morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: 4.5 miles past Carter Gap shelters
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today, we actually hiked farther than we had anticipated making it a total of 17 miles. Our original destination was Carter Gap shelters, but with our head start, we're sleeping in serious bear country tonight out in the middle of nowhere. Still keeping our spirits up with no signs of us stopping in sight.
Date: 2012-03-22
From: 4.5 miles past Carter Gap shelters

To: Franklin (Winding Stairs Gap)
Miles today: 12.0

After 17 miles yesterday we had an easy 12 miles today. Finished by 2 PM. Climbed and clawed our way (not hiked) our way up to the fire tower. Tough climb but we went over 10 miles today. Will take our first zero day tomorrow - first since we departed last Tuesday. Won't take another until after the Great Smokies.    My water purification system died a couple of days ago. Went to an Outdoor Outfitter and they called the manufacturer (see my gear section). They replaced it on the spot for free. You can deal with a hole in your sleeping bag or tent but you can't have a faulty water purification system.    This may sound pretty gross but we had an interesting discussion today. Most of us only have one shirt we hike in EVERY day. The comment someone made - why do we wash it when we go into town if it will be all nasty by 10:00 AM tomorrow. Actually an interesting comment. (I do wash my one shirt everyday - mostly in a stream).
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Staying in Franklin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Here are some fun facts from the AT site. The Trail is roughly 2,184 miles long, passing through 14 states. Thousands of volunteers contribute roughly 200,000 hours to the A.T. every year. More than 250 three-sided shelters exist along the Trail. Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550), while West Virginia is home to the least (about 4). Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike; New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest. The total elevation gain of hiking the entire A.T. is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times. The A.T. is home to an impressive diversity of plants and animals. Some animals you may see include black bears, moose, porcupines, snakes, woodpeckers, and salamanders. Some plants you may encounter include jack-in-the-pulpit, skunk cabbage, and flame azalea.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Franklin (Winding Stairs Gap)

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Wayah bald shelter sat night 119.9 stone tower and paved footpath. Today we left Winding Stair Gap and hiked for 5 miles, the elevation increasing 1300 ft. We had to stop short as it started raining, and went bed around 6 pm. It rained all night. Needless to say, it wasn't one of the best nights. Looking forward to what tomorrow holds in store for Reinhard and me.
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After a night of rain, we began our trek with a heavier-than-normal load. Carrying a wet tent is no fun, folks. It must have made our packs an extra pound or two heavier, which is a lot considering how far we had to hike. Luckily, we were able to dry it out later on in the day. We also met a "Wallstreet", a guy who works in Wallstreet and took a 6 month vacation to participitate in the AT. It's interesting to see the diversity of the hikers.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was brutal. We only hiked 11.3 miles, but we had to hike up quite a steep gradient - the lowest point was as little as 1746 ft while the highest point reached up to 5062 ft, a difference of 3316 ft. Lesson learned: not all miles are created equally!We received carepackage #3 today from my wife, Beate, so it should be able to sustain us for about 3 days. Not everyone seems to be doing as well as Reinhard and I; Randy, a fellow AT hiker, showed us what can happen when hiking doesn't go your way, twisting his ankle and having a bruise that encompasses a majority of his foot (see the picture).When we finally called it quits after quite the workout, we were in the middle of nowhere, thinking we would be all alone for the night. It appears that we were wrong. Within minutes, our campsite had about 15 other hikers.Side note: we could possibly be entering into the Smokey Mountain¢s around Thursday.AND a special thanks to my wife, Beate, who makes this whole trip possible for Reinhard and me. We put together about 15 care packages (mail drops) and she's the one who sends them off for us.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Can't wait until the mountains end. Endless ups and downs. Also, looking forward to the end of cold weather threat so I can send home some of the cold weather gear I have. It has been warm but the threat of cold weather remains. Need t lose about 5 pounds to make my pack more manageable. The diversity of people you meet out here is amazing. Old (only a few older than me, middle aged and young. And, the reasons why people are out here is as varied.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Lodge
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Short day - only 5.4 miles. The group of about 15 hikers we have been hiking with all took a short day. This is the last resupply, shower, laundry point for over 100 miles -- all the way through the Smoky Mountains, unless you get off the trail and hitch hike 15 miles into Gatlinburg. Reinhard and I decided against that and have provisions for 6 days. The highest point on the AT is Clingman Dome - we should climb it this weekend. Also, had a beer and a hot dog today -very simple pleasures but so enjoyable. I mentioned it previously but the variety of hikes is amazing. We have a group of about 15 that we hike with. Some go faster and some slower but we always seem to get back together because of breaks, etc. Beate, received box 4 today at the Fontana Dam PO. Thanks. These maildrops are working great and saving us a LOT of money. It is not uncommon for hikers to drop 60-80 dollars for supplies and all we do is head to the PO. LY Hallo, ihr lieben Wanderer, heute hatten wir einen kurzen Tag, nach Fontana Dam. Es sind so viele Eindruecke hier auf dem AT Trail, so das ich sie alle gar nicht aufzaehlen kann. Wir sind jetzt 2 Wochen unterwegs, und was ich lerne ist: Fuer den Tag zu leben, den Gestern, das ist Historie, und Morgen, das ist Fiction, so das jeder Tag gut gelebt sein soll. Ich habe jetzt auch den 3 Deutschen auf dem Trail kennen gelernt, und alle Begegnungen sind wichtig die ich habe. Morgen geht es dann in die Smokey Mountains! Fuer heute genug Reinhard the German
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Fontana Dam Lodge

