morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Horse Gap

To: Lunsford Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Day 2 arrives with a beautiful morning. No cramps and no pains so far. Other hikers moving thorugh early before I got out of camp. Ate and left camp at 9:10 a.m. for another 10-miler. Sassafras Mtn was a tough climb to start 2nd day. Being fresh made it easier. Superman and wife were out ahead again. Reached Justus Creek at 11:30 a.m. "Little   Sister", "Rubberduck" and dog Baily were getting water and resting. Had my first ever encounter with native "yellow violets" at Justus Crk. Got some photos. Crossed Justus Mtn before Justus Creek, then Gooch Gap, and Grassy Gap. I reached Ramrock Mountain at 3:00 p.m. GREAT VIEWS! Hazy as usual since temps are in 80s today. Got a couple of photos from whence I came. I made it to Woody Gap at 4:15 p.m. and ate dinner. Got my water re-supplied and then I pushed on to Lunsford Gap for my 2nd nights camp. 11 miles on AT today.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Lunsford Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is Nancy's birthday (wife). I hope our son(Richard)remembered to pickup the flowers and cake. [Later found out he did great job]. I left camp at 8:00 a.m. to beat the afternoon heat on Blood Mountain. Great weather so far but it will be long day. Met "Copperhead" going up south side of Blood Mtn. She is planning on doing the whole trip to Maine. The north bound climb up Blood Mountain was easier than I expected. Constant slope and switchbacks made it relatively easy. Took some good photos of shelter, views, rock outcrops and Blood Mtn survey mounment. Digital cameras are the pits when dealing with haze. The down hill was a killer due to the rock fields. I think I have seen enough rocks for a while, which is a hard thing for an old geologist to admit. I reached Neels Gap/Walasi-yi Center at 3:20 p.m. Took some photos of Neels Gap, etc. and picked up my first mail-drop. Got my first shower in 3 days - what a thrill. Met "Copperhead" (again) and "QuickToes" at the hostel. About 15 others were either coming in or leaving out. About 10 hikers were somewhere in or around the Gap for the night. I hiked 10 miles today.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Good night at Walasi-Yi center and hostel. Left Cooperhead and Quick Toes at Neels Gap at 8:20 a.m. Great morning for hiking. Passed no one until 1:30 p.m. - "Long Shadow" going south for a 2 to 3 day hike. Got passed by "Shadow" about 2:45 p.m. and met him again at Low Gap Shelter at 3:40 p.m. He left for campsite toward Blue Mountain Shelter. Had a hard climb out of Tenastee Gap up Wildcat Mtn. This ranks with Sassafras and Blood Mtn climbs in the southbound direction. Relatively long day for an old goat due to climbs. Called it a day at Low Gap Shelter. Spending the night. Camped with "Day Walker", "Red Arms", "Bryan" and "Peter". 10 miles today
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.0

Day 5 - Wind blew all night, cold mist and 45 degrees at 8:00 a.m. Low clouds and fog until 11:30 a.m.This was gut-check day to see if I could do more than 10 miles and put up with the cold and damp. Cold and damp cut down on water needs until noon. Rough climbs leading to back side of Blue Mountain. Many rock slides.Reached Unicoi Gap at 2:15 p.m. and left at 2:45 p.m. Met "Mountain Man" who started back on the trail at Unicoi Gap after being away for a couple of weeks due to leg problems. He went to Tray Mountain Shelter for the night. Reached my intended campsite at the "old cheese factory site" at 5:40 p.m. Shadow came by at 5:50 p.m. We saw signs that Boy Scouts would be cooking "trail magic" at Tray Mtn Gap tonight and all day Sat and Sun. Got my water, set up camp, took a couple of photos and ate. Could see vehicles going up to Tray Gap during the evening - Go Scouts!!!13.1 miles today - a great day for an old goat. Still no major pain or problems. Legs and lungs seem to be getting stronger each day.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Turns out that I spent the night in a Great Horned Owl courting area. Four started their calling and other antics at 8:30 p.m. and went to 10:00 p.m. They were back at 5:00 a.m. and went to 6:30 a.m. I don't need any more info on the courting habits of owls.Left "cheese factory" at 8:30 a.m. Stopped at 09:00 to eat breakfast with Scout Troop 265, doing a service project, cooking for thru hikers for 2 1/2 days. Great service and thanks to them. Shadow was there for breakfast also. Left him there at 09:45. He is headed for Hiawassee for Saturday night. Met "One-Thumb" at 12:30 p.m. headed to Hiawassee also. Long, tough haul up Kelly Knob from Addis Gap, one hour climb - worse than Blood Mountain. I thought I was getting better at this stuff. Somewhat discouraging but I made it after an hour. Slow and steady wins this activity.Reached Deep Gap Shelter at 4:20 p.m for the night. Weather is going to turn worse tonight and tomorrow. Will be heading into Hiawassee for food tomorrow.Vey good shelter at Deep Gap, high class privy with handicap rails??? Go Figure!!!!! Got a few photos today at shelter.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Cloud 9 Hostel
Miles today: 3.5

