morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Gap/Wayah Road
Miles today: 5.9

The day started out in Franklin with a free breakfast for hikers hosted by the First Baptist Church. A free shuttle took us there, and the church served all you could eat bacon, pancakes, juice, coffee and bananas. They serve this hiker breakfast every day for a month at this time of year. There were probably 50 or so hikers there enjoying the hospitality of the church crew. They took photos of each hiker, and provided envelopes, paper and stamps for anyone who wished to send off a note from Franklin. The generosity and kindness is overwhelming.   I had taken a free shuttle the previous afternoon to get resupplied for food, so I was all set. Two shuttles were available back to Winding Stair Gap and I took the second. I was back to climbing up and out of the gap at about noon. It was a beautiful day for hiking. We are finally having warmer daytime temps and the sun came out in the afternoon.    I hiked along and came upon a hikerpalozza at the Wayah Crest Picnic Area. It was the Walking Warriors. I'd read about them in Franklin. What an amazing group. These veterans are literally "walking off the war". Two hikers began this last year and raised money for wounded veterans. This year the group numbers about 14 or so. If you google "walking warriors" you can see photos and info about each soldier.    They had beed at the picnic area since Easter Sunday. They are a lively group with lots of guitar playing, singing, eating, drinking and general carrying on. They were slowly winding down the festivities and getting ready to move on up the trail. They are totally supportend in their hike with a strong contingent of dogs and people to offer any help needed. I spoke with a couple of them and expect that I'll see them again somewhere soon along this part of the AT. They were an inspiration.   I finished my day shortly after that with a quick trip to the Aquone Hostel. I have a bad raw spot on my nose, due to a constant runny nose for the first weeks of hiking in the cold weather. A respite here with a couple of easier hiking days should take care of that issue. Everything else seems good--feet, body, etc. are OK and getting stronger.   Our hosts here are Maggie and Wiggy. They are fantastic. Their hostel is the most peaceful place, and they provide everything you'd want. I met up with Butter Cup, a retired AF specialist and also with Siren and Stretch, two younger women hikers who are planning to hit Dollywood as they pass through the Smokies.   Also here are Cabo, Capt'n Dan and Tom. We are all a very happy group, thanks to the thoughtfulness and kindness of Maggie and Wiggy. I'm so grateful.   It's all good.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Wayah Gap/Wayah Road

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Oh my, I have fallen down the rabbit hole like Alice, and ended up in another amazing universe. I already feel that being in the thru-hiker community is like living in a parallel world to the one I inhabited just a few weeks before I began hiking. There are all these people here on the AT, from all over, of all ages and from diverse backgrounds and situations. Lots of young hikers, some who have graduated from college, others stopping out, some just following a wanderlust. There are plenty of older hikers, too, some recently retired and fulfilling a dream to hike this trail. Everyone has a different path to follow on their way north.   I have learned so much in the past two weeks. For one thing, I am stronger than I thought. I'm learning to relax and follow my instincts, to listen to my universe and follow the path which is already in front of me, if I can just grasp it. Which led me to where I am now, the Aquone Hostel. Wow, I am sitting in a most peaceful, beautiful room, surrounded by lovingly handmade furnishings created by the hosts, Maggie and Wiggy. They are a delightful British couple who have created a utopia in the North Carolina hills.    I can't begin to describe the renewal I am feeling during my stay here. I have hiked daily, enjoying the trail, the views, and the feeling of strength I am gaining each day. At night, I join other hikers at a communal table, to be nourished by Maggie's wonderful dinners. I could not be happier.    Wiggy thru-hiked in 2010, and he has freely shared valuable info about the entire experience and the ways to get from here to Maine. Their home/hostel is hand crafted and the attention to detail is incredible. Everything is spotless and they meet any need a hiker could have. Each night I relax in borrowed clothes (my supply of extras is pretty limited!) and eat dinner at a hand crafted wood table. There will be a pretty full house tonight, and I'm looking forward to meeting up with those I know already, and others whose journals I've read. This is the best of the best. I am so blessed.   