morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Send off

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

OMG was it cold, we find out from the radio that it was a new record for cold, oh joy, I get up at 0730 and pack my gear, Dave-Chatterbox wakes and decides to accompany me. I learned the night before from Stan-Backtracker that there is a handy little store 5mi ahead at a small town called Suches and it is a mere 2mi off the trail, not too far for real food I'm thinking. We move along at pace and get to our little detour. Special at the Wolf...hamburgers. Nice. We start back to the trail and get a ride uphill straight away. At the trail head we meet Backtracker licking his chops and heading into Suches. Chatterbox decides to move out but I am suffering chaffing down south and the jet lag is hitting. I decide that I'm goona shoot for Neels gap to get a tent of some sort--my first 15+ mile day and I've got to cross Blood Mt. It turned into a stunning day and I was trying to forget the chaffing. The climb up Blood Mt. was tremendous lots of fine stone staircase work and views. I got to see and hear a vigorous Red Headed wood pecker-so beautiful and loud-it rang out across the valley. I got to the top and enjoyed some splendid views, which is not often the case. Going down was taking a toll on the mind and lower body and I was in serious chafe hell. To illustrate how slow I am going Backtracker catches me up on the down on Blood Mt. Which was just as well because we kept each other going and we knew the shop at Neels Gap would be closed. He said he had the number to a fellow who would come get us and give us rooms (for a price). The payphone at Neels Gap does not work so I pull the cell out and presto it works (thanks Troy). While we wait the temp drops like the stock market. Sweet mercy we get rooms-too late for dinner-and I jump in the shower. My chaffing is scary but is offset by the news that tonight will be colder than last night. I'm hugging my pillow. Love to you all.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Neels Gap

To: Goose Creek
Miles today: 0.0

Talk about going back a few years, this place is a serious Americana throw back to yester-year and it is just fab. Big ol' fire place and antiques galore. I'm still with Backtracker and we each got a basic cabin, I jump into the shower to get warm and wash my clothes. The amount of salt and smell is fairly impressive, I'm sure it will get worse with the heat. I treat my chaffing and eat a single spam slice given to me by my old Boss Col Reyes back in England-and it was good. I slept well and in the morning we managed to get a ride to a restaurant and have a seriously big breakfast, eggs, sausage, grits, hash browns, gravy and coffee, umm good. While we are eating it begins to snow, yes snow. As last night was not really a zero day, we immediately decide to spend the day chilling out. We get a ride back to Goose Creek and I opt to hitch up to the outfitter at Neel's and get my tent sorted out. I also need a new pair of trousers, size 34, down two sizes already. Did I mention that my starting weight at my cousin John's was 236? I'll let you know what the change is whenever I encounter a scale. So I'll sleep in a bed again tonight and we'll set out in the morning...out to see the wonderful wilderness of Awes!
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

Got a tent, some new trousers and Backtracker and I are off again. It's quite a cold day again but we feel confident and ready to walk. My chaffing is under control and we set out at a good pace. Stan-Backtracker is a fine fellow from Michigan and out on the trail to thru-hike this year. He retired from GM a few years ago and has had lots of time all along the trail in sections, but not yet attempted the whole stroll. We get along well and team up for the time being. It's good to hike with someone of the same temperament and pace.The terrain from Neel's to Low Gap at first seems fairly easy, but several consecutive up's follow each other and we slow down and are getting passed by a few hardy souls. What seems like a normal distance is no longer possible to judge out here. Being surrounded by mountains can be a bit bewildering and disorienting, but I like it. The ability to judge time and distance has not caught up with my enthusiasm yet.It's getting past my normal stopping time of 4pm and I'm getting a bit worried as we seem no closer to Low Gap after consulting the map. We are also running low on water. A few minutes later we encounter a sign indicating water 1.5 miles away. We are at the top of Wildcat Mt and Backtracker agrees to make the water run and we drop packs and stop for a few. I want to see if I can get signal on my cell so I can call back to England to see if my wife and children have arrived back from Italy safely.Presto- through the miracle of modern technology I am taking to my oldest son Conor and everyone is well. I speak to all my children and my wife and am relived all is well. The call lasts nine minutes and I am quite content. Backtracker returns with no water and is quite animated about the poor sign posting. I said I spoke to my family and am happy, let's push on. We finally arrive at Low Gap and thinking we did another 15 mile day, are laid a bit low to discover everyone else thought the same but it was in fact only 11--har.The area and shelter are quite busy. We set up tents, resupply water and head to the main camp area to eat and enjoy the fire. It's quite busy and a trail 'legend' Baltimore Jack is holding court. He is cooking a mountain of food and spinning stories a mile a minute. If I was not so tired I might have stayed on to hear a few more, but I am wrecked. Still trying to get used to the altitude and physical demands. Sleep comes slow and cold.Tomorrow Tray Mt.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 11.3

