morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: moderate rain

If you like rain to hike in today was your day. Rain began as we reached hiker midnight rain and continued through the night. It was raining when I left Sassafras Gap Shelter and thunder began as I crossed Cheoah Bald. I am glad that we decided not to tent on Cheoah.The rain continued all the way into Stekoah Gap and I stopped only to eat the snacks I had in my rain gear.In Stekoah Gap we found the remnants of trail magic, but only remnants. We always seem to be late for trail magic.The ascent from Stekoah Gap is straight up the ridge - the trail designers in this part to North Carolina do not seem know what a what a switchback is - at least until you near the end of Jacob's Ladder.We arrived at the Brown Fork Gap Shelter in the hardest rain of the day. Torch, Northeaster, Currahee, and I seem to be the only ones who will overnight at the shelter. We got dry and fed; as I now sit in my sleeping bag the fog rolled in followed by a very hard thundershower. I am very grateful this old shelter has a new roof.What will tomorrow bring. Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: NC 28
Miles today: 11.5

The morning after last night's heavy thunderstorm dawned foggy. My Droid allowed me to look at radar and it appeared the front had passed through the Fontana area and all the rain was south.I left the shelter in rain gear none the less and headed the 11.5 miles to meet Barbara (Mrs. Currahee) at NC 28 road crossing just before Fontana Dam. Within a few miles the sun was out and I took off the rain gear and hiked on. There were several opportunities for photos of Fontana Lake - both near Bryson City and between Bryson City and Fontana Dam.The weather was a mixed bag. There were intervals brief of fog, sun, clouds, and at one point drizzle. We met up with Northeaster and Torch at lunch at Cable Gap Shelter. Just before we left Cable Gap a thru hiker (Commanche)arrived from Sassafras Gap shelter. He said the Shelter was streched beyond capacity as hiekers huddled to ride out last night's storm. It was in the climb out of Cable Gap that we encountered fog that changed into drizzle.After cresting the ridge after Cable Gap, we began the long descent into the Fontana Dam area. I met some young thru hikers that had started the day at Sassafras Gap Shelter who let us know the two elderly gentlemen (florida Gopher and Ich) who were there when we were had zeroed and waited out the storms. They left this morning safe from Sassafras headed north.Just as we ended the descent to NC28 to meet Barbara, I came upon wild flowers blooming. At first they were the same as the one's I had seen coming into the NOC. However, just before NC 28 there was a carpet of purple trillium. The first I had seen this spring. Spring is certainly on it's way in the low valleys. The mountain tops can not be far behind. We indeed have begun to see buds on trees even above 5,000 feet.Dinner was wonderful at the Fontana Lodge. I am well satisfied and look forward the a short slack pack tomorrow.(A slack pack is hiking without the normal load of by backpack - some 35 pounds.) we will slack pack with Barbara the 2.7 miles from NC28 to the GSMNP southern boundary just across Fontana Dam.
Date: 2011-03-28
From: NC 28

To: Southern Boundary of GSMNP
Miles today: 2.7

We spent the night at Fontana Village Lodge. It was wonderful to have a hot shower and hotel meal. Room rates and meal prices were very good. Both the accomodations and meals were first rate; I would recommend staying here for the evening or zero day.We took care of normal ten day things: hot breakfast, clean gear from the past few days of rain, a second hot shower, planning the days until next resupply in Gatlinburg at the GSMNP midpoint, laundry, meal planning and purchase, dinner, and packing. We slack packed (hiking without full backpack from NC 28 to the southern entrance to the GSMNP - 2.7 miles. This will give us a head start on the climb to the GSMNP ridge and Mollies Ridge Shelter tomorrow. While washing clothes this afternoon, I meet a retired Baltimore County Fireman - Don Howard. He said he knew Fred Grimm - small world.We plan on going into Bryson City to have pizza and visit Ingles for food supplies. The usual characters - Currahee, Mrs. Currahee, Torch, and Northeaster - will go into Bryson City for dinner. Torch is another example of small world - he is a retired Baltimore City policman and one of his friends knew my father during his time with Maryland Toll Facilities Police Force. Hope to upload photos later this evening.
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Southern Boundary of GSMNP

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

The morning dawned clear and cool. I had a wonderful breakfast at the Fontana Lodge. We got underway at about 9:30 am. The climb of Shuckstack began immediately. I got to see my first deer after about 1.5 miles. A doe just stood beside the trail and watched a group of us take pictures. We continued to the base of the Shuckstack fire tower with good views of the mountains to the south and west. We also had good views into Lake Fontana.The climb continued until we reached the crest of the Smokies near Doe Knob. We had lunch on the Tennessee side of crest and added another State to those we now had lunch.We continued along or near the crest past Mollies Ridge Shelter to Russell Field Shelter. At Russell Field near the water source, we saw a male Turkey - two instances of wildlife today. We have a full shelter, typical for the Smokies during thru hiker season.We crossed an area known as the Devil's Tater Patch - an elonged gap filled with head sized rocks - taters.We expect rain tomorrow during our hike to Derrick Knob Shelter. Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: moderate rain

