morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-09
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.4

Tonight, I am tenting at Locust Cove Gap about 2.5 miles past Cheoah Bald making my day¢s mileage about 10.4 miles. I had planned to go a little further, but I received word the spring at the next campsite is dry. Still, not too shabby considering most of the day was hiking uphill. I'm not really sure how the math works out, but I've come to the conclusion that it¢s about a 5 to 1 ratio--5 ups for every down. I should be at about 30,000 feet by now but my guide is insisting I'm only at 3,642. Oh well, math was never my strong suit.Tonight, for dinner, I had Savory Tuscan Stew with Parmesan Polenta. I mention it for a few different reasons. 1. It was very good. I stumbled across a company online called "Packit Gourmet" a few months ago, and decided to try some of their meals. Most of them cost around $8 each, a little expensive, but all have been excellent and, if you have a smaller appetite or add any kind of sides/desert, will probably feed two. 2. I believe even if you are hiking on a budget, you should treat yourself every so often. There is only so much ramen and Knorr¢s that you can take and this is still cheaper than going into town. And, 3. Most are prepared exactly like I want to cook. I really appreciate "Freezer Bag" cooking. All I use my pot for is to boil water. I add the boiled water to my dehydrated meal in a freezer bag and then slip the bag into my insulated bag cozy. I let it rehydrate for about 10 minutes and it's ready to eat. My used bag goes into my trash bag to be carried out. Nothing to cleanup, no dirty pot, and, in my opinion, much more sanitary than reusing an unwashed pot over again. And, just in case you're concerned, Ziploc brand freezer bags don't contain BPAs.Most of the campsites in Georgia had either bear boxes or bear cables to prevent bears from getting your food. But so far, most of the sites here in NC do not. Each evening you must find a tree far enough away from the campsite to be safe, but close enough to be convenient. It needs to have a horizontal limb at least 10 feet off the ground and you must throw a line over the limb and draw your food bag up into the tree. Sounds easy, but it often isn't. The line tends to tangle in everything, making it sometimes frustrating and often embarrassing if others are watching. Tonight, I managed to toss mine perfectly on the very first throw. Of course, nobody was here to see it but I mentally congratulated myself as I walked back to my tent. Upon reaching my tent site, I heard a limb snap in the direction of my bag. Sure enough, my bag was sitting on the ground under the broken limb under the tree. It took me about 10 tries on the second go-around and, of course, two other hikers arrived while I was attempting to rehang my bag. Oh well, somebody has to provide the entertainment!Tonight, I'm warm, dry, and safe. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-03-10
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm tenting tonight at Cable Gap Shelter, making today's mileage about 11.5. Once again, I thought I could go a little further but not the additional 7 needed to get to the next shelter. Tomorrow will be a short day, just to the next shelter at Fontana Dam, where I hope to be picked up by the hostel shuttle. I plan to make Sunday my first ¢Zero¢ day. If the weather cooperates, I will enter the Smokies on Monday. Right now, they are calling for heavy snow so my Zero may need to be extended a day or two. I don't mind hiking in a little snow, but don't feel like I'm properly equipped for the 8-20 inches some are calling for.Yesterday's weather was perfect but a thunderstorm blew in last night about 10pm and continued until about 4am. This morning was cold and cloudy and it looked like it was going to storm again at any time. It wasn't until 10:55 that I saw any break in the clouds at all and after 12 before I saw any sunshine. Even then, the weather stayed cold enough all day that I need to wear my jacket to stay warm. The low for tonight is supposed to drop down to the middle twenties. Everything I have feels slightly damp from last night's rain so staying comfortable might be difficult.Today, I had my first hard fall. Everything was wet from last night's rain and I stepped on a large flat rock on the trail and my feet totally came out from under me. I imagine, if I had been looking, I could have read the brand name stenciled on the heal of my shoes. Luckily, I landed on my pack; nothing hurt but my pride. This is all it takes sometimes to finish one's hike, just one little slip.This is also the first time I've camped on this trip where I've had absolutely no cell service. Usually, I can email my post to my wife and she (fixes my typos and) posts it to Trail Journals. I'll go ahead and send this out, but she probably won't receive it/post it until tomorrow. On the other hand, I also carry a GPS locator called a "Spot". With just a push of a button, my family knows I'm safe and where I'm at. I can also use it to call for emergency help if needed. I highly recommend you have one of these devices if you ever decide to take a long hike or similar trip. They are relatively inexpensive and go a long way towards alleviating concerns.One last note. Don't forget to add condiments to your food supplies. They might not make the world go around but they sure can make the ride more enjoyable.Tonight, I'm safe and I'm relatively dry and warm. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-03-11
