morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 18 - Didn't sleep that well last night as I was checking for wetness. A few minor spots but I think that might be from the backsplash from the rain fly & being on a uneven spot. Still raining @ 6:30am and I made the decision to go to the next shelter since it was short mileage. Then the rain stopped around 7:00am so I took my stuff to the shelter to clean and dry out.The initial climb was so-so. A wet night makes for a muddy trail and slippery rock & roots to get over or around. Needless to say: slow and steady were the watchwords of the day. After many hours I thought I'd better step it up if I wanted to arrive by dark.   Arrived after 5:30pm and set up by the running creek & of course, uneven spot.Did have a nature encounter - had to stop for a young snake stretched across the trail. Used my poles to urge him on.
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 19 - Started the day with 2 miles of elevation gain of 700' which wasn't too bad. Thought a tree was falling cause the wind was going at it but it was just a hawk soaring through the tree limbs. The next 3 miles began a decrease of 1,900' which gave the knees a trying time.At the bottom I called for the shuttle to Fontana Dam Village to get the food box JoAnn delivered, did laundry, a quick "shower" (wash down) & managed to get the shuttle as it was about to leave for a pickup.Filled out my Backcountry permit for the Great Smoky Mtns. as a thru-hiker for sleeping in the shelters starting tomorrow. Made my way to the last shelter before entering the mountains and pitched my tent. This place is known as the "Fontana Hilton" due to a restroom - running water (yes - no treating/filtering) and a shower. The shelter sits overlooking the dam and neat views of the mountains.
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 20 - Slept pretty good but by the time I finished eating breakfast, packing, using the restroom, taking pictures it was 10:00am. Followed a hiker across the dam then turned right where the AT/Great Smoky Mountains National Park sign was. Took picture then looked for the white blaze. Don't see one. Finally stopped and got out the book and read that the paved road was the real deal for about a mile.Saw some folks getting ready to go horseback riding in the mountains. I found the trail & began the uphill hike into the Smoky Mtns. Just a short while into it - the Smokies "made me smelly" - very tough day.The last 2 miles till the shelter I had a BEAR cub sighting! Head down looking @ trail when I saw ahead a black blur. Realized it was a bear and stopped. He stopped too & looked at me and then scampered down a few 1/10's of a mile. Stopped and looked at me again. I took my poles & banged them together and yelled "I'm just passing thru". Off he went into the woods.Kept looking behind me as I went on down the trail where he was. Asked for guidence on what to do if ....Got to the shelter and got a spot on the top row - rules of park is that there no tenting.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: few clouds

Day 21 - Actually slept okay, guess it was because of being level. No mice were seen or heard due to the big crowd. Hard to load your pack @ the same time as 4 or more people are doing it when space is limited. Since I hike at my own pace I waited to spread out all the gear to see if today is going to be the best way yet of loading the pack.First part of the day wasn't too bad - kept stopping at different elevations to see if I had service to send message that I was okay. Got to the "short" mileage shelter in the early afternoon, so on I hike. Caught up with "Krazy like a fox" & "Radar" on Thunder Mtn. as they were starting up again. Had my short rest and as I was leaving I heard a rustling in the bushes by the trail. A wild turkey - and of course the phone/camera was turned off!Finally made the shelter after 7:15pm and discovered there were 6 high school girls on an Outbound outing hiking south. What a trip hearing them discuss their trials of school. They had the top shelf and I got to try & get some sleep next to the snoring group. :'(
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

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

Day 22 - Begin week #4. This was the day that went uphill for over 7.0 miles to climb over Clingmans Dome (elev. 6,643') which is the highest point on the AT. It wasn't that bad as the weather was pleasant with a breeze now and again. Took a picture of the observation tower a wee bit away - we'll see how it looks. It was the hike to the shelter at the end of the day that was tiring. It was 2.0+ miles downhill then the mile back up to get to the shelter. Began to wonder if I was going to run out of daylight. Forgot that this shelter was a 1/2 mile off the AT on another trail.Large crowd @ the shelter - guy from a hammock squeezed in with the group when he swore a bear was swatting his rain fly/tarp.
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap / US 441
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 23 - Had a rough night of sleep due to the needing to itch the bug bites. Rain came down pretty hard (sounded like it from the tin roof) in the early morning hours. Thought I' d better get up earlier than planned because I didn't know how the trail would be: wet, muddy, flowing river creeks, etc. Skipped breakfast and packed up, put on rain gear and off I went. Got a view of how things could get in the future with a slippery trail.Wasn't that bad as I made it on time to meet JoAnn @ the US441 (Gatlinburg) pickup point at 1:00pm. Went to the hotel, ate dinner across the street, drove to the Outfitters (got shorts), ice cream from Baskin Robbins then worked on the next food drops till midnight. Then updated some Trail Journals until 2:30am.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Newfound Gap / US 441

