morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

We didn't get on the trail until 9am or so, and I knew I needed to move fast. I had to get to Winding Stairs Gap and hitch a ride into town before the post office closed. Luckily, the trail was relatively flat, with the one exception of Albert Mountain, a 5220 foot beast. I was moving pretty well. Carrying only 1 day's worth of food helps keep the pack weight down. There were great views from the fire tower on Albert Mountain. I kept moving fast, not sure if the others were coming into town, as we're all shooting for the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and our first zero day (no hiking) another 30 miles or so down the trail.With a heavy mist/light rain keeping helping keep me cool, I made it to the Gap at 3:30, and managed to convince a lost traveling salesman (no joke) to take me into town. Unfortunately, he dropped me off about 1 mile away from the post office, so I had to walk the rest. Getting my mail drop and some additional packages sent to me (thanks to the Mortons for the card), I took all that and my pack to the Budget Inn. Eventually, there were more than 10 thru-hikers staying here, including the old crew. We had 4 in our room, plus three dogs. It was a late night of hanging out, eating our fill at an AYCE (All-You-Can-Eat Buffet), drinking some beer and relaxing. I'll be repacking, sending some stuff home or further down the trail (so I don't have to carry it) in the morning. Not sure how far we'll be going tomorrow - it could be just 6 miles to a great camping location, or further on so we can get to the NOC earlier the following day to enjoy that area. We'll see.I've been asked how I post these entries. Today, I happen to have internet access at the Budget Inn in Franklin, so I'm posting it myself. Other times, I have a device called Pocket Mail that runs on batteries. I can type up e-mails, and it will save them until I'm ready to send them out. All I need is a regular phone, and it sends the e-mail out just like a fax machine. That e-mail goes to my cousin Teena and her husband Mike, and my cousin Bill. They take that e-mail and post it to this journal. Thank you Teena, Mike & Bill.I haven't see any "unusual" wildlife yet, though there has been frequent bear sightings in the area. Lots of birds, a few deer, squirrls, chipmunks, black flys are starting to make an appearance, and mice. Plus plenty of dogs. That's it for now.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: clear sky

After an evening at the Budget Inn in Franklin, enjoying a few beverages late into the evening, I got a late start the next morning. In fact, I missed the first shuttle to the trail-head. At 11 am, I caught the next shuttle with Crash - a former Marine who, as she put it, likes to fall down a lot (thus her trail name.) I wasn't real happy, complaining in my head as I tried to catch up with the rest of the crew. Soon enough I saw them up on the top of a mountain - Siler Bald.A Bald is a mountain top that has been cleared of trees and shrubs, and was used for grazing animals in the old days. Today, many "balds" are kept clear. Moss had been to this particular Bald before, and brought a kite to fly. When I saw everyone, I made the 1/3 mile trek from the bottom of the hill to the top. After a few hours, we were all getting ready to move on, until Wild Bill, who got off the trail a few days ago, made a surprise and unexpected appearance. That sealed it. We were going to camp on top of Siler.It was a warm day, with great views. We reconstructed the fire pit on top (to handle the large fire we planned on making) set up our tents, and had a great, relaxing day and evening. Firewood was everywhere, so we made a huge fire. Hackey sack was played, laughs were had, cookies were consumed. It was a great night. The only problem was the 1/2+ mile walk (all downhill) to get water. Oh well... This was perhaps the best day on the trail yet.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Siler Bald

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Woke up on Siler to a gorgeous day. We didn't spend too much time on the top, as we were all out of water, and concerned about rain. We moved out, and soon enough the rain started. The first real rain we've had on the trail. And it was a soaking, cold rain that just drains the energy out of you. I was moving slower than Dogman and Crocket (recently renamed Joker), but faster than Wild Bill. I caught up to Moss about six miles in, as we were coming to a stone observation tower on Wayah Bald. Moss, without rain gear, was shivering, I was also cold, so I decided to pull out my stove and make some hot food. It was ready just as Wild Bill pulled into the shelter, and we all shared it, and eventually pulled ourselves together to once again move on in the rain.About another 6 miles on we came to Cold Spring Shelter, around 3 or 4 pm. We decided to take a break to get warm, pulled out our sleeping pads and sleeping bags, and debated what we were going to do for the rest of the day. Sun Burn, another thru-hiker, was already at the shelter and planned on staying for the night. Dog Man and Joker had left the shelter just before we got there. We were told they planned on pushing on another 11 miles to the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center), where we had all planned to take a zero day (a day of no hiking.) Well, Moss, Wild Bill and I got warm and comfortable at the shelter, and were passed out by 6 pm, ending the debate of whether we were going to move on. We were in for the night.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Wesser, NC
Miles today: 11.4

