morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up with the sun this morning. What a lovely day it was starting out. Early in the morning, Gary and Lennie Poteat had their well known (and quite wonderful) breakfast waiting for us to chow down. It is amazing the kind of hospitality that us thru hikers are recieving. I mean, we are dirty, smelling, weird looking people. Who would ever expect for folks like us to be treated with such respect as we have been treated. Gary dropped us off at Dick's Creek Gap around 10:00 A.M. and we were off. I'll tell you what. It was hard to start out this morning. I night off the trail can really cause you to become lazy if you don't watch out. That full breakfast slowed us down a lot. Soon enough, I arrived at Plumorchard Shelter. I am really kickin myself for not going all the way down there to look at it. I just went to the water and stopped. From what everyone is saying, it is a beautiful shelter. Back at the gap above the shelter, everyone was gathering around taking a nice break in the burning sun. There are some new folks among us now. Jake, Mr. Coffee, Torch, Calico(Starlight), and a few others that I cant remember the names. Soon thereafter, we all made our way around these winding mountains. I knew that the North Carolina border was pretty close. So I busted myself up and down and all around these mountains just to get there. The anticipation was so high I couldnt stop. I just knew I was getting closer and closer. Every tree I passed, I would look to see if it had the little GA/NC sign on it. Finally, there was one last strong pull up a mountain and there it was. We finished our first state. So welcome to North Carolina.All the folks in the group soon caught up as we waited right below Bly Gap. No Worries came along and gave me the present of a life time which proved to be invaluable to say the least. Thanks No Worries. We all reached Bly Gap where I guess I seemed to be the happiest. Everyone else saw it as an old worn out oak tree. To me, it was a symbol of achievement and tradition. The tradition being years of hikers passing to and fro by this old tree. So I had a solo celebration of my own.Up and over, up and over the mountains cried. North Carolina welcomed us with pride. The grand ole state through us two sharp mountains in a row. No switchbacks. Just up and down. That was some welcome. Eventually we arrived safely at Muskrat Creek shelter where we allowed the night to take us away into a stary sleep. Life is rockin, and the boots are kickin'!!
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Well Hooowwwwdddyy! Woke up really early this morning to get a good start. I left the shelter around 7:00 A.M. and beat the early morning crowd. My ultimate goal today was to try and catch up with Mad Dog to give him back his books that he left at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. The trail today was very forgiving. About noon time I reached Carter Gap Shelter and decided to push on to Big Spring Shelter. The main reason for this was to go over Albert Mountain on a nice day. I knew a storm was coming in over night so this proved to be a good idea. Mr. Coffee and I hiked back and forth together for a lot of the day. Around mid afternoon, my feet began to really ache. Luckily, there was the folks who used to run the Rainbow Springs Campground handing out trail magic right below Albert Mountain. It was sooooo wonderful. They served us bean fajitas and rice. Hey Sgt Rock, Fishin' Fred says hi. After the Trail Magic, I took on the grueling, yet fun, climb up to Albert Mountain. On top of the mountain I was greeted by Grey Walrus and Pathfinder. We hiked off the summit and down into the shelter. There was a lot of people hanging out in the shelter. I was glad to finally meet back up with a lot of folks. Lisa and Dave were there. I had not seen them since Helen. Doc was there too. It was quite a delightful evening.Not too much else happened today. My feet are pretty sore from such a long day but should be fine in the morning.Life is rockin and the boots are kickin!
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up with rain and pain. Rain, rain, rain. Pain, Pain, Pain. But they do say "No Rain, No Pain, No Maine." It wasnt anything unbearable but it was kind of a damper on the day. A few miles down the trail, I had just past Rock Gap shelter when I arrived at the Rock Gap parking area. To my upmost surprise, there was a large Easter Trail Magic tent set up. Included in this trail magic was omelets that were completely loaded, homemade sourdough bread, juice, bacon, sausage, and to top it all off, a professional massage. This was so unbelievable. I spent a little over an hour here soaking up the moment. It was really cool to see the folks hiking behind come in with the huge smiles. Words truly cannot explain the thanks for this.Lisa, Dave, Doc, and I put on our packs and headed out of Rock Gap with to go orders from these kind folks. We arrived at Winding Stair Gap shortly before noon. Slick Rock was at the Gap waiting to give us a ride into Franklin. She dropped me off at the Haven Motel for the night. As soon as I got to a phone, I called dad to tell him I arrived a day early into Franklin and for him to come see me. He arrived about three hours later. It was really good to see him again. We sat around for most of the afternoon telling stories about the trail. That night he took me out to eat at an AYCE Buffet. Good food and good times. I could not have asked for a better Easter. Life is Rockin and the boots are kickin!
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Franklin, NC

