morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Believe it or not I got cold during the night. It was so warm when I went to bed that I turned on the AC, only to arise in the wee hours to put an extra blanket on the besd. Slept late and had breakfast at the River Road Pancake House, which reminded me of a restaurant in Oak Park that my wife and I enjoy, and provoked a flood of memories of home and family. It is true what they say - absence does make the heart grow fonder. During the day I resupplied for 5-6 days in case it snows again on the heights. I was totaly amazed, and somewhat alarmed, at the weight of the repleneshed food bag. I also mailed home x2 rolls of film and stitched the thumb of my glove which had worn through. I also found, and returned, a young ladies bill fold and ID that she had left in the laundry room, much to her great surprise, since she did not even know that she had lost it. I spent the rest of the day wandering around Gatlinburg. It is totaly out of place here in the Smokies! It is a total tourist trap, full of T shirts and fudge., Ski lifts, hillbilly golf - I am here quoting from an official brochure - motion ride, Ripleys believe it or not, mystery mansion, and flocks of obese tourists in minibuggies - for rent - drinking, eating, and having what appears to be the time of their lives. I eat at the 5* Texas Roadhouse again and have just begun to repack the pack. I have stitched the sternal strap which was besoming frayed, and I was concerned that the buckle might slip. Good thing that I brought the needle and thread, I am getting good use out of it. Will call home again tonight. My daughter is expected home for Easter today so I hope to be able to talk with her. No thoughts for today - was too amazed by Gatlinburg.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Spoke with all at home last evening. Plans for a memorial service for my brother are underway for the end of May. This means that I will be off the trail for the entire month of may, bacause of my daughter's graduation and then the memorial service in Ireland. Got up early and tried to hitch a ride back to Newfound Gap. It took 40 anxious minutes but I finaly got a ride from a newly married couple. She never said a word, or even moved during the 20 minute ride! Maybe she did not approve of picking up hitch hikers. Started out on the trail and had good conditions all day. Temps in the 40's, with a threat of rain that never did materialise. The day decame downright plesent in the afternoon. Much of the snow has melted, and even though significant patches remain, ther is clear evidence of a thaw with a lot of snow melt and run-off.The climb up out of Newfound Gap was not too bad and I made good time. Was with Piffin for most of the day and we both took a break togeather at Icewater Springs Shelter. A lot of ridge walking today, which I love, even with the wind exposure, the views are fantastic. The distant mountain are not alone "smokey" but they have a purple tinge to them. Again there were a lot of dead trees lining the trail today, and a scary section where the dead trees had their roots give way, and a large section of the mountain side had just slid down, carrying away a section of the trail in a landslide of scree, mud and trees. The missing section of the trail had been carefully reconstructed with the new trail held in place by some of the tree trunks and supported by rebar. It was a little scary walking over the replaced section and looking down and up on the denuded hillside, with the jumbled mass of the old trail lieing in a heap at the bottom of the landslide. I have just finished a nice dinner of Lipton Alfredo and Tuna. The sun is still shining with some blue sky still visable. Nice new shelter here with a dormer window. Thought for today---- Although we all have a right to our opinions, we have no right to act on them if they interfere with the fundamental rights of others.
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Pecks Corner

