morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-01-08
From: campsite north of Low Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

Dear Vicarious Hiker, During the night we could see flashes of lightning in the distance but couldn't hear any thunder. The patter of rain on the tent continued through most of the night. Finally, before dawn there was a break in the rain, and we packed up as quickly as we could and set off. The clouds broke enough that we could see a bit of a sunrise before the clouds closed back in. The dripping from the trees continued, but I don't think there was any more new rain, for a couple of hours anyway. The old roadbed made for easy walking for quite a ways, and we made good time. We had set off without having had breakfast, so we paused on an obliging log, and Doc Rockett set up his stove. Boy, the hot coffee tasted wonderful, and the day seemed much brighter. After this break we went on, crossing little trickles and streams that flowed across the Trail. Then we began the somewhat rocky part of Blue Mountain. I always slow down to a crawl on rocks, so Doc Rockett went on ahead, once again to make a hot meal for us. It sure is nice to have a personal sherpa along. At least it keeps him busy while he's waiting for me since I'm so slow. The rain started back up, and I slowed down even more. Blue Mountain Shelter was a welcome sight. A father/daughter pair of dayhikers were just leaving when I arrived. They thought a personal sherpa was a great thing, too. The hot meal was comforting in the damp chill. My feet were complaining despite the stretched boot. We discussed options, pros and cons before us. We could go on, but Sherpa Dave and Goldberry had emailed us that they could pick us up, that they had pie on the menu for dinner. Rain, wet feet and icky blisters in a tent or shelter OR a real bed in a warm house with fabulous food and friends and a chance to clean up my feet and let them air out a bit and heal ....Hmmm. It didn't take us long to come to the conclusion that we would avail ourselves of our friends' hospitality. We packed up and clomped our way down to Unicoi Gap. There Doc Rockett made the phone call. We took the obligatory photo at the bronze plaque of the hiker and huddled under the information kiosk for only a few moments. Then Sherpa Dave rescued us and whisked us off to comfort. Warm showers and hot tea warmed us up. I was given a little alcoholic anesthesia (in the form of wine) and then Doc Rockett began to tend to my feet. Blech. I won't go into the details on the chance that some of you might have weak stomachs or be eating dinner. Let's just say I was glad when it was over. Dinner and conversation with Sherpa Dave, Goldberry, and their other guests was wonderful and really hit the spot. While the discussions were interesting and lively, I found myself relaxing and struggling not to yawn. Although I'm sure that 50 miles in 5 days won't seem like much in the weeks and months ahead, I felt very tired and sleepy - contented with the effort. Happy to have been hiking, but also happy to be in and warm and well-fed. I was *really* looking forward to a good night's sleep.
Date: 2012-01-09
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Road
Miles today: 4.5

Even though we were up very early, Sherpa Dave and Goldberry already had the coffee on. We discussed the plan for the day. I was too pooped and blistered to head back out for a couple of days more backpacking, so Sherpa Dave and Goldberry offered to slackpack us. It was a great idea. To my feet, the shorter day and almost no weight on my back would be almost like a zero, yet we'd get a few more miles in.   That would get us closer to our goal of having Doc Rockett finish Georgia on this trip (and me that much closer to Maine).So after a wonerful breakfast (who knew that sourwood honey is so good?) we all piled into Fatty Lumpkin and headed off to Unicoi Gap, ten minutes away. Doc Rockett and I hopped out, and Sherpa Dave and Goldberry drove off to take the road up to Tray Mountain. I started on up the Trail immediately, but Doc Rockett lingered in the Gap to do a little geocaching (See geocaching.com if you are curious. Gemini Mission is our handle there.) Despite the fact that I was hobbling along as fast as I could, it wasn't long before he caught up to me. Up and over, we dropped into Indian Grave Gap, across the road, and then up and up. Soon we met Sherpa Dave and Goldberry on their way down to meet us. They turned around and hiked back with us to the road where the car was. Sherpa Dave and I reminised about the conditions on Tray when he guided Fahmah and me over Tray in 2010 when it was so bad.We drove back down to Hiawassee and enjoyed hot showers and hot tea. We had time to relax and journal for a while. Then time for more food and wine before we learned a new (for us) game, Rummicub. All too soon it was time for bed.The day had been a nice mix of "work" - that is, hiking - and fun, not to mention some relief from the physical drain that comes from hiking day after day. I'm sure that my stamina and feet will improve, but it will take some time.
Date: 2012-01-10
From: Tray Mountain Road

