morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-15
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Legs felt kind of dead today, so the climbs went slow. There was one long sustained climb of 2300 feet and the total ascent for the day was 3600 feet.The reason for the energy level being down was that I didn¢t sleep well last night. The sleeping platform had a tilt to it, so you were sort of slightly rolling downhill. Then about 10 p.m., there was gunfire, about six shots. Not real close, but close enough. I didn¢t hear any hunting dogs. Don¢t know what you can hunt in the dark without dogs this time of year, but it¢s probably something illegal.Saw four other hikers today; a group of three and one individual. Heard that the locals use this shelter for partying, since it is close to a road. A new shelter is being built further south and this one will be torn down. No one else here tonight.Was warm and sultry today, and thought that we might get an afternoon thundershower that was listed as 40% possible in the weather report I saw yesterday. Didn¢t happen. Understand the water sources are better south of Hot Springs and they seem to be.Bang Bang Trails
Date: 2005-09-16
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept quite well last night. No party animals showed up, either two legged or four legged.The rain finally happened today and the timing was kind of lousy. Cloudy in the morning and got darker as I climbed up to Max Patch. Just before the open top, it started to rain. So I went across Max Patch and didn¢t see any views. Foggy, raining and blowing.Missed a turn coming down and had to back track. Lost about a half an hour on that mistake. Still I was here at the shelter by 2 p.m., much sooner that I thought I would be. Sun is out this afternoon, so maybe that was it.Clothes are wet and probably won¢t get dry by morning. That is always such fun to put them back on first thing. Didn¢t see anyone today and no one else here now. Into the Smokies tomorrowNo View Trails
Date: 2005-09-17
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Last night I could hear thunder coming slowly closer. Finally arrived at 4 a.m. but was just a light shower.However, got rained on again this morning while crossing another open top mountain, so no views. I think this is a conspiracy. Clears off in the afternoon. Did see two hikers out in the rain climbing the mountains as I came down.I am at Davenport Gap Shelter tonight. This has the chain link fence and gate across the front. Keeps the bears out and the real animals, the hikers, in. Thought they had eliminated all this type of arrangement, but apparently not. Problem is that very stupid people were feeding the bears thru the fence for a photo op. Really dumb!Caged Hiker Trails
Date: 2005-09-18
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Two fellows, Todd and Mark, came after a short hike up from the road, so there were three in the shelter last night. No four legged observers came by to observe the hikers in the cage.Longest day so far and with the most climbing. Right at 5000 feet total ascent.Saw a fair number of people today. There was a volunteer trail crew of about a dozen people headed past me to do some work. A young woman went past trailed by a hunting dog with a radio collar. The dog turned and started to follow me for several hours. Encountered another fellow with a second identical looking dog. Found out these two dogs have been following hikers back and forth up on the ridge. As I hiked on, the two dogs stayed with the fellow.Nice day today. No rain even threatened. There is an older fellow Bob here at the shelter. Two young guys stopped in and then left to get a few more miles. And Todd and Mark came in about two hours behind me.Have a reservation for Icewater Springs shelter, but might try to get into Gatlinburg and take a real zero day.Climbing Trails
Date: 2005-09-19
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

A couple came in late last night, so there were six at the shelter. This shelter had bear cables to hang packs way up high. There was a report in trailjournals.com of a bear getting food off a cable at Springer. I think I see how that is possible. The hanger is just a hook, and if the cable is bounced and jiggled hard enough, a hanging food bag or whatever could be bounced off. So in addition to hanging on the hook, I tied the pack on with some cord. If the bears ever figure how to undo the snap hook from the eye bolt at the bottom, we¢re all in trouble.I had pretty well decided at the outset to try to make it into Gatlinburg, so I was pushing early on. Had some nice views at places since the trail runs along the ridgeline that is the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Started seeing more and more people as the day wore on and got closer to Newfound Gap. Stopped at Charlies Bunion, a rock outcropping with views, and there had to be a dozen people there. And it isn¢t even leaf changing season yet. Man and wife there took my picture and offered a ride into Gatlinburg if we got to the parking lot at the Gap together. We did and that is how I got to Gatlinburg.Got to the Icewater Springs shelter, where I was going to stay at 2 p.m. and kept right on going. It is three miles from the shelter, down about 900 feet to the trailhead parking lot at the Gap. Charlies Bunion is about another mile on top of that.Saw lots of people headed up the trail as I came down. How far they contemplated going and how long they thought it was going to take, I wondered about. The trail got surprisingly rough in spots, unlike the almost manicured trails in Shenandoah NP. Some were carrying no pack, just one small bottle of water.I am now at the Grand Prix Motel, recommended by the Happy Hiker Outfitters. Have showered, shaved and done laundry. Scored a steak dinner at the Paddler nearby. Taking a real zero tomorrow. Just a few chores like picking up the packages at the post office.Motel Trails
Date: 2005-09-21
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

