morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-21
To: NONE
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a zero today and tomorrow and possibly Saturday... Heh, not too tickled by this but my knee is hurting BAD and I do NOT want to be forced off the trail because of my darn knee.... That would be blasphemy!Closest town, and only real town in the county, is apparently over 20 miles away and I do not know if there is even a doctor there to take a gander at my lovely knee that I really need to finish this adventure! However, I shall push forward after a couple days off! Yea baby!
Date: 2013-03-23
From: NONE

To: NONE
Miles today: 0.0

Another zero day... hehGoing to Fontana 'Hilton' shelter because the four same walls are driving me MAD....PLUS, I enjoy sleeping outside I even took .3 mile walk to Fontana Dam to see it. Hopefully only one more day of zero-ness.Getting the zero day blues as I am going to put it.I feel like I wrote this like a lullaby... heh goodnite.
Date: 2013-03-24
From: NONE

To: NONE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Day four of zero-daying it for my knee. That's all it has been? Feels like agony... Weather forecast calling for Winter Storm Warning in areas above 3500 ft elevation Monday morning (2/3am) to Tuesday sometime. 5-8 inches of snow instead of 1.5-3 inches previously forecasted. Up to 10 inches along Swain County. Still hoping to push out but I will use my judgement in the morning.But three marvelous things or thoughts today...   1. I get to (hopefully) push forward tomorrow!   2. I found my beloved clipper lighter!   3. I LOVE the Minnesota accent! hahaOoOoOoOoOo, and I safelyl hitched a ride to and from Fontana Village today! Lets ABRACA-DO-THIS!!!"The mountains are calling and I must go."
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light snow

It is 540am and after I check the weather, I shall determine whether or not to journey into the Great Smokies in this winter storm warning!Today I only went 11 miles but it felt like 22 miles in this winter storm warning in the Smokies. I thought I was the only one hiking today because I broke every inch of the trail through snow and drifts higher than my knees for nine to ten miles until I ran into a group of four people heading SOBO. Over the knee snow drifts, strongest wind gusts thus far, blown over by wind gusts, snow slamming my face like sand paper, all alone, and no joke, I think my eyeball just may have froze today because a snow flake landed in it and it felt like a piece of dirt for atlesast ten seconds, but I did stay considerably dry today. I had my first and second fall today in the Great Smokies but luckily I had ATLEAST a foot of snow and more snow with drifts that caught my falls ever so graciously! :P Snow drifts were over my knees at many points. Those areas felt good on my knees! Just glad that is all over with! For now atleast...Today tested me mentallhy as I was too far in when the storm started getting real.... And I don't know how one can set up a tent in this wretched snow. Worst day of hiking (weather wise) but also an adventure!But the shelter is jam packed with 18 hikers in the shelter and one on the floor and one in a hammock. It will be uncomfortable but warm so it is definitely worth it in these weather conditions for sure! Plus, we don't want anybody to have to sleep outside. And 'yo-yo' Cody Coyote is back!!And only once or twice did I actually think I was maybe going to get highly hypothermic. But two times is two times too much.You know it is a serious storm when you cannot feel your face as the wind bites you and spits snow at you all while scraping you fiercely. It knocks you down and you fight to get back up.THOUGH I do not know your name, thank you to the family that broke the trail for my last obne to two miles! It was vastly appreciated for sure!!!!!!
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

