morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Day 14 Franklin NC Havens Budget Inn

To: Day 15 Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

The storm ended overnight and the morning began with bright sunshine. The local Baptist church offers Hikers a free pancake breakfast with bacon, orange juice, coffee and friendship. They pick us up 7:15 at the motel, take us to the church hall, feed us and return us back by 8:30, and no donations are accepted.  They take your picture a will send it any where you want it sent, again for free.  Ron shows. up with the shuttle by 9:30 and returns hikers back to the trail.  He is such a likable and knowledgeable person, it was great meeting him.  Today's hike started out a little cool, 47* but with abundant sunshine, with a little downhill for .2 mile then a 1303 foot climb over 4 miles then down 833' then back up 1174' them back down 613' to the Wayah Bald shelter for the night for a total of 11.2 miles today.  By now it's 40*. It was where the AT met the shelter trail that I met a most unusual hiker, he wasn't wearing any shoes, his toe nails were painted redish and he was wearing shorts. (40*), and yes he did have a pack . I asked him how long had he been walking barefoot and he said from the beginning and continued on his way down the AT. (so you see it not just a rumor, he really does exist and I talked to him). Tonight in the shelter are Night Walker, Sailor, Matthew and Davia and me the only one in a tent. Sailor and Matthew started the day with me and Night Walker & Davia started. From Siler Bald shelter. Since it is getting colder, now 36*, it was a quick dinner and into our sleeping bags to keep warm. The highlight of today was the view from the Wayah Bald Stone Tower, 5342'.  Again this being a very clear day the view was terrific and I will try to post a picture from there soon. Good night all.
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Day 16 Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Day 17 Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: moderate rain

Well it continued to rain all night and really kicked it up by the morning, so this will be my first time packing up in pouring rain. I had left my pack and Jetboil in the shelter and everything else was with me in the tent. I packed everything I could back into the waterproof compression sacks and headed to the shelter (about 30yds away). Then I went and retrieved my food bag from the tree, leaving the tent for later. After breakfast I stayed in the shelter talking to Step&1/2 and Jeannine his wife while I waited for a break in the rain. They had decided to stay at the shelter all day today to wait out the rain. When a break came I quickly dropped and packed up the tent. After getting everything back into my pack it was time to hit the trail, by now it was 11:40 and raining really hard but I had a dry bed waiting for me at NOC. The 5.9 mile hike to the NOC started out at 4277' and dropped 2554' to 1723' Mostly downhill with a few 100' and 200' climbs. Because of the rain, the trail was very very slippery and took a lot of concentration and being very careful where I stepped because the rocks were slippery, roots were slippery and even the mud was  slippery too. Also the trail today was very narrow, sometimes only 12" wide with a steep drop off, making any slip disastrous. This  really wore me out and I am more tired today than I have been any day so far. At NOC they showed me where I was staying for the night and of course it was the farthest building and yes it was all uphill to my room. My room is very small, more like a bunk room with the shower and bathroom in separate rooms across the hall but it's warm and dry, and the shower had plenty of hot water. I quickly opened all my gear so it could dry out. After the shower and feeling normal again it's back down the hill to the outfitters and to get something to eat.  Oops the outfitters was closed but the River End Restrauant was open. While I was enjoying a vegetarian pasta dish and a couple of local beers, I saw many of the trail buddies I met previously along the trail. I also met Little Engine an AT south bounder who, as he recounted his travels, showed such passion for his journey that I was spellbound listing to his memories and tails of the trail I will soon be encountering.  Well it's now 9:30 and I am full and tired so it' so long for tonight and of course thanks for following along.
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Day 17 Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Day 18 Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

