morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap - Hiawassee
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

The night is uneventful. Three in the shelter. The two young hikers were on one side and I was on the other. I think they wanted to stay away from the old guy since they are the ones that snore. As it turned out, the young one did and it was really pissing off the other one. I think Peter was the awake one and he kept slamming the floor trying to get the guy to roll over. He kept saying, "Are you kidding?" He was not happy.The stoves started up by the tenters at 7:30. That's when I got up. Last night was the first time I ever had to get up and pee. All the water I'm drinking due to the heat.Hard hiking day. The hike into and out of Unicoi Gap is hard. 1,000 feet down and then up again in a mile. Then another 1,500 up to Tray Mountain. Made it to Tray Mountain Shelter at 11:30 or so. Out late at 12:30. A very long stop. Goal is to hit Deep Gap Shelter. Along the way, 2 young hikers said they may try to hit Dick's Creek Gap and get a ride to Hiawassee. Hmmm... I thought, why not? It was only 2.5 more miles farther than where I planned to hit. But with Easter tomorrow, is there room is town? Took out my phone on Tray and no reception. I won't go into town late without knowing I have a room. At the final knob before I got to the shelter, I got reception. Called the Hiawassee Inn and there was room.Made it to Dick's Creek Gap and in less than 10 minutes, I got a hitch by two girls going to town. I found out Ron Haven bought this hotel a couple of months ago.After check-in, I showered, got my clothes in process and to DQ for a swiss mushroom burger combo. With a meal done, I went to Rite-Aid. Sunscreen, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Very expensive so I went to Ingles for the other small things I needed. At Ingles, I picked up baggies, drink mix, a chocolate milk for the morning, an orange, and large Band-Aids. Stopped at gas station on the way back for a new Gatorade bottle. At 9:30 I was hungry so I went next door and picked up a foot-long ham Subway. Ate it back in the room.I repacked and was all ready for the 8:30 shuttle back to the trailhead. In bed late at 11:00. Set my watch for 7:45.A great day.Oh, one thing that happened during the hike is that Bismark got his trail name.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Dick's Creek Gap - Hiawassee

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Up 5 minutes early @ 7:40. Ran through my morning checklist and out of room at 8:15 to catch the shuttle. The hotel manager was in front letting hikers know the shuttle was late and was expected at 10:00 or so. Last night was the bash in Franklin and everything was running late because of it. Went back to my room and hung until 9:50. Shuttle came at 10:00 and Ron Haven himself was driving. You can't really bitch about the shuttle being late since it is free and is just another service that Ron provides to hikers. The shuttle first went to Unicoi, then dropped a hiker at the Blueberry Patch, and then to Dick's Creek Gap. Back on the trail at 10:30.Blew through to the Standing Indian Shelter. 16.7 miles for the day. At the shelter was a father and daughter section hiking. Also tenting were the 49'ers. Two more came in so there were 4 in the shelter.It was funny. When I got off the shuttle this morning, I ran into Bismark who got on. He was a bit cut up as he said he face-planted on Tray Mountain. Bummer.A good day of hiking. Three days of big miles.Life is good.
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Out of shelter at 8:30. Was going 15 miles or so to align myself for a 10 mile day to catch the morning shuttle to Franklin. Along the way, I got the idea to go 5 more to te next shelter.On the way to Albert Mountain, I came across Fishing Fred who was there in 2006 with Gatorade giving trail magic. Gatorade was in Florida, but Fishing Fred was keeping the tradition going.Went over Albert Mountain, past the firetower and on to Big Spring Shelter. Not sure why the name since the spring was a very small trickle. 49'ers were there. We all decided the next shelter was mostly down hill so we all went for it.Got to the shelter first. Met up again with Hillbilly and his friend. They were sectioning to the NOC. Hillbilly was a very funny guy. The 49'ers came in, could not find a tent site so they pushed on. That would make a 20 plus day for them. Not bad for over 60 year olds. Also at the shelter were Backwards and her husband Conan, who did look a lot like Conan. They were celebrating their one year anniversary. They both quit their jobs and decided to hike the AT before the family and work phase begins.Hike was good. A near 20 mile day. 4 good mileage days in a row. Tomorrow under 4 miles to Winding Stair Gap.
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: US 19 - NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: moderate rain

