morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-02-26
From: big spring shelter

To: rock gap shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: light rain

I took a nero today, for a few reasons. Tomorrow I'm going into Franklin to resupply till Fontana, and I have to make a mail drop for Fontana. I also wanted to take it easy on my knee, do some "housekeeping" on my pack and a few other things.The mileage to Rock Gap shelter was low, and it was mostly downhill from Albert Mountain. Once again my knee was acting up, and my left knee was starting to bother me... In addition to the rain I was getting a little depressed since Franklin is the last easy bail point until after the Smokies more than a hundred miles away.While I was at the shelter, I was discussing my knees with another thru-hiker, Chuck, and a couple overheard me. I was apprehensive of just taking vitamin I to cover up the problem, but it turns out the husband was a physician. He said that the drug is an anti-inflammatory, so it will reduce the pain, which could allow it to heal. I'm going to give this a try, but still go light. I'm also going to start taking Glucosamine when I get some in Franklin. Together hopefully I can solve this problem.I took a dose of Vitamin I and I tried a side trail to see the second largest poplar in the US. It is almost nine feet in diameter, it was pretty beefy. I got some pics on my camera, dad. The trail was moderately steep, and my knees felt about ninety percent after the medicine. This may just work.I got back to the shelter and made a grocery list to make sure I don't over shop or forget anything. I 'm planning about 5 days to Fontana, and ideally 6 days through the Smokies, but I will have 2 extra days of food, plus some ramen backup. In addition, I can always bail in Gatlinburg if I'm off.Went through my pack and I will send a couple things home till it gets warmer.Its supposed to be getting colder now, and we're going to get some snow before the Smokies.
Date: 2008-02-27
From: rock gap shelter

To: siler bald shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Whirlwind of a day today. It snowed about an inch where I was at last night, and it was 23 degrees this morning, coldest yet. Its usually hard to get out of the sleeping bag in colder temps, but after being in the bag for 13ish hours every night due to the short days, I usually have to pee ;-). Its cold when first getting up and putting everything on, but I'm usually out of camp less than an hour after I wake up, including hot breakfast :-D. Once you get walking, you warm up quickly, and then you start stripping...Anyways, hiked the 4 miles to the road and immediately got a hitch into town; got into town before the stores even opened... I went to the outfitter and got a couple small things and some more fuel. I was having problems with my waterproof gloves in that they tended to soak up water like a cotton shirt. The people at the store called the manufacturer for me and gave me store credit and took the gloves back. They also mailed some packages for me and let me tear my pack apart in their store. Great people. Stop my Three Eagles Outfitters if you are passing through.I bought food for the leg to Fontana Dam, and food for a maildrop for Fontana to Hot Springs (the Smokies).I pigged out at a BBQ place for lunch. All my restaurant stops have been to these southern BBQ places, its delicious.Anyways, I got back to the trail and did another 4 miles to Siler Bald Shelter. It was higher up and had about 3 inches of snow. Ate a fresh dinner and went to bed. Supposed to get more snow tonight and cold.
Date: 2008-02-28
From: siler bald shelter

To: cold spring shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Well, it did snow, and it was cold last night. About 5 inches total and 15 degrees when I woke up. A little chilly.Got up and going quickly, after a hot breakfast. I had to break trail the entire day today. It was drifted up to my knees in spots. Hard work and slow going. I saw what I think were fresh bobcat prints leaving the shelter, but I don't know for sure. I climbed to the top of Siler Bald on a side trail, and had a 360 degree view of the area. Everything had snow on it, so it was really cool.Trudged onward to Wayah Bald. The going was really slow, partially due to my knee (even with Motrin...) but mostly due to me having to find and break trail.I finally fell today, twice. Feet right out from under me while going downhill, when the snow is covering everything, its hard to see the rocks. Fell on my pack though, so no big deal.Wayah Bald was nice, but I think Siler was better.Pace picked up after Wayah, and I made it to my goal for the day. Knee still bothering me with Motrin, I may have to make a difficult decision before the Smokies in a couple days.............
Date: 2008-02-29
From: cold spring shelter

