morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Once we made it to Winding Stair Gap yesterday, we called a shuttle service and were picked up by a great local guy named Ron Haven. Ron has been helping hikers out for sometime now and gives a great condensed tour of the area as he drives you into to town. After Ron brought us to the Franklin Motel he waited as we got our room and then drove us to an All-can-eat steak house. We thanked Ron for helping us out and proceeded to inhale three plates of food each. Believe it our not, there were a bunch of other hikers filling up on steak and other stick to your rib types of food.Afterwards, we walked back to the motel and got a glimpse of downtown Franklin. The Main street was very nice and well maintained. After a good night sleep we woke at six and walked across the street for breakfast. Then we went food shopping and split up to finish our errands before heading out of town. I walked through town and eventually made my way to the post office to pick up some extra clothes and my tent that Carissa had mailed to me. She also enclosed some great pictures of Matthew and Emelia which were really cute. After the post office I was lucky enough to get a ride to the library from one of the trail crew guys that I had met the day before on the trail. Once at the library, which was an incredible post and beam structure (my brother Chris would have been impressed), I met up with Ronin and W.T.F. We all caught up with our journals and then headed to the hiking outfitters for the gear we needed for the next leg of our journey.We returned to the motel around two and packed up. We again walked across the steet and we each grabbed a cuban sandwich (if you've never eaten one before it's a must) before going our seperate ways. Ronin and I had to say good bye to Diana (W.T.F.) due to her continuing knee problems, chances of poor weather and the amount of miles we would be covering. W.T.F. thought it best to go easy and move at her own pace. Diana has done incredibly well hiking, she is a strong woman mentally and physically and a wonderful person. I'm going to miss her company. I hope we will all get a chance to meet up again.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: broken clouds

Ronin and I took off out of Winding Stair Gap and headed for Siler Bald Shelter (3.7) miles up. The shelter was in nice location with water close by and a big field out front. We ran into a kid named Doc. who we last saw at Cloud Nine. Here is another character for you, everytime Doc. stops at a shelter he makes sure he uses the privy and then critiques it in the shelter's log book. After talking to Doc who was actually heading out to do some night hiking we set uo for the night. Also in staying in the shelter with us was O2 and Jake. O2 is a great guy from Minnesota. He says he hikes slow, but somehow he is the first one at the shelter. Jake is a younger hiker that we actually met earlier in Franklin.As the sun began to set O2 stood at the edge of the field and attempted to call some of the resident owls. He didn't have any luck, but his calls sounded exactly like the owls we have been hearing around four in the morning. I told O2 that my son Matthew thinks I can talk to birds. I explained, that when we go for walks, and I see Morning Doves, I call them by cupping my hands and blowing into them, this creates a cooing sound that the doves respond to. The expression on Matthew's face is priceless. After eating dinner and hanging our food bags on the bear cables I tried calling Carissa and got through! It was great to hear her voice and catch up. She told me to hang tough and keep going, I said hi to my little ones and then retired for the night feeling very good.With all my heart, I will.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Got up early today to get some miles in and beat a possible ice storm from pinning us down. After a quick breakfast we left the shelter and headed for Siler Bald. Balds are smaller Mts. that would normally be vegetated with scrub oaks, Mt. laurels and Rhodadenrons but instead are barren with the exception of grass. There are many folk tales of why the Mts. are bald but so far there are no proven facts.After making the the top of Siler Bald and checking out the views we thought it best to keep moving due to the ominous clouds building above us. As we descended into Wayha Gap we met up with some local people from a near by church group that were helping hikers by offering free food and drinks. We sat and had a bite to eat, talked for awhile about where we were from and why we are hiking the trail and then we were on our way. It's always nice to bump into good people on the trail.We kept on until we reached the top of Wayah Bald with it's stone observation tower. This area had been used for many years by the local people for outings and special events. Unfortunately, there was a lot of graffitti and damage to the area.Shortly after Wahya Bald, we found a bin of homemade brownies left for hiker!! We took a few, more than a few, and continued on. Around one in the afternoon we reached Cold Spring Shelter. O2 and Jake were setting up to stay the