morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-16
From: Springer

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 Day 2, 7.4 miles (Springer to Hawk Mountain)I got up a 6:00 am. I slept lousy since I¢m not used to the hard ground yet. The temperature was 42o and it was raining. I ate a breakfast of oat meal and left at 8:15. Jane had left first followed by Happy Trails. I was about a half hour behind them. Rain let up as I left, but it was very foggy and there were no views. The first 4 miles were all down hill. I put plenty of moleskin on my feet this morning.I reached Hawk Mountain Shelter at 12:20. The weather has cleared, and we finally got some sun. It¢s 62 degrees and very pleasant. I¢ll tent camp since there are already 5 people in the shelter. Slainte¢, Jane, Kelly and Courtney all showed up at Hawk Mountain. This is tent city. Have lost count of people here.An Army helicopter buzzed us for about 10 minutes. There must be military training going on nearby. We heard some automatic gunfire yesterday about 5 o¢clock at Springer. Later on this afternoon, at about 6:00 pm, automatic gunfire and explosions were heard for about 5 minutes - definitely training (Army? Marines?)Later a woman hiker, who must be in her 70¢s, came in. Happy Trails must have gone to next shelter.
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 Day 3, 7.1 miles (Hawk Mtn. to Gooch Gap) I slept better last night but still woke up several times. I finally rolled out at 6:30 and had oatmeal for breakfast again. It takes an extra 30 minutes to get going when you have to strike your tent. The temperature was 32o at 6:30 but had risen to over 40o by time I left. It looks like a clear day. I left at 8:25 and soon caught up with the 70 year old woman. She was walking slow and stopping often to catch her breath. Don¢t know how far she plans to go, but she¢ll take a long time to get there. I arrived at Gooch Gap Shelter at 1:30. It¢s 62o and sunny. I had started this morning with gloves and a jacket, but had shed them by 10:00 am.I caught up with Chef Paul and Ranger. Chef Paul is only out here for 9 days. He¢s from Cartersville, GA, but doesn¢t know my sister and brother-in-law who also live in Cartersville. Chef Paul has a business that makes camping gear, Etowah Outfitters. Ranger, who is in his 60¢s, hopes to go all the way to Maine. I encountered 3 army trucks traveling on a logging road about 11:30 ¢ they are part of the training we¢ve been hearing I suppose. At about 12:30 I ate lunch and cooled my feet in Blackwell Creek. I have a couple of hot spots on my feet, so I will be doctoring them tonight. A hiker named Hopeful has been staying at each shelter that I came to. I thought I recognized him, but couldn¢t place where. Then today, while struggling up Justus Mountain, I remembered that he had been on a BMT work trip a month ago with Ken, Robert, Clayton and me.He¢s hiking with a couple from Pennsylvania, giving them logistical assistance for a couple of weeks. He thru-hiked last year, and they gave him some help in Pennsylvania. I¢m choosing to tent camp again although I could have claimed a spot in the shelter, but the shelter will fill up again tonight. I am having to force myself to eat supper. I don¢t have that thru-hiker hunger yet.It¢s 7:00 pm and the Army Rangers are at it again, but the explosions and gunfire are not as loud as they have been the last 2 nights. The temperature is falling. It¢s down to 40o since the sun went down. I talked with some of the others about tomorrow. The choices are to stay at Woods Hole (as planned) or go on the Blood Mountain which would make the next day easier. I¢m too tired to think about it ¢ and go to bed at 7:30.
Date: 2004-03-18
From: Gooch Gap

