morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Bama & I had breakfast at the lodge with the crew and then we got packed up to get Bama back on the trail. We gave Dutch and Silvan a ride to the other side of Fontana Dam which is closed to foot traffic. Red Red Rose & Pat joined us and drove in their car. We negotiated the alternate Blue Blazed trail below the dam and after some looking around, Pat and I finally dropped off everyone on the other side and off they went into the Smokies. On the way back down, I saw Stubby & Sparky and a couple of other thru-hikers who had taken a shuttle.She met Trail Runner, Carl Goodman, who remembered Bama from her 2006 thru-hike. This was his last night as a Trail Runner and would leave for California tomorrow to start the PCT.Bama called later to say that she had reached Mollies Ridge Shelter and was going thru her usual settling-in chores. At the shelter was Dutch, Silvan, Nicole, Sparky, Stubby, Larry & El Gixon. It's been a great weekend and I loved my visit with Bama and her new trail friends. Tomorrow it's back to work for me and I will do my best to keep the journal up-to-date from my business meeting in Chicago this week. The weather still looks good and should be all week.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Got a call at lunchtime. Bama was kicked backed back at Rocky Top, TN and stretched out on a rock cooling her heels. She was singing ¢Good ole Rocky Top, Rocky Top, Tennessee¢¦¢ She will be at Derrick Knob Shelter tonight and with Dutch, Silvan, Stubby & Sparky and others (to be filled in later). Cold night last night, but a good one. Bama is excited to be in the Smokies once again.No contact tonight; will fill in details later. So far, so good.Bill
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Lousy cell service - nature of the trail. Quick call today from lunch at Clingman's Dome. Last night was really nice at Derrick Knob and this morning, Bama said it was the warmest morning she's had so far - whoo hoo - spring is here? Bogie and Bacall were at the shelter when everyone arrived. They hiked the AT in sections for 9 years, and decided when Bogie retired they would thru hike. Others in this pod - Dutch, Silvan, Stubby & Sparky, Nicole It's been another beautiful beautiful day.Tomorrow, Newfound Gap and Gatlinburg - maybe a big "townie day."Bill
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Bama called me very briefly from Newfound Gap to say that she and Dutch were taking a break and not going into Gatlinburg.Late this afternoon, she called to say they she had made it to Pecks Corner (almost 15 miles - go Bama!!).Pecks Corner Shelter (sleeps 12 as do most Smokies shelters) is no Hilton. Most hikers who do Gatlinburg, skip this shelter because it's so far off the trail. The water source is a long way from the shelter. Dutch agreed to go for the water, and Bama would heat water for their afernoon tea.But . . . it was another beautiful spring day and she's still having a great time. Stubby & Sparky and Silvan went in to Gatlinburg. There were many at the shelter, Bogie & Bacall, Nicole and many others. Bill
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Bama called today and said she barely remembers the Smokies being this hard in 2006. The "hills" are getting larger and there are more ups and downs. Clingman's Dome and Mt. Chapman are both over 6,000 feet. Bama, Dutch and Silvan had lunch at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, and resupplied their water. Tomorrow she will hike out of the Smokies National Park area and tenting will be allowed once more (All hikers are required to stay in the shelters while in the park, which makes for some stress since they only hold so many). Some will be re-united with their dogs. She and many others will go to Standing Bear Hostel for a long-awaited (and needed) real bath, laundry and re-supply.Bill
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

