morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-18
From: Tesnatee Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Word of the day: southboundI actually hiked this south instead of north. My hiking buddy and I did a short day yesterday in the snow. When she decided to zero today, I decided to slackpack (hike with an almost empty pack) and make up some miles. It was a gorgeous sunny day and the miles passed quickly. I had to hike southbound because the shuttle could not take me back to where I got off   Characters of the Day: Bones and Snuffleuphagus (?)Bones was wearing a purple bandana, and I was wearing my amazing purple rain pants, so we hit it off right away. He is tall and thin (thus the name), and should be fun to hike with. (Update: Bones summited Katahdin on August 12th)Snuffy is a big guy, who does big miles. He is from Maryland, and doesn't say much.
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Word of the Day: HousekeepingThere is a housekeeping routine that develops in the life of each hiker. Each morning, you carefully pack up your pack, eat or not, then head on for your eight or so hours of hiking. When you arrive in camp, you stake your claim to your territory by placing your tent in a good spot, or laying your sleeping bag, if sheltering. Tent spots are important. Look for one out of the wind, and flat. Otherwise, you freeze or roll downhill all night. Once that is done, you go for water, and either filter or treat it. Then you must change into warm clothes and Crocs (light weight camp shoes. After that, it's time to prepare dinner, eat, and clean up. Of course once that is done, you must hang your food bag up to keep bears and other critters out. Now we settle in around a fire until hiker midnight (6:30 or 7) when we climb into our sleeping bags for the evening. Trail Characters of the Day: Vision Quest and Butterfly MoonVision Quest is a beautiful black woman in her 30s. She usually hikes alone, but is always in the area at night. She likes to come in early for a nap so Wyatt calls her "Sleepy Seed". She is quiet and well spoken. Her educational background is in the social sciences. She hopes to meet a man of similar interests and get married some day. (Update: Vision Quest persevered in her hike, summiting Katahdin in September)Butterfly Moon is a pretty twenty-something with long red hair. She seems to prefer shelters to tenting. I am just getting to know her, but she is interesting. (Update: Butterfly Mood got off the trail due to injury in June)
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Word of the Day: CommitmentI meant what I said, and I said what I meant, a Red Hat is faithful, one hunerd percent! (apologies to Dr. Zeuss) Everyone from Tray said the smartest thing to do was hike to Deep Gap, camp for the night, then go in to Hiawassee Monday Morning for a Nero (near zero day). But somewhere down the mountain things changed and everyone headed into town. I had started early so I got to Deep Gap around 1:00. Would Mother Goose want to head into town? I didn't know, so I waited for her. And I waited.... About 3:30, I headed down to the shelter and pitched my tent. I set about doing the nightly chores. I was eating my dinner about 4:45 when she came into camp, without her pack. She wanted to head to town! So I packed up my gear and we hiked. It was dark by the time we reached the gap, and we managed to get a ride into town. So here we are in Hiawassee.Characters of the Day: Curtis Hall (Phoenix) and Turtle (#2)Curtis is my hiking buddy from Warren Doyle's class. When we arrived in Hiawassee, he was here at the Hiawassee Inn. He hurt his knees and spent a week or so here resting up. (Update: Phoenix struggled on for nearly 1000 miles, eventually getting off trail as a sectioner) Turtle is also here at the Hiawassee Inn. He has been helping Ron and Sam (owners) take care of the place. He is not sure when he will move on. By the way, he is turtle#2, because I already met Turtle#1, aka Larry of the Larry, Curly, and Moe group. But that's a story for another day....
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Word of the day: zeroAs in zero miles on the AT today. But I did walk all over Hiawassee. First I went to the RiteAid and had my pictures put on a CD. Then over to the library to update my journal. Next to Ingles for resupply. Then back to the motel to split my food and to the post office to mail half to Fontana. I got back in time for lunch with Sam and Ron at the Hiawassee Inn. When you stay here, you get breakfast in their kitchen. And, if you are lucky, you may also get lunch and dinner. At the Hiawassee Inn hikers are like family.Trail characters of the day: Bohdi and Sunrise screamer. They are two young twenty somethings. Bohdi knows the Bible, but is not offensive. Sunrise screamer has a sore ankle and must stay behind to see the doctor tomorrow.   It was a pleasure to meet them.
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Word of the day: celebrateHiking the AT is all about small celebrations. I usually plan 2 or 3 goals to celebrate each day. Today's main goal was entering North Carolina. About 2 pm it started to rain, thunder and lightening. I did not get to celebrate entering my second state. I was busy looking for a place to pitch my tent! But I celebrated in the morning, when I managed to stay mostly dry. Others were not so lucky.Characters of the day: Raz and JakeThese two young men are from Kentucky. They are intelligent, interesting young men. They were running to the shelter 3 miles past where I camped. Heard later that they were numbers 12 and 13 in Muscrat creek shelter that night. Jake slept on the table. (Update: Jake and Raz became Bruce Moose and Bruce Spruce and shocked everyone when they got off at Harper's Ferry in June)
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

