morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-02-28
From: Yellow Creek Gap, SR1242

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It snowed in Fontana again today. Made the 2nd lap to Fontana slack packing. Knee-Deep is still at Fontana Shelter, waiting for an order from Neel's Gap and for Fahmah to make his decision whether to head in to the Smokies with him and another hiker at the shelter. Fahmah is still considering his options.There are stories of a couple hikers came out of the Smokies this week, one with frost bitten feet. Told of drifts up there chest high....that could be over Fahmah's head! They had made it to Newfound Gap but then lost the trail and had to walk 7 miles down a road from Clingman's Dome. It took them 7 days to make it to Newfound Gap. NOAA is forecasting 70% chance of another snow storm on Tuesday. What will that do in the mountains? After all, it is WINTER in the Smokies.This is one of the most difficult decisions Fahmah has had to make. He has an option for a shuttle to Hot Springs, but must leave tomorrow to miss the storm on Tuesday. Will it also snow at Hot Springs? Rt. 40 is closed because of the rock slide, so going to Standing Bear Hostel at the other end of the Smokies is not an option. We are praying for guidance here. Check back tomorrow and pray for us too!"FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-01
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, a good sleep, wonderful advice from all of you, and divine guidance have allowed Fahmah to come to his final decision. He is going ahead to the Smokies with Knee-Deep and Toe Man. They will leave tomorrow morning. The good weather is coming. Second Stage is considering it but as of the phone call I had from Fahmah early this afternoon, she had not made up her mind. The decision lightened both of our shoulders, just knowing how plans would proceed. All things considered and with flexibility to change, they will take approx 10 days to navigate through. Fahmah & Knee-Deep will have snow shoes. Toe Man will go it without. This morning they spoke to a member from the local trail maintenance team that will be working in the area between Nantahala & Fontana Dam in the coming week. They were able to let him know the areas they felt needed attention from the trail crew. That is good news for those of you headed this way.Thank you all for your words of encouragement. We aren't sure what the phone service is like in the Smokies, but we'll update the journal as soon as we hear more."FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-03
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: US25&70, NC209, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Fahmah got up early and headed down to the Fontana Shelter. They call it the Fontana Hilton because it sleeps 24 and has "heated" bathrooms and showers! That is where Knee-Deep was staying while Fahmah stayed at Hike Inn. There were other hikers that had come in too. JB & Dave, two young hikers that have been hiking a few days behind Fahmah, had come in last night and had dinner with Fahmah. They talked about the hike and flyfishing and life in general. They were great kids. They will be making their decision whether to take on the Smokies after a day or two of rest. Takethisbread is going to head in to the Smokies today with Tim UK and another hiker. Old Man River is going home to his wife in NC and will give Fahmah a ride up to Hot Springs. They wished them all good luck on their trip. It was a long trip to Hot Springs, mountain roads, winding their way across mountain country. Finally he was dropped off at Sunnybank Inn, Elmer's place, right on the trail. Fahmah gave River some cash for gas and thanked him for the ride. In the meanwhile, about noon time, I received an email message from Takethisbread. He was looking for Fahmah's phone number. He had also turned back from the Smokies and determined it to be more that he wanted to tackle at this time too!! Wise decision. I gave him Fahmah's number, but advised that Fahmah doesn't keep his phone turned on. I doubted he would be able to reach him. When Fahmah finally called me around 4 p.m. I told him Takethisbread was trying to reach him. He hung up and called him but he was already on his way to Hot Springs too. He had arranged for a shuttle from Fontana and got to Sunnybank this evening. Elmer's is a big, old Victorian house with separate rooms for the hikers. He and Fahmah made plans for a slack pack on Thursday to check out the trail conditions up this way. Now, I put in the miles, 108.7, between Fontana Dam and Hot Springs. I did it to keep the miles the same as the Companion, so I can verify accuracy, but Fahmah knows that he will have to come back to these miles before he calls this a complete hike. Just when he will do this has yet to be determined, but he will do it. "FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-04
From: US25&70, NC209, Hot Springs, NC

To: Tanyard Gap, US25&70 overpass
Miles today: 5.9

After a good night's rest and a good breakfast, Fahmah & Takethisbread made their way down the street to Bluff Mountain Outfitter. Fahmah talked about his rain gear and it was determined that the waterproofing had just rubbed off and caused the leaking. A can of waterproofing spray should do the trick to get it back in shape again. A new jacket wasn't necessary. Takethisbread, however, did need a new jacket and got one there. Fahmah brought the spray back and sprayed the jacket where it needed it and felt confident that would do it. Time & more rain will tell the story on that! Fahmah called me & told me the news and we talked for a long time. Finally it was time for them to leave on their slack pack. They were brought to the overpass about 6 miles north and walked back to Elmers. They walked along the French Broad River (was it named for a French broad? or was it a broad, French river? Those things always interest me...guess I'll have to google it!) There was very little elevation to the trip and they didn't encounter much snow. That will come once they get into elevation. They will head back to the trail tomorrow. "FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-05
From: Tanyard Gap, US25&70 overpass

