morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC

To: Wayah shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

So, enough of the soft life; back to the trail. Charlotte dropped JAY-B and me off at Winding Stair Gap at around 8:45am and we were off with a nice climb up to Siler Bald. The trail today was not as easy as it has been the past few days. The grades were steeper and the trail was a mix of rock and tree roots. I had to pay attention to every foot placement. Temperatures were perfect for hiking today in the mid to high 50's. We passed Siler Bald and Wayah Bald, which are mountain peaks devoid of large trees. Most balds are grassy. From what I understand, the reason these mountain tops are treeless is unknown. One theory is that the Indians cleared and burned the balds for agricultural purposes. Anyway, we will be seeing several more in both Tennessee and Virginia. We didn't run into many other hikers today, and when we arrived at the shelter at about 4:45pm, we were surprised to see that we were the only ones here. A couple more came in as we were cooking dinner. Wayah Bald Observation TowerSince the forecast is for clear skies tonight, both JAY-B and I set our tents up. Hopefully, we won't have to deal with the shelter mice. These shelters are inhabited by mice, whose goal in life is to chew through you pack looking for food. Which brings me to another newbie mistake I made. Several nights ago, I stayed in the Standing Indian Shelter because of a fierce storm. Just before retiring for the night (with 11 of my new best friends in a shelter designed for 8) I got out of my warm sleeping bag and opened all the pockets in my pack so the mice wouldn't chew through them looking for food. What I failed to do was to check the pockets for food, especially since I was already up. Sure enough, the next morning I discovered that at least one mouse had been in my bag and discovered my trail mix and a trail bar sealed in a foil wrapper. It had helped itself to a serving of both. I really should have checked my bag for food since I had already gotten up. Another lesson learned.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: NOC

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.1

That's all? That's right, and it was killer. I wasn't sure whether I'd make it. We climbed out of the NOC, and it¢s been uphill almost all day. We started at 1723 foot elevation, climbed to 4720, descended to 4330 feet, and then climbed up to 5062 feet. We're not going anywhere now even though we planned to do another 2.4 miles. Today was hot, too. The forecast was for temps in 80's so we consumed a lot of water. We are up on a grassy bald with a view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are about 9 or 10 thru hikers camped here tonight. We plan a longer day tomorrow but it will be mostly downhill. On Monday, we'll start the Smokies, which are tough, too.Boo Boo and A.D.>My bunk house at the NOC
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The Honeymooners showed up at Cheoah Bald after the rest of us had been there a while. They were out to a couple nights on the Bartram Trail. They thru hiked the AT in 2005 days after their wedding. We enjoyed hearing about their hike. We missed the sunrise this morning because of clouds. We had some fierce winds last night, and I woke up several times wondering whether a limb or whole tree was going to come crashing down on my tent. It was threatening rain when we awoke, so we quickly got on the trail. The hike today was more of the same: up, down, up, and more down. I hiked much of it alone today. I put the cell phone on "airplane" mode and plugged my ear buds in to listen to some of that 70's rock. Sure helped me get up some of those hills. We are camped tonight at Cody Gap, not a great site, but the distance worked well for us since we stopped earlier than planned yesterday. A.D. strumming to the evenings delightI ate the last of my dinners tonight, but I should have a food package at the Hike Inn, in Fontana, where we are staying tomorrow night. On Monday, we begin the Smokies. Lots of anticipation about that because the first shelter is about 12.4 miles from Route 28, near Fontana, where we will be starting. There is one campsite before that, so our plan is to stay there the first night.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Dam 
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Today was a day made for backpacking. The weather and the terrain were perfect. The trail was littered with wildflowers including Spring Beauties, Trillium, and others I couldn't identify. Our destination was the Highway 28 crossing in Fontana. We were there at 1:30pm. After speaking with Jeff from the Hike Inn, we decided to walk another mile or so to the Fontana Dam Shelter, commonly referred to as the Fontana Hilton. In addition to a shelter that accommodates 20 hikers, there is a restroom with showers. We walked down to the shelter, but didn't see anyone we knew. Anyway, Jeff picked us up there and shuttled us to the Hike Inn. We've had our showers and are awaiting our clean laundry. Later, we'll be shuttled into Robbinsville, where we'll get dinner and an opportunity to resupply. I think we're still in a Hiker vortex. There were just three thru hikers staying at the campsite last night. There has to be a large group just ahead of us, and a large group behind us. WHERE IS EVERYBODY? Jay B coming down the hill into Fontana DamTrillium
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Mollies Ridge shelter