To: NOC bunk house
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice night last night, just a couple degrees below freezing, no wind, no rain, no snow, no complaints.Got up early because I was tired of sleeping and left by 7:30. Hurricane and Spencer camped nearby last night (thrus), but they were still sleeping.The day started with a couple quick climbs. Today was going to a lot of elevation change, so I preempted with Motrin when I woke up. I also tried adjusting my overall pace a little. I found that if I go slightly slower, I can maintain my speed better, and my knees didn't bother me (though I was also medicated). I got into a better rhythm and was able to go up hills easier with fewer stops. I also still made good time.Wesser Bald had an observation tower at 4500 feet I think. There were some big hills to the north I think may be the Smokies. A little daunting. But once again it was a 360 degree vista on a mostly clear day. The views alone on this trail make it worthwhile.After Wesser Bald, the downhill to the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Nantahala River)began. The high point of the day was at 5000 feet, and the NOC was at 1740 feet...that is some serious downhillage. It was pretty steep in spots. One of the hills had a switchbacked trail on a 75 degree slope. The trail just kept going down, for literally miles. Surprisingly, my knees didn't bother me at all though, prolly cuz of the meds.Anyways, went all the way down and got to the NOC. Signed up for two nights in the bunkhouse, though I may opt for more. I am zeroing to hopefully help my knees to heal whatever is wrong with them. I feel it is better to do that than keep rolling on them and injure myself halfway through the Smokies.They have free hot showers here...felt really good after 70 or so miles and a week of time from the last one in Hiawassee. I'll do my laundry tomorrow too, and prolly get a couple more showers :-).Had dinner at the local restaurant. Had the "big wesser" burger and fries, and was still hungry :-(. Oh well, most people don't eat as much as a hiker...I've been literally counting calories to see how many I could eat. I think my weight is remaining relatively constant.Hurricane and Spencer are here for the night too, they will be taking off early tomorrow morning. They're doing big mile days.
Date: 2008-03-01
From: NOC bunk house

To: NOC bunk house
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was my first zero day. A little boring, but hopefully it will do me some good.Did all my laundry, and everything smells slightly better, but the smell is already getting ingrained in some of my stuff. Oh well, it is definitely cleaner.Did a little planning for the next leg through the Smokies. Also did a budget based on what I've spend on food, lodging, etc so far. Should be more accurate since I've now actually bought food and stuff on the trail.Got a large pizza for dinner, but didn't finish it all since I wasn't hiking today, hopefully it will last me all tomorrow.A group of hikers showed up around dinner. I'd met a couple of them before, but they met up with some other people. Had some fun and stayed up late. Good group of guys.Not much else to say, its a zero day...
Date: 2008-03-02
From: NOC bunk house

To: NOC bunk house
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I took another zero day resting up at the NOC. I woke up and my knee felt 100%. I could have taken off today, but an extra day of healing can't possibly hurt. The group that was here last night also stuck around.Pretty much just spent the day talking and stuff. I reorganized my pack completely, and cut out a few liters of space. It is the same amount of weight, but the smaller the pack, the easier it is to control, and the less it sticks up to hit snow covered branches...Going to take a short day tomorrow - about 6 miles to the first shelter. However, it is a big climb out of here, approx. 3/4 of a mile uphill to the shelter. I'll just go slow, no rush. I've got plenty of time to hike so I don't need to get hurt again.Some really interesting people here. Privy Monster has just been published - 3 collections. A couple former soldiers.I bought a knee brace, but just wearing it around today was uncomfortable. I already "modified" it with my knife to make it more comfortable. I'll try it anyways and see what happens. I can always ditch it.Not much else, more tomorrow.
Date: 2008-03-03
From: NOC bunk house

