morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to rain. Not before listening to Wolf tell of his adventures, multiple thrus, 10 lb. pack, crazy one piece jumpsuit/ rainsuit. He puked during the night, from his sleeping bag, sitting up right out the door. Passed Low Key and For Today @ dam, FT has poisioning in bad spot. Hiked through fog/rain for first couple hours, then sun came out and it was sweet. Fog and rain are back now, after I've done all evening chores, Here with Mitch, Yogi, Granite, Bandit, Brett, Matt, Hopalong, and Mango, and POW showed up. I like these two old guys. Was going to go another couple miles, but company is good here and will do bigger miles with lighter food bag. Lots to say, where to start...- Even after I have my name, I'm getting bunch of suggestions: 1)Cat in the Hat- b/c of my cat hat 2) Whiskers-b/c of my facial hair (by the way PJ, Seth, Matt, Chris, anyone else interested: the neard is coming along, I saw it in a mirrir yesterday and my hair is getting pretty long) 3) Beef stick- still from the first night hanging around, Eating 10 oz. of beef stick like a bananna; and I have a bunch of them (through mail drops) so it keeps coming back up! 4) Cheesesteak- meaning to say cheesecake to waitress but it came out cheesesteak- Mango keeps saying I have the best line thus far on the trip..."Eat everything, its all good for you..."- Rachel, you'll appreciate this- We watched Last of the Mohicans yesterday and got the music in my head (it is filmed in Western NC) so basically the whole day today I played the soundtrack in my head, like on the way to frisbee- The White Blaze- the white blaze is simply amazing, it is pure awesomeness- I get so wrapped up in my thoughts when hiking I just follow the trail, not really thinking about where I am going or anything. All of a sudden, I'll see a blaze and for a jiffy (one hundredth of a second for all you inquiring minds) panic sets in b/c your haven't been paying attention and don't know where you are or what is going on. And then you realize it is all ok, the white blaze is your friend, you are where you are supposed to be.- Aunt Cora, you've already been correct and you haven't even known it; remember at Christmas when you said it'd get lonely and I'd be all by myself...well a few days ago I was, b/c I hadn't been traveling with anyone at all, and b/c I was just getting into the daily routine of what I'll be doing many, many days. But I've found a little group that travels together kinda( not hiking together but at nights); not really travelling together, as everyone moves differently and does their own thing, but you know what I mean.- So some good stuff, as my mind drifts I'll do a Sudoku before I hit the hay. Time= 6:15 pm.
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

-Wake up to cold. Someone says keychain thermometer reads 24 degrees. All of our bear bags are iced shut and frozen. Takes work just to get them down, and them get inside them just to get a cold bite before starting. Despite this, I actually am kind of liking this, it looks beautiful and temp isn't bothering me too badly. Get hiking quickly though to warm up. It is a dang winter wonderland (even though it just turned spring). It looks like white chocolate pretzels are everywhere, except the chocolate coating is like an inch think. Beautiful, breathtaking views from Rocky Top. Above the clounds, trees(kinda), could see this ice covered paradise. I'd almost say that view was more spectacular than it would be on a sunny day. Could see the mountains through clearing fog off to the east? I sang "Rocky Top" when up there. Thunderhead was nice too, but much preferred Rocky Top. Now at shelter 1100 feet higher than yesterday, going to get cold. And no clouds either, bummer; hope this fire can heat up shelter at least a little and tarp on front keep the wind out. Same crowd as last night, minus Brett, who I had to kick and elbow multiple times last night so I could have some space(cough, cough PJ...whenever we shared a bed). Less than 5 miles to Clingmans Dome, highest point on AT and should pass Newfound Gap tomorrow as well (the hitch to Gatlinburg). Lessons learned:- Don't leave a water bottle in Fontana and have only one liter capacity. - Icy waterfall- like uphills are bad, but dislike slippery muddy down hills more. Less than 2000 to go.
