morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-29
From: DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Creek Gap (Hiawassee)

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

I am now in North Carolina! Busy morning of finishing packing and going to the library to send out e-mail. Never made it to the post office, so no post cards sent yet. Hiked out of town with Aussie and after about 10 minutes we had a ride back to the trail. Started hiking at around 12:00pm. I hadn¢t planned on making it to Bly Gap but after a few miles I got in a good hiking groove and before I knew it I was in NC. Camping just a few hundred yards from the border with Aussie, Moo Juice, Beagle, and 3 people I hadn¢t met until tonight, Sam, Larissa, and Nathan. Aussie made a hilarious attempt at cooking bacon over a fire tonight. One last note, I have written this journal over the last 2 days. I plan to keep at it daily now.
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

Tough day going up the first three miles to Muskrat Creek Shelter, it was brutal. What a great way to start NC. Woke up to rain, but by the time I got going, the sun had come out. After talking to some hikers from a local hiking club, by the Knarly Tree, that unofficially marks the NC boarder; I started the tough climb to Covert House Bald. Followed by another tough climb to Muskrat Creed Shelter. Had lunch sitting on a rock outcrop with a great view. Hiked a while before lunch with a guy and his dog Bo who are also thru-hikers. After lunch I pushed hard for the final 4.5 miles to Standing Indian Shelter. I¢m camped out, as is Sean and Jen a married couple I met earlier in the day. In the shelter are Beagle, Moo Juice, Nathan, Aussie, Sam, Larissa, and someone else I just met tonight. Listening to rain fall on the tent as I write this. Bedtime¢9:00pm.
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

So this is what it¢s like hiking the A.T. in early spring¢¦Woke up to SNOW! Snowed all day. Terrain was fairly easy today but the winter type day made it interesting. Stayed warm in a short sleeve T, long sleeve T, and rain jacket as long as I was hiking. Got cold whenever I stopped.   Needless to say I didn¢t stop much. Moved along fairly well considering the weather. After my usual late start. It is cold out tonight. First night I¢m sleeping in my long john¢s. Camped with Sean, Jen, Nathan, Moo Juice, and Beagle. There is more snow forecasted for tomorrow. Bedtime ¢ 8:00pm.
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Betty Creek Gap

To:  Wallace Gap (Rainbow Springs Campground)
Miles today: 9.1

Slept well last night. Found a nice flat spot, something I haven¢t done often. Cold night but my sleeping bag and silk liner have been working very well. A lot of people have been having problems sleeping in the cold. My problem is getting out of my warm bag in the morning. This is my reasoning for yet another late start. Easy hiking today, although mostly in the cold and snow. Staying tonight in the bunkhouse with about 14 others at Rainbow Springs Campground. Had a shower and did laundry, had some pizza and feeling wonderful. Good crowd here, not sure who everyone is. Included are Nathan, Indy, the Vermont twins, Mike, and Juice, Monkey Man, Cruise Control, Zippy, Pokey, Pirate, Dave, and a few others.
Date: 2004-04-02
From:  Wallace Gap (Rainbow Springs Campground)

To: Lick Log Gap
Miles today: 15.4

A winter¢s day hike today. Took the shuttle from Rainbow Springs back to the trail at around 9:00am, my earliest start yet. Within the first mile today, I met a hiker coming southbound who mentioned that I¢m heading into two days of snow. It was a cold morning but the owners at Rainbow Springs said it was supposed to clear up today. Well, once I got above 4500 feet that¢s all there was, snow! Walking thru snow producing clouds all day was kind of fun. I got to the Wayah Bald observation tower. At almost 5500 feet I saw nothing but the cloud I was walking through. I saw the same thing on Siler Bald. Before that, visibility was around 20 yards. So with all the snow on the ground and in the air I made the push for lower elevations and with it came my longest hiking day. Camped out with Dave at Lick Log Gap, elevation 4400 feet, snow on the ground, but not much. Dave was quick to build a campfire, which always is a bonus on a cold night. I¢m dry and warm now and feeling good in my tent and sleeping. That¢s a great reward for a tough day on the A.T.
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Lick Log Gap

