morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

9 AprilWoke up this morning and my reclining pulse was 52. I recall when I was running that my resting reclining pulse was 38.   Depart: Plumorchard Gap Shelter 0830 hoursCrossed the Georgia / NC Border at 1035 hours (4.4 miles), I almost missed the sign; a fellow through hiker said ". . . Welcome to NC!" What a shot in the arm, however, NC had a surprise for me, an 800 foot climb!Lunch: Muskrat Shelter (Rat Hole) this Shelter was in a terrible state of police! (7.5 miles). This is the first time I stopped and actually cooked lunch (Ramen Noodles [Chicken]), refreshing. The temperature was warm today and I consumed 3 liters of water by the time I reached Muskrat Shelter. Filled up my 3 liter bladder and my 1 liter bottle. Joined some Germans today for the majority of the trek to Standing Indian Shelter. Decided not to stay in the shelter this evening, enjoy my tent much more than the shelter. Feeling good, knocking out 12.4 miles today. I anticipated that I would be ready to up my mileage Tuesday / Wednesday. Tomorrow I could potentially get 16 miles, however, I am just not sure my body is ready. If I get an early start, I should have no problem. Enjoyed Backcountry "Pad Thai" dinner for two (800 calories) along with some hot tea. A Day Hiker (ATL Nathan - Cook) ) gave me an energy "Gu" gel to try tomorrow, he plans to hike the trail next year. There are a group of hikers making a night hike this evening! They are attempting to link-up with one of their friends. WOW!Arrive: Standing Indian Shelter 1615 (4.9 / 12.4 miles)
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Long Branch Gap
Miles today: 0.0

10 AprilDeparted: 0733Hikers I Met Today:Homeward Bound - Cleveland (Shaker Heights)No NameSurvivor - MarylandAchilles - Computers Flag man - US Army Veteran / PCT & AT (Hiking)Steady - Day HikerFell twice today enroute to Carter Shelter almost poked my eye out. If I were not wearing my sunglasses while crossing a blabbing brook, I my have lost my eye. So now I am bleeding below my eye, however, my eye is still intact. Lunch - Carter Shelter, it was like Ole Home Week, Paul "Skipper", Katlyn "Invictus", Ben "Scarecrow", Sarah & Max, Brian etc. Pressed on! I felt good today! I felt as though I graduated from Elementary School to High School as well as hit the 100 mile mark and I hope that I will now be able to knock out 12 miles with some consistency. Crossed Albert Mountain 5250', all I could do was sing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." "Gu" Gel may have given me the "kick" I needed to get over the top. I took it right before I took on Albert Mtn and Immersed my legs in the cold water for 5 minutes. WOW, refreshing after this arduous hike. Find this hike to not be as strenuous. New Shelter, not crowded tonight! I opted to stay in the shelter rather than pitch my tent. Arrived: Long Branch Gap 1700 hours (16.2 miles)
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Long Branch Gap

To: Siler Bald
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

11 AprilDeparted: Long Branch Shelter 0730Hikers I met today:Steady - Hiking the International AT. We talked and he is averaging 20 - 25 miles / day. NICE!Going into town to resupply Franklin pick-up (4 miles)Left knee was sore, however, I feel good that I knocked out 16.2 miles. After such a long day I do not feel physically exhausted. Arrive: Siler Bald Shelter (12 miles)Could not find the shelter, OK I will sleep on top of the mountain! Bad decision, got the weather" severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings along with heavy rain! Lighting Strike near me was the STRONG indication I needed to pull down my Bear bag, pack up my stuff and get moving to the next northern shelter (Wyah Shelter 7.3 miles). Never hiked at night, alone! However, I have been on enough reconnaissance patrols, at night, that I feel I am in my element. The only thing missing is my weapon. I am thinking that e en the bears are smart enough Not to venture out in this stuff. As I negotiate all the deadfall, the storm picked up (lightening, wind, temperature drop). Pressing on is the only option. No songs to sing tonight, this is serious weather, great night for me to set up an ambush or be ambushed on the trail. Hey, there is "Steady" (international AT hiker) in his hooch. He advises me to set up my tent as I have two "Balds" to cross and the weather is going to be worse at the top! I thank him for the up date and press on to my objective. It was good to see a friendly face at this time of night and in this weather (later I would learn that the conversation was to check that I was not hypothermic! If I would have been coherent, I now know he would have tackled me and brought me out of the elements.)Reflecting back on this I realize that things could've gone terribly bad in a hurry! Fortunately, I will know better the next time, because as fate would have it there will be a next time,This morning "Steady"walked 1/4 mile out of his way to ensure that I made it to my destination. Good man!Departed: Siler Bald 0800
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

