morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

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

   Briefly heard an owl making a lot of noise around 3:00 am. Then snooze land until 6:15. Up and on the trail by 8:10 am.   Great day for a hike! Partly cloudy, so the sun wasn't too hot.   Heard a lot of Grouse through-out the day. When they flap their wings, Carter said it reminded him of a helicopter. Starts with a put-put, and gets louder and faster. Ashtray saw one, but we only heard them.   Had 6 people, on horseback, come up behind us on the trail. We moved out of the way, taking a quick photo.   Today's highlight - standing on Rocky Top with my hunny! We had the song "Rocky Top Tennessee" in our heads all day! @ 5441 feet, we could see for miles. It lived up to it's name - lots of rocks, very low vegetation, because the peak is above treeline.   During our last mile we heard something tramping through the woods and automatically thought "bear". We walked a little faster and louder and then Carter pointed...a wild boar was rooting through the soil. They are known to charge, so we weren't taking any chances, quietly got a picture and moved on.    Sleeping in the shelter tonight. It has the bear cage doors. Here with us tonight is Ashtray, Wild Wind, Turtle, Chris {out for a week on spring break} and 3 guys out on an overnight.   No wild animal noises yet tonight.But sleep is coming fast...   Close Call
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

   Up and on the trail by 8:00 am. Air was chilly - needed to wear long sleeves. Very cloudy and foggy - burned off by 10:30 am and the sun appeared off and on. We were able to lose the sleeves.    Arrived at the shelter by 5:30 pm. Wow - my best day since the NOC! My body was "into" the hike!      Todays highlight was definately climbing Clingmans Dome!   Wow the view @ 6643 feet! That part of the trail reminded us both of the forests around Nova Scotia - same type of trees and ground cover.   I have a real beef with the shelters that are not on the trail! Our days mileage is 13.5, but we actually walked 14. The shelter is .5 off the trail, but no credit for that!    At the shelter tonight with us is Ashtray, Wolf Wind and Chris - the spring break guy. Great conversation. We're all excited because tomarrow is a town day!!   Close Call -      mmm I'm dream'n burgers!------------------------------
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

Woke to rain, but we did not care - it's town day!! On the trail by 8:10 am. Going was quite slippery, at times, but fairly easy terrain. Reached the parking area, at Newfound Gap by, 10:15 am and had a drive by 10:30 am - on to Gatlinburg!!A ridge-runner was dropping off Harmony, Numbas, Freight Train, and Midus - all thru-hiking - and offered us a ride! Ashtray and Wolf Wind are with us. We all said god-bye to Chris, wished him well. He's continuing on to the end of the park, where his drive will pick him up - going on to Forestry School after he graduates. The five of us have camped together for 4 days & 3 nights. Got to town, checked into our room and checked our e-mail. Received some very sad news from home. My Uncle Ab passed away on Friday. Actually, my great uncle, but more like my grand-father. Took some time to adjust to the news - I am so pleased to know that he enjoyed hearing my journal entries! He wanted us to know that he and Aunt Celia will be watching over us. We missed the funeral. So, I've decided to buy some bird seed, and feed the birds along the trail, in his memory. I love you Uncle! I'm happy that you are with Aunt Celia again! I know you'll be watching over us. We will miss you! BIG hugs and kisses!Love Val
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Nrewfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Destination: Gatlinburg We decided to take a 0 day today and turned out to be a good choice. The weather has been quite wet and chilly, with a few snow flurries. We walked around the streets a bit, checked out the mall, then took the trolly, across town, to the grocery store. 50 cents each, round trip - great deal! The rain was so COLD! Back to our room and major vegged! The remote's glued to the palm! Our bodies are enjoying the break from the 8+ hours of walking. Going to order in food for tonight - The West Wing - 2 weeks in a row!! Back to the trail in the morning, after we stop by The Happy Hiker - an outfitters - to get fuel and look for Gimp and Scrounger's pictures on last years hiker board. We've been added to this years - Carter actually got his done!! Not bad for someone who hates that end of a camera! :} Until the next adventure...Close Call
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

