morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-03-20
From: Winding Stair Gap 

To: Winding Stair Gap 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Looking BackWe have traveled one hundred plus miles on foot, carrying our temporary home, our necessary belongings, our hopes and dreams of hiking the famous Appalachian Trail. We have carried each other and felt the burden of those who had to leave the trail and those to whom we have said a temporary goodbye with hopes of crossing paths at some future mile of the journey. Let me put to rest any rumors that Conductor has left the trail. Far from it; I'm stronger than ever, determined as ever and excited about the coming milder weather.Winter has tested us, soaked us, chilled us, but our determination to complete this journey has grown stronger with each trial. The forest is slowly waking up. Here in the valley, the fields around Franklin are green and showing signs of spring and right on time with the Vernal Equinox occurring today. Tomorrow, the days will be longer than the nights. Albert Mountain Tower, from the Trail Looking Forward In five days we will be at the threshold of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Between here and there lie some rather impressive climbs and descents. Our legs and lungs have already begun to change into hiker tough bodies and soon we will have our trail legs, which is shorthand for excellent physique. My personal gage is when I can carry my pack up a 500 ft climb without opening my mouth to breath. At the top I will shout out with everything I've got. The woods will simply sigh back. The trees know this happiness I speak of. They live here.Spring BlossomsLooking InwardHaving hiked the trail before is a double edged sword. I want to help those who are struggling, offer quidance where some have misinformation, give advice that will help aspiring thru hikers along. The price for that, of course, is being that tedious fellow, who thinks he knows everything about the trail. I try to balance that out by not announcing my past journeys to every new acquaintance. If asked, I lay it out in simple terms, making sure to mention the time I left the trail in Damascus with sore feet and defeated mindset. Still, I can't help but offer a bit of advice when I think it will improve the experience for someone. Looking BreathlesslyI have the help of my personal Star Trek tricoder phone complete with apps that help me identify plants and birds. Mushrooms and reptiles will soon be added to our experience. The wildflowers and trees will be blooming. Looking forward to mountain sides full of Laurel and Azalea. More than the mind can imagine. My thoughts often wanders to the descent from the GSMNP into Davenport Gap, where the Trilliums will greet us with a variety of colorful blossoms.So, today is a restful and relaxing day preparing for the push towards the great park, where our winter gear will be tested once again. Through the Nantahala River gorge and onward towards Fontana Dam, the gateway to the "Smokies" where we will traverse the entire length of the GSMNP.
Date: 2019-03-21
From: Winding Stair Gap 

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Back on the trail today after a nice egg and hashbrowns breakfast. A lot of climbing today, while it seemed like not so much downhill. About the time I got to the tower on Wayah Bald a cold front had moved in and back on came the jackets and gloves. Swiss Miss and Firefly were at the tower at the same time so we took advantage of the photo opportunity. I met Swiss Miss on the approach trail and Firefly on day 1. They are traveling together as a team, like Pilgrim and myself. Unfortunately, the cold made it somewhat uncomfortable at the tower, so everyone moved on without the normal lingering at such a magnificent view.Less than a mile away, I made it to the shelter and set up my tent during some kind d of snow cone drill. Bigger and heavier than snowflakes, smaller than hail. The fellows in the shelter had a word for it, but I forget what it was. It covered my ground cloth before i could get my tent set up.I hastily ate my evening meal, while shivering in the shelter and entered my tent for the night at around 4:30. And, here I am writing to you fine people. It was a nice day for most of it. Guess I'll test my new bag tonight. Supposed to get cold again.
Date: 2019-03-22
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The snow pelted us through the night, but didn't amount to much. When I finally unzipped my bag at 8:30 I noticed my water bottle was frozen solid. That's a first, so I guess it must have been cold. I wolfed down a Boston Creme Chocolate honey bun in the now empty shelter. Nothing to wash it down, but it was good anyway.The first part of the hike was snowy and cold. I wore my yaktrax just because. Probably could have done without them. The afternoon warmed up a little and the snow on the south facing slopes melted away. It was a layers off, layers on kind of day. With the cold I'm a little sore tonight.Probably a short day tomorrow. The NOC is full because it's a weekend. So we'll stop short at the Rufus Morgan shelter.
Date: 2019-03-23
From: Wesser Shelter