12 April 2013Arrived:   Wayah Shelter 0030 Departed: Wayah Shelter 1230Clothes dried and all gear accounted for upon my departure. My phone is not working and I believe it is telling me to sych up with my computer!Walked with Laurie (Youth Counselor / Army Veteran) she was meeting her husband tomorrow and getting off the trail today. Today, I am feeling really tired and I know that it is because of my lack of sleep (3 hours). Going to bed early when I finally get to the shelter, I know I will just be too tired to put up my tent. Tomorrow I hope to make it Bryson City / Natahala Outdoor Center need batteries for my Steri Pen, rubber bands a little food and a water bag. *I am continuing to think about last night and just how bad things could have become if I had not had a good hearty meal in Franklin. That buffet may have just saved my life, literally! I was just burning too many calories during that cold windy storm And did not eat for four hours! Note to self-don't do that again!!!In my sleeping bag inside the shelter and asleep by 1945, I am exhausted. Arrived:   1615 Cold Spring Shelter (5.8 miles)
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Bryson / Wesser NC
Miles today: 12.5

12 April Depart: Cold Spring Shelter 0730Hikers I met today:Pro Tip - works for MoosejawShade - only has 40 days to hike and she is averaging 17 miles / dayNo Name or Emanon - that is no name spelled backwards, the camp tried to convince him that sounds REALLY cool. Today's journey involved going over the top of Copper Ridge Bald (5080') to Natahala (1723'). 4 miles of downhill trekking and my knees could feel the pressure. When I arrived in Nanthala( 1400 hours) I went to the Outdoor Center to pick up some gear, however, I thought better of it and decided to check into the Hostel. The receptionist told me that "unfortunately" the rooms were not available yet and I would have to find something to do for about an hour. I paid for my room was issued the towel and thought I could eat for an hour while waiting.   A hamburger and fries sure sounds good fora late lunch!When I return the room was ready and I checked in, shower wash my clothes in the shower and return to my room hanging my clothes on the porch. What do you know, after all that time it's dinner time! Before I chowed down, I do need to go to the Outdoor Center to pick up some gear and I know no better way to spend a quick hundred dollars then to go to the store.This is a great little community they hold the white water Kyaking championships here annually. After dinner I return to my room and prepared for tomorrow, Sassafras Gap Shelter (4330') 9 miles!!!Arrived: Natahala Outdoor Center (N.O.C.), WBryson City / Wesser, NC 1400 hours
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Bryson / Wesser NC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 0.0

14 April Departed: 0830 Natahala Outdoor Center (N.O.C.), Bryson City / Wesser, NC (1723')Hikers I met today:Gravey - Sassafras Macey- Sassafras ShelterBMW - Bavarian Man WalkingRolling R - TalonCode Walker - just finished MBAJust - Hiking with Pro TipRameeDanger DavePundant*OUTSTANDING shower this morning and that was followed by an oatmeal breakfast. Sassafras Shelter - stopped to have lunch (Ramen - Chicken Noodle), raspberry tea, took off my shoes and knee brace off in order to relax. Packed up and on the move. Locust Cove Gap - set up my tent as it started to rain and after my experience a few days I just did NOT want to experience the rain and the cold, again! It helped to see Pro Tip already set up and I knew that trekking 10.5 miles was enough for today. The rain forced quite few hikers (23 tents / hammocks) to stop here at Locust Cove Gap. There are hikers I have not seen since Georgia that are camping at this site tonight. Cisco Kid shred his bear lineToday, I trekked from NOC 1723' over Cheoah Bald 5063' to Locust Cove Gap 3690' to camp for the evening. This will be an early night for me compared to last night 2200 hours. Tomorrow, I plan to go to Cable Gap (12.6 miles) or Walker Gap Yellow Creek Trail (15.4 miles). Arrived: Locust Cove Gap (3690') 1500 hours
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

