morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

We woke up a little earlier this morning with the intention of a short day. We we're prepared for rain in the afternoon and planned to stop at Rock Gap Shelter, 3.7 miles before Winding Stair Gap (Franklin). The moment we strapped on our packs the thunderstorms rolled in. It caught most people by surprise...Torrents all morning. At one time Berry and I felt like we were walking in a creek. I had some trouble keeping the dexterity in my fingers because it was rather cold. Despite the rain (and sleet occasionaly on the high points) it was a fun hike and we made the most of it. The highlight of the day was reaching the summit of Mt. Albert. It was unlike anything we've climbed so far...hand over hand and a rock scramble... it was quite an event. As we were reaching the summit the winds picked up and lightning was all around. It's amazing how vulnerable you feel at a time like this. You certainly realize how small and out of control you really are.We decided, along with everybody else to push ahead to Franklin to get dry and warm.... so everybody was in high gear today. We paused at noon to have lunch with Flatlander and Hatchet in Rock Gap Shelter, then we walked the rest of the way with Flatlander, which made for some really good conversation. Our friend Clay Miles picked us up at Winding Stair, along with Flatlander, and gave us a ride into Franklin. We all checked into our various hotels and hostels...Berry and I are in the Sapphire Motel. We're right next to Matchstick and he joined us with the Miles' and Flatlander for dinner at Fats Cafe. It was some of the best eat'n I've had. We all just gorged ourselves silly (Berry did manage to keep her composer a little better than me)! Clay and Branch treated us all and we were so greatful for their generosity. Afterward, they invited Berry and I over to their home for dessert, laundry, and a catch up on episodes of Lost. Thanks Clay and Branch!!!It's been a full day and we're good and tired now. Tomorrow we plan to do low mileage and shuttle back to Franklin to catch up with some people who are behind us.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Wayah Gap

To: Camp Site 
Miles today: 12.1

Bark and I have so many things to be thankful for today. First of all it was an incredible day for hiking. The past couple of days have produced some big storms or very low clouds that have hindered some otherwise great views- today was the total opposite. As we reached the top of Wayah Bald and the observation tower we had a beautiful 360 view of the surrounding mountains including Clingman's Dome in the Smoky Mountains. We took advantage of the warm, clear skies and took a good break while making some special Easter phone calls home. It was a very different Easter for both of us as we are used to spending it both with family and at a special church service. Today we started by having a great pancake breakfast provided by the volunteers and staff at First Baptist Church of Franklin- the best part of it was there were about 30 other hikers who we were able to either meet for the first time or catch up with after a few days of separation on the trail.After we filled up with breakfast our friend Branch gave us and Flatlander a ride back to Wayah Gap to begin our day. It was a beautiful day to celebrate Easter and think of the great Creator and Savior we have. To top it all off we ran into some great trail angeling/magic- we had an easter egg hunt on the trail. Apparently a family from Atlanta had been camping and planted the eggs filled with candy along the trail for thru hikers, it was so fun! We met up with Flatlander, found our campsite for the night and had a great conversation with a hiker named Blast. It was the first time Bark and I had a chance to really talk to him even though we have seen him a few other times. It really has been a beautiful Easter and perfect day to celebrate our risen Lord!
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Spring Campsite

To: Spring Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We started off early this morning. Winds were very high and rain started around midnight last night. It was also quite cold so we were wrapped up like burrito's in our sleeping bags as usual. Flatlander was chilled to the bone in his hammock with a tarp. The tarp was flapping in the wind all night. He finally couldn't take it anymore, packed up and left at 5:00am. We quickly packed up and headed out by 7:30am toward the Natahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and hoped to be there for lunch. Today's hike took us by surprise. The stretch included a lengthy descent, about 4000ft. The descent was tricky at times with the misty/windy weather- slippery rocks and mud slides. The descent took a toll on our legs, especially our ankles and feet. We didn't expect it, but there were several steep climbs today... periods of 3 to 4 in a row.. like a roller coaster.We made it to NOC at noon and caught up to Flatlander. We were so thrilled to be there! After putting our bags in his room we took some pictures of the water rapids, stopped by the outfitter to pick up some necessities and grabbed some lunch at the NOC restaurant. The burgers were fabulous and we split dessert. Best of all, Flatlander bought our meal and said "Happy Anniversary!" He's become a good friend.We elected to move up the trail another 2 miles to a campsite in the hopes that one of our friends will join us...it didn't feel right staying the night at NOC after being in Franklin just yesterday morning. We also wanted to save some money. Still, we are very tired and suspect many of our friends will be staying there. So far no one has come across our campsite and it's a bit lonely. We are camped 2 miles into a 7 mile accent over 5000ft. It's nice to have a headstart. Everyone has a tough couple of days ahead to Fontana Dam. Can't believe we'll be in the Smokies by Friday!
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Spring Campsite

