morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-02
From: NOC

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well the temptation was too great. I decided to rest a full day at the NOC. The weather is still bad with wind and snow at the higher elevations. Tomorrow some sun is forecasted, but cold temps are also predicted. The low tomorrow night at the high elevations with be in the low 20's. I'm trying to eat as much as I can. It's hard to replace calories that I burned up hiking. All day hikers have been coming down from the mountain. They are tired, cold, hungry, and dirty. I'm getting to know some of the other hikers. The names I can remember are Fast Eddie, Ed, John and his dog Bo, Mockingbird, Little Tree, Crash Bang, Lark, Ray-el, and Wilcomico Walker. Wilcomico Walker, Mockingbird, and I are sharing a bunkhouse. I'm still hiking pretty much by myself. I do come in contact with other hikers from time to time. My plan is to hike out of here sometime tomorrow morning and be at Fontana Dam on Monday. Fontana Dam is the gateway to the Smoky's.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-03
From: NOC

To: Locust Gap
Miles today: 10.6

The NOC was a good stop for me because I got to eat and rest. The climb out of the NOC was tough. IT's a steady 5 mile climb. Some say it's the toughest five miles on the AT. I'm sure that's debatable. The weather is beautiful. The temperatures are in the 50's with blue skies. There is still snow at the higher elevations. Every day seems to be pretty tough. I rarely hike with a partner, but today I hiked with Wicomico Walker. He is a 66 year old retired school teacher. I thought I was getting old at 61! We hike stronger than a lot of the kids out here. We plan to hike into Fontana Dam together. It's hard to keep a partner out here because hiking speeds vary, injuries occur, and people get off the trail. Hikers sometimes just tire of each other after a while. I'm writing in my tent tonight. I am going to read some before I drift off to sleep. Looking forward to tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Locust Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

It's a clear crisp morning with temperatures in the low 30's. What makes it seem a lot colder is the wind. The big challenge was getting out of my tent and changing into hiking clothes. The hike today had many ups and a few downs. I tend to remember the ups more than the downs. The mile climb out of Stecoah Gap was near vertical. There were a number of beatiful views today. I got a good look at the Smoky Mountain Range. The snow was visable on the high peaks of the Smokies. I took a break on high Foe Mountian and watched the hawks soar above. The sun was warming me and I could have gone to sleep. I left before Wicomico Walker and did not see anyone on the trail all day. I stopped at Cable Gap Shelter. This will only be my second shelter. Wicomico Walker, Little Tree, and Walking Stomach all stopped and will stay the night. Danny is also here so we will have a full shelter. A honeymoon couple just walked in and the bride does not look happy. They will tent behind the shelter. I stopped early today rather than get to Fontana Dam late. Wicomico and I will hike in early tomorrow. We plan to take a 0-day. We will share a room at the Fontana Inn. The Inn has buffets for all three meals. Fontana Village has a laundrymat, post office, and store. So this will be a good place to rest and get ready for the Smokies. Fontana Dam is the gateway to the Smokies.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: clear sky

