morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 5, March 6Trail Names: Breaking NEWS! I think Paul has a trail name or he does..from here on out he is the "Radio Man". Man was it cold this morning and the wind was a howling! It was so cold that Paul had to breath on my tent poles in order to make them come lose. Today hiking was a lay-up compared to yesterday. We cleared 12 miles by just after 2 pm and that was with an extended lunch break at Low Gap Shelter. We were planing on spending the night at Blue Mountain. In fact when we got there we set up camp and ate dinner. I set up my tent (You might remember I am banned from shelters ever since he Cooper Puked on the Radio Man). At the top of the hour the Radio Man turned on the radio to get weather. Well, it was not good news Snow and ice rain in our location. We stopped at Blue Mountain planing to do a nero tomorrow (almost a zero). We knew we had to catch a 0900 shuttle to our motel and did not want to be walking down a mountain in snow and ice - so we made a decision to move out - and we did around 430 pm. Five other people joined us.So now we find ourselves in a motel in Hiawassee, GA with 3 stinky strangers, drinking a beer and a pizza on the way. Oh yes, LIFE IS GOOD! Will be back on the trail soon....Yak at you soon!!
Date: 2014-03-07
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Unicoi
Miles today: 0.0

Day 6 March 7Zero day. I was actually ready to hike at about two this afternoon!! We had finished all our chores and were in a "hurry up and wait status". I was bored. For the first time in a week I wanted a puff!!! Instead I went and got some chewing gum and a disposal e cig. I am going to bed and was not brokeOk so early today we went to breakfast. An AYCE in hiker speak is so exciting!!It means All You Can Eat. I was not so excited as I don't have hiker hunger....yet I would have been much happier with an omelette from Waffle House. Anyway we came back to the shack. One of my bunk mates is struggling with knee pain and no part of her wants off the trail. I had her talk to my friend Dr. Edith. My thoughts are with her and I am hoping for the best. Cooper has taken full advantage of his zero day as you can see from the pics. He now has a trail name - "The Man"!! Later in the afternoon I thought some folks how to play spades. It was a blast. I fake yelled at them. The Radio Man helped Snuffleupagus with some feet/blister issues. Finally we went to dinner with Cael and uncle UG. Was a good day all in all but ready to walk. Yak at you soon.
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Unicoi

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 11.4

Day 7 March 8th. Today we started out with a 1 1/2 mile climb up Rocky Mountain. Than down. Then a 2 2/12 mile climb up Tray mountain. We ended up staying at Sassafras Gap with 6 other hikers. On our way up Tray we were greeted by trail magic in the form of Burgers and dogs and chips and desserts! Courtesy of the BSA and Baptist church. They did a great job and were so nice. As we walked up to the event and lovely lady named Tammy came up and said, "Is this Cooper'! LOL Yes it seems his reputation is proceeding him. They gave The Little Man 4 hot dogs and he lived up to Lanny's moniker of him - Min-Pig!! Thank goodness Rex had him in hotdog training this winter We finally had some good views today. The weather was warm and sunny. When we reached our campsite, Paul pulled a cold beer out of his pack and shared it with Dinosaur, Snorlax, and I. He had wrapped it in his fleece to keep it cold and carried it all day. It is amazing how a few gulps of beer and make you feel better. I am camping with: Radio Man, Snorlex, Dinosaur, Trek, Blaze (real name), Austin and Holden. Holden and Austin are from Mississippi. dinosaur is from Germany. Are you following me here? Dinosaur and Holden speak English very well, but they communicate with each other like two snakes who met in the dark. Dinosaur asked Holden if he had any cards. She wanted to play Spades with Delight again. Holden replied, "What? No, I don't own and cats?" "I'm sorry, I cannot understand you." German and southern accents apparently do not mix. Snorlex can eat a lot. Tonight he had a 1 pound hunk of cheese and about 3 pounds of oatmeal!!!!!!! Paul told Snorlax that eating that much cheese and then putting all that fiber behind it was not a wise thing to do. the cheese would block him up and the oatmeal would cause massive pressure. He guessed that he would be singing the song of the Snorlax people about 3 am. there were recommendations of using hand sanitizer and a tent stake to assist the forces of nature, but Snorlax said he would be fine. Paul said it would look like a 12 gauge cheese shotgun slug followed by the economy sized bag of Keebler oatmeal cookies. Ok yak at you soon Hiked today: 11.4Completed: 63.3Remaining: 2122.0
