morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Big Spring Shleter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

Subj:        Journal 12 (March 9) Date:        3/10/2004 8:00:05 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Carter Gap ShelterTo: Big Spring ShelterDistance: 6.8Lopaka has turned over to Kinloch as he has a nature call. As we left Carter Gap the weather was on our side, but of did it change. As we approached Albert Mtn, an almost straight up climb of 600 ft, the snow came and came some more. In almost blizzard conditions we started up big Albert. When we got to the top we did catch a little sun, but the snow continued. When we got to Big Spring Shelter we had about 2in on the ground and we were still not done. We started settling in. Coming into the shelter was a man of about 65. It was getting dark and he said he was pressing on. He wasn't going to stay in a shelter. It continued to pour snow and strong wind gusts brought shivers to everyone. Regardless of our urgings, he takes off. We look at each other in amazement. A short time later he reappears covered in snow. He had gone back out to the trail and gone south instead of north--back UP Mt. Albert. He decided to stay at the shelter with us, smart move. The snow lasted most of the night, with about 6 inches on the ground. Morning temp; 25 degrees.Lopaka back online: The hike into Rainbow Springs Campground was out of a winter story tale. Long snowy tunnels of rhododendron that lasted 100's of yards-a winter wonderland of white and green. Silence except for snow dropping to the ground. Beauty all around us, everywhere you looked God's touch was abound--very difficult for some old tired Marine to put to words. I wished my wife could have shared this with me. This is why we hike, this is the glory we were meant to behold and respect. Yes, I was bone tired, each step hurt, but each step was taken in wonderment of this world that we share.Now, we are in a cozy cabin for the night. Tomorrow, on to the trail. More adventure (pain) more stories to tell.Thank all of you for writing. I just found out that if you sent me something through Trailjournals and did not list your actual e-mail address, they go into the black hole of e-mail. I had seven returned, so if you do send me something, I will respond (maybe not too quickly)Good night and God Bless. "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-11
From: Big Spring Shleter

To: Bartham Trail Campsite area
Miles today: 24.1

Subj:        Journal 13Date:        3/14/2004 4:58:16 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Rainbow Springs CampgroundTo: Bartram Trail Campsite AreaDistance: 11.3 Total AT distance: 115Date: 3/11Got a ride from Rainbow Springs to the trailhead by the caretaker of the campground. There were about seven of us in his truck.We all headed up the trail, after a few miles the temp and wind really kicked up. The Siler Bald Shelter was too short a distance for the day (six miles) so we continued up to the Bartram Trail campsite area, as did many other hikers. It looked like tent city! However, the wind was a constant 15-25 mph and the temperature dropping fast. Everyone scrambled to put up tents and get something hot cooked. By 7:00 PM most were in the bag trying to get warm.My tarptent was a big disappointment! The wind blew thru it like a hot knife thru butter. I immediately decided to call Jeannie at the next chance and ask her to send my old, heavier, Bibler single wall tent. Along with a pound or two of seam sealer, it should do well.The night was crisp, clear and cold. The stars were brilliant   Again, I wore just about every piece of clothing I had.Being on a mountaintop I was able to call my wife who was at my daughter-in-laws home. It's a funny feeling being in a tent freezing, in the dark, and talking to loved ones in an air conditioned home in Florida. In general my cold weather gear is fairing well. Have a lot of fleece (expedition shirt, gloves and dome hat) down jacket, Marmot fleece jacket, 10 degree Feathered Friends sleeping bag, Big Agnes sleeping pad and Frogg Toggs outer-layer. My hiking strategy, I am sure, is like everyone else's---head constantly looking down, trekking poles swinging, avoiding rocks, roots, mud, ice, and the potential slip, which I have done three times. One a face plant into leaves, twice a butt bounce when rocks gave way.Tomorrow, another day!"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-12
From: Bartham Trail Campsite area

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Sub:        Journal 14Date:        3/14/2004 4:58:30 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Bartram Trail CampgroundTo: Wesser Bald ShelterDistance: 13.4Distance on AT: 128.4 milesIt was throw everything into the pack as fast as I could to get moving and warm. No time for breakfast, powerbars on the run would suffice. Fingers numb, nose dripping, lips cracked and a deep feeling of cold.Our goal for the day was going to be Cold Spring Shelter. Again, after arriving there, 7.6 miles later, the cold conditions and the fact the shelter was facing into the wind changed our plans. We pressed on to the next shelter, Wesser Bald. Climbing up the bald was torture. I was too tired to even climb the fire tower. The shelter was nice; five of us were there, all in the bag early. In general I'm doing OK. Sore legs, ankles and some shooting pains in my thighs are common. Need a zero day and some serious horizontal time. Doug and I are still getting along well, no arguments; we hike our own pace and meet at established points.Many hikers have already called it quits. For many it¢s simply the hour after hour routine of walking up and down mountains-rocks, roots, and the environmental conditions. You have to stay focused but do have time to think your thoughts. I do rely on my faith a lot. It keeps me going when the going is tough. But when you simply look around, you see the mountains, streams, the stars at night, the shear beauty of nature, it all reaffirms that this is God's land and I'm simply passing thru. This just didn't happen by chance."Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-15
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

