morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 8 Last night I went to dinner with two guys from the Blairsville AYCE, Brian and Frosty. Also in Hiawassee were Lone Wolf (hiked and hitchhiked with him yesterday) and John & Lily. At dinner we ran into Mr. Consistency from MD. This morning I got up early, which is not unusual when you go to sleep at 8 PM. The motel owner had a continental breakfast for guests (in his own kitchen), but I wanted something more substantial, so I walked to Hardee's. The distance was about 0.4 mi., which can be walked quickly at 6:30 AM in a cold wind. Had a steak biscuit, an egg-bacon-cheese biscuit, potato rounds, coffee, and orange juice ... the Breakfast of Champions. Co-owner Ron took us to the post office to mail packages, then up to Dick's Creek Gap, where we got off the Trail yesterday. Weather was clear and cool and windy - almost perfect hiking weather. I am getting stronger ever day; the hills that used to require frequent stops I can now take without stopping to catch my breath (although I walk noticably slower going uphill). Crossed into North Carolina at the Bly Gap - my first state border. The wind was howling for the next two or three miles - sometimes so cold that I was tempted to stop and put on more clothes, but a few minutes later of the back side of a ridge I'd be sweating in sunny, calm air.Sent some stuff out in the bounce box and already wish I'd kept a couple of things. I lost one of the plugs at the bottom of the pack frame, so dirt gets in when I set it down. I had 2 replacements in the bounce box, which is on its way to Gatlinburg.Lots of climbing today. Dick's Creek Gap is 2660 ft., and we're camping at 4600 ft. - the highest yet. The location is Muskrat Creek Shelter, which is 11.6 miles from D.C. Gap. My planned "zero day" turned into a good mileage day. I feel strong, and my feet and knees still haven't slowed me down. The main short-term concern is weather. It is cold now and will be colder tonight. Low will be in the 20's at best. One other hiker here said to expect single digits by Thursday night. I'm tenting tonight, which is much warmer than the open shelter and mouse-free but takes more time to set up and take down. Everything's a trade-off. I'm not too worried about staying warm in the tent or on the Trail, but fixing meals and cleaning dishes and using the privy are definitely hampered by the cold. I had trouble getting my stove lit tonight, and the wind kept it from giving maximum heat. Ate a good supper of noodles, chicken, and freeze-dried peas. Hot chocolate was great, too. About 12 or 14 here tonight - most I have seen on the Trail but don't know very well. New to me are Jeremy, Big Tex, Free Fall, and Piece of Work. Light in the tent is almost gone at 7 PM, so time to change into sleeping clothes and go to sleep.
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty's Creek
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 9 The Ides of March 6:45AM Just a quick note to say last night was COLD, and the wind blew all night. I stayed comfortable, as long as my hands and feet stayed on the sleeping pad with insulation. Forgot to pee before I went to bed and paid the penalty at 4AM. Even that cloud had a silver lining-I brought in my platypus water container-water was turning to ice. Wearing more clothes than usual this AM. 11:30 AM Stopping at Standing Indian Shelter for rest, lunch, water, and privy. Weather was cold and windy and clear this AM. Hiked in longjohns for the first time. Some hikers last night were talking about going into Franklin Thursday night. If it stays cold, sounds like a good idea. 7:15PM I'm getting bettter at this. Every day I learn something about my clothes, food, gear, tent, etc. that makes the trip smoother. I am camping beside a babbling brook. Hope it doesn't stop babbling-that means it's frozen. It's cold tonight but no wind. Should be warmer in bed and breaking camp. Did 16.2 miles today-by far my most. May go into Franklin, NC tomorrow night for a break-it's supposed to be very cold. My physical condition remains good-legs tired but not damaged. Good night.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Bettty's Creek

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 10 Thursday 10:15AM Eventful day already. Awesome trail magic at or near Bear Pen Trail. Three former thru-hikers (Gator Aid from FL, Fishing Fred from MI, and Keith from Stone Mtn) were car/camper camping. Big tarps, wood fire, hot coffee, ingenious privy, their own log book register. Started sleeting there and while I climbed Albert Mtn. Has now turned to snow and beginning to lay. Hope to get into Franklin this afternoon. Ran into more trail magic at Rock Gap-sodas, fruit, sandwiches, courtesy of Crutch and Ron Haven, the Franklin motel magnate and hiker friend. He picked me up at Winding Stair Gap and gave free shuttle into Franklin, where I am now. Have done 40 miles in 3 days. I'm a thru-hiker.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Winding Stair Gap

