morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I decided to get off the trail because it just isn't that fun any more. April Fools. That is what everyone was saying as we awoke this morning.At 9:00 when I left the shelter it was 45 degrees and a light rain was falling.The terrain was not that steep either up or down but because we traversed a lot of side slopes and there was a slick layer of mud on the trail, it was hazardous. We really had to dig in with the sides of our boots to keep from slipping off the edge of the trail. There were some pretty steep drop offs too. I fell once as I stepped onto a sloping root. One with no bark and worn smooth from many footfalls. Landed softly as my poles held their purchase. Actually I was able to catch myself just shy of the ground but my position was such that I could not haul myself back up. Eased down onto my hip. All in all, it was a fairly benign fall.I miscalculated the temperature and started out with my raingear, but after the first few minutes the rain stopped and I was over heating. Got to the first shelter and ditched the rain gear. Put on long johns and a second shirt. This turned out to be to much too, but I hiked the rest of the day dressed that way. I had planned to stay at the last shelter 3.2 miles before Hot Springs and go the last three miles the next day arriving early enough in the morning to get my chores done and then take a real resting zero the next day. I arrived at the last shelter at 4:15. It was empty and with good reason. Built in the 1930's and to hold only five hikers, it was in rough shape even by shelter standards. It didn't take long to decide to push on the last three miles and get to Hot Springs. A shower, bed, and hot food can be powerful motivators.Came out of the forest and to the road to Hot Springs. The trail goes right down the main street of the town. There are trail markers right in the sidewalk. I took a picture of one of them because I thought it was a great idea. Followed the sidewalk to the business district and got a room. Saw several hiking friends along the way and briefly got caught up on what was happening with everyone. Laundry will have to wait until tomorrow. Showered, and went to dinner. Back to the room and went to bed. Of course I exploded the pack all over the room in the process.My legs were sore from such a long day. Almost 20 miles. Probably too much. We will see tomorrow how all the parts feel.See you on the trail.Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Alpine Court Motel Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 7:30 and went to the diner to meet Tagless and Tagalong for breakfast. They were leaving for the trail today and I wanted to see them off. Library opened at 10:00 and I was there to begin updating my journal. Got all my pictures emailed to Flash and several days of journal updates in before I had to give up the computer. Also managed to get to my emails too. On to the outfitter. I needed help with my pack and am dissatisfied with my rain gear. It turns out I have lost some weight after all. Had to get a smaller hip belt and shoulder harness. I have been unable to tighten my straps enough to accomodate my new self. Bought a Montbell rain coat. Liked it the best and except for the funky red color looks ok too.Food at the Dollar General and the Hillbilly Grocery Store. Went and did my laundry at the only place in town. Sign said towel is not appropriate clothing and please dress so as not to embarass the town folk while doing the laundry. We don't carry much extra clothing so when you do laundry, you tend to be washing everything you have. I wear my rain pants and jacket during these times.I was hungary and hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was 6:30 when I finished my wash. On to the diner for a much needed dinner.After dinner you would think I was still on the trail. Did a few chores and went to bed. Katchup dropped by with a ziplock of fudge her aunt(?) made and sent. However, she sent several pounds of it and we just tend not to carry that much so she was spreading it out for all of us to carry. Thanks for the fudge. Yummy.It was not a relaxing day at all and I am thankful that I am taking another zero tomorrow. Legs seem pretty excited about it too.See you on the trail.Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Alpine Court Motel Hot Springs

To: Alpine Court Motel
Miles today: 0.0

I have been wanting to mention the changes I've noticed along the trail but have forgotten them when I've had the opportunity. The trail prior to Clingman's Dome in the Smokey Mt. National Park was primarily deciduous. The trees had leaves that are shed each fall. From the top of Clingman's Dome the forest become coniferous, a pine and spruce forest. Quite a difference in the amount of light that reached the forest floor. What really turned me on though was the aroma of the forest. Like one big Christmas tree lot. Eventually the forest changed again to a mix and now the forest is similar to the way it was initally. Lots of deciduous trees and lots of Rhododendron.This was to be my real zero day since yesterday was so busy running around doing errends. It was a relaxing day and I didn't do much. Mailed a box home that had my old pack parts. Played around with the pack to see if different configurations would work better than the one I was using. I have a couple different pieces of the puzzle and each new piece changes the pack dynamic significantly. You wouldn't think that a different bag would effect the overall packing process, but it does. Even got a massage that felt really good.For some reason I didn't sleep well last night so am hoping for a better nights sleep tonight.See you on the trail.Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Alpine Court Motel