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Silers Bald Shelter

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

Keychain says 25 degrees. Ice accumulation is pretty bad. Up and over Clingmans, not as spectacular as I thought it would be. Huge cement spiral staircase for tourists on top, not making for unobstructed natural views. Ice on backside of Clingmans and pretty much all the way down, was pretty bad; couple of inches. Fell four good times on the slippery stuff. Downhill icy waterfalls are worse than downhill muds and uphill ices. Water situation fairly bad today; couldn't get where I had planned, so ate ice and got some from matt. There was also snow on ground today. We hadn't gotten snow, just bad ice. Snow was probably 1 ft. in some places. One of the falls, or near falls really twisted?, tweaked my lef tknee very well. Hurt all the way to Newfound gap, go really slow on downhills to lesson pain. Top or right foot also been hurting, almost like a bone is out of place or something. Ran into ridgerunner, said of storm coming. Said was 16 degrees @ Newfound Gap, supposed to be much colder tongiht. We were going to go 1000 foot above Newfound, nearly to 6000' (shelters are marginally warmer though, but many warm bodies help) but decided to head for Gatlinburg instead. Didn't want to come here, but with my lack of hiking experiance, especially in winter conditions and not sure if I want to be there with current gear at temps maybe around 0 degrees - -5 degreesF, Gatlinburg sounds fine. Sharing room with Bandit, Granite, Mitch(Yeti), and matt @ the Grand Prix Motel. For those familiar with Newnan, this place is a half-step above the Newnan House Motel. Complete with staff equal to the quality of establishment. Bandit and I to KFC, then to small market. Other four head for another bite to eat, I get to see some March Madness finally' Duke loses. Hopefully will get outta here tomorrow and pull two fifteen miles to Davenport Gap and be out of Smokies. We will see, time will tell.
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Gatlinburg has to be one of the worst "towns" there is. I had no desire to come here, and now that I had to zero here, I will never have any desire to come here again. The place has three things, in equal proportions. 1-Hotels/motels, 2-Places to eat, 3- Tourist attractions/shops (like guiness book of world records, ripley's, etc). There is absolutely nothing else here, stinkin' weather forced this upon me, I had no choice. Woke up pretty early, head to Shoney's for breakfast buffett w/ Bandit, Granite, and Mitch. Run into Mango with his wife. Nice for him, he had planned a zero anyway. Eat lots of breakfast, and take walking tour of this "town". Lounge around pretty much all day, watch movies Waterboy and Not Another Teen Movie. Go to Outfitter's (Happy Hiker) twice just to get out, raining slightly. Hear from others reports from a ridgerunner, pretty bad ice on back of Clingmans (luckily already done that), but Charlie's Bunion has it pretty bad too. 6-8 inches of ice, still cold as crazy. Actually bought some crampons. Dang Crampons. Never did I think I'd need crampons so I can safely traverse (yes, traverse) up the mountains. Hopefully shelter will be pretty packed, for warmth. Hopefully we can actually get out tomorrow. So this thing, the AT, really is a huge social event/experiance. I originally thought it was going to be just me and the woods, but that isn't the case. You build so many relationships with people, and see people you had no idea they were near you. Hiking community really is pretty close, everyone watching out for others and everyone knows each other. So at the outfitter we were talking with 365 (he said wow, you can see 365 degrees from this view, hence the name). He was behind us and was going to come down Clingmans today, but he and ridgerunner agreed ice was too thick, 6+ inches pretty solidly all the way down, so he took the road walk down, the once tourists use. Like I said, I didn't think I'd need crampons. What's next? An ice axe? Me and POW talked for a while, about all things hiking related, and the classiness? (is the the word?) of this motel.
