morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

It was freezing last night. I was very cold. Can't believe how cold it was. My body was ok, but my feet were cold.   The shelter was a fenced in shelter, but had no front and the wind was whipping in. Young and Dumb saved the day by putting up his tarp from the top bunk to the bottom bunk. It really cut the wind.It was very cold day with frost in the trees. My boots were frozen solid. Took about 1 hour of walking for my feet to finally thaw. I waited to get water until the AM because I didn't want it to freeze. Even though I waited, the water in my tube froze and I couldn't drink for a while. Had to hold the tube in my hand while I was walking to try to thaw it out.Some very nice views, but hard to enjoy while being so cold.Ran into a ridge runner who said that it will be about 10 degrees tonight with wind chills below zero. Great.   Can't wait.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was below zero with the wind chill last night. It snowed about 6 inches. I ended up sleeping in all my clothes including my rain paints - everything I have except for my rain jacket. I even put my feet in a garbage bag to act as a vapor barrier. It did help. I was warmer than last night.The sun is out, but it has warmed up at all. The plan is to try to get to Gatlinburg tomorrow. I wish we could have hiked today because sitting here freezing is not much fun. Hopefully, I will be warm tonight and we can get moving in the AM. We have a fire going, but it is scarce and wet.Trying not to eat too much food because I only have enough to get me out. Not much extra. Not too smart.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was another freezing night in the shelter. Ended up being a full house. 11 guys and me. The guy sleeping next to me (3 times a charm) farted all night and as luck would have it - his feet were at my head. Not very pleasant.I think it was colder last night than the night before. The water in the spring was frozen. I was able to get about 20 oz and that was all. I didn't even filter it.I have been sleeping with my water filter, my fuel, and my contacts and solution all in my sleeping bag so that they don't freeze.It was a virtual winter wonderland. Who knew it was Easter Sunday. If it wasn't so cold it would have been beautiful. Met up with another ridge runner who said it was record cold and would finally start to warm up by Tuesday.I stopped at Clingman's Dome and went up the tower. I then had to walk about .25 miles down to the restroom to try to get some water. Again, my tube froze up and I had to wait to drink for a while. It did end up warming up, so I hiked in just my shirt.Got a little trail magic at New Found Gap. Some candy bars. It was a nice surprise.Finally got to the shelter and because of the cold - my stove was acting up. Took forever to heat the water. The trail was not very difficult today, but it was treacherous because of the ice and snow.I finally had my first fall backward. Slipped on an icy log and fell back. Not fun and it was difficult to get up.I was amazed at how many tourist were at clingmans and at new found gap. Wierd since it is Easter Sunday.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was another full night at the shelter. There were 4 section hikers. A couple who teach in NC on spring break and a father and son on spring break from NC, also. Some of the guys from Silers Bald = young & dumb, hungus, earthquake, randal, plus some new people. Little Red and her husband Wolf.And Matterhorne who says he saw me at Springer. Don't remember him there, but I do remember him right before Fontana Dam.It was another very cold night and my boot literally froze because they were wet from the melting snow. It took a couple of hours for them to warm up and thaw. The smokies are almost over. Yippee.The first 7.5 miles today was ridge walking. Very thin trail with drop offs on both sides. Wonderful views all around. The last 6 miles was across the side of the mtn. Not a great of views, but still good.Still very icy and treacherous in spots.My left knee and both feet are killing me. I think the cold is not helping either. The pain in my feet comes and goes, but when it comes it is excrutiating. I think when I get to Hot Springs = I may have to go see a Dr.OK enough complaints. Today is the last day of my 3rd week.Let's see what I have learned. Top 10 lessons:10. trying to scratch an itch anywhere on my backside is impossible.9.   frozen tuna, frozen candy bars, power bars, etc are not good when it is cold.8. swedish fish are good frozen or melty.7. trying to change in a shelter full of men without flashing anyone takes talent.6. trying to dig a 6 in cat hole when it is 10 degrees is not a fun chore.5. winter camping without winter camping gear stinks4. The smokies are beautiful3. Al Gore - I am a convert. Record cold and record hot all within a 3 week span.2. All trail magic is good1. I must have been crazy to do this.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