To: Alpine Court Motel
Miles today: 0.0

This will possibly seem like a very strange entry because I'm not exactly sure how to describe it. Every day has been great on the trail even if it was miserable due to the weather. Today I woke up and immediately felt like my hike was over. Something was gnawing at me and I could not figure it out. Like something was telling me not to hike. Like I was being recalled from the forest. This was a completely new sensation. I thought that I might be able to hike through it so at 8:15 I set out from the motel. It was 39 degrees and the sun was just burning through the morning haze. Forcast wise, this was to be a great day to hike.I hiked for two hours and don't remember the trail at all. I had to force every step. The forest was quiet and it usually talks to me every step of the way. At the top of the ridge overlooking the town of Hot Springs I stood and debated with myself about just what I was going to do. I turned around and hiked back into Hot Springs. Called Grey Squirrel and confused her too. I spent the rest of the day at the motel being very confused about this whole thing.I decided to see what the next day would bring and went to sleep.See you on the trail?Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Alpine Court Motel

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 16.3

I hoped to get an early start, although I wasn't sure what I was starting. The trail, or preparations for returning home. I was good either way. I didn't have the same feeling about the trail as yesterday but didn't have a clear feeling either way.Left the motel at 7:30, when it was just light enough to see. My legs seemed heavy climbing out of Hot Springs especially considering how many days off I had had. There were lots of vistas of the French Broad River and the town of Hot Springs as I climbed up and away from Hot Springs. It was as if I had never been on this trail before and everything seemed new. Unfortunately, I had just hiked the trail yesterday. The forest didn't give me a feeling one way or the other. I hiked on.My first stop was Spring Mt. Shelter which was in sad shape. To make it worse, some jerks, yes there are jerks on the trail (in my opinion) had killed several mice and threw them on the shelter porch roof. There is no need for that. I started out for the next shelter 8.5 miles away.   What compounded the problem was the weather forcast. Nice the rest of the day, rain tomorrow, snow the next day.Found Hemlock Hollow Hostel about 5 miles down the trail and decided to stay rather than push on to the next shelter which was most likely full by now.I really like the setting and the facilities of this hostel. It is .6 mi off the trail and is not heavily used. A shame because it really is a hidden gem along the trail.I got off at the wrong road and was hiking along when a good old boy and his 86 year old mother happened by in their 1964 ford pickup, and gave me a ride to the hostel.There were eight beds in the hostel but only two of us were there.Very comfortable, and tired. See you on the trail.Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 18.7

Since I was likely to take a zero tomorrow because of the pending snow storm, I decided it would be nicer to stay at a hostel rather than the shelter. Shuttle service was available so I slack packed from Devil's Fork Gap back to the hostel a distance of 18.7 miles. A long distance but I thought it was within my capabilities if I got a good start and the forcast rain was delayed. Wrong and wrong. I didn't get dropped off until 10:45, sort of late but I decided to go for it. I had a light pack but no camping, cooking,or sleeping stuff with me. I was definitely commited to going the whole 18 miles.Rain started 45 minutes after I stated. Snow started about a half hour later. Wasn't this not supposed to get here until tomorrow. My pace definitely picked up. It didn't just snow. Blowing ice and snow pellets stung my face for the rest of the day. I had one big frozen beard before to long. I took a good fall half way through the day. Landed on my side and the waist pack took a direct hit. Will have to assess damages back at the hostel, its to cold to stop now. I took the white blazes rather than the bad weather on the ridge blue blazes when I got to the big sign. You know that if I am dumb enough to be out here in this weather that I'm dumb enough to stick to the white blazes. I'm sure the views were stunning. This added about an hour to my trip as there were many stone and wood steps to negotiate on this ridge running section. Probably hazardous footing in good weather. The ice really made it slow going. The wind was quite strong at the exposed areas as advertised. Glad when I got off that ridge, Glad I had done the white blazes too.Each shelter I passed was full and I was passing many more north bound hikers as the day progressed. I was really happy about heading toward a hot shower instead of a snow bound tent.My water froze on top off the ridge and I continued to eat my snacks without the water. Got some stomach cramps from no water with snacks that really like a lot of water. Stopped eating too. Eventually as I decended the water turned to slush instead of full ice and I was able to begin getting a few sips as I went merrily along in my little white frozen world.I got back to the road to the hostel at 6:00 and still had daylight, sort of, and was feeling pretty good so I continued south on the trail to pick up the half mile I missed yesterday when I got off the trail too soon. Turned around and hiked back to the hostel getting there at 7:00. A long hard day to be sure. I was happy to have done it knowing I was zeroing the next day.Wow we didn't think you would get back for another hour and a half they said. Really? Can I have a couple pot pies to cook after I take my long hot shower. You really have a lot of ice in your beard. I know. It weighs a lot and is pulling my face down. Got to get to the hot shower. That was a terrible response.Showered, ate, and crashed.See you on the trail.Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