The hotel shuttle took three of us up to Newfound Gap at 8:30 and I was hiking by 9:15. It was a pretty good climb up to Clingman's Dome, which is the highest point on the AT. Didn't take any pictures from the observation tower because it was very cloudy and grey.On the way up, I saw two bears that heard me and bolted in the woods. First I've seen this year.Lots of people at the observation tower. Saw a number of people on the trail, also. Three fellows are here at the shelter tonight.Bear Trails
Date: 2005-09-22
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Kind of a rough day today. Besides the distance, I just could not climb very well at all today. Very slow going on the ups. Don't know what the problem was.The distance was dictated by the fact that the Spence Field shelter could not be reserved because of "bear problems". That would have made todays hike three miles shorter. This shelter does have the cage on the front. A bat just flew in as I am writing this. Not sure if he can find his way out. Todd and Mark are here tonight, also. We had a big owl perch in the tree right outside at dusk. On to Fontana Dam tomorrow.Wildlife Trails
Date: 2005-09-23
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Good day. Big downhill to Fontana Dam. Bunch of up and down along the ridge line and then a left turn at Doe Knob to begin a 2700 foot descent. Stopped at the fire tower at Shuckstack for a wonderful 360 degree view. Then the three of us, Todd, Mark and myself, flew down the mountain, making the last four miles in less than an hour and a half. There are hot showers available at the visitor center, which really felt good. Todd took me into the Village to get some drinks (milk, oj, Pepsis). They are heading home and had one car located here. At the shelter and three people came in who were northbound. Saw lots of people on the trail, heading up the big climb as wer came down. It is Friday, so lots starting a hike. Not sure how prepared some of them were for the task.Downhill Trails
Date: 2005-09-24
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail has turned somewhat rougher since leaving GSMNP. Rocky and reminescent of New Hampshire and Maine, i.e., minimal switchbacks and straight up the mountain in places. Took nine hours to cover the distance. Needed to stop several times for water and a break. Dehydration still a problem.No one else here tonight. Just realized that this hasn't happened since before Davenport Gap, entering the Smokies when I met Todd and Mark. Saw four turkeys together today as they flew off. Also a black snake stretched across the trail.Turkey Trails
Date: 2005-09-25
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Turned a bit cooler, windy and cloudy overnight. Thought that it might rain today, but it didn'tThe trail remains rougher in spots than further north. Places where it goes straight up the prevailing slope. Somewhat slower going as a result. Today took six and a half hours, although some of that was for sightseeing and picture taking at the top of Cheoah Bald. What a lovely place. Like to be up there when the leaves are changing. Met three motorcyclists at Stecoah Gap. Then carefully hiked up out of the gap. The fellow at Fontana Dam shelter, night before last, got stung four times in that stretch. Didn't see anything, but was really on guard. The climb up the north side of Cheoah Bald is about 1500 feet. Tomorrow is a long drop down to N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center).At the shelter with Bob, a 74 year old hiker, who is also going to be finishing a complete AT section hike when he gets to Springer. Met him at Tricorner Knob shelter in the Smokies. Suspect I'll run into him some moreLovely View Trails
Date: 2005-09-26
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: moderate rain

A fellow came in right at dark last night. I had past him earlier, as he was considering staying on the top of Cheoah Bald. He came back down to the shelter, as it got windier and cloudier. Good decision as it turned out. Quite windy all night and the rain started about 3 a.m. and continued. In the morning, I packed up, put on the poncho and started into the rain. Had a ride to meet at 1 p.m. Basically never stopped and covered the seven miles and 3000 feet of descent in just over three hours. Everything was wet, so had to slow down for the steep muddy sections and wet rocky sections. Got in early, so had lunch at the restaurant by the river. At my sister-in-laws near Robbinsville. Taking a zero tomorrow and my mail drops are here. Showered, shaved and laundry is done. Hope the weather clears off. Wet Trails
Date: 2005-09-27
From: near Robbinsville, NC

To: near Robbinsville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

One of those zero days with lots of little chores to get done. Too much food, etc. Deciding what to mail ahead so I don't have to carry it. Here at my sister-in-law's house alone. Her husband is in the hospital in Atlanta. Sorry the visit could not have been under better circumstances.Sad Zero Day Trails
Date: 2005-09-28
From: N.O.C. Wesseer, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: light rain

