morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Blue Mountain shelter

To: Tray Mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

We wanted to make it a bit farther today but my feet were too tired after two significant mtn climbs: Rocky mtn and Tray mtn. It was all either up or down, no flats. We also had a late start this morning but it all payed off because we were able to get to Unicoi gap for some trail magic. A family was serving food to through-hikers. I had an egg, veggie burger, popcorn, garlic bread, juice and a banana. I've definitely gotten hungrier!We're tenting at Tray mtn shelter with about 7 other tenters. There are some nice views here and the sunset was quite spectacular! (even from the privy!)
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Tray Mountain shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

The sun has been out here for the last couple of days which has been nice. Last night was clear with an incredibly bright moon light. I finally slept fairly well (stayed warm and only woke up a few times). All of us at or near the shelter were awoken by the strangest owl noise I've ever heard.Today's hike was tough because there was a pretty steep climb and then several miles of downhill to get down to the road. My feet are still adjusting and are a bit sore from the superfeet insoles. I also think i'll be losing a couple of toenails.When we made it to the road, another thru hiker (Naptime) was waiting for a shuttle into Hiawassee so we were able to jump in and share the cost. We resupplied at the grocery (I bought way too much food) and I bought a new water filter since mine was still being finicky. Naptime, Liz and I were able to split the cost of a really cheap motel room (Hiawassee Inn). We have a huge room with a kitchen. Supermax also needed a place to stay so she is joining us. We got to do our laundry here for free!I had about a liter of orange juice, a giant salad and hot pocket for dinner. I'm showered with clean clothes and it sure feels nice!
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Hiawassee

To: Muscrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Today was tough! I felt like we hiked uphill all day! Top that off with the ridiculous amount of food we were carrying because we didn't want to have to stop in the next town and boy, today was quite the workout!We left the Hiawassee Inn at 11am and hit the trail at 11:30am. It was hot and sunny (the high temp in Hiawassee was supposed to reach 85 degrees). There was a prescribed burn in the area and the smoke clouded the sun a bit which was helpful. We reached the GA/NC border at about 4pm and pressed on to the shelter. Up, up, and up we went.Finally we made it! I had just enough energy to make dinner and set up my tent. Then it was finally time to bear bag for the first time. This is the first shelter we've been to that doesn't have the provided bear cables. Liz and I hung our food together and I'm not quite sure if it's regulation-worthy but I suppose we'll find out tomorrow!There's about 15 people or so staying here tonight. We are finally starting to see some new faces. It's pretty buggy here so some people built a fire. We chatted with some folks and were off to bed.As I write, I can hear the sounds of mice rustling in the leaves near my tent and the very loud chirping of a peculiar bird. It's only 9:30pm but I'm pretty sure I'm ready for bed.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Muscrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

The dreaded entry...Every day since I bought my new shoes and insoles at Neel's Gap, my feet have been sore. I just thought that I was still breaking them in. Well, today started out like any other day on the trail. I was feeling good, some foot pain, but good and strong. It was still very hot and sunny (and quite buggy). We hiked over Standing Indian Mountain (the highest point on the AT yet), which was nice and gradual. The trail was a bit rocky, which I found to be very irritating to my feet.All was going well, and then... my left arch started to hurt more than the normal pain. I took out the insole from my left shoe, thinking that might relieve the pain. It did not and the last 2 miles to the shelter were quite painful!It's surreal having to think that I might have to leave the trail so soon. I hate to admit that it might be a stress fracture (possibly avoided with proper insoles with a lower arch). I don't know what is going to happen next. I don't even know if I should try to make it the next 12-15 miles to the Franklin, NC road. I was just starting to get into it. I'm frustrated, sad, angry, and feeling a little helpless. I can only hope for the best!
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up today hoping my foot would feel better. After walking on it to retrieve our bear bags I realized I wouuldn't be hiking much today. I thought hard about what I should do - rest for a day or try to head towards Franklin?After looking at the map I found out there was an easier way out. A side trail would take us about 2 miles to a forest service road where someone (a shuttle that Ron Haven would arrange) could pick us up from. We were supposed to call them when we reached the forest service road.We headed out at about 10am and I walked (sometimes hobbled) my way down the trail, trying to not put too much weight on my foot. It went well and we made good time but found out we didn't have cell phone service when we got to the road!Because I had the map and guidebook, I knew the road would take us about 5 miles to a campground with a payphone. We walked about 2.5 miles until we passed a family having an Easter gathering. They offered us a ride into town (thankyou!!!!!!!!!). There was one stipulation though - we had to wait until their Easter egg hunt was finished. No problem. Liz and I relaxed, had some snacks and Cokes.It turns out the woman who offered the ride was a former thru-hiker (Sidetrack) so she knew exactly what we were going through. She gave us a ride in her VW convertable with an AT license plate that said "hiker." She even drove us around to different motels until we found one that wasn't full. Thank you Sidetrack!It is Saturday and the Franklin hiker bash is this weekend so this meant the hotel rates were higher but Ron Haven was doing his best to make sure hikers got on the free shuttle to just about anywhere in town they needed to go. I bought a new pair of insoles (thinking positively) and Liz and I went to dinner at a pizza place. We ate wonderful salads, shared a pizza and a bucket of beer.We came back to the hotel and I ended up meeting several hikers and seeing some ones I met previously. They convinced Liz and I to head to the hiker bash so we did. It was fun talking to other hikers, seeing familer ones and meeting new ones. We all share a common bond and it shows.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Franklin