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Lodge at Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I made it to Fontana Dam around noon and checked into the Fontana Lodge just before it started snowing. I had originally planned to stay and "Zero" at the Hiker Inn but didn't have enough phone reception to make a reservation early enough. Due to the incoming storm, by the time I was able to contact the Inn, they were out of space. Even though I didn't stay there, the owner offered to deliver my resupply box to the lodge. I really appreciate her kindness. My plan to rest a day, and the arrival of the storm at the same time, was a very lucky happenstance.I almost feel guilty staying at the lodge. This is a beautiful place and by itself, would make a great vacation destination. I just had a late lunch at the Fontana Pitstop and am looking forward to dinner in the main restaurant.The local weather channels are calling for 8-12 inches with more in the mountains. Many/most of the younger hikers decided to press on regardless of the weather warnings. I'd like to think that "With age comes wisdom!", but, closer to the truth might be "With age comes a credit card and more expendable cash". I hope they are well-prepared and manage to stay warm enough.While having lunch at the "Pitstop", I spoke with a local gentleman about the incoming storm. He told me it will be much worse in the mountains than down here in the "holler". While paying for my meal, I asked the lady for change for the laundromat down the street. She asked me if I needed any "washing powders" too. And then stated, "Let me just go ahead an put that in a sack for you, so's it don't get spilt". Right nice people here on the NC/TN border. They talk just like I did when I was growing up; where as I can understands them. And, bygawd, they know how to make sweet tea!Everyone, everyone (including me) is an expert on the trail. Be careful who you take advice from. Do your research. If it doesn't sound like a good idea while you're sitting on your couch back home, it won¢t sound like a good idea out here either. I met a south bounder (SOBO) last night at my campsite. His trip is almost over while mine has just begun. He told me I was wasting my time hanging my food bag in a tree each night; he had slept with his for the entire trip. He said something like, "Out of all the folks hiking the trail, what are the odds that a bear is going to come after your food bag?" I thought about it for a moment. I was tired and cold, and my sleeping bag was calling to me. Then, I went and hung my bag. I'd hazard a guess and say my odds of not being attacked are much greater than his.Tonight, I'm staying in a very nice lodge. I had a long hot shower and a nice "dinner" with a very good local craft lager. I am looking forward to a good "supper" and a warm bed. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-03-12
From: Fontana Lodge at Fontana Dam

To: Zero Day at Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning and looked out my window here at the lodge to see about two inches of snow on the ground and a beautiful blue sky. I almost felt guilty for not hiking today but just kept reminding myself this is a scheduled stop and I need to stop every once in a while to let my body rest and recover.I showered and dressed and decided to head up to the restaurant at the main building for breakfast. I stepped outside my room, took a couple of quick pictures with my phone and then walked out from under the roof line of the building onto the icy sidewalk. I immediately found myself flat on my back. My second fall for the trip, but this time no pack to protect me. It hurt, a lot but I'm okay. After breakfast, I returned to my room and cleaned my equipment. When I finished, I gathered all my laundry and dressed in nothing but my rain gear (typical hiker fashion), and went down the hill to the laundromat. While there, I met Chunky Monkey and Survivor, both fellow hikers. Chunky Monkey is also here on Trail Journals and his posts are humorous and interesting reading. Survivor is a cancer survivor from South Africa and although he says he feels great, he is having an issue and under the advice of his doctor, he is headed home today. I hate to see him go, he seems like a great guy and I'm sure I would have enjoyed hiking with him. But, this is just a hike! He needs to be seen and make sure he is alright.I also met another hiker named Whale today. She is a very interesting woman, a little bit older than the rest of us, but with tons of hiking experience. I'm sure she will be fun to hike with too.It looks like about 6 or 7 of us are going to head out in the morning. We will spread out throughout the day but most of us should end up at the same spot tomorrow night. This upcoming week promises to be interesting. We will be entering the Smokies tomorrow and over the next few days, reach the highest points on the entire AT. They are calling for rain and snow much of the week and on at least Tuesday and Wednesday nights, they are calling for temperatures in the single digits. I'd be lying if I claimed to not be at least a little bit apprehensive, but as long as I can keep my sleeping bag and night clothes dry, I think I will be fine. Worst case scenario, I'll set up my tent and crawl inside my bag until it warms up some.But tonight, I'm safe, warm, dry, and sleeping in a big bed at the Fontana Lodge. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-03-13
From: Zero Day at Fontana Lodge

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