   This is NO April Fools - we're still in Gatlinburg - Storm Stayed to be exact!    Weather reports said rain, with possible snow in higher elevations. Smoky Mtn. Park was expected to get 1 inch of snow, but as of this am, 10 inches had fallen. By late afternoon it was up to 14 inches.   State Police closed Hwy 441, going up to the mountains. It's currently, closed to all, except those with chains.   Gatlinburg had rain this am, but by 12:00 the sun was shining! Looking up, the mountains are snow covered & the peaks are not visible - cloud covered!   This am, at The Happy Hiker outfitter, Carter talked to 3 hikers that had just made it into town. They said to stay put, at least until tomarrow am. Each one of them had fallen several times. One wrenched his leg really bad.    Oh, by the way...checked out the hikers photo board...Found Gimp and Scrounger, from last year! Had a hard time locating them, at first. Then, the frogg toggs gave it away! A bit bright Gimp!:} Nice legs Scrounger! :}   Went to supper with Sir Fix-a-lot & Blue Sky. Ribs, Wings & Salad Bar - mmm good! Then back to our room to watch Survivor... Life is good !Close Call PS - Got a call from sis! Thanks :} and good luck on your exam!
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Hi - Just a quick note to say we've got the green light that the road is now open. So, We're on the move and will be in touch when we get to the next phone.Take care and yes - we will stay safe   Excitement here! The road had been opened, giving us the chance to get underway again....... or, so we thought.    By 10:30 we were hitching, along with Blue Sky and Sir Fix-a-lot. By 10:45, 2 cars pulled over to help us out. Turns out they were together, heading up the mountain to drop one car off, then returning to town, to do a week-end hike up, & retrieve the 2nd car. Our Luck! :}   Well....half way up the 14 mile drive, we hit snow...just a little... but the higher we got, the more snow was accumulating. Traffic was at a bare crawl - which suited me just fine! The road up to Newfound Gap, where the AT crosses, is very twisty, and steep. Reminds me of the Cabot Trail.   The snow plows had not been out, therefore, no sand. Salt is not used around here - to preserve the envi- ronment. A few vehicles turned around in the road-side parking areas - not wanting to chance it.   Arrived safe and sound at our drop off point at 11:40am. Exchanged e-mail addresses with our drivers, before they left to return to their destination. We knew the road would be closing again, soon.    The radio had reported wind gusts of 40 mph, with blowing snow.   We were being blown around like crazy. Had a few "hary scary" moments where, all that kept us upright, were the posted park signs that we held on to.   We managed to make it down the hill, to the washroom area. Carter quickly pointed out that, given the current situation, we'd be foolish to try to hike up to the next shelter, 3 miles away. It was not safe, and he wasn't taking any chances - we all agreed.      Our choices : Try to get back to town   OR   Camp here for the night and see what it's like in the am.    We all felt that going back out on the road today, was simply not safe. We opted to make camp here for the night and re-evaluate the situation in the morning. Being near the brick washroom area gave us shelter from the wind, as well as running water, flushable toilets and - if the wind did get too bad, shelter inside the washroom area.    As we set up camp, several hikers came off the mountain, and were in bad shape. They all confirmed our thoughts, and said we were very wise. Got word that the road was closing, so they all headed up to the parking area, hoping to get into town. Hot food, warm beds, and dry clothes. All got drives.   As for us...we hung out in the ladies washroom area for the day! :}Started getting dark at 6:00 pm, so by 6:15, we said goodnight and headed for the tents.   It's snowing, non-stop, since we arrived. With the 14 inches from yesterday, we're now somewhere around 26 -28 inches! Feels like we're back in Nova Scotia!   Wonder what tomorrow will bring? Wonder if the Park Rangers will hassle us, for camping here? Wonder what's on tv tonight?   Hmmmm?? Close Call
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Destination: From Newfound Gap To Pecks Corner ShelterDistance: 10.4 miles {16.64 km}                Total At 214.2 miles   This was not a good day for Me! And that's an understatement!!   The morning went well. Sunshine, with very little wind. Air temp just above freezing. On the trail by 9:00 am, & at our 1st shelter by 11:00 am. Snow was not too bad - others had tramped it down, but we were moving slower.   Ate lunch and decided to press on another 7.4 miles, to this shelter. We knew it would be a long day, because the trail had not been broke in. At times, it was 18-22 inches deep - and no snowshoes!   Melting snow from the trees, caused us to become soaked to the bone, even with our rain gear. But through all this I was happy.   Then, at 1:30 pm my mood soured and everything went to hell in a hand- basket! My left boot sole, which I had previously repaired, gave way! Just a little, at 1st. But, eventually, all that stopped it from coming off completely, was the strap from my gator.   My toes and calf ached, because of the snow that built up between the sole and boot. I must have stopped 40 to 50 times, during the rest of the day, to remove chunks of snow and ice. Thus, our time was slowed tremendously.   Poor Carter, who felt helpless got the brunt of my frustrations. I was angry because, although he was breaking trail, he kept getting so far ahead of me, that I could not keep up. I slipped a few times, but was able to catch myself before I fell.   As we crossed a ridge, no more than 2 1/2 feet wide, with a steep drop on either side, Carter realized how upset I was. He talked me through to the other side. Then, asked what was wrong. My emotions were across the radar - anger, fear, loneliness, sadness - all rolled into one major outburst of tears.    He held me and let me just cry out what I needed, and when all was said & done, he assured me that we'd be there soon. He stayed with me, talking, & taking my mind off of my aches and worries.   Finally, at 5:40 pm, we saw the double blaze of the shelter trail. The tears started again, and all I wanted was a warm bed. When we got to camp we didn't even want to cook supper, but each managed to eat a poptart and a chocolate Dipps Bar.   By 6:30 pm, I got my wish. I'm so NOT "into" the Smokys right now!Close Call - written Sunday pm, as there was no energy left Saturday. Just sleep! :}
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