To: Derrick Knob shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We shared the shelter site last night with three generations of the Reynolds family who were out for a section hike during the boy's Spring Break. They have section hiked the AT all the way from Springer Mountain over the years. Congratulations to the boys, their father, and their grandfather. This has to be my second toughest day on the trail. I haven't figured out the spacing of the shelters in Great Smokey Mountain National Park, but they seem to be spaced more for park visitors, as opposed to long distance hikers. Anyway, it was quite a hike with hot, steep climbs over Rocky Top, Thunderhead, and Chestnut Bald. I thought I'd never get to the shelter. Once I got there, I set up my sleeping bag and pad in the shelter and lay down for about an hour. I wasn't alone either. Everyone else seemed to be glad to get to the shelter. The shelter was at full capacity at 12 hikers, with others tenting nearby. In the Smokies, thru hikers are low hikers on the totem pole. Section hikers can make reservations at shelters, however, thru hikers cannot. This year, thru hikers must give up their shelter space to section hikers with reservations. No shelter spaces are reserved for thru hikers. Generally, this is not a problem because most hikers prefer to tent. It could be a problem, however, during periods of inclement weather. So, that¢s two long days in a row. JAY-B and I have decided to take a short 7.2 mile day tomorrow. Reporting from the trail,
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Derrick Knob shelter

To: Double Spring shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Last night the wind blew strong through the shelter but I was fine tucked in my sleeping bag in the shelter. JAY-B and I took our time getting packed up. The trail was much more to our liking; the grades were not as steep as yesterday, and the trail didn't take us over the peak of every mountain. With our short hike today, we arrived at the shelter at about 1pm. There were others here, most of whom moved on. Stich and Grapevine are both suffering from sprained ankles and have decided to spend the night here with JAY-B and me. This was a short day after two long, hard days. Once we got to the shelter, we had a choice of two water sources; one on the Tennessee side of the ridge, and the other on the North Carolina side of the trail. I filled our water bottles on the North Carolina side. It was a "piped" spring, meaning a spring with a pipe inserted into it. There are several schools of thought when it comes to consuming water found along the AT. A few never treat or filter water, period. Others treat or filter water from all sources. I have been chemically treating most water, except for water from springs near the peaks of mountains. I have been using a common chemical treatment called Aqua Mira drops, which takes about 25 minutes to treat water. I must have a leak on one of my Aqua Mira bottles, so I switched to Aqua Mira tablets, which take four hours to treat water. This doesn't work very well since I only carry two 1-liter water bottles with me, and I consume more than that within four hours on warmer days like yesterday. So lately, I've been risking it by drinking untreated water. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'll try to buy more of the drops in Gatlinburg in a couple days.Reporting from the trail,
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My second zero day of the hike. I woke up around 6:30am and went down to the office of the Grand Prix Motel, where JAY-B and I are sharing a room, and did my laundry. It's nice to have clean smelling clothes. I also had the chance to speak to "Goose" of the "Canadian Geese" from the Charlotte, NC, area while I was waiting for my laundry to finish.JAY-B aka HomelessJAY-B and I met Bobby and Nancy at the Shoney's nearby for the AYCE breakfast buffet. Then, they drove us out to the Food City grocery store so we could resupply for the next leg of our hike. I think we may have bought more than we could carry, but we'll go through our stockpile tonight and sort it out. I realized yesterday that I need to eat more calories in the morning than what is provided in two servings of instant oatmeal. Plus, up until this point, I have relied on well-thought out resupply boxes of food sorted out by my wife. We'll see how it goes this way.After the Food City experience, Bobby and Nancy drove us to the new NOC outfitter in the middle of town. I wanted a new watch band for my old Casio, and found a complete new Timex watch for only $20, so I went ahead and picked it up. I also bought a new set of shoe laces, since the washing machine at the hotel seems to have eaten mine. JAY-B looked for a new tent, but decided to put off a decision until later. Turned out that Nancy bought more than we did.JAY-B and I stopped at a mini-market on the way back to the Grand Prix to pick up a couple of extra items. I had mentioned to him earlier that he was beginning to look more like a homeless person than an AT thru hiker. After he paid for his items, he went outside and sat on a bench waiting for me to finish inside. I convinced one of the clerks to approach him, hand him a quarter, and tell him to take care of himself. I wish I had videotaped it. It was hilarious!! He actually took the quarter for a moment, and then realized the clerk thought he was homeless. JAY-B jumped up from his bench and protested, trying to return the quarter. I was cracking up laughing inside the store. He's promised to get me back for that one.Tonight, we're going to join Bobby and Nancy for dinner somewhere in Gatlinburg or nearby Pigeon Forge. Then, early tomorrow morning, it¢s back to the trail at Newfound Gap. It sure has been nice to have Bobby and Nancy carting us all over town. Thanks, Bobby and Nancy!!
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Painter Branch

