morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-01-21
To: The (un)Known Hiker 
Miles today: 0.0

Well, in one of my recent guest book entries it was pointed out to me (correctly) that a maildrop could not be sent to a post office with the name "The Unknown Hiker." So I've decided to list my actual name but stick with "The Unknown Hiker" trailname.Some of you who hiked in the past five years probably will recognize me from meeting on the Trail. I used a different trail name then. Yes, I am the guy who looks like Richard Dreyfuss - well maybe my current beard is a bit too long for that.Happy Hiking and HYOH.
Date: 2008-01-22
To: The last of pre-hike entries & pictures
Miles today: 0.0

Well, my last pre-hike journal entry. God knows there have been enough of them I've added about 50 additional pictures to look at. A lot are from my 2006 SOBO; some from hikes between 2004 and 2006; and a few from my 2003 SOBO.I have some odds and ends to do around here today, including getting a couple of food drops to the post office. Washington DC is supposed to get some snow/sleet/ice today so I'll have to watch the weather for getting down to the Union (train) Station this afternoon. If push comes to shove, I can always take the Metro (subway). I wander what they would think seeing someone with a large backpack riding the Metro? You have to remember that since this is Washington, DC, the authorities are always watchful for anything suspicious that might hold some type of exposive device. In the past there have been some backpacks abandoned on the Metro (who knows why) and they shut that entire portion down until they could figure out what was in it.Well, thanks for taking the time to read all of this preparatory stuff. I wrote a lot of it to give some folks some ideas about how to do things, what to carry, etc. These were only my ideas and thoughts - and you may already well know all of what was said; or have different ways of doing things. But maybe some of you got some info or your own ideas as a result.Trail Boss will be posting the majority of my entries and pictures from this point forward. If I'm in a town (Hiawassee, for example) I'll post a few. But she will do most of the work. Thanks to her, in advance, for all of the work she will be helping me with. When we next meet in Erwin (in about a month) I'll be treating her (and me) to a really nice dinner somewhere.
Date: 2008-01-23
From: The last of pre-hike entries & pictures

To: Right before Sassafras Mountain
Miles today: 11.0

The hike is on! The train arrived in Gainsville, GA around 7 am and I was taken to Springer Mountain and started my hike around 9 am. It was sunny and cold, there's lots of ice and the temp was around 38F. I did alot of slipping and sliding. There is plenty of water at the shelter at Spiringer. There's a new shelter at Stover Creek. Its 2 levels. It has a firepit, a privy, bear cables.This pack rocks! It made it easy to carry a heavy load.I stopped at a flat spot that has water right before Sassafras Mountain . Just a little worried though, this is the rangers training ground.
Date: 2008-01-24
From: Right before Sassafras Mountain

To: North of Granny Mountain
Miles today: 10.5

On the trail at 9am. Very windy today but sun helped some. Probably stayed around 40 degrees. Met three SOBO hikers finishing their hike. Smiles, Mssng Link, and John. They were obviously in top spirits.Passed Gooch Gap shelter around noon. Quick break to eat a snack but too cold to hang around.Water supply north of Gooch Gap (left side) very minimal. All other water sources have been running fine. The north side of Big Cedar Mountain had a good bit of ice.Wound up camping for the night at a water source that crosses the Trail on the north side of Granny Mountain (about 23 miles from Springer). Very cold night - guessing around 10 degrees.
Date: 2008-01-25
From: North of Granny Mountain

To: Mountain Crossings
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning to cold but no wind - made a big difference. Sun out all day and had to take off a layer of clothing.Had some problems with my camera but seemed to get it working okay. Jarrad Gap and Slaughter Creek both had limited water, but could be collected with patience.South side of Blood Mountain had a little bit of ice - not as bad as Springer Mountain had been. Met one hiker today - local hiker doing a memorial hike for Meredith.Opted to spend the night at Mountain Crossings. Charge $15 (bunk, shower, kitchen facilities). The pay phone no longer works - you will have to try your cell phone reception. Also, no computer. Try talking nice to the folks who worked here and they will probably let you use it.In the bunk room there are two cats that apparently are pets and like the heated room. Very playful. All the dogs stay inside the store.Picked up my food box and head off to Hiawassee tomorrow - looks to be about three days.My 40 pound pack is caqrrying very well. Just my legs and knees are having a tought time right now.
Date: 2008-01-26
From: Mountain Crossings

