morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-10
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a "short" day, which meant tomorrow would be a bit longer. The weather continued to improve, temps in the 40's with milder winds and clear skies. Jake, Alex, and I started out together, but Alex quickly moved ahead. We all ended up at Brown Fork around 3pm, which gave me time to re-wax my boots. We were joined by Green Blaze and Red Roses, a husband and wife hiking team. Great folks. A few minutes later, Dr. Short Pot showed. He explained that his name was initially "short Pot" because of cooking with a short pot; he added the "Dr." to avoid confusion (huh?). There is no confusion about his hiking intensity, though; he is one of those guys who can crank out 15 - 20+ miles consistently.After dinner, the Dr. built a fire, which added warmth to a cold evening. The fire provided a great setting to discuss the current political race and other current events.
Date: 2008-03-11
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Again, I managed to be the first up and out on the Trail. I like to be the "leader" at least once during the day; I know it is usually a matter of an hour or 2 before I am passed.The weather continues to get better, which coupled with the ups and downs, had me pretty sweaty, with the aroma unique to hikers. My break came after about 3 hours: a double dose of oatmeal. It is quick to cook and I eat it out of the pot. That eating out of the pot reminds me of my brother Murph and I having Hamburger Helper while collge roommates; we would eat the meal right out of the iron skillet. Though I did expect to be passed, I got to Fontana Dam first, around 2:30. The rest of the group wondered in..Alex, Jake, Raven, Ben, Dr. Small Pot. We had a fire and cooked hot dogs and washed them down with cold beers. The shelter, known as the Fontana Hilton, was next to the lake and had a great view of the night sky. PLUS, there were showers (no charge) available. A beautiful day..going to bed with a full stomach and no BO.
Date: 2008-03-12
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

The day started at 8 am with the intent of getting to the store and then on the Trail. However, the shuttle driver mentioned the restaurant was open, so I just had to go for a "home cooked meal". I got on the Trail around 11 and pretty quickly encountered Jim, a Ridge Runner. Those folks are generally volunteers who assist the rangers in making sure hikers have their permits, answering questions, etc. Real nice guy. Shortly after that I came up on a large doe; she noticed me and continued to graze, not seeming to concerned about my presence. She was the first wildlife I had seen in quite a while. I continued on and go to the shelter around 3:30. I expect to make 441 (Gatlinburg) Friday pm or Saturday am.
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Nob
Miles today: 11.7

A spectacular day weather wise -- had to unload clothing (not all of it) twice due to the heat. Started out around 9 thinking I would get to Double Spring Gap.My feet were sore, tired, and sluggish and I just couldn't find my stride. Jake was hiking with me and we stopped at Rocky Top, where we took a lunch break. I took off my boots and sox to air my feet and and reapply mole skin, then had lunch. That 30' break made a huge difference. I ended up feeling alot better, the view from Rock Top was fabulous and I continued on to Derrick Nob shelter. There were 3 locals there; around 5:30 Skipper showed up. He is 62, SOBO, and 200 miles from finishing his hike. Real cool.
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

I planned on getting out around 8, actually got on Trail around 8:30; I was one of the last. While rain was forecst for the afternoon, it started to sprinkle around 9:30 so I switched to my rain gear and very glad I did. The rain increased as did the wind. I was headed to Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT. My climb started at 4800' to 5600' to 6643. When I got to the ridge the wind was very fierce. The clouds would be blown across the ridge and I would just walk throught them. I couldn't believe the winds, and rain. That so far was the toughest hike I had been through. I gave me a sense of pride AND amazement that I could do something like that.Was I was not able to do was to ignore the incredible snoring of one of the other guys in the shelter. It sounded like he may have had sleep apnea; I felt like I wanted to give him an emergency tracheotomy. However I felt better knowing that a warm, dry environment (Gatlinburg) was just a few miles away.
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Ice House Shelter

