morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

The change from standard to daylight savings time has me all messed up. I keep thinking it is earlier than it really is. Not that time makes any difference to a hiker--up at light, walk, eat a few times in between, and go to bed at dark.Today was a tough hiking day due to the steep and rocky trail tread. The drop in to Unicoi Gap (2,949')is followed by a 1,000 foot climb to Rocky Mountain (4,017') which is appropriately named. It has been hot hiking.While sitting on a sunny knob, I talked with Carla about 10:30 am, my morning break which is the same time she is driving to work. Good timing.I passed Grambo at the Cheese Factory site-she was making camp for the night.There are a lot of day hikers on the trail enjoying the unusually warm weather.At Tray Mountain shelter (4,200'), I met up with 357 Magnum, Beach Bum, Conquistador, Blissful and Paul Bunyon. White Crow left just as I arrived. We spent the late afternoon being rock lizards sitting in the sun and enjoying the view. We compared notes on wildlife sightings and very few people have seen much-a few birds, turkeys, deer, etc.Most folks are going to town tomorrow and will take a town day. But, I suspect we will meet up again as we seem to be going about the same speed.
Date: 2007-03-12
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

The hike today was a lot of ups and downs and I am pretty tired. I met a few day hikers on the trail, but not like yesterday.I did see my first flower today, a yellow buttercup. There were also a few Juncos around as well--more commonly called LGB's for Little Grey Bird.It was another warm day, sun screen, t-shirt and shorts for hiking. I am also getting a tan line along my hands from the treking pole straps.Only Freight Train was at Plumorchard shelter (3,050') when I arrived, but we were soon joined by a large group of folks from town. I am not sure if I captured all the names, but it included Johnny Hand, Twig, Cruise, Lee Boner, Chris, Applesauce, and Kara. In addition, Conquistador and Dana (now Sniper) are here.We spent the evening around a great campfire. Part of the crew decided to make a beer run, but could not get anyone to come to the trail head with any beer. It was a great try.We did not see the copperhead snakes at the shelter stump, maybe they come out later in the summer.
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

It is 5:15 pm and I am sitting at Standing Indian Shelter (4,760')with the place to myself. Still trying to decide if I should push on and take on Standing Indian Mountain today or save it until tomorrow morning. Although it is not as warm as yesterday, I still spent the day hiking in t-shirt, shorts and sunscreen.1996 Thru Hiker "Mountain Mike" and his dog "Dorothy" were here when I arrived, but he went on to camp at the summit of Standing Indian tonight.Thinking about 05', I recall a great deal more water along the trail. It is very dry and water management is very important. Conquistador and Sniper were talking about wildfires along the trail at the shelter last night. It's not too hard to see why.Most of the shelter crew from last night was stopped at Muskrat Shelter (4,600')as I passed by there. I am assuming they are opting to stay there tonight.I was passed by Freight Train about 10 am and by Conquistador and Sniper about lunch time. Except for one section hiker, I did not see anyone else along the trail. Today I crossed the first state line going from GA to NC. Muskrat Shelter is the birth place of the "Old Pro's" a legendary backpacking group that included Dave Sherman (US Forest Service) who retired about the same time that I did. Dave and I worked on several projects while I was in the Washington Office and on the Green Mountain National Forest. Dave is one of the all around good guys who did a lot to promote the AT within the FS and worked hard to acquire and protect many of the needed acres and miles of the AT. Thank you Dave--I am really enjoying the AT and appreciate not having to go around condos on the crests.
Date: 2007-03-14
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: MP 103.9
Miles today: 20.8

