morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

When we got up today it was pouring outside. The weather was calling for severe thunderstorms in the morning and afternoon. The decision was to take the day off. It's one thing to be out there already and deal with the rain. It's another to leave a dry hotel (and food). So now I'm back on the schedule with my itinerary. The zero days really do hurt the northward progress, but it does wonders for the attitude! It's all about the journey and having fun, right??The morning flew by quickly. Had breakfast at some pancake house. Yummy, but damn expensive! $25 for two. Maybe that was because we had a feast? Nah, it really was pricey...Bear had never been to a Ben & Jerry's ice cream store. So Ladybug, Bear and I went there for some treats. After that, we hit the local library so I get caught up on bill paying. Then on the walk back we stopped at the Ben & Jerry's again. Man, the things us thru-hikers do. LOLFor a few hours Ladybug, Bear and I tried to develop a hiking plan for the next week or so.At 7PM we had a large group dinner at the Texas Roadhouse. At dinner was the three of us, plus Gabby (also on Trailjournals), Goosebumps, Bernie and Rat Pack.So if all goes as planned the shuttle will show up at 7AM and soon after I should be truckin north again.Oh, lastly I've got an injury update for Ladybug. Who would have thought there are scorpions in NC, but there are!!! Ladybug apparently got stung by one before we came into town. Geez, the dangers on the AT!! And I still haven't seen a bear!! :-(
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was by far the best and most interesting day thus far. The day consisted of all kinds of great things.After getting a ride back to Newfound Gap from town, the driver had some problems openning the trunk. I was standing there freezing my ass off thinking I'm not going to get to hike.The hike to Icewater Spring Shelter went by really quick. I have hiked that section as a day hiker before and it was just as easy this time around even though I was carrying a pack.Charlies Bunion was really great too. A few day hikers were there climbing all over the place, but they soon left.The rest of the hike to Pecks Corner Shelter was relatively flat and flew right by. That section of the hike offered so many views!! It was absolutely beautiful.The weather was cool enough during the first part of the day, that I got heated up going up the climbs and cooled off on the downs.At lunch it started to snow. Geez, what is up with this hike? It rains, then it gets cold and snows. I'm really glad that we decided to take the day off to stay dry. It would suck to be wet out here in the cold!The last five miles went by quickly as well and fairly quick. So all-in-all the weather was interesting, the hike was easy and the views were awesome.Ok, getting pretty cold now, so I'm getting in my sleeping bag to stay warm.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Mt Cammerer Lookout tower
Miles today: 10.5

Another awesome hiking day today, which overcame the miserable night.Last night was rather cold. Once I hit the sleeping bag I didn't move last night. On top of the cold, the shelter was one of the nosiest that I've stayed in. Good thing the day provided a easy hiking day so the lack of sleep was no issue.Once the sun came up, things got much more tollerable. The hike prooved to be very easy which allowed the miles to pass by quickly.I think it was just north of Black Gap there were some airplane wreckage. I'm pretty sure I read about that in a few trailjournals from last year. Evertheless it had been there a while.Tonight, I'm staying at the Mt. Cammerer Lookout. Never saw that in the shelter list? Well, it's not listed. In fact, we aren't aloud to stay here. But the temptation to see an awesome landscape, a great sunset and hopefully a great sunrise, was way too much to resist.This place is a must for any thru-hiker, but day hikers as well. I've heard many people talk about it, and it's everything and more... In about an hour the sun should provide a wonderful specticle as it sets.I guess I could rank the north end of the smokies much better than the southern end. I'd also rank today as the highlight of the trip.Have you ever set on a mountain top and just listened to all the sounds that are present? I did just that, this afternoon. That makes this adventure of hiking the Appalachian Trail, oh so worth ever bit of it.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Mt Cammerer Lookout tower

