morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-30
From: Little Gap

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 5.0

We had planned on a day off in town today, but this next section of trail is reputedly very difficult. We'd heard horror stories about the climb out of town, and the barren landscape up on the ridge due to soil contamination, which also means there's no suitable water source for 16 miles or so! The PA rocks have cut us down to about 10 miles a day, so in order to make life tomorrow a little bit easier we slacked 5 miles of it today.Chafe took off headed north this morning, and not long after that we were at the opposite side of the road, looking for a ride 5 miles up the trail to Little Gap. Luck was on our side, and along came Snotrocket in his sister's car, accompanied by Iceburg Slim, offering to drive us up. It was a bit difficult to find the trail, but the one useful thing PA provides its hikers are signs at every road crossing, and on our second drive-by we saw it.We left 6 gallons of water from the local IGA at the trailhead there, which I'm sure will be gone by the end of today - it's hot, humid, and this stretch is very exposed. We met a lot of familiar faces as we walked along the ridgeline, stopping to chat and take pictures en route. It was a very odd landscape we were walking through this morning - all around us there were white stumps of dead trees, and no sign of life except for one tick (not a welcome sight). It was like we'd entered the wastelands of a post-nuclear-holocaust earth. Then we caught Chafe, walking up to us completely unawares and dancing to his MP3 player, and we cheered up.Everyone we've met along the way has looked at us with a knowing grin and said something along the lines of "you're in for a real treat". When we read the last 0.8 miles, we found out why. After a stretch of scrambling over rocky slopes with seemingly random white blobs once in a while, we reached the top of a 'cliff'. We could see the road we were headed for, which actually wasn't far away, but we were further above it than we were horizontally distanced from it. We descended a series of cliff faces and rock piles Indiana Jones style for a good half hour (which was quite fun since we had no 40 pound pack, but I can see how hikers headed north on this section could have trouble.We reached the road soon enough, and got a ride into town after 15 minutes or so. We had a nice surprise waiting for us - Foxie arrived in town this morning! After catching up on the gossip, she, Two Speeds and I headed over to the library for long-needed internet time.I'm sure we're in for a long evening of eating, gossiping, and lazing around. Woohoo!ps - I know this says 611 miles done, but I'm very behind on the journal entries and we're actually at mile mark 1246.8
Date: 2003-01-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Welp. Here is the start of my 2003 AT journal. I'm not much of a journal writer so the pickins will be slim - please forgive. Right now I'm busy trying to get everything settled (financially, physically, emotionally...) before my start. The current plan (which of course is ever-changing) has me finishing up at work on March sixth and leaving for Kansas (driving) on the seventh. I'll spend about a week with family before flying to Raleigh where my awesome friend John will give me a ride to the trail. John - Thank you so much for helping me out the transcriptions, my evil email account, and the ride to the trail. You Rawk!
Date: 2003-02-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

There hasn't been a whole lot going on over the past few weeks. Since mid-December I spent a week backpacking the Grand Canyon, a week in Kansas with family, and a weekend backpacking in Alabama's Talladega Natl Forest - all play and no work makes Liz a happy girl. I've promised myself that I won't go on any overnight trips until I leave for the trail - a tall order, we'll see if I follow through with that one. Right now I'm involved with the many pre-trail unpleasantries: settling bills, cleaning my condo (a huge undertaking), and wraping things up at the office. It seems like a lot to do and slacker me keeps putting it off by saying, "that will be easier to do a week from now when I find more motivation." Preparing for the hike seemed really exciting for the first few weeks, but now all I can think about is getting out to the trail (and visiting with friends and family before I hit the trail). Darn my whole, "I want it and I want it NOW" attitude.*Disclaimer* I am highly opposed to both grammer and proof-reading. If this offends you - eat it(meant in the best possible way).
Date: 2003-03-22
From: top of Amicolola Falls