Great day out, still walking with Backtracker. Saw a few wild turkeys and enjoyed the sun and the walk today. The threat of rain followed us all day and it was not till 1730ish that it found us. Thanksfully it was only a short shower that lasted for a few minutes, however we did scamble to set up tents and hide. BT went off to get water and I started a fire which lasted the night. Bonnie and Clyde (Sally & Jesse) showed up and we all cooked dinner together and talked throught the night. Rain retuned with a mountain vengence and the wind tore through the area. I did not sleep well. I wake up early every morning and this was no exception. The difference was almost white out conditions where we were camped. We packed up and headed towards Dick's Gap.Feeling good and strong. Speedy recovery to my good friend Will Ludt in NH, may the good Lord keep you well.To all my family and friends I miss and love you all.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Addis Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Walked in miserable conditions of wind, rain and serious fog. Visibility less than 20 feet. Very difficult to use rain gear as it was just too warm, which induced sweating and damp which just started to go in circles till the body gets wore down and cold. Backtracker talked me into comming off the trail and heading for a room in Hawaissee.I'm gonna sleep well tonight.We should cross the border into the state of by birth, North Carolina, some time tomorrow. Hee Haw.Saw a really cool t-shirt: "Walk faster I hear banjo music"
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Walking in America's Backyard and crossed into NC today!!! (I also learned today that the first disk of pictures I sent to Chris R. did not arrive--stress bummer!!)It was a long eight miles to get to the imaginary line but what a great walk. Tremendous conditions on the trail and Backtracker and I were feeling good after a good night sleep and a steak dinner. Georgia was very kind to us. The people were great, the food good and the trail challenging. We also had three very handy instances of "trail magic" from some good old souls who will go to trail heaven (two jugs of cold water and fruit).At Muskrat Shelter it was quite full, BT and I were quite tired, so the minimum of setting up tents, eating and sleep off to the side on our own. Just then Bonnie and Clyde showed up and we decided to set a fire and enjoy the night. B & C cooked and amazing pasta dish so I took what was on offer and was so grateful I even washed the pots!Another fun day, my legs and feet do ache something fierce, but this trail is something to see!!Love to all.(Ailbhe- behave!!)
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: few clouds

Another really cold night. Along with the beautiful fire and very clear sky we should have known it was gonna get below 40 again. We set off early and tried to get warm and the up's did the job. Standing Indian Mountain was dreaded the night before but turned out to be one of the more pleasant hikes to date. This Mt. was the first to break 5000 feet, but the trail up to it was like a boulevard, very enjoyable. In fact just past the summit BT and I found some exposed flat rock and laid down for a spell in the sun--rock never felt so good!We really went through the gears to get to Betty Creek and were seriously tired after a real peach of a day. Betty Creek was in a nice low lying area with no wind (mercy) and a lovely water supply. We set up camp and started a fire when three, even more weary hikers joined us, Iceman, Suspect and ButterCup.Good chat and time staring into the fire, sleep was tugging at my eyes and legs so off to sleep I went...I swear a snoring bear keeps sleeping near my tent.From America's Backyard-ciao.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: broken clouds

