morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Woke up wet again. Fixed a cup of tea, had breakfast and walked into the cold mist about 7:30 am. Unfortunately, the weather did not improve much. Stopped for lunch in a cold shelter and walked out wearing my rain jacket, it was so cold. Around noon, we saw the first view of the week, after which it clouded up and rained all the way into NOC. I arrived at 1:30 after hiking over 11 miles, arranged for a room, had lunch (did you know that reuben sandwiches are supposed to have pastrami not corned beef?) then picked up my mail drop and a new pack cover as the one I have is too small to cover all my pack and things were getting wet, and purchsed new insoles for my boots. Laundry was a priority and while the machines were working I sorted food for the next 3 days. I'm getting better-only had a few things more than needed. Less weight is better.A group of 7 thru and section hikers met for dinner and now is time to prepare for tomorrow's 6 mile climb. Saturday will be a 15 mile day followed by a 7 mile day into Fontana to wait for the PO to open on Monday. Hey Richie Rich! I,ll mentally say hi to your mom.
Date: 2006-05-12
From: NOC

To: Sassafras (NC) Gap
Miles today: 7.0

Nanigoat & I left NOC at 9:15 to conquer a large hill,rising 3000 feet over 6 miles. This is the second day there has been sunshine in the morning. There were some pretty vistas on the way and a memorial to a man eho died while fighting a forest fire. We arrived at the shelter at 1:45. What a nice shelter, 2 storied with celestory windows and nice cooking area. three problems; It is dirty and the broom would be suitable for an unsavory witch, we watched what is sure to be the first mouse scurry along the header, and it is COLD. The sun may be out but the wind whistling thru the gapis amazingly cold. I fixed my supper at 3:00pm, cleaned my dishes and jumped into my sleeping bag. Doobee and Alki came in while I was eating and Nanigoat set up her tent inside the shelter for extra warmth. Doobee has now started a fire in the fire ring but as the sleeping bag is warming me up, here is where I'll stay for now.We only saw 3 people today. Wyoming took a 0 day and will move on tomorrow. Woodstock showed up last night at NOC and may show up tonight.In talking with dh today, he warned of a cold front. Let's hope this is it as I've sent my long johns home.Sol long from this cold place.
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Sassafras (NC) Gap

To: Cable gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

What a night! We ended up with 11 people at the shelter. Amazingly, all was quiet by nine. The morning was loud and early. Left by 7:15 am. It was really a bummer when arriving on top ofChenoa Bald to see for miles andthe battery in my camera was too cold to function. It had been in the 30s overnight. There was one hard up today, 700-800 ft in 1/2 mile. Seemed to be straight up. Tenting is the thing tonight. 3 tents and 2 guys "cowboying" it. (under the stars). We'll see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Cable gap Shelter

To: Fontana village
Miles today: 7.3

We ended up with 8 at Cable Gap. The best thunder and lightening show arrived at 11:10 pm driving Matt & Joseph into the shelter with Janet & bonnie (baggins). Packing the wet tent we headed to Fontana.Nanigoat's brother Walt met her and Bill, Ann and I went to the fontana inn and shred a room. The afternoon was spent on laundry, resupply (for b&A) and food for our tummies. Around 5 we met up with Nani & Walt who ate with us and came back to the room to make phone calls and repack packs. Late night 10:00 pm.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Fontana village

To: Mollie's ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Picked up the maildrop when the PO opened. Sent back quite a bit of food as I had enough to last. I keep telling dh that I will try and be more specific in what to pack. It is hard for both of us.Long walk uphill. Cold and miserable. Met Carl a ridgerunner, who talked a bit. For those ho don't know, a ridgrunner is a person who walks the trail checking conditions, making sure the people using the area are doing well. Th RRs I've met have been very nice and knowledgeable.We arrived at the shelter, cold and my feet hurt. Just as we put our packs down, it started raining. There was a little bit of sleet as well. Andy came by in the first kilt of the AT for us. He decded to do a 25 mile day. Bless his hert for hiking in this weather. The temps are in the low 40s and dropping. In bed at 7:00.
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Mollie's ridge Shelter

