morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Big Springs Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night at Big Springs Shelter , I met Night Stalker. he is originally from Cahokia, Ill. and attended Southern Illinois University majoring in Philosophy. I live about 15 miles from the campus in Edwardsville. The hike from Big Springs Shelter to Winding Stairs Gap was enjoyable and rather easy. But from there to Siler Bald was a 4 mile all up hill. I departed from Big Springs around 7:30 and arrived at Siler Bald Shelter at 4:30, on the way I took two 30 minute breaks. The group of hikers at the shelter last night decided to head for Franklin, NC. So tonights hikers at the shelter were The Garland Five, a family hiking to Maine, Blue from NY, Rock Steady,who hiked in at 6:30 and 5 tents set up down from the shelter. The children in the Garland Five were 9,11,13. While hiking today my thougths were about Albert Mountain. I do believe it is for rock climbers and not so much for hikers but the views were awesome.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

At 7:45, I left Siler Bald Shelter and arrived at Cold Springs at 3:15. It was cloudy most of the day and around 4:30 it started clearing and the sun came out.Tank, Diesel, Blue stayed in the shelter tonight and DiDi, Banana and 3 others are tenting on the ridge. There were two good climbs today, 4 1/2 miles to Wayah Bald, 5342 ft. from 4200 ft. and the one mile climb up to Cold Spring Shelter, 4200 ft. to 5100 ft. The observation Tower on Wayah Bald 5342 ft. had great views of the surrounding mountains from Geogia to the Great Smoky Mountains. I stayed there for 45 minutes, just looking around and enjoying the sight. NOTE : While hiking today, I was thinking about candy and other snacks and about supper time, that Hawkeye, my brother,who will be buying my dinner in two days when I arrive at Natahala Outdoor center. I can't wait.
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Today my original plan was not to hike to the final last mile to NOC, where I planned to be tomorrow to meet Hawkeye. But the more I walked, I started thinking about a hot shower for my stinking body and clothes but most of all hamburgers diet coke, ice cream. So here I am. The hike from Cold Springs was nice until I reached Tellico Gap from there it was a one mile hike,rough climb from 3800 ft to 4700 ft. and from there numerous ups and downs. But not so bad to wear me out. Tank was going to stay at Rufus Morgan Shelter, I didn't see it and walked right past it. So he says " Hi" He was thiking about a hot shower and hamburgers, also.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: NOC

To: NOC - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today, I took what hikers call a zero day - no hiking - a day of rest. Up this morning at 7 am. Showered, shaved and headed to the River's Edge Restaurant. Ordered sausage, eggs, hash browns,coffee and orange juice (toss in a couple of biscuits).Yes, it was good, matter in fact very good. Hawkeye and his wife, Senea,arrived at 10 am and we headed to the River's Edge restaurant. They ate breakfast and I had some more coffee. The Natahala Outdoor Center is a popular white water rafters center and has a base camp with bunk rooms, four beds to a room. There are two other hikers sharing the accomodations tonight - Samson, Doc and myself.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I started hiking from NOC at 7:30 and arrived at Sassafras Shelter at 12:30. This was 7 miles of pure torture, I never thought I would finish climbing. As soon as I reach the shelter, it started raining, I didn't care I was finished and called it a day. At the shelter, I located my space for the night,laid out my sleeping bag, cooked supper and into the bag I went. It was wonderful just to relax and listen to the conversation of the other hikers. Tomorrow, 15 miles- that's the plan.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Sassafras Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

I walked in the rain this morning, parts of the trail were slippery and I fell twice. The first fall was on my back and the second was on my stomach. I departed Sassafras Shelter at 7:30 am and arrived at Cable Gap Shelter at 5 pm. There were 8 of us in a shelter that has the capacity of 6. It was a long day and it is now 8 pm. Time for bed. As for as the sleeping arrangement, 7 lined up in a roll and one horizotal (Craggly, female hiker from New York had that honor).
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Cable gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

