morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Big Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

Not as cold as the night before. Got a good start and got 112 into a great lookout for pictures, and miles were off. Ran into two hikers T-Bone and Tye Dye, and asked then how the climb up Albert Mt., but said they were going north and hadn¢t been there yet. Sure enough, Willow and I looked around and saw Carter Gap Shelter again. We had made a wrong turn out of the view and had gone back south. So though we only ¢officially¢ walked 6.8 miles, we really did 9.8! But all things happen for a reason.. As we were getting ready for the last big scramble up Albert Mt., at 4,240 ft., I thought I was getting delusional from the effort and could hear classic rock music. Sure enough, there was a sign on the trail that said ¢Trail Magic¢ and off through the shrubs were 3 trail angels who had hiked before¢Gatorade, Fishing Fred, and Phat Chap with a fire, picnic table with hot dogs, coffee, soda, and cookies, and chairs around a camp fire.   They had been camped there off a forest service road for two days, treating through hikers. I had 3 hot dogs, and orange soda, a cookie, and a cup of coffee, and heart about their hikes. What a great lift to a long day. The last mile to the top of Albert Mt. was challenging, with a few rock climbs thrown in to see how your balance is at the end of the day. I was soaked through by the top. We are now at Big Spring Shelter. Got the first two spots inside. Have a crowd here tonight: Mr. Burns and his son Pipper; T-Bone and Tye Dye from Durham (they were sad to hear Duke lost in the early rounds of NCAA¢s); Radar, who thru hiked last year; Mr. Bill and Walkie-Talkie, who we met at the Hiawassee Inn; Kanda and Leilai ;and punch line and Tag camping up on the hill. We have a long 9 miles tomorrow to get to Winding Stair Gap and the road to Franklin, N.C. Hope to stay tomorrow night at the Haven Budget Inn.   Gave myself a cloth towel bath tonight, but need a long shower, a shave, and a laundry day. No cell service again tonight. Miss all my girls very much
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Big Spring Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap (Franklin, NC)
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn¢t sleep much last night. Slept in the shelter and had T-Bone snoring on my right and Mr. Burns, (he looks like the character who runs the nuclear power plant on ¢The Simpsons) snoring on my left. I turned my MP3 player on, but the battery ran out in 30 minutes. I left the ear plugs in to filter some noise. I think I¢m better off in my tent most nights. Willow and I had hiked together again and made good time over the 9.1 miles to Winding Stair Gap and the road to Franklin, NC. The climb up Rocky Cove Knob got me puffing, but then I could see the road in the gap 3 miles away and was motivated for town. Pipper, who is 26 and 6¢6¢, left after us and finally caught us in the lst mile to the gap. His dad, Mr. Burns, was waiting at the gap when we got there. I was finally able to get phone service and called the Haven Budget Inn, run by trail legend, Ron Haven, and secured a room for the night, and was told to watch for a white van. Sure enough one pulled in a few minutes later. It was ¢Survivor Dave,¢ another hiker who had started earlier in the month but agreed to help Ron out and shuttle people around for a few weeks. I was told by Corkscrew that he had read my journal and was looking for me, so I was greeted like an old friend. Ron is hosting his annual April Fool¢s hiker bash this weekend. Another, hiker, ¢Kicks the Rocks,¢ and his brother, ¢Solace¢ are here at the hotel to help with the weekend, and took two vans of us around town to the local outfitter, Three Eagles, where I got some Cliff Bars, and across the street to the Kerr¢s Pharmacy, where I picked up beef jerky, cheese crackers, pop tarts, tuna, and Gatorade packets to get me the next 3 days to the National Outdoor Center (27 miles) where my next food supply is. He also took us to a BiLo Supermarket, so I decided to buy dinner for the evening there: lasagna from the deli; a bag of salad and a bag of cut carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, and .99 for a piece of watermelon for dessert. We got back to the hotel by 6:00 p.m., which was perfect, for the UNC men¢s basketball game was scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. I got to text message Becky and Elizabeth while the game was on¢Elizabeth had the TV outside because it was a nice day. Got to talk to Becky¢really makes me homesick. I¢m going to hold her for a month when I get back.