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 24 - Got up around 7:00am and finished dinner meals for the Hot Springs drop. Finally hit the AT @ 11:00am and said goodbye to JoAnn as the wind was whipping around us. Started up the trail and then turned around and asked Jo if I could have my poles from the back seat of the car.    Off I go again, getting my picture taken going up the trail.Wasn't a bad climb at all. Weather was upper 50's, sun shining and not many hikers. Made steady progress and actually stopped and enjoyed a cookie snack stretched out on a down log. Looked up at the different trees, getting warmed on the face by the sun.Saw some beautiful views, felt alone in a vast wilderness and felt at peace. Before I knew it I was approaching the shelter around 6:15pm and eating the whole 16oz of spaghetti w/ meat sauce around 7:00pm. Made a cup of tea to enjoy as I write my notes. What a good day.
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

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

Day 25 - Hard to get up due to cold nipping at your nose. Put layers of clothes on in sleeping bag. What fun trying to get the knees bending that early. Oatmeal & tea for breakfast to warm up, thus with clean up puts me last one on the trail @ 10:00am.Met up with Brenda & Tom Carrington (couple that started Jan.1st - see their TJ entries) halfway to the nights shelter. Put in the effort to get there before 7:00pm due to looking like rain may happen. Had sprinkles with 1 1/2 miles to go so I went ahead and put the pack cover on. Surprised when it was just 6:00pm when I arrived at the shelter. Aquired the 3 spots on the top row as I knew the plans of the Carrington' s were to stay there too. Rained during dinner and on/off while writing my notes.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Painter Branch Campsite
Miles today: 12.2

Day 26 - Tough night due to the fact I needed to go to the bathroom. Being on the top shelf and not by the ladder just made it real hard to crawl out and go. About 6:00am when a little light could be seen I put my boots on and carefully found the steps w/o waking anyone and made my way to the "privy". Crawled back into the bag for about an hour.Dressed for rain but stopped and changed because it didn't happened. Still kind of cool & noisy due to the wind. Had to move on or I would have lost ground from the wind pushing me back or to the scary side of the trail. Finally made it to the last shelter of the Smoky Mtns. to fill up on water before heading down to I-40 & then a little more to the Standing Bear Farm hostel.As soon as I arrived got I got word that someone had called looking for me - questseeker. JoAnn had delivered my food drop there and wanted to make sure things were good. Everything okay. After seeing the place and not sure how many were staying I decided to go on to the campsite about 2 1/2 miles up and it was only 5:00pm. Slowly making it uphill I did pass a campsite but wasn't sure it was the right one. Seemed to early time wise of getting there & didn't see the level tent spots talked about. Checked the time and moved on.Twenty minutes later saw 2 guys sitting near a fire and find out that was the place - tent spots were down a path from the fire ring. Back I went and off to hang the bear bag cord before dark - took 1/2 hour for success. Made camp, ate and then turned on "beacon" in tent to go hang food bag. Dark and several paths to choose from to find the trees I used. Ready to give up but stopped and thought about how I made it back to camp after tying off the cord. Success & back to camp I go.
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Painter Branch Campsite

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 27 - Slept pretty good & up around 6:30am to get water and treat it for breakfast. Had 3 packs of oatmeal to help climb up to the peak of Snowbird Mtn. Almost stepped on a snake (brownish and medium size) after crossing the creek to get back on the trail. Passed by the FAA tower (they were working on it) and took off pack and the went to see the views. Didn't stay long due to light sprinkles and the views were of dark, misty, and hard to see mountain peaks. Threat of heavy rain had me put on pack cover & start booking it down the trail to clearer sky and back into the woods.I was surprised to be at the shelter around 6:00pm - although dragging a bit. Seems I passed by the Hawks Nest campsite and ended up at this place which was at least 3 miles further.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

