morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Sassafrass Gap shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to about 3 inches of snowon the ground and about one on my tent. I slept warm under my quilt despite the cold. The quilt worked great. I was one of the last one of the group to leave this morning and it was easy finding the trail. Just follow everyone's foot prints in the snow. It was slippery in the snow on the steeper parts but it is also very beautiful to hike in too. I made good time to Stecoah Gap despite thr trail conditions and a couple of butt plants. I also had to backtrack about 1/2 mile for my map again. It fell out of my pocket again. I arrived at Stecoah Gap about 1400 to some trail magic. Jellybean, Bare Bear, and Willow were there cooking up cheeseburgers, hot chocolate, and water. I had 2 of each except the water. Thank you so much. Everyone else decided to go into town for the night but I decided to hike on to the next shelter. I'm prepared for the cold. At first I'm the only one at the shelter until Echo shows up. I had already set my tent up insidem the shelter but there is plenty of room for others. Just after dark 3 others come in and stay in the shelter. Wx: cold day. 18 degrees
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Brown Fork Gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a cold night last night. I didn't want to get out from under my warm quilt or get out of the tent this morning. I was packed and ready to go when Genesis, Doodle, and Yogi showed up. Started hiking 30 minutes later after seeing Coach , Mat©, annd Peer-Pride on the ridge. The hike today wasn't to bad until the long downhill into Fontana Dam. My knees and thighs were still a bit sore from the decent into NOC and Stecoah Gap. Before I go down I take a short break to rest my feet, air out the socks and boots, and have a snack. My heels have been pretty sore too so this should help. I made it to the Marina and called for the shuttle. Enough walking for today. I caught up with M&M at the Fontana Lodge but nobody else was there. We took the shuttle to the Fontana Dam shelter and that is where everyone else was. As we were walking up to the shelter they were laying down on the blacktop soaking up the warmth from the ground. M&M and I went back to the lodge and split the cost of a room, ate dinner, and relaxed. Others at the lodge are Bottlecap, Megan, Duct-tape, Hyde, Rio, Hemlock, and Plodder. Wx: cold day/night. 17 degrees last night. 35-40 during the day.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Fontana Dam Lodge

To: Fontana Dam Lodge
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero Day! Had a good nights sleep last night. Doodle and everyone came in to eat at the restaurant as I had finished breakfast. I still had to go to the post office, laundry, and the store to resupply. No box at the PO. M&M and I went on a slackpack to do the small section between the Marina and the Dam so we won't miss out on those miles. While at the dam the shuttle driver said my box was here. To late to go to the post office. Dilemma, get the box and open it or just forward it to Hot Springs. We stayed at the dam for some trail magic dinner at the parking lot and eventually got back to the lodge about 1830. Relaxing, packing, and relaxing. So nice! Wx: cool - 50's
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Fontana Dam Lodge

