morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.0

At 9 miles I finished Georgia ¢ my first state! Felt great and proud. Then Bam! Welcome to North Carolina and perhaps the toughest climb yet! Really? After 9 miles you start the hard stuff? Whose brilliant idea was that? Not mine! Well, you can probably guess that I am wiped out and you're right. But I am going to see Karen on Thursday if I keep this pace. So, off to bed so I can make it.
Date: 2012-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.0

What a day!  The mileage wasn't too bad, but at about 8 miles the skies opened up.  I got bonked on the head with HAIL. Then it poured, but I went on. After all, it was 3 miles back to a shelter and 4 miles ahead to the next one.  Then it let up. Then round 2; more hail and a downpour that I had to wait out. Part way through 3 other hikers showed up and we huddled together under a tarp (the rain fly to my tent).  Finally the rain subsided and we headed out to finish the last 3 miles.  With wet feet we trudged up the wet trail.  At one spot a nice little stream, now a raging river, had washed out the crossing.  I didn't like that part at all. We eventually made the shelter, set up, and ate.  The dance with the beast continues...
Date: 2012-04-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.0

Bear bagging. In order to protect your food from bears, you put it in a bag and hang it in the air. About 10 feet high and 8 feet from any branch  a bear can get to. This is bear bagging.  In Georgia, all of the shelters already have this set up for you. In North Carolina you have to do it for yourself. I was a little bit nervous because I have never done this before and the YouTube videos are scary. Apparently, throwing one end of a rope over a suitable branch can take some number of tries.  However, it turns out that I am pretty good at it.  All that baseball coaching now comes in handy as I can pretty much throw a rock where I want it to go.  Thanks boys!
Date: 2012-04-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.0

Met Karen in Franklin today. She is going to guest journal the rest of this entry.Well, 2 big blister band aids, a foot rub, pizza, a hot shower, a good razor, LOTS of soap, and a big hug later - Bob is doing really well!!   It was great to spend the day with him! It is really beautiful here, the mountain scenery is just amazing! I'm not a hiker, but I can certainly see why he loves it. He's doing great, and I'm so very proud of him! Can't wait to see him in another town...he gets a healing day off from hiking, and I get a much needed hug from my man!
Date: 2012-04-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0

Happy Easter to everyone!  Took some extra time off, but am back on the trail today.  Saw two of the NC "balds" today. Don't really know how they formed or why, but they are like meadows at 5,000 feet!  Since we are not above tree line, the absence of trees seems strange. It is colder today (expected lows are in the high 20's). It is forecasted to be that way all week.  No problem though,  my gear will keep me warm.This evening I helped a guy who was feeling dehydrated and exhausted.  It felt good to be able to help and by dark he was feeling much better.
Date: 2012-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

Long day, but I am not as tired as I expected to be.  Hopefully that is a good sign since 15 miles a day is a five-month hike.  The morning will tell.  I walked most of the day with Chez11. He is a 20-year-old British guy from Liverpool, England. I doubt I will be able to keep up with him much longer, but we are going to have breakfast tomorrow at the NOC.  he is there tonight, pigging out.  But he assures me he will be ready to eat again in the morning when I arrive.  Looking forward to it.
Date: 2012-04-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.0

Broke camp early and headed for the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center). Ate a great breakfast with Turtle and T-Bo; three eggs, bacon, home fries, a biscuit and two orange juices.  then second breakfast; a cup of coffee and a short stack of French toast.  Then I met up with Chez11 and we resupplied (which included a Klondike bar).  Then back to the restaurant for lunch; a large salad with blackened chicken and three glasses of pink lemonade.  Wish I could eat like this all the time, but I am enjoying it for now.  So now it is 1 PM and Chez11 and I hit the trail to make the next shelter by nighttime. By the way, there's lots to do at the NOC besides eating.
Date: 2012-04-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

