morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Wayah Bald shelter

To: Wesser Bald shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Up at daylight, but didn't leave the shelter until 9:15. I had two cups of coffee and two servings of maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal. I had to put my very damp base-layer back on, and take off the dry one I slept in. That's so I insure I have something dry to put on at all times, to ward off hypothermia. Stopped at Cold Spring shelter for lunch at 11:30. 4.8 miles into the day. Ate a lunch of 2 tuna tortillas. I had mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper to enhance that.   Like the Chicago song, "Feeling Stronger Everyday " Although I am being careful not to push too hard. I think all the others at the shelter last night were going to do a 16 mile day 10.6 was enough for me. If I had delusions of doing 16 miles, the decent into Tellico gap reaffirmed my plans of not trying that. Add in the climb up Wesser Bald...well. I climbed the observation deck on Wesser. Wow! If the world leaders would come up somewhere like this occasionally, I believe the world who be better off. Amazing views!    Got water from a cistern about .2 miles before shelter. Arrived at shelter at 3:40. Beef stew for supper. Bear bag hung. Now I am just journaling and waiting on dark. Doesn't lol like anyone else is gonna show up, so I will have to fend off bears myself. Weather report says 80% chance of rain tonight. Sun is setting and there's not a cloud in the sky. But, I have heard this mountain weather can change fast. I have a mail drop at the N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center)   5.9 miles away. Should be in there about noon if I get moving in the morning. For those keeping track, that's US hwy 19 & 74.   Bear visit last night before it poured rain. I heard it walk up and try to wind the shelter. Then it walked around to the campfire ring. I beat on the walls and it stopped for about two minutes, then went toward the bear bag. I thought I heard the cables clanking together. The cub was up on the hill the whole time. Bawling like a baby calf.
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Wesser Bald shelter

To: 1/10 mile south of summit of Swim Bald
Miles today: 11.7

One rule when you break camp, leave after lunch or breaks, is to double-check and make sure you've left nothing.    Arrived at the N.O.C. after a long, long decent of 2504' in 5.9 miles. Not all decent but most was. No viewat the jump-off, but when clear, I know it has to be incredible. Narrow fingers only 4'- 10' wide on the first 2/3 of decent. Arrived there at 1:05, checked on maildrop, it's here. Then on to the restuarant where I ordered a Greek pizza (their specialty), and a couple of Sam Adams. The restaurant hangs out over the Nantahala River. Kayaker's (remember 'them kayaker's brother Dave, Jace, and Zack?) are coming down river as I eat. This might be the best pizza I ever had!    Was supposed to be 2.5 miles to a campsite with water tonite. Grassy Gap does not have water! At least I could not find it.    The trees are budding leaves, and I counted six different wildflowers at this low elevation (1723').   I finally found water, and then a camp south of Swim Bald. It was 7:30 before I made camp. Set up camp and cooked before dark. Then ate and hung bearbag after dark.   Ran into two guys on the forest service road I crossed earlier this afternoon, coming out of the N.O.C. Monte and Dan, who live nearby, gave me a couple of cool refreshments. Thanks Guys! It was very much appreciated after that climb out of the gorge.
Date: 2011-03-29
From: 1/10 mile south of summit of Swim Bald

To: Brown Fork Gap shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

I thought about doing a 17 mile day this morning. That was about the extent of it. Beautiful day, but the miles were very hard coming off Cheoah Bald. Then at the end of the day, I had to climb out of Stecoah Gap. Add to that a section called 'Jacob's Ladder', at the end of the day. That has to be the worst climb yet! Almost 600' of straight up, without steps, in just a half of a mile! Now that is someone's idea of a sick joke!   At Brown Fork Gap with one other hiker, Michael, from Knoxville, who goes to that Bama hated University of Tennessee. 4 other hikers show up at almost dark.   Supposed to rain tonight and into tomorrow.    About 80% of thru-hiker's out here comment on my accent. I don't really understnad why that is? Me? Accent? What? Anyway, they are nice about it, and a few say they really like it. They even say I seem to be literate, even though my accent says otherwise. Gee, thanks!
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Brown Fork Gap shelter