To: Russell Field shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Started with breakfast at the lodge then to the outfitters for a shuttle to the dam. M&M and I crossed the dam and stopped at the Entering Smoky Mountains sign for photos. There was a 1/2 mile road walk to the trail after the sign. I felt pretty goid today and went slow and steady until we reached Shuckstack Mt and the tower. Awesome views. Ate lunch and aired oyt the boots and feet. Hiked on to Mollies Ridge shelter. We decided to move on to the next shelter since this one was crowded. First I needed to get water and a snack. We made it Russell Field shelter about 1600. Good choice, there are only 5 of us here. M&M, me, Boneless, Tex, and Medicare Pastor. We ate first then moved into the shelter. I made a fire in the fireplace and it helped warm up the shelter. The shelter was made from stone and had a bear fence across the front. Had a good nights sleep. Very windy though. Wx: cool - 50-60's, pt cloudy
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Russell Field shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke this morning to a foggy day. The wind was still blowing and the temperature was cooler. M&M and I begin and we already figure out it¢s going to be a ¢fun¢ day. The combination of the fog and the wind is making it hard to see more than a hundred yards. Parts of the trail are so worn too that it¢s like walking a channel about 8-10 inches wide. It¢s hard to keep your balance when you have to do this so we either straddle the trail or go to one side. By the time we get to Thunderhead Mt the wind had picked up to about 30mph with gusts in the 40¢s. A few times we were almost knocked down by the gusts as we were hiking. Our packs act like sails but in the wrong way. On top of Thunderhead Mt we cannot see anything so we keep moving. It gets so cold if we stop that we keep hiking just to stay warm. We come up to Derrick Knob Shelter and it¢s so foggy that all you can see is the outline from 100ft away. We are hungry and wet from the moisture in the air. We decide to stay here for the night even though it¢s only 1330. The next shelter is 5.5 miles further and we are tired already. The shelter has the bear fence and also a tarp to keep the wind out. Genesis comes in a few minutes later soaked to the bone. I had already begun to gather firewood and he starts a fire. It¢s still foggy and starts to sprinkle while I¢m looking for firewood. I dare not go to far from the shelter for fear of getting lost. At one point I get to far away and hike to the trail just to get back to the shelter. I hike south on the trail about 200-400yds looking for more firewood near the trail when the other start hiking by. I tell them the shelter is close and to start picking up some branches along the way. Everyone in the shelter takes time to dry out there clothes next to the fire. It will be crowded as more hikers show up. The shelter holds 12 but we have about 18 in here tonight and a couple in tents outside. It rains all night and the wind keeps blowing. What a day!!Wx: cool ¢ 40-50's, foggy, windy and cloudy
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

It¢s clearer today and the wind has died down. It looks like it will be a nice day. M&M and I start out and take it slow at first. The trail follows the ridge again and there are views today that are just awesome. I wonder what views we missed yesterday. We get to Silers Bald and eat lunch before moving on. M&M goes on ahead and I follow soon after. I pass the Double Spring Shelter and go on to Clingman¢s Dome. The hike up is through a forested area and then along a steep ridge with views on both sides. There is a side trail that leads to the parking lot below but I continue on the AT until I reach the trail near Clingman¢s Dome. There are many tourists up here today and I also passed by a little snowman someone made on the side of the trail. The wind is blowing a little but it¢s clear out and chilly. I keep my pack on to insulate my back against the wind as I climb the walkway to the observation tower deck. Awesome!!!! I meet a couple coming down and the guy is wearing a Mesa State shirt. I ask him if that¢s where he went. His wife¢s daughter is an administrator there. What a small world. This is the highest point along the AT and also one of the busiest from what I can tell. The others are laying on the ground soaking up the warmth when I get down. Mat© meets, Mandy, a friend she hiked with earlier. We lose Yogi going back to the NOC for a whitewater course and gain Mandy. After a snack it¢s off to Mt Collins shelter. Parts of the trail now are muddy or icy depending on where the sun hits it. Mt Collins shelter is packed with a Boy Scout troop and other hikers. Finding a spot for my tent was challenging. I set it up behind the shelter with about 4 other people. Tent space is a premium here. After eating and the usual camp chores it¢s time to relax a few minutes before bedtime. Music is played by Coach and the scouts are telling stories. It¢s cold out but who cares since we are all enjoying the night¢s activities. Wx: cool ¢ 50-60's, clear
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

