morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-15
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: light rain

Sat 3/15Weather: Started out rainy, cool, foggy. Actually, not that bad. Rain stopped and except for a few sprinkles it was foggy and cool.Last Night: After I found my spoon had some hot chocolate and mountain house stew. Not bad. Pretty good crowd. 13 tents and 11 of us in the two story shelter. I was upstairs with Rich, Carol, Ion, and Mag. I didn't sleep very well..maybe cause we all turned in at 6:30. We chatted a little then I lay awake at least till midnight. Tonight I'm tenting and should sleep a lot better. The highlite of the evening was the visit from the mice. I kept hearing it knawing on something...thought it might be in our packs that were hanging on nails from the peak. A couple of times Rich and I turned on our headlamps but couldn't see anything. In the morning we got up around 7 and Rich found his boot laces chewed up. Then Ion found mice turds in the styrofoam cup he uses to dip water from the streams. Good thing he looked before he dipped. I suggested the trailname "mouseturd" but Ion didn't care for it.The hike today wasn't bad. I must have stopped to change upper body clothing at least five times. I finally shed the parka and hiked in my T shirt and hiking pants. Could have hiked in shorts although it did get cold when we stopped for lunch. About 9:30 I'm Crossing the forrest service road and this guy drives up in his car and gets out. Turns out he is a hiker named "Happy" who has followed my journal here. We had a nice chat and he was coming up to hike with Journey, Twofiddy, and the others starting today.A bunch of us from last night had lunch together on the Trail. I actually had an appetite which was good. I'm not hungry now but may go for mac & cheese with bacon bits tonight.Also, met Hamlet on the trail. He's carrying a 50 pound pack...a better man than me. He did say he was going to send some things home at Neels Gap.I did feel some soreness in my shins but I'm not too concerned as I would feel it from time to time when I exercised and it always went away. Oh yeah, no blisters so far!Well, that's about all I feel like for now.Personal message of the day: "Yes, Mom I am taking my Sun Chlorella."
Date: 2003-03-17
From: Woods Hole

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

Weather: Cool,steady rainAt least it didn't rain during the night or in the morning when I was packing up. I did a little better today as I hit the trail by 8:30. Last night there were 4 of us tenting and 7 in the shelter. George, Jake, Rich & Diane, ATwanabe, Border Reiver, Spunky, Hamlet and Marge.It was a short hike up 800 ft to Blood Mtn. The word is it got its name from an indian battle which of course was particularly bloody. I did the 2 miles up in about an hour. Actually, the hike down was more difficult but still wasn't that bad. Arrived at Walasi-Yi by 11:30. I'm sitting here doing my wash while I'm entering this. Almost every thru-hiker stops here. They take your picture, and have a register to sign. They have a 12 bunk hostel where I'm staying plus cabins. The cabins were filled when I got here and the bunks filled up by 1:30. Everyone who was at Woods Hole last night is here except Margie, she had to go to another hostel. We're going into town for dinner tonight. The hostel has a TV, phone, sink, microwave. I showered and shaved and it feels so good to get cleaned up. The weather channel shows rain all this week so this may be the first test of my resolution. The temps are supposed to stay warm so it could be worse.Personal message: All of you in the office pool that bet I wouldn't get past Hawk Mtn lose.
Date: 2003-03-18
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 5 Weather: Cold steady drizzle, then rain, then drizle.The hostel took two vans full out to dinner last night. There were 9 of us in a 7 passenger van that needed a new muffler. We went to a place called "The Cookie Jar" for an AYCE buffet for $5.99 and that included the beverage. The food was pretty good. I ate at a table with Jake, George and Border Reiver. He is kind of "down in the dumps" as his hiking partner from England had to leave the Trail with a hip fracture (and return to England.) Got back to the hostel and called Julia. Things seem to be going pretty well at home. Didn't sleep that well but it doesn't seem to effect my energy during the hike.Had another great hike today except for the weather. Best start yet as I was on the trail at 7 a.m. I was 7th out of the hostel and the 1st to arrive at Low Gap Shelter at noon. Upon leaving Neels the trail climbed 650' to Levelland Mtn. (3,942') It later passed over Cowrock Mtn. (3842'). About half way I met up with L.T. and E-Dogg both in Trailjournals. E-Dogg fell behind while L.T. and I hiked on. A very nice girl who hopes to start grad school this fall. At the shelter E-Dogg showed up in a few minutes and we all fixed ourselves a hot lunch. I had hot cocoa and creamed asparagus over my alcohol stove. I am beginnig to like my stove. The best thing about it is it weighs nothing. Oh BTW I weighed my pack leaving Neels Gap and it was 32.5 #. That was with 3 days food. Some are packing way too much food and paying the price. George said he had 10 days supply. Hikers were still coming in with 50# plus packs. They will pay with their knees.Almost everyone leaving Neels is staying here as the next shelter is 7 additional miles and it is raining. In the shelter is a Frenchman (who doesn't speak English), Jake (new trail name Mule) & George, Spunky, Goldberry, and a couple of others. There will be plenty of tenters. Hamlet is already set up outside. About this shelter, The Thru-hiker's Companion says, "a 2000 hiker reported waking to a black bear straddling him."The hike felt great today and I would have done more miles and stealth camped if the weather had been better. Tomorrow's leg is about 15 miles, my longest so far. I plan to stop at Tray Mtn.Thought for the Day: "I didn't have a TFTD yesterday."
Date: 2003-03-19
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: moderate rain

