morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-06
From: SILER BALD SHELTER

To: COLD SPRING SHELTER
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

Well we got our plan now, its Thursday and we have until Monday to do about 50 miles by Monday to get to Fontana Dam and drop Kaya off. Ive been doing my share to lighten up her pack by carrying a few pounds of her food, after all Ive been following her for many miles that I was thinking of renaming the trail to Starfish Trail. The weather has been perfect. Today we passed through 2 Balds, Siler which was up the hill from the shelter we stayed in last night and Wayah Bald which is at an elevation of 5,342 and has a nice tower of stone. The views and visibilty from the tower were awesome, six of us had our lunch there. Another easy 6 miles to the shelter with plenty of daylight. That night was the usual band of gypsies around the fire, with Kaya licking everybody dishes clean. The end of another great day.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: COLD SPRING SHELTER

To: NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Today a few of us decided that we were going to hike to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, get a bunk in the hostel, have a nice meal, hang out by the river and get an early start on that 7 mile climb we heard so much about tomorrow. As usual the last one to leave the shelter this morning.I hiked with Trey and Kaya all day. We caught up to Real World and friends at the Wesser Bald Tower. What great views all the way up to the Great Smoky Mountains. Today we really burned up the trail, we were doing 3 to 4 miles an hour and that was on the uphills. We arrived at NOC, rented 2 bunks in the hostel and had a great lunch. After lunch Trey started heaving pretty bad, I got him to the shade ,he was hot and cold and was starting to cough up blood so I called 911 to get an ambulance to get him to the hospital, they agreed. So long Trey, see you tommorow. I strapped Treys pack on mine and walked a half a mile to the hostel with over 70 pounds on my back and Kaya. Did our laundry then took Kaya down to the river to do some yogiing for a few hours, how can you refuse such a sweet face, the dog did pretty good too. I'll call the hospital in the morning to check on Trey, I think he should be out tomorrow.
Date: 2004-05-08
From: NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER

To: NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a great sleep last night, shared a 4 person room with another thru hiker and Kaya. I had a nice breakfeast at the Rivers End Restaurant then called the hospital to find out Trey's condition. He said he was eating breakfeast and would be ready to check out as soon as I could pick him up. No problem. The manager at NOC volunteered to take me to the hospital in Bryson City N.C. to pick him up and bring him back. Thank You. When we picked Trey up he told us that he had some type of bacteria and was also dehydrated and they had to pump him up with blood and fluids and he was alright now. I had also found out that Real World had gotten ill and went to Atlanta to see a specialist. I wonder if he found the bolt I put in his pack? I carried it the day before and it has been passed around unknowingly for a few days now. Well its back to rocks. Trey had contacted his friends who were going to pick up Kaya on Monday to change it to Wednesday. Sounds like a day off to me. The hikers we passed can catch up to us now, all day long hikers were stopping at NOC, Butterfingers and her crew, Sun Pig with his new blisters, Tom who we havent seen in days and many others. That afternoon we thumbed a ride to the supermarket in Bryson City to get groceries for our big cookout at the hostel. What a feast, pork chops everywhere yum yum. That night was some storm, lightning, hail and rain. I invited everybody to the feast but some of you had to hike on, sorry. Hope you didn't get too wet because we had a few nice dry rooms at the hostel. What a great place for an off day, I would like to come back here someday.
Date: 2004-05-09
From: NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER

To: SASSAFRAS GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

Everybody had breakfeast in The Rivers End Restaurant today,hung out for a few more hours then most of us hiked out today for Sassafras Gap Shelter. That 6.6 mile uphill from 1740' to over 5000' Big Deal. Its still only 6 miles, a few hours. A real nice hike with some beautiful views. It was a full house at the shelter tonight, both levels. There was alot of dirt in this shelter possibly from the storm yesterday. According to the log book the hikers who left NOC yesterday didn't have too much fun hiking in the storm to get here, Sorry I invited you to stay at NOC for the Feast last night. K-Bear showwed up after a few days off the trail with friends. We had another nice campfire going then I pulled out the bag of marshmallows I bought in Bryson City, everybody sitting around the fire roasting marshmallows like old times. Another great day on the trail. Two more days to Fontana to drop Kaya off.
Date: 2004-05-10
From: SASSAFRAS GAP SHELTER

