morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

God I miss my wife's hot flashes! Woke up to a cold wind and rain that turned to sleet then quickly changed into snow. Left the shelter at 9:40. I was the last to leave out of 15. I just could not get myself in gear. I was having a down day, and nothing was going right. I sat myself down, pumped myself with positive attitude and finally hit the trail. Even on the trail I was not comfortable, something was holding me back, causing me to stop, readjust this or that. I was out of rhythm. As I climbed in altitude, the snow started falling. Small flakes at first. Minutes later I was walking in a winter wonderland. For hours I walked alone in the snow shower as it covered the landscape in white. I danced and skipped down the trail, then turned around to see my footprints left in the snow. I looked up and had snowflakes land softly on my lips. It made me think of my wife's kisses, not cold kisses, but moist, soft, delicate and fresh kisses. Now I knew why I was being delayed, Mother Nature wanted me to have a private show, a symphony of snowflakes, KrispyKritter style.   I was so happy, so moved, I walked the rest of the day in snowflakes. Cold and wet I reached the next shelter for the night. Note from Trail Widow: Must remember to forward all future hot flashes to the Kritter. Excess flashes can be used to boil water or melt ice on the trail. As for the snowflake kisses, they were from me, honey.
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Woke up early at 6:00 to get a head start for Fontana Dam. Looking out from the sleeping bag you could see the fog and light snow falling with the temperatures in the low 20's. I wanted to sink back down into my warm cocoon and stay there until the Florida sunshine made its way north. The problem was laying there meant no mileage under the feet. So you get up, freeze your tail off changing into your hiking clothes, try to warm up with breakfast, pack and hit the trail by 7:50. Since we were still at the higher elevations the snow continued throughout the morning. Finally, we rounded a hill top, walked an ice covered hill and saw Fontana Dam. The descent began. Every time we hit a switchback it seemed we dropped only 20 feet and the dam still looked the same. Back and forth, back and forth, and the dam didn't look any bigger. What the heck was going on? After hiking endless switchbacks we finally landed onto Highway 28 and the Fontana shelter. Took a shuttle into Fontana Village and met most of the thru hikers we have been leap-frogging with. Dinner at an AYCE (all you can eat) restaurant - the hiker's dream, the restaurant owner's nightmare. After a full stomach the grand finale was a warm bed and phone calls home.
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 0.0

"Fatigue makes cowards of us all" Vince Lombardi After 18 exciting, adventure filled days of hiking, Boo Boo, Bear Tracks and myself are taking a zero day (walking 0 miles) at the southern end of the Smoky Mountains National Park in Fontana Village. The arduous climb down into the village, looking at the maps the difficult climb back up into the mountains and the sub freezing temperatures of the last two days made it an easy decision to stay. As we entered the Fontana, the setting reminded me of a Colorado mountain village. The only difference is these mountains are older, therefore smaller. Age and the elements wear on us all. Went to the village post office to pick up my first mail drop and bounce box. Thank God I was in a shuttle. I came out carrying three boxes and a large envelope. By the look of everyone's faces in the van it was Christmas in April in the Smokies. One of the boxes was from a last year¢s thru-hiker AWOL that contained Girl Scout cookies. As AWOL said in his note the cookies did "energize" us and was a hit with hikers visiting the room. Many thanks AWOL. Several of the hikers are taking off today: Eagle Eyes, Blue Bells, Adam, Gaia, Yoda, Chef and Mad Scientist. We seem to met up in the trail towns and once in awhile at shelters. When we do meet, stories are woven that become campfire tales that spread up and down the trail. Grant now has a trail name, "Fire Marshal", for his acts of heroism and concern during a hike over a ridge with a contol burn down below. See his entry in TJ. Cuppa Joe is behind a few days and doing well. Peek-a-boo, sorry to hear you are off trail. I hope you heal quickly and a speedy return on your journey.That's it for now. Rest, food, a warm bed, and phone calls with loved ones. Tomorrow, the hide and seek game with the Smoky Bears. Yes, Vassar, my 4 hour chase just might happen and then again maybe they don't like Florida meat.Still in search for the last northern white blaze.
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Fontana Village

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

During my zero day I had the opportunity to meet the hikers who were a day ahead of us and those that came in a day behind. The dinner table became the focal point of meeting everyone and the telling of stories. Throughout the village you could pick out a thru-hiker by the way they walk. We call it the hiker hobble. Basically every hiker has some type of ache or pain in either their legs or feet, favoring that side with either a side step or limp causing the hobble. Ask the hiker how they're doing and the general reply is "just a little sore, but I'll be ready after my zero day"!Left Fontana Dam Shelter at 9:30, crossed the dam and headed up into the Smoky Mountain National Park. Had some great views from Shuckstack Tower until I realized the northern mountains looming before me with the white tops were the ones I was going into. Soon enough I was in the white stuff, snow. At first Boo Boo, Bear Tracks, Pegasus and I were excited seeing all the snow (now a four letter word). However, that quickly passed as the beautiful, sunny day partially melted the snow and turned the trail into a path of running water and mud.At the higher elevations the snow was 4-6 inches deep. The mud 1-2 inches thick. That's how we spent the rest of the day, slipping and sliding into the shelter.
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: few clouds

