morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-31
From: Telico Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 8.1

Uphill again. Reasonably good trail. Topped the hill at the observation tower. Some very nice trail covered with pine needles. So soft felt like deep pile carpet. Then the gnarliness began again. Very steep descent with treacherous rocky corners. We were glad to finally arrive at NOC and cheeseburgers and beer. Very content with our speed and endurance. The sand man will arrive early this evening. A mountain truth: It is always higher than it looks, it is always further than it looks, and it always takes longer than you think. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-01
From: NOC

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.6

Have you heard that the trail between NOC and Stecoah Gap is difficult? You heard right. It is a toss up between Albert Mt and the aforementioned trail. 85% climbing and parts very steep. Some diifficult rocky corners and rocky sections. The reward- beautiful vistas. This trail will really try your savvy! My dawgs were not just barking when I finished, they were howling. Otherwise, I felt great. I do not think there can possibly be much worse in the future. Who knows. I intend to find out. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 15.4

Surprisingly pleasant trail and a beautiful day. Blustery with temp changes often. Some steep climb but nothing terrible. Had a great hike. After 19 days I think I am well on the way to acquiring trail legs. Fontana Lake came into view the last quarter with the dam surfacing shortly thereafter. A beautiful sight after such a long trek. Looking forward to entering the Smokey's next leg. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.1

We entered "The Great Smokey Mountains" today. The terrain change was welcome. AT is short for Appalachian Trail or is it Awesome Topography, Altitude Test, or Absolute Terror. The picture of the lady with thef flower dress suggest something soft and kind. Do not let her fool you. She can turn uphill in a heartbeat. A fire breathing dragon. Of course she was doing the dragon thing 90% of the hike todayThis adventure is giving me strength physically and mentally. Was it Socrates or Plato that said "A man places his hand in the river. The man never places his hand in the same river twice." Like the river, the man's life, mood, and spirit are always changing, and hopefully growing in a positive direction. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Derrick Bald Knob
Miles today: 8.1

Another cold morning. The trail continues to change in appearance. There is more vegetation and old growing forest. I come upon a couple of balds exposing spectacular vistas. While this trail is a tough trial I am content. The dues paid to be here are well worth it. Before I departed for this adventure my Sister handed me a paper with these words at the top, "The five things that make me happy". I could not answer that before starting the hike. After a few weeks of carrying my home on my back I have the five. 1. Family and Friends2. A chair3. A bed4. A table5. Readily available potable waterBlue Skies and Happy Trails- [ ]
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Derrick Bald Knob

To: Mt Collins
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Was bitter cold this morning. The trail was skirted by limbs delicately coated with frost giving the trail an appearance not unlike a fantasy. It was beautiful. The wind was gusting to near 40 mph and blowing the frost out of the trees giving the illusion of snow falling. Of course as beautiful as it was uphill. We had a difficult 13.5 miles. Some spectacular vistas. Will welcome the warmer weather that is soon to be. I passed 3 milestones today. I passed the 200 mile mark, I climbed the highest point on the AT which is Clingman's Dome (6667'), and passed the 3rd state line (TN)Blue Skies and Happy Trails
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Mt Collins

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

"I do not want to emerge from this warm shell of down." How I miss modern conveniences. There is a phrase in the book "AWOL on the AT" by David Miller and I quote, "It is disturbing how tenuous our potential is due to our fervent defense of the comfortable norm." Truer words have never been written!Ice and snow greeted me with a chilly breath when I exited the shelter. I packed up and headed up the 1/2 mile shelter trail to join the Appalachian Trail for the 4.5 mile hike to Newfound Gap. The hike is brutally cold with high wind slicing at me constantly. The trail adds another challenge with the very slick sIop. I feel great and look forward to a hot meal and a warm bed in Gatlinburg, TN. Blue Skies and Happy Trails
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

