morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another zero day but not a total loss. We took a ride along Highland Road and saw some beautiful scenery along the Cullasaja River. Stopped at Dry Falls which is not dry as the name sounds but allows you to walk behind the falls and remain misty dry. What an amazing feeling it was standing behind the falls with torrents of water falling in front of me. Loved it. Snow predicted tonight. Planning to return to the trail on Tuesday morning. For tonight, warm and dry in the trailer with Rescue#1.
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Wayah Gap, Wayah Road

To: Winding Stair Gap, US64
Miles today: 5.9

Finally, back on the trail. Not a long day but not another zero! We flip-flopped again, starting at Wayah Gap on Wayah Road and hiking south to Winding Stair Gap. Three inches of snow on the ground and the winds and snow at times blasted our faces. My water bottles froze again as I walked but the trail footing was not all that bad as the snow actually helped with traction. At times I felt my trekking poles were more like ski poles. We started our hike at Wayah Gap (4180') and hiked to Siler Bald summit (5014'), a 1.3 mile climb and 834' elevation change. The blowing snow on Siler Bald looked Artic-like. After that initial climb the trail was either downhill or level. The downhills were a challenge because of the snow and sometimes slippery mud under the snow. Important to keep one trekking pole firmly planted at all times. We all did a little slipping and sliding but no falls. Hiked about 2 miles an hour which was good for us considering the conditions.What a snowy wonderland with every tree and shrub branch flocked with snow. Saw 10 hikers headed north but all but one were being shuttled to warm rooms at the end of their day. A last minute decision to hike today but I'm glad we did. The wondering what the trail was like was worse than just getting back on it. More snow is expected tomorrow so we'll zero tomorrow and get back to business as normal on Wednesday in the sunshine.
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Winding Stair Gap, US64

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yet another zero! The cold and snow in the mountains has been frustrating to say the least. Local shuttle service drivers are considering U.S. forest service roads unsafe to drive on. Many hikers are leaving the trail. Jackonamountain, Crazy Legs and I hiked a six mile section yesterday with about 3 inches of snow. Turtlestone and Jackonamountain hiked the same section today and the snow had increased a few inches and the trail conditions were drifted and slippery, however, they did see about 35 hikers where we saw only 10.Jack, Crazy Legs and Turtlestone have decided to head home tomorrow. I'm going to wait it out and see if I can get some more miles in. Come on sun!
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap, US64
Miles today: 3.7

Back on the trail but just a litte bit of it. This afternoon Rescue#1 drove me to Rock Gap which is just off of Old US64 and I hiked north to Winding Stair Gap. The climb out of Wallace Gap was a challenge for me, probably because I spent so much time waiting for the weather to break, but break it finally did! What a wonderful day. The trail was snow covered at times but in pretty good shape. Rescue#1 talked to a shuttle driver at Winding Stairs who said the forest service roads are open so sounds like things can get back to normal. Sun was shining today and I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Rescue#1 picked me up at Winding Stair Gap and we gave a thru-hiker, Phys Ed, a lift to the Budget Inn. Good day but my hiking buddies left late this morning. I will miss them.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Deep Gap, USFS71

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

NoBo again! Rescue#1 drove me back to Deep Gap on USFS71 this morning. I started hiking around 10:00 and arrived at Carter Gap Shelter at 3:00. The slow-going trail was either icy, snow packed, or slippery mud. Thank goodness for trekking poles. I felt good during the hike until the 1 mile climb up from Coleman Gap to Timber Ridge Trail...just about did me in. The last .5 mile was down hill. The "new" shelter for 8 was full when I arrived and the "old" shelter for 6 is now nothing but a snow covered platform so I pitched my tent in a sunny spot out of the wind. Good spring not far from camp. The night was cold but I added the extra 1# in weight and brought along my fleece sleeping bag liner. Worth its weight in gold! Lots of screaming from the shelter in the early morning. I guess Buttons the Mouse was making his rounds.
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: few clouds