Date: 2006-03-25
To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Update from here in Gatlinburg. Finally have internet access for the first time, so I get to see all the entries in the guestbook. Taking a zero today, after taking one yesterday (Friday), and coming down off the trail on Thursday. The group I'm with (Mitch(Yeti), Bandit, Granite, Matt, Piece of Work, and Mango loosely, with others coming in and catching up) are all here waiting out the weather. Most of us had planned on going straight through the Smokies, not coming into Gatlinburg, but on Thursday we ran into a Ridgerunner who told us about a pretty good storm with accompanying weather. So we got into Gatlinburg via Hopalong who had his truck there. Hoping to spend only one night, and head back up on Friday. But Friday came and the road (441) was closed from Gatlinburg to Newfound Gap (where we got off). Same deal today. Keep calling in the morning for updates and keep getting same crap, road is closed. Finally got word that closed for good today with no chance of opening. Supposedly there is 8-10 inches of snow at Newfound, which is around 5000' or so, and we were still having to go up to around 6000' or so. Everyone got some step-in crampons, we are like dang mountain climbers now. Ice is also really bad. It was pretty thick on Thursday coming off the backside of Clingman's, and is only worse now.Let me just tell you that Gatlinburg sucks. It is quite possibly one of the worst towns in America, if I would be so kind to even call this place a town. Do not come here, do not. Things to do here: Sleep, Eat, Tourist-y Stupid Things. Again, do not come here. I've had several walking tours of this entire joint because I want to get out of the (stinky) room (hey, there are five hikers in there, for a couple days, it reeks). Besides that, things are going well. I'm keeping things under control.-SUB ZERO
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Newfound Gap, via Gatlinburg

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Wake up early, only to find the road hasn't opened. Constantly call, same result. Walking back from store w/ my breakfast, Mango picks me up w/ his wife. Says he read 3/25 entry, and needs to tell me about how I'm wrong. Although Gatlinburg is bad he says, Pigeon Forge is worse b/c it is oriented for cars, at least Gatlinburg is made for pedestrians (hikers). Ok, so one good thing about it. Even so, forgot to mention this in yesterdays journal...Bandit got hit by a car when we were walking. Just a tap, really, but bumper to knee isn't good no matter how you slice it. So finally matt calls again, and it is open. It is open! 441 to Newfound is open! We've been waiting for this for two days and it is finally here. Pack our stuff hurridly, grab quick bite to eat, and get a ride from an awesome guy named Stephen. Shuttles us up for free and we are on our way. THis is the hardest hiking I've done yet. THrough 12-16 inches of snow. Didn't have to break trail, but still extremely difficult hiking in powdery snow. More than once, I put my pole down to find it extend 30 inches until it hit bottom. Geez, more than 2/3 my pole undersnow. This is crazy. School gets shut down and the entire state of GA goes crazy with two inches of snow. Here I am in the stuff everywhere, with the smallest amount around me being a foot think. I'm not used to this, I'm just a good ol' Georgia boy. Pass Icewater Shelter, 3 miles in and opt for Peck's Corner, 10.4 miles in. Beautiful views all day, but dummy me brought no extra camera batteries to take pictures with. Charlie's Bunion passed it, barely make it to shelter without having to turn to headlamp. Here with Chestnut, Yeti, Granite, Matt, Alexander, another NoNo, and Jim the RR. Bandit staying in Gatlinburg b/c he was sick, throwing up violently and couldn't eat. Gonna be low 20s tonight says Jim. Thanks to all who've put encouraging words in the guestbook! They really helped me get through today, you've no idea how much they mean.
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Cold start to morning. 18 said Jim, the RR. Got warm in a hurry though. And all day, sun and temps were melting stuff on ground and constantly raining down the snow from the trees on us and our packs. THis melting stuff makes it even more difficult hiking than yesterday, b/c it is wet, heavy snow rather than light and fluffy you have no problem kicking through. Today was a real trudge, slow trudge. Passes more gorgeous views, but wierd b/c as far as you can see there isn't snow, but you are in a heap of the stuff. Passed Mt. Guyout and Hell Ridge, neither was too bad. Ate lunch @ Tri-corner Shelter. Most surprising/entertaining/scary thing of the day happened while there. I was standing out in the sun, out of the covered porch area sop I could stand in sun to stay warm, not very far at all from the cornered part. All of a sudden, this 12 ft. long, 16 inch high, 1 ft wide piece of snow falls from the edge of the roof, missing me by 6-8 inches. Got the heart rate going, would stink to be under that when it fell. But a minute later we heard a creak, and the rest of the 10'x12'x16" piece slides off the metal roof.   Here now with Matt, Alexander, Orangemen, and the NOBO last night. Only 8 or so miles till Davenport Gap, and we'll be out of the Smokies, sweet. Think of some random stuff while out here, I mean, I have enough time to do so. I'll try and think of what everyone I know is doing @ that certain time. Well, not everyone, people close to me. I got everyone today, except for Rachel. She is in Italy after all, my mind may not be able to stretch that far. Actually I think it is b/c she just does so much stuff and the fact that I don't know what goes on in Italy. More random thought...1. How is Jamie McMurry doing? I know, I'm a redneck-I like NASCAR; but really, how is the Crown Royal # 26 doing? 2. Modern appliances/conviences rock. I didn't come out here to get away from them. So when I do use/see them, it makes me appreciate them that much more! What I miss most? In no particular order, internet, refrigerator, tv, water to drink without having to worry about giardia or crypto. Oh yeah, for got to say this in yesterday's journal. POW says that he always tells his wife when he is hiking, "the world is your bathroom." So he taught me that lesson. Today (or yesterday should I say) I taught some others a lesson. The lesson was not to eat yellow snow, especially when it says "SUB" (tried to get SUB-Z spelled, but ran out/wasn't quick enough.)
