morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-19
From: Highway 60, Buena Vista, VA

To: Blue Ridge Parkway, MP51.7
Miles today: 10.5

I was on the trail. by 8:00 this morning, after one last wonderful breakfast at the Dutch Haus and saying goodbye to Lois. It was a very easy hike today, with only one significant climb, Rice Mountain (2,228 ft.). I was picked up by Trail Angel, Ken, who gave me a ride to nearby Wildwood Campground. This campground is known to be hiker friendly and that seems to be the case. The owner provided me with a towel and washcloth upon checking in, which is an improvement over my bandana and packtowel, that I would otherwise be using. It really is the little things that make such a difference. On the hike today, I passed through an area known as Brown Mountain. After the Civil War, it was inhabited by freed slaves (hence the name) who farmed the land. They would have to give half of their crop to the landowner in exchange for living on and using the land. I also passed through a virgin forest of huge hemlock trees. You seldom get to see such large and impressive trees.I'm going to find out if Bob Crowder reads his wife's journal. He is coming up to see me on Thursday and I've decided to take a couple of weeks off and come home with him for his 60th birthday, which is October 4th. The hike has gone so well that it was hard to make the decision to come home, but as I'vce walked along, I've had lots os time to think about it. I finally realized that if it were me having a birthday, and he didn't think it important enough to be with me, I'd be hurt. So, although I've given him lists of things to bring to me like warmer clothes, more food, etc., I will be home until October 9th. Then, I've made plans to resume hiking in NC with my friend, Fred. This will work out well for me, anyway, because I'm a little bored with hiking by myself all day. I'm happy with the progress I've made and with how well the hike has gone. I'm glad to be taking a break by my own choosing this time and know I'll be anxious to get back on the trail. I need to purchase something blaze orange before I get back on, as hunting season is upon us.
Date: 2005-09-20
From: Blue Ridge Parkway, MP51.7

To: James River Bridge
Miles today: 11.1

Today was another easy day. For once, I felt like I was going in the right direction. The major climb of the day was complete after a little over an hour, when I reached the summit of Bluff Mountain (which was no bluff at 3372 ft.). On top of this mountain was a monument memorializing a four year old little boy, whose body was found where the AT is now located. Little Ottie Cline did not return with the other boys from gathering wood for his schoolhouse stove in 1891. Even though hundreds searched for him, his body was not found for 5 months. When found, he was still wearing his little hat and was almost 4 miles as the crow flies from his school. As I headed on down the mountain, I couldn't help but tear up thinking of this little boy, who must have had such determination and will to live, to have traveled so far in trying to save himself. I can attest to the ruggedness of the area. Towards the end of the hike, I Walked through a beautiful area with a trout stream just below, and rock cliffs towering above. The leaves are just starting to change, which added to the picture. The woods are very dry, so I suspect that the fall colors will be short-lived as the leaves will be falling to the ground quickly. I have been on the trail since August 31st, and have traveled 238.2 miles since Harper's Ferry, WV. I have yet to experience rain! I'm not complaining, mind you. The weather has been exquisite!
Date: 2005-09-21
From: James River Bridge

To: Petites Gap, BRP, MP71
Miles today: 9.7

Today, I decided to hike northbound and asked my Trail Angel of late, Ken, to drop me off at the south end of this section. This is to be my last full day on the trail and I was hoping to run into my young friends, Eric and Elliot--also known as Skippy and Wobbles. I had left them a message several days ago at the Brown Mountain Shelter telling them that I was going home for a couple of weeks and would send them a lighter stove if they could let me know where to send it. Not knowing if they had gotten the message, I was hoping to catch them. I was pretty sure they would still be behind me, but it's hard to find someone when you're going in the same direction. As luck would have it, I did meet up with them just a couple miles north of the James River Bridge. They had seen my message and were very happy at the prospect of lightening their load a little. I'm going to give them a little alcohol stove that I used in Maine that is made out of a soda can. I prefer my MSR Pocket Rocket and, so far, have had no problem getting fuel canisters along the way. This is really what the AT is all about--everybody helping everybody out. So many people have helped me and I'm glad to have the chance to do something for someone else. The boys told me that they had jumped off the James River Footbridge, which is sort of a hiker tradition. I told them I was pretty sure they could be arrested for that! Of course, this hiker did NOT jump off the bridge! That's the difference in being 20-something and 54! Somethings are for the young!! The James River Footbridge is the longest footbridge on the AT at 625 feet long. Also, just before the bridge on the north side, the trail is at its lowest elevation of 659 feet in the James River Gorge. I expect to hike only a few short miles tomorrow before being found by Ghostwriter! It will be a joyous reunion, although I have so enjoyed hiking Central Virginia.
Date: 2005-09-22
From: Petites Gap, BRP, MP71

