morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-14
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.3
Weather: few clouds

Well, technically its still not a zero day. I got up and hit the trail about 8am. I arrived at my destination about 10 minutes later. I had received word that while the Fontana Village Lodge is open, nothing else is. That means no place to eat, no place to resupply or pick up any last minute gear. I would have to get food at a gas station to eat in my motel room. Certainly not what I had planned. So at the Fontana Dam Captain Hook and I called the Hiker Inn run by Jeff and Nancy Hoch. They picked us up and set us in a nice room with 2 beds. Nancy did our laundry and returned our clothes neatly folded. A coffee pot in the room and great hot shower. After relaxing a short while we were driven to Robbinsville to purchase lunch. 5 pieces of chicken, potatoes, and two large sodas for me. We hung out on the porch playing with their 5 cats and 5 dogs and viewed Jeff's indian artifact collection. I enjoyed chatting with Jeff and Nancy who are both very knowledgeable about the AT and long distance hikers. After " Nothern Harrier " checked in and cleaned up we loaded back in the car for a shuttle back to town. Had a mexican dinner and then went for grocery's to get us through the Smokies. Jeff is doing shuttles in the morning and is going to pick up my mail. Captain Hook will be leaving and I will probably get another roomate to help cut down on costs. It is $40. single or $45. double. Another restful day like today will have me primed to tackle the Smokies. All the shelters are reserved by spring break hikers. I will be using the tent all week. After the Smokies I will practically own the shelters, as about 2/3 will have left the trail. There is a $125. fine if you are caught in the Smokies without a permit, and with the exception of thru-hikers you are required to stay in the shelter you have reserved. The AT in the Smokies is being loved to death. At least I am ahead of most of the thru-hikers. I have not had access to the internet or my email for over 2 weeks now. I will try to catch up as soon as I can. Until then, thanks to all who have signed my guest book. Goodnight Y'all. LWOPBJC
Date: 2004-03-15
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I didn't sleep much in spite of the cozy bed. Captain Hook is headed to the trail and Harrier is moving into his bed as the motel is full. Mickey One Sock and G G and Dharma have the other three rooms. Sharing with Hook and Harrier saved me $30.00. They were both good company. Jeff picked up my mail - all seven pieces of it. New lighter from Po, works great. The camera card from Jack, letters, brownies, and finally my medical insurance card. Also some hot chocolate from a hiking friend. I was like a kid at Christmas time. Now everything is packed away and ready to hit the trail. Nancy and Jeff here at the Hiker Inn were absolutely wonderful and provided everything a hiker needs plus great companinship. They certainly have lived up to their reputation. I will have to come back someday. Had a great dinner with G G, Mickey One Sock, Dharma, and Harrier. I ate well and hit the salad bar for some healthy items. After only .3 miles yesterday and a full zero day today my feet are ready to fly.Lwop
Date: 2004-03-16
From: Fontana

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: moderate rain

Up at 6AM and had to use the shower one last time before hitting the trail. G G had picked up food and prepared breakfast for all of us. Excellent eggs, sausage, OJ, coffee, the works. She actually had a full kitchen in her room. After that Harrier and I caught our shuttle to the dam and headed into the Smokies. We chatted with the Ridgerunner for a while and then were joined by Swiss Miss from Brasstown NC. We started the big climb toward Shuckstack Tower. After rain all night with thunder it looked like the skies were starting to clear. We actually had a beautiful view from the tower. Swiss Miss and I climbed to the top but nearly froze doing so. Harrier looked at the tower and said he will stay on the ground. We couldn't stay long as it was cold and the wind was rocking the tower. The views made the climb worth while. This and Wesser Bald Tower are probably the best views this end of the AT. Anyway, we continued our climb into the Smokies and were soon joined by Red Beard! who stayed with us until Mollies Ridge Shelter. We took a break there and were joined by Dharma and Wildcat. The skies were clearing but the temps were dropping fast. This section of the trail was very nicely graded but was extremely slick with mud and wet leaves. I slid many times but did not fall. Uphill you would plant your foot and it would slide back six inches as you moved forward. Those we had met who had weathered the stotm on the trail looked pretty haggerd. We pushed on to Russell Field Shelter and I was greeted by Pez. He had spent time with his fiance in Fontana and spent last night at a very rainy Birchspring campsite. He seemed pleased to be reunited. Well, it is 8PM and the snorers have started already. It is going to be a loud and cold night. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Left the shelter early in dense fog. All the trees were covered with hoar frost and looked spectacular. Made it up Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mountains but didn't have much view. After that I seemed to have hit the wall. Either the trail was tough or I was weak because it was a struggle to keep moving. The trail was kicking my butt. I stopped for a big lunch at Derrick Knob shelter and Dharma and Harrier were feeling the same.It could be the effect of the altitude and or the cold. The trail was up and down all day and I did manage almost 15 miles. Everyone wants to do a short day tomorrow as Wildcat has arranged for some magic at Newfound Gap on Friday morning. I will decide tomorrow how far I'll go. Here today is Nails, Dharma, Pez, Wildcat, Hippy Long Stockings, Bearbag Hanger,Swiss Miss,and a few others. Bearbag Hanger just got in after dark - a 17 mile day for him. Wildcat has built a nice fire in the shelter fireplace but with only three walls we don't keep much heat in. My guess is that the temp is in the 20's.Late this afternoon we did get some views of Clingmans Dome. At 6643 feet it is the highest point on the AT and it appears to be covered in snow. How deep is anyones guess but I will find out tomorrow. One of the other hikers said the weather forcast calls for more snow tonight and tomorrow. It should prove to be an interesting day. I have been traveling with an nice group of hikers so I may take the easy day tomorrow and hang out with them. I am looking forward to being warm again. I don't think it got much above freezing all day as the hoar frost never melted. In spite of the cold you do become saturated in sweat and then you freeze your butt off when you stop walking. Fingers get numb almost instantly. It feels great to seek refuge in the sleeping bag - and that is what I'm going to do right now. so, good night, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-18
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up this morning to find it had already started to snow. Temps were right at freezing and the wind was blowing hard. Three hikers asked to borrow my new lighter as theirs would not work under such conditions. I had a quick breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. The plan was to take an easy 8 mile hike to the Mount Collins Shelter so we could join Wildcat for some Friday magic at Newfound Gap. I headed out the shelter and turned around to add full rain gear as the snow was mixed with sleet and at times heavy rain. Pez, Dharma, add I headed to tackle Clingmans Dome in the miserable mix. As we climbed to higher elevations the snow got heavier and the rain froze on my Precip jacket. You could sense that you were missing some beautiful views in the dense clouds. We made a quick stop at Double Springs Gap Shelter because it has a top notch privy. In the short time I was sitting there my underwear was filling up with snow. It made for a brief (pardon the pun) moment of discomfort when! I buttoned up. We then headed up Clingmans. You could not imagine worse hiking conditions. There was a base layer of ice about 3 inches thick. On top of that was a layer of snow, slush, and water. Mix in a little mud and some slick rocks. Almost everyone took a good fall today. You would hear someone yell "Woohaaa" and then hear a thump or splash. I was wishing I had brought my Yaktrax. While I did not take a full fall, my back is a little sore from all the close calls. Pez and I took a few photos near the tower. We wouldnt attempt to climb it -[here would be no views anyway. When we got to the trail for Mt Collins Shelter we met Dharma and Swiss Miss. They were leaving a note that they were heading to Gatlinberg. We had already decided to do the same so we sloshed another 4 1/2 miles in the slush with heavy very wet boots. At the gap we lucked out with a quick ride to town. The downside was that Dharma, Pez, and I had to sit on the toolbox in the back of the open pickup for the half hour ride. I can't remember ever being so cold. It