morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-13
From: Deep Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Got up early, about 6, and Ron came by and we were gone at 6:30. Stopped by a gas station for some gatorade. Dropped the sisters and Sci Fi off at Rock Gap, they are doing the whole section today. Ron took Spoonie, Humpty, Stick and I back to Standing Indian Campground, where we walked the 4 miles in back to Deep Gap, got there around 9. The climb up Standing Indian Mountain was not bad at all, very easily graded. On top, there was 7 or 8 inches of snow, made it very slick, fell a few times. Took the side trail to the summit. The view couldn't of been better, we could see for miles. Took a few pictures. Later, caught up to Humpty. He opted to miss the summit, we told him it was going to be a good view, but he said he'd take our word for it. Stopped at Beech Gap to get water, but it was just a small stagnant pond. While we were stopped, Rocky and Cat Toy came by, they had already done 15 miles in 5 hours. Started up again and soon found a good creek to get water. Sci Fi passed us there. Pretty easy going to the shelter. There are actually two shelters here, the old one, which is really small and crummy, then the new one, which is really nice. It has a big pourch with a picnic table underneath, plus an extra sleeping platform underneath the shelter. So if you ever go to Carter Gap Shelter, when you see the old one on the left, keep walking for about 100 yards and it will be on your right. There were several entries in the register about how people had stopped at the old shelter, spent the night, and started again in the morning only to find the new, better shelter only 30 seconds up the trail. We were just going to stop for dinner and keep going, but decided to stay. It is probably going to rain tonight. Here also tonight is Skeeter Feeder and Data. Spoonie is trying out her new hammock tonight, it sure does look comfortable.
Date: 2005-03-14
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

It did rain pretty good last night, but I was nice and warm in the shelter. Only complaint is that I was sandwiched between two snorers, which will remain anonymous. I really have no room to talk though, I am sure I cut some Zs too. Up around 6, ate and went got water. Flew down the trail to Betty Creek Gap, where we were actually going to stay last night. Glad we didn't, we would have gotten soaked. Absolutely no views today, very very foggy. visiblity was about 50 feet at best. At times it was a little creepy, walking through the fog and trees. It seemed like something out of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". Any second I was sure Leatherface was going to pop out and attack me with his chainsaw. After stopping briefly at the gap, my upper quad started hurting again, this time really bad. Had to walk a lot slower today. Me and Stick got to the base of Albert Mountain and waited for Spoonie and Humpty. The climb up over Albert involves a .3 mile rock scramble. We decided to take the blue blaze around it, since it was still very wet, didn't want to slip and get hurt. Stopped shortly at Glassmine Gap. The fog had pretty much lifted and the sun was starting to poke through. Got to Rock Gap around 1 and called Ron. Back at the hotel, we ran into Chuckles and Gotta-Go. Come to find out, Sassy had gotten off the trail due to a knee injury, but should be back around Damascus. Showered, rested and later went to eat at the Pizza Peddlar, but ended up having a burger, go figure. Called home and talked to Mom and Dad. Packed up, because tomorrow we are leaving for good. This has been a lot of fun, but it is time to move on. Ron and the Haven Motel were excellent. They helped us out in anyway they could. I would definately stay here again and recommend it for all hikers. Starting tomorrow from the top of Wayah Bald.
Date: 2005-03-15
From: Wayah Bald

