morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-02
From: Sassafras Shelter

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

I left this morning at 10 a.m. after the fog rolled in. Physically, I felt like a million bucks and hiked for 2 1/2 hrs before stopping. No pain and energized from lots of food and rest at Sassafras Gap. Wish I had kept going. After the break I only felt like a 1/4 of a million bucks!The fog made things damp and the temp was around 50, but that actually made for good hiking weather. Not too hot, not too cold. Did not have any views from Cheoah Bald cuz of the fog. Met the trailmaintainer (Sluggo) on the way down off the bald. Mother Trail Angel was at Stecoah Gap with more goodies (cheese, veggies, dip, chocolates and hot water). God really needs to Bless her.Prior to getting to Brown Fork Shelter, we crossed a no name mountain. After yesterday I didn't think it could get any worse. But I was wrong. I think I said "holy crap" at least 4 times on the ascent. Afterwards I proclaimed this mass of earth to be called "Big A** No Name Mountain". I thought Swim Bald was steep. This hill was practically vertical.
Date: 2006-03-03
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Dam/The Hike Inn
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got an early start today. Left at 7 a.m. Knew I had a long hike and wanted to try to reach The Hike Inn at a reasonable hour. Hiked about 6 miles to Cable Gap for my 1st break. Sunset caught up to me as I arrived. Nuts was a little under the weather and got a later start. It was also cooler today, only about 40.Once summitting the climb from Cable Gap we were able to see Fontana Lake and the Dam. Then it was another long descent to the dam, deja vu, just like the trip down to NOC, but not as much elevation loss. After reaching the marina, I saw that the dam was 1.4 miles ahead. I thought "great, I can make that in a 30 minute road walk". But I was wrong again. You see, the trail builders imported tons of earth which they dumped on the ground between the marina and the dam. Then they ran the trail up and over this mound and through the woods (trees, vegetation and rocks were also imported) before reaching the entrance road to the dam. I wanted to see the Fonatana Hilton, but it was a whole 300 yards off the trail and my legs and feet refused to carry me down the slight hill to check it out. The dam is certainly somthing to see. Wish I had some pictures left because the sun was shining on everything. (The main dam wall faces west).Saw Jason and Jessica in the dam area. They had used the showers but reported everything else was locked up. The Visitor Center did not open until May. Approaching the VC, I did not see a pay phone and began to panic, "What now?". But alas, it was behind the shower building and it actually worked. I called the Hike Inn for my ride. Jeff and Nancy Hoch, pronounced "oak", are the great folks who run the Inn. They have a wonderful pack of adopted dogs and cats. It was Nancy's smiling face that picked me up at the Dam.Before she arrived, Mother Trail Angel came to pick up Sunset and delivered some strawberry short cake. They stayed in Fontana Village but she later picked up Nuts and drove him to the Inn. He didn't have 2 quarters to make the phone call anyway.Later in the day Nancy drove Nuts and I into town for grub and a visit to Ingles. I voted for pizza, again, and were lucky enough to have a PaPa's Pizza in town that serves a buffet from 5-8 p.m. Back at the Inn, Nuts was in bed by 8 p.m. I crashed about 10.
Date: 2006-03-04
From: Fontana Dam/The Hike Inn

To: Zero Day (The Hike Inn)
Miles today: 0.0

Rest day today, prepping for the Smokies. Nuts is sleeping at the Inn and I am at the Library doing this. Tried to shed some unessessary weight of the things I haven't used yet, which really wasn't much. The box I sent home probably didn't weigh more than a pound or 2. With 6 days food, fuel and water in my pack, I will probably be breaking the 50 lb barrier. Although my pack is a bit heavy, it feels great and the center of gravity is perfect, but I'm still burning up calories. I don't look 9 months pregnant anymore, but I still have a lot more to lose. Can't wait until I find a scale.Wish I could gets some pictures onto the journal here, but I am using throw away cameras. Lighter, ya' know, and I'm not as concerned about breaking one. Will have to wait to I get done.The Top 10 Lies on the Trail:1. It's all down hill from here.
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Fontana Dam/The Hike Inn

