morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-03-24
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn/Mile 274.5

To: Hemlock Hollow/Mile 290.8
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Out by 7:10 am. I left Hot Springs in the predawn light. Rain was falling lightly and the air was chilly. The hike north along the French Broad River and the climb up above the river must be particularly pretty on a sunny day, with beautiful views from Lovers Leap and similar rock outcropping's back down at Hot Springs and out towards Bluff Mountain and the surrounding hills.The rest of the early morning the trail was relatively smooth and rolling, taking the hiker through hardwood forest with Rhododendrum plants, which included a hike around a "boxed pond" and across a small meadow as it worked its way north.I took a mini-lunch break at 11. And, before I knew it I had completed days' harder climbs more easily than expected. I arrived at Spring Mountain shelter by 1 - 1:30. The Professor is there. Apparently he had left Hot Springs 10 minutes before me and I was five minutes back all morning. I ate rest of my lunch and headed off - as usual, too cold to sit and talk. The Professor decided to stay for the night. I decided to get more miles in especially as the bitter cold seemed to be setting in.The afternoon was fairly easy hiking, mostly modest downs and few shorter uphill runs. The trail was generally good but sometimes slippery mud and/or snow. Weather was colder than morning. Precipitation was ever changing mixture of cold wind, light rain, sleet, rain, wind and flurries, but with a brightening sky - yet, we never saw the sun.Tried to call Cheryl and then Mighty Blue, but didn't connect. Overall, a very cold day. Finished hike about 4:00. Short shuttle to Hemlock Hollow hostel. Pretty good crowd there, all younger hikers, only a few I've seen before. Relaxed vibe there. Nice owners.I was particularly chilled, but eventually warmed up. Glad to be inside.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-25
From: Hemlock Hollow/Mile 290.8

To: Flint Mountain Shelter/Mile 308.1
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

When I arrived at the shelter I described the day as having four parts:Very pleasant yet grey morning; excellent trail that brought us up in elevation (2,500 feet over six miles) in a remarkably easy (I suggested easier than ever, but maybe I just felt strong that morning). A bunch of us had a snack at the first shelter, which was just three miles into the day.Part two was after most of the days vertical climb and we crossed over to a more sun-exposed ridge and the trail became nothing but an ever changing mixture of snow, ice, deep mud or running water (from the snow melt and prior evening's torrential rain), much of the trail was now just streams of water following gravity and the path of least resistance. It was impossible to keep your feet dry.Midday we hit section three - a high, rock ridge/ledge that went on for 2.5 miles. Typically this would have been a fun challenge working our way through modest ups and downs through rock outcroppings highlighted by great views, but with the visibility near zero and the rock ledges covered by snow and ice, the going was both slow and precarious. An alternative route is offered for "bad weather," which in hindsight I wish I took. With the views eliminated, the only thing left of this section would be the fun of navigating the rock formations, but the snow/ice eliminated the fun from my perspective, leaving just a difficult ordeal.Part 4 - I arrived at Jerry Cabin shelter at 2 pm, much later than expected. It was a potential stop for the day and a couple of guys I was with made that decision. I wanted to tent but everything was still snow-covered (not that that hasn't stopped me before) and I really wanted to get some more miles in. I decided to push on another 6 miles despite the hour, hoping for brightening sky and better tenting at lower elevations. Thankfully I was rewarded with both even though the late afternoon hike was mostly a never ending, boring but gradual descent.Arrived a little after 6 pm. Good tenting sites. Busy shelter. Milder temperatures allowed some socializing over my Beef Stroganoff and vegetables.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-26
From: Flint Mountain Shelter/Mile 308.1

To: Sam's Gap (Cantarroso Farm)/Mile 319.3
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

The busy shelter site emptied early as most were planning to do a big 19-mile day to next shelter, so they could get into Erwin (TN) in 4 days from Hot Springs, rather than the 5 days most of us had to take. I was later leaving with only Techno still in camp when I left a little after 8 am.The early part of the day was gently downhill and easy through two gaps. I had an early lunch (tortilla and peanut butter) sitting on the steps to a styles. Then began the BIG climb of the day to Lick Rock. The weather was cold and overcast. The climb seemed particularly hard this day. There were no views or other unique highlights. I finally made it to Hogback Ridge shelter (after 8.8 miles). I had not made good time. All the hikers were ahead of me except Techno, who decided to stay at the shelter. I decided to move along, keep making some miles and look for a tent site late in the day.My lower back was hurting so I weighed options and realized I could get to my Erwin hostel by way of a gap that was up ahead. It was far from my most pleasant day on the trail and heading into town felt right mentally and physically, although it also feels like I'm taking an easy way out.Peggy with Cantarroso Farm picked me up. I was happy to have a roof and a bed. Peggy, her husband Mike, and two other hikers invited me to dinner. Excellent spaghetti and meatballs and salad and wine at Primo's. After a hard day and a belly full of pasta, I fell right to sleep upon return to my mini cabin.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-27
From: Sam's Gap (Cantarroso Farm)/Mile 319.3

