morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Licklog Gap

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

Left Lickolg Gap today at 7a.m....wanted to try to beat the heat of the day...stopped in at Cold Spring Shelter for breakfast....so far the temp today seems to be a little less humid and cooler...there is also a very nice breeze. Sauce Master was at the shelter when we arrived...M&m, Bowleg, Bono, Big Dave all came by while we were having breakfast. Everybody moving on...each person is just beginning to come into their own hiking pace and building strength each day.After hiking a few more hours we decided to call it an early day...2:30....we decided to stop at Wesser Bald Shelter...we were the first ones there for the night...this shelter has benches to sit on as well as a large table to cook on....these conveniences as well as stopping early for the day will give us a chance to rest.   Swamp Foot moved on to catch Sauce Master at NOC...lots of hikers staying here as the day went on....Jubilee and Frontier, SlinkyDog, Big Dave, Beatbop, Aaron, three guys who are just out for a section hike, Kiwi...about 14 people in all...big crowd around the campfire tonight. We had a little rain during the night so we were glad to have the shelter over our heads. This was our first night in a shelter...not too many mice in the shelters yet but I don't think we will elect to stay in the shelters often. Once we are finished with the smokies we can camp anywhere.Ok...more miles to cover...will keep you posted when we can.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: light rain

Left the shelter this morning at 7:30 ....we know we have a long downhill stretch and we would like to get to NOC for a nero day....we heard the mice skimpering around last night....everyone's food was hung on the bear cables and all packs had been left open so it doesn't appear the mice got much. We were pleasantly surprised and made it down to NOC by 11:30. The trail ended up being not quite as hard as we had envisioned...for once....the weather was nice and cool as well.Upon arriving at NOC we were pleasantly surprised to book a hotel room right across the river...very convenient to the outfitters and restaurants. We decided to eat at one of the outdoor cafe's before we went to our room...hotdogs!!!! I have not had a hotdog in forever but it sure was good that day...anyway...after that we were off to our room for a thorough shower and laundry detail.   Once we were clean, rested and hungry again we headed back down to the outfitters and the restaurant again. We had dinner with Frontier, Beatbop, Henry who is now Yorkie, Kiwi, and two other hikers whom I am sorry to say I did not get their names. Anyway...the cold beer and hamburgers were great.Off to bed....we are beginning our trek to Fontana tomorrow. stay tuned!!!
Date: 2007-03-30
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked out this morning to Locust Gap...we anticipated the trail being much steeper....don't get me wrong....when it was steep it was really steep...but in general it was just uphill...long, long, long uphill. Early in the morning it was really humid and cool....stopped at Sassagras Gap shelter for lunch...really breezy and cool...I decided I need to put on warmer clothes and boy was I glad...the wind really picked up and we also went to Cheoah bald...summit was really foggy but there is just something about being on an open summit...really awesome feeling....got a nice picture of some of the trees in the fog...also got to visit with Scooby...took a picture of him here and found out he will be one of the vendors at Trail Days...he sells good quality gear at a better price than some of the name brands.Decided to stop at campsite at mile 144.4...started another fire early afternoon...had the campsite to ourselves tonight...stars and moon were really bright.....cooked an early dinner and off to bed early....tired, tired...feet are sore, calves are tired ...off to bed...night, night.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