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 4.9

A short day. The NOC is full, so we stopped a mile short of the river and did a nero afternoon. Tomorrow we will drop I to the NOC for breakfast and start the long climb out of the gorge. This morning the hike was spectacular! I had forgotten how steep the terrain was. It descended the mountain in a series of steep switchbacks. The blue sky really made a nice backdrop and by the time we arrived at our camp, the Rufus Morgan shelter it was warm and sunny. Along the route down was a place called the jump off. (Pictured)Last night the stars were brilliant from the high mountains. Tonight the same, as we stood around a nice campfire and chatted with a few section hikers that parked here for the night. Always nice to be able to enjoy the evening outside.
Date: 2019-03-24
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We were up before dawn and hiking with our headlamps and made it to the NOC before the restaurant opened. Breakfast was excellent and we had plenty of time to enjoy it before the outfitter store opened. Before long we were on our way out of the gorge and starting the 4000 foot climb up and over Cheoah bald. Great view from the "jump up" back down towards the NOC now far below us. It's difficult to describe the view across the gorge to where we stood just yesterday. The distant mountains fade away into the distance in multiple shades of blue and gray. After the all day climb, we headed two and a half more miles down the steep northern slope of the mountain headed for Locust cove gap. Probably not the best idea.When we finally arrived at the gap tent sites were scarce. Not just our smallish Thru Hiker bubble, but an entire scout troop. As I said, tent sites were scarce and my tiny patch of ground is anything but level. It is what it is. No way to tell what the days end will bring.
Date: 2019-03-25
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap
Miles today: 11.6

We were up before dawn and hiking with our headlamps and made it to the NOC before the restaurant opened. Breakfast was excellent and we had plenty of time to enjoy it before the outfitter store opened. Before long we were on our way out of the gorge and starting the 4000 foot climb up and over Cheoah bald. Great view from the "jump up" back down towards the NOC now far below us. It's difficult to describe the view across the gorge to where we stood just yesterday. The distant mountains fade away into the distance in multiple shades of blue and gray. After the all day climb, we headed two and a half more miles down the steep northern slope of the mountain headed for Locust cove gap. Probably not the best idea.When we finally arrived at the gap tent sites were scarce. Not just our smallish Thru Hiker bubble, but an entire scout troop. As I said, tent sites were scarce and my tiny patch of ground is anything but level. It is what it is. No way to tell what the days end will bring.
Date: 2019-03-26
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: NC 28 - Fontana Village
Miles today: 5.5

Beautiful foggy trail this morning as we left Cable gap towards our hotel room in Fontana Village. I love to walk in the foggy woods. It just seems kind of dreamy and peaceful.Showered, fed and laundered before 1 PM, and having a nice break in the Fontana lodge before we enter the GSMNP tomorrow. Last night after we made camp some fast hikers moved in. The discussion turned to people who have hiked the AT and other trails in record breaking times. I have to ask... why?? Why would anyone want to just rush through a hike like this? I mean I miss my family and friends, and I would love to have the stamina to do 30 miles days, but it just seems to me an odd way to enjoy this experience. Hey, different strokes I guess. Takes a village and all that. But let me turn to a positive note. The days ahead look like some pretty nice weather, and it's far more than this hiker could hope for. I've seen some pretty severe weather in those high mountains and the thought of good weather for the days ahead really sounds great! Might even be able for the first time in four to actually have a view from Clingman's dome! Is that too much to hope for? Not for me. Ask me on Saturday, because Pilgrim is an early rider, so pre-dawn Clingman's Dome here we come!
Date: 2019-03-27
From: NC 28 - Fontana Village