To: Haven Motel
Miles today: 0.0

Today I am taking a zero day. The weather is dreary and I would like to wait around for some friends to catch back up with me. It looks like most everyone here is taking a zero day too. Temps are supposed to get down into the teens tonight. So mostly all I have done today is update my journal and run errands throughout town. It is kind of nice to just sit back and relax. Life is really good and so are all these people that I am surrounded by. I actually started reading "Walden" by Thoreau. The first part of the book talks a bit about how people make life hard trying to make life good. Out here on the trail, life isnt hard yet it is good. The key to this is try avoiding such a materialistic success and be simple. It is fun. No worries come from such simplicity. Life is rockin, and the boots are kickin!
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Haven Motel

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Well awaited rest indeed I recieved. Wow, that was a lot of "ed" in that sentence. Ronny at the Haven Motel was an excellent host indeed. Last night at the Motel, he brought out his Banjo and picked a little tune for KTR, Cupcake, Solice, and myself. Sometimes trail magic isnt just in the form of food. It can come is massages and music too.Well, around 8:00 A.M., Slick Rock hitched us all back up to the trail. The skies had luckily cleared out from the nastiness of yesterday and the days before. So up the trail I went.Over the course of the day, the trail wound itself up and over several beautiful places. As it being the end of March, in many places we are still blessed with wonderful views even thru the trees. After coming off of Siler's Bald, the trail seems to follow or consistantly cross a forest service road that eventually leads to Wayah Bald. This can get a tad bit annoying when you constantly see vehicles winding their way up this road in the meantime you, the hiker, are sweating profously up this mountain. Soon thereafter, I finaly reached the summit of Wayah Bald. Now don't mistake me for thinking this hike up to the bald was a chore. Indeed it was a blessing. The labor that we hikers put into walking this path is far from a chore. It in itself opens up the realization that we are free to walk and enjoy the freedom of nature. Right below the Bald, a gentleman was awaiting the arrival of us hikers. From a faint distance, we could catch the scent of hamburgers and hotdogs. So as I arrived, I played the dumb hiker trick. The dumb hiker trick is a trick to make yourself not look rude by just inviting yourself in to eat, but to look pitiful in means of recieving that invitation. So the trick worked, and I was blessed with warm, deliscious, sumptuous, splendid, volumous, enormous amounts of food. He even had beer, gatorade and cokes for those who wished to endulge in such beverages. What a wonderful way to spend a restful hour on a beautiful day.Well the rest of the day was filled with hiking and traversing over these mountains. Yet, the eventfulness of the day was made by the trail magic. Therefore that about raps up my day today.By the way, I met the Bruce boys from Kentucky. They were Bruce Spruce and Bruce Moose. Great guysLife is Rockin' and the Boots are Kickin'!!
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Do you remember the California Raisens? If you were not alive before 1990, you probably dont. Well, I do. I also know this. After today, I think I am a long lost member of them. After the hike today, I felt like a dried out raisen. I knew that I should have bought some sunscreen back in Franklin. Today really was quite hot. Now I know I need to get used to it but this was certainly an awakening. Again, dont get me wrong, I did enjoy the day. I just was not expecting this warm of a day yet. Well enough said about the heat. Whatever folks say about the hike into NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) being all down hill. Well, their wrong. It seems like you go down 200 yards then up 50 yards. And the ups go up. But it sure helps on the knees. That would be a little worse without all the ups. The eventfullness of the day for me actually came upon arrival in NOC. There I got the chance to meet back up with Blazer, No Worries and several others. This actually was the last opportunity I had to spend with Blazer before his departure from his section hike. Hey Blazer, we miss and will continually miss you bud. You are a wonderful existance of a human being. May God bless you. After that note, I finally met Vinny Viti Vichie and Toolman. These two are quite unique folks, even for the Appalachian Trail. Vinny is an aspiring actor (Hollywood, take note) and Toolman is just a cool guy. Toolman pleased us with his presence along with the strumming of his guitar. Thanks man. That really enlightened our day. Vinny played his pipe flute for us. That was cool too.To top of the evening, my best friend Adam "The Pinball Wizard" Knable came to see me. (By the way, Aswah, guess the song and band that his trail name comes from.) It was great to see him and his faitfull dog Skillet. Although, it was sad to hear that someone broke into his Jeep and stole some of his belongings back home. That is never cool news. But anyhow, it was good to see him.Well the day ends with sundown as always. Good folks out here. Good times too. And as Forrest Gump would say, "Thats all I have to say about that."Life is Rockin' and the Boots are Kickin'!!
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: moderate rain