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero days, as hikers call them, are actually very busy. Need to do laundry, dry out all your gear, go to the post office, find a place to eat, get fuel, make phone calls, check your journal and emails if possible, buy food and supplies and take an extra shower, as well as thoroughly wash out your cook kit and drink bladder. I had a nice breakfast at Wilson¢s Restaurant, got 3 huge pancakes, bacon, and coffee for $3.75. Had a nice surprise today. Columbus, who we hiked with earlier, is back on the trail and is staying in our room tonight as well. He was thrilled to see my name in the register, he has my King¢s College business card, because all the rooms are filled for the hiker bash. At 5:00 tonight we get a shuttle to the Ron Haven¢s other hotel, the Sapphire Inn, for food and a band, all for $5.00. They expect over 100 current and past hikers to attend tonight. The bigger party is tomorrow night, but Willow and I are taking the 8:30 a.m. shuttle back to the trail, and Columbus is going to take the 11:00 a.m. The local First Baptist Church picks up hikers each morning at 7:20 for a free all you can eat breakfast of pancakes, bacon, juice, coffee, and more, and gets you back to the hotel in time for the 8:30 shuttle to the trail 11 miles away. The generosity of the people I have met is hard to describe. They greet you like a long lost relative and will do anything to help you get back on the trail with what you need. I got to use a computer for 30 minutes today in the hotel office and answered as many emails from work as I could. My backpack is 90% packed, and I¢m excited to walk over my first Bald tomorrow here in North Carolina, a treeless mountain top with 360 degree views. I am now in the Nantahala National Forest; ¢Nantahala¢ is a Cherokee word meaning ¢land of the noonday sun.¢ These peaks were first explored in the 16th century by Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Sots. As usual, we will be greeted in the morning by a long climb out of Winding Stair Gap, some 4 miles to the top of Siler Bald. Weather forecast is rainy for most of the week¢hope it doesn¢t spoil the views.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Winding Stair Gap (Franklin, NC)

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

The April Fools Hiker fest thrown by Ron Haven was great last night. He picked us all up from The Budget Inn in a school bus and took us to his second hotel, The Sapphire. KTR and his brother Solace were the cooks, and there was chicken, beef cubes, pork chops, hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, a great German potato dish, baked beans, corn, and some deserts. He even had a band, an old country group. Willow, Columbus, and I left early and walked back to the Budget Inn, had an early pickup. Columbus and I shared a bed and slept pretty well except for noisy neighbors.Got picked up in a van at 7:20 a.m. by the First Baptist Church for a free breakfast of breakfast of pancakes, bacon, coffee, and orange juice. Fantastic people-- couldn¢t feed us enough. Survivor Dave took us to the trailhead at 9:00. Willow, Columbus, and I walked together today. A very rainy day; a few views from Siler Bald at 4,700 ft. Long, hard climb up to Wayah Bald at 5,342 ft., but all clouded in and no views. Very sad, the chart showed all sorts of mountains you should be able to see on a clear day. Willow and Columbus let me be lead sled dog today. They like my pace, about the same even pace up or down or in between. The new Wayah Shelter is very nice. Pipper, Mr. Burns, Willow, Columbus, Southpaw, and I are in it for tonight, and two new hikers, Carlie and Jordan, are tenting, as are Bogie and Slim. It¢s only 6:30 p.m., but most people are already in their bags staying warm. I¢ll join them soon. I got new ear plugs from Pipper, so I hope to sleep better. Raining hard again and really clouded in, can¢t even see the privy 50 ft. away. Hope to do 10 12 miles to Wesser Bald Shelter tomorrow, then 5 12 to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and my resupply box and replacement backpack on Monday. I am exactly where I thought I might be by the date, very lucky indeed. We have already lost some hikers to knee injuries: Rambo, Jitterbug, Pippi, and Colby, and Lotus had to see a doctor and is sporting brace. My neoprene braces are working well so far. I¢ll keep my finger crossed.