morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-28
From: continue

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 39.0

Headed out of Hiawassee on the 9 AM shuttle. The Van was full to overflowing with hikers, don't know where they all came from. Over the course of the day, the crowd thinned out. It was tempting to stop at the first shelter, Plumborchard gap, as the forcast was for rain later, but it was way too early to stop. Some of the hikers stopped at Bly gap, just over the GA/NC line, about 10 miles up the trail from the road. The rest of us pushed on, climbing the "Stairway to Heaven", a series of log steps up the crest of the ridge for several miles as we climb into N.C. About 4 miles later we got to Muskrat creek shelter. But not soon enough. Shortly after leaving Bly gap, we started to climb into the clouds and then a drizzle. That wasn't bad, but about a half mile from the shelter the drizzle became a heavy rain which got us pretty wet. The shelter was already occupied, a couple with physical problems who took a day off there and two SOBO section hikers. We were going to try to all squeeze into the shelter, but then the rain tapered off so most of us ended up tenting, since there were a bunch of us there. Of course, the rain came back later in the evening, but thankfully stopped before morning. We then had a very nice day to climb over Standing Indian Mountain and were rewarded with some nice views from the top. The climb was reasonably painless and back side even easier. We're starting to get into the long, slow ridge walks with modest climbs and decants, which makes the miles go a lot easier. Although it was warm in the afternoon, it got pretty chilly again overnight.The next day we climbed over Albert Mt, the first steep climb on the trail so far. Another nice day for hiking and ran into a number of day hikers. A fire tower on Albert gives nice views if you have the nerve to climb up it. I can only get to the second landing on these things before my knees start to shake. But I can stand on the edge of a cliff no problem. Go figure. This night we make it to Rock Gap shelter, so that it is a short walk to the Winding stair gap where we can get a shuttle to town in the morning. Not so cold overnight, but getting overcast. A light rain starts in the morning. With only 4 miles to go, it isn't too bad. We get to the gap about an hour early, but the rain tapered off so it wasn't a long, cold and wet wait. the 11 AM shuttle finally arrives a bit late and just in time as the rain become heavy. Since the forcast was for heavy rain at least thru Sunday, am taking a zero here in Franklin. Heavy rain most of the day here Sunday, so glad I stayed in. Off to the NOC in the morning...
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Franklin, NC

To: NOC
Miles today: 40.0
Weather: clear sky

Waiting for a burger at the Rivers end here at the NOC. Made it to the Wahhabi bald shelter from Franklin the other day. Good weather and views from the balds.Yesterday was a long one, with a couple of big climbs. I pushed on to the A. Rufus. Morgan shelter and arrived late to a busy camp. There are still a lot of hikers around shelter and tent spaces are at a premium.Am heading out and doing the big climb after this burger which just arrived.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: NOC

To: Fontana dam
Miles today: 0.0

Had good weather for the hike between here and there the last few days. A bit overcast with strong winds. The forset is starting to bloom up higher upon the ridges with many wild flowers on the hill sides and a sweet fragrance in the air.Of course, the weather has changed for the worse and might be hkking out in heavy rain. Already taking a zero, shouldn't do two. A sizable group headed out yhis morning no doubt they will be wet tonight.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Fontana dam