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

(Note: Today and the next several days are being updated on Mar 10th at the Standing Bear Hostel courtesy of Curtis. Thanks, Curtis) Beautiful sunny day to get started. Walked over Fontana Dam at 9:05 a.m. Left Nuts behind at The Hike Inn. He wanted 1 more day to recover from his bug. Tempature reached 65. I bought some foam heel lifts in Robbinsville with the hope that they would help alleviate the tendinitis pain in my left heel. Wrong move. It was more like wearing cruel shoes. Sunset caught up to me around 2 p.m. as I was doing a foot care,massage break. That ended my heel lift experiment.The climb was uphill for several miles but the trail grade was very user friendly (because this section is also used by horses). I climbed the fire tower on Shuckstack Mountain. The views were breathless. I snapped about 15 pictures today. Everything deserved to be captured on film.After arriving at the old stone shelter, the temp dropped drasically about 4;30. It began to rain , then it turned to frozen rain, then to snow. Fortunately it didn't amount to anything.The views of Maryville, Tenn to the North were fascinating at night. It looked like the Las Vegas strip with all the city light burning. Guess it could have also been some lights from Knoxville.
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Mollies Ridge

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Morning fog was like Cape Cod and the wind was like that on Mt Washington, NH, that is brutal. We hiked an easy 6 miles on horse/hiker trail in only 3 hours. Then the next trail section was for hikers only and more rugged. The next 5.7 miles took 4 1/2 hrs. The sun never burnt off the fog.In the evening it was about 36 degrees when Sunset reported that it was snowning again. This snow covered the ground slightly and stuck to the trees making it look like winter wonderland. Began to walk & see large patches of snow left over from the early Feb storm.Odd feeling walking along the AT with Tenn under my left foot and NC under my right foot. There were some bold mice at the shelter. When we arrived they started squeaking and shouting expletives at us for invading their home. During the night my cook set bag had a hole chewed in it as they looked for crumbs.
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

I left at 9 a.m. this morning, a little late for a 13.5 mile day. Didn't arrive at the next shelter until just after dark around 7 p.m. Felt good most of the day, as if I was finally getting my trail legs, but my feet hurt pretty bad by stopping time.Had a nice break at Silers Bald where the sun was finally shining strong after another foggy, windy morning. Shorter break at Double Spring where Sunset stayed for the night. Reached Clingmans Dome tower about 4 p.m. Sky was still clear and sunny which made for still more awesome views. Snapped the last of my pictures. Climbing over Mt Collins took the rest of my energy. The trail from the Dome to the shelter was almost entirely covered in snow. Spent the night with a section hiker from Fla and 3 kids from WCU. Around 10 p.m. about 4 hikers trudged in and tented out.
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out early, about 6:30, wanting to make it to Pecks Corner because the next shelter was just too close. Crossed Newfound Gap and stopped for breakfast and a break in the morning sun. Another gorgeous day was in the making. Made a milestone at the Gap which is a little over 200 miles from Springer. There were several day hikers in the area of the Gap. Think many went to Charlies Bunion for the spectacular views. Since I didn't have any pictures left I did not stop at the Bunion. A lot of the trail was covered with ice and snow from Newfound Gap. Ice skates would have come in handy.Stopped at Ice Water Springs for lunch. It was about 12:30 when I left. I had it in mind to now do 20 miles and stop at Tri Corner Knob. My legs still felt strong. But from there the trail was covered in a lot of snow, which was soft and slushy. That made it hard to keep a good pace. Got to the trail leading to Pecks Corner around 5 so I called it a day. Besides, the last peak, Laurel Top, took the rest of the gas out of my legs. Elizabeth and Lewis caught me and passed me on the approach.Arriving at the shelter I was afraid it might be full. It looked like there were many people there. Turned out to be 8 so there was still plenty of room for me. 4 of the residents were college students from Michigan on Spring Break.
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Mountain Momma's/The Honeymoon Suite
Miles today: 21.1

