morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: moderate rain

Today was again tough, really tough, cold and rainy. Jukebox and Wasabi and I hiked for 4 and one half hours in the pouring cold rain. It rained all night. Boots were soaking wet again all day. Had to hustle this AM to go out with Juxebox. I skipped breakfast. Kirby helped us out this AM and got our food bags down in the rain so we could stay in the shelter. Great kid. We left camp at 7:40 and toughed it out.We passssed a gap today called Jack's Gap but did not have cameras accessable since the rain was too bad. I would have enjoyed a photo of that. Kirby , who left :30 min after us, caught us at the first shelter. What a hike. We pressed on. We decided to go to Helen, GA, for the night but had to wait until 4:00 pm for a ride and it was 12:30, so we called another service in the town of Hiawassee, GA. The people at the Inn there provided a shuttle for $5, a room for $25 for the night, and a wash for $3.50. It was so cold waiting on the mountain that I changed into warm clothes. I was almost hypothermic! I always keep one set of clothes dry and I'm very glad that I did not have to go to a shelter. I am in the library writing this while Juke and Wasabi are napping. They are going to take two nero or zero days. Juke's wife is coming down He is fron GA. The temps the next few days will go down to the 20's ,and tomorrow it is going to snow. I think of what it might have been like to be in the army and do this day in and day out. I think of how dad did this at a young age to prepare for war. I can't imagine it. I may do a slack hike (no pack)15 miles tomorrow and stay here again tomorrow night. They will shuttle me for $5 ,a real deal. There are many places to eat here and all you can eat steak house and Chinese place. The guy at the inn is going to let us take the van?? only in GA. I will be the designated driver. Jukebox is about 42 but just got married. Wasabi is about 27 and he plays the oboe. It is different this time and it is hard to get a handle on why the logistics (weather, more people, getting light later etc) make it different. I got to know some people ,but it is harder with so many in the shelters. I met one kid (16) who left Portland,ME. Kirby is is doing the trail since he finished his jr year early. Wow! I should stop and thank all especially Joellen for helping me out with this. Happpy Trails -Take Care -Peace, Jack
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed at the Haiwasssi Inn last night with Wasabi and Jukebox. Last night we stayed close and went to an AYCE Chineese place next door. We were joined bu another hiker, The General, a guy from the UK. Good company and good stories. He is on his second thru hike. Wow. Wasabi and Jukebox took the day off but I decided to slack pack today . So I got a shuttle back to Emicoi at 8:30 AM and began the hike with just a basic pack. What a treat It snowed hard today on the mtn and the wind was blowing fiercly. I was the only nobo hiker there were no other tracks in the snow It was 30 degrees when I left Hiawassi so it was quite cold up on the mtn. I saw two day hikers all day and no thru hikers at all. I did meet two guys on mtn bikes who were on some kind of X games type thing. They were out for 30 hours dong a tri one part canoe, one part mtn bike thru the night and one part run!!! Wow. The little pack helped me cover the 16.6 miles in 7 hours. I was glad that I had my gloves, two hats and wwind breaker and some water and food. It got nasty but the snow drifted but never got too deep. The gaiters came in handy. A little on the equipment EMS jacket works well with wind, not so well with rain but it is ok. The wind was howling but the hood kept the wind off my face as did the underarmour hat and patriots toque. The Stearns (cheap) wind pants also are good in the wind but not rain. I was hiking with a speedo and the pants and I my legs were warm. I stopped for a break and made phone calls to Joellen, Jamie and Ali who was sick. I needed gloves at times very basic light windstoppers. My camelwaterbag froze at the mouthpiece and I had to break the ice with my teeth. My snickers bar was frozen too cold to bite through. Completely frozen. Took lots of pictures. I got in early and had no cell phone service so I hitched a ride from a guy from the Cloud 9 hostel. He let me call the Inn for my ride. People are very helpful. It was still 30 degrees when I got back. Sam let me take the van and Wasabi and I went to an all you can eat place for $7.95 Food is cheap here. We picked up Zack and went to Rite Aid . I needed inserts for my shoes. They are gone already.   Today I did 3 4000 footers The last Kelly's Knob was tough, blowing winds and snow. Crossed the Swag of the Blue Ridge Today. There was some sort of party tonight back at Neel's Gap and a bis was in town to pick people up for it. We chose not to go. The hike is the thing not the party.   Happy Trails Peace
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Good Bye,Half Way -Hello Stagger Lee. Tonight we water the horses in North Carolina or so says the General. Today I did the same distance as yesterday. The difference, it took me 2 hours and 20 min longer with my full pack. My pack weighed in at 43 pounds at Walasi YI on the scale. I think it goes between 39-44 or so with water and food. We left the Hiawasi Inn at 8:30. We put the clocks back last night and lost a much needed hour. Sam let us have breakfast in his kitchen all for $25.00. I had OJ, cereal, hard egg, coffee, and a bagel with jelly. Great meal for today's hike. I went to the trail with the General, a sergeant major from the UK. As you can imagine, he can hike. He is faster, but we kept together somewhat. He is the fellow who I had dinner with two nights ago. He hiked thru in 04. Today the weather got better and warmer but still there were snowdrifts. We met a trail worker from GA named Hector . He is a BMW and Mercedes mechanic from Atlanta. We entered North Carolina at 12:55 PM. Took a photo. We stopped at Bly Gap for lunch. General likes to take a lunch, so we sat for 45 min. I usually take a short break, have some GORP, and go on. At lunch we met Good Earth, a woman from NY originally, who was a trail worker and Smokestack, her partner worker . They ate with us. When we left, I pulled a rookie mistake and did not fasten my pack well and my EMS all purpose and only coat dropped off. I realized it just before I got to the shelter. But I knew others were behind, and the rule of the road says you pick it up if you have not seen any sobo's. Well, the first two kids in ,Riley and Hearts, did not know the rule of the road. The General and I waited and Ron Beatty, AKA Shakedown Cruise, a 1969 MIT grad came through. He had strapped it to his pack. I was excited. I didn't need the coat for rain since the days were good, but in the AM when you are getting ready for the trail and eating etc it is essential to keep off the wind and cold. The General got to the shelter :30 before me. My pack felt good today. The pack (Gregory Baltro)has been great. It is , however, a bit heavy. There were the five aforementiond at the shelter, but Shakedown stayed in his hammock. Cold night. I should have put on a fleece and long undies in the bag. The bag with insert was OK, but I was cold at times. Happy Trails ,Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-03-10
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

