morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Deep Gap

To: Wallace Gap on Old Hwy 64
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I'll have to divide this entry again as yesterday I had trouble getting a signal. EASTER SUNDAY -- April 5:Was able to worship with the good folk of Watauga Baptist in Franklin. They had put us up in their guest house. Then after the sunrise service we were treated to a breakfast before we were driven back out to Deep Gap. We started hiking around 10:00 and began out way up Standing Indian Mtn. It was a very nice Davy for hiking and Ice-fire and I made good progress. We had planned to camp at Betty's Creek but heard a weather report that it was to begin raining the following morning. So we decided to push on and summit Albert Mtn while it was dry. We made it just before dark but it took its toll on us. My knee is swollen and the plantar fasciitis in my foot has flared up big time. Our camp for the night wasn't the best. My tent was on a slight slope so I kee sliding to one side of the tent all night. Got very little sleep. MONDAY, April 6:Was up and hiking by 7:45. Rained on us most of the morning. But we made it down to Wallace Gap and caught a shuttle back into Franklin.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Wallace Gap on Old Hwy 64

To: Brief Interlude
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It has been a difficult couple of days. Ice-fire and I woke Monday morning following our exhausting hike the previous day and quickly packed up before the rain came. I had not slept very well and began to notice a queasiness in my stomach. Also I was very weak and light headed. Some of this, no doubt, was caused by not eating any dinner the following evening. We headed out and made our way to Wallace Gap pausing at the Long Branch Shelter to filter water. It was there that I decided I did not have the strength to make it over the 800 foot climb between us and Standing Indian Gap. So we hitched a ride there and then caught the shuttle into Franklin. Got a room at Ron Haven's Inn for the night. I felt really lousy. Yesterday's scramble up Albert had reaggravated the pain in my right foot. Also the right knee was swollen and painful. And I think because I had walked abnormally -- due to these injuries -- I was feeling some pain in the shin area. But my biggest concern was my digestive track. My stomach was very queasy. I wasn't vomiting but felt like it. What concerned me was that we had learned that all five of the rescue men who had come up the mountaintop in the night to evacuate Gorp -- all five of them came down with the same symptoms. Now I was wondering if I, too, had not contracted some bug. After a night's rest there in Franklin I decided I could not hike out again until I got a few things straightened out. So I decided to rent a car from Enterprise and drive home for a few days. It was hard to part with Ice-fire -- especially after we had just lost Gorp and Special Ed, but it was necessary. I am at home in Philadelphia, MS now. I've had a good night's rest and this morning I was able to eat eggs and toast. Today I hope to see my Chiropractor for back issues and get a haircut. My knee feels better and the pain in the foot isn't as severe. My hope is to get back up to NC in the next few days. I may have to skip a section in order to catch up with Ice-fire but would love perhaps to link up with him before we head into the Smokies. I figure it may reasonably take him five days to reach Fontana, so we will see. Sorry about this interlude to all of you who have been following my journal. Oh, a funny thing -- on the day we hiked into Wallace Gap we met a man on the trail -- a section hiker. Right away he said to me, "You look familiar. Do you have a journal?" it turned out he had been reading my journal and recognized my face. It pleased me to hear him say, "You look as if you've lost a lot of weight. " I've lost 14 lbs. Okay, I'll keep everyone informed.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Brief Interlude