To: Snowbird Mtn
Miles today: 12.3

Ok, the sunset last night from Mt. Cammerer was awesome!! The sunrise was just as fantastic. I would highly recommend that side trip.Since we were all up to see the sunrise we actually got on the trail earlier than our normal 8:30. The hike down to Davenport Gap went by really quick. So we made it out of the park wwithout incident, but also without a bear sighting.I had a maildrop at Mtn Momma's to pick up. While at Fontana the three of us bounced a box of food up there as well. Mtn Momma is suppose to have a killer cheeseburger, so of course I had to try it out when I got there as we waited for Ladybug's husband to arrive. He's visiting until Sunday. Not sure how many days that is, since I'm not quite sure what day today is.Well, the cheeseburger was damn good. Maybe not the best I've ever had. But it sure beats the crap out of stuff from a wrapper.After Ladybug's husband (Bruce) arrived we slackpacked another 7ish miles to Snowbird mtn. I hadn't planned to slackpack this trip. However, plans are made to be changed. I have slacked in the past... Anyway, I have to head home for a few days to take of some family business (Monday-Wednesday). So to make sure I'm in a town and available to make it home I have to do what ever I can to make the miles.Of course the miles were much easier since there was no weight of he pack. But the heat still made it a bit rough since 5 of the 7 miles were up hill.I'm not quite sure how our ride (Bruce) made it to the pickup point but he did. And soon after arriving at the top of Snowbird Mtn, we were riding back down and on our way to Hot Springs. The current plan is to use Hot Springs as a base for the slackpacking adventure, since that's where we are heading.It was difficult to get a room in town, but managed at one of the B&B's.Dinner also proved to be interesting. Bear and I were in the mood for beer and something. So Paddlers Pub would seem like a grand backdrop. The problem was that the cook was off. Geez, you've got to be kiding me!! Hikers need food and the kitchen is closed because there is no cook.Dinner was cosumed at The Bridge Street Cafe instead. It was damn tastey but a bit slow and expensive. $17 for a large pizza is a bit steep for a hiker. If you are wondering, I ate the whole thing. Yummy!Well, the plan is for a 22 mile slackpack tomorrow. So I need to get some sleep.A 22 mile hike?? Whose idea was that?!?!
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Snowbird Mtn

To: Garenflo Gap
Miles today: 22.1

Don't get all uptight about today's miles. Yeah, yeah, 22.1 miles was a brutal ride, but it was without my pack.I am proud to say that today is the longest I've ever hiked in one clip, pack or no pack. Of course as with any day, the last mile or two seemed to never end.Anyway the day started with an early rise for the ride to snowbird mtn. The day and hike went pretty quick for the first 2.5 miles to the shelter. The climb up to Max Patch which was about 7 miles seemed to drag on forever.The view from Max Patch was fantastic despite the clouds. It was a bit windy too. I hope to return someday on a nice day and evening to see the sunset. A beautiful camping spot... The walk off the bald was easy. However, the miles remaining semed to drone on and on. I even thought I might have missed the road crossing where Bruce was to pick us up. That was scary, thinking I might have to hike another 7 or so miles into town.Fortunately, I was wrong and met our ride at Garenflo Gap as planned.   Soon after Bear arrived, followed a few minutes later by Ladybug. We had a short road ride back into Hot Springs, unlike the 1 hour ride this past morning. I guess 22 miles will do that.After getting a shower, Bruce, Bear and myself (Ladybug stayed in) headed off for Paddlers Pub. The cook was in tonight. Buffalo burger was the choice for the evening. And of course we consumed plenty of a local beer from Ashville. It's called Highland Gaelic Ale, and damn tasty.We were also treated to some bluegrass music by some local talent. I can say it was pretty interesting. LOLThe beer on top of a big mile day has made me tired. Sleepy time...
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Garenflo Gap

