morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Low Gap

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

3/8Started at: Low GapAs usual, I wasn't the first person out of camp. I was the 9th person out of camp. I need to be speedier in the mornings. I gave my dad a big "See You in a Long While" sort of hug and left to catch up with Cassandra, Chris & Molly. My pack was much lighter today. A few hours in and I had caught up with the crew, I had to book it to make up for having left so much later. Molly and I had the ambitious goal of hiking 15 miles to Tray Mtn Shelter after stops at Unicoi Gap and THE CHEESE FACTORY SITE!!! At Unicoi I resupplied/reheavied my bag from the food in my dad's truck. While hiking out of Unicoi I had my first trail magic experience, a can of Mtn Dew that motivated Molly & I, Christ n' Cass had gone ahead of us coming out of Unicoi due to the fact that I had to resupply. The second half of the day Molly struggled with her blisters & water, her batteries died for her steripen. We had come across a South Bounder who had been hiking down from Maine for 7 months now. Cody Coyote was his name and was thrilled that I had extra food to unload on him. The trail had done some good work on him, he was skinny and strong hiking along with two oak hiking poles, he strongly recommended we stay at the BlueBerry Patch in Hiawassee. We had only made it as far as the CheeseCakeFactoryMtn site (13 miles). We shared the site. Chris n' Cass had already set-up and Trail Movin was there as well. Trail Movin' is a really nice older man with quite the story to tell. Tonight is a perfect night for camping under the stars, it was the first night my feet were too cold in that hammock of mine.
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: BlueBerry Patch (Hiawassee)
Miles today: 13.0

3/9Started at: Cheese Factory SiteChris, Cass, Molly & myself decided together we would leave early and make it to Dick Creek Gap before 3pm so we could bunk down/resupply/stuff our faces in HIawassee, GA. The Blueberry Patch is a well-known and free hostel with amazing generosity towards us thru-hikers, in God's name. The ups & downs were extremely taxing on me but we all worked together to make it on time. A Georgian BSA Troop served us breakfast atop Tray Mtn was certainly a welcome delay. Along the way the 4 of us came across a pair of trail Angels name Trail Doc & Trail Ghost. They greeted us with kit-kats (which is always the way you greet a thru-hiker)and offered their services if needed. After a short and very pleasant conversation in the middle of the trail we trekked on our seperate ways.When we got into the Hostel we all showered, filled a basket with laundry (that the Blueberry Patch washed, dried AND folded). We later got a ride into town fro an all-you-can-eat buffet and a resupply. I took advantage of the caloric crunch time & opportunity to buy sunscreen. It was far too ironic how red I, The Roosta', had gotten today. Looking forward to crossing the border tommorow!Slept at: The Blueberry Patch Hostel
Date: 2013-03-10
From: BlueBerry Patch (Hiawassee)

