morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Up and started to pack at 0635it's Day 10.Pushing for Franklin NC to catch post office before it shuts. We left just after 0730, stopped for trail magic just before Albert Mountain, Barry had Gatorade and Fishing Fred was cooking pancakes. They had a mad grill made out of a very large blade from his Grandfathers farm. Cracker, Spoon Man and Iron Foot followed us in. They have been here doing trail magic for a month. The coke I had got me up Albert mountain, it was really a scramble up over rocks, Slip n'Slid slipped up it. Fabulous view from the top of the fire tower, set off after Cracker and chatted away 6 miles or so, stopped to get water and realised we have done our first 100 miles... Temp not as high as yesterday, but getting muggy so we think we will get rain later. The last 3 miles took longer that we expected but we finally spotted the carpark and when we got really close we saw a shuttle pull away..but we got down there and a Man was there with his daughter and son doing trail Magic (they were on spring break), just as we started to chat, two of the trail angles from this morning arrived in their truck so we got a lift into town with them..Made it to the post office after checking in to a motel room, then supermarket run and laundry, where Slip n'Slide lost one of my sock liners..If he thinks thats a way of getting out of doing the laundry he is sadly mistaken, I will just stop his snickers fund..Got some VEGAN icecream in the supermarket so I was very content when we got back to the hotel.. Wanderer was there and we all went to an AYCE for dinner, tried to go to a coffee house after but it was closed, so we walked to a gas station to get a beer..chatted till late in one or others rooms and off to bed..A real BED..
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Haven Hotel
Miles today: 0.0

Stormy but dry when we woke between 6 and 7 lazed in bed until 0730. Went to a diner for breakfast. Pat called. Strolled to post office only to find the package was there yesterday, but they thought it read "Dave" how many out here would have my second name? Managed to cancel our two phones then got a lift in an old special needs bus to shopping area. Ron the owner of the hotel used to be a professional wrestler! Got some new liners to replace the "one" Slip n'Slide left in laundry yesterday. Back to hotel and got a box of things to post off to lighten our packs, but this meant another walk to the post office. Towns here are not for walking, as there are no side walks! Then a 2 mile walk to the library to get Internet access. Can't believe how much walking we do off the trail...Made a few calls to our bank ...stayed in the Library until they close 2 hours,the time flew but we only managed a few entries. Back to the hotel Patch had ordered 3 Pizzas as it cost only $10, but he could not manage to eat them all so there was some spare to eat. Finally packed up and then the promised storm arrived. Hope it blows through by am.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Haven Hotel

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Awake from 6 but did not get up till 7, last shower for a few days. Checked the weather, think/hope we will miss most of it. Got a few messages, managed to chat to Martin before we left at nine to get back on the trail. Pack feels lighter but no scales so can not weigh it to check. It was a full bus load back to Winding stair gap. Felt worse than day one, if that's what a zero day does I'm not sure if we will do any more. Saying that, we managed 3 miles in 1hour15 and it was straight up hill. Rain played with us all day, we had just decided to stop for lunch when we met some trail magic, the same trail angels we met 2 days earlier when we came off the trail. They appear to be moving with us it was the AT servants. Stopped and chatted for a while then said our goodbyes, may see them again at Damascus. But we were very grateful for the food and coke. I had my first two slides, one was on our first detour. The terrain was difficult but must have been much worse for those that cut it out for us. The next section reminded us of Virginia Waters in Surrey, for those that that means anything to. Rhododendron every where but typically much bigger shrubs. Arrived at an old brick built observatory where a trail has been in place since 1890(Wayah bald) at 5340' and 360 views. Said so long to Ironfoot as he is meeting some friends, and as soon as we left it started raining. For the next two hours it was rain jackets on or off. Camped up on ridge @ Cold spring shelter, it was a beautiful spot with great views, the late evening sun and a rainbow. We had just finished setting up camp when we heard a familiar voice, Ironfoot had been moved on from the original meeting spot, and was now to meet his friends further up the AT. Had dinner on a great spot and was just finished when the rain started again. So off to bed. Managed over 15miles and we thought we would do about 10 miles.
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Campsite 2.6M after NOC
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

