morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Morning finally came. It was still snowing and very cold. I was warm inside my sleeping bag but not toasty. If I put an arm outside I got cold fast.We all discussed what to do. Most thought moving on was best. A few including me had limited food. Wanderer got his cell phone to work finally. He called the ranger station and asked if Clingmans road was open. No...nor was rt.441 from Gatlinburg.There went the plan to leave with Pat in his car. Now it looks like 8 or 12 miles in wet clothes without being able to rest. That puts us in another shelter or at the closed rt. 441 road.Pippi put on hyer wet clothes and stood around waiting for others. She started to faint. It seemed like hypothermia. "Nothing decent" scrambled to make her hot cocoa. He used Wanderers stove and accidently caught Kakilakis tarp on fire. It's funny now but wasn't at the time.Well I was borderline cold and decided to eat me last oatmeal before putting on clothes so wet you could ring them. Except for the parts frozen solid.Everyone left, Kakilaki 30 minutes after the others. I stayed there alone. Cold...I kept thinking what to do. I was not sure I had the strength to do 8 miles in wet clothes. It's a long time to hike and not stop for a break. At a point I wished I had gone with the others.What if Pat got his car out? Could I still catch him? Now I would hike alone, what if they are gone? Can I make 8 miles?Well I only had 1 tuna, 1 chicken, and a small ziplock of stovetop left. No snacks and the food I had needed to be cooked for the most part. Hard to do while hiking.2:00 comes and people show up. They tell me tons more are on the way. That did it. Wet clothes go on and off I go. I was warm enough hiking uphill to Clingmans dome.It was sleeting on the summit. I saw the sign for the parking lot. It was 4:00 very windy and .5 miles off the trail. I decided to keep going. It was downhill but I couldn't go fast. Snow, mud, roots, etc. The trees were low and lots of snow falling off them onto my warm body. I was soaked like someone put a hose on me.No food and downhill made it hard to stay warm by hiking. 2 miles later I saw a road, plowed clean. I bet Pat got his car out....I waited 5 minutes for a car but no luck....too cold to wait longer.I finally get to the shelter sign....great .5 miles off the trail. I went fast, planning how to get out of the wet stuff and get out exactly what I needed fast.Kakilaki and 2 girls, "Snotti" and "Clover" were there. I got into my bag and cooked what I had left into one meal.5 miles to the road in the morning. Will there be cars? Could my parents get through the snow? Bed time.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: New Found Gap Road
Miles today: 4.5

It was cold through the night. I wanted an early start and as fast as I could toward town. I was packed and wearing my only dry piece of clothing. I was betting the road was open. The sun was actually trying to shine.At 730am I took off. The ground was mostly flat with only a few ups and downs. A couple miles later I hit a parking area. Is this it already? Nope, this overlook was not in my data book. The sign said another 3.3 miles....grrrr. I arrived at Newfound Gap at 9:45. The last sign, like several others in the park, was very wrong with mileage.I spotted my mother right away. Its like another world. a tour bus unloading senior citizens...how things change so fast. Crazy! the last few days....shew!My parents had food and drinks for me and off we went to Gatlinburg. Hot shower and clean clothes. Then I remebered the post office. So off we raced to get my packages before they closed at noon.We ate ribs at Calhouns, thanks Dave. My mother wanted a nap, so my father and I "walked" a few hours. We went to a holiday car museum. Did laundry and ate at a trout restaurant. Lots of people in Gatlinburg. Its good to be in a warm bed. I'm beat....Scuba
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

