morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Swag of the Blue Ridge

To: Dicks Creek Gap-Hiawassee
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I was in an isolated part of the Georgia woods last night and fully expected a visit from a bear or two. Started a small fire before retiring for the evening in hopes the smoke might deter the big critters from coming around. It was an uneventful evening. I have an odor proof bag I used in 2009. I put my food bag in it sometimes when there is little in it to test the odor proofness of the bag. I place the bag in a tree at eye level to see if it will disappear overnight. So far, nothing has ever touched it.It was a tough day going over numerous ups that are NOT in the guide book. I remembered this from 2009 so I was expecting it. Kelly Knob was very tough. A mile up, but not very rocky thank you. I met Razor, a Ridgerunner, and we spoke as we have friends in common. He offered to pick me up on the trail along with Red Hat, Bronco and Waterboy and take me to Trail Days in Damascus. We will see. It was a long, long downhill to Dicks Creek Gap. Got there around 2:00 pm. Waited awhile and finally someone showed up that was shuttling hikers and I got a ride into Hiawassee. Staying at Ron Haven's Hiawassee Inn.I have no injuries and my feet and body are all good. No blisters or failing body parts. However, I've decided to take a day and a half off and head back out to the trail on Wednesday. Thunderstorms expected today with dropping temperatures in the mountains for the rest of the week. Wednesday night temp suppose to be around freezing.All my gear is working great! I just have a little too much of it. Will try to send some home today even if it's a pound or so. I will review it as time goes by as Bogart said.Thanks to all my old friends and new ones who are following me this year. Your comments are very welcome and comforting. Mentally, it's as if I never left the trail from 2009. Only picked up where I left off. The trail does seem harder for some reason. I am several years older and will turn 60 in June. Seems I can't do the same mileage as 2009. No bother, I'll do what I can do.Thanks to my journalist who is doing a great job. Check out all the photos she recently inserted into the journal text.This is from a computer at the Hiawassee Inn. I'm using a smart phone on the trail to send in my journals. It's a challenge typing on the virtual keyboard. It's a work in progress.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Dicks Creek Gap-Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I took today off to rest the body. It threatened rain all day and finally did pour around 5:00 pm. Temperatures are suppose to plunge tonight to around freezing in the mountains. It will take all my gear and clothing to keep me warm tonight. Just lounged around the hotel all day talking to hikers about their experiences so far. Finally starting to eat more which is a good sign.There is an individual named Nature Boy who is running the trail and will attempt the unassisted record of running the entire trail in 60 days. He started yesterday and made it to the 41 mile mark. A distance most of us took four days. He should pass me today around the GA/NC line which is at mile mark 69. Keep a watch on him on trail journals.I reorganized my pack and sent a few items home in efforts to lighten my pack weight. Every little bit helps.Next trail town will be Franklin, NC that I should make by Saturday. Forecast for the next week is great weather just on the cool side at night, but great hiking weather during the day. Today I cross into North Carolina. Time to burn more calories!!!!!!!Hiawassee Inn parking lot in the rain.Church Steeple
Date: 2011-05-04
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I got started around 10:38 am today. Breezy and cold after the front went through last night. Another tough day as we crossed over into North Carolina. North Carolina greets you with two insane vertical ascents. All you can do is take about ten steps and rest. It's that way until you reach the top. You had to keep moving today or freeze when you took a break. Got to Muskrat Creek Shelter and decided to call it a day. There is just one other hiker here with me tonight. It was a brutally cold night. Had all my clothes on and stayed inside my sleeping bag all night,however;I was warm. Slow getting started in the morning though. The gnarly oak tree that welcomes hikers to North Carolina The green trail
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Relatively speaking today was an easy day. I went over the gentle giant Standing Indian Mountain at 5,398 feet. An old forest service road made the climb comfortable. Not as cool and windy as yesterday, but I had to keep moving to stay warm. Not much to take pictures of today. I should be in Franklin, N.C. by Saturday. I¢m hoping tonight is not as cold as last night. Me at the Georgia/North Carolina Border
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

