morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 12.3

Section Hike 06-07, Winding Stair Gap to Licklog Gap.Tuesday, 13 June 2006, Day 1.   Returned to Winding Stair Gap on Highway 64. This will be my longest section hike to date, covering 27.3 miles in two-and-a-half days. I started out to hike 8.2 miles to a campsite on the south end of Bartram Trail. When I arrived at my destination I felt rested and continued on to Wayah Bald Observation Tower. The day had been overcast and fog drifted in over the tower so I had no view. I pressed on to the north end of Bartram Trail and ended up stopping for the day at a campsite in Licklog Gap.     During the day I came across two "Bent Tree" Indian signs. It believed by some, but most feel it is just folklore, that the Indians would cut a young tree off at a low point and then bend it over to point towards water or some other important place in the forest. As the tree grew, it would continue its growth upward from the tip, thus giving it a shape that looked like a "seven" with a "one" on the top of the end of the "seven". This seem to hold true because both "Bent Tree" signs pointed toward water sources.       Passed a Boy Scout Troop from Raleigh-Durham, NC, on the AT. The scouts were earning merit badges for taking 50 and 75 mile hikes. Also continue to pass several solo hikers each day. You are never alone on the trail during the day and especially at night near the shelters.   The trail is now running along some very narrow ridge lines. At times the trail will follow a ridge where the ridge spine is only three or four feet across. The trail itself will only be about eighteen inches wide and dropping off on both sides.
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Licklog Gap

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

Section Hike 06-07, Licklog Gap to Wesser Bald Shelter.Wednesday, 14 June 2006, Day 2.   My feet were very tired from the hiking yesterday. I started out at 7:30 AM and it looked to be a beautiful day for hiking. The sun was shining, birds singing, very quiet and peaceful, and I had the trail all to myself. Stopped at Cold Spring Shelter for a mid-morning break. I always try to sign in at the trail register, but there was none to sign.    Continued on to Wesser Bald Tower where I had a breathtaking 360-degree view of the mountains and the valleys. Today I came across several small springs seeping out of the rock faces, making the trail muddy but passable, but providing a nice water source. About two miles past Wesser Bald Tower was Wesser Bald Shelter - my destination for the evening. I was the only one at the shelter until a young chemistry graduate student from Houston named Jeff arrived. I hung my food bag and my backpack from the bear cables for the night. The mice in the shelter seem to know that my backpack was out of the shelter, as they did not bother me.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

