morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

MARCH 29, 2006SSlept in shelter.Start-Neels Gap.Destination-Low Gap Shelter.Miles 10.6.I left out of Neel's Gap at 8:30. The trail out of the hostel was well graded with nice switch backs. I met up with Willow and Bama taking a break on Levelland Mt. We hiked together the rest of the day. The trail was moderate untill we got to Cow Rock Mt where it decsended steeply into Testnatee Gap. Then the fun began. The climb up Wildcat Mt was a real chalenge. It was pretty well straight up but it did have switch backs unlike trails in Maine. When we got to the Whitley Gap Shelter turn off we decided we needed water. There was no water for the next 4.6 miles. The only problem was that the shelter and spring was 1.2 miles down a side trail with the spring .3 miles past that. That meant a 3 mile round trip. Willow and I decided to take all our water bags and leave Bama to watch all of our packs. It took 1 hour and 20 minutes to get water. We put our packs back on and hiked down to the next gap, maybe 10 minutes away and there was our first trail magic, and they had water to give out! The trail angels were Bruce and Myrtle from Atlanta. We had 4.2 more miles to get to Low Gap Shelter. We got to the shelter at about 6:30. By the time we finished supper it was already dark. The night in the shelter was great. Banjoman
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Tent Site
Miles today: 13.0

MARCH 30, 2006start-low gap shelter Destination-Cheese factory Tent siteMiles-13slept in a tent.It was an early morning up at 6:30. I had breakfast and was packed up by 7:30. The hike out wasn't too bad. I got to Blue Mt shelter around noon for lunch, 7.2 miles in 4 hours not too bad. Most of the morning I hiked with Flippy 04, Flosey, and Bama. After lunch we were joined by Joe From Texas. He is doing 17 days out here. We had a long decent into Unicoi Gap and then a real hard climb up and over Rocky Mt. It was very slow and hot. It was then 2.7 more miles to the Cheese Factory Camp Sites. We got there around 5:30. I am here with Joe, Flippy, Josey and Bama. I fixed super and put up my tent. I am looking for a good nights sleep.Banjoman
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Cheese Factory Tent Site

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

MARCH 31, 2006Start-Cheese Factory Camp Site.Destination-Hiawassee, GA.Slept in tent. Miles-12.5I woke up early this morning. I started to pack up and left camp with Joe, now called Gimpy, and Bama. our goal was to hike to Tray Mt Shelter, 1.9 miles for breakfast. The only problem is the total elevation gain was 740 feet. Which is pretty much all up. We hiked together and apart wirh Jason, Flippy, Gimpy, Bama and Josey. We stopped at Addis Gap for lunch and to re-water. The only problem was the water was .5 miles off the trail. Oh well if you need it you need it. Coming down Dick's Creek Gap, we encounted some trail magic. Three Mt Dew's in the creek. Wow. When we got to the gap we needed to hitch hike into Hiawassee to resupply, laundry and stay the night. Tonight we are at the Holiday Inn Express. I have had a shower and now to do laundry, get something to eat and resupply. Trail life is challenging but at the same time great. I do miss Mrs. Banjoman. She is the love of my life. This is also Friday night. I wish the Friday Night Band well and I will call some Friday Night. I need to go and do chores so this is all for now. Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Shelter, NC
Miles today: 11.6

I had a restless night. It was a little strange sleeping in a bed. I took theshuttle from the Holiday Inn at 8 am and was on the trail around 8:30. Thefirst climb was about 800 feet elevation gain in .4 mile. then the daycontinued ups and downs for the most part. I stopped in at Plum orchardShelter. I was going to cross a mile stone today. Going from Georgia to NorthCarolina. I crossed the boarder at around 3 pm and took all of the requisitphotos. Then it was HELLO North Carolina. We immediately had to climb up twovery steep Mountains. they were straight up. Bill, you would be proud of me.I can hike to the tops of most mountains with out stopping and carrying on aconversation. The second have of today was tough. I am so glad that I am hereat the shelter. It is very cold right now at 6:45. 8 people at the sheltertonight, Gimpy, Bama, Skunk, Breed, Goldilocks, Windtalker and Mom. I hope toget an early start tomorrow. Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Muskrat Shelter, NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

