morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 15.1

More rain and wind--yes! Andrew dropped us off at the gap on his way to school in Robbinsville (I work with Connie, his mom). We told him we'd send him a postcard from Maine.The climb out of Stecoah was relentless, straight up 800' with no switchbacks until near the top. I was cursing the trail for awhile this morning. The rest of the day was trail cruising up and down knobs, through secluded coves, and over slippery and jagged rocks. Beautiful and rugged country.As I descended into Fontana, I saw lots of trillium, trout lillies, bloodroot, and yellow violets all just beginning to bloom. The trees are budding and things will soon be green.The Hootenanny Posse is staying in the lodge at Fontana Village tonight, taking advantage of their nice hiker discount. The fine dining is nothing to sneeze at either. Black Betty is here for a visit; she brought our resupply boxes for the next 5-6 days, since Franklin and home is just down the road a piece.Tomorrow--the Smokies and I am stoked!
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Fontana Village

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I ate a fantastic breakfast at the lodge and said good-bye to Black Betty. We didn't get started hiking until about 12:30. Seems like there is some maintenance going on at the Fontana Dam, so we had to take a re-route around it to officially enter the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We had about a 10 mile climb up to the ridge and we were besieged by a cold, wet, rain. Loveboat and I arrived to a packed-out Mollies Ridge shelter, which looked like every crook and cranny had hikers crammed into it. I got out of wet clothes and ate a hot meal and squeezed in between "Mountain Spice" and a woman from New Hampshire. The New Hampshire hiker warned me that she would pee into a bottle in the middle of the night and sure enough, I heard awoke to the sound of pee hitting a bottle. She must be very talented to do that. The rest of the Hootenannys eventually filtered in, with Superchunk bringing up the rear. Tree, Hopper and Superchunk ended up sleeping in the dirt under the cooking shelter.I fell asleep listening to the Tar Heels losing to Kansas in the Final Four on my little MP3/FM radio.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Tim (the LoveBoat) and I were up and out of the shelter early to beat the crowd of close to 30 hikers who had stayed at the shelter.We stopped at the beautiful Spence Field for coffee and breakfast as the sun was starting to break through the morning fog.As we hiked up Thunderhead Mountain, the views were incredible. It yielded many breathtaking, 360-degree, panoramic vistas of mountains beyond mountains. I kept telling myself, "This is why I'm on the trail." So far, the Smokies have been great.Camped at the shelter with Pack Animal and the remaining Hootenanny Posse.A dad from Atlanta and his three sons were also there, section hiking.I ate Ranier rice (sort of like rice with enchilada sauce)and salmon steak for supper. Yum!
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