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: moderate rain

Today marks two weeks for Bark and me. After hiking in just a couple miles last night we anticipated a 13 miler today. Well, then the rain began... and didn't stop. The first shelter, only 4.4 miles away, looked pretty good! Personally, I started the day pretty unmotivated today and was not looking forward to the continuous ups and downs of the trail. As the rain continued my mental struggle began as I started to get frustrated with the muddy wet mess we slipped-n-sloshed in all morning. I was mentally shot after almost 3 days of rain, cold and fog. We have basically given up listening to the weather forecasts as the mountains seem to have a weather pattern all their own.We stopped on a log to get a snack while waiting for Flatlander and Otter who were close behind. Only a few minutes after stopping, the rain started again, but luckily we were near a quick descent down to a shelter. We took off and before I knew it, Bark had slipped in the mud but definitely had a good save and came away unscathed. I was right on his heels, and of course, I slipped too- in the exact same spot. Down I went and with 30 pounds weighing me down, gravity took hold and I slid a few feet down the hill. I decided to just sit in the mud for a minute as my frustration level hit its peak. Bark came back to my rescue, helped me up and we made it to the shelter where we found "Stewball." He brightened both of our days with good conversation and laughter (instead of tears) about the rain. Even though the sun peeked through for about 10 seconds max, we were done for the day, at least mentally and emotionally. A crowd of fellow thru hikers quickly gathered and all of us are sticking around due to the cool damp air. It has made for a great day even though it started out a little rough. The company is great and Otter and Flatlander are on the second level of the shelter with us tonight. It is my first night in a shelter (and Bark's) and we preparing for the mice. A few people have had them crawl in their sleeping bags and run across their feet or forehead while searching for food. Can't wait...
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam 
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We survived our first night in a shelter. It was packed last night both inside and out. Berry didn't get much sleep do to being afraid of mice. We all woke up pretty early but it was very chilly so we stayed in our bags till 6:30am. We were out by 7:15am just behind Flatlander and caught up to him within the hour. We were determined to make the most of the day being that there was no precipitation. During this particular season of hiking the weather has dictated our pace and mileage goals. Of course, we don't mind walking in the rain- but we do mind it being cold or freezing, especially with precipitation. We're hoping that the weather in the Smokies is good so we can *really* enjoy it. Anyway, we determined to walk to the 2nd shelter 5.5 miles from Fontana Dam, and if we got there early enough and felt good- to press on. We did! We actually made it to Fontana Dam before 5:30pm - our biggest day yet. One point of motivation for this is that we didn't have enough food for tomorrow because we only planned 4 days to Fontana coming out of Franklin. Yesterday was only 4 miles because we wanted to wait for some people and Berry was having a hard day...the weather also made things difficult. We were glad that we did stay yesterday because it turned out to be a pretty fun night with everyone.Today's hike was long...but we were motivated. I believe we climbed our hardest mountian yet coming out of Stecoah Gap..wow..it was hard! During the day Berry had a chance to get to know "Pace". She has actually hiked the PCT as well and we were surprised to hear her say that the AT was much more difficult. We enjoyed her company. Also, we've talked a lot with "RainDog"... he's a one month section hiker from Israel who has a great story and a lot of travel experiences. He wants to come back and do the whole trail in the near future. He says that the social experience of the AT is unlike any other place or event in the world. We agree! During this stretch of hiking for me there has been little sunshine and a lot of silence... I think about many things: about life and the meaning of it, about the future and direction, about people and events. I talk to the Lord about all. One passage that leads me is Psalm 16:11 "You will make known to me the path of life, in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever."
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Fontana Dam 

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a perfect recovery day and prep for the Smokies. We went into Fontana Village and split a room with two other hikers. We picked up some goodies from home at the post office, as well as our first maildrop to get us through the next 5-7 days. We LOVED getting packages from our families- thanks parents!!Berry got a card from the pre school she formerly worked at and she was so excited to receive it. Everyone was out today along with us doing laundry and raiding the general store. Spent a good portion of the day catching up on phone calls and returning emails. We saw some hikers that we haven't seen since Neels Gap and let some hikers passing through use our shower. Flatlader and I played a long game of checkers. The weather was beautiful today! We saw buds on the trees coming into Fontana. Spring is in the air! All the rain we have seen should provide some beautiful scenery coming soon...
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Fontana Dam 