I went to the outfitter and got fuel. Also a camera case so I can get out my camera with out taking off my pack. Lots more pictures are coming in a week or so. They took my picture at the outfitters in Gatlinburg for the wall.We had pancakes at Flapjacks. Off we go to drop me off at the trail. On the way we gave butcher a ride. I took my time leaving and hit the trail at 10:30. I saw my father already enjoying feeding hikers as I left. Long gentle uphill. I passed several day hikers. I can't explain how great it is to tell people your going to Maine when they ask. It adds spring to my step everytime. The weather was great. Snow on Tennessee and very little in N.C. I saw nothing Decent at the first shelter. He told me all about how they got out. 8 people piled in Pat's car. And the gate was closed. But 2 service men opened it for them and let them out. Oh well how could I have known.... Glad they were all safe.Apparently Baby Steps, Pippi, and Wanderer stopped in for my dad's snacks. I walked slow and really enjoyed my hike today. Maybe it was because of the warm weather or after a town stop, but probally because I got to spend a day with my folks. I stopped on a neat ridge and dried my feet. The sun was warm.The shelter was full but I was glad to tent. The snow on this side of the mountain is almost gone already. I took 10 pictures today. A lot more then the 1 or 2 on most days. I like the camera holder. No cage on this shelter to keep bears out.I passed 200 miles sometime in the past couple of days. I hope I got in enough details. I was so cold and tired I did not write in my journal for 3 days. I am trying to catch up. 1 or 2 more days of the SmokiesScuba
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Well I laid in my tent for hours. I spent a while thinking of the past few days and putting them into this journal and pocketmail. It was probally 11:00 before I took off. I enjoyed the sunshine despite all the mud. The walking is very nice in the smokies. The trail makers keep you on the ridge top as much as possible. I stopped for lunch at Tri Corner shelter. I tried to nap but too many people showed up. It was n ice to see Nothing Decent though. He was behind because he went 10 miles to see a mountain lodge. Its a full service lodge that packs in supplies with Llamas. Supposedly built before the park was made to treat the politicians to a wilderness experiance. Somehow I got talking about the Confederate monuments in Richmond and it started a racial debate. One guy was pretty offense so it was easy to talk Nothing Decent into hiking to the next shelter with me.That made a 21 mile day for him. We arrived late expecting to tent out. It was so full there was no flat ground left. I pulled out my tarp and just slept on it. It was great to watch the starts and sunrise. I looked for metors but the current storm only has 5 per hour. I realized I am not getting enough calories. People are eating 2000 just for dinner. I guess thats why I hike fast then stop and sleep for breaks..heh.Saw an eagle for a second. Gazer played some nice native american type music on a flute. Last night in the Smokies.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

I slept fine without a tent. It was nice to rollover and see the stars before dozing off. At 7:30 I headed out with Nothing Decent. Easy first part of the day. Good weather goes a long way. Mostly downhill with a few steep ups. After a few miles the downhill is pretty brutal on the knees. Davenport gap was not impresive. No leaving the smokies sign. No visitor center. Just a dirst road. Lucky me snagged a ride with poet for Nothing decent and I.Off we go to Mountain Mom's hostel. Picture a west Virginia country store with a few bungalos out back next to the junk pile. I did score a nice cheeseburger and lots of gatorade and coke. We paid a buck each for a shuttle back to the trail. Great lunch stop. Always fun to eat lots of grease then climb a hard uphill. The trail is dry now and lots of green. The next 2 miles had more wildflowers then I have seen so far. Lots of 1st sighting also. Dwarf crested Iris, firepink, wild giraniam, violets, ragweed, tulip poplar, dogwood, red bud and 10 others I cant ID. Even had a waterfall in this section. Great hour or so of hiking. Too bad my camera batteries died taking the waterfall, i hope it saved it. Hot springs has my charger and spares. Ill carry 3 sets of batteries now that I am taking more photos. Pippi and I stayed at Standing Bear Farm. The rest kept on. Really neat hostel. Lots of buildings made from hand with old salvaged wood. Sioux teepee. The cabin I stayed in had a creek run right under it. Telephone, internet, long story it crashed after an hour of typing....., stove food and steak dinner that I skipped. Its friendly clean and a great atmosphere. Its the place to stop if you want a shower after the Smokies. I stayed up until 10:00 at the campfire. I hope to make max Patch tomorrow. Its a huge bald with great views you can camp on.1 month today!!!!Scuba
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Max Patch summit
Miles today: 16.0

I took another shower, washed dishes and chatted with Curtis the manager. Finally got packed and headed out at 10:30. Up 90% of the day, tough tough. I took an hour break and ate all the junk food I just bought. Then hiked to the next shelter. I got water and cooked dinner. Jim was the only person staying there. At 5:30pm I set off to max patch. I saw most of the sunset on the ridge but I couldnt make it to the top of the bald in time. Its a great view, too bad no camera. You can see the entire ridgeline I walked in the Smokies. Cool stuff.....About 10 tents set up here. Hot springs is 20 away, If i get up early I am going for it.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Max Patch summit

