morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Cold Spring Shelter Campsite, NC

To: One mile past Wesser Bald Shelter, NC
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

Everyone had to deal with wet gear this morning but the routine continued -- answer Mother Nature's call, fill water bottles, eat something, and pack up our bags and gear -- wet as they may be. We knew with all of last night's rain the trail would be wet indeed! In places water was running down the trail; other places were thick sludgy mud. We slogged on for a mile or two.We had some spectacular views from Copper Ridge Bald and Rocky Bald. (They are not balds anymore.)When we arrived at Tellico Gap, Tom and Elaina, members of the Nantahala Hiking Club, honored us with Easter eggs, fruit, carrots and candy -- Thanks so much! This trail magic enabled us to re-energize and climb to the observation tower at Wesser Bald -- great views in 360 degrees. At our age, four years shy of septuagenarian land, the forty two rickety steps up made us a little jittery,We tented near the Jump-Off; perfect hiking weather today,
Date: 2015-04-05
From: One mile past Wesser Bald Shelter, NC

To: One and one-half miles past NOC,NC
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was the kind of morning to make one want to jump out of their tent and yell Good Morning, God! What a contrast 24 hours makes -- last night was clear with a big moon shining brightly and the wind was perfectly calm until what the Cherokees call the "morning whisper wind" set the rhododendron leaves under which we slept a-rustlin. What a perfect Easter Sunday morning!One sign of spring we have noticed everywhere is sprouting acorns, hundreds of them. This made us remember how smart God made the squirrels. Studies have shown that squirrels first eat acorns from white oak trees because they sprout soon after hitting the ground and are therefore more perishable. Acorns from red oak trees do not sprout until spring so squirrels store them to eat later.We had a long hike down today, past the Jump Off, a challenging rock descent. We had a 2500 foot elevation change downward. Wildflowers are blooming at the lower elevations but it is still winter at the higher altitudes.Happy Easter!
Date: 2015-04-06
From: One and one-half miles past NOC,NC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 5.2

Light rain began soon after we started hiking today and continued off and on all day. Today was a day of climbing, climbing, climbing -- about 3000 foot elevation change.   The first two days of hiking out of NOC are considered by many to be the most difficult of the North Carolina section of the AT -- the mountains are higher and the climbs are steeper than what we had in Georgia. Swim Bald has many false summits but we eventually got to the top.We pitched our tent at Sassafras Gap Shelter just as the rain pelted down harder. It took a determined effort to get to the top today due to the rain and the terrain.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter, NC

To: Stecoah Gap, NC
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a rainy, rainy night in North Carolina. After the all-night rain all the tenters were packing up wet gear. Many hikers (including us) had puddles of water in the bottom of their tent due to pitching their tent on the uneven ground around Sassafras Gap Shelter.The trail was extremely slippery and muddy today. There were no views from the summit of Cheoah Bald due to the fog. We did pause at the top and snacked and visited with some fellow thru-hikers.We saw our first red-spotted eft of this season. This organism is the terrestrial stage of the red-spotted newt. What is the difference between a newt and a salamander? All newts are salamanders but not all salamanders are newts. Newts and salamanders are amphibians. The word amphibian means "two lives" which means they spend part of their life in water and part of their life on land. The red-spotted newt or red eft in the photo is the part of this animal's life that is spent on land (1 to 3 years). When it becomes an adult it will return to the water.The last one mile down to Stecoah Gap was dangerous due to the muddy conditions especially on the narrow ledges. We were cautious as we maneuvered the rocks and roots and the mud.We decided to go to Robbinsville to dry equipment and for supplies because NOC lost our food box. The 41st vehicle to pass picked us up at Stecoah Gap. It was a COOL ride into town on the back of Will Collins' pick up truck. Thank you, trail angel, Will Collins, for the ride.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Stecoah Gap, NC

