morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2002-10-18
From: Stratton Pond Shelter, VT

To: Goddard Shelter, VT
Miles today: 19.4

This morning I began seeing snow on the ground about a mile from the summit of Stratton Mountain. Last night it began raining shortly after I zipped up my sleeping bag. It was cold enough I expected it was snowing at higher elevations. The snow was only clinging to blades of grass, trees and other foliage. Where the ground was bare of vegetation the snow had melted; the ground is still too warm for light snow.   The fire tower at the summit was coated in ice and climbing the steep stairs required extra caution. There was really no good reason to climb to the top, the windows were frosted over and it was cloudy, there was no view.    As the sun rose it turned into a decent day. Mostly clear with plenty of sun but it was still cold, probably in the thirties. I stopped for lunch at the Story Spring Shelter and drew some water from its excellent spring. Sitting around, even in my down vest I got cold quick so lunch was only as long as necessary. I did cook some ramen as I thought the weather called for a hot meal.   After the wind and rain storm of a couple days ago it seemed as though many trees had been stripped of their fall foliage. Today it seemed many leaves had hung on, as the woods were really colorful especially around the swamps and ridges north of Caughnawaga Shelter. I could have stayed at Caughnawaga or its companion Kid Gore Shelter and not affected my end-of-hike pickup in two days but I pushed myself onwards so I could stay at the magical Goddard Shelter. I¢ve always had the best nights there. It¢s a beautiful place just below the summit of Glastenbury Mountain and it always seem to have an interesting bunch of people spending the night.    By the end of the hike it was late in the afternoon and I was weary but I was rewarded well. I stopped at the Glastenbury Fire Tower and got a spectacular view of Stratton, Greylock and all points in between. The air was very dry and the mountains were very clear and the low afternoon sun cast the perfect light through a light layer of clouds. This was my first good view from Glastenbury; my other visits were hot and hazy views in the middle of summer. Down at the shelter I found slot for my bed and plenty of great company. There were people from the U.K., U.S., Germany and Israel. Everyone was busy setting up camp trying to beat the setting sun. I fired up my stove, cooked a big dinner and still had some time to sit in my sleeping bag and talk to my shelter mates. Usually I would tramp up to the fire tower after dinner for the sunset but tonight I felt content to stay in my warm cocoon and watch the colors from bed. It seems it will be another cold night.
Date: 2002-10-19
From: Goddard Shelter, VT

To: Congdon Shelter, VT
Miles today: 14.4

Everyone in the shelter seemed to be an early riser, the German was first to get up and his priming gas stove was a soft alarm clock for the rest of us. The sun was barely illuminating the shelter porch which was shielded by two tarps hung across the shelter¢s open forth wall. Soon we were all up and fixing tea and breakfast.   After a typical busy morning in a crowded shelter I was heading down the hill for the Melville Nauheim Shelter where I would cook my hot breakfast. It was a gloomy and cloudy day that soon turned rainy. As I climbed up to Harmon Hill it began drizzling. The rest of the day was uneventful. I noticed a section of trail, perhaps a couple miles long, where there were often as many as five blazes visible at any one time. Maybe it was a new guy on the trail crew who got a little carried away, or perhaps a volunteer got tired of hearing complaints about to few blazes and decided to put an end to the whining once and for all. It was rather unbelievable how many blazes were crammed into this short section. I got to the end of my day sometime around mid afternoon and found The Congdon Shelter very empty and quiet. The rain had stopped but it was dark, cloudy and wet in the forest and I began to feel a bit of the end-of-hike-blues. I daydreamed I could keep hiking to watch the leaves fall and the snow come and change the woods into a pristine winter playground.   The shelter was a welcome refuge and I was satisfied to complete this wonderful hike but it was lonely without others to share it with. I read the register, cooked and ate all my unused food before turning in to watch the moon come out and the skies get dark from the warmth of my bag.
Date: 2002-10-20
From: Congdon Shelter, VT

