morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Another cold night last night. I wanted to get more miles in today, so I needed to start earlier. Got up about 7:30 and was hiking by 8:40. The views from Clingman's Dome were good, but it was too cold to stay long. Then the trail down from Clingman's became the Appalachian Ice Rink! I almost fell a couple times-- but my catlike speed and reflexes saved me! (Sorry for stealing your line Matt.)I also crossed Newfound Gap which is where FDR dedicated Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There were lots of tourists, kind of a culture shock. Some of them asked about our hike, when we started, had we seen any bears. I had been one of those tourists 13 or 14 years ago when our family visited Gatlinburg. We had visited Newfound Gap and walked a bit of the AT that I would walk again today. I'm not sure how far we walked that day, maybe 1/2 mile, but today I had 3.0 to go.Icewater Gap Shelter has beautiful views. The shelter is full tonight, including thru-hikers Retro, J-boy, Justin, Sarah and me. There are also 10 springbreak hikers.
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful sunrise to start the day. The first half of today's hike was nice, with good views and not too many ups and downs. There still was ice on the trail in places, and there were many places where the ice was falling from the trees and piling up on the trail. The second half of the day had more ups and downs and they always seem worse when you're ready to be done.Retro and I kept passing each other, then hiked the last couple miles together. Retro, Justin, Sarah, and I are the only thru-hikers here tonight and there are 8 springbreak hikers here so far.Called home from one excellent view spot and got updated on the NCAA wrestling tournament. Iowa State finished second and their coach Cael Sanderson was named coach of the year. So the best wrestler in the history of NCAA wrestling is now named coach of the year in his first season as head coach. These are all facts and there is no bias on my part!
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was my longest day yet. Started hiking about 8:20am, and knew I'd have to keep moving to do 18 miles. The day started cool and cloudy as it had rained most of the night. Passed the spot of a 1984 F4 fighter plane crash-- and there are still pieces of the plane scattered on both sides of the trail. I also exited Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Towards the end of the day I passed under I40. Today's hike started at an elevation of 5920 ft and ended at 1850 ft. While coming down that far it kept getting warmer, then I started seeing wild flowers in bloom. Spring was back!!This hostel is 200 yards off the trail. There's a bunkhouse, kitchen for hikers, laundry faclities, showers, etc. I needed the shower!Retro, who I hiked all the way through GSMNP with, decided to hike on to a camping site. When I got to the hostel, Just Rick, Iceman Dan, Rockhound, Grey Wolf, El-Train, Mr Happy, Noodles, and Sardine were already here. Just Rick's schedule for the next 3 days is the same as mine. Butch and Sundance took some time off in Gatlinburg but should be catching up soon.
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I planned a short day today, after yesterday's long one, and I actually kept the plan. After breakfast this morning, I sorted through the box that Julie mailed me and reloaded the food bag. By the time I had my pack packed and paid my bill it was 9:30am. The first part of today's hike was about 5 miles of uphill with an elevation gain of 2400 ft, then the last 2 miles was downhill 1400 ft. I felt good today after yesterday, maybe I'm starting to get in shape. I got to the shelter around 2 and expected that Just Rick had moved on since it was so early, but he was there with a fire going. We debated hiking further but this is a nice valley, there's a very convient water source and a privy. Who could ask for anything more? Not us, we stayed and had a very relaxing afternoon. Sardine and Noodles, along with their dog Gunnar, got here when I did, fixed some lunch then headed on. Just Rick tried to teach Gunnar to retrieve firewood but Gunnar just wanted to play. Justin and Sarah showed up about 7:45pm.Let's see, what should I do tomorrow? I think I'll get up and walk!
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Another nice day on the trail. There were several kinds of birds singng this morning as I hiked, but they wouldn't let me get close enough to see them-- and I don't know my birds by their calls. (Where's a Dr. Dinsmore when I need one?) The highlight of today was Max Patch Bald which is a huge grassy mountain top. The views were great. I took about an hour break there. I felt good hiking all day until the last 1.4 miles which was 700 ft up. That tired me out, but I still got to the shelter about 4pm. Just Rick had been here since about 2pm. It's just the two of us here tonight, so there's plenty of room in the shelter (although this isn't the nicest shelter). We had a nice fire and good conversation, now it's off to bed at the late, late hour of 8:20pm.We're