morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-01-22
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: NC28 Fontana
Miles today: 11.6

Had a great night at Brown Fork Shelter and hiked down to Fontana Dam road. Was overcast all day so I could see weather coming in. If you look at the National Radar you can see what's coming. I really want to cross that Dam and get into the Park but am not thrilled with hiking in cold, icy, rain, or snow. And not excited about sitting in a cold shelter watching it all day. So all good plans get changed I guess. Nuclear ran me over to NOC and I drove home to regroup and closely watch the weather. My permit starts tomorrow with nine days to get through the park. I only need 5 with perfect conditions and obviously we don't have that.Thanks again for the guest book signing. Seems to be some odds on me in making it. I'm just out there enjoying the woods and seeing how far I get. I have all year so I want to be smart about it. Thanks to all those who are following along.When Suds gets here we will post a picture of the Dam.Subman
Date: 2015-01-23
From: NC28 Fontana

To: NC28 Fontana
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is Suds, enjoying being at home with Subman today. Sitting by the fire and indulging in a pasta dinner. We have looked at the weather and called the ranger station. Subman feels he can leave very early tomorrow and drive up to Fontana Dam getting on the trail by 8am. It may be raining in the morning but this may be a good window to start. We will keep you posted as he progresses through the Smokies.
Date: 2015-01-24
From: NC28 Fontana

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

This is Suds. Today Subman drove back up to Fontana Dam and headed out for Mollies Ridge Shelter. There was some rain/ snow this morning so Sub waited awhile before starting and took off at 8am. Haven't heard much from him but did receive a random text saying Subman is Ok. Perhaps someone saw him on the trail and passed the message on when they could get a signal. At any rate I'll take it and rest easier tonight.Sub here after a late start I hiked over to the Fontana Hilton after I read the register I noticed that Scuffs and Woodstock signed in and mentioned they were skipping the Park cause they had sectioned it a few years ago and we're waiting on a shuttle. I was wondering how far ahead there were. I crossed the Dam with a slight reroute around the visitors center. The snow stopped and it didn't look to bad. The higher I climbed up Shuckstack the snow got deeper. Noticed tracks ahead of me so it was neat to know I wasn't the only one out there. Got to Mollies ridge shelter to meet my new hiking friend Scott (Mountain Cat) We hit it off right away and since he was sectioning the Park we decided to hang together. Sub
Date: 2015-01-25
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derricks knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

This is Suds for Subman. Sub checked in at 10am this morning from Spence field shelter. Said yesterday was rough. he was hiking in 3-4" of snow. Today he is still hiking in snow. Has found a buddy Scott to hike with. I believe this was the origin of the random text yesterday. I got another one saying Sub was at Derrick knob Shelter and all was well. Sleep well Sub stay dry and warm.OK this day was the best of all the Sun came out late morning and the views from Rocky Top and Thunder head were Awesome. Had to wear my Yak Trax the rest of the way so it made hiking harder. Snow was about 2 to 3 inches not to bad to deal with. Sub
Date: 2015-01-26
From: Derricks knob Shelter

To: Double Springs Gap Sheltet
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light snow

Suds here. Just heard from Subman. It was slow going today. hiking in 6" of snow really slowed them down. They are staying at Double Springs Shelter, and plan to go over Clingmans Dome tomorrow. They are shooting for the (heated?) Restrooms at Newfound gap. The road has been closed so they may need to continue on. Sub said between the two of them they have the food they need. I believe Sub had a fuel issue that Scott was able to help him with. Thankful he ran into Scott it could have been a whole different hike. Many prayers are being answered!OK this day the bottom fell out. We awoke to more snow falling and about 3 more inches of accumulation. Scott broke trail as he did the whole way. I was so appreciative of him. He is a lot stronger hiker than I and helped me in many ways just having someone to buddy with. Hiking was very hard that day with blowing snow and some drifts on ridges up to our knees also Temps were lower so you couldn't stop to do anything or freeze. Seven miles was all we could squeeze out and called it a day.Sub
Date: 2015-01-27
From: Double Springs Gap Sheltet

