morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Standing Indian Mountain Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap campsite
Miles today: 11.3

Early start on this most promising day- clear, sun ready to peak up over the mountains, looking forward to talking with family and of course the day we celebrate the wonder of God's sacrifice and gift of everlasting life for us. And what better place to be than in the midst of this forest and his awesome creation. Looking forward to a long day.Today's destination was in a valley with little chance of a cell signal for my much desired call to family at around 3. My plan was or my hope was that I would be up on the mountain when time to call. I was moving fast over the nice trails here in NC and got antsy so called early while my family was traveling to the gathering. Lucky turn of events or more precisely topography that right before heading down to Betty Creek the trail went over a small summit and I could get a fairly strong signal. It was great to talk with Doris and Bert (parents in law), Mike, Cindy, Joe and Christine brothers and sisters in law. And of course I also heard about all the wonderful food they were about to partake of. (Food is a hot topic on the AT. More so even than gear.) But hey I had taco mac, nuts and a snickers bar awaiting.Betty Creek campsite was very nice. Stream nearby, level tent sites among the rhododendron and other trees, and right adjacent to the AT. Four of us from the previous night ended up there- besides New Man was Lucky and Scott. One other person stopped for a look but continued on up the trail. And besides him only a couple people passed us.All in all I had a blessed Resurrection Sunday. Praise the Lord.Blessings,
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Betty Creek Gap campsite

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: drizzle

Awoke today to another great weather day for hiking. Three miles to Albert Mountain where great views awaited and also the 100 mile mark. (My journal miles add the approach trail from Amicalola which are not official AT miles) From Betty Gap the hiking was rather easy and fast. That is until the last quarter mile or so from the summit. At that point we experience the most challenging and exciting section of trail so far. More accurately cliff...this bit required more rock climbing than hiking. The effort was well worth the reward of absolutely stunning views from the fire tower on the top. At the top New Man and I had the pleasure of meeting Pocahontas who last year completed the hike I'm doing to Harpers Ferry. She has no immediate plans to finish and is now living/working in Franklin. Originally from south Florida she was out on a day hike keeping in hiking shape. Pocahontas gave us some good info about Franklin where we would be in two days for a Zero.Today's hike stopped 4 miles short of Winding Stairs Gap where we would meet our prearranged shuttle into Franklin (11 miles) tomorrow. The Rock Gap shelter was loaded with hikers doing the same as it is the last good camp location. New Man and I certainly raised the average age of this group of hikers!. Example: Too Long Braids (19), Ella (22), Bridgett about late 30s and Essense/other trail names (23). Most were just out of college or high school. The conversations were interesting as these young adults discussed future aspirations and how they came to hike the AT.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 4.0

Zero day, this one is important. I really need to address the issue with my right foot. In the past flare ups of plantar fasciitis came and went rather quickly. This time not. Upon arrival at Haven's Budget Inn I showered (whoopee!)and headed straight to Outdoor 76 for my bounce box and a discussion with them about my foot. Great place. Full service outfitter with a bar. After retrieving my bounce box I was invited back this time I must have boots in tow for an evaluation. This I did immediately after laundry, a few snacks and a nap. Upon arrival Cookie (Brian)spent a long time evaluating my feet and current insoles. But first he offered me a beer...freebie organic locally brewed. Sure can't beat that for service. I don't drink much but a cold one while shopping was a nice touch and of course the price was right. I think they really wanted me to buy new boots but Outdoor 76 is very professional and asked me what I would prefer. Since I really like my boots we agreed on a more customized fit insole. So after an hour or so I left with new $50 insoles and the right foot feeling much better. The guys at Outdoor 76 also showed me a new stretch for my foot. Dinner at Motor Company Grill was fantastic and just what the doctor ordered to start a recovery day - blue cheese hamburger with the works, mac and cheese, iced tea extra lemon and a chocolate milkshake for the road back to the motel about 1/2 mile away. Might want to go back there tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0

