day, later than usual, I was wearing everything I had with me. I was bundled in 3 shirts and my coat, and could barely hold on to my trekking poles because of my two pair of gloves...and was still cold! Hiking did the trick for warming and the sun finally did come out. There was still snow on the ground most of the day, but it was gradually melting as the day progressed. When we stopped for the night, two section hikers from Indiana already had a fire started. We were able to dry out our wet shoes and socks a bit. Jay only managed to melt the side of one of my shoes and the toe of his insoles. We again set up the tent inside the shelter for added warmth. I must admit it seems like it will be warmer tonight already. One note about this shelter, it has no broom (of course and small piles of charcoal scattered on the floor. We kicked the piles off to set up our tent but I am interest to know how they got there. On to Hot Springs tomorrow. I am looking forward to a hot shower more than ever. Quote of the day: "We're planting olive laurel...you know...for the birds to eat in the winter." Random locals
Date: 2008-10-30
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

From Jay: We had a beautiful walk today into Hot Springs. The morning was a little cold when we got up, but the sun warmed us right away once we were moving. The best surprise we've had in awhile came about five miles in, when we came across a sign near a road inviting long distance hikers to visit the home of "Hercules" and "Fal," about 1/4 mile up the road, for a free home-cooked meal. Being thru-hikers, we didn't need much convincing. Hercules and Fal thru-hiked the trail in '99, and now invite hikers into their wonderful home and cook for them and cook well! I ate a large belgian waffle, two BBQ pork sandwiches, and a brownie ice cream sundae. Mary ate close to the same. If only it hadn't been 9:30 a.m. and we were really, really hungry. We reluctantly left around 11:00 a.m., and powered by all the food, we cruised the last 15 miles to Hot Springs. Our errands and resupply complete, we had a few beers at a local pub before coming back to our motel/cabin. The hot shower felt great and our bed will make for some great sleeping. Right back at it tomorrow. Number of shelters left to pass: 42
Date: 2008-10-31
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 19.4

A total of four nights back on the trail since our week off. Two were spent in cabins with space heater, the other two were spent in a tent with Jay as my personal space heater. The nights regardless have been getting warmer, and we are getting back into trail shape...so things are looking up. Today flew by. We ate breakfast at a diner before hiking out of town this morning. At our first snack break we ran into a hiker named Bill who we had last seen at the Dutch Haus before out time off. Then at lunch we finally caught up with Smellie Cat or Ellie as we were first introduced. We met her for the first time in the White Mountains, while she was traveling north, since that time she had flip-flopped and became a southbounder. We had been reading her notes in the trail register and after she took some extended time off, we finally got to be reintroduced. Turns out we have similar finish dates in mind and we really enjoy her cmpany, so it looks like we may hike together for awhile. The sound of a slack-pack just south of the Smokies dounded enticing to her as well so I hope Ma and Pa Masck come prepared! We saw some folks out hunting today with doge, (bear hunting). We also read warnings about bear activity at the two shelters we passed. In the end we decided since the weather was nice that we would camp on top of the Max Patch Bald. Numerous northbounders had raved about. It was a good call becaue on the bald there was a couple waiting with Halloween themed (everything was orange..well mostly) trail magic. We cooked hot dogs for dinner and enjoyed their company as well as the sunset over the Smokies. Awesome. thank Ryan & Feles of Ashville, you guys rock! Quote of the day: "is that a bug? Oh, I thought it was a bug that looked like a leaf...but it was just a leaf." -Jay
Date: 2008-11-01
From: Max Patch

To: Davenport Gap Shelter (Smokies Sheraton)
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

From Jay: We got up to a gorgeous sunrise outside our tent on top of Max Patch. Once we were moving in the chilly morning air, we were treated with great views of the surrounding mountains and their colorful trees. Our goal for the day had been to stop at the Standing Bear Hostel, but we reached it so early in the day we decided to push on with Sm(ellie) Cat into the Park. The shelter we topped at has a feature we haven't seen before: chain-link fence across the open front to keep out bears (or perhaps to keep thru-hikers in). Song of the day - "Slow Ride" - Foghat
Date: 2008-11-02
From: Davenport Gap Shelter (Smokies Sheraton)