Word of the day: SHELTERUp until today, I have camped in my tent. I have heard stories of mice in the shelters. But today, my tent is too wet and muddy from the storm yesterday. So it is my first night in a shelter. Now there are only five of us so we don't have to worry about the shelter Nazi. It seems that several days ago, after giving a lecture on how one should always make room in a shelter, an unnamed person (NOW known as Shelter Nazi) forced a hiker to sleep under the shelter when he thought it was too full. Beware, and carry a tent.Trail character of the day: RADIO AND KRAZY KATYAnother young couple, these two have not yet been in town. They are beginning to crave McDonalds dollar menu and talk of it a great deal. I enjoyed spending my first shelter night with them. PS no mice! (Update: Krazy Katy and Radio summited Katahdin on September 13th)
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Word of the day : magicToday was a magic day. I planned on a 7 mile day, but was there by 11am. So I went on. Just when I was thinking of stopping for the afternoon, I happened upon a huge tent with trail magic! Burritos and soda. Terry and Barry, who formerly managed the Rainbow springs campground have set up permanent trail magic. They have their RV parked, tents everywhere, a huge fire with a tripod and a saw for a stove. It was amazing! Well after that, I felt so good thaI climbed Albert mountain. There at the shelter was Springer Fever with oranges, beer, and snack cakes. Double trail magic...characters of the day: Terry, Barry, and Springer Fever trail angels.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Word of the day hundredToday I have gone 106.8 miles on the AT. Headed into Franklin for resupply. Taking it easy.Characters of the day: Skylark and Turtle #1I met turtle way back at the hiker hostle. He was part of a threesome aka the three unstooges that hiked together for a while. A tall, gray haired,distinguished gentleman from Arizona, he pushed on. Tomorrow he returns home. Sorry to see you go.Skylark is a fortysomething grandmother who looks quite young. She has real heart and keeps on going even when in pain. Not ready for a zero, she moved on this afternoon. Hopefully, I'll catch up to her again. (Update: I think Skylark got off trail in Pennsylvania, but I have not been able to confirm that yet)
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Campsite past Wayah Bald
Miles today: 10.5

Word of the day: colorSince I began, most everything has been brown. The few exceptions being green rhododendrons, blue birds, and my purple and red attire. Today was the first day of real color. Periwinkles and Purple trilliums began to pop up, showing that spring is really here. Once I climbed up Wayah Bald(pronounced why uh bald - which is a good question, really --, I looked down into a valley of greens, surrounded by crystal blue skies. It was beautiful.Trail characters of the day: Snowman and Icicle. We met in town(Franklin)last night. This thirtyish husband and wife are from Wales. Icicle is actually American, but has picked up her husband's accent. Today she stays behind to head to Florida to see family, while Snowman hikes on. He jokingly tells people that Icicle melted. (Update: Snowman summited Katahdin on September 27th)
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Campsite past Wayah Bald