It was another very cold night in the tent. Totally submerged in the sleeping bag to keep warm. I got started walking north about 9:37 am. When the mornings are cold it's tough to get packed up and going. The day started out overcast which led to sunshine in the afternoon. Had a few gentle climbs to get the day started knowing I still had Albert Mountain to climb up and over. The last 3 tenths of the mountain is a very steep rock scramble that leaves most and including me breathless. It was tough, but I managed to get over the beast without incident, but I was glad it was behind me now.After Albert most of the hiking was down hill. I was hoping to get into Franklin for a nice warm bed, but I opted for another cold night in my tent with the idea of going into Franklin early in the am on Saturday.I past the 100 mile mark today. The trail miles seem harder this year than in 2009. My cardio is getting much better, but the legs have a long way to go.My gear is working great. New backpack, ULA OHM, is superb. Just need to eliminate some weight after the Smokies. I liked my Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2 from 2009 better than my current Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2, but the Fly Creek is a pound lighter with the same internal space. However, it has not been tested in a severe storm yet. Perhaps this coming week with many storms forecasted.Knowing that I'm not Thru-Hiking this year, it is a little difficult to get motivated everyday, but I keep telling myself there is no need to make big miles on any given day though the tendency is to try to push onward. View from Albert Mountain A Field of Wildflowers A Cold Me
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Rock Gap shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap-Franklin
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

I got to Winding Stair Gap around 9:45 am. A lady was filling gallon water bottles from a piped spring that came out of the mountain about 10 feet high. She said she gets all her water here and that it's better than any store bought water anywhere. She was kind enough to give me the 15 mile ride into Franklin where I'm staying at Ron Haven's Budget Inn.Today is laundry and food resupply day with as much rest thrown in as possible. Forecast is for warmer weather; however, with the chance of thunderstorms everyday next week starting tomorrow on Mother's Day.Will head back to the trail late tomorrow morning and have an all day climb out of Winding Stair Gap.After Dinner & Cocktails, left to right: Mouse Hunter the Dog & Canary, Longtrail, Flash, Caver & LavenderGear & food ready to be deployed for the climb out of Winding Stair Gap
Date: 2011-05-08
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Mother's Day to all.   The shuttle back to the trail was late in the morning so it was a late start around 11:30 am. It was an all day climb out of the gap with virtually no down hills for rest. The weather was warm and breezy with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms that did not materialize. Saw only a few people today while hiking. Tonight's temps will be in the 50's so no freezing in the tent. I'm about 16 miles from the Nantahala River Outdoor Center, a major outdoor-adventure center. View from Wayah BaldView from Wayah Bald
Date: 2011-05-09
From: Wayah Shelter

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Last night there were some late arrivals that were loud and obnoxious jerks! The moon lit up one side of my tent like there was a night light outside. Today there were some long ups and downs. The downs really hurt the middle toes as they get repeatedly jammed into the toe box of the shoe. It was a beautiful day, and I think last night was the best ever sleep I have gotten in my tent. I'm .08 miles from the NOC. I will have breakfast there in the morning. Photo taken from the Wesser Bald Observatory Photo taken from the Wesser Bald Observatory Photo taken from the Wesser Bald Observatory
Date: 2011-05-10
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Stealth Tent Site near Swim Bald
Miles today: 6.8

I got up early and hiked into the NOC for an early breakfast at the River's End Restaurant. It was great, but I could not finish it all. Still no hiker appetite just yet. I had prepared a resupply box which I sent here, but ended up giving most of its contents away to other hikers.There has been a slight change in plans for the rest of the week. I've received numerous calls from 2009 fellow hikers asking me to attend Trail Days in Damascus, VA this weekend. After some long deliberations I relinquished and agreed to go. My plan is to hike the distance between the NOC and Stecoah Gap and then get a shuttle into Bryson City on Wednesday afternoon. Waterway (2009) will drive down and pick me up and we will drive the three hours to Damascus on Thursday in efforts to find a place to stay. Waterboy will then drive me back to Stecoah Gap on Sunday so I can continue my hike into Fontana Dam and the Smokies.I have mixed emotions, but I'm going. Should be nice seeing hiker friends from 2009. The trail will be here when I get back on Sunday, but weather forecast for next week going into the Smokies does not look good. Oh well, reporting from Trail Days for a few will be Nedthefed.The climb out of the NOC was a brutal six mile uphill hike. In and around the NOC to include the Nantahala River In and around the NOC to include the Nantahala River Outfitter and Restaurant
Date: 2011-05-11
From: Stealth Tent Site near Swim Bald

