morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Neels Gap, GA
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: moderate rain

March 27 --Woke up, rain stopped. I retrieved bear bag, cooked oatmeal, ran out of gas before coffee. I went to connect spare canister and found the new tank was threaded, the old wasn't. Problem, but I planned on buying fuel at Neels Gap Outfitter anyway. Then the rain started, heavy. Packed in the pour down, up Blood Mtn to the shelter at the top, where I met a couple from Holland and a GAMC volunteer. The hike down to the gap was messy, mud, leaves, running streams for a path. I took the high side of the path rim to avoid the water middle, a little too high once on the right side which caused my boot to slip and my shoulder to head to the ground, pushed by the weight of the pack. No harm. Crossing the highway to the outfitter I saw cars in the parking lot. Wow, cars! I spotted other hiker types milling by a smoky outdoor grill, I was drawn. Free hamburger from the local friendlies. Three bites it was gone. I met Cruiser Don, said he was staying the night. I went inside to check it out and found Cari, Liz, Tim and Butch, at least, all staying over. I gave in too, $25 to sleep on the floor of the red cabin with 5 others, laundry and shower. I checked on my stove fuel. "Are you European?" I was asked, these stoves are sold in Europe, you won't find these canisters anywhere along the trail. Huh? What choice? A $40 MSR Pocket Rocket, and a small canister. I got a ride with Gary, a dog Pepper, to what turned out to be a house, an unfogettable ride, 3 1/2m downhill mountain road, 60 going in 25 mph curves looking through a fogged windshield. Roommates, store employees, 2 dogs, I can't figure it out. One of the guys cooked a good pasta sauce mix with garlic bread. Bad, no worse, weather predicted for tomorrow clearing on Sunday. I will probly sign up for another night, I'll try the hostel in the morning.
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Neels Gap, GA

To: Neels Gap, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Full day off the trail, bad, dragged. I got a ride up to the store, Mountain Crossing, by opening, 8:30, and I was the first at the counter to sign up for a room at the hostel next door, pay later. I then went to the internet, weather.com, T-storms, hail & high winds at Blairsville, GA. I decided then to pay for the bunk. I hung around the hostel and store back and forth all day, I saw everything in the store at least twice, they must've thought I was looking for a job. Liz's dog Jumar, cut his paw and Pirate, the hostel chef, drove them to the vet far away because it was Saturday. The dog needed one stitch and Liz, who now took the name Hobbit from me at Gooch Shelter when she was walking around all morning barefoot, I asked her if she was a hobbit, needed to pay $320. They left midday for Low Gap. Throughout the day a new bunch of hikers arrived, younger guys, a lot of energy. Pirate made spagetti with garlic bread for all and we watched The Good, The Bad and The Ugly to match. Shower before bed, hope for early start.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Neels Gap, GA

To: Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

March 29 --Early rise at 5:40, breakfast pancakes, coffee and 1/2 pop tart, (all sugar!) with Pirate. Not talkative, he was busy doing his word search book or maybe his lessons, anyway I went outside at 6:30, stars were here/there so I decided to take a walk back up Blood Mtn for sunrise photos. I walked for about 40 minutes, as it brightened under now cloudy skies, until I came to the cloud covering the mountain top. Upon turning around, the sky was a narrow strip of orange at the horizon between 2 visible peaks. I stopped the ascent and began taking photos, while descending. Moments later the sun itself appeared in the narrow, cloudless gap, fat, bright egg yolk orange, and the mist in the foreground below lit a soft glow that lasted no more than 5 minutes. With the show over, I walked back to the hostel arrived just after 8:00. Many bunk mates, 20 or so, had departed, and I took longer than expected to pack up, what else? I hit the trail minutes before 9:00 and gobbling down my breakfast banana, I was off for an unknown destination. The prize would be Blue Mtn Shelter, 18m away, but anything less would do. First I caught up with the guy from MA and dog, Charlie. Later I was overtaken by a guy I saw at Neels Gap 2 days and shortly after that, a girl came by as I stopped trying to zip my candy bar compartment zipper after retrieving my trail mix. Within five minutes I saw her again taking a gorp break at an overlook. We talked, her name Sara from MA, she plans to go to ME. Later I caught T-Bo and within minutes Coley and Sally at Low Gap Shelter. T-Bo said he was staying and the 3 of us moved on, 7.2m to go. I pulled away from them after Coley said his knees were bothering him. Later Sara passed me again when I stopped for my gloves. The wind had kicked up and the temperature dropped to 30 degrees. There was one section where it was windy and after leaving, the wind could be heard for a long time. By about 15m the trail became PA-like, rocks! It was slow going, but I reached the shelter at Blue Mtn by 17:30. The shelter was full so I tented near Sara. In the shelter was Hobbit and Carrie and dog, Houdini, and 2 young guys from the hostel. Then the British guy from the hostel came in and tented next to us. I got water and cooked #4/#3, magnificent! Its 32 degess now and the wind sounds like I am at the beach with the wild surf, and I have a lot of clothing on. The fly on the tent does nothing to block wind. The SL, super light, tent is mostly fine screen, so I may wake up frozen tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