It is April Fools Day and we got the butt of the joke last night. Wind blew heavy with sheets of rain all night. Kept the mice in their nests most of the night. Met "Jack" at Deep Gap on Saturday evening. He is doing sections, this time Unicoi to Fontana Dam. Left Deep Gap at 8:45 a.m. and reached Dick's Creek Gap at 10:30 a.m. Got an immediate lift to Cloud 9 Hiker Hostel. Decided to spend the rest of the day and tonight here. Beats walking in the rain all day. Had a great afternoon with Shadow and others. Seems like there are a lot of "blistered feet" in this group. Washed clothes and got my shower. Caught some 2 to 3 lb Rainbow trout for dinner as owners are going to do a big dinner for $10. Well worth the cost for the mealed planned with the smoked trout. We got shuttled to Hiawassee for re-supply run. Got enough to get me to Franklin, NC, another 3-day run. Now 1/2 day off schedule, but so what. I can make this up over next three days. Planning to walk out at 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. Monday for next leg to Muskrat Shelter in North Carolina.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Cloud 9 Hostel

To: Water Oak Gap
Miles today: 13.5

Left Cloud 9 Hiker Hostel at 7:30 a.m. and hiked the 1.5 miles uphill to Dick's Creek Gap. Owners at Cloud 9 were not leaving on shuttle run until 09:00. Hit the trail at 8:30 a.m. heading for Muskrat Shelter, Bly Gap or further. Saw my first ruffed grouse run across the trail just before Bly Gap. One of us was scared. Reached NC/GA border at 1:00 p.m. at Bly Gap. Took some photos of trail sign and flowers here. Noted that strength in legs and lungs is getting better today. Nothing doing at Muskrat Creek Shelter, so I left for Water Oak Gap to camp. Muskrat is a disaster and needs to be moved and replaced. Reached Water Oak at 5:30 p.m. Long day but good hiking. 13.5 miles on A.T. and 1.5 on hike to Dick's Creek Gap.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Water Oak Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Cool night. Temp was 52 degrees at 7 a.m. Beautiful day coming in this morning. Left at 8:30 headed to Deep Gap. Boring hike. Reached Deep Gap at 9:45 a.m. and headed for the big climb of the day. Left for Standing Indian Mountain at 10 a.m. and reached peak at 11:20 a.m. Passed a couple of hikers near Standing Indian Shelter still in camp. Taking a slow day they say. Summit of Standing Indian has great views to Southeast. Camera batteries died, so no pictures from Standing Indian...Bummer! Will be Franklin before I can get batteries for camera - 2 days. Left Standing Indian and forgot I had my cell phone camera on board - Double bummer!!! Reached Carter Gap Shelter at 2:45 p.m. and decided to stop for the night. Need the extra rest for tomorrow's long run to Winding Stair Gap.< Noticed that stamina has increased significantly today. Hope it keeps growing. The climb up Standing Indian was easier than I had expected compared to the first few days. Made up most of the lost milage from Sunday hostel stay. 10.6 miles today.
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We had heavy thunderstorms last night. Pretty much survived and nothing got soaked.Left Carter Gap Shelter at 9:00 a.m. for a long day. Reached base of Albert Mountain at 11:40 a.m. This mountain is almost straight up for the first 500 feet. Worst climb so far from safety aspect. Wish I had had my climbing gear for that one. Beautiful day for hiking, sunny and cool after 12:00 p.m. Not many folks out today or else they are way ahead of me. Met a couple of ladies doing a south bound day hike and a couple of other folks doing a weekender. Decided to test the legs and lungs and try for Winding Stair Gap, about 16 total miles for today.Met "Critter" at Rock Gap Shelter at 3:10 p.m. drying out all her stuff from last night's rain. Her rainfly on the tent leaked pretty badly. Day is beginning to get a little long at this point.Made it to the Gap at 5:00 p.m. Called Ron Haven's bunch at Sapphire Motel. "KT" picked me up at 5:30 for ride to Franklin for rest and a bath. My water filter conked out yesterday so he stopped at local outfitter right at 6:00 to see if I could get another one. Luckily, they left the door open for me to get that done. Bought another OR Dry Sack as well to use for my clothes bag. Got my bath at Sapphire and did clothes wash. Fair size group of hikers in town for the day. Apparently last weekend was the big Franklin bash for hikers - missed that one by a day. Had my first restaurant meal in a week. Bought a few items to get me to Nantahala River and next mail drop.16 miles today. Great day for me.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 8.2