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: few clouds

I expected thunderstorms last night, but again they did not materialize so the tent has yet to be tested in a heavy rain storm. The view from the grassy bald at Cheoah was great, but I wanted to get to Stecoah Gap so I moved on without taking photos with the cell phone. It takes a long time for the HTC to boot. I leave it in airplane mode a lot just to take photos.I reached Stecoah Gap and got a shuttle into Bryson City. I¢m staying at the Relax Inn, and Waterboy is on his way. We will drive to Damascus tomorrow several days ahead of the start of Trail Days.The days off should benefit my feet and I'm looking forward to meeting old friends and new ones.Next, road trip! View from the Relax Inn The Relax Inn
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Reporting from Trail Days.Waterboy and I rented bikes and road the 18 mile down hill Virginia Creeper Trail back to Damascus...Fun! Trail Days Banner Virginia Creeper Trail Sign Me on the Creeper Trail Red Hat and Razor Mountain Man, Tag Along and Tagless (above photo) Waterboy riding down the Creeper Trail
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Reporting from Trail Days. Today was the big hiker parade down the main street of Damascus, Virginia. Parade staging area: Me, Rafflequeen and Bronco Hiker Parade getting started The Class of 2009 Banner Baltimore Jack getting water ballooned Hiker Parade on Main Street Strings before the parade
Date: 2011-05-15
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: light rain

Wayerboy drove me the 200 plus miles from Damascus back to Stecoah Gap. It rained on and off most of the way, but was partly sunny and cool when he dropped me off. I started hiking around 12:15 pm and had a very steep hill to conquer that we all recall from 2009. Got over that and then had some steep down hills. Don't know what I dislike most. Then the clouds, fog and rain moved in. It was a miserable afternoon walking in the rain and cold. I was cold, wet and uncomfortable so I stopped at Cable Gap Shelter. No one else was there¢¦nice! I get into Fontana Dam tomorrow where I enter the Great Smokey Mountains. Forecast is for rain and cold. I'm actually considering skipping the Smokies because the gear I have right now is not keeping me warm at night. I'm freezing typing this and I'm not even anywhere near the elevation I would be if in the Smokies. We will see tomorrow.Also, there is no cell coverage in the Smokies. Sideshow at Trail Days View of Fontana Lake and Smokey Mountains View of the Smokey Mountains
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Cable Gap Shelter 

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

I got into my tent about 5:30 pm yesterday and it was still raining and COLD at 9:00 am the next morning. I hiked the short distance into Fontana Dam, but the rain and cold made it seem like forever.I called Jeff at the Hiker Inn (same place I stayed at in 09) and he sent someone to pick me up near the Dam.Jeff and Nancy Hoch, owners of the hotel, know a lot about the Smokies. They said it has been hot and cold in the Smokies in May with another cold front moving in.I've been so cold in my tent it's obvious I don't have sufficient cold weather clothing and gear for the below normal temps in Georgia. Every hiker always has to prepare for the Smokies no matter what month you hike through. I thought I had, but I guess I didn't. Now what? Buy more gear for the cold or what?Also, in the Smokies everyone is required to spend nights in shelters along the way. Tenting is not permitted unless the shelters are full. Everyone knows I hate shelters. I stayed in only four during my 09 hike from Georgia to Maine.Therefore, I made the command decision to bypass the Smokies and jump to Davenport Gap, TN in efforts to dodge some cold nights in the Smokies that I'm not prepared for as well as the requirement to stay in dirty, crowded shelters with 15 of my closest snoring, scratching and flatulent friends who trip over you as they head out to pee. In 09 I had five beautiful days hiking through the GSMNP so it's not like I missed any views to include CLINGMAN'S DOME.That's my decision. I could be wrong, but this decision won't affect any of the goals I set for this year's hike.GSMNP Backcountry Permit Sign
Date: 2011-05-17
From: I-40