Since I began in the colder weather, I've pressed and pushed many days in order to deal with the conditions. Here, I have been able to relax and reorganize my physical and mental resources to be ready for the trek to Fontana Dam and the Smokies. The weather has been perfect for hiking each day and I've enjoyed the opportunity to breathe deeply and to feel the love of our hosts. I have taken care of others for so many years, that my hike is all about doing something that is just mine. I didn't know it would also a lesson in receiving the kindnesses of so many. I don't know how it could be any better than this. Thank you so much, Maggie and Wiggy. I am humbled over and over, every day. Wow Wow Wow Wow. I highly recommend this experience to anyone--not to be missed.   It's all so good, I can't really believe it! Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 4.8

Just another day at the Aquone Hostel paradise. At breakfast, we were six. Me, Capt. Dan, Camel and his son Alfalfa, Ewok and Cabo. All went separate ways. I had the shortest, nicest day ever--just enough to work out the lactic acid and keep everything moving. There were beautiful views from Rocky Bald and the sun shone there during a little break. Glorious!    Today we met a mom and son who were section hiking. It is wonderful to see kids out here with their parents. They were taking a break before walking up Wesser Bald and over to NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center). They were hiking with another woman who was out for a 4-5 day stint. I also met another gentleman from Venice Beach, CA who was hiking the AT after having sold his business and retired.   As I'm writing, Walker, Puffy and Oxy just arrived. They are in for a treat and immediately signed up for dinner to be served with love at 5:30 p.m. I've been able to see a little of the surrounding NC country through this experience. Wiggy has given us the cook's tour as he has expertly delivered us to our hiking locations each day. He and Maggie have several cabins here too, and another cabin in a local community a short distance away. It is so beautiful here, with lakes, waterfalls and homes tucked in here and there.      After hiking today I shared a pizza lunch with Capt. Dan as we planned the next few days. We are off to NOC tomorrow. He has a buddy who will meet him at Fontana Dam and who plans to hike the Smokies with him. I'm sure I'll see others I know at NOC and Fontana. I'll try to keep up w/Capt. Dan and his friend and hope to make it through the Smokies without a stop to resupply. That will be more food than I've carried yet, but I will be more rested for it. I have a mail drop waiting for me at Fontana Dam and I know it's heavy.    But, all that is for tomorrow. For now, I'm going to relax, visit with the others and try to win a round of cribbage. Got beat twice the first time (skunked once, so this is a grudge match now).    Thank you again to Maggie and Wiggy for making this all possible. They are THE BEST!!!   It's all very very good.Tie Dye.PS: Heard a rumor that Jolly will be popping in tonight. Big smiles on top of big smiles. Happy Happy Happy.PPS: Was able to upload one pix recently but have no service here. I hope to go back to add some photos to past entries when I get service. Maybe at NOC?PPPS: Happy birthday to my mom, 89 years young today!! You rock, MOM
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Tellico Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. Sir Ranulph Fiennes   What a day....rain started overnight and never let up. Hiked up out of Tellico Gap, climbing 800' feet to Wesser Bald. The wind was blowing, cold rain was unrelenting and ice was falling off the trees. Had to keep moving to stay warm.       A bunch of us started together and Puffy and Postman quickly outpaced the group. Postman is a strong young man from Montclair, NJ who hikes on though wind, rain, snow and gloom of day in lightweight shorts. He hiked in shorts in this storm--whereas I had on pants, rainpants, all my layers, gloves and over gloves, beanie and hood up. And I was still cold.    I fell in with Oxy, Walker and Capt. Dan. With rain gear on they were a colorful group. Oxy is a young lawyer from DC practicing anti-trust law. She was meeting her Dad and her dog at NOC, Nantahala Outdoor Center.      The trail was a slippery mess. At least the climbing helped keep me warm. The advertised panoramic views at the Wesser Bald were left for someone else on another day. I just kept hiking. My rain gear worked pretty well and my core was warm enough.    