morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Wayah Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

What happens when a warm front colides with a cold front? Lots of clouds. It was cloudy from when we were let off to the end of the day. I found a good mess of ramps, but still had a long day so didnt bother to pick any. About half way the was evidence of a forest fire about 3 weeks ago. The air was filled with an acrid stench like that of a fire put out with water. If the dead trees were the carcassas of the old tree, the fire left just the skeleton. There were no leaves and no little green shoots that should be evident this time of year.I hiked what seemed a long time here, mainly because one could not see more than 100 feet in the fog. I thought I missed the shelter at one point and kept walking. Eventually I wound up at Cold Spring Shelter. This was my first time sleeping in the shelter. No mice so there were no screams thru the night. The weather had forcast rain all day, however it held off till after supper. It was a good hike today.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

The front that came thru last night left perfect hiking weather. However the terrain was almost all downhill. At least six miles of it. Steep too. With my toes slamming the front of my shoe box, my feet were pretty uncomfortable. Towards the end I removed my liner sox amd loosened my shoes a bit and that helped. Along the way was a big cave, and I thought of scaring part of the group. My luck there would have been a bear in there scareing the crap out of me. I saw a large Garter snake today, That would be the first snake any one around has seen, so I think the time has come to be aware of snakes. After showers and resupply the group had dinner at the resturaunt at the NOC. A big Wessenburger and a beer hit the spot. A big 5 mile climb out of the NOC tomorrow so I am off to get some rest........ and aspirin.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Wow, What a hill. Had some nice views on the way. Stayed at the Sassasfras Gap shelter. A different one then before. Nap, Dinner, Then I built a fire and we all had a round table discussion about viewpoints and ideas of the hike. The day was great. And I need to get some sleep...
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Today I passed Cheoah Bald. It was neat that no trees grow on top of the mountain, just grass. Passed a trail angel with trail magic around noon. He was having his 60th birthday and was "giving back to the trail". He had hiked in 2003. I was concidering another round of hot dogs and beans, but thought better of it because of a large hill ahead. The mucles were cooling down to much anyway and it is hard to get the old bones moving again. Its a good thing too, bicause that hill was steep and there would have been a hot dog throw up contest if any of us would have eaten any more. A big storm was comming in afterwards so I hastened up so I could get dinner in. The shelter was very dirty and the wind would pick up the fine grit and blow it all over the place.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: snow

That weather system that cruised thru Dallas and left softball hail and a n'oreaster in New England hit us last night. We had light rain threw the night and then fog or clouds all day. No decent pictures today. The trail was great except for the PUDS halfway in the day. About 1 o'clock it started to snow. The only way to stay warm was to keep walking. I made it to the road and made a reservation at the Fontana Lodge for the night. While walking towards the town, I heard a car and before I could turn around to hitch, the lady driving and her daughter asked if I needed a ride. Man what timing. I think was a coordinator for the village because she told me about all the festivities going on today. All I wanted was a hot shower. Later I learned that there was a forecast for 3 to 5 inches on snow in the mountains. Glad I decided to get out. I think I might do a zero tomorrow. I need a break and my right foot is bothering me for some reason. I think tomorrow I'll update the aches and pains and the why-fors and what-nots....I think I might be able to upload some pictures.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Fontana Lodge

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I took a zero today. I definately needed a rest - let the muscles and tendons repair a little bit. The place here is really nice, set in the valley next to the Dam. I picked up my package today from the Post Office. Teri had overloaded it with Chocolate Cookies. Everyone appreciated it. I especially liked the ones with macadamia nuts in them. Tomorrow I am going to try to get out early and make mostly 11 to 14 mile days through the Smokys. I will need to pick up a permit before the start. There are a lot of rules one must adhere to hiking in the Smokys. Its a 125$ ticket if you dont have a permit. Some people have wondered how come I dont keep my journal updated. The main reason is that there is no computer at any of the shelters. No really I can only update if I get into town, so that happens every 5-7 days. If I had a transcriber, it would be easyier for me but I think I can handle it.I have made a major milestone getting to Fontana. It is 162 miles since the start. I mentioned earlier that you cannot think of the whole trail - it is to much to wrap your brain around. Little sections at a time until about halfway up the trail, say Harpers Ferry. In the meantime you make it to Neels Gap, then NOC, then Fontana Dam. My next goal is to complete the Smokys ( yes it is spelled that way in my map ) then I think Damascus, Va. will be the next goal. The 500 mile mark will be important.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Fontana Lodge