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

FogThe fog comes inon little cat feetsits looking over harbor and townon silent haunchesthen moves on.Carl Sandburg (apologies if incorrect)The fog cat that came here sat and sat was huge! It covered the Smokies and wheezed cold, icy wind. It was a cold hike that had a long uphill at the end, as usual. I saw my first deer tracks today, no deer, and a large area where wild pigs have torn upthe ground. What a mess they have made. I hiked until 2:30 without seeing anyone. After that, 6 people passed me by. Two people were guies for GSMNP. We talked about different flowers and trees. They were quite knowleable. Silers Bald housed 11. There was very little wood for a fire and the temps were in the mid 30s. Another cold and early night.
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Siler's Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Hot dog, everything is normal! Cold morning, misty. After Siler's the deciduous forest turned into a boreal forest. This evergreen forest has been blighted by some weevel leaving many, many, many trees downed. The neat thing is that the dead fall is covered with heavy layers of moss. This can be beautiful but sometimes feel sinister as we pass thru a dense canopy.Took out for Clingman's Dome . Pretty easy day. Missed a turn went a mile+ out of my way. Just south of Newfound Gap, I walked out of the woods to hear "there is a REAL hiker". Two couples from Kansas City, MO asked me all kinds of questions about the trail, equipment, etc. We spent about 30 minutes talking. Rained this afternoon again just before we got to the shelter. So far we have 9 staying overnight. We were really worried about Nanigoat. She had not been seen since 10:30 this am. She came in about 3 hours after us having taken a couple of wrong turns. Another cold night but we have a fire. Sleep time.
Date: 2006-05-18
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tricorner Knob shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: moderate rain

Pretty morning waking up to a view of the Smokies. Left the shelter at 7:45 with the first stop being Charlie's Bunion, a rock formation with treendous views. Leaving the bunion, you guessed it, it began to rain. The hike today ran the ridges. There were some ridges that were only 24 inches wide with steep drops on either side. That was interesting when the wind was blowing hard enough to push me a bit. Thank goodness for that 30# pack it is not every day that I'm glad to weigh more.. The terrain here is not as steep with the ups and downs as was GA. I find it easier walking. Got to the shelter early, at 2:30. Our group had decided to stay here instead of trying to go another 6 miles. Thank goodness! The rain came down complete with sleet. Glad we stayed.This shelter will be full tonight! There are at least 10 folks here now with a report of more coming in. In the Smokies the shelter space is reserved with 4 spots reserved for thru hikers. If the shelter becomes full, the thru hikers must move out and tent within site of the shelter. We are determined to squeeze as many as possible in here. It is the warmest shelter so far.Time to get warm. Goodnight.
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Tricorner Knob shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: broken clouds

Started in 1/2 inch of snow. That made us hurry down the trail. The day got better with the sunshine and warmer weather. We strolled into Standing Bear Farm around 5:00 then enjoyed the warm shower and pizza. Bill, Ann, Nani & I shared the bunkhouse with 4 guys who snored. We called it the symphony. They were leaving at 6:30 in the morning for Newfound Gap.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started late today as Bill & Ann made us blueberry pancakes. It was a pretty day, if not a little muggy. We made t to Groundhog Creek Shelter around 1:00 m and felt it was too soon to stop. Just before Max Patch, it began to thunder. We waited a little bit then forged on. On top of Max Patch the heavens opened. We scurried across what promised to be a beautiful area. We stoped at the new Roaring Springs shelter in time to cook supper and greet Nick, thru hikerwho starte on 5/7. As I write, there is a thunder storm raging around us. We are hoping it eases up for us to hang the food.Don't think we will make it to Hot Springs tomorrow, probably Monday. Time to crawl into the sack and wait out the storm.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