To: Camp Spot north of Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

[The Unknown Hiker] Got out of Mountain Crossings around 8:30am and began the climb over several mountains. The original goal was to just average 12 miles per day. But then I thought about it and considered doing 15 miles today and 15 miles tomorrow. That would just leave me 6 miles on Monday - and a early arrival in Hiawassee. Sounded good to me.I was concentrating so much on the climbs that I never even saw the sign to Whitley Gap Shelter. Not a problem because I had no intention of going over 1 mile each way to/from the shelter. This section has a number of gaps. Be warned - whenever you reach a gap, be prepared for another climb. What else could there be? One of the most demanding climbs was up Wildcat mountain. Also, all of those switchbacks out of Tesnatee Gap. This is where I used (to good avail) my method of counting 100 steps while I climb. Then, stop for about twenty seconds and breathe about 20 breaths. Then start the climb for another 100 steps and repeat the entire process. I only do this when the trail is really climbing, or there are a number of wooden steps. It may sound silly, but it really works for me. Took a break and headed down to Low Gap shelter. There was plenty of water there and took a break for a snack and to sign the register. Met another north bound hiker who had gotten caught in a snow storm about a week ago. He had to come off of a mountain and was now re-climbing the portion he missed. His trail name is {something] John. Sorry I can't remember - I'll update it in a future journal entry.Thus far on this hike there has been no shortage of water. That is allowing me to just carry one liter at a time. If it was summertime I would carry more, but now is fine.The temperatures have been between 40-45 during the day. Just enough to make me sweat while hiking. Usually, by the end of a day, I can adjust my pace where most of the clothes I am wearing are relatively dry. One night the temp was down to 8 degrees, but that has been the exception. Mostly, lows have been in the middle 20's.Anyway, managed to make my fifteen miles for the day and found a camp spot around 5:15pm. You can pretty much see to hike until 6:00 pm, but I'm trying to have my tent/stuff set up by 5:30pm.
Date: 2008-01-27
From: Camp Spot north of Low Gap Shelter

To: Swag of the Blue Ridge
Miles today: 15.0

[The Unknown Hiker] Today was a pretty good hiking day. This included the sunny weather that approached 50 degrees. Also, my 40 pound pack is beginning to really feel comfortable - no joke. This Osprey Aether 70 is worth it's weight in gold.There were a lot of familiar sights today - especially Blue and Trey Mountain shelters. The water supply as you approach Blue Mountain was running - although not that great. Just a little patience required to fill your bottle.Climbing Trey Mountain was a bit of a experience. There was quite a bit of hoar frost on the trail and more than a few spots that had ice underneath. Near the top there was even 2-4 inches of snow in several portions. Also, the wind was beginning to pick up, cooling things off.I am in the habit of putting on my Patagoina Puffball pullover whenever I stop somewhere and take my pack off. Also, put on my fleece cap. This pretty much applies to stops at the shelters or refilling my water bottle. It is very easy to cool off quickly (especially when the back of your shirt is damp from sweat).Anyway, the day continued on and I was getting into a groove. Everything felt just right. Checked my guide (I'm using Wingfoot's Guidebook from back in 2006 - when I last hiked) and saw I was coming up on 15 miles for the day. Found a nice camp spot at a place with a sign that said "Swag of the Blueridge." This site did not have any water but I expected that and had loaded up on four liters about two miles earlier. Again, a testimony to this pack that the extra water weight was not that difficult to carry.Tomorrow looks great - just six miles to Dicks Creek Gap.
Date: 2008-01-28
From: Swag of the Blue Ridge

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

[The Unknown Hiker] Since I only had six miles to cover today, I called up Hiawassee Inn and asked if someone could meet me at the Gap around 1pm. No problem.This was another beautiful weather day. Experienced some icy spots when I got a little bit too cocky about my pace. It only took a couple of slides to make me slow down and pay more attention.Got to the side trail for Deep Gap Shelter and wanted to go over and sign the register, plus get some water. But I was a little bit concerned about making my 1pm deadline and opted to keep on hiking. I still had a liter of water and that was plenty until I got to the Gap.When I have hiked in the past years north, I remembered that it seemed to take a awful long time to climb down towards Dicks Creek Gap. I checked the guidebook and found out why. The total descent is a little over two miles. I figured I'd be at the Gap by 12:30pm.When I have a lot of descent hiking I really try to be careful about my ankles and shins. More than once I've had some bad cases of shin splints descending. You won't believe this, but I actually prefer most climbing to most descending.Anyway, I was careful getting down to the Gap but made it by 12:30pm.My shuttler showed up right on time and took me to the Post Office to get my food re-supply. Then over to the Hiawassee Inn to check in. My plan is to spend one night (tonight) and get a shuttle back to the trail tomorrow afternoon. The weather is supposed to turn rainy and I'd like to make the two miles to the Plum Orchard shelter.Once in my room, they left a laundry basket outside my door and I dumped all of my clothes in it. They then washed and dried everything (what service!) while I took a long, soaking, hot tub bath. What pleasure!!!!After getting dressed, headed over to the library to make these entries and (surprise) was able to upload a number of pictures. This library has got to be one of the friendliest on the trail.Next - a little walking around, quick trip to a Rite-Aid for some misc items and then a trip over to Daniels Steakhouse for a AYCE (all you can eat) dinner. Then back to the room for some tv and a crash in a real bed.
Date: 2008-01-29
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plum Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: overcast clouds