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to a sun filled day. Temp¢s got up to the mid 60¢s and the views were great. Spent the morning enjoying the sun, drying my tent and talking to hikers as they passed by my campsite. Didn¢t actually start hiking until 1:00pm. Took a short side trail to the top of Rocky Bald, enjoyed lunch in the warm sun. This all put me way behind to make it to Rufus Morgan Shelter and an easy 1 mile hike to re-supply in Wesser, NC in the morning. It was a good day for hiking so I pushed on. Saw a nice sunset from Jump-up Lookout at 4000 feet and then made it 3.3 miles to the shelter. Just after dark. So dark I almost missed the shelter. Staying in a shelter for the first time. Dave is also here with another campfire going.
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Got down to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and waited for Aussie to come down. NOC is a crazy place with the Appalachian Trail going right thru. There are plenty of hikers around. It is also a famous place for kayaking and mountain bike trails. There is an outfitter, a restaurant, hostel, cabins, motel, laundry, etc. and the Nantahala River runs right thru the center. The only thing they don¢t have, and the one thing I really needed, was an ATM. Found out at the visitor¢s center that there is an ATM at a gas station about 1 mile down the road. Also found out the hostel was full. Hiked to the gas station thinking about going to Bryson City, 12 miles further down the road. But changed my mind and decided to get my cash, re-supply and get back on the trail. I¢ll be in Fontana Damn in 3 days and will need to go to a P.O. and I¢ll shower and do laundry then. What¢s 3 more days of being dirty? Tenting, near the shelter, with about 10 new people, among them: 2 cents and Cricket. Also here are Aussie and Crash Bang,
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Sassafas Gap Shelter

To: Hog Back Gap
Miles today: 11.1

Got started at 11:00AM today. There are great views from Cheoah Bald. Some tough up¢s today, but for the most part a great hike. Had a nice lunch with a good view at Stecoah Gap. Camped out at Hog Back Gap tonight with Crash Bang. There¢s another cool night settling in. Not much to write about, I was thinking earlier how fortunate I am to be out here. There has not been a moment when I wished I were somewhere else. I have wanted to be warmer or dryer or more comfortable at times. I¢ve wanted better food, a softer bed, and I sometimes dread putting on the backpack after a nice break. I¢m a bit dirty and my clothes smell bad. So I could use a shower and laundry. And with all that said I can¢t think of any place I¢d rather be. Tomorrow Fontana Dam, NC. Good food, good bed, hot showers, laundry, phone calls and then a hike thru the Great Smokey Mountains for a week.   I do miss friends and family and often think about how they would react when a great view pops up or going up a tough climb. I am making friends out here though so that helps. Got to try and get an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Hog Back Gap

To: Fontana Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Relaxing hike, great weather. Took the whole day to hike 10.7 miles. A lot of breaks, it felt good relaxing on a nice day in the sun. Hiked alongside Fontana Lake from above on a ridge. A very long lake, created when they built the dam. Camped out next to Fontana Shelter. The shelter is known as Fontana Hilton because there is electricity, water, and showers 0.3 miles away by the dam. By the time I got here it was dusk so I ate and set-up my tent before hanging out by a campfire with Dave, Crash Bang and Bucket. There are about 10¢12 people in the shelter. Tomorrow will be a free day in Fontana Dam. I can¢t wait.
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Fontana Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Took my first zero day and got my first mail drop box. Did laundry, took a couple of showers and hung out in Fontana Dam, NC. Not much here, a P.O., a little general store, laundry and outfitters. Spent the afternoon writing postcards and mailed some maps and stuff ahead to myself in Damascus, VA. Had dinner with Aussie and Crash! Bang!. It was a great day, warm and the sun was shining. There are lots of hikers around. Staying at Fontana Inn, splitting a room with Crash! Bang!.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To:  Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike out of Fontana wasn¢t as tough as I¢d heard it would be. The trail goes across Fontana Dam, where Aussie took my picture for me and then into the Smokey¢s. They allow horses to use parts of the trail in the Smokey¢s. So, although the trail is torn up in spots, it is well graded and the ups and downs weren¢t as bad as I expected. Good views from Shuckstack, were there is a tower. Staying in the shelter tonight. Here with Aussie, Crash! Bang!, Sean, Jen, and a few spring break hikers.
Date: 2004-04-09
From:  Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early and got a good start at around 9:30am. That lasted about 3 miles. Had planned to go about 15 miles today but never got into the hiking and took many breaks on a sun filled day. The pack weight has been bugging my left shoulder since leaving Fontana with 7 days supplies. Looking forward to eating some of the weight. Enjoyed good views from Rocky Top and Thunderhead and a few spots in between. Met a couple of old guys, 73 and 81 years old, out on a day hike. Talked to them for a few minutes, took a quick nap on a grassy hillside with a view of Fontana Lake. Met a couple who were horseback riding. Tented out by a crowded shelter area. Hopefully I¢ll be more into hiking tomorrow. Big day, going over Clingman¢s Dome, the highest point on the entire A.T.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