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

The following log entry is by Doc Rockett walking with Second Stage for this hiking day."The fog it creeps on silent feet Among the pines it softly winds And lurks around my boots. The fog it keeps so damp and dripping and me slipping on every rock and stone"Today started foggy and drippy. Sherpa Dave dropped us off around 8 am and we started up that wake-me-up climb up Trey Mountain. The clouds to the east parted long enough to allow the sun to peek through just after sunrise with some brilliant if short lived colors. The light was slanting through the forest, so open at this time of year, casting long shadows across the ground and lighting the boles of the trees. The sounds of the forest were different too. No gentle patter of little raindrops on the leaves. This morning with the air heavy with moisture every branch was laden with drops. When the wind blew gently there was an answer of great thumps of rain boulders hitting the leaves. No gentle patter but great crashes. Then things closed in. For most of the morning it was a hike in the fog. Trees appeared and disappeared through the mist, appearing more ghost-like and more surreal. The downed trees and standing stumps had great holes for critters but no one was evident in residence.Lunch was power bars along the trail on convenient down logs. Thanks to the trail maintainers the trail was clear and easy to walk and the occasional giant tree that had fallen across the way had had a section cut out. These not only open the way but provide that perfect seat for a break and a snack. Near Addis gap the clouds lifted some but overhead there was still a constant deck of grey that stayed with us all the rest of the day. Spits of rain caused us to get out and put away our umbrellas from time to time but there was no consistent rain (which was nice). The trail was damp but our boots were dry on the top and our socks stayed dry so all in all it was not a rainy day.The hike up Kelly Knob was a trudge but the treadway is very good over this whole section so we were averaging a very good pace. After Kelly Knob the trail bounced and winds its way along the ridge, now on this side, now on the other until one comes to Powell Mountain. Then it is down and down to Dick's Creek Gap. You can see the road at this time of year almost as soon as you start down off Powell Mountain so it seems like you should be there any moment. However, the route winds back and forth quite a bit so it is farther than it looks.We had called Sherpa Dave and Goldberry at 1 pm from Deep Gap and estimated arriving at Dick's Creek at 3, which turned out to be a fairly good estimate. They decided to come up a bit early and walk up the trail to meet us so half a mile or so from the road there they were bounding up the way looking bright and perky as always. What a pleasure to see emerging from the rhododendrons.
Date: 2012-01-11
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muscrat Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

This entry is by Doc Rockett who walked with Second Stage for part of this day.It was a slow start to the day despite being up early and having another of Dave's great breakfasts to start us off. All of the details of final packing for the trip for Second Stage and gathering everything else up for Doc Rockett to take home took time. There were final messages to send and seemingly endless details to sort out. In the end there was no need for hurry because there was a major storm system moving through Tennessee with thunder on the mountain tops. It was worth a wait to let the worst of it pass. In the end we hit the trail around 9:30 am with Doc Rockett carrying Second Stage's backpack and Second Stage carrying a day pack with stuff for the day and for Doc Rockett's walk home. Unfortunately someone has to pay the bills so Doc Rockett has to start home today. There was still time for one last hike with Second Stage to launch her on her quest of Khatadin.When Goldberry dropped us off at Dick's Creek Gap it was hardly raining but soon the drops began to fall in increasing numbers and densities. We quickly got out umbrellas and headed on up toward Bly Gap. The rain persisted for much of the way but eventually it stopped and we even got a few peeks of sunlight on the way north. The price for the end of the rain was an increase in wind. Fortunately we were mostly below the ridge line so the wind was not too bad until we came to Bly Gap. With our final arrival at Bly at 2:20 it was time for a quick call to Sherpa Dave and Goldberry and then good byes for us. Second Stage took over the heavy pack and headed on up the mountain while Doc Rockett took the daypack and headed back. It was a sad parting for both as we will miss each other very much but it is an exciting adventure for Second Stage and work will keep Doc Rockett busy. Just to keep things interesting the thunder returned as Second Stage headed up the mountain and the rain returned.It was a hard walk up the hill and the weight of her pack reminded Second Stage of the long way to go and that her feet and legs were not used to the concept yet but she got to Muscrat Shelter in good order by the end of the day. It was a relief to be done with the walk though. She had the shelter to herself to get organized and to think about the walk ahead to Franklin.
Date: 2012-01-12
From: Muscrat Shelter

