morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Franklin

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Slept in to start my second zero day in Franklin, got my laundry done, and after Cheesewhiz and Keystone Dave left, walked to breakfast at the Normandie, The best place to eat in town. The Prime Serloin Family Steakhouse ties, the buffet actually has steaks on it lol. I will miss hiking and camping with those two, and FDR as well, these guys are like brothers to me even only after so short a time on the trail, but I hope to catch them up in the Smokies, they will be stopping along the way, where I plan on pushing on until after the Smokies. Hike On Guys!!!**Shameless plug follows = Go to Cheesewhiz's journal and sign his guest book, he is getting jealous that I am getting so many hits on mine lol.After getting my hair trimmed, I decided to take Gerry's advice, and go to one of the local Gem mines in the area for a quite afternoon. Mason Mountain Mine was the one reccomended to me, it's not "salted" like some others in the area. It is a neat way to spend an day. They bring a load of dirt and rock down from the mountain behind the work area, and you get a bucket, and sift thru the debris using a screen and sluce. I ended the day finding 7 sapphires, but no ruby's. I had them cut one in half, and it turned out to be a dark grey stone, with a bronze metallic coloring in it. I am having it cut and mounted into a ring, and it will be sent home while I hike. Great place for kids too, as they have buckets for the kids to enjoy. Thanks to the staff at the Mason Mt. Mine for a great day. After waddling back to the hotel after a trip to the Steakhouse buffet, I re-packed and got set to go back on the trail in the morning.Thank you all for reading, and signing my guest book. Some of the comments really mean alot to me, and only adds to my conviction to hike on and complete this thing. I will try to keep this updated with pics and entries, hopefully in about a week and a half I will make more entries. Be safe, take care!
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Wallace Gap

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 11.2

I made it back to the trail today, after I volunteered to stay and drive the bus for Ron after he came down with the flu. The other volunteer said I was'nt needed, so I went my merry way. To Ron Haven, Thank you for a great 2 1/2 days relaxation, and for the bash. You certainly belong on the top of the list for hiker friendly places to stay, and are second to none for your southern hospitality. Got to Winding Stair Gap, and there was a small group of trail angels handing out water, cookies and chips (sorry I did'nt get your names, but thank you all the same!!!). Coming backto the trail is rough now after stopping and resting for so long, my legs felt really bad for the first time. I made the best milage I could, and finally found my pace. In Wayah Gap, another group of angels were handing out water and goodies, turns out they were all from a few Converse, Wofford, and a few other schools up just to do magic for the hikers. Thanks to all the students that were a part of this great effort to help us out! After a bottle of water, it seemed I could get a mile or two more in, so I pushed on to Winw Spring. Nice campsite, good water source, but just a bit windy on the ridge that night. After dealing with the cramps in my lower leg, and cooking dinner, it was nice to spend the extra daylight from the time change writing, and reading my sci-fi magazine.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Wine Spring

To: Cold Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.6

"See you down the trail Trooper!""Huh...Wha?!? Oh No, it's 10 am!!!"I am so glad I chose this hammock to sleep in, it is so comfortable. Finally got out of bed, and made my way down the trail after stretching and drinking my breakfast (2 pouches Carnation breakfast drink). Great day for hiking again, though it is still a bit breezy. Got to a point just after Licklog Gap, and perched for lunch on a rock overlooking a valley. A great way to take a break, and had 2 cups of coffee and granola bars while watching a hawk dance on the gusts of wind looking for his lunch. The moment left me almost breathless, wishing I could see what the hawk was seeing from way up there. After lunch I passed a work crew grooming the trail for the Nantahala Hiking Club. THANK YOU volunteers for keeping the trail in such great shape for so many Thru-hikers hoping to reach Maine.Making 8 to 10 miles a day at this point is all I can do with the pain in my knees. I found out the braces I bought were constricting the blood flow to my lower legs, and cannot wear them now. I will hopefully find a more versatile brace in the N.O.C. outfitters. I know my pace will pick up in the Virginia flatlands, but for now I must grin and bear it, and go only as fast as my legs can go without over exerting them. 2000 miles?!? I now say "I will go ten miles today." Thats all I can realistically see now, without the 2000 miles left mentally crushing me. It seems to help, I no longer look at the map sections ahead, or the Companion entries for other states, just one days milage at a time.
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Cold Spring Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Had a night of fretful sleep at Cold Spring Gap (200 yards north of the shelter). There was a forest fire in the valley below, and I had watched it for an hour before going to bed. It had moved towards where I was, but by morning it had slowed to a crawl, and all was well on the mountain. Rolled into N.O.C. about 1 pm or so, and there was Walker and Why Not sitting, enjoying the river rushing by below them. Great to see them again, though I now had to hear the news Walker is planning on leaving the trail in Hot Springs. I will miss his great company, but as he puts it, he is walking on with an empty heart, and he needs to be where it can be full again. I hope to hike with him some along the way to Hot Springs, and wish him all the best in his choice, as it is the right choice for him to make. I shared a room with Walker, Why not, and a few others in a bunk house, and watched the volunteer fire dept. burn down an old house to make room for a tennis court to allow N.O.C. to be classed as a resort to allow for mor options (i.e. sale of alcohol). Tommorow I plan on going to my aunts for the day, not quite sure if I will zero there or not.
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 0.0