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

I'm enjoying my brief time off the trail while missing it all at the same time. My trip home has been quite providential as it has afforded me the opportunity to visit my chiropractor for a back adjustment which has given me some wonderful relief from the spasms I had been experiencing. I hope to see him once more for another adjustment. I've spoken with Ice-fire who arrived at the NOC today. I had thought I might rejoin him in a couple more days at Fontana and resume my hike, but I now feel this premature. My present notion is to monitor his progress and time my return in order to intercept him in Hot Springs around the 21st. I've decided that hiking the AT is indeed a balancing act -- trying to keep the physical, mental, and emotional all in balance. There are so many things that can go awry to force one off the trail and returning too early can be a mistake. So, I'm being very deliberate here. My knee and foot issues are improving and I'm using my time to sift through my gear and make a few substitute changes. For instance, I think it will be warm enough by the 21st to pack out my light weight rain skirt and leave my heavier rain pants at home. I'm also thinking of packing out my lighter FrogTogg poncho instead of my rain jacket. It's still way too early to switch out sleeping bags but I was pondering keeping my same bag all the way up the trail anyway. I've also had time to rethink my food bag. Some items I was packing early on no longer appeal to me. Funny how your taste changes out there. I eat peanut butter here at home all the time but for some reason after some time on the trail even the thought of PB makes me gag. I'm learning to adjust. So, all in all I'm thankful for these days of respite from walking. I'm enjoying being with my wife and my church family and the chance to sit here in my Laz-i-boy watching the Masters Golf Tournament on TV. A big HELLO to Ice-fire, D.no & C.shell, Chicago, Emma (the fair maiden of the boot hanging tree), Tank, Rabbit, Bald Eagle, Paige & Yuke, and all the rest. I miss you all and look forward to seeing you all again real soon.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Home

To: Time to Head Back
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It has been nearly a week since I stepped off the trail and it's time to head back to it. I've enjoyed this week of rest. Mostly, it would seem, I have passed the time eating and sleeping -- catching up on both. Oh, I was able to get a few things done. I did get to see my Chiropractor and have him work on my back. It feels better. I was also able to get a haircut. I tinkered with my leaf blower and was able to get it to working. I was able to see my G'daughters and take the family out to lunch one day. We chose to eat at Brent's Drug Store in Jackson -- where part of the movie, The Help, was filmed. Then, I was able to visit a few folk here in our church and to worship with them all yesterday. That was fun. So, it has been a good week. I've missed all my friends, but I missed the Mrs. most of all!The plan is to skip a section and catch back up with Ice-fire and Gorp. I spoke with Ice-fire last evening as they lodged at The Hike Inn near Fontana. A big HELLO to Jeff and Nancy there! Anyway, their plan was to enter the Smokies today and they hope to reach Newfound Gap on Hwy 441 (roughly halfway through) early on Thursday. My plan is to rejoin them there. On Wednesday (15th) I have arranged to rent a car and drive back up to Franklin, NC. Then on Thursday morning a friend of mine has agreed to drive over, pick me up in Franklin, and shuttle me up to the Newfound Gap crossing. If I am unable to connect with Ice-fire and Gorp there before they hitch into Gatlinburg for resupply, then I'll find them that evening at the Icewater Shelter just north of the Gap. Sounds like a plan!I'm thrilled that my Smokies permit won't be totally wasted. My pack is ready, as well as my food bag. I think I've enough meals and snacks to get me through to Hot Springs, but I may have to pick up an item or two at the Standing Bear. The forecast calls for significant rainfall in the GSMNP over the next week with rain called for each day and night. So, I'm hoping the hiker bubble has thinned down some and the shelters aren't full. I hate to pack up a wet tent!I want to thank everyone who has written or called or signed my journal to express good wishes and prayers and concerns. It is nice to know that so many are monitoring my progress and want to see me succeed in this quest. Look for my next entry from the Trail!
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Time to Head Back