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

Section Hike 06-07, Wesser Bald Shelter to Nantahala Outdoor Center.Thursday, 15 June 2006, Day 3.    Today will be a half day with only 5.7 miles, it is all downhill - a descent of 2600 feet. I started at 7:30 AM again and made my way down. Going down can be harder than going up the mountain. I am encountering more switchbacks which helps on downhill hiking. The trail was good and the forest beautiful as it always is in the early morning. Wild flowers everwhere.    Had two nice highlights this morning. First, there was a great vista at Jump-Off Point. And then I spotted my first deer. She was standing in the middle of the trail when I rounded a bend. I stopped, and we just looked at each other for about four minutes. When I tried to get a better vantage point for a picture, the deer took off down the trail. I still have not seen a bear. The fact that I have not encountered a bear does not bother me. I am told that my chances of seeing a bear in the Smokies are very good.      Made it down to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) on the Nantahala River. Judy was waiting, and, after I changed clothes, we had lunch at one of the restaurants next to the river. I saw Jeff again at NOC. He was taking a break after five days of hiking to re-supply, clean up and just relax. The Outdoor Center is a hub for a lot of kayak and white-water rafting trips. It was very busy, and it was not even a weekend. Everyone was having a good time and enjoying the river and all the facilities.
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Section Hike 06-08, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) to Sassafras Gap Shelter.Wednesday, 21 June 2006, Day 1. Started out at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) by crossing the brige over the river and heading towards Sassafras Gap Shelter, seven miles away. Two steep climbs would challenge me today. I would begin at an elevation of 1,723 feet at NOC and end the day at 4,400 feet. There are more rocky sections where I have to scramble over large boulders. On these rocky sections, it is critical to watch your step to prevent injuries. As a result, I average about one mile per hour for the tougher climbs. I am hiking through beautiful dense forests, more blooming wild flowers, soft trails of pine needles, damp paths from seeping springs and tunnels of rhododendron and other foliage.   As the summer is now at mid point, more bugs are buzzing me, and the humidity has risen, causing me to become wet from sweat, especially on long climbs. Still, it is inspiring and challenging to be on the trail. When you have a breeze, the humidity on your skin helps keep you nice and cool.   Today was the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. By some AT traditions, some hikers have been known to hike NUDE on this day. In fact, today is known as "Hike Nude Day" with some hikers. I did encounter a middle age man going south, clad in hiking boots, backpack, and a shiny bright red bikini thong. He waved to me as he passed and smiled. In solidarity, I took off my cap and waved back, and smiled back as I looked over my shoulder.   Ended my hike for the day at Sassafras Gap Shelter. I was joined at the shelter by Moon Watcher from Tampa and Breezy from Gainesville, FL. We also had six US Army Special Operations soldiers from Fort Bragg join us for the night.
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Section Hike 06-08, Sassafras Gap Shelter to Brown Fork Shelter.Thursday, 22 June 2006, Day 2.   Today was another day of many up-and-down hikes. My first challenge was going up and then down to Cheoah Bald at 5,062 feet. I had started at 4,100 feet, progressed to Stecoah Gap at 3,165 and ended at Brown Fork Shelter at 4,400 feet, I traveled 9.1 miles in all and my feet felt it all the way.   Brown Fork Shelter, my overnight stay, was not as nice as many of the previous shelters. Overuse made the shelter very dirty and dusty, so I spread a tarp under my mattress and sleeping bag to keep them clean. I continue to make entries in the trail register at each shelter.    I ran into some chiggers in a grass area and along with some other bug bites on my arms and legs, I was a mess. But that is to be expected.    I was joined for the evening by Moon Watcher, and we had the shelter all to ourselves. After studying the map, I made the decision to hike all the way into Fontana Dam Visitor Center the next day, a distance of 13 miles. I called Judy to let her know of the change in my pick-up plans.
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Section Hike 06-08, Brown Fork Shelter to Fontana Dam Visitor Center.Friday, 23 June 2006, Day 3.   Off to a very early start this morning. It was 6:10 AM and still sort of dark when I departed the shelter. I have a very long day of hiking in order to reach Fontana Dam Visitor Center.   Ran into several large boulder fields. Scrambling over the rock fields was not difficult, but you still have to watch your step. As I made my way to Fontana Dam Visitor Center, I felt much better than in the past after doing a lengthly hike. Many beautiful vistas of the 29-mile long Fontana Lake could be seem from the trail. The hum of the dam's generators greeted me as I got closer to the Visitors Center.   Judy was at the Visitors Center when I arrived about 3:05 PM. The Center has luxurious marble showers, so I took advantage of the showers and cleaned up, and felt great for the ride back to the RV. We drove back along beautiful Highways 28 and 74.   On my next hike I will be joined by my son, Darrell. He is coming to visit us over the Fourth of July Holiday. We will do a day hike from Newfound Gap to Clingmans Dome, a distance of eight miles.
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Newfound Gap in Smokies

