morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-01-19
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

From a weather standpoint, today was an interesting one. Although the temps the night before only dipped into the mid 20's, today felt far colder than the previous two days. The reason - it was a cloudy, overcast day and the winds were steady. Without the sun, the body really feels the wind and you cherish those intervals where the terrain blocks the wind. And then, after a few minutes or so, you will round a corner on the trail and the wind is back in your face. From a clothing standpoint, there isn't a lot you can do. However, when feasible, when the wind is hitting you, you can try increasing your hiking pace to generate more internal body warmth. Then, once out of the wind, slow your pace back down to compensate.As you begin to get within a few miles of the NOC, there are some spectacular views to either side of you. You can look down into the valley where the Nantahala River is; and you can see the Smokey Mountain range in the distance. Some great "Kodak" moments if you have a camera.Not to harp - but I stopped briefly at Wesser Bald Shelter and (again) there was no shelter register. It's hard to keep up with others without the registers.Around 3pm, there were a couple of nice developments. First, the sun decided to come out. I would have thought the clouds were indicative of possible snow - but the sun's appearance took care of that. It is amazing how the warmth of the sun can pick up your spirits.The other thing that happened - I noticed a couple of hikers approaching me. These were the first human beings I'd seen since Franklin. Lo and behold, they were none other than Keltic and Pigpen - finishing up their 2004 SOBO thru-hike. We chatted for about 20 minutes and I got a picture (to be posted). They are quite a duo! Looks like they may be the last of the 2004 SOBOs. They had gotten into the NOC the previous night - too late to get a bunk. So they crashed in the large meeting room above the restrooms and showers. At least it was heated. I told them about the trail magic at Cold Spring shelter and they said they would definitely plan on spending the night there.I got into the NOC around 4pm and got a bunk for the night ($15). I had been afraid there would not be any beds available because there had been a RUCK over the weekend and there was also an ongoing wilderness EMT training conference. But they had plenty of room as it turned out.
Date: 2005-01-21
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Headed out of the NOC at 11:50am (guess I didn't really want to leave). It was a surprisingly sunny and warm day - hiked in my blue shirt and shorts. Before leaving the NOC I made some modifications to my new Etowah stove to make it smaller and lighter.Weather is back to spring-like. Hiking at a really slow pace to offset the vertical climb out of the NOC. With only seven miles today - am really taking my time.Started reading the "Final Juror" by John Grisham. High reccommended.Stopped at least twice just to soak up the sun and read. The climb was not that bad due to slow pace. Andy apparently got this far and opted to go back to Bryson City and get off the trail there. He says he will return later. Tal & Hercules were here two days earlier and I may be able to catch them in the Smokies.Forecast is for similar temps over the early weekend but increasing precip and maybe snow. The climb tomorrow (Cheoah Bald) appears to be an elevation gain of about 2500 feet and I recall it being a pretty tough go. Thus, will probably just do 9.1 miles to Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Then 13 miles on Sunday to the Fontana Dam Visitors Center.
Date: 2005-01-22
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: snow

Well today's weather started with rain and heavy fog. Low 40's that continued to drop. Before the day was over, rain changed to sleet and then snow. By bed time, had about two inches of snow outside the shelter.I started today around 10:45am and did not meet anyone during the day's hike. Although I intended to only do 9 miles, opted to push for Cable Gap shelter due to concern about decreasing weather conditions. This meant a hike of 15.2 miles, including going over Cheoah Bald. A rough day.Trail conditions were slippery, muddy, icy and visibility was poor. Even if the bad weather, I preferred hiking in the Patagonia "bike" pants and mid-weight Capilene top. If I added the rain gear, my internal body heat made me sweat like crazy. I stayed a bit wet from the rain, but watched the temps to monitor for hypothermia. Drank plenty of warm fluids and changed as needed. Also, even when wet, the fleece gloves kept my hands warm enough to prevent fingers freezing. All of this under conditions of between 37 and 45 degrees temp.As mentioned, opted to bypass stopping at Brown Fork Gap Shelter due to bad weather. Wanted to get as close to Fontana Dam (and the Hike Inn stopover) as possible today. Getting to Cable Gap shelter today would leave only 7 miles tomorrow.Have decided to spend the next two nights at the Hike Inn before starting the Smokies on Tuesday (1/25). Will get their shuttle into Robbinsville on Monday and update journal and upload pictures.According to Cable Gap Shelter register, TAL & Hercules are only a day ahead of me. Hope to catch them in the Smokies. It is getting pretty lonely spending every night by yourself in a shelter, in the cold, with the wind. Down to 18 degrees at 8pm.
