morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

The Posse was up and out of the Franklin Motel by 8:00 am waiting for a shuttle to return us to the trail. We then met "Kathy", (another Trail Angel)who out of her love for thru-hikers drives them to the trail. We took Kathy to breakfast at McDonalds (they have Diet Cokes!) and she drove us back to the trail. We took our pictures with Kathy as she hugged us good-bye. From that point on, it was mostly an uphill day with climbs at 4,700 ft, down to 4,130ft and back up to 5,342ft. As we were making the last climb, we saw two large tents in a nearby clearing. We walked over to the tents and met ANOTHER TRAIL ANGEL - "Apple." As it turns out, for the past 2 yrs, Apple drive five hours to spend time at that same spot to help hikers. He hosts a rest area for hikers which includes drinks, candy bars and comfortable chairs for hikers to take a break. What a day for awesome Trail Magic! We'll spend the night at the camp site in our tents and hike approx 11 miles tomorrow to reach Nantahala. We can't say enough about the beautiful overlooks and how wonderful the people are in North Carolina. We're excited to get our "first" mail from home at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

We got on the trail this morning around 8:25. We hiked 11.1 miles to Wesser Bald Shelter. The mountain ranged from 3850 ft to 5,150 ft with a long down hill that was really tough on everyone's knees. Hermanator met another Trail Angel (Butch Cassidy) along the trail that gave him two beers and told him that he would leave some more trail magic further up the trail. Sure enough, as we headed into Nantahala there was beer stashed for the whole Posse! Thanks Butch, a fellow retired officer from Jersy City. We're headed into Bryson City to re-supply and give our knees and feet a break. The weather has been beautiful and we've seen a lot of deer on the trail.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Nantahala

To: Bryson City
Miles today: 11.0

Another milestone! We've reached Bryson City, NC and made it to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, our first Mail Drop.(Click on "Mail Drops" on the left if you need to send us something in the future.) The center has many services for backpackers and you can pick up your mail and packages on the second floor. We picked up all of our mail and had a great time going through our packages - thank you!! SauceDog even got his replacement tent - thank you Ellen! The people here are great too and we were even picked up by a nice lady and driven straight to the Sleep Inn where we'll stay tonight. Our buddy "Jr." is continuing on the trail and we hope to see him again. We'll be leaving in the morning for Fontana Dam, NC.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Bryson City

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We left the Sleep Inn at 8:15 am. Janet, the manager, drove us back to pick up the trail. She wouldn't take any money for the shuttle drive - she was going to visit her mother nearby. Once on the trail we climbed for 3 hours - 1900 ft to 5100ft. It was really tough. We walked into a shelter for lunch and met up again with Josh - a/k/a "Jr." We were really glad to see him and he's rejoined the Posse. Also staying at the shelter is "Pittsburg." We're hoping to be at Fontana Dam by Friday which is the start of the Smokies.
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Another butt-kicking day! It been all up hill for 5 miles with really steep grades. The second half was mostly up and down but after these 11 miles we are really tired. Jr. is still with us and our plan is to hike the 5.5 miles into Fontana. It's hard to believe that we've hiked 161.7 miles in 21 days which includes one "zero" day we took in Ga. The weather has remained good - 70's during the day and 40's at night. I think we are doing really well for a bunch of old guys on the trail and soon we'll be hiking the 73-mile span through the Smokies.
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday's 8.5 mile uphill hike took us 4.5 hours. There were no switchbacks which made it really tough. We hiked from Cable Gap shelter this morning starting at about 7:35 am and walked 5.5 miles to Fontana Dam.It's a pretty nice place. At the bottom of the trail is a phone to call for shuttle service into town so we called for a ride. For $1.00 we were taken right to the Fontana Village Resort. It's a very nice, but older place, built in 1946 for TVA workers building Fontana Dam. Now the Posse is here! We plan to catch the shuttle in the morning and hike 7 miles into the Smokies to a camp site. Everyone is excited about entering the Smokies because it is another milestone. We will register at the first shelter which tells the authorities we are thru-hiking and they will issue passes that must be displayed on our packs at all times. It was great to take a shower (!) and we're ready to go.
Date: 2003-03-29
From: Fontana Dam