I have now hiked 163.1 miles. I was up at 6 am and on the trail at 7 am, it was raining. The trail had character muddy, slippery (very),rocky. The most difficult was the downhill which was very slippery but I managed to hike into Fontana without any falls. I arrived at the Marina parking lot at 10 am. The plan was to meet Hawkeye and he spend the day,we'll resupply and shared the experience. At the Marina I was with Vt. Sue, we piled in the truck and headed to the Fontana Inn, where we registered for rooms. Checked in and resupplied in Robbinsville and had lunch. That evening, Hawkeye, myself, White Patch, Good Tyme, Blueberry Bert, Mouse Bait, The colonel, Map maker and several others celebrated Vt. Sue's birthday. The carrot Cake was fantastic.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up at 6:30, it snowed last night. I was sure glad that today is a zero day. I heard that it was to be in the 20's at the higher elevations.I had breakfast, finished my laundry, made a few phone calls. Vt. Sue and I hiked the three miles from the Marina to the the trailhead leading up into the Smokies. This hiked decided so that we wouldn't have to hike this stretch in the morning (mostly road walking). While doing laundry, 6 of us hikers were video taped, it is part of a film about the the experience of A.T. thru hikers. The 6 that were interviewed were Myself, Mark and Nancy,Tyler and Melisa and Mouse Bait. Well, tomorrow I head out to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Fontana Dam

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

I checked out of the Fontana Inn at 7 am. The Colonel gave me and Vt. Sue a ride to the trailhead. On the trail at 7:30, the sky was blue and most of the snow at the lower elevation had melted.It was starting to melt at the higher elevations and the trail was muddy."Nice hiking"water running down the trail. Walking in a stream bed, that's the only way to describe it.The walk up to Shuckstack fire tower wasn't too bad, I hiked the A.T. last year through the Smokies, rained mostly everyday, maybe better weather this time! Vt. Sue and I took a break at the fire tower, good picture taking day. The views from the the tower were great. I fell one time today coming down, very muddy. When I reach the Birch Springs campsite, I met a Ridge Runner(these guys walk the trail in the Park and check out the conditions of the trail and shelter areas, cleaning up sites and generally sharing the conditions of the trail with hikers.) At Mollies Ridge Shelter, a Boy Scout Troop planning to stay the night, 12 Scouts. The shelter is full tonight and about 10 tents set up around the area. White Patch, Mouse Bait, Scarecrow, Tyler and Melisa, Mark and Nancy and a whole lot of other hikers. Tomorrow hiking to Derrick's Knob Shelter.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Fontana Dam

To: Derrick's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: few clouds

Well, yesterday Vt. Sue became known as Gaiter Girl. The trail name came about because she wears knee high gaiters while hiking. White Patch and Mouse Bait gave her the name. I left Mollie's Ridge at 7:30 and arrived at Derrick's Knob at 4 pm. I took a lunch break at Rocky Top, the views were great, and you could see Fontana Lake, Shuckstack Tower in the distance. There were a lot of climbs today, a 2 mile 800 ft. from big Adam's Gap to Mt. Squires, a two mile, 500 ft climb up Rocky Top and Thurderhead Mountain and a one mile, 500 ft. climb to the shelter (plus a whole lot of smaller climbs). It seemed up and down all day.Tonight I'm tenting, someone, I think it was Home Boy, said he thinks he saw a rat in the shelter. It probably was a squirrel. but, I'm not taking any chances. It's 8 pm., time to go to bed. Good night.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Derrick's Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Tonight at Mt. Collin's Shelter are Scarecrow, Big tree, White Patch, Mouse Bait, Wife and Beater, Hawkeye, Map Maker and Home Boy. Today there were two major climbs, Clineman's Dome and Mt. Collins. The view from Clineman's Dome was great, a cloudless sky. I met John, a Ridge Runner and 3 men doing trail maintenace as well as several other hikers. The trail was nice and dry going to Clineman's Dome but wet and muddy in places going to Mt. Collins. Met two young female, Nikki and Amy hiking to Clineman's Dome. They asked lots of questions about thru hiking the A.T. I arrived at Mt. Collin's Shelter at 4:45 - Hawkeye was there waiting for me. He will hike with me tomorrow to Ice Water Shelter, stay the night and back track to Newfound Gap and drive back home. Our next meeting will be at Standing Bear Hostel for resupply. By the way at Indian Gap, Louisanna Sue, Trail Angel was handing out fruit, sandwiches and cokes and at Newfound Gap, Ox was there with another trail angel welcome . It is 8 pm and time for sleep. Good night, Jason,see you in October.
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Mt. Collins

