morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wine Spring Road
Miles today: 8.2

The friendly folks at First Baptist Church in Franklin shuttled us to their church fellowship hall for a wonderful breakfast of pancakes/bacon/beverages. They also photographed all the hikers and are sending the prints to loved ones at home! They have fed over 500 hikers this season. After all that goodness, we were shuttled back to Winding Stair Gap to begin the day's walking. Up and down, over and under, that's what we do all day. Ended up 8.2 miles farther in the journey. I am a tired man.Here's a bit more of "trail life":I slept in the Whitley Gap Shelter on Saturday, March 30, against my better judgement. I knew the sounds could drive you out. Well, there were eight of us men and most of them snored. One sounded like a truck's jake brake and another like a dull buzz saw blade with smoke coming out of it - oh wait - the smoke was coming out of my ears. Another sounded like a two note flute and off key. The other one sounded like a goose leaving the water with wings hitting the water plus the honking. The other one was like a small hammer drill or a big sewing machine. The last one was just an annoying sound. So for hours, it was saw man, then flute man followed by sewing machine man. Then goose man joined the racket, plus jake brake man got in his share too. Then annoying man chipped in. I couldn't sleep with the racket so I was making knuckle sandwiches without pickle, lettuce, or tomato. I was also making left hook to right jaw and right hook to left jaw. I had a total of 31 sandwiches ready for attack. I finally fell asleep from exhaustion of walking and sandwich making. I was the first guy up and the crew was still going hard and heavy. I made breakfast and White Sidewalls and I took off down the trail. I was leading and at less than 100' I came across a reddish chameleon and we looked at it for a bit. I know chameleons change color in their surroundings. I kept wondering why the little fellow was there. Well, it was Easter Sunday and I shouldn't have had those bads thoughts at all. The next night I slept in my tent beside a small stream that was singing softly and tenderly. On Tuesday the thought came to me what the chameleon meant. I was supposed to change my thoughts about my fellow snore men, but at the time I couldn't see it. Thank you chameleon for putting me in my place.To see photos of The Leopard and White Sidewalls, visit www.trailjournals.com/WhiteSidewalls. You will be delighted!Thought for the day: A man who goes up the mountain and through the wilderness gets very tired.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Wine Spring Road

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

We left camp at 6:30 am without breakfast then had breakfast at Wayah Bald. Today was mostly good walking until the last hill which was 1.2 miles up. The old man has to rest and sweat a lot. We stopped at Cold Storm Shelter because a storm was coming. We set up camp, ate supper, and it rained a little during supper. I walked 7.6 miles in 8 hours. After supper I did my journal. It is supposed to storm during the night. Took pictures at Wayah Bald and of the stone observation tower. Fellow hikers are in tents and hammocks ready to call it a day.Thought for the day:The eagle soars high in the sky and sees The Leopard moving slowly along on the AT. Not to devour, but to see and experience nature that was made for all mankind to see. The Leopard's eyes are your eyes to see part of that nature.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

I saw butterflies for the first time today. One was a swallowtail. Hopefully I caught a photo of it. I also saw mayapples and a lot of little white flowers. We went up on Wesser Bald observation tower. I had to do "The Thinker" pose! During the night it rained about 3 hours. The thunder rolled, the lightning flashed, the winds blew, and the rains poured. I was as snug as a bug in my sleeping bag. Quite the experience to sleep in a tent during the storm. We met Dimples from New Jersey and she's nicknamed "camp mom" by the other hikers. She is quite the hiker!Guest Thought for the day:Some people pass through our lives like never ending streams.Others stop and touch our heartswith a warmth that never ends.Thank you Diana!
Date: 2013-04-13
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We walked a mile to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and ate breakfast. I had 3 eggs, 2 sausage patties, potatoes, and whole wheat bread and coffee. That was a special. We had a 6 mile uphill climb. It took us from 11:00-6:00 - 7 hours to climb 6 miles. I saw my first snake on the trail - a garter snake. It was a rough walk over rocks, sticks, and trees. Made camp and made supper and I am in my sleeping bag.Thought for the day:The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7

