morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Muscrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

I could have lain in my tent a little longer this morning but with 15 miles planned and still feeling little short of having my ¢trail legs¢ I thought I¢d better get going.It turned out to be a pleasant, cool and unexceptional walk to Dick¢s Creek Gap where most hikers head into town but where I just breezed past as I still had a reasonable stock of food and besides 7 days is too early to be thinking about a shower!During the afternoon I saw some more unattended dogs with radio collars on. Two days ago a really good natured, but disturbingly thin, dog with a radio collar on followed John from Low Gap to Blue Mountain. John reckoned it was a ¢bear dog¢ sent out to chase bears up trees, then the ¢hunters¢ get a fix on the dogs position as they drive around with a radio receiver and can come along to shoot the bear. I don¢t know about any of that but the dog did put me in an uncomfortable position ¢ it was lovely and it was hungry but I couldn¢t show it any affection as I couldn¢t take responsibility for it. Thankfully, today¢s dogs looked in much better condition. Then, just as I crossed the next road two hours later, up came a truck and a guy came out with a radio receiver asking if I had seen any dogs. He said they train the dogs out here and use them at a hunting lodge up in Maine. No mention of hunting bears although he did ask me if I had seen any!! He was nice enough though, asking me about my trip and wishing me luck. Silently I wished the dogs the same luck.I walked on. Today my feet were fine while my body was weary. Yesterday it had been the opposite and I made it out of Georgia and into North Carolina. The climb out of the Bly Gap was as hard as I remembered but it was the end of the day and I soon had my tent [pitched at Muscrat Creek Shelter, watching the daylight fade with a dram of Bowmore in hand.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Muscrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Where are you from?It¢s a question I, understandably, get asked quite a lot and although I have a stcok answer ¢ Scotland- I¢m never quite sure if it¢s the right answer.Bottom line is Scotland isn¢t a country and it isn¢t even a State. To be honest I¢m not really sure what it is. Historically it was a country but now¢¦.? Is it part of Great Britain? Is it part of the United Kingdom? Would the UK suffice or should I go for what my passport says, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.In the end I say Scotland as most people ask because of my accent and I think of my accent as being distinctly Scottish and not British, but whether it is really sensible to expect people from as vast and varied a country as the USA to understand the intricacies ¢ well I don¢t know. Many do but others don¢t and I apologise to those that don¢t. I¢m not a Scotland is the best country or even the best wee country in the world type but I feel it is the best answer in the circumstances. Besides I like to believe that people might be familiar enough with whisky, kilts, bagpipes, caber tossing, Sean Connery and the Loch Ness Monster to at least make some sort of connection. Although exactly how relevant that particular list is to modern day Scotland I¢m not quite sure.Anyway, the Loch Ness Monster did come up in conversation this evening which I was fortunate enough to spend in the company of Stump and Altimeter. It was one of those evenings of easy and interesting conversation, unhurried and uncomplicated. We covered quite a bit of ground and I found it very entertaining and informative. The sort of evening I find it impossible to imagine happening almost anywhere other that the Trail. Thanks Gentlemen.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wild Camp (short of Franklin)
Miles today: 15.2

Today I broke one of my golden rules when I had a shower without washing my clothes at the same time.The morning had been a cool hike in mist across flatish terrain and I made easy miles to Albert Mountain. Albert has a bit of a reputation but really it gains height nicely enough until a last short but (very) sharp ascent up some steep stuff to the summit. There was a fire tower up there and although I could see below the clouds from ground level the most was obscuring anything of interest that might hade made the climb up worthwhile.Instead I headed on with Standing Indian Campground my intended destination. At only 1.5miles off the Trail it was a good spot for me to, hopefully, restock my snack bag and to have my first proper wash since Atlanta. The camp ground was nice enough although I soon realised it was actually a campervan (RV) ground. The shop had limited stocks, although in truth it had more or less everything that I needed: milk ways, jerky, pop tarts, soda, ice-cream. But before any of that it was off to the shower block for a much needed, invigorating and really rather enjoyable shower. I felt I had enough clean clothes still in my bag to make it worth breaking my already mentioned golden rule. Although in truth when I say ¢clean¢ clothes that did involve the re-emergence of the t-shirt I had already worn during the first two days of the trip. Everything is relative!I headed on intending to camp a little further on up the Trail and was treated to my first real ¢wow¢ out loud view with lush greens in the foreground, darker greens in the mid-ground and an impressive dark slate ridge running along above all this . Hard to adequately describe ¢ easy to enjoy.I wandered on eventually finding a nice little spot down by a stream where I decided I would call it a day.
Date: 2009-05-01
From: Wild Camp (short of Franklin)