[The Unknown Hiker] Just a quick entry that either Trail Boss or myself will update later.Plans in Hiawassee today are to eat breakdast at the Huddle House (biscuits and sausage gray!) and then lunch at the Chinese buffet. Shuttle back to the trail around 3pm. Weather is supposed to rain, so I may actually opt for a shelter overnight.[trail boss]Unk made it to the shelter early and stayed there with two other hikers. It was "warm", around 40. The big disappointment though, was that the expected rain didn't come so need to hunker down so soon. He called next day to say he crossed the state line, he's in NC now, woo-hoo!
Date: 2008-01-30
From: Plum Orchard Shelter

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

On the trail at 9:30amSaw a white-tail deer near the NC border. Crossed into NC at Bly Gap.Couldn't find water at top of Standing Indian Mountain near end of day. Had to hike an extra two miles to find water and a spot to camp.By then it was 6:20 pm and almost totally dark. Spent night at Beech Gap.
Date: 2008-01-31
From: Beech Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Passed old and new Carter Gap Shelters pushing for climb of Albert Mountain before expected rain later in the day.Good bit of ice patches north of Carter Gap Shelter.Final part of climb up Albert Mountain required putting away poles and using hands on the rocks.Camped at Rock Creek Shelter. Met a local hiker testing out his hammock in cold, wet weather. Total miles today were 15.5 miles.
Date: 2008-02-01
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Bartram Trail Campsite
Miles today: 12.0

Late start due to rain. Rain stopped shortly but high winds remained throughout the day. Decided to only do 12 miles to balance out the remaining days. before reaching the NOC.Found a really isolated campsite on top of a mountain. There was plenty of hoar frost and snow at the site. This was a good night to use my bag liner in my sleeping bag.
Date: 2008-02-02
From: Bartram Trail Campsite

To: Jumpup - past Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Left camp at 9:30. Solid ice on trail for at least one-half mile before arriving at Wayah Bald. There is a new shelter just pass Wayah Bald. Really nice place with metal fire ring and double-decker cooking shelves. While carefully hiking on icy spot managed to slip and fall backwards. Fortunately landed on my closed cell pad and my butt. No harm done. Finished the day at the "Jump Up" about a mile past the Wesser Bald Shelter. Total mileage today was 15 miles.
Date: 2008-02-03
From: Jumpup - past Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a beautiful sunshine. Had everything packed and on the road by 8:30 am. Made it to the NOC by 11:00. Watch out for the steep descent into the NOC- plenty of slippery rocks and muddy ground. Prices at the NOC are:$16 for a bunk in a cabin.About $3 for laundry detergent and quarters forwasher and dryer.They have showers and a large food prep room. One of two restaurants were open (pizza was great).Their outfitter has a fair selection of gear.New is the pub above one of the restaurants. They sell beer and the Superbowl was on while I was there. Also new, the information station is also a mini mart. Unlike in the past, the NOC now sells beer and wine.
Date: 2008-02-04
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow - was that a Superbowl, or what! Could there have been more excitement in the last minute and a half? Well I decided to take an "official" zero day, today and relax around the NOC. I needed to get into Fontana (Hike Inn) no sooner than Thursday so I could get my food resupply box from Trail Boss. That means leaving here Tuesday morning. It's actually only 30 miles from here, but I feel a lot better allowing a extra half or full day.Weather looks pretty nasty for Wednesday. But after that, weather looks fantastic for the six days through the Smokies.I'm not sure why but my hiker appetite hasn't picked up that much. In the past it would have by now. Maybe I have just a tad more fat around the waist to burn off.From a weather standpoint, the one thing that stands out is the amount of ice and/or mud that is out there. Mostly on the non-sun side. Enough ice to make you very careful where you step. Hiking poles have definitely helped.I have a bounce box waiting in Fontana. I've got a pair of crampons (real crampons) that I will carry in the Smokies. There probably won't be any ice on the sun side, but after Clingmans Dome they may come in very handy. I won't be going into Gatlinburg unless there is bad weather - and don't think there will be.
Date: 2008-02-05
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the NOC around 8:30, they were predicting heavy rains, high winds, and thuderstorms this evening and they were right so I tented in the second shelter.There were two climbs Cheoah Bald and and even steeper one, Stecoah Gap.Arrived at the shelter around 5:30 dead tired, and this is one dirty shelter! It rained all night.
Date: 2008-02-06
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: light rain