To: Fontana 28 A.T. Crossing
Miles today: 11.5

Left Brown Fork Gap shelter at 10:20. I hiked down into the fog this morning as it settled down in the valleys. Hiking up above and back down into it all morning. Very cool! It was almost boreal. Seems like a scene out of a horror movie. The hound was even howling down in the foggy valley somewhere.   I heard a comment this morning at the shelter, "I haven't met anybody out here that wouldn't give you the shirt off his back." To my reply ; "If the shirt weighs 3.8 ozs or 8.7 ozs...nah. If the shirt weighs 15.1 ozs...yep! They're giving stuff away because it weighs.    I took my first break at Hog Back Gap. A big black dog came charging down the hill as I was taking off my pack. It was huffing ns growling, and I growled back. That dog breakedall four paws, sliding to a stop, and went whimpering back up the hill with it's tail between it's legs. Hahahaha!!!   Wow! I felt like a olympic downhill skier this morning, with my poles, bobbing and weaving through the brush and trees.    The reason I don¢t journal everyday is partly no signal and partly that I am tired at the end of the day. Plus, and too, the stories always seem to get a little better when you tell them the second or third time. I will try to get some pics up soon. By the way, Verizon has alot better signal that other carriers out here (for future hikers).    I had lunch at Cable Gap shelter for about an hour. Five other hikers showed up while I was there. Then up out of that gap to a grueling downhill into Fontana Dam. When I got to Fontana Hey 28, Kyle and Greg, who stayed at the shelter last night, and I leapfrogged all day, asked if I wanted to share a room at the lodge. Cool! $22 and this place is an ultimate mountain resort. They have everything. The resort was started after the the work camp was abandoned in the late 40's. Fontana Dam was built from 1942-45. 6000 workers stayed here. Fontana Dam is the highest East of the Rockies. Had the Dam burger last night at the Mountain Bistro.
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Fontana 28 A.T. Crossing

To: Fontana Dam Visitors Center
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Nero day. (Nero is any day less than 5 miles) Had breakfast at the Mountain Bistro. Then did the short hike to the dam. I wanted to get this mileage out of the way before heading into the Smokies tomorrow. We got a $3 shuttle from the lodge to Fontana 28, and we run into Doc and Do What! So after very little tempting, they decide on our plan. After the short hike, Jeff from the Hike Inn picked us up, as part of the package. Jeff and Nancy have been taking care of hikers for 19 years. They only take hikers! They also have one of the largest native American Indian artifact collection I have ever seen. Awesome collection!   Nancy shuttled us to Robbinsville, N.C., for supper at a Mexican restaurant, resupply at Ingles grocery, and a vanilla shake from McDonalds for desert.    Kyle, a computer programer, from N.C., split a room with me again.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Fontana Dam Visitors Center

To: Mollie's Ridge shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Jeff's shuttle left at 8:00. We left the dam at 8:28, after dropping off Kyle at Fontana shelter to visit a friend that he had hiked with earlier, who was injured.   Doc, Do What, and I hiked across the dam and to the trailhead, and was promptly checked for our backcountry permits by the local park ranger. We hiked 4 miles in,and up, to Shuckstack Mtn.,where we ate lunch in the old firetower. Great views. We could see ice and snow on the higher mountains from the previous nights storm. Then we hiked the long walk uphill. We came over this one hill, and all of a sudden it's total whiteout. The Northwest sides had hardly melted. Almost like it was snowing because the ice and snow was falling from the trees, and the wind was blowing it everywhere.    In the Smokies you have to stayin the shelters unless they are full, then you must tent directly by it. Section hikers get first priority. So if they come in late they bump you out. That's crazy. But I guess the park figures we thru-hikers are seasoned woodsmen and woodswomen, so...
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Mollie's Ridge shelter

To: Derrick Knob shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

Very tough terrain today. Got to Spence Field shelter for lunch. Spence Field is an amazing site! Long rolling ridges that were once cleared for grazing livestock. There are small trees that have grown back in places, but long, thick grass underneath them. There were occasional large rocks that weren't moved during the clearing process many years ago.   Then it was up to Rocky Top (yes Tennessee), where I could see Fontana Lake, and the firetower on Shuckstack that we hiked over the previous day. Over, I could see Cades Cove, and futher beyond, Maryville and Townsend TN. Then futher north was Mt. LeConte and Clingmans Dome.    A huge turkey gobbler came across the trail in front of Do What about 10 yards. Then Doc and me walk up, Do What motions toward it and we freeze. The gobbler walks right by us at 15 yards.    At the shelter, Treebeard, from Iowa, has a fire going (which he does most nights).   Oh...I supposedly went through 'the Devil's Tater Patch'...no...really! But I didn't see no taters. Some starving thru-hiker must have ate them.
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Derrick Knob shelter

