morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Unicoi Gap (Helen, GA)

To: Deep Gap Shelter, GA
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Spock has some advice. He says that if a Geo Metro pulls up to give you a ride, don't get in if you're claustrophobic. In order to fit, he had to open the window and let his pack hang out. The weather was still pretty bad today, but Spock hiked through it. According to the elevation profile on the map, he went over three significant mountains... Rocky Mtn, Tray Mtn, and Kelly Knob. There was a half inch of snow on the mountains and he wasn't looking forward to trying to sleep in the shelter in such cold. It should be warming up in a day or two. Tomorrow he could well reach the North Carolina line.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Deep Gap Shelter, GA

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Not too much to update. I asked about Spock's physical condition and he said he has sore toes. The hills are tough, but he's slowing down on them and taking his time, which is helping. He crossed route 76 at Dick's Creek Gap, which leads to the town of Hiawassee, GA. One of Spock's wellwishers is from there. This will be the last night in Georgia.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter, N.C.
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Spock called me today while he was having lunch. Day was warmer for hiking, hopefully the first of many. Crossed into North Carolina at Bly Gap. Spock said there were many ups and downs in GA, so he's hoping for more mountain ridges to hike across in N.C. He's looking forward to meeting up with a friend in a few days at route 64 (Winding Stair Gap) who will pick him up and allow him to resupply.
Date: 2007-04-18
To: Big Spring Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Lots of new knee knockers across trail after gale winds early in the week in Georgia and North Carolina. After just a day or two, trails around obstructions begin to appear showing a consensus of the best way to get by. Spent night in Big Spring Gap Shelter with light rain after dark. Temperature is inching up at night into the lower 40's. Note to self from Standing Indian Shelter: When tenting near shelter, take earplugs anyway just in case.Spock
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Big Spring Gap Shelter, NC

To: Winding Stair Gap (US 64 to Murphy NC)
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hopped off the trail to resupply, and visit Vona Thurman in Murphy NC. Delicious trout dinner and a chance to catch up with friends really enhances the trail experience. Hey Annette...good talking to you... Our NJ Scarlet Knight Ladies almost went all the way didn't they.Spock
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center, Rt 19, Rt. 74

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Tough hike up mountain to Swim Bald at 4500 feet plus. Hiked past few days with a father and son named Paul and John. They began at Springer and are headed to Damascus VA for trail days. Noticeably heavier pack with supplies from mail-drop. Spock already is using the tripod for his camera that came in the drop.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rainy day that caused Spock to fall down twice, without injury. Tonight he'll be staying at the Fontana Dam Shelter, which hikers refer to as the "Fontana Hilton." It sleeps 24, and has a restroom and water fountain. Staying at the shelter tonight are such notables as Poodle, Paul, John, Tuna Bag, Thunder and Janet. Spock went into nearby Fontana Village and picked up some perishables he'll gobble up tomorrow. He has about six days worth of food he'll be carrying in hopes of getting all the way through the Smokies. Fontana Dam is the southern terminus to the Smokies for AT hikers. Spock also said he's seeing alot of green below 3,000 feet, but very little at higher elevations. He describes himself currently as a "poor" mountain climber, which is an upgrade from "pitiful." He goal is to attain average.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

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

Beautiful day. After crossing the Little Tennessee River at Fontana Dam, Spock walked up long, long hill to Shuckstack, where there was an observation tower. The wildflowers were out enmasse, and there were many pictures taken. Went past first shelter and stopped at Russell Field, which has a stone wall and a cyclone fence in front of it to keep out the bears. Jim, a local ridgerunner, told Spock that bad weather was due for tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Day filled with much drizzle. Spock's philosophy is to stay warm on such days by moving rather than waiting out the weather in a shelter. At Rocky Top (elevation 5,440 feet)there was a view which was quickly obliterated by fog. Rained all day. Reaching Derrick Knob Shelter after 10 miles, Spock found the shelter already full. As it was only mid-afternoon, he ate a peanut butter and banana sandwich and decided to keep going. Entering this shelter, he walked in on a girl changing clothes. She had her pants down, giving him a full-moon in the middle of the day. Such incidents make all the effort worth while, don't they? The next shelter, Siler Bald, had 18 people already in it, so rather than crowd in, Spock proceeded less than two miles to Double Spring Gap, where there were only 6 people (all overflow from Siler Bald.) So, in a day of rain, over 16 miles were covered.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