We got up at 6:30 which was late for us. I was bushed from a 6 hour uphill hike yesterday. We left camp at 8:20. Walked some flat parts and some uphill and about half of it was downhill. After 6.7 miles of walking we came to a highway. There was Quest-a 2004 thru hiker-with trail magic. He had coke and bananas. I was so bushed that the 2.4 mile hike farther to Brown Fork Gap Shelter was not possible. I was running on fumes. So Quest took us to Robbinsville and showed us around and took us to a motel. We went to Wendy's and got a hamburger/fries/frosty. We washed our clothes and then went to a Mexican resturant. I had a chicken breast with mushrooms on top. There we met Quest and his family. Quest was trail magic and a God-send today. We had a mile before we would have had to climb Jacob's Ladder which is said to be a rock climb all the way up with almost no hand holds or foot holds. It is not for weaklings including my dead body. We were lucky to get to town because soon after that it started to rain and rain on Jacob's Ladder is not good for hikers.Thank you Greg and Eudora for the support and motel.Thought for the day:As I stood atop of Wayah Bald Tower, I saw all around me the handiwork of the the Great Jehovah. The clouds in the sky, mountains big and tall, the millions of trees, the flowers, and the swallowtail butterfly. There I was like a grain of sand on the seashore. One mere dot. What is my purpose, am I there yet?
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up at 6:15 in the motel. White Sidewalls and I went looking for a restaurant and ended up at McDonald's. The motel shuttle took us to Stecoah Gap around 9:00. We walked a mile before we hit Jacob's Ladder. It was a rough 1 mile up and a gain of 600'. I saw no resemblance of Jacob's Ladder. It was so steep and uneven that my nose was plowing a trench in front of me and sweat was pouring into the trench which made me spin mud back at White Sidewalls. We inched up and stopped every 25-50' to rest, pant, and sweat. We oozed to the top an hour later and it was nice up there. On the way I was thinking there should be a sign on my forehead that reads "Here Comes Stupid". And on my backpack one that says "There Goes Stupid". Keeping in mind Jacob's Ladder I thought WWJD. Well I thought He would be smart enough not to try this. I noticed all morning a bird of some sort was following us. When the going was tough he would chirp in a southern chirp "Keep Going". That bird was with us all day. Every time going up he would chirp. I looked for him in the bushes but couldn't find him. I guess we did have an angel following us all day. It was kinda strange but good. We finished our hike about 4:00 and weren't worn out for a change. So was the bird our help or an encouragement? Made supper then worked on the journal. Jedi and another kid had their guitars in camp tonight. So it was noisy with all the kids (about 30) singing but it was good. We didn't see Kunsie the warden today. He must have gotten to Fontana.Thought for the day:When you think there is nothing good about a climb, keep your eyes and ears open. Today that good was a little chirping bird. (Was it angel unaware?)
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana 28 AT Crossing
Miles today: 5.4

There was a blood curdling scream at about 1:00 this morning. A half-grown bear had come wandering into the campsite. YIKES! This morning we walked 55 minutes uphill to get out of the campsite. I took a lot of flower photos today. We arrived at Fontana about 12:30 and rested the rest of the day. The Hike Inn people-Jeff and Nancy Hoch-did our laundry! We rested, ate, rested, ate, and stocked food for the next 6 days starting in the Smoky Mts. Jeff gave us a lot of hints what to do/what not to do/what animals/wildlife to watch for and general information. Good stuff. He also told us that two-thirds of the people starting the AT drop out at Fontana for whatever reason. So now we are in the one-third that are still going. It's time to settle down and get some sleep. Lots of miles ahead yet.Thought for the day:All people smile in the same language.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.1

The shuttle got us to the trailhead by 9:00. We walked across the Fontana Dam bridge to the entrance of the Smoky Mts. A 4 mile hike up the hills in 4 1/2 hours. There was rain and thunder to the south of us but we didn't get wet. We struggled up and up until about 3:30. Then it was mostly downhill to Birch Spring Gap campsite. There are approximately 15-20 people camping here tonight. We had a 7.10 mile hike today. Our packs are heavy because we have 6 days of food in them. This should get us to Clingman's Dome. Last night at the hostel there were 6 guys above the age of 60 - The Leopard, White Sidewalls, NotY2K, Robo Cop, Ramy, and Gray Beard (not Graybeard 13). Thought for the day:We had another bird following us most of the day. So I guess we are going to the birds.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