For the first time we both felt like having an extra 30minutes, so we did. Got up and out to a beautiful sun rising. We were looking down on the valleys with the cloud sitting over the low lands below us. Packed and headed out quickly. Caught up with spry a little up the trail, on and upwards to Tellico where we left Ironfoot for the second time to meet his friends. Hiked up to a look out tower on Wesser bald with fantastic 360 views and still we see above the clouds. On from here and for the first time since we started it feels like we are in a forest, lush green all around the leaves as we descended had finally come out, and it just kept getting greener as we approached the NOC (Nantahala outdoor centre) its where the American Olympic team practice rafting ... We arrive it time for lunch and it was good to get out of the sun as it was hot. Filled up on food at a restaurant and lots of free soda. Crossed the bridge and half put up tent to dry off as it was still wet from last night, we let the warm sun do the work while we rested at the waters edge. It felt good to cool our feet in the Cold water but you could not stand it for long. Chat to Bravo, Awol, Strider & Spry. When lunch had died down enough we set off to take 2/3 miles off tomorrows big 7 mile climb. Just before we did Ironfoot showed up with his friends and was to follow us up. Camped with spry and Ironfoot x3 a section hiker arrived late, just as we sat around campfire overlooked by some big boulders, straigth out of planet of the apes (or at the very least a bears den). Slip n'slide knocked down Spry's bear bag and took another 15minutes to get one line up, watched the stars and headed to our tent, we are closest to the rocks so I guess we will get to hear about it first.
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Haven Hotel

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

     Late start on our 14th day.Ironfoot got a fire going which was very nice. Packed up and left by 0840. Not a very nice climb up grassy gap & grassy top and finally Swim Bald. The sun was just starting to get warm by the time we dropped down into Sassafras Gap, nice new shelter where we had lunch, As we left Cracker was on his way in and we heard about UG, he had his money stolen at the NOC. More big climbs after,all the way up to 5062' This is my worst day so far, feeling tired and low in iron! When we went down hill today it was shady and our climbs were all in hot sunlight. Came down to a road where we missed trail magic. The trail angel arrived to remove the trash "Last minute" completed a thru-hike in 2003 and he was trying to repay some of what he got then. We were very happy to fill our water bottles with ice. And to be honest it got us over the next big climb. We keep running out of water at the right time so at least we seem to be getting some thing right. Lots of fallen trees from last years hurricanes, some we can climb over others we have to go under. Pass a big rock slide. Stumbled down to Cody gap where we camp for the night. Dinner was very good. Off to bed to be woken by mice using my side of the tent as a freeway.
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Mice mice mice. Heard an owl during the night and coyotes calling just before dawn again. Up early as we are trying to get to the post office early. Moving well and just as we were checking our map at a road crossing a truck stopped to ask if we needed a lift, when we said no thanks he told us he "got my self a turkey" and sure enough the legs of a huge turkey were sticking up from the back of his cab, which was at least 18'deep. Map me thinks is a little wrong today, and it¢s hot & muggy. Storms must be coming. but pass as we drop into Fontana dam. The plants are way ahead on the lower elevations you would think you were in a different country!Heard some thing very big and heavy in the woods. Got camera out but did not see anything. After what felt like forever we emerged at the road. Now shall we call for a ride or walk the extra miles. Think it¢s better to do it today. We will be glad of it tomorrow. May have been a mistake as its very hot & sunny and we have little or no water. Oh and the map is a little out again. Got to visitors centre. Picked up our passes for the Smokies and was just about to call for ride to hotel when a bus arrived dropping off a SOBO. It¢s a strange resort and out of season, so we, the hikers are the only ones walking around this tiny site. Made a few phone calls & had dinner. Iron foot arrived as we finished. Severe weather tomorrow. Zero day??
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spencer Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Up and ate breakfast, free fruit for me as everything else was of animal origin. packed and ready to go. We expect to get wet but most of the weather may have passed to our south. Posted our bounce box and got bus back to visitor¢s center, where we made a small mistake. On arriving here yesterday we saw two water fountains, both of which are switched off. We have 400ml of water and 5miles till the first water.!! Crossed the dam and entered the Great Smokey mountains. The rain could not make its mind up all day, which was really annoying so settled for shorts and my rain jacket. 2 hours in, the rain came down pretty heavy. A white tailed deer crossed the trail ahead of us, it glanced at us and moved on. The trail is very good and we make good time, even in the rain. It¢s very lush and definitely a Rain forest. Got to first shelter just as it started raining cats and dogs. Cooked something warm. Horses are allowed on this part of the trail which probably accounts for the easy terrain. It eased a little and we followed Wanderer out, I told him that the sun would be out around the next hill. The next 3miles flew by (loving the Smokies even in the rain). The sun did come out but we decided to move on to the third shelter. Some of the shelters in the Smokies have cages on them but they are being removed as some intelligent people were feeding bears from inside!!! Its 900' up and 300'down but it was a very easy hike and the sun was getting stronger, so we arrived at Spence field shelter, put tent up and cooked dinner. There was a great light show to the south west as we went to sleep, we thought/ hoped it would miss us but an hour on it arrived with a bang.
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Spencer Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Massive and I mean massive thunder storm from late last night into the early hours of this morning, it was all around us and very very close, you could feel the electricity. Hail and very heavy rain. It eventually stopped and I was having my best sleep of the trail until slip n'slide woke me as the mice in our vestibule were keeping him awake. I fell back asleep!!! We both woke about 6 but dozed till 7, when we got up it started to rain, so we quickly got the tent down and packed up. that¢s when I realised why the mice were so intent in slip n'slide s pack. He had left an empty snickers wrapper in the expandable pouch! and they had chewed into it and half the wrapper. Won't do that again. Its cooler today and we set off in the rain. It took for ever to get to the first shelter 6 miles. Sliding around in 6" of mud. Stopped to warm up with some oatmeal then noodles and soup that did the trick. We even drank the warm water we washed the pot up with. Set off again and it really came down heavy. Most of the day was the same, on to Silers bald shelter 5m on, again stopped to warm up for 20minutes. Got to the shelter. As our tent was still wet I let my head rule my heart and slept IN the shelter. Set up bags and got food on the go quickly. It was cold out but hope the mice stay away. Had most of my clothes on to keep warm.
Date: 2005-04-14
From: double spring gap shelter

