morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a much shorter day than I hoped for. It was well belowfreezing last night, 25 degrees. I prepared quickly and set outearly, but my blisters were sore immediately. I went very slowlyand this stretch contained the hardest ascent yet for a veryshort distance. Between Bear Pen Trail and the top of AlbertMountain is a third of a mile and almost vertical 1900 feet.Hiking poles were not only useless, but a great incumbrance. Itwas fun to scramble and crawl up the boulders, some covered withslippery moss. The view was spectacular from the top.I am in the shelter now and it will be COLD tonight. The shelteris filling fast. A group of East Carolina spring breakers left alot of trail magic here. Thanks! Tuna, yum!I have hiked 97.7 trail miles... tomorrow, blisters willing, I'llcross the 100 mile mark and visit my first N.C. city. Franklin.
Date: 2004-03-18
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Last night as I was sitting freezing in the Big Spring Shelter Iwas totally ready to come home. It was a bad day, although it didhave good moments too.   This morning I woke and left the shelter for the rainy trail at8:15. I taped my blisters and they hurt a lot. I compensated byadjusting my stride and my footfall. Soon I miss-stepped andpulled my calf muscle. OUCH! I was determined to hike toWinding Stair Gap so I could hitch 10 miles into town. So now Iwas really hobbled. I had to step out a length with my rightfoot, but I could only take a small step with my left. After anhour the calf began to loosen and I continued with my previousslow stride, but later the blisters stopped hurting and I madeup some time. I arrived at the gap at 1:15 and tried to get a ride as the rainfell. At about 2:00 a sweet woman named Debra stopped and droveway out of her way to bring me directly to the motel. Thank you,Debra! She broke her protocol by picking up a stranger, but hercompassion overcame her risk tolerance. This cold, wet, tired,old hiker is grateful.The trail was easy today, until Wallace Gap. But the beauty ofthe trail as I climbed out of the gap compensated for the steepincline. There was a stream gurgling alongside the trail withlittle waterfalls beneath the overhanging mountain laurels andRhododendrons. Also much of the trail today and yesterday runs along steep ridges. A slightly errant step could result in a long, long fall.There were several places along these ridges where huge graniteboulders stood like straight walls on one side of the trail. On the other side was a drop-off. Some of those boulders were coveredwith moss and had water trickling down the sides. Some wereclean with sparkling pieces of quartz shining in the sun. Thetrail is beautiful.
Date: 2004-03-19
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I went shopping today. Hardware store, grocery store, out-fitter and then lunch at Mammas. Nice country food. Franklin isn'tbuilt for pedestrians. People in Franklin are very courteous. Theyapologized profusely if they had to walk in front of me whileI was comparing options of some shelf item.Today I did alot of shopping for things I need. Tomorrow I headout at 9. The weather forecast is rain tomorrow evening and Sunday withcooler temps Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday I should be at NOC. Let's see how fast my schedulefalls apart. *grins*
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I got a ride to the trail from Ann Allison, who offers a free shuttle to help hikers. She dropped me off and pointed me in the right direction and I was on my way. I felt good, but I had a strange feeling. Something was missing...Oh! I didn't have any blister pain at all! I was really cookin; by 10:50 I was at the shelter. I felt way to good to stop.At about 3 I arrived at Wayah Bald. It was pretty there, so I snapped a lot of photos and finished my second roll of film. I figured enough pics for today, so I started walking again and after a few steps I saw Byrne Memorial Tower. It is made out of rock and very eye pleasing. So I had to dig into my pack to the VERY bottom to get my 3rd roll of film...more pics.At about 5 I saw a sign on the trail that said there were hot dogs, candy bars, sodas, and lots of stuff 5 minutes ahead. The thing I wanted most was water, and APPLE the trail angel allowed me to fill my bottles. What a great guy! This is how he spends his vacation, helping hikers.In his register I saw that my friends Freight Train and Midas are two days ahead and Quincy Girl is 4 days ahead. I hope I manage to gain some ground. I think everyone is getting their trail legs now, so maybe I can't. I quickly left Apple's tent because it was getting late and I had miles to go before I sleep...miles to go before I sleep. Now as I type the shelter is overcrowded yet again. The promised thunder storm is spectacular, a brilliant flash of lightening and the immediate thunder just occurred...I'm getting into bed warm and dry. nite nite!
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