Overnight, we has a hard thunderstorm, but the morning dawned with drizzle and fog. We were out of the shelter by about. 8:30 am which is good of us. The initial grade on the crest was quite moderate, but as we approached Rocky Top (like the UT song), the grade increased as well as the fog and wind. These continued up and over Thunderhead. The wind gusts on Thunderhead must have approached 60 mph. The views on a sunny day must be spectacular, but not today.We had lunch again in Tennessee. There seemed to be evidence of a still - a rusted 55 gallon drum and an excellent water source for cooling.The final miles to the shelter seemed to drag on and on with straight up and down the ridge crest. Throughout the afternoon, I heard the distant drumming of male grouse. The sound is like a two cycle engine starting.The shelter is full again tonight in the fog and drizzle. Tomorrow will be a relatively short day about 7.2 miles. Hopefully Friday's crossing of the AT highpoint of Clingman's Dome will be clear with views of the GSMNP.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The day began with fog, but no rain. The day's hike was rain free, but not mud free. The weather was a definite very mixed bag - sun, fog, sleet, snow.We climbed the ridge throughout the 7 miles and after crossing over 5,000 feet, we saw our first conifers. These looked in good shape unlike those nearer Clingman's Dome.We met the ATC employed ridge runner at Silars Bald Shelter. This is Silars Bald, not the Silar Bald in the Nantahala National Forest. He was doing some maintenance around the shelter to direct rain runoff around the shelter.We got into the shelter early, but it quickly became crowded. We now have 15 in a shelter that holds 12.On cold nights such as these, the cold forces everyone to quickly get water, treat it, and prepare and consume dinner. It was too cold for much conversation so hiker midnight came early, and I was in my sleeping bag listening to albums on my phone by 6:45.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