To: New Foundland Gap
Miles today: 10.8

Rain and hail stayed with us most of the night - very very cold.   About 2 a.m I was really cold.   Slip n'Slide had removed his down jacket by then so I wrapped it around my legs inside my bag - toasty and not too many mice.   I think it was even too cold for them.   Had a little lie in as we watched the rest get ready. we are new to the morning rituals of a shelter. Given we did not have to take down a tent it took us longer to get ready.   Left the shelter before nine, icy under foot and our food bag was frozen.   Very slippery but a beautiful morning.   As we got to Mount Buckley 6582' there was snow on the ground, blue skies and it's starting to get warm.   Don't step on logs as they are very slippery.   Finally got to Clingman's Dome and slid up the slope to the obervation deck.   Fantastic views and we were so glad we did not get here yesterday as we would have seen nothing.   On the way down my leg was hurting around my knee.   Guess it was from all the sliding in the mud yesterday so I can't move quickly.   Have to keep taking lots of stops.   Think we will stop at New Foundland Gap and head into Gatlingburg (it's like Blackpool but far from the sea and in Tennesse). On the way to the Gap we passed Collins Gap and Mountain.   Ten minutes at the Gap when a couple from Alabama picked us up and dropped us into town.   It's much bigger than I thought and it only has hotels, restaurants and sword shops.   So far we have seen normal towns but this is different.   We find an outfitters and as usual sign in and have photo taken.   Book into a hotel, get clean and head out for food.   I got a knee brace.   It really is summer down here.   All the flowers are in full bloom.   Slip n'Slide thinks he has athlete foot and may have to have tomorrow off or at the very least a half day.
Date: 2005-04-15
From: New Foundland Gap

To: Icewater Spring 
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Sunny day and decided to stay another day.   Was just about to phone reception when Pete called from England. Great to hear from him and the girls.   When we did make the call the hotel was full so we would leave after lunch and just do the 3 miles to the next shelter.   We put photos onto a disc and posted them to Martin and then walked from one end of the town to the other to an Internet Cafe to which we had been given a free access card. Across the street there was a health food store where I got some vegan icecream and some tofu to have for dinner to-night. We updated journal but only to the 3rd April! Back to the hotel and grabbed our packs and started to hitch a ride back to the Gap.   Within 10 minutes a very nice lady called Caroline picked us up and dropped us the l5 miles to the Gap. She was doing two good deeds as she was on her way to cover another volunteer's shift but also managed to drop us off.   So many trail angles.   Thanks Caroline. Set off for the Gap about 3p.m.   It's not as warm at 5000'.  But It feels good to be back on the trail.   Leg does not feel too bad but Slip n'Slide pulled a muscle earlier to-day when he ran for a shuttle bus and it was full so we could not get on it.We made good time and passed the most people we have seen on the trail so far.   Well the weather is glorious and we forgot it's Friday.   We got to the shelter by 4p.m. and it was strange that there were l0 already there and we had not met any of them before.   Cold out of the sun, and put the tent up in a sheltered spot.   Just started to cook dinner when AT3 showed up.   They had all heard about my leg - word travels fast on the AT highway.   Chatted and found ourselves dancing around an imaginary fire until it was too cold and we had to go to our beds.   First set of weekend hikers - 5 young girls - who talked and laughed until 11p.m. when I think they got the hint that it was well past thru-hikers bed time.   P.S.   Happy birthday Linda.
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Icewater 