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 0.0

We caught the shuttle from Fontana Dam and went back to the trail. We hiked 7 miles to Birch Spring Gap which is a tent site. The elevation ranged from 1800 ft to more than 4000 ft in 5 miles. The dam was beautiful as was the surrounding lake. We are officially IN THE SMOKIES!! Everyone is in a good mood and ready to continue. All is well and the rain has returned for the day. We heard it may be in the 20's tonight but clear up later in the week. Thanks to John and Sandy Maples for the great food and my buddy Kevin for all the prayers and well wishes.
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 0.0

We are still at Birch Spring Gap. The rain turned into snow and sleet and continued all day. It is REALLY cold, still sleeting, but we are all safe. The rocks and terrain are very slippery and we'll have to take a zero day because of the weather conditions. I'll be staying in my sleeping bag all day to try to stay dry and warm. The sun came out once for approx 5 minutes - what a sight!
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

What a day! This week's weather included snow, sleet, rain, freezing temps and now the sun is out. The trail is very muddy and very wet/slippery. EVERYTHING IS WET. Josh (Jr.) is trying to get a fire started in the fire place inside the shelter. We're hoping to dry some of our clothes and boots. Today we climbed and climbed: 5,500 ft, 4,435 ft then to the shelter at 4,817 ft. The shelter is crowded with about 14 people. Only the Posse is thru-hiking and the rest are section hiking. We feel pretty good but cannot wait to put on some dry clothes and eat. It's 6:15 pm and I am already in bed in my bag. Josh and Joe, a retired teacher, are manning the fire - thanks men. All the shelters in the Smokies have a fence across the front - to keep the BEARS out but we haven't seen any yet. Tomorrow will be a big day as we climb Clingmans Dome - the highest point on the A.T. We pray that all is well at home.
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

We climbed Clingmans Dome! It didn't seem as tough as some of the smaller elevations that didn't have switchbacks. What a view from the top of the observation tower. We met some people there that found it really hard to believe that we were hiking from Georgia to Maine :-) The trail then went down from Clingmans Dome then back up to the shelter at 5,900 ft. We'll stay here tonight then hike 4.5 miles tomorrow and hope we can catch a ride into Gatlinburg which is a 15 mile ride from the trail. The shelter here is full and most of the hikers have the same plans for tomorrow. We're praying that the Posse can get a ride tomorrow!
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

We made it Gatlinburg, Tenn. As soon as we walked into the parking lot from the trail at Newfound Gap we experienced more Trail Magic. A couple was nearby and asked if they could take our picture for their son who is a hiker. I guess they wanted to show him some old dirty hikers! We shared our story and they generously offered to drive us into Gatlinburg. Thank you Trail Angels - Jean and Michael Nolett from New York and Montreal. Great people. We checked into the Days Inn which is close to the Happy Hiker where we'll pick up some supplies. We ventured out to go do our laundry and realized it is on the other side of town and quite a distance. Sauce Dog decided to go into the Red Carpet Inn and asked the Manager, Mr. Harshad Patel, if he would allow us to do laundry there. Mr. Patel is a great guy - he let us do our laundry and will shuttle us back to the trail tomorrow. He also only charges hikers $29.00 a night. We've now realized that we've all lost a lot of weight. Saucy Dog lost his love handles, Hermanator lost 20 #'s, Cougar is skinny too and I'm down to a size 32 waist. It seems like we can't get enough to eat since we burn approx. 6,000 caleries a day. The A.T. is a great weight loss program. We really appreciate everyone keeping in touch on Trailjournals.
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Saucy Dog and I left the Days Inn at 8:30 am and got back on the trail at 9:00. We climbed all day. It's about 5:45 and there are at least 25 people in this shelter which holds only 14. Some hikers are leaving and setting up tents and some will push onto other shelters. When you are in the Smokies people can call in advance and reserve shelter space. Thru-hikers usually have to pitch their tents if they arrive and the shelter is full. The Rangers keep close tabs in the Smokies. It's raining and is supposed to continue for the next few days. The Smokies are crowded, people everywhere but very beautiful. We can't wait to see our loved ones at the end of the week!
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today the sights were beautiful. It thunderstormed all night and at 8:00 am we ventured out. Within 1 mile the rain stopped and a short time later the sun came out. The sights of the clouds blowing out was a sight to see. We walked above 6000 ft and all of mother nature was swirling below us. We arrived at Cosby Knob at 2:15 - we were moving and soon will be out of the Smokies. Right now there are only 8 people at this site but that will change as it gets later in the day since the Smokies are so popular. Saucy Dog fell yesterday and skinned his leg. The trail is filled with water and very slippery, like walking on a creek bed. We climbed two 6,000ft mountains today then up and down to Cosby Knob. Tomorrow should be an 8 miler out of the Smokies then into a site near Davenport Gap. Josh (Jr.) needs to pick up a drop box. We'll need some "street clothes" brought to us for our upcoming visit in Hot Springs - can't wait!
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Painter Branch Campsite
Miles today: 8.0