To: BROWN FORK GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Everybodys cleared out except us bums. Trash Barrel Carol is sweeping up a storm in the shelter. Perfect hiking weather today, 70s and no rain. Up and down switchbacks through a few gaps over a bald and before you know it your at the next shelter. Trey, Kaya and myself taking turns leading the whole way. Kaya has only one more day before she gets picked up at Fontana Village, and I have less then fifty miles to go before completing my hike. But it's not over yet.
Date: 2004-05-11
From: BROWN FORK GAP SHELTER

To: FONTANA DAM VILLAGE
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow that was fast, we burnt up some trail today. I told Trey we would get to the Post Office to get his mail drop with time to spare and we did. Tom, Trey, Kaya and I slept in the hostel that was built for the workers when they made the dam. Everybody else is probaly at the Fontana Hilton. That evening in the restaurant after a good meal about 12 of us hikers hung out for a while drinking coffee and shooting the breeze, The waitresses were great, they kept my cup full Thank You. After dinner we did some laundry and hung out until the wee hours at the 24 hour laundry and soda machine. This is a pretty quiet place in the off season, that should be changing in a week or so. But for now it belongs to us. Am I supposed to be on a hike or a vacation?
Date: 2004-05-12
From: FONTANA DAM VILLAGE

To: FONTANA HILTON
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Here we are at Fontana Village, Kaya has been picked up and were trying to make a decision. Should we get a ride back to the NOC and from there get a ride up to Damascus for Trail Days this weekend, keep on hiking or take another off day and stay at the Fontana Hilton tonight. Well I am on vacation and still have plenty of time left another day off wouldn't hurt. Hanging around, eating, playing ping-pong, skinny dipping in the pool. That evening everybody met at the "Fontana Hilton" for a bar-b-que. After dinner, Tom who ate at the restaurant walked up to the shelter with a cup of coffee for me from one of the waitresses, sorry for not showwing up tonight, Thank You very much for remembering how I love coffee. Love You. This has to be the best shelter on the whole trail. Showers,his and hers flush toilets, street lamp with on off switch, electric outlet I guess for recharging phones, next time I'll bring a t.v. with me. Also dont forget the water fountain, picnic table, garbage cans that get emtied daily. At night a few of us walked across the Dam, Its a must see sight the lights going across the dam look like a string of pearls. Another great camp fire and a great day off. Somebody turn off the lamp. Good Night.
Date: 2004-05-13
From: FONTANA HILTON

To: MOLLIES RIDGE SHELTER
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Everybody woke up this morning to a bacon and eggs breakfeast at the Fontana Hilton. Sun Pig, Trey, Hobo Joe, Trash Barrel Carol and Simon decided to try to make it up to Damascus for Trail Days this weekend. Its been really great hiking with everybody and I hope we meet again someday on the trail. Thanks everybody. Its Tom an I now heading north. After the long goodbyes were off but wait, its the Super Troopers, the two nicest guys you'll ever meet on the trail, sitting on Fontana Dam having just completed their hike and waiting for their ride home. Its been a pleasure guys, Thanks. And here we go The Great Smokies. Saw my first few deer of the whole trip today, followed one for about a half mile on the trail, also a few by the shelter. Nice hike up to the tower with great views of Fontana Lake. alot of weekenders out, well it is the most visited National Park, and we started out as rookies once also. You can tell the difference between Thru Hikers and Weekenders just by looking at their gear. Tom and I kept the tradition going and had another nice fire going, a nice sunset through the trees and when its dark it looks like Gatlinburg all lit up in the distance behind the shelter. Another great day, only twenty something miles to go.
Date: 2004-05-14
From: MOLLIES RIDGE SHELTER

