morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Dropped off about 10:00 today by Ron Haven with about 10 other hikers. Someone figured out that about 2 miles out today we would be 5% done. Some good climbs today including Wayah Bald which has an observation tower and great views. Weather was cool today and downright chilly tonight. They say into the 20's. We kept moving today to stay warm and to make some miles because it is supposed to rain Saturday and Sunday. Tenting tonight up on the hill at Cold Springs Shelter. Most stayed down by the shelter because of the cold. Here with Mammoth, Gipcgirl, High Five, Just John, Crux, Checker, and about 5 others whose names I don't know. Too cold for much socializing tonight. I forgot to mention the day started at 7:30 when the Baptist Church van picked up 12 to 15 of us hikers and brought us to their church where they fed us pancakes, bacon, juice and tea. They also took everyone's picture, printed them out and mailed them home for free so our loved ones can see how rough looking we've become. They then have you sign a big banner for 2011 thru-hikers. The Generosity down South still amazes me.Alan
Date: 2011-03-25
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Well I may be in North Carolina but this morning it was cold, probably mid to high 20's. I was camped at about 5000 feet, so the tent was frosted over and I had ice on my sleeping bag. I packed up quick and ate a pop tart and headed for the NOC. It warmed up nicely and was mostly downhill so I tried to take my time and rest my knee, which has been a little sore. I arrived around 11:30 and decided to get a bunk in the hostel. I bunked with two thru-hikers from Maine, Comanche and Dexter - later Mammoth came in and ended up in the same room. It ended up being a great day as we ended up with about 30 thru-hikers in town congregated watching the kayakers and drinking beer and eating burgers. Rain is forecasted for the next two days, so everyone is debating what to do. We may take a zero depending on how we feel.Alan
Date: 2011-03-26
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: moderate rain

Well we got up about 6:30 and it wasn't raining, so the decision was made to try to make some miles. We knew we had a big climb up over 5000 feet. By the time we got ready to go it was already raining. About 1 hour after I headed out I started to hear thunder; that got me hiking faster! I hooked up with Comanche and we chatted the last 4 miles which made the climb in the pouring rain a little more bearable. Once we reached the first shelter we decided to stay, even though it was only 11:30, because it was so miserable. Everyone who came up after us made the same decision. Currently there are 12 hikers all huddled in their sleeping bags at 2:00 in the afternoon with tons of wet gear hanging from the rafters. In the shelter tonight with Mammoth, Comanche, Dexter, Alibaba, Sherpa, and several others. Going to try to hike 15 miles tomorrow, rain or no rain. At least we are not tenting tonight.AlanFor those wondering where Earl Grey is this morning (April 5, 2011) he made it to Hot Springs.Mary
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

When we woke up today we had stuffed 17 people into a 14 person shelter with all our soaking wet gear strung about. Late last night two more arrived and had to pitch their tents in the pouring rain and mud as there was no room in the shelter. I left pretty early this morning considering the disarray at the shelter, out at 7:40 hoping to make about 15 miles which will leave me only 5 1/2 miles tomorrow into Fontana. After Fontana I start the Smoky Mountains. It was all fog this morning which was too bad because we went over Cheoah Bald which is supposed to be beautiful. I made good time today thanks to about 15 to 16 hours in my sleeping bag. My legs felt pretty good. About 12:30 or 1:00 the sun started to poke through which lifted everyone's spirits as we could get out of raingear and dry a few things out. In at Cable Gap about 3:15, tenting tonight with Chainsaw, Dexter, Catfish, and Mammoth, Comanche, and Savage are all in the shelter. Everyone is excited to get into Fontana to get cleaned up, resupplied, and head to the Smokies.
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally got the journal - I was getting worried it was lost!MaryWhat I thought was going to be a sunny day turned out to be rain from when I went to sleep right up until noon. This meant picking up camp in the rain, what a treat. Everything but my essentials are wet. So my dry clothes and sleeping bag are dry, but everything else is wet and muddy. On the brightside, I'm going into town and after I had my breakfast the only thing left in my food bag was an oatmeal bar and about 1/8 of a pack of powdered milk. This means my food bag is finally light. I made it to Fontana Dam about 10:45. When Mammoth arrived we decided to get a room as they were pretty reasonable and we both had a mail drop. Plus, we really wanted to dry out and organize before the Smoky Mountains. Spent the day doing laundry, drying gear, getting supplies, but best of all was a long hot shower. Great meal tonight, unfortunately the weather looks good tomorrow but they are calling for 4 days of rain. We will just have to play it by ear. As they say, no pain, no rain, no Maine.Alan
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Fontana Lodge

