morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Today has been the best day so far! We've (One Life,Boomer and I) got an early start and hit the trail early (7:15) The wind blew hard last night and continued as we were breaking camp so we didn't bother with breakfast. Right away we climbed 4,400' Blood Mtn. Being early and having fresh legs made it a lot easier. At the top we ran into Laid Back, Legs, ManDog, Brendon and Ultra White who spent the night at Blood Mtn Shellter at the top and had a bear incident. A bear showed up at 7:45PM and tried to gwet their food bags hanging from a tree about 20' from the shelter. They had to "deal with the bear until 3:30AM.
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: light rain

Broke camp early this morning and was underway by 7 AM with about six mile to the road. Made the big climb over Kelly Knob (4,000+) then down to the parking area , all in a steady rain. Laid Back was there waiting. We waited for the others to arrive then tried to figure out how to get to the hostel. After a short wait, the hostel owner showed up to pick us up. After I had tried to call him with a very bad connection, he figured we were at the gap and needed a shuttle! So we're now at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. It's now full and I have a top bunk with about two feet clearance to the ceiling. Our laundry is being done, we just finished an "all you can eat" buffet, and now it's on to the Super Market for some resupply. We'll head back soon for a shower, then my old hiking buddy "SchoolMaster" is stopping by for a visit. Life is great-It's largely attitude.Teach your Children tolerance                                                      Trashman
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Awoke early after a restless nigh. I really thought I would sleep well in a real bed but I didn't. Maybe t was the altitude; I was in the upper bunk of a triple hhigh bunk bed!(So much for age has its priviledge.) At 0830 we wnt in for a beautiful breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, bisscuits, gravy,coffee, and juice.We were all packed up and ready to go so right after eating, Gary took a load of us up to the Gaap. Our stay at the Blueberry Patch was wonderful, even better than I anticipated! Gary was so attentive to everyone's needs and to me was the epitome of Christian love. Thanks Gary. You serve as a shining light in a sometimes dark world and you are an inspiration to all who come in contact with you. The trail out of thhe Gap was steep climbing 1000feet to Buzzards Knob but after that the going was easy. We took nice long breaks in both Blue Gap and Bly gap (GA/NC line)So now we've got GA out of the way. One down and 13 to go! Our original plan was to camp at Bly Gap but we all felt like pressing on to Muskrat Creek shelter which was only two miles away. It involved two very steep asccents so everyone was exhausted when we arrived. It wwas late and the temp was dropping so we had to set up tents, eat and do other chores rather quickly. Nightfall comes quickly in the mountains! Today's lesson was to find a place to spend the night early enough to to relax and let your body heal in the afternoon. I'm still feeling good, have an occassional pain on the outer part of my left arch- I'm not sure what it is- might even be my socks bunching up. Life is still good from where I'm at.                                       Peace;                                          Trashman Teach your Children Compassion
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carters Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a very cold night last night and the wind was blowing hard the whole time. My bag was up to the challenge though and I slept very well. In fact,I slept all night through for the first time on this trip! We got u/w at 0830. At Deep Gap, at the base of Standing Indian Mtn, there was Trail Magic awaiting. A group, headed by Red truck and Green truck, ex thru hikers, had a big tent set up and were serving complete hot breakfsts to all thru hikers. Eggs, sausage,bacon biscuits hashbrowns,coffee, juice, fruit, candy bars, and more, I guess. An hour later, we left satiated and made our climb up 5430' Standing indian Mtn.- not all that bad! Laid Back and I treked on stopping only briefly for water and a snack and we arrived here in Carters Gap at 2:30. I bit later, the rest our crew: One Life, Boomer, and Freight Train came stumbling in.                                       Peace;                                          TrashmanWe are all Related.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Carters Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap/USFS Road 67
Miles today: 12.2