Left Carter Gap Shelter at 9:00AM. The hiking trail conditions were much easier than yesterday. My ankle has been bothering me but "Vitamin I" seems to help. Hoping to walk it off. The climb up to the peek of Albert Mountain was just unbelievable and definately a trip highlight so far. Not a climb for the faint of heart and I wouldn't call that a trail up the mountain as it is more like a rock climb. It took me a while to drag my old bones up to the firetower but once I did I figured I pretty much owned that mountain. Snow started falling so I didn't want to spend too much time on top. Ate a quick lunch and started down the trail which was down hill all the way to Long Branch Shelter. What a nice new shelter...still had that new wood smell. Only Bamboo and Morning Kid at the shelter when I got there so I made my bed inside. By nightfall the shelter was full of thru-hikers. Snow continued to fall but did not accumulate at all. HeyZeus & Croixman got a fire going and set the scene for a very pleasant evening.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 3.6

A good night at Long Branch Shelter and really glad to be inside as we had a pretty heavy rain during the early morning. Left the shelter at 8:00AM and hiked an easy hike to meet Rescue#1 at Rock Gap. As I was loading the car Croixman hiked in so we gave him a ride into Franklin.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Rock Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I left the trail and headed home on Easter Sunday. My ankle needed a rest and I was happy to oblige. X-rays showed no broken bones but Dr. Sandu said a legament injury is likely and suggested a brace and physical therapy. He said it may clear up or in may become increasingly inflamed. I (being the optimist) am taking the "body heal thyself" approach. After a few days of rest, my ankle is feeling a little better and I hope to return to the trail over the weekend. Is this a mistake...maybe, I'm just not ready to quit. Odds are I won't make it to Maine but I'm enjoying every step I take, even the painful ones.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Wayah Gap, Wayah Road

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Away from the trail for a week to give my ankle a rest but that was just not enough time. My day started at Wayah Gap Road and I began the steady climb to Wayah Bald. A beautiful day and my foot felt pretty good but the descent from the bald was too much stress on the weak ankle and the last four miles of my hike were very painful. I realized it was not possible to continue my hike...not a reality I wanted to admit. I called Rescue #1 and made plans for a pick-up. A mile from my meeting point with Rescue #1, I met Biggie Small and U-Haul, two Sobo thru-hikers. Their adventure began in August at Katahdin and they were on their home stretch with about 125 miles to Springer. Meeting them certainly turned my day around. I was able to share the joy for their anticipated completion of their 2186 mile hike. They were inexperienced, poorly equiped hikers in the beginning but were persistent in their effort and looking forward to ending their journey. I gave them the food supply I would have no use for and they continued to Springer. Rescue #1 and I spent the night in Franklin and headed home the following day.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 4.8

Finally, back on the trail at Burningtown Gap where I left the trail a month ago. New shoes, new insoles, some very gentle conditioning, and a lot of patience will hopefully keep this body headed north. And speaking of patience, Rescue #1 has driven hundreds of miles to keep me on the trail. Love that man!What a beautiful day it's turned out to be. The predicted rain did not happen while I hiked but yesterday's rain has turned the trail into the Appalachian Creek. An easy hiking day but there's always that unexpected challenge. Rescue #1 intended to drive me up Burningtown gap road to the AT but about a mile from the trail a blowdown was across the road and made driving to the trail impossible so I got to add another up hill to my day. Still an easy 6 mile day. Hiked with Glow Worm, a Texas section hiker, who is considering a future thru-hike. He slowed his pace to keep me company for three miles. Someone to talk with as I hike is always nice. This week is going to be snail-paced to ease my body back into the routine. Staying at Aquone Hostel tonight, my first hostel experience. I'm spoiled already. I'd like to bring Rescue #1 back here. A wonderful meatloaf dinner with chocolate cake, a clean shower and a comfortable bed. Maggie picked me up at Tellico Gap and after breakfast in the morning will take me back. Steve (Wiggie), her husband, thru-hiked in 2010. A very nice couple. I highly recommend this hostile. Aquone Hostel. Maggie Steve (Wiggie)
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Tellico Gap