As of right now, I have about .9 miles left in the smokies. There is a hostel about 3.5 miles away, but I have decided to stop for the night because my feet and knees are killing me. I figured I would do the 3.5 tomorrow and will take the rest of the day to rest. And, then move on toward Hot Springs.So far everyone, but Randal have decided to continue on to the hostel. Hopefully, it will not be as cold as it has been since we are lower in elevation.The hike today was a lot of downs which really puts stress on my knees. Some really good views in the AM,but the afternoon was rocky and very ugly. Not much too look at.Overall the smokies were beautiful. If it wasn't for the weather it would have been great. I am glad that they are behind me though.critters today: nuthatches, brown creeper, juncos, chicadees and a few warblers. But, without my binos - I can't id them.Last night at the other shelter - it was another full house. So, many that a few ended up pitching tents. There were 3 section hikers from Dayton, not very friendly. I finally fixed my camera so that it has the correct date and time. 'bout time.It is not even 5pm. It is going to be a long night.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: light rain

A couple of section hikers showed up around 8pm.Other than that the shelter was empty. It was a whole lot warmer last night. So, warm that I was too hot.The hike out to the hostel was ok. Got a little lost, but finally made it here. It is a wierd little place, but I can take a shower, do laundry and rest up.This is what they call a nero day. A little hiking, but not much.Tomorrow it will be on toward Hot springs. Should be there by Saturday.Glad, that I decided to do what I did - come in the AM. I was there with a couple of holdovers from the night before and pretty much had the place to myself. I did laundry, took a shower and was able to update my journals all before the crowds started coming. The place is really kinda rustic (nice way to say dumpy), but it worked for the night. The guy had a pantry for restocking and pretty much had all the staples. Lipton, kraft, etc. The place ended up being full and most were young guys who drank beer and smoked pot until all hours of the night. I just don't know how they do it. They are up all night and then blow by me like I am standing still. Incredible. Some old guy in a kilt (bear killer) started screaming at them and kept it up in the AM. I thought they were going to start throwing punches. Time for me to move out. I was up and out on the trail by 7:30.   I ended up splitting a frozen pizza with a woman from Mass (Stitches). It was perfect. Just enough.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was a big climb AM. About 3.5 miles out of a gap. Not steep, just gradual, but it went on forever. I made sure to stop every 2hrs or so to try to see if it would help my feet and knees. In the AM, it was very painful, but the afternoon not so bad.About 1.5 hours after lunch at Brown Gap - there was a trail angel (Apple). He was out in the middle of no where cooking hotdogs. He had soda, cookies, and dogs. Just perfect. Had some of each.Kept on trucking. We went across a place called Max patch which was a massive grass hill. The wind had to be blowing 40mph. Today was sunny, but very windy. Down right cold at times. The patch was nice - different than what I have been seeing for the past 3 weeks. I ended up seeing about 1/2 dozen blue birds.   It was sweet.I am actually sleeping in my tent tonight. First time since Stecoah Gap. Hopefully, it won't be too cold. The area is pretty full, most are tenting with about 4 people staying in the shelter.My knee and feet feel a little better. Hopefully, I can get the 15 plus done tomorrow and then get to Hotsprings to get my mail on Saturday AM.Critters: juncos, bluebirds, brown creeper, crow, warblers, downy woodpecker.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hotsprings, NC
Miles today: 18.8

It was another very cold night. Very windy and very cold. Besides my aching knee and feet - I am getting a cold. Probably all the cold, damp weather.My plan for today was to get to the shelter right before town and then do the last 3.3 miles in the AM. The trail was not bad today. It had some climbs, and a lot of down hills. Passage through rhododenron and a lot of pine. Started out cold, but by the afternoon it had warmed up. It was after 1 before I could take my coat off. I got to the shelter by 2:15 and decided to keep pushing to town. It was too early and too nice to stop for the day.I ended up getting to town at about 3:50 just in time before the PO closed. The next thing was too find a room. Hotsprings reminds me of Mayberry. I keep expecting to see Andy and Barney walk down the street. I went to one place where you go to a bar to rent the room. They had one room left, but it only had hot water. Figured that was better than just cold. The place ended up being something out of a horror show. The room was small and had no furniture. Just a mattress on the floor. The floor was all tore up - holes in the wall. Picture a slum. The only thing missing were the rats.   All for the low price of $39 per night. NOT.   I told them I wanted my money back.   A couple of women were eating and heard the converation. They offered my a room in their house, but then the owner of another hotel (who I had called and he told me no room at the inn) said he did have room.So, I did end up getting a ok room. It was clean and had furniture and all types of water.   Some days I feel like I am in a wierd movie.   How much wierder can it get.I will be in hotsprings for 2 days to rest my old body. Mainly to get some sleep in the warmth.   I will do the regular stuff - laundry, shop, etc.I finally have been hungry.   I will try to see a Dr. in the AM.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Hotsprings, NC