To: Gatlinburg,TN
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

Got up and on the Trail around 8:30: Jake and I connected with Ben And Raven and landed at Newfound Gap around 10:30. The gap was a large parking area welcoming people to Tennessee.After taking pictures next to the welcome sign, we hitched a ride to town, making a beeline for Shoney's(AYCE). While in line at the buffet, I was greeted with "Hey Willie Boy>". Launch Pad was in the booth with Alex. Just fun to reconnect with some of the gang. After a failed attempt to bankrupt Shoney's, I did what is becoming the usual during half days off..laundry, food resupply,and updating the blog. Because I had been carrying too little food, I ended up with my heaviest pack weight..42 lbs. Not happy with that, but I can make adjustments next town.
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Gatlinburg,TN

To: Ice House Shelter
Miles today: 3.9

What an appropriate name; while the outside temp wasn't bad, around 40, the shelter was crowded and cold. Even all the bodies didn't help suppress the high humidity and cold. We got checked by a ranger that afternoon for camping permits. Because of the shelter conditions, pack weight, and missing family, I was in a bit of a down mood. Getting in the sleeping bag and warming up provided relief as did knowing, I would be somewhere else tomorow. In one of the DVD's I've watched, one of the hikers commented on how cool it is to have breakfast in a different place everyday. When I was working and traveling, I would get very tired of exactly that. Here on the Trail, it is very different though. The people frequently change, the scenery constantly changes, and the shelters absolutely don;t have that generic hotel smell. All that constant change seems so very natural here and very enjoyable. With all the noise and constant hiker chatter, I happily fell asleep and slept well.
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Ice House Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and at it early (8am), I hit the Trail assuming I would hike 2 shelters away. Though still cold, the sun was out and my stride was strong; I got to Tri Corner around 3:30.It was an easy comfortable day, one where I took several breaks, for foot care, eating and picture taking.I had lunch on the Trail with Bad Humas, Night Terror,and Bear. Those guys seem to routinely put in 15+ mile days, so it is a bit of a treat to catch them, even for a meal.It has been fun getting to know the various hikers. Bad Humas is an Indian/Irish guy with an energetic way of talking. Night Terror seemed quiet, and Bear is ready to go. All are younger, in their early 20's, I think. And like the "older" hikers, the younger ones are generally in a transition stage.At the shelters lately there seem to be a few groups of people:--College kids on spring beak; they tend to call me "Sir" and are generally from the south, no offense to Northerners; local campers who call themselves rednecks, not meant to be derogatory, and that group who call themselves "THRUHIKERS" (caps are mine).The sights today were just terrific, especially from the ridges, where looking into the valleys and in the distance, it looks as if there are 7 rows of mountains. They are differentiated by varying shades of blue.I am trying to do a better job of watching my food in-take, both int erms of quantity and quality. When shopping I try to make sure I have already eaten, then cruise the aisles looking for ideas. A popular snack is honey and peanut butter on tortilla; actuslly tastes pretty good, just kind of gross when I know what else I have used my "butter knife" for.
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Cosby Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Lefty Tri Corner for a short hike deciding to go to Davenport tomorrow (or Thursday) depending on the weather (lightening is my continuing fear). I also am not in a big hurry to get to Hot Springs. I will taking a zero day or two there and want to get some miles in before taking time off>Several hikers continued to Davenport; some of those hikers are pretty intense, as they swallowed large amounts of honey to "amp" up for the hike. They talked incessantly about how many miles they were hiking, who they were trying to catch, etc.At Cosby, I met Foy and Sarah from the previous shelter..great folks to hike with. They are father / Daughter hiking a section of the Trail. Sarah is called Pi child as her birthday is 3/14. Foy had some med to help with my feet. He was using some 3M products and was "detailing" them for me, when he remembered that is who I retired from. Kind of funny, but I reminded him that company makes over 50K products and not to assume I knew anything about the medical product she was using. Later in the afternoon, 3 college kids from Oklahoma, Amy, Cat, and Brian, joined us. They were on Spring Break and did a great job of tending the fire and being great shelter mates.The weather had been enjoyable today, sunny, and moderate temps. Easy night to sleep.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Cosby Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Another stunning day. Left the shelter around 8, presumably for Davenport Shelter. Got there around 11 and decided to keep moving. It started to rain so I stopped to add my rain jacket to my gear. I assumed the next shelter was about 7 miles; it turned out to be 10. At least I got the direction correct -- North. The weather got worse, a constant strong rain; fortunately the temps stayed around 50. I was starting to get very wet from sweat. I was headed up to Snowbird Mtn, a climb of about 2,000, with minimal switchbacks. It seemed to me to be much tougher than Clingman's.As it was early afternoon, and my hike was several miles, food was called for (actually I could hear Susan's voice reminding me to get some food in me). Another sign of listening to that voice with good advice.I was by myself and predicting when I would reach the shelter. That time came and went and not any sign of the shelter. Just a whisper of panic started to develop.The rain just continued, I was by now completely drenched, and needing to focus on hypothermia possibilities; I began to feel like that first night approaching Springer when I got caught in the lightning...a very overwhelming situation where I had no control.Finally a sign comes into focus and it tells of the next shelter north..another 10 miles. I didn't see how I cold go another 10 miles nor did I feel like pitching the tent in a driving a rain. So I decided to go forward, clueless as to what I was going to do. The longest 30' to date; the shelter sign was just a short distance beyond the other sign; my home for the night was another .2 of a mile!! And the rain was just starting to let up. The weather goddess was smiling on me again. When I get to the shelter I see Ben and Raven along with a new group of section hikers; because of their occupations I called them the "Psych Group". John is a psychologist and veteran thru hiker, his wife Margy is an MSW and their friend Jim is a psychiatrist; also along was Jim's son Aiden, college student. They were a great group and certainly had a unique menu...vanilla flavored cognac, ginger in their gorp and gorganzolla (sic)stuffed olives. Pure delight. They were fun to hang with .Just so cool how the day looked to be ending on a very challenging note and I had marvelous olives, snacks, and company at the close of hiking business that day.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: few clouds