We will be seeing each other in three days - YES! We walked out of the Smokies at 11:30 am and were met by Trail Angel, Tommy Thompson, who had a car full of trail magic - drinks, food, etc. He's an ex-military man and likes to help out hikers and brings treats - GREAT surprise. Josh walked into Davenport for his drop box. We took a trail that would lead us to a better road to hitch hike however, it didn't happen. We missed the trail or something so we decided to walk to a hostel that had short term supplies, a phone, etc. and missed that! We were really frustrated and as we climbed the mountain we rounded a corner and there sat a nice lady, Kathryn Pong from Silver Spring, MD! She was resting on a log and talking on her cell phone. We stopped and she let us use her phone to make our family calls. God put her there - thank you Lord! It's raining right now as I write from my tent but we hear it should be getting better in about 3 days. Can't wait to get to Hot Springs....
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Painter Branch Campsite

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just a few more days when we see each other. We hiked over 16 miles today and survived. The sights were beautiful and we just kept moving. The first 11 miles were climbs and the last 5 were along a stream. The shelter is holding 7 people tonight and Jr. is still with us. Getting closer to Hot Springs..
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 11.7

We were up and out early this morning to put in 11.7 miles. Jr. got up earlier and left for Hot Springs. Saucy Dog and I were concered we may not have enough food for the last day and as we passed a shelter Jr had left a bag of food hanging for us. He left us Trail Magic - what a great guy. We're here with Radio Shack, GB and two other thru-hikers, one from Wash. State and another from Kentucky. Both are young guys putting in approx. 20 miles a day. It seems like everyone started a week AFTER the Posse in Ga. and are now passing us older guys! That's ok - we've been at this for 32 days and have only taken 4 "0" days. I think we're doing ok.   Once we get into VA and pass these big mountains we'll haul till New Hampshire! Hello to everyone at home - Hi to Little Buddy Kevin and friends. Soon we'll see each other face-to-face, mine is the hairy one.
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We were up early today and excited about getting into town to see our loved ones. We cleaned up (!), got our laundry done and met some wonderful people in town. There are alot of thru-hikers here this weekend for a trail fest. The weather report says snow, rain, cold temps and many are taking "0" days to wait for the bad weather to pass. Jr has pushed onto Damascus to meet his girlfriend and we will catch up with him later. It has been raining all day and really chilly. Saucy Dog and I weighed ourselves at the Outfitter Store and we've both lost at least 10-15 lbs. We feel strong but get cold a lot quicker. We are looking forward to hot weather. Harold Anderson is the owner of the Alpine Motel and allowed the Posse to use his phone and was really kind. We'll spend one night. We enjoyed hanging out with Harold at the Paddler's Pub too! But before that, we went to the diner to eat breakfast and liked it so much that we stayed and had lunch too. We can't eat enough since we burn so many calories every day - fries with cheese and bacon, chips, pizza, burgers, REAL COKES, etc. and we even enjoy desserts. We've been known to eat a large Snickers bar for breakfast too and maybe even a Tastycake pie - Thanks Cougar! The Posse will be taking 2 "0" days to spend time with family in town. We hope to be in Erwin on the 17th and closing in on Damascus Va real soon. Thanks to everyone for keeping in touch and praying for us - Steve Eggert, the retired police officers, Mar Babe - loved your message (tell Mom I love her) and EVERYONE, thanks! Your messages, mail, etc. keep us going during rough times. Cougar - we miss you buddy.
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Hot Springs