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

3/10Started at: Dicks Creek GapGeorgians know hot to cook. Sausage, eggs, pancakes, bisquits, gravy, OJ, coffee and love is what I had been served at the Blueberry Patch. Molly who is now known as Dumbledoor is taking a zero due to her blistered foot. Chris & Cass are going to church as are most of the thru-hikers. Trail-mopvin', Blue Moon & myself decided to practice our reverance on the trail with the 3 extra hours of hiking. Trailmovin' & I walked and talked, then then we talked & walked for the first 8 mailes or so, then I pulled ahead on the incline. I ate a light-lunch at the GA-NC Border to soak in the achievement as well as to be available for Trail-movin's photo-op. Just around the sat a gnarled looking tree welcoming us all into N.C. as well as serve as a centerpiece to Bly Gap where I've decided to sit and wait for miss Chickadee. While waiting I ate, sharpened pencils and had a few conversations. Trailmovin' & Blue Moon move on to the shelter, then Powderpuff came through with some poor spirits in her head. I did what icould to cheer her up, what it took was hearing that her group had stopped just 2 miles up at Muskrat Shelter. She moved on. I reunited with Onebell for some moments of time while he passed by seeking advice on a pressure point from his boot, I had suggested an altenate lace method. I hope it helps. Shortly after Onebell, then came SoleSister, a sweet woman in her 50's thruhiking for her second time. She was beat from the climb though. She figured on staying at Bly Gap for the night and began setting up. Being that she was there and Chickadee knows her from previous days hikes, I felt comfortable heading on over to the shelter. I waited another half hour to be true to my word (that I would meet Chickadee at Bly gap) and then I heaved my way quickly to the Muskrat Shelter before daylight broke. It was a nice warm welcoming from everyone that had passed me earlier. I set up camp and began dinner. As I was occupied with cooking, a lil' Chickadee poked me and made my day tremendously great. She's a strong hiker, and there was no fear that something had gone wrong for her, but I must admit I was a tiny bit curious and worried that we had not met up as planned at Bly Gap. Church ran muuuuuch longer than expected. Shortly after she showed up, the family was complete again with Chris and Cassandra mozying in minutes later! I'm going to sleep with a smile.Stayed at: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Date: 2013-03-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Despite waking up in the rain Chickadee and I quickly decided to move while the weater wasn't dangerous to the next shelter 5 miles away. We were just about the first one out of camp just after Jean's, Powderpuff and Trailmovin'. Despite the steady rain the hike was certainly enjoyable, the trail wasn't dangerous and the company I was with was hilarious. We made it to shelter just before the wind started picking up. I pulled out my hammock tarp and masked about half of the shelter's open side with it. I was proud of my work. There was a group of Outdoor Leadership School students that made their way through (they also stayed at muskrat last night). They stopped in to eat, warm and plan their next move. They left shortly after to make it to a campground just over Standing Indian Mtn which will be my first 5k ft mountain so far. They left with them some good converstation and happy vibes. A pair of German brothers came through, unimpressed with the weather were still planning an 18 mile day (WOAH!). The shelter filled up with Chris, Cass, another couple and then BEEEEEEEN!!! Ben is one of my favorite people I've met on the trail, he just cruises from shelter to shelter, is a man of very few words and is a person Molly and I had lost track of. Last I heard of him was at Neels Gap during the storm but I didn't see him. I thought he was either lightyears ahead... or dead. HE WAS HERE WITH US NOW! Molly will be so excited to hear of the news. Spending the day in the shelter was uneventful and unproductive, except for the fact that I ate a good lb of Peanut Butter (no exageration). The wind and the rain is tremendous, I feel bad for those who hadn't made it to the shelter and had to sleep outside. It was a couple Colorado guys with rediculous personalities and a couple army guys who are all set with their Bivy Sacks. Good Night, I miss my hammock.
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

