morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-02-07
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Twenty five degrees this morning. A frigid introduction to my 25th year of existence. Stick a blue birthday candel in a Little Debbie Breakfast Doughnut and call it a day. Frozen boots, snow dusting, and aching joints helped begin the day. Not a cloud in the sky, nor a track on the trail. Didn't see a soul all day. Had a nice fire with my broccoli and cheese before bedding down under the tarp in Betty Creek Gap. In bed by 7:30.
Date: 2008-02-08
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Strenuous climb up Mt. Albert first thing this morning. Rewarded with 360 view of crystalline skies. Picked up a ride from "The Mayor of Franklin,' aka Ron Haven, around 14:30. Just finishing up my laundry and trying update the site. Off to dinner at Cody's with Crash. Catchin' a ride back to the trail at 8:30 tomorrow. Will post photos when i get to Hot Springs. Sorry for the delays.
Date: 2008-02-09
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 15.0

9:30 am depature after six Styrofoam cups of black coffee with 'Aspen Kid.' Aspen kid: "61 goin' on 62 and flyin' to the Phillipines to get married to his 'girl.'" Crash had to bail from Franklin due to family matters, so Dave drove me up solo to the Gap. The caffeine pushed me up to Wayah Bald were i met a group of 7 with 8 dogs for lunch. Hadn't seen anyone on the trail for three days until I rounded a bend north of Burningtown Gap at 15:00. A big burley man swingin' a yellow axe into the trail over a coffin shaped patch of earth stopped me in my tracks. Could he be burrying another thru-hiker? I sent out a whistle that made him jump. He asked, "You a thru-hiker?" Oh geeze. Start a new grave old man. The sun sets in a couple hours. "Yeah I am thru-hiking." And he replied, " Hey, I am a trail Angel. The name's Apple. I am campin' down below in the gap. I was just finishing up some trail maintenance here for the day. Let's head on down." Spectacular. The Dome was a welcomed sight at Burningtown Gap fully stocked with a wood-burning stove and all the amenities a thru-hiker could crave. Mexican dinner in Andrews and a warm place to bed down for the night. Just what I needed after a long day out of Franklin. Thanks again Apple.
Date: 2008-02-10
From: Burningtown Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Late departure out of the dome around 9:30. Back to the real world. Short day today. Long decent into the NOC. Ran into an MD from Culowhee just south of the Jump off. Couldn't keep his golden retriever under control. Pleasant folks. Nice to actually see some people out on the trail. Arrived at the NOC around 16:00. Single bunk, Big 'Wesser' halfpound burger, supreme brownie, and three 'Black Mocha Stouts,' complements of the Highland Ashevilla Brewing Comp. Took the check and I was out like a light. I'll zero tomorrow to cool my heels.
Date: 2008-02-11
From: NOC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero day today. Water Bear and Stormenorm showed up around 11. Picked up my maildrops and birthday cards from the outfitter. Big thanks to the Sabayracs. Love you long time. The swedish fish were gone in a flash. Observed the Wilderness First Aid class taught by Landmark Learning, an outdoor educational program endorsed by NOLS. Flashback to my WEMT training Lander, WY. Nice group of kids. Unfortunately I think they passed off a little viremia to send me off into Fontana.
Date: 2008-02-12
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A full-stack of blueberry pancakes with bacon fueled me up the climb out of the Nantahala River. Lost the trail for about ten minutes where a downed tree and a lack of blazes obscured an unexpected switchback. Who gets lost on the AT?!?!? Caught up to Water Bear and Stormenorm just north of Cheoah Bald. Big hurdle over Stecoah before settling down for the night. First documented fall today on my way to get water at the shelter. Treadless Crocs had a hand in the mess. Went to bed with a nice fire just before the rain began.
Date: 2008-02-13
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light snow