To: Mountain Magnolia Inn
Miles today: 0.0

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE. Ellen and Donna surprised us with a 2-night stay at the 5-star Mountain Magnolia Inn B&B in Hot Springs, NC. We met at the Post Office - after a great purple surprise by Donna and checked into the Inn. The grounds, Inn and people are fantastic.   Pete and Karen Nagle, the Innkeepers, couldn't have been more gracious. If you are ever near Asheville, the Inn is a must stay or you can even call in advance for breakfast, brunch or dinner. (Check out their website.)Mary Helen rolled out the red carpet for us when we arrived and we were treated like royalty the entire time. Heidi was our fantastic server for our amazing dinner and we really appreciate her kindness. Ruth spoiled us in the morning with a fabulous breakfast and Jane was as sweet as could be too. Our rooms have private balconies and are facing the mountains which currently are getting about 4" of snow. But for now, we are lounging in front of the fire and relaxing and having the best "0" day of our lives!
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Mountain Magnolia Inn

To: Mountain Magnolia Inn
Miles today: 0.0

This morning we woke up to the wonderful smell of fried potatoes, ham, eggs, crepes, fruit and more! It was great to be in such a beautiful surrounding. We decided to venture out in the rain and travel into Asheville. Fortunately, Skip, The Hermanator's great friend, drove him back into Asheville and we were able to meet and pick him up. He's good to go! The Nagle's are great to make room at the Inn for the Posse and we'll all be modeling "designer" robes for the website. Be sure to check out the new photos that have been added. After another fun time at Paddler's Pub we decided to return early to the Inn. We were fortunate to meet John and his wife, Debbie, from Florida - another fellow police officer - what a small world. We had a great time sharing stories and look forward to a reunion at the Mountain Magnolia - after Maine, of course. While at the Paddler's Pub the Posse, along with the help of Ellen and Donna, has designed some new trail accessories! Stay tuned for further details.... Oh, and thanks Millie for the great business cards - we'll need more for sure.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Mountain Magnolia Inn

To: Rich Mt. Fire Tower,Side Trail
Miles today: 0.0

The Posse is back on the trail. After a huge, great breakfast, (omlets, fruit, stuffed french toast, bacon, ham, etc) at the Inn, all prepared by Daniel (who by the way, previously lived in Balt & Hagerstown, Md) we left from the Hot Springs Post Office and returned to the trail. The town was still really busy with trail fest happenings. After logging in 8.3 miles today we're at a campsite with 4 other hikers. We all made it, and have just a few aches and pains. The Hot Springs climb was from 1,300 ft to 3,600 ft. We are so glad to have the Hermanator back and looking great. We'll continue on tomorrow and hope to be in Irwin in 6 days. Hope everyone enjoys the new pictures that are being loaded. Please keep in mind that the dates will be edited at a later time but we knew you were anxious to see some action! Enjoy!
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Rich Mt. Fire Tower,Side Trail

To: Little Laurel Shelter, NC
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

We hiked all up hill today for 11.3 miles. Everyone made it into camp but barely! We're hurting. We're heading to Erwin but don't have an ETA yet. All the boys at the campsite heard about Hot Springs. Hey Autumn and Lauren - I love and miss you!
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Little Laurel Shelter, NC