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

Today I felt much better than yesterday in regards to hiking. Took my time in the morning and felt much better hiking. I guess I like putting a little pressure on myself. The day started out sunny and I was excited about climbing Clingman¢s Dome. Good hike all the way to Clingmans. Had a few conversations with people about my trip at the observation tower and walked the 12 mile down to the parking lot with them, got some water, and got rid of my garbage. By this time it was getting late and it had gotten cloudy. I had about 4 miles to get to the shelter and realized I¢d be doing some night hiking. Coming down of Clingmans the trail was muddy or slushy or snowy or icy and by the time I got to the shelter it was dark and my shoes and pants were muddy and wet. Quickly set-up my tent and ate tomorrow¢s breakfast instead of today¢s dinner. All in all a good day though and I¢m glad I stuck to my plan of 13 miles today.   Tomorrow maybe 15 miles. Bedtime now at Mt. Collins Shelter, Elevation: 5900 feet.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: moderate rain

Trudged through more mud/snow/slush, mostly mud. Stopped at Newfound Gap, where the only road thru the Smokey¢s is. Took a couple of pictures and got some water. On the way up the hill, after Newfound Gap, coming the other way were two female hikers with Easter baskets and candy (This is Easter Sunday after all). I got a Moon Pie and a Chocolate Easter Bunny. Wonderful treats, which I enjoyed 5 minutes later. There was on and off rain all day and more predicted for tonight and tomorrow and Tuesday. I¢m camped out behind the shelter. Crash Bang is camped out here too. A bunch of people in the shelter including: A section hiker, Zippy, Pokey, Indy, Monkey Man, and a few others. Even with the rain I still like to tent. Got here at 3:00pm, had lunch, put on my warm dry clothes and listened to the radio for a couple hours. Went back to the shelter and had dinner. Hung out for a while until hiker midnight, which is whenever it gets dark. Listened to the Simpson¢s and some radio on my shortwave.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: moderate rain

Sitting in my tent at 9:00am. It¢s raining hard right now and the tent has worked well all night. Sounds like I¢ll be walking in the rain all day according to weather reports. Well not much rain during the day but the trail was a muddy mess. It was like walking down a muddy stream. Got to Tri Corner Shelter when I realized I left my tent stakes and tent poles at Icewater Spring Shelter that morning. I thought about hiking back, 5 miles to a shelter and then 7.5 miles to where I left them, tomorrow. I even started back 2 miles when I just couldn¢t do it. I would lose at least 1 12 days, probably wouldn¢t have enough food, and I¢d been thinking of getting a lighter tent. In the end I couldn¢t walk a total of 25 miles and be right back where I started. So shelters till Hot Springs (about three or four days), where I can either get a fix for my tent or buy a new one (more likely) that¢s lighter. Full shelter tonight, 18 people in a shelter for 12. Crash! Bang! and me on the floor ¢ ground. More rain expected tonight.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap (Mt. MamaÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs)
Miles today: 15.7