Morning was dry, finally. I moved out of the shelter early, wanting to get to the NOC as quickly as possible. Nothing like a shower, real food, real drink, and laundry to motivate you. My feet were still hurting, especially my ankle and toe, but I pushed on anyway. A very steep decent led to the NOC - an outdoor center with perhaps the best rafting on the east coast. Lots of tourists and other outdoor enthusiasts were there - and all of them were looking at me as I heard my name shouted... "Politician!!!!" from down by the river. And there was DogMan, Joker and Sizzerz, soaking their feet in the river, along with a 12-pack of beer. After yelling my appropriate response, "I am not a crook!" I went to join them. Before my pack was off, I had a cold beer in hand. What a great way to end a hike!Moss and Wild Bill eventually showed up, as did SunBurn, Crash, Slocum and a few other thru-hikers. We spent the day hanging out by the river, drinking beer, eventually moving into the restaurant/bar for a few drinks and diner, and then off to bed. I have to mention the food at the restaurant there. I splurged (by thru-hiker standards) and ordered the steak sirloin. It was some of the best steak I have ever eaten. The chef is a 23-year old self-taught, who would do well in any top restaurant in New York City. It was heaven.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Wesser, NC

To: Wesser, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Ah, my first zero day. No hiking at all!!! It started out seeing DogMan, Joker and Sizzerz off. They got in a day early, and were heading out a day early. I told them I'd do my best to catch up with them... Then it was off to the breakfast buffet with SunBurn and Crash, and errands for much of the rest of the day. It was time for new boots. Based on my whining, you've guessed that I haven't been real happy with the boots I was wearing. They were just destroying my feet and ankles. So off to the outfitter at the NOC. After trying on 4-5 different brands, I finally found one I loved: Keen Trail Runners. Light weight but with great cushioning and support, I was sold. I also sent back my ThermaRest pad, and bought a Z-Lite pad (same company). The new pad is a bit lighter, but it also clips to the outside of my pack. When I take breaks, I can slip it off the pack and sit on it, lay on it, etc... I became jealous on Siler Bald when I saw others doing this, and figured the extra comfort and use was worth the expense. A few other items (bug spray, postcards, beer, etc...) and I was was done shopping. Again, time spent by the river, having a few drinks, soaking feet, relaxing - was followed by more time at the bar/restaurant. This time, I splurged and ordered the duck breast. Well worth the money spent!!! 9 Lives, a section hiker just starting his last section of the AT, was also at the bar, and shared some of his adventures and suggestions of places to hit while on the trail. It was a great day to relax and recover. Time to sleep and get an early start to catch up with the rest of the crew.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Wesser, NC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

I wanted to move fast today, and get in big miles. It didn't really work out that way. I was out early. Moss and Wild Bill are skipping Great Smoky Mt. National Park, and said they would meet up with us in Hot Springs or Damascus for Trail Days. SunBurn was leaving about an hour after me. The elevation at the NOC is 1750 feet. Eight miles later, the elevation is 5062 feet. You don't take an elevator to get there. It was a rough, tough, steep climb. After taking a full day off, I was well rested, but had to remind my body what steep climbs like this were like. Plus, my new boots were working great, blisters healing, ankle giving me no problems, but one of my right toes was killing me. If I stepped wrong, it would send a jolt of pain through me. Not good!I took several breaks throughout the day. It was just too nice not to. An hour here, and hour and a half there. DogMan, Sizzerz and Joker were leaving messages for me at the shelters I passed, encouraging me to hurry up and catch them. I pulled into Brown Fork Gap Shelter around 6pm, and thought about pushing on another 6 miles to the next shelter, but my toe hurt too much, and I just stopped. Tomorrow I'll hit Fontana Dam, and hopefully catch up with everyone else.
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Dontana Dam Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: scattered clouds