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Caught up with my buddies, Ice-fire and Gorp, today. The only problem was that they had already gone into Gatlinburg (yesterday) and were planning on a ZERO for today. So here we are. But that's okay. It's good to be reunited. Those of you who may be paying attention to the accumulation of my miles may recognize that my hiking figures will be out of wack with the official mileage for the location on the trail I may be reporting. The reason for this is that I have chosen to skip over 100.7 miles of the AT to catch up with my buddies. That's how far Ice-five walked in the week I was texting at home. So, my choice is to seek to make up those miles later or forget about them. For now, I'm choosing to forget about them and hike on. Hope this doesn't disappoint too many of my readers. Walking around this very sprawled out town with them today I figure we got in at least five miles of unofficial walking. The grocery store is way, way out of town. Fortunately a trolley goes there. But it has been exhausting to wander around as they sought to resupply and pick up a few additional items. And of course it was raining again. They tell me the rain has been nearly none stop for a week now. I hope the pattern changes soon. Our plan is to head back out in the morning. There is a free shuttle that stops outside our motel which will take us back up to Newfound Gap. We figure we've three more days to finish with the GSMNP and then three more days will see us into Hot Springs. Time for a nap as Ice-fire is washing clothes. More tomorrow from the soggy trail we call the A.T.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner
Miles today: 10.4

Had some trouble getting out of Gatlinburg. The shuttle driver never showed up and there were 9-12 hikers all wanting to get back up to Newfound Gap. So Gorp, Icefire and I walked down to the main road and began hitching a ride. Two men in a truck stopped and gave us lift. But it was almost 11:00 before we began hiking. It wasn't raining but it was wet all day -- like we were walking inside the clouds. So there were no views. No rewards for the climbs. As far as 1,000 foot climbs go, our climb out of the gap was easy as the trail is graded for tourists. Finally made it to the shelter which is 0.5 off the trail down a steep side trail. Felt good to get there and find space inside the shelter. Got into some dry clothes and Cooked up some dinner.
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Pecks Corner

To: Cosby Mnob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9

Beautiful day after the sun broke through. It felt heavenly. Were treated to some great views today. Long day with lots of climbing so I was quite tired by the time I reached the shelter. The last climb up and over Cosby Knob was grueling but Gorp and I made it to the shelter by 2:15. Great shelter with the water source right by the shelter. Ate two suppers as I was very hungry. Full shelter tonight but not too many snorers.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Cosby Mnob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: moderate rain

Last day in the Smokies. Rainy again. It began during the night and rained all morning. Started out in my rain gear but after I while I stripped it off. Too hot and I was soaking wet anyway. Took Icefire and me about 90 minutes to climb up Mount Cammerer. After that came a long six mile downhill stretch into Davenport Gap. The trail was very muddy and slippery. At some point my left foot shot out from under me while my right foot got held up. The end result was a badly twisted knee. Limped on into the gap and then up over a shoulder of a mountain until I reached the Green Corner Road. The hostel is just a short walk up that road. Got a bunk and a shower. Have washed my clothes and gotten some food into me. I'm resting on my bunk. Hope the rest and ibuprofen will do the trick. Weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow is lots of rain and possible storms. It's pouring outside right now.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Interesting day. Woke this morning to cloudy and rainy weather. The three of us (along with nearly everyone else here at the hostel) decided we would just stay put and enjoy a ZERO. So we say around in the kitchen drinking coffee and swapping stories for an hour or so. Then the sun started to shine, the clouds began to go away and by 9:00 we were seeing mostly blue skies. So Icefire and I began to talk about doing a slack pack hike. I thought that my knee might hold up to some walking if I wasn't carrying a heavy pack. So we spoke with Maria, who runs the hostel, and arranged for a shuttle up the trail (Max Patch) so we could hike back to the hostel. We were loaned a couple of day packs for our use. We carried only a few essentials and it was glorious. Walking with only five lbs on your back is the only way to go!We were dropped off around 10:45 and started a brisk pace back. I did good until the final climb of the day -- the 1,300 foot climb up Snowbird Mountain. About halfway up I ran empty on energy and low on water. But with the Lord's help I made it. Found Icefire up on top taking pictures of the tower and the panoramic views. We stayed together on the long descent back to the hostel. Upon arriving, we sat down by one of the rushing streams here and soaked our feet until we couldn't feel them anymore. Then a hot shower was in order. This was followed by one of the biggest hiker feeds I've ever seen. There must be several hundred people here tonight. Bluegrass music is being played. And the food -- I've never seen so much. I loaded my tray with pulled pork and potato salad and slaw and sweet potato casserole and Mac & cheese and baked beans and banana pudding and brownies and . . .   Well you get the picture. Then I waddled back to sleep the bunkhouse to rest. I'm waiting for some room to magically appear in my stomach so I might head back over for seconds. Anyway, a great day. My back did well with no heavy pack and my knee feels okay. In the morning we hope to head out to reach Hot Springs on Wednesday.
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Max Patch

