morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Hard rain last night but my MSRZoid1 held up well. The morning was socked in with occasional drizzle. Packed up and on the trail by 9:00. A slow start because wet weather slows everything. Today we caught up with a church group of about 30 kids who were hiking to NOC. They were not well equipped but were having a lot of fun. They invited us (Kiwi, Peter Pan, Dreamwalker and Finch) to have dinner with them at their campsite at the NOC. Promises to be an interesting evening. I hope it is not a late evening. I don't think I can stay awake past 9:00 p.m.As we climbed into the Nantahala River Valley, the sky started to clear and the fog lifted to an awsome view of the mountains through which we were hiking. An interesting day filled with fog, clouds, wind, sun, misty rain, Rhododendrum tunnels and nice campany...a Lord of the Rings Day...I think Michael, Jen, Palmer, Julian and Dan would love this hike.The NOC hostel is filled so 8 hikers have gotten together to rent a cabin for about $150...pricey but we need to dry out for the climb to Fontana Dam - then the Smokies!! What a privilege to see this wonderful country.Finch
Date: 2003-04-08
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Long hike in heavy mist, light drizzle and dense fog. 2600' increase in elevation to 4330'. Other hikers have said the views are great but all we could see was fog. Since it looked like rain for the rest of the day and another 9 miles to the next shelter, I decided to stay at the Sassafras Gap Shelter with Dreamwalker, Peter Pan, Kiwi and Mrs. Gorp who had already settled in for the rest of the day and night. Last night we had some Trail Magic with the church group that we more or less hiked with yesterday. This was a group of about thirty 10-14 year old kids. They were from the Trinity Church of God in Mabelten outside of Atlanta. They gave us nachoes, salad and loads of spaghetti and then entertained us with many jokes, skits and funny antics. What wonderful people... kind, generous and welcoming. They do a trip like this every year and give the kids a good healthy experience in the woods. Thank you friends. I hope I can repay somehow down the line.Even in the fog and cold, this forest is splendid. It was burned over about 40 years ago but the trees are magnificent. There is music in the wind as it blows through the trees and the rain seems to hiss as it hits the leaves on the ground. The fog is so thick I can only see about 30' and the shelter is getting dark - the time is 2:30 PM and its almost too dark to read. Mist is blowing in the shelter. Its going to be a long, damp night.What a splendid country we live in!!
Date: 2003-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Had a call from Tom last night. He is about 9 miles from Bryson City (think that is what he said). They expect to stay tomorrow night in cabins at Fontana Village, NC. From there they head into the Smokies. His feet are better and, for the first time, he said he is really enjoying himself. Expect to get some new journal entries from him soon. S
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started today in a slow drizzle and fog. There was lots of rain last night, a cold wind and 14 in the shelter. Brown Fork Gap Shelter is much smaller, so there are only 6 here. The hike today was almost all in the fog with few views worth the effort of all the climbs. The climb out of Stagecoach Gap to the ridgeline at 3900' was a killer. Today was simply one of concentrating on not falling or slipping in the mud and not thinking about the chill or drizzle. Now that we are in the shelter, the rain has started again but a least we will not be soaked. The fog has lowered and the mist is blowing into the shelter. Maybe its going to be a damp night after all. Tomorrow we should be able to reach Fontana Dam and resupply. Maybe a rest day is called for before entering the Smokies. My feet are swollen a bit but the blisters have dried and hardened thanks to moleskin and duct tape. I saw some warblers today and there is a darkeyed junco about ten feet from the shelter. Saw some white trillium today. At Standing Indian Shelter, I decided to leave my copy of Patrick O'Brien's "Truelove" because I hardly had read much of it and I wanted to cut some more weight. The book turned up at Sassafrass Gap Shelter. Someone had carried it to Sassafrass Gap so that I could read another chapter while waiting for the rain to stop! I was tempted to take it with me but it was wet and had gained weight. Miracles on this trail never stop. No trail angels today but good company and good spirits. Strawhat, Peppermint Paddy, Kiwi, Dreamwalker, Peter Pan and another fellow who doesn't seem to want to talk with anybody are all squeezing into the shelter
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Brown Fork Gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up this morning to snow, rain and very dense fog. Everything was either soaked, damp or clammy. The temp was around 35F so the snow was melting as soon as it hit the ground but the raw chill in the air was discouraging. However, the choice was either stay warm in the damp sleeping bag and run out of food in a day or get up and push on to Fontana Dam. Out of the campsite by 8:00 AM, slipping and sliding over a trail that was often as much water as muddy ground. My trekking poiles saved me several times but I did one mud slide to the ground. For a few minutes, I could see the dam at Fontana but for most of the day all I could see was fog, trees, mud, roots and rocks. When we finally desended to a lower elevation, I found yellow and red trillium.Hiking today was treacherous but we made the right decision to push on because more snow and rain is expected tomorrow. I heard today that the Smokies have about a foot of snow at the higher elevations and the northern part of the park is closed to hikers.A zero day tomorrow! Time to resuppply, rest my old feet and get prepared for the Smokies. It is with great eagerness that I anticipate the forth coming week. I am so happy to be in a warm, dry room tonight but I want to be in the Smokies! What a challenging day this has been. I love it!!
