morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-01
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Started off this AM after a wonderful breakfast at the Blueberry Patch. Gary drove me the 3 miles to the trail head. Around 2pm I walked into North Carolina! That was a milestone. I'm at Muskrat Creek tonight with King, Cakon(short for cake & bacon)and Aaron. Today the temp was a balmy 40F. I put on my shorts and felt good. Heard owls again in the woods last night. We've all got our food hanging in the tree. It's strange how fast the day goes by. King just checked the wx 90% chance of snow tomorrow. We 4 plan on hiking together tomorrow for safety. Time for bed.
Date: 2010-03-02
From: Muskrat Creek shelter

To: Carter Gap shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: snow

A very hard day. Plowing through 1-3 feet of snow. Everyone here is heading for Franklin. I'm not sure what I'll decide to do. It's 7:30pm. I'm cold and tired.Tomorrow is Rock Gap shelter then after that either Franklin OR continue as planned to NOC. Time to sleep....
Date: 2010-03-03
From: Carter Gap shelter

To: Rock Gap shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Another very hard day. Lots of deep snow. Cakon, Aaron and King went to Franklin. I was too tired to kick through another 3 miles of snow, then hitch a ride into Franklin so I am here at the shelter alone. I would not be surprised if someone comes in late. My plan now is to get up early and head into Franklin. This deep snow has worn me down.I made the mistake of climbing into my sleeping bag with a damp jacket on and shivered for quite awhile unable to get warm until I took off the damp clothes and was then warm within 15 minutes.It's 6:45pm and here comes Braids, her brother and Tucker, the dog. I'm glad I'm in my bag and all warm. Time to sleep or at least rest. For some reason-- I have not been sleeping well???
Date: 2010-03-04
From: Rock Gap shelter

To: Wayah shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Got started hiking this AM at 8:30. My shoes were frozen solid. One plan was to head for Franklin but I REALLY did not want to go into Franklin. When I got to the turn off to the road I decided to just keep going and I'm glad I did even though today was another very hard day through the snow.The Wayah shelter is really nice and new. Tomorrow it's Wesser Bald and then on to NOC. Today I did not see anyone all day. Time to try and get some sleep.
Date: 2010-03-05
From: Wayah shelter

To: Wesser Bald shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Walked the first 2/3 of this day in snow. Then after Tellico Gap the trail reappeared! It was fantastic to see soil and rock again!It just depends on the slope of the hills and the angle of the suns rays. I know my speed drops to 1-1.5 mph through the deep snow. Climbed Wesser Bald fire tower. It was fantastic! I pulled into Wesser Bald shelter about 5PM. Leon and Snow White are here. First people I've seen in 2 days. I must say I'm pleased that I've gone for the entire 68 miles with out a resupply and mostly solo. It was a good test for the Smokies next week. A lot depends on the weather for the Smokies. They are higher, mainly 6,000' and along ridge lines that makes for easy summer hiking. But for big snow drifts in the winter along the ridges.I'm cozy in my bag tonight. Snow White gave me a hand warmer pack for my feet.My feet do get wet and cold during the day, but they stay warm as long as I keep moving. Tomorrow it's off to NOC, rest,clean up and call home.
Date: 2010-03-06
From: Wesser Bald shelter

To: Nanatahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

Awoke this morning with the excitement of heading to the NOC and a hot shower. Snow White & Leon got off 30 min. before me. It was a lovely walk. It sure is going to be nice when spring comes, about a month away still. I just called REI to order a new pack with more volume-15L and is a medium size to fit my body frame better. My current pack is too long and rubs my tail bone.I'll pick up my new back pack, along with my food box in Fontana.I got into NOC, resort like town around 11AM. Got a room with 4 bunks all to myself. Showered, ordered 11" pizza and FF. Had a great talk with my wife, InaSilver Fox. Went to bed at 8PM, but my sleep is still fitful.
Date: 2010-03-07
From: Nanatahala Outdoor Center