Date: 2005-01-23
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Departed around 9:45am. Sun was out but very cold and windy. My Suunto watch said it was 12 degrees outside. I thought the watch was broken - but it wasn't.As long as I stayed in the sun (and out of the wind) it was a nice day's hike. Of course the Trail does not let you dictate that. Still, made good time and got to the Fontana Dam Visitor's Center by 1pm.Called Jeff and Nancy Hoch at Hike Inn - they shuttled me into their place. Turns out TAL & Hercules had spent the last two days there and were waiting to greet me. Also, two Dutch hikers who were section hiking.The Hike Inn charges a $40 rate per day for through hikers. This includes: shuttle from and to Fontana Dam; they wash your dirty clothes; a private room with television and mini kitchen; tub or shower. They also will give you a ride into Robinsville to eat dinner and get any food at the local Engles. Also, if you have any mail drops waiting at the post office - they will pick them up for you in advance.For those of you who are hiking in March/April - if you want to stay at the Hike Inn you should give them a call once you reach the NOC. They only have 10 rooms and will fill up when the springer hikers start arriving.Nancy took TAL, HERCULES and myself into Robbinsville and we had a pretty decent dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Cost was around $10. Later that evening the three of us got together with the two Dutch hikers and played some games while the cold and wind roared outside. TAL & Hercules are starting the Smokies Monday (tomorrow) morning - the weather is supposed to be a lot nicer of the next five days. I will start one day later. All of us should get together after a couple of days in the Smokies and plan on sharing the same shelters for 4 nights amd then a night at Standing Bear Hostel (evening of Monday, 1/31/05).Tomorrow (Monday) I'll spend most of the day at the library - updating journals, getting weather report, etc.Just heard Johnny Carson died. That was sad to hear - I remember my Dad used to like watching him at night.
Date: 2005-01-24
From: Hike Inn, Fontana, NC

To: Hike Inn, Fontana, NC
Miles today: 0.0

This is my second day staying with Nancy and Jeff Hoch at Hike Inn. They shuttled me into Robbinsville to the post office (separate from the Fontana Dam Post Office) to bounce a box to Hot Springs and some food to Standing Bear Hostel.Afterwards, went over to the Robbinsville Library. I want to say that every library I have visited has had employees who BENT OVER BACKWARDS to assist hikers with using their computers and post entries. Almost all have high-speed connections. Some were unable to allow the uploading of pictures (due to virus or porn concerns) but most would. I used the libraries in Hiawassee, Georgia; Franklin, North Carolina; Bryson City, North Carolina; and Robbinsville, North Carolina. I commend them all.In Robbinsville, the main street has a Mexican restaurant (not AYCE but pretty good); a Chinese place (AYCE); pizza place, Subway. There is also a large drug store, Ingles full-size food market; hardware store; banks; ATMs. If you are staying at the Hike Inn - the Hoch's will shuttle you into town for the places you need to go. Included in the $40 for staying at the Hike Inn is your room, laundry service, trail and town shuttle. I think I mentioned it earlier - they only can hold 10 hikers at a time - so call from the NOC if you want a room held for you.