It was cold last night, in the 20¢s, but I was warm in my tent and under my quilt. The trail is icy early but gets muddy in spots later on. It also follows close to the road from Clingman¢s Dome to Newfound Gap. The weather changes and it starts raining a little before I get to Newfound Gap. Here is where the state lines of Tennessee and North Carolina are and a stop for vehicles. I get across the road and near the other side before I recognize the guys from the church that were doing trail magic back at Fontana Dam. They saw me too and gave me a couple fruit pies they had left from before. They are great from what they do to help the hikers. The rest of the gang catch up and we all start off soon after. It¢s getting cold again and my right calf is starting to hurt. By the time I get to Icewater Spring shelter I can barely walk. The others are here already and Genesis breaks out one of the 2 lb summer sausages he got from one of the scouts this morning. Theresa offers to massage my leg which I gladly accept and, wow, she did a good job because it feels great. I hike with Doodle and Theresa for awhile until we get to Charlie¢s Bunyon. The weather cleared up, it¢s warm now and the view from the point is just awesome!!! After a couple photos we move on to Pecks Corner Shelter. My calf/achilles tendon is hurting again and I come limping into the shelter for the night. I massage it when I get there and again before going to bed. I hope it makes a difference. Today¢s weather was all over the place ¢ wind, rain, clear, cold, warm. The views today were ¢ Awesome!!Wx: cool ¢ 50-60's, cold-am, rain, warm-pm
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The shelter was full again tonight mostly because of the weather. I got to the shelter just as it started to rain. I was one of the last ones in again today. My right calf/Achilles tendon was acting up again. I had to stop late in the day to massage it because it was so sore. I hiked again today with Doodle and Peer-Pride. They are both about my speed/pace. Doodle is quicker on the downhills though while Peer-Pride is strong on both but likes the slower pace I set.    I've had to slow down the last couple of days due to the soreness in my leg. We have been doing a lot of miles to get to the shelters in the Smoky¢s. M&M had been hiking with me from the start of the Smoky¢s but has moved on ahead since I¢m moving slower now. There is not much to write about today because there was nothing significant. Unless you think the trail being rocky most of the day is something to write about. Anyway, one more day in the Smoky¢s and we are done. Hope the weather gets better.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Rd to Standing Bear

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Today we said goodbye to Peer-Pride (theresa grantham) as she was leaving the trail because of a prior commitment. She is a great person and will be missed. Shalom shuttled us (doodle, me, genesis) to the trailhead today to start first. We stopped at Burger King for breakfast on the way. The trail was all uphill until Snowbird Mt. We waited there about 2 hours for Coach, Mat©, and Shalom before moving on to the shelter. We arrived at the shelter about 1430 and were the first one's there. We got water and sat around and relaxed. 3rd Times a Charm also showed up and so did a day hiker. The day hiker made a comment about 'crack', refering to doodle. I thought that was just stupid but doodle shut him up with a witty remark. We waited for the others for quite a while before deciding what to do next. We decided to stay just in case they arrived late - which they did. In the meantime we found some tent sites away from the shelter and also got a fire going. The night ended with all of us tenting in the same area and enjoying a liesure and musical evening. The weather tonight was peaceful. Wx: cool-am, nice mid-day, warm-pm. Light wind, clear.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Groundhog Creek shelter

To: Walnut Mt shelter
Miles today: 13.1

Today I started at 0945 since I am slow to start. About 45 minutes after leaving a deer startled me on the trail as it crossed about 50ft in front of me. Not much later Coach, Mat©, and Genesis caught up to me. The climb out this morning was a long one but not to bad. The climb from Brown Gap was tough since it was pretty much straight up the hill. I arrived at Max Patch and the 3 were already there relaxing. We ate lunch while waiting for Doodle and Shalom. After they arrived we all chilled out and napped for about 2 hours. I called Chris Holmes about the truck and the price ($3000.00) that Terry Jones and I agreed on. After leaving Max Patch the trail was mostly downhill until Lemon Gap. From there the climb up was a good one until reaching the summit which looked as if it were cleared because of fire. Walnut creek shelter was about 100 yards from the summit. It is an old shelter and sleeps 6. My feet hurt today (mostly the heels) and the legs were tired at the end. Overall it was great day to hike. We (coach, genesis, doodle, mat©, shalom, and I) are tenting tonight. There were shortt periods of sprinkles tonight forcing us in/out of our tents. I ate to much chocolate today - ugh! Wx: early sprinkles, nice mid-day, light sprinkles-pm. Temp = 50-60
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Walnut Mt shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Moved out and past everyone later and waited for them at the parking area before town. Some days I feel great and can just haul ass but right now they are few, until the body adjusts. On the way down into Hot Springs it sprinkled off/on until we got into town. The walk in was great and the AT logo is also part of the sidewalk/trail through town. Our first stop was at The Sunnybank Inn but it was full with a special event going on. Mate and I went to the Post Office for our maildrops before it closed for the day. She had many boxes and looked like a Sherpa after stacking them on her pack. We kept going through town until we eventually found a room at the Scottish inn. After dropping our packs and got cleaned up and it was time for some food. We headed back through town to the Smoky Mountain Diner for dinner where we saw other hikers and ate some good food. My maildrop was forwarded from Fontana Dam and had my other boots in it. Now my feet will feel better in the roomier boot. So far I am hiking good and feeling stronger as each day passes. I still pace myself so I don¢t risk injury by overdoing it as others have in the past. It was a good day today. Wx: Light Rain, Temp: 50-60
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Hot Springs, NC 

