morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2023-04-05
From: Gooch Gap

To: Wolf Laurel Top
Miles today: 18.1

My main goal today was to get past the 5 mile required bear canister section of the GA AT.It was foggy and misty most of the way to the summit of Blood Mountain. I appreciated the cool air, but was still sweating like a pig. I got there around 1. Lucky for me, the sky cleared up, and I got to see a good overlook. I descended in the sun to Neel Gap by about 2 and headed to Mountain Crossings.My pack was feeling a little heavy and a few others had commented on it, so I elected to have a pack shakedown.  From my move and bus ride, I was already aware that I wanted to send some things for my dad to hang on to. I spilled out all of my gear and the lady, an AT thru hiker like all employees there, went from big three to clothes to toiletries. I ended upstanding back an extra rain jacket, pogies, an extra long sleeved shirt, glasses (need for driving during the move to storage), a daypack (handy for the bus ride), an extra travel sized bottle of mouthwash, a few separately packaged clean wipes, a bear line (not needed with an Ursack I had), and a bottle and a half of Picaridin repellent (she said to save it for MA). After that and throwing out some trash, my pack weight went down 3 pounds!I was surprised I could chow down an orange, Snickers, 3 energy drinks, and an 8 inch pizza after just 2 and a half days of hiking. I guess I should be eating more.One guy I talked with, Alex, said that the midpoint for difficulty (not mileage) is New Jersey! He said he hiked the Long Trail for his AT shakedown hike, and that he was hard pressed to identify any part of the Georgia AT that compares to the difficulty level in VT. That makes me more nervous for VT, NH, and ME, but I'll have 2.5 months before I hit VT, if things go as I expect and hope.It was looking like it would be a pleasant evening to stroll out some more, so I hiked a few more miles to Wolf Laurel Top, a great dry campsite with a big fire pit, where I had a good view of the mountains to the east unblocked by trees, all to myself. That is, until Alex dropped in about an hour after I set up my tent. I was tired and relieved he was not a bear.
Date: 2023-04-06
From: Wolf Laurel Top

To: Rocky Mountain
Miles today: 18.8

I bade farewell to Alex, and shortly thereafter was delighted with the views on Cowrock Mountain. I'm sure that is the best view on the Georgia AT, and I had it all to myself.Most of the day didn't require climbing any big mountains. I hiked toward Blue Mountain Shelter, where I heard there was a good view. It would have been great, if it weren't for the trees in the way. As I took a little break in the crowded camping area, 2 out of 3 people I greeted there were not very friendly, so I dropped a deuce in the privy and left. I would seek to camp out on Rocky Mountain instead, which would require schlepping up 2 liters of water to the top. When I reached Unicoi Gap, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter my first trail magic! A nice lady operating the Hiawassee Shuttle bus provided me with an assortment of trail snacks, water, fruit, and even a donut. She was just about to leave too. I'm glad I didn't stay at the shelter.After some chit chat with a family from Ohio I climbed up to Rocky Mountain, getting water from a stream about halfway up. Still a few tents, but not crowded. The advertised view of the mountains was pretty good, unobscured by trees. The GA section hikers from MS/AL there made a campfire and we chatted a bit over dinner. Again, I'm glad I didn't stay at the shelter.
Date: 2023-04-07
From: Rocky Mountain