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Spring 2 miles from Bly Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 8, March 9, 2014Beautiful day for a walk and walk we did! Trek said you have to walk up to get out of Georgia and I am beginning to believe him Trek also told us a story that Benton Mekay (sic) wanted the AT to go up each peak and then down to the valley and back up to the next peak!!!! Well, if true someone in their right mind talked the powers that be in to peak, gap, peak - WHEW! I believe I have seen more Georgia gaps and peaks than many a Georgia resident!! We were treated to some more trail magic today at Dick's Gap from two former thru hikers. They were serving up brauts, brownies, fruits, salad and lots of beverages. Both Radioman and Cael want to give back in the future by providing trail magic. I thinks that's cool. We are camped at by a Spring about two miles from the GA/NC and Bly Gap. Paul was pretty hot because when we started to set up our camp, he found a cheap sleeping bag that had many holes burned in it, metal cans, and 5 pounds of dog food dumped near the camp site. He was sure it was from a group of 3-4 hikers with a big husky dog. He cleaned it up and moved it up the trail where we hoped the good people who maintain the trails could take it out. We are seeing many college students on spring break now. 6 young men from the University of Georgia camped next to us. The were very nice and were having a good time. Glad to see them doing something better than drinking themselves silly on a beach. All of the spring break folks we have met have been great. Kudos to them! Hiked today: 13.0Completed: 76.3Remaining: 2109.0
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Bly Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 8, March 9, 2014Beautiful day for a walk and walk we did! Trek said you have to walk up to get out of Georgia and I am beginning to believe him. Trek also told us a story that Benton Mackaye (sic) wanted the AT to go up each peak and then down to the valley and back up to the next peak!!!! Well, if true, someone in their right mind talked the powers that be in to peak, gap, peak - WHEW! I believe I have seen more Georgia gaps and peaks than many a Georgia resident!! We were treated to some more trail magic today at Dick's Gap from Two former through hikers. They were serving up brats, brownies, fruits, salad and lots of beverages. Both Radioman and Cale want to give back in the future by providing trail magic. I thinks that's cool. We are camped by a Spring about two miles from the GA/NC and Bly Gap. Hiked today: 13.0Completed: 76.3Remaining: 2109.0
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Spring 2 miles from Bly Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 14.4

Day 9, March 10, 2015Today I learned Privies are for pooing!! Pee in the woods.The morning start put rather pleasant. About two miles into our hike we hit an emotional milestone - the GA/NC border!!! GA itself encompasses only about 3.5% of the total trail where as Virginia has 24.6% of the trail. I think GA is significant in that not everyone makes it through the state. Who know! It was a cool feeling so let's just go with itRight after that we rounded the bend and got a blast of cold air and wind that lasted the next three hours. We climbed Courthouse Bald (I don't think it's a real bald) and it made my gluteus maximus BURN!!! Radioman stated he thought it was the longest and hardest sustained climbed to date. My butt and calves agreed!!Next, we stopped at Muskrat Creek Shelter for lunch. It was a wonderful stop! The sun came out. I made Radioman oatmeal and myself some coffee. Little Man sunned himself. I used the privy It was then that I noticed the sign about peeing in the woods. I was right in the act of breaking the rule!!!! AWKWARD. Standing Indian Mountain was a much better hike. Switchbacks and a gentler ascent. We stopped for the day at Beech Gap and tented. Oh it looks like we are going with Cowgirl for my trail name. I am from Wyoming, I am wearing Ariats and it seems right to come full circle. You see, I have a trophy somewhere that I received for being the "Best Dressed" cowgirl when I was 12. Tammy, does Lance still have his trophy? So "Cowgirl" it is for now!!Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 14.4Completed: 90.7Remaining: 2094.6
