morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Silvers Bald Shelter, NC

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAUGHTER IN LAW, CARRIE. I did not make my goal of seventeen miles, yesterday, because I became too cold and wet. I felt that I should stop two miles short of my goal, at a shelter, where I hopped into my sleeping bag to get warm, at least until I could use my fingers to button my shirt. After I was warmed up, I could do all the chores that hikers do at night.I had a very special trail magic waiting for me at Newfound Gap. Since I couldn't make my goal yesterday, I set my alarm for 6 am this morning. By 6:30 am, with headlamp on, I was hiking away from the shelter and I quickly made up the miles.Today's hike took me up and over Clingmans Dome, the highest mountain on the AT at 6,655 feet high. I will not be hiking this high again until I reach the White Mountains of New Hampshire.At this point in the hike, the AT will be in and out of Tennessee and North Carolina, because the AT travels the borders of both states for awhile.Coming down Clingmans Dome, I slipped and hurt my right knee. It's a little swollen, so I am icing it right now and taking Motrin.Cell phone service in the Smokies has been less than what I have been used to so far, but I was able to get a call through to Dean. When I first wrote my introduction prep journal, Dean wrote to me that he was in the same Army unit, and had been in the same area of Viet Nam where I had been, but a year later. He offered to pick me up when I got close to his home, so I kept his number and put it in my phone. When I thought that I was in his area, I called him. My last communication with him was," I'll see you Wednesday at Newfound gap at 3 pm." After that conversation, I had no more cell service until I was at the bottom of Clingmans Mountain almost 2 days later.This trail magic was the best it could ever be. Dean picked me up at Newfound Gap and took me to an outfitters so that I could resupply. Then he took me to his lovely home. They treated me like a king. Martha washed and dried my clothes, and cooked a fantastic supper. Dean set about drying my water logged shoes, and drying all of my gear. I had a hot shower, and they set up all the toiletries I would need for my stay; shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and body lotion. And while my clothes were being washed, they gave me clothes to wear. I am presently in a king sized bed, with a bathroom attached, and, to me, this is five star treatment. They even got an ice pack out for my knee.We had loads of good conversations. My wife and loved ones back home thank these elite trail angels for showing me so much love. This, my friends, is what makes the journey doable. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.I will take my first zero day tomorrow in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I was going to wait until I saw my wife before I took a zero day, but because I am nursing a sore knee, I will give it more time to heal.Good night, and may you someday meet a trail angel.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Zero DayThe pain in my knee started to subside during the night.For breakfast, Dean made me a sausage, cheese, and tomato omelet, along with toast and coffee.I packed up all my gear; it was dry, including the shoes that I thought would never dry.I weighed myself before breakfast and I weighed 174.5 pounds. I have lost about 12 pounds. I expected that this initial weight loss would happen right away. We weighed my pack and it was around 25 pounds. After I add water, cell phone, and wallet, it will probably weigh around 28 pounds. I am carrying less food now than when I first started. It looks heavier than 28 pounds, but it fits me comfortably.While hiking two days ago atop the mountains, the fierce winds blew off my pack cover and I had to buy another one. I'll make sure that this time it's tied down.I am resting and icing my knee in Gatlinburg. I believe it will be OK, I just need to be extra careful for awhile.Gatlinburg reminds me of a beach resort without the ocean. Instead, they have the mountains.I will be shuttled back to Newfound Gap tomorrow about 9 am, and then this once in a lifetime , amazing journey, will continue north on the Appalachian Trail.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up and showered by 6:30. At 7 am, I had breakfast at Flapjacks on the main drag.Back at the hotel, I continued to ice my knee until I had to check out.My shuttle driver had me at the trailhead, Newfound Gap, at 9:45. Five minutes later, I was heading north.At the junction of Peck's Corner Shelter (10.4 miles in), I stopped to evaluate my knee. It was no longer sore to the touch, and I felt only a little stiffness, so I made the command decision to go on because it was only 2 pm. Tomorrow, when get up, I will find out if I made the right choice. My knee will tell me, but for now it's fine. I just ate, and I am about to hang the bear bag on the cables provided.The terrain from Newfound Gap to this shelter was mostly soft, with gradual ups and downs, which was good for the knees.I was above 5,000 feet most of the day. Today was sunny and clear, and I had some of the best views of the Smokies so far.There are about 12 of us here tonight. Tomorrow night will probably be my last night in the Smokie Mountains, then I will start descending to a lower altitude.Getting late,Good nightThanks for following along.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Tri-Corner Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

