morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have made it to Atlanta - no Air Canada strikes or lost backpack - so far, so good.Tomorrow, I will pick up my final supplies in Atlanta - mostly food - and then will be shuttled to the "Hiker Hostel" near Gainesville. Then, finally, I can start hiking on Thursday.This is something I have thought about doing for years - and have spent good portions of the last year planning and organizing. Many thoughts are racing through my mind - fortunately, I am tired from today's travelling; so I should sleep well tonight.Less than 2 days, and I will officially be a "through-hiker" (Canadian spelling).
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Amicolala State Park

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

March 29Day 1 - 9.0 milesAmicolala State Park - Springer Mountain ShelterSet off this morning with 8 other hikers in a van from the Hiker Hostel. Quite anxious to get started - surprisingly, not at all nervous. Met quite a few other hikers in the hostel and on the trail, including hikers from England, Denmark, Germany, Texas, Maine, Kansas, Florida, etc. Quite a regionally diverse group. Great day - sun and cloud, quite warm. Warm enough to bring out some very early blackflies. Hiked 8.8 miles on the 'approach trail' to the summit of Springer mountain where the Appalachian Trail (AT) officially starts. Then 0.2 miles on the AT to the first campsite. So, a relatively short and not too difficult day. However, I am intending to keep the mileage low for the first week - avoid injury and enjoy the hike. The leaves on the trees in the mountains are not yet out (except for the evergreen holly trees), so views are largely unimpeded. I'm sure the great weather won't last, but for now it's wonderful to be on the trail.Pack - 30 lbs, including water and 5 days of food
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: broken clouds

March 30Day 2 - 7.9 milesHawk Mountain ShelterAnother fairly easy day over a pleasant trail. Followed a stream for the first half, then uphill but not too steep. The trail seemed quiet; however the shelter/camping area is very busy - around 20 tents and hammocks around the shelter which seems fairly full. Today's challenge is some rain, but my tent is holding out well. It is only 6:30, but I am already hiding in my tent from the rain, so will probably call it an early night. After updating my journal (for posting when I get to town), I will read until sleepy - an exciting evening!
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

March 31Day 3 - 13 milesWoody Gap Rain poured down most of last night, the noise on the tent was enough to make falling asleep difficult. Fortunately, the tent held up, although everything was damp when I packed up. Others were not so lucky. I started hiking in a wet mist, but the morning soon cleared leaving us another warm hike. We traversed 3 small mountains and enjoyed some good views. Spring is well under way - flowers, budding leaves, birds and insects are all around.Tomorrow, the first challenging mountain - Blood Mtn at around 4,500 feet. The name alone sounds daunting. However, I will also reach my first resuply point at Neel Gap, so have a bunk, shower and real food to look forward to.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

April 1Day 4 - 10.6 miles Neel Gap, Walasi-Yi Hiker HostelHiked Blood Mountain today - 4500 foot peak. The trail wasn't too difficult, making good use of switchbacks and gradual slopes - unlike trail builders in the northern states who delight in building trails straight up the steepest part of the mountain. There is a stone shelter at the top, but it looked cold and not very welcoming. However, there were some excellent views from the top. Then onward and downward to the hostel/outfitter at Neel Gap. I arrived early enough to get a bunk, shower, do laundry, resupply and trade stories with the other hikers. It's great to have a hot shower and sleegyp in a bunk. The specialty of the outfitter here is to review your pack and tell you what to send home - thereby saving weight and potentially your knees. On one case today, a hiker shaved 20 pounds from his pack. It has not been unusal to see hikers struggling along the trail with monstrous packs towering over them.Tomorrow, I am planning a shorter day to give my feet a rest. My knees have been doing well, but my feet have been complaining!
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

