morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.8

This was the toughest day yet. The weather was sunny and warm. The am was chilly. At Unico Gap I met Bootman who hiked with the blind man. He said in ME it got down to -10. I cooked lunch at a good lookout and had a small nap. Chestnut stopped and talked a while. His 3rd time to do the at. I met John M from HSV near Indian Gap. Because it's Sunday, weekenders are leaving and others are enjoying the beautiful weather. So far I'm the only one at the shelter but expect that to change. On one mt I got 4 bars on my cell phone but couldn't make a call. The clouds must distort the signal. My back is sore and needs a rest. Tomorrow I resupply.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Tray Mt Shelter

To: Deer Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night a 5 year old was at the shelter with us. She was a live wire!The weather is great and overcast so it may rain soon. Few people on the trail today. My back is not so sore,but my achille's heel is tender. The short day should help the body. The gang is planning to stay at Blueberry Patch. I've not made up my mind. I'm thinking about resupplying and a good meal.
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Deer Gap Shelter

To: cs N of US 76
Miles today: 4.4

Not many miles, but I made it into Hiawassee for supplies, ayce breakfast, laundry, and a shower. The hitches were easy. My food bag needs a diet. My achille's are still tender. I was dry under my tarp during the rain. My body is still adjusting.
Date: 2005-03-23
From: cs N of US 76

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Long hike with my limb poles. My achille's tendon are very tender and took most of my thoughts. I was worried the rain might beat me to the shelter but I won. 7 in the shelter and 6 camping. One couple thru-hiked in 02 and are back for 05. They told about the animals they saw...really not that many. Owls and turkeys were the big topics. It's so nice in the sun and the leaveless trees leave incredible views.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Beech Gap

To: Rocks Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

This is the longest day with really good weather and trail. Trail magic hit with plates of black beans and rice at a big camp setup. Thanks to Barry and crew for the good food. Rodo poles -rhododendron sticks-- have really helped my achille's tendons. Albert mt was a short hard climb with views. The shelter was full and someone brought us pizza and soda. Those unexpected things happen....magic.
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Rocks Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Up early and on the trail with town fever. At Winding Stair Gap, some at trail crew gave me an Easter egg and candy. I tried hitching a ride, but the Haven Inn shuttle took me to the outfitter in Franklin. My new Leki poles are it! AYCE at Shoney's and a night of rest in town. The hot shower did me good. I had several long phone calls with my wife and caught up with the news. Not as many emails as I expected. It seems that I've been gone much longer than time says. Fir, Spruce, and Birch are in these higher altitudes. Not the wildlife I thought I would see...horned owl, squirrel, deer and mice. The rhododendron are the greenest plant around. The rhodo tunnel will be the green tunnel next month.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 12.3

I walked in the clouds all day. I got to the trail by 0830 and saw a few hikers... mostly section and boy scouts. Odessa and I passed each other but I tired out. Body is feeling good but wore out about 10 miles. Camping at licklog gap.
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC Wesser, NC
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

This is the whitewater mecca. Sunny and warm on the way in with good trails. I got a new 20 degree sleeping bag that shoud keep me warm. I'm mailing my other bag home. I had a spinach salad at the restaurant and maybe a burger later. At 1200 this place was a mad house with people setting up their white water trips. I'm staying at the hostel tonight and will be off early?Maddog, tent shaker, serenity, thatch, hike-ku, sunshine, rawhide..were here today.
Date: 2005-03-30
From: NOC Wesser, NC

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.1

Big breakfast at NOC with Maddog and Tent Shaker. Then I talked with multi-thru hiker Seiko. 10 miles per day will get you to ME before most of the hikers. There are many good sunrises and sunsets on the trail. Most of the day was uphill on a good trail in sunny 70 degrees. This bald has panoramic views and the sun will set soon. It should be a beautiful night.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: moderate rain