OUCH! Today started kinda easy then got tough. It was a masochist's dream. It was the sort of hike that makes me think I should be heavily invested in the ankle, knee and hip replacement industry. It's PUDS Pointless Ups and Downs at their finest.For instance, I climbed a tough incline to the top of Wesser Bald, at the top it wasn't flat. I actually stepped over the top just like stepping over a log and began a steep descent. Pointless.If anyone from trail maintenance reads this..there are two newly fallen trees on the trail. I couldn't get over or under them with my pack on. I had to remove my pack and set it over first, then scramble over myself. There is no sign or blue blaze to Rufus Morgan Shelter. I'm not the only one that almost missed the shelter. I wasn't happy. There are three of us who are unhappy. Both my dogs and me. Two soles and one soul. It was the toughest day, but I'm here in the hostel and feeling much better. Tomorrow I want to visit the outfitter and look for a new sleeping bag and a tent. I hope they have something I can use to cut weight and keep me cozy.When I arrived my friends Scuba, Mo, Glen, and Tinder were in the parking lot where long-time thru hiker Mala had his truck. They offered me food and refreshment. Wow! Trail magic three days in a row. I might become spoiled real soon.
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

PUDS again today. Maybe contour lines weren't invented until after the trail was built. Just kidding. I'm gonna stop griping about PUDS.Hmmm... What can I gripe about now?The WEATHER! Dang its cold! I am in my sleeping bag, fully dressed and still freezing. At least I warmed up enough to stop shivering. I went to the outfitter in Nantahala and bought a tent. Tossed out my tarps. This outfitter has a good reputation, but they had TWO sleeping bags to choose from. Right now I'm glad because I might have bought a warmer rated bag if they had one. In my zero bag, I'll sleep warmer tonight. I left the store and crossed the railroad tracks that cross the trail, then I began to climb out of the Natahala River Gap. It is a cool place. The river has a kayak course that was used during a recent Olympics kayaking competition. Soon I was well removed from Natahala. Then I heard a familiar sound: A TRAIN. Some engineer was having fun with his choo choo. Being from Salt Lake, a major train thoroughfare, I have often heard engineers playing with their horns. So now I can see that engineers nationwide share the same mentality. I saw some violets and I think buttercups today. There are trees with beautiful pink buds, I don't know what they are yet. Spring is coming. Maybe it will warm more tomorrow, I hope. If so, I think lots more blossums will appear.   There is an interesting phenomenon along the trail where the trail has worn a deep path. On the sides of the trail ice crystals grow in a feathery shape. I've never seen anything like it. I took a photo of some today. Maybe the photo will accompany this entry soon.
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

