morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked the one mile to Dick's Creek Gap where we caught the Hiawassee Inn shuttle at 9:30. Got our room, showered, went to breakfast and did our grocery shopping. It was a nice day and we enjoyed our leisurely walk around townfor errands.That night Ron & Sam - great guys! - shuttled a bunch of us to Shoney's for dinner. Salad bar(ahhhh) and lots of hiker talk. It was nice to catch up with Footloose & FancyFree again.Good day. They're forecasting bad weatherfor tomorrow, so we may stay over another night. We'll see tomorrow...
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ron & Sam prepared a fabulous Easter Brunch for all of us - Eggs Benedict, Mimosas, Bloody Marys,dessert...Just relaxed today, had fun hanging with Zen & Red Beard.It's been raining and windy all day, but is supposed to clear up tomorrow. So, it's back on the Trail...
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Still raining when we got back on the Trail, and sleeting, windy & cold...Crossed the border from GA into NC at 3:15 Disappointed - we were looking forward to this, another state!but there was just a tiny sign with GA and NC on it - no welcome to NC or now leaving GA.Camped right after Bly Gap - 8.8 miles. We're miserable... it's pouring rain, our tentsite's not very flat. No cooking tonight - just some peanut butter & crackers.Lonnnggggg Day....
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Finally it's stopped raining & the sun is out!HARD day... all uphill & rocky. Didn't have any breakfast and our legs felt like rubber right from the start. Both of us are having a hard time. I'm very emotional - feel like crying. We've only been out a little over 2 weeks and I'm not sure I can do this...Stopped at Muskrat Shelter for lunch and got a nice surprise. Zen & Red Beard came in just as we were leaving. We've been so slow, we thought for sure they were way ahead of us! Camped with them and some other people at Standing Indian Shelter- 7 miles. We tried eating healthy today soaked some lentils all day while we hiked, but they were still crunchy after we cooked them Hopefully, tomorrow will be better...
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: few clouds

Really Good day today!!It wasn't too hard until the last mile or so. And it was beautiful. We hiked through long corridors of green rhododendron overhead and brown leaves underfoot.The flies are out Didn't see many other hikers today - just 4 guys going the other way.Had a Big Adventure... We had to ford a stream by walking about 20 feet across a fallen tree that was about 6 feet above the fast moving, very rocky water. It was scary, and afterwards we realized what we had done and just how dangerous it had been - but, it had also been fun AND we got pictures!Another surprise! We're ahead of Zen & Red Beard again - we did the 7.4 miles to Carter Gap Shelter by 2:30. Got there very hungry - but they caught up with us soon after and we camped together again.They actually make fresh bread on the Trail ! And they gave us some with dinner, along with the recipe. Mmmmmm What a difference a day makes
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Bear Pen Trail
Miles today: 5.9

It rained during the night and all day. We had to pack up a wet tent and it was a hard day climbing Big Butt Mt. So much mud! Slippery.Big surprise as we rounded a bend right before Bear Pen Trail! A couple from Maine, former thru hiker, Barry Glidden and his wife, Terry were camped there offering Trail Magic to any hiker coming through. They had a big fire going and a large tarp where we could dry out, and had an ongoing supply of fresh coffee, burritos with all the fixins, soda, etc., along with music and a privy.It was wonderful! Being warm and dry, and just enjoying sitting around the fire catching up with some other hikers that we hadn't seen for awhile - Blisters, Jorge & Tomato, Alisson & Roy - and meeting some new ones - Gatorade, Fishin Fred, Quiet Paul.It was also fun watching the guys compete at wood chopping Later in the early evening it finally stopped raining. The skies cleared and Gatorade showed us a gorgeous viewpoint very close by - I hope the pictures come out. Later the stars came out and we put the tent up to dry.   We did 6.6 miles and the day was ending better than it had started.But then during the night it started raining again
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Bear Pen Trail

