morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Betty Creek Gap Tentsite

To: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin NC
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

FiveWay and I decided to get an early start to make the miles to Winding Stair Gap for a hitch into Franklin. Had a cold breakfast and was underway by 8:15. The night was cold (22*), but little wind. I had filled a nalgene water bottle with boiling water, wrapped it in my pack towel and put it in the foot of my sleeping bag. I slept very well. Made good time to Bear Pen Gap where we found the "Albert Arms"--a huge tent set up for hikers by Trail Angels Gatorade, Fishin' Fred and Flatbread. Dinosaur, Hellbender, and Jukebox had stayed there for the night and were just headed out. A few yards further was the trail magic setup with blueberry pancakes baked on an old sawmill blade suspended from a tripod over a fire. Sure we wanted pancakes! There were lots of other goodies too. I had 4 pancakes and several apple pastries heated on the griddle. Then it was off to climb Albert Mtn. It was the most challenging climb yet but we were rewarded with spectacular views from the firetower at the summit. I took a series of pictures in 360*. FiveWay said he felt good about the climb compared to his climb up Tray Mtn. The rest of the day was a push to make the gap for a shuttle into Franklin and a shower, real food, bed, and resupply to carry through to Fontana. We made the gap by 4:15 where there was more trail magic hosted by Mala and Nean. Waiting at the gap were Dinosaur, Hellbender, Jukebox, Mando, Poncho, Double Shot, Cool Hand Luke, Tecumseh, Andy DuFresne and Grinds. Soon Ron Haven pulled up in a little converted schoolbus to shuttle us to his motel, Haven's Budget Inn. He regaled us with local lore and a cook's tour of Franlin, NC on the 10 miles down the mountain. We took a few minutes to get into our rooms and then boarded the bus for a beer run and a quick stop at the outfitters where I bought a few needed items. On the town shuttle was Big Ben from Maine who I'd first met with his fiance Kate on day 2. Kate got off the trail with a knee problem--diagnosed as tendonitis. She'll be rejoining Ben at Hot Springs with a knee brace and hiking poles.All the people mentioned plus the Aussie girls and Longhorn, Ribbit, and Triscuit showed up at the all you can eat steakhouse which featured AYCE sirloin steak in addition to the buffet and free (soft) drink refills. I ate the equivalent of 2 dinners. After dinner, I did my laundry and, although I planned to go to the supermarket, went to bed at aout 9:30 as I was exhausted. Onward to Maine!
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's entry is dedicated to the Clow family, Keith, Kim, Eric, and Tyler, of Clarksville TN, who had trail magic set up at Wayah Bald, 10 miles into my hike. They are down here on spring break doing day hikes, and took the day to help out hikers. The day started out early with me setting out on foot to the grocery store in Franklin at 6:30. I found it closed 'til 7:00 so backtracked to the diner I'd passed that had lots of local traffic. Had a great breakfast of country ham (very salty), hash browns, and eggs. I saved the biscuits I was too full to eat for trail snacks. Got back with my resupply and packed up, but had taken too much time, so I missed first shuttle out and had to wait for the 2nd at 9:30. In the interim I posted my trail journals. FiveWay decided to stay behind in Franlin to deal with his foot issue and went to the hospital to see a podiatrist. I hope he is able to continue. If not it won't be due to his heart---the man is all heart, and very courageous to set out on his quest. I hope to meet up with him again after Becca's graduation in VA somewhere. Check out what happened at www.appalachiantrailheartwalk.com. When Ron Haven pulled up with the minibus, 3 of us piled in for the ride to the gap. When we got out at 10am, there was a large group of hikers waiting for a ride into town. Hikers are congregating for the first April Fools Hiker Bash that Ron is sponsoring. I had Jukebox and Dinosaur go on ahead and then started up the first of many long ups to Siler Bald. Soon I came across Doc Knarley and Slideshow who were breaking camp early. Morning hiking was in a foggy cloud, but not too cold. Later in the day it cleared off so the forecast of good weather tomorow appears correct.Eventually I passed everyone although Jukebox caught up with me at the trail magic. Dinosaur was hanging back to wait for Hellbender (a kind of salamander), who had stayed a while in town to deal with a problem with her Fulbright grant. Two cheeseburgers, a banana and beer at the trail magic gave me the kick to go for the shelter, even tho it was 4pm and the shelter was 5 miles and a big climb of about 700' down the trail. I made it just before sunset. I'm Still Adam, Josh, and Longshanks, who I met at breakfast at Amicalola Lodge, had a nice fire going. I quickly set up my tent and cooked dinner by my headlamp then ate by the fire. We all hung everything tempting in our bear bags because we'd seen fresh bear scat and footprints along the trail. Turned in at 9pm, late for me. Tomorrow the NOC. Onward to Maine!
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Cold Spring Shelter tenting