COLD.  It was one of those "I don't want to get out of the sleeping bag" cold mornings.  I was still cold when I started hiking (wearing my undershirt, shirt, vest, winter hat, baseball cap, and gloves). In fact, my fingers hurt inside the gloves, even though by now my torso was sweating. And remember Mom saying not to wipe your runny nose on your sleeve... Sorry Mom!  Of course, it was a cold wind that blew all day long; just enough so you never get warm.  It is supposed to be cold again tonight, but then start to warm up tomorrow. Let's hope so. This is mid April in NC, after all!
Date: 2012-04-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.0

Got to Fontana dam today. Stayed in a cabin at the Fontana Village resort with Chez11. Ate, re-supplied, showered, did laundry, etc.  Met up with Red Wolf, Funny Bone, Poco and Alex.  Don't care for the resort too much; the people are nice and the food is ok, but the price is high, they had to fix our hot water, the store didn't have the food I wanted and my trail journal website was not accessible.  Looking forward to seeing the dam tomorrow when we cross it to continue the hike.
Date: 2012-04-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.0

Chez11 and I had breakfast and then left the Fontana Resort.  We left Red Wolf (it was great to see him again; I hadn't seen him since before Franklin), Poco, Alex and Funny Bone behind.  First up was the Fontana Dam.  I had never seen a dam that close up before.  It was cool!  After the dam, we entered the Smokies (Great Smokey Mountains National Park) where I saw my first deer.  I also got to see a wild hog at the shelter.
Date: 2012-04-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.0

Great scenery today.  The mountain vistas were incredible.  Tough hike though; the last 6 miles were killer.  Chez11 went on today, I may never catch up with him again.  Met Hill Hiker, a retired man from Arkansas. We talked a bit and are likely to be together for at least a few more days.  Staying in a shelter again tonight (have to in the Smokies). I didn't really care for it last night, I prefer my tent.
Date: 2012-04-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 5.0

Hiked the 5 miles to  Newfound Gap. Then got a ride to Gatlinburg Tennessee.  Staying at the Grand Prix motel. Got new insoles for my boots; hope they help my feet.  Did all the other things one does when in town (shower, laundry, etc.), and now I am resting.  Will go back to the trail tomorrow but for tonight, rest and food.
Date: 2012-04-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

Today was great!  The dance with the beast was more of a race against the weather!  I couldn't get on the trail until 11:00 and it was forecast to rain. Made the first shelter and decided to go on. The next seven miles were up and down along a 5,000 ft. ridge.  The weather was coming up the valley, and each time I looked it was coming closer. Finally, the weather crested the ridge and it was time.  I have been moving as fast as possible for over three hours, but now I need overdrive.  It starts to rain a little off and on. Got to move faster. I finally make the shelter and run to get water. And then the skies open up, but I am all done.  Then the thunder booms and more rain, but I am in the shelter.  Great race!  Great dance!
Date: 2012-04-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.0

What a difference a day makes.  It poured all night and into the morning, and I was determined not to hike in the rain.  But around 11 AM the rain stopped, so I hit the trail.  After 5 miles I made the first shelter.  I was only a little damp, and so decided to push on.  After a mile or so more it started to drizzle.  Just enough to soak my pants.  I spent the last 7 miles cold, wet, shivering and hurrying to the next shelter.  It was not great. What a difference a day makes!  So goes the dance.
Date: 2012-04-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.0

Made it to Hot Springs today. In fact I also had my first 10 x 12 (10 miles by noon) day.  I was again racing against the weather forecast and so left camp very early and moved fast. I made it to Hot springs shortly after noon, saw the Smoky Mountain Diner, stopped for a boatload of food (there's a surprise). Next, I managed to get a room at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. This is an absolutely great place!  Not fancy, but tons of old world charm. It is a big old victorian house, and I share a room with another hiker.  There are probably 8 or 9 rooms and probably never more than a dozen guests. It feels like being in a home.  It also seems to be geared towards hikers, but that may just be the time of year.
Date: 2012-04-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0

Against my better judgment I left Hot Springs today.  People in town were talking about how it had snowed  last night and may again tonight.  But, the longer you stay in town the harder it is to leave.  So, I left the warmth and comfort of Hot Springs and began hiking again.  It was nice enough out, but the wind was very cold and blowing constantly. A couple of times it almost blew me off the trail.  When a strong, cold wind hits the sweat from your body it can be amazingly uncomfortable. I am hoping that I look back on this day with fonder memories once it finally warms up.  For now though, it was just a really cold, miserable day. Please don't snow tonight!
Date: 2012-04-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