After a day of rain, the trail is very wet. Spock describes it as hiking through a stream. Hiking in wet shoes all day can be dangerous for blisters, and although there were some hot spots, nothing serious developed. A couple miles along, Spock reached Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the entire Appalachian Trail, at 6,643 feet. (That doesn't mean everything is downhill to Maine). On the approach to Clingman's, Spock missed a turn and hiked a bit out of his way and had to turn back. On the mountaintop, sun quickly gave way to more fog, which seems to be the norm for the Smokies. There were some nice views in the area, but not from the Observation Tower. Durning today's hike, Spock came across many downed trees that were toppled during the storm a couple weeks ago. A special thanks to the trail maintainers in this area for clearing the trail and keeping it accessible for hikers. At route 441, which heads into Gatlinburg, some road bikers and a couple thru-hikers turned trail-angels were giving out sandwiches, which Spock really enjoyed. This is his first true experience of what is called trail magic, people going the extra mile to help out thru hikers. You have no idea how much it means to them. About three miles beyond the road, Spock stopped at the Icewater Spring Shelter.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

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

A landmark day! Spock's first 20 miler. After stopping at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, he decided to push on another 7 miles to the next shelter. Describes it as a beautiful day, although it was overcast initially. Hiked with a friend named Bruce. Says toes still giving him a problem, but obviously it is not slowing him up. Had more ridges to hike along today and less up's and down's, which makes a huge difference. Believe it or not, this is Spock's last night in the Smoky Mountains.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Smoky mountains at Davenport Gap. A few miles beyond, at Green Corner Road, Spock got off and went to the local hostel. It is there that he called me with his update. Apparently, there are many hikers there, as he says the lines are too long to get his laundry done. I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but Spock not only has a camera with him, but a video recorder. He is experimenting with something he calls "Boot-cam" where he attaches the video to his leg as he walks along. There is also, "Pole-cam," which is utilized along ridges. He holds the camera high up on a pole so the viewer can see down both sides of a narrow ridge. Spock is moving along so fast he might beat his next mail drop in Hot Springs, but says it doesn't matter, as he plans to take a zero day there anyway.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived in Hot Springs NC in mid afternoon on Tuesday after 19 mile and 15 mile days out of Standing Bear Hostel. Loose Bruce stayed with me all the way from the first day in the smokies. His wife picked him up and he's off the trail for a few days to attend a graduation. Great Trail Magic at Standing Bear Hostel, as some Trail Angels with lots of left overs including fruit, cookies, steaks, orange juice, salmon, and burgers dropped in at the hostel. Some locals also made a beer run, just to top off the evening. Have seen many familiar faces here in Hot Springs and most are taking zero days here. I am taking two as my mail drop has not yet arrived. Stayed in a motel the first night, but in the campground after that. Thought I might catch up on Veronica Mars, but alas no TV in the room. WWVD Hopefully the package will be in by tomorrow as am anxious to get out of town before the riverfest here this weekend. Riverfest sounds like fun you say!!   Well the campground rates go from $10.00 to $60.00 per night. Not that much fun. Besides I am getting stiff hanging around and have already finished one book. Hiking alone, my mind often produces music to hike to, and sometimes I get stuck on a song and can't get off all day. Sometimes its marching music like Sousa, sometimes rock, and really anything can pop in there. Of course having just seen Mary Poppins on Broadway, I have spent days marching up and down mountains to a spoonful of sugar, or feed the birds...which can morph into the sound of music mysteriously. Anyway my favorite to walk to is Waltzing Matilda, though I don't know the words, so after I finish here, I will look it up on the internet. Believe it or not I was hiking to Philip Glass from Koyannisquatsi for a whole afternoon. What's next?Note: Trail term I have been hearing a lot... "YOGI" ... as in if a hiker gets off the trail at a location frequented by "tourists" and talks himself into a ride into town, he has "Yogied" a ride. Smarter than the average bear? Cingular doesn't have reception in Hot SpringsSpock
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Hot Springs NC