Nearly everyone was planning to stop at the NOC. Some opted for a zero in soggy tents. Capt. Dan had called to check on space at the NOC. There is a bunkhouse there and other basic accommodations. He was able to get the last guest room, so the thought of a place to dry out and warm up was very motivating.    Once atop the bald the hike became a downhill slog for about another 7 miles. I wanted to go fast but had to watch every step on the wet leaves and slick rocks. Everything was soaked. I slowed down and lost sight of the others about a mile away from NOC. I've noticed that I slow down as I near my destination to rest my legs and knees.    I find it fascinating to be hiking along for hours, only to become aware of a nearby road or settlement. You can hear traffic noise or catch a glimpse of cars or buildings. For the NOC, I could smell it before I could see anything clearly in the foggy gloom. FOOD!   Finally, I stepped out of the woods and across the road to the River's End restaurant. Saw lots of familiar faces--everyone demolishing huge plates of food.   I was so grateful to be inside, as the pouring rain continued for another 3 hours.   It's all good, if a little damp.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The Cabin in the Woods is a great place, hosted by Phil and Donna. It's in a beautiful setting, on a steep hillside. Don's Brother hiked out the next day as he had made arrangements at Fontana Dam for Saturday night. We stayed there and the guys rested and iced their knees. Donna cooked a fabulous brekky and we arranged for a ride over to Fontana Dam. I had a mail drop there, and wanted to pick it up and sort through it, as it had all my food for the Smokies.   It was a gorgeous day. Jolly mentioned the nice weather at Cheoah Bald yesterday. WHAT??? He whipped out his photos and showed us pix of people there in shorts, no shirts and a view that went for miles and miles. Where was the ice storm? WTH? He'd hiked up about an hour and a half behind us and had totally different conditions. Couldn't believe my photos of the ice covered wilderness. Oh well, I guess I'll get a view from somewhere else.    We had lunch at Fontana Dam and ran into many hiker friends. Postman came breezing through and joined us on the deck for fried pickles and a burger. He is such a strong hiker--reminds me of Polaris. He went to Dartmouth, worked in corporate finance in NYC then decided to quit his job and hike. He is very sharp and we enjoyed getting to know him better over lunch. He was happy to be at FD as the Final Four semis were on. We talked to Butter Cup and Pathfinder. I wished I'd walked here today, rather than stopping out, but we have a room for tomorrow and will be here soon enough.It's all good.TD
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I get by with a little help from my friends. John Lennon   I love my hiking buds, Jolly and Capt. Dan. They saved my bacon today. We had a great brekky and were hiking up from Stecoah Gap a little after 8 a.m. Gentle switch backs led to a steep section called Jacob's Ladder. Got through that OK, but then I was just tired.    I have trouble sleeping. I'm very jealous of the others, as they are champion sleepers and are out as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Me, I just lay there FOREVER, waiting for sleep to come. It often doesn't. This is nothing new, a leftover from my cancer treatments. Last night I was still awake at 3 a.m. I finally got a couple hours of sleep, but mostly just rest, looking out the window at the starry night.   So, it caught up with me and I still had 10 miles to go. I slowed down, but sank into a negative mental state. Talking to myself, trying to find some positive energy. Nothing. Put my music on, at least that offered a distraction. Saw a squirrel. Yippee...   I was in super slow gear, plodding along. I figured I'd get to Fontana really late, but whatever, our room would be there and it didn't really matter. It was a gorgeous day, too. I came to a clearing with two log benches. Sat down on them for a while. Moved on, then climbed over big boulders, sat on one in the sun for another while. Kept going, trying to find my positive energy. It was somewhere else.   Then, I came to a little gap and my buds were there, waiting. They waiting all that time for me? These two are fantastic. They make me laugh always, and they are the best. We talked to a hiker named St. Croix there, and headed out. Much better!! Now I was keeping them in sight (haha, they slowed down for me) and the rest of the day was so good. We reached Fontana Dam by 2 something and shuttled to the lodge. Dinner on me, drinks all around. Happy again. Saw lots of hiker friends here, all getting ready to enter the Smokies and hike on. Capt. Dan's buddy arrived from Florida and we made plans for the next part. We will hike through without stopping to resupply. The weather forecast is favorable.    