morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Derrick Nob Shelter

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

Checking in for all inquiring minds.3-30 These old feet covererd 13.5 miles today from Derrick Nob Shelter toMt. Collins Shelter (5,900') 35.8 miles from Fontana Dam, NC 3 days ago. I spent the night with Goliath, Beer 30,Centipede, Phoenix, Sleeper and several other hikers. I stopped at Silers Bald to have lunch and call Bonnie. We "fight" each other to talk because the service is so unreliable and we each want to get out our message before we are disconnected. She wants all the details and I want to have a conversation -"Mars and Venus"! By the time my trip's over we'll have the perfect system worked out. It's ironic because I got the cellphone to "stay connected". I knew I didn't need the damn thing, but everybody else knew better and I was dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century of telecommunication only to be dropped off the ledge into silence! I've never had so much fun - my fingers are too fat for the pushbuttons and I can't see what I'm doing without my glasses! I'm still trying to learn what commands perform what functions and I don't have it on while I'm hiking. Are we having a good time now? The weather's been cold and rainy with intermittent clear skies which reveal the most breathtaking vistas. Peak after peak for mile after mile. Even if you dreamed it; you couldn't feel it and photos don't do it justice. You must make the walk. I am humbled by my surroundings and eager to share my experiences. I have made frienships that I won't soon forget. There is a unique trust and camaraderie on this trail. I am convinced that all who walk it are forever connected. Be well and know I am fine. Life is a gift; be grateful...
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Unexpectedly had to leave the trail today. Covered 2.8 miles to Newfound Gap at US441 (5,045') and hiked the extra 6 mi out to get a ride into Gatlinburg.Several of us spent the night at the Grand Prix Motel and plan to be back on the trail tomorrow. We will need to cover about 15 mi. in order to keep the pace and be thru the Smokies within the 7 days allowed by permit.Last time I was in Gatlinburg was summer of '71, on my way to Grad School, at the University of Oklahoma - Sean was 6; Jim was 3; Curt was yet to be...
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Gatlinburg

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Spent the night with Goliath, Walkabout, Mad Dog, Caboose Bobitz & Labowski and Holly. Long day;long walk;little to say. Rain rain go away! No talk of April Fool's Day on the trail! I think that's a tradition of another world...
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Oh boy - BIG THUNDERstorms last night! One band came back at us 3 times - lightning display was unbelievable; monster cracks of thunder! The shelter was full with my trailmates and others: 2 med students from GA, father with 3 daughters and 2 middle aged guys from Atlanta. There were several tenters and tarp tenters - awful weather conditions. Drenching rains and loud booms made for restless sleep, but I was warm and dry.Called Bonnie today around 4:00 and when she answered she was out walking with Kathryn. Kathryn got on the phone and I said hi, but it was very quiet on the other end of the line. When I arrive Hot Springs, NC my pack is being replaced with a loaner until mine can be fixed. Asked Bonnie to send maps, blank calendar sheet, AA batteries and that delicious trailmix/gorp - it's replaced peanut butter in my diet. I love it! Happiness is the little things...
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Cosby Knob Shelter 

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

Out of the Smokies!Standing Bear Farm is located about 1.5 miles from Waterville School Road (which is at 74 miles on the trail from Fontana Dam where I entered the Smokies on 3-27. Temps are in the low 70s today and I walked about 5 miles R/T from the trail to have a kick-butt hamburger, fr fr and coke at Mtn. Moma's. Was it worth the xtra steps? You betcha - it was THE BEST!On my way back from lunch I stopped on I40 to call Bonnie. I figured there should be good cell reception along a major highway (maybe my phone skills aren't great but my science is strong)!She told me of her "time change" challenges with home electronic equipment and I told her about the thunderstorm I had just walked thru before finally arriving at ridgetop with a magnificent view of the valley below. Life is different here...Jimmy, you'd love the fishing!Hikers along the way today: Moat, Parkay, Headin' Out and Taggin' Along.Hot Springs, NC I hear you calling me from what's been an emotional leg on this journey...
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 33.4
Weather: clear sky