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

Bama call this morning as she headed up yet another mountain. She was out of camp by 7:15 and planning to get to Standing Bear Hostel early enough to get some work done. Last night was great and she met some new hikers, Mrs. Baggins, SHOE (Slowest Hiker On Earth) and Slow Barbara. Dutch, Bogie & Bacall, Nicole and others are there, too.The good weather is holding and Bama said the sunrise was especially pretty - "Red sky at morning . . ." Rain is moving in this weekend. My fingers are crossed that her 2006 luck of the first 90 days without getting wet hiking will hold out.Update: Bama had to borrow a phone to call me so I could call her on the Standing Bear phone. Seems AT&T cell phone service is out of order in Alabama and she can't make or receive calls. She got to the hostel pretty early before any rain and was able to get a bath and do laundry. She's sharing a cabin with Dutch and Bogie & Bacall. Mrs. Baggins and SHOE decided to head home and gave away their leftover food and snacks so Bama didn't have to go shopping. Thanks for the Trail Magic, Mrs. Baggins and SHOE - this makes you Trail Angels!The hike today from Cosby Knob was much easier than recent days and - get ready for this - the prettiest piece of the Smokies she has yet seen. The weather was good and the dogwoods and wild flowers were at their absolute peak. After chores were done, everyone was sitting out on the porch relaxing and enjoying the rain shower that finally came, hitting the metal roof of the porch - the hot pizza and cold beer didn't hurt either!Bill
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Bama really enjoyed Standing Bear last night and was up and ready this morning to press towards Hot Springs. It was especially good this morning because Worldwide had gotten up early and had a pot of fresh, hot coffee waiting. Thanks, Worldwide, that was really nice.! At her last cell phone call around noon, she said everything was going o.k, but her foot was bothering her where she twisted it in a fall a couple of days ago.Bill Dutch & Bama Bama & FishboneTaking a break at Snowbird Mtn.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Brown Gap

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Bama and Dutch headed into the rain and were going to Roaring Fork Shelter, but word was out on the trail that big Trail Magic was being served up Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Brown Gap. How right was "the word!"Ox and Rice Krispie had a fabulous tent set up and more goodies and food than Bama had ever seen laid out by Trail Angels. Thank you, thank you!! Dutch and Bama had little choice but to set up their tents in the rain and retreat to the trail angel tent for food and comfort. Bama said they arrived about 3:00 pm yesterday and she left about 3:00 pm today. Dutch decided to hike on this morning and should be in Hot Springs tomorrow. Bama decided to hitch a ride (yellow blaze) into Hot Springs to give her foot a rest. Thanks for the rides from Glen, T'& me, Kojak & Gocee via two, one hour rides, one van and one pick-up. She and a hiker named EZ Does It made it to Hot Springs and Bama got a place at the Alpine Inn. The Hot Springs Trailfest was this weekend, but due to the never-ending tracks of heavy rain, many thru hikers were staying put and not moving on. She is very lucky to have found a room. Bama is hoping to contact Dutch somehow tomorrow to tell her that she is at the Alpine Inn so they can get back together. I had forgotten, but Hot Springs has no AT&T cellular connections and scattered Verizon capabilities. Fortunately, Bama was able to call me thanks to Harold's generosity on the Alpine Inn business phone, EZ Does It's phone & Dutch's phone when she got to town. The weather will be bad for the next 24-36 hours, so Bama's not sure what she wants to do. It is not her passion to head out into the rain if it can be avoided. She saw lots and lots of hikers she knew or had met, but she'll have to fill in later.Stay tuned . . .Bill
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Ah, another zero day. Too bad the weather wasn't better, but coulda been worse. A little catch-up: Bama caught up with Dutch who made it to town yesterday. The rain cleared a little but it was still cold and ugly, but got better later in the day. She took Dutch for a tour of the town and over to Elmer's to meet him. They talked with the Jersey Sisters at Elmer's for a while and lord knows how many others in town. Bama, Dutch and the Jersey Sisters decided they would "take the waters" (go to the hot springs) for a lovely afternoon soak.Bama's gimpy ankle is somewhat better. With a lot of trail advice and common sense, she's stayed off it, used ice and wrapped it in an ace bandage. She reached Lipstick by phone who is visiting Racoon in Erwin and worked out a ride back to Birmingham, if needed. But ever the trooper, she is going to try to hike out tomorrow with Dutch, the Jersey Sisters and EZ Does It. If she does slow, short days, she thinks she can make it to Erwin. Worse case, it'll be easier to get a bus out of Erwin than Hot Springs.The weather radar shows that rain moved back into the area this evening, but is supposed to clear by tomorrow morning and it will be cold - chance of frost. Be careful, Bama.Bill
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

