morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Hawk Mtn. Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Spring is still coming with the colder weather and leafless trees. Dead sticks and leaves from the previous fall are still left on the ground. The flowers are still yet to bloom, but it's getting close as these mountains are about to blossom. With the cool breeze, the branches sway, but it's still so quiet. No bugs or animals have been spotted except for the little mouse I missed going through my trash bag. Although two days have gone by, hikers minds are hungry as well as our stomachs. We all have our heads pointed in the North direction, but have different personal goals that have yet to be achieved. The positiveness and support from each other keeps pushing through one more day. The warm fire at nights brings great humor and laughs. And it's great attitude and determination that will help us succeed our own personal goals as well as our trek to our North Pole.Woke up again in the middle of the night freezing. I had to pee so bad, so I decided to trek towards the Privy. I warmed up, however, after I went. I guess your body's energy is spent keeping it warm. Now that y'all understand heating and urine I'll move on. Sorry. HeHe. Went back to sleep and woke up a few hours later. It was 34 degrees. Decided to have a cold breakfast and get moving. The day was brisk, but the sun was shining. Made it to Gooch Mtn. Shelter around 1:00 a.m. Because of the amount of thru-hikers starting out, it's nice to be the first one there so you can claim a spot in the shelter. My body is pretty sore today. I'm going to rest up tonight and push some more miles tomorrow. I wanted to take the time thank Melanee's Mom and family for their support in California. The letters I've received have been wonderful and keep my legs moving each day. Thank you!
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Woody Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

The word of the day is knees. And more were killing me from the start. I favor the uphill climb over the downward spiral for the reason of clashing my feet and knees on the ground. Gotta love gravity. Today was a P.B. (personal best), but I limped the last 5 miles. I left around 7:30 this morning. It was a cool and cloudy day. Made it to Gooch Shelter around 4:00 p.m. I'm glad I got here early, it's going to be packed. There are 7 of us in the shelter all next to each other. It's going to be cold and rainy so we'll sleep like a big happy family. I'm going to rest my right knee. It's extremely sore from yesterday. Looking forward to Neels Gap. Maybe get to go to a A.C.E. (All you can eat). I just finished the last of my food. Nothing like packets of salmon with Taco Bell sauce on a tortilla. Today, I wanted to thank Sleestak for the warm encouragement to stay away from dinosaurs. Thanks Kohn!
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Woody Hole Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: moderate rain

Between a packed shelter and about 20 tents, there was a large crowd last night at Woody Hole. Heard some mice running around last night, but I finally fell asleep around 8:30. Woke up this morning around 6:00 hoping my knees would feel better. As soon as I hit the trail, the pain quickly pierced my leg. I climbed and descended Blood Mountain. Tough mountain with the weather to climb. It was about 40 degrees with a light drizzle. Arrived at Neels Gap around 10:30 and already the hostel was full. I decided to get a cabin with Melody and a couple of other thru-hikers I don't know yet. Because of the sorness of my knee, I'm thinking of taking a zero day tomorrow. My body needs some rest. Tonight, though, is all you can eat buffet and movies. And, of course, a lot of rest.
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Neel's Gap