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

Today is a day of relaxation. Coach and I are up early and out heading to the diner for breakfast. They have good food all day long and it is about the only restauarant in town that is open. We vacate the inn and move to the campground across the railroad tracks where others are already camped out. It was great spending the night n the Inn but sleeping on the floor under the dining room table was a bit much in a small area. Since we are in Hot Springs and there is a Spa we cannot pass up the chance for some pampering. I choose a massage while the others check out the hot tub. The massage felt great on the tired and sore muscles and will feel even better a few days from now as we continue on down the trail. Another trip to the outfitters for resupply and some more relaxing throughout the day lifts our spirits and we look forward to hiking again in the morning. Zero days rule! Wx: clear, Temp: 60-70
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mt Shelter
Miles today: 11.7

Woke at 0700 and went to bathroom and then back to my tent and crawled back in bed for another hour. Got up at 0800, got dressed and went to breakfast at the Smoky Mt Diner again with Coach. We stopped at the Dollar store afterwards before going back to the campground for some last minute items. Everyone was up by then drying their tents off. So far it¢s been a slow morning to get started. We moped around until 1245 when Coach and I left for the trail. We missed the turn after the bridge and went about 150-200yds up the road before turning around as a lady driving by told us where the trail was. The climb up to Lovers Leap was pretty steep and the trail legs after a town visit are gone. They feel like jelly. It seemed to take forever to get to the road crossing. I stopped at a nice pond for lunch prior to the road and this is where Doodle stopped too. Wx: warm am/pm. Temp = 75
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Spring Mt shelter

To: Jerry Cabin shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Today started with the feet still a bit sore getting used to the different boots. The first part of the hike was a small up followed by a down to Deep Gap and then to Allen Gap. I stopped here for an early lunch since I was hungry. Shalom and Life Traveler (LT) both stopped too. Shalom needed more water and I gave her 1/2 liters of what I could spare. The hike too Little Laurel Shelter was a hot one with many short breaks due to the heat and to take a sip or two. I arrived at the shelter with about 4oz of water left. Off go the boots, socks, shirt first and then to get water. I filtered 3 liters and drank one right there. After about a 2 hour stay/rest it was time to move on again. The climb to Camp Creek Bald where the firetower was steep but manageable. I checked out the firetower and it had awesome views. The next 5 miles I thought would be pretty easy according to the profile. The first mile was until the "rock scramble". It was a difficult ridge walk over big rocks and boulders. My feet really hurt after this. I was tired, hungry, and the feet needed a rest so I stopped about 1-1/2 miles from the shelter for an early dinner/rest break. Shalom arrived as I was putting my pack on and we hiked the rest of the way to the shelter. We all tented about 100 yards past the shelter in a good spot. I setup my tent, got water, bathed, did some foot maintainance, and went to sleep. What a day! Wx: warm am. Temp = 80-85
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter 