To: Ice Water Springs Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was a short and perfect weather day. Hawkeye and I left Mt. Collins Shelter about 8 am. Yesterday's hike and today's was like hiking in an alpine forest with the fragrance of Balsam.When we reached Indian Gap, we should did appreciate Louisanna Lou's refreshments and in no time at all there was a serious convention of other thru hikers enjoying the generosity. It was not long before we reach Newfound and enjoyed the sodas, candy, cookies, fruit that Ox was sharing. The sky was cloudless and the temperature was in the high 70's. Yes, we stayed there for about an hour and the conversation was delightful. A lady walked up to the crowd of hikers enjoying Ox's handouts and inquired if anyone had seen Easy Does It.She was assured he was on his way, probably would arrive within the hour. Everyone that stayed at Mt. Collins had arrived and everyone hitched a ride to Gatlinburg, except Hawkeye and myself. We proceeded on to Ice Water Springs and arrived at4 pm. by dark-thirty there must have been 25 hikers at the shelter as the city group hitched back to Newfound Gap and hiked in to the shelter.The 12 man shlter had 14 in the sleeping area, 2 on the floor and the rest tent to tent. We ate as soon as we arrived and at 8 pm hit the bags. See you Terra in October.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Ice Water Springs Shelter

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Now I have hikes 219.4 miles. Hawkeye hiked out about 6:45 back to his truck and back home to Clyde, NC, he will meet me again at the Standing Bear Hostel on Wed. the 21st. I left the shelter at 7 am and arrived at Tricorner Knob at 2:30. Another beautiful day for hiking, great views of mountains and valleys and best of all the trail was dry. Yesterday at Ice Water Springs Shelter, Scaggly stopped by, she stayed in Gatlinburg last night. She headed out for Peck's Corner Shelter. Here at Tricorner Knob, there is a trail maintenance crew. They have removed the chain length fence that encloses the shelter ( these fences were designed to keep bears out). Also the roof has been removed and replaced with plastic sheathing (tempory until remodeling completed). Tomorrow a helicopter will fly in bringing poles so the cable system can be installed. Nope, not TV, but a pretty neat system to hang your food, so that critters and bears don't steal your food. In June a crew is starting the renovation of the shelter. Hikers here tonight are Wife and Beater, Mark and Nancy, Samson, Mouse Bait, Skipper, Map Maker, Pension, Scarecrow, Big Tree, Kelly Jo, Gaiter Girl and I Need A Hug plus several others. Well 8 pm bag time. Good night all.
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Tricorner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

7:15 departed the Tricorner Knob Shelter and arrived in Davenport about 3:15. On the way took the side trail to Mt. Camera fire tower, about 1/2 mile off the A.T.The sky was cloudy but still the views were worth the trip. For the past 4 days nothing but cloudless skies, this is the 3rd time that I have been to Mt. Camera, the last 2 rain and thick clouds, couldn't see thirty feet. So, this time much improvement considering my past experiences. It rained today but not much, at least not enought to slip on my rain gear. Tomorrow, I will hike into Standing Bear Hostel and wash clothes, take a shower, after all it's been 6 days. But, I'm not alone. The stinking hiking crew for tonight are Mouse Bait, Scarecrow, Wife and Beater, Mark and Nancy, Tyler and Mellisa, Iodine, I Need a Hug, White Patch, Samson, Big Tree,Map Maker and myself " Mushroom". Hawkeye is to meet me at noon.
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: broken clouds

Departed Davenport Gap Shelter at 7:15 am and arrived at Standing Bear Shelter around 9:00 am. Phoned Hawkeye to let him know that I have arrived at the hostel. Then I took a long hot shower, which felt good, next on the agenda was to wash my clothes that I've been wearing for the past 6 days, well since Fontana. When Hawkeye arrived we drove over to Newport, Tennessee, had lunch at the Cracker Barrel,trip to Wal-Mart to re-supply (film, food). At the hostel tonight are White Patch, Mark & Nancy, Mouse Bait, Map Maker, Big tree, Hiking Bear and myself. Hawkeye drove back home as he has to work, he being younger brother hasn't reach the "good Life yet". An interesting thing about Standing Bear is that it operates on the honor system. Each hiker keeps a running account, sorta like a "tab". Everything that you buy,candy,food,soda,room rate you tally up and leave in a registration envelope as you depart back onto the trail.I really liked this place, matter in fact this is "a great place". Curtis the owner makes you feel right at home.
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Campsite near Max Patch
Miles today: 12.8