To: Natahala River, NOC Basecamp
Miles today: 11.4

Nearly a 3500' descent today and most of it was steep. I was the last out at 9.00, and saw no hikers all day until 5:00 when I arrived at the NOC (Natahala Outdoor Center) which caters to rafters and hikers. The only people I encountered were a maintainer hiking in to work on his section and a man and his son visiting from Wyoming who were sightseeing. Of course, I thanked the maintainer for his hard work and praised a relocation his club did on the way to last night's shelter. The hike had short steep ascents of about 200 to 400' interspersed with long steep descents of 600' plus. It was a beautiful sunny day with temps reaching the 70s. The view from Wesser Bald firetower was fantastic and I shot a few pics. There were many such views coming down the mountain. The firetower also had 4 bars on the cell phone so I checked in with Carol. I'm looking forward to meeting up with her at Fontana Dam on April 2. About a half mile short of the NOC, the A Rufus Morgan shelter tempted with the most beautiful campsite I've come across yet, but the lure of real food, a shower and a bed at the hostel won out. Just before the NOC, the hillside was covered with small flowers, which I think are rue anemone--I got a close up pic for you botanists out there. Speaking of pics, I hope to get some posted soon. I'm staying in the NOC Basecamp, a hostel with 8 bunks to a room for $21 including a towel. In my bunkroom are Tybee Pete, a 65 year-old, Chewey, a twenty-something from Naples, FL, and Skidmark, a section hiker who has almost half the AT completed. We all had dinner at the restaurant here (mine was a super burger and the AYCE salad bar). Longshanks from the shelter joined us at our table. He is staying here too. After dinner, I got a hot shower and we all chatted on the deck. I turned in to plan tomorrow's hike. I'm going to try for Cheoah Bald 8 miles distant and over 3000' elevation gain. The view up there is supposed to be fantastic. I hope the weather holds. When I downloaded my journals Monday, I got lots of email from those who've signed my guestbook. Thanks to everyone. Maine Ho!
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Natahala River, NOC 

To: Locust Cove Gap Tentsite
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

To make up for yesterday's all down, today was nearly all up--3300 feet up in 8 miles to Cheoah Bald. It was sunny with temps into the high 60's. There were great views including into the Smokies and Fontana Dam where I'll be in 2 days. Cell phone reception at the top was great so I called Carol and arranged for her to meet me on Saturday, then made reservatons at the Fontana Inn. I got up at 6:30 and started the day with a hearty breakfast at the NOC restaurant, then headed out at about 9:15. About an hour into the hike I met Hayride and Tigger, who were southbound on a section hike. Another hour later Big Ben and Dufresnes from Franklin caught up to me. They were planning big miles to reach Fontana Village by Sat AM to collect their mail drops before the post office closes. I learned that FiveWay had to get off the trail; his foot problem was a stress fracture so he's down for 4 weeks. I stopped for my usual lunch of cheese and a bagel heaped with peanut butter and jelly, and to deal with some hot spots. It was hard to get going again as it was soon very steep. About 2pm Stumpknocker and Shortcut came on a southbound slackpack. Stumpknocker was testing out his arm. He broke his humerus about 3 weeks ago when he was distracted by the smell of burgers coming into the NOC. He seemed to be doing OK and was carrying, but not using, a pole with the arm that had the break. I stopped by Sassafras Gap Shelter for water from the great piped spring there. As I returned to the AT, Double Shot was coming down to the spring. He said he had a long, over 20 mile, day yesterday and might camp at Cheoah Bald. On the way up to the bald, Lone Wolf came by southbound in camo's with his dog. When I reached the top two guys around my age, Cohiba and Otter were just heading out to the gap where we're camped. When I got to the campsite, Double Shot was also here. He must have passed me when I was talking to Carol from the bald. Turning in at 8PM with a sliver of the moon in the western sky and glorious stars overhead. Onward to Maine!
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Locust Cove Gap Tentsite

