morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Rock Gap, NC

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

We left early again today with only 14 miles planned. We hiked through Rock Gap, Wallace Gap, Winding Stair Gap, Swinging Lick Gap, Panther Gap and ended up on top of Wayah Bald (5,342'). Where once an old fire tower stood, there is now a public observation tower. From this tower, you can see in most directions. We were even able to see Albert Mountain (hiked that yesterday) and look ahead to Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains (we'll be there in a couple days)."Trail Magic" (unexpected good things happening) is definitely on our side. One of the greatest Trail Angels is "Trail Heiffer" (also saw her on a previous hike). She came out to the Trail in her VW bus and collapsible cooking set-up and made spaghetti, meatballs, homemade banana pudding and brought drinks and bread for hikers. She spent the night with us as we slept under the stars for the 1st time (that means no tent, no shelter - just a ground cover and sleeping bag). The stars were beautiful and abundant.What a great day and night!PS - I forgot to mention that my cell phone worked a little and I spoke to my granddaughters, Aubrey and Brynn, and daughters, Courtney (birthday) and Jonann and my wife. The cell phone battery went out so I'll call Kimberly tomorrow.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Wayah Bald

To: Nantahala River Outdoor Center
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was a day of "puds" - that's trail jargon for pointless ups and downs. Halfway through the hike, we stopped at Wesser Bald (4627') and climbed the fire tower to take pictures. Ran into Steuy again and kind of have the feeling we'll cross paths many times before our journey ends.We've made it to the Nantahala Outdoor Center which is a whitewater rafting center. This place reminds me of another rafting business close to here we visited on a favorite family vacation of our 3 daughters, boyfriends and my wife and I. We took the whitewater rafting trip (all in one raft) and had a great, great time. The only person that went into the water was me - thanks to one of the boyfriends (Thanks again, Todd) who was supposed to be the lookout person and missed the humungous rock ahead of us. We all laughed and laughed and have a great picture for recalling this trip.Anyway, we stayed at the hostel here at the Outdoor Center and ate dinner at a cafe above the water where the rafters come through. This place is definitely hiker friendly.I have several family members to reach tonight by landline but the line at the public pay phone is really, really long. Perhaps I can try in the morning.I'm working on trying to find a different tent. I have the MSR Missing Link but it seems to take up too much space in the areas where we're camping. The outfitter here doesn't have what I'm looking for but I'm checking other places.I also want to thank all those who have been signing my Guest Book on this site. Your wishes mean so much and keep me going. Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Nantahala River Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap, NC
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Before starting our hike today, we had to pick up our mail and food boxes sent from home. My box contained Chopat Knee Pads and a couple other things I left in the car when my wife dropped me at Springer Mountain. I also received a cute card from the grandkids, some goodies and a letter from my wife. The Post Office didn't open until 7:30 am so we got a little later start. We had some tough hiking and climbing today including our ascent to Cheoah Bald (5062'). The Bald offered great views of mountains on both sides of us.We started our day at 1740', then ascended to Wright Gap (2380'), Tyre Top (2800'), Grassy Gap (3050'), Grassy Top (3250'), Swim Bald (4750')and continued upward to Cheoah Bald. We then descended to Locust Cove Gap (3750'), Simp Gap (3720') and ended at Stecoah Gap (3165') where we tented in back of a service road. It was a warm and comfortable night for sleeping.T2 made a great beef stew dinner and shared it with me. Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Stecoah Gap, NC

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

We had a tough climb out of Stecoah Gap and hiked several hours in cool weather. We flip-flopped again with Scott, a young man on his way to Damascus, Virginia to meet his girlfriend.It started to rain while we ate lunch at Cable Gap Shelter. The light rain continued for a couple more hours while we hiked.We arrived at Fonanta Dam on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Another milestone and another state - 2 down - 12 to go. The Dam area is beautiful. There is also a marina, gift shop and visitor center. Hikers are welcome here as there are special showers available for them.Tomorrow we will be heading into Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Backpackers have to register to enter the Park so we did that.Looking forward to stopping in Gatlinburg in a couple days.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-11
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter, Great Smoky Mtn. Nat'l Park
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: few clouds