To: Garenflo Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Today was yet another zero day. Bear's knee was hurting a bit and Ladybug wanted to spend some time with her husband. And of course I had a few things to take care of as well.The day started with a yummy breakfast, then a trip to the outfitter. I wanted to see if they carry Aquamira water purification. I'm fed up with the water filter. I also needed to check on shuttle services.They had the Aquamira, so the filter is done. They also had a really nice Marrmot 40 degree sleeping bag (1#) that I liked. It would make a great summer bag and lighten the load a bit more. It wasn't all that expensive either, just under $100 I believe.I got the details on shuttle services as well.Next on the to-do list was setup a time for the Hot Springs mineral bath. :-) A little town treat, relaxation. A nice soak in a hot tub.Then off to the laundry...I have to go home for a few days to take care of some family business, which is why I needed shuttle info. So I took care of my travel arrangements for the next few days. The really bad part of this is my hiking group will move ahead without me. Of course I'll meet new people, but I'll try to push hard to catch up over the following week or so. A good side is that I'll get to see some family and friends.We wanted to go to the Smoky Mtn diner for dinner, but they were closed. Does it make sense that they would be closed on a Sat night? I sure didn't think so. So off to the Paddlers Pub we went. Another yummy dinner and since it's the weekend some live music too. I also got to One Leg. He's a realy nice guy and I wish him well in his journey!Tomorrow the plan is to be dropped off at Garenflo Gap and slack into town. We will have lunch, then Bear and Ladybug will hike on out of town. Bruce and I will also leave town, except via car. Our destination wil be Knoxville airport where I'll pick up a rental car and head home. Mixed emotions. :-(
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Garenflo Gap

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

The day started with yet another yummy breakfast at the B&B, then it was off for another slackpack. This time Bear and I finished off the remaining miles into Hot Springs, NC. Ladybug left earlier in the morning before us because she had a message scheduled. So she needed to be back in time for that appointment.The weather was occasional sprinkles and of course clouds. The rain would pick up just enough to make me put on my raingear. Unfortunately even slackpacking caused things to get warm on the inside of the raingear. I guess that is life on the AT and not much I can do about it.We managed to burn off the miles quickly and were back in town just before noon. Just in time for lunch/more food. We also learned that Ladybug had locked the keys in the vehicle. As a result Bruce was unable to check out sine he couldn't put his stuff in the vehicle. What that meant for me was a shower prior to leaving. Yippy!After lunch it was time to head out. It was extremely difficult to first leave the "Trail" (what has been my home and family for a month now) and second to leave Ladybug and Bear. I know I will likely catch them (I'm guessing about a week), but that doesn't make it easier.During the ride to Knoxville, it was quite strange to be moving so quickly for so long, but also to have so many things happening at one time. Traffic buzzing everywhere, and so many buildings (all new construction), people and cars. It was overwhelming at first, after spending a month on the trail. Fortunately those feelings subsided a bit before it was my turn to take the wheel and head for PA.I thought Knoxville would be bigger. But I guess that just means it'll be easy to bring the car back on Wednesday. Not like I'm planning to stay in Knoxville.The ride home was uneventful and took much less time than I thought. I was thinking I'd take about 11 hours, but it was only 8.Time for bed, got lots of things to get done in the next couple days.
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Hot Springs

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

Ok, nothing great to report today. Spent the day going over bills and even paying some of them.I did manage to get a bunch of my digital photos uploaded to Trailjournals. Hope, they are enjoyable.Since I am home, I had dinner and a few drinks with a couple friends. That was nice, to see Todd and Brian. Both of whom are hikers and they of course had the gammet of thru-hiker questions for me and I was happy to provide answers for them based on my experience.Another long day tomorrow, and it's way past hiker bed time!! Man, it's almost real midnight.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Again not much to report today in terms of trail life since I'm still at home. Just cleaning of gear and some quick grocery shopping for breakfast and lunch stuff.I did meet yet another friend (Joe) for dinner and a few beers. Oh, and of course some nice conversation! Since my plan is to get up early for the drive back tomorrow, I wasn't out late, which is unusual when I'm out with him. I also stopped to check out a few photos from Todd's (mentioned above) vacation.I can say; however, the highlight for the day was getting to spend the afternoon with Dylan, my son.Again the day has come to end. Time for bed.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Cinco De Mayo!!Boy, morning came way too early for me. I need to get back on the trail where time makes no matter. However, it was difficult to leave this morning. Seeing everyone the last few days was great, but it also reaffirmed how much I miss everyone. As I was packing up all my gear this morning, I thought how easy it would be to simply put all that gear away and stay.But the Trail bug won out on the battle and into the car I crawled and drove the 500+ miles back to Knoxville. And now I sit in Paddlers Pub one last time waiting on my dinner (a small pizza). Small??? Am I losing my hiker appetite?? As soon as I eat, I'll walk out of town, ever northward on the AT. Hopefully I'll catch my trail family and I'll be truely back at home on the AT.Dinner is done. Time to leave town and find a home for the night.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