I was the last to leave the shelter and spent the most of the day by myself, thogh I did have lunch with the Psych group. The climbing and descending wasn't too bad but that was challenged by the weather. In the beginning I had some trouble with keep my temp in check, then got my rain jacket on and got pretty comfortable. A few more miles and get closer to Max Patch..a huge bald with a huge climb. Just before getting to the top, I debated taking off my rain jacket. Another lucky decision. I got on top of that bald and felt like I was in the Chicago loop in the winter. Incredibly windy and much colder..I had to lean into the wind to stay upright. It had to look funny to a bystander; I am trying to remain standing up, continue hiking, cinch my hat down, close my pit zippers, and get the hell out of there. On a warm day, it would have been awesome, but today it was time to take a quick look and move on.By now my feet were a little tired, I was wind battered and needed to stop at the shelter for food.I reconnected with the psych group who again had an awesome dinner they shared.Another day and more great food and company.
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Walnut Mountain

To: Hot Springs.. Elmers Hostel
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up, packed and on the trail by 8. Within a mile Aiden passed me; when you are a Junior Olympic Fence as Aiden is, he can cover territory pretty well. The weather was sunny, clear skies,a nd about 50 degrees ..perfect hiking weather.Even with good weather, the hike was getting my a little tired so I did the long pit stop: stop, remove shoes, sox and liners. What a great difference that always makes.I finished my 13 around 1:30.Ran into Jake; we went to the diner. Great Place with excellent food, service and price; Jenia, the owner is a hiker, tail name "Biscuit".Then I saw more of the other thru hikers that I thought I would never see because of their pace..Bad Humas, Night Terror, Bear.Elmer's was a great place. It is an old Victorian House that caters to thru hikers. Great food (vegetarian), wonderful library and a very accommodating staff (Elmer, Sean, Brittany and Mariah).
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Hot Springs.. Elmers Hostel