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

Day 11 St. Paddy's Day Friday 7:30AM   At Franklin, NC motel, ready for a shuttle back to Winding Stair Gap (106.6). Today's goal is Cold Springs Shelter at 122.4. Then to NOC on Saturday. Weather Channel says sunny and mild today and tomorrow. Nights on mtn will be cold, though. Rain probably Sunday-Tuesday. Day 11 ends at Cold Springs Shelter. I met several new people in Franklin and on the shuttle bus to Winding Stair Gap-Headrest, Mickey One-Sock, Norwoody, and Piece of Work. P of W is about my age and from the Western Shore of MD. We walked together part of the day. Near the end we caught Squirrel, then ran into some Trail Magic at Burningtown Gap. A guy from TX named Apple comes up for 2 weeks, sets up a big tent (about 12' x 24') and gives away food to hikers. A hot dog, two candy bars, and two orange sodas made a great supper. Matt (later 365) and Pockets were there, along with Squirrel and Calumet. I pushed on to the shelter and will sleep in the shelter; no good place to tent that I can find. Three new people here-new to me- 2 girls-Sasparilla and Crumbs, and a guy The Hobbitt. Also here is Alexander, whom I met at Woods Hole Shelter. Weather was clear, cool, breezy-perfect for hiking. Cold tonight.
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center NOC
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 12 Saturday Left Cold Spring Shelter at 8:30 AM. Now at Wesser Bald Shelter (5.8 mi), 11:10 AM. Clear and cool. Noisy group last night at Shelter, especially Squirrel, Calumet, and The Hobbitt. 7PM Location- a "bunk room" at Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). There are 2 double bunks in the room, with a heater, and 1 overhead light. With shower and a towel, it costs $15-good bargain. I am sharing the room with Piece of Work-only 2 of us so we can spread our gear out a little more. Hard hiking in here today because so much was steep downhill. I slow down and lean on the pole a lot to take stress off the knees. Hiked part of the time with Pockets and found out some very interesting things about him. We sang a few duets of Contemporary Christian songs, plus "Amazing Grace". I have a lot of respect for him. Had dinner at a restaurant here a NOC with Piece of Work, Pockets, and Matt. Matt got the waitress to take our picture-I forgot my camera. The NOC is at elevation 1750', the lowest we've been on the Trail, I think. Most of the hiking so far has been on high ridges between 3000' and 5000'. The forest is mostly deciduous trees that have not started budding out. Some laurel and rhododendron, hemlock, and pine, but mostly everything is gray and brown. Goal is to get to Fontana in 2 days-28 or 29 miles. I have a mail drop waiting at the PO there with food for the Smokies. If things go well, I'll see Jane in Gatlinburg on Thursday night. Can't wait!
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 13 Sunday - Stopping for lunch at Sassafrass Gap Shelter. Have done 7 miles in 3hr and 45 min, almost all uphill. Still no rain; overcast and cool and calm. Staying at Brown Fork Gap Shelter- just Piece of Work and I. Did 16.1 hard miles today; lots of ups and downs-steep. Met 3 groups of South bound section hikers, no North Bounders. At the Stecoah Gap saw a van parked-it was Troop 118 from Athens, TN. That troop is sponsored by Keith Memorial UMC- my boyhood home church. The very first overnight hike I took was as Senior Patrol Leader with Troop 118. The hikers apparently are headed to Fontana-ahead of me. Did not meet any of them, but was suprised at the coincidence. Hope to get to Fontana tomorrow for a maildrop and maybe share a room with Piece of Work. He is getting a mail drop there also. Legs and feet are tired. Early to bed. Total miles 149.9
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 13.0