Rained hard all night. The floor in the shelter became a lake in some areas. More so by Crash! Bang!. At around 4:00am, I woke up to him ringing something out. He ended up in a big puddle of mud of which only part of me was in. Much of this was resolved at around 8:00am when Zippy took about 10 minutes to get rid of the water by making it flow out. All this got me off to an early start (9:00am) and I reached Davenport Gap by 3:30pm. Began the 1.3 mile road walk to Mountain Mama¢s. About half way there I got a ride from someone who saw me with the backpack and knew exactly where I was going. Had an awesome cheeseburger w/fries for $3.95 and got a shower, laundry, and bunkhouse for the night for $15.00. Got everything cleaned and dry with the exception of my shoes, after another muddy wet day. For now I¢m clean and dry and feeling good. Out of the Smokey¢s and 3 days from Hot Springs, NC. Two other thru¢s here tonight, Sojourner and Lightfoot. Tomorrow, breakfast and back on the trail.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Davenport Gap (Mt. MamaÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs)

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

Cold morning and we knew we¢d be hiking up to snow at the higher elevations. By the time we got to snowbird Mt., Elev. 4263 feet, it was winter conditions. There was three or four inches of snow and windy. Came down to Ground Hog Creek Shelter, Elev. 2900 feet, and most of the snow had melted. Trail was wet and muddy all day and when I got to the shelter at 3:30pm (early for me) I decided to get a fire going. With everything soaked from melting snow and rain, making a fire was tough. Took about an hour to get enough hot coals going, using a lot of kindling and a little denatured alcohol. By 5:00pm, finally, a worthwhile campfire, which we all enjoyed. In the shelter tonight with: Arms, Vocal, Katie, Sunshine and a couple others.
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To:  Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

At last a nice day for hiking. Temps reached the 60¢s and the sun was shining. Went over Max Patch with 360degree views at 4629 feet. I had a little trail magic of beer and Ice Cream from a guy from Reno, NV who used to live around here. It is cool night tonight, so another campfire. Sleeping in the shelter with: Katie, Sunshine, Vocal, County, Opie, Norway, Flippy, Speedstick and a section hiker-Tabasco T.
Date: 2004-04-16
From:  Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC (Hot Springs Camp Grounds)
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great weather day! I got started hiking by 7:30am, believe it or not. I wanted to get to Hot Springs with enough time to take care of my tent problem and made it here by 1:30. Bought a new tent at the outfitter. Hot Springs is the first town we got to where the A.T. goes right down main street. It was odd hiking passed houses and stores after being away from a town for so long. It¢s a very hiker friendly town and this weekend is trail fest. Had an all you can eat spaghetti dinner for $5.00. Tomorrow they have live bluegrass bands and other things going on. Looking forward to it. Planning a zero day. Saw Aussie today as I was hiking into town, hadn¢t seen him since the Smokey¢s. He¢s out tomorrow since he got here yesterday morning. Going to breakfast with him in the morning. I will probably catch up to him again in Erwin. Late night tonight, had a nice campfire with lots of hikers around. Good times.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Hot Springs, NC (Hot Springs Camp Grounds)

To: Hot Springs, NC (Hot Springs Campgrounds)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Spent the day going thru all my gear and relaxing at the campgrounds. Tabasco T and his wife took Nathan and me for a short ride to Paint Rock and to gather some firewood. Other than that the only thing I did was go to the camp store for food a couple times. It was a warm sunny day.
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Hot Springs, NC (Hot Springs Campgrounds)

To: Rich Mountain
Miles today: 8.2

After doing nothing yesterday, today was a busy day. Woke up, packed up and went to the outfitters and store to re-supply. Mailed home my poleless tent and then went to the Smokey Mountain Dinner for lunch. After lunch I made a few phone calls and started out of town. Hot day today, I think it¢s the most I sweated all trip. Good views of Hot Springs from Lover¢s Leap. Camped near the Rich Mountain fire tower.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Rich Mountain

To: Big Firescald Knob
Miles today: 15.7

Another hot sunny day, temps in the 80¢s. Had planned to go 12 miles to Little Laurel Shelter but when I got there I ate dinner and decided to go another mile or two. Did a little night hiking across a rocky ridge and had to keep going until I got to a spot to set up my tent. I¢m not sure exactly where I am.   I should be able to figure it out tomorrow. Tough day today, its 10:30pm and I¢m tired. Bedtime¢¦
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Big Firescald Knob