We slept until 7:00 this morning and hit the trail by 8:30. It was really windy and cold probably about 55 degrees. Not much scenery and not many flowers to photograph. No overlooks, just mostly walking up and down in amongst the trees. A long 10.8 miles today. Ready to settle down and sleep.Thought for the day:In the spring when you see creation starting to bloom in the mountains, you forget all the hard walking you do every day. The beauty of it all can ease the pain of walking all those long hours.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Trail to Clingman's parking area
Miles today: 9.8

I woke up at 6:00 and the wind was blowing and it was COLD. I stayed in the sleeping bag until 7:00. I quickly got dressed because there was frost on my tent and on the ground. My shoes were wet on the outside when I went to sleep so they were frozen and hard to put on. My water in the pack and water bottle were mostly frozen. And that was in my tent --BBRRR. I got a late start because the tent was frozen and the tent pad was frozen to the ground. The sun warmed me a bit and I put the frozen stuff in my pack and went to walking. Today's elevation ranged 5500'-6500'. I could see my breath most of the day, it was that cold. We saw frozen fog on the north side of the trees close to Clingman's Dome. It was falling on us as we walked under the trees. I took photos of it. My last 2.6 miles were very demanding. A lot of up and lots of stones to walk on. The scenery was good. I finally got to Clingman's Dome parking lot. I had a motel room in Gatlinburg if we could get there before 10:00 PM. At Clingman's Dome we put out our thumbs, and a nice hiker man picked us up and took us to Newfound Gap. We used our thumbs again and two day hikers picked us up and took us to the motel. Thank you black pick up truck man for giving us a ride. I was really cold even with two coats on. Went to supper at KFC at 9:00 PM. We went back to the motel and showered. Wow - a full stomach and a warm shower. The last time I was inside was at Hikers Inn at mile 164.8. That was about 23.8 miles ago.Thought for the day:I saw a lot of rocks today. This reminded me of the song, "Does Your Anchor Hold And Grip The Solid Rock".
Date: 2013-04-21
To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

We are staying at the Grand Prix Motel. This morning we went for breakfast then came back and decided on our next week's journey. We rode the trolley to the laundromat and also did shopping next door at Family Dollar. A man at the laundromat said he would take us back to the motel at no charge. A trail angel again. It was probably a 5 mile drive. We now have all our camping gear cleaned and washed and ready to pack for the next 5 days. Tomorrow morning we have a few errands to do (get badly needed haircuts) and then we head back to Clingman's Dome to continue our hike for about 3.7 miles and then stop for the night. Today we ate at McDonald's, Bennett's and Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant. Good stuff.Thought for the day:It's nice to not walk hills for the day, but we still had work to do.****Thank you to Mid-City for the support, encouragement, and the motel.Leonard: I'll keep walking and you McDonald guys keep gawking.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Trail to Clingman's parking lot

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 3.7

I ate breakfast at a breakfast bar which had 50 different items of food on it. We went to the NOC and got a ride to Clingman's Dome for $5. We hit the trail at about 11:15 and made a stop at Clingman's Dome for a photo shoot. I had a sunny but cool day, just right for hiking. I was limping on the trail today because Saturday I made a little misstep. I had a short day walking because of the late start. We set up camp at 4:00, made supper and I got into the sleeping bag to rest my legs. It will be a cool night - we are 5970'. I saw LostnFound at Clingman's Dome. She had gotten sick and was going to go home to Knoxville for a few days. Met a couple in camp. Her name was Hightide and I can't remember his name. We also met some non-hikers at Clingman's Dome that had questions for us. They took our photo and couldn't believe we have been walking since March 24 and are headed for Maine. Let them chew on that for a while. Thought for the day:Today was a good hiking day. Hiking can be better than working sometimes.It can be tiring but rewarding.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