Today started around 6 am. Packing, cooking and treating water. I left theshelter around 7 am. It was a gentle climb up Whiteoak Stamp. Then it was on rothe Chunky Gal Trail. I am sure there are no chunky gals out here hiking thesemiles. The chalenge of the day was Standing Indian Mt. It was not terriblysteep but it went on forever. Fom the summit of Standing Indian Mt, it was anice gentle decent for most of the day. We walked through 3 to 4 miles ofrododendron tunnels. I would come around corners and see whole mountain sidescovered with rhododendron groves. It started to rain around 3 pm and sprinkledon and off the rest of the afternoon. I arrived at the shuttle at 5, have hadsupper and filtered water. Now is the time to relax and attend to a couple ofblisters.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Wow, what a storm last night. Massive thunder, lightning, heavy, heavy rain andplenty of wind. It all started around 10 pm and lasted for about 4 hours. I wassure glad that I was in a shelter and not a tent. It was a slow morning getting ready and I made it out of the shelter around 8am. Yesterday was an eye opening to North Carolina but today I had miles andmiles of rhododendron tunnels. The trail was rolling and gentle most of theday. I had a hard climb up Albert Mt, 5229 feet tall. I was rewarded at thetop with great views but lots os wind. I stayed doe lunch and then off to BigSpring Shelter for some more water. While I was there there was a hail stormblow through with pea size hail. Then it was on to Rock Gap Shelter. It iscold tonight and here in the shelter is Grey Goose, One Step, Bama, Skunk, andTrusty. Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Rock Gap Shelter, NC

To: camp site past Wayah Bald, NC
Miles today: 14.3

Today was the biggest mileage day yet, 14.3. My feet hurt. I was the benefactoralong with all the other hikers, of some trail magic. Students from ConverseCollege in Spartanburg, SC were handing out snacks, fruit, soda,water and nicefellowship. It was very much appreciated and nice to talk with the students. Isaw my first Bald today, Siler Bald. It was very impressive. The trail was nicetoday with only a few hard steep parts. At the camp tonight are Flippy, Justin,Josey, Stones, Bama, Why not and three others I haven't met yet. It is very coldtonight. I have all of my clothes on just to stay warm. It is supposed to getdown to 30 degrees. It is time to get deep into my sleeping bag and try to staywarm.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Camp site past Wayah Bald, NC

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center, NC
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

I was up before first light, 6 am. I packed up and was on the trail by 7 am. Itwas just light enough to see where I was going. I needed to do 16.7 miles toget to the NOC today. That would be the biggest day yet. I stopped at ColdSpring Shelter for breakfast. Wow 5 miles by 10 am. The day turned outbeautiful by noon. The hiking today was moderate most of the day.The last 5miles were mostly down. I arrived at the NOC at 6:30. The restaurant closedat 7. I made it. The cheese burger sure tasted good. I was able to shower anddo laundry. Clean once again.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Fontana Damn

To: Mollies Ridge
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Becky came in Thursday night after being shuttled fromMountain Moma's. Werepacked our stuff and got breakfast, mailed the bounce box and mailed anotherbox of stuff home. We caught the shuttle from Fontana Village Resorts and were on the trail by 10:30. We walked across the Dam and stopped for pictures atthe Great Smokey National Park sign. Then it was 3.7 grueling miles to the topof Shuckstack Mountain. That was a tough one. The trail evened out for a fewmiles before another grueling climb to Mollie Ridge Shelter. Tonight weare here with September, Atom, and Dave from Maryland. We had our own versionof "Friday Night" with me playing some tunes in front of the stone fireplaceinside the shelter. It was warm and comfy. Off to sleep till the day dawns andwe head out again. Becky aka "Rocket" is doing great and able to keep right upwith this old man.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Mollies Ridge