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I took a zero day to rest my knee and resupply. Neels Gap is filled with some amazing people. The owner, a former Schaumburgian, went through my pack with me today to help drop some weight. I sent home over 3 pounds of supplies that we felt I didn't need any more. I'm going to weight it tomorrow after I supply food and water. I also spoke with a couple of guys about my knee. I bought some boot soles, which will help levitate some pain in my legs. Although the pain hasn't gotten much better, they believe I have a build up of lactic acid. They want me to get back on the trail, but to slow it down. I guess it's a common problem with beginner hikers, especially in Georgia. Georgia is the 3rd toughest state of the AT. I'm excited about moving. It's hard just sitting here. Since I've been at Neel's Gap I've watched Naked Gun, Blazing Saddles, Waynes World, Young Guns and Hot Shots. I've done laundry and taken a shower along with an all you can eat buffet. I miss the walking part of this trip. Isn't that the point? Either way. I'm heading out tomorrow with optimism that the pain will subdue once my leg continues to strengthen. I'm going to take the miles slow for the next 2 weeks. We'll see what happens.
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at 6:30 this morning and started my hike by 7:00. It was cold and windy. All the trees and plants had a couple layers of frost. It was pretty incredible. My water bladder hose froze within 20 minutes and my water bottle had ice cubes. I warmed up as soon as I was moving. The sun came out and melted the frozen branches. Knees felt great. Thanks to Cornbread and Wilton at Neels Gap for the new soles. They did begin to feel sore again as the miles piled up, but I didn't have the same pain. Had lunch with a fellow thru-hiker Pat on a rock over looking a beautiful valley. Going to spend the night a Low Gap Shelter. It has a beautiful little stream in front of it. We're expecting another cold night. I'll probably sleep with my water close to me so it doesn't freeze.
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 14.9

Woke up early and started hiking at 7. Made it to the shelter by 4. It was a great day for me. 15 miles is a long way and my blistered feet and sore legs will tell me that in the morning. It started snowing as soon as I arrived to the shelter filled with a couple of families and kids. They pretty much took over the cooking area around the shelter so I made mashed potatoes and oatmeal for dinner on a rock in the snow. The warm food made up for all my aches and pains. It started getting pretty cold so everyone went to sleep around 5:30. Today was a high of 35 so tonight will get to around 20 or 25.
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Tray Mtn. Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to an inch of snow. It was absolutely beautiful. Started hiking at 7:30 and warmed up as I kept moving. I felt pretty sore from yesterday, but all the snow made me feel at home in Chicago. Arrived at Dicks Creek Gap to a guy serving hot chocolate. The warmth of hot chocolate made the past 2 days of cold worth it. My senses seem to be so strong right now. Besides trailmix, which I'm sick of eating, everything tastes amazing. Even water. This guy (forgot his name) drove us to the Holiday Inn tonight. I ran into a bunch of hikers that were past me. E-Rok, Beth, Tori and Sundance were all there. We're going to an all-you can eat steakhouse tonight. In town to refuel the belly, food pack and medical supplies. And I'm loving my king size bed, hot shower and couch. Now I'm beginning to miss home. I have a couple of shout-outs:1. Bill Hanson - Thanks for being Dirk while I'm gone. I laughed so hard when I read it.2. Melanee - Thank you for the card. It helped warm me up on a cold day.3. Porter - You're too funny. Two words: BLAIR WITCH. Thanks man!
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

After a wonderful stay at the Holiday inn in Hiawassee, which included a glorious hot tub, I got a ride with a group of other hikers back to Dicks Creek Gap to continue this journey. Once I got there, however, I realized that I lost my gloves. Instead of having to go back in town, another thru-hiker, Cool Hands, lent me his. I headed out with Sundance, Tater, Jeff, Tec and Cool Hands. The sun popped out which warmed my cold body. I finally finished Georgia around noon time. Conductor was hanging out at the border so I stopped for some pics and then headed for the shelter. We climbed about 1000 feet in about a mile or so. It was a true climb with plenty of snow. Muskrat Shelter was absolutely packed. I set my hammock as a bivy sack so the coldness wouldn't come from underneath. The temperature is suppose to get to high teens or low twenties. And here I could've taken another zero day at the Holiday Inn.Ode to GeorgiaI arrived with high hopesin your pleasant stateNot truly knowing what was on your plateFirst it was my kneesand then you took my feetBecause your mountainous profilelooks like a rapid heart beatyou offer no switchbacksonly up sraightThe snow that fellkept me cold and up lateNow, I'm telling you nowthank you and goodbyeThe views you gave meI enjoyed, that I couldn't lie(still working on this one)
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Muskrat Shelter