To: Hotsprings, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Well, ended up going to the clinic today and saw a nurse practitioner.She was nice. Told me she didn't think it was stress fractures.   Told, me that I should be thinking about going home. If it is that painful, then maybe it was not to be. She did give me a prescription for motrin. I will see if that helps.I have lost about 13.5 lbs since I left home. Haven't really been hungry, but hopefully that will change.Have done 270.7 miles in 23 hiking days. Averages out to be about 11.77 miles per day.   Another rest day tomorrow.Open comment to everyone. Thanks for all the emails - friends, family, coworkers, neighbors. I cannot answer them all because computer time is scarce, but just know that I appreciate all of them. They really lift my spirits.THANKS and it means the world to me.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Hotsprings, NC

To: Hotsprings, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Well, again my zero day has been quite boring, but very restful.I did end up going to take a hotspring spa. It was great. They are outdoor spas and it was raining and cold which made the water seem even better.The water flows from a hotspring about .5 miles away. Comes out at a temp of 108 degrees and is pumped to each individual spa tub where it ends up being about 102 degrees.   Very nice. Each tub is secluded and you get a view of the Broad River.   I do feel better. But, I feel like I am breaking some rule by not hiking. I need to get some therapy. It is snowing in the MTNS, not as much as home, but still snowing.   I hope that it isn't too bad tomorrow.I do need to get moving, so the plan will be to get to the next shelter about 9 miles away.I did sneak back to the Rat hotel and take some pictures - so that everyone can see that I am not making this stuff up.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Hotsprings, NC

To: SpringMtnShelter
Miles today: 11.0

Today,was not a bad day. It was not a bad climb maybe about 3.5 miles. Blue sky and sun today, but very windy. The wind brought a lot of trees and branches down. About 6 miles from town a huge tree off to the right of the trail came down. It was scary, but amazing. In case you are wondering - if a tree falls in the woods you can hear it. Got to the shelter around 4pm and I made myself stay. Didn't want to, but it was the smart thing to do. No birds today - too windy. Lots of people at the shelter tonight. Including a new couple that started before me, but I have not met them yet: Hiking Pole (she's from Poland)and her husband Music Man. Very nice couple. My knee was not too bad today, but my feet were killing me.Sent back some more stuff to home. The USPS is making lots of money off of me. I sent home the bear spray - they say we don't need it until the Shenendoahs. So, I will have the SQ send it back later.Weighed my pack in town before I left - 35to36 with 5 days of food.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: SpringMtnShelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Today started out ok. Went down for about 3.6 miles to Allen Gap. Ran into a woman from Syracuse who is section hiking. Reach the Gap and found garbage pails - very exciting. Dumped my trash. Saw a sign about Trail Magic about 300 yards up the road. Debated,but went with it because I love free food. And, they promised it was worth it. The couple had a beautiful log home. Fal and Hercules (hiked in 99). They made wonderful Belgian waffles and had all kinds of great food. They have been doing it a couple of days per week during the hiking season since 04. Great food even though they were preaching the word of God. I listened just because the food was excellent.It was tough the rest of the day. Lots of uphill with no switch backs. Including a portion that was 1.5 miles across a ridgeline that was a lot of scrambling over rocks. Very difficult for my short legs. Lots of mud and snow from the storm, so it was very messy. Plus, I ended up wipping out on the rocks. Very scary.Lots of people at the shelter tonight including Northstar who I met way back coming out of Franklin. She has some family with her. Found out they are from Cambridge. Second person from Mass, but from the East.Saw my first crested dwarf iris today. A few juncos, turkey vultures, and nuthatches.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to coyotes and owls during the night. Haven't heard them in a while.Plus, for the first time some real bird activity. Towhee, robins,woodpeckers.Saw my first trout lili and more crested dwarf irisis.Had a good night sleep last night - probably because I was exhausted from the rock climbing. Got on the trail by 8. It was another tough day on my feet. All down hill for a couple of hours. The down hills really kill my feet. Every step is so painfull. Enough to bring tears to my eyes. The last 8 miles was through some old farm country, but grown in. It rained a little in the AM, but turned out to be a nice day. The climb in the afternoon was tough. Not a lot of switchbacks which means straight up hill climbing. It was pretty in places - lots of green and a nice waterfall.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to coyotes and owls during the night. Haven't heard them in a while.Plus, for the first time some real bird activity. Towhee, robins,woodpeckers.Saw my first trout lili and more crested dwarf irisis.Had a good night sleep last night - probably because I was exhausted from the rock climbing. Got on the trail by 8. It was another tough day on my feet. All down hill for a couple of hours. The down hills really kill my feet. Every step is so painfull. Enough to bring tears to my eyes. The last 8 miles was through some old farm country, but grown in. It rained a little in the AM, but turned out to be a nice day. The climb in the afternoon was tough. Not a lot of switchbacks which means straight up hill climbing. It was pretty in places - lots of green and a nice waterfall.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