To: Nanthala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: scattered clouds

A good nights sleep and a waffle breakfast with fruit and coffee started my day. Maggie gave me a ride back to Tellico Gap to start my uphill hike to Wesser bald and the observation tower. A beautiful view and well worth the climb. The next 6.7 miles were downhill and very steep at times. From 4627 feet to 1749 feet. Some spectacular views along the way. Took breaks at Wesser bald shelter and at A. Rufus Morgan shelter but continued on to Nantahala Outdoor Center for the night. Staying in the bunkhouse which is austere to say the least, but comfortable. Had a trout dinner at the Rivers End restaurant and Keylime pie for dessert...not the typical backpacking food. Spring has been slow to come on some of the higher peaks. The trees are not in full leaf but I am seeing some wildflowers. Today as I hiked along the trail a large dead branch fell out of a tree about 20 feet to my left. I saw the branch fall and fully expected to see a bear in the tree... I did not. I was relieved and disappointed at the same time. I will say, my heart did skip a beat.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Nanthala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras gap shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: light rain

The 5.8 mile climb out of NOC lived up to its reputation. The elevation at NOC is 1749 feet and my destination elevation at Sassafras gap shelter was 4400 feet. The first mile of hiking wasn't too bad but then the fun started. Rock scrambles steep climbs and beautiful views made up the day. I was deceived over and over at Swim Bald thinking I had made the top. Finally I did and descended to Sassafras gap shelter. Light showers off and on all day and distant thunder rumblings made for a full house at the shelter. In the shelter and in my sleeping bag wondering how much I'm really up for this hike. Time will tell.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Sassafras gap shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7

A good nights sleep and sunny start to my hike... life is good. The usual morning climb but this time Cheoah Bald and a beautiful, beautiful view. Ups and downs throughout the day but mostly steep rocky climbs downhill. Leap frogged the trail with Argonaut and Bearclaw. Also hiked with Gump who is a thru hiker from Japan. Called Donna at Stecoah Gap and got my ride to Cabin in the Woods. I'm staying in the loft and it just can't be beat. Hiker food for dinner but am looking forward to a trip into town for resupply tomorrow. All is well!
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Cable gap shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

May 11. 8.5 milesStecoah Gap to Cable Gap ShelterDonna from Cabin in the Woods dropped me off at Stecoah Gap around 9:00 and I began the morning climb. The first mile wasn't bad but then began Jacob's Ladder! Very steep and muddy from yesterday's rain, I was glad to reach the final incline. No view at the top this morning. While I was in the sun the world below was overcast and looked like a giant white down quilt. I descended to Brown Fork Gap Shelter and after a quick glance knew it wasn't for me, so continue to Cable Gap Shelter. Light showers fell off and on as I hiked. Stopped for a lunch break at the Yellow Creek Gap Stream which was really beautiful but the sky was becoming more threatening so I moved on. Light showers fell as I hiked but the minute I stepped into Cable Gap Shelter the sky opened up and rain became heavy. My guardian angels were looking out for me! Pleasant company in the shelter, a hot meal, and I was warm and dry. Who could ask for more.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Cable gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitors Center
Miles today: 6.9

I woke early, ate my breakfast rice and coffee with Carnation Instant Breakfast and headed up the trail. The morning climb was only a mile and much of the rest of the day was downhill. Today is Mothers Day so I tried to text or call my family on the mountain peaks. I was able to get on Facebook at one point and saw a video of one of my 5 year old grandsons who scored his first t-ball run and read of another 5 year old grandson hugging his friend on 3rd base during his t-ball game. I saw a picture of a third grandson's ball team holding their trophies after a win. I suddenly wanted to be home. I was a grandma not a hiker and that was my mindset the rest of the day. Get me out of here!Well, I got to Fontana Visitor Center and called for my ride to Hike Inn to spend the night. Looking across the dam where the AT continues, I questioned if I really wanted to stop here. I wouldn't make that decision today. Nancy from Hike Inn drove Bobcat, also staying at the Hike Inn, and I to Robinsville to resupply and eat dinner. I was able to make some phone calls and get my Smokies permit. No phone service at Hike Inn. A hot shower, a good meal, laundered clothes and a comfortable bed certainly improves a day.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Fontana Dam Visitors Center

