morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-01-05
From: Dave and Karls Great Adventure

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 34.0
Weather: light rain

haven't posted for a while, but rocky and swamp fox have and i have hiked from springer with them. this was the first day my knee didn't hurt that bad. have met alot of people on the trail; youngblood, fiveleaf clover, bur? rabbit, sgt rock, trek, blue vist and others. hiked with darkman for a bit, nice guy. AND Pirate at Neel Gap. right now its pouring at Low Gap. with rain in forcast, don't know how far i will get. yous take care
Date: 2009-01-06
From: Low Gap

To: Blue Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: moderate rain

rain and more rain. started last nite and is still at it at 6pm tonite. my father always told me you can only get so wet he was rite again. swamp fox and rocky went on to Helen for a mail drop. will meet them at Tray Mt. shelter tomorrow if all goes well. all gear stayed dry, damp, but dry. yous take care.
Date: 2009-01-07
From: Blue Mt. Shelter

To: Tray Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.8

after i posted 1/6 i hung up wet clothes and went to sleep (hung hammock on shelter)only to be awakened by 2 nite hikers. Moose and Rider, and i think Jack Daniels was with them they talked for two hours about their 04 and 07 thrus. they were on the way to see Pirate. nice guys, but they would laugh in unison like bevis and butthead. i got up at 7, put on my wet clothes, left them each a Hershey bar a off in the rain i went. when i got to the road there was hiker box. had a grape soda. thanks Sam and Ron. what a view from Tray Mt. then the snow started, sideways. got to shelter and sat out the squawl. when it was over Rocky and Swamp Fox showed up. temp hung around 25 winds about 30 mph. all in all nice day.
Date: 2009-01-08
From: Tray Mt. Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

NOW this is winter hiking. woke up to 25 degree dry crisp air. snow on the ground. who could ask for more. lost my mittens??? so i put socks on my hands, frozen trail runner on my feet and headed out. the pain in my toes went away in an hour and my shoes started to dry. the sun played hide-n-go seek all day and the wind blew. temp lingered around freezing all day. to date i think this was my bestest day yet
Date: 2009-01-09
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassee, Ga
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: clear sky

woke up to 15 degrees, but sunny. hiked up to Dick Creeks Gap and hitched into Hiawassee and checked into the Hiawassee Inn. nice place Sam and Ron are great and can't do enought for ya. met a few SOBO,s finishing their hike. got food and fuel. ready to head out tomorrow. looking at 54 degrees with RAIN
Date: 2009-01-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

not a whole lot to say about the last two days. got wet yesterday after i pasted into NC, but was dry by nite. today was a nice walk. not to many step up or downs. gave my knees a rest. i never used trekking poles before much, but these Pacer Poles are great! can put your weight on them without a tight grip. i also think the word "GAP" must come from the Latin meaning "big climb ahead" ?
Date: 2009-01-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

today started in the single digets. went up to a balmy 40 by afternoon. my shadow caught up to me by 9:30. had seen him for a few days. looks like he lost some weight. we walked over Big Butt Mt. and didnt even know it. if your going to name a Mt. Big Butt, put up a sign rest of the day was smooth sailing.
Date: 2009-01-13
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Tent/Water Area
Miles today: 12.0

set out on the highway to Franklin when i got there decided not to go to town. set out for Silver Bald Shelter. when i got there it was on a bald (go figure) and on the dark side of a mountian. this time of year the sun doesnt get high enough to shine over the ridge. like 15 degrees colder. it was 2 pm, clear skies, 4.5 mi to Wine Spring. not a problem. its now 4:30 cloudy, snowing, 20 mph winds. got to tent area and its on a hill. found a valley protected from N,E&W. set up camp. snow and wind stopped by 9 then the full moon came out. it looked like day time got a good nite sleep.
Date: 2009-01-14
From: Tent/Water Area