Hi to all who have been following George's hike - it's been a cakewalk for us!This is Bonnie and I just wanted you to know "Sandman" hasn't journaled any details since April 3. I did get 2 voicemail messages from him yesterday and he said he'd call me today. He's in Hot Springs having walked 34 miles in 2 days and 4-5 was a 19 mi. day! I think that's his longest walk to-date. Below is a sketch of what he had to say in his msg:He's going to "veg" out; at least shave his neck; use the hot tuband had a great a massage. Sounds to me like he's living life "in the hammock"!There is NO cell service in Hot Springs (what else is new)!He picked up a new pack and shipped his back for repair. (I sure hope this solves his strap problems).His mail drop hadn't arrived yet(I mailed it Priority on 4-4 because he told me he'd be in Hot Springs Fri/Sat -(I sure hope he gets it before Sunday. Otherwise, he's at the mercy of the US Mail and will have to decide whether to move on or wait). There is no standard for PRIORITY mail - it depends on volume and many other circumstances as they relate to the destination Post Office location. *****Could this mean my job's on the line? I doubt it!***** He's going to dinner with "Sleeper" and his wife (guess George forgot her name)!Stay tuned for the rest of the story.Bonnie writing for George aka
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

It was about 9:30 Fri. morning when I left Hot Springs, NC (after picking up my trail drop)to continue my walk north on this bitter cold and all too wet trek.   The days are full as I try to be on my way by 9:00 - 9:30 in the morning and walk 'til 6:30 6:45 at night. There's not much left in me at the end of the day except what's needed to set up, cook, clean up and hit the ground. I have lots of energy, but I'm spent by day's end. Weary would be a good description and I continue to receive far more than I've given. I thought the Smokies would be bad, but the 11 miles today from Hot Springs to Spring Mtn. Shelter (3,300') were "a bear" and NO I haven't seen any, but I did get some photos of coyote scat.Nothing happens unless first a dream.  - Carl Sandburg -
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: ...In Memory
Miles today: 0.0

To all who knew him and those who wished they did...I am updating with sad news which I delayed posting out of respect to the Nix family who lost a beloved member in Paul who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on 3-30 at the Mt. Collins Shelter. "Phoenix" was spirited, caring and sharing. I knew him only briefly but he left a lasting imprint. He will be remembered as a good friend to all who crossed his path and shared this trail journey. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. "The Clock of Life"The clock of life is wound but once,And no man has the powerTo tell just when the hands will stopAt a late or early hour.Now is the only time you own,Live, love toil with a willPlace no faith in tomorrowFor the clock may then be still(author unknown) I am reminded that all I have is this day...
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Spring Mtn. Shelter

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

Walked nearly 16 miles today in rain and clouds. I was soaked and nothing dried out overnight. 3 layers on the top; 2 layers on the bottom. My hands were cold and I kept them warm by moving my hot coffee from my left pocket to my right and alternating hands in my pockets. Stayed at Jerry Cabin Shelter (4,150')and it was frigid overnight.   YES I am having a good time!
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Sun. 4-9:It cleared overnight but the temps were frigid and my boots are frozen!The mtn. tops are all crystalline with ice and the valley is full of clouds. It's very beautiful. I've been taking lots of pictures - probably a hundred or so since the last photos and I plan to send the card home when I reach Erwin, TN (which is only a couple of days walk). I've pretty much walked alone over the past few days, but there are others along the way and in the shelters at night.I called home this morning and left a Happy Easter msg. on the answering machine. Later in the day when I spoke with Bonnie I realized I was "ahead" of myself in thought only!My goal today is Hogback Ridge Shelter which is 15 miles away and I hope to talk with Sean,Jim, Curt and their families before my day is done.I'm coming home, but I can't walk that fast...
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 26.9
Weather: clear sky