Started at: Standing Indian ShelterIf I were to describe today in two words, I would have to say that it was "Simply Roosterific". Today was fun.Waking up in the shelter was mildly uncomfortable, apparently I kept kneeing my hiking partner Chickadee in the back so I felt bad about that. Quickly my day turned as I packed my bag, filtered water and met NEW PEOPLE! The three ROTC guys that were hiking on their spring break were fun to chat with. It made me wonder why I never went hiking prior to this trip whenever possible, that will change when I readjust to society. Chris and Cass left before Chickadee n' I as per usual. Quickly my hiking partner n' I reached the not as impressive peak of Standing Indian Mnt. It would have been more impressive had I not been building it up in my head for the better part of 12 hours. The entire day of hiking was just full of jokes rocking back and forth between Chickadee and I so it flew up until we got to the approach of Albert Mnt. The vertical climb turned my trekking poles into a useless nuisance for the time, all the while I worried about how seriously Chickadee was working through her leg pain (from climbing stairs faaaar bigger than any human should bother climbing). The fire tower that sat atop Albert Mnt was worth the climb 10x over, I love the reward. A few miles further and we came to the BRAND NEW LONG BREANCH SHELTER that was one of the few two story shelters I will come across (to my knowledge). Despite the impressive and STILL uncomfortable wooden shelter, there were no bear cables to make the hang easy as pie. Haven't seen any since Georgia. At that shelter the lazy act was locked in as habitual to just hang the food on a tree nub NOT out of reach of bears but out of convience for mice. This habit will last until the bears come I suspect.The Rooster SleepsSlept at: Long Branch Shelter
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Winding Creek Gap (Franklin, NC)
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Started at: Long Branch ShelterThe whole reason that I stayed in the shelter last night was so that I could get out of camp earlier than most. We had an 11am shuttle into Franklin, NC at the Winding Creek Gap that morning. I left later than most and spent about 2 hours of nearly running over mountains to catch up, I will never get out of camp on time(another act that is becoming habitual). I caught up with the Colorado Kids before I caught up with the rest of the group and at that point I decided that I was on track to make the shuttle and just hiked with them. They are two of the most rediculous(and smartest) characters I've met on the trail. They've started a game of NAR(Numerical Assessment of Radness), I guess peeing off a scenic overlook give you 100 points and if you do so naked then your score is x10. This game restarts every day between them, I'm sure the game will evolve and become a game that the term "rediculous" would barely scrape the surface to describe it.When I arrived at the shuttle with those two, Chris, Cass & Chickadee we were warmly greeted by a large group of previous throug-hikers telling us of their tales while offering us trail magic. Cold Trail Magic, more like Cold Trail Gold. It was a tall-can of PBR(Beer) that most of us indulged in... at 11am. The old van eventually showed up driven by the one and only Ron Haven. Ron Haven runs the town it seems knowing every nook and cranny, in and out, included in his knowledge is every need or want a thru-hiker may want. I wasn't planning on staying in town, but when we arrived to the Saphire Inn all my wants became needs. To fit all these new neccesities into my day I decided a Nero(near zero day of hiking) was in order to get it all done, I split a room with miss Chickadee.We were all dying for pizza since Hiawassee, GA so we walked packless the mile or so to Vito's. THEY DIDN'T OPEN UNTIL 4PM!!! So we made our way to the Country Kitchen for an all-you-can eat. That was the best AYCE I've ever had, the food was all reminicent of the quality we had at the Blueberry Patch(Homecooked with care, and delicous). We waddled our way to the Outdoor 76, I druled over the ENO hammocks for a bit and then bought a new spoon(broke the old one) and a 2013 AWOL AT guide. The elevation in it makes it a valueable source of information. After cleaning up after all that we all proceeded to the dollar store for a resupply, then proceeded to repackage our resupply into our food bags. It's a process and half.Finished the day off with a nice beer and far too much pizza from Vito's(the provided transportion this time), the pizza came with breadsticks and I had to get some wrapped up to go(FOOD FOR THE TRAIL).The Rooster SleepsSlept in: The Saphire Inn Franklin, NC
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up to one of the Colorado boys puffing up the mountain side to quickly drop trow and pee while gazing into the scenic view, this made me smile. I was impressed that he had started his day off with NAR points. It took minutes for the other 25ish hikers at the last shelter to swarm the bald, with the usual unusual event of the days and night prior. There were lots of photos and talks about how great an idea it was to get up to the bald for sunrise. Only about 6 of them origionally planned on the pre-morning hike, but the rest followed suit. I took the time to enjoy the sun coming up and over the mountain. In that time I enjoyed my beer with Chris toasting to a Happy St. Patty's Day! Fewer people than I figured had carried beer up that rediculous mountain so I had my sip and than passed it around wanting and empty bottle back, that was no problem. The hikers that came up in the morning were all packed and moved on shortly after the sunrise while small group of us night hikers took our sweet time to eat breakfast, pack up and just take in the excellent morning. I needed water so I went ahead to fill at the next water source. I spent the better part of the morning unsure if they had past me while I filled up or if they were behind me still. I pushed forward fairly quick to Stecoah Gap where Chickadee's dad was getting picked up, I wanted to thank him for the company and wish him well. So I did, they were behind me a ways. They took some extra sweet time packing up it seems. Reunited with Chickadee we moved on as it was certainly getting later on in the day, wasting time wasn't the greatest of ideas because we planned to meet Chris and Cass almost 9 miles up the trail. The big "fun part" of those 9 miles was Jacob's Ladder. We weren't alone there were another 5 or 6 thru-hikers with us. The climb started real steep, it took alot out of us. We all thought it was the precursor to the REAL Jacob's Ladder, so the dread fell fast and hard on our spirits. Soon after I reached the top expecting another and more difficult climb I came across three south-bound hikers on a multi-day trip. They informed me there was no giant climb awaiting me, which was music to my ears and the rest of the crew. It told us we had JUST CLIMBED Jacob's Ladder and the worst was behind us. I was fortunate enough to describe the downhill climb that was awaiting them!Chickadee and I flew through the next 8 miles ahead of the pack and found ourselves a place among common friends new and old. I'm still surprised at how many faces there are on the trail that i'm still meeting that I have never met before. Many of them I've heard of, but not all.Set my hammock up, and declared the night to be done for this rooster. Tommorow is a short 5 miler nero for Chris, Cass, Chickadee and myself. We've booked a room at the Fontana Village Resort. It's renouned for great food, showers and beds. And a really expensive resupply unless you can get 20 miles into the closes town. It is a village, not a town.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontanta AT Crossing (Fontana Village)
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: light snow