Day 14 Started at Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Got out late (8:15 AM) because I made oatmeal rather than eating something cold and quick. Piece of Work (Charlie Zapp) and I were the only two hikers at that shelter. It started to drizzle about the time we left, then changed to cold rain about 11 AM. We hiked together all day. Trail was slippery and muddy in places, so we hiked pretty much straight through to the Visitors Center at the dam, then got a shuttle back to Fontana Village. Saw Parker (Sub-zero) at the outfitters here - he is taking a day off to rest up for the Smokies. Piece of Work and I are splitting the cost of a room - less than $20 apiece. Good deal for warm room, clean bed, shower, towels, TV, and restaurant just up the hill. My mail drop was here waiting for me. With what I carried in, I have more food than I need, so some is being sent home for future use. Piece of Work's wife included 2 lbs of homemade cookies in his box - he has more friends here than anyone. Miles today = 13.0; cumulative = 162.9. Weather forecast is for more rain tomorrow and cold, especially up on top. Glad I packed some of these clothes.
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Fontana Village

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 15 No rain at 7AM, but uncertain forecast, especially for higher elevations. We will start out at the dam and start climbing into the Smokies almost immediately. I'm inspired to walk quickly to meet Jane in Gatlinburg. Our phone talks last night made me even more determined to see her ASAP. 5:30PM - Weather was good to us. Drizzled at the Fontana Villa but stopped when we left the dam at 9:40AM. Clouds were low but rose as we went up. We had 2 or 3 hours of clear sky and sun, then fog came back. Piece of Work and I hiked together all day. We stopped at Molly's Ridge Shelter at 3PM but decided to keep on going to Russell Field Shelter. We did 3.3 miles in about 1 hr and 15 min - truckin'. This shelter is nearly full. Several college age thru-hikers we met earlier and caught because they took a zero day yesterday. Parker is here, with several names- Sub-zero, Cat in the Hat, Meatstick, and Whiskers. Two UT students just came in - they are section-hiking the Park. It is windy and foggy and raining outside but snuggly in this 2 story shelter.
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 16 Very unusual day. Last night was windy and cold, but fortunately somebody had tied plastic sheeting on the fence in front of the shelter, so most of the wind stayed out. We awoke to a hoar-frost/snow/fog mix. Bear cables were frozen, drawstrings on food bags were frozen, and water bottles and pumps were frozen. Most folks ate a quick, no-cook breakfast and got on the trail. Not cooking breakfast saves a lot of time. After an hour or so the fog lifted and we walked in sunshine- cold, windy, and snowy. Made good time and got to Siler Bald Shelter just after 4PM. Really wanted to get here so tomorrow I can get to Newfound Gap and Gatlinburg at a reasonable hour. Most of the people here tonight were at Russell Field Shelter last night-me, Piece of Work, Sub-zero, Noah (aka YOGI), Mitch (later Yeti), Mike (later Doogie), Glenn, Heather (Granite), and some guy that hikes with her. I sprained my lower back last night getting water and was in agony for awhile. Moving around the Shelter, trying to change clothes, write in journal, etc. was painful. Felt a little better today and much better tonight. Hope it doesn't affect my hike plans. Taking ibuprofen to reduce pain and trying to do a few loosening exercises in the sleeping bag. It's supposed to be cold tonight-probably mid 20's. Wearing lots of clothes in the bag. Did 13.8 miles yesterday and 14.7 today. Tomorrow 12.5 over Clingman's Dome to Newfound Gap. Then my first zero day in Gatlinburg with Jane.
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap / G'burg
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 17 As I write this, I am resting up at the Jack Huff motel in Gatlinburg, waiting for Jane. We got a fairly early start this morning, 7:30 AM. Did not cook breakfast because it was too cold and windy. Weather was clear, cold, and windy. We met a Ridgerunner (quasi-ranger on the AT in the Smokies) who told us that the low last night at Newfound Gap was 15F. Did not feel that cold at Silers Bald shelter, because a tarp and plastic were hung up to block much of the wind. Walked much of the day with Piece of Work and Hopalong (Mike from southern Indiana - he's about our age). Mike had been at the two shelters we stayed at the last two nights. He had a truck parked at Newfound Gap and gave us a ride down to G'burg. P. of W. and I were up front, and 5 or 6 younger hikers from our last two shelters were in the back. They had planned to go on to Ice Water Spring Shelter tonight, but the weather forecast convinced them to come down to town to stay in a hostel or motel. Four to six inches of snow and single digit temps are forecast for the higher elevations of the Smokies, where we were.Wlaked over Thunderhead Mountain and Clingman's Dome today. Breathtaking views and breathtaking cold and wind. Some observations of walking in the Smokies - similar to GA / NC with a few exceptions.1. No road crossings, and therefore less opportunities for Trail Magic. The only road that the AT crosses between Fontana Dam and Davenport Gap is US 441 through Newfound Gap.2. You generally walk at higher elevations, so there are fewer streams to cross, along with the beauty and sounds they provide.3. The higher elevations above 5800 ft. were in spruce / fir forest, much different from the hardwood ridges of the lower elevations.4. Shelters are mostly stone; some have bars over the front to keep out bears, but these are being eliminated, because people would feed the bears through the bars. Generally the GSMNP shelters are larger than ones further south.5. The trails in the Smokies are generally graded better than those further south. We climbed some long, steep ridges, but their slope was not as steep as in Georgia or NC, on average. Tomorrow will be a zero day - I'm ready!
Date: 2006-03-24
From: G'burg