Woke up this morning to find nearly 5 pounds of acorns stashed in the bottom of my pack. Somebody was busy last night. The snow began by the time I passed Cody Gap. Temperature plummetted from 45 to 25 over the next 3 hours. Arrived at the marina to meet Rachel and Anne huddled in the heated bathroom. Caught a shuttle into town to pick up a drop, visit the General store, and stop in for some lunch at Hellbender. Excellent spot for a hiker's hookup. Hot dogs on the house thanks to Jerry! Appreciate it. Jerry works for the GSMNP hiking club and is coordinating a program to hike all 900 miles of the park beginning in 2009, called '75 on the 75th.' 75 dayhikes on the 75th Anniversary of the park. Stormenorm's mom met us at the Hilton with steaks and potatoes. Party in the women's room! Big thanks to Lisa (The Trail Goddess), Angie, and Anne. Cold tonight around 25.
Date: 2008-02-14
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

By far the most challenging day yet. I woke around 6 with razor blades in my throat and a mild fever in my head. Compounded with a 10 lb. food bag and 2.5 mile detour around the Fontana bridge, today would test my nerves. We attempted to cross the bridge, made it halway, and were flagged down to go back by a workman at the other end of the bridge. Fortunately we didn't try to press through. We later found out that a group of two hikers were ticketed $125 for crossing a few days prior. That type of fee would've been the straw that broke the camels back on a day like today. I struggled up to Shuckstack as the fever escalated with a tightening throat. The trail was blanketed with a pristine layer of snow, exposing coyote and rabbit tracks. Yet, 'the snow drives back the foot that's slow.' Each step was a struggle today. My energy was totally sapped. Finally made it to Mollie's by 17:00. Nice fire, warm dinner, and a dreamless sleep. I'm out. Hopefully I feel better tomorrow.
Date: 2008-02-15
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Still struggling with an upper respiratory infection. Not sure if i picked it up in the NOC or what. Fever was worse today but my energy level is improving. Pushing mortin with B/L/D to keep me going. Clear skies and warm temps. Excellent views from Spence Field and Rocky Top. Took 2 one hour breaks to bathe in the sun and rest my bones with the group. Arrived at Derrick Knob around 16:00. I'm toast again tonight. Warm throughout the night around 45. Big low moving in from the west. Expecting rain Sunday.
Date: 2008-02-16
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Resltess sleep last night as the fever peaked out. Didn't even need my fleece this morning thanks to the furnace within. Hit the trail around 8:15. Arrived at Clingman's Dome by 13:30. Fogged in. Icey decent from the dome. Up and over Mt. Love to find Mt. Collins Shelter swarming with a dozen 14 year olds swingin' axes at the privy. We wouldn't get a wink of sleep there so we pushed the extra 4.5 miles into Newfound Gap. Hitched into Gatlinburg. Avoid this 'money-pit hell hole' at all costs. Caught a ride into Knoxville for a zero day with the group at Stormenorm's place. With a shower, clean clothes, and a hot meal I feel like a new man. I could really use a day off to recover from the upper respiratory infection. Started a 5 day cycle of antibiotics today. Hopefully I'll be up and running tomorrow.
Date: 2008-02-17
From: Newfound Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Spending the day in Knoxville. Lisa has once again proven her weight in gold. Your generosity goes beyond measure. We'll hit the trail tomorrow to finish up the last two days of the Smokies before we head into Standing Bear Farms and then Hot Springs. PS. Total Mileage is actually more like 203. Will try to update at a later date.
Date: 2008-02-18
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Erik gave us a ride from Knoxville. Hit the trail refreshed after my zero day in Knoxville. The section north of Newfound Gap was absolutely incredible. Although we were fogged in most of the day, I could tell the views would've been incredible. This is definitely a ridge hike i'll have to re-visit. We arrived at the shelter as the temperature began to drop into the high teens. Still competing against some mild chest congestion but fortunately the fever and sore throat have passed.
Date: 2008-02-20
From: Standing Bear Farms