night, but we had a quick lunch and continued on. At exactly 4:15pm the skies opened up. It began to rain heavily along with intermittent thunder. We hiked to the the Wesser Bald Shelter with the intention of staying, but the shelter was already packed. After hiking eighteen miles we were getting tired. We rested for half an hour ate some food and then set out for The Nantahala Outdoor Center.The descent was by far our most difficult so far. At one point we stood perched on a knife edge with steep drops on either side. Because of the rain the fog around us was as thick as pea soup. After a grueling descent in the dark with headlamps we stumbled into N.O.C. at ten o'clock totaling twenty three miles in one day.To our good fortune we were greeted by a bunch of hikers who we had met earlier (the pain train). These guys immediately took us in and helped us out. After eating, taking a shower and having a quick celebratory beer we crashed.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I still feel absolutely beat after yesterdays miles. I should probably take a rest day but I'm feeling pressured to make up some time. There is also rumor that the ice storm that we supposedly beat was on it's way.After a good breakfast Ronin and I walked around to see who was around. Sure enough we bumped into our old buddy Robo along with a few other hikers. As we washed clothes, resupplied and packed for the next couple of days we took the time to watch a kayaker paddeling in the river. I had heard of Nantahala over twenty years ago when I was in college, so it was really exciting to actually be here.Around noon a bunch of us got together for lunch. With us were Onka and Eric a nice couple that are hiking together, Ronin, Robo, Benjolly (spelling) and myself. During our conversation accents came (go figure) and someone mentioned a hiker named the Weatherman. The Weatherman was supposedly from MA so I had to meet him. As luck would have it, he was sitting on the other side of the restaurant. I introduced myself and found out that the Weatherman was not from MA but originally from a little town outside of Bangor, Maine. Coincidently I was familiar with the town because I used to go climbing in the same area when I was in college. As we continued our conversation I learned that Weatherman worked out of Woodshole on ships doing scientific studies around the world. More recently he had been working with Bob Ballard (Titanic) in the Black Sea. I heard of Ballard's research in the Black Sea some years ago and had always wondered what became of it. Well, this made for somegood conversation. Weatherman, I hope I didn't talk your ear off, I know my food was cold when I got back to my table!As the weather worsened I became more antsy, eventually I worked up enough steam to head out.At four o'clock I started my seven mile climb out of Nantahala. About an hour in the snow began. I don't mind snow but then the frieght train winds began. As I climbed higher the winds increased, they eventually became so strong that large branches began breaking off trees and crashing to the ground. I cautiously passed under many potential hazards and finally reached the shelter at 8:30pm. As I stepped into the shelter, I noticed everyone was in their sleeping bags and done for the night. Of course, the shelter was already full, so I bivied right on the deck of the shelter, changed into dry clothes ate a snack bar and hopped into my sleeping bag.Tomorrow fifeteen miles.Thinking of you!
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up early, had no choice really, so people wouldn't have to step over me. Made a warm breakfast, packed up slowly to make room for others and started out. I met a few of the sleeping faces I saw last night and I thanked the couple, that were sleeping above me, for not stepping on me during the night! Took off slow and worked my way up and then down numerous knobs and gaps. By lunch I was starting to drag. After resting and feeling rejuevinated the climbs began again. This time there were no switch backs, just ups! At three thirty I reached Brown Fork Gap Shelter, but convinced myself to move on. After getting more water and checking the difficulty of the terrian I "Walked On". At 6:30pm, I arrived at Cable Gap Shelter, ate dinner and set my bivy outside the shelter (full house again). The sky was clear and the stars dominated the night.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Everyone is up and heading out for Fontana Dam! Blue and Sylvan are off, then the Pain Train guys and finally Circadan A.K.A. Last-Minute Lockett. Five and half miles to the Dam with a shuttle ride to the Village for resupplies and my drop box. After a shower and lunch I re-organized my food drop by bouncing some food foward and sending some home with my pictre card. Hopefully, pictures will be posted soon! The next set will probably be sent in from Hot Springs or Erwin, I'm not sure yet.Catching up on journals, making phone calls, trying to get in touch with Ronin and Diana and talking to family. Speaking of family... a quick hello to Gram, my favorite Mother-in-Law, all the Youngs', all the Buchters' and all the Locketts'!!!!!!
