morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: broken clouds

I am in my third state. Tennessee! For the past two days my left foot was in TN and my right foot was in NC.I ran a fever all night. Strong winds continued through the night dropping the temperature to 30 degrees.I gave my stove to Crocs to give to Curt. Sarah, Tas, and Crocs are going to the same shelter as Curt tonight. I will see how I am feeling tomorrow and maybe get myself to a ¢doc in the box¢ ¢ aka an urgent care clinic. The others laughed when wife Joyce texted me this: There¢s really bad weather in NC, are you okay?Yes, my dear wife, we KNOW the weather is bad because WE are the ones standing in the super cold rain and wind. It didn¢t surprise me when we connected later what she was worried about was if we were near the tornado that touched down ¢ and the answer was no. You never know who you might run into on a hike. The Church of Christ is having a Smokey Mountain Jubilee here in Gatlinburg. Walking down the street when they meet another church member they ask "Are you filled with the Holy Spirit". Some give a resounding YES, others a more hesitant ¢Yeah, I guess¢. Interesting! The gathering is for Senior Adults ¢ and features not only many hours (and hours) of preaching but a state wide mass choir, visual arts, quilting and knitting classes and a lot of good Christian fellowship¢¦or so the flyer says. I don¢t believe the Smokey Mountain Jubilee folks or us hikers will see the area's most famous resident Dolly Parton - even if we venture to nearby Dollywood. (I met Walt Disney @ Disneyland but that's another story) No, I am not going to Dollywood even though there are roller coasters galore. My task is to get well and back on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0

I am feeling better and the fever has subsided, I think. As I am still a bit weak so have decided to give it another day. Stubbed my toe a couple of days ago on the trail and it is a bit painful to walk. So I am walking around town just to see how it goes. This trail is a marathon and I am glad to be able to get off when the ability to revive will keep me going all the way to Katadin. Upon the advice of Chrystal, who loves Gatlinburg, took the tram up to Ober Gatlinburg, a ski area that offers incredible views and a nice ride up the mountain. I had a burger up at the top which was really good. Last night at the AYCE Buffet the waitress questioned if I were a real AT Hiker ¢ because I ate the salad and fruit first and only went back twice for the carving station. Fever is gone. Feet are working and the shuttle will be here early tomorrow. I am ready to hit the trail, or as wife says "take a hike." This zero day was good ¢ to talk with Joyce and really catch up ¢ she¢s counting down days until our new corgi puppy arrives, right after Easter; she mailed off the taxes and more important, my next box that returns my sleeping mattress. I hear that there are Easter goodies in the box and a sign for the CROP WALK ¢ to raise funds for Church World Service by walking! We do it every year. On May 4th while church friends walk there in WA I will walk here. My sponsor sheet is at church - hint hint!
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Zero Day

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 3.1

Feeling better and ready to be back on the trail! I was picked up by a shuttle and dropped at Davenport Gap to hike to the farm. Caught up with Crocs here. We are waiting for Curt to show up.   It is a full house with all the bunks claimed so I am tenting. It is a rustic looking place - but great hospitality. Owner Curtis Owens is a half thru hiker. He got half way up the trail and decided to serve other hikers. This is one of the places on the AT where you can kennel your dog as none are allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains. This is due to the high number of bear in the area. We have gotten fairly use to finding modern conveniences at hostels but here you have to hand wash clothes on an old fashion washboard. Even with the zero days and AYCE buffets I have lost 12 pounds. At this rate I will be down to nothing - so I treated myself to a WHOLE pizza for dinner. Now just relaxing around the campfire swapping stories. Life is good!
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Knoxville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

