morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Pam here for Southside: A little black pit bull shadowed me all day. I thought of naming him shadow but decided not to get attached. He was pretty beat up and looked as though he had been in a fight or two. He had on a radio collar and the rangers think that the owner is using him to run bear. In fact they were on the alert for the owner. We hiked most of the day together and I shared my PB&J with him. When I reached Unicoi gap the owner was waiting and without much as a hi to me he picked him up and shoved him into a steel box. If I had thought of it sooner I would have taken the collar off him so that his owner couldn't track him. I should have called animal protective services and didn't. I feel bad about it because I don't believe that he has a very good life. The shelter was full and there was a black dog named Atkins with his owner Ceasar there. A lot of dogs on the trail this year. Not sure why but I am glad that Tug is at home. Too much for me and for him to be out here not knowing from day to day what is going to happen. lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 11.4

Pam here for Southside: Banged out the 11 miles by noon and arrived at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. Nice place to stay for a donation and promise of blueberry pancakes for breakfast. I checked in and was waiting for a ride into town when Sarge came in. Yesterday Sarge set up his hammock and tent and went into his tent to nap. While he was sleeping some jerk stoled his food and his water! Well, Sarge is 76 and a diabetic so this was not a good situation to be in. Sarge called his daughter who advised him to dial 911 which he did. The paramedics told him to keep his cell phone on so they could track him and then hiked up to him with food, water and an IV just in case. He hiked down with them and Mother Nature a fine trail angel gave him a ride to the Blueberry. Sarge is changing his plans now and will do some day hikes and is also planning on hanging at the Blueberry and working to stay. He just likes being out here. Sarge and I headed into town and reupped our supplies, had some bar-b-que and hung out for a while. There are 5 hikers, some goats and mules here. The shuttle back to the trail leaves at 9:30 after we have some delicious (I hear) blueberry pancakes made with blueberries from their blueberry patch. Lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Made it to Franklin today to Hayden's hotel. The place was like a triage! There were more people here with knee, feet or other problems than I could believe. Ron Hayden is a nice guy and is doing what ever he can to aid the "walking wounded". What a sorry bunch of hikers we are!I have blisters on both of my baby toes and they are killing me. I tried to find some new boots here but the outfitter is not outfitted with much. I called ahead to NOC and had them hold 2 pairs of boots for me until Thurs when I plan on getting Wesser, NC at the Nentahala river. What ever pair fits is what I will take. I am going back to the Keens which have a wider toe box. I soaked my feet to soften the callous on the one foot causing the blister and blister under my toenail. After they softened up I cut them off with a knife and put some triple ointment on and then wrapped those babies up like little mummies. They feel pretty good and am hoping that they start to heal up by the time I get to the NOC. (NOC is an outfitter down the trail. lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-11
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got on the trail at 9:00 this morning. Hiked the 12 miles and feet were so sore that I hiked the last 4 miles in my Crocs. The day started out great as far as my little mummies went but as soon as my feet swelled a little, it was all over but the hurting. Looking forward to those new boots at NOC. The Crocs felt pretty good but I sure couldn't get much traction. Toes are pretty sore. I saw Apple today. Apple is the trail angel that set up his tent last year and provided us with some shelter from the rain and some trail magic. There he was again waiting for us trekkers to come along to share his magic with. I had a hot dog and a soda and moved on since there is a good sized group of us moving at about the same pace. I wanted to be sure to get a spot in the shelter. There are 5 of us in the shelter and 4 outside the shelter tonight so I am glad that I moved along. I did a major face plant today; actually hitting my face on the ground!   I felt like an idiot looking around to see if anyone saw what happened. Of course no one saw it. kinda like a tree falling in a forest-does it make a sound? Gentle Ben waited four days in Neels Gap for someone to program his GPS that his family gave him so that they could locate him if something happened to him. Little overkill I think but to each their own. Every day so far the weather has been great and I keep hoping that the rain stays away. lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: U.S.19 U.S, 74 Nantahala River / NOC
Miles today: 11.5

Started out the day hiking with my boots on but only made it about 5 miles before my toes were killing me. Off came the boots and I was back in my Crocs and hiked the rest of the 6 or so miles to the NOC. Tough going because you can't get any traction in the Crocs and I tweaked my knee a little. Feels pretty tender but I am hoping that it is just a little issue stemming from all the foot problems. Had a great hike today and have been moving along with a group of hikers hitting the same shelters and stops at end of day. Okay group of people but I haven't connected with any one yet. Sure makes a difference when you have someone to hike with. Last year hiking with Bull forced me to pace myself better and having someone to share the experience with made it all the more enjoyable. After Bull left the trail just knowing that Squire was in and out of my hiking zones periodically was great to look forward to. Struggling with finding my zone as far as partners on the trail go. They had the boots on hold for me and I bought the Keens. Debating a zero day tomorrow to allow the knee to rest but most likely not. Will decide in the morning. Want to get to Fontana Dam this weekend...lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-13
From: U.S.19 U.S, 74 Nantahala River / NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