After doing some map reconaissance and judging how I felt the last 2 days, I decided this was the day I would do my 1st 20 mile day. The trail would be almost all downhill on a hiker/horse section. I left at 6:45 a.m. on what looked like another exceptionally nice day. To keep my energy up, I snacked before leaving, did a breakfast stop at Tri Corner knob and did a dinner stop at Cosby Knob.After crossing Old Black, there was no more snow on the trail. The surface and grade made for good speed. I left Cosby Knob around 4 p.m. with about 7 miles of trail left to make before dark. Didn't quite make it. Needed to use my headlamp around 7:10. The moon ocassionally broke thru the clouds helping to light my way. It was another day of great weather and stunning panoramic views. Some I gawked at hardly believing I coud be seeing such beauty.I also came to realize the magnitude of the project of building the AT. I passed several areas where the CCC had built stone retaiing walls, now covered in moss, to support the trail bed. There were also several signs of more recent activity in trail maintenance with check dams, cribs and water bars. Thanks, Trail Maintainers!Had a difficult time finding Mtn momma's in the dark. Got there about 8 p.m. I went to the front door of the store to see if there was a hiker info sign and saw Mrs Thigpen in the stores kitchen. I knocked on the door and announced "thru hiker". She let me in, set me up with a bunk and made me a few of the biggest ham and cheeses sandwiches I've ever seen. Before going to bed, I did my laundry. My socks were in desparate need of cleaning. They could stand up in the corner or maybe walk on their.It was a real warm night. Sweated myself out of my sleeping bag. Had a little rain in spots. Cloud cover really kept in the days heat. Incredibly windy. Mrs. Thigpen reported that there was a high wind warning in effect until some time in the night.
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Mountain Mommas

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Jessica & Jason arrived at Mtn Momma's while I was eating breakfast. They got cheeseburgers. After seeing the size of those suckers I wish I had done the same. Had some nice morning conversations with the Thigpens over coffee before Carolyn all gave us all a ride back to the trail head. After going under I-40, found some trail magic left by some college students (VA Tech, I think). There was a box of soda and cookies.Decided to hoof it up to Standing Bear Farm since it was so close to the trail. Wanted to update my journal before getting to Hot Springs. Curtis and I had a nice conversation on his porch in rockers before he let me in to use his computer.From there is was pretty much uphill for 5 miles to the top of Snowbird Mountain. The top was cleared and there were some really nice panoramic views of the mountains. From there it was a quick 2 1/2 miles to Groundhog Creek. The shelter is pretty old and the floor was a little (lot) warped. Only had to share it with one other hiker, B-Line. Jessica and Jason (who I will now refer to as 7-11 as a couple. Jessica will be Munchkin and Jason is Slurpee) slept in their tent. B-Line reported he found what he was looking for on the trail and said he was getting off in Hot Springs.The weather has been absolutley gorgeous. Today it was sunny, 60 with a light breeze. Even now it is only 52 at 8:20 p.m. The skies are clear and a bright 3/4 moon is shining.Top 10 Trail Lies, #'s 2-42. The shelter is just around the next corner.3. The weather forecast is right on4. Trail guides contain 100% accurate information
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Old Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day that started with climbing, about 6 1/2 miles uphill to the summit of Max Patch. Honestly a little let down by the Patch. The grassy bald itself was cool, but nothing else struck me as spectacular. Sun was shining in the morning, but then it got cloudy. Felt a few raindrops as I approached Max Patch. Met 3 locals and Zephyr the dog. After talking with them a bit they departed. Zephyr gave me a big wet sloppy one on my ear, as if he too was saying "goodbye and good luck".Beginning to get my trail speed up, almost averaging 2 MPH if you don't count breaks. Took me about 6 hours to make todays trip to the shelter. 7-11 joined me there a little later. Sunset pulled in shortly after them as he caught us from his trip to Gatlinburg.Even though it was a warm night we built a really nice fire. Plenty of dead wood laying around. We spent the night talking till late. (Late is defined as 9 p.m.) Beautiful view from the privy of the cloudless, starry sky.
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Old Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 14.7

