morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Sassafras Mountain

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

12.8 miles, M.M. 24.3Now I know why they call them mountains! I left the guys at Sassafras Mountain at 8:30am and hiked to Lance Creek. Chase and a young guy named Banjo caught up with me about 2pm; we reached Lance Creek around 4pm. If we were to go any further, bear canisters would be required, so we stopped for the day. Tomorrow we will hike straight through the canister-required area. Life is Good! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Lance Creek

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

14.1 miles, M.M. 38.4I left Lance Creek this morning at 8:00am. I met a thru-hiker from North Carolina, BillDozer. We hiked together over Blood Mountain to Neels Gap. Blood Mountain was a great view but a killer up and down. At Neels Gap, Chase and Banjo caught up with us. A church group was making Trail Magic burgers for hikers at no charge. I had one, but it made climbing the next mountain much more difficult! We hiked to Whitley Gap Shelter for a total of 14.1 miles which was too far! Tomorrow I will cut back. We arrived around 5:00pm and no one else was there. Another pretty day! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassie, GA
Miles today: 14.4

14.4 miles, M.M. 52.9. Temperature range today was 56F-70sF. We didn't take it easy either. We hiked from Whitley Gap Shelter to Unicoi Gap. On the way, Bill and I picked up Chase and Banjo, stopped at Low Gap Shelter for water and saw several other hikers. We also saw a dead bear 20 yards off the trail just past the shelter. We then hiked to Blue Mtn. shelter and had planned to stay there. But with the pending forecast of heavy rain in addition to needing to resupply, we decided to take a 0 day in Hiawassie, GA. We are a motley crew: Banjo 21, Chase 23, Bill 51 and me 59. We checked into the Hiawassie Inn then feasted at the local Subway! Did laundry, showered and watched Forrest Gump. Then made a Dairy Queen run. Good day! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Hiawassie, GA

To: Hiawassie, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Zero miles day. I upgraded gear today and replenished food supply. Sending several unneeded items back home from Hiawassee USPS, including my bear spray. Trying to cut the weight. Back on the trail tomorrow. I will try to get pictures to Pearl via Chase. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Hiawassie,GA

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

13.3 miles, M.M. 66.0Windy hike to Deep Gap Shelter. Winds were gusting to 50mph and blowing me sideways on the trail. We camped around the shelter as it was full of mice; those staying in the shelter had mice running over the top of them all night. Overnight temperatures fell to 26F. Cold and windy as I get into my hammock for the night, but I am warm! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter (NC)
Miles today: 15.4

15.4 miles, Mile Marker 81.4 NC, hiking from Deep Gap Shelter to Muskrat Creek Shelter. I hike mostly alone now as I can't keep up with the youngsters. That's fine by me as I hike my own hike. I pass hikers all day, including Shepherd Lady who hikes with (3) dogs. I took her picture. I see men and women of all sizes and ages. Near the end of the day, we had several very hard climbs that really kicked my butt! Muskrat Creek Shelter N.C. was really crowded so we camped a bit down the trail. I need to eat more food as we have a lot of hard climbs ahead. Life is hard but good! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter (NC)

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

16.2 miles, M.M. 97.634 degrees this morning leaving Muskrat Creek Shelter. I made my hot tea in my small coffee pot and used it to warm my hands. I was back on the trail by 9:00am. I hike my hike again today. Standing Indian Mountain was the first big climb. It was a long way to the top, but the switchbacks were gentle, so it wasn't too bad. The view at the top was worth the climb. The hiking all day was pretty easy, but I'm certain that won't last! We camped at Betty Creek Gap. Quite a few other hikers there. It was a beautiful day and a great hike. Life is good! Poor BillDozer....his sleeping gear is too light, so he's been shivering through these cold nights. His brother Dave will bring him better gear when we reach Franklin, NC. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 12.2