heading into Hot Springs, NC tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Today got hot. The temp had to get into the 80's. This was a mostly downhill day. The shelter was at an elevation of 4260 ft and Hot Springs is at 1325 ft, but, of course, there were some uphills also. The AT goes right down the main street of Hot Springs. Just Rick got here about 1, I rolled in about 3 and Butch and Sundance showed up shortly after that. We all met for supper at 6,then met again later at the Paddler's Pub. Also in town are Sardine, Noodles, Fish, Chips, Dogfather, Thrills, Mr Happy, Jester, and Tall Hiker. It's odd walking down the street of a town I've never been in-- and knowing people.Hiking today, I walked by two gravestones, a woman who lived from 1882 to 1940 and a man who lived from 1881 to 1966. I also uncovered a salamander that was orange with blackspots. Use your imagination as to why I was digging a small hole when I found it!I went to the outfitter to use the ATM. They had a scale, and when I weighed myself, it says I've lost 10 lbs already. My mission for tomorrow, should I choose to accept it, is to eat. . . I accept!
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero days are very relaxing. Had breakfast at the local diner with Butch and Just Rick. Sundance apparently is a good sleeper! Then I resupplied between Dollar General and the outfitter store. For lunch I just ate snacks in the room while lounging around. Sat outside this afternoon with Just Rick, Noodles, Sardine, and Gunner. Justin and Sara hiked into town and stopped to talk. Had dinner tonight with Just Rick, Noodles, and Sardine.Ok, so I've now hiked 270.5 miles, have I learned anything? I've learned: 1) A 1200 ft climb in the morning is easier than a 500 ft climb late in the    day. 2) If you haven't used something for a week, and you don't need it for safety,   (i.e. gloves) then send it home. 3) If you wear a hat with a string neck strap, hold the strap out of the way   when spitting out your toothpaste. 4) Don't carry 5 lbs of water when 2 lbs will get you to the next source. 5) Plan your resupplies carefully, nothing's better than eating your last bit   of food while walking into town. 6) HYOH (Hike your own hike).7) There's a lot of good people out here.I'm just getting started with the hike, and I'm sure there's plenty more to learn also. Tomorrow I head north again to continue the education.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Another day with a flexible schedule. I planned to do 11 miles-- to the first shelter, but I got there a little after 2 and a Boy Scout group showed up to spend the night. Just Rick had gotten there at noon and had moved north. So I headed out to Allen Gap to camp. When I got to the gap there was a sign to walk down the road 300 yards to a house for Trail Magic. Fal and Hercules fed me a great Mexican meal, homemade bread, cake with ice cream and I drank about 8 glasses of lemonade (it was hot again today). They were thru-hikers in 1999 then bought their house near the AT about 3 years ago. They do trail magic everyday for about 6 weeks in the spring. Thanks, thanks, thanks.After that it was about 6pm, so they dropped me back at the trail and I hiked just a little to a campsite. I set up the tent and thought I'd be alone when I hear voices, and Butch and Sundance showed up. They had gotten a late start and thought they'd stop at the shelter, but it was crowded. So we're all camped together. I think Just Rick pressed on to the next shelter which would make him a 19.6 mile day! Another good day and awesome trail magic, but my food bag's still heavy since I didn't have to fix myself supper!
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's highlight was a ridgewalk with excellant views. The ridge was tough walking, felt like I was on a stairmaster with constantly stepping up and down. When I got to this shelter Butch asked if I wanted to take a rest and then go to a campsite 3 miles further. I said I thought I could handle another 3 miles. Sundance didn't want to go any further. We discussed all the options and then decided to stay here.The shelter area is pretty full. Thrills, Dogfather, Fish, Chips, as well as 4 'new to me' thu-hikers, Caterpillar, Hike, Bird, Pa Bert-- and 2 section hikers are also here. There was some fun conversations as people have been together long enough to get past the polite stage!
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Butch and Sundance decided to do a 20 mile day today. I got to this shelter about 3:30pm and decided I didn't want to hike another 6 miles. Also here are Dogfather, Thrills, Fish, Chips, Caterpillar, Hike, and a section hiker. The section hiker's dad is doing trail magic 13 miles ahead, so we have that to look forward to tomorrow. Fish and Chips are from England and are good kids-- except they think that there is better British humor than Benny Hill. It's 8:15pm, and I'm in my tent typing this-- the barred owls are calling to the tune, "Who cooks for you. Who cooks for you all."   Must be time to sleep.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Stealth tentsite
Miles today: 15.6