I tried to keep SuperChunk hiking with me and LoveBoat today, but he soon became distracted and we lost him. We never did see him again today.We did hike up to the top of Clingman's Dome. At 6643' in elevation, it is the tallest mountain on the Appalachian Trail. It has a parking lot below it, and a paved access path that runs the half mile to the big, gaudy, futuristic looking concrete tower on top. The tourist were gawking at us, like we were part of the scenery. It was unnerving.Tim and I pushed on to Newfound Gap, ate supper of goulash and tuna, and continued in the dark to Icewater Springs. It was so dark when we got to the shelter location that I had a hard time actually finding it. I knew that I was close, so I started hooting. Do you think any of the dozens of people who were there would respond? Well, no! Finally after stumbling around in the pitch black for a while, we lucked out and found it. Once again, it was crowded, but they graciously made room for us.Today was my first 20+ mile day.The Hootenannys never arrived. I guess they are behind me and LoveBoat.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Two 20 mile days in a row, wow! I was not expecting to do this in the Smokies, but the crowd of hikers is so large that Loveboat and I wanted to try and pass them. But alas, all we seem to do is find another crowd.We stopped and had coffee at beautiful Charlies Bunion. We enjoyed stunning views from the top of the gnarly bare rock precipice.The weather is downright spectacular; I hiked in shorts and short sleeves. Took lots of photos, ran into Bilge-Rat, Mountain-Spice, Hi-Lo, Greenwood, and Orangedust among others today.Arrived at camp around six thirty and set my tent up in a lovely rhodo-grove (the shelter is full so we are allowed to tent camp here).I visited with Greenwood and Orangedust(a young couple from Boone that I've known for a few days)and talked music with them while I ate spaghetti, potato-corn chowder, salmon, cookies, and a couple of hot chocolates.I'll sleep good tonight.Still no sign of SuperChunk, Tree, Moonpie, or Hopper.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a monumental sleep in my tent last night. I guess those 20 mile days are allowing me to sleep like a baby. No complaints there.LoveBoat and I hiked an easy 10 miles, out of the GSMNP, down to a funky and rustic hiker's paradise called Standing Bear Farm in Hartford, Tennessee.This place has it all! Comfy bunks for 15 dollars a night, really nice outdoor showers, re-supply, kitchen phone, frozen pizza, drinks, AND it's all on the honor system. You just write down what you took on an envelope, put your money in it, and drop it in a box when you leave. Curtis and Maria are the accommodating owners.I even washed my clothes on an old-school scrub board and hand wringer. They actually came clean. There is a party atmosphere here, but it did not seem to get too loud or out of control. So, it did not disturb my rest. Every hiker should check this place out. I really enjoyed my stay--very relaxing.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Superchunk made it into camp last night. He caught up with us and bellowed, "I'm looking for Hometown." Unfortunately, after waking him early this AM and cooking him a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, biscuits, and coffee, he decided to wait around the hostel for the package containing his new pack. (The pack did not make it to the N.O.C. in time and he was having it forwarded here.) Ha ha, once again you can't hurry that boy! Maybe he'll catch up. Loveboat and I hiked off without him.I guess the other 3 posse members went into Gatlinburg, so they are probably a day behind us.We had summer-like temps today, with a strong southern wind. Saw two small birds chasing off an owl that was getting too close to their nest.We hit one of my favorite beauty spots today, Max Patch. It's a huge grassy bald with an unforgettable 360 degree view of mountains--a truly magical place. Spent two hours on top, lounging with boots off and enjoying the company of fellow hikers.Life is sweet!
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs,NC
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Superchunk again made it into camp as we were bedding down last night. He said that he saw a snake on the trail, right outside of Standing Bear, and it freaked him out so much that he had to creep along, looking under every leaf, expecting to see another one. We were up early to hike a long day into Hot Springs. We were all low on food, so we ate what we had (2 packs of Ramen noodles for Superchunk and a Clif bar for me) and headed out.The only significant climb of the day was Bluff Mtn at 4,686'. Once we made the climb, we were mostly in a long, long, downhill. The weather was almost summer-like, temps in the mid 70's and dry and hot. My feet were barking like dogs by the time we walked into the cool, little trail town of Hot Springs. Hot Springs is awesome and the A.T. follow the sidewalks right through the little downtown. Superchunk and I called some friends, Gabe (who hiked with us the first few days) and Cy, from Asheville to come and get us. Loveboat decided to stay in Hot Springs. We cooled off at the Paddler's Pub with sweet tea and Buffalo burgers while waiting for our ride to Nate's house in Asheville.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Asheville

To: Asheville
Miles today: 0.0

A zero day in Asheville.We cleaned up, did laundry, and resupplied.Ate delicious Indian food at one of the best restaurants in Asheville, Mela.Going to the Grey Eagle tonight to see one of my favorite bands, The Everybodyfields. Back to the trail tomorrow.Answers to some questions:Ramps--a southern Appalachian delicacy. Like a wild onion and garlic cross--very pungent and tasty.GORP--"Good old raisins and peanuts" and can be any combination of trail mix. I use mixed nuts, mixed dried fruits, and M&Ms.Hygiene--I use Dr. Bonner's Peppermint soap to wash body, clothes, and I brush my teeth with it--just a hiker thing.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Asheville

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Gabe dropped us off in Hot Springs at noon. We met up with LoveBoat and Last Minute and hiked through increasingly cold and blustery weather until sleet and snow showers started making an appearance.LoveBoat decided to push on and try to find a warm bunk for the night.SuperChunk and I had the little Spring Mtn. Shelter to ourselves.Hotwheels, Shutterbug, Canuck, Mango, and Brush Strokes tented nearby. It is downright cold! As nice as it was to see the EverybodyFields play last night, it's good to be back on the trail.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light snow

