morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Walasi Yi (Neels Gap)

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

Nice night in the Hostel last night except for Tent Shaker's 3000 decible snoring. I had a nice start today, Hairball and Snow Bunny stopped back at the hostel and I head out with them. They like my hiking pace and we get along well. Today I took some photos of some spectacular views from scenic vistas. Lots of the hikers from earlier have either gone ahead or stayed behind. Many people out here though. I came into the shelter at a reasonable time according to the sun, I'm not using the watch yet. Cupcake was at the shelter then Tent Shaker, Mad Dog and KTR came in later. I'm going to sleep in the shelter, it might rain tonight and the shelter was empty, but now it's full. I had one of my rice meals which I didn't like (spicy thai chicken) for dinner. I'm back to a somewhat heavy food bag so it has slowed me down a bit. I have decided to split up what I was going to hike tomorrow into 2 days. I'm not ready for a 14+ mile day yet. I have been spending a lot of time keeping my feet in shape, clean, clipped and powdered. So far it has paid off, no blisters yet, knock on wood. I'll be leaving GA soon, I'm getting close to NC. I have not met any of the hikers that were starting close to me that I corresponded with via the net. Well time to hit the sack.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a fairly good sleep last night except for the snorasaurus in the shelter. I had some good coffee with my p tarts and PB. I got into this shelter early (mid day). I will stay in the shelter along with 5 others. We have a fire going and as we were sitting around it a trail angel Bill M. came strolling in with a nice bag of apples. What a treat! Two more hikers just came in and will squeeze into the shelter. Ying & Yang are tenting in the area. For a mid day meal I had summer sausage, cheese and soy sauce on a tortilla skin. Tonight I was thinking turkey tetrazinni. After looking at my schedule I am realizing that the schedule will soon have to go. I was just doing it to figure out food for the drops but I have stuck with it until today. The whole schedule all depends on how I feel on any given day. I really have to listen to my body. It will tell me how far to go. I have been seeing tons of motorcycles on the roads I have crossed and I want my bike too. Time to cook and set up my pad for the night.
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Blue Mt. Shelter

To: Tray Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

What a start to the day, Folgers in your cup. Light food bag so that means light pack. Good sleep last night but they tell me I snore. Nice easy pace day, still in the low miles mode. I think it won't be long until this group breaks up. There is some towns coming up tomorrow or the next day. My plan is to stay at Deep Gap tomorrow and go to Blueberry Hostel early the next morning and get a shuttle to town for dinner. I was glad to reach this shelter at a fairly early time. Within 15 minutes of my arrival it was raining, thundering and lightning. It is cozy with 8 in the shelter. It would be tough up here in a tent. The wind is a killer. I decided to go for the ramen and stuffing meal. I think I might do the banana cream pie for dessert tonight. I have about one day and one night of food left. My appetite is starting to grow. I imagine it is only the 1 week mark today. Each day I am a little less sore, so this is a good thing. At some point I will bump up the miles a little. I still haven't caught any March Company people yet. I am missing my girlfriend lots and what a feeling it will be when I see her!
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Tray Mt. Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 10.6

Woke this morning to sunshine which was surprising after the thunder, lightning, hail and rain last night. It shook the shelter.   I had a good start this morning and fairly easy day of hiking due to very little food in my pack. I had a lunch break at Deep Gap Shelter, I also got water there. Made it out to Dicks Creek Gap around 3ish I think. I had my first taste of hitchhiking and got a ride from the first car. I was left off here at the Blueberry Patch hostel. There are only two other hikers here, Calicoe and Torch. I ran for the shower and then hitched into Hiawassi for some extra food and a stop at the Subway for a foot long sub. I hitched in and out. I got a ride in from a high school principal and a ride back from a student teacher. I think I will sleep well tonight. It feels good to be clean. So off to bed I go.
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

The Blueberry Patch Hostel rocks! They made an awesome breakfast. Gary from the hostel gave me a ride to the trail after I ate. I am carrying a full food bag plus extra food. I was able to find 1 1/2 lbs of stuff to send home before hitting the trail. Today I stopped at the Plum Orchard Shelter for water and to eat something. It was still midday so I decided to go on to Muskrat Shelter. What a beast of a climb. I stopped at Bly Gap where the GA/NC Border is for a photo op. Into NC now for a bit. Some scouts took my photo at the twisted oak tree. Today I saw a Downy Woodpecker. It was about 12" tall with a bright red head. I got a photo of a smaller one too. I arrived at the shelter a little later than I like. I made burritos for dinner and shared them with Runaway, Stumper and Turn Ankle. They were quite good. Nice fire and oh what a moon. I hope the pics I took come out. It was an awesome day. Glad to be in the tent tonight.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