March 30 --The wind had shifted 90 degrees overnight, still very breezy, but a most spectacular sunrise led to picture taking and lollygagging, a late breakfast and finally an 11:00 departure. The pace was slow all day, it became so warm that I stripped to shorts and a single shirt within an hour. I took lunch on Rocky Mtn and spread the down bag to thoroughly dry in the direct sun. I made my way up Tray Mtn, 4430', views 0k obscured by bushes. Down the hill I stopped at Tray Mtn Shelter. A few guys there, I looked over the maps, etc and decided to tent for the night, my boots were telling me that they wanted off, too hot! So I ate a little early and visited a little with Tim, Wayne, and Hank, another guy from Hopewell, NJ and his step son who were at the hostel. Cheap day, only 7.8m, I hope to get to Plumorchard Gap Shelter tomorrow. 50 degrees inside the tent.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Tray Mtn Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

March 31 --After six hours of good sleep, the wind kicked up loud enough to prevent deeper sleep, and a persistent mouse, or mice, was at my screen door jumping by my head. I awoke at 3:40, 6:40 still too early, finally 7:18. I still didn't start walking 'til 9:18. I changed over to the Pocket Rocket, a controlled blow torch, too hot, too noisy, but got oatmeal and coffee. All last evening and this morning the thumping of the grouse could be heard nearby. The walk today started in boots, but just walking around the campsite was uncomfortable just above my right ankle on the outside, there was stress on the ligament, apparently from the high top boot. The hike ended at Plumorchard Gap Shelter, a three decker, 15.5m.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Mtn
Miles today: 13.6

April 1 --Last night's entry interrupted by bugs attack attracted to the headlamp. Rain over night, drizzly start. The shelter stay was hectic. A 3 level shelter, I took the top level, far corner, but as more came, it became apparent that I was boxed in. I was next to a plexiglass window, but the slanted roof and small sleeping space made it awkward to manage my stuff. Gimme a tent! So today I walked past the popular destination, Standing Indian Shelter, to Standing Indian Mtn, 5498', 13.6m for the day. I also crossed the NC border at Bly Gap. Today was tiring. A drizzly start, then clouds, humidity, the sun. I stopped at a spring and rinsed my sweat soaked shirt, washed my upper body with my bandana, it was very refreshing after the consecutive 500' climbs. The rest was uneventful as the trail became rocky to Deep Gap. Then a 2.2m, ~1000' rise to Standing Indian Mtn, beautiful view westward. At sunset a local cloud blanketed us, and now it feels chilly. There are about 6 tenters, Brad, the Holland friends, others new to me, but know each other. My feet are a little beat up, the right boot not laced high. I feel I still haven't adjusted to the trail routine. The going is slow at times and I think of when it might become "easy". I prefer tenting over shelters, esp last night's conditions and snore fest, even though I save time in the morning by not tearing down the tent, I still leave too much to do in the morning.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Standing Indian Mtn

