morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Fontana Dam Visitors Center

To: Fontana Dam Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

When I left off yesterday, went to the AYCE buffet here at the historic Fontana Village Resort. I joined Fremont who was just finishing his sixth plate of food. Not too long after Beth joins us. Beth is a young hiker who is sort of a "maverick" in that she likes to hike her own hike. For example, she wears blue jeans which no "pro" wears because in the hiking world "cotton kills." She also does not like to hike with others and is self-described as "cranky in the morning." She and Fremont are a lot of fun to talk with. We're sitting there enjoying each other's company; I'm having a liesurly dinner and who walks in...Yeah, you guessed it, GOLDBERRY! I thought I had a 2 day lead on her. I should have known better. It seems she did a 20+ day just to catch up with me. And she says she's not competitive. Don't believe her when she says she is going to let me beat her to Maine. I didn't tell you this before, but she said she was going to super glue my tent shut. Now, I play fair and would never cheat... And I was having such a good time.Goldberry's hiking buddies, Fubar, Digger, and Tripod joined us for dinner at the table next door. We all had a nice chat..actually stayed around till closing. Tripod is leaving the Trail...I believe for lack of funds. That's too bad cause he's really a lot of fun and has an interesting life story.Today is going by fast. Beth, Goldberry, Fubar, Tripod, Digger and a few others were at breakfast. I started out with a couple of local fisherman who were pretty funny. When I asked them what they caught they said, "some trees." The hikers must have stuck around for a couple of hours.I did my laundry and visited the Outfitter where I bought some alcohol fuel for my stove and a couple of food items. Then, I went to use the "pay by the minute" computer internet service to check my e-mail. Thanks to everyone for your interest and guest book entries. I can't acknowledge all of you now, but will eventually. The service was so slow and cumbersome that it took me 45 minutes just to read my messages. Didn't have time to read others progress on Trailjournals.I enter the Smokies tomorrow. I hope to start making better time soon. Did I mention that the official at he Dam told us that half of the thru hikers drop out by Fontana Dam. He also said that the Trail population is down from last year. Both surprised me since the shelters seem to be fairly crowded.I originally planned to stop in Gatlinburg the 3rd night out. It's not a great stop as it is in no way a "Trail Town." The next definite zero is Hot Springs which is famous for hiker hospitality. I should be there by April 8th.Well, guess I'll send this and go to dinner....AYCE buffet.Thought for thr Day: I miss the Trail.
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Fontana Dam Zero Day #2

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 19 Movin OnWeather: Absolutely beautiful Sunny coolin above 3000' but nice in the sun.Last night, Mule, Driver, Digger, Radio Shack, Thor and I ate the AYCE buffet at Fontana Village. It was meat loaf and chicken steaks. The meat loaf was excellent. BTW, I whole heartedly recommend this place. It is a great value, most of the hikers stay here and they are quite friendly. From what I heard from Mule and Driver, a much better choice than the Hike Inn.After dinner we went to Goldberry's cabin where we had Corona's and met her father, mother and sister. A very nice family and definitely not paid actors. Digger, Thor and Radio Shack showed up and we all had a nice chat. This morning we all had AYCE breakfast together. Mule, Driver and I checked out and Goldberry's Mom drove us to where we left off at the Dam. The elevation there was 1800'. We got to hiking about 10 till 9 and of course climbed all morning. I still find the climbs quite easy..It does not make me tired and I rarely breathe heavily. It was a gradual climb with switcbacks. The worst part of the Trail today was the muddy river in the Trail above 3200' due to the snow melt. It also was pretty slushy in places. We climbed to Doe Knob (4,520') then back down to Ekaneetlee Gap (3,842'). We climbed back up to Mollies Ridge and stopped here at 2:10. We thought we'd wait for Golberry and her Dad who we thought were about an hour behind us. They showed up at 4 o'clock. Tybe Pete was here and after us hikers starting filing in. I guess we are srtaying in the shelter. A young guy is here from Wooster OH packing a mandalin. He played a couple of tunes and is pretty good. Others here are Charlie from Berea OH, Gambler from Belfast,and Nimble from NY. There are a bunch more but several others are talking about moving down the Trail a couple of miles to the next shelter. BTW, Digger just showed so we have a good group tonight. I guess I'm having mac & cheese with bacon bits.Thought for the Day: It's great to be back on the trail but I'm gonna miss that bed!