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

This was my longest day yet, and the day with the best views so far. Even better than yesterday!   First up was Cold Spring Knob. Now I didn't see any cold springs, but I definitely did see...and climb a knob. It was a beast. Then we made great time till Silar's Bald. Another good climb and we had lunch there. A beautiful vista of Mt. Buckley and Clingman's Dome. Then it was on to Mt. Buckley, which was almost as high and very close to Clingman's Dome. On the way up to Mt Buckley, we could see hikers up the ridge on the trail, and they looked like ants.   When we got to Clingman's, the sky was so clear that we decided to go up on the ramp. Wow! No haze, like in summer. We could see everything so clearly. No clouds, and not that much of a crowd.    Then on the way down to the next shelter, we hiked through a gorgeous Frazier Fir and Red Spruce forest. The smell reminded you of Christmas. A wet, icy downhill to Collins Gap. Then a steep, but short up to Mt. Collins shelter. I saw my second Ruffed Grouse today. I have heard many but the are very fast.   Father and son from Michigan out for spring break. We trail named him Hermes, because he was into Greek mythology and constellations. The shelter was drafty. Very windy night.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Mt. Collins shelter

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

We were up and hiking before daylight. Walked with our headlamps on for about 45 minutes. Made it to Newfound Gap by 9:00. Tried calling all the shuttle services in the AT Guide and they all had an excuse for not running. Then we tried to hitch for awhile. No luck. Then along came the father and son from last night, and they offered us a ride. Thanks Guys!!!   We got to town, and before getting a room we had to eat, so we go to Flapjacks. I had 2 cups of coffee, 2 cokes, 2 buttermilk pancakes, 1 pattie sausage, 1 link sausage, 2 pieces of bacon, 3 eggs, and a bowl of grits. Ate it all!.   Got a room at the Grand Prix, which caters to thru-hikers. $29.95 plus extras split 3 ways equals $12. That's a bargain.    Went back out for supper at the Texas Roadhouse. I had a 16 oz ribeye, salad, baked potato, and rolls. Ran back to our room in the rain and called our families. Then we stayed up talking until 11:30.
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up and went to resupply, but stopped off at Flapjack's again. More blueberry pancake's. Yum! Then I went with Do What to grocery store, and Doc stopped by a medical clinic. He's had a cough for about a week. I told him he needs to see about it so it gets no worse. Could seriously delay his hike. So I am glad he went for a shot and a Z-pack.    We met back up and continue back to the motel to pack. We get to the lobby to check out, and there are about 8 thru-hikers who had come back down after going up to the gap this morning. One told of another shuttle, which dropped off 4 hikers, and picked up 10. By the time the 4 hikers realize that they made a poor decision, the shuttle was full and they had to wait for another one. Ice, snow, cold temps in the single digits with wind chill added in. The gust were blowing hikers around. The packs are almost like sails, which really makes it hard to walk. So, they convinced us to stay another night. We were only going 3 miles to the first shelter anyway.   So, shortly after, around 1:00 p.m., we walk down the streets of Gatlinburg, Tn. Now, if any readers have not been to Gatlinburg, folks, this place is a tourist trap! My Dad used to say, a "getyourmoneyplace". We first went into a shop or two, and quickly back out. Then, into Smokey Mountain Moonshine, where they were giving out free samples of their 3 different flavors. Then we went into a bar & grill for a refreshment. Afterwards, Do What and I went into a place called Lids. Basically a hat store, where I couldn't find a ball hat that had an Auburn design that I liked (you would think after winning the National Championship they would have a better selection...War Eagle!), so I had a custom one made. It has Moondoggie in script on front with a moon and a wolf or coyote howling...lots of comments on it. Cool hat with trailname.   Then I went into another store and bought a gift. Met back on the street, and went up to Smokey Mtn. Brewery, for some wings, pizza, and refreshments. This was upstairs, over the brewery below.    We went back to the Grand Prix motel and turned in early around 8:30.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Got up around 6:45, showered and packed up by 7:20. Go to office to meet shuttle out front. But first, it's Krispy Kreme doughnuts and coffee provided by the motel. Then off to Newfound Gap. On the way up, we see 5 turkey gobblers, with one strutting. Then, further up, one strutting with several hens all around. When we get to Newfound Gap, there is 2-3" of snow blanketed on everything. The first 3 or 4 miles were very icy and slick. The snow was on top of the ice because it had rained first, then froze, the the rain turned to snow. We had to go extremely slow to keep from slipping. The hiking poles really helped here.    We get to Charlie's Bunion, and stay there about 30 - 45 minutes taking pictures and hanging out. Then, a slippery burro trail on the side of a cliff, to the 'Sawteeth'. This was a series of ups and downs along a very narrow ridge that dropped off on both sides. This day has been the most rugged terrain so far. Gorgeous day, blue skies, little wind, and beautiful views. Just an awesome day! The trail was not that strenuous to be very rugged mountains.    We went by a trail named for a place it went to, called 'Sweat Heifer Creek'. No kidding, 'Sweat Heifer Creek'. I would be curious to how that was named? Then stopped at Bradleys View for a snack. A nice sized rock with a sheer drop, so the views were great. Peck's Corner shelter was full when we got there, so we are tented nearby. The same ridge-runner we met on Rocky Top three days ago is camped up by the privy. Nice guy.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Left camp around 8:30. Took a lunch at Tri-corner Shelter around 11:00. Took another long break from 1:30 - 2:30, at Deer Creek Gap. a narrow grassy flat, on a saddle between two ridges. It has the symbol for helicopter landing concreted in the grass. I guess that is for evacuating (unprepared) hikers who get into trouble. Anyway, we took off our shirts, and got a little sun. Well, at least I did. Do What got too much, and got blistered. Doc took a short nap. Met 'TippyToes' & 'Beanbag'.   Got to the shelter around 4:30, feeling better and stronger later and later in the day. 1.75 - 2 mph through rugged terrain is moving at a pretty good clip.    This is the most crowded shelter since Black Gap shelter on the Approach Trail back in Georgia. There are 12 - 14 tents set up, and the shelter is full. Best part of the Day: The break at Deer Creek Gap!
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Painter's Branch campsite
Miles today: 11.7

