morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-24
From: 'Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.5

I slept in Wayah bald shelter last night and the moon, although not full was very bright. I kinda tossed and turned all night. I was the first in bed and last out of bed.At 9:10am, after coffee and carnation instant breakfast, I was on the trail. I wasn't the last one out of camp. I caught up to Gulliver and Wild Rover at Cold Spring Shelter. I sat at the shelter and had a lunch and along came the Crimson Tide group. We talked awhile and they told me showers were on the way.All day it was overcast and the wind would pick up and you'd think the rain was coming. I quickened my pace and had my sights set on Wesser Bald Shelter. There were lots of elevation changes mostly down and the last up was up to Wesser Bald Fire Tower.The trail went down swiftly to Wesser Bald Shelter. I found Treasure Hunter and Catskill tenting near the shelter. Barbara told me that a line of thunder showers was coming around 5. It was now 3 PM and I made the decision to hike to the NOC. Nantahala Outdoor center is 5.9 miles from the shelter and I recalled all down hill (allegedly ) I called the NOC and got a reservation for a bunk in the Base Camp for less than $20.00. Man I was hankering for a hamburger and tater tots. So I strapped on my pack as it began to rain around 3:20 PM. The first few miles were up with rather wet ridge walks and steep downs on either side. Eventually it began a steep downward route. This would be my longest ever down. It was over 3,000 feet down in 6 miles.There were wet rocks, roots, slippery clay streams all throwing barricades up to my downward progress. Slipping on roots was like having a rug pulled out from under you. As a fellow hiker said, I'm glad I didnt go down that mountain in the rain. We'll I did go down and made it to NOC by 6:10PM. The General store was closed but a key card and directions were in an envelope with my name on it.I was trying to decide if I should go up to my bunk room or eat dinner first. I was wet, tired and hungry when Allison of Allison and Tom came out of the Restaurant and told me they close at 7.I had dinner with Allison and Tom now with trail names "No Name"and "Smiles". It was nice to sit and relive the day with fellow hikers that had a similar experience. I keep running into Tom and Allison.Also in the restaurant was Frank (he pronounces it FRONK) and Norbert (roll the r) from Berlin. The were suprised to see me as they had gone ahead of me yesterday.The Kayak World Championships are here this weekend. The place will be jammed but we are moving on.Spring is coming at last. I saw leaves unfurling on the trees. Soon I will walk in a canopy of trees without sunscreen. We call it the "green tunnel" Unfortunately, you aren't able to see the beautiful vistas when you get leaf cover. But occasionally the trees will open up and give majestic views. Today I saw the shadows of the Smokies in the distance. Huge climbs up tomorrow and on to the next stop in Fontana dam.Yes mom I scrubbed behind my ears.Still grinin' ear to ear.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.3

What Goes Down Must Go UpSoo... yesterday I did the longest stretch of down yet. Today we did the longest stretch of up. It was over 5 miles of hiking up from the NOC. Along the way I met Pop Tart, Waffles, Kurt,PD, Big Barbara and a couple Chacarrun & Lumberjack . The going was up up up up. Of course I got a late start as usual. I had to wait til the cafe opened for breakfast. I had coffee, french toast and sausage. A visit to the outfitter and the general store for some items and I was on the trail by 10 am. Man, the ups were killers. Like take two steps forward and one back. When we got to Cheoah Bald I took a break. It's a beautiful vista of the mountains that we had already climbed in days past. We walked 3 miles down, down, down to Locust Cove Gap and arrived about 6:15pm. I ate dinner, hung my bear bag, got water, set up my tent and blew up my air mattress.I met Houdini, a mother of 4 children and she is hiking with them. She has 2 boys and 2 girls. The boys are 6 year old twins. They were very energetic running around the campsite and climbing trees.Houdini is from Seattle and her lifelong dream has been to hike the Appalachian Trail. Unfortunately, they only average about 5 miles a day so it's taking them a long time to get where they are going. I admire her spirit and determination. It's amazing to be able to take your children on a journey like this.The younger hikers out here are going on a midnight hike lit by the great big full moon tonite. They will move along and hike by moonlite. I was invited but my tired legs declined the invitation.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