Enjoyed half day off in Franklin. Hot showers and good food. Good rest.Left Franklin at 11:00 a.m. and shuttled to Winding Stair Gap via Ron Haven's great service. About 8 folks on this run -"Junebug", "Little "Sister", "Rubberduck" w/Bailey the dog, "Dan" and his Lab, "Tic", the "Canadian Connection", etc. Left Winding Stair Gap at 11:45 a.m. and reached Wine Spring in route to Wayah Bald at 4:00. Everyone else who left with me went on to Cold Spring Shelter. Too far for me.Pitched for the night. Evening got very windy and colder - generally damp also.8.2 miles for half day's work.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Wine Spring

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

Awoke to the sound of a ruffed grouse drumming a few times uphill from camp around 7:15 a.m. Too cold for a hot breakfast. Ice and frost inside the tent this morning. Thermometer read 32 degrees but was probably lower outside the tent. Cold and clear day, good hiking. Left at 8:00 a.m. for Wesser Bald Shelter. Few folks out today. Stopped at Wayah Bald to re-visit the site and take ome pitures. I was here with Scouts in 2000 on a 50-miler. Eventually caught up with "June Bug" from Thursday's restart. Few flowers are blooming this far north. Wind got stronger all day. Reached Wesser Bald with "June Bug", "Bluesky", and "Swampfox" at 3:00 p.m. Great Views! Took some more pictures to reminisce from Scout trip. Found some kid asleep on top of the tower. Looked like he was stoned! Reached shelter at 4:00 p.m. Had a trail magic visit at 5:00 who told us it would snow tonight. She had a Huskie with her and had walked in from Wayah Gap. We should have known this was not a good sign. Started snowing at 6:30. Snowed all night and wind blew like crazy. Long night of snow blowing into the shelter. All bags got damp from snow coming up through spaces in floor boards. I have to "fire" my travel agent. Spring Break was supposed to be in Miami Beach!!!
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 5.6

Awoke to 2 inches of dry powder this morning - inside and outside the shelter. Temp was 14 degrees, without the wind chill. Everyone left without eating breakfast. 5.6 miles to N.O.C. and get there quick. Freezing on this mountain. Rough, slippery down hill this morning. Busted my buns at Jump Up Rock on the snow and ice. Nothing hurt, thankfully. Took a couple of photos to document the snow on the rocks. Called it a day at 11:00 a.m. at N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center). Picked up my mail drop box and a few other items. Now I finally remember that I forgot my golves. Certainly could have used a set today, but wool socks worked out okay. Spending the night here due to temps on the mountain calling to be 6 degrees tonight. Lots of other "Nero"- day folks here tonight (Nero -near zero day).Got hot meals at the restaurant, hot shower, and got clothes washed again. Ready for tomorrow. Got enough supplies in my box to last 6 days - too much. Gave away some stuff to other hikers.5.6 miles - half day.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: N.O.C.

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Good nights sleep last night at NOC. Great beakfast at the restaurant. Left NOC at 9:00 a.m. with "Blow Torch" and "Skip" - last time I saw them, they were burning up the Cheoah Bald run-up from Nantahala. Long climb out of Nantahala Gorge today. Followed up the mountain by Lil Sister, Rubberduck, Dan, and the 2 dogs, the Texas Boys, the Canadian Connection, etc. Some passed me, others followed. Nice photos of Nantahala River at Jump Up Rock on N bound trail out of the gorge.Reached Cheoah Bald at 2:40 p.m. - 5 1/2 hour climb out from the NOC. Got a couple of good photos of Standing Indian Mtn to the south - about 25 miles as the crow flies. Met up with "Grass Hopper", "Swamp Fox", and "Blue Sky". Played tag with them until 5:30 p.m. when we all reached Stecoah Gap. Lost some of the others as they had a party at NOC last night and couldn't keep up due to beer load. Trail Magic by "Jelly Bean" and "Bare Bear". Good times for a late afternoon. Camped on the Forest Service road leading off the Gap.13.7 miles today.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