Another beutiful day for hiking with temps in the 60's. I had another great nigh's sleep and even had some pleasant dreams that involved bears! We got a 0800 start and hit 5200' Albert Mtn at about 10. On the summit, we sunbathed and lunched, climbed the fire tower and saw nothing but magnificent mountains all around. Got to Rock Gap Shelter at about 2:30 but it waskinda creepy so we got water and moved on a bit and found a suitable spot.1 mi down the trail and pitched there. We picked up a couple more hikers: Timber, a young girl fom Canada and Turtle Dove, a girl from the Roanoke, VA area.I'm still feeling good- stronger every day- and have no significant pains or health issues. In the morning we'll all hitch into Franklin for a meal, motel shower etc. I'm also picking up my first mail drop to myself.Live your Dream.                                       Peace;                                          TrashmanTeach you children to Love the Earth. She is our Mother and she sustains us!
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Rock Gap/USFS Road 67

To: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin,NC
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Well today's the day! Going in to Franklin. That means Mail drop, shower, laundry facilities, a real bed and real food; not to mention access to a computer, telephones that work and other niceties of the modern world. Broke camp before 0800 and hurried the 4 miles to Winding Stair Gap in hopes of catching a shuttle in to town. Arrived at the Gap at about 0930, our group followed and within 30 mins Ron Haven pulled in in his old Head Start School Bus and brought us all into town. We grabbed a room at one of his hotels-The Budget Inn. It was very comfortable and affordable. Ron is a character and extremely accomadating to his guests. After getting everyone settled in, he took us all to a local Mom and Pops for a filling breakfast, then later in the day after we had showered, napped, done our journaling and laundry, he took us around to the Walmart, Ingles, PO etc. I went to the PO picked up my Foood Drop, sorted through it and took what I needed then mailed it on to Hot Springs. My buddy SchoolMaster showed up at about 4 and we hit the markets before joing the rest of the group for dinner at Cody's Roadhouse. I had a beautiful Salmon and Sweet Potato entree and after dinner was surprised when the Wait Staff all came parading into our area singing and presenting me with a beautiful dessert- a rich Brownie covered with ice cream, whipped cream and a Cherry. I asked for more spoons and passed it around the table. It was really nice. All this in recognition of my 69th birthday which I'll be celebrating on the 15th, somewhere in the middle of the NC mountains. My night was restless and essentially sleepless- a bummer. Credit the giant Coke and two refills, I guess. Note to self-"Stick with water"Well, I'll be off for an early start tomorrow with some mongo climbs in store. On to NOC, Fontana, then it's the Smokies by maybe next Mon. I'm moving and feeling great. Let's hear from some of you!I'm smelling the Roses.                                          Peace to all of you;                                                TrashmanTeach your children not to hate!
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin,NC

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike took us over 4900' Siler Bald and 5300'Wayah Bald. Our friends Boomer and Freight Train stayed in town for a Drs appointment with foot problems. Ron blew the horn at 0830 and after we were all loaded, headed up to the Gap. At 0930 we were heading up Siler bald. Sometime during the couple of hours, when i was huffing and puffing up the mountain and staring at the ground in front of me,I ran smack into a sawed off 6 inch tree truck. Whack! I went down like i was hit by a Tyson left hook.i wasn't knocked out but kinda sat there on my butt and backpack for a moment before I attempted to get up. so now I'm left with a knot and a couple of bruises on my fore head which generate a lot of conversation!
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Wayah Shelter