To: Dick's Creek
Miles today: 15.3

Scattered showers into early afternoon. Two big climbs - Tray Mountain and Kelly's Knob - but I'm starting to get used to the difficulty. I didn't even realize I had hiked through Kelly's Knob until I looked at the guide after lunch.I reached Dick's Creek Gap around 2:10, clothes all wet and dirty. The guide indicated that Around The Bend hostel was 0.6 miles to the west along the road, so I walked there. They had no vacancy for a same day reservation, but I paid a day use fee to shower, do laundry for my hiking clothes and use some loaner clothes, and they even gave me a drive into Hiawassee, where I had an amazing burger, fries, salad, and bottomless fountain drinks. I dined with 5 other thru hikers. One from London, one from South Africa, one from Maine near the Canadian border, one from Quebec City, and another from Minnesota.We returned via the shuttle to the hostel. I worked on a jigsaw puzzle with some of them and the conversation went from one thing to another.The guy from Maine said he was going to hike part of the International Appalachian Trail once he reaches Katahdin to the Canadian border, which would basically take him home. I inquired about this stretch of trail. Apparently it is about 140 additional miles and followed roads. I'll think about it more, but I'm sure 2200 miles will be plenty.Some other fellow hikers at the hostel who went to Ingle's generously offered free strawberry short cake, honey dew, and cookies. It was a great decision to head over to the hostel!At sundown the hostel dropped some of us who dined together - Tom, Trevor (Chicken), and tienne - back off at Dick's Creek Gap, because no rooms were available for us, where we all camped together nearby.
Date: 2023-04-08
From: Dick's Creek

To: Standing Indian Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.7

Steady rain all day.It was great to cross the GA/NC border, but then there was a step climb to Couthouse Bald, with no view. Wind gusts made me eager to climb every hill I could to stay warm.It was so rainy that I stopped at Muskrat Creek Shelter along the way to get warm. There were already several people there, some in sleeping bags trying to warm up midday, and more rolled in. I put on my dry layers and made some ramen for lunch. I felt better, but after a while was cold again.I decided to press on to the next shelter. I shivered at first in my wet hiking layers in the rain, but my umbrella helped a bit. At this point, the trail was more of a creek in most parts, and a stream in others. Once I got to Deep Gap I found signs for trail magic, hooray! These guys pulled out all the stops. Warm pulled pork, baked beans, hot tea and coffee, fruit and desserts. And great company too.After I got my fill, I got cold again and continued on. I reached the shelter and it was still raining, but forecasted to stop at 7 or 8. I decided to wait to pitch my tent. The shelter was full of people in their sleeping bags. It can be awkward to strike up conversation with thru hikers who just met you while observing how well they get along with people they have hiked more or less together for about a week.The rain eventually stopped and there was a pretty sunset through the trees.
Date: 2023-04-09
From: Standing Indian Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite near waterfall
Miles today: 23.8

What a fantastic day for hiking.My things were all wet from Saturday, and I got started a little later. The morning was very cool and started out with mist, which made for a great view of peaks islands in a sea of fog near the Standing Indian Mountain summit. For nearly two hours, I could hike without taking off my jacket without breaking a sweat. There was faint light in the fog through the forest as I hiked in the morning.It eventually warmed up, and as I reached the base for the climb to Mt Albert, I saw Easter themed trail magic there! Brought by locals Roger, Cindy, and their dog Annie. I had a hard boiled egg, cherry tomatoes, a ginger ale, some fruit and candy.I enjoyed reaching my first 100 miles of the AT at the top of Mt Albert. The top of the fire tower was closed, so I continued on my way through rolling terrain for another 6 miles or so. I ran into some day hikers who said that in just 1.7 miles, there was another trail magic set up at Rock Gap! Well, I couldn't miss that.I got there and it was the same group as from yesterday. This time, they were serving made to order omelettes, plus hash brown casserole, fruit, desserts, plus they were packing sandwiches and treats to go. Sign me up! Everything was amazing - so fortunate to have that. I feel spoiled now. Maybe there is some way for thru hikers to contribute to organizations who provide this trail magic.Not feeling keen on sleeping near a shelter again for multiple reasons, I made my way toward Winding Stair Gap past the waterfall to find a suitable campsite.
Date: 2023-04-10
From: Campsite near waterfall

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 21.0

Another beautiful spring day. I made my way through the steep ascents of Siler, then Wayah Balds. I had a blissful lunch on the grass while enjoying the amazing overlook. Then I pushed in, enjoying downhill and more overlooks at Rocky Bald and the fire tower at Wesser Bald. I joined a few others at a makeshift campsite 0.3 miles before the shelter.
Date: 2023-04-11
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 16.7