April 2Day 5 - 11.5 milesLow Gap ShelterI felt great leaving the hostel this morning. The hot shower and bunk bed worked wonders! I was planning a short day today, but, as I felt good, I put in a full day. The forecast was for 85 degrees and it felt it. This warm weather has been great; however, it is a challenge to adjust to summer conditions already. However, I'm sure we will get some cold days yet.(My Canadian friends will have noticed that I am using imperial measures - as metric conversion is too taxing after a day of hiking.)Today's hike was uneventful - a good trail with some great views. The ascents continue to make good use of switchbacks and the trail itself is in good shape - not all rock and root.The trail 'community' is quite supportive and almost everyone is very friendly. Most hikers are still feeling their way in this new environment, so we are quite sympathetic to each other's trials and tribulations.Tomorrow, I hope to reach the town Helen, where I should be able to finally post my journal entries.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Helen, Ga (Unicoi Gap)
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: scattered clouds

April 3 & 4Days 6&7 - 9.7 milesHelen, Ga (Unicoi Gap)Trail life doesn't get much better!!Yesterday, I hiked a very pleasant 9.7 miles to Unicoi Gap (Gap - a pass between 2 mountains, often with a road or trail pasing through it). At the parking area (for hikers), I got a ride from a very nice Atlanta family who were setting up a car shuttle for their own hike. They dropped me off in Helen, a tourist town - apparently the 'Gatlinburg' of Georgia, who knew?I got a nice motel room with wi-fi, breakfast, tv, fridge, heated outdoor pool, etc. at the hiker rate of $40/ night. There is a dollar store nearby (where I have been able to get most of my supplies quite cheaply) , package store (beer), restaurants, etc. I spent a good part of the afternoon lounging at the motel, weathering a monstrous thunderstorm, with bucketing rain and hail as big as I have ever experienced. I have a picture of hailstones up to the diameter of a 25c piece. I am very hapy that I watched the storm from the motel eves, rather than out on the trail.Today is a zero (miles) day, after 6 days of hiking. I will sort out my supplies, plan the next few days (next stop - Franklin, in 4 or 5 days), and have a swim - did I mention the heated pool? Hiking has been great, so far. The weather has been excellent, if a bit warm, and the trail about the right level of challenge to start. Thanks to everyone for the e-mails, it is great to hear from home.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Helen, Ga (Unicoi Gap)

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

April 5Day 8 - 13.1 milesDeep Gap ShelterBack on the trail again! Today was a bit more challenging - lots of up and down on the trail. I crossed 3 mountains of 4,000+ feet, with various other smaller climbs. In addition, I raced up and over the final mountain in order to beat a thunderstorm to the day's shelter. (Of course, the storm petered out with no lightning and only a few sprinkles of rain.) The sky cleared up very nicely, so I put my tent up, rather than staying in the smoky and crowded shelter. Today, I was also introduced to 'trail magic' in a large way. 'Trail magic' generally refers to acts of kindness from strangers on and around the trail. In this case, a group of very generous locals set up a kitchen tent in a gap and was offering hikers food and drinks, including freshly cooked ham and egg breakfasts. Amazing. Most unfortunately, it was too early in the morning, with lots of miles left to go, for me to take advantage of their keg of beer.Tomorrow, if the hiking goes well, I will probably cross a significant milestone - my first state line, from Georgia into North Carolina.
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

April 6Day 9 - 15.4 milesMuskrat Creek ShelterRain most of last night, but stayed dry in my tent. The morning was foggy, cold and featured intermittant drizzle. The afternoon was only foggy and cold. However, we are finally getting some sun this evening and a chance to dry out our gear.Today was my longest day yet - 15 miles. There were no significant mountains, but there were a few steep climbs. The ridge got above 4,500 feet and the shelter is close to 4,600 feet. I also reached a significant milestone - I crossed the state border from Georgia into North Carolina! One down and 13 to go.Two more hiking days and I will reach the next re-supply and journal posting town - Franklin.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap Campsite
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