12.2 miles, M.M. 109.8. Chilly in the am in the 40sF. Mile marker 109.8. Cool and cloudy with rain expected late. I left Betty Gap Creek at 7:45am to get ahead of the boys. They caught up with me at Albert Mountain (which is 100.1 miles into the AT). We had our picture taken under the fire tower and were happy to be 100 miles into the A.T.. The boys were soon ahead of me again, but we met up at Rock Gap Shelter for lunch. On Purpose and On All Fours were there, too. After lunch, we hiked 3.5 miles to Winding Stair Gap (US64) where Bill's brother (Dave) was picking us up. We needed to resupply and rain was forecasted. I was the last to arrive at the Gap. On the way to Dave's we stopped for a Diary Queen run and the grocery. We then cleaned up and did laundry. For dinner, Dave made us an outstanding spread of lobster tails, asparagus and corn on the cob! Banjo and I bunked in Dave's camper and Chase in the house. With the rain tonight. it's a luxury to be warm and dry thanks to Dave! We had great food and company in Dave and Bill's "For Real Man Cave"! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Zero mile day today. It rained all night last evening and was expected all day today. Dave made a wonderful breakfast this morning: venison steaks, fried potatoes, gravy and eggs. Dave and Bill have been soooooo good to us - thank you! At 11:30 Chase's parents picked us up for some resupply shopping. They were great, running us around Franklin. They also treated us to a great Mexican lunch - thank you! They then dropped us off at our motel for the evening. Dave and Bill pick us up in the morning and we'll head back to the trail. Life is Goooood! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Franklin, NC to Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

15.8 miles, M.M. 125.6. Temps in 70s this Easter Sunday. Dave and BillDozer picked up Chase, Banjo and me at the Franklin motel and we were back on the trail at Winding Stair Gap by 10:00am. The boys took off on their General Sherman march to the sea and I brought up the rear. I enjoy the company at the end of the day but I like hiking alone. There were times today when I didn't see another hiker for miles. The last mile or so to Cold Spring Shelter was all uphill and a bit of a challenge at the end of the day. The Easter Bunny came down the trail and gave me some Easter chocolate. Overall, another beautiful day on the A.T. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Bryson City, Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

11.7 miles, M.M. 137.3. 42F am; 70'sF pmWell, last night I had a snorer near by and did not get much sleep. I was tired all day and hiked slower than usual. I got up at 6:00am and left camp by 7:30am. A grouse was drumming very close to us this morning. A lot of young hikers were camping with us last night. A few of them much different than I - I felt like I was on an episode of Survivor. Even though I left early, the boys caught and passed me. Most of the day we were above 4000 ft and once as high as 5080 ft. Then, it was a long hike down to 1749 ft where the Nantahala Outdoor Center and the Nantahala River are (at US 19 and 74) . The river is fast-running, clear and beautiful. The A.T. goes right past the stores, across the bridge and into the woods. Storms are forecasted for tomorrow, so we are taking a zero day. We are all sharing a bunk-style room tonight. Showered, did laundry and ate too much food. Life is Good! - Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Bryson City, Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Bryson City, Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0

Today is a zero-mile day in Bryson City, NC. It has been raining on and off all day. We were going to run the Nantahala River in kayaks today but it's just too cold. The Nantahala Outfitter store has a good selection of outdoor gear. I bought a weatherproof bag for my sleeping equipment and a great sunglass strap. Last week, I laid my sunglasses down, forgot them and had to walk a half mile back to get them. I think I am finally done buying gear unless something wears out. One can spend a lot of money on a trip like this if one wants to be truly prepared and comfortable. When we leave tomorrow, we will climb from 1749 ft to 5062 ft in 7.9 miles. Then we'll descend from 5062 ft to 3739 ft in 7.9 miles. That's the plan, we'll see if it holds water. Life is a Climb! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Bryson City, Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

