morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Rock Gap, NC

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

I started early on the Trail and was treated to a beautiful sunrise. I knew it was going to be a short day, and that gave me the energy to make the climb up, before the trail levelled off for a while, and then began to descend into Winding Stair Gap.The water was flowing in the streams so that cascades were evident. Amazing what a change some rain can bring. Other than the birds singing this morning, the forest was silent, except for the whisper of my footsteps on the trail. It was very soothing, and allows a person to do a lot of thinking. I started to think about all of the person hours that went into building the AT in the first place, and then all of the hours that are spent reconstructing and maintaining it for hikers each year. Thank you, thank you to all past and present who volunteer their time to keep the trail in such good shape.Before I knew it, I could hear the semis braking at Winding Stair Gap, and the 1.5 mile descent began. It always surprises me how far away you can hear traffic before actually getting to the road.Tagalong had left me a message on my phone that he was taking some hikers into Franklin and would be back at the Gap soon. He was back before I arrived at Winding Stair. As an added bonus - Trail Magic just before I got off the trail - fresh oranges - thank you Trail Angel!Now I will have a couple of zero days before I start the Smokies. I expect that phone signal will be pretty sparse, so do not panic if you do not see updates for about a week.Another milestone today - 166.1 miles complete! It is a good feeling.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Just an enjoyable ZERO day today. Forecast looks to be stormy and rainy for the next 3 days - should be interesting! Tagalong and I are staying at Fontana Lodge tonight. It is a wonderful place. And they have a hiker rate which was fantastic. We went to the lower part of the dam today and saw some waterfalls. Other than that, just resting up for the Smokies. We met Corona Sam and Utah Sherpa here today, and I will be hiking with them in the Smokies. Let's hope I can get up Shuckstack Mtn tomorrow!
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hmmmm...Shuckstack Mountain was tough! But I made it to my destination at Russell Field Shelter. I was so happy to make it up to the fire tower, but decided not to climb it as the scaffolding was missing in parts. I leapfrogged with four other young hikers throughout the day. Walked through lots of fields of wildflowers today - really pretty. It was a day of lots of ups and downs (1iterally). I coasted into Mollies Ridge Shelter around noon and rested for awhile and filtered some water. Drank a lot of water today with these uphill climbs. I have been having some trouble with my backpack. Another hiker readjusted it for me a couple of times, but it keeps shipping, so when I get to a town, I need to have an outfitter look it over. It was another 3 miles to the next shelter, so got back on the Trail. Have to wonder WHY you have to climb up to get to most of these shelters! By the time I arrived at Russell Field, I was done for the way, in more ways than one. Corona Sam and Utah Sherpa rolled in about an hour after I did. Met Valerie and her family (A Team) and had a good chat with them before they moved on to the next shelter. We had visitors on horseback - a family of three who were camping and riding in the Smokies. And I notived a cap with the Big D on it (Detroit Tigers) on a hiking stick in the shelter. I asked who that belonged to and one of the Scout leaders said it was his - his troop was camping there and they were from Rochester, MI!! So, needless to say, we had a great chat when I told them that I was also from Michigan.I arrived there just before the first rain (whew!) and decided to take a nap in the shelter. Well, about 4 I nearly jumped off my air mattress when the BIG storm hit - lots of rain, hail, lightning and thunder. We soon had hikers running down the trail to get to the shelter. In the end, it was an over-full house, with 3 hikers sleeping on the dirt floor of the shelter just to get out of the weather. But, at least everyone was off the trail and safe and sound.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out of the shelter this morning at 7:30 in an effort to beat some of the heat. The mornings are usually cool, but by noon it really warms up. The terrain today was up, up, and up, with a few big drops in between. Corona Sam was the first on the trail this morning, and I was about 1/2 hour behind him.I hiked by myself for several hours. The blazes were few and far between to the point that there were times I was curious if I was still on the AT or not. It was one tough climb up to Rocky Top but the views were worth it. The climb up there seemed to go on forever. I would finally reach an area that I thought was Rocky Top, only to find out that there was still more to climb! This happened several times. I Finally caught up with Corona after Thunderhead Mountain where there was a spring for water resupply. By the time I was done filtering mine, he was gone and back on the trail.Soon after that stop, Utah Sherpa caught up with me (because I was really slowing down at this point). We hiked together for a couple of miles, but then I just ran out of gas. I told him to go on ahead and I would catch up with him eventually. That last climb into Derrick Knob Shelter was a doozy. I could barely even lift my legs to take another step, and the incline was very steep. I was never so glad to see a shelter in my life! I gasped into the shelter, threw off my pack, and collapsed on the bench.I was supposed to do another 5.5 milews to Silers Bald Shelter, and I debated whether to rest and start up again, but in the end, decided that I just didn't have it in me and I needed to rest. Some days are like that out here. So, Corona adn Sherpa moved on and I stayed with the A Team at the shelter. We had a great time visiting throughout the afternoon and evening. Before we knew it the shelter was packed, and more hikers were coming in from the trail plus a Boy Scout Troop from Marietta, GA. We had about 35 residents for the night, between shelter, hammocks, and tents. It rained again twice during the night, but no storms.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 10.3

