morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-16
From: Standing Indian Shelter 

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Woke a few times thru the night-lots of wind and rain hammering on the tin roof. Got up about 7:15, Dave had already fetched the food, and I have taken my time eating and packing up. Arrive at shelter about 13:15. "Flyboy" Brian showed up for a snack and he is moving on-he was at Gooch Gap with me. Had dinners of snack food stuff from the day plus cheese-then ate ramen and potato casserole. Many other folks showed up today, it was a beautiful afternoon, still cool (40s) but very sunny and clear blue sky with pretty puffy white clouds again. Much appreciated change from the cool wet 2 days prior. I managed to stay in shelters the last couple nights so I kept fairly dry but the word is that Muskrat Creek Shelter last night was packed-some folks ended up kinda wet because of the blowing rain and all. The sun just set a bit ago in a pretty sunset, albeit thru the trees-and right now it is calm, I'm sitting here in a great shelter with 4 others jotting my notes by flashlight-everyone else is sleeping. I took all the tape off my toes this afternoon and massaged my feet with the blue ice stuff mom got for me (it worked well) "Whetstone" made it to the shelter tonight from Muskrat Creek where he did a zero day yesterday. He is also planning to make a stop in Franklin and he suggested that we could pull a 16 miler tomorrow, hitch into Franklin and split a motel Wed. night. This way I'll get to call Tina and talk, do laundry, and it won't cost as much. I still have more food than I need and this evening I even gave some away. I am not even thinking of food during the day while everyone else is definitely focused on eating. This was my first full day hiking in NC-the blazing here is much better than in GA!
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke at 6:40-breakfast of Uncle Sam cereal and bagel with pb. Left shelter about 8:00. Cold hiking morn so I am hiking fast to stay warm-Albert Mountain was a pretty good climb, beautiful views though. Stopping for lunch at Big Spring Shelter. Arrived at Rock Gap Shelter about 14:15, just sitting down resting for a bit. I'll see if "Whetstone" catches up and wants to continue or if he's ready to stop. This is a small shelter of older design, but it has had an overhang built on to cover the picnic table. Now I am sitting around shelter, waiting for "Whetstone." I'm trying to stay warm sitting out in the sunshine, fixing some tea and snacking on beef jerky, the last of my pb and some carob spirulina chunks. I've been moving around some trying to keep from getting stiff, I feel about 99% certain that this is the end of the line for tonight and tonight looks to get cold like last nite. "Whetstone" never showed up yet but "King Alabar" "Mo" "Close Call" and "Carter" are here (the last 2 are from Nova Scotia) Had dinner of falafel-breakfast will be cracklin oat bran (thats all that is left) and then a dash to Franklin for mail and all the comforts of town. Big smile there! The first couple nights out of Helen were milder temps so I sorta forgot how cold 25-15 degrees is! The grades today (except Albert Mt)were much nicer than most of GA. Also the rhododendrons and mountain laurel are much more proliferate here so there are more "green tunnels" that you hike thru. There were several areas today walking thru green tunnels where streams would cross the trail and the chirp and chatter of the water across mossy rock with a dappling of sunshine thru the leaves was awesome. That is why I am out here, for moments like this!
Date: 2004-03-18
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, GA
Miles today: 3.8

Up at 6:30- cracklin oat bran breakfast. It isn't so cold this am, maybe 40-45, had a nice hike into Winding Stair Gap, caught a ride into town with a professional Boy Scout. He is the sort of head honcho for 4 counties and spends lots of time driving. He says that he has picked up quite a few hikers in the last few weeks. Now I'm at the Franklin Motel with Mo. It has rained all day since we got into town so needless to say I am soaked and smelly. Ah well, soon to shower and grab some food! Ate at Mamma's Restaurant-tenderloin with potatoes, country gravy, broccoli casserole and corn. Now it is off for my rainy walk to the PO.
Date: 2004-03-19
From: Franklin, GA