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

My perfect campsite turned out not to be as peaceful as I had hoped. Not long after turning in I was aware of lots of scratching going on outside my tent which immediately put me on edge. It sounded small but even then it might nibble through my tent or my pack which wouldn¢t be good and what if it wasn¢t small at all? I was by a stream, maybe bears come down here to drink during the night! My overactive imagination was starting to get a little out of control. I knew I was being silly but¢¦. I considered putting in my earplugs and adopting a ¢what you¢re not aware of cannot hurt you¢ approach but then again maybe awareness would actually be more appropriate. Eventually, earplugless, sleep overcame me.It was misty again when I woke up and 40 minutes later I was caught in a downpour. I was soaked through but there was nothing more to do than to keep moving and to push on for another four miles to the next shelter and sanctuary from the elements. It was an uncomfortable slog but not too bad and eventually I found myself under cover and in dry clothes.There was nothing much to do but sit and wait. At home there might be a strong urge to find something ¢useful¢ to do but out here I¢m content to stare into space, turn a few pages of my book and think about nothing much at all. No harm in having a dram though and as the sun had by now past the yardarm (it was 11.05am) I settled down to some Auchentoshan.It was chilly and so the dirty and smelly socks that I had consigned to the laundry bag yesterday (that could in fact have quite easily and perhaps more appropriately consigned to a ¢to be incinerated¢ bag) came back into service. They may have been dirty (very dirty) but they were dry and warm.Smiley and Sophie came in for lunch, and some respite from the weather, and it was really nice chatting to them while the weather began to clear up.The afternoon actually turned out really nice. I bumped into Pete, who I had last seen at Neal¢s Gap again, and the climb up Wayah Bald was rewarded with some magnificent views ¢ both back from whence we had come and on north towards the Smoky Mountains that lay ahead.
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wild Camp (after Wesser Shelter)
Miles today: 13.3

A short day was planned for today so I just lay late listening to the rain against my tent. When I did finally rise Smiley has already left but Sophie was there to fill me in on the morning¢s excitement. Namely that overnight Smiley had become the proud father of four baby mice! He woke to discover that the mice had made confetti of his toilet paper and then as he went to pack he discovered a nest of toilet paper at he bottom of his backpack with the newly born mice nestled inside. I had heard of this happening before but it was still a surprise to see Sophie¢s photo of one of the mice and to have confirmation that this wasn¢t just another Trail Myth.It was a bit of a miserable day ¢ not awful but kind of yucky. I caught up with Smiley at Cold Spring Shelter and although we sat out the worst of the rain it could be described as a generally wet morning followed by a generally we afternoon.The conditions kept me moving and I arrived at Wesser Bald Shelter early and was given a bit of a fright as Pete emerged from the shadows of an apparently empty shelter to say hi.I was in two minds whether to move on or not. I sat speaking with Pete, Smiley and James from Florida. The evening improved and when a large group came in for the night I decided to head out again, taking advantage of the clear blue skies.I didn¢t go far, strolling on to Jump Up Lookout where I got some great views and where I watched a buzzard or eagle or some such ride the thermals up from the valley. Then it was on to the first good tent spot I could find where after setting up and hanging my food I went to sleep thinking about the prospect of a nice hot meal tomorrow at the Nantahala Outdoor Centre.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Some tough miles during the last two days: NOC to Brown Fork Gap has certainly been the toughest stretch sine those first 30 miles from Springer to Neal¢s Gap.This morning steep down into Stecoah Gap and after all of yesterday¢s rain it was a slow decent through mud and over slippery rocks but eventually I made the Gap and found Pete grabbing some lunch there at one of the picnic tables. I sat a while accepting a couple of salami type stuff before starting up what Pete promised was quite a stiff climb. He certainly wasn¢t wrong as after an innocuous start the Trail turned straight up the mountain side. It was reasonably hard work and I stopped to read half way up (and to catch my breath) before some more fairly brutal up, up, up. Just for a laugh, right at the top, the Trail threw in a couple of switchbacks ¢ salt in the wound if ever there was ¢ but hey, at last it was dry.Lunch and another well-earned rest was taken at Brown Fork Gap Shelter where, just as I left, I met Pete (another Pete) and Sarah coming in. They were going to spend the night here while I was pushing on to Cable Gap Shelter.I like Cable Gap ¢ I had good memories of it from before and it didn¢t disappoint this time. I don¢t know what it is ¢ nothing exceptional happened but it just seems a really relaxing spot, a place to feel at peace and enjoy the life you are living.This time around Pete and I shared it with three other guys out hiking a section. They were good company, enjoying themselves and not taking themselves too seriously (a mix I always appreciate).They got a good fire going despite the rain and the wet wood. We sat staring into the flames, chatting and I finished the last of the whisky I had started the trip with - a wee drop of Glenfiddich to bring an inner glow to a tough but rewarding day.
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