Before you think I'm the Bionic Man - the 26.9 miles logged covers 13.5 miles yesterday from Hogback Ridge Shelter to Whistling Gap where I spent the nightand the remainder is the walk from Whistling Gap to Erwin. I'm good, but not that good YET!**************************************************************************Hello from Erwin, TN and "Miss Janet's" House! Today's 13.4 mile trip into Erwin was downhill from 5516' at Big Bald to 2850' at Temple Hill Gap and then another 4 miles into Erwin at the Nolichucky River (1700') Much of the trip was over sandy ground - home to prolific spruce and rhododendron. Reminded me of when I was a kid on Cape Cod and would walk from my house in Gray Gables to Minnie Dunn's for penny candy. That ground, too, was sandy and covered with pine needles. I hadn't thought about that 'til I traveled backwards in my mind to another place another time. I should also say the weather's been beautiful. No clouds in the sky and some flowers are just blooming spreading a pleasant scent that I can't identify but do appreciate. Life's small pleasures deliver big rewards! There are 2 competing hostels here in Erwin: Miss Janet's and Uncle Johnny's.Legend has it that there's bad blood. All I know is Miss Janet's is a "must" stop on the AT and everybody wants a bunk so I consider myself lucky to have one! There's lots of activity at Miss Janet's as everybody has an agenda to fulfill and time is of the essence. There are people everywhere and her neighbors don't like her guests encroaching their property. Do you get the sense I'm in a frontier environment? My plan is to refresh and resupply: shower, laundry, food and a good night's rest before heading out again tomorrow by noon.I have been on the trail 30 days now and continue to pray for good health and the strength to continue onward. Tomorrow I will "begin" again conscious of my environment and listening very carefully.I am ever reminded...Nature is the Art of God.Sir Thomas Browne
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Erwin, TN

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

Was up 'til 10:30 last night and that's a record for the world I now live in!Ate at "The Elms" last night and had the Blue Ribbon of all hamburgers so far this trip - The Elms Burger. This burger is served on a loaf of foccacia bread with lettuce and tomato - it's huge and definitely the award winner to-date pushing The Hiker Special at Mtn. Momma's in the Smokies to Red Ribbon status.About 11:30 this morning Miss Janet gave me and Goliath a ride to the trailhead at Nolichucky River Valley. I didn't have time to mail anything from Erwin before we left because it's just too damn busy and when the van leaves you'd better be ready!Gorgeous sunny day! We walked together until Goliath went ahead. Maybe we'll meet again tonite. My destination is Beauty Spot Gap and judging by it's name, I guess it must have another something special for the mind's eye. Anybody up for a short walk with me? Let Bonnie know and she'll give you my cellphone # so you can call and make plans. Just keep in mind: I don't have it on while walking, but you can leave me a msg and I'll get back to you.I stopped briefly at 5:15 about a half mile from Beauty Spot Gap and was watching smoke. I sure hope it's a controlled burn!I hate it when I resupply! Now I'm carrying 5 days of food and I'm very sensitive to the extra weight. "Big Agnes" will be calling me early tonite...* Footnote: Walked 1 mi beyond Beauty Spot Gap and spent the night at Deep Gap
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

I added a footnote to yesterday's journal: spent last night at Deep Gap Shelter which was 1 mi. beyond Beauty Spot Gap. Some of my shelter mates were Goliath, Tricycle and Bonesaw.Today was a good day walking - good weather, good spirits, good views. There was a short shower, but it didn't interfere.   Shelter mates tonite are 4 guys I haven't seen before and Luke, who used to be called "Moat". I saw 2 deer tonight. One was no more than 20 ft. from me and it was looking right at me before laying down. It didn't know I was there because it would never have spent so much time. My scent probably wasn't detected because of the wind direction. I could hear snorting sounds off in the distance. Don't know what it was because I couldn't see the source, but my guess is another deer.   Tonight there are big clouds in the sky and it looks like rain's heading this way. As long as I'm dry it can pour! I am weary, happy and at peace.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Steep UPs today...UGH! UGH! UGH!Temps in the 70s and I'm liking the warmer temps. The day ended with a magnificent view looking into a gorgeous valley full of pastures and small orchards of trees I can't identify. Mountains in every direction.Overmountain Shelter is an old barn situated at 4,682'. It has a couple of levels and I am going to sleep on the lower level under the barn which will be cool as it's open to the ground. But, the upper level has no windows so there's no view to be enjoyed. Goliath, Tricycle and Luke are here. There are also a couple of hikers who were at Miss Janet's in Erwin, TN - Patches and Senator.When I tell you the ups were VERY steep today I can only compare them to climbing the Imp (at Dolly Copp in the White Mtns. of NH) over and over and over again - not a tough climb, but very physical and 13 mi. of that is exhausting! Every time you think you've reached the top; there's another turn and more up!This shelter is about 33 miles from Chase Mtn. Road where I turn off for the Kincora Hostel where I hope to be in another 2-3 days. Tonite there are 5 guys along with Goliath, Bonesaw, Tricycle and Luke staying here with me. And, there could be more before the "shades come down".Did you know that VA is home to about 1/4 of the AT which means I'll be spending a lot of time in VA. The days are getting longer and so are my walks. I should be in Damascus, VA in 5 days and that will be about 460 mi of one step at a time...
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Stream
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: moderate rain