To: Hot Springs 1
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was super windy on the 1000 acre bald last night. I ate peanut butter and jelly for breakfast. I got started at 8:15. My plan was to hike hard and have 10 miles down by lunch. Well hiking fast I was and went right by my turn. Half a mile out of the way. Grrr...Most of the day was downhill. Less energy but tougher on the feet and knees. Pippi tells me today is more mental then physical. When I told her I went the wrong way she laughed and said I failed the mental test. As usual I got tired after 5 or so miles. I took an hour for lunch and rest.Lady slippers were the new flower for the day. Wildlife went to a 2 foot snake I scared off the trail. Not sure what kind, I had a good look but cant ID him.I was suprised so many people went the 17 miles to the last shelter. I had not seen anyone for hours until I stopped in at 6:00. Light rain on and off all afternoon. My feet hurt but I figured whats 3 more miles at this point. So off I rushed to Hot Springs. The trail walks right through town. A house full of hikers started yelling when I paused to figure my way. I stayed at the cody hostel with them. Everywhere else was full. I got to the diner at 7:50. The door was locked. A lady outside was talking to the manager and felt bad for me not having anywhere else to go so they let me in. Chopped steak with onions and peppers. Turnip greens, corn break, sweat tea, and greens beans. Ah the south....Back to the hostel for a shower. I watched the rest of the hikers drink themselves to death before I fell asleep. Moving to elmers in the morning. 1800s Victorian house..Scuba
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Hot Springs

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

(typing from Mrs. Janets house in Erwin Tenn. 4/25 12:00)Zero day in Hot Springs.I went to Elmers Hostel at 8 am. I put my name on the list and went to the diner for breakfast. By 9:30 Elmers and most other places in town were full. The town is hopping with hikers. I moved my gear inside. Neat house and friendly staff. I picked up my mail from the P.O. Then I ate lunch at the Paddlers Pub with Off and Dingleburry and Snot Rocket. The later are two marine biologist who leave where I dive alot in N.C.There is probally 50 or more hikers in town. I used the pay phone while I could and checked out the outfitters. I lost 23 pounds by their scale. I wanted to loose weight on this trip but not so much at the beginning. I have to eat better. Dinner was great at the Hostel. The owner used to own a gourmet restaurant. Soup, salad, sheppards pie and apple raisen bread pudding. I fell asleep at 9pm.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Hot Springs

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

Zero at Elmer's Sunny Bank InnThis is the first time I took 2 zero days adjacent. I opted to skip breakfast at Elmers and go to the diner. I liked dinner but I need meat! All the meals at the hostel are vegetarian. After that I mailed ahead my gear. I bought a new cookpot and sent the old ones home.None of the places in town have phones. So hikers are in line for the few pay phones. Lunch again at the pub. Pretty expensive to have lunch there. Oopalah played piano at Elmers. He was really good. They have a whole music room there for anyone to use. I finally got my laundry done. The only dryer available was not getting warm. It took 3 cycles to dry.Your body gets pretty stiff on zero days. But the rest is really needed....I think..Dinner at Elmers was pretty good again except I dont like carrot soup. It was like warm pumpkin pie mix...except carrots...In bed by 10:30. I blew about 200 bucks on my days off. Thats a lot in terms of hiker stays. I paid Elmer tonight so that I can get an early start in the morning.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Easter!It was 8:00 before I got out the door. I called my parents on the way out of town to wish them Happy Easter. The trail goes right through town, down the sidewalk. I met Baby steps and Pippi at the turn into the woods. The sun was shining and cool. First view was from Lovers Leap. Nice view of the town and river.Uphill as usual after leaving a town. I stopped at a dam/pond for a while. I tried the flyfishing kit dave sent me but with little luck. Not enough room and I was not going to wade in this pond.I took lunch at a firetower with wanderer and babysteps. I got an education from wanderer about what Passover consists of. I showed up at Allen gap around 6 or 7 in the evening. I found Gazer, pippi, baby steps, and Wanderer. They had found a nice camping area just past the gap. No one likes to camp near a road.A bit farther in the woods we camped and I ate Easter Dinner....Freeze dried Beef Stroganoff...Not badScuba
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Allen Gap