I know I'll sleep tonight. I ate so much dinner. A couple of shots. The guys have been encouraging me to eat more, and I usually have to force myself, but even they were impressed at the table tonight. I ate at least half of my dinner plus a starter. They have each lost between 10-15 pounds and you can see the change in their faces. Me, I just try to keep eating enough to keep me going. I love to eat, I just can't eat so much; but, it looks like that is changing a bit.    It's all great. I love hiking, I love my hiking friends and I love that we all look out for each other. The AT is an amazing place. Couldn't be better. XXOO, Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Nothing is too wonderful to be true. Michael Faraday    We left the Fontana Lodge as a group of five today. Jolly, myself, Capt. Dan, his buddy Mike and another hiker named Top all headed over a little hill and to the dam.      We met up with Barbara as we walked across the dam and took pictures. She'd begun her thru hike on March 1st. When she reached the Smokies, the rangers had to clear the park due to snow drifts up to three feet. She got a ride forward and hiked to Erwin, TN, then spent a bunch of days in Gatlinburg. She got a ride south to try the Smokies again. She is from Maine and carries a heavy pack, around 50 pounds.       This was another climbing day, more steeply at first. I met my first ridge runner today. He took some basic info from us and gave us info on shelter capacity and water availability. Our plan was to hike to the first shelter. It took most of the day as most were carrying lots of food.      Today it was warm enough to hike in shorts and a tee shirt for the first time. I even got a little sunburn on my arms. It looks like we will have favorable weather for the next few days. It's wonderful to be able to relax in my tent without worrying so much about the cold.   Others here tonight include Blue, St. Croix, Camel and his son Alfalfa, Prayer Walker, Hamster, Canadian Bacon and Zen Master. The shelter has a fireplace inside and a fire is going, but I'm so comfortable in my tent that I'm staying put. Hikers are supposed to use the shelters in the Smokies, but a few of us are tenting just outside because it is filling up. I know I'll sleep better in my tent. It's sort of dark and smoky in there, too.   Don't want to worry about snorers either. It's all good here on the AT!Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Mollies Ridge shelter

To: Derrick Knob shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was another beautiful day for hiking. It is incredible out here. The trail offers views of where we are going and where we've hiked from.   The Smokies are amazing.    I have been hiking in Tennessee, as the trail follows the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. There isn't an official sign yet, but there will be one soon. It was chilly this morning but warmed up right away when I got moving. The first five miles were easier than the last seven.       We stopped for lunch at a grassy bald. I could have slept in the sun there for a couple of hours. Probably should have, given my lack of sleep most nights. At the moment, I'm eating almost anything dipped straight into my peanut butter jar--whatever energy bar I have , pieces of chocolate, or just straight off my spoon, the only utensil I carry.   I always have a Snickers in my pocket and munch that when moving. Plus hard candy.   Breakfast is granola and milk made with my instant milk powder plus something dipped in PB.   It's rare for me to make anything hot for brekky as I'd rather get going.    There were some good climbs this afternoon and our group was spread out but met up at break points or water sources. I got more sunburn on my arms, but it was too hot to hike in my long sleeve shirt. I drank a gallon and a half of water today.   I always carry 2 liters in my Platypus, which lays on the top of everything in my pack. It has a flexible tube with a bite valve so that I can drink water easily while hiking.      I didn't stop much at the end of the day as it's always best when I just keep going. Many times at stops I don't take my pack off, just rest on a log or against a tree. We can see so much right now since there are no leaves on the trees. Camel says this will change quickly. He hiked about   1000 miles last year. He is a veteran who has had multiple back surgeries that would have put many in a wheelchair.   He just decided to hike in 2012 to think and sort things out. He is here with his fourteen year old son this year. They are the best. His son was bored in school, a video playing couch potato type. He is turning into a great hiker and is always willing to walk further to find a water source. They are a fun team to be around.    Barbara is now trail named Quick Change. I enjoyed hiking and talking with St. Croix today. He's from St. Croix, Wisconsin and had worked as an industrial welder, a job he can return to if he chooses. He is planning to be married when he finishes the trail. He has the best beard so far!      I keep hanging out of my tent to look at the stars, as it's almost 2 a .m. Wow, it is incredible.   This is truly the best. Can't wait to see what will happen next.It's all wonderfully good.   I am so humbled by our universe. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Derrick Knob shelter