After hitting the Trail this morning, I soon decided that it was a good decision yesterday to stay put and not push on. It was a lot of up, up, and more up.Saw some wildlife on the trail today - a snail and a turkey trotting down the Trail in front of me - too funny! The bad part was that it was a lot faster than I was - heh!After some nice hiking through a forest, the trail turned a steep uphill again, and I finally made it to Silers Bald Shelter. Only hung around to sign the register and moved on. I was going into Gatlinburg today with Tagalong, so that was all the prodding I needed to keep on movin'. About an hour later I was at Double Spring Gap Shelter for lunch. And, it had a privy! Now, you know I am getting desperate when I am looking forward to a privy, but after two days without one and sitting on a log, a privy looks really good!The sky was darkening quickly so I got back on the Trail and started UP once again - more better than 2 1/2 miles. I was headed to the Dome where Tagalong was to meet me. Clingman's Dome is the highest point on the AT at better than 6600 feet in elevation.In addition, the trail was really wet and mucky today after all of the rain. The muck just sucked your boots down into it. Some of the trek up was large rocks and boulders and they sure were slippery today. Soon, the thunder began to roll and it started to rain. Now....what to do......put on one's rain gear, which requires stopping to get it out of the pack....or keep on hiking to get out of this before the lightning began. I chose the latter. I still had my wind jacket on so that protected me from the rain some. I just wanted to get to Clingman's Dome and get out of the weather. Slipped a few times on the rocks and in the mud, but managed to stay upright. I finally got to the Dome and out to the parking lot. And, the sun was shining, but the air was really close. Guess what - no Tagalong!So I struggled to find service and finally was able to get through to him. He had misunderstood me the night before when I used another hiker's phone that had service to all him. He was at Newfound Gap, not Clingman's Dome!! About twenty minutes away. I finally got him to understand that I was at the Dome and to come and pick me up, because I surely was not walking on the Newfound Gap today!I did get picked up by him and we are now settled in, in Gatlinburg for the night. I feel like a new person after washing off 3 days of grime, and then going to the pool and hot tub. After a buffet dinner, I am now happy again and ready to face another day!A storm did hit about 2 hours after I left the Trail today, with lots of lightning. Hoping that my hiking buddies that were moving on to Mt. Collins Shelter made it there safely!
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Clingman's Dome

To: Newfound Gap, TN
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the trail at 11 this morning, so had a leisurely breakfast and a nap BEFORE I returned to the AT - heh! The .6 mile uphill climb to Clingman's Dome sure got the blood pumping.The trail descended around 900 feet and circled around the Dome. It was nothing but rocks, water, and muck - oh, did I forget to mention slippery roots as well? Around 1:30 I stopped for a break and a snack. There was a notched out log next to the trail and it made a perfect seat. I enjoyed the tranquility there for awhile and then it was on to Mingus Ridge. Within this area, there are two wild hog containment bridges to keep those animals out of the protected area where there is a species of beech that is unique to the Southern Appalachians. Protected area also had fields of wildflowers - very pretty.After Mingus Ridge, the trail finally levelled out nicely and I could move a lot faster. Soon I was at Newfound Gap where Tagalong was waiting for me. I have now completed 206.8 miles of the AT - woohoo!! While it is a minute portion of the Trail, to me it is a real sense of accomplishment.We gave Tyvek a ride into Gatlinburg and then I went to the outfitter to have my pack looked at. They were great at the NOC outfitters, straightened out my frame, shortened the torso bar, and readjusted the straps. I had emptied the pack, so they told me to load it and bring it in tomorrow and they will make adjustments for my return to the Trail. Thank you Aaron!!We are going to zero in Pigeon Forge over the weekend so I can rest a little, and we can go to church on Easter. Found a church just a couple of miles from our hotel.Happy Easter to all, and once again, thanks for the notes, posts, and emails!!
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Newfound Gap, TN

To: Gatliinburg, TN 
Miles today: 0.0

We went back to the outfitter with my full pack today, but the frame was bent again.   So I had to invest in a new. Pack. - a jade 50 Gregory.   It is really nice, and fits all of my gear with room left over. It will take a couple of days to adjust to the new fit. Plus, Aaron gave me a great deal on it. Zeroing and resting!
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Gatliinburg 

