morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-14
From: Locust Grove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: few clouds

Locust Cove Gap - Cable Gap Shelter(11.6 mi)Stayed in shelter.Today we hiked up and down some of the steepest trails we have ever seen. Brutal! I (Pat) am trying to get over a nasty blister and my feet did not need this kind of abuse. A sarcastic remark from "Northern Harrier" in the shelter journal sums up my feelings: "Dear Trail Maintainers, Thanks for the switchbacks."But, just as we decended into Stecoah Gap we noticed a bright orange tent down by the road. We were not sure what it was until we saw Dharma there eating donuts! It was some great guys out to feed thru-hikers. Ox, Steve, and Armando set up a tent at Stecoah Gap to greet hikers who have made the trek over Cheoah Bald. For our consumption, there was: soda and BEER, glazed donuts, oreos, cookies, strawberries, oranges and candy.I(Michael), had a number of donuts, oreos, 1/2 orange, a couple of strawberries, a beer and a Mt. Dew.Note: do not chase a beer with a Mt. Dew, especially after eating the before mentioned food items in one sitting and then hike up a steep mountain.At the shelter:   Dharma, Swiss Miss, Dragon Slayer, Slim and Biscuit, Talks w/ Trees and Mountain Goat(learned today they are brothers.Late arrivals are GG(Arlene) and Mickey One Sock. Alex from Alabama appears to have pushed on...excited to have a visit from his Mom and some of her cookin'. He has to push to meet her at Clingman's Dome on the 18th. Not sure if we will have an opportunity to meet her, but hope so.It's around 7:30pm and the rain has started to fall. Just a gentle rain. The temperature is cool, but not freezing. There are six in the shelter and five tenting.Looking at about 5 1/2 miles into Fontana Dam tomorrow. Much of the group may rent a cottage in Fontana for the evening, which should be loads of fun/also cheaper in the long run.The next morning, it will be head first into the Smokies.Just as we were writing this, around 8:45pm, and half of the shelter crew are snoring away, we heard some voices and saw some headlamps bobbing down the trail to the shelter. Turns out it's Jason and Betty getting adventurous and heading into Fontana Dam in the dark. They took a nap at the last shelter and decided to push on. They stopped by to say hi before going on. We wished them good luck from our warm sleeping bags and off they went...
Date: 2004-03-15
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

Cable Gap Shelter - Fontana Dam(Fontana Village) 5.5miStayed in hotel.Easy hike to our take out(Highway 28).Waited a few for Dragon Slayer to catch us for a shuttle into Fontana Village. Shuttle phone read, "Shuttle not available until later in March". We elected to walk the 2mi to Fontana Village along Highway 28/"The Dragon's Tail"-popular winding road for bicyclists and motorcyclists.Half way to Fontana Village, a van stopped, "Did you call for the shuttle?". It would seem hikers just behind us refused to accept the shuttle phone posting and called anyway. We were thankful they did as it just began to rain.The shuttle driver was nice to give us a ride to the main office, where we reserved a room for the evening.Note: Wingfoot's Handbook states the restaurant is open year round. This is incorrect. We arrived to find all businesses closed with exception of the post office and laundro-mat. Better than nothing, but a bit disappointing. Also, no change machine or detergent at the laundry. Both can be picked up at the Texaco station just down the road along with white gas/denatured alcohol.Robin, "Pez's" fiance was nice enough to give us a ride. First to Robinsville for chinese take-out and a trip to the grocery store. The county is dry, so Robin then ran us out to Bryson City for booze/beer. If you are able to arrange a shuttle to civilization, request Bryson City for one stop shopping.Later that afternoon, Pat and I decided that it would be best to make our arrangements back to Richmond, VA for our cousin's wedding on the 20th. Our original plan was to be pulled out at Newfound Gap on the 19th. This would have left NO room for delay and a chance that our friend Sam would be awaiting our arrival unaware of our tardiness(no chance to call, etc. once in the Smokies). I, Michael, then called Tommie(the Mrs.) and begged/pleaded that she make last minute arrangements at work and make the 8 hour trip South to pick us up. She agreed...now that's love! Later that evening, we played a little putt-putt in the hallway and celebrated Pat and Slim's Birthdays with cake including b-day candles.
Date: 2004-03-16
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