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

From Jay: Our first full day in the Smokies was a great one, filled with all sorts of mountain scenery with perfect hiking weather. We started at first light as we had quite a bit of climbing to do. Towards midday we went over 6,300', the highest we've been on the Trail so far. The Trail itself is in great condition here in teh park, so we moved quickly in spite of the constant ups and downs (mostly up). It's been fun having Sm(ellie) Cat hiking with us, as its nice to have someone else who doesn't know every story we've ever told. Frankly Mary and I are out of things to talk about!Quote of the Day - "Georgia to Maine!" - long story.
Date: 2008-11-03
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

From Mary: Day two in the Smokies. Today we were a tourist attraction as well as visitors to one. We summited the highest point on the trail and passed our birthyears in total miles covered. The weather continues to be beautiful. We began hiking early, since we have "fallen back" with the time change, and our daylight hours go from about 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. After 10 miles we dropped into Newfound Gap, where the AT has its only road crossing in the park. We were greeted with a restroom, drinking fountain, and a very busy parking lot for a Monday. As we set up on a small wall for lunch we were an instant tourist attraction. "Are you hiking the trail? Where did you start? How long has it taken? Have you read A Walk in the Woods?" Actually I didn't hear that last one today. It was fun to entertain the questions, we noticed it's even more satisfying because we feel like we've accomplished something. Only 12 more days and under 200 miles to go. After lunch we headed back into the woods toward Clingman's Dome. At the summit we were at the highest point on the Trail, 6,634 feet. For Jay and I this was our second visit to Tennessee's highest point with clearer skies today. We ran into some of the tourists we had met from the parking lot. Then off to the shelter for the night. We planned on bypassing Double Springs Shelter due to the "unreliable" water source, but we were treated to a recently renovated shelter and a flowing piped spring nearby. We made a campfire and enjoyed the starfilled sky through the skylights. Smellie Cat and the two of us had the shelter to ourselves. Quote of the day: "Ya'all need to keep on your feet and stay away from them bears." - confused tourist "Did he just say we need to keep our feet in bags?" -Smellie Cat
Date: 2008-11-04
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

From Jay: We're finally 2,000 milers!! Mary, Smellie Cat and I got off to a later than normal start since we didn't have too far to go. The terrain was actually tougher than it has been so far in the Smokies though, with several short, but quite steep climbs and descents. Once again we had stellar views from teh high reidges of the surrounding mountains with their awesome leaves. The weather is remaining gorgeous, which has been a blessing the past week. We'll be leaving the Smokies behind tomorrow as we head out of the Park. Mary's parents are meeting us to "slack-pack" us for a bit which will be a great change of pace. Hard to believe we've come this far. I remember standing on the NOBO's 2,000 mile mark and wondering at the incredible distance we had to go to reach our own. Well, we're here now, and truly in our home stretch.
Date: 2008-11-05
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Yellow Creek Gap
Miles today: 18.8

From Mary: We did a flip flop hike today. Smellie Cat, Jay and I left from Mollies Ridge early this morning. We were treated to our only bear sighting in the Smokies as we hiked past a closed campground, #113. Of course we only saw the bear because we were trash talking about how little wildlife we had seen in the park. It was a big bear and all of us were able to catch a glimpse as he ran across the trail in front of us. Again I wasn't fast enough with the camera but the mental picture is still there, majestic. As we headed down to Fontana Dam and the much awaited meeting up with my parents, we heard their voices in the woods. They had parked at the north end of the dam and came up the trail to meet us. We shared an enjoyable early lunch of sandwiches, soda, and apples. Then we got a lift up to Yellow Creek Gap so we could finish out our day walking back to Fontana. It was a pleasant hike, besides the fact that real food seemed to be unagreeable to my GI system for the first couple of miles. I was feeling much better by the time we finished hiking for the day. My parents left us the car and we were able to get laundry and showers done before meeting up with them again for dinner. All of us thoroughly loved the salad, steak, and potatoes. Nothing like a home cooked meal after trail food for a week. A big thank you also to the Masck parents for the hotel and driving all this way to carry our packs. As we approach our last days, a little break mean more to us than you can know. >p> Quote of the day: "If in doubt make sandwiches." -Ken Masck
Date: 2008-11-06
From: Yellow Creek Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