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 20 Hard, but another Great DayWeather: Bright sunshine, clear, low humidity, Perfect.There must have 30 hikers last night by dusk. Some even showed up after dark. I laid in bed listening to the radio till about midnight. We had one very loud snorer. Again, I just haven't been tired enough to sleep in shelters. I got maybe, 2 hours sleep. Tonight I'm tenting. The rules in the Smokies say you must stay in the shelter as long as space is available. If there is no space, you must tent in sight of the shelter. There will be enough here tonight to allow anyone who wants to tent to do so.The hike today was somewhat strenuous. There were few switchbacks with plenty of steep climbs and downhills. The initial 2 miles were not bad. We stopped at Russell Field and read the register. I'm still hiking with Mule & Driver. We hiked for awhile with Zero, a young woman who lives in Maine. We chatted for awhile and I taught Mule the 4-H pledge. I met my wife Julia through 4-H and it played a big part in my life, especially the outdoors and making friends. Mule got the pledge memorized within a 2 mile stretch so I made him a honorary member. It wasn't that much further to Russell Field Shelter. By 11 a.m. we were at Spence Field Shelter where we sort of had lunch. While we were there, Goldberry and her Dad showed up. Oh yeah, in the shelter register was more slander from John. This time he says I'm painting white blazes on side trails and it is causing "good hikers" to get lost. I didn't see anything from Melissa so I'm wondering what happened to her.   The next stop was the famous Rocky Top, about 5,500'. After that was Thunderhead East Peak (5,527') The views were incredible. The Smokies got their name because of the haze or pollution hanging over them. I have visited the Smokies many times and have never seen them so clear. You could see down into Cades Cove. Julia and I have hiked many loop trails around here. We stayed just west in Townsend, I believe the campground was called Little River. I recognized Spence Field as a shelter I had visited it before.When we arrived at Derrick Knob it was 2 p.m. We immediately set up our tents and got water. Radio Shack was here and he is staying in the shelter. Another thru-hiker Sue Bear was taking a break. She later hiked on. Soon others started filing in, Tom, Rich & Cindy, Gambler and of course, Goldberry and her Dad. Most are tenting. If you tried sleeping in the shelter last night, you're tenting tonight.Tomorrow, we hike 10 miles up to Clingman's Dome where Goldbery's mom will be handing out "trail majic." Mule is already talking about spending tomorrow night in Gatlinberg. We'll see.Thought for the Day: 10 miles one day is a lot different than 10 miles another day.
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Gatlinberg,TN 
Miles today: 10.1

Day 21 Great hike to Clingmans DomeWeather: Unbelievable, wonderful, beautiful Sunny blue sky, gentle breezes. 70's.Derrick Knob had around 20 hikers last night...but only 5 stayed in the shelter...Radio Shack, Rich, Cindy and a couple of others. Kind of the reverse of last night. Gambler, Mule & Driver, Charlie, Goldberry & her Dad, myself and a whole bunch of others tented. Mule and I built a nice fire and about 7 of us hung around until 8. I slept okay...better than last night...glad I tented.Today was a great day for me. Mule, Driver and I started hiking at 7 a.m. It was a cold night and morning. In fact, I wore my vest as I was breaking camp and even wore my stretch pants at the start. That didn't last long. Top of the first climb off they came. Not long after that off came the stretch top and it was back to shorts and t-shirt. It must have been in the 40's and we could even see our breath early on. The bright sun and hiking sooned warmed us up. Mule & Driver have been hiking in long pants and long sleeved shirts.We soon reached Buckeye Gap (4,435'). We had a snack at Silers Bald Shelter around 3 hours into the hike. At Double Spring Gap Shelter (5,507') we took a nice 1/2 hour break. I laid in the grass and basked in the sun. Mule did some water. It was a nice short rest. Radio Shack was with us off and on all morning. The rest of the hike was a nice gradual climb to Clingmans Dome (6,643'), the highest point on the AT. I was fine but Driver was having a bit of a struggle on the climbs. He definitely wasn't felling as good as yesterday. We went to the top of the lookout tower where there were a couple dozen tourists. Radio Shack entertained some questions from them. We then went downhill 1/2 mile to the parking lot. There, Goldberry's Mom and sister were handing out "trail majic" to thru-hikers. It was great..they had ecverything. I had 2 fruit drinks, a coke, dried cranberries, peanuts, cashews, an apple, an Oreo candy bar and two snickers. And, I wasn't the only one.!   These are such nice people! We hung around for at least a half hour. There was a couple on motorcycles with 3 beautiful black pug dogs. They were so cute and made me more homesick for Casey. They took pictures of me with them on my lap. It was the non-hike highlite of the day.It was after 1 and Mule thought we'd better get started on our hitch into Gatlinberg. It wasn't long before Mule & Driver got a ride in the back of a big pick-up truck. Radio Shack and I got a ride with this great family from Northern Kentucky...the Beers. They were so nice, a young couple (Mark & Brenda) with their two sons (Cody & Elijah) off for spring break. They were very interested in hiking. Thanks again to the Beers!. We all got to the Grand Prix at the same time. Two other thru-hikers, Tom and Charlie are also staying here too. Not a bad place for $35...clean.I think we are all meeting Goldberry's family for dinner tonight. Her Mom is returning us to the Trail at sunrise in the morning where we will resume our trek to Maine.Thought for the Day: What do you say when it gets better every day.