Day 6 Weather: Same as yesterday except worse. Rain, when not raining drizzle. Cooler on mountain tops.Slept in the shelter last night to avoid setting up tearing down tent in the rain. However, had mice visitors in the shelter. I slept next to right wall with my pack hung above me. The pack had no food as it is hung on bear cables outside. Also, you leave the pack open so the mice won't chew their way in. I was awake at midnight when I heard one in my pack. I shined my headlamp on it, shook the pack, and saw it run out. In the morning, Mule and George said there were several in their boots. There were more around. I'm still glad I stayed inside as it rained most of the night and into the morning.This was my longest day of hiking. Seemed like more climbing which I handled well in the morning. Climbed Blue Mtn. (4,025') and Rocky Mtn. (4,017') and finally Tray Mtn. (4,430'). I hiked for several miles with Goldberry, a young lady also on Trailjournals. She is also packing light at around 30#. She has a tarp for a portable shelter which she doesn't like, so she tries to get to the shelters before they fill up. We stopped for lunch at Blue Mtn. shelter and it was cold. Two young men were there and they talked about what a cold windy shelter it was to sleep in. We ate quickly and moved on. Just as we were getting ready to leave, in comes Spunky who has stayed with us at the last couple of sheters, a real nice kid. Soon Goldberry moved on ahead without me. Tray Mtn. was the next shelter and I was whipped when I limped in around 4 p.m. in the rain. The shelter was full so I tented which I didn't regret since I sleep better in the tent. Cooked Lipton noodles in the rain, next to Ben, a young man who was out hiking a section just to get into shape. Didn't meet the others who were in bed by 6 p.m.   It was dark before I finished eating and cleaned up. Went to bed, and although I woke up several times listening to the rain storm, slept better than the previos nights.I was so tired I didn't enter this journal entry until the next evening.Thought for the Day: I can't always hike without getting tired. ------------------------------
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Tray Mountain

