morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-26
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Miles hiked today : 7.7I woke up this morning at 8:30 a.m. and was packed and moving at 9:00 a.m. It only took 20 minutes to reach the NOC and I was surprised about how large of a facility it is. There are several bunkhouses, three restaurants, laundry and shower facilities, as well as an outfitter.Speaking of which, I stopped by the outfitter to see if they could help with my tent pole, though they were unable to, as they primarily cater to kayakers and rafters. They advised me to try the Adventure Center near Fontana Dam, which is a couple days away.I had breakfast at the River's End restaurant, then went to the visitor's office to pay for laundry and a shower. They were able to get me the toll-free telephone number for Sierra Designs. When I called Sierra Designs, they told me that I'd have to call their warranty department, which is only open Monday-Friday. I suppose I'll have to wait until Fontana Dam either way.After my shower, I felt 100% better. I was also very happy to do laundry, as I'd been wearing the same two sets of clothing for the last six days. Once my laundry was done, I changed back into my hiking clothes, packed up, and went back to the outfitters to grab a soda before heading on to the next shelter.I left the NOC at 2:15 p.m. and began the 3,000 foot climb to Swim Bald, though I was never really sure when I was at the summit, as around every curve, there was just more hill to climb. That and the fact that there was no clearing at the top, which I thought was the definition of a bald. Finally, the trail began to descend, though I saw a huge climb before me and thought that that was where the clearing would be. I had been hiking for nearly 4.5 hours by this point and thought that I would have been at the shelter by now. I stopped to look at the data book to verify that I was only hiking 7.0 miles this afternoon and continued on. I had walked no further than 50 aditional feet when I saw the shelter. The hill that I was facing would wait until the morning.I arrived at Sassafras Gap Shelter at 6:50 p.m. and just as I walked up to the shelter, rain drops began to fall. Fortunately, there was plenty of room in the shelter for me to lay out my sleeping pad and bag. There are many new faces here tonight.I made a HUGE dinner for myself as a reward for a tough day of hiking and could barely finish. I may have put a little too much black pepper in it, as my nose was running as I ate. I am so stuffed right now, ugh.Bedtime at 8:45 p.m.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles hiked today : 15.2I woke up this morning at 6:50 a.m. and after packing up and filtering water for 30 minutes, I was on the trail at 8:00 a.m. Hiking today, temperatures were between 55-60 degrees F. The maximum temperature I observed yesterday was 86 degrees F. The rain last night definitely cooled things down.It took me 40 minutes to climb 730 feet to the summit of Cheowah Bald and if the skies had been clear, I'm sure the view would have been amazing. The conditions today were not ideal for a picnic. Specifically, there were winds that were strong enough to make me carefully check my footing as I crossed the bald.The climb down to Stecoah Gap wasn't so bad, but I did pause to rest my feet. The climb up from Stecoah Gap, however, was brutal. The climb was 745 feet straight uphill with no switchbacks until the very end. To top it off, the trail bypassed the unnamed summit and veered off toward Brown Fork Shelter.I bypassed the shelter and continued on with 6.1 miles to Cable Gap Shelter. I hiked for what I thought was a few miles, but a sign on the trail informed me that I was at Hogback Gap, which meant that I still had 4.1 miles. Normally, this wouldn't be so much, but the climb out of Stecoah Gap really took it out of me.I finally arrived at Cable Gap Shelter at 4:30 p.m., relaxed for a few minutes and rubbed my sore feet before getting up to make dinner. Right as I began cooking, the rain started to fall, and was soon followed by a few lighning flashes and thunder claps.At the shelter, I spoke with Yardsale, who has the same water filter as me. I had told him that it took about ten minutes to filter a single liter of water. He advised me to take my filter apart and scrub it down, as 10 minutes is way too long. So I'll do that tomorrow while at Fontana Dam Village.Speaking of which, I'm only hiking 6.9 miles tomorrow to Fontana Dam and then will catch a shuttle into Fontana Dam Village. I'm hoping to stay at a hostel to rest up before the climb up to the ridgeline of the Smokies. I'm also hoping that I'll be able to swap out my broken tent pole.Bedtime at 8:15 p.m.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

