morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Haven's budget Inn

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got on Ron Haven's big yellow school bus at 8:30 with the other hikers who were ready to get back on the trail after a few days off. Left the trail head at 9:44, the bus was slow up the mountain but faster than walking, it was 45 degrees, raining, grey, overcast and misty at the same time it was raining. I was going to walk across the road, like the proverbial chicken, so I wouldn't miss that small section of the trail but Ron was going to the trailhead on the other side to pick up hikers going into town. Made the journey across the road and started up the trail, last, of course, of those who were on the bus with me.It stayed misty, gray, and rainy all day. Was wearing long johns and shorts on the bottom and just the capilene2 shirt on top, and my blue cap. Stayed warm enough all day. It is surprising how dry you can stay without rain gear and just a good wicking layer. It wicks perspiration and rain. Bypassed the first shelter and went to the Wayah bald shelter. I got the last spot in the shelter. There were four tents with two people each total of 15 people. Water was a long way away from the shelter and I made the mistake of changing into my camp shoes (Crocks) before I went to water up.My ziplock food bag exploded inside my insulated water bottle holder that I had been using to keep the food hot while hydrating the ramen and whatever else I am eating. Ate half my dinner directly out of the insulator. Quite a mess, but not the night for extra clean up. Cold and wet says do it later. I will clean it at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) when I get there. It dropped about 10 degrees just after dinner and you could now see your breath. Nasty after being wet all day. Everybody crawled into bed before it got darkSee you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser bald shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Happy St. Patricks Day!It cleared overnight but was still chilly. It was 35 degrees when I left the shelter at 8:30. Since the forecast was for warming I went with just my shorts and base layer on top. It took a good 30 minutes to warm up and a little longer for my hands to warm up too. At 10:10 I found trail magic at Burning Town Gap. Apple (trail name of former through hiker) had a big orange dome tent set up and had hot coffee, hot chocolate, oranges, and cookies for all through hikers. Later in the day he serves burgers and brats. I almost stayed until lunch time. This is his seventh year and he stays for about a month during cold weather each year. Wow the coffee really hit the spot, thanks Apple.For you younger readers: What is it in the forest during early springtime that makes a sound like an engine starting up? Bup.....Bup...bup..bup.bupbupbupbupbupbup and how does it make that sound? By the end of the noise it sounds as fast as a good drum roll. It has a ruffled necklace, makes a racket when startled. Getting it yet? More likely to hear it in the East than in the west. It has feathers, it is a ruffed grouse, or partridge depending on where you come from.Anyway, I have been hearing them beat their lonely little pick me tune for the past few days. They make the sound by beating their wings on their chest. Only the male birds do it and it is to attract the female birds during the spring. I scared one up right next to the trail as I was walking by.That night while we were trying to sleep a loud racket began near the shelter. HOO-HOO-HU-HOOURRR answered at the same time. Back and forth they went. The best we can come up with was two male owls arguing over whose territory was whose.Got just a little sleep. Seems to be the way for me in the shelters.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Wesser bald shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

I had my first bad experience in the shelter last night. It doesn't take many to make it a poor experience for all. Three in this case. Loud talking late, talking from the shelter to the people around the campfire, shining lights into your eyes, not intentionally, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, and after that was done coming to bed late and then beginning to text to others. Tap tap tap, beep beep beep. Finally had to ask them to stop texting which they did but didn't turn off the phone and received many texts, ring ring ring. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night either.It took a long time for me to get going on the trail, and to get all the achey body parts loosened up and functioning as a team. I hiked a bit angry with the others in the shelter and I didn't enjoy the morning's hike as much as I should have. Have to let these things go quicker. It was the best day we have had for hiking in quite a while. Cool not cold and not too hot. Sunny and clear. There were some great vistas on the way into the NOC.Got in and got registered and went to lunch. My drop box isn't here yet so will check again tomorrow. A group of us did laundry together, took a much needed shower and went to explore the outfitter and to the office to update my journal. Dinner on site with quite a good sized group that are generally hiking together but not really together. We sleep in the same area but all leave at different times and get back to camp at different times.It's a hostel so in a room with three others. Lefty snores so it will be like a shelter in that regard.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafrass Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