After a great night sleep I'm ready to get things done and hit the trail tomorrow.  Got ALL my laundry done and opened up my tent and dried everything out. I am going to be more attentive to my laundry duties because this time, washing went OK then everything into the dryer, put money in, push in, select temp, close door then leave and went back to my room to continue what I was doing. When I returned to the laundry room 1 hr later nothing was dry, not even a little. Not happy with that but still needing them dry, once again put money in, push in, this time selected higher temp, close door but this time I noticed a sign that read "after closing dryer door push here to start" so the first time I left too soon to notice the dryer never started, again "can't fix stupid" I think I have Michael & Adam to thank for those lapses in memory.  Next went to the outfitters and picked up my resupply box and did a little shopping. I needed a new long spoon, since I left one in Springer Mt. Shelter and extra Jetboil fuel. My first JB fuel tank lasted over 10 days and I am nor sure when I can by more. I checked out new rain pants (didn't buy any) and basically just window shopped looking for anything new.  Then back to my room to look at everything I have in my pack and find items to send home. Going onto the Smokies I want to be as pack-light as possible.  I haven't used the GPS too much so home it goes along with the the extra AA batteries. Next was the charger for the tooth brush (I'll have Gerrie send it to me later when I really need it, I haven't used it yet, just carried it). A few other small items are going but I bet it all adds up to at least 1 lb.  Now looking at my food bag I see there is plenty for me to eat and not have to go go out for lunch, dinner tonight nor breakfast tomorrow since the food offerings here aren't that great unless you want a hamburger. OK now I packed and repacked my pack to make it the best for me. After careful consideration I want my water filter back, so when it arrives home Gerrie will send it back to me at my next resupply box location.  When I stop for water I miss the ability to get a drink immediately and not have to wait the 15 - 30 minutes for a drink, so the 1lb weight of the filter is worth it.  A little about NOC, it's a nice place but a little too early in the season for them to be fully up and running. I also see that their main focus is the river with Kayaking and Canoeing their bread and butter, and they just tolerate us hikers.  The big rush of Hikers is really just March & April whereas the river people are now and all summer long. One of the neat things here is the excursion train, The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad out of Bryson city makes a stop here. (www.gsmr.com).....Now it's early to bed and early to rise, tomorrow I got a big climb ahead of me.  I've said it before but it's really great out here and I really appreciate hearing from all of you.  I relish you questions and comments, keep them coming. .... new pics added this am.
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Day 18 Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Day 19 Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Well at night the weather felt terrific so I shut off the heat and opened the door to the deck. The sound of the rushing river quickly lulled me to sleep. Sometime around 1:00 am, I was awakened by what I thought was the river but turned out to be RAIN. real hard rain.  By 7:30 the rain had let up, a little, and by the time I was leaving, 9:30 it was still raining but as you've heard me say, Onward. Keep in mind the AT motto "No Rain, No Pain, No Maine so away I went up the trail. I say up because today's hike would be mostly up. As I mentioned, I  started out today in the rain so I had on my rain coat but quickly decided that with the hard climb, it was just too hot with it on and since I was also getting wet from the inside, I took it off and went with my rain pants and a Tee. With the half rain and sweat I was quickly soaked. The interesting thing is as I climbed, I started to steam and when I finally got to the highest point for today, and with the Sun coming out for the last hour, I started to dry out and when I finally got to my stop for the night, I was completely dry. Such is life on the trail. Today's hike got started at 1723' and  continued up for almost 6 miles then down 300' then up to the high for the day of 5062'. That's a 3339' climb (no wonder I was getting hot) then down 1697' to 3665' to Locust Gap and my final stop for the night. Total miles today, 10.4.  There is a good size group here tonight considering it is not a shelter site just a Gap where there is a water source nearby. Here tonight are: Step&1/2 and Jeannine, Shutter, Sabertooth, Red Oak, Squirrel, Blue Grass.  A little note about NOC. From what I personally encountered and from the stories the other Hikers recounted, my advise would be to pass it by. They really aren't hiker friendly, they don't stock what Hikers need (they actually call the hiking gear section the camping section) and their selection of hiker food is embarrassing. AND THE TRAIL GOES RIGHT THROUGH THEIR PROPERTY. If you really want/need a great hamburger or pizza & beer, ok but then quickly get going don't stay there. Enough ranting for tonight, ok once again the Sun is setting, it's getting late and cold (but no rain) so It's off to bed for me.
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Day 19 Locust Cove Gap