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 5.6

My Mothers Day blues passed after a good nights sleep. I guess I can be a hiker and a grandma for a while anyway. I woke early and hungry. Ate a protein bar, an apple the size of my head and a package of Ramen noodles plus drank a strong cup of coffee with instant breakfast. Bobcat and I were dropped off at the visitors center at 9:30 and followed the ATacross the Fontana Dam. A mile from our start we entered Great Smoky Mountains National Park and deposited our permits. I met ridge runner, Carl (Grey Beard) about .5 mile into the park. He said there were no problems along the trail and plenty of water until June. My hike today was up hill right to my campsite. I kept hearing about the climb to Shuckstack and now I've hiked it. Great views along the way. A short day but a good first day in the park. Sunny, cool and dry makes for perfect hiking. There are 8 section hikers and Bobcat and I here at the campsite, no shelter, so the first time I've used my tent in a while. Good conversation around a campfire this evening and someone even brought marshmallows!
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Cold and windy night but I slept cozy in my tent. I woke up with the birds and had two deer wander by my tent. I ate, packed up and hit the trail by 8:00. Hiking this morning felt great. Stopped at Molly's Ridge shelter for a lunch break. Actually ended up taking about a 30 minute nap too, then continued on to Russel Field shelter. Today I am hiking the NC/TN border. I'm sleeping in TN tonight in my tent. I'm thinking we have some snorers in the shelter and its pretty full anyway.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful hiking today but my energy level was low so I had to really push up the hills. The grassy meadows filled with flowering trees in Spence Field area were refreshing. So unlike anything I'd seen yet. Soon after passing Spence Field Shelter I started to climb to Rocky Top. Fantastic view! Then the climb to Thunderhead Mountain began with an elevation of 5527 feet. No view here due to foliage unless you stand on a pile of rocks. After a steep descent I met up with hikers from the shelter last night. We rested for a bit and then continued on to Derrick Knob shelter. An exhausting day for me but rewarded by some of the best views yet.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A Good night in my tent. About 20 hikers at the shelter last night but a nice quiet night. For a change the hike out of the shelter this morning wasn't straight uphill. The views along the trail today were beautiful. Flowering trees add a lot of color to the view of the distant mountains. There are sections of the trail that have hundreds of tiny grasshoppers who jump into the dry leaves at the trailside sounding like rain. I've seen a lot of chipmunks too. The last couple shelters are overrun with them. A hiker this morning said he woke with one on his stomach looking at him. I met Sherpa Chief today who is finishing his thru-hike on May 26th from Katahdin to Springer. Also met Surefoot who only has 196 miles to finish his section hike. Impressive!Arrived early at the shelter today but didn't want to take on Clingmans Dome. I'll save that for tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 3.0

I was so undecided about how far to hike today. I needed to resupply and a hot shower. Especially a hot shower! The hike to Clingman's Dome was easier than I anticipated. The view from the top was somewhat limited due to cloud cover. Saw the Comfort Boys at the base of the tower. They sheltered at Double Springs with us last night. We got into a discussion with some tourists from Indiana and Bobcat asked if they were headed to Gatlinburg. They were and they offered to take us to the hiker friendly Grand Prix Motel. Nice trail magic. I'm resupplied and ready to get back on the trail tomorrow. Thunder storms predicted...yuck!
Date: 2013-05-18
From: New Found Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: moderate rain