To: Slaughter Gap
Miles today: 12.7

Thursday, March 18, 2004 Day 4, 12.7 miles (Gooch Gap to Slaughter Gap Campsite)I got up at 6:00am and was on the trail at 7:45. It was cloudy. A lot of the other hikers are new college grads out for one last fling before going to work. They sure hike a lot faster than I do. They usually don¢t leave before 9:00 and are passing me by 10:30. I crossed GA hwy 60 at Woody Gap about 11:15.I got to the Woods Hole shelter trail about 2:40, and it¢s a half mile to the shelter. I didn¢t go to the shelter because the word is that it is full. It¢s been raining off and on since 12:30, and I felt like my only choices at this point were to go to Slaughter Gap campsites (about 1 mile) or on to Blood Mountain Shelter (about 2 miles further). I filled up with water since neither option has a spring. When I got to the Slaughter campsites at 3:30, it started to rain again, so I quickly pitched my tent. I kept thinking that we¢d be hit by torrential rains any minute. But by 5:00 the sun came out and the sky cleared up. I wish I¢d gone on to Blood Mountain. It wasn¢t long before all the campsites were full. One guy has a weather radio, and said that the next two days were supposed to be sunny.   Out of these four days on the trail, I have tented three. I had expected to use the shelters more. The sun is down and the temperature is 40o. It never got above 50o today.
Date: 2004-03-19
From: Slaughter Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Friday, March 19, 2004 Day 5, 13.9 miles (Slaughter Gap to Low Gap)I woke up at 6:00 and was on the trail at 7:00. I got to the Walasi-Yi Center at Neels Gap at 9:00 am. I picked up my first mail drop package, bought a comb, TP, and a new stuff bag to replace the old torn stuff bag for my tent. I took a shower and rinsed out 2 shorts and 2 shirts. I called Janet about 9:30. Everything was fine. I was particularly glad to hear that Ricky was ok. I Left the Center at 10:20.I made Low Gap at 5:20pm. I¢m very tired, so tired that I don¢t even want to eat. There was trail magic at Hogpen Gap (GA Hwy 348), where they were handing out water, cakes, bananas, apples, beer, cokes, and cookies. The day was hot, probably in the 70os, and not a cloud to be seen. I feel like I¢m beginning to get blisters. When I took my shower this morning, I had taken off the moleskin and had not replaced it. BIG mistake! I will assess my feet tomorrow morning.The shelter is full, so I am tenting again. There are about 15 other tenters. Adventure came in after dark, about 8:30.Tomorrow is a short day - 7.5 miles. So I hope to get some rest.
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Low Gap

To: Blue Mountain
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Saturday, March 20, 2004 Day 6, 7.2 miles (Low Gap to Blue Mtn.)I¢m up at 6:45. It¢s cold, a little below 40o with strong winds. I checked my feet out. They look and feel ok, surprisingly, but I put on some moleskin anyway. I forced myself to eat some oatmeal. I thought that my hunger would be returning, but it has not. I left at 9:00. The walking is easy compared to yesterday. I made Blue Mountain Shelter at 12:20, and I had the energy to continue, but I decided to stop to prevent blisters. I have a long day tomorrow, 14.8 miles, and it looks like a lot of climbing is involved. I may shorten it some by tenting about 2 miles short of Deep Gap. I will stay in the shelter tonight to save preparation time in the morning. Who¢s here: Easy Duzit, Slainte¢, Bluebell, Eagle Eye, Road-Kill, Adventure, Kim and Jeff are here. There are several others here, but I didn¢t get their names. There 7 in the shelter, and several in tents.
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Blue Mountain

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Sunday, March 21, 2004 Day 7, 14.8 miles (Blue Mountain to Deep Gap)I left Blue Mountain Shelter at 7:10. I would have left earlier, but I couldn¢t find my glasses. Eagle Eye found them laying just underneath the shelter. This is going to be a long day.The 2.2 mile hike to Unicoi Gap and GA Hwy 75 (near Helen GA) was a piece of cake. Then the 1.2 mile climb to the top of Rocky Mountain (2949¢ to 4017¢) got my attention! The trail descended to Indian Grave Gap (3100¢). I believe the people who routed the trail wanted to make sure I got the maximum enjoyment out of the 1300 foot climb to the Tray Mountain summit (4,430¢). I¢m not complaining (yes I am), however, the views from Tray Mountain were fantastic ¢ a nice reward for making the climb! I passed Tray Mountain shelter about 1:00 pm. I¢m about half way to Deep Gap Shelter. The sun is out, but winds are blowing. It¢s fairly comfortable on the Southeast side of the mountain, but pretty windy and cold on the Northwest side. I reached Addis Gap (3704¢) at 3:30, about 2 miles to go. Then the fun began as I climbed to Kelly Knob (4276¢).I finally reached Deep Gap Shelter at 4:40 and took the last spot left in the shelter. I had just enough energy to get water and fix supper. The Temperature is dropping, and I was in my sleeping bag by 7:00.Who¢s here at Deep Gap: Easy Duzit, Slainte¢, Weatherman, Peddler, Chef, and several others, including a couple with 2 dogs.
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Deep Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: clear sky