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Good day today. Ron came by around 6:30 and we were up on top to the bald by 7:30. All the snow from just a few days ago had melted off, and the views were just great. Had a tough time getting going, I just kept dragging. I pulled out my mp3 player, the first time on the hike. That seemed to get me going. It's a lot easier to walk when you have some music to walk to. At Burningtown Gap, a guy named Apple had a big tent set up and had trail magic. Apple wasn't there though, he had gone to town to get some more supplies, so we missed meeting him. Also missed the hotdogs we had been hearing about, but we got cokes and some choclate. It sure hit the spot. Thanks, Apple, I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you. The weather was real nice all day, sunny and a good breeze blowing. Made Telico Gap around noon, where I ran into Nathan. Stopped for a POBO break. POBO means, "pack off, boots off". The climb up to Wesser Bald was pretty rough, as the breeze was gone and it was just plain hot. But once we got up there, it was totally worth it. I climbed to the top of the old firetower, and the views were out of this world. I could see clear to Cheoah Bald, which we'll be crossing in a few days. I wanted to stop at Wesser Bald Shelter, but Stick, Spoonie, and Humpty wanted to keep going so I agreed. I flew all the way to the next shelter, but in the process, lost my new green turtle hat that I had gotten from Walmart back in Franklin. Got to the shelter to find room for me. Bam Bam from New Mexico had found my hat and brought it down. I believe it is going to rain tonight, and this shelter sure looks like it leaks. Just a quick stop in to the NOC tomorrow for a hot meal and my maildrop, then on to the next shelter.
Date: 2005-03-16
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: snow

It did rain for most of last night, but luckily the shelter did not leak. Stick, Spoonie, Humpty and I hiked the .7 miles down to the NOC with haste. We ran into Gravity and Danger when we got there. We all went to breakfast at the resturant, Humpty's treat. Thanks, Humpty!! Afterwards, tried calling Mom, but no answer, so I left a message. Picked up my drop at the outfitters and packed it up. Stick and I almost stayed behind, as he is still sick and I just don't want to walk in the rain. We decided against it. I soon left everyone, hiking out in front. Hiked the whole way by myself and in the rain. Very crummy weather, but it could be and probably will be getting worse. Made the shelter in about 3.5 hours. The climb really wasn't as bad as i thought it was going to be. In fact, last year on our section hike with the scouts, we did a southbound hike in this section and it took me less time this year going up, than it did last year coming down. So I definately can tell I'm getting into good shape. Got to the shelter to find plenty of room, which is great, because I would hate to be out in the weather. Lots of people came in after me, and decided to move on. Even though it is only 2pm, I have no problem staying here. Put on some dry clothes and got warm. Soon after, Spoonie and Humpty came in, said that Stick had turned around and gone back to the NOC for some rest. I hope he is feeling better soon. Hopefully he'll catch us by Gatlinburg for Spoonie and my birthdays. Only a handful here tonight, plenty of room. Depending on weather, just going to the next shelter tomorrow.
Date: 2005-03-17
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

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

Wow, what a crummy day. I took 3 steps out of the shelter and slipped and fell in the mud. Absolutely no views whatsoever from the top of Cheoah Bald. I was really looking forward to that. I did call Mom while I was up there since I did not get a hold of her yesterday. I told her it is quite cold up here and she said she is thinking about us while she is in her warm van drinking her coffee. I love you too, Mom. But it was good to talk to her. There was plenty of snow up there, and flurries continued to fall throughout the morning. I fell several times on the way down to Stecoah Gap. Took a short break there. By noon, it was alternating snow flurries and drizzling. The climb out of the gap was brutal, the hardest of the trip so far. The trail gained 800 feet of elevation in like 800 feet. Not fun at all. I thought I was in pretty good shape, but that climb really put me in my place. Close to the shelter, I met Totally Different Subject, he told me that Cat Toy, Rocky, and Sci Fi had gone to town at the road, but Sci Fi stayed behind, because he is sick. Got to the shelter really early, around 1, but I am too tired, cold and wet to do the 6 miles to the next shelter. I'll just have to do a longer day into Fontana tomorrow. Later in the afternoon, Stick showed up! He did the 16 miles to catch up with us. My hat is off to him, 16 miles in the snow/rain, with the climbs out of the NOC and Stecoah, plus being sick. Shadow also caught up to us today, minus Sassy. He says she'll be back by Damascus. Ate and napped throughout the afternoon.
Date: 2005-03-18
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: NC 28, Fontana Village
Miles today: 11.6

