morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Crest Picnic Area
Miles today: 5.8

Last night's hiker bash was a success. Lots of good home cooked food, and grilled pork chops. Everything we had was delicious. All this good food was accompanied by live bluegrass music and hiker community interactions. This celebration was sponsored by Ron Havens and the community of Franklin, NC. A big thank-you to everyone involved. We slept in a bit, and were able to get the supplies we need for the next few days at a grocery store across the street from the motel. We thought we would be able to take the 11:00 shuttle, but it was full. There was some uncertainty as to when we would be shuttled, but we just hung out at the motel, relaxed, used the internet a bit, and eventually our ride arrived. A short mileage day, primarily due to the fact that we were unable to get a shuttle back to the trail head until 2:30. My blisters were well covered and did not bother me at all. I will continue to keep them clean and watch for signs of infection, but so far they are manageable. The only leg pain I experienced today was minor, and along my right shin. Better than it has been. Also very manageable. I have seen a pattern emerge in my hiking. The last day before a town or hostel stop is often physically difficult. The first day back to the trail, after a stop, I usually hike stronger. I guess it's a combination of rest, getting clean, and eating differently. I sure enjoy the stronger days. Today's weather was beautiful; sunny with a nice breeze. We were comfortable hiking in shorts. We are tented tonight in a national forest rustic picnic area. We couldn't find anything that said no camping, and the next known location to tent was at least 2 miles away. The daylight was dwindling and this just seemed a good place to stop. Having a picnic table made cooking and eating supper more comfortable. Today, shortly after we entered the woods, there was some trail magic left trailside: a couple of cans of beer were left. Magnet took one and carried it in his pack. One of the other hikers we've talked with a number of times, Superman, was behind us a few miles, but we knew he'd come past us eventually, as he is a young, strong hiker. As we were setting up camp, were heard a hiker coming down the trail, singing as he moved along. It was Superman. Magnet called out to him many times, but he continued to hike on by. Magnet chased him down, and he was happy to see us. He didn't hear the calls because he was listening to music through earphones. Magnet gave him the beer, which I think pleased them both very much. All in all it was a good day, and now we're tucked in as good hikers should be, and I'm happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Wayah Crest Picnic Area

To: Rocky Bald
Miles today: 11.9

A very good day. Weather was sunny with an occasional breeze. Nice and warm, but not hot. Dare I say that I just might be starting to develop a bit more hiking stamina. I felt pretty good hiking today; I didn't mind any of the ascents and didn't need to stop to catch my breath nearly as often. And when we stopped for the day, although my feet are tired, I didn't feel totally spent. We're tented tonight on Rocky Bald, along with one other hiker, Rabid. To access this bald there is a side blue blazed trail. I estimate it's 0.1 or 0.2 miles, but was kinda steep over rocky ridge. Leg pain was also minimal today. After 3 hours or so a rest break makes my feet happier. My blisters are open to air tonight. I am able to hike without pain from the blisters, and some are healing slightly. One is still really open, but not really any worse. Thanks Mrs. Joy for the tip about sports tape. I'll look for it the next couple of stops. I wonder if NOC will have it. Our first stop today was at Wayah Bald. There's an old stone observation tower there. It's a great place for a break. Also breaking there were a number of young, male hikers. They all are very personable and good natured. There was Superman, Hercules, Sockeye, Grizzy, and Kevin. Magnet tends to think of them collectively as "The Fraternity". As we were ascending into Burningtown Gap, we met a trail maintainer, Apple, who informed us he had trail magic set up in the gap. There we found coolers with soft drinks and beer, cookies, and CHAIRS!. I enjoyed sitting is an actual chair and enjoyed a coffee flavored energy drink, and shared a package of Chips Ahoy with Magnet. The Fraternity was there, making good use of the beer. I think they down graded their daily mileage goal after that magic. As I said. It was a good day. I feel good about my hike, and I'm happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Rocky Bald