My tarp with setup on the bald and I was sleeping under the stars. The wind was strong, but got stronger and the rain started. I repitched my tarp and stayed dry. After packing in the rain, I walked in the rain. At Stecoah gap , a man gave me a pepsi and snickers and we talked. Robbinsville was 10 miles down the road, so I hitched in for a resupply at Ingles groceries. The rain stopped and it took awhile to get a ride. Thinking that I walk ten miles a day, I can wait a long time for a ride. The shelter is full so I'm tarping nearby. The gang is having a good time. My mind is on the Smokies!!
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Campsite near Fontana
Miles today: 9.1

I was up early and out. The rain came for the morning and the sun for the afternoon. I set up camp, am airing things out, cooking soup, snacking and waiting for dinner. I sorted out my food and have most of what I need for the Smokies. Tomorrow will be an errand day and I'll stay at the Hilton...top grade shelter with a shower nearby. I bought some Prestone gas treatment which burns dirty so I'll burn it up and get something else...alcohol or Heet.
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Campsite near Fontana

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: light rain

Last night was pleasant, rainy and snowy. I was mostly dry but a little cool. The 20 degree bag barely made the 30s. I need more clothes on for colder weather and think of this as prep for the Smokies. I packed in the snow and hiked to the Fontana Marina shuttle to the village. There I had breakfast with Kineo Kid. I stopped by the outfitter for soap and coins for laundry. The laundry was full of hikers... Scholar, Brownie, Soulman, Freedom, Thatch, Jax, Chill Out. No cell service puts me back on the calling card.
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Started out in a warm bathroom and went to the dam to call home. The trail went up thru yesterday's snow. Although the weather will be up to 70 tomorrow, today was a major snow melt. Post holes reached the knees and later the snow was slush. The mud got deep in sections and the sun was out. Six are in the shelter waiting for warm hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunny day and snowy ground. I left the shelter early in warm weather. I post holed thru snow and mud. Many good views. There are so many mountains in the Smokies. Draggin and I talked with some trail maintainers and got a good weather report. This was a tiring day and I had three naps...one on a log, one on a bald, and one under a tree. The sun dried out my clothes, but my boots are stll wet. My holey soles, at plastic camp shoes, are good today. They're poor in the snow. The sun is almost down so it's time for bed.
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

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

Up and gone by 0745. The cereal power bar didn't last long and the GORP was only a little better. I was feeling down but a lunch of tuna sandwich, snickers, and energy drink came thru. The snow is melting and the trail is slushy in 60 degree sun. Clingman's dome was full of tourists and one took my picture for me. Pilot just passed me and he started on 3-24. He's moving. That young energy can keep you going. I'm seeing many spruce trees and great views.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was trail magic. Wildcat, Rebel with a cause, Sgt Rock, and Capt Chaos had dinner for hikers. Salad, potatoes and onions, pork loins, gingerbread, and homemade ice cream. We were well fed. For breakfast we had eggs, grits, sausage, biscuits,and coffee. I left the shelter late and got to Newfound Gap after noon. There were many tourists. I talked with a hiker that did 1600 miles before he caught Lyme disease. After 4 weeks he was still weak and couldn't hike. Wildcat is hiking the PCT at the end of the month.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

There were 21 in the shelter last night before the storm. Boy scouts and hikers got along well. In the morning it was windy and rainy so I stopped at the first shelter. Several were there eating a hot lunch. I did the same and then decided to stay for a nap and the night. The AT makes people doers. Although there is so much help from so many people, the hiker still has to walk. With all the equipment, there are still aches and pains. The other day I was on Ole Rocky top down in the Tn hills. The sun came out for short wonderful moments. I'm planning on Cosby shelter and then Standing Bear Hostel. The Smokies have been a wide range of experience.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: moderate rain

