morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: overcast clouds

What a Day For the Bunion!The hike from Double Springs was snowy and icy, but went fast enough.  I was expecting to wake up to more showers, but I guess the front blew itself out that night.  I don't remember the last time I was in thunderstorms like that.  It sounded as though the gods were throwing millions of marbles down from the sky with all their might.  The thunder shook the shelter and the lightening illuminated the whole sky.  We had 18 people in a 12 person shelter, thankfully we were all safe and dry out of the violent downpour.So, I was more than pleasantly surprised to wake up to no rain, no wind and a hint of blue sky.  The rain did interesting things to all the snow on the trail.  The Appalachian Trail had turned into the Appalachian River with iceburgs.  The ice had been polished to a smooth sheen, and water was flowing fiercely.  We had no view for Clingmans, but I was just thankful that it was dry and no wind.  The observation tower really did look like an alien mother ship in the low mist.We cruised down the trail despite the snow and ice, much to the chagrin of our ankles.  The last 1.7 from Indian Gap to Newfound Gap was the longest stretch of the day though.  When we finally emerged at Newfound Gap, it was a bit overwhelming but not the stimulus overload we experienced in 2001.  We were looking around trying to figure out what to do, when a gentleman approached us and said:  "have you had your trail magic yet today?"  He had all kinds of goodies for us, what a treat!  Thanks Wildcat!!  On top of that trail magic we got even more from another Trail Angel, Mainframe, who was kind enough to shuttle us all the way down into town.  We got a room at the good 'ol Grand Prix and were happily settled in.  Humpty and Turtle showed up a bit later, and we all went to a wonderful dinner at the Park Grill.  We couldn't find Spoonie, Stick and SciFi, so unfortunately the plan to celebrate Spoonie & Turtle's birthdays didn't totally come together.  We did celebrate Turtle's though.  The Park Grill was an amazing dinner, with the best salad bar ever!  This morning we had breakfast with Humpty and Turtle.  It was a bit of a sad morning since we were saying see you later to Humpty who had to take some time off to get an injury attended to.  It has been a wonderful experience hiking with Humpty, and we'd started to feel like he was family.  Humpty was the very first hiker we saw this trip.  We met him in the Boston airport.  One thing that I really admire about that man is that he is always positive.  He will never let the conversation degrade to gossip or complaining nor did he ever complain about his own aches and pains.  I am looking forward to seeing him on his own turf in Maine though.Today has been my best day of hiking yet though, despite the sad morning.  The sun was shining strong in a blue sky all day.  We had amazing views not only from Charlie's Bunion, but along all of today's hike.  Lots of knife edge ridge walking with vistas as far as we could see.  I felt strong and my spirits were high.  What a day!Danger
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