Day 28 - Got up early with intentions of going to Hot Springs. Wasn't sure of the mileage but know it's 10+. All ready to go and wondering which path leads to the AT. No sign saying what's what. After thinking about how I came in and saw the shelter last night I took the the left one - good choice. As I hiked I noticed other trails w/o signs @ junctions.I crossed a stream then through a tunnel of bushes while looking for the white blaze. Continued going north thinking that this trail doesn't look as traveled and as wide. Came to an intersection with the path going north but no white blaze to be seen. Didn't feel right so I turned around to go back to the starting point after crossing the stream. Got out the Trail Guide book & learned that I needed to take the trail south 0.3 mile on an old railroad grade. Sure enough there was the white blaze on the tree. Guess I was in a hurry to move on and took the most northern route. Finally got to Lemon Gap which begins the climbing of Walnut Mountain (4,280') then down to 3,700' to summit the Easternmost peak along the state line between 2 rivers.Next Bluff Mtn. (4,686') then the downhill descent towards Hot Springs of 10+ miles. After awhile I made the decision to stay @ the shelter 3+ miles before Hot Springs because I was fading fast and still have a 2 hour downhill trek. Started to sprinkle as I neared the shelter so I assembled the tent inside the small platform & then transferred to the spot. So far no real amount of rain.For the past 3 days the right side of my throat has been giving me discomfort. It has made my right ear stopped up and difficult to breathe sometimes.
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 29 - Beginning of week #5.:'( Worst time of the whole trip.   Miserable night.Note: Will explain later when more time & battery available. CW Had the worst night on the trail due to the fact that the right side of my throat for the 3 previous nights has been giving me discomfort. Things got worst as I couldn't swallow, felt like there was an obstruction I couldn't get rid of, the right ear was stopped up & I couldn't breathe thus afraid to sleep. It's eerie listening to the sounds of the forest waiting for daylight to break.Slowly made my way down to Hot Springs & found the medical clinic and spent the next 1 1/2 hrs. working on insurance ?'s & paperwork. Finally decided to go the self pay route to get in and see the Doctor. He checked my throat out & said he's only seen about 14 cases of what he believed it was. It was the early stages of: peritonsillar abscess. (Things on the tonsil.) He consulted with the more knowledgeable Doctor who would be working Saturday. Decided to give me a shot in the hip of a heavy duty antibiotic, suggested placing a warm compress on the throat and try to get some liquid down. If things didn't improve I needed to go to an ENT to have them lance the abscess. Thoughts of making my way back home was depressing. Got a room for the night, picked up my food drop, showered, did laundry, then went to a bar & grill for a good beverage ( ) and get some food to force down. Bought a big beverage to take to the room while I wrapped my throat for a few hours before bed. Sent up a message upstairs and turned out the light.
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Hot Springs

To: Rich Mtn. / Fire Tower
Miles today: 8.2

Day 30 - Appointment was @ 9:30am but got up early to start packing to be able to leave before checkout. Decision was made since I had improved to go ahead and get another hip injection and to take a weeks worth of pills with me. Was told to take it easy for a couple of days.Settled up the room bill and got on the trail around 11:00am. Right away a 1,000'+ gain to go over Lover's Leap Rock. Got passed by some section hikers as I had to stop to lighten the clothes load and rest. Bit of a push but finally made it to the summit and took a break before starting 3 miles of up/downs. Made Tanyard Gap around 4:00pm with dark clouds moving in so I put the pack cover on and started uphill. Ten minutes later the rain fell hard. Dugout jacket & pants (which was a messy job to put over boots) and stood under a tree hoping it would let up. Got to get use to hiking in the rain so on I go. The section hikers I've been talking to were going to spend the night @ the Fire Tower and asked if I was too. By the time I made it to the turnoff I was ready to call it a day. Very friendly group and had a good time being with them. Nice view @ night and the morning had the fog, mist and clouds surrounding the tower.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Rich Mtn. / Fire Tower

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: moderate rain

Day 31 - Left the Fire Tower after talking to a longtime section hiker who was about to finish the trail after 25 years @ Hot Springs. Had many ups & downs right away with no good water source noted on map for 4+ miles. Decided I had enough water to get me there.The day wasn't real hot but the steep elevation change sure made me sweat and I was trying to conserve water. All water crossings were either dried up or small standing pools of yucky water - no good. Once again a little after 4:00pm it began to rain like yesterday. This time I put on the pack cover and had the jacket out to use. Stood under a tree as it started to rain harder - dug out the the rain pants. Let up some so on I go, figured still had 1 1/2 hrs still to do. Didn't think about putting out a cup to catch some rain. I began to pop Skittles and Red Hots when I needed them for that extra boost.Around 6:00pm I was rewarded seeing the shelter as it began to rain again. Another girl "Moss" showed up (saw her @ Fontana Dam Village while I resupplied) so we were the only ones staying at the shelter. On & off rain - so not tenting.
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: moderate rain