Monday, March 22, 2004 Day 8, 3.5 miles (Deep Gap to Dicks Creek Gap)I awoke at 6:00, but stayed in the sleeping bag until 6:45. It¢s 24o out and everyone¢s water is frozen. I ate a Baby Ruth bar and a Trail Mix bar and was on the trail by 7:45. Thank goodness this is a short day.I made it to Dicks Creek Gap (US Hwy 76 near Hiawassee, GA) by 9:45. At the gap, Gary Poteet had just dropped off two North bounders Sarge and Spirit, and he gave me a ride to the Blueberry Patch Hostel (10:00). My mail-drop package was there. Great place, the Blueberry Patch. I took a long hot shower and got my laundry done.I called Janet, and everything is ok at home. Slainte`, and a couple of others went into Hiawassee to stay at the Holiday Inn. A hiker named Steven showed up, then Kelly and Courtney.   About 1:30, Gary Poteet said he had to go into town so Kelly, Courtney, and I rode in with him. I walked over to Hardees and had the 2/3 lb bacon and cheese burger. Then I walked over to Ingles and bought some bananas, apples, mole skin, and Advil. Then I hitched the 7 miles back to the Blueberry Patch. It took awhile, but I was finally picked up by a lady in a 1975 Chevy. She remarked how Hiwassee has become a tourist town, and that jobs were scarce. Her husband had a heart transplant 10 years ago - the bill was $182,000 - and he hasn¢t been right in the head since. She took me right to the door of the Blueberry Patch, and wouldn¢t take a thing for the ride. The place had filled up with hikers.Who¢s staying at the Blueberry Patch:Myself, Lewis, Kelly and Courtney, Steven, Dan and Dave (two SOBO thru-hikers from New York who plan to finish in 4 days). Later on, Bluebell, Eagle-Eye, and Road-kill showed up but there was no room. They did get accommodations at the Hiawassee Inn. Then Tom from Israel showed up. Gary brought out an extra cot to accommodate him.
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: clear sky

Tuesday, March 23, 2004 Day 9, 4.3 miles (Dicks Creek Gap to Plumorchard Gap)I had a fantastic breakfast at the Hostel ¢ pancakes with homemade blue berry syrup, sausage, cheese biscuits, coffee, and OJ. Lewis, Kelly and Courtney are taking a zero day. Courtney has a sore knee that needs some rest. The rest of us went back to the trail at 9:45. We said goodbye to the SOBOs, Dan and Dave, then Steven, Tom, and I headed North. I was quickly eating their dust. I arrived at the Plumorchard Shelter at 12:15. This was an easy day. It was cold but sunny and not too windy. At 2:00pm I¢m still the only one here. This is one of the shelters that was air lifted in by the Army 5th Ranger Training Battalion. I like its post and beam construction.Who¢s here:Papa Bear, Badger, and a fellow from New Zealand (didn¢t get his name) tent camped near the shelter. John O. and his dog Lucy also tented. In the shelter were Adventure, Beast, Sunshine, and Easy Duzit.
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Plumorchard Gap

To: Standing Indian
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 Day 10, 12.2 miles (Plumorchard Gap to Standing Indian)I left Plumorchard Shelter at 7:15, headed for Standing Indian. I arrived at Standing Indian at 3:00. I felt pretty good most of the day, and this is the first day that I was really hungry when I arrived at the shelter. The day started out cold, 40o and overcast, but by 11:30 the sun came out and the sky was clear, and I was hiking in shorts and t-shirt. I found out that Eagle Eye had to stay in Hiawassee to see a doctor about his blisters. Tomorrow is a 14.2 mile day to Big Spring Shelter.Milestone: I finished the Georgia section of the AT and entered North Carolina at 9:30 am today.Who¢s here at Standing Indian shelter: Sarge, Adventure, John O. and Lucy (tent), Sunshine, Little Engine, Beast, Papa Bear and Badger. The New Zealander was not with Papa Bear and Badger - he had to slow down because all the climbing.
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Standing Indian

To: Big Spring
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Thursday, March 25, 2004 Day 11, 14.4 miles (Standing Indian to Big Springs)I left Standing Indian Shelter at 7:30, headed for Big Springs. It was a beautiful day. By 11:00 I was hiking in shorts and t-shirt. I have hooked up with Adventure for the time being since we seem to walk at the same pace. Adventure is from Georgia. We had beautiful views all day and fairly easy walking until we got to Albert Mountain. The last 400 feet in elevation gain was 50% grade or more. I had to put the trekking poles away so I could use my hands! There is a fire tower on the summit of Albert (5200¢), so we climbed the tower and enjoyed the fantastic view of the valley.We arrived at Big Springs shelter about 4:00. When I started to cook, I discovered that I had left my fuel bottle at the Standing Indian shelter. I will have to rely on the kindness of others until I get to NOC. I did a little logistical planning and decided not to stay at Rufus Morgan Shelter on day 14, but go on into the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and spend the night there. The NOC is less than a mile from Rufus Morgan.I am no longer finishing each day completely fatigued. My appetite is returning, and I will have no food left when I hit NOC.   I found out that Spirit is from Hixson, Tennessee. She is a half day ahead of me. She started when I did, and hikes a slow steady pace. Since she¢s staying ahead of me, I guess I need to pick up my pace.
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Big Spring