To: Pigeon forge, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Another zero day today. I think I might forget how to hike - haha! It has been nice here.After church and breakfast this morning, we decided to explore a little. We went east on Highway 339 and happened upon a beautiful restored wooden bridge -Harrisburg Covered Bridge. It was originally built in 1875 and was restored later, being completed in 2005. a nice find!We continued on into Jones Cove and the foothills of the Smokies. All of the trees are leafing out now and others are in bloom - just breathtaking. As I gazed up at those mountains, it was a little overwhelming to think that have actually hiked over a few of them.Headed north again in the morning! It's a great day!
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

The temperature was only 40 at Newfound Gap when I hit the Trail this morning. I had to get moving just to stay warm! Soon, I had arrived at the first shelter of the day - Icewater Springs. There were a few hikers still at the shelter. I was told that they had all witnessed a beautiful sunrise that morning. After a quick break, I moved on.Soon, I was at Charlie's Bunion. I decided to take the loop trail up to the actual location and was not disappointed. The views were outstanding. Soon, I returned to the At where I happened upon Easy Does It. He had rolled his ankle again and was resting it for a bit. He said he would be OK, so I headed on down the trail. There were a number of spectacular views on the trail today. Each and every day, there are more signs of Spring. It is interesting as I feel I am following Spring north. There were quite a few ups and downs today, but all manageable. They were just steady, which was nice.On the last up, I stopped for a break. Another hiker who had hiked through in '09 came by and said he believed that the shelter was just a short distance ahead. Where have I heard that before????? Well, I decided to pack up, and as I was putting on my backpack he hollered to me from up the trail - "here it is!". So, it was only about .2 miles to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, where I spent the night. The shelter was packed - fits 12 and I think we squeezed in 16, plus there were at least 6-7 tents outside.After a hot dinner of Cheddar Broccoli Rice, I filtered water for tomorrow, and called it a day. Hiker midnight was 6:30 PM for me! I was beat.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Just Short of Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Three times and you're out! I have typed this entry twice and twice I have accidentally hit some key that has wiped it out. GRRRRRR!!The morning started out COLDDDDD! My thermometer registered 29 so I was up and packed up early and on the Trail a little after 7. I had to get moving just to try and stay warm. Even with gloves on, my fingers got frostbitten. The wind was a force to be reckoned with as well, and I was nearly blown off a peak on the first ascent this morning.The views were amazing due to the crisp, cold morning, but there was no time to dawdle - again, had to move to stay warm. I totally missed the plane wreckage after Yellow Creek Gap, as did another hiker. I guess my mind was on the next gap, where the Snake Den Ridge Trail forked off - those of you who know me well, know that I certainly did not want to take the wrong fork there - heh! The descents were very rocky, for the most part, so one really had to watch one's step. After a 6-mile descent, I rolled into Cosby Knob Shelter around 10:45. This particular shelter has an idyllic setting - it is nestled in a lush, green valley. Very pretty. I wished I had been able to hike on yesterday in order to stay here. I chatted here with Louis from England, and got cell service so I called Tagalong to let him know I was hiking out of the Smokies today to meet him. He offered to meet me at the first road crossing (TN 32) so that I could switch out my full pack for a slack pack for the remaining two miles or so. Such a sweetheart - he has made this venture much more doable!When I arrived at Davenport Gap. he was delivering Trail Magic to some other hikers in the form of water. Little did they or I know, but in the next half mile would be a wonderful stream.I switched out packs and he agreed to meet me after I-40. The next two miles or so went quickly, and I enjoyed the waterfall oasis and crossing the stream a number times. It was a wonderful closure to a long day. The wildflowers were abundant in this new lush greenery - beautiful whites and shades of purple. Then I was at I-40 and had to snap my own photo as Tagalong had moved on to the next cross road.The best part was that there I met up again with Valerie and her A Team. It was great to chat with them again, and I look forward to hiking with them in the coming days. Vitamin I tonight - I am sore all over! Tomorrow is up in the air! I am officially out of the Smokies!
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Just Short of Standing Bear Farm

To: Max Patch Rd SR 1182
Miles today: 12.8

Had to hike with my down jacket most of the day due to the cold and wind.   I decided to hike from north to south due to the terrain and it worked well. I began at Max Patch Rd and hiked back to just south of Standing Bear Farm.   Passed quite a few hikers heading north.   Stopped and chatted with Little Engine. For a bit. It was a 1000 ft climb to Snowbird Mountain but worth every step. It is a grassy bald with an FAA tower that looks like a spaceship!   Will add pics in a couple of days. I had lunch up there with Valerie and the A Team.From there it was a 5 mile hike down the mountain. Lots of new types of wildflowers on the way down. New colors -red, yellow and orange! It was a fairly steep descent. So my feet will be happy with the overnight rest.It was a great day on the AT today!
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Max Patch Rd SR 1182