The people at last night's shelter are early risers. I started hiking at 8:10am, and I was the last one to leave the shelter. I walked under I-26 right on the TN/NC border.Today's highlight was Big Bald, elevation 5516ft. This was a large grassy top mountain, so the views were excellent. I flushed a turkey just as I was coming up onto the bald. When I came to the place that the trail magic was supposed to be-- there was none. I kept hiking to where I was going to camp and Dogfather and Thrills were here. Dogfather passed on some trail magic he had recieved, 2 regular snickers, 3 bitesize snickers and a Miller Lite. Thanks to Jel for the magic and to Dogfather for carrying it here!Hike and Caterpillar showed up shortly after me. We all had our tents up and our supper cooking when it started to rain. We had a few claps of thunder also. Tomorrow it's in to Erwin, TN and the normal town attractions; food, shower, laundry, bed!
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Stealth tentsite

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

It rained a little last night and this morning, but it wasn't raining when I packed up this morning. It was cooler today, but there were enough uphills to get warmed up. I was the last to leave camp again this morning, and I didn't catch anyone. Heading into town seems to make everyone hike faster. When I got to the road into town, I started walking to an intersection that's suppose to be easier to hitch from. Before I got there two guys pulled up and asked me where I was headed. I said "Miss Janet's Hostel". They said to hop in. The Dude was heading to Springer in a couple days to start a thru-hike and Brodie was a hiking friend that he hadn't seen in 4 years. When they dropped me off at Miss Janet's, Brodie said if it was full that I could have his bunk and he'd tent!Also here are Butch, Sundance, Just Rick, Gray Wolf, Fish, Chips, Santas Helper, and a couple others whose names I don't know yet. Noodles and Sardine showed up while we were at dinner, so it's an overflow crowd.Miss Janet's Hostel is her house with a couple bunkrooms. For $20 you get a bed, shower, laundry, internet access, shuttles around town, and a big breakfast.Tomorrow I plan to slack pack. This is where I'll get a shuttle to a trail/road crossing and walk southbound back into town. So I get some trail miles in without having to carry my pack, and I'll stay here one more night. This is the rough part of thru-hiking.   Not!
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Erwin, TN

