morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-01
From: Cable Gap Shelter 

To: Fontana Dam - Lodgel
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early and packed up to head in to the Fontana Lodge for the day. The hike was nice though for a short day the trail seemed to go on and on. Dream On had left before me and I managed to catch up to him a couple miles from Fontana. We hiked together for the rest of the miles to the Fontana marina. Dream On Called for a shuttle to the lodge but I decided to hike the extra mile to the visitor's center since it was a short day and I was planning a big day to start the smokeies in the morning. I hiked the extra mile then called for a shuttle to the lodge. Once I was settled into my room I went to the restaurant for lunch. I had a mushroom swiss burger with bacon, fries and sweet tea.
Date: 2016-03-02
From: Fontana Dam - Lodgel

To: Spencer Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light snow

I got a late start out of the Fontana lodge.  The weather looked sketchy and the lodge was warm  and  Comfortable. ..  I finally got packed up and in the shuttle service to the dam around 9am. There was a cold foggy mist lingering but my feet were staying dry. The saying "Into the belly of the beast" kept running through my mind as I climbed into the smokies. The climb out of NOC had been really tough and using that experience as a comparison made the climb into the smokies relatively enjoyable. There were a lot of long stretches of trail that were relatively flat or of such a gradual incline or decline that I could maintain a pretty good pace. At some point the foggy mist turned into freezing rain which was fine with me. Freezing rain is still dry. I passed the first two shelters and made it to Spencer Field Shelter. There was no one else there so I went ahead and set up my tent in the shelter and settled in for the night. Being in the tent in the shelter adds some warmth and makes the night a little more pleasant.
Date: 2016-03-04
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light snow

I woke up to realize that yesterday was just the appetizer for the main course today. While I was warm and snug in my sleeping bag which was in my tent which was set up in the shelter the winds were blowing all night sounding like a freight train and blowing a fine powdery snow through every nook, cranny, crack, crevice or other hole or opening in the shelter. The fine snow managed to get the mesh screen of my tent and settle on my sleeping bag and other stuff in my tent. It wasn't totally soaked but it was damp enough to cause me concern. My bag is down and I take a lot of care to keep it dry. I was hoping to be able to skip over Gatlinburg but with wet gear I now had to go into town to dry stuff out. The hiking was very laborious with all the additional snow that had fallen during the night. The 4.5 mile hike up to Clingman's Dome ended up taking about 6 hours or so... One of Murphy's unwritten laws is... The weather will be the worst for Papa Monkey on the Trail when he is climbing to the highest elevation on the trail. When I finally arrived at the summit of Clingman's Dome it was a little eerie being the only one there. Though the view was non-existent I decided to make my way up to the top of the tower anyway. I quickly realized the ramp to the tower was coated with about an inch and a half of ice. I had to use my trekking poles to dig into the ice to make it up to the top. The wind was blowing hard enough that on the way down it actually started to push me to the edge of the ramp which was a little unnerving. Since I had no traction on the ice I decided to just sit down and I slid for a little while on the ice until some packed snow on the edge stopped me. I waited for a few minutes for the gust to blow through, then stood up and moved down the ramp as quick as I could. I was able to go a little quicker down the trail and made it to Newfound Gap around 4 pm or so and amazingly hitched a ride into town within about 15 minutes! Miracles do happen...
Date: 2016-03-06
From: Newfound Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light snow

After spending a zero in Gatlinburg drying out all of my gear and resupplying I woke up early to pack up and get out of town. Unfortunately waking up early doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to get out of town early... or even check out of the hotel early... It seemed like it took me forever to pack everything up! It didn't help that once I packed everything up I realized I still had my crocks on and no socks... all of my socks were... you guessed it... packed up... So... unpack, get socks and liners out... the pack everything up "Take 2!" Little did I know at the time that would be a recurring theme throughout the day. After finally packing up, eating breakfast and checking out of the hotel I walked towards the end of town heading to Newfound Gap to hitch a ride. I have no idea how to predict who may me up while hitching. It is such a random thing. I just look at the time when I start and check the time when I finally get a ride. Considering it costs at least $30 for a shuttle I then calculate my hourly rate/savings for hitching vs paying for a shuttle. Wow... in about 20 minutes I had a ride... so hourly rate was $90 an hour... yeah... I only saved $30 but just go with it!So... a gentleman who referred to himself as an old hippie pulling a Harley on a trailer from Illinois heading to Daytona Beach decides to stop and give me a ride up to the gap. The only problem with the plan was that as soon as we got a few miles out of town by the visitor's center we saw the sign that read: "Road Closed" @#$!#@%@% !!! ^@&&%%%#@% !!! Unbelievable... I get a ride out of Gatlinburg and the road is closed for snow and ice... So the gentleman was kind enough to give me a ride back to town after which he was going to try to find another road/way out of Gatlinburg. I texted / called my wife and asked her to check online as to the status of the road closure... I had no idea what to do next... should I just get a room and stay another night? Should I just walk the 15 miles back to the gap? (No!) So I decided to find a place to have lunch and see what unfolded. I thought if I stayed another night... I could be in the same situation the following morning... The movie "Groundhog Day" came to mind... Fortunately, shortly after I finished a long lunch the road opened and I was able to hitch another ride up to the gap. The second guy that picked my up was a little sketchy but seemed harmless enough. I was thankful I could get 2 rides out of town in one day with less than 30 minutes trying total. My previous hike it took me over 2 hours to get a ride out of town.At the Gap, the views were clear and I took a few photos before heading up the trail to Icewater Spring Shelter. The 3.0 miles for the day sure mentally seemed like 30! At the shelter there was a group of college students from Virginia Tech, Penn State and VCU. They initially seemed a little stand offish but as the day turned to evening to night we all got along well. We worked together to build a really nice fire that lasted well into the night and took the bite out of the night chill.
Date: 2016-03-07
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

