morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-20
To: One Week To Go
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Packed up two boxes to send ahead to the Hiker Hostel and got those mailed off yesterday morning - trekking poles, tent poles and stakes, food, air mattresses and rain gear. Boots and all the little stuff goes in a checked suitcase and now the packs will be of a small enough size to carry on the plane.Got in an 8-mile road walk with the ever increasing pack weight on our backs. Our friend Colette has been a good driver to get us all out walking. And the time goes by so fast when you're chatting away about this and that. The snow we got Monday is a nuisance. Hoping to get back to the trails but also trying to be sure to avoid injury before we even leave. Of course, Miles has the blisters going on her feet already. Think her trail name should have been related to blisters or bandaids.Side has been very busy coordinating a lot of things for us. Starting to feel like things are finally falling into place.Yesterday afternoon we went through the bounce box items and organized them. Will still need to run though our spreadsheet of hiking items to see if we've forgotten anything that should go there. Should finish that up today and have it ready for sending just before we go.Miles is trying to get more migraine meds to have at the ready. The drugstore is working with insurance and the doctor to get an early 'vacation' refill. The weather has been strange of late so there have been too many migraine days. After many years of undiagnosed suffering, Miles is just grateful to have a few pills to make it go away.Last evening we had a lovely dinner out with our friends Colette and Bob. The guys got into quite a few discussions about younger days of fishing and softball telling a lot of fun stories and finding a lot in common that they hadn't been aware of before. It's a small world.One week to go! Looks like this adventure might really happen.
Date: 2013-03-25
To: Last Journal Entry from Home
Miles today: 0.0

It's been a couple of hectic days for us. Trying to finish up all the last minute things and still get in some walking. But there is no longer any time for walking until we get to Georgia.Yesterday was a lovely gathering at Kim and Bob's. Got to spend some time with the local family and say goodbye. We missed the part of our family that could not be there. So much yummy food and some trail-related gifts. So thoughtful of everyone. We really enjoyed taking some time out from our craziness. Always love spending time with the family.Next journal entry will probably be from Georgia. Can't believe we're saying those words. Time to stop talking and start walking.
Date: 2013-03-27
To: Our Trip to Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we were up bright and early to start our trip to Atlanta. Kim and the kids picked us up at 7:30 and we we were on our way. Got to Atlanta and then took rapid transit to the end of the line. We were picked up in a van and joined 6 others headed to the hiker hostel. We stopped at an Outfitters and then at Walmart to get last minute essentials and dinner makings. The hostel was just lovely and we had our own private room - which is unusual. Enjoyed many conversations with the other would-be hikers who had come from all over.On the van ride we met Steve and Deanna from San Diego, Tanner from North Dakota, Mary from Maine, Jelle from the Netherlands and Chris from Pennsylvania. Willie was our driver. At the hostel we met Paul from New York, Chris from Massachusetts and chatted with others. Met the hostel owners Josh and Leigh. The hikers did a lot of talking about gear as usual.It will be an early morning - breakfast is at 7:30. Tomorrow is the big day.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

We had a yummy breakfast this morning at the hiker hostel and then by 9:40 we were all packed up and ready to go. We were dropped off at Big Stamp Gap and then had to hike 0.9 miles to the top of Springer Mountain before we even started our trip on the Appalachian Trail. It was an exciting day because it was our first. Hard to believe it was finally happening. Hiked through some beautiful rhododendron tunnels. Zac this one's for you - we hiked past a platoon of probably 30 Army Rangers carrying weapons and doing training. Bob thanked each of them for their service.Hiked an official 8.1 miles on the trail. Spent the night in Hawk Mt. Shelter with 8 others surrounded by a dozen tents. All is well.
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Forgot to mention yesterday that our pack weights were 27 pounds and 32 pounds. We woke up this morning and the temperature was 36.8 degrees. As usual it took us forever to pack up all our gear to get ready to go. We had a big first 3 miles with many ups and downs. It was pretty exhausting and then we had to continue another 4 miles. Passed another big company of Army Rangers. Those poor guys have to go straight up the mountain. They don't get to use any of the switchbacks. They looked spent.We met up at the shelter here tonight with a number of the people that we had started our hike with at the Hiker Hostel. It was nice to see them all again. Full shelter tonight and many tents set up around us. We have another 8 mile day tomorrow. Better get rested up.A big thank you goes out to all of our trail angels back home. You know who you are. We could never be doing this without you.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Gooch Mt. Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Left the shelter this morning at 8:00 which is early for us. The temp was 42 degrees. The trail today was easier than yesterday - at least the first 2/3 - and then a huffer puffer climb and a descent to Lance Creek. It was a really beautiful day for hiking. We hiked 8.5 miles today. Camping tonight with folks we met along the way. Our tent site is tipped so should be a fun night.Everyone is restricted from camping in a 5 mile area in front of us unless you carry a hard-shell bear canister for your food. No backpackers can afford the weight to carry that type of canister so we're all backed up here and will tackle that section tomorrow. Big 1500 ft. climb tomorrow up Blood Mountain. Not hard on a normal day but carrying a backpack makes a huge difference. It will be a challenge.At the end of the day tomorrow we're hoping to stay at a hostel where we can shower, do resupply and wash our clothes. First come, first serve. No reservations. So we may not get to stay since we'll be slow. Oh well.Missing our family and friends.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: mist