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is Sunday and a zero day for rest. My back pack will arrive in Fontana on Wed. I'll take another zero day Monday, so I do not arrive in Fontana before my pack does. I hitched a ride this morning to the Silver Mines Baptist Church. Very nice people. The music was with guitar and very nice harmony. The service and sermon was very long - over 2 hours.Walked to a small store to stock up for 3 days hike to Fontana. Also bought a sleeping bag liner and Pro Lite+ mattress. I'll need that warmer gear for theGSMNP. I ran into Aggie Al. Says he's going to head home for awhile then perhaps do a flip flop from Harpers Ferry. I wished him well. Braids, her brother and Tucker the dog headed out this morning for Fontana Dam.
Date: 2010-03-08
From: NOC

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Finally slept really good last night. Of course, I was in a comfy bunk bed.Shared the room with Billy. Nice guy, about my age who is a rafting guide.Had coffee with 2 other great guys Seaborne and Snowplow.I'm eager to get back on the AT tomorrow, Tuesday. Hope to make it to FontanaDam by Thursday afternoon before the P.O. closes at 3PM.
Date: 2010-03-09
From: NOC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Frost called home today, March 14, from Gatlinburg, TN. For those following his progress I'll make this entry on his behalf. He left Fontana Dam March 12and has hiked 41 miles so far into the Great Smoky Mtns Natl Park up to Newfound Gap. Much of this was through 4 feet deep snow with some sections deeper from drifting. Plus it snowed most of today in the higher elevations. He hiked a bit with Branch and Apple Seed today. Frost gave his hand warmer packets to Apple Seed whose hands had become painfully cold. She was so glad for that. Going up Clingmans Dome was a real workout.Frost climbed up the observation deck on Clingmans Dome. Each step was piled high with snow. Tried to call home from the top but no cell coverage and no panoramic views. Quite a crowd was at Newfound Gap, people up there just for the day enjoying playing in the snow. A nice guy approached Frost and offered to give him a lift into Gatlinburg late this afternoon, which he readily and happily accepted.When I asked Frost if he's enjoying the trail, Frost says, "Oh yes! I do enjoyit, this is all part of the adventure, BUT it's been REALLY hard going, as in 6-8 steps on top of the crusted snow, then punch through, get yourself out and do it again. It's slow going when some section you only average 1.5 miles/hour. Just a side note. Frost is glad he did not buy/bring snow shoes. Personally he thinks they would be too cumbersome, getting caught on roots, branches, rocks, and risk getting his foot or ankle twisted. Just his take on that topic.Branch and Frost tried and tried to get a good fire going last night at Double Spring Gap shelter, but to no avail. Wood just too wet.He'll hitch a ride Monday morning back to the trail at Newfound Gap. Hopes to make it to Pecks Corner shelter. Frost was glad to hear the weather will be clearing and warming up a bit by midweek.Until later,Silver Fox
Date: 2010-03-09
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

Made it as far as Sassafras Gap shelter with 12 others. Some of the hikershere are LEVEL, APPLESEED & BRANCH, and SUBBY, all laying here in the shelter. This i a strange way of life. We are looking forward to warmer weather when we can sleep under the stars and there is no snow to slow us down. I have my new mat to sleep on. It feels really cozy. Today was very hard. I got lost or should say the trail took a sharp left, but I missed that and hiked up a steep hill, but came back down looking for the white blazes. There was no blaze to indicate the left turn in the trail. At last I found the blaze and trail, but I was so tired I made it a short day.
Date: 2010-03-10
From: Sassafras Gap shelter

To: Cable Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: moderate rain

Sassafras shelter to Cable Gap shelter. Today was to be 90% chance of rain and we had no rain! Who knows why? The hiking was great. Over 15 miles with some long uphills. We only hit snow on the N side of hills otherwise it was bare ground. I've got at short hike in the AM into Fontana. I'm thinking now to try and hike through the Smoky mtns. take enough food for 6 days.
Date: 2010-03-11
From: Cable Gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