To: Mollie's Ridge
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

What a beautiful day for hiking. Cool, clear and calm. We caught the 8:30 AM shuttle to start a 13 mile day that would be mostly up hill. Couldn't have been a better say for a climb into the Smokies. The weather ahead looks great, so this may the the best trip through the park yet. There was room in the sheter, so I'm cooped up tonight. I dont really mind, but I tend to sleep better in my tent.So GSMNP day one behind. The section to Derrick Knob tomorrow has some interesting moments, so I'm kind of looking forward to hiking it in nice weather. The Trilliums were already blooming as we walked along the edge of Fontana lake today before the walk across the dam. Usually I dont see them until the north end of the park. Maybe it's a good sign.
Date: 2019-03-28
From: Mollie's Ridge

To: Derrick Knob 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful day on the AT. Really nice and cool even though it was sunny. Crossing over Rocky Top and Thunderhead mountains. The view from Rocky Top let us look back and see the Shuckstack fire tower we passed by at lunch yesterday. A tiny spike on a far mountain peak. We were looking back on the trail with a sense of just how far we go in a single day and it's a lot to take in.Last night I tried my best to fall asleep in the shelter, but at midnight I gave up and set up my tent. We were two people beyond the 12 that the shelter supposedly sleeps so it was pretty crowded. I got up and did my best to quietly slip out and set up. Then fell asleep instantly in my tent.Before that however, I took in the view from the mountains of Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge spread out in the valley below. It's those moments I really enjoy out here.
Date: 2019-03-29
From: Derrick Knob 

To: Double Springs shelter 
Miles today: 7.4

I got very little sleep last night in the crowded shelter with a loudly snoring person right next to me. I finally pulled my bag and pad outside and managed to get a little sleep.Tonight I'm in my tent with a full shelter, so I'll surely be better rested tomorrow for the ten mile day into Newfound Gap. We plan an early departure so we can try and catch the sunrise from Clingmans Dome.The hike today was gentler and shorter than the previous two days, so Pilgrim and I both arrived early. By 3:00 PM we thought we might be the only ones here tonight. Well that changed in a hurry and the next two hours saw about18 people roll in. A mixture of thru hikers and weekend hikers with reservations. We put together a nice campfire and everyone enjoyed the quiet atmosphere that stood in contrast to the boisterous party atmosphere the night before.The weather was nice again today, which is just amazing. Tomorrow is supposed to bring rain though, so it seems a good day to be in town. Works for me.
Date: 2019-03-30
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Newfound Gap 
Miles today: 10.5

We were up and hiking by 0600. Our headlamps revealed our breathing in a foggy mist as we climbed toward the highest point on the AT, Clingman's Dome, racing to catch the sunrise. The wind that had been blowing hard all night couldn't pierce the dense forest. I was reminded of a similar hike on the same trail in 2015, as Papa Al and I tried to catch a sunrise. The winds whipped around the dome with a bitter cold and we found Snap and Mickey already there, along with a couple of weekend hikers huddled in their sleeping bags. The sun barely peeked thru, but it was satisfying to finally see it on my fourth time at the dome.We pushed on and eventually made it to Newfound Gap, where seven of us, and one service dog, piled into a shuttle van who finally delivered us to a very crowded Gatlinburg. Resupply was sketchy within walking distance. The Old Dad's general store used to have a decent amount of hiker food, but not anymore. We supplemented our meager findings at the Walgreens down the street. Gatlinburg turned out to be a very poor option, but the alternative would be crossing the entire park, with less than desirable stops coupled with some long mile days. I'm sure there is a better way to get past the Smokies. I just haven't figured it out. Two more nights, with three days of hiking will put that chapter behind us. That's all I have to say about that. So Clingman's dome was the official 200 mile point this year. Woohoo! In less than a week we will be in Hot Springs, where I hope to lighten my pack by shipping hope the winter gear. Lighter pack makes a happier Conductor.
Date: 2019-03-31
To: Peck's Corner Shelter 
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The snow started before we left Gatlinburg. Once the shuttle driver dropped us off in a wintery Newfound Gap, I changed from my summer hiking clothes to my warmest winter wear in the parking lot restroom. It was going to be an interesting day. The wind was blowing hard and the snow came down, but didn't really accumulate heavily on the trail. Some ice, but mostly just blowing snow and limited visibility. The wet snow did accumulate on the trees making for a beautiful hike, in spite of the wind. Charlie's Bunion was out of the question with icy ledges and a 50 foot visibility into pure cloud.Here at Pecks corner shelter there are only seven people tonight. I guess the weekenders are gone. And it's not exactly an ideal Spring Break location. ...-- - . . . News flash, the fast kids moved in an the shelter filled up fast. Turtle led the charge to build a fire and it's been a lively house since about 6 PM.Supposed to clear up tonight. That means the temperature will drop sharply, probably into the twenties, which will make tomorrow's hike somewhat challenging. We'll take it one day at a time.
Date: 2019-04-01
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.7