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

The shelter did fill up last night with late arrivals - one of whome had carried a can of beer all the way to drink at the shelter. I slept very well, and not at all cold. Got up early and had a breakfast of oatmeal and Carnation - not so tasty without the milk - in anticipation of a 14 mile day. Got back on the main trail by 8.00AM, and started off. I wore the rain jacket for the first hour or so untill the sun got high enough to warm me up. After that it was again one of those great days with blue skies and sunshine. There is still a lot of snow on the trail and also some dangerous spots with packed ice, but it is clear to see that it is all gradualy melting. Took it nice and easy and enjoyed some realy spectacular views along the ridge line. Visability is almost unlimited and I dont think that you could ask for a better day to hike in the Smokies! I got here at 11.00Am. I could have gone on to the next shelter, but it was just too pleasent here with the sunshine, temps in the 70's, nice dry shelter, no mud, and plenty of room to sit down, and to spread out all my gear in the bright sunshine. So I said to myself "Self.. the heck with it". Better two easy short days than one hard long one. So I have settled in to enjoy the afternoon. Pooka - who is realy missing her dog named Zack, since dogs are not allowed in the Smokies - and Piffin have already passed on through. It is so plesent here stretched out in the sun. The warm summer sun and the buzzing of the insects reminds me of the days of my youth on the top of the cliffs of Ardmore, enjoying my summer holidays in the rich Irish summer. Ah! the stuff of memories. Thought for today---- The fundemental right to one's own life implies a right to a healthy life, with access to adequate nutrition, clean water, a safe enviroment, fundemental health care, and adequate protection from both harm and the elements.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Tricorner Knob Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well the shelter did fill up again last night, but not too full. Slept late this AM and did not get back on the trail untill 8.00AM. Cold morning with still some snow and ice on the North slopes, where despite the last few days of sunshine there are still some patches that have remained in the shade. As the morning heated up I was again able to revert to "summer" mode and hike in my shirt sleeves. The afternoon clouded over however, grew cold, and I had to put on the rain jacket for warmth. Took it nice and easy again and made it here by early afternoon with frequent stops. People were in and out all day. I inherited a small can of beans that I had for lunch - tasted realy good too. It's now 4.40PM and the shelter is filling up once more. Spooner from N. Zeland, Badger from Wisconsin, and Mockingbird, who plans on meeting his father soon and hiking with him for a few weeks, are all here. Scholer, who I met in Fontana, is also here back on the trail after a few days off. There are already many people camping out. There were 28 people at tis shelter last night. I plan to go on tomorrow and spend the night at Standing Bear Hostel. Thought for today---- Does not the right to medical treatment imply a duty to lead a healthy life style?
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a good night at Cosby Knob, in fact I felt warm in my fleece top for the first time. Started early, in a dull and overcast morning. Nice and easy going mostly along the ridges with a slow and gradual descent into Davenport Gap. There were wildflowers blooming as I descended into the Gap. Also for the first time I saw butterflies, two different kinds - one was purple and the other one was multicolored. I also finaly encountered some Pine - Red, I thought at first, but the needles did not snap cleanly when bent, so maybe it is Scrub Pine instead. Much of the pine is infested with Southern Pine Beetle and there are numberous dead trees and windfalls on the trail down to the Gap. There is a lot of very nice trailwork here, including a stone wall with a supporting stone abbutment that is quiet a feat of engineering. We so often forget the enormous ammount of work that it took to create, and takes to maintain this trail. Hit Davenport Gap and finaly, officialy, left the Smokies. There was a very nice, and to me unexpected, hike between Route 32 and Interstate 40, with a very nice stream bubbling alongside the trail and some very nice waterfalls. Crossed over the Pigeon River Bridge, and ascended the stone steps and on to Waterville Road. A small sign at the stream crossing pointed the way to Standing Bear Hostel. The owner is away - it is after all Easter Sunday - and everything here is on the honour system. Had a shower and did laundry [slow dryer]. Bought some Dinty Moores Chunky Beef Soup and vanilla pudding from the little store that is located in the root celler of the farm. The hostel is a seperate structure, with a wood burning stove inside that adds greatly to the comfort, and helps finish the drying of the gear, Lots of people here tonight with much talk of Hot Springs. We also had trail magic from a lady who brought us all Easter Eggs. Yummy- Beef Soup, vanilla pudding, and chocolate easter eggs, a meal fit for a king - and a hungry hikers stomach. Had along talk with all at home. The kids are returning to college in the AM. Thought for the day----- The right to an education should not be abridged. The student has the right to follow all avenues of knowledge. No books should be burnt - but content warnings are OK.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Groundhog Creek shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: moderate rain

Very nice and comfortable night in the bunkhouse last night. There was a wood burning stove inside and we kept it going so that the bunkhouse was nice and warm. Slept very well. Went outside to use the privy in the middle of the night, but alas , no stars to be seen. The owner returned during the night and I had a breakfast decision to make. Either I could cook my own breakfast and start out early, or trake advantage of his offer of a shuttle to the local Exxon gas station for breakfast there. I went with the shuttle and indulged myself in X2 sausage biscuits and X2 cups of great coffee, Realy hit the spot. Started out on the trail at 9AM. A weird day, spitting rain and overcast for the climb up to Snowbird Mountain, then very windy and misty with blowing rain over the big bald on the top. There is a radio tower located on the top that looks like an alien spaceship that has landed. There were Trillium on the lower levels and the trail was bordered with verdent green grass, but all signs of new growth died out during the climb and we were back to pine at the upper levels. The trail is well maintained and had a nice and easy grade all the way. I did not have to stop at all during this climb, the conditioning must be finaly kicking in. Had to go to full rain gear during the descent down here to the shelter. Here at the shelter are, Pooka - reunited with her dog [Zack] a very interesting section hiker - Bill - who is currently hiking this section, and experementing with his new stove. Believe it or not the sun is now shining and all of the rain gear is drying off. I figure three nights to Hot Springs. No signal here. Am awaiting the arrival of Barbara who just started her hike yesterday from Davenport Gap, She has already hiked the section from Springer. Claims a top speed of one MPH - makes her even slower than me! Thought for today - I worry too much. I need to examine each anxiety and look at it from all facets, just as if it were a jewel, and then make a decision and not think or worry about it anymore - unless, or until, the situation changes, dont rethink made decisions.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Groundhog Creek shelter