To: G'burg
Miles today: 0.0

Day 18 My first Zero Day, and the timing is perfect. More snow up on top, and we're down here in safe comfort. Jane arrived about 6:30 PM last night - traffic through Sevierville was stop-and-go for and hour. We had a quiet dinner at an Italian place, seated right by a fireplace. Perfect atmosphere.Found out that Mike (Hopalong) decided to go back home to southern Indiana; Matt (now 365) came down yesterday, so POW let him stay in the motel room with him, the space Hopalong had vacated.Forecast is for more cold and snow tonight, so plans for going back up to Newfound gap on Saturday morning are uncertain. If US 441 over the mtn. is closed, then there's no decision to make - we stay down here.Piece of Work called during the afternoon to report on a recommendation he got from Sugarlands staff about ice on the trail. They suggested some strap-on "ice grabbers", similar to crampons but not as big or extensive. Jane and I walked down the street to a little outfitter shop near our motel; they had 2 pair left. I tried both (one buckled, the other used an elastic strap) and bought the one that seemed to meet my needs best - the elastic strap model. I wish I had had these on coming down from Clingman's Dome - I might not have fallen so much on the ice.The G'burg library is right across the street from the motel, so we went over to get on-line, read my Journal responses, and update the Journal some. We had dinner with Piece of Work at a Mexican place and discussed options for getting a shuttle back to Newfound Gap in the morning, weather permitting.
Date: 2006-03-25
From: G'burg

To: G'burg
Miles today: 0.0

Day 19 Another zero day, forced by the snow and ice on US441 over Newfound Gap. We couldn't get up to the Trailhead. Guess I'll have to endure a warm bed, hot shower, indoor plumbing, and real food for one more day with my honey. Everybody has a burden to bear.We called Jennifer (our daughter) to let her know that Jane would not be back in JC today. I got to listen to Audrey chatter about lots of things - breakfast, TV, colors, .... She is growing so quickly, and I miss her terribly. The photos that Jennifer sends are treasures; I appreciate them so much.MID-AFTERNOON - Jane and I decided to drive back to JC for the night instead of staying in G'burg another full day. We got home about 1:30, which gave me time to store away some extras, get food packs ready, clean up boots, update journal online, etc. We also got to keep Audrey for a couple of hours, which was delightful, since I hadn't seen her in 3 weeks. Her verbal skills are really developing quickly.The plan is to get up early tomorrow and drive back down to Gatlinburg. Jane needs to be back home by noon to get ready to keep Audrey in the afternoon.
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Newfound Gap