To: Cable Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 8.5

We hitched a ride back to Stecoah Gap with a young lady who had taken her dog to the vet in Robbinsville. The weather today turned out to be surprisingly good -- no rain!The climb of the day was Jacob's Ladder -- a steep, steep climb. If it had been any steeper we might have fallen over backwards with our heavy backpacks. At the top of Jacob's Ladder we met a friendly young man named Paul from Liverpool, England-- no trail name yet.Later in the day we had a couple of easy miles before the 0.9 miles stretch to the shelter. There were 18 tents setup in the area. About an hour after we tented a man came walking up with two large pizzas which he shared with us and others.A great day to be in the woods!
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Cable Gap Shelter, NC

To: Highway 28 Crossing, NC
Miles today: 5.4

Cable Gap Shelter is an old chestnut log shelter nestled in a cove of hardwood trees with a babbling brook running in front of the shelter. There were over twenty tents pitched around the shelter.We awoke to a gorgeous morning and we met two friendly graduates from Freed-Hardeman University -- two young ladies -- one from Nashville and the other from Indiana.We saw many more wildflowers including the first trilliums in bloom. Sweet white trillium smells like green apples but Trillium erectum "Stinking Benjamin" smells like a wet dog.   We also saw several serviceberry trees in bloom which will provide food for birds later in the season. We also heard wild turkeys calling and our first whippoorwills calling in the evening. There is an unnamed rocky summit between Black Gum Gap and Walker Gap that sapped our ATP's (energy) dramatically with a series of boulder scrambles, enough to wear an old couple out.Near Walker Gap we met Gail, a 1996 thru-hiker from South Carolina. She walked back down to Highway 28 with us and gave us a ride to the General Store at Fontana Dam -- a gathering place for tired hikers. We rode the shuttled up to the Lodge where all designated hiker rooms were rented but they gave us a honeymoon suite for the same hiker price.We are looking forward to a much-needed shower and some town food.
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Highway 28 Crossing, NC

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter, NC
Miles today: 1.2

Rain and thunderstorms were predicted today and, indeed, rain started early morning but was predicted to end by around three p.m. so we took a nero day. We ate a good breakfast at the Lodge, used their wi-fi to update our journals, and monitored the weather.We took the shuttle down to the General Store where dozens of hikers were hanging out waiting for the weather to clear. We bought fuel and snacks.   Later we shuttled to Highway 28 to continue our hike. The Shelter, called the Fontana Hilton, because it overlooks the Fontana Lake and has hot showers, was filled to capacity (24 hikers). The surrounding area was completely filled with tents. Several of us pitched our tents on a hill overlooking the lake (with TVA permission) where we had the luxury of running water and picnic tables. We had an enjoyable evening.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter, NC

To: Birch Spring Gap Campsite, NC
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: broken clouds

The cheerful chirping of the morning song birds, the familiar unzipping of nearby hiker tents, and the drumming of the neighborhood woodpecker meant -- it's time to get up!As we were drying out our rainfly there was a parade of thru-hikers marching past our tent on the way into the Smokies.We started gingerly walking downhill toward the Welcome Center where we (because of construction) took a small detour around the Center onto the dam, crossed the dam, and then walked a lengthy uphill paved road seemingly for a mile before we entered the woods.The climb to Shuckstack was a continual uphill climb as we, huffing and puffing and taking several breaks, managed to finally reach the top. Ridgerunner Carl met us along the way and informed us that more than sixty thru-hikers had come up from Fontana this morning.We arrived and tented at Birch Campground. It was a great day for a tough hike.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Birch Spring Gap Campsite, NC