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Day 7Weather: More of the same s... Rainy, breezy and cold on the mountains. Fog, so no views... just trudging along... but hasn't altered my spirit! Got up at daybreak after sleeping in the tent listening to it rain all night. Actually, slept better than in the shelters. Packed and on the trail by 8:30. Ate cold snacks for breakfast and lunch. Same dreary hike but I was still enjoying being on the trail. Hiked alone all day, passed Dag & Mag, Ben, Border Reiver and two others. Met two nice young men hiking SOBO who said, "Praise the Lord" when I told them they only had less than 100' to climb. Yes,the trail seemed more difficult with many PUDS (pointles ups and downs) and longer climbs up the mountains. Climbed Powell Mtn. (3850') Didn't stop at Deep Gap Shelter as it was just cold and windy and I wanted to get done for the day.When I got to Dick's Creek Gap 3 other thru-hikers were trying to hitch to Blueberry Patch Hostel. They weren't having any luck. Then here comes Ben who was parked there. He gave me and another hiker a ride to Blueberry Patch. I picked up my drop box (thanks Dave!). Since the place was filling up fast Ben gave me ride to town where I got this luxurious room at the Holiday Inn for $59. I first did my wash; laid out my tent and gear to dry; took a shower; and went out to the AYCE buffet next door. By the time I did all that it was 6:30. So, here I am doing my journal. The weather forecast for tomorrow is for clearing and 70's. That will be a welcomed change!Saw in the motel register where Beesknees and her husband stayed here yesterday. I'm debating whether to take a zero day as my next shelter is 11.6 miles away and I won't be getting out of here much before noon. If the weather's nice, I could always "stealth camp."For those of you who would like, you can e-mail me at skeemer@pocketmail.com. I can receive your message whenever I get to a phone. Your guest book entries I can't read until I get to a computer.I just remembered, one of my co-workers gave me a coupon for 10% off the 2170 AT miles. Does that mean I only have to hike 1953 miles to be considered a thru-hiker?Thought for the Day: Motels are nice!
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muscrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 8 miles: 11.3 Total Miles 78.4Weather: Fantastic! Finally, some great hiking weather. Low 60's Mostly sunny. Very cool evening.Was going to take a zero day and move out to the Blueberry Hostel that is reported to be so hiker friendly, but the weather was just too nice. Had a great breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express; called my parents; bought some crackers at the shopping plaza next door; packed up and hitched back out to the trail.At breakfast met the nicest guy from Hot Springs AK who has been hiking the Trail on and off. His trail name is "Trail Boss" and we must have talked for an hour. BTW, this is a great place to stay, very well managed and very hiker friendly.When I finally hit the road I got a ride in 5 minutes from a great young man, Mike. He had done work in Ohio and is quite familiar with Cedar Point Amusement Park. We had a great chat and it sounds like he would like to do the Trail someday. Thanks again Mike!I was on the Trail and hiking by 11 a.m. Waiting where I got on was Melissa, a young lady from Canada. She seemed a little down as the guy she had been with (Rog) got ahead of her. We hiked together for the rest of the morning and had a nice chat.She is a trained dietician but did not enjoy her work experience so far.Stopped at Plum Orchard for lunch; met Weeds and Gator two NOBO's. We passed each other during the day and met up at the GA NC state line where we took each other's pictures. It was great to get Georgia behind us. Just after leaving the shelter at lunch, there was Melissa getting water. A few minutes down the Trail I came upon Rog who was hiking fast, trying to catch up with Melissa. He hadn't gotten off at the shelter. When I told him Melissa was back there, he dropped his pack and started to run back.I didn't think the Trail in Georgia was that bad.Actually, just after crossing Bly Gap into NC the Trail climbed steeply over 800'. I almost stopped and tented with Mule and George but went on ahead to Muskrat Creek. Also, passed Goldberry who was camped along the Trail with 5 or so other hikers. She asked me to stop but I went on.   There was no water and I wanted to stay on track.Got to Muskrat Creek after 5 p.m. and just had enough time to set up and fix dinner...Kraft mac & cheese.Here tonight in the shelter are Dag & Mag, Border Riever (Lynn), Fido Dido, Just Do It, and one other. Tenting are Myself, Just An Echo, a couple..Jeanie & Drifter Bird, plus Weed and Gator. Just an Echo was tented next to me and not only snored loudly (I could hear him through my earplugs.) but he talked in his sleep.   I did not sleep well again. I guess it will come in time. It is not my pad or bag, I just can't stop thinking. Maybe its still the excitement of it all.It was great to have hiking weather!Thought for the Day: What a difference a day makes!
Date: 2003-03-22
From: Muscrat Creek Shelter