It rained and snowed all night but I knew it was all snow up on the ridge where the shelters were.I finally got around to checking my pack for damages. My hard glasses case took the full force of the fall. It was severely dented and a bit flattened. My glasses were inside as they did me no good in the storm. The lenses were ok but both nose pieces were flattened from the blow they took. I pried them out the best I could and got them to where they were at least functional. There was no other damage inside the pack.Had coffee down at the main shop and looked around for something to do with the day. What luck! Someone wanted to go to Hot Springs and I could go along for the ride. Just when I thought I would have nothing to do all day. Got back in time for lunch. Now what to do with the afternoon. It was still raining and snowing.As there happened to be a Native American craftsman living a half mile down the road, I walked down to see if he was home. He was and he allowed me in and we chatted for the next couple of hours. Got a surprise present for Grey Squirrel so I can't tell what it is here because it will ruin the surprise. Eventually I will tell what it was. Can you handle the suspense?The evening was quiet as you might expect.See you on the trail. Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was cold last night as forcast. Mixed today and a little bit nicer, but not great. Got my ride to Devil's Fork Gap and continued my northward journey.My feet were soaked immediately. There was way more snow here than at the hostel.This was a very difficult day for such short milage. The snow was deep at times and the white blazes could have been closer together. I was the second one through this part of the trail today. Even with someone breaking the trail it was hard to find and harder to follow the trail. As it turned out, the person ahead of me was Moses and he did an absolutely fantastic job staying "close" to the trail. I don't know how he did it to be honest. I finally arrived at the shelter and there was room for me inside. At times like this the shelter capacity is definitely exceeded. No one wants someone left out, and the more inside, the warmer it is. We were packed and there were about ten tents surrounding the area as well. The water was a long way down a slippery hill and no one appreciated going down and back after the day we all had had.Things go a lot slower when it is cold, you are wet, and there are a lot of people trying to share the same table to cook and accomplish other chores. Even if your not sleeping in the shelter, you still get to use the shelter facilities. A big campfire was built and we all began trying to dry out our clothes and equipment. I slightly melted the low side of the heel of my hiking boot. This has not seemed to effect it for hiking. I also managed to burn a hole in my sock, without drying it out. This definitely relegated it to sleeping duty when it dries out, and replaced when I can. Got to stay away from the flames. You would think I was a moth. The boots will still be wet and probably frozen tomorrow morning. I will wear the socks I put on for bed to hike in tomorrow.Many are talking about getting to Erwin as soon as possible because of a big storm that is coming in two days. It is almost 30 miles to the town and some will try to do it in one day. I assess at each shelter as to whether I can go on to another.Some stay around the fire into the night and some go to bed quite early. I go to bed early.See you on the trail.Nice LensesJohn
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

It was a clear and cold morning. Still much evidence of the recent snowstorm. The early and longer distance hikers got out before me but there were still about 15 people in the camp area when I left. I expected to be passed early and often by the younger faster hikers. For some reason that didn't happen and I saw no one else during the day's hike. Hiked on ice this morning as the sun had not yet rethawed yesterdays melt. Slipped on an icy root and went down hard on my left side. Couldn't help thinking that it was going to leave a mark. It didn't seem to injure the important hiking parts, my legs, hips, and back. Arms and hands took the brunt of the fall. Funny but I tend not to let go of my trekking poles during these times, so backs of hands and knuckles take some good blows. Not a good feeling on old arthritic hands.I stopped at Sam's Gap trailhead and put my trail trash in the bins. Anything to lighten the load, even a little. Changed out of my long johns and over shirt since it had warmed significantly, and continued on my way.Depending of which side of the mountain you were hiking, you had little snow to ice on one side but deep drifted snow on the other side. Drifts to three feet were not uncommon. This made the trail longer as you weaved from side to side on the trail looking for the least amount of snow to navigate through. Big Bald was a long hard climb by itself. Add deep snow, areas of ice and areas of mud and it really took a toll on my quads due to having to lift my legs so high. I was really tired by the time I reached the top. Finally a decent weather day when I reached a good view area. Took my pictures and caught my breath. I knew I wasn't going to get any farther than the next shelter which was fairly close to the Bald summit. I had wanted to go farther due, again, to poor weather forecast for the next couple of days.I thought I might be spending the night alone at the shelter as most were trying to push on as far as they could so they would have a shorter hike out in the rain tomorrow. The shelter eventually filled up and another fire was built to try and dry out soaking wet gear, although primarily just socks and boots due to snow, slush, mud, and running water down the trail. I didn't want to miss another opportunity to burn something so I got my socks and boots close along with the others. I did manage to melt some side sole molding on my other boot. Melted a small spot on my sleeve too.Went to bed earlier than most with the hopes of getting some hike in before the storm hits tomorrow.There was a pretty sunset this evening. Lots of reds. Grey Squirrel would certainly have liked it. Pretty much the first nice sunset I've seen since the beginning of the hike.See you on the trail.Nice Lenses
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

