morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Want to hear about the hike today? It was up, down, up, down, up, down, up (including spectacular mtn. vistas including several balds). But, let me tell you about some cool people we've met. There's a couple called the "Slackers" who are section hiking and whenever we pass them they tell us where their truck is parked so we can get drinks from their cooler in the back; today, around 3:00 and into mile 14, we come upon a huge dome tent and "Apple" (trailname) is serving hotdogs, drinks, candy, etc. to hikers (we had a great stop there, he even invited everyone to spend the night, but we went on to the next shelter); and, then, there's "Mary" who leaves her number with the motels in Franklin so hikers can call her for a free shuttle back to the trail. This is what we call "Trail Magic." People who help out hikers along the way!
Date: 2004-03-18
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: US 19 - NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Three things all hikers talk about (remember I now have ten days experience): the weather; food: and the next section of the trail. Well, there was 50% chance of rain today and it rained alll day (and that's why we stopped early). All the restaurants at NOC are still closed so we had to hitch for about 4 miles to eat dinner. And, as far as the next section of the trail, everyone is saying tomorow's climb is one of the hardest. We need to start early so we can do the 16 miles to the shelter. Rumor is that the temps are about to plunge.Hello to everyone - I miss you all!Hi Zach and Jordan
Date: 2004-03-19
From: US 19 - NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

O.K. If this section of the trail is the hardest, then GREAT, because it is now behind us. I got my first blister today. The saying goes, "No rain, no pain, no Maine." I wondered when I started this hike how my body would take the constant day in and day out grind. On the third day out my right knee started bothering me, so I guess I over compensated with my left and my left ankle swelled up (iced it and it got better). Overall I feel stronger every day. It was a beautiful hiking day today - in the 60's.
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

An easy hike today. Started around 7:00 and pulled into Fontana around 1:30. I've read so many journals that talked about topping the ridge and seeing the lake down below and now I can say, "I've been there and done that." It was another almost too warm day - it drizzled a little for about 20 minutes. We saw our first wild flowers - yellow ones, white ones, purple ones all along the trail. We're at the Hiker Inn where we were shuttled into town (Robinsville) to resupply and eat a great Chinese buffet. We start into the Smokies tomorrow. The Fontana Dam area is truly a beautiful place and I think I would like to visit back here again sometime.
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

All of a sudden the temperatures have crashed! We're in the shelter (built to sleep 12) with about 15 others (including 7 Boy Scouts). The shelter has a fence across the front and there's plastic across the fence, and there's a fireplace inside this space, so it's decent inside, but everything outside is freezing (water bottles/foodbags). All day today, I thought how amazing it is that as many thousands of feet cross the AT it is still a very narrow foot path covered with rocks and roots (which get slick as glass when wet). In several places the trail is just a tiny space between rocks with the blaze painted on the rocks. What a journey - what an experience!
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Springs Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

O.K. I admit it! Today was a difficult day! Maybe it was the temperature - 20; maybe it was the altitude; maybe it was the fact that the trail was covered with snow and ice and I fell twice (it's O.K. - I fell backwards - flat on my pack); or, maybe, it was because on one of those falls, I broke one of my walking sticks. We had on so many layers of clothes that it felt awkward walking - I felt like I could hardly move, much less hike! Whatever, this too will pass! We're in the shelter tonight with a bunch of other thru hikers. Tomorrow is another milestone, we cross Clingman's Dome - the highest point on the whole AT.
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter

To: Ice Water Springs Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Started the day with our walk up Clingman's Dome - 6643 ft. We were walking directly into the sun (I know that's east - not north?). It was an wasy hike up (maybe my body is adjusting to the altitude since we slept at 5504 ft. last night). Coming down the other side of Clingman's was solid ice (did I mention the temp got down to 18 last night). I have to constantly watch my every step. We crossed Newfound Gap and I was surprised at the crowds of people there. Everyone wants to ask you questions about your hike, your equipment, etc. We're in a great shelter tonight and (I hope I'm not jinxing myself) we think the temps may stay above freezing.
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Ice Water Springs Shelter

