morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-02-02
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Broke camp around 9:40am. Low temps these past few days have been in the mid to upper 20s - pretty good for this time of year. Lower elevation highs are in the mid to upper 40s - excellent hiking weather for me because my body doesn't get so hot and I perspire and get my clothes soaked.Last year I got off the trail and stayed at Mountain Mommas. This year, Mountain Mommas is no longer open prior to March or so. Plus, I haven't been very impressed with their past attitude or facilities. So I'm heading at bit further up the trail to Standing Bear Hostel.A word of warning - as you approach Interstate 40, pay close attention to the white blazes. They can be hard to locate. Some are painted on the metal guard rails; others on the asphault. You actually cross under the interstate but can get confused about which direction to go.After passing under I-40, you will be on a gravel road that starts climbing - Waterville School Road. As you go another short distance, you will see the stone steps on your left. You can either climb the steps or continue on the gravel road - but the trail follows the steps. After climbing to the top, there is a short distance on the trail before you find yourself back at the same gravel road (about a mile further north) and should see a small rock with the Standing Bear logo painted on it. Cross the stream there and turn left (north)on the gravel road. Standing Bear Hostel is just a bit ahead. Note: when you cross the stream, take a look on the other side of the gravel road, just behind you - that is where you will re-enter the trail when you continue onward.As I was on the gravel road, here came a pickup with Fal & Hercules onboard. They had already been to Standing Bear and opted to shuttle into a nearby Holiday Inn for a zero day.I've attached several pictures of Standing Bear Hostel. It definitely has "atmosphere" but I feel is an improvement over Mountain Mommas. The owners were away running errands, but I got settled in to their bunk room (sleeps 16) where a wood stove fire kept things warm. No one else was staying there at the time, but I did have access to their kitchen prep building, washer/dryer/free (local) phone; hot shower; and honor system small grocery store.Daily cost is $15. That includes the washer/dryer. Their internet wasn't really setup (they let me use their computer briefly in their house - but very slow). They had a pretty good selection of food items - and there should be a lot more by the time the crowds get in. They even sell microwave cheesburgers ($2.00) and DiGorno pizzas ($9.00 - yes, expensive).Curtis and Maria arrived and we had some great conversation - Maria is opening her Mexican restuarant this weekend. Curtis, like myself, was in the Marines and we exchanged war stories.Curtis will shuttle you to a nearby truck stop at either 7:30am or around 3:00pm (when he takes his son to/from school). The truckstop has a mini mart and also a short-order grill (try the biscuits and gravy). He will also make a beer run I believe.
Date: 2005-02-03
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Weather forecast says some possible ice/snow, so I opted to spend a second day at Standing Bear. Also, I want to time my arrival into Hot Springs so that I can hit the post office and library when they are open. Weather is supposed to be beautiful on Friday and Saturday - shorts and t-shirt weather. Relaxed around the hostel and chatted. Even broke out my needle and dental floss and sewed up so small rips in my clothing.Yes, I realize some of you must be thinking that "Jaws" is such a wuss for these two-days off periods - I'm not particularly thrilled about it either. BUT, a lot of those days are being spent at libraries or other connected-comupters keeping the Trail Journal site updated and uploading the pics.
Date: 2005-02-04
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

Got out of Standing Bear and eventually found my way back onto the trail - after getting a bit disoriented.I'd been warned that the climb towards Snowbird Mountain would be a bit rough - but it wasn't. Maybe because I had eaten an entire Pizza the night before and had plenty of protein in my system. Also, the weather was simply outstanding. Sunny and temps in the mid 50's.After about an hour, stripped off all my warmer clothes and donned my t-shirt and shorts. Somehow, this day just became hiking nirvana - kept on going and going.Bumped into Fal and Hercules along the way - they had purchased a new tent and decided to call it quits for the day after 10 miles.Passed over Snowbird Mountain and around sunset climbed up Max Patch. A bit chilly but what a view. Got some great camera shots - take a look at the pictures. The next shelter was about five miles ahead - the last hour of which would be in the dark. I said to myself: "So What? I can put on my headlamp and hike in the dark." And that is what I did. A very pleasant and successful experience. Just had to take it a bit slower and watch for the shelter sign. I think this is the longest mileage day, to boot. And pretty much felt great when I got into the shelter for the night.