"Citius,Aitius,Fortius" (Swifter,Higher,Stronger) Motto of the Olympic gamesWe are closing in on the highest point on the AT - Clingman's Dome.The temperature dropped during the night into the low 20's. No one wanted to leave their warm sleeping bags and the shelter. No movement of feet means no miles, so off we went onto the slick frozen trail. The melting snow and mud from yesterday made the hike up and down the mountains difficult and dangerous. The hike quickly turned into the "AT Icecapades". I found a new way to get to Katahdin - by ice sliding, butt sleighing, snow surfing and mud tobogganing. Towards the end of the day the trail was wet with water and mud. Repeat of yesterday. It was truly one of the hardest 9 mile hikes I have ever walked.Out of the hardship and frustration I found my balance in beautiful mountain scenery on Rocky Top. This is the same Rocky Top as in the song. However, Rocky Top is in North Carolina and the folks who wrote the song were from Tennessee. They felt North Carolina would not fit in the song. Sometime during the day we realized we broke the 200 mark. That means we have less than 2000 miles to Katahdin!Outside the shelter the wind is howling, the full moon is rising and yes, it can snow in paradise.
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

"It ain't a fit night for man or beast." W.C. FieldsI have been in cold weather, but last night was the record. A ridgerunner told us his thermometer this morning read 10 degrees F. As we got out of our sleeping bags, those that did not protect water filters or bottles found them completely frozen. Wet boots also froze and had to be partially broken and then work the foot into the boot. After both feet were in you had to clump around like Frankinstein until the boots warmed up. Left Derrick Knob at 9:40. A late start, but one worth it considering what we came through yesterday and the overnight temperatures. The ground stayed frozen most of the day. I quickly learned that a good foothold going up or down the mountain was using a previous footprint that had frozen. The depth of the snow off trail was 4-6 inches.I hiked most of the day with Grizzly Dave, a 68 yr. old gentleman, who is quite a character. Grizz will tell you like it is whether you want to hear it or not. Grizzly Dave has had his problems with boots and equipment but he is a quick learner. With new equipment and with his tenacity, he will become a thru-hiker.After an easy day of hiking we arrived at Double Springs Shelter for another cold night.
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: New Found Gap / Gatlinburg
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy..." John MuirAnother cold day, high 20's. There is excitement in the shelter because today we will climb Clingman's Dome. Left early and guess what? SOS. Repeat of the last three days: frozen trails, deep snow knee high if off trail and slick ice on trail. Made Clingman and was greeted by clear panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. The group at the top with me were Boo Boo, Fire Marshal (formerly known as Grant), Grizzly Dave, Bear Tracks, and Pegasus.We were all proud of ourselves for making it this far, then someone said, "we just completed 10 per cent of the trail." That brought us back down to earth. Completed another milestone and passed the 200 mile mark. Reached Newfound Gap, halfway point in the Smokies, and got a ride into Gatlinburg from a couple, Hunter and Mary, whose son hiked the AT 4 years ago. Hunter said that he was returning the trail magic that his son received. Trail magic can occur at anytime by anyone. When it happens it truly is magic.Still seeking the last northern white blaze. Trail Widow's Note: Now, I'm referencing John Muir's quote above, a well reknowned outdoorsman. I don't see anything referring to C-O-L-D. Do you? Or snow ... Perhaps he knew something the Kritter overlooked? Like seasons? The Kritter's a popsicle!
Date: 2004-04-07
From: New Found Gap / Gatlinburg

To: Icewater Springs Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"So here I am the victim of my choices, and I'm just starting." David E. Kelley Spent the night in Gatlinburg and celebrated Boo Boo's birthday. The Rat Pack from Yorktown Va., Junior, Big Foot, Dart and Ward, who do not need an excuse to party, helped in the festivities. Saw Cuppa Joe who just came in nursing a sore leg. His attitude is, as always, upbeat and as Cuppa Joe says, "They're going to have to cut a leg off to stop me from going to Maine." Now that is drive and determination.The folks at Happy Hiker Outfitter in Gatlinburg are very hiker friendly, and will go out of their way to make your stay and resupply as easy as possible. They take a picture of you and then stick you on the wall with the other thru-hikers from that year. Bear Tracks and I hitched a ride out of Gatlinburg and was picked up by a family of four from Middleton, Tenn. Met Boo Boo at Newfound Gap and headed for Icewater Spring Shelter. About an hour after arriving at the shelter, a day hiker from Germany, by the name of Greg, dropped off all kinds of food. Greg said he was here for a week was supposed to hike the AT, but due to the trail conditions could not do it. So now he has all this food and is leaving to go home. Spent the night eating Fig Newtons, turkey jerky, and assorted candies and Ramen Noodles. Like I told you, Trail Magic happens when you least expect it.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Icewater Springs Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