15 AprilDeparted: 0750 hours Locust Cove Gap (3690') Hikers I met today:Cat eye Jedeye - carrying a guitar / met beforeLucky - met beforeMudslide - Nate (Lance Creek)Slow & Steady - Hawaii Tent, wet this morning! Glad I was in before the rain storm. This morning I had the most amazing experience. I was above the cloud cover on one side of the mountain and clear on the other side. It was amazing to see while walking as opposed to flying. The trail took me down threw the cloud cover and I was walking "in the soup"(a term aviators use when there is LIMITED visibility)!Prior to my departure Gray Beard check to see IF I would mind splitting a room with him. I was honored and felt as though he reach out to me because I am not noisey as the younger hikers. Jacob's Ladder was the challenge of the day! Ardous because there were no switch backs as many of the other climbs. Took a shot of "Gu" later in the day, the heat was draining today. This area filled up with most of the hikers from last night. Tomorrow, I will be be hiking 5.5 miles into Fontana and will stay overnight in a hostel. Need to resupply (6 days) to get through the Smokies. The idea of having a time limit to get through the Smokies coupled with crossing the highest point on the AT (Clingmans Dome [6643']) has many of the hikers excited. Continue to hike alone and affording me an opportunity to clear the clutter from my "brain housing group." My friends told me that this would change me and I now believe that they are correct. It is an amazing experience walking the land similar to what the early frontiersman except when things start to go "South In A Hurry" I can reach for my credit card versus living off the land. It is hard that people followed the North Star to find Freedom. Camp was good, several people are carrying small guitars and so I had the opportunity to play, my neighborhood has some good people. Did not have to deal with mice tonight, slept in my tent. That will give me almost 3 weeks before taking a Zero Day which fits my plan. Arrived: 1500 hours Cable Gap Shelter (2880')
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 0.0

16 AprilDeparted: 0745 Cable Gap Shelter (2880')Up at 0450 hours. Last night I set my tent up next to the proverbial babbling brook. It was nice waking up and hearing the water. Checked the rain forecast prior, I was good to go. Arrived: NC 28 (1030 hours)Confusion on the pickup point by The Hiker Inn. Phone did not work for pickup, at the suggestion of Y Not 2 K, I had the operator transferred the call to the owners of The Hiker Inn. Pickup moved to the Fontana Dam Visitor Center 1.4 miles from N.C. 28. Nancy & Jeff manage and own The Hiker Inn. Nancy is doing our laundry and Jeff took us down the road to pickup lunch (barbecue, hot dog, Coke, and a small bag of Fritos). Picked up the same for Gray Beard. Off to town for two hours dinner and shopping. Dinner was great in Robbins (Mexican) and shoppings at Ingles was productive. Jeff gave a briefing, that evening, to our group before we enter into the Smokies that was very sobering. Jeff stated the following:    -Do not hike at night - there are pigs are nocturnal and out foraging (there were photos of 450 lbs    -The bears are aggressive, Do Not Leave your packs unattended. Bears have been known to follow hikers for miles.    - Do not get on the trail too early, the animals may still be out.    -Improve your scan around the rocks, the snakes will be basking in the sun   -Finally, ENJOY the sites (Shucksstack Fire Tower, Rocky Top, Thunderhead [east peak], Clingmans Dome [6643'], Charles Bunion, Side Trail to Mt Cammerer Fire Tower)   Arrived: 1145 hours Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

17 AprilDeparted: The Hiker Inn 0700                  Fontana Dam 0755 (1700')                  Boundary Great Smokies Mtns National Park 0828 (1740')Hikers I met today:Cat LadyThis morning I was up at 0555, showered, completed packing and launched at the vehicle 0700.   Sat at Fontana Dam eating my fruit (orange), and drank the remainder of my Coke or at least what I could. Stepped off with Carl Campbell (Lancaster County) and ". . . it is on!"Today, the most difficult portion of this day was the insects (knats), they were very aggressive and when you stopped they swarmed! It is OFFICIAL, I have used every piece of gear that I brought with me (Bug Net), NICE!Here early enough to get situated. It afforded me the opportunity to take a nap. It felt good to get a few minutes. My right knee is looking much better and felling much better. This shelter filled up quick, late! I believe that we are at max capacity and there are hikers sleeping outside. The temperature is dropping fast and fortunately we have a tarp over the front to keep us somewhat warm. A plus, the knats departed the area! I was told that 20% of those remaining hikers dropped at Fontana Dam. The community is getting smaller!   We are expecting rain tonight. I am in the shelter hoping that the roof does not leak. Arrived: Mollies Ridge Shelter 1325 hours
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derricks Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

