morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-04
To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

I took a zero day today but accomplished quite a lot in regards to reorganizing my gear. I made two purchases at the local outfitter; dry bag for my food and a sleeping pad cover. The real highlight of my day was a visit from my wife and daughter. I just couldn't stop hugging them. We had lunch together and spent the afternoon catching up. My next scheduled visit with them is in Damascus VA. It seems like a long way off but I know how quickly time passes. Gosh,I have been retired five months and it only seems like yesterday. The rest of the day was spent repacking my pack, entering journal pages on the web site, and mailing food drops. Since my wife and daughter headed home I have been wanting to get back on the trail. Looks like another rainy day tomorrow.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

I got up at 6:00am this morning and yep it was raining. Oh well, its not like I have never hiked in that weather before! I walked across the street and got a breakfast sandwich and then began entering journals on the web site. The shuttle back to the trail head is scheduled to leave at 9:00am. The shuttled dropped us off at 9:45am and yes it was raining, hard. The plan today is to walk to Cold Spring Shelter which is about 16 miles. The trail conditions were really muddy which made hiking difficult but I still made good time. I arrived at the Wayah Shelter at 3:00pm for a short break and then headed to Cold Spring Shelter. When I got there it was pouring rain but luckily there was one more space left in the shelter. By 8:30pm everyone was asleep. Throughout my hike today I heard Ruffle Grouse drumming and when I crossed Wayah Gap there was a warning sign from the district ranger about a bear that was taking packs and had no fear of humans.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

I woke up this morning to clear skies and cool temps. What a spirit booster. I started hiking at 8:15am with a goal to reach the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The uphill climbs today were not too bad but the downhills were brutal. By the end of the day my dogs were barking. I got to N.O.C. at 2:30pm and met Liberty who had rented a double bunk room. My original plan was to shower, wash clothes, and then hike on, but Liberty's offer to share the room was just too inviting. We both picked up our mail drops and then hit the showers. Next was a Wesser Burger at the local pub. The rest of the day was spent doing laundry, and getting my food packed for the hike to Fontana Dam. Of course, there's supper tonight. I can't wait.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 6:00am and was hiking by 7:30am. Cool temps and a light breeze made for a great hike. The first part of the hike was a 6.9 mile thigh burner straight up. I got to Sassafras Gap Shelter at 12:30pm but decided to continue on to Locust Cove Gap to camp. This is my 12th day on the AT and I have made a few observations:Cherish the times when you are hiking on level ground because soon there will be mountains to climb.You know you are an AT hiker when the salutation is "smell you later" instead of "see you later".Its OK to look and smell like a Hobo when everyone around you is in the same boat.Peeing in the woods is quite liberating. If modesty is an issue find a tree to get behind. There's plenty of them out here. Just think back at the times you were screaming down the the highway with your thighs pressed together looking for a restroom.Hikers are just good folks.For the past few days I have been hiking with a great group of people; Dust in the Wind, Liberty, Roger(now Hammer), and Inchi. Due to our different hiking speeds and styles we seldom hike together but seem to end up at the same shelter or campsite. The information exchange among this group is excellent and everyone is willing to help each other. Its been a blessing to me.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Campsite, Near Walker Gap
Miles today: 14.4

I woke up to clear skies and cool temps. Right before daylight several Owls were hooting near camp. We had our regular group, Dust in the Wind, Liberty, Hammer and me. Inchie decided to continue hiking towards Fontana Dam the previous afternoon. She has a wedding to attend in a week or so and wants to get in as many miles as she can before leaving the trail for a while. We all began hiking around 8:00am but due to different hiking speeds it wasn't long before we were out of sight of each other. I stop a lot to look at things and take photos. Well thats the excuse I'm using for now. Mostly I'm catching my breath. At the Stecoah Gap road crossing trail magic was waiting on us. Trail Angels Bare Bear and Shufflefoot had hotdogs, snacks, and drinks. What a deal! After woofing down some great grub it was time to hit the trail again. Cheoah Bald was a real leg burner. Straight up with very short swithchbacks. Hammer and I stopped at the Cable Gap Shelter for a break and Dust in the Wind and Liberty were already there. They plan to stay at this shelter for the night and Hammer and I are going to move on to the next campsite. The wildflowers are starting to bloom and both sides of the trail are covered with these delicate beauties.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Campsite, Near Walker Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: broken clouds