To: Goshen Prong trail
Miles today: 5.2

This is Suds. Sub checked in this morning with a plan. He and Scott will hike up to Clingmans Dome and then hike down Clingmans Dome road to New found Gap. They hope to shelter in the restrooms there. Tomorrow they plan to hike the 12 miles into Gatlinburg. The New Found Gap road has been closed for two days so there is slim to no chance of getting a ride. This is Subman in a hotel in Gatlinburg. Needless to say the above plan was changed. Had a pretty rough time and had to bale 12 miles down Goshen Prong Trail to escape the snow and cold. I will Edit each entry that Suds made so all will have to reread starting Saturday the 24th. Want to throw out a special thanks to my new friend Mountain Cat for all his help.After discussing many plans to get off the trail because we were not having fun anymore dealing with the harsh weather conditions we decided to head down a trail that Scott often trail runs. It was long and steep about 12 miles with many snow covered rhododendrons hanging that we had to push through and of course Mountain Cat took the blunt of them breaking trail which made it easier for Old Fart Subman.A friend of Scott's was waiting at the trail head to rescue us and dropped me off at the Grand Prix hotel in Gatlinburg. I also misplaced my wallet so Scott lent me some cash and Suds paid for my room with her card. I'm hoping I left it in my truck.Going to take a few days to regroup. I will have to hike in to where I got off so that will take some planning.reading all the new guest book signings was so so cool. Thank you all so much and I will try my best the reply.Sub
Date: 2015-01-29
From: Goshen Prong trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good news my wallet was in my truck. If fell down between the seats. Awesome one less headache. Back home for now watching the weather up in Gatlinburg and it doesn't look good. Looks like the current snow on the trail will be getting deeper over the next week. The only way I can continue where I bailed off is hike up the closed Clingmons dome road to the parking lot then the parking lot lower trail to the AT. Then hike south back to Double Springs Shelter and stay the night. Next day continue NOBO Over Clingmons to Newfound Gap.This is not the way I planned to do the trail but if I continued hiking nothing up north would be open anyway like the Huts in the Whites. So I will continue on when I feel the timing is right. I'm not real crazy about hiking in deep snow with Yac Traxs it's not fun. Also temps are very low at that sustained high elevation. Temps that last night at Double Springs was 13. When it's that cold you get your water, eat then get in your bag as quickly as possible and survive the night. In the mmorning you get up and get moving. Everything that can freeze has to go in your bag with you. I guess that is what to expect leaving when I did. But you never know it could have gone the other way and been a mild winter. Odds were not with me though. Sub
Date: 2015-02-01
From: Goshen Prong trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A lot of people signing my Guest book are suggesting skipping ahead and continuing.   What's the big deal I can come back to finish the Park later right? Wrong, at this point I would rather wait. Maybe I'll change my prospective later but at this point I want to do a continuous hike NOBO. HYOH remember? Everyone gets to do it the way they want. That is what is so Awesome about the trail. No rules Just right. I check the weather in Gatlinburg just about hourly. I run through plans in my head continually.   I keep telling myself to be patient you have all year. A big part of me just wants to get up there and deal with the conditions but that's stupid. Single digit Temps at night is NOT FUN. 6 inch or more, wearing Yacktrax all day takes a toll on feet.When I feel the timing is right I will hike up that closed road and back to the Goshen Prong trail where Scott and I split off. In the mean time Suds and I get to spend time together and do things around our place. Do some local hiking to maintain conditioning. Thanks for all the offers of help up the trail I've noted them all and will most likely take you all up on them. And for all the suggestions keep them coming. Sub
Date: 2015-02-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yes I'm still hanging in there. I have about 10 links I check regularly on weather and trail conditions some of them that readers told me about thank you.Went to Amicalola State Park today and did the stairs loop twice. Felt a lot better climbing than I did on 31 December. Just trying to keep my trail legs and heart in condition. Possibly head back to Newfound Gap Saturday looks like the Temps are climbing a little if not I will wait longer till conditions improve. Just wanted to updateSub
Date: 2015-02-07
From: Newfound Gap