Woke at 7am for an ice cold start from camp. I hiked in frozen sleet and snow with Superchunk to Allen Gap, where we found a small sign inviting us to trail magic. We hiked the 350 yards up the highway to the beautiful home of Hercules and FAL (Free at Last), thru-hikers 1999. This gracious couple fed us Belgian waffles, homemade bread, Brunswick stew, steaming hot coffee, and peach cobbler with ice cream for dessert. We spent about an hour and a half there, eating and enjoying their company. They are yet another example of people whose lives were changed by the trail. Lovely folks.Superchunk seemed to be delayed leaving the trail magic, so I headed out without him. The snow was flying as I walked the eleven remaining miles to Jerry Cabin Shelter. At times it seemed a white-out. It was not surprising to me that it was snowing in these mountains in April. This area is the high mountain border between NC and TN, and it always seems to snow here when it's not snowing anywhere else in western NC.At one point, I came to a divide in the trail. There was 2-3" of snow laying by then. The white blaze (official AT) continued on the "exposed ridgeline trail," and a blue blaze offered a "bad weather trail." Of course, I took the exposed ridgeline! This trail turned out to be an ankle-snapping, spleen-busting, dragon-toothed, rock-scramble of a mile or two on the 4,000' ridgeline. It was all I could do not to kill myself as I traversed the snow slick rock ledges.It was absolutely great! My favorite day of hiking so far!I arrived at a full shelter, wet and super chilled. They actually tried to run us out, but I stood my ground and admonished them about their lack of trail etiquette. After that, they became accommodating. Seems like several of these people have been here all day, they should have moved on. LoveBoat and I slept on the muddy floor at the foot of the sleeping platform.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 17.1

I awoke to 4" of snow on the ground. Superchunk came in at dark and pitched his tent behind the shelter, so I checked on him to make sure he was still alive...he was.We hiked out into a winter wonderland, the tree branches were burdened with the weight of rime ice, and we crunched through snow on the trail for the first few hours. A blue sky broke out, warming the morning air, and melting the hoar frost. I knew the snow wouldn't last long; it was spring time in the southern Appalachians.LoveBoat got lucky as he stopped to heed the call of nature; he spotted the bear whose tracks were seen in the snow by earlier hikers. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!By lunch time, the temps were well on the way up and I hiked in shorts and t-shirt while the snow melted.We arrived at Sam's Gap around 6pm, and Brent, a friend of Nate's, took us to his mom's (Tootie) house for a great home cooked meal of ham, corn, green beans, potato casserole, biscuits, and dessert. It was delicious. We spent the night at Nate's friends in Weaverville, Tim and Marcie. These nice folks opened their beautiful home to us homeless hikers for the night. Great people indeed.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Sam's Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

Marcie dropped us off at Sam's Gap at 8:30am. As we climbed out of the gap, we stopped for a few minutes to talk to turkey hunter, Billy Metcalf of Flag Pond. He showed us his various calls and demonstrated them for us. We stopped to dig ramps for lunch and encountered Doc (1999 thru-hiker) and his wife, Kristie. They are from Massachusetts and were out for a hike; they invited us to their chocolate chip cookies.We lunched in the grass, enjoying the sunny weather on Big Bald, elevation 5516'. It is a beautiful southern highlands grassy bald with a 360 degree panorama. Unfortunately, part of the view is spoiled with the ugly sight of the "upscale" development of an "exclusive gated community." For lunch, I ate mac and cheese with ramps and salmon. Hiked on to Spivey Gap where we set up camp next to a stream. We enjoyed the company of Hotwheels, Shutterbug, and Bahama Dave.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Erwin, TN