"0" mile day at Fontana Village. Stayed in Hotel.Long day as "the Village" was essentially closed and no chance to make it to town.Many hikers opted to take a "0" day, some nursing hangovers from the night before.Tommie was not able to leave work until 3pm at the earliest and did not make it on the road until 5pm.Pat and I hung out with Betty, Jason and Dragon Slayer watching Jeopardy and "Bloody Rome Week".All headed to their rooms fairly early to get rest for the next days hike into the Smokies as Pat and I stayed up to greet Tommie. I WAS VERY EXCITED!Tommie arrived around midnight. The three of us crashed a bit later, Tommie exhausted from the long drive. We have a long drive back to Virginia tomorrow.
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Fontana Dam

To: Richmond, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Fontana Village - Richmond, VA(home)"0" mile day.Stayed at home in my warm bed.Checked out of Fontana Village and headed back to Richmond, VA.Also, Mrs. Long, sorry to have missed the opportunity to meet you. I hope you found Alex healthy and in good spirits. He was very excited to see you. So, how many burger's did Alex eat? Don't worry, it's normal thru-hiker behavior.
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Richmond, VA 

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Richmond, VA - Fontana Village"0" miles/stayed in hotel.Our good friend, Sam, was nice enough to drive us back to the trail. Thanks again, Sam. Cannot thank you enough.Arrived back at Fontana Village. It appears the Restaurant did open during the weekend, but is now closed again. Good thing we stopped in Bryson for some food for supper. Capped off our fuel bottles at the Texaco and are now relaxing in the room. Not sure how many hikers we will see in the morning, but they will certainly be all new faces. Our original group now well into the Smokies. With some effort, we may see a few familiar faces in time. If not, best of luck to Dharma, Dragonslayer, Biscuit and Slim, Mt. Goat, Talks w/ Trees, GG(Arlene), Mickey One Sock, Rocky, Fozzie, Hoss, Burn, Wildcat, Mellow(Alex from AL), Haiku, Deja Vu, Moonpie, Heald and Annie, Sugar Daddy, Grass, Red Dog and Buck, Gapper, Doug and Rob, Early Bird and the many more wonderful folks we have had the opportunity to meet and hike with.Happy Birthday Anna Z!
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Russell Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

Fontana Village/AT at 28 - Russell Shelter(14.9mi)Stayed in ShelterMichael: Alarm rang at 7 am, snoozed it until around 7:30 or so. It was snowing very lightly outside and we were ready to catch our shuttle at 9am.Registered to enter the Great Smoky Mountain National Park at the Fontana Lake Marina. Hiked a short distance to the Fontana Dam Shelter-commonly known as the Fontana Hilton as it has many luxuries not normally found at a shelter along the AT. It's huge and has amenities such as a nearby bathroom, water spigot, showers at the Fontana Dam visitor center a few hundred feet away. Unfortunately, there was no journal to check in on our friends now a number of days north of us. There was one hiker still in his sleeping bag...wait...do we have a long, lost brother we knew nothing about? It was at least 10 or 10:30 am and has not yet broken camp. Must be a Deaner, yet he goes by "Fingers". Says he will catch up with us a Mollies Ridge Shelter.Next, we made it to the actual Fontana Dam, which is quite impressive...at least to me. I cannot ever recall seeing a large dam in person before.(PICS: Pat at the Fontana Hilton and 2 crossing the Dam)Switchbacks!!! and not a moment to soon.During our hike today, we took a short detour (.1mi off AT) to the summit of Shuckstack Mountain (4020ft). On the top is a fire tower that awarded us with 360' views of the Southern Appalachians. We could see Clingman's Dome (6643ft-highest point on the trail). It appears to be covered in snow.We reached our original stopping point at Mollies Ridge Shelter at 5pm. There were a number of folks, both in the shelter and tenting outside. A few thru-hikers who began their hike March 1st (Wolf-something and her husband: Dances w/ Wolf-something) another female hiker, and Running Bear.Pat and I felt good and had a few hours of sunlight left, so opted to continue on to the next shelter 2.5 miles north.Although sunny all day, a very cold wind kept us in fleece, gloves and hats. One minute you are sweating, then you are shivering. The temperatures this evening may get down to the single digits. It's 8pm now and the temperature is well below freezing. This will certainly be the coldest night of our hike.On that note, I believe it would be best to get in the bag where it is warm.G'night.
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Russell Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