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 7.1

Woke up to cold rain and pancakes for breakfast.Said goodbye and started the day by climbing Albert Mt. and then a lot of downhill through the mud - lots of mud!Also lots of bouldering and stream crossings...Considering all that, we thought we did really good to have done the 7.1 miles to Wallace Gap by 12:00. There was a man just getting out of his truck on his way to deliver some Trail Magic for hikers and he drove us to the Haven Motel in Franklin, NC.   The staff there was very helpful, really going out of ther way to help. My back had been bothering me ever since the ride in the back of the pick up and Jeanine called around for me and manged to get me a chiropractor appointment for later that day. They also took us to do our laundry and let us use the computer.We were really hungry today and took advantage of the local AYCE (all you can eat) buffett.Plan to head out tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Wallace Gap

To: Haven Hotel, Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Rain again - and 4 inches of snow fell on the mountain last night !Decided to stay in town another day.Made some phone calls to family & friends, did our resupply shopping, and just relaxed. Found an adorable Ranger Gus bear for the most beautiful grandbaby in the world
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Erwin

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

It's a sunny day and the motel shuttle brought us back to Wallace Gap @ 12:30. It was a hard start - straight up with parts of the Trail washed out and some deep snow. Got pretty slushy and slippery as we went on, but we managed 6.6 miles and made it to Siler Bald Shelter by 5:00.Went by the shelter and camped at a spot in a nearby open field another hiker had told us about. He had been camping there when it snowed, so we used the nice dry spot left from his tent.While we were having dinner, 'Hardcore Hiker' came by and stopped and ate wth us before continuing on.It's Really COLD! Brrrwwbut the night is clear, it's very peaceful and the stars are incredibly beautiful.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Observation Tower
Miles today: 6.4

Another sunny day and this time it's WARM!Really hard day today - shin deep snow, mud, roots, rocks, slush & very slippery. Amazingly, we saw our first butterfly so far - with all that snow!Stopped at the Wayah Bald observation tower, took some pictures of the great views and met Trampus, a Dr. from Texas.Only made it 6.4 miles today - about .4 mile after the Bald. But, it was warm enough and I still had enough energy left to be able to read a bit before bed.
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Wayah Bald Observation Tower

To: Wesser Creek Trail
Miles today: 12.1

Didn't get much sleep last night. We kept sliding down and rolling sideways, and three other hikers tented near us, one of whom had a barking dogA very loud woodpecker greeted us first thing in the morning and I staggered out of the tent with a VERY sore back.It was a lonnggg day, too. The campsite we planned to stop at was about 6.5 miles out, but it only had one spot that didn't look flat, so we kept going and ended up doing 12.1 miles.It looks like Spring has sprung! The rhodendrons are budding and we're seeing lots more green. Saw lots of buttercups, violets, and small purple flowers with yellow centers.We're tired and our feet and knees are a bit sore. My elbows hurt a bit, too. Looking forward to sleeping in a bed tomorrow.... It started out cloudy & cool, but later the sun came out and it warmed up.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Wesser Creek Trail

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

Another sunny day and we're feeling better this morning.More uphills (of course) and 2 sections of the Trail were completely washed out. The first part of the marked detour trail was through briars & brambles higher than our heads, and slanted sideway to that we were walking on the edges of our feet. Got a small blister on the edge of my foot.The second section was very muddy and had big rocks. I slipped going over one, but thankfully caught my foot under a root, bruising my shin, but saving me from going over the edge. Did 5.4 miles and got to the Nantahala Outdoor Center around 1:30. Saw Blisters, Jorge & Tomato. Got a great room with a loft (across the river & RR tracks and up the hill), showered & then we each had one of the River's End restaurant's famous burgers that we had heard so much about. They were pretty good!Saw an advertisement for a massage therapist that would come to our hotel room and made appointments for both of us for tomorrow. Can't wait!!
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center- Wesser, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Went to breakfast and then to the Outfitter to resupply. Unfortunately, they didn't have much, so we walked a mile up the road to the Food Mart where they had a better selection.When we got back, we stopped by the Outfitter again to buy some B & J and ran into Footloose & Fancy Free. Then it was time for our massages.... her name was Karen Vezzina and she did a great job. Ahhhh...Went to dinner and met Zen, Redbeard, Zen's sister (who was hiking with them for a few days), and Panoramic just coming in. Once again we had thought they were ahead of us.This has been very enjoyable, but it's back on the Trail tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Wesser, NC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