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 0.5
Weather: moderate rain

Jeff from the Hiker Inn drove me to I-40 which is located at the north end of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park dodging 73.9 miles of the AT through the park. Do I feel guilty? Yes! Is it still cold and raining? Yes. I hiked the half mile from I-40 to Standing Bear Farm in the pouring rain just long enough to get soaked and bone cold again. Met Curtis the owner of Standing Bear Farm and he set me up in the same cabin as 09. It was cold so he got the gas fire going. So I sit here by the fire listening to the rain pelt on the tin roof wondering if this rain will ever go away. By my calculations, Caver, Longtrail and Canary should be here; however, they may be still stuck in the Smokies. Curtis said there has been recent snow in the Smokies.It is suppose to start clearing tomorrow so I'll be headed out walking towards Max Patch at 4,629 feet which I never saw in 09 because of the rain and fog. They used to land small planes on Max Patch.Standing Bear SignStanding Bear Cabin
Date: 2011-05-18
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 10.1

The forecast was for clearing skies right? Wrong! The new forecast is 40% rain again. I decided to get walking again rain or shine.I left Standing Bear Farm about 9:30 am. I had a 4.7 mile uphill hike to get to Snowbird Mountain. It took 3.5 hours on a wet and slippery trail. It was mostly foggy and cold, but no rain. It was actually a little warmer on Snowbird, but the clouds were drifting over the mountain changing the visibility by the seconds. One minute you could see 100 yards, but the next it was 5 feet.It was cold. What's new! My hands were numb, but my gloves were deep in my pack, poor planning this morning. I was soaked from sweat under my wind jacket from climbing. I stopped short of Max Patch. I hope the weather clears tonight so I have a view from MP tomorrow, but it's of course raining as I type this in my tent.I have two pair of wool socks on, long underwear; a Capilene 3 long-sleeved shirt, down jacket, gloves and wool hat on in my 40 degree bag and yes I'm still fighting to stay warm. Hands are ice cold typing this. It's mid May. This has to change! Snowbird Mountain Logging Trail
Date: 2011-05-19
From: Brown Gap

To: 2 miles past Big Rock Spring
Miles today: 15.5

It was another cold, but bearable night in the sleeping bag, raining lightly until midnight. A loud crash in the woods got my attention about 5 am. Must have been a branch falling. Saw the sun for the first time in about a week. Nice! By the time I climbed Max Patch it was overcast and chilly again. I burned a lot of calories today climbing. Also, my longest hiking day so far at 9 hours even though I did take an hour break at Lemon Gap. I should make Hot Springs, North Carolina tomorrow. I need to make a stop at the Outfitter there. My backpack needs repairing. My cardio and climbing stamina has improved greatly, but my legs are still rubber at the end of the day. Stream Crossing Looking back towards the Smokies from Max Patch Looking north from Max Patch Looking down from Max Patch
Date: 2011-05-20
From: 2 miles past Big Rock Spring

To: Hot Springs, North Carolina
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was the warmest night on the trail to date. Beautiful! It still rained again. It was also very noisy. I heard my first owl, a barred owl right over my tent. The ¢Who cooks for you, who cooks for you,¢ was cool for a few hoots, but then I thought not all night. So I gave his hoots back and never heard from him again. Perfect!I also heard a variety of strange sounds most of which I could not identify. I did hear some animal running around outside my tent. A fox or coyote chasing rodents or whatever. I got on the Trail at 8:00 am, earliest of this trek. The Trail had a few UPS, but was mostly downhill into Hot Springs. I met three paramedics from Ashville camped near Deer Park Mountain Shelter. They offered me a beer. Why not! Thanks. We got into Hot Springs together and all had lunch at the Smokey Mountain Dinner. Good luck in your careers lady and gentlemen. My first stop was the Outfitter. The two eternal support stays that keep my pack erect were tearing through their respective bottom holders. The Outfitter said they could do nothing. I called Brian at ULA-Equipment and he said there was a recall on a few ULA Ohm packs for that reason. He is sending me a new Ohm to be picked up in Erwin. Thanks Brian! Mountain Laurel blooming everywhere Descending into Hot Springs Orange lichens, I think?
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Hot Springs, North Carolina