The morning started slow as we all fizzled out of the shelter area, I'm still amazed at how our poor attention to hanging our food bags high and far away from the sleeping area hasn't back-fired yet. I was excited to come upon the road crossing with the bathrooms that were notorious for being kept REALLY HOT inside all year round just-a-bout. After we called for a shuttle the 4 of us spent most of our time inside the bathroom. The itinerary for the day was simple. Shower, eat, while doing laundry, eat again, sit, eat and then sleep. That's essentially what we did. There's the little gas station which is called "the pit stop", where we ate and resupplied while our laundry was being washing and dried up the road a little ways. Dragon's Breath which is a bourbon barreled ale put out by the Natahala Brewing company was amaaaaaazing. It took the edge off paying more than double what I wanted to for 3 days of food. When we got back I had disappeared into my phone and thoughts as everyone else went for a free movie I wasn't interested in seeing anyways. Plus i had to go back and find one of Chickadee's socks that I neglected to pick out of the dryer. Out of the corner of my eye as I sat in the lobby I saw a familiar flash of bright yellow and red. Molly? MOLLY!?!?! It was Molly we were reunited again and it wasn't Molly, it is Dumbledoor. Chris and Cassy were just as surprised. We had started dinner and shortly joined by Molly and her crew of hikers. It reminded me of the community of hikers on top of Cheoah Bald and I felt absolutely privileged to be here right now, yesterday and tomorrow. The remainder of the day consisted of journaling and a late-night heart to heart with Bison on the trail.The Rooster Sleeps... Finally
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Fontanta AT Crossing (Fontana Village)

To: Fontanta AT Crossing (Fontana Village)
Miles today: 0.0

I was up too late last night with my journal so even though I was ready to hike after a good strong breakfast. I was not opposed to taking a zero as Chickadee suggested. Chris and Cass moved on and I stayed with Chickadee, which had it's ups and downs with me. I decided I liked the decision, let Chickadee's ankle heal up better, and I'll be hiking with Molly again!The day quickly disappeared with additional naps and a walk down to the pitstop for some food and a beer with Chickadee (she had pizza and juice). We went all out for dinner starting off with dessert, than the meals, and then finish it if off with an appetizer. It was an AMAZING way to eat a meal. The food was expensive but for the quality of it I'd certainly pay more if I had to for it. I met up with Gyro a little later on in the evening for a taste of the Natahala brews on tap. We felt it. It felt good.The Rooster Sleeps... Tiiiiiiiiiiiny Bubbbbbles in my BeeeEEEEEeer...
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