 Started out the day hiking and got lucky with the rain. It was supposed to rain all day but it held out and only the last three hours were in the rain. I hiked with Bluegrass and we seem to be on the same pace. Bluegrass is a young guy (19, I think) and we get along pretty well. When we came out of Stecoah gap there was a lady there with some cheese and crackers. I wasn't hungry so I passed on them but I continue to be amazed at what people do to welcome the hikers along the trail. There is a real community spirit with the people along the trail. That alone makes the solitude of the trail worthwhile...constantly restoring my belief in people's good will. One thing about rain gear is that you actually sweat under it and then you are freezing cold when you stop. The knee is tender but holding out and the little toes are feeling pretty good in the new boots. Did not hike at all in the Crocs today which is probable a good thing for the knees. Lots of puds (pointless ups and downs)but more ups than downs. Heading for Fontana Dam tomorrow. lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Right now I am about a day ahead of last year and trying not to push too hard because of the knees. It rained all day today and I had to wear my rain gear which bites! I hate to be sweaty and then cold because of it. The trail was pretty sloppy and I had a couple of good slips in the mud but overall not too bad considering the amount of rain. The last couple of days have been a lot of ups and downs which put a lot of stress on the knees. Especially the downs.I met Bushwacker today on the trail. As I was hiking along I came upon a bivy set up right on the trail at about 10:30 and inside was Bushwacker. We chatted for a few minutes and then I moved on. Bluegrass stopped and hung out there for a while and then followed into Fontana Dam. I got a room at the Fontana Dam hotel and plan and chilling here tonight. Thinking about taking a zero tomorrow (no miles) but it all depends on the weather and if I make the connection with Shakedown Cruise. Shakedown Cruise is one of my hiking buds from last year and he is now living in the area. We may get together in Fontana but not confirmed as of now. Not sure I want to spend much time here as the room is expensive and so it the food. I actually had the restaurant make me a grilled cheese and tomato soup since everything was so pricey. Have to keep my expenses low since my budget for the trip is tight this year. Not a lot of work on the horizon after I finish the hike so, I am trying to keep it all to a minimum. lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Fontana Dam, NC