HARD day! all uphill, lots of rocks & HOT! The backs of both of my knees are sore along with the side of my foot & my back, and Yang's stomach is upset.Didn't think we would, but we made it to Sassafrass Shelter - 6.9 miles. Not much room so we had to set the tent up right behind the shelter. Jorge & Tomato were already there, along with Trampus, and Zen & Redbeard came in right before dark.The shelter journal mentioned resident biting mice & a large rat :0Two owls fighting woke us up, and then later during the night it rained on & off for a bit.
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

Lots of downhills today, but also lots of rocks, roots & mud. Steep with washots, too.Both of us were dragging. It felt like we'd never done this before - like we were just starting again and it was our first day. Very discouraging....Then a very nice surprise ! Trail angels at Stecoah Gap! A former hiker named Hopeful was celebrating his birthday by providing Trail magic - hot dogs, beans, chili, cole slaw, potato salad, fruit, cookies, drinks & more. He had a big TN Volunteers tent, and it was sooo nice to eat at a table and sit in a chair (and so hard to get up and leave).Left around 4:00. A hard uphill starting from the Gap. We made it to the shelter, but there was no room for the tent, so we went another .2 mile and found a nice place by a stream. 9.2 miles and more than ready to call it a day.Can we make it the 12 miles to Fontana Dam tomorrow ?? 12 miles.   HA HA
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: scattered clouds

It was really hot today and lots of ups & downs. Went 8.9 miles and camped by a stream 3.9 miles short of Fontana Dam. While I was soaking my feet in the stream my Croc came off and there was so much mud I couldn't see it and thought I'd lost it.   Our feet & knees are sore and Yang was a bit grumpy. We've been out 4 weeks today and he's upset that he's still huffing & puffing on the uphills.... (I still am, tooLots of downed trees today. In one place we had to take our packs off, climb under one tree and then over another one. Then I slid sideways down a rock into ankle deep mud. Thought it was going to suck my boot off!Could see the lake through the trees for a long time - awesome blue. Wished we could go for a swim.Saw lots of butterflies & flowers today, some chipmunks, and swarms of GNATS. Aaarrgghhh!Had a hard time finding a branch to hang the food bag on.Hotel tomorrow....
Date: 2005-04-11
From: 3 miles short of Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early and were hiking by 8:30. Surprise! it started out uphill. And then a hard steep downhill. We are really glad we decided to stop last night and not try to make it any further.Skipped the Fontana Dam Shelter - aka the Fontana 'Hilton' - and got to the Visitors Center @ 10:45 just in time for the 11:00 shuttle to Fontana Village. Surprised to see Zen & Redbeard on board!Checked in for 2 nights. There are no stores or restaurants nearby so we had to get what we needed from their outfitter and small general store, and eat all our meals at the one very overpriced and not very good restaurant there. On a positive note, the hotel did have a heated pool which we had all to ourselves, and their store had good supply of B & J.And we had lots of really good & stimulating conversations with Zen, Redbeard & Panoramic. The war, the economy, environmental issues... Bush bashing, anyone?Learned lots about the oil industry from Panoramic, too.We also found the cutest Hiker Bear for our grandbaby. It came with a tent, poles, mat, sleeping bag & pack. Of course, we had to set the tent up and try it all out before sending it back to MA Getting that sleeping bag back into its stuff sack was not easy!It' cloudy & warm and supposed to rain tomorrow. Glad we're not heading out tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Fontana Village

To: Birch Spring Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: light rain