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 0.7

Shortest Day Yet! A NERO, no....almost a ZERO. I awoke this morning and when I went to stand up, had a sharp pain in my right knee every time I put weight on my leg.So I decided to take a test run at hiking. It was 25 when we woke up this morning, and it was cold. After some oatmeal and a cup of hot tea, I geared up and headed up to Max Patch. Mind you, I had 4 layers on my upper body, 2 on the lower, 3 on my head, and I was still cold! At the summit, the temp was 23 with winds around 15mph - not sure what that made the wind chill, but I am sure it was in the teens. All I know is, it was DARN cold!On the way up my knee would hurt every time I had to take a high step. So, I had told Tagalong not to leave me, and wait for at least an hour, to see if I came back. After sending off a GPS message from the summit, I started back down to meet him. It seemed like it took forever, as each step was painful. So it became a nearly ZERO day.We went down the mountain through some lovely backroads to Hot Springs, NC and had a second breakfast at Smoky Mountain Diner - excellent. Nothing like town food after a life of trail food. From there, we went to the Hot Springs Resort and Spa to see if there was a room available for tonight and there was. While there, I also made a 2-hour reservation in the mineral springs. Looking for some medicinal healing!After doing the laundry, we went for our soak. The knee did feel a little better, but not totally OK. So I went to the clinic to have it looked at, but the docs are all on vacation this week - heh! Moved on to the store, and purchased a knee brace. It seems to feel much better with that on. I will evaluate in the morning whether or not to get back on the trail tomorrow. I have almost 20 miles to do to get into Hot Springs, so the knee has to be okay.Strange thing was that it did not hurt at all last night. Trying to recall what might have happened, I remember that once in that 3000 ft descent yesterday, that I was nearly on a run down the mountain due to the incline, and the trail made a sharp left. I recall stepping on a root in the turn, and sort of twisting my leg - I think that is what may have done it. Oh well, teach me to flipflop and head south instead of north!Hopefully, I will be back on the trail in the morning!
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Max Patch

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: scattered clouds

What a beautiful hiking day - perfect temp to start out and a blue skies and sun day.My knee felt fine when I woke up this morning. I wore the brace anyway as I knew I was going to try to do some big miles. We drove up to Max Patch - what a difference a day can make. This morning it was 42 degrees with no wind, so I opted just to take my wind jacket, which worked out great.It was a pastoral hike down off of Max Patch with grassy lands and split rail fencing. Soon I could hear water cascading down the mountain and I was passing Roaring Fork Shelter. These waters could be heard as I hiked the ridgeline for at least another mile and a half - so calming. I hiked by myself for most of the day, and the birds were singing and flowers blooming everyhwere. There were many stream crossings today as well.Stopped at Walnut Mountain Shelter for a lunch break and ran into Hash Brown there. We chatted for awhile and then we both moved on. We had a big climb up Bluff Mountain. I think I figured out why it is named so - every time I thought I had reached the summit, the trail took a turn only to present me with yet another climb! FINALLY, it made it to the top, and it was a relief - it was a long time coming. On the descent, a deer bounded down the mountain behind me and crossed the trail. I stopped, and we both stared at one another for about five minutes. Its ears were flicking as well as its tail. Of course, when I went to grab my camera, it took off. Oh well, the experience was priceless.It was a number of miles on the descent, again crossing more streams and springs, as well as old roadbeds. The time and miles flew by and soon I was at Garenflo Gap where Tagalong was waiting for me with a surprise - lunch! He had made chicken flavored rice. So, I had a second lunch. That's the great thing about the trail, you can eat all you want, and you still lose weight!!! After staying with him for about 20 minutes or so, I took back to the trail headed for Hot Springs. It was another 6.6 miles to town from there.The hike into Hot Springs had a few surprises - uphill climbs! I was not expecting those, but I made it up and over those mountains, and soon met Tagalong again by the Laughing Heart Hostel. I decided to hike on from there into Hot Springs proper, through town, over the French Broad River, and to the beginning of the Lover's Leap Trail. I figure in the morning, I can start up to Lover's Leap.Camping at the Hot Springs Campground tonight - our lot is right across from the A Team - yes!! Sleep will come early tonight after this big day, but my knee held up and I am feeling fine!! Sometimes, a zero does one good!