My night at the Grand Prix was good. I accomplished what I needed to do and I wanted to return to the trail but the rain and threat of thunderstorms caused me to hesitate, me and about 20 other hikers staying at the motel. The 9:00 am shuttle for 15 didn't happen. I returned with my pack to my room and planned to try again at 10:00 am. I spent the time Facetiming my daughter who was full of questions about my safety. While talking to her, Bobcat and Amy knocked on my door. Amy also wanted to return to the trail but wanted to hitch-hike to New Found Gap..."It would be fun". I agreed - a new adventure - never hitched before! Well, after about 5 minutes of thought, I'm not ready for that adventure on a rainy day. Amy and I shuttled to New Found Gap. I only hiked 3 miles in the misty rain to the first shelter, Icewater Spring. Wanted to make sure I got a spot in the shelter and wouldn't have to drag a wet tent around all day tomorrow. A full house in the shelter. Billy the ridge runner for this section is here tonight and 5 of the hikers did 20 mile days today. Everyone settled into their sleeping bags by 7:30 to get warm. Still in a cloud with absolutely no view today but happier here than at the motel.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Most of todays hike was in the clouds, no views again and passed only 2 people on the trail. They were section hikers headed back to their car because they were "on vacation and this was no vacation!". The sun did almost come from behind the clouds for an hour but soon afterwards the distant rumbles began. I arrived at Pecks Corner Shelter at 2:15 and considered going to the next shelter 5 miles away. Thats when the sky opened and I made a dash to Pecks. Nine of us here so far.Chili Mac for dinner with cheese and crackers. Very good! A group here has a fire going in the shelter fireplace and they brought smore fixins for all. Life is good.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

Sun Sun Mr. Golden Sun...rain cleared overnight and we had a beautiful day for hiking. The view from Eagle Rock, actually all the views were spectacular after 3 days of cloud walking and rain. Hiked 5.2 miles to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, arriving at 11:00, ate lunch, resupplied water, and headed out at Noon. Tri-Corner is a nice shelter close to the trail and a spring right in front of the shelter. Learned a new trick. Placing a Rhodedendron leaf in stream helps to spout the water flow making bottle filling easier. The trail to Cosby Knob Shelter wasn't too bad except for about a mile of rocky ankle breaker stuff. Again, views wonderful along the way. The forest floor is so bright green with moss. Nothing is left uncovered.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7

Hiked out of Cosby Knob Shelter this morning and descended to Low Gap then climbed the 2 miles to summit Mt. Cammerer. Nice sunny day with enough breeze to stay cool. The mossy forest floor is beautiful. On the 5.2 mile descent from Mt Cammerer I met 2 horseback riders. Copper the horse was very skiddish of my backpack and poles. I was nervous for the ridder on the narrow trail. Great Smoky Mountains National Park accomodates horse travel on much of the Appalachian Trail and parts of the trail is very chopped up and muddy because of it. I'm sure not just because of horse travel but erosion and constant foot use, much of the trail through the park is trench-like, sometimes a foot below the ground surface. That makes for a creek during heavy rain! I've taken to talking to the trees and animals along the trail and today, during a discussion with a frog, 2 section hikers approached. I got some funny looks. Maybe hiking alone is taking a tole? I'm spending tonight at Standing Bear Farm. A clean bunk house and good selection of resupply goods to get to Hot Springs. I met Curtis who is a past thru-hiker and Rocket who has no intention of ever doing so. Both were very nice and showed me around and made me feel comfortable. I met Hawk who has hiked the AT 6 times and now spends his summers caring for the llamas and tending a garden on the farm. In addition to the bunk house building there is a kitchen, a shower, and a privy. Attached to the kitchen is the laundry room which has two wash tubs, a wash board and a hand wringer which I was told will pop off buttons if you're not careful. There is an electric clothes dryer. The "bubble" of hikers I was with for the last 2 days has seperated. Some behind, some ahead, and some off the trail. I'm in the middle hopeing some familiar folks show up. If not I'm sure I'll fall into another group. Wicca Witch is the only other hiker here tonight.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Standing Bear this morning and returned to the trail with Wicca Witch beginning our day with a 4.4 mile climb to up Snowbird Mountain. A difficult climb but the grassy bald and views on top were worth the effort. An FFA communication tower centers the bald but the views around the tower are spectacular. The trail was downhill right to Groundhog Creek Shelter. Showers off and on this evening. Three other hikers at the shelter tonight.