Cloudy morning.We got the 9:00 shuttle, picked up our permit to enter the Smokies, and were on the Trail by 10:0 - looking forward to this part, but also a bit apprehensive...We had heard so many people say they were just going to blow through the Smokies and we knew we couldn't do that.   And we had shelter and food concerns.So far we have not stayed in any shelters and we don't want to - something that, because of Park rules, is supposed to unavoidable in the Smokies...And we were lighter on food than we wanted to be. Both the NOC & Fontana Dam had had limited choices and we just weren't able to get all that we thought we needed for the time we thought it was going to take us - especially foods that we wouldn't need to cook.We started out with a moderately hard uphill, but not nearly as bad as we had heard it would be and were expecting.Took a half hour lunch break and felt pretty good after.Decided to take it easy today and then try to do 8 or more miles tomorrow. So we stopped at the campsite 5.6 miles in, rather than going on another 5 miles to the shelter. (Park rules say you can only camp at designated campsites or at the shelters and there was nothing between this site and the shelter). It was a very nice site, with water & bear cables and we found a good spot. As we through the Smokies, we would wish many times tht there were more like it.Sweet Sixteen came in right after us and set up her new tent. It was cold and damp and we all spent some time trying to get a fire going- but couldn't. Then, while Yang was checking out the fuel line in preparation for making dinner, I accidently kicked over our fuel bottle, spilling it all ... Most of our food is stuff that needs to be cooked so just a candy bar for dinner tonight.. Good thing we had a big lunch.Thankfully, soon after, Walrus & Noonin came along and got a great fire going and we were all able to warm up.Then it started to rain, so we went to bed.Not off to a very good start, but tomorrow is another day...
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Birch Spring Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