I was the first to leave the shelter area this morning. It was in the mid 40's and 8:10. I still had hopes of getting to Erwin dry. Not today. I first heard the thunder 30 minutes after I left the shelter. Rain followed in 15 minutes. Barely got my pack cover on before it started. Rained hard and the thunder grew louder until I could finally see the lightening that produced the thunder. I was fortunate that I was in a gap when the lightening passed from my left side to my right side. Glad I wasn't on a ridge. Rain continued long after the thunder could no longer be heard. Of course I was soaked again.Eventually the rain stopped and it remained overcast and threatening the rest of the day. Once I passed the next shelter I was committed to getting to Erwin. I pressed on because another cold wet night in the shelter did not sound as appealing as a dry bed and a hot shower. Maybe its just me. I dragged myself into the hostel at 5:00 and found my bed. Laundry can wait until tomorrow. Its a good thing we hikers have no olefactory nerves because that stuff is really rank. There was a 6:00 shuttle to town for dinner and I wanted to be showered and on it. There was no end to the hot water at the hostel and I had to cut my shower short to catch the shuttle. Like 35 minutes of hot shower isn't enough anyway. Well it wasn't but I went to dinner. The only place in town that serves beer with your meal was the Mexican restaurant. That's were I went. Lots of good food and cheap prices. My favorite combination.Back to the hostel and, although relatively early, went to bed. Those clothes in the corner ran around the cabin all night and really stunk up the place. Zero day tomorrow and laundry definitely on the list of chores.I have a wedding to go to in the Charleston, SC area next Saturday the 18th and I have to figure out how I was going to get there. Fell asleep pondering that last problem. Sleep good.See you on the trail.Nice Lenses
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel Erwin, TN

To: Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I could hear the rain getting thrown against the cabin walls and window during the night. It was still overcast and raining when I got up. It remained overcast and threatening all day although it didn't rain again at the hostel after mid morning. I could see that the higher elevations where the trail goes was probably not faring as well. Yay zero. Went on the breakfast shuttle and did a little business at the post office. It had to do with Grey Squirrel's surprise. Since I was introducing a new item into the pack, I had to play with the packing configuration again. Just a short while though, it fit in fairly well. Bought a new pair of socks at the hostel to replace the pair I burned on the trail. Got to stay away from the fire.My options for getting to the wedding boiled down to three. The wedding was still a week away and I wanted to travel on Thursday, get to the Motel and begin the civilizing that inevitably had to take place. Cheez probably have to use deoderant and everything. This will be different after nearly two months on the trail. My options. Stay at Johnny's until Thursday, get a rental car and proceed. Get a rental car and proceed tomorrow, or whichever day, and spend a bunch more on motel in Charleston that I would here. Or, get a shuttle to some more northern point and hike back to Johnny's and then get the rental car and proceed. Right you are. Option number three. The plan was to shuttle with Johnny to Carver Gap, four miles past Roan Mountain, the highest point in the southern half of the trail. Going to do it in two nights and three days of hiking and will get back later in the day on Tuesday If I leave tomorrow, Easter Sunday. Got two plus days of food and was ready for an 8:00 shuttle the next day.Mexican again tonight. The veggie fajitas Maggie got last night looked awfully good so I got that tonight. Called Grey Squirrel and let her know of the plan. Bed shortly thereafter. I know what your thinking. I did my laundry earlier in the day.See you on the trail.Nice Lenses
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Greasy Creek Friendly (Hostel)

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

It was a good thing I only had seven miles to go today because we really dawdled at the hostel through the morning. Bill didn't do his normal early morning noise routine today. I'm not sure if I am happy or disappointed about that. It was hyped pretty heavily after all. Breakfast was mushroom, onion, cheese omlette, OJ, bagel and cream cheese, and coffee. Yeah, I liked this place a lot. Connie is a real sweet heart by the way. She can't do enough for you.It rained during the night. At 11:00 when I finally left it was 43 degrees and definitely looking like rain. As it turned out, the rain held off all day. It got windy and cold instead. Got to the shelter at 4:00 and it began to sprinkle during dinner preparation. The wind was blowing directly into the shelter and it was one of the few without a tarp that covered the opening. Cold in the shelter. There were 8 of us in the shelter which was listed for 6 people. We were wishing there were two more of us to make it warmer in the shelter. People got into their sleeping bags as soon as possible to ward off the cold and wind.Not much activity or conversation, and sleep came early while it was still well before sunset, had we been able to see it.See you on the trail.Nice Lenses