To: Day 20 Cable Gap shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Almost a non eventful night, except for the fog which got everything wet, The younger ones were out first and I finally left around 9:45. By the time I left the Sun was out and the fog was disappearing so I got to see some great views including some mountain tops peaking out thru the fog.  My first trail magic actually out on the trail, not counting the hamburgers at Neels Gap and the pancakes in Franklin, happened today from a former thru-hiker Quest. As I was resting on a park bench @ Stecoah Gap (NC 143) up pulls this pick up truck and the gentleman that gets out asked me if am a thru-hiker. Saying yes he then proceeds to bring out boxes of snack cakes, sodas, chips etc. and says help yourself, said he would be right back,  then left. Before he left I asked him if he had a trail name he said yes it is Quest. He thru-hiked in 2004. Soon after Step&1/2 and Jeannine joined me and we all had a great trail magic time. I had arrived at Stecoan Gap around 11:30 it was now 12:30 and Quest hadn't returned so I bid my goodbyes to Step&1/2 and Jeannine and headed up the trail. There was another big climb, 579' in 1/2 mile but after the break and with 1000+ calorie snack, it went quickly. The rest of afternoon also went great, all 8.4 miles of it, and I felt exhilarated. While at the break Step&1/2 coined a new definition for PITA, Person in transition to alzheimer's, not too bad. I made the shelter by 4:45 and found most of the young crowd from last night already there.  I set about doing my usual camp stuff, get water, setup tent etc.  While eating dinner, Grandpa from Providence RI, a high mileage hiker, came down the trail to the shelter.  He only started March 20th and has already caught up to me.  Shortly thereafter, Step&1/2 and Jeannine joined us.  Later at the camp fire, Step&1/2 told me that Quest had arrived back not more than 5 minutes after I left.  I am sorry I didn't wait a little longer to be able to say Thank You in person so Thank You Quest for your effort, your time and money out of your pocket to make trail magic today. You are the definition of a trail angel.  Today's hike, 11.5 miles.  Tonight I have setup my tent with a small babbling stream nearby and I will quickly be asleep. Thank you all for your interest in my journal.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Day 20 Cable Gap shelter

To: Day 21 The Hike Inn Fontana Dam
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: moderate rain

Well, I did quickly fall asleep until a very loud clap of thunder @ 2am startled we wide awake. The thunder and heavy rain that followed kept me awake for quite awhile but I did somehow fall back to sleep. When I awoke the rain had stopped but of course everything was soaking wet. Finally leaving camp around 9:45 I pressed on down the muddy trail climbing 700' before dropping down 1925' to 1677' to arrive at the Fontana Dam visitor's center by 12:45, for a total of 7.2 miles today. Here is where I will wait for Nancy Hoch owner of The Hiker Inn and my home for the night. Nancy arrived within 5 minutes and shuttled me back to the Inn which she owns and operates with her husband Jeff. Included in the price of the room, they do 1 load of laundry and a trip into town to shop and get dinner, after which she shuttled me back to the Inn. The Inn is a quaint, comfortable and very hiker friendly place to stay. My room is quiet by does gave a TV so I can catch up on what's going on as well as tomorrow's weather. Even though today's weather wasn't great I got some of the most interesting pictures as I sloshed along the trail.  I will try to post them in a few days when I am in Gatlingburg TN.  Now I have a warm and comfortable bed waiting for me, so it's good night all. Tomorrow I head into the Smoky Mountains.
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Day 21 The Hike Inn Fontana Dam