To: Double Springs Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Hi Suds here. Subman took off before 5am this morning to drive up to NewFound Gap. He plans to hike up the Clingmans Dome road to get back on the AT. He will go south till he passes the Goshen Prong Trail where they got off due to the weather then Plans to stay at Double Springs Gap Shelter tonight. Sub will be putting in 10.6 miles today just to get back to where he got off. He should have a much better time weather wise this time around. Sub was happy to find that some of the snow has melted and it was a clear 30° this morning. Very happy to get back on the trail! Ill keep the home fires burning and keep the journal updated as he checks in.
Date: 2015-02-08
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.6

OK maybe I'll set a new record for the most Zero days on a Thru Hike. Or maybe I'll change my Trail name to:Subman Stops A Lot (like my buddy Woodchuck). It all comes down to an Awful Messy Trail that is NO FUN hiking on. I got to Newfound Gap which was my first goal cause now it will be easier to get back on not like yesterday walking up Clingman road which was a lot harder than I thought. Stayed at Double Springs Shelter with 8 guys from South Africa that were really cool. Trail conditions stink just look at the picture. I keep telling myself Sub, what do you expect, you started 1 January. But I don't like hiking in crappie snow. So I'm going to wait till the trail is clear which maybe soon cause its melting fast. My buddy Mountain cat may also join me to Davenport Gap which would be fantastic. So I drove back home to Suds and will continue to plan my next attempt. Also trying to get Suds out there with meYou all have been Awesome with many encouraging comments and I really appreciate them. Love reading my quest book.Sub
Date: 2015-02-14
From: Newfound Gap

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

I'm still kicking and watching weather.   The temperature has been brutal and getting worse.   Also more snow fall is expected for the Smokies. Anyone who is out there now really needs to hunker down till temps rise.Anyway reading other journals and waiting. Can't wait to get back to hiking.Subman
Date: 2015-02-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yes I'm still among the living. Eager to get back out there but I want to enjoy the trail and not survive it. As I read journals of those that are out there I have to hand it to them for surviving with the ice snow and Cold. We sure have some gutsy guys and girls battling the elements. That being said I'm still waiting for a decent weather window to get back on at Newfound Gap. Weather at 5000 ft in the park is a different situation Twisted can relate I'm sure. It's nice to know that once I'm back on I'll have company as many will also be further north. Let's hope mother nature gets this out of her system soon so all the March starters will have better conditions. I have a VA appointment Monday so after that I can go as long as I'm satisfied with the conditions and Newfound Gap road is open.Thanks again for all your support. Sub
Date: 2015-02-28
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4

Suds here. The break in weather had Subman heading for the trail at 4:30am this morning. Swinging through Gatlinburg he picked up Twisted so he will have a hiking partner. It was a chilly 22° at NewFound gap with the weather expected to warm up a bit today. He was contemplating staying at Peck's Corner Shelter tonight. Sub was really anxious to try out some NEO backpacking overboots to help him keep his feet dry in the snow. Anxious to hear how they work. Until he checks in I'll be saying prayers they're safe and that they're having a blast!
Date: 2015-03-01
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Tricorner Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light snow

Suds here. Have not heard from Subman or Twisted since they took off at NewFound Gap. If they are sticking to Subs tentative plan they should be at Cosby Knob Shelter. Although with Twisted hiking with Sub they may hike at a much faster pace. Twisted is a pretty strong hiker.I plan to meet Subman at Standing Bear Farm Monday night. It will be a relief to know He is OK. I understand not hearing from him because of reception but that doesn't keep you from worrying. Guess who's getting a spot locator for his birthday!
Date: 2015-03-02
From: Tricorner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Suds here. Subman was able to get a message out this afternoon. He and Twisted are OK. They have not made the miles planned and will be getting about 8 miles in today, which will have them staying at Cosby Knob Shelter tonight. The trail has been "HORRENDOUS" to quote Subman. At one point Twisted slid down the Mountain. Sub had to roll down the trail to avoid the same fate. Sub said the snow was knee high and you never knew what to expect around the next bend.I plan to meet them in Davenport tomorrow and we'll go from there.for right now it is great to know Subman and Twisted are OK!
Date: 2015-03-03
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Cove Road Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7