Miles hiked today : 12.812.6 AT miles + 0.1 miles of side trailThis morning I was up at 7:15 a.m. and on the trail by 8:15 a.m. The trail threw all sorts of obstacles at me today: wind, rain, ice patches, mud pits, and even two huge blow-downs that I had to remove my pack to maneuver around. I managed to stab my side on a branch while stepping under the second blow-down. Ouch!Early into my hike today, I took the 0.2 mile round trip side trail to Charlies Bunion, a huge spherically shaped rock about 15 feet tall, which you can climb up. On a clear day, I imagine the view is tremendous. Shortly after returning to the trail, I slipped on some wet grass and landed on my butt, the second fall of my trip.Besides the side trail, I covered 7.4 miles to the Pecks Corner Shelter side trail at 12:15 p.m. It was a 0.5 mile trip one-way to the shelter, so I pushed on to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, 5.2 miles further, arriving at 3:15 p.m.At the shelter upon my arrival was Dude, a south-bounder about 200 miles away from finishing his hike. About an hour after my arrival, Joe and Yardsale showed up. It turns out that they stopped at the previous shelter for lunch and a nap.After making my dinner, I filtered water and while walking back to the shelter, I stepped on a wet log and slipped. I had my hands full, so I fell pretty hard. Cha-ching, fall #3. Fortunately, nothing was hurt except for my pride and even that wasn't too bad.As I write this, it's very cold and I want to crawl into my sleeping bag. The problem is, I just drank a 32 ounce Emergen-C drink, so I'm sure I'll have to pee as soon as I get comfortable. So I'm holding off for a little bit, but I'll probably be in my sleeping bag by 7:00 p.m.Bedtime at 7:30 p.m.
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Old Roaring Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.9

Miles hiked today : 18.918.5 AT miles + 0.4 miles of side trailI didn't fall asleep last night until at least 1:00 a.m. or 2:00 a.m. if you consider the "spring forward" for daylight savings time. As such, sleep was at a minimum. Odyssa brought us breakfast before heading out on the trail, though I have no idea what time she stopped in. I believe I woke up at 9:30 a.m. I took my time packing and was on the trail at 11:30 a.m.My hike today took me right back into the snow with a 1,415 foot climb up to Snowbird Mountain. Although the AT bypasses the summit, I took the short sidepath to check out the view. Also on the summit of Snowbird Mountain is a FAA tower with signs prohibiting trespass.Continuing on, I arrived at Groundhog Creek Shelter at 2:30 p.m. There were avocados on the table and I thought about eating one until Yardsale suggested that they might be poisoned. So I had oreos and Emergen-C instead.After an hour long break, I continued on with plans to stop at either the Roaring Fork Shelter or a campsite just after Max Patch. The climb up was to Harmon Den Mountain was rather slushy and by the summit, I could feel my feet getting wet. The weather had been so nice this morning that I'd decided to wear shorts. My rain pants would have been a better idea.The rest of the afternoon was more slushy hills, which kept my feet cold. I kept wiggling my toes to try to keep them warm. In some of the areas where the snow was intact, I was postholing up to my knee, which was unpleasant, to say the least. The worst postholing ws the final ascent to Max Patch.Oh, but what a view. Seriously, this is the best panorama I've ever seen. The only downside were the heavy gusts of