morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

From the Top of the Pack - Enjoyed pigging out in town yesterday! Only bad thing was I got a B-A-T-H! So I got a little mud on my leg, big deal! (It really was chocolate but don't tell Ma - Hee Hee) Got to trailhead early. It was raining again but that's the way of the trail. Of course I'm under the pack cover so I don't get all wet! No views, but snuggly and warm! The Poolerbears got no views and wet too! They said the trail was still beautiful (lots of ridgeline). Got into shelter fairly early (3:30) for a long day. Sandwiches we brought in were good. Tomorrow is Mountain Mommas at the gap. You get to stay in bunks and have a hot meal. They also provide a laundry and ride back to trail. Saw two guys on trail and a group of fathers and sons at 1st shelter where we got water. There is a group of guys here and some that we think are camping above the shelter. Time for cribbage game.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Tricorner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gab
Miles today: 15.7

From the Top of the Pack - Interesting night at Tri-Corner Knob. Several high school students who were up till late - noisy. There were three other AT hikers (2 we hiked with before). Got to get their trail names. Today was the first sunny day we had in the Smokeys (our last day). Great views from several places. Pa got a couple of great pictures. I actually got to see something today after "4" days of being under the backpack cover. We saw parts of a plane on the trail after Mt. Guyot. Nothing was in the book about it, but it looked like it had been there a long time. Hiked 1.5 miles to Mtn Momma's for famous burger and to stay at cabin with bunks. We're staying for breakfast since the only shuttle leaves after breakfast. We'll do what we can since there's no restrictions on camping. It may take 3 days to get to Hot Springs, probably Monday at the latest. Ma and Pa want to give Bruce (my owner - their son) a call to see what's happening (he's in the army) with his unit. We were told that Fontana Dam would close if the President declared war - so all the hikers will have to go 2 miles around the dam on a steep trail. Got to get back to snacking! Hee Hee!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-03-22
From: Davenport Gab

To: Max Patch Campsite/North side of summit
Miles today: 16.5

From the Top of the Pack - We can't believe that we made it here after leaving this morning at 9:30. Got in around 5pm. Set up camp, ate and into tent. Dave from Wyoming, who was at Mtn Momma's with us, is staying somewhere nearby. Don't know if anyone else wil show up - it's 6pm now. Dave thru-hiked at least once and has done parts of the trail several times. Seems real nice.The day started by going up (of course) and lasted most of the morning. We ate lunch on Snow Bird Mtn which is a small bald. It has a satellite station on top (looks like a spaceship). Nice! Started looking for water as we were running low. There was supposed to be some at a road crossing but we didn't see any. Kept going, hoping to find some or at least a good campsite. We kept going and going when finally we crossed a second road where there was water! I was getting really, really thirsty! We filled up and there was a sign saying .8 to Max Patch. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! It made up for the long day. Not that the day wasn't good - it was (sunny and cool). Max Patch is the site of an old homestead and logging camp. Max Patch was originally forested, but early inhabitants cleard the mountain top to graze sheep and cattle. The summit has also been used as a landing strip for small planes. In 1982, the USFS purchased the 392 acre grassy top mountain for the AT and now uses mowing and controlled burns to maintain this bald appearance. Tomorrow it will be another long day, especially if we try for Hot Springs.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Max Patch Campsite/North side of summit