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

I write another day. Last night was insanely cold. I busted out the hand warmers and slept in the fetal position all night. I'm not sure how much sleep I actually got, but I hit the trail around 7:30. The snow covered the rocks and tree roots causing a disguised slippery situation. I wasn't warn until about 9:30 when the sun finally peaked over me. The overall terrain was much more friendly than Georgia. I think I'm going to like Carolina. North that is. When I arrived to a deserted Muskrat shelter, I tore open my bag and took off my boots. The excitement didn't last long when another thru-hiker told me that there was a newer shelter a hundred feet down the trail. After repacking my bag and putting my smoking boots back on, I headed down with much concern that I wouldn't get a spot in the shelter. I did, however, and will enjoy another cold night, but protected by wood rather than a nylon tarp.I'd like to thank the day care kids in California for the beautiful drawings. The abstract art created shows a little bit on how I feel. Make sure to tell them "Hello, from North Carolina."
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

I'm in Franklin, NC to stay out of the cold nights. I had a lot to write in this one but I'm too tired to think. Staying in town with Double Shot, Cool Hand, Tec, Andy Dufresne, Jukebox, Big Red, and some others. Beers and food. Much needed rest.
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After a late night in Franklin, got a late start and put a slow low mile day on the trail. I figured I would introduce some of the characters that I've either hiked or camped with. It's a very large group, but at least you'll know who I'm talking about.In no particular order:Johnny K - Started with a 73 lb pack. He's from New Hampshire.Dong Dong - Older woman walking with Johnny K & Pat.Pat - From Pennsylvania.Tater - Flamboyant New Yorker, originally from Georgia.Double Shot - 18 yr old kid with a full beard. Likes whiskey, Guiness and grape cigars.Cool Hand - Fellow Chicagoian. He lent me his gloves for a couple of days.Tec - Has a mohawk. He's from MI and walking with Cool Hand.Andy Dufresne - Fast hiker. We hung out in Franklin.Bloomer - Former marine who's pretty normal. So far at least.Sundance - Very nice woman. She's like the trail Mom.Jeff - Snores incredibly loud.E-Rok - Texan who I hung out with in Hiawassee.Rasta Legs (Stephi) - We spoke before I left. She wears colorful long johns, hence the name.Summer - New Yorker who hiked a day past us.T-Snake - Hiked to New Hampshire in 2001. This is his 2nd attempt.Wolfpaw - Detroit Native who bought all new gear while out here. He also made a dozen eggs and bacon in a shelter after Neels Gap.Tori & Beth - I believe they're from Alabama.Sleepy the Arab - 2004 thru-hiker. He's pretty quiet, but when he speaks, it's informative.Bluey, Vegie Milk on Toast, & Waltzing Matilda - Three Australian sisters who recently tried rootbeer and biscuits and gravy for the first time.Doc Narley - Saw him in Franklin, but I originally met him in Virgina in 2005.Slideshow - Walks with Doc Narley.Low Gear - Don't know much about him. Ex-Prison Guard.Conductor - From Kalamazoo, MI. We spoke before we left for the trail. He started a day before I did.Dinosaur & Hellbender - Energetic girls who make the best meals.
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was the best day of hiking so far. The sun woke me up this morning along with two woodpeckers working on a tree. I left around 8 and by 11, I walked seven miles to find River Wizard cooking burgers and dogs and handing out Budweiser, Gatorade, Water, and Pop for trail magic. (Trail magic are things people do for hikers to help them out or give them a treat.) He hiked the trail in 2001 and on this day the weather was terrible, so he vowed to provide trail magic to any thru-hiker on March 29th. After I finished my burger a shuttle bus carrying twenty hikers stopped at Wayah Gap (where the trail magic was) and I saw the huge group of hikers that were right behind us. It was like a mini reunion. They were going to slack pack South for Rasta Legs's birthday and party in Franklin. Tomorrow they'll get a shuttle back to Wayah Gap and continue Northbound fully packed. Because of the weather (mid seventies and sunny), my legs and body felt great. I pushed 18 miles and could've done more, but we stopped at a look out tower just a mile before the shelter. Although Double Shot, Dufresne, Big Red and Bloomer pushed to N.O.C. (Bryson City) tonight. I'm hanging with cool Hand, Tec, Jukebox, Dinosaur and Hellbender. What a beautiful night. No cold to worry about.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: N.O.C. (Bryson City)
Miles today: 5.6