The 12.1 miles to the next shelter seemed like a never ending hike. The weather was reasonably nice but the trail had packed snow that had melted and re-frozen into a sheet of ice in many places. This made the going very slow as I am always aware one wrong step can end a thru hike in an unpleasant manner. I was reminded of this when a ridge runner commented on the way down Clingman's that the rangers had to evacuate a hiker who broke his ankle. Anyway... as the day went on and the temperature increased the icy spots softened up a bit and made the going a little more pleasant. A zero day followed by a 3 mile day made the 12.1 miles seem more difficult than they really were... or at least that's the story I'm going with.When I arrived at the shelter there were a few college guys playing cards. They were not as friendly as the previous nights crowd and I wasn't really in the mood to be super friendly either so I just ate a little quickly, hung my food bag and set up my sleeping area and got into my sleeping back to chill out for a while. Sometime later this guy comes in acting "superior" to all the other hikers... He was the second person on the hike to date that rubbed me the wrong way. I had a million things to say to him but decided to just bite my tongue and let it all go by...   This guy... I named Ranger Rick... with a letter other than R as I am sure you can guess within a few seconds! He just insisted in interjecting himself into everyone's conversation and moving it to focus on him and how great a hiker he was and all he had done... and how everyone else just didn't get it the way he did. He even went so far as to tell me later in the evening as I was helping to start a fire... that there were no "Pine" trees in the Smokey Mountain National Park... they were all spruce and firs.... I decided to refer to an old Chinese fortune cooking saying I had gotten once that read: "A wise man will learn more from and idiot than an idiot will ever learn from a wise man!" Ranger Rick was definitely an idiot in my book.The wood was too wet to get a fire going so I just went back into my sleeping bag and went to sleep for the night.
Date: 2016-03-10
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The most often asked question of a Thru Hiker is "Why did you decide to hike the AT as a thru hiker"... or some iteration of the same question... Frequently I find myself asking me the exact question... sometimes it takes the form of WTH were you thinking trying to hike this trail again??? But this morning when I woke up and got out of my warm cozy sleeping bag into the cool morning air - and walked a little ways from the shelter to do #1 with my back to the sun... then turned around to see the sun rising behind the shelter... I was able to see one of many reasons "why" I am hiking the AT... (see yesterday's entry photo of sun rising behind Walnut Mountain Shelter) Of course... the view was gone within 10-15 minutes and the photo doesn't do the live view justice... but you can get a good idea of the view. And, since a picture says a thousand words or so... there are a thousand words or so as to why I am hiking the AT... in addition to losing weight and get in shape of course... I got started nice and early at 7:19 am... the 13.1 plus miles into Hot Springs was definitely doable especially when motivated to getting into a nice trail town like Hot Springs. The hiking was relatively uneventful.Below is a little bit about Elmer Hall along with a link (copy/paste) for his SunnyBank Inn in Hot Springs NC... a unique place to stay with many interesting activities to participate in. Elmer is a great guy and just spending a few days is enough for some of his charm and character to rub off on you...   Innkeeper, Elmer Hall - http://www.sunnybankretreatassociation.org/For over three decades, I and fellow staffers have had the privilege of learning and honing the craft of hospitality with thousands of guests and trail hikers from all over the country and world. Living here on the outer margins of Mallville and Macworld, amidst snake handlers and vigilantes, we have continued to try and create a workable synthesis of good place, right work, and simple living. Inspired by the ancient hospitalitytraditions of Taoist and Zen mountain inns, we continue to provide shelter, sustenance, and sanctuary to those who come our way. Our goals are to offer our guests a warm environment that is sane, safe, and supporting; to serve the best and healthiest vegetarian meals as graciously as we can; and to offer a window to an older, traditional, and more civilized way of living.Sunnybank continues to be a unique place and after my many years here I am still amazed by what it calls forth and gives to those who meet in its matrix. Thanks to you for having been a part of that continuously spinning web of guest, host, and Inn. I hope to see you soon as one of our workshop or retreat participants, as a hungry Appalachian Trail hiker, or a regular guest who loves to soak and saunter in these blue ridges.      -Elmer Hall
Date: 2016-03-11
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