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

was about an inch of snow. hiking on it was OK. a lot of animal tracks. it was like hiking through a winter wonderland. i was about two miles into hike and what to my wonderous eyes appear, but two BATHROOMS. they had doors, a roof and toilet paper in them. one for men and one for women. you cant let a chance like this go by. half hour later a walked to the Wayah Bald Tower. what a view. rest of hike was good and ended at Wesser Bald Shelter. was my longest day at 13.4 mi , but it didnt feel it.
Date: 2009-01-15
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

i updated the last 3 days. got here about 1. did my wash. repaired some gear. went to dinner with John a section hiker and am bunking with Adam SOBO. nice place. really nice for kayaking planning on leaving in the AM.
Date: 2009-01-17
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

well i know i said i was not staying, but they convinced me it would be good for me. they had FOOD. boy did they have food i met so many people. i stayed with a SOBO, Achilies in a bunk house. all we talked about was how great everyone was to us. this is definitly a unique group of people i will nevetr forget. on saturday Gene Epsy spoke. he was the second person to thru hike. he did it in 1951. i ordered his book in dec. before i left. i put a note on the order i would like it by 12/28 if possible as i would be leaving on hike. he couldn't, so he called me and wished me a good hike. it was like Santa called when we met in the dining room he wanted to hear about MY hike. MY little 134 mi hike. Now how COOL is That! we plan on leaving this AM 1/18 after breakfast. its snowing and raining right now but then I picked january did'nt I
Date: 2009-01-19
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Bown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light snow

last nite 3 young men got to the shelter at 9PM. they got stuck in the snow and with no tent they had no choice but to hike on. they were sound asleep by 9:30 the photo is from Cheoah Bald this morn. it snowed all day, but the snow never got much above 2". tried out my Yak-Traks. they worked on the ridge trails and down hills, but the ups i walked right out of them. should of kept the instep crypons i sent home . about 1 mi. before shelter i ran into Keith a day hiker. hes testing out gear and building a fire. im already in hammock. everything is damp and cold. Keith said they are calling for 3-5". i guess we'll see in the AM
Date: 2009-01-21
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

after yesterday i was hoping for a good day. started at 10* but went up to 42* by afternoon. i figured less snow towards Fontana. boy was i wrong. started with 4" it went to 6" w/12" drifts. walking was slippery. Yak-Tracs broke , but i learned a few more dance steps . even made some snow angels. well not angels, kind of blobs with arm and legs flying. the climb down into Fontana was the worst. by then it was melting. nice shelter. got baths and showers but i was to late. power on timer. maybe tomorrow. have mail drops to pick up before i set out. if i dont get it done in time i guess ill still be here. id like to thank everyone for signing the guess book. its a big help on days like yesterday. and Trek, thanks for the heads up
Date: 2009-01-22
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam (Hilton) Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

"STILL HERE" SORUCK joke . picked up my mail drops. lots of food. very heavy. will have to eat quick. different boots NB 1021. broke them in at home but only got about 75 mi. on them. nice day temps went to 45*. dried everything. dont have to sleep with wet socks, clothes or shoes tonite . start the Smokies in AM. not taking them lightly. weather looks good at 50*. maybe some rain but it sure beats snow. cameras been dead for 3 days. now one battery for PDA died. so i dont thing i will be updating journal till Hot Springs or Davenport. PS the hammock set up is great. have not been cold one nite and no extra cothes needed. (2 days ago i was told i was at 0* at Brown Fork). the elastic ties on my under quilt have been stretching. have had to shorten them up twice. i think the cold does it. still hanging PS. added 7.3mi. to correct total. mi. (today was actually zero)
Date: 2009-01-23
From: Fontana Dam (Hilton) Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

the temp was 40-45*, snow 6-12" in parts and was a long uphill climb. boots worked great. they are NB1201. by the time i got to shelter i found i was being followed. a 1 yr old mutt who was finally named Freddy. after freddy the free loader (a red skeleton charactor).he slept in the firplace that night.
Date: 2009-01-24
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Siler,s Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

rain all night and melted some off the snow, but at about 7 it snowed again to put it back.not many views because of fog. trees were covered with snow and ice and windy on the west side of ridge. east side was a nice fall day and breezy. really really strange. had my fleece off and on all day.when i got to Derrick Knob at 5 a large group was setting up and looked like a party was starting. so Freddy and i moved on and did some night hiking to Siler's Bald. Freddy lead the way. both tonite and last nite water source was dry. a lot of snow to boil
Date: 2009-01-25
From: Siler,s Bald Shelter

To: Mt. Collin,s Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

with Freddy still in hot persuit we headed to Clingman's Dome. 25* and windy, but felt OK. sky cleared for a few pic's from the Dome. when i when to take a pic of the dome itself, i slipped on ice and brused my left back rip. ate lunch and hiked to shelter. nice relaxing walk this day. Bill a overnite hiker got to shelter about 5. nice young man in his twentys. got along good with Freddy.
Date: 2009-01-26
From: Mt. Collin,s Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