To: sassafras gap shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today went pretty good. Almost the entire day was a climb, but it looked far more daunting on the map than it turned out to be. Started at the NOC in the valley, and I had to get back up into the mountains. From the valley to the top of the highest peak was 3000 feet.I didn't want to push it today because of the climb and my knee, and I have no complaints. The climb wasn't that challenging, though I could feel the burn in my legs.I had lunch at an overlook - it was up on some rocks looking down at the river and valley. It wasn't a cliff, but it was just about straight down. It was a little more than 2000 feet, which was made even cooler considering I had already covered that vertical distance at that point.It turned out that was the best view, as once again the "bald" I summited wasn't.It was beautiful while hiking, upper 60's and sunny. The wind picked up when I got to the shelter, but no big deal.At the shelter with the group from the past couple nights, the treat, humidor, dropkick, and root. They will probably push farther than me tomorrow.They made eggs with sausage and stuff on the fire and gave me some. Good stuff.My knee felt good today, though I'm still taking the Motrin just in case. The knee brace is annoying, I don't know if I'll keep using it.
Date: 2008-03-04
From: sassafras gap shelter

To: brown fork gap shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up this morning, and it was raining. It seemed like one of those rains that was going to go on all day, so I was pretty excited...Went to put my boots on and one of the grommets broke. Fantastic. I called REI a minute later and I will have a free replacement pair waiting for me in Hot Springs. They should hold up till then....3 gear breakages so far.Got going finally at 10. Got to the top of Cheoah bald and it was actually a bald for once. No view because it was raining.Had a big downhill off it then some ups and downs. I find that in the rain I go quicker I think. I have my raincoat on, so my field of vision is greatly narrowed, to the point I can only see about 10 feet in front of me if I have it cinched down. I do look up frequently to see where I'm going and check for blowdowns and bears, but I really cruise like that. The uphills are great because I can't see as much of them, and I can't really see how high I have to go.Lots of challenging blowdowns on the trail today. A couple snuck up on my and I stopped myself with my face.It cleared up around 1 and I took an hour long lunch break. Very nice. Dropkick caught up, and we hiked together for a while.The weather started rolling in again so the raingear went back on. It started raining just as I started up a really sadistic hill. The wind kept almost blowing me off the trail...it was actually moving me. Right when I got to the top of the hill, the lightning started...So, I'll paint a small picture. I'm ridge walking for a mile or so above everything around me, with no shelter, and there's lightning. The closest one was 5 seconds away... I was booking. Wasn't scared, but it just isn't the best scenario. Got to the shelter just as another round of thunder and lightning and a downpour started. Sweeeet.At the shelter with the Here Here Gang again. Log cabin type and it has an awesome "privy". It consists of a leaky roof and the throne. No walls. I took a picture.Pretty windy tonight, might freeze. Most of my gear is dry enough, except for my shoes obviously.
Date: 2008-03-05
From: brown fork gap shelter

To: fontana dam shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Busy day, but not rushed. Woke up to a dusting of snow on the ground, just enough to keep the shoes wet all day. Luckily I decided to sleep with my boots; the ones that were left out were frozen solid. They also had stashes of acorns in them from the mice. They were busy last night; at least they didn't get any of our food.Left the shelter earlier than as of late a little after 8. I had to go 11.6 miles and then hitch into Fontana to pick up my Smoky maildrop from the post office before 4:30. I really disliked having to rush like that, I'm glad that this isn't going to be a regular thing like some hikers do.The snow was sticking to the trees, which gave the woods a neat frozen appearance even though it was right around freezing. It was cool until it warmed up and all this started falling down...Made pretty good time all day today. A couple big climbs, but they weren't a problem. Not really any good views, just through a bunch of trees, so no pictures.The last mountain before Fontana was a bit steep, but I got up it pretty quick. I could see the lake and the dam, but there weren't any clear views of it. I was really disappointed at that, but at least humans didn't clear-cut some trees to make it visible like it has been done at some road crossings so people can hop out of their cars and get a picture...I made great time and got to the road around 2:30. Someone saw me hitching and turned around to give me a ride into town. Awesome. Picked up my maildrop for the Smokies at the PO and got 3 hot dogs and a pop at a convenience store. Dinner 1. I walked almost a mile before I caught a hitch back to the trail; there were only a couple cars.Hiked on to the Fontana Dam shelter. It is known as the Fontana Hilton because it has running water, flush toilets, and even showers. It also sleeps 24.Made dinner 2 because I have some extra dinners anyways.The Here Here Gang was supposed to meet me here tonight, but I haven't seen them yet. They might not have made it to the PO on time.No internet in Fontana or at the shelter so I can't check the weather... No idea what it is going to be like.I will be in the Smokies starting tomorrow so I may not be able to update for a while. I will when I can.
Date: 2008-03-06
From: fontana dam shelter