Arrived at Fontana in good time after a good hike this morning. Caught a ride from the 1st car that came by. He gave me a ride into town and to the post office. Picked up my food supply box Ina Sue mailed. Also got my new back pack from REI. If it rains tomorrow I'll try out my new rain poncho. It's going to be a challenge to keep cool climbing hills with the poncho on. Into the Smoky Mnts in the morning so time to get to sleep.
Date: 2010-03-12
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Spence Field shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After a very good nights sleep in the Fontana Hilton shelter we started into the Smoky Mnts. Had great hiking all morning and afternoon. Around 3 PM the sky opened up and hail and heavy rain started. At least it was not really cold. I'm in my bag now in the Spence Field shelter loft under a tin roof which is so loud!Tomorrow I'll just have to head out into the rain. Here with APPLE SEED & BRANCH,and 4 guys Garden Pentecostal Church in Elkmont, Alabama. They are a nice group of guys. GOt a good fire going in the fire place. Also a ridge runner is here, but I did not catch his name. I'm sure all this rain will melt a lot of the snow.
Date: 2010-03-13
From: Spence Field shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Woke this morning to blue skies. Walked up to Rocky Top, TN for great views. However, by 10am clouds moved in along with snow and hail. Right now I'm at Double Springs shelter. It's a nice one but the floor is mud. Tried to get a fire going with no luck. Everything too wet. BRANCH & APPLE SEED are here. Tomorrow is a very big day. Hike to the top of Clingmans Dome. This is the highest point on the AT at 6,643' elevation. Lots of snow up there. I'm nervous about it.
Date: 2010-03-14
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light snow

First thing on my mind when I woke was Clingmans Dome. The snow was coming down and I'm wondering how the going will be. We did make it to the summit. It was a frozen wasteland. Snow on the trail was at least 3 feet deep. If it had not been for those who went before us and packed the snow some I do not think we could have made it!! It would have been too deep and so strenuous! We were told by a ridge runner that others had used a parallel road that runs along the AT. We did the same thing for that section of the trail. I had NO problem making that choice!! Otherwise it would have been impassable and impossible to stay on that section of the AT where the snow was drifted and 4-5 feet deep. Got to Newfound Gap where I hitched a ride into Gatlinburg to recuperate. The plan is to head out again in the morning. Not sure how much farther I'll get on this snowy AT. Time will tell. Stayed at the Grand Prix Motel. Getting dry and washing clothes and body was great!!
Date: 2010-03-15
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke this morning to learn that the road back to Newfound Gap was closed for clearing snow. Met up with LUMBAR, GADGET, LUCKY, BLOODHOUND, and WANDERER. We all had the same desire to get back on the trail as soon as possible. Kept callingto find out about the road. We all went out to lunch then heard at 1pm that the road was open. We 6 split a shuttle ride back to the trail and started hiking by about 2pm. It was a beautiful hike. For about 5 hours we followed the ridge.Here we all are, 14 hikers, at Pecks Corner Shelter.
Date: 2010-03-16
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today was SO HARD! While walking this morning the snow was melting and falling out of the trees onto me getting me soaking wet. Big mistake. My down vest,sleeping socks and blanket are the only dry items. As I lay here in my sleeping bag I am slowly starting to warm up. I must get some dedicated sleeping only clothes. Big news today is in 10 miles I'll be out of the Smoky Mtns.Nat'l Park. It has been nice, but very tough. Tonight LUCKY, APPLE SEED & BRANCH, GADGET, LUMBAR, SNOW WHITE, SNOW PLOW, COWBOY and LION are all here.It's mostly a down hill run tomorrow. Time to sleep.
Date: 2010-03-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's Wed-March 17. Frost just called to report he's made it - unscathed but exhausted from miles and miles of post holing through the Great Smoky Mountains N.P. to the northern boundary. HIP HIP HOORAY!! Monday's shuttle ride($36 split by 6 hikers) out of Gatlinburg back to the Newfound Gap trail head was delayed until noon. This was due to road closure from all the snowfall up there Sunday night. Road was being snow plowed and then reopened. Since Monday Frost has been hiking with Lumbar, Gadget,Lucky and a few others.The past few nights have been quite cold, below freezing. There are 15 thru hikers staying at Standing Bear Farm tonight. What a perfect day to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by completing the GSMNP. Through all that white snow and down into the GREEN of Standing Bear Farm, appropriately located on GREEN Corner Road.BRAVO Frost!! Way to go! Continue on safely and enjoy each step of the AT.entry by Silver Fox
Date: 2010-03-17
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