To: Roaring Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up again drowning in phlegm. Nothing a violent fit of 'hacking' couldn't cure. I am usually clear sometime after lunch. Should see improvement over the next few days. Big climb up Snowbird. The wind on Max Patch was overpowering. I would've taken off should I had spread my wings. Another place I'd like to re-visit. Highly recommended day trip.
Date: 2008-02-21
From: Roaring Fork Gap Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Early 7:15 start after fueling up on the last of my breakfast doughnuts. Up and over Bluff Mt. into Hot Springs. Passed a giant gall (as seen above). Arrived into Hot Springs around 14:00. Hit up the Smoky Mt. Diner and Bluff Mt. Outfitters before settling down at the Sunnybank Inn. Elmer's kitchen is a 'must see' or should i say 'must smell.' Watched the Democratic debates with Elmer at a friend's house down the road. Picked up a Carolina blonde at the Paddler's Pub. Again, another 'must taste' for any vagrant passing through Hot Springs.
Date: 2008-02-22
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Elmer made some killer waffles with strawberry syrup and granola for breakfast. Did my laundry down the hill and my heels while watching O'Brother Where Art Thou. Made a late start out of Hot Springs around 13:30 after Racheal and Anne took off to Andrews for a wedding. Arrived to find Dr. P alone at the Shelter. This has to be the most mouse infested shelter i've encountered yet. Just another kill for the mouse trap, thanks to an irresistable morsel of Velveeta donated by Dr. Pepper. Had I the motivation to leave my warm sleeping bag to reset the trap, I could have silenced the whole lot. I suppose there are about 3 or 4 left. Tabasco is the true hero of this story. Word is he carries 5 traps and leaves his kills scattered around the outside of the shleter to ward off any unwanted inhabitanats. It's all for the cause, preserving thru-hiker food supplies and natural fibers one kill at a time.
Date: 2008-02-24
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice day. Lunch at Rector Laurel Rd. Light snow flurries after lunch. Nice shelter with lots of dry wood ready for the fire. The flurries graduated to a 'bonafide' snow by sunset. Water was a distant .3 miles from the shelter, but the moldering privy had an excellent view.
Date: 2008-02-25
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Woke to 3 inches of snow this morning. Followed dog tracks all day. Lunch atop Big Bald Mt. A long donwhill convincced me to push for twnety miles today, making it my longest day yet. Arrived around 17:30. Dr. Pepper showed up around 19:15, just in time for his daily rationing of boiling water. Clear skies this evening. No privy here. Maybe that's why they call it the, 'No Business' Shelter. Only 6.7 miles to Erwin tomorrow. Excellent.
Date: 2008-02-27
From: Erwin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It snowed more than expected last night. With a good 3-4 inches of snow down in Erwin, Dr. Pepper and I decided to sit tight till the weather passes. Stormenorm called the hostel early this morning from Big Bald Shelter. He's snowed in, 'up to his knees,' with falling temps. Got together with Johnny and decided the best thing to do would be for Stormenorm to head back south on the AT and catch a side trail down to the Wolf Laurel Ski Resort. Johnny picked him and Water Bear up and brought them back to Uncle Johnny's. Then i got a call from Stride and Amazon who were stuck out at Hogsback Shelter. There plan was to hike into Sam's Gap to hitch a ride into Erwin for the night. Fortunately they ran into some day hikers who were snow-shoeing out of Sam's Gap. So they caught a ride into the Hostel and the old group was back together again! Stormenorm, Water Bear, Amazon, Stride, Vagus, and Dr. Pepper.....all stashed at Uncle Johnny's. An unexpected surprise! We went out for Mexican dinner with Johnny and his wife later that night. NEVER underestimate the POWER of MEXICAN! Hot flautas and cold beer. What a zero day.
Date: 2008-02-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The weather improved today. Still cold around 17 degrees F, so there was no snow melt, the skies were clear and the air was crisp. The group didn't seem motivated to head back out onto the trail just yet for fear of running into some deeper snow up high, so I set of on a 'test hike' back south on the AT from the hostel. The conditions were excellent for a 'crunchy' snow hike. I climbed around 800 feet to the Nolichucky overlook before i headed back down. CB recommmended i stay another day in 'the vortex,' as he calls it, referring to the hostel. He's been there for quite sometime now and has done some amazing work at the hostel, including his most recent addition of an 'air tight' bunkhouse, where Dr. Pepper and I stayed. Good luck CB. May the winds carry you and your hobbie cat south to where the weather suits your clothes. So I'll zero again. Tomorrow I must escape the tight grips of the VORTEX in pursuit of Unaka and Roan.
Date: 2008-02-29
From: Erwin