To: Spring
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up to rain at 6 am. The others packed up and left. I was comfortable and layed in my tent. I wrote a few journal entries. It was around 12 noon when I finally got packed. I was low on water so opted for a power bar and jerky for breakfast.The next few miles took forever. It was one of those days I had no energy and didnt want to hike. I was glad to get water after 5 miles. I found a nice spot near a spring and stopped for the night. I failed at starting a campfire. The wood was still pretty wet. It rained for the morning and off and on for the afternoon. Its odd being camped alone. I plan for a long day tomorrow to even up for this one.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Spring

To: 1 mile past shelter
Miles today: 10.5

It turned very cold.   The weather has been crazy since the start of this trip. I woke up to a drizzle and cold winds. I set out around 10:00. So much for an early start. Its just hard to leave your sleeping bag for the cold and wet. Most of the day was easy hiking. I took pictures of white rock bluff and the 300 mile point. Some guys came along just at the right time. They took my picture standing in front of "300" made from rocks. I ate a Mountain House Lasagna at the 2nd shelter. I must have made it better this time it was pretty good. Oh- I also made the eggs for breakfast and they were great. I hiked a mile past the shelter and camped alone. So much for a big day. But at least it was enjoyableScuba
Date: 2003-04-23
From: 1 mile past shelter

To: Low gap
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

8:30 start. The hike started out with a few road crossings. It went past an old barn and 3 sets of graves. Some from the Cival War. I skipped on making lunch and took my chance to get a ride to the Cafe' @ sams gap. 20 minutes of waiting until I finally got a life. A truly great double cheeseburger and fries. Strawberry Cobbler and ice cream. About 5 iced teas. Instant lift back to the trail. The whole trip was less than an hour. I have yet to talk to any other hikers who went. No details- but the "town food runs" is not a myth. I finished the day at a nice camp spot at low gap. Oopalah made a fire. Later Flash, Cackalacki and healer joined us. Tenting is slower in the morning but you sleep so much better its worth it. I hear some coyotes last night...weird.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Low gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a campfire in the morning as we ate breakfast. I got underway around 9:00. The first stop was on top of Big Bald. Its actually 2 hills with balds. You can see a nearby ski resort and Mt. Mitchel. I took my time and arrived at the No Business Shelter around 6:00. I ate my last dinner and candy bar. I had oatmeal for the next day and only 6 miles until town. Nice warm night and roomy shelter.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-25
From: No Business Shelter

To: Erwin Tenn.
Miles today: 6.3

I was up early at 6:30 and on the trail to Mrs. Janets by 7:00. Most of the 6 miles was downhill. I saw the first blooming Mountain Laurel. The trail had several overlooks on the Nalichucky (spelling) River. I saw a nice view as a train came over the river bridge.I stopped by Johnies Hostel for a couple drinks out of the vending machines. Then I walked about a mile down the road before I got to an intersection with enough traffic to hitch a ride. I got to Mrs. Janets by 9:30am or so and there was only 2 spots left. I ate lunch at the Chinese Palace. Dinner at Elms Diner. A bunch of us went to a movie at the theater, Anger management. Friday night with only 15 hikers and maybe 6 other people. 5.00 to enter and 2.50 for large popcorn and 2.00 for a large coke...what a deal. Its another world in these small towns.Mrs. Janets is a nice spot and she is super friendly. She spent most of the day shuttling not only her guests but any hiker in town who needed a lift.Scubaman
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Erwin Tenn.

To: Erwin Tenn.
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day.Breakfast burrito on the menu at Mrs. Janets. I restocked on groceries at the Food Lion. I updated my trail journals some too. Later in the day I decided to join Mrs. Janet for Rat Fest '03. It was a 2 hour drive south to Browns gap. Rat and Ox (who set up trail magic at stecoah gap) put on a big spread. Ribeye, sweet potatoes, corn, salad, chicken, you name it... I ate some of each. 30+ cars parked at this gap. We stayed the night and I camped out in the Van. Supposedly we head out early in the morning to Erwin.
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Erwin Tenn.