To: Russell Field Shelter, GSMNP
Miles today: 7.9

This morning we awoke to a real treat -- the lyrical and loud song of the wood thrush, celebrated by poets for centuries. Henry David Thoreau called the wood thrush "a Shakespeare among birds" and said, "He touches a depth in me which no other bird's song does." We did not see the bird but his call was answered by another more distant one.We walked up to Doe Knob where the trail begins to follow the NC/TN border and then down to Ekaneetlee Gap, the lowest gap in the Smokies where an Indian Trail once existed, leading down into Cades Cove.The trail then passes by Mollies Ridge Shelter. The Ridge is named for a young maiden who dies while searching for her lover, White Eagle, after he failed to return from a hunting trip. Her body was found on this ridge.The woods today were covered in Spring Beauty wildflowers for miles and miles. They were so numerous the ground appeared to be covered in snow.A stiff wind blew fog over the mountains all day and threatened rain but the rain held off until dusk. We stopped for the night at Russell Field Shelter, where the American hikers were out-numbered by the Germans.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Russell Field Shelter, GSMNP

To: Derrick Knob Shelter, GSMNP
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: scattered clouds

All night the rains pounded onto the tin roof of the shelter and the heavy winds rattled the shelter's front tarp.April showers were the order of the day-- forcing us to frequently put on and take off our rain gear.The trail crosses Spence Field, a grassy bald characterized by a thick carpet of grass with relatively sparse tree coverage. A dark, damp blanket of fog blotted out all views today and heavy winds blowing the fog around created an eerie atmosphere on the mountain tops. We climbed Rocky Top of Tennessee Fight Song fame and Thunderhead, so named because the rock formations resemble thunderhead clouds. At Thunderhead we met two fellow Alabamians, one a recently retired teacher from a High School only ten miles from our home. For the second straight night we slept in a shelter where our fellow thru-hikers were cordial and happy to be on the trail.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Derrick Knob Shelter, GSMNP

To: Silers Bald Shelter, GSMNP
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: broken clouds

Unbelievably, heavy rain returned again last night and, with the rhythm of the rain on the tin roof of the shelter, we slept well.Today we saw many earthworms on the surface of the trail because the soggy soil, saturated with water, contained too little oxygen for the worms to breathe. Earthworms breathe through their skin. Earthworms move through the soil by secreting slime which contains nitrogen, an important nutrient for plants. We could have easily picked up a box of worms for a weekend fishing trip.The trail was a sea of mud today. Along the U-shaped trail, worn down by decades of the feet of thru-hikers, we had to step right in the puddles of water and mud -- no stepping around -- and on the downhills, even though we were slow and careful, were an experience in slipping and sliding while balancing ourselves with our hiking poles, whereas the uphills, with flowing water running downhill, were a challenge to use our poles to prevent us from sliding backwards. It was a challenging trail today but we were proud to be a part of it!!
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Silers Bald Shelter, GSMNP

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 4.3

Wow! Another night of heavy rain! Just when we thought the trail could not be worse than yesterday -- we were wrong. We stayed at the shelter until late morning hoping the rain would stop -- it got harder.   We walked in the rain all day and the views were nil because of all the foggy weather. On the long climb out of Double Spring Gap our ribs heaved agonizingly and our leg muscles protested but we continued on through what we hikers are calling the Appalachian Stream.We decided to get off the trail at Clingman's Dome and hitched a ride into Gatlinburg to dry out our gear and eat town food.The trail was as challenging as can be but we are better hikers to have done it.
Date: 2015-03-07
To: our breadcrumb dropper
Miles today: 0.0

We are getting close to the 3/23 start date. Flash and I have been trying to find out how to use this inreach explorer. The object is for the device to let Flash know where I am on the trail; and possibly help me navigate. We are both pretty much non-techie ; so there is a chance I may end up in Miami instead of Katahdin.
Date: 2015-03-23
From: springer