The day dawned absolutely breath taking. Clear with unlimited visibility. The air thick and clean in a crisp 36 degree temperature. Up a steep incline of stair steps and into ice and snow. The ascent was long and tricky. I climbed for a few tricky hours then entering a narrow ribbon of trail not much wider than car tires. The mountain on each side dropped away nearly sheer for at least a thousand feet. The wind mimicked life as it ascended from the valley floor. Like a living organism it rushed up the mountain seemingly to hit me dead center and blow me into the precipice. Sounding like a low flying jumbo jet, with a roar as it approached, then directly on me making its presence known, then as quick, descending the mountain with the roar fading, then gone. After slipping and sliding, maintaining intense focus on every step for 8 hours, I arrived at the first shelter wanting to warm up and rest for the night. There was no room. Hiked another 5 miles to the next shelter where I managed to squeeze in. I am content. Tomorrow, as everyday on the AT, should prove very interesting. Blue Skies.
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: I-40 Underpass
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

The bag is warm, the morning freezing. A cup of coffee and I hit the trail. It is near freezing, gusty wind, and overcast skies. The trail is sloppy with ice and snow. It is a break from yesterday morning as it is easier to hike with better footing. I feel good, the overcast is clearing and although the wind is gusting strong and cutting, I know the afternoon will prove beautiful. The trail is rolling up and down. What a day. After lunch it is really warm. I shed a layer and continue. Gravity my friend now I descend, constantly harassed by black flies. I am enjoying the hike when up ahead a fellow hiker is pointing at the trail and saying "Stop". He is pointing at the critter in the pic. I give Old No Shoulders a wide berth as I pass clear and leave it to its sunning session. The "Great Smoky Mountains" living up to its weather reputation as only a rain forest can. 5 days and 77 miles and I am finally out of the Smoky's and continuing my trek north to Katahdin. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-13
From: I-40 Underpass

To: Max Patch Bald
Miles today: 14.1

Bald Eagle and I planned to hike 10 miles today and ended up logging 14.1 miles. Not surprising, 85% was uphill. The terrain was beautiful with many streams. We arrived at an area where we assumed we could camp but no level, clear sites were available. We continued and crossed Max Patch Bald. It was a joy to do this with Bald Eagle for he had dreamed of crossing Max Patch Bald for 20 years. Max Patch Bald is a 5 acre grass meadow at the summit of a mountain deep in the back country of the Cherokee National Forest. It is famous on the AT and instills a certain joy and camaraderie amongst those who find themselves grouped there with a 360 degree vista of mountains that make your heart jump. I am curiously content. I am also weary and hurting in places I did not know existed on my body. The suffering is worth it to witness what I have today. Cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Max Patch Bald

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I witnessed a sunrise that set the sky ablaze as well as my heart. I emerged from my tent to a chorus of birdsong precisely at the false dawn. The sun peeked over the horizon with the promise of a pristine day. The promise was kept as we hiked through verdant forest, crossed cascading streams on narrow foot bridges, and of course, fought gravity as we struggled uphill. Bald Eagle and I had planned another 10 mile day that turned into 16.6 miles. We tented at a shelter a little over three miles from Hot Springs, NC which is our destination tomorrow. Another great day on the AT! Blue Skies.
Date: 2016-04-15
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: clear sky

Bald Eagle and I hiked the 3.2 miles from Deer Park Mountain Shelter to Hot Springs, NC in less than 1.5 hours. I think hot coffee and a hot breakfast motivated us. The hike was good, the breakfast better. I had three eggs, a slab of country ham, hash browns, and three sweet potato pancakes. The only things left uneaten were the plates. I washed it all down with 4 cups of coffee and a huge glass of water. Hard to believe that I have only lost 2 lbs after hiking 274 miles. AnAustralian and his daughter informed me that I have turned the small amount of body fat that I had into muscle. That explains why I have dropped from a 34" waist to a 30" waist. I fear the ever present wind in the mountains will blow me down. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Log Cabin Drive
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