To: DERRICK KNOB SHELTER
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the first full day in the smokies. Hiked all day with Tom, Little cloudy today but I guess thats how this place got its name. Got to finally stay in a shelter with the bear cages. There have been quite a few bear sightings by other hikers but I think we can do with out the cages. Tonight we had a new crew of thru hikers at the shelter, Baloo, Montana, Rowboat, Reverend J.D. and many others, sorry I forgot your names but I remember one from Germany and one from Australia. Oh and lets not forget the weekenders who lightened their load by giving out food. Tom and I kept the tradition going with another campfire. I believe this is a first fire for some of the thru hikers. Careful with that gas Reverand, never mind, you wont need that razor now. ha ha. Another great day, only 10 more miles to Clingmans Dome. We could do that in 1 easy day or stretch it into 2 really easy days, well see tomorrow.
Date: 2004-05-15
From: DERRICK KNOB SHELTER

To: DOUBLE SPRING GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Well decided to take the last few miles in 2 days instead of 1 this way tomorrow we can climb Clingmans Dome and get into Gatlinburg early. Besides I still have plenty of time left on my vacation and Im in no rush to get back to the millions of people in the Big Apple. Gave Baloo and Montana a 2 hour headstart today and caught up to them before they reached the shelter. We met up with a group of Coors drinking Cowboys on horseback today. Good thing I voted for Bush because I might stil be in the Smokies. Passed many dayhikers today. Most of the thru hikers are in pretty good shape now and can do big mile days if they want to. This is my last night on the trail. Double Spring Gap Shelter is on the North Carolina Tennesee border with two springs, the one on the N.C. side is much better. Also dont look for a privvy. Another nice campfire tonight, my final one. Its hard to believe my hike is just about over, just a little hop and a skip up Clingmans Dome and thats it.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: DOUBLE SPRING GAP SHELTER

To: CLINGMANS DOME
Miles today: 2.9

Well thats it, the last couple of miles to Clingmans Dome then a hitch into Gatlinburg. Tom and I hiked together. Today I hiked like it was a stroll in the park, trying to savor every last step. We made it to the top of the Dome, answered questions from the tourist, enjoyed the view some more then caught a ride to Newfound Gap when it started to rain lightly. One more easy ride to Gatlinburg and Im done. My mind and body want to keep going on the trail but I know I have to get back to the real world. Ive still got a few days to get home so Tom and I checked into a motel, showered and went to the buffet at Shoneys, talk about hungry, were lucky they didnt charge us double. We hung out most of the night on the main strip with the thousands of tourist. Tomorrow Ill get a ride to Knoxville and catch a bus back to New York and readjust to work again. Well I guess all good things come to an end.
Date: 2004-01-29
To: relaxation
Miles today: 0.0

Well about four months ago I decided I would hike again. 2 mos ago I started to tell select people. Now I'm ready to tell the world. I'm a dropout from '02, I made it to Erwin. I had a great time made some lasting friendships, and most of all learned alot about myself and long distance hiking.So Ihad a year and a half to figuere out what I wanted to do differently(like get to ME)and now I hope I'm ready
Date: 2004-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just filling my 3 post requirement.Waiting, preparing, eating...not much left to do.Already started my good-byes for the people I just occasionaly see.packing, repacking, I've got a loose plan. Damascus in 50 days. Should be easy if everything goes right. Just 9 mi a day.I plan to shelter hop. Not that I'm going ultra light, but I don't feel like carrying my tent.
Date: 2004-01-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