I really don't know what a "typical" zero day should look like. Mine seems to entail a lot of lounging, minimal walking and lots of napping or trying to in the hope of rebuilding energy for the next several days of hiking. Today my right foot is feeling much better. I'm stretching per the method shown by the staff at Outdoor 76 and that seems to be working. I walked down to the grocery to top off my supplies. I did not need much because most of what I need was in my bounce box mailed forward from Neels Gap. Missing was the sweet, quick energy stuff (code word: chocolate). Picked up some snack food for today and fruit for breakfast tomorrow. I will be taking the 9 am shuttle back to the mountain. Several of us here at the hiker motel walked down to a gas station for hot dogs. Nice little mid-afternoon treat. I'm still pondering dinner options and since I don't want to spend much Mexican might give me the most "bang for the buck" so to speak. And the closest Mexican restaurant is highly regarded.Soon I will shave again and repack my bounce box for either Gatlinburg or home where Cathy can bring it to Gatlinburg when we meet there. My Gatlinburg reunion with Cathy is getting complicated due to my slow start on the trail. Hopefully, all can still be arranged. I will/hope to accommodate with an improved foot and hence an increase in daily mileage. Franklin is a real nice small town. We are close to the downtown which has many unique shops and all merchants and residents seem very "hiker friendly". It may be awhile for my next posts so friends stay tuned. I really enjoy reading your posts on my guest book. I cannot or at least have not figured how to yet reply to them from this website. Blessings,
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Winding Stair Gap

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

We hit the trail at about 9:30 am after the free shuttle drop offered by Ron Haven, owner of the Budget Inn in Franklin and several other facilities that accommodate AT hikers. The places aren't fancy at all but the services and pricing can't be beat. Mr. Haven uses a mini-bus to pickup and deliver hikers to and from the trail. And beside that for free he takes us to resupply and restaurants at no additional charge. He is a real ambassador for the City of Franklin as he promotes to hikers all the businesses in town.After the usual climb out of the Gap we settled in to a double figure mileage day which I need to stay on course to meet Cathy in Gatlinburg. Since my original "rough" itinerary is now toast, Cathy and I have had to readjust during this past Zero.One key component for success would be how my right foot responds to the new insole. Early on I could tell it was better but the test would be how it felt later in the day at approximately the 5 hour mark and how it did on downhill sections. Well within the first hour my left foot started to feel uncomfortable! Did I overcompensate with a new insole for both feet when one was just fine? After agonizing for about 30 minutes I stopped, loosened the shoe strings and problem solved. Needed to restring with the new insole. The day's highlight and the last climb of the day before dropping down 1 mile to today's shelter, was Wayah Bald and an historic viewing tower. When this day was done two good things were accomplished: my feet sure enough were doing better, Not 100 percent but hope was there; and I did the miles needed to stay on schedule.Interesting people met today: two young guys from Salt Lake City, very strong hikers averaging over 18 miles per day. We nicknamed one PCT because he hiked the Pacific Coast Trail last year. At the Wayah shelter we had a most interesting and enjoyable mix. All over 50, except Celeste a twenty something from Vermont . Herself a very strong hiker. Besides New Man we also had... get this...56 and her husband, No Regrets! If you been following me you know that New Man's trailname used to be No Regrets until I suggested the change! Interesting, eh.Rain in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Otherwise I would have tented. Sure did not anticipate sheltering so much.Thanks to everyone using my guestbook. Messages of encouragement help.Blessings
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Within a few miles of NOC
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Longest day yet! About time my conditioning kicks in. Sure hope this is not a fluke. Arose early to make it as close to the NOC as possible so that Saturday would be a short hike and a long rest day before tackling the 6 mile climb out of Nantahala and the charge to reach Fontana Dam in two days. Long miles, long days, two in a row. The reward is to stay on schedule to meet Cathy.The next shelter, Wesser, was 10.6 miles. We reached there at 2:30. Good time for the distance and climbs...not to mention the drizzly windy weather. New Man stopped for the day. I pressed on to shorten the miles on Saturday. Two and a half hours later with the narrow ridge offering very few tent sites, I finally found one. I did not however find the spring I needed to refill with water. So with just a little more than what I needed to reach the NOC tomorrow, dinner was quite simple.... jerky, apricots, and a small snickers.The site was very nice with views both east and west toward the sunset and sunrise. I pitched my tent facing east so as to get assistance from the sun for an early rise and start.Blessings,
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Unnamed Campsite less than 3 miles from NOC