It's one of those stories to tell the grand-kids. It begins when a funny thing happened when I was packing up to leave Standing Bear Farm. We had been waiting for Curt to show up last night. He's a pretty experienced hiker so figured he had decided to bed down somewhere else. At 10 p.m. he finally showed up to the Farm. He had taken a side hike - he does love to climb mountains - hid his pack because it would be a simple quick side adventure. It became a real adventure when he got back and his pack was gone. He searched for hours - but he and a ranger determined most likely a bear took his pack for a snack - and maybe to read his Nook. Everything he had was in the pack including his ID. So today we are getting a ride to Knoxville to await his passport and a credit card sent over night by his wife so he can make his flight on Sunday. We found a WalMart handy to resupply and so he could buy an old fashion book - the kind with paper that doesn't need to be plugged in. Also went to an Outfitter in town to get a new stove - a nice one that is a bit bigger and can boil more water at a time. All's well that ends well - it is the adventures that make life good. I will be really ready to get back on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Knoxville, TN

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 33.0

Well it is time to get back on the trail. To catch up to other hikers and keep on my schedule took a 33 mile yellow blaze - to Hot Springs. Editor's interesting note: Hot Springs is named for the natural hot mineral springs found near the town. It had been known to the Cherokee before it was "discovered" by white settlers in 1778. In the latter part of the 1800s the town, then known as Warm Springs, became a mecca for those who came to "take the waters". A luxury hotel was a center for the health conscious who would come in from the cities. When a new hotter spring was found the town changed its name to Hot Springs. The health craze was waning when the hotel became an internment camp for German POWs at the end of WWI - though the hospitality the prisoners received meant many came back to vacation there after the war.   Now know for its hospitality to AT Hikers, Hot Spring swells this time of year for their annual Trail Fest this week! For a thru hiker it can be too overwhelming to hang out with crowds of day hikers and wanna be hikers...but they do give out goodie bags so it might be worth a visit. It is impossible to miss Hot Springs as the trail goes right down the middle of town!
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Hot Springs

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

Enough of the zero days. I got picked up in Knoxville at 6 am and dropped at Sunnybank hostel in Hot Springs. I was able to get my supply box - the first that Joyce added goodies and notes from friends. Having sorted all the food I headed thru town up the trail. The trail actually goes down the main street of Hot Springs. See yesterday's posting for a picture of the AT logo on the street. Went up to Lovers Leap Rock and continued up to Rich Mountain Lookout Tower. Finally the weather cooperated so I can share the sights from this peak. Spice and Dr. Zoom are here tonight. Feels like a reunion with lots of stories to tell.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

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

Had breakfast this morning which was the first time on the trail. Usually I am up and ready to hit the trail even though ¢they¢ say breakfast is the most important meal. I know that when I am in town with a huge omelet and hash browns that someone else has cooked for me I eat it all. On the trail I know I can always nibble as I go. But Via coffee with cheese and crackers seemed to hit the spot. It was a big 2500 foot climb to Camp Creek Bald lookout tower. Thats where I took a break for lunch and water. I always tell my dear wife that hiking is nothing more than taking a stroll in the woods. She, a dedicated non hike who I love, always gives me the look when I say this. Must admit some of this is not a walk in the woods. This was a day with a very strenuous rock climb to Big Firescald Knob. This is when it started to rain¢¦if I wanted rain I could have stayed home! I got into the shelter - snagging space #5 of six. Dr. Zoom who was right behind me got the last spot. Shelters are wonderful when the alternative is setting up a tent in the rain.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 8.7

Not a good day ¢ up and over Big Butt Mountain in the rain, hail, and wind. The trail was sick and icy. I slipped on some wet leaves and got my foot caught in some rocks. My foot went one way while the rest of my body went the other. Result was a very sore twisted ankle. (Editor¢s comment: which he could have done taking out the garbage¢¦stuff happens!) I took a long time to get to the gap and hitched a ride into Erwin. To do in this order: Hotel, shower, and doc in the box. Diagnosis - a badly sprained ankle. Doctor seems to know what he¢s talking about but ¢keep off your ankle for 5-7 days¢ is not what I wanted to hear. (Additional editor¢s comment: What a Dr. says ¢ ¢stay off the ankle for 5-7 days¢, what a hiker hears - ¢don¢t hike more than 5-7 miles a day)Ankle is sore but some ice, pain pills and an ace bandage is helping. I will decide what to do after a good night sleep and my foggy head starts to clear.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