As of today I have been hiking for 1 month. Here are my observations:1) I don't know if I will make it that much further.  The weather is cold and I am not enjoying it.  I will try to wait until it warms up before I decide.2) I now project that I will summit Mt. Katahdin on 9/30.  Hopefully I can get there sooner.3) Georgia was a beautiful state (and warm).4) I have not enjoyed NC so much. It is beautiful, but the weather has been cold and wet.  Just about everyone is suffering, so I believe it is part of the "experience".5) The Smokies are also beautiful, but there are too many rules.  I was glad to get out of the Smokies.6) I am  grateful for all of the interesting people I have met.
Date: 2012-04-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

Today was the first pleasant hiking day in about a week. It did rain, but it finished before I got up. The day was warmish, there was no cold wind, and there was no rain, snow, sleet or hail. I needed a day like today, and by the talk around the shelter, so did everybody else.  It is thundering and raining a bit now, but I am done for the night and in my tent.  So who cares (please keep me dry, tent)?
Date: 2012-04-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

Worst day of hiking in my life!  First a thunderstorm in the morning that caught me packing up and soaked me. It blew over 3-4 trees at the shelter, and delayed my start until about 11:30.  Then the last 3 miles - cold driving rain, sleet , and hail.  The trail was pure mud causing me to slip, fall (I banged up one knee), and worst of all go slow.  So, more time in the weather!  I am trying to keep this journal clean or I would tell you what I really think.
Date: 2012-04-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0

Slept (sort of) in the shelter last night.  Got up early and booked it. I really wanted to get to town. Had my second 10 by 12 day and kept going. I got into Erwin, TN around 3:00 PM with 3 packets of instant oatmeal and 1 serving of quinoa left for food.  I guess I cut it too close because I was very hungry and thirsty when I came into town.  Within 100 yards of getting into town is "Uncle Johnny's", a hostel and outfitter. I drank apple juice, Gatorade, Coke and ate some cliff bars and then began to feel human again.  Next, off to the town chores...
Date: 2012-04-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.0

A day in town.The first thing is to get to the hotel where I am staying. This is usually pretty easy, but took over 2 hours yesterday. Next is the shower, make mine a double. When I am finally clean, it is time to find the laundromat and something to eat nearby. There are no taxis in Erwin, so I walk the couple miles to the laundromat.  The funny thing is that I have NO clean clothes, so I wear rain pants, a down vest and my crocs.  now, it's warm in Erwin, TN so I look like a crazy, old, homeless guy.  What can you do?  While the laundry washes I go to eat (2 footlong subs at Subway).  Then back for the dryer cycle. Then back to the hotel feeling a whole lot happier.  Make some calls, clean some gear, charge the electronics, and go to bed (it is about 11:00 PM now).  In the morning there is another shower, breakfast, pack the backpack and check out.  The fun part was an all you can eat pizza lunch with a few other hikers, then to the stores to buy enough food until the next town.  Then, almost exactly 24 hours after arriving, I leave Erwin to continue the hike at 3:00PM.
Date: 2012-04-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0

MFor those of you who may have grown concerned and anyone in a pool - I'm back!  Today was a perfect hiking day!  It was not cold nor was it hot; it was just right.  There was very little wind, but it was just right too.  And there was a pine forest that was a little slice of heaven. It smelled amazing and lasted for a mile or two. It reminded me why I like to hike.  We all still talk about the rough weather, but the last two days have been great; especially today.
Date: 2012-04-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