18 AprilDeparted:   0730 hours Mollies Ridge Shelter (4570')Hikers I met today:YookHarley & Three HandsFernandoLewis & ClarkFoggy, visibility 50 feet, windy, chilly. Breakfast (oatmeal, raisins, breakfast bar, tea) was good. Hiking was excellent, cool and windy. No knats! This was a tough day and the winds on top of Rocky Top (5440') and Thunderhead (east peak [5527']) were strong, 40 gusting to 60+ mph. It was 12 the hard way. As Paul Neumann said in the movie "Cool Hand Luke" - "My mind is right, Boss!"The shelter had a fire going when we arrived and it was nice. Cat Lady arrived and borrowed yukalayee (SP) and played a few songs for those of us that were inside the shelter. *While hiking North three women passed us heading south. Since trekking I have discovered that those hikers climbing have the right of way! However, these ladies did not abide by that rule. Remember, we are heading North. One of the ladies develops symptoms of "heat exhaustion." Some of the hikers go down the trail to assist them (carrying packs and water). Our shelter was full and now these ladies seem to think that we need to move in the shelter to before they came. The rule is IF THE SHELTER IS FULL, IN THE SMOKIES, THEN AND ONLY THEN CAN YOU CAMP OUTSIDE!Although the sun was somewhat sparse today, when it did shine it was warm. After getting settled (air mattress, pillow, food bag, water, clothes) I laid down in the grass near the shelter and took a short nap. Phoenix and Jedadyeah (SP) joined me along with Fernando, Yook, Y Not 2 K, and Ram Me. It reminded me of being a kid, lying in the grass picking out shapes. Hoping to spend my 61st birthday on top of the highest point on the trail, Clingmans Dome. If it is raining I am going to stay at this shelter until the rain subsides.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Derrick's Knob Shelter

To: Derrick's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

19 AprilDeparted: 0 day Rain / Cold! Derrick's Knob Shelter (4880')Up at 0600 this morning. Very windy all night! Weather indications prior to us departing Fontana was that there was severe weather heading this way for today. It started to rain around 0745 and the winds have picked up significantly. It appears that we are going to be stuck here and unable to get to the next shelter. Because the capacity of the shelter is limited, some folks are deciding to move on this morning. This is the time to reflect on the story of the Three Little Pigs". This shelter is constructed of stone and reinforced with timber. Thinking of my previous rain experience(s) I may be relegated to taking a "Zero" day in this shelter or a "Nero" day IF the rain stops. Hikers I met today:Tom Sawyer - German SquirrelWell, the weather was rainy and windy until around 1600 hours. Hikers anxious left the shelter to feel the rays of the sun. Throughout the day, hikers would arrive and depart after getting warm near the fire and fixing some warm chow. One guy came in with no shirt on and departed with no shirt on after eating. Needless to say we have been very conscious of the weather and are hearing the temperature will be around 65 as a high tomorrow, however, tonight will be cold, 30s. My Marmot Helium -15 is ready for the task.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Derrick's Knob Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 0.0