Subj:        Journal 15 Date:        3/18/2004 10:50:32 AM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: NOC Wesser US 19To: Sassafras Gap ShelterDistance: 7 milesAT Mileage: 141.0Date: 3/15Today was the hike from hell! We got a late start in from the hotel and arrived at NOC about 9:00, bought some food and hit the trail at 9:30. The climb out of Wesser was a monster, several balds, steep and long. The weather was low 40's completely overcast, foggy with a slight wind. The mountains kept coming; the tops kept disappearing, getting higher and more distant, as I approached, another false summit! And, of course, it started raining, slight at first and heavier as time continued. And, the mountains (knobs), of course, kept coming and coming.It reminded me of eight years ago when Jeannie and I hiked the same section and it kicked my butt!Back to today, Kinloch and I were planning to go about 9.5 miles and camp out. However, when you¢re soaked to the skin, cold, legs screaming and know there's a 5062-foot climb just past the shelter you play it smart and pull into the shelter along with the 14 other thru hikers. It's been raining steadily ever since and more hikers are coming in. The temperature is dropping. This could be a serious condition for someone unprepared or wanting to put in a few more miles. Simply put, there are not that many places you can throw out the old tent.Time to try and cook something hot. It's difficult since space is at a premium.Well, this day was one of the elements vs. the thru hikers. It's changed our plans. Tomorrow a huge climb and 9+ miles to the shelter. Hope the rain stops!"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-16
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap NC
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Subj:        Journal 16 Date:        3/17/2004 10:50:27 AM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Sassafras Gap ShelterTo: Cody Gap NC (Tent site)Arrived: 3/16Distance: 11.9 milesTotal AT Miles: 152.9Last night seemed never ending. People continued into the shelter well after dark. Totally soaked to the skin, some close to hypothermia, quickly changed clothes, and got into sleeping bags still soaking wet. Two slept on the shelter floor, not an uncommon event in this type of weather.Next morning Kinloch and I got an early start, 7:00 AM, since we were behind schedule to get to Fontana for resupply and for me to get my old Bibler tent.The hike out of Sassafras Gap was immediately met with heading up Cheoah Bald (5062 feet), a lung sucking, leg burning, ankle mashing, neat way to start the day--haha!We set our goal as the next shelter some 9.1 miles away. It seemed like a reasonable distance given the rain, wind, fog, and generally crappy conditions. But wait! Mr. Sun showed his face for a few minutes and sparked renewed vigor to the old body. Kinloch was waiting at the 9.1 point with his "Are we stopping now at 1:30 PM?¢ look.Tired as I was, with my desire to get closer to Fontana, I agreed. OK, three more miles to the Cody Gap campsite. Off went Kinloch! Did I tell you he is the only thru hiker I have seen who doesn't use either hiking poles or stick? And he ever seems to sweat. If I didn't already have a trail name, I'm sure I would be called "Sweat Hog" or something like that. I am a profuse sweater, even at 35 degrees!We got to Cody, set up tents, cooked chow and waited for all the stud hikers from last night who were going to do "a 20" to come trucking by -- 0.Off to bed by 6:30 --a new record for sweet dreams on an angled slope. I ended up pressed against the left wall of my tent. Sweet dreams of a zero day danced in my head."Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-19
From: Fontana Dam 