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Very very cold night.   Got up around 7a.m. There was ice on the outside of the tent.   Glad we had set our tent down from the Shelter as it was more exposed up there and more frost on eveything. Some mad hikers had gone cowboy last night (slept under the stars - no tent)   Think we will save it until it is a bit warmer.   Left at 08.10. Another beautiful day , deep blue skies.   It's still a little chilly in the shade tho.   We are both still carrying injuries so we plan on an easy day.   Fabulous views all around us today as we walked on the ridge of the Appalachians - Tennessee to the left and North Carolina to our right.   The trail in the Smokies runs pretty much west- east.   Got to the first shelter of the day and stopped a little after for some lunch.   AT3 passed and when we set off we caught up with OX and we chatted as the miles passed up.   We got to Tri Corner shelter an hour before we expected to.   Nice new shelter.   We lazed in the sun for about 45 minutes and decided to go for the next shelter which would make it our longest day (over 20 miles).   In the Smokies you must camp within sight of a shelter so once we left there would be no going back - our rubicon.   The trail was good as it is graded for horses at this point.   OX led up out and we walked and talked, so soon we arrived at our destination Cosby Knob shelter.   226.9 miles      We passed 10% of the trail just before the second shelter to-day.   Will have to celebrate that at the next town.   Clearwater was very happy to make it and had a little celebration of his own.   My knee felt better the more miles I did but Slip n'Slide has now got a shin splint.   Only 8 miles to food.   It's amazing all you can think about out here is food.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Mountain Moma's Kuntry Kitchen - Slept in a bunk house.   Not as cold as the previous night but we are a little lower down the mountains. Could hear some of the shelter's occupants up around six.   We emerged from our tent about 07.30.   AT3 were ready to go and left 15 minutes before us.   So last few hours in the Smokies.   Left our last camp at 08.15 and started our last up before the long down to Davenport Gap.   Caught up with OX and we passed 2.8 miles an hour.   Trees and plants are alive again as we drop below 3000' and it's warmer in the sun, no icy breeze.   Still no sign of the l600 bears. Passed Clearwater, York and joined Naked Son.   We all walked out of the Smokies about 10.45.   By noon we had a bunk, food (Slip n'Slide was more than pleased with his 'huge cheese burger 'and I had some fries) showered and doing some laundry. Now sitting on a rock behind Mountain Moma's looking at the fast flowing river.   Only 8 miles today but Slip n'Slide has a shin splint.   My leg is a lot better.   Hope to be in Hot Springs early Wednesday. Later Clearwater showed us what posion ivy looked like, oops we both scrambled over rocks to get to the rivers edge earlier right through that spot.. 10 minutes later I was feeling itchy.. so washed without touching it with my hands and put tea tree oil on it.. hope its just in my mind but not convinced as it is still itchy 2 hours later , guess I will find our by tomorrow as it can take 24hours to show itself. More cheese burgers for dinner and fries for me, walked down a mile to get some service on my mobile and spoke to Martin and Clare by a beautiful river.Just got back to the bunk house when my folks phoned. chatted to Naked son and clearwater in the honeymoon bunk house before we went to sleep.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: Davenport Gap

To: Old roaring fork shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: scattered clouds

 No sign of posion ivy so hope that we did make contact with it but it does not affected us, Ride back to the gap at the edge of the smokies with clear water and A guy that is hiking with 15lbs of photographic gear (think he is carrying 55lbs). We are going to try to get to Max Patch, a clearing on the top of a mountain about 15 miles on. It warms up quickly today, so it may not be possible. Just noticed that the area we are walking is very green and lush with Posion ivy!! we are seeing it everywhere now that we know what it looks like. If i feel a plant brush past me I keep looking back to double check what it was.Just as we crossed a road there was some trail magic in a bag we took an orange and some soda's. thanks to the trail angel who ever you where..stopped at mid day by an NDB can't get away from work guess some one will tell me which one it was, its on the Atlanta inbound charts..(Snowbird mountain FAA ). By now we have decided to go past Max Patch and try for shelter 5 mile on,...At the next shelter we meet up with Bravo, we have not seen him since the NOC over a week ago and thats a long time on the TRAIL) notice that IronFoot was here a day before, maybe we will catch up with him. Mud Hen and Slip n'Slide were talking about how much we liked our filter, shortly after, ours broke while filtering ..oops. Up and on to Max Patch it strange seeing grass after 3 weeks of trees with or without leaves, but you get a really good view and we can see a few other bald patches. It was done so some cattle could graze but there are none here now. It felt cold up there and we pushed on to our destination, the books and maps told the same story but it did not relate to what we were doing, but finally 350' short of what we thought, we got to the shelter . Slip n'Slide's shin splint is not too good .Just had time to put tent up and cook food as the sun went down, the moon put in an apperance and no lamps were needed to eat even though it is 6 days to the full moon.. Claerwater arrived just in time to get a place in the shelter.