The trail goes through Hot Springs, NC and the bridge at French Broad River. It then climbs steeply on very rocky, difficult terrain. We stop and look back at the town and the river and are awed by the view. Another beautiful day, and of course, tough hiking. There is no easy day on the AT, some are just harder than others. I am adapting to this rigorous adventure by accepting each challenge as it appears. The trail seems to be more uphill than not. Hikers have to temper their spirit for this or the sharp sickle of attrition will cut them at their knees. Bald Eagle and I realize this because we are seeing fewer hikers as we plod northeast. We do see familiar faces of younger hikers who speed past us time and time again. We are slow and steady and seem to always end the day with some of the speedsters we know. The hike today has not provided any vistas other than the view of the town and the river. Blue Skies.
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Log Cabin Drive

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Bald Eagle and I have experienced a hike today that is equal to or harder than any day yet. We climbed, climbed, and then climbed some more. The trail was soft and scenic for 500 feet or so and then hard and rocky for a million miles. We climbed across rocky crags and corners eventually summiting "Big Butt Mountain". The summit is small with cliffs on one side and a less than shear drop on the other. Still spooky. The view is incredible. The descent was tortuous as we had to scramble over many more rocky crags and corners until eventually gaining forest trail again. A long hard day but sure to be superseded by tougher trail on the days and months ahead. One foot in front of the other and ignore the pain.We experienced another milestone today. 300 miles! Blue Skies.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike was beautiful as we followed the trail through lush green woodland with evidence of spring, and bears. No bear sightings yet. The trail climbed for 3 hours, then a slight descent, and more uphill. This went on until we finally made it to Sam's Gap. The trail, beautiful as it is, looked the same as it did 30 miles ago. More cascading streams and foot bridges but otherwise not spectacular. Maybe tomorrow will reveal some interesting sights. Blue Skies.
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Indian Grave

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

In an earlier post I stated that there is no easy day on the AT, some are just harder than others. Today the hike was a rare "not as hard" day. The terrain was rocky most of the way but otherwise a comfortable carpet of leaves and needles. The trail skirted a beautiful stream for 50% of the hike. This part of the hike was much cooler. The rest of the trail was very warm with the omnipresent gnats. I look like a deli employee with my bug net but who cares. The bug net for the head is a must for this hike. After crisscrossing the stream numerous times via footbridges we approached the end of the trail. We crossed a the bridge over the Nolichucky River and logged 8.4 nice miles. Looking forward to tomorrow. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Iron Mountain

To: Indian Grave
Miles today: 11.8

This morning was cold, this afternoon hot. The trail took Bald Eagle and I up through woodlands and switched back and forth as we gained altitude. We found ourselves close to the summit after a couple of hours. We hiked through a grove of spruce trees called "The Enchanted Forest" and aptly named. It was dark in this tightly grouped stand of aromatic trees. The path was unspoiled and soft with spruce needles. This was such a reward for a long climb and the reward continued as we emerged onto a clearing called "The Beauty Spot". A 360 degree vista of distant mountains so beautiful as to boost spirit. I feel great. After the descent on trail rife with root and stone we arrived at our destination to find a trail angel with plenty of trail magic. Chairs, cold drinks, and sweets. He and his boxer bulldog have been setting up at that point for three years, delighting hikers. After 6 hours and almost 12 miles they were a welcome sight. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Sam's Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 13.4

"Son, you are treading slippery slope!" My Mama would caution me when I was being mischievous. Today's hike was literally slippery slope. A light rain began 2 hours after we entered the trail and became moderate for 3 hours. We had to be very cautious with every step. We had good, clean trail for about 40% of the time with the balance very rocky and root filled. We did enjoy the hike for the flora is beautiful especially with the onset of spring. We climbed for the first few hours and once again found a 5 acre bald at the summit. The distant mountains were draped in mist. The temperature was changing with the wind. I would don a sweater just to take it off 10 minutes later. So it is with the mountains. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Carvers Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.1