To: mollie's ridge shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Very challenging day today, but first a little more from last night.The Treat and Dropkick showed up at the shelter at 9 or so. We don't know where the others are. A couple other hikers showed up a little later. One was a former thru-hiker and a trail maintainer. We talked till almost midnight before I went to bed. Really late for a hiker. He also happened to have some Yuenglings he wanted to get rid of. Not much of a problem there.Today started at 1700 feet on the lake. I crossed over Fontana Dam and officially entered the Smokies. The problem is, I was only at 1700 feet and the Smokies are much taller. 300 feet shy of a mile of climbing later I made it to camp.It was a nice day, maybe too hot even. I was in shorts and a T-shirt by 9:30. Some clouds rolled in below me in the morning, pretty cool, I love that.The first climb was 2000 feet in about 3.5 miles. Really tough even at the beginning of the day. On top of that, my food bag is really heavy because I have to have food for the entire section in the Smokies. It was a bear.On a positive note, there was a watch tower on top of the mountain which had some incredible views of both the mountains and the lake and dam. Very cool.Trudged on the rest of the day. Hot and tired from all the climbing. Soooo hungry.Eventually made it to the shelter and had a Lipton with tuna and mashed potatoes. You may not think it sounds good, but it was absolutely phenomenal. Almost a liter of food.So far just me and another section hiker at the shelter. Looks like rain tomorrow changing to snow the day after. So to recap, 70 today, below freezing tonight, above freezing and rain tomorrow, WELL below freezing and snow the day after. That's the Smokies for you. My shoes just finished drying.This shelter is in Tennessee. The trail goes along the TN/NC boarder for a while.Just incase you haven't noticed so far, there isn't any real plan or flow to this journal. It pretty much just recaps the day as I remember it with some random thoughts thrown in. I know I'm all over the place.
Date: 2008-03-07
From: mollie's ridge shelter

To: spence field shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up this morning to rain pounding on the metal roof. It always seems to start at 6am. Weird. I had a few options: Derrick's Knob - 11 miles, Spence Field - 5.4 miles, or just zeroing at the shelter to stay dry. The only reason I was considering the last option is it is supposed to go well below freezing and that does not mix well with wet clothes.I figured I would just leave and see how the day went. Trudged through the rain, once again the raincoat seems to be doing a horrible job, but I'm not really wet, just damp. Water always seems to coat the inside of the jacket. Maybe I should call Patagonia about it since it is brand new.I got to Spence Field around noon so I was going to lunch there out of the rain. A few events conspired to keep me rooted to the shelter and I am now spending the night here.First, there was a few glowing coals in the fireplace - the shelters in the Smokies have fireplaces. Second, it was still raining and windy. Third, I didn't feel like hiking more. Fourth, I realized I had enough food if I spent the night here. Fifth, I realized why do big miles and be miserable when I can do an easy day, dry out all my stuff, and I have plenty of time to get to Katahdin. Sixth... Can't you tell I'm trying to justify it?Gathered up some wood and dried everything that was wet, including my boots. Now it will be easier to face the cold.I have been taking Motrin for a while now, somewhere around the supposed 10 day limit on the bottle. I've been taking 2-3 per day, and I really hate depending on it so much. I'm going to try and take a maximum of 2 per day for a day or two, then one, then see how it goes. The knee still hurts but sometimes it seems less severe. Its hard to tell while on meds. I just hate taking all that junk. If it is still bothering me when I get out of the Smokies, I will most likely take 4-5 zeros at Standing Bear Hostel to try to get it completely healed. Better that than going home. It did feel great at the NOC, but it came back again, so obviously it wasn't fully healed. I'll just have to see what happens. Good thing I started early so I can take my time and deal with stuff like this instead of pounding out 20's.Not much else, just some serious chilling today. Maybe the Here Here Gang will catch back up.
Date: 2008-03-08
From: spence field shelter

