morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Winding Stairs Gap

To: Wahah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Took the entire room to spread out all my gear. It amazes me that it all goes back in the pack. Don't think it has lost any weight, but at least it¢s all clean.When I woke it was so foggy, you could barely see across the parking lot. By the time, our shuttle ride was ready, it had cleared off and looked to be a nice day. It turned out to be a great, but uphill, ten mile hike. Right at lunch it topped off at my first bald. Balds are wide open areas, that have existed for long periods of time As I go further north, there are more and more of them. No one is quite sure if they were originally cleared by Indians or early settlers for grazing. Some even think they could be natural. Today it was a great place for lunch.The afternoon was again all uphill and I could really feel it. The trail ended up at a remodeled fire tower made of stone in honor of John B. Byrne. He was the supervisor of the Nantahala National Forest, who at 33 proposed the AT in this area. It was at the summit of Wayah Bald, (Cherokee for "Wolf¢) at an elevation of 5342 feet.. The tower was build by CCC in 1937 and has a very unique top. When they remodeled it in 1983, they simplified the observation deck. You can climb up and see all the way into the Great Smoky Mountains. This is where I'll be in four days. It was hard to fathom how far I've come... now over 100 miles.The birds are beginning to call and show themselves a little more. I saw my first robins. Could spring be not too far away? Three woodpeckers were squabbling over who was going to get a choice hole. There are lots of mature trees with holes that look like great owl cavities. I hear them, but no real sightings. Saw my first wild flowers.The shelter we are at tonight is very new and not even on the map. It is of the Nantahala design. It has an overhang for preparting food, a sleeping stage where tonight four of us are lined up. There is a slight pink glow on the horizon signaling the end of another hiking day.Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Wahah Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

It started raining before daybreak. Lessened up just enough to give the false hope that maybe you might not be hiking in the rain, but it was a very heavy fog. Last night had a strange feel. It was good that I had lots of young friends around. I've met some great folks along the way and often we end up at the same shelters. About a week ago word was going up and down the trail, and I heard, "Are you Polly Wog?" Evidently a 60 year old woman who as diabetic had been carrying a GPS locator and it had stopped transmitting. So search and rescue were looking for her as well as all of us. So to my surprise when I walked into the Wayah Shelter, I started to introduce myself and met the Polly Wog in question. She didn't really elaborate on what had happened, but did say the police made her come in and verify to her family that she was OK. My friends and I agreed that this could be one reason not to have a transponder. It is nice how well we stay in touch and it¢s good that everyone does try to sign the shelter registers. For most part you get good feelings from people who are out here hiking either as thru or sectional hikers. We do compare notes of the people we meet along the way.Today was the first day that I had to hike all day in a steady rain. Unlike in the west, where you may get a shower and things dry out quickly, here I'm beginning to feel like I'm growing moss. Most people are headed to the NOC, Nantahala Outdoor Center to take a zero day or at least get out of the rain for a night. I'm about 5.5 miles from there and will try to dry my sleeping bag in a drier as well as my rain gear. Worked on a song today: To the tune of "It's Howdy Doody Time"  It's Ibuprofen time   Because we¢re past our prime   We have to climb those hills    So we must take our pills   Caffine¢s our morning drug.   When we our packs we must lug.(write the last two lines yourself to have a custom version of this song)(Originally inspired by Louisa Grace)Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nanatahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: light rain