Survived another Friday the 13th. Got up half an hour early to beat a storm system that was closing in (hard rain, high winds, heavy fog, poss snow...) all along the SE and heading to New England (and that looks even more serious). We decide to head to Franklin, NC which has the famous Ron Haven. He has two Motels and also picks up hikers from just about anywhere. BT and I studied the maps and figured we might as well get in a dozen or so miles before coming off the trail. Our first challenge was Albert Mt. which is a strange little spike scramble that defies explanation. For the most part it was a nice and easy hike on the day, until the last four miles. It's not that it was so steep or difficult, just up, up , up. We also out paced the rain--yahoo.Upon reaching Winding Stair Gap we encounter five other prudent hikers waiting for Ron. After 45 minutes I decide to get out my bandanna that has two sides {Hiker to Town - Hiker to Trail} and wha-bam a truck slams on the old brakes and we are away. Later on that night I am asked numerous times about obtaining the famous bandanna sign...I should have auctioned it off .Not much wildlife out yet that I have had the chance to see. Lots of birds, small rabits and chipmunks. Sorry still no bears.Also had our first taste of trail magic in NC today. After passing a chance to come off the trail four miles early we pass a nice mountain waterfall. I was in the lead today and at first thought I saw litter in the waterfall, but as we got closer I could make out several Capri Sun fruit drinks nestling in the waterfall. It was so good to drink that it almost took away the pain of the next few miles of up...thank you Trail Angel.BTW- Ron has a school bus and took us hikers at the motel to the Outfitter here in Franklin and to the Super Market to resupply, many thanks. Franklin is also well known for gem stones, but I did not find anything...From America's Backyard- Many thanks and love to all.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Great break in Franklin. Thanks for the shuttle service Ron. Good to see Bonnie & Clyde for lunch, laundry and dinner.It was a cold, crisp and very windy day. Some snow fell overnight and it was in the low 30s. BT and I started off from Winding stair gap and climbed Wayah Bald (5k). It was a nice easy hike and the sun was kind to us all day. The wind did remind us we had a cold night ahead. We settled down at Licklog Gap to a great view over a valley and set camp and a fire. I had chicken, ham and berries for dinner. I am in good health and feeling strong, 14 miles tomorrow...MikeSomewhere between Georgia & Maine in America's Backyard.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Licklog Gap

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter, NC
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Happy Birthday to my son Conor, 17 today. I know you are taking good care of your mother and three siblings-thanks.Another gorgeous day out here in America's Backyard. Two ups that were over 5k. Lots of tough downs on the knees and feet. Saw two white tail Does skipping along on the opposite side of the mountain. Briefly spoke to my friend and mentor Ock on the phone (thanks for helping Caitriona). He does not understand why we keep coming off the trail and getting rides and all that. Good question. We run out of food cause killing animals for food out here is illegal I'm told. Plus most towns are about 10 to 20 miles from the Trail so instead of jogging those miles with 40lbs on the back, we hitch. Ock is a simple man, 'nuff said.MikeSomewhere between Georgia & Maine
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter, NC