I met the whole Martin / Wade family this morning as I had my breakfast. Virginia "Tutu"came down to the morning campfire in what else a pink tutu. She twirled a bit and waited for my compliment. I told her I admired her pink tutu very much. Virginia is a special gifted child and is loving her hike on the trail. The twins Cedric "roadkill"and Duncan are 5 years old with soooo much energy. They are running from one end of the camp to the other and jumping out of Rhodendren trees. They are very inquisitive all boy boys.   Katie "LOL is 14 or 15 and is Mom's "Houdini's right hand. She is thoroughly enjoying the trail life. This was an amazing family to watch as they packed up and hit the trail. You can follow their adventures on ThruHikeAt.wordpress.com . I have a great deal of admiration for the Martin / Wade family. They too are living the dream. It takes courage, determination, lots of planning to walk with a family in the woods. They are only making 5 miles a day at this time. Please follow their story too.Well I got a late start go figure after 11 am. I made it down to Stecoah Gap NC route 143 at about 12:30 PM and there was a picnic area full of birders with cameras and binoculars looking for birds and eating a tasty lunch. Several of my hiking companions were waiting around as the birders promised to let us have the "leftovers". Big Barbara (he's a he and not little) Tom "Chacaron"and Andrea "Lumberjack" also feasted on the birders food. After lunch Big Barbara and Chacarron and Lumberjack got a ride into Robbinsville for the day. They asked if I would like to join them but I declined as I knew the weather was going to change to rain tonight and today was beauty full ( as they say in south philly). I pressed on to Cable Gap Shelter for a total of 11.6 miles today. There was no telephone service in the Cable Gap therefore I missed uploading my journal for the first time. There will be days coming up in the Smokies where I will not have any cell service. Be patient.In the shelter tonight were Turtle (from yonkers) and Hell Izzy ( as in where the hell is he) Both claim to be slow. Oh I also met Larry from Tennesee who is from near New Johnsonville Tennesee, so a shout out to my niece Taylor and her husband Tyler. Congratulations !!!!
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Fontana 28 AT crossing

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today was chore day, getting laundry done, shopping, and lazing about. I met Phoenix, Raven, TBNY, Britten and Kurt with a T showed up, while I was waiting on my laundry.Many hikers got off the mountains with the severe thundershowers all day. Gulliver, Wild Rover, Treasure Hunter, Catskill, No Name, Smiles, Waffles, Poptart, Jumper, are all here staying dry.We had quite a gathering at dinner. It was nice to break bread with my hiker family off the trail. Tomorrow the Flying Scotsman and I have agreed to hike together up the Smokeys. It should take about 5 days to get through the Smokeys. The twenty dollar Thru hiker permit was printed and stowed with my guide to show Mr. Ranger if asked. I bounced some extra food up the road and things I don't need yet to Standing Bear Farm which is at the end of the Smokey National Park going North bound. Had a great stay at the Village Resort and enjoyed communing with so many hikers in one place and the Mini Cooper club has come for a mini convention. Ugh, back on the dirt path tomorrow. I dont do well coming out of towns as you know but maybe tomorrow will be different. Yes Ma I remembered to say please and thank you.Still grinin and bearin it
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Fontana 28 AT crossing

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

April 29thGot up early and had breakfast with Gulliver and Wild Rover, Iain joined us as well. At breakfast I met Greybeard 13 (Ernst B.) who is 80 years old and hiking the Appalachian Trail. He looks much younger and I can attest by his handshake he is quite strong. Alas he is probably going off the trail as his hips are not able to hold up. He had double hip replacements. He was involved in Scouting for 47 years and Sea Scouts and Sea Explorers for about 65 years. A phenomenal man, I was very impressed. No name, smiles, and the flying scotsman all shuttled to Mile 164.6 Fontana NC 28 A.T. crossing. We entered the Smoky National Park after crossing the TVA Fontana Dam and began a series of climbs that just kept going up and up. Fontana is at 1700 feet and Clingmans Dome, the highest Mountain on the Appalachian Trail is 6,643 feet high. Essentially you go up and down and make some up progress only to go down a few hundred feet. This goes on all the way to Clingman's Dome.I finished a day of over 10 hours of hiking at Russel Field Shelter. At this shelter were No Name, Smiles, Chief, Kurt, Jury Duty, Catskill & Treasure Hunter ( I got his name right finally), the Bama Boys Bear and Cat, One of a kind, Jason, Yoga Bear, Jumper and more. I was exhausted when I arrived and was able to do evening chores set up my bed in the shelter, eat and fall asleep. A 15 mile day going mostly up will do that.I had no cell reception so I couldn't journal. The Smokys are back country and its very quiet out here.Still Smilin'
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