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap TN32 (Standing Bear Hostel)
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 24 Good hike out of the Smokies.Weather: Pleasant, some clouds increasing as the day progressed..rain in late afternoon...70's.The shelter last night was packed...maybe 15 but no one tented. I listened to my radio until after midnight and probably got all of 3 hours sleep after that. Everyone was up at the crack of dawn. BTW no mice.Mule, Driver and I took off about 8. I went a couple of hundred yards and realized that I had forgot my gaiters. The others went ahead while I went back and put them on. Consequently, I hiked the whole day myself. Don't take this wrong, cause I really like these guys, but I do enjoy hiking by myself. I think it started when I was a little boy when I would take off and explore the countryside with my dog. I would be gone all day and never got tired of just walking through the woods, creeks and meadows.Around mid morning I saw the remnants of a plane crash from some years back on the right side of the Trail. I remembered reading about it in last year's journals but can't recall the details of when it happened. I stopped around noon for lunch at Cosby Knob Shelter. Took some time and tried to repair the cord on my Ursack food bag. I'm not really that happy with this $45 piece of gear. It came with an inner bag that ripped the first time I loaded it. The first week out one of the plastic tips fell off the cord, hence the fraying. My duck tape found another use.I got out my little radio and listened to "an all 70's Sunday" on 98.5...lot's of good songs. I was tired when I arrived at Davenport Gap TN route 32. This is where most hitch into a hostel called Mountain Mama's. I still had 2 miles to go to Standing Bear. Standing Bear Farm is operated by Maria Guzman and Curtis Owen...very hospitable people. The great thing is it is only 200 yards off the Trail. When I got there Mule, Driver, Goldberry, Radio Shack and a hiker named Josh were already there..some enjoying cold drinks. We were all anxious to eat out and Maria's mom runs a mexican restaurant. She offered us a ride there at 5. Only trouble was we had to stay until she got off work which was after 10 p.m. Everyone except Josh was hungry enough to take her up on the ride offer. We had some great mexican food followed by hot fudge sundies and such. There was a 5 piece band that wasn't that bad. Around 7:45 we all went out and sat in Maria's van to wait for her. It was kind of a long wait as she didn't get off until after 10:30. It was well after 11 by the time we got back and in bed. So I never had a chance to call Julia...will try to leave her a message before I leave in the morning.Thought for the Day: Hikers have patience.
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 25 Awesome DayWeather: Overcast to mostly cloudy...some morning sprinkles. Ceiling estimated above 10,000. Temp in the 60's.Probably the best night's sleep I've had on the Trail...maybe since we didn't get to be bed until after 11. Everyone pretty much was up and out by 8:15 except Goldberry..she hit the Trail a half hour before the rest of us. The Trail immediately climbed over 2000' (first 2 hours) to Snowbird Mountain (4,263') and I went ahead of Mule & Driver while Radio Shack sprinted ahead of us all. I just know it was a looong climb. It had switchbacks. Josh must have started earlier as I stopped with him for a snack at Snowbird. It was cool and windy enough that I put my parka on across the bald. I stopped at Groundhog Shelter around (2,900') around 11:30 to get water. Saw RS had been there just before me. This was followed by more climbing out of several gaps and up to the most spectacular site so far on the Trail...Max Patch Summit (4,629'). I got there about 2:30. Max Patch is the site of an old homestead and logging camp. Originally forested, early inhabitants cleared the mountaintop to graze sheep and catle. The USFS purchased the 392 acre grassy-top mountain for the AT. It offers wonderful panoramic views. I could see ridges, peaks and mountaintops for miles around. It was the highlight of my walk thus far. It was worth the 200+ mile walk. Along the Trail just north and east of Trail you could see they recently had done some "controlled burns."The rest of the hike was fairly easy and I arived at the shelter about 4 p.m. to find Radio Shack and Goldberry already there. Soon after I arrived, in came Saucey Dog, Detective Friday and Josh who I had just passed on the Trail. I'm having chile and tuna with miracle whip on the side for supper. Tomorow I will be in Hot Springs, the first real "Trail Town" since the Trail goes right through town.Thought for the Day: Max Patch a wonderful site to see.