To: Spivey Gap (Cantarroso Farm)/Mile 332.7
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I was out hiking by 8:15. Grey, cold and breezy, but a very easy start all the way to Low Gap. The climb from there to the day's primary destination - Big Bald - proved much easier than the map suggested. Although the morning stayed overcast (and clouds set in on the mountain), the hike was remarkably pleasant - especially when contrasted with the day before. (Already I had a morale boost.)Before I knew it I had climbed the three miles to Big Bald, which was a very large bald - meaning it was a massive meadow on the top of the mountain, at 5,516 feet. Unfortunately, the clouds remained close and the wind blew fiercely. The sun seemed to want to break through, but no luck. Despite the lack of views and the weather, I enjoyed the "tour" around the bald created by the route taken by the AT across it.Coming off of the summit, the trail descending gently on a good footpath all the way to Bald Mountain shelter and beyond. I caught a few minutes with Cheryl on the phone before we lost reception. The descent was fast due to good conditions and modest downhills. Halfway down the sun came out from time to time and the surrounding mountains began to reveal themselves. Later in the afternoon, the temperature rose with the sun. I ran into Ladybug & Stickers (from dinner at Elmer's) as well as Easily Forgotten & Bunny Tracks.Met Mike at Spivey Gap, but before that ran into Traveler (Will), who was waiting on a shuttle from Uncle Johnny's - he had hurt his knee badly.Back to farm. Caught up on planning and journaling. Spoke with Ned. Spoke with Cheryl.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-28
From: Spivey Gap (Cantarroso Farm)/Mile 332.7

To: Erwin, TN (Cantarroso Farm)/Mile 343.8
Miles today: 11.1

I was out hiking by 8:00. The morning was mild and the sun was rising to what appeared it would be a beautiful day.The initial hike was gently uphill, following a lovely mountain stream. It then proceeded gently through a hardwood forest accentuated with rhododendron plants. I was quickly hiking in just shorts and a top and I was hiking quickly. There was nothing particular of note but it did feel like perhaps spring was finally coming.I joined Eddie and Rumi at the shelter (after about 4 miles) for an early lunch. I met Crafty there, who has been following the RTK and Mighty Blue podcasts. (He was well-informed of my activities and progress.)The four of us made it down the long, relatively easy descent into Erwin. I mailed my Microspikes at Uncle Johnny's and Mike from Cantarroso picked us up (Eddie and Rumi were staying in the cabin next to mine.)I had a relaxing afternoon of writing, enjoying the river view on the property, doing an interview with Mighty Blue, getting my laundry done, and planning for my next two weeks.I had Trailtopia for dinner. Fell asleep, then called Cheryl - we were both too sleepy.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-29
From: Erwin, TN (Cantarroso Farm)/Mile 343.8

To: Beauty Spot/Mile 355.6
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

I started hiking at the Nolichucky River before 8:00 a.m.The trail followed the river for a mile or so on a high ridge overlooking the Nolichucky. The trail then followed some beautiful, mountain streams through thick rhododendrons in a gentle climb as we started up towards the Beauty Spot. Despite the map profile, the grade of the trail was excellent as it brought us up vertically with relative ease however the footpath itself was substantially more rocky and rooty than the trails leading into Hot Springs.I ran into Knee Deep, his nephew, and his nephew's daughter Rachel and enjoyed morning break with them at Curly Maple shelter. Then began a long, steady climb up to the Beauty Spot (another famous bald on the AT). About halfway, at Indian Grove Gap, we were treated to trail magic by Brother T - brownies, zucchini bread, fruit and cold drinks. And I got to sit around in the sun in real chairs and socialize with Snowcone, Lifesaver, Donut, Knee Deep's family and later Traveler showed up.Energized by our trail magic break, we headed up the final 3 plus miles to the Beauty Spot. The weather was still good so we had some great views. Most of us tented a short distance down the hill, returned to the Beauty Spot for sunset (but the clouds overtook the sunset) and then enjoyed a real campfire back at the campsite before turning in. Another great day.The day was among the nicest the entire trip for hiking partly - sunny, mid-50s and very pleasant breezes. I only broke a sweat climbing the steep portions of the trail.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-30
From: Beauty Spot/Mile 355.6