pril 30th Tuesday. I woke up around 7:30 felling okay. Many hikers get a good early start. I was not the last out today. We went from Russell Field Shelter to Silers Bald Shelter. The day was highlighted by many Balds (grassy mountain tops) with sweeping vistas far into the distance. It was a 15.7 mile day which again tested most of us. I rolled in to camp late and Iain was no where to be found. He said he was headed to Siler's Bald but no one had seen him. He was in front of me all day. Apparently the Flying Scotsman made a wrong turn, which I learned was true the next morning. He came into camp around 9 which is considered Hikers Midnight. Making a wrong turn happens to everyone on the trail at one time or another. Most of the same people were in this shelter from the night before. In the Smoky's you must camp in the shelters only. Reservations for shelter space is made only for the non thru hikers who started the trail less than 50 miles prior to the Smoky's. Once the shelter is full you can put up a tent next to the shelter. There are no privies in the smoky's. Another night that I could not post my journal. I was in bed by 8:30 which was the time Mom used to send us all to bed back in the day. I am feeling well and tomorrow we attack Clingman's Dome another up up and up.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Road Prong Trail parking lot
Miles today: 10.8

Iain or FS for short and I were the last to break camp. We were on the trail around 10:15 am. The plan was to hike to Icewater Spring. However the 4 miles to Clingman's Dome took alot out of me. I arrived at Clingmans dome having hiked up 3 significant mountains to get to the highest mountain on the trail. I got to Clingmans and took the required photos up the top of a spiraling ramp. Tourists were everywhere. We sat at the bottom of the dome with smelly hikers on one side and clean smelling tourists on the other side Iain was here and asked if I had enough water. He was running low on food and stated he had to make a run for Gatlinburg to resupply. He headed out to New Found Gap to catch a shuttle to Gatlinburg. I ate a lunch and headed to the Visitor Center to get some water. It was 1/2 mile down and 1/2 mile up and very steep on asphalt. I cruised up and back in 20 minutes without a pack. So my plan was to make it to Icewater Spring Shelter but it was 10 more miles and after 2 PM when I got going again. Around 5PM I was still 4 miles from the shelter and I decided it was prudent to put in to Gatlinburg to R&R for a night. To my surprise most of my fellow hikers independently decided to come here.I was hiking the last few miles with "Steamer" a fellow who is hiking to raise money for Breast Cancer ( he wears pink socks too!)We were able to hitch a ride from Road Prong Trail parking lot to G'burg with a guy named Peter from Florida who is a Librarian. He drove us all the way into G'burg. We found the Grand Prix Motel that caters to hikers. Cheapest room yet. Steamer and I are sharing a room. After doing laundry I went to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner.Long day, but all is well. Today we celebrate some milestones, another state Tennessee, although we go back in to NC, we went over 200 miles today total miles, and we have less than 2000 miles to go.Still smilin"
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

FS and I left Pecks corner around 10 AM. Today was an easy day of hiking. I stopped at Tri Corner Shelter to eat a lunch with JD & Slips and Janto and Laura. Dale had a fire going as the shelters on the Smoky's all have fireplaces. I actually got to Cosby Knob Shelter by 5 PM. The trail was easy with only a few short climbs. I had mashed potato's with chicken for dinner. I finally feel that the "hiker hunger" on the trail has hit me. The weather turned misty and cold and I turned in early before 8 PM to get warm in my sleeping bag. Winds blew all night and there was some rain.There were snorers, bright headlamps in the middle of the night ( people do have a red light but don't know how to turn them on), mice chewing, cold winds, a heavy branch fell on the shelter roof and rolled off, and 3 young hikers came into the shelter at 6:30 am proclaiming they hiked for 20 hours like 30 miles mostly at night. They seemed to realize they were waking a whole shelter up. Regardless I didn't sleep well. And it was cold that morning. But hey its part of the thru hiking experience,I am still smilin'
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 9.8

