morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 7 - Monday"The quieter you become, the more you hear" Baba Ram DassWoke up to yet another beautiful sunrise. Took the coolness of the morning to hike up Standing Indian Mountain. Spent a good 45 minutes at the overlook gazing out towards the mountains, basking in the sun, and thinking about the men and women who left the coast line to explore this area. My survival here in the mountains is based on modern technology. The first settlers in this region lived under such harsh conditions it seems hard to fathom unless you live it. Then I think, the groups most balanced in this region were the hunter/gatherers, in balance with the spirit of the land.Been hiking with a young lady named Jesse whose boyfriend thru hiked the AT in 2008, trail name Superman. He is currently in the Marine Corps wishing he could be back on the trail.I was walking along White Oak Stamp when I heard this low pounding sound. The vibration of the beating made me think it was coming from my chest. Then I realized it was a Grouse.The night before I was looking at my AT Guide put out by David ¢AWOL¢ Miller. I checked out the profile and mileage. Except for Standing Indian Mountain and another hard climb everything was downhill and an easy 20 miles.I reached Albert Mountain, a climb that is nearly vertical, hand over hand climbing, reminiscent of the New England mountains. By 5:20 pm I was at Big Spring Shelter cooling down and sucking down water. Jesse came up from spring (by the way not a very big spring) and asked how far to the next shelter. "5.3", I said. I was thinking the same thing. Three hours of daylight and another profile of downhill, we hit the trail. By 7:11 pm we were at Rock Gap Shelter. I know I was going to have a good night sleep and a nero (a near zero) day tomorrow. Only 3.8 miles into Franklin.Gabh Ceum (Gaelic) - Take Steps
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

April 13, 2010 - Day 8 ¢ Tuesday"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Theodore RooseveltLeft the shelter with a guy called Rocky at 7:00 am so we could make the 9:00 shuttle into Franklin. Rocky and I are walking up the trail, when I hear this deep laughter up to my right. Standing there in front of the rising sun is a figure I can¢t recognize because of the blinding light. I move up a little for a better look and then I start laughing. I called out, "what are you doing here?" Baltimore Jack replied, "Hiking, the same as you!" Baltimore is another hiker I met in 2004 and has become a friend. We hiked down to Winding Stair Gap and waited for the shuttle. Jesse came by and said she didn't need to re-supply and was going to continue on.Ron Haven, a friend of the AT, came by in his shuttle and took us into town. Baltimore and I are staying at Ron's hotel, the Budget Inn.The remainder of the day involved cleaning equipment, showering, showering a second time, re-supply and talking with other thru hikers. Tomorrow it¢s back to the trail.Gabh Ceum (Gaelic) - Take Steps
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC

To: Silers Bald
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: clear sky

The main reason I didn't want to do mail drops was because it dictated your hike adjusted to the post office hours. Sure enough my first mail drop at Fontana Village has put me into a perplexing choice. If I continue at my current pace, I would make Fontana Village early afternoon on Saturday, just past the closing hours of the post office (po). Then I would have to wait until Monday morning to pick up my mail drop. This would mean spending time under roof. No matter how I look at my options it meant hard fast hiking. Sorry, I started this hike to be in nature regardless of the miles. So, I went to plan C, created by Baltimore Jack. We left Franklin to go back on trail and hiked 4.1 miles to camp on top of Silers Bald, elevation 5216 feet.This did several things for me. Looking at the map profile of elevation gain and from previous hikes, I know the next 60 miles is one the toughest sections south of New Hampshire. In fact going out of NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) is a steady ascent of 8 grueling miles. Then after that is the steep climb out of Stecoah Gap. Staying on Silers Bald keeps me under the stars (I've always wanted to camp on one of the balds), 12-14 do-able miles per day getting me into Fontana Village late Sunday and an early po pickup and a fairly early start into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.I was getting ready for the shuttle when the bus pulled up loaded with the morning hikers coming in. Onboard were several hikers I have not seen since Neels Gap. Mountain Camel was onboard, finally escaping the vortex of Neels Gap. Hopefully he will meet me at NOC on Friday. Also on the shuttle was Diesel from ¢04 and it was sure good talking to him about 04. But, it was time to go and continue with 2010.Another reason I've slowed down is because I've seen too many foot and knee injuries so early into this hike, I did not want to be one of those statistics.So here I am sitting on top of Silers Bald with Baltimore and a 360 degree view of undulating purple mountains, covered in a smoky haze, just shy of a mile above sea level. The sun plays hide and seek behind light purple, blue and white puffy clouds sending rays of sunshine to Mother earth. Quietness is broken by the wind and occasional passing of a flying aircraft. One helicopter actually flew by below us, not often does this Florida boy see that. The calmness on the bald is hypnotic and tranquil. Yet I know the forces of nature here can be extreme. At this location I am a visitor with a visa ( you know... I have papers-type visa... Never mind).If not now, when? GaMe 2010
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Silers Bald