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Tough climb out of Fontana Dam. Every time we depart a gap it is always up hill. Went from 1800 to 4600 feet. But, we are now in the Smoky Mountains. In the Smoky's you need to sleep in a shelter (3 sided hut) because of the bears. As if Bears won't go in an open shelter. But, the shelter was full so a few of us slept in tents. Beautiful night -- no light pollution as at all.
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick's Knob Shelter - Smoky's
Miles today: 12.0

First night sleeping in a shelter. Raining HARD all afternoon and night. Twenty people in a shelter designed for 14. But, we are glad to be dry and also grateful we will not have to carry a wet tent tomorrow. All the hiking in the Smoky's is tough. Lots steep hills.
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Derrick's Knob Shelter - Smoky's

To: Mount Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

A respectable 13.5 tough miles. We are staying on pace with most other hikers even though we are older than most. Saw many day and week hikers today. Many really struggle with the hills which is understandable considering we are also struggling but have been hiking for over 2 weeks now. In fact, we are now officially over 200 miles. We also hiked Clingman's Dome - 6588 feet - highest point on the AT. Two big milestones today.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Mount Collins Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Smokey¢s are nice. Today we did a bunch of ridge walking so we had many nice views. The spring flowers are not in full bloom yet but a few are starting. We walked through Newfound Gap today - a parking lot for many day hikers. Received some decent trail magic - cokes, candy, donuts, and other treats. When people realize we are hiking the whole AT they want to talk. One lady wanted her picture taken with my backpack on - she paid with treats. One couple even offered us a ride to Gatlinburg even though we were not hitch-hiking. Nice folks. Bit of a scare today. Took my first major fall. Tripped on a rock and went over the bank. Rolled down the hill until a tree stopped me. Was really concerned about my ankle but it is OK.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: few clouds

Easiest hike to date. Pretty flat terrain and my pack is a lot lighter. Started the Smokey's with 6 days supply of food it is dwindling. Food and water are two major items that you need to watch for weight. You do not want to carry more than you need before the next resupply point. Water - the all important item for all hikers. The water source near the shelter was a mere trickle coming from the ground. Yet it was enough to have 20 hikers gather around the source. It's our last night in the Smokey's. Our clothes are real dirty - guess that what 6 days of hiking in the Smokey's will do.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We finally exited the Smokey's. We're currently staying at the Standing Bear Hostel-- a multi-generational historic farm that is being preserved and remodeled so folks can enjoy the "good old days". We took a shower outdoors today and did our laundry on a wash board and dried them using a ringer. First time for that. But, I am on a computer so old meets new. Actually, a beautiful place --- google it to appreciate it.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Cork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