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Good weather today, clear and cool - great for hiking. Caught the first shuttle with Mammoth and Chainsaw. Long uphill today to Shuckstack Mountain. Hiked with Mammoth, Chainsaw, Art Gypsy, Avatar, Chris & his dog Sierra. Went up the fire tower and got some great views. Had lunch down off the summit. After lunch my left knee started to act up. Made it to Mollies Ridge Shelter and decided to push on to Russell Field Shelter because the weather was so nice. This might have been a mistake as my knee was hurting on both the ups and downs. By the time we got to the shelter my hips, left knee, and both feet were very sore. We did manage to have a nice fire tonight. Chainsaw came in late and was going to tent, but after he was all set up he changed his mind due to the coming rain. Chainsaw is a retired Baltimore County firefighter. He got his nickname Chainsaw not because he is a truckie but because he snores loudly. As luck would have it he's bunked right next to me. We'll see how loud he snores I guess.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: moderate rain

Today was a discouraging day both mentally & physically. First of all Chainsaw lived up to his name, he snored all night. It poured all night with a big thunder storm rolling through around midnight, thus everything is wet this morning. It was foggy and raining all day so we had no views even though we were passing across great ridges, balds, and overlooks. We were over 5,500 feet a couple of times today yet we could see nothing. It was cool, windy, and wet - so you couldn't stop long without getting chilled. To top it off, my knee was hurting right off the bat today, so that worried me quite a bit. At the first shelter I cooked a hot lunch and had hot chocolate. I tried to rest my knee a little. I got quite chilled after lunch because I loaned out my water filter to a couple of guys whose filter broke. While I waited I started to get cold. When I got back hiking I hiked fast to warm up which seemed to help my knee. When I made it to Siler Bald Shelter Mammoth was already set up. I decided to push on 1.7 miles more because they had a privy at the next shelter. In the Smokies you have to stay at the Shelters, but not all shelters have privies. So I could take my chances digging a cathole at a shelter with no privy that 1,000's of others have had to do the same, or I could hike 1.7 miles more for a privy. I didn't feel that lucky, so I hiked the 1.7 miles. When I got to the shelter there wasn't much room left, but there was a caretaker there that gave up his spot for me. He even had a fire going in the fireplace, very lucky for me. Feeling a little better tonight so I'll try to hike only as far as I feel good for a while, and hopefully my knee will get stronger. I also wanted to mention that in Fontana I got a chance to look at my Trailjournal guestbook. I want to thank everyone again for signing it. I really appreciate it and the comments are really encouraging. I appreciate the offer for the guys at the fire station to come up with some trail names, but I think I'll stick with Earl Grey. I'm sure they would come up with some "good" ones.AlanOn Sunday night (April 10) Early Grey was at the Double D Campground in Erwin, TN enjoying a visit from his parents.Mary
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a much better day mentally & physically. The weather was still lousy, so no views. The trail is still a mud hole, but my knee felt much better hiking today. I hiked with Comanche and Just Jon today. Mammoth was behind us somewhere. I think the company helped make the miles go by. We passed the 200 mile mark today, and I forgot to mention that yesterday we entered our third state, TN. We can't cross NC off yet as the trail criss-crosses + straddles both states for some time. Another milestone today was going over Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT. When I went up the tower it was iced over and I was all alone. Most chose to skip the tower as there were no views. I hiked into Newfound Gap where I resisted the urge to go into Gatlinburg even though it started sleeting. We hiked on up to Icewater Spring Shelter in the sleet. The shelter is at 5,900 feet and it is currently sleeting/snowing. In for the night with Comanche, Just Jon, 3 bags (thru-hiker from Georgia) and Peregrine who is a thru-hiker from SC. Peregrine had hiked with Comanche for a while but met his wife in Gatlinburg for the night. He told us that when his wife dropped him off they found a German kid looking to get to Gatlinburg - so his wife gave him a ride to town. Of course the German hiker is Mammoth, so I guess we'll split up for a little while. Peregrine said he was cold and wet and quite thankful to be going to town. Unfortunately, the way the shelters are I need to do 13 or 20 miles tomorrow, which kind of stinks as far as planning for Hot Springs goes. Everyone is dreaming of a zero day in Hot Springs now, especially with the weather. That's it for now. I need to brush and get into my bag for warmth even though it is only 6:45 pm.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