Today was a short stroll into Fontana Village Resort. It was short but as I walked the road to the village it wasn¢t without exertion. I remember it as being uphill but my memory had misremembered just how uphill. It was steep and I was glad when I finally dumped my pack by the store.Just like Cable Gap last nigh I like Fontana Village Resort. There is a nice porch out front with tables, chairs and rocking chairs and although my last visit (when I arrived to a gaggle of hikers sprawled about and going about their business) was in complete contrast to this one (when I arrived alone) I still liked it ¢ calm and peaceful and selling ice cream!I settled down to write up some journal entries before saying ¢Hi¢ to a biker who had just pulled in for a coffee. Turned out Ian was from Newcastle and just starting a once in a lifetime round the world motorcycle trip. He also liked to talk so time flew as we spoke about our respective adventures and as we spoke Pete arrived and then ¢Pete and Sarah¢ and Rocky.We all did a bit of resupply from the store and then Pete, Rocky and I headed to the gas station diner place for a bite to eat. The selection wasn¢t great but they had beer and so it was fun to sit and chat, getting to know Rocky and generally messing around. One beer turned to a spontaneous three beers and may have ended up being more if it wasn¢t closing time. Good times but we still had a three mile hike to the shelter (although at least this time it was downhill most of the way). Pete cut off to go direct to the Dam while Rocky and I headed off to register for our trip through ¢the Great Smokey National Park¢. We arrived at the shelter around 7pm and were treated to excellent views of Fontana Lake. Later I wandered down to the dam and sat on a wall overlooking the lake to read a few pages of my book.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

There be bears in dem der hills.It was a misty morning and just as I was thinking (and only thinking) about getting going the thunder and lightening and associated heavy rain started up. As a result a general lethargy and extended period of inactivity fell over those that remained in the shelter. I was still keen to hike out today ¢ I¢d enjoyed Fontana but thought another day might stretch the novelty just a little too far. So, by 10am when the rain had eased (not stopped ¢ but eased to the level that you didn¢t really get wet ¢ just stayed wet) I headed out fro the walk up to Shuckstack Mountain.It drizzled and it rained and it drizzled some more as I plodded up the 2,100 feet of elevation gain. At the top there was a fire tower but with 360degree mist I headed on and then just around the corner I heard a commotion down to my left. Looking down I saw a bear clinging to a tree about 5 feet off the ground and another at the base of the same tree. They were both looking my way. We ere maybe around 35 yards apart and rather being scared of me the bears seemed more wary and even a little interested. The first slowly came down from the tree and the second stood on its hind legs to get a better look. Because of the rain I didn¢t have my camera out but as I stood watching I noticed another bear foraging to the left and yet another to my right. After maybe two minutes all four trotted off down the hill. I was thrilled. I had wondered if I would see bears this trip and as I had really wanted to see some, to see four this early was a treat.
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Russel Field Shelter