I forgot to tell you a couple days ago that when three of us were deciding whether to have lunch or keep hiking, we were greeted at Sassafras Gap Shelter by a doe. The doe was not afraid of us and came so close we could have touched her. I did take a picture of T2 (Tsquared) and the doe.As I mentioned in my entry yesterday, we arrived at Fontana Dam and were going to spend the night there. Well, we saw that we had a heavy day of mileage planned for today and decided to night hike another 5 miles to a campground to make today's hike a little shorter. We left the campground early this morning and headed to Derrick Knob Shelter. It was a good day and an interesting day.About 2-1/2 miles into our hike, we came upon 10 bears high on a ridge while we were down in a valley. There was a mother and 2 cubs, a mother and a cub, a mother and a cub, a mother and a cub and a big black bear. I was able to take a few pictures and will share them later if they turn out. We continued walking on the Trail which carried us around a ridge and then about 50 feet ahead of us, we saw the male bear (I'm guessing he weighed about 500 pounds)looking down at us. The bear stood on his hind legs, reached up and clawed a tree. A Forest Ranger we spoke to earlier told us we might see bears and said the tree clawing meant the bear was marking his territory.While hiking, we ran into Scott again and shared a break. We also talked with Magic Touch, a thru-hiker on his way to Maine.We stayed at Derrick Knob shelter. The shelters are closed on 3-sides and open on 1 side. The open side here in the Smokies is caged because of the bears in the Park.I have been wearing a Chicago Cubs baseball cap (in memory of my Dad, a Cubs fan) and lost it somewhere on the Trail yesterday. Amy, Cleve and several other hikers helped me look for it - but had no luck in finding it. I'll have to get another hat at the next town stop.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Derrick Knob Shelter, Great Smoky Mtn. Nat'l Park

To: Newfound Gap, Great Smoky Mtn. Nat'l Park
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We left the shelter at 7 this morning and hiked until 7 tonight. Today's hike was strenuous and the weather was somewhat muggy. We had a tough climb up to Clingman's Dome (6643'). I believe this is the highest elevation on the Trail. We did have great views from the observation deck even though it was a little hazy.How about a little Trail Magic? As we were heading to Clingman's Dome, we ran into a volunteer ridgerunner who we had spoken to earlier. He saw I wasn't wearing any hat and asked if I had lost mine. He said he found a gunmetal blue baseball cap with a red C on it. He had picked it up and took it home and hoped he would find the person it belonged to. He gave me his business card and said to call his wife and ask her to mail it to me. Who would have thought I would ever get my cap back?Tsquared and I took our packs off while we rested and took pictures. We then put our backpacks on again and headed to Newfound Gap. There we got a ride into Gatlinburg for purposes of going to the Happy Hiker Outfitter in the morning. Rain has been threatening but no downpours.We stayed overnight at the Family Inn Motel and ate dinner at a Mexican restaurant. It doesn't take much more than a warm shower, a good meal and clean clothes to make a hiker happy.Gatlinburg holds special memories for me. My wife and I honeymooned in Gatlinburg 34 years ago and we vacationed there several times with our children when they were younger.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Newfound Gap, Great Smoky Mtn. Nat'l Park

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, Great Smoky Mtn. Nat'l Pa
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

On our way out of Gatlinburg and back to the trailhead, another hiker gave me a message that my lost hat was at the Sugarland Visitor Center. When I got there, I was told that the Trail volunteer who had found my hat had received a call from his wife that my wife had called and asked that the hat be mailed home. I just missed getting my hat back for wearing on the Trail again. While in Gatlinburg, I did pick up a new cap which reads Smoky Mountain National Park. One of our ascents today took us to Charlies Bunion. Loon and I took several pictures. We continued on to Porters Gap and Sawteeth Range. The views were great from Sawteeth. Also stopped at Bradleys View which supposedly has the best views on the southern half of the Appalachian Trail.We landed for the night at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. Loon, Miss Wiggie (Karen), Tsquared and I were the last hikers to get in and got the last 4 spots in the 20-person shelter. Perfect! There was no level ground for sleeping around the outside of the shelter. There were also 4 horsemen who were working on the Trail staying in the shelter. We stayed warm from the fire in the fireplace inside the shelter while we slept.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, Great Smoky Mtn. Nat'l Pa

