morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Cable Gap Shelter, NC

To: The Hike Inn, Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We hiked the 6.6 miles into Fontana Dam today. Most of the gang opted to stay at the Hilton, a very nice shelter, but we had reservations at the Hike Inn. Iceman Dan's dad gave us aride to the Inn. I am so excited to have my own big bed with sheets for the first time in two weeks. The owners of the Hike Inn, Nancy & Jeff are very sweet and they shuttled us into Robinsville for dinner and then we stopped at Ingles and picked up a pint of Ben and Jerry's cookie dough for dessert....mmm good. We decided to adjust our schedule for tomorrow and continue hiking instead of taking a zero. It will be good to get back out there after a good night's sleep.Pinky"Fontana Hilton" at Fontana Dam, NC-2 - Click picture to see full size"Fontana Hilton" at Fontana Dam, NC-3 - Click picture to see full sizeRachel's feet-1 - Click picture to see full sizeRachel's feet-2 - Click picture to see full sizeKarl's feet-1 - Click picture to see full sizeKarl's feet-2 - Click picture to see full sizePinky w sunscreen - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-14
From: The Hike Inn, Fontana Dam, NC

To: Spence Field Shelter, NC
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

When we woke up this morning, the ground outside was a little damp, as if it had been raining, but the sky was mostly clear, and the trail was still as dry as ever. Jeff dropped us off down at the dam, but Pinky hadn't hiked the section between the "Fontana Hilton" shelter and the dam (I had walked down yesterday looking for a phone to call the Inn from), so Jeff drove her back up to the shelter, and a few minutes later, she came running down the road.The dam itself was impressive as we walked across it. It rises 480 feet from the base to the top, and while we were crossing, some guys from the TVA were preparing to rappel down to do some work.The first four miles in the Great Smoky Mountains Park were rough, climbing fairly steeply up Shuckstack Mt. From the fire tower on top, we got some nice views, and from there on, the trail wound its way along the ridges, rarely getting steep, either up or down. We got to the second shelter, Russell Field, at about 4:30, but it was already fairly crowded, and didn't have a privy, so we decided to move on. It turned out to be the right choice. The only people here are a father and his son, out for a couple days, and Iceman Dan.The shelters here are quite nice, with two levels. This one has a skylight (clear plastic roofing in some places), a covered cooking area, and a tarp that goes all the way across the opening, which does a great job keeping out the wind, of which there is plenty tonight.The BrainKarl & Rachel on Fontana Dam, NC-2 - Click picture to see full sizeLife Ring on Fontana Dam, NC - Click picture to see full sizeFontana Dam workcrew - Click picture to see full sizeEntering Great Smoky Mtns NP - Click picture to see full sizeSpring Beauty-2 - Click picture to see full sizeView from Shackstuck firetower-1 - Click picture to see full sizeKarl at Shuckstack firetower - Click picture to see full sizeFrom Shuckstack firetower-Butch & Sundance? - Click picture to see full sizeKarl at Shuckstack firetower-2 - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Spence Field Shelter, NC

To: Derrick Knob Shelter, NC
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today probably would have been one of the most beautiful days of hiking had we been able to see anything. The trail, however, did seem to have a sort of mystical quality to it. The tops of mountains were covered with tall dead grass, and the smoky quality of the mist made it so you could barely see the tops of the highest branches. It was very cool.Unfortunately, Karl has been developing a rather nasty blister on his heel that gave him a very hard time today. We tried to release some of the fluid buildup, but I think we are going to have to get off in Gatlinburg and see if he needs to have it lanced, or at least get him some antibiotics.The rain has finally caught up with us again. I think we are probably overdue so I am not complaining. I just hope that it dies down before morning. If it doesn't, at least my raingear is already damp. Hope all of our friends on the trail have a dry place to sleep tonight.PinkySurgery at Derrick Knob-2 - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Derrick Knob Shelter, NC

