morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-14
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

The Church Group Kid's were playing hide and seek around the outside of our chalet last night but not for long they settled down a little after 22:15 and Squire and I were soon asleep only waking as dawn broke through the window.We packed our gear and made our way down to the Rivers end for another mammoth breakfast Ron not only ate breakfast but also sweet talked the waitress into finding him some of last nights desert also. After eating our fill once again we hiked out under threatening skies North towards our night destination Brown Fork Gap Shelter.It is a good climb out of the NOC but the weather was cool and so we hiked without overheating to much. Squire gave me a history lesson on the reconstruction of the USA after the Civil War which was great information for me and good practice for him as he will be back teaching in Massachusets this summer.Shortly before topping the climb out of the NOC the threatening clouds opened up and the rain began to fall and fall and fall.The Trail in North Carolina takes no shortcuts it goes over just about every peak in it's way there are no switch backs here so it's hard work especially in the rain and mist.I pulled into Sassafras Gap Shelter for lunch and changed into some warmer gear whilst I was sat eating Squire Passed by, I shouted him but could not be heard fro the wind he would hike on towards Brown Fork Gap chasing me who unkown to him was now behind.I got to Brown Fork Gap in the Rain a little before dark and got myself sorted out in the shelter which was resembling a chinese laundry with cloths an equipment hanging on every available nail or piece of cord.More hikers joined before dark and we all squeezed in in an effort to remain dry all apart from Ron who chose to sleep in his hammock slung between a couple of trees.After hanging our food bags on bear lines we all retired to bed as we retired and darkness fell the shelter mice began their nigh time routine of climbing in and out of hikers packs and scurrying around looking for any crumbs that may have been dropped. Maybe Ron has the right idea and will have a mouse free night in his hammock.
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 11.6

It started to rain just before first light, I laid in my bag listening to the rain on the roof of the shelter and the mice scurrying back to their nests before dawn came. Lee one of the guys who sheltered with us last night was up and gone early I got up and went to recover the food bags and bear line ready for packing after breakfast. It did not take long for us to discover what our furry industrious friends had been up to as we slept.Squire found a nest constructed of toilet paper from Hearts pack I had some pieces of bread in my boots and other had had acorns placed in theirs.We packed up as the rain slowed up slightly and soon got under way towards Fontana         Village which is the Gateway to The Great Smokey Mountains. It rained consistantlyas we climbed onto the ridge lines, before long the rain was joined by thunder and lightening which is not what you need when you are traversing ridgelines in the rain.We pushed onto towards our destination at least when we get to Fontana they have a Launderette where we can get our cloths cleaned and dried. Fontana Village was built in the 40's to house the thousands of construction workers to build the Fontana Dam it is now a major holiday resort though it is still a little early in the season there is a small store and a number of accommodation options there. Just the thing for wet hikers preparing for the week + trek through the Smokeys.I need to collect a package from the Post Office here but the Post Office will be shut before I reach it today and as tomorrow is Sunday it will mean me laying over at Fontana a day.We got to the trail crossing and rang for the shuttle to take us to the village centre where we stripped off our wet gear and did our laundry as well as raiding the store for Ice cream and beer.Laundry done we went to the lodge to sort out some accommodation for the night three of us shared a room and had dinner in a proper dining room with glasses and linen.I have managed to update my journal and will be moving out into the Great Smokey Mountains tomorrow once I have cleared my mail from the Post Office.
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Fontana Village

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.03
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up early and had breakfast then packed up my stuff and made my way down to the Post Office in Fontana Village. I was expecting my first maildrop from home containing a letter and some maps. The girls in the Post Office found my mail and I went to the store to buy enough food to get me to Newfound Gap where I would re-supply in Gattlingburg. It was good to read mail from home despite being in telephone communications when possible.I packed my food before Southside and his son Chad brought the shuttle bus around to take us to the Fontana shelter to get under way, we crossed Fontana Dam and into the Great Smokie Mountains National Park. We climbed from the road up a steady climb gaining height towards Shuckstack Mountain. I was hiking down the trail when I heard the sound of a large animal on the move when I located it it was a large Bear running away, I watched him go down the re-entrant his jet black coat shining in the morning sun. I could not help thinking as his behind disapeared over the ridge how nice his butt would have looked on a Guardsmans head outside Buckingham Pallace.I spoke with the AT Ridge Runner "Grey Beard" and reported the bear before climbing to Shuckstack for lunch. I got to Mollies Ridge Shelter and lit a fire before Southside and Chad came in, we were joined later by a group of college kid's on spring break who were intent on celebrating St Patricks day. This being the USA everybody is Irish on Paddies day. Not Me.A great first day in the Smokies.
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.07
Weather: overcast clouds