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

Sunshine after the rain and another pleasant (if toughish) day in the Smokies.I¢m not sure what it is about the Smokies but they do seem to have something that Georgia and the stretch to Fontana Dam didn¢t. It¢s hard to put your finger on though as if you look critically so much seems similar. But somehow the Smokies seem to have a peace, tranquillity and ¢untouchedness¢ that the earlier miles did not. Not surprisingly you might think given the Smokies designation as a National Park but I sometimes wonder if it isn¢t something more.Unexpectedly and unexplicably I have felt something similar (although not the same) in other places ¢ Coire Lair and Sandwood Bay spring to mind. Something warming yet abstract. Thinking now these are all places where nature and the elements can be harsh and powerfully overpowering places where perhaps more than most we can appreciate the insignificance of a single human being. And maybe it was with that in mind that I was particularly grateful for the sunshine after the rain.
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a nice enough morning by yesterday the Ridgerunner had warned of thunderstorms so both Darren and the other two guys that Pete and I had shared the shelter with last night were up and out early, keen to make Clingman¢s Dome and their cars before anything nasty rolled in.I saw the 80% chance of storms as being a 20% chance of it turning out fine and set off for what I hoped would turn into an uneventful stroll to Clingman¢s where I planned to have a leisurely breakfast. Initially all seemed to be going swimmingly with nice walking, nice views and dry, if cool, conditions. However, things then took a significant turn for the worse, when a storm hit at around 9am. The rain poured down, the wind started to whip up and for a while I was being pelted by decent sized hailstones. The worst of this only really lasted 10 minutes but he wind and rain (oh dreadful wind and rain) continued to ¢inconvenience¢ my soaked body. The thunder rumbled around me and the lightening caused me to ponder whether being this high up on a mountain was really the best place for me to be in the circumstances. The trail was running as a river and swimmingly was taking on a whole new meaning as my sandal clad feet were somewhat chilly as I approached Clingman¢s Dome ¢ the highest point on the trail. All in all it had turned decidedly miserable. I¢d hoped for some shelter at the top but the viewing platform turned out to be even more exposed, getting the worst of the wind and the roof was useless given that the rain was now coming down at about a 45 degree angle. There was no real option but to continue on, to keep moving to try and keep warm and to make ground towards the next shelter. With that decision made I then spotted an open door below the walkway. It was an old storage area and I took some refuge there. While I was grabbing a snack Pete came by. He was colder than me but ok and we decided to get moving and to try to maintain some body heat. It was 4.6 miles to the next shelter and we made good time, marching along in a most determined fashion. But it¢s only happy ending on the AT, as when we got there the rain eased, the sky returned to blue, the sun shone brightly and we emerged to a glorious afternoon. We ate, we chatted and we were dry (apart from socks and boots). We walked, Peter popped into Gatlinburg and I moseyed on up to Icewater Spring, stopping regularly to enjoy the views, to read and they all lived happily ever after.
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day in the mountains and, being the mountains, another day of unpredictable mountain weather. I set out early, heading for the viewpoint at Charlie¢s Bunion where I had planned to take today¢s extended break for breakfast. It was a nice spot with good clear views but it was chilly and when it started to spit my extended breakfast was cut a little shorter than I had hoped. The weather cleared up though and with some nice ridge walking and plentiful views I dilly dallied on up the trail, making miles but in no particular hurry.No hurry that is until just before 12 when in a Wizard of Oz-esque type of way the skies darkened and the thunder rolled in. No flying monkeys to worry about though so I just picked up the pace a little and then a little bit more as I rushed to reach the trail to Peaks Corner Shelter. Thankfully, my efforts to get under cover before the downpour began proved on this occasion to be completely successful.I arrived to find Pete had done much the same, beating me here by 5 minutes. Today we were both lucky. If the storm had been an hour earlier or later we may well have been caught up in it. Instead today (and perhaps for one day only) the Gods smiled on us and we sat out the heavy rain and hail happily ensconced within the stout walls of the shelter, well wrapped up and lying comfortably on our sleeping pads.Again the storm gave way to a glorious afternoon and all was well as I headed on to the next shelter. I arrived to find a group of hikers from the Carolina Mountain Club out for a few days bagging some of eh more remote of the 40 6,000 foot peaks to be found in the Smokies. They had been drenched by the storm and were busy trying to get their clothes dried out and preparing their evening meals.With the general pandemonium I took a back seat, watching, listening and relaxing rather than taking an active part in any discussions ¢ nice!
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

From time to time people ask about good short trips on the Appalachian Trail. At this point I would like to put in a good word for the section through the Smokies from Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap.I remembered this section as being good but I don¢t think my memories did it justice. It¢s way way better than good.Of course it¢s weather dependent. The Smokies seem somewhat notorious for both changeable (even foul) weather, but by in large this section offers a great return in terms of relaxing walking and abundant views for only a reasonable amount of effort. A balance that is not always found on the AT, where often the reverse is the case ¢ a great deal of effort is required for what seems comparatively scant reward.Today fitted the above description to a ¢t¢ (relaxing walking and abundant views) which would have been enough in itself had I not also seen a bear and indeed I had.I had a most enjoyable evening in the shelter with Pete and Jackie. Conversation flowed easily, as indeed did Jackie¢s Jack Daniels that he was kind enough to share with us. The day turned to dusk - a nice end to another great day.