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: broken clouds

From the Top of the Pack -Up early for a long day, the longest yet, into Hot Springs. Both the Poolerbears were still tired from the long day yesterday, so we would play it by ear on how far we would go. We only had 2 candy bars left, so I wanted to push for Hot Springs (Hee Hee!). The Poolerbears keep saying I look like I'm gaining weight where they are losing weight. (Little do they know where the snack mix is going - don't tell!!)There were not many views today but the trail (after the initial climb) was pretty good. Just want to share our daily routine:When nature's alarm clock sounds (birds start singing) we listen for a few minutes then get out of our WARM sleeping bags. It's usually 6:30 or 7am. We then pack our backpacks, then eat breakfast. We hike for about two hours, then take a 15 minute snack break. We continue hiking another 2 to 3 hours before taking a lunch break. We usually take our boots off (dry our feet and just to give them some relief). We take about a 1/2 hour. We then continue for another couple of hours before taking an afternoon break. Sometime between 3 and 4 o'clock we either plan to be at a shelter or a tent site. Usually we tent near a shelter, if possible. There is water, a privy (usually), and a place to hang food. The most important reason is the comradery of the hikers. We set up the tent, get water, prepare and eat supper. We then clean up and pump water for the next days hike. I write the days journal, then ref the Poolerbear's cribbage game. Ma does a crossword puzzle with our help (Hee Hee). We read the shelter register to see where other hikers are. Usually we talk to any other hikers there, then turn in for the night. Most everyone is asleep pretty early 7 or 8pm.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

From the Top of the Pack - Just a note about Hot Springs that may be of interest:The Springs (water temp 105) have attracted people to the area since the late 1700s. During WWI, a detention center/prison was constructed on the spot to hold German prisoners of war and many German-Americans. Prisoners enjoyed the springs so much that many stayed in the area after the war. Ma PoolerbearWe went to the Spa (I didn't go in - Yuck!) and the Poolerbears enjoyed the hot tub for an hour. They said it really felt good, especially on the back and feet. I just layed in the sun and took a nap - Woof! Climb up by river was steep but neat, looking back at the river where they do rafting. I was riding on Ma's pack today and I was nervous since I was on the side facing the river! We hiked up most of the morning then around 11:30 we took a side trail up to a fire tower for lunch. There was a ranger there doing some repairs who told us that they were doing a controlled burn in an hour or two and how they have a helicopter drop small golfball size containers that will ignite once they hit. They burn from each side and it burns up to the top which gets rid of the underbrush. They had just put out a small fire started by sparks from a train. It's pretty dry with all the leaves from last fall. The ranger also told us that this next section through Tennessee has some beautiful trail. There are some nice balds after we come out of Erwin, Tenn (2 to 3 days). They relocated the trail and he said there is a nice waterfall we shouldn't miss - only a tenth of a mile off the trail. Then comes Roan Mtn which is a big bald. Tomorrow we go over "Big Butt" - sounds interesting. Hiked with 2x4 (guy and dog) we got along fine! Ruff Ruff! Also Lance, Dave and Austria (yes he's from there!) Also met a couple who had taken a week off to go to a wedding - Lucky and Sparrow. Pa is 1 up on cribbage - but tomorrow is another day!Nose signing off.......P.S. Met two local guys out for 3 days. They gave us some good information about Erwin. Really nice guys.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

From the Top of the Pack - Today the trail went up for the first few miles then it was gradual most of the day. It started raining late morning and was pretty cold and damp. Got to this shelter at 1:30m and decided (Ma actually decided) that a dry shelter and warm clothes were better than a few more miles and a wet camp. Dave, Austria and maybe 2x4 will probably be here for the night. We'll get the cards out - maybe someone will want to play. Mac & Cheese tonight! Woof! Woof!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Flint Mtn Shelter

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

From the Top of the Pack -Long day but beautiful views from Big Bald. Note of interest:From 1802 to 1834, the bald was inhabited by a cantankerous hermit named David Greer. Spurned by a woman, he retreated to the mountaintop where he lived in a small cave-like structure. He declared himself sovereign of the mountain and eventually killed a man, only to be acquitted on grounds of insanity. The life of "Hog Greer", so called by the locals because he lived like one, ended when a local blacksmith shot him in the back; the blacksmith was never charged. Greer Bald eventually became Big Bald. Ma PoolerbearLast night a local couple and the guys brother stayed at the shelter and built a great fire. (Nice and warm) Woof!! Also i found a pack-riding buddy. We named him the "Beave". He doesn't know how long he's been at that shelter but he didn't want to stay there anymore, by himself (well there is a spotted skunk in the area). I told him we were heading for Maine where there are plenty of Beaver Ponds and Ma said he could come. He can help us look for Huggy (no signs yet)! I'm showing him how to ref the cribbage games (and get snacks) Hee Hee! It's nice to have someone to talk to while riding the pack.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 16.9