Left Cosby Knob shelter at 8:20. A small downhill, two miles back up, and then five miles down into Davenport Gap. Ate lunch at the shelter there. Then crossed under I-40, out of the Great Smokey Mountains N.P. Right before Davenport Gap, we had a great section of trail, down a waterfall-filled creek. Beautiful! And I must have seen twenty-something different wildflowers.    Trail magic was found just past I-40 underpass, left by Derek Ohlgren. A cooler filled with soft drinks, refreshments, and ice. It was a very hot day (high 70's in the gap), so it definitely hit the spot! Thanks Derek!    Coming out of Davenport Gap, we missed the sign and turn to Standing Bear hostel. So, I missed my maildrop, and Doc and Do What missed their resupply opportunity. I will call them and have it forwarded to Damacus, Va., where I was going to buy supplies. Hey...there were at least a dozen more hikers who also missed Standing Bear too.    We found a secluded camping area between two brooks, then an hour later there were 11 tents there, not counting the girls group (scouts maybe) that had several tarps pitched down the Branch.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Painter's Branch campsite

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

I was the first one out of camp again. I love walking in the early morning, especially if no one has been on the trail yet. Flushed two Ruffed Grouse early today. Got my second blister today...OUCH! I have matching ones now on the sides of both heels, making it very hard to walk. I'm told it's the Goretex Boots    At the last gap before Max Patch, we found trail magic beside a tree! There were several kinds of sodas. I got a Serria Mist and a Pepsi Wild Cherry and cooled them off in the creek. Just what the doctor ordered (if I remember the commercial right). Highlight of the day: Max Patch   Max Patch was simply beautiful! Rolling hills over 4000' that have been cleared, then either grazed or mowed. It was extremely windy up there with a front beginning to come through. When I walked, I had to be very careful not to get blown over. I laid on the grassy, leeward side of the hill for about an hour. Then, rain and thunder began in the distance. That prompted us to beeline off the bare, open hillside. We decided to go to the next shelter in case it got bad. Very wise decision. After an hour after arriving, it hailed marble-sized hail.    Boy Scout Troop 73, from Arden, N.C., was there. They were a very well-behaved group.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: camp near Deer Park Mountain shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