To: Just past Simp Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Rain, and lots right now at 2000hrs. Great day overall. Resupplyed at NOC an resisted going into town (thanks Ock). Got a package from Orbis with two really cool t-shirts, memory chip and a big New York cookie (thanks Chris). We did enjoy breakfast and lunch while recharging and resupplying. We left NOC at noon and had miles of up to get through. By 1800 we went past the shelter but decided to go on as it was so nice out. By 1900 there was no camping area per what we normally see and yep it started to rain (in the mountains it also snows without notice). Very light at first of course, then we came to Locust Gap with four tents and a fire burning and all hikers in tents. As we were soaked already we decided to push ahead and figured we were making miles so what the hell. Finally a break in the rain and we found a tight opening right on the trail and hastly made camp.Get yourself a t-shirt at orbis.org\seemikehike - make a gift for someone to see!zzzzzzCondolences to the families and friends of those killed at Virginia Tech.MikeSomewhere between Georgia & Maine
Date: 2007-04-19
From: just past Simp Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Did not sleep well last night-very cold and the rain hammered down-even listened to a Braves vs. Cubs game to get to sleep, but even that did not help. Long day of a very long up, up, up. From NOC (1740) to Cheoah Bald (5062) was a killer, almost 7 miles of up. The sun played peek-a-boo all day so BT and I struggled. No dinner last night was a mistake and we were dying with no fuel in the tank. I had an early lunch of tuna and sunflower seeds but still moved slow all day. We stopped early because we were in pain and exhausted. Tomorrow it's five miles to Fontana Dam where we'll spend the night, resupply for five days, register as thur-hikers and head into the Smokies. Apparently one can only sleep in the shelters unless there're full and then only close by. That is gonna be tough for us as we normally avoid the shelters as they are crowded and noisy. Oh well, off to sleep.MikeSomewhere between Georgia & Maine
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

BT and I walked a short 1.5 miles from the Marina to the Dam so we can move out in the morning (his bright idea){http://www.tapocolodge.com/fontana/}. BTW, it is the largest dam on the east coast, really huge to see on the ground.Backtracker and I are preparing for the Smokies today with a little rest, repair and resupply. This will be the longest stretch to date of almost 70+ miles before our next chance to resupply. We will also summit the highest peak on the AT, Clingman's Dome (http://www.clingmansdome.com/), on Tuesday, should be WOW as the weather is supposed to be kind this week.I'll try and keep up the journal via my Pocketmail device, but coverage is spotty and my ability to send is dependent on a good signal.Looking forward to getting 'high' in the Smokies. Pictures of the second and third week should be on the site by mid-week.Thanks to all for the emails and and guest book notes of encouragement. Lots of love to all-
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Entered into the mighty Smokies on a glorious sunny day that maintained 70+ all day, my first real sweat. It was tough leaving Fontana Village with its nice rooms and good food, it was a great break and resupply point! BT and I did not get as far as we wanted today (we planned 14), the ups and extra weight saw to that. The day slipped past as we found the shelter and it was empty (since then three others have arrived) so a quiet night hopefully (but we can already hear the shelter mice). Ailbhe I hope you are behaving a bit better. I miss you all.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Most of the day spent in the up mode above 5k. Rocky Top was spectacular with 360 degree views. Thunderhead and Mineral Gap added to the gained elevation and sweat. That was offset by lovely alpine meadows showing beautiful little flower heads just coming out. Another fine day of weather in the high 70s. Hopefully the local NPR radio station from Knoxville, TN is wrong about the thunderstorms for tomorrow...The shelter is full of a lively group of high honors students from Madison, WI. so I tented. Good luck to them.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started the morning with rain and thankfully it slacked off. Clingman's Dome loomed in the distance but we could not see it due to the mist, fog and/or clouds. BT did not get a good nights sleep in the shelter with all the kids, I did sleep well in my tent (which one can do when the shelter is full in the Smokies). It ended up being a very tough day on the legs, knees and back. Clingman's Dome is a bit of a tease as it has two false summits, and I fell for both thinking I was at the summit each time much to Backtracker's amusement. The rain forest all around Clingman's Dome is impressive, but heavily damaged from the recent storms. Whole trees have been uprooted, which you'll have to wait for the photos to see. The trail maintainers are gonna be busy this summer.. I'll sleep well tonight. On a silly note I managed to surf a rock today without busting my butt, and it livened me up real quick like. In the funny video department...we saw a wild turkey today that decided to follow Backtracker, when I noticed it I captured it on video; enjoy it in about a week. Gear trouble-I managed to pop loose the right shoulder harness on my Gregory pack on our first break as I took it off (curses), however I was able to use some cord to rig it back to wearable condition. I've called my blues bro Jeff to send my light pack to Hot Springs.Dream it. Build it. Sing it.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Mt. Collins Shelter 