Last night Hammer and I shared a campsite with fellow thru hiker Forge. Right before daylight this morning several Owls were calling to each other right at our camp. This lasted about an hour and was a real unique experience. Hammer and I got on the trail about 8:00am and arrived at the Fontana Marina an hour later. We were very surprise to see Inchi there. She was just getting ready to board a shuttle to the trailhead. We wished her luck and then completed our permits before heading to the visitor¢s center for much needed showers. We then got a shuttle into town to take care of laundry and pick up our mail drops. The plan is to stay at the Fontana Hilton AT Shelter tonight and head for the Smokies tomorrow. With over 70 miles to cover our packs are heavy with food. A cold front is moving in Friday and Saturday with temperatures in the 20¢s and rain/snow predicted. I hope the weatherman is wrong. Before ending this journal entry I would like to express many thanks to Lipstick and Ed for the wonderful trail magic. It was very much appreciated by Hammer and me.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The day started with overcast skies and a steady breeze. The first order of business today is to hike the 2.5 mile blue blazed trail around the Fontana Dam. Hikers are no longer allowed to cross the dam due to construction issues. About 9:30am Hammer and I made it to the first white blaze in the Smokies. Our next challenge was the significant elevation change over the next several miles. We reached the fire observation tower on top of Shuckstack about noon and stopped for a lunch break. The gnats were so bad that our break was brief, and we were off on the trail again. The rest of the day was made up of numerous ups and downs but none were too difficult. Water was in short supply today and about one hour before reaching the shelter I was completely out of water. Pretty uneasy feeling. I saw a lot of wild hog sign on the trail today. Also as I neared the shelter both sides of the trail for as far as you could see was covered with a periwinkle type flower. Very beautiful.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to high winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour and dark ominous skies. My goal today was to reach the next shelter before the bottom dropped out. On top of Thunderhead the trail was about one foot deep and wide which made hiking very difficult. Also the willows were so close to the trail they were constantly switching your legs. The balds were beautiful but unfortunately the views were non existent due to heavy fog. Hammer and I got to Derrick Knob Shelter about noon and after a quick lunch moved on to the next shelter. Along my hike I lost my bandana which had been ties to one of my hiking poles. Like I said the wind was blowing hard!   While I was taking a water break along came Dust in the Wind with my bandana. What luck!   Unless you have hiked the AT you would never know how valuable a bandana is.On my hike today I experience my first nasty fall. Luckily no damage to me or my equipment. If I have not done so in previous journals it is rare to hike on a level smooth surface. The AT is mostly exposed roots and large rocks and the trail is slanted at a 20 to 30 degree angle.I got to the shelter about 4:30pm and luckily got everything done before the rain came. While waiting for Hiker Midnight(8:00pm) Hammer gave us a knot tying lesson. Very interesting and useful.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It rain hard all night long last night but luckily stopped right before daylight. Hammer and I got started about 8:15am and are heading to Clingmans Dome. About an hour into the hike the sun popped out and the views were spectacular. Throughout the hike I walked through a grove of Spruce trees and the fragrance was wonderful. The hike to Clingmans Dome wasn¢t too bad and I got there about 11:30am. The views from the observation tower were awesome but the high winds and cold temperatures kept you from staying up there too long. While on a lunch break, Hammer, Dust in the Wind, Liberty, and I were approached by some tourists asking what we were doing. When they learned we were hiking to Maine the questions started flowing. The real highlight of this encounter was when a lady approached Hammer and planted a kiss on his check. Now that¢s trail magic! Today marks a milestone in my adventure with over 200 miles hiked on the AT. When I reached the shelter a stone marker was placed on the trail and we all had our pictures taken in front of it.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well the weatherman was right. I woke up to temperatures in the 20¢s and a dusting of snow. Bobby, an AT Ridge Runner stayed at our shelter last night and the weather report he received for today predicted temperatures in the 20¢s and 1 to 4 inches of snow. About an hour into the hike the snow was coming down hard. Almost everyone in our shelter decided to bail for Gatlinburg TN for a couple of days to wait out the weather. Dust in the Wind and Liberty went to the first road crossing and hitched a ride into town. Hammer and I are going to stick it out. It¢s all about Hiking Your Own Hike. Both Liberty and Dust in the Wind are strong hikers and will likely catch back up with us. I really hope so because I enjoy their company.About 10:30am the snow stopped and the sun started popping out. Hammer and I crossed several ridges were treated to some awesome views. What a wow factor! We took several photographs but I know that the camera lens cannot capture the beauty that our eyes were seeing. At the Charlie¢s Bunion overlook we were greeted by a very large Raven. It¢s obvious that folks had been feeding this bird because he arrived right on queue. About two hours from the shelter the snow was coming down hard and temperatures were falling. Several times during the afternoon I just stopped to soak in the silence. What an experience. When Hammer and I got to the shelter we were greeted by Jim, an AT Ridge Runner. The weather report that he received predicted 1 to 4 inches of snow the next day. It was so cold tonight it was a quick supper of soup and off to a warm sleeping bag.Hammer has been suffering the last couple days with an inadequate sleeping bag. Seeing him with all of his clothes on including a down jacket that makes him look like the Michilin Man trying to get into his bag cracked me up so bad I had to turn my head to stop laughing. The situation sure isn¢t funny but the maneuvering was hilarious.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Crosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light snow

