morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

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

Today is for Fiona and Tom.Today, most of the gang are going for the ¢Big One¢, Clingman¢s Dome (6,643 ft.) and the shelter after it. I¢m not so sure. The body is tired and asking for a little rest. I set off at 7.05 am with open mind. A tough morning with the body still tired from yesterday. Reached Silers Bald Shelter (5.3 miles) where I stopped for a rest, my third stop of the morning, great to get the pack off the back. 12.30 saw me at Double Spring Gap Shelter (5,507 ft). Ate some lunch in brilliant sunshine but these mountains are moody and dark clouds were closing in on all sides. I decided to stay put, lucky break. At 1.45 an almighty storm with thunder and lightning. Instead of rain we had massive hailstones. Mitch, Curt and I (the three oldest ) decided to leave Clingman¢s Dome for tomorrow. Now at 4 o¢clock, it has cleared but my hiking is done for today. I have just cooked my evening meal of noodles and beef ferky, nice and tasty, but it sure warmed the insides. During the hailstorm three ¢Greenhorns¢ walked in looking like drowned rats, two French boys and a China woman..all with the latest gear. They drove up from Atlanta in glorious sunshine to Clingman¢s Dome. Halfway down the hill they got what we had escaped. This is the first bad break in the ¢Smokies¢ and it could not have come on a better day. Tomorrow, I hope to climb to the Dome in the early morning light. Wishing Tom and Fiona all the best, thinking of you all.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Rising bright and early and ready to face the Dome. Breakfast and packing, I broke camp at 7.15. Today is for Sean. A stiff 2.8 mile climb up Mt. Buckeye and then on to the Clingsman¢s Dome (6643 ft), all covered by a thick fog so no magnificent view for me today. I met some Trail Volunteers who were coming down to do repair jobs. Chatting with them was a chance for me to draw my breath, I reached the top in two hours, Mysterious and covered in cloud. It was somehow fitting that the Dome should be covered in cloud. I marched on happy to have climbed the highest point of the Trail. I journeyed on alone past Mt. Collins (5,900 ft.) and a long downhill to Newfound Gap (5,405 ft), roughly 8 miles. There we met millions of tourists and our tongues were hanging out for a coke. But no ¢Trail Magic¢ this time. The final section was a nice 3 mile climb to Icewater Spring Shelter (5,900 ft.) where I arrived around 17.15. 14 miles today and the body felt great. The old knees seem to be getting used to the idea. When I hit the shelter, the usual greetings. Two guys who had come up from Gaitlingburg had a bottle of Bourbon, so we all had a lovely drink before dinner, compliments of ¢Thunder¢ & ¢Dawn¢, lovely evening with campfire lighting. Many younger hikers who were ¢days¢ ahead are drifting in . They hit the town for a few days. Among them an Aussie, Matthew Sweeney from Sydney. He Thru-hiked in 2000 and is back again for more !!!!
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: few clouds

Left camp early , 7 am and travelled on a bright sunny morning. Today is for Jo in Australia. Incredible how the Trail has dried up since yesterday. The scenery is only stunning, the clearest and brightest day¢s hiking so far. The Smokies are magic as I walk along the Carolina ¢ Tennessee border. Took a few pictures but it won¢t ever capture the sensation. I watched the sunrise this morning around 6.20 a.m. and I will never forget it. Stopped for lunch after 7.5 miles, had to go off the Trail about 0.4 miles The plus side was a good spring and a nice lunch with the Aussie and Jess (a guy who shared the first shelter with me on April 12th.) The next 5.3 miles were hard in the hot evening sun. Prayed for Jo and many others. Thought of people going to Mass and remembered the Communities where I have served and in a special way the people around home. Thinking of people like John Hayden, Mgt. Ryan, Peggy Troy, Eithne O¢Gorman, Nellie Bourke, Harry Ryan, Tommy Gorman and all the neighbours. The two Kathleens are often in my prayers. So in a way it was a long Mass today, praying that Jo will be happy in the Land of Oz. Hit camp around 1600 in lovely sunshine. Tricorner Shelter is around 5,920 ft. so I expect it to be cold tonight. Washed some clothes in the stream and gave my feet a treat in the cold mountain water. Lit a fire and plotted the next days trip, a mere 15 miler to Davenport and the end of the Smokies.
