morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-13
From: Blood Mtn Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: overcast clouds

March 13, 2009Hello everyone,First about last night, I'm glad I stayed at the shelter but won't stay there again. The wind howled all night. Add in the fact that the two windows on the opposite side of the wall are permanently open and you get a cold sleeping night. Also add in that you can't hang a hammock and I only had a small pad, barely big enough to sit on, two blankets (no sleeping bag), well let's just say I was cold all night. It was also snowing when I got up. After a short hike in the wind and fog I arrived at Neels Gap. To backtrack a little, I haven't found the AT as hammock friendly as I had hoped. I've been thinking about swapping it out for a tent and sleeping bag. After looking around at the great outfitter here I decided to do it. Their workers here will go through your pack one piece of gear at a time and recommend either sending it home or getting something else. After everything was sorted and evaluated I lowered my pack weight by at least 10 pounds. That includes five pounds of food. I¢m extremely pleased. After that 3+ hour chore was done I was lucky enough to catch a ride into town to eat. The group decided on pizza. The restaurant was like CiCi's. We all got our moneys worth. I just finished washing a load of clothes and now they're in the dryer. They also have a hiker's hostel here so since the weather is so lousy, I'll be spending the night. So far I'm feeling much better than I thought I would. Only a slight problem with one ankle but a new pair of low cut boots should solve that problem. I'm now more confident than ever that I can go quite a few more miles. The confidence factor has always been a small problem with me. I think I'm over it for now. That's about all for now. Take care.   DaveMin Temp: 39.0Max Temp: 42.3Weather:   Cool/cold, cloudy, fog, and a little light snow
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

March 14, 2009I decided to stay another night at Neels Gap, it didn't make sense to start out on a day like this, especially with new gear. Visited with the staff at the outfitter and they showed me, and then had me set up my tent. It¢s not difficult but I didn't want to set it up in the rain for the first time. Three are staying here another night. Everyone else left for the next shelter; at best only six people can sleep inside and about 15 are heading that way. I'll hike in this kind of weather if I have to, but I don't have to this time. We're hoping to catch another ride into town for lunch or dinner. Other than that, we're just sitting around killing time right now. I'll write more latter.   DaveThe ride to town didn't work out so it was hot dogs and chips for lunch and dinner. I spent a lot of time talking with the hikers who came in out of the weather today. Just like life, there are all types of people on the trail. Some are really great people and some are, well I worry about. I mean really worry about. I admit that I'm not the best or most knowledgeable person about hiking, but I don't think I have ever put anyone else in danger because of my "hiking stupidity." Tonight this older lady (older than me) came into the outfitters soaking wet with a dog. The dog definitely didn't look like it was having fun. She asked about getting a particular brand of high energy dog food. The store didn't have it but did get her some of what they had. She bought a couple hot dogs and the dog scarfed them down. She didn't look too well herself. Basically, that dog needs some care and shouldn't be hiking. That's my "beef" for today. It¢s time for supper. The main course isn't something I like but I'll try some. There's also pineapple upsidedown cake. I'll definitely try that. That's about all for now. Take care. DaveMin Temp: 38.5Max Temp: 42.4Weather: Cloudy, rain, windy, and cold
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello everyone. I was almost talked into staying another night at Neels Gap, but escaped the vortex and moved out at 1000. It felt good to start hiking again. Unfortunately you couldn't see a thing because of the fog. I tried to take a side trail to a "scenic overlook" but it was socked in also. The trail seemed like fairly typical trail--some uphill and some downhill. There were also a lot of unofficial campsites. The same group who stayed at Neels Gap last night is basically here tonight. Jolly Ranger is in the Army National Guard and is scheduled to deploy to the Middle East this fall. She's in Intel, which by coincidence is who Air Force personnel attach to when deployed with the Army. Bison, who is from around Akron, but was born and lived in Franklin, PA. When I mentioned I went to Hickory High School he knew immediately where I lived. High Top is from New Hampshire. Nobody else has been given a trail name yet. This group started the same day and most everyone is eager to remain together for the immediate future. I remember my previous starts and those groups were the same way. I guess it's just human nature. I seem like an old veteran. It¢s tough not to continuously offer advice; but I think (hope) I'm keeping somewhat quiet when they talk about how easy a section of trail should be and I know that a climb up Kelly Knob is in that section. Oh well. One last item, I would be remiss if I didn't reiterate how great a place the outfitter is at Neels Gap.   Although I sent home a couple items I shouldn't have, their advice is generally sound and very useful. It¢s a place every hiker should visit, ideally "before" beginning a hike. That's all for now. Take care.   DaveMin Temp: 41.3Max Temp: 60.2Weather: Cloudy, rain early, fog
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