To: Tent at Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at first light, around 5:45, and on the trail by 8:00 after a hot breakfast. I left just after DoubleShot and just ahead of Cohiba and Otter. Cohiba and Otter passed me after about two miles, and I trailed them into Stecoah Gap by about 2 minutes. We snacked a bit and decided to get our water at the next shelter 2.4 miles ahead rather than going out of our way .2 miles. I took the lead on the climb out of he gap which at first was fairly gentle. The last half mile made up for that--nearly 600 ft straight up. It lives up to its reputation as a really rough climb. About 100 yards before the sidetrail to the shelter at Brown Fork Gap, I saw CarBomb and Elsbeth with their two chocolate labs heading down the trail. The shelter was .1 mile off the trail, so I went ahead .2 miles to a gap where there was a spring close by, had lunch, got water, rested my feet with the boots off, changed into dry socks and headed out again after about a half hour. The afternoon was easy hiking into his shelter. I met and chatted with Stumpknocker, who was slacking Fontana to Stecoah Gap southbound. He said his arm is feeling pretty good. I arrived at the shelter about 4pm, about 15 minutes ahead of Cohiba and Otter. I decided to tent in spite of the threat of rain which started after dark as I began journaling. I read the shelter register and learned that BigBen and DuFresnes had passed thru at 1:40, followed by Double Shot at 2:00. D-S must have been really moving. After setting up my tent, I made dinner at the shelter and chatted with Cohiba and Otter. After 6:00, two more hikers rolled in, Bloomer and Sleeper, so the shelter is pretty full. Tomorrow it's just 6.9 miles, mostly downhill, to Fontana Dam where Carol will meet me. I restock tomorrow in Robinsville and zero Sunday at The Fontana Inn. Then Monday into the Smokies. Maine Ho!
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Tent at Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

It did rain overnight, so I got to pack up a wet tent. I had a cold breakfast (bagel, cheese, and breakfast bar) and was underway at 7:15. I made good time, arriving at the dam about 11:00. Had a message from Carol that she was eating breakfast in Bristol, GA at 10:30, so I checked out the "Fontana Hilton" shelter and signed the register. Since the sun was out and it was breezy, I got out the tent and dried it. Marco Solo, I'mStillAdam and Josh were there and offered me a hot dog and beer. A section hiker named Claud from the south coast of England came in a bit later. After the tent was dry, I headed down to the visitor center, but Carol hadn't yet arrived. I returned to high ground at the picnic area near the shelter where I got cell signal and called the hotel to leave a message for Carol, then got out the Pocketmail to journal. I'm looking forward to Carol's visit, real food and bed, a shower, and a zero day tomorrow. The camera display burned out. Hope it's covered by the warranty. It seems to still be taking pics--hopefully. To a respite from Onward to Maine!
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Fontana Inn