About 6 pm last night, folks from Plumorchard began to arrive. Some of the group dropped off at Muskrat, but most came to Standing Indian. We had another great fire and I crashed about 8:30 pm. Freight Train is packing a large, but light wind up battery radio so we have been listening to "oldies but goodies" tunes. It sprinkled a bit of rain last night, but today it is still warm and sunny. Same attire, t-shirt, shorts and sunscreen.Each big toe has one large blister and today one of them decided to break. Not painful, fortunately the mole skin is working. Hopefully the other one will hang on until I get to Franklin where I will take a town day and do some medical repairing. No pain, no rain, no Maine! I crossed Standing Indian Mountain today, which is the first 5,000 foot peak and it is 5,498'. It felt so good, I continued on and crossed Mt Albert at 5,250 feet and it didn't feel so good. But I did manage to cross two 5,000 foot peaks in one day. No one counts gaps or the low spaces between the high places. At Mt Albert is a sign recognizing the valuable work of the Forest Service Research folks.I had lunch at the new Carter Gap shelter (4,540') which is a really nice shelter. I crossed several camps, water sources and peaks that Brian and I enjoyed the in 2005 and it brings back fond memories. After Mt Albert, the trail is a long slow glide downhill to Rock Gap (3,760'). I planned to stop at Big Springs shelter (4,940'), but it was so nice walking I kept going, past Rock Gap and camped on the ridge just past the old Highway 64 crossing. Still not seeing too much wildlife, but I did see some spiders and a centipede which means the snakes are not to far behind in coming out from hibernation.As of today, I have traveled 100 miles, another first.
Date: 2007-03-15
From: MP 103.9

To: Winding Stair (Franklin)
Miles today: 2.7

Today I was up at 7 am-in the dark. Cooked breakfast of hot cereal (oatmeal) and packed up camp. I arrived at Winding Stair Gap (3,700') at 9:30 am. A real short hike day. At Winding Stair, I met Crutch who gave me a shuttle ride to Franklin and the Haven Budget Inn.I called Carla and will call her again later tonight. I did a load of laundry, took a shower and visited the all you can eat (AYCE) buffet. It is 65 degrees at the bank.Conquistador and Sniper are here, but plan a return to the trail today.Crutch is a multiple thru hiker who works up and down the trail. He is staying at the Budget Inn and runs the free shuttles to and from town. A really nice guy. He has also helped other hiker hostels with reconstruction and construction projects over the years. He plans to join Jamie and Paul this fall and give them some help.I plan to stay in Franklin for two nights and will return to the trail on Saturday.News down the trail is that the north side of Clingman's Dome is covered in hard ice and very difficult to cross. Guess I will deal with that next week or so, a lot can change before I get to there.
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Winding Stair (Franklin)

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I am in Franklin today taking a town day. A huge storm is rolling thru the area and it is raining a bunch. It is suppose to clear off today and turn to partly cloudy tonight. Then the temperatures are suppose to drop to 29 and then 22 degrees during the next couple nights. I will get back on the trail tomorrow so will be out of contact for 3 or 4 days until I get to Fontana Dam.Met Crutch, Silver, PaPa, Eleven, Umbrella, Habitual Hiker, Colonel, Calamity Jane, bonnie, Moon Pie, Ken and Stephana.
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Franklin

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6

Got up early and went to breakfast, same place as yesterday. It was 29 degrees when I went by the bank on the way to breakfast. Have checked out of the Haven Motel and am about to head back to the trail. It has been the traditional great stay at the Haven. Ronnie and his great crew continue to do an outstanding job of caring for hikers. I recall the first time Ronnie met us at the trailhead. He has not changed a bit, and the stories get better all the time. He has a few more folks working here now, but they are also all really great. I'll stay here next time I get to Franklin. Yesterday, I took my photo chip to the Hobnokers Internet Cafe about a block down the road from the motel. I had a great coffee, burnt a CD of my photo's, spent an hour on the internet updating trail journal, got some technical help with my computer incompetence and left a total sum of $8. Another great business in Franklin.Time for the bus ride to Winding Stair. I hope everyone stayed dry in the last storm. It looks like a few cold days ahead. I should be at Fontana in 4 days.Rode the shuttle back to Windingstair with Ronnie as driver. It turned out to be a very cold day for hiking due to a strong NW wind. I kept my gloves and hat on all day and as long as I was moving, it was not too uncomfortable. The hike was just a long haul in wind and cold. Stopped at Wayah Bald (5,342') for a long rest break. Did not see any wildlife until camp when I got a glimpse of an owl in a tree. There was trail magic at Burningtown Gap (4,250') in the form of a large Yert tent with a heater. We camped on an old road on the ridge in a low spot to get out of the wind. But it was still a really cold night. I am camped with 5-String and Eleven.
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Nantahala River NOC
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