There Goes Another OneSome time in the early morning before light I heard the pitter patter of a light rain on the shelter roof.  Though a nice sound for sleeping, so close to morning it sent a small shiver of dread up my spine.  Woke up to some clouds, but it didn't take long for the sun to burn everything off, and make way for another spectacular gift of a day.  Today was a day that made my soul sing, and the corners drift up to the blue bird sky.  What a day!  The trail this morning was a little rough, but in the afternoon we put on the radio, listened to bluegrass and just cruised.  Took a long break in the grass on top of a ridge at the site of an old heli landing pad.  The sun was so warm it felt like a warm summer day.  Basked in the sun on the mountain top and soaked up the beauty of living.The climb up Cosby Knob was like winding through the emerald forest with the mountain laurel and ferns covering the hillside and the trees covered with electric green moss.Now, I lie cozy in Cosby Knob Shelter with Stick, Spoonie, Sean Mitchell and Gravity lookig out into the clear night at the fat yellow full moon rising out of the valley over the mountains.  The air is cool, crisp and still holding the promise of Spring.  The full yellow moon has a calming effect on me, and I feel content and complete.  What a gift of a day, what fortune to enjoy such peace and joy.  All is good and life is sweet...Danger
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Ted Nugent & Standing BearWoke up to a clear sky and an orange sunrise over the valley where the moon had been the night before.  Everyone was up early excited to finish the last few miles in the Park and return to restriction free camping.  The descent to Davenport Gap was long with lots of loose, fist sized rocks in the path.  I turned my ankle and tripped several times but never completely fell down.  Out feet were singing loudly by the time we reached the northern boundary of the Smokey's at Davenport Gap.  We'd been straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee throughout the Park, and at Davenport Gap the state line is very clear.  The beautiful maintained paved road of TN goes right up to the NC state line where it immediately turns to gravel and potholes. This was the hottest day yet and even in shorts and a tank top I was quite warm.  I was looking forward to the shower awaiting us at Standing Bear Farm Hostel.  We arrived at the hostel late afternoon. There were two bunk houses; one with maybe 8 single bunks and one with a loft and two double beds.  Fortunately Mr. Magoo was kind enough to give the last double bed to Gravity and I, even though he'd already claimed it for the night.  Standing Bear Hostel is an enterprise conveniently located right after the Smokey's and run by a proprieter who is the spitting image (in both personality and appearance) of Ted Nugent.  A nice enough man, though he did press and angle for hikers to purchase his fare rather than partake in the sandwiches and other fresh goods offered at the gas station to which he shuttles hikers once a day.Despite the pressing of Mr Nugent look alike, we did get a sub from the gas station deli and it was DELICIOUS!This certainly was not a no drugs or alchohol type of establishment as the beer was being guzzled and stogies being burned.  Not exactly my idea of a refreshing stay, but the shower was hot and the bed soft.  The river ran right by the bunk house, a nice sound to sleep by. I was very happy to leave Standing Bear though and get back to the woods.Danger
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Campsite

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: clear sky

Crunchy Rural RainbowsThe few miles into the Springs came easy and fast.  As we came down to the valley, it was clear that Spring was already gaining momentum with the cherry trees, dog woods and tulips.  We made a beeline to the Smokey Mountain Diner for breakfast.  We were close to finishing up when who slides into the booth with us but Cat Toy and Rocky!  It was fun to do some catching up sharing trail stories.  They tagged along while we ran our errand to the PO.  We had three boxes!!  One was our bounce box, the other some shorts and more goodies from Tom's mom, and an Easter basket from my mom!  Forget Easter, it was just like Christmas!!  That supply of chocolate should get us to Erwin, THANKS MOM!!  :-)We tried to get a room at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn since the Wonder Twins were there, but no room.  No biggie though as we were planning to stay at the Duckett house anyway.  I am so happy that we stuck with that plan too, because this has been the most relaxing and rejuvenating town stay ever.  This place is so welcoming and comfy and clean.  Brian and Frank have been so hospitable and the home and grounds just insist that one slow down and enjoy.  After some of our recent past debauchles, this is a true gem!Danger
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A zero in Hot SpringsDespite the beautiful room, firm mattress and super soft sheets, I barely slept three winks last night.  I was tired, but my mind just kept going and going.  Maybe I'm just so used to being physically tired that with just 3.4 miles and no mental exertion I had lots of excess energy.  At least I didn't have to hike today so while frustrating, the sleepless night didn't have terrible consequences.Brian and Frank prepared a nice breakfast of spinach and cheese omelette using their own farm fresh, free range eggs, breakfast potatoes and coffee.  So good.  There is just something about a fresh homemade meal.  We spent the rest of the morning leisurely preparing our things to mail and making a list for errands.  My pack has been riding poorly and giving me all kinds of trouble with knotted neck muscles.  Also feels like it just hasn't been riding straight and with a town load, when it should feel great, it feels lousy.  So, although I wasn't really looking to buy any gear, I decided to bring my pack to town just to see how something else felt.  I was thinking of the beefier version of what I have now since the suspension system is supposed to be better.  Gravity also had to go to the outfitter because the shoes he'd been wearing blew out after only 200 miles and he had to replace them and deal with the warrantee issue.  Three hours and a few dollars later I walked out with a new pack and Gravity had a free replacement for his shoes.  That was a lot of time to spend in the outfitter packing and unpacking packs.  I was tired and hungry so after a late lunch I was happy to retreat to the Duckette house to rest.  The rest of the afternoon was quiet and nice.  We organized our food bags and got our packs mostly loaded up.  Having not slept last night I was ready to turn in early.  So we were laying in bed close to falling asleep when we heard crinkling and a rustling coming from the food bag. A mouse in the food bag?  Another rustling and the food bag clunks over.  Garvity goes to check it out muttering "if a mouse runs out of this food bag I will scream like a little girl...".  I think maybe I was kinda hoping there would be a mouse just to behold that!  Braver than I, he bends down and opens the bag.  Nothing.  Shakes things around.  Still nothing.  No mouse.  Nada.  Zip.  We agreed that it was just the food and stuff settling.  Funny that even in a nice B&B, we're worried about mice getting into our food bags!Danger
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Hot Springs - Zero Day

