morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

According to one of the park's ridge runners, this stretch of the AT is the hardest 12 miles of trail in the entire park. Today, we tackled it under some really wretched weather conditions. The cold winds blew mist and then rain into our faces, and turned the trail into a sea of boot-sucking mud.I stopped for lunch at Derrick Knob Shelter - one of the ones with a bear fence in front and warning signs posted about recent bear activity in the area. I did not dally there long.I arrived at Silers Bald Shelter, and was tempted to go another 1.2 miles to the next shelter, but the ridge-runner said it was full. The two of us, plus a father and son, are the four people in the shelter tonight.I wanted a fire in the shelter fireplace, and gathered enough wood to get it started, but everything was so wet I had to use up the last of my fire starter to finally get it going.   No one else bothered to gather any wood, however, so it didn't last very long. C'est la vie. (Not that you're bitter.)Meanwhile, having taken control of three forts the day before and another two today, Col. Mitty was in fine spirits despite the weather. His stock with his troops had also gone up when he was able to get their campfire going after Capt. Askew had failed utterly in the task."It's all just a matter of knowing how to do it, Askew, my good man", said Mitty, smugly. (Yes. Because smug satisfaction is the surest way to inspire loyalty among one's subordinates. You sure Askew isn't making to stick one of the Colonel's trekking poles where the sun shines?)"A good thing, too" said Lt. Smyth. (Brown-noser.) "The temperature is dropping rapidly, and it feels like more rain is coming in. I expect we could see ice in the morning."
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I got an early start this morning - after too many straight days of rain and cold and mud, I decided I needed a hot shower, a restaurant meal, clean clothes, and a warm, dry bed. That was my motivation for a 13-mile hike down to the road to Gatlinburg.My first stop was 1.2 miles into my hike, at the Double Spring Gap Shelter privy, since Silers Bald - last night's "home" - was the only remaining shelter without a privy in the entire Smokies!Because of the rain overnight, followed by freezing temperatures, the trees all had ice on them. It was a beautiful sight, but for the rest of the morning I had to dodge dropping icicles. It was cold!My second stop was Clingman's Dome, which, at almost 7,000 feet, is the highest point on the AT. It was actually a reasonably clear day, only our third one on the trail since Springer; but the wind was so bad at the top of the observation tower that the wind chill made it feel like it was in the 20's, so no one was sticking around at the top for more than the time needed to take a couple of photos, before beating it back down the ramp.After that, it was an 8-mile hike into Newfound Gap, which I did in about four hours. This being a saturday, and a rare sunny day, the tourists were out in force in the Gap parking lot, so it only took about two minutes to yogi a ride into town. Coincidentally, it was with two guys from near Cincinnati who were on their way back home after dropping their friend Larry off at Springer Mt. so he could start his thru hike!About 30 minutes later, I was in a hot shower in my Grand Prix motel room. Three hours later, with freshly laundered clothes, I was at a steakhouse enjoying the salad bar and a ribeye steak. It was late to bed, trying to get all my gear cleaned and organized, but I was at least able to catch the second half of North Carolina whupping Villanova to get to the final game - again.I arranged for a 6:30AM ride back to the trail, as I've planned a 16-mile day. The forecast - tomorrow will be sunny with a high of 64; followed soon thereafter by snow! Oh yay...Meanwhile, after his triumphant campaign in the southern Smokies, Col. Mitty was enjoying a celebratory dinner with his officer's corp. (read: alternate personalities)"I have to admit you were right about the element of surprise, Colonel," said Captain Askew. "Altogether a brilliant show indeed.""Kind of you to say so, Askew" said Mitty. "One can only hope that the General feels the same way. I'm rather hoping to get a bump up in rank if things go as well in the northern Smokies campaign. They know by now that we're coming, so we'll have to rely more on speed than the weather conditions to surprise them. I'm figuring on two days to Davenport Gap.""Two days!" said the Captain. "It can't be done, man. That's almost 34 miles!""Watch and learn, Askew" said Mitty. "Watch and learn."Lt. Smyth just smiled to himself. He knew the old man would pull it off. The old man had proven THAT before.(Does this mean we won't be getting any more entries about your defeat of the mileage monster?)
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Gatlinburg