Okay, it rained almost the entire night. Fortunately it stopped before time to get up and pack. But things were drenched and muddy from splashing rain. One inside corner of the tent was wet - probably from condensation. The tent spots were all slanted so it was quite the chore trying to stay on the air mattress in a slippery sleeping bag. Took us forever to get packed up and on the trail again.Did a big climb of about 1500 feet up Blood Mountain and then back down again. Didn't get eaten by a bear. It started raining so we really raced down. We wanted to try to get a cabin with Matt and John, aka Snail, so fortunately Matt raced up and down in record time and was able to get the cabin. Did a little resupply but have to finish tomorrow. They do your laundry for you - how cool is that? The shower was tremendously grand. Whew did we stink. Cooked up a couple pizzas. No Mountain Dew though - bummer. There is wet gear hanging from everything.Side is having trouble with his bunion - very painful. Miles is still treating her blisters but getting by. Think we'll all sleep well tonight.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Neels Gap

To: White Oak Stamp
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

Forgot to mention yesterday that we got a visit from the Easter bunny. A hiker dressed as the Easter Bunny came into our campsite and delivered gummy teeth to each of us. Side decided they wouldn't last long enough to bring them home for Jilli so he ate them.We're planning to leave the trail in a week. Just kidding - April fools. We're having a great time. Today was a beautiful day. It was in the low 70's. We had great views. We took our time to hike and stop to chat with other hikers along the way. We've met hikers from so many different states and other countries. Each hiker is unique in their own way. We spent a good deal of the day leapfrog hiking and so were very lucky when Side lost his glasses and a fellow hiker who was shortly behind us picked them up and brought them up the trail to Side. Hikers are a nice lot.We hiked 7.8 miles today. There were lots of ups and downs - some significant. Tonight we are camped on our own at a campsite along the trail. It's located at the top of a windy hollow and we're already cold. Putting the sleeping bags to a test. Had spaghetti and meatballs for supper - yum. And followed that up with hot cocoa and coffee. We had resupplied earlier in the day and bought lots of yummy hiker food. Heavy load in the backpacks though.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: White Oak Stamp

To: Blue Mtn. Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up at 6 o'clock and quickly broke camp. Our campsite was so cold this morning. Got on the trail at 7:45 planning to eat breakfast on the way. This one's for you Mom - we had cinnamon rolls.We hiked through a number of rhododendron tunnels today. Not in bloom yet. We ended up hiking about 10 miles today and ended up at Blue Mountain Shelter. There are seven of us sleeping in the shelter and about 7 tents set up outside. Oh and one hammock hanger - she'll be cold tonight.Tomorrow we'll be hiking about 8 miles to Tray Mountain shelter. This promises to be a challenging hike with good ups and downs . The following day there's a 100 percent chance of rain - oh great.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Blue Mtn. Shelter 