Today started out beautiful.  I spent a great night at my first campsite (not at a shelter).  It was an old apple orchard and there were only two of us there. I slept late and didn't break camp until 10:00 AM.  I hiked slowly figuring that I only had to go 13 miles today.  I also took some fairly long breaks. So, about 4:30 PM I am about 6,000 ft high on the side of Mt. Roan and the thunder and lightning start. Fortunately, I am already at another campsite getting water.  My dad taught me that the rules change at this elevation and you should never play games.  So I race back to the campsite and pitch my tent. Just in time as it starts to thunder, lightning, rain and hail (the size of quarters).  But, I am in my tent and it holds.  The lightning and thunder gets really intense and I have to cover my ears.  Finally, after an hour and a half the storm seems to have passed.  However, now the water has flown down the trail and a mudslide/river has hit the campsite.  Now there is a lot of water and mud flowing under the tent, but not in it (at least not yet).  I am dry and have hopefully dodged this bullet, but now I have to go fix the flood.  6:30 update; apparently this is not a natural campsite. It is where the mud runs off the trail in a storm. The storm let up and we moved our tents out of the water. Just in time too as another round of storms has just begun (lightning, thunder, rain and hail).  Hope the tent continues to hold, these are nasty storms.
Date: 2012-05-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

Stubborn belly fat doesn't stand a chance against a long distance hike. I, and most of the guys I have spoken to, are losing about one half pound a day.  I have already lost about 20 lbs.  I have started to understand the craving for calories; I now thoroughly  enjoy Pop Tarts, little candy bars, and hard candies multiple times each day.  And I still lose weight.  This is great!  I can literally eat whatever I want to in whatever quantities I can carry (there's the hitch).  I remember being told about Snickers bars dipped in peanut butter and thinking that sounded disgusting.  Now, it sounds delicious.  I can't wait to try it.  If anyone has suggestions on healthy, high caloric foods please tell me in the guest book, I would like to try anything.  While I think I have a pretty good understanding of diet and nutrition in the regular world, the hiker world is totally confusing.  Eating 4.000 to 5,000 calories each and every day is a daunting task, especially given that I have to carry many days worth of food.  Please send along any ideas you have.  Thanks!
Date: 2012-05-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.0

Today I passed the 400 mile mark.  That is just shy of 20% of the trail which makes it seem insignificant.  I suppose it is when you look at it from that perspective.  From another perspective it is just getting up each morning and walking all day.  But, I can tell you from experience that 400 miles is a long, tough hike.  I think I am going to go with that; I have done a long, tough hike already and I plan to do 4 more in a row just like it.  Except, of course, I plan to go faster...
Date: 2012-05-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

Great night / day.  First I spent the night at the Black Bear Resort near Hampton, TN.  I was able to shower (1st in 6 days / 74 miles), wash laundry, and resupply all at the resort.  The owners were really nice, friendly people and the cabin was very comfortable. I would love to go back there sometime.  Sorry, forgot to take a picture to share.  At the beginning of the hike there was a great waterfall.  Near the end of the hike was beautiful Lake Watauga. I sat there for over an hour watching the swimmers, soaking up the sunshine, and talking with my honey on the phone. All in all, a pretty awesome day!
Date: 2012-05-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0

It started to rain about 5:00AM this morning. There were enough breaks that I was able to eat and pack up my gear. But then it really started raining.  We all hung out in the shelter until about 10:00AM when the storm finished.  Then I hiked until 5:00PM when the afternoon storms started.  I happened to be at a campsite again when the storm started so I decided to pitch the tent and stay.  I made sure that I wasn't set up in the middle of a river again and scurried into the tent. I am basically dry and happy.  The actual hiking part of the day was nice. The hike began by crossing the Lake Watauga Dam.  Up in the mountains the rhododendrons  are starting to blossom and are pretty.
Date: 2012-05-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.0

My longest day yet.  It took about 9 hours in total, but that included a few long breaks.  The terrain wasn't too tough, so that helped as well.  And there were no afternoon storms.  I thought about going further so that I could record my first 20 mile day, but then I realized that would just be showing off, so I didn't bother. Also my feet hurt a bit... Tomorrow I will make it to Virginia and Damascus. I am exited to make Virginia. People say I will also be glad to be done with Virginia, and they are probably right, but for now I am happy to get there.
Date: 2012-05-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