Had an easy day today. Walked a tough 5 miles downhill and arrived at N.O.C. The N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center) is a little community that offers white water rafting. I met up with Cool Hand, Tec, Dinosaur, Hellbender and Jukebox. we decided to get a shuttle and head back to Franklin for Trailfest. It was a little cookout and also a way to meet other hikers.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: N.O.C. (Bryson City)

To: Campsite
Miles today: 2.6
Weather: clear sky

We got a shuttle back to N.O.C. around noon. After sitting around we decided to have some lunch and head up to the campsite three miles in. We met up with Rasta Legs's birthday group. There were about 35 of us sitting around a fire. I set my hammock up and as soon as I laid in bed, it started to rain. It's amazing listening to the rain hit your tent or hammock. It always sound like it's raining harder than it is. Well, it's putting me to sleep. So, good night all.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Campsite

To: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Woke up this morning a little wet from the rain and mentally exhausted. I'm here to say that I'm sorry but I can no longer move on. I'd like to thank everyone for their love and support. Thank you for reading about this amazing adventure. I met so many incredible people it's hard to say goodbye. But, for now it's time to head back to the real world. By the way, April Fools'.In all seriousness, I'm having so much fun. I have become mentally and physically exhausted in a way I never thought possible. I miss pulling the pranks at home, so I thought it would be fun to get you, the reader. I did wake up wet from the rain, but I still was off and moving at 7:30. The sun came out and I was sweating heavily by 8. The most amazing surprise came after about 10 miles. It was Hopeful providing trail magic for his birthday. Have I mentioned, I love North Carolina. These people are incredible. Hot dogs, coleslaw, potato salad, pop and water. When ever I'm done with the A.T. I'd like to provide trail magic. A hiker could be having the worst day, but when they meet a trail angel, all your aches, pains and problems go away. It's an amazing feeling when you know there are people here who know exactly what you want. After about 3 plates full of food, I headed toward the next shelter. I was moving pretty well until I hit a mountain that went straight up. I almost regurgitated the hot dogs and salad, but thought it would be better to keep it in my stomach. I arrived at the shelter around 3:00 followed by Hellbender, Dinosaur Cool Hand and Tec. The rest of the group is sure to follow in.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

The zero at Fontana Village was much needed. I got everything I needed including some grocery shopping, new fuel, laundry, shower and some rest. Of course, it was a bonus having it on the opening day of baseball and then watching the NCAA National Championship. The rest was nice, but it wasn't as quiet as I would like. We had close to 30 people packed in our room. All in all, it was a nice break.I headed out to the Smokies around 11:30. Before I reached them, however, I crossed Fontana Dam. Trivia question: What movie?Harrison Ford: "I didn't kill by wife!"Tommy Lee Jones: "I don't care."That's right, The Fugitive. The dam I crossed today was the one Harrison Ford jumped out of. So as I walked across the top road of the dam, I could hear these kids quoting the movie. It was pretty funny. The initial mountain into the Smokies was pretty intense. But I climbed a fire tower that looked out on the dam. It's amazing how far you can walk within a couple of hours. I arrived at the shelter in the early evening. It's pretty chilly tonight, but the shelters in the Smokies have a fireplace. Looking to push a longer day tomorrow, but we'll see.Finally, I'd like to thank Grandma Blomgren for the wonderful cookies she sent. Although they didn't last long. Myself and my fellow hikers say thank you. Also, thank you for the card Heather Teichman. Thank you for all the support. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