March 16, 2009This area needs rain badly so I can't complain. Other than the muddy, slippery trail and almost everything I have being soaked, it was just a normal day out here. I had a pretty good start, about 8:45. This is the section that I wanted to begin exploring some side trails but you couldn't see anything. Sometimes the visibility was less than 1/8 mile. Not much I can do about that. I had a major piece of equipment fail. It didn't do too well yesterday and today it was worthless. When I call Judy tonight we'll discuss what to do about /with it. Practically everything I have is wet. The only dry stuff is what was wrapped in baggies. I do have most of my sleeping clothes dry plus my sleeping bag and pad. This will slow me down some not only because of the extra weight I must carry, but I'll also need to stop during the day to dry it out, but that's life on the AT. Yesterday I had a dog follow me out of Neels Gap. I kept trying to get it to turn around but a few minutes later it would be back on my heels. To shorten the story it followed us all the way to the shelter, 9.7 miles. We called the store at Neels Gap and they said he does that and will return. Maybe he was there to protect us because he began barking three different times. It was tough not to pet him and make him one of the "hikers."   Saw some parts of the trail that looked liked wild pigs had been looking for food. They dig up the areas on either side. Looked like parts of the trail in the Smokies. Not sure what my plans are for tomorrow. If the sun comes out as expected, I may try to dry out some of my stuff. If no sun, maybe head into town. One more thing, thanks to everyone who has signed my journal. It¢s tough to answer while out here but I should have some time the next time I take a day off. That's about all for now. Take care.   DaveMin Temp: 48.3Max Temp: 57.2Weather: Rain and fog all day
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Tray Mtn. Shelter

To: Cowart Gap
Miles today: 12.8

March 17, 2009I slept well last night, all though I did setup the rain fly on my tent inside out. It didn't make any difference, though. Between the water falling off the trees and the fog, it was tap, tap, tap all night long. When I woke up the mesh part of the tent was like a glaze of water from the condensation. I wiped it off as best I could before tearing it down. Because of the condensation, the top of the sleeping bag is damp. I definitely need to find a place to stop and dry everything out. The forecast is for 60¢s today and no rain. I hope it holds. Till later. It was an absolutely great day to hike. I had to take it a little slower, especially on the downhills because my shoes and orthotics were wet and I felt hot spots forming on my feet. I stopped at Deep Gap Shelter to dry everything out. I was there almost two hours. This is the shelter where it was 5 degrees in 2002. There were lines strung and even some clothes pins. Next was the climb up Kelly Knob. It is known to be a killer but it wasn't too bad this time. Correction: Kelly Knob was before the shelter. Today was kind of a monumental day for me. Four of us (Hightops, Finch, and Jolly Ranger, and I) have been hiking somewhat together the last few days. We hike about the same speed and enjoy each other's company. Today the three of them decided to go into Hiawassee for the night. I really didn't need anything so I opted to continue on. I may not see them for a while, or ever again on the trail. This was really the first time I've ever not done something that the group did. I'm now "hiking my own hike." This is important because seldom do groups hike the entire trail together and everyone knows it. So the sooner a person accepts it the better. I just finished setting up my tent and cooking dinner. I may even be asleep before dark. Tomorrow I plan to be near Standing Indian Shelter. If things go well I will be in Franklin NC on Saturday morning for a day of rest and to wash clothes and to re-supply. That's about all for now. Take care.   DaveMin Temp: 38.3Max Temp: 66.2Weather: Sunny all day{
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Cowart Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

