morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Stecoah Gap 

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 63.0
Weather: clear sky

Got a shuttle out of Robbinsville and started the trail again at 9:20.The trail was still covered with a lot of snow. It tested my knees all day long with the sideways slipping and sliding. Decided to push all the way to Fontana. Met some people on the trail that are working on their 18th year of hiking the trail. They will finish next year so they are done before the 20 year mark. They ended up giving us a ride into the village. Thanks Liz, Bill and crew.Saw a bees' honeycomb in a tree today, with closer inspection saw that it was old and no bees or honey, it was still interesting to see. Also got a couple pictures of it. Everyone coming into Fontana has their story of how they lived out the snow storm. Many of them make my day seem like nothing.-----------------------------Note from Rolling Stone--Daily miles today was really 14, added more as a plug so that total miles equals the A/T mile marker. (We've lost a couple of her entries early in her hike, which Socks needs to resend.)
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Fontana Dam

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

Caught the 9 am shuttle out of Fontana. Started from the Dam at 9:20. We had been hearing about how hard the hike up Shuckstack would be.Up 2400 feet of elevation in 3 miles.Now ended up at 4570 elevation. It was a long hard day of climbing most all the way. Here at Mollies Ridge with Crawler, Lenox, Cuppa Joe, Break a Leg, Sowega, Tater, Wolfhound, August, Packman, Feeling Free and a couple of section hikers.Now with daylight savings time we have an extra hour of light in the afternoon before bedtime. Was worried about coming out into the Smokies because another storm is coming on Wed. night and Thurs. Hopefully the temps will stay up so it doesn't snow again.Having a little trouble with my bad ankle after slipping around in the snow the other day. It just seems to get sore and tight after walking for about 4 hours, that makes the last 3 or 4 hours unpleasant. Hope it settles down soon but with the longer days ahead I doubt it. Guess it will be time to break out the vitamin I [Rolling Stone: Ibuprofin]. Hope to make Derrick Knob tomarroww, that will be 11.7 miles. Better go get dinner cooked.
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter 

To: Derricks Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.7

Today we started off with great trail conditions because some of the trails allow horses. The trail was wide and easily grated with lots of switchbacks. As soon as the horse trail went another way we were back to regular AT trail, roots, rocks, mud and running water in the trail.Some really great views today, got some great pics. Sowega was close so we took each other's pictures. Today was billed as a ridge walk but it really tested our bodies. That last hill to the shelter was a killer again. Still haven't seen much wildlife. There was this bird that was so synchronized with its song that at first I thought it was an alarm or a cell phone.We have a full shelter here tonight.Thunderstorms are suppose to come in tonight and rain tomorrow. Day after tomorrow I should hit the 200 mile mark we just went under 2000 miles to Mt. Katahdin in Maine.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Derricks Ridge Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Did a short day today in hopes that Clingmans Dome the highest point on the AT will be clear tomorrow. The miles here were not too difficult but I was really out of breath. I think it has something to do with the altitude.When we approached the top of the last ridge the trees were really broken off and small. It's because of all the strong winds. We mostly all got here by 1pm, so built a fire and just enjoyed the company. Later this afternoon a bunch of people came in who had done a 17 mile day. I only knew 2 of them before so lots of new faces. There are 14 in the shelter and 4 tenting.Tomorrow I will head into Gatlinburg for resupply, shower and laundry.People have been joking and laughing a lot the past few days and it is very therapeutic. Today is three weeks on the trail, it doesn't seem like that long as one day seems to blend into another. Will try and call the family from the top tomorrow. Hope everyone is fine. Thanks for the messages Debbie and the Tyvek is working great.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Double Spring Gap

To: New Found Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Today was up and over Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT.It felt like quite an accomplishment and today also put the mileage over 200. The views on the way up were amazing. The clouds would come and go and some would settle in the lower valleys. It had rained again early in the morning so the air was fresh and the birds were singing.There was a long 7 miles down off the mountain with water, mud, ice and snow which still hadn't melted from the storm on Saturday.There was a guy giving out trail magic at Indian Gap. He said from Trail Days in Damascus he planned to follow the crowd north and help wherever there was a need. I'm in Gatlinburg,TN tonight. I got resupplied, did laundry, fuel and socks from the outfitter and dinner.Will head out again tomorrow if I'm feeling good, I think I'm getting a cold. I thought my hard breathing was from the altitude but maybe my lungs are more congested than I realized.Looks like the weather should be good for 3 more days and then rain again for 3 days. At least I think I've past my last snow storm. The other hikers I've been with lately packed enough out so they didn't have to resupply and they will be a day ahead so guess I will meet a new crowd tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-09
From:  New Found Gap (Gatlinburg)