was only marginally better when I remembered to zip the armpit vents of my jacket. The driver dropped us off right at the motel where we each got a room for $25.00. All turned up the heat and took a great shower before hitting the Pizza Hut. We felt a bit of sensory overload walking through town. Fudge, candy, cars, earthquake rides, noise, T-shirt shops - we felt out of place. But now I'm in a warm dry bed and enjoying the delightful feeling. I can get a drink without having to treat it. And the privy actually flushes. I will be back on the trail tomorrow and believe it or not, I'm looking forward to it. But I am getting sick of snow. Good night, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-19
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Hard to believe but I only managed about four hours of sleep last night. I awoke about 4AM and got busy cleaning my gear and checking out my food situation. I also took another hot shower. At 7:30 Swiss Miss, Dharma, Pez and I headed to the Log Cabin for a great hearty breakfast. We checked out of the motel and headed to the outfitter. I needed new socks, Waldos (rubber shoes), and a hitch hiker bandana. They had none of the above. As we were waiting outside a van pulled next to us and offered a ride to the trailhead. We didnt even have to stick out our thumb! Talk about magic! We arrived at Newfound Gap and Wildcat and his buddies were there doing their magic - donuts, coffee, fuel, all kinds of goodies. Wildcat had plans to bake gingerbread with wipped cream and provide a lot of food at Pecks Corner Shelter. I carried about 3 - 4 pounds of food and fuel and Pez also lugged some. The sun was shining and the gap was crawling with tourists. It seemed funny seeing these strange looking people running around on the trail. They smelled funny - soap and perfume - and they were wearing cotton! I think they may be some kind of sub-species of hiker. Anyway, todays hike was through my favorite part of the Smokies. You start with a long but easy climb from the gap. After Ice Water Springs Shelter you arrive at Charlies Bunion. It is a must see location for any capable hiker. After the Bunion the trail is on an extremely narrow ridge - at times only about 3 feet accross. On each side of the trail the ground just disappears. It is VERY steep - one step to either side and you will never hike again. The view to either side is breath taking. In spite of all the stops for photos we made good time to the shelter. Wildcat and Swiss Miss came in and we started cooking his delicious gingerbread cake and I started to beat the wipped cream. Not an easy task without a mixer. Some section hikers from Atlanta offered some smoked oysters on crackers with hot sause. We had a feast. We even made some backpacker whiskey sours. It was the topping of a wonderful day on the trail. Nice crowd to hang out with. Now its cold and I'm tired. Good night, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Up early but in no hurry to move on. I only plan to do 13 miles today and with all the recent conditioning that sounds easy. As soon as I hit the trail clouds moved in and it started to rain. As soon as I pulled out the rain gear it stopped. Rained on and off for the morning and then cleared nicely by afternoon. When I got above 6000 feet I was walking on snow and ice. Again I was wishing for my Yaktrax. Like yesterday the trail followed the top of a very narrow ridge with views to each side. This is a truely spectacular section of trail. At Deer Creek Gap I came across Wildcat and Dharma sunning themselves. It didn't take long until we had about ten hikers soaking up the sun and passing food around. Your typical hiker trash gathering. It was magical. We had a lot of laughs and took some pictures. The sun was strong and we actually had a warm breeze. Birds were singing and it felt like spring.I made it to the shelter about 3:30 and hung things out to dry. Basically we had thesame group from last night. While some worked to get the fire going others were passing around the smoked oysters. Right now the fire is glowing and it is pouring down rain. We are cozy inside enjoying each others company... I spoke too soon - now the roof is leaking. We'll manage. Tomorrow most of us will head to the Standing Bear Farm hostel. I need to do laundry and pick up enough supplies to get me to Hot Springs. I am still having a great hike and each day is a new adventure. Life is good. Good night, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