The plans I woke up with this morning changed over breakfast. There is all kinds of trail magic. At breakfast I met a hiking couple from Switzerland--the wife with a bad knee, and another hiker named George with a bad foot. We decided to slack pack today. Three gimps and a husband! Actually it wasn¢t too bad on the trail without the pack. We gimps took it nice and slow¢¦yes, a stroll in the woods. We stopped by Uncle Johnny¢s Outfitters on the way back to Erwin. I bought an extra fuel canister then to an AYCE which I did. I find I need to really load up on the good stuff to counter balance all that trail snacking. I love it ¢ Joyce told me I need to eat more!! There are a lot of homes we have passed with 7-10 dog kennels. One of the past times here abouts is using dogs to hunt for bear. Now back at the room icing the ankle¢¦see I DO listen to the doc in the box!
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Sam's Gap

To: Vandeventer
Miles today: 125.3

Due to the sprained ankle I am doing some rearranging of the hike. A shuttle picked me up to take me to Hampton TN. Tom, 10-K, his wife Marie and J-Walker also take the shuttles. Tom is leaving on Saturday to hike the Pacific Crest Trail! Before I headed north again I did see Miss Janet before I left Erwin. My hiking and shuttling has taken me down and back many miles. On the trail again with a full pack. My ankle is feeling pretty good or maybe its just the drugs?!Enjoyed the view of Watauga Lake all day continuing on the AT as we walked across the dam. The shelter is the first one I have stayed in with a view! Watauga Lake located southeast of Elizabethton, Tennessee, is the local name of the Watauga Reservoir created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with the 1948 completion of the TVA Watauga Dam. It is amazing the kind of work that went on during the New Deal era. In fact at the bottom of the lake is the town of Butler ¢ which was covered by the reservoir. New Butler sits overlooking the lake and where Butler use to be. (Okay, there my editor gives us another teachable moment!) Sipping hot chocolate before having dinner. So far I am the only person in the shelter! I love all the interesting folks on the trail but I am enjoying the quiet and the view! The solitude was short lives as Goat, Stretch, Reroute, Eastwood, and Raven came in with 6 others in tents and Austin the dog.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Vandeventer

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

Since I am hiking a short day I stayed in bed and watched everyone else pack up and leave.   What a luxury to sip my VIA coffee and enjoy a power bar. Today I am ridge walking the Iron Mountains of TN on a nice, easy trail. My ankle is still sore especially when I step on hidden rocks covered by leavesReceived a text from Dr. Zoom asking about my ankle. It is amazing how we can stay in touch on the trail. Got to the shelter about 1 p.m. and did some laundry. It is suppose to rain tonight. Get the clothes dry in time for them to get wet again! The hikers in the shelter last night are going 22 miles today so they can be in Damascus on Saturday. Today gave me some time to reflect and remember why I don¢t do 22 miles in a day! This was supposed to be a "thru" hike but it isn't going to be. Thru hikers do the whole trail in a season. Section hikers do it over years, sections at a time. In 1979 when I was stationed in CT I hiked the Pennsylvania Rocks with my friend Jamie. In 1980 I hike the Smokey Mountains to Atkins with another friend, David. So it may seem that I have skipped some miles, I really haven't. (The darling editor is trying to adjust miles so where I am can be easily located on maps with miles that correspond) I realize that I will not doing a standard thru hike. But when I summit Mt. Katahdin (whenever that is) I will have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail!I jumped forward to help my ankle heal and with that I am also meeting other hikers ¢ which after all is an important part of the AT journey. When I get to PA I will probably jump passed the rock section (some life experiences you only need to do once). This is a very long section without the charm of the rest of the trail ¢ and without access to services. I also hiked other sections while living in CT. We shall see what happens this year. But whether this is a thru hike or just a very long hike I am ok with it. Life is GOOD!
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Summit Cut