Another day of rain. Which that is completly fine. Rain does not bother me anymore. Actually, I discussed with the folks at the shelter last night about the idea of me hiking naked today to keep my clothes dry. They all laughed and adviced me to wait till the first day of summer. Thatch and I hiked together for a brief while. We stopped for a break at the Cable Gap Shelter. I then pressed on the reach Fontana for a warm shower.I made it to the road and continued the next 1.1 miles to the Shelter. There I caught back up with Dave and Lisa. It was good to see them. I took my shower and made a few phone calls at the Dam. The family is good. I decided since I was a day early into Fontana, to spend the night at the Hilton Shelter and take a zero day tommarrow at the Hike Inn. Apparently, last night, some hikers got arrested by the TVA Police for having beer on Federal TVA Property. Someone said the trash man told on them. That sounds pretty crappy to me. We all sat back and allowed the evening to float into the back of our minds.Life is Rockin' and the Boots are Kickin'!!
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Hike Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Zero Day!! Nothing too eventfull other than the weather. Lots of snow is building up in the mountains. Looks like the days to come are going to be fun and snowy deep. Jeff and Nancy at the Hike Inn are great hosts. I highly recommend a stay here.Life is Rockin and the Boots are Kickin'!!
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Hike Inn

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to the report of a lot of snow in the Smokies. Jeff shuttled Draggin and I to the Dam. We filled out our permits and started up the trail. As I made the climb up Shuckstack, the snow just kept getting deeper and deeper. I caught up to Dave, Lisa, and Rawhide. I took lead and postholed through the snow. You see, we are now getting into my stomping ground. I have hiked through this area a lot on weekends prior to my trip. The only part I havent done in to last year is from Fontana to Birch Springs Tentsite. Well, once I reached the top of Shuckstack, the snow was almost waist deep in some of the drifts. This began to annoy me ever so slightly. I admit that it is part of what is thrown at you in a thru hike but, this section was already old to me. Therefore, at Birch Springs tentsite, I turned around back to Fontana. This did not bother me too bad because I already have this section done. Some purists may find this decision cheating, but you have to hike your own hike. My decision was to go ahead and go to the house (Which was not too far away) and get my doctor and insurance stuff taken care of and pick back up with my group on Tuesday at Clingman's Dome. So I left the mountain and my buddy gave me a ride back home. Several others chose to press on, yet that is part of their hike. I chose to take a zero day at the house and of course soon pick back up. The next few days I will put up the schedule of where some of my friends should be in the Smokies.Life is Rockin' and the Boots are Kickin'!!
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The folks in my group should be at Siler's Tonight. Hope all is well with them. It looks like a lot of the snow has melted from my vantage point here at home. I am zero daying today and will join back up in the morning.Life is Rockin and the Boots are Restin'!!
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Siler's Bald Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The car winds to and fro between the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Upon the tops of these mountains lies snow that has yet to melt. The skies are clear and the day is warm. As dad and I approach the road leading to Clingman's Dome, we anticipate the surprise soon to come. We park half way up the road. The Notorious Wildcat is standing by, waiting for our presence. Pack full, ready for me to continue north on my trek. For my dad, it was loaded down with unexpected goods. For Wildcat, it was more than just a pack. It was five by six trailer FULL of goods for thru-hikers. You see, we had planned this moment since the day I left Helen, Ga. Now was the time to act. One pack on my back, I strapped extras to it. I was also carrying a giant canvas wood sack filled to the brim with fresh split fire wood. Onward, we walked the 3/4 mile to the shelter from the road. Poor Wildcat took on the most weight. He had an external frame back loaded down so much, the two of us had to help him put it upon his shoulders. On top of that, he carried his basic gear in a pack that rested in front of him. One trip, two trips, and then a third. Three trips to and from the trailer, carrying loads of goodies for the feast in the evening. At the trailhead, I placed a sign that said, "Trail Magic -->." Pretty soon the first group arrived. This was Smilin' Joe, Dave and Lisa, and Rawhide. Soon after them, Krazy Katie and Radio followed in. Then Kineo Kid, Pathfinder and Greywalrus, Snowman, Greybeard, Pilot, Draggin, and others too. The night was filled with a feast. On the menu was an order of Pork Loin, Fried Potatoes and Onions, Homemade Ice Cream(Made on the spot), Bread with cheese, Guinness, Corona, Purple Haze Beer, Cokes and Ginger Bread. The following morning, we awoke to the smell of fresh cooked breakfast. Upon this menu was fresh cooked sausage, biscuits and gravy, eggs, and grits. Not to mention coffee. This was an amazing act of kindness put on by Wildcat. Words cannot merely ever thank him.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

As you read in my last entry, we had an outstanding night last night. Now we awoke to the comforts of a nice meal this morning. This morning, we all packed up and hit the trail for Gatlinburg to spend the afternoon. At Newfound Gap, there was Wildcat and Sgt Rock awaiting our arrival. We all took a moment for a quick picture and hoped into the jeep or car to ride down into town. In Gatlinburg, I made the stop at the Happy Hiker to have my picture taken. I then joined the friends at Shoney's for a buffet lunch. From that meeting, we all dispersed. I decided to stay in town with friends while the rest pushed on. This evening was filled with hanging out with Bruce Spruce and Domino. These guys really are a good time. We headed over to the Brewery for a while then walked the streets. This night turned into a very long night. Needless to say, Jake, Trip and Chuck were all there too. Fun times we had.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Gatlinburg