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Subj:        Journal 18 Date:        3/21/2004 7:30:09 AM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Fontana DamTo: Mollies Ridge ShelterDistance covered: 12.2 milesTotal AT miles 174.1We were dropped off at the Fontana Dam by Jeff the owner of The Hikers Inn. Kinloch and I took the usual pictures. The dam appeared very low, many small boats grounded up and away from the lake. We walked across as I reminisced about doing the same eight years ago with Jeannie. The weather was perfect; I mean blue skies, mid-50's, slight wind. We walked on the asphalt road for a mile or so and headed into the Great Smoky Mountains. It was by far the best hiking day we have had.When a thru hiker gets to the Smokies, it¢s kind of like the first real check in the box. You have about 160 miles done, didn¢t drop out at Neels Gap (30.5) miles, your chances now waiver at about a 50% chance of success, maybe!The hike in was great, wide trails, easy walking early on, more difficult as the climb increased to 4570 feet. But the weather continued to be great. By nightfall we probably had 10 tents outside the beautifully renovated shelter, with seven or eight inside.Most everyone was in the bag by 7:30 PM. That's the way it is. My feet still bother me. Many large stones in the trail, all vying to twist, turn, sprain, or just stub your toes. Speaking of the trail, the erosion has really gone rampant. In some places your hiking in a gully four to five feet deep and four feet across. Not sure what the answer is, one technique involves filling in the original trail with old trees and logs and running a new trail parallel to the filled in trail.Enough for tonight, its raining like crazy outside and I need to start on today¢s new journal. "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derricks Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: few clouds

Subj:        Journal 19 March 21, 2004Date:        3/22/2004 5:51:09 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Mollies Ridge ShelterTo: Derricks Knob ShelterDistance: 11.7 milesTotal AT distance: 185.8Another beautiful day hiking, great weather, mid-50's sunny, nice walking. I visited a few shelters and places where my wife, Jeannie, and I lingered during our honeymoon hike in ¢96. Back then we weren't concerned with mileage or really bad weather, fun hiking with my wife!Not quite the same in 2004, but it was two for two of great hiking days. I hike alone so I can digress to our old hike, the meaning of life and why is water wet?By the way, I have mailed pictures to Jeannie to post. Look for them soon.Lots of ups and downs, go fast, go slow, hurt, feel OK. I still hate it when a young lady 35 years my junior blasts by me while I'm gasping for air, praying to God to flatten this mountain! Such is old age.Nothing really special this day except some spectacular balds and views. Including everyone¢s favorite-Rocky Top. My feet really hurt, need some off time. Most shelters are crowded and many hikers tent in good weather.A lot of bravado among the younger thru hikers--too focused on Maine rather than the next few day(s). They talk of timelines, 20 milers and mph. Kinloch and I look more or less day to day. Sometimes hour to hour if the situation calls for that decision--slow and steady gets one to Mt.K.Well, weather supposed to change to cold. Time to go for now."Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Derricks Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Subj:        Journal 20 March 21, 2004Date:        3/22/2004 5:51:08 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Derricks Knob ShelterTo: Mt. Collins ShelterDistance: 13.5Total AT Distance :199.3WOW, what a change from the past two days! An early start, we were only going to do 7.5 miles to Double Springs, an easy day!Well, Mr. Weather decided to turn cold, very, very, cold. We arrived to the first shelter early and decided to press on to make getting to Gatlingburg quicker tomorrow.As we approached Clingman's Dome (6643 feet) the wind and temp drastically dropped. It started to lightly snow; it started to heavily snow; the wind increased. We went off on a wrong side trail thinking we were going to bypass Clingman's Dome due to visibility-No view. We walked about one mile before realizing it.We turned around, all uphill, of course.About five miles later, I made it in to Mt. Collins Shelter. Camelback waterhose frozen solid, water bottles frozen solid, mind frozen. There were many other hikers quickly changing into dry clothes, setting up tents, setting up bunk spots, cooking something hot--arrival temperature, no wind factor-17 degrees as taken by two watches and one thermometer! Folks, that's damn mind numbing cold.I really didn't even want to cook. But, I did and got immediately into my sleeping bag wearing: five layers of shirts (short sleeve poly, mid-weight fleece, expedition fleece, Marmot light fleece jacket, full down jacket, fleece gloves, expedition weight long johns, two pair socks, fleece dome cap.Restless and cold sleep, woke up early with a light dusting of snow inside the shelter.Skipped breakfast, all water frozen, people packing to go or saying screw it and staying in the bag. It was between 14 and 16 degrees depending on our three temp gages!Kinlock and I wanted to move out fast to warm up. However the upper trail was sheer ice, slow going. Kinlock took a good sliding spill but was OK. I couldn't use my poles since my gloves weren't warm enough to block the wind. As we progressed down, the ice lessened, the cold and snow increased. This was tough traveling! Of course, the two young girls blew past us like it was a sunny day, chatting away (macho level was zero).Many people changed their hiking plans during those hours, most opted for a zero.We only had 4.5 to Newfound Gap. As I approached the big parking lot I started looking for the hidden can near the Newfound exit Jeannie and I placed eight years ago--too long, too cold. too much snow! And, I heard Kinloch yelling "Lopaka!" He had just flagged a ride to Gatlinburg. A pickup truck, riding in the open back, but much better than walking.Tomorrow, thoughts after three weeks."Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg)
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: few clouds