What a wonderful Saturday morning surprise!   After hiking 3.5 m iles we came to Stecoah Gap....Trail Magic in a big way!!! Bare Bear '06, Jelly Beans '06, Willow and Mummy all had set up tents, awnings, grills, chairs, jam box....food, fire, chairs, drinks, music and the best chance so far to talk to many thru hikers!! We thoroughly enjoyed a pancake breakfast and then stayed around until hamburgers were prepared for lunch...wonderful...so generous!!! We really needed this today!! The weather was perfect so after our bellies and conversations were satisfied we began the long ( 2 mile hike) out of the gap. It was hard to leave behind all the goodies and all the new and old friends we have already made along the way but we were charged and ready to go! We are learning to be leary of anything with the word gap in it....usually means a big uphill climb is in our future...Got to the shelter to find Bowleg, Chill out, 3rd Times the Charm,, and later Chico. This is one of the oldest (Cable Gap) shelters on the AT...and had the mice to prove it. Anyway...we knew rain was on the way so we stuck it out and stayed in the shelter...we wanted to started our remaining 6 mile hike to Fontana in the morning dry...for how long we did not know but at least starting dry seemed like an advantage.Early night for everyone...as sooon as the sun goes down so do we...maybe you feel like reading a chapter in your book but most nights we are really tired and just crash...this one was no exceptions.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke today to the continuous rain of the night....luckily we did choose to stay in the shelter. The weather continues to be warm so at least while we were walking in the wind and rain we did not have to worry about being too cold. There is a certain beauty in the woods when there is a shroud of fog, mist, and the wind blowing all around. It was rather a nice change from the heat...most of the terrain was rather easy to traverse...there were several rocky and steep areas which were made a little harder due to the slick wet surfaces but really not to hard going. We were looking forward to another night off the trail....showers really become such a luxury. We arrived at the damn about 12:30....Jeff from the Hike Inn came to pick us up. When we got to the inn we discovered Mickey One Sock, Forgetful, WhooAugh were all present for the night. At 5 we were all shuttled into Robbinsville for dinner and grocery shopping if necessary. Everyone is trying to anticipate what they might need for the smokies.....got to pack...thanks for all the emails...we love hearing from everyone...we always check our guestbook when we can...nice when people sign in there.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

As usual....climbing out of a gap is always a challenge...yep, straight up this hill was but we did have some awesome views of Lake Fontana and the dam. Humid and hot was the call of the morning weather...I was really having trouble with the uphill under these circumstances but Tree led the way and kept encouraging me! We were about 1/2 of the way up a 4 mile climb when he began to make some comments about his left heel beginning to bother him...at first we thought it was just the steepness of the hill causing his heel to rub a little bit. Finally we stopped to investigate what the problem was....we then realized we should have stopped two miles ago! The lining in his boot had a hole worn threw to the leather which had balled up and had by then taken a chunk of his heel with it! OOOUUUUCCCHHHH!! Yep he was hurting...anyway ...we performed surgery on his foot there on the side of the trail as well as on his boot in an effort to continue our trek. For awhile all appeared to be alright but throughout the day his heel condition continued to be a problem source for him...tough to keep a bandage on...in a place hard to keep pressure off...you name it...just not a good thing to have happened. We did make it to the shelter and it was a packed house...about 14 hikers in all...Chico, Beatbop, Hiker Chic, Blue Meanie, Mickey One Sock, Forgetful, Yourkshire Pudding, Shasta, Billy Goat, Lumpy, Cave Man, Twinkle Toes, and Smoke to name a few. Nice fire and great views that night....the moon coming up, the stars were bright, and we could see the lights of Maryville, Tenn. Really spectacular! Oh...we also heard the coyotes howling in the distance and several owls! Nice night!Having a great hike...need to take care of Tree's foot...not sure how we will handle this yet....more to come!
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Cades Cove
Miles today: 6.0

Today started out pretty good. Tree said his heel was better, we taped and bandaged and doctored for twenty minutes trying to ensure he have a comfortable and safe hike today. Unfortunately our efforts did not pay off...we would have to stop often to try to get something to stick around that heel...we had enough duct tape on there we thought to keep the band age in place but....no luck. We did have a pleasant hike through the morning...tried to walk slower for Tree's heel which also gave us more time to look around....and...we got lucky and saw a bear! This one was running down in the valley away from us but certainly close enough to be seen easily and it was beautiful! The coat was very thick and shiny! Really looked healthy!After a few more hours Tree and I made the decision to blue blaze to Cade's Cove campgroung and hitch a ride into Gatlinburg...seems the lining on the other boot is now tearing...we can not risk damaging his other ankle and obviously we must address the shoe issue for him. So...off we went on the Bote Mountain Trail which connects with the Anthony Creek Trail which got us down off the mountain.   Our best Trail Magic by far was meeting Ray and Sherri Scott. Ray is a police officer in Akins, South Carolina and they were so super to us!!! He changed their plans slightly to drive us back into Gatlinburg...25 miles!!! no small change!!! We were absolutely amazed that they would go out of their way to do this for us...Thank you! Thank you! You are the best trail angels ever...we hope the rest of your trip was safe and fun. We won't forget your kindness and will pay it forward.Will keep you posted from G'burg....will be on the trail in a couple of days.Thanks again to everyone for your support!
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Cades Cove