From Jay: We really should have let other people carry our packs for the whole Trail, its much easier! The Masck's dropped us off after our badly needed clean-up at the Fontana Dam Resort Lodge. The trail was failry rugged, but without our big packs we breezed right along. Our lunch quality was also much improved over our normal fare, with fresh turkey sandwiches and fruit. The end of the day had a very pleasant surprise as well. Mary's parents had rented a large cabin at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, with a kitchen, TV and all the comforts of home. We had a huge spaghetti dinner before heading to bed full, clean and rested. This is how to hike the AT!Perk of the day: Direct TV at the rented cabin.
Date: 2008-11-07
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 21.4

From Mary: Another beautiful slack-pack day. We left the rented cabin after a wonderful homemade breakfast of fresh fruit, egs, toast and cereal. You don't realize how much you miss something as simple as toast until you can't have it for four months. We had a big climb out of the NOC, but again, it was a breeze without a pack. Our first break of the day was taken on top of a tower on Wesser Bald, panoramic views all around. We visited another tower for our final break of the day on Wayah Bald and enjoyed a short distance of paved trail. Our 9 day stretch of perfect weather also came to a close. We wrapped up the day as the raindrops began to fall. My dad walked up the trail as we approached Wayah Gap and the car. We all headed to Standing Indian Campground for cocktails, dinner, and tenting. The rain held off for our dinner of burgers, beans, salad and smores for desert. Everyone went to bed full and happy. I think Jay and I are coming down with a cold (frown). Good thing we are doing a short day tomorrow. Happiness is...a campfire and s'mores with melted chocolate.
Date: 2008-11-08
From: Wayah Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

From Mary: Chilly morning getting out of the tent. We enjoyed another hot breakfast, courtesy of my folks, before hitting the trail. We planned a half day slack-pack so we could watch some football and resupply. It was a good thing too because Jay and I were feeling even more under the weather today. The terrain was easier than expectd, and although it was cold the sun was out again today. We checked into a Comfort Inn in Franklin, NC. We are doing laundry, drying tents, and still eating the afternoon away. Dinner on the town tonight! Mom and dad we'll hate to see you go. Quote of the day: "It will take more than a sore knee and sore throat to slow me down...maybe Ebola."
Date: 2008-11-09
From: Rock Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

From Jay: Mary's parents picked us up from Franklin and dropped us back off at the trail this morning, before they headed back to Michigan. We had beautiful weather, great scenery, and pretty easy walking which allowed us to push further than we had originally planned. The highlight of the day was probably Standing Indian Mountain, the last 5,000+ footer left on the trail. We could see Blood Mountain, which is just 30 miles from Springer. Tonight we're only a few miles from the Georgia border, which we'll cross early tomorrow on our way into Hiawassee. It's a cold and clear night tonight so we've set our tent up insidethe shelter for some extra warmth (it's just us and Ellie here tonight). We've brought a few Labatt's Blue beer with us tonight, hopefully the mice here don't get to them before us. They already nabbed a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Mary had accidently left out. Labatt's "Chill Gauge" team of the day: Detroit Tigers
Date: 2008-11-10
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: US 76 / Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