Nice hike today, no rain yet. Decided to stay here tonight and hike into Hot Springs tomorrow as it is only 3 miles. We arrived at the shelter around 3:00 after an uneventful day. The most excitement was deadfall across the trail. The tree was approx. 3 ft across and it slanted down over the arrow trail. The kicker was the fact tht the down side was on a steep slope. It was quite funny to watch me get stuck straddling this huge tree with my pack on my back and sliding downhill. With help from Bill, I was able to slide ove to the other side. The others removed their packs before crosing. We are planning to stay at Sunnybank Farm and pick up the maildrop. There will be a chance to replenish batteries, tortillas and maybe internet.Wes, from Endicott, NY, came into the shelter and oddly enough lives only 4 blocks from Nanigoat. They have never met.Dinner is over. Time to brush my teeth. By the way, thanks Dr. Taylor, I used the tooth glue today, different crown. Not the best replacement but it will work.Goodnight.
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

Up and at 'em this morning. Short hike into Hot Springs and Elmer's renound hospitality. We arrived about 9:30, were assigned rooms and settled in. This is a great old home filled with antiques and interesting things. There is a music room, a parlor for reading or chess and other games. After unpacking my maildrop (thanks Jim) it was time for exporing and laundry. Later I took a book and layed in the hammock stretched between 2 trees in the yard. Yes, there was a feeling of guilt that I wasn't doing something else or walking, This is the nearest to a day off since beginning 3 weeks ago.I sit here in the parlor absorbing the wonderful smells from the kitchen as I await the 4 course gourmet vegitarian dinner by candlelight. There will probably be about 10 for dinner. I'll let you know what we have.For music fans, Jane Hicks Gentry originally owned this house and would hold impromtu music nights in the parlor. She was able, over time to write the music down that had heretofore only been passed from person to person. She has helped preserve songs of Appalachia.Just finished dinner. We were served a sweet potato soup, a fantastic salad with a multitude if greens, carrots, tomatoes, bleu cheese and sunflower seeds, followed by a braised vegetables in a peanut satay over rice and topped with a walnut maple pie ala mode and spearmint tea. Very good. We met a young man from Salt Lake City yesterday hiking who has been doing 30 miles a day. Ed (Elder Highknees) has apparently harmed his feet. Dr. says to keep them elevated for 3 days then take a few more days for the serious blisters. He is chafing at the bit to be back on the trail but vows to take care of his feet. An avid birder, he has some interesting tales about birds.I hear the piano in the other room.I"m going to check out what is happening before I find a phone to send this.Later.
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Elmer fed us well before we hit the trail. Fresh fruit, granola, warm muffins, warm strawberries, just a really nice breakfast.The day was long than normal with some long ups. The day was uneventful with the exception of the invitation of friends of Bill and Ann who invited us to dinner and breakfast and I slept on their porch. Wonderful folks who prefer not to be known. The dinner and breakfast were unsurpassed.Also - FROM her husband - a number of photos have been added if you would like to see some of the things she has seen. Jim
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Allen Gap

To: Campsite near Sheldon Graves
Miles today: 13.7

The four of us are still together for a few more days. Bill & Ann will be off the trail for 1.5 days starting Friday for a family matter and Nani is leaving at the end of her section on Sunday. Ithas been awhile since I've hiked alone.We had lunch n the White Cliffs verlook, a prettier spot will be hard to find. Later, we crossed a very rocky ridge that lasted for quite some time. check out the video from the rocks. We arrived at our original destination about 4:00, saw Baggins and naps a lot, got some water then moved on. We found a campsite that allows us to set up the three tents and knock some miles off tomorrow's plans.Saw 2 BIG piles of bear scat today. Those bears can go somewhere else tonight, thank you very much! Time to go to bed.Bye.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Campsite near Sheldon Graves