Russell Shelter - Derrick Knob Shelter (9.2mi)Stayed in shelterSlept in this morning until about 9am. There were 5 other hikers who stayed in the shelter, but they had all moved on. Running Bear, Wings and Feathers (possibly mother and daughter) and Fingers came through from Mollies Ridge before we set out.The 14.9 miles hiked the day before had taken its toll on us. Pat and I caught up with "Fingers" on Rocky Top (5441ft), where he said he would break for lunch. When we arrived, he was laying out absorbing the warm sun. That looks like a great idea, we thought.We pushed it just a bit further to the next peak and planted ourselves on a soft and dry grassy bald just shy of Thunderhead Mountain and did the same. It felt good to shed the packs, lay back with bare feet, eat some lunch and rest the eyes. I can say that I fell into a light sleep twice. It was very warm in the sun and I am confident I will feel a little sun burn in the morning. It will have been worth it. This down time is just what we have needed. (PICS-Pat laying down on grass at bald just shy of Rocky Top, Pat standing with Vista behind on Bald, Pat hike up trail heading through balds going up to Rocky Top, Pat inside Derrick Knob Shelter at night w/ red light), hikers(Fingers) on Rocky Top).Pat and I were passed by Fingers as we departed from our lunch break. We continued hiking until we reached Derrick Knob Shelter, where we decided to spend the evening. At the shelter: Running Bear, Wolf Cookie and Dances w/ Wolf Cookie (husband), another lady hiker in their group. Fingers, Wings (daughter?) and Feathers all pushed on to Silers Bald Shelter; another 5+ miles. Wolf Cookie headed down to the privy area to, well, you know and immediately came running back up to the shelter. This was a strange site as she was moving rather slowly before. "Coyote!" she reported. It would appear that a coyote was milling about the privy area, checking on the deposits. Sure enough, it came close enough that we all caught a glance. Not much later, you could hear the howling and calling of a few coyotes just out of site in the dark. They would be heard around the shelter area for some time as we prepared dinner. Hope they do not wander into the shelter later as we are sleeping. This and Russell Shelter are both equipped with chain link fencing at the opening to prevent bears from entering the shelter, but not secure enough for a curious coyote.The temperature throughout the day was warm (shorts and t-shirt) and not nearly as cold this evening. Will reach below freezing this evening, but not to lows in the single digits. If the rumors are correct, we should see even warmer temps tomorrow day and evening. Keeping my fingers crossed. Will do a little reading and may listen to some music and then hit the sack.M
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Derrick Knob Shelter - Mt. Collins Shelter (13.5mi) + .5mi off AT to Mt. Collins Shelter.Stayed in ShelterPat: A later start than we had planned, as we set the alarm for 7am and were hopeful to be on the trail by 8am or so. Well, we did NOT get up at 7 and did not make it to trail until 10am. First mistake, as we had quite a long days hiking ahead of us. Not to mention the majority of this hike up Clingman's Dome.We had a great start, hiking fast, but soon my (Pat's) feet started bothering me. I had covered a blister before we left but could feel it coming loose. The sweat and friction were too much. In order to save my feet for walking I had to stop a few times to fix it. We were late already and it was very frustrating to be delayed for such a small thing. Anyway the day was sunny and fairly warm. As we approached Clingman¢s Dome the terrain became very beautiful as we walked through some virgin forest areas. As the elevation increased the forest turned to Hemlock and Fir. Everything turned green, covered in moss. The view was great from the observation tower on top of Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail. Since we were running late we had not stopped for lunch so we ate a quick "lunch" and got back on the trail a little after 5pm with 3.5 miles still to go.We arrived at the shelter just after dark around 7:30 to find a great bunch of hikers getting ready to enjoy some live music. "Tacoma" played guitar and sang some songs for everyone as we made dinner by the light from our headlamps. It was wonderful listening to some great music as we dined under the stars.Later that night as we all were in our sleeping bags Robin the Bard read some old tales to us before we went to sleep. Thanks guys for the great entertainment! In the shelter for the evening: Running Bear, Spur, Roben, Daniella, Mom Suzy, Big Ed or "12 mile" and Tacoma(Guitar player).
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap US 441
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: broken clouds