To: Roaring Fork shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: few clouds

Another gorgeous day for hiking. I can't believe my luck weather wise! A rather uneventful day, although JAY-B and I are picking up our mileage. We had some long climbs, followed by long descents. I'm really sweating during the climbs, and I don't know what smells more - me or my clothes. Yikes on both, though!!We did climb Max Patch today, a grassy bald with 360 degree views and a nice breeze. We took pictures and sat around for at least a half hour. Then we had a nice descent to our shelter on a trail along a rushing stream. Very different for us to be at this lower elevation. The trees here actually have leafed out! And the stream, with small waterfalls, was gorgeous to walk along. The shelter was old and all of us decided to tent, except JAY-B, who stayed in the shelter. I tented right under the bear bag cables - not sure that was the smartest place to tent, but it was the only level spot I could find.We had to walk .2 miles back the trail to get water from the stream. There was a 4 foot waterfall there, and I made use of it by trying to wash my feet and legs which get so dirty during the day. I would have rinsed my shirt out in the waterfall, too, but the water was way too cold for me to put it back on. I did freshen up using my bandana - a bandana bath. It was nice, but the clean feeling didn't last long. I started sweating again while walking back to the shelter.Hey, I'm still having a great time on the AT. I've finally got my act together on the trail: I know where everything is in my pack, I pack it the same way every day, I have the things I need most often, like my water treatment, in my pack rear panel, I have a system upon reaching the day's destination, and in the mornings. Everything's working well, and the weather is cooperating!
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Roaring Fork shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

My longest day. Again, the weather was perfect, although it has warmed up noticeably. Everything I am wearing (the same every day) is salt-stained, even the shoulder straps on my pack. I've also increased my consumption of water, although I know I was dehydrated when I got to Deer Park Mountain Shelter at the end of the day. It was more of the same - up and down, but we did have a nice, long, steady descent in the middle of the day.Shortly after leaving Roaring Fork Shelter this morning, I made a wrong turn after crossing a steam. JAY-B and I knew we were on a trail, but it quickly became apparent that it was not the AT. It was not heavily trampled like the AT. We got about .2 miles before we realized our mistake, and backtracked. We easily found the AT. I just wasn't paying enough attention.The forest floor was covered in wildflowers, and we came upon a bunch of them sprouting out of a rotted log. It was like a wildflower window box. We also saw our first flame azaleas, although they aren't blooming yet. The last 1.8 miles were a killer. I kept expecting to see the shelter right around every bend, and I really wanted to be done. Finally, I heard voices, and I knew I was close. The water source turned out to be a slow moving creek - not very appetizing. Jerry from Kentucky, Veto and Robo Hiker got there shortly before JAY-B and I did. Also there were section hikers Turtle (just retired from FedEx) and his wife, Catcher. They had filtered quite a bit of water already, and generously gave me a liter and a half. I drank it down quickly and felt much better.Later on that evening, Dr. Rock and Kit Kat came in. They looked like I must have when I got there - ready for it to be over. Our longest day so far!!
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Deer Park Mountain shelter