There are days where 20 miles just fly off the soles of your hiking shoes and then there are days where "crocks" are the shoe of the day and trail miles add up to a big fat "0" Today was one of the latter. I had decided to stay at Elmer's for reasons unknown...and by unknown I mean there are no concrete reasons why I picked Elmers... I had stayed there in 2003 during my last hike. There was/is no wifi, no computer and all the food prepared in house is vegetarian... and though I didn't actually eat there in 2003 or this time I hear the food is really amazing. The place does have a certain "charm" or atmosphere that just oozes peace and well being. The rooms are large with comfortable beds and whether you're just staying there for one night or spending a weekend or multiple nights it just feels right being there. I guess it is one of those things that really defies verbal explanation... you just have to experience it for yourself. (there is a link on previous post for more info on the history of Sunnybank Inn and Elmer... ) If I were hiking / passing through Hot Springs I would definitely stay at Elmer's... as I did twice. The eerie thing was after 13 years since I was last there... it still seemed familiar, comfortable and like being at home. Remarkably - I was placed in the same room as I was in the last time. I later asked / found out that room #4 is "typically" the room they put single hikers in... so I guess the odds were in my favor of getting the same room.Room #4 is the room Earl Shaffer stayed at during his first thru hike in 1948 and again in 1998. I also met Greg/Uhaul who was helping out at Elmer's during my stay. He is a a first class guy and I enjoyed my conversations with him during my stay.
Date: 2016-03-15
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: mist

Tom was right on time (actually early and had the front desk call my room at 9:01 as I was heading out to meet him.) He was cheerful and pleasant. With only water and my packa in case there was a freak rain storm my pack felt infinitely lighter. I was dropped off at Spivey Gap and headed off on the trail. There was an initial climb and my thoughts of a Nice and Easy 11 mile day were quick to be smacked in the face by "reality" as if there was such a thing as a nice and easy 11 miles on the AT??? I put on some fast moving tunes - created a new playlist... "Move it or Lose it" and started hiking on. On the way to No Business Knob Shelter... I crossed a small creek/stream/spring then lost the trail. What ever happened to nice and easy??? Anyway... I found it after a few minutes but thought back to my decision NOT to hike this in the dark and in the rain! Great Decision !!!!! AND I patted myself on the back... Seriously... I did... After the initial climb the trail was Ideal... nice and semi level with a gradual downward slope... I was moving along making good time. I reached the shelter which was about 5 miles in about two hours and 15 minutes... not too bad. From the shelter down there were a number of small roller coaster like up and downs... nothing too strenuous... just not all down. Not that I am complaining now... but maybe I did a little with each up hill that I didn't anticipate...I had flashbacks to my previous hike and remembered the ups and downs from then too... which I knew would be followed by what would seem to be never ending switchbacks that kept bringing you back to an overview of the city and the Nolichucky River... Finally... I made it down and crossed the road to Uncle Johnny's. I was going to buy the sticks for Tigger then rent a bike for 2 days to get around town. When I bought the sticks and told the guy there what I was doing it for... I think I made an impression... Instead of renting me the bike for $10 for the two days... he offered me shuttle rides in the van. Thank you Uncle Johnny's!!! It was a cool thing to do for me and I appreciated it very much...
Date: 2016-03-16
From: Erwin TN