Mt. Collins Shelter - Newfound Gap US 441 (4.5mi)Stayed in hotel. Grand Prix Motel.Slept in a little. Big Ed, Mom Suzy, Daniella and Roben who were ending their short hiking trip in the Smokies later that day were in no hurry as well. It was nice to visit with them, leisurely pack, make breakfast, etc. More often than not, thru-hikers are racing at the first light of day to get their morning chores completed and make a mad dash for the trail. As most of you know, this is not the "Deaner" style.The hike to Newfound Gap was a good one...short as well. Just shy of the Gap, we ran into a couple of day hikers, Bob and Carol. We stopped and talked with them, as they were interested in the AT and our experiences so far. It was a nice break, but we were soon headed back to Newfound Gap and eventually, Gatlinburg, TN. Just after we passed Carol and Bob, but before we made it to the Gap, Pat noticed a note on the AT. It was written by "Spur" and "Ready". Spur was with us in the shelter just last night, but was back on the trail at sunrise, well before the two of us. The note indicated that up on the right, nestled in some ice still not having melted from the previous week's storm, were some cold sodas. They were being offered to hikers as an unexpected gift, the only obligation is that you pack out the empty container (of course) and the hiker taking the last soda also pack out the note. It seems Spur, after having reached the Gap, raced to get the goodies and stage them for a nice surprise for the hikers just behind...Thanks Spur!Back to Newfound Gap and our desire to see Gatlinburg, TN. It was now time to see about hitching into town. Pat and I did spend a few minutes with some folks who were curious about the hike, but none looked like they would be willing to give us a lift. Soon we had become a part of the attraction, standing at the wayside with our "Hiker to Town" bandana and trying to look our most gentle but needy. Plenty of attention, but no takers. After some time we noticed Bob and Carol had returned to the wayside from their day hike and were getting in their car. "This is our best shot" we thought...but alas, they began to drive in the opposite direction. The majority of the visitors were either retired folks or families with children, not the most likely to accept hitch-hikers. It was hot and I could feel the sunburn setting in.At this point, we were feeling less confident we would find ourselves in Gatlinburg anytime soon. Then, only moments after we watched them drive around the bend, Bob and Carol drove up next to us and offered us a ride into town. I am not sure what prompted them to turn around and head back towards Gatlinburg and I hope my "sad face" did not spoil any of their plans for the day, but it was sure great to see them.Later that evening we met up with Carol and Bob again for dinner and great conversation at the Smoky Mountain Brewery. Thanks again! and who knows, after the hike we may very well need to stop in Cleveland for your services. **Take care of one another**
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Newfound Gap - Pecks Corner Shelter(10.4mi)Stayed in ShelterChecked out of the Grand Prix Motel and began making our way to the park boundary. Rumor has it, that, hitching within town limits is frowned upon (severely). Just 60 yards short of the G.S.M.N.P. boundary a young man in a pick-up, just up ahead, spotted us, stopped and asked if we would like a lift. This was great luck as we were only minutes from leaving the motel."Neals", a previous Southbound thru-hiker, gave us a lift to exactly where we departed the trail a couple of days ago. It was nice hearing about his hike. (PIC-"Neals", Pat and I at Newfound Gap.)Just as we said good-bye to "Neals", we ran into Pappa Smurf and Flame. They thru-hiked some years ago and were all set up to greet and treat hikers for the day. Pat and I accepted some homemade cookies, advice, and a few stories. We will be certain to look for them if we find ourselves at Traildays.(PIC: Pappa Smurf, Flame, Pat and I at Newfound Gap)Also ran into fellow thru-hiker (14 timer), Seiko. Pat and I met him earlier at Rainbow Springs Campground as he was being taken to Springer to begin.Hiked off and on with Seiko until we reached Ice Water Shelter. Some ridge runners were there picking up garbage, making repairs, etc. A hiker from Quebec (Simon) stopped in for water and a brief break. It seems he is just training for hiking the Continental Divide. He began at Springer on March 16th and must be averaging about 20+ miles per day...my average when I do not have Pat slowing my pace...I WISH!Just an hour or so before dark, we found ourselves at Pecks Corner Shelter for the evening along with three other hikers: Bob, Push and Shove. Made dinner and hit the sack. Stayed up a while in my bag catching up on journal entries. Dropped my earplugs down to the first (occupied) level of the shelter (Pat and I being up top). Hope to find them in the morning.
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