After waking up, and climbing the seemingly endless stairs to the restrooms from the bunkhouse, we had a nice lazy breakfast on the rivers edge. Walked to the corner store for a few things, then hitched back to N.O.C. to wait for my aunt and uncle to pick us up for lunch. We ended up going to a very nice diner in town, then had to drop off Walker and Why Not as they had already paid for another night at the bunkhouse. Mary Ellen and Woody, thanks for a great lunch, and thank you for the room, shower, fresh tuna and salmon dinner (mouthwatering good!!!!!) The little nook on the mountain where you have your house is just a piece of heaven! (Take a picture of the owl for me lol). Love you both, and I hope to someday hike with "The Golden Age Hikers".Well, another part is done, some good news along the way, some not as good. But all in all, we can only hike our own hike, and each will go our own way, where-ever the trail may lead.Marty, Darby, Jeff, thanks guys for signing in, it means alot to me to know you are there following this crazy thing. I will be in touch with you when I have more time, I just had an hour to get online tonight. Be safe guys. Mark, It was a pleasure to meet you in Franklin, and I wish you the best of luck in your great Internet Cafe in there (Hobnobr's Internet Cafe & Computer Repair in Franklin...stop by for the best cup of hot joe around and fill in your own journal at the same time!).I hope to have updates in about 11 days after I get through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Be safe all, see ya soon.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Goodbye M.E. & W., and Thanks again for a great visit, and wonderful dinners! Woody dropped me off at N.O.C. about 8:30, and I was going uphill by 9:00 am. Thanks for the cookies Woody, they gave me the energy to get up those first few hills. A little knee pain today, but the new braces help alot and no longer cut off the circulation on my lower legs. Going to shoot for Fontana Dam, resupply then thru the Smokies in one shot.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

No problem last night in the shelter, and had a wonderful, pain free day of hiking. I stopped in Stecoah Gap for lunch, it's a great spot for a rest. Coming out of the gap, the uphill at Sweetwater gap is a tough climb. I seem to have bruised my right achilles tendon on this climb, and it is very sore. I hope it does not cause too much discomfort on the next few hills. I met No Falls, another great hiker, one of the nicest people on the trail so far. We had a great conversation, and I hope to see him more along the trail. He is taking it slow as he is waiting for a friend to catch up. Maybe I'll see him in Hot Springs...
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: N.C. 28/Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Same thing, different day. Wonderful day for it, cool in the morning, then warm the rest of the day. Flowers are blooming along the trail (Note to self==have to get a better camera). Trees are turning green, and make for a much nicer hike than just the browns and greys along the trail so far. Coming around Bee Cove Knob, the Dam and lake were fully visible, and it is an awsome sight. I know it is not considered a large dam, but it's very big all the same. I arrived at the marina parking lot, called for a shuttle, and low and behold, when it arrived, Walker and Why-Not got out...slack packing today of all things lol...It's great to see them again, and good to know I am not too far behind those that started the same time as me. Going to spend the night in the Fontana Village Inn, and pull out tommorow.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: N.C. 28/Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Started today with little hopes of reaching the first shelter in the smokies. My tendon is real sore, and I am having trouble of keeping my usual pace. They say we are not allowed to camp unless the shelters are full, and I am not looking foward to a week of shelters, I will try to maintain my 10 mile a day average, but it is not looking good, as the shelters are spaced either too short or too far apart. Shuckstack was a great climb though, and after that they got better. Coming up over the crest of Doe Knob, I had to stop in my tracks. Millions of Spring Beauties (tiny white and purple striped flowers) covered the mountain. For a mile or two they covered every available ground, making it look like it had just snowed. One of the greatest sights I've seen yet.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Made the shelter last night, but in alot of pain from my ankle. Short day today to rest up a bit, and push 13 miles tommorow to stay on pace, even if it hurts. I met Grey Beard the RidgeRunner for this part of the park, and must say Thank you to him for the great work these guys do on the trail in the park. I may have to stop in Gatlinberg to resupply if my pace stays slow, I will not have enough food to finish the Smokies this way.Hopefully the rest today will help my tendon heal, I'll stay off it as much as I can.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Hiked a LOOOONG day with the sore ankle, but caught up with walker and Why-Not. Met Perry and Jason, two guys out for a few days of hiking, and talked a bit. (Thanks for the smokes!!) Too tired to write today, and still in pain...going to bed. 'Night...
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 2.5