Slept OK. First thing on list is to see if I could stand up. YEA!!! I could. A bit of pain but the swelling was about half. Actually, I was amazed. Life is good. Walked a bit. Sore but it is moving.The rain did not start yet. Got on the trai by 7:30. Planning on hiking slow. Of the 11.5 miles, 9 of them are down hill. Ouch. Well @ 9:30 the storm came in. Very bad wind, cold driving rain. Lightning, of course, when I was at the top. After the front, rained the rest of the day. Got to NOC around 12:45. Very reasonable for a bad foot, hard down hill, wet and slick.Got my bunk, grabbed a burger at the restaurant, went to market, and back to do laundry. Picked up my maildrop on the way in so I did not have that to do.Well, 5:00, rain has stopped for now, laundry done, and journals almost updated. Time to see if I could get in touch with the Hiker Inn at Fontana Dam.
Date: 2010-04-09
From: US 19 - NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up with Ratman getting down from the bunk. Three in room, not sure of the other hiker's name. Got everything packed up by headlamp but could not find my bandana. So I felt, crap, the kid needs to get up anyway so I turned on the lights. Found my bandana in my food bag. Repacked, went to see if the Outfitter was opened. They don't open till 9:00 so I left. Forgot to get water and return my key so I went back up to the shelter. Hit the trail around 8:20 or so.First big climb was today. 3,312 feet in 8.1 miles. Of course you went down many times just to go back up. My guess is the day had about 4,500 feet of ups to get to Cheoah Bald.Hiking day was good. Passed Skippy/Mad Scientist and met him again at the shelter. The cooler day meant a lot less water stops were needed.After Stecoah Gap, I remembered that the hard climb I bitched about in 2006 was coming up. It is about a 700 foot climb in half-a-mile. Very steep and at the end of an already long, hard day. Got it done and at the shelter. Took my spot. Already in were Too Soon and Too Late. Named so because they said they are just too soon or too late for trail magic. Matt and McKinnly are tenting down the hill. Later came in Moose, Casual, and Skippy. A bit later Conan and his wife (ass) Backwards came in. We all fit.Going to be a cold night, 35-38 expected. It was getting cold and everyone was in their bag by 7:00. When I got into mine, I noticed my mattress was deflated. I thought I blew it up but oh well. In less than 2 minutes it was flat again. Crap, a big leak. Cold night, 30 degree bag, no mattress. It was going to be fun.
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day started early enough with Too Soon and Too Late getting up around 6:30. I saw Skippy/Mad Scientist get up as well. So up I went.The night was better than it could have been. Mid 30's expected and my pad has a huge hole in it. The shelter floor was hard and cold and with most of my clothes on my pillow was nill. Actually went OK but just one more thing I need to work on.So in the shelter was Too Soon, Too Late, Skippy/Mad Scientist, Conan and his wife Backwards, Moose, and a section hiker named Casual. Casual started at Springer and is ending his section in the next day or so. Matt and his dog McKinnly are tented down the hill.The day hike was OK. Many up and downs, some boulders, big slants, etc., but do-able. Would be much better, but my ankle feels everything not flat.The 13.0 miles went good. Got to NC 28 around 12:15. Phoned the Hike Inn for a pick-up. Nancy picked me up at the dam right on time at 1:30. There is a 1.2 mile section of trail from NC 28 to the dam that I consider the most silly part of the trail. Totally scrub trail just to get you to the other side of the road.After a short trip to the Inn, I picked up my maildrop and went to my room. Since it is Saturday, no doctor is available in town. Nancy gave me some epson salt to soak my ankle.Took a shower, brought my laundry to the main house and went back to my room. I laid out my maildrop items and my pack items and what a mess. How could I be carrying all of this crap?Went to the porch of the main building to do my journals and the house cats came for pets, actually they insisted to be pet. That was OK and it was nice to pet them.It was getting near 5:00 at which we were going to Robinsville for resupply and dinner. All I really needed was a patch kit for my mattress.Got to town and many places were already closed, including the hardware store.The drug store had nothing. Then ate at a cafe where I had BBQ pork. Average eats. The local cafes are usually very good but this was just OK. Then I walked over to the gas mart that had a small fishing supply section. I found a material that is supposed to repairs waders. Looked like it might work, so I bought it. Then walked to the Family Dollar Store and nothing there. On the way to Ingles, I stopped at McDonalds and grabbed a cone. At Ingles, I found a bike tube repair kit so between the wader glue and the bike patches, I figured this combo might just work. I also picked up some fruit for the morning. On the way out, I ran into Too Soon and Too Late going in. While hanging outside, there was an altercation between an old guy and a young kid. The Sheriff came, cuffed them both, and arrested them.Hung outside until Too Soon and Too Late came out. They showed me where the car was.Back to my room where I looked at my disaster on the bed. First, I worked on the fix for my mattress. Then organized my items for repacking. Soaked my foot, took a hot bath, ate some Frito's, watched the Weather Channel, then ended with watching a church revival station. It was actually kind of fun and invigorating. Sleep at 10:40.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Fontana Dam