What a long day!!! It was time to make up some miles, and catch up with everyone in Gatlinburg, TN. Hiking by 7:30, the climb out of Fontana was intense. This is the start of the Smokys. You climb up - and up - and up. Once you're up there, the rest isn't too bad. You're essentially crossing this mountain chain on the ridge (though there's still plenty of climbing involved.) Similar to coming out of the NOC, you're climbing more than 4,000 feet in a handful of miles. My toe was really bad in the morning. I had to stop and hold in a scream of pain 7 times by 10 am (yes, I counted.) After that, it went somewhat numb, and I started hiking slowly, watching where I placed my right foot every time. Lion soon passed me. I figured I'd never see him again, since he did 20+ mile days without thinking about it. At every shelter I hit, I took off my boots and socks to give my feet a rest, and grab a bite to eat. I ran into a ridge runner (essentially a ranger) at one point. Soon after Mollies Ridge Shelter, I noticed the trail was all broken up, like someone took a roto-tiller to it. I heard a loud noise to my right and thought I saw a BEAR!!! I was wrong. Instead, I saw a wild boar running away! I'm glad it was running that way. Boar's are one of the most dangerous animals found on the trail. Too bad I didn't have time to get the camera out and snap a picture. I kept pressing on, slowly but steadily. I couldn't really stop for long because the black flies were out and really annoying. I finally pulled into Spence Field Shelter around 6pm. This is where most people stop for the night - 17 miles from Fontana Dam. I saw that my "crew" had stopped there the previous night. I had dinner, and decided to push on, even though I knew the next 6 miles were going to be tough. Just before I left, Galdolf and Strider came into the shelter. Of course, they thought I was crazy (rightly so) for moving on, but I did anyway.Yes, those six miles were tough, and seemed endless. First, I crossed over Rocky Top. This is the famous Rocky Top from the song, Rocky Top, TN. After that was Thunderhead Mountain. Although tough climbs, they weren't that bad. It was dusk as I was going over these, but soon the sun disappeared altogether. I was hoping I could just hike under the light of the full moon, but when I rounded a corner and thought I had stumbled into a family of skunks (it turned out to be some rocks that looked like skunks in the low light) I decided to turn on the headlamp. Soon the steep descents started. By this time it is dark, I'm tired, my toe really hurts, and I need to very slowly hike down, looking where I place each foot in the poor light. At 10:30 pm I finally pulled into the shelter. Of course, it was full, so I had to set up my tent and crash for the night. My first 20+ mile day!!!
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 10.1