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

April 2 --The cloud that disappeared last night's sunset turned into rain overnight and most of today. I walked with shirt only, comfortably, in occasional cool breeze stretches through many rhododendron canopies. Some rocky and most miserable root stretches slowed progress, but I was able to make predicted arrival. A downpour forced me to put on my jacket, worthless, doesn't breathe, not water proof, right at the base of Albert Mtn, steep hand on rock climbing, with a tower at the top. Another blown vista. I made it to Big Spring Shelter at 16:30, it was packed. No matter, away from the snorers and bullshitters in the organized cozy tent is comfort. With dry clothes on, a cup of hot chocolate down, a dinner of #4 and potatos, was comforting. 48 degrees in the tent. Last night I had to go out of the tent twice to pee. Then again before noon, the first time that has happened. Usually it occurs around 15:00, more likely 17:00, very dark, after 3 liters of water. Today the color was more normal. Maybe its the liver cleansing or the kidneys are stressed! Its still raining on the tent, the thought of the wet clothes sitting in the corner makes me want to sleep until the rain stops.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 17.3

April 3 --36 degrees in the tent. I am writing this one with gloves on, the fierce and noisy wind is still churning bringing with it the misty mountain fog on and off. The moonlight through it all is enough to see objects in the tent. Last night the wind gusted and howled with the rain, so much so that I was awakened several times. I remember once thinking what the best lying position should be when the crashing tree limb crushes the tent, and I spent most of the time after curled in a ball on my side. The start was sloppy in rain gear, but I made good time and soon stripped to a long sleever. The mountain fog was thick at times, most memorable was at 30 yd visibility entering a fifteen foot high grove of rhododendron, with exit a barely visible grey glow. Middle earth like. At 9m out on US64 were Trail Angels Bill and Ilene from a church in Franklin, offering me snacks, drinks, and best of all, a chair! Fritos, a bottle of water and a Little Debbie type cake later, I was signed in, photographed and interviewed, most cordially. This is what they do 3-4 days a week, today was chilly for them. Off again to today's destination, Wine Spring, 17.6m. Many of my fellow travellers have left the trail to go Franklin where there is a big 3 day party. It wasn't in my plans and I am feeling good on the trail. I plan to tent tomorrow then clean up in N.O.C at midday Sunday. There were 2 guys from MS camping here tonight, cousins, I forgot their names. I only saw two hikers on the trail today, Steph, we met just before and again at Bill and Ilene's, and a lady near Siler Bald Shelter, my side of 55, by herself, wasn't sure where she'd be staying the night. I like that idea. While I stopped once to adjust my pack I realized I was standing in the present, looked back at the recent past, turned and looked ahead at the near future, all this while time ticked by.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Wine Spring

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

April 4 --I am writing Sunday morning because of the late arrival and hasty set up last night here at N.O.C. The plan was to tent at the Wesser Bald Shelter, but after meeting up with about 15 college kids from Florida State on an over night outing, who planned on tenting there, I decided to push 4.9m to the next shelter, headlamp and all. The problem was that I missed the shelter and continued here to the NOC, after hours. I set up along side a rushing, not babbling, brook, down an embankment at a busy intersection, not a real campsite, not really legal, so I must get out soon. But a description of yesterday must be made. The wind howled again at Wine Spring, 32 degrees in the tent, I thought I would freeze shivering at times. I had to pee at least three times, each time I was amazed at the clear, starlit sky, Little Dipper very easy to see. The sun rose brightly and I stayed in 'til 8:30 as the tent warmed. I had hung a clothesline of wet articles and were now dried, flapping in the breeze as I had breakfast. I didn't hit the trail until 12:05 and it was a perfect, sunny, cool day. A stop at the Wayah Bald stone tower was outstanding. Panoramic diagrams identified distant peaks, etc, unlimited visibility. Later, the Wesser Bald observation tower, along with the college kids, who were very polite and friendly, one girl had walked ME->VA last year, had magnificent views, just before sunset, shadowed peaks to the distant horizon. The shelter, 0.8m away, was empty, but me and mice don't mix. A single tent was there, Jersey Girl, retired in October '08 from near Atlantic City, and I warned her of the crowd coming, and I decided to move on, also because the water source was ~0.2m steep uphill. Anyway, I walked "forever", downhill here, twisting path in the dark. I plan to shower, do laundry, eat a meal, buy some food, check out the outfitter and hike out to Locust Cove Gap, 10.5m away.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