To: US19/NOC
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was our biggest day mileage wise and we are all beat. We decided to make it all the way to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) so we could resupply, get some real restaurant food and have a good breakfast. There were no rooms so we camped along the railroad tracks. We were the first there but by nightfall there were 14 tents pitched!!!Our group, the Fab five now consists of me Laid Back, One Life, Timber and Turtle Dove. We had a nice dinner. I had a Veggie Pizza and an awesome bread pudding for dessert. We are all in camp now and there is a gentle rain falling. i hope we all can stay dry. Tomorrow will be a much shorter day although it will begin with a pretty significant climb up Swim and Cheoah Bald (5060')in the first 8 miles. We'll find a campsite somewhere after Cheoah.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: US19/NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Today's day was a late day but a good one. I turned 69 today and I'm fit and healthy and that's a blessing. We camped in a HOBO jungle by the tracks last night and and kinda "slept in" a bit since the restaurant didn't open until 0800. Got morning Birthday wishes ffrom all around the recieved the bad news that Turtle Dove wasn't going to continue! She was such a good part of our group. We'll miss her a lot. I hope we see her at Tail Days in Damascus or sooner. Good luck to you Maggie.Today's hike out of the NOC was long and high-first Swim and then Cheoah Bald. We finally got to our campsite at locust Cove Gap at about 5:15. Set up camp, found water, made dinner and "hung out" for a while. A SOBO thru hiker named "Lucky" stopped in and spent the night. He started in Katahdyn last July and will hit Springer in a couple of weeks!! One Life broke out the cookies and we had a mini birthday party there in the mountains. nice. So the Fab Five is now Four. Boomer and freight Train, who we left in Franklin, were to star tback on the trail today. We plan to take a zero at Fontana so maybe they'll catch us and our group will be whole again.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable gap shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: few clouds

Today's hike was rather unremarkable other than the very big climb out of Stecoah Gap. The big question of the day by One Life was: "Trashman, if you had to save either Timber or Laid Back from a burning Shelter, which one would you save?" and so goes life on the Appalachian Trail. We are all beat and will limp into Fontana tomorrow (Sat) after a 6 mile walk in the early morning. We plan to start walking a 7AM to beat the heat. Since we're all exhausted and because the PO isn't open on Sat or Sun and Laid Back has a Mail Drop there, we've decided to take a zero and recover before hitting the Smokies. We were just looking at the mileages there and will probably stick to 11-12 miles per day for a while as the 16 we did a couple of days ago really did us in. The bigger miles can come later.                                             Peace;                                                TrashmanTeach your children about Nature.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Cable gap shelter

To: NC28/Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up early today with the excitement of getting into "town." We were on the trail by 7AM and reached the road and Fontana Marina by 0930. We called a shuttle and were checking into the Fontana Village Resort by 10. A beautiful room, poolside and all the ammenities for $70/night. Divided by 4 and that's a pretty good deal! The PO although officially closed opened up for hikers to retrieve their Bounce boxes so Laid Back got his food and he's ready to go. We're all still quite tired so we'll stay an extra day and lick our wounds and head into the Smokies bright and early on Mon AM. We had a delicious breakfast upon arrival, showered, did laundry, hit the general store for what food we'll need for the Smokies and then just relaxed until dinner. We ate, then returned to the room and went through eachothers packs and advised ourselves as to what gear we could eliminate to save some weight. I'll send some gear back, after we clear the Smokies, maybe in Hot Springs. I'm still feeling good. The minor foot problem I had seems to have disappeared and the little knee and foot 'things" are gone too. Thanks to everyone who has signed my Guest Book. I wish I could send you each a personnal thank you but we just don't have that much access to a computer.                                             Peace;                                                TrashmanTeach your children to Honor their Ancestors
Date: 2010-04-18
From: NC28/Fontana Dam

To: NC28/Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Just a lazy day, hanging out around the hotel lobby and by the pool!!!All is well. Called home, had a good breakfast, went to an interdenominational Church service (four in attendance) and with this entry have caught up with the journals. This evening, Our group of four is going to give a presentation to an audience of wildflower enthusiasts about the Trail. It should be kind of fun. I'll edit this journal afterward to let you know how it went.                                          Peace;                                             Trashman
Date: 2010-04-19
From: NC28/Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early and packed and went to breakfast at 7. Met the folks who wanted to hike with us (Byron, Ginny and Tammy.) After tending to some logistics, we piled into Byron's Truck. He dropped us off at the Marina and took our packs to the base of Shuckstack Mtn where we mwt them after walking to the Visitors Center, across the Dam and up to the trail head. We had a really nice walk up the trail to the tower on top. We said our "Good Byes"about noon. The hope is that they might meet us again; maybe in Erwin or Roan Mtn???It would be nice. Our original intention was to make it to Mollies Ridge Shelter but a Ranger suggested that we continue on to Russelll Field Shelter because Mollies Ridge was going to be crowded. So that' what we did. There was a bunch there for the evening. Many who we had never met: Shovel, Krusty,Crispy Critter, Eric,Kyle, Chicken Feathers and the four of us.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