It felt squishy in between the toes of aqn anciet philanthropist while he was dancing a jig to the loud and decadent band of bearded pigs. When without warning, the music stopped and in walked a chupacabra wearing a tuxedo made with bear skin from the Great Smokey Mountains! That night, after the chupacabra had bedded down in the abandoned sleeping bags of the terrapin backpackers, an army of Smokey Mountain bears nessled to the shelter with banjos and flutes of disturbing sizes. By disturbing sizes, it means microscope tiny instruments making the most beautiful music, singing songs about morning glory flowers eating babies.   <-- Team effort story to pass time while we froze! lolSo, where to begin?! Woke up feeling warm which is good. Nobody wanted to get out of their sleeping bags because it was soooooo cold. But the more I though about it, the more sense came into me. If I wait around in my sleeping bag without moving and getting blood flowing, I will certainly freeze tonight. Therefore, I got out of my bag and warmed up. Thank GOD for the Wisconsin boys on spring breaks for having a hatchet because we knew we couldn't move on with frozen clothes and boots in the winter storm that is only going to get worse....It is absolutely amazing that we all worked together to stay warm and it was sort of like a commune. Vice played the music. The guys went out for wood. Maximus Parcillimus mad a fire, most of us (including me :D) chopped wood, and I gave the idea for a community bean and rice dinner because someon left it at the shelter and I provided a tampon to help start a fire with petroleum jelly! haha It was not hard to keep our spirits up!! We only had each other to do so. We sang songs, wrote a strange story, made a community dinner, rotated around the fire area and dried our clothing and shoes, **, passed the whiskey for warmth, and broke every rule in the shelter, but it kept us alive!!!It was pleasantly eerie that every song that played on Vice's speakers earlier today could relate to being stuck in the shelter together in the storm. Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, Beatles, Joan Jett, Mumford & Sons, and more! But every song related to the moments of being cold and hungry, and being thankful we all made it through safely all while trying to boost morale and being sure everyone is okay. Some hikers coming in to the shelter today were saying they hit waist-deep drifts so it seems as though I had left at the perfect time! Then we had two gents come in and say that they had reservations and expected us to march on outside. The rule is, in fact, that thru-hikers are to give up their sports if a section hiker has reservations, but we paid too and we do not want to go outside just as much as they don't. So, we did our best to accomodate them because we did not want ANYBODY sleeping out there tonight.
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Cape Cove
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked out of the shelter and all I could think about is how fortunate we all are that we could work together.... Something hard to find in the past :/And then got outta the Smokies and into Gatlinburg, TN with Bean, Vice, and Alpha Dog. Thank you Kelty K for the ride.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Gatlinburg, TN

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

Thursday, March 28, 2013 through Saturday, March 30, 2013Overall, Gatlinburg is okay and cool for one night and one day. Buffets and bacon were good! Sampled the mooshines a few times and started getting a cold and felt like poo. Of course, leave it to a trail town to get a cold! hahaSo my mind has been made up... I was soooooo excited for the Great Smokies and it has been a roller coaster already without views and with dangerous hiking conditions. I have a rain check for the remainder of the Great Smokies for now. I am a little disappointed but am also VERYYYYY excited as I will be revisiting the miles I completed already and will be finishing what I did not finish (through Hot Springs) in June as soon as I make it home to good ol' Pennsylvania! And then I shall skip and dance back on the trail from Pennsylvania to Maine! :D"The rangers said to get the **** off the mountain. If you get caught coming back up, you WILL be arrested..." -Fellow hiker"Break any rule you need... And here is a bottle of whiskey." -Ranger"Get off the mountain; we do not want to have to come up and rescue you."Hear of three foot drifts, chest deep drifts, a girl breaking her ankle, mountain evacuations, mountain rescues, etc. etc.Well, I made it to Hot Springs, NC today and am still sick, heh.... One thing after another... Very lovely town though; maybe even my favorite thus far!
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hurricane Gap to 'Larry's' House
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

Absolutely HORRIBLE cold. I thought after the veggie filled dinner last night, I felt golden today and could hike out in one good and healthy piece. I was wrong....Thank goodness 'Larry' from Bluff Outfitters let me crash at his place until my cold went away. Oh and thanks for letting me use all the hot H2O! :P
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Hurricane Gap