Covered much ground today from Overmountain Shelter (4,682¢).Climbed over Little Hump Mtn. (5,459¢) through Bradley Gap, UP andOVER Hump Mtn. (5,587¢) along Doll Flats through Elk Park, NC and Roan Mtn. TNPast US 19E (2,895¢) on to Bear Branch Rd., Buck Mtn. Rd., Campbell Hollow Rd. Campsite, Walnut Mtn. Rd. and FINALLY called a "halt" at Stream. Couldn¢t go another step...The fat lady was singing! It was OVER... Walked 20.1 miles today and that .1 mi is extremely important! I set up at Stream which is about 1 mile beyond Walnut Hill Mtn. Road (in case you¢re trying to find me)!Weather¢s been clear for the past week so things are getting better¢¦makes for better walking conditions. I know I¢ve said it before but it¢s straight UP after straight UP followed by more straight UP¢¦this old man is being physically challenged and reminded daily of age, endurance and stamina. Funny aside: at one point today I met Tricycle coming toward me on my hike and he asked me what I was doing going in that direction. I replied, I think you¢re the one going in the wrong direction¢¦he had made a left turn on the trail ahead of me and it brought him back in a loop which put him about 45 mins. back in his trek. We had a good laugh!Gotta watch those white blazes! What is a "blaze"?"A blaze is a rectangle of paint in a prominent place along the trail. White-paint blazes two inches wide and six inches high mark the A.T. itself. Side trails and shelter trails use blue blazes; blazes of other colors and shapes mark other intersecting trails. Two white blazes, one above the other, signal an obscure turn, route change, incoming side trail, or other situation that requires you to be especially alert to changes in direction. In some states, one of the two blazes will be offset in the direction of the turn."What if I don't see blazes?"Distance between blazes varies. In some areas, blazes are almost always within sight; in areas managed as wilderness you may encounter only four or five per mile. If you have gone a quarter-mile without seeing a blaze, stop. Retrace your steps until you locate a blaze. Then, check to make sure you haven't missed a turn. Often a glance backwards will reveal blazes meant for hikers traveling in the opposite direction. Volunteer trail maintainers regularly relocate small sections of the path around hazards or undesirable features or off private property. When your map or guidebook indicates one route, and the blazes show another, follow the blazes."¢¦and now you know the rest of the story!I had a 20 min. roundtrip in the dark tonight to get water¢¦eery. My headlamp was my guide and Tricycle, Bonesaw, Milk Dud and Train were my overnight companions.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Stream

To: Kincora Hiker Hostel, Dennis Cove, TN
Miles today: 14.0

Happy Easter from Kincora Hiker Hostel Dennis Cove, TNArrived here about 5:00 PM and "had nothing left in me". I walked 14 mi. alone today in 84 deg. ¢ I¢m spent! And, I didn¢t see the Easter Bunny!Kincora is a great stop in what some declare "one of the greatest places on the whole Trail". Bob Peoples, trail maintainer, and his wife Pat have run Kincora since 1997.I arrived just in time to enjoy the remnants of a wonderful Easter meal, to throw in a laundry and make the 20 mi. shuttle trip into town to resupply before I CRASHed and BURNed. Familiar faces with me here: Goliath, Fog, Milk Dud, Luke, Bonesaw and TrainNew face: Figgy It¢s 50 miles from Kincora to Damascus, VA. They say this section is easy and most people can piggyback 20 mi. days to get there.   The questions is: AM I one of THOSE PEOPLE? Time will tell¢¦
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Kincora Hiker Hostel, Dennis Cove, TN