I'm getting sick of 20 mile days!! The bad part is that I've only done two. But I still have to catch Ladybug and Bear.From what I can tell they should have arrived in Erwin today sometime. I think I'm about two days behind them.Anyway, I got hiking this morning about 7ish while it was cool. That was key because the trail between Little Laurel and Jerry Cabin was a bit rough. Part of the trail in that section was an exposed ridge trail. It looked like something out of the White Mtns. Good thing I didn't push on last night because I definitely would not have made it those additional miles.The trail to Flint Mtn was a bit tough. The heat was kicking up and there was a steep down into the shelter. I was seriously thinking about staying there.I remembered what Don't Mind told me about that really hot day out of NOC. He said he was soaking his shirt in every stream he came to. So at the shelter I soaked my shirt, bandana and rinsed my hair. I felt so much better after that, so I decided to push on and see how far I could make it.As it turns out I managed to make it up the steep climb after Flint Mtn Shelter. And even more interesting, was that I pulled into the shelter about 6:30. Water was much more readily available today so that also made things a bit easier.There is a bunch of people at the shelter tonight (none of whom I know). I was going to tent given the crowd, but I'm too beat to mess with a tent.The plan for tomorow is another 20 to No Business Knob Shelter. That will leave me with a short 6 mile day into town Sunday. I have a feeling Ladybug and Bear will have already have left. Guess time will tell.
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter 

To: No Business Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Another rough day! I'm done doing 20+ mile days! It's just beating me up too much. Maybe it's just the heat but nevertheless, the end result is the same (I'm spent at the end of the day). Oh, it's also been an Ozone Action day for yesterday and today. I'm not suppose to be outside doing physical labor. Nice, eh???Anyway the day started with an easy hike down to Sams Gap. Then came the long climb up to Big Bald. About half way I was passed by Train Wreck out doing a 25 mile slack pack from Sams to Erwin. I thought that's crazy! Then I ran into a couple day hikers, turns out they live on the backside of the mtn at a ski resort.The view from Big Bald was really nice. You could see the ski resort and all the homes built on the mountain side. The breeze was blowing which was great cause I was close to killing over once reaching the top.From there the trail lead down to Big Bald shelter where I had some lunch. I was also astounded by the shelter register. There was an entry from Ladybug on 5/6 at 10:30AM. She was passing through on a 25 mile slack pack!!! Now how am I suppose to catch them if they are doing 25's and I'm killing myself doing 20's??? Talk about an emotional drain!I did get some trail magic at Spivey Gap, Apples. That helped pick me up a bit. There was a decent climb after the road crossing and the apples kept me from needing to dig into my pack for food.About 4 miles from the shelter and at the top of the climb it started to rain. And of course it rained the whole way to the shelter.From the shelter register it appears Ladybug made it here before Bear on 5/6. And it also apears that Bear was not slacking. He left an entry saying there was nobody here so he was moving on, but would not make it into Erwin. So he would have arrived on 5/7 (yesterday).Wonder if they took a zero and if they'll be in town when I get there tomorrow.
Date: 2004-05-09
From: No Business Knob Shelter 