I departed the hostel at 7:00 pm and arrived at the campsite at 4:30 pm, Took a break for lunch at the Groundhog Creek Shelter around 11:30. While at Groundhog Shelter, Mark and Nancy, White Patch, Mouse Bait, Map Maker and Hiking Bear hiked in and dined,as well. I started off the morning with a major climb up Snowbird Mountain, from an elevation 2000 ft. to 4300 ft. in a 5 mile hike. From there down to a gap and climbed for 5 1/2 miles to Max Patch road. This was about 1300 ft.Tomorrow I meet Hawkeye on Max Patch Mountain and we will hike together for 3 days. Tonight I"m at the campsite by myself. It is quiet and peaceful, rather nice change. And by the way, Christy the bears haven't gotten me yet. But, I am tired and looking forward to seeing Hawkeye and getting a restful sleep tonight.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Campsite near Max Patch

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hawkeye is scheduled to arrive around 10:30. So I decided to sleep in this morning. So, I'm out of the bag at 7:30. Packed my tent and gear departed the campsite ay 8:00 and arrived on top of Max Patch at 9:00. I have some time to kill,so I took pictures, walked around the summit ( Max Patch is a bald and you can see a 360 degree view). It was clear and the views were magnificent, appears the mountains go on and on, like waves in the ocean.I see Hawkeye hiking up the south side of the trail and it is 10:30.We take a few pictures after greeting one another, put our packs on and then I tell Hawkeye that we have to hike 16 miles today because I need to be in Hot Springs before 10:30 on Saturday before the Post Office closes.His response was rather abrupt " What the H..., now you tell me, as we see the dust from the shuttle van headed to Hot Springs. We headed out and the next 4 miles was rather easy hiking until we reach Lemon Gap. Up the trail, we stopped at Roaring Fork Shelter. At the shelter was Mouse Bait and Big Tree burning their stoves making lunch. We discarded our packs and filtered some water and had a snack. Hiking Bear walked in and decided it was time for a break as well. After about 30 min., we hiked up Walnut Mountain, tough climb and stopped at the Walnut Mountain Shelter. This is one of the first shelter built on the southern stretch of the trail, built from logs and it has seen better days. The next climb was Bluff Mountain, 1200 ft. and it was a steady climb. The 20 min. break at Walnut Shelter helped as the climb from there was challenging. Once up on Bluff Mountain the hike to Garenflo Gap was all down hill and the mountain side was covered in Bleeding Hearts and May Apples. Hawkeye picked up a blister, but first aided it with mole skin and caught up with me in about 30 min. At Garenflo Gap, Mouse Bait and Big tree was taking a break in the middle of the trail "look out for the poison ivy". At the Gap a sign stated 3 1/2 mile to Deer Park Shelter, we have hiked 13 miles. We reach the shelter at 7:30 pm, tomorrow 3 miles to Hot Springs.It would be no problem getting into Hot Springs before the Post Offics closed. The shelter was full, so Hawkeye and I put up our tents, 8 tents in all around the shelter. Camping here tonight were White Patch, Mouse Bait, Map Maker, Hi Octane, Hiking Bear, Wife and Beater and Big tree.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

Hawkeye and I arrived at Hot Springs about 9:00 am. We left Deer Park Shelter around 7:15. As we were approaching Hot Springs, the trail leave the woods and enters a road as now were in town. As leaving the trail there was a "ratty old fence" and I ripped my pants pocket on an old nail on the fence post. Later Hi Octane said that he ripped his pants pocket on the same nail, Hawkeye was spared the experience.When we arrived the first stop was at Smoky Mountain Diner, breakfast. We dropped our packs. Hawkeye went into the restaurant and I headed for the Post Office. When I returned we had pan cakes, eggs, hash browns, coffee and a whole lot of other good stuff. Real food is a gift from Heaven. Elmer's Hostel was full so we headed to the campground, Thru-hikers Hand Book mentioned that they had cabins for rent. On the way Hi Octane joined us and we all shared in the expense, $22 each. Later that evening the 3 of us ate at the Bridge Street Cafe. Open porch along the river and the food was great. Waitress had a real nice smile. At the Post Office, I received the mail that Jason mailed. Keep the mail coming, Jason, thanks. Terra, Hawkeye is sending you a map of the trail.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Hot Springs