From the Top of the Pack -Cold, windy night - the wind was howling. We had to snuggle down in our sleeping bags! 2x4 and Lucky & Sparrow got in pretty late. They hitched to a cafe at a road crossing earlier in the day. It was dark by the time they got to the shelter. We had already eaten and was in our sleeping bags! One young guy had night hiked and showed up just as we were getting up, in the morning to leave! He said he got lost on Big Bald (foggy). He was crawling into a sleeping bag as we left! Most of the morning was foggy and cool. We wore pants, coats, hats and gloves. By 11:00 the fog had burned off and the sun came out. It was down to shorts and tee shirts for the Poolerbears. No real views until we started to descend into Erwin, but we're starting to see more flowers and leaves coming out. One tree had small white blossoms which looked like apple, but we don't think they are. The bushes and trees are starting to bud, so it won't be long! The trail, in most cases, is covered with last years leaves, which cover roots and rocks. We are always tripping or stubbing our toes - Ouch! (Well, not me and Beave)! We keep getting hit by low hanging branches - Ouch! As we were coming into Erwin, doing many long switchbacks, we saw the Nolichucky River and the town itself - very nice. Every once in a while we would go through an area of fir trees and it was so quiet and peaceful. No noise - almost like an enchanted forest - neat! We got to the trailhead at about 2:30. The town of Erwin is about 4 miles, so we tried to hitch a ride. No luck - we couldn't believe it! We ended up walking about 3 miles and a truck pulls up and its one of the guys we met at the Little Laurel Shelter on Tuesday! What's the chances - he gave us a ride to the Post office to pick up our package. We then walked another 1/2 mile to the motel. We're doing our chores on Saturday (0 day). We heard that there may be snow (yes, snow) or a mix of weather on Sunday, so we'll see what its like before heading out. Note from Ma: Thanks to all of you who have signed the guest book. It's nice to hear words of encouragement. Also thanks to you who have been sending goodies (especially Kathleen). It's fun to find a package you're not expecting. We're really enjoying the trip and the beauty of the forest.Ma PoolerbearI like the goodies, too! Yum Yum!!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Nolichucky River

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

From the Top of the Pack - It snowed Sunday and Monday. It was low temps and snow covered trails with drifts, so didn't go out until today. Didn't want to take a chance getting hurt and spoil a great trip. Beave and I decided to go out and make a snowman. Not bad huh! Hee Hee!Today we used our ground cover cloth to slide down the mountain trails - then we'd climb the next mountain and slide down it! The Poolerbears kept falling off and getting snow all over them! We must have done it a hundred times! Wow! Ok, ok "April fools!" Did you believe me even a little? It was wet and slushy and the Poolerbears were having quite a time walking through the snow/slush. Me and Beave kept getting snow on us when it fell off the trees. The Poolerbears finally put the pack covers on so we stayed dried after that. There was a nice bald called "Beauty Spot" that we stopped for lunch at. Hard to look around with the bad footing. Time to unpack.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

From the Top of the Pack -This is the highest shelter on AT (6275). It is also the coldest shelter in the southern AT. It has two floors and is enclosed. Nice and beautiful views from Little Rock Knob. Good look backs and seeing the valleys. The trail still has a lot of snow on it - slushy and slippery! Roan itself was anti-climactic - a open field surrounded by trees. The trail up Roan was one of those that you kept thinking you were at the top and you'd get there and there was another climb. This happened so many times we finally gave up trying to figure where the top really was. Tough, tough day (well for the Poolerbears anyway). Spaghetti supper with cinnamon swirls for dessert! Yum Yum! Time to crawl into the sleeping bag and watch the cribbage game.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Roan High Knob