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A zero day. Breakfast with the group was very enjoyable, due to the food, atmosphere,and hosting by Elmer..a very gracious host. Matt, another thruhiker, and I worked to earn our keep. The work was transplanting bamboo "trees" to the property border. The trees were about 6-8' high and were pretty light. However, as I found out, Bamboo roots grow sideways and take a bit of effort to separate. As a result my work lasted about 21/2 hours. Elmer had great tasting veggie buregs for us. Since I had been working so hard on the trail (and this work at Elmer's) I had a masssage at the spa. Very glad I did as I had some very tight leg and back mucsles. I got back, organized my pack, and enjoyed dinner with the rest of the group. As part of the dinner ritual, Elmer lets the cook come up wiht a question the dinner guests have to answer. The question was "If One could be a leader in the world at anytime, who would you be?" We were not allowed to duplicate other answers; I chose the early 60's in America. It seemed like it would have been an incredible opportunity to lead Amercia during that time of enormous change.
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Decided to take another zero day and glad I did. Took time to get some "chores" done. Updating the blog, called relatives, watched a movie (Tigerland), fixed my pack, cleaned the water purifier, and reivewed the map.Of course there was food involved..Easter lunch at the diner..turkey, stuffing, sweet tater casserole, gravy, mac and cheese and apple pie for dessert. MMMMM good.Ran in to some hikers in town...Half brew, Start, Squire, etall. The names are always intersting.The rest of the day went easy enough..turned in around 10.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light snow

Up early, breakfast at the diner where I joined Squire, Ron, and the other new guys . Then headed out after stopping at the Outfitters to ship my bounce box. The weather was cloudy and a little cool, but the constant hiking and my training in Chicago make the cold weather pretty bearable. It started out a tough day mentally; even though the weather was tolerable, having spent 21/2 day sat Elmers made the intial hike slow going.I got to the shelter around 3:30. Linda and her coussin Gene were there getting ready to make a fire. That was good as the weather started to get pretty cold. It felt like it was very close to 20 during the night.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

The morning was very cold..still convinced it was close to 20 so moving a lot and moving quickly was important to staying warm. I was in a hiking mood, especially with the sun out. I got to Allen Gap around 11 and saw a notice on the trail of trail magic; the flyer promised you wouldn't go hungry. So off trail I went, about 1/4 mile up the road. The couple had a beautiful house, and were very hospitable. Turns out to be on a religious mission..they wanted to discuss the lord, and people's view of the real truth. I was very willing to exchange religious dialogue for food. A waffle, cuban rice dish, glass of milk, huge slice of apple pie and some talk and I was really ready to hike. They were generous with their food and I did enjoy their company. Somewhere along the way, they felt like I was going to be "okay" and were not very prone to pressuring. I headed back to the trail.I took a break around 1 and treated my feet. Turns out I had developed a bit of a bleeding problem with a blister, so I rebandaged and moved on. My immediate mission was to locate Bigg Butt Gap, which is the 300 mile marker. Since I can't read a map and there was no sign, I couldn't find it. However I know I passed it, and that met I had hiked 300 miles..How did that happen?I got to Jerry Cabin around 6; also there was a couple who are junior high teachers from Ohio..real nice folks. Had dinner and turned in around 8.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