Left the Best Western in Newport around 10 am headed for I-40 to hitch a ride to Hartford to get back on the AT. I waited about 30 mins. and got a ride from Steven from Asheville who had come back from the Kentucky Derby. He had bet on the winner, but it didn't cover the expenses of the "partying" trip.Steven dropped me off at the I-40 Bridge at about 11:30 am and I had to walk up the same trail I had done two days ago. But I wasn't gonna ask him to drive me up a dirt road.Getting back into hiker mode for me is at the very least, difficult after a zero day. My pack is heavy with like 5 days of food and it feels like it. I hope to get better at carrying less in the near future.I met two young men that had hitched here from Carbondale, IL to hike the trail for a month. Jake and Adam were full of questions about the trail. I enjoyed their company most of the day and their enthusiasm for all that the trail offers. They stopped frequently and marveled at plants, insects and views. Jake climbed a tree that just looked like it wanted to be climbed. We parted ways at the Groundhog Creek Shelter. I also ran into Nightingale who hikes with Blue Tortoise.I hiked on to Brown Gap and camped up an old mining road.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Brown Gap

To: Unamed Gap before Bluff Mountain
Miles today: 12.3

Cold weather over night and waking to misty wet outside. I had a cuppa coffee and a honey bun. While I was breaking camp fella with the trail name "One Eye" came by asking where the water source was. I seen him several times along the way since the beginning, although he started a couple of days before me.I met a colorful character named Danny, he had a rifle on his shoulder, cheroot in his mouth, wearing full army camo. He said he was turkey hunting and asked if'n I'd seen any. I hadn't seen anything but chip monks that morning. I asked if I should be wearing blue if hunters are hunting wild turkey. He said he ain't never seen a blue headed turkey. I thanked him for identifying his target before shooting. I took his picture and I will post it some day I get the chance.I ran into a hiking club along the way that hikes every Tuesday out of Asheville. They were observing wild flowers and were quite a lively group. I did get their picture as well.I was hiking before 8:30 amazing for me. Around 11:30 am I stopped at Roaring Fork Shelter and met Danny (different Danny) and Lenny, members of the Carolina Mountain Club who maintain this shelter. They were out for a day hike and took much of the trash my inconsiderate trail mates had left all over the shelter. Danny gave me her sliced apples and peppers which were greatly appreciated later in the day. I hoisted up on the bear cables my tent and sleeping bag to get the dew off of them from the misty night. Max Patch was an awesome Bald with 360 views of where I had been and where I was going to. Pictures will follow but you need to soak it in by being there. I stopped at Walnut Mountain shelter, by far the worst shelter I had seen, well they call it a lean too. One Eye had stopped and made camp down below in an old orchard. I pressed on to campsite in an unnamed gap before Bluff Mountain. I met "All Day", Gma, and Erin. Gma is thru hiking to Maine where she is from. She is a friend of Fast Eddie who I had spent a couple of days with. Gma started the hike with Fast Eddie. We exchanged a few stories about Eddie. Well the rain started to come around 6:30 PM and I spent the next 13 hours in my tent. I did not sleep well.Still smiling
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Unamed Gap before Bluff Mountain