To: Rob & Sanya Tingle's house, Louisville, TN
Miles today: 0.3

Today we did 0.3 on the trail, plus 8.3 miles off the trail, out to the road.I guess I'd better start with an explanation of how we got here. Two nights ago, at Spence Field, we shared the shelter with Andy (trail name Piddler) and his son Logan (Fastfoot). They were up for a few days to hike a section of the Smokies, a tradition of theirs. Andy offered that if I wanted to get off the trail, he could give us a ride to a clinic. We decided that getting my heel professionally examined was the right thing to do.As the remnants of last night's rain fell on us, we packed up and headed off down towards their car. Strangely, my heel didn't bother me too much hiking down, and we cruised down the trail. There were a couple interesting moments, when the trail crossed streams that were swollen from the rain. Near the bottom, Andy's sister and brother-in-law, Sanya and Rob, were waiting with their two kids, Max and Sam. They had hiked in a little ways to meet up and say hi.Andy and Logan had other commitments, so we piled into the Tingle's car, and headed for town. They dropped us off at a local walk-in clinic where, after not too long a wait, I got my heel examined. The doctors (yes, it took two of them), told me that it was infected, and very close to the tendon. If I hadn't gotten off the trail, it could have spread deeper, to the point where my achilles tendon got infected, which would have been the end of the hike. They prescribed an oral and a topical antibiotic, and told me to soak the heel several times a day and keep it elevated.When I came out, Rob offered to put us up for a couple of days, until it started getting better. We were surprised, but grateful. They needed to do some grocery shopping on the way home, and while they were shopping, Rachel and I stocked up on snacks. We might have gone a little overboard (donuts, ice cream...), but I'm sure we'll eat it all.After a wonderful spaghetti dinner and a shower, we're warm, clean, dry, and happy. My heel already looks a little better, and it feels good to got some weight off it. Hopefully we'll be back on the trail in a few days.The BrainDoc Gnarly & Logan-2 - Click picture to see full size Sardine & Noodles - Click picture to see full sizeDerrick Knob shelter, GSMNP - Click picture to see full sizeIndian Flats Falls-GSMNP - Click picture to see full sizeKarl and Rachel at Indian Flats Falls, TN - Click picture to see full size"Toilet Area" at Derrick Knob shelter - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Rob & Sanya Tingle's house, Louisville, TN

To: Rob & Sanya Tingle's house, Louisville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

We have heard of trail magic and trail angels, but the Tingles have become our trail archangels! They have trusted us and taken us into their home without condition. What is more, is that I really like all of themThe two boys, Max and Sam, are high energy and a lot of fun to be around. Today, the boys, Rob, and I all hiked over to a park across the lake from their house. We went on the swings and played tag on a small playground. There were also bluebird boxes in the park and I saw two bluebirds and many of their neighbors, the tree swallows.Sanya is just a sweetheart and really easy to talk to. We also got to meet her sister Jan, Jan's husband Steve, and two of their daughters, Eva Faye and Layla. We had a big dinner with all of them and Andy.They are a wonderful group in their closeness and the way they get along together. I couldn't have dreamed up a better bunch to spend a few days with.Pinky
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Rob & Sanya Tingle's house, Louisville, TN

To: Rob & Sanya Tingle's house, Louisville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Another restful day today. When we woke up, the Tingles were out at church, but they returned soon after. After breakfast, Rachel went for a walk with Rob and the kids, while I lay in bed and elevated my foot. after two days of rest and antibiotics, the infection seems to be gone, and the area is slowly draining and healing up.The evening was filled with fun and games. First up were some rousing rounds of pictionary. Rachel played with Max, and I played with Sam. They won the first round, we the second, but they won the third in a close battle. But that was just the warmup. The main event was Monopoly. The wheeling and dealing continued late into the night, until we were the only four awake in the house. When the dust settled, yours truly had engineered (rimshot) a victory. Now, one final soak of the heel, then bed.The BrainBoard games with Max and Sam - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Rob & Sanya Tingle's house, Louisville, TN