This morning was damp and dark as we entered the trail. The going was soft and slightly uphill. The degree of difficulty of this section was the least since I started this quest. The temperature was in the high 40's with a moderate wind. The trail is winding, skirting and crossing a stream. The high overcast kept it dark but enjoyable nonetheless. We continue to climb as the sun broke through occasionally bringing the spring colors to life. I saw a particularly interesting conifer with cones the size of a thimble. The tree itself is so perfect that it looks manufactured. As we near the end of the hike we see the distant mountains and the Nolichucky River snaking through. I realize that we are very high and still have much of the painful descent to do. The switchbacks are steep and seem to go on forever. We finally emerge from the woods, cross the river and find trail Angels with trail magic galore. Hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, beans, chips, cakes, and much, much more. Like the end of the rainbow. We consumed our fill and called it a day. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-24
From: Carver's Gap

To: Iron Mountain
Miles today: 16.0

A thousand Christmas trees! Imagine that scent. That is what it was like the first hour of the trail today. Spruce needles layered the trail like carpet for 10 minutes turning to a rocky bed with stones the size of golf balls to baseballs. Oh well, can't have it all. The trail snaked through this beautiful forest for the first hour gradually becoming larger oaks and cedars. The temperature ranged from the mid 40's to mid 70's later. The day was pristine with unlimited visibility and light wind. Everyone we encountered was ebullient about the day. Half way through the hike we came to Hughes Gap where a couple of trail Angels had a smorgasbord set up. Bald Eagle and I have been fortunate with these encounters. I have to mention the sky. I don't know if it was the altitude (we were way up there today) but the sky seemed to be a more beautiful blue than I have ever seen. Can't wait until tomorrow. We get to climb Roan Mountain. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Carvers Gap

To: Wilder Mine Group Campsite
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

I see the toe of my right boot, inhale, the toe of my left boot, exhale, and do that cycle over and over while the sole of my boot covers ever changing terrain. Terrain that is a mile or so of soft pine needles then a mile or so of rocks and always climbing or descending. Terrain that is darker because of diffused light or brilliant because we are crossing a bald of a few acres or more. Terrain that punishes you, annoys, aggravates, perplexes, tugs on your trekking poles, and confounds you for miles and suddenly rewards you with a vista of such grandeur as to cause heart and soul to explode into kaleidoscopic awe and emotion and cause you to wonder how you deserve to be there. I am so very glad to have this trail and this adventure. It is tough, but a small price to pay to witness all that the Appalachian Trail has to offer. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Wilder Mine Group Campsite

To: Cascading Stream Campsite
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I love roller coasters. The trail meandered horizontally and vertically. It ran through woods much like the past and then skirted a stream that is a few hundred feet wide. The source of the stream a 500 foot waterfall. The stream skirted a beautiful meadow unspoiled by man. I could have spent a couple of days there. My feet did not hurt as bad today. I am adjusting and feel good.I passed another milestone today - the 400 mile mark. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Cascading Stream Campsite

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 8.4

The trail today a carbon copy of much of the trail with one exception, the footprint of forest fire. The burn was on the west side of the trail for about 1.5 miles and on both sides for a couple of more miles. It devastated me to see such damage to pristine forest. Arson suspected. My hat is off to the fire fighters. It could have been much worse but their willingness to go into harms way kept the damage minimal considering the devastation that could have been. This short day brought us to a nice creekside hostel after walking for three days to get here. Time for cold beer and pizza! I wonder how old this barn is?
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Dennis Cove