Had a fairly restless/sleepless night among the snorers. Last night was our first night in a shelter. It was okay. It started raining lightly, slightly before dawn. We got u[p before 7 and were underway by 8. The climbs were big over Little Bald (5040'), Rocky Top (5441'), and Thunderhead (5527'). We also had climbs up to 5215' and finally up Chestnut Bald at 4950'. We got to the Shelter in a steady rain and a cold wind. Perfect conditions for hypothermia. We decided this would be it for the day, as we were all cold and wet. Throughout the afternoon people arrived. Some moved on in the rain. As of now, there are 16 cramped in the shelter and we expect at least 3 more!!!
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: MT Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at dawn and on the trail by 7:40. Hiked all day with timber and had a nice pace going. It was cold and cloudy most of the day but it didn't rain. Cleared Clingman's Domr (highest point on the AT at 6643') around 1PM and had a long downhill where we encountered numerous patches of ice and snow! Continued downhill to the base of Mt Collins then climbed to it's 6188' summit. After a short downhill we hit the turnoff to the shelter. One half mile later, at 3PM we were there. We hung a clothesline to dry some clothes, unsuccessfully tried to start a fire, and went to get some water...all in the first hour after arriving. It'sm now 6:35PM and I'm in my sleeping bag. Morning is a long way off. Goodnight.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: MT Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Got up early. Spent the night with the Fab Four, Sugar Ray, Skywalker (6'11"),John, Trailblazer, and Dust in the Wind. We got underway after an instant breakfast. Hiked a half mile back to the main trail and set off. Up and over a few short climbs and we found ourselves in Newfound Gap before noon. Lots of tourists and tour buses stopping. People out to do short day hikes and some starting short section hikes. I sighted a group of folks in suits setting up a card table with a coffee urn and a bunch of coolers. I thought they were probably some church group setting up Trail Magic. I walked up to them and said; "Is this what I think it is?" No response. Again "Hi guys. What are you up to". At that point one of the girls politely told me that this was a private function. They were setting up for a Mercedez Rally that would be pasdsing through later. Darn! You'd think that a bunch of Mercedez folks could spring for a cup of coffee. Anyway, we soon set off again and by 3 we were at the shelter and basking in the warm, paretly sunny afternoon. Sweet! After a while, agroup of 5 section hikers shopwed up. A real fun group they were so we layed in our bags for about two hours, until about 9PM just joking and telling stories. Great night.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

We were out early this morning with a goal of doing 13 miles or so to Cosby Knob Shelter but when we got there, we decided there was still enough gas in the tank to go another 7 miles to Davenport Gap shelter. that would put mus within 4 miles of Standing Bear Hostel and help us avoid the thunderstorms which were forecasted. Well we made ir but were all exhausted. My feet were sore, Laid Back had some blisters, One Life was dealing with chaffing (you know where) and Timber has tired sore/feet too. We did all our camp chores, hit the sack early and gabbed until almost 10. Oh yeah, another ppoint of interest. Our first shelter in the Smokies (Russell Field) and this shelter (Davenport Gap both had a chain link bear fence across the front of the shelter. 0.9 miles more and we'll be out of the Smokies and guess what: we saw NO bears, No boars, No deer, and two turkeys. This afternoon, about 30 ffrom the shelter, Timber screamed out. I turned and she had almost stepped on a 5 ft Black Snake which was at this point off the trail and slithering away. I had apparently almost stepped on it too but didn't notice it. So goes hiking in the afternoon trance. The experience did keep us awake however, until we got to the shelter.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Davenport Gap shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in this AM until 0645!!! After all it's Laid Back's Birthday and we only have to go about three miles to the hostel. It was very hard getting moving this morning. The 20 miles we did yesterday really took it's toll o everybody. But, we're at the hostel now and all the amenities are here. The great news is that Boomer and Freight Train finally caught up to us. So the mystery is over. They're doing OK and the Fab Five is now whole again. They've picked up Deja Thru and we now have Timber so maybe it's time for a name change. My first thought is The Magnificent Seven But we'll have to see how it plays out. We're having a birthday Party for Laid Back tonight and we're all going to the Cracker Barrel. Things are still going great. Tomorrow we have some big climbs then we hope to coast into Hot Springs. Peace.Teach your Children to honor their Ancestors
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.6