My knee was a little stiff this morning, but not enough to stop me from putting out the miles.I was hiking by 8:15 am. Most of the hikers were still sleeping when I left.I was going to sleep at Davenport Gap Shelter, which is the last shelter before exiting the Smokies at the northern end, but I ran into a ridge runner who said that he didn't recommend staying there if I could help it. The shelter is enclosed by a chain link fence, and you bring everything inside, packs and food. If a lot of people are there, it gets real crowded. Plus, he said, it was dark and dank. There is also a lot of bear activity at this shelter.So I decided to go another four miles, which had me exiting the Smokies, and ending up at the Standing Bear Farm Hostel. As I was approaching this hostel, I was thinking of my friend Dean. The day before he took me to Gatlinburg, he stopped here to have a look around. Little did he know that I would be staying here.The Smokie mountains were beautiful, But I am glad to be out of them. The weather was very unpredictable; t-shirt weather one hour and the next hour it could be freezing. This is to be expected for March. I was in there a total of six days, which included the zero day in Gatlinburg for my knee.I have eaten, showered, and resupplied my food. It is now time for bed. Tonight I have a bunk in a room of sixteen bunks, but only three of us are here tonight.My next resupply and night in town, will probably be Hot Springs, NC.Good night
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Campsite North of Max Patch Bald
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

JACKI, I WAS THINKING OF YOU WHEN I WENT OVER MAX PATCH BALD.The rooster that was roaming the Standing Bear hostel grounds, started crowing about 5 am this morning. It would still be dark for two more hours, but it didn't seem to matter to this rooster. About every 15 minutes until about 7:15 am, he would crow. As soon as I got up, he stopped. He just wanted someone to be up.Last night, when the fire in the wood burning stove died out, it got cold in the bunkhouse.I was hiking at 8:45. The trail went up for about 5 miles. I could hear the I-40 traffic for over an hour, and then it faded away, reminding me once again that I was leaving civilization behind.Just before getting to Max Patch, someone left trail magic attached to a tree. Someone gave me a bag of cherry raisins. Thank you trail angel.Two or three years ago, my daughter, Jacki, was on top of Max Patch bald with her friend Ellen, around March 7th. There was snow everywhere that year. Today, as you can see in the picture, it was sunny and green. The views were 360 degrees, and what I saw today could not have been any clearer. I always hoped that when I walked across this bald, it would be a "see forever" day and it was.I am in my tent tonight, and it is starting to get cold. Today, I hiked in my T-shirt. About 50 yards away, a local family is camping and enjoying the bald. This appears to be a favorite with the locals.It is time for bed.Good night
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Campsite North of Max Patch Bald