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: overcast clouds

What a beautiful sunrise this morning! We sat up in our sleeping bags to see this amazing red across the sky. Miles couldn't wait to get up this morning. It was so cold on the mountaintop last night that everyone else was in their sleeping bags at 6:30. Now that's extreme even for backpackers. We stayed up until 7:15 and then we also had to head for the sleeping bags. After a long day of hiking your body just can't stay warm. Between crazy aching hips and a runny nose that wouldn't end; it was a rough night with almost no sleep for Miles.We got up early, packed up and started down the trail for a ways to loosen up the old bones and then ate breakfast trail side. After a steep descent into Unicoi Gap, we were surprised with some trail magic in the parking lot. Peppermint Pattie Lady and Reverse had set up tables with coffee and hot chocolate, fantastic homemade blueberry muffins, brownies and homemade peppermint patties. What a special treat.We had only hiked just over two miles but because it was supposed to start raining at midnight tonight and all day tomorrow, we decided to jump off trail and take a zero day tomorrow, two days earlier than planned. Noodle joined us as we tried to hitchhike into town - okay it's been a really long time since we've done that. First vehicle passing was a fisherman changing fishing spots and he stopped for the three of us and drove us 14 miles into Hiawassee. Hit the DQ for lunch. Our goal was to get to the Blueberry Patch Hostel, a Christian Ministry run by a former thru hiker and his wife. We had heard such wonderful things about these folks! They did our laundry for us while we showered. We're here with 9 other hikers. Hitched back into town with Noodle to resupply. A nice man who already had two hikers in his vehicle picked us up so Miles rode on Side's lap. Exciting times. Had to find another place to stay tomorrow night because there are a lot of hikers off the trail to enjoy a rest day. Everything was pretty much booked so we'll be at the Holiday Inn Express sharing a room with Noodle. Nice day off. Breakfast cooked for us all in the morning.Life is pretty good. Georgia is kind to hikers.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Holiday Inn Express
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a nice evening visiting with other hikers at the Blueberry Patch Hostel and then off to climb up into our double bunk bed on top - okay, we are not as limber as we used to be. And then after we both get up there, we realized we both had our glasses on. Great. No way we were climbing back down and up again so we managed to find a ledge to lay them on.Slept pretty well. Had a lovely full breakfast served by our hosts. We so enjoyed being their guests. Fine, fine people. As we were having breakfast our friends Matt aka Mouse and Snail came in to claim a bed for tonight. Our host Gary drove us all into town so we could check into our new home, Holiday Inn Express. Had a lazy day eating, drinking lattes and general sitting around. While at the grocery store we ran into Hypsy Gypsy and Oak, formerly Deanna and Steve, friends from our first night in Georgia. Met friends Teasip and Javaman for dinner. Met them along the trail before our last campsite. They are about our age and we enjoyed our conversation.Tomorrow we hit the trail again going back to Unicoi Gap where we came off. Not sure how we're getting there yet. That will be another adventure.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Holiday Inn Express

To: Sassafrass Gap Campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

'Woke in a nice cozy bed. Now there's something you could get used to. Had breakfast with Noodle, Teasip and Javaman. Checked out of the Holiday Inn Express. Tried to hitch a ride to the trail but no luck. Had to call a shuttle service back to Unicoi Gap. Noodle went with us but was starting to hike at a different location so we said our goodbyes. At the top of Tray Mountain we were just able to see the buildings in Atlanta. Off to the other side you were able to see up to Fontana Lake.We hiked a total of 10.4 miles. Lots of ups and downs. We were happy when we finally got to the place where we were going to camp. Camping with John and John, Cliff Diver, Blanket and Kick It.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Sassafrass Gap Campsite

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Happy 35th Anniversary Dan and Susan! Today's profile didn't look so bad but it was a lot of ups and downs. Endless ups. When we got into Dick's Creek Gap, Gary from The Blueberry Patch Hostel was there to pick up folks. Was nice to get to see him again. Everyone who goes there loves it. Heard later that there was good trail magic at that spot after we left. Drats.Hiked 10.8 miles to Plumorchard Gap Shelter where we stayed in the shelter on the first of three levels. Stayed with Fortune Cookie, Inch By Inch, Terry and others.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter 

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Birthday Izzy!!Hurrah! We have completed a state. Today we hiked out of Georgia and into North Carolina. Celebrated by taking pictures at the sign denoting the state change. Had a nice lunch along the trail with Fortune Cookie, Inch By Inch, and a father, Sherpa Master, and his 3 sons - Lego, Tomtom, and Tortuga.Today was an uphill climb all the way. Didn't seem like it would be as bad as it was. So it was a short day of just 7.3 miles. Gonna have to pick up the pace here.Washed out some clothes in camp this afternoon. We were just getting too smelly. Of course they didn't all dry so it will be a slightly wet start in the morning.Yummy dinner of Mountain House spaghetti and meatball. Tasted great but not Mom's. Twix for dessert. In a tent tonight with a lot of others. Supposed to be a little warmer tonight, above freezing. Staying toasty in our sleeping bags.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

