morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-01-17
From: Dicks Creek

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

Plumorchard Gap Shelter   Rain,rain,rain Woke up early this morning at Walasi-Yi Inn as I wanted to try out the new pack by going up to Blood Mountain but as I looked out the door a wall of heavy fog and rain hit me. No longer interested in an extra trip outdoors for right now. Instead I packed the backpack for later and filled my fuel bottle. I could easily have fitted the TV, VCR, and the small microwave in the pack - but then i might not have had enough room for the solar cells and with the lack of sunshine I decided to leave it for the next round of visitors to this great hostel. Just as I finished packing I found a letter in the brain of the pack - it was from Jersey Jane wishing me good luck on the trail - what a surprise! Got a fan club!!! - Thanks for the letter and the encouragement. I am still not sure I really understand that I am about to live out here for six months - but I sure like the idea. At little before lunch Virus and his wife (Sandie) came to pick me up and we went to Hiawassee to pick up my mail drop - Oh dear, the package was HUGE must have held food for the entire six months. As I opened it there were lots of goodies: tuna fillets, cheese, hot sauce, soy sauce and all these trail snacks.   there were even two small tea lights with blueberry aroma - Well Coach, both the bears and I will enjoy that    Uhmm with all that food I am soo happy I decided to leave the TV behind as it left room for more food. Thanks for the box - it is just amazing that a box of food can make you feel like a 5 year old waiting for Christmas. Sorry, but the two cups of pudding never made it outside the postoffice as I ate them right on the spot. Sandie dropped us off at the trailhead at Dicks Creek and waved good-bye from the inside of a warm comfortable, dry car, while we waved back standing in a down pour all excited about being on the trail - the worst is : we really were excited - more than happy to brave the elements though it rained cats and dogs. Up and Up and still the rain came pouring down. However, upon reaching the hill tops the rain turned to sleet and ice. The trail itself also took a turn for the worse as more and more trees were covering the trail where they had fallen causing us hikers to jump hurdles in same class of style as a herd of cows doing ballet! 10.0 for style as I almost took a dive into the mud. It is actually (at least in my opinion) a lot harder being a hiker than a normal walker as suddenly you have four "legs" to deal with as you try to keep the balance passing over a tree trunk in the mud and don't forget the extra fourty pounds of housing that has grown attached to your back. Arrived at Plumorchard Shelter completely drenched and cold - except for my feet they were both warm and dry. Exploded my pack all over the place to get to warm dry clothes. Then it was time for a closer inspection of the food. Decided to make the entire tuna helper and added 12 oz of tuna (the heaviest items always gets eaten first). Now I am full, warm, and dry and sending my most sincere thanks to Coach and his wife.
Date: 2006-01-18
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: few clouds