Sorry about the brief entry. Its just too cold to think or write. Got up to 1 inch of snow on the ground and 19 degrees. My boots and socks are frozen. Burr¢¦. I ate a breakfast bar and got on the trail quickly to warm up. Hammer and I stopped at the first shelter for lunch but within a few minutes the fingers and toes began going numb. When we got to the Crosby Knob Shelter about 4:00pm it was snowing hard with very large flakes. It was too cold to fix supper so a quick snack and off to a warm sleeping bag. Hammer and I are heading to the Standing Bear hostel tomorrow to resupply. Can¢t wait!
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Crosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Got up to clear skies and 29 degrees with 6 to 8 inches of snow on the ground. We got started about 7:30am and heading to Standing Bear hostel. A shower, clean clothes and food are great motivators. We had two mountains to climb today and the deep snow made it exhausting. After that, the hiking or should I say sliding down hill was pretty easy. It was amazing how the temperature changed as we got to lower elevations. Hammer and I got to Standing Bear hostel about 12:30pm and got busy preparing for the next few days. After dropping my gear on a bunk my first priority was to call my wife and daughter. It¢s been 5 days since I had last spoken to them. Man was it great hearing their voices! By the late afternoon I had got all of my chores done and now my pizza is cooking in the oven. Better yet my bunkhouse has a wood burning stove. It¢s going to be the first time I have been warm in 5 days.One unique experience that I had at Standing Bear hostel was their general store. It is well stocked with a variety of items needed by hikers and everything is done on the honor system. You just get what you need and keep a tab.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 13.6

Hammer and I got an early start this morning and were on the trail by 7:00am. With clear skies and cool temperatures this is going to be a fantastic hiking day. The first challenge of the day is a 3 12 mile climb with a 3000 foot elevation change. About an hour into our hike I heard leaves rustling on the mountain above me and looked up to see a sow bear and cub. The sow immediately ran up the mountain and the cub climbed a tree. Knowing the dangers of this situation, Hammer and I quickly moved out of the area. But what a thrill! This is the first black bear I had ever seen in the wild and to see a cub was a real bonus. We stopped at Groundhog Creek Shelter and had a long lunch break. We then filled our water bottles and decided to hike until we found a suitable site. Over 6 miles later we found it on Max Patch. The vistas were amazing and with a full moon and clear skies the star gazing will be fantastic.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Max Patch

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

I opened my tent fly last night and with no artificial light for miles the star gazing was awesome. After enjoying a beautiful sunrise, Hammer and I packed up and got started hiking. About an hour into our hike we met Bad Idea who told us that a bear had came into their camp last night and taken several food bags. With no food, everyone was heading to Hot Springs. Hammer and I stopped at the Walnut Mountain Shelter for lunch and a note posted there warned of a bear that had visited the shelter 3 nights in a row and had taken foods bags. It¢s good we are moving on.At Garenflo Gap, Hammer and I were treated to some trail magic from the Blessing Princess of Hot Springs. She had left a container filled with goodie bags for the hikers. A much appreciated surprise. Today we hiked 16.6 miles which is our longest day to date. We had two challenging mountains and had to pay our AT shelter rent in the last hour with several ups and downs. With that being said I feel great and best of all another day without rain. With only 3.2 miles to hike, we should be in Hot Springs early tomorrow.   There¢s lot to do to prepare for the next 5 days as we head to Erwin TN. I continue to scale down my pack weight by finding lighter substitutes or discarding items that I have found I no longer need. I plan to send several items home tomorrow.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: scattered clouds

There were several folks at the shelter last night and no matter what the topic of conversation it always seemed to turn to food. The thru hiker delimma... I didn't get much sleep last night. Lots to do in Hot Springs today.As Hammer and I came into town there was an AT monument with the following inscription:The nearest way to the universe is through a forest wilderness, John Muir.How true.My first stop of the day was Bluff Mountain Outfitters. Since I have been on the trail I have felt that my pack was the wrong size. In short order co owner Wayne had my pack adjusted for a much better fit. He also measured me and determined that I needed a medium size. Quite a contrast from the outfitter that I bought the pack from who only asked how tall I was and determined that I needed a large pack. Wayne thanks again!Our next stop was to secure a room at Elmers Sunnybank Hostel. Luckily we got there in the nick of time and got the last available room. I am really looking foward to the meal tonight.The rest of the day was consumed with the usual; laundry, shower,and phone calls home. Man it was great hearing from my girls! Hammer and I plan to hit the trail before lunch tomorrow and get as many miles in as possible.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hammer and I got up at 6:00am and went across the street for breakfast. We still have a few things to wrap up before hitting the trail. This is by far the best shape I have been in in regards to equipment and food since I have been on the trail. What a confidence booster! We have mapped out a plan and believe we can make it to Irwin TN in 4 1/2 days. Of course the AT has a way of unraveling plans...We got on the trail at 10:30am with a light rain falling. There was a pretty significant mountain to climb right out of Hot Springs but with my adjusted pack it wasn't that difficult. The rest of the day consisted of several ups and downs and about one mile from the shelter it started raining harder. Luckily we got inside the shelter before the bottom fell out. Better yet there were two spaces left in the shelter. Now just waiting for the rain to let up so I can fix supper. The wild Iris are starting to bloom and they sure are beautiful.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