To: Log Cabin Road
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

'Larry' brought me back to Hurricane Gap and I went on a hike from the hostel that was gorgeous!Unfortuneately, Little Debbie is sick and puked all over the next shelter, Little Laurel Shelter. Hope I don't get his sickness now... ehhhhh.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Log Cabin Road

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up today and talked to the guys and the other two are sick now instead of just one... I booked it... My immune system is already recuperating from my cold and I do NOT want this flu-like illness.Went on my longest hike today but it was very pleasant and I met PB&J! Actually, I met a variety of new faces!Went over Firescald and loved it!! I love the rocky hikes that are strenuous! It remind me of Maine and my dad's friend, because we all hiked some rocky mountains on vacation in Maine a few years back! Firescald was poorly marked and easy to get lost (and I kind of did)from Firescald to Big Butt Mountain.Now, I know I have been in Tennessee already even though it is not long, but I felt like I was in the hillbilly territory of Tennessee! haha But some point I have been there!Some new scenery was well overdue and that is just what I got; some rocky ridgeline, vast fields, and even backcountry dirt roads with a couple random grave stones...Cheers to my longest mile day ever!
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Devils Fork Gap
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light rain

This weather is sooooooo discouraging.... When the hell is spring arriving?!When they call for 12 inches of snow, we get 20 inches. When they call for sun, we get rain. When they call for rain, we get freezing rain.Happy Day of Birth Jordan!!!! :D
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Sam's Gap

To: Big Bald
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: clear sky

Ms. Moser dropped me off and it has been a pleasure staying with them! But today was interesting. We were either fenced in or fenced out because I was going through various fences. The scenery was great! FIELDS!!!! And a great view from the Bald though a fairly strenuous climb. It is so cool being able to see the valleys, mountains, and towns all in a 460 degree picturesque view!Ran into Lil Engine and Timber today and saw three baby deer! They simply ran through the wind like it was nobody's business just at they should!Staying at a hostel tonight. My knee is hurting pretty good and I figure why not give the new hostel a chance?! I really liked them because they were very personable and ust as excitedd to have hikers in their home as hiker are to be in their home! Thank you!!
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Big Bald

To: Uncle Johnny's Nollichucky Hostel
Miles today: 17.0

Woah, LONG day! I didn't open my mouth (other than to eat/drink) until the last mile and a half .... I was alone but... I cannot explain all that I felt, however, I found it to be rather calming; a moment of pure bliss. It was more than pleasant to live this day in solitude.It is almost like being so focused on nothing but how can one be so focused on nothing when nothing does not exist?! I do not know! It was deep but indescribable.My ankles and knees and feet are in more pain than ever... Still trying to get used to it. Grrrr.Finally ran back into Heartburns! Woot woot! Now we gotta run back into Wet Dog and Woodrow! hahaI found out that Erwin, Tennessee hung an elephant to its death because it killed a man --> peculiar!
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Uncle Johnny's Nollichucky Hostel

To: Campsite before Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.5

Met trail angel, Miss Janet, to help Heartburns and I get to a resupply area!Other than that, just organized some stuff and relaxed before I left. I ran into Fresh Grounds and camped with him and few others!!! He has acquired a new name of the Leap Frog Cafe and a (hiker suggested) donation box. I absolutely adore his dedication to the hikers!!!!! It excites me!! But overall, an easy hike and a groovy time with good ol' Fresh Grounds and other cool cats!!! :DPLUS, a beautiful night to sleep under the stars, cowgirl style.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Campsite before Indian Grave Gap