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We are now at Standing Bear Farm....we are looking forward to getting back on the trial tomorrow. As you know we had to bail out for a couple of days to address the need for new boots for Tree... we were fortunate and found some he liked and in his size!!! Yippee...gave the heel a couple of days to heal and then we were pleasantly surprised by a visit from our daughter and grandsons...boy do we miss them and were so glad to spend some time with them. They were so much fun!! Nice trail magic and Easter visit.It is reeeaaaallllyyyy cold here....in the teens at night and snow (5-10 inches at higher elevations)....could make for interesting hiking tomorrow. The sun is out tho...hopefully we will make it past Max Patch but we are going to get a late start in the morning trying to allow for some snow melt and the temps to rise so we will see.Take care everyone.....we will keep you posted when we can..next stop Hot Springs, NC>
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 89.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello Everyone.....we are having a great time....in Hot Springs, NC.....we have finished 270.6 miles !!!! Yippee!!! The weather has been very cold and snowy!!! Yep we were just ahead of the 10 inches that hit in Newfound Gap in the smokies.....we are expecting a warm up for the next week. The terrain has been really tough at times through this section...we are constantly adjusting our food...do we need to eat more? less? water ? more or less? just trying to determine what our bodies need. Some nights we have been in our tent by 6:45 ....between being tired and cold ther just wasn't any choice!!! ANyway ...we seem to be sleeping well and are constantly meeting new people.Our night at Standing Bear Farm was outstanding!!!! It was really cold that night...down in the single digits...the bunkhouse was packed....the bunkhouse is a trip too!!! One woodstove tries to heat the hole in the wall ridden barn of sorts abut we were really glad to have a roof over our head! Anyway, Finnegan whips out his fiddle, Tree gets a guitar, Fishin' Fred gets a harmonica and off we go! We had a great musical program for about two hours...really cool...eveeryone had a great time...those are the moments you hope for on the AT.Hiking with a big group right now....Yorkie, Breadless, Sniper, Finnegan, Boat Drinks, Baglady, Willing and ABle, M&M, Blue, Easy, Beatbox, Sauce Master...and too many others to name but I will try from time to time OK-- my computer time is up...must try to update more later on.We miss everyone and will keep you posted when we can.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn.Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Left Hot Springs this morning after listening to the rain most of the night. Sun is shining and we are anxious to get some miles behind us. The First half ofthe trail was a gentle uphill with switchbacks and some views along the way. There are several times you have great views of Hot Springs and at one point we could see the smokies.... reallly nice! About half way thru the day we gained enough elevation that we began to get into the prevailing westerly winds.Wow...tough!!! We finally made it to the shelter and decided to cut our day short...Tree is not feeling well...maybe catching a cold. Before long here came The Chocolate Bandito and a couple of other hikers but they choose to continue on. Before long here came Buckles, Crankbait, DogsLife, FatherChristmas, M&M, Donnie Keyhote, Boatdrinks, and maybe others...anyway we had a fullhouse. Turns out there were more than hikers in that shelter...the mice were having a feast under the floorboards where obviously hikers had eaten inside the shelter and had dropped food....man itwas a pretty all nightlong!!!And then the winds started....cccooolllddd.....llllooonnnggg...lllouuuddd wind!!! Wow...let'sgetout ofhere!!Not much sleep but enjoyed hearing the hikers tell of the trail magic we have all experienced tothis point.Quite a night!
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Erwin,Tenn
Miles today: 0.0