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Well it was our first day in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and it was a beautiful day with great views. We could not have asked for better weather-warm, dry and finally sunny. It was a tough entry this morning as it was a pretty long and gradual ascent which seems to be how we spent most of our day,going up. Bark's ankles and achilles tendon are giving him trouble so we took it much slower today, but he toughed it out and we made our goal for the day. As soon as we got to the shelter he put his feet in the stream and took a few "vitamin i" pills (ibuprofen). It is incredible to see how the landscape has changed over just the past 170 miles. The forest floor seems to be much cleaner here in NC/TN which provides great views and a chance to see a few flowers and some skiddish chipmunks. Along the hike today we stopped and ate lunch at an old fire tower along with Flatlander and The Haz-mat Crew. Bark climbed on up for a better view while I stayed firmly planted on the ground. Later during a quick break we met Sunchild who told us he is having to leave the trail in a couple days due to severe tendinitis in both of his ankles. He arrived a while after us at the shelter limping sluggishly. We were happy to go down the hill to the water source and draw water for him. His hiking goal tomorrow is 2.5 miles, it is obvious the pain that his ankles have him in, but he is determined for sure.Bark asked me this question on the trail today: "Have you learned any lessons since we started the trail or think you have grown in any area?" I thought for a little while and realized that although we have had some tough days of bad weather and very difficult hikes, I am still here and have completed every part of the trail I have attempted. For somebody like me who has never done something of this scale before I already have a great sense of accomplishment and feel that I am growing in my own self confidence and abilities. When it gets tough on a beastly ascent or a steep descent I remind myself (and Bark) that "there is always an end." How true that is, not only on the trail, but in every area of life. A verse in Psalms comes to mind which parallels that same thought - "I would have lost hope had I not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Even in the torrential downpours and cloudy days I will hold to that hope- the only lasting hope that could carry any of us until "the end".Bark is now resting his feet and our friend Otter just arrived so we are going to plan our days for the coming hikes.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Berry is getting a lot better at hiking. 99% of the time she is always leading...the past two days she really kicked my tail! Could be a long summer for me. It's strange how fast you become adapted to your surroundings. Our tent is like home now..our own little refuge, we love it. We're going into our third week on the trail and we've got quite a system worked out. If it's nice out, one of us will set up the tent and the other will get water. After that, Berry builds our little nest in the tent and organizes everything we both will use throughout the night. While she is doing that I will begin cooking the food. After dinner one of us will clean while the other hangs the bear-bag. We'll visit with other hikers and then hit the sack by dark. If there is bad weather, we tag-team everything. Todays hike was beautiful- the best yet! It was also very difficult but worth it. A lot of highlights.. We came upon a curious buck. He saw us and then ran closer, we were a bit scared. He stood about 10ft away and we just froze. After a few seconds I said, "hey buddy?" He quickly darted away. We caught up to Flatlander, he was taking a lunch nap on a nice bald under a tree. I told Berry to follow me and we hid behind some bushes and I made bear noises. Berry was laughing so hard it brought her to tears. Flatlander jumped up and grabbed his camera, we fooled him good! Afterward we joined him for lunch in the nice spot he had layed out. The scenery changed completely today, it was very plush. We walked along several steep balds and ridges with awesome overlooks. We pressed as far as possible today because the weather was beautiful. We've heard that you only get a 1 in 7 day chance of a clear day in the Smokies-we've had two. However, rain is coming tomorrow and we are 4 miles away from Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT. Fortunately, Berry and I have been to the top before. We're just hoping that no heavy storms form. The Smokies are known for eratic weather.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Bark and I started our day early and with no rain- at least for the first 15 minutes of our hike. We stayed in the shelter last night expecting rain and not wanting to get our tent wet, and we both slept better with a seemingly harmless mouse sharing our space.As we started our hike we had about 4.5 miles to go before we would officially summit the highest peak on the whole AT, Clingman's Dome which stands at 6,643 feet. It turned out to be quite the climb. It was very strenuous and with the rain and cold wind blowing through it made it much more difficult. We made it in a couple hours later and then climbed up the observation tower just for the full effect. We could barely see our hands out in front of us the clouds were so thick. We ran down out of the freezing rain and wind we continued on knowing that Newfound Gap was only about 8 miles away. Earlier we had met with Gavel, a retired judge from Maine who throughout his years of working always just wanted to be outside. He asked how we made it to the trail and as we told him of our time in Louisville and our prep for the trail he was very encouraging and even commended us for having the courage to leave and take advantage of the time we have. His closing statement was, "It will all turn out for the better, probably more than you expect" Thanks Gavel! Well about 4 hours later, around 2 o'clock we stumbled out of the woods to the heavily trafficked Newfound Gap of the GSMNP. Since we were soaked and out of few necessary supplies, there was nothing else to do but stick out our thumbs and hope for a ride into nearby Gatlinburg. Imagine being a tourist in the area and standing by the edge of the road in the cold fog and rain you see two figures dressed in black and brown rain jackets/pants soaked and caked in mud! Yet, lo and behold a friendly elderly couple named Cecil and Paulette graciously (and talkatively) took us the 15 miles back into Gatlinburg. Once in town we randomly linked up with all the other hikers and made our way to a dry spot - the Grand Prix Hotel The best was yet to come...only a couple hours after arriving we had the chance to spend some time with our great friends from Louisville. Doug and Jessa Davis were returning to Kentucky after spending some time in Charlestown and wanted to spend some time with hungry and smelly hikers like Bark and me. We were treated to a filling meal of burgers and they took the time to run us to the grocery store for some supplies- they are officially Trail Angels in our book. More than the shuttle or the meal it was just such a treat to see familiar faces; a couple that we consider great friends. After we said goodbye Bark and I got a few things organized and dried out, ready for tomorrow's hike. We had a great conversation with Sam, Drew and Lion King. The longer we spend on the trail the more open people become. It has been great getting to know people beyond what kind of gear they chose to use on their hike. More pics are on the way. We've taken lots..hopefully we'll have them up by the end of the week.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