"I like terra firma-the more firma the less terra." George S. Kaufman Looking at the map and mountain profile I thought I would give it a try and hike 20 miles. Got up early to see the sunrise over the mountains. Left the shelter at 745 with Boo Boo and Bear Tracks still in their sleeping bags. Shortly after leaving I arrived at Charlie¢s Bunion. Now, I never saw Charlie's bunion, but the mountain was properly named. It felt good to be hiking alone. There are times you hike with fellow hikers and sometimes alone. Today was different. I was walking in the least used area of the Smokies National Park, in solitude. The air was crisp, the day overcast, and the ground wet with snow melt and slush. At times the water was running over stones in the trail that made you feel like you were walking in a creek bed. I gave up trying to keep my boots dry, it was just easier and safer to walk through the water. North of Mt. Guyot I finally left the snow/slush behind. Finally solid footing on solid ground. No more twisted ankles, feet sliding in any direction but forward and hidden rocks under the snow. Yes, it was good to touch Mother Earth again.I reached my 20 mile objective at Cosby Knob Shelter with sore ankles and knees. The shelter is full and we are all celebrating our last night in the Smokies. Each of us will have stories to tell how we hiked and survived the Smoky Mountain National Park on our thru hike from Georgia to Maine, 2004. P.S. Vassar, the score is KrispyKritter 1, bears 0Note from Trail Widow - Now I realize that it takes focus, guts and determination to hike the Appalachian Trail. However, there must be a little bit of "CRAZY" in one as well. Therefore, I have come up with a NEW name for the A.T. We could call it the P.P. - the Psycho Path, for all the crazy folks that are determined to hike come wind, rain, sleet and snow ... and critters! It's all good!
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Got up early to check for damages after the 20 mile hike. Sore heels and everything else accounted for. Since I was up I waited, and rewarded with a beautiful sunrise over the mountains.Left the shelter for an easy hike into Davenport Gap. Spending the night at Standing Bear Farm, a hiker hostel that is in its third year. The owners are hiker friendly and the accommodations excellent with a rustic look. One cabin has a creek running underneath it.Bear Tracks came up with a word I never heard before, called Daymare. He said it¢s the same as a nightmare but during the day. Besides walking all day and looking at the scenery, you have nothing to do but think and play mind games with yourself. So I think I had a daymare that went like this. Two days ago, as I was walking down the trail that resembled a creek with rapids, I looked down in disbelief. There in his canoe was Vassar, a canoeing friend, shooting the rapids. He looks up at me and said,"Follow me and pick up the pace, you¢re as slow as molasses¢. Before I could answer, he looks down river, sees the log across the trail that directs water flow down the mountain to stop erosion, and gives a yahooooo as he follows the waterfall over the mountain. I shook my head then realized I was caught up in a daydream, now known as a daymare, while still hiking.Note from Trail Widow: This is a perfect example of the lack of oxygen at higher altitudes ¢¦.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel

To: Roaring Forks Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

"All strangers and beggars are from Zeus, and a gift, though small, is precious" HomerMy word for today is, hospitality - "cordial and generous reception to quest." Standing Bear Farm is a little bit of heaven in their gift of hospitality. Curtis, the owner provided Trail Magic by going out of his way to make us hikers happy. It truly was a gift to spend a short time there. Also staying here were Bear Tracks, Fire Marshal, River Queen, PA Mule, the "Rat Pack"(Big Foot, Jr, Ward, Dart) Kelley and Cortney. Pegasus, Fritz and Boo Boo stopped by and then continued onto a campsite up the trail. The creek running through the farm was flowing with assorted beer chillin' in the water.Yesterday, Flying Brian and Silver Lady stopped at the farm. Flying Brian is well known in trail circles for being the first person to complete the triple crown (Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail) in one year, 2001. Flying Brian and his friend are thru hiking the AT and are doing 20-28 mile days.All good things must come to an end, and so it was when we left the farm and headed back up into the mountains. The climb was long for the first part of the day. The views from Max Patch were good, considering the weather was supposed to be wet. After Max Patch the trail was a tunnel of rhododendron with a lot of stream crossings. We finally made Roaring Forks Shelter. Spent the last night with the Rat Pack, who are pushing on to met their girlfriends in Erin Tenn. and must be on time. Boo Boo, Fire Marshal and Fritz also joined the group from Standing Bear Farms.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Roaring Forks Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: moderate rain