OK more rain and snow in the forecast. Tree is coughing and sneezing so...we are off the trail again for two days....don't want him to get really sick. We met Miss Janet yesterday...she was great about shuttling everyone around and full of information. We really appreciate her help.The trail out of Hot Springs was up all day long...11 miles of up....the terrain has also been very ugly....nothing in bloom yet so not much to see and still COLD!!!!   This cold is very tiring and mentally is extremely tough on you when you are out there day after day....noooottttt   funnnnn!!!! Please....let the sun shine and let the temps warm up!!!Can't wait for a little bit more moderate temps!!!!We may try to upload pictures here when we get out bounce box...cord is in there so we have to wait for the mail.....hope all is well with each of you...will keep you posted.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Erwin,Tenn

To: Erwin
Miles today: 36.0
Weather: light rain

OK Tree here!I was asked to do some journal entries to get my perspective of our hike. So Here goes,So far we have had record high temps 87f in Georgia and a couple days ago there were record lows near Hot Springs N.C. It was 19f on top of the mountain we were on. One afternoon it was 50f but the wind made it seem like it was freezing. We have hiked in snow , 30 MPH winds, 11 miles up a mountain at a fairly steep angle. My boots fell apart and ate my left foot ( Vasque wasn't any help But Megan at Happy Hiker IN Gburg is very helpful.)I now have a cold and feel crappy. I gotta say so far it has been extremly tough. The cold is really slowing us down. Other than that we are having a great time!!! We have met some incredible people. I got to play music in front of a crowd without getting booed !! We have had some very tasty trail magic. There are geniuinly nice people out here. It's great. We are holding up in Erwin Tn. till tomorrow hopefully the worst will be over when we get to Roan Mtn. > 6000 ft. Latest weather is several feet of snow could fall at highter elevations. This is mentally taxing. This is crazy !! I hope it quits soon So now you have my perspective, I am not giving up but it is much harder than I thought it would be. We missed Hemlock Hollow at Alan Gap. It sounds nice, wish we would have made it. I will write next time after the weather has been nice for a few days. Tree
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Erwin

To: erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well guys we are still in the Super 8 in Erwin, Tenn. The weather today has improved ...temp56 and sunny but the winds still gust to60mph in the higher elevations!!!! Along with the snow and winds the environment on the trail is just too dangerous to be out. We are continuing to get word about the trail for fellow hikers who are getting off or from those of us who went out and made an attempt to hike on but had to get off due to the harsh conditions. It is just really tough out there today, yesterday was a day people just held up in the shelters where they were in an attempt to be safe, today everyone is coming in to warm up and dry out....hopefully tomorrow we can hike in the "lower" elevations...weather report is the winds will diminish overnight and tomorrows highs in the lowlands in the lo 60's. So...that means the temps tomorrow in the higher elevations might...just might reach 45 with windgusts between 10-20mph. For those of you not familiar with this section of the trail, this section involves crossing Roan Mtn which is at 6100 ft and other mtns in the 4-5000 ft range...another words the snow, snow drifts, and winds are major concerns at this point. Once you get over the next 40-50 miles the terrain seems to level off around the 3000 ft elevation for quite sometime so....we need to get past this area to reduce the impact of the weather. Hopefully we can hike a section tomorrow and let the warmer temps help us out for the days to come. Will keep you posted!!!
Date: 2007-04-17
From: erwin