To: US 19E (road)
Miles today: 15.1

From the Top of the Pack - This has to be the best day of views and beauty that we've seen so far. Last night we spent on Roan High Knob Shelter with Journeyman and 3 guys from the Richmond, VA area. I need to get their trail names. It was really cold and windy (being so high) but as soon as we got down some in elevation ti warmed up considerably. We spent the whole day going over what they call the Roan Highland Range. There were several we climbed and then the last coupler were almost continuous. The views were 360 degrees with other bald or tree covered mountains all around. There were also several farms. We sat on one of the summits for about an hour (shoes off-eating lunch and taking pictures of me and Beave and the views). What a great day!History: On Round Bald (5,826 feet) is the site of a USFS experiment in which goats were used to keep briars and brambles from encroaching on the bald. Although the southern Appalachians do not rise above treeline, there are many balds, the origins of which remains a mystery to scientists. Some say its the harsh conditions at high elevations, while others claim Indians cleared the mountains for religious ceremonies. Many believe extensive grazing and cropping led to treeless summits and still others say it's the work of spacemen! No matter how they got there it was great hiking across them after a month of almost continuous forest walking.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-04
From: US 19E (road)

To: Tent site on Mtn
Miles today: 16.0

From the Top of the Pack - Left around 8am. The trail has been relocated for about 20+ miles. It seemed to go back and forth (switchbacks) throughout the morning. The afternoon was more up and down although nothing real steep. The best part was Jones Falls - it was beautiful. It dropped over several ledges splashing and jumping near the top. Well worth the side trip. We ended up camping because a shower came in and we didn't want to chance getting too wet. It did rain before we got set up but stopped long enough to cook and eat supper. There are thudershowers due tonight but we're snug and warm in the tent. This is the first time we've tented in quite a while. Hope it's a restful night. Tomorrow we plan to stay at a hostel that is just off the trail. They have a store as well, to resupply. We couldn't gauge the mileage today because we don't have a reference-will add tomorrow.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Tent site on Mtn

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 10.0

From the Top of the Pack - Bad thunderstorms this morning so stayed in tent and slept - didn't get out until almost 10:30! Short day to Gap. Found out our mileage was approximately 16 miles yesterday! Nothing special for views but there's something nice about the sun coming out after a rain - everything seems so clean and fresh! Tomorrow will be a long day IF we do the mileage -At Kincora Hostel (really nice). The owner Bob P. used to be from Vermont. Very nice and gave us a lot of information about the next few days of hiking. He is very involved in trail maintenance and very cordial to hikers. We really like the atmosphere here. Lots of hikers in. Caddas, Journeyman and a couple of hikers we hiked with in Georgia.Nose signing off.......P.S. There's been some sort of virus going around - several hikers have been really sick. Hope we don't get it (the Poolerbears too!).
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Dennis Cove

To: Hampton
Miles today: 8.9

From the Top of the Pack - Decided to do two short days so we could really take our time and enjoy. Sometimes you get into a "mileage" mode and forget what you're out there for. It's been great staying first at the Kencora Hostel then the Braeman Castle Hostel. The Braeman offers private rooms which are like a B&B. There is a living room, complete kitchen and private bath. What a beautifully kept Hostel. Some interesting history about this hostel:The Braeman Castle was originally constructed to house the offices and company store for the Pittsburg Lumber Company, which operated in the Laurel Gorge area from 1909 until 1925. The building is owned by Sutton and Beverly Brown (Sutton's grandfather owned Braeman Castle).The trail today took us into Laurel Gorge where the Laurel Falls are. These were beautiful. As we approached the falls you could hear them. You could feel the power they produce. We walked through one area where you are on a rock ledge next to the stream (more like a river). It was neat (Beave wanted to dive in and start building a dam). I told him that he'd be washed downstream before he knew it! He sighed and said "ok" - he'd wait until Vermont! We had to climb over 2000 feet in elevation then a couple of miles on the ridge before coming down into Hampton. We met 3 of the AT hikers from the Kencora Hostel slacking this section. Poptart was carrying donuts to offer to any of us who she met. It was a nice surpirse!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Hampton