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 8.2

Had breakfast at Mama's Restaurant (western omlette, hash browns and biscuits with coffee) - then caught a shuttle back to Winding Stair Gap with (names to be inserted) and after a short delay to take some pic's (waterfall), I started hiking by myself at about 1100. About a mile up the trail I caught up with Mo who was breaking with MC(Glenn) and Tinder - We hiked more or less together to Wine Spring camping area getting in about 1545 - Took a short break at Siler Bald for a snack (no views, but a nice sunny field to sit in). The hiking today was good, temp in the 60's - Ate everything I could tonight trying to lighten up my pack quick after leaving town (carrying about 1# of cheese). We made a small fire and sat around chatting for a bit before hitting the sack - Got a wonderful nights sleep in my hammock.
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Wine Spring

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke at 0645 - I slept a little cool last night and there was some condensation on my reflective pad, so I was a little damp in the morning - Did a quick breakfast on oatmeal and tea - breaking camp at 0815. Hiked fairly hard and arrived at Burningtown Gap where Apple had set up his Dome and was providing a hiker rest stop and temporary shelter for the week to weary hikers. He served up hot dogs, sodas, coffee, candy and Vitimin I (ibuprofen) for all who passed thru. The last push up and over Wesser Bald was a tough one today, but I finally arrived at the shelter at 1630. I rewarded myself for all the hard work with the rest of my chedder cheese (can you say mouse?) - still have one more (1/2#) block of cheese left!! Today by the way was the first day of spring - the traditional start date for north bound thru hikers, so I am about 2 weeks ahead of the crowds!
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

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

Up at 0615 - breakfasted on fruit&nut mix and green tea. Wonderful hike into the Nantahala Outdoor Center, a little cool, but very pretty views. Stopped in at visitors center and got a bunk for the night (MC, Tinder and Mo in the same bunkroom) should be a good night to be indoors, they are calling for 20's tonight. Then went down to Riverside Restaurant and got a great burger with fries and a cold tall coke! We caught up with Mala - who gave us a ride into Bryson City where we got some supplies (not much open at NOC so we needed dinner fixins and something for breakfast tomorrow). I worked on italian sausages with peppers and onions on hoagies, and everybody sucked down a few beers while I slaved over the grill (yeah right - I was enjoying having some proper cooking utensils) Then it got dark and cold (just like the forecast)so we scurried off to our respective bunkrooms and promptly fell asleep (cuz that's what hikers do when it gets dark)
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

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

Got a slow start out from NOC, but not planning any heavy mileage today - had eggs, toast, and oranges for breakfast, and took one last tour thru the outfitters this morning and sent a package off to Tina with some extra stuff in it. I got a new set of insoles here at the outfitters - they are called superfeet, and I am the only one that hasn't heard of them. My heels have been hurting and I am told it is prob. tendonitis in the arch, so these insoles have more rigid arch support. I will try them out from here to Fontana Dam. I arrived at shelter fairly early after an uphill day and fixed some 7-grain cereal for a snack, and then fixed chicken noodle pasta and added tuna to it. Drinking some tea to stay warm (it is 25-30 right now). A fire was made and some of us huddled around it for a bit until we were tired enough to hit the bag, it is gonna be a cold one alright!!
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Up at 0700 - didn't really want to get up because it is sooo cold. Stuffed down a couple granola bars for breakfast and just got moving on the trail. I took a little while to warm up and I ate more as I hiked. Hiked hard today to make it to Cable Gap, but it warmed up some during the day, so we took a break at Brownfork Gap to lunch and bask a little. Upon arriving at Cable Gap I fixed my breakfast from this morning (cream of wheat) and ate some cheese, drank tea, and then fixed chili and ate the crackers from my tuna dinner. I am stuffed right now. I also fell for the first time today, trying to navigate around a fallen tree, I stepped down off the trail, and my feet just didn't hold, so down I sat, right on my pack. To top it off, a little later as I walked and talked to MC and Tinder, I started sliding in some mud, and almost made a save with my poles, but ended up putting one arm and my pack down in the mud. On to Fontana and the Smokies!!
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: few clouds