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today felt like the longest day of my life. It was Easter (so nothing was open, including, obviously, the doctor) and I couldn't walk far even if I wanted to so we stayed in the hotel room (joined by Supermax who has bronchitis from allergies!) and watched TV. It's hard to just sit and wait to go to the doctor, not knowing my fate!
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Franklin

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up today feeling positive about my doctor visit. I had an appointment for the afternoon at a foot an ankle clinic in the next town over - Silva since the office in this town wasn't open today. I tried to call for a (very expensive) taxi but Ron Haven arranged for me to be driven by Sean (the husband of the woman who runs the front desk at the Franklin motel). He drove me for less than half of the cost of a taxi!The doctor visit went about as well as it could go! X-rays were taken but no stress fracture showed up and I was instead diagnosed with plantar fasciitis (people have been telling me this is very painful). I was sent a way with 3 weeks worth of free samples of Celebrex, special (free) new insoles and told I could get back on the trail tomorrow! Woo-hoo!Supermax was feeling better so we all went back to the pizza place for dinner. I'm very excited but a little apprehensive to get back on the trail. I hope it all goes well!
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Franklin

To: Big Spring shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Back on the trail!We hiked a modest mileage today in order to be nice to my feet. They did hurt but didn't feel too bad when we were finished. It was another record hot day and the uphills had me sweating profusely, which has taken my stench to a whole new level! I tried to wash my t-shirt in the sink at the last motel but I don't think that worked out too well. My sleeping bag is also taking on a peculiar smell. I think our sunny, beautiful days are coming to an end though. There is rain in the forcast for the next couple of days.Today we climbed Albert mountain which sometimes required the use of our hands. There was an old firetower at the top that you can climb up but the top level was not open. We saw our trail friends Gonzo, LB and Country Gold when we got to the shelter but they have since moved on.
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Big Spring shelter

To: Siler Bald shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

I awoke today in hopes that my feet might hurt less but the left one hurt a little more than yesterday. The right one actually feels better though.It was another warm and sunny day, great for hiking but sometimes too hot. We took a few more rests than the usual amount so I could rest my feet.Highlights of the day:- saw a turkey (this is the extent of the wildlife we have seen)- forgot to use sunblock (no burn yet, thankfully!)- stopped at a waterfall- popped a giant blister on my pinky toe- I still have all of my toenails!- soaked my feet in a steam- passed a sign for Swinging Dick Gap
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Siler Bald shelter

To: Cold Spring shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

It started raining just about the time we were going to leave the shelter. It was raining hard! A close lightening strike was all it took to make me want to wait a bit longer to leave. So Liz and I, and another hiker sat in the shelter and watched the downpour for about an hour befor it let up. During this time, I had to do my morning business in the privy that was farther away than usual, but thankfully this was one with a roof.The first couple of hours in the drizzle weren't too bad, but then the rain came down! I was wet. Even with rain pants and a rain jacket everything, and I mean everything was soaked. We made it to the top of Wayah Bald where there is an observation tower that some hikers were taking refuge. Apparently there are marvelous views from the top of the bald but we were too busy trying to fight the hurricane-like winds and rain to notice.We moved on in order to mak it to the next shelter for lunch. It was packed with people waiting out the rain. I tried to eat but I was so cold and soaked I had a difficult time using my fingers. So Liz and I decided to leave just so we could get warmed up again!The trail had turned into a river by this point and there was no getting around stepping in the cold water. We were hiking so fast I didn't notice my foot pain (or maybe my feet were just numb!). We made it to the shelter sooner than anticipated and by this time the rain had nealy stopped. There were people in the shelter but they had decided to tent instead so Liz and I, and 2 other guys got spots in the small, mice-infested shelter. I quickly changed out of my sopping wet clothes and cooked a hot dinner.It's still raining some and very cold! But at least I'm warm and dry'
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Cold Spring shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Sometime during the night it stopped raining and the skies cleared because it was COLD this morning! The temps dropped below freezing and all of our wet clothes had turned to sheets of ice. Luckily I could just wear the clothes I wore to bed and I didn't have to put on my frozen-solid t-shirt and socks. We did, however, have to put on our frozen shoes. I actually think this helped my feet feel better! And surprisingly they did seem to feel a lot better for the first 5 miles but the rest of the day was all downhill (over 5,000 feet decrease in elevation) and this made my feet quite unhappy.On a good note, as we decreased in elevation I noticed a dramatic difference in the appearance of spring! There were green sprouts everywhere and little flowers coming up. Leaves were beginning to grow and the forest understory was taking shape. There were some remarkable blowdowns across the trail, some looking very recent. Some parts of the trail seemed quite treacherous today with large rocks to navigate, areas of worn-away trail, barely clutching the mountainside, and some very steep downhill (wonderful on the knees). We finally arrived at the NOC and I was able to pick up my first maildrop (after some confusion). We met up with Liz's Aunt Linda (who we are sharing a room with at the Nantahala Inn) and she took us out to eat. I had a homemade vegan burger, vegetables, french fries (which I had been dreaming about all day), blackberry cobbler with ice cream and bread pudding with ice cream.The NOC is a nice spot on the Nantahala river with places to stay, a restaurant, general store and outfitter. It caters to mostly kayakers and white water rafters.Thanks for the food and hospitality Aunt Linda!
Date: 2010-04-10
From: NOC