What a contrast in the weather. Today we got up to temps in the low 40's and thick fog. Hammer and I got started at 7:30am and within an hour a steady rain was falling and continued until 10:00am. Lots of long ups and downs today but the elevation gains were not too bad, As we were nearing White Rock Cliffs we were treated to some trail magic in the form of sodas in a stream. Thanks trail angel! The real treat of the day was Blackstack Cliffs. Even with overcast skies the views were fantastic. Crossing this ridge involved a lot of rock scrambling and often we had to resort to handholds to negotiate the trail. Hammer and I took several photos to capture the beauty of this area.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Sams Gap
Miles today: 17.1

Hammer and I got started a little after 7:00am with cloudy skies and 38 degrees. After the initial climb the terrian leveled off and we had about 2 hours of fairly easy hiking, mostly on old roadbeds. We got to Flint Mountain Shelter at 10:00am and decided to take a quick break and then push on. About noon we stopped for lunch and then headed to Hogback Ridge Shelter. This is where we had to pay the AT toll. For the next 2 hours we had a steady uphill climb. We finally reached the shelter at 3:30pm and ate an early supper. At this point we decided to push on a few more miles to make the hike easier the next day. We crossed Sams Gap at I-26 and found a campsite about a mile later. Today marks our longest hiking day with 17.1 miles covered and it to date we have hiked 315.2 miles on the AT. What a great feeling!
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Sams Gap

To: Devils Creek Gap
Miles today: 15.7

What an awesome day! I woke up at sunrise to a turkey gobbling in the valley below me. This continued for over 30 minutes. I sure miss turkey season. Hammer and I got started at 7:30am with a lot of big mountains to climb. I sure am glad we did a few extra miles yesterday.The first part of the day was really tough and just when we needed it most... trail magic! A trail angel had placed brownies and hot coffee on the trail. This could not have happened at a better time. I was completely out of snacks and low on food with still a day to go, Talk about timing.The next treat of the day was Big Bald. At 5516 feet the view of the mountains was all you could ask for. Hammer and I spent about 30 minutes at this location just soaking it in and taking photos. When I think it can't get any better the AT gives me another surprise.I would like to end this entry by thanking all my friends that have posted on my guest book. It really makes the tough days so much better and its great to hear from home. Thanks again.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Devils Creek Gap

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I could not sleep last night, just too excited about getting into town. Hammer and I have only got about 9 miles to hike. Funny, just a fews weeks ago 9 miles was a long way. We got to Uncle Johnnys Hostel about 11:30am and took care of the usual chores. The shuttle to the AYCE pizza buffet left at 12:30 and of course Hammer and I were on board. Man did I eat too much and I paid for it with a stomach ache all night long. My body is just not use to consumming that much food. Hammer has been suffering with pain in his right foot since he has been on the trail and unfortunately it has only gotten worst. He is going to sleep on it and make a decision in the morning about pushing on.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Erwin TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Hammer has decided to hang in there for another week or so and then decide if he is going to continue on the trail. I am waiting for the shuttle to town to mail a food drop, call home, and call the outfitter in Damascus to order a smaller hip belt. I¢m still not feeling well after the food binge last evening so this time at the hostel drinking a Gatorade should help. I hope to be on the trail before lunch and with only about 11 miles to cover that should be no problem. Hammer went ahead and plans to take his time. When I got back from the post office I got a great surprise; Liberty and Dust in the Wind had just arrived at Uncle Johnny¢s. We spent the next while catching up and relating our version of the Smokies. Liberty and I now have matching haircuts. They both plan to spend the night in town and then hit the trail in the morning. Hopefully we can be hiking together in the near future.I got on the trail about 11:45 but when I got near the designated campsite I could not locate it to save me. I even backtracked but the description in the guidebook did not match what I was seeing. It was getting late so I pushed on to find another site with water. About a mile later I came upon Deep Gap and made the decision to camp here. I plan to get up early and see if Hammer comes by in the morning.