What a cold night at Double Spring Gap Shelter. The wind blew, the temperature kept dropping, the fog rolled in, and finally a dusting of snow.In the crowded shelter, a big group was up and preparing to leave at 4:30 am. This group wanted to see the sunrise at Clingman's Dome. So they left in the dark hiking by headlamp for the 3 miles to Clingman. Based upon our preparations to leave it is not likely they got any view from the highpoint of the AT.I left the shelter about 8:30 am very cold in frozen boots and with a frozen water tube outlet from the water bladder that I carry in my pack. My hope was that the day would warm enough to melt the frozen water in the tube. As it turned out that would never happen. The 1100 foot climb over Mount Buckley to Clingman's Dome took about 2 hours in sun, fog, and snow. At one point, I had good views of the Smokies to the east in North Carolina. I hoped that the sun would hold out for views and photos from the observation platfrom on Clingman's Dome, but that was not to be. Clingman's Dome was socked in with fog and snow. The descent from Clingman's is rocky and steep.Several first occurred today: we completed the first 200 miles of AT NOBO, we crested 6,000 feet elevation for the first time, and we passed the high point of the AT at 6,643 feet.The low temperatures had one benefit; the mud from yesterday was now frozen and much easier to hike over. However, several places on the trail where spring drain down the doorway were now frozen and treacherous.The conifer forest of the high GSMNP ridge is dark and mysterious, while the hardwoods at lower elevations at this time of year with no folliage are much lighter.The conifers were dusted with snow and the frozen frost known as rime. This created beautiful views down the ridges and trail.Arriving at the ever crowded Newfound Gap (due to this being the only road crossing the GSMNP) brings a thru hiker into another world. I answered numerous questions about thru hiking and felt like part of the local wildlife. No one was rude; I just felt out of place. This was followed by entry into an even more bizarre environs - Gatlinburg Tennessee. For those familiar with Georgia, Helen Georgia on super steroids.We are staying at the local hiker hotel - The Grand Prix. We had an excellent dinner at the Smoky Mountain Brewery satisfying my need for salads and red meat.Tomorrow we will plan the next week to cross the northern part of the GSMNP and the 3 additional days to Hot Springs NC - the first town the trail passes through main street.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We took a zero day in Gatlinburg. The Grand Prix, a hiker friendly hotel, made it easy to get laundry and journals done. All of this was accomplished before breakfast. We had a great breakfast in downtown Gatlinburg at the Brass Grill. With Barbara's transport, we met with friends of Bill and Bob, got to an outfitter, and the Food City grocery to complete resupply. This gave me several hours in the afternoon to nap, repackage food, rearrange my bounce box, watch the Atlanta Braves lose to the Nationals, and catch the beginning of the first game of the NCAA basketball final four.Dinner at the Best Italian was next. What a dinner it was. After dinner, it was to repack and catch the second game of the final four - leaving Butler and UConn for the Monday final. Guess I will learn who won down the trail.The weather is somewhat of a concern. Tomorrow looks to be a great hiking day, but Monday into Tuesday a strong front will pass through promising rain, snow, and temperatures well below freezing. Winter is not over, but I will continue to enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My hiking partner was not able to hike today due to an extremely upset stomach. This means that we will take another zero day today in Gatlinburg. These things will happen to one or the other of us from time to time. We both work hard to maintain a good outlook and to listen to our bodies to minimize injuries.The weather on Monday is becoming more and more of a concern. The pressure trough approaching has high winds, heavy rains, and large temperature variations. Snow is forecast as the cold front passes. The amount of snow will vary depending on the timing of the front - predictions have ranged from 1/2 inch to nearly 6 inches. This weather system has produced large hail and the threat of tornadoes. Wind gusts may exceed 70 mph.We have decided to wait until tomorrow to assess options.This means we will not be back underway until Tuesday.Welcome to Spring in the Southern Mountains. Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The new day dawned sunny, warm, and windy. The weather forecasts remains for high winds with gusts exceeding 70 mph above 3,000 feet (Newfound Gap is at 5,000 feet), thunderstorms with chance of hail up to several inches in diameter, possible tornadoes, and heavy rain up to 1.5 inches followed by several inches of snow. Our plan is to set out in the morning with supplies to take up to 4 days to reach Standing Bear Hostel just outside the GSMNP northern boundary. This is one more day than it should take just in case ice and snow slow our progress.Monday morning I completed shopping for the extra day. Since we will not be in Hot Springs until Sunday or Monday of next week, we mailed our first bounce box from Gatlinburg to Hot Springs. This activity will have to become routine as Barbara's excellent support will end in Gatlinburg Tennessee.I have packed and repacked more than a few times the past two days. I am getting restless, but the reasons for two extra down days are justifiable. We are not alone in delaying as the hotel has many who have extended their stay including Northeaster who got in the same day as us. This day in town gives me a chance to see the Atlanta Braves play the Brewers, and the NCAA championship between Butler and UConn.Well the Braves spoiled the Brewers opening day at home by pulling out a win with two eighth inning homeruns. Now for dinner and the NCAA finals.A special treat of a steak dinner at the Peddlar Restaurant - a long time Gatlinburg tradition. During dinner the rains came and came. I am looking forward to the NCAA final and finally leaving to complete the northern end of the AT in the GSMNP.The thunderstorms have begun with very heavy rain. However, the winds seem lower than predicted and the temperature have not dropped very much. Hopefully, the prediction of single digit windchills and snowfall amounts will not be realized.It looks like Butler is a bridesmaid again. Congratulations to UConn.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

What a day!!!! After a wonderful breakfast with Currahee, Mrs. Currahee, and Nor'easter, we returned to the hotel and while Mrs. Currahee was handling a business meeting, we talked to thru hiker Uncas who showed us a photo of Newfound Gap with about 3 - 4 inches of snow in the parking lot. Snow was still falling. Nor'easter was convinced and opted out of leaving today.Currahee and I were very determined to break out of the orb of Gatlinburg. Currahee and I left Gatlinburg and headed to Newfound Gap. As we ascended to the gap, the amount of snow increased. By the time we reached Newfound Gap, the snow on the ground was about 4 inches and snow was continuing to fall. We got out of the car and walked to the AT northbound trail head. I said walked, but it was really more like slide to the trail head. The rains of yesterday froze and were covered with snow, not a good mix. We were now a bit undecided about how to proceed. We saw two hikers trying to get a ride to Gatlinburg. They were standing on ice free pavement when a gust of wind nearly blew them and their packs over.Second thoughts now prevailed. With these conditions, we would only make the first northbound shelter and would take 4 days to reach Standing Bear Hostel just outside the northern GSMNP boundary. In normal circumstances, we would reach Standing Bear in 3 days. With the promise of higher temperatures and clear weather tomorrow, we will reach Standing Bear the same time as if we left today without risking injury. Later updates to mountain-forecast.com showed Tuesday morning winds at 60 mph.So back to the hotel in Gatlinburg. Perhaps I have become addicted to the standard Gatlinburg diet of fried Snickers, fried Oreos, and funnel cake. We will get out of here tomorrow.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