   After waking with a much better outlook this am, we planned to take advantage of the sun, dry our things, and do some boot repairs. Then, get a later start to the next shelter, only 5.2 miles away. That was the plan......BUT....   Sir Fix-a-lot & Blue Sky are from Florida, and are NOT handling this snowy cold weather well at all. It was 7:00 pm, last night, before they arrived at the shelter and she said that the snow frightened her.   This am, they got up, packed and were on the trail around 9:00. Their plan was to hike the 13 miles to Cosby Knob shelter. But all their gear was wet/frozen.    All of a sudden, we hear this scream and her crying. She was hysterical, saying her husband fell through the snow, please help.   I got her to sit down and explain where he was, and 3 week-end hikers went to find him. Carter tried to go, but his shoes were still frozen. He & I got her calmed down. We thought she was saying he fell over the enbankment. Turned out that he collapsed on the trail, and said to get help, because he was sick.   When they got to him, he was already up and walking back to the shelter. They felt that he was dehydrated and cold. He had very little feeling in his hands and feet.   The week-enders asked if we should call for help. They had a cell phone. Carter & I said ¢yes¢. The couple was a bit hesitant, but eventually agreed that they were out of their element, and just wanted to get off the mountain.    No signal on the cell. So, the week-enders packed up, and headed down the mountain, to the Ranger Station. Carter & I didn't feel that we should leave them alone, so......it became a 0 day - much to our disappointment!    Later that day, he said that he panicked, because he was so cold and could not get warm. Then, he thought that if the Rangers were not here in the am, they'd just pack up and continue on!    I could not hold my tongue! I said #1 They should not leave because the Rangers WOULD be here. He said "oh, we'll leave a note". #2 They should not be out here, to begin with. But, to consider continuing on 2 to 3 days, to get out of the park, as opposed to, turning around & being out in 1, was ridiculous! I did not sit around, for an unexpected zero day, just to have this happen again!   She thanked me, afterwards, for speaking my mind. She wanted out of there! She got her wish because the Rangers arrived at 6:50 pm to take them off the mountain.   TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY!!Close Call
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Camel Gap
Miles today: 11.2