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Word of the day :HYOHThis is not a true word, but an acronym for hike your own hike. Some people hike too fast, or too many miles to keep up with friends. Today, a young hiker went to the hospital, discovered she was losing her toenails, then hiked 16 miles into the dark with her buddies. Others hike too slow or do fewer miles to stay with friends. This is not as difficult, but is frustrating. Your body tells you how much is right. Today, I hit th selter before 2:00pm. My mind could do the 5.5 miles into the NOC and have a warm, dry bed for the night. My body, on the other hand had just done 11 miles and could go no further. As much as I would have liked to hike in and catch up with friends, I had to hike my own hike. Listen to your body.Trail characters of the day: Dorothy and TOTOI must admit, when I saw the names in registers, I thought it was a woman and her dog. But when we met, it turned out to be Diana and Mike Duhl whom I had met on TRAILJOURNALS. They are about my age (mid to late 50s) and are from Ohio, near WV. Toto has to return to work, but Dorothy plans to keep right on going. (Update: Dorothy hiked on alone until I joined her in June. After I left, she kept going alone until Toto rejoined her in July. They proceeded together through the White Mountains. At Gorham, NH, in agony, they decided to go home and save the last till next year.Amazing job, you two!)
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

Word of the day: whitewaterNantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is a whitewater rafter's paradise. There are guided trips, rentals, bicycling, rope courses, cabins, bunks in basecamp, an outfitter, and of course, food. Trail characters of the day: Rabbit and OdyssaI happened upon these two hikers in the restaurant at NOC. Rabbit just stopped by for lunch, then hiked on to the next shelter. Odyssa is staying in the same bunkhouse I am in. She sees the trail as an Odyssey of sorts, thus the name. These two young hikers are big milers, flying down the trail. (Update: Odyssa - Jennifer Pharr Davis - completed her second thruhike in 2008, setting a women's record of 58 days - talk about fast!) Hope I see them again!
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Word of the Day: ClimbI heard it said that there should be a sign on the GA/NC line saying "welcome to North Carolina, now CLIMB SUCKER!" Well, that sign would apply here as well. There is only one way out of the Nantahala Outdoor Center - UP! Characters of the Day: Rocky, Hare Ball, and Creaky BonesRocky is a forty-something nurse from New Hampshire. She is a steady hiker with a great sense of humor. I really enjoy hiking with her.Hare Ball is a fiftyish? retired government worker from California. She wears all wool, which she says has no odor. (good to know!) Her name comes from 1. she was born in the year of the hare and 2. she says on the trail she looks like something a cat spit up. (Update: Hareball summited September 28th)Creaky Bones is a sixty something from Texas. We had met here on TJ and corresponded about hiking together for prep, but it never worked out. I was so glad to finally meet her. She has some achilles problems, and will be taking a day or two here at NOC to heal. (Update: Creaky Bones went home with her injury after hiking to Fontana)
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Locust Cove Gap

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

Word of the Day: BlowdownA blowdown is, of course, when a tree is downed by wind, storm, lightning, or combination. Today was the day I saw the most blowdowns. There are several ways of getting around them. One way, if possible, is simply to walk around. That is not possible when the mountain is steep and your are looking down a huge drop off. So, next you can try to go over it. That is pretty easy if all you have is a trunk. Climb up, and over, simple. But then there is the third kind of blowdown. That is what I saw today. The whole tree, limbs, and branches are covering your path. No way around, no way over, so you try to climb under in the space provided by the limbs. Take off your pack, crawl through, then pull the pack through the mud behind you, pick it up, put it on and off you go again. This was my day today.Trail Characters of the Day: Arthur and MaryArthur is a sixty-one year old gentleman from Massachusetts. He and his wife, Mary have hiked together for years. However, now she is not able to hike, so she slackpacks him. They have a commercial type van with a bed in the back. She drops him off in the morning, then waits and visits with the hikers. This morning she gave us juice as we came to the road crossing. Then about midday, she drives around to the designated meeting place and waits for Arthur to show up. She drives hikers who need a ride, and makes sure everyone is cared for. I was really pleased to meet Arthur and Mary. Hope to see them up in Massachusetts.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Inn
Miles today: 5.5