To: Beauty Spot 
Miles today: 10.8

We managed to hook up with the Hootenanny Posse last night. Moonpie got a message that I had left in a shelter on the trail; she called Black Betty's cell phone. They're in Erwin, so we decided to stay in town another night to visit with her, Tree, and Hopper. Superchunk, LoveBoat, and I hiked up to the Beauty Spot (with our packs) and BB shuttled us back to town. This way we could stay in town and not have a zero day. We had a good visit with Mr. Burns, Piper, Canuck, Mango, Wooly Mammoth, Tailgate, Aqua Maria, and others with trail magic of hot dogs, baked goodies, and cold drinks provided by Mango's mom at the Beauty Spot.We went to Moonpie's parent's, Richard and Linda, house for a delicious dinner. We ate with Moonpie, Tree, Hopper, LoveBoat, Superchunk, Pilot, Dirty Girl, Truckin', Black Betty, and Moonpie's gracious parents. It was an enjoyable evening spent in the company of great folks. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera and don't have any pictures of our picnic in the backyard.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Beauty Spot 

To: Greasy Creek Friendly
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

We ate breakfast at the Rock Creek Cafe and then Black Betty shuttled us to the Beauty Spot so we could rejoin the trail. Before we got there, we discovered that Loveboat forgot his trekking poles so we turned back to Uncle Johnny's to collect them. After all the detours, we finally got on the trail about 11:00.Superchunk left Hot Wheels some CheerWine on ice, stashed on the Beauty Spot. He had promised him some from our Asheville stop but failed to deliver. Hot Wheels has been giving him a hard time about it, so Superchunk decided to surprise him.The trail is interesting through this area of the Roan Mountain Highlands. It meanders through lots of old fields and farmsteads. You see lots of old fences and you walk along the remains of old roads. You can tell that this land was worked for many years, providing a living for folks.The afternoon brought a cold and hard driving rain. We pushed on through the storm for about two hours and left the trail for a muddy and washed out trail which ran about 7/10 of a mile to the Greasy Creek Hostel. Even though we arrived soaking wet and chilled to the bone, we received a warm reception from CeCe, the hostel owner. After a hot shower and dry clothes, I started feeling like a human being again.I'm sleeping in a warm bunk tonight for 8 dollars. This hiking life is sweet!
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Greasy Creek Friendly

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

I got to climb Roan Mountain today. It's the last 6000 foot mountain that I will get to see until I get to New Hampshire! I topped out at 6285 feet in elevation at Roan High Knob shelter with snow flurries in the air. The fragrance of the spruce/fir forest really seemed to invigorate me. It was pretty much cold and wet all day. I did feel strong though, and the climbing did not feel too difficult to me.At the top of Roan Mountain is the site of the old Cloudland Hotel. It was a resort built in the 1880's. The state line (Tenn/NC) ran right through the middle of the hotel. In one state it was legal to drink alcohol but illegal in the other. According to legend, a sheriff used to hang out in the hotel to arrest people who crossed over the state line with a drink in their hands. I walked on the oldest rocks on the AT at Carver's Gap; they are estimated to be 2.5 billion years old. I wonder how the Creationists would explain them.We walked across two beautiful grassy balds, Round Bald and Jane's Bald. We had great views of Roan mountain from their summits.Superchunk and I made camp at the Stan Murray Shelter. We built a nice fire and dreamed of warmer weather.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Campsite on the Elk River
Miles today: 16.6

I've been on the trail for one month today, I feel like a thru-hiker, and I'm digging it.It was 35 degrees and socked in with fog when I got up at 7 AM. Superchunk and I were hiking by 8:00. I didn't see him for the rest of the day.I met up with Loveboat about 9:00(he stayed at the Overmountain Shelter).He couldn't quite keep up with me, either. I hiked by myself all day.I hiked over another big, grassy bald, Hump Mountain (5587'), but the fog continued to be so thick that I was lucky at times to be able to stay on the trail.The fog finally started to burn off around 1:00 and it started to warm up. I had lunch with Mr Burns, Pipper, and TroutBum.Loveboat and Superchunk showed up at camp about 7:00. We are camping in a nice grassy field on the Elk River. There are 24 high school kids from Kent, Ohio camping nearby. They are part of a P.E. class that participates in a back-packing trip as part of their curriculum. How cool is that? On the other hand, with teen-agers around, I may need my earplugs tonight.
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Campsite on the Elk River