To: NOC
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived early about 8 am at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. This is quite a complex that straddles both sides of the Nantahala River and caters primarily to white water enthusiasts but also to hikers as the AT goes right through the complex, and to mountain biking. This weekend was a Spring Fling and the place was packed with kayakers, exhibitors, and spectators.My bunk at the part of the complex called "basecamp" was not to be ready until 3. Basecamp is appropriately named as this is where most AT hikers stay and it is literally at the start of 7 mile climb out of the river gorge to the mountain top. I would be tackling that tomorrow. Hence the desire for more time to rest today at NOC.I was hoping to get blessed with early access to my bunk once the office opened at 9. In the meantime I headed first to the outfitters who graciously held my pack and poles and then to the restaurant for breakfast. No trail breakfast today. I awoke broke camp and hurried here with the intention of eggs for breakfast! Two wonderful surprises occurred at breakfast; besides the great food at reasonable price. First when I was seated my table was next to none other than Pocahontas, the young lady New Man and I had met atop Albert Mountain on our way to Franklin and a Zero Day. Small world...she was here for the whitewater festivities. Moments later Celeste the young strong hiker from Vermont we had shared a shelter with 2 nights ago showed up and we sat together. It was nice to get to know a bit more about her. Turns out she is a recent graduate of Berea College and like many other of the younger hikers on the AT is using this time to figure out what to do next. Celeste had already overnighted at basecamp and was eating prior to tackling the 7 mile climb that I would do tomorrow.At 9 the good folks at NOC did let New Man and me into our room. New Man who stopped hiking before I did yesterday arrived at NOC about 3 hours after I did. Once roomed we quickly showered, changed into town clothes and headed to the laundry. At NOC the laundry is located in the same building as the General Store. A very convenient location to resupply on overpriced food while waiting for washing and drying to finish. While waiting for laundry I ran into another recent acquaintance, Robert the manager at Len Foote Hike Inn who gave me the free room and board. He was here doing a section hike/team building with his board of directors. He wanted to introduce me to his board chair. They were shuttling north and hiking south so I was certain ti meet them tomorrow as we go north.After that chore it was basically rest until rejoining the crowd by the river so as to revisit the restaurant for dinner. Pizza of course then to the bunkhouse and bed. A good rest day. Hope I'm ready to assault another long climb on the AT.Blessings,
Date: 2014-04-27
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.3

Everyone said the climb out of NOC was challenging. It was but as usual the rewards great. First one more mountain climb down; second more fantastic mountain top vistas. Today began my push to Fontana Dam and the Smokies. I'm way behind my rough itinerary and need to get my legs under me for more miles per day. I want to meet Cathy on May 3rd. Already 5 days past when I had hoped. And I will completely miss seeing my cousin Jan and her son Jonathan, in from Texas, at their cabin. At the cabin I will resupply, rest and spend time with Cathy for the first time since starting this journey. But this is the AT! This trail does what it wants with you. And most everyone agrees that these first weeks prepare you for the rest of the trek to Maine. For me getting climbing legs on and dealing with the foot issue have been my challenge.The trail today and the climb out of the Nantahala River Gorge provided two of the best vistas yet. First the view from above of the gorge gave perspective to how far we had climbed and yet we knew at that point we still had far to go (up). Cheoah Bald offered the most absolutely stunning views yet of the enormity of the southern Appalachian. To the west I counted 12 mountain tops in a line...and could see even more beyond! Clear sunny days are a real plus.In regards to sunny days we were expecting storms to move in tonight so pushing on toward Fontana was the target. Finally heading down New Man and I finally called it quits for the day at Locust Cove Gap, a well marked campsite with ample water. Joining us there were two other over 50 exhausted hikers. Peas Pa from Wisconsin, who was following in the footsteps of his daughter, who hiked a few years back, and Slingshot from West Virginia who was hiking for the second year in a row. Slingshot's destination is Harpers Ferry, the same as mine. He lives there.The day done I pitched my tent. Then enjoyed a beef stroganoff dinner in a freezer bag. Good fuel for a much longer day tomorrow.Blessings,
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Locust Gap campsite

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

The goal was a long day so that we could be within easy range of Fontana Dam and prepare for the Smokies. After a short hike to Stecoah Gap where we found trail magic. First in the form of case of bottled water; second from extra supply from a group of guys cutting their few days in the wilderness short due to pending bad weather.Speaking of bad weather our new group of four became two as Peas Pa and New Man decided to bail for the day and hit town now instead of later. Peas Pa had a mail drop somewhere near but not at Fontana, the next for the rest of us. So with that Slingshot and I continued north aiming for the shelter almost 10 miles away. And wanting to arrive before storms, if possible. A long day with Jacob's Ladder just ahead.Jacob's Ladder... a feature I knew nothing about until practically on it! Thanks to Slingshot, who knew from last year and warned that best done today before rain tomorrow. Straight up, no good footholds on all dirt trail. This would be tough for our two friends when they come tomorrow after a rain. Without sticks this climb would be almost impossible. I have never leaned on sticks with so much of my weight.New traveling partners, Slingshot and Logman, headed toward the second shelter from the Ladder and a mere 6.6 from Fontana where we both had mail drops and hopes to find a room at Fontana Resort to share. We made the shelter with daylight to spare. Time to dry gear from last night's rain. Already there was James, a young hiker from Colorado, who I had meet previously. He can really motor. James had to Zero in a shelter and was still near us.Interesting young guy. Before nightfall and before storms we were joined by two others - Nuke from Knoxville area and Dos Leki's from New York.Cable Gap was a rather old and small shelter but perfect for five guys needing to hide from pending storms tonight. After a good re - fueling on lentil soup, the rest of those apricots, and some peanut m and m's provided by those guys back at Stecoah Gap, it was time to sleep and wait for the storm. It came.Blessings,
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Resort
Miles today: 6.6