To: Springer Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Hooray! I made it! The first day of my grand adventure. Yipee! The trail was nice and clearly marked- free of the tons of leaf litter I've been used to from fall hiking. I had a little trouble with the uphills due to a lingering cold, but all turned out well. The weather was excellent and cool enough to keep the bugs off at night. There were a lot of people on the trail and I met several aspiring thru-hikers. After setting up camp I met up with some other hikers at a fire circle (sans the fire). A lot fo good stories, good people. There are at least 12 tents set up out here and some folks in the shelter. Today has been a great start to my journey.Happy Thought: New adventures
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Springer Mtn. Shelter

To: just past Hightower Gap
Miles today: 7.9

Great day. The weather was spectacular. The forest had some magnificent trees and the trail was generally easy. Met many more hikers, alot of friendly people. Took a side trail to Long Creek Falls...beautiful. Lunched there and then moved on to Hawk Mtn. Shelter. Sat around for an hour and debated whether I should move on or not. Decided to move on, but at the base of Hawk Mtn. realized I was exhausted (didn't sleep too well last night). Wish I stayed at the shelter, but opted for a solo site instead. Getting my food bag hung was a real bear. Need to learn some tricks to do it better.Happy Thought: Good company
Date: 2003-03-24
From: just past Hightower Gap

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Real good day with real good trails. Met more people. Slep great last night..the cold medicine really helped. Rested for a while with several people- very pleasant. May have gotten a bit of a sunburn today but a nice fellow gave me sunblock at Justus Creek (editor's note: some place names may be incorrect, I have to decipher her handwriting at times ;-). Tonight camping under the stars at Gooch Gap with at least 13 other people. Hoping to reach Blood Mountain by tomorrow. I've been a little weaker than I expected but will hopefully strengthen up in a little while. The group is planning on sitting around the campfire tonight :-) Alot of great sotries were swapped around the campfire. It felt like we had known each other for a long timeinstead of just meeting. Slept under the stars.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Gooch Gap

To: Blood Mountain
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

Wow! What a wonderful day. The weather has been absolutely fantastic although I hear we're heading for a downturn tonight or tomorrow. The trail wasn't too strenuous, yet my feet sure did take a beating..they're looking forward to short jaunt to Neels Gap tomorrow followed by a nice hot shower. There were excellent views today from Ramrock and Big Cedar Mountains. The birds have been out in abundance flitting around the trail and providing a lovely soundtrack for the day. Right now I'm sitting on the rock overlook at Blood Mountainwatching the sun go down. I had a huge dinner of beans, rice, and cheese and hope to sleep soundly tonight - although it will be my first night in a shelter. I hope the critters don't keep me up too much. Spent a big chunk of the day hiking with Hopeful, Kilroy, Moose and Palmetto Tar. it was nice to hike with people for a change.Happy Thought: Wind, a great cooler on the uphills
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Blood Mountain

To: Neels Gap (Walasi Center Hostel)
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a short but steep hike down the mountain and I got to Neels Gap by 8:15. Sleeping in the shelter was fine (it was packed) but I was (and still am) a bit self conscious of my snoring that probably disturbed a few people. So far today has been more excellent weather but thunderstorms are expected for tonight. Thankfully, I've got the hostel - no wet gear to pack up in the morning.The store opened at 8:30 and I immediately headed for the OJ. Yum. I think I'll be heading in there all day to buy things. Right now I'm trying to do laundry and get cleaned up. Looks like it will be a fine day. Oh, got a decent amount of sleep last night. Would have preferred more but all is good.Happy Thought: Clean clothes
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Neels Gap (Walasi Center Hostel)