To: Laurel Fork Lodge
Miles today: 17.6

I woke up refreshed after a fantastic night's sleep next to a pretty stream flowing into the river. It was actually warm as I climbed out of the bag this morning! It certainly makes it much easier to get out of bed.Although my knees have been bothering me some, the terrain was pretty easy today. We walked by the pretty Mountaineer Waterfall and the "Hardcore Cascades" with a bridge made of enormous stepping stones, which the guidebook says was made by thru hikers. I'd like to know the story on that.Along the way we ran into Pearl, TrainWreck, Nest, and Doctari. All nice folks. Pearl is a cute little thing, wearing her hair in braids, and Superchunk talked about her incessantly for the remainder of the day. We hiked in to the Laurel Fork Lodge and met the gracious owners. Superchunk was picked up by friends and will spend the night in Johnson City, Tennessee. Loveboat and I ordered pizza delivered and spent the evening philosophizing with a hiker with the best trail nave ever,Privy Monster. It seems that Privy Monster was named after being forced to spend the night in the privy on Wayah Bald during an epic and monstrous thunderstorm.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Laurel Fork Lodge

To: Laurel Fork Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Zero Miles Day.I hung out with Loveboat and the Privy Monster and had a relaxing morning sitting around, reading, drinking coffee, and watching the river flow. A perfect and peaceful way to watch the day unfold.We hitched a ride into town with Brady and bought apples, bananas, and pineapple for lunch. I crave fresh fruit; it is a luxury with my current trail diet. I try to get it as often as possible. You really can only eat so many snickers bars.Hotwheels and Shutterbug came into the hostel in the afternoon with their dog, Corley. We found out that Mountain Spice and Treyou drank all the Cheerwine that Superchunk left for them, and Hotwheels didn't get any.Superchunk came in from visiting his friends in Johnson City and brought us cheeseburgers to eat for supper. They were delicious. Yay, for Superchunk!We are bedding down early in anticipation of a couple of high-mileage days ahead.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Laurel Fork Lodge

To: Iron Mountain
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: broken clouds

We got up early and were back on the trail by 7am. We are attempting to hike the 50 miles into Damascus,VA in two days. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the hottest day of the year, so far, with temps in the 80's. The heat makes it tough to climb the hills.We walked by beautiful Laurel Falls and Watauga Lake, which is part of the TVA system of dams. Spring is in the air with lots of wildflowers and budding trees. It's a pretty day to hike.Got in to camp exhausted after 12 hours of hiking. Ate a quick bite of supper and set the tent up. I was ready for bed by the time Superchunk pulled into camp.I fell asleep listening to the crazy call of the hoot owls.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Iron Mountain

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: light rain

Fifty miles in two days? Sure, why not? Baltimore Jack said it could be done. I made it, but my poor feet have paid the price.I was super excited about reaching Virginia, the 4th state on my north-bound hike. Only ten more states to go! Virginia is the longest state on the AT with 550 miles of trail. I'll be here for awhile. To celebrate reaching VA, I played my favorite Virginian artist, Larry Keel, on my mp3 player as I hiked into Damascus, "the friendliest town on the AT."Superchunk, LoveBoat, Hopper (yes, he's back with us) and I are staying at the legendary hostel, "the Place." It is owned by the Damascus Methodist Church, and they have hosted hikers here for decades. The charge is a $4.00 per night donation to stay in the large house. Trail legends Ed Garvey and Earl Shaffer, among others, have stayed here.There are lots of familiar hikers in town. I'm really starting to know this crowd.Went to supper at Dot's. I talked to Pirate (remember from Mountain Crossings Hostel) and Lone Wolf, whom I had met previously in Franklin.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I'm taking the day to rest and resupply in this great town. I bought a new pair of Montrail trail shoes today. The guy at Mount Rogers Outfitters was actually insisting that I pull up the laces on the shoes as tightly as possible. He must be some kind of a masochist or something. There is no way in hell that my feet could tolerate tight shoes after the pounding that they have taken on my little walk from Georgia, haha. Oh yeah, he also suggested that us hikers throw our crocs away, and not use camp shoes. So much for his expertise, I think I'll stick with what works best for me. There are tons of experts AROUND the trail, if you don't believe it, just ask. Hopefully, my feet and legs will be rested up for a good start tomorrow.