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

A BIG HELLO TO THE WTC, ESPECIALLY THE WEDNESDAY MILERS AND THE SATURDAY LONG HIKES FOLKS. I READ YOUR POSTS; THANK YOU AND HAPPY TRAILS.It was a very nice night last night just north of Max Patch Bald. The wind blew all night and the sky was bright.After breakfast, I was hiking by 0830. A lot of ups and downs today. Tomorrow morning, I will be going into Hot Springs, NC, for resupply and laundry, and I will continue to ice my knee.My knee is stiff when I start out in the morning, but it loosens up real fast. It continues to get better. I was lucky. I just heard about a girl who slipped about where I did on Clingmans Dome Mountain, and is still in Gatlinburg icing her knee; about four days now.Nice and sunny hiking today with mostly warm temperatures.Time for bed.Good night
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER, JUNE.One of natures favorite times to rain, is about one hour before you get out of your tent or shelter in the morning. And that is how it happened this morning.So after packing up, with rain gear on, I headed out at 0800 for Hot Springs, just 3.2 miles away; mostly downhill.Hotels are not ready to be checked into at 0930, so first I went to eat. The breakfast was so big that I decided to let it be lunch, too.Then I went to the outfitters and bought food, supplies, and shoes.The hike through the Smokies and the wet weather, were the final death toll for my beloved Fugitive Asolo's. They lasted for 1200 miles, most of which were miles put on while hiking with the Wilmington Trail Club.Once inside the hotel, I turned up the heat to 80 degrees, and started the process of drying everything out. After my shower, I located the Laundromat and washed and dried my clothes.I went and bought a ten pound bag of ice for icing my knee until I leave here tomorrow morning. I also purchased a knee sleeve to give my knee support sometimes.My grandson, Chris, is on his way to see me. His initial plan was to hike with me several days ago, but I was too isolated, and I didn't get his message until it was too late.He is Air Force, and he wanted to see his Pop Pop before shipping out overseas. He is a fine lad, just like his dad. I have been blessed with great grandchildren.In the photo above, we are enjoying supper in a local restaurant.I think that I will be in a town called Erwin, TN, about 68 miles north of here, in about four to six days.Good night
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter,NC
Miles today: 19.6

My knee is back to normal. I just have the regular old man aches and pains now. However, I think that I will add icing of my knees to my town chores, whenever I am in the towns.At 8 am, I was hiking across the French Broad River Bridge. I hiked along the French Broad River for awhile, and then I started hiking up. There were many good views of Hot Springs, as I went higher and higher.It was cold hiking today, and it is cold right now. It's supposed to snow tonight. I am sharing a shelter tonight with a nice little family and their dog. They are doing a little section hike, and are going to Hot Springs. They have a nice fire going. It's late, so I will go to bed now.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Little Laurel Shelter,NC

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter, NC
Miles today: 6.8

I woke up to 3 inches of snow. I ate breakfast, and left the little family at the shelter about 8:30.As I hiked, the weather got worse. I was only able to cover 6.8 miles today, to get to the next shelter. The wind was blowing hard and it was snowing, as I was on a high ridge. The blazes were probably painted on the rocks, but the snow covered the rocks and I couldn't see the blazes, so I wasted a lot of time looking for the trail in near "white out" conditions.So, it took far longer than normal to go today's mileage. I thought that I missed the shelter, which would have been bad, but then, all of a sudden, I smelled fireplace smoke, and the shelter came into view.When I arrived, there were two hikers inside, Batman and Penguinman, and they had a roaring fire going. This shelter has a fireplace inside, with a tarp across the front of the shelter, like the ones in the Smokie Mountains,because, I think there is always wind here.It's supposed to be in the teens tonight with heavy winds. The fire should help us stay warm, if we keep gathering wood.I will try to go fifteen miles tomorrow, but in the end, Mother Nature determines how far I can go.Getting late, time to eat, and then go to bed.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter, NC

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter,NC
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY NEPHEW, DAVID P.It was 23 degrees when we woke up in the shelter, this morning. The radio, last night, said that there were 35 mile per hour winds all night. It was the coldest night out here, so far. The fireplace was done by midnight. It was so cold this morning, I just wanted to get moving. I ate as I walked. It took an hour before I could feel my toes.All day today, I walked through 3 to 6 inches of snow with one foot snow drifts.I am the only one at this shelter, so far, tonight.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: North Business Knob Shelter,NC

To: Erwin,TN
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: moderate rain

