morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-26
From: Fontana Dam Shelter 

To: Spence Field Shelter 
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Long day! Entered the Smoky Mountains this morning around 8 am, by walking across Fontana Dam, almost 1/2 mile across. Climbed from 1700 feet to 4916 feet. Felt like we climbed all day. Highlight was view from Shuckstack Tower. Original plan was to hike 11 miles to Molly Ridge Shelter, but we felt good and pushed it to a 17.3 day, longest yet. We arrived at Spence Field Shelter around 5:20 pm. I was tired and hungry, but satisfied that I could do 17 miles. See my photos for view from Shuckstack Tower. As I write this I am tired and ready to go to sleep.
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Spence Field Shelter 

To: Double Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 13.5

Happy Easter! On the trail today it was a miserable day, rain,fog and mud. Hiking was difficult with climbs and descents, but slippery,muddy conditions. I remind myself of ultimate goal, but today I missed going to Easter service and being with my family. Tomorrow we will reach Clingman's Dome and Newfound Gap with resupply in Gatlinburg or Cherokee. I knew there would be difficult days in which I missed my wife and family today was one of those. Another day of longer miles,i.e., we did 13.5 today and 30 in two days. Time for hot food and try to dry clothes out. Early to bed.
Date: 2016-03-28
From: Double Spring Shelter 

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.4

Day started with fog and damp windy conditions. I was too lazy to get my gloves out and suffered with cold fingers most of the morning. It was a damp cold that cuts through you. As long as I kept moving I was OK. We reached the highest point on the AT, i.e., Clingman's Dome, elevation 6667. Not a good view because of low clouds/fog. It rained last night, but safe and dry in Double Spring Gap Shelter. The rain turned the trail into a virtual stream in some section's. Spent most of day hiking in mud (see photos)Today was first day I hiked with no pain in left foot,toe is healed. Also, for the first time I smelled myself, but will shower tonight. Hiking has a certain rhythm that you develop based on trail conditions, since it was flat I picked up the pace. I also have to slow myself down climbing and try to speed up, if possible going downhill. Bottom line the trail is the trail and you must adjust to it. The trail will not change. Met a Grandpa and Grandson from New Castle VA, trail name Sam Squared. The young man is 13 and home schooled. Believe me he is getting a great education on the AT. Got a shuttle from Newfound Gap to Gatlinburg TN, where we are spending the. I experienced serious sensory overload with all the people, sounds and smells after the quiet of the AT. I want to get back on the trail. We leave tomorrow at 7 AM. Much better day mentally for me! At our current pace will exit Smokies on Thursday. AT thru must purchase a permit for $20 and have 8 days to complete the 71 miles. I don't think they want a bunch of smelly hikers lingering!Random Thoughts;Have seen very little wildlife, i.e., one snake,one snail,a few squirrels, and zero bear. I think we make enough noise they hear us comingGetting resupply in Gatlinburg is not easy, plan ahead. Avoid The Grand Prix Motel in Gatlinburg, it is a "shit hole".
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Happy to leave the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and get back to peace and tranquility of the AT. Shuttle picked us up at 7 AM from Grand Prix Motel. Grand Prix was not fancy, but had hot water and wi-fi. I slept on top of the bed,enough said. Morning was cold with frost on trees and the ground as we hiked out of Newfound Gap. I did remember to wear gloves. Sun came out and steadily warmed up and turned out to be a great day from a weather standpoint. My dinner the night before consisted of 2 egg salad sandwichs,1 pound of Cole Slaw, 5 Guys cheeseburger and fries, I was hungry. Views today were outstanding with Charlie's Bunnion the highlight, but great views all along the trail. Today I felt great and hiking was easy, I had energy to keep going. I attribute it to my big dinner. Hikers appetite has kicked in. First day with no cell service at end of day. So far Verizon has provided excellent service. On a down note we lost a member of our crew,i.e., Richard Baker decided to call it quits. He rented a car and drove back to Montgomery AL. We will miss Richard, he was a great guy and good hiker Random Thoughts; GSMNP has over 600 miles of trails with about 70 being the AT. As a result you have to pay attention at trail crossingso to be sure you are on the ATGatlinburg is not an easy or inexpensive resupply spot. If I did again I would carry extra food and avoid Gatlinburg
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