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 110.0

Bill and I were the only ones to leave the Fontana dam shelter and head into the Smokies Sunday morning, in light rain. It tappered off in the midday and we didn't get too wet untill the rnd of the day. We made it to Russell Field shelter, where there were only three others. The rain cleared off over night but got quite chilly. Still, a good day to go over Rocky top and Thunderhead mountian. Overcast, but good views. The night was spent at the Silers bald shelter, again, just Bill and I along with the three guys from last night. Weather was a bit variable for the hike over Clingmans dome, the highest point on the AT. But the clouds lifted just as we got there. Very windy and chilly, but at least we had views. The night was spent at the Mt Collins shelter. Third day was another repeat of yesterday, overcast with low clouds which we went in snd out of, depeding on elevation. Today we started meeting a lot of short section hikers. We barely had room to fit into the Pecks Corner shelter. Not a very good nights sleep, with both rain on the roof and some very loud snoring going on most of the night.The weather cleared overnight and became much warmer. One last long mile day put me at the lsdt shelter, Davenport, for the night just a few miles from the north end of the park. Everyone else kept going to the Standing Bear Hostel. There was just one other hiker at the shelter and i got my first good sleep in a few days. The next morning I went to the hostel and resupplied, then hiked out to Groundhog creek shelter. Some okay views from the top of Snowbird Mt but there was some rain to contend with. Meet up with a whole new group of hikers at the shelter. Most had been a day or two ahead but took time off at Gatlinburg to get out of the rain. Bill caught up with me again at Groundhog and we did a very long day to get close to town. We camped off the trail a few miles down from the summit of Bluff Mt. We just got set up when more cold rain blew in but it didnt last long.Arrived in town Sunday, 7 days since entering the park. Took a day off to recover and heading out jn the morning. Many wild flowers to be seen along the way. Spring is still only slowly making it's was to the top of the higher ridges. Much warmer temps are in the forcast which may be good. At least little chance of rain for most of the week. I've been real lucky with avoiding the rain.Next update at Erwin in about five days.
Date: 2013-03-06
From: Day 1

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

My trip started wih strong winds, cold temps and single digit wind chills. The best way for me to stay warm was to keep moving. I spent my first night at the Hawk Mountain shelter. It stayed cold and windy. I sure am glad I have a 15 degree bag and bag liner. The alcohol stove didn't like the temps either. My dinner was only luke warm.
Date: 2013-03-07
From: Day 2

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My second day started out cold. I had trouble keeping my hands warm and my water had started to freeze. Luckily, the day warmed up fast. I only needed a long sleeve shirt by noon, that was two layers less than yesterday! Am enjoying a nice sunny afternoon at the Gooch Mountain shelter. Tomorrow I'll be doing another eight mile day to get to Lance Creek.
Date: 2013-03-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've finished day 4. I'm staying at the hostel at Neels Gap tonight. There's a laundry here. I also have a bunk and I'll get to shower. I'll be trying to up my daily mileage starting tomorrow. In the morning I'll see if my body feels as my mind does. It's only been 4 days, but I forgot it was the weekend. I passed lots of day hikers on their way up to Blood Mountain.
Date: 2013-03-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Right now I'm in Hiawassee, GA. I got very wet last night. There were strong winds and rain. I decided it was best to head into town to dry out. The strong winds continued through the morning. As the day warmed up, the ice started blowing off in chunks that borderline hurt when they hit me. Tomorrow should be my last day in GA and cross over into North Carolina. I'll be making a stop in Franklin, NC to resupply.I was able to do 18+ miles on my 4th day. Yesteday I only did 7. Today I managed to cover 12.3 miles. My feet were sore after doing 18+, that was probably too much of a jump. I hope to keep my days between 10-15 miles. A lot depends on the shelter locations. I haven't slept in one yet, but it's nice to have the water and privies they provide.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Zero Day