To: Tri-Corner Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

My 6:30 ride was right on time. I was able to start my hike at 7AM.For only the fourth day since Springer, we had sunny skies! We also had great visibility, and the Smokies did not disappoint. I finally got the vistas I'd been waiting for - and they were worth the wait. A bit later I met four new thru hikers: Smoky T., Caveman, Lumpy, and Moose; and then three other section hikers:an attractive young lady who turned out to be a sophomore in high school, her dad and her uncle.Later that afternoon, Duncan, a young guy from Kentucky, sailed past me. And then the young lady - Katherine - sailed past me too, while she waited at the top of the mountain for her dad and uncle. I got to the top around the same time as the men did, and suggested to Katherine that--seeing as how she was such a fast hiker--she ought to chase down a hiker just ahead of her, a hiker named Duncan who I called "Donut". She took me up on it! I caught up with Duncan a ways up the trail, as he was taking a rest break. As I drew even with him, I said "Her name is Katherine"; I took four more steps and said "and she's faster than you! He laughed, and said "I know!" (Is our hero matchmaking? Or merely sowing discord?)There's a good crowd here at the shelter tonight. It includes the Lippies - Mosey and Dulcimer Dave, one of the other six camera teams working for Jason on his documentary of the AT.We had a great campfire, and Smoky T. and Caveman shared a bunch of sausages and hot dogs they'd brought with them and cooked over the campfire. They were delicious!Meanwhile, Col. Mitty was engaged with his officers in plotting the next day's final assault of the northern Smokies. (You and your battle metaphors. Always so violent.) "We'll be taking the final two forts, and be into Davenport Gap by late afternoon by my calculations" he informed them."Assuming the weather holds, you mean," cautioned Capt. Askew. "Snow is predicted, with high winds and temperatures in the teens overnight!""Hang the weather" growled Mitty. "I've never let such things get in the way of duty, and I certainly don't intend to start now. Smyth, see to it the men get extra rations tonight - and the horses. We'll saddle up at first light.""Consider it done, Colonel. Will there be anything else, Sir?""Rest up - all you gentlemen - it's going to be a long day tomorrow" replied Mitty, the steely glint in his eyes reassuring each of them that he knew what he was doing. (Ah. And now I know exactly what brand of wish-fulfillment we're witnessing here.) He'd done all this before, so many times. He never tired of the thrill of battle, the sound of the clarion call. It was in his blood.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Tri-Corner Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

It rained torrentially overnight. I couldn't help wonder how much snow that rain would have produced if the temperature had been a bit lower!The forecast for today WAS for snow to move in, and not long after I left camp it began to sleet.Fortunately the trails were kind, with good treadways and only a couple of climbs. The rest was all downhill - some 3,500 ft. downhill into Davenport Gap, the northern end of the Smokies.I was able to complete the 18 miles to the Standing Bear Farm hiker hostel in just over 8 hours. Even better, I managed to snag the last bed in the bunk house. Just good luck? I don't think so. With the snow coming down harder by the minute, the hostel soon overflowed the capacity of the old barn, so newcomers had to set up their tents in the yard, or hike on to the next shelter, some 7.5 miles into the mountains farther north. Meanwhile, I wolfed down a microwavable cheeseburger and half a frozen pizza, and resupplied for the next day.The only noteworthy event on my hike in was a rather remarkable fall I took just before Davenport Gap. It was a half gainer with a half twist, so I actually managed to land on my back. My pack took the brunt of the force, leaving me just feeling a bit stupid for not having seen the ice on the root I stepped on... There are an estimated 5 million steps between Springer Mt. in Georgia and Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Each one is a potential hike-ender. I'm feeling pretty fortunate tonight, snug in my sleeping bag here in the bunk house. Someone just threw a couple more logs into the stove. Life is good.Meanwhile Col. Mitty is celebrating his promotion to full Colonel, a well-deserved tribute to his successful campaign in the Great Smoky Mountains. He's thinking of writing his memoirs. (Perhaps Break could offer him some profound literary advice....)(Dude. The only advice Break has for anybody right now is to get more than two hours of sleep per night if possible. I stayed up writing towards a deadline; I met the deadline but am now so exhausted and so cracked out on caffeine I can barely see straight. Not recommended, folks.)
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light snow