To: Thunder Ridge Overlook, BRP, MP74.7
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: broken clouds

Although I knew I would just end up waiting, I was anxious to get on the trail this morning. I reached the predetermined rendevous point after just over 2 hours of mostly uphill hiking. Yesterday and today, I noticed lots os Galax along the trail. Galax is a type of ground cover that grows in the mount+ns. It has broad, rounded, shiny leaves that are shaped sort of like a geranium leaf, and thet turn a dark, deep red later in the fall. Fred pointed it out to me a few years ago on a November backpacking trip in NC. He said that the locals gather it at Christmas time and use it in wreaths. Anyway, I'm here waiting for my chariot--Bob's newest vehicle, a only slightly used 2005 Roadtrek camper van that he purchased since I've been on the trail. Along with Bob will be Trekker and Mary, who should be pretty excited to see me! I expect them in about 2 hours, so I've made myself comfy on top of a picnic table.Since leaving Harper's Ferry, I've hiked 22 of 23 days, and covered 251.2 miles. It"s been a good trip and I look forward to resuming on October 10th. Right now, I've got to get into my pack and put on some warmer clothes! There's a chilly little breeze blowing up here in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Another gorgeous day in the mountains!
Date: 2005-10-09
From: Newfound Gap

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Fred's wife, Julie, and friend, Ben, accompanied Fred and me to the trailhead. Ben walked with Fred and me for the first 30 minutes, then turned back. The trail was very wet and sometimes muddy. The rocks and roots were slippery and the trees were dripping. It was foggy most of the time, but every so often, the sun would peek through. I considered the terrain to be quite easy, but Fred found it to be challenging-particularly the climbs. We only hiked 4.5 miles, then took the half-mile side trail to the shelter. It was only 12:45, so it was a very long afternoon for me.I would have liked to go much further, but I have to remember that I have been hiking and have my "trail legs." This was Fred's first significant hike since doing the AT through PA back in May. Fred entertained himself all afternoon trying to make a fire with wet wood. He only had limited success. By shortly after 6:00 we had both turned in for the night. There wasn't much else to do, and it was getting chilly. A SOBO hiker arrived about 7:00, so I got to compare notes with him on places we've stayed and people we both met. His trail name was "Pinball" because he had fixed a pinball machine at The Inn at Long Trail in Killington, VT. (As a foot note: The Inn at Long Trail is a neat place. Bob and I stopped in there a few years ago when we were hiking in Vermont. They have an Irish pub, and serve the best Irish Stew and perfect Guiness Stout on tap, served at exactly the correct temperature!) Pinball is an electrical engineer by profession.Sent from my Verizon Wireless Blackberry
Date: 2005-10-10
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Fred left the shelter at 8:20. I followed at 8:40 and soon caught up. It was mostly foggy with occasional sun peeking through. We were hoping for clear skies for Clingman's Dome, but that was not to be. Clingman's Dome is the highest point on the entire AT! Because of the fog we chose not to climb the observation tower, but did decide to take advantage of the restrooms with flush toilets and running water. In retrospect, I don't know why we did it. We didn't even need water, and we wasted time and energy walking the half-miledown, then back to the trail. Other than that, it was a nice day of hiking. Like yesterday, I was cautious of the slippery rocks and roots. The weather remained cool and pleasant. I don't think I've even broken a sweat this trip, which is good since, at the rate we're moving, it may be days before I can get a shower! The leaves have some color, although not as brilliant as I had hoped for. But, the Smokies are beautiful! I enjoy having Fred's company. It's a different kind of hiking for me, but it's good.Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Date: 2005-10-11
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

We're in the mountains now! Today was a challenging day. We left the shelter in heavy fog at 8:30. The sun tried to shine through a few times during the morning, but the fog stayed thick most of the day. This meant that we had no views, despite the climbs up Cold Spring Knob (5240 ft), Brier Knob (5215 ft), Thunderhead (5527 ft), and Rocky Top (5441 ft). I do think that when you are closed in by fog, you become more aware of what is close. I was captivated by the stark contrast between the bright red and gold colors of the maple leaves scattered on the trail, and the thick gray mist all around. Fred taught me about "Chicken of the Woods"-a bright orange fungi (maybe it's a lichen ??) that grows on logs and trees. It's edible and supposedly quite good when sauteed in butter. I took lots of pictures today of leaves, Chicken of the Woods, a spider web, and flowers. Fred is struggling with pain in his legs on the ascents, so our progress was slow. We didn't arrive at the shelter until 6:40. There were already 4 horse campers, (each with two horses), and a section hiker at the shelter area. The horse guys were very accomodating and generous with their food, fire, and fresh brewed coffee in the morning. Sadly, we arrived too late for supper, but we heard all about it. I think I'll wear earplugs tonight! This is a very nice shelter compared to any others I've seen in the Smokies.Sent from my Verizon Wireless Blackberry (but edited and re-keyed by "Ghostwriter!")
Date: 2005-10-12
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: light rain