To: Tent at Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early to the last of the thundershowers that had come thru overnight. Good zero timing! Checked the weather channel. The coming week promises excellent weather! We checked out, then returned to the Inn for a hearty breakfast when the restaurant opened. Carol shuttled me back to Fontana Dam and slackpacked me across the dam to the boundary of GSMNP. There we said goodbye. I watched as her car went back over the dam and out of sight and set off for the initial 2300' climb up Shuckstack Mtn at 9:15. It took me to 12:15 to cover the 3.6 mile climb to where the trail turned down to a high gap. I took the short side trail to the summit firetower from which I got some excellent pics. By then the wind had really kicked up and I nearly got blown off the tower. On the way up I ran into the ridge runner who indicated there were 6 places available for thru hikers at my destination, Russell Field Shelter. I also was passed by Afterburner and TheMaineTrain (Josh and James) as well as Don Quixote, Irish and Supersize. When I finally got to the shelter at 6:15, I was glad to learn there were already 6 thruhikers here, meaning I could tent. One has to stay in the shelters in the Smokies if there's space available. The sky had clouded over, wind had kicked up, and as the sun set the temp dropped so it will be cold over night. I'm glad I'm tenting as it's warmer. Onward to Maine!
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

Well it was very cold last night, I slept in, and was the last one out. Before long Fish and RouteStep from the previous shelter passed, and a little later Jukebox, Dinosaur, and Hellbender along with Supersize passed. It was clear and sunny all day, but cold. I noticed bits of frost flying through the air and pretty soon found out why as I came to a patch of trees covered with rime ice 3/8" long in the windward dirction. It had condensed from the fog cloud last night and had frozen to every twig. I took a couple of photos. When I got a view of Rocky Top, I saw the whole side of the mountain was white with the rime ice. Thus, throughout the day, I was in mini-snow squalls under a bright blue sky. The climbs up Rocky Top (elev 5441) and Thunderhead Mtn (5527) were fairly easy. The views from Rocky Top were spectacular. I didn't take any pics from the top--photos don't do the panorama justice, but have one of RockyTop from Spence Field, a big, grassy open area I passed through on the way. Met a day-hiker at the top and chatted for a few minutes. Due to my late start (10:00), I considered curtailing my day one shelter short, but decided to continue the extra 5.5 miles arriving at 6:30. There are about 15 people here and I've stayed with most before. Didn't have much time to socialize though, as the sun was going down, and I had to get water, make dinner, and hop into bed. It was getting dark by the time I hung my bear bag. I decided to check my cell signal before journaling and was able to call Carol. Got the news she arrived home safely and that my camera is still taking pics even though the video screen is blown. The home team will be posting some of them. Tomorrow is Clingman's Dome, highest point on the AT at 6643'. Lights out at 9pm. Maine Ho!
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Tenting at Siler's Bald Shelter

To: Tenting at Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was short in distance but long in altitude gain/loss as I summited Clingman's Dome, at 6643' the highest point on the AT. Woke up to 28* with a brisk wind but the sun soon warmed things up to the 50's. Brisk wind continued all day long and it was chilly in the shade. There were even patches of snow in the shady spots, and much of the trail was frozen with some ice patches. The views coming up to and from Clingman's were expansive. I took 360 degree pics from the observation platform. I noticed the character of the forest changed once we passed 5500 ft. It is now an evergreen forest of hemlocks and firs, and the shelter is surrounded by very tall trees. There are many here that were at Siler's Bald last night: Fish, RouteStep, Don Quixote, Cohiba, Otter, Merlin, Chewey, Hellbender, Dinosaur, and a few others I don't know. I'm in bed early, hoping for an early start tomorrow and keeping warm in the sack. Onward to Maine!
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Mt. Collins Tentsite