We left the shelter late-8:45. The reason is as my mother used to say, "You can't see your hand in front of you!" at 7:00 AM in the morning with the time change. There is no sense in moving around because you need your headlight and people are stil asleep. I still opt for the shelter because to tear down the tent would take extra time anyway. Hiked again with the General. He went ahead, but I met him for lunch at Carter Gap shelter. I have climbed about 10 4,000 footers to date and today was Albert Mtn. Our first 5,000 footer. It was not too bad. A lot like the steep climbs we do in NE. There is a fire tower there: I climbed up and you could see 360 degrees. I saw the Smokies and Blood Mtn. which I had already climbed. Made some phone calls from that vantage point. The view was BeaUUtiful (Sue). I got to the shelter at 4:15 and there was the General making a fire. The kids did not get in until 5:15. Then, of course, in came Shakedown. It was not as cold last night. There was no cell phone service from this shelter. In general, phone service has been OK, and my Verizon seems to be outperforming others. I slept OK.though last time I seemed to have slept better in the shelters, not sure why. Still do not eat well. I found it hard again to eat the first week. And my stomach, like last time, is giving me agida. I think that is fromm the different water sources. I used to get the same feeling running marathons and drinking different types of water at each different water stop. To bed early- 8:30. Another hike tomorrow. Happy Trails- Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-03-12
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