Word of the Day: WeatherGetting through the Smokies means watching the weather. I awoke to an unexpected storm this morning. We had pitched our tents in the shelter area, since it had been such a beautiful day yesterday. Surprise! We slipped and slid in the mud for the 5.5 miles down to Fontana. I was pleased to get a ride with Mary and Arthur, who took me up to the Fontana Inn. I checked in for the night, found the storm would be a couple of days and signed up for a second night. No sense starting the Smokies in a storm! Anyway, gives me a chance to catch up my journal.Trail Characters of the day: Mala and SeikoWhile waiting for my laundry, up comes Mala and his beautiful black dog. He sat down and began to swap trail stories. Seems he follows the pack of hikers north and cooks for them every year. He is a trail legend of sorts. When we heard that the stove was not working at the Fontana Inn and dinner would be cold sandwiches, he "kidnapped" us (me, Hareball, and Rocky) and took us to Robbinsville for dinner. Thanks Mala!Seiko is also a trail legend. This quiet, unassuming gentleman had hiked some 15000-20000 miles on the AT. He does not brag or boast, he just hikes. He visited a bit at the laundry, then quietly moved on. A pleasure to meet your Seiko!
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Fontana Hwy 28

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: moderate rain

Word of the day: "April Fool"The plan was to do the short slackpack this morning and wait out the big thunderstorm expected this afternoon and evening. Our slack was great and we were done in about 45 minutes. Then we waited for the storm that never came. Mother Nature said "April Fool!"Trail characters of the day: Kutsa and MontrealThis couple met while hiking in 2002. He is from Quebec, while she is from Israel. They married after the 02 hike and decided to do it again this year. (HIKE, NOT GET MARRIED)
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Fontana Dam

To: Shuckshack and back again
Miles today: 0.0

Word of the day : adventureAfter yesterday's joke, we awoke to light rain this morning. No big deal, it was to clear by afternoon. SO, off seven hikers went. Slowly the rain changed to sleet, then snow, as we climbed. Kutsa and Montreal were the first to turn back. Then up came Snowman, from behind us. He was thrilled with the weather and playfully led us on. The snow got deeper, and the wind blew harder as we climbed on. By the time we reached Shuckshack, drifts were nearly two feet. We were nearing the campground where we planned to stay when the Ridgerunner came up to us. He informed us that snow would rip our tents at the campsite so we could either turn back or co tinue 6 more miles to the shelter. Snow drifts were 4 ft at the shelter and winds were 60mph. Tough decision...forward could be dangerous, but turning around meant our hike had been in vain. Snowman, Rocky, and Hare ball decided to go on. Double Healer, Mother Goose, and myself turned around. Going back down was wet, slippery, and disheartening. But, I know we made a wise decision. The Smokys can be treacherous. This hike will wait for another day. Actual mileage: 8+ miles. Net AT miles : 0Trail characters of the day: Bruce Spruce and Bruce MoosePreviously known as Jake and Raz, in a different life, these familiar faces showed up at Fontana today. Sure was good to see them again. As for the name change, it had something to do with another Raz on the trail.   (Update: as previously said, they went home after Harper's Ferry)
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Fontana Inn

To: Fontana Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Word of the day: cookoutEveryone here is waiting out the weather. It looks beautiful, but we see the snow up on the mountain and remember yesterday. So, Bruce Spruce gets the great idea to cook hot dogs in the fireplace here at the inn. Several of us purchase hot dogs, buns, chili, cheese, chips and we have a hiker cookout. What a blast! Then Brownie donates some chocolate and we make fondue. A good time for our zero today.Trail characters of the day: Bearbait and DominoThese two rolled in with the two Bruces (who will always be Jak and Raz to me). Bearbait is probably 50+ and I remember him from the first week. He was carrying over 50 lbs. Now his pack is much lighter.Domino is another of the 20+ group. He is full of smiles. Great cookout, guys!
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Smoky Mountain National Park