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

Logged my first zero today. Forecast calling for an inch of rain and connected with Shakedown Cruise. He is coming to Fontana Dam to see me. This is a good opportunity to rest the knees a little and prepare for the Smokey's starting tomorrow. Not feeling too bad overall just a little melancholy and bored. More to follow later...The lodge and surrounding area has been affected by the economy and not all the services are open. Resupply here is tough and many of the hikers missed the post office on Saturday so they are stuck waiting for their drops with not many other services available. It is warm and dry here so thats a plus. After checking and rechecking my gear I spent the day relaxing and reading up on the journals checking up on Squire and other hikers that I am following. Read all of the guestbook entries and got some laughs and a lot of encouragement. Thanks everyone! Congrats to Charley on her big team wins in hockey! I really look forward to catching up and hearing news when I arrive at a pit stop. Shakedown Cruise and his lady Cynthia arrived late afternoon and we took some trail magic over to the shelter. Spent some time with the hikers since Shakedown loves to kibbitz with everyone and then headed out to dinner. We ended up eating in a Mexican restaurant since everything else was closed and the next nearest place was 30 miles away. Had a great visit with them and got dropped off around 10. Plan is to head out early in the morning and complete the Smokies this week. the hike is taking me pretty straight up to Clingman's Dome elevation at 6,643 feet. I plan to be there on Wednesday. I am starting out here at elevation of 1,800 feet and the shelter I am headed for is about 4,700 feet so imagine doing a stairmaster for about 5 hours straight...that is what I will do each day for the next couple of days. Looking forward to the trail, the rest has done me good. lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Got up and out early as planned. It rained all day and you guessed it...wet, wet, wet! The water was running down the trail like a stream and the going was a little slow. Just like last year, I have yet to see a view here in the Smokies. A lot of fog and rain which I understand is quite normal for this time of year. Head down, rain gear on and moving forward a step at a time. My feet and knees feel a lot better and for the most part I am feeling pretty good. The physical aspect is not as much a problem as the mental. Managing my mind is the biggest challenge that I am facing. Constantly wondering if I should "stay the course" or reset the hike at my stop point last year. I am torn with doing a "real" thru hike or being a section hiker to finish. Not sure what I really want to do. I regretted not pushing thru last year and thought about it for months and that is why I began again. I didn't reach the goal and that is what I really want to do. I want to summit Kahtadin this year. I wanted to do it last year and did 1,050 miles and didn't finish.There are 18 people here at the shelter but I was early enough to get a spot inside. Thank goodness cause it is dusk and more hikers are rolling in. There are some kids out here with soaking wet sleeping bags and no idea how to dry them out. My gear is nice and dry except my boots thanks to the rain gear and planning. The spring breakers are hitting the trail and so far they seem to be a good bunch of people out here to enjoy the trail. I met a hiker named excitable and we talked for a while. He has hiked the JMT a couple of times and done some hiking in Florida. Heading to Double Spring shelter tomorrow and plan on hiking up Clingman's Dome on Wednesday. Clingman's Dome is the highest peak in the east and last year we were up there with ice on our beards! Natures stairmaster is in front of me and hopefully the rain will be behind me tomorrow. April showers bring May flowers? Oh yeah, this is March...I guess I should expect anything from mother nature. lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Did 13 hard miles today with a lot of ups and downs as I climb to Clingman's Dome at 6,637'. It was very cold this morning with gray sky and a lot of fog snd I thought that it was going to be another gloomy day out here on the trail. Then at about 10:30 the sun started to peek thru and bright blue skies blew in which made the day perfect. The air heated up and the trail was actually steamy as it dried out. My pack felt light today and I found a great water source. Drank about a half gallon of fresh water. I was the first one to the shelter which is usually the case and got my spot all set up, hung my line to dry my stuff out from yesterday and watch a group of 5-10 deer (maybe more) that were hanging out in the area. They are not afraid of anything so they hung out even knowing that I was there. Getting to the shelters ahead of the pack is important so that you get inside for one thing. Another reason is what happened last night at Spence Field. The shelter sleeps 12 and we had 18 in there because of the rain. We made room to get everyone in. No one (inclucing me) wanted to be outside to sleep after the couple of days that we had. There were 9 hikers up and 9 hikers down and the guy next to me kept rolling into me all night. It was like a sardine can in there. Heading to Gatlinberg tomorrow which means up and over the Clingmans Dome. I will stay in a hotel there, resupply and do laundry. Up and at em early with a 10 mile day plan to be there by noonlata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Newfound Gap / Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Up and out of the shelter at 6;00 a.m. with excitable hiker. Head lamps on and it was pretty dark. It was a bright, starry morning and we hiked the 3 miles to Clingmans Dome. We missed ths sunrise because it was behind the mountain. That would have been really nice if we had seen it. The hike was great with sunny skies and a light breeze. The trail was awesome! Mad it to the gap at 11:00 and immediately got a ride into town with a nice guy driving a pick up truck. Once I got to Gatlinburg and checked into the Microtel I was heading out to do my laundry and ran into Santa Claus! There was a convention of Santa's and Mrs. Santa's in town with about 400 of them in the area. You all know how much I love Christmas so this was great! Pictures on the way in the mail drop. I hustled to do my laundry and then went over to the Claus convention and just walked around. I ran into Bluegrass and his father and was invited to dinner. I declined because I just wanted to chill and then they offered my a ride to the trail for 8:00 am tomorrow. I gladly accepted and we made the arrangements to meet. Spent the rest of my time having dinner then watching tv until I feel asleep. No internet access that I could find so will have to catch up in Hot Springs. Lata, Southside.
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Newfound Gap / Gatlinburg, TN

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Met Bluegrass and dad for my 8:00 lift to the trail. Today turned out to be the best trail day of the year. The rain held off all day and I arrived at the shelter at 3:00. I met a guy from RI today on the trail by the name of Chestnut. Seemed like we could be compatible except that he hikes until dark every day and hiked on. I am up and out early and like to get to the shelters early to stake out my space. I expect that I will pass him or at least catch up on Saturday. I think he is doing 20's most days; I am not into that at this point. At about 4:00 the skies started to darken and then opened up and dump a LOT of rain. There were three thru hikers at the shelter and we were all dry but then four college kids and 5 other hikers (2 fathers / 3 Kids) came in and all were soaked. Nine of us spent the night at the shelter and there was gear everywhere. Got so cold over night that the wet gear froze. I was glad that mine was dry; it sucks when your gear is frozen or wet and you have to put it on to warm it up or dry it out. Heading to Standing Bear tomorrow and goal is Hot Springs on Sunday.Lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel / Waterville School Rd
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Started out this morning at 7:15 in the dark and everything was frozen. It went down to about 20 degrees last night and everyone in the shelter was snuggled in when I headed out. Didn't seem like anyone else wanted to get up but I guess I don't blame them. I hiked out alone and was on the lookout for wreckage of a downed fighter plane that I had heard about last year and didn't see. I didn't see it today either but I guess it is there because one of the guys behind me said he saw it. I did see some turkeys and a grouse and noted that I am observing a lot more wildlife this year than last. Keeping it interesting. I also ran into a "ridgerunner" today. A ridgerunner is an AT conservancy person that assists the national park rangers track the thru hikers. They record trail names into a log which I assume ends up at the ranger stations as a reference in case of problems out there on the trail. I made it to Waterville by 2:00 and got set into the hostel. The hostel has a little outfitters kitchen and I mad myself a couple of hot pork sandwiches. They were pretty good. I did my laundry on the washboard same as last year and plan on relaxing. Only two of us here and I am not sure why. The pack that has been keeping pace must have zero'd in Gatlinburg or slowed way down. Planning on a couple of big days with Hot Springs goal for Sunday.Lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Standing Bear Hostel / Waterville School Rd

