morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was a long and rewarding day. Weather was perfect, even on the warm side. Went over the large but gentle giant Standing Indian Mountain at 5498 feet. The mountain was high, but hiking trail was generously sloped. Can't say that for the top of Albert Mountain. The last 3/10th of mile was a beast. Lots of scouts and other day hikers on the trail because of the weekend. I have about 10 miles to Franklin, NC, a very friendly hiker town. Will cross over the 100 mile mark tomorrow. Nice to know I can go close to a 20 mile day when needed. In 05 a 20 mile day was a dream because my feet hurt so much after 8 hours of walking. Today I hiked for nearly 12 hours with no major foot discomfort. It's a new ball game for 09. View from Albert Mountain firetowerHeavy rain and thunderstorms in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Look's like it will be a slippery slide to get to Franklin in the morning.Oh, yesterday morning about 4am, a pack of coyotes lit up the morning announcements with howls and yips that sounded like they were just outside my tent.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light intensity drizzle

What a crowd at the shelter location last night on Albert Mountain. Scouts and locals everywhere. What a friggin zoo. Got up early with rain in the imminent forecast. Started walking north at 7:43 am. Rain had not started yet, but my rain gear was positioned ready for deployment. About an hour into the morning hike, the rain commenced as a steady drizzle with intermittent downpours just to get your attention.We were all trying to make Winding Stair Gap for the 11:30 am shuttle into Franklin, a 9 mile spread. With the weather, we all said no way, but the thought of a cold beer and warm bed put a little razzle-dazzle into our hiking stride and we kept our pace and then some. I fell behind on some of the ups and picked up the pace on the downhill in efforts to make up for lost time. I made it to Winding Stair Gap with 10 minutes to spare, only to learn the shuttle was at 11, not 11:30. Rats!!We called and learned the shuttle bus was on the way. Yea! We were all cold and anxious for the arrival of the magic yellow bus to whisk us away to the warm town of Franklin, NC. It finally appeared, coming up the misty, rainy highway like the little tug boat that could. Driven by Ron Haven himself, we entered into the welcoming warmth of the little yellow school bus. Heaven or Haven as it might be, the warmth of the bus sank deep immediately to warm our souls and bodies. Wow, almost instant satisfaction, but where's that hot shower and cold beer? One step down and two to go. Later achieved.Weather forecasters are mixed for tomorrow. Is it rain, snow or what? Hikers are standing by. It's nice to know I caught the hikers I started with. Am I still behind, ahead or right where I started? Go figure! One thing for sure, I'm getting in much better shape after two weeks of sucking a lot of wind. Some things take time at age 57.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: 1/2 mile past Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.5

There were about 50 to 70 hikers in Franklin, all waiting for good weather to get back on the trail. The forecast was for a cool morning followed by afternoon showers into the night. It had rained most of the night. Ron Haven, owner of the Haven Budget Inn and the Sapphire Inn, was making two runs to the trail. One at 9 and the other at 11. I opted for the 11 am shuttle as did many; however, both shuttles were standing room only augmented by additional support vans for the overflow. It was like the start of the Oklahoma gold rush. When Ron dropped us off from the little yellow bus that could, it was raining again and everyone was scrambling to get into rain gear. Doc, an older gentleman from upper Wisconsin who I have been hiking with off and on, headed up the mountain while others were still fussing with their gear. We started hiking at 12:04 pm. It was a day of climbing. First Siler Bald followed by Wayah Bald at 5300 plus feet. It seemed we climbed all day. Intermittent cold rain and a muddy trail made for a tough day.We finally made Wayah Shelter around 5:45 pm, but as expected, it was packed to the hilt with hikers that had left Franklin, so Doc and I headed on to find the first flat spot to tent. We found a spot about a half mile past the shelter and set up our tents just as the rain started again.Got out of wet clothes and into a warm sleeping bag without dinner. Will be cold tonight down into the mid 30's. Not looking forward to putting on wet clothes in a cold am. Good night from the AT.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: 1/2 mile past Wayah Shelter

