morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I feel like this entry should have a warning: May contain whining, proceed at your own risk! This was by far my worst day on the trail. Most days I marvel at the wonders that surround me. This day I wondered what the heck I was thinking making this hike. I had been warned that there would be days like this. Jim dropped me off at Stecoah Gap at about 8:20 and I immediately started uphill and it stayed that way for about 5 miles. I started to think maybe its not possible to outsmart the mountain. It was kind of fun to pass everybody who I had met along the way heading north while I was heading south. Several were a little concerned that they were going the wrong way. The hiked today just seemed long and hard for a slackpacking day. Jim walked in from the NOC and met me when I had about 3 miles to go. I was glad to see him. I did see a wild turkey today. I was hiking along and heard something bigger than a squirrel in the bushes and thought I might see my first bear but it turned out to be a turkey. Naturally, I didnt have a camera ready. We finished that part of the trail and headed to the NOC for another delicious burger. I thought dinner would energize me to make it the 2.4 more miles up Jacobs Ladder. It did not! It was starting to get overcast and late as we headed back to Stecoah Gap. It started to rain and got cold by the time we got there. I honestly thought about staying in the car and heading back to Fayetteville with Jim. I sat in the car and looked up that mountain and tried to will myself to get moving. I was mad at myself for putting myself in the position of having to make this climb this late in the day. I had a brief meltdown that I am ashamed to say involved tears. Jim promised me before I started this hike he would never encourage me to quit even if I wanted to. To his credit he kept that promise. He encouraged me out of the car and carried my pack most of the way up that mountain. Like most things in life the anticipation was much worse than the actual deed (said the girl not carrying her own pack!!)We got to the shelter at about 6:20 and there was still room at the inn. I didnt have to pitch my tent. I shared the shelter with Moose, Homeward Bound, Double Nickle and Konso. It was a good crowd. So today I learned that I can do more than I think I can and I should trust God to see me through. Today I am thankful for lessons learned along the trail and a husband who will carry my pack uphill and not let me quit.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana AT Crossing
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

The night in the shelter was okay. I was able to get up and out early since I didnt have to take my tent down.The walk today went well. The terrain was probably equally up and down and I had a view of Fontana Lake most of the way. It was a whole new day on the trail and I was glad to be here today. I started seeing the dam at about 1:20 but it took me until at least 2:30 to wind my way down the mountain to it. I reached the courtesy phone at Fontana Lake and called the Hike Inn for a pick up. Double Nickle arrived not long after me and we rode togethor to the inn. The people at The Hike Inn were super nice and it was great to meet them. Nancy showed me to my room and came in to show me how the tv worked. When she put the TV on we learned that there had been a bombing at the Boston Marathon. It had just happened but the horror of the situation got worse as we learned how many people had been injured or killed. Nancy did my laundry and drove us into Robbinsville to get groceries and eat dinner. When we got home Jeff shared his knowledge of The Smokeys with us before we headed to bed. It was gerat to meet both Jeff and Nancy. Today Im thankful for friendly motel hosts that I meet along the trail.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Fontana AT Crossing

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

We got dropped off at the lake at about 8:45 and the trail started immediately uphill (what a surprise, huh??) but it leveled out as we got closer to the dam. I took a litte detour and headed to the shelter instead of the dam. Have I mentioned I am directionally challenged yet? Luckily, I ran into Ferdinand (like the bull) who was leaving the shelter and he got me turned around. We crossed Fontana Dam. That was pretty cool. Right after the dam we entered the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the REAL uphill started. Jeff from the Hike Inn told me the hard part was behind me and the Smokeys would be easier than anything we had done so far. I disagree. The Smokeys kicked my butt. The day was very warm but the weather was great. I probably didn't appreciate it enough based on what i had to look forward to. I stopped for the night at Mollie's Ridge Shelter. It was a nice shelter with a fireplace inside. Most of the shelters in the Smokeys are nice with fireplaces. It was a great crowd at this shelter with a good mix of young and old, section hikers and thru hikers. They already had a fire going in the firepit when I arrived and two of the section hikers had carried in marshmallows to share with everybody. They were appreciated by all. The wind started to pick up and the clouds rolled in. We all watched the sky hoping it would blow over. No such luck. First it started to pour then hail and thunder and lightning. We all ran for the shelter. At the shelter today were John (Doggie Daddy), Double Nickle, Uke, Bobsled, Lttle Engine and the section hikers plus a few others. It was a long hard day but it was a good day. Today Im thankful for good people to share a shelter with on a rainy thundery night.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today started out great. The terrain was fairly evenly split between up and down. The shelters in the Smokeys are pretty close togethor so they make good stopping points for breaks and to grab a snack. The afternoon was mostly uphill. We climbed over Rocky Top but there was no view because of the clouds. For at least half the day I had the Rocky Top song running through my head. The flies and gnats have started to get bad. I'm pretty sure I got some extra protein today by inhaling or swallowing a few gnats. We also climbed over Thunderhead. It started to rain after thunderhead and I could hear thunder off in the distance. The thought of being on a mountain in a thunderstorm really stresse me out but fortunately I didn't have to deal with that today. It rained for about 1.5 hours and I was pretty soaked. After the rain stopped the wind increased which helped to dry everyhthing out. By the time I reached Derrick's Knob I was almost dry. The shelter was already crowded but I was able to secure a spot. It was a whole different crowd at the shelter tonight, much younger and rowdier. Double Nickle decided to move on but I knew I wouldnt make the 5 miles to the next shelter before dark so i stayed put. It wasn't a fun night. The weather for Friday is suppose to get bad, rain and possible severe thunder storms, so I started to think about getting picked up at Clingmans Dome instead of Newfound Gap.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Derrick's Knob Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 10.3