To: Greasy Creek Friendly
Miles today: 16.3

Oh my, last night after midnight, a mental local went on top of the mountain, fired a gunshot, and scream-laughed like a sadistic loony-bin human as they slowly drove back down the dirt road... What the heck?!?!?! But anyway, breakfast from Fresh Grounds was delectable! 'First, you'll hear the bacon sizzling. Second sizzle will be the eggs. And lastly, the pancakes, but not just any pancakes; banana pancakes.' lol!!! You're a real trail angel Fresh Grounds Thank you and cannot wait to run into you again!The Unaka Mountain was neat from the fields but totally wicked when I finally walked through the dense spruce trees!!! It was easy to lose the trail though is would have been magical anyway because it was serene and calming. Spruce scent must do that to me Following my ten miles of hiking, I took an hour to two hour break at the Cherry Shelter with Heartburns. After snacking and filling my water, we both pushed forward and I granted my feet permission to carry me where they wanted to lead me (even if it meant night hiking). We ended up night hiking to the Greasy Creek Friendly!A very long and tiring but good day! And night!
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Started the hike with Cosmic Charlie and Heartburns while Marvin went ahead! We all walked over a river covered with ice again! Fell through a few areas. But drank a cola with Cosmic Charlie and Marvin and hiked up the Hump Mountains! They were GORGEOUS!!!! Finally, different sceneries are popping up and it is not only woods and switchbacks!Overmountain Shelter is really cool! It is an old red farm barn with a fantabulous view! We must have atleast 30 people here and the storm is just starting!! It is supposed to get brutal!!Thank you Cosmic Charlie (again) for the potatoes!!! It was all veryyyyy deliciously scrumptious!
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

Dear North Carolina,You were definitely fun for a long while but you really pushed me to see how much more I could take! Thank you! Though you were the state causing four of my four falls, I still demonstrated my resilience and bounced right back up; TAKE THAT!! Joke i on you!I understand you heard me talk trash on you (and for justified reasons), but that is no reason to blow a big, overpowering wind gust my direction so I fall into a barbed wire fence only 1/4 mile from conquering you.... I know you have enjoyed my stay but that is no excuse to keep me longer. Thankfully, I mad it out alive, but I will be back to finish the Smokies! Please look forward to my re-visit!However, don't get too down as you are barely my favorite state thus far... barely... Tennessee has already frightened me and Georgia was down right mean and it was YOU that had the best landscapes and views so you win!! :PGood Luck and Simple Regards,Sugar GnomeP.S. Do not tell Tennessee!
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Abbey Vango Memorial

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 12.3

Thanks Mom for submitting my taxes!! Oops...Hiked 12.3 miles today and then met up with Gnomad and met B$ and the Vanimal!! Thanks for your magic!Started off at Kincorra but had to go elswhere because my allergies were KILLING me....
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Dennis Cove

To: Before Wilbur Dam Rd
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

I met up with Heartburns at the beginning of the hike today and we ventured to the visitor center together through Tennessee!We gnomes through rock walls, waterfalls, wild life, shelters, and sunny weather all while traversing along a trance like creek!Laurel Falls was gorgeous! Definitely a conveniently perfect place to relax for a bite to chow down on! Relaxed there for an hour and pushed on!Of course, since nearly everything fascinates me, I had to take various breaks to view animals like a snake, crayfish, birds, and lizards!The campsites along the water were to die for! I wanted to, and almost did, set up camp only four miles in...Kept gnoming along and ran into three people (phylis Rick and Mary Ann) whom gave us trail magic! Thanks!Made it to watauga lake after hiking flat ponds mtn, which was neither flat nor had a pond.... Hmph. The lake, however, was flooded and rerouted the trail.After getting ready for bed, a possible adventure on top of adventure times two was presented... Should we hike out at 2330?! Luckily the answer, or conclusion rather, was no.... LolInteresting day.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Before Wilbur Dam Rd

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 21.6

Well last night was interestingly peculiar....Anyway, I'm surprised we went as far as we did today as it was a very dull, miserable day from the rain but the terrain was pleasant, thank goodness!!Hope my phone doesn't die on me. It's starting to act up and that's my means of taking photos. Just as I was setting in for the night, a ride was. Offered by a day hiker, Johnny jet, so off I hiked another 2.5 miles but tis okay as I had rested my feet and had no pain!!! Woot woot!!!!!In Damascus and at the place! It is neat but the owner is blew and not the friendliest of lads... Looking forward to hitching a ride back to Low Gap to slack pack tomorrow into Virginia!!!!
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Low Gap