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

From the Top of the Pack - Started out in rain but it was mostly fog in the morning and drizzle in the afternoon. Our longest day yet! Ma Poolerbear had a lot of energy today but may pay for it tomorrow! Pa Poolerbear couldn't believe it! Neither could me and Beave!! Hee Hee! The lake was beautiful and the Dam was fun to cross. It's a TVA built dam made of soil rather than cement. There was a monument we passed that is dedicated to Nick Grindstaff. Nick traveled west to win his fortune but was robbed of all his money during the journey. He then returned to Iron Mountain, where he lived for more than 40 years becoming one of the regions most famous hermits. He died in 1923 and the plaque on the chimney was erected in 1925.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

From the Top of the Pack - Mostly ridgeline walking so time went by pretty quickly for the mileage. Not so many views since it was foggy in the valleys and misty (overcast) in the mountains. This is good hiking weather compared to a hot, sunny day. Last night me and Beave had some fun. We decided to snack and we put some food in one of the hikers boots. This morning he was putting on his boots and felt something. When he looked in there were food crumbs in his boot. The other hikers said it must have been a mouse storing some food. Me and Beave had to keep ourselves from laughing! Hee Hee! We get to eat food and have the mice take the blame for it! Today we crossed into Virginia (3 states down)! YEA! Taking 2 zero days just because we want to! It's supposed to snow (yes snow again) Thursday and Friday. It may not be much down at lower elevations but we are doing two 5000+ mountains Saturday and Sunday so it could be interesting! Staying at Fox Run Inn and it's really nice. Jenny and Ben are great hosts! A couple of other hikers are here as well. Journeyman whom we hiked with on and off for the past couple of weeks and the Red Headed Stranger. Looking forward to the rest and catching up on postcards and journals.Nose (Beave) signing off.......P.S. Beave wanted me to mention him! Hee Hee!
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

From the Top of the Pack - Left Lazy Fox Inn around 9am after a BIG breakfast: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, peach cobbler, baked apples, pancakes with strawberries, fruit plate, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, banana bread, cinnamon rolls, OJ, coffee and tea. Me and Beave can hardly move from all the eating! We stayed an extra day because of a big rain storm, so we're stuffed! What a great place and great people (Ginny and Ben) THANKS!We hiked by a rushing stream most of the morning. The Virginia Creeper Trail is right beside the stream. Great biking trail. Nice views of some farms set up in the hills. Woods walking from mid afternoon until about a couple of miles before the shelter, then back to walking by the stream again. Arrived at shelter around 3:30 or 4:00. Grunt was there (he stayed at Lazy Fox Inn with his parents last night). Nice guy! 4 more hikers came in but expecting more. The shelter will be full! Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny for our hike over Grayson Highlands where the wild ponies are. Can't wait! Pa Poolerbear is going to try and get me on one of the ponies for a picture! Hee Hee! Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

From the Top of the Pack - Climb up White Top Mtn was switchbacks, which wasn't too bad until we got closer to the top then we hit snow. It was slippery going from then on. Climbing Mt Rogers was even more snow covered and started getting slushy as well. Really tough going most of the day - the trail was covered in water slush both as the snow started melting. Our feet were soaked all day and you splashed yourself every time you took a step!Now even though the hiking was tough the views were spectacular! Great views of Mt Rogers from White Top. Great views of Grayson Highlands from Mt Rogers! Then best of all were seeing the wild ponies. Pa got to within maybe 5 feet and got a picture. They were too skittish for me to get my ride but that's ok with me.Me and Beave got wet several times as snow melted and fell from trees! Yuck! We also saw at least a hundred (probably more) people climbing Mt Rogers. It was a never ending line of people. We couldn't figure out where they all would stay, especially with everything snow covered. The shelter on top was cold, damp and full of people at 2pm, so we can imagine what it looked like later. This shelter is lower and will be much warmer tonight. Me and Beave are ready to crawl in for the night (after the cribbage game).Nose signing off.......