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 29 Avg mls/day 10.2Weather: Cold, miserable, dreary, drizzley, foggy, s...., Only in the 30's in the mountains. Left Alpine Court at 8 sharp. I think Harold (the manager) and I got to be personal friends. I was there 3 nights and was in the office using the phone several times a day. Before I left I had breakfast with Charlie, Goldberry and Radio Shack at the Smokie Mtn Diner. (They also know me well) In the next booth is Doulous, Pilgrim, Rich and Diane. They are going to "slack pack" today. That is when you get a ride somewhere up the Trail and hike back into town to stay the night again. They call it slack packing because you only carry the food and water you need for the day. I'm not planning on doing any but that might change. I want to hike the whole Trail in one direction, north. If you slack pack from the other direction, you could be going downhill and having an easier hike. I guess it could work the other way too. That is why they say everyone "must hike their own hike." I just want to do the whole thing from one end to the other passing every white blaze in one direction. Anyway, Radio Shack decided to join them as he is hoping his friend, Digger shows up tonight in Hot Springs.As soon as I left town the Trail went along the river at 1,326'. It then climbed past Lovers Leap Rock and Pump Gap to Tanyard Gap (2,278'). Actually, it wasn't bad the first couple of hours...it was a little cool and I had my powerstretch top on. Right away I met Goldwing and we hiked and talked for awhile...stopped and took pictures at the Hot Springs overlook. I soon went ahead and caught up to Just Do It and passed him also. Things changed abruptly when I got to the higher elevation (3,300') and stopped at Spring Mtn Shelter for lunch. It was cold!...close to freezing..the coldest I've been on the Trail. My fingers so cold I had trouble peeling the seal back on my jar of peanut butter. Goldberry was there just finishing lunch and in walks Just Do It and Goldwing. Just Do It decides to stay there while Goldberry takes off for the next shelter...about 8.5 miles. I eat fast cause I need to get moving to create some body heat. Goldwing is right behind me. We start hiking downhill and the weather gets dryer and warmer...but that doesn't last. The last 3 miles of the day were uphill to Little Laurel Shelter, again at 3,300'. But here there is snow on the ground besides being cold. Charlie is in the shelter in his sleeping bag and Goldberry is setting up. Charlie jokes about me tenting since there is snow everywhere. Goldwing and Fire Angel show up and that is it for the night. Plenty of room to spare. We all do our water and cook dinner asap so we can get into our bags. This should be an interesting night.Even with the weather I was glad to get back on the Trail today and do the miles. I wasn't that tired and my feet feel good..I'm just cold. Tomorrow, the weather is supposed to change..sunny and in the 70's...we'll see! Thought for the Day: When it's 95 degrees this summer, I'll wish I had today back.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Old Barn 3 mi.N Flint Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Day 30 Avg mi/day 10.5Weather: Clear blue sky...sunny. Temp range from low 40's morning high altitude to low 70's evening low altitude.Today was a day a contrasts. I left the shelter hiking alone with Goldwing just ahead of me. Charlie is always up before day break and the 1st one out. Goldberry left 1/2 hour before me. The Trail climbed immediately out of camp to 3,300' and continued to 4,750'. Remember I said there was snow on the ground when we got to the Shelter? Well, that was only the beginning...we hiked most of the day through 6 to 12 inches of heavy wet snow. Even though hikers before us had made a path, it was the most difficult hiking for me to date. Believe me, trudging through this stuff was no fun! To make matters worse, rhodadendrum plants were laying all over the Trail and we had to make our way around plenty of blowdowns. I guess I needed to experience hiking in the snow so I could appreciate it. Remember 2 days ago when I took the zero cause it was raining all day? They were closing the schools and library in Hot Springs. Well, it was really snowing here in the mountains. Glad I took the zero!Goldwing and I passed each other once or twice and met up at Jerry Cabin Shelter (4150') for lunch around noon. At that point both of us planned to hike to Flint Mtn. Shelter and stop for the evening. Although we saw each other a couple of more times, I hiked on ahead. The snow all but disappeared below 3400' and the Trail became a beautiful site. I began moving along at my normal pace and arrived at Flint Mtn Shelter about 3:30. No one was there so I looked in the register. There was a note from Goldberry saying she and Charlie were hiking on about 3 miles where they were going to camp at an old barn beside a graveyard. I still felt good and knew there was a campsite in about a mile if I wanted to stop earlier. It was easy trail and I got there around 4:30 (after stopping for water). Charlie and Goldberry had already pitched their tents behind the abandoned barn. Another thu-hiker, Bodie, was set up too. He is an interesting young man, I'd say in his late 20's. He just cycled from Vancouver B.C.to Key West then to Alabama. I forgot how he said he got to Amicalola Falls to start the AT. I asked if he was tired yet and he did say the weather recently has been very trying. He seems committed to do it.They all ate around 5 but it took me until 6 to get ready to cook my Mountain House seet & sour pork. It wasn't half bad. Mountain House is kind of expensive but generally regarded as the best in the way of freeze dried meals.Tomorrow is going to be a tough day. We climb back above 4500' right away and end up at Bald Mtn. Shelter which is above 5000'. If the snow on the Trail hasn't melted it won't be fun.Thought for the Day: Snow is pretty...pretty ugly.