wind, which I've heard estimated today as being between 20-60 m.p.h. I arrived at the summit a 6:45 p.m. and stayed long enough to take a few photographs. The wind was so strong that it was making me sidestep as I moved forward. The folks that did the BBQ at the Cheese Factory Site mentioned that they were having a similar event at Max Patch on April 9th. I wonder what they plan to do about the wind!So here's my dilemma. My feet are wet and cold and the shelter is either 1.0 or 4.9 miles away. 1.0 if the new shelter is complete, 4.9 otherwise. I really wanted to be at a helter tonight, so I moved on, knowing that I only had about 1.5 hours of daylight left and lots of slush to travel through.To make a long story short, the new shelter isn't finished and I ended up doing a bit of night hiking, though Yardsale was with me by that point. We arrived at the shelter at 8:50 p.m., which was fairly fast, especially considering that we weren't using our headlamps. I did however, slip and fall in the mud, which is fall #5.Upon arriving at the shelter, I pulled off my wet socks, changed into sandals, made and ate dinner, vitamins, and ibuprofen. I'm very sore right now. but I'll be arriving in Hot Springs, NC tomorrow and am looking forward to soaking in a mineral hot springs. I'll also be picking up my third maildrop, as well as my replacement tent pole.Bedtime at 10:45 p.m.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: moderate rain

Miles hiked today : 21.0 mi20.8 AT miles + 0.2 miles of side trailI woke up this morning at 8:00 a.m., ate breakfast, packed up and was on the trail by 8:45 a.m.I made good time this morning, covering 5.9 miles to the first shelter and arriving at 11:30 a.m. Even though I'd taken a 15 minute break less than a mile before the shelter, I took another break to filter water and eat a snack.Before the shelter, I'd come across the Shelton graves, one of which had a marker for a 13 year old boy. From what I understand, the boy defected from the South to fight for the North during the Civil War, but later returned to visit a sick relative. Upon his return, he was captured by the rebels and killed. It struck me today that civil war is much more severe than international war.I hit the trail again at 12:15 p.m. and was surprised when I arrived at Devil Fork Gap in less than an hour, as I had covered another 2.8 miles. At this point, I began a long steep uphill climb to Sugarloaf Gap, passing a minor waterfall and ruins of old structures, which may have been houses some time ago. There were also two more gravestones, one of which belonged to a woman who died in 1965, 2 days shy of her 100th birthday. I had another climb to Frozen Knob before arriving at Hogback Ridge Shelter at 4:25 p.m.I stopped for dinner, fixing my nightly staple of tuna and noodles, along with a side of sliced pepperjack cheese. Some of the other hikers had a nice fire going and I thought about staying here for the night, but I really wanted to get in some more miles.I headed out at 5:50 p.m., anticipating a short night hike to complete the 6.1 miles to Low Gap. Around 7:30 p.m., I saw what I thought was a wild rabbit darting into the brush. I looked carefully and spotted him watching me. He was light brown and had been perfectly camouflaged, except for a fluffy white tail. He ran off after a moment and I continued my hike.The climbs this evening weren't that bad and my pack must have lightened up from the food I've been eating, because I arrived at Low Gap at 8:20 p.m., just as dusk was beginning to set in. Cotton Joe, Sunset Screamer, and Bodhi were on site with a campfire already blazing.I quickly set up my tent and prepared my sleeping bag and pad before joining them by the fire for about 90 minutes. It's nice to be away from the large groups that have been converging at the shelters lately, though I'm glad to have some company.I was fortunate that the weather held today. Although it did sprinkle on me a few times, it served more to cool me off than to make me uncomfortable.It's another 20.8 miles to Erwin, TN. While I could make it tomorrow, I may just do 16 miles or so to make for a short day on Saturday.Bedtime at 10:45 p.m.