March 18, 2009It was another great day to be on the trail. I slept great in the tent, best night sleep yet. I stopped at the two previous shelters for breakfast and lunch and stayed an hour at each. A couple breaks each day seems to work well so far. Met another SOBO today. His name is Graham. He started last September. He doesn't have a trail name because he met so few people going his direction. Sometimes it¢s the little pleasures that make your day. Today I passed a garbage can--first one in four days. It was nice to unload some stuff. One highlight was Bly Gap. I'm now in North Caroline. That's one state down. Unfortunately the next two climbs after that were pretty tough. Tomorrow doesn't look too bad. I won't make it to Winding Stair Gap where the road to Franklin crosses so I¢ll probably try to get within 4 or 5 miles so I can get an early ride into town. I'll need two days of food to get to my next re-supply point. That's about all for now. Take care. DaveMin Temp: 42.9Max Temp: 62.6Weather: Fog becoming mostly sunny
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

March 19, 2009It was another good day to hike. Other than a short rain shower during the late afternoon, the day was near perfect. Got a pretty good start for staying in a shelter. Left at 0835. Stopped at Carter Gap Shelter at 1135 for a quick lunch. Up to this point the trail was fairly level and I made good time. I was a little time conscious because it was supposed to rain and my pack cover leaks. So I was trying to beat the rain all day. Took a couple side trails and the views were fantastic. It was really useless to take a picture. It wouldn't look anything like what I saw.   I saw a rabbit sitting beside the trail and since it wasn't in a hurry to move I took a couple pictures. A little later I saw a couple turkeys. Other than birds, squirrels, and chipmunks, they were the first wildlife I¢ve seen. Passed through Mooney Gap which is one of the wettest spots on the AT. Next went through Bearpen Gap and began the climb up Albert Mtn. It seemed a little more difficult than in the past. The whole way up I was thinking that there better be a good view from the top. There was but unfortunately it was beginning to cloud up quickly so after a quick look it was off to the shelter. This shelter is fairly close to the trail but it doesn't look like the locals use it as a party place. Some shelters are near roads and Forest Service roads and it can be somewhat dangerous, especially on weekends. It¢s just one more thing hikers need to be aware of. Tomorrow it¢s on to Franklin NC for re-supply and a night in a motel. It's nine miles to Winding Stair Gap and US-64. It¢s a ten mile walk but supposedly an easy hitch. Last time a lady gave me a ride that used to live about ten miles from where I lived at the time in Florida. That's about all for now. Take care. DaveMin Temp: 41.5Max Temp: 66.9Weather: Mostly sunny becoming mostly cloudy during the afternoon. Five minute rain shower.
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Franklin NC