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today was for Berni, but she will have another day on the TrailBut it was not to be. Today is a free day, enforced by the elements. Just when I thought that I had ¢conquered¢ the Smokies, they had the last laugh. . All night there was rain, and in the early dawn a massive mountain storm, thunder and lightning and a roaring wind. I decided to stay put. Three other hikers went on. It has rained mercilessly till noon, stopped briefly while we cooked or rather put some boiling water in Idaho Potatoes, tasted great. A mug of hot coffee and I¢m feeling great. A couple of hikers have come in, all in pretty bad shape. One English lad, fell and badly twisted his ankle. The Trail is a mess. We made the best of the afternoon with a singsong around a fire we built inside the wet and smelly shelter. Some ¢Section Hikers¢ had a lot of extra food and did not want to carry it home again. Early to bed as the rains continue.
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter 

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Today is for Dearbhla and I pray that she has the strength to survive the ¢ rough days¢.Rained all night. I rose early and decided to make an effort to reach Davenport Gap and the end of the Smokies. I knew it was going to be rough. Kurttoe decided to join me. We set off from Tricorner Shelter and climbed even higher. We walked for about an hour uphill and the Trail was more like a stream than a path. Water coming from all sources. After one hour my left boot was wet, then sogging wet. Why the left boot ? Then to balance the act, the right one filled up. Poor Chris Brasher could not have expected a day like this. We walked without stopping for 7.5 miles to Cosby Shelter where we had a bit of lunch about 11.30. I dried the feet, changed socks and thought I was on a winner. After 12 mile I was ¢floating¢ in my boots. I was afraid of blisters. A long climb for nearly an hour, with a torrent flowing to meet us. ¢Waders¢ would not have kept me dry today. Then a long downhill, picking our way through moving stones. The water levels rose and at times we had to cross raging sections where the water cascaded off the mountain. Then around 3 o¢clock, the rains stopped and the sun came out, 2.8 miles to go. We walked the last few miles of the Smokies in glorious sunshine. It was as if they were mocking us in a final farewell. I prefer to think that they were saying, ¢Thanks, come again some day¢!!! When we got to Davenport Gap, we had to walk another mile downhill to ¢Mountain Mammas Hostel¢. A good meal, shower and all my clothes washed and a nice bunk bed. Bought some food for the next 3 days at Hot Springs. Rang Peggy collect (courtesy of the store- owner), the payphone was not working because of the rain. We learned that it has been the worst rain for years and it is supposed to continue. Even in the wet, the boots are good. No blistering, but the body ached after 17 miles. The roughest day so far !!, Yes as I said , I tried calling you , but the phone was out of order. At least Peggy will have news !!!,she goes to Ireland next week for a month. I will try ringing you from Hot Springs. Anyway the good news is that I survived the Smokies.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Davenport Gap

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Breakfast at the hostel, very good. Kurtoe was slow this morning but we got a shuttle back to the Gap where we left off the evening before. 1.4 miles back to Davenport Gap. But the water level was dangerously high. Today is for Patricia Cussen. My maps and guide books ends at Davenport Gap so I don¢t have detailed info on this next section of the Trail. I hope to pick up a book at Hot Springs in three days time. Lovely downhill for about 12 mile. Then we heard the water. Came to a roaring stream. Kurtoe waded across with water up to his knees. I wanted to keep my boots dry. I moved upstream where I found a tree lying over the stream. I walked the plank- delighted with myself. But we were to cross that creek six or seven times within the next miles. I successfully mastered the waters, all the time feeling sorry for Kurtoe with his wet feet. Then we came to the big one. Again, I searched for a place and after tearing through the bush, I