Muskrat Creek Shelter cold and windy weather A little snow had sprinkled during the night and worse yet, our boots were completely frozen. My boots had an entire layer of ice all over making it almos impossible to put them on. It was like walking around with two big massive ice cubes! The night had been rather uneventful with the exception of the mouse attack on Virus. A mouse had decided to do some target practice - getting ready for all the Spring hikers! The little critter threw nuts at Virus - giving him "Shell shock". After cooking my boots a little - just enough to where I could put my feet all the way into the boots - we took off on the trail. This was our last day of Georgia - I wished I had the song :Georgia on my mind" by Ray Charles. My first impression of NC was that it was a lot colder and more windy, since we came straight from a gap and went uphill on the windy side of the mountain. It is so cold tonight that my pen will barely work - and I have the hardest time interpretating my own mitten covered hand writing.
Date: 2006-01-19
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Carter Gap Shelter Sunny and nice All drenched when I woke up due to condensation. I had used the tent fly as an extra layer to wrap myself in as it was so cold last night. I find that going from 17:00 to 7:00 o'clock next morning is a looong time without eating. I am waking up at midnight and again around 4:00 because I am hungry - the only problem is that the "refrigerator" is hanging in a rope 12 ft above ground far away from where I sleep!!! Today we got up around 7:00 and breakfast consistet of an entirely new dish: Cornflakes with ICEflakes! The water had turned to ice before I was half-way through - well, at least the "milk" was fresh and cold. Got rid of an extra pound as I threw away the trash in a garbage can while crossing a parking area. At noon it was time to cross Standing Indian Mt. 5500ft. At places the trail had turned into an iceskating ring and it was very rocky, but the top was sunny and warm and we enjoyed the downhill walk on the southside. Before reaching Beech Gap Virus and I split for the rest of the day. Just 2.5 miles later I wished we hadn't; there was a stream crossing with two logs, one log was small and at water level but it had half an inch thick layer of ice all over, the other log, four feet above the water and rocks, did not have as much ice but was still very slippery. Deeply concentrated I started the crossing - I must have looked like an elephant going line dancing, trying to use my two extra "legs" to keep the balance on the slick snow and ice covered log. All I have to say is "I am writing - Ergo I am!" At Carter Gap the shelter looked really beat up and very old and leaky, and someone had thrown some seeds in there so I was about to pitch my tent as i remembered reading about a newer shelter - and right enough, just a little further there was a really nice Nantahala designed Shelter. Put everything out to dry from last night and made chicken and pasta - dessert was a HUGE chunk of cheese and apple cider. As we were tucked in for the night Virus suggested it would be neat to finish the hike on June 21st - Summer Solstice! I think I will try to aim for either that day or July 4th, Although I will be happy if I can just make it up there! At the beginning of the day Virus saw a sign warning of bears that showed no fear of humans and aggressive enough to go for the back packs!!! Guess, I will be walking a little faster until I get of this bear's territory at Wayah Gap.
Date: 2006-01-22
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Cold Spring Shelter Foggy, Misty, Rainy. This morning Virus and I got up quietly trying not to wake up the three Irish guys. Virus asked me if I had awaken during the night?, No, why? Well, one of the Irish guys had let out the biggest and loudest fart he had ever heard - the shelter almost shook. That convinced me - I must be a sound sleeper because the night before I never even heard the two hikers that came in late (21:00) and they talked with Virus, Ruth, and Ian for a while. Today started with a little detour of an extra mile as I lead Virus and myself the wrong way. I was not exactly popular among me, myself, and Virus - Poor I!Got back to the top of the hill and found the right way. I never realized how far you could go in 15 min downhill - until I had to turn around and go back up again. After getting to Wayah Gap it was up and up or so it felt - legs a little tired today. At the top we stopped at the John Byrne memorial tower. Byrne was the youngest appointed forrest supervisor at the age of 33. Unfortunately he died shortly thereafter due to a lung ailment that was caused by exposure to poisonous gas during WWI. Tomorrow we will reach NOC = shower, laundry and lots and lots of food and the best - a mail drop this time sent by Gail Tonight we are staying at Cold Spring Shelter, which reminds me a lot of a small old cabin with a wall missing. The bear cables, however, were broken.Just as we were about to go to sleep (about the time where the mice had calmed down) Virus felt something crawling along his arm inside the sleeping bag and when he flinched a mouse came backing out at full speed! Virus and Mice!!!
Date: 2006-01-23
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: moderate rain