To: Carter Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

It was a dark and rainy morning when I woke up, but there were miles to go so I struggled out of the warm sleeping bag and set about getting packed up for the day. While the water heated on my little stove I began loading the pack up. About the time breakfast was ready I had a visitor show up - a little shelter mouse looking for breakfast, too. My headlamp's glare picked out his beady, little eyes and gave them a demonic glow. The little guy was actually kind of cute, as long as he wasn't by my food.My rain jacket which had been hanging up all night was mostly dry, but I found when I put it on that I had forgotten to empty the pockets of wrappers and candy from yesterday's hike. There was evidence that something had been investigating the pockets during the night. The little shelter mouse didn't seem quite so cute anymore.It was still before dawn when I started off. My headlamp gave enough light to confidently walk the Trail so I set off. It was raining lightly, making the footing a little slippery so I took my time. Soon, by the time I got a little ways past the Chunky Gal Trail, I was able to walk without the headlamp.The rain stopped for a while as I climbed Standing Indian, and there were even a few breaks in the clouds allowing a bit of sun to shine on the valley below, but there was none right where I was.   Shortly, however, the clouds closed back in, and the wind began to blow with new purpose. It felt like a change on the way.The afternoon wore on as I wound my way down off Standing Indian. The only place that gave me any trouble was a water crossing. The little steam had plenty of water rushing through and I had to negotiate my way over and around a couple of wet logs that had been worn smooth and were pretty slippery. Not much of a challenge for most hikers, I'm sure, but one to give me pause and take a while to slowly make my way to the other side.There were still a couple of hours left before dark when I reached the Carter Gap Shelter. Should I stay or go on and camp at Betty Creek, the next water source? The extra 4 miles would cut the distance to town, but all afternoon the temperature had been dropping, and the wind had been bowing strongly. I decided to stay.Boy, was I ever glad I did. While I was making dinner the wind changed from a steady, strong wind to a gusting, whipping thing. The clouds closed in, and suddenly the rain poured down. It sounded like ice or hail on the roof from time to time. Some areas of the shelter got wet, even under the generous porch roof. Still the temperature dropped.I hurried to finish my camp chores and climb into my sleeping bag. I snuggled down and finally fell asleep listening to the storm roar around me.
Date: 2012-01-14
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I had a busy morning filled with eating, doing laundry, tending my feet and checking my gear. Found the missing mitten! It was in with my tarp.Met SOBOs Sabi and Ripple. They seemed very calm and serene about their impending finish only little more than 100 miles away. I wonder if I will manage to be so complacent.Sherpa Dave and Goldberry showed up from Hiawassee to take me to an outfitter and to lunch. If I'd known tghe outfitter was only a couple of blocks away I would have walked. As it is, I bought a better lighter and some cord to replace the Ursack cord I'd had to cut. Then it was off to Cafe REL just a few blocks away. Wonderful food in a former gas station. Mmmmmm.A little journaling and a lot of lounging later it was time for bed. A pleasant town day, made better by seeing friends.
Date: 2012-01-15
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Spent a quiet Sunday mostly journaling and keeping my feet elevated. I used the computer in the office to do some of the journaling as that is easier than typing with my thumbs. Took one walk to do a little geocahing. I didn't eat out at all today as I arrived in town with plenty of food left in my pack. In the evening I worked on repacking for my 9 AM shuttle tomorrow, back up to Winding Stair Gap.
Date: 2012-01-18
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