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We all woke this morning again in the clouds and found the top of our sleeping bags drenched from the vapors. Started hiking about 8:30 with Willow and Columbus, and Southpaw. Columbus, a former long distance runner, took off from us early. He hoped to make it the 16.7 miles to the NOC Center for this evening. Another disappointing day for views from the Balds. Just too cloudy and misty all around. Took a side trail to the top of Rocky Bald, but my camera fogged up. Long drop into Tellico Gap, and 2 mile climb to the top of Wesser Bald at 4,627 ft. again, all clouded in. At Wesser Bald Shelter for tonight. Set up my tent to avoid the snorers and hopefully sleep better. Met a new hiker, "Rethinker," says he knows me from trail journals. Long 5 mile descent from, "the Jump-off" at 4,000 ft. to the Nantahala River at 1,700 ft. tomorrow. I will neeed to wrap my knees tight for that descent. Hopefully my food drop and backpack replacement that Rebecca sent will be waiting. Miss all my girls very much.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Wesser Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Big drop off mountains into NOC today; some steep and tricky spots to navigate. Left at 8:00, arrived by 11:30 for lunch at the River¢s End Restaurant. Had a 12 lb. Angus burger and fries. Southpaw, Willow, and I are sharing a room for tonight. Got a much needed shower and laundry. High humidity is making me very stinky. Picked up my food drop box and replacement backpack. Watched a few kayakers practice in the river. A very interesting place. No one looking forward to big six mile climb out of here tomorrow with full packs. Going from 800 to 5,000 ft. Hope to make it 7 miles to Sassafras Gap Shelter. All the veterans tell us it¢s the toughest climb yet. Yikes!! Hope to sleep well tonight.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

7 miles (uphill)April Fool¢s on us. No rain today as predicted. One of the warmest an sunniest days we¢ve had. Southpaw, Willow, and I started out at 9:00 a.m. and started the 7 mile climb out of NOC to 4,330 ft. The sun came out and got to 70 degrees; I was a river of sweat. Finally got some views looking aback to the Nantahala River valley. Stopped here for lunch and sent a picture message to my girls. That last mile straight up to Swim Bald just about did me in. Big crew at the Sassafrass Shelter tonight. Good thing it¢s s double-decker that can hold 14. Lotus and Thinker are here. Her knee is holding up after 4 days off in Franklin. Met lots of new hikers¢Bilge Rat, Pyro, Doug, Dr. Zayas. Wala Wala. Minus 30, Mondo, and their dogs Dinko and Neeko. Hope not too many snorers tonight, but I have my ear plugs ready. First warm evening I¢ve had on the hike, great not to have to jump into my sleeping bag early. We couldn¢t get a reservation at the Hike Inn at Fontana Dam until Friday, so we can slow it down over the next few days and maybe do a 9 mile to Brown Fork Gap, a 7.1 to Cable Gap Shelter, leaving us 6.9 to Fontana Dam on Friday. The weather finally turned and it is raining at 7:00 p.m. Our morning starts with a 500 ft climb to Cheoah Bald; hope my legs are recovered from today. Breaking in my new backpack was different today. The hip belt is really stiff and worked my hips hard today. I¢m guessing my load with heavier pack and resupply is about 45 lbs. Too heavy but I am staying warm.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Another interesting day on the Appalachian Trail. Had 11 people and 2 dogs in the shelter last night. Didn¢t sleep well, still too much snoring! We all had a big treat this morning¢outstanding views from Cheooh Bald! The clouds were hovering in the valleys below; felt like you were God looking down at earth from above. This bald is at 5,062 ft. Still can¢t believe that my legs allow me to make their climbs and descents every day. Got a few group shots, will be good to remind me of all the great hikers I have met. Had some lunch at Locust Cove Gap, and we all met again at the picnic tables at Stecoach Gap where N.C.143 cuts across. As I was taking a picture, I noticed a dead goat right on the side of the road. This lead to many interesting comments from the hiker crew. Also got some trail magic from fellow hiker ¢Bilge Rat.¢ He caught a quick hitch into Robinsville and McDonalds, and came back with donated double cheeseburgers. He shared one with me, Willow, and Southpaw. The last 2.4 miles from the Stecoach Gap were rugged, the last straight up was about 750 ft. up in half a mile. No one was happy, a switch back or two would have been most helpful. Met new hikers, Eric and Mountain Spice. There will be six of us in the shelter tonight, with Willow out back in her tent and Eric setting up his hammock in some trees up front. Sent the girls a picture of the wall-less privy here. No pride among hikers. Need sleep tonight¢we are thinking of going all the way to Fontana Dam tomorrow if we can get an early enough start. Hard to believe that I¢ll be hiking in the Smoky Mountains shortly. Another mini-milestone today¢made it to mile 150.9!