Today was a lot better. The rain/snow had subsided and the sun was out. Up around 6, didn't bother eating breakfast. Really good views today. Most of the morning, there was a lake of clouds about 1000 feet below us. That was really neat, I've seen pictures of that before, but never in real life. Made the 6 miles to Cable Gap in under 3 hours. Pretty easy going, except there were a few really bad blowdowns. Several required me to take off my pack and crawl underneath. Took a short 30 minutes at the shelter, then pushed on. The terrain after the shelter was a bit harder, more uphill. Once I got to the top and started the descent, the trail seemed to go on forever. I fell real bad one time on some rocks, bloodied up my knee pretty good. When I finally got to the mariana at the road, there was quite a few hikers already down there. The shuttle from Fontana Village was there giving them all rides, but I decided to wait for everyone else. Gravity and Danger showed up about an hour later, soon followed by the rest, including Sci Fi, who caught up to us. All seven of us are splitting a cabin at the village for 2 nights. We got a shuttle and went to the post office for packages. Sci Fi and I had ours sent to the Hike Inn, so we called them when we got settled to have them bring those over. The lady brought them over and didn't even charge us the 10 bucks that they do if you have a package but don't stay with them. Thank you. Got cleaned up and all of us went to the resturant for dinner, which was highly overpriced. But at least we got the salad bar for free. Going to just do the mile between the mariana and the dam tomorrow, so at least we aren't taking a full day off, just a nero.
Date: 2005-03-19
From: NC 28, Fontana Dam, NC

To: Fontana Dam, Fontana Village
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in until about seven. We all went to the AYCE breakfast buffet at the resturant. Not much selection, but the food was decent and I sure did get my money's worth. Came back to the cabin, wrote postcards and letters and went to the post office. We all got a shuttle down to the marina to do the mile between there and the dam. "The hidden mile", or just about the most annoying mile on the A.T. because you get down to the road, and you think that you are there, but you still have another mile to go. And it isn't flat; it's all up and down, very annoying. Well, we still did it, because I didn't want to miss any trail. We went to see the Fontana Dam shelter, or as it is known by thru hikers as the "Fontana Hilton". It is probably the nicest shelter on the whole trail. It can easily sleep 40 people and has running water and bathrooms close by. Walked down to the dam to take some pictures. It is very impressive. It was built by the Tennessee Valley Authority. It's 480 high and the tallest dam east of the Mississippi River. Okay, enough with the history lesson for today. The shuttle came back to pick us up and we went back to the cabin. Took a nice long nap. Later, had Gravity do a shakedown on my pack to see what I really didn't need. I only got rid of a pound or two. I could have sent a lot more home, but I really like those extras, but I'm sure the time will come when I don't want to carry them anymore and they will go home. We rented Butterfly Effect from the registration building and watched that.   Side note- This place is quite a rip-off. We paid way too much for this cabin, and got too little. The cabin itself had wasps, ants, and dead bugs. The pullout couch was broken, so poor Humpty had an uncomfortable night. Some of the glasses in the cabinet were broke, just sitting up there, the toaster didn't work, neither did the tv or phone. The repair guy came with a can of Raid to "fix" the wasp problem, and got the stuff on Danger's rainjacket, ruining the waterproofing. Just looking forward to getting out of here and getting started with the Smokies.
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Fontana Dam, Fontana Village