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Hot Springs to Spring Mtn ShelterIt was cloudy but not raining when we woke up this morning.  The last two days were glorious - warm, clear and sunny, but today looked threatening.  We had a leisurely morning packing up and having a nice pancake breakfast.  Brian talked with us a bit, sharing some of the local scuttlebut, which was entertaining.We were finally on the trail at half past ten or so.  The climb to Lover's Leap was lovely and despite the overcast, there were still views.  We made it to the dam and pond pretty fast, and both felt strong.  At the overpass we met another hiker, Kitty Litter.  He hiked behind us and I guess I felt pressure to keep a good pace because he was there.  I really pushed it on the 1200 foot climb to Rich Mountain fire tower.  With the heavy town pack and going faster than normal, I was POOPED by the time we reached the side trail to the fire tower.  We decided to take the .1 side trail the rest of the way up the mountain to take a break at and explore the tower.  UGH.  I just about dropped when we got up there.  Then the bugs started to swarm.  All hot and sticky with sweat and getting divebombed by skeeters.  I wasn't really excited about that.  After a snack we went to the top of the tower.  What a view!  We could see down into Hot Springs as well as the ranges we'd just traversed.  That was worth it.After a long break, we moved on to finish the final 2.7 to the shelter.  For some reason I thought it was only 1.7, and after 45 minutes I was really beginning to wonder where the darn shelter was.  Gravity reminded me that it was 2.7 not 1.7 and I was a bit relieved that we weren't just going super slow. I was surprisingly tired for just an 11 mile day.  As we rounded the corner we heard "Danger! Gravity!".  The Gang (Stick, Spoonie, FT and Scifi) had done two short days and were here at the shelter.  We all had a fun evening laughing and joking around.  Have a bigger day (15.4) planned for tomorrow...  Hope the pack feels lighter!  It was at 28 lbs when we weighed it this AM, which is the heaviest it's been.Danger
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Spring Mtn to Jerry's Cabin ShelterA good, though long day today. Cloudy all day with some bouts of light rain.  The wind really picked up in the afternoon and became a force to be reckoned with.I made the mistake last night of reminding everyone that today is April Fool's day.  This morning Stick told us that he was going to get off the trail for a couple of weeks to recover from the cold/flu that he still hasn't been able to shake.  We believed him and he tricked us all!The terrain was a bit tougher today, but the long ridge walk along White Rock Cliffs was amazing.  The exposed ridge line was rugged and craggy knife edge dressed in Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel,  The views were spectacular all around.  Though it was still heavily overcast, the dense fog had lifted to give us views of the valley and surrounding mountains.  It was a surprisingly long stretch along that white rock ridge.  A spectacular and unexpected treat though quite a challenge.  The winds were gusting, in our estimate 40 - 45 mph, and there were several times when I was nearly blown over.Somewhere along the way today we lost Spoonie, SciFi and Stick.  As we were coming down to the one road crossing today we heard a sound like a car stopping, reversing then taking off again after a minute.  We supposed they hitched in somewhere, concerned about being out in the bad weather forecast for tonight.  I suspect we'll see them in Erwin.  It is blustery and blowing rather insistently out right now.  It's supposed to get pretty chilly tomorrow with this front; lows of 31 in Asheville so probably mid 20s up here.  We're cozy and dry in the shelter tonight though, so all should be fine.  Hopefully tomorrow will be cold and dry not cold and wet.  We are testing out our legs with several bigger mile days this stretch.  It gives me more confidence when I don't have to worry about rain or nasty weather.  But, what will be will be.  A good night's sleep and I can face whatever tomorrow holds.Danger
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: snow