Up at about 0630 - cereal bars for breakfast, and on the trail fairly quickly. The mice were very active and vocal last night, scrabbling all around me and squeaking often to each other, even this morning they are running around as we pack up and eat. We (MC, Tinder and I) hiked fastish this morning, arrived at the road to Fontana Dam resort village about 1000 - and we just started walking, first because it isn't too far and second because there isn't any traffic from which to hitch a ride. We walked maybe halfway and a truck with TVA workers picked us up and got us the rest of the way to town. Ate a little lunch at the service station (well stocked for thru hikers) and then picked up mail. I have an 8 day load for the Smokies to Hot Springs, so the pack is really heavy now! Ate a buffet lunch at the hotel here (which is sorta open) - (the town is still in off season, so not much is open yet) and then went back to outfitters to call Tina and catch a shuttle back to the trail, where we hiked down to the "Fontana Hilton" which is a 20 person, double side, double decker shelter right on the edge of the lake. Fixed dinner after laying around for a little while just enjoying the views and chatting. Hitting the hay about 2130.
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

Woke just before 0600, ate huevos rancheros, pop tarts and tea. Got to the Smokies at 0815- topped out over Shuckstack at 1015, and then at 1330 arrived at Mollies Ridge Shelter- finally up the long climb into the Smokies. I started out hiking with MC and Tinder, but they took a (longer) break or two, and once I get going I try not to stop for too long, so they are back a little ways. I arrived at Russell Field Shelter about 1530, ate cheese and tea, and one of the treats from Tina, and then I fixed my potato casserole and some backpackers pantry fruit coctail for dessert (eating all I can to lighten the pack!) At the shelter with Kareem (GA-ME '02) Turtle Mom, and MC and Tinder. The weather was good today, a tad warmer (70s) enjoyable though. Today my spirits were high-it has been good hiking with Glen and Tinder. When I got out on my own a couple times I did a little whistling and singing, thought about seeing Tina in another week, and generally just floated along this afternoon. Tinder states today, upon seeing a stump that is rotting, but has new shoots popping up from seeds growing on it- "In spite of death, life thrives."
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 0630, breakfast of oat bran, then got moving about 0800. Hiked hard today, but took several breaks. Lunched at Derrick's Knob Shelter, and then again at Silers Bald Shelter. It's a good day to hike, pushed all the way to Clingmans Dome at 1850. Clingman's is the highest point the AT crosses (6643') and there is a large observation tower on top where MC, Tinder and I stopped for dinner and watched the sun set. I just ate some cream of wheat for dinner-I fixed my regular dinner during lunch. Then we set off on a night hike down to Mt. Collins Shelter, arriving there at 2200. It has cooled off quite a bit and so I have gotten right into my bag. Looong day!
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