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

The Iceman spent a great day hiking from the Springer parking lot to Gooch Gap. The day started with a short conversation with an Angel in the lot and then began the first full day of the adventure. Flash (his wife) is supporting him, that's me. If you know what a Sherpa is than you'll know what that mean. It's my job to do all drop offs and pick ups each day which requires navigating to the correct road. Sounds easy but just try to get the same results from three different navigation systems. Not easy. Don't ever take Grassy Gap road not even under threat of death. It was the Worst, so called road, I've ever been on or driven on. Nothing but Rock, big hard rock, mud the color of reddish orange that covers your car as you gently drive through deep holes trying not to blow out a tire or smash the underside of the car. After the drop off which can take up to 1 1/2 hrs. each way, it's time the Sherpa eat something. Since it's long past breakfast you look for a place for lunch and eat quickly so you can find a store that sells nice produce since that's healthy and of course WINE. Time to jot down some notes on yesterdays happenings, find a laundromat and begin to program the difficult navigation system again for the pick up. WOW! the day has flown. Another 1hr to 1Hr 1/2 driving on crazy "roads" that are a total of 10 miles, but 10 miserable miles on roads that scare you to death. There's my honey, looking exhausted but proud. Back at our place he takes a warm shower, sorry but the room I reserved didn't have a bathtub, and dresses for dinner out. OH no! the restaurant has a Long flight of stairs and those legs are killing him next time I check out the restaurants before hand. I am after all, The Sherpa. The photo is one taken today of the rustic bridges that cross the many creeks and water areas.
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I decided to take it easy today after yesterdays hike of 16 miles so I did a nero 3.5 mile hike from Gooch Gap to Woody Gap. Tomorrows hike will be from Woody Gap to Neels Gap, about 10 miles. This means going over Blood Mountain which could be a bit vexing if it rains as predicted. The trail was quite busy today. Met a number of other thru hikers, mostly younger hikers just out of college.Well, for me, the Sherpa, it was just another day of driving for hours and hours but the roads today were nice. Got up at a decent hour and had coffee and strawberries then off to Woody Gap. Woody Gap is a stop on highway 60 where all hikers cross to the other side to continue their hike. A couple of guys were talking to the Iceman when I arrived and all were resting before going on further. My honey did enough today and so we just spent the afternoon driving around looking at future pick up and drop off spots. Georgia sure is beautiful. The trees are in bloom even the Magnolia's. We don't see Magnolia flowers until sometime in May in NJ so it was a wonderful sight and a sign that spring has arrived, at least in Georgia. When you're on the road things are different. Tonight we took a walk around Dahlonega and had ice cream in The Picnic Cafe a cute old fashioned ice cream parlor then back to the room to reheat last nights leftovers in the microwave. The room now has the fragrance of Ciopino, fish stew (should have had steak last night) but the WINE will make everything OK. Day 2 is over and now looking forward to Day 3.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Woody Gap

To: Tesnatee Gap
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The "Iceman" started out of Woody Gap today at 7:45AM, in the fog, headed for Neels Gap. Almost immediately it started to rain and he feared that he might have a very wet hike but an hour later it stopped. The heavy cloud cover continued through out the day. He arrived at the top of Blood Mountain at 12:30 just in time for a nice Subway sandwich. Apparently the 2 dozen people at the top had the same idea and we all sat around eating and enjoying the spectacular view. The photo is of a classic stone shelter one of many found along the trail. Hikers use them to sleep in. If you look closely you can see blood on the Iceman's knee, a wound he received after falling off the rock he was sitting on during lunch (must have taken wine with him). At 1:30 he arrived at Neels Gap where there is a very nice store on GA 19 called Walasi Center. They have any type of hiking item you could ever wish for and great smelling hot dogs. Since he arrived at Neels sooner than he expected he decided to go on to Tesnatee Gap. His Sherpa, that's me, was faithfully waiting for him in the parking lot with a nice comfortable car seat and Air conditioning when he arrived at 5:30. He was happy to have met so many thru hikers and remembers Light Bulb and Treebeard.I on the other hand spent part of my day at the Gold Museum, great place to get the history of Dahlonega and the gold mining period of the state,and also visiting Montaluce Winery. Did you know that the State Capital building dome is covered with gold from Dahlonega? What a surprise to find out that Georgia has a wine industry and the wines are GOOD!!! Look out California!
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Tesnatee Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today we moved our base camp. We went from Dahlonega to Hiawassee so the hiking took a backseat. The Iceman did a nero of 1 mile from Tesnatee to Hogpen Gap and tomorrow he'll attempt to make it to Unicoi Gap. It was a day of packing and unpacking, washing, drying and folding and preparing for the next 4 hikes. The Holiday Inn Express is a great place to camp since the AT is so close. Lots of thru hikers either here or checking in. We met Metal checking in. At Tesnatee we met up with a little "Trail Magic" where King Tut and Pilgram and others were treating hikers to hot chocolate, ThermaCare pads, coffee, juice, bandaids and all kinds of provisions. There was a tent and chairs for the wet and weary. The Trail Angels are so thoughtful and make the hike worthwhile. Can you guess what "nero" means? That's today's quiz question.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 14.0