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

It was rainy, cold and breezy when we got up. Actually slept somewhat decently. Kept the tent up a bit longer to see if it would start raining again. It did not. Doc took off a half hour ahead of me. Again, it was a cold start. Hiked most of the day without seeing anyone. It was a long, long day with the wind gusting depending on which side of the mountain you were on.We met trail angel Apple who supplied us with trail magic for the first time this hike. Thanks Apple. After a long day, met up with Doc and the Dude from NH. We camped out just .08 miles from the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: few clouds

Got up and moseyed into the NOC at 8 am and had breakfast at the River Cafe. Nice! Had a room reserved, but could not get in to the room until 3 pm so hired a person to shuttle me today to Stecoah Gap, and I slackpacked the 13.6 miles back to the NOC. Tough friggin day!I have 15 miles to Fontana Dam where I enter the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Many stories to tell of hikers l leaving the trail for all sorts of reasons. I will prevail. I'm tired. Rest day, not zero, scheduled for the Hike Inn on Friday.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Stecoah Gap

To: 3.9 Miles South of Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast at the River Cafe at the NOC with Panama Bill. Panama was suffering from a chest cold and taking several days off. Panama was one of the hikers I started with on April 8th. I got shuttled to Stecoah Gap by Patrice and started walking north at 12:04 pm. It was a real tough climb out of Stecoah Gap, especially near the top where the trail seemed straight up. So steep you had to hike on your toes. It was a gorgeous summer-like day. First hiking day I could wear shorts and a t-shirt all day. Some days I surprise myself with the stamina I have to continue maintaining uphill climbs that go on for quite awhile.Some of the hikers I met today were Rabbit, Running Clear, Two Kids, No Worries, The Dude, Randall and a few others. All the woody shrubs and trees on the tops of the mountains are in buds and/or leafy foliage. Many wildflowers are pushing through the duff everywhere.
Date: 2009-04-24
From: 3.9 Miles South of Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: clear sky

Very mild night in the tent. Camped with several other young hikers, including Tyler and Jeff. Had a nice fire prepared by Tyler. Got a late start with only 3.9 miles to the Dam. Called the Hike Inn from there and now sitting on their front porch watching the parade of motorcycles go by heading for Cherokee for a rally.Weather for the second day just gorgeous. Weather forecast for entering first half of Smokies looks real good. Just thought I'd mention bugs so far on the trail. Since leaving Springer Mountain on April 8th the only bothersome pest has been gnats. Can't rest anywhere without the pesky little critters hovering all over you. Pretty much a nuisance, but they don't bite(yes they do!); just fly in your ears and eyes all the time. The Fontana HiltonNow about gear. As I've mentioned, all my gear is working just great. Shoes have been super. New Balance MT811AT purchased 1/2 size larger and wider. Part of the rubber toe on the right foot is starting to peel away, but no blisters or other problems to report about the feet. The ULA Circuit backpack is awesome. Seen perhaps 7 or 8 out here and every hiker loves them. I think it holds just about the same as the bigger ULA P2 or now Catalyst.Sleeping bag and pad system working great. The 3 1/2 inch insulated pad slips into a compartment on the bottom of the Big Agnes Mystic 15 degree sleeping bag. No rolling off the pad at night. Sleeping bag also has a compartment for a pillow, which helps with that precious night's sleep. Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2 two person tent is a solid performer. A dream to set up and take down. No bugs or rain is getting in this tent. More about my other gear in a trail journal entry coming soon.
Date: 2009-04-25
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

It's Sunday morning and another beautiful day in the Smokies. I¢m standing on a mountain with my pack on, still typing this. Yesterday was a 3.7 mile climb out of Fontana Dam up Shuckstack Mountain. It seems like we climbed all day.Stopped at Mollies Ridge shelter where I met Gray Beard a trail runner who filled us in on local info. Spent the night at Russell Field shelter; the only shelter in the Smokies that still is totally caged in by chain link fence. About 11 people stayed in the shelter last night. Had heard a bear had visited the shelter the two previous nights. We all hung our food and packs.I left my water tank filled with water on a sign post about 15 feet from the shelter. Apparently it became a water toy for a bear during the night. Totally destroyed. More later, gnats are eating me up.
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

Tough day today with lots of climbs, hence the short mileage posted. Hiked alone today for the most part. A few reported bear sightings. Thought I'd mention that in the Smokies all hikers have to stay in shelters unless they are over-crowed so that's why we had 11 in the shelter last night.Another great day in the Smokies. This weather is quite unusual, but as hikers, we will take it. Tomorrow I climb the highest mountain on the AT Clingmans Dome at 6643 feet. These are rare days with views, but the forecast is good. Tuesday I'll probably head into Gatlinburg for resupply then back out to finish the Smokies. Damn gnats.
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Another day for the record books. Stayed inside Derrick Knob Shelter last night with all 10 other hikers. The wind howled all night. Must have been gusting 30 to 40 mph. Got an early start at 7:31 am and started walking north. Goal today was to climb Clingmans Dome, the highest mountain on the AT, at over 6000 feet. Again, most of the day seemed like we were climbing all day. Another clear beautiful day in the Smokies except for the high gusty winds. Made it past Silers Bald Shelter and stopped at Double Springs Shelter at the base of Clingmans Dome mountain where we met trailrunner Kentucky Blue. She filled us in on the climb ahead. Took me 2 hours to climb to the top where the look out from the tower was located (pictured).The views on the way up and at the top were spectacular. You could see for 5 states. A rare clear day on Clingmans Dome. The tourists were out in numbers. View on the Way Up to Clingmans DomeMy next decision was how far to push it for the remainder of the day. It was 3 pm and 3.8 miles to the next shelter, and 8.1 miles to Newfound Gap where I could hitch the 15 miles into Gatlinburg. So I decided to make a run for Gatlinburg with food and a shower. I made the long 8.1 miles to Newfound Gap by 7 pm. There were many tourists in the parking lot, but none were interested in giving a tired, dirty hiker a ride into town. I put my Hiker To Town bandana on my pack and still no luck after an hour.I called the Grand Prix motel in Gatlinburg and they said they would send someone out to pick me up. It was cold standing around. Then, as luck would have it, Arthur and Rita stopped and asked if I needed a ride. Real life savers they were. They were so kind to take me right to my motel. Thanks Arthur and Rita. You made my day. Picture is on the way up Clingmans Dome.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

Got dropped off at Newfound Gap from Gatlinburg at around 9am. As we were getting out of the truck, Panama Bill was sitting on the curb waiting for a ride into Gatlinburg. It was a hazy, but otherwise, another good day to hike the Smokies. It was a steady but easy push up Mt. Le Conte. We passed Icewater Shelter and arrived at Charlies Bunion (pictured) with spectacular views. Most that hike the Smokies never get to see the fabulous view from the Bunion because of bad weather.It's amazing how good the legs feel after a day's rest. Made it to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter by 6 pm. Another long day with great views of the valleys below. Spent the night at the shelter with 12 of my "closest friends." Running out of food because I missed my resuppy box in Gatlinburg.Thanks to Todd Sailor J and Stopsalot who called to check on my status while I was in Gatlinburg. It's always good to hear from a friendly voice from home.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