To: Waterville School Rd - Off I-40
Miles today: 18.3

We had a long descent into Davenport Gap which is the Eastern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We continued hiking on past Interstate 40 and stayed at Standing Bear Hostel which is a very quaint place. It has separate buildings for: kitchen, laundry, computer, shower, bunks and privy. $15 per night covers everything. The owner of the hostel is in the process of establishing a trout pond.Picture yourself driving your car, getting very tired and almost falling asleep. Can you believe someone can be hiking and almost fall asleep? Well, it was happening to me. We needed water so Loon and Tsquared headed down a mountain so I could get a cat nap. I was still very tired after that and had trouble hiking. Miss Wiggie gave me some coffee bean candies to help keep me awake for the next 3 hours. Thanks Miss Wiggie!Today's Trail Magic -- Jim and Carol, good friends of Tsquared's from California are "Habitat for Humanity" volunteers and were heading to a site in North Carolina. They got our schedule from Tsquared's wife and surprised Tsquared coming out of the Smoky Mountains at Interstate 40. Tsquared introduced me to them and we talked for a few minutes and then we had to get back on the Trail. After we left Jim and Carol, Tsquared said he forgot to get pictures. Well, about 1-1/2 miles ahead, Jim and Carol met us again and took pictures as neither Tsquared or I had our cameras with us. I understand they might try to meet us again this Thursday night at Spivey Gap, about 30 miles from their "Habitat" work site.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Waterville School Rd - Off I-40

To: Max Patch Rd., No. Car. Rt. 1182
Miles today: 12.8

We did some climbing up Snowbird Mountain, but had a relatively short day today. It rained the whole time we hiked. Trail Heifer stopped by with more Trail Magic of real food. She brought baked potatoes with several condiments, i.e., chopped ham, sour cream, onions, etc. I had put in a request for coffee bean candy and she came through with it.Miss Wiggie shared some great molasses sugar cookies from her mother-in-law. We all agreed that her mother-in-law could send more anytime she wants.We're tenting at Max Patch Road and trying to get some sleep before doing a long 20-mile hike tomorrow. I haven't found a new tent yet so Tsquared is sharing his 2-man "home away from home" with me for now.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-16
From: Max Patch Rd., No. Car. Rt. 1182

To: Hot Springs, No. Carolina
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We left Max Patch Road early this morning in the cold with heavy fog and low visibility for our dreaded 20-mile hike.During the day today, we flip-flopped with Dave and Mark who we first met as we crossed the state line into North Carolina. We didn't see them at all in the Smokies.We also met Scott, and another young hiker and a young fellow who is a music student from Indiana University in Bloomington. It is the music student's birthday so all three of them are celebrating in town tonight and taking a zero day tomorrow.We are staying at Elmer's Hostel in Hot Springs. Had a buffalo burger for dinner.It's almost 10:30 here so going to sign off for tonight, get a shower and hop into bed.PS - Got a surprise package from my daughter, husband and children. They sent homemade oatmeal cookies and bottled water. The two oldest granddaughters, Aubrey (6) and Brynn (5) sent letters and Tyler (3) colored a picture for me. Didn't get anything from 7-month old Gracie. I guess she's too young. Thanks so much guys. That made my day!Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Hot Springs, No. Carolina

To: Allen Gap; NC Rt. 208, TN Rt. 70
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night I slept in the only room available which was above the workshop in the hostel and noticed a kitty which wouldn't have anything to do with me. During the night I got up to use the privy. The kitty climbed down the ladder with me and then followed me back up the ladder to the sleeping room. About 2 AM I heard and felt a plop. When I opened my eyes, I saw the cat next to my head. He then got up, walked a little and proceeded to make himself comfortable around my knees where he slept the rest of the night when he apparently got cold.In the morning, Coops, Tsquared and I enjoyed a hot breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner before Tsquared and I headed up the Trial.We crossed the French Broad River heading out of town and passed the sign for "Lovers Leap" but did not go see it. We saw the concrete dam and the spring-fed pond.We got in to Allen Gap while it was still light, ate dinner and tent camped for the night.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-18
From: Allen Gap; NC Rt. 208, TN Rt. 70