We finally got enough momentum to break free of the Gatlinburg orbit. We left Newfound Gap about 10:30 am with crystal blue skies, light breeze, and temperatures near 40 degF.The first mile or so of the ascent was full of ice and snow. It was slippery today, just imagine what it was like yesterday. The going improves all day as the warm temperatures and sun melted the snow and ice.We had several opportunities for vistas during the day both into the Cumberland Valley in Tennessee and over to the eastern Blue Ridge in North Carolina. I hope the photos give some flavor of the view. I also was impressed by how isolated the northern ridge of the Smokies are.We made it to the shelter about 6 pm. I was having some problem with my pack waist band rubbing me raw. However, I found a part of the waist band out of adjustment. Correcting this made a hugh difference.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was a second straight beautiful day in the northern GSMNP. Most of the evidence of snow was gone, but a patch near Mount Guyot has evidence of 6+ inches of snow in the protected shadows. Again we has vistas to both the east and west. To the east there were five or six ridges visible into western North Carolina, and to the west, we would saw the Cumberland Plateau and Valley includling the destruction of open mining of mountain ridges.The shelter is full of nearly 25 hikers tonight. We secured a good tent spot. I am journaling from the tent.We will be into Standing Bear Hostel about 3 miles from the northern boundary of the GSMNP.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road (Standing Bear Hostel)
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Cosby Knob in clouds with a little threat of rain. The sun came out after a short time. There was a long uphill to the Mount Cammerer area. Once the descent to Davenport Gap began, there were several photo opportunities. There was an example of CCC stonework around rock outcropping.After leaving the park at Davenport Gap, I began to see spring wildflowers including bloodroot, trillium, dogwood, etc.We descented to the Pigeon River after multiple stream crossings - some were interesting at high water levels. I sat in the sun watching rafters on the Pigeon River and truckers on the interstate.We had trail magic at the top of the stairs above I-40. We arrived at Standing Bear Hostel and got a bunk for the night. I had a shower and did some laundry. Doing laundry is a bit of a hoot; used the first washboard in a galvanized tub since I was little. We had pizza for dinner and got to bed near hiker midnight.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Green Corner Road (Standing Bear Hostel)

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 9.9

Breakfasted at the hostel with two oranges and a cinnamon bun. Walked to the trailhead about 9:30 am and began the long, long climb to Snowbird Mountain (really a bald). The forest is showing signs of spring all around as wildflowers are in bloom at this elevation.The climb up Snowbird was brutual after getting use to the 500 foot per mile climbs of the GSMNP graded for horses. The day was very hot and I had to make an interim stop to refill my water bladder.We passed over Snowbird Mountain - awide southern bald with beautiful views. The FAA has sighted equipment there perhaps for the approach to Knoxville or Asheville.The weather report indicated a chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon. In fact, as we descended into Brown Gap, we had a few sprinkles of rain. There were thunderheads around so we decided not to camp on the high bald - Max Patch. Two people have been struck by lightning in recent years on Max Patch. It is devoid of trees and there is no hiding. Late in the afternoon after we had tents set up, the rains did indeed come. In fact, not only rain, but hail as well. I have had a cold dinner with no real good place to cook. The lightning around is coming as balls of light, not streaks. Someone had a cell phone signal, and their friend said tornadoes were in the area. It was a scary night, but much better here than on the bald.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Brown Gap

To: Unnamed Gap South of Bluff Mountain
Miles today: 12.5

After last night's weather pyrotechnics and three visits by locals on the FS road who seemed intrigued with bear bags, I got off on the climb to Max Patch at about 8:30 am. The climb was worth it; the view from Max Patch was awesome. It is the most extensive bald I have ever seen. The was all the way back to the Smokies perhaps as far as Clingman's Dome, but most certainly to Mount Cammerer. The view extended into North Carolina and into eastern Tennessee.After Max Patch, the gradient became easier, and I made good time past the next shelter. The woods are exploding in wildflowers and some of the flowers have bathed the trail in fragrance. Also, exploding are the bugs. The detrice at the trail is full of the buzz of flies and the streams and campsites full of blood sucking gnats.It has been extremely warm since the forest does not yet have a canopy of leaves. I am consuming 10 - 12 liters of water per day. Fortunately, the wet weather means all the streams and springs are full.The Walnut Mountain Shelter is under roof renovation and is unusable. We opted to make camp at the unnamed gap before Bluff Mountain. Perhaps the gap should be named Moonshine Gap for the Mason jar found with remnants of home made white liquor.We should be in Hot Springs NC by early afternoon. I am really looking forward to hamburgers, salads, and oranges.Our daily mileage has begun to slowly increase as it must if we are to be in a position to reach Baxter SP by October 15th. We first must stay healthy, but we also need to increase daily mileage with time. I have become impressed with the ability of my body to recover overnight. By days end, I am really tired, but by morning, I have recovered.Enjoy the journey.