Up at 0630 and on the trail at 0700. Seemed like a long hike in this morning. Upon arrival at Newfound Gap, we found Papa Smurf and Flame (GA-ME'02)running a trail magic tailgate party for hikers in the form of coffee, fruit, cookies, eggs and hamburgers-great breakfast! Now feeling like a million bucks we hitch into Gatlinburg with (name to be inserted) from a walkinthewoods.com. After checking in at the Grand Prix Motel, we did laundry and showered, made some conversation, and then hit Shoneys for an AYCE (all you can eat) dinner. Stuffed at last, we rolled ourselves back to the hotel (Glenn, Tinder, Sevy, and I) made some phone calls and then hit the hay about 2300.
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke at 0645 and went to breakfast at the Pancake House (pricey but good) Had 5 egg supreme omlet with hashbrowns, toast and coffee. The trail is most beautiful so far this trip-I would love to rehike this section anytime. Lots of ridge walking today-many areas had been worked on by the CCC in the 1930s accoring to Papa Smurf. There are sections where the trail is about 4 ft across and the sides run straight down about 10-20'. It is all rock wall that was hand laid and then filled in to the top. Some areas of trail today running through firs and spruce like a green tunnel, mosses and ferns and countless other plants-it seems that you could spend an entire lifetime walking these woods and still not see even 1 percent of it. It really is incredible. Coming out of Newfound Gap I was full of energy and feeling great! Almost like I had a head full of sunshine. It wasn't quite like I could float (heavy pack) but I would have...if not for the heavy pack. I am really excited to see Tina in Hot Springs this coming weekend! At the shelter tonight are Bramble, Flora and Fauna, Grass, Seiko, Sevy, Flyboy, myself and 2 others. I hiked pretty hard today, but I made sure to consume a little sugar about every hour to keep my energy levels up. There has been a fair bit of wildlife around since Fontana Dam. I have seen numerous junkos, robins, and have been hearing quite a few others. Also, for the first time that I can remember I saw a red squirrel, and have been scolded by more of them as I walk down the trail. I've smelled a few skunks and seen a good bit of evidence of both bears and boars. There was one area that we walked through on the 26th which had been fenced in to keep the non-native hogs out. The sign said that they were destructive to the birch ecosystem in the area, so this area was being protected from them.
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 0700, misty, drippy morning, had breakfast of cream of wheat and tea. Taking a slow easy morning-off at 0820. A little rocky early this morn, still very beautiful hiking today- I took the side trail to Mt. Cammerer (.6 mi) to the lookout platform there-decent views. It has been kinda cloudy and threatening today but so far no rain. Hiked mostly by myself today, MC and Tinder caught up with me at lunch, and I hiked intermittently with Bramble, Seiko, and Flora and Fauna. I went kinda slow all day, with a few bursts of speed. Tonight at the shelter are: Bramble, MC, Tinder, Sevy, Grass, Flora and Fauna, and Seiko and Flyboy. All the shelters here in the Smokies that I stayed in have had bear cages on them-I've stopped at some which didn't have cages anymore but all the nights have had them. No sign of bears though. The shelters are for the most part quite large-decked types with at least a 12 person capacity, and the larger one are 16 (maybe 20) person built of stones with timber frame roofs and built in fireplaces. They are heavily used and somewhat musty and dusty, but nice enough. The weather through the Smokies has been wonderful- with mostly clear skies and mild temps, since the trees don't have leaves yet, you can see mountains and valleys all along the ridge walks, not just at the overlooks. Everyone here at the shelter tonight is talking about heading into Mountain Mama's tomorrow morn for breakfast. It is only .9 mi into Davenport Gap and then another 1.3 down to the store. It is now my 4th week and I am getting pretty into the swing of things. It isn't too bad hiking. I am sore some in the evenings and a little stiff in the mornings, but it is just because I am walking a lot! Things are feeling pretty natural now, I'm moving along well, and the packing/unpacking and food prep routines are becoming easier. I am still packing too much food, and I really don't think I have lost all that much weight. Maybe this summer I will drop some of the extra food and such and really try to get my pack weight down low.
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Up at about 0700- had a great nights sleep, temp is good. Sprinkling on the hike this morning but not bad. Wonderful breakfast at Mountain Mamma's- had eggs, sausage, toast and hash browns, and then ate 4 (small) pancakes-verry good! Then we were shuttled back to the trail. The stretch to I-40 was pretty hiking along a stream which turned into waterfalls, then we passed under I-40. The climb onto the ridge was a bit long, but the pancakes kicked in and I was going strong till about Snowbird Mt, which was where I topped out at, so my downhill I was a little tired, but easy! The shelter is nice, smallish, but a great location.
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 23.0

Up at about 0645- breakfast of cream of wheat and tea. Long day of hiking in rain, sleet, and snow. It was misty all day, and the walk over Max Patch Summit,which would have been quite scenic, was instead a scene of small clouds skitting over the valleys and blowing snow. Later I heard that it was knee-deep later on) Made it to Roaring Fork Shelter for a sit down lunch, and then proceeded on to Walnut Hill, which was full. So with a redoubled pace, Flora, Fauna, Grass and I booked for Deer Park Shelter, arriving just after dark to an even smaller shelter, and a total of 7 people. I cooked some Thai noodles and climbed shivering and damp into my bag for a much needed rest.
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: light rain