Date: 2005-02-05
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Headed out of camp around 10:20am - the second of two, beautiful days. Hiking shorts and shirt again. Did not intend to go all the way into Hot Springs - but the hiking felt so go that I thought "why not?" Excellent hiking pace - was in to Hot Springs by 4:15pm. As you approach the town, descending on the trail you have a wonderful view of the town.Had time to go into Bluff Mountain Outfitters (they are open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm) for a quick visit; then head over to Elmers (Sunnydown Hotel) and check in for the night.Elmer's is a tradition - he has owned the Victorian mansion for almost 30 years. His thru-hiker rate is $15 per night. He is renowned for the vegetarian meals ($10 for dinner). The house is amzaing if you like antique furniture; lots of books; and some great conversation. I was too late - but you should try to make a reservation for the dinner. It is a unique experience.Off to dinner at the Smoky Mountain Restaurant - good food, plentiful; good price. They also serve breakfasts and lunches.Stopped by Paddler's Pub for a quick Brown Nut Ale and called it a night. Will be staying a second night (Sunday) in Hot Springs to relax some more and take in the Superbowl and drinks at Paddler's Pub. Have to get a mail drop from the Post Office Monday morning - then off towards Erwin.Happy hiking everyone.
Date: 2005-02-06
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs NC 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Superbowl Sunday in Hot Springs.As is to be expected, bith the library and post office are closed on Sunday. But Bluff Mountain Outfitters is open - and they have high-speed internet connectivity. Spent a couple of hours working on Trail Journals page (I know "A-Hole" depends upon my entries to know what is going on out here (jj)) and uploading photos to the site.Also picked up some gear items that they had marked down about 15%. The locals here in town are pretty darn friendly. A lot of them recalled Hydro Heidi when she came through recently. Also, Fal & Hercules, who have a house at nearby Allen Gap and are currently on their second thru-hike.Headed over to Paddler's Pub for the pre-Superbowl festivities. Signed up on a couple of "football squares" and even had some pretty good numbers (7 & 6). They have a pretty good dark ale that is guaranteed to make you burp all the way back to your room. A lot of good conversation with the folks inside. They just want to hear about hiking the trail; why during the winter months; etc. When I head out of Hot Springs I'm gonna start being more flexible where I camp at nights. Will be using a MSR Zoid 1 solo tent to keep from having to use the shelters as much. Since I'm now pushing around 15 miles per day, the shelter locations are just a bit too restrictive for ending each hiking day. I've always had my tarp as a "fallback" option; but prefer to use the Zoid tent to protect my down bag against any precip that may fall from the skies.A thought about staying in trail towns: you don't have to spend a lot of money when you opt to go into town for a night. Stay at a hostel that charges $15 instead of a motel that costs twice as much; eat the food you already have instead of spending bucks at a restaurant; be conservative about alcohol (the kind you drink). It's your money and you know how much you can afford to spend.Some folks think it is easy to go into town, run your errands, and get back on the trail without spending the night in town. Maybe so with places like Hot Srpings or Damascus. But other towns require getting a ride into town; making the town stops (post office; groceries; internet; etc.) and getting back to the trail. If you are tenting, you can stealth camp outside of town. Otherwise, it may be easier just to relax and spend the night at a hostel. I'm spending a lot of time in towns maintaining my Trail Journals page - this is partially due to my transcribing ALL of my entries. No one is assisting me with this task (although many folks have offered to do so). I just prefer to capture and record my exact feelings directly. Every library I have stopped at has been very helpful with internet access - and most have been high-speed connections. Doing my own TJ entries (and uploading my pictures) takes extra time - but it is something I enjoy doing. Once April rolls around, I know a large percentage of the thru-hikers will be on their own hike, and I'll cut back on the frequency of entries. That is when my trail town time will also be cut back accordingly.Onward . . .