20 April (Birthday)Departed: 0738 hours Derrick's Knob Shelter (4880')Hikers I met today:MillerCatnapThis morning there was frost on the tent of those hikers that stayed outside the shelter. I estimate that the temperature was in the mid twenties. Ate a breakfast bar and started on the trail. Hot oatmeal would have been good this morning, however, i needed to get moving before that cold immobilized me. This was the first time that I wore my trousers to start the hike. After walking about 20 minutes, I started to feel a little nauseated, I thought I needed to get some water from my bladder only to find that my mouthpiece for my water was frozen! The next two hours require me to work a little to get a drink of water. Met a "Ridge Runner" Trey who got me squared away on his job (seasonal - February to October) and what he did as a Ridge Runner. Trey also gave me a recommendation on a motel (Grand Prix) in Gatlinburg that was "hiker friendly."What a beautiful morning, the water on the ground was frozen. When I reached the top of Clingman's Dome (6480') I was EXTREMELY excited! This was a major accomplishment on the trail. The highest point on the trail!Walking down the hill the the Visitor Center a volunteer "Jim" offered me Oreo cookies and some water (Trail Angel), as if that were not enough he told me that IF I need a ride to Gatlinburg, TN, I should wait in the parking lot and I could get a lift around 1500 hours. True to his word, he shuttles me and Miller into Gatlinburg to the Grand Prix. During the ride in he explained the history of the Smokies (suicides, wild hogs, bears, hikers, weather). What a GREAT insight. Grand Prix was very accommodating and inexpensive, $33. Needed resupply of chow, at least enough for 4 days. The NOC store offered me a place to shower, which I took advantage, in spite of the fact that I had to get back into most of my dirty clothes. However, it felt good and I truly appreciated the shower. Next stop KFC, Drug Store, Baskin Robbins and to my motel room to do laundry an repack my gear. Scoped out restaurant (Flap Jacks 0700 - 1200). I need to eat there in order to get my ride back to Clingman's Dome (0900) from the motel.Arrived: 1330 Clingman's Dome (6643')
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Clingman's Dome

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

21 April Departed: 1038 hours Clingman's DomeHikers I met today:Mark & Wendy Booth aka Godspeed & Mountain MammaCozy (Lakeland, FL Police Detective)Stretch0900 pick at the motel by Mark & Wendy, WOW! Mark & Wendy are avid hikers and Mark and his son hiked the AT, however here is ther story:   Mark and his son launched to attempt the trail, upon arriving in Damascus, Mark had developed a sever case giardiasis and decided to stop encouraging his son to press on! His son responded that they (father & son) agreed to complete the AT together! Both returned home. Two weeks later the son was diagnosed as having a Brain Tumor and the family was told that he (son) would have died within one or two weeks! Wendy told the doctor to do what he needed to do and the family would pray that "... God would return their son to them, whole!" Needless to say everything worked out, and the family is is a family again. This story brought tears to my eyes and to all those who heard the story. Now the rest of the story, this couple allowed me to "slack pack" (hike without my pack)) from Clingman's Dome to Newfound Gap! This was my first time "Slack Packing!" OK, I will give it a try. The 8 plus miles were the easiest miles I have yet to negotiate. When I arrived at Newfound Gap they were there with sandwiches (x 2) soda, chips, brownies and my backpack. They were the sweetest couple and before I departed, Wendy set me off with a prayer. NICE. OUTSTANDING day!It seemed ALL vertical (5045' - 5905'), however, it was only 2.7 miles. The Smokies rules came into play as hikers without tents rolled into the shelter, they had reservations. Arrived: Icewater Spring Shelter (5920')
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

22 April Departed: 0830 hours - Icewater Spring Shelter (5695')Hikers I met today:Black JackGogomeshScorpionShelter maxed out again today. Hikers with reservations for the shelter arrived around 1900 hours. When "Day Hikers" arrive late it causes significant consternation within the shelter. Expect the temperature to be below freezing again. Good Day, uneventful. The weather has been OUTSTANDING and the vistas SPECTACULAR! Unfortunately, my phone is not working which precludes me from capturing the moments. This morning the ground and tents were covered with frost. I slept in the shelter again, which has been my practice throughout the Smokies. Last night my Achilles' tendon was bothering me. I took some Ibuprofen last night and feel good this morning. Additionally, the swelling in my right leg has subsided, NICE. Crew is having trouble getting through these days and I feel it is just a matter of time before she gives up the AT. We talked several times and I attempted to convey to her that whatever her decision was in the next few days would be the right decision. I need to get to Davenport (15.7 miles) tomorrow, I think that I am going to take a Zero in town away from the other hikers. It will feel good to get out of the Smokies. Arrived: 1430 Tri-Corner Knob Shelter (5920')