Paid our billand got off relatively early. The climb up Snowbird Mtn (4265') from 1750' was slow and exhausting. After a descent to 3000' we climber again to Max Patch (4629'). A huge bald with a 360d vista. Absolutely breathtaking! I should take the family there for a picnic sometime in the future. The day was beautiful and about a dozen of us just laiddown in thew sun and soaked up all that beauty. We asked a nice young couple nearby if they could snap a couple of pictures for us, which they did. A bit later, they sent their children over, offering a couple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches; which we gladly accepted. The couple then broke out a bottle of wine they had brought up and passed it around. Again awesome. After a while, we continued on for another mile or so to the shelter.
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Trudged most of the day in the rain or threatening conditions and gotr to the shelter in the early afternoon. It was rainy and windy and hard to cook in. We could have gone the extra 3 miles into town but decided to wait until morning and get up early and spend the whole day in town. A bunch more hikers came in. Some stayed and others moved on in the rain. We went to bed early (like 7) and listened to the rain fall on the shelter's metal roof all night.
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs,NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: moderate rain

The race is on!!!!We got up at 0600 this AM and were on the Trail at 0630.The early getaway and rush was so we could be first in line at Elmers Sunnybank Inn reportedly, one of the finest hostels on the trail. We showed up at the door before 8 and four people were ahead of us on the list. Whether or not we'll get a room is still up in the air. We'll know in about half an hour. If we don't get in there are some other options, so we'll see. Last night it rained pretty much all night but the morning was just overcast. It's supposed to rain all day so we're lucky to be in town and can do our errands without getting soaked on the trail. I've got a resupply box here that I mailed to myself from Franklin and a box from our friend Maggie who got off the trail at NOC. Anyway, we'll have to resupply for a 5 to 6 day march to Erwin, TN. I stink and everything I own stinks too so we'll hit both a shower and a laundromat to rectify that.There are a couple of items I want to check out at the outfitter's too. I really haven't been filtering a lot of my water but I think in the future, filtering will be more necessary so I'm going to check out a gravity filter sold by ULA that made my pack. I hate to add more weight to my pack but it' probably a pound or less. Plus in a week or so, I'll be sending some winter gear back so it'll all kinda work out. So, it's 1100, I have to go see if we got a room
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Hot Springs,NC

To: Spring Mtn Shelter (282.8)
Miles today: 11.0

Didn't get out of Dodge until about 1030 or so. Had a nice big breakfast at Elmer's, paid up and went to the PO to mail a bounce box to Kincora Hostel. The climb out of Hot Springs was long. Pretty much of the whole day was uphill. We finally got to the shelter about 5 and found some nice tent sites. We were joined by Boomer, Deja thru, Whoopie Pie, and Lift and Step.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Campsite (301.4)
Miles today: 19.2

Had my best night sleep since starting. Slept all night and awoke at 0600. Got up at 0630 and was on the trail by 0720. The day was long and exhausting. We hiked for almost 12 hours and again it was largely uphill. It's 7:30 now and I expect to be in the bag and out by 8. Good night, John Boy!