THE DAY I MET JORDAN, but lets start at the beginning. hiked to Newfound Gap where i gave Freddy to the rangers. he had a tag with a bad phone# but they said they would find owner in Robinsville, NC. even if they didnt people at the gap were giving their #'s if they couldn't find a home. i hiked towards shelter. no views again. way too foggy. when i got to shelter 11 other people had just shown up. ELEVEN on a monday nite in january. FIVE seperate groups. TOO WIERD. it was Jordan, Chris, Luke, Luke, John, John, Doug, Wasin, Mirza, Jay, Melissa. Jordans group had 5 and they were SOBO the Smokies. Jordan was a 14 yr. old inquizative young man. had alot of question for me about my gear and guide book. his brother brought him on the trip (that is a good brother) i told him i would write about him . he didnt know it now, but he will NEVER forget this trip the rest of his life. Jay and Melissa were out for a day or two. they were from Illinois. Doug was doing Fontana to Hot Spring solo. the others were doing a blue-blaze thing i think? we all slept in shelter and me with my hammock slung 6' high from the roof rafters. the next morn we took a group pic of the Dirty Dozen and set out on our seperate trips. Jordans group had to meet a person for resuppy, code name the "Gummy Bear Drop"
Date: 2009-01-27
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: snow

rained off and on all day. very windy, but the ice! 8 " thick in parts and 50-100" of the trail. like walking on a frozen stream. instepp crypons worked great. my back is still hurting from the far and the cold damp wasnt helping. nice shelter had a privy. was in my hammock by 6. rain and wind all nite.
Date: 2009-01-28
From: Tri-Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: moderate rain

rain all day. hard at times. alot of blowdowns on the trail from the storm last nite. when i got to shelter temps dropped to 25* and did a ice/snow thing. everything froze. my down bag got wet from a roof leak.it was a long cold nigt
Date: 2009-01-29
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farms
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

got here about 2 and was greeted by Rock Hound (hes helping Curtis out). we had met at the NOC. nice place. very friendly and helpful. washed clothes, resupplied and ate. stayed in the cabin because it had a gas fireplace in it. dont skip over this place if you hike this way. well worth the stop........................I updated past days back to 1/23, but cant upload pics yet. maybe in Hot Springs.
Date: 2009-01-30
From: Standing Bear Farms

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: broken clouds

didnt leave standing bear till 1:30. just being lazy and talking to Rockhound and Curtis. hiked to the top of Snowbird Mt. (pic) and down again. snow flurries on top and about 20*. all kinds of clouds. looks like its going to be a cold nite.
Date: 2009-01-31
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 13.1

started at 9 am. got to Max Patch around 2. clear, 25* and very windy. good view. met some tourists and camper a litte further on. on he was to Walnut Mt. there were bear warning signs. then i saw i was in a bear sancuary. this must be where they send the bears? about a 2 mi. from shelter i rembered i had a can of sardines in mustard i stopped got it out, unwraped it and no turn key. just a plain can???. i knew i had no knife or can opener. i was hunger. i opened it with a titatium butter knife and a rock. it was a site, but it was good. got to camp, went to bed, temp was only 32*
Date: 2009-02-01
From: Walnut Mt. Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

been a month and STILL HERE was only 34* when i got up. thought maybe i pulled a Rumplestilskin and slept till spring. nice hike today, but temps went up to 55*. felt like 75 to me. got to camp and in the journal was note fron Five-leaf Clover to me about the one month on trail. Thank You temp shouldnt go below 32 tonite. going to get into Hot Springs early and get mail and stuff.
Date: 2009-02-02
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