Why do full packs and big climbs go together? Actually the climbs went pretty well today. Net climb today was over 3000 feet. Started in the fog. Sunshine broke through about mid-morning or rather I climbed above the clouds. Took lots of stops for views and the firetower at Wesser Bald was especially nice.Fair number of folks seen today. A trail crew of eight was working on the trail. Tellico Gap is a gravel road, but several vehicles came by with trail involved folks. At the shelter with two fellows who are going north. It has fogged up again and starting to lightly rain. But a nice day overall.Easy Climb Trails
Date: 2005-09-29
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

The shelter last night was in heavy fog and in the morning, also. This was rain day, I guess. Had the poncho on and off three or four times. The day was spent in fog/cloud/mist and rain. Got to the stone observation tower on Wayah Bald and couldn't see a thing and raining besides. Fortunately, not particularly cold today. Saw one person on the trail.This shelter is 0.5 mile off the trail. There are two fellows here from Dallas, TX who are section hiking north.Foggy Trails
Date: 2005-09-30
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

It cleared off late yesterday and the stars were out last night. Been a mostly sunny day with some high cloudiness and occasional overcast. The woods are still moist and so are my shoes. When this is over, these shoes are either going to be bronzed or thrown in the trash. I'm thinking the trash. Think I am finally getting my trail legs. The climbs are going much better. Saw at least nine people today, but no one else at the shelter tonight.Had wanted to spend the night at the top of the Albert Mountain firetower. It's only 0.6 miles further south. Packed some water from the spring here, but had to return. You can climb up the stairs, but the trapdoor to the platform is locked. Bummer!Less than 100 miles to go. Getting to the countdown phase.No Firetower Trails
Date: 2005-10-01
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: few clouds

Another foggy mountain top morning. The Albert Mountain firetower was socked in, so I am glad that I went up yesterday to get a couple of snapshots.Pushed along today and covered the distance in less than seven and a half hours. Saw eight people today in sets of two. And a group of six fellows are here at the shelter. They are northbound and came in about 20 minutes after me. They have all opted to tent in the shelter area.   Several of them are novices and really packing heavy.They are trying to build a fire right now and have marshmellows to roast.Busy Trails
Date: 2005-10-02
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap, US76
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Started off looking like it might be a clear day, but then it got heavily overcast and stayed that was all day.The original plan was to hike to Plumorchard shelter (12.2 miles). stay the night, then do a short day to Dicks Creek Gap, hitch in Hiawassee, pick up my maildrop, stay one night and out the next day. A shower, etc. was just too attractive, so I pushed on and am now at Mull's Motel in Hiawassee. Averaged right at two miles per hour for the day.Crossed in Georgia just before noon. Last state border crossing. Coming to a close on this trip.Saw eighteen prople on the trail today. Two groups of four each and the rest in ones and twos. One of the ones was a trail maintainer for that section. He offered to swing by the Dicks Creek Gap parking area and pick me up, if I was still there. That is how it worked out. I had been there about 10 minutes trying to catch a hitch, when he pulled up. Cleaned up, fed and will take a full zero tomorrow.Happy Trail Maintainer Trails
Date: 2005-10-03
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Laundry is done, maildrop is picked up and I am at the library doing my journal entries. Since my transcriber is vacationing out of the country, this seemed the quickest way to get the entries posted. Trying to get a shuttle arranged for early tomorrow. Down to 67 miles to go plus the approach trail, if I do it.Last Zero Day Trails
Date: 2005-10-04
From: Dicks Creek Gap, US76

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a shuttle from the folks at the motel this morning. Was on the trail by 8:30 a.m. Planned a shorter day, so I took it easy most of the day. Of course, it started out with a 1200 foot climb with a full pack. Over 4000 foot of total ascent today.It was about 80% clear in Hiawassee this morning, but again overcast on the trail. The mountains seem to brew their own weather. The sun finally did break through about noon, clearing things up. Getting fed up with the overcast days. I was sitting at Addis Gap about noon (in the middle of the woods), taking a break all by myself, not having seen anyone. Then one guy arrived, then a couple, then two more guys. None of them were hiking together. A regular little convention. They were all northbound. Saw three more guys and one small dog shortly after starting south myself. Didn't see anyone the rest of the day and am here at the shelter alone. I lost the blaze orange vest that I had attached to the back of my pack. Didn't secure things like I should have aat the last stop. Very annoyed with myself. It isn't deer by rifle season yet, but it is archery and, I think, muzzle loader season. Not worried, just ticked at myself for screwing up like that.Blaze Orange Trails
Date: 2005-10-05
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Was planning on watching sunrise from a rock ledge. However, the morning was again foggy mountaintop. Cleared off fairly early and the day turned out very nice.Saw five other hikers today and there are three other fellows here in the shelter tonight. Might even have a fire later.Kept pushing today and made the distance in just under eight and a half hours. The last almost four miles was on an old road bed, so I could make good time. Down to 41+ miles to go to Springer. Should be three more days plus the approach trail.Nice Trails
Date: 2005-10-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Neels Gap, Walasi-Yi Hostel
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: moderate rain