Finally, a nice day. For the past three days, I have been walking through snow, cold temperatures, and extremely high, unforgiving winds. It was so cold for so long, that it drew down on the battery power that I had, and even took down my back-up battery. I ended up having to bring my cell phone into my sleeping bag for two nights to try and save the battery from bitter cold.Because of the extreme cold and no signal, I was unable to communicate, and for that I apologize. I especially do not like for my wife to worry, so on the summit of Big Bald, I was able to text her and I said, " I am safe and dry." That's all I could spare from the cell phone power.This morning reminded me of home. It was supposed to start raining early, but it did not rain till about 3 pm and then it only rained for 10 minutes. The mountain weather reports are seldom wrong. If they say snow, it snows; if they say high winds, they mean it. It was a pleasure to hike this morning in mild weather. So from the overcrowded shelter that I left at 7:45, I started making my way to Erwin, TN., 5.8 miles away.I arrived at Uncle Johnny's hostel and outfitters, knocked on the door, and was his first customer of the day. I made a few purchases, and then called a shuttle to take me to the Super 8 Motel in Erwin. The super 8 Motel is very nice.I have been doing town chores: laundry, shopping, nice long hot showers, icing my knee, eating, and planning next week's itinerary. I need to take a zero day tomorrow, and do home and personal business with my wife on the phone. Thank you for all your comments in my guest book. When I finally get to a town, and I read what you say, it brings happy tears to my eyes.THANK YOUGod Bless
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Erwin,TN

To: Erwin,TN
Miles today: 0.0

Zero DayI am recuperating and allowing these old bones some rest.After I completed my home business with my wife, it was time for a haircut, so I started walking downtown. I was thinking of my wife as I was looking around, because she would really like the charm of this small southern town.I asked a few shop keepers," Where do the men go to get their haircut in this town?" They pointed to Wanda. "They might not be open," one shop owner said," today's Saturday, so they may be closed."I walked in, and Wanda said that she could cut my hair. She asked me how I wanted it cut? I said, "I never comb it, it just sort of sits there, so how about taking an inch off all the way around? If you could leave some curls for my wife, she would probably appreciate it."Wanda, and the other ladies in this town, are what make these small southern towns so charming, and that's why I know my wife would like it here.There is an old time movie theater here, and I plan on going to the 5:00 showing of Divergence. I was told that they even have a balcony.Good Day
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Erwin,TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter, TN
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light snow

Last night, it rained in Erwin, but in the mountains surrounding Erwin, it snowed.A father and son team misjudged the weather, and they were cold. They made it to an access road, and luckily they had a phone signal. They called Tom, my shuttle guy, and he went and picked them up and took them to a warmer place.Because of this rescue, Tom didn't get back to Uncle Johnnie's Hostel until 11 am, so that's when I continued my trek north.Once I gained altitude, I was again walking in about 3 inches of fresh snow.Most of the day I hiked up. I walked through a forest of rhododendron who were bowing down towards the trail. They were heavy with snow, so I bowed back, because I had to bend low to get under them.My high climb for today was the Unaka Mountain at 5,180 feet. This mountain has a dense spruce forest going up, over, and down the other side of the mountain.I met a fellow, today, who has already completed the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, and he is now hiking the AT. He said what I have heard other triple crown hikers say, and that is that physically, the AT is the hardest. The reason is because of the elevation gain.I am at a shelter area tonight, but I am in my tent. The wind is blowing very hard.My pack is 10 pounds heavier than normal, because it is loaded with food. I have enough food for seven days. I don't want to have to go off the trail to resupply this week, as I have a very important meet up on Friday, and I want to stay on hiking schedule.It's late and time for bed.Good night
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Cherry Gap Shelter, TN

To: Roan High Nob Shelter, TN
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