It was cold last night, but I got up early after the windy night. It is in the single digits for temperature. I had to knock the ice off the inside of the tent before I could roll it up. It was windy most of the day and my water filter was frozen so I put it in an inside pocket to thaw it out, and then pumped water at the next spring. Fortunately the springs are warm enough so they are not frozen and once you start filtering water, it keeps working until you stop. Once I got down to Nantahala River (1,740') it was much warmer, and the wind has died down. I got a room at NOC and bagged dinner as I was too tired from all the up and down hill climbing for the day. My tent and sleeping bag is hanging from the rafters to dry out.The blisters on my toes are the same, no better or no worse. Hopefully they will get better soon.I enjoyed a quick view from Jump Up Lookout (4,000'). There is snow up ahead. Even though it is cold, it is clear and sunny.The trail has icy spots due to the recent rains and now cold so it makes for some slow going. I met Sniper and her husband at the river. I should be in Fontana in a couple days.
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Nantahala River NOC

To: Brownfork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The rooms at NOC share a common eating area and I talked with some river runners (kayaks) from afar. It was an interesting conversation leaning about how much the technology and gear has changed in the last ten years.It turned out to be a very long day traveling from NOC to Brown Fork Gap (3,800'). The 16 miles was a stretch, but going over Cheoah Bald (5,062') from NOC (1,740')and then a few ups and downs in between made the hike a bit challenging. But I am here and if all goes well, I will be at Fontana and then I can start thinking about the Smokies.I did not see many people on the trail-3 hikers/campers going south and 2 women from the next county east, out for a day hike. The two women gave me some water which was really nice. Crossing Stecoach Gap (3,165'), I could not find the water source and there is hardly any water between NOC and Brown Gap.I heard that Eleven was ahead of me otherwise, most of the Franklin Group is south of here.Just as I left NOC, I saw a large owl sitting in a tree. Except for a few LGB's, no other wildlife today.Here at the shelter is Lindsy and her dad Craig, and Elsa and her dad.
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Brownfork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Visitor Center
Miles today: 13.0

First day of spring and it is warmer, but still cool and it has been cloudy most of the day--but really good hiking weather. It is suppose to remain tonight and showers tomorrow in the AM. But, it is then suppose to be good weather for the Smokies, I'll be lovin' it.I am staying at the outstanding Hike Inn with Jeff and Nancy Hoch. My laundry has been done-thanks Nancy! We were shuttled to town for dinner, Mexican and then a short stop at the Ingles Grocery store. I called Carla from the Ingles parking lot as there is no cell coverage at Fontana. I was hoping to get the T-Journal updated, but I guess that will wait till after the Smokies.Thru's here are Eleven and Tree Man. Also met Lisa and Brian who hiked the Smokies south bound. We plan to be on the trail tomorrow about 8 or 8:30 am. Good night!
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Fontana Visitor Center