Finally out of the Park. Took long enough.  In the picture Twisted celebrated finishing the Smokies and TWISTED. This is Subman going in and editing the last few entries that Suds made. We had no cell signal until just before Cosby knob shelter to update Suds. The hike from Newfound Gap was very Grueling. I'm going back to edit each day with more detail. Suds picked me up at Standing Bear and we drove back to Newfound gap to pick up my truck to bring it back home. She will bring me back and I will continue Friday. Twisted in staying at the Hostel tonight and continuing nobo tomorrow.   I hope to catch him further north since he has plans to meet up with his wife and also his friend Hobbit which may slow him down.   I really enjoyed hiking withTwisted I would have never gotten through this section without him.Sub
Date: 2015-03-05
From: Green Cove Road Bear Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow at Green Cove road. Suds (The love of my life) has been so AWESOME running me around with all the driving and holding down the home front. I Love you Baby.The section from Newfound gap to I-4O was very frustrating for Twisted and I. That first day of 11 miles was the hardest, and most draining physically, day of Backpacking that I've ever experienced. I even considered sleeping under an uprooted tree, I was that close, then the Shelter sign appeared just after dark. With every step we would sink down to our knees, and we were lucky to do 1 mile per hour.I did want to mention I bought and wore a pair of NEO Overboots from Campmore that worked Awesome on that last section.   Twisteds shoes and socks were ringing wet, soaked every night and my socks were just damp. I would highly recommend them $85 at Campmore.   Will try to get a picture uploaded. Tomorrow it will be nice to hike on normal trail. Looks like there is a group at Newfound Gap today so I may have some good company shortly. Looking at making Groundhog Shelter tomorrow night since I'm sure I will be starting late and have a 5 mile climb to look forward too.Thanks again for all your support. Sub
Date: 2015-03-06
From: Green Corner Road

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Suds here.I dropped Subman off this morning at 11:30am where he left the trail at Green Corner Rd.. Climbing to the top of Snowbird Mountain he found two inches of snow still on the trail. When he checked in at 5pm from Groundhog Shelter. He was settled in and had already had dinner. There were a couple of other hikers spending the night. He has chosen the comfort of his tent for tonight since he was out of the Smokies, He plans big miles for tomorrow going over Max Patch. The trail conditions should only improve with the weather forecast for this week. It is supposed to be chilly tonight in the low 20s so I hope he stays warm.
Date: 2015-03-07
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 23.0

Suds here. Just talked to Sub he had a great day putting in 23 miles. He has made it to Deer Park Shelter just 3 miles out of Hot Springs. Sub said he still had snow on the trail until 3 miles before stopping. This morning temps were pretty cold leaving ice inside the tent. Things began to warm up after 1pm. Tomorrow he plans to go into Hot Springs.I remember hiking around Hot Springs, Loved the town and the people.
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2

Suds here. Subman hiked 3.2 miles into the awesome town of Hot Springs and enjoyed a great Breakfast at the Smokey Mountain Diner.He also stopped by the Outfitter to pick up some fuel. Subman will be staying at Elmer's hostel tonight , enjoying a nice shower, then doing his laundry. So far the bubble is still behind him and he enjoyed the quite time talking with Elmer on the porch of his Victorian home.He plans to leave town early tomorrow morning and put in 17 miles to Hemlock Hostel.
Date: 2015-03-09
From: Hot Springs

To: Log cabin Drive
Miles today: 16.3

Suds here. Sub checked in by email tonight from the Hemlock Hostel near Log Cabin Drive. He got in a pretty good day hiking 16.3 miles in warmer weather although it rained throughout the day. He sent the picture of a tree growing around a sign that seems to have been there for many years. Sub also sent a picture of Joe Fisher who he had caught up with on Snowbird Mountain. Joe was doing a weekend hike from I-40 with two other friends. It was pretty neat since Joe had signed his questbook.. the people are often the best part of the journey and you never know who you will meet!Subman plans to go 15.9 miles tomorrow to Flint Shelter.
Date: 2015-03-10
From: Log cabin Drive