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 7.9

Section Hike 06-09, Newfound Gap to Clingmans Dome.Day Hike, 7.90 miles, SouthboundSaturday, 1 July 2005 - My son Darrell came to visit us at Waynesville over the Fourth of July Holiday. We did a day hike from Newfound Gap to Clingmans Dome. I was a nice "slack pack" day and the weather was beautiful. We started at the site of the dedication of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a few days before the outbreak of WWII.   The trail was true to the different conditions I had previously encountered, ranging from well-beaten dry earth, a soft walk on leaves, as well as muddy, rocky and grassy paths. Of course, there is always the ever present climbs and descents, many without the benefit of switchbacks.   Vistas were limited by the forest undergrowth, but when we did get a chance to get a view, it was most rewarding. We took our time and enjoyed the relaxed hike. As we approached Clingmans Dome, from a distance of about three miles, we could see the tower and the people on top enjoying the 360-degree vista. Darrell and I walked up to the lookout tower to view the spectacular display of valleys, lakes, ridges and mountains of North Carolina and Tennesee. Afterward, we walked down to the parking lot and met Judy for our return to the RV.   In the following days during Darrell's visit, we did a white-water raft ride on the Nantahala River and toured the Biltmore Estate in Asheville.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Section Hike 06-09, Fontana Dam Visitor Center to Mollies Ridge Shelter.Day 1, 10.7 miles.   Wednesday, 5 July 2006 - To hike and camp on the AT or any other trail in the Smoky Mountains National Park, one is required to have a back country camping permit. No tent camping is allowed and everyone stays overnight in designated shelters, mostly because of the threats of bear activity. In the past few years, bears have become more aggressive in stealing backpackers' food.   The trail was quite good and varied in width from just eighteen inches to a wide four foot path. There were many times when I crossed knobs that the grass would almost cover the trail. The grass was knee deep and I had to be careful where I stepped. Mountain laurel and blueberries are not out yet, but the bushes are everywhere.   The whole day was overcast and there was a lot of mist, causing the forest to look eerie in a beautiful sort of way. The wildlife seems more accustom to hikers. When you meet a deer, they just walk away from the trail. I hope the bears do the same thing.. I still have not seen any bears, but I have hear a couple as they crash through the underbrush getting away from the trail.   I continue to pass and be passed by at least seven or more hikers every day. Most hikers are solo hikers and several are solo women hikers. At the end of the day as we gather around at a shelter, the same social activity of telling stories, talking about the trail and just general talking takes up the evening. Everyone goes to bed early around 9:00 PM. Sometimes if a camp fire has been built, a few of the hikers will sit around a little later.   During the afternoon, I heard thunder and expected to get some rain. Fortunately, I reached the shelter still dry. Around 8:00 PM, it began to rain, and it rained very hard for most of the night. Being in the shelter, we remained nice and dry and very thankful that we were not in tents.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Section Hike 06-09, Mollies Ridge Shelter to Derrick Knob Shelter.Day 2, 11.6 miles.Thursday, 6 July 2006 -  Awoke to still more rain, but now much lighter. I started out wearing a poncho over my pack and body, but after a short time, I removed my poncho as it was way too hot. The wet breese felt good and I felt cool. When the rain stopped, it would still drip on you as you walked under the trees, especially when the wind moved the branches above. The trail drained well and while it was wet and muddy, it was still a good path. It was very pleasant hiking in the wet forest with all the fresh air and the many sweet aromas from the trees, plants and the ground.    Stopped at Derrick Knob Shelter and shared the shelter with several other hikers. There were five college students, a father and daughter team, and myself. Derrick Knob Shelter is still one of those shelters in the Smokies that has the "bear fence" installed across the open front of the shelter. It was used to keep the bears out at night, but they are being removed now. Seems the hikers were starting to eat their food in the shelter areas and it was attracting more bears than keeping them away.   That night we got more rain, but not until later in the night after we had all gone to sleep. There is something nice about listening to the rain in a dry shelter knowing that your gear will be dry in the morning.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 10.1