15.8 miles, M.M. 153.1. Today we hiked to Brown Fork Gap Shelter. I left at 6:50am and arrived at 4 p.m. The boys left later and arrived later. I had some very challenging climbs today...up,up,up. I was tested! Descents are not always down, as usually you ascend a series of smaller peaks on the way down. When the final downhill comes, it's a long series of switchbacks. I don't stop more than ten seconds on climbs or my legs feel like they go into rest mode. At Stecoah Gap, NC M.M. 143, there were picnic tables where a Trail Angel left apples and bananas (thank you). I stopped there to eat lunch and had some fruit. I also met a hiker from Estonia who was out of water, so I gave her some of mine. I saw two turkey hunters while at lunch and we talked awhile. The last few miles to the shelter were vertical. Life was hard today! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.0

13 miles today, M.M. 166.1. I was on the trail by 7:00am. The boys slept in again. Another beautiful day, cool morning, warm afternoon and not a cloud in the sky. I saw two grouse today, on what was a not too difficult of a hike. I got my first blister yesterday, so I stopped at Cable Gap Shelter to dress it. There, I met a mom and daughter team. The mom was petite and 65 years young, yet she was carrying a 35lb pack. I told her I was impressed. She said she grew up near Richwoods, Mo. She also said that yesterday she tripped and went over the side of the trail. She was saved from infinity and beyond by a rhododendron bush, as they are very large here. As I neared Fontana Dam, I could see it miles before I would arrive. When I got there, I stopped by the shelter. It's called the Fontana Hilton, as it's pretty nice. As I neared the visitor center, Dave (Billdozer's brother) was there to drive me to his camper. His two sons were there, both in their 20's. I soon had a hot shower and a cold beer. By then the boys had arrived. Dave's sons made lobster tails, burgers and mint chip ice cream for dessert. The boys brought along a friend from TX named Dancer. A camper named Chris came over so we had a pretty good group. We made a fire and had a great time. At 10:30pm I went to my hammock and the others to their tents. Also, Dave had a lot of cut mixed fruit from the grocery. I was in heaven! Life is a feast! Thanks to all for a good day! - Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

13.5 miles today, M.M. 179.6. I was up early and got my hammock down before the rain came in. When Dave and his sons got up, they made us a big breakfast. I was ready before the boys and Dancer, so Dave drove me to the dam, to continue my journey. A short distance after crossing, I was in the Smokies. The hike to Russell Field Shelter wasn't too bad, although it rained and the trail was a quagmire. I arrived at the shelter late in the day, so it was almost full. One of the ridgerunners in the park (named Dave), said it would be okay if I camped. In the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you must sleep in the shelter if there is room. I guess they are trying to protect the park. The boys came in a little later and then Dancer. She saw her first bear today while hiking. The bear was about 40 feet from her, but just went on. A cold front came through today, so it's chilly again. Also, I was talking to a German hiker at the spring. He commented when one climbs mountains in Germany, you always see a town or village. He likes that the AT is NOT like that. I got a picture of a young couple I've come to know, that is here too. Their names are Bugs and John Doe. Their food that they freeze dried is kept in their tent at night, and if a bear comes, their plan is to fight it off with two large pointed hiking sticks they made. Those sticks won't stop a determined bear. Life is Good!-Hoyt http://smokiesinformation.org/...
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

16.4 miles today, M.M. 196. We left later today so the shelter we were headed to would fill up. We were above 5000 ft today, and had some outstanding views. The climb up was somewhat hard. We ended up at Double Spring Gap Shelter, and it was full. I was the last to arrive at 8:00pm. I like to slow it down in the evening and walk with the shadows. I'm sleeping tonight in a grove of fir or balsam trees up the hill from the shelter. The boys and Miss Mam are sleeping cowboy, under the stars. I'll get photos added in the near future. - Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