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 10.9

" I beheld with rapture and astonishment a sublimely awful scene of power and magnificence, a world of mountains piled upon mountains."   ~William Bartram 1775Before I tell you about today¢s events I need to tell you about the extraordinary events about last night. First, Baltimore Jack cooked a dinner of pork, noodles and corn with asparagus and hollandaise sauce. Awesome good. Second, I was debating on whether to cowboy camp (sleeping under the stars) or setting up my tent. I turned my back from the setting sun to see a dark grey sheet with darker strands descending downward, rain. In quick, quick time my tent is up and my gear inside, just as the rain arrived. I am sitting inside the tent with a light rain hitting the tent's roof. I look outside the tent door in front of me to see the beginning of the sun's orange red ball descending below the line of clouds. The surreal scene before me resembled a watercolor pastel of bare leafed trees reaching for the sky, silhouetted mountains in the background and above the mountains a sky of delicate hues of blues, grays, and pinks. What I witnessed was an unusual unique sunset on Silers Bald that I will always cherish. Third, during the night the clouds disappeared and the sky was lit with jeweled stars. Fourth, on a cold windy morning the orange red ball rose again marking the beginning of another beautiful morning.Left Silers dream scape and hiked to Wayah Bald. The stone tower is in need of repair. I hope someone takes the time and effort to restore the building.The feet are getting better and I am glad I slowed down to help them heal. Baltimore and I reached Burningtown Gap where trail magic was supposed to be. When we first arrived at the gap it was empty. Forty-five minutes cars started pulling in. Mello Yello '03 and Bravefriend '05 began their weekend of trail magic. Baltimore and I spent the night with new-found friends.If not now, then when? GaMe 2010
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Burningtown Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

"Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eyes fixed to the horizon will find his right road."   ~ Dag HammarskjoldI told Baltimore I did not want stay for the three day trail magic. I was getting up early to climb the ascents in the morning cool air. The hardest part of the day would be the large and rather steep descent into the NOC. I left the trail magic at 7:00am and was planning a cheeseburger at NOC.The plan was to stay at NOC and get up early to climb what some people call "Death Hill" north on the AT. Trail mail (communication or information passed on by hikers) said there was a big kayak race and demo day. Crowds on Sat. expected 5,000 people. My plan was to get in early for the hostel. Plan A failed, the hostel was full, as well as the surrounding area and the town of Bryson City. It seems there was a big Free Style kayak competition going on for the three day event. Plan B, campsites along the river - full. Plan C, Climb to a campsite with a spring, then, if feeling good go for the shelter 6.9 miles away. Plan D, meet Turtle from the trail magic and spend the night there, back at Burningtown, then in the morning they would bring me back to NOC. Let's see free food and beverages, this is a hikers dream. I choose Plan D.I was impressed with my feet starting to feel better. For the time being I want to stick to the 16-18 mile range.Another great sunset. This time I was in a valley looking up through trees to watch the sunst colors of deep red and orange surrounded by blue explode behind the trees.If not now, then when? KrispyKritter GaMe 2010
Date: 2010-04-17
From: NOC

