morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

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

April 7, to Sassafras Gap Shelter or beyondIts 11:00 AM and I've covered 134.1 miles. Feeling Great, spent lastnight in Rufas Morgan Shelter. Now in restaurant beside the NantahalaRiver. This stop is a very special location, known as the NOC(Nantahala Outdoor Center). It's where the trail crosses the river andhighways 74 and 19. I am having coffee and corn muffins. As I typethis I can see a class for river boater guides being conducted acrossthe river. See picture. Got cleaned up in the rest room here and amfeeling like a million. My cell phone is charging while I am taking thisbreak.This morning while eating we heard, then saw, a flock of geese. Beautifulcountry. Yesterday set record for distance so far. I covered 14.2miles. The Lord restored my leg strength overnight. Now ready to go.Hitting the trail again at 12:00. Have about 8 miles to do thisafternoon.Have notes for several journal entries but will send them later as Ihave time. My main objective is to contact Kitty & Don. Please help meget message to them. Will be at Fontana Dam Post Office between 10 andNoon. Found error in itinerary. Zero day at Franklin was mishandled; makes melook late. Working to catch up so date with John will be close. Moreon this later...got to go now.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter 

To: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

To Cody GapCovered only 11.9 miles although am pushing to meet Kitty at Fontana, have made up one day - only one day behind now. Got her on the phone today and confirmed that she will not be able to make the trip over to Fontana Dam. Takes a little pressure off.Camped at Cody Gap with Grasshopper. He is a real experienced hiker. Nice visit, beautiful place, nice water supply at spring about 250 yards down a draw. We talked about plans. He is going fast as wants to finish in time to do some of the PCT with friends.Talked about the virtues of starting early, hiking late, and staying out of town. If you want to cover the territory, don't leave the trail.Feeling stronger every day. Encountered first blister today - on left heel.
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Brown Fork Gap

To:  Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

April 9, to Fontana DamOnly 11.0 miles but stopped at 1:00 PM when I reached Highway 28. Got a ride to town and picked up mail. I am sitting on the front porch of Fontana Village General Store. Seeing lots of friends from trail. Moo Juice, Beagle, and two ladies from upper New York just arrrived to pick up supplies. Looks like several will be staying at the Fontana Hilton tonight. Still have to purchase my permit to enter the Great Smoky National Park. Will be starting through it tomorrow. Do not worry about the bears. In the GSNP you have to camp in a shelter. In case of filled shelters, only Thru-Hikers are allowed to stay in tents.Plan to get an early start tomorrow. I am carrying food for 6 days now. Will do my best to keep up with the plan.Love to all and thanks again to my wife and others for allowing me to take on the AT challenge.Strange as it may seem, you get to get on top of another peak. You don't even mind the climb. (Except for the really steep ones that go on and on). Expect to get a good night's rest and push hard tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-10
From:  Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

April 10, Into The Great Smokey National Park, 11.3 miles, Up 2795', to Mollies Ridge Shelter Total miles: 174.1. Got a late start today due to concerns about registering for back country camping in GSMNP. I finally left Fontana Dam at 10:00.Traveling with same gang, although we tend to spread out during the day. Especially me. I go the distance but am kind of slow. Surprised at how smooth the trail is in this park - not as rugged as prior mileage.Weather has been absolutely perfect. Sprinkled a little this afternoon. This shelter has a fireplace and I am sitting besides a warm fire. (Homer calls it our cowboy TV).Saw lots of interesting sites today. One ridge, about 2 miles long made me think of the old song, "Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Them Dry Bones". It is a place littered with moss covered old logs and all around is a small green plant ground cover with millions and millions of small white flowers. It's like the place was dead but now is coming to life. Pretty fitting for the day before Easter, huh? When we take one step tomorrow it will be a milestone of sorts (less than 2000 miles to Katahdin). I contacted son, John, by cell phone and am feeling much better about the schedule. Guess it's too early to worry about meet-up plans. It will work out OK. God bless you all. I certainly feel blessed tonight.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