On the trail by 7 AM in anticipation of a long day. Spent the night at Tri Corner Knob Shelter with a multitude of snoring hikers, one with a Trail name, "Freighttrain", because he snores loudly. Needless to say I did not get much sleep. Bad weather is anticipated on Thursday, as a result we decided to hike long today to exit the Smokies and get to Standing Bear Hostel. We completed the Smokies in 5 days, i.e., 71 miles. Our pace has picked up. Weather was outstanding with sunny skies and temps in the 60's. Met an ATC Ridge Runner today. They are hired by Appalachian Trail Conservancy to monitor trail and provide assistance. She confirmed this year has a high number of AT thru hikers. Outstanding view today was from Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower. It was built in the 30'same by the CCC.It involved and extra 1.2 miles off the AT, but view was well worth it. With this extra mileage I hiked almost 20 miles. We arrived at Hostel around 4:30 PM. I was tired and hungry. We are taking a zero day tomorrow in anticipation of storms and to rest. Resume hiking Friday AM. Next stop Hot Springs NC. Thanks for encouragement and support.
Date: 2016-03-31
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Enjoying a zero day at Standing Bear Hostel. Sharing a cabin with 6 other hikers. I have my own bed in the loft. Extremely tired after long day on Wednesday. The hostel is a collection of home made buildings with salvaged items. Laundry room is a washboard and crank wringer to dry clothes. First time I have washed clothes using wash board. Full resupply and wi fi available. Verizon signal comes and goes. Must be at least 8 dogs and cats on property. Awakened this morning at 4:30 am by rooster crowing. Very hiker friendly, highly recommend. We leave tomorrow morning for Hot Springs NC, expect to arrive Saturday. I bought a few beers and utilized the "hillbilly refrigerator" next to our cabin, i.e., beer in creek.Planning a shuttle into Newport TN this afternoon for a few supplies. Took a shower and cleaned up, ready to go tomorrow. Thanks for support and encouragement!
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Footbridge Campsite
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: moderate rain

Left Standing Bear Hostel at 7 am. Lumpy the caretaker is a great host and very helpful, big thumbs up.Big climb up to Snowbird Mt, which has an FAA Tower on top with great views. View provided a look back at the Smokies. Had my first accident. I was walking along with my head down,thinking about my Mom when I walked into a tree branch. It stopped me in mytracks.Around nown we were descending into Brown Gsp. We looked up and a van with a trailer.It was the Orr Family from Fort Worth, TX. This family of 7 thru hiked last year and received trail magic at this spot. They drove 14 hours from Texas to provide trail magic. Continue to be impressed with the generosity of individuals. Highlight was climb up Max Patch, a bald area in NC with huge Grassy area and impressive views. I am quitting today. April Fools, continue on the AT
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Footbridge Campsite

To: Hot Springs NC 
Miles today: 16.8

Up at 6 am to start long day with goal of reaching Hot Springs NC and Laughing Heart Hostel. Always an incentive to reach a town with showers, meal and laundry. Hot Springs NC is our first trail town,i.e.,AT goes down main street.Pretty town with a great outfitter, Bluff Mountain Outfitter. We had a surprise today. Chris List, an Appalachian Trail Institute participant drove 9 hours from Michigan to meet us and provide trail magic. He met us at Garenflo Gap. He had some Cokes and beer, but also took our packs into Hot Springs NC, which allowed us to hike the last 7 miles with no weight. You feel like you are running when you do not have a pack, i.e., slack packing. Chris also drove us to several spots in Hot Springs NC for resupply. Once again, the trail provides assistance when you least expect it. Big thank you and thumbs up to Chris List. Our next stop is Erwin Tennessee in approximately 4 days, which means carrying more food, i.e.,more weight, but no resupply stops between Hot Springs NC and Erwin Tennessee. As a result journal entries may be delayed. Thanks for support and encouragement. I weighed myself today and am below 200 pounds, i.e., 196. Not bad, do not want to lose weight too quickly. I am able to eat anything I want,including Honey Buns and Snickers.
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Hot Springs NC 