To: Massachusetts
Miles today: 13.3

Like my morning after spending the night atop Bromley Mountain inside a storm cloud, this morning I was most glad to see the light in the trees and start another day of hiking. I had passed another quiet night alone in the woods and was rested and ready to walk. The trail in southernmost Vermont is a strong contrast to the northernmost. The trail rises and falls often but usually only to climb a knoll and drop down the other sides to meet the next short climb up the next knoll. The trail is smoother; rock and roots dot and line the trail less frequently.   The ruggedness and long climbs of the north are far from here. This is my third hike through this section and it seemed new again somehow. The season is different, the direction had switched and it was at the end of a hike not the middle or beginning. The end of a hike brings more anticipation and I find myself wondering, ¢is this the hill? Will the sign be around this bend?¢ And I wonder it around every bend, on every hill. I look at everything with more attention. A watched hike never ends, do you suppose? If I could have watched it closely enough I might have hiked on through the infinite within every mile but I must have blinked and when my eyes opened I was at the wooded southern terminus of the Long Trail. It was a beautiful day, warmer and sunnier than most and I lingered a bit to take a photograph, have a snack and enjoy the day. As I pushed off I unwrapped an Atomic Fire Ball candy and popped it in my mouth. I¢d saved it for a couple days to be the one final treat before I returned to the world of convenience. Soon I was at the edge of that world, hiking past houses along the Pine Cobble Trail and once again wondering where the end was. As I stepped off the trail onto the road I turned to see my girlfriend Sharon walk towards me from the car.
Date: 2003-01-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've slowly been informing friends and family of my intentions to start over again at Springer Mountain in a little over a month and none have tried to have me committed yet! It's really easy to prepare for this hike as I have almost everything needed to get started except for the first days' food supply. I'm not planning on very many mail drops until after Harpers Ferry due to my experiences last year. Two friends are taking me down during the last week in February so that I can be ahead of the hiking crowd that I expect at Springer during that first weekend in March. They will catch up rapidly I'm sure. See ya up the Trail.
Date: 2003-03-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Helen, Ga.
Miles today: 9.4

I woke up about 4:00 cold in my sleeping bag and stayed that way until I got up about 7:00. The condensation on the fly of my tent was frozen. It was hard to get going in the cold and we didn't hit the trail until 9:30. Adam and Tim had maildrops in Helen so I decided to go in with them. We reached Unicoi Gap about 2:45 and caught a ride in less than ten minutes. The guys were impressed by the town. An early supper was at Wendys and then we had a few beers at an Irish pub. Early night as we will try to leave town early in the morning to get to the next shelter ahead of expected rain.
Date: 2003-03-08
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I spent a miserable night with the cold I had. I was running a fever and finally had to take some clothes off and pull my sleeping bag hood off. Morning finally came and we left the shelter about 9:00. It was a good walk today, not too difficult. We stopped for lunch at Standing Indian Mountain and talked to two hikers from Raleigh. By 4:00 we had reached the shelter. Same crew here tonight and Trapper from Michigan.   Still feel lousy with the cold but putting in the miles. Goodnight Rod.
Date: 2003-03-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rainbow Springs Campground
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: broken clouds

Another rough night with the cold. We improved our time on getting ready and left the shelter by 8:30. The big climb today was Albert Mountain, which we managed to summit a little before noon.   I knew I wasn't feeling good and Albert kicked my butt. By 3:30 we had reached Wallace Gap and I went down the road to Rainbow Springs Campground.   Adam and Tim went a little further so they could get to Franklin on Monday for their mail drops.   I got to the campground to find new owners had taken over.   Service was great and the bunkhouse was cleaner than I had ever seen it. My cold has steadily gotten worse so I'm staying here until it improves.   With me in the bunkhouse are David and Trapper. Goodnight Max.
Date: 2003-03-10
From: Rainbow Springs Campground