To: Cosby Know Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow! What a long day! It was a beautiful clear hiking day (after a litle shower passed thru during the night). We got to the shelter where we intended to stay by 2:00 so we decided to keep going. This is the last shelter in the Smokies. It has been a great hike through some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The shelter is full again tonight.
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Cosby Know Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

Went up Camerer Mtn. and said good-by to the Smokies. Memories of frozen water bottles, Charlie's Bunion, and making room in the shelters for late hikers. Stopped by Mountain Mama's for a cheeseburger at lunch time today, and made a quick call home to my husband (it's been 5 days since we talked). Tomorrow we'll be picked up at Lemon Gap to go to Hot Springs, N.C. where my hiking partner's wife will be meeting us. We're both excited - its been 17 days since we've seen family. It's been 6 days in the same clothes - no bath (and, yes, Brenda, my eyeliner has worn off).
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Lemon Gap Road
Miles today: 11.8

Another beautiful hiking day. Went up Max Patch and down into Lemon Gap where we got a shuttle into Hot Springs, N.C. Showered, washed clothes, and went over to Paddler's Pub where I had a rack of ribs. My hiking partner's wife caught up to us there and we had a great reunion. We met "Mousetrap" at the laundramat. The story on the trail is that he carries a mouse trap with him on the trail and that in one night he trapped 13 mice, laid them end to end, and took a picture. "Mousetrap" says he had some help, but, yeah, the story is true.
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Lemon Gap Road

To: Hot Springs, N.C.
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Did I mention that the AT goes right thru this town? Our shuttle worked perfectly (shuttled back to Lemon Gap and hiked thru to town), and, so, we've ended up with two nights in town and no "zero" days. The trail comes down off the hill just behind the little cottage we've had for these two nights (arranged by the Duckett House). The hike today was sort of "uneventful." I was glad my daughter-in-law was able to hike with us.Happy Birthday Kacy - I miss you - I owe you one birthday dinner!!!
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Hot Springs, N.C.

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After the trail goes thru Hot Springs, it crosses the bridge, follows the river (French Broad), and then turns straight up (some beautiful views of the river from the rocks above - one formation called "Lover's Leap"). It seemed the hike the rest of the day was all "up." We didn't get started until about 10:30. Bluff Mtn.Outfitters not only has anything a hiker could need (including resupply food), but they internet access for thru hikers. I was able to catch up my journals after breakfast. We're on the trail again for the next four days until we get to Erwin, Tn.
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night was the first night since we started our hike that the females out-numbered the males in the shelter. "Nails," from Florida, "Dances With Scarves," from Kentucky, my hiking partner and myself were the only ones in the shelter tonight. I slept pretty well considering the wind howled all night. Yesterday's temperature was in the 70's - that's hot when you're climbing mountains. Today's a little cooler and there's an 80% chance of rain tonight and tomorrow. We had a neat hike today (more like rock climbing) over Blackstack Cliffs. We still haven't seen any deer or bear.Hello to all of you!!!!
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Hog Back Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Rain today!! I figured out 3 good things about rainy days: 1) it makes me walk in the "present - you can only see right in front of you (foggy) so I'm not looking ahead at the how high the next hill is; 2) it cuts down on breaks (who wants to stop in the pouring rain for a "shoe off" break, or even to take a picture), so it increases your hiking mileage; and, 3) it has cooled the temperatures and as long as it stays about 45 degrees walking in the rain isn't so bad. We stopped early today because we had planned to tent tongiht, but with the rain we decided we better get in a shelter. The shelter is full tonight.
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Hog Back Ridge Shelter