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Sunny and warm. Very warm. High light was Wesser Fire Tower, 4 miles into today's hike. 360 degree views. Magnet arrived first, followed by Rabid, and soon after me. Magnet carried his pack up to the top of the tower, and we sat in the sun and ate a snack. Slowly more hikers started to arrive; Nick (who is hiking with his dog, Jamie), Cricket, Thunder, Sockeye, Grizzy, and Tree (who is the hiker formerly known as Kevin, and I am happy to report this is the third hiker to whom I've given a trail name). The last 5 miles today were very demanding on my feet and ankles. The long descent seemed to go on much longer than 5 miles. But I finally arrived. I sat and visited with Magnet, TJ, and Rabid. Then I soaked my feet in the cold stream. We decided to sleep in the shelter, since the NOC (an outdoor center) is less than a mile away. The 4 of us had pleasant conversation while we rested from the day's miles. After diner entertainment consisted of trying to get the bear bagging cord over a very high branch without getting snagged. But now the hikers have eaten, food is hung, and everyone is settling down for the night. Tomorrow we'll have breakfast at the restaurant at the NOC, and I'm happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-07
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Bootleg Tent Site 1 mile noth Cheowah Bald
Miles today: 10.0

It was a short hike from the shelter to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, aka the NOC. This center specializes in white water sports, and sits right on the river. It is comprised of a number buildings, including a restaurant, The River's Edge, an outfitter, a small convenience store, and numerous cabins and bunkhouses. We had breakfast at the River's Edge by 9:00. Wow, bacon and eggs with hot coffee sure tasted great! A lot of hikers stay overnight here, and it's not a bad place to stay. But the weather remained sunny and we decided to resupply for the next 3 days, and get back on the trail. We were able to wash up a bit in the bathroom. It's amazing how much dirt comes off your hands after 2 or 3 days in the woods. We visited the outfitter to pick up some more bear bagging cord, and blister meds. There is a hiker box there and a trail register to sign. Magnet discovered they had the registers going back to 1984! I looked through the one from 2007, when I was out hiking this trail before. I guess I didn't sign it then. As a matter of fact, the only one of the group with whom I was hiking to sign it was Jujo (later to become Bonified). It was good to see that register, but reading her entry made me cry. She wrote, "Jujo and the Bone stopping in for a break. But there's no room in the inn for the likes of a dog, so we'll move up the trail." RIP Boneca. You were the best trail dog ever. After we got all ourselves resupplied, we finally got back to hiking at noon. The trail climbs for about 5 miles, to gain about 3,000 feet in elevation. We ended up taking a couple of breaks on the climb, and frequently saw Cope and Sockeye. Some good conversation was had during those breaks. We arrived at Sassafrass Gap shelter after almost 7 miles, around 5pm. There were a number of hikers there planning to spend the night, including Rabid and TJ. We cooked supper of ramen noodles and peanut butter. Don't laugh, it was pretty good! After supper we continued to hike. We thought we would hike the 1.2 miles up to Cheoah Bald and camp there. The peanut butter must have nourished us well, because we climbed well. Unfortunately it was very windy up top, so we decided to continue on, until we could find a more sheltered place to pitch our tent. The trail followed the ridge for a while, the began to descend. We hiked about 45 minutes before finally finding a place to pitch the tent off to the side of the trail. We had to get a little creative, as the light of day was fading fast. So, we ended up hiking around 10 miles today, and resupplied, and ate breakfast in a restaurant. We made significant climbs, and now were cozied in our tent for the night, and I'm pretty happy with all of that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Bootleg Tent Site 1 mile noth Cheowah Bald

