morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Hiawassee

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Back on the AT! Both of us know that down the trail sometime we will both kill for one of the Holiday Inn Express's cinnamon buns but on the third morning of eating in Hiawassee (which followed the third evening of eating in Hiawassee) neither one of us put much of a dent in the breakfast buffet. Dropped off the tax stuff at the Post Office, caught a shuttle and were back at Dicks Creek Gap by 9:30 am. ANOTHER beautiful day (partly cloudy, mid 70's?). Especially down at the gaps Spring is coming on fast. Even some greening of tree canopy down there. Trail was a general uphill today but no major climbs and, certainly for Georgia standards, the grade was kind.   Things are looking a little dry these days. We hate to say this as it has been great hiking weather but a good rain or two would really push along the spring wildflowers. (Think that might be coming in the next few days). Nice hiking group today - it's Saturday so both long distance and day hikers - all enjoying the weather. The international appeal of the AT has been apparent - we've met folks from Austria, Canada, France, Australia, and Germany already. And of course a large variety of US states. Crossed into North Carolina just south of this Gap. Wreck actually enjoyed Georgia more this time than in 2015 - less poison ivy out this early in the Spring. We are, however excited to be in "the Blue Devil state"!!! (You can see which one of us has the keyboard now!). First thing tomorrow we go up to 4,700 ft and don't drop below 4,000 ft again until Franklin.   Just witnessed another beautiful sunset and finally had to put on a fleece. Looking forward to hippity hopping up the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Mountain
Miles today: 9.2

On the AT, and in life in general, there are times you're in the right place and times when you aren't. On Easter Sunday morning on the AT, THE place to be is Deep Gap, NC, where for 26 years 1979 thru hiker Jerry "Tarheel" Parker, his sister and brother-in-law "the Cook" and "TAA" and many other great folks have been hosting an Easter breakfast/lunch of legendary portions. "No Pants" happened upon it in 2014 and was amazed. Those of you who followed Wreck' 2015 thru hike journal (all three of you) may remember that it was the Cook and TAA who gave Wreck a magical ride from Newfound Gap into Gatlinburg (and fed him multiple sodas and sausage biscuits). So . . waking up in Bly Gap this morning and knowing he was less than 7 miles from Deep Gap it was a no brainer for Wreck to head to Deep Gap. He got there a little after 11am and wow what a fantastic time. As good as the custom made omelet, homemake baked goods, fresh fruit salad (with great mangos) and all the other super foods were it was even better to visit with all these trail angels. Great folks!!! Jerry was interviewed by No Pants back in 2014 and part of that interview is in his upcoming film "Barbarian Utopia" (You can see some of that interview on Facebook or YouTube using "AT" "No Pants" or "Barbarian Utopia" as search words.)   As good as it was at Deep Gap we both felt ourselves although missing another always great Easter celebration back on Wreck's cousins farm (in sight of the AT) in Maryland. We hope everyone ate extra shad for us!! The weather today was mostly cloudy with a few sprinkles mixed in. While we're up in elevation compared to our Georgia hiking, the flowering seemed a little bit further along (and more abundant). Lots and lots of trout lily today. Abundant ramps too. We've been seeing the effects of all the SE fires last fall. Burned area yesterday coming out of Dicks Creek Gap and today from Deep Gap all the way up to our campsite on top of Standing Indian Mountain. It must have been a really hot fire up the west facing slope of Standing Indian as all the mountain laurel was burned up. At 5,435 ft we're as high as we'll be until we hit the Smokies. Luckily it's not suppose to be too cold tonight but we can definitely feel the nip in the air. Just had two barred owls quarreling over territory seemingly directly over our tent (or maybe they were quarreling about our tent!). What a great symphony to end our day! Happy Easter!!!!
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Standing Indian Mountain