13.7 miles, M.M. 209.8. I was on the trail by 6:50am. The hike around Clingmans Dome area was beautiful. I guess it's a temperate rain forest, moss and downed trees everywhere. I think the trees were fir and balsams, leaving the forest smelling like Christmas. I'm at the Icewater Spring Shelter. On the TN side now. The boys were supposed to meet me here, but they were seen hitching to Gatlinburg. The young couple, John Doe and Bugs, did the same today. I'll move on without the boys in the morning. The shelter is full tonight, so I can sleep in my hammock. I met four local section hikers about my age at the shelter. I asked them about the next resupply location as I was low on food. They said it was a ways off yet and offered me some of their snacks. They said they had plenty. I told them I really appreciated it - many thanks to them! They said just pay it foward. One of them had a small chair from REI. I later asked Pearl to send me one for Father"s Day. Life is Goood! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Icewater Spring Shelter (TN)

To: Crosby Knob Shelter (TN)
Miles today: 20.3

20.3 miles, M.M. 230.1. GSMNP (TN side)It rained last night at Icewater Spring Shelter. I was on the trail by 6:20am. I had to use my headlamp for about 20 minutes until it got light. As I crossed the gaps between the mountains, the wind was howling and the fog was swirling. Gaps are connector ridges between mountains. They are just a little lower. These gaps were only 3 to 6 ft wide, with very steep drops on both sides. If not for the trees growing on them, I would have been nervous. The wind would sail fog up and over one side, and the wind on the other side would dance with it. I really enjoyed watching the wind and fog interplay. The fog did lift as I hiked to Tricorner Knob Shelter for water and a snack. While there, this young guy with earbuds in gets ready to leave. He going down the wrong trail. We yelled at him but, of course, he can't hear us. That was a short trail and he was soon back! A lot of the kids use earbuds and that's all they hear. I then hiked hard to Crosby Knob Shelter arriving at 5:00pm. No ridgerunner here, so I didn't have to sleep in the shelter(i.e., snore motel). Life is Good! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Crosby Knob Shelter (TN)

To: Newport, TN
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

9.9 miles, M.M. 240.0, I-40 underpass (TN)It rained again last night. Crosby Knob Shelter is a little lower than the mountain so the howling wind on top wasn't a problem. I got on the trail about 7:00am and had a short hike to where the A.T. goes under I-40, weird. There, I was going to call for a shuttle into Newport, TN to resupply, shower and wash clothes. As I approached the underpass, a young fellow stopped his SUV and asked if he could be of help. His name was Heath, and he drove me into town. Really nice guy. He gave me his card as I got out, and asked if I could email him about how my journey turns out. Turns out, he's a pastor at a local church. That was some good trail magic, that ride really helped me, so many thanks to Heath! I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and thought I'd gone to heaven. After a long hot shower and shave, I got down to eating and resupply at the local stores. I thought I had an intruder when I got out of the shower. Then I realized it was my reflection in the long mirror - I looked like a refugee! By the way, I have lost weight. I need to eat more. Also, I heard my first turkey gobble today. Music to my ears! Life is Good! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Newport, TN

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

15.9 miles, M.M. 255.9I got up early at the hotel after a poor night's sleep. I had breakfast and got my pack ready. Unfortunately there was no one to help me upload my camera photos using the hotel's computer; I will get the new photos to Pearl as soon as I can. When I was checking out, a lady told me a story about a local teacher who ten years ago tried to get a closer picture of a bear. The bear said, "I am not Yogi, lady". and proceeded to kill her. I tried hitching for 45 minutes with no success so I called the shuttle service. Kim picked me up and being a good 'ole gal, we were soon deep in good conversation. I mentioned my fondness for hunting and she told me about her husband's love of squirrel brains! Soon, the few miles we shared on the road melted away and I bid Kim adieu as I headed back on the trail. As I started my climb from I-40, there was a note on a log warning hikers of a rattlesnake. I guess it grew weary of scaring the bejesus out of hikers and moved on as I never heard a rattle. I was giddy about my resupply last night from Newport's local Wal-Mart and Dollar Store. This lasted until I began the mountain's ascent; then I felt bent like the hag queen in Snow White. I came upon a grassy bald where I saw the guys who had shared their food when I was low. I asked them to snap a picture of me next to the FAA unit there. It looked like a large UFO! I am probably sterile now! As I continued across the bald, I got caught in the rain. When I got to Roaring Fork Shelter I met a woman I had passed earlier. Her name is "Ziplock" and she has lupus - and I thought I had some tough days! Life! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