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 11.0

The day started with pea soup fog and I couldn't see past 20 feet. Tent was wet from all night rains. I was the last to break camp. Again as I was packing up along came One Eye.   A relatively easy day of hiking with some ups but mostly down. I do have to say that everything seems about 2 miles further away then you think.I walk anywhere from 1.5 miles to 3 miles per hour on average depending on the terrain. I am in no hurry, when I do hurry I slip more and today was another mucky day with lots of mired in mud parts of the trail.I do hike faster when I am headed to town go figure, it could be something about the food, southern hospitality and sweet tea.I passed Gma, All Day (shes in no hurry and has all day), and Erin who I gave the trail name of "Blue Irish " and she liked it. Someone else likes the color blue. Around 5 miles into my day I spied a cooler sitting near the parking lot at Garenflo Gap. I was excited there might be "trail magic" goodies in it. I opened it up and there were lots of empty coke and Mountain Dew cans. Drats foiled again! An ice cold soda would have powered me up the next mountain. I met Mud Kip at the Deer Park Shelter as I was collecting water and taking a break before the 3 miles of down to Hot Springs. Mud kip is section hiking, he did half the trail last year and is doing the other half this year. He will be staying at the Elmer's Sunnybank Inn too. I made it into Hot Springs and went the wrong way and ended out of town. The Appalachian Trail goes right thru town with markers in the side walk. Then I went into town right past Elmer's Sunnybank Inn as there was no sign. Finally made it to Elmer's after asking for directions. I miss my GPS. Elmer quizzed me with the following:Are you a thru hiker? I said yes.Where did you start? I said Springer When did you start?, I said April 10th?Where are you going to? I said MaineThen I said "I may not look like a thru hiker but I smell like one."Elmer only caters to thru hikers and I guess he was just making sure I wasnt some day hiker lookin for cheap accommodations. I got the tour. The house is 1910 and has all kinds of original furniture and twelve foot ceilings. There is comfortable shared space, music room, library, movie room and kitchen. This place is really home like. I signed up for the breakfast as the dinner was vegetarian. I went to the Bluff Mountain Outfitter, which is the best outfitter I have seen yet on the trail. I did my wash across the street at the laundromat and headed for the Hot Springs Spa. I soaked for one glorious hour in the tub by a river. Dinner was at the Iron Horse Station and was excellent. I had dinner with Chief and sat with One eye for a little bit. Yes Mom, I am having the time of my life.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Hot Springs NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day in Hot Springs at Elmers Sunny Bank Inn. I stayed at Elmers for 2 nights. I had intended in moving on but not until I feel better. I met a thru hiker from Santa Barbara CA by the name of "Tristan".   He had started the trail in March with his wife but she broker her leg unknowingly and hiked on it. She had to get of the trail and go home. Tristan is originally from Middleton Conn. and is apparently related distantly to me. On his mothers side I believe his grandfather married a Lyman. Small world isn't it? He is a musician and has a nice basso voice with some good range and soul even.I had dinner with Wild Rover, Gulliver, Catskill, Treasure Hunter, Blue Tortoise, Nightingale, and Tristan. I am eating but its not well ... sticking to me. Treasure Hunter, Catskil, Blue Tortoise and Nightingale all plan to "slack pack " tomorrow. Essentially they will carry only what they need tomorrow, water, lunch, snacks, and rain gear. They will get shuttled North about 17 miles and walk back to Hot Springs. The next day they will get shuttled again to where they started and go North again with all of their packs.still smilin even if my stomach ain't
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Hot Springs

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Not feeling well enough to tackle the trail today. I moved to the Iron Horse Inn up the road as Elmer had people with reservations coming in. I'm okay but the stomach isn't where it need to be. I spent some more time a the Bluff Mountain Outfitters and sent home some heavier clothes. I still have a warm wind shirt and down jacket, gloves and winter hat as I am not convinced some winter weather wont come in the mountains ahead. Not much to say, I read and sleep, force fluids and get better. I feel stronger today, maybe tomorrow.I had BBQ with Wild Rover, Gulliver, Blue Tortoise, Nightingale, Catskill, Treasure Hunter and a fella named "Rambo" from Burbank CA. He builds sets for Movies. ,
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Hot Springs NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Third zero day. Not much to add at this point I am getting stronger and wishing to be back on the trail. Patience grasshopper all good things come to those who wait. I have had blisters, swollen, joints, cracked cuticles, infections, bug bites, sunburn and poison ivy but I could always hike through all of that. Hopefully tomorrow back on track . Yes Mom - Happy Mothers Day tomorrow and all of you other mothers out there too!