To: Rainbow Springs Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up feeling terrible again. After breakfast the new owner Phil took David, Trapper, and me to Franklin. I got lots of cold medicine at Kmart and a new water filter at the outfitter store. David and Trapper stayed in town to eat and I came back to the bunkhouse and went to bed. Feeling just a little better this evening.   The owners here have been really helpful and concerned with my health. I highly recommend the new Rainbow Springs Campground to hikers. They will even accept mail drops and will shuttle to Franklin.   Hope I feel good enough to hit the trail tomorrow. The weather is great and I want to make some miles before the next rain. Goodnight Alex.
Date: 2003-03-11
From: Rainbow Springs Campground

To: Bartram Trail Junction
Miles today: 11.3

Although I didn't feel any better this morning, I decided to leave the campground. After about 8 miles, I knew I had made a mistake. My body is totally exhausted and I ache all over. I still made pretty good time with Trapper setting the pace. We got to our campsite about 4:30 and I immediately got my tent up and laid down inside it. Tinman, from Myrtle Beach, is also here. David and Trapper are camped about 100 yards away.   About 5:00, a large group of hikers from Bowling Green State University, Ohio came in. There are three teachers and seventeen students. They are a real good group and fun to be around. I'm going to go to bed early and fight this cold. Goodnight Jana and Trent.
Date: 2003-03-12
From: Bartram Trail Junction

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

I awoke this morning still feeling bad. I decided to take my time and try to make it to the next shelter and stay there if I didn¢t feel any better. I was on my way by 8:00. I met David and Trapper at Wayah Bald Lookout for a break and hiked most of the day by myself. At 11:00 I stopped for a break. It's such a nice day that I took off my long underwear and hiked in my shorts. The break did me some good and my pace picked up. At 12:30 I stopped at Burningwood Gap for lunch and conversation with Lucky Day, a thru-hiker from Boone. After 30 minutes I moved on and shortly made it to Cold Spring Shelter. I was feeling pretty good so after a short conversation with Tinman, on I went. I reached Wesser Bald Shelter about 5:00 and David was there. Now I have a bad cough which should make for a miserable night. Goodnight Carl.P.S. Is Ron's Hostel at Telico Gap realy closed? I'll never tell!!
Date: 2003-03-13
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: broken clouds

Well, I slept just about three hours last night. With all my coughing, poor David didn't do much better. I was on the trail by 8:00 and made it to the NOC by 11:00. Instead of getting a room in the bunkhouse,I got the more expensive motel room. I didn't want to keep a room full of hikers up all night. The lady at the front desk took me to a convenience store up the road this evening and I was able to get some medicine for my cough. We'll see how it goes tonight. If I'm not doing much better tomorrow, it may be time to see a doctor. Goodnight Betty & Milton.
Date: 2003-03-14
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke this morning with a fever, sore throat, and hardly any voice so decided I needed to see a doctor. I called Carleen¢s aunt and uncle (Betty and Milton), who live just outside Chattanooga, Tenn. and they came to rescue me. By 3:30, I was in a doctor¢s office getting looked over. Tonight I¢m in a real bed with a killer cough syrup and a potent antibiotic. Hope to be better soon.
Date: 2003-03-18
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning Milton, his son Mark and I took off for the NOC. I felt good enough to get back to the trail. They dropped me off about 11:00 and soon I was hiking the steep trail out of town. It was cloudy but the rain held off. The cold is a whole lot better and didn¢t really affect my hiking. By 3:00 I made the shelter and decided that was enough for the first day back. Seven other hikers in the shelter tonight and two camped out. Goodnight Sharon and Mark.
Date: 2003-03-19
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The day started with a hard rainfall about 5:30 AM; then another hard rain at 7:00. I left the shelter about 8:00 and moved pretty good through the heavy fog and wet forest. I reached Stecoah Gap about 11:30 for lunch. I reached Brown Fork Gap Shelter about 1:30 and decided I felt good enough to move on. It looked like rain the rest of the afternoon but I made it to the shelter dry. Section hiker Andy, his wife, Margaret, and their dog Augie, were already at the shelter. A couple of light thunderstorms came through about dark but we stayed dry. Two more hikers came in after dark so the old shelter is mostly full. Goodnight Sandra and Allen.
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