Up at 0645-walking breakfast of a snickers. Into town about 0900 and had breakfast at Smoky Mountain Cafe (huge skillet-I'm stuffed!) Checked out Elmer's hostel, then ate at Sweet Imaginations Cafe. Called Rich and wandered through outfitters. I called Tina and then went back to outfitters and bought a Marmot fanny pack. Talked with Mountainman and Professor T about Ozone packs and then came back to write notes. Ate dinner here at Elmer's of potato pumpkin soup with sour cream and cashew garnish, then a wonderful salad with tahini dressing, followed by a Czech dish of potato/cabbage casserole and a brownie with icing for dessert, with some ginger mint tea- a most wonderful dinner! I then made some reservations at the local spa for Friday (tomorrow) and caught a beer at the Paddler's Pub. I called and chatted with Tina, who is meeting me here tomorrow. It will be so nice to see her after being gone so long! I then hurried, shivering, back to the hostel.
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Rich Pettus' house
Miles today: 0.0

Woke at about 0745, breakfast was granola with pear/peach juice, and tea, waffles and cane or apple syrup and strawberries and canteloupe. Quite good and very filling. Some of the best food available (all organic, mostly off Elmer's farm) Today was my first zero day. I met my friend Rich (who lives in Asheville) here in Hot Springs around 10:00 and we rounded up Flora, Fauna, and Grass to join us in the hot tub we had reserved at the spa. After a relaxing soak, Rich drove me and another hiker on a scenic trip through the mountains over to Asheville. I got to Rich's house, where we visited some, I checked my email, we made a scrumptious pizza, and I anxiously awaited the arrival of Tina!! At about 9:30 she showed up, tired from a long drive down from Waynesboro but very happy to see me!!
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Rich Pettus' house

To: Asheville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Finally I get to write a journal page! (writes Tina) Instead of just dilligently typing what Alex has written and sent home to me, I get to write my very own entry.We had a relaxing am at Rich's, fixed some eggs, biscuits, and coffee, and Alex looked to be enjoying some real cooking time! We rode with Rich into Asheville, where we strolled around downtown, looking in shops, and enjoying the cool, windy, but clear day. Rich took us to look at the Grove Park Inn which is an amazing hotel, constructed of huge rocks and boulders. There were 2 giant fireplaces inside (I mean GIANT) and the whole place was just really neat. We stopped at Earthfare, a huge natural food store, and got some fixin's to make an Indian style dinner. Then back to Rich's. Alex got to add a ton more photos to his journal, and he even typed some of his own entries! (a nice break for me) I also got to see all of his new photos. Dinner was late-about 10:00, and we chatted a bit, set our clocks ahead, and went to bed.
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Asheville, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

(Another entry from Tina)Slept in this morning, then had some biscuits and coffee before saying our goodbyes to Rich and Leigh, and leaving for Hot Springs around 10:15. We had an 11:45 reservation for tub #8 at the Hot Springs Spa and it was wonderful!! It was right next to the river, and the day was windy and cool, but the tub was so relaxing, listening to the river right next to us. After that, we checked out a room at the Alpine Court Motel, stopped by Bluff Mountain Outfitters, and had a nice lunch at Sweet Imaginations Cafe. We wandered around the town of Hot Springs (basically up and down the one street, revisiting the same few stores.) Alex took me to where the trail comes down the hill into town and I got to walk some of the AT into town with him-along Main Street! We stopped in the visitors center, which was inside a neat little red caboose, and talked with a sweet older lady about hikers, the town, etc. We went back to the outfitters a few more times, checked out the grocery store, and ate dinner at the Paddler's Pub. Back at the room we watched "Road to Perdition" -(the motel's cable didn't work so they let us check out a movie) and Alex wrote out some of his journal pages for me to type. We had some nice catching up time, then went to sleep.