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: moderate rain

Some days are diamond. Some days are rust. Well, if today isn't rust, it sure has the potential to make SOMETHING rust. It is wet. WET. I know we were overdue for a rainy day, but I guess I had gotten spoiled. What I was less prepared for was the cooler temps with the wet. I thought I would be fine hiking in my merino wool tank top and shorts with my rain jacket. I was warm enough on ascents, but overall I was soaked and cold. The plan had been to hike to the first shelter, take a break, then cover another 6 miles or so. This was SUPPOSED to be a 12 mile day. It ended up being 6. Magnet could have easily skipped the break and hiked the 12. Unfortunately I have trouble eating much for breakfast, and my feet/legs need a rest break after 5 or 6 miles. So I was hungry and a bit sore as well as cold. The difficulty would have been staying warm enough while taking a break. So Magnet gave me the option of pitching the tent and staying put. Which I reluctantly, but gratefully accepted. We again find ourselves in our tent pitched right behind the shelter. We were both chilled by the time we got the tent up. The first order of business was to change out of the cold soaked clothing. Then we climbed into our sleeping bags and munched handfuls of GORP, which we had obtained from the hiker box at NOC. I was still shivering a bit, so I curled up, with Magnet next to me. We both napped for a while. Now we're fairly dry in our tent. Listening to the rain splash on the tent, and laughter from the shelter, which sounds a lot like a laugh track. We're hoping the rain lets up by morning, in Any event down the trail we'll go, but I will be wearing a warmer base layer, and be happier with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Village, NC
Miles today: 11.6

Yesterday's cold rain altered our plan. We had hoped to hike around 12 miles yesterday, leaving less than 6 miles today to hike to Fontana AT Crossing. That would have enabled us to get to the village (a resort) midday, with plenty of time to do our "town" chores; laundry, shower, re-supply food, plan the next leg of the hike, and eat some non-trail food. Well, that didn't happen. Our next thought was to hike most of the way to Fontana, camp in the woods, and hike the remaining 3 miles in the morning. Which would allow us to arrive at the village mid to late morning. As we got closer to the village, we decided the extra night in the woods wouldn't put us ahead in miles, it would just save us the cost of an extra night's lodging. So, we decided to hike all 11.6 miles today, to get to the village this evening. We'll take a zero day tomorrow, and enter the Great Smoky Mountains Nation Park on Sunday. Today started out cold, but turned into fine hiking weather; sunny, cool (50's - 60's) with an occasional breeze and NO BUGS! So, now we're in our cushy room, relaxing. We went to the grill for burgers and beer. While there we ran into Stretcher and Brooklyn (formerly known as Whyo). The 4 of us shared a table and caught up on trail talk. Our clothing still needs to be laundered, but I'm fed, showered, and am laying on a soft bed, and I am quite happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Fontana Village, NC

To: Fontana Village, NC
Miles today: 0.0

A zero day, to rest, fortify, and re-supply before hiking into Great Smoky National Park. The weather was sunny and mild. We heard it should remain so for the next few days. What a gift it would be to have fine weather to hike through the Smokys. This resort village was once the village inhabited by the men building the dam and their families. There are some historic buildings and lots of old photographs. What there isn't cell service, and that explains the delay in posting my journal entries. We'll be getting back on the trail tomorrow morning. There's plenty of climbing to do, but after a day's rest the feet and legs should manage all right. Magnet will be carrying the bulk of our food, the weight is significant. We are healthy and rested, the weather should be fine, and I'm happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Fontana AT Crossing