We left Mt Collins Shelter at 8:30. We stuffed our wet and frosty stuff into the backpacks and went. We got to Newfound Gap around 11:00 and talked to people that were amazed that we were walking to Maine. So we got photos taken again. When we left Newfound Gap we went about 300' and found a log that said, "Go Grandpa, Love, Ryan and Grace". It was too difficult to get a photo so I stored the photo in my head! I am the only grandpa that got such a message from home. Makes for a good day! We got to Icewater Spring Shelter around 3:00 and then I took a nap. I got supper out of the way and hit the sack. It was kinda a limping day again. Today I met Ridge Runner (trail maintenance guy) that had put up a new privy. The privy had to have handicap grab bars and ramp because it was a federal project. There was no way a wheelchair could go up because of the roots and rocks! And they can't remove those. Your government at work. Go figure!Thought for the day:Hiking through thick pine forest trees you can smell the pine and it gives a person the Christmas spirit because of the good smell.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked fast today to try to get 12.6 miles but didn't accomplish that because we both had sore/tired legs. WhiteSidewalls lost a toenail. We reached Pecks Corner Shelter and set up the tents because it started to rain. It's foggy and chilly. We got the supper over with and are in our sleeping bags and it's only 7:00. Tomorrow will be a long day. Hopefully we can do 12.9 miles to Cosby Knob Shelter. Today I took photos of two new privies complete with handicap bars and ramps. The photos will be posted later.Thought for the day:It takes both rain and sunshine to make a rainbow.****Hey barber Dave - I took matters into my own hands and shaved my head with my battery shaver. Now it's as smooth as a duck's bill and I am no longer a hippie!Leonard - I think the story you posted about the hiker is really about a horse and the veterinarian! HAAgne - Thanks for reminding me about Mom and the bird. It would sound like what Mom would have said "keep going, you can do it". When my wife Marilyn read me your comment I had to cry. I was glad WhiteSidewalls was leading Saturday afternoon. That way I could sniffle and wipe my tears without being noticed, I hope. Thanks again.On April 19 when the wind and rain were blowing like crazy, Packman passed us on top of the mountain not wearing a shirt and wearing shorts. It was unbelievable! I was cold wearing full rain gear. He soon passed out of sight in the storm.Mike O - The bears take one look at me and weep with fear. Remember I am The Leopard and can do great harm in a few seconds. HA
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

During the night it rained and this morning the tent flap was frozen shut and I had to go out the other flap. A 4" icicle was hanging on the bottom of the tent. I really am tired of cold weather. We are in the cold weather ALL the time! We had a good walk today - 12.9 miles, doing 2.5 mph at times. I took lots of photos. I managed to fall at mile 10 today. My right leg went sliding and my left ankle couldn't support me very well so down I went. My left ankle has no pain anymore. It is a little weak yet but is getting MUCH better. I am sitting on a rock with both coats on with hat/gloves and I can see my breath. There are probably 30 other hikers here. Everyone has settled down for the night. We have around 10 miles to hike tomorrow and hopefully we will end up at the Best Western in Newport Friday night.Thought for the day:Sometimes speed and carelessness leads to a sudden stop! I went down on all fours but didn't bark like a dog - only a little whimpering. (Now my wife gets to fix the hole in my pantleg.) grrr****Mark LeMarr - Thank you again for your generosity while we were in Gatlinburg!
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: IN 32, NC 284, Davenport Gap
Miles today: 8.0

There was dew on the tent this morning. No frost! I got up at 6:00, took down the tent, ate breakfast - dry cereal - and hit the trail. Just at sunrise, two hoot owls started calling to each other. The trail was one uphill climb and took about an hour. Then it was mostly downhill after that. It started at 4791' and down to Davenport Gap at 2572'. The flowers were wonderful along the path. The shuttle picked us up at Davenport Gap and took us to Newport/Best Western. I was ready for a HOT shower and clean up. A Cracker Barrel and then we did laundry. I talked to Chipmunk today. I see her off and on on the trail. She is 14 and hikes alone and her parents meet her at road crossings for resupply. Chipmunk fell about 100' from the road crossing and bumped her head a bit. WhiteSidewalls saw it all happen. She seemed to be okay and her parents had just driven up so she was taken care of. In the Cracker Barrel parking lot I met Louis and Clark, a hiking couple. I got out of the GSMNP today! Oh goody, now we can hike to our liking. No more scheduled/mandatory stops. Thought for the day:Sunny day and lots of flowers along the path made for a good hiking day in the woods.
Date: 2013-04-27
From: IN 32, NC 284, Davenport Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