To: Day 22 Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The bed was very comfortable and I got a great might sleep. My host, this time Jeff, shuttled me back to the Fontana Dam visitors center and I was once again on my way north. Today's hike took me up from 1677' up to 4520' over 7.5 miles then down 660' to 3860' then back up 742' to 4602' and the shelter. Since it was a dreary day there were no good opportunities for pictures.  Today's hike 10.7 miles. The day started out around 45* but ended around 36* and that was 4pm now at 6:30 it's below 30* and going down.  Everyone is quickly eating and getting into their sleeping bag. Tonight at the shelter are Step&1/2 and Jeannine, cheap Chardonnay, Cappy, Leap, Shutterbug, Tramp, Loose Ends and Uncas. Late arrivals (6:45) Rocket and Spaceman.  Tonight will be only the second night I am staying in a shelter because it's just too cold to setup my tent and the shelter hold 12 and there is plenty of room for me.  Ok like I said it's too damn cold to write anymore so good nite.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Day 22 Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Day 23 Derrick Knob Shelteru
Miles today: 11.7

After a very cold night (24*) I awoke to a winter wonderland. The night fog plus wind plus low temps produced what is called hora frost. The frost looks like ice feathers hanging on one side of a branch a limb or anything and is beautiful. It was a slow start for all but I finally started out on which I knew was going to be a tough hike all the way. Today's moment was to be the climb up and over Thunder Mountain, not that that wasn't major deal for today but after the hora frost it looked like I was walking through a painting and the views along the way were breathtaking. With the frost hanging on everything and with the branches arching over the trail, it looked like a grand wedding and instead of rice or bubbles Mother Nature was tossing feathers of frost. Quite an experience indeed.  I'll post pics next time in town.  Today's hike took me up and down several smaller hills usually 500' to 800' with Thunder Mountain being 5527'. After a mostly downhill and finally a 464' climb up to the shelter, a real tough climb at the end of the day,again.  Everyone getting to the shelter was bushed. Total miles today 11.7. There wss a trail runner at the shelter with a NOAA radio and we heard it was again going to the low 20's with 2" of snow by morning. Tonight at the shelter are many of last nights companions, Shutterbug, Cappy, Leap, Loose Ends, Tramp, Step&1/2 and Jeannine, cheap Chardonnay, and Ridge Runner Doug.  Ok I am really really tired and once again so cold my finger refuses to type anymore so it's off to bed for me. Oh yeah I'm in the shelter again.
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Day 23 Derrick Knob Shelteru

To: Day 24 Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Well the night was cold and really really windy BUT no snow. For some reason at 8:45 I was first out of camp today with all my cold weather clothes on. Of course with full sun and big climbs today it wasn't long before I had to once again stop and  strip down to my shorts and tee. Todays highlight was Clingmans Dome (6643') on a perfectly clear day, albeit cold and very windy.  Of course to get to the Dome there were several lesser peaks of 800' and downs all in all a very hard day of hiking. But the day was beautiful which made the hiking secondary. I finally stopped at 4:45 for the night at Mt. Collins Shelter a total of 13.5 miles. But that doesn't include the .5 miles to the shelter.  This was my longest milage day and with the major climb to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail.  Tonight at the shelter are old friends Shutter, Leap, Sabertooth, Red Oak, Squirrel, Blue Grass plus 2 weekend hikers.  Again I am going to stay in the shelter for the night. I am tired but feeling great after a great day.
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Day 24 Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Day 25 Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