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Decided to hike all the way into Fontana Dam today. Called the shuttle from Fontana Crossing and the restroom--had to wait an hour and pay $2.00 to get to Fontana Village. Had a late lunch/early dinner of 1.2 lb burgers and fries. Spent the night with 20 others at the shelter called the "Fontana Hilton," great views over Fontana Lake. Going to take "zero day" tomorrow at the Hike Inn Hostel. Weather for tomorrow is 100% rain, high winds, and tornado warnings. Glad to take a day off!
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Fontanna Dam Shelter

To: The Hike Inn, Fontanna Dam
Miles today: 0.0

Another busy ¢zero¢ day (no hiking). Got up early at Fontanna Dam ¢Hilton¢ Shelter and caught the early shuttle into Fontanna Village and the post office. Will had 3 boxes, Southpaw had 2, including his new tent. Bought some more food to get me to 7 days worth for the Smokies in case we decide not to go into Gatlinburg about day 4. Only one road crosses the A.T. in the park for all 70 miles. Lugging 7 days of food out of here tomorrow up to 4,570 ft. will be painful. And the trail across the dam is closed and we have to take a couple mile detour to start the day! The Smokies are very restrictive, you have to camp at a shelter each night so you have to do some set milage each day. We called the Hike Inn from the post office and Jeff Hoch came to pick us up. Great little old fashioned roadlike hotel, only 10 rooms available and only 2 to a room. Got much needed shower and laundry, cleaned and repacked all the gear, sorted out the food drop boxes, then at 5:00 p.m., Jeff¢s wife Nancy took us to town (Robbinsville) for dinner. We went on her suggestion to the ¢ElPacifico¢ Mexican restaurant; big portions for a very reasonable price. Met a new hiker at dinner, ¢Long Waytru,¢ from Pittsburg, a former municipal judge. She might join us on the trip at tomorrow. Finally got some phone reception in town. Always great to talk to my Rebecca. Missing her is really getting to me. A strange arrangement of items on the night stand for morning use: 4 blister packs (for prevention, no blisters yet!), two extra strength Tylenol, quart of Gatorade, a Snickers bar and a Cliff bar for my cargo pocket to munch on as I hike, some pages from the Trail Data book so I can keep track of mileage, and my pocket knife and synthetic hankie for the other pocket. I¢m glad we didn¢t head out today, big rainstorms and high winds hit the area today. Hoping for some better weather for the Smokey Mountains.
Date: 2008-04-05
To: Rebecca, the wife
Miles today: 0.0

Spoke to Tom last evening and he was tired and missing us. He is so involved with the girls and I think the fact that he was missing a big event in Tess's life today made for a bit of homesickness. Today I got to witness Tess being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the most prestigeous liberal arts honor society. The Society's history was presented to us during the ceremony, and since 1776 from it's inception at William and Mary, it holds its members to embrace the principles of freedom of inquiry and liberty of thought and expression.As I watched Tess during the ceremony, I saw so much of her father in her. She embodies his personal drive for academic scholarship, a sense of curiosity and exploration, a desire to see the good in all people, and occasionally displays being headstrong. When Tom was trying to decide if he should leave teaching 7th grade and become a college professor, he questioned his move because he knew he was having an impact on the lives of the students he taught. I told him that if he taught 130 kids a year for the next 20 years, he will affect 2600 kids. If he taught 120 teachers a year for 20 years, and each of those teachers taught 130 kids a year for 30 years--well you do the math. He is making a difference. The president of Phi Beta Kappa's Baltimore Chapter told the inductees to go and make a difference in the world. He also told them to consider being teachers. The world needs good teachers. I know Tess is destined to do great things. She will go forth and make a difference in the world as has her dad. Maybe someday she will teach too. I do know she and her sisters will teach their kids as their father has taught them.Our kids, Laura, Tess, and Elizabeth have learned so much from their dad. This recent adventure, him hiking the trail, has taught them that if you have a dream, you should pursue it, no matter how hard. Teaching them to follow their dreams is more important that to be physically present at today's ceremony. Tom was there today; I saw him as I watched Tess.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got dropped off by Jeff from the Hike Inn about 8:30 a.m., found Lotus, Thinker, and Southpaw just getting started. The reroute around the dam was no fun, added 2 tough miles to an already rough day of up. We all have 7 days of food for the Smokies and our packs are the heaviest they have ever been. The 4,570 ft, climb to Mollies Ridge Shelter was tough. The skies really opened up and the clouds surrounded us. The trail was turned into a giant slip and slide. Got to the shelter about 6:00 p.m.¢lucky to get spots. It¢s listed to sleep 12, have over 20 in here, some sleeping on the floor in front. Met new hikers¢Moon Pie and Tree, who is 6 ft. 11 in. and wears size 17 boots; Orange Dust and Greenwood, who made great looking spaghetti for dinner, even carried up a can of sauce! Pack animal and Mike B, and some others I haven¢t had a chance to talk to yet. Will be an interesting night with everybody crowded in. Going to dig out my earplugs and mp3 player and hope for the best!