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road @ Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was warm when I woke up, my wet socks didn't even freeze solid, which I was happy about. Forecast was for rain and some dark, ominous clouds certainly threatened, but the sun won out and it was a fantastic day. Although the uphills (which were only in the morning) still had icy slush to trudge through, the downhills actually had solid ground to walk on, which was nice. Animal encounters today were quite a few, relative to what I've had in the past. Saw three pilated woodpeckers from shelter this AM. Further along, I scared something big, although I didn't see what it was. I head it thumping the ground as it ran away though, fairly large. Later I saw a pheasant like bird on the trail, missing it's head. Something like a hawk was munching on it when walked up. Lastly saw a huge beast of a dog, easily 90-100 lbs. From where I came up on it, and the way it was turned, I thought it was a bear, and my heart was racing. Then i saw the owner and I calmed down. Nice stretch of trail after Davenport Gap ( end of the Smokies, hooray!) Well graded, maintained, blazed, and right by a sweet surrounding stream. Tehn I see a major road, which I later learn is I-40. Perry had told me about the AT crossing a major road up in NY, and had joked about me trying to run across it and dodge the traffic. So those thoughts came back to me today. I envisioned me having to run across the interstate, dodging at least 50% of traffic that was all tractor-trailers. But, at last, there was an underpass, where I chilled my fears. Not at Standing Bear Farm, and this place rocks. Any prospective thru-hikers rreading this, or sections hikers up for the Smokies, stay here. Bump Mountain Momas, and I have never seen the place. Both are the same rate, this place just rocks. A Restored 1920's farm, has all these little out buildings with all the facilities. A cabin, bunckhouse, showerhouse, privy, smaller cabin, kitchen, laundry, and phone, and resupply building. THe atmosphere is great, it runs on the honor system, which I find to be amazingly awesome. Nice fire ring and well too; the owners are amazing. Dad, one of the owners reminds me of Jimbo, in looks and voice. Here with Mango, POW, 365, Mike, Boulder, Gary, Sprocket (chef), Smoking Jeff, and Underground. Dinner was a Shepard's Pie, which I didn't get nearly enough of, it was fantastic though, with veggie medley and even mushrooms; and I ate the junk out of it, something fierce. Then ate mac and cheese, nutty bars, about to eat something else, still starving. Hopefully will be in Hot Springs in 2 days, need to pick up that average after not liking progress thus far, and staying in too many hostels.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Roaring Fork Shelter (the new one)

To: Hot Springs, at Elmer's
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Matt and Sir Hawk come in after dark last night, after watching sunset and stars on Max Patch. must have been a site to see. I get my earliest start, around 7:15 or so, and really like hiking early in the morning. IT is still cool, crisp; the air is damp and it feels so refreshing to hike in. Have another great lunch all to myself atop Bluff Mountain. Just sitting up there, nothing else matters. All you have to worry about is yourself; eating. water, shelter @ day's end and hiking. Decent hike down to Deek Park Mountain Shelter, where I had planned on spending the night and having a short day in to resupply, and then heading out. But POW and Mango coerced me to come to Hot Springs today. Now staying @ Elmers. Ran into Minnesota Smith today @ Walnut Mountain Shelter, and he is here tonight. Interesting, long winded fellow. His journal entries are like a page and a half, and his posts on internet message boards are even lengthier. Run into all kinds of folks here, like a big reunion. First see Turte D and Turtle M. They thought everyone was in front of them, when we were actually behind them. They stayed up in the smokies, while everyone else was down in