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

April 17, 2010 ¢ Day 12 - Saturday"Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far." ~Thomas JeffersonTrue to their word the folks at the Burningtown trail magic brought me back to NOC in the morning. I even had time for a breakfast of eggs, pancakes and the syrup of sugar that was going to propel me up "Death Hill".By 10:00 am I was crossing the bridge over the Nantahala River at NOC and started the climb up to Cheoah Bald. Most of the day was up, the rest was going down.Once on top of Cheoah Bald then it was downhill to Stecoah Gap. The constant pounding going down made my ankles and knees sore. A 1/4 of a mile from Stecoah Gap I see a SoBo (south bounder) coming up the trail. For a minute I thought it looked liked Greyhound, my hiking partner, but the hiker in front of me was carrying trekking poles. I blinked and sure enough it WAS Greyhound. He was trying out the sticks to save his knees. I told him he was getting to that age group and the usual bantering we are known for began.We decided to hitch a ride into Robbinsville grab a room, hot meal and continue with each other¢s stories of life on the trail. He was hiking up and down the AT from Virginia down to North Carolina. He was in the thick of the legendary snowfall and blow downs. His trail magic for me was paying for the room. It was great to see a familiar face from home.If not now, then when? KrispyKritter GaMe 2010
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

April 18, 2010 ¢ Day 13 - Sunday"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." ~Abraham LincolnGreyhound and I left Robbinsville in the early morning with frost on the grass. We hitched a ride back to Stecoah Gap. We said goodbye to each other, he heading SoBo and me going NoBo.The cold weather helped me climb a hard ascent out of Stecoah. Most of the day was a steady up and down until after the Cable Gap Shelter, before dropping down into Fontana. Once again the steady downhill walk pounded my feet and knees. The views from the ridges are awesome of the Smokies and tomorrow I will be hiking in them.I made arrangements to met a mutual friend of Lady Kritter and I. KT met me at the Fontana Hilton with a bag of trail magic containing food and cleaning soap (KT heard there was a shower at this location) and made reservations for dinner at the village. I didn't find out until later that KT drove 3 hours to come see me. Normally the drive is 1 1/2 hours but due to the massive winter rock slides that collapsed on a major highway the drive was longer. Thank you so much KT. Two days of magic from friends can definitely lift ones spirit.I still have not found a hiking family to be with. There is a small loose group of us that are in between two larger pods of hikers and we are just beginning to know one another. There is Skywalk (named because of his height), Sugar Ray (named because of a bear rope incident coming back and breaking his nose). Baldy, Truth, Chicken Feathers, Crafty, Sandbagger, Dust in the Wind, Baldy and Eric, just to name a few. Some of the hikers will be taking a zero tomorrow and the rest of us will be leaving to enter Smoky Mountain National Park based on when we get our mail drops.Life on the trail is so uncomplicated, why can't the real world follow suit¢¦If not now, then when? KrispyKritter GaMe 2010
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

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

Just a quick update: Kritter encountered sleet once into the Smokies then snow near Clingman's Dome. Haven't updated TJ because of bad or no service throughout the Smokies. Bad front coming from the west around midnight tonite so most hikers will be laying low until the big ugly passes through. Kritter is safe and sound as of this afternoon and will be hunkered down but cozy at Standing Bear. Yup, he's made it through and will catch up the journals tomorrow. Eventually there will be pics but camera card hasn¢t made it into an envelope yet. More to come soon ¢¦ ~ Lady Kritter And here it is....:April 19, 2010 ¢ Day 14 - Monday"That's the best thing about walking, the journey itself. It doesn't matter much whether you get where you're going or not. You'll get there anyway. Every good hike brings you eventually back home". ~Edward AbbeyThe night at the Hilton was entertaining. Just before sundown a female TVA police officer walked through the shelter area checking for alcohol. We got the word via trail mail they (police) were out looking for drinkers. If found it would be a $75 fine. The officer is on her way back from checking the fire ring and walks by the shelter where I am sitting. The officer looks in and asked, is there a problem?". "Oh no", I said, ¢it¢s another day in paradise." I patted my side and said, "I have my firearm," slapped the bench and said, "I have my beer" and slapped the other side of the bench and said, and I have my weed". In an instant her body language and friendly expression dropped into police mode as her walk came to a halt. At that point I looked her straight in the eyes and pointed as I said, "Gotcha! It took a second for my words and body language to sink in before her posture relaxed and we both chuckled. The officer left with a smile and more importantly without me.Around the fire later that night someone brought out a violin and Baldy pulled out his flute and jammed. The music was quite good. I fell asleep listening to the violin, flute, the wind whispering through the trees and the creatures of the night stirring through the vegetation, chirping.This morning everyone was up early to go into Fontana Village and greet the opening of the post office. The lady at the outfitter/little general camp store next to the post office graciously made us coffee as we waited with anticipation for the opening. I got my mail drop of food, packed, and was on the trail by 10:00 am.Officially now in the Smoky Mountain National Park. A group of thru hikers and I began our climb up Shuckstack with awesome views of the dam and the lake. Many climbed the derelict fire tower for better views. I declined. Tonite I am staying in Russell Field Shelter, the last remaining shelter with a chain link fence across the front with a gate, to keep out the bears or, as I see it, a habitat for the bears to study human behavior in cages. It's a cold night and the weather is supposed to change to rain tomorrow. Mountain weather can be finicky.If not now, then when? KrispyKritter GaMe 2010
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