Date: 2005-01-25
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Got my shuttle back to the trail and was dropped off at Fontana Dam Visitor's Center. After a couple of phone calls, began hiking at 10:30am. Weather was a vast improvement from the past few days - sunny, light wind, temps in the upper 40's.The dam was open for hiking across. Should the National Terror Threat Level be at a higher level, the dam can be closed to foot traffic and you have to use a blue-blazed alternate route.Trail conditions were pretty muddy, as the snow that had fallen the prior weekend was definitely melting. I estimated there must have been about four inches in this portion of the Smokeys - while the lower altitudes had only seen a couple of inches.There were quite a few small bushes/trees that had come down across the trail. Not a big deal - you just had to pay attention that you didn't run into them if your mind was daydreaming as you came up on them.As you start your seven days into the Smokey's, the ascent is pretty steep. But remember you are also, suddenly, dealing with a full pack again (with seven days of food). It takes some getting used to. I do believe the steepest part of today's hike was the portion prior to Shuckstack - the first 4 miles. It seemed to get easier after that.As you approach Shuckstack, you may or may not visually see the firetower - depends on the foliage. But there is a sign and a blue-blazed trail that leads to the tower. I just dropped my pack and took my camera up the side trail. I'd climb the tower if you haven't done so before - you may still be able to go inside the top - it can be very windy up there.Fal & Hercules had arranged to leave the day before and I followed their snow prints throughout the day. At times I could see they were testing/wearing their snowshoes. Will be interesting to see how they performed - there wasn't really that much snow (3-4 inches) and quite a few spots without any snow at all. The three of us have planned to join up at Mt. Collins Shelter and share the remaining shelters until completing the Smokeys.I got to Mollies Ridge Shelter and still had plenty of daylight left - so opted to hike on to Russell Field Shelter. Mollies Ridge Shelter no longer has the chain link fence - you will get a feel of what it is like without it. Every shelter in the Smokies, thus far, does have the newer Bear Cables for hanging your food.
Date: 2005-01-26
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a disappointing mileage day. When you are required to stay in the shelters, the spacing between them can be a nuisance. Although I only hiked 9.2 miles today, and had penty of daylight to continue on - the next shelter was 5.5 miles further. That was too far to make until after darkness.Today's weather was kind of a surprise. I had printed out the 10-day forecast and the weather was supposed to be precip free and moderate. But when I woke up this morning I could hear a light rain falling. Once I started hiking (very late - 11:20am) a thick fog had settled in over everything. This fog gave no sign of lifting throughout much of the day. Temps were okay, though - low 50's.I met my first human beings since starting the Smokies - a group of three local hikers who had no gear and some walking sticks. At first I kinda wondered if they might not be SMNP park employees - but they never asked to see my back-country permit, so I guess they weren't. Some recommended advice - fill out that permit at Fontana, drop a copy in the box there, and keep your copy with you. If there is an emergency, the Parks people depend upon that copy you left in the box to know where abouts you should be. And, if you are asked by a Ranger to show your copy of your permit - you had better have it. They will write you a $150 (or more) fine for not having the permit. They do not joke around about that.I guess the reason I got such a late start last night was that I slept pretty solid in my bag last night. Which isn't such a bad thing. For the second day, the mud on the ground continued to slow things down - not because of the "muckiness" factor - just because there is a tendency to avoid stepping in it.As mentioned earlier - wished I could have gone a bit further, but next shelter just too far away. I'm not behind schedule - just have to plan on doing 13.5 miles tomorrow before getting to Mt. Collins Shelter - and Clingman's Dome is in between that. Want to allow at least 30 minutes for pictures if the weather should clear.