Short, easy day today with only one significant climb. Skies were clear last night with the moon and stars visible. The "horse Guys" had a raging fire in the fireplace thaat was inside the shelter and it kept the shelter warm most of the night. I got my best night's sleep so far this trip. We arrived at the shelter today a little after 1:00. We had no choice but to do a short day today because this shelter is the last one before Fontana, 11 miles away. Fred has been busy buiding a fire. The sun tries to shine every now and then for a minute or two, but it's mostly overcast. Sure wish I had a good book!Sent from my Verizon Wireless Blackberry, subject to interpretation and tampering by "Ghostwriter!"
Date: 2005-10-13
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

I started getting dressed in the dark this morning, concerned with making it to Fontana by the 5:00 deadline for our shuttle to the Hike Inn, where a shower awaits me. I got little sleep last night as the mice were very active and could be heard scampering about all night long. At one point, I shined my headlight over at my pack, which was hung from the ceiling of the shelter, and saw a mouse crawling all over it. I got up and took the pack down, took it outside and hung it with our food on the bear cables. I didn't want the little booger to get the opportunity to chew a whole in my pack. We make it down to Fontana in plenty of time. The hike was almost all downhill. The weather was lovely and, finally, SUNNY! The woods were lush and green, with little evidence of fall at the lower elevations. Fred and I are sharing spartan, but clean, accomodations at The Hike Inn, a hiker-only motel near Fontana. We were shuttled into Robbinsville for dinner, and then the pharmacy and grocery stores for supplies. It feels great to have had a hot shower, clean clothes, and a soft bed with sheets! No mice tonight!!Sent from my Verizon Wireless Blackberry, and manipulated into printable form by "Ghostwriter."   (At least he gets to do something again for this hike!)
Date: 2005-10-14
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

This was a lovely, pleasant hike. The weather was cool, breezy, and sunny. I met two guys from Jackson, Mississippi who were out for a weekend trip. Too bad for them, they don't know my brilliant niece, Darby, who lives in Jackson. Next, I met a couple from Jacksonville, Florida who were out dayhiking to celebrate the gal's 60th birthday. The husband is a Circuit Court Judge and they are both graduates of Univ. of Fla., my alma mater. There are four of us in the shelter tonight. This is the smallest shelter I remember seeing on the AT. Fred and I are sharing it with a man from Bonita Springs, FL and his son, who is from Detroit. They section hike a little each year, always heading North from where they left off the year before. There are also five hikers in tents above and below the shelter. A few years ago, Fred and I camped here on a section hike with friends, Ben, Carol, and Cece. I've done almost all of the trail from North of Fontana on down to Springer Mountain on section hikes and day hikes over the years. Being familiar with this area, I know we've got some beautiful scenery coming up! Fred's got another great fire going on this cool night. We'll enjoy it for a while, and then turn in to get our rest for tomorrow's hike.Sent from my Verizon Blackless Wireberry,,,,("Ghost" is at it again!!)
Date: 2005-10-15
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Brown's Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: clear sky

There has been little cellphone reception in these parts, but I was able to successfully call home from on top of a high ridge this morning. I was feeling a little homesick this Saturday morning, but felt much better after getting to talk to my honey at home. I love hiking, but it's never too long before homesickness sets in. Fred's a good companion and that helps a lot. We've done a lot of hiking together from time to time over the past twelve years. The flip-side of that is that the low-milage days make the trip much longer and it's hard to think about being away so long. Today is a perfect day to hike, with temps in the mid 60's, with breezes and lots of sunshine. After climbing up to some high ridges, we had beautiful views of mountain ranges on both sides, and Fontana Lake far down below. We arrived at the shelter a little after 1:30 and Fred got busy making his fire. Some weekend backpackers stopped in for a lunch break, but moved on. I'm catching up my journal since I have a signal for my Blackberry, and may start the book I'm now carrying. I'm amazed at how much more hiker traffic there is down here than there was just last month when I was doing West Virginia and Virginia. It is nice to see so many people out enjoying the trail.(Now, hopefully "Ghostwriter " will get this out to you without mangling it too much....Sent from my Verizon Wireless Blackberry
Date: 2005-10-17
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