It was a tough night last night in the mummy bag after eating burritos. I did manage to sleep well in the tent. I was slow getting out this morning, the last one! What a nice hiking day and the terrain was mild. I made a quick stop to air out my feet at Standing Indian Shelter. I hoofed it to the top of Standing Indian Mt. and made the blue blaze trip to the scenic view. It was the best view I've seen so far! I made it to the shelter which is full. There is an older shelter down below so I am tenting again. I ate good tonight, Kung Fu Chicken, mashed postatoes and butter scotch pudding which I couldn't finish. Now that I am here my heels are sore. I think it is from carrying so much food. I have no luxery items, they have all been sent home. I hope the rain holds off tonight. I think it is supposed to rain in the next few days. I have caught up to Mother Goose from March Company. So far so good.
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Another good night of sleep in the tent after a nice fire. Early to rise but still the last one out of the shelter. There was plenty of trail magic today. First there was a couple handing out Easter eggs and candy. Then just before the summit of Mt. Albert there was a tent set up by trail angels, Berry and Terri. They had soda and were cooking burritos. I met Cuppa Joe, Break A-leg, Scholar and Weatherman there. After a few burritos I tackled Mt. Albert and did muster up the guts to climb the fire tower and get some pics. It was such a nice day to hike. I got to the shelter early and a trail angel named Slickrock came in with hotdogs and soda. Another trail angel, Chocolate Bandito was handing out candy as well. Jax made a fire and we ate the dogs. The bugs are starting to kick in a little. I have some bites on my legs. Another night in a full shelter. It's suppose to rain so if it does I will be glad to be in here. Food is going well, I have been eating real good and with all the trail magic there has been plenty. Lots of people going into town. I think it is Easter tomorrow. I'll say a prayer while I'm hiking, that will have to do. I think I'll keep this job for a while.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Silar Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Once again after a fairly good nights sleep I was the last one out of the shelter. When I first woke I saw a black mouse running up the wall. They don't eat much. When I left the shelter it was about .2 miles to a parking area where there was the 14th annual Easter breakfast on the Appalachian Trail at Rock Gap. This was an outstanding breakfast with a menu and everything. Good omlets! I then set off and made it here early. It pretty much rained last night as well as most of the day. This shelter holds 7 and is packed at 12+. Kineo Kid and I were the first to arrive so we were able to find space. I'm realizing I have too much food, my appetite has gone down a little. (Note from Julie: I think Draggin is just enjoying all the trail magic out there.) I left 2 meals hanging at the last shelter. I'm sure I will regain my appetite again soon. Meeting more new people, Hiku, Freedom, Doc, Coach, 3 more just came in so it looks like some will have to camp in tents. There is also a scout troop and 5 high school kids here. This is the most crowded shelter I have been in yet.
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Silar Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

What a night last night! Ended up with 13 in a shelter that could hold 8, but it all worked out, made it cozy. It rained, hailed, snowed and thundered with flashes of lightening all night. I had a snowy start to the day and as the day went on the weather deteriorated. It snowed and hailed all day. The trees are all ice and as the wind blows the ice falls off. You can hear it on the shelter roof. Some of the trail today was very muddy, so my feet got a little wet. It is very cold tonight around 32 degree but the bag is keeping me warm. Some of the guys here, Radio, Hiku and Kenio Kid are playing guitar and singing. It's good to hear some live tunes. They also have a flute. This is a small shelter and it's very full with 9 people in it. Lots of other hikers came by, but there is just no room. They set tents up on the hill. So far mind, body and soul as well as equipment is holding up fine. I do miss everybody back home. Hope all is well.
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (N.O.C.)
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

What a storm again last night, ice hitting off of the over crowded shelter and wind like no other. I got an early start. I had some great views along the ridge. I managed to get up the hair to climb up another fire tower. I got to the N.O.C. around midday. I could smell the burgers from miles away so I had to have one with chili cheese fries when I got here. I had a lot to do, laundry, organize equipment and food. I decided to get a private room instead of staying in the hostel. I need to re-group my stuff. I went to the outfitter. I need to cut down on my setup time for cooking and the whisperlight takes too long. I'll send it home and have it sent up the trail if I need it. I met some new people here, Serenity and Grey Beard. I saw a Harley today and it made me long for a spin, but I have many miles to hike before I will see mine again.
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (N.O.C.)