Well true to form, we woke to fog which promised to turn to rain. I think I'm growing gills. It was so foggy when I came out of the shelter, being the last to leave at 7:45 a.m., I turned left. Didn't realize until ten minutes later that I'd turn the wrong way. There was a water sign where I'd gotten water the night before that I was looking for. Did a 180 and re-hiked about 1/2 miles back down the trail. So I can add one more mile, but it doesn't count. I've heard about hikers who do this and to prevent such a thing, I carry a small compass. That's the first piece of gear I'm sending home as it was no help this time! It took a while for me to convince myself I was going in the right direction. After a while, one tree looks pretty much like another.There was some interesting terrain today. One area is named "The Jump Off Point." There was no sign, but no doubt when you got to it. It was down over very large boulders making it more interesting because you knew you were near a cliff. Of course, the fog helped you forget what might be below. The trail is getting pretty squishy and slippery with all the rain. Everyone had stories about slipping and falling in very awkward positions. I myself was taking off my rain pants and had there not been a well positioned tree, the results could have landed me far down a leaf covered steep hill.Around noon because of the loss of elevation, I began to see some wild flowers... May apples and violets. The birds were singing and as soon as I get my blackberry charged, I'll be able to listen to the bird calls, that Sandy loaded for me. Bigglesworth took a photo of an orange salamander. I just saw a swallow-tailed butterfly.I was planning to hike further after lunch (to a real restaurant), but it started to rain in earnest. Opted to spend the night in a warm dry place. The NOC is on a beautiful river that they re-engineered for the kayak races during the summer Olympic games held in Atlanta. Ate dinner at the pub with my hiker friends. We all were watching the weather channel. This place is hopefully just north of the severe weather boxes where they were showing toradoes. We are all hoping for some sun tomorrow, and no tornadoes tonight.Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Nanatahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Again I sure was glad to have made the decision to stay at the NOC. It was a bit pricey, but my room was very comfortable and the hot shower second only to a tub was just what the body needed. I ate with "Tourist" and Kennekuk". Two guys hiking together. They are planning a 16 mile day, so I probably won't see them again. Kennekuk worked in Crawford, Colorado herding cows, and is originally from Minnesota. Sandy you'll be interested to know that Bluegrass Music is the top choice for listening. "2 miles" would love for you to bring your mandolin.Didn't mention, but the AT goes right over a railroad track. It's a real train - full gauge, but more of a tourist sight seeing train that goes up into the Smokies. Couldn't resist the hot breakfast of French Toast, bacon, and egg at the restaurant. I was really hoping it would help me up the very long climb out of Wesser Gap. The almost seven miles to the shelter was all uphill, through rain and fog. This was the left over low from the severe storms that hit around Atlanta last night. We had several hard rain falls during the night. I had a very small balcony and left the door open, so I could hear the rushing river all night.There are seven of us at this shelter which is a double-decker. I'm on the top and they put fiberglass panels across the front so you get a nice view of the trees and fog. Bigglesworth and Words are here. Funny how you all hike alone during the day, but by evening, we all seek each others company and a shelter. This may change if the weather clears. Hoping for a big mile day tomorrow. I'm trying to make Fontana Dam by early Monday.The only really note worthy sight today was a large snail. This was about how I felt crawling up this mountain.Fly right, Ravon
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a mile stone day for me. Literally...15 plus miles. This is the longest day so far. During the night, it rained the hardest of any night on the trail. I did see stars during the night, so hoped for sun the next day. I knew I wanted to make long miles, so I started by 7:45. At first it was very foggy and stayed that way until I climbed up to Cheoah Bald. Our first real view. Wow! I was above the clouds! Mountain tops were glowing above the cloud layer which looked like a sea of white rolling waves. It felt so good to be in the sun after a week of rain. The view was truly breath taking, so I photographed and had a snack. I can only wonder how nice it would have been camping on this bald over looking the Smokies.Of course, it was not long before I was back down in the clouds. On my way down the hill towards a highway crossing, my first trail magic in the woods. It as a blue tubby filled with snacks and a note to help yourself. I chose a Nutty Buddy cracker pack. As I was getting ready to cross N.C. 143, I met a guy coming up the trail. He said his trail name was "Rebel Without a Cause". He was inviting any thru hiker to take part in goodies he and his friend "G" brought: big fresh strawberries, bananas, homemade cinnamon buns, drinks, hard boiled eggs and donuts. At the same moment the sun came out, birds were singing and cars were whizzing by the small grassy knoll. Cue the music! We talked, or rather they talked, and I ate for about 30 minutes. What great folks and how nice for them to take a Sunday to come feed thru hikers. In addition they had good advice about the trail. Rebel kept wanting me to take an energy drink for the "No Name Mountain", which started on the other side of the highway. Should have taken that drink. After 1 1/2 hours of steady steep climbing, I renamed the mountain "Kick Ass!" Had to actually get out the sunscreen. I was mighty glad to see the shelter with a few of my friends and a father son duo.Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Lodge
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Birthday Louisa! Wish you were here, or better yet, maybe a short visit to Key West which would be better for me. The 5.5 miles seemed like such an easy hike, but I'm learning very few miles are easy on the AT. I slept in my tent in a great spot by a slow moving mossy creek. The shelter was of the old CCC log style with just a small step up sleep platform and lots of mice food hangers. This is a short piece of rope with a can, plate or cup as a mouse barrier and a twig to which you hang your food bag. No cables here, so I guess there is less worry about the bears, just very large mice. That will change in the Smokies.I'm staying at the Fontana Lodge. This was originally where the workers who built the dam lived. All along the walls are old black and white photos of the construction days. It reminded me a lot of the Hotel Jerome, a historic hotel in Aspen, and their old mining photos. You use to be able to walk across the top of the dam, but because of the high terrorist level, they are rerouting the AT hikers 4.5 miles below the dam on a blue blaze trail. Most hikers are talking of taking a shuttle around this section. It is not really the AT. It would also add to an already very hard up hill day of hiking into the Smokies. I will probably do the same, as I want to get to the north end to meet Sandy. Today was a beautiful day hiking temperature wise. Just like a day of sunshine to bring out lots more wildflowers and joyous bird songs. Had dinner with "Brown Bag", "Crabby Applesworth" and another guy that I can't remember his name. It is fun to compare notes on the trail and tell our stories. Tomorrow I will take a zero day and catch up on my chores. Sorry that I have not been able to call people. We are in a National Park which means a dead cell zone. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Fontana Dam Lodge