NOC provided a typical restful zero day on the Trail. A chance to do laundry, sort, resupply, eat, journal, tend blisters, rest with the feet up, and repack. It's always good to find those ziplocs of trash that hide out in the pack when one is near a trashcan rather than after carrying it 3 or 4 days more on the Trail. Another nice meal at River's End. I particularly liked the Bell's Cherry Stout I had there. I'm not much of a beer drinker although I am learning...Tomorrow: the stiff climb up out of the NOC.
Date: 2012-01-19
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The Wilderness EMT students who were also staying in my building had long since gone off to class by the time I got serious about finishing packing. It was late by my standard by the time I actually headed out, but still the campus was very quiet. I'm sure it must be very different in season when the main group of hikers comes through and when the kyackers are on the river.I headed on up the mountain that looks so imposing on the elevation profile on the map, but really, most of it is not too bad - just a huff-and-puff. I paused a number of times to enjoy the view behind me as the river and road fell away. The fact that I was also catching my breath had nothing to with my pausing, I'm sure. The breeze made it feel rather chilly whenever I stopped, so I tried to keep moving, even if it was slowly.I passed Sassafras Gap Shelter too early to stop so I continued on up Cheoah Bald. There were some good views there so I lingered for half an hour even though the wind was chill. What happened to the iconic and unique lawn chair that had been up there?As the afternoon was fading I went on down to Locust Cove Gap and set up camp. It was nice and clear. The weather forecast had only 1% chance of rain. I was tempted to sleep under the stars, which were now coming out, but the wind was blowing so strongly through the gap that I knew I would be very cold if I did. So I rigged my tarp to block the worst of the wind. I fell asleep looking at the stars in the clear sky.I woke up a few hours later when it was raining.
Date: 2012-01-20
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Yellow Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.7

Second Stage got a ride into Fontana Dam in honor of a forecast of thunderstorms and is staying at the Hike Inn through Sunday night. She plans to hike from Yellow Creek Gap to Fontana Dam Sunday morning. Tired and sore but she is making progress. Stay tuned for a full report when she has time to write.She supplied a full entry for January 12th to Carter Gap Shelter for those interested in the update.Posted by Second Stage Logistics
Date: 2012-01-22
From: Yellow Creek Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Second Stage is staying at the Hike Inn to recover but took the day today to do the last 8 miles in to Fontana Dam. Weather looking iffy for Monday in the Smokeys with better weather coming later in the week perhaps so she may take another recovery day. Posted by Second Stage Logistics
Date: 2012-01-25
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I studied the elevation profile on my map and was puzzled. Both Jeff and Nancy at the Hike Inn had warned me that my second day in the Smokys would be the hard one. While I believed them, I couldn't see why it should be so. It looked to me that the first day would be the tough one with the long slog up from the dam. Even with my later than usual start I was hoping to make it to Siler Bald Shelter or even maybe Double Spring Shelter.I had gotten up before dawn, but with one thing and another I didn't get started until after eight. I headed up Rocky Top. With the heavy pack (I guess I didn't eat enough last night!) it seemed to take forever. The profile showed I still needed to climb Thunderhead Mountain. So down I came off of good old Rocky Top and then started back up. At the top I celebrated - actually making good time. I tightened my pack's straps and set off with a good heart having completed the worst of the day's climbs.But, wait! After a short descent the Trail started back up. Oh, so that must not have been the summit of Thunderhead Mountain. At the top my watch showed that I was still doing alright on time. Unfortunately it turned out to be another false summit. This pattern repeated several more times before I actually topped Thunderhead Mountain - with a sign so as to leave no doubt.By now the day was getting on, and I would really have to make up time coming down the backside of the mountain. I snugged in my Cho-Pat knee braces and started down. I passed two hikers out for a couple of days.Shortly the trail turned bad. It was basically a washed out gully. At times it was so deep that the banks reached most of the way up to my hips. The bottom was covered with rounded, rolling stones, sticks, and leaves. Nasty. I had to go very slowly to make sure I didn't roll an ankle, or worse. It was very tiring. The only good thing I could say was that at least it wasn't raining. I'm sure that part of the trail just turns into a streambed when it has rained. Must be lots of fun.In the end I arrived at Derrick Knob Shelter completely whipped, out of daylight or energy to make it to Siler Bald Shelter. I vowed an earlier start the next day, especially since rain was forecast for the afternoon.End of Day 2 in the Smokys, probably the hardest day physically on this trip so far.
Date: 2012-01-28
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