I had a wonderful hike this AM. The sun came out and I dropped in elevation. The snow was all gone for the 2nd half of the day. I got to Standing Bear Farm on Green Corner Road about 2pm. I got the last bunk bed for $15. Lots of hiker food stocked. I'm thinking I'll head out late tomorrow and make it a short hike day to Groundhog Creek - about 7 miles. The geography around here is really be beautiful.It would be interesting to study that aspect of this area. I'm ready to hit the sack. All warm and cozy tonight!
Date: 2010-03-18
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: few clouds

Today I got a late start to allow a small crowd of hikers to get ahead. Here at the shelter is COWBOY, BLOOD HOUND, WANDERER, BOU&FRO(the picnic sisters) and 2 section hikers.Tonight I am using my tarp and COWBOY his tent.Pulled out my harmonica and played for 1/2 an hour. I think the hiking this morning was the nicest since the start with great views, it was warm and I felt strong and healthy and the trail was DRY! WOW!
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Woke around 7:30am. My tarp worked well, but I had too much of a slope. All night I kept sliding off the TYVEK ground cloth. Even still I think I slept well. Today the hiking was great. Came over Max Patch and through the stile in the sunshine and blue skies! This evening I'm at Walnut Mtn Shelter using my tarp again. Found a more level spot. One end of the tarp is real low to the ground. BLOOD HOUND is setting mouse traps. He gets about 3 mice per night. COWBOY got a nice fire going.Life is good. CRASH COURSE and SILVER are here tonight. Tomorrow is 13 into Hot Springs. I may take a zero day on Sunday.
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Spings
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Fantastic hiking 13 miles today! Got to Hot Springs around 2pm. Hit the outfitters first. Stocked up on some food. Tried to call home but my TracFone will not work here. Checked into Elmer's and enjoyed a great vegetarian dinner.I got some news about my dad which is resulting in a change of plans. I'll be off the trail for about 10 days. Will take a Greyhound bus to Missouri. I plan to return to Hot Springs and the AT.My left knee just started to give me some problems on the downhills so this rest will be good for that. I found a scales and was surprised to see I've lost 12 pounds since I started the AT 4 weeks ago.
Date: 2010-03-21
To: Missouri
Miles today: 0.0

Just got off the phone with Frost.He finally got to a location where his cell phone works. To friends and others who are following his progress and wondering "where on the AT is Frost?"..here's the scoops. He made it 271.8 miles so far, to Hot Springs yesterday, March 20. Which he says is a really friendly little town. The local people make the hikers feel so welcome. Today 3/21 marks exactly 4 weeks ago that Frost started hiking the AT. However, he wants me to let you all know that his dad passed away this past Thursday. So Frost will be temporarily getting off the AT and heading to Missouri be with his mom and family at this time.He could not find a ride west out of Hot Springs, but got a ride east to Asheville, NC this afternoon. Tomorrow he will take "The Dog",(Greyhound bus) as close as it will take him to his Missouri destination. Relatives have offered to pick him up until the rest of our family get there. Frost is hoping to be back on the AT where he got off by March 30.Frost says "THANK YOU" to all his friends on the trail and those following him on TJ for their kind words and condolences. "You all are like my extended family. Thanks again". On behalf of FrostSilver Fox
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hitched a ride back to Hot Springs from Asheville with a really nice guy, Doug. He drove me all the way to Hot springs. When I got on that Greyhound in MO after my wife, 2 sisters and brother dropped me off I really felt sad and lonely. I'm sure going to miss my wife and family.Will head back onto the AT tomorrow morning. My long distance goal over 100 miles away is Damascus, which will be quite a milestone!Just met Picker and he's going to night hike the first 5 miles with a head lamp.Picker because he plays guitar and has a small one with him. I'm going to attempt a 20 miles day tomorrow.Looking at the map I want to go for it. Will set my alarm for 5AM. So far since I'm back I've met DR.JOHN(multi-thru-hiker);PHILO(philospher)and PICKER. A few other's I cannot recall.
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Missouri