Section Hike 06-09, Derrick Knob Shelter to Clingmans Dome.Day 3, 10.1 miles. Friday, 7 July 2006 - Today I get picked up and can get all cleaned up. Judy will meet me in the parking lot at Clingmans Dome. It will be a full day of hiking for me as I have to go for 10.1 miles to Clingmans Dome. I was the first one out of the shelter as everyone else was still sleeping.   The forest was wet from rain last night and into the morning. As I started on the trail, there was fog drifting across the trail in faint sheets of light moisture. I could only see about thirty feet in front of me, but the trail was clear and easy to follow.   I had a nice hike, saw a lot of wildflowers, blackberries are just about ready for eating and the birds are in full song. While my hike today was long, it was one of my most enjoyable hikes so far. The air remained damp, but it was cool and at times I did not know if I was just cool or just wet. Either way I was very comfortable.   I arrived at Clingmans Dome from the other side this time. I did not walk up to the tower as the clouds had blocked out the views. I walked the half-mile paved descent to the parking lot, where I met Judy and drove for an hour back to the RV. My feet were tired, and my back was a little sore, but I can see that my body is now in much better condition than at the beginning of this adventure. I have lost a little over an inch in the waist and probably about six pounds.
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Newfound Gap 

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Section Hike 06-10, Newfound Gap to Peck's Corner Shelter.Day 1, 10.4 miles.Tuesday, 11 July 2006 - This three day section hike will end my Smoky Mountains trek and it will also be my last section for 2006. I returned to Newfound Gap and headed north to Peck's Corner Shelter. It turned out to be a nice day, overcast and cool. The trail has become rocky in many places. Rocks range from flat slate pieces to rocks that thrust up at dangerous angles and require deliberate steps. During the day I also came into an area of great moisture that resembled a rain forest environment. Green moss covered everything, rocks, twigs, and all the logs that had fallen on the ground. A final reward was the wonderful Christmas tree aroma. The AT follows a ridge spine that is the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. In many places, the path would only be three feet wide. If you held a rock in each hand and dropped the rocks, the left hand rock would fall in Tennessee and the right hand rock would fall in North Carolina. The AT wanders across the state line, but never gets more than ten to fifteen feet into either state.   The highlight of the day was a side trail to Charlie's Bunion, a rock outcropping with yet another great view. The path to Charlie's Bnion was very narrow, atop a dangerous drop off. A sign warned that "Children should be controlled."   Notice has been given that bear activity was high in this section. As I hiked along the trail, I saw a lot of bear scat and bear tracks in the mud, but no bears.   Stayed at Pecks Corner Shelter along with nine other hikers. There was a Dad with two young sons from Nashville, a Boy Scout troop of three plus two fathers from Ohio, and Steve, a minister from Zenia, Ohio. (I would meet Steve again during my AT hiking in 2007). Wish I could say that I spent a quiet night sleeping, but the two Dads kept me awake with their snoring. Always bring ear plug when you plan on staying in the shelters.
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