To: Abingdon Gap
Miles today: 15.9

Started the day with a trail breakfast--summer sausage on a tortilla. Left camp and passed the Nick Grindstaff monument. Nick was a hermit in the Holston Mountains. I bet my editor will tell you something about him!Nick Grindstaff had a tough life. He was born December 26, 1851 and by the age of 3 was an orphan. He lived with relatives until he was 21. His family¢s land was divided and Nick built a house on his quarter. But the lure of the west called to him ¢ he went to find his fortune in the California Gold Rush. What he found was heart break. His young wife died, his fortune was stolen or used up in drink. Nick returned to the mountain and lived in solitude, his dog Painter, a steer and a rattlesnake as his only companions. While he was a mountain hermit he also was a beloved local character called Uncle Nick because of his kindness. Late in July of 1923 he was found dead in his hut at the age of 72, with his faithful dog at his side. There are many other kind people on the trail as we had trail magic from the Nelson Chapel Baptist Church. They were giving out pop and cookies and blessings!!! In an interesting note that their pastor is a woman ¢ Emma Solomon. In their tradition the pastor¢s wife is the ¢First Lady¢ which makes her husband the ¢First Gentleman¢. I might try out that title when I get home?!In camp tonight and last night are: Big Dawg and his son Indiana Jones (they are from Indiana) a German couple Robert and Svanya, Sole Power and Gonzo. Folks use to ask if I was going to hike alone. I don¢t think so!
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.4

Easter Morning! It was hard not to be at home today...because of missing worship and Easter Brunch. I was able to text my wife with the message of the morning: Christ is Risen. She responded: He is risen, indeed ¢ but I am going back to bed. I guess I need to remember my 7 a.m. was her 4 a.m.! There was a great sunrise from my tent. Out of camp at 8 am. The call of a shower and good food are calling!I crossed the TN/Virginia border today. My 4th state and my second month on the trail.Damascus is a town of 1100 people with the United Methodist and the Baptist being the largest churches. The Methodists have a hostel ministry called The Place for hikers and bikers.  However I am staying at Dave¢s Place which is owned by the outfitters. The hostels on the AT are amazingGot my resupply box (thanks Joyce) and my new shoes (thanks Ginny)!Hanging out with a couple from Germany, Oops and Cupcake and another German lady who has been here for three days with an injury. Good day!
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Damascus

To: Summit Cut
Miles today: 16.7

Slack packed in my new shoes!!!! They are so comfortable!! One of the best things I did in preparation for the trail was make sure I had good shoes. Ginny at Running Elements (Bellevue, WA) not only fitted my shoes but watched me walk. She was able to find the best fit for my feet and my legs. After "the best breakfast in town" at the Dairy King (that is what the sign says) I got dropped off up the trail and hiked back to town. No big pack means you can move faster!Met Honey Bear, Fin, Truck, and Mary Poppins, Pyro. I will try to remember to tell you how they got their names!Beautiful day. This is Cupcake and Honey Bear comparing beards with Mary Poppins looking on. Warm with a breeze. Great day to be on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Summit Cut

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Awoke to wind and sun. Yes! First went thru the Fatman Squeeze. This is a rock tunnel you have to squeeze your pack and yourself through ¢ glad to have lost that 20 pounds!Spent time at Greyson Highlands State Park which is the home of the wild ponies. This is a highlight of the hike. 50 ponies were introduced to the park in 1975 in an attempt to keep the balds, uh, bald. The balds are a result of clear cutting in the 1800s. Then cattle grazing kept the land clear for a while. The now 150 ponies keep the land clear and entertain hikers. Got to Wise Shelter in time to watch Sole Power try to get his pack away from a pony. They are cute but mean little buggers! Up and over Stone Mountain to my home for the night. So many rocks to hike on today!
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Another great hiking day! Hopefully these are the days I will remember and not just the rainy, windy, wintery ones! The first 10 miles were done super-fast. Alas, it was back to the rocks. Up and over Iron Mountain. I met several day hikers going to Comers Creek. One family had three daughters with them. The father asked me where the trail went the way I was going. I said Maine. I told him the direction he was going would get them to Georgia but he would need much more foodThere is a large group in camp tonight. Big Dawg and his son Indiana Jones, Oops, Cupcake, Mary Poppins, Finn, Heartwood and the 3 ladies from Indiana. New to me: Fargo and Fritz.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got dropped off by Just Bill and his dog D.O.G.Nice day over Buzzard Rock and Whitetop Mountain. Then the rain started. When I got to Mt. Rogers, Virginia¢s highest peak at 5729 ft., then the fog was blocking any possible viewAt the shelter waiting to see if the rain and fog clear. It didn¢t so staying here for the night.In the shelter tonight are 14 hikers. Many are just section hikers on vacation. I am on the main floor with three women from Indiana Rain cleared about midnight but the wind blew hard all night. Down to 30 degrees.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Mt.Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 10.7