I'm up early, and who do I see at the shelter? Lion!!! He was as surprised to see me as I was him. We hiked out together - me hoping to hit Gatlingburg, TN as soon as possible, and him trying to hike as far and fast as possible in order to get to a wedding in a few weeks.While the trail wasn't too bad, my toe was hurting (still, again.) An additional misery - horse flies were out in force. These guys will take a big chunk out of you if you let them. And they fed well on me this day. GRRRRRRR!!! Plus, it was hot, in the 80's. I kept pushing on, taking breaks to rest my foot here and there, and finally made it up to Clingmans Dome. This is the highest point in Tennessee, and they put a big tourist tower on the top (in honor of the Cherokee, who viewed the mountain as sacred, according to one sign. I'm not sure I really see the logic to this "honor.") Anyway, there's a paved walkway up to the top of Clingmans Dome, with a parking area about 1/2 mile away. The AT crosses at the top of the mountain. When I got there, I ran into some other thru-hikers, and one gentleman (who's name I forget) who had some trail magic (candy bars) ready for hikers. I walked to the top of the tower with the rest of the tourists, and decided I'd had enough hiking for the day. Rather than push on another 8 miles to Newfound Gap and hitch a ride into Gatlinburg, I was going to stop here, get into town, and find a doctor to look at the toe.Within 1/2 an hour, I had a ride into Gatlinburg (about 20 miles away) from two brothers. I stopped by the Happy Hiker Outfitter for info about a doctor and a place to stay, and checked into the Grand Prix hotel. As it was only myself, I felt like I was splurging big on a room - the first hotel room I've had to myself since I started. Gatlingburg is HORRIBLE - apologies to anyone from the area. It's one big cheesy tourist trap, with mini-golf, haunted houses, game rooms, Ripleys Believe it or Not attractions, etc... It's like a really bad Coney Island without the regular rides, a good boardwalk, etc... I had to get away from this strip of horrors, so went on a side street. And who do I see walking towards me? SIZZERZ!!! I happened to run into her, Dog Man, and Joker, just by chance. After a great reunion, we retired to their hotel room, had a few beers, caught up from the last few days, and eventually went out to dinner. It was Sizzerz birthday the next day so we took her out, and got the 60's/70's illicit drug kingpin/historian as a waiter. He (Alex) was hilarious, I and think still high from his experimentation in the 70's. Great food, back to the room for a few more drinks, and I went back to my room for sleep. It was great to be reunited with everyone.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We all had a big breakfast at an All-You-Can-Eat place, and we then parted ways again, hoping to meet at Hot Springs, NC in about a week. I still had to see the doctor. After wasting time in the morning, I finally got to the doctors office around 1pm. Diagnosis - stress fracture. I was told to stay off the foot at least until Monday, and prescribed an anti-inflamitory and some pain medication. I didn't get the pain med (ibuprofin is good enough) but I'll be skipping ahead to Hot Springs. I'll miss about 80 miles of the trail, but I need to give my toe time to heal. On Monday, I should meet up with Joker, Sizzerz and Dog Man again, and off we'll go. In the mean time, I'll be exploring parts of North Carolina and Tennessee with Ally, who will be visiting while I'm off the trail. I can't wait to see her and she could use the break as well. I'll update everyone when there's something new going on. Until then....happy hiking.
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I've been off the trail for almost a week, and it's killing me. All I can think of is getting back. It's been a great time off, though. On Friday, Ally flew in and rescued me from Gatlingburg. After a few great days, including a drive and walk up to Clingmans Dome, providing some trail magic to Galdalf and Strider (two thru-hikers looking to get back to the trail) and getting lost a few times, we finally wandered into Hot Springs on Monday. As we're pulling in, we saw Sizzerz, Joker, Moss and DogMan hiking out! I just can't catch a break. They weren't supposed to get into town until Monday, but pulled a 33 mile day and arrived the day before. We chatted briefly, and promised to catch up in a few days. Ally and I then stumbled on a great bed and breakfast (Mountain Magnolia Inn) and decided to stay there. Great food, a beautiful house, and great weather combined for a great stay.The plan was for me to hike out early Tuesday evening and catch up with the gang. Well, a relaxing morning plus having to take care of a few additional errands (such as fixing a hole in the upholstery of the rental car - don't ask) meant a later start than I would have wanted. Soooooo....instead of trying to play catch-up, and since I've already missed a bunch of miles, we decided to spend one more evening in the area, and Ally will drop me off at Devil Fork Gap, NC very early in the morning before she heads back to Knoxville for an early morning flight. I'll be sorry to see her go however I will actually be ahead of the gang at that point. Who knows, maybe I'll suffer for a handful of miles by hiking in a 12-pack to our agreed upon meeting place later that evening - Big Bald. We'll see how it goes...
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Sams Gap