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

A long, long, long day! Woke at the Hostel (Standing Bear) and started packing the old backpack. Coughed all night long and not feeling too well. Mid section hurts from the coughing. But I've got it to do. A nice lady (Curtis' Mom) drove Icefire and me back up to the Max Patch road where we would resume our walk north. Very cold this morning and the wind is fierce as we work our way to the summit. But the sky is clear and so we were afforded a 360 degree view of surrounding mountains. Couldn't stay long due to the wind so we headed down the other side. The walk from Max Patch all the way to Lemon Gap is super nice -- mostly a gradual downhill walk which parallels Roaring Fork Creek. Wild flowers of unknown varieties were blooming everywhere. But by the time we reached Lemon Gap I was in trouble. My cold was settling into my chest and I could hardly breathe. It felt like something heavy was sitting on my chest. Another hiker gave me a Musilex tablet. But I didn't feel as if I could continue -- especially knowing we had Walnut Mountain (@800') and Bluff Mountain (@1,300') just ahead of us. I told Icefire to go on without me and I intended to sit there by the road in Lemon Gap until a car came by -- hoping to get a ride into Hot Springs. I sat there for nearly twenty minutes. No cars. But the Musilex must have started working because I began to cough up a lot of flim and mucus. Finally I could breathe again. So I put my pack on and followed Icefire up Walnut Mountain. I felt horrible but just kept putting one foot in front of the other and made slow progress. Walnut is crowned with a small open bald area and soon thereafter I dipped back down to Walnut Shelter. I had hoped I might find Icefire still sitting there over lunch -- but no one was around. I sat at the shelter and ate some lunch before continuing. The climb up Bluff Mountain is tough even when you're not sick. But again I just took it slow and worked my way up. After I crested the summit and started down I came upon Icefire sitting by the trail eating his lunch. He was very surprised to see me and we both were glad to hike on together. His goal for the day had become Deer Park Shelter. We knew if we could make it that far we would only have 3.2 miles to go in the morning to get into Hot Springs. So we set out for the shelter. It would be a 17.6 mile day. Late in the afternoon I was basically stumbling along with no energy or strength left. Don't know how I made it but give the Lord the credit. Upon reaching the shelter I set up my tent as quickly as I could, cooked a little dinner (even though I felt too tired and sick to eat) and crawled into the sack. A long day was over.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Tanyard Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Icefire and I were the first to leave the shelter this morning and head into town. The thought of a big breakfast at the Smokey Mountain Diner motivated us. We only had 3.2 to go but it started out with a nice climb. This started me coughing again but we continued on. Before long we were headed down and sounds of the town and the French Broad River began to drift up to us. As you reach the bottom, the first sight we saw was Baltimore Jack sitting out in front of the Laughing Heart Hostel. We talked a bit with him before heading on up the Main Street to the diner. It felt glorious to drop our packs out front. Quickly we made our way inside and located a booth where we could access an outlet for recharging our phones. We both placed our orders. Mine was a monstrous plate with three eggs, hash browns, country ham, with a side order of biscuits with brown gravy. I washed it all down with a large glass of chocolate milk and multiple cups of coffee. Once we were full (and I do mean FULL) we walked on up to the Post Office to pick up a resupply box Special Ed had sent there. With what it contained along with Icefire ' bounce box, we both nearly re supplied our food bags for the coming days. I stopped in the Dollar General Store and picked up some medicines. After getting a few other items at the Outfitters and having lunch, we headed out of town. Our goal was to only hike on a few miles, making it a short day after yesterday. It was still early when we made it to Tanyard Gap. We found a flat spot just north of the gap and set up camp. It was wonderful to crawl into the sack early. It rained a little after I was in the tent -- but not much. It did turn into a cold night but I was cozy in my bag.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Tanyard Gap