April 7Day 10 - 16.2 milesBetty Creek Gap CampsiteIt was quite cold overnight, probably low 40s - so quite cold setting off this morning. However, the clouds and rain were gone, replaced by brilliant sunshine. As the sun got higher, the day quickly warmed, so I had to stop and peel off some layers.Another trail first today - the first 5,000 foot mountain, Standing Indian Mtn at almost 5,500 feet. There were lovely views from the top to the south, of the moutains I have spent the last week hiking.I just missed more trail magic this morning as I passed by before anything had been set up. However, they told me they would be moving to another location on the trail tomorrow, so I might still see some magic yet.There were many juncos flitting about today, and a lovely section of trail with bluets growing along the side. There have also been quite a few purple trilliums and other wildflowers that I can't identify.One more hiking day and then off to town for a shower and re-supply.
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Betty Creek Gap Campsite

To: Franklin, NC (Winding Stair Gap)
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

April 8Day 11 - 12.2 milesFranklin, NC (Winding Stair Gap)Another cold morning, soon warming up into another gorgeous day for hiking. The main challenge for today - another 5,000 foot mountain. Albert Mtn topped out at 5,250 feet, plus another 50 feet or so provided by a firetower on top. The final half mile to the top was very steep, reminding me of the trails I am accustomed to in the Adirondaks near Lake Placid. The views from the tower were magnificient in a 360 degree panorama, well worth the hike.The rest of the day was very pleasant over trails at an easier grade. Unfortunately, I missed the trail magic at Rock Gap as I arrived too early. However, I did arrive at my planned destination for the day earlier than expected - and was offered an unsolicited ride to town by a family returning from a picnic. So, I didn't have to camp there overnight in order to get on the next day's hiker shuttle. I am now pleasantly settled into a very budget motel (no telephone) in the town of Franklin, NC.Tomorrow, the usual chores - shopping for food, doing laundry, etc. As well, some relaxation for tired muscles. I have hiked almost 119 miles, roughly the distance from Ottawa to Kingston (without the mountains).
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Franklin, NC (Winding Stair Gap)

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

April 9Day 12 - 0 milesFranklin, NCEven though today was a zero day, I was busy with necessary chores: buying and re-packaging food, buying stove fuel, buying postcards and stamps - then mailing home, catching up with e-mail (to some extent), getting cash at an ATM, doing laundry, stretching, etc. I think I did almost as many miles around town as on the trail - but no pack or mountains.I ended up buying an $8 (!) cellphone on the Dollar General. I had hoped to do without one, but it seems to be very handy for arranging shuttles into town for supplies and booking motel/hostel accommodation. As well, budget (cheap) motels and hostels do not always have room phones. Payphones seem very rare down here, if not totally non- existant.A few 'random' thoughts on trail life:Interestingly, most through-hikers do not carry maps. They generally carry a trail guidebook which ondicates where to find shelters, water, roads, re-supply towns, etc. One book is much easier to organize and carry than 30 or more maps. As well, the trail is well marked and quite easy to follow.There are generally 2 groups of hikers: the younger ones (typically in their 20s). Their main concern is often cost. Then, there are the older (50+) hikers, who have reached a stage in life with fewer responsibilities. These hikers are more concerned with the weight of their packs and injuries. However, it is nice to see that these groups mix well.So far, re-supply has been fairly easy. Some re-supply points are right on the trail. Towns near the trail have been easy to get to and the locals are quite accustomed to the annual influx of hikers. Motels seem to be much cheaper than they are at home and seem to be happy to have the hiker business.Well, that's all for now. The temerature is forecast to be below freezing for the next 2 nights, so everyone's gear will get a good test.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

April 10Day 13 - 15.9 milesCold Spring ShelterWe started the day well with a church sponsored breakfast for AT hikers. Very nice people - really made us feel welcome. Some of the younger hikers had visited a local bar last night and were feeling a bit rough. I can't afford late nights if I hope to finish the trail.Then, it was on the shuttle and back to the trail. Today was windy and cool, not too bad for hiking. However, tonight will be cold, below freezing, with additional windchill. It is only 7:30 and everyone in the campsite is already hiding in their tents.The trail went over 2 balds today (i.e., mountain tops that are not treed, even though they are technically below the tree-line - apparently, no one knows why). The trail hit 5,342 feet on Wayah Bald, so there were excellent views of the Appalachians.There is a good group of hikers in camp tonight - Carver, Fizz, Young Buck, Count Chocula (really) and others. You tend to see the same hikers fairly frequently, if you are hiking at roughly the same pace.Tomorrow, lots of downhill. That will be easier aerobically, but not necessarily on the knees and leg muscles.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Centre
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