It snowed overnight - creating a very pretty White Christmas/Burle and Ives-type scene (That would be Burl Ives. One person. Who sang the song. We clear? Excellent. Update: Red Hat says Longhaul was thinking of Currier & Ives, not Burl Ives. I would say she is right except for the part about Longhaul thinking. But Burl Ives definitely recorded 'White Christmas.' That is all.) when we crawled from our bunks this morning. Unfortunately, I planned to hike in that stuff - one of the first times I've ever had that pleasure...I had hoped to do 15 miles today, setting up a possible 18 tomorrow into Hot Springs, N.C.The higher I climbed,however, the deeper the snow from last night had accumulated. And THEN it began to snow again, almost obliterating the trail. That was when I decided to bag it at about 2 pm at Groundhog Creek shelter.   I am now in my tent, as there are already 9 hikers in the six person shelter.The only problem is, my inflatable sleeping pad is no longer staying inflated for more than about 20 minutes, and that is the only insulation between me and the snow below my tent. Temporary solution: use my foam "sit pad" to provide some insulation for my upper torso, my pillow for my head, and my pack for my legs. I got through the night, but it was not the best night's sleep I've ever had...
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

This was a relatively short day - especially for hiking 13 miles. I left camp at 7:30AM, and made it to town in time for a late lunch. The walk was mostly, but not all, downhill.Unfortunately, I was too late to get into Elmer's famous Sunnyside Inn - a noted trail stop. It's a sort of B&B in a big old pre-Civil War farmhouse, and it serves really good vegetarian meals.I moved into a motel just down the road, hit the shower, and began the normal list of town chores - starting by replacing my sleeping pad at the local outfitters.I also reserved a spot at Elmer's place for tomorrow. Life is good.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Hot Springs

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

Today was a lazy day, and a welcome one at that. I got my journal caught up, did some hiker interviews, and spent 20 minutes interviewing Elmer about his experiences at Sunnybrook Inn. (That's Elmer of Sunnybank Inn. Not Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. Although 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm' would make an excellent alternate trail name for our hero. And Red Hat I am not budging on this one.)Earlier today, a thunderstorm moved through; then it cleared up for a while, and then it rained again. I was happy not to be out hiking!Tonight we had one of Elmer's special meals - beginning with a potato soup, followed by a mixed green salad and a main course of Tunisian stew, and topped off by a poppyseed bundt cake with ice cream.The plan is to hike out first thing tomorrow morning. There was a large group that I met early on in my hike, but they got half a day ahead of me when I overnighted at Neels Gap. Since then, every time I'd come in to town, they'd be hiking out. With today's storm, I think I've finally caught back up with them. But time will tell.Today marks the end of my fourth week on the trail. It's hard to believe I've been out here a month already. Good times...good times. I'm missing my wife and kids, but I'm hiking toward home, so it's just a matter of time.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Hot Springs