To: Siler Bald
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Friday, March 26, 2004 Day 12, 12.5 miles (Big Spring to Siler Bald)I didn¢t sleep very well last night. I saw each hour. I¢m going to try giving up the coffee. It¢s not drip coffee and tastes lousy anyway. Only Adventure, Beast, John O and Lucy, and I were at Big Springs last night. We all got up at 6:00 am. I was on the trail at 7:15. It¢s another beautiful day, and I was in t-shirt and shorts by 10:00. The morning walking was easy, fairly flat. Trail Magic happened to me at Wallace Gap (old US Hwy 64). The caretaker from Rainbow Springs Campground was there and offered me a ride to the outfitter store at the campground. I took him up on the offer. I was able to get another fuel bottle and some fuel. I also enjoyed a Klondike bar while there. This side trip only delayed me about an hour. The second half of the day was not as good as the morning. The afternoon was hot and the terrain was up, up, up, and more up - first out of Wallace Gap, then out of Winding Stair Gap (US Hwy 64 near Franklin, NC). Winding Stair was the worst. I got to the Siler Bald shelter at 3:30. It was full, so I pitched my tent. I had used my last disposable camera today. I¢ve thought about getting a picture phone, but have dismissed that idea.Who¢s here at Siler Bald:Adventure, Beast, Little Bit, Moonstone, Gaia, Luis Big foot and Apple (they decided to go on), 3 section hikers (professors from Auburn), and 4 or 5 others who I can¢t name. Also saw the group that includes Paddler, Booboo (a.k.a. Weather Man), Krispy Kritter - about 6 hikers - in Rainbow Springs.
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Siler Bald

To: Cold Spring
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Saturday, March 27, 2004 Day 13, 12.1 miles (Siler Bald to Cold Spring) I slept fairly good last night. I only woke up 5 times. I left Siler Bald about 7:30. The climb out of Wayah Gap to Wayah Bald was more strenuous than I remembered when Robert Owenby and I hiked this section back in November 2003. The view was fantastic from Wayah Bald. Looking back South, I could see the Albert Mountain fire tower. It¢s hard to believe we had walked that far in 2 days. Looking forward to the North, I could see Clingman¢s Dome. This was a shorts and T-shirt day again. Tom from Israel passed me again today, hauling ass ¢ he must average 3 to 4 miles per hour. The only way that I could have gotten ahead of him is that he spent some time off the trail. I saw several weekend hikers out, and the weather was a little cooler than yesterday.I arrived at Cold Spring Shelter at 2:30, and I¢m back on schedule. The plan is to go on into NOC tomorrow. Tomorrow I want to call Janet, get a shower, wash clothes, and sleep in real bed. I may also try to lighten my pack by replacing some heavy items at the NOC outfitter. I have been thinking about sending my tent back and replacing it with a lighter tarp. I might get some lighter sandals and the new, lighter Terma-rest. This trip is starting to get tougher mentally, and I¢m looking forward to Newfound Gap and a zero day. I saw English Rick, now officially called St. Rick. He went on. Moonstone and Little Bit stopped then went on. Tom went on. There is a possibility that I will see Spirit at the NOC, since her register entry said she was having a zero day there tomorrow.
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Cold Spring

To: Nantahala River
Miles today: 11.5

Sunday, March 28, 2004 Day 14, 11.5 miles (Cold Spring to US 19&74, Nantahala River) Last night at Cold Spring Shelter were:Easy Duzit, Adventure, Herman, Alabama (a tall kid who hikes fast, but sleeps in late), and a weekend hiker from Ringgold who will be getting out at NOC. Also there was AD (a very slow hiker, probably over 60) and another older fellow who camped further up the trail.Herman, Adventure, and I got on the trail about 7:15. It¢s another Sunny day. We enjoyed very good views all day, especially from the platform on Wesser Bald. Today¢s hike was a net 3500 foot descent. It was pretty tough keeping the brakes on all day. My feet were numb on the bottom when we finished. I arrived at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) about 2:30. There was no room in the Hostel. Moonstone, Little Bit, Adventure, and Beast had managed to get a motel room and invited me to join them, but 5 in one room was to many. So I got one of the cabin rooms. So did Herman. I immediately took a long shower. Then I called Janet. Everything is ok on the home-front, except Dad has not heard from Oncologist yet.I went down to the restaurant about 4:00, and had dinner with Herman and Adventure. Then I did my laundry. I saw Spirit as I was leaving the laundromat. She was with her two daughters. We walked over to where Adventure and the rest were staying. We took a group picture (Spirit¢s camera). Then I walked back to my cabin about 7:00.List of things I need to get tomorrow before I leave:1.        Pick up Mail Drop 32.        TP3.        Camera, and send other one in4.        Lighter Therma Rest5.        Denatured Alcohol6.        Beef Jerky7.        Dish cloth (lost it in laundry)   8.        Ship old Terma Rest9.        Make decision on tent10.        Lighter gaiters, send back old ones11.        Power Bars
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Nantahala River