April 11, to Derrick Knob Shelter, EasterWell, I climbed the famous "Rocky Top Mt today, elevation 5441'. About noon it started raining and has not stopped yet. The higher elevations always seem to have a little snow mixed in too. Today was no exception! Still was comfortable in long sleeve Tee and wind shirt.Strange thing, I have not had to blow my nose even once since leaving Pasadena. In the mountains I notice that my nose sometimes drips ever so slightly every once in a while but never seems to be irritated.After walking in rain/snow for about 6 hours I decided to dedicate this day to my sister Darla. Before leaving home, she told me I should have some good old Texas chili some night. That's exactly what I did and it was, as she would say, "Wonderful". Thanks Darla for a good suggestion.In the Smokey's we are required to stay in the shelters. This tends to more or less regulate how fast you travel. I am not yet in the 15-20 mile category of hiker yet and the reason is I just refuse to go at an uncomfortable and unsafe speed for me.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: moderate rain

April 12, Third day in Smokey'sWow! Today was like an odd mixture of skiing, duck hunting, and roller derby. It is fun to walk in bad weather with just the right stuff. Don't think all my friends and family would have enjoyed it though. Fascinating country and beautiful vistas - I suppose. Who would know? I walked all day in a cloud and lots more rain. Did not fool around with my umbrella today because this was serious weather. I used my rain jacket for the first time today. Thanks for the new big trash bag, made another pack cover. Wish you could have seen me slipping and sliding down the trail.Fell twice though nothing serious. Stopped at Siler Bald Shelter to fix a cup of soup and cup of tea for lunch. Was joined by High Trailer and Joanne. We are together again tonight at Double Spring Gap Shelter. Stopped short at only 7.2 miles for the day. Cold and rainy. Tomorrow will go over highest point on the Appalachian Trail - Clingmans Dome (6500') and pass the highway from Gatlinburg. I do not plan to go to town. I will be into the region that I walked with my friend, Mack Kimbrough several years ago. Expect to find the area still heavily infested with tree frogs.Didgit, the U.S. Forest Service Officer, said that Homer went home to Memphis because he is not feeling well. This news makes me very sad. I hope you can join us again soon Homer. If you are off the trail long I will really miss you. Keep in touch by pocketmail and let us know what's going on. Got to go to sleep - after all its 7:27 PM!
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

April 13, to Clingmans Dome and BeyondHaving gone to bed at 7:30, the call to take care of business came dutifully about 4 hours later. This, to me, is one of the little ways I know the Lord God is protecting me. Its not that I have to go to the bathroom regularly, its the timing of the whole matter. Up at 11:30, it was sprinkling - only minimum clothes required. Just as I returned to the shelter the bottom fell out of the sky. I don't mean to say it started to rain hard. It was more than that - and it has continued for over 8 hours!We will be skiing down the trail more than ever before. Tell Mack I expect to retrace the section we walked several years ago. Clingman's Dome was completely socked in, so I could not take any beautiful and majestic pictures from this the highest point on the trail.Passed Gatlinburg (Newfound Gap) at 2.22 and went on to stay at Icewater Spring Shelter. The trail is like walking down a little stream bed; lots of water. If you have been following the weather you may know that it has continued to rain all the time. However, about 12:30 the rain turned to snow. It became very cold and about 2 inches accumulated by the time I got to shelter and fixed dinner and went to bed. There nine people in the shelter. I was last one in and got to bed about 9:00.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel - Davenport Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