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: few clouds

Today started with a big breakfast. There were probably 20 people here to eat. Then Miss Janet shuttled 6 of us to Indian Grave Gap for our 'slack pack' southbound back to Erwin. Fish, Chips, Butch, Sundance, Gray Wolf, and I along with Miss Janet's dog Fabian were the slackers. Chips was sporting his new Mohawk haircut with the AT symbol shaved in one side. We started hiking at 10am and were picked up at the other end about 1:30pm.The rest of the day was lazy. I had lunch at Sonic, mailed a photo memory stick home, and bought some stove fuel. There's a big dinner tonight in honor of Sgt Rock who's just back from Iraq and also a major contributor to whiteblaze.net, an AT website. Baltimore Jack is doing the cooking. He's thru-hiked 7 times and wrote a re-supply article for whiteblaze that I used while planning my hike.This has been a great stay, but tomorrow I head back to the trail. Butch, Sundance, Fish, and Chips are heading back to Franklin, NC to Hiker-fest. This will give Butch's sore knee a couple days rest, but I think it had more to do with Sundance hearing the word party!
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I drug myself away from Miss Janet's place. It was a fun stay and definitely lived up to the hype. It was a little chaotic this morning with getting breakfast and the number of people leaving. By the time Gray Wolf and I got dropped off at the trailhead, it was 11am. Thrills and Dogfather were getting dropped off by Uncle Johnny; they'd stayed at his hostel. We climbed up to a bald with good views, and as I'm going down the other side I hear someone shout "Twofer". I didn't recognize him but quickly realized it was Joe From Iowa. I had heard he was close and moving fast. He's from Ames (Go Clones), and we had signed each others guestbook-- but had never met. He started 2 weeks after me and is doing around 20 miles per day, so this will probably be the only day I see him!The hiking highlight today was going through a thick stand of pine trees. The forest floor was covered with pine needles and the bottoms of the trees were covered with moss. It was tricky staying on the trail, you really had to look ahead for the white blazes.Because of the late start, I stopped at this shelter. Tomorrow I'll get back to more normal days. Staying in the shelter tonight are Gray Wolf, Joe From Iowa, Conquistidor, and me.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

It's the start of another month. Roan Mountain was the only thing that played an April Fool's joke on me. It was one of those mountains where I kept thinking I was close to the top-- only to turn a corner and see more up. When I woke up this morning it was raining, so I delayed getting out of the bag. It soon let up, so I had breakfast, packed up and headed out. This was a day that was cool and rained off and on all day. I'd put the rain gear on and then I'd be too hot, so most of the day I hiked in shorts and tee shirt. I took a lunch break at a shelter 8.8 miles into today's hike, and it rained fairly hard while I was there. Gray Wolf showed up and said he'd had enough for today and was staying at that shelter. I debated, but I really felt like hiking more, so I put on the rain gear and headed out. In those last 6.4 miles I had 2800 ft of uphill, so it was slow. When I got to the shelter there was a boy scout troop here. The kids were in the shelter and the leaders were tenting. I decided to tent so the kids wouldn't have to worry about bothering me. They're a good group, and we discussed their hike and mine as I cooked and ate my dinner at the shelter. They're in the middle of a 50 mile hike.I'm the only thru-hiker here tonight and I think that's a first for me on this trip. It's 7:50pm, and I'm ready for bed!
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: US 19 E
Miles today: 15.2

Wilson earned his keep again today. When I woke up this morning, the bottom of my sleeping bag was wet. The wind really blew in waves all night and drove moisture under the awning, up and into my tent. It's usually best to leave a little ventilation, but last night I should have zipped clear up and taken my chances with condensation. Anyway, I packed up and started hiking by 8am. The hike today was generally downhill, but going up Hump Mtn was steep. It's a grassy bald and the wind was blowing about 40mph, but the views were great. I got to the hostel about 4:30pm and Just Rick was here. He took a zero today, so we'll hike out together tomorrow. The hostel owner's did my laundry, I laid my tent and sleeping bag out to dry, took a shower, then we were driven to a restarant for supper. After two 15 mile days, my feet have been doing a little complaining. Here's a typical conversation between my feet and brain after taking a break 9 miles into a 15 mile day:   F: Why are we putting these boots back on? Aren't we done for the day?   B: No, we have 6 more miles to walk.   F: Haven't you been listening to the signals I've been sending you?   B: Yea, but remember "No pain, no Maine"   F: That's dumb!   B: I know it's tough physically, but it's even tougher mentally. I'm missing      our family and friends.   F: I miss my couch. If you make me do this I'm going to bitch and moan and      make you walk like an old, old man.   B: Whatever. Ten minutes later:   F: You're really going to make me walk another 6 miles, aren't you?   B: Yea, but we're down to 5.8 miles now.   F: Alright-- then let's pick up the pace and get this over with.   B: Good thinking, feet.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: US 19 E