Longest day ever on the trail. Last night after I wrote I took Ron, Kelsie and Chris two recent grads from Middletown RI high school, and Wrongway to Fat Bubba's Rib House. The owner was a crew chief for Richard Petty , Greg St John ??? I got up at 6:15 to get an early start. Ron took me to a breakfast spot run by a preacher and his wife. I had real pancakes to get me through the day. I started my day at 7:40 AM and ended at 7:25 PM - 11hrs and 45 min later. I caught up with my crew :The General, Riley, Hearts, and Ron Shakedown. We had three long stops- one at a place called Wayah Bald at 12:10 where there was an observation tower.(See photo) We snacked there for lunch. Then at Burnington Gap at 3:00 PM ,we got some real trail magic. There was a domed tent set up with a stove heater, chairs ,and a caretaker who fed us 2 hot dogs (ye,I ate the meat), cookies, and soda. We could have even stayed the night but did not. (See Photo) We stopperd one more time before the shelter at Tellico Gap. The last two miles were up hill, but I made it slowly. I got in before dark. I cooked supper (the usual), had a tea, and got ready for bed. I was cold last night and am wondering how effective my bag really is? The Gen tented because he did not want to wake us, but he did not get out early. Not a great night sleep. Ron Shakedown came in late again, and we had Starbucks( a guy from Seattle , of course) and Matthew ( a construction worker from NY) with us also. I am moving faster than most, so I tend to catch people.   I had to treat some hot spots today on the trail, one on my heal and one on my side from the belt. I treat them with believe it or not duct tape and it works. If you don't get them right away, they cut the skin and then you are in real trouble. Each night you check your feet and body like a tick check to find and treat those spots. Happy Trails, Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center NCO(On the Trail)
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

Today we rest a little. The General and I left camp at 8:00 this AM. We booked it to the NCO Center and arrived at 10:00 AM. I was going to go on, but I am getting a little tired. When the body tells you to rest, you rest ,so the Gen and I got a hostel bedroom for $17.00 each. It has a bunk bed , heater, fan ,and that is it. There is a central kitchen, bath, shower and community room. They call this place a campus. There are two restuarants, a cafe (bar), and all sorts of outdoor activities including white water rafting, kayaking, mtn biking etc etc (Johnny D you would be in heaven here). Of course, we had breakfast first(I had eggs today) and then a shower. The Gen is back at the NOC doing the laundry (his choice), and I hitched (yes hitched) into Bryce City 13 miles to write this. I got lucky and the guy that picked me up is a white water raft owner who is going back up to the mtn in one hour. I am at the Bryce City library writing this. The librarian is from Holyoke, MA, of all places. She does not know Joe Jourdain. Good. The plan is to lay low here at the NOC, get up early, and start for Fontana Dam which is the start of the Smokies. I should be there on Saturday night, then two to three days before I get to Gatlinberg , my next stop. I bounced some food there from Franklin. What is a bounce? Joellen mailed me food to Franklin (a drop) I then mailed some forward to myself because I did not need it all. My drop is in Gatlinberg, so I need to go to town there. It is interesting getting off the trail. At first, I wanted to be a purist and just hike, tent, shelter, hostel etc, but I find that the off trail people are as interesting as those on the trail. Overall, it is a great experience if you like to meet new people and see new things. And you know that I do. It is a fascinating way to see America, and it doesn't cost a lot. Sometimes, however, it hurts. Another interesting thing is that the trail in GA is much better maintained than the one in NC. In both cases, however,the trail is easier to follow than in the North. OK, that is it for now. I did not think that I would be writing until Gatlingberg, but here I am. Take care-Happy Trails-Peace
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center NCO(On the Trail)