To: Hiawasee
Miles today: 0.0

My Nordic AnalogyNorth Carolina will have to wait. I decided to take my first zero day and spend another day in Hiawasee.This entry is for my Nordic friends who may following my journal:I've been thinking about the similarities of climbing hills while backpacking with poles and climbing on cross country skis.As the hill starts, I'm able to classic stride. Observing proper timing, my poling assists my leg push up the hill.As the hill gets steeper, I find myself switching to V-1 technique. The offside leg is not taking as large of a step up. I alternate strong sides, giving one leg a little bit of a rest. One of the differences is the side to side weight shift. I need to be careful not to overshift. Any overshift could result, magnified by my higher center of gravity, in a tumble down some fairly steep terrain. Fortunately, there are usually plenty of trees to "break" my fall.Anyways, I can only hope that these "drills" will translate into better hill climbing for me next winter. History would indicate I'll be back to primarily strong side right next ski season.One other thought has occurred to me. (Yes, there are some really long climbs)That is my backpacking V-1 must look like kick-double pole. The kick is great, but the glide phase - not so much.I'll have more time to think about that in the coming days.See everyone next ski season, maybe sooner.
Date: 2013-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today I made it to Muskrat Creek Shelter. I've gone just over 11 miles today and I'm happy with that. Once I crossed the GA/NC state line there was a very long climb to welcome hikers to North Carolina. I'll be staying in the shelter for the first time this trip.There were four other guys in the shelter last night. All went well. I guess my snoring didn't wake them up.
Date: 2013-03-16
To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0

I think I'm on day 10. I made it to Franklin, NC. There were two very hard climbs today. I have a blister on the bottom of my right big toe. I'll have to tend to it before bed. Other than that, my day went well. I'm looking forward to heading out in the morning. I meet a woman today that was hiking with her three kids (maybe high schooler, middle schooler, and late elementary) and their young dog. Her plan is to hike all the way to Maine. Her challenge is bigger than mine. I wish her the best of luck.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today I hiked from Winding Stair Gab to Cold Spring Shelter. It was a beautiful day of hiking. There was "trail magic" provided by train angle Fresh Ground(he was also at Woody Gap when I went through). There was hot soup, hotdogs and fresh fruit. What a generous and kind man. I originally planned on staying at the Wayah Shelter, but I was feeling good and decided to keep going to the Cold Spring Shelter. I did stop at the Wayah Tower and the visibility was great. I could see Mt Albert, which was a very tough climb for me the day before. I could also see Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). I should be there in a little over a week.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Cold Spring

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center, Wesser
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Today I hiked from Cold Spring to the Natahala Outdoor Center(NOC) at Wesser. It was a tougher hike then I remember, I hiked this section 4 years ago. One spot was steep enough going down that I needed to use hand holds. With the forecast for storms tonight, I decided so stay at the NOC hostel. One thing I saw a couple days ago was a guy hiking with his ferret. I was thnking that hiking with your dog would be complicated, at least a ferret would just about eliminate the mice problem at a shelter!
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontan Damn
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

I made it 13.4 miles today, getting to Fontana Damn. I'll be staying at the hostel tonight. I'd like to get some wash done. I also have a box from home to pick up. The box from home is great, but it'll make for a heavier pack!
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Fontan Damn

To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.4

I had a great day today with 16.4 miles! I came across the fire tower in the center of the park. I went up two flights of stairs, but decided against going all the way to the top. Many of the boards were loose and shaky. I just didn't trust the tower to hold. Even without getting all the way to the top the view was spetacular!
Date: 2013-03-22
To: Double Springs Gap Shelter.
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

This is day 14. I stayed at the Double Springs Gap Shelter after hiking 13.4 miles. I went though Clingman Dome in the Smoky Mountain National Park. Clingman Dome is the higest point along the AT. So technically, it's all downhill from here. Yeah, right! I've been staying in the shelters recently. The weather brings in very cold nights. Sleeping in the shelter keeps me from having to deal with a frost covered tent in the morning and that's a good thing.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter.

