morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-12
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: near Tellico Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Awoke to a beautiful sunrise! Got started fairly early (8:20am) and hiked alone this morning. Met up with Subman and Journeyman on Wayah Bald at lunch. Once we got to Cold Spring Shelter, decided to go a couple more miles to a campsite which was noted in the guidebook. It was not a good site! Subman and I went on down to Tellico Gap to find a place to camp-nothing! Pile-up, A-Train and Dimples came down soon after. It was 2.2 more miles straight up or 200 yards to a hostel. Ron Vaughn (Triple Crown) is the owner of hostel! Got a shower, bunk, AYCE dinner and breakfast for $21.00. 16 miles today was my biggest day yet!
Date: 2003-03-13
From: near Tellico Gap

To: campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Got up around 6:15am at hostel for coffee, O.J. and waffles! (Ron is called "Waffle King"). Took some pictures, said our thanks...hit the trail at 8:30am. Great 36o degree view from tower on Wesser Bald. The "Jumpup" was a real rock scramble with more awesome views. Went from 4600ft down to 1750ft at Nantahla Outdoor Center. Sore feet today! Hung out at NOC most of the afternoon. Had lunch, called home and got a few supplies at outfitter's. MOSt are staying the night, but Red Streak, Squirts and me hiked up to a campsite for the night. They are trying to make Stecoah Gap tomorrow. Rain shower.
Date: 2003-03-14
From: Campsite 

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: overcast clouds

left camp at 8:45am in clouds and fog. Climbed 1450 ft. inonly 4.4 miles. Stopped at Sassafrass Gap Shelter around 11am. Going to stay here so I can hike out to Stecoah Gap (6.7 miles)by lunch tomorrow to see Cindy and Travis!! Weather is cold, cloudy and rainy. Spent the afternoon with Journeyman, talking and resting. Late in the afternoon, everyone started coming in from NOC. It's almost dark (6:30pm) and getting crowded (14 people) but maybe we'll be warmer! Clouds keep coming through the shelter.
Date: 2003-03-15
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

Everthing is wet! Hiked through clouds and fog all morning with Journeyman. I've been about 148 miles, so far. It's been 2 weeks since Cindy & Travis dropped me off to start my hike on the AT!! It's more than I can describe - the friendships that have developed, the number of miles I've been able to hike, the weather, the sites, the BLISTERS on my feet! I've discovered another use for duct tape-it holds moleskin on very well! Everything's OK, but I just couldn't wait to meet Cindy, Travis and our friend Connie at Stecoah Gap. When I arrived at Stecoah Gap, Cindy, Travis and Connie had just pulled up-what timing! (11:30am)
Date: 2003-03-16
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Cindy, Travis, Connie & I stayed at the Microtel in Robbinsville last night. I ate a good supper - steak & potatoes, I had help with resupplying and washing clothes. The family had a chance to meet Journeyman, Ox - a Trail Angel, and others. We visited Fontana Dam (Connie had never been there) and we visited the Fontana Hilton - one of the nicest shelters on the AT! The water at Fontana Lake was very low because of expectant spring rains. We saw many houseboats just sitting in the lake. Cindy told me about all who have asked about me & all who have made pledges or donations - thanks so much! After another tough good-bye I left & headed approx. 8.5 miles to Cable Gap Shelter for the night.
Date: 2003-03-17
From: Cable Gap