Today we hiked for about 8 really tough miles. When we came down off the ridge line there was a guy set up with a tent, chairs, cold Cokes, chips, donuts, and Oreos. He told us he does this every day for about 2 months as hikers pass through. He must spend thousands of dollars every year for Trail Magic, but he loves it, so it makes it worth it. Later we were on a dirt road, hadn't seen any cars for days, and there was another guy set up waiting for hikers to come by to give them goods too.Thru hikiers on the entire AT are generally great people--considerate, friendly, and helpful--they really will help you out with a smile. They are also professional and purposeful - they get in the camp, get water, set up the tent, dry out their clothing, make supper, and the next morning they can get up and get all their stuff done and be out in 45 min. It's amazing how in just 3 weeks everyone gets used to their routine and can get things done so quickly.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Roaring Cork Shelter

To: Alpine Motel
Miles today: 18.0

In Hot Springs , NC. This is first 18 mile day that we've hiked so far...we're getting stronger. For the last 2 hours of our hike it rained really really hard. We covered our packs with a pack cover, didn't even put rain gear on because we knew we'd be in a hotel in a few hours and just wanted to go as fast as we can.
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Alpine Motel

To: Alpine Motel
Miles today: 0.0

We are in hot springs today. The actual AT runs right down the middle of main street - town population of 603. Today there must be at least 100 thru hikers in town buying food and supplies, organizing packs, resting body, and doing laundry. It is one of the major buying places after the Smokey Mountains. The next town is Erwin, TN - 80 miles away. What's interesting about laundry is people have only 1 set of clothing (t shirt, one long sleeve, one pair of pants)... you see people walking around in their rain gear even though the sun is shining (75 deg) because that's the only stuff they have not in the washing machine. We went out to eat last night but at 7:30 everyone was yawning. We realized when we are hiking we go to bed at that time - amazing how fast your body adjusts to going to bed early. There is a saying - 8pm is hikers midnight. Since it's Good Friday today, the library is closed and that's the only place with public internet - none of the motels have it.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Hogback Ridge

To: No Business Knob
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: scattered clouds

First 20 mile day. Amazing what the motivation of an upcoming town has on a person. Intense weather today - below freezing in the AM, extreme wind (could harly walk straight when on a mountain Bald), hail and hail. Walked in gloves and polartec hat much of the day. Very thankful for my insulated sleeping mat and 15 degree sleeping bag. Will upoad a video of the wind later.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we hiked 14.5 miles to Overmountain Shelter. We hiked to a peak of over 6000 feet. The next time we'll hit a peak that high will be the White Mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire. This morning it was cold--20 degrees! The shelter is an old converted barn. Everyone should Google Overmountain Shelter to learn more about it; it's pretty cool. It was probably one of my three favorite hikes, going to it and after it, so we had an impressive day. The next two days are 18-19 miles consecutive. I'm looking forward to getting to Hampton, TN on Tuesday since there are 2 packages waiting for me from Beate. It's also interesting, we're starting to average 15-18 miles per day. We used to only be able to go 10 miles per day at the beginning! Our legs are getting a lot stronger, and our endurance is really building.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer's Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

We hiked 18 miles today after leaving Overmountain Shelter, and it was one of my three favorite hikes. We've gone over 400 miles now, which is a big accomplishment! It's been very cold, about 20 degrees in the morning. There's actually ice on the trail, which you can see in the picture. We're all definitely happy to have warm sleeping bags, a tent, and a sleeping pad since it's so cold. Today is 3 weeks until I see my wife on May 6th. I'm really looking forward to seeing her and hiking with her. It will be nice to share my AT experience with her and give her a better understanding of what I do all day. She's coming out for some day hiking, and it should be a really nice time. Steven and his gf are also coming for 10 days of hiking.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Mountaineer's Shelter