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We were all disappointed that the dam was closed. Normally the AT goes right across the top, but they've closed it for repairs. Instead the trail is rerouted some 4.6 miles around and below the dam on a blue blaze trail. All of us agreed this was not a part of the AT so elected to have the shuttle drop us off on the other side of the dam. It still meant we had to climb 500 feet, which was the height of the dam, and over a mile. We all had trouble finding the AT. "2 Miles" headed up a high power line trail which seemed impossible to me. I finally said it's got to be at the north end of the dam and headed back down. Sure enough there were our little white blazes. You really begin to rely on those patches. I guess you could do the whole trail without any maps, and some hikers do, but I really love to look at a map and feel better following one. Today was a beautiful day to hike. The whole forest floor in sections exploded in small white flowers. It was like walking in an enchanted forest. For some reason, as soon as we entered the National Park, it was like a little elf came and removed most of the toe stubbing rocks. The trail was more groomed. Almost immediately, we encountered a Ridge Runner. His name is Jim and he walks the trail talking to people, answering questions and just out to help. In the park, everyone has to stay at shelters or a few dedicated campsites. This shelter is on a grassy hill and constructed of stone. There are fourteen of us in this double-decker packed like sardines and probably smelling like them too. A brown tarp is stretched across the front helping with the temperature and wind. In a way it feels like what I imagine below deck in the economy class cruiser. All of our packs are hanging, and someone said it looked like a meat packing plant. We are tucked in hoping for not too many loud snorers. Time to dive in my bag. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.7

Today was a very difficult day. The morning went fast and six miles was a breeze. Checked out a couple of shelters. Most have been remodeled around stone walls. It was windy, but sunny. For twelve miles, the AT allows horses to walk along the trail. Saw two riders who seem to be riding more what I thought were ponies rather than the large type horses Natasha and Billy, my daughter and son-in-law raise and train. It did make me think of them and how much fun they'd have doing a trip like this. They would have the added luxury of a horse carrying their gear. We all wish we had someone to carry our packs. Another change in the scenery was some open areas that were mostly grass. Just the last couple of days the forest has sprouted lots of green shoots. Before it was all brown leaves from last year's growth. The leaves are so thick I couldn't imagine it not being that way year round, but now green is growing around and through all the leaves. At some point you won¢t see any brown at all. We are seeing lots more people on the trail. Families out hiking for a short time, spring break, a men's hiking group. One such group we called the sticks started at Fontana Dam and hiked 24 miles in one day! They were all carrying super-light gear (Gossamer). My pack is a boulder in comparison. As I said before, I'm going to lighten my pack in Hot Springs. We climbed two fairly steep mountains this afternoon: Thunderhead and Rocky Top. Of course I sang "Rocky Top" or at least as many words as I could remember. Tried to call Sandy, but Verizon still has no cell tower! I'd like to cut a commercial about how little coverage you really receive. "Can you hear me now?" Shortly after that, I hit the wall. There were just lots of rocky ups and downs and if your not hydrated just right or eating enough food, the energy is not there. At one point, it looked like the park service ran out of white paint. The trail was not well defined. I was so sure I'd taken a wrong trail, there are lots of cross trails in the Smokies, over 900 miles, that I turned around. Walked back about a mile until I met other hikers and we all agreed we were on the right track. So on I limped up another mountain until I reached the shelter. I could have kissed the sign. In the Smokies National Park everyone is required to sleep in shelters. Only tents are allowed if the shelters are full. So eat and sleep¢¦. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Derrick Ridge Shelter