Did some stealth camping on the trail after walking into Hot Springs for dinner then back up to the trail. Had a GIANT double cheeseburger at Smoky Mountaiun Diner that really hit the spopt. Saw Elizabeth and Lewis while I was walking around town. Back in camp, there was nothing between me and the sky but my sleeping bag. It was so nice to stare up at the tree tops, the stars and the now nearly full moon, which brightened up my camp so much I hardly needed my head lamp.Pa Bert pulled into the Old Roaring Fork this morning before we left. He came from the New Roaring Fork shelter. He moves along pretty good and blew me off the trail on the climb after Walnut Mountain. I passed him when he stopped for water. His grandson named him. Guess he couldn't quite get out "grandpa". Pa Berts hiking buddy, who talked Pa Bert into doing a thru hike, left the trail after 9 days. Now Pa Bert is hiking for spite, says he will send a post card to his buddy from Katahdin.Sunset headed out first today. He went straight to Hot Springs. 7-11 and I leapfrogged. I was the 1st to get to Deer Park Mountain, arriving at 3:05. Thats why I decided to go into Hot Springs.Top 10 Trail Lies #'s 5-75. Shelters are never full6. Springs never dry up.7. Someone says "don't worry, we're almost near the top"
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Stealth Camp

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't sleep well at night. Real anxious to get to town. Packed up at 5:15 a.m. and walked into the Diner at 6:00 for breakfast. After that went to Sunnybank Inn to check in. 1st thing I did on arrival was shower. I didn't stink as bad as I did when I finished the Smokies but it seems hard to scrub that stench out of your arm pits!The Inn is fabulous. Originally built in the 1840's with some modifications in 1870's, it is now a National Historic Landmark. Sunset and Mother Mary were there. Pa Bert was heading back out on the trail. Mark came in later in the day. He started about a week behind me but is crunching out the miles. The staff is super. Sarah Kate, Matt, Johnathon and Brian have taken well care of everybody and have done a fine job cookin. Haven't seen Elmer much. He (or I) have been away from the Inn taking care of business. I did laundry, got 4 boxes at the post office, visited Bluff Mtn outfitters and got to the library.Sunset invited me to the Hot Springs Spa. It was nice, but again not what I expected. It was an outdoor hot tub that has the hot spring water pumped in. We sat in it for an hour, talked, got pruney and then it was over.Elmers staff served dinner at 7:00. It was a great social event as well. I had my fill, then went to bed and fell into a food coma.
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day today. Sunset headed for Erwin. Not sure what Mark planned to do but think he went back out too. Hope Nuts comes in today. Saw a bunch of hikers at the diner this morning but they appearewd to be going southbound (or maybe to the Duckett House). When I am done here (at Bluff Mountain; was at the library earlier but lost my connection) I plan to go back to the Inn and do some work.10 Ridiculous or Impossible Trail Maintenance Requests.1. Leaf blow the entire trail from GA to ME so that all roots, rocks and ankle turners after exposed.2. relocate the trail, both NOBO and SOBO, so that it is all flat and/or downhill.
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hated to leave Sunnybank, but have to keep on trekking. Had a little trouble finding the trail leaving town. I saw the 2 blazes on the telphone pole at the end of the bridge after crossing over the French Broad River but missed the arrow pointing down over the guard rail. As a result I walked up the main road a few hundred feet looking for white blazes. After seeing none I turned around then walked down River Rd. Still no blazes so I backtracked to the telephone pole then saw the arrow.Met Trev and Pebbles at Elmers. They passed me on the trail then I passed them at Spring Mtn Shelter as I headed for Allen Gap. I stopped at the shelter for dinner and a water fill up. Found a good flat spot before Allen Gap about 7 p.m. and set up camp. Moved kind of slow today. My pack was 35 pounds without food and water at Bluff Mtn Outfitters. It was well over 50 pounds with 3 liters of water and a monster food bag after resupplying.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Started out pretty early. Hit Allen Gap about 7 a.m. Saw a sign advertising Trail Magic (basically FOOD) with directions to a house. Even though I was carrying a lot of my own stuff I went down to Fal (Free at last) & Hercules (AKA Jodie and John Nelson) place. They greeted me, asked me in and fed me a belgian waffle with real maple syrup, eggs, sausage, bread and, most important good coffee.Continued moving down the trail and met Gary and his dog Papper at Jerry Cabin. On the way I had to cross a pretty narrow rocky ridge with several ups and downs. Kind of took the wind out of my sails. After passing Gary, I got by Big Butt before camping in a field.While cooking dinner, I could see clouds rolling in so I decided I better set up the bivy sack. Good thing I did because it rained overnight.Another "Top 10 trail lies" (courtesy of Jim)8. We're half way there.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