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: light rain

Had a large storm overnight. Thunder, Lightning and heavy rain for a few hours.We got up around 8 am and on the trail by 9:30. It was foggy but no rain. Wehiked about three miles when it started to sprinkle. We stopped at Spence FieldShelter for lunch. It is another 6.3 miles to the next shelter with some hardterrain. We decided to stay for the day since it started to rain hard. Istarted a fire in the fireplace in the shelter. I kept it going all afternoonand now 4 more thru hikers are here and they are glad for the fire. No cellphone service again today. I have been doing some guitar playing and singingthis afternoon. All the guys coming into the shelter seem to be real interestedin Rocket. In the shelter tonight are Fortune Cookie, Toshi, Hamburgler,September, two other female thru hikers. That was 8 people in a 12 personshelter. Plenty of room. About 9:30 a Boy Scout Troup came in for the night andthey had a permit for the shelter. That means we had to leave!the shelter. We were able to squeeze together and some slept on the floor. Noneof us had to put up our tents. It has been another great day in the Smokies.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

It was very cold last night. When we got up this morning it was 25 degrees andbreezey. Becky and I had breakfast packed up and headed out. The trees were allcovered with ice and it was very beautiful. We kept all our clothes on whilehiking until we came to Derrick's Knob Shelter where we had lunch. There was anice grassy section and we layed out in the sun while we ate. We climbed overRocky Top mountain and as I crossed the summit I sang Rocky Top Tennessee. Wecontinued on to Siler's Bald Shelter for supper and the night. I started afire and others collected wood. Supper is done, journals being written and lifeis good. In the shelter tonight are September, Jericho, and 8 others that Idon't know the names of. The Smokies were beautiful today.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Siler's Bald Shelter

To: New Found Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

This morning was cold. It was 30 degrees. At that temperature it is hard to getthe stove lit and hard to make your fingers work. We packed up, Becky akaRocket, and I left the shelter at 7:30. We would like to leave earlier but mosthikers like to sleep in a little and we don't want to wake them up. So we waituntil someone else gets up then we do. our goal today was to get to Clingman'sDome, The highest point on the appalachian trail. We did stop at Double springShelter for some water and to use the privy. At that shelter there were 4 deergrazing and not paying us any attention. It was fun watching them for a while.Then off for the 3.7 mile climb up Clingman's Dome. We got to the dome at aboutnoon. We did the tourist thing and then had lunch. Now it was off to Newfound Gap to catch a ride to Gatlinburg for laundry, shower, town food and a realbed. When we came off the trail and crossed the parking lot a fellow hiker said"Hi Banjoman". It was Stumpknocker, a trail I-con! I had a nice conversation with him and found out he was just getting backon the trail from breaking his arm. It was nice to finally meet him. The chores are done and we are fed. It is off to sleep and then try to hitchback out of town. It has been a great day in the Smokies.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-11
From: New Found Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

We had a continental breakfast this morning at the Microtel. Nothing special but it was included. We then walked to the edge of town to a market to pick up a few things. Now it is time to stick out our thumb the 15 miles back up to Newfound Gap. A couple of people stopped but were only going part way. Then the Miller's stopped, Kip and Jean and were very kind to take us the whole way. It was a little out of there way. That was truely being a Trail Angel. We hit the trail at about 10 this morning. We made good time to Ice Water Spring Shelter and had lunch. Now it was 7.4 to tonights shelter. We were able to do some trail magic of our own. Travelin Jack came upon us and needed water to each the next shelter. We loaded him up with what water we had because we were taking a .5 mile side trail to the shelter. We arrived here at 4 pm. We were the first at the shelter so we had first pick of spaces. Now it is time to relax and see who else comes in for the night.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Crosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We left the shelter at 8:30. It seemed like we were going up and down all day, but mostly up. By 11:30 we got to Tri-corner Knob Shelter for lunch. We had bagels and peanut butter with lemonaide. We still had 7.6 miles before we could stop for the day. There were some really nice views today of the Smokey Mountains. It is just amazing how many layers of mountains there are. We had guitar and mandolin musictonight. I was playing guitar and Fortune cookie was playing Rainbow Brite's Backpacking Mandolin. At the shelter tonight are, Fortune Cookie, Rainbow Brite, K'ache and Pi, Red Truck,someone in a hammock, and 4 others I don' know their names.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Crosby Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Moma's Country Store
Miles today: 9.0