To: Log Cabin Road
Miles today: 15.8

Left Hot Springs NC after a great breakfast at Smokey Mountain Diner. Big climb out of Hot Springs, greeted after 5 miles with trail magic from Melvin Roberts. Melvin is in his 60's and from Seneca SC. He claims the world record for lighting strikes,i.e.,12. Google him. Another example of great people on the AT. We planned to stay at Hemlock Hostel, but we called ahead and they were closed. We found a spot near an old log cabin, see in pictures. It was a cold night. My Brooks Cascadia shoes have developed a split in mesh upper. I plan to call Brooks tomorrow. Another great view from Rich Mountain Fire tower.
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Log Cabin Road

To: Tent Site
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light snow

Very difficult day today, big climbs,rocky trail, rock scrambling and descents. A little bit of everything, strenuous. In fact, there was a side trail to take in bad weather to avoid the AT because trail was rocky and strenuous and dangerous in bad weather. Weather was sunny and warm, we took the AT. Big thumbs up to Adam at Brooks. I called Brooks regarding shoe failure. He is sending a new pair of 2016 model Brooks Cascadia to Erwin TN at no cost. This is great customer service. He is also sending a new pair to Volunteer Dave, who had his shoes split in the same spot. We were all tired and set up camp after a difficult 13 miles. Outstanding view from Big Firescald Knob,see pictures.Random Thoughts The AOL guide does not describe difficulty. Today was a great example of rock scrambling increasing difficulty.
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Tent Site

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 18.1

Today I hiked alone,intentionally. You must "Hike Your Own Hike", meaning your pace,stops,distance,etc. I felt like I needed to move at my own pace. It was exactly what I needed, time alone. Another way to describe today is up and down, both literally and figuratively. The trail was a series of up and downs as were my emotions. I stopped at a new hostel,i.e. Hikers Paradise at mile 309.4 and got a hamburger and Mountain Dew, along with using their WiFi. It was a .6 mile walk off the AT, but well worth it.There is not much resupply between Hot Springs and NC. This Hostel had good resupply, laundry, food and drinks. Nice young man who runs it. He said his hostel is the only registered business in his zip code. Hiked from 7 am until 5:45 pm covering 18.1 miles, but at my own pace and schedule. Camped at Low Gap. It was a cold night with temperatures in the high 20's. Met "Sparky", "Hong Kong Steve" and "Forrest". at Low Gap.
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Low Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 9.7

Left campsite at 7am, cold morning. The only way to warm up is pack up and start moving. Pulling up tent stakes and taking tent down is not easy when you have no feeling in your fingers, but once you start hiking your bodies furnace kicks in,especially if you start the day with a climb. Beautiful hike up to Big Bald Mountain, treeless open area with 360 degree view. We have more bald areas ahead in NC. While the view is good, it is often windy and the weather can change quickly. You need to don extra gear to prepare for weather changes. It was very windy today on the bald. We are always monitoring the weather via weather apps. We are expecting cold temps and possible rain/snow. As a result we took a shuttle into Erwin TN from Spivey Gap to Uncle Johnnys Hostel. We plan slack packing from Spivey Gap to Erwin tomorrow and then make a decision about Friday/Saturday based on weather forecast. Sunday forward looks good. Just as we reached Spivey Gap there was a handwritten sign on the trail, "Trail Magic Ahead". Guinness, an AT thru hiker in 2011 from Ashville NC along with his granddaughter provided donuts,orange juice,apples,bananas and cookies. Another example of a thru hiker repaying the generosity they received. Trail Magic is well received and puts an immediate smile on a thru hikers face. Thanks again for all the support and encouragement!
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin Tennessee 
Miles today: 11.1