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice campsite.We left just before 8:00 after filtering more water for the day. Ann& Bill are trying toreach Spivey Gap by 4:00 on Friday and Nani is trying to meet her goal of 350 miles on this section hike by Sat evening. On we hike. Now it iis my turn to whine. I don't feel well. Two night ago I began coughing and yesterday it was wheezing time. Today I could only make it to Hogback Shelterthere was absolutely no way I could make it the next 6 miles planned. Goodbyes were said to my companions ant they moved on.Hogback Ridge Shelter is an older shelter, one I wouldn't normally visit as it is 600 ft off the trail. If that wasn'nt enough, the water source is 400 YARDS from the shelter. Oh well, my wish was for privacy. 30 minutes later in strolls a boisterious group of 7 out on the first day ofa 5 day hike ready to tent. Ranging from 5 yrs to 35, they only walked 2.5 miles ensuring plenty of life for this evening-oh joy. I just want to sleep. Two section hikers came in about 5 and are tenting a bit away. So, I guess I Hve the shelter to myself. Everyone knows to expect to hear my coughing.Plans are to get up early and move on. Erwin on Saturday.Goodnight.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

The fabulous 7 decided to have the whole AT experience and therefore lit a fire in the firering just outside the shelter wher I was trying to sleep. They really weren't bad and were finished by 8:30. Two guys came in around 9:00. Nice guys. It rained about 5:30 am so } didn"t get up until 6:45 when the fabulous 7 decended upon the picnic table in front of us. One of the guys said he had dreamed of sleeping until 7:30, obviously that didn't happen .Despite feeling so bad yesterday, it felt great to walk today. I crossed Big Bald in Thunderstorm, complete with hail and wind. The hail was elongated and hurt. The storm came up so suddenly there was barely time to put the camera away, much less put on rain gear.   I stopped at Big Bald Shelter to fix a cup of tea and warm up and found that Nani, Doobee, & Alki had stopped their for breakfast.My original stopping point was Spivey Gap where I felt so good I kept going after getting water. I almost made it. Thunder rumbled for about an hour then the heavens opened-AGAIN! This time the hail was pea to marble sized. If it had only waited 1 hour I wouldn't have looked and felt like a drowned rat. All that is behind now. 3 folks were here at my arrival and a 4th just arrived. Small shelter, should be cozy.Enough for now. Goodnight.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Got a late start from the shelter leaving at 7:50 am. I was expecting a maildrop at Miss Janet's and wanted to sort and forward the remainder to the next stop. As it is Saturday, the PO is only open 10:00 to 12:00 so time was important. I rushed the 6+ miles down the mountain and popped out at the road in time to see a lady dropping off hikers. I asked "are you Miss Janet?" It was. She gave me a ride to her house saving me the need to hitch. Guess what? No maildrop either at her house or the PO. Oh well, back to Miss J's for shower and laundry. I wnt to the grocery and wasn't tempted to buy much, an unheard of event. I guess knowing I have to carry it until it is gone is a great restricter. My splurge was a small container of yogurt and an apple. Lunch was at the elms, chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans and sweet tea.On the trail again! A short 4.1 mile hike to this shelter for the night. I May sleep in then try for an 18 mile day. I'm sharing the shelter with Mouse and Rock Climber and a guy from Israel just cruised in and is finishng his supper. The bugs like my light, so goodnight.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 20.9