Slept ok last night, but was woken up by rain. It rained most of the night,so woke up to a wet tent. But, it kept me dry. Love my tent.In Hotsprings I bought the ground cloth for my tent and I am glad that I did. First night in weeks that I didn't sleep in my coat.Today started out nice, but the weather turned nasty. I got to the shelter before it started pouring and hailing. So,I decided to stop for the day. Not my plan, since it was only 1:30. I wanted to go another 3.4 miles. It means that tomorrow I will have to go over 16 to get to Erwin. Looks like it is more down than up, so hopefully my feet will hold up.It was a good bird day today: Pileated woodpecker, ruffed grouse, blue jays, swallows, warblers, and a possible Gray Jay.Crossed a grassy bald today - had some great views on all sides.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was another full night at the shelter. The shelter was a doubledecker shelter and they did not allow tenting. 3-4 people came by, but had to keep moving in the rain because there was no room at the Inn. Two twin guys slept under the first bunks (not really much room, but they were super skinny and sqeezed under). Not my cup of tea.Stopped raining but it was pretty cold and damp. Back sleeping in my coat.Was hiking by 7:30. I wanted to get going early since I had to make up miles from yesterday. Did 10 miles by 12:15. My feet really hurt again. No rain today and it was very sunny and nice. Finally, nice weather. Haven't seen it in weeks.I just don't seem to have any energy this week. This week kicked my butt. Don't know if it is the cold that I can't get rid of or maybe my non appetite is catching up to me. I feel like I ate good this week, but was very tired and the hiking was very tough.My feet were very painful again today. I tried running to see if it would help. It did a little, but I wiped out and cut my hand. Can't win.Ugly today in the woods - fire damage and just a lot of downed dead trees. But, once I got close to town it was nice and green with lots of pine.Saw a beautiful swallow tailed butterfly today and a brown thrasher. Made good time - got to the outskirts of town by about 3:30 and the hotel guy came and picked us up. Staying at a Super 8. Indian owned. They are very nice and friendly. Nice and clean and not a rat in sight.   Praise the Lord.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Erwin, TN

To: Rome, GA
Miles today: 0.0

All,It is with deep sadness and regret that I have decided to temporarily come off the trail. The pain in my feet is just making it too hard to keep hiking.My father and stepmother are graciously driving up from Rome to get me. The supply queen and my poker family also wanted to drive down from Mass to get me, but it made more sense to have Dad come.I will go back to GA and fly home. The supply queen is trying to get an appt. made with a good foot Dr. The frustrating thing is that I went to a foot guy before I left to make sure I was set. But, it didn't help.My plan is to go see the Dr. and reevaluate my options. Maybe get different boots.If I do get to come back out - I will get on the trail north of here. Where ever my plan says I should be. At some point, I will do the parts that I end up skipping.Very sad day, but I have not had fun this week.Thanks for all the support.   I will keep everyone posted.Pictures should be coming soon.THANKS   "to travel with no pain, hopefully is a better thing than to arrive"338.7 miles in total - plus Mass.   Not bad. Not what I planned, but not bad.
Date: 2007-04-30
To: Home at last
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I am finally home in good ole Massachusetts.   I have an appointment with a foot doctor on Friday.   Until then, I am trying to keep busy and not be too depressed about having had to get off the trail.I just keep telling myself that no matter what happens - I had an opportunity of a lifetime and I need to cherish that.I do, but it is hard not to be bummed out.I will be posting some pictures today from the last few weeks of my hike. Hopefully, they will not be the last ones.