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Beech Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.4

Day 9, March 10, 2015Today I learned Privies are for pooing!! Pee in the woods. You can't make this stuff up!!! See attached picture The morning started out rather pleasant. About two miles into our hike we hit a maybe emotional milestone - the GA/NC border!!! GA itself encompasses only about 3.5% of the total trail where as Virginia has 24.6% of the trail. I think GA is significant in that not everyone makes it through the state. Who knows!?!! It was a cool feeling so let's just go with it. Right after that we rounded the bend and got a blast of cold air and wind that lasted the next three hours. We climbed Courthouse Bald (I don't think it's a real bald) and it made my gluteus Maximus BURN!!! Radioman stated that he thought it was the longest, hardest sustained climbed to date. My butt and calves agreed!!Next we stopped at Muskrat Creek Shelter for lunch. It was a wonderful stop! The sun came out. I made Radioman oatmeal and myself some coffee. Little Man sunned himself. I used the privy It was then that I noticed the sign about peeing in the woods. I was right in the act of breaking the rule!!!! AWKWARD. Standing Indian Mountain was a much better hike. Switchbacks and a gentler ascent. We stopped for the day at Beech Gap and tented. Oh it looks like we are going with Cowgirl for my trail name. I am from Wyoming, I am wearing Ariats and it seems right to come full circle. You see I have a trophy somewhere that I received for being... the "Best Dressed" cowgirl when I was 12. Tammy does Lance still have his trophy? So Cowgirl it is for now!!Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 14.4Completed: 90.7Remaining: 2094.6
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Beech Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 10, March 11, 2014We'll, today we really did hit an emotional milestone. 100 MILES! And we covered a lot of terrain. Hiking 15.4 miles from Beech Gap to Rock Gap. As we were ascending Albert Peak Radioman ran into Cael, and UG (that stands for Uncle Gary). I caught up shortly thereafter. I went to get Cooper some food and what the heck I find some fancy soft dog food in his pack!! Dorito packed it around for 3 days waiting to surprise Cooper! She is already in the trail magic business Albert peak has a fire tower on the summit. It was a tough little hike but the view made it totally worth it!!! Rock Gap has a road to Franklin, NC were we need to go to resupply. We arrived earlier than expected having travel almost 30 miles in two days. We talked to UG and Cael and decided that Cael would henceforth be known as "Dorito". She was the one who pushed Delight aside at Hogpen for the bag of Doritos. It is fitting and funny, because she eats a very healthy diet and is in great shape. Doritos seem to be her trail food vice. So we jumped a shuttle and came to Franklin. We went to the local outfitter for some new spoons, My spfork broke, and some fuel. Then we had dinner with some wonderful locals and Dorito and UG. Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 15.4Completed: 106.1Remaining: 2079.2
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Rock Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 11, March 12, 2014We'll, zero days are just as memorable ad the days walking the trail. Probably because You actually talk and get to know your fellow hikers. Today we did our chores early; laundry, eat, food, gear, grab a bite to eat. Done by two. Dorito has to go home to Vermont so her hike is coming to and end. we can't wait to see her and UG up north!!!We are sharing our room tonight with Squirrel and Tree Frog. They planning on getting married in NJ in June. They are kind and funny and a little bohemian. We meet up with Snorlox and Dino also. Radioman worked on Dino's very many blisters. I hope our paths cross often during this journey. (Paul - Franklin is an AWESOME town! Special shout out to Outdoor 76 outiftters store. By far my favorite outfitter ever! Why? Friendly & knowledgeable staff, good gear at good prices, AND THEY SERVE BEER IN THE STORE! Delight had to pry me away from the store. Franklin is so cool, our waitress did not bat an eye when I brought my blister kit and doctored Dinosaur's feet in the booth.) Tomorrow at 0900 we will hit the trail. Three days to the NOC And then three more to Fontana Dam. Then The Little Man goes to Kennel while we conquer the Smokies!!!