From Mary: It was a very chilly morning. Our hike started out above the clouds but as the day went on we ended up walking through them. The clouds were leaving frost on all the trees making for an impressive display. As it warmed up a little melting pieces of frost were falling from the trees down on us (kind of slushy rain... ugh). We crossed into our 14th and final state today, and definately had Georgia on our minds (well it has been for a long while). At Dicks Creek Gap, the road into Hiawassee, We had a difficult time getting a hitch because there was very little traffic. By a miracle, or simply my impatience, I wandered up the road and was able to get a cell phone signal enough to call a shuttle number we had gotten earlier in the week. At $7 per person we were reluctant, but we didn't want to spend our day sitting around in the cold. Jay is still battling this cold bug, so we took the shuttle. Our stay at the Holiday Inn Express was very nice. So was having another half day to relax. Smellie Cat Jay and I had Hardee's for lunch, went to the grocery for re-supply, sat in the hotel hot tub, did laundry, used the internet, went out for mexican for dinner (I highly recommended it), then ended the day with cake and ice cream in honor of the Marine Corps 233rd birthday. Jay made the occasion complete with some very interesting and entertaining toasts. Goodnight Chesty wherever you are.
Date: 2008-11-11
From: US 76 / Hiawassee, GA

To: Unicoi Gap / Helen, GA
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

From Jay: After a bigh hotel breakfast we got a shuttle back to the trail this morning to start our day's hike. It was chilly, and really got only colder as the day wore on and the clouds colled in. The terrain has been firly rugged (for the South), with lots of short, but seep, up's and down's. We had planned to go another few miles to a shelter tonight, but as we were crossing the road in Unicoi Gap it started to rain. Two day-hikers emerged from the other side of the Trail and headed to their parked car. We make the split second decision to ask them for a ride down to the town of Helen, which they happily agreed to. So, Mary, Ellie, and I crammed into the back of their Honda Civic and headed to Helen for our 2nd straight town night. Helen is a crazy little alpine themed village with tons of tourist trap Bavarian shops and restaurants. Apparently this place is booming around Oktoberfest, but right now it is fairly low key. We got a big nice, motel room cheap and ate some of the best pizza we've had so far on the trail. Also, tomorrow morning Ellie's mom is driving from their nearby home to meet us and slack us for the next few days. All-in-all, we're very pleased that this afternoon's laziness paid off so well.Caramel apple of the day: caramel dipped, milk chocolate dipped, rolled in pecans, and drizzled with white chocolate.
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Springer Mountain

To: Three Forks
Miles today: 4.1

Last night we flew into Atlanta, slept at the Red Roof Inn. This morning we took the subway across Atlanta where Nicole Gardner's uncle, Roger Elridge picked us up and took us to Springer Mountain. What a blessing he was.We had to get fuel since we couldn't take it on the airplane and we forgot our treking poles so we went to walmart for both. A gallon of fuel of which we could only use 40 OZ and 2 $10. treking poles while our $100. a set poles set in the garage. We called Donna and Robert Marshall to send our poles to us at our first town. We started to springer mountain at 11;33 AM, where we met another Roger. Two other Rogers in one day. He was the starter, Gandolf, at Springer Mountain. We registerd with him and began our hike. Gandolf said we were the 13th and 14th starters for the day. About 3 pm it began to rain, we reached Three Forks campground and stopped for the night. We only made 4.1 miles and came short of our first day goal, but we stayed dry.
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Three Forks

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Whew! Who thought our second day of hiking would be our first 12 miler? It rained all night. We got off about 9:50 (we will have to do better) and hiked in soggy, misty, foggy weather with some more rain and sleet. We had perfect visability. . . for the first 100 feet, then fog was all we could see.We got to the shelter, Gooch Mountain Shelter and it was full of boy scouts. There was no place to tent, so we went on to Gooch Gap where we learned that the windiest parts of the trail are the Gaps. spent a very windy night, and cold night at Gooch Gap.
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Gooch Gap

To: Jarrod Gap
Miles today: 9.2

Cold and windy this morning. Packe up in a windstorm at 40 degrees. Hiking was cold on the west side of Mountians and in the gaps, warm and sunny on the East sides. finally got to see some views. We passed a North bounder, Tom from NH, "Hurdy Gurdy Man" who had a sprained thigh. We decided not to try for Woods Hole Shelter since it was a weekend and there were a lot of hikers. But at Jarrod Gap it was windy. We hiked down a side trail about 1/2 mile to a flat spot with Water. Tom went with us and camped next to us. Much nicer than last night.