35 degrees this morning - not bad compared to Saturday morning at 14 degrees. Had a quick hot breakast and left at 8:20 a.m. for Fontana Dam. Met up with "Bill the Pony" at Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Climb out of Stecoah Gap was worse than Wildcat Mountain in Georgia - about a 50 degree slope for about a half mile. Thankfully this was a short climb. Ate lunch at Yellow Creek Gap. Swamp Fox and Blue Sky passed by heading for Fontana. Long climb up to ridge overlooking Fontana Lake from the Southeast. Crested out at 3:10 p.m. Three miles downhill to the lake. Reached Fontana Dam picnic area at 5:00 p.m. Trail magic again by "Hiker's for Christ". Good food and good friends. Finally got message at about 5:45 from Fontana Village Resort that my drop box was in. They sent a vehicle out to pick up 3 of us for the 2 mile ride back to the hotel. Decided to stay at Fontana Village Resort since I was there for my box. Wimping out again.   Tomorrow - the Smokies. Got my Jet Boil in this shipment. Sending the Dragon Fly home. Hope this works better and gives up some weight. However, the 7 days of food to cross the Smokies more than made up for any weight savings. This will be the heaviest my pack will be for the entire trip -probably about 43 lbs, without the water. Wonder how this is going to feel tomorrow on the long climb into the Smokies.15.2 miles today
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Good nights rest at Fontana Resort. Sorted mail drop and packaged stuff to send home. Mailed out stuff at 9:00 a.m. Yep! Pack is heavier than before, even with stove and cook set gone. Seven days food weighs a lot. Left Fontana Dam at 10:15 a.m. after taking some pictures of the dam and lake areas. 3000 feet of climb to Mollies Ridge Shelter today. Weather is good for hiking. Stopped at Shuckstack Mountain old firetower to take some photos of lake and Smokies. Remains of watchman's house is still on site. Got my first look at Clingman's Dome from Shuckstack tower. Today turns out to be the longest 9.9 miles of climbing on this trip so far. Mostly due to new pack weight I think. Got in at 5:45 p.m. and shelter is full. Long night in the tent with winds up to 40 miles per hour and light showers. Ridgerunner says it will be rain for next couple of days and high winds, up to 50 miles per hour - gee thanks! 10.5 total miles today.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to more high winds, fog, and clouds. Temp was 40 degrees. Ridge runner says winds to 50 mph until 6 p.m. today. Loaded my junk and left Mollies Ridge at 8:30 a.m. "Grass Hopper" and Tony are ahead of me. "Bill the Pony" left later. Met up at Russell Field Shelter at 10:20 a.m. and then again at Spence Field Shelter at 12:00 p.m. Clouds, sprinkles, fog and high winds all morning and you can't see anything beyond 100 feet. Decision made to short stop today and stay at Spence Field Shelter and wait out the weather. Lots of other folks making same decision. Hoping for better weather tomorrow as we all will need to do 12 to 14 miles then. Total at 6.2 miles today.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Got crowded last night at Spence Field. Rained like crazy. Awoke to beautiful blue sky and 40 degrees. Left at 8:00 a.m. Reached Derrick Knob at 11:45 a.m. Flushed a grouse on Thunderhead Mountain. Took a few photos from Rocky Top Mountain. We could see all the way to Knoxville. Cades Cove was green and lush. Made Silers Bald at 4:00 p.m. Tex was headed south because he looked at the AT signs from the wrong side of the painted rock. Got him turned around and headed north again. Took pictures of Clingman's Dome to east and shots north toward Knoxville. Reached Double Spring Gap Shelter at 5:30 p.m. Sunny and warm. Crowd shows up at 6:30 p.m. Shelter full and 9 tents outside. Tony, Grasshopper, and Tex all there. Pitched tent and called it a day at 7:30 p.m. Looking to get to Clingman's Dome tomorrow morning for the views. 13.5 miles today.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to frost on the outside and inside the tent. Temp at 27 degrees and wind blowing hard again this morning. Blue skies early. Left at 8:00 a.m. for Clingman's Dome climb up another 1100 feet with north wind blowing across the ridges. Narrow ridges were brutal and dangerous with the northerly winds. Good thing I had 35 lbs of pack weight to help hold me down. Observation tower at Clingman's probably had a wind chill of about 5 degrees on top. Rain blows in at 11:15 a.m. on the way down from Clingman's. Ice all over the down hill trail. Bypassed Mt. Collins Shelter as that was a wasted 1 mile trip. Caught up with Mountain Man again. Headed on to Newfound Gap with Mountain Man and others. Reached Newfound Gap at 3:45. Weather report said more rain today and tomorrow with snow flurries in the Smokies. About 15 hikers arrive between 3:45 and 4:30 p.m. Everybody decides it is better to head down to Gatlinburg and take a zero day for Saturday. Me too!! Great decision. White Blaze Trail Bash is April 14th in Gatlinburg - food, music, vendors, and friends - going to be a wet one though. 