To: a spring near Allen Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Right up front, I have to apologize to Spock for screwing up his maildrop. I didn't put enough postage on it and the box showed up on my doorstoop this Friday. He hung around in Hot Springs until Friday. When his package didn't show up at the post office, he went to a food store, got some supplies and shoved off around 10 am. He hiked past the Spring Mtn shelter, but then decided to stop at a spot just off the trail as a storm was threatening.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Flint Mtn Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The mileage and destination this day are an approximation, as Spock called me enroute, but assuming he stops at the next shelter, that's what it will be. He had lunch this day at Hogback Ridge Shelter and his phone call later this afternoon came from Sam's Gap, which is where routes 26 and 23 go through. The rain ended this morning, so it was a pleasant day for hiking. Spock's plan is to reach the Nolichucky River on Tuesday and hitch a ride into Erwin, Tn to resupply. His next maildrop is waiting for him at milemark, 409.3 at the Kinkora Hiker Hostel, so he has to make do until then. (Yes, I mailed the package off and it has proper postage.) Just a note, the sporadic updates have occurred because the Cingular phone coverage has been poor in the Tennessee mountains. Hopefully it will improve.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Actually, Spock went about thirteen miles today. He did not go to Bald Mtn shelter on Sunday night, but stopped at a spot a few miles before. Has been hiking lately with two hikers named Cobweb and Mayo. They hike faster than Spock, but he leaves earlier then they do and they catch up with him. On Sunday night he said he camped at a beautiful spot, but when he woke up in the morning the temperature had dropped about 40 degrees. It was so cold, in fact, that the "need" that awoke him he had to hold in until daylight, as he did not want to go through all the effort of digging a hole in the dark and relieving himself. (Moments like this make us all want to sling on our backpacks and run out to join Spock, don't they?) When he did get started, the hike up the next mountain (Big Bald) revealed ice on the top. Alot of the section being hiked right now is along the North Carolina/Tennessee state borders. Spock said that on a typical day in a shelter, he awakes around 7 and is on the trail by 8. The morning is his favorite time to hike.
Date: 2007-05-08
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Chestoa Bridge (Erwin, TN)
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Spock rolled into the town of Erwin about 10:30 for a day of resupply, laundering, and relaxation. He was walking into town when a pick-up truck that already had three hikers in the back, picked him up. Most hikers in Erwin go to a hostel called Miss Janet's, but Spock wanted a little more luxury, so he's staying at a motel called Best Southern. When he gets to Damascus in ten days or so, he is going to look into a lighter hiking shoe, as he suspects the boots he's wearing are causing the problem with his toes. He's reduced to eating alot of tuna right now, but tonight will enjoy a pizza. He's looking forward to updating this journal himself when he can and relaying a few personal stories.
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.0