To: Log Cabin Drive
Miles today: 10.4

I don't know a lot of the details of this trip. All I heard about today was the snow that they have had to hike through. The more elevation, the more snow. And it is deep, over the knees. Sometimes as you step, you stay on top, but other times you sink in over the knee and requires you to crawl back to your feet. Fahmah tried his snow shoes, at first thinking how thankful he was to have them. But it didn't take long to see that they just weren't going to work with the hiking boots. They killed his feet with every twist and turn. Found in the end, it was better to go without. Bummer!! The trail was also very difficult to follow with the snow. They walked to Log Cabin Drive and then in to Hemlock Hollow Cabins for the night. It was a long, tiring day. Fahmah said he wanted to quit tonight, but he was always told, "never quit on a bad day and when you're feeling bad". This is just not fun. It is very hard to find enjoyment....."FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-06
From: Log Cabin Drive

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: clear sky

Well, he waited till a bright sunny day. The hiking today was much of the same, losing the trail, falling through the deep snow up above the knees. They walked to the shelter and Fahmah called me to tell me he had made his final decision. He would not go on with the trail in this condition with all the snow. It is just more than he needs to deal with. Takethisbread felt the same. We started to make the plans for how they would get back to Massachusetts. They would walk back to Hemlock Hollow Cabins and arrange for a ride to Erwin to Uncle Johnnys Hostel on the Nolichucky River. I debated about driving down...but could I get someone to go with me...could I make it in a day? Easier for them to get to Erwin and rent a car to drive home? While I was making my phone calls a couple other hikers came up to the Shelter. They were also going to Uncle Johnnys. In fact they had arranged for a ride from Hemlock Hollow, just where Fahmah was going. Nice coincidence!Final decision, I couldn't find anyone to ride with me, but I would attempt it alone and make it one day's trip. I had plans to go to my brother's for his birthday tomorrow, but would have to miss it. After a few other calls, I called George & Den to tell them I wouldn't be there. Once I explained everything, George said "no that just won't do". They decided to cancel the plans for their house tomorrow, and George would come with me to pick up Fahmah. This is his birthday!! We were going to celebrate Spring at their house with Janice, Jean & Stan!! I feel bad they cancelled their plans, but I praise God for an answer to my prayer so I wouldn't have to travel alone. My trail angels here at home!!! Fahmah is not giving up on the trail. He is just waiting till the snow melts before he gets back on. Klip will be over here the first of April and Fahmah will definitely be walking again by then, if not before. As Klipspringer always reminded Fahmah, it's not about the miles, it's about the smiles! There just haven't been enough smiles with this cold and snow! We will keep our dreams alive and will be back first week of April."FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-10
To: ??????
Miles today: 0.0

To all my friends on the Trail and off; THANK YOU for all the kind words of support. First of all, I'd like to make one thing perfectly clear, this is not the end of the hike but a shift in strategy. Do I re-start in the South or resume at Harpers Ferry and flip to the Smokies from Katahdin or go back to the Smokies and go north???? One thing I am sure of, I will wait for the rain to do it's job!!! Also the Trail crews to get rid of the obstacles!!! I am supposed to meet my good friends and hiking partners, Klipspringer from South Africa and hopefully, my partner that finished with me in 07, Just Jack from NC to help celebrate a birthday... In that case, we could celebrate at the ATC office??? As long as Klip gets his piece of cake and Ma's Apple Pie!!!! At this point, Harpers makes the most sense... It does make getting back to Trail Days a little more difficult but doable. Everybody that reads this, remember, HARDCORE!!!! GIVE BACK- OK guys and gals, INVADE MAINE(this is really from Fahmah!)
Date: 2010-03-20
From: ??????

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just wanted to let you all know Fahmah will be heading back down to Tennessee/No Carolina to get back on the trail some time this week. Wanted to say "thanks" to Trek for the update about the snow in higher elevations. Had not planned to take the snow shoes, but will now. Thanks for the headsup.Looking forward to seeing all you "ten-ers" as you pass by!!"FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The weather is getting better, the snow is melting in the south and Fahmah's feet are definitely itchy again! He has been busy here at home preparing the garden so I can plant some while he is away, turning over my flower garden by the pond so I can plant "annuals" at his request - the perennials get too messy for his liking - and thinking about the Trail. It is time to get back. We left Templeton, after getting everything packed to the brim in the car, around 3:30 this afternoon. That should give the traffic time to clear out thru Hartford.....right? Not! But we got to Rt 81 and turned north for one exit to Lickdale,PA Days Inn. It brought back memories of Thanksgiving in 07 when I met Fahmah & Jack there on Thanksgiving Day and brought dinner with all the fixin's, along with a pumpkin & apple pie. Even brought roses & tablecloth for the table!!! Great memories!!! This time we had a great room, king size bed and had a good night's sleep. Tomorrow to Kincora!"FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-24
To: Kincora Hostel, Hampton TN
Miles today: 0.0