To: Laundry Mat and Movie Theater !!!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I took a zero to rest up, do some laundry and catch a movie. My first movie in over a month! For someone who loves movies and goes typically at least once a week that is a big thing. On my previous hike in 2003 the new Star Wars movie had come out and I had to bribe a young couple with free tickets, popcorn, drinks and gas money for them to drive me from the NOC to Ashville to see it... about 80 or so miles one way... Yeah it was a little crazy but cheaper then hiring a shuttle! Then my second movie in 2003 was at the theater in Erwin - "The Sum of All Fears!" which has ended up being one of my favorite (there are many favorites) movies... This hike the movie showing in Erwin was "Risen." With there being a significant "Spiritual" nature of hiking so many miles alone in the woods... it was interesting that "Risen" would be playing. The movie was really good (in my opinion) and I'm sure I'll see it again many times.
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early and was packed up and on the trail at 7:40 am. The weather was cool, dry and partly sunny - a good combination for me. I felt pretty good physically and was motivated to get over Roan Mountain to the Overmountain Shelter . The weather report predicted rain/snow and low temperatures for the three days following today. Roan Mountain was up to 6,000 ft plus so if bad weather hit it could get pretty nasty up at the higher elevations. I had enough bad weather over Clingman's Dome so really wanted to avoid it if possible. Twenty-five miles (yeah.... rounding up!) would be my biggest day yet and would definitely tax my feet, ankles and knees. I thought... once I was over the mountains I could take a short day or two to recover. The up on Roan Mountain seemed to never end... I didn't remember that part of the hike from my 2003 attempt. I kept picturing a green / grassy knob. I thought maybe they moved the trail or something. Now I wonder if I just didn't know the trail well enough to and have selective memory on the climb??? When I finally was up and over Roan mountain I reached Carver Gap and instantly recognized the trail ahead as what "I thought" was Roan Mountain... I had about 6 miles to go from Carver gap to get to Overmountain Shelter and it was still sunny with a good amount of daylight left. I didn't feel like I had gone 19 miles already... which was a good thing.I kept hiking on and reached the Stan Murray Shelter which was still about 2 miles from the Overmountain Shelter. It was still light out but the sun was going down fast and shortly after passing the Stan Murray Shelter pulled out my headlamp so I could see the trail. I finally arrived at the Overmountain Shelter sometime after 8pm. My left foot was really hurting for the last two miles so once in the shelter - I took off my boots to check it out. I found my middle toe was infected around the nail. I saw some pus oozing out by the side of the nail and a blister/swollen area above the nail. I cleaned off my knife and cut a small slit to relieve the pressure and allow it to drain some. Being a couple days out from town to have it checked out my plan was to just keep an eye on it and hope it doesn't get significantly worse and require coming off the trail for an extended period. I do have some Iodine back up tablets and am thinking if I can get to a hostel between here and Damascus... getting some hot water and throwing in a couple iodine tablets might be a good thing... along with.. you guessed it... some Epsom salts to soak in too!
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: 19E
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a big day getting over Roan and discovering my infected toe I opted for a short day to 19E where I planned to take advantage of Scotty's thru hiker special at his hostel and get picked up at 19E, spend the night, then get a ride back to 19E and hike the 12ish miles back to the hostel for a second night. The second day would be a slack pack day. There are trail purests who consider slack packing sacrilegeous... but I am NOT one of them. If it works out that I can give my joints a break I'll do it! When I say I stayed with Scotty I am referring to the Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel. This was a great hostel for me especially since the timing of my stay was perfect with regards to both the miles I wanted to cover, the weather and the price. There are limited amenities and the privy makes it a little rugged - but.. the Astronaut Room above the bunk room is a great deal. For $40.00 for a single you get 2 nights lodging in a private room with a queen bed, TV with limited channels, a vcr/DVD with actual vcr movies... limited selection, a computer and WiFi that is like slow dial up but it does work. Plus you get a pick up at 19E and drop off next day to hike the 12ish miles back to the hostel. You can slack pack that too if you wish. That for 40 dollars I think is a great value. You also get use of the stove in the bunk house, shower, and laundry use for added fee - $5 per load for laundry. There is limited food options buy if sodas, frozen pizza, snickers/etc, Ben and Jerry's pints work Scotty's got you covered...You can also call the Happy Cafe from 19E and they will pick you up and return you to the trail following your meal (if they have staff available) I called before heading out to Scotty's and had a delicious grilled ruben. They don't have fries but a bag of chips works.. You could also head in the following morning for breakfast before your hike back to the hostel.Scotty is an interesting guy. He's very intelligent and friendly but is also a little stand offish in a sense that he doesn't intrude into your time/space... but will interact with hikers who initiate the interaction. He is definitely an amazing guy full of life stories and experiences... I wish I would have had more time to get to know him better.
Date: 2016-03-21
From: Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 44.5
Weather: clear sky

Yes... you read it right! 44.5 miles in one long day which surpassed my previous best day of 43. I left the Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel later that I had wanted to as the morning was VERY cold and I was hoping for it to warm up a bit. I ended up heading out around 10 am. The weather was still pretty cold out but I was warm enough once I started moving. I wore my gloves without lthe liners to keep my hands warm.