To: Campsite 113
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

Well, I left Fontana and probably should not have. It was really hard to walk. Stubborn me though. A couple of aspitrin and I was on my way. THe campsite was the remains of an old shelter that was removed. It actually looked better than a shelter, cleaner and more open. My Toe is killing me.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Fontana Lodge

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I definately made a bad descision. I can barely walk 1 mile an hour. Normally 2 miles per hour average. Oh well, I will have to get out up the trail and see a doctor. The shelter was a remodled version in 2003. Had a fireplace in it that we used for a while. At night, you could see Pidgeon Forge and Gatlinburg down in the valley. Pidgeon Forge is where Dolly Parton lives you know. Tomorrow will be a side trail to get to Gatlinburg. I am about ready to cut my toe off....
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: light rain

At the next shelter I started off to Gatlinburg. 8 miles of pure downhill hell.I hitched a ride with Luke from Scotland who was born in England who was touring all the National Parks in the US. Quite a chap. He was headed for the North Carolina Seashore after dropping me off at a motel. We had quite a chat about the differences between the US and the UK, Things about Energy, Global warming, consumerismm etc. It was great to see a different perspective. I tried to get to the doctors office (before 3pm) but they said they were closed. I quite sternly told the lady that I had walked 20 miles to get here, but she said it was not her problem. humf. What happened to customer service? I swear it does not exsist now days. Any one got a big knife? I guess I'll have to come back tomorrow, toe or no toe.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Fontana Lodge

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Lets see how to put this. The Clinic opens at 7:00 am. The local transportation "Trolley" opens at 8:00 am. At 8:42 the first Trolley appears on the blue line towards my destination. Since I used to work for the subway in DC, I would start one Trolley on one end of the line and one on the other and then say it opens at 8:00 am. The system does not even open soon enough for the locals to use it to get to work. I really don't understand this town. It is just like the resort town back home of Ocean City , MD with no beach, only 100 times bigger. There is absolutely nothing here to see, as far as I am concerned. And there is a Ripleys' Belive it or not, Ripley's Aquarium, Hard Rock Cafe. A sky tram over the city, a chair lift up the mountain and back - and I swear I saw lights flash at the top where they take your picture to sell back to you that you rode the chair lift in the summertime. Any way It seems I have gout - a uric crystal build up in the joints of some toes. The Doc seems to think I need to drink more water, above the 5 liters I already drink. I might drown with all that water. He advised that a lot of changes happen doing this hike, and one is excerting all the time, so one would need lots of water. I thought I was doing OK with this judging by urine color, but maybe not. We'll try more water. I have officially lost 20 pounds according to the scale at the Food City Grocery. Only 70 more to go according to the built in computer saying I was "pudgy". I never knew that as a medical term. I could tell I lost some weight, I just didn't think as much. So, lets see, 6 more weeks at 20 pounds per two weeks, I just might make the weight my doctor wants me at. Seriously though, If I do lose a lot I will have to make sure I do something good with the loss, like keep it off. Thats going to be a mental challenge in its own right, but I have plenty of time to think about it. Any way, If I can walk straight on my right foot, I am out of here tomorrow. I have a lot of ground to make up. More later. Still trying to get the pictures uploaded...
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Gatlinburg

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

I got back on at Clingmans Dome. This is the highest peak on the AT. There is a tower to view around the park that was my first destination. With all the pollution in the air one could barely see 5 miles. The upper air pollution is even causing the high altitude hemlocks to die in this area.   The storm that drove us out at Fontana, hit hard here. You could see the affects on the high winds with blowdowns all over and hemlock fronds blown on to the trail like a green carpet. Except for the blowdowns we had to walk around, the day was great for hiking. It was in the upper 50s and no wind. The sun warmed you when you stopped so no need to put on a jacket.   I passed Newfound Gap around 2 pm to observe lots of tourists out for pictures on the area. There was a cute young couple there that had asked me questions about my hike. They had stated that they wanted to hike the trail someday and that I was an inspiration to them. I hope they can hike it, there is much beauty out in the wilderness. In all today was a great day.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: moderate rain

We woke to a great sunrise. The shelter faces east and as the sun rose over the mountain one could enjoy the view across the valley. The shelter was 46 degrees inside and the few that slept outside were greeted with frost on the grass.   Today was another wonderful day. The terrain was great. There were ridges no more that 6 feet wide, with shear cliffs on either side. Alot of the trail was also a path cut into the side of the mountain. There was one section where you could see where the drill rod marks were still there after the dynamite blasts were used to remove rock for the trail.    I pulled into Tricorner Knob shelter and decided to go on as the trail was relatively flat. I made my first 20 mile hiking day today. Woo Hoo. There were warblers out theat I heard for the first time and lots on flies and other bugs. I would say that spring has sprung.   Today was an exceptional day. I remember one spot where there was a rock overhang over the valley. I looked over, there was nothing manmade in view. There was no noise except for nature. The sum was warm on my back and the wind carried the scent of hemlocks up the valley. It was truely and awe inspiring moment.   The Smoky mountains are truly a monument that should be protected and all should enjoy. If you ever get the chance you should try to hike in the Smoky National Park.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Cosby Knob shelter