To: Ice Water Springs Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 20 - Sunday morning, about 10 AM. I'm sitting in a G'burg motel room with Piece of Work and 365 - waiting for US 441 to open so we can go back to Newfound Gap. Jane got me here by 8:15 and then turned around and headed back home. Hope to see her in about 6 days in Hot Springs. Met several other thru-hikers at a pancake restaurant - Dr. Jones and Rosie, Chee-B, Ozzie and his wife (who thought I was a celebrity ??). 6 PM - Location is Ice Water Springs Shelter. Not too much wind, but cold as the dickens. This morning we hung around the Happy Hiker outfitter for awhile, swapping rumors about the weather. Saw Sasparilla and Crumbs and their parents. Matt (365) and I went to the 11 AM service at First United Methodist down the street. When we got back to the motel about 12:30 PM, Piece of Work said the road was open and he had a shuttle coming at 1 PM. So we packed up and moved out on the porch next to road to wait. Shouldn't have shut the door to the room. The shuttle guy didn't arrive till 2:15. We got to Newfound Gap at 2:50 and started up a snowy trail. Those instep crampons work great in snow. I didn't slip a single time. Most of the trail was well-packed snow in a trench - like a bobsled run for leprechauns. Did the 3 miles in 1.5 hours. The walking was actually easier with the snow than without (probably), because all the bumpy roots, rocks, etc. were smoothed over. Nearer the shelter the snow was deeper and less compacted, so the walking was a little slower. Dinner is over and it's still light in the shelter, thanks to a skylight over the front. A piece of tyvek is hung to block the wind, but temp is probably no more than 20F right now.MIles today - 3.0, but at least I'm back on the Trail. Tomorrow will try to get to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. With the snow, 12 or 13 miles is probably a good target. My fingers are numb. Signing off.
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Ice Water Springs Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 21 Monday Started at Ice Water Shelter; now at Tri-corner Knob Shelter. Today's mileage was 12.6 miles. Snow is pretty and white - I'm tired of snow. Hiked all day with Piece of Work, in the snow trench. In some places the snow was packed down and walking was good; in others it was loose and slippery. We were never at risk of falling off the mtn., but footing was slippery most all day. Weather was sunny and cool. Great views - Christmas calendar or postcard shots. We stopped at Charlie's Bunion for pictures. Hiked at high elevations - spruce and fir forests with lots of low-hanging limbs filled with snow. A mouthful of clean snow tastes good, quenches the thirst, and saves the time it would take to get out a water bottle. Tomorrow we hope to make it out of the Park and to Standing Bear hostel. Weather forecast is chance of rain - so trail will be muddy. Distance would be over 19 miles, by far my longest day so far. Met two SOBO's today, Beamis and Southpaw. They started at Katahdin in July and August, so obviously they're not in a hurry. A Ridgerunner told us that the low temperature last night was 16*F and tonight will be 32*F. He was too optimistic-it's already below 32*F, I'm sure. At this shelter are Piece of Work, 365, Ian, and several guys and 2 girls I haven't met yet. Also here is Glenn who I first met at Fontana.
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 22 Tuesday Very unusual day. Started out cold and early at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. But it wasn't so cold that water bottles froze, like previous night. Some late comers, including Low Key and 4 Today, stayed up late talking(late is 8 or 9 PM). Piece of Work and I got away at 7:30 AM, intending to make Standing Bear Hostel, 18.1 miles away. We walked together up and down till around Mt. Canmere, where the cold and snow started changing to mush and mud. I had blister problems on my right heel(treatment in Gatlinburg didn't solve the problem), so I stopped several times coming down to Davenport Gap to adjust socks, boots, and moleskin. Piece of Work went on ahead and got to the hostel about 30 minutes to an hour ahead of me. Left the Park at 3PM; crossed under I 40; climbed the world's steepest steps to find a plastic container full of empty soda and beer cans and melted ice water-apparently you got to get there early for the trail magic. This hostel is unique-a collection of rustic buildings in various stages of completion. Some have electricity, some don't. There's a shower with hot water, but the toilet is a privy. I'm sharing a "cabin" with Sub-Zero-we each have a double bed with sheets and quilts, but mattresses are lumpy. As tired as I am, I could sleep on a gravel road tonight. Saw lots of small wildflowers blooming as soon as we got out of the Park-purple,yellow, white. Heard a raven up on top, near Mt. Cammerer. The goal is to get to Hot Springs,NC, in two days, 33.4 miles, or 16.7 per day. Lots of climbing tomorrow, including Max Patch, so I don't know if my back and feet will go for almost 17 miles two days in a row. The 18.1 today was 2 miles more than my previous high. The Hostel operates on the honor system-you figure up what you owe and put the money in an envelope, then in the payment box. One guy, Boulder, is working here(work for stay) while his shin splints recover. Also here are 365, Mike(from last 2 shelters-we met on Tray Mtn. back in Georgia), Sub-Zero, Piece of Work, and several hikers who are new to me.