Southside Chad and myself rose early packed and ate our breakfast whilst the college kid's were still in thier bags consumed by a combination of alcohol and weed, we left them to it and stepped out into the wind and mist. This was the start of some severe weather that was expected over the next few days.By the time I reached Spence Field the wind was pushing up between 40-50MPH it was hard to keep on my feet as I crossed the ridgeline in the mist visibility was down to 20 meters. This section is one of the most demanding in the Smokies in good weather let alone in this. I pushed on until I finaly reached the summit of Thunderhead Mountain at 5,527 feet. There was no point in hanging around on top as I could not see anything in this weather so I decended down hoping to find some shelter from the wind.I met Lady and the Tramp on the way to the shelter, I remember Gill had mentioned them before he had to get of the trail it was good to meet them.I got to the shelter a little after 13:30 pretty cold two young guys had started the fire and I stripped off my wet gear and changed into some dry cloths before getting water and grabbing something to eat.Southside and Chad arrived shortly followed by Lady and the Tramp it looked like we will have a few at the shelter tonight the weather is foul. I laid out my gear and had a sleep more to warm up than anything.Later I cooked my dinner and updated my journal before going to sleep.Maybe better weather tomorrow.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 5.05
Weather: moderate rain

Blowing a gale outside when I woke this morning with some big storms forecast for today so need to get moving to try to get to Mount Collins Shelter before the weather closes in.WRONG-- before I got to Silers Bald Shelter the weather was turning and the mist and fog was being driven by the wind across the mountains still no rain but you just know it's coming. I pulled into Silers Bald shelter and decided on an early lunch as I sat down the rain started to come down.Well I am in no rush to go out and get frozen and wet also there will be no good views today from Clingmans Dome which is the highest point on the AT so I decide to stay put despite the low mileage. A short time later in came Southside and Chad a little damp but also intent on staying put and riding out the storm. We got a fire going in the fireplace with what dry wood we could find but with the wind whistling over the top of the chimney the smoke just billowed out into the shelter and with eyes streaming we called it a day and eventualy put the fire out rather than end up like smoked kippers.I hunkered down in my bag to keep warm and had a sleep until the rain broke long enough for me to go fill my water and have a strip wash (Great) later I cooked dinner and prepared to settle down for what looked like a long wet night.All in all not a good day but at least for now I am warm and dry.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.05
Weather: few clouds

I was woken in the night by something sprinkling on my forehead either two things were happening either a mouse with a sence of humour was urinating on my forehead or it was snow bieng driven in by the wind, thankfully it was the latter SNOW. I put on my headlamp and outside was white over with snow it was just before midnight so I just pulled up my bag and snuggled deeper inside thinking that snow was better than rain though things may be different by morning.Morning brought a picture of a frozen winter wonderland outside but dry despite the cold wind that cut across the ridgeline it was going to be a beautiful day. When I recovered my foodbag from the bear cable it was solid as as my water bottle still it's not raining lol.I got under way keen to get to Clingmans Dome before the weather changed there will be some good photos today if the weather is kind. The hike up to the Dome at 6,643 was beatiful everywhere covered in snow and hoare frost with the trail trecherous under foot with a combination of ice and slick rocks and roots it was also bitterly cold on the exposed side despite the sun burning its way through the trees. We were not the first on the trail despite our early start as we followed fresh Coyote or Fox tracks along the trail almost up to Clingmans Dome. When we arrived at the Concrete observation tower which for the record is an aweful thing to put up at this location like somthing from a Dan Dare movie and out of place in this wilderness we climbed to the top to see great views over the snow covered Smokies, we took quick photos as the wind chill was bitter then decended to hike down toward Newfound Gap.The journey down was like hiking down a bobsleigh run with almost every step a battle to stay upright.The Trail is littered with a number of huge trees that had been blown down by storms in previous months, what a waste of such fantastic timber it will just rot in place as there is no way to get in to recover it.We got to Newfound Gap by mid afternoon and hitched a ride down into the resort town of Gatlingburg TN where we would stay the night I needed to pick up some small supply's to get me through the Northern Smokies and also needed to visit the outfitter.I had dinner at the Smokey Mountain Brewery followed by a few glasses of Black Bear Ale which I recommend to all those who like me never drink a beer you can see through.A great day with some spectacular views.
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.04
Weather: scattered clouds