Since I wanted to get in to Fontana and make it in to the Hike in fairly early I just made a short day of it today and hiked to the next shelter. There were high winds that were made worse by the high altitudes and walking around the ridge line meant the winds were coming from all directions.All in all I had no problems hiking, but watch out for the green slimy rocks, they're slippery.
Date: 2008-02-07
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

I hiked in to the Fontana Dam Visitors Center. There you can register to get a permit to hike the Smokies. I called the Hike Inn from the pay phone. They will shuttle you back to the Inn, wash your clothes, and take you in to town to eat at a restaurant and pick up groceries.The Inn owner showed me that the Federal government has closed the walkway over the dam. They just closed it yesterday. They had done so previously shortly after 9-11. Its not clear if it was shut down this time due to a security concern or a structural concern. Now you have to take a 2 1/2 mile Blue Blaze trail that goes down and around the Dam. Apparently I am the first hiker to use this alternate route in a couple of years. You have to climb down to a campground and then back up a relatively steep hill to the other side of the dam bridge.No one seemed to know how long the alternate route will be in place.
Date: 2008-02-08
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

I was the first hiker (this year) that Blue Blazed around, instead of white blazing right over Fontana Dam. After that, I hiked to the second shelter, skipping Mollies Ridge. Finished the day at Russell Field Shelter.My plan, if it can be done, is to hike 15 miles per day. If I can do that, I will finish the Smokies in 5 days and then take a zero at Standing Bear hostel. I have enough food for six days, so if it takes me longer it is not a problem. With my well stocked and heavy food bag I was tired when I got to the shelter at the end of today.
Date: 2008-02-09
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Pushed to do 15 miles to Silers Bald Shelter. Did not start until 10am due to my laziness. Still, made the 15 miles by 6pm. Every day thus far in the Smokies has been a fifteen miler - so I guess my body is getting more used to the hiking.There are some spectacular views along this section of Thundercloud Mountain. Also, some Balds nearby. Everyday in the Smokies thus far has been clear - with good views in the distance.
Date: 2008-02-10
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Another 15-mile day - with a number of different sites. First, a very windy day that turned cold as I approached Clingman's Dome. Once there, I tried climbing to the top of the circular ramp (and made it) but the cold winds were terrible. My hands were feeling the biting cold. It was even too cold to take a few pictures - at least to me it was.There was a good bit of ice between Clingman's Dome and Mt. Collins shelter. That's been the case during past winter hikes. Although I had my crampons, they weren't really much use given the exposed roots and rocks. In most cases it was more effective to step on the rocks without ice.Later that afternoon I arrived at Newfound Gap and got my picture taken at the Tenn/NC boundary sign. Amazingly, I met up with a past thru-hiker I had met in 2003 - "Hopeful". He is doing a section hike up to Damascus. We will kinda follow each other and camp at various locations along the way. He is more of a shelter camper and I a tenter. But still great to run across him.Made the climb (from 5,000 to 5,900 feet) up to Ice Water Springs Shelter. Thisd route also had a good deal of ice and it was interesting to watch the day hikers trying to navigate around the ice.Up to Ice Water Springs for the night - windy and a low temp of around 10 degrees. Not surprisingly, Hopeful and myself had the place to ourselves.I have about 20 more pictures to upload - will have to do so in Erwin - in about a week. This computer has a low-speed connection.
Date: 2008-02-11
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tricorner Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

Today's hike was only 13 miles (instead of 15) because the distance only required 13 miles to this shelter. So it was a pretty easy day.Began hiking around 9:00am and the terrain was pretty much level in most cases. There was one stretch where the side of the trail literally dropped off a hundred feet on the right side. This is the spot in the past that was totally covered in ice - and crampons would have been very useful. But on this hike there was no ise in this area and just some nice views.I got into Tricorner Shelter around 4pm and Hopeful a little bit later. There was a water pipe right in front of the shelter with plenty of water flowing. Also, bear cables and as decent privy.
Date: 2008-02-12
From: Tricorner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This was the day we ran across steady, 50 mile per hour winds. Walking along the ridgeline these winds were beating us like crazy. My pack and body was being pushed sideways. Our goal was to rush across the bare spots (no trees) so the winds were not as bad. Arrived Davenport Gap shelter around 4:30pm - a very easy 15-mile hike. The last 3 miles, or so, were downhill and a nice way to end the day.I think the Davenport Gap Shelter was the only shelter without any bear cables. And one of several without privy's. This shelter did have the chain link fence on the front of the shelter - as did most of the others. Actually, most of the shelters in the Smokies still look about the same as in the past - stone walls; double decker sleeping platforms; chain fence; tarp over fence (to block the winds). Very drab, dirty, and dark inside. A couple of the newer shelters did have clear plastic ceilings to server as skylights for more light in the shelter.