My trail name is NICE LENSESWent to breakfast at 8:00 as coordinated with Swifty, Jack Straw, and Rehab last night. They got there at 9:00 as I was ready to leave. decided to hike rather than watch them eat.You know that rivers are at the lowest points on the trail right? This was no different. Seven mile continuous climb to the first shelter, Sassafrass Shelter. Happy to get there too. Got there at 1:00 and was able to rest a bit in the afternoon. The temp dropped all afternoon and by dinner time it was getting very cold. Somewhere in the low 20's. Going to be colder over night. This shelter has two levels. I was in the lower as I didn't want to climb down from the penthouse to visit the trees at night. When everyone had arrived the shelter was full and there were five tents set up.This was absolutely the worse privy any of us had seen. No one actually made it inside. A look in the door was as far as anyone got. Lots of visibility in the area so you had to trudge a bit to get a little privacy.Bed time early due to the days climb and the temperature drop.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Sassafrass Shelter

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

My trail name is Nice LensesIt was 8:00 and 26 degrees when I left the shelter. I'm beginning to get a bit more organized about getting out of the shelter in the morning. I ate some Pop Tarts and left. Cold so I wore my gloves for the first time in quite a while. Ate my cereal breakfast on the trail. With so many people in camp last night it was a zoo trying to get space to eat, so got out and ate later.It was still quite cold so I was very surprised to find a nice 12" garter snake stretched out across the trail in the sun. I knew many more were coming and didn't want him stepped on. I nudged him with my trekking pole to try and get him to at least move to the edge of the trail. He was sluggish but struck my pole twice pretty hard, whap, whap. Picked him up with my pole, gently of course, and placed him off the trail and still in the sun. Took a picture and left him to his basking.At Stecoah Gap I met St Pete Sue who was offering fresh water and to take your trail trash. Gave trash took water. Thanks Sue. Chatted with here for a short while, ate lunch, called Grey Squirrel and continued on my way. They don't tell you what a bear of a climb (others had a different description of the climb) when you left the gap. This was the first climb where I could not make it by walking with my whole foot on the ground. I had to really dig my toes in to get a foot hold. By far the steepest sustained climb I have encountered. Steep as Mt Albert without the built in steps. Got to Brown Fork Shelter at 2:20 and knew I had better stop for the day. The interesting thing about this shelter is that the privy was very visible from the shelter. It also had a roof supported by four stout poles and no walls. Great view in any direction. You had to announce to everyone that you were going to the privy so no one would go to the back of the shelter until you returned. Got a picture of it and should be posted when I can get my pictures to Flash.The next day I was planning on making it to Fontana Dam and had a reservation at the Hike Inn. Lefty offered to share a room so I called and got changed from my single to a double.It was going to be at least 12 miles to the dam so we were going to get an early start tomorrow. You have to be at the dam by 4:00 for a pick up to the inn.This is a very strange shelter, in that there was a 3' gap from a front wall to the sleeping platform. Very poorly designed and difficult to manuever across that gap, especially at night. It had a low ceiling and you had to be careful not to hit your head. I was not careful enough several times.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Hike Inn
Miles today: 13.0

My trail name is Nice Lenses.I wanted to leave by 7:30 but didn't get out until 8:10. Lefty left 30 min before me. Nothing unusual there. He is out like that every day.Started out with my long johns under my shorts but had to get out of them shortly, it was just to hot with them on. It was a bright sunny day and I may have gotten a little to much sun. Can't tell yet because am still flushed from the hike.I felt pressure all day due to the 4:00 deadline at the dam. It detracted from the hike. Didn't stay as long as I wanted at some of the vistas. Funny how that works. Much more enjoyable when your time is your own.I caught up to Lefty about an hour from the dam and we got to the first area, a boat ramp with rest rooms at 2:00. Great, just have to go over to the dam. A section hiker was just meeting his father in the parking lot and we Yogied a beer from them. When you beg some food or a drink from someone you Yogi them...after Yogi the Bear, a cartoon character who was always begging for food. The beer was great and we set out for the dam. Damn, we didn't expect more climbing to get there. It was a nasty little 2 mi hike that seemed extra long especially after the beer and the long days hike. The beer was good though.Got to the dam and called for our ride which showed up pretty quickly.Got to the Hike Inn and showed to our room. There was no key issued and never did get one. We were told to get our laundry which we did. I gave her mine while wearing only my rain paints. She said people have showed up wearing less. Got the laundry back, took my shower and it was time for the nightly 5:00 run to town. Ate Mexican. Got picked up 40 min later and taken to the supermarket for restock of food, the Dollar General, and the ATM as only cash was accepted at the Inn. Called Grey Squirrel while standing next to a Forsythia that was in full bloom.A little television, mostly weather channel and bed time shortly after. Forecast for storm beginning Thur Night.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