To: Laurel Fork - Waycaster Spring
Miles today: 17.8

Tonight I'm sleeping along a stream near Laurel Fork at Waycaster Spring campsite. It's a great campsite right next to the stream--you can see the view from my "bedroom" in the picture. We saw some nice falls today. I need to go back and hike it again with my wife. I know Beate will really like it, so I'm definitely going to bring her back here so we can hike that piece together. It was a pretty long day at 17.8 miles. That's 35 miles in the last two days, so we're really getting better at hiking!
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Laurel Fork - Waycaster Spring

To: Hampton, TN
Miles today: 17.0

We're staying at a hostel in Hampton, TN. I went to the post office this morning at about 7:30am and picked up 3 packages my wife sent me. One was food for the next four days, and the others had some Easter surprises. She's doing a great job keeping up with us with food and sending us little goodies along the way as well. We're all really appreciative she's thinking of us--me especially! It was a nice surprise, and it's good to be in town so we can do laundry and rest for the day before we hike up another big mountain. You can see a cute family of cats we saw in the laundry room in today's picture.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Hampton, TN

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

It's tough not having computer access in these small towns. I ought to buy a smart phone. We're left Hampton, TN this AM. It was raining hard this morning, so we were definitely glad for our rain gear. It was also cold - wish I had not sent my fleece home. When we stopped for the night we had to walk about half a mile down a very steep hill for water. Walking up was a real challenge. I will never let myself get so low on water that I have to do that again. Took almost 45 minutes to get water. We were planning on sleeping in a shelter for the first time since the Smokey Mountains. But, around 6:30 PM a bunch of hikers showed up so I set-up my tent. I actually prefer my tent to a noisy (snores) shelter. My little home away from home.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Vandevelter Shelter

To: Middle of Woods - near Damascus, VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We're pretty high up as you can see in the picture--we have a bird's eye view above the clouds from right outside our tent. Beautiful morning after a rainy night. The sun came out mid morning so we were able to dry our tent, sleeping bag, etc. I put on clean, dry socks but with wet boots they soon became wet. I started to get some blisters on my feet for the first time - hiking only the second 20 mile day since we started also contributed to the blisters. After we stopped for the night we (myself and the other hikers we were with) performed some maintenance on our feet. We camped in the middle of the woods near a stream. It is a pleasure to camp in the middle of a National Forest by yourself and a few other hikers. We talked about how much we paid in the past to camp in a state park and it wasn't nearly as nice as where we are camping for free. I've been writing down the nice spots so I can bring my wife back in a year or two.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Middle of the Woods