To: Peck's Corner
Miles today: 14.0

4.5mi to Newfound Gap and presto Trail Magic from Curious George and Rebel (WAC)-- sausage biscuits and OJ. The Park Service was changing signs and I took the opportunity to get a quick happy snap with the stateline sign. Lots and lots of up. Temperature was a perfect 70 all day with nice breaks in the rhododendron patch's and pines. The ups and downs varied between 500-1000 feet, playing the elevation roulette between 5100 and 6200 all day. I am happy, but beat!
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Peck's Corner

To: Crosby Knob
Miles today: 14.0

A hard rain is gonna fall. Rain was correctly forecasted to storm and it did. I feel like a spotted salamander. My rain gear did the business and kept me dry but my hands are like big white prunes and while it was ok walking, its getting very damp-ishly cold.So most of the day was spent head down and walking into the wind and rain. Time to get some food down.Excitement in the shelter. A ranger has rolled in for the night loaded for bear. According to the register last night a bear came to the shelter late afternoon and would not leave, even with yelling and throwing of rocks. The bear paced back and forth in front of the shelter most of the night. So we have a ranger for the night (a former Marine no less). He has a shotgun as a last resort and lots of other fireworks to scare the bear back into the woods. According to the ranger someone (read idiot) has recently fed the bear, so it came back for more. Anyway the rangers job is to scare off the bear back into the woods. Hopefully I'll have little to report on this in the morning (late edit-nothing came of it and the night was quiet).I passed the 220 mile point today and with just eight miles tomorrow, I leave the Smokies. It has been a tough slog but I have enjoyed it considerably. The views and vistas are beyond words really. It is just too huge and should be seen by all.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Crosby Knob

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the night at Standing Bear Farm. It has a very rustic setting that was very pleasant and friendly. The host, Curtis, was very amenable to us weary hikers. We stayed in a 16 bunk hostel. About 10 of us descended on the farm from the Smokies. Seven of the gang were intent on going to Hot Springs for Trail Fest. BT and I wanted a shower and food. I received a nice package from my walking friend, Kat, that had all kinds of great food treats-merci buckets! I went into town with Grant who was staying at the farm to get wood and some BBQ. UMM Good! The evening turned warm and sunny and we dried out all of our wet gear. Lightweight, Popeye, KC, Pogo and a few more convinced Curtis to give them a ride to TF 35 miles away. The rest of the night was spent in front of the fire ring spinning tales. I awoke to a nice sunny day and prepared to set out on a mostly up 14 miler, we are 30 miles from Hot Springs and want to get there by Monday, so two 14s and breakfast and resupply on Monday it is. The day gradually cooled and became overcast with the temp dropping alarmingly into the 40s. Then rain. About 10 miles into the day we came to Brown Gap and found three large marquee tents and a sign saying, "Welcome Thru-Hikers". Epic trail magic was on offer by Ox and Suches (AT 97 & 98). They had set up for the entire weekend to cook 3 meals a day for hikers. We gorged on burgers, beans, chips, cakes, cookies, fruit and just about anything you could think of. It was tough to leave and harder to return to the rain. Finally around 4pm the rain stopped and the sun showed its rays as we stood atop Max Patch.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Roaring Fork Shelter after a good nights sleep in my tent. The day was warm and bright. Our initial plan was to do another 14 miles and stage just outside of Hot Springs at Deer Park Shelter. However BT and I were feeling good and at about noon we decided to go for the town. The trail was mostly flat with a few gentle up and downs, until the end, the last two miles were a long down slog at the end of the day. My legs were shot by the time we hit town. I hustled over to Bluff Mt. Outfitters to pick up my pack Bev & Jeff sent. Fortunately the proprietor, Mr. Gallager, was able to make a call and secure us a place (Springbrook Cottages, which I recommend) that had rooms as the town was still heaving with hikers from Trail Fest. Real food for dinner at the fine Bridge Cafe, and yes lots of it! Now that my belly is full I'm off to the Land of Nod.Tomorrow is repair, resupply and rest.