To:  Icewater Springs Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Finished up my town chores with breakfast, a trip to the drug store, the camera shop, store and the outfitter to have my picture taken for the hiker wall. Did my first sticking my thumb out hitch hiking today. Some nice people vacationing from Kentucky picked me up in their truck. Thanks Rory.When I was at Newfound Gap a little boy asked me if I was hiking. He wanted to know where I started and where I was going and when I'd be done. When I told him about 5 more months he seemed puzzled so I said I would be getting done about when he went back to school after summer vacation. Then he realized how long it really was and said, you are really going to walk that long!?The three miles up the hill didn't take too long. There were a lot of day hikers out because of it being the weekend.Once here at the shelter we talked and enjoyed the sunshine. More and more came in as the day went on. Met a bunch of hikers who have been behind me. Also ran into two who I haven't seen for a while. There's about 18 of us tonight.Sent home a picture disc today so pictures should be up soon. Maybe before this even gets transmitted.It's only 7:15 but I'm ready for bed, don't seem to sleep well when i'm in town.
Date: 2005-04-10
From: New Found Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Started the day with a beautiful sunrise. The sun was red looking through the clouds.Today was my most favorite day in the Smokies. The views were really great, the sun was shining, the birds were singing and the walk wasn't that bad. We are in the evergreen trees and steep ridges with great deep canyons, much different than the southern Smokies which had mixed trees and some evergreens.The shelter is full tonight because the ridgerunner got all upset about people camping out when the shelter wasn't full. Snowbunny, hairball, ktr, cupcake and boyfriend, mello, momma mello, G, Miss Priss and husband, Scholar, retro are here tonight.
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Forgot to say yesterday that it was the Orthopedic part of the trail when I went and stood on Charlie's Bunion. Big outcrop and a shear dropoff.Today was basically a down hill day.Sometimes 5 miles at a time winding down, meandering over rocks and roots.There was also many more wildflowers out, probably because we are dropping down in elevation and it is much warmer. Took some pictures but didn't get a picture of these little yellow Tiger Lily looking flowers. Thought I would keep seeing them but they must have been only in that area.Did my longest day so far today. Almost out of the Smokies, one more mile to go tomorrow.Shelter is full again tonight, Hairball, Snowbunny, Mello, Mama Mello, Cyclehiker, Retro, Poet, Jakebrake, Lowgear, Dr. Chickadee and myself. Six more went on to tent out of the park.
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Today started with the last day in the Smokies. Only about 2 miles and we were out. You see to us this is a big thing, another milestone accomplished plus no more regulations about where to camp and how to do it.Stopped into Standing Bear Hostel for resupply and a phone call home. Lots of people had spent the night and were pushing on. By the time I made the shelter with a long climb, the shelter was full. Set up my tarptent and wondered how it would perform in the rain. It rained in the night quite hard but no rain inside. Hoorah!!
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Old Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Lasted out the night without getting wet in the tent from all the rain. Really messy packing up wet though.The miles went quickly and the next thing I knew I was on top of Max Patch. It's one of the mountains that is bald, just covered with nice grassy slopes. Many people camp up here for awesome sunsets and sunrises. Not in the cards today as dark storm clouds were brewing to the west. Did get a brief bit of sun while I was up there though. Many who told their stories later weren't so lucky. They had fog, so bad that they got turned around on top and were walking back south. Ran into someone else who helped them out or who knows when they would have made it through. Those that came even later had hail and lightening they were dodging. Got to the Old Roaring Fork shelter and it started to rain pretty hard and the shelter wasn't full yet. It was early but I wasn't anxious to sleep out in the rain again, especially in a tent that was already wet. Had hoped to make it 1.8 more miles to Walnut Mtn for the day so tomorrow wouldn't be so long.By the time the evening was over the shelter was over full. People were coming in soaked and cold as it was a cold rain. Thankfully after some warm drink and food everyone was OK.The biggest complaint was that the data book gave the mileage to the new Roaring Fork shelter(which isn't completed yet) and when they got there they still had 4 miles to go to a shelter. Those who tented there ended up with everything wet.
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Old Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Today goes on record as the longest so far. The sun was shining brightly; not a cloud in the sky. What a welcome relief.As I made my way down the mountains it got warmer and many more signs of spring. Saw someone about 8:30 a.m. and didn't see another soul until after 1:30 p.m. Finally rounded the corner and there was Hot Springs in the valley below. Took another 45 minutes to decend into town. Found out the motel options weren't the best. The rooms have no phones or tv, and a scratchy radio station. At least it's a warm room and a hot shower. There are a lot of hikers in town and more coming in all afternoon. Got a new headlamp at the outfitter and a pint of Ben and Jerry's. Went out with everyone to the Paddler's Pub for dinner and a beer. Had picked up the box I bounced from Fontana so went through that and made a list of what else I needed before heading to bed.
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Truely taking a complete zero today.It really felt good. Tried to go down to Elmer's to spend the night as everyone says it's great. It ended up being full again so staying at the motel again.Leisurely got all my town chores done today. Layed around on the lawn outside the motel visiting with various hikers for the afternoon. Bruce Moose's dad showed up with home baked brownies for everyone to share, they were great!Spending time catching up on my journals but should head to dinner soon or it will be too late. Going out of town tomorrow morning.
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Got out of Hot Springs after a phone call home. The trail fOllows the river for a while and it made the walking nice. Then the long climb began. When I got to the top of the mountain I walked the extra distance to the firetower. They don't use it anymore and it had been sealed off. Someone had broken the latch so I climbed up and had a look. It was a great view, could see all the way back into Hot Springs. Got to the shelter relatively early but could not convince myself to go on. Many tented so the shelter wasn't full.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I finally went over a 15 mile day and my feet are feeling it. The first half of the day went quickly. Stopped by the cabin at the 16.3 mark and bought a soda and got a peanut butter bar. Thanks Nin for everything. Skipped going to the firetower today because we were told it was barbwired off. The day had some great views, especially when we got up on the rocky exposed ridge. The views out into the valley were awesome. It took a long time manuvering over all the rocks. The shelter was a welcome site. There's a chill in the air tonight so Hairball built a fire. Here tonight is Hairball, Snowbunny, Sunshine, Cupcake, Draggin, Bearbait, Treetrunks, Butterfly Moon, Jakebrake, Lowgear and myself.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Hog Back Ridge
Miles today: 14.7