thought I could make it. I stepped on to some stones in the middle of the river and with confidence high after my previous attempts, I jumped. A bridge too far !!!I slipped and fell back on my back into the raging creek. Luckily, my backpack saved me from injury, but everything went under. My walking pole was swept away and I staggered to get to the bank. I was shaken. Kurtoe pulled me up the steep bank and we stopped to see what damage had been done. The first thing that I was worried about was this letter, not my passport, or ticket or clothes. I was wearing the long golf pants and that weighed a ton when full of water. Changed everything, shorts and socks, the clothes in the pack were perfect. But even though I wasn¢t injured, I wasn¢t worth ¢twopence¢ for the rest of the day. A long 4 miles uphill didn¢t make things any easier. My pride had taken a severe blow and I learned that it is easier to wade these rivers than try any fancy tricks. The rains held off till around 1.30 and were not too bad. Luckily, it was a short day to Groundhog Creek Shelter(2,900 ft.) (10 miles approx)
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Today is for Seamus & Irene Moloughney. Set out at 8 after donating the long Gortex pants to posterity. I left it at the shelter and if someone needs it, he¢s welcome to have it. A long series of ups and downs, mostly ¢ up¢ it seemed. Thinking a lot of Mary Ellen and the good times in Golden. Strange how different people come to mind. We call them ¢Ghosts of the Trail¢. At 11.30, I reached Max Patch Summit (4,629 ft.), the most beautiful place so far. The day was beautiful after all the rain and this Bald was majestic. When I reached the summit, I dumped the pack, stripped off the soaking wet shirt   ( sweat) , took off my boots and let my feet have a touch of sun. Then I leisurely prepared lunch. I stayed over an hour there, totally enrapt by the sheer beauty. Kurtoe, Old Bill, an English policeman, and Detour arrived. They left later in the morning. Only five miles to go to the next shelter and I think it was the nicest so far. Following Roaring Fork Creek and with all kinds of wild flowers, it was something Mary Ellen would have loved, plus it was mostly downhill. When I came to the next shelter, it was early, so I decided to push on another 1.5 miles to another shelter. Kurtoe and Detour followed later. My idea was to shorten the trip to Hot Springs the next day. The place was infested with bugs (midgets). The cap with mesh came in handy. Three ladies camped nearby. We built a big fire and that took care of the bugs. Had a good chat around the fire. The ladies had a terrible experience in the rains on Monday and were rescued off the mountain, plenty of mice in the shelter.
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Today is for Kathleen Dwyer. Woke at 6 and Kurtoe and I were walking before 7. Kurtoe went off like a rabbit. I was feeling tired. Stopped at 9 for a snicker bar and 1 litre of water. Met Kurtoe around at 10.30 but again he was off like a hare. Lamb Knob came next. It was a devil, (a wolf in sheep¢s clothing). I remember Jack and Ned Lambe and said a wee prayer ¢to them¢. I think they helped me on the way. The last 6 miles were mostly downhill into Hot Springs, very, very warm. Met a young man ,Garret Galvin, whose father came from Listowel, his mother from Ballymote, Sligo. We chatted for sometime, Lunch at 12 with Kurtoe. He was out of food, but my bag was ¢full¢. He rushed downhill dreaming of soda, ice cream and beer. Detour and I arrived 15 ¢ 20 minutes later. We found Kurtoe sitting at the first hostel with a bottle of Bass. As soon as we arrived, we were asked if we¢d like a beer. Another hiker had bought a six- pack for tired and weary travellers. Bless him, Went to the Outfitters Store to book a bunk in that same house. Met the big owner, Dan Gallagher ( Donegal parents ) . We got chatting, I asked him if there was a Catholic Church in town. He rang the Jesuits for me. They have a lovely House of Prayer. Fr. Joe McGovern (80's) is here, lovely man. Mass at 5 pm. Guess who walks in, Garret from the Trail, he is a Franciscan priest and on retreat here. So it was from here that I called you last night .I will post this letter soon, do a bit of shopping and maybe rest up for the day.