It's another cold morning. The day promises to be beautiful with warming temps. Fontana Dam is only 5.5 miles away. The hike into Fontana was not bad. A couple of ups but mostly downhill. I saw a lot of nodding Trillium starting to bloom at the lower elevations. The forest will be bursting forth soon with a rainbow of colors. Wicomico Walker and I hiked down to a marina and called Fontana Inn and they sent a shuttle to pick us up. We just finished doing laundry. The first thing we did was take a hot shower. I picked up my mail drop from the post office and am now settled back in the room. Wicomico Walker and I are sharing a room. I'm really impressed with Wicomico, he can really hike. He appears to be a very positive person. That's very important on the trail. We will leave Fontana Village and head into the Smoky Mountains Wednesday morning. Right now, though, we are thinking about the supper buffet that starts at 5PM. We are also looking forward to the championship basketball game tonight.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was a very good day. I rested and ate; I ate a lot. When I'm on the trail I burn about twice the calories that I consume. I try to make up for the defecit. I will head out after breakfast in the morning for the Great Smoky Mountains. This will be a tough section. The AT traverses about 71 miles through the Smokies. The hike will cross 9 mountains over 6000 feet. Clingmans Dome at 6643 feet is the highest point on the entire AT. I plan to spend 4 nights in the park and hike out on the fifth day. The weather looks okay for tomorrow. There's a good chance of rain for the rest of the hike. The Smokies seem to have their own weather system, it will be interesting. In the Smokies you have to sleep in the shelters unless they're full, and then you can tent. The shelters have a fence across the front to protect hikers from bears. Wicomico Walker and I will hike out together.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Breakfast started at 7:30 and we were there waiting for them to open. For breakfast I had 5 pieces of french toast, a plate full of scrambled eggs, grits, bacon, and biscuits. I washed this down with 3 cups of coffee. Wicomico Walker and I were hiking by 9:00. The day was near perfect: blue skies, moderate temps, and birds chirping. It was a tough 4 miles up but not bad after that. Pretty little flowers, five petals red on white, made a carpet alongside the trail. I stopped at Spence Field Shelter. This shelter is located in a beautiful meadow. The perfect ending to a near perfect day.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was one of my tougher days on the trail. My body just did not want to hike, my legs felt dead. The sky was gray all day with a strong threat of rain. The trail was all steep up and downs. Tomorrow we go over Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT. Still seeing a lot of snow on the trail at the higher elevations. I expect the trail tomorrow will be very muddy. I would like to thank my family for their continued support. My daughter Karen is my transcriber. I have not seen my journal, but I understand she is doing a really good job. Her husband Matthew is supporting her and has been very interested in my hike. My son Michael and his wife Rosy are very encouraging and supportive too. My wife Ethel is having to deal with me not being home. I know this is very hard on her. I understand that I have some emails from family and friends, hope to be able to read them soon. I appreciate people taking the time to read my journal and emailing words of encouragement.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Cold temps this morning with a beautiful sunrise. Started the climb up Clingmans Dome about 7:30. Looks like it's going to be blue skies with warming temps. Radar was in the shelter with us last night. He thru-hiked in 2002. He is section hiking trying to get in shape for the RUT trail. Walked up to the viewing tower on top of Clingmans Dome, the skies were clear so the view was terrific. Ice covered much of the trail today. It was very slippery and I fell twice, both times on my back. My pack saved me. It was all snow, ice, and mud the rest of the day. I didn't see much today because I was looking at my feet to keep from slipping. I stopped at Newfound Gap to rest for a few minutes. There must have been 50 or more tourists there. I saw a lot of day hikers on the climb to Icewater Springs Shelter. This is where I will stop for the night. This shelter is up high, so it will probably be a cold night. My energy level has been low lately, it may be the altitude. This section of the Smokies is not very pretty, there are dead trees everwhere and the trail even without the ice and snow wouldn't be very good.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was much better than yesterday. Blue skies, good trails, and plenty of views. I saw some really pretty stuff from up high. The ledges were razar thin in places, one misstep and it's down the mountain. Still saw plenty of ice and snow, I'm getting tired of that stuff. In many places Christmas trees lined the trail. They had a very pleasing smell and were very pretty. I decided to do a long day today (20 miles) so that I can hike out of the park early tomorrow. I hope to be at Standing Bear Hostel for Easter Sunday. I can call my family and wish them a happy Easter. I can also take a hot shower. I smell really bad! I also hope to eat some real food. I plan to be in Hot Springs by Wednesday. There I will take a "0" day. I need a 0 day at least once a week so I can rest my body and consume a lot of calories. My body seems to be holding up okay. My feet have a few blisters and my shoulders hurt some but nothing serious. I'm going to reduce my pack weight when I get to Hot Springs. I sent for my tarp and will send my tent home. The tarp weighs about 12 oz. I will trade my heavyweight long underwear for lightweight. The total weight saving should be about 3 lbs. I know that doesn't seem like much, but it will make a difference.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started with a beautiful sunrise. Started hiking from Cosby at 7:30. The shelter was crowded last night, so it was mass confusion getting up and packed. There were a couple of ups but most of today was downhill. Down is usually good but it is hard on the knees. I saw a number of excellent views and continued to see rows of Christmas trees. I also noticed Trillium blooming at the lower elevations. There were also a lot of little yellow, blue, and red flowers blooming along the trail. The mountains are getting ready to burst forth in an explosion of color. Wicomico Walker and I hiked to the hostel together. He is having a problem with his toes. They are causing him a lot of pain on the downhills. Standing Bear Hostel is a good place to stay. It has everything a hiker needs. There is a bunkhouse with a wood-burning heater. There is a washer and dryer, plus a hot shower. Hiker food is also available. Some of the hikers here are Wicomico Walker, Slow Walker, Mockingbird, Schlar, and Radar. It's raining now and is forecasted to rain the next three days. It hasn't rained much so it's hard to complain. Should be in Hot Springs Wednesday.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Campsite past Max Patch 
Miles today: 16.5