I slept fairly well last night. Shelters seem hard to get used to. At about 4:30 I felt a mouse run over my head. I grabbed my handkerchief and swatted at it. I didn't hear it trying to get into my bag so I went back to sleep. I rose a few hours later. It was very cold, my water bottles were frozen. I watched the glorius sunrise. It was truly spectacular. Soon I was enjoying the beauty of these hills as I began the PUDS. I saw some violets and dandelions. I miss the bluets I saw before - where did they go? Speaking of flora, I don't remember that I mentioned pecans. I only saw a few today, but they were plentiful in the Georga section. There are some magnificent vines growing in the trees, wild grapes! They are huge, sometimes climbing to the top of tall trees then snaking down to near the ground and reaching over to another tree and climbing up again. Poison ivy was very plentiful today. I was surprised to see Freight Train and Midas as I arrived at the shelter. Scuba, Tinder and Glen are here too. My tent is only a few feet from a healthy stand of poison ivy. I had to give up the flattest tent site because it was covered with poison ivy.As I was headed up one mean climb I saw a young couple I had been leap-frogging all day. They were resting on a huge log and offered to move over to let me rest with them. I declined saying that I'd rather keep my momentum up. As I passed she said some guy told them its only 400 more feet up, then the trail levels. I could see the top was easily a third mile away, so I knew better right away. I don't understand why people enjoy telling such fibs to people who definitely want to believe. I underestimated the distance too. After about 600 more feet of the straight up route the switchbacks began. It was easier now,but still up up up. Then the trail diverted from my northeast trek to Maine and headed westerly to summit another hill, then south because another hill existed. PUDS.As I type here in my cozy new tent my feet still feel today's hike. My blisters persist, but they are less painful than the soles of my feet. They ache and the vitamin I isn't solving it. On April 3 I'll be in Hot Springs, where I hope to meet Nancy and Bob. If my feet aren't conditioned by then, they never will be. Its my fail safe zone.
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Birch Spring Campsite
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

I rose late thinking I'd take some time in Fontana, only 7.2 miles, but I decided to go on. I had to file a permit to camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The data book indicates the Fontana Shelter is on the trail. Not so!! This error cost me about two hours. Finally Sevy came along and told me where I missed the trail. It's not well marked. I got to this campsite just at sunset. I was glad for that because I could hang my bear bag and set up my camp in the fading light. The big, second and third toes of each foot have been partially numb for a week. Pins and needles!As I was hiking toward the Fontana Dam I saw a lot of trillium. They were opening up and I imagine that if I could sit for an hour several would be wide open. On the other side of the dam there were few flowers. I spent a lot of time with Freight Train and Midas today. They are so funny, keeping a teasing banter going almost constantly. They went to the Hike Inn, and I pressed on. I pulled my calf muscle bad. It really stung and reduced me to a snail's pace. I hope it feels better tomorrow.
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Birch Spring Campsite

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

I was up and out early today. My right calf was knotted and my blister was tender. I was really moving slowly. I only planned 10.8 miles, so I felt ok just creeping along. I passed a lot of south bound overnighters, 14, I think. They seemed to have no intention of stepping off the trail so I gladly gave them the trail. Not one said thanks. Most people I've met are very courteous, so I was surprised.I saw the most beautiful butterfly I've ever seen. It was a spectacular blue. It was tiny, and flew about my feet for a few seconds. I heard some ruffled grouse doing that strange mating display thing that they do. Its a deeply resonant sound - like drums beating faster and faster. It seemed the noise was more felt from inside than heard. The insects are suddenly active. They like the way I smell. *grins* Pretty bad. Looks like I'll lose another toe nail. I have a better attitude today.
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Tough day today, couldn't get going. But I am in a nice shelter with some great people, and we have a fire going. It was sunny today and I need to buy some sunscreen and insect repellent. All of today I walked along the border between NC and TN. Basically, If I was on the left side of any ridge I was in Tennessee, and on the right, North Carolina. When I was on the top of the ridge I may have had a foot in each state.A man I met a few days ago and, who has shared the same shelters as me saw a bear today. I'm intensly jealous. I caught up with Scuba, Tinder and Glen as they were having a lunch break. Scuba was sitting on some grass, tying his shoes with his new superfeet insoles beside him. I asked how he liked his insoles and he said he liked them, then he realized he had put on his shoes sans insoles. It was funny. Glen and I began hiking together and we talked. Soon Jonathan caught up as we talked about the grouse. Jonathan said quote "Is that what makes that noise? I thought it was my own pulse or heart." unquote. I agree it does seem to come from inside. Tomorrow I hike over Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail. Wish me luck!WHETSTONE aka Intensely Jealous
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Silers Bald Shelter 