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

March 22, 2009Hello everyone. Today wasn't one of my normal hiking days. Ron Haven has two scheduled shuttles back to the trail each day, one is around 0900 and the other is around noon. Since I needed a ride to Ron's motel to catch the shuttle I decided to wait for the noon ride. After breakfast at Shoney's, I called Miss Janet for a ride. She picked me up at 0915. I killed the next two hours waiting for the noon trip. I arrived back at Winding Stair Gap at 1230 and began hiking. The first five miles were generally on easy trail--Some ups and some downs but nothing too steep or difficult. After that it was uphill all the way to Wayah Bald, also about five miles. The view from Wayah Bald was outstanding. I could see places I had been the last 3-4 days. I took some pictures but you really had to be there to appreciate the view. The next mile to the shelter area was downhill. All in all, I did 11 miles in 4 1/2 hours. Me feet felt pretty good wearing the SuperFeet insoles. Once or twice I felt "something" in my left arch but it didn't last long. I hope the SuperFeet work out because they are much easier to dry than my orthotics with the leather on top. The leather wouldn¢t dry overnight and my socks quickly became wet while hiking which was causing my feet to hurt. The shelter is full and I got the next to the last tent site. Since I've arrived at least six people have stopped in then left. Tomorrow I plan to stop just before the NOC, then go in for breakfast and get my mail drop on Tuesday. Then I'll continue on to spend the night. Tentatively, I have a room reserved at the Hike Inn for Friday night. If I get to Fontana Dam on Thursday and they have a room available I'll probably also stay that night. Next up is the Smokies and I want fresh legs to begin that 75 mile section. That's about all for now. Take care. DaveMin Temp:Max Temp: 63.8Weather: Sunny all day; a few clouds this evening
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala River - NOC
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

March 23, 2009It was another great day to be hiking. After a really good sleep I departed camp at 0815. The trail was relatively easy the first hour or so. At Burningtown Gap I had my first Trail Angel experience. Apple had set up a large tent and was serving coffee and hot chocolate. The tent could easily seat 12 people plus room for a small stove and portable heater. It was great!   From there it was up hill to Cold Spring Shelter. I stayed there in 2002. It is one of the oldest shelters on the AT-built in the mid 1930s. Next was lunch at Tellico Gap then on to Wesser Bald Shelter. On the way we passed an old fire tower. The view from the top was spectacular. We could see the Smokies and the route we will be taking for the first three days in the Park. The last 5-6 miles was all down hill. It was pretty tough on my knees. They feel ok now but tomorrow will tell. Originally I had planned to stop at the A. Rufus Morgan Shelter which is about a mile before the NOC. When I arrived I had a weird feeling about it. It just didn't seem right. So I headed out again to the NOC. I'm staying in a four bed room with two young guys from Maryville TN. I've seen them on and off the last couple of days. The outfitter store doesn't open tomorrow until 0900 so I'll be forced to eat breakfast at restaurant. Life is tough sometimes. Then I'll pick up my food drop, sort out what I need, and head out. Ideally I'd like to get about 10 miles, but it¢s a long uphill climb from here--over 8 miles. That should do it for tonight. Take care. DaveMin Temp: 41.1Max Temp: 71.2Weather: Mostly cloudy to cloudy
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Nantahala River - NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

March 24, 2009 I had another good night sleep. Shared "Croo quarters" with Darren and Lauren from Maryville TN (pronounced Mareville). Hightop and Boomer also stayed there. Had the pancakes and sausage for breakfast. The outfitters didn't open until 0900 so I had some time to waste. When they opened I retrieved my drop box and also bought another pair on Injinji socks (toe socks). That gives me two pair to alternate and one pair for an emergency. Because I'm making better time than I expected, I had some food remaining from Franklin and my drop box had two more days of food in it.   Luckily there was a place at the NOC where I could mail some of it home. Today's hike was 99% up hill. It wasn't anything too different from what I've hiked so far, but there were just more and longer slopes. I arrived at Sassafras Shelter at 1315. That was faster than I thought it would be. Since I don't need to be at Fontana Dam until Thursday I don't need to hurry. Hightop, Boomer, Darren, and Lauren all arrived soon after but they decided to move on. Around 1500 another group came in for a break and also left. Hmm, maybe I shouldn't be hanging my dirty socks in the open. Oh well. About an hour ago Dulcimer Dave and his wife arrived and are staying the night. Gregg just arrived too. Looks like it's just the four of us for tonight. It's supposed to rain late tonight and continue through late Sunday. Looks like the second half of the Smokies will be nice though. That's good because I've never hiked past Newfound Gap before. Dinner tonight was roasted garlic potatoes with bacon pieces. It's the second time I've had it and it is becoming one of my favorite meals. I just haven't been able to eat the Lipton Knoor meals so far. Not sure why. Tomorrow I should be near Brown Fork Gap Shelter. It's about 9 miles from here, so that leaves a relatively easy 12 miles to Fontana. That's about all for now. Oh yea. This entry was a lot more entertaining before I accidentally deleted most of it. Oh well, take care. DaveMin Temp: 44.2Max Temp: 57.1Weather: Mostly sunny; windy in afternoon{
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