It was very comfortable last night with the wood-burning heater. Curtis and his wife own the hostel and they are doing a great job. He took a number of hikers to a local truck stop for breakfast, that was really nice. I left the hostel under very cloudy and windy conditions. It rained as I walked from the hostel back to the trail. The sun played peek-a-boo with the clouds the rest of the day. Had a tough climb over Snowbird Mountain. The big deal today was climbing Max Patch. It is a bald and you can see 360 degrees around you. It's quite something to see. The wind almost blew me over as I crossed it. Some of the hikers I saw today were Wicomico Walker, Curcit Rider and The Fab 4, Pete, and Bear Behind. The trail was in great shape and it was just wonderful to be hiking! Wicomico and I will hike tomorrow to within 3 miles of Hot Springs. We will hike in early Wednesday morning for breakfast and spend the rest of the day doing chores. Thursday we will take a 0 day and maybe relax in the Hot Springs.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Campsite past Max Patch 

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: broken clouds

Well last night was interesting. Wave after wave of thunderstorms rolled past. I didn't sleep much because the rain and thunderstorms made a lot of noise. I had condensation build-up in my tent. I failed to open a vent so this was part of the problem. My sleeping bag and everything in the tent was damp. It rained hard most of the night and into the morning. It slacked up around 7:15, so I jumped out of the tent and started packing my wet gear. Well, it started raining again. Everything that was damp was now wet. So I was in the middle of the forest in a thunderstorm trying to pack up my stuff. This was not a good start to the morning. I finally got packed and started hiking about 8AM. My pack felt like it had lead in it because of the wet stuff. Hiked over Walnut Mountain, Bluff Mountain, and Lambs Knob. These were all tough climbs. Wicomico Walker and I decided that since everything in our packs was wet, we would try and hike all the way to Hot Springs. We needed to dry us and our gear out. We made it to Hot Springs around 5PM. We got a room at the only motel in town. We spread gear out all over the room to dry, got a hot shower, and then went to eat. Life is good! I may take 2 days off in Hot Springs. Tomorrow I will move to Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. He has special hiker rates. The meals are gourmet vegetarian, served family style. Tomorrow I will do laundry, pick up a mail drop, visit the outfitter, and try to eat a lot. This may not sound like a lot, but remember I have to walk everywhere. It usually takes a full day to to everything. The second day is more of a rest and eat day.Happy Trails.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Hot Springs

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

I stayed at the Alpine Court Motel last night, which is the only motel in town. I woke up to 30 degree temperatures and rain. There was snow in the mountains last night too. This is a good day not to be hiking! All of my gear was wet from the night before, but I've gotten it all dried out. I'm sending some things home like my tent, long underware, fleece jacket, hat, boots, and long pants. In return, my wife is sending me my tarp, sun hat, and light weight hiking shoes. Wicomico Walker and I moved from the motel to Elmer's Sunnybrook Inn. It's a cheaper place and much more interesting than a motel. It's a very old house that has been restored. Everything appears to be very old. Today I spent time cleaning gear, washing clothes, going to the post office, and visiting the outfitter. The weather is changing from very bad to very good. The next four days are supposed to be sunny and warm. Well, it's 9PM and that's way past my bedtime.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I had a great breakfast at Elmer's, all-you-can-eat pancakes with many different toppings and lots of coffee. The rest of the day was spent writing post cards and relaxing. It's been a beautiful day with warm temps. The plan is to start hiking right after breakfast in the morning. It's usually tough hiking out of a town because my pack is heavy with supplies and the trail is steep. I am looking forward to getting back on the trail.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I hiked out of Hot Springs about 8:15 this morning. The town is getting ready for trail fest. They have music, games, and other activities planned. It would have been nice to be there, but I would have had to stay in town another day or two. It didn't seem like a good idea and I was ready to get back on the trail. The weather was great and the hike out was not too bad. I had the usual ups and downs, but the ups were gradual. Wicomico Walker and I are still hiking in the same neighborhood. At the end of the day we usually end up at the same place. He bought some new boots, but they don't seem to be working out. He has had problems with his feet. We are camped near a road, which is not a great idea, but we are far enough into the woods that it should not be a problem. I am using my tarp for the first time tonight. The skies should be clear, so I should not have any problems. Looks like there's going to be a lot of climbing tomorrow so I'm going to try and get some sleep.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Allen Gap

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

The good weather continues. The tarp worked fine last night, but the real test will come when it rains. The trail was a real mixed bag today. The treadway was clean and smooth for a while, then it turned to cliff walking over rocks, and then went over a long boulder field. I walked about 10 hours today. Right now I feel tired and drained. I probably should cut back some. I would like to be in Erwin, TN on Monday, but that may be pushing it too much. I'm in the shelter tonight with Wicomico Walker and Snowman. Wicomico seems to be getting stronger. He will be waiting on me soon. It's 8PM and I am very tired. Think I will try and get some sleep.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