Jerry's Cabin to Flint Mountain ShelterIt rained and poured all night last night.  I was so happy to be warm and dry inside the shelter.  The temp continued to drop through the night and into the morning.  The first time I woke up, the rain looked to have turned to freezing rain with some snow mixed in.  The next time I woke up it had turned to blowing snow, and was starting to accumulate.  Everyone covered their heads and hid inside sleeping bags, not wanting to face the miserable day.  We had 15 miles planned for today, I could barely stand to think about it.  I think Scifi was the first to make noise about getting packed up and going.  We finally succumed to the fact that we were not going to zero there at the shelter, and we had to at least get up and get some miles behind us.It was a full on hard blowing snow storm by the time we got walking.  The wind and snow were blowing so hard, it was painful to look up for blazes for the snow blowing in the eyes.  There were a couple of places where we almost lost the trail.  At one, we came to a logging road, and it looked as though we should just cross it and go on.  Gravity decided to wipe the snow off the sign to make sure, and what looked like a white blaze was actually yellow.  Thanks goodness he had the presence of mind to double check.  As we walked the snow accumulated more and more.  When we'd left Jerry's Cabin there was perhaps an inch.  By the time we'd reached that trail intersection there was at least 4".  Finally after a very long and arduous ~6 miles, we reached Flint Mountain Shelter.  By this point we realized that it would be unsafe to go any further.  Scifi had been there for awhile, warming up in his sleeping bag.  The two brothers, Sean and Michael who were also at Jerry's Cabin, also arrived shortly.  The four of us made the decision to do the short day and stay put.  Scifi, low on food and feeling confident decided to move on.  We asked him if that was what he really wanted to do and suggested he stay, but he decided to move on.  We wished him God speed, safety and good luck.It continued to blow and snow.  The snow even blew into the shelter. Against the far wall it wasn't too bad, but big gusts would cover our bags with a thin dusting.Over a few hours several people came in, freezing and drenched to the bone.  A couple of hikers rigged their tents to keep out the wind and snow.  The shelter was at capacity at eight, and I was relieved that no one else came in for the evening because, of course we would squeeze them in because that is what you do, it would have been a rough night with all the wet clothes strewn about and very tight quarters as it was.  I was a bit worried for some of the guys in the shelter with 35* bags, and not much in the way of dry clothes.  But they put hot water bottles in their bags with them and everyone stayed warm through the night.Danger
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Sam's Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Best Southern to Miss Janet'sWhen we arrived at Miss Janet's we discovered that the situation was as we'd feared; everyone came down out of the mountains seeking refuge from the snow.  People had come in from Allen Gap, Devil's Fork Gap, Sam's Gap and Nolichucky.  She was full as could be and there simply was no room at the Inn.  The situation was further complicated by the NASCAR race taking place near by.  Hotels were full for miles around.  Fortunately, Miss Janet in her thoughtfullness and forsight had reserved a few rooms at some of the local hotels that are hiker friendly.  She was kind enough to shuttle the two of us, Loki and Kitty Litter over to the Best Southern Inn.  We were absolutely exhausted after the endless snow slog and all that followed.  It was all we could do to get laundry done and eat dinner.  I was conked out before my head hit the pillow.Naturally, we woke up to a clear and beautiful day out.  Tired from the last two days and not ready to face the lingering snow just yet, we decided to take a zero day today.  We had some breakfast at the convenience store/deli/grill/launderette/carwash place next door to the motel, then hitched a ride into town to the PO, which is just a block from Miss Janet's.  Her place had cleared out, and there was room for us tonight.  After getting our box from the PO, we made our way over there.  The rest of the morning and into the afternoon was spent grocery shopping for the stretch between Erwin, TN and the Kinkora Hostel, about six days.  After a hot dog cookout in the back yard it was quick to bed for us.  Hopefully the snow will be gone tomorrow.Danger
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Spivey Gap