Got started about 8:00 in a light rain. The rain continued for a couple of hours and a dense fog covered everything. Got to the main parking lot at Fontana about 11:00 and by noon I was in my room. I will stay here until Saturday to make sure I¢m over this cold. My biggest problem is whether or not the Federal Government is going to keep the dam open. It closed briefly this morning but is open again now.
Date: 2003-03-22
From: Fontana

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a ride back to the trail this morning from a section hiker who came by the restaurant. By 9:00 I was crossing Fontana Dam. We all were worried by rumors the Dam was going to be closed due to the ¢high¢ terror alert but when we went across not a single Dam official was around. Shuckstack Mountain was hard for me as I¢m still not 100% healthy and today I was either too cold or too hot while hiking. Reached Mollies Ridge Shelter around 3:30 so I¢m traveling pretty well. Andy cooked supper for me tonight, dumplings and chicken noodle soup. He¢s been renamed the ¢Dumpling King¢ because of his cooking expertise. Two new friends, John and Jack, 57-year-old twins from Georgia, made a fire in the shelter fireplace and almost smoked me out of my sleeping bag, but in the end they were unsuccessful. Everything I¢ve got will smell like smoke for days now. Goodnight Emily and Bill.
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Out of the shelter and on the trail at 8:00. I don¢t really know why, but the terrain was particularly hard on me today. Rocky Top was a hard, hard climb and after that my energy was gone for the day. I got to the shelter about 4:00 so I¢m still making good time. The weather has been perfect today, totally clear and sunny which means the night will be fairly cold. In bed as usual by 7:00. Good night, Sandra and A.K.
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

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

Long day planned so I got out by 7:30. By 11:30 I had reached Double Springs Gap Shelter for lunch. The sun was warm so I took an hour break. A young 2002 thru-hiker, Stealth, and I were visited by deer as we lounged around. After lunch, it was a tedious but beautiful climb to Clingman¢s Dome. It was the first time I had ever seen this area without fog and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Coming down the other side I was surprised to find patches of snow for a couple of miles. I reached the shelter by 4:30. The twins were already eating their supper¢¦instant grits! I chastised them for not having real grits like true southerners eat. The usual group here tonight plus several students on Spring break. In to Gatlinburg tomorrow. Good night, Dianne and Ed.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

Out by 7:45 with perfect weather and trail conditions. Got to Newfound Gap at 9:45 and was amazed by the number of vehicles in the parking lot. There was even a busload of Japanese tourists, every one of them with a camera taking pictures of the hikers. The twins were just getting ready to leave with their Aunt. She lives in Canton and promised me she would take good care of her ¢boys¢. A nice young lady, Angie, and her son Oren, took three of us to Gatlinburg in her truck. I hope some rest will get me back to full strength. Goodnight Jeanette and Don.
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Left Gatlinburg this morning with Sparky, Zapman, Princess, and CanMan. These are two married couples and they kind of let me tag along. The walk started today in a dense fog that finally started breaking up around Charlies Bunion. By 11:30 it was a beautiful clear day and the hiking was good. In this part of the Park, you walk above 5500 feet most of the day along a narrow ridge line making for spectacular scenery. My strength was good today and I reached the shelter at about 3:00. In bed by 7:00 with the usual crowd. Good night Paintbrush and Blue Heron.
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

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

All these ¢older¢ hikers keep waking me up earlier and earlier each morning. I was ready to leave by 7:45 today and almost the last one to leave the shelter. Naturally it was foggy again. The wind really picked up today and the fog finally burned off about 12:00. I stopped at Hell Ridge for lunch. The wind couldn¢t get to me and the sun was warm so I napped a little. After lunch the trail started leaving the higher elevations making for a rocky down hill walk. I got to the shelter about 3:00. Sparky and Zapman always get to the shelter before me and always have on clean clothes at the shelters. I get on them for being too clean and neat for thru-hikers. Ridge runner Jeremy, from Durham, has been with us for two days and gets along with us older hikers pretty well. In bed again by 7:00. Good night Pickle.
Date: 2003-03-29
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