Date: 2005-01-27
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, I was worried that today would not have enough time in it - so I set my wristwatch alarm and got up at 8:30am. It still takes me around a hour to fix breakfast; pack everything; go potty; get water; and get on the road. Although today's route requires climbing up to 6,600 feet, it was a pretty pleasant trip. One reason was the scenery. Almost immediately in the hike today the sun came out and the views were spectactular. At the same time, the precip (freezing rain) from the prior night had left a beautiful coating of ice on all the brush and trees. Hiking past the Siler Bald Shelter it sounded like someone was hitting the tin roof with a sledgehammer. But it was just the sound of the ice falling from the overhead trees and hitting the roof. A little bit further on the trail is Silers Bald (a clear field). It was spectacular to see the light brown "bald" contrasted by the ice-white trees and bushes (I've attached some pictures for you to see).As I approached Clingman's Dome, there is a paved access trail that comes up from Newfound Gap. Because I saw no one there, I assumed that Newfound Gap must be closed down (US 441) - which meant no shuttle into Gatlinburg.Arrived at Clingman's Dome and for the first time I think I could see the tower when the sky was actually sunny - not fogged in. You could see where ice and blown snow was on the side of the tower. Climbed to the top and took some pictures (included, here). Surprisingly, there wasn't even much of a wind blowing.After about 30 minutes, headed down, got my gear together and began hiking towards my evening shelter - Mt. Collins. Almost immediately, as I started down the other side of the mountain, I encountered large amounts of ICE on the trail. Not just in spots where a nearby stream had overrun - rather, entire stretches where you could not help but walking on the ice. Guys and gals, this was when I was greatful for having brought my crampons (see my gear page). These were strapped on easily, adjusted, and I gingerly hiked (with my poles) to see how they would fare. THEY WERE SUPERB. I could hike almost as fast as normal conditions. They did not catch on rocks or stumps and did well when crossing areas without ice. For the next 3 miles (to the shelter) it would have been nearly impossible to hike without falling unless you were wearing some type or style of crampon. IF YOU PLAN ON ENCOUNTERING ANY ICE, I VERY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THESE CRAMPONS. Got into Mt. Collins Shelter around 5pm and had finally caught up with Fal and Hercules. It was getting pretty cold so we ate our dinner and got ready to call it a night. Although the sun and daylight was lasting a bit longer each day - it was still dark by 6:15pm.Tomorrow we will all rrive at Newfound Gap (about 4.5 miles away) and see if the pass is or is not closed. That will effect whether or not we go into Gatlinburg or continue on to Icewater Springs Shelter.
Date: 2005-01-29
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Today is day 2 in Gatlinburg - a Saturday. Not much expectation of the road to Newfound Gap opening today because the ice storm is coming through as I speak. Hope is to get out of here Sunday, tomorrow, some time.Fal, Hercules and myself bummed around town, ate breakfast and got stuffed at a Pancake restaurant, looked around the Happy Hiker Outfitter (they took our polaroid picture to add to their collection of through hikers who have passed through. Said we were the first NOBO thru-hikers for 2005 (their statement - not mine).A lot of my day was spent on the internet and doing some napping to catch up on lost sleep. For dinner, the three of us went to a Texas Steakhouse and dug into the beef - pretty good meal, but not a AYCE and cost about $18.Weather report looks good for the remainder of next week - just have to get past this ice storm thing and get the road open. Some general comments about Gatlinburg:1. A surprisingly larger number of businesses stay open during the winter months.2. There are motels galore and places to eat galore. Overall, I was pleased with the Grand Prix at $31 per night.3. Town is small enough to let you walk to most places. They also have a pretty nice trolley system that charges a quarter whenever you get on/off.4. They have a ton of "gift" shops for tourists. 5. They have places like "Ripleys Believe It or Not" that will magically suck a $20 bill out of your pocket.6. Happy Hiker Outfitter has some great folks to assist you, and (for the winter period anyway) an average amount of gear - but not a great selection.7. Somewhere in town there must be a full-service grocery store - but we haven't found it yet!! Instead, there is a nearby old-fashioned style "Mom and Pop" type store that has basics for resupply (at some higher prices).8. They do sell beer, wine and "the hard stuff." I picked up a small bottle of Wild Turkey and it did taste pretty nice considering I hadn't had any alcohol since before New Years.9. There are other, nearby towns (Pidgeon Forge, Dollyville, etc). From what I have been told, you are just as well staying in Gatlinburg.10. If you plan on hitching back up to Newfound Gap, the Happy Hiker Outfitter suggests getting a piece of cardboard and writing on it that you need a ride up 441 to the Appalachian Trail. A lot of these tourist folks see you standing, waiting for a ride and apparently don't have a clue you are seeking a hitch. I guess I'll try the sign.11. There are a number of places that advertise shuttles back to the trail. The Grand Prix Motel says they will shuttle up to four folks back for $30 total. But you have to give them 24-hour advance notice. I think we are going to first try hitching and see what happens.