10.8 miles today. Special note: As I was looking for a ride to Gatlinburg, a former thru hiker, "Birdhouse Bob" stopped to talk. As his vehicle was full (vacation to Florida) he couldn't give me a lift. At 4:20 p.m. he returned and told me he had made room and to come on along. What a gracious family - Trail Magic happens! Turns out, he was stuck in the privy on Wayah Bald in 2005 with "Bill the Pony". We had a 20 minute talk about his trip and experiences. Mrs. "Birdhouse Bob", thanks for your hospitality and to the rest of the family. As they dropped me at the motel, their granddaughter gave me a piece of amythest, what a surprise! Thanks, young lady. Sorry I couldn't remember your name. Best of luck with your "gems".
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero Day in Gatlinburg, TN. Drizzle and showers all afternoon. Spent time at Happy Hiker to celebrate White Blaze Days. Probably a bad decision as I spent a bunch of money. However, I bought a new set of hiking poles to replace the old set with the rubber tips. They did not work well in the ice and snow. New poles are Lekis with carbide tips - should be better for going back imto the snow and ice. Mountain Man, his wife, and friends were at the Happy Hiker for the music and food. Uncle Tom, Strider, Tic, Tex, June Bug and others were there. Thanks to Gran Prix Motel for their hospitality - a hiker friendly place.Gatlinburg sucks money.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Zero Day AGAIN!Snow started about 10:00 and was iffy for most of day in Gatlinburg. Hit the Happy Hiker again and shipped some stuff home that I wanted to get out of the pack. Doubt it makes much difference in the weight. Spent more money!Wandered around in downtown but not much happening on a Sunday. Tried to minimize food costs by using local food market for dinner and breakfast foods to use in the motel room.Hope we can get out of here tomorow. Some folks left this afternoon but the snow up in the mountains looks heavy. Hope they are prepared.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero day again due to roads being closed in the mountains. Stayed in Gatlinburg again- boring! Mountain Man and I wandered around and found out we could not get shuttled up to New Found Gap due to road closures. Stuck again. Shared a room to cut cost as best we could. Caught up on all the phone calls and messages. Spent no money at Happy Hiker today - a monetary success for me.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Left Grand Prix in Gatlinburg at 9:30 a.m. Finally getting out of town. Can't wait to get started again. Left Newfound Gap at 10:15 a.m with Mountain Man, Critter, and Critter's Dad. Good hiking weather, sunny and mild - 50s and 60s. Snow 4-8 inches in the mountains and on the trail in shadowed places. Good photos of Clingman's Dome and Mt. LeConte from the east sides. Clear skies and not as much haze today. Reached Tri-Corner Knob Shelter at 5:30 p.m. Full shelter with all the folks who got started again today. Mountain man is anxious to get out of Smokies tomorow. So am I, so we plan a long day to get to Davenport Gap and Pigeon River. Made up a little bit of time/miles today from the 3 days lost in Gatlinburg. 15 miles today.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Trying to get out of the Smokies today. Standing Bear Farm across Pidgeon River is the goal. Left Tri-Corner Knob Shelter at 7:45 a.m. with Mountain Man. Cloudy and mild traveling. Long day, but well worth leaving the Smokies. Rough last 5 miles, all downhill and rocky. Hard on the feet and knees. Not much to see in this section as we were "burning" rubber to get down. Reached Standing Bear Farm at 5:00 p.m. after my miscues on where to go after crossing Pigeon River. Need to read the Hiker's Guide a little more closely next time. At least Mountain Man knew where to go. Terrible beating on feet for the last 5 miles downhill coming out of the Smokies. I'll need rest to recover my feet.   Mountain Man stuck with me all day again. Few photos today. Snow still remains at high elevations. Note: Regained 10 miles from one zero day over the last two days hiking. 18.1 miles today