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

I rose early and I was first on the trail. All the others were heading south, so I didn't see anyone until I was at Clingmans Dome. I climbed the tower and took a few photos there. As I neared this shelter I saw lots of people. And there are lots here. Almost full and its only 3:45.A couple funny things happened today. Coming off on Clingmans Dome there was a lot of hard ice covering the trail. I was being careful, but I slipped anyway and slid a few feet, struggling to keep upright. A bird nearby was startled, but it seemed to be laughing at me... nak nak nak ..on and on until I was out of sight. Not long after that I was stepping off a large, wet, mossy stone. It was a big step down to the trail. I slipped and landed, sitting on the rock. It didn't hurt at all but it happened so fast and the wet rock was very cold.Now a little story...(Something I heard on NPR).Once there was a daschund whose family took him to Africa on a safari. He had a wonderful time there, running through the jungle sniffing all the trees and things. Soon he realized he was lost. He began to look around trying to find his way and suddenly saw a leopard coming at him very fast, intent on making a lunch of the dog. The dog knew he couldn't outrun the leopard, but he saw a pile of large bones laying there. He turned his back on the leopard and when he knew the leopard was very close, he said; "Man! that leopard tasted great! I wish I had another." The leopard heard this and screeched to a halt and slinked away. A monkey witnessed all this and thought he could use it to his own gain. He caught up with the leopard and explained what he saw. The leopard was infuriated and told the monkey to ride on his back saying; "Watch what I do to that dog." When the dog saw the leopard with the monkey on its back he summed up the situation quickly. He again turned his back and when he knew the leopard was close he said; "Where's that darn monkey? I sent him to bring me another leopard a half hour ago."
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a great day.I hurried out of the shelter this morning intent on hiking a big day. All the way to Newfound Gap I was alone. I stepped out of the forest and onto the side of the road, there were hundreds of people in the parking lot across the road. I sat on a rock wall and caught my breath as I looked for some indication as to where the trail was over there. I was also looking for water, as my bottles were empty. When I saw a water fountain I started across. I heard someone yell WHETSTONE! It was Glen. He was standing with Tinder and Scuba, behind an SUV. I figured it was their shuttle bringing them back to the trail. They spent the night in Gatlinburg. I walked over to them and a pretty red haired woman said, Do you want a hamburger? I couldn't believe my ears! I said, Are you serious? Yes, she said and I said YES! It wasn't a shuttle. It was Papa Smurf and Flame, serving up trail magic. I had a wonderful hamburger, banana, orange, cookies, and two ice cold pepsi's What a great treat. I appreciated it very much. It was fun mingling with all the thru-hikers that arrived. Glen told me his father reads my journal. THANKS! It's always great to know people read this.After the feast I headed for the trail, but I really wanted to go further. The same group is in this shelter as last night. We all move at different paces, some hike together, but we end at the same place. One more night in the park. I have run out of rice, peanut butter and honey, and snickers. I have just enough ramen noodles, and bagles to get by. I have plenty oats and whey to last several days. Kinda cutting it close. I'll resupply in Davenport, and send my journal pages. (The opportunity to send from Fontana did not exist as everything was closed and the pay phone was broken.)Climbing out of Newfound Gap I was with a lot of day hikers; then after Charlies Bunion I was alone again until Sevy caught up. He's a fast hiker and a nice friend. I skied (slipped) down several feet on hard sheet of ice and Sevy came back down the trail to spot me when I was working to get off the ice where it got very steep. He realized I was not as agile and cared enough to help out.The trail became both beautiful and exciting. The vistas of the Smokies were clear and inspiring. The trail itself was incredible. If you fear heights you wouldn't like this section. Basically the trail followed a miles, long sharp ridge on the very top. In places the ridge was so narrow you could place a yardstick across the trail and it would over hang a steep drop-off on each side. Standing there I could look either right or left down very steep slopes and sometimes small cliffs on both sides. I felt tiny; like a small bug walking on the edge of a serated knife.I am so ready for a shower. Can't wait till I get to Davenport.I've been saving this byline for the appropriate time...I think I stink. Therefore I reek. Whetstone aka reek
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