Day 32 - Left the shelter and began a 1.3 uphill elevation change of + 1,000'. As I was slowly making my way it began to rain - 3 days now. I quickly put on the rain jacket + pants and continued on. Then it hit me, I didn't put the pack cover on. Quickly turned around to go to the spot where I could take off the pack & pull out the cover. Top of the pack was wet but not soaked. Continued up the trail and about 35 minutes the rain let up and shortly stopped.Rain #2 starts again about 2 hours later. #3 begins when I'm making my way to the exposed ridge line. #4 as I'm boulder hopping down from the ridge. #5 comes as I'm approaching the shelter.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Day 33 - Held back and let the guys do their thing to get ready for their 20-30 miles of hiking. Knew I only had a 8+ mile day so took my time packing up. Just about ready to leave when a father/daughter stopped for a break. Talked a bit and offered me some fresh strawberries. Mmmmm good.Saw I had a 3 1/2 mile downhill then a 1500' elevation gain for the next 3 miles followed by a down/up to reach the shelter. Wasn't looking/sounding that great so I put on the rain gear and just finishing putting on the pack that it started to rain a bit hard. Waited a bit for it to let up and then headed out.Took a snack break before starting an uphill climb. I met a guy waiting on the trail for his friend "Bear Bait" to catch up with him. Learned he had lived in Dayton & now owns a ranch with lots of horses. A young guy thru-hiker "San Gabriel" showed up, briefly chatted and then both of us went North - they went South.Got to the shelter and was setting up the tent when I received a message via a girl thru-hiker that the guy I talked to wanted me to know I was a beautiful woman. Travel miles away from home and get a compliment - go figure.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Whistling Gap Campsite
Miles today: 13.5

Day 34 - Tried to get up early but it's tough when you have to change in your sleeping bag. Finally had the pack filled but still had to clean up the "ground cover" (plastic sheeting). Hiked to the summit of High Rock Mountain then down to Sams Gap which is near Interstate 26.Took a snack break, continued on & found some trail magic. At the sign showing which way to go there were unopened cans of pop still kind of cold & a bag for the trash. Had a Coke - refreshing!Began the uphill for 9+ miles topping two 5,000' mountains - Big Bald then Little Bald. Stopped at the shelter to get water & checked out the sleeping quarters. It had 2 rows of designated 5 slots with no extra room for anything else. Wanted to tent anyway so I went on to find the next campsite. Found it and had it to myself.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Whistling Gap Campsite

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 35 - Slept alright: no bears, mice or people made their presence known. Just about finishing up when "Papa Smurf" drops by very chipper - chats then moves on.Since I'm taking 2 days now to get to Erwin I had to divide the remaining food up which isn't that much. Tried to focus on going slow so I wouldn't get too thirsty or hungry. Had tuna salad & broken crackers + a cookie meant for tomorrow's breakfast. Did breakdown and have a Snickers bar in the afternoon.Had a couple of guys pass me by that I was sheltering with in the Smoky's. People are re-joining the trail after taking off for Trail Days.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: River Road / Erwin, TN.
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: moderate rain

Day 36 - Beginning of week #6. Woke up this morning to a crowd of people - some made their way in the dark last night. Knew I might have a problem being able to stay @ the hostel. Too many were heading down before me for limited spots.Just after getting started hiking I caught a glimce of something moving ahead of me. Saw light brown with a white spot - a deer. Pretty easy going since the trail is ready to head down to the river. Got passed by the last guy from the shelter and within 5 minutes he was out of sight. Made the final summit and had a great view of the river, railroad bridge & mountains - picture moment.As predicted no bunk available so was trying to find another place and a way to get there. Jim from Utah asked if I would like to share a room which would be a reasonable price. Said okay. Outfitter Assistant drove us into town and got a room w/ 2 double beds. Next door was a laundry, down the street was a grocery store, Dollar General store and the Pizza Place within a short walk.While Jim went to buy some vitamin "I" something hit me and I spent sometime in the bathroom a lot. Glad when that was over with.    After dinner (ate the whole small pizza & 3 tall glasses of pop) I began to update TJ entries. Around midnight the phone did the update thing which kicked me off TJ without saving my entries I wrote. Very frustrating.
Date: 2010-05-22
From: River Road / Erwin, TN.

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Day 37 - Tried to get TJ entries redone before shuttle arrived @ 9:20am. On the trail by 10:00am to begin an all day uphill hike from 1,800' - 5,000'. At 11:20am the rain began and I wasn't even a 1/4 up the first mountain. Stood under a tree in hopes it would let up - it didn't, rained for about 40 minutes. Finally moved on and saw an Orange lizard (baby size) on the side of the trail.Finally made it to Beauty Spot (4,437') where a Southbounder was sitting on the grassy bald checking out the rain clouds. Moved on to go over Unaka Mountain to the find the campsite - guess I blew by it because I felt I had hiked too long. Checked the map and had a decision to make: turn around and go back UPHILL & find the cutoff path for the campsite or continue on going down to the reach the shelter around 8:00 pm or so. After 7:00pm came down the path and saw Jim (Utah) had pitched his tent. Decided to join him even though the shelter was probably less than a mile and half uphill.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Low Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 8.7

Day 38 - Left the campsite and found out the shelter was about a mile away. Heard that it was a full house + tenters. Filled up w/ water and had a pretty nice hike staying between 4,000' - 4,500' with the sun showing it self. Decided to go down to the hostel @ the Greasy Creek Gap junction to checkout the resupply food. By the time I got there, made up my mind to call it a day if phone connection was good. I would be able to talk to home support about next weekend & get TJ updated completely!