First an update from yesterday: Bama was surprised and delighted to see Cohiba (AT '06) and his wife, Elaine, who were hiking in the area and came to Hot Springs to find Bama at the outfitters - a great reunion! Hugs all around. She was also surprised by Hawk & Hummingbird - more hugs - and Shepherd and his new puppy companion - more hugs! It was great to see everyone.Bama left this morning about 9:30 with Dutch and a hiker named Fishbone. They headed up and out to reach Spring Mountain Shelter. Bama met thru hiker Sweat Hog today. He was slack packing trying out new shoes. Tonight will be cold, but clear and the weather will be back to beautiful Appalachian Spring this week.No call this evening, but I will hear from her tomorrow. She's my hero and my love! Whatta woman!Bill
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Bama, Dutch, Fishbone, Bar Fight and Shepherd & puppy shared the Spring Mountain Shelter (which conveniently holds five) last night. This morning Bama and Dutch headed out for what would be a very long, tough day.About four miles past Spring Mountain Shelter is Allen Gap and one of the more famous Trail Magic sites. Jodie and John Nelson (Hal & Hercules, AT '99) set up a wonderful breakfast of Biblical proportions for thru-hikers. Unfortunately for Bama and Dutch, yesterday was their last time doing it for the season. Bama and Dutch were very disappointed because Bama had been looking forward to seeing them, and have them meet Dutch. Bama decided to hike the bad weather trail around Whiterock Cliffs & Blackstack Cliffs just because she can. Once was enough in 2006, and this year she is trying all the blue blazes. Dutch, Fishbone and Bar Fight went the white blaze trail because they are true thru hikers.At this point on the AT, the shelters are smaller and the distances between them get longer.This is the beginning of the Bald Mountains and the climbs and rubble fields add additional rigors to the day. From Allen Gap to just past Jerry Cabin Shelter is over 2,000 feet of vertical gain. Today they will end up with over 15 hard miles on the odometer - whew! Bama will sleep well tonight.Bill
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Early call from Bama - all is well and everyone had a somewhat warmer night in the shelter. Tuesday night had been very, very cold. The spring flowers are coming into their peak, respective to the altitude. It's the perfect time of year to be hitting some of these upcoming balds. Shelter mates are Dutch, Fishbone, Ez does it, Bogie, Bacall & Bar Fight.Today and tomorrow will be clear and temps in the mid-70s.Maybe more later . . .Bill
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: broken clouds

Bama had a slow roll-out this morning and did the quick 2.4 miles to Sam's Gap to get her shuttle to Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel. She's going to spend a few nights there and kick back.She arrived at Uncle Johnny's around 1:00, complements of Colorado Kool-aid who works at the hostel, and just in time for the other shuttle to take folks into Erwin for lunch where Bama enjoyed a hot pizza.With a hot bath and a full stomach (thru-hiker nirvana), she had time to unload everything in her cute little cabin. Lots of other trail friends there: Hawk & Hummingbird, the Jersey Sisters (Lynn & Ellen), Peregrine, Shepherd & dog Dhjango, Rock & Roll, Bulldog, Always Fine, Sky Pilot, Patience (formerly Julio) who was in the process of getting him a puppy hiker buddy and others. Dutch and Fishbone should arrive tomorrow.For Bama, her prescription for Saturday is do nothing and for Sunday, repeat! The ankle is doing better, but she still wants to baby it if she's going to make it to Damascus. The long soaks in the ice cold Nolichucky River help.Bill
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Great evening. Bama took the shuttle in for dinner and wandered into one of the local Mexican restaurants and sat down with a nice Canadian couple (Fleur and husband Buck). Soon, Uncle Johnny and his wife Charlotte came in to join them and they had a great chat. Bama knew John many years ago in Birmingham before he became Uncle Johnny. She got a take-out and went back to the hostel to eat with Lynn & Ellen (the Jersey Sisters).The younger crowd had been making beer and smoke runs and the evening party was well primed. No wine or hard liquor in this county - but that's another story for later. Bama said there were 46 hikers here and a good time was had by all.This morning will be spent washing some clothes and as mentioned yesterday, not much else. Life is good. Bama said this area is very pretty and John has a great business, catering to hikers, white water enthusiasts and other tourists and has been listed as one of the top 100 hostels in the United States.Bama has been in her element, making friends and meeting folks. She and some of the girls had happy hour tonight with some homemade berry wine supplied by (someone) shhhhhh! - interesting story. Dinner tonight was shared with John & Charlotte again at the Mexican restaurant. John had to rent a rafting bus to handle all the 40+ people staying here. The fun just never stops.Bill
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Last full day in Erwin - probably a good thing since folks this weekend haven't gotten a lot of sleep - but that's also another story. Bama met Red Tornado today. She is an RV full timer and she is parking her RV at Uncle Johnny¢s for a few weeks while she and a friend hike the trail. Very niceperson, and Bama enjoyed sharing RV and trail stories with her.Later the big decision - will she hike or will she come home?Decision made - Bama will stay tonight and tomorrow at Uncle Johnny's and get a shuttle tomorrow afternoon to Johnson City and catch the dog (Greyhound) back to Birmingham. It's been a good trip and everything Bama expected and experienced. Soooo many great people and so many good times, but no sense in pushing her luck with the ankle. We want to be in top shape to ride bikes on the Virginia Creeper Trail in a couple of weeks and enjoy Trail Days in Damascus to the fullest. Thanks to all who left kind notes of encouragement in the Guest Book and thanks, as always, to Leif and Zip Drive who work tirelessly to maintain Trail Journals.Bill
Date: 2008-05-05
To: Birmingham, AL
Miles today: 0.0