With the colder temperatures I was very happy to be spending the day in Gatlinburg. Journaling, resting, and taking care of my gear took up a good bit of the day. I completely emptied my pack and all the pockets of my clothing, rooting out bits of trash and gathering and repacking small pieces of gear. (Oh! So *that's* where my bandana wound up...)   My tarp, sleeping bag, pack and remaining gear were strewn about my room or hanging up to dry. I paid a visit to the outfitter to pick up another cannister of fuel and a few sundries. Eating, of course, required a part of the day. I had a very good lunch at Calhoun's. The chicken chili was excellent. A nap, another round of journaling, and repacking finished up the day. An early wakeup call in place for the morning had me hitting the sack early. I felt better for having a day of rest and warmth. Tomorrow, back into the Smokys.
Date: 2012-02-01
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: light rain

The gentle snoring from 2-Cups and Kitchen Sink when I woke let me know that they were still asleep. Since it was still so early I decided to wait a while before getting a start on the day. Soon the sound of sprinkling rain began, so I held off even longer, but eventually when there was a break in the rain I had to get moving. As quietly as I could I snuck out of the shelter and got my pack down off the bear cable. The table was a ways from the shelter so I hoped my noise wouldn't disturb the guys.After it got light, and I was almost finished packing they slowly started moving around. 2-Cups had suggested that I not plan to stay at Walnut Mountain Shelter, saying that it wasn't very nice and had plenty of mice. Despite the relatively easy day yesterday my feet still hurt, so I decided that I would plan for Roaring Fork Shelter, just a short ways beyond Max Patch. Between the on-again-off-again rain, the sluggish feet, the short planned day, and some interesting conversations with the guys, I didn't get back on the Trail until 9:30.The forecast I had seen called for the rain to stop, but as I hiked along the rain kept falling and falling. At least it wasn't raining hard, there wasn't much wind and it wasn't too cold. Not much by way of views, but it was pleasant to walk along and listen to the sounds of rain in the forest as it dripped down.I was hoping that by the time I got to Max Patch the clouds would have lifted enough to let me see about me, but, alas, it was still raining and the wind was picking up when I got to Max Patch Road. There was a tent pitched just off the road, and there I met Fire Pit and his white dog, Little Girl. Fire Pit said he had hitched down from Massachusettes 3 1/2 months ago and had started hiking north. Now he was waiting out the rain before going over Max Patch.I went up and over Max Patch. With nothing to see and cold, blowing rain coming down I scurried over as fast as I could down to the shelter of the trees in the lee of the hill. At least the wind wasn't as strong there. After a modest, but muddy, slippery walk I arrived at Roaring Fork Shelter.I had plenty of time to do my camp chores before dark. As darkness fell both the wind and the rain subsided. Just before I fell asleep, snug in my sleeping bag, I could hear just a little dripping of droplets from the branches. I hoped that tomorrow would be bright and sunny.