STILL HERE in Hot Springs. staying in Elmers. picked up mail drops. THANKS David and Lisa. got food and other stuff. did my wash. there is ONE dryer in this town am at the library and shopping for a new camera online. its raining out now. should change to snow by AM. I noticed a few people are leaving in Feb. So i though i'd PASS ON some good advice i got. TREK-shove something in your boots at nite so if they freeze you can still get your foot in. YOUNGBLOOD-put your headlamp around your neck as soon as you get to camp. it gets dark quick. SGT ROCK-get rid of the crap in your pack! SLUG-crypons or micro spikes. TAKE-A-KNEE-he cut my pack list by 5lb before i left. DARKMAN-don't pass up water. camel up and fill up. TIPI-layers, lots of layers and STAY dry. (this from reading all his posts) CURTIS-get rid of beacon (NO ). ROCKHOUND-heal, toe; heal, toe. SGT ROCK-get rid of more crap many others have helped with advice and suport also, to them THANKS also. if i were to give advice. HAVE FUN! if you have a bad day, forget about it, tomorrow will be better. i wish good days to all who are starting this year.
Date: 2009-02-03
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mt Shelter
Miles today: 11.2

its snowing 3" on top of the 3" that was here. its 7:30 right now. snow started at 3. the hike was up hill and snow got deeper at top of mt. its blowing around so i put my tarp over hammock ridgeline. shelter has a dusting through out.
Date: 2009-02-04
From: Spring Mt Shelter

To: Still Here
Miles today: 0.0

its snowing, 5* last nite, 10* now, 8" snow on ground. I'm stayiny put catch up on my reading..........its now about 6. still 10* but i'm warm. just noticed there is a hostel 6 mi ahead. if the going is rough tomorrow i'll stop there. i'm reading "the way of life, Lao Tzu" got the book for 10¢. don't understand alot of it, but its better then the labels on my bag ......P.S. Happy B Day Donna. (my little sister)
Date: 2009-02-05
From: Still Here

To: Hemlock Hollow Cabins
Miles today: 5.3

what a morn. the snow in the trail drifted to knee deep in spots. snow on trees. could not find white blazes. when i saw one i just walked straight to it. the looked for next. a cut out in a fallen tree was i good sign to. every time i bumped a tree snow fell on my head. it was a long 5 miles. got to Hemlock about 2. was greeted by AT, their dog. owner were out but Mark there son set me up. bunkhouse was nice but no water. it froze up. it was warm. had a kitchen and a TV that got channel 6. had a GOOD nite sleep.
Date: 2009-02-06
From: Hemlock Hollow Cabins

To: Jerrys Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

did leave till 11am. being lazy and drinking coffee at Hemlock. they drove me back to trail. snow was about 4 in. at Laurel Shelter i ran into Doug (Watchman). he started 1/1 also but took 2 weeks off at Fontana. i had seen his name in logs. we headed out to Jerrys Shelter. the snow got deeper and the drifting got worst. we took turns postholeing for each other. that high stepping gets to you after a while. got to shelter about 5. Watchman and I got caught up on our trips and where the others were. he was not surprised to hear Trek was past Mt. Rogers. temp hung about 32 with full moon.
Date: 2009-02-07
From: Jerrys Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

...........(i updated 2/5+6)............watchman left at 7:30 me 8. the snow was a killer the first 6 mi. Big Butt Mt. was the worst. the snow only drifted on the trail water was good today. most springs have been dry fo the last week. at Devils Fork i met Yonder and Janet hiking. they hiked NoBo in '07. they gave me a soda and a bananna and we talked a bit. from this point it was a 2.5 mi. hike with 1700 elevation gain. WITH MORE SNOW DRIFTS. got to shelter at 5 a 1/2 hour after Watchman. I hurt! but i am not cold. 45* hiking and now only 35*
Date: 2009-02-08
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mt Shelter
Miles today: 10.1

easy hike today. cloudy 45* and windy. got some views on Bald but mostly foggy. got to shelter early. gave Watchman and I time to talk, but mostly we were bored. we thought it was going to rain, but the sun came out. can't win
Date: 2009-02-09
From: Bald Mt Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

the pic is from spring mt. 4 days ago. amazing how quick things can change. today it was 60*. i was sweating most of the day. hiked all thw way into Erwin. got here at 6 pm. alreaddy got a shower. will do other chores in the am. Watchman hitched out of Erwin back to his truck. going to stay a week with family and then start up again. ran into Sprite and her daughter. Sprite finished AT in Oct. 2008. her daughter was finishing her flip-flop tody. i forgot her name. if you read this Sprite please sign guestbook and update us on her completion was a very nice day easy hiking as the snow is all but gone. MADE a new drink this morn. 12 oz water, instant milk, instant coffee and two sugars. it was GREAT. better then Dunkin' Gonuts.
Date: 2009-02-10
From: Uncle Johnny's