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 16.7

This was a long day, but a good one. The weather was overcast with occasional showers - so what else is new! It did clear up a bit in the evening, and promised a better day tomorrow.I did indeed catch back up with some of the hikers I'd started with at Springer Mt. We all stayed at Hemlock Hollow, and spent the evening under a roof, with a communal meal cooked on a real stove! We combined the best of our food bags and ended up with fresh guacamole; ham and cheese quesadillas; macaroni and cheese with corn, sun dried tomatoes, and chicken; and spicy oriental noodles. For dessert, we had a large supply of Easter candy.Present were Squeegy, Rapunzel, the twins - Newt and Scarlet, Col. Mustard, Hammock, Topo, and me. We all had a great time, enjoying the food, the conversation, and the music - with Hammock playing his ukelele, and both Topo and Hammock singing original pieces. Lots of joking around and lots of laughter. That's what I like best about the trail - that camaraderie among the pilgrims.I also got in a 16.7 mile day, which makes it likely I'll reach Erwin in five days instead of six.Altogether one of my best days so far.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful weather for an Easter Sunday hike.The hike was a long and somewhat tiring one, especially at the end, but I did get in a second relatively long day.A large group is at the shelter tonight, including Half Moon and Angie, the same group of eight that were together last night, plus Dutch, Samwise, and an assortment of section hikers.It got a bit warm in the afternoon, but at least we got to see some vistas. I understand the weather forecast for tomorrow includes rain. Again...
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Big Bald Shelter
Miles today: 19.1

Most of us at Flint Mt. had planned to do 15 miles into a campsite at a place called "Low Gap." But it turned out that the Low Gap shelter wasn't really still used - kind of abandoned.So, most of us sucked it up and did another 4 miles into the Big Bald shelter. Together with those who did a shorter day into the same shelter, we had nearly 40 people, including Amy (now Wags), Nevena (now Gangsta), the brother and sister from Boston, and One Pint (who I met at the PA Ruck), among others. A full house for sure.Good to finally be fully immersed in the herd I had started with those first few days and nights out of Springer. I am among trail friends. Life is good.
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Big Bald Shelter

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 16.9

I wasn't sure if I would do 11 miles into No Business Knob Shelter, or go another 6-plus miles into Erwin - which would earn me a zero the next day. One of my toes is injured and bothering me, and could use a day off.Long story short - I made it to Erwin! Topo and I are sharing a room at the Holiday Inn Express. Pizza delivered, a hot shower, clean clothes, internet access, and CNN. Life is good.(Long story short? I'll say. Long story withered and stunted like a malnourished Pygmy, more like. Would you *please* give me a little more to work with? You and your festering rancid toe?)
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

This will be short: it was a wonderful day off.I caught up on emails and my journal, and got some videotaping done.Had Mexican food for dinner, with Squeegy, Rapunzel, the twins and their mom, and Uncle Johnny and his wife.Toe is still not good, but it will eventually get better...I hike out tomorrow. Five days to Kinkora Hostel - Bob Peoples' place, and then four days more to Damascus.(Short like a midget amputated at the knees. COME ON.)
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I hiked out of Erwin under overcast skies, and began the climb up to one of the prettiest balds in Tennessee - the appropriately named "Beauty Spot."Shortly after I arrived at the top and sat down for a rest and a snack, Squeegie showed up. Behind her came the rest of the crew and before long we had a fairly large group sitting together enjoying the views.Eventually we decided to move on to Deep Gap where there was water and a place to camp. In a matter of an hour, we had established twenty tents - a virtual tent city. We also had the usual campfire, and celebrated Sunbeam's birthday with a no-cook Oreo pie. It was a good day on the trail.(Short like a hyperactive kindergartener's attention span.)
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

This was a long day for only 14 miles.Patty, the twins' mom, has been doing an incredible job of hiking, keeping up with everyone else despite the fact that she has hiked only a few days since Springer. She is amazing!Tomorrow will be a major test, involving Roan Mountain - a 2,300 ft. climb in under four miles. I'm in my tent, as usual, warm and dry.(Short as Lorena Bobbit's temper.)
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a tough climb this morning, but at least it came while I was fresh. After that, it got easier.This particular shelter is one of the coolest on the AT - an old barn, with a second story loft where I am sleeping tonight.With a Scout troop or two, and a herd of thru-hikers, we must have forty people or more camping here tonight.According to some section hikers I met today, a storm is due to move into the area tomorrow AM, with two days of rain predicted. After the three straight days of sunshine, I can take a bit more rain.(Short as the end of the stick I got when I agreed to transcribe this thing.)
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I knew it would be a long day, and I was right. (And yet - this entry? Short as an anorexic's pancake stack.) The good news is that most of the climbing came in the morning - over Little Hump and Big Hump. (You had better just take my word for it when I tell you to be grateful for the restraint I'm exercising here.) Neat balds!The one problem is that my toe is killing me. It is raw at the end, and I can't get it to heal. Going downhill from Big Hump the trail was really steep and rocky, which caused my toe to suffer repeated battering. Not fun!When I arrived at the shelter, which was brand new, I decided to stay in it rather than set up my tent. Fortunately, I did not have to deal with the usual mouse problem, and actually got a good night's sleep. Not sure what to do about the toe...
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove, Tennessee
Miles today: 15.6