To: Rob & Sanya Tingle's house, Louisville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Another zero day at the Tingles.The ghost-1 - Click picture to see full sizeElevating the heel at the Tingles - Click picture to see full sizeThe Wound - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Rob & Sanya Tingle's house, Louisville, TN

To: Rob & Sanya Tingle's house, Louisville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

More pictures from our stay with the Tingles.The Tingles - Click picture to see full sizeAt the Tingles-1 - Click picture to see full sizeAt the Tingles-2 - Click picture to see full sizeAt the Tingles-3 - Click picture to see full sizeAbby the dog-1 - Click picture to see full sizeRachel-rope swing - Click picture to see full sizeThe Lakehouse - Click picture to see full sizeThe Lake House-3 - Click picture to see full sizeThe Lake House-4 - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Rob and Sanya Tingle's house, Louisville, TN

To: Derrick Knob Shelter (take 2), NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Miles today: 8.8 back to Derrick Knob, technically 0 along the AT.Over the last couple of days we have gone on short walks, ridden a tandem bike, played 2 games of monopoly, played scrabble, seen the 4th Harry Potter, gone out to see Casino Royale, eaten steak, been in a hot tub, played tag, laid flooring, and been given the overall VIP treatment. The Tingles and the Mosedels have become our good friends and second family. Staying with them is what made our break from the trail bearable.This morning we said goodbye to our friends and got back on the trail. Well it was almost that simple. We attempted to pick up a maildrop in Gaitlinburg, TN, but the box was not there. *Sigh* Oh well, we have to eat rawmen for dinner at least a couple of times on this trip.It is good to be back on the trail. I have been itching to get out here and it was a relief to see a white blaze today. I hope to get my trail legs back soon because the 8.8 miles up to the trail today made my legs tired. Looking forward to a new adventure tomorrow.PinkySam & Max Tingle - Click picture to see full sizeChiquita girl - Click picture to see full sizeBoat on the Lake - Click picture to see full sizeKarl at the Tingles - Click picture to see full sizeBack of the Tingles - Click picture to see full sizeAbby the dog-2 - Click picture to see full sizeDinner Bell- Click picture to see full sizeRachel installing flooring - Click picture to see full sizeRachel w saw - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Derrick Knob Shelter (take 2), NC

To: Icewater Springs Shelter, NC
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It feels so good to be back. After a week off, we were excited to hike today, so excited that we decided to make it a long day. We left the shelter early this morning, and cruised right along. Going up Clingman's Dome was a little harder and slowed us down a little bit, but it was worth it. We climbed to the top of the observation tower (the highest point on the trail), and the views were incredible. When we'd left yesterday Piddler (Andy) had given us each a Snickers bar, and we toasted him and his family with the bars.When we got to the trail to the Mount Collins shelter it was 4:20 pm. We had a snack, and weighed the possibilities. Icewater was 7.5 away, but Collins was 0.5 off the trail, and it was still early. We couldn't decide, so we flipped a rock. The rock said to go on, so we did.As we came into the parking lot at Newfound Gap, who should we see but Doc Gnarly! After we'd left him at Derrick Knob, he'd flip-flopped the northern half of the Smokies, and was waiting for a ride to town. He gave us news of the group we'd been with, saying they were 4 or 5 days ahead. I can't wait to see the looks on Butch and Sundance's faces when we catch up. Just as we were about to set off again, Renaissance Man came over and offered us some Girl Scout cookies. We accepted, of course. They were just what we needed to make it up the last 3 miles.We arrived in camp just as it was starting to get dark. By the time we'd made dinner it was fully night. We'd narrowly avoided doing our first night hiking. After our first 20+ mile day, I'm tired, I'm sure I'll sleep soundly tonight (despite the snoring that's already going on here.)The BrainMt LeConte from Clingman's Dome - Click picture to see full sizeIce on Klingman's Dome - Click picture to see full sizeEnormous uprooted tree-1 - Click picture to see full sizeEnormous uprooted tree-2 - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Icewater Springs Shelter, NC