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Today was the toughest hihe so far... Last night at the NOC we had dinner . Thre boys bought a six pack and had some beers in the PM I got back about 4:00 Pm We had dinner at the place and Ron picked up the tab. The Gen and I went to the community kitchen and met a church group. We said grace in a circle with them did a Q and A with the kids and parents and went to our bunk house.   Today we hiked from 8:45 to 5:15 We hd breakfast in the NOC Spruce, Southside and Wiggy came by. The Gen and I struck out we chatted until the rain came it was all up and down. The Gen got to Sassafrass Shelter and had a lunch. I went by not knowing he was there. I got to the shelter first and assumed that he had gone on. A litttle while later who shows, the Gen and even later RonAlso Matthew Spruce and hearts. We got in in the pouring rain changed ate and had to hang bear bags Best night sleep so far despite the many mice in the shelter. In the AM Gen had bread in his shoes and I had a nest in my pack. I didnt even know that they were there in the night. As I walked the Gen and I discussed lots of items The British Army, The Us the secret Forces and the Protection Company that he worked for in Iraq Very Interesting. Another rain day but we made the most of it. Peace
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Marina Rt 28
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left at 8:40 and arrived at 2:00 -5hrs and 20 min. Got up and ate. Raining still but stopped soon after the Gen. and I struck out. We chatted again this time about history Irish and the UK relationship and The Gen asked me about the period after the civil war so I gave my first four c's lecture on Reconstruction, also discusssed NRA and guns the Gen has an interesting and relevent outlook for an army guy. We got to Cable Gap at 11:30 and all hell broke loose. Rain, thunder, lightning -the works. We got soaked! The footing was poor, and we had to cross a long ridge line with lightening all around us. We kept our trecking poles low and kept on moving. The Gen was on a march and I stayed as close as i could . Got to Fontana Dam and called a shuttle to take us to the Fontana Village. It is 5:45 and still raining. We dried our clothes and opted to stay in a room here tonight. Gen, Spruce, and I will share. We ate and we all had a Guinnesss, I had my St Patty's day drink because I will be in the woods that day. It will be cheap with three in the room. I watched some G Town BBall game vs Pitt. The Gen and Spruce stayed in the bar I got to sleep early. Tomorrow the Smokies. I will write when I go to Gatlinberg to pick up my bounce box. I will also write more about yesterday and today. They are shutting down the computer room here now. All is well but wet. PS Eleven tornadoes touched down in GA today. Weird weather and we are in it.
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Fontana Dam Marina Rt 28

To: Spence Field Shelter Smokies
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we tackle the Smokies. Had breakfast at the inn with Gen, Spruce, Long Skirt, Loafy, Bushwacker, and Steady On. Ron and Hearts went to the Fontana Hilton (that's what they call the shelter at the dam because it is larger than the rest). Today we hiked 9 hours. The Gen is gone for now;he took a O day (No hiking). It was a nice day with lots of views. Not a real hard day. The shelters are full in the Smokies; they cater to the day hiker. I met Carl, a ridge runner, at the first shelter but intended to move on. I was supposed to stay at the next shelter but pushed on with Spruce. The shelter system in the Smokies is just the opposite of everywhere else. You need to register,if you are a thru hiker,they save four spaces. Then you have to pitch a tent close to the shelter. Only thru hikers can tent. If weekenders tent and do not have a permit, they are fined by the rangers. (Sound familiar, Cape friends?) So tonight I slept in my tent and got a good sleep. The shelters are old; some are being repaired; some have fences in front of them. I am not sure if that is to keep the people from the bears or the bears from the people. By the way, Hearts and the Lady and the Tramp saw a bear today, and I was right behind them, but I missed it. I crossed the trail right after him. No problems. There has been some snow on the trail and a little ice in the elevations but no problems with them. It is cool in the AM but warms up on the hike. Layers to start, then dress down. Called Joe Jourdain today to discuss the Italy caper. Told him he would be fine. Worse things have happened; I'm sure. Got to talk to Spruce today; he is a creative writer who has published some fiction. We got to the shelter and there were lots of people: Toad, Chillie, HomeBrew, Scankin, Trojan Man, Memphis T, and two divinity students from Missouri who tented next to me. Matthew tented with me,as well. Of course, after dark who came in? You guessed it- Ron, Shakedown,Cruise, and Beatty. The gang minus the Gen was still in tact. Another interesting anecdote: there are plants and trees (evergreens) above 5,000 feet here. It is not like going up Monadnock above the tree line where there are only rocks. Even going over Clingman, the trail is the same from top to bottom. Interesting! Happy Trails, Peace.
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Spence Field Shelter Smokies