3rd night in a row under the stars. Felt pretty cool so I set up my bivy sack again. My bag was a little damp, but not wet, from the rain the night before. I was kind of chilly overnight in just my shorts and shirt. That's because the low temp got down to 23, 2nd coldest night (I think) on the trail. It was another relatively early start and then stop at sundown. Had dinner at Hogback Ridge and shortly later met Lonewolf and his dog headed SOBO. Talked with him quite a while. Went through Sams Gap and could see the "Welcome to Tennessee" sign on the road. Not sure if I am in Tenn right now.
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Campsite

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Finally made another day over 15. Had been trying since I left Hot Springs but my breaks were always too long and I ran out of daylight. Shortly after leaving camp I saw 2 hikers, Emily and Rachel, who I met later on. After getting back up to an elevation of about 4,700', the trees and bushes were frosted/iced over from the cold the night before. Big Bald was a pretty sight in the sun. There were good views from the top but I didn't stay long because of the wind. Tried to jog/walk across Big Stamp to warm up and get back into the tree line.Had almost a 2 hour lunch break at Bald Mtn Shelter for lunch. Emily and Rachel came in to do the same. They're from Chattanooga, Tenn and were out section hiking. Pushed real hard toward the end of the day and got to No Business Knob Shelter about 5:30. I made pretty good time but it was mostly down hill. Big Bald is 5,500 and the shelter is about 3,100.At the shelter I decided to make a fire since I had been so cold the night before. About an hour later Rachel and Emily came in and were so glad that I had a fire. Emily offered me ride to Miss Janets when we got to Erwin. She had parked her car there.
Date: 2006-03-19
From: No Business Knob

To: Erwin, Tenn., Miss Janets
Miles today: 6.3

It was a bit warmer last night. The sun was shining into the shelter this morning some, so that was nice. Was in no hurry to get going. Rachel left 1st, me 2nd, Emily 3rd. Emily caught up to me at Temple Gap and surprised me because I was humming and didn't hear her coming. At the gap, I saw a double blaze and a trail downhill to my right which was blocked by a blowdown, so I cut down the hill. Emily went straight and yelled to me that I had gone the wrong way. I turned around and went back up the hill then I saw a trail marker which told me that I was going down temple hill trail.It was a pretty quick 6.3 miles into town. There was a real good view of the Nolichucky River from the ridgeline and we all took pictures. Then I got a good spot to take a shot of Erwin.At Miss Janets, there were several hikers that she shuttled back to the trail. Gary was one and Trek & Pebbles were 2 others. I didn't know the other hikers. Mrs Gorp is here, so I finally met her. Also met Moleman. We talked about how the trail has been so far. He is doing BIG mileage days but he has been kidnapped by Miss Janet. He's been here 3 nights.Already took a good hot shower and had some good coffee, but I am getting hungry so that is all for now. Need to order some of that "food of champions", pizza, since most everything else is closed here in Erwin on Sunday.