March 25, 2009I¢m sitting here in an old shelter watching the rain. This is the life. Anyway, the rain began at 2330 last night, stopped for a while, and then began again just as we woke up. It continued for most of the day. While we were up in the hills it was also foggy and very windy. It let up once for a few minutes and I had a quick lunch. Other than that it was Snickers. Hiking in the rain isn't the greatest thing in the world, but the longer I'm out here the more of these types of days I'll have. My rain gear worked pretty well. I'm more wet from sweat than rain. The nice thing about all this is that tomorrow is a short day (6.9 miles) to a motel where I can get my clothes washed and dried. There really isn't much else to say. It rained, I'm wet, and it¢s a motel for a night or two. One more thing, the gps coordinates for Postholer may be off. I could only access two satellites. That's all. Take care. Min Temp: 41.7Max Temp: 52.6Weather: Rain all day; fog{
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam/Hike Inn
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: heavy intensity rain

March 26, 2009Hello everyone. It was a short but wild day. I stayed in the shelter with Wicked while Green Lantern slept in his tent. It rained on and off all night and the wind howled. It wasn't windy at the surface but on top of the ridge it blew hard all night. Wicked got up around 0615 and I crawled out at 0645. It was a tough decision on what combination of clothing to wear with my rain suit. You don't want to get chilled because hypothermia is a distinct possibility in these conditions, but you also don't want to sweat too much. Anyway I departed at 0805, about 30 minutes after Wicked left. The light rain and wind increased in intensity soon after I left. It was uphill the first 3 miles.   Normally the climb wouldn't have been a problem, but combined with the increasing wind and rain, it was tough going. Luckily, the temperature didn't fall or it would have been allot tougher. Once I reached Walker Gap the long descent to N.C. 28 began. Footing was difficult at best and treacherous at worst. The rocks/boulders were slippery. The dirt/mud/clay was slippery. And the leaves covering everything made it even more slippery.   If someone would take a leaf blower out there it sure would make things a lot easier. ( Private joke)After reaching N.C. 28 there were a few more ups and downs before reaching the Fontana Hilton Shelter. So called because it sleeps 20 people. I had a cell phone signal and called Jeff at the Hike Inn for a ride. While there I met up with Md3. I haven't seen them for a while. After the call I walked down to the visitor center where I met Jeff. Hightop was with him. He and Boomer put in a couple tough days to get here yesterday. While Nancy washed my clothes, I sorted through my drop box to see what I needed to buy in town. With clean clothes, Nancy dropped the three of us off in Robbinsville. While Hightop and Boomer went to the library, I went to McDonald's to eat. After finishing at the library, the duo joined me there. Since it wouldn't have been polite to sit there while they ate, I ordered again. That made it a double quarter pounder meal and a chicken sandwich with bacon meal in less than 30 minutes. Looks like the hiker appetite is kicking in. From lunch we went to Ingle's. I got a few things like donuts, cereal, 1/2 gal of both white and chocolate milk, a couple bananas, and some orange juice. I plan to eat all day until 1700 until Nancy drives me and whoever else stays here tomorrow to town (Robbinsville) for dinner. I also bought some salami and cheese for lunch while in the Smokies. I'm now sitting in front of the television watching the NCAA tournament. I better close now and get to bed because I have a big day of eating tomorrow to get ready for. Take care. DaveMin Temp: 50.1Max Temp: 53.4Weather: Rain, fog, and very windy (>30)