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Bob Peoples gave me 2 pieces of fleece to wrap around my pack straps. I have no meat on my collarbone and shoulders (having lost 15+ lbs.) and it's made a great difference in comfort.Goliath cooked a great ham and cheese omelet for breakfast before we left Kincora. We chowed and hit the trail.Beautiful day hiking wearing only shorts and t-shirt.Then, the skies opened up and torrential downpours washed over that calm, serene, inner peace that had been my earlier hiking companion. And, I walked in rain and thunderstorms for a time, but nothing posing serious danger.For any of you that have read "Lord of the Rings" I found myself feeling like the curious character of Tom Bombadil who merrily roamed as "Master of the wood, water and hill"..."Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow,Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow.None has ever caught him yet, for Tom, he is the master:His songs are stronger songs, and his feet are faster."There is a curiousity of Nature that pervades my thoughts. I am intrigued by all that I can see and know that there are far too many mysteries in this world to be solved. And, it makes me laugh, because I had a 5th grade teacher who wrote on my report card that I was a good boy who had no aptitude for science...I bet I could have taught her a thing or two! But, I will not hold that against her.Today I saw my first SSSSSSSNAKE...about 36" long, stretched across the middle of the trail in an area which was about 3' wide; river on one side and cliff wall on the other. But,I accepted the challenge, and tapped the rocks with my hiking poles as it slipped into a crevice. Not nearly as intimidating as the 1972 Rattlesnake Roundup in Oklahoma in which Sean and I participated. I DON'T like snakes!But, I do love Nature and step by step; day by day we will continue our dialogue.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Long day walking - 12 hrs. Again, the weather's cooperating and I've got my sight set on Damascus. I left Watauga Lake Shelter (2,100') about 8:00 AM   and climbed up to Vandeventer Shelter (3,510') and hit Iron Mtn. Shelter (4,125') about 4:20 after walking 13.6 miles. The shelter was packed with thru hikers and there was a church group there for the night. I still felt good and knew I had more left in me so I decided to walk the extra 7.9 miles to Double Spring Shelter at Holston Mtn. Trail (4,080'). I arrived at 8:10 PM and had to cook in the dark. There were 5 others in the shelter, but they made room for me. The sock liners Bonnie sent me were bugging me. The seam was making my foot uncomfortable. Milk Dud didn't have any liners so I gave them to him. I hope he finds them more comfortable than I did. By the way, Milk Dud is from Rochester, NH and went to school with Andy Clement, the son of good friends, whose family has camped at Dolly Copp in the White Mtns. of NH for generations. I first met them when Sean was 7 and Jim was 4. I knew his mother and father when they were sweethearts as teenagers! And, I knew Andy when he was a baby! Another "small BIG world story".No matter how far I roam; I'm always reminded of home...
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: moderate rain

Greetings from Damascus, VA another milestone accomplished!(GA, NC, TN, VA)Was on the trail at 8:00 AM and walked in thunderstorms 'til 11:30. Every 20-30 mins. I thought it was over and then BOOM, CRASH another round of thunder, lighting and rain, rain, rain. The air changed, the fog rolled in and visibility was about 30'. I got cold and put on my fleece, hat and hood. My wind pants dry fast, but my underwear stayed wet. My boots were sloshing and my socks were soaked, but I stayed warm. I stopped and had lunch at the 10 mile mark before continuing on - 18 miles with wet boots - not fun! But, my feet were okay and I didn't get any sores. When the sun came out it got hot as hell, there was no air and the temps were in the 70s. No complaints; just the facts.Crossed the Virginia-Tennessee Line 292.7 miles from Fontana Dam, NC 3.5 miles before DamascusI am spending 2 nights at the Montgomery House which is in the center of town. The Trail goes right through the town which is about 200 yds long and 4 streets wide. It seems to be a friendly place and there are lots of people here. They celebrate Trail Days in May and the population booms.As an avid biker, Jim Cinamon may be familiar with Damascus because the Transcontinental Bike Route passes thru here.Familiar faces: Luke, Moat, Energizer BunnyTomorrow I'm going to the Outfitter and get some arches for my boots and new sock liners.Now I'm off to dinner at Dot's for a cheeseburger and fries. Still on my quest to rate the BEST burger on the Trail. I am the hiking "Phantom Gourmet"...