To: Sprivey Gap
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Whoops! April Fool - one day early! We woke up this morning with snow on everything, and it was still pouring when we left the shelter at 7:00. We were the first out, so we broke the trail. It snowed, sleeted, rained, snowed again, all day. On top of "Big Bald" mountain there was about 8 inches of untouched snow, and the fog and blowing snow made it really difficult to follow the white blazes. Thankfully, my hiking partner seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to following the trail. Everything we had worn yesterday was wet and everything we had on today was soaked, so we decided to hitch a ride into Erwin, Tn. tonight to dry out and go back to Spivery Gap in the A.M. to hike the 11 miles back into town. Oh - the one good thing about hiking in the snow - it is really, really beautiful!
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Sprivey Gap

To: Erwin, Tn.
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

The motel manager took one look at us last night, and said, "Oh, how long have you been out?" He then proceeded to give us a warm room (with a bathtub), and offered to shuttle us back to the trail to do the hike into town. It was an easy and enjoyable hike with some beautiful views of the Nolichucky Gorge and River. We have to re-supply for the next 5 days, do laundry, and, hurrah, I've caught up on my journals! Hope all of you who are keeping up are enjoying them. Tomorrow we head out for Roan Mountain, the last 6,000 ft. mountain on the trail until we get to New Hampshire. And, of course, we are now looking forward to being in Damascus in about a week where my husband will pick us up and we'll spend Easter week-end at home in Alleghany County!!!Hello all of you at Sharon Elementary - See you all soon!!
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Erwin, Tn.

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: snow

When we left Erwin and stopped by Nolichucky Hostel to pick up our packages the temp was around 40 and there was a drizzling rain. We had been warned! Ms. Janet (of Ms.Janet's Hostel in Erwin) had told us that if we were planning on heading out on Fri. that she had heard there was about 15" of snow on Unaka Mtn. Well, let's say that was somewhat of an under-exaggeration. Beauty Spot (a bald) and Unaka both had snow up to my knees. I was so glad I was carrying a heavy pack, because (even with the pack) the wind was blowing me sideways. The snow really slows down our hiking time, and it was nearly dark when we got to the shelter. Please, would someone tell the weatherman it's spring!
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Cherry Gap Shelter was full last night. Two high school students from Berea, Ky. were finishing up a 120 mile hike (done in a week). "Stats" and "Double Weed" had taken a zero day in the shelter to stay out of the snow storm. By 8:00 a.m. it was alread 34 degrees and it was not snowing, so we started out. It didn't snow on us today, but we still walked in anywhere from 3-15" of snow depending on our elevation (and the drifts). I discovered another advantage of walking in the snow - you can practically slide downhill - just drag your feet and down you go! At 3:00 the sky broke and the sun came out - HURRAH! We've stopped early because the next shelter is on Roan Mtn., and we expect it to be super cold there tonight. Tomorrow we"ll go up and over Roan - we'll still be walking in the snow, but maybe, at least, the sun will be shining.
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter (The Barn)
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We were all alone in the shelter last night. It was 24 degrees when we started hiking this morning and 22 degrees when we crossed the top of Roan Mtn. at 12:00 (did I mention that my shoes had frozen during the night, and, of course, the only way to thaw them is to put them on and wear them - good thing I had lossened the laces). The snow is still really deep (15") in places. At times, I feel like I'm missing a lot of the hike, because in the snow you just keep your eyes on the footprints in front of you, and keep a look out for the blazes. The day that it was snowing hard I felt like I was just walking around and around in circles most of the day. Oh, well, the view from Roan Bald (5800 ft.) was really beautiful. Maybe I'll come back and do this part of the trail again sometime. The shelter we're in tonight is a big barn converted for AT hikers. Inside my sleeping bag, I'm toasty. Let's just hope I don't need a "privy break" during the night!
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Over Mountain Shelter (The Barn)