To: Rector Laurel RD
Miles today: 20.8

Today was a very long day of hiking - 20.8 miles. We passed White Rock Cliffs and Blackstack Cliffs. There were several good places for views all day long.Too tired to write much tonight. We ate a quick sandwich for supper and set the tent up. It was a tough night to sleep as there was heavy snoring from Tsquared and Loon.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-19
From: Rector Laurel RD

To: Spivey Gap; US Rt. 19W
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: light rain

The weather was fine for another 20+ mile day. These long days are always hard on the feet. During the course of the day, Tsquared and I passed and were passed by 5 young male hikers in their early 20's who seemed to get along very well. Two names I remember are Brock and Gator. I assumed they had recently graduated college together or recently gotten out of the military, but learned later they had met on the Trail and formed a bond. There was a young coon dog who attached himself to the 5 young hikers or Tsquared and me and spent the next 12-13 miles hiking with one group or the other.We came to Whistling Gap Shelter (a couple miles short of where we were stopping for the night), the 5 young hikers took a break to cook dinner. Tsquared and I stopped to resupply with water. One of the young hikers told us he heard on the radio there was a 70% chance of heavy rain and storms predicted for the night. As Tsquared and I were heading out, I advised the young hikers to spend the night at the shelter with the threat of rain. I noticed 3 of the hikers continued on to our stop.My very own personal "Trail Angel", my wife, Judy, met Tsquared, Coops and I at Spivey Gap. She also surprised me by bringing my dog, Bailey, (90+ lbs. Giant Schnauzer) to visit. She brought deli fried chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, carrots, soda and homemade brownies for us and extras to share with fellow hikers. Judy and I then drove down the mountain into Erwin, Tennessee where we spent the night at the Holiday Inn Express. This hotel is very hiker friendly. In fact, hikers are entitled to a free pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream each night they stay at the hotel. I can highly recommend the Cherry Garcia.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Spivey Gap; US Rt. 19W

To: Spivey to Indian Grave Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 30.2
Weather: moderate rain

Took a zero day (meaning day off the Trail) today to spend time with my wife. I was able to do this as I previously hiked this section of the Trail on March 18 and 19 of this year. I hiked from Spivey Gap to Indian Grave Gap one day and Indian Grave Gap to Iron Mountain Gap the second day. While staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Erwin, Tennessee, we ran into Sawbuck (thru-hiked the Trail previously) and Magic Touch (just got out of the Navy). Also ran into 2 of the 5 young hikers I spoke about in yesterday's journal. One of the 2 had remained at Whistling Gap Shelter the night before with the storms and thanked me for suggesting he stay put.Judy and I spent the day getting me ready to go back on the Trail. We also spent about 2-1/2 hours on the internet at the library taking care of business. In the evening we drove into Johnson City, Tennessee (30 miles north of Erwin) to Mahoney's Outfitters. The store manager, David Ramsey, talked with us about an hour and a half on the pros and cons of the different types, styles and weights of tents. I did purchase the Black Diamond Featherlite which weighs about 3 pounds (including poles and tent stakes). It was enjoyable talking with Mr. Ramsey since he knows the Trail and mountains around there very well. He also maintains the Trail in the area.We grabbed a fast food dinner and headed back to the hotel. Ben & Jerry's vanilla ice cream was dessert and was yummy! Judy also did my laundry. In the laundry room she talked with Brock (1 of the 5 young hikers). Brock is from Cincinnati and left his job as a computer programmer for one of the Universities there. He and Gator (moving to Chicago after his Trail walk and pursuing a doctorate degree) were sharing a room at the Holiday Inn Express.Lights out and .....Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Roan Mountain USFS Road to Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Because my wife was still in town and to make it easier for her to meet me at the end of the day, I chose to hike in the opposite direction (North to South). I hiked from the Roan Mountain Forest Service Access Road to Iron Mountain Gap. Since I was hiking North to South, I had the opportunity to pass many hikers during the day including Loon, Tsquared, Gator Dew, Miss Wiggy, Amy, section hikers, Boy Scouts, etc. I enjoyed talking with all of them.Miss Wiggy's family were the "Trail Angels of the Day". Her mom, brother, sister-in-law and 2 nephews brought pulled pork bar-b-que sandwiches, brownies and other goodies and fed several hungry hikers. What a treat! They had also built a large campfire and even brought camping chairs for the weary hikers.After visiting with Miss Wiggy's family, Judy and I headed down the mountain and back to the good ole Holiday Inn Express. No ice cream for me tonight.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Roan Mountain USFS Road to Iron Mountain Gap