Usually 7 am is the golden hour when people start getting ready for the day. Today it was 6:30!! The call of the wild: pizza, shower, and flush toilet. Rain lightly started about 10. I got to the visitor center about 11:30 and the thunder and lightening and downpour started at 11:45Some hikers are staying in the shelter and having pizza delivered for dinner. I am waiting for the 2:45 shuttle to Marion, VA for a motel room, pizza, shower.   Life is great
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Mt.Rogers Visitor Center

To: Rural Retreat
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

The Relax InnGreat hiking day. Up and over Glade Mt and then six miles down to the motel. Stopped at the Lindamood School, a one room school house until 1937. Trail magic was there given out by the pastor and his wife Carol from Wytheville UMC!!!! Their son hiked most of the AT last year.The poison ivy vines are starting to sprout leaves. I will need to avoid the three leaf fun when it gets to full bloom. Most people don't know this but originally the Beatles song was a public service announcement:If its three, let it be, let it be, let it be, hear these words of wisdom, if its three, let it be. There you are, Beatle trivia from the Appalachian Trail. Today is Dr. Zoom's birthday! Happy Day there buddy!
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Rural Retreat

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Went to The Barn last night for dinner with Big Dawg, Indiana Jones, and Heartwood. I expected more than what it was. It is a dive with bad service. Went back for breakfast this morning because it is the only restaurant here!Up and over Little Brushy Mountain followed by a big climb up Walker Mountain, then up Brushy Mountain before coming to the shelter/camp.Around the camp fire tonight is Forest G and his partner Blazer (they are south bound starting in VA), Big Dawg and his son Indiana Jones, Purple Haze, Hey Everybody and Eastwood
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Rain started about 4am and continued off and on all day. Lots of thunder and some lighteningUp and over Lynn Camp Mountain and then up and up to the shelter. 2100 elevation gain. The is the first shelter with four walls and a door!!!But you have to bring water in with you. I carried four pounds of water two miles uphill!Most of the group is continuing on another 10 miles. But Eastwood, Hey Everybody and I are staying in this wonderful shelterRain is suppose to happen the next two days
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

There was fog, rain and wind all night and into today. It finally stopped raining about 1 p.m. There are lots of rocks on the trail which slows me way down but I did manage to do 2 mph!When I got to shelter I met Dogman and his dog Wayah, which is an Indian word meaning wolf. They are going south, but stayed here another day because of the storm. Still waiting for the good weather. Grey Ghost arrived so the shelter is full with six of us and a dog.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Rain started about 5 a.m. but only lasted until 8 a.m.Hiked about 5 miles down a ridge and came to a forest service road where we met Bubba. He offered to drive us to the Dairy Queen and then back to the trail. How can you refuse an offer like that? So we piled into the back of his pickup and off to DQ we went. A Swiss mushroom burger never tasted so good. When we got to the shelter we found it is .3 from the trail and the water supply is another .3 from the shelter. That¢s an extra 1.2 miles round-trip! The rain returned for the evening but tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny! And the weather report from home? 80 degrees and oh, so sunny! For folks in Seattle that is HOT. We on the trail also remember those at home. This is my wife¢s project of the moment ¢ our new puppy Lillie. Once again, Joyce gets to be the alpha which is fine by me. Hopefully our Lillie will let me have a bit of room in the bed when September comes. Or maybe I will be so use to sleeping outdoors...