To: Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Hike Inn
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at 7:00 but out of bed at 7:45. Made coffee, soaked my foot, took a hot bath.While I was working on catching up on my journals, I got a knock on the door. It was Jeff from the Hike Inn. He was bringing Too Soon and Too Late to NC 28 to hike 3 miles or so to the entrance of the Smokies and was wondering if I wanted to do from the dam to the trailhead. It's only a mile or so, but it is one less to do tomorrow. The only bad thing is that I forgot my camera so I will miss the dam pictures. Oh well. Did it, back to my room. Finished my journals and headed to town in 45 minutes or so.Day 14 - All is good. Ankle still bad, but better. Start the Smokies in the morning. Heavy pack with all the extra food. Weather is supposed to be good.Third nero day. No zero days.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Hike Inn

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

With a bed to sleep in, my pack was already to go before I went to sleep. It was decided that 8:30 was the shuttle time back to the trailhead. I was up @ 7:30 and ready to go. Watched the Weather Channel and 5 sunny days are forecasted.Left for the trailhead at 8:40. Along the way, I decided to start at the dam again and take pictures since it was such a great morning. So yesterday's nero is now a zero.Took my pictures. The entry sign to the Smokies has changed. Glad I have pictures of the older one. Hit the actual trailhead around 9:00. Passed Aquaman, and then a trail maintainer. Farther up I caught up to Too Soon and Too Late. I interrupted a private moment but got through it OK.After a 2,100 foot climb I reached Shuckstack and went on 0.1 miles to the firetower. This time I went up it. At least 3/4 of the way up. The steps were wood and past their useful life and some of the handrails were missing. Took my pics and down I went.I soon hit Mollies Ridge Shelter and Zoey was there. Not sure how, but she was. No one ever sees her hike, but she is always in front of you.Ankle seems to be holding up. No pills until 1:00. Actually, my hammertoe is acting up just a bit. Pills took care of any discomfort. It seems when I loosen my lace, the hammertoe goes away.Reached shelter at 4:30. Not bad for 16.4 miles of mostly climbs. At the shelter, one of the hikers volunteered to get water. Nice!! There was a fire going by 6:00, temps are dropping, sun setting. A great first day in the Smokies.
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow, what a great hiking day. Started out cooler, about 40 degrees. Had 2 extra layers off by noon. Slept well. 10 more came into the shelter last night, 3 left to night hike. Shelter was full.The day was exactly like yesterday. For the Smokies, it is as near perfect as you can get. Our of the shelter at 7:45. The trail was simply up or down, mostly on rocks.I was pondering moving on to the next shelter, another 6.3 miles, over Clingman's. I need to pop a 20 at sometime in the Smokies to hit Bear Fence early enough to go into town. Laid it out and will do it in two days.Other than that, not much to talk about yet. Hiked with Dry Clean a bit. He and another hiker are moving on. Already 7 at the shelter. Big group behind me still to arrive. Tonight will be interesting.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