To: 0.3m S Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Didn't get too chilly last night considering our elevation (and the barred owls finally settled their land dispute). Much of today was downhill, a kind grade but the big story had to be the burned out landscape. Of course, the SE fires made a lot of headlines last fall and today we saw the effects first hand ALL day. When we think of Eastern wildfires we think about low intensity ground fires. Much of today we saw the effects of a much more intense blaze. Miles of burned out rhododendron and mountain laurel, major scorching of tree trunk, some already down and, in places 6" of duff burned off the forest floor. It will be interesting to see the recovery over the next decade or so. Trail remained in pretty good shape. We lucked out on the weather. Partly sunny all day. The predicted showers didn't materialize until we had set up camp and dinner was about to be served. Had to eat in the tent as a pretty nice thunderstorm passed over but now the clouds have thinned and we actually had a pretty nice sunset over these Carolina mountains. It's cooled off some after the storm passed so we're hoping for good sleeping.
Date: 2017-04-18
From: 0.3m S Betty Creek Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Off and on showers last night. Woke up to a steady rain about 6:30am. We had the time so decided to wait it out. A little after 8am the rain stopped and we mobilized into action (ha!). At least we began to stir. Packed up a wet tent but, all in all, it could have been much worse. Climbed up Albert Mountain this morning. Rain started again. Wreck, although he had been here only two years ago, couldn't recall anything about the trail up the mountain. Nonetheless Brighty was convinced he was purposely hiding information about the steepness of the trail (it WAS steep). That, plus the weather, put her spirits at a low as we reach the top and found out the fire tower was closed (Wreck knew one of these NC towers was closed but couldn't remember which one). We took a few pictures of the clouds (all you could see) and started down the other side. The north side was much more gentle and, indeed, for the rest of the day the trail was great. The rains stopped by the time we hit Long Branch shelter for lunch. (This has got to be one of the top ten shelters on the trail - or at least close). This afternoon the sun actually came out and Brighty was hiking in shorts and tee shirt and all was well. We left the fire burned forest of yesterday - nice to see healthy rhododendrons again. Got to Rock Gap shelter and, while a nice group there, way too many tents then the site can support. We hiked 0.1 mile to the road and down the road another 0.1 mile to this nice campsite we could see below from the shelter. A couple nice sites. Neighboring site was trashed but since there's a trash can up at the Gap we've picked up a trash bag full to deposit on our way out. Clouds are starting to move in and more rain is predicted tonight. Site looks to drain well and we've battened down the hatches. Tomorrow it's on to Winding Stair Gap and Franklin, NC to resupply!
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stairs Gap
Miles today: 3.8

Light rains last night which, thankfully stopped by morning. Brighty up and heading north before 8 am. She's got a shuttle to Franklin to catch! Wreck following after packing up a wet tent - again. For the first mile or so to Wallace Gap despite the fog, or actually because of the fog, the woods had a Tokien-like feel. First large quantity of white trillium and geraniums in bloom that we've seen. After Wallace Gap it was back to the fire zone and the woods assumed a more Mordor-like appearance. Mordor post Sauron as the streams were flowing nicely and you could tell that life was coming back to the forest floor. Before too long Wreck reunited with Brighty at Winding Stairs Gap and we caught a shuttle into Franklin. Staying at the Budget Inn, modest but clean hiker friendly motel in the heart of Franklin. As was the case yesterday, the sun came out early in the afternoon and the rest of the day was beautiful. Spent the afternoon eating and taking care of logistics for the next leg: Mexican restaurant for lunch, visit to the outdoor store, and Walmart. Also squeezed in a visit to the Scottish Tartans museum and the Lazy Hiker brewing company. We're exhausted. Time to get back on the trail to rest!
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Winding Stairs Gap