Pez and I headed out of the shelter at the crack of dawn. The warm air we enjoyed yesterday left us during the night and made quite a noise while leaving. We had thunder, heavy rain, and wind that shook the roof of the shelter. I still slept pretty well and the cold air made me even more anxious to get moving. The front had moved past and we were treated to a nice sunrise. Most of the trail was downhill today and you could tell the maintainers had been hard at work. I didn't enjoy this section when I hiked it in 2002. I enjoyed it this time as the trail was well sloped and a pleasure to hike. I tip my hat to the volunteers who've worked so hard in this section. Job well done! After leaving the Smokies we were treated to a few ups and downs and hiked through a beautiful section with waterfalls and we saw our first wildflowers. Violets, trillium, bloodroot, dandilion, and others I will have to look up. While spring may be starting to show itself at 1500 feet, it is still icebox cold above 4 or 5 thousand feet. And tomorrow I will be heading back that way. In some areas today it felt like my nose and ears would become frostbitten. In other areas out of the wind and in the sun it was all you could do to keep from sweating. Pez and I met Shadowman early this morning and the three of us got to Standing Bear Farm before noon. We were obviously moving at a good clip. Pez had a close call and almost fell backwards into the fast moving creek. One more ounce in his backpack and he would have been floping around in the thirty something degree water. Anyway, at the farm I chose the wrong shower and nearly froze in the very cool water. Pez and Shadowman used the other shower and raved about how hot and sweet the shower was. My teeth were chattering for the next few hours. We each cooked a pizza and did our laundry. We selected the cabin with no heat or electric but with a stream running beneath it. Instead of bunks and our sleeping bags we have beds with linen and about five heavy blankets. A boxspring with no mattress. Hiker trash heaven! But again, as I am writing this my hands are numb with cold. A few hours after our arrival Wildcat, Dharma, Swiss Miss, and Harrier arrived. They took over the bunk house and cranked up the wood burning stove. Becky (Wildcat's better half) arrived by car loaded with goodies including brownies, fruit, cookies, assorted beer, soda, fuel and hiker meals. After eating a whole pizza and all these goodies it was time to head to town for an all you can eat dinner at Ryan's. Needless to say, I'm about to burst at the seams. It will be tough to roll my fat ass up Snowbird Mountain tomorrow morning. So with that in mind I better get some sleep. Another good day of hiking with lots of magic. Good trail, good companionship and lots of memories. Life is still good here on the trail. It is tough but the rewards are high. Besides, challenges are best met head on with a full head of steam. Over 230 miles completed and I am still looking forward to more. But not until I get some shut eye. So, Goodnight. Enjoy your warm beds.Lwop
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

Did not sleep well at the Farm last night - it was cold all night. Headed out at 8AM with the plan to stay the night at Max Patch if the weather is nice. Light snow was falling in the morning during the arduous climb to Snowbird Mountain. The higher we got the colder and windier it became. When we got to the top of Max Patch the wind was turning me sideways as it caught my backpack. The wind chill with the temp at about 25 degrees with a sustained wind over 25 mph was somewhere below zero. Needless to say I didn't camp there. We pushed on to the next shelter which made for close to a twenty mile day with lots of climbs. That and the cold has me wiped out. After a fast dinner I crawled into my bag to warm up. It is going to be an early night. The view of the Smokies from Max Patch was fantastic but couldn't be enjoyed for long. In the shelter tonight - Shadowman, Pez, Wildcat, Dharma, Harrier, and a sleepy Lwop. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

