morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Cold Mt. Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

Awoke to a great sunrise over the mountain valley, though screened by trees, and ate breakfast in the doorway of my tent. It was an unconventional breakfast, a mini Krispy Kreme key lime pie I'd found in Franklin at Ingles, a limited edition item. I sure hope to find it again, as it was fabulous. However, even more special was the pancake with fresh blueberries that Jeremy, aka "Flapjack" made on his skillet and hand carried to me in my jet boil cup, cut neatly into quarters and with a drop of syrup on top of the stack. Flapjack is a young Kevin Bacon look-alike, with great hiking speed uphills, has a great personality, travels with his friend Nick (no trail name yet), and cooks himself pancakes often, of course. I didn't have much to offer in exchange for my gift, but have been carrying some Ohio Buckeyes in a baggie for a hostel owner north of the Smokeys, so took one out for Flapjack. He said it was a good trade.So, on to more hiking...went up and over the rest of Cold Mt. and then climbed Wesser, on top of which there's a firetower whose platform was open, and the views were fabulous 360 degrees. I leap - frogged on and off down, a very very long and difficult down, I may add, passing, then being passed by Eric and Wizard through mid-afternoon, when we reached the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center). There's a complex here with outfitter, general store, restaurants, bunkhouse and white water rafting. I stopped first for a burger and fries to refuel myself, then used the wifi in the outfitters to write yesterday's journal entry. I was trying to decide if I would stay the night there or not, then ran into Flapjack and Nick, who said they were moving on, so I decided to head up the next mountain too, ahead of them. After leaving NOC I came upon a hiker named Shades, and ended up hiking and talking with him most of the 6-plus miles to the next shelter. Saw a rather large black snake slithering around by the side of the trail on the way. Will load that pic, and many others, when I get a chance later. Arrived rather late at the shelter (after 7) so quickly set up tent (not a good site...big roots in center and sloping...felt like I had to keep "climbing" the hill all night every time I rolled over) and got in to warm up from the chill evening air. 9 o'clock lights out.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

While at the NOC yesterday, I borrowed Flapjack's phone (he has Verizon, which is far more reliable service on the AT) to call a hostel, and see if they had space available for me to stay tonight. They did, so when I packed up my damp tent this morning (there was fog on the mountain, so heavy it was dripping through the air) I knew I would have a chance to dry it out later. And take a hot shower. And have my clothes laundered. Etc. The past few days had been long, tough miles, and it would be a welcome break to hike a half day. So here I am at Cabin in the Woods, which is very nice indeed...a simple one - room "loft" but it seems like a castle in the sky...two twin beds with sheets and a blanket, a small kitchenette, a quiet but nice roommate for the evening, and a home cooked breakfast in the morning (hurrah, NOT oatmeal or pop tarts). I've been craving my "real life" staple: bagel with cream cheese, since I left home, and Phil, the hostel owner, assures me I'm in good shape if that's all I want...with my orange juice fix and coffee. About the photo title: if you've never seen the movie The Scarlet Pimpernel, you're lost, but if you have, you'll know why I titled the picture like I did...I've seen other hollowed out trees but this is the best so far.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam, 28 Crossing
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

The forecast for today was for 100% chance of rain, with up to 3/4 inch accumulation. Fortunately, the majority of that happened overnight, leaving everything wet and foggy, but without need for rain gear to hike. That was the first good news. Next, I talked with the owner of the hostel during breakfast, and arranged to be slack packed today. That meant carrying my backpack with only the things I needed for the day, and having all the rest of the heavy gear and food resupply delivered to my destination. This was especially nice today, since my hike included the section known as Jacobs Ladder, a very vertical climb within a short distance. There was a nearly constant mist today, like what they spray out of a machine at public zoos and amusement parks, which kept the uphill parts cooler. Though the mist turned to light rain a few times, and I thought about donning my rain jacket, I never actually needed to. At the midpoint of the day, a couple stopped their truck at a crossing to give out cold drinks, chips, and peanut butter and jelly fixings, plus misc items such as first aid supplies, tea bags, and left from Easter foil - wrapped chocolate eggs like my grandmother used to keep in a dish on her coffee table. Beautiful hospitality! I think people believe we hikers spend our days looking at Grand vistas...and we do, when we have the opportunity. Or that we gaze into the woods and the trees...and I try to make a point of doing so, periodically. But in reality, we spend the vast majority of our time staring at the ground. Yup, at dirt. And roots. And rocks. Because the next step you take might contain any or all of those hazards, and may be slick, as today, when wet. So you tend to notice the small things a lot. Like the sprouting wildflowers. And beetles, and centipedes, millipedes, caterpillars of various kinds, snails, and then, like today for the first time on the Trail, newts. Or are they efts? I'm not sure, exactly, what the distinction is. Feel free to instruct me if you know. Either way, they're cute little critters.Two more items of trail magic today: a hiker named Tank who covered my shuttle fare up to the Fontana Lodge this afternoon, and another hiker who at the last minute offered to split the room cost with me for tonight. It's like that on the AT. And I like that.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Fontana Dam, 28 Crossing