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

I finished 10% of my hike today. The promise of great views today didn't pan out due to fog. There's an 80% chance of rain tonight and tomorrow, but its a short day to Davenport. I can't wait to get my laundry done and a SHOWER!!There were few narrow ridge tops today, but shrouded in fog it wasn't at all exciting. I stepped badly on a couple rocks today and it caused a lot of friction on my heel so, I have a new blister. My old blisters are nearly healed. I'm confident this new one won't last as long. I need, however, to keep making good mileage if I am going to get to Hot Springs as planned. I will be there on or before April 3. Today I ran out of CANDY! *pout* Around the shelter there are several topics that arise frequently, food, pains, towns and gear. One topic the last four nights is Freight Train and Midas. It's not surprising because they are instantly so amiable when you meet them. Being quiet as is my nature I listen and rarely contribute to the talk. If you guys read this, know that there is a lot of concern and hope for your success on the trail.Whetstone aka Odoriferous one
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

It's raining as I write. I'm still in my sleeping bag and I'm hoping the rain lets up because I'd much prefer to hike without the rain. COLD!Later..Its 4:14 here and I'm waiting for my HUGE cheeseburger... had one as soon as I arrived and it was wonderful. I am at Mountain Mommas Kuntry Store. It really is a cool store. They have some bunk houses too and my never ending saga of blisters are happy for a short day. I showered and was surprised to see my hands looking pink again. A shower feels so good after a week without one.Coming into Davenport Gap I wandered into the flower zone again. I saw yellow pansies, violets, finally some of the bloodroot that I had read about. Some beautiful white flowers I don't know and even the dandelions looked great as welcoming color of spring. I heard a lot more grouse these last few days too, I really enjoy that sound.Now I see my eyes are indeed bigger than my stomach, I couldn't finish my burger and fries... imagine that!I am in heaven - full belly, showered, laundered, and resupplied.I'll send this off now. Next update April 3 from Hot Springs
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

It's raining as I write. I'm still in my sleeping bag and I'm hoping the rain lets up because I'd much prefer to hike without the rain. COLD!Later..Its 4:14 here and I'm waiting for my HUGE cheeseburger... had one as soon as I arrived and it was wonderful. I am at Mountain Mommas Kuntry Store. It really a cool store. They have some bunk houses too and my never ending saga of blisters are happy for a short day. I showered and was surprised to see my hands looking pink again. A shower feels so good after a week without one.Coming into Davenport Gap I wandered into the flower zone again. I saw yellow pansies, violets, finally some of the bloodroot that I had read about. Some beautiful white flowers I don't know and even the dandelions looked great as welcoming color of spring. I heard a lot more grouse these last few days too, I really enjoy that sound.Now I see my eyes are indeed bigger than my stomach, I couldn'tfinish my burger and fries... imagine that!I am in heaven - full belly, showered, laundered, andresupplied.I'll send this off now. Next update April 3 from Hot Springs
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Davenport Gap

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

I rose later than I had hoped. I slept late because it took a long time to fall asleep. I went into Mountain Mommas Store for a look at the menu. I opted for a high calorie apple fried pie, a quart of chocolate milk and some orange juice. It was raining, but I walked to the trail and enjoyed the many flowers when the sun broke through. Violets. trilium, mullen, pussy toes, hare bell and many more that I don't know. It was an awesome display of color on a rather miserable day. Later, the rain became snow. My feet were sore too from my several problems, and when they got wet I got worried that I'd develop more blisters. Finally I arrived at the shelter. There were a lot of people here. Many said they planned to go further, but changed their mind while watching the snow fall. Anyway, we all decided to make it a tight fit - and others arrived. Seems there will be 11 in a shelter designed for 6. Cozy.