(Paul - If you are reading this journal to gain information for your own hike. Do not be as concerned about weight and distance on your first part of this journey if your are starting at the beginning of March. We are seeing many people freeze their tails off because they have read and read about cutting grams. A tent and 20 degree bag is worth the 5 pounds and cut your miles a bit to compensate. You can be warm & happy and keep hiking, or you can freeze and be miserable only to quit the trail because it is not for you. Pace yourself, be smart. Start slow, then swap your gear for lighter things as the weather warms.Hammocks are great in the summer, but if you are not WELL versed in their used in the cold, you should get a tent. Next...go find an Army or Marine medic that is in an infantry unit in the Reserves or National Guard. Feed them beer and tell them to teach your about blisters. Spend an hour with them. Listen, give them more beer, listen, and have them show you what to do if you have never dealt with severe blisters. They can probable drink enough beers to make you want to check them into rehab, but it will be well worth the cost of beer. I have been doctoring blisters on the trail and seen some unsound methods. E.g. Duct tape is not a good thing for blisters. It does not allow the wound or area to breath.)Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 0.0Completed: 106.1Remaining: 2079.2
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Rock Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 12, March 13, 2014Today we got a late start. One person in the shuttle forgot their hiking poles and a couple others wanted dropped off for breakfast. It started cold and ended cold. But in between when the sun was out and with no wind it was actually pleasant! We ate lunch with UG and Dorito. She has to return to the real world tomorrow, so we said our good byes and look forward to meeting his son soon, since he is her replacement. Dorito/UG if you are reading this Radioman come up with a pretty snappy trail name for UG's boy - "Son of UG". There were some good climbs today helping NC to live up to the North Climbalina moniker. Favorite site was Wayah Bald and the stone tower. We ended up hiking a little further than we would have liked but missed a spring and tent site. So did Squirrel and Tree Frog...so it wasn't just us being dorks. We surprised the younger hikers in the shelter tonight by making chicken fajitas for dinner. So funny to see them eating Ramen noodles while we ate real food. We carried the heavier food because we knew we only needed 2 days worth.Coop and I have been struggling sleeping in the mummy bag. The best set up is for him to sleep by me but he needs a blanket to wrap himself up in. Last night he tried sleeping outside the bag but it was so cold he had to get in the bag. Then he over heats. It is big drama and makes for disrupted sleep for both of us. One last thought- poles. I am running Lekis. Radioman is using Carbon Powerlock. Both seem to be fine but his have collapsed and needed tightening a couple of times. The big diff might be the tips. I use a toe he uses a pointy tip. The pointy tip is GREAT for picking up leaves and garbage. For the AT with no ice and little snow I recommend the toe for what it is worth. Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 14.7Completed: 120.8Remaining: 2064.5
Date: 2014-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.7

Day 13, March 14, 2014Burrrrrrrrr...woke up and was on the trail by 0810. When people ask us how far we are walking Radioman and I always say we will let the trail decide. About an hour into the hike I passed a gentleman who was hurting. I don't usually wait around to walk with hikers but today I did. "Greg" was on his first hiking trip ever. He had recently lost 100 pounds and the dudes he was walking with had ditched him or rather walked on telling him he had to keep up or else!! Anyway Poor Greg had a heavy pack, a hurt hip and blisters on his hip. Radioman took a good bit of time and helped him to readjust his pack so it rode better. He took a break at about mile 11. We hope he makes it to the NOC safe and sound. (Radioman - Kudos and shout out to ELETE. If you do not know about ELETE, Google them. (http://elete.com/introducing-new-elete-citrilyte-add-in/) I used this all natural electrolyte in Iraq and my team had zero dehydration problems. Greg was hurting a bit and I hit him with some ELETE liquid drops and gave him some "Tablytes" to