The Red Tornado decided to do her laundry in town this morning, so Bama and Dutch hitched a ride with her. They first put the laundry in and then went to the Huddle House for a BIG breakfast! Afterwards they took Dutch to the post office to retrieve her food box. They put the clothes in the dryer and then drove Dutch back to the hostel to pack her backpack so she could start the trail earlier than expected. BYE DUTCH! Bama will miss hiking with you, but will see you in Damascus on the 14th.Last entry for this hike. Bama will fill in many more details to the other entries when she gets home.For me, this says it all:My baby bought a ticket, can't wait to see her faceComing home from Tennessee from a million miles awayShe got on this morningGet here this afternoonPick up the pace, can't get here too soonGreyhound, GreyhoundGet my baby back nowIn one piece, safe and soundOn GreyhoundI know her cellphone¢s ringingShe can't hear the soundDrowned out by them big ol¢ wheels eating up the groundJohnson City, Tennessee Eight more hours ¢til she's here with meGreyhound, GreyhoundGet my baby back nowIn one piece, safe and soundOn GreyhoundLord, You've been so good to meFaithful friends and familyNo, I don't deserve it Lord. But one thing I prayOn that big ol' bus You'll keep her safe.Greyhound, GreyhoundGet my baby back nowIn one piece, safe and soundOn GreyhoundI can't believe she's coming back homeTo me. - With apologies to Dave Barnes, singer-songwriter from Kosciusko, MississippiBill
Date: 2008-05-09
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

My ride home on the bus was a nightmare! The only good thing that happened was I met a really nice 90 year old lady name, Ruth Bartram from Dayton, Ohio.I hope I am like her when I am 90!My ankle is fine, and I am back to normal. All I needed was a few days withoutmy backpack. I have been working in my garden, and mowed the grass today.Thanks to everyone that inquired about me, worried about me, and gave me good thoughts.Will see you in Damascus for trail days on May 14th!Happy trails,
Date: 2008-09-07
To: Daleville, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I am going back out on the trail this month to hike with Professor. He and his grandson Jesse James are the friends I hiked the state of Maine with in 2006. They started their hike at Pen-Mar park in June and had plans to flip flop. Things came up and they went home instead of finishing the trail. Professor has been hiking sections for the last two years, and has only 340 miles to complete VA, WV & MD. We hope to complete these miles in four to five weeks. I will meet Professor and Pat in Daleville, Virginia on Monday and we will spend the night nearby at a campground. We will start hiking on Tuesday morning, and Pat will return home to be with Jesse James since he is still in school. My friend Catherine told me to have a great hike but, watch out for Hurricane Ike! I will never forget the Pennsylvania flood on June 25th, 2006. It was a very scary time for Little Wing, Old Drum, Mapman, Robin, Headstand and me. We hiked in water up to our knees, so we referred to the trail as the Appalachian River. We ended up staying three nights at the 501 Shelter due to the trail flooding. Thanks again to my wonderful husband, Weatherman Bill, for supporting yet another long hike in 2008. He is still working, but will try to keep up my journal so friends and family will know where I am.
Date: 2008-09-08
From: Daleville, Virginia