To: Chattahoochee Gap
Miles today: 15.6

What a day! Today started fresh with a good night's rest from the Walasi Center followed by miles of well-graded trail. It was overcast with a brisk wind that kept my pace up to about 3mph (the easy grades helped with that too). There were many spectacular views in the Raven Cliffs Wilderness Area. As the day wore on, the skies cleared but the wind kept at it, making for great hiking weather. I lunched just shy of Poor Mountain and had a siesta in a sunny field. I finally arrived at Low Gap Shelter (my original planned destination) around 3pm with plenty of energy to spare, so I decided to hike a further 1.4 miles to a campsite and water source listed in the AT databook. I never found it. So I ended up hiking until I stumbled upon Chattahoochee Gap. Quite a tiring day. Thankfully, the weather was good and allowed me to slip up without terrible ocnsequences. Don't pass up on a watersource if you are unsure of your campsite location.Happy Thought: Lessons learned
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Chattahoochee Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Another good day. Woke up late this morning after a good night's sleep. Started out on the trail around 9. Moved real slow for the first part of the day. It was cool, overcast and a little foggy, just the kind of weather perfect for snoozin'. When I reached Unicoi Gap things started to brighten up - trail magic! Dale America was waiting at the gap with pop, cookies, and hot dogs. Boy was I happy! That sure did help me on up to Tray Mountain. The view from the top of Tray was spectacular (well, what you could see anyways). the shelter is full tonight and there are many people tenting.Happy Thought: Trail magic!
Date: 2003-03-29
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel (Dicks Creek Gap)
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Good night's rest at teh Tray mountain Shelter (that was certainly a surprise- we were packed in like sardines). It was overcast, foggy, cool and very damp. Good hiking weather- especially for that evil Kelly Knob I had to hike up. Lunched at Deep Gap Shelter. The shelter was very nice, but quite a ways off the trail. The hike down to Dicks Creek Gap was tough on my knees and feet. After a short wait, got a ride to the Blueberry Patch- a great place- the owners Gary and Lennie are very nice. Too tired to write more.Happy Thought: Waking up to a dry shelter.
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel (Dicks Creek Gap)

Miles today: 0.0

Excellent night at the Blueberry Patch. Snowed last night and this morning. Big fluffy flakes. Woohoo. The snow melted off pretty quickly. Breakfast was tasty pancakes with blueberry syrup, cheese biscuit, OJ and coffee. Today will be full of errands and Guinness. :-)Happy Thought: the Blueberry Patch
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel (Dicks Creek Gap)

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: few clouds

Bingo said it best, "I miss Georgia." The climb into North Carolina was tough. Up, up, up quickly. Today was very cold and there was plenty of snow on the mountains to play in. :-) Took a side trail by the shelter and had a fabulous view off the ridge. Fire tonight. Very cold and tired. G'night.Happy Thought: Crossing state lines
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

Muddy trails tested the gortex lining of my boots. Verdict: fail. Mmmm..wet socks. Cozy. The hiking went smoothly today. The climb up Standing Indian Mountain was very gradual and a side trail at the top opened up to a large rock and grassy area with a great view and excellent napping space. Very tired again today. Felt a little achey. Going to bed early. Goodnight.Happy Thought: Napping in the sun
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap (Rainbow Springs Campground)
Miles today: 12.8

The weather was great again today. Trail were clear and fast. Nice rock scramble up Mt. Albert with a great view at teh top. Bunking at Rainbow Springs Campground tonight. Really nice people and they had pizza! Hot showers and campfire by the river. Turning in.Happy Thought: Great views
Date: 2003-04-04
From: just past Wayah Bald

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in today because the sun didn't shine- darn clouds. The day was overcast with occasional misting rain. Hiked really slow. Planned on only going to Wesser Bald Shelter, but when I arrived around 2 I decided to push on. The next 5 miles are what Sunrise likes to refer to as, "get off my f***ing mountian." Took it even slower on those to save my aching knees and feet. Feeling okay right now. There wasn't much for views today but the forest was bright with spring growth. Greens, purples, yellows, and whites glowed in the shady understory.Happy Thought: Spring
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Get me out of this town! It's a gorgeous day and feels great to lay about, but then I find myself buying games and books. Now I have paddle ball and "A Sand County Almanac" for entertainment until Erwin. Staying at Elmer's tonight - a quaint B&B built in the 1840s with antiques and books all over the place. Looking forward to my organic vegitarian dinner. yum....Dinner was superb! By far the best on the trail. There are down blankets on the beds, so after my delicious meal sleep will be sweet.Happy me.Happy thought: Paddle Ball
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