My trail name is Nice Lenses.Left to hike at 8:15 and 40 degrees. It was breezy all day. This was another long day for me and I know I should be going at a little more leisurely pace, but I still am trying to get to Clingmans Dome tomorrow for a chance at a clear day before the predicted storm hits. I almost stayed at the second shelter I passed but went on to Silers Bald Shelter. First thru hiker there again so at least I have a spot. There were two spring break hikers with a reservation. Actually only three more thru hikers showed up so we were able to really spread out in the shelter.It was quiet in the forest as I hiked in the morning. I was standing in the trail, I'm not quite sure why I had stopped on a nice fairly flat section, but I had. A Black Capped Chickadee landed fairly close to me at about eye level. I said Good morning Mr. Chickadee. He responded with a short song ending in the familiar chicka-dee-dee-dee. I said thank you for that song it was absolutely beautiful. He hopped up and down three times and began a steady rendition of his chicka dee song. He was still at it when I left about 20 seconds later. I thanked him for cheering up my day before I left. What a great pick-me-upper that was.By the time I got to the shelter, the wind was blowing quite hard, it was heavily overcast, and the temp was dropping. I knew my efforts to push along were in vain because I could tell it was going to rain tonight. Once we were all bedded down the wind really picked up. I am estimating at 50-60 mph gusting to something higher. I know you think that this is an over estimate, but I really think not. Sometime in the night the rain hit hard, really hard. between the rain and the wind it got very loud in the shelter. Normally I like the sound of rain on the roof, but not when you know you have to hike in it the next day.My legs were a little sore from pushing in the Smokies, and the climbs have been tough. Not in the joints like before, actual muscle soreness. You think I would know better after the zeros I have had to take earlier in the hike.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Grand Prix Motel in Gatlinberg

To: Grand Prix Motel in Gatlinberg
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a zero day in Gatlinberg today. I was planning on restocking and zeroing today anyway, the weather in the mountains makes it even more of a good idea. Had a leisurely morning assessing my equipment and drying everything out as best as we can. And this is before even doing the laundry. had breakfast at the local Pancake House, expensive as is everything in this tourist town. $10.00 2 eggs, bacon toast, juice and coffee. Went to the Happy Hiker Outfitter to see what they had on the way back to the motel after breakfast. Need a new spoon and some fuel but didn't have my fuel bottle, a 10 oz plastic, former, water bottle. Caught the trolley just outside the motel and took it across town to the library to update my journal, Food City to restock for meals on the way back, and late dinner. Spent a long day at the library because I was so far behind with my journal. Did get caught up though. The outfitter was closed by the time I got back from the Library and Food City run. Will have to get my fuel tomorrow when it opens at 10:00. Did laundry at the motel in the evening after dinner. Spoke to Grey Squirrel and called it a day.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Grand Prix Motel in Gatlinberg

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: moderate rain

My trail name is Nice LensesWow a wopping three miles today!Since I couldn't leave until after the outfitter opened at 10:00 I was on a slow pace for the morning. Began putting my pack back into hiking order. Most items were at least dry. Boots still a little damp though. Had my leftover pasta and sausage from two nights ago for breakfast. Left the motel about 10:15 for the outfitter a half block away. Got my fuel and a red Lexan Plastic Spoon, they didn't have a long handled spoon so will have to keep on the lookout for one as I go. Hitched a ride to the visitor center in the Smoky Mt. National Park and took a while to get a ride to the top and Newfound Gap from there. Got a ride from Dave a friend visiting Preacher Man. Preacher Man and Debbie were also going back to the Gap and they graciously stopped and crammed my gear and me into the car. Here is the thing I should have known but didn't. It was 70, calm wind, and dry in Gatlinberg. And that is how I was dressed. It was nasty, foggy, wind driven rain at Newfound Gap just like when I left the trail two days ago. I was drenched before I could get to the mens room to put on my pack cover and my rain gear. I left all my gear in the men's room and went back to the highway because when I had come out off the trail I skipped about 50' of trail from the road through the trailhead parking lot to begin hitchhiking. I just didn't want to think that I had missed any of the trail. This is a 15 mile drive up the mountain from Gatlinberg, but a world of differnce weather wise. It was late to start out but only three miles to the first shelter, which was as far as any of the three of us got. I was the third one to the shelter so I knew I had a place in the shelter that night. It did fill up too. It was a terrible night to be out in the weather, glad I was inside, so to speak.See you on the trail.Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