NOC - Foggy, Misty, Raining Got up early after a night with little sleep, mice and wind/rain kept on waking me up. Finally at 6:30 Virus got up - I stayed in my sleeping bag for another half hour playing Su Doku. Finally got up and was ready to go in 20 minutes - not too bad at those packing skills! We had to make ourselves all excited about NOC and the meals we were going to buy there before we ventured out in the rain. Stopped at Wesser Bald Tower to enjoy a beautiful view: the fog was laying low in all the valleys and only the mountain tops were rising above - and above all that the sky was just getting darker and darker, so between the threat of a downpour and all our food fantasies our feet grew wings. A couple of places were steep downhill otherwise not too bad. I got to NOC at 13:40 and checked in - the desk clerk told me that the restaurant would close at 14:00 but if we went there now we could make it - come on Virus you are usually only 10 minutes behind me. However, the clock ticked 14:15 before Virus came to NOC - Menu change: Rice for dinner At least we got a hot shower and clean clothes. I tried to get online but it was $0.25 per minute! - much too expensive. Instead I got the mail drop from Gail and started exploring it - full of great food - and she had it all labeled and put in ziploc bags to minimize the amount of trash. The crampons were there and a little surprise: A picture of Joe - the most handsome looking Siberian husky I know - Thanks a lot Gail Got to go to bed now - maybe at Fontana we will be able to get a meal? but first a good nights sleep as tomorrow starts with 6.5 mi uphill! Safe hiking to ya'll
Date: 2006-01-24
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Sassafras Gap Shelter - Sunny, Windy, and Cold It was nice to wake up at NOC and be able to go take a hot shower - took a while before I could make myself turn off the hot water. Enjoyed lingering over breakfast: peanut butter sandwiches, a couple of oatmeal packages, and some hot cocoa. Shipped a box off to Knoxville with my heavy fleece jacket(300 weight) and a few other items as the weather forecast called for nice weather in the Smokies for the next 10 days. Upon returning the key to the room the clerk asked me if I was Trine? because I had gotten a card from Jersey Jane - Thanks. Virus and I did not leave until 11:00 - at least we were gone by the crack of noon!The packs were filled with food and we had 6 miles uphill to walk, but the pack did not feel heavy and the hills did not seem too steep so it turned out to be a wonderful nice walk. Coming out of a gap and out unto the sunny side of the mountain there was a great spot that was just begging for me to come and sit down and take a break. Lots of sun, no wind, 50F - took pack, boots, and socks off and just soaked in the sun and the views of the great Nantahala. Nantahala is Cherokee and means the land of midday sun. The Nantahala Gorge is so deep that the sun only hits it at noon. The last mile of the hike got much colder and more windy - had to stop and put on my down jacket whereas before I had hiked in a sun top. The shelter here is a nice two-story building with beautiful views over the Nantahala as the sun drops its last sunrays over the mountains.Trail magic: There was a can of Mac & Beef in Tomato Sauce - I was VERY thankful of my good old trustworthy Swiss Army knife that has a dull but yet workable can opener. Virus and I quickly devoured the contents trying to stay warm as the temperature had dropped further to about 30F (0 degrees C). We took a short rest in our bags before we got up again and cooked our second dinner. It had been a great day.Safe Hiking to Ya'll
Date: 2006-01-25
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Brown Fork Shelter Sunny, Clear, cold wind 30F When packing up this morning the thermometer read 20F - Brr a cold start. Decided to take all the cans and the trash that other hikers had left in the hopes that there would be a trash can at Stecoah Gap. The wind was really cold - cut right through the clothing but we had several uphills so I decided to only wear a long-sleeved with a short-sleeved t-shirt on top and glove liners on my hands. When the wind turned just right I could smell the "Mac & Beef in Tomato" cans really strong - made me kind of feel like a walking bear attractant "Here, come and eat a Mac & Beef seasoned hiker!" On the last climb of the day from Sweetwater Gap I met a tail wagging "Happy Two" and a few minutes later its owners: Ambo and TN Girl. They were trail maintainers and had been out for the day working on clearing the trail. I asked them kindly if they would mind taking the bags with cans and trash from the shelter as they were parked back at Stecoah Gap, which Virus and I had passed earlier without any signs of trash cans. They were nice to say yes and I was happy to get rid of all the extra weight and especially the smell.The shelter here is a nice log shelter. When reading the register I saw that Alpine had passed through here on 1-21-06 the night that I was at Cold Spring shelter, must have missed him as we were inside the NOC. His greeting was to RED DANE so I have officially accepted that as my trail name The register also read that Alpine had seen a bear 200ft from the shelter and on Jan 16th George saw fresh bear tracks the last half mile coming to the shelter.I guess it is too cold or the bear has eaten all the mice because none has been seen or heard and it is a few hours after their normal routine of checking everything out such as packs, boots, cooking area, and HIKERS.Good night, sleep tight, and don't let the shelter mice bite!
Date: 2006-01-26
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 11.5