Up early (6:30) and on the trail by 7:30. With me are Shutter & Leap, we wanted to be at Newfound Gap for a shuttle at 10:30. We were really moving and made it by 9:30.Total miles  Maybe the thought of a shower and a big meal helped.  While we were waiting at the park entrance for the shuttle, more trail magic happened.  Mark & Wendy Booth (Godspeed & Mountain Mommie) came up to us and asked if we were thru-hikers and when we said yes they produced a large pot of homemade chili, soda, chips and pastries. Since I only had trail mix for breakfast, I eagerly accepted their trail magic. Thank You.  I then caught the free NOC shuttle into Gttlinburg TN. Sutter & Leap stayed behind to continue eating  I quickly found the Quality Inn and my home for the night.  The QI has both wireless access and a PC in the lobby so I uploaded a lot of pictures today, check them out. After that I took a trolly ride to the other side of town to do my grocery shopping, laundry and as an excuse to ride the Trolly and see the town.  This is a don't miss thing to do in Gatlinburg since trollies are only 50 cents and basically a tour of the town. A full day on and off pass cost only $2. and really unique mode of transportation. Gatlinburg what a spectacle, it's a little like Las Vegas but only on 1 street and no casinos, and being such a glorious day the streets are packed with locals and tourists. There are numerous hotel/motels and many house/condo rentals for those going to the park or just staying in town.  Since the weather forecast is real bad for tomorrow night, I'll stay I'm town for 1 full day or a Zero as us Hikers call it and head out Tues in the rain. So it's out for a big meal a couple of drinks and them bed time for me. More tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Day 25 Newfound Gap

To: Day 26 Gatlinburg TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Ok so today is a zero day so what am I going to do?  First thing is to secure a shuttle back up to Newfound Gap on Tues morning and yes I going back with The 10am NOC free shuttle. While at NOC I did some shopping getting Jetboil fuel,water treatment stuff (still waiting for my filter) and a few other small items. I also bought a new silk liner for my sleeping bag (the repairs done back in Franklin really didn't hold up.  I was told by the tailor who repaired it he thought because it was silk the repair wouldn't hold and it didn't)  Now it was back outside and to enjoy the beautiful sunny day. I spent many hours enjoying the carnival like atmosphere around town, the warm weather and bright sunshine. All too soon it was back to my room, open my resupply box and get set for tomorrow but first a few phone calls to personally update and thank my family and friends for their love and support. On my way back The manager @ the Quality Inn told me they are offering a special hiker rate of $64.99 per room. And with a free breakfast including biscuits and gravy. This is a great deal on a great room especially if you share. The Q Inn is located right at traffic light #9, right near everything and smart place to stay. (call ahead to reserve room)  Well my decision to stay on town really paid off when around 6pm the storms rolled in with heavy rain and lots of thunder. I'll sleep comfortable and dry tonight and back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Day 26 Gatlinburg TN

To: Day 27 Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained hard most of the night with frequent and loud thunder.  The creek next to the motel is roaring today where yesterday it was just a cute little stream. After a great breakfast @ the QI, I hiked over to the Grand Prix hotel to leave a few items in their hiker box. While there I learned that there was at least 2" of snow @ Newfound Gap, it was still sleeting and it was much colder than in town. The weather forecast for today shows it to warm up later today and be warmer for the rest of the week. I'm am really glad I stayed I'm town last night. It's almost 10:00 so I'm off to NOC and back to the trail. The shuttle driver was the NOC store manager so I got a chance to tell him how much better his store was than the one at the rafting center.  He explained NOC was aware of the problems and were attempting to correct them. On the way to the drop off we started seeing snow. Unfortunately it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas, pretty yes but not to hike in. When we finally arrived at the drop off site it was very cold, snowing sideways. But hit the trail I did and shortly the snow stopped and the Sun came out. It was still very cold and the wind was blowing but again I was rewarded with spectacular views  it was very slow going with the trail covered in snow, ice and partly frozen mud. Beginning at 5045', the low for the day, as usual, I went up and down, with a high of 6034'.  Total miles today, 10.4. (add .5 from the trail to the shelter) As usual after a tough day I am cold, tired and the forecast is for temp in the low 20's once again, but there is hope for tomorrow, the rumor is for temps to be in the 60's. (one can hope) I almost forgot to tell you I am staying at Pecks Corner Shelter for the night and yes in the shelter.(I was the last one in) The shelter is totally full with many new faces and a few I have met before.  (the parks department frowns on anyone tenting in the park so I am staying in the shelters while I am in the park) So it's back into my sleeping bag and to sleep . Good nite all.