1 month from today I will be getting in the car. A wave of excitement hit me this morning. I called Miss Janet to get the ball rolling on kenneling my dog through the smokies. That is probably the most important thing that I haven't taken care of yet. Although she's hours from Fontana Villiage she, as usual, said she could help me out...what a lady! Miss J also recomended that I take my tarp(for shelter), saying that Mar 1 was one of the biggest start days last year. I already spent the 5 bucks for the 3 ounce tarp so I might as well take it. I can send it back at Neel's Gap if I feel I won't use it. Last time I hiked I used a tarp(the "Taj Mahal") but this time I really want to try to shelter hop.I was and still am hoping my start date won't leave me tripping over hundreds of hikers leaving Amicola Falls. But if that is the case, so be it. I understand the popularity of the trail and enjoy the community spirit.
Date: 2004-01-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Big weekend. I shuffled the cards and came out with a better hand...here's the story.Saturday, just before I was leaving for my fathers superbowl party in MA, my girlfriend's brother (who lives in Fl) calls and they were talking about my trip. To cut to the short of it, now I'm leaving VT nine days earlier then planned and were taking my girlfriends kid down to see her grandparents, aunts, and uncles for a week.If I was bored of waiting a few days ago, now I can just about catch my breath reorginizing the trip to Springer into a family vacation leaving after school on the 20th. Big bonus getting to take a dip in the gulf of mexico right before setting out for Maine!To top that off, I've been trying to get my hands on a video camera so I could make my own documentery on the trail. Even though my parents have been trying to do everything they can to try to change my mind about going back on the trail, they told me they were going to get me the camera! Not that I want to add any more weight, not so much the camera weight but the three batteries I plan to bring, but this is good weight. So everyone look out for me and give me a smile. I'm going to record as many stories as I can from everyone I meet. It should lead to a most interesting summer!
Date: 2004-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well just 9 days untill I get in the car for my trip south, to start my journey north. Everything is still looking pretty good keeping with my first thought of leaving for Fla on the 20th and the only change looks like i'll be starting the approach trail now on the third, one day befor planned but better for everyone with me. When the calander reads March Forth, I will be on my way up Springer answering the call. I bought Cosmos a new bag this week. He really seems to like it. I had one befor this but it seemed like it wasn't right for him. We took him shopping at REI in MA. He was so proud to be able to go in the store. Also this week I finally got my new Data book and Companion. Also bought my video camera. A cannon ZR85. I'm still not sure I'm keeping it yet,but that's probably what I'll have along with a Cannon Rebel for shooting B&W. Oh so excited when I start thinking about everything. I haven't weighed my bag yet and I still havn't gotten the extra battries but I was wearing my bag around today, packed full except for water weight and what I mentioned before, and it felt great!
Date: 2004-02-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2 days now untill I leave. This morning I'm waking up at my parents in MA. One more last good-bye. I'm extremely excited, but now i'm in no rush. My bag is packed, Drop box schedule and contents lists untill Harpers Ferry. Boxes are full and have lables on them all the way to Damascus. I've never been so prepared.I weighed myself yesterday, 180 on the button. I wish I could have started 20 lbs heavier, but I was pretty inactive this winter and didn't have much of an appitite. I have no exact bag weight but it's ranking in somewhere between heavy and stupid. Fully loaded after a 7 day bump box will surely leave me over 50. 10 of those lbs are electronics. Too much? yes, but it will be worth the memories. My only other weight waster in my pack. It's 5lbs empty. It was one of my first gear purchases 4 yrs ago. I can pack my whole town into it. Maybe this summer I'll get a new one. Other then those troubles, my gear is really lighht.Time now to dride home to VT and pack the car for Friday's trip. I plan to leave around 6 PM. Hopefully everyone will sleep untill VA. Full car; 3 people 1 80lb dog and lots of crap. Watch out I 95...here I come.
Date: 2004-02-20
To: Goodbye VT
Miles today: 0.0

This is it. The day. I'm leaving in a couple of hours. The car is packed with everything but us. I'm still not sure what I want to do about the drive down to FL, but it should come to me. There's a snowstorm coming in tonight. I hope to be far enough south when I run into it that it is only rain. We'll see.It's a beautiful day here right know. It must be in the 30's, the sun is shining and it feels like spring. I was swinging on my bench gazing off into the yard, just daydreaming. I could see two little birds. What a moment. It was nice to take a half hour to just step back and look at what I'm leaving beind for a couple of months. I'll be trying to walk home, and then some. I live 10 miles from the trail outside Norwich VT. The yard will be in full bloom when I get back! What a sight to see.Off to try to take a nap now. I will write sometime from Fl and tell how my ride goes.
Date: 2004-02-28
To: Florida
Miles today: 0.0