To: Clyde Smith Shelter/Mile 370.0
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I packed and left camp first again on a cold, misty, grey morning. After an hour or so it began to really rain. I climbed Unaka Mountain (known for its "dense spruce mountain top forest") in pea soup and cold rain. Although distracted by the weather and the challenging climb, I did note that the ascent offered layers of vegetation as I moved through hardwood/rhododendron forest, a layer of evergreens, then low bushes/grassland (almost like a bald), and finally the promised dense spruce forest. It probably is quite pleasant and interesting in dry, mild weather, but I needed to keep moving.The descent was difficult and unenjoyable - not only was it interminably long, but the trail often was nothing but rocks and a flowing stream. I was happy to put Unaka Mountain behind me. Shortly thereafter I reached Cherry Gap shelter where I cooked oatmeal and a hot beverage. I was joined by Snowcone, Lifesaver, Traveler, Pit Bull and Play by Play. After 15-20 minutes it was too cold to linger, so off I went.The rest of the day was a series of short climbs and short descents - somewhat pointless. There was nothing notable to see, but considering how cold and rainy it was no one was picking their head up much to look around. The sum seemed to want to come out, but then we'd get a shower of sleet. The only thing that truly brightened up the day was trail magic (quesadillas, cupcakes, fruit and a variety of cold drinks (including a sip of apple cinnamon moonshine)) provided by Chef, Tamborine and MoFo.I was very glad to end a generally unpleasant day by setting up my tent (many excellent sites) at Clyde Smith shelter. Just to remind us of the day's struggles, the water source was a long way away down a steep hill. It remained bitter. We (Traveler, Snowcone, Lifesaver, etc. - Pit Boss and Play by Play has gone to Greasey Creek) cooked and ate quickly. I met Vagabon Jack (and Kirb, who is hiking with Jack) and sent Mighty Blue a photo of us. The cold drove me into my tent before 7:00 p.m.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-31
From: Clyde Smith Shelter/Mile 370.0

To: Carvers Gap/Mile 381.9
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

I was up, packed and out by 7:45 on a beautiful morning with the sun rising to my right and a near full moon setting to my left. The night had been below freezing with some light rain so I packed up a wet rain fly another morning. It was too cold to try to cook and socialize, so I decided to get going from the busy shelter site (6 tents and a dozen in the shelter, including Eddie & Rumi, Traveler, Snowcone & Lifesaver, Vagabon Jack, and Kirb.The day looked like a challenging one with a 6-mile climb up the old Cloudland Hotel site. I tried to prepare and planned a three part day: warm up by knocking off the first 4 miles that precede the vertical climb (and have breakfast there - Hughes Gap), tackle half the climb (and take lunch break at Ash Gap) and then finish the big climb (and from there it was a couple of miles downhill to Carvers Gap) -- and fortunately that's just what I did.We then hit the ascent it proved to be easier than the map profile over a great foot tread and modest grades for the amount of elevation gained. A modest descent into Ash Gap was my intended lunch break spot due to its (conveniently) location halfway on the climb and the availability of water. I joined two guys from New Jersey out for a week for a pleasant lunch - again the milder weather permitting us to sit around for more than 10 minutes.Then it was time for the final ascent. The trail was interesting in that it wound through an evergreen forest, around rock outcroppings, and along a rocky ridge. Before I knew it the trail spilled us out into a mini-bald and the former site of an upscale, 1880's mountain top hotel known as the Cloudland Hotel with some good views and rhododendron gardens.The balance of the hiking day was a little over two miles down to Carver's Gap mostly on the old road that brought people to the old hotel and was not full of day hikers on a beautiful Easter weekend Saturday. Like my climb out of the NOC, I turned a day that some dreaded into a most pleasant hike. That said, I did not enjoy the final two miles into Carver's Gap because the trail was nothing but football, baseball, and golf ball size rocks, which constantly jar your feet as the angular stones force your feet in different directions or cause you to roll your feet from time to time in unexpected directions.I finally arrived at Carver's Gap, which was buzzing with activity. I was 45 minutes early for my ride so I dried my tent and relaxed in the sun. Brent & Juanita arrived, took me into town for some shopping and a pizza to go, and then brought me to Roane Mountain B&B. Ann and Steve Campbell (proprietors) arrived after I had dinner. We socialized and I spoke with Cheryl. A very good day.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-01
From: Carvers Gap/Mile 381.9