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

After a stormy night at Black Bear Resort we hit the trail at 0730. The most beautiful yet as the trail skirted a fast, high stream. The trail passed through massive rock walls and led us to Laurel Falls. The trail edged around rock walls with less than 18" width. A little tricky but fun. We then climbed for a couple of hours before descending to Lake Watauga. After hiking around the lake we resumed climbing and descending through forest much of which had been burned. We have seen way to much devastation. After a laborious day we arrived at our campsite where we are tenting with a birds eye view of beautiful Lake Watauga. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Low Gap Hwy 421
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Vandeventer Shelter to Low Gap Hwy 42117.4 milesDay 39. 4-29The trail today was much like earlier trail in North Carolina. Not particularly remarkable. We did hike a mile or so through pastures where fence building was happening. The trail was somewhat kinder in that the uphills were not very steep. I have gotten pretty good at ignoring the foot pain. I find that when I ignore it the pain is not nearly as bad. I realize every long distance hiker out there is suffering the same pain. I look forward to the next section as I will leave GA, NC, and TN behind as I cross into VA. This is a major milestone as the 544 miles of VA trail represents 25% of the quest. I have had to reach deep into my soul for the extra dab of spirit occasionally but am satisfied that the pool of spirit is deep enough to help me accomplish this. Blue Skies.
Date: 2016-04-30
From: Low Gap Hwy 421

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Virginia finally! A major milestone. VA constitutes 25% of the AT. Harpers Ferry is the psychological halfway point. Duncannon, PA is the geographical halfway point. I am looking forward to both of those milestones. The trail today was wet and soft. Very little uphill. It rained moderately for almost three of the 5 1/2 hours it took to hike the 16 miles. The rain felt good, keeping it cool, and the gnats and black flies to a minimum. It was really good to cross from TN into VA. Looking forward to the trek thru VA. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-03
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

Rain gear and pack covers to start the hike. Overcast sky with a bruise here and there. We lucked out. No rain but plenty if evidence of recent rain. Mud, puddles, and swollen, fast streams. The forest is lush and the trail sloppy and strewn with stones. We climbed most of the day. VA terrain will become more hospitable once we achieve Roanoke. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-04
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Achieved another milestone today. We passed 500 miles. The trail led us up and over White Top Mountain, Mt. Rogers, and Grayson Highlands. Grayson Highlands is noted for the wild ponies which were introduced to keep undesirable vegetation to a minimum. The hike was difficult in that it climbed most of the distance and was strewn with rocks and boulders. VA is supposed to offer more hospitable terrain once Roanoke is achieved. Come on Roanoke. Blue Skies.
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Wise Shelter

To: Dickeys Gap
Miles today: 16.0

Miles and miles of trail littered with boulders and rocks. And, of course, much uphill. There is a lot of streams and water falls. As difficult as the trail is and as hard as it is on the feet it is so beautiful where it takes you. Some areas along the trail seem to be right out of Tolkein's "Hobbit". I felt like I may meet a short guy with extra large hairy feet just out of middle earth. Looking forward to the next hike and what's around the bend. Blue Skies
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Dickeys Gap

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 0.0

There were 2 states that made the national weather news May 5. Southern Virginia was one. After 16 miles of hiking with the last 8 in very cold rain we were ready to leave the trail. We exited on a highway 15 miles south of Marion, VA. We walked toward Marion hoping to thumb a ride to town in the pouring rain. With high expectation of a sympathetic driver stopping we stood in our sodden state only to be nearly blown back into the woods by vehicles that increased speed when we were seen. Numerous vehicles passed in this manner when a little Honda sedan suddenly appeared and pulled over. With hardly enough room for two wet hikers with huge backpacks, this very kind gentleman fitted us in. We arrived at a nice motel 15 minutes later. This man was traveling to a festival celebrating his faith Hari Krishna. He had an eleven hour journey ahead of him and we pray that he had a safe one. His jovial and warm spirit enlightened and pleased both of us greatly. After swapping our contact information he had the hotel clerk take a picture of him with Bald Eagle and I. We were very happy to have met this genuine "Trail Angel". I pray that your future is safe and bountiful, Mitra. (Mitra projects his Hari Krishna identity through his adopted name that he has had since 1976 as well as a shaved head with a single tuft of hair centered in the back.)