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

Pecks Corner Shelter - Cosby Shelter(12.9mi)Stayed in shelter.Up around 7:30a.m. this morning. Waited a bit for the other three to get movin'. Push and Shove located my earplugs, although the shelter remained fairly quiet during the night and I slept pretty well. All I need now is to get out of my bag and see the morning chores completed so we can get on the trail by 8:30am....hopefully.Ok, it would be more like 10:00am. Not exactly sure what part of our morning routine accounts for the majority of delay, but we have agreed to examine it tomorrow morning. Another great hike in beautiful weather. I feel a bit pampered after reading the register entries of our friends now 5-8 days ahead of us and the wintry weather they experienced. Hopefully we will gain some time on them if they take extended breaks at Hot Springs. As for thru-hikers that we have run into since our re-introduction following our cousin's wedding, they have been few and far between. They seem to be either just ahead or behind us. Tomorrow we will hike to Davenport Gap and possibly make it to Mt. Mama's for a cheeseburger. If needed, we may shower, etc. at Standing Indian Farm (a hostel that we need to investigate). Pat and I are reluctant to stay the night as we have just come off a "0" mile day in Gatlinburg. Will probably push through after getting a few things and maybe spend a short rest period in Hot Springs. We are anticipating a mail drop with the next sections maps, etc. (forgot to pick them up when we left trail for the wedding).   In shelter with us tonight: Push and Shove.
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Cosby Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Cosby Shelter - Davenport Gap (Mt. Momas and Standing Indian Farm and Hostel) 10.4mi.It's 7:30 am and I thought I would get a brief entry in as we will most likely hit civilization (Mt. Mama's and/or Standing Bear Farm today).Was up earlier to a beautiful sunset. The birds have been serenading all morning...it's very pleasant. Makes it hard to get moving. Push and Shove are just about finished packing and we will be right behind them. Looking at about 8 miles today and should be at our destination fairly early if we do not procrastinate too much.Off for now.Back:Hiked to Davenport Gap early and were greeted by two good old boys coming up from Mt. Momas' way. They stopped to chat and see what we were up to. The two decided to offer us a ride down 1.3mi to Mt. Momas Kuntry kitchen and store. It was very nice of them to offer...and we took it.Once we said our thanks to the good old boys, we found Push and Shove each already one cheeseburger behind them. They are in for the evening. Pat and I both had a wonderful cheeseburger w/ fries, but decided there was just too much daylight left. (PIC of Pat in front of Mt. Momas)We hiked back up the road(1.3mi all uphill) to the AT with one couple stopping with cold bottled water...kindness is just raining on us.Another 2.4 mi and we made it to Standing Bear Farm. Pat and I were instantly greeted by another hiker we did not recognize. Curtis, the proprietor, was busy cutting the grass. We introduced ourselves and the unknown hiker said, "I am Tacoma".Pat and I chuckled as we spent an evening back at Mt. Collins shelter with him, but never saw his face. Remember, we arrived after dark and never did see any faces, only heard his backpacker guitar and songs. Of course, by the time we awoke the next morning, he was gone.Soon Curtis came over and gave us the lay of the land. He runs the Farm along with his wife, Maria and daughter (the cutest little thing) and dog Spitster or Spit for short. The Farm is wonderful...kinda glad we did not stay at Mt. Momas and sorry Push and Shove were unaware of this alternative. Shove said if he had known, he would have preferred to hike on as well.Both have taken showers, laundry in a-washin', Pat is using an old laptop they offer to hikers and I am completing this before I send it on.Curtis will shuttle us into town for an ATM run, beer, etc.All for now.Before we hit the sack, thought I would sum up the day. Curtis ran us to the truck stop, but the gas station that sold beer had already closed(8pm)...oh well. We hung out with "Tacoma" until about 10:30pm or so and ate our dinners. Thanks to Curtis for the shuttle. Needed an ATM stop to purchase resupply goods. Tomorrow will be another 10 miles or so.The Bros.