It rained last night, but this morning it's sunny - cold, but sunny.And when we got up there were deer right by our tent! One of them let me go right up to it and stayed there even while Yang was taking pictures of us. It was so cool ! Awesome!A ranger stopped by and mentioned that he'd seen bear tracks along the trail and to be alert.We got a late start @ 10:30 and started out with a little uphill, but nothing too bad. Lots of mud though and very slippery.We really pushed to get to the Mollie's Ridge shelter for lunch. My left shoulder is sore along with Yang's foot, and we are very hungry!After lunch we went another 2.5 miles to the Russell Field Shelter,the first one we've seen that's enclosed by a chain link fence. We set our tent up not too far away and one of the other couples there heated some water for us so we could have a hot dinner. It's cold! We really enjoyed today's hike. The trail was good and we went through a part that looked like a fairyland or winter wonderland. Delicate. Almost ethereal..   The sun was shining golden on the creamy bark of the birch trees and the forest floor was carpeted in white, pale pink and orchid colored flowers. Absolutely beautiful!Nice to see rolling green hills and lots of flowers for a change. Surprised by the amount of horse tracks and horse sh-t on the Trail.Did 7.6 miles today. Not too bad...
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Had a hard time sleeping last night. With the shelter full and several tents close by, it was noisy until late and then again really early in the morning.We were able to get a little fuel from one of the girls at the shelter before we left, but now our water pump isn't working right. We were only able to fill our bottles half way.Started at 9:00 and took a break for breakfast at 11:00. Good hiking! Moderate ups & downs and one section that was VERY rocky with loose rocks. But all in all, not bad.Good temperature for me today, too! Sunny, but cool with a breeze.   Not too hot when we're moving, but I needed to put my jacket on when we stopped.In the afternoon Yang was complaining about having a hard time again and how slow we are compared to other hikers.   I just started crying and said that I wanted to quit when we got to Gatlinburg, that with this sudden pressure to do a certain number of miles per day it wouldn't be fun anymore..This reaction was so unlike me that I'm not sure which one of us was more surprised!We took a break, and after talking for a bit, realized that we were both upset about being out of fuel and, now, the water filter not working. We reminded each other that we had agreed when we started that we wouldn't compare ourselves to other hikers and to just hike our own hike at our own pace. All will be well....Then to go along with our improved frame of mind, we went through a beautiful meadow and up over Chestnut bald with it's great views. Very peaceful...We got to Derrick Knob shelter at 4:30 - pleased with 9.1 miles in 7.5 hours.
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Neither of us slept well, and now another challenge... we're almost out of TP and wipes I'm feeling very emotional again and we're both very tired..Got a late start - 10:00 - and both of us have no energy. Our legs feel like rubber and we're breathing hard.It's a beautiful sunny & cool day and we stopped at Silers Bald Shelter, had lunch and a little nap in the sun and felt better. Very nice....and much needed.Talked about how we're feeling and think we're not eating enough and that we should have brought more food.Coincidently ?? someone had left 2 containers of oatmeal there, so we thanked the universe and took them. Now we have breakfast for tomorrowThen we went 2 more miles to Double Spring Gap Shelter.Last part of the hike was great. We went through a large area of firs. It smelled like Christmas for several miles At the shelter we camped on mounds of grass under some firs and there were deer around. It was very nice. We like it here and feel much better.Got some more fuel from a hiker named Sailor and had some broccoli and cheese rice. Yummy and glad to have something warm - it's cold at night - but that's our last dinner. We still have one bagel left that we can share for lunch tomorrow, so we should be ok. Tomorrow we climb up to Kingman's Dome, the highes point of the Trail. Then, about 13 more miles to Gatlinburg....
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was really cold last night. There was frost and for the first time we had lots of moisture in the tent.But today is a beautful day!! We had deer right near us again.And, something really wonderful....I got almost a whole roll of TP from a weekend hiker who was heading home. YAY!   things are definitely looking up Climbing Klingman's Dome wasn't nearly a bad as we had thought it would be. We were there by 1:00, had our bagel, took some pictures, and answered some tourist questions about hiking the AT. People seem to be genuinely interested in the details and mechanics of the hike.We surprised ourselves by skipping the shelter and making it into Gatlinburg - 13 miles! - our best mileage yet.We got to the road about 6:00 and a couple, visiting from Cincinnatti, picked us up and brought us to the Grand Prix Hotel.We immediately saw some familiar faces and arranged to meet them at the Brewery for dinner - everyone was raving about how good their food was - after we'd showered. One of them, (who had eaten there the night before), offered to wait and take us there. Unfortunately, after a long wait for the others, and a not very good $100 dinner, we all realized that he had taken us to the wrong place.We won't name names, but you know who you are.....   We got back late, and strangely, we both had a hard time getting comfortable in the bed and getting to sleep.Long day....
Date: 2005-04-18
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Sunny & hot today. Went to the Happy Hiker to pick up our bounce box and Yang's replacement sleeping bag. Then we took the trolley, where we met a couple visiting from Framingham, MA, to the P.O. and grocery shopping.The important stuff taken care of, we played 'tourist' and visited some of the local shops. Found another bear for the grandbaby And, we found the brewery - on our own. LOLBeer, salad & pizza    Mmmm..An Enjoyable day.
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Another sunny & warm day. Took the shuttle back to the Trail at Newfound Gap.Both of us are feeling good. What a difference having a good breakfast and lunch and stopping several times to rest makes. The Trail was very rocky today with lots of blowdowns. I had to keep taking my pack off to climb under & over downed trees.Took what I think are going to be some great pictures of us on top of the rock at the Charlie's Bunion vista. They should look like we're suspended in midair.We skipped the first shelter since it was only 4 miles after we started, and went to Peck's Corner Shelter. Mama Bear & the kids, Footloose & FancyFree and 7 other hikers were there, so we set up the tent. My shoulders are a little sore. Both of our packs feel very heavy & uncomfortable, probably because we're carrying more food than we ever have before. Plus, I wore a tank top to hike for the first time and the pack straps rubbed a bit.Good day! 8.3 miles - not as many as we thought we'd do, but still good.Going to try to do 13 tomorrow ad then we'll only have to do 6 the next day and we'll be out of the Smokies and in Hot Springs. The Smokies are beautiful, but we can't wait to be able to camp wherever we want again.