I woke up early to try to beat the weather today. No such luck. The wind was already howling and it was pretty cold. It was also foggy. I bundled up in my hat and gloves and started down the trail. I was buffeted by the wind the whole way. I havent had a cell signal for a day and a half so I stopped occassionally to try to text Jim. I usually try to text him at the end of every day and I wanted to let him know I was going to try and get in to Gatlinburg early. I finally got a signal and was able to make arrangements for a pick-up at Clingman's Dome. I walked through a lot of beautiful old growth forest as I gained altitude and headed towards Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT. I didn't have great views because of the fog. I feel like I have missed all the great views of the Smokys because of the weather. As you get closer to the top there are parts of the trail were the actual trail is very narrow and the ground on either side is about mid calf almost like your walking in a rut. I came out on the windy side of the mountain and was in one of these ruts when a big gust of wind caught me just right and blew me over. Once again I found myself rolling around on the ground trying to get out from under my pack. Not fun! Made it to Clingmans Dome about 2:00 and decided to check out the observation deck. The skies had cleared a little so I had a bit of a view but the wind was horrible. Can't imagine what it looks like on a clear day. I made my way to the parking lot to wait for my ride. I was picked up by Vesna from A Walk in the Woods. It was a very nice drive down the mountain with a very knowledgable guide. Vesna was full of interesting facts about the Smokys. The Smoky Mountains really are an amazing place even though I am not a fan of the weather.Went to my hotel in gatlinburg, got cleaned up and headed to Calhoun's for dinner. John had recommended Calhoun's to me early in the week. It was delicious. after dinner I sat on a bench downtown and talked to Jim to iron out our plans for the weekend. While I was there John drove by heading to Calhoun's. He had decided to come in out of the weather too. Today I am thankful for knowledgable tour guides and touristy towns along the trail to escape from the rain.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Clingman's Dome

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

So glad to be in Gatlinburg on this rainy dreary day. Had a great breakfast at the Clarion and sat with a lady who was playing in the bridge tournament in town this weekend. Learned all kinds of interesting facts about bridge tournaments. Who knew bridge could be such a big deal? I even had a hard time finding a cab to get me from my hotel to our weekend cabin because all the bridge players were monopolizing the cabs. Apparently bridge is big business. I wandered around Gatlinburg in the rain and had a great lunch of baked ziti and the very best garlic rolls ever at a little italian restaurant. Its differnet wandering in the rain when you know you will be able to get dry again immediately. I headed to our cabin to wait for my family to come for a visit. Another zero day tomorrow with the family!
Date: 2013-04-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the night in a lovely cabin with my wonderful family (except for Laura and Dana, who were really missed!!) Drove in to Gatlinburg and shopped and ate lunch at The Smoky Mountain Brewery. Then back to the cabin for some relaxation and catching up on my journal. Had a call from Laura while we were driving home so we didnt have to miss her for that 10 minutes. Today I am thankful for days off the trail to spend with my family.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Clingman's Dome

