morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Good evening dear readers,I told Buttercup today, at the bottom of the descent off of Thunderhead Mountain, that my feet felt like tenderized meat - which immediately made me think of Dad pounding steak for fajitas, wow, how I started craving them! Yes, everything does ultimately come back to food out here, in the existence of a long distance hiker. Out of camp by 8:30 made me feel quite accomplished, packing up is definitely easier when you don't need to break down a tent, though I felt a bit discombobulated since things weren't in the "right" place in my pack. I do love hiking in the early morning - the light is stunning, the air is clean and brisk, and my energy and motion are restored. It's amazing how that happens overnight, even when I don't sleep the best. I'm getting more used to the shelter experience, great group of hikers I'm around at the moment. Starting with Russell Field, today rekindled the Smokies' magic for me! Stunning fields, almost otherworldly with the dried grass rolling up and down. The climb to Rocky Top seemed long, but was definitely worth it - stunning views! A quick hop over to Thunderhead Mountain, and I waved like a mad woman at someone I could see on Rocky Top - could have been Buttercup, but she didn't see me. So much of the day the only noise was the cool mountain breeze rustling the leaves, and birdsong, so soothing to the senses. It continued to be very sunny, and especially at the high elevations, I need to break out the sunblock, I got a bit red today on my arms and face. Maybe its the elevation with the constant ups and downs, but there's something strangely different about being here in the Smokies, it's hard to articulate. Being surrounded by large towering mountains, on all sides, knowing I'm on the ridgeline of a great National Park and between 2 states, walking where both so many have walked before, but also where so comparatively few of the population will ever go....I feel like I own the mountains when I'm there by myself. Simply awesome.Tomorrow - Clingman's Dome and the only place on the trail where I've physically stepped foot before 3/14/13! A group of us is hoping to get a ride into Gatlinburg to resupply and spend the night, and maybe a zero. I rolled my right ankle a few days back, and it is quite twinge-y on the descents, particularly the small rocks on the steep descent from Thunderhead this afternoon. Amazing to think - nearly 200 miles done, and almost 4 weeks in. 1 month ago, I was finishing up getting my resupply boxes together, anxiously awaiting my flight down to Atlanta. Almost stress free now, living nearly everyday in the woods - wouldn't trade this experience for the world. Tomorrow, I'll be where my AT dream began, as a thru-hiker, I can't wait!
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Good evening dear readers,Today: Views! Pine smell permeating the senses! Primeval forest, gorgeous ridge walk, a picture with a sign I've been waiting for, trail magic from former thru hikers and an inspirational local lady - just a perfect day.   Lesson learned today - benadryl to help with itchy bug bites does not combine well with climbing mountains. I was stopping every 50 feet, not to catch my breath, but to yawn and look yearningly at the grass on the side of the trail, you don't know how much I wanted to throw down my sleeping pad and curl up and take a nap! By the time I made it to a shelter for lunch, I was about over the worst of it, but wow did I feel like I was dragging.The cool mountain breezes and stunning pine forest, so different from the woods I've been hiking through, revived me in the afternoon, as did the stunning ridge walk up to Clingman's Dome, the highest point along the trail and where I learned of the AT for the first time back in 2005. As I got closer and closer, I kept an eagle eye out for "the sign" - where I first stepped foot on the trail, and took a picture that I looked at countless times in the years inbetween. That picture represented my AT dream all rolled up in one image - today was a huge milestone, to reach that place as a thru hiker. When I saw it, I teared up and excitedly threw off my pack to take pictures. It looked weather worn but cheerful - an ever present marker of this great trail. From the side trail, I emerged onto the paved path up to Clingmans Dome, and got a kick out of seeing all the day hikers. Double Dare, Floater, and Gi, amongst others, were there, and DD and I climbed the space-ship like observation tower to take in the spectacular views - such a clear sunny day, so very lucky. Later in the parking lot, Buttercup met Cat, a super nice lady from Gatlinburg who quickly became our trail angel. The 5 of us (Buttercup, Double Dare, Floater, Gi and I) piled into her SUV with all of our smelly gear and smelly selves, and she so graciously took us down the 20+ miles into Gatlinburg, asking excited questions along the way. Even with a pack wedged in my lap and between Gi and I in the back seat, it was a great trip, with the windows down (both for the smell and because it was a gorgeous hot day!) and flew by. Being dropped off at the Grand Prix Motel, which caters to hikers and quickly promised a room they were renovating, and a great BBQ dinner at Bennett's down the street. An awesome free ice cream cone later from Ben and Jerry's, and the surreal garishness of the Gatlinburg main drag made for a stunning contrast with the beautiful serenity of the mountains. Just amazing!