To: Double Springs Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Since I had pushed it harder than I should have yesterday, I decided to go with "Bigglesworth" and "2 Miles" to the next shelter only 7.2 miles. Give myself an easy day before three long days. We cross Clingman's Dome, the highest mountain on the AT in the south. There is only one road across the Smokies. This is shortly before Clingman's Dome. A lot of thru hikers get off the trail at New Found Gap and go into Gatlinburg, TN. Since I've been to this town, granted probably 35 years ago, I'm not really that excited about going. I'd rather meet Sandy and I still have 41 miles to go. Today it threatened to rain. Everyone said we had a doozie of a cold front headed our way. About 10:00 a.m., the fog rolled in. What's amazing is how strong the wind was blowing. I was really glad not to be on an open mountain top as I probably would have gone flying like a raven. We stopped at Siler's Bald Shelter for a snack. The next shelter was only a couple of miles away which is very close. I decided to do a short day. Try to eat more food and get back my groove. This shelter was in a dead air vortex. All afternoon, we heard and saw the trees being blown all around us. Sometimes as loud as a freight train. Clouds were flying by at probably 40 mph. We sat around, "Bigglesworth, 2 Miles and Mathewski" telling stories, writing in our journals and eating. This is one of the old shelters that still has the chain link fence across the front for bear protection. So made me wonder if we would have any night time visitors? Now I am in my bag and there is an intense thunder storm going on outside with lots of rain. Just as we were settled and ready for a long winters nap, in traipsed a group of very ill-prepared teenagers. We can only hope for better weather to climb Clingman's Dome tomorrow. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-04-13
From: New Found Gap - Gatlinburg, TN

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After doing laundry til 11:00, I was not ready for the knock on my door by the taxi lady at 6:10. I couldn't find any other hikers so I was the only one she took back 15 miles to the AT trail head. She was a very interesting person and told me stories about the area. One feature she pointed out were two rocks called the chimneys. If you hike a very difficult trail to the top and look down, there is a huge hole that goes through the mountain. This is a similar legend to our American Indians of the southwest. The spirits were said to emerge through this hole like the supapu hole the Hopi believe is the birth place of the Indians. It was barely light. I almost needed a headlight to hike. The wind was howling and it looked to start snowing any minute. I could have easily taken a zero day like my friends. Once I was out on the trail it wasn't all that bad. The trail went behind a mountain opposite from the direction of the wind. My plan was to hike to the Ice Spring Shelter about three miles and have breakfast. By the time I got there my camelback hose was frozen. It was a remodeled shelter, but they had taken the tarp down. It was blowing snow showers. Many of the thru hikers were still in sleeping bags. A quick cup of coffee and oatmeal and I was back on the trail. It was way too cold to sit around. The day was interesting because the snow showers happened on and off all day. On the western sloped hillside, the trees were covered with snow crystals. Soon parts of the trail were also showing a dusting of snow. No real bird activity today. Even the few Juncos I saw looked to be puffed up wearing down coats. I did see one turkey. I ran into Trail Ridge Runner Jim again. Remember he was the first person I saw when I entered the Smokies a week ago. He was using a shovel to create water bars. He warned that tonight it was going to be down into the teens with 1 - 3 inches of snow or more. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this, but the Rhododendron leaves have a long oblong shape. Depending on how cold it is they curl in on themselves. I noticed that the leaves looked like cigars. Made me wonder how cold it was going to get. COLD! This shelter is one of the nicest set-ups. It has a piped spring right next to a stone shelter complete with an inside fireplace. As I hear the sleet hit the roof, I'm going to hunker down. Fly right,RAVON
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Remember my story about the Rhododendron leaves and you can tell the temperature by how the leaves curl? Well this morning they were curled so tight about the size of a cigarette! It was very cold 18 degrees this morning and a small amount of snow had fallen. As I left the shelter about 8:15, it really began to snow. Walked all day in either sleet, flurries, or full on snow. It made hiking difficult because rocks and roots were hidden. The trail was supposed to be mostly down hill except for the few mountains, Mt. Chapman, Mt. Guyot and Mt Crammer! The last five miles were downhill with incredible log steps most of the way. I think probably 500 steps in five miles. By this time, I was cold and it was snowing harder. I practically ran down the trail looking for the last shelter in the Smokies. This one is only .9 miles from the road. It still has the chain link fence across the front, no privy just a "toilet area" and a large shovel. What it did have is an inside fireplace. A couple from New York on a week long hiking trip made a very welcomed fire. There were just three of us. All my other thru hikers have had enough of the snow and cold and beat feet to a near by hostel and hot pizza. Despite the cold and snow today, it was a rare opportunity to see a landscape transformed by white. Trees covered with white frost, I felt like I was hiking through an Ansel Adams photograph. Saw some turkey tracks, but no bears. I guess the wildlife were trying to stay dry. I can't say I won't be glad to see it warm up, although it was a beautiful day hiking. I talked to Sandy and he's in Hot Springs, North Carolina. We will meet at Standing Bear Hostel. From there he will hike with me to Hot Springs for some much needed creature comforts like a hot tub!