To: Back from dad's funeral
Miles today: 0.0

A voice mail from Frost when I got home late Tuesday night from Missouri says thathe made it back to Asheville, NC on the Greyhound bus March 30, Tuesday morning. No flat tires this time.Frost hitch hiked using a card board sign he made to get himself fromAsheville back to the trail town of Hot Springs where he got off 10 days ago. The card board sign was his brother's ideaand worked great! In no time he had a ride from some very nice folks.The rest of Frost's message says he will be heading north this morning, Wed., March 31 for Erwin, TN which is 68.1 miles away.I'll be posting his previous journal entries soon from Fontana forward; which should be in the pile of "hold mail" from our post office.For Frost,Silver Fox
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter, NC
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I made my first 20 mile day. TOnight I'm under my tarp, close to Little Laurel SHelter with HOPI and PICKER. I left Hot Springs at 6 AM in the dark with my head lamp and a full moon. It was beautiful watching the day dawn and the sun come up over the hills. It took me 10 hours to cover 20 miles. The wx has been warm with clear blue skies. Tomorrow looks like an easier day, 13 miles and no big climbs. Mots of this day I felt sad. Thinking of the past monthwith the loss of my brother and then 2 weeks later my dad.Right now PICKER is playing his guitar and we have a nice fire going.I got home late Tuesday night from Missouri and had this voice mail from Frost.Thank you to friends, family and relatives who kept Frost and Fox family in your thoughts and prayers the past 10 days.He got a standby seat on the Greyhound Monday at 4pm and made it to Asheville, NCby 8:00 AM Tuesday. No flat tires this time. His brother had suggested Frost use a card board sign saying"NEED RIDE TO THE A.T. in Hot Springs". Frost said that worked great and got him a ride from some nice folks in no time.Frost said he would be heading north out of Hot Springs today Wed.morning to Erwin, TN which is 68.1 miles away.When I collect all our "Hold Mail" I'll post all Frost's previousjournals ASAP which will hopefully be in the mail.For FrostThe Silver Fox
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Little Laurel Shelter, NC

To: Flint Mtn campsite, NC
Miles today: 17.6

Hiked solo all day today. Then met up with HOPI and PICKER about 1 mile N of Flint Mtn shelter. I hung up my tarp and a nice spot and got a good fire going.The plan is to head for Big Bald Mtn tomorrow. We think it would be fun to camp there. That will mean a 17 mile hike.Today I met a thru-hiker named BULL DOG. He's blind and hiking the AT to encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and do something that will challenge themselves. I tried to hike with my eyes closed for 1 minute. I just do not know how BULL DOG does it. I'll write more on this later.It's 8PM - AT hiker's midnight. Set my alarm for 6 AM. See if I can get up and out early.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Flint Mtn campsite, NC

To: Bald Mountain campsite,
Miles today: 16.8

I actually did get up and out early around 6:30AM and made some great time. The hiking was fantastic all day! It was around 80 degrees with some cooling breezes. The goal, Big Bald, was made. It's 5,516' elevation with a treeless grassy summit.It was nearly 17 miles today and I made the hike with HOPI and PICKER. I've got my tarp set up in a 10 mph wind. It could get windy up here tonight. There's a 360 degree view up here! The sun is setting and the stars are coming out. No moon yet, but I'm still thinking of you I can see the lights over in Erwin, TN. I'll head in that direction tomorrow.Time to sleep.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Big Bald campsite

To: Uncle Johnny's nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After nearly blowing off Big Bald last night I hiked all day with out seeing anyone. Then decided to stay at Uncle Johnny's. A good place to get some sleep,but I think they could spend a bit more time to cleaning and it would be better.Also the microwave only worked 50% of the time. Why not just replace it?I borrowed a bicycle, which was in really bad shape, rode to little store for pizza so that was nice.Just a quick update on FROST. There were several voice mails when I got home from Work.Oh, I almost forgot, Frost surprised me with a call at work early this morning!He sounded really happy that his cell connected and he got in touch with me.Needless to say I was thrilled to hear his voice too.He was calling from the top of Big Bald Mtn (323 miles from Springer Mtn) where he slept under his tarp last night. There were 2 other hikers who set up their tents on Big Bald. I only caught 1 name-HOPI -I think? The wind picked up to full force during the night so the 2 other hikers packedup and left the summit in the middle of the night. Frost said he did alright under his tarp and managed to get some shut eye even with the howling wind. He was rewarded with an awesome sunrise this morning. He expects to get to Erwin, TN early Sunday with hopes of attending an Easter sunrise service if he can find one there.