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

Barbara did arrive late and slow. Looks like a realy heavy pack. Much like what I must have looked like last year. There were 5 of us in the shelter and we all got an early start. The morning was very wet with mist and cold rain, very unplesent conditions and we all set out in full rain gear. Conditions however gradualy improoved and by the time I got to Max Patch the weather had cleared and the sun was shining. There were beautiful views from the top and I took loads of photographs from the top of the bald. The top of the bald is marked with lots of blazed posts, which stand as silent witness to what must be the considerable difficulties of wayfinding across this open area in heavy fog or whiteout conditions. On the top of the bald I met with a day hiker and his son who surprised me by greeting me by name. I was taken aback at being recognised by a total stranger in such a remote area. Before I had time to congratulate myself on having at length achieved international fame, he explained that he had already met with Bill who was hiking in front of me and had recieved all of my biographical infomation from him. The Walnut mountain shelter is interesting because officialy it does not exist! There is certainly no sign of it on the official maps, and no mention of it on the trail signs. In fact the sign at Roaring Fork says that the next shelter North is at Deer Park mountain, and dosent mention Walnut Mountain shelter at all. It is however lister in both the Data Book and the Companion, and much to our delight does in fact exist. The explaination seems to be that the shelter was slated for demolition, and hence not listed on the maps and signs, but a group of hikers petitioned to keep it open and have been successful so far. The shelter journal contains many interesting enteries from hikers who thought they had entered into the Twilight Zone to find an unexpedted shelter at that location. It is avery small and old shelter. Currently we are four, Pooka, Bill myself and a southbounder who is conasidering going on to the next shelter. The weather has turned bad again with the mist covering the mountain top and hail rattling off the roof. Despite this however there are wildflowers blooming here on the ridge. Bill took a bad fall today on one of the descents and is complaining of pain in his shoulder and elbow. Nothing seems to be broken or dislocated but the fall was a bad one and he is thinking of getting it looked at in Hot Springs. Plan to try for Hot Springs in the AM and to stay there two nights to avoid the rush of people coming to Hot Springs for Trailfest. Got a weak signal here and left amessage for Kathy - I think! Thought for today - Considering only the following three statements;   1 God is Good   2 God is all powerfull   3 Bad things happen - at least one must be wrong. Most likely the #2.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

We had another hiker join us late last night. Grizzly Dave from Des Moines whose hike is being followed, and reported upon, by the Des Moines Register. Bill, who it turns out is a Pres Minister, knows a lot about Ireland. His church is twinned with a church in Larne in Northern ireland. He even knows the words to the song "Seven Drunken Nights" - or at least the five verses that are fit for public consumption! Grizzly Dave was much taken by our discussion, and was very interested in our explaination of the phrase "Hillbilly" The phrase has it's origin from the time of the battle of the Boyne in 1690 in Ireland. The Protestant King William of Orange defeated the Catholic King James. Many of the followers of King William - who were called "Billy's Boys", or just simply "Billies" in time ended up emmigrating to the Appalachian Mountains, and became known as "Hillbillies" It was a very, very cold night and it snowed, about 1/2 an inch. I felt the ice crystals blowing through the cracks in the shelter wall in the middle of the night. Everyone very cold this morning. I started out early but was quickly passed by the entire group, Pooka nad her dog Zack - who was realy enjoying the snow - Bill, Dave, and Mike - a football coach from Gatlinburg. A very cold start and I wore my heavy fleece under my rain gear. As it began to warm up during the descent I delayed in taking the fleece off and it ended up soaked in sweat. Great hike,very cold, foggy, blowing snow at first. Red Pine needles frozen in clusters of ice on the limbs. I feel very strong on the ascents and very seldom have to stop to catch my breath now. I still have difficulties on the descents, but am definatly getting better. The much described Lamb's Knob presented no real difficulties and I was soon descending out of the snow into slippery mud. The French Broad River - which I had crossed in the bus on the way to Waynerville - came into view followed in short order by the town of Hot Springs. Was greeted by the barking of a very angry yellow dog as I descended the stone steps into the town. He clearly feels that the steps are his! I am now in the Alpine Court Motel. I just had to spread my stuff out and spend a little time by myself. It may seem strange that I had to come into a town for some solitude, but since I spend most of my nights at shelters, and the shelters have almost all been full, it does make a strange sort of sense. Shower, food, laundry are all done. Had a great talk with Kathy - on an outside phone. The plans are for a memorial service for my brother in Ireland on May 26th. The current plan is for all of us to attend. I will plan to return home at the end of this month to attend my daughtre's college graduation and then return to Ireland for the Memorial. Thought for Today - "The moving finger writes and having writ moves on, Nor all your poetry and wit can call it back Nor all your tears wash out a word of it"
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Slept very well, found an oldies station on the radio - the TV does not work, only videos. Slept late and had a big breakfast at the Smokey Mountain Diner. I spent the day exploring the town. I got a better pair of gloves and a replacement skull cap - lost the original in the laundry last evening. Collected my box from the PO - had to show ID this time.. Got some extra film and went through the box. I figure six nights - seven days to Erwin and have packed for it. Great day here. Temps in the 70"s. Forcast is for good weather for the next several days, according to the local - Ashville - paper. Met with several hikers who went trough Max Patch the day after me and they described horrible conditions with snow blowing near horizontal and near zero visability. They could hardly see from guide post to guide post. What a difference a day makes. Met Piffin here, also Mockingbird who has met up with his Dad. Pirate has also showed up. Trailfest is here the day after tomorrow, but you would not know it - except for the plastic ducks that are for sale for the famous Duck Race in the local stream. Eat a hugh dinner, finished with strawberry and rubarb pie a la mode - not the best of decisions since I had to interupt my phone call to home to deal with a sudden urge of nature. I guess it takes a little time to readjust to the rich town food. Hope for Spring Mountain Shelter in the AM. Heavy pack and uphill Thought for today - A good radio satation is hard, and good, to find.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Hot Springs