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Kincora Hiker Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Miles hiked today : 17.717.5 AT miles + 0.2 miles of side trailI'm not exactly sure what time I woke up this morning, as I was awake for the hustle and bustle of the early risers, but then I went back to sleep again. I drank too many liquids before bed last night, so I had to make a grand total of 3 bathroom runs before I finally was ready to get out of bed. I packed up, ate breakfast, and was on the trail at 10:00 a.m. During the 0.2 mile road walk to the trail, I stopped to snap pictures of Quita and Hopi. As I stood there, Hopi quickly wandered over, probably looking for a treat. I had nothing to offer him other than a quick met on the muzzle and then I was on my way. As I entered the woods, there was a sign informing me that I was entering the Pond Mountain Wilderness.The biggest highlight of today was Laurel Falls and Laurel Fork Gorge. On the way to Laurel Falls, I walked through a fairly narrow walkway with huge rock walls on either side. I arrived at the falls just in time to witness Vapor going for a skinny dip in the frigid water.I left the falls at 11:00 a.m. and continued on, walking alongside the river and actually had to walk along a narrow cliff for a short while before beginning an 1,800 foot climb over 3 miles up to Pond Flats. The climb was steep and tiring, especially in the sun. I arrived at the summit of Pond Mountain at 1:40 p.m. and took a 20 minute snack break.Leaving Pond Flats, I had a 1,700 foot descent over 3 miles to the Shook Branch Picnic area at Watauga Lake. As I left the woods, there was a sign informing me that I was leaving the Pond Mountain Wilderness. I arrived at the picnic area at 3:20 p.m. and found a number of hikers lounging around, so I joined them for 30 minutes. There were Canadian geese on the lake, one of which had several goslings in tow. Across the lake was a rope swing and every few minutes, I would see a hiker flying out into the lake.I left the beach at 3:50 p.m. and continued on, reaching Watauga Lake Shelter at 4:45 p.m. I only stayed long enough to filter 2 liters of water and set out for the next shelter. The next 6.8 miles was largely viewless, though there was a sign notifying me that I was entering the Big Laurel Fork wilderness. When I crossed Watauga Dam, the view of the valley highlighted by the setting sun was incredible.I had anticipated a spring 1.7 miles before the shelter, though when I arrived at it, it was little more than a muddy hole. Fortunately, I still had a liter of water from the last shelter and decided I would just eat a cold dinner and conserve my water until tomorrow morning.I arrived at Vandeventer Shelter at 8:20 p.m., laid out my sleeping bag and pad in the shelter, and ate dinner before journaling. I'm contemplating a long day tomorrow to allow for an early arrival in Damascus on Sunday. I suppose I'll see how I feel after hiking 4.1 miles in the morning to get water.Bedtime at 10:15 p.m.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: The Place Hostel

To: Pond 2.3 miles North of Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Miles hiked today : 11.7I woke up this morning at 7:30 a.m. after an uncomfortable night of sleep. The bunks at The Place did not have mattresses and my therma-rest didn't quite cut it. At one point during the night, I was so hot that I was crawling out of my sleeping bag, only to crawl back in when the night grew chilly.I headed downstairs and took a shower before eating my grapes and strawberries for breakfast. After the fruit, I walked to Cowboys, a convenience store restaurant, for some poorly made biscuits and gravy.After part 2 of breakfast, I picked up a birthday card for my Mom and walked to the post office to mail it. Next I walked to the dollar store to buy pop-tarts for my breakfasts and lotion for my sunburned ears. After that, the library was soon to open, so I walked over and waited with a couple other hikers. At the library, I updated my journal and sent e-mail before heading out to the trail at 1:00 p.m.From Damascus, it was hot 922 foot climb to the Iron Mountain Trail intersection, followed by a 650 foot descent to Feathercamp Branch, where I arrived at 3:35 p.m. Having already covered 5.6 miles, I decided to take a snack break and sat by a rapid flowing creek until 4:00 p.m.It was another 900 foot climb over 3.8 miles to reach the side trail to Saunders Shelter and I arrived at 5:35 p.m., taking a 5 minute break before continuing on. I hiked 2.3 more miles over rolling hills, arriving at a pond with campsites at 7:00 p.m.Shortly after arriving, I pitched my tent and sat down to dinner with Red Rover and Geri. It was somewhat of a short hiking day today and I had planned to reach the Grayson Highlands tomorrow, though the next 16.3 miles look to be full of big climbs. As camping isn't allowed in the Grayson Highlands, I'd have to hike 21.4 miles tomorrow in order to pass through and reach the following shelter. The ponies will have to wait until Wednesday morning.Bedtime at 10:00 p.m.