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain with snow above 4,000' is the forecast today. Northern parts of the park are closed to hikers. We have decided to take a zero day today at the Hiker Inn. This place is run by nice folks who are willing to do some shuttling for us to stores and post office. It was nice to be able to cook eggs, bacon and hash browns indoors today rather than boiled oatmeal in the cold rain outside. Guess we will walk the 1.5 miles from Fontana Village to Fontana Dam this afternoon rather than do it in the morning. This will give us a chance of reaching the Charles Field Shelter tomorrow. Doubt that we will get in the shelter because this bad weather has created a backlog of hikers ready to get moving as soon as the weather improves. I know that I'M ready to go! My left foot is a bit swollen and my right foot has some dried blisters but I think my feet are capable of carrying me to Hot Springs. Wish I could get my pack weight down - 38 lbs with seven days of food and two liters of water. I will send home my extra knee brace and a map but will keep my fleece vest for another two weeks. The local folks say the temps can be in the 70's one day and 30's the next without warning so I will need to be ready for wet/dry or cold/hot conditions.Jeff and Nancy, who own the Hiker Inn, have been telling us lots of bear and boar stories - enough to make everyone staying here aware of the need to be careful with food and to use common sense.The weather is clearing a bit and the latest forecast is for warm, clear weather by Sunday but, no matter what, I'M out of Fontana tomorrow. I need to get hiking !!
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

The day started with a clear sky and fog over Fontana Lake. We crossed the dam and were surprised there was no security - guard or barricades. We could see little of the lake because of the fog but the dam was impressive. It would have been fun to see the exhibits at the visitor center but we were at the dam around 8 a.m. and there was no one around. Before we started into the Great Smoky Mts. National Park a ridgerunner - Roger Dalton I think - talked with us about the trail and asked a few questions about our age and use of trekking poles. An interesting 71 year old fellow originally from northern Maine. There was clearly snow above 4000' and after an hour of uphill trekking, snow began to appear on the ground. A couple of people descending said they had been stuck at Mollies Ridge Shelter for a day and a night. They were relieved to be descending to warmer climes. As we continued the ascent of Schuckstack Mountain, the trail became progressively muddy until small rivelets flowed down the trail. Sloppy, slippery and muddy hiking. One slip put me in a melting snow bank and by the time we reached Russell Field our legs were splattered with mud and our boots were geting wet and heavy. We increased elevation to over 5,000' but ended at 4360'. Long climbs are exhausting but my feet are holding up better. In many places the ground was covered with small white wildflowers that I had never seen before. I expect the flowers will not last more than a few days. The ground appeared to be covered with a light snow that was actually flowers! Beautiful! Tonight the temps will drop to the 30's but at least we're safe in a caged-in shelter. It is indeed wonderful to be in the Smokies with good friends and good spirits.Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful, exhilerating and uplifting day!
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Spence Field shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Silers Bald - 5460' above sea level. There must be a rule that requires the AT to go over every hill and mountain of western North Carolina. This day was continuous ups and downs with one fantastic view on Thunderhead Mountain at an elevation of 5527'. Spent about an hour on the peak with Peter Pan, Dreamwalker, Kiwi, Wildthing, Burn and The Healer. The air was cool but the sun was bright and there was no wind. We just sat there and tried to absorb the Smokies. No roads, hourses, cars or other signs of humanity were visible - a rare sight indeed. The peace on that hill was profound. i wish I could have held onto it.Most of the trail today was slippery mud through snow-covered balds and silent forests. By the time Silers Bald was in sight we were quite exhausted. I hope we slow down a bit tomorrow and take the time to enjoy Clingman's Dome. Saw lots of tiger lillies today growing close to the ground in a sea of white flowers.Today was a perfect day. What a privilege to be here!
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

Got up and going early this morning to a fine clear day. We reached Clingman's Dome by 11 a.m. and were greeted by The Healer waiting for us at the base of the observation tower. He has decided to get off the trail to let his twisted ankle heal at a friend's house in Atlanta. He is a generous and cheerful fellow who will be missed by all the through hikers. We, of course, climbed the tower and did all the tourist type things; then WE became the spectical. We finally had to leave. The tourists live a different life and few seemed to understand the purpose of our journey. As we approached New Found Gap, we were greeted by Evon and Ann, two trail angels who provided us with fruit, sandwiches and sodas. Wonderful and generous trail angels. Later in the day, Terry and Cindy Keller, two section hikers, gave us a ride into Gatlinburg.Gatlinburg is a city I hope never to visit again. It was simply overwhelming- too many people, too many distractions and too expensive ($7.50 for a beer)! Today (despite the overstimulation of Gatlinburg) was another very good day. The trail was muddy but the weather was perfect.What a joy to see spring approaching. Dogwoods are flowering in the valleys and the forest floor is covered with a carpet of white flowers called Mountain Beauties (I think). It is early spring in the valleys and late winter in the mountains.