Gatlinburg. There though New ENglanders had snow up to their crotches, and had to break trail; 7 1/2 hours for 5 miles from one shelter to the next. Then, when POW and I were @ the diner, I do a double take and see Pick. Not sure if I wrote it, but at Bly Gap I threw my bear bag rope in a tree, couldn't get it down. He comes to the assist with an extra length of cord he had, and shows me how to really bear abg. Let me also say he isn't a thur-hiker. Now back at the diner, I see this guy. Crazy, I'd never though to see hima gain. Talk with him for a while. Then me and POW head down to find Mango, and run ito Nean, Nightstalker, and Willy. Nean from way back at Neels Gap, and Nightstalker from Albert Mountain and Rock Gap and Franklin. All remember one another, shhot the breeze on the mainstreet of the Metropolis of Hot Springs. More random thoughts... so I'm meeting many vegetarians out here, don't really know any strict ones at home. Yogi, Guiness, POW, Tufurky, Smile all are. Maybe has to do something that people thur-hiking are more likely to be vegetarians than general population. And the place I'm staying at, Elmers, is vegetarian, all meals are. Eating some breakfast here tomorrow, looking forward to it. But i'm wondering how/if I could be a veggie. I think it'd be very hard, especially with all the meat I eat and most of my favorite meals. But I think I'd try it for a week to see hwo it is, then revert back to my carnivourous ways.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Hot Springs, at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Great meal to start out the day was the breakfast at Elmer's. Pancakes with strawberries on top, some syrup. 4 1/2 pancakes, 3 bowls of granola ceral, and some cantalope later, I was full. Ah, such a great feeling. Sir Hawk and I finished up what the others couldn't. POW took the tab for my room, and for dinner last night, which was extremely nice. Was trying to watch the $ spent and he helped me out, awesome. Also gave me brownies today he got from home. After doodling around outfitters' I finally got going. Climb out of Hot Springs nearly killed me. Legs felt heavy and stiff, and I didn't feel good. I got over it and hiked with POW for last 6 miles or so. From Rick Mountain, Fire Tower could see down into Hotsprings. Hiked fast after that to get to shelter before the rains. Mike, POW, and me here, father and son tenting. Good conversation with them @ dinner. Mice running on tin roof sounds a bit odd, annoying/distracting. Glad short day is over after long yesterday, heavy food bag today.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Nice and early start this morning; passed yet another Deep Gap, ate lunch @ Little Laurel Shelter. Fog blew in, thought it was gonna rain, but sun prevailed. Came to the AT "Open Exposed Ridge" and a blue blaze "Bad Weather Trail." Took the AT, and at first I didn't think it was exposed at all, then I got up to it. You really are the tallest thing out there and I definately wouldn't want to be up there in any other weather than good. It was a dang rock scramble. Put the trekking poles in one hand so I could get a handhold with the other. For a pretty good distance I had to walk this goat path. Now here with Mike, POW, and Sticker(started Feb.2). Good hiking today, think my muscles and body are getting used to this knee hurt for last mile or so after rock scramble. Small crowd, now that two fast ones did some 20s from Hotsprings, and others zeroed there. They are only a day back though, sure to see them again. Mango, hopefully, will catch back up. He went home @ Hotsprings, was going to zero after hurtng his feet and hiking in crocs last 1.5 days. Going to do days of slackpacking though, so that'll help and maybe allow him to catch back up. Start of a new month, less than 1900 to go... And oh, continue to eat everything, it is all good for you. And don't make decisions while going up hill. Oh yes, one more thing; a local said that up until 2-3 years ago, the blue blazed trail was the AT, then they came out with the boulder field on top of the ridge as the AT.