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left 'the vortex' around 8 with Stride and Amazon. Stormenorm and Water Bear took another zero and were going to get a shuttle back to Big Bald to finish up the 17 mile section just south of the hostel before continuing north of Erwin. Dr. Pepper stayed behind as well. Glad to be back on the trail again! 8-12 inches of snow in the upper elevations around Beauty Spot and Unaka. Gorgeous views. No Pain. Snow was blowing inside the shelter so I blocked off on side and we all crammed in the corner to stay warm and dry for the night. I slept comfortably amidst the blowing wind and the incessant crinkling sound of plastic wrappers coming from Amazon's pack that lay in the corner. Needless to say, she woke in the morning minus half a dozen Jolly Ranchers, with a freshly chewed hole in her pack. At least someone in the shelter was feeling full and satiated. Unfortunately, we could not relate. The mid-night snack attacks have just begun. I must plan accordingly during my next resupply.
Date: 2008-03-01
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

We decided to make it a short day to Clyde Smith so we could climb Roan first thing the next morning. Post-holing all day. Cold, clear, and windy. Lunch atop Piney Bald. Stride was showing us how it's done with her homemade gaitors and prone positioning on a slippery section of trail. Thanks Stride! For the laughs. Wish I had my Snow Coaster with me. Kincora in 3 days at least I'd assume. We arrived early to the shelter and had plenty of time for a nice fire (stride's first), and lots of lounging. Buck and Elsa showed up just after dark. He had just come south from Carver's Gap and said he's met a nice fellow heading North out of Hughe's Gap who was 'breaking trail,' up the south face of Roan. We later had come to find out that that was Hopeful, who we met a few days later at Moreland Gap Shelter. Thank you for all your hard work Hopeful. He was paid in full to say the least.(Snicker)
Date: 2008-03-02
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Tough climb up Roan this morning. Tool's Lateralus fueled me up ahead as I traced Hopeful's tracks knee deep in the snow. Don't let Ash Gap fool you. You still have another 1000 feet to climb until you summit. Roan's climb was around 3000 feet in 3 miles. Enjoy! Lunch on Round Bald. A most excellent venue. We could see NC to the east and VA to the West. We pressed on to Overmountain Shelter. It's an old red barn originally constructed to house the "Overmountain Men" on their 170 mile journey to King's Ridge where they were victorious against the British-led loyalists. The girls slept in the second story, completely sheltered from the abusive winds I endured throughout that night and into the morning. Live and learn.
Date: 2008-03-03
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

The winds intensified overnight. By morning i could hardly stand it. Anything that wasn't tied down and weighted below me blew away. I nearly lost my spork under the barn in a pile of 'something unmentionable,' and found my bandana up in the hill on my hike out. The sleeping pad flew up against the wall of the shelter when i rolled out of my sleeping bag and then the wind chill kicked in. Needless to say, I was hating life this morning. I retreated upstairs to sulk and consume some blueberry frosted Pop Tarts. The girls definitely picked the better place to sleep in the windless attic where the blue tarp popped like a drum. I got my things together and hit the trail with Stride an Amazon. The abuse of the morning winds was only a taste of what was to come atop Little Hump and Hump Mt. where 50 mph winds assualted the balds and anything that crossed it. We all looked completely intoxicated, stumbling in an overpowering side wind. We could hardly stay on the trail for more than a few steps. This made progress slow, yet steady. I could see Roan to the south and dreamed of Kincora to the North. After descending from Hump Mt. We came to Doll Flats and for the first time in 4 days, I was back on solid soil. No longer were we having to trump through knee to ankle deep snow that had frozen, turned to slush, refrozen, and back again. I could actually feel the trail below my feet again. The weather was warm around 60 and things were looking up. Met a group from NC state just north of 19. We were almost run over by some yahoo backwoods country boy on an ATV, which is illegal on the trail. Oh well. This is TN right? Arrived to Mountaineer shelter by 6 and what a beautiful shelter it was. Brand spankin' new set just above a waterfall. Thank you TN Eastman for all your hard work and dedication to the trail. Kincora tomorrow. FOO!
Date: 2008-03-04
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.0