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner Shelter- 5280'
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

Left Gatlinburg at 9 a.m. Six of us (Kiwi, Peter Pan, finch, Dreamwalker, Wildthing and Woodpecker) cramed into a small pick-up truck for a ride back to Newfound Gap. Temp in the 40's but the sky was clear and promised to be a warm day. There must have been a hundred tourists in the parking lot and many came by to watch us get ready to leave. Questions repeatedly asked:1. Are you hiking the trail?2. How do you shower every day?3. Where do you get your food?4. Is Maine very far?5. Have you read Bill Bryson's book?6. When did you meet?7. What if you fall?We finally got started, passed several day hikers and left the crowd behind. Moving along at a good clip, we soon found ourselves at 5000' and walking along narrow ridgelines. To our left was Tennessee and to the right was North Carolina. The views were magnificent especially to the southeast towards North Carolina where there are deep valleys and ridgeline after ridgeline. Partly cloudy skys, bright sun and cool air created ideal hiking conditions.After two hours of good hiking we came to Charlies's Bunion, a rock outcrop that allows a 360 degree view into the deep valleys in the direction of Tennessee. Sitting on a rock we watched black vultures soaring. A new experience to watch vultures from above. The views were indescribably beautiful. I hope I can remember them forever. The rest of the day we traveled along a knife edge - ridgelines with fantastic views at every turn.The trail is magnificently constructed and well maintained. Thank you CCC, FDR and NPS. Clearly a lot of thought and effort went into building this section of the AT. I would love to return to this place in the fall.Surprisingly there are still patches of snow on the ground and a few icy places on the trail. The nights are cold - often below freezing. I'm so glad I invested in a new 20 degree sleeping bag.Tonight it looks like there will be twelve people in the shelter although there are always one or two late arrivals that need to squeeze in after dark. Today has been the best day since leaving Springer. I can think of no other place I would rather be. What a joy today has been. We are surrounded by indescribable magnificence!
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Pecks Corner Shelter- 5280'

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a fairly easy hike along ridgeline with a few ups and downs. The sky was partly cloudy, temps in the 60's and gentle breezes. Descending to Cosby Knob, we saw many trees in flower forming white, pink and red splotches on the hillside. The forest floor continues to be carpeted with white flowers (Mountain Beauty) and yellow trout lillies. I was glad to hike slower today because it gave me more chances to see, listen and smell this wonderful land. Except for the trail, there were no signs of human activity. The forest was often very dense with many huge fir trees. In some areas there were many standing dead fir trees and we wondered what could have killed them - acid rain? a blight?As we approached Cosby Knob we were walking thorough at least two miles of rhododendron tunnels. It would be fun to see this place when the rhododendrons are in full flower.The Cosby Knob Shelter area is disappointing. The shelter is dank and odorous. The area is on a steep slope with no good tenting areas and the shelter is going to be packed with hikers tonight. May be a rough night - depends on how well everyone gets along. I am very tired and could fall asleep now if give half a chance but we still have three hours of daylight. Don't know why I'm so tired, today was an easy hike. Right now all I can think about is food (Raman noodles and dehydrated veggies) and sleep. My feet hurt but I think they are holding up ok.