This was an overcast day in the 50 to 60s with the sun trying to come out. It was a routine day with a stop at a shelter for lunch. Snowman was just leaving so we hiked much of the day together. We talked with the trail runner about tree falls, other hikers, and his 3 month job. I cooked lunch and dinner and expect to be at Standing Bear Hostel tomorrow. I'm ready for the resupply. The trail was in good shape except a few blowdowns.
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Sunny, warm day. I saw many great views and went down in elevation and under Interstate I40. Later I sat and watched the trucks drive by. Many wild flowers were blooming. I got cell phone service on a ridge and called home. At Standing Bear, I showered, laundried, and ate.Equipmentwise, I changed from down to a warmer polarguard bag, and I got a Dry-Clim jacket for cold weather hiking. I need some warm gloves. I found a new Triangle alcohol stove, which is better than my old one. I need to buy enough alcohol. Prestone fuel cleaner burns too dirty. Heet will do. I've been carrying too much food and often want different stuff. Nutella has been good. Bagels are good if available. Part of resupplying at odd places is getting odd goods.
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: N of Brown Gap
Miles today: 12.1

Last night, I played a little guitar at Standing Bear. TurboJoe played some rock. We had mexican food and bluegrass music at Maria's work. Today is bright, sunny, and hot. It's time for another adjustment. The wildflowers are really beginning to bloom. I did not find water at Brown Gap so I continued. I dry camped with all the bugs.
Date: 2005-04-11
From: N of Brown Gap

To: Big Rock Spring
Miles today: 12.2

Sunny and low 70s. Yesterday, I did not see one hiker! I slept under my tarp and listened to the wind. In the Smokies I had to stay in shelters. Shelters are really good in bad weather. Today I'm using the shelter as a sun block during lunch and a nap. I'll be in Hot Springs soon and at a good outfitter. Thinking of what I want, I think about what I need and will be carrying. In the Smokies I needed better gloves and here I need sunscreen. I need to visit the ATM and resupply. At the shelter I met Skeemer 04 on trailjournals. Futher down the trail I met Tentshaker and caught up on the trail news about the Smokies and Hot Springs. He's going to rehike the Smokies with some teens. Moon dog might be off the trail for a job.
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Big Rock Spring

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Some hikers woke me from my night by the trail. The talk of rain was early and the rain came when I got to Hot Springs. I checked in at Elmers and then went to the outfitters, which has a ATM. I went to the library and checked out my trailjournal. Bart is doing a good job transcribing! The entries made me realize how tough this hike has been on me. I thought I had written alot or that's how it seemed to me. I've been losing weight and need some of that fat at times. Two showers and laundries within in a week make me begin to feel civilized. I was tempted to eat too much, but thought of dinner tonight...a vegetarian feast. It was strange to use a computer again. I forgot passwords and sites so I quit...no headaches for now. Hot Springs does not have cell phone service. They just got DSL, because someone started a satelite service for himself and friends. This is a tourist and hiker town, with a really good outfitter. He'll see some of my business. So far I've seen about 12hikers in town and know about half of them and will soon know them all. Elmer has an old mansion that is on the historical records for Jane Gentry and her contribution to folk music lore. There are many antiques and foreign things.
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hot Springs   zero dayGrocery shopping at the outfitter in the am. I also got some new gear...sealskin gloves, compressor sack, bandana. Elmer had a great vegetarian dinner for a full house. I played some guitar and enjoyed myself. I've forgotten most of my old songs.
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Hot Springs, NC 

To: Log Cabin Road
Miles today: 16.0

I left early on a foggy morning. On the edge of town I stopped at a shop for sausage biscuit, chocolate milk, and m&ms. After a steep climb, the walk leveled. At the first shelter, there was a crowd. After lunch I continued. There was trail magic at Hercules and fallks house....super stew and 5 star macaroon coffee ice cream pie. Six of us were basking in fullness.
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Log Cabin Road

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Long day of hiking over many rocks with super views. I saw Greeneville, TN in the distance from Blackstack cliffs. I got to the shelter after 7 and had mac and cheese...a standard meal. I packed out early and found a waterfall with cell service so I set up my office.
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Low Gap cs
Miles today: 16.1