Very cold this morning, so cold I didnt get out of my bag until after 9. The wet trail from yesterday was frozen solid for most of the day. Eventually things started to thaw.Some nice views today, since the sun was out, but it really didn't warm up. I hiked with my layers on all day. Doing pretty good. Looking forward to leaving the National park tomorrow. Maybe it will be warmer down in the lower elevations. I got up at midnight and shivered I. Tge cold, but the stars in the dark shy were brilliant and well worth climbing out of my warm bag.
Date: 2019-04-02
From: Cosby Knob Shelter 

To: Standing Bear farm 
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We dropped a few thousand feet before the Trilliums started to appear, but suddenly the woods were coming to life around us. The violets and jack in the pulpit started popping up and we knew we were back out of the high country.Dropping about 4000 thousand feet out of the Smokies and under I-40, our first interstate highway eventually arriving at standing bear farm.Here we are fed and happy sitting around a campfire sharing songs and generally enjoying an evening.Tomorrow we'll tackle our first 15 mile day and head toward Hot Springs NC a couple days away. Should be the on Friday.
Date: 2019-04-03
From: Standing Bear farm 

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 13.0

Left Standing Bear after an outstanding breakfast burrito and coffee. The day started out with a long climb and ended with a long climb up to Max patch.Beautiful day all the way leapfrogging with our extended trail families in sunshine. Then everyone bunched up at trail magic just before the last push up to the top of Max Patch bald.The sky is clear, no moon in the sky tonight and we have a good chance of a nice milky way shot. We all gathered on the summit for sunset and it was magical. Basically our local bubble of three separate "Tramilies" plus me and Pilgrim and one or two lone wolves. The crazy ones among us will be up at 0400 for the night sky shot. Chipper, PYT and Snap have cameras that can capture it. I'll try with my phone, but no high expectations. Later on... 3 AM and the sky was too cloudy for a night sky shot. To his credit, Snap did capture a shot with a piece of the Milky Way in it a about 5 AM.
Date: 2019-04-04
From: Max Patch

To: 5 miles from Hot Springs
Miles today: 15.0

We left Max Patch at dawn with a goal of getting just short of the shelter three miles out of Hot Springs NC. Yesterday we had cut our days target by two miles with the decision to spend the might on the grassy bald with a 360 view.Our original itinerary would have put us at the Deer Park shelter, but we decided to hold on my self imposed 15 mile limit. My friends Drop Bear and Papa Al may remember (with a shiver) that in 2015, the three of us did the full 18 miles into Hot Springs in a cold pouring rain. It was the beginning of the end for my 15 thru hike attempt. I promised myself I would not repeat that experience. Taking care of these old feet is top priority. Everyone is feeling the wear and tear on our bodies, even the young folk.Beautiful hike today with a couple of mountains, ( Walnut and Bluff .) The weather continues to be nice, but expecting rain tomorrow. We stopped at the summit of Bluff Mountain for lunch with "NASH and the Fab Five",. what me and Pilgrim have been calling a group of super nice young people who have been camping on and off with us since Franklin. The picture is of them.
Date: 2019-04-05
From: 5 miles from Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 5.0