To: STILL HERE
Miles today: 0.0

got my shopping and stuff done, but not till 3pm. decided to stay till morn and hike out. the stays been great. johnnys out of town ,but James and CB were very helpful. even a free shuttle to town and 40 cent snicker bars WOW!! next stop Kincora, Bob and Pat Peoples place.
Date: 2009-02-11
From: STILL HERE

To: Deep Gap 351.9
Miles today: 12.1

left Johnnys at 10. hiked up to Beauty Spot. thats the pic. windier then all get up. was starting to spit a little. hiked down to Deep Gap to find a place to camp. found a good spot in a ravine protected from west wind. spent 1/2 hour finding the perfect tree pattern (if you hammock, you know what i mean ) it started raining at 6 and is pouring now. winds will be 27 mph when the rain stops at midnite. not looking forward to that. im at 4100' with 5100' mts around me. should be OK if it goes to thunder storms. well tomorrows another day should be sunny. PS thanks for the 2 Cokes trail angel left after Beauty Spot
Date: 2009-02-12
From: Deep Gap 351.9

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

pic is from Litle Bald Knob. it was VERY windy all day. 35*-45*. the wind made it hard to enjoy anything. was in bad mood most of day. ran into One Pace going south about 4. we talked about the weather and trail then moved on. tomorrow will be better.
Date: 2009-02-13
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountian Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

pic is ME on Grassy Ridge. went over Roan Mt today. not bad. a little icy coming down. on Grassy Ridge i ran into Six Feet (she has 2 her dog 4) started SOBO last year. we talked took pics and set out on trail. about 2 mi later i met Tennesse Viking on a day hike. we had PMed each other on WB but never met. we talked and moved on. Overmountian is a big shelter. converted barn. there i met Timber and Tumbleweed NOBO '04 and about 10 other hikers.
Date: 2009-02-14
From: Overmountian Shelter

To: Mountianeer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

last nite there were a large group of guys playing war? games all nite in the woods and around shelter. typical weekend. hike was good. many different types of trails. balds, rocks, farm roads, feilds and past grave yard. rained second half of day. nice shelter. new sleeps 17. terrain was leveler after Hump Mt (which was VERY foggy) made 17 mi. easy.
Date: 2009-02-15
From: Mountianeer Shelter

To: Kincora
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

all woods today with not many views. elevations only 3200-4200 ft. i climbed up to where a fire tower USED to be that was a waste. got to Kincora at 4. talked to Bob Peoples for a few hrs. i got a PATCH for marking out all the blowdowns (fallen trees) from Johnny,s to here. nice place to stay on trail. PS Achillies completed his SOBO on Jan 31. hiked last part with his Dad and his Mom met them at Spring. way to go Adam
Date: 2009-02-16
From: Kincora

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

left Kincora at 11 and hiked to falls. alot of day hikers there. they said it was a Monday holiday. i didnt know it was Monday. hiked over a big mountian. 2600' up and down. shelter is off lake about .2 mi and 3 mi. frm a road. you can hear the traffic other then that good day. should be in teens tonite. finally PS some asked ? on guest book. will answer in town. you can also find my e-mail by clicking "ABOUT"
Date: 2009-02-17
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

left at 9. beatiful weather, about 30*. hiked around lake this morn. then up an down hills. found water and snacks Tenn. Viking left. THANKS. then i saw 2 hikers and a dog in front of me going north. when i caught up i found out it was No-Name No-Bo and Gary. oh and Pepper . we ate at Vandeventer Shelter where we met OT section hiking south and Gary knew him from '06 thru. No Name started his NOBO 12/19/08. ive been on his tail for 45 days. Gary and Pepper are just doing a section with him. they stayed and i moved on. we will get together in Damascus and talk more. it was just a fun day rain tomorrow am hiking to Abingdon Shelter. then into town on friday.
Date: 2009-02-18
From: Iron Mt. Shelter

To: Abington Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: moderate rain

!!Happy Birthday David!! ( my son turned 27 today) waited for freezing rain to stop and left at 9. met Mt. Squid at rt. 91. we talked and he had a drink a snacks for me. that was cool didnt expect it. rain off and on. when i got to shelter at 5 it got very dark. hail, rain, wind, lightning and thunder till 6. boy, did i time that good. get up early and heading into Damascus. im out of food. want to eat breakfast there only 10 miles all downhill.