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

Day 9 Weather: Partly Cloudy Cool mornings Highs in low 60's. Great hiking weather which we deserve.I had a great attitude all day today although I was one of the last to break camp. I think I got moving about 8:30. Once I get going I move along pretty well. In the morning I passed 3 young people, Disco, Glide and Otter who are hiking together. Otter got his name because he likes hiking in the rain. Right! Otter and I hiked together for an hour or so. Nice guy. I felt bad cause he is suffering with a knee problem. Says he is eating ibruprofin and is going to see a doctor in Franklin. All 3 are packing light...in the 30# range. Had a mid morning break with Just An Echo.   This guy's a character..who I get a kick out of. He's the recovering alcoholic with a heart condition who has hiked the Trail every year for the past 10 years. He always answers questions about the Trail in such a "logical" way. Anyway, joining us was a local named Bodine.   A really great guy that hiked with me up to Standing Indian Mtn. (5498') We had a great chat. I tell you, the locals so far have been just as nice as the "trail family." On Standing Indian we were joined by two other locals, Tim and Chris who had lunch with us. Took some pictures. Oh yeah, I believe it was Tim that was hiking with a beautiful black lab, MoJo. MoJo wanted some of my crunchy Jif on crackers that was $2 for 4.5 ounces. No way!Made good time along some great ridges and arrived at Carter Gap at 10 till 3. Guess who was sitting there basking in the sun? Yeh, Goldberry! And I'm debating whether to camp here or go on. Here she is again telling me to stay.....I finally figured it out...she is trying to beat me to Katahdin!   Here I am trying to have a nice liesurely hike and she has to go and make a competition out of it. Remember, she's the one that started out with 3 others and left them in the dust the first day. So now, she's worried about this "old guy" outpacing her.   I'll beat her out of camp in the morning!   Anyway, I stayed and am glad I did as there must have been over 20 or so hikers between the 2 shelters here....and a lot tenting. Let's see how many I can name. First, Mule & Driver are tented next to me.   These guys are great and a lot of fun! Also, Dag & Mag, Border Riever, Fido Dido, Otter, Disco, Glide, Drifter, Radio Shack, Tripod, Cobra & Splash. At dinner, I had this fancy 2 serving freeze dried chicken stew. I just didn't have the appetite to eat it all. Good thing Mule was there...he finished mine, his own Ramon's and someone else's meal. I worry that he is not getting enough to eat.Feeling great except I can't sleep. Have good energy though and am not tired.Thought for the Day: Trail friendships are forming.
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Franklin NC

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 11 Weather: Weather is gorgeous! Blue sky temps in 70¢s and I¢m laying around in town. I¢ll pay for this.I get up around six after sleeping about 50% of the night. Still couldn¢t fall asleep until after midnight. Did get to talk to Julia who says there is something moving around in the attic at home. Probably raccoons¢¦we had them last year when the roof plywood buckled and raised the shingle enough to them in. Gonna have to call the exterminator. (the humane exterminator)After several orange juices, coffee, a couple of muffins I go back to the room and call Mule & Driver. They come out and we go next door to The Huddle House where we all have the 3-egg combo special. I have 3 over easy, hash browns, bacon, sausage gravy & biscuits and coffee for $5.99. Anyway, I go to treat since Driver bought dinner last night.   I find out they don¢t take credit cards. I have plenty of cash, but Driver insists on buying. These guys are too much! They were planning on moving on around noon today, but when I see them later at the library, they have decided to zero here also. Good, I can take them to dinner tonight. After breakfast we go back to my room where I show them my ¢hiking plan¢ that I did on excel. It sounds like we may be hiking together for awhile. I hope so cause these guys are a lot of fun. We all meet up at the library. The Librarian is very nice as she let me use the house phone to send my pocketmail entry. This is the first time she had seen it and thought it was cool. I check in while Mule & Driver are already on the computers. Since this is a zero day I thought I¢d comment on my gear. I am really happy with the way things are going so far. I seem to have lucked out and have just the right stuff. It¢s been only 10 days but I love my tent, bag and boots. I have a routine down where almost everything is being used except the first aid kit and a few incidentals. I have had no feet problems what-so-ever for which I am so grateful. The one thing I am doing that is not done by a lot of thru-hikers is shaving when I get to town. The traditional thing to do is to grow a beard. I¢d rather not, especially when the weather turns warm. My pack weight is good and for all of you that may be planning a hike, I recommend going as light as you can.   I want to thank again all of the ¢02 hikers I followed. I feel like I am well prepared. Before I forget, thanks to everyone that has e-mailed and/or signed my guest book. I do enjoy hearing from you. I almost feel guilty, taking this day off. I¢ve heard other hikers say how they enjoy the comforts of town, but look forward to returning to the Trail. Ditto. Thoughts for the Day: Zero days are great cause you can¢t eat too much.Also, where is Goldberry?
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: light rain