Cold night last night and it's April fool's day and we got about an inch of snow and everything is frozen. That means boots, water bottles, socks - everything that was not in your sleeping bag is frozen. I didn't fool around this morning, I got a quick breakfast of oatmeal and hot chocolate and we hit the trail. I mistakenly went back out to what I thought was the AT only to realize that the trail was right at the shelter. I thought we had come in on a blue blaze trail. When Peregrine caught up to tell me I told him I didn't want to skip that section and was going back out to hike it. He didn't understand what I was talking about so he went to catch up with Just Jon & Comanche. My mistake meant I hiked alone until about 10:30 until I caught up to them. The good thing was when I went by Charlies Bunion the fog lifted just enough that I went out on the icy ledges and got some good pictures (I hope). I'm sure the pictures won't do justice to the actual experience. When I finally caught the others I hiked with Peregrine, who is a very interesting man. He flew a plane and taught pilots at Clemson University for 20 some years. He's also an avid birder, hence his trail name - so we conversed about birds for a lot of the day. As the day went on the sun tried to peek through the clouds and we did get some dramatic views with all the snow on the trees and trail. The trail was quite icy but I found hiking in the snow quite enjoyable today. When we arrived at the shelter we all ate and got a fire going in the shelter fireplace. About the time we got the fire going Mammoth, Avatar, Chris (& his dog Sierra) and Cologne showed up. So we all enjoyed the fire on what is sure to be another cold night. Going to try to make Standing Bear Hostel tomorrow but it is going to be an 18+ mile day if we do. So I better get to bed.Alan
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Up early after another cold night, low and behold, another 2 inches of snow and very windy. A couple of big climbs today, one up over 6,300 feet. The sun kept breaking through the clouds and we really got some spectacular views. A lot of down today as we are leaving the Smokies, so my knee was acting up. Comanche and Just Jon could have slowed up today - they seemed determined to get to the hostel - even taking lunch on the run. Peregrine and I went to Cosby Knob Shelter where we found Cologne having lunch and we had a hot lunch ourselves. After lunch we meandered down the trail talking to the other hikers, taking pictures and just chatting. Peregrine is really a wealth of information on birds and plants. About every ten minutes or so he would stop and say, did you hear that call? Next thing you know he'd be calling in some bird, telling me that's a Golden Crown Kinglet, and all the traits and characteristics that go with it. Several times he stopped to describe a small plant that was a rare, hardly seen pygmy pipe plant. It's very tiny and blends in well, but he promised to show me when he finds it. He is very pleasant to hike with and made an otherwise painful downhill day fun. We staggered into the Standing Bear Hostel around 5:15. The Standing Bear is very unique. All the regulars are here: Comanche, Just Jon, Peregrine, Avatar, Chris and his dog Sierra, High Five and her boyfriend who is visiting and Enzed. Mammoth stopped about 2 miles back by a stream, probably feeling guilty about going to Gatlinburg. Only 2-3 days to Hot Springs where nearly everyone is looking forward to a zero day. Well the Smokies are done, and in only 5 days. I wish I could have had better weather to see some of the more dramatic sights, but what we did see was great. I only wish the trail was better maintained in the park. Often times we slogged through ankle deep mud in a 16" trench. Oh well, at least my boots look very well worn now. That is it for now. Good weather tomorrow so we will make more miles.AlanFor those wondering where Earl Grey is today, April 16, 2011, he spent last night at the Kincora Hostel.Mary
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Forks Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

After a wonderfully relaxing stay at Standing Bear Hostel we headed out for a 4.7 mile uphill. Let me back up, last night I met with Just Jon, Comanche, and Peregrine and we planned to leave at 7:45 and do the 15 miles to Roaring Forks Shelter followed by a short day, with another short day into Hot Springs. So I get up at about 6:15 after a great night's sleep in a real bed, go over to the kitchen around 6:45 to have my oatmeal and tea. When I arrive Comanche and Just Jon are all done eating and packed and ready to go. So after pacing around until 7:15, they could wait no longer and headed out. So Peregrine and I left at 7:45 by ourselves. It was beautiful weather and we had great views from both Snowbird and Max Patch today. We kept playing leapfrog with Enzed and High Five today, but couldn't find Comanche & Just Jon. Peregrine and I spent quite a bit of time on the top of Max Patch with High Five enjoying the warmth with our shoes & socks off catching some well-deserved sun. We finally descended the 1.7 miles to the shelter only to find Enzed all by herself. Apparently Just Jon and Comanche decided to push on another five miles. Later Chris & his dog Sierra arrived and Mammoth showed up very tired and dehydrated. My left knee was sore again, I'm still dreaming of the zero in Hot Springs.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Roaring Forks Shelter