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Good morning. Is life grand? I feel very tired this morning. We all stayed up way too late last night. That was a big mistake on my part. Especially because I had to hike out this morning while the other guys are sleeping in. Around eight o'clock I walked out to the road in search for a ride out of this vortex of tourism called Gatlinburg. I pull out my hitch-hiker's bandanna and wait patiently for a ride. Yes, I said I waited patiently. I am still waiting patiently. Yes Mr. H2 Hummer, I need a ride. Hi to all of you waving as you drive by. I am still here waiting patiently. My point is, I was waiting and waiting and waiting. No ride. I waited for two full hours before I finally got a ride. My ride came from a gentleman who was going out to hike some side trails in the Smokies. Luckily he stopped and picked me up. Two hours with no ride!! Well, I finally get to Newfound Gap. Its time to start doing some good hiking again. I have had plenty of time off to rest and relax. So I started on the trail with my first goal to make it to Peck's Corner. I knew a larger crowd would be at Tricorner tonight so Peck's was not only closer, but less crowded. As I was walking up the trail, the wind was just howling. There were points where I would take my hat off to keep it from blowing away. I reached Icewater Springs Shelter where good ole Doc was finishing getting packed up. He told me that there were twenty-three folks at the shelter last night. Apparently, eight of them where Boy Scouts who did not have a permit and kicked several thru-hikers out of the shelter. So on down the trail I headed. The trail thru this part of the Smokies is pretty nice. It is pretty much ridgeline walking. Not too many Puds(pointless ups and downs). My favorite part of today was walking thru dense fir forrests. That always excites me. I just love to overwhelming beauty of fir trees in a dense setting. Everything seems so quite and calm. It is nice to hike and actually think about what you are walking through. Part of being out here is to reflect of my natural surroundings. Well finally I reached the side trail that goes to Peck's Corner. I walked the half mile to the shelter and for sure decided to stay. The shelter was quite empty for the evening. My only other guests were Greybeard, Rocky, Hareball and two weekend hikers. It was nice having a shelter as big as the ones in the Smokies all to ourselves. We could all spread out and do whatever. So the evening ended peacefully. The sound of rain could be heard upon the tin roof. This made a peaceful lullaby to fade into the night's oblivion.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

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

This time change thing is kind of getting to me a little. I used to be out of the shelter by 7:00 but now it is significantly later. I guess that is a good thing. It is sometimes nice to sleep in. We are out here hiking a trail, what is the need for a schedule? We have made life for too complicated by placing strict routines and schedules to our dayly life. After I got everything packed, I pushed forward on this mighty journey. I really love this section of the Smokies. You see, I am from the Smokies, so I know a lot of its trails. This section of the AT happens to be one of my favorites. The trail just winds ever so gradually through beautiful fir forrests. Occasionally the trail will follow an exposed ridge with some of the most spectacular views. I wish for no one to ever just make a fly by thru the smokies. They are a beautiful place to be enjoyed.Early in the afternoon, I reached Cosby Knob shelter. This is where I originally intended to stay the evening. When I arrived, I met several new people. I met with Jax, Turbo Joe, Rabbit, Rain Man and a few others. Everyone was pushing for me to go on with them to Davenport Gap shelter. That would make for a 20 mile day for me. I sat down for a moment and made up my mind. Push on I will. Hiking down the trail by myself, the tune "Bohemian Rhapsody" comes to my head, yet again. I cannot get this song out of my head. So I just sing it. "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?" I sung these lyrics over and over again out loud. Anyone in a 1/4 mile radius of my today will definitely know the words to "Bohemian Rhapsody." Eventually I catch up to Rabit at an outstanding viewpoint. We sat there for a few minutes just taking in the awesome sight. So, to make a long story short, he and I hiked the rest of the way to Davenport Gap Shelter. Rabit is a pretty cool guy. I hikes my pace and is awesome company to have while hiking. Once we get to the shelter, to my surprise, no one is there. Just two nights ago, 23 people were at Icewater Springs Shelter. Now there are just us two. Well, a few more did show up. V3 and Toolman come walking down the trail. You can vaguely here singing in the hills. Is that Bohemian Rhapsody I hear? Why yes it is. V3 is singing out loud himself. So Rabbit and I climb up on top of the shelter's roof and wait for the two to arrive. As they get closer down the trail, I start in on Bohemian Rhapsody. This is the kind of fun that we make out here. To say the least, this was one of my most enjoyable days on the trail. The people today were so cool.