We headed off early down Rt 81 toward Hampton, TN, Bob Peoples' hostel, Kincora. I guess it wasn't early enough because we found ourselves heading up the winding mountain road (I was driving)after dark in the fog. If you have been up that road, you will know what I mean. I was terrified...we went up, up, up, winding, winding, switching, and up and then over and then down...."at least it is night and you can tell if a car is coming at you" was Fahmah's comforting words....finally, the driveway to Kincora. It was after "hiker's midnight" so we just brought in what we needed and found a bed for the night. Bob heard us though, and soon came over to see who had invaded at that hour. Lone Wolf was there nursing a bad leg..blod clot...Dr in the morning. (Our prayers are with you....hope you will soon be well.) A visit with Bob is never a short one, he is so full of good stories and wonderful information, but we eventually said our good nights & went to sleep in the bunks off the kitchen. We had stopped at Walmart for a sleeping bag for me...just in case. I was glad to have it."FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-25
To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel, Greenville TN
Miles today: 0.0

We rose early. Both Bob & Lone Wolf had appointments so we left early. Fahmah drove down that mountain...I had enough of that last night! We stopped for breakfast at the little restaurant on the corner in Hampton (the Copper Kettle--stop there if you are in town). We had a wonderful breakfast and headed to Greenville, and Hemlock Hollow where Fahmah will resume his hike where he left off. It wasn't too far down the road, but winding Tennesee/No Carolina mountain roads, and we arrived early afternoon. We settled in to our cozy little cabin (Bear's Den) and visited with the owners for a time. She has a love of cooking too and shared recipes with me for Sauerbraten, canning sauerkraut and even how to freeze cabbage! We found the road to the top toward Black Stack Cliffs was open so decided to drive up for a peek at the conditions. It was raining when we left but at the top we found slushy/icy rain and wind. The road was well-maintained gravel packed most of the way, but wound round and round and back and forth, like all the others. Plan was for me to drive him up there in the a.m. and he would hike from there to Devils Fork Gap, slacking about 13 miles. We went back to the cabin and enjoyed leftovers we had brought from home heated in the microwave. We bought breakfast sandwichs & orange juice from the hostel & had our own coffee & pot in the cabin for breakfast so we were all set. We were cozy, warm & comfortable in the Bears Den cabin with the sound of the creek to sooth us to sleep. "FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-26
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Devil's Fork Gap, Rt 212 NC
Miles today: 15.4

We woke early and had our breakfast sandwiches & juice & coffee and headed off up the mountain for Fahmah to begin the hike again! We got to the top and the conditions again were cold, windy, rainy, yuk yuk, but off he went. The day improved slightly as he went on. He had no problem finding the way this time. The snow was mostly gone except on the highest points along the trail, but nothing like what he had left behind 3 weeks ago. It was along way to hike the first day back on. When he came down the hill toward the car his feet and legs were hurting and he was very glad to be done with the day. While he was hiking I made a trip in to Greenville for some food items we could easily cook in a microwave & snacks for him. I bought some rotisserie chicken & salads for dinner at the cabin. I also read The Shack, a book I had brought with me. It is strictly a novel, but was a moving, emotional story of a man and his rendition of the way he found his way back to God and his visit with Him. I loved it and was anxious to get back to reading. It moved me so much I had to discuss it in depth with Fahmah when he got back. We had our dinner, made plans for the following day and went to bed early. Tomorrow, Sam's Gap back to Devil's Fork...not quite so many miles!"FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Sam's Gap, US 23/I26

To: Devil's Fork Gap, Rt 212 NC
Miles today: 8.5

This morning we had cold cereal & coffee for breakfast. We drove to Sam's Gap for Fahmah to start and he would head south. The plan was for me to pick him up where I picked up yesterday so it would be closer to Hemlock Hollow where we would spend our final night. The weather had improved considerably and the sun was finally shining. Fahmah found several blow downs on the trail and met a trail maintainer at a campsite near Frozen Knob. He was cleaning up where some camper had just left his equipment that was soaking wet. He took most of what was there but asked Fahmah if he could carry out the soaked sleeping bag. He did, of course, but in the meanwhile lost his new Petzel head lamp (he didn't know that til later)! That was a bummer. He came over the hill dragging the bag, tired but feeling invigorated with the nice weather. Glad to be on the trail again. I had finished the book and we had further discussion as we ate more leftovers including the rest of last night's chicken and listened to the creek babbling by. We settled up with Hemlock Hollow and said our farewells and planned to leave early the next morning for Erwin. Then we discovered the missing head lamp...and my missing keys....where in the devil could they have gone???? We had packed everything up for an early start, but when we couldn't find the keys (Fahmah did have the extra so we had a key to the car). We looked till we were too tired to care and went to bed. We would look again in the morning when we had light."FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-28
From: Devil's Fork Gap, Rt 212 NC