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Today my efforts got me to Gatlinburg, TN. I need to get my laundry done-again and rest. I've been happy with my per day mileage (12-16), but I need to give my quads a break. Hiking downhill on slippery, wet rocks just wore them out. What I'm trying to say is, tomorrow will be a zero day. Then Monday I'll be on my way. Wish me luck! I've gone a little under 200 miles so far. I have less then 2000 miles to go. Not bad for an old man!
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I had planned to be on my way again this morning, however, after much consideration, I'll be taking a second zero day in Gatlinburg. The forecast is for up to a foot of snow, with a wind advisory. The Park has also closed the road to Newfound Gap. Tomorrow's plan is to catch an early shuttle back to the trail and hope for better weather.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Tri Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Today I did 14.8 miles to the Davenport Gap Shellter. Last night my water froze. This is the second day that my hike has been mostly downhill. The elevation was 5900' when I started today and it's down to 2600'. The day started with snow covered trails and went to muddy. Clear and cold to snowing to rain. I have 1 mile to go to officially be finished with the Great Smoky. Mountain National Park.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

It rained overnight, with the temperatures staying in the 40's. The five thru hikers at Devenport Shelter were quick to leave this morning. We knew Fresh Ground had set up his "trail magic" less than 2 miles away. It was a pleasant walk from the shelter, mostly downhill, with multiple stream crossings. Breakfest included chicken soup, hotdogs, Twinkies, Easter chocolate, and coffee. This was way better than my usualy Poptarts! After an hour I crossed under I-40. I was able to hike without a jacket for the first time in a long time At the top of Snowbird Mt. there's a radio relay station for airplanes. It looks kind of alien up there. With the increase of elevation came the return of snow along the trail. I hiked to Croundhog Creek Shelter. Because of all the rain and snow there were lots of streams running thru the area. The warmer temps had some small insects swarming. My total today was 10.5
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

It was a very sloppy trail today. I think slush is harder to hike in than mud. The highlight of the day was Max Patch with it's 360° view. This is a man made cleared mountain top. It was used to graze livestock. It's kept open because of the great views and it's a very popular destination. The views were breathtaking, but the strong winds made it difficult for me to stand without bracing myslef with my hiking poles. Unfortunately, my stay was much shorter than I would have liked. I made it to the Walnut Mountain Shelter. My total today was 13.1 miles. As it got later the rain started and at times it was heavy. The Walnut Mountain Shelter is one of the older shelters on the AT and it was designed to sleep 5 people. In the end we squeezed in 7 guys. Another 4 hikers were forced to setup tents in the rain.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1

I slept surprisingly well last night despite the close quarters.The hike to Hot Springs was relatively easy being mostly downhill. Today's total 13.1 miles.I'm staying at a Victorian house, now a hostel. It's a very interesting place with lots of antiques. They serve vegetarian dinners and breakfast.My grand total to date in 273.9. I'm getting there!
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

I didn't finish breakfast until 9:30 and what a great breakfast it was! The pancakes were made with whole grain flour with nuts. They were very good and very filling. I needed to stop at the post office to send some items back home, so I didn't get back on the trail until 10:30. There are a lot of ups leaving Hot Springs, but also many great views looking back at the town and river. Today I made it 19.6 miles to the Little Laurel Shelter.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Overall it was a difficult day. I enjoyed some great views again today from the open ridges on this stretch. The route was challenging, both physically and mentally. Sometimes deciding where exactly the trail was going was bit time comsuming. I'm blaming my fatigue, in part, to the long day yesterday. After 12.7 miles the Flint Mountain Shelter was a welcomed sight.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Rige Shelter
Miles today: 8.8

The forecast was for rain so I decided to get an early start. However, the rain started earlier than I expected and the temperatures were colder. FYI-It's tough to extrapolate the forecasts for the towns to the elevations on the AT. Not being as prepared as I could have been, I got wet and very cold very quickly. I went into servival mood and headed for the nearest shelter. I made it to the Hogback Ridge Shelter atfer only 8.8 miles. Right away I changed into dry clothes and got into my sleeping bag. As I was changing, I could see the layer of ice that had formed on my cap and pack rain cover.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Hogback Rige Shelter