April 11Day 14 - 11.4 milesNantahala Outdoor Centre As expected, last night was very cold and windy. Some hikers' water bottles froze and there were ice crystals on the trail - so the temperature must have been below zero with the wind chill. I was warm enough wearing several layers in my sleeping bag; however, it was tough getting out of the bag in the morning.There was quite a bit of descent today, about 6 1/2 continuous miles to finish the day, some of it fairly steep. My knees were sore by the end, so I applied some vitamin I (ibuprofin). We passed another firetower, this one on Wesser Bald at 4,627 feet. There was an observation deck accessible at the top of the tower for a great 360 degree view, including the Smokey Mtns, which I should reach in a few days.For tonight, I am avoiding another sub-zero tent night, by staying in a hiker hostel at the Nantahala Outdoor Centre. The centre is right on the trail, so access was very easy. Another bonus - I can get real food and can save the instant noodles for another night.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Nantahala Outdoor Centre

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Tough day! It was cold leaving the NOC, but the first 5 miles were uphill, gaining 3,000 feet to Swim Bald (4710 feet) - so it didn't take too long to warm up. Then up again to Cheoah Bald at 5,062 feet. There were some good views along the way. After Cheoah Bald, ups and down until the shelter, after 16.0 miles for my longest day yet.All of this on top of a serious snorer in the NOC bunkroom the previous night. Unfortunately, I had left my earplugs inside my tent, so they were not easily retrieved. That is one of the dangers of shelters and hostels. I have now moved the earplugs to a more easily accessible storage place!
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter (Fontana Hilton)
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

Today was a bit shorter, but I couldn't resist stopping at the Fontana 'Hilton' shelter. This is one of the top shelters in the system - quite new, good facilities (picnic tables, nearby beach, etc.) and free showers nearby. After a day of hiking, it doesn't take much to keep a through-hiker happy.There was a fairly steep descent in the last 4 miles of today's hike, from about 3,700 feet to 1,775 at the shelter. Spring is very much in evidence in the lower valleys - trees are in full leaf, wildflowers (including beautiful white trilliums) and bright green ferns were abundant, and butterflies accompanied me down to Fontana Dam (the largest east of the Mississippi). Just before the Fontana Hilton, I got a short lift to a gas station convenience store to pick up a few supplies. The store had very few supplies, but made up for it by having a small full service bar. I was able to carbo-load with a cold draft beer before moving on.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Fontana Dam Shelter (Fontana Hilton)

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Another day of initial steep uphill climbing to keep me warm! As well, today was a significant milestone, as we entered the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. We climbed 2,100 feet in the first 4 miles - not quite as steep as the ascent out of the NOC - but still enough to keep the heart pounding. The initial ascent finished at a firetower on Shuckstack Mountain, for some great views. I am not sure the wooden stairs in the firetower have received any recent maintenance, so it was a little nervewracking to climb above the trees to get the views. Our highest point of the day was around 4,800 feet, but we will hit higher mountains as we get deepeer into the Smokies.There are more regulations concerning hiking in the Smokies than most of the rest of the trail, as this park is very heavily used - over 9 million users each year (although only a fraction are backpackers). We must stay at a shelter (no 'casual' camping along the trail) and can only put up our tent if the shelter is already full. However, this is a wonderful park, well worth the price of some additional rules.More milestones to come in the next few days!
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