April 21, 2010 ¢ Day 16 ¢ Wednesday"Come into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher."   ~William WordsworthThe rain continued throughout the night. The intensity of the rain could be distinguished by the pounding on the tin roof. Dawn came without a sunrise, a light rain and cold temperatures. It was hard to get out of my warm sleeping bag, but I had to do it. Looking beyond outside the shelter wasn't enticing. Clouds were swirling past and visibility about 100ft. Truth left early to get the shuttle to the new NOC in Gatlinburg. Two male hikers came in from the north and the Canadian girls went out screaming and hugging the boys. A third boy was rescued from the other side of Clingman¢s with severe hypothermia during a sleet storm.I followed Truth for about 30 minutes later disappearing into the clouds heading towards Clingman¢s Dome, the highest point on the trail. Just below Clingman¢s I called Lady Kritter because it was the first signal I got on my cell phone in days. I couldn't talk long because of the cold wind. Ten minutes after I hung up it started to snow in a light flurry. The views were the same as Rocky Top, a whiteout at Clingman¢s Dome (good thing I had the views from ¢04). I didn't bother to go up the tower on the dome and continued on the white blazed trailed.Patches of remnant snow could be seen on the mountainside from this year¢s historic snow season. What is really neat at this altitude in the cool air is the Fraser Fir tree, the Cadillac of Christmas trees because of their size, and the Red Spruce tree giving off the aroma of Christmas season.Further down the trail near the Mt. Collins Shelter the legendary blow downs could be seen. Huge trees with root systems two stories high were up-rooted by several winter storms. Initial thru hikers couldn't go around and the only way through was to military crawl underneath while towing your backpack behind with your bear bag rope. By the time I came through the trail crews had done a great job clearing the trail.Crossed Newfound Gap and had lunch. I felt the vortex of Gatlinburg pulling ¢¦ but resisted. I ended the day at Icewater Spring Shelter. I was the first one there with the sun still shining bright so I laid things out to dry. Late afternoon two girls came into the shelter - Lift and Step from Australia and Sunshine. It turns out Sunshine is from Orlando, Florida and has been at the store I work at, Travel Country Outdoors. I'm standing next to the shelter¢s stone wall when in walks another girl, Jesse. We looked at each other in surprise thinking we would not see each other again. She told me her trail name is now Whoopie Pie and she¢d paid her $75 fine for having a beer at the Fontana Hilton. Truth came into the shelter carrying several bags of MM's. The rest of the day was spent catching up on everybody's adventure.If not now, then when? KrispyKritter GaMe 2010
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