To: Hot Springs, N.C
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: few clouds

Last night was a warm one. I tried sleeping on top of my bag, but it wasn't long before I crawled inside. JAY-B and I got off to an early start this morning after a quick breakfast. Our packs were lighter than normal because we were almost out of food. The hike into Hot Springs was supposed to be all downhill, but we started the day out with a climb. Go figure. We made it to town pretty quickly, though, and checked in at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn for room availability. Then, we walked across the street and had a second breakfast. The restaurant was crowded with other thru hikers, including Yule the Mule, Olive Oil, Tarzan, Blue Skies, and Boo Boo. Cody, with whom I hiked several days at the beginning of my hike, was there finishing breakfast before being driven to Erwin, TN, where she will hike back to Hot Springs. Veto and Robo Hiker were also there. Section hikers Turtle and Catcher showed up, too. They're taking a zero here tomorrow. We returned to Elmer's, a victorian residence in the heart of town, exploded our packs, showered, shaved, and headed to the Post Office, Laundromat, and outfitter, in that order. It's nice to be clean, smell good, and wear clean clothes again. I bought some freeze dried dinners made by Enertia to try them out. I really don't need much food since I over -supplied in Gatlinburg. Tomorrow, we'll be heading back north again. Five nights will put us in Erwin, TN, were JAY-B's wife will be and we'll be taking a zero day. Still having a great time.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Hot Springs. N.C

To: Spring Mountain shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Wow! Slept like a log last night. Didn't really want to get up for breakfast at 8:30am. A couple Benadryl does wonders!Last night, twelve of us had dinner at Elmer's, including Elmer. He cooks only vegetarian meals. He prepared a stroganoff using an 8 pound hen¢s nest mushroom, not to be confused with a chickens nest mushroom. It was pretty good. We also had a black bean soup, salad, and pecan pie for dessert. This morning we had waffles and granola with strawberries. JAY-B, Jerry and I set off after quick stops at the post office and the outfitter. It rained early this morning but had stopped by the time we got underway. We had some climbing out of town but the rest of the day was fairly easy. Hikers noteWe got talking about hiking the AT last night around the dinner table and I explained the change in my expectation of thru hiking the AT. It happened upon our arrival at the Nantahala Outdoor Center a couple weeks ago. I initially thought JAY-B and I would grab a meal, look around a bit, and head out. Once there, we decided that the NOC, like so many other spots on the trail, is part of the trail experience. Now, we consider our options with the "trail experience" in mind. We expect to get more than a 2000 miler patch out of this; we're looking for the trail experience. I've decided, for example, to find my way back to Damascus for Trail Days in May. Anyway, we're camped just above the shelter area so we get the benefit of a breeze. Tomorrow we have a longer day at 15.4 miles. And, the weather continues to cooperate. In fact, temperatures are dipping about 10 degrees to highs in the low 60's. Sweet! Elmer
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Spring Mountain shelter

To: Jerry Cabin shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Well, a cold front came in last night and dropped our temperatures into the 20's this morning. Jerry, Veto and Robe Hiker were stirring early, but I yelled over to JAY-B that I wasn't getting out of my warm sleeping bag until the sun hit us. We both got moving at about 7:30am. Veto's gauge read 18 degrees then. We had a long day - our longest so far - 15.4 miles. It was more of the usual plumb and descend, but we did have one really long climb. I felt strong all day. After our lunch stop, we walked a section called Blackstack Cliffs. It was a very rocky, technical section along a narrow ridgeline. It took us awhile to cover that mile long walk. After that, we kicked it into gear and arrived at the shelter at about 6pm. I wanted to mention an invaluable piece of equipment, particularly on a day like today: hiking poles. They save me from falling every day, although I have fallen several times so far. Today, they helped me balance as I stepped on and over the rocks. I also use them to break the pounding my knees take on steep descents, and to help propel myself up climbs. If you're planning on doing any backpacking or hiking, even day hiking, I would recommend a good set of hiking poles. The Leki brand is very popular on the AT.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Bald Mountain shelter