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: few clouds

Last night Shakedown Cruise and Cynthia showed up at Standing Bear withe more trail magic and conversation. It was good to see them again and we had a great visit. Today was one of the longest days not only from a mileage perspective but also ups and downs; major ups and downs! Starting out at at 1,400' and then up to 4,263 on Snowbird and down to 2,900' and back up to 4,600' at the summit of Max Patch. When I reached the summit of Max Patch which is giant bald mountain Caveman and Chestnut were laying on their packs just looking up at the bright blue sky. Exhausted I laid down beside them and did the same. It felt pretty good aftet all the climbing. I laid there for a few minutes and then headed on out to Walnut Mountain Shelter which was another 7 miles on. Another great day of hiking all in all. I arrived at Walnut Mountain Shelter which is the oldest shelter on the trail. The shelter was built in 1936 by the CCC. It is not in great shape but is well maintained by Pete. Pete was there at the shelter doing some work and shared his dinner with Caveman and me. He had a couple of steaks that he cooked up on the open fire and a brick of Jarlsberg chees. He also had some wine in a stainless thermos. We feasted on that meal and you can bet that it was great! Heading into Hot Springs tomorrow...lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Headed out at 6:00 to get into Hot Springs early so today will feel like a zero with a lot of time to rest the legs. I arrived at 11:40 and got some lunch, checked in and showered up. Had to resupply for the 4 days to the next pit stop in Nolichucky. My feet seem to be getting better and the knees feel pretty good. Especially after the big miles yesterday which is a good sign. I am just relaxing and thinking about my plan for the next two weeks. Spoke to one of my favorite trail angels Jerry and am planning on being to him early May. Not a lot going on today...lata, Southside
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: broken clouds

I started out the day with a goal of 19 miles and got up and out early again. The day was a long one and the miles were hard. The worst of it was that there were no water sources and when I got to the shelter that I had set my goal on there was no water source there either. No where did anyone post that there wasn't water for 12 miles so my hydration took a hit and I had to press on another 6 miles to Jerry's Cabin. I did put up a sign to alert others. This put me crossing that beautiful granite ridge at 5:30 pm instead of in the morning tomorrow as planned. So, I didn't get to see very much; I wanted to get to the shelter before dark and pressed on. Good news is that the weather has been holding out and no rain expected until Friday. I spent the night in the shelter alone with the rats. Not one of the better days or nights. It appears that I am now ahead of most of the hikers that were keeping pace with me. Tomorrow is another day and I am looking forward to Nolichucky by Saturday. Pam here: I added the first disk of photos today. Just click on the photo link in the sidebar to view. I have not added the descriptions yet but they are all dated. Happy viewing.
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: clear sky

 Well new plan, the no water thing yesterday kind of changed what i am doing the next few days. I started out this morning at 6:15 am looking to do a 24.8 mile day. All in all you could not ask for a better day sun,clear sky 65*. So I left Jerry Cabin shelter hoping to get in 14 miles by noon. I made it by 1:00 pm and met 3 section hikers who were on the last few miles of their hike. They were heading to Sam's gap where their mom was picking them up. I had lunch with them and left at 1:30. Ten miles to go up down, up down, up down for the next 4 hours. I hate puds!!!!!!! (Pointless up and downs) I passed a sobo (southbound hiker)and asked him if that big bald mountain was Big Bald. And of course he just had to say YES, and that I was still 4 miles away. Bull & I did that climb last year but not at the end of a 24 mile day. It kicked our big bald butts and you guessed it ! Big bald kicked mine again. I made it to the shelter at 6:30 made dinner, cleaned up and got ready for tomorrow. I fell asleep to the sound of coyotes and her pups howling and churping.   Kind of nice LATTA Southside