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I am just after breakfast, have the clothes in the drier and will head down town in about 30 mins.very small town, may decide to have a hot bath during the day. I¢m keeping well, walking well and hoping to do a little more mileage over the next few weeks. Thinking of you all everyday. Tell Roisin I have not forgotten her. Her day on the Trail will be soon, Geraldine, you¢d love some stretches of the Trail, Greetings to all , Paudie.It was great to make contact by phone on Friday night early for me, late for you. I really fell on my feet with the Jesuit Prayer House. Fr. Joe McGovern 86 years young and a delightful character. Sr. Peggy was kindness personified. A lovely fish dinner on Friday after 5 o¢clock Mass. The sheer luxury of a shower and shampoo and a nice clean bed. Garret, Joe and I chatted for ages, and still we had an early night.I decided to take a rest day especially since I was in ¢Heaven¢. Washed my clothes in the morning. Had an early breakfast with Garret who was leaving for Maryland that morning. Finished my letter and headed for the Post Office. Met many of the hikers receiving their parcels of food. The system really does work. Earlier I rang Seamus and got speaking with Mary, Jerry and Catherine who were down to see Mary. She spoke on the phone and mentioned that you had called. Seamus didn¢t say much except that they were trying to get Mary to see the doctor. Seamus and Shamrock are no more!! I also spoke with Mary, Ellen and Kathleen. I tried to ring Miche¡l Clohessey but could not get through. I went down town and did my ¢groceries¢ for the trip to Erwin. Back to Fr. Joe where we ¢rustled¢ up lunch. A nice Siesta and Mass at 5 o¢clock. Supper with Joe and Sr. Peggy and guess who called while we were at table but Mountain Mamma. Back on the Trail again, she had come in on Saturday from Davenport Gap. Made enquires and found out my whereabouts. She wants to hike to Erwin and then on to Trail Days on Saturday. After supper Sr. Peggy tried to download my hot-mail ¢ not easy. There were only 2 messages: from Tommy Hayden, another from Nick (Guinness, Lagos). He hopes to walk with me for one week in June. More about that later. Early bed.
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Had breakfast with Fr. Joe and left my ¢comfort zone¢ at 8. Down town to meet Mountain Mamma who was really tired from her days hiking. She decided to take a free day especially when she saw the rain. I decided to push on and shorten the 68 mile trip to Erwin. I went back to the ¢outfitters¢ store to spend some more money and allow the heavy rain to pass. With Poncho covering my pack I headed out of town at 10.   Today is for Mary in Australia. Hot, humid and sweaty as I climbed above the town for almost an hour with a beautiful view of the town and river below. Around 12, I stopped to eat something and the rain eased off. Then the sun came out and I walked in a lovely breezy evening. At 1.30 I was thinking of water ¢ crossed a highway at Tanyard Gap (2,278 ft.) and was just heading up the Trail when I spotted a large white ¢Cool Box¢. I couldn¢t believe my luck. It was full of cans of Lemon, Orange, Rootbeer etc left by some ¢Trail Angel¢ a short time earlier. I quickly devoured two and carried two more. People leave gifts like this every now and again. Usually people who have Thru-hiked themselves. I walked on to Spring Mountain Shelter (3,300 ft.) arriving around 4.15. Bill (Old) the London policeman came along having spent 2 free days and about 1000 dollars in Hot Springs. He bought a new ¢lighter¢ pack for 600. Paid 200 in medical frees and the rest on meals accommodation. We chatted for a while and he moved on to the next shelter. I was happy with my mere 11 miles today. I was joined by Idaho ¢Tater¢ (63 yrs) and Wild Flower a 25 yr old from; Seattle. We chatted and shared our food. The bugs were terrible. My ¢Aussie hat¢ came in handy. The mice were all over the shelter but I managed a good nights sleep.
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is for Miche¡l and all the Clohessey family. I set off around 7.15. A nice cool morning ¢ lovely for hiking. Clear blue sky but ¢nippy ¢ as Uncle Phil might say !! Passed early by ¢Wild Flower¢ who cruises along at a regular 20 mile day. Met here again for lunch at Little Laurel Shelter (3,300 ft.) and then she was gone. I rested for one hour over lunch and then headed off on a lovely evening¢s walk. I met a bunch of school kids out with 2 teachers for the day. They asked me all sorts of questions and wanted photos taken. I continued on at my own slow pace to the next shelter, Jerry Cabin (4,150 ft.) I arrived around 4. 45 having done a little over 15 miles. The shelter was full. 9 college kids from San Antonio, Texas but they made room for me. Most of them had tents. They were an extremely nice group. One of them Brian was sick but all were tired, blistered and sore. I felt like the real old veteran. One young kid, Fish, 22 yrs had cancer surgery on the brain and was still on treatment but he was determined to walk the distance. We talked for ages.   They had all the latest gear and as usual were completely over loaded. They were hoping for an early morning start.