Happy Easter everyone! Boo Boo, Bear Tracks, Fire Marshal, Fritz and I decided to have an easy day of hiking (to think, I¢m sayig an 11.7 miles is an easy day now) and stay at the shelter. Then, we¢ll wake up in the morning and hike 3 miles into Hot Springs, N.C. This works for several reasons. One, it's Easter Sunday and by the time we hit town everything will be closed, including the Post Office. Second, we plan to take a zero day and with only a short hike in the morning, it will feel like two days of rest. Third, heavy rain is supposed to hit the area during our planned zero, I'd rather choose to be in a warm bed over just a dry roof.Left Roaring Forks Shelter and had a pleasant walk along green mountain sides. At one point, a deer crossed our path and stopped several times to look directly at us (Boo Boo, Bear Tracks and myself). Boo Boo took several pictures.Arrived at Deer Park Mtn. Shelter, one of the oldest on the trail. Shortly after our arrival it rained. It only slept 5 and the whole night was uncomfortable. I think this was partially due to the anticipation of going into town. Tomorrow, we will saturate ourselves in the civilized world.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: moderate rain

"We have forgotten how to be a good guest, how to walk lightly on the earth as other creatures do."1972 Only One Earth ConferenceEveryone (Boo Boo, Fritz, Bear Tracks, Fire Marshal and I) are up early and packed so we can be in town for hot coffee and breakfast. Left the shelter in a light drizzle by 8:00 and in town at 9:00. Even though I walk through wilderness areas, I am constantly reminded that mankind has been here before me. I see garbage on the trail. Everyone with me tries to do their part by picking up trash they see and can carry. Trees big and small, cut down, stumps left as reminders of their existence. And then, as small a community as Hot Springs is, you notice the debris of man increase as we descend from the mountain. Assorted plastic and paper items carelessly thrown away, manufactured goods no longer in working order discarded and dumped. As a society, we American's are so wasteful and careless it is no wonder visitors from other countries despise us, hate us.History labeled the Native Americans as savages in the wild that needed to be civilized. However, they believed in and respected Mother Earth with reverence and kept the balance. So who is really the savage? As one person I try to do my part. If everyone took the time to do their part, just maybe we would begin to see the balance. Living in harmony with Mother Earth is a worthwhile endeavor for a healthy today and our children's tomorrow...
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Did the usual running around of cleaning up, re-supply and contacted loved ones to catch up on news on the home front and to continue the tales of KrispyKritter.To fully appreciate the journey of hiking the Appalachian Trail, the hiker not only interacts with Mother Nature but also with the people of the AT both on the trail and in the trail towns. I have yet to meet a person negative about a hiker. So far everyone has been friendly and going out of their way to satisfy hikers¢ needs. I have been quite surprised with the intelligence and higher level of education associated with the trail people. Each individual has their reason from dropping out of the civilized world and are happier now than in their past lives.One such individual is Baltimore Jack. Since starting on the AT, anyone who has been on the trail before has said "if you get the chance you've got to meet Baltimore Jack." I finally got to meet Baltimore Jack in Hot Springs. Jack, as we call him, has hiked the AT 8 consecutive years. He is a wealth of information. Off the top of his head he can give you trail conditions, and refer you to the people of the trail that can help you out. He can tell you what equipment you should have and what to expect on the trail. Jack will give the information freely, and if you disagree, he respects your comments and replies with, "its your hike, do as you want." Jack is a great conversationalist and boisterously funny when involved in a group conversation talking about whatever. You will also know when Jack gets serious. He adjusts his bandana, pushes his glasses back up his nose, looks you in the eyes and speaks to you in a different tone of voice. Some do not catch on and get completely lost, and then you hear, "hey man, it your hike!" and off we go into another topic. Even though I've just met Baltimore Jack, I feel like I've known him for a much longer time. Wherever I call home he will be welcomed under my roof, be it the sky or man-made, anytime. Note from Trail Widow: Krispy just called to ask that I send ¢cudo¢s¢ out to his long distance Trail Angels. To the Virgin T.A. ¢ the cookies WERE fabulous, a real taste of home for all that shared ¢ and you know a few have been stashed away for that midnight munchie attack and trail nibbles. Oh, and you can only be a Virgin once! To the goddesses, the sweets are also most happily received and appreciated ¢ Krispy is sure they must be very special! He will parcel them out for those really tough climbs and know they will boost him along (snicker)! Goodies and surprises always welcome and appreciated! Many thanks!