As we left camp this morning, we visited an overlook with a nice view of the mountains and the wreckage of a Cessna airplane. Sad to see the remains of the plane spread over 100 yards or more.Today's hike wasn't so bad for the first 4 miles but then we had a 1200 foot climb followed by a 1200 foot descent and then another 500 foot climb to the shelter. The total for today was 12.5 miles not counting the original hike out to the wreckage. We were glad to be at the campsites. Set up our tent, filtered water, and all the other usual camp setup. Mountain House lasagna for dinner.Today we saw two types of ferns growing. One was the Christmas tree fern. Will have to look for the name of the other tomorrow in the flower guide.Keep forgetting to mention everyday the views out to the hazy blue mountains. So beautiful.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Thinking of Mom and the family today.Got an early start at 8:20 this morning. First four miles were relatively easy. The next two miles were much tougher climbing up Albert Mountain. The view from the fire tower was amazing. 360 degree view of mountains. At the top we celebrated completion of our first 100 miles. Who would have thought it? The remainder of our 12.1 miles wasn't too bad. Staying at Rock Gap shelter with another couple. Everyone else is tenting below.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stairs Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up in the dark shortly after six. Packed up and hiked a short 3.8 miles to Winding Stair Gap. Shuttled on a bus from there into Franklin, NC by Ron Haven who runs Budget Inn and Sapphire Inn. Costs $45 a night and includes a 15-mile shuttle to and from the trail and also a shuttle to an outfitter and Walmart to resupply. What a deal. Ron and his wife are so good to the hikers and wants to make sure you have a good experience in town and get all the supplies that you need to get back on the trail. He certainly helps the economy of Franklin. Had a delightful shower to get the stink off. Had a wonderful king-size bed. Got our clothes all cleaned. Had a nice lunch at a little local restaurant called Ms Lois' restaurant. For dinner we called Vito's Italian restaurant and they came to pick us up. For $16 we had a great ham and pineapple pizza along with cheese bread sticks. It was delicious. They gave us a ride back also. This is a trail town for sure.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Winding Stairs Gap

To: Franklin, NC at Sapphire Inn
Miles today: 0.0

This morning at 7:15 the bus arrived from the First Baptist Church to take the hikers to a complimentary all-you-can-eat pancake and bacon breakfast. How wonderful is that? They had huge posters from the last five years with signatures of the hikers to pass through their church. They took photos of the hikers and provided paper and envelopes so you could write to a loved one and then they even mailed them for us. They do this daily for the hikers. That's what we call trail magic in a big way. And if you're taking a zero day, they encourage you to come back tomorrow. The kindness is unbelievable.We're supposed to have severe thunderstorms with heavy wind later today and this evening. Some folks went back to the trail but we're hiding out.Just relaxed away the day. Miles took a nap in her luxurious bed. You get a real appreciation for the everyday things in life that we take for granted.At 10:15 we are getting some serious rain and bowling ball thunder. Bad weather and tornado watch predicted for this evening. A good time not to be on the trail. Feel sorry for those poor souls who are out there. Bobsled and Little Engine, a couple we stayed in the shelter with two nights ago and then sat across from them at breakfast this morning, were heading out today hoping to make it to a shelter. Hope they are safe. The wind is just whipping out there now and it is absolutely pouring. Hoping for good weather tomorrow but think the trail will be quite soggy.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Franklin, NC at Sapphire Inn

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started the day with a great breakfast again at the First Baptist Church in Franklin, NC. They wanted everyone who took a zero day to come back. They were so excited that today's count of hikers was 41, just 2 shy of their biggest number for a day. They have served 575 hikers so far, their biggest year yet.We packed back onto the free shuttle bus to get back to the trail. There were several streams at the start of the day with water gushing down from last night's storm. Everything looked fresh and new. Spoke with several hikers who had been out in the storm. The hammock hanger faired well and enjoyed the storm while a tenter nearby had an inch of water in the bottom of his tent. One from a shelter stayed dry and another got wet with rain blowing into the shelter. Again, we say we were glad to be off trail.Hiked 11 miles including a number of steep ups to Wayah Bald Shelter where we tented on a slanted tentsite. Another fun night to come. Our highest elevation today was at Wayah Bald stone tower where we had a fantastic 270-degree view out into the mountains and valleys.Made it worth the big climb. Our hike today was up 1345 feet, down 835 feet, up 1100 feet, down 100 feet, up 150 feet, and down 610 feet.Side took a tumble today and got his clean clothes all dirty. Enough said.Supposed to be down to freezing tonight. Brrr.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Exciting times in the tent last night. Gotta love those slanted tent sites. Spent the night pulling ourselves back up to the top of the tent. Imagine climbing back up a wet 'slip and slide' on a steep slope.Left camp at 8:10. A short while later passed a hiker coming the other direction who said there might be breakfast at the next gap. Well step back, Jack! Miles kicked it into high gear and we tore down the trail a couple miles to a lovely setup by the Burningtown Baptist Church. Coffee, OJ, sausage on a biscuit, fresh fruits. Wow. And what nice folks to talk with. They invited us to stay for burgers and dogs for lunch but we left that for the next hikers and headed on up the trail.Stopped in Tellico Gap for lunch of cinnamon raisin bagels with peanut butter and snacks. Bekki this is for you- when Miles gets off trail at town, one of the first things she wants is Smartfood white cheddar popcorn.Climbed to the Wesser Bald observation tower. The 360 degree view was the absolute best yet. Mountains and towns and a view of the Fontana Dam and Lake. We'll be there in a few days.Decided to stop early for a change and set up to spend the night in the Wesser Bald shelter after 10.6 miles. It was a wonderful hiking day temperature-wise and elevation-wise. Supposed to drop down near freezing again tonight.