Destination: From Pecks Corner Shelter   To Camel GapDistance: 11.2 miles {17.92 km}   We were so ready to, just move forward, and get out of the Smokys!Packed & on the trail by 10:00 am. We wanted this snow behind us!    The Rangers had told us that, although it can snow anytime in the mountains, this was a very unusual weather pattern & dropped 20 - 22 inches more than expected.    Ouch - my boots were almost frozen solid! Just like putting your feet in a freezer! But, by 10:40 they were feeling much better. The sun was out and the temperature was rising fast, and no wind.    Ate lunch at Tri-Corner shelter, {5920 feet} then moved on. As we hiked, we could not wait to get out of the park!    Then, as we rounded the bend at Guyot Spur {6360 feet}, we changed our tune! The view was absolutely breathtaking! We could see for miles upon miles. One side of the spur was the park - mountains, after mountains.The other side was out of the park - lots of mountains, roads and towns visible. Wow!   As we started to walk again, we realized we were getting to lower elevations, which means less snow! Then, before we knew it we had large patches of dirt trail! Talk about a mood booster! We were bouncing down the trail!    By 5:30 pm, we actually got below the snow line, and decided to tent for the night, right on the trail - a park no no but... the trail started upward again and I did not want to get back to freezing temps.    We were only 1.7 miles from the shelter, and did not want to stop - energy wise. But, the freezing boots were in my memory bank.Ready for a cozy sleep...dreaming of spring.Close Call
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Camel Gap

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

   Up and on the trail by 10:00 am - this time change has messed us up.The sun was out- quite warm. Loved seeing all the green! A dandelion even put an extra bounce in my step!    Looking forward to getting to Davenport Gap and onto Mountain Moma's {Hiker Hostel} for a huge cheeseburger!    Arrived at the gap by 2:00 pm and eating that juicy burger by 2:45!The best burger we've had in a long time - even without the thru-hiker appetite! Very friendly service!    For $15.00 we each got a bunk, shower, laundry and free shuttle back to the trail in the am. Wow, we're showered and in clean cloths and in the bunk house for the night! Dog, from Ohio is in one bunk . Just the 3 of us - all loaded up with junk food & great conversation.   Hot Springs by Friday night or Saturday am. Hoping to get my other hiking shoes sent to there - these boots gotta go!      Close Call - very loagy on junk food!
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Davenport Gap

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

            Slept late for us - 8:00 am! But the dogs, here at Mountain Mama's, were barking most of the night! Ordered breakfast - pancakes, sausage links & oj - mmm good!      Packed and shuttled to the trail head by 10:15 am. Weather sunny and warm - hard to believe only yesterday we were in snow!   The trail was amazing. In the short time that we were at higher elevations, the lower areas have come to life with lots of green grass, flowers popping up everywhere, and buds on the trees! Lots of butterflies and honey bees buzzing about! Startled Peter Cottontail, as he sat in the middle of the trail. He's getting ready for the holidays! Spring has arrived!!    Stopped by Standing Bear Hiker Hostel for a snack. Planned to only stay for 15 minutes, but left an hour later. Was neat to meet some new faces, and share stories of the Smokys snow!   Very long uphill, after leaving the hostel at 1850 feet. Finally topped out at 4265 feet, 4.7 miles later, on top of Snowbird Mtn. While climbing, we were in the woods, but at the top was a huge field with an FAA Transmitting Tower - used in air traffic control. Quite neat :}   Thought a lot about dad today. Thinking he should be home soon. Remembering all the fun times back to Goshen.   He'll probably be starting up his saw mill again, soon. Really enjoyed camping there last summer!   Arrived at the shelter just before 6:00 pm. I had to put some care into my feet. Not hurting, just smelling! My boots never did get properly dried after the slush. Now, I think they'd peel the paint off a new car - man they stink!   In the shelter with us is a young guy from Isreal. Bandit from Texas, and his friend, from Georgia, set up their tents. The air is cool, but not too bad. Starting to sprinkle, but we're dry ...   and ready to sleep.   Close Call
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Thursday April 8,2004Date:        Fri, 9 Apr 2004 13:34:58 -0800        Destination: From Groundhog Creek      Shelter To Walnut Mtn. ShelterDistance: 13.1 miles {20.96 km}   Up & on the trail by 9:30 am. Air cool, but able to wear short sleeves. Sky cloudy with sunny periods through-out the day.    Looking at our guide book, we knew we had a lot of ups and downs today. But our attitudes were good, and we were mentally prepared... Until 10:30 am, when Carter had a melt down!    His pack was not fitting well. He seemed quite discouraged when my whole hand fit under the shoulder strap. He adjusted the straps three times, to no avail.    I suggested that he may be more successful, if he took the pack off and started over. The look I received ... well, lets just say... nasty!    He adjusted the straps, yet again. I gave him the bad news... the pack came off his back so fast... and was thrown to the ground, along with some rather harsh words. He picked up the walking stick, wound up, to start beating the pack, then looked at me. We both laughed, uncontrollably.    He contemplated tossing it down over the embankment. Then, tried to sell it to 2 hikers, passing by. They smiled and said they had their own 'beasts of burden'.   Eventually, the pack did fit right. And, all was right, in his world, again!   Todays¢ highlight was eating lunch on Max Patch at 4629 feet. We had climbed through lots of trees. Then, came to this mountain with no trees, just a huge field. The view was great!   Leaving there, we descended into a Rhododendrun forest. Wish Bon could see the tunnel that we walked through. They completely encased the trail for hundreds of feet! Will be even more beautiful when in bloom.   Arrived at the shelter by 6:00 pm. Sleeping in the tent tonight. What a great day! Close Call
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