April 15Double Spring Gap Shelter16.4 milesI will hike along a ridge through most of the Smokies, so there will be fewer extremely long ascents and descents. Today, the trail started with a moderate ascent of Rocky Top Mtn (5,440 ft) and Thunerhead Mtn (5,527). There were good views, but a strong cold wind from the east kept me from lingering.The weather this morning was quite interesting. To the east of the ridge, the sky was completely clouded over and misty, and a strong wind blew up the side of the ridge. However, to the west of the ridge, the sky was blue, with some fluffy white clouds. The trail was shelteted from the wind when it dipped below the ridge top on the west side, so became quite warm. This lasted all morning and into the afternoon.The trail also changed nature quite dramatically for the last few hours of the afternoon. Up till now, I had been hiking through deciduous forests. However, that has changed to coniferous forest. The trail now seems much more like the trails I have hiked in northern US states.As well, I have now entered a new state - Tennessee. The trail follows the NC - Tenn border for a long stretch in (and after) the Smokies. It is possible to have one foot in each state while hiking - although there are no markers to indicate which state you are in. It will be a long haul before I get to the next state - Virginia.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg, Tenn)
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

I was on the trail early (7:30 am) as I was eager to get into Gatlinburg for a zero day tomorrow. The morning started off with the trail enshrouded in mist and cloud. That was unfortunate, as the trail passed over the highest point of the AT just 2.9 miles on - Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet. There is an observation tower at the top, since the peak is tree covered and there would be no views otherwise. In any case, the clouds restricted my view to about 50 feet. So, after the obligatory photos, I was quickly on my way.Today was another day of coniferous forest, quite a beautiful walk. Eventually, the clouds cleared and the day became quite warm. As well, once past Clingmans Dome, the hike was mostly downhill, so allowed for a good pace.I reached the road at Newfound Gap just after lunch time, shortly after 2 other hikers - Sam and Pork Chop. We were all recipiants of some amazing trail magic - sandwiches, cold drinks and a drive into town from a local couple who like to meet the hikers from the trail. It is really quite extraordinary the friendliness and generosity of the people who I have met along the trail.I set up at the 'hiker-friendly' motel (i.e., inexpensive and tolerant of smelly hikers) and set off to do as many of my chores as possible, so that I could have a quiet day tomorrow. It doesn't take much to make a hiker happy after 7 days of hiking - a hot shower, a decent bed and hot food will usually do it.Tomorrow, another through-hiker tradition - I will go to a nearby restaurant for an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) breakfast.I have now completed (almost) 10% of the trail (207 trail miles); however, that means that 90% still remains.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg, Tenn)

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

April 17Gatlinburg, Tenn0 MilesA quiet day today - mostly chores around town - picking up supplies, mailing home equipment I have decided I don't need, checking e-mail, etc. Somehow, the day seems very busy, even though it is a rest day. Undoubtedly, the highlight was the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet - very popular with the through-hikers. Town stops provide a chance to stock up on calories and fresh food (especially fruit and veggies).I have also been able to catch up on the hockey play-offs and Big Bang Theory re-runs while doing my chores - another benefit of town stops.I met a couple of hikers who are from Australia, but still no other Canadians. Tomorrow, the hiker shuttle heads back to the trail at 11:00, so lots of time to pack up in the morning. It is raining now and more scheduled for tomorrow, but it should clear up after that. As the AT saying goes: no rain, no pain, no Maine.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: moderate rain

April 18Peck's Corner Shelter10.8 milesIt was a late start today, as the shuttle back to the trail did not leave until almost 11:30. I was hiking by noon through cloud and mist - no views again today. There was light rain on and off through the afternoon, but I kept warm as long as I was moving.The trail climbed at a steady, but gradual rate, to about 6,100 feet. It was a bit eerie hiking through the mist. It was impossible to tell that the trail was following a high ridge, with steep drops on either side.The shelter is crowded tonight, as no one wants to set up a tent on wet ground for a damp, possibly rainy night. I have finally met some other Canadians - 4 young students from near Toronto who are doing a short section hike. Still no other Canadian through-hikers in sight.The forecast is for better weather tomorrow. I hope so - for a chance to dry out and to actually see the views from the ridge.