To: Birch Spring campsite
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The sites I see & pass by are incredible!! I passed by the Fontana Dam today - I stopped by the Visitors Center & called Cindy at work. Everyone, especially Travis, is excited that I finally have a trail name - Flick. I am constantly flicking sticks off the AT. My first trail name name was Flipper, which evolved into Flicker which evolved into Flick, which will be my trail name for the rest of my AT hike.Started out just before 8am under blue sky and sunshine! Got to Fontana Hilton by 11am, signed the register, and filled out my permit for the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP). Started raining as soon as I stepped into GSMNP! No view from Shuckstack (Bummer!)! Camping at Birch Spring campsites.
Date: 2003-03-18
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The Great Smokey Mountains are a sight to behold! The weather was wet and misty, but I hiked 17.1 miles-my longest day, so far. I started out hiking alone this morning, but finished the day hiking with Subman. I arrived at Spence Field Shelter just before 2pm. Debated on stopping or continuing on. Subman was just heading out for Derrick Knob Shelter (6.3 more miles). I got a drink of water, signed the shelter register and headed out with him. Arrived at Derrick Knob Shelter at 5:20pm. My feet were tired! Alex, Lance, and PopTart were here. SpringBreaker, Subman and PopTart lit a candle on a bag of M&M's for my birthday and sang to me! It's amazing what you can do on your 43rd birthday!
Date: 2003-03-19
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ray called from Gatlinburg!! Another big day! Bad thunderstorms and heavy rain, last night and this morning. Fierce winds (40-60mph)!! What would you do after hiking 17.1 miles on your birthday? He had to top that - so he hiked 18 miles today!! It was worth every step he took. They hit the 200 mile mark! Subman and Flick hiked over Clingman's Dome - 6,643 feet above sea level - the highest peak on the AT! It was beautiful - on the north side there was snow. He has slides that he can't wait for us to see, it was breath-taking! He's at least 6 days ahead of schedule and can't believe it! He and Subman made it to Newfound Gap and caught a ride into Gatlinburg around 6:30pm!
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Newfound Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Pouring rain today!! Dried out at GranPrix Motel in Gatlinburg, last night. Large pizza for dinner, AYCE breakfast this morning. Bought a few food items. Caught a ride back to Newfound Gap. Subman & I hitchhiked - a man & his 2 sons were in a van & heading the opposite direction of us. They turned around & picked us up. They were from Kansas City, Kansas & had hiked part of the AT. They took us 15 miles out of their way-one way. How nice! Pile-up and PopTart were at Newfound Gap. We all hiked the 2.9 miles to Icewater Spring Shelter. All 8 weekend spots were reserved and thruhikers kept piling in! Grunt, Java, Luna Air, Squirts, Red Streak, Dean and us 4! Everyone squeezed in! Saw 5 minutes of blue sky @ 6:30pm. Everyone went outside to look!
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 6:15am to clearing skies! Finally had some sunshine with awesome views all morning, especially Charles Bunion! Clouds still blowing through. Felt kind of lazy today, hiked pretty slow, took several breaks, got into Tri-Corner Knob Shelter close to 4pm. It's 6:30pm now, and I'm in my sleeping bag! (COLD!). Going to try to get an early start in the morning to make Davenport Gap Shelter (last one in the Smokies). Just a few more days to Hot Springs!
Date: 2003-03-22
From: Tr-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Did a quick, easy 14.8 miles today! Hiked with Grunt and Java most of the day. Jave fell behind because his knees and ankles are hurting pretty badly. Got to Davenport Gap Shelter at 2pm.(6hrs 15min). Thought about going on, but decided to take it easy with Subman and Grunt. Everybody else went on to Standing Bear Farms and probably to a Mexican/Bluegrass Restaurant which we had read about in a shelter register!
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn in Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: clear sky

We hiked 7 miles today. My legs are doing great!! We arrived in Hot Springs, NC at 10:30am. I hiked with Red Streak, Java, Squirts, & Pile-up (from Fredericksburg, VA). We will spend the night in a 160 year old hostel - indescribable! Hostel offered excellent vegetarian dinner. Took a shower. Did laundry at convience store. Called home!
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn in Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Didn't sleep well last night. Got up at 6:20am and walked over to diner for an early breakfast. Went back to Elmer's, packed up and paid up before heading out. It was truly a wonderful stay! Called Ritchie at work to iron out plans to meet him, Jim, Roger, Hog and Dale Barsz this weekend. Went to the post office to send some stuff home and then hit the trail! Climbed Lover's Leap(took pictures of the town) and met up with Red Streak and Squirts. Then it started to rain! Rained all day! Hiked 19.6 miles to Little Laurel Shelter! Not quite a 20 miler, but close!
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Blue skies and cool wind this morning! Didn't take long to get warmed up though! I remember a couple of weeks ago, 12.6 miles was a big day! Now, it seems short! I tried to stretch the day out by starting late (8:00am), taking a lot of breaks and a long lunch (1.5 hours), but I still finished by 3:00pm! It didn't even feel like hiking today! Staying at Flint Mountain Shelter tonight. Going to be a short day tomorrow, also. I'm trying to time my arrival at Sam's Gap for Saturday around 8:00am-9:00am to meet Ritchie and the Gang!
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Red Streak, Squirts and I had Flint Mountain Shelter to ourselves last night. We were semi-lazy this morning, trying to stretch out our day. Red Streak's mom is to pick him and Squirts up at Sam's Gap at 4:00pm today! Hot, home-cooked meals for them...Lipton Noodles for me! Ha! Ha! Had a very nice leisure hike to Hogback Ridge Shelter, made it by 1:30pm today. We rested and talked until they had to head out at 2:30pm for the Gap. PopTart came in around 5:00pm or so, for the night. About 6:00pm, some guys from UNC-CH (hiking for a few days) came in to stay. They said it could snow Saturday or Sunday.
Date: 2003-03-29
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