Date: 2005-02-07
From: Hot Springs, NC

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

Well, today I broke my "personal rule" about spending no more than two nights in a trail town - today will be three at Elmers. I guess I'm enjoying the town and company too much here - and perhaps am a bit tired of the comments about who is 1st/2nd/3rd on the NOBO 2005 thru-hiking list. This way, I know I am NOT in the front of the pack.Weather today: partly cloudy; moderate winds; mid 50's.Had another good breakfast at the restaurant across from Elmers (Elmer doesn't cook a breakfast unless there are more folks staying there). Then got my packages at the Post Office. MANY thanks to Margaret for the trail magic she sent in a mail drop to me. I shared it with some other hikers and we all enjoyed it immensely.Headed over to the library to use their high-speed internet. To get to the library from Elmers: take the road by the BP station and hike up to the elementary school. The library is in the building on the other side of the school. They open at 10am weekdays and Saturdays (but closed on Wednesday's - don't know why). Unfortunately, their internet connection was down that day, so I spent a quarter on a paperback book they were selling to have something to read on the trail later.Spent remainder of day in Elmer's backyard working with the new tent - how to pitch it, pack it, etc. Also figuring out which items to bounce up the trail and mailing those items. Found out the post office has a deal where you can choose from two different boxes and priority mail them ANYWHERE in the US (no matter how much they weigh) for $7.70 - a pretty good deal. Remember - priority mail packages can be forwarded for free if they are not opened.
Date: 2005-02-08
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Rich Mountain, NC
Miles today: 8.5

Weather: Cloudy w/light rain; lower 50's.Well today I forced myself to leave Hot Springs around lunch time and headed out of town. As you cross the French Broad River and begin to climb on the Trail, there are some great views of the town. Did not meet anyone on the trail today. The sun gradually came out for about an hour but then fog settled in. After about 8.5 miles, located a nice campsite near Rich Mountain and set up camp. I had purchased at the Hot Springs Outfitter a MSR Zoid 1 solo tent and wanted to test it out.My preference is still going to be a shelter stay at night whenever there is rain/snow/bad weather due to the set-up problems with a tent - how to keep all of your gear from getting soaked until the tent is up. But as the shelters begin to have more occupants, it just makes a lot of sense to have the option of tenting when necessary. With some ad hoc weight reductions, the Ziod's weight can be gotten under 3 lbs. After setting up camp, I opted to hike up a nearby blue-blazed trail to see the Rich Mountain fire tower. It's pretty close (maybe a quarter of a mile). Unfortunately, the fog was really getting heavy, but still got a picture. You can climb up the tower's external steps but can't get onto the upper landing due to a locked gate. Then settled down to some dinner and read a bit in the tent before calling it a night.
Date: 2005-02-09
From: Rich Mountain, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather today - Overcast skies; low 50's; light windHeaded out of camp at 11am (I warned everyone that I'm a late starter in the mornings - and it may get even worse than this at times!). But when I'm able to average between 2 and 2.5 mph, and my daily goal is usually around 12 miles, you can leave that late and still get to your daily destination prior to darkness. Of course, after the NOBO crowds get going, you will probably never find space remaining in a shelter if you arrive that late in the evening. Currently, there is still enough sunlight to hike until around 6:15pm - then you will need your headlamp to continue.My dated weather forecast (from Hot Springs) said rain for the day - but it hadn't arrived by noon. I wanted to just average the 12 miles today to get into the Little Laurel Shelter. This puts me on schedule to get into Erwin Sunday evening.INTERESTING STORY OF THE DAY:After hiking about an hour, I began to get too hot with my polypro long-sleeve pullover on. So I stopped, took it off, and looked into my pack for my short-sleeve shirt to put on. While doing this, up came a middle-aged man, dressed in blaze-orange and carrying a shotgun (Remington 1100, 12-gauge, semi-automatic). A local hunter. For those of you who don't know (probably all of you) I have to confess to having my nipples pierced and wear silver rings in them. A former girlfriend talked me into it - and I have to admit I'm kinda proud I was brave enough to get them pierced and like the result.So, up walks this local guy with a shotgun who I'm sure saw me with my nipple rings. Here I am thinking: "where the heck is my shirt" and "surely, he wouldn't shoot some hiker because of a dis-like for piercings?" I told myself, "be cool, dude!" As it turned out the local hunter had no issue, but I still got my shirt on as soon as possible. The hunter was out on the trail trying to locate his hunting dog - a black, irish setter named "Petey." We chatted for a bit - nice guy - and I told him I'd keep a look out. I think the secret to getting along with folks is to just be nice, sociable and courteous. If they are the same, you wind up with a nice conversation to pass the time. If not, you did your part and you move on. By 2pm the sun was making a really good effort to pop out and brighten the day. But the clouds in the distance sure did look like there might be snow before too long. Got into the shelter around 5pm. See what I mean: did the 12 miles with an hour of daylight to spare. And once the temps start dropping on the winter nights, often all you want to do is eat dinner and get into your bag. That's when I enjoy reading - and other than going to sleep, that is about all there is to do.Later that night checked the temp - had dropped down into the mid 20's. Sure enough the snow started to come down before I fell asleep.