The rain began in the early hours before dawn. Well rested, Pilgrim and I packed up our wet tents and made for the Laughing Heart hostel in Hot Springs. Showered, laundered and resupplied, we turn our attention to the post office, and of course, breakfast at the diner. Later on we made a trip to the tavern and joined the bubble in some more food and drink.Pretty good Nero day, with only 5 mostly down hill miles in the rain. Everything dried out a d repacked, ready to head out tomorrow. We'll probably fuel up at the diner first, but we are heading into a week of uncertainty on the weather front. Six days to Erwin, might get a little wet......meh, it's the AT.
Date: 2019-04-06
From: Hot Springs NC 

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 16.3

Departed Hot Springs, pulling free of the vortex at 08:00. Arrived Log Cabin road for hostel pickup at 18:00. A very long day with more ups than downs. By the time I arrived at the hostel I was completely drained.Great little spread they have here, with cabins that hold six sleepers and a pretty good hiker resupply.The long day shortened tomorrow, so it's a better option.
Date: 2019-04-07
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a leisurely 9 AM start from Hemlock Hollow and just set our sites on Jerry cabin only 11 miles away, but that included an exposed ridgeline call Firescald. The rock scrambles were not as bad as I remembered but the 1.5 mile ridge that shows little elevation change on the profile maps was deceiving. It takes a while to get thru, partly due to the view and partly due to the scrambles.I'm in my tent as the isolated storms pass thru. A little thunder, mild rain, but it's better than the forecast. We had good weather for the ridgeline. I'm glad we didn't have to take the bypass. I saw a ruffled grouse today and heard a pileated woodpecker, but didn't catch a glimpse of him. The forest at this altitude in the 4000 ft range is still dormant, but flowers are starting to bloom everywhere.
Date: 2019-04-08
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in until 9 AM and got on the trail at 10. I really needed that rest in my tent on nice flat ground, so I slept in.Thunderstorms passed thru last night, so I tried to stay and dry out my rain fly this morning. It rained on and off all day, so we just hiked. I did enjoy waking up to lots of birds singing this morning.
Date: 2019-04-09
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Big Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

Tried to sleep in the shelter last night, but it just didn't work out. Around midnight, I found myself once again setting up my tent. This time in between rain showers. The rain continued on and off all night and well into the morning so I delayed even more on packing up and headed out on the trail at 10:30 for a ten mile day.Well, as it happens, I was walking down the hill towards I-26 at Sam's gap thinking about some really nice trail magic that was there in 2016. Suddenly there was the sign and sure enough, up on the hill just inside the Tennessee line was the same fellow, "Quiet Paul" serving up his famous scrambled eggs and Hash browns. What a treat!.A little later in the day the sky cleared up a little, so I stopped at a spring to fill up my water and strung up a clothes line to dry out my tent. That's how we do it. Dry it when the opportunity arises Our big event for the day was climbing up to the summit of Big Bald. Another great 360 view and by the time we arrived the clouds had passed and it was a beautiful scene with puffy clouds and blue sky and layers of mountains all around.
Date: 2019-04-10
From: Big Bald Shelter

To: No Business Knob
Miles today: 10.1

Walking down the trail thinking I was the last one out today. Sunny clear day. Cool not cold. It was just being a stellar day, when suddenly there on the trail ahead stood "Yonder" who did the great trail magic just before Hot Springs. And he was carrying apple fritters!Later in the day still walking down the trail, it's what I do, a drove of shrew appeared on the trail practically under my feet. They appeared in a ten to fifteen foot wide group randomly moving in all directions yet the group as a whole drifted across the trail and moved on down the slope in a matter of minutes. Now, I don't know about y'all, but that's just not something I ever expected to see. I've seen a shrew before, but 50 plus was pretty darn special.As if that's not enough, most of our trail family, all of them younger of course, came rolling in to No Business Knob around 5 PM. They've done longer miles and caught up after spending an extra day in Hot Springs. We celebrated the reunion with a nice campfire, but it will be short lived. Both Pilgrom and I are taking a few days off after reaching Erwin TN tomorrow. So just a 10 mile day turned into an eventful one. Closing a fitting chapter in this journey. I'll write something about the drop into the Nolichucky river valley tomorrow and then take a couple of zeros.