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 10.4

Very cold walking today. The wind just cut through you. We left camp around 7:00 and began our climb up Rich Mountain -- another 1,200' climb. The sun was coming up over the mountains but there didn't seem to be any warmth in it. When we reached the side trail to the tower, I watched our packs as Icefire climbed to the top.   From there we worked our way over a number of cold and windy ridges to reach Spring Mountain Shelter. Met Shewe and Food Truck there. Made our way the long descent into Allen Gap. Turned right up the road a hundred yards or so to Mom's Grocery. Years earlier there used to be a filling station there but the building has been empty for years. Just a couple of years ago the family reopened the tiny store. Hikers should not look for this store to be a solution for resupply. But they do have snacks and sandwiches that can be heated in the microwave and they have hot dogs and cold drinks. It was nice to drop our packs, sit in large stuffed chairs inside by the stove and drink a cola out of the wind. While at Mom's we learned that the forecast for tonight was below freezing. So we decided right there to head for Hemlock Hollow Hostel off of Log Cabin Road to take shelter there from the cold. We are here now. Both of us have showered and eaten a large burger. We're waiting now on milkshakes. My cold is worse. My cough is much worse. I'll head back to the bunk house soon to dose up on my meds. Don't have any phone signal here. Don't know if I can continue.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel

To: Off Trail Sick Leave
Miles today: 0.0

Rudy to the rescue! Called my friend who lives over east of Asheville. He was willing (once again) to come to my rescue. I'm sitting here at the hostel this morning awaiting his arrival. Hoping a few days off trail might give me the chance to get some strong meds into me -- perhaps even see a doctor -- whatever it takes to knock out this crud in my head and chest. Icefire hiked out this morning after breakfast. I hated to not be able to go with him but in my present condition I'd only hold him back. My hope is that I can rejoin him in a few days in Erwin. Providentially this may enable me to avoid some nasty wet weather due to hit this area this weekend. By Monday it is supposed to clear up again. I'm sure the weekend rain and wind would have made my condition much worse. So I'll try to take a few days to get over this cold. Chat with you more once I rejoin Icefire in Erwin.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: More Reflections

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well, the past couple of days have been most beneficial for me. Being able to stay in the home of my good friends, Rudy and Molly, get some good medicines into me, and most of all, get some needed rest, has made it possible for me to head back to the trail. Rudy drove me to Erwin this morning, arriving at Uncle Johnny's just fifteen minutes before Icefire walked down out of the hills. We loaded up and Rudy drove us both down the road to the Holiday Inn where we will spend the night. Icefire is busy washing clothes. Then we must make some decisions about our hiking plan for the days ahead. We're about nine days from Damascus so we must decide where we might do another resupply somewhere before we get there. There really is just a couple of options -- either in Roan Mtn or in Hampton. We'll figure it out and then go shopping for the supplies we will need before leaving here in the morning. So, stay tuned to this journal in the coming days as I report on walking through one of my favorite sections. Can't wait to see Roan summit once again and the Overmountain Shelter and Hump Mtn. Nine days to Damascus -- wahoo!Addendum:Just got back to the hotel from lunch. Just up the road we found an AYCE Pizza place. It was great. I think there must have been about fifteen of us in there -- all hikers. Those folk had to work hard to keep enough pizzas out on the buffet line. After lunch we wandered across the street to pick up a few items at the supermarket. I didn't need much but bought some tortillas and a tub of cream cheese. All that's left for the order of the day is a nap, some TV, and then later we get to go eat again!??