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Monday, March 29, 2004Day 15, 10.5 miles (US 19, Nantahala River to Locust Cove Gap)I spent the night at the NOC, Cabin D, room D-1. I got a good night¢s sleep, at least better than I have been. I was up at 6:30 and partially packed. I had breakfast at 8:00 at the restaurant then picked up my mail drop. I sent my camera and gaiters home. I bought smaller gaiters, TP, a disposable camera and a few other items. I did not get a new Therma Rest or a new tent. I walked back to the cabin, called Janet, finished packing, then hit the trail at 10:30. Today is a shorts and t-shirt day again.I saw a large black snake as I was climbing out of Wesser - about 4 feet long. I had to wait about 2 minutes while it crossed the trail. As I continued my climb out of the gorge, I ran into Spirit coming back. She told me her pack was just not working out, and that she was going back to the NOC Outfitter to get it replaced. I wished her luck. I have been hearing grouse thumping the last few days, and the trees are starting to put on leaves. Everyone has been predicting rain, but we only had clouds. The trail over Cheoah Bald is uphill all the way. I got to Sassafrass shelter at 2:30. Several of us (Adventure, Moonstone, Beast, and Little Bit) decided to go on to Locust Cove Gap and camp, risking the possibility of rain, so that tomorrow would not such a long day. We arrived at Locust Cove Gap about 5:45. We¢re still waiting for rain. There were some very strenuous uphill climbs today, but I did ok. We had fantastic views, especially from Cheoah Bald. Who¢s at the campsite:Adventure, Moonstone, Little Bit, Beast, Scholar, a couple from Knoxville (she¢s thru hiking and he¢s doing a week), Pilot and Vapor Trails. I will make Cable Gap Shelter tomorrow.
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 Day 16, 12.5 miles (Locust Cove Gap to Cable Gap)It rained last night. The rain started about midnight and was still going at 7:00 am. We decided to pack up and go anyway. My tent leaked, but not too bad. I will definitely have to get a new tent when I hit Gatlinburg. I started out at 8:15 in rain gear. About an hour later the rain stopped and the sun came out, and I had to shed the rain-gear. It was a very tiring day. The climbs were steep and long out of Stecoah Gap (NC Hwy 143). I got to Cable Gap shelter at 3:00 pm. When I finished, there was no climb left in my legs. My not eating a good breakfast didn¢t help. I put up clothes line and dried out my tent and rain-gear. I¢m dog tired, and I hope to get some good sleep.Who¢s here: Adventure, Little Bit, Moonstone, Deer Hunter, Beast, Squirt, Full Moon and Jesse (a dog), Pooner. I heard that Eagle Eye is one day behind us.
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Cable Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Wednesday, March 31, 2004Day 17, 7.3 miles (Cable Gap to Fontana Dam)I rolled out at 6:30. It rained again last night, and it¢s still drizzling this morning. I¢m glad I was in a shelter. I ate a good breakfast, since I did so bad yesterday when I didn¢t eat. I left the shelter at 7:35. We had fog and rain all day. No good views today.I arrived at the boat ramp at Fontana at 10:30am and self registered for the hike through the Smokies. I crossed the road and began hiking the 1 mile to Fontana Shelter. About 15 minutes later I saw another hiker coming towards me, then he hid behind a tree. It turned out to be Robert Owenby. Good to see a friendly face, or should I say a familiar friendly face. We hiked on down to the dam, then Robert treated me to lunch in Robbinsville. Since Robert was able to give me a ride, I decided to stay at the ¢Hike Inn¢ hostel tonight. The temperature seems to be dropping, and there is already snow in the higher elevations, which is where I¢m going tomorrow. But the weather is supposed to clear and warm up by Friday and the weekend.Who¢s here: Adventure and I share a room, Moonstone and Little Bit share a room, Full Moon, and Beast are at the shelter. Yoda I think is coming in, and Slainte¢ is here also. Adventure, Moonstone, and Little Bit are going to take a zero day tomorrow because of the weather forecast. I¢m going on ¢ I want to get to Newfound Gap in 3 days.The only positive side to this is maybe the foul weather will keep weekenders out of the shelters in the Smokies.