Sat in my sack trying to guage how my ankle would feel today, then got up for oatmeal again (thanks Fontana Dam.. 8-P). Thank goodness we met Perry and Jason. We hiked to the Dome, and they offered us a ride into Gatlinberg to resupply. They drove us down to Pidgeon Forge (far side of Gatlinberg) to the Golden Corral for an all you can eat steak buffet, then to the Happy Hiker outfitter in G-berg. Thanks so much guys, you went above and beyond for us, and it is appreceiated!!! We ended up in a room for the night at the Grand Prix Motel, a Very hiker friendly place near the outfitter, and has the best hiker rates in town. The Happy Hiker also offers discounts to Thru-hikers, 10% off all gear in the store. Make sure you drop bye so they can take your picture to hang on the wall with all the other Thru-hikers!(I will update this more when I can, Limited use at this time...Sorry)
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Gatlinberg

To: Gatlinberg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

G-berg. Good thing I came into town to resupply. My ankle feels better after a night in a bed. After a miserable night sick, Walker decided to lay up another night in the hotel. Why-Not started to feel it in the afternoon, I hope I don't get whatever it is. Found out another great guy is leaving the trail, Stones is having knee trouble, and is going home. Best of luck my friend, it was a pleasure to meet and hike with you.Walked around town a bit before running into Davie Do, and met another hiker named Smokin Herb. "Let's go rent a scooter!""Um, Ok..."So off we go, tooling around town, 3 old men trying to be cool on mopeds among the Harleys, beeping those little horns at every pretty girl we saw. It was the most fun I've had on two wheels! After we got sore from riding those things, we ended up at the small eatery (that also had a micro-brewery by pure chance) and Smokin Herb played the bass guitar for open mic nite. He jammed like he was a part of the band for years, and it was a great night for music. Headed out in the A.M.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light rain

Unfortunatly Why-Not is still sick, and stayed at the hotel while Walker and I pushed on. It took us 2 hours to hitch a ride to Clingmans Dome, and it was late when we arrived at the shelter. Walker is feeling better, but he is still suffering from whatever it was that had them both sick. We took a low mile day, and Walker and I will push Newfound Gap tommorow, and he will decide if he needs to return to town for more rest. We met a great group of section hikers at the shelter, Melissa and Daniel, Mark and Betty. We all got along well, and will hike together tommorow. I gave my first trail name to Mark..."Old Spice". The group was carrying enough deodorant to make a privy smell like roses, and Mark was the first to admit he had it in his pack. They are all planning a thru attempt in the near future, and I wish them well in their adventures up to and beyond now and then.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Ice Water Springs Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

It is with tears in my eyes, and a sad heart I must report a great friend has decided to leave the trail today. Mike "Walker" Dymond has said from the day I met him, when he has to hike with an empty heart, it was time to leave the trail. He really missed his family, and being sick was the icing on the cake I believe. He has come a long way, and done part of his dream, and I hope in the future he will be able to finish it. Mike, Thank you for your friendship, knowledge, and inspiring story telling. You will be missed out here, but you've hiked your own hike, and nothing can be said against you for doing it your way. I am honored to have been a part of your 200 miles, and look foward to seeing you in New Jersey if I get up that far. P.M. Arrived at the shelter for the night, and found out that the group of section hikers that have been with me all day also will be leaving the trail due to a family illness. Thank you guys for the great company today and yesterday, and I wish you all well in your thru attempts. Sad day all around. Hopefully this will not affect my pace, though it is hard to get going when I think about the friends I have known for so short a time leaving the trail for their various reasons. There are plenty of people I know still on the trail, but for Stones and Walker, they were two of the nicest people out here, and if anyone deserved to finish (if at all possible) it was them. Keep those Margaritas cold Walker, see you soon in N.J.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Ice Water Springs Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

At least my milage is consistant lol. My legs feel fine now after somewhat short days and a night in G-berg.Tommorow I will try to push onto Cosby Knob Shelter, then to Standing Bear Farm Hostel. Why-Not showed up late last night, and was disappointed to hear the news about his hiking partner Walker. He still feels a little under, and may lay up here for the day (Ice Water). Slept im my hammock last night as the shelter was full, and it was a relief to not sleep on those hard wood shelves. T-storm passed about 4 a.m., and after hiking about two miles, I was caught in a hail storm. The Smokies were trying to prove to me how unpredictable they can be. I layed up under my tarp for a bit, then pushed on. Everything stayed dry in the rain/hail except a little wicking from my socks to the inside of my boots. If I keep this pace, a day and a half I'll leave the park.Hope you feel better Why-Not.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