To: Tent Site North of 19E
Miles today: 18.0

It's 8:00 a.m. and its 18 degrees in this barn, and we're sitting in our sleeping bags eating peanut butter cookies. We're praying that when the sun comes up it will warm things up a bit. The wind is howling! Our options today are to do 6 miles to the next shelter, 9 miles and hitch into a town, or 15+ miles and tent tonight (the next shelter would be 27 miles - still out of my daily range). Soe, we left the shelter around 9:00 (it was still around 20 degrees). We climbed Little Hump and Hump Mtn. (both balds - the wind nearly blew us away - it blew my hiking poles out sideways - no kidding!). When we started descending the other side (after Doll Flats) the snow disappeared. By the time we ate lunch at Apple House Shelter it was 48 degrees and we started shedding our multiple layers of clothes. There was a beautiful walk around the Elk River where the grass was green and flowers are blooming. We're tenting tonight. We have a campfire, and it is really quiet and comfortable. We still haven't seen any animals, but we did see a tremendous bear track in the snow. I've seen plenty of bear tracks in the snow in Va., but nothing this huge!!! I really don't want to meet this bear!
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Tent Site North of 19E

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.2

Except for the hike over White Rock Mtn. where there was still snow, we're back into spring! The temp were in the upper 50's and wild flowers are blooming everywhere. We walked with "Kung Fu" a lot today. He plans on getting into Damascus on Thurs. We're at the Kincora Hostel tonight - hot showers and laundry done. There's another monther/son here tonight. She's hiking this section into Damascus with her thru-hiker son. We're going into town to re-supply with enough food for two days. We'll get to eat Chinese buffet tonight! Yummy!
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a great stay at Kincora Hostel. Today we did a slack pack for 9 miles over Pond Flat, and after a stop for a "Big Mac" attack at lunch we went on to hike almost 9 more miles to Vandeventer Shelter where it looks like we're going to be the only ones here tonight. The view from the rocks behind the shelter is spectacular, and we had been told to fix our dinner and eat it from these rocks and we did. Tomorrow we're planning a "big push" so we can get into Damascus early on Friday. We're going home for Easter (our first zero days since we started).
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful weather and an easy trail to hike today - what more could a hiker ask? Got to the shelter around 5:30 and there was still room for two more!! Tomorrow will be 10 miles to Damascus and we will take Sat. and Sun off. We'll be heading back out of Damascus on MOnday morning. Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad today!
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA.
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is our one month anniversary on the trail, and we're 21% finished! This is really above our expectations. We did the easy ten miles today in about 3.5 hours. Everyone is saying Va. will be easy hiking. I've done some of the trail in Va. and (at the time I did it) I didn't think it was easy! I think walking in the snow made my legs stronger, and I'm sure with the two days rest we'll be re-energized and ready to tackle Va. to Harper's Ferry!
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Damascus, VA.

To: Home - Clifton Forge, Va.
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a "get ready for Easter" shopping day. Need to color eggs tonight! I'm one of these true traditionalists!! I still need to do laundry and shop for re-supply before we head back to Damascus. Some of you guys have asked about what I eat on the trail. Breakfast is breakfast bars, honey buns, lunch cakes, peanut butter, etc. Lunch is lunch cakes, honey buns, peanut butter/cheese crackers, candy bars, etc. Dinner is usually some kind of noodles (macoroni/cheese, alfredo, etc.). Dinner we cook in plastic bags (put the dinner in the bag and just add water - eat out of the bag and you don't have any clean up). The emphasis is on trying to get enough calories - you can burn anywhere from 5,000-7,000 per day and it's almost impossible to eat that much. At the beginning of the hike, I really didn't believe I could eat Snickers all day, but one day on the trail I ate 4 - in addition to the Almond Joy, oatmeal cakes, etc. Of course, our water comes from whatever available source we find and it has to be treated (we are using Polar Pur). Easter dinner tomorrow at my Mom's - can't wait!
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Home - Clifton Forge, Va.