April 14-16, Finish Great Smokey'sBeen thru sleet rain and lots of snow. Too much to tell about. Got lots of pictures. For two nights everyone in the shelter with me turned back because of rain and snow storms. On 14th I finally decided to leave Icewater Shelter at 11:00. I walked through heavy snow as about 3 more inches fell during night. Total mileage: 13th-13.8 mi, 14th-7.4 mi, 15th-12.9 mi, 16th-10.4 mi. Plan for Sat 17th is 14.1 mi. I am getting a late start and will leave Standing Bear Hostel at 10:00. Having to forward food as have too much now to carry. Total miles as of Sat morning is 237.5. Have now completed more than 10 percent of the trail and still going strong. In last three days, the trail has been wet and cold with lots of descents. Picked up some blisters but nothing too bad. Duct taped and ready to roll!
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Max Patch Bald Mountain

To: Hot Springs, N. C.
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

I Can Do This Thing (April 17, 18)How time flies when you are having fun! Have now been thru the worst of weather and terrain. Have learned you can adjust to anything. Would like to dedicate the last couple of day's (yesterday's hike) to my mentor, friend, and former manager at Shell, Dan Jaeger. Dan always encouraged me to train nearer to my maximum heart rate. Yesterday, Sunday, was my first time to exceed 15 miles in the mountains. (Its all mountains so far). I Did 16.1 miles. On Saturday I made it to Max Patch Bald Mountain just in time to experience sundown. What a site. Makes you feel like you are in Tibet or something. Have some great pictures.Saturday I did not even pitch my tarp. Slept out under the stars with no covering. I did put up my umbrella when the wind picked up in the early morning.Must move on now. Total miles so far 270.9 miles. Weather is perfect.xxxxHere is a recap of miles since Franklin, N. C. Starting with zero day on Sunday, 4/4. 0, 12.3, 14.2, 7.7, 11.9, 11.0, 11.3, 11.7, 7.2, 13.8, 7.4, 12.9, 10.4, 14.1, 16.1 (Sunday 4/18). xxxxxxThe other night I had to get up twice for the usual reason, I just waded out thru the snow wearing sandals on bare feet. Today I walked 3 miles before breakfast. I am in the Smokey Mountain Diner in Hot Springs, Madison County, N.C. Just finished breakfast. Two eggs, three slices of ham, grits, biscuits, butter, jelly, and a big glass of milk. Now I am topping all this off with a piece of apple pie and cup of coffee.I am going to the grocery store then across the French River Highway 209, past Lovers Leap Ridge and on to Sprong Mt Shelter - and maybe beyond. Hey John, unless a miracle occurs, I expect to be 40-50 miles shy of Damascus on the 28th. Will keep you posted on my progress.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Hot Springs, N. C.

To: Spring Mountain Shelter.
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

April 19 I have found it hard to journal when trying to stretch out the miles. I changed the type of shoes I was wearing from a hiking boot to trail runners. Developed good sets of blisters on little toes of both feet after changing to trail runners. I taped up with duct tape. Still have the toes but have not looked at the blisters after once taping.The trail becomes less rugged and a bit smoother once out of the Smokey'sThe pine bark beetle has been active but am seeing more conifers.This note is a little short but I have some good pictures (to be posted later). God bless you and I'll will write more in my journal later.The people you meet along the trail are so nice. It's like one big family. I have learned the hard way to not skip meals. If you hike, you've got to eat.
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

April 20, Covered 15.4 milesThere has been lots of rocks but most of the trail was smooth enough to allow good progress. I am almost to the 300 mile mark and will pass that tomorrow.I am extremely happy to report all instances of poison ivy are false. They were nothing but bug bites.Have purchased and become big fan of Dr. Burt's Res-Q Ointment. The one in the green can. I have used it everywhere and it works great. Good stuff.Traversing portions of the rocky splines today was a surprise. Have pictures.
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