It was windy all night. Then at 5 a.m., I awoke and said something like "Oh, S***, it's raining". I got up and got my pack off the bear cable as did everyone else. Stayed in the sleeping bag until 7:30 hoping, against hope, it might slacken. No chance. Hiked all day in the rain. Two of the fellows, Mark and John, were just going 4.4 miles to their truck at Hogpen Gap. The three of us motored that in two hours flat. I got a 50 minute respite in their truck to eat, drink and get a breather, while they found a place to change to dry clothes for the trip home. When they delivered me back to the trailhead, it was raining and blowing harder than ever.The rest of the day was a wet slog. Once your feet are wet, you just plow through the puddles in the middle of the trail, rather than try to avoid them, because that takes more energy. The trail in this section is badly overgrown in large lengths of trail, so pushing through wet bushes and blackberry brambles further slows you down - and keeps you wet. Rained very hard at times, especially at the tops of climbs. Basically just kept moving, sometimes slowly. Still got here to Neels Gap in about three and a half hours after resuming. The outfitter here also has a hostel whiich is where I am tonight. A hot shower and laundry (mainly to dry everything out) are complete plus a Domino pizza semi-delivered (had to drive 5 miles to pick it up from the delivery guy). Tomorrow sounds like more rain. Undecided about what to do. Bob is here. He sat it out today here, so he is anxious to go. Don't know if I will do a zero, a nero, or just hike out in the morning. Probably one of the first two.Sloggy Trails
Date: 2005-10-07
From: Neels Gap, Walasi-Yi Hostel

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

Had a nice night at the hostel. Bob had taken a zero there, so I had caught up to him again.Waited until mid-morning before making a decision about going. Fog lifted some, so we headed out just before noon. Naturally, it started to rain lightly about 20 minutes later.We climbed Blood Mountain in about an hour and a half, with one small backtrack, when we couldn't find a white blaze for awhile. Nothing could be seen from the top (in the cloud) so we kept moving. Got to the shelter turnoff in two hours, ten minutes which surprised us. However, it is also nearly a half mile back to the shelter. Rats!Been steady rain since we got here. A family of four was here when we arrived. They decided to move on to Neels Gap. Two northbound fellows have arrived and now a fifth fellow just pulled in. Need to have this rain stop.Full House Trails
Date: 2005-10-08
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Finally had seven people at the shelter last night. Six in the shelter and one on the picnic table (under roof, however). A couple came in right a dark in the rain. It rained steadily until about 3 a.m.Bob and I hiked together again today. We moved right along and covered the distance in six hours and fifteen minutes. We have seen over 20 people on the trail today and there are about a half dozen in and around the shelter already.The day has turned out pretty nice, although we still didn't have any views in the morning because of clouds/fog.Cloudy Trails
Date: 2005-10-09
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Wish we could have had a nicer day for our final AT trail day. Stayed cloudy/foggy all day. We did see almost eighty people on the trail today. A lot of family groups out on short day hikes - no packs or gear. Wonder what it would have been if the weather were nice?A somewhat tough day. A number of nasty steep climbs that didn't seem to show on the profile. Total climb for the day was almost 4000 feet.We have been to the plaque and took the obligatory pictures. Bob and I have the shelter to ourselves tonight. Just 8.8 miles down the approach trail tomorrow. Out of food, out of fuel, headlamp batteries dying, enough t.p. for the morning, etc. Worked out well.Happy Final Day Trails
Date: 2005-10-10
To: Approach Trail
Miles today: 0.0

This entry goes into the journal as a post hike entry, although it, in fact, was a partial day of hiking.Finishing the AT at Springer Mountain still leaves you with the problem of getting out. For me, this obviously meant hiking down the approach trail to the visitors center, where my truck has been parked, awaiting me, for nearly five weeks. A fellow came into the shelter last night after dark, having hiked the 0.9 miles up from the forest service road parking lot. He slept out on the stone porch, albeit roof covered, rather than inside. Just as happy he did as he snored almost continuously. He did give me AAA batteries for my failing headlamp. It rained during the night, heavily it seemed, and we were in cloud. Everything had a film of water on it as a result - pack, sleeping bag, hung clothes, ground sheet.Bob and I hiked the distance in less than four hours. Net downhill of 2000 feet, although there were some annoying and steep uphills thrown in. I have to give Bob some kudos. He was right behind me for the last four days and, at times, I was setting an aggressive pace. Faster than I might have if I were alone. Found out he got knocked off the trail last year at Spivey Gap also. He fell and had a broken arm and cracked ribs. He has finished the AT in four years. Some of us are just too stubborn to know when to quit.Stubborn Trails