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After resuppling yesterday, catching up with my journal entries I called Carissa to let her know how I was doing and to say hi to my little ones. During our conversation Carissa mentioned that she had mailed me a package to Fontana Dam and she wanted to know if I had receiceved it. The package had not arrived yet and if I left the next day I would not be able to retrieve it. After our conversation I decided I would take a zero (rest) day so I could get the package Carissa had sent me. Normally I would have moved on but Carissa told that she baked a ton of oatmeal cookies that she jammed into the package. I'd be a fool to move on! Besides some much needed rest and delicious cookies would allow Ronin to catch up with me. He mentioned his birthday was coming up so I made sure I spread the word amongst other thru hikers.Ronin showed up around ten and we hung out and caught up. I went down to the post office and picked up some incredible oatmeal cookies (thank you Carissa). After eating two or three (or more) I made sure I offered some to my fellow hikers, of course they did not decline.Later in the day we had a little party for Ronin with all the guys from the Pain Train. We had a bunch of pizzas and some cold beverages. Everyone had a good time and got the rest and relaxation we needed.We also saw our old buddy Robo from the first night on Springer. A couple of hikers were joking around with him saying that he must be getting rides up the trail because no matter how fast they hiked he always caught up with them. Robo told them that he had a moped that he used. We took a great picture of him sitting on a Chopper style moped.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

After breakfast and packing up, Ronin and I took the shuttle back to the trail head. After we talked to a few thru hikers (Alpine strider, Bandaid kid and Herdy Gerty) we hiked across Fontana Dam aand began our climb. We took it slow and eventually made it to the first shelter. Unfortunately, the shelter was full so we had to continue on. We had some rain that turned into hail but it only lasted a short time. An hour later we arrived at the shelter. It was late- so we had to set up fast, changeinto warm clothes and eat. As soon as we finshed eating we hung up our food bags and went to sleep. We had hiked a total of fifteen miles mostly up hill. Love you all!!!!!
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up at a decent time to begin another, longer day of hiking. At these higher elevations the terrain is starting to change. Before climbing over "Good old Rocky Top" we hiked through two large fields\balds. Once up on the ridge we cruised between mountain tops (knobs) and Gaps. After a couple of tough climbs we reached the first shelter that seemed to be filling up quick. I also could not get a phone signal and I really wanted to call home to wish my son Matthew a Happy Birthday, so we pushed on. Five mile and half miles later, Ronin and I pulled into Silers Bald Shelter around six thirty. I was able to make a call home and talk to Carissa, Emelia and my birthday boy, Matthew. Once I started talking to them I didn't want to hang up. After about an hour of catching up I started to get pretty cold and hungry so I had say goodnight. At the shelter was a Dad with his son and daughter. The daughter was a little tom boy, running around collecting firewood, chopping random things with a hatchet and helping get the fire going. I had to laugh, you know all I could think of was Emelia running around in a couple of years "helping out around camp"!!!!
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

No bears last night but some very early risers. 5 AM is a little early for many of us after hauling our packs fifteen plus miles.No use trying to sleep, so everyone got up a little earlier than usual and started the day.As we passed the next shelter we were told by some other hikers that a bear had attempted to knock down their food bags!We slowly worked our way to the top of Clingsman Mt. (the tallest peak on the A.T.). The weather was very agreeable as we gained elevation and moved from a forest of decidious trees to an alpine conifer forest. About halfway up we stopped to chat with another thru hiker by the name of Farmer. When he introduced himself he said "Hi I'm Fama". I had a grin from ear to ear! I told him it was nice to hear his named pronounced properly. Farmer had lived in MA for many years and now lived in Maine.   It's always great meeting other thru hikers and hearing their stories.We all hung out at the top of Clingmans and ate lunch as a huge group of high school kids swarmed up the access road for the view. After lunch we moved on towards New Found Gap. As the day progressd we encountered tons of blow downs. We were told by a ridgerunner that over the next three miles there were over 130 blow downs (trees across the trail). He wasn't kidding! Thank goodness trail crews were out attempting to clear some of the trees out of the way. Thru hikers owe a lot to the people that volunteer their time to maintain the trail.After crawling, leaping and hoofing it around many blow downs we made it to the shelter. A full house but a nice night for sleeping out! The stars were out and as the moon set in the early hours the night sky was at its best. As the sun rose, I awoke to the sound of Grouse beating their wings in the woods and a layer of frost on my sleeping bag.