Fontana Village - Sunny, clear, cold 30F Slept pretty bad last night could not stay warm, toes got cold. Decided to get up in the middle of the night to get something to eat and make a hot drink. The stars were incredible absolutely amazing so bright and clear. Found the North star - my favorite. After a night snack it was time to laydown   again - fell asleep with a little tea light spreading an atmosphere of cozy comfort and warmth - although it was below 20F. Morning time came and I got to catch a "million Dollar" sun rise view from the privy! virus and I are going to Fontana Village today and this time we will do everything we can to get a meal! Got windburned in my face and was partly dehydrated so I was not in my usuall great outdoor spirits on the last quarter of the hike, felt tired and exhausted. When we finally got to the Marina we found the bill board that instructed us to dial 265 from the shuttle phone and we would get picked up for $1 - unfortunately the phone did not work. Virus was just exhausted and not too thrilled about the thought of anouther 2.5 miles uphill on the hard pavement. Luckily after only 1 mile we got picked up by some people from GA that took us to Fontana Village where we got a room. (They are doing a lot of renovations there right now so the hostel is closed). We got our clothes washed and went to the post office to pick up our mail drops, only Virus' had not yet arrived. There was a package to me from Dr. Crocker - Congratulations - I love the new title. Opening the mail drop was like digging into a gold mine - there were all kinds of treats: Albacore steaks with whole wheat pasta and rosemary from the garden, chicken with pesto and garlic pasta, and there were one of my favorites instant black beans (Makes a "Darn good Toot'in Chili" from NOLS cookbook). A lighter weight wind resistant fleece was also in the package - looks comfy. Tonight Virus and I will have "real" food at the restaurant. It is very strange being here as we are the only tourists here in the entire village - like a ghost town just waiting for the cowboys to come riding in. The restaurant was kind of expensive so Virus and I shared a rack of ribs and each had a HUGE salad, a loaded baked potato, and corn quiche - they almost had to roll us out of there on the luggage carts!
Date: 2006-01-27
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 0.0

Fontana Village First Zero day, which means no hiking at all today. We slept in as long as we could but still got up early getting ready for the day and then we waited for 11:30 to arrive so Virus could check to see if his mail drop had come in. I got my fuel bottle filled while Virus went next door to the post office. He came out of there again - but it was with empty hands! No cookies, letters form wife and children, nor any food Virus was just a "little" sad and disappointed. He decided to buy new food instead of waiting an extra day as we were expecting Betsy to bring Sherlene to the hotel around noon. Betsy took us all into Bryson City were we immediately hit Papa's Pizza Buffetand thereafter Ingles. After returning to the hotel Betsy went on home and I helped Sherlene getting her pack ready for the hike through the Smokies. Virus again did not feel well so we gave him some hot tea and decided to see what the morning would bring.
Date: 2006-01-28
From: Fontana Village

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Mollies Ridge Shelter - Sunny, warm 40-60F The phone rang "Good morning this is your five o'clock wake-up call". It felt really early but we had to get ready as the security guard came to pick us up at 5:45 to shuttle us back to Fontana Dam. After unloading us the guard pointed us in the direction of the Fontana "Hilton" (a NICE shelter) where we thought we had to register, but no it was in the opposite direction just below the dam. Virus started feeling nauseated again. He was not sure whether it was from being car sick the day before or if it was general sickness so he decided to continue. Walking across the dam in the darkness was like walking on a runway at night. The only light besides our head lamps were the rows of lights on the sides of the walkway on top of the dam. Up the road we found the trailhead and a sign that read 9.9 mi to the shelter. It was now 7:00 and we started going up and up and up. My pack felt incredible heavy due to a well-stocked food bag (worth every single oz). The sunrise was so beautiful and intense in its colors. We walked all morning and noon and got to Mollies Shelter already at 13:30. Either Sherlene was in really good shape for a beginner hiker or all the bear scat we spotted made her keep up with Virus! Virus felt better but did not have much of an appetite - both him and I crawled into our bags to rest while Sherlene looked at us with puzzling eyes - "so what do we do now" she asked! Virus and I looked at each other and started laughing. "We rest, get warm, and read before we cook dinner and then go to bed at 18:00 as it gets dark" we answered. for dinner I cooked pizzas for everyone - Uhm, I ate two and a quart - they were good. The wind had picked up and it started getting cooler. Saw no mice, but woke up several times as the tarp that covered the opening kept flapping loudly in the wind.
Date: 2006-01-29
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: light rain