Nice stay in Erwin. It's been weeks since Ive seen Veronica Mars since the show was on a spring break, and then I've been on the trail now for a month.   Anyway, it is possible I timed my hike to be in town on a Tuesday, and go to a motel with cable TV just to catch my favorite show. It was a good episode too with guest star Paul Rudd. "WWVD"Hiked out of town this morning the two miles to the trail head, and then had a good day logging 16 miles to Cherry Gap Shelter. Saw lots of people from the trail doing the slack pack thing, which the hostels support providing transportation and packs. It's good business as hikers stay an extra day slackpacking, and it's easy trail miles with downhills and light packs, but I decided it's not for me. Last week on a rainy foggy evening, the trail found it's way to a stretch along an old sunken dirt road that looked as old as the hills, perhaps on old wagon route. I was worried I'd wandered off the trail somehow, but finally spotted a blaze, but it was so fadded and there were no others for a long way that I stayed worried. It was very spooky in the rain and fog and the frogs were making unearthly noises, and then suddenly stop altogether. If the headless horseman had come galloping up behind me it would have been perfectly fitting. I remember thinking about key west and how the old timers used to set up false lights on stormy nights to lure ships aground and then pirate away the booty, and then thinking maybe these were false blazes luring me to someplace deep in the woods where hikers were the booty. Might make a good short story. Finally the trail resumed it's normal character thru the woods, and then opened up into a small clearing with lush green grass, and in the middle were two very old looking graves, along with a newer stone, and some flowers. They were the graves of the two brothers who fought with the North during the civil war, and were killed by the home guard while trying to visit home.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left foot bothering me more than usual today. It's an open sore on the toe next to the big one which looks to be getting infected. Took it easy favoring the sore foot, and had lunch at Overmountain Shelter with Flaxseed who I have passed twice, but is back ahead of me due to the extra zero day in hot springs and a 20 mile slack pack he took in Erwin. Also at lunch was Flying Turtle. We were all thinking about Roan Mtn which is just ahead and which features a rise of 2,000 feet to the summit. After lunch I felt lethargic climbing up the trail over a hill before diving down to a gap. Once I finally got to the mountain though, I felt energized and proceeded to attack. I've felt like that before, glad to be finally climbing the big challenge of the day. I thought If I could keep going walking up that mountain, it would give me confidence to tackle anything that might be ahead. Well I kept at it all the way to the top, and it was very steep towards the top, only to discover, that this wasn't the mountain itself yet, and the trail dropped a couple of hundred feet from that first summit to then start climbing again. Not fair I thought, as if fair has anything to do with anything, but anyway I kept going and attacked uphill again. This time it was not so steep, but kept going on and on, with more trail to the summit around each corner ... many shoulders or false summitts. Anyways, I may have slowed as the top kept runnning away from me, but I didn't stop, and finally reached the top. A very fulfilling moment for me. Turns out there's a road to the top which comes up the otherside, and once there stood a huge summer resort right on top of the mountain. While looking around, catching my breath, and enjoying the moment, I met brother and sister who were helping their dad walk near the AT. Turns out he was a thru hiker who was revisiting the trail. He has suffered a series of strokes lately, but can still walk and flashed me one brilliant smile. I gave them my trail name, and they told me their dad's but I am ashamed to say I didn't write it down, and now it escapes me. Partly in the afterglow of my little triumph, I decided to push on an extra five miles to the next shelter as it was still only about 4:30. Big mistake. Not having a map I figured it would be mostly downhill, but there were a couple of good climbs left over some beautiful balds, and my battery was about run down by the time I got to the shelter, and my left foot was now killing me. I hurts a lot more on the downhills. One of the hikers at the shelter told about running into a family which was hunting something called "rump root" in the woods. A kind of local food kind of like an extra strong onion from what I am told. Seems there is even a rump root festival somewhere hereabouts.
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: US 19E (Mountain Harbor B&B/Hostel)
Miles today: 10.0