To: The perfect flat spot
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

In the morning everything had a coat of ice on it. While it may have looked pretty, it started falling to the ground with the wind and moderating temperatures. This was not good. The trail became overed with ice pieces, over an inch deep in some places. Trying to hike on the ice pieces was very tiring. Things improved with the increasing temperatures and the decreasing elevations. I had planned on hiking a 20 mile day, but late in the day and 2+ miles short of my destination, I found a perfect flat spot to set up my tent and that is exactly what I did!
Date: 2013-04-06
From: The perfect flat spot

To: Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

I woke up to a beautiful morning. It was a pleasant hike, mostly downhill, to the Nolichucky Hostel, which is close to Erwin, TN. My total today was 8.3 miles. I'm planning on taking a zero day tomorrow (Sunday). I'll be back out hiking on Monday. I'm hoping to be in Virginia by the end of the week.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Nolichucky Hostel

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was an incredible day weather-wise! There was lots of climbing today, as usual, when leaving town. After 8 miles, my favorit Train Angel-Fresh Ground-was making breakfast! I had 2 large banana pancakes and some banana pudding. Wow, the breakfast of champions I'd say! He's picked the group of hikers, I'm in the midst of, to support. I'm very lucky. There's a good chance I'll get to see him again in Virginia. I ended the day at the Cherry Gap Shelter. 17.5 miles today.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A second great day of weather. Today's big up is Roan Mountain. It's the last time the trail goes over 6000ft until New England. The higher I climbed the worse the trail got. First it was muddy, then ice, and then snow with running water underneath. At the start of the day I'd planned on staying at the Roan Knob Shelter, but when I got to the turn for the shelter, it was ice covered and going up. I decided to get the snow/ice/running water trail over with and headed to the next shelter. It also helped that I had heard there was a Trail Angel at the next road crossing with a cooler full of soda and candy. Sometimes all you need is just the right motivation! I ended my day at the Stan Murray Shelter. That extra motivation got me up to 22 miles. It was a good day.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

It was the third day in a row with great weather. I could get used to this. Not to long ago, maybe a week, taking a break on the trail meant finding a spot in the sun and out of the wind. The last couple of days, it's been to find a spot out of the sun and with a breeze. This is a welcome change. 19.9 miles today. I'm liking my daily mileage. The trip total so far is 400.9, almost a fifth of my trip!
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

Today the trail runs through the Laurel River Gorge. The trail is not that much different than anywhere else, except for a short stretch that is a ledge with the river on one side and a vertical rock wall on the other. Normally, it's a little tight, but it rained overnight. Water was starting to cover the ledge making the rocks a little slippery. It was more of a challenge that I expected. I heard some of the hikers had to deal with water over their boots. I also crossed Watuga Dam which is a large earthen dam. I ended my day at the Vandeventer Shelter making for 17.5 mile hike.I wanted to let everyone know that I was able to post some photos. Just click on "photo" from the menu at the left. I'm sorry, but they haven't been labeled yet.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

It was cold overnight. I missed my 15 degree sleeping bag, which I had recently swapped with my 30 degree bag. Yes, I know I may have mentioned this before, but freezing your butt off makes you want to mention it again! I hiked 22.7 miles to the Abingdon Shelter.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: campsite on Whitetop Mtn Road

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

It stormed overnight, meaning I had to pack up a wet tent. This is the beginning of my worst day on the trail. It rained most of the morning leaving the trail mostly muddy or a stream of running water. There were many slips, stumbles and one fall. I only got to see one pony in the Grayson Highlands. I decided to end the day earlier than I planned to try and dry things out a bit. I stayed at the Old Orchard Shelter. I did 17.6 miles today. For anyone keeping count-my trip total so far is 505.9.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The sun came out tomorrow.....Anyway, a much better day. There wasn't any rain and the trail was in much better condition. I hiked 24.7 miles to the Partnership Shelter. It's at the Mt Rogers Visitor Center, which has an outdoor phone(not a pay)that lets hikers order pizza for delivery to the shelter. Pizza is a meal I could have everyday! The shelter even has a shower, but not much hot water. I took advantage of both options.