To: Erwin / Miss Janet's House
Miles today: 6.3

A super easy day today and that's just what I needed.The day began with an easy hike pretty much all downhill to the town of Erwin. I made the 6.3 miles in about 2 hours. The trail was pretty steep, but the draw of town was too much. The gravitation pull of towns are amazing on the trail. That includes both coming into and going out of town.Anyway, the trail actually crosses the Nolichucky river just under 4 miles from the center of town. So I had to get a hitch into town. A nice guy and his two young children picked me up on their way to chuch. I ended up walking a few blocks but it wasn't bad.I got to Miss Janet's about 10ish. I got a quick shower and tossed some clothes into the wash. Since it is Sunday I dropped in on the church service across the street.I was all geared up for a burrito at the Erwin Burrito for lunch. Unfortunately it was closed today. So lunch was just something simple here at the hostel, chili.Oh, I did call Mom today to wish her a happy Mother's Day. Janet drove a bunch of us up to Johnson City for a Chinese buffet for dinner. AYCE is a hiker's dream, and I did my share of damage.Oh, I was talking to Little Engine this afternoon who said LadyBug and Bear were looking for me. They got into town the same day as Little Engine. She also thought they were going to take a zero and hike out yesterday. Now the interesting thing is that she slacked back into town yesterday and never saw them heading north. So who knows where they are.This place is a great place to stop!! I like it so much I'm staying another night. My plan is to slack 19 miles back into town tomorrow in another attempt to catch up. We'll see what happens.
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Erwin / Miss Janet's House

To: Iron Mtn Gap
Miles today: 19.0

Today's hike was a south bound slack pack, so the starting and destination fields are reversed. It was easier to leave them as the system generated them.Breakfast at Miss Janet's was fantastic. The downside was that we got a late start for our hike. A little chaos and an emergency I guess slowed things down.Goosebump, Little Engine and myself got started at Iron Mtn Gap about 11AM. I wa concern that we wouldn't have enough time for 19 miles. The hike started witha rough climb that was pretty steep. Within an hour we reached the first shelter, Cherry Gap shelter.At the shelter was Pokey, Art/Gabby and Coming & Going (also known as Bill and Julie, a couple from Miami). They informed me that Bear and Ladybug were leaving town Saturday morning (late). So they might be about a day and a half ahead. Unfortunately they didn't sign the shelter registers, so I'm not sure.Anyway, the hike was rather nice today. Unaka Mtn was really cool!! The climb up reminded me a lot of Maine, the rocks, roots and pine trees. The summit was awesome too. It was a dense pine forest, which also reminded me of Maine. The smell of pine was of course overwhelming. Someone this morning described the summit being like Sherwood Forest. I chuckled a bit, but he was right.The next climb was up Beauty Spot. There was a small field facing north which I thought was Beauty Spot, but I was incorrect. The actual spot was another half mile and a true bald mtn. The bad part was that it started to rain pretty hard just prior to reaching the top. So view from the summit proved fruitless, unless you like rain and clouds.Just after Goosebump and myself hiked off the summit it of course stopped raining. Just my luck!The rest of the hike was pretty much downhill into town. Goosebump saw two snakes, but again no wildlife sightins for me. The rain held off until we were about 3 miles from town. Janet told us to stop at the Nolichucky Campground and call for a ride back. Somehow we both missed it and ended up back in town (the bridge crossing). So we went to Uncle Johnny's to use the payphone there. Unfortunately, nobody answered at the hostel. Oddly enough, we got a ride back to Janet's from someone at Uncle Johnny's.I had high hopes of hitting the Erwin Burrito tonight for dinner. Alas the tree bore no fruit. It was closed again. So dinner was supplied by Sonic, for a burger. Tastey, but no burrito.The hostel seems much more relaxed toight. Different crowd tonight. Only a few repeats from last night. Most everyone has moved on.Speaking of moving on, I will be heading back out tomorrow with pack and all. We'll see how things go! Rough climb up over Roan tomorrow (6150').