Having gone 16 miles and 20 miles the first two days out of Erwin, I was hoping to cover the 70 miles to my mail drop in 4 days instead of five, so today I wanted to go 17 miles to Mountaineer Shelter. It was not to be. My foot did not recover over night, and hurt like hell no matter how I tried to bandage it. I finally cut a big hole in the toe of my boot hoping that would help, and it did a little bit. Still by 3:00 PM, I had managed just 10 miles in seven hours, and had to face the fact that I couldn't go much further on that foot.Looking at the trail guide, found a hostel just a mile away, and made my way there. After a shower, and a shuttle ride to a steak house, I felt a lot better, but still plan to try to see a doctor on Monday, and of course get new shoes probably in Damascas. I soaked the foot in hot water trying to draw any infection to a head, but when I lanced what looked like a white area with a sterile needle, it turned out to be not fluid but kind of hard and fiberous. Still, it felt a little better.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: US 19E (Mountain Harbor B&B/Hostel)

To: Abby's Place Hostel
Miles today: 12.0

Had fantastic breakfast at the B&B along with about 8 other hikers, some of whom had stayed at the Hostel, and others who had stayed at the last shelter. Once I started hiking, the foot felt much better, and I realized I could hike on it today. Since my mail drop is now 24 miles away, I decided to aim at another hostel "Abby's Place" which is 12 miles away, and leaves me 12 miles on Sunday. It's also threatening to rain, and I don't know how my duct tapped boot with the hole in it will hold up if it gets really wet. As it turned out it was just a light rain which cleared up in the afternoon, and everything turned out fine. I felt I could have gone miles more if there had been a need.Ran into Fuzzy Monkey, and Rappunzel at lunch, and then Jon at the Shelter. Jon is retired Army, an experienced hiker, and an oppinionated fellow who I have been bumping into for about a week now. I first saw him when he passed me at No Business Shelter on his way to Erwin. Hope to find a new book to start reading here. I started a John Grisham at the last Hostel, but I judged it too fat to carry in my pack. Abbey's Place is about about a half mile off the trail, not at a road but just a side trail off the AT. It is run by "Scotty" and "Van Gogh", and they describe it as a work in progress which is why they only charge five bucks. They computer is great though, and there is TV too and snacks, so a good work in progress as far as I'm concerned.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Abby's Place Hostel

To: KIncora Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Spock said there were many hikers at the Kincora, many of which he knew. In his phone message he did not mention his maildrop, so I can only assume he got it. I wish he did mention it, as I've been anxious for him to get this one every since the debacle at Hot Springs. He also did not mention seeing a doctor, so I guess he's going to wait until Damascus.
Date: 2007-05-14
From: KIncora Hiker Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Spock said he would aim for the Vandy shelter and see where he wound up. His climb after leaving Kincora was very steep, a mountain called Pond Flats (elevation: 3,780 feet). He met a lot of slackpackers hiking south so they could stay at the Kincora a second night. Had lunch at the Watauga Lake shelter, which sounds pristine enough to have come out of a Garrison Keilor book. On a personal note, my hike last weekend went very well. I did 14 miles North from route 70, then camped out and returned the following day. Still suffer from an agitated stomach when I start hiking, so ate mostly trail mix the whole way. Enjoyed having my water in a hydration bag that I could sip out of a hose. Several miles of the trail in this part of Maryland had been relocated since I last hiked it, and I really enjoyed this new section. So that's my preparation until meeting up with Spock in a few weeks.                                 --Bones
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.0

Today was truely a walk in the woods. The trail was mostly along a ridgeline, and there were almost no steep grades, and no mountins to climb. Took an hour for lunch and a half hour break in the afternoon and still covered 20 miles with a little left in the tank. That leaves me about 12 miles for tomorrow into Damascas VA, and means I will cross into a new state. Met a hiker, a former marine called Tyvec I think. He was hiking barefoot, and says he appeared before congress with his dirty bare feet in support of stress training for all military personnel upon leaving the service. He has a web site for this cause thelongwalkhome.org Hindsight about a mile down the trail after talking to him, wished I had got out the video camera. Will be staying the first night in Damascas at "The Place" a hostel run by the local methodist church. Plan to take at least two zero days to partake of trail days, so earliest I will leave here would be saturday morning. Unfortunately this town seems to be another Cingular free zone.