To: Double Springs ap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy St Patrick's Day! Today we met the real Smokies. And they gave us all fits. It was an 8 hour brutal hike. Up and down Big up and downs. No help from St P. Made Rocky Top like the Fiddler's song at 10:00. It took a little longer to break camp because we had the tents up. No cell phone coverage to speak of. Great day-great views. From Silers Bald looking down a ridge on both sides, I could see the Little Tenn River and Fontana Lake. These mtns. are magnificent. Met two students from U Mass today. The girl lived in Rutland (Deanna) but went to Holy Name (her loss). I told her that and she agreed. One for the Regional. The shelter was full. We had the usual croud ( same as yestrday) plus Pounder from UK and his girl friend. Ron got in on time. Also, there were Three students from Ames,Iowa, and the Univ on break. Shakedown actually knew the town they were from, and they knew his grandfather. Small world all around today. The shelters in the Smokies have fences as did this one, and they all have fireplaces in them with plastic covering the front so they stay a little warmer to start the night. We had a nice blaze going in this one. These shelters are large and two tiered. They sleep 16 or so, so they are noisy. I slept very well. I finally got the hang of the mummy case bag and its proper use. You need to wear your cap when sleeping. Oh, we had two deer at the shelter. They were not afraid. Came up and ate the leaves. We took photos and they just hung there and checked us out.First real wild life that I have seen. Also, there was a privy there. The Smokies' shelters do not hsve them. It's bury your stuff and carry out the remnants. Something like Jamie and I had to do in Rincon. No paper in the bowl. Enough. Happy Trails- Peace.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Newfound Gap TN/NC Border

To: Gatlinburg TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Rain and Severe wind warnings plus tired legs has kept me in Gatlinburg today. Last night Spruce and I went to Smokie Mtn. Grille and Brewery for dinner. We met Riley there; he stayed with us at the Grand Prix. We also saw Scankin',T Man, and Bo there. Bo's dad has a cabin just outside of town. This AM we went to get pancakes and returned to pack up. Spruce and Riley went over to Bo's to stay the night. I called the Microtel and rooms were $33.00 for the night. I called the PO to see if the Gen had a package. I thought he was coming into town. At the hotel 2 guys (Craig and Napalm)who I passed two days ago with sore feeet came in. I went to a craft show at the Convention Center . (Yes a craft show) to kill some time. I am at the library and Chilli , Toad, Mac, Half brew, Pounder, and Jess and that crew are also in town.   Bo and Spruce are at the library with me right now. And so it goes. I made a lot of calls and got some business done today by phone. Will make some more calls,get a nap, and tonight perhaps meet the boys for some dinner. I am all restocked and ready to get back, so I will get up early, have some breakfast, and try to hitch out of town to the gap and north. Next pit stop will be Hot Springs, TN. Hello to Ali and Jamie;also Bill, Wayne, Fitz and Elmer at NE Backpacker-the equipment is holding up bettter than the hiker. Happy trails, Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri Corner Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

On top of ole Smokie all covered with snow.... Like the old man in Chittenden Vt said, "Rain down here is snow on the mountain" And snow it did. Today the Smokies were magnificent. I hitched out of town. It took three rides and 2 hours, but I got to the gap at 10:00. The road was treacherous- all ice and there was an inch of snow to deal with. I hitched in my shorts and fleece and soon had on my wind pants,hats, fleece, and wind coat. I spoke with a ranger who knew Greg Thatcher from the Cape from the Everglades. Along came Half Brew, Trout, and Memphis T. He checked their hiker thru passes but not mine. Too old, I guess. Today started off shaky. There was ice and snow on the trail, and it was below freezing. Hiking on the ice was like the hockey coaches you see trying to get from the locker room to the bench, holding the dasher all the way. It got a little better as the day went on, but there was snow under foot all day. But the views, spectacular. I hiked along many ridge lines and as far as the eye could see, there were mtns. covered with snow gleaming in the sunlight. Deep ravines and watersheds- spectacular. It reminded me of New Hampshire.One of the spectacular overviews was a place called Charlie's Bunion. Unbelievable. The shelter was full again with the usual suspects(Spruce, Half brew, Scankin, Start, T Man, Trout, Memphis T and two other couples). Tonight it will be in the teens and cold. I went to bed with two fleeces, long johns, gloves ,two hats, and I was still a little cold. But not bad. Oh, a shout out for Ali , her cell phone battery charger came in handy the other night.I needed to connect in Gatlinburg but was down to one bar. Everyone wanted to know what it was. And Jamie I meant to tell you that the Cyclone water bottle you got me comes in real handy when the streams and springs are low. It also keeps my Gatoraide at the ready in my holster and it fits perfectly in it like a gun. Thanks. And take care of MOM. Happy Trails -Peace Squire