I got out of bed and packed by 0730 as I wanted to get onto the computer and try to catch up on some of my journal, Chad was already working on the computer so I made myself a coffee and had some of Steves complimentry krispy doughnuts for breakfast. "You have just got to love town food especialy free town food" I got to update my journal and answer some of my mail there are a number of mails from people who have been reading my journal my appologies for not replying to you all, I will get around to it shortly but in the meantime thankyou all for your kind words and support.I left the motel for the outfitter in time for opening 10:00 where I bought alcohol for my stove and looke at replacing my worn out gaitors (Veterens of my 04 hike) they did not have the size I wanted so I will wait until Hot Springs next week and try there.I hitched a ride out of town with a realy nice couple who were day hiking with their daughter out of Newfound Gap they did a 30 mile round trip to drop me at the trail head, that is a long way to give someone a ride. The generosity to hikers by local people never ceases to amaze me and I am eternaly grateful to all those who support hikers along their journey.I set out for Pecks Corner Shelter along a very slick and icy uphilll trail which made for some interesting and at time almost artistic moves more akin to Ice Dancing than trail hiking.I stopped for a water re-supply at Ice Spring Shelter then pushed on to Charlies Bunyon a well known rock feature on the trail. This side of the Smokies is by far the most spectacular for views and the trail follows the ridgeline North often only a few feet wide, if you lose concentration gawping at the views here it is easy to walk over the edge something you will quickly realise you have done as you plummet down the rockface in a flurry of arms legs and expletives.I stopped at Charlies Bunyon where I met the nice people who had given me the ride earlier in the day, I had lunch and then moved on passing a number of other hikers all heading towards Pecks Corner it was going to be cosy in the shelter tonight.I got to the shelter and helped light the fire before setlling down for the night I wanted to have a big dat tomorrow in order to get to one of my favourite locations on the trail, Standing Bear Farm.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Standing Bear Farm 

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.04
Weather: light snow

It's been a few days now since my last entry. All is fine just that the trail is busy and computer time very limited. I have a backlog of journal updates to do but it will take some time to catch up. Ok I Hiked out of Standing Bear farm after taking a rest day just relaxing letting the feet heal a little after the dash for beer two days ago. Saying goodbye to Curtis Owen I hiked north into snow fluries but once the sun came out it was warm enough to take off the jacket and fleece hat to stay a little cooler on some of the climbs. I reached Max Patch which is a large open Bald this would have been cleared originaly by Native Americans (Indians to you and me) then expanded by settler's for grazing and winter feed. One side was clear and sunny the other covered in snow and freezing cold so I quickly decended into the trees and on towards the shelter When I got to the shelter it was cold and soon I was joined by Wrong Way, Thud and his dog Max we got a fire going in a vain attempt to warm things up but not much joy there though fires are good for the moral. I had some hot chocolate and got into my bag after forcing my fingers to hold the pen to do my journal.Not a bad day to hike despite the cold.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

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

Despite stoking the fire through the night it was still Baltic cold the next morning and as a bonus my boots were frozen solid. My bladder was telling me that if I did not get out of my bag soon and force my feet into my frozen boots then it was going to warm the inside off my bag in a way that would only be warming for a short period!!!! So up I got and laced my boots as best I could until I got packed and underway. It was crisp underfoot as I left the shelter and hiked through the rhodedendron thickets with a bitterly cold wind, I managed to find some sun and stood for a few minutes until I could move my fingers. Great hiking in the crisp morning despite having hands like Scott of the Antartic. It was not long before the first of the young flyers passed me on route to Hot Springs for the sanctury of a warm bed and town food. Personnely I will stay out of town until tomorrow then hike in for breakfast.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs 
Miles today: 3.02
Weather: broken clouds