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Slept well last night. Got up at 7. We both took showers, and ate oatmeal for breakfast. We requested a shuttle back to the trail when we checked out of the lodge. We were hiking by 9:20. The weather was glorious; sunny, with bright blue skies. Walking across Fontana Dam is interesting, and the views of the water were stunning. We took our time crossing, and enjoyed ourselves. As soon as the trail entered the woods, it began to climb. And climb. And climb. At first I was handling the work of the ascends pretty well, but by 10:30 my energy began to fade. I struggled on, but with a lot of effort. We stopped at a somewhat flat spot around noon, and ate our lunch of peanut butter on tortillas. I thought I would be refreshed, but continued to struggle. Of course this was about the time that the trail made its rather steep climb up to the Shuckstack fire tower. As I reached this apex, I felt a bit weak in the knees, and actually sank to my knees then slipped out of my pack. I know this was a bit alarming to Magnet, and I felt badly about that. After a 10 minute rest, I was able to hike on. The terrain was gentler, and I felt a lot better. At campsite #113, we met the ridge runner. Ridge runners kind of monitor the trail, sometimes keeping record of how many thru hikers pass by date. He said today was kind of slow as he had only seen 16 thru hikers, compared to yesterday when he had 56.he gave us good advice as to water sources, and what to expect in the terrain until the shelter. Regulations in the Smokys require hikers to stay at shelters. You are only allowed to tent if the shelter is full, and even then you must tent within sight of the shelter. We much prefer our tent to a shelter, but tonight there are 7 hikers here, and the shelter sleeps 12, so the shelter is where we are bedded down. Also here tonight are Castaway, Pops, Cisco, Splash, and Elmer. My feet were aching by the time we arrived. And, while it did feel good to take off my boots, I still kinda hobbled around while getting camp chores done. Tomorrow promises to be another day of climbs, but the forecast is for continued grand weather. I know there are some wonderful views coming up, which often makes the climbs easier to take. So, although it was a bit of a tough day, we did arrive at our planned destination. Magnet was very patient and upbeat today. He is a wonderful husband and hiking partner. He keeps me going, and I'm happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter 

To: Derek Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

A pretty good day of hiking. The weather continues to be sunny and mild, then cools off nicely at night for good sleeping. Today brought us through a large grassy area, Spence Field, and climbs up and over Rocky Top and Thunder Head, both of which afforded amazing views. We took nice breaks; 30 minutes at Russel Field Shelter (the last remaining shelter in the park with bear fencing, a 60 minute break at Spence Field Shelter, and a 30 minute break at Beechnut Gap. I did have an energy slump around 10:30. Magnet encouraged me to drink a lot of water, and I adjusted my pack. The slump did seem to pass more quickly. We made the shelter by 17:15. There was plenty of climbing today, but somehow I felt like I was able to tackle them with less struggle than yesterday. Another change is that Magnet hiked behind me instead of in front of me. He thinks that psychologically this is better for me, and he may be on to something, because the hike did feel less stressful. There's a nice group here tonight; Splash, Pops & Cisco, and Heat. The shelters in the Smokys are constructed of stone and have a fireplace built in. Magnet built a fire, and everyone enjoyed it. Now I'm in my sleeping bag, resting my bones, and I'm happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Derek Knob Shelter 

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

Although we actually hiked 14 miles today, only 13.5 were on the AT. This shelter is a half mile from the trail. It certainly feels like a secluded shelter, but surprisingly it is the most crowed shelter in the Smokys so far. The good news is when a shelter is full, you are allowed to tent. So we are snug in our own little space tonight. The weather continues to be fine. I'm hoping it continues through our time in the Smokys. We crossed the highest point on the AT today, Clingman's Dome. The views were spectacular. We had been hearing tails of multiple feet of snow in the Smokys, since before we began the hike. Since the weather has been so sunny and warm for over a week, it seemed all the snow was melted. Today was the first day we actually saw any snow in the national park. During the ascent of Clingman's there were large patches of snow in the shadows in the woods. But the real treat was when we made the descent down from Clingman's. There were large piles of snow still 2 or 3 feet deep, and frequently it was right on the trail. Although it was slippery at times, it made the hiking very interesting. I usually sleep better in the tent than in a shelter, so I am glad we were able to tent tonight. If I get a good night's sleep, I will be happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Started a little later this morning, as we planned to have a shorter mileage day. We took a lunch break at Newfound Gap, which was buzzing with vehicles and tourists, and a few hikers. After the gap the trail climbed for about 2 miles, then fairly leveled out. Shortly before we got to the shelter we met up with Hercules and Thunder. They had been in Gatlinburg the night before, and were planning to go on the Peck's corner shelter. Magnet and I would have liked to go that far today as well. Magnet is able, I'm not sure I would have been. We arrived at Ice water Springs Shelter around 1430 or 1500. It was really too early to stop for the day, but the next shelter was over 7 miles away. I think I would have been ok with another 4 or 5 miles, but 7 seemed a little much for me. My appetite has been off, and therefore so has my energy. We heard rumors that a lot hikers were coming up from Gatlinburg, and were planning to stay at this shelter. The crowd didn't arriving until around 6. In anticipation we set up our tent. It seems a lot of others also are tenting. I'm not sure the shelter is entirely full, so I hope we don't end up with trouble from a ridge runner. At last count there are 17 hikers here, and the shelter sleeps 12. I hope I sleep well, and wake up with an appetite. If I do I will be happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