First to leave camp again this morning. Aahh, the solitude, and the spider webs. If you're the first one up the trail in the morning, you get to clear the spider webs that have accumulated over the night.    Longest day yet!! First 3 1/2 miles were flat, easy creek walking, which I haven't seen since Georgia. Then, good climbing for about 2 miles. Then, another long, long downhill for about 5 miles to Garenflo Gap. Unexpected, and wonderful trail magic by Yonder and Janet? I hope I got her name right. And I apologize if I didn't. They hiked the trail in 2008. Homemade pizza (he made the dough and all from scratch), and cooked it on a pizza stone in a gas grill. Delicious! And had bratwurst dogs, hot dogs, chips and salsa, doughnuts, cold drinks (I had 2 Mug root beers).    Then I had a long, hard climb out of Garenflo Gap. Up and over to Deer Park Mountain shelter. Very warm day! A huge wave of hikers are starting to catch up with us. 16 tents around the shelter, mostly thru-hikers, all staged to get into town early tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: camp near Deer Park Mountain shelter

To: Hot Springs, N.C.
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up at dawn and out of camp in 30 minutes. Town day! Town food! Steep downhill into Hot Springs. We crossed a side street, then hit the main highway into town. The sidewalk has large AT symbols embedded in the concrete. The AT goes right through the middle of town. First stop was the Smokey Mountain diner for breakfast. I had a cheese and sausage omlette, grits, biscuits, pancakes, coffee, and o.j. Then we go to 'the Wash Tub' laundry mat. It's sort of a meeting place/hangout for hikers. While our clothes are drying, I go get a room (cottage) for Do What and I. Doc's getting a highend place for he and his wife, who is coming in this afternoon. We get showers, then to the Iron Horse Grill for buffalo wings. Then to the Rock Bottom Grill for refreshments. They have a veranda overlooking a brook. The same brook that is right behind our cottage. The back porch is 25'from the brook. Now a brook is what we call in the deep south a creek. Of course, this brook is flowing pretty swiftly.    Then we go sit in the Hot Springs spa. There is natural hot water coming out of the ground, piped into spa tubs. Ours faced the river. Each one is built for privacy.   Getting a scratchy throat. Hope it's nothing worse. Went back to our room and called the family. Then to the Iron Horse for a cheeseburger. After that, I went to the cottage and watched an old western on tv.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Hot Springs, N.C.

To: Hot Springs, N.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Slept great last night. It stormed, but I slept through it. Went to Smokey Mountain diner for another great breakfast. Then back to room to write in journal. Around noon, I made my resupply list, then went to the library to use their computer to complete some trailjournal entries. I had no signal for the last few days, so I went there because I can type faster on a large keyboard than a touch screen. A light rain all morning turned into a steady, cold, hard rain around two. Walked to the Dollar General, then a food Mart, and next the outfitter. Back in the room for good now. Still raining hard.   Blisters like a day off. They are doing great.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Hot Springs, N.C.

To: .4 mile past Spring Mtn. shelter
Miles today: 11.8

Left Hot Springs at 8:30. Was gonna eat breakfast at the campground store just before the river, but they were closed for good. Oh well, trail bars. Crossed the bridge over the French Broad river, then traveled around a mile along the bank upstream. I read a great book about this area, as it was 200 years ago. By the author who wrote 'Cold Mountain'. Don¢t recall the name right now. Then I climb straight up the mountain. Cliffs actually, that overlook the river.    I have still not felt well. So a very hard day. Lots of climbing and a fully supplied pack. Shouldn't have been a hard day, but everyone says they just couldn't make the miles today.    Doc went on to make big miles, and try to get into Erwin for his anniversary Saturday. That will be around three 20's in a row.   I seem to be in a bubble of alot of hikers. Cold tonight and windy. Low around freezing.   Two owls lit in the huge oak tree 15' from my tent. They hooted and cackled for about 10 minutes. Sounded like they were flying from limb to limb. Very cool. Saw a half- dozen types of wild flowers different than before, including some wild Irises. And a large stand of Shagbark hickory trees, which I haven't seen in 30 or more years.