Wahoo! Today there's two things to celebrate, One month on the trail and over 300 miles!The weather has really warmed up and those uphills were sweat city. The first part of the day went really quick again but the last 6 miles were long.Saw alot more of the little lavender butterflies today. Also 2 other varieties. I went passed several places today where people had their ashes scattered and then a memorial rock was erected. Also there were some real old grave sites.Heard some turkeys today but didn't see them.There are alot of people here at the shelter tonight. A bunch of section hikers and then the crowd from last night.
Date: 2005-04-19
From: Hog Back Ridge

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: few clouds

Made it down to Sam's Gap in good time. Several hiker's were trying to get a ride into Erwin because a nearby place to resupply no longer existed and they we're out of food.Also ran into KTR, who I had not seen since Hot Springs. When I got to Street Gap a guy was just leaving from camping and gave me a Mountain Dew. I saved it for up the trail with my lunch.The highlight of the day was going up over Big Bald. It felt like we were on the top of the world. The bald's are completely covered in grass with no trees. We were up at over 5500 feet. One by one the hiker's from last night arrived and we took an hour out to rest, eat and enjoy the views. Was headed to Whistling Gap for the night but decided to go on. Not the best decision I've made so far. Turns out where I am staying is pretty close to a road and I'm the only one camped here. Hopefully no one will bother me during the night. Should have stayed with the group but am trying to push into Erwin to make plans for the next few days. I'm afraid this will be a long night. Only another 11.2 into Erwin tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Well I made it through the night alone. Heard something in the creek during the night but it didn't come near my tent. Actually slept pretty well.My ankle has been bothering me some with the higher miles but rest helps.While I was walking this morning I thought about being on Big Bald yesterday. It reminded me of Julie Andrews in the field up on the mountain singing. I felt so awesome up there just like I imagined her feeling free.When I made it into Erwin I had to walk about a mile before I got a hitch. Went to the post office and got the things I needed from my box and forwarded the box on to Damascus.Then went over to Miss Janet's to see about a shuttle. Butterfly Moon was there and she had a friend with a car. We got a ride to lunch and a place to stay and a trip to the store. Waiting now for the clothes to dry so we can go to the campground. Going north and then meeting Ran.
Date: 2005-04-21
From: Erwin