Subj:        Journal 21 March 22, 2004Date:        3/23/2004 5:00:57 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Mount Collins ShelterTo: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg, TN)Distance: 4.5 miles to Newfound Gap parking lot, 18 miles into Gatlinburg.Total AT distance 203.8Dates: 3/22/23Depart: 3/24See last entry for hike out details. Hitched ride in back of truck into Gatlinburg. Got first hotel we could find, the River House Inn. Great hotel, fireplace in room, free breakfast, jucuzzi tub, nice! Cost about $60.00.Had great dinner at Smoky Mountain Brewery and Pizza, and found about 20 other thru hikers there, most zero'd due to weather. Try their micro-beer sampler, about six different beers all made in house. We went back for lunch and probably will again tonight (23rd).Gatlinburg has turned into a REAL tourist place. But plenty of great restaurants and hotels. So far everyone has treated us very well. The Happy Hiker, 100 yards from hotel, has all the stuff you need and takes pictures of all thru hikers and puts them on his wall. Nearby small grocery stores have whatever else you need.We have to hitch out the 18 miles back to Newfound Gap tomorrow morning.By the way, we found out that the temperature at Mt. Collins Shelter as registered by a digital thermometer was six degrees. Now that, my friends, is cold!"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg)
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: few clouds

Subj:Journal 21 March 22, 2004Date:3/23/2004 5:00:57 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Mount Collins ShelterTo: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg, TN)Distance: 4.5 miles to Newfound Gap parking lot, 18 miles into Gatlinburg.Total AT distance 203.8Dates: 3/22/23Depart: 3/24See last entry for hike out details. Hitched ride in back of truck into Gatlinburg. Got first hotel we could find, the River House Inn. Great hotel, fireplace in room, free breakfast, jucuzzi tub, nice! Cost about $60.00.Had great dinner at Smoky Mountain Brewery and Pizza, and found about 20 other thru hikers there, most zero'd due to weather. Try their micro-beer sampler, about six different beers all made in house. We went back for lunch and probably will again tonight (23rd).Gatlinburg has turned into a REAL tourist place. But plenty of great restaurants and hotels. So far everyone has treated us very well. The Happy Hiker, 100 yards from hotel, has all the stuff you need and takes pictures of all thru hikers and puts them on his wall. Nearby small grocery stores have whatever else you need.We have to hitch out the 18 miles back to Newfound Gap tomorrow morning.By the way, we found out that the temperature at Mt. Collins Shelter as registered by a digital thermometer was six degrees. Now that, my friends, is cold!"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg)

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

Subj:        Journal 22 Date:        3/28/2004 9:09:04 AM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Newfound GapTo: Pecks Corner ShelterDistance: 10.4 milesAT Distance: 214.2 milesDate:3/24 (Wednesday) Caught a quick hitch out of Gatlinburg, again in the back of a truck. They weren't going to go all the way but trail magic prevailed and they took us all the way to Newfound Gap! And, gave us some candy to boot!The Gap parking lot was filled with day hikers and tourist. The sky was blue as blue could be, temp in the low 40's, perfect hiking weather. Of course, to a hiker a "gap" means one thing, you have to climb out of it. Up and away we went. For the first five miles we would have made more progress if we had ice skates. The trail was inches deep in solid ice. Very slow moving, fast movements could be hike ending. Solid blue icewas beautiful, icicles up to feet long hung off sides of mountain rock.As the day progressed, the hiking was actually enjoyable! Temperatures "soared" into the 60's. The trail was somewhat easy on the feet, not too many rocks, roots or mud to hinder travel. It was a good hiking day.We took the side trail into the shelter, a half of a mile in. The shelter is now filling up, about 12 so far. Including "Burn" one of the Florida hikers I met during the Florida hiker gathering at my house. Now Burn is a unique individual. Tonight for dinner, he ate eight hotdogs cooked over a shelter fire. He was also smoking and wearing an aloha shirt--that's Burn, one of many of the 2004 thru hikers.There's zero cell phone reception here so I can't call Jeannie or send this out.Tomorrow, 13+ miles, we hope! We would like to be out of the Smokies in a day and a half, another milestone of 100's! The views were the most beautiful I have ever seen. Many of the hikers just dropped their packs, lay on the warm rocks, and looked out over miles and miles of unobstructed mountain views--that's why we are here. "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain