morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Winding Stair Gap (Franklin)

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Taking a zero day in town today. Had breakfast at Hardees with 50+ (from TX) and Mad Max, from NC (I think). Resupplied at Dollar General and took a nap. Went to Outfitters and toured the town. Took nap number 2. Had lunch and dinner at the Motor Co. Grill. The chef salad for dinner was great. Am now at a Rathskellar enjoying a Turbodog brown ale from Louisiana for $3 a pint. Will head back to the trail tomorrow morning with J2, 50+, Mad Max and Tunes. Hope to be at NOC in 3 days. Will be at elevations 4,500 to 5,200 feet and will enjoy views from numerous fire towers and observation towers but will have daily climbs of 1,500 to 3,000 feet in elevation. My trail appetite has kicked in, as has my conditioning which improves noticeably every few days. Have been fortunate to hike with great groups of fellow hikers from all over the world. Will have many stories to tell and others to write. Anyone reading this blog, please sign my guestbook. Will post many more photos and expand on the journal entries when I get more computer time.Have identified more than 30 birds. Will post a complete list at the end of my hike. Have heard more Ovenbirds than anything else. Black-throated Green Warblers and Mockingbirds were common early. I am hearing a lot more Wood Thrushes and Veery now. Have seen 1 bear, 3 wild boar, numerous snakes but no deer!Think I'll have a second brew before turning in. A band is playing and the atmosphere is great! Heidi, the co-owner said this place dates to 1890. She wants to remind everyone that they are "open Tuesday through Saturday and have the best draft price in town." This is a must stop for hikers spending a night in town!
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Me, 50+, Tunes, J2 and Mad Max jammed ourselves into the back of a pickup truck that took us to the trailhead. Started hiking at 9:30 AM. Over today's 11 mile hike we did a 4.4 mile, 1,300 foot climb to Silers Bald where we had 360 degree views including our first look at Fontana Lake, southern gateway to The Great Smokey Mountains National Park. I hope to be there by Friday.Our second big climb was 1,100 feet over 2.1 miles. Once on top we climbed the stone tower on Wayah Bald for more spectacular views. Me, 50+, and J2 are staying at the small Wayah Bald Shelter. 50+ tented out while J2 and I slept in the shelter after hanging up our food bags in a tree quite a distance away. Tunes and Mad Max pushed on another 4.8 miles to the next shelter.After dinner and hanging our foot bags from a tree we enjoyed a campfire before crashing at around 10 PM.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Out of the shelter by 6:50AM. J2 was still wrapped in his sleeping bag when I left. After a small climb I had mostly level terrain before reaching the Cold Spring Shelter, 4.8 miles away, at 9AM. Signed the shelter register, ate a peanut butter and honey sandwich and a protein bar. As I was filling my water bottle at the nearby spring 50+ (born and raised in Jersey City) arrived. We hiked together for the rest of the day.We did a 1.9 mile, 800 foot climb to Rocky Bald, then a 1.4 mile, 800 foot climb to the observation tower at Wesser Bald, with downhill and level terrain in between. I was sweating bullets, and kissing my toes by the time we reached the Wesser Bald tower at 11:50 AM. The good news is that we had hiked 9.8 miles in 5 hours. The views from the wooden tower were great and Fontana Lake looks to be getting closer.We enjoyed 20 minutes atop the tower before moving on. Over the next 3 hours we hiked an additional 6.7 miles stopping for water, snacks and to catch our breath. The 2,900 foot descent to the NOC included too many PUDS (pointless ups and downs) which were physically and mentally exhausting.Finally reached the NOC at 3:10 PM, 16.5 miles in 8 hours, 20 minutes. Tunes and Mad Max had justed finished lunch and we all booked a bunk room together at the Overflow Bunkhouse. This was a mistake as the Overflow area is too far from the restrooms and restaurants, and is situated at the top of a steep road.The NOC is a whitewater kyacking, flyfishing, watersport gathering place. A world kyacking championship will be held here soon. The AT goes right through the center of it.The shower, pizza, salad and draft beer for dinner hit the spot. Later we went to the pub adjacent to the river and enjoyed a six pack of milk stout supplied by Mad Max and Tunes. We drank the brews and soaked in the cool breeze by the river. Crashed by 10:30.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had breakfast with Tunes and 50+. Pancakes, eggs and coffee were great. Tunes is leaving alone for the trail. Mad Max is not feeling well and I went to the store and got him some OJ and other fluids which made him feel better. 50+ and I are also taking a zero day. I couldn't have left with Tunes anyway as my mail drop didn't arrive until early afternoon. I am a few days ahead of my hiking schedule, a nice problem to have. I spent the day doing chores, hanging out and I spent a few hours updating my journal. I found a great spot in one of the offices where the staff set me up with a desk and a computer to use as long as I wanted.I posted a lot of photos but have hundreds more which I will post at a later time. 50+ and I played a game in a small recreational area along the edge of the river. We tried to lob beanbags into holes cut into a small slanted plywood platform thirty feet away. I remember it was very humid along the edge of the river. It is always cooler on the trail where you are usually enclosed in the "green tunnel", shaded from the warm sun, or on top of an exposed ridge or mountaintop delighting in a refreshing breeze.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Didn't feel great last night and wasn't sure I would hike today but I felt better this morning and me and Mad Max headed for the trail @ 7:20. Fifty+ was 10 minutes behind us. We started with a 3,000 climb over the first 5.8 miles. I was told by other hikers that this would be the toughest hike of my trip, and the trail profile map displays it as a diagonal line. It took us 3 hrs. and 10 minutes to reach the level summit but there was no sign there to signal our victory. After lunch at the nearby Sassafras Gap shelter where 50+ joined us, we felt so good we decided to go to the next shelter 9.1 miles away. The trail had a number of ups and downs but we refilled our water bottles a few times and stopped briefly for snacks. The worst part of the day was the ascent up Jacob's Ladder near the end of our hike. The grade was very steep and didn't seem to want to end. At one point, Mad Max turned around to face me on the trail pleading, "Shark, I'm zonked, give me the GU." I was happy to split the small tube of the suggery energy supplement with him but asked that he at 22 years of age should never tell me he was zonked, no matter how bad he felt. Eventually we perservered and reached the Brown Fork Gap Shelter at 5PM. The 15.8 mile hike with over 4,000 feet in climbs took us almost 10 hours. We drank plenty of water and ate dinner quickly as we were starving. Pilgram, another NB hiker was already there and Poet who I met the first night on the trail came into camp late. He had just completed a 16.8 mile hike and also complained about Jacob's Ladder. As this is bear territory we had some fun finding the appropriate tree from which to hang our food bags. The hardest part was throwing a rope over the limb and hauling up the bags which we accomplished after several attempts. We slept very well.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I was out of camp at 8AM. I had no energy today because of yesterday's marathon hike but made it to Cable Gap Shelter, 6.1 miles away in less than 3 hours. Along the way I flushed a black bear off the trail and it crashed noisly down the slope through the thick shrubbery. Fortuneately, the climb from the shelter where I reconnected with 50+ was gradual. The descent to NC 28, Fontana Lake was long and tiring. 50+ and I parted company at the marina parking lot as he was staying at the nearby shelter, referred to as the "Fontana Hilton" because of its very large size and sleeping capacity. Two men directed me to the marina store where I could check for room availability in the area. First, wanting to be trail angels, they handed me an ice cold beer saying, "You look like you could use one!" At the marina, Sue, another trail angel arranged a room for me at the Fontana Lodge which has hiker rates. Then she called for a shuttle to take me there.I plan to take a zero day tomorrow as bad weather is predicted and my resupply box hasn't arrived yet. The shower and shave at the lodge were great. I walked to the nearby village where I joined 50+ who was having dinner. 173.4 miles hiked thus far!
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: light rain

I decided to take a "nero" (near zero) today. After a cheese omlette breakfast with all the trimings at the lodge I paid for a $3 shuttle to the place where the AT climbs into the woods ~1 mile north of the Visitor's Center. I then hiked SB (southbound) 2.5 miles on the AT to where I left off at the FL marina yesterday. This will save me 2.5 miles of hiking tomorrow.During my hike I met 50+, Poet, Mad Max, Tunes, Trillium and Pilgram all heading out on the trail. It was sad to see them go and Poet was the only one I would see again but we all have to hike our own hike. I took a side trip to the Fontana Lake Shelter (aka the Fontana Hilton) and the Visitor's Center for an overview of the dam.At the marina I got a back country permit for my upcoming time in the park.While with 50+ at the dam were watched a bald eagle soar overhead, a wonderful omen.Back at Fontana Village where the lodge is located I did laundry, and got my mail drop box. I met Data, a nothbounder at the post office and gave him some of my extra provisions. After lunch on the patio outside my room I came down to the lobby where I could use their computer for an hour.Will probably have dinner from the food in my mail drop and will be off into the "smokies" in the morning. Hope to be in Gatlinburg in ~ 4 days.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: few clouds

Had a great buffet breakfast at the lodge before getting a shuttle ride to the trail head at 8:30. As this was reported to be one of the toughest climbs of my journey I expected to be exhausted by the time I reached the ridge line. I found the climb to be graded very gradually, with numerous switchbacks. I was able to reach the 2 mile landmark in 1 hour. AT 10:30 I reached the Shuckstacks fire tower which was old and steep with at least one of the hand railings missing. The view I saw wasn't any better than many I had seen over the past few days. At 11:15 I reached the turnoff for the Birch Spring Gap Tent site. An official note on the sign post indicated the the tent site was closed due to aggressive bear activity. Following the green forest tunnel all day I was the first hiker to arrive at the Mollies Ridge Shelter which sleeps 14. It was 1:45. The stone frame, tin roofed shelter has a built-in fireplace and was the highlight of my day. I could have easily made it to the next shelter, ~3 miles away but I wanted to secure a shelter spot. While shelters on the AT are usually first come, first serve, shelters in the smokies are different. Hikers can go through a reservation system and have a shelter spot secure no matter what time they arrive.Hikers that arrived later included Data, Grissly, George (later to be called CO), Swamp Ass and Skank Foot.Slept well.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

With shelter space not guaranteed in the smokies and a crowded shelter last night I wanted to get out early. Headed out with George from England (now Chocolate Outrage (CO)) at 7:30. The trail was badly eroded in places and bear shit was common. The climbs today were much harder than yesterday. While hiking, we could often see the trail in the distance on elevated clearings and rocky knobs. We were beat when we reached the Derrick Knob Shelter at 3:10 PM. The scenery was much better today with many viewpoints from grassy and rocky outcrops. Sigi from Holland was at the shelter when we arrived and she brightened up everything immediately!We had a great time around the fire as more hikers joined us including the 3 amigos (one girl from Baltimore, Maryland, and the other two from Tasmania). These girls are now known as Firedog, Songbird and Trail Blazer. I congratulated CO and Grizzly, my fellow northbounders who started the trail at the same place as I did in Georgia. Today we passed the 200 mile mark.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Coyotes were howling around 1AM but we lost little sleep. Sigi, Chocolate Outrage (CO) and I headed out on the trail together and reached the Double Spring Gap Shelter by 12:30PM. The terrain was not tough and it was an easy day, as days go on the trail. We got a good fire going at the shelter. I cut a 4 foot section from a fallen tree limb and made a hiking stick for Sigi. It rained throughout the night but the spring was close by. This is the first shelter in the smokies with a privy.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg)
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

Today was to be my favorite day of my month-long hike. Chocolate Outrage (CO) left camp ahead of us. Sigi and I climbed slowly on the rocky terrain as the trees were still dripping from the nighttime rain. A shower sputtered and choked for a while as we hiked. The ascent to Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6,600 feet was gradual and much easier than I imagined. The views were spectacular and Sigi and I stopped often to take pictures and marvel at our beautiful day. We missed the AT turnoff and wound up on the trail to the Clingman's Dome parking lot. There I was able to yogi a couple of bottles of water from an elderly couple (I had predicted to Sigi I would be able to "yogi" something from the tourists and she had a big smile on her face when I did). Then Sigi and I did the steep climb up the auto road to CD's observation tower where we later met Songbird, Trail Blazer and Fire Dog. Fog socked in the top and we had no views. Sigi waited for a ride with a friend into Gatlinburg and I headed alone northbound on the trail. CO who I expected to meet at the observation tower had already left. By taking the wrong trail earlier I had prevented our hook up. I enjoyed my solo 7.8 mile hike looking forward to being reunited with my friends in town where we could enjoy all the amenities. The trail was badly eroded in places and its lush forest and moss & lichen-covered trees and rocks reminded me of Maine. At Newfound Gap I met CO who had already secured a hitch for us into Gatlinburg. The 3 of us reunited, and stayed at the same hiker motel. After a shower, the salmon, steak, salad, wine and beer at a restaurant in town were great. The walk down main street was surreal. The wierd shops, and amusements gave this section of the city a carnival atmosphere. Ice cream, shaved ice, and fudge indulged our dessert cravings. The shower and laundry completed the day. Bed was a welcome sight and sleep came easy.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg)

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a good buffet breakfast, went to the outfitters, then took 2 trolleys to the far side of town to Food City to resupply (I recommend to all long distance hikers to have a mail drop sent directly to their motel in Gatlinburg and avoid a time cosuming resupply.)Had a quiet dinner at the motel, arranged for a shuttle to the trail in the AM. Watched a 1950 tv program about a family enjoying the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. It was amusing.Me, Sigi, and Chocolate Outrage (CO) are planning a 2-3 day hike through the remainder of the smokies to a hostel near Davenport Gap. I will update everyone on our latest adventures later.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg)

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

The rest in town had its moments, but we were extremely anxious to leave sin city behind and start hiking. Our shuttle driver dropped us at Newfound Gap and we began hiking at 8:45 AM on this beautiful day. The views today were exceptional and we quickly discovered that the north side of the smokies was our favorite half of the park.The trail was beautifully graded and we ascended the first two climbs without feeling the elevation change. We took a break at the Icewater Spring Shelter which can brag at having the best view of the distant mountains from a smokies shelter, and its rock patio is one of a kind.Took a side trail to Charles Bunion and sat on its rocky crag marveling at the beauty of the area. Sigi noted that the low-growing Rhododendron in the area would be most appealing to her and her mother back hone in Holland.When we decided to push on for a 15 mile day, I took the 1.4 mile r/t side trail to Pecks Corner Shelter to refill water bottles for me and Sigi. J2 who had taken some time off with family stopped by as we were leaving noting he was staying at PCS for the night.When we arrived at the Tri-Corner Shelter we found a number of our friends aleady there including Erin (Song Bird), Liz (Fire Dog), Cathleen (Trail Blazer), Grissly and Poet. It was a festive mood for most.
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: few clouds

I couldn't help feeling very out of place yesterday evening and last night but this morning things seemed almost back to normal when the 3 of us set out together for the day's hike. We were out by 7:15 AM and found mostly flat or graded climbs and descents. Me and CO did the 1.2 mile side trail to an observation tower. CO loved the 360 degree view and said it was his favorite experience in the park.By 3PM we reached the Davenport Gap Shelter where we planned to take a break before continuing to complete an 18 mile day. But Sigi said she was had a problem with her hip throughout the day and after thinking about it for a long while decided she wanted to stay. I'm quite sure, wanting to spend another night with her friends from the night before had a lot to do with her decision. CO also decided to stay, telling me the next day he didn't think he could have hiked another 3 miles.But I had the nagging feeling that I might feel the same as I had the evening before so I continued on. For me it turned out to be a 22 mile day but only 18.1 miles on the AT. I did two side trips of more than a mile each and I walked more than 2 miles at the end of a long day trying to find the hostel. I received poor directions from a southbounder, and a motorist who told me I was on the wrong road (it was actually the correct road). I was physically and mentally exhausted when I reached the hostel. I slept alone in the bunkhouse after pushing myself to do a few nighttime chores. To make matters worse I didn't sleep very well.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I cooked breakfast in the kitchen, packed my gear, lamented on my tired legs from yesterday, examined the contents of my last mail drop, and waited for my friends to arrive. I was prepared to hike today if they wished, though I really needed a day off. At 9:47 AM Sigi and CO came walking down the road. I was so happy to see them, and I told Sigi so.They liked the rustic charm of the hostel and grabbed bunks near mine in the bunk house. We relaxed on the porch, CO and Sigi finding books to read, and we were entertained by Broke, the resident kitten. Sigi enjoyed listening to two of her favorite songs on the radio and CO ran up a large food bill by frequent visits to the candy counter.The biggest wildlife encounter of the entire trip occured when Sigi was bitten by a "pet" squirrel on the porch.We ate dinner in the kitchen and crashed near 9PM, hiker's midnight.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

I should have known today would be a disaster when a light rain fell at 8:15 as we left for the trail. The 1,500 foot, 5 mile climb up to the top of Snowbird Mountain was long but mostly gradual with a few steep sections. The last ~1/3 of the climb was along an old jeep road. With Sigi leading as usual the climb was not as bad as it could have been. It is much easier to focus on the boots or sneakers of the hiker in front of you than the top of a distant mountain top! Near the summit the wind picked up and the rain slackened. I put on my rain jacket and Sigi put on a heavier coat she found earlier on the trail. CO took the side trail to an FAA tower as Sigi and I crested the grass-covered mountain summit.We reached the Groundhog Shelter, 7.2 miles from our start today, at 11:30 AM. This was my planned stop for the day. In fact, I thought we were all going to stop here for the night. But, after a short break CO said it was still early in the day, he felt good, and wanted to hike an additional 8 miles to the next shelter. When Sigi agreed, I momentarily put my own feelings aside and the 3 of us set out on the trail. A half hour later as we stopped to take a water break I felt what I thought was the beginning of a chill. With a few more climbs in front of us and more rain threatening, I elected to turn back to the Groundhog Shelter. CO was astonished when I told him. It was not unusual for us to push on to another shelter later in the day but today for the first and only time on my trip I decided not to push it any further. When Sigi asked, "Will we see you in Hot Springs?" I could only respond "I hope so."Hiking back to the Groundhog Shelter was very difficult. When I looked back over my shoulder at my two friends talking to one another I wasn't sure we would ever hike together again as a group. As it turned out, we never did.When I got back to the shelter I quickly changed into dry cloths and got into my sleeping bag. Once warm, I ate lunch and talked with my shelter mates. With 50-60% chance of rain forcast the next 2 days, I wondered where I might be tomorrow. On 3 different occasions I walked into the shelter clearing and screamed as loud as I could which naturally startled the other hikers. I was mad, frustrated and a bit scared. I was most upset that the 3 of us split up, but on the trail each person has to hike his own hike and that's just the way it goes sometimes.Fortuneatly, we had no more rain. After a filling dinner I crashed early and had a descent sleep. The few times I awoke during the night I examined various options regarding how I would handle the morning.