A beautiful start to the day. Good trail weather and a lot of downhill for the first part of the day. The second half was brutal. The afternoon was on-your-toes type climbing. I saw a lot of spectacular views from the top of Big Bald Mountain. I got to Bald Mountain Shelter about 6PM and I was totally exhausted. I am pushing a little too hard. I need to back off some. Wicomico Walker and I were separated today. He didn't make it to the shelter and I'm hoping that he's camping somewhere. I am probably going to push on to Erwin tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The sunrise this morning was unbelievable. Red and orange colors peaked out over Bald Mountain. The perfect start to what was going to be a beautiful day. Yesterday I was completely drained, but today I felt rested and ready to go. I was up at 6:15 AM and hiking by 7AM. Wicomico Walker did not make it to the shelter last night. When I stopped at midmorning for a break, Wicomico walked up as I was leaving. He ran out of energy on the south side of Bald Mountain and it was getting late, so he tented at a campsite. It was good to see him. I was a little concerned when he didn't make it to the shelter. The sound of wood peckers hammering on trees echoed through the forest much of the day. The trail was lined with blue, white, and yellow flowers in many places. The trail was much kinder today with some ups of course, but more downs. I was able to make good time and arrived at Uncle Johnie's Hostel by 3PM. Wicomico and I got a ride to the Holiday Inn Express. The expense is not too bad when you can share the cost. We are living the life of luxury with a clean room, phone, bed with sheets, and a hot shower. What more could you ask for? We are tired and need a little rest.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well the bed here at the Holiday Inn Express slept really good last night. I was up around 7:30 and had the continental breakfast. Then I did typical 0-day stuff: laundry, outfitter, and post office. I also tried to eat a lot as usual. I will be back on the trail tomorrow morning and it looks like a big climb out of Erwin. Ewin seems to be a nice little town with a good attitude. Eriwin's claim-to-fame happened about 80 years ago when a circus came through town. Somehow an elephant killed an Erwinite and the town's people were so enraged that they hung the elephant. The weather forecast calls for possible rain with moderate temps. That's not too bad, I'm ready to go hiking!Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I made it back to the trail and started hiking at 9AM. It's a nice overcast morning, good hiking weather. The climb out of Erwin was not bad and the rest of the morning was a gradual climb. In mid-afternoon I climbed up to Beauty Spot. This is another bald with a great view. I pushed on from there, about another 4 miles to Cherry Gap Shelter. The shelter was full. This is a whole new group that I have caught up with. My guess is that they have been hiking together for a while because they seem kind of clandish. We are tenting in an area away from the shelter. Wicomico Walker is with me. He has made some major changes in his equipment. He has a new pair of boots, new tent, and new sleeping bag. He wanted to cut some weight, plus his feet have been hurting so he is hoping that the new boots will help. It's been a good day and I am looking forward to tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Cherry Gap

To: Roan High Knob
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up to another nice morning and started hiking around 7:30. It turned out to be a tough day because 95% of the day was spent climbing. The toughest part came near the end of the day with the hike over Roan Mountain. It was a steep 3.5 mile climb. I am staying the night at the Roan High Knob Shelter. Looks like a full shelter again, same group filling up the shelter. It was a hard day, but a good day to be hiking.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Roan High Knob

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 14.6

It was a cold, windy morning on top of Roan High Knob, but the temps warmed during the decent down the mountain. I crossed over 4 balds today. The views were mixed because of the cloud cover. I hiked with Wicomico a good bit of the day. It's nice to have someone to talk with and share experiences. Some days I can hike all day without seeing anyone. For the most part, being out here is a gift that I really appreciate. Last night I heard wolves howling and this morning woodpeckers hammering on trees. In the shelter tonight are Wicomico Walker, Crispy Critter, Fire Marshall, and a section hiker. The highlight of the day came at the end of the day when we found out that there was a steakhouse half a mile down the road. What a surprise! We even got a ride to the road. It was quite a treat eating a NY strip, baked potatoes, salad, and blackberry cobbler with ice cream. What a way to end a great day!Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

I was on the trail by 7AM with blue skies again this morning. I plan to push the miles today. It's about 18 miles to the next shelter and 24 to the road leading to Laurel Creek Campground and Hostel. My old friend Bill Matheny is meeting me and Wicomico Walker at the hostel. He is going to do some trial running. He also may be able to slack pack us for a couple of days. That's hiking without a full backpack. The morning hike was good, mostly downhill. But in the afternoon, it was mostly up. I probably crossed 25 streams today, and after each stream there was a steep up. I waited on Wicomico Walker at the shelter and we decided that we had enough and would stay the night at the shelter. Tomorrow it will be a short 7 mile hike to the hostel. Since we have been at the shelter, thunderstorms have passed over. This shelter is full. I hope to break out of this pack of hikers soon. Right now I seem to be hiking in the same neighborhood with a lot of other hikers. Looking forward to tomorrow.Happy Trails