14.8 miles, M.M. 270.7I'm back in NC as the trail shares the TN border back and forth. I awoke to heavy fog and 46 degrees at Roaring Fork Shelter. I slept really well and didn't get back on the trail until 9:15am! Bluff Mountain was my last big climb before descending for the day. Once I got below the fog line, things really improved. The trail was drier, the sun started to peek out and I thought I heard the angels singing! It turned out to be the wind in the pines. It was really nasty on top. Once off the top, the rest of the hike was a breeze, the pines smelled great and the sun felt wonderful. I passed a young hiker wearing a shirt with a domino on it, hence his name was Domino. He said he was hungry and was dying for a hamburger. I think his name should be Wimpy (from Popeye for those of you too young to know this!). My socks were so bad, I decided to use my dry bag as a clothes washer. I put in a couple of drops of liquid soap and hand washed my socks and shirt, then I used more spring water for the rinse. I also rinsed my feet in the stream, dried them and put Dr. Scholl's Oder X powder on them with clean socks. Heaven! Now I need some of Mom's stew and dumplings! Tonight the shelter is full of young folk. As I journal in my hammock, it's funny to listen to them and realize how wide the age range is here on the trail. For the first time I am hearing whippoorwills. Life is good! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter to Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

14.2 miles, M.M. 284.9I left Deer Park Mountain Shelter and arrived in Hot Springs, NC at 8:45am on a beautiful day. The A.T. goes right down main street. They even have large A.T. signs made right into the sidewalk on one side of the street. At 9:00am I went to the Post Office to pick up what I thought would be mail drops #1 (from Jena) and #2 (from REI). My food drop #1 was there filled with Love and treats, including a small loaf of Mom's pumpkin bread, but drop #2 (my Flex-Lite chair) was not there by the guaranteed delivery date. The reason for the delay was unknown. In the end, I had it shipped to Erwin, TN, but it took ALOT of phone calls (and I don't have good reception) to get it all settled. The postal clerk was alone at the counter with hikers coming in for mail drops all day long; yet, he was a great help to me. While all of this was going on, I went to sit on a wall across the street. A tall, lean, very old gentleman was sitting there, too. I began a conversation with him. He said he had lived in Hot Springs all of his life. Soon his son came by. We talked about hunting for awhile, then he walked his father home. Then a hiker I had met before came by (Wolf). We are both anal about our gear so we get along well. While I was in the PO earlier, the kid with the crazy hair, Domino, came in. He asked where I was from. I said St. Louis - he didn't know where that was. I said the arch? Nope! The Mississipi River? Sorta! They should have let that boy out of the box more often. I also purchased a birdfeeder for Pearl at the local hardware store and had it shipped home. I got to talking to the owner - he said I was different than most hikers they get in there - in a good way he said. I guess I didn't smell. They were having a festival but I left town at 2:30pm. I wanted to get back in the woods and on the trail. Right out of town the trail ascended a high bluff next to the Broad French River. As I climbed, I could hear a good band playing reggae. As I neared the top, they switched to rock. From the bluff's top I had a great view of the town and its festivities. Any hikers who planned to party there can work off hangovers climbing the bluff. I'll be ahead of all that by leaving early. As I hike I watch for rattlesnakes as some have been seen. My advice if bitten out here would be to to eat all the good stuff in your pack while you write your goodbyes, ha! Some days now I feel like Forrest Gump when he can't stop walking, funny. I met the lady from Estonia again on the trail. She always looks very stoic. I think if I keep losing weight as they say hikers do, there will be a plaque on the trail saying "Hoyt evaporated on this spot" - ha! Trail humor. I may have to get my trekking poles bronzed when I'm done as I couldn't do without them. Thanks for my treats and cards I received in Hot Springs! This ends another episode of "Tales from the Hammock" -Hoyt