Spent the night at Uncle Johnnys Hostel, a famous Hostel located directly on the trail as you enter Erwin. Today we slack packed from Spivey Gap to Erwin, i.e., hiked without our full packs. You feel like you can almost run the trail, when not carrying 30 lbs. Tom Branford (10k) and his wife (Jaywalker) operate a great shuttle service at reasonable prices, which allow us to walk miles, but enjoy motel accommodations in Erwin. Planning to stay at Super 8 in Erwin, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. We will slack pack from Erwin to Beauty Spot tomorrow, a distance of 11 miles. A zero day is planned for Saturday, since rain/snow and high winds expected. Sunday temps head up and we move north toward the Roan Highlands, a beautiful area. Hiking today was fairly easy with great views coming into Erwin. The wind increased significantly as we approached Erwin and I had to put on rain top. I do not like to wear rain gear, since I sweat alot and get wet from the inside.If schedules holds I may enter the Commonwealth of Virginia on or around April 18.
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Erwin Tennessee 

To: Beauty Spot 
Miles today: 11.8

Slack packed from Erwin TN to Beauty Spot NC. Climbed from 1673 to 4323 elevation. I am getting used to climbing, it was not difficult. Started out walking along the Nolichucky River, then walking through Rhododendron tunnels and finishing with climb to Beauty Spot, which is a treeless open area with views, see pictures. Treated to trail magic at Indian Grave Gap by "Brother Tom" He provided hot chocolate, sweet tea, coffee and banana bread. He does this everyday during hiking season as a church ministry. Another example of great people on the trail. Speaking of great people, Tom Brandford (10k) and Mary Bradford (Jaywalker) operate and outstanding shuttle service out of Erwin. Highly Recommended! This allows to rest and little by slack packing, but continue to get miles done. Big thumbs up to Brooks Shoes and Adam from Customer Service Dept. My replacement shoes arrived in Erwin, at no charge. I wore them today and they felt great. In addition, Adam is sending Jill a shipping label to return a previously purchased pair of Brooks Cascadia 10 with pair of Brooks Cascadia 11, again at no cost. Obviously, the Cascadia 10's had quality issues. Very impressed how Brooks took care of an AT thru hiker!Plan to take rest day on Saturday, April 9, in anticipation of low temps and rain/snow, plus our bodies need a break. Plan to resume hike north on Sunday. Hope to reach Damascus VA on or around April 17.
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Beauty Spot 

To: Beauty Spot 
Miles today: 0.0

Today marks one month on the trail and 354 miles completed. I am proud of this accomplishment and a bit surprised. I have my hiking legs and have been able to slowly increase my pace and mileage. Taking a zero day, to rest and avoid bad weather. It is my third zero day since March 9, which I believe has worked well. I have begun to utilize protein powder as a dietary supplement. I have lost about 12 pounds and need to maintain protein intake. I mix water and protein powder. Today I walked 1 1/2 miles each way to get a haircut in Erwin TN. Janice at Kountry Kurls she trimmed me up for $10. Also cleaning up my gear,arranging pack,back flushing water filter and doing laundry, in addition to soaking feet in Epsom Salts. All necessary tasks for next section. My goal is Damascus VA by Saturday, April 16. Added incentive is my wife Jill and daughter Aubrey will be meeting me. We plan to spend April 16 & 17 together in historic Abington VA at The Martha Inn. I am excited and anxious to see Jill and Aubrey and spend time with them.
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Beauty Spot 

To: Clyde Smith Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Started hiking at 10:30 am, to give it time to warm up, low 20's the previous evening. Started with climb up Unaka Mountain, which offered beautiful dense spruce forest with snow at the top. It felt like a winter scene from the Bavarian Black Forest. Hiked through snow,mud and sun. Trail was slippery and required extra attention to avoid falling.I was walking alone in the afternoon I heard a single gunshot to my left. I did not see anyone, but it got myattention. You get used to certain colors on the trail,i.e., green,brown and gray. When I see any other color, such as another hiker, tent,road,guardrail, auto,etc.it stands out and gets my immediate attention.
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Clyde Smith Shelter 