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Cosby Knob Shelter was full and four women arrived at 11 p.m. so they ended up simply flopping on the floor of the shelter. They must have misjudged the time it took to get to the shelter.The morning greeted us with a bright red sunrise and partly cloudy skys. The radio forecast was for 40% chance of rain but the day proved ideal for hiking. Cool breezes and clean air gave us exellent views into the valleys of Tennessee and the rolling hills of North Carolina. The trail gently brought us down to Davenport Gap. As we approached the gap we passed from the Smokies into Cherokee National Forest.As we continued into Cherokee NF we hiked along Cobs Creek and came upon lots of wildflowers I had never seen before - four types of violets (yellow, white, varigated blue and white and qt least two types of blues), yellow trillium, white trillium, a small red flower with five split petals, a blue and white orchid, white foamflower, starflower?, a bright yellow flower on a long stalk, dwarf irises, Solomon's seal, False Solomon's seal and small star-like flowers that grew close to the ground. Oh how I wish I had my field guide to the flowers! I may not know their names but it was great fun discovering them.About 12:00 we made a final descent to head to Standing Bear Fram Hostel because the sky was rapidly getting dark and rain was coming. We were low on provisions and a short day today would get us to Hot Springs by Sunday. Saturday would have been nicer but the post office closes at 10:30 in Hot Springs and it was unlikely we would make it there before the place closed.Standing Bear Farm is a hostel with bunk beds, cooking facilities, washers and showers. Only 200 meters from the trail, it is very popular this rainy evening. Peter Pan made a deal with Curtis, the owner, to let him drive his rickety van to the local gas station for pizza and beer. A mouse ran out of the van when the motor started, and we had to use a coat hanger to keep the driver's door shut. The Pizza! Nothing ever tasted so good. Tired, hungry, thirsty hikers, satiated - a happy crowd. I've never eaten so much and I'm still loosing weight.The rain is gentle. Kiwi, Peter Pan, Finch and Dreamwalker are dry. We are so lucky. Life is good.The Way that can be mapped is not the Eternal Way.The Name that can be named is not the Eternal Name.The Tao Te Ching
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained most of last night; however Finch, Dreamwalker, Peter Pan, Kiwi and 14 other hikers stayed warm and dry. We woke to a heavy mist and light rain. On the trail by 8:30. Sweating in our raincoats we decided it was better to get wet from the outside rather than the inside. So we hiked in our T-shirts. As the morning progressed, the clouds lifted but as we ascended Snowbird Mountain we were back in the mist again. At the summit of Snowbird in the swirling mist we were greeted by a humming sound coming from what appeared to be a grounded flying saucer. We later learned that it was an FAA beacon for aircraft. Gradually the day cleared and wildflowers became more abundant and birds began to sing. Around 1 p.m. we climbed our way to Max Patch (4250') slipping and sliding on the muddy trail. Max Patch is ahuge grassy area where early settlers once grazed sheep. From Max Patch we had a 360 degree view of the mountains through which we had been hiking. A great view of the Tennessee Valley and the Smokies. We stayed at Max Patch for an hour talking with other hikers and tried to absorb this spectacular scenery. Although we could see two cabins, there were no other signs of human activity in any direction. What a spectacular place!!We then decided to push on to Roaring Brook Shelter although I now regret we did not camp on the bald because the sunset and next day's sunrise would have been spectacular.As we hiked off Max Patch the trail took us through miles of dense Rhododendron forests. When we descended to around 3000' the forest gave way to a hardwood forest with spectacular displays of wildflowers. Some of the hillsides were covered with white trillium with a sprinkling of red, yellow and pink trillium as well as yellow trout lillies and a few painted trillium. All of the flowers were facing in the same direction. They seemed to be watching us as we walked by.Tired and muddy, we made it to Roaring Fork around 6:15 p.m. There was just enough room in the shelter for us and Peter Pan set up his hammock. By 8 pm everyone was asleep. This was a long day...18.5 miles, our longest yet. What a wonderful country we live in!
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

A damp morning at Roaring Fork Shelter but clearing skys and the promise of a good day of hiking. This hike was mostly downhill with one good climb over Bluff Mountain. The temps were clearly going up and we sweated our way up Bluff Mtn. The trail into Hot Springs was long but gradual with many switchbacks. The town was pulling us in.We arrived in Hot Springs to find the place busy with hikers, kayakers and motor bikers. Finding a place to stay was a problem but we found a place in a run=down motel. In the evening we stuffed ourselves at a local pub populated by hikers and river runners. I expect to go to Easter services at a local church tomorrow followed by a church-sponsored gravy and biscuit breakfast. How can a hiker pass that up? Finch, Peter Pan, Dreamwalker and Kiwi are content. Sweet as ...
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

While we picked up our mail drops at the Hot Springs P.O., a light rain was falling but the clouds appeared to be breaking up. While repacking our gear, Clete showed up and close behind him were Runaway and Coyote. We had lost contact with them about two weeks ago because they had taken two zero days when the weather turned bad. They plan to take a zero day in Hot Springs but I expect they will catch up to us in a few days. When they are on the trail they can move quicker than the 4 Geezers. The Healer passed us on the trail today. He spent last night with us and his twisted ankle is in good shape. As we were leaving Hot Springs, 42 and MooShoo were standing outside the local outfitters. We had not seen them for at least two weeks. The hike out of Hot Springs was a butt kicker. With 6 days of food and full stomachs, we really felt the humidity. We were happy that the rain had stopped but the trail was wet and the climb to Spring Mountain was grueling. There are about 25 hikers at Spring Mountain tonight because all of us were held up in Hot Springs to get our mail drops. The area is buggy...black fly season in North Carolina...so I will sleep in my bug-proof tent tonight. Today was a grind with few redeaming features. But I can't think of a better way to have spent the day.