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

As I write from the NOC bunk house I can hear the familiar chirping of frogs (something I've missed since living in Colorado). It's a comforting and peaceful sound that reminds me of being a kid and playing outside at dusk.The NOC bunk houses are cabins with bunk beds and there is a large central cabin with restrooms, laundry and a mess-hall type kitchen and dining area. It is very reminiscent of summer camp. But, let me rewind a bit.This morning, Liz's Aunt Linda took us out to breakfast and we ate a lot, again. I had a wonderful meal of quiche, hash browns, a buiscuit and orange juice. Liz and I then made reservations for the bunk house since we would be taking a zero day. It's been so luxurious taking so many zero days in the beginning but I think it has been good for my feet. After breakfast, Aunt Linda drove us to Asheville where our good friend, Susan met us. We walked around town, had some drinks and ate some more (this included trying beignets [spelling?] which were everything I'd hoped they would be). It was so good to see Susan! Just like old times!Susan was gracious enough to drive us to the grocery store and back to the NOC and then endure a several hour drive back to Greensboro. Thanks so much Susan! It was so good to see you!It's back on the trail tomorrow and I have a rediculous amount of food to carry since I'm not resupplying again until after the Smokies (about 8 days). So the pack is going to weigh a bit more tomorrow! Oh well, Liz and I definitely need to work off all the food we've eaten in the last couple of days. We both gave ourselves stomach aches trying to eat as much good, tasty food as we could.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: NOC

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

FYI - pictures will be added to the upcoming enteries eventually. I've had no cell service for a while and that's how I add my photos.We left the NOC today feeling a little sad because it was such a nice day and it would've been perfect to enjoy the day next to the river. Alas, I must keep moving on if I want my money to last the whole trip!Today was all uphill and I thought that it was going to be rough but we powered up it pretty quickly and were at the shelter by 3pm. We contemplated moving on but decided to make tomorrow a big day instead. I've got food from my first maildrop so I have lots of goodies. I made some delicious burritos for dinner but made too much. Liz and I finished it but we were very full!We've gotten pretty use to bear-bagging when there aren't bear cables but there weren't many good trees at this shelter. Liz and I spent the better part of an hour staring at the trees and trying a few. We settled on a questionable bent tree. I hope it holds my giant bag of food!
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Today was a big day and I'm very happy to be lying down. Feet update: they weren't too happy for the first half of the day but were less painful as the day went on.I must say a few things about the trail. If there is a hill, the trail goes right over the top of it. There is always at least one false summit. There is no such thing as a switchback here. Sometimes I can't believe the trail just goes straight up! If it were a ski hill it would be a black diamond.Ok, the views are pretty and the weather has been great, AND I'm getting an amazing workout.I burnt my arm today because I forgot to apply sunscreen. I wore a bandana around it for the rest of the day. There are about 20 people tenting outside the shelter right now. I think this is the most crowded we've seen yet. Only 1 other female too!Liz and I are camped right next to a stream. What a great sound to fall asleep to.
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana dam
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

I slept great last night! I still woke up the usual number of times to turn onto a different side though. I didn't look at the map before we started hiking today and I assumed the trail was 6 miles downhill to the dam. I was wrong of course. 2 miles of uphill first! After we made it down to the road we caught a ride on a shuttle to the Fontana general store. I didn't really need to buy anything but the lure of non-trail food is becomming too great! Liz and I had pizza, beer, soda, orange juice, Pringles, and I had some powdered dougnuts. We sat outside the gas station for hours and chatted with other hikers.We then rode the shuttle back to the point we were dropped off at and had to hike the remaining 1.1 miles to the shelter (mostly uphill, of course!). This shelter is called the "Fontana Hilton" because it is large and has showers and indoor plumbing nearby. However, there is a sign on the door stating that the water should be treated because the plumbing is old. Go figure.While the shelter is supposed to be the "Hilton" we are actually tenting nearby on a hill with great views of Fontana Lake. We are still with a large group of people.We enter the Smokies tomorrow!
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Fontana dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