The weather continues to be beautiful. What a difference from 3 years ago when it was snowing with high winds. I had no idea how beautiful this stretch of trail could be. The first treat was being able to appreciate Charlie's Bunion, which is a large rock outcrop with the dramatic Smoky Mountains as a backdrop. There were then multiple views on either side of the trail, periodically, for much of today's hike. What was not prevalent were water sources. There were 7.7 miles between Ice water Spring Shelter and the side trail to Peck's Corner Shelter. The only possible water we saw between these 2 shelters was a couple of small weeps just before the side trail. We stopped on the AT at the shelter trail junction to check our water supply, and determined we didn't need to trek the extra 0.5 miles down to the shelter and water and then back again. We had quite a large group at last night's shelter, and expected to see many of them at today's destination. We arrived at Tri-Corner Knob shelter at 1530. What a surprise! No one else was there. It seemed they must have continued on to the next shelter another 7.7 miles away. We briefly considered going on, but I was doubtful that I could hike that much further before nightfall. So, we decided to stay, and chose our spots on the shelter's sleeping platform. Then we got a second surprise. Grizzy showed up. And he said most of the hikers from last night were on their way. They had gone down to the Peck's Corner shelter, taken an extended break, and were now en route to our location. By 1800 the shelter was nearly full, and one tent was pitched. That shelter did not offer many possibilities for tent sites. As more hikers continued to roll in, Magnet did some exploring. Five hundred feet up the trail he found a horse hitching rail, with enough flat areas to pitch a few tents. He showed me the area, and we made the decision to pack up and tent. Late arriving hikers were grateful to have the spaces we vacated, and we are happy to have a quitter place to tent. Yes, we are happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter 

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel 
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

Adios Smokys! Today was my lifetime high mileage day, and by the time we arrived at the hostel my dogs were barking! As a matter of fact so were Magnet's. We spent the previous night in our tent without bear incident, despite signs warning that it was an area known to have a lot of bear activity. Just before daybreak there was a very brief rain shower. It only lasted 10 or 15 minutes. That was our only wet weather during our 6 days in the Smokys. And it never got cold at all. Amazing. We hiked at a decent pace today, a bit more than 18 miles in about 8 hours. Granted there were a lot of downhill miles, but long down hills can be very taxing, too. The weather started out slightly cloudy, but cleared early. We started hiking at 7, and watched the sun break over the ridge as a bright red ball. The days had been sunny and warm while at the higher elevations. As we descended nearly 3000 feet, what had been warm was now nearly hot. The last mile to the shelter was probably the toughest of the day, mainly because we were tired, but also because it began with a long steep set of stone steps. This was immediately followed by a series of ascents. First order of business was securing each of us a bunk. Next was food: cheese burgers, followed by pizza. Bellies full, we then took showers, and hand washed some of our clothes. Eventually we hit the small store here to get ourselves resupplied until Hot Springs. As the afternoon became the evening hikers continued to pour in. It was so good that got an early start and arrived early. The bunks filled, and a lot of folks are tenting. Looks like we probably won't get an early start tomorrow, but we might have sausage and eggs for breakfast, and I'm happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star