This morning I headed through sunny and generally cool weather mostly downward to Nantahala Outdoor Center. Lots of great views, but the downhill seemed more racing than the steep uphill yesterday.At the NOC, I resupplied, showered, recharged, and printed out my Smokies permit . I had a delicious lunch at the River's End restaurant - Carolina blackened trout with sherpa rice, green beans, and a cup of fresh fruit. I should have taken a picture of how well presented it was, but before I knew it, I had snarfed it all down.I was ready for the steep climb out of the NOC around 2. It was toasty. I got some great views as I climbed and reached the top of the bald, but the steep downhill was annoying.I chatted a bit with another hiker, Lego Man, from NH. He carries a man made of legos in his pocket that his niece made for him. He recounted the story of how he misplaced it while hiking the Long Trail, but eventually recovered it from some other watchful hikers.
Date: 2023-04-12
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 18.5

In the morning climbs I ran into hikers GG, Stakes, and GB the Gummy Bear King. GG lives in Iowa but does work on Isle Royale. All three of them are fast hikers, but they wisely stopped at Cable Gap Shelter around 1 as the day heated up.I pressed on, swatting a lot, up more steep hills and finally saw the beginning sights of the Fontana Dam through the trees. It took another 90 minutes or so to actually get to the lake though. I went to the marina and enjoyed some refreshments and a couple more dinners that I hoped would get me to Hot Springs.I hiked with Tank Girl to the Fontana Dam "Hilton" Shelter. She got her name because she is always looking for water. After a 5.5 week hiatus due to third degree burns, she is continuing her thru hike and needs to redevelop her trail legs.I was impressed with the accommodations at the Fontana Hilton. Potable water, a solar powered recharging station, showers and a restroom, plus a fire pit and beautiful overlook of the lake. All for free. It is basically front country camping, and in fact, I saw families there.I chatted a bit with a few hikers while I cooked some ramen and recharged. I took a shower before bed. It's such a privilege to feel a little clean going to sleep.
Date: 2023-04-13
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.9

It was a cool, sunny, and windy morning. The walk through Fontana Dam was scenic in itself. For some reason, I was welling a bit with emotion as I approached the entrance to GSMNP. I haven't even hiked 200 miles of the AT yet, but this seemed like an important milestone to me.The climb to the ridge wasn't as bad a couple of the monster climbs I did yesterday. Once there, it was basically rolling terrain all day. I saw a lot of wildflowers and mossy tree stumps. There were also a lot of views of Smokies range through the trees, and occasionally even a great view in plain sight. It was windy most of the day. I could feel it more as I climbed uphill, and stopped when I descended. That gave me another reason to prefer uphill climbs today.I leapfrogged with Smoke and Holy Shit from late morning to mid afternoon. I got to the junction for Spence Field Shelter around 3:30. I took a break and thought about going to the next shelter, Derrick Knob. Considering how I was cruising through mist of the day and the last 6 miles in particular, I figured another 6 miles wouldn't be so bad, so I decided to go for it.Unfortunately, the next 6 miles to the Derrick Knob Shelter were much more rugged than my previous 6 miles of mostly rolling terrain. There were climbs up mountains and steep, slow going descents. The trail was unmarked for at least an hour of hiking. But it was also much more scenic, which led to lots more photo ops. I thought I'd get there before 7, and ended up arriving closer to 7:45. It was tent city there. The wind picked up, which made boiling water more time consuming. I chatted a bit with some people, and Struggle Bus showed me how to use the bear cables to hang my food. I got to bed about an hour later than normal.
Date: 2023-04-14
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 9.9