Who knew Georgia could get so cold! Today when the "Iceman" started his hike from Hogpen Gap it was 37 degrees and foggy, (and that was at the bottom of the mountain). Time to put on a warm North Face jacket and then a Marmot windbreaker with a hood that covered the Steamboat baseball cap and the question was, "Do you have gloves?". Then famous last words "No, I don't need them". OK! Well the Sherpa did her part. The 14 miles covered roughly a few small mountains and then Blue Mountain after which Iceman arrived at Unicoi Gap. Do you think "Unicoi" refers to one Coi fish in a pond? We thought the day would end at around 5:30 or 6PM but the call came to pick up Iceman at 2:40. WOW!! he must have run the whole way. Well, it's time to drive as fast as possible since the Sherpa was in Brasstown, NC at the John C. Campbell Folk School about 50 minutes away from Unicoi Gap. Made it in 40 minutes and found Iceman with a lovely woman who was looking for a place to stay in Hiawassee. "No Spring Chicken", her trail name, heard about how nice Holiday Inn Express was, from us, so there was no need to look any further. She checked in and we all went to our respective rooms. A hot bath was drawn and Iceman climbed in. It was the first time since leaving the warmth of the car that morning that he was able to feel his fingers. The blue tinge changed to flesh color and all was right with the world. (I think he'll wear gloves next time.) The weather forecast for Saturday is for rain mixed with snow and freezing temperatures. Is this really GEORGIA???? If he decides to leave Unicoi Gap and hike to Dicks Creek he may not make it in one day. That means camping Saturday night in freezing temperatures. The forecast for Sunday night is the same. There's no way to skip two days. One just gets further behind schedule and then the pressure to catch up is brutal. Saturday? Sunday? which will it be? The answer will come tomorrow after a good nights sleep.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Unicoi Gap

To: off the trail today
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Iceman is resting up today and planning for the long hike to Dick's Creek Gap, 17 miles of tough climbing up and down.Looks like, no matter what the weather is tomorrow, he'll hike. Some of the hikers met yesterday were really hurting, especially Johnny Walker Red and we sure hope he'll be able to continue after a little TLC. Blisters on feet are the worst. M Cat was also doctoring his blisters. Encountered Oak and Acorn, a young couple from Bavaria, Germany who flew here just to do this hike. Nice couple! Well! looks like we'll be staying at the Holiday Inn until Tuesday March 31st. That'll give ME a chance to get to know the region even better. BBQ from either the "Happy Hawg" or "Sit At My Table" tonight and maybe even a little local music at "Cafe Portofino". It's almost noon and time to go out scouting drop off and pick up sites. The Iceman and the car are putting on miles. The price of fuel here is pretty much the same as NJ. Yesterday the Sherpa visited the John C Campbell Folk School which was about 50 minutes from Unicoi Gap, the pick up point. This school was started in the 1920's by a young Vassar graduate who wanted to help the people living in Appalachia who were very poor at the time. She followed the teachings of a Dane called "The Living Word" which emphasized discussion and conversation rather than reading and writing with most instruction being "hands on". This is a place, today, where one can learn crafts such as basket weaving, glass blowing, blacksmithing, woodworking and more. One can stay for a weekend or a week. There are festivals, dances and much more. The instructors are from all parts of the world. They are making sure that the old ways are not forgotten.