I started to leave the lodge this morning at 6:15 planning to hike down to the highway and hopefully, catch a ride the three miles back to the trailhead. I could have waited and caught the shuttle but, it wasn't available until 8:30 and that's about an hour and a half of my hiking time. I was still in the process of checking out when Doug P, offered me a ride to the trail. I had met Doug and his wife and their friends the night I had checked into the lodge. Doug is planning to thru-hike when he retires in about 5 years. Doug has also been involved in scouting for years and has two sons who are Eagle Scouts. What a nice couple and the ride was certainly appreciated.Since I caught a ride so quickly, I was on the trail well before light and probably managed the first mile before the sun peeked over the mountains. I didn't mind the early start because it was supposed to start raining/snowing early this afternoon. It's almost 7:00pm now and it has just started to spit snow.The weather forecast for tonight is a low of 9° and 2-4 inches of snow. Hopefully, the forecast is wrong and I will wake up to bare ground tomorrow and no rain.I hiked most of the day with an incredible woman named Whale. Whale will be 69 in 2 months and is difficult to keep up with on the trail. She has hiked and lived all around the world and has certainly had a lifetime of adventures.Today was a day of almost constant climbing and the next two days are going to be about the same. I'm really hoping the weather ends up being better than forecasted. If not, it's going to be a long, cold, wet week.But tonight, I'm safe, dry, and as soon as I crawl into my sleeping bag, warm. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-03-14
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, the weather didn't get better, it got worse. I got up this morning to about 5 inches of snow on the ground, more coming down, and at least a 20-mph wind. There were six of us in the shelter and, after a short discussion, we decided the wisest move was to follow the side trail that was still barely visible and come out of the mountains. We could have probably hunkered down in the shelter and rode out the storm, but we would have been miserable and each of us only had enough food to make it through the Smokies. If we had stayed in place for two days or more, we would have had to come down to resupply anyway.The trip down was cold but very beautiful. As we got closer to the bottom, there was less and less snow until it was all gone. Once we reached the highway, we kind of split up into groups and Whale and I managed to catch a ride from a very nice young couple from New Hampshire within a few minutes. They brought us right to Gatlinburg. I got a room at the Day's Inn and Whale decided to contact/stay with some friends from a nearby town. Maybe, we will meet up again up the trail.I haven't worked out the details for how I'm getting back to the trail yet, but I've got all day tomorrow to figure it out.Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry in Gatlinburg, TN. Goodnight from the trail.
Date: 2017-03-15
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Back to the trail tomorrow!!! But, it was a close thing. Because so many folks came off the trail, I had to call four different shuttle services before I managed to find a ride tomorrow. I started calling at 9:00 this morning and rest did not have availability until Friday and even Saturday. It's still going to be on the cold side but the weather really appears to be improving over the next few days.Even though I know coming off the trail was the right decision for many reasons, I still feel guilty for my unplanned day of doing almost nothing. What did I do on my day off? I went to the outfitters and looked at all the items I would like to have if I had room and they weighed less. I ended up buying absolutely nothing. I also had a great breakfast and lunch, and once again cleaned all my equipment and did all my laundry. I also spent about an hour to find a few nearby geocaches.Another hiker off the trail told me today he didn't need to do laundry because he had done it a few days ago. I thought about that on and off all day. I, and most other hikers, have one pair of pants, one pair of shorts, two t-shirts, one set of thermal underwear, two pairs of socks and underwear, a puffy jacket, and rain gear. Some hikers carry even less. I always need to do laundry! I just haven't reached the "embrace the stink stage yet". Maybe the guy I met earlier is already there.Once I reach the trailhead tomorrow morning, I have a 4.7-mile hike just to get back to the AT. That's almost 10 miles of extra hiking added to my overall hike. I'm not sure why so many of us are willing, and even excited, to hike the 2,190.3 miles of the AT but hate, and even begrudgingly, take any additional steps.Oh, I've reached a couple of new personal landmarks. I've now hiked 181.5 miles of the AT (that's not counting the extra @#&$v¢¬ nearly 10 miles due to the weather). That beats my previous personal landmark of 170.5 miles! I've also officially entered my third state when I passed into Tennessee. Until I reach Virginia, the trail will cross back and forth many times between TN and NC. For the next couple of weeks, I may not even know what state I'm in at any given time.No pretty picture for today, so I added a picture of a typical privy you might find on the trail. It could be worse...the last two shelters didn't have a privy at all. Take my word for it¢¦when in the bathroom area (or anywhere else on the trail), an "X" is scratched into the dirt absolutely does not designate buried treasure...trust me on this one. Don't dig there!Tonight, I'm dry, warm, and safe in my hotel room. I expect to soon be having "Happy Hiker" dreams. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-03-16
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

It was a long, very cold, very beautiful day and I'm back on the trail. I caught a shuttle out of Gatlinburg this morning and was dropped off at the park at around 8:30. It was a 5-mile hike, all uphill to get back to where I left the AT and managed about another 9 after that. I was hoping to do 15 tomorrow but hiking in the snow is much harder than I thought it would be. On the other hand, I finally got to use those micro spikes I've been carrying the whole time.Tonight's low is supposed to drop down to around zero but I'm tucked down in my sleeping bag hoping for the best.Tonight, I'm safe and dry and hopefully will be warm soon. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-03-17