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter 

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is for Kathleen and all the Ryan & Fanning family. Roused to an early call by the college kids (5.45). I was on the trail at 6.45. Another beautiful day. Beautiful sights as the morning sun came up over Carolina or Tennessee ¢ I¢m never too sure. A tough climb to begin with stopped for breakfast after about 1 hour. Beautiful rocks overlooking both states. Continued on to Flint Mountain Shelter (3,550 ft.) where I stopped for water and a long 30 min. break. Another cool day where you feel the cold when not walking. I usually change tops when I stop so as not to pick up a cold. Continuing on I met a lovely couple ¢section hiking¢. ¢Socks¢ and ¢Shoes¢. They told me there was ¢Trail Magic¢ up ahead at Devil Fork Gap. Sure enough at 12.15 I came on a container of ¢Soft Drinks¢, cold as ice and plenty of ¢cookies¢. Another big thank you to the unknown donors¢. About 1 hour later I was jolted out of my almost ¢trance like¢ walking when a massive 4-5 foot black snake crossed my path about 9 feet ahead of me. I went into reverse while the snake seemed to take forever slithering down into the undergrowth. I watched as he moved well downhill before moving on. Prayers to St. Patrick were offered for protection. I walked a long evening getting to Hogback Ridge Shelter around 16.15. Another good 15 mile day. Feeling tired and with sore ¢throat¢. Leap Frog, Quack and 10 Kids were already camped. Prairie Chicken and Crow Dog came in later. I had the shelter to myself. We all ate together and shared food and stories under the stars. In the morning I would attempt another 15 miler.
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is for my friend Liz Coyle (Howley) a friend of Mgt. Fogarty. Feeling sore throat and a little feverish. Leap Frog gave me some medication, vitamin C tablets and something for the throat. It worked. I was fine all day. Two 4 miles to Sams Gap (3,800 ft.) where there was more Trail Magic ¢ this time in bananas and some powdered milk. I had a craving for milk. A group of young college kids got on at Sams Gap and vanished up the Trail. Then a couple who had passed me about 3 weeks earlier came by ¢slack packing¢ to Erwin, 26 miles in the one day. The girl had been sick for four days and looked ¢washed out¢. Then I met Bill Hayes (61 yrs) from Augusta. He was doing a 2 day hike to Erwin so we fell in together. A lovely man. Hard climb from Low Gap rising to 5516 feet at the top of Big Bald. A complete 360° view of the hills of Carolina and Tennessee. I stayed on there for about an hour and a half in the cool sunshine drinking in the Magic of the scene. Walked on to Bald Mt. Shelter for water and decided to continue on to Spivey Gap(3,252 ft.) (15.5 miles). We reached camp around six and pitched tent. Tired and weary but feeling good. We left the college kids 2.5 miles back. Three of them had blisters on both heels. All new gear but the boots had never been worn. Crow Dog and Prairie Chicken were with us all afternoon. They are ¢into¢ plants so I began to learn a little about the variety and richness of the surrounding plant life. I even ate a ¢Ramp¢ today. A cross between an onion and garlic. Cooked a good supper and hung the bear bag before sleeping a solid 9 hours.
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is for John and Margaret Hayden and all the Hayden family. Left camp before 8 with Bill Hayes. A beautiful 4.7 mile hike in the early morning. Climbing with a babbling creek providing background music as we climbed back up again to the next shelter. Grouse and Turkey making their distinctive calling sound. Rabbits for the first time sitting on the Trail. Reached the Shelter around 10 and had an early lunch. Spiv was telling us all about the Potheads on the Trail (smoking the weed) Bill, Crow Dog, and Prairie Chicken and I headed for the last six miles to Erwin. A few ups and downs before the long climb down with great views of the Nolichuky River. Bill and I took our time on the trip into town taking a few pictures. Arrived at Uncle Johnnies where Bill was staying. I had arranged to go to Miss Janet¢s to catch up or rather wait for Mountain. Mamma. Bill drove me to Miss Janet¢s where I met many of my old friends. Good news and bad news. Janets was closed for the next few nights. She was heading for Damascus. Good news, Mountain Mamma was already in town and had gone to Johnnies looking for me. I couldn¢t figure out how she was in town ahead of me but it turned out that she had hurt her foot and had hitched a ride early that morning from Spivey Gap. She had her car in Erwin so she came back, collected me at Miss Janet¢s and with another two hikers we went out for a nice Mexican meal. Back again at Uncle Johnnies (he was full) he allowed me to sleep on the porch for 6 dollars another 3 to wash my clothes ¢ great value ¢ we bought some beer in town and drank while we watched the total eclipse of the moon between 10 and 11. A good nights sleep after a lovely hot shower ¢ what luxury after the Trail.