To: Tri Corner Knob, NC
Miles today: 12.8

The weather today was phenomenal. The hiking was beautiful. The Smokies are beginning to live up to their reputation.The first half of the day was mostly easy ridgewalking. There was the trail and then a vista out to your right and your left. Karl and I hiked out to a place called Charlie's Bunion, a large rock outcropping. I only wish the photographs could do it justice so that we could show it to you.The second half of the day we hiked two "mountains." The quotes are because it is starting to annoy me that in many cases the trail doesn't summit the mountains, it will just take you up to where you can see the summit and then loop around. I occupied myself by singing musicals. This reminded me of the Dogfather and therefore the others that are ahead of us. I hope that they are all safe and sound.We ended the day early, around 4ish. There was plenty of time to get to know some new folks and there was lots of snack sharing. Hiker midnight. Time for bed.PinkyRachel on Charlie's Bunion - Click picture to see full sizeKarl on Charlie's Bunion - Click picture to see full sizeWarning sign on Charlie's Bunion - Click picture to see full sizeView from Charlie's Bunion - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Tri Corner Knob, NC

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel, NC
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, we made it out of the Smokies without getting caught. The permit we'd filled out at Fontana was only good for seven nights, but because we'd gotten off, last night was our eleventh from when we'd picked it up. We were told that the rangers were all busy today because some kids had gotten drunk and trashed a campsite, so they were cleaning up.As the trail comes down towards Davenport Gap, a side trail leads 0.6 miles to Mt. Cammerer and a firetower. We hadn't planned on making the trip, but when we got to the junction, there was a note from Five-Leaf! She'd been there just ten minutes before, and had gone out to the tower. We dropped our packs, grabbed a snack and the camera, and set out. We tried to sneak up on the tower to surprise her, but there was no cover on the summit, and she saw us coming. We swapped stories, and she filled us in on some of the other SOBOs we met last fall, including Jim and Rocket, who were last seen near Harpers Ferry, but then vanished. It was great to catch up with her, especially after just missing each other at Standing Indian.After crossing under I-40 we ran into Five-Leaf again. She had gone up to Standing Bear to try to catch us again before they went home. She told us that it was about a half a mile up the trail, but over a pain of a hill. She also told us that if we followed the road, we'd cross the trail again in about a half mile, and it was up to us to decide. Integrity prevailed, and was heartily cursed as we climbed the hill. Eventually we made it, and enjoyed a frozen pizza and some wonderful homemade muffins.The BrainFive-Leaf on Mt Cammerer - Click picture to see full sizeA trail snake-2 - Click picture to see full sizeWaterfall near Davenport Gap, NC - Click picture to see full sizeYogi lightens her load at Standing Bear-1 - Click picture to see full sizeYogi lightens her load at Standing Bear-2 - Click picture to see full sizeYogi lightens her load at Standing Bear-3 - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel, NC

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter, NC
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up this morning at Standing Bear Hostel and hit the trail around 9:10 am. The weather was warm and humid and a few threatening thunder clouds were forming.We moved quickly the first five miles today as we summited Snowbird Mountain. The view from the top was a look out on the section of the Smokies we had just completed.Heading down off Snowbird I rolled my ankle (Pinky) which stinks as it was just starting to feel good after the last time. That really slowed down the midsection of my day. My day was also hindered by the fact that it was hot, too darn hot, and I ran out of water about 30 minutes before the next source. Guck!The day greatly improved however after I drank about half a liter and we climbed up to the top of Max Patch for lunch. I felt refreshed as the wind blew on us and we admired the 360 degree view atop a grassy bald. The shelter we were supposed to stay at was only a two mile easy hike down from the patch but we opted to keep going. I am glad we did as it was a beautiful 5 miles of trail and it reunited us with Singe and Old Yeller.PinkyTree growing out of another tree - Click picture to see full sizeFAA tower on Snowbird Mt - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter, NC