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

Friday April 9, 2004Hot Springs   Great weather day! Sun shining. A lot of downhill into town. Camped on the outskirts of town for the night. Getting a room tomorrow night.   Very discouraged with the pocketmail device. It's been acting up quite a bit, and then gave out completely, when I sent the last entry. Hope it's fixed now! The next few entries will be short - until I get caught up!Close Call
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Enjoyed a complete day off! Ate at the Smoky Mountain Diner a FEW times :}Got new "Go Fasters" at the outfitters today. So 'bye-bye boots' Yahoo!!Weighed myself - lost 12-14 lbs! Don't really know how, with all the fast food we've been stuffing ourselves with :}Watched "The Devil's Own", a Brad Pitt / Harrison Ford movie and filled up on take-out pizza.Close Call
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Talked to home this am - wow it felt great - put an extra bounce in my step! :} Happy Easter! We were pleased to run into Melissa this am! She had started with us, on March 4th - taught us the card game. We lost track of her when her dad came out to hike, for a week with her. She's now known as 'Marzipan', some form of foreign candy.On the trail by 12:30 pm. Saw our first red flowers today. Called Fire Pinks - 5 narrow pedals, each with a notch on the end. Very pretty.Light rain at 1:30, turned heavy by late day. Small shelter, which was full. So we tented, along with Pilot & Vapour Trails, Bandit, Soco, Hey Bob, St. Rick and Selma. Rained all night.Close Call
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Monday April 12, 2004Destination: From Spring Mtn Shelter      To Little Laurel ShelterDistance: 8.6 miles {13.76 km}                         Total AT 290.5 miles   Woke to heavy fog and rain. Continued until 1:30 pm, which made for a messy, cold, slippery day of hiking.    Arrived at the shelter by 2:00 pm. We were supposed to go on, but opted to stay here, because we knew the next shelter was full. There was still room here for us tonight. Thunder & lots of rain forecast throughout the night. :{   Here with us: Hey Bob, Marzipam, Pilot & Vapour Trails, Stealth, and Fast Walker. Great conversation.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: 1 mile past Flint Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Tuesday April 13, 2004Destination: Fr. Little Laurel Shelter To Campsite 1 ml past Flint Mtn ShelterDistance: 13.7 miles {21.92 km}                        Total AT 304.0 miles      Hard to get moving this am. Windy, wet, and cold. On the trail by 10:15 am - finally!   Uphill for the 1st 1.6 miles -blah.Rain eventually stopped but trail VERY wet & slippery. Seemed to take forever to get a few miles in.   Highlight of the day: Blackstack Cliffs - sun made a short appearance, as we walked the exposed ridgeline @ 4400 feet. Could see for quite a distance. Saw a cloud at our level.   Rain started again at 3:00 pm, hail at 5:30 pm - shelter full :{   Close Call