To: Standing bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Well , I did it this time. The day started great, I was strolling down the hill and about 1 mile before Davenport Gap, I sprained my ankle. I didn't see the root sticking up, covered by leaves, and rolled my ankle on it. Not daring to remove my shoe, I continued on, but I could feel it swelling. I made it to Standing Bear Hostel, where I soaked my ankle in the stream and got an ACE bandage to help with the RICE routine. Sprocket, one of the hosts here was very helpfull.    If you have a chance to stop here you should, It is a very friendly place and the people are very accomodating. They have a very good resupply here also. Im going to ICE my ankle so i'll chat later. Probably take a zero or two to recoup the foot....
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Took off today with Chuck Norris, Fire Hazard and Kokopele, trying to get to Hot Springs in two days. The first day was 15 miles and was not to bad. Went over a mountain called Max Patch which is a man made bald. 360 degree views all around. The sprained ankle made for some slow going but I held in there. The shelter was in a jungle like grove of rhodedendrons, which was kind of neat. During the night, some ones coon dogs were howling, which made it hard to get to sleep. It's funny how some of can sleep through normal things like snoring, but unusual things like a dog howling can keep you up during the night.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Made some big miles today with the group. most of is was level ground with a few moderate up and downs. When I finally saw Hot Springs, The trail was 3 miles of pure downhill hell. A hot shower and dinner took care of any problems and a beer before sleep and I think morning came to early. Met up with Montreal and April Showers. They will be leaving in the morning so are still a day ahead of the original group. We all need to recover from some aches and pains, sore feet and torn tendons, but a couple of more trail miles will get everyone strong for some big mile days in the future.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero day today for healing. Had a BIG breakfast, a western omelet and pancakes. I think the appetite finally kicked in.    I bought new shoes today. The old ones tore at the toe guard and the out fillter did not carry the brand to warrenty them. 300 miles of hard walking tore up a pair of shoes??? I bought a different brand, I hope I dont get any blisters.   We might slack pack tomorrow, have to wait and see what the outfitter wants to do. It will definately help with the big uphill out of Hot Springs. I will let you know more tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, was I glad to get out of town. I was bored out of my skull. I needed the rest to recouperate but I am out here to hike. Today was a great hiking day weather wise, the grade was ok, moderate ups. What was cool was about 5 miles up the mountain was a small dam and pond. Several people were fishing, the sun was warm and the breeze gentle. A truely ideallic setting. I forgot to mention, I started a new menu item at the Smoky Mountain Diner. Gina, the owner took our order and I asked for pancakes and gravey. She asked where I was from cause it was not from around here. Gravey is supposedly for biscuits only. Gina sent the waitress out to make sure I new what gravey was made of. I replied "flour, grease and sausage bits", so that satisfied, Gina brought out my pancakes. She said she was going to bring the gravey in a bowl because the plate didnt have any side boards. She wasnt kidding, 4 huge 10 inch pancakes. And a big bowl of gravey. None of the wait staff wanted to look. It was a blast. We camped at Spring Mountain shelter at about 11 miles out, the guys from town started filtering in, wound up being about 10 tents by bed time. Im sure there wil be 20 more by morning. Tomorrow 16 miles? We'll see tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: moderate rain

When I got up this morning, an owl was having a coniption fit. I think he found a lover and was having at it. The day was perfect again, in the 70s and a slight breeze. We were trying to get to a hostel that supposedly (on rumor) was serving Belgan waffles for breakfast. After wefound thehosteland a hiker was coming back from the hostel, we continued to Little Laurel Shelter for lunch. There were about 20 people there by the time I left. All remnants of everyone leaving the Hot Springs festival. The climb after lunch was 1200 feet in 1 and 1/2 miles. Brutal! It was only 6 miles to Jerry Cabin Shelter, but the data books didn't say anything about the terrain. It was up and downs of steps cut into the rock along Big Firescald Knob. Did I say brutal? But the views were magnifigant. Almost 360 degree views. Clear across the valley to the north. It reminded me of the view from Washington Monument State Park across Middletown valley. I made it to the shelter and quickly made dinner. Sleep came early.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: moderate rain