HELLO TO A LADY NAMED CAROL, WHO IS FOLLOWING MY TRAIL JOURNAL. I MET YOUR DAUGHTER, TRILLIUM, AND HUSBAND, 2 WEEKS, ON THE AT.I slept well last night. I didn't even hear my watch alarm go off. I heard the other hikers moving about, and that woke me up.I was hiking by 8:45. Not long afterwards, I ran into trail magic. Ron was offering sodas and snacks. After 2 sodas and a snack, I told Ron that what he does helps make this trip doable. He said that he wanted to see us get to the end.I met Trillium at a shelter where I had stopped for lunch. She said," Are you 3x5?" and when I said, "Yes", she said that her mom was following my journal. Later that day, at my current shelter, I met her dad, 2 Weeks. He is only going to be hiking with Trillium for 2 weeks , while Trillium, is going on to Maine.This shelter is like a log cabin and can sleep 15 hikers on two levels. It is totally enclosed, and is the highest shelter on the AT. Hiking up Roan Mountain, after a full day of hiking, was exhausting. I was glad to be finished. It looks like I will be moving into lower elevations after this mountain.Getting late,Good night
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Roan High Nob Shelter, TN

To: Doll Flats NC-TN
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

It was very nice being in an enclosed shelter. You could hear the wind howling outside, but it was cozy inside.It wasn't so cozy trying to hike down Roan Mountain at 7:15 this morning. In spots, it was a sheet of ice on a slope, like a sliding board.There are many places along the AT, from Georgia to Maine, that I have previously hiked, and when I go past them, I like to think back on those hikes.Much of my hike today, I did with my son-in-law, John R. several years ago. We started at Carvers Gap, just below Roan Mountain. Just like today, we hiked up to Round Bald and Jane Bald. I stopped at the Stan Murray Shelter for lunch, just as John and I did once before.I passed Overmountain Shelter and kept going north toward Little Hump Mountain. I took today's picture from there. Overmountain shelter was converted from a barn to a shelter that can hold more than 20 hikers. Hiking up Hump Mountain afforded me the most incredible 360 degree views for what seemed like hours. I could see that the mountains in front of me were not as tall as the mountains that I had already hiked.I am tenting in an area called the Doll Flats. Beautiful place. In front of me are rolling meadows. It feels very peaceful here. So far, I am the only one here. I am sitting on the NC-TN border.Today was the perfect hiking day , with excellent weather and views, and I even spotted two deer and three robins.Time for bed.Thanks for following me.Good night
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Doll Flats NC-TN

To: Upper Laurel Fork Hostel, TN
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

I have noticed that since Roan Mountain, there seems to be an absence of hikers on the trail. I have only seen one hiker since leaving Roan Mountain Shelter two days ago.I was up, finished breakfast, brushed my teeth, cleaned up, and headed north by 8 am.Since leaving Roan Mountain, I have been feeling like a kid; like Huck Finn. When I was on top of Hump Mountain looking back at all the ground that I had covered, I couldn't believe it. I was sitting and eating a snack with two college girls who had trekked up the mountain ahead of me. I told them that they were lucky to be able to come up here and eat their lunch, and marvel at this beautiful mountain range. They said that they visited the mountaintop a lot, and they started pointing out all the mountains by name. When they got to Grandfather Mountain, I told them that I had visited there once.Today, for some reason, I just felt like I was discovering everything for the first time, just like I used to do when I was a kid.I wanted to find a nice place to eat lunch at noon, and about 12:15 I came upon the Elk River. I looked for a good spot to eat near the water, took off my shoes and socks, and let my feet dangle in the water while I ate. I wanted to fall asleep, but I had to move on.On the same river, about half an hour later, I came upon three deer drinking water from the other side, about 30 yards away. I watched for a moment, and then came out of hiding, sending them running off.My goal today, was to hike to Upper Laurel Fork and tent. Just as I was about to pull out my tent, I spotted a little sign that said: Hostel. It was three tenths of a mile down a side trail. I checked my AWOL book, and sure enough, it was listed.I decided to put my pack back on and see what they had to eat. As I was walking to the hostel, I met the owner out doing his own trail work. He said the magic words: Pizza, soda, and Wi-Fi.So, here I am, at a hostel just three tenths of a mile from where I was going to tent. An unexpected pleasure with a bunk.Today was just a Huck Finn kind of day.Happy exploringGood night