To: Double Spring Gap shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

This above all: to thine own self be true. William Shakespeare (Hamlet)      This hike is something I'm doing that is simply mine. I love making decisions each day based on the circumstances before me. I am well aware that my journey thus far is unlike anything I could have imagined during the months of planning. It is what it is, and for me, it's perfectly perfect. Every day is a gift.       I love hearing from friends via this journal. I'm always delighted to receive comments and questions from readers, and try to respond when I have Internet service. It's all good. Just hike one more day and love every one if them.       We chose to stop before climbing to Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the entire AT. I was last out today, as I knew the miles would be relatively easy. The weather was beautiful again, but I hiked in my long sleeved shirt to avoid further sunburn on my arms. The views from   Rocky Top were amazing. I kept going and could soon look back to see my hiking friends from the next bald.       An earlier arrival to Double Springs Gap shelter allowed lots of time for cooking and visiting with others. We were joined by a ridge runner for the night. In the Smokies, non-thru hikers can make reservations for space at the shelters. The ridge runner knew how many spots had been reserved and made sure space was left for them. Hikers kept rolling in all evening and soon capacity was reached.       Double Springs gap has two good springs, one in NC and one in TN. There was a privy available, too. While eating dinner, we got a good weather update from the ridge runner. Uh oh, eat more food as the plan changed again. Severe weather was coming (heavy storms, high winds to 60 mph and hail at our elevation).   Looks like Gatlinburg is now on the agenda. My toenail fell off and it will be good to attend to that and clean it off properly. New plan is to leave early and regroup/resupply in town. I ate a lot of dinner to lighten my pack.       Just before the shelter, we hike into an area of pine forest. It smells so nice.It's all good and piney. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

Life must be lived as play.Plato Change of plans. We learned during breakfast that Bucket List's ride back to Fontana Dam backed out. Calls to other shuttlers netted nothing. One wanted almost $300 for the trip. It's not that far, but the problem is that the main road through GSMNP is closed due to a landslide. Heavy rains earlier this year caused a sinkhole that wiped out a good section of the road. It's under repair but won't be open again until May. That road is the most direct route back to Fontana Dam.    The solution: rent a Jeep and drive him ourselves. This gives us a play day in Gatlinburg. We took a tram up the mountain for a different perspective of the area. At the top, there's a tubing run with snow. I'm in. Bucket List and I slid down that hill for almost an hour. I have only Crocs to wear when I'm not in my hiking boots, so the snow was like therapy for my bare feet. I just kept knocking the icy crystals out on the way up for the next run. Perfect.       After a burger lunch at Five Guys, we got a ride to the Jeep place. All set. The route to Fontana will take us right by Dollywood and over a section of road called the Tail of The Dragon. 318 curves in 11 miles.    We gave Bucket List a bag of unused gear to lighten the pack. I got rid of an extra water bottle I've been carrying but had not used. Good riddance.       The drive over took only a couple of hours. Once again, it was a treat for me to see more of the beautiful country I've been walking through.   At this elevation, the trees are blooming and flowers are everywhere and it's gorgeous. We could look out and see where we had hiked over the last few days. Perfect again.       The Tail of the Dragon attracts motorcyclists from all over. We saw every kind of bike and stopped to talk with some riders at Deel's Gap. It was fascinating. We got Bucket List to his car and said goodbye. He promised to come back and hike again. I know he will.