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up about 6 am and took a shower, made oatmeal and packed up my stuff. Nancy sold me some alcohol ($1.29) for my stove and we were off to the Visitor Center. We (Treeman, Eleven and I) left the Fontana Dam about 8:30 am and started the long trek from the dam (1,700') to Shuckstack Mountain (3,800') and eventually to the top (4,775') Devils Tater patch. We had great weather, sunny but not too warm. We are staying at Russell Field shelter (4,360') which has a bear cage net across the front. Seems like a cave more than a shelter.I did see a deer today, along with a robin and a few LGB's.We met Rebel with a Cause on the trail and he is heading south to Mollies Shelter. He will start his thru hike on April 5 and is out training. He is testing a new hiking stove for Coleman and he has all the information on White Blaze dot com. Don't know if I'll see him again, but it is along way to ME.Tonight, Eleven, Treeman, Elsa and I are the thru hikers at the shelter, along with Bob and his friend who are weekend hikers. The shelter has a loose piece of tin which is banging in the wind--shelters!My pack is really heavy due to all the food, good news this is the heaviest pack that I will have to carry for the whole trip. Less food to carry from here on!
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Sort of a late start today, I did not get out of camp until 9 am.   Lots of day hikers and overnight campers on the trail-going north and south. Elsa and Eleven went onto Double Spring Shelter, but I stopped here at Siler's Bald Shelter (5,460') as the last 1.7 miles more was more than I could do. I am pretty tired from the ups and downs and heavy pack. Tomorrow, I'll get over Clingman's Dome-highest point on the trail. The last trail report from a south traveler is there is still ice on the back side of Clingman's Dome and at Ice Spring, but the trail has routes to get around--really good news. I think the warm weather the last couple days has made a big difference.The wind is keeping the LGB's grounded so there is not too much wildlife around.I am the only thru hiker at the shelter, there are two Air Force guys on a break from school. It is interesting that they will be stationed in Spokane at the end of school--small world. There is also a couple of law students from Chattanooga in tents next to the shelter.Blisters are doing better, but still using mole skin.Called Carla, but the signal is pretty bad, and it kept dropping me.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Siler's Bald Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Over the top. At elevation 6,643', Clingman's Dome is the high point and it is now behind me. It was a great view from the top where I enjoyed my lunch. On the climb up to Clingman's Dome, I saw a deer on the trail. Being over Clingman's Dome is also a psychological high as well as it means I am over the part of the trail that can be closed down for weeks due to bad weather.Not that there are not other high points up ahead, just that the options seem better to get out of the bad weather if needed. I hope the thru's following have the same good luck making the crossing. I was able to get around the ice slide on the down hill. It was not too bad, but would have been bad if I had stayed on the trail.Called Carla just before the summit and had a good signal, it is always nice to talk to Carla.I met up with Elsa at the Mt Collins shelter trail and we hiked to Newfound Gap (5,045') together. The climb from Newfound Gap was not too bad, just a lot of uphill climbing. We were also celebrities at the Gap as everyone was interested in talking with the thru's. We must have passed 30 or 40 hikers today.At the Ice Water Spring shelter (5,920') is 5 String, Eleven, Elsa, Brain, and Pinky thru hikers and 6 overnight campers.I met "Tweety" a 2002 thru hiker who is planning a PCT hike next year. She was out day hiking above Newfound Gap. While I was taking to Tweety, 5 String ran by us on a steep section of the trail--oh to be young again.Some folks built a campfire tonight."Brain" had to get off the trail for a week due to blisters, but he is back and walking with a bit of a hurt. But he is headed north and happy to be back on the trail.
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

A scenic cruise in good weather from shelter to shelter. Lots of picture taking and casual travel-this was really a very fun day. Talked to Jim the ridge runner and got a couple chocolate covered peanuts. At the Tri-Coner Knob shelter (5,920') with Eleven, Elsa, 5-string, Brain and Pinky.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: scattered clouds