To: Wind Spring Mountain
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Not too hot, not too cold last night - oh, we were at the Budget Inn!!! We woke, we packed and off we went to the Kountry Kitchen for breakfast. Back in time for the 9am shuttle. Ron Havens, runs the hostel and Budget Inn in Franklin (and Hiawassee). Not everyone agrees about Ron but we thought his was a great service to the AT community. Back on the trail we climbed out of Winding Stair Gap. Started to see more wildflowers today - white and red trillium, Dutchman's britches, squawroot, trout lily, all in quanity in spots. This morning it was mainly uphill to our lunch spot, 5001 ft Silers Bald. Weather was good, views spectacular. Talked with some nice elder day hikers from Cullowee, NC. - Wreck's rant of the day - yes, Hike your own hike but .... an amazing number of thru hikers never venture 10 ft off the AT. Silers Bald is a good example. 0.2 mile off AT to a near 360 degree incredible view and we know of only one other thruhiker today who climbed up there. We think others would really get more from their hike if they would venture a little broader - especially since it seemed that many of the folks hiking today were a little dispirited. Ah well. - Brighty, on the other hand, had perhaps her best day on the trail zooming through the morning and only slowing for the last bit of trail from Wayah Gap up to this fine campsite on top of Wine Spring Mountain. Got in around 5 pm. could have gone more, but it's a really nice spot so we sat around, had our cheese and crackers, followed by red beans, sausage and rice and finished with a nice chat with a late arriving fellow hiker. We've, hopefully, battened down the hatches in case of an overnight storm. Tomorrow we go over another (couple?) balds down here in southern NC. Looking forward to it!
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Wind Spring Mountain

To: Rocky Bald
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

Light rain last night so wet tent this morning. But also blue skies!!!! Out of camp a little before 9 am. Boy, that was a drumming campsite, grouse that is. Drumming until near sunset last night and starting up again with the sun this morning. First order of business this morning was to climb Wayah Bald (5342 ft). Stone observation tower on top. Unfortunately the wood roof and the directional interpretive signs got torched by the fires last fall. The tower survived in tact. Great, near 360 views from the top. Dropped down to Licklog Gap (now that's a name!) for lunch. As we were getting water just south of Burningtown Gap we heard thunder. Donned raingear but it turned out to be 5 minutes of drizzle. Although hiker traffic was exceptionally light today Wreck hiked ahead the last 4 miles to secure a campsite at Big Branch as this appeared to be the last known site for awhile. Big Branch campsites weren't anything to write home over. One right next to the creek that looked to get soggy quick. Two above the creek not flat at all. Wreck picked the least sloped of the upper sites, set up tent and went back to find Brighty. We ended up going out to Rocky Bald (another of those 0.2 miles spur trails that too few hikers visit) and found a great couple of campsites just down from the top. We decided to relocate (Its Brighty's birthday. She deserves a great campsite.). Wreck went back to get tent and some water. Unfortunately the rains came right before he could make it back. Sat under our Tyvak tent footprint for about an hour of steady rain. Finally, during a lull we were able to get tent up. Then the rain came again. We were just getting ready to cook in the vestibule when the rain stopped. Wreck headed out to cook and enjoy the view. The birthday girl stayed in the tent (dinner in bed?). Skies cleared somewhat and we were able to take take of all the chores. Rain just started again but we're good in the tent. Hoping for some more views in the am but for now, it's bedtime!!!!
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Rocky Bald

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

Rained off and on last night. This morning the sun wanted to poke out from behind the clouds but it took until afternoon to do so. Trail this morning headed down to Tellico Gap and then up to Wesser Bald. Nice views from the observation tower. Stopped for a late nice sunny lunch on the ridge just before heading into the Nantahala Gorge. As in previous days, many sections of trail today ran through burned forest (we talked with a couple locals on Silers Bald who said that all the fires around here were arson started). The highlight of the day, at least for Wreck, was the trail into the Gorge. Trail drops over 2,000 ft and, today, into a much more advanced spring. Light green tree canopy sprouting, lots of wildflowers blooming - false and true Solomon seal, dwarf crested iris, white clintonia, trillium and lots (and lots) more. Highlight though were the flowering Carolina Silverbell trees. The ground was literally white under some of the bigger trees. It was great! Got to the river and the Nantahala Outdoor Center in time to pick up our mail drop (Thanks Liz!) and partake in a hiker feast out front. Bought a few needed supplies (The NOC is a nice outfitters), watched the kayakers playing in the rapids and picked up a shuttle to the Nantahala Cabins where we're spending the night. It's a modest place but we've spread out our wet stuff to dry, showered and are very content - especially as a thunderstorm is upon us and it's raining pretty hard outside right now. This area is actually under a flash flood warning few next couple of days with 4 or more inches of rain predicted. Enough to convince us to "zero" tomorrow. Weather for most of next week looks great though so we hope to make hay (or miles) when the sun starts to shine again!!
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0