It was cold last night!! It was definitely in the 40's. My problem was temperature regulation. All night long I was back and forth between too warm and too cold, and could not seem to hit on the right formula of clothes or how open or closed to keep the hood of my down sleeping bag. I woke up alot and will have to get better at this. Shortly after getting under way this morning, I met my first bear hunter. Pete came up the trail behind me with his 4 Plot Hounds and GUN. He was actually very courteous and we had a nice conversatin about his dogs and what is involved in hunting bears. Plot Hounds are black with droopy ears and sweet faces. They originated in England, but were introduced to the US in Western NC. They are the state dog! I had forgotten that some states have a "state dog." But then I remembered Ghost telling me about a case back home in Martin County, FL involving a Catahoula Leopard Hound which is the state dog of Louisiana. (I wonder if the Boston Bulldog (Terrier) is the state dog of Massachusetts. My friend, Bryna, might know!) When the dogs alert to the scent of a bear, they are let off lead to chase and, ultimately, tree the bear. Their radio collars lead the hunter to the bear. That's when all goes as planned. Pete shared lots of examples of what can go wrong. I was assured that hikers are pretty safe, because the hunter is only shooting at the bear in the tree, and not at just anything that moves. This would have been all great had we not come upon a number of other hunters what were foul-mouthed redneck yahoos who certainly did nothing to reinforce the idea that anyone is safe for miles around these guys. I'm not real keen on the idea of killing bears. They sort of remind me of our Rottweiller, Trek, Ghost's "trail assistant." The bears will steal your food, if they can. But Trek will steal your food too, if you give him a chance. The bears are very interesting, and , if left alone, they provide a sense of connection to a more innocent and primitive time in the American wilderness when you chance upon them on the trail. Fred and I arrived at the Nantahala Outdoor Center at 12:30. Fred's wife, Julie, was there to meet us. We had lunch and I picked up a few supplies for the next few days of my hike. Then, we drove to Murphy where I had a shower at Fred & Julie's, and was able to wash my clothes. Fred took me to Super Walmart where I bought a pair of gloves and a blaze-orange vest to keep on my pack for the rest of the trip. I don't want to be mistaken for a bear! I'm sleeping in a warm, soft bed tonight. Fred is promising me pancakes for breakfast, and then he'll take me back to the trail. I dread being all by myself again, but I must get on with it! The weather promises to be perfect for the next few days...-Landcruiser
Date: 2005-10-18
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Early this morning Fred and Julie gave me a great breakfast of yummy homemade pancakes with raisins in them. Then, they drove me back to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Fred is the only person I know who likes raisins as much as I do! After lots of hugs and kisses all around, I headed up the trail. It was about 9:15 as I began what I knew was to be a long climb out of the Nantahala Gorge. I met lots of section hikers along the way, including some nice kids from Pfeiffer College in Charlotte, NC, a very good looking Chocolate Lab traildog, named Chloe, who was wearing a pack, and a couple of men we had met on the trail a few days before. These two guys were using two cars to shuttle themselves along the trail. I should see them again tomorrow. I passed the first shelter about 12:30 and reached the Wesser Bald firetower a little before 1:00. I had lunch up there with a 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. I was joined by a group of 7 firefighters from Miami Beach who were doing a group hike. They seemed amazed that I had come so far up hill in such a short time. I think they were pretty amazed that I was out by myself, too. I missed Fred all day, but was glad that he didn't have to deal with his painful legs on such a long, hard climb. After the firetower, I got to go down for a while before beginning another big climb out of Tellico Gap. I heard hunting dogs off and on all day and finally one caught my scent and came nearby just baying away as if I was a bear in a tree! I told him to shhhh and he did! He then lost interest in me and went away. I never saw the hunter. I reached Cold Spring Shelter about 4:15, fixed my dinner, and am about ready for bed. This is an old shelter, built in 1933, and the floor slopes, so I hope I'm not going to be sliding off my sleeping pad all night. The weather had warmed up today, but it was still pleasant with temps in the 70's and blue skies. It looks like I am all alone tonight. I'm looking at a fire ring with lots of wood already gathered that I think Fred would have approved of. The bear cable here is broken, so I hope no one has told the bears! I also could do without the mice tonight. It's now 7:18 and almost dark...Time for bed!....--Landcruiser
Date: 2005-10-19
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

It doesn't get daylight now until after 7:00, and I didn't get out of my sleeping bag until 7:30. I left the shelter at 8:30 and just a few minutes later met several hunters and 7 or 8 dogs. They were very polite. I didn't bother to tell them that I had not seen any sign of bear. The trail was easy downhill to Burningtown Gap, 1.2 miles. Then I had a little climbing, but nothing like yesterday. I reached the observation tower on Wayah Bald about 11:15 and had an early lunch. I was able to make contact with some friends from Tallahassee who have a vacation home in Franklin. As luck--or "trail magic"-- would have it, they were enroute to Franklin and could pick me up at Winding Stair. They took me to their house for the night. I had a shower, a scrumptious dinner, and wonderful conversation. It sure beats being all by myself at a shelter. Thanks, Mary Jo and Buddy!