A long slow glide downhill with a few ups out of the park to Pigeon River (1,400')and then a steep section of trail to Standing Bear Hostel. Great views and lots of pictures. Weather is really hot and I saw 3 snakes today. Guess spring has them already out and moving around.Not too many people here at Standing Bear, the usual from the park, plus White Crow is here. Washed clothes and am catching up on the T-Journal. I will be getting a late start, and have enough food to make Hot Springs in a couple days.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The stay at Standing Bear (SB) was fun. Curtis is a true "nice Guy", even when he is not at the top of his game. SB is/has a bunk house, cabin, kitchen, internet, phone, washer, dryer, showers, composting outhouse-all for donation, i.e. no set fees. Food is extra and there is a small but adequate selection to get you to Hot Springs. We had a campfire and got to listen to 5-String play and sing some tunes--he is great.Washed clothes and updated T-Journal, but it was a tight squeeze as the internet and public phone are connected to slow line. I'll do some editing and updating in Hot Springs.Late start out of SB-10 am and serious steep climbs. Man is it hot around here-80's plus and I look like I have been living in a sauna. Salt lines on my shirt, pants, boots and pack. My glasses are turning white like a salt mine. I started the day at 1,800 feet elevation and topped out on Snowbird Mountain at 4,263' (with a few downs and ups in between) in the first 5 miles, took a drop into Deep Gap at 2,850' for a rest, climbed over Max Patch (4,629) and then rolled into Roaring Fork shelter at 3,950' in a total of 15.4 miles.Max Patch Summit is pretty scenic. Great views in all directions. There are rain storms to the south (from where I started) and to the west--but dry on me. There was a cool breeze on top. I took a few pictures of scenery and CB and Elsa--note Elsa's new hair do which is the compliments of White Crow by the campfire.At Roaring Fork, there are 4 thru's, CB, Mean Joe, Elsa and me.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

From Roaring Fork Shelter, I cruised over to Lemon Gap (3,550')on a nice flat trail with lots of water. Then I trekked up Walnut Mountain (4,260') before dropping into Kale Gap. Turned uphill and climbed to Catpen Gap (no cats) and then huffed and puffed up Bluff Mountain (4,686') and it is still hot.From Bluff Mountain, the trail could be a nice downhill grade to Hot Springs (1,326'), but NO! The builders of this trail section went over every knob and down every gap so it is a harsh trip even with all the down hill. I hiked with Elsa most of the day and CJ and Mean Joe were right behind us into Hot Springs.I am now in Hot Springs-hiker friendly town right on the trail and I will take a town day tomorrow, put my feet up and watch blister healing. I am staying at the Alpine Court because Elmer's is full.I ate dinner at Peddler's Pub with Brain, Pinky and Elsa. Dinner was beer, chicken wings, burger, cheese cake and chocolate brownie--all good hiker health food.Next stop is Kincora.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent my town day doing the usual town day stuff, i.e. washed clothes, fixed gear, modified pack, picked up a few odds and ends at the outfitters, picked up mail drop and updated the T-Journal. Ate breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner which was really good, especially after all the trail food. I skipped lunch (due to the late breakfast) and then had dinner-beer and burger at Peddler's Pub. The beer was great, but the burger was so-so. I went to dinner with 5 String and his brother.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Very long day. Up early, took a shower and went to Smoky Mountain Diner for breakfast of French toast. I thought long and hard about the skillet dish, but after seeing how big it was yesterday (yep, 5 String ate it all!), I figured I would never get up any hills with that size of a load. After breakfast, I packed up my pack and headed north at 8:15. It rained with thunder and lightening last night so the trail was wet. A cool weather front is moving in so the temperature has dropped about 20 degrees to the 50-60's and it is very windy. I hiked by myself in the AM and then 5 String and Eleven passed me at lunch. We hiked to Little Laurel Shelter (3,300' and 19.6 miles) where we camped out. The real hard part was the ups as we gained over 3,700 feet in elevation today.There are a lot of people at the shelter--7 people in the shelter and 7 tents with 9 people around the shelter. The brisk wind is making it really cold. Met Umbrella and Habitual Hiker (from Franklin group), Nimble Toes and Shadow, and Riders of the Storm(Aqua Man and Chris).While coming off Rich Mountain, I met Fitch, Cocoa and Monkey slack packing south to Hot Springs.