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept good at the campsite last night. Went with Butterfly Moon and Phoenix back over to Miss Janet's because Phoenix was shuttling for her. Everyone went out to eat breakfast at the big table in the backyard. After breakfast we went around the table and told about ourselves including one truth and one lie. Then everyone tried to guess which was which. It was real fun to find out about everyone. Butterfly and I were waiting to get our shuttle to Carver's Gap so we plucked our eyebrows and I dyed my hair. We talked about what good things we would do for ourselves when we finish the trail.Got dropped off at Carver Gap to hike south for 3 days until hubby shows up. Walked under the threat of thunderstorms today and it rained and hailed on me a little.Staying at the shelter tonight 7 others. August from the beginning and some others. Whether the rain comes tomorrow or not will determine where I stay.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Woke up knowing today would be thunderstorms again so wanted to get an early start. Set off around 7 and not much up Unaka Mt. it started to rain. The day went downhill from there. The summit was 5180' and it was sleeting and snowing at different sides of the summit. I didn't stop for any breaks was just concerned to get to a lower elevation if the storm kept getting worse. Made it to the shelter I was going to stay at but I was cold and wet and the wind was blowing into the shelter so I made the decision to walk 2 more hours into town. As it turned out it was a good decision because it snowed right down here in town overnight. When I got to my room I spent an hour in the shower warming up. It felt soooo good! My thoughts were of those who I knew were still up there in the middle of it all. Hoping they were safe in a shelter.Butterfly Moon went to dinner with me and then I spent the evening relaxing in my room.
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Taking a zero day waiting for Randy to arrive. Went to the breakfast they offer in the lobby. It was full of hikers trying to decide what to do for the day. The snow was still falling and the hills were white.Before I knew it Randy was standing before me. I didn't expect him for a few more hours.We took care of errands and and arranged for the shuttle tomorrow to Carver's Gap.Came back to the room and have been sorting food and packing our packs.Wondering what the mountains will throw at us tomorrow. At least I will have Randy with me so everything will be ok. Looking forward to our days ahead together.
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Erwin

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

Got up and had breakfast at the Holiday Inn breakfast bar. Waited for our shuttle driver to arrive. Once he showed we fallowed him to the airport to turn in the rental car. Then it was a drive to Carver's Gap to start our hike. Said our thank yous to Alabama and started up the trail. The bald wasn't to bad but passed there we had alot of snow to walk through. We were slipping and slidding and our feet were getting wet in all the snow, slush and mud.Thankfully it was only a 5 mile day so we got to the shelter in time to hang our clothes, socks and shoes in the sun and wind to dry.The Overmountain shelter is an old restored barn. It probably could sleep 30 people but we only had 6.Well also one dog and numerous mice which chewed on one of my snickers.One cold night ahead and the wind was blowing too.
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: U.S. 19E
Miles today: 8.7

Wasn't sure what we would face today as far as the snow. It turned out ok there wasn't much snow. Had several balds and open ridges to hike today. The wind was picking up and the clouds were getting darker.We rushed across the last open area because the wind was so strong and cold. Before we knew it we were at the Apple House shelter and needed to make the decision to stay there or try the hostel near the road. With the threat of rain we decided to try the hostel. We were going to take a couple of cots in the hostel but ended up in the bed and breakfast area. It was only a little more and we had a private room with tv. Paid extra to be part of the dinner and it was great. Spagetti with garlic bread, salad and dessert. Sat around and visited for a while with the other hikers. The hostel was full even to the point of three people sleeping in the barn, three more people came in and I didn't hear where they were sleeping.It did rain hard so I'm glad we were indoors. The next week has threat of rain everyday. Looking forward to a great breakfast tomorrow morning.Rolling Stone--OK, I've updated Sox's journal for everything she has sent. I think we've lost some entries.
Date: 2005-04-27
From: U.S. 19E

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Started the day off after a great breakfast at the Mountain Harbour Bed & Breakfast. Once we started into the day it started to rain. It got pretty cold too. We just kept walking and walking then we were so close to the shelter we didn't want to stop short. Ended up hiking 17.7 miles total. That is Randy and my highest day ever. Also another record with going over 400 miles total.Staying at the shelter was one of my coldest nights so far because we were wet and the wind was blowing. Made Randy get right into his sleeping bag after changing into dry clothes so he could warm up. Got us a hot meal and we felt much better. Into Kincora hostel tomorrow to pick up my drop box from home. Was suppose to be able to see the remains of an old moonshine still today but some how missed it.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Pond Flats Camp Site
Miles today: 11.8

Hard to get up this morning with it being so cold.Miss Priss and Bug came by late in the evening and said that Butterfly Moon and Toast were camped several miles south of us. Glad to hear they are just behind us. It was a roller coaster of hills into the Kincora hostel. Once we arrived at the hostel we did laundry and showered and waited for Mr. Peoples to return so I could get my drop box with the supplies till Damascus. Once we had everything together we left. Not far away it started to rain. Not very hard but a steady cold rain. We decended the ridge down to Laurel Falls and along the river and the long hard climb out of there. With full packs for multiple days it was even worse. Hadn't had such a climb since the NOC. By the time we made it to the flats we were both real tired so set up the tent for the night. Didn't even cook dinner just got in our bags to warm up. Around 8 PM it stopped raining so we got up cooked dinner and made a campfire. We would need to push the next three days hard to meet Jay at a road crossing. We figured the days ahead and it would mean 2 long days and a short one on Sunday to meet the AM deadline. All was looking good.