The owl came back. I think we are in his territory. There is also a screech owl around. What a way to wake up. If I every get to see that AVIATION FEET guy, I'm gonna shoot him. Do you think the data book could say something about a great tent site 1/2 mile 3/4 mile and 1 mile away from the shelter? There was a perfect tent site up the hill from the shelter on Big Butt Mountain. Today was a good day until after lunch when we had to climb Sugarloaf Mountain. 2000 feet in two miles. The temps are getting in the 80s and water is important. My last water was a nice waterfall at 3000 feet, my last sip was 250 feet before Hogback ridge shelter. I was wore out. Today was my first blister. Dont know how I got it but with new different shoes, it was inevatble (sp). I may have to go back to two socks. Before lunch, a pilated woodpecker flew down the mountain and landed on a tree about 20 feet away from me. He scampered around the back side of the tree then stuck his head back to check what I was doing. A brilliant red tuft and yellow eyes with a white neck. A very colorful bird. Well I am dog tired and my dogs are howling. Gotta go...
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Buisness Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

The screech owl sounded off again last night. Twice, once at about 2 am and again at 5. Nice alarm clock. I plan on going at least two shelters today, if not all the way to Erwin. I think its time to pick up some mileage when I can. Big bald was on the way, a very tall mountain with 360 degree views. I had lunch on top with about 20 other hikers, all resting the feet and soaking in the view. To the south, one of the mountains is being developed, McMansions all over the side. This was pretty dissappointing, especially after hiking thru wilderness's and national forests, to see something like this. The day was getting long and I was gettng pretty tired. There was plenty of water along the way, were I cound drink about 5 quarts. My feet were turning into hamburger. I tried to stop every now and then to take off my shoes and massage the feet. Along the way up the last mountan was a beautiful mountain stream. I soaked my head and tshirt in it and refilled my water bottle. If I had more time I would have sat in it. I know the streams are going to be less prevalent in Virginia and it is going to be hot. I just take what the trail has as training for some thing in the future. I made it to No Buisness Knob shelter, leaving 7 miles to Erwin. A day off and some slack packing and I will be as good as new again. I am updating this the next morning. Thru the night I heard the screech owl again, but most important was a Bob White. I lived in the country when I was a kid but never heard a Bobwhite at night. I also heard about three trains and some distant thunder. I hope it doesnt rain this morning.
Date: 2007-05-02
From: No Buisness Knob Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, It didnt rain. The sun tried to beat out the storm clouds this morning. It was warm and humid, but I only had a short way to go. When we got out of the woods and the group started to hitch a ride I kept walking. Its easier to geta ride with a smaller group than with 6 people. I got a ride in the back of a pickup all the way to Ms Janets house. The hikers there said there was a couch available butI wanted something more comfortable. I walked on to the Super *and immediately took a shower. Did that feel great. I have some shopping and laundry to do so I'll update later.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Irwin
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another 21 mile day. Kokopele, her friend Lizard, and Chuck Norris, picked me up at the Super 8, we grabbed something for breakfast and headed for Iron Mountain Gap. It was a long dowwnhill hike in the fog and rain. Beauty Spot was completely fogged out. We did pass a place on the top of Unaka that was very pretty with a pine grove, dark inside from the dense canopy above. We were rained on most of the day. Still, I'm glad we got this 19 mile section done. It would have been all uphill if we had done it northbound. I noticed that the trees are now comming out with leaves even at higher elevations. Pretty soon the trail will be a complete tunnel. Tomorrow another slack pack, Carver Gap to Iron Mountain Gap.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Carver Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

We started at Carver gap today, and avoided the long uphill on the other side of Roam Mountain. Most people agree the north bound side of Roan Mountain is the most difficult section of the southern part of the trail. It was a great day to do 15 miles. The weather was cool and the wind was mild. For the most part the sun was out except for an occational cloud or two. Stopping in at Roan Mountain shelter, the highest shelter on the AT, was neat. It is surrounded by Spruce trees all around, leaving the area blocked from the sun from the dense canopy. The shelter was the housing for the old Fire Warden before it was used as a shelter. The rest of the day was relatively easy and almost all down hill. There was a section towards the end where about a million crickets were jumping around trying to avoid the big, stinky thru hiker comming by. They sounded like sleet on the leaves. The best part of slack packing backwards is you get to meet all the other people youve met before that are comming north. They usually get jealous because your pack is really small and light, and if you have planned it right, you are going downhill while everyone is going uphill. We will probably be back in the group and in section where we were prior to Hot Springs. The next hostel will be Kincora for maybe two days. The problem is that everyone else will probably stop att kincora also. It will mostly be a week before we hit Virginia and will be done with NC and Tenn. About 371 mile done so far.