Today I thought it would be fun to visit Gatlinburg, after hearing that there is a free shuttle between Clingmans Dome and the city. I didn't really need to go there, but I felt like I was rushing through the Smokies, which I was loving. I thought a visit to a tourist town in the heart of it would help me to soak it in more. So, I aimed to try to make the shuttle arriving to the parking lot at noon.There was a drizzle on and off starting early in the morning. There was more rolling terrain, but as I gained elevation, I entered an alpine zone. I loved the lush areas, full of stumps and logs covered in moss, along with the sweet alpine air like I experienced in the ADKs and the Whites. I tried to soak it in and record it with photos and videos, all the while pressing on to try to make the shuttle.Time was running out, and the rolling terrain became a steep climb as I approached the dome. I got to a trail going to the parking lot and jogged down it carefully when encountering other hikers or wet, uneven terrain. Then I had to go back up the last tenth of a mile to the parking lot. By that time, it was about 11:55. I went up the trail as fast as I could, and reached the parking lot around 11:58.I looked around and checked for white vans. I saw one, but the man who responded said he did not know of any such shuttle. I walked around and checked more, but found no other clear shuttle vans resembling those that the church would be operating for thru hikers. Apparently, they left early. So, I waited for a while. I chatted with passers-by who inquired about my hike. One of them bought me some trail mix and water at the gift shop! Very kind of her. As I talked with my dad on the phone at 1, a man there who works near Gatlinburg offered me a ride. Awesome! We chatted about his hike and his job building yachts on the way there.Once there I had lunch and recharged my phone. Then it started raining on and off. I was concerned about getting a ride back. I went to the Gatlinburg NOC and asked about shuttle rides. He gave me some numbers, but my request was too last minute; everyone already had plans or was out of town. Unless I wanted to hitchhike to Clingmans Dime at 6pm -- a hitch that seemed unlikely -- I was stuck in town for the night. To make matters worse, there were a host of events this weekend, including the Spring Rod Run in nearby Pigeon Forge. The hotels raised their prices accordingly.Then I realized I would have to fork over the money. I found the cheapest place, and still paid more than twice what it was worth. But, I get my first night in a bed, took a shower, washed my clothed, and fully recharged my phones. I grabbed some dinner and went to bed.I'm hoping this 8am shuttle back to the dome from the Gatlinburg NOC will pull through.
Date: 2023-04-15
From: Gatlinburg

To: Peck Corner Shelter
Miles today: 18.5

What an amazing day.After breakfasts at 2 different places in Gatlinburg, this time I successfully connected with the First Baptist Church shuttle at 8:30. I rode with Happy Dancer and Cheek and the conversation on the way was football.It was foggy at Clingmans Dome and I couldn't see anything. I left and made my way for Newfound Gap. I ran into the last 2022 SOBO hiker, No Rush. He also described himself as Slow-Bo, or slow southbounder. He asked me if I started in April and I responded April 3. Surprisingly, he wanted to have his picture taken with me. I happily obliged and also got one of my own. So far, he has wanted to get a picture taken with the first January, February, March, and April NOBO starter.I again took time to admire all the moss on the trees and took way more pictures of it than I needed to. The sky cleared up, and soon I could start to see overlooks.That in itself would make for a great day, but when I arrived to Newfound Gap, there were not just one, but two trail magic stands! One by a AT thru hiker from last year and her boyfriend, and First Baptist Church. Day packages, first aid kits, fruit, candy, chips, beverages, and more. I probably stated there for about an hour eating food that they offered, and chatted about hiking, our reasons for hiking, traffic in the Smokies, etc. Other hikers rolled in and it was a bit of a reunion. Many were hanging out there to catch the shuttle at 3. But I wanted to press on, since I had only hiked 8 miles and wanted to get to Charlie's Bunion today, because rain was in the forecast tomorrow.It was rolling terrain with some overlooks here and there, but because the weather was so nice, and apparently also Spring Break, thus Saturday was full of day hikers going to Charlie's Bunion and the Jumpoff overlook as well. I managed to muddle through the crowds without much delay. One hiker gave me a king sized Snickers!Charlie's Bunion had outstanding views. I was there one other time in May 2020 the week of Memorial Day, and ran into a thunderstorm. But then it was sunny on Clingmans Dome 3 years ago, so at least I got to experience a good view from both at some point in time.I continued on relatively easy terrain and admired view after view. I was so glad I packed a longish day in before a rainy day. I ran into Jersey (who wears a jersey) at one of the views. I finally got to the shelter around 7:30, though I didn't start hiking until 9:30. So the terrain was not bad at all. And all that trail magic was a major morale booster.
Date: 2023-04-16
From: Peck Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.8