April 21, To Hogback Ridge Shelter, 14.8 miles.Have you ever heard of "Talking Trees". Often you see where trees are fallen against one another so that the trunk of one rests in the fork of another. The trunks rub together in such a way that they make a sound when the wind blows. It sounds like a human voice. Strange sounds.At this shelter the trees moaned and groaned all night. Did not bother me though. Slept great and ready to go in the AM.Have started taking regular breaks and cooking lunch. It works great.At lunch I encountered a local gentleman who came up out of a holler and stream. He was collecting Nodding Trillium. This is a mountain spring tradition. This man stopped and visited a while. After showing interest in his activity, he showed me how to find and gather this special wild leek and how to identify a wild form of leaf lettuce. Was able to add both to my lunch. The wild lettuce was especially nice. Good full flavor, a little like Romaine.
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap, US 19W
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

April 22, LostTALK ABOUT CRAZY! I have developed a new appreciation for the new moon. This night I got to campsite late (about 7:55). I fixed supper, packed up food bag and set it next to my tarp - about 40 yards away. By the time I got back to pick up dinner in my cozy, the sun had gone down completely and it turned pitch black. Even with my headlight and a hand-held flashlight, I could not find my tarp. I wandered around in the woods for at least 45 minutes. Considered eating and sleeping by a log and wait until morning when I could find my way.I finally stumbled on a hiker in a tent, "Lonesome Wolf", and he helped me get oriented and back to my campsite. I was so relieved. Needless to say, I slept like a log. Thank the Lord, the weather is turning very moderate. Was my 31st day, covered 15.6 miles and camped near Spivey Gap at US Hwy 19W.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Spivey Gap, US 19W

To: Erwin, Tn
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Total miles: 338.9. Looking to cross the 400 mark soon.The stories are just too numerous to tell! Talk about adventure - this is it. Staying tonight at Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel. Good fortune never seems to end for me. Still no injuries- although I did fall off the trail this afternoon. Nothing serious. Covered 11.3 miles and arrived in town about 2:15 PM.Hitched a ride with a local-retired gentleman who took me directly to the post office. I got my mail drop and started walking out to edge of town. The same man picked me up again and took me directly to Uncle Johnny's.I am staying in a very comfortable bunk house. Thing is, this place also has private rooms and cabins. Ha ha, everyone wants to have a private place and that makes mine private also because I have the bunkhouse to myself at $10/night. It really is nice. Wood stove, two TV's, foosball, books and magazines, and a nice place to write.Just got back from a dinner trip to town. Transportation shuttles are provided by the hostel. I ate at Amigo's and got a really good Mexican food fix. I had the Monterey Special which is the biggest dinner on the menu. Wonderful.I am going back to town (about 3.5 miles from Uncle Johnny's) to eat at "the best breakfast place on the entire trail" Elms Restaurant. (Will report on that later) Also plan to mail pictures home and bounce some stuff forward to Damascus.April 23, Arrived Erwin, TennI am the only one from the hostel who wanted Mexican food. Cell phone works so had nice visits with Mary Ann, sons, John, Mark and also with Noel while eating. [Again, thanks to Larry Gardner for encouraging me to carry my cell phone.]Was nice to get a shower. All clothes will be washed and dried by hostel tonight. I am wearing my silk shirt and rain pants.After dinner I was able to pick up pop-tarts and a foil package of tuna to supplement food.At this point I have completed about 15% of the trail but maybe 75% of the really difficult terrain. They say the next 30 miles or so will be tough with steep climbs but very much worth the effort. Will send pictures.Getting sleepy.......
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Erwin, Tn

To: Deep Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.0

April 24th, Erwin to Deep Gap at 350.9 total miles (12.0 miles today)Its 11:43 A. M. and I am still on the front porch at Uncle Johnny's. My legs and right ankle need the rest. Will start out on trail in about an hour. Expect to complete 12 miles before stop tonight (regardless of when that might be). This place has been a wonderful and refreshing stop. Will be about a 24 hour stay.I have laid out a schedule for next few days. Will be in town of Roan Mt, Tenn. on Tuesday.   Have some very special places to see. By Friday afternoon I expect to be at TN91, about 20 miles from Damascus. How's that for making up time against the schedule. Expect to check in by cell phone with John at least every two days (if cell service is available).We made a breakfast run to town this AM. I had two pork chops, three eggs, two biscuits with gravy, cup of coffee and glass of orange juice. So much for my extreme makeover diet.Got to get moving. Report in later.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Indian Grave Cap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