Date: 2005-01-30
From: Gatlinburg

To: Ice Water Springs Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As I write this, it is 10:45am on Sunday and we are waiting to see if the Park will open the road up to Newfound Gap. Fal & Hercules just came over to my room and said the Park Service has opened the road to Newfound Gap. Now we are hunting for a town taxi to shuttle us back to the trail. Highly unlikely we can get a hitch in this slick weather.It is now 1:00pm and we have secured a taxi for $30 (split three ways, not too bad) and are plowing our way back to the trail. Before leaving the Grand Prix motel, they gave us a large box of Krispy Kreme donuts for "energy food". At Newfound Gap found a number of local tourists playing in the new snow and making snowmen. Lot's of folks asked us about our packs and why we were hiking in the Smokies with all the snow. When they found out we were thru-hiking, some offered to take us to the nearest mental facility! Started hiking in about 4-6 inches of snow and this increased to more like 8 inches. On the plus side, the icy spots were gone due to the snow cover. Fal & Hercules were kind enough to break trail with their snowshoes and I followed. My pace in this depth of snow pretty much stayed around 1 mph. We were happy to make Ice Water Springs Shelter - about three miles down the trail. It was nice not to break my unwritten rule of staying not more than two nights consecutively off the trail. Yes, a stupid, arbitrary rule - but one I still like to self enforce. Looks like the precip is over for the next few days - what snow we have is all we should get. Temps are not expected to get too far into the 20's.
Date: 2005-01-31
From: Ice Water Springs Shelter

To: Tri-corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Broke camp around 9:30am. As usual, Fal & Hercules had left long before me.Trail conditions - there are a large number of tree blow downs across the trail. Most allowed a brief detour around - but some required getting on your belly in the snow and crawling under. I imagine the maintennce crews will have these cleared before the crowds arrive. Snow depth still around 6-8 inches and no signs of any other tracks in either direction.Last night the three of us were concerned we could do the 12.6 miles to the shelter today. Our mph pace makes such a distance difficult. As an alternative, we will consider Pecks Corner Shelter - about half the distance and half a mile off the trail.Although snow cover remained the same, we had a pretty good grasp of the effort involved and pushed on. We took turns taking "lead" position on the trail - which was really a challenge for me since I'm not carrying snowshoes (dummy me!). Finally, around 5pm we stumbled into Tri-corner. Last year I had section hiked to Tri-Corner and they only had a temporary, plastic roof on the shelter. Now, the roof is complete and the shelter is very nicely done. Water source is right in front of the shelter (you could crawl there) and cables and privy are nearby. Nice job to the construction folks.
Date: 2005-02-01
From: Tri-corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I actually got on the trail by 9:30am - thanks to asking Fal & Hercules to wake me up before they left. Initially we planned on stopping at Cosby Knob Shelter. However, as we neared Cosby, the snow cover was probably down to about 5-6 inches and it was only 2:30pm. I guess I was feeling pretty good that day and encouraged Fal & Hercules to push on to Davenport Gap Shelter. That would mean an additional 8 miles and an arrival right around darkness. But it also would mean a short day tomorrow out of the Smokeys and over to Standing Bear Hostel.Our luck held with us - snow cover dropped more and our pace picked up - made Davenport Gap Shelter around 5:30pm. The sun is now staying up long enough to hike without a headlamp until about 6:15pm or so.Almost out of the Smokies.