A day for the record books. All the way through the Smokies with great weather. Pretty much unheard of. No rain, no snow, no hail; just sunshine all around. A few very breezy days, but just plain outstanding! And all the extra winter gear I brought just for preparation for the Smokies in case of what if?It was an easy, but very, very long downhill day that made my feet really sore with all the rocks and roots. I'm now at Standing Bear Farm for the night. Great friendly place to stay the night. What a great samaritan Curtis, owner of the Farm, is. Got to meet him briefly on an ice cream run. Standing Bear Farm Mascot Just a plain old good guy! World is a better place with people like Curtis. I'm several days from Hot Springs and soaking my feet in some hot mineral water.
Date: 2009-05-01
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a nice night at Standing Bear Farm. Slept in a bed in an old rustic cabin with all the doors and windows open. We were all packing up in the am when owner Curtis Owen came out and reported rain was all over the radar. Just as some us got ready to hit the trail, the heavens opened up and the rain poured down. It's always a test of will whether to put on the rain gear and go or sit safely on a dry cabin porch and wait and see. I put on my rain gear and started hiking while everyone stayed behind.I had a 2500 feet climb up Snowbird Mountain that took me about 5 hours. The rain had abated during my climb and the sun came out and things really heated up causing a quick shedding of rain gear and clothes. Nearing the Peak of Snowbird Mountain We passed Groundhog Shelter and headed for the famous Max Patch, a grassy summit near 4700 feet.The climb up Max Patch was long and grueling. False summit after false summit. Just as we were about to climb up the last mile to the summit, the sky darkened and it began to rain. There was no going back. We hiked up the summit of Max Patch in pouring rain. There were no views or photo ops to be had. What normally would be great views of the grassy summit and surrounding hills was hidden by low hanging clouds and fog. The trail took us over a large portion of Max Patch with posts painted with white blazes to show the way; however, we had a difficult time seeing each post in the fog. It seem like it took us forever to make our way over Max Patch and re-enter the tree line. There was supposed to be a shelter within several miles of Max Patch, but it seemed like we walked a long time before it finally appeared as the rain was subsiding.There are six people in the shelter and a handful tenting, including me. This shelter is one of the most visited shelters on the AT by bears. I have about 18 miles to Hot Springs, but there is some kind of weekend concert occupying the town, so my plan is to hike to Deer Park Mountain Shelter tomorrow. The shelter is just several miles from Hot Springs, which the AT runs right through. Plan is to go in bright and early Sunday morning in an effort to find lodging, hopefully at Elmer's. Elmer's is a hiker-only B & B. Plan to do soaking in the famous hot springs as well.
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice night in the tent, but all hiking clothes were still wet and would be a challenge to put back on in the chilling morning. More light rain during the night, but nothing major. The morning brought more overcast skies and the hiking day looked bleak. Thirty minutes into our hike, the rain began to pelt our rain jackets. The rain continued as we climbed Walnut Mountain, and we were finally walking in the clouds and rainy mist with little visibility. The rain continued as we climbed Bluff Mountain at 4686 feet. As we hiked down the mountain, the rain stopped, and we were able to take off our now hot rain gear. It seemed like a long hike today with the crummy weather, but we ran into a cooler full of trail magic at Gorenflo Gap with 3.4 miles remaining to our destination for the night.We arrived at Deer Park Mountain Shelter about 5:30 pm with only 2 section hikers there. We called Elmer's in Hot Springs to see if they have space available and they said, ¢Probably.¢ Elmer's caters only to hikers. More people are arriving at the shelter and I'm tenting in the rear behind the shelter. I can hear people laughing and the whippoorwills singing in the woods.Will be nice to get into Hot Springs, a hiker-friendly town. The weekend concert will still be going on tomorrow. Hopefully it won't interfere with hiker priorities like laundry and food. I do believe I have the beginnings of a hiker appetite. I would guess I've lost about 20 lbs so far.
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