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What a great zero day! Plenty of rest, relaxation, and terrific food! Celebrated Easter at my Mom & Dad's with about 29 other relatives. Even though it was rainy, everyone had a great time. Hope the trail was good to all our hiker friends out there. Be back on Monday.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Home - Catawba

To: Troutville, Va.
Miles today: 21.3

Change in plans! Since heavy rain is predicted for the next three days, we've decided to stay at home and do some of our planned slack packs. Since we knew we were going to be soaked at the end of the day, we decided we would rather be soaked and going home than to be soaked and in a shelter or a tent. We left home at 6:30 a.m. and dropped the jeep off at the parking lot at Troutville. Then my husband drove us to Rt.311 at Catawba and let us off. It rained hard all day. This section of the trail has McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs where the veiws are supposed to be spectacular, but with the rain and fog we couldn't see a thing. The hike was pretty easy, but keep in mind we were only carrying our lunch and our water in our packs. More rain is expected tomorrow, but the temp is supposed to be better.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Home-Route 621

To: Catawba, Va.-Rt. 311
Miles today: 20.5

Today we started out at 6:30 and parked the jeep where we had begun our hike the day before. My husband drove us to Rt. 621 to begin our hike through to Catawba. It rained hard until about 3:00. We saw three Northbounders today - Cricket, Junior, and Rico - they were all headed to the Four Pines Hostel for the night. We saw deer as we headed toward Dragon's Toothe - the "white tails" were everywhere. The hike today was a variety - lots of up, lots of rock climbing, and finally a walk through a pasture field full of cows (the baby calves were precious). The temperature was a little warmer today, so the rain didn't feel too bad. We're heading back to Damascus in the morning even though we've heard a weather forecast of rain/mixed with snow. We're anxious to get back in our routine - up at dawn and walk til dark!!!
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: snow

Enough SNOW! O.K.? We left home and headed back to Damascus. The closer we got the more the ground was covered with snow! As we started to climb Straight Mtn. it got worse - we walked in 3-4 inches of snow most of the day and it is "freakin" cold tonight! The temps are supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow - does anyone believe that? Our first challenge is White Top Mtn. which we can see from the shelter and of course it is covered with snow. I had a good dinner tonight - stuffing with chicken and Bo Berry Biscuits I had bought at Bojangles on the way back to Damascus. Damascus is full of hikers. Many we had passed have caught up. Well, it's too cold to get out of my sleeping bag, so I guess I won't brush my teeth tonight!
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

It was a beautiful day and a beautiful hike today (even though there was still quite a bit of snow - 6-8 inches at the higher elevations). The sun was actually warm today. We climbed White Top Mtn. and crossed over the Grayson Highlands State Park where the wild ponies were grazing everywhere (we also saw deer again today). The trails are still running with water so we still have wet, sloppy feet, but at least it's warm. Our shelter tonight is one of the newer ones and sleeps eight, but right now we're here alone. Several people have passed thru on their way to the next shelter which is 6 miles away (since it only sleeps 6 I imagine it will be full tonight). Tomorrow we haope to do another 20 mile day, and we hope it will be sunny like today.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

We had a perfect hiking day today. It was cool when we started out at about 7:30, but by 10:00 we were hiking in short sleeves and shorts (there was still a lot of water in the trail, but even our shoes have dried out tonight). We crossed Massie's Gap and said good-bye to the wild ponies. We had a few mountains to climb (names like Pine and Hurricaine), but it was an easy hike today (even with my pack on - I'm down to 2 days of food so it's lighter that usual). We saw a big gang of turkeys and when we approached the shelter there was a deer standing right in front of it. We met the "Pokie Puppies" today - a husband and wife who started their hike in Damascus and when they finish in Maine the will come back to Damascus and hike south to Springer, Ga. So far we are the only ones in this shelter again tonight. Tomorrow we have to stop at the Village Motel to pick up our food boxes. We'll probably spend the night there so we can wash clothes and get a bath - Boy! Do we need it!