Date: 2005-02-11
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Weather today - Sunny skies nut pretty strong winds and mid 40's. Snow cover up to 4" in spots.My tendency for late starts out of the shelters continued - 12:30pm today.There is one important detail about Mountain Man/Mountain Dew I forgot to share - they had with them two dogs, two Beagles. Those dogs play a key role in their story, but that comes a bit later.So - part of my late start was due to my lack of sleep the night before. Fortunately, only 8 miles today to the next shelter - again staying on a schedule to get into Erwin on Sunday. I was tickled pink as I approached Devil Fork Gap to see a white, 5-gallon plastic bucket hanging from a tree. Could it be TRAIL MAGIC??!! Yes it could indeed. Inside were zip lock bags of chocolate; crackers & cheese; sodas; mixed nuts; etc. And a "register" log to sign. It looks like the Trail Angel(s) periodically re-stock the bucket and so you also may get to partake when you pass through.As you cross Devil Fork Gap road you will climb over one of those fence ladders and into a large field. It is hard to see which direction to walk (or the white-blazes). Immediately after exiting the ladder look about 45 degrees in the distance to your right - that is the direction to follow.Before long I was approached by a group of three hikers, well geared for the winter weather. Turned out they were all former thru-hikers (I'm sorry, I don't remember their trail names) and were out for a week hike. We chatted for about 20 minutes and one of them, like magic, made appear a silver metal flask that was proffered to me. Boy, Jim Beam bourbon has never tasted so good!!! I much appreciated gesture.Got into Hogback Ridge Shelter around 6pm and during the evening the temperature actually seemed to warm up a bit. Think the low remained in the 20's during the night.
Date: 2005-02-12
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today's weather - Sunny, very windy, low 40's during the hike.I actually got on the trail by 11:30am - see, improvement is possible. As I aproached Sam's Gap, met a couple of local hikers passing through. Today I opted to wear my thigh-high gaiters because I would be passing over Big Bald (5,500 feet) and figured the snow cover might be deeper there. I'm not a big gaiter "fan" but they do help quite a bit to keep the snow/slush/mud/etc off your boots and pants. Think I'll keep them instead of bouncing them up the trail.This was a pretty nice hiking today with some spectacular views around Big Bald. The local hikers I met said there was supposed to be a 60% chance of rain the next couple of days. I was thinking to myself that they must be wrong - maybe snow, but not rain. (I turned out to be wrong and they were indeed right).I am pretty impressed with the route of the AT as you approach Big Bald. Nothing really steep - instead, some gradual switchbacks. Took a number of pictures on the approach and on top (see my photo section). Big Bald was reminiscent of Max Patch - but much more "arctic" in the feel. Winds had to be over 40 mph. Surprisingly, there wasn't that much snow cover and I tend to think the winds have something to do with that.Standing on top of Big Bald, looking to the East, you can see (during the winter months) Wolf Laurel Ski Resort. I couldn't tell if it was open; if they even had enough snow to be open. Ive heard you can hike over and get a limited resupply of food (or at least a hot meal) - but didn't check it out.Just past Big Bald is a slightly lower Bald - "Big Stamp." There I met a hardy local hiker who had set up his tent and was planning to spend the night. He seemed to have the right type of gear and know what he was doing. We chatted briefly and he was kind enough to offer me an apple (the locals you meet always seem to be worried that the thru-hikers may not have enough food - a kind gesture).Only about a mile further to Bald Mountain shelter. This is one of the higher AT shelters and they ask that hikers don't camp nearby - to protect the environment. That night was not a great sleeping night. It wasn't that it was that cold (maybe not even freezing) but the winds were both strong and steady. The chill factor from the winds was definitely felt. Even seemed to permeate my sleeping bag.Tomorrow's hiking schedule is to just do eleven miles to the last shelter before Erwin - No Business Shelter. But I am seriously thinking about the weather (prediction of 60% precip and cold) and wonder if I can get up early enough to do the entire stretch into Eriwn - 17 miles to the Nolichucky River (where you blue-blaze into the town) and then another couple of miles to the nearest place to stay. I could always stealth camp just outside of Erwin in the tent - but that may be impacted by the weather. We will see.