The weather has not improved. It is a very nasty day. It was difficult getting out of a warm bed to put on wet, cold, really cold hiking clothes. At least three hikers opted to stay at the shelter for another day. I finally decided to press on to the next shelter a little over seven miles away. Sadly it was another half mile off the trail, you guessed it, down a steep grade. There were no views at the vistas. Even the shelter mice stayed in bed last night it was that bad. It was a slow go. My boots were very heavy and waterlogged from yesterday. With the clothes I had on to combat hypothermia it was very slow going indeed. Got to the next shelter at 3:00 and I had had enough. Got my chores done and out of my very wet clothes and into something dry. I take great pains to keep my sleeping bag, sleep clothes, and a warm change dry so I can always get warmed up, at least so far, at the end of the day. I use three dry sacks inside my pack for these items. There were only four of us in the shelter as it is not a favorite due to being so far off the trail. There was a large deposite of bear scat in the trail down to the shelter. Wow, this is going to be extra fun. Hunkered down well before dark and was dry and warm in my sleeping bag. Makes you wish that you hadn't hydrated as well as you did. Getting up in the middle of the night is not fun.See you on the trail.Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The weather has, at least been consistent. Rain hammered the shelter last night driven by crazy wind. It was 32 degrees when I left the shelter at 9:05. Again struggled through the getting dressed process with cold wet clothes. I can't believe they didn't dry out in the wet, humid environment in which we camped. The wet cold socks and boots were bad, but the wet cold shirt took my breath away. I would have screamed but I couldn't catch a breath to do so. Quick, put your dry jacket on over the shirt so it can start warming up, still wet, but warmer. Eventually it did warm up to tolerable. I left the jacket on all day. Started out with my gloves on and my hands took 45 minutes to warm up and I finally took them off for the day. The weather couldn't make up its mind what to do with the day. Every now and then the sun would come out for about 2 minutes and then revert to miserable again. Even when the sun came out there were no views as we were undercast. We were above the clouds then in the clouds. It began to snow at 5:00. I was, fortunately, already at the shelter. Again I was one of the first four thru hikers to the shelter so I knew I was going to be inside for the night. There was lots more evidence of bear today as many rotted logs beside the trail were recently ripped, battered, and torn open and scattered about the trail. I suspect grubs and worms were the intended menu. I thought they were recent because the scraps of wood had not yet been pulverized by hiker boots.At 6:00 it was 34 degrees and getting colder fast. I had taken the time to bury my water bottles in some of my gear to try and keep them from freezing overnight. There were numerous pieces of everyone's clothing on rigged up clothes lines and various nails, mine included, although I did not expect them to dry. I at least hoped the excess water would drip off.Warm in my bag, I was zipped in for the first time in a long time. I have a Western Mountaineering 15 degree bag and it has been to warm for the weather, so I have been using it unzipped as a big quilt. Not tonight.Conversation was limited and we went to sleep, or at least quiet earlier than usual. Long before hiker midnight (dusk).See you on the trail.Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was 9:00 and 45 degrees when I left the hostel. It was forcast for sunny all day but was overcast when I left. It turned out to be overcast all day.There were three major climbs today. All long and steep. It was a difficult 13 miles and my legs were heavy by the end of the day.It was international day for me on the trail today. Met two Ethiopian fellows living in the DC area section hiking. They were sitting on the side of the trail and discussing their day to that point. I asked one of them which way he was hiking and he said south. I was surprised when one got up and headed north. Being easily confused, I inquired from the other why his friend went north. They drive together to one trailhead and one gets out. The other drives to the next trailhead and starts hiking back to his friend. The second then drives the car back to pick up the first. I happened on them as they had just met. Next I ran into Mr. Greentea (trail name) thru hiker from Manchester, England and it was his birthday. I enjoyed talking with all three.The big push for the day was to try and get to the top of Max Patch for the views and some picture taking. It was the third climb of the day and I did get there before the rain but it was still overcast. It did have some great views. The wind was absolutely howeling though. Blowing enough to push you three or four steps sideways every few seconds. Got to the top and tried to take a picture in each direction while trying to keep all pieces from blowing away. Braced into the wind and unsteady due to the buffing from the wind, I took some shots one handed. I think they came out. It was interesting on top because the trail was marked with posts with the familiar white blaze on them. Took a picture of them as well.I had to change into and out of rain and warmer gear several times as I climbed and descended the various peaks.The rain hit just as I finished my evening chores and I was able to stay dry for the day.One of my shelter mates was Greyhound, a triple crown hiker and outfitter from the Orlando area. He discussed with us, all evening, the different capabilities of many different hiking items. It was by far the most informative evening discussion I have had on the hike so far. Thanks Greyhound, that was tremendous. The triple crown is to hike the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail, in no particular order. It does not have to be done in one year.It rained hard off and on all night. Oh yeah, we crammed 12 people into an eight man shelter. It was cozy, and warm from all that hiker body heat. Almost couldn't roll over it was so tight.See you on the trail.Nice LensesJohn