Dutch and One Pint headed out at 6:30AM, and the rest of us left not long after that. I was able to do the 15-plus miles in about 7 1/2 hours. Unfortunately, by the time I got to Kincora Hostel, there were no more beds available. In fact it was wall-to-wall people. I had the option of tenting in the yard, but rain was due soon. I could tent in the rain on the trail, so I opted to hike back to the trail and then half a mile in the opposite direction to another hostel. I was the only one there at first, but within an hour I had done laundry and taken a hot shower, and was ready to re-supply. There was no shuttle available, however, so I approached a guy across the road who was getting out of his truck at his house and explained my situation - to wit: I needed to get to town and was happy to pay for a shuttle. He asked how much, I named a figure I thought would avoid any haggling, and soon thereafter I was on my way to town.Later that evening, Duncan showed up, as did Doc and Mr. T, but the latter two decided to hike on to the next shelter.I would much rather be at Kincora, but you don't always get what you want. The plan is to stay at Kincora tonight, do trail work tomorrow, and hike on toward Damascus on Wednesday. The rest of the crew (Squeegie and the gang) are due in tomorrow, so I'm just going to play it by ear.(Not bad! This entry is *not*, in fact, as short as a paste-eater's schoolbus.)
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Dennis Cove, Tennessee

To: Dennis Cove, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to take a zero today, mostly in hopes that my toe might begin to heal, and party because Bob Peoples - owner of Kincora Hostel - isn't going to do trail work today. I may do trail work tomorrow if the rest of the gang wants to. Meanwhile, we are planning to do a group dinner tonight, which should be fun. I just wish my toe didn't hurt so much...(Well, I wish your toe didn't hurt so much too. But I also wish this entry were not as short as a miniature pig's ribs.)
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Dennis Cove, Tennessee

To: Dennis Cove, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

Last night's dinner was a great success. We did steaks on the grill, a vegetarian pasta, a large and really nice salad, and brownies and ice cream for dessert. We also had a great crowd assembled - almost all of my favorite people. We also decided we'd do trail work tomorrow, for which we will get a really cool patch! (A really cool patch?! Gee whillikers! Will you get a decoder ring too?!)(...short as a stop.)
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Dennis Cove, Tennessee

To: Dennis Cove, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

This is the first time I've ever taken two zeros in a row - although maybe today didn't really count as a zero since I did hike a bit on the trail to get to where we began work on a planned trail re-location. The work wasn't arduous, and we were done by about 1:30, after which we returned to the hostel.(Yes, yes, whatever, but what are you having for *dinner* tonight?)Tonight we're doing pizza - with left-over pasta, and ice cream for dessert.Also at the hostel is a section hiker who has asked Bob to shuttle her to Damascus tomorrow morning. When I heard that, an idea popped into my head. I've decided to go to Damascus with them - skipping the next 50 miles for the present time, and giving me 3-4 days off the trail to allow (hopefully) for my toe to heal. The plan is to return to Dennis Cove after I summit Katahdin and complete this section of the trail. That will also give me an opportunity to check out this area a bit more carefully as a potential location for a rural retreat. The area around here, especially Lake Watauga, is really beautiful!This revised plan will give me some time off without losing the chance to continue hiking with my current crew, who are really fun. Now if my toe will just cooperate...(All that setup and not a word about the REALLY COOL PATCH?! You're just toying with us, aren't you? You tease.)