To: Damascus
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We are now in Virginia and will be for the next 600 miles. As my wife said, a journey of 2000 miles starts with one step, and it's amazing how many we've taken so far.Damascus is a really nice Trail Town. The Trail runs right down Main Street. The town only has approximately 1000 people and is geared towards hiking and biking. Lots of old Victorian houses. Reinhard and I are staying at the Dancing Bear Vacation Rental. (web site -- http://www.dancingbearrentals.com/ It is real nice and very reasonable price. We stayed in "Brother Bear" room (-- bottom right photo in website). Our bodies were in need of some rest after hiking in rain and two very long, hard days. First day we took off from hiking in 2 weeks.
Date: 2012-04-21
To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Reinhard and I are at the library typing on an actual computer for the first time in weeks. Here are some random thoughts ( you have a lot of time to think when you are hiking 8-10 hours a day).- Many thanks to my wife for sending packages of goodies to us. It is always a pleasure to receive a package with homemade snacks and Old Wisconsin sausages. If anyone who reads this knows the Public Relations people at Old Wisconsin they ought to tell them that Old Wisconsin should send me packages of their products and I would distribute them. Hikers are meat starved and sausages are one of the few products you can carry on the trail. - The people in the South are very friendly. We experience a lot of Trail Magic (free food and drinks in the most unlikely places). Also, on many occasions when we were walking on a street we were offered a ride even though we were not hitch-hiking. One time we were by a wayside using the facilities and a couple asked us if we wanted a ride into Gatlinburg, TN. Also, a couple of days ago when it was raining, Reinhard and I were walking out of town when a lady about 30 years old who was well dressed and driving a nice SUV stopped and asked if we wanted a ride to the trail-head. We declined because we were all wet, muddy, and didn't want to mess her car up. I can't imagine that happening in Sheboygan Falls.- I have not seen so many people drink Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer since the 1970s. It appears to be the beer of choice in western NC and eastern TN.- In two weeks my wife, son, and his girlfriend will meet Reinhard and I in Pearisburg, TN. Really looking forward to that. We will all hike together for about 14 days. It will be great to see them and will be a nice break from the daily grind.- Those hikers who thought that hiking the AT is "romantic" have long left the Trail. Hiking the Trail is hard work. My guess is that 40-50% of the folks who started have already quit for a variety of reasons. At first many quit because it wasn't what they expected. Injuries are now taking there toll on folks. - So far we have hiked through the Chattahoochee, Pisgah, Cherokee, and Mont Rogers national Forests. Big mountains with many 1500-2000 foot climbs. Tough. We are now in Va and the mountains do not look so intimidating. We will see. Finding water has not really been a problem either. Our guide book does a great job telling us were the springs are located.- To me, it appears that most of the hikers are under 25 or over 50. Many of the younger hikers are recent college grads. Many of the older hikers are retired. I've met doctors, money managers, professors on sabbatical, school teachers, funeral home directors, preachers, artists (who actually stop and paint), peace corps workers, nurses, etc. Overall, very nice people who are helpful and friendly. The trouble makers and those who like to drink excessively have slowly dropped out of the hike. Again, my opinion based on what I have seen.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Damascus

To: Into the woods
Miles today: 14.0

It is raining this morning with snow projected for the next 2 days ---that is for the valley, it will be colder in the mountains. Surprisingly, everyone is in a good mood and hikers are on the move. Maybe I should not have sent home my only fleece and long underwear. If it gets too cold we can always put up our tent and crawl in our 15 degree rated sleeping bags.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Into the woods

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light snow

We woke up this morning to freezing rain and snow, not my kind of morning. There was about 1-2 inches of snow on the ground, just enough to make things miserable. We are en route to Mount Rogers, which is the highest point in the state of VA at an elevation of about 5400 ft. Throughout the day, we endured 20 degree temperatures and 40-50 mph winds with whiteout conditions. We were almost blown off the Trail a number of times. Most of the hikers stuck together and stayed close today, and looked out for each other since it was so treacherous and dangerous. We ended up tenting in 4 inches of snow on top of the mountain. We didn't sleep all that well, since we only have a 3 season tent. We really need a winter tent for conditions likes these, not to mention my tent has a lot of mesh in it which made the tent colder. Everyone was in their tent and sleeping bag by 5-6 pm since it was so cold.   Hallo, liebe Wanderer und alle Interessierten, heute sind wir von Damascus losgewandert in die Berge, mit einem Wetterbericht der eisige Zeiten vorsagt, was dannauch eingetroffen ist. Wir sind bei Regen losgewandert, des sich dann spaeter beruhigt hat. Dafuer wurde es um so kaelter, am Abend ereichten wir dann das Shelter, wo uns ein Lagerfeuer warm hielt bis wir in den Schlafsack krochen. Es war sehr kalt geworden! Doch jeder Tag kommt und geht und dann kommt ein anderer Tag. In diesem Sinne Reinhard-Rhino the German