A great weather day..temps in high 40's and low 50's, sunny, light wind. Doesn't get much better. That lets me make journal entries by the camp fire and not be in my sleeping bag, trying to stay warm. AND enjoy the campfire that Raven built (having an ex-camp counselor in the group has many benefits).After getting to the shelter around 4, I swept my half. Raven and Ben arrived and she started to clean their half. That lasted about 20" before she screamed out to Ben. Turns out the previous occupants had designed a mouse trap by cutting a Mountain Dew bottle in half, leaving half the soda in the bottle. The soda served as enticement to mice; 2 decided to swim to their demise in caffeine and sugar. Ben did the husbandly duty and desposed of the bodies. Mice have been known to drive hikers to thier wits end as they (the mice) scamper around and over sleeping hikers in the shelter looking for food. Some hikers use a Kevlar food bag which can deter bears, but is questionable re: stoppng mice. I am surprised at how used I have gotten to the mice.So I continued the evening duties of gathering water and wood, cooking food, cleaning dishes (for me that includes just the combination cooking pan/eating dish and spork), organinzing food; these activies are essentially the AT version of domectic duties>Though I am feeling pretty good, I want to be keep my miles in check in the 10-12 mile range. Stories are starting to circulate about hikers who have started out too aggressively and end up with serious and/or trail ending injuries. Knees being damaged by the down hills trudging and shin splints develping into stress fractures plague many hikers. I have been spared many of the ailments but my feet have taken a beating. My boots are heavy duty AND heavy, but they have helped protect my feet during the cold, wet, weather and the mountains of Georgia. Nonetheless, I expect to change into a lighter pair before gettign into Virginia.Teh eveing sky is just beautiful; it has bands of lights and is framed by the sides of hte mountains. Seeing scenes like this make me want to learn how to draw. So instead of drawing the sky, I watch it and am almost drawn into a kind of trance watching the sky darken and change the hue and intensity.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Hogback Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I arrived 10' before the self predicted arrival time of 2pm. This was a day of many mini-breaks of 10' or so and that gets frustrating to not get into a stride. But I shake that off and keep going. During the day I seemed to debate where to stay that evening. Then I recalled my plan from the yesterday (10-12 miles per day) and opted for Bald Mtn. Shelter. Glad I did; I got in around 4. That gave me time to wash my hair and feet. How good that feels.Keeping clean is sometimes a real challenge. Either it is too late in the day, too cold, too tired, etc. Always a "too" something excuse. It is amazing how I have adapted to the Trail life. Dirty fingernails used to be completely unacceptable. Now, it is just how things are. I do need to keep my nails shorter so they don't gather the dirt so quickly. The day has some great sights, especially from Bald Mountain. The hiking was "generaly" downhill and should be for the next 50 miles. I say "generally" because I am finding out that so far downhill ALWAYS seems to include some uphill.So then it is on with evening duties, then to bed. Plans are to take some tme off at Uncle Johnnie's Hostel
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 16.8

This was a real "humping" day. Started off around 8 knowing I would end up at a hostel called Uncle Johnny's and some possible time off and some possible bad weather coming AND just a few climbs and a lot of downhill. The last part was important as downhill is tough for many hikers, but GENERALLY easier for me than uphill. I took 2 breaks of 30' and hiked for 8 hours. I got to Johnny's around 3:30 and my feet felt pretty good. Going into Johnny's was like going into a lot of trail towns; one first hears the town noises, cars and trucks, then sees them, and knows the town is still about 30-45' away as one is still 1000 - 1500 feet higher than the town. Going into Johnny's involved probably 12 or more switchbacks on the final decsent, but it was great to get in. Squire and I shared a cabin which gave us a bit more room than the bunkroom. That means there is less stuff floating around, which means less people, packs, visitors, foood, employess, etc. The result of all this missing stuff is better organization and easier to hang out. Squire is a good roomate who spends a fair amount of time studying the handbook and developing options. For example he decided to slack pack (hiking without the 30-40 lb backpack) 8 miles tomorrow which would give him more options in the near future in terms of shelters to stay at. I declined to go with him and would wish I had in about 2 days.While various folks got cleaned up we had several gather at the picnic table in the cabin area for a few beers. We headed to town for food at Azteca, a Mexican restaurant and to by supplies. Got back to the cabin where I organized a few things then hit the sack.