To: US Rt. 19 E, North Carolina
Miles today: 13.9

I started hiking at the Forest Service Access Road near Carvers Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. This area hosts the Cloudland Rhododendron Gardens and I'm told they will be absolutely beautiful and in full bloom in about 3 weeks. The weather was very comfortable with temps in the mid-50's all day. The moderate temps are nice since the majority of today's hike was done on Roan Mountain, Little Hump Mountain and Hump Mountain - none of which have tall trees to block the sun.I passed the Stan Murray Shelter and Overmountain Shelter with a decent climb into Yellow Mountain Gap with a dropdown into Bradley Gap and then a big ascent to Hump Mountain.Several of my fellow hikers stayed in the hostel at the newly opened Harbor Manor Bed and Breakfast. I spent one last night with my wife and dog, Bailey, at the Holiday Inn Express in Erwin.Before we left the mountain area, we gave a ride to a middle school teacher and her 9-year old son, Wyatt. They had hiked in several miles yesterday, camped overnight and somehow lost their way. We drove them to Elk Park, North Carolina (only a few miles) where they had left their car. We headed back to the hotel, repacked my pack, washed my hiking clothes and hit the sack.Until tomorrow.....PS - To add to a great few days with my wife, I was able to have quality conversations with my daughters and grandchildren via landline. I still have not had clear coverage on my cell phone and I'm disappointed.
Date: 2005-05-23
From: US Rt. 19 E, North Carolina

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 23.8

Today I needed to hike 23.8 miles to Dennis Cove. My fellow hikers left at 6 am and I got a late start (9 am) as it was time to say goodbye to my wife. I was concerned I might be forced to do some night hiking because of the late start and the long miles. It was hard to say goodbye to Judy (even harder than when we said goodbye at Springer Mountain). We certainly had 3-1/2 good days together.I hit the Trail at a pretty good speed since I knew I had a lot of miles to cover. About 3 miles in I hooked up with Wolfman, a career Navy man just recently retired, who is also thru-hiking the Trail. I consider him a strong hiker and we fell into step together and talked about many things during the next 3 hours while we covered 10 miles. We discussed our home churches and religion, parts of the country, family, children and our personal values. The time flew. At a spring he said he needed to stop for water and I said I needed to keep hiking. I slowed down a little in hopes he would catch up so we could continue talking and hiking together. After 3 additional hours of hiking, I stopped for lunch and Wolfman still had not caught up to me. At the end of my lunch break, he came up and said he was trying real hard to catch me and that he just wasn't fast enough. I gave him my seat which was a sawed-off tree stump and I continued up the Trail. At the 18-mile mark, I came upon a shelter and caught up with two of my fellow hikers that had started at 6 that morning. I was happy that I could make up the 3 hours difference. It was great to catch up as I could now slow down the pace and walk the last 6 miles with them. As we were leaving the shelter, Wolfman was just arriving so we got a chance to talk briefly once more. We arrived at Dennis Cove about 7:15 pm, which was well before dark. We stayed at the Kincora Hiker's Hostel in Dennis Cove and the group ordered pizza for supper. We finished with a nice hot shower and went to bed.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Dennis Cove

To: Watauga Dam Road
Miles today: 13.1

Today we hiked 13.1 miles with only mild elevation changes.We stopped at a beach area below Watauga Dam and had a quick lunch. We passed and were passed several times during the day by my hiking friend of yesterday, Wolfman, and his partner, BigFoot.We arrived at a campsite above Watauga Dam in time to cook a warm meal and get to bed early.Until tomorrow.....