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

Out of shelter right at 8:00. Today's hike was going over Clingman's Dome, the highest part of the AT. Told there was still snow and many uncleared blowdowns. Started seeing snow piles on the way up but nothing actually on the trail.Arrived at Clingman's and the tower was still closed due to road work leading up to it. There were trees down over the road leading to it. Climbed the tower, took my pics, ate a candy bar and left. Once again I had the place to myself.On the way down, I ran into multiple blowdowns and snow drifts over the trail. At one place I did posthole up to my knee. Then more blowdowns and more snow. This went on for a couple of miles. Then on to Newfound Gap.Arrived at Newfound Gap at 1:30. A lot of people were there. This is a big tourist location. I struck up several conversations to Yogi Food but to no avail. Went to get water and it was turned off and the sinks are permanently pulled off the wall. I saw the couple I just passed on the trail who were getting on a shuttle to Gatlinburg. I hit them up for their water. I was tempted to get on the shuttle with it right there, but I passed. There is nothing I want or need in Gatlinburg.3 more miles, mostly up, to the shelter. I must have passed 35-40 people, groups mostly, hiking down to the Gap. I think they get a ride to the top and walk down.I passed the point and sign where I took my first wrong turn last hike. I still see why I made a mistake.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: few clouds

People were stirring at first light. I had a big day so I got up as well. While I was packing, the sun was coming up over the hills. It was the best sunrise ever. I took a lot of pictures even though I know they won't do the real thing justice. I was the first on the trail at 7:00.I left without much water thinking there would be some along the way. Wrong. Only water is at the various shelters. Crap. No panic yet. Picked up some runoff along the way just in case.About halfway into my day, a hiker heading south weny by. We greeted each other and both of us looked at each other like we knew them. Shit, I think I know who this is. He said I look familiar and asked me my name. I knew who it was and asked him his name. He said Greyhound and you're FOG. Here in front of me is my idol, rockstar hiker in front of me. He looked as stealth as ever. I credit, or perhaps blame, Greyhound for my lightweight and long distant hiking. I was fortunate enough to hike with him for several days early on my 2006 hike. His advice and wisdom rings in my ear each and every day I am on the trail.We exchange conversation and after all the miles I have hiked on the AT, I am talking to one of the very few who get it, who understands that is is about the hiking. I certainly am not at his level and never will be, but here on the trail is the singlemost influential person who has had an effect on my hiking process and style. It was the best part of my hike to-date. We talked for a bit, said goodbye, and away he went. But this time I got a picture of him. Very cool.Greyhound indicated that Krispy Kritter started a thru hike this year as well. He is a bit behind me so we probably won't meet up. I do wish him the very best in his hike.As my hike went on, I continued to be excited. I used that energy to complete my first 20 plus day.At the shelter, some guy, a hiker, was on his phone while in the shelter. Guess what... no one cares to hear your conversation. Phones are OK on the trail for certain purposes, but this guy really showed how they could ruin the outdoor experience. Hikers need to learn hiking phone etiquette.All-in-all, a great hiking day. Getting near hiker's midnight. Time for bed. 8:45.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Last day of the Smokies. My 20 plus day yesterday positioned me to have a light day and get into the hostel early. I am ending the Smokies one day less than last hike. End-to-end with only 4 nights. Not bad.Day was just another in a long list of great hiking days. Great weather through the entire Smokies. This is unheard of.Arrived at the hostel at 12:15. I knew there was a big group headed this way so I quickly showered, did my laundry and ate. There is a kitchen that hikers could use so I bought a package of rice sides, cooked it and ate it all. Then I bought 6 eggs, 3 soft-boiled, ate them and 3 hard-boiled for tomorrow's breakfast along with the Honeybun I bought. Yum. Also that night, I went to the market and picked up a chicken dinner and ate that also.One quick note on the hike was that I went under Interstate 40. It was almost surreal that there was no traffic on it. It is still closed from the rock slide last October. They say it will still be closed all summer.Well, as predicted, the crowd arrived. The bunk house was full and the area was covered by tents. The place became a zoo. The group got 2 beer runs and by the time I went to sleep at 9:20, you could tell the trouble was in the air.The next morning the guitar was smashed into pieces, and the power to the out-building was off. The story I heard the next day was that Curtis, the owner, came out at midnight all pissed off that the group was still singing and playing around that he grabbed the guitar and smashed it. Too much booze with the wrong group.Well I slept like a baby, got up at 6:50 and had a very productive and positive experience. Not the same could be said for others.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