The first night in the Smokies was pretty amazing. The wind was howling all night with cool air all around. Luckily, there was fourteen in the shelter along with a warm fire. Started out early around 8:30. The first mile is always the toughest. I often stop, look around and enjoy the cold air. Then it it's adjusting the pack and peeling off a few layers of clothing. There wasn't a cloud in he sky until I noticed one in the far distance. I may not have mentioned, but I now use a walking stick. One of my trekking poles snapped the day before Fontana Dam. It saved me from falling down the side of a mountain, but I did break them. REI is sending me new ones for free. I won't get them until Hot Springs, NC. We've all lucked out due to the weather around us. It really is beautiful. The trail has a lot of section hikers too. It's a fight to get a shelter spot because section hikers can actually kick thru-hikers out of the shelters. Is that bull or what? And you have to stay in or around the shelter. No back country camping. The terrain is a little more forgiving. There aren't as many rocks and roots and the trees are more spread out. I walked across a couple bald spots and actually saw other hikers in the distance. Overall, a great and wonderful experience.
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Left early and headed out in the cold morning and found two deer feeding in the distance. They were absolutely beautiful. Climbed uphill for most of the day and finally reached Clingmans Dome around noon. Clingman's Dome is the tallest mountain on the AT. It sits at 6,642 ft. and provides some spectacular views. I met Tec and Cool Hand up there and decided that we wanted to head into the town of Gatlinburg, TN. I wanted to make some phone calls and take care of a couple of things. So, we headed out of Clingman's excited by the thought of a shower and warm food. We arrived at Newfound Gap with T-Snake and Poles. Newfound Gap was the location where Franklin D. Roosevelt named the Smokies as a National Park.There were 6 of us that were able to get a hitch in to town by a guy in a pickup. Gatlinburg is about 15 miles of the trail so walking into town was not an option. We got around at the Grand Prix. All in all, it was nice to stay out of the woods for one night.
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Newfound Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

After taking a zero. I was excited to get out of the town. We got a late start, but got a free ride back on the trail. It was pouring rain outside. Just West of us their calling for hale and thunderstorms so we decided to stay at the next shelter. Because of the zero day were meeting more and more thru-hikers. It was nice to rest after a couple of nights in Gatlinburg. The shelter was packed with 25 people in it. Wolfpaw showed up later with a couple more hikers and brought wine, fudge and quesadillas to share. Now that's good eatin'. It was like a little hiker party in the shelter. I'm getting to bed early tonight. Looking to push a big day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

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

After all the rain last night, the temps dropped considerably and froze everything. Tents, clothes and even the food bags were frozen closed. It was crazy trying to find anything in the shelter, but I was 3rd to start out of twenty-seven. I started thinking about the reasons I'm out here. Now that I've come accustomed to the life, I'm begining to enjoy it. I had some big thoughts last night that carried over to today. So, the question remains: Why did I choose the AT trail? For me, it is a time for me to figure myself out. The trail has broken me down physically and mentally and now it's time to build myself up. I've always been the type of person who has to be one extreme or another. Well, what about the stuff in the middle. This trip is about learning about myself as a human being. To find out my purpose. Maybe I'll find out, maybe not, but in the meantime, I can get myself on track. I've been blessed with a wonderful family and so many friends. But with all that, I don't feel like I even know myself. What's important to me? Values? Goals? These types of questions are among many that need to be resolved so I can have that "base" or groundcloth.Day one in search for solitude and quietness. The trail was extremely icy and wet, but the terrain and views were spectacular. I sat and rested at a few scenic spots and enjoyed the gift of nature. And Bumps, I truly tasted good water. You would be proud, even if it was just Aqua Mira.Today was my first +20 mile day and last full day in the Smokies. This National Forest is stunning, but I'm looking forward to moving on and to camp freely.I wanted to welcome Half Pint and The Dunces. I met them in Gatlinburg at the Happy Hiker Outfitter. Thanks for the support and I hope the picture came out great. Enjoy!