Date: 2005-02-18
To: Re-start decision made
Miles today: 0.0

For better or worse, I've decided to re-start my thru-hike on March 7th. Thanks to everyone who has sent me guestbook entries and/or emails with suggestions on what to do. I will continue to hang around Erwin, Tennessee until March - puttering around town; doing local hikes; assisting Miss Janet (I have learned to be be a pretty good dishwasher in the kitchen); reading; working on TJ and email; etc.On March 4th, Ill shuttle down to the Neals Gap/Springer Mountain area and plan on starting from Springer on March 6th. I hope to run across many of you who will also be starting hikes then. Hope to say hello and chat with everyone.In the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions about the thru-hike, thus far - regarding the Trail, towns, conditions, what is open closed; etc.I'll keep everyone updated as things become more definite.
Date: 2005-02-19
To: Resupply suggestions and town stays
Miles today: 0.0

Thought I'd share some resupply and town stay info with you, based upon my experiences since my January 3rd start.RESUPPLY LOCATIONSI pretty much have followed suggestions made in the past by Baltimore Jack and others:Springer start - I carried about 3-4 days of food and did a small resupply at Neals Gap to get me to Dick's Creek Gap (Hiawassee vicinity).Hiawassee - either a overnighter at Blueberry Patch, plus shuttle to food store in Hiawassee; or, shuttle to Hiawassee Inn and walk to the food store. I left Hiawassee with enough food to get me to the NOC because Rainbow Springs Campground is out of business (near Franklin). Or, you can hitch into Franklin.NOC - a small food resupply to carry me the three days into Fontana.Fontana - do a mail drop to the post office to cover your trip through the Smokey's. Even if you opt to stay at Jeff & Nancy's Hike Inn, do the mail drop. They can pick the mail drop up for you if you want.Smokey's - I carried seven days of food even though I hiked it in less. I'd just check the weather before starting and adjust accordingly. You will have pretty good hiker legs by this point.Gatlinburg - a personal decision. Not needed as a food resupply spot.Davenport Gap - I recommend Standing Bear (hands down). They will shuttle you to a nearby truck stop/convenience store.Hot Springs - there are two, smaller food stores and the Outfitter.Erwin - You have a full-size Food Lion.AMOUNT OF FOOD TO CARRYSpringer to Neals Gap: 3-4 daysNeals Gap to Dick's Creek Gap: sameDick's Creek Gap to the NOC: 5 daysNOC to Fontana: 3 daysFontana to Davenport Gap: 7 daysDavenport Gap to Hot Springs: 2-3 daysHot Springs to Erwin: 4-5 daysTOWN OVERNIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS/COSTSThe only places I'd say I would definitely stay a night are Hiawassee and Davenport Gap from a logistical resupply standpoint; and Miss Janet's (purely my opinion). Here are the suggested options:Neals Gap - Mountain Crossings Hostel - bunk bed - $15Hiawassee - Hiawassee Inn - motel room - $30 OR,Hiawassee - Blueberry Patch - bunk bed - not sure of costFranklin - Franklin Motel - motel room - $30Wesser - NOC - bunk bed - $15Fontana - AT Shelter - free OR,Fontana - Jeff & Nancy's Hike Inn - motel room - $40Davenport Gap - Standing Bear Hostel - $15Hot Springs - Elmer's - bed in a shared room - $15Erwin - Shame on you for asking - Miss Janet's - bunk bed - $15