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise which I got a pic of. "Red in the Morning, sailor take warning" proved true, as by noon it had clouded over and there was a brief period of light rain. I had a late breakfast of cheese and a bagel with strawberry jam in a sunny spot beside the trail. While I ate just about everyone here at the shelter passed me, but I caught up with them at Newfound Gap. They talked about staying at the first shelter but decided to move on, and arrived shortly after me at about 6pm. The hike in from the gap was an up-and-down ridge walk with stunning views down steep valleys on either side. There were patches of snow in the shady areas and a few icy spots on the trail. The forest is still firs and hemlock so we are still high. The shelter is at 5280' elev. After the slight showers tapered off, the sun made an occasional appearance and it was a pleasant day of hiking. Here are ImStillAdam, Plunger (fka Josh), Don Quixote, Afterburner, Pokey, Hellbender, Dinosaur, and Jim, the ridgerunner. We had a nice fire and now at 9:00 everyone is turning in--including me. Onward to Maine!
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Got out early today and made the half mile to the trail by 8am. Ate my two breakfast bars for about 500 calories, and really cranked out the miles. Only Afterburner, Plunger and ImStillAdam passed me, and I was into Cosby Knob Shelter by 4PM. The shelter is full tonight as there's weather coming in. Today's hike went over Mt. Sequoyah, Mt. Chapman, Guyot Spur and Cosby Knob on good sidehill trail that made the ups gradual. I stopped at 10 for a second breakfast and noon for lunch at locations with long views down the valleys. I took a pic with my arm in as a reference to try to capture the depth and steepness of the side of the trail. The forest continued as balsam firs and white pines with majestic specimens. There was quite a section with what the ski areas call frozen granular and some plain old ice. Got good cell reception at top of Cosby Knob and called Carol, but was unsuccessful in my attempt to upload pocketmail. The shelter is full tonight with some old faces (Don Quixote, Hellbender, Dinosaur, Pokey, and ridgerunner Jim) and many new faces (Jetwash, Long Haul, Hui, Bearcan, and Natty Boh) along with a sectioner couple, Brains and Brawn. Don Quixote built a nice fire and, after dinner, I visited the Rocky Top base camp for old times' sake. Tried a couple of times to get ahold of Ted Wilson, the ATC trail crew leader from last year's crew weeks without success. He was going to host me near Hot Springs which is now only a few days away. I'll try again at Standing Bear Farm hostel, tomorrow's destination. Maine Ho!
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

There were a lot of storms overnight, but the temporary tarp roof of the shelter held very well and no one got wet. It was cloudy and damp in the morning. I got an early start and walked the miles from the shelter to Mt. Cammerer Firetower trail junction--miles familiar to me from last fall's RockyTop trail crew session. On the way I passed Brains & Brawn. On the descent down to Davenport Gap (6 mi and 3000 ft), Long Haul and NattyBoh both passed me. Their plan was to go on to the next shelter rather than stay at the hostel, though they did stop here for some minor resupply, as they were here when I rolled in about 2pm. On the way I paused to admire the "my" waterbar and other rehabilitation Rockytop trail crew did last fall. When I reached Davenport Gap, the exit from the Smokies, I stopped for a Powerbar and decided to stow my rain jacket. Big mistake! I hadn't gone a half mile when I had to stop and put it back on as a light drizzle was coming down. I then entered a stream valley with a series of waterfalls and cascades with wildflowers along the hillside. I dug out the camera to take a couple of shots. A few minutes later, the light drizzle became an all out downpour as I crossed the Pigeon River bridge and came up under I-40, where I stopped for a few minutes respite before continuing on. Just as I started up a stairway, up pulls a car and out pops a woman asking if I'm a thruhiker, offering a Dr. Pepper. Sure, says I, and that's how I met Andy DuFresne's mom and learned he's a day behind. Right now (7pm), I'm at the Front Porch, a BYOB Mexican restaurant, listening to a blue grass bamd and drinking Amstel Light from the carryout. I'm not too hungry 'cause I ate a whole 14" pizza by myself at the hostel, but I'll eat a salad and an ice cream sundae. I also got showered, clothes laundered, dried out, resupplied for Hot Springs at the hostel. Here are Brains and Braun, Hui, Dinosaur, Hellbender, and Eric. Afterburner, Don Quixote, Marco Polo, and Just Joan stayed behind at the hostel. Off for HotSprings in 2 days from tomorrow. Maine Ho!