Day 13 Weather: Not bad, A little cloudy, afternoon threat of scattered showers, then clearing.This was a short hiking day as I "overhiked" yesterday and this was the planned stop for today. I was the 2nd to last to break camp and leave the shelter. I wasn't in any hurry. Had Oatmeal and hot chocolate for breakfast. Slept a little better last night, probably due to the 20+ day yesterday.The hike had some nice views and I still love hiking the ridge lines. Although my feet were sore in bed for a couple of hours last night, everything seemed back to normal today. I was a little tired and lacked the energy I had yesterday.Got to the NOC just before 11 where I got a room in a beautiful lodge cabin on the Trail. Had lunch in the cafe with other thru-hikers, Just Do It, Sam, Fremont, Coyote, Chameleon, Splash and Cobra. Had a great 1/3# bacon cheeseburger. While waiting for the motel office to re-open from lunch so I could get my pack, Mule & Driver and Border Riever show up. They get a room next to me and we're all going out to dinner tonight since there are no restaurants open here past 3. (It's out of season) Also saw Fido Dido who seemed in good spirits. Dag & Mag get a mail drop here with tons of food. So they give most of it to us. I take only a few things as part of my success is not packing too much food. Thanks Dag & Mag!One of the new hikers I met at lunch was Fremont. He lost his wallet a ways back. However, he got it back in tact when another hiker, Chameleon, found it and turned it over right away. Last year, Two Scoops was injured and had to leave his pack on the Trail for two weeks. He returned to the Trail and found it completely in tact. How great is that!No sign of Goldberry today.Thought for the Day: I'll enjoy the lodges and motels when I can. There will be plenty of tents and shelters to come.
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 15 Another Great Day!Weather: Similar to yesterday, Cloudy start, more sun in the p.m. High in the 70's. Warm in the sun.Everyone (except Sleeping Beauty of course) was up at day break. I didn't feel like cooking so had a cold breakfast. Mule, Driver and Riever pull out and I leave about 20 minutes later around 7:30. It seemed like the Trail climbed on and off most of the morning. The early climb was to Stecoah Gap (3,165') It was a tough slow climb without a lot of swithbacks. I didn't catch Mule and company until Brown Fork Gap Shelter where we all stopped for a morning snack.I read the shelter register and again there are entries from Melissa and John. More of the same slander from John. This time he is comparing me the NY marathon runner that cheated and took the subway. He said I would do anything to beat Goldberry to Maine...like take trains, planes or cars. Melissa was begging me to catch them as John is "driving" her to hike too many miles." Of course, I had to defend myself in the register.Mule, Driver, Riever and I hiked together the rest of the day. It seemed as tough a trail as we've had recently so I wasn't hiking at my normal pace. We reached Cable Gap Shelter where we decided to stay in the shelter since no one else was here and there may be rain tonight and tomorrow. Our plan is to get up and hike to Fontana Dam where we have reservations at the Hike Inn for tomorrow night. After that we enter the Smokies which is famous for changeable weather.It looks like Fremont will be moving on after stopping for dinner here.For dinner I'm having creamy potatoe cheddar soup with bacon bits. Also, some tuna with Miracle Whip on crackers. We've had such great weather this week. The next couple of days could be cold, even with snow. Can't complain.Thought for the Day: It's been nice while it lasted.