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Wow, what a great day to start the Smokies! Up at seven, went back down to the resturant for breakfast. Packed up and cleaned up the cabin. Got a shuttle and was on the trail crossing the dam by a quarter past nine. What a feeling to be finally crossing Fontana Dam. The weather today was a little cool, but sunny and clear. Stopped briefly for a picture by the GSMNP sign and then the trail was up, up, and away, all the way to Shuckstack. Almost a three thosand foot climb. Great views from the top of the fire tower. Ran into Shadow at Birch Spring campsite, where I stopped to get water. Later ran into a ridge runner who said that most of the shelters were going to be pretty full tonight. That is the one thing that I am not going to like about the Smokies. You have to stay in the shelters. The shelters are dark, damp, dirty, and small. And non-thru hikers have priority in the shelters. And if the shelter is full, you have to tent. What a bummer. Three spots are reserved for thru hikers on a first-come first-served basis. I can't help but feel like I am competing for shelter space, like I have to walk all day without stopping to make it to the shelter to ensure I get a spot. Not cool. But I wasn't going to let this put a damper on my spirits today! Ran into Not Guilty right before Mollies Ridge Shelter. Stick, Sci Fi, and I were the first three of our group to get there. Once we were there, we found the place overrun with kids on Spring Break. We all decided to push the 2.5 miles to the next shelter. I really ran out of energy in those last few miles. Made it to the shelter around 4:30 to find the place empty except from a couple from Ohio. About 6, Spoonie, Humpty, Danger and Gravity all showed up. Looked like it wasn't going to be too crowded tonight, but the thru hikers kept pouring in, until about 7 or so, then we were pretty full. That wouldn't have been too bad, but around 9 or so, after it's dark and we've all been in our bags for over an hour, a group of spring breaks came in. We did make room for them though. I think they wanted us to get out, but if we were able to make room for them, I sure as heck wasn't going anywheres. One of the ladies asked, "Where are the girls going to sleep?" expecting us guys to get out and tent. One of the thru hikers said, "right here next to all of us". I don't think she apprieciated that, but such is the trail.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: scattered clouds

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPOONIE!!! Today was a very rough day physically. Tons of ups and downs. Walked most of the day by myself, listening to my mp3 player. Stopped for a quick break at Spence Field Shelter and to filter some water. Water sources throughout the Smokies are spaced out pretty far. Most of them are located at the shelters, so I'm having to carry more water than I like to. We had really good views from Rocky Top. Pretty sure I saw Clingmans Dome from there. It was a pretty tough climb, I'm not sure if it was worth it though. I don't know if it was the terrain, or if I just didn't have any energy. I think it was the later, because I dragged all day.   Originally wanted to go the fifteen miles to Silers Bald Shelter, but there was no way that was happening today, being as fatigued as I was. Plus my pack is chaffing my lower back really bad. It keeps getting worse and worse. It's almost to the point where there is an open sore on my back. So I decided to call it an early day around 1:30. Very sunny, so I laid out on the open grass around the shelter, it was very relaxing. Sci Fi, Stick, and Spoonie all decided to push on to Silers Bald Shelter, while Gravity, Danger, Humpty and I stayed behind. Gravity suggested covering the part of my pack where my back is rubbing with duct tape. I did that, hopefully it will help. Cooked Ramen for lunch, then Lipton later for dinner. I am starting to get more hungry, I think my hiker appetite. Got cell reception here, so I talked to Mom for about 20 mins behind the shelter. Weather forcast isn't looking too good for tomorrow, an 80% chance of rain. Probably won't make for a good birthday. At least I'll be feeling more rested (hopefully).
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, today ended up being a lot shorter than I had planned. The weather actually started out pretty nice this morning, although it was colder than it has been in the past few days. Woke up wishing I had done the miles to make it to Silers yesterday, so I could be in town tonight for my birthday, but oh well. The terrain wasn't too bad to Silers, I could have easily made it. Right before the shelter, I met a couple of Spring Breakers coming south. I stopped to talk to them for a few seconds. Afterwards, I learned that I need to stop asking people how far I am from certain things. This is why:Flying Turtle- Hello. How are you?Weekend Warriors- Pretty good, how about yourself?F.T.- Good. Do you know how far the shelter is from here?W.W. #1 - About 15 mins.W.W. #2 - About 100 yards.This is why I never believe anybody about how far certain landmarks are. Luckily for me, Weekend Warrior numero dos was correct. I stopped very briefly for a snack and to sign the register. Not Guilty passed me, and soon Humpty caught up to me. In the time I had waited for Humpty, the weather turned really nasty. The clouds had started to roll in, and the temp was dropping very quickly. Walked with Humpty to the next shelter, which was only about a mile and a half from Silers Bald. We were up on a very narrow ridge, and on one side of the ridge, you could see the rain clouds and on the other, you could see the snow clouds. And it was only getting worse. The wind started picking up. It started raining right when we got to the shelter. I decided to stay here, because it was a ways to the next shelter and I did not want to be going over Clingmans Dome in this mess. Plenty of room at the shelter, since we got there at 11:45. Only walked for about three and a half hours, but the weather was really nasty. Spent the afternoon in my sleeping bad while the rain pounded down on the roof. Section hikers kept pouring in as the afternoon wore on. Gravity and Danger gave me the rest of their meal that they couldn't eat as my birthday present. Eventually, we had about 19 people crammed in the shelter that was only built for 12. Was looking forward to a restful evening until somebody read out of a guidebook that this was the shelter that 2 hikers were killed by a lightning strike while they laid in their sleeping bags. Oh gee, thanks. I really needed to know that. That's something to write home about.
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