get him through his hike). We saw Squirrel and Tree Frog at about 12 miles and it was early so we pushed on to the NOC. As we sit here in our hole, room would be to kind, I regret our decision. We should have stayed at a shelter a mile away. Oh we'll, live and learn. If anyone is hiking or plans to hike the AT do not stay at the NOC!!! (Radioman) - plywood screwed to walls with minimal paint, 2x4 bunk beds, long walk to your room and latrine. Seriously, my tent or a transient tent in Ali Asaleem is far better. The people here are nice, but they cater the hikers and kayakers who have no standards. Now the burger was good and the waitress was awesome...so do eat here! Most of the hike today was uneventful. The last six miles look to be downhill. Ok this is what we now call an Appalachia down meaning there are lots of up hills!!! Today's six miles downhill proved no different, lots of ups during our Appalachia down!! There were plenty of downs too going into the NOC. TOE SQUISHING downs!!! When I finally released them from the shoe each little piggy squealed with delight (all the way home!)! Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 16.7Completed: 137.5Remaining: 2047.8
Date: 2014-03-15
From: NOC

To: Antartica or Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

Day 14, March 15, 2014Today started early for me. At about two this morning Radioman woke up in heat distress from the NOC room and took his stuff and slept outside. Remember- I don't make this stuff up. An hour later Little Man goes in to heat distress and....drum roll...YES he PUKED! He was only about six inches away from Radioman's stuff so it was a very scary moment for me. I loved the heat and would have slept like a baby if not for the the boys heat sensitivities!! In Radioman's defense he was in the top bunk. (Paul- "I was in only my skivvies and sweating profusely. I was very dehydrated. The heater seemed to only run on high." (Delight) "Like most women is perfectly comfortable in the winter when the inside temp is 97 and fine in the summer when the AC is set at 55." I downed a liter of water, grabbed my sleeping bag and thermarest and found a flat spot behind the pump house and slept outside until 7am. I took a shower that was tepid at best. You may have noticed that the only reason Delight took action was when Cooper was uncomfortable, not me.) Little Man wears a fur coat all the time. BRING ON THE WARM WEATHER! Didn't get out of the NOC until noonish. We had trouble printing off permits to the Smokey Mountains National Park, bought some gear, got drop boxes and mailed stuff both home (still dropping weight) and moved forward on the trail. Thanks Mom for the food and Coop's medicine. Thank you Faletto family for the treats!! The hike out of the NOC starts with an uphill climb starting at 1749 and up to 4710. It was a bear of a climb but all things considered it was easier on our feet than yesterday's unforgiving down hill. We are at Sassafras shelter with Mr. Blue sky, Rambo, Princes, Ranger and Rocket-man. We have a great fire going and are going to make beans and franks for dinner. Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 6.7Completed: 144Remaining: 2041.3 addendumMr. Blue Sky and Rambling are flip floppers...they both started at Mt Kahtadin as SOBOs. Then in Virginia they went to Springer and are hiking North. Both are named fittingly as Mr. Blue Sky is alway optimistic and Rambling is always yacking. Tonight Rambling stated he liked meat lovers pizza because they have lots of meat and his Mac and cheese has cheese in it. Radioman really likes to raz him.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Fontana Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 17, March 18, 2014We had to wait for the General Store to open at 9 am so we could get our resupply. Then we went up the Fontana Shelter and Fresh Ground made us breakfast. He made me a huge omelette. No way did I think I could eat it, but I did. I guess my stomach is bigger then my eyes. We were very happy to see Squirrel and Treefrog.We all reminisced about UG and Dorito. Fresh Ground even body checked me to get some Doritos for old time sakes. The sun came out and we had a beautiful hike. I saw a wild boar but was too slow grabbing the camera. Now I am in the shelter. In the GSMNP you have to shelter if there is room. NASA folks are here and six other folks. Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman and The Little ManHiked today: 13.8Completed: 179.6Remaining: 2005.7Start Point: Fontana ShelterEnd Point: Russell Field Shelter