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good evening dear readers,What a strange contrast - I've spent the day doing town chores (resupply - the trolley system in Gatlinburg is much appreciated, though slow; laundry, etc), trying to rest my ankle, and updating my journal - and here I am writing an entry that I probably won't transcribe until I'm far beyond here. Such is the life of a thru hiker with limited computer access! At the outfitter, I was so excited to run into OB, who I thought was days ahead by now. Together with Cabo, Sparky, and Headbones, we went to the Peddler for dinner and had a mouthwatering salad bar and either rainbow trout (me) or steak (all of the guys). The Peddler is pricey for the average thru hiker on a limited budget, but totally worth it in my opinion. Great people watching on the Gatlinburg main drag with OB and Headbones for several hours, eating ice cream and chatting with passing hikers was a spectacular end to a relaxing day. Zeroing again tomorrow due to bad weather expected - I really don't want to be at the highest point along the AT above 6000 feet in a lightening storm.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

4/11: Posts entered through 4/5, will continue to update as I'm able! Updated 5/3/13: Good afternoon dear readers,Wow, am I ever behind on updating my journal. I sit here in Damascus on a lovely zero day, and hope to transcribe as much of my entries as I can this afternoon from the past few weeks. So, without further procrastination.....A great second zero day here in Gatlinburg, though we are all just waiting for the forecasted thunderstorm storm to hit. Since I'm in town, the sooner the better so it can clear out for tomorrow. For the hikers on the ridge, I'm sure they'd prefer later once they are holed up in the shelter! I'm feeling antsy as I write this, need to be back out in the woods. My ankle feels totally back to normal, and I'm itching to be back up there, I so love my time in the Smokies. After finishing a few chores, I arranged to share a shuttle tomorrow with Cabo, Sparky, Violet and another hiker. They'll all be dropped off at Newfound Gap, but I'm agonizing whether or not to go back to Clingmans where I was dropped off. The issue is the ice - everyone whose gone through there said it was treacherous. However, I have been lugging my microspikes with me, and am getting rid of them in Hot Springs. I might as well use them one last time. I'm going to go for it - I feel prepared, and I find I'm something of a purist so far! For non AT hikers, a purist is one who hikes past every white blaze, some don't want to slack pack (day pack), or just not go southbound when slacking, etc. I'm quite sad to say goodbye to Buttercup tomorrow. She is going to zero another day to rest up and hopefully heal some of her broken ribs. It's been a real lesson for me - learning what "hike your own hike"'means to me. Sometimes that means leaving behind a friend, because they plan to hike slower, or whatever the reason might be. It's definitely time for me to leave Gatlinburg though - I was recognized at Baskin Robbins as a repeat customer, when Buttercup, Violet, and I went there for ice cream comes after dinner! I did get a discount After a great conversation with Mom and Dad, time to sleep in a bed again - it's the simple pleasures in life! It always makes me homesick to hear their voices, but I really love hearing their news and "I love you's". Mom continues to be an awesome support person - she's sending my new camera and shoes to Hot Springs. I can't wait, this pair of shoes and insoles are disintegrating fast, but they do have lots of miles on them now - all of my training hikes last year in addition to the AT.Fingers crossed my feet haven't changed size! Only 200 miles the past 4 weeks - kind of stressing that the 15 mile day seems out of my reach thus far. Patience grasshopper, I know I've been steadily pushing myself and increasing the miles. I don't have a deadline, after all!