This entry is compiled from interviews with Ritchie Barz & Roger Highfill.On Saturday morning, March 29, at 3am, Ritchie Barz, Roger Highfill, Rodney (Hog) Davis, and Jimmy Lutchin left Randolph County to meet Ray where the AT crosses Hwy 23. They went to Johnson City, TN first to pick up Ritchie's son Dale, then they were to meet Ray between 8-9am. Ray walked off the trail at 8:05am - amazing - Ray had walked 7 extra miles on Friday to be at this location on Saturday! The weather was rainy and cold. They went into a small town and had breakfast at the least crowded place. Ray had western omlettes, and then decided he had room for more so he also ate french toast. After breakfast they took Ray to Erwin to resupply & call Cindy. Later they took him to a hostel at Sam's Gap where he could safely leave his supplies until he camped there. Since they took Ray into Erwin to resupply - they saved him a day - now he will not have to hike into town. Some observations made by the group: the AT is only about 18 inches wide through the woods (the corp of engineers change the trail somewhat every year depending on trees down, etc.); you can leave messages for fellow hikers at the hostels; there is a hiker's box at the hostel where you can leave an item or take an item as needed (it's like our take a penny / leave a penny jars around here);   it cost about $8 a night to stay at most hostels; Ray is spending about $50 a week on hostels, laundry, and food; hikers really can't keep up with what's going on in the world (the war) so they enjoy news from family & friends; about 2 hours after Ray hiked across the Fontana Dam - they closed the Dam - they were expecting a lot of rain, so hikers behind Ray had to walk 2 hours extra to get to where they were going; Ray's backpack weighed 38 pounds - that's down from 45 pounds that he started with; everything in his backpack was in a garbage bag - extra protection from the rain; overall Ray looked great (he might have lost a couple of pounds, but that's all) & was in good spirits. He really misses his family! We left Ray at the AT about 2-2:15 Saturday afternoon. We returned home about 6pm.
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, Tenn
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light snow

Ray called home tonight. Thus far, a total of 328.8 miles to Erwin, Tenn. After his friends had picked him up yesterday where the AT crosses Hwy 23, they took him back to the trail to hike to Bald Mountain Shelter. Saturday was a wet, cloudy day. This morning he awoke to a foot of snow! Eggman, Shifty, Chaos, Crumbsnatcher, Poptart and Flick hiked down to Spivey Gap through snow drifts up to their knees! It was a very challenging day to hike in the snow, but Flick said it was his best day yet! He said, "It's like hiking in a Christmas card." It was awesome to see everything covered in snow! Eggman, Shifty, Chaos and Crumbsnatcher hitchhiked to town, but Flick and Poptart kept pushing and hiked to Uncle Johnny's Hostel (17 mile day,in the snow-end of day was 8" of snow and still snowing). For only $10, they slept on bunkbeds, had their clothes washed and were warmed by a woodstove. Flick and Poptart ordered a LARGE pizza and split it for supper. Johnny Walker, Cakes, Moxie, Eggman, Shifty, Chaos and others spent the night at Uncle Johnny's. Moxie's guitar playing was enjoyed by all! Roadscraper came by twice while Flick was on the phone with us. 35 degrees at 9pm. His water bottle stayed frozen most of the day, today. He has enough food to get him to Dennis Cove.
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Erwin, Tenn