3/21Started at: Mollies RidgeThe day started off pretty routine and expected for a day on the trail, everything was cold and frigged. As Chickadee, Gyro and I started off slow and had never caught up with Dumbledore and all them we still made some pretty good time. Having stopped at some really amazing views on a nice clear day really slowed Chickadee and I down. With all the series of ups and down I moved quicker than both of them and their ailments they've decided to hike with, but they're both picking up speed. I think i worry too much about other at times. Better I do, rather than not is how I see it. As we pull into the shelter there are are 4 others we're sharing it with. Through-hiker named Sweat and than three high-schoolers. The high-schoolers were going south-bound and almost out (which was good cause the weather will be baaad soon). Their senior trip involved going to New York City, which is a big trip for kids from North Carolina. They didn't have any desire to go to some rotten to the bone city, they decided to hike the Smokies (WICKED AWESOME). Smart bunch of kids, they did seem to be more intrigued with my mix of meals than their expensive mountain house packs. I traded some of my dinner for a fresh piece of chicken from theirs, it was myyyyyyy pleasure. An instant pack of loaded mashed potatoes, a "pasta sides" of beef stroganoff and a pack of tuna. Top that off with some crumbed Cheese-Its, that was my dinner and prize of the night.The Rooster Sleep... Full Full FullSlept in: Derrick Knob Shelter
Date: 2013-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

INTRO:The purpose of this journal is to document my experiences as I hike the trail. I hope that it will help my friends and family to get a better understanding of the journey as it goes along. Hopefully I can paint a good picture of life on the trail and capture some great memories!! THE BEGINNING: The first mention of "Appalachian Trail" I can recall is about 5 years ago at my workplace when they decided to give names of national landmarks to all the labs. My bench was located right next to the "Appalachian Trail" sign which I walked by every day but knew no details of it other than being a trail in the Appalachians. First time seeing it was through a fictional movie called Southbounders about a young man and woman who thru hike from Maine to Georgia. Since then, I have seen multiple documentaries, blogs, youtube clips, books etc about it and have grown intrigued with the idea of one day going out and hiking it. Why??? I love the outdoors, experiencing nature, meeting like-minded people, the physical, mental, emotional challenge, and seeing new places are a few reasons why. The idea of going on a journey I find fun and exciting. Adventure. Why now??? This is something I want experience. I've learned about the trail, done the preparation, feel like I can do it and am ready. Answering the call. Thought about it long and hard, now is an ideal time. This is important to me and don't want to put it off. Let's go do it!!! Made the difficult decision to step away from my "normal" life to make this happen. I've unknowingly crossed the trail many times during my travels but this will be my first time setting foot on it. Enough reading and hearing about it, 2013 is the year I will go out and hike the Appalachian Trail. I can't wait to get started!!
Date: 2013-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Todays entry is to document some events going on right now. This is meant to serve as a reference point at the time of my departure for the Appalachian trail.1. Marquette beats Miami, Syracuse beats Indiana to face off in elite eight.2. Brian Urlacher Bears era ends3. Blackhawks are in first place after record streak4. Bulls end Miami Heat 26 win streak5. Will Derrick Rose return this season?6. Will Cubs move to Rosemont?7. Argentinian Cardinal becomes Pope Francis I.8. Daniel Day Lewis best actor for Lincoln. 9. Obama 2ND term10. Mumford and sons on top11. Harlem shake
Date: 2013-03-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Flew into Atlanta, took the MARTA train out towards the last train stop going north. Got out, walked couple blocks to the REI store to buy a gas canister since i couldnt bring the one i had at home on the plane. Carrying my pack on the flat sidewalk felt so heavy. Cant imagine what it'll feel like on the trail, will find out soon enough. Went across the street to have lunch at Wendys. Got back on the MARTA to the next stop where my shuttle would pick me up. Arrived still a bit early and sat on the bench. More hikers arrived with their packs also waiting for the shuttle. I met Janet, Wyatt, Steve, Jan and Melanie. Shuttle arrives, quick stop at Walmart before heading to nearby Hiker Hostel. There I take a nice walk around the wooded property to get warmed up and stretch the muscles out a bit. Once it starts to get dark, I head back inside. In the room, I unpack the contents of my bag to go over everything one last time. Charge my batteries, re-roll my clothes, lay out what i'll wear tomorrow, fill my pant and pack pockets with my stuff. While i was packing my bag for the approach trail, I see a scorpion crawling across my bed - no joke!! Not a good sign. I trapped it in a towel, put it in a pillow case, and will release it outside tomorrow. Crisis averted. Hope i didn't use up all of my luck even before starting the trail.