To: Ice Water Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Great day today. Enjoyed breakfast out with my family and headed back to Clingman's Dome. The park was busy this Sunday Morning. I started up the trail while my family went to check out the observation tower at Clingman's Dome. Then they drove to the rendezvous point at Newfound Gap and started walking in towards me. The trail on my end was great with just gradual ups and downs. Unfortunatly for my family they had the uphill walk today. I met Dr. Evil along my walk today and we enjoyed good conversation until I met up with the family. I had a great hike with my family for the last three miles. What a difference it makes when you have good company. When we arrived at Newfound Gap there was trail magic waiting for me. I enjoyed a sandwich and chips provided by Mark and Wendy Booth, AKA Godspeed and Mountain Momma. These trail angels have a great story and I am so glad they shared it with me. Godspeed and his son started on a thru hike several years ago. Godspeed contracted giardia somewhere in VA and had to leave the trail. Godspeed encouraged his son to go on without him but after an attempt the son decided he started with his dad he wanted to finish with his dad. Soon after the son got home it was discovered he had a brain tumor and had he stayed on the trail he probably would not have gotten the help he needed. The prognosis was not good but the Booth's being faithful people told the Doctors to do what they do and they would do what they do-Pray. Prayers were answered and several years later their son is alive and well.God has truly blessed this family and now they pay it forward by providing trail magic to thru hikers whenever they can. The Booth's are truly a great couple and i am so glad I got to meet them. I had sad news while I was eating my sandwich. John (Doggie Daddy) came by to tell me he had developed knee trouble and would be heading home to get it taken care of. He is one of my favorite people I have met along the way and I hope he makes it back. I said good bye to my family and headed towards Ice Water Shelter. It was a gradual uphill so not too bad. Got to the shelter about 4 and it seemed to be a good crowd. Today I am thankful to share the trail with my family and for answered prayers and the stories of great witness I hear along the way. Prayers are going out for Doggie Daddy for a speedy recovery.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Today I took my time and enjoyed my walk since I knew I only had 10.7 miles to cover today. It was a beautiful day. We literally walked down the mountain and back into spring today as we headed out of the Smokys. You could see the changes the lower we went. Its wild flower time in the Smokys and there are many varities, some I have never seen before. Passed a very nice young ranger and took the time to explain the fiasco we had at the shelter over the Smokys reservation policy. He listened politely and explained why they do waht they do. After arriving at the hostel later that day and comparing notes with my fellow hikers I learned that poor ranger heard from almost everybody who had been at that shelter that night. Poor guy. Not sure it will help but I'm sure he got the point. I was thrilled to walk out of the Smokys. The Smokys were hard and the weather not great. To be honest,except for several very beautiful vistas I think the scenery outside of the Smokys has been better than in the park. The two miles from the exit of the Smokys to the hostel were beautiful. I followed and crossed over several times a lovely babbling stream that cascaded down a waterfall several times. Everything was very lush and green and the wild flowers were spectacular. Butterflies fluttered all over the place. I arrived at Standing Bear Hostel at about 2:30. Its a very quaint rustic looking place. A stream actually runs directly under one of the cabins. I was able to get one of the last few bunks available in the bunk house. I'm just going to say Stading Bear Hostel was a very interesting experience for my first hostel and leave it at that. Today Im thankful for Spring and lovely spring wild flowers.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Max Patch Bald
Miles today: 12.6

After my stay at Standing Bear I decided I needed a break from the trail. I actually briefly considered whether I wanted to stay on the trail at all. Nothing specifically bad happened at the hostel it just wasnt an atmosphere I was comfortable with and one of the people I had to deal with there was very creepy. I have since talked to several people who had similar experiences there. Made me question if I was really were I needed to be and doing what I needed to be doing. Rain was expected for several days anyway. I called Jim and asked him to pick me up at the next road crossing which was Max Patch Rd. I walked through the rain all day. It was okay though because I knew I would be warm at the end of the day. Jim and Apollo (my granddog) picked me up at about 6 that night. I got lots of kisses from Apollo
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Max Patch Bald

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: light rain

Had a great few days at home. Got to enjoy some of the Dogwood Festival that takes place in Fayetteville every year. Fayetteville is beautiful in the spring. I'm glad I got to enjoy some of the spring flowers. My sister Harriet volunteered to drive me back to Hot Springs. We arrived and explored the tiny little town. It is an adorable little town that sits on the French Braod River. We were able to get a cottage at Spring Brook Coattages. Rooms were in short supply because there has been so much rain. I was surprised at how many people were still in town after my few days away. I thought I would be hiking with a whole new group of people. The cottages were very nice and sit right on a stream. We had a little deck out back that looked over the stream. We ate dinner at The Iron Horse Station. We got up early on Sunday and headed to Max Patch. It was an interesting drive. My sister doesn't drive on curvy mountain raods so it took us two hours to get there. The rain didnt help the situation. She made the comment that her making it to the top of Max Patch Road and back was going to be the equivalent of me making it to Katahdin, lol. It did almost take as long, hahaha. I walked all day in pouring rain. 20+ miles in the rain. It was a long day. I got back to Hot Springs at around 6 and was glad to have a nice warm cottage to dry out in. I was too tired to walk for food so I ate in my room that night. Today I am thankful for all my sisters who encourage me on my journey. Thanks for driving up that mountain for me, Harriet!
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Hot Springs