Up early at 6:50. First one out of the bunkhouse. My goal was to drink my chocolate milk and eat my eggs and Honeybun on the trail. I know if I do a big day I will move ahead of the group. No hiker out of their group has anything good to say about them. They are on the trail for the wrong reasons and give the hiking community a bad name. But I don't think they really care much since they really are not hikers.As I started out, last night's events were obvious. No lights, power, and the guitar is in pieces on the door frame.As I started out at 7:30, it started to rain. Two big climbs today and I thought the rain would hold off until late afternoon. But it didn't. In about a mile, I put on my rain jacket and pack cover. The wind picked up and after the first 1,000 feet of the climb, it became very foggy.About 13 miles into the day and at the base of Max Patch, H.D. Mama and her husband were doing trail magic at Max Patch Road. 2 soft tacos, mini links and Mountain Dew, yum. That really lifted my spirits.As I got to the top of Max Patch, the weather started to break. The sun popped out and the rest of the day was great. Cooler temp, good hiking tread and good food made the last 6 miles rather easy. I was looking for the old Roaring Fork Shelter but missed it. I think it was finally taken down. Once I hit Lemon Gap, I knew the next stop was Walnut Mountain Shelter after a final climb.The shelter was older and only fit 6. The privy was dismantled. It quickly became colder and the wind picked up. With an early start in the morning, put on most of my clothes and went to bed around 8:15. So did everyone else. All tucked in, the wind roaring outside, I stayed warm and slept great. A big day is over.
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs - Alpine Motel
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

The end of today will mark the end of week three. 271.8 miles completed, 1907.3 left to go.The day started out cold and windy. 6 in the shelter, 6 or so more in tents. The Wolf Pack, the Rat Pack, Atlas, another couple, and Evan Almighty are around. The Rat Pack got up first and out at 6:45. I got up and out at 7:05.I started out wearing every piece of clothing I had. The cold temps and strong winds made for a very cold start.Caught up to the Rat Pack at about 9:30. Morning was starting to warm up. Had only 4 layers left to remove.The hike had some ups but mostly downs since we are going to a town.Arrived at Hot Springs at 12:15. Stopped at the diner and had the fried chicken special with potatoes and mac-n-cheese and a cheeseburger. When the server brought it out, she walked by my table then came back, looked at me then served it. She was confused since she had two meals to deliver but I was by myself. The table across the way saw what happened and got a kick out of it.Went to the hotel and the Rat Pack was there. They got rooms so all is good. I checked in and did laundry. Of 6 machines, only two worked. There was some detergent on top so I used a bit. Actually the dryer that was supposed to be the one working, did not dry a thing. Brought it back to the room to hang and dry.On the way back, ran into Atlas who needed a shower so I let him use the one in my room.Did my first shop at Dollar General. The usual, chocolate milk, Frito's, candy, Powerade, peanuts, and batteries for my camera. I need a battery for my headlamp but they don't have one.After 270 plus miles I am mentally strong. I'm having a great time and I am happy to be hiking. The physical thing is OK, ankle still sore but moving. Bug bites healing, sunburn healing, blister in control. A slight crack in my left heel and a slight pain in my right knee is all I really have. No hiker hobble yet.Just got back from the Outfitters. Went there for a pulse light to replace the one I gave to a hiker at Ice Spring Shelter. With my battery almost gone on my headlamp, I will probably need it soon. Also replaced my Aquamira, tuna packet, orange, and some stickers for my truck. Since I have a maildrop that requires a return box, why not.For tonight, I will work on my journals, eat one more time and go out for a drink, perhaps.All-in-all, I'm doing well and one day ahead of the last hike.