It's amazing how things work out. The last thing we wanted to do was stay at Gatlinburg, but the weather changed all that. Turns out that everyone else stayed here last night too (the Grand Prix Motel- very cheap)! We had the priviledge of eating breakfast with Sam and Drew (we're working on thier trailnames) at a pancake place. Sam and Drew are a young couple hiking together from Colorado, they have become good trail friends. After breakfast we said goodbye to Sam and Drew because they were on thier way to a grocery store. As we were walking back to our motel we heard our names yelled from across the street....it was Lady B and Italian! Berry and Lady B ran in the middle of the street and gave eachother a bear hug. Sadly, we learned that they are leaving the trail do to a rotator cuff injury that Lady B sustained during the hike. They have been on the road for a couple of days and stopped in Gatlinburg. We were just so thankful to catch up with them and hear thier story. They are gave us a ride up to the trailhead. We are sad because they are very dear to us- like second parents. Berry was in tears.. we will certainly miss them. However, we will meet again in CT. They are going to meet us in Kent and we're going to grab dinner at a restaurant they love. Now we have even more things to look forward to up north. All in all we are thankful that the circumstances were such that we came into Gatlinburg- it's been great refresher. We hope to be done with the Smokies by tomorrow. More rain in the forcast- we'll take what comes!
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Bark: After saying goodbye to Italian and Lady B yesterday we began our hike at Newfound around 11:30. As soon as we got out of site of the parking lot it started raining. Most of the day we were in the clouds, there were several moments during the mid afternoon when the sun pierced through the clouds and the wind whisped away the fog and mist to reveal amazing vistas. The storm clouds and swift moving mist made the views even better. We had lunch in the first shelter with Bluegrass and Josh and then pressed on the Pecks Corner shelter. Pecks Corner turned out to be quite the social spot, even though we met many new hikers everyone was talking a lot with one another. Only bad part was the snoring! I had some trouble with my feet..when they get wet blisters easily form on the sides of my feet and they were wet all day. Thankfully though, they have felt fine today. This morning I wrapped my foot w/ ducktape. I took the tape off in the afternoon when the sun came out. My socks are dry now and everything is good. Well...just wanted to catch up on what we missed yesterday, now Berry will fill you in on today....Berry: It was a day of great surprises! We woke up in the shelter to the sound of pouring rain which caused us both to roll over in our sleeping bags and sleep a little later than normal. As other hikers started to rustle in their bags, we got up and waited for the rain to stop and it did! The weather reports called for rain all day today but as we started to hike and climbed higher and higher, it did not rain- it sleeted. We hiked through the sleet and cold wind for a while before we finally saw a break in the clouds and the sun peeked through. We couldn't believe it was so cold and it was sleeting in late April. We have heard they also call the Smokies the "Snowies" and for good reason. Once the sleet passed the snow flurries began and really continued throughout most of the day. The clouds were high and we had incredible views from all points, the entire way. It seems that from Newfound Gap and moving north we have seen the most beautiful scenery on the trail thus far. We had a chance to hike with a few new people today which was fun and made for good conversation. We have found ourselves around new hikers last night and today- Mad Chatter, Ziggy, Sled Dog, Josh, Bluegrass, Mouse and a few others.We finally got to one of the last shelters around 3:30 and decided to push on the next 7 miles to the very last shelter in the Smokies. The terrain was pretty rocky, but gentle and we made it down with no problems. The skies and surrounding mountains provided a beautiful sunset and wonderful descent. When we finally reached the shelter we were excited to see that there were still spots open in the "bear-caged" shelter. It is a normal shelter, but has a chain link gate that runs from the ground to the ceiling on the open side of the structure; it is supposed to keep the bears out and away from our food. Sounds exciting, huh? Just us, the mice and the resounding snores- it is all part of the journey.