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

Today was a short day. My shoes were still not dry from my walk in the rain yesterday but I had no choice but to wear them. I had a delicious breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner where I ran into several people who had been hanging around Hot Springs waiting for the rain to subside. Took my time getting started since I only had 11 miles to travel. You cross over the French Broad River as you leave Hot Springs. It was really raging today after all the rain. The trails follows along the banks for a little while before it heads up the mountain. Its a very pretty walk. Stopped at Lovers Leap to take a few pictures. Pitched my tent at Spring Mountain Shelter. Have decided to avoid the shelters between Hot Springs and Erwin in hopes of avoiding the dreaded norovirus that is apparently running rampant on the trail. Had a little rain in the night but I stayed dry.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Today was an interesting day. Sometimes I get tired of journaling becasue every day is so similar to the one before. I missed my first turn on the trail today and ended up going about 40 minutes out of my way. Not a good thing when you have a long uphill day ahead already! I arrived at a lovely little water fall with signs posted all over "private property." Realized I hadnt seen a white blaze in awhile. Started to back track which, naturally was a steep uphill. Saw another hiker heading towards me who had missed the same turn. Made me a feel a little better that I wasnt the only one who missed it. I was glad to be able to save him the long uphill walk. We backtracked enough to find the white blaze that seemed pretty obvious when your paying attention. Got back on the right track. I have met several knew hikers over the last few days, Tutu, rerun, Max and Sara. Left camp around 8 oclock to get started. It was a nice downill start to the day. Of course we had to pay for that later. Miles 289-294 were pretty much a grueling straight uphill hike. There is a lookout tower at the top of the mountain but it would have been an extra .2 miles uphill and I didnt think it was worth another step of uphill so I passed on by. I heard from a few hikers it wasnt worth the walk. It was exhausting and hot. The trail leveled out a bit until we hit Big Firescald Bald. Holy Cow!! This is where it got interesting. There was alot of climbing and rock scrambling getting over Big Firescald Knob. You really had to carefully maneuver each step. There was one place that I had to inch over the edge of a rock and descend about five feet below that I was afraid my pack on my back was going to push me over the edge as it bumped the rock behind me. It was quite challenging but very fun. Not your usual trudge uphill. It did seem to go on forever and slowed your pace down a lot. The views from the top were worth every step. You look down on a very pretty, very green valley below. Arrived at Jerry Cabin Shelter about 6:30. It was a long day.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

Today was a good day but one of those days that there isnt a lot to write about. I did pass a random cemetary in the middle of the trail today and a grave marker of a former thruhiker who's ashes are scattered on that mountain. Made me think how important that hike must have been to that hiker to want his ashes scattered there. Sat and ate lunch at a beautiful breezy meadow along highway 212 with several other hikers. I also saw my first snake today. He was laying along a tree root across the trail and blended right into the root. Luckily I was walking uphill slowly and he heard me coming right before I saw him. He slithered off into the woods. Walked through lots of pretty wild flowers agin too. When I arrived at Hog Ridge Shelter Why Not 2K was making arrangements for a shuttle into Erwin from Sams Gap for the next day. It wasnt in my plans but I couldnt resist the idea of a hot shower so opted in. So, Im off to Erwin tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Sams Gap
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: clear sky

This is what is called a nero day, not a zero day but close. Got up and packed up early. I am always ready to go when I know I can get a shower and real food.It was a really easy walk to Sams Gap but I did have to stop along the way and put my rain cover on my pack because it rained a little. Started thinking going into Erwin early was a good decision. The shuttle from Johnnys Hostel picked us up at 10 and I was checked into the Holiday Inn by 10:30. This Holiday Inn is my favorite hotel so far. Very hiker friendly. They had laundry detergent and quarters readily available for laundry onsite. When I was ready for dinner I went to the desk to ask if there was food close enough to walk to and the friendly desk person produced a menu for a restaurant that delivered. Perfect! Had some delicious spaghetti and a salad from Rocky's Pizza. Salad, what a treat!They also have an awesome hot breakfast. Now I have to decide how Im going to make up the miles between Sams Gap and Erwin.