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

I had a good night sleep last night but when I woke up I forgot where I was. I am not used to sleeping in a bed I guess. I did manage to get almost everthing done yesterday that I needed to. I had a decent breakfast and mailed a box back home. I started hiking a little later than I wanted to but only planned to do the 7 miles to Sassafras Gap Shelter. Some nice views on the way up. I got to the shelter fairly early and decided to try out the new alcohol stove that I picked up at the outfitter's yesterday. It works!! I boiled 2 cups of water with 1 oz. of alcohol. It was warm today, I wonder how it would be in cold weather. I might find out soon. After I ate I decided to go up from the shelter onto the ridge and set up my tent. There are quite a few in the shelter and I sleep so much better in a tent. I hung my food bag from a tree. What a sight to see me get it up there. I hope nothing gets it. I can't wait until the clocks change, it will be a longer hiking day.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: moderate rain

I had a little surprise last night. When I went to sleep the stars were out so I didn't put the fly on the tent, luckily I woke up and noticed that the starts were gone and put the fly on because shortly after that the sky let loose with thunder, lightening and rain. I also had a little visitor, a mouse ran up and over my tent, just checking me out. So in the end I have a slightly wet tent and it looks like more rain coming, so I'm in the shleter tonight. I was tempted to head off to the next shelter but I don't think I'm ready for a 15+ mile day yet. It rained most the day so I was also wet from hiking in it. It is a full shelter with new faces for me, so it is all good. I used the alcohol stove again and it worked well. I'm starting to get hungry again so I think I'll cook up some 3 cheese patatoes. Very soon I will enter the smokies so that will be interesting. There is a fellow "Echo" here and he has a tarptent like the one I'm getting sent to me in Gatlinburg. I quizzed him on the setup and oter info about it, he said I should like it a lot. So that is inspiring.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: moderate rain

Early start this morning, it wasn't raining when I started but within an hour it started to come down. I was in shorts and a short sleeve shirt and just kept moving to stay warm. I stopped for water at Cable Gap Shelter and had a snack. I pushed on and finished the 12.7 miles by mid-afternoon. I went down to the Fontana Dam and took a shower, called my Darlin and my mom. I'm presently at the Fontana Hilton, this is a very nice shelter. I thought about going into the village but rides were scarce so I bagged that idea. I think I have enough food to make it to Galinburg. I have to fill out a back country permit to enter the Smokies. I will have 8 days to go through. From what I have been hearing the toughest section down South is over. Echo has been hiking on and off today with me, he has thru-hiked before and has a lot of good information.
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Hike Inn (unexpected stop)
Miles today: 0.0

Miles hiked today 12.9 = 0 miles toward KatahdinI made an attempt to start up into the Smokies. When I started this morning it was cold, rainy and windy, just plain nasty. I was at 1715' of elevation. As I began the climb up towards Mollies Ridge Shelter which is 4570' the weather began to deteriorate drastically. There was snow, ice and very strong wind. I made it up to about 4000' about 5 miles from the road. I saw several people coming down as I climbed. When I got to about the 5 mile point or just before, there was a tent site that I considered setting my tent up at, but the wind was too strong, blowing at about 50 mph. I continued on and ran into a ridge runner coming down who strongly advised me to turn back. Considering how wet and cold I was I took his advice, after all the snow drifts were up over my knees and you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. As I followed the ridge runner (Grey Beard) down the mountain we saw more hikers attempting the climb. The ridge runner convinced 4 of them to come down, but 3 of them kept going. When I got to the bottom the ridge runner gave us a ride back to the Dam. I hit the bathroom to warm up a bit then called the Hike Inn which was full, but Capt. Chaos was looking to split a room, so they came and got me. nice folks here at the Hike Inn. They did my laundry and took us to town for food. In the end I gained some experience but gained no miles. BUT I AM WARM!
Date: 2005-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

NOTE FROM JULIE:I spoke with Draggin Friday night, April 1, he reached Fontana Dam in NC, he was heading back to the shelter for the night and entering the Smokies tomorrow. I received a call on Saturday, April 2 in the am from Draggin right before he was to hit the trail, word is the weather is awful but he will push on to Mollies Ridge Shelter, about 11 miles. An unexpected call from Draggin came in around 3 pm, he had turned around after hiking about 5-6 miles and returned to the Dam due to snow, wind and drifts above his knees which made it too difficult to reach the shelter. The hikers are not prepared for weather like this so many of those behind joined him on the way back. Draggin stayed at the Hike Inn for the evening to re-group. I spoke with him this morning, April 3, from the Dam once again, he said the sun is out and there isn't a cloud in the sky, he knows there is much snow ahead of him, but the trail should be broken already from those who left earlier which should make it a little easier for him to reach Mollies Ridge Shelter today. He is a little bummed that his camera died on him, but is hoping to be in Gatlinburg on Wednesday. I will be overnighting a new camera and some cold weather clothes items to get him to Hot Springs. Keep him and the others out there in your thoughts that they all get through this weather in one piece. To follow Draggin's journey, click on AT MAP 1 (dsl/cable) or here AT MAP 2 (dial-up) to see where he is.
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Hike Inn