To: Big Bald
Miles today: 6.1

It's great to be back on the trail!!! I decided to get on at Sams Gap, as opposed to further south was 1) to finally get ahead and wait for the crew; and 2) I was carrying in "trail magic" in the form of 14 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. I figured an easy day with some extra weight would be a good way to get back into the swing of things.Just as I started, I ran into Lion. It figures. This guy is hiking so strongly that it shouldn't have surprised me he'd be ahead of everyone else. We hiked together for about 1/3 mile before he pulled ahead of me. Unfortunately, my toe started giving me problems early on. Not to worry - 1000 mg. of ibuprofin took the edge off, but I took my time anyway. No hurry.About 4 miles in, I came across some Trail Magic. Someone had set out a cooler with hard boiled eggs. There were also cupcakes, coffee and water. It was a great boost right before a big climb up to Big Bald. Finally on top, I took my time to enjoy the 360 degree view. Beautiful, great weather, and my home for the evening. There were a few hikers there enjoying lunch, but they moved on. Eventually, others started making their appearance until there were more than a dozen thru-hikers camping on top. Most were hikers I was passing in the previous week, then they would pass me, etc... So I knew most of them. Dog Man also showed up, pulling ahead of everyone else for a 24 mile day. He filled me in on what I'd missed, trail gossip, etc... Joker, Moss and Sizzerz were still well back, and never made it that evening. Joker's been having trouble with his feet, slowing things down a bit. Well, after a few beers, and handing out the rest, it was time for bed. It was so beautiful I decided to sleep out without the tent. Big day planned for tomorrow.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Big Bald

To: Nolichucky River (Erwin, TN.)
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

What a beautiful sunrise. I was up at first light, before the sun peaked over the mountains. My sleeping bag was a bit wet from dew/condensation, but the wind on top helped dry it out. I was up, packed up and on the trail by 7:30.The plan was to hike into the town of Erwin, TN. The town is known for an unfortunate incident in the '30's. The circus came to town, and an elephant - suffering the typical poor treatment of the time, went crazy and killed someone. Well, the town decided to charge the elephant with 1st degree murder, put the elephant on trial, and sentenced the elephant to death. Death sentences were done by hanging. After two failed attempts to hang the elephant, they just shot it. Anyway, the day started well. My toe was sore, but not too bad. I kept a steady pace, the weather was warm, but not too warm, and I kept it going. I have to make a note about the smell of the forest during spring. There are wildflowers in bloom all over the place, and you can smell how fresh everything is. It's unbelievable. I finally walked into Erwin, and planned on walking to the A&W, as I've been thinking about an ice cream float for the last 3 hours. Just as I was getting there, The Dude (another thru-hiker) pulled up and offered me a ride further into town, another 3-4 miles. I wasn't going to turn that down. After a quick stop at WalGreens ($1 32oz. gatorade - I polished off two of them), we swung by Ms. Janet's, a famous hostel on the trail. Great hospitality, Baltimore Jack was also on hand (he's hiked the trail numerous times and is a legend himself) and made a great dinner for everyone. Everyone close to the area was here - at least 30 thru-hikers. Everyone seems to congregate at Ms. Janet's as we all make plans to hike into Damascus for Trail Days. Well, there's ice cream outside that I don't want to miss, so it's goodbye for now.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Nolichucky River (Erwin, TN.)

To: Nolichucky River (Erwin, TN.)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It¢s a new day. After yesterday¢s adventure, I called some family and friends to relate my experience. One person I called was my friend Michelle from Buffalo. Awhile ago we talked and she was planning to take a trip to visit me over the weekend. I hadn¢t talked to her since I spent a week off the trail with Ally due to my toe. Due to that unscheduled break, I didn¢t think I could afford to take more time off. But yesterday I realized that I was still a day or two ahead of the Dog Pack. Surprisingly enough, Michelle said she was still able to catch her flight the next day, Saturday, and come and visit. After another big breakfast at Miss Janet¢s, I heard my name being called. Out front, there was Dog Man! Moss and Sizzerz soon wandered in, and Joker and his girlfriend Michelle (Tinkerbell) also showed up. They had hiked in yesterday and stayed at a different hostel. Thanks to trail gossip, they knew just where to find me. They were planning on taking a zero day, and had arranged to do some tubing in the river running through Erwin later that day. I gathered my equipment, headed over to a small hotel to get a room for the night, and then joined them at their hostel. We spent the afternoon hanging out, having a few beers, and catching up. Tubing was delayed thanks to a cold drizzle. I was hoping to join them, but by the time they left, it was time to meet up with Michelle.She arrived in the late afternoon, and we all hung out for awhile. She picked up some liquor, which was greatly appreciated, and a bottle of tequila was passed around. Dinner at Erwin Burito, and then the rest of the gang went to see Spider Man 3. At 12:30 am we got the call to pick them up and shuttle them back to their hostel, 3-4 miles away, and it was an end to another great day.