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

April 6 --Another windy night, sleep interrupted, but the predawn owl calling invasion was worth it. First, one "hoot owl", the kind the movie Indians would use to signal each other, then a second, closer, then at least two others, moving closer, rapidly approaching, then one flying by while hooting "just past" the tent, and off they went with the wind. I imagine it was the predawn shelter mouse raid, just doing their duty. And dawn was damp, with a chilly tent packing and a rain shell top start and pack cover. Two vitamin I, something I learned at Neels Gap as ibuprofen, after the usual breakfast, a long day to Fontana Dam, it would have to be an exceptional day, or a stop at one of two shelters along the way. After about one hour the small, round snow pellets began to fall, and the mountain mist began to accumulate on the most delicate plant stems and gossamers. Ground spider webs collected the snow balls which look like packets of laundry soap among the brown leafy floor. About three hours in, my right knee was again bothered by the downhills, so the destination would be Brown Fork Shelter. The snow and wind were of serious concern and I arrived at the huddled, packed shelter. I saw no space there and walked the grounds in search of a tent site. I then asked if there was room for me, "Oh yeah, but we're not sure which way the floor is tilted, and which way our heads will be, we'll hafta move that stuff outta the way". Least accommodating. I went down the hillside to the spring and discovered a campsite fire ring and my best chance at a tent site, which I claimed. I was driving, rather pressing, stakes with my boot in now driving snow, and within minutes had the fly lines taut and ready, pack secured inside with ridge rest extended. Not too soon, the pellets were now flakes, and falling fast, filling voids under the fly, thus sealing the wind, save for the "tail" of the tent where a nice two inch hole remained open. I had to regularly tap the tent walls to shake down the snow, making the wind barrier stronger. I decided the day would be spent there too. Remembering the forecast, trekking to the next shelter or even moving up the hill made little sense. I felt what I needed was rest, a good sleep, and rest for my body. I went to sleep knowing the challenge the next day would be to do nothing. This was survival mode.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

April 7 --I looked forward to a "zer0" day, but in somewhere other than the snow splotched inside ceiling of Big Agnes, chilly. I remember getting inside the tent yesterday and seeing three "perfect" six pointed snowflakes on the floor of the tent, and still seeing them there two hours later, cold. Now my condensed breath was frozen on the inside tent door, crackling and falling heavily as I allowed fresh air in. Survival mode. Sleep until 16:00, then a hot meal, half ration, food was low in anticipation of the Fontana Dam Post Office resupply. I was awakened by one of the shelter dwellers to see if I was 0k(alive), and he informed me that he and a few were hiking back out 2.4m to the highway, NC143, Stecoah Gap, to hitch a ride to a motel, "I'm from MA, I thought I left this sh*t". A visit later from Two Pack to see what I was up to. Then a bad sleep. I realized how downhill slanted my head was, and maybe my feet were cold because they were by the tailpipe, so I switched ends.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

April 8 --What a horrible night trying to get comfortable, by 2:00 I switched back, my head at the tent door. At 7:30 the usual breakfast finished the oatmeal, and soon after I packed up and went up the hill. What a surprise to find Hobbit, Knickers, Sally and Coley, all soon to head for Fontana Dam and a zer0 day tomorrow, "D'ya wanna share a room?" It began as a snow hike, full gear, gaiters plastic pants. Sunglasses would certainly have helped in the bright sun, esp later when the melting to slush/mud in my own shadow made difficult footwork. A pretty day to walk all in all. As the trail entered the lower elevation the plants seen along the way were now budding, and blooming flowers of all types, most of the snow gone, 55o. We reached the crossing of highway NC28 and saw a poster for thru-hiker, "AYCE 5-7 Wednesday night at the Fontana Dam Shelter, Hikers for Christ". The shelter was 1.1m away, it was 16:30, we're going! Boiled hot dogs, carved ham, canned fruit, fruit pies, chips, church people doing a good deed. What a scene. The shuttle for the Fontana Lodge showed up, for $3 he'll take us. Perfect, Hobbit & Knickers were checked in, we were expected. A shower and off to do laundry, both legs now sore. We got back too late for dinner, by managed some free spaghetti. Tomorrow, we'll probly keep the room and go to Robbinsville.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