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Short day to Spence Field Shelter. The sun finally came out today by the time we got to the bald. Somehow we lost Southpaw today. He had stopped to take off a layer while Willow and I pushed on. He must have missed the sign and the turn to the shelter. Had a snack at Russell Field Shelter. Still has its bear fence up, very dark inside and not very appealing. Spence Field is great, was renovated last year. No more fence for the bears to watch the people through. Looks like only four of us in the shelter tonight. Me, Lotus, Thinker, and Resin. Alberto and Willow are going to sleep in their tents. I¢m hoping for a better sleep than last night. Still waiting to see a bear or deer in the park, maybe tomorrow. The discomfort from my Mt. Smith pack is really getting to me, my hips are bruised and blistered, just can¢t seem to soften up the padding on that hip belt. I should have stuck to my Atmos 50; clumsy to pack, but not agony on the hips!! Hope I feel stronger hiking tomorrow, today I had little energy. Two big climbs tomorrow up Rocky Top (5,440 ft.) and Thunderhead (5,527 ft.) back to back. I can see them across the valley as I write. Another challenging day on the trail ahead.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Had a late arrival to camp last night. The "Colonel," Gulf war vet, had put some cute songs together about hiking the trail. Also set a mouse trap, which went off around 9:00 p.m. But tonight here at Silers Bald Shelter, he is having a serious problem--getting altitude sickness. Has called 911 for an evacuation if possible. Apparently, trained as an army medic, so he knows what is happening to him. Scary stuff! Right now we are 5,460 ft. But everything on the trail here is high. He really needs a big drop in altitude. He's on the phone now with the park service. Sounds like they are asking him to walk somewhere where they can meet him. About 1.7 miles away. "Thinker" is going to go with him, and Dan is going to carry his pack. I'm glad there are young legs here to help, an extra 5 miles under head lamps would be tough for me today. I gave Thinker my lid from my pack that turns into a fanny pack. He has night hiked this section before and fotunately knows the Smokies very well.In better news, the views from Rocky Top today at 5,440 ft. were fantastic! Not much to see from Thunderhead Mt. Stopped for lunch and rest break at Derrick Knobs Shelter at 6.6 miles, good water source and took my boots off to dry the feet for a while. The last 5.2 miles were tougher than expected. They don't believe in switch backs in the Smokies, all is straight up. Lotus and Thinker hiked with us this morning. They are great company. A full shelter here tonight. Saw a turkey on the way in. Weather forecast sounds pretty good for the rest of week until Friday, then a cold front moving in. Should be out of the Smokies by then. Waiting for a phone call on my cell from "Thinker" that he got the Colonel to the next shelter. Oh, had a note from Southpaw at Derrick Knob Shelter that he just missed the signs to Spence Field Shelter. I feel really bad about that, he has called me pathfinder for the past few days because I have been leading the way and getting my slow but steady pace. Thinker is going to fill him on our plans when he gets the Colonel to the next shelter. Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6,643 ft. is on the agenda for my birthday tomorrow! Happy Birthday to me!!