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel, Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0

We got up, had breakfast sandwiches again and started looking for the keys. We pulled things out and searched, finally, I opened my suitcase and found them slid down in the front under the clothes. They must have dropped in when I had my hands full of something else. But at least they were found, but not til it had delayed our departure. Weather was still cold, but sun was out between the clouds. We headed north to Erwin, to Uncle Johnny's Hostel. There were a few thru hikers that had made it up this far, but the place was full of weekend hikers. We were assigned cabin J (just footsteps from the bathroom...that was great), bunk beds & fridge but no microwave. I had my own coffeepot which we brought in and all was good! I used my new sleeping bag again for the bunk, but there were sheets & blankets provided.We cleaned up and went to eat at KFC in Erwin. We scouted out the areas he planned to hike, where I would drop him off or pick him up. We drove up 107 to 395 and around country roads up 19W to Spivey Gap and back to Johnnys, making a big circle around Erwin. It was cold and had started raining again. Plan was to hike no matter what. I would drop him at Spivey Gap and he would walk back in to Johnny's. I wouldn't even need to go pick him up anywhere, just so I was there to let him in the cabin and have it warm for him. We slept well."FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-29
From: Chestoa Bridge, Nolichucky River (Uncle Johnny's)

To: Spivey Gap, US 19W
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Uncle Johnny's Hostel is right on the corner across from where the AT comes off the mountain and crosses over the Chestoa Bridge over the Nolichucky River running through Erwin and eastern Tennessee. The river is great for flyfishing & kayaking. He provides shuttles to town for resupply & eating & a well-stocked outfitter store. We got up, ate cereal again for breakfast & headed up to Spivey gap for the drop off. It was wet again, Fahmah's raingear was not dependable. It was still leaking and the pants torn. But, despite the drizzle, headed off for the 11-mile hike for the day. He would just hike back in to camp from the trail. I went back to the cabin and read another book that had been left in the cabin. The Killing Game by Ian Johansson (I think). It was a great serial killer, Criminal Minds-type of story. Really gripping from the start. I was more than 1/2 thru it when Fahmah got back from his hike. He had run across several more blowdowns coming over the trail but had a relatively good hike. He ran across Subman & another hiker on the trail. Subman & his wife had been following our journal (since Fahmah was on so early) and they were happy to meet. It reminds us how much we appreciate the words of encouragement & support we get from all you readers out there. Thanks for checking in with us. It really means a lot.Johnny had said the forecast was for better weather coming in but it wasn't here yet. We cleaned up and headed in to town for AYCE pizza...wouldn't really recommend it unless you are really starving. I guess we are just spoiled by the pizza we get up here, but it just wasn't the same. Went back to Johnny's. When Fahmah had begun the trail & was at Neel's Gap, he sent me a copy of Winton's new book, Just Passin Thru. I brought it with me for reading while we were on this trip. I picked it up and started reading it out loud for both of us. It is super! Winton has really captured the essense of the trail with stories of the characters & experiences he has had being the keeper of Mountain Crossings. We are truly enjoying every chapter. If you see it available, get it. I know you will enjoy it too. "FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Spivey Gap, US 19W

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We woke up to cold, 1/2 drizzle, 1/2 cloudy. We had laundry to get done, and Fahmah's feet were sore and was tired of being wet, so he decided to take the day off. We did what we had to get done, made plans for the following day. While I was doing the laundry, Fahmah went to the grocery store and bought a steak & potatoes & squash & onion for a grilled dinner at the cabin. When we got back there, he set up our tabletop gas grill & I got the stuff ready to be cooked. The weather had finally broken & the sun was out, though still a chill in the air. The place was bustling with the arrival of more thru-hikers. He did the cooking & it came out wonderful. I think it was the best meal we had on the whole trip!! I sliced the red potato part way down and put butter between each slice & seasoned with pepper & Nature's Seasoning & wrapped in foil. Sliced the squash with onion & seasoned the same way with lots of butter & wrapped in foil. It cooked quickly then pushed aside to grill the steak to a perfect pink. Yummy!! We cleaned up and settled in to read more of Winton's book. Fahmah did the reading tonight. Finally, our lids told us it was time to sleep. Back to hiking tomorrow."FOR YOU JIM"