Plenty of rodent activity during the night, though not to cold as it was warm enough to sleep wih my head out of my bag which made a pleasant change. I got up before first light as I intended to be in Hot Springs in time for breakfast at the Smokey Mountain Diner. I could see the diner as I started to wind my way down the mountain and by the time I got to the road my mouth was watering at the thought of town food and los's of it. I hung my pack outside and entered to find Ron his girlfriend Cynthia, Bushwacker and other hikers already wading into mountains of food. I ordered a Texas omelette, toast and extra bacon followed by tea and more toast before going across the road to the Sunnybank Inn localy known as Elmers. I put my name on the list for a vacancy as it was to early for checkout so I stripped off my dirty gear and headed for the laundry. When I returned to Elmers one of his helpers showed me to my room and I showered changed and sat in the reading room and read a book before booking myself in for both dinner and breakfast which are legendary in thesse parts. As you may have guessed food is a big part of a Thru Hikers life, the more the better and the greater the fat content in order to get the 4-7000 calories required per day.I later went down into town, well you cannot realy call it a town as it is only 400 yards long and less wide but in this part of the world that's a town. I bought some supplies at the outfitter's before going across the road to the paddlers pub for beer and more food. I returned to Elmers and packed my food bag before sitting in the garden and reading before falling asleep in the chair until dinner (more food)A good relaxing day so to bed.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Hot Springs 

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After a great nights sleep in one of Elmers antique beds I got up at 0800 ready for Elmers vegitarian breakfast,great company and food. I waxed my boots on the porch before saying thankyou and goodbye to Elmer and his staff and making my way through town, Hot Springs is one of those towns where the trail actualy runs through the town. On the way out you pass the Hot Springs Campground which during WW1 housed German POW's. I croosed the French Broad River before climbing up the ridgeline past lovers leap (I wonder how many have????) an then along the ridge North.It was a beautiful sunny day though as there are still no leaves on the trees there is no shelter and the sweat was soon pouring out of every pore. I was only traveling 11 miles today as I was late leaving town and there were a number of large climbs to be negotiated on route. One thing that is noticeable is that many of the springs are dry so it is not advisable to pass good water without filling up. I generaly only carry 1 Qaurt which weighs 2lbs though my water consumption is not as great as some others I tend to drink as much as I can at any source on route and carry less. I crossed Tanyard gap and passed the time of day with a couple of forest rangers who were preparing to patrol on there ATV's Judging by the size of one of them he would have been better off walking!! The Spring at Tanyard was dry but water was ok .5 miles further on so no dramas. I got to Spring Mountain Shelter at 15:00 and noticed that the shelter had a lot of trash inside it which by the type you can tell that it was probably left by hunters in the fall and had not been picked up by the trail crews to be packed out as the Trail Crews are still busy clearing blow downs from recent storms.Due to the amount of trash in the shelter you just know that there will be vermin and other anoying critters present so I set up my tent on some flat ground and hung my socks to dry on my hiking poles before cooking my evening meal. I was joined by Loafy and his nephew Horse who also decided to tent for the night.I saw some Bear scat (S**t) on the trail earlier showing that there is some bear activity now at some of the lower elevations so I hung my food bag from a branch, the last thing I wanted was a visit from a hungry bear in the night.A good day almost like summer
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

I was up and packed by 07:30 with the intention of hiking 15+ miles today however the Lord intevened, when I decended the trail into Alen Gap I saw a sign on a post advertising Trail Magic!! that is some form of assistance to hikers which can be anything from food to accommodation, anyway despite the early hour I decided to investigate further. On my way to the house 300yds away I passed a local farmer who was spreading some grass seed on a small field, I watched him work for a few minutes and he came over to pass the time of day, his accent was so deep i could hardly understand what he was saying also the great plug of chewing tobacco that was in his mouth did not help much either anyway he chatted and spat whilst I nodded and as I left I noticed the number plate on his old Ford pick-up that more or less explained it all. I continued towards the trail magic and was greeted by John and his wife Jodie both former Thru Hikers, I took off my boots and went inside their fantastic log home John then asked me what I would like for breakfast the choices and qaulity of the fare would put many first class establishments to shame it was beyond words.Both John and Jodie are strong Christians and whilst they certainly were not preaching the gospel whilst we ate they certainly made you think.I spent all day there and enjoyed both the conversation and company.There are some hikers who object to this form of trail magic, they see it as some form of entrapment. Well I will say only this if my children grow old and these are the worst people they meet in life or their message is the worst they will hear then bring it on I will have some of that.I eventualy tore myself away after a great day in great company and hiked towards Little Laurel shelter seeing some wild turkeys on route before reaching the shelter to find Loafy, Horse and two other section hikers wth a large fire blazing away.A great and thought provoking day.