There was an early rain, but by the time I was getting up, it was a drizzle. The expected rainstorm ended up being a cool, wet, and partly cloudy morning. I still saw plenty of overlooks and even got to admire the moss adorned trees in the alpine zone one last time in the Smokies.I made my way past the junction with the Balsam Trail, the last place in the Smokies where I'd been on the AT in the past. The next area would be Grayson Highlands.There were no big climbs - mostly rolling terrain, except for a lot of downhill towards Davenport Gap in today's last few miles, where I will exit the Smokies tomorrow.I arrived to Davenport Gap Shelter, where I learned that there were no sites nor any feasible makeshift spaces for my tent. I was not interested in pressing on another 2.5 miles to a campsite outside the Smokies. The crew inside the shelter was plenty friendly. So, I decided to try it out. Instead of bear cables or boxes, there was a cage with a chain door to lock out bears and rodents. The door with the chain was partly broken, so we needed to improvise by threading the chain through the cage holes.
Date: 2023-04-17
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Campsite below Max Patch
Miles today: 16.6

I was lucky if I got 2 hours of sleep at that shelter. Part of it was allergies or maybe a cold, and the rest was the noise everyone else was making while slept or tried to. I need to stick with my plan of not sleeping in shelters.It was a sunny and cool day. The exit from the Smokies at Davenport Gap was unceremonious, unlike the Fontana Dam entering point. However, some trail angels past the I-40 underpass gave me some free food and took me to visit Standing Bear Farms, where I had breakfast and got rid of my trash. Interesting place, but I was still cautious about the hefty price I paid for the hotel in Gatlinburg.There was plenty of wind, which made the long climb towards Max Patch easier. I decided to camp a half mile below the summit, so that I could watch the sunset and sunrise there. It was very windy up there - maybe 30mph - but the sunset was amazing! I really hope I can get up there in time for the sunrise.Unfortunately, after I turned off my camera cell phone (I also have another phone with service) to save the battery, I misplaced it. I looked all over my tent and campsite. I retraced my steps back up to the summit. Nothing. I returned to my campsite and checked again. I looked through the leaves on the ground and used a stick to feel around on the ground for a hidden phone. Nothing. I am so disappointed and angry that I lost it. There are hundreds of pics from the Smokies, along with the Max Patch sunset shots, that are on that phone. I will try to look more tomorrow morning.
Date: 2023-04-19
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6

I slept surprisingly well in the bunks, but then again, the last two nights on the trail were not so great. It was a friendly group. One kind hiker even offered free eggs and toast with fruit preserves while it was available. I took him up on that and also left all my remaining food I bought that I couldn't take with me. The oranges were popular; hopefully others will eat the carrots, grapes, bell pepper, and hummus.I stopped by Hillbilly Market and the Hot Springs Outdoor Outfitters store to get a few more resupply items, liner socks, and another sitting pad. Then I finally crossed the French Broad River for the long climb out of Hot Springs. But it was very scenic, and I ran into a group of day hikers who gave me a couple cookies and some chocolate.The liner socks definitely made a difference. I didn't notice any hot spots today on my feet. It was hot today though, which made chafing at my waist the big issue.During the afternoon, I ran into Smoke and Holy Shit again! They were surprised to see me - Smoke thought I'd be in VA by now, but that is just crazy talk. Apparently a 10 mile day, which I did when going to Gatlinburg and then not being able to leave, is a nero to them. I guess it's a few hours, but some stretches if this trail are rugged enough for 10 miles to take more than five hours. They wanted to camp away from the shelter where I planned to set up camp (a generous distance from the actual shelter), so we parted again at Allen Gap.It was a steep climb, and there had not been many water sources that day. I still had a liter left and could make it the 5 miles to the shelter. On the way I saw a sign for trail magic - home baked cookies and filtered water! I was surprised how much of it I drank. I talked with lady there for a bit. She and her husband are from near Akron, OH, but were sick of city noises and light pollution. They love their home in the mountains now, and apparently a wireless Internet project is underway in their region.I finally made it to the shelter. During dinner I chatted with OG Lost & Found from Boston, Nick from Australia, Benny from Germany, My Way, and Jesus.