***NEWS FLASH***NEWS FLASH***I woke up in a motel room on Saturday morning in Newport, TN. My fooddrop was at the motel. I needed a doctor to check out my stomach pains I have had over a week now. My fall on Thursday made it worse. I didn't know if I had torn my guts or what. I ate breakfast then the motel maintenance man took WhiteSidewalls and myself to the hospital. Well, they did a check up. I had a blood test and then a CAT scan on my stomach. There are 768 cats staring at my belly with the lead cat giving instructions to the other cats. I lucked out and nothing serious was found. Only a few pulled muscles. Since I had lost 20# already they gave me IV fluids to bolster my body. And of course a prescription for some pills for the next 15 days. My ankle is bothering me and it's swollen now so I can't walk right and carry my backpack because of my stomach muscle pain. My wife and I along with others decided going off the trail for a week or two would be best. I have food decisions to make and healing to do. I will return to the trail as soon as things have improved. In the meantime I will post stories that have been kept back and hope I have enough to last. Oh boy, I'm returning home on Sunday, April 28. Good luck WhiteSidewalls - hope to be back soon!Thought for the day:Walking about 40 miles in 5 days on a hurting ankle and stomach pains, stepping on rocks, stepping over rocks, and stepping over fallen trees is not a very enjoyable way to spend time in the great outdoors. Have mercy on the weak minded hiker.
Date: 2013-04-28
To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

It's Sunday morning and WhiteSidewalls and I went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast and had a long chat. It rained during the night and was still raining this morning. I'm waiting on my wife to pick me up and take me home to heal my ills. When my wife came we took WhiteSidewalls to WalMart to shop and then we went to Ruby Tuesday's for lunch and a long chat. We loaded up for Indiana around 2:00 PM. We stopped at son Chris's house in Noblesville for a while to visit. We arrived home around 2:00 AM Monday morning. Now it's time to start healing and get back on the trail ASAP.Thought for the day:Never get between a hiker and REAL food!
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

***Check out the NEWS FLASH on April 27 & 28***Here's the Jedadiah story --I met Jedi early on and he is an amazing fellow. He was gone for a while. Now I meet him every so often at the shelters. On Saturday, April 20, I left the shelter before he did and a couple hours later he was behind WhiteSidewalls and I The Leopard. We were resting while going up a steep hill so Jedi stopped and talked with us. WhiteSidewalls took his picture as he played a song on his guitar. He turned and walked up the hill singing and playing his guitar. Soon he was over the hill and gone. Can you imagine this scene miles from nowhere and a young guy singing and playing and then disappearing from sight? We didn't see him all day after that.Thought for the day:If I keep my eyes and ears open to whatever goes on along the AT, it gives a fellow goosebumps.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Hello to all my friends on the AT and at home. I had my first appointment today for a foot x-ray to see if I have a cracked or broken bone. My ligaments got stretched too much so that's where the pain is coming from. I got some treatment for the injury today and I go back on Wednesday and Friday. I had to order an ankle brace to help steady my foot. I hope in another week to be walking the AT again. So watch out WhiteSidewalls, here I come full blast!****On the trail again...In one of the earlier shelters, I was in my tent sleeping when I thought I heard a woman screaming for help. It was just two screech owls talking to each other. They carried on for at least 20 minutes - long enough to annoy all of us. I finally got back to sleep and hoped the owls were done for the night and they were.****Thought for the day:It's nice to be home and see all the spring flowers around the house which I didn't think I would see this year.....On the other hand, I would also like to be out on the AT with WhiteSidewalls doing what we do well!