To: Overmountain Shelter 
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

Today involved a big climb up Roan Mountain elevation 6212 and descent to Carvers Gap.Treated to spruce forest at the top and former site of Cloudland Hotel. Stopped for lunch at Roan Knob Shelter, the highest Shelter on the AT, elevation 6193. Carvers Gap is introduction to Roan Highlands with many open Bald area with views. As I descended into Carvers Gap trail magic was available from Mike. Mike is from Texas and is a Habitat for Humanity volunteer working on a house in Johnson City TN, again you meetgreat caring people. My destination was Overmountain Shelter which is a large red barn that can accommodate 30 hikers, we had more than 30.Weather report called for rain and everyone headed to the shelter. It was built as a movie prop for movie titled Winter People and left after filming. Very nice two story Shelter, highly recommend. The most unexpected event happened after I arrived. Three 2015 thru hikers, Cyclops,Parks and Frosty showed up with beer,burgers,chips,pop and cookies. They just wanted to give back for trail magic they received. They spent the night and cooked pancakes and sausage the next morning, unbelievable. It rained on and off most of the night. Ran into Evan Lukow from Roanoke VA, he is one day ahead of me.
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Overmountain Shelter 

To: Buck Mountain Road 
Miles today: 12.5

Left at 8 am in the rain/fog to climb Little Hump and Hump Mountains. I hiked this section in October and was looking forward to the views, but rain/fog prevented views. Fortunately I have pictures and memories from last year. Hiking was difficult with elevation change and extremely slippery trail with mud and rain. I almost fell at least 6 times with my trekking poles saving me from going down. Karen and Randy from Marietta GA I hiked by the location we met last October, weather not as nice. Met three (3) southbound SOBO hikers today, Moxie, Bald and Old School. All started last summer and took time off in the winter and are now back to complete. Completed another state today as I left North Carolina, two states complete. Spending the night at Mountain Harbor Hostel, which has a hiker famous breakfast. Back on trail tomorrow morning headed to Virginia
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Buck Mountain Road 

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 21.8

Started the day with legendary breakfast at Mountain Harbor Hostel. It is prepared fresh each morning and includes, french toast, fresh fruit, egg casserole, ham, sausage, cinnamon rolls (huge), fresh OJ, coffee, tomatoes, potatoes, just what you need for a long day of hiking. I met a young man from South Carolina (Moose), he is 16 years old and is thru hiking the AT. This young man is getting a tremendous education on the AT. He is polite, well mannered and a very good hiker. His dad drove from South Carolina last night to have dinner with his son. Also met Sparky from Washington state and Hong Kong Steve from Hong Kong. They are both retired and stayed at Mountain Harbor Hostel last night. Weather today was perfect, i.e., cool in the morning and warmed up to low 60's with sun in the afternoon. With my goal to reach Damascus on Saturday I took advantage of the weather and relatively flat terrain to hike 21.8 miles. I left at 9:30 am and arrived at Black Bear Resort on Dennis Cove Road at 7:15 pm, i.e., long day. I am experiencing some shin pain in my left shin and attribute it to increased miles. I plan to take at least two zero days in Abington VA with Jill and Aubrey. I will add pictures later, no Verizon service and not able to download.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Left Black Bear resort at 8:15 AM with Evan Lukow and Forrest in route to Vandeventer Shelter. Another long day, i.e., 17 miles in route to Damascus. Went down a series of man made stone steps, that number at least 200 as AT descends to Laurel Falls, very impressive craftsmanship (see pictures). Laurel Falls is a beautiful waterfall that would be an excellent spot to swim in warmer weather. AT snakes it way around Laurel Creek in some places the rock walk is extremely narrow, must take your time. After a fairly easy trail the AT ascends Pond Flat Mountain and descends to Watauga Lake. Watauga is a Cherokee word meaning water and is a TVA dam built in the mid 40's. We spent most of the day working around or within sight of Watauga Lake. As I walked by the Watauga Lake Shelter we met a US Forest Service Ranger who was posting a notice of recent bear activity at this shelter, more on this incident later. I did notice bear skat north of the shelter on the AT, it was fresh. Weather was warm and sunny which made the afternoon hiking uncomfortable. Arrived at Vandeventer Shelter at 5:30 PM.