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

Up early,Hawkeye and I were on our way by 7:00, Hi Octane slept in and appears he is staying in Hot Springs another day. We stopped at the campground store for coffee and planned our day, which is like every other day - pack up and walk. Life is pretty simple on the trail. We started hiking at 7:30. For the next 6 1/2 miles mostly climbing, the initial climb up Lover's Leap giving spectacular views of the river flowing through Hot Springs (French Broad River)and of Hot Springs and surrounding mountains. Eventually came to Highway 208, crossed the highway and started climbing Rich Mountain. This was 2 1/2 mile hike to the fire tower on Rich Mountain, steady climb. Stopped to filter water before reaching the tower and Frier and Sierra Marmot stopped to fill up. Hiking up to the tower kept hearing a "horn-like sound", Hawkeye thought if was a hunter calling his dogs.When we reach the tower the sound was coming from the wind blowing through a wind gauge at the tower. Hiking today has been nice walking, cool and a breeze, but it looked like rain on its way. Met a box turtle on the A. T., headed south, now this was a real box turtle not a thru hiker. But, if he is headed to Springer Mountain, he has about 275 miles to go and at his pace it is going to take a loooong time.Finally we arrived at the shelter. Hawkeye was the first hiker to arrive and I pulled in shortly after. We staked out our sleeping space in the shelter, no tent tonight as rain most likely. The shelter sleeps 6 and it was built by the CCC back in 1938, all logs and put together without nails. You might say a "post and beam construction", tin roof and everyone suspected that it would leak. The shelter filled up quickly as hikers arrived and about 200 yds up the trail 4 tents set up for the night. Yes, it rained, no the roof did not leak.The gnats were pesty so we started a smoky fire and this helped reduce the pesty creatures flying around " sorta like the cartoon Peanuts with Pig Pen drawn with the flies buzzing around his head". Well, we arrived at the shelter about 3:30, saw many varieties of wild flowers. Trillium,several varieties red , white, yellow, Drawf Iris, Pink Lady Slippers, May Apples, Lily of the Valley and many more. Hawkeye leaving the trail tomorrow and has arranged a shuttle pick up at Allen Gap, as for myself a 16 miler. So, good night.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up to the sound of rain throughout the night, there is something soothing about listening to the rain on a tin roof. Up at 6:30 and we left the shelter at 7:45, it was raining. Hawkeye to meet his shuttle at Allen Gap at 10:30 and I on to Jerry Cabin. It took about 2 hours to reach the Gap, still raining. Just before we reach the Gap, Skipper and Pension were right behind us. Skipper knew that Hawkeye was getting off the trail and he asked if he could get a ride back to town. He said he is heading back home. At the Gap, Hawkeye and I swapted watches as my battery died and he gave me his pocket knife. He thought my plastic kitchen knife was insufficient for a Thru-hiker. We said our good-byes and I departed leaving him and Skipper waiting in the rain for their shuttle back to Hot Springs. Well, as you might guess, the rain was cold and it looked like it was here to stay for the day. No views today, cloudy and foggy, reached the shelter at 4 :30. My sleeping bag was wet as the rainfly had slipped up. I was lucky as I arrived at the shelter, Joanne had a fire started in the shelter's fire place. This helped as I dried my bag , it took about an hour to do so. Joanne calls herself "a sample hiker",She is on the A. T. to sample the hiking experience. She is 67 yrs. old. At the shelter tonight are: Joanne, Mayaques,AKA Pension, Sierra Marmot, Spiderweb, Frier and Halfmoon. The hard climb today was the 5 mile 1800 ft to Camp Creek Bald. Bag time , good night.
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

At 7:15 departed Jerry Cabin Shelter. Today, I passed a stone memorial for Howard E. Bassett of Connecticut, a 1968 Thru-hiker. His ashes were scattered nearby in 1988. Also, I passed two head stones, brothers. Wm. Shelton,Co.E, 2nd. Inf.and David Shelton, Co. C, 3rd.Mtn. Inf.. Both were killed during the Civil War while visiting their family. No views today too cloudy. The major climb was a 2 1/2 mile, 1600 ft.up Frozen Knob. I arrived at the shelter at 4:00. Lots of company tonight; Smoky Mountain Steve, Little Chicken, Tabacco, Mayaques, Sierra Marmot, Spiderweb,Frier, and myself.