April 9 --It has been a down day, I went to answer emails, but their network went down, still down. I wanted a couple of beers but they only sold 12 packs at the General Store, Coley had a couple, the girls hitched a ride to Robbinsville. Spoonman has his girlfriend here to pick up his dog, Danby, and she brought drinks, snacks, and sandwiches.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter, GSMNP, NC
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

April 11 --The next day the clear sky was gone, the rain back and after tearing down the tent in the rain and putting on my wet clothes from 12 hours earlier, YUK, I walked to the Derek Knob Shelter in in light rain, misty clouds, dampness and wind, but the easy description for the day was MUD, 3-4" deep, I've seen better barnyards. The AT through the GSMNP allows no dogs, but does allow horses and I saw what 8 horses with adult riders can do to an already mud mess as they pushed ahead of me on a slight upgrade. The first consideration on the AT is "Leave No Trace". After 8 horses its more like "Leave No Trail" and "Leave Horse Sh*t". I had to step around horsesh*t in the mud, what?! My left lower shin, right above my ankle did some serious complaining most of the day. It's red like it has been rubbing onsomething, but it hasn't. I plan on ~7m walk tomorrow to give it rest, also I want good weather for Clingman's Dome, highest point on the AT, 6643'. The whole day it was crappy, occasionally drizzly, cold, gusty wind blowing through and I peaked Thunderhead Mtn, 5527', in the beautiful fog. Better days to come, I hiked solo all day.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Derrick Knob Shelter, GSMNP, NC

To: Double Spring Shelter, GSMNP, NC
Miles today: 7.2

April 12 Easter Sunday --A beautiful day. At 23:17 last night the sky was clear, the moon on the rise and this morning, a bright sunrise. Cold though. I had to put on the sweater some time in the night and slept with gloves too. I had planned an easy day to help rest the left lower shin, its still sore, so I enjoyed the sun heating the tent to the point where I took off my shirt, while I sewed my sternum pack strap where the stitching failed at both ends! Without a needle, I had to use tweezers to poke through the straps and pull through waxed lacing cord, almost done, one of the plastic buckles broke while checking strength, cheap China junk! The trail was still muddy, but a lot of the water had drained and the local flies, green-bottled and what appeared to be common house flies, picked over the mix of mud and last fall's decaying leaves in the sunny patches of the trai. I really took my time walking, resting, taking photos along the way as I recalled other Easter Sundays, mostly those that we would spend at my mother's in Jamesburg. I can easily recall lining up the kids, in their white dresses and bonnets, in front of MeMe's quince apple bush for a photo, and how that photo, where Alexis is seven years, shows up, and rightly, in albumettes and collages. The dinner was always a feast, Antoinette and Rose, with trays of manicotti and PopPop's latest wine, and hand made oraments standard, and, of course, MeMe's sweet potatoes marshmallo casserole. And Joe Jones and Teresa and their boys would show up later in the day for deserts. Today was a nice walk in the woods with much to enjoy, for a change. I didn't feel rushed today and I was comfortable, as I expected the trail would be. I arrived at the shelter and was immediately summoned to finish the hot food left in the kettle and a bag of rice, by a lady and man about my age, from Hot Springs, out for two nights. I could see that it was tasty and I could see that it was chicken, in bite sized pieces in a tumeric type sauce. I learned what I had predicted about ago prior - offered food, you'll take it, I did, and it was delicious. I still ate my planned dinner of #6 with Teriyaki Beef Jerky, yum. Jerky on Sunday. Tonight was also special because I stayed inside the shelter. Eleven of us, 6 on bottom, 5 of us on top in a nice shelter that featured benches inside, a tarp across the entire front and a fireplace with a well tended fire. I did the bear bag thing with all my stuff, too. I was cautious to accept a spot here because day hikers by permit have priority and thru-hikers can get bumped because we are required to carry tents. I was the last to arrive and didn't want a scene later. Talking with another thru-hiker about this, I was convinced I was safe and it looks like I am. This gives me a better chance for a quick getaway in the morning, we'll see. Clingman's dome was a short couple of miles away for tomorrow.