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Good evening dear readers,In my paper journal, I often write a few words to summarize the day and then write out my full thoughts (yes, I'm totally type A if that wasn't already ridiculously obvious). Today I wrote: Charlie's Bunion awesome view! Ridge views!! Best lunch spot ever! Snowmen, AT carvings, blow downs, music. What a day, what a day. I woke up to frost on my tent and an awesome misty sunrise - the view at Icewater is spectacular. Only 4 people passed me today, but tons at the shelter tonight who started out at Newfound this morning. I'm hoping things quiet down soon. What a great day of hiking, I feel like a broken record! It's a nice problem to have. Despite my fear of heights (or really of falling to death or maiming injury down the mountain), I climbed on the rocks at Charlie's Bunion, an awesome rock outcropping with great views. The subsequent ridge walks were breathtaking though not in the literal sense, at least not more so than normal. Fantastic lunch spot at an overlook to dry out the tent and hope it wasn't going to fly off the mountain. For the first time today I listened to music in the afternoon to help me through the PM slump. Definitely helped with the climbs, but I was surprised how differently I related to my favorite tunes out here. Deeper meanings to the lyrics, or perhaps actual time to think?? It seemed every time I had to stop and breathe today (normally somewhat frustrating for me) I seemed to see an AT symbol carved in a blow down or stump - just awesome. Speaking of blown down trees, SO many to climb over, under, and around today. The most remote part of the park must be hard to maintain. Some snow on the cool sides of the ridge made for a startling contrast, as I was otherwise so hot. Enjoyed the snowman someone had built, brought a smile to my face after nearly tripping over yet another root.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Tricorner Knob Shelter

To: Mt Cammerer Tower stealth campsite
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Good evening dear readers,I'm such a rebel! Gasp, I'm actually stealth camping, which is strictly forbidden in the Smokies, at Mt Cammerer observation tower with Whirled Peas (love the name - imagine Whirled Peas! Tickles my funny bone) another lady hiker about my age, which is shocking in itself - not many 30 something's out here as a general rule. I can't take credit for the idea, as WP thought it all up, she's the mastermind! We had a great time talking last night, and the party crowd at the shelter, while nice enough people by themselves, just weren't our thing. While I have no problems with others doing what they want to do, for heavens sake don't keep me up, I slept horribly last night which makes me cranky. With limited shelter options, we decided to risk a fine and a ranger telling us to pack up in the middle of the night. It's absolutely gorgeous here, fantastic views and and wondering which mountains we'll climb next. So hard to tell, when row upon row of mountains is before you, and the trail certainly doesn't go due north! Amazing to look at the mountains behind us, and know we've hiked them. Travel on foot gives such a different perspective, I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. Looking down at teeny tiny houses, and wondering if the people inside have ever hiked these mountains. I hope so. Did an easy, and breezy, hike to Cosby shelter before noon (7+ miles used to take me all day!) then set off again for the last major climb in the Smokies. I knew I was going to take the side trail to the observation tower and WP mentioned at lunch she was going to do the same. With a *wink, wink* we were both hoping no other hikers would bother, since it was more than half a mile off the trail. Well, we lucked out! Turns out she didn't mind me joining her, in fact she immediately invited me! Kindred spirits recognize one another We're hunkered down in the tower's room, so I would like to respectfully point out to any park official who may read this that we didn't impact the environment with our stealth camping! Hillsides with wildflowers, stiff mountain breeze on a warm day, and a good new friend trading stories and laughs - does it get much better than this?! Well, lets see if we need to sweet talk a ranger tonight, fingers crossed our illegal camping goes unchecked.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Mt Cammerer Tower stealth campsite

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 7.9