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After drying out my sleeping bag and bivy we headed out for a day of ridge walking. Some people describe the Smokies as all ridge walking and others say it's all ups and downs. The truth is, it's both. Cruising on ridge trails with views in both directions made for a great day of hiking. I walked ahead earlier in the morning to check out Charlies Bunion, a rock outcropping. Nice exposure with a great vista of the day's hike. After a few long climbs we reached the shelter with a blow down lying a few feet from it (CLOSE CALL). Everyone was hanging out, soaking their feet, and eating various dinners. Around seven o'clock two runners came into camp, they were running across the Smokies, seventy miles, in one day! They still had fifteen miles to go and would be using head lamps to finish. Supposedly, they were training for a hundred mile run!Everyone crashed in the shelter which smelled of dirty socks until someone was smart enough to light some incense which made the shelter smell like incense and dirty socks. Another sleepless night, shoulders, back, aching feet and snoring all make it difficult to catch some winks. Had to get up early the next day to make it to Bear Patch Hostel for resupply.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last day in the Smokies, sixteen miles mostly downhill. We were able to knock out almost ten miles by noon which allowed us to take it easy getting out of the park. The temp. went up to high seventies and we felt it. We have had such a mix of weather that it is difficult to adjust, but this doesn't stop us from hiking. As we descended into Davenport Gap (that's right Jeff), we passed by a great stream with a bunch of hikers having a good time and cooling off. We stopped briefly to say high and moved on to Standing Bear Farm. Standing Bear Farm is a hikers hostel with resupplies, a bunk house, showers and a washer and dryer for laundry. This place reminded me of my old Unity College days when I lived out in East Thorndike. The buildings were very rustic, but well thought out. We had everything we needed and plenty of room, unlike many of the shelters. Later that night some started a camp fire and about fifteen of us sat around swapping tall tales. Some of us retired at a reasonable hour while others pushed the envelope, but no one stayed up past mid-night, (remember we are hikers).
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Side of Trail/ Hawk's Roost 
Miles today: 11.0

Everyone rolled out of the bunk house late after getting some much needed sleep and began gearing up for the next couple of days. Unfortunately, one of the guys from the "Pain Train" (little spoon) received news that his girlfriend back home was going to be deployed to Iraq. He was looking very glum and after talking with his close friend (Side Show) and others, he decided he was going home. Although everyone knew it was doing the right thing to do- it was tough to see him go. We all wish Little Spoon and his girlfriend well.We packed up, ate breakfast and lunch, and we struck out. We knew there was a tough climb ahead so we took it slow and made it to the shelter by five. We refilled on water and said Hi to everyone, then pushed on for another three miles. We were seeking a camp site with water but had no luck. We were getting run down after an 7 hour elevation gain, so we decided to camp on the side of the trail. We found a great spot and set up to cook dinner. After dinner we hung our food bags and settled in. The weather was looking like possible rain, so I rigged my ground cloth as a tarp for added protection. The moon was out, half full, and as I dozed off I could hear a whipoorwill calling in the distance. I was happy that we had done the extra miles knowing what tomorrow's hike looked like.Hey you, I'm getting closer everyday! I can't wait!!!!!!!!
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Side of Trail/Hawk's Roost

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We knew we had a long day ahead of us so we got up at six and moving! About three miles into our hike we were totally out of water. Fortunately, we came across a brook (not marked on the map) and as we were filling our water bladders an older woman came strolling down the trail singing "Happy Trails To You". Once she was standing toe to toe with me, and I was looking at her like she was nuts, she introduced herself as one of the Singing Sisters. I think I was still looking at her like she was completely nuts when her sister strolled up. They were both actually very nice and we kept leap-frogging one another thoughout the day.After getting water we entered a large field and hiked to the top of Max Patch, a large bald. Since we arrived so early we saw and heard a bunch of different song birds. There were a couple of blue birds flying around and a Rufous sided Towhee which I've never seen before. As we hiked to the top of the bald I could hear Quail calling from a lower field which really brought back good memories. I have not heard or seen Quail since I was a kid living in Somerset, MA. Once on top we had the Singing Sisters (I called them the two song birds) take our picture and then Ronin and I set off again. Our plan was to hike nineteen miles, leaving us three miles from the town of Hot Springs. As the day progressed so did the temperature. We were happy for a clear sky but the heat really started to knock us down. We finally made our destination and were greated by a camp fire and a group of younger hikers that were part of a church youth program. They were all good kids who looked like they had seen/been some trouble but were really supporting one another to make some positive changes. One of the group leaders was a climber so we started talking about how and when we began climbing. (Naturally).He asked me if I used to wear "those goofy high top climbing shoes"? Of course I did!! They were the coolest shoes out there, back in the day! Boy, did he make me feel old.I slept under the stars again even though the weather looked iffy. My back up plan was to run under the shelter if it started to rain. Lucky for me the rain held off.Hi to all my climbing buddies that used to wear goofy high top climbing shoes "back in the day"! Hi to my loved ones that I think about all day and dream about at night.