To: Nolichucky
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Spivey Gap to NolichuckyHiked the rest of the way into Erwin today.  Beautiful blue skies and temps must have reached the 70's.We slept in just a little bit since last night was so late.  The morning went by well enough with a lunch break at No Business Shelter.  Today really held the promise of Spring, and hiking in shorts and t-shirt is a welcome change from earlier this week.The rest of the afternoon was a challenge for me.  The trail was graded steep; going up and over every single ridge.  Straight up.  Straight down.  Repeat.  Long, long descent peppered with some arbitrary mini climbs.I was so happy when we finally hit the pavement.  So we open the guidebook and it tells us that this location is not so good to hitch into town.  Rather, the frontage road, is the better place to get a hitch.  So, we tromp up the little road towards the main road so we can get a hitch to Miss Janet's hostel.  I was not thrilled when I learned of this sneaky 1/2 mi, but the promise of burritos to come subdued me.After what felt like a long wait preceeded by a long walk we got a ride.  Very nice local who does some trail work on the local AT.  He drove us right to Miss Janet's.  After showers and laundry, it was burrito time!  We headed down to the Erwin burrito place and had the best brown rice and bean with all fixins burritos!Slept one last night at Miss Janet's hostel, ready for the trail tomorrow.  Hope it's a little kinder than todays.Danger
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Nolichucky

To: Deep Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.1

Deep Gap Campsite        On the trail and finally out of Erwin! As great as Miss Janet's is, we didn't expect to come in at Sam's Gap and we didn't expect to zero. But sometimes Mother Nature has different plans for us.Fairly good day for us coming up from the river to Beauty Spot, all the clouds glowered at us all day. Camped not too far past Beauty Spot at the edge of a Forest Service road that has some local and interesting traffic, but it seemed to stop after sundown. I know, I know, they say never to camp next to the road, but sometimes you just don't want to go any further.Gravity
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Deep Gap Campsite

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Boy, sure wish we had had a few more mile in us yesterday. The camping on top of Unaha Mountain was spectacular. The top is covered in Red Spruce with no undergrowth. It's shady and similar to a magical fairy land all the time :-)The rest of the day quickly went down hill, then hard up hill and then down and up and down and up. Crazy up and down. Like they totally forgot what a switchback was. Tough section to Clyde Smith and the weather was almost unhappy as us. The rain stopped as we pulled in to the shelter and two section hikers shared the most amazing Fajitas with us.All's well that ends well!Gravity
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Well, we are over Roan Mountain! It's amazing how you look forward to something for so long and then it comes and goes before you really have a chance to absorb it. I guess we need to come to terms with that. Just as in real life, the trail keeps marching on. Each day you can savor for a short time, but soon it is all just memories.A hard 13 today! Just 2.5 days to Kincora! Very excited about that for sure looking forward to seeing Bob again.The views from this section and this shelter are simply amazing. Just acres and acres of grassy ridge lines with expansive views to both sides. It's hard to explain and even harder to capture in a picture, but being here is wonderful.Gravity