I did my third 10 by 12 and made it to Damascus by about 11:30.  Apparently I can really move fast to get into a town.  I think it is a combination of a much lighter pack, the prospect of a hot shower, and town food.  Anyway, Damascus is a small town, but very nice.  I stopped at the bank to get cash, checked in at the Victorian Inn B&B where I am staying, and walked to Subway for lunch. Lo and behold, I had walked all the way across town.  I love towns like this.  Small towns where everybody knows everybody else seem nostalgic to me.  Simpler life, no rat race, no crime. Well, I am pretty sure I am only seeing a piece of the picture here, but I can say that I can't think of any other circumstance (other than hiking) where I would get to visit so many small towns in such a short amount of time.  I want to go back to all of the towns I have  visited and spend more time in each.  Fortunately, I will spend the entire day in Damascus tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I took a zero day today in Damascus.  I pretty much just hung around town, ate (like a pig), and visited with the other hikers in town.  I am all set with my town tasks, and I have eaten enough food to satisfy me for another week.  It is strange not to feel hungry.  Hope my body appreciated the day off, because my mind is screaming at me to get back on the trail.
Date: 2012-05-09
To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

I am eating breakfast at the B&B in Damascus.  It starts to rain.  The owner comes out and tells us that the forecast is for rain all day.  I hate hiking in the rain!  So, what do I do?  Do I take another zero?  No, I hike in the rain!  I know; I know. How hypocritical can I be?  But, I did have reasons. Anyway, I kinda enjoyed it! It was a light rain (at least in the woods under the canopy), there was no wind and it wasn't cold.  I hiked for about 4 hours and made the first shelter out of town.  I was tired of being wet by then and so stopped for the day even though it was only 2:15PM.  Not as many miles as I had planned, but not bad for me for a rainy day.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Early in the morning I saw the Virginia Creeper bicycle Trail.  Then some nice scenery.  But the highlight was here at the shelter.  This is the shelter with wild ponies! Now they are used to humans, so it is generally not a big deal.  In fact, they were kind of cute when I looked at them earlier. However, it appears they can walk right over to the campsite. I am here in my tent and a pony comes walking around my tent.  I don't like this. I can hear it's hooves, so I try to be quiet.  Next, the pony poops (hopefully not on the tent) and it smells bad!  But, I manage to keep my cool.  Next I hear my water bag spilling and I know the pony has shown his disapproval by ripping it apart.  That does it, I lose my cool and start yelling at the pony. He saunters off apparently not bothered that that is my only way to get clean drinking water or that it cost $100 or that I am at least 2 days from a town. The ponies have come back 2 or 3 times since then and I keep shooing them away. Don't know how much sleep I can expect...  The ponies are not nearly as cute right now.
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Okay, the ponies are cute again.  It turns out that they did not tear apart my water bag.  The sound of rushing water I heard was a pony relieving itself. Apparently, I pitched my tent in their bathroom. Who knew?  I didn't get the memo!  The day began cold (my fingers and toes started to hurt), but it warmed up as soon as we came down some in elevation. The place I stopped for lunch was sunny and warm under a blue sky; I stayed for an hour and a half just soaking it in.  The trail was rocky in the afternoon and my feet are now very sore. Will have to cut back on the miles tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, today was supposed to be an easy day (9 miles), so I slept in and didn't break camp until 9:30.  I enjoyed the waterfall and the blossoming trees and "finished" my hike for the day.  But I couldn't leave well enough alone. Rhino came by and said he was going another 10 miles. So, of course, I had to go too.  I couldn't keep up with him for long because he was slack packing (hiking with a day pack instead of a full pack).  I managed maybe 3 miles with him and then had to give up. I was exhausted, but managed another 3-4 miles until I found a campsite.  That was it for me.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Campsite

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: broken clouds

The forecast was for rain today, so I did the last 4 miles to the shelter and stopped. Might as well wait till tomorrow to do the last 11 to meet Karen.  The Partnership shelter is cool. It has a faucet and sink, a shower, and it is next to the ranger station.  The station has a phone where you can order food, and we did.  We (about 8 or 9 of us) had a pizza party and stuffed ourselves.  It was great!