Slingshot and I headed out about 7:30 for the almost 7 mile hike to Fontana marina. There we would contact the Fontana Resort for shuttle service. Soon after departing the shelter rain began again. We hiked most of the miles in rain and wind. Per the usual...did we get wetter inside our rain gear or out? All in all a nice quick hike with numerous slick places needing much caution and even some tricky maneuvers with our sticks. At the Fontana marina the resort has a free phone for hikers to call. Nice little feature. At Fontana Resort they offer special hiker rates and there is a PO for mail drops, laundry and small general store for (expensive) re - supply. Both of us had mail drops waiting. The shuttle driver thought there might not be rooms available because of a week long mini-cooper rally. Thankfully there were as the other options were not rosy on a rainy day, especially when one is looking forward to a hot shower.Spent most of the afternoon doing laundry and organizing re-supply, including bouncing the box forward to Gatlinburg my next stop. Food here is extremely expensive. They sure make up for hiker rates feeding us hungry hikers. Sure hope the weather is not too bad tomorrow so I don't need to stay over. Many hikers here now and most want to get going tomorrow but all watching the weather. Might at minimum get a late start as storm blows through.Feasting now on goodies my lovely bride added to my mail drop. Love you honey. They are great!One final note for today. Got a great request from my good friend Kevin Linn's daughter asking about bears. It came via the guest book portion of this journal. Keep the notes coming please. They encourage me and I will endeavor to respond to a few as I proceed north providing I have WiFi access like today.Blessings,
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Weather forecast for today is not rosy. Cloudy with rain chances high, especially in the afternoon and night. In the Smokies the rule is that everyone must stay in the shelters unless full and then tenting is permitted. With that and the pending rain today's challenge was twofold: get to the shelter before the rain; get there before its full. Mission accomplished... almost. Rain began about 30 minutes before the shelter and thankfully there was space. No setting up my tent in rain. Starting at the dam the first several miles were uphill as we went to the top of the Smokies where the trail basically follows the TN/NC border. Lots of uphill and downhill and stunning views. The top of the climb up was marked by Shuckstack Mountain Firetower. Did not hike the extra 1 mile round trip due to wanting to make the shelter. Plenty of other views await as I traverse the Smokies. At the shelter we guessed were 40 people. All of whom would comprise "the bubble" of hikers passing through the park with me. There would be competition each day for shelter space. No one likes this but that is park rules..everyone stay at shelters only. And the final kick in the pants is that thru hikers must give up space to hikers with reservations thru the parks. Usually these folks are only hiking within the park. Did I mention we pay $20 for a permit to hike through the park? The result is most of us just want to get the park behind us because the distance between shelters governs how many miles per day we must hike. I think I'm ready for several long days in a row.Blessings,
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Packed and hit the trail about 7 am this morning. Long day ahead, perfect hiking weather, and I wanted to have time to take photos and enjoy the scenery of the western GSMNP. Last night a few late arrivals saw several of the notorious wild boar that reside here in the park. This morning evidence was rampant that our shelter area was visited by these guys while we slept. All day today we saw signs of them. First scenic stop was Spence Field. Beautiful views from there. During a brief stop here for an early lunch a park boar hunter happened by. Today his mission was also to check shelter logs for news about bear problems. From here the trail continued to rise to several other balds. All with wonderful views of Fontana Lake and Cades Cove. Met a couple of day hikers up from Cades Cove.I will upload pictures when I can so everyone can see these views. I would say however you might appreciate them more if like me you hike up the mountain.So far no bear sightings or other animals by me...only signs they are in the area. Got to shelter late enough that I got space on top row...not a great location for a guy like me who gets up at least twice per night. Very tired tonight after a long hilly day so just sleeping after a good dinner of taco mac was good.