A mixed day of greats and not-so-greats that left an overall good taste in my mouth. Great: Big Red's family came to town and cooked an excellent, huge breakfast. Yum. Thank you Day family!Not-so-great: Made a pathetic attempt to lower my pack weight by eating two lunches. For the next three miles I shuffled to the shelter with The Dead Milkmen's "The Puking Song" stuck in my head.Great: weather was sunny, in the 70sNot-so-great: The sun made a mockery of my SPF 15 sunbloc. mmm. bright pink shoulders will greet my pack in the morning. can't wait.Great: got to the shelter and there was room for me. hooray!Not-so-great: The shelter also has room for the notoriously loud snorers that just arrived. We'll see how the night goes.Happy Thought: Family
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: moderate rain

Ugh. Grouchy today. couldn't sleep last night because of all the racket in the shelter.   by 11p I couldn't take it anymore and set up my tent. eventually fell asleep. woke up around 7a and it started raining. a poor night's sleep and a wet tent to carry. what a great start to my day. it rained off and on all day. i never found energy, just trudged on. after arriving at the shelter i set up my tent - there's no way i'll try to sleep through all that racket again. feling better now that i'm quietly settled in my tent. looks like it has cleared up a little outside too. hope tomorrow is better.Happy Thought: Tenting
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

vast improvement over yesterday! slept in this morning and took my time packing up. didn't leave camp until past 10a. graly skies and a hcilll in the air made for great hiking weather. strolled along at an easy pace and listened to my radio. ate a big lunch at little laurel shelter. there wasn't too much to see today except for some rocks that looked like the monolith from 2001 A Space Oddessy. camp is packed tonight - well over 15 tents. nice campfire going with some great stories to accompany it. passed the 300-mile mark today; it was written in rocks across the trail.Happy Thought: Sleeping in
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Another 20-miler! Go me! even powered throught the last 4 miles in one hour! paying for it now though. oh well. it was a fun day with cool weather and sunny, clear skies. sat and enjoyed the views from Big Bald and lunched at Bald Mountain Shelter. had a three-course meal tonight: jelly beans, potato soup, and a macaroon. happy me. the shelter was empty, but i decided to tent (with about 10 others). love my tent and the soft ground. looking forward to breakfast in town tomorrow.Happy Thought: Running
Date: 2003-04-24
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today Rocks! packed up and left camp in 30 milnutes - a new record! and hiked the 6.3 into town in under 2 hours - great for me with cranky knees on alot of downhill. i'm staying at Miss Janets tonight - the place is nice and homey. i'm freshly showered and preparing to sit down to lunch at the Erwin Burrito.Happy Day.lunch was great, but way too much food. had to take a nap just to digest. :)apple chillin is having a margarita party tonight, so i'll probably make my way over there later.Happy Thought:Home
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Erwin, TN

To: Asheville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

The party was great last night, but i definitely am glad that hiking will not be happening today. Had an excellent breakfast at Miss Janet's this morning. My good friend Tom came up from Gainesville to rescue me from the trail for a few days of recuperation. we're staying at his family's home in Asheville. A short break will definitely be helpful.Happy Thought: Friends
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Asheville, NC

To: Asheville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Tried for a day hike a short section of the mountain to see trail today. my body just was not interested in the slightest. it hurt everywhere and i was beyond exhausted. finally gave up after about 4 miles - made for a total of 8. got back to the house and napped. went to see the motet at night. great show. definitely recommend them to others.happy thought: music
Date: 2003-06-02
From: Erwin, TN