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

April 22, 2010 - Day 17 - Thursday"The pathway to fulfillment has many roadside attractions."   ~unknownWoke up early to get a good start. It was going to be fair weather today and I wanted to see Charlie¢s Bunion for the first time. I have been in this section half a dozen times and the weather has always hidden the bunion from me. Finally, I can say it does look like a bunion.Woolly Tops Lead and Bradley¢s View had tremendous views of mountains and their valleys.The afternoon climb took me over Mt. Sequoyah, Mt. Chapman to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. The shelter had recent bear activity and didn't have the vibe. Had a late lunch with Whoopie Pie and we decided to push on to Cosby Knob Shelter. On the way out met up with Sunshine and Lift and Step and told them of our plan. They went for it and all made it to Cosby. It was Sunshine and Lift and Step's first 20 mile day.On the way down Camel Hump knob I saw the most splendid display of Dogwood trees blooming. The flowers are a bright white and remind me of a delicate Japanese painting. I then looked across the valley and saw white cotton balls (blooming Dogwood) dotting the green background.Truth showed up at the shelter after eating a 12 oz. Bag of MM's and 1/2 pound of jerky and the took a 2 hour nap at Pecks Corner Shelter. The shelter was full with everyone thinking of Standing Bear Farms Hostel tomorrow.If not now, then when? KrispyKritter GaMe 2010
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

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

April 23, 2010 ¢ Day 18 - Friday"If we do not find anything very pleasant, at least we shall find something new."   ~VoltaireWoke up early so I could get to Standing Bear Farms before the hot part of the day. The problem with this part of the trail is that it is mostly downhill which is rough on the feet and knees. Coming down from the high elevations I noticed two things: It started to get hot and the bare trees and scrubs of the upper elevations became greener the lower you went.Made it to Standing Bear Farm before 11:00 am. The first thing I wanted to do was to take a shower and clean my equipment. Washing clothes is by hand, the way they did before electricity. Tub of water, wash board and start rubbing up and down. Rinse, then turn the crank to run the clothes through a ringer. Clothes done, now it was time for my body. Curtis has added an instant hot water heater that runs on propane. The shower is an indoor/outdoor with the nozzle directly overhead. Awesome. Next was cleaning the equipment and recharging my electronic gear. By afternoon I was relaxed and resting tired body parts. Hikers were coming in throughout the day, some I have not seen for awhile. Stories started of each other's adventure and who were the latest to leave the trail.The setup of the hostel is great. A bunkhouse, a separate kitchen and eating area around a campfire ring with wooden benches to sit on in front. Next small building houses the telephone and internet. Across the driveway another building with enough re-supply to get you to Hot Springs, NC.I was hoping to make Standing Bear at the same time the weather experts were predicting a severe front coming through. The one place I did not want to be was on Snowbird Mt or Max Patch during a thunderstorm. I also wanted to camp on top of Max Patch. Murphy's Law stepped in and slowed down the system. I might be taking a zero tomorrow to catch up on my journals and wait out the storm.If not now, then when? KrispyKritter GaMe 2010
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Standing Bear Farms Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

April 24, 2010 ¢ Day 19 - Saturday'I do not seek, I find."   ~Pablo PicassoWoke up early to journal and wait for Truth to come into the kitchen to begin his epic breakfast. Starting last night Truth began cleaning the kitchen and planning the menu. As hikers heard about the meal, they wanted in. Truth complied as long as they contribute food. The menu: eggs, bacon, biscuits, pancakes and coffee.I was hoping to coordinate taking a zero day here with the bad weather coming in. However, Murphy's Law showed up and the mountain weather has changed again. It seems the system has broken up into two, one above and one below our location. I didn't want to be on Snowbird Mt. or Max Patch during a thunder storm. I was even hoping to catch the stars on a camp out on Max Patch.I said hello to hikers coming in to beat the storm front and good-bye to hikers that left. Truth stayed behind to get in touch with family and Sunshine stayed behind to nurse a painful knee.Some of the spring flowers that are now blooming, if you want to look them up are: Fire Pink, Thyme Leaved Bluets, Blue Eyed Grass, Crested Dwarf Iris, Mountain Bellwort, Large Flowered Bellwort, Trout Lily, Spring Beauty, Painted Trillium, and Wild Strawberry. (Had some spare time on my hands!)The front is doing funky things, but tomorrow rain or shine I leave for my next re-supply, Hot Springs, NC.If not now, then when? KrispyKritter GaMe 2010