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Word of the day: mudWhat comes after the blizzard and a day of snow melt? Mud and slush, 10.6 miles of mud and slush... and I've already hiked 4 of them north and south! I crawled into the shelter, glad to not have to pitch my tent. I was glad to finally leave Fontana after 4 days.Trail characters of the day: Jakebrake and LowgearThis fifty something couple I met back before Hiawassee, but had not seen them since. They came into Fontana while I was there. Then we left about the same time. They went on to the next shelter. Such is the ebb and flow of the trail.
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derricks Knob
Miles today: 11.7

Word of the day: rockytopI was not singing when I climbed "Old Rockytop". It was a hard day, with one foot in Tennessee mud, and the other in North Carolina mud. The views were great. I stopped frequently for rest breaks. When I finally reached the shelter, Raz got my water, I pitched my tent and crashed.Trail characters of the day: Rainman and FirestarterRainman is a hiker from whiteblaze.com who was sectioning with his nephew. He was collecting photos of hikers to post. Firestarter got his name from the great fire last night. Today he and his uncle were shooting for Silar's bald. We said goodbye at Derricks Knob. See you on the internet!
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Derricks Knob

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Word of the day: respectAfter three days (four if you count Saturday) in these mountains, I will never again refer casually to the "Smokies". They are, and forever shall be "The Great Smoky Mountains". They have my respect.Trail characters of the day: Freedom, Serenity,and ThatchMore younguns, these are three of the many vegetarians on the trail. Freedom is from Florida. She laughs all the time. Serenity is from Philadelphia. She does yoga. Thatch is from Pittsburg. He manages to make great sandwiches with different items like french fries.  (Update: Serenity, Freedom, and Thatch eventually joined up with Scholar, Poet, and Living Free forming "The Pod". They expect to summit on October 8th)
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Word of the day: JosieI headed up to Clingman's Dome thinking about my granddaughter's birthday tomorrow. I haven't talked much about my family. Besides my very loving and patient husband, I have two concerned parents, three shocked grown children, and five beautiful grandchildren. The youngest, Josie, is one year old tomorrow. She is named for my grandmother, Josie, known to all as Mama Jo. Mama Jo would have made a great Red Hat. She would have loved the trail. She shocked her little Texas town when she bobbed her hair as a young woman. She worked at Ellington Field during the war. Her spirit of adventure is alive. So this morning,thinking of my grandmother, I climbed a mountain and dedicated it to my granddaugher. Happy first birthday, Josie. Characters of the day: Everyone in Gatlinburg After reaching the gap, I decided that I needed a trip to town to dry out. When I got to the Happy Hiker, Jake and Domino were sitting outside. Jake's mom had rented a cabin for the weekend. Tonight Bassline, Jake, Raz, G, Lulu, Domino, Touk, Serenity, Scholar, are here with Jake's mom, sister, and a couple of others. Just chillin'.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Word of the Day: EvergreenFor several days I have been amazed by the huge evergreens in the forest. It is darker and denser than I have seen. Reminds me of Frost's "The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have miles before I sleep." The smell is like Christmas. The NPS employee who gave me a ride into Gatlinburg told me that these trees only grow above 5000 ft.Trail Characters of the day: Gypsy Lulu, Gypsy Touk, and BasslineThese three are a wonderful group of young people. Bassline is a musician from Oklahoma. The Gypsy sisters are from Michigan. They sing down the trail. Lulu plays a small flute in the evenings. They truly make hiking with them a pleasure. (Update: Bassline went home after more than 1000 miles. The Gypsy Sisters persevered and summited Katahdin on September 28th)