Good evening dear readers, Today started with birdsong welcoming Whirled Peas and I to watch the sunrise on Mt Cammerer. Needless to say, no ranger came during the awesome wind with some rain last night to kick us out, so our grand plan of crying and begging to remain at the tower, while happily paying whatever fine, didn't need to be used. Thank heavens, I'm a horrible actress, not that the begging would have been acting per se! The wind was fierce last night, I just kept repeating to myself that the building had been there since the 30s, and just renovated in the 90s! Also, when going out to water the leaves, "please don't let me be blown off this mountain with my pants down, so undignified!" The tower has huge rocks and cliffs surrounding it, and the wind was so strong sweeping up the ridge that this wasn't an idle concern! All in all, though, I slept well, so no cranky Finder of Paths today, which is good since I'm finding I don't have much of a filter out here. Another easy morning hike descending out of the Smokies, though I was disappointed there wasn't a Smoky Mountain National Park sign at Davenport Gap, since I wanted my picture with it. I felt bad for southbounders, very anticlimactic. Spring is out in full force in the lower elevations, and I'm holding my breathe (not literally!) to see how my allergies/asthma hold up. Around Pigeon River there is a great series of crossings, so nice on a hot day, though when I slipped and fell in once it really wasn't intentional! Great outcome though - I think the days of hiking in tights are over, too hot now. The I-40 underpass seemed surreal, it had been so far away that morning. Standing Bear Farm is very....rustic. I wanted to stay overnight to spend some time with Whirled Peas and other hikers, and I had a resupply box there and figured a short day would be nice. The shower was bracing, but very refreshing it was so hot! We learned later we should have said something as the gas hearing the shower just needed to be changed. Awesome trail magic package from Joan included maps and goodies to eat! I also had Easter candy in my box from home and immediately devoured the bunny, yum, so good Malley's chocolate and jelly beans are so far from home!! Saw an amazing number of hikers I knew, and a highlight was seeing OB and Headbones, who had been behind me by half a day since Gatlinburg. Time for the privy before lights out in the bunkhouse - yes, very rustic!
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Max Patch Rd stealth campsite
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Good evening dear readers,I'm in my tent, watching the sunset, so very thankful for Omescurius (spelling?) trail magic at Max Patch Road today. I was shooting for my first 15 mile day (so elusive), but between the heat and not sleeping well in the bunkhouse last night I was seriously dragging by 4:30. Official verdict is that the Bug Band does NOT work for me, the gnats and black flies were terrible today. Ok, I'll get the Deet out of the bounce box in Hot Springs. It was a lovely morning, though, and the climb up Snowbird Mountain was awesome, though hard. Continuing the bald mountain tops, I can't wait for Max Patch tomorrow! Lunch at the shelter with Rocky and Crusher (who met on the PCT, don't worry I didn't ask my 101 questions all at once!) and an amazing series of coincidences - Cookie asked about my AT necklace, which led to Crusher mentioning she had one for the PCT, and asking me about my Wild & White Blazing sticker on my trekking pole. Rocky thru hiked the AT in 2009 and had met several of the WWB faculty! A German hiker asked Rocky and Crusher if they had met a hiker on the PCT who was a friend of his, and they knew him well! Cookie and Wolfgang, also from Germany, started talking with the other German hiker and turns out they are from the same area! What a world, this trail community. I leapfrogged with Crusher and Rocky all through the hot afternoon, and the PUDs seemed endless (pointless ups and downs). From some serious thinking, I was down in the dumps emotionally, and so needed some trail magic. Lo and behold, after descending into the gap by Max Patch road, there it was! Bigfoot Jim was setting up camp on an old overgrown road, and I soon decided to join him in stealth camping. Had a fantastic BBQ chicken breast and fire baked potato from the magic, and soon convinced Little SAS and Cookie/Wolfgang to stay, too. I think we all had a hard day! We made plans to get up early and go the mile to the top of Max Patch for the sunrise, and retired early to a wonderfully level tent site and the sunset.....ahhhhh.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Max Patch Rd stealth campsite

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter area