The warm temps this morning told me we'd be getting wet today. Sure enough, by mid-day we were completely socked in. For the first time on the hike, my boots were completely soaked through, slowly turning my feet into hamburger helper. Wet Met Hopeful at huddled in Morelad Gap Shelter just before noon. What a Joy to meet another thru-hiker after so long. He told us his story and informed us of how much work it was to break trail up Roan and how we all owed him $.75 for such an injustice. He had later come to regret such a demand when we loaded him down with coinage at Watagua Lake Shelter. Sorry Hopeful. You know we love you. We arrived at Kincora around 2 to meet Bob and Pat. Kincora is Celtic for "House of Love," and that it is. A 'must-stay' for any thru-hiker. Thank you Bob for all you've done through Hardcore and Kincora. Bob's kindness abounds and his stories are never-ending.
Date: 2008-03-05
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

After 'the Hungry Man Breakfast' at the Copper Pot in Hampton, I prepared to hit the trail again with Hopeful and the girls. The boots were in need of some Krazy Glue before heading out. I am unsure of how long they'll last. The hike out of Kincora is an incredible little section. Laurel Falls, the Ledge, coal pieces left behind along the trail from the old train tracks, and evidence of busy beavers along the river. Arrived into Watauga Lake Shelter by 17:00. Really enjoying being back on the trail. All the aches and pains of the first month are beginning to subside as the trail continues to carve my frame into a unstoppable hiking machine.
Date: 2008-03-06
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Gradual climbs up onto the ridge over Watauga Lake. This stretch of trail is often referred to as the TN Turnpike. Many people complete there first 30 mile day here. We weren't willing to push that hard and felt like it would be better to take it easy to avoid any unfornseen injuries. Short day today. Lunch with some kids from Nashville. Heard a Bard Owl this evening. On to Abingdon in the morning.
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

A pleausre to hike today. The trail is flattening out as we leave behind TN, NC, and GA. VA is so close i can smell it. A slight threat of rain this evening and a greater threat tomorrow. All in a long days work. Not much to say here. Unfotunately, this is the last night we'll get to spend with Hopeful. He's getting off the trail in Damascus as he has fulfilled his 250 mile committment from Newfound Gap to Virginia, for his sponsorship. Hopeful, you will be missed.
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Abingdon Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light snow

We all needed to make it to the PO before 11 so we hit the trail at first light around 6:30. Crossed the TN-VA state line and descended into Damascus by 10:00. Picked up some packages and went out for Mexican with Hopeful in Abingdon. Culture shock resupply at the SUPER WALMART WITH EVERYDAY LOW PRICES! Met Willow, Merlin, and Lily (the dog) at the PO. Evidently they left Springer on Feb 1st! They have been trailing behind this entire time and we all had no idea. Amazon and Stride shacked up at the Apple Tree and have scheduled full-body Swedish massages. I am staying at the Hiker's Inn with Merlin and Willow. Met Vera last night. What a trip to watch her go through Willow's pack. A major shakedown with positive results. Stride will be using the Aether 60 that I've been carrying thus far, as I switch to a smaller pakc (the vapor trail) in an attempt to lighten my load. The weather deteriorated as soon as we arrived into Damascus. Perfect! Considering a zero tomorrow. We'll see. Nighty night.
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Damascus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A big doughnut for miles today. I'll take off tomorrow in the morning. Had breakfast at the Apple Tree with Stride and Amazon. I get to sit around at the coffee shop, updating my journal, while they're off enjoying full body massages. Life is good. Just relaxing...... Ok, based on Hopeful's recommendation I've posted a VERY TENTATIVE Intenerary through the "Mail Drops" link on my page. I just wanted to clarify that I am NOT necessarily planning mail drops at any of these locations. I simply used the mail drop format on the trailjournals website to give people back home an idea of where i'll be and when. The schedule is obviously subject to change; however, if anyone wants to send me something along the way, whatever it may be, now you'll have a general idea of where I'll be and when. Just let me know if I should be expecting a package at anyone of those locations; otherwise, chances are I will not make any attempt to visit the Post Office and or hostel, hotel, etc. to inquire whether or not there are any packages on hold for "Vagus." That is unless i have planned a mail drop at that location. I hope that makes sense.