To: Devil Fork Gap, NC
Miles today: 13.5

Today was a sad day. We had to say good-bye to the Hermanator again. We prayed together then the Hermantor hiked back towards Asheville to get a ride home. The mountains here don't care if it hurts, they just keep you going up then down - there's no easy way. Herb, you'll be missed at all the camps and we hope to see you with us again. Sauce Dog and I continued hiking and found a flip flop on the trail. We came across the owner and he was so happy we found it he gave us Baby Ruths = more trail magic! Hey Jukebox, the songs in my head today were "What's love got to do with it", "We are climbing Jacobs ladder" and a Cool In the Gang song. Bye the way Tom Evans - I have info about your previously mentioned investigation but what is said and done on the Trail - stays on the trail! And, Dr. Roberts, (Dr. Drill) I've been brushing at least once a day so I'll be seeing you in September! Finally, to Dan Fitzgerald - Banana has a picture of you and will attack if you come on the property :-) So, The Sauce Dog and I continue on... we plan on two 14 mile days to get into Erwin by Thursday morning, weather permitting. There is still snow on the Mt., many trees down and so it's still slow going. We'll feel better tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Devil Fork Gap, NC

To: Low Gap, NC
Miles today: 14.0

We hiked 14 miles today and survived. So far, 318 miles in 39 days. Not bad for old guys. We should be in Erwin as planned after another 14.5 miles on Wed. The hills are very tough, even tougher than the Smokies and Georgia. We will be climbing again all day tomorrow but I'm sure we'll have some awesome views. By mile 8 today the temps were in the high 70's. The heat feels good but we were getting tired and the last climb was straight up for miles with no switch backs. It kicked my butt!! Sauce Dog is sweating so much from the heat we're going to call him "Salt Dog!" The songs in my head today were "Alleluia" by Michael W. Smith, and "I Can Only Imagine" - the song that talks about when you see Jesus and asks what will you do. The Cool In The Gang Song yesterday was "That's the Way I Like It!" Go figure, these songs just POP into my head. Herbie, we hope you made it home ok. Hey girls, your Dad loves you.
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Low Gap, NC

To: No Business Knob, NC
Miles today: 0.0

We are wiped out after 14.5 miles today. The first climb was Big Bald Mt. 5,516 ft. It was beautiful. The view was endless. Someone plowed a road to the top so people could come on Easter Sunday for service. It's a place close to Heaven. We took pictures for everyone to see. We had 2 snakes cross our path today. I almost stepped on both of them! One wanted to fight me but the other one took off - they are really fast. I don't know what kind they were but I gave them plenty of room. When I called Sauce Dog up to help he took pictures! We met another hiker today who is a retired Judge from Minn. We might hook up when we get into Erwin. Tomorrow is our short hike into town. We'll resupply and stay over one night.
Date: 2003-04-17
From: No Business Knob, NC

To: Erwin, Tenn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We left No Business Knob this morning at 6:15am and hiked in the dark for 30 minutes to get to Erwin. We hiked approx 6 miles then stopped at the Uncle Johnny's Hostel which is right at the bottom of the mountain. We spoke with Johnny who's father is a retired Alabama State Trooper. Johnny treated us like gold, offering special rates and a free ride into town. He's also willing to shuttle us anywhere so we decided to go into town to the Holiday Inn Express. After check in and laundry, Sauce Dog and I began hitching back into town to buy supplies and eat. As soon as our thumbs went up, Tom McDonald picked us up and drove us to the local Food Lion. He picked up his wife, came back to the store and then took us to the Rivers Edge Restaurant and joined us for a great dinner. They are truly Trail Angels! -- great people and wanted nothing in return for their kindness. What a treat, I was able to enjoy my new favorite -cheezie fries with bacon, massive portions too. When we got back, the hotel gave us a pint of ice cream. We're happy hikers now! Sauce Dog and I spent most of the nite on the phone with our girls (Ellen, Donna, Autumn and Lauren)- catching up on the latest and we just want to thank everyone again for their prayers and messages - it's what keeps us going up those mts. Miss Janet will pick us up in the morning (after we eat a huge breakfast) and return us to the trail. We're heading to Deep Gap campsite then onto a mail drop in Elk Park. God's Blessings to everyone this Easter - we'll be having our service on top of a mountain praising God's beautiful, amazing creation.