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

I decided to give it another go today. The sun was out and a good forecast for the next couple days. It took a while before I hit snow, about 1 or 2 miles in. It was amazing to see where I was yesterday because you couldn't see a thing when I was there. The trail today was by fart he toughest because of the melting snow and the drifts. There was so much slush my feet were drenched early on. Once I made it to the shelter I realized I had made the right choice to turn back yesterday. When I got here, Hareball and Rocky were here. They had a fire going so I helped to get it going better. I tried to dry out my shoes, but they are real wet. I think it might take longer to get through those Smokies than I thought. The trail is real challenging witht he snow on it. The terrain isn't bad, just ups and downs, rolling. My spirits are still high even though yesterday was a 12 mile zero day.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was another twisty, slushy snowy hike. It was definitely better than yesterday but it was still tuff, taking me from 8:30 am until 5 pm to hike the 12.1 miles. I loved the terrain, and the views were spectacular. There are 8 here tonight. You have to stay in the shelters if there is room. This shelter has a cage over the front of it to keep us in and the bears out. Now I know how bears at the zoo feel. I continue to feel my legs growing stronger, but my achillies still does hurt towards the end of the day. The shrimp alfredo hit the spot tonight with a side of lentil soup. All the chores are done and I am on the verge of crashing for the night. I'm up in the top of the shelter again tonight. It is a little warmer up here I think. I still continue to miss Julie, my friends and family, but I have a handle on it. So far so good.
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After I wrote my journal yesterday as I was setting up my sleeping space I could hear coyotes howling. It was still light out. It was kind of eerie. I had an early start today which was good because Clingman's Dome was on the agenda. The trail is still very slushy and wet so my feet are soaked and have been for the last 3 days. Today was my longest day yet. It beat me up pretty bad. After reaching the summit of Clingmans there was still 4 miles to go to get to the shelter. I made it in by 6 pm. When I got here there was trail magic set up by a thru-hiker named Wildcat. Captain Chaos's father was here along with Chaos and Sargent Rock. This shelter is full. There was food which consisted of potatoes and onions, oranges, bananas, moon pies, pork chops, ginger bread, home made ice cream and beer too! I was glad I didn't have to cook. Tomorrow will be a nero day of about 4 miles then a hitch to Gatlinburg for a resupply.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it out to New Found Gap at a fairly early time. It helps when you know your going into a town. I got a ride from a guy along with Grey Walrus and Pathfinder. I made my way here to the Grand Prix Motel for tonight. I used the trolley system to get to the P.O. for my drop. I also received my new Tarptent and I'm very happy about that. I can't wait to try it out. I ended up walking about 1/2 the way back from the P.O. because the trolley is slow. I went to the Park Grill for a full rack of ribs...mmmmmm good! I have to try to set the tent up in the room so I can seam seal it. I need to re-group everything as well.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today is my first Hero Day, I moved to the Johnson Inn from the Grand Prix Motel. I had an awesome omlet for brekfast which took a while to eat. The other 2 hikers, Spruce and Domino, that were eating breakfast with me finished and left me there eating. While I was there I hooked up a ride for tomorrow to get back to the trail. There is a guy with a Hostel on wheels and he will pick me up in the morning. Most of the day I just hung around because last night I did all my chores including seam sealing my new Tarptent. I went to dinner at the Smokey Mt. Brewery and met up with Gray Walrus and Pathfinder. After dinner I made a manditory stop at Baskins & Robins for an ice cream sundae!
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

The guy ended up showing up after all. It turns out there were 8 that needed a ride back to the trail. I went and got a dozen donuts to share from a place called the Donut Fryer, they were very good. I got dropped off at Newfound Gap and it felt good to be back on the trail. It is so much quieter out here than in town. I went out to Charlie's Bunion, it was very foggy but I took some pics anyway. The terrain today was very mild and easier without the snow. Just a few patches here and there. I'm feeling the affects of not hiking for a day, it makes me feel lazy. I got to the shelter just in time, it started to rain. Strange weather, sun, rain, sun, rain. It is pouring now. It is a full shelter with 2 tents up outside as well. I chowed down some Leonardo De Fetticini and pea soup. I think I will be sleeping early, I'm very tired tonight. One thing I'm finding out about the Smokies is that it is very dirty. Seems like it is overused.
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was an awesome day and I started it off with a hot cup of coffee. The terrain was real mild or I'm getting stronger. The sun out makes everthing better and the miles melt away. I hiked some of the day with Sowega whose pace was brisk. There are so many people here tonight, over 25 in the shelter and all the tent sites are full. yappy has caught up today. She must be doing some miles. I really will be glad to get out of the Smokies. Too many people, too many rules. One more day and I'll be out. This really is a very interesting journey.