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

Late last night Ibex and Deuce came into camp and we were just able to squeeze them into the shelter. A lot of talk about whether to get to Hot Springs today or just get close for an easy day in on the 5th. Mammoth headed out about 7:30 announcing he was going to Hot Springs because he had no more lunches or dinners. Peregrine and I left 15 minutes later saying it would depend on how we felt. I was reluctant to do an 18 mile day with a lot of downhill that might aggravate my knee. Enzed, High Five and Chris were all going to town. Ibex and Deuce weren't out of bed yet but they tend to hike late so who knows what they will do. We leap frogged with Chris, Sierra (dog), Enzed, and High Five at the next shelter and then again on Bluff Mountain. When we met on Bluff Mountain we had cell phone reception and several checked the weather and heard that some severe T-storms were coming later. That decided it for Peregrine and I, we decided to push on into Hot Springs if we were able. I pushed the pace as hard as I dared and stretched and massaged my knee every chance I got and it was pretty good until the last mile and one half downhill into Hot Springs. I was getting a little sore but the clouds were getting blacker and the Thunder was growing as we rolled into town. Elmer's was full so we split a room down the street at the Alpine Court. As I write this now my belly is full of real food, I'm clean and my clothes are clean again. Life is good!AlanEarl Grey should be nearing Damascus today, April 18, 2011. I don't have his next journal pages, so updates will continue in a few days when I receive them.Mary
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero Day in Hot Springs. Tried to spend the day off my feet, but that didn't work so well. At Smokey Mountain Grill for Breakfast when they opened. Had a huge skillet meal of potatoes, onions, green peppers, mushroom, bacon, sausage & cheese with eggs and biscuits on the side. I'm embarrassed to say I couldn't finish it. What kind of self-respecting thru-hiker can't finish a meal? Well, I ate so much that I actually skipped lunch. I hit the Post Office for my mail drop, thanks Mary. Then off to the outfitter for new laces, new superfeet insoles I'm going to try, as well as a knee band I decided to try out. Next off to the grocery store for a few last minute food items I need. By that I mean more snickers bars, some sort of cookies (similar to Girl Scout Samoa cookies) and beef jerky. This almost guarantees my food bag will be way too heavy tomorrow so I can complain about it for at least 3 days until I start to worry if I'm carrying enough food. As I write this Peregrine is trying to stuff all his stuff back into his pack and it is not working. He figures he'll be leaving town carrying a plastic grocery bag in his arm. I went back to the P.O. to mail home a couple of small items, of course I forgot to mail my journal, so I went back again to mail that separately. I did manage to take a break for an hour soak in the hot springs before dinner time. That was very relaxing, and I stretched my legs in the 102° water for the entire hour. Out to dinner with Peregrine & Chainsaw - Ibex & Deuce came in later along with High Five and her boyfriend. Believe it or not I couldn't finish my dinner either. What a poor excuse for a thru-hiker. I may be one of the only thru-hikers that gains weight. Oh well, we'll see. I will be back at hiking tomorrow, and if there is one thing you can be sure of it is when you leave town it is always a climb!AlanA picture of the skillet meal is in the photo section. Mary
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Hot Springs

To: Deep Gap Campsite
Miles today: 13.2

Peregrine and I left town about 7:45 after one more stop at the Smokey Mountain Diner for tea & coffee. It was a cold start to the day with frost in the valley. We started up some cliffs by the river that they call "lovers leap". We had some real nice views looking back into town. Moderate climbs out of town today with of course a pack that feels like it is full of lead. Peregrine's pack was worse; he actually left some food on the stoop of the outfitters that he couldn't fit into his pack. Climbed up to Rich Mountain lookout tower to get some more 360° degree views. Had lunch there and met up with "Catfish" a short time later. Made it to Spring Mountain Shelter around 2:00. It was early and the shelter didn't look to appealing so we decided to move on a couple of more miles and camp. Just before we left Mammoth arrived and hooked up with us for the rest of the day. We decided to camp at Deep Gap. Shortly after we set up Chainsaw arrived, so we are all camping here tonight. We had a nice campfire and have been listening to Barred Owls all night. Of course this prompted Peregrine to break into his Barred Owl call, which is near perfect, and has all of us rolling with laughter. We also had some deer in camp, which when Mammoth first heard them, then saw them moving in the dark, thought they were bears. This caused his pulse to race to about 300, and we noticed a little panic in his voice. This in turn prompted many jokes and comments. Of some concern is the fact that Chainsaw hung his bear bag about 6 feet in the air, which we figure the bear will just eat standing up. Chainsaw isn't too concerned; he figures he won't have to carry the weight if the bear gets it. My knee was still sore despite my new brace, so I took it off because it irritated the back of my leg. My knee felt better later, so will probably do about 13 or 14 miles again tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Deep Gap Campsite

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Kind of a tough day today. We started early with a steep downhill which made my left knee ache horribly. I called home to wish my son Nathan a Happy Birthday and found out some sad family news, so my heart was kind of heavy and my thoughts were with Ashley and her brothers today. Mammoth and Chainsaw stopped in for some trail magic that we heard about at some former thru-hikers house. Peregrine and I continued on because we weren't ready for a second breakfast just 50 minutes after our first. We faced a murderous climb up Camp Creek Bald that seemed to go straight up for the 1100 feet of gain. The day did improve with some nice views at Whiterock Cliffs and Blackstack Cliffs; hopefully we got some good photos. The day ended with a long, hot hike over an exposed ridge that really took it out of us. Good night at camp except we were too tired for a fire and the black flies were viscous. We all stayed in the shelter due to the threat of rain. That is all except Chainsaw blessed us by sleeping in his tent.