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I slackpacked from Allen Gap back to Hot Springs. Slackpacking affords a hiker to carry a light pack for the day and hike back to the town where they stayed the night before. Rewards are sleeping in a bed for two nights in a row and eating another hot meal. It was probably the best hiking day since I started. Warm and sunny from the start. Saw about 15 hikers walking north. Some just out of the Smokies. Their reports of extremely cold nights reaffirmed my decision to skip the Smokies because I was just ill prepared for freezing temps with my present gear and clothes.I finished today's miles in 7 hours getting back into Hot Springs by 2:30 pm.I had dinner at the Rock Bottom Sports Grill last night. I was the only patron in the place. Where is everyone? Today Longtrail and Caver came in. I may take a zero tomorrow and just rest. I need to be in Erwin, TN by Friday to pick up my new pack. Week after next I hike with Tagless for a week. Should be nice having company. Tree consumes sign View of Hot Springs from Lovers Lead French Broad River Rocky trail going down to the French Broad River French Broad river from the bridge
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Hot Springs, North Carolina

To: Hot Springs, North Carolina
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was a true zero day. Breakfast at the Smokey Mountain Dinner. Heaven! I was truly horizontal most of the day watching NCAA women's softball regional playoffs. Yes, I like the women's softball tournament every year. No favorite.The weather has definitely warmed up. Now I have to deal with daily afternoon thunderstorms everyday for the next week. If it's not one thing it's another. Having one of those thunderstorms right now!It will likely take all week to get to Erwin, TN. I get a new replacement pack there. After that I join Tagless for a week on the trail to Damascus who is hiking the JMT in August along with Tag Along and Mountainman.Life is good on the Trail. It's a viscous cycle It's a viscous cycle Afternoon thunderstorm in Hot Springs
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Dan from Bluff Mountain Outfitters dropped me off at Allen Gap about 9:39 am. It was foggy and overcast, but on the warm side. As usual when starting out in a gap there is nowhere to go but up. I'm starting to enjoy climbing because I now can do it more easily and with less stress on the cardiovascular system. Plus I know I'm burning calories and fat.The sun came out and it was a nice warm day. Thunderstorms are in the forecast for the next ten days; however, nothing today so far as of 7 pm.Went over an exposed ridge today and the views were great, but it was so hazy I didn't take any photos. In fact, nothing much caught my eye as I only took two photos all day. Rocky trail leading to the exposed trail
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: High Rock
Miles today: 15.3

A lot of kids were at the shelter last night, but at least they quieted down by hiker midnight (8 pm). In the morning hikers were getting ready, packing up when a morning thunderstorm abruptly got everyone's attention. Most hikers started hiking anyway. No common sense I guess. My tent was still up so I just got back in my bag and enjoyed the thunder and lightning show. The sun came out and I got walking. I'm heading towards Erwin, TN this week, and should be there by Friday. There was a monster climb up Frozen Knob. I got a second wind and pushed on a bit. I didn't plan on hiking more than about 12 miles, but I could not find a single campsite until almost sunset. Too tired which always means no dinner. Put the tent up, get out of the wet sweaty clothes, and put dry ones on and into my bag to get warm. I did rouse up a grouse today while hiking. The grouse squawked and faked injury in efforts to lure me away from her nest. It's a pretty neat display if you have never seen it. Flint Mountain Shelter AT Sign Mountain View The first stile going northbound on the AT.