We spent a relaxing day doing nothing while it rained outside; it was wonderful! Brighty's poor feet & knees thanked her for giving them a much needed rest. While we dried everything out in our little cabin in the woods, Brighty completed her book that will now be left behind in the NOC Hiker Box when we head out tomorrow. We had dinner at the River's End restaurant at NOC. Wreck had some rice dish that looked like what we eat on the trail. Not Brighty who had a cheese burger & blackberry cobbler a la mode. That is one fun thing about hiking the trail - eating whatever we want and still losing weight.It is still raining cats & dogs! Hope it clears by tomorrow when we continue north!
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.4

Woke up in our little cabin home in the woods and the rain (or most of it) was gone! Got a shuttle back to the Nantahala Outdoor Center for breakfast. Back on the trail by 9:30. The Nantahala River was roaring. First task today was to climb up nearly 3,000 ft out of the Gorge. As we climbed we went back into early Spring. Lots of Sweet White Trillium (T. simile) in the Gorge. Very nice. The north side trail out of the Gorge was undamaged by the fires and a seemingly easier grade then the south side trail. Made it out to the Jumpoff and decided it was perfect spot for lunch. Perfect until it started to sprinkle. Went up to Swim Bald and tried another food break. Started to sprinkle again! We waited this one out and it soon stopped. Coming out of the Gorge we went by a small but absolutely great group of flame azalea. First azaleas we've seen blooming - but not the last! Around 3:30 pm, just south of Sassafras Gap shelter we were told by a south bound section hiker that we were the 68th and 69th northbounder he had passed today. A lot of people heading out of the NOC after the rains! Nice views from Cheoah Bald and then down to this campsite. Nice folks here (one, Tinman from Syracuse, NY), all in bed before dark. It's after 9pm so we guess we'll join them.
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: 0.1 mile N of Yellow Creek Mtn Rd
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, when the rest of the campsite was in their tents by 8pm we knew there was going to be some early risers. Sure enough folks were packing up before sunrise. We were up in time to wish the last two campers "happy trails" but were definitely the last two to leave camp - Brighty at 8:30am and Wreck, after taking down the tent and communing with the trillium at 9am. The trail today contained one killer climb (more on that later) but stayed between 3,000 and 4,000 ft all day. Based on what we had been seeing that was a great elevation for blooming and, indeed, all day the east and north slopes were fantastic. Bunch of different species but the stars had to be the white trillium (both T. grandiforum and simile) the wild geraniums and the yellow trillium. All in quantity and looking up or down a slope the whites, pink/purple, and yellows were super. Okay, to the killer hill. We knew it was coming - we could see it's elevation profile in AWOL's book and he even listed its name, Jacob's Ladder (anytime a climb has a name it's usually tough). Anyhoot, despite being prepared, it kicked our butts. Even Wreck, who usually puts it into extra low and just goes had to stop multiple times on the way up. Only 600 ft elevation change but STEEP!!! Weather today started off foggy (enough to pack a wet tent) and chilly. Finally by afternoon the sun was out and as it sets there is not a cloud in the sky. Right before Brown Fork Gap shelter we found a sunny spot and had a late lunch. It actually felt hot. As has been the case the last couple days, Brighty started off like gangbusters and ran into some right foot "heat" later in the afternoon. We found this nice spot somewhat off the trail around 6pm and it said "stop". So here we are. The last light of the evening is sinking, the barred owls are performing their nearly nightly serenade and the air is cooling quickly. We may both be zipping our sleeping bags up tonight.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: 0.1 mile N of Yellow Creek Mtn Rd