To: Peaks of Otter Campground
Miles today: 0.0

After an uneventful drive yesterday to Roanoke from Birmingham, Bama turned in the Hertz rental and headed for the Howard Johnson in Daleville. The good ol' HOJO is near shopping and an outfitters and offers reduced hikers rates.After a good night's rest, she had some downtime this morning waiting to catch up with Professor and Pat and did some Internet stuff at the motel, visited the outfitters, etc.She met up with Professor and Pat. They did some shopping and then drove to the Peaks of Otter NPS campground about 20 miles northeast of Daleville. They set up camp for the night and Pat will drive home tomorrow morning. Bama is eager to get her "hiking legs" back since she has not done any serious hiking since the Georgia to Erwin, TN hike this spring - won't take long though.Weather today was nice, but Tuesday and Wednesday look pretty rainy. At least it's not cold.I'm happy to be her transcriber again and will keep thing short and sweet, "Just the facts, Ma'am."Bill
Date: 2008-09-09
From: Peaks of Otter Campground

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The total Trip Miles includes Bama's spring hike. We don't know how to start the mileage over in the same year.Not a bad distance for a first day out. Bama and Professor bypassed the infamous Wilson Creek Shelter where troublesome black bears have been active for some time.UPDATE from 9/10: It rained steadily - but not hard - most of the day, ending about 1:00 pm. The good news is they needed no bug spray and no sunscreen. Bama and Professor arrived at the shelter around 2:30 - wet. Thankfully there was no one else at the shelter, nor tenting. They laid out or hung up all their wet things all over place. Bama fixed some hot apple cider and Professor relaxed by playing his recorder (flute). Luck stayed with them and no other hikers showed up for the night.They were a little stiff after the first day, but felt fine. They hit the sack about 6:00 pm. Bama awoke around 4:00 am to rain and drifted off to sleep again. No rain when she woke up and she enjoyed fixing her coffee in her warm sleeping bag.I received her cell phone call when she climbed out of the gap to the first ridge. She said it was foggyish and nippy - definitely felt like late fall, not September.Bill
Date: 2008-09-10
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was no sun, all clouds, but no rain. Bama and Professor did a 13.3-miler today and Bama said she actually felt better and less exhausted than yesterday. It was warmish and humid and the sweat was a'pourin'.Bryant Ridge (not on a ridge - in a deep gap) is very large (sleeps 20). A stream runs near it. Again Bama and Professor had it to themselves. They had lots of room to spread out and dry out.Bill
Date: 2008-09-11
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is the 7 year anniversary of 9/11, and we remembered the families that lost loved ones at the World Trade Center. It took Bama an hour to hike out of the gap (gorge?) from Bryant Ridge to get high enough to find a cell phone signal. She and Professor had a good night's rest - still no one else seen on the trail for three days.It rained all day - they were soaked. By late afternoon when she called, it had lessened to a drizzle. It was 1.5 miles to the nearest water source and Professor volunteered to be the water bearer. An hour later, Professor arrives with the necessary water for cooking, drinking and what passes on the trail for washing.SOBOs! Finally there were others. It was good to see Turkey, Moose and Ducky come in. There would be new stories and good conversation for the evening.Weather still looks iffy today, but clearing is expected for the weekend and Sunday will be a good drying day.Watching Ike in the Gulf - hard to say whether he will enter Texas and then curve north and eastward toward the mid-Atlantic states.Bill