To: Campsite
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

The weather finally was clear enough to begin hiking today. We left the hotel about 9 am and arrived at the Nolichucky River banks around 9:15. We were glad to be out of town and back on the trail. As usual the trail was up all day...always is when you come out of town, cross a road, or cross a river. We enjoyed the first 4.5 miles...gradual uphill and we had views of the river and the towns in the area.   Gradually the trail became steeper and the climb of the day was on. Luckily the weather did hold out.We were finally rewarded with crossing Beauty Spot...somewhat like a long, narrow bald...really pretty views...we could see 5 cities down in the valley including Johnson City, Elizabeton, and Erwin, cn't remember the other two off hand. The wind was brisk but the sun was shining and we enjoyed our moments while crossing.Eventually we ended our day at a campsite right before Unaka Mtn. The wind had picked up so we tried to find an area to pitch the tent that might be somewhat blocked from the wind by trees and bushes...not many choices since we were at the base of two mountains. Sometime in the night the wind did die down.Tomorrow will be a long day...up and over Unaka Mtn. and then several more climbs before reaching Greasy Creek Hostel.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Campsite

To: back to ERwin!!!
Miles today: 7.7

Yes..you read correctly...back to Erwin!!! The day started out pretty well...we awoke to overcast skies and a little sprinkle of rain but the temps were still good and we were ready to climb Unaka. This proved to be a long steep climb but we were eventually rewarded with reaching a stand of hemlocks on the summit and anywhere from 1-8 inches of snow....we expected gnomes to come running thru the woods at any minute. The trail became pretty slushy, rocky and rooty...quite reminiscent of Maine. We were about half way down the mountain when I (Bluebelle) decided to take one for the team so to speak...I turtled!!! Right down 3 or 4 steps...not sure what happened, it all went by so quickly. Tree had to back track and help me raise my pack off my head so I could get up!!! It sounds funny but I was really scared and fortunate that I had not broken anything. Once I was upright we assessed the hands, knees, and hip that I fell on. All seemed to be OK...I knew I would be sore but hopeful that was all. We continued our hike and all appeared to be fine until I began experiencing pain in my right hip on the uphills...not just concentrated in the hip but the muscles in the lower back surrounding that hip area. Within tthree miles I knew I was having difficulty..we were fortunate to meet M&M and Rudabaga who had just been dropped off to slackpack an area. We got on the phone quickly and called Miss Janet and she came running. So....back at the hostel...showered, ibuprofen, feet up...will see how sore I am tomorrow. We may need to take a few days off and if we do we may run home to do so...maybe we need to get away and interrupt this cycle of unnecessary events!!! As usual...will keep you posted!!
Date: 2007-04-21
From: zero day

To: Carver Gap
Miles today: 14.0

Tree, M&M, and I went slackpacking yesterday....wanted to test the aches and pains and see how far I can push my latest "injuries".....we hiked a great section from Iron Mtn. Rd to Carver Gap....up and over Iron Mtn....Roan Mtn...and all the ones in between...great weather and saw several hikers who are now behind us....sore and tired but I limped in OK......maybe should have kept the mileage a little shorter but it is done now.Today we leave from Carver Gap and expect to reach Roan Mtn for the night...two more days and we will be in Dennis Cove at the Kincora Hostel...four days later we should be in Damascus, VA!!! beginning to make some tracks now!!!! WE are looking forward to today's hike...weather great and no wind!!! Maybe we can actually enjoy our hikes across the balds!!Thanks for all the encouragement from everyone....when you keep hitting a few road blocks like we have (which I am sure everyone has) it is nice to read the upbeat emails and guestbook entries...really helps to keep us inspired!!! Come see us if you can...would love to hike a section and visit...see you up the trail!!!
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Carver Gap

To: Mountain Harbor B&B
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Tree, M&M, and I decided we liked the slackpack thing....we went on and had Miss Janet drop our packs at the Mountain Harbor B&B and then dropped us at Carver Gap. What a great day to hike! Sunny, clear, and warm!!! Nice combination for a change! Tree felt great...I think he could have run over the mountains and the balds...beautiful.....we had a lot of exposure through this part of the trail....really enjoyed this day! We got to see wonderful views from Little Hump, Hump Mtn, Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Doll Flats. These open grassy areas are really unique....we also went to overmountain shelter...the old converted barn....this is quite well known on the trail and a must to see.After our hike today we returned to the B&B and had a great evening. We had also left a couple of bottles of wine, cheese, avocado, toasted bagels, dried fruit...what a way to relax.moving on tomorrow....more to come!