Spence Field Shelter Sunny, clear, windy The wind was still blowing strong this morning but it had not as expected rained a lot. Virus again did not feel well so we opted for a short hike to give him some rest and a possibility of getting out tomorrow via Cades Cove. An hour into our hike we got hot as the fog had cleared and the wind had died down. We took a quick stop at Russell Field Shelter and then went on to Spence. A raven flew over us and I thought of Odin's raven (from Nordic mythology where Odin is the main god and he is blind but his two ravens sees everything that goes on in the world and relay it to Odin). I could still see Cades Cove through the trees and thought about Paul LeQuire and his family and their connections to Cades Cove. Spence Fields is a beautiful top with lots of grassy balds. I sat outside a little, practiced some Karate and took a mini nap in the grass. This is the largest grassy bald in the Smokies, was originally cleared in the 1830's by James Spence to use for cattle grazing. It is only 16:15 but I am already starting to get hungry for dinner. Had a delicious meal consisting of chicken, pesto, and garlic pasta - Uhm. For dessert I tried to eat two fig newton bars - well, it only became one and a half as a mouse took a few bites before I discovered it snacking right there next to me! I packed it in therefore I should have the priviledge of eating it! Hopefully I will sleep well tonight as the wind is very weak. Unfortunately Virus will have to leave tomorrow as he still has no appetite and generally nauseated (has gone on for more than 48 hours now). Sherlene has not yet decide whether she is going with Virus or staying on the trail until Newfound Gap. Safe hiking to ya'll
Date: 2006-01-30
From: Spence Field Shelter

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

Silers Bald Shelter - Sunny, rain, snow It was time for Virus to leave. We took the last photos and Virus went down toward Cades Cove and Sherlene and I went up Rocky Top and Thunderhead. Going up steep Rocky Top and Thunderhead I am sure Sherlene already regretted her decision of staying on the trail instead of going downward with Virus. The trail was steep and narrow and the clouds started gathering (always makes you a little iffy out here). We took a long-awaited break at Derrick knob but not too long as the sky increasingly looked darker and more gloomy. Just as we only had three more miles to go of a long and strenuous day the weather broke loose. First it was the kind of mist you know there comes ahead of a downpour, then came the heavy rain mixed with some sleet, and finally after yet another mile it was big and heavy snow flakes coming down. I was in long johns, t-shirt, and a raincoat - getting really cold compared to the nice weather we had had in the beginning of the day. Arriving at the snow covered shelter (there were already 4" on the ground by then) I put on some dry clothes and went down a side trail to get water at a spring. I had the best of intentions to make hot tea for both Sherlene and I - just one "little" problem - my stove was back down at Spence Fields Shelter hanging behind a pole. I had forgotten it and hadn't seen it as I checked to see if we had left anything! At that moment being cold and wet I could have kicked myself. In all the years in the outdoors I have never before made such a serious mistake. Sherlene and I would be OK, we had dry clothes, good sleeping bags, and plenty of food that did not need cooking. After getting warm, dry, and full it was time to think about options. Sherlene still wanted to get out at Newfound Gap, which was only two more days of hiking. She was new to backpacking, winter camping, and a little nervous about the bears. It would take me 2 days to get the stove - one day there and another one coming back to Silers Bald through all the snow, which now had accumulate to 5" and still coming. The safety and comfort of Sherlene came first - so with great frustration and an important lesson learned. I decided to leave the stove and stay with Sherlene.