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to a dry tent and deep blue skies. Just a beautiful day. Trail followed the ridge, up to the peaks and down to the gaps until the final downhill to Fontana Lake. As with yesterday flowering on north and east slopes was outstanding, especially as we approached NC28 by the Lake. Got to the marina by lunch so naturally we each had a Coke and large neopolitan ice cream sandwich. Brighty took the opportunity to soak her feet in the Lake. Then it was around the lake, pass the Fontana Hilton, nickname for nice, large TVA shelter near Visitor Center, and to the Dam. We then took a shuttle over to Fontana Village where we're spending the night. Very nice place. We've been in high gear since getting here - showers, laundry, dinner, printing Smokies permits, transferring pictures to flash drive, Wreck glueing his pealing boot sole, and sorting out our food box for our next leg (Thanks Liz!!!!). Tomorrow it's into the Smokies. Current plan is to hike through park bypassing Gatlinburg. Packs are going to be heavy tomorrow (we're thinking 7 nights, 8 days) but we're excited. For now, a real bed is calling.
Date: 2017-04-27
From: Fontana Dam

To: Birch Springs Gap
Miles today: 5.8

Woke to the sound of thunder - ah, but we were in our cozy room at Fontana Village. Nevertheless, we had a decision to make - either zero and stay another night in the lodge or head out. A check of the radar and weather report (love this technology) showed the worst storm activity to be in the morning and early afternoon with clearing later in the day. We decided to hang around the lodge this morning eat breakfast AND lunch there and then head out. Turned out to be a great decision. Lots of rain, sometimes heavy this morning but by the time we hit the trail a little after 2pm it was just clouds and drizzle. Across Fontana Dam and into Great Smoky Mountains National Park we went. We had a 2000 ft+ climb up to the Shuckstack Fire Tower. The clouds and drizzle actually made the climb easier. Gradually we could tell it was trying to clear and just before reaching the fire tower, here comes some patches of blue sky. We got lucky and the views from the top of the tower were quite nice. Great section of Catesby Trilliums just before the tower as well. From Shuckstack to Birch Springs Gap, the trillium (white, yellow, and Catesby) and wild geraniums were fantastic. Up and down the slopes, large patches of color. Got here a little after 6pm and only a couple of folks here. This is a really pretty campsite - we're surrounded by white trillium and a pretty creek runs right through the camping area. More people coming in - it's nearly dark - but it's quiet and the sites are quite secluded. (We thinking things will be much different camping near or staying in the shelters for the rest of the Smokies). For now, we're going to enjoy the peace!
Date: 2017-04-28
From: Birch Springs Gap

To: Spence Field shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Up to blue skies at our beautiful, little, and quiet campsite. Yes the AT is busy down here but there are vacuums and we're in one. Didn't see anyone else on the trail all yesterday. Today's hike took us up to the main crest of the Smokies. This morning was a tale of two directions. To the east was a sea of clouds below around 3,000 ft with the larger peaks all sticking above the clouds. To the west was the main crest and nothing but blue skies. Stopped for a snack at Ekaneetlee Gap. Wreck remembers fondly some Ekaneetlee "trail" adventures with Pothole many years ago. Then we climbed up to Mollies Ridge for lunch, up and down to Russell Field and up to Spence Field and this fine shelter. Along the main crest we had sections where white fringed phacelia and/or bluets literally lined the trail. Coming up to Spence Field we passed a great population of trout lily. (Some beautiful red trillium earlier in the day). Weather was great all day and Brighty may have had her strongest day on the trail. Only three others so far at the shelter so we're still in the vacuum. We're not complaining.
Date: 2017-04-29
From: Spence Field shelter

To: Silers Bald shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

A relatively warm night in the shelter. Only five of us there so quiet too. Up and after a breakfast of oatmeal (Brighty) and grits (Wreck) it was up to Rocky Top, TN!!!!  Nice views but Wreck was dismayed that while we were up there six folks went by - none knew (before informed) that they were on Rocky Top and four had no knowledge of the song. We write it off as ignorant Yankees. Had lunch on a sunny grassy spot north of Thunderhead Mountain. It was tough to find a  lunch spot for awhile as trail was lined with Spring beauties and trout lilies. Got to Derricks Knob after 2:30pm and with nearly six miles to go we knew we would have to hoof it. Wreck took off, got to shelter and became a southbounder back to Brighty to lighten her load. Got here a little before 7pm and shelter was full. We're one of three tents set up near shelter. Had beautiful sunset, nice dinner and tucked in sleeping bags now. Wind is howling but we've battened down the hatches and hopefully we don't blow off this mountain!!!