To: indian grave gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The plan was to spend a week on the trail before heading back to kansas but things didn't work out quite that way. I stopped for lunch at curley maple gap shelter and realized that I couldn't chew because my jaw had swollen (arthritis). I headed on up to Indian Grave Gap and Miss Janet arrived within 5 minutes to pick up another hiker. It worked out well. I stayed at Miss Janet's for the week and slackpacked.
Date: 2003-07-29
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Vhery long day with lots of ups and downs (literally and figuratively). Started the day excited to be here. took a cab with Koop to the campground. the driver tried to charge us two separate fares (~$70). after a little bickering it got straightened out to the $40 advertised price. We (Koop and myself) lucked out and got a site at katahdin stream campground b/c someone cancelled just after we entered the park. lucky us! the park is gorgeous. i would love to come back for a week or more to check out the other trails.the climb started out innocently enough. katahdin stream falls made for an excellent break and picture spot. after another mile of climving things became more unfriendly to this unpracticed hiker. the climb became wickedly steep and bouldering was required for far too long. once i reached the plateau thigs began to improve, but not without achey muscles. the views from katahdin were magnificent - unlike anything i'd seen before. the trail above treeline reminded me of the west. katahdin itself looked a bit like a pile of rocks that some diety vomitted. that may be because i was so tired. the trip back down the mountain was long and tiresome, but when back to camp life was great. a lovely woman offered me some icey pepsi.i'm trying out my hammock for the first time tonight. hope it works well.
Date: 2003-07-30
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Hurd Brook lean to
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

slept great in my hammock last night. it will take a while to figure out how to set up quickly. the trail was very easy today, but i'm completely worn out - my feet are very sore. i spent a few hours resting up and "refueling" at the abol bridge campground store.saw two moose on the trail today. they freaked when they saw me (or smelled me) and bolted. can't blame them. :)
Date: 2003-07-31
From: Hurd Brook lean to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

happiness is a belly full of blueberries. woke up early this morning (5) and left camp by 7a. after reaching the top of rainbow ledges there were blueberries. yum. the mosquitos were fierce today (all the mainers say that this is nothing). deskpite the little bloodsuckers i managed a few stops along rainbow lake. i took a nice long lunch at rainbow springs followed by a happy little nap.the rainbow stream lean to is quite pleasant, witha nice stream running in front, wooden stump chairs, and a totem pole. i got to camp by 3:30 and went straight to setting up my hammock as a mosquito sanctuary. koop and the scout group i stayed with last night are here plus five wilderness nobos.after dinner i took a dip in the stream. it felt soooo good on my sunburn and bug bites.
Date: 2003-08-01
From: Rainbow Stream Lean to

To: wasleigh stream lean to
Miles today: 8.1

peaceful day. slept in until 6:30. the trail followed a nice stream for a few miles. took some nice long breaks at a gorge and the top of nesuntabunt mtn. both views were great and surrounded by blueberries so i snacked and relaxed. sigh. now i'm at the shelter and it's 1:30. i'd really like to move on, but i don't think that would be a good idea - need to rest.i met some nobos that i previously met in TN. it feels so strange to be hiking south.
Date: 2003-08-02
From: wadleigh stream lean to

To: mahar tote road 
Miles today: 7.8

it's raining it's pouring but this chick ain't snoring. the floor's so hard, the roof is loud and it's two o'clock in the morning.cool, grey, and drizzly today. good for hiking into white house landing for pizza, pop, and a shower. took my first fall today fording a creek, fortunately there were no injuries except a wounded pride and bent thumbnail.right now i'm sitting in the lodge at whl wilderness camp. this is a great place to stay. very clean and relaxing. spectacular views across the lake and bill and linda (the owners) are very friendly. it feels so good to be clean and dry. well i have good news and bad news. good news: i picked up a book to keep me company at the shelters through the next 60 miles of wilderness. bad news is my insurance company and pharmacy aren't communicating so i'm two weeks going on three without meds. evil insurance. grr...