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

Great milage, though it is hard to get motivated when you know it will be a long day. It is now almost a 100% mental battle as my body seems to be getting into shape finally for the trail. Bright Eyes says she will push a 20 mile day, and for me to even consider that, I'd have to carry nothing but water all day. Reports from back down the trail is that Why-Not has holed up at the last shelter still feeling sick. Get well soon my friend.More rain and hail today, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. Got to the shelter before I expected to, and hunkered down for a full night of heavy rains. Bright Eyes showed up just as the rains started, as well as more hikers (enough to fill the shelter) to avoid the rain. I expect to be in Standing Bear Farms Hostel tommorow, I cannot wait for a hot shower! I will probably miss the hikers fest in Hot Springs this weekend, but thats ok, I am looking foward to Trail Days later on instead.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 10.4

Started the day by slipping off a rock, and as Nacho grabbed my ankle to keep me from going over the edge, all I could do was laugh at my luck. Rain, lightning all day long, and it was the real first day of hiking in the rain I have had to do. It was a nice change though, and my gear held up well. My boots were soaked by noon tho, as I was hiking in shorts and rain jacket. Too warm for the rain pants, even at these elevations, and we made the best of it. As the day wore on, Nacho and Slideshow must have felt bad for me, so Slideshow fell once, and Nacho fell twice (twisting his ankle bad) to make me feel better about wiping out that A.M.Curtis and Maria have the most rustic and charming place, Standing Bear Farm Hostel. Bunkhouse and cabin made out of clapboard and pine logs, showers, laundry, hiker kitchen, re-supply store, internet access, phone, are all part of your stay. It is run on an honor style system, money for the bed and items bought in the store is tallied and left when you leave. They offer shuttles to various places (close by atm and beer runs for example), and is the most laid back place I have ever stayed in. Absolutly a must stay along the trail, and only 200 yards from it!
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Green Corner Road

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

Got a ride into Hot Springs for the Hike Fest there, and stayed at the campgrounds for the night. It was a small gathering, and very small parade (8 hikers laughing all the way down the street!) but well represented by the ATC and other organizations. Got to see a few friends that are ahead of me on the trail, and got to know a few new ones. Malla made fantastic chilli, and wonderful music by fire light. We are getting closer as hikers, as more and more drop off trail along the way. We miss those gone now, and use the memories of them to help keep us going.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Hot Springs

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 0.0

Shuttled back to the Farm, and ended up staying all day. Helped around the place cleaning and driving the shuttle van for a new batch of hikers, and it was a pleasure to help out Curtis and Sprocket today. I will be hiking out tommorow am to try to reach Hot Springs in 2 to 2 1/2 days, re-supply there without stopping for the night, then about 70 miles to Erwin.Why-Not was here, and it was great to see him again. He is feeling much better, but he seems a little depressed about something. I will try to catch up to him in a day or so and hike a bit with him. My body feels great, after resting so much, and I can feel how much stronger my legs are now. I can shoulder a 40 pound pack with ease now, where before I started I had trouble with a 30 pound pack. I am out of the national park, and can go back to my water source to water source style of hiking. I look foward to it, and will try to pick up my milage to average 12-15 miles a day to get ready for the flat lands. Thanks go out to Curtis, Maria, their family, and Sprocket for the most wonderful and restful stay at their Hostel. I look foward to returning here in the future, and if you ever need a shuttle driver, let me know.I apologize for the slowness of my posts, and will try to keep it updated better in the future. I will post pictures as I can, access allowed. Thanks again to those that sign my guestbook, and thanks for reading my journal.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Green Corner Road

To: Max Patch (North Woodline)
Miles today: 14.1

Long day, as it was very hard to leave Standing Bear Farm Hostel. The atmosphere there was so relaxed, I could easily have spent all summer there helping shuttle hikers for Curtis. Thanks again guys!!!I think I'm in trouble. I am getting a pain in my right foot starting between the first two toes, and straight back into my ankle. It's not the same pain I was getting from the sore tendon, and it is almost constant as I walk. It's not from a too tight boot, as I take care to lace them properly. Knees are hurting, but mostly from the colder air this a.m. I think. Also seem to have a strained muscle below my left shoulder blade too, and I am just not in the mood to hike today.Today is the first day out here I truly feel miserable. I am in pain every step it seems, and I cannot get out of the funk I am in. I have been running thru my mind ways of how I will get home when I reach Erwin. Buy a car? Fly? Bus? I do not know why I am feeling like this, and will have to do a little soul searching when I stop for the night. I was feeling great at the hostel, but now I feel totally drained. Dammit, I am out of water before I planned, and have to push on extra miles to get to the water source before Max Patch. It's ok, as there is plenty of daylight left, but I worry about how my foot is feeling now. If I can reach the top of the bald, I will camp on the northern side just inside the tree line where I hear there is a campsite or two. I do not dare set up on the summit tonight, as there is supposed to be high winds and a t-storm soon.