Section Hike 06-10, Peck's Corner Shelter to Cosby Knob Shelter.Day 2, 12.9 miles.Wednesday, 12 July 2006 - Today would be a very long day of hiking and a challenge to my dear old body and feet. The weather turned out sunny and provided a break from the rain. I hiked into another rain forest section, with intoxicating freshness.   Yesterday I had come upon three pleasant young men who had just graduated from college and were not due to start new jobs until September. They told me they would be stopping over at Tri-Corner Shelter for the night.    When I arrived at the shelter the next day, I soon realized there was an emergency in progress. It seems that in the late afternoon on the previous day, an older gentleman from Seattle had arrived at the shelter and told the three guys that he was in trouble and need help. That night, the man lapsed into a diabetic insulin shock and suffered in pain all night. The three young man were able to contact 911, but nothing could be done until pack horses could be brought in along the trail in the morning. They were given instructions on how to care for the gentleman until they could arrive. The shelter was about eight miles up a steep and rocky path, but there was a flat grassy field only three miles from the shelter.    The next morning early, the older gentleman was carried from the shelter by pack horse to the flat field where a helicopter took him to a hospital in Asheville. I heard later that the gentleman was recovering and would be heading back home to Seattle.   A bear was sighted by a fellow hiker yesterday, when the bear stole the hiker's food from a picnic table by a shelter. Seems the hiker came into the shelter for the night, unpacked his food, and then went down to the nearby stream for water. When he returned, he saw the bear running off with his food. Other hikers at the shelter shared their food, but since the hiker has just started a five day hike, he had to return home and get more food.   Stopped at Cosby Knob Shelter where I was joined by the Dad with his two young sons. We built a fire in the stone fireplace in the shelter and everyone hung their wet clothes up to dry.
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Section Hike 06-10, Crosby Knob Shelter to Davenport Gap.Day 3, 9.8 miles.Thursday, 13 July 2006 - Today is the last day for this section hike and for my summer hiking in 2006. I have now completed my hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.    I got off to an early start with the idea of having breakfast up in the Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower. After an hour and a half I arrived at the Fire Tower and had a relaxing breakfast with a great vista.The side trail up to Mt Cammerer was very rocky with huge rock slabs that I had to scramble over. I had to go six-tenths of a mile off the trail, but it was worth the effort and time.   The trail is rocky again and hard to make good time. The forest is beautiful and most enjoyable. I am passing a lot of bear scat and hoped to finally see my bear - but no luck. Judging from the content of the bear scat, I can tell that the blackberries are out and probably delicious. Passed several hikers on their way up to the fire tower on Mt Cammerer, a popular day hike.    My last mile followed State Line Branch, a creek running down through a heavy-growth forest flowing over large rocks and forming many small waterfalls. It was pleasantly cool and a nice walk all the way to my pick-up point at Davenport Gap.    Judy picked me up on the Pigeon River near Interstate 40, a couple of miles pass Davenport Gap. Thus ends my section hiking for the summer of 2006. I completed 235 miles on the Appalachian Trail, not much, but at my age, who is in a hurry. I plan on returning next summer and continuing my adventure along the AT and points north.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Davenport Gap

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 34.2
Weather: light rain

Section Hike 07-11, Four Days - 34.2 miles.   Three Day Section Hike (34.2 miles). Friday, 27 April 2007 - Davenport Gap to Hot Springs, NC, Returned for my 2007 AT Hiking Season. Again most of my hikes will be Section Hikes of normally three days. My first day out I had a steep five-mile climb. I know I am not in any AT shape yet, but I should be in condition in a couple of weeks. The AT is busy with many Thur-Hikers headed to Maine. But there are several Section Hikers out on the trail. Stayed at Groundhog Shelter along with two couples from Tennessee. You may be alone on the trail in the day, but at night you always have company.     Saturday, 28 April 2007: A great surprise awaits all the hikers this weekend. A past Thur-Hiker by the trail name of "OX" has set up three large tents at Browns Gap as the best Trail Magic of the year. He and others are serving three meals over the weekend from Friday to Sunday. I stop on this Saturday morning and enjoy a nice breakfast before heading down the trail again.    Reaching the top of a bald, I come upon a group of hikers relaxing and enjoying the view. Arrived at Roaring Forks Shelter after 10.1 miles. The shelter is new and very nice. With me in the shelter or in nearby tents are Bubba, Just Joe, Just Jack and Smokestack. Just Joe and Just Jack are not family.    Sunday, 29 April 2007: Today I will hike to Garenflo Gap where I set up a tent for the night. This day will be a real challenge for me with 11.1 miles of hard climbs and steep descents. I feel the soreness, but each day bring more conditioning. The landscape and deep forest has not changed much from last year. It is still beautiful.   Monday, 30 April 2007: I will end my hike in Hot Springs where Judy will be waiting for me. I am up early in the morning and ready to complete my Section Hike. Most of the day will be a downhill trek. Before I reach Hot Springs, I can see views of the French Broad River near town. The nice thing about Section Hiking is that you can rest and clean up after your short hike. Thus ends my first Section Hike of 2007.