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Boy does it feel good to be clean again! The past couple days have been hot and sweaty. If it's this hot already, I'm not looking forward to summer. We still have some tall mountains to cover, but I'm going to send home a shirt and my extra pair of polypro long underwear. We tried all day to get in touch with Heather, but to no avail. We'll try again tomorrow, and maybe at least get to visit some in the evening. It would be a shame to pass this close without getting to visit her and Suzannah.When we got here, we had quite a scare. We quickly found our bounce box, but didn't see our resupply box. With there still being no word on the box from Gatlinburg, we began to worry that we were doing something wrong, to have two in a row disappear like this. As it turns out, we'd both been looking for the box we'd originally put the food in, but my mother had repackaged it into a flat-rate box, which was way cheaper to send. I took another look at the pile of boxes, this time checking all the boxes, not just the ones that were the right shape and size, and there it was! We were very relieved.We'd gotten here too late to sign up for dinner, so the two of us, along with Yogi and Limestone, who'd pushed from Roaring Fork this morning, went to dinner at Paddler's Pub, just up the road. The service was a little slow, as there was only one waitress, but the food was good and plentiful, and the waitress brought us double helpings of dessert. We spent a little more than we'd planned, but left full and satisfied.We're going to spend the day here tomorrow, hang around town, put up our feet, and eat a lot. Now that, I'm looking forward to. The BrainThe Walnut Mt Shelter official mascot - Click picture to see full sizeXI (Eleven) at Walnut Mt Shelter - Click picture to see full sizeFive-String at Walnut Mt Shelter - Click picture to see full sizeA big snake near Hot Springs - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, Hot Springs, NC

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was our first official non injury related zero day on the trail. It was wonderful to kick back and relax and yet part of me was slightly bored by it. We met some new people here. The Riders of the Storm, whose journal entries we have been seeing for the last couple of days, turned out to be a cool group of college-grad guys. It was fun being in a house with all of them bustling about. Speaking of the house, Elmer's is a beautiful old Victorian home with high ceilings and all the old windows and fixtures. It has been a wonderful place to stay these last two nights.Karl had probably the most exciting experience of the day. A couple of guys from UNC Asheville showed up and took him white water rafting. Unfortunately he accidentally left his pants and shirt in the front seat of their car and we have no way to reach them. Oh well, if they don't bring them back by morning it will be less weight to carry.I spent most of my day running errands (laundry, food, email, water bottle . . . etc.) with Elsa the Yogi. We took things nice and slow and easily mananged to fill up the day in this small town. Next time, I will have to try the hot springs. Looking forward to hitting the trail tomorrow.PinkySo. A little expounding on the rafting adventure seems in order. Around 10 this morning a man came into the house, introduced himself as Flash, a thru-hiker in '03, and asked if I wanted to go rafting with them. I of course said yes. We drove to the take-out site, where we picked up the other two coming with us. All three of the others knew what they were doing, so I figured it was safe enough. We drove up to the put-in, where we inflated the raft, and I tossed my extra clothes in the car (this will be important later), and threw a fleece in the dry bag coming with us.We rafted about 20 minutes, through some mild rapids, to our first real rapids. It happened so fast that I don't remember much, but we made it through just fine, getting only moderately wet. Beneath the rapids, we pulled up onto an island where the three of them had been building a treehouse. We spent well over an hour, and were hoisting the frame into the trees, but there was so much torque that the nails holding it together came out. We admitted defeat, but they promised they were going to come back and finish the project eventually.When we got to the car at the take-out (after one more set of rapids, even bigger and more exhilerating) we were in a rush because they had to get back to go to class, so we piled in, drove back to Elmer's where I ran in to grab a camera, and then they set off. It was only later that I reqalized I'd only retrieved the fleece. It's been plenty warm enough to hike in shorts, and I'll hike in my polypro shirt, so I'll be fine. I just feel stupid.Even still, it was quite the experience (I should add that I've never been whitewater rafting before) with some wonderful people. It was the kind of opportunity that's not to be missed, and I had a great time with them.The Brain