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Good evening dear readers,I lay triumphant in my tent after hiking over 17 miles today - take that, elusive 15 mile mark!! I'm tired, but not exhausted. I'm very proud of myself, though I fully recognize the comparative easy terrain today certainly helped, but I'll get to details in a minute.My grand plans of getting up early to watch the sunrise on Max Patch were thwarted as soon as I heard the rain and thunder upon my phone alarm going off. Oh well, another hour of sleep! Despite reading a book on my phone far too late, I had a great night's sleep. Up and packing a wet tent by 8:15, and the light and scenery on Max Patch was seriously out of this world. Amazing variety of birdsong, and tears came to my eyes at the majesty all around me. After crossing the bald and taking numerous photos, the trail was, dare I say it??, FLAT! The forest was moist and cool from the rain, such a nice change from yesterday's heat and dry conditions. I hiked for a while with Little SAS, a really nice lady also from Ohio! I enjoyed getting to know her better, and then was shocked to see Windy and Breeze at a campsite breaking down camp, they were far ahead of me all through the Smokies but slowed down to meet up with someone in Hot Springs this weekend.   Enjoyed chatting with them and Valkyrie at Walnut Shelter over the rain at lunch. 2 hours later and I was itching to get moving. I had nearly 10 miles to the shelter right before Hot Springs, and wasn't sure if I could make it. I hurried after Little SAS, Cookie, and Wolfgang, who had all left before the rain stopped and it felt like a game, trying to catch up to them. I listened to my guilty pleasure songs all afternoon and just kept on trucking. The last descent was hard on the knees (are we there yet?!) but I made it by 6:15! I had passed Cookie and Wolfgang a few miles before the shelter and they also got there. They are just so inspiring, I hope I have as much get up and go when I'm in my 60s and 70s! I'm tenting on a very level site behind the shelter, and was happy to talk with 4 section hikers, Little SAS, Zeus, Windy and Breeze over dinner. Zeus' hot sauce was amazing - ghost peppers he grew himself, wow!   I know every 15+ mile day isn't going to be as easy as this one, but this is so confidence boosting. A little over 3 miles to town, and I'm hoping to see other hikers I haven't seen in a few days. So odd to think I've only known these folks for a few weeks, or maybe even a few days, and it's a huge reunion when we see each other again. This intense shared experience has a way of forging amazing bonds, I'm learning.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter area

To: Hot Springs - Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 3.2

Good evening dear readers, Ahhhh, I love Nearo days, when you hike a few miles, so feel some accomplishment, but then get into town with its food, showers, beds, etc. Just great.I was up early with the section hikers, enjoyed watching the sunrise (which was best from the privy!) and getting out of camp before 8. Paused to get some water and chat with Cookie and Wolfie, who we're trying to get him to accept as his trail name. He hates it! I love those 2, what a great pair. A quick 3 miles into town, so great to see all the trees leafing out, amazing greens and yellows, the only word to describe it is fresh; and the plentiful wildflowers. Hot Springs is a great milestone, and such a cute little town! The trail runs down Main Street, and I was happy to stop at the Smoky Mt Diner for breakfast. I don't think I mentioned yesterday, but I have been dreaming and fantasizing about food - a new level to my hiker hunger. Ate one of their skillets loaded with home fries, veggies, eggs, and bacon - ohh so good! I sat with Little SAS, V-line, Srocket, and Why Not, a great lady from CA finishing her triple crown with the AT this year. I tried not to grill her on the PCT and CDT! So inspiring. I ended up at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, sharing a room with Whirled Peas. Great woman that she is, she booked 2 nights when we were back at Standing Bear. After a fantastic shower and opening boxes (shoes - yea! New camera I don't have to baby - yea!!) off I went to do laundry and resupply. I must have been up and down the Main Street half a dozen times today, including a trip to the Bluff Mountain outfitters who have a great food selection. I also switched out some gear that was beyond annoying to me, for the non gear heads out there I'll keep this short. Shorts/shirt for sleeping since I've been roasting, a collapsable bowl (no more rattling and bulky packing!) a pack cover (yes, I caved), a 3L platypus water bladder and a Nalgene water carry - obviously totally switching out my water system; and a ball cap - was getting burned with the visor. Jealous of the folks with new packs, the straps and hipbelt keep slipping on my Catalyst, I don't think it fits me right. I'll try some other configurations before I ask Mom to send me one of my other packs. Perhaps this is why I didn't feel the need to sell any of the three of them!The Spring Creek Tavern was the place to be, saw countless hikers and had great reunions amongst great food and drinks. Zero tomorrow, and a soak in the hot springs at the Spa is definitely on the agenda! Amazing how a "day off" isn't all relaxing and bumming around when you're on foot, but I can't complain - for a simple life, this is the best!