Cold night and warm day ...sunny and 70. Rocky, Hareball, Trip, and Gary were there. I ate my meal and was off to bed. At a water fall, I set up my office and called home. I sure miss the grandkids ballgames. I miss Rita more. At Sam's Gap, Doc had just hitched from Erwin. So we meet again. I was the only one at the cs and could not find a level spot. The water was good and I needed the rest.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Low Gap cs

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Good day on the trail. Town fever is getting me. A lady on the trail gave me some Beanie Wennies, which I later cooked over the fire at the shelter. This is being a real hiker! 6 tents and tarps were near the shelter including mine. It was comfortable in my tarp. The temp got down to 10C, which is not bad.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Nolichucky Gorge
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Most of the miles were getting to Erwin. Four of us got an easy hitch to Miss Janet's. I had the choice of a couch or the porch and be 1 of 14 sharing a bathroom. I took a quick shower and went to the grocery. When I got back a group went to Pizza Hut AYCE lunch. We loaded up. I decided to get back on the trail when I heard I could get a ride. Things seemed too fast, but I moved. I thought I could get cell service near Erwin......Verizon works but not T-Mobile. I'm at a nice campsite (cs) by a mt stream like in the magazines or picture books. With such good weather I need to stay here although it's only 4.
Date: 2005-04-19
From: Nolichucky Gorge

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

I got off early and saw a crowd at the next shelter, which was full with 3 tents. Later I found cell service and called home and pocketmailed. Unaka Mt was a tuff climb. The top was covered with trees..firs. One side and lower was all rock..conglomerate with lichen. Although it was sunny most of the day, late it sprinkled with sun and thunder. Doc,Skylark, Dr Chickadee, Krazy Katy, Radio, and Newby had a good fire and did trail talk. I was the last to bed at 9. Skylark had a jetboil stove which looks good. The can last 2 weeks. Gary said his cans last 3 weeks and are not too hard to find. I'm interested. This would sure help out my meals.
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

I"m at the shelter at 230, which seems too early. I think I'll stay. The day is hot 78f or 20c, which my chinese thermometer says. The gorp and sugar are wearing off and I'm tired, so I'm eating more. Being here alone is giving me some free time.I expect others later in the day. The clouds are building up, but I don't see rain. Some grass is green and 4 or 5 types of small flowers are blooming with bumble bees collecting nector. I'm drinking a lot of water, so I need to get my electrolytes up...ramin or emergen'c. One thing about being here alone is that my stuff takes up most of the shelter. My food is spread out and I'm nibbling away. There's a saying that an afternoon in a shelter can put a big dent in your food bag. I think I have food for 3 days and this slow day could make it take 2 and a half days to Roan Mt.
Date: 2005-04-21
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Sunny day with hail. Roan Mt was a tuff climb without many views. Cap, Col, Ninja and I waited for magic from Swega's friend. I had a 2 hr nap then a cola and 2 snickers. Overmountain Shelter is an old barn that holds 20 (it could hold twice that many thru hikers). I slept in the lower section with a good view of the thunderstorm. The storm cleared the air for a while, but there's talk of snow Sunday. I'm heading into Elk Park for resupply.
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: N of Roan Mt campsite
Miles today: 14.9

Sunny, warm day. A quick hitch to Elk Park to resupply at the minimart for mac and cheese and candy...not much more. In the afternoon the rain came and I kept walking. I stayed under the Baptist portacol with other hikers and had a small nap. I camped on the river during a small storm.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: N of Roan Mt campsite

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

The day started sunny, but began to rain, later hail and then snow. I got to the shelter about 2 and was chilled so I decided to stay. After I gotwarm I had dinner and later more food. About 12 hikers were at the shelter and some older section hikers really needed help. It snowed into the shelter and got cold..22f.
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.1