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 15.2

Slack packed from low gap to Damascus Virginia today because I did not feel I was in Virginia since I got a ride and I did not want to miss the 15 miles, oh my! :P thank you kasey for the fun-filled rise back to Tennessee only for Heartburns and me to hike back into Damascus Virginia lol The terrain and weather was absolutely and irrevocably and stunningly astonishing!! Heartburns and I had a dance party during our break time at the Abington gap shelter! Hope nobody was watching.... Haha!! And then and then and then... It happened! What happened you ask?! The Tennessee/Virginia border happened! XD BUT I really enjoyed Tennessee!! Well, time for my 'dear Tennessee' letter!Oh, and I lost a toe nail today... Icky haha!
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Tennessee, You happily and warmly invited me to gnome through your territory for nearly a week though I wish I could have visited longer. I will hopefully be back.I apologize for speaking shiznizzle on you for so long. You turned out being my favorite state thus far. I got to see beautiful rock walls, striking water sources, brisk wild life, and diverse trail habitat. However, perhaps you can tell locals to clean up after themselves and aTLEAST pretend to be sane. And maybe install a few privies...? Well I will be back someday to do more hiking! Wish me luck for 500 miles in Virginia!Peace and love,Sugar Gnome
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: few clouds

Hiked out late with 'just Vanessa' and Heartburns after eating a pulled pork sammich, yum! It was a spectacular hike along the VA Creeper Trail which trails along the Holston River (I believe). It was one of the most in straining hikes in a while. The natural euphonium and vital spirit gave rise to a sensational aura flowing throughout the woods of southwest Virginia! Hope this feeling lasts!I took my first Virginia fall today. Of course my first full hiking day in Virginia, I slip on leaves and almost fall 50 feet down the steep slope into the river and all because I was appreciating the blooming flowers. I must have seen a minimum of seven different wild flowers today for the first time this season.   Also, most of the flora is starting to bloom!! Flowers and trees are awakening in the Jefferson National Forest! It is fun to watch the forest come to life and the animals wake up after such a long ass winter. green is finally coming out!!!
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

This is how Virginia wants to greet me. Today was full of rolling woods and hills! 'twas a gorgeous climb to Thomas Knob Shelter. The evening breeze while the sun was setting was a splendid mix.On the way up, a gentleman gave me an ankle support thing! Thanks! so now, not only do I have a ghetto, futuristic knee [brace], but an ankle support thing as well haha oh boy.When we finally made it to the shelter, a recently named pony, Garth Sebastian, was just chilling as he still is now at the shelter. Lol ran into cinnamon; and him, Heartburns, and I all chilled with and named the pony.Simple nights with two fantastic friends just chilling with Garth Sebastian . Couldn't ask for a better day! Sigh!
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Well this morning I almost woke up falling down the ladder hole in the shelter. Lol - I'd hate to sleep next to me in a shelter with how much I move.Not only did we arrive at Grayson Highlands today but also stopped at the 500 mile mark! Before Grayson highlands, I saw longhorns that startled me because they look so darn intimidating and they are all just staring at me. LolAND though I only saw a few ponies and the Chestnut Flats Mtn had no chestnuts and was not flat, I still made it through the fat man squeeze!! LmaoThis has gotta be one of my favorite areas thus far.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was pleasant as it was shaded and it was a fairly easygoing day.Well, I lost balance on a tree stump when I sat down for lunch and my pack tumbled down, with me attached to it haha I turtled... HahaAnd Virginia should become fonder of the term, switchback. LolOh! And got a ride offered by a gent to a motel while in town and saw cinnamon as we drove by (trying to hitch a ride). The gent offered to get him and we told him to drop him off with us and tonite is the nite where we are all going to become best friends haha yay!