We started the day by hiking over Fontana dam. The lake was pretty but the water line was quite low. We entered Smoky Mtn NP just after the dam.It was another hot and sunny day and most of the 13 miles today were uphill. I was sweating so much that my sticky face was like a flytrap. There were gnats and flies all around us all day. I inhaled one and had a few go in my ears, nose, and eyes. There were some pretty views and scenery today including several miles of trail with green understory and little white flowers everywhere. My foot hurt some today and then just stopped hurting! It was great! Of course they exhibited the usual soreness towards the end of the day. I really hope it's getting better.The shelter we're staying in has a large gate over the front (to keep the bears out?). We ran into a couple dayhiking who said they just saw a bear the size of a small elephant and a "herd" of smaller bears. I hope they mind their business tonight!
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Liz and I didn't sleep too well last night since there were some snorers in the shelter. Since SMNP requires that you stay in the shelters (no tenting around them unless they are full) we must endure the snoring. So we were tired today but kept moving.It was hot and sunny again and we had a couple of really nice views today. The scenery changed some - more grass-topped mountains and more wildflowers. Much of the day was uphill and by the time we made it to our goal shelter we were done even though the next on was only 2 miles away. Most people moved on to the next one so it's just Liz and I, Smiley and the Entertainer (section hikers) and Llano (all females for once!). So it's nice and peaceful here.My feet are feeling better! Even better than yesterday!
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: few clouds

Liz and I were able to sleep in this morning (that's 8:30) since there weren't 20 hikers at the shelter trying to get started before dawn. I had a big day planned so we had to get going.On our way up to Clingman's Dome (the highest point on the AT) we saw 3 deer and a turkey on the trail! We crossed through a beautiful spruce-fir forest. It was thick and dark with a moss-covered floor. Clingman's dome had 2 false summits but was a really beautiful area. Unfortunately, many of the spruce and fir are dying because of pollution and insect infestation.There's an observation tower at the top that offers 360 degree views but the pollution obstructs any long-distance view. After several more miles we descended into Newfound Gap. This is a parking lot/area where the AT crosses the main road that goes through SMNP. We had no idea there would be so many tourists stopped there. I felt like sasquatch coming out of the forest. People would stare at us thru-hikers, ask questions and take photos. We were like celebrities. "What do you mean you're walking to Maine?"After the gap we had another 3 mile push uphill to the shelter. There were several day-hikers on the trail and I've heard this starts happening to thru-hikers but "civilians" have a very distinct soapy scent. I can smell a normal person walking down the trail sometimes before they appear! I wonder if they can smell me?Unfortunately, it's the weekend and in the Smokies this means that the shelters are packed. They require that everyone sleep in the shelters but non-thru-hikers (they have reservations) have shelter space priority. So if the shelter fills up, the thru-hikers get kicked out and must tent near the shelter (but you can't plan on this since you're supposed to sleep in a shelter). I have space right now but if any more non-thru-hikers come (even after dark) I would have to set up my tent on the uneven ground outside. I hope it doesn't happen but I think it's going to be a rough night anyway since the shelter is jam-packed with snorers and kids. And they are all headed to the same shelter I am tomorrow! Oh geez.We finally met back up with Just Lisa and John (our former cabin buddies)!
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Yep, last night was rough. The section hikers with kids stayed up late last night and all got up around 1:30am for a loud bathroom break. So I had a pretty sleepless night. I got up and said a teary goodbye to Liz...Intermission: Liz is leaving the trail (I've known about this for a long time) because it's just not for her right now. We did have a great time together though and look forward to future trips!...and I headed out into the fog and mist. I was alone most of the day and a little creeped out about bears since there was a lot of fresh bear scat on the trail. I was clanking my poles frequently, hoping not to sneak up on any bears.There would've been nice views today but they were all obstructed by the thick fog. The dampness really brings out the vibrant colors of the forest foliage. Alas, I saw no bears but there was a turkey on the trail that flew away just as I rounded a corner and it was so loud I nearly peed myself. One hiker did see a bear on the trail today though!The shelter I'm at apparently has a problem bear so we are all a little on edge tonight. There are a lot of us here: 6 section hikers and about 10 or 11 thru-hikers. The sun finally came out this afternoon but the night is expected to be very cold. Someone mentioned the temps to drop into the 20's. It's already chilly.