Well we made it. Left VT in a snowstorm friday night. The first 100 miles took over 2.5 hours. We left a little later then I wanted to which was why we cought snow but once we got on the other side of Killington it dried out. Started sleeting for a few minutes and then it was smooth saling until Wilkes-Barre PA we hit soooo much fog. 40 mph was too fast sometimes, but slowly but surely I drove on to somewhere south of Harrisburg where I called it quits around 3-4 AM. I slept on the steering wheel for three hrs, woke up, drove int VA and found a waffle house. After breakfast, first for us, leftovers for Cosmos and then a quick walk, back in the car, Southbound. I still didn't feel totally alive going down the road so I noticed a town named Bueno Vista and decided I needed to be there. Cosmos and I took a 20 min hike in BV while Dee and Caitlin filled the gas tank. Back on the road and while the drive was going really well I felt the need to get out of the car again. I saw signs for Hungry Mother SP and decided it was a winner. We grabbed burgers and spent a half hour there. Huge rhododendroms!The rest of the afternoon went well. It felt great to get back into TN and I was reenergized. I made it down to Dothan GA around 4 PM and we ate a nice dinner and got a room.Next day we got up and went to Stone Mtn, the south's Mt Rushmore, hiked a few hrs and the drove to Dee's parents in Marianna Fla. We've been here since. The weather's been cold but the people have been very warm and caring. We've had large family dinners every night and it's just been very nice to have Caitlin hanging out with her grandparents, aunts, and uncles.It finally warmed up today into the 60's and we went down to the Gulf and Caitlin went swimming while Cosmos and I hit the trails. We saw deer and I filmed a Great Blue Heron catch a fish.It's supposed to keep getting warmer until we leave for GA. oh yes Georgia. I think I'll just stop on that thought.
Date: 2004-03-03
From: Florida

To: Springer Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

The day finally arrived. After spending the night at hotel above the falls, at daybreak Dee drove Cosmos and I down to the start of the approach trail. All was going well until just befor the restroom aside the falls. Something went wrong with my insides and let me say, I don't know why anyone would put a bathroom right next to the falls but because of my unexpected situation, that is probably my favorite restroom ...anywhere!So, now that I got through that hurdle, and I know that there's absolutly nothing left inside my body, I march the next couple hundred yards up to the road and back over to the hotel parking lot. Everyone was out there waiting for me. We were supposed to do breakfast, but I decided that wasn't a good idea anymore. So I put Cosmos' pack on him, I carried mine from the start, and just said quick goodbye's. I felt like I was crusing up the approach, it deffinetly wasn't easy, but I'm so glad that I did it. I got into the shelter early afternoon, ate and went back to catch the sunset on Springer. I couldn't believe I had made it. Just the start, but nothing gets accomplished with out first starting it. I also couldn't believe I was alone. Not a sole on Springer March 3rd except me and my pup.
Date: 2004-03-05
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow! What a day. The most miles I EVER hiked in a day. I also carried Cosmos' pack for 10 mi. It all started as a mistake.We left Hawk Mtn at 8AM and arrived at Gooch at 11:15, the morning fog had turned into mist an hour befor the shelter and once I got there it turned to rain. I was proud to be dry but questioning my idea to stay. I got in the shelter the day befor at noon and ended up sleeping poorly because I was rested long befor I went to bed. I decided to push on and sleep under my tarp even though I new it was supposed to rain.I headed out at 2:30 walked for two hrs and set up my tarp on Ramrock mtn. I ate and got in my sleeping bag but Cosmos was unsettled. After being on ramrock for two hrs I set off once again. I made it to Woody gap well after sunset, pumped water and made my way up Big Cedar Mtn. It started raining on and off, sometimes hard.Around 10 I started getting tired and thought I was just about to Wood's Hole and it started POURING! I saw a sign coming up and got excited. I thought I finally made it. Turns out I was only at Jarrad gap! I was dissapointed to say the least but I decided to take Cosmos' pack and carry it for him. We made it finally to Woods Hole shelter at 11PM. Visibility had been between 5-15 ft all night and when I followed the trail to the shelter, everyone had tented on both sides of the trail and in the fog it looked like a dead end. I was puzzled, I walked in circles for a few minutes and the told Cosmos to go find the shelter for me.Cosmos went right to the shelter. I had made a little noise searching for the shelter so I woke some people up. When my lamp lit up Cosmos, Sweaty Pig saw his silhouette and jumped up screaming BEAR! BEAR! BEAR! Well I found the shelter. Alls well that ends well. But it didn't end there.The shelter was pretty full and Cosmos and I were soaked so I decided to just sleep in the rocks under the overhang. That worked until around two when it started raining sideways. It was a pretty uncomfortable night but made for some great stories. Anyway I didn't think I could walk that far and feel so good.