We weren't in a hurry this morning because it was a short day for us. We were going to Mountain Moma's where Rocket had left her car. We had a nice day for hiking with one major climb of about 800 feet and then down the rest of the day. You knees really take a beating with all of the down ward motion. We came across a couple of day hikers all decked out in LL Bean gear. Of course I had to tell them I was from Maine and I can walk into the store anytime I want. They were envious.When we got to Mountain Moma's we took a shower, did a load of laundy and got a bunk and a shuttle back to the trail in the morning all for $15.00. Very reasonable. I finally found out why my Fedex was not here. I will have to discuss this with June, Sandy and Jen when I get home.We had a marvelous cheese burger, fries and two soda's for lunch and then snacked the rest of the day. Three more soda's, a bag of popcorn, some pretzels and some snacks out oof my foos bag. Rocket was able to shuttle M&M, aka Martin from Britain back to the trail as a little bit of trail magic. She also shuttled Johnny K to an ATM to get some money.Here at the hostel tonight are Johnny K, Wayne, Rocket and myself. It is nice to be out of the Smokey's but it is sad because Rocket is going home. We have had the most amazing time. An opportunity of a lifetime for us. I will cherish it always. It is close to Hiker Midnight so off to bed.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Mountain Moma's Country Store

To: Gound Hog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

My Fedex delivery was not waiting for me when I got up this morning. I called Fedex and they were very sorry, but it was still at the depot in Ashville. But it would be going out today for sure. I didn't want to wait the whole day so I decided that Becky and I woul drive to Ashville, an hour or so away and get it. While I was getting directions the Manager got on the line and said he would meet us half way. That is what we did. We got back to Mountain Moma's in time for some breakfast. Then it is pack up time. Becky dropped me off at the trail head at about 11:30. A few hugs and kisses and a few pictures and she was off and I was off. The first mile today was beautiful along a nice creek with all kinds of wildflowers. Then it was continuous up, up, up for about 3 hours. It was grueling. Finally I topped out at a FAA tower and then the long decent to Groundhog Creek Shelter. Here tonight are Disco and Glide, class of 03, Daphne, Goldfish, Repunsal, and Johnny K. We had banjo music and everyone enjoyed the change of pace. It is nice to be onward again. Next town Hot Springs.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Gound Hog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mt Shelter, NC
Miles today: 13.1

Up and out of the shelter at 8:30. I was headed to Max Patch for lunch. The terrain was slightly up until one mile before Max Patch. It then started to climb drastically. Max Patch is a bald top mountain that they keep mowed and is quite the tourist place. I decided to play my banjo as I acended and crossed Max Patch. I took it out of the case and tuned up. I was then off, hiking and playing. As I reached the summit there was major trail magic. Soda, beer, fruit juice, balogna and cheese for sandwiches, fruit, peanuts, carrots, little debbie treats, and probably stuff I didn't even see. Thank you Swamp Donkey and Juicer for the caring you showed us fellow thru hikers. Tonight I am at a shelter but I am going to Cowboy camp, Sleeping out under the stars. I hope it doesn't rain. Here tonight are Jenn, Skunk, lonestar and Johnny K. Tomorrow, Easter, I am off to Hot Springs.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Walnut Mt Shelter, NC

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night I cowboy camped. That means slept under the stars, no tent or shelter. Today is an exciting day. It is shower day. It is laundry day. It is town food day. Yea Haw. That is North Carolina talk for "that is good". The hike into town though was hot, 86 degrees, and dry. It was mostly down so it was punishing on my knees. I got to town around 3 pm and secured a room at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. This is a trail legendary hostel. Now for laundry and all of the other stuff. Here in town is Lonestar, Skunk, Seattle, J-bird, and others I haven't met yet. I also met up with Transcriber at the last Shelter. Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn. Shelter, NC
Miles today: 11.0