Apparently, I woke up eeryone at the shelter with my coughing. It was bad enougn fr the Israeli, Jonah, to worry about me. He, I'm sure, took extra breaks to wait and see if I was OK. It was a tough day with a lot of uphill and not a whole lot of neat stuff to see. The bugs were bad! I think they were black flies and do they ever bite! Thankfully, I had a bug hat which may have saved my sanity. Those bugs raise a real welt. I must say how much I liked the top of Unaka Mountain. It was covered with evergreens and a thick carpet of pine needles. The trail was subtle, unlike the deep distinctive path in evidence since Georgia. Peaceful and quiet.The highlight of the day was the first Trail Magic. Trail magic is an unexpected gift of food, drink or other kindness as hikers pass thru. Well, coming down a hill, hot and tired, there was a canopy set up and a guy named Jim had hauled 3 coolers, 30 # of potatoes, hamburger, pork chops, salmon & eggs and othr stuff 2 miles into a gap and had been serving passing hikers since Wednesday. I lucked out--I got the last of the potatoes and onions and were they good!   Just before the Trail Magic, I had crossed a delightful spring where I proceeded to take off my shoes and socks and soak my feet in the cold mountain water(after I had refilled my empty water container) and tried to cool down. Hiking woth 30# on my back in 80* weather is wearing.The TM must have affected my brain as I proceeded to hike further-and further. Finally I came to my senses. By that time i was at a campsite but was uncmfortable tenting in such an open place so I hiked ANOTHER .6 miles (nuts) to a new hostel. Arriving there at 8:30 I forced myself to eat, took a shower, threw my clothes in the laundry and passed out. What a good night's sleep.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Roan High knob Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Thanks to all wh have sent me good wished and support. I was finally able to read your e-mails in Erwin,TN a few days ago. By the way, Pat W. I didn't know we were(are) old. surely not! Thanks for following along. I'll never be a writer but hopefully each of you can gain a bit of info about the day in the life.Cee Cee at the Greasy Creek Friendly fixed breakfast this morning for the 7 guests which caused a really late start, 11:00. The day had some rough ups andI now sit at the highest shelter on the AT at 6285'. I almost went on but as it was 5pm thought that was a bit silly as he climbs were tiring.In the shelter tonight are 2 section hikers from FL, Evan (twinkletoes) fom the hostel last night and Naps-a-lot, whom I met in Hot Springs. I plan to get in gear tomorrow morn an go 15-18 miles. We'll see.Goodnight
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Roan High knob Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

It was a beautiful descent from the top of Roan Mtn. The fly convention was neeting on the mountain. From beneath each bush and tree could be heard the buzzing of each of the billions of flies that will visit each of your familiy gatherings, picnics, porches and whereever flies appear to pester us. As they surely were in committee meetings being assigned locations, they were only heard but not seen. It wa indeed odd to hear the buzzing as I passes thru beautiful evergreen forests.There wer incredible views from Round Bald, one of the few I've seen without fog. Passing over the bald, I found Buddy & Chief who had camped there and were fortunate to have seen a bear as they emerged from their tent that morning.Near noon, Evan and I dropped by one of the most famiiar sites on the trail, the Overmountain Shelter. This restored barn has a lot of room, but mre importantly, a view not to be missed. It was with regret it was too eaely in the day to stay. We met Nora, who is employed by the Southern Appalachain Trail Conservancy. She was walking the trail making notes,etc. all in all a nice job.Our next beauty areas were Little Hump and Hump Mtns. These are lovely areas that are crossed thru special gates in fences. Unfortunately, a storm was coming and the resident longhorn cattle had moved into a valley out of our view. These cattle are said to be huge!Almost as soon as we entered the woods, a storm whipped up. I made it passed a small meadow just as it began to hail. Big, ugly hail! The hail, about the size of marbles was mixed in with heavy rain and wind. With 1/2 inch of water flowing across th ground I found the dry side of a tree, pressed my face into the tree and covered my head with my arms. Hail hurts! It hailed for 10 minutes, covering the ground and looking like miniture marshmallows in the chocolate brown water rushing down the trail. That was the longest, wettest, coldest 5 miles to the shelter. What a way to end a glorious day of hiking.
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Just an ordinary hike up & down today across a section of trail thas has been rerouted adding approx. 3 miles to the trail. I stopped in at the brand new Mountaineer Falls shelter for lunch. This shelter is so new it was just roofed this week. It is a 2 level with 3 ladders (smart) and a cooking station under a porch type roof. The volunteers are still working on the trail to the water and on cleaning up the felled trees. It is nice. As I was eating, it began to thunder--again. Deciding I had had enough rain, wet and hail,I ate my lunch and fell asleep waiting for the rain to stop.Leaving the shelter I moved the aditional 10 miles to my objctive, Morehouse Gap Shelter. Upon arrival there were 4 tents, 2 hammocks and a full shelter. Boy Scout troop 538 had made this a stop on their yearly trek. Really nice folks. Trail magic!! One of the Scoutmaters was a dentist and he graciously replaced the crown I had stuck back on last week. We laughed about being a MASH unit as he worked with a headlamp and rudimentary tools. Thanks, Doc, I can close my mouth and chew comfortably once again.