My boots were frozen solid. I had to get back in my sleeping bag with my boots to warm them. Then I could unlace them and put them on. My gloves were cold from being wet yesterday and warmed in a few hours. I got to the hostel about 1 and went to the grocery. It feels so good to be warm!! The hostel is full of hikers waiting for the weather to clear. Bob People has a good setup for hikers.
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Watauqa Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

Four younger people got the older people to the hostel..2 carried their packs. We got them warm and comfortable. We ordered pizza for supper and listened to Bob People tell trail maintenance stories. I talked with Ishmail about his triple Crown hiking and Merlefest. He's from Boiling Springs, PA and lives near the trail. So nice to sleep warm!!I left the hostel at 1030 after cold pizza and cole slaw. The weather cleared and warmed and was good hiking. Laura falls was beautiful! The trail has good steps and nice bridges.
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Watauqa Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mt Shelter
Miles today: 13.7

Homer, Mr Clean, Traveling South, and I were at the shelter. Traveling South was at the base camp of Everest last year. I left early and walked over the dam and climbed the mt. Walking the ridge, I had good views of the lake. I had a good hour nap and got to the shelter by 4. This is early for me and gives me extra cooking time. There's talk that it might rain.
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Iron Mt Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

The day started out sunny and then rain and hail. The weather kept changing back and forth. Radio and Krazy Katy and I walked much of the day together. The trail was moderate ups and downs. At the shelter, I talked with some other older people and heard his view of the Jetboil, a high efficiency stove. Today I had twice the junk food I eat. I'm carrying almost 2 days of extra food, which I need to get down. I sure enjoyed my big chocolate bar. Snickers were ok and I had too many crackers.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The walk into town was an easy downhill. The town has a leanto in the park and welcomes hikers. Signs are up for Trail Days..12 may+. I had lunch with Radio and Krazy Katy at the Mexican place. I'm staying with Mr. Clean at the outfitter hostel. No cell phone service for me here so I'll use the calling card. I've showered and hanging out before I get groceries, make calls, and do other town things. Damascus is really a hiker and biker town. It's comfortable to just hang around.
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Damascus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

still in Damascus   zero dayThe weather was rainy so I stayed. I had breakfast at the Dairy King with other hikers. I went back and forth about leaving, but the rain came. I spent a little time at the library checking my trail journal. Last night the Smiths gave hikers a super lasagna dinner. Thanks so much! About 20 hikers were there. In two weeks, trail days will make this town jump to 30,000.
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Damascus

To: Pond Camp Site
Miles today: 12.7

I got out at 9 and went down the street. I stopped at the store for a Gatorade and passed other stores til I got to the VA creeper. It was cloudy but pleasant on a good trail. I talked with a local who would not sell land to the gov but the trail still goes thru his land. The gov wants 10 of his 30 acreas so he tells them to get off his land. He was nice to me and we talked on. Later I walked with Caveman 2000 and learned alot about AT hiking. There's a lot of beautiful country to see and south ME will kick my butt. The cs near the pond was nice except when it rained the tree frogs went crazy and croaked all around me. They put the snorers to shame. My new jetboil stove really works well and cuts down my cooking time. I had hot oatmeal in the am and really enjoyed it.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Pond Camp Site

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

There was a light rain last night. I packed my wet tarp and headed off. This was the day to climb Mt Rogers, the highest mt in VA. At times White Top the earlier mt seemed like the big one with good views. Then I saw the next one and it was bigger. The switch-backs were big and went on several sides of the mt. At the shelter I saw a baby pony. I took a pic for Willie of him feeding the mother a carrot with the baby looking. This was another cold night.
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: SR 603
Miles today: 12.7

Skylark's jetboil would not work, so we swapped out parts from my stove. Her fuel feed was broken. This was a day of seeing more ponies. Many people compare the VA highlands to Montana. There were balds with fierce winds and rock faces. The views were vistas that exposed the ridge and valley. At times the trail was rocky, but gentle slope. It snowed some flakes after my morning sunny nap.