After a tough day yesterday I decided to take it very easy today. While everyone was in a rush to break camp so they could run on to Hot Springs I laid back in my sleeping bag and enjoyed the warmth. It was bitter cold - fingers became instantly and painfully numb. But it was nice to linger in the bag a while longer. My plan was for an easy and leisurely hike to a shelter only 3 miles from Hot Springs. Pez liked the idea and hung with me while the others pushed on. I took a coke that had been left in the shelter by a trail angel and started hiking after a hearty breakfast. It was 25 degrees and our water bottles were frozen. It was painful packing up to leave but with no wind and clear blue skies I knew that would improve soon - especially since we were heading to a shelter at a far lower elevation. After a couple of good climbs the trail started a long and gradual decent. We found a nice sunny and grassy area for lunch and had a feast. When you know you are near a resupply town you feel safe devouring most of your food. I had a block of cheese, spicy beef sticks, wheat crackers, cookies, and a coke. Not bad for a hiker. After soaking up some sun we pushed on the last four miles to the shelter. We hung a line and dried our sleeping bags - joined by Shadowman. I will be taking it easy the next couple of days because Hot Springs is Thru-hiker heaven. I am content to watch hikers pass me by and have no desire to race them to Katahdin. There are too many flowers to smell along the way - and I don't want to miss any. The cold is taking its toll though. We calculated the windchill at below zero degrees on a number of occassions. On Max Patch I could not fully enjoy the view as the cold and wind actually made my eyeballs hurt. I wanted to camp there for the sunset/sunrise. Forget that. The weather today was much improved except the early morning cold. You couldn't ask for a nicer day of hiking. Anyway, tomorrow will be 3.2 miles of walking and then some chores and fun in Hot Springs. It is 7PM and that is thru-hiker bedtime. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Pez, Shadowman, and I got up in te dark to head into Hot Springs. I know from experience that Elmers fills up with hikers and if you don't arrive early you maybe out of luck. We practically flew down the mt. We covered the three miles in under an hour, reserved a bed and headed to the Smokey Mt Diner for a hearty breakfast. We hit the Outftter where I finally got to meet Baltimore Jack. I replaced the two pairs of socks I'd ruined because of a rough edge on my orthotics and I purchased a new and lighter alcohol stove. I also bought some individual coffee filters so I can make a cup of real coffee - I guess my earlier hiking partners spoiled me with the Starbucks each morning. I picked up some epoxy and sandpaper to repair the orthotics and then picked up my mail. Wow, a surprise package of good things to eat from Hammock Hanger. Great brownies! Between the shopping spree and the mail drops, I was like a kid at Christmas again. Later in the day eight of us headed to the springs for a soak in the hot tubs. Dharma, Dragon Slayer, Pez and I shared a tub and each grabed each others feet for a wonderful foot massage. It was an hour of thru-hiker heaven. After that it was time to get ready for a formal dinner at Elmers {formal by thru-hiker standards}. It is an experience that shouln't be missed.   We were all to tired to go out for a beer so everyone turned in early and called it a day. I still have a lot to do tomorrow and will enjoy a zero day here in this great trail town. A mob of hikers came in during the day - the March 1st crowd is catching up with me. Elmer had to turn hikers away. A shame they don't get to experience this place. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up early this morning after not sleeping all that well. I guess I need a few rocks or logs to sleep on in order to get a good nights sleep. I had breakfast here at Elmers and then went off to do laundry. Couldn't make any phone calls because the line of hikers waiting for the pay phones. After laundry I did my food shopping and went to the library to catch up on some of my email. I met Pez there and when I finished we headed to the pub for lunch and a beer or two. I took care of a few more errands and worked on repairing my orthotics. I packed my backpack and shipped home some gear I had replaced. My water filter sent home as I intend to chemically treat the water. My Trangia stove and pot stand is being replaced with a setup that is about half the weight. When I finished all my chores I headed back to the pub to have a bite and another beer and to chat with the ten or twelve hikers gathered there. Then it was back to Elmers where a few of the guys were making some pretty goodmusic and singing and wearing all kinds of funny hats. We were making up songs about the AT and were almost rolling around on the floor laughing. Some of these guys are very talented with the guitar and piano. I wish I knew how to play either. Anyway, we stayed up way past my bedtime as I plan to be up and on the trail before daybreak. I will hate to leave this wonderful trail town. But I am also looking forward to putting the boots back on and hitting the trail again. Goodnight,Lwop