To: No Business shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Okay, I have to be honest. This has to be one of my easiest hiking days yet. We had two moderate climbs today, and the rest was downhill. And, most of the descent was of moderate enough grade that it was easy on the knees. I got to the shelter at 2:30pm and considered going another 6 miles or so into Erwin, TN, but we opted to spend the night here and have a short day tomorrow. Tree snapped off 12 feet upThere must have been one heck of a storm in this area recently. The mountains were covered with large, downed trees. The trail maintainers have done a great job of clearing the trail of blow downs and branches here. The East Tennessee Hiking and Canoe Club are responsible for maintaining this section of the AT, and they've done a great job. It was evident today how much time and effort they've put into making the trail passable for us. Most of the AT is maintained by volunteer members of local hiking clubs, and they really do a great job. Thanks, guys!! We appreciate your efforts!
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Roan High Knob shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I checked out of the Holiday Inn Express this morning, loaded my backpack into Charlotte's car, and rode the bicycle I absconded with from Uncle Johnny's back to his establishment. Charlotte dropped us off at Iron Mountain Gap where we said our goodbyes and we were off.We decided that we would play things by ear as far as our final destination for the day. Ultimately, we decided to push on for Roan High Knob Shelter. The climb up Roan Mountain was steep, but I was feeling good and marched right up. Slinky, Veto, and I all made it to the shelter but so far, JAY-B is missing in action. We all discussed going out to look for him, figuring that he missed the side trail to the shelter. We know he has all his gear with him and plenty of food, so we assume he will realize his mistake and find a campsite for the night.Roan High Knob Shelter, at an elevation of 6275 feet, is the highest shelter on the AT. We were concerned about the weather at this elevation because the forecast is for rain. The shelter is an old fire warden's cabin originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930's. I am staying in the loft of the shelter tonight while Slinky and Veto are tenting nearby.Tomorrow we'll learn the rest of JAY-B's story.....
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Apple House shelter

To: Mountaineer shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

We got up and headed out earlier than usual this morning and walked about a mile out to US 19. We turned left on the road and walked less than a mile down to the Mountain Harbor B&B, which also runs a hostel in an old barn. Cody, Stickwalker, Mountain Man, and Mrs. Joy, were there as well as the Canadian Geese and several others. They had all hitched a ride to the hostel from Carvers Gap yesterday because Cody was sick. She was feeling much better, but now Stickwalker was under the weather, and they were planning to stay another day.We had hoped to get out of the rain, a bed for the night, a shower, do laundry, and get a good meal at the hostel. Well, no luck - they were already booked for the night because of the forecast of severe thunderstorms. They did offer a tent site for $8/pp, but we figured we could tent in the woods for free!JAY-B, Veto, Slinky and I headed back out to the highway and walked a mile in the opposite direction to a convenience store where the three of us ordered pizzas - at 10am! It was a second breakfast. I ate part of mine and had them wrap the rest of it up for dinner. Then, we retraced our steps one mile back to the AT trailhead, and we were off.Wet clothes hanging in the shelterShortly after starting back out, it started raining again so we stopped and donned our rainwear. We kept moving steadily to try to get to the next shelter before the forecasted thunderstorm started. We did detour long enough to take the side trail to Jones Falls, which was rushing due to all the recent rain. There was another great, unnamed waterfall before we reached the shelter. The Mountaineer Shelter is new within the last couple of years and accommodates 14 hikers on two levels and a loft. nice. So far, there are only 8 hikers in the shelter and two tenting nearby, but a heavy rain just started, so that may change things.