Date: 2005-04-19
From: Pond 2.3 miles past Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Miles hiked today : 16.3I woke up this morning at 7:30 a.m. and was on the trail at 8:20 a.m. The sun was raising the temperature quickly today, so when I covered the 4.1 miles to Lost Mountain Shelter, arriving at 10:10 a.m., I took a 45 minute snack break.Continuing on, I had an overall elevation gain of 2,020 feet to Buzzard Rock on top of Whitetop Mountain. The last 1,170 feet of gain was a constant upward grade over 1.9 miles. In the heat, it was very tiring and I took a 5 minute break at Buzzard Rock before continung 0.5 mile to a heavy flowing piped spring for a lunch break at 1:45 p.m. Red Rover provided company for lunch and after 50 minutes, I headed out.After 2.7 miles, I reached VA600 at 4:00 p.m., shortly after taking an impromptu 15 minute break. There were horse riders on a nearby trail. Leaving the parking area at the roadside, I headed up a hill and walked across a meadow before entering the woods again. A sign informed me that I was entering the Lewis Fork Wilderness in the Jefferson National Forest.I only had 4.2 miles to go to reach Thomas Knob Shelter and arrived at 6:20 p.m., bypassing the side trail to the viewless summit of Mt. Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia. The shelter has a privy equipped with a solar powered ventilation system. That's one of the last things I expected to see out here.I set my sleeping gear up in the shelter and prepared a dinner of split pea soup with Ritz crackers followed by pepperjack cheese, vitamins, and a pop-tart for dessert.It's only 2.3 miles to the Grayson Highlands, which I'm fairly excited about. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the recent good weather holds for another day.Bedtime at 9:00 p.m.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Relax Inn - Rural Retreat, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

Miles hiked today : 13.9I was fortunate enough to have a double bed to myself last night and slept quite well. I woke up at 7:45 a.m. and updated my Trailjournal via the hotel office internet connection before returning to the room to pack.I had a big breakfast at Rhonda's restaurant and was joined by Geri, Gravity, and Danger. After breakfast, I returned to the hotel room to get my pack and flipped on the television only to find that one of my favorite scenes from "The Matrix : Reloaded" was playing. It was the "burly brawl" scene, where Neo fights 100+ copies of Smith. After the scene was over, I hit the trail at 11:05 a.m.I covered 2.7 miles to Davis Path Shelter, arriving at 12:15 p.m. I stopped for a 15 minute snack break before continuing on. I was having a difficult time getting motivated and poked along the trail.I arrived at Crawfish Valley at 2:30 p.m. and stopped for a 5 minute break. Still feeling lazy, I was tempted to pitch my tent here, but I pushed on. At approximately 3:40 p.m., while descending from Big Walker Mountain, I hit the 25% mark of the AT. That means I'm halfway to the Pine Grove Furnace State Park, site of the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge.I reached VA610 at 4:00 p.m. and began walking uphill through a huge meadow and was treated to a few minutes of light snow that melted as it hit the ground. At 4:10 p.m., I hit a patch of mud and slipped, landing flat on my back. Cha-ching, fall #11. Bummer, I was trying to make it through Virginia without falling.After reaching the top of the meadow, it was all downhill to a river crossing. The databook gives alternate directions to take if the bridge is underwater, though that would mean backtracking 1.4 miles from the bridge to VA610. Fortunately, the bridge was above water and I didn't have to detour.Shortly after the bridge, I missed a turn at a stream and kept following the trail, which was fairly defined. I hadn't seen any white blazes for about 5 minutes when I arrived in a meadow. I also couldn't see any signposts with blazes, though I did find an old USFS easement sign for the AT lying on the ground. I decided to backtrack and found where I had missed my turn.I arrived at VA42 at 5:15 p.m. and made it to Knot Maul Branch Shelter at 6:05 p.m. While climbing the ridgeline before the shelter, I was treated to a helping of sleet and snow. Add that to the rain and hail I experienced earlier and I had a well balanced meal of blah weather.At the shelter, it was very cold, though I still filtered water and made dinner. While scraping my pot clean, I snapped my lexan spoon. Grr, that'll make the next couple days difficult.Bedtime at 9:00 p.m.