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up today and realized I didn¢t take any pictures of the ridge walk I had last night. To my left was a fantastic view of some city down below. With the lights and all. I should have taken a picture but I was in such a hurry to get off the rocks and find somewhere to camp that I didn¢t bother. Today I hiked my most miles yet. I had planned on doing about 15 miles but I never saw the campsite and water that was supposed to be there. Good hiking weather today. Overcast and a little rain on and off but cooler temp¢s then the last couple of days. Got here just before dark. Dingle and Crash! Bang! are in the shelter. I¢m camped out and I think Sean and Jen, whom I haven¢t seen in a while, are also camped out.
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Destination: Spivey GapMiles: 15.7Total: 327.7This is a great day for a hike, temp¢s in the 60¢s and 70¢s with a little cloud cover. Made the tough climb to Big Bald today. 360 degree views were spectacular. I took a couple of pictures but I know they won¢t do it justice. Spent about 20 minutes up there with Arms until the windy conditions got me moving again. Camped at Spivey Gap. Tomorrow, Erwin, TN.
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful weather, no long climbs and town at the end of the day! Staying at Super 8 Motel in Erwin, TN. Erwin has everything! I haven¢t been to a town like this since Hiwassee, GA. Came down to the Nolichucky River where the trail goes one way and two roads head the other way towards Erwin. I walked about 3.5 miles into town because I took ¢the road less traveled¢ instead of the highway. No big deal though, road walks are easy and it was nice to go past all the houses and really see the town. Got to the P.O. and picked up a package I had Ron send me and then took the short walk to Supper 8 Motel and got a room. Ate and showered and ate and watched T.V. I never re-supplied, never did my laundry or made any phone calls. So I guess I¢ll stay here tomorrow and zero. Town stops are wonderful.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Erwin, TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it out of Erwin today. The first few miles were tough as I was shaking off feelings of town and all it¢s luxuries. Good hiking weather and seemed like it was easier coming out of a re-supply then it has been before. Maybe I¢m starting to get in shape for this. Left Erwin around 12:30pm. Getting a ride from the manager at Super 8 Motel. Saw a few hikers I know slack packing southbound back to Erwin and I must say it looked like a good idea but so far I¢m northbound, pack on back the whole way. Got to Deep Gap at 7:00pm and camped with Mark and Kim, a couple I hadn¢t met before, and Mouse.Back in the woods and feeling good. Also met Largo and Catdog earlier in the day. Oh yeah, saw a Black Snake on the trail today. Got a picture and then waited with 2 day hikers for it to move along off the trail.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Deep Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.2

Woke up to heavy rains this morning. Waited to pack up hoping it would stop but it never did. Got hiking by 11:00am. It rained for most of the day. Some short but tough climbs all day. Saw some more slack packers headed southbound to Erwin and I again became envious. But I can¢t complain because, after being soaked to the bone all day I am now clean, dry and warm¢¦Staying at the Greasy Creek Gap Friendly Hostel. The key word in that is FRIENDLY. Pac Rat and C.C. run the place, basically their house for now but they have big plans for the future. They are very nice people with two nice dogs and a cat. No one else is here tonight so I¢ve got the room to myself. Had dinner and watched T.V. Tomorrow I will be at Roan Mt. It is over 6200 Ft. Looks like a tough climb. Hopefully I won¢t be walking thru the clouds again. Pac Rat said on a clear day it might be the most scenic 5 miles on the A.T. start at Roan Mt.
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

It is windy and cool today, not bad for hiking, some snow flurries as I crossed Roan. I was so glad to be over Roan Mt. It was a tough three-mile climb. It was a beautiful walk for a few miles after Roan on a clear day. Scenic views all around lifted my spirits and I really felt like a thru-hiker, proud of what I¢ve accomplished thus far and still moving north. I camped out tonight next to Over Mountain Shelter. The shelter is actually an old barn that was converted in 1983. It is, thus far the most scenic area I¢ve camped at, overlooking an incredible valley. I¢ll take pictures in the morning. Also camped out is Sir Fix A lot, Blue sky, and a few others in the shelter. The wind is still blowing strong and the temperature is dropping to the 20¢s tonight. I am warm and cozy in my tent. This is a picture of area around.