To: derrick knob shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light snow

Today was surprisingly similar to yesterday, but better. Once again, I will start with last night after I finished my journal. Around 8 two rangers showed up and decided to stay the night at the shelter since it was empty except for me. Nice guys, and they gave me the latest scoop on the weather and answered a few questions I had. They made too much dinner so I got half a Mountain House lasagna. Yummy. They also gave me some hot tea with honey. Good stuff.I slept amazingly well last night, woke up at 8 which is later than usual. There was a couple inches of snow on the ground and it was still snowing. The rangers said it would snow till the afternoon with not much more accumulation.I hiked to Derrick Knob shelter for lunch since it was still snowing. There were three guys there with a great fire going inside the shelter - Wildcat, Carver and Jody(sp?). Once again I was planning on pressing on, but the fire and the company saw that I would take another early day.Wildcat is on the verge of completing the Triple Crown of hiking, and we talked a lot. Really nice guy. He shared some recipes with me and told some stories.A bunch of other hikers later showed up but there was plenty of room in the shelter. Supposed to be cold tonight, so the more the merrier. Great night, and great company. I am continuously surprised by how nice just about everyone I meet on the trail is. Makes it that much more enjoyable to be out here.Planning on really doing some good days to get out of the Smokies, and I'm gonna try to not get sidetracked again. Not enough food for that.
Date: 2008-03-09
From: derrick knob shelter

To: mt. collins shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was an incredible day; perhaps the best day I've had on the trail to date. Words can't really describe it, but I will try...It was a little chilly this morning - 21 - but I was warm and it doesn't really bother me as long as I'm dry. All my stuff was dried last night including my boots, I hate sleeping with them.Got up and got going. It was an incredibly beautiful day today. There was literally not a single cloud in the sky the entire day. That's gotta be pretty rare, especially here. I actually like hiking in the colder temperatures, once again as long as I'm dry, because I can hike very comfortable without overheating and sweating and getting everything wet.It warmed up some eventually, probably a little above freezing which sorta sucked because the snow started to melt. I had to wear my sunglasses because it was so bright and I don't want to risk snow blindness.I was moving pretty good today. The time change really is messing me up and I hate it, but can't do anything about it. Had lunch at a shelter and prepared to climb Clingman's Dome. This is the highest point on the trail, and the second highest east of the Mississippi. Its only 41 feet shorter than the highest though - Mt Mitchell.The climb was surprisingly nice, and I only stopped briefly a couple times for water and to catch a view.The views defined today and made the day incredible. I was really high, so I could see for miles. There were a number of lookouts on the way to Clingman's, so I was really looking forward to the view from the top.I got to the summit, 6643 feet, and climbed the tower. I had a perfect 360 degree view of the surrounding area. Not a cloud in the sky. My view was better than those shown on the tower that labeled the mountains. I could clearly see Mt. Mitchell 73 miles distant. Taking that into account, I could probably see 100 miles if there weren't mountains in the way.I took pictures of the panorama and chilled up there for a half hour. It may have been the most incredible view I've had in my entire life...and believe me, I've seen some vistas. Also, I was alone up there, no tourists or anything, I had it all to myself. Made it that much more enjoyable.Headed onward eventually and made it to the shelter along what I could describe as the Appalachian Stream and Ice Chute. Looks like I may be alone tonight, but it doesn't matter.Just about the perfect day on the Appalachian Trail.