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Sorry for the short post yesterday. I wanted to type more but was literally shivering. I just wanted to bury down in my sleeping bag and try to get warm.Today was a tough day. We started with overcast and rain but the rain quit at about noon. The sun came out for about an hour around two and it got really nice for just a little bit.I believe I did about 13.5 miles today, not counting the half mile this shelter is off the trail. I had originally planned to stay at the shelter before this one but I felt good and decided to press on. I was able to get over to Clingman's Dome today instead of tomorrow. But it hurt, a lot.In an earlier post, I mentioned a young lady (Rebecca, now known as the ¢Beast¢) from Switzerland who had carried another girl's Parmesan cheese from a Hiker's Box, just to reunite it with the original owner at a shelter. I met back up with her and her two friends last night at a shelter. At about 6:30 this evening they caught up to and passed me on the trail. By this time, I was really dragging and realized I bit off more than I was ready for and just wanted to get to camp. They asked if I was okay and when I told them yes, they continued on. I was surprised to find Rebecca standing on the side of the trail waiting for me. She was worried about me. What a sweet young lady. But, she is not the exception, everyone I've met has been wonderful.I used my micro spikes yesterday and today. At first I found them to be inefficient and painful but after I removed them and turned them "spikes down", they were much better. Just kidding, but I am sure glad I continued to carry these. Tomorrow is supposed to be the big thaw but I'm sure I'll need them then too.The weather so far has been rough--thunderstorms, hail, winds, and a winter snow storm. But these are the things we will laugh and talk about in the years to come. They are what make this an adventure and not just a walk-in the woods.I'm over Clingman's Dome! The highest spot on the entire trail and I¢m over 200 miles...Less than 2000 left to go! I can't wait for the rest!Again, I want to say "Thank you" for all the emails wishing me luck and for all the advice. I can't even begin to tell you how important it is for my morale. One of you also asked me to post these myself instead of first sending them to my wife. I can't, even tonight, because I have no service. I can't log into Trail Journals but I can email it and sometime tomorrow, when I get service for just that one minute, it will send. Then she can post if from home.Tonight, I'm in a shelter, I'm safe, I'm dry, and in a little bit, I'll be warm. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-03-19
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up this morning to a surprise, more snow! Or at least about 1/2 inch of sleet. On the plus side, it had gotten cold enough to freeze the water on the trail so at least I didn't have to trek through 4 inches of water. My feet stayed pretty dry all day. I do have to say, thank God for micro spikes! Some of the trail is very narrow with major drops, add ice, and it gets pretty scary.Every tree, every leaf was covered with at least a 1/4 inch of ice. It was absolutely beautiful. And when the sun finally broke through the clouds around noon, it was spectacular!Most of the people I've met in the Smokies are trying to pass through as quickly as possible and I must admit, the weather has been challenging, but I'm really enjoying it. In my humble opinion, I would recommend everyone spend a week hiking through the Smokies. And, if you're very lucky, it might snow while you're there.Tonight, I'm sheltering at Tri-Corner Shelter. I know I said I didn't want to stay in the shelters, but in the Smokies it's mandatory unless the shelter is full. I still prefer my tent but these shelters are pretty nice. They were built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the thirties and have served more than 80 years of hikers. Tomorrow, I will hike downhill most of the day. There are a couple of little ups, but by the end of the day I will have descended by about 4,000 ft. Hopefully, I will gain about 25 degrees in the process.Tonight, I'm safe, dry, and warm, and still loving life! Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-03-20
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

As I came down from the mountains today, the title of a book I read as a teenager came to mind. I don't remember what the book was about, but the title was "A Door into Summer". My hike today felt kind of like that. I started my hike cold in my puffy jacket, my long-sleeve shirt, and my t-shirt; and ended the day in just my t-shirt. The temperature went from around freezing to 61 degrees. The grass on the trail and the leaves on the rhododendrons turned green again. I even walked through a spider web. It was extremely nice.Tomorrow, I leave the Smokies. I'm actually just 9/10 of a mile inside the park now, at Davenport Gap Shelter. I'm going to miss them but I am excited about what's ahead. Tomorrow, I'm going to do a "Nero" of about four miles and stay at Standing Bear Hostel. I mailed a resupply there I need to pick up and it is certainly time for laundry and a shower.I broke my other shoulder strap buckle today just before reaching the shelter. I bought an extra buckle awhile back, but couldn't find it in my pack. I've got it rigged the way I did before. It should be fine until I can remove everything from my pack and find the replacement, or get another one.Never trust a SOBO. For that matter, never trust a NOBO or a section hiker. And, under no circumstance, trust a day hiker, AWOL's Guide Book, or Guthook¢s! Distances are always at least twice as long, and climbs twice as high, as any of them tell you they are!Tonight, I'm safe, dry, and warm. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.