April 25, Indian Grave Gap to Clyde Smith Shelter, 17.0 miles Longest day yet. Wish you could see me now - all huddled up under my tarp the next morning as I write this. Normally I would be packing up and fixing breakfast but it's been raining fairly hard since about 2 AM. I kept dry last night. Sleeping bag is safely stowed in its waterproof sack.Anyhow, the day was largely uneventful. I hiked late and got in here at 7:50. Seem to go faster at the end of the day. I stopped for lunch. Cooked a pouch of tuna in Ramen noodles, ate some pita bread and some Moose Goo. Ultra Light Joe's Moose Goo is a mixture of peanut butter, honey, corn flower, and powdered milk. Mary Ann makes it real thick. It becomes harder with time and you can just break off a piece and eat it. Its a little like the inside of a Rhesus (sp) bar.I met Stairmaster at lunch yesterday. He is an MD from Indiana. Said he would like to go to a Sunday worship when possible. Nice conversation with him. Told him about a good shelter I heard about. It was a converted barn. Thought it was this one but found out it's the Overmountain Shelter. Will try to get there next.So long for now. Must pack up and get going. You know, they say, "If you want to get to Maine, You have to hike in the rain".
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 37.9

This Journal is not available. It will cover from 04/26/04 through 04/28/04. When these Journals come in, they will be added for the days that come in.The 37.9 mileage is for three days hiking and not the distance that he covered in one day. We added that in at this point to get his total mileage correct.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

JOHN BRASWELL Day - April 29thWe did good on this day. Made contact with my son, John, and set distance record all in the same day. Starting off I got up early, did not cook breakfast, and left Sanguine sawing logs at 6:15. At bridge on road to Kincora, I talked briefly to an old retired gentleman who was fishing there. He had two trout but it was very early in the day. I Keep getting the idea that Tennessee would be good place to come back and fish. Streams are beautiful.Worked way down into gorge where Laurel Falls is located. Got lots of good pictures including first Mountain Laurel in bloom. Pretty good climb up out of stream to top of Pond Mt Flats (1900' to 3700') Very steep. Started doing regulated rests i.e. 25 good steps and 30-60 seconds rest, then 25 more, etc. This allows me to recover enough to make decent progress and sustained effort as long as it takes. Got down to Watauga Lake at 2:00. I met John there being shuttled by a Rogers Mountain Outfitter (MRO) van a few minutes later. We sorted thru supplies and sent some back to Damascus with the shuttle then started hiking together.We crossed the dam and went up Vandeventer Mt road. Had nice visit on the way. Met three trail maintainers. One was toothless and barefooted, carrying a chainsaw down the rocky trail! We felt good so continued hiking. Went all the way to Vandeventer Shelter (climb 1980' to 3620') Got in late and low on water - about 7:45.Not knowing any better, we went to get water. Its about 0.3 miles straight down thru very rough country. Fixed dinner using the MSR Whisperlite, which John learned to use very quickly. Slept in the shelter since we had never put up his loaner tent from MRO.My feet were very sore. Our total miles for the day was 20.2 and 426.7 miles for me from Springer. Used orthodics all day and they caused major bruising in the instep.
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Virginia Creeper Trail
Miles today: 6.5

May 2 - Happy Birthday Mark DayToday was spent hiking with several attempts to call son, Mark, on his Birthday. He had Army Reserves and was not able to connect. "Happy Birthday, Mark"No Journal for this day. Tree Frog and John visited with Cyndi Fisher's relatives. (Cyndi is John's Office Manager and hails from that part of the country). Johnny and John were able to attend Worship Services that morning (Sunday) and then after a big lunch, began a short day of hiking.