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a day to smell the roses. Just Rick and I decided to have a short day today. We got up, had coffee and breakfast at the hostel, then slowly packed up. Just Rick left at 9:30am, and I left at 10am.I walked slowly the first half of the trip and took several pictures of flowers. About 12:30 there was a side trail to Jones Falls. That was an impressive waterfall and a nice place for lunch. I got to this shelter about 3pm and Rick had been here for 30 minutes. It was a relaxing evening. This is a new shelter and very nice. Now it's 8:40pm, and I'm sitting by the fire typing this. You know it was an easy day if a hiker's up past dark!
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Laurel Fork Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained hard during the night but had quit by morning. Still, it was cloudy and cool starting out. I started hiking about 8:00 and went 9 miles to the next shelter by noon. The logs and rocks were all wet, so I hadn't taken many breaks. I cooked mac-n-cheese for lunch and had an hour break. After lunch the clouds started breaking up, and we had some sun. I saw my first snake; he was stretched out on the trail sunning. He was probably about 2 ft long. I dropped my pack, dug out the camera and took its picture. I looked him in the eye and his pupil was round so he wasn't poisionous.At a road crossing, I talked to an older couple who were fishing from the bridge. He asked where I had hiked from, and I said Georgia. He was surprised. He asked where I was going, and I said Maine-- he was more surprised. He offered me the fish he'd caught. I debated but decided cooking fish at a shelter might not be a good idea. He then pulled a can of vienna sausage and an energy drink from his truck and gave to me. Trail magic! He told me to have a safe trip and his wife told me to look out for snakes. I didn't tell her about my earlier snake encounter!Near the end of the day the trail dropped into a deep gorge and went by Laurel Falls. This was a huge waterfall and well worth the drop in to and climb out of the gorge.Just Rick and I are the only two here tonight. It's getting chilly, so should be good sleeping. The fisherman said that there's a chance of snow tomorrow night.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Laurel Fork Shelter

To: US 321
Miles today: 7.0

Today's hike featured one big uphill of 1700 ft and the same amount down. Then it was 1.8 miles to town-- I tried to hitch but no luck, so I walked. Just Rick got to the road before me, stuck out his thumb and the first car gave him a ride. I was still at the hostel just after noon.We were planning on heading back out tomorrow, but after listening to the forecast-- we decided to take a zero day, here, tomorrow. I'll head out Saturday and should be in Damascus, Virginia on Monday. My wife and girlfriend are coming to Damascus and will be there Tuesday. The fact that my wife and girlfriend are the same person makes this situation less complicated.So tomorrow I rest and eat. I think I can handle that!
Date: 2007-04-06
From: US 321

To: US 321
Miles today: 0.0

I'm having a lazy day in Hampton, TN. I went to an Internet cafe this morning and got to check up on other hiker's journals as well as my own. Ate at a restaurant around noon, and we're planning on having pizza delivered tonight.It has been cold today, and there's a 60% chance of rain/snow tonight. I still plan on getting back on the trail tomorrow.I also want to say thanks to eveyone who's signed my guestbook. When I get to town and send my journal entries, I recieve the new guestbook signings as well as emails to my Pocketmail account. It's been fun getting messages from people. I've had notes from family, friends, past thru-hikers, family of hikers I've met, southbound hikers who I'll hopefully see later this summer, and people who just check out Trailjournals. There's even been a few fictious signings (I know that Jennifer Aniston would rather see pictures of my feet than pictures of Falling Rock)!I hope everyone has a great Easter; I'll probably be on the trail.