I was up and at em after a nice night at Elmer's. The night was great at Elmer's. The music room had many instruments for the hikers to use, including a banjo. There are many talented musicians out here. We jammed until 11 pm. When I checked out the next day, Elmer said I was hoping you would be staying another night. He also said you are just like a juke box, you know so many different styles of music.I had breakfast at the small diner down the street and then headed tot the Post Office for my mail drop.I sorted out the things that I needed to get me to Erwin and then bounced the rest up there. I should be there in about 5 days.I hit the trail at about 11:30. The climb out of Hot Springs was steep and hot, hot, hot. The trail did level off a bit although there were all those pesky ups. I arrived at the shelter at about 5:30. The shelter was full so I set up my tent. The place was packed. Too many hikers to name and I didn't know most of them. It was a great day for hiking with a 10 minute rain shower.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Spring Mtn. Shelter, NC

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning was cloudy, foggy and breezy. Quite ddifferent from yestrerday. Everyone was chilled. I packed up and had a little breakfast and hit the trail. I started off with my rain jacket and rain pants on for warmth. That didn't last long. You warm up very fast while you are hiking, so off those go and I was just right.When I got to Allen's Gap, there was a sign for trail magic, down the road and up the concrete driveway. When I got there there were backpacks strewn all over the front yard. I added mine to the pile and went in. The hosts were Fal and Hercules who hiked the trail in 1999. They had a beautiful home and put on quite a spread. There were waffles, mandarin/cottage cheese/jello salad, cinamin bread, pork stew, banana splits, psachio cake, beverages of all types. Hercules said if you leave hungry it is your fault. The rest of the day was regular excep for crossing white rock cliffs. It was about a mile above tree line for the most part. Very interesting climbing and hiking. Then it was a 2 mile push to the shelter. Again too many people are here to list out. Another great day for hiking. No Rain.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Flint Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 5.9

Early this morning around 4 am the light and sound show started. The lightning and thunder were almost simultanious. Around 8:30 the rain let up so I started to pack up and have breakfast. I got all packed with my pack on and ready to head out and the sky openned up again. Everyone ran into the shelter. The thunder and the lightning were intense again. The rain subsided again at 11 am and off I went. It did not rain again and the sun came out and it was beautiful the rest of the day. I decided to stop at Flint Mt Shelter after only 5.9 miles to dry out my wet gear. I didn't feel up to the 8.8 more miles to the next shelter. Here tonight are Heart Fire, Thin Mints, Skunk and the Wanderer's Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Flint Mt. Shelter

To: Low Gap Camp Site
Miles today: 14.9

I was up early and out of the shelter by 7:30. The terrain was great for the first few miles. I was able to cruise right along. Then it was up for a couple of hours. I passed a real pretty water fall and I stopped to rinse the sweat off of my face. The water was refreshing bbut cold. The hiking continued mostly up till I reached Hogback Shelter. I stopped there for lunch and had already put in 8.8 miles, pretty good for an old guy. The next sheler is 10 miles more. There is no way I could make it that far so my goal now was Low Gap Campsite. I arrived about 5 pm and set up camp. I cooked a delcious black bean and sauce supper, hung my food bag and climbed in my tent just as it started to rain. Here tonight are Heart Fire and September. Hikers I have seen today are Scoot, Dub,the three Ausies,and 3 other guys whose names escape me at the moment. It is raining pretty hard now. I hhope it stops by the morning.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Low Gap Camp Site

To: No Buisness Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: moderate rain

I awoke around 5 am to the sounds of thunder. Should I get up or shouldn't I. Then around 6 am the sprinkles started to hit my tent. If I was going to get packed up and not have my things wet I better get at it. I raced around and got the tent down and packed up. I got most of my backpack packed by the time it started to rain harder. Off I went at 7 am. The first of the day wa fast. It seemed like nothing was stopping my feet. Of course the terrain did cooperate. I did 3 miles to Bald Mt Shelter by 9 am. I stopped and had some breakfast and rested and was off again by 10 am. I had 10.6 miles to go to the next shelter. Now it was raining steady by now and the thunder and lightning was always there. Now I can say that I hiked in the rain. I was at the No Business Knob Shelter by 3 pm. Here to night are Butterfly, Skunk, Southern Comfort and a fellow named Don. We all got a fire going and the rain had stopped and gear was around drying. Tomorrow I am off to Erwin and and a sho! wer, Landry etc. although it rained today it was another great day to be out in the woods.Banjoman