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

It stormed really bad last night around 2:30, but we stayed dry. Left around 7 without any breakfast, I was ready to get going to town. It was very slow going up Clingmans Dome. The trail was very icy all day. I fell so many times. And where there wasn't ice, the trail seemed to be a river. My boots were compeletly soaked within an hour. I finally got tired of dodging the puddles and just started walking through them. On top of Clingmans, there was over two feet of snow. And there was absolutely no view. We could barely see the observation tower, or "The Mother Ship" as Gravity puts it. The way down was very slick. I must have fallen at least 8 or 9 times on the way down. The snow was packed down on the actual trail, and it was still over a foot deep. Humpty said this is the kind of snow you can break an ankle in really easy. Sometimes I would just slip, and catch myself before I fell. Humpty started grading me like I was iceskating:9.5- "Can't use your Leki for balance!!"9.8- "Would have been better, except you had a total look of suprise on your face."8.2- "Your hand touched the snow."We finally made it down to Newfound Gap around 1:30, thankfully without breaking neither bone nor Leki. Wildcat, who thru hiked in 2004 was there with a bunch of trail magic. He had cookies, chips, sodas, beer, and white gas if you needed any. Talked to him for a while, he's a pretty neat guy. It was amazing to see how many people are up here. The parking lot is pretty near full, even in this not-so-good weather. Me and Humpty took our picture by the Tn/Nc sign. Then we walked out to the road to hitch a ride into town. It took us about 15 minutes to get a ride, and finally a pickup truck with a couple and their young kid picked us up. They said they could only take us a mile from town. We said that was alright. We were almost there, and I supposed we looked really pathetic, because the kid opened the window and said that they had decided to take us all the way into town. They drove us right up to the Grand Prix Motel, where we checked in and started to get cleaned up. We found Gravity and Danger here, they made it here about 30 minutes before we did. After we did laundry, we all went out to the Park Grill for dinner. Humpty treated me for my birthday. Thank you very much Humpty, it was delicious. It was, too. The salad bar alone was bigger than the entire buffet at the Cookie Jar back at Neels Gap. We came back to the room, and come to find out, Stick, Sci Fi and Spoonie were staying across the street. They had come over to say hello. Today was their zero day, so they were going back to the trail tomorrow. They said they had lots of groceries, including hotdogs that they couldn't eat. So I felt as part as my civic duty to go over and help them finish the hotdogs off. They were pretty good. There is so much to do and see here in Gatlinburg. All the lights, sounds, and crowds can be quite overwhelming on the senses. Me and Humpty are taking tomorrow off, maybe we'll get to see some of the sights.