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

Late start after breakfast in Erwin this morning! Getting ready to head out and saw Pile-Up, so we hiked together. It was slow going because of tree limbs adn rhododendron bent over from the snow! Crossed "Beauty Spot" this afternoon-awesome view, but windy and very cold! The snow is still deep in higher elevations, knee-deep drifts in places. It's going to be a cold night...everything is already frozen! Set up the tent at Deep Gap (4100' elevation) in the snow. Cooked under the vestibule of my tent to stay out of the wind.
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shleter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We let the sun get up good this morning before we broke camp. Hit the trail at 9:00am with a warm sun and dripping trees! The wind was still blowing! I guess it always blows at these altitudes. Left Deep Gap and straight up Unaka Mountain! Had lunch at Cherry Gap Shelter with Dean, Brownie and his dog, Pepper, Pile-Up, Teacher and Yuengling. Very exhausting hike today! Lots of ups and downs in slush, snow and mud. It was like hiking on a treadmill-1 step forward, then slide back a little!! Spent night at Clyde Smith Shelter tonight...Climb Roan Mountain in the a.m.
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Clyde Smith Shleter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Roan Mountain was the hardest climb on the mountain, so far! The snow and ice was very frustrating, also! After 4 hours of straight up hill, finally made it to Roan High Knob Shelter(highest on A.T.)for lunch. After lunch, down to Carver's Gap and up onto Round Bald, Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge...BEAUTIFUL VIEWS! Didn't take as many pictures as I would like because the sun was so bright(mid-day! I saw 3 deer this morningand 2 more in Engine Gap! Staying at Overmountain Shelter tonight. Crowded! Dean, Pile-Up, Caddis and me on a lower platform1
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

Wow-What a day!!! Started out at 7:15am with a beautiful sunrise and beautiful views from the Humps! Left N.C. around 10am at Doll Flats, the trail turned Northwest into Tennessee. Most of the A.T. through this section has been relocated and has only been open since March 11, 2003. Spent most of the afternoon along the Elk River and lots of smaller streams, in rhododendron thickets! Had planned to camp at Slide Hollow (18 miles) with Pile-Up, but got there at 3:40pm and decided to try for the Moreland Gap Shelter! Passed my 400th mile on the A.T. and got my first 20 miler and 25 miler today!!!
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked into Kincora around 10:30 this morning for a little R & R! (Restaurant and Resupply)! Bob Peoples runs the Kincora Hiking Hostel ($4 donation) and is one of the nicest and most dedicated trail perosns I have met tso far! Took us into Hampton for lunch and groceries. In the afternoon, as more hikers arrived, he took us back into Hampton again! I ate too much! 2 Large Jamocha milkshakes! It has been a much needed and very relaxing day! Getting geared up for a big push to Damascus!
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Kincora Hiking Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Waited until 8:30 this morning to start from Kincora, because of a thunderstorm! Got to Vandeventer Shelter by 5:00pm. Cannoli,Debra, and   BSA Troop 8 (2 leaders and 4 Boy Scouts)from Bristol/Johnson City, Tennessee were all there. The boys built a nice fire for the evening! Awesom view of Watauga Lake from here!
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: clear sky