To: Hogback Ridge shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today started off slow but got better. Coach and I ate breakfast together while everyone slept in today. I saw Doodle's bear rope hanging and decided it was challenge enough to get down. It ended up being comical. I got the other rope I was using stuck in the small tree next to it and doodle and I had to bend the tree over to get the rope. Another time was when I got the other rope tangled in the small tree and pulled on it til it let go with me rolling on the ground. The final piece to the drama happened when I was trying to break the branch with doodle's rope but broke the rope instead. Anyway that was the excitement for the morning. I finally departed at 1015 - late start. The trail up to the top wasn't bad but the trail from the other side where it met the forest road was okay. The forest road (super highway) lasted for quite a while until it ended at the gravesite of the two confederate soldiers. It was a great walk to there. The rest of the trail was pretty much blah until the climb up from Rector Laurel Road. It was a hard climb to the summit with no water spots until the next shelter (here). I had to take a break about 1.5 miles from the shelter since my feet hurt and I needed food. From there it was still difficult to the shelter when you are hungry, in pain, and tired. The water source at the shelter was about 1/2 mile from the shelter. Argh!!! I pretty much have been hiking by myself the past few days. Everyone has been. Total count for today: pole grabbers - 7, toe stoppers - 9, ankle twisters - 3.   Fun meter = pegged (long hike today)! Wx: warm am. Temp = 70-75
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Hogback Ridge shelter

To: Bald Mt shelter
Miles today: 10.0

Today started off with a short sprinkle during breakfast. I sat in my tent eating, packing, and foot prepping. There was a waiting line for the privy today and took my turn too. I started off first since it was still cool out since I prefer the cooler weather to hike in. It took no time to get to Sams Gap (2.5miles in 1 hour). I took a break there and through out my trash in the trash can. While taking my break LT, coach, and two of the faster guys showed up. Soon we were all on the trail again heading towards Big Bald. Coach and I stopped at low gap for lunch and rest. The hike up to big bald wan't to bad. It had some steep areas but in general was pretty easy. The top of big bald mt offered great views. You could even see Erwin from there. I also saw LT on the other mini bald as I reached the top. It took me about 12 minutes to get to the same spot he was at. I took a 20 minute break there and eventually saw 3 more hikers on the summit from my spot. It was an easy 20 minutes to the shelter from there. The shelter is a two level sleeper. I finally had a liesure dinner, water gathering, and time to bathe, and do quick laundry. The gang is here plus Batman, JD, and two others. Grasshopper moved on 3.5 miles more earlier this evening. I am glad for a short hiking day today. My feet needed some rest and are still adjusting to the newer boots. Total count for today: pole grabbers - 4, toe stoppers - 7, ankle twisters - 3. Wx: sprinkles/cool am, warm-pm. Temp = 70-75
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Bald Mt shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's hostel
Miles today: 16.9

Woke in the shelter after a restless night. Conclusion - don't sleep in the shelter! Doodle was already up, packed, and almost done with breakfast. I was eating my last breakfast today. We have been talking about going all the way to Erwin today. That would be my longest hiking day at 17 miles. I left at 0855 after doodle left. The first part wasn't to bad. My first break was at Spivey Gap. I needed it to rest the feet snack, and take the pack off. I soaked my feet in the stream here and it felt great. I should have waited because there was a nice water source about 1/2 mile up the trail. The climb out of Spivey Gap was steep but easy enough. Once over the top icame to an old burned part of the forest. It was the hottest part of trail today. I passed a water source prior to getting to No Business Knob Shelter and had a bad feeling I may have to come to get water. I was right after I got to the shelter in the next 15 minutes. I had no choice since I had 3 sips left in the camelbak. I stayed at the shelter (1345-1530) and cooked a dinner for some energy. The last few miles were all downhill into Erwin. That was the hardest part to do.   I got to Uncle Johnny's hostel and stayed there the night tenting. It is a nice place to stay. My feet hurt today and needed a rest. Total count for today: pole grabbers - 16, toe stoppers - 18, ankle twisters - 5. Wx: cool am, 45-50. warmer-pm. 80-85