To: Carvers Gap/Mile 381.9
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero day in Roane Mountain for Easter.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-02
From: Carvers Gap/Mile 381.9

To: US 19E/Mile 394.8
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

I left Carver's Gap around 8:30. The morning was a mixture of sun/clouds. I had an easy hike over Jane Bald where the views were still good as the sun remained. The trail then headed off the mountain down to Stan Murray shelter where I stopped for a short break.From there I hiked to Overmountain shelter (named for the local colonial militia that hiked over the mountain to intercept British troops planning to march to aid Cornwallis). The hike after Overmountain may be the most beautiful of the trip thus far. Although I did not have good weather (it was windy and grey with showers), the open grassy balds and saddles of Little Hump and Big Hump offered tremendous views and interesting hiking terrain.After Big Hump, the descent was initially rocky and steep. It then moderated as I worked my way down to TN 19E.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-03
From: US 19E/Mile 394.8

To: Moreland Gap Shelter/Mile 413.2
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

I started hiking from US 19E around 8:15 on a beautiful morning. After an early climb, the trail then followed rolling terrain, which included hiking through meadows and along the Elk River. I took a short blue blaze trail to Jones Falls where I met Crocket and Sleeves. Later, we also checked out Mountaineer Falls.It was a fairly warm, long day of relatively modest ups and downs. I saw very few hikers on trail all day and other than the falls there were not any particular points of interest or views. I finally made it to the shelter a little before 7 pm. The only other hikers there were Sleeves and Crocket.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-04
From: Moreland Gap Shelter/Mile 413.2

To: Boots Off Hostel/Mile 428.1
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

After a very windy and rainy night (I was glad I stayed in the shelter, so I did not have a wet tent to pack up). [It was my first voluntary stay at a shelter. The fact that I only had to share the space with one other hiker (Sleeves) helped with the decision. The experience was fine - no mice or other issues.]Sleeves and I got going around 7:30. The morning was cold and there was a light rain. After an initial climb, the trail was mostly downhill as we headed for Dennis Cove Road and Laurel Falls. The morning weather worsened resulting in a very windy, rainy and cold three-hour hike. Things eased as I approached Dennis Cove and the forecast showed a sunny afternoon.I stopped for lunch well before the falls hoping to give some time to let the sky clear. I made my way down along Laurel Fork, into Laurel Gorge and down to the magnificent Laurel Falls. After enjoying the Laurel area with its running mountain streams, deep rocky gorge, powerful falls, rhododendron gardens, and rock outcroppings, I had one long climb ("Pond Flats") remaining for the day - three miles up and three miles down.It was a difficult climb - steep and rocky; and seemingly endless. Fortunately when I finally reached the top, the descent was fast over a pleasant foot tread. After a short side trip, I checked into Boots Off Hostel and shared a cabin with Scars.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-05
From: Boots Off Hostel/Mile 428.1

To: TN 91/Mile 448.6
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: scattered clouds

[This section was hiked southbound from TN 91.]After an early morning shuttle, Not Today, Zzz and I started hiking at the AT trailhead at TN State Route 91. It was a cool, clear morning - perfect for hiking. We moved fairly quickly over moderately grade terrain. After almost 4 miles, we stopped at Iron Mountain shelter for a quick snack/break. We met Inside-Out and visited with Eddie Steady & Rumi, Crafty and Sauerkraut there.The rest of the morning was mostly following a high ridge that led generally down to Lake Wautuga, but rolled up and down in an almost regular series. We ran into Sleeves, Professor, Crockett, Play-by-Play & Pit Boxx, and a few others hiking northbound.We stopped for a short lunch break at the shelter and then moved on to complete the long day. After that break, most of the hike was downhill with increasingly good views of Lake Wautuga on a still pristine day. Temperatures were great for hiking although typically our hands would get cold whenever we stopped.There was a particularly steep downhill (addressed by multiple switchbacks) before Wilbur Dam Road followed by a mile plus road walk down to the dam. After some photos there, we finished the last three miles by circling the lakeshore to the public road where Zzz's mom waited with cold drinks, chips, and donuts.I walked the last short piece to Boots Off where I found: Stickers & Ladybug, Donut, Dimples, Easily Forgotten & BunnyTracks, Kirb, Vagabond Jack and Scars - the first four listed were planning a 40-mile dash to Damascus in the morning. Scars, Dimples and I caught a quick shuttle into town for dinner.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...