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Suds here. Subman left Hemlock Hostel this morning, and headed out the six miles to Flint Mountain Shelter. He said it was a tough six miles, lots of climbing up with steep downhills the last two miles. Sub was hiking with a father/daughter team that he saw earlier in his hike, and thought they would all spend the night at Flint Mountain Shelter. Tomorrow I plan to pickup Subman at Sam's GapAnd we plan to go back to hot springs and enjoy the resort and catch up with each other. Want to tell our friend Grambo Thank you! for taking care of our dog pepper while Sub and I enjoy Hot Springs .looking forward to seeing him!
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 11.2

Sub here: Left shelter, Brightside, Pappabear, and Iceman while it was just getting light. Stopped at shelter just before Gap for a quick break cause Suds was meeting me at Sam's Gap. Never saw those guys and wanted to say goodbye I enjoyed hiking with Brightside and her Dad Pappabear. Iceman had hiked in late. I did meet him in HotSprings but he was delayed living town waiting for the PO to open. RAINED pretty good most of the day and I was pretty soaked. It was Awesome to see Suds waiting with open arms. We hi tailed it back to Hot Springs and Soaked in the mineral springs bath (Highly recommend).More to post stay turnedSubman
Date: 2015-03-12
From: Sam's Gap

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

OK When I started this Journal I said I always wanted to go north from Springer and see how far I get. Well I got to Sam's Gap in Erwin Tenn. Yes I'm done. I Thru-Hiked the AT in 2003. I didn't make that real clear in this journal but I'm sure many figured it out. I started 1 March 2003 and finished 28 July 2003. It was the trip of a lifetime and I think of it almost everyday. With A-Train Flick Dimples Java Grunt Squirts Journey men Pop tart Space Monkey Wench Jan Liteshoe Hot dog and many other Awesome friends for life. I only took 8 zero days and was on "Fire" to get to Katahdin. I didn't have that "Fire" this hike. And you need that FIRE in the belly to make it the whole way. Hikers like Twisted Tadpole J Lucky Iceman Griswold Montana Ltd TSquare Trailchef and many more of you that are out there forging away staying on the trail and dealing with everything that comes up and overcoming each obstacle have the FIRE to make it. The Fire I had in 03 and the "FIRE" Suds and I have when we start 1 March 2016. That's going to be the real Thru-Hike that we do together. We tell each other we are "On Crack" cause we are addicted to each other. So, I know it's early, but follow along with our 2016 Journal here on TJ.I guess I need to apologize to Jimmy the Greek who gave me a 90% chance on making it. Hope you didn't lose much lol. Thank you all so much to Mountain Cat for the time we had in the Smokies and of course Twisted who survived the second half of the Park with me and who is a Twisted Hiking Machine. Thanks for all the Vet Bubble heads (Submariners) and there Awesome service poking many holes in the Ocean, following along. And especially to all who signed my Guest Book with many kind words and offers of help up the trail. I owe many thanks to an awesome friend, Grambo, always taking pepper and helping me get to the Approach trail. To Ashley and his wife for the ride out of Franklin. Remember I'm lucky enough to live near Springer if I can assist any hikers contact me through Trail Journals. MANY THANKS TO ALL.Subman Ga-Me 03, BMT 11, LT 12, Pinhoti 13.
Date: 2015-03-01
To: Prep #1
Miles today: 0.0

Mar 1st.   Prep #1Well, I've done it this time.... No, I really mean that I've done it. For better or worse, I have decided to let my passions/obsessions lead me to happiness.I am now officially unemployed and homeless... I have officially quit my job and sold my house!!!   The proposition is intoxicating, and yet, scary as shit, all at once. I am still in denial that I will never set foot into my abode of ten years. It is a lot of change in a tiny amount of time...Why hike now? Why not a year from now?? I was lucky enough to pull off selling my house just in time for a northbound start! The last month has been an absolute whirlwind of tasks and challenges. Thank you soooo much Mike Hatfield, Jim Debrincat, and Rodd Knapp for all the help!!I must also stop and praise my awesome co-workers who have been like family to me for the last 20 odd years....They will be missed greatly.This adventure will feel a lot different than the last hikes because of the commitment I made to it.So, as I sit on the Amtrak headed to Georgia, I can finally get excited for the trip ahead!I am excited, nervous, and ready!!