The sunrise from the shelter was a beautiful sight to see this morning. I left about 8:00 and the sun was soon replaced by heavy fog. In some places visibility was about 20 feet. By 10:00 it was raining. I stopped in at Davenport Gap shelter for a break and something to eat out of the rain. By 11:00 I was out of the Park. A little after 12:30 I got to Standing Bear Farm. No heat but the shower was hot and the cabin I¢m in is dry. Liteshoe is also here tonight with the usual group I¢ve been traveling with. Goodnight Penny and Blaze.
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

SNOW! At least four inches at 6:30 this morning and about six inches by 9:00. We got up and made coffee and then went back to our sleeping bags to keep our feet warm. We got a ride about 11:00 to Newport, Tenn. and we¢re staying at the Best Western on I-40. This afternoon the twins, Jack and John, came in. They were at Cosby Knob shelter this morning and hiked out in 10 inches of snow. Don¢t know if we¢ll move out tomorrow or wait an extra day for the snow to melt some at the higher elevations. Good night Grey Owl.
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Standing Bear Farm

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

This morning I took the first load of hikers back to the trail about 7:30 while Joel slept in. Joel brought Dave and Patty and me to the trailhead about 9:30. He walked a little way up the trail with us and then said goodbye. It¢s always good to see my best trail friend and I¢m sure we¢ll see each other again soon. The trail was clear when we started but at about 3,000 feet it was covered in about 6 to 8 inches of wet slushy snow.   The walking was extremely tough as we slipped and slid up and down the trail. We reached the shelter about 1:30 and decided it was pointless to go further. As the day went on, more and more hikers came in. By night, over 20 people were in and around the shelter. A noisy night. Goodnight Dianne and Ed.
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Up early this morning and on the trail by 7:30. The snow melted throughout the night and traction was much better. It must have warmed up into the 70s during the day as we walked along. By 2:00 I had reached the shelter and the group and I spent a lazy afternoon. I¢m still traveling with Sparky and Zapman and Princess and St. Nick. They make for good company and even listen to my advice and wisdom once in a while.   After we went to bed at 7:00 a young Israeli hiker named Tunaet came in. He¢s a fascinating young man and very well mannered and pleasant to be around. Good night Sandra and AK.
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

We just keep getting up earlier and earlier. Up and out around 8:00 after wasting a lot of time. It was the warmest day so far, almost hot this afternoon. We got to the shelter about 2:00 and talked about going in to town, but decided to wait until tomorrow and get in early to treat it just like a zero day. Sparky, Zapman, and I are tenting out tonight to try to get a good night¢s sleep. About 3:00, the twins, Jack and John, came in. We haven¢t seen them since Monday morning in Newport when their Aunt came to get them. They give me a rough time but I enjoy having them around. Just before dark some young hikers came in. Most went on in to town but Kool-Aid Luke stopped for the night. He doesn¢t use a tent and slept under the stars. These kids out here are tough! Goodnight Rene.
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs 
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up and packing our bags at 5:15 this morning. By 7:30 we were at The Smoky Mountain Diner in Hot Springs waiting on breakfast. The day was spent getting a room, showering, washing clothes, shopping at The Outfitters and eating. We¢re leaving town tomorrow, the shortest time I¢ve ever spent in Hot Springs. Saw a lot of hikers I haven¢t seen in a while and caught up on a lot of trail gossip.
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Hot Springs 

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

I awoke to a pouring rain this morning. After breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner, my hiking buddies and I debated whether to stay in town or move on. After a trip to the Post Office we decided to leave town in the rain. It was a good decision because within 30 minutes the sun was peeking through. As the morning moved on it became a beautiful Spring day and the hiking was good. We arrived at the shelter early and by dusk there must have been a total of 20 hikers all around. Looks like the Trail will be crowded for a few days. In bed by 8:00.