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

No more BM problems during the night, so I arose early and, after a shower and a good breakfast at the Smokey Mountain Diner - where I again saw Pipesmoker - I started off on the trail. The trail winds through downtown Hot Springs and then turns sharply and paralles the French Broad River before climbing steeply out of the valley. Piffin was in front of me for most of the day. A great day of hiking. The river was in full spate with lots of white water above the bridge. There were great views of Hot Springs as I ascended the trail out of the valley, with the morning sun shining on part of the town, while the rest remained in deep shadow. Then along a ridge with many ups and downs, which brought me unexpectantly to a large concrete dam with a retained pond - complete with seats and birds houses - very nice. A lot of road crossings, mostly Forest Service roads not marked on my map. There was a long road walk with an overpass of I40, Then back into the woods again - past memorials to two people [hikers?] - how do you get a memorial to somebody errected in the National Forest? - past signs for designated breeding grounds for groose and wild turkey and then another ascent to this shelter where Piffin was already installed. Along the way I met with Carolina and Gimp who were coming South - "You are going the wrong way" - They had shuttled ahead to the road and were slackpacking back into Hot Springs for Trailfest which starts tomorrow. Got a good signal and spoke with Kathy on her cell. It is now post dinner and a long chat with Piffin, who was a philosophy major in college. Nice day, high in the 50-60's sunny and cloudy. Sun now sinking and cooling quickly. I have my fleece jacket on already. Only the two of us in the shelter so far. Thought for today - 1. None of our actions can effect the past - only the future. 2. We name things in an attempt to controle them [this one from Piffin].
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

We were joined last night by Sox, a lady from Texas and Cheers from London England, who camped out. Cheers kept bumming cigaretts from Sox. A number of hikers smoke, much to my surprise. Slept well and started off early. Another great day. Blue skies and small puffy white clouds with temps in the 70's. Took it easy with multiple stops - joined by Sox at the first one. I have found that it realy helps to take off boots and socks at lunch time and give your feet a chance to air out. I dont have a major proplem with sweaty feet but it is still nice and refreshing to air out the feet. Arrived here early. Piffin was here but decided to go on to reduce his milage for tomorrow. I have been joined now by Bill who has returned Southbound after seeing a MD - "slipped" elbow and shoulder. His hand is very swollen but he says the swelling goes down at night. Mockingbird is here with his Dad. Several people are camping out - an increasingly attractive option now that the weather has improoved. Spoke with Kathy, who is going to spend some time in New York. To day is my 59th Birthday, and everybody in the shelter sang "happy Birthday" for me. Very nice touch. Bill says that it is very rough going to the next shelter with a steep ascent and a lot of exposed rock. I will go to the next shelter and then reassess my options. May have to take another short day in the AM. I feel very good, my right heel gets sore but there is no obvious blister. Knees feel good. Mockingbird is having problems with bilateral heel blisters - his feet sweat a lot and he is having difficulty getting the dressings to stay in place. Thought for today - Nothing stands alone, all is interconnected. Pull one thread and the whole fabric will unravel.