I set my alarm for 5:30 am in an effort to get a head start of all the hikers rushing to Hot Springs to get lodging at Elmer's famous Victorian hiker house. No reservations; first come first serve. Of course, the rain pelting my tent fly woke me at 5 am, so I started packing up. I decided on my strategy on how to best pack up getting the fewest things wet. With everything packed up except my tent and fly, I exited the tent while the rain subsided and I rushed to get all ready. In the end, pretty much everything in my pack and outside was wet from the last three days of hiking in the rain.I was on the trail at 6:31 am. As I left the area numerous tents were all around as hikers staged their rush into Hot Springs. With it still raining, it looks like I caught them all still napping.I made the 3.2 miles to town in 80 minutes and was first to arrive at Elmer's and place my name on the waiting list. After getting on Elmer's list, I went to the famous Smokey Mountain Diner for breakfast. Great! Then to Mt. Bluff outfitters, where I signed up for a slackpack of 15 miles tomorrow back into Hot Springs. This way, I put miles on the board and get to sleep in a bed two nights in a row and eat more town food. Journaling on the Back Porch of Elmer's in Hot Springs, NCI did my laundry and sat on Elmer's back porch waiting for the Saturday guests to leave so I could get my space in Elmer's at noon or so. Got my resupply from the outfitter (pictured) and that's me on Elmer's back porch typing my journal. Sometime today I'm walking down to the famous hot springs to soak this tired body in some soothing hot mineral water.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a slack pack, meaning I hiked from Allen Gap south back to Hot Springs with just an empty pack with a little food and water. Dan, owner of Bluff Mountain Outfitters, dropped me off at Allen Gap about 8:30 am and I started walking south at 8:31 am. Tough, steep, slippery climb out of Allen Gap of about 1000 feet.Today I met 32 northbound hikers, many of whom I knew, who were all surprised to see me going south. They all know now I might appear anywhere in time along the trail. After several big climbs and some sunny beginnings, the sky turned gray and the rains came. I was anticipating rain so I said, its warm so bring it on! Nice midday bath.. The French Broad River I spotted a red newt and several harmless snakes and a few toads. Made the trek in just 6.5 hours. Now at Elmer's awaiting a three course vegetariandinner. Hot Springs is a nice little hiker town.
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Allen Gap

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: moderate rain

This was one heck of a day! Got up early at Elmer's and walked across the street to the Smoky Mountain Diner and had my final, great breakfast before leaving Hot Springs. Said farewell to the Elmer's staff and walked down to the Bluff Mountain Outfitters for my shuttle to Allen Gap. Got dropped of at Allen Gap by Ruthie and started walking north at 9:31 am.It was the beginning of a 5.9 mile climb from 2234 feet to 4750 feet. The sun was shinning when I started hiking, but by the time I reached the top of the mountain 4 hours later, I was in the clouds and the rain came pelting down hard! It rained really hard for about an hour and finally let up as I was about to hike over an exposed ridge. Hiking over an exposed ridge can be dangerous depending on the weather, so there is an alternative route (blue blaze trail) for those too intimidated to hike the ridge.. Trail Up To Ridge Outside Erwin, TN It wasn't raining at the moment so I took the White Blaze route over the ridge. The picture shows the trail right over the rocks. It was probably fortunate there were no views from the ridge because of the clouds and fog as it would have made for a more scary crossing. It seemed to go on forever with precarious step after step. I finally made it to the other side and down the mountain a bit before another blast of cold rain and wind ensued. I was really wishing this day was over and anxious to get to the next shelter to call it quits for the day.I finally arrived at the next shelter at 4:10 pm and as miserable as I felt I made the choice to hike to the next shelter a distance of 6 more miles. I couldn't get any wetter so why not man up and just do it. It took another three hours of hiking and, of course, another cold rain shower. Finally made it to the shelter and there many familiar faces. Many I saw in Hot Springs.There are about 15 hikers here tonight. As usual I'm in my tent typing this using my head lamp. I now have about 35 miles to Erwin, TN.I keep forgetting to mention all the wildflowers covering the mountain tops. Wildflowers seen are Rue Anemone, Dutchman's Breeches, Wood Anemone, Catesby trillium, Common Wood Sorrel, Oxeye Daisy, Nodding Lady Tresses, Fire Pink, Crested Dwarf Iris and Prostrate Bluets.