Left at 8:00am for a Big Day! Late start but the time change messed me up a little. Just cruised this morning on fairly easy trail. Almost made Abingdon Gap Shelter before a thunderstorm got me! A section hiker said severe thunderstorms tonight! Headed for Virginia in the morning!
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, Va.
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A mouse chewed a hole in my food bag last night and got into my trail mix! My first mouse attack! I saw 6 turkeys on the trail this morning but they wouldn't cooperate for me to get a picture of them! Walked into Damsascus around 10:30 this morning to resupply for the next week. The town is small but has everythina a backpacker needs! I'm sharing a room with Dean at Dave's Place across from the Outfitter's. Heading out in the morning so I can make my rendezvous with Mike (Cindy's brother) Friday night!
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Damascus around 8:30am after a big breakfast at The Side Track Cafe. Got about 3 miles out of town when my left foot really started hurting! It was really painful on the outside, bottom of my foot. I was limping badly and travelling slowly. Around 10:30am or 11:00am, I was crossing a creek on a footbridge when I slipped and fell 5-6 feet down and into the creek!! No one was around. It was raining a little too! My foot didn't hurt me any more all day! I think God was telling me to slow down! The day got better from then on.... I spent the night at Lost Mountain Shelter with Gapper, Dean, Cannolli and Donkey.
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained all night last night. Gapper said he got up in the night to use the bathroom and saw some snow mixed in with the rain. It stayed cold and misty all day today. No views from Mt. Roger's today, but I did see a few ponies! Staying at Wise Shelter tonight and it is very crowded! Gorilla Jim, Avalanche, me, Southern Yankee, Moxie, Johnny Walker, Cakes and Latch, Cannolli and Donkey in a tarp, Dean in his tent! Word from Damascus is calling for snow tonight or tomorrow or tomorrow night. We'll see!
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well, the weatherman was right! Hard rains last night turned to sleet, snow and freezing rain, this morning! Left Wise Shelter around 7:40am (1st one out) so I would have plenty of time to make Trimpi Shelter. Had planned to stay at Raccoon Branch Shelter but The 6-pack said they were heading there, so I pushed on a little farther! I was completely soaked this afternoon, with temperatures around freezing! Was actually shaking some while I hiked! Had concerns about hypothermia, but made Trimpi Shelter just in time! Whew!!
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Virginia House Inn
Miles today: 10.7

Made it out to the NRA Headquarters on VA16 by lunch. Caught a ride down to Marion to resupply and dry everything out! Got a room at The Virginia House Inn and called Michelle (my sister-in-law) to let Mike (my sister's brother) know where I was because he and a friend are meeting me here. Mike, Joey, Sarah (my mother-in-law) and George showed up just before 6pm! We all went out to eat at The Appletree Restaurant (country cooking), then we rode through town and stopped by McDonald's for shakes and McFlurry's! Called home and talked to Cindy and Travis for a little while. Loaded my pack to be ready for tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Virginia House Inn

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 16.7

Continental breakfast this morning at moterl and then off to the trail! Sarah and George gave Moxie, Cakes and Johnny Walker a ride back to the post office in Marion. Mike, Joey and I started up the trail at 8am...Wild Bill and Tennessee were close behind. Several thruhikers passed us as the morning went on. I was glad Mike and Joey were able to meet some of them!
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Had a great morning hiking with Mike and Joey! Sarah and George picked us up and took us to Hungry Mother State Park Restaurant for a huge lunch-the best meal I've had in 43 days! Back on the trail this afternoon @ 3:40pm. Knot Maul Branch Shelter tonight.
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

I awoke to the sound of wild turkeys and Wild Bill snoring!(loudly)! Got started around 8am to nice cool temps and blue sky again! Saw a hawk dive at a bird before lunchtime. The hawk was so close I could hear the wind coming off its wings! Stopped at Chestnut Knob Shelter for lunch (9 miles). I was looking through the register and found a note to me from Joey Millikan, Donnie Presnell and The Randleman Gang! They had been there 1 1/2 days earlier looking for me! I hiked farther than planned this afternoon because of water location!
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out this morning to the sound of wild turkeys nearby and with the intention of a 14 mile day! About 5 miles from the shelter at VA615, I met a man putting drinks and ice in a cooler for hikers on the A.T. It turned out, he is a preacher from Green Valley Methodist Church in Bland, Va.! We talked for a while, he was very nice! I told him their "trail magic" was a great way to minister without offending hikers! Staying at Jenny Knob Shelter with Caddis.Long day!
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Met "Roger O" at Wapiti Shelter this evening. He was talking about the kindness of the people from Green Valley Church on Monday! On Monday mornings, the church's members provide a great breakfast for thruhikers. Roger O was able to have breakfast with them on Monday (4/14/03). Roger seemed to be truly touched by their minstry. God works in many different ways! Today could have possibly been the best day on the trail, so far. An easy 14 miles with lots of time to spare. I spent 2 hours at Dismal Creek Falls for lunch! Caddis and Tennessee showed up a little later. Very relaxing!! Going to try for Pearisburg, Tenn. tomorrow, before the boot repair shop closes!