To: Indian Grave at Road
Miles today: 8.9

Breakfast was huge. Hikers ran down the hill to eat once they saw the tarps and cars. Everyone had more than they could eat.It must have been noon before we got back to Erwin. I took a shower and headed out to the trail with "Granite." We hiked almost 9 miles and stopped at a road. It was late in the day. Keep on or hitch back to Erwin, TN?"Granite" was expecting a new pair of boots to arrive so we hitched. Yet another night at Mrd. Janets Hostel.Sonic burger and a shake for dinner.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Iron Mountain

To: Indian Grave
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

A hearty breakfast at Mrs. Janets. Banana pancakes with ice cream..."Granite's" boots finally came in.The shuttles take awhile and made for a late start. Since it was noon and Mrs. Janet was going north we opted to hike from south to north with day packs. Known as slackpacking or freedom hiking.We hiked 12 miles. We should have slack packed yesterday..oh well. Tomorrow hopefully we leave Erwin for the last time. It was 8:30pm and still couldn't hitch to town. Finally two guys in town to work on the railroad gave us a lift. We did not have headlamps or tents. The traffic was about 3 cars per hour.Back at the hostel we ordered pizza and wings for dinner.Todays hike was great. We passed over Unica Mountain, the only stand of red spruce until New England.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Iron Mountain

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

My last breakfast at Mrs. Janet's. How am I still here? Eggs and biscuits with gravy. At least I'm hiking everyday.Back on the trail..."Granite" and I hiked together again. We ran Tusan and Turtle out of the shelter. One was rude and made it clear she doesn't like snoring. The other decided to tent so she could get to bed early."1/3", "Litewalker", "Carrotslayer", "Dirty Frank", "Greenman", and "Mongoose" showed up later. We ate and enjoyed a nice campfire.Scuba
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Stan Murry Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

8:30 start. Granite and I set out together again. We climbed the last mountain over 6k feet until New England. It took hours to get up this beast. Roan Mtn. Bluff. Very cool mtn with evergreens on top. We ran into Veteran thru-hikers Nomad and JoJO on top. The drove up.... We had thunder all around us. We took a long lunch at Roan Shelter. The storm let up and we headed toward overlook shelter. The storm woke up again. Lightning, hail, high winds, rain and thunder. Not just down a mountain but over 2 more open balds. We stopped 1.7 miles short and stayed at Stan Murray shelter. I pulled a muscle and was cold and wet. Overlook would have been nice. Its an old barn that was once in a movie. Converted to a shelter. It faces east and makes for a great sunrise. 12 Miles until Roan mtn. Post office. I can call my folks and make visiting plans.
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Stan Murry Shelter

To: Rt. 19 Shaddy Motel (newland)
Miles today: 10.4

The rain let up but the wind did not. Cold air blew right into the shelter all night. Granite and I had the shelter to ourselves. 8:30 start. My pack felt a lot lighter. I ate a huge dinner last night. I stopped at overlook mtn to check it out. The barn was nothing special but it had an incredible view of the valley. I walked from there up and over 2 balds. Spectacular! The 2nd bald had long horn cattle right on the trail. My leg really ached on all the downhills. We hiked with slip and trip for the last few miles. Early in the morning I ran into greenman. He was hiking the wrong way. 1.5 miles...He did not have a clue until I told him.We got to rte 19 and landed a ride to the post office. Had an ice cream and a subway sandwich. The hotel sent a shuttle to pick us up. Dumpy town but friendly. I may take a zero day to rest my leg. Its sore and swollen. I am 385 miles from springer GA. 75 or so from VA. I hiked out of NC for the last time.
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Rt. 19 Shaddy Motel (newland)

To: Rt. 19 Shaddy Motel (newland)
Miles today: 0.0

The day started out waiting on the Kincora hostel to deliver Granites packages to the hotel. Pat dropped off the boxes and suggested we come to the hostel to stay and rest instead of paying for the motel.. After a greasy omelette we packed up and went to Kincora. Its at Denis Cover Road 24 miles from where we stopped hiking via trail. The plan was to rest my leg and then get a shuttle back to wehre I got off. I was limping a lot. It seems like shin splints but a stress fracter is a concern too. Bob and Pat Peoples are a nice Scotch/Irish couple. They run their hostel as a hobbie. 4$ donation accepted. A trip to town later is where I picked up a pack of ribeyes and other good food to cook on the grill.