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

I'm about to leave the Lodge, and once I do I know I won't have service through the Smokeys, please stay tuned until I make it to the other end of the park!The walk today started with a mile - plus trek through the woods along Fontana Lake, approaching the Dam, and then after making a slight detour because the Dam is having some construction/repairs, crossing the Fontana Dam. I then went up the hill with a hiker named Eric, aka "Rusty", if the name sticks,and entered into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. As always, there was a big, long climb to the ridge, and by the time I topped off, it was, of course, raining. My experience with the Smokies destiny, it seems. It was warm enough to go without rain gear as long as I kept moving, which I did until the first shelter, Mollies, where I stopped just long enough to finish my baggie of trail mix and realize the shelter was already full. On to Russell Field Shelter, where I stayed my first night on the AT last August. Also full. So I made the decision to do a long day, and Rusty agreed...on to Spence Field. We arrived at about 5pm and the shelter was empty. Eventually there were 8 of us...most of them hikers I hadn't yet met, since I'm tending to do longer miles than most, so I've just about passed out of my original "bubble". Although I had met Jeopardy in a shuttle way back in Hiawassee when he was ahead of me by a day or so, hadn't seen him since, and now bumped into him again.Last year when I hiked the Smokies it was wet, but beautiful. This year it is wet, very muddy, and something to be endured. The Trail is an absolute mess because of the rain in combination with many thru hikers beating it up. You don't hike this path so much as slither up, down and across it. Each step is rather treacherous, and some far more than others. The mud tries to suck your shoes right off you and DOES suck the energy right out of you. And there's always the concern that you might get to your desired stopping shelter of the day (it's required in the Smokies to stay at a shelter location; you aren't allowed to just choose a spot and set up tent) only to find it full already. If you then want to stay, you must set up tent just near the shelter...in the rain and mud. And there are so many thru hikers in the Park right now, it is an entirely reasonable concern. To be continued...
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: moderate rain

There's nothing like getting up on a chilly morning, repacking your backpack, putting on yesterday's wet clothes, socks and dirty, soggy boots/trail shoes. It is a rather grim atmosphere in the Shelter as this goes on, and hikers leave for the day. Quite grim, too, as this hiker realizes immediately that the Trail conditions have not improved overnight. In fact, stretches of the Trail today were nearly impossible to navigate, and one stretch of uphill was more like cross-country skiing on mud. I would not be compelled to walk this Trail without my hiking poles, for even with their aid I slipped many times, nearly fell twice, and actually fell once, scraping up my left elbow which still has a scar from my first fall a week ago, and also both knees. The Trail in many places is actually a deep, mud filled groove that's about a foot wide, and the term "trench warfare" came to mind off and on throughout today's miles. Sometimes, in an effort to take several normal strides, one can walk along the edge of the Trail, or even straddle it, but eventually this backfires, as the edge collapses and your foot slides down into the trench. Now add more rain, and cooler temperatures. Mm hmm,no fun. Onwards...to several more shelters, all of them muddy and wet, some with occupants stopping early, in order to reserve a spot for the night. So here's my story in a nutshell....I'm not loving the Smokies this time around. Since there aren't any views to be had besides the mud, and Goliath sized earth worms, I decided to try and finish the Park in 4 days instead of 5. 2 18-milers on either end, with a pair of 20's in the middle. I got to Double Spring Shelter just before 3 o'clock, during a lull in the rain, and made the decision to head up and over Clingman's Dome and on to Mt. Collins shelter, 6-plus miles away. On a normal day with normal trail, that would be reasonable. Today it wasnt. Add a reprise of rain, 15 minutes after I started up the Trail again. Now add some wind. And harder rain. And cooler temps. By the time I reached the top, I could no longer feel my very pink hands. It was time to call it quits, with 4 - plus miles to the Shelter. So I made my way down the paved road to the gift shop, caught a ride into town with a wonderful lady named Candee and her husband Greg, and 2 other cold, wet hikers. I checked into the Motel 6, took a long, hot shower, rinsed out some clothes and hung them to dry, and went out in search of a good pizza. Bingo, the White Rabbit version fit the bill. OJ from Walgreens, the last slice of pizza I couldn't finish, and Starbucks will be breakfast in the morning....not necessarily in that order. After I sleep in (anything past 6). Word on the street is that the best way to get back on the AT where I left off is to put on my backpack, walk the few blocks to the edge of town, and stick out my thumb. Shuttles are pricey from here, so that may be a good plan, I'll let you know how it goes.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Clingman's Dome

To: Ice water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.9

Well, hitch - hiking was a bust. I would feel bad about it, except that a foursome including a very pretty young girl also tried and failed, so I don't take it personally. The tourists leaving Gatlinburg are just too timid about picking up hikers. Fortunately, some former thru-hikers were also in town, spied us from the parking lot of the outfitters, and invited all 5 of us to climb in their suv, and they happily drove us up the mountain. The other 4 were getting back on at Newfound Gap, so I was tempted to skip the section between Clingman's Dome and there, but didn't. First, because I don't want to start a habit of skipping miles. Second, because I knew that section contained the Enchanted Forest....or what I remembered as being so from last year's trek through the Park. I can't say it was as spectacular as it was in August, but it was still enchanting nonetheless. As an added bonus, a hiker named Zen came along through it with me, and we glided along nicely, both enjoying its charm.We arrived at the very nicely situated Ice water Spring shelter just before the rains started again. It was a full "house" that night, which may have been a cozy arrangement if it wasn't for the EPIC snorer on the top right bunk...oh man, never heard anything like it, ALL NIGHT. He left early the next morning, and the rest of us agreed he was the ONLY person who slept that night, earplugs or no.Such is life on the AT. P.s. I love that I passed the 200 mile mark today going over Mt. Love
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Ice water Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: scattered clouds

A few of us at the shelter had discussed the possibility of a long hike for today, last evening. It seemed like a good option, since the weather forecast was favorable; and indeed, it was a nearly perfect weather day, with overcast skies early and occasional sunny patches on and off, breezy, but not windy, and about mid 60s...but also, it would position us better the following day to leave the Smokies and get a good spot at the hostel just north of the Park. In spite of very little to no sleep the night before, those of us with that plan: Rusty, Zen, Sunkist, Golden and myself all managed to finish the 20 - plus miles in good time. I was feeling very sluggish all day, and never could quite get myself up to "cruising speed", although after stopping partway through the afternoon to make and eat a tuna wrap, I did feel a bit better for a while (hint to eat even MORE than I have been? Probably). We were rewarded with some great views for the first time in the Park, so there were more photo stops, too. I will post some of them when I get to Hot Springs in a few days. Anyhow, once camp chores were complete last evening, I was desperate for a long sleep, so treated myself to an over-the-counter sleep aid, put in earplugs, crawled into my bag, and slept for nearly 10 hours. Nice. P.s. I forgot to add to yesterday's entry that I had my first encounter with a shelter mouse in the night...nothing too distressing, it merely ran across my head and kept on going (I had a knitted cap on).
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: moderate rain

After a good, long sleep I awoke today feeling quite happy, in spite of the return of damp, sprinkly weather. I decided not to rush this morning, and was one of the last to leave the shelter, a bit after Sunkist and Golden. I had spent a bit of time yesterday hiking and chatting with them, and also this morning during breakfast. These two young women have been doing a section hike that ends tomorrow. They have a style about their hiking which really appealed to me for the few days our paths crossed. They are a true team, beautiful and composed and put together. They took time to carefully divide tasks, prepare well thought-out meals, enjoy a cup of tea, and all the while with smiles and giggles, in spite of foot blisters or anything else that happened to come their way. I believe they truly are enjoying themselves to the fullest, and they have influenced my hike in a very positive way. I hope to make a few adjustments over the next stretch of the Trail by borrowing some of their ideas and patterns. Thank you, S and G!After leaving the Smokies there is a short stretch of wooded trail which has a creek running through it...I remembered liking it last year, but with the recent spring rains, today it was even better, with multiple rock-hop crossings and pretty cascades. Soon after, I arrived at Standing Bear Hostel, a rather rustic but memorable place to rest and resupply before moving on. As an added bonus, the AT&T users are at an advantage here, as the cell tower is just the other side of the hill
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Green Corner Road

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Thunder and lots of rain began the day, so I decided to stay in my bunk for a while, returning emails, since I had the treat of cell service. Undecided as to whether or not I would stay at Standing Bear for the BBQ and live music later in the day, or else, hike...I lingered over a big breakfast. SB has a rather nice hiker resupply store. I bought 3 eggs and boiled them, then ate 2. I bought a bag of 3 bagels, toasted two of them and ate one with honey, the other I melted a bit of jack cheese on, put in a baggie, and ate for lunch later. I had some OJ, always a treat, and also some brewed instant coffee, surprisingly good. By then, the weather had cleared, and many hikers decided to, well, hike. I did too.Little did I know how much climbing the day would include, beginning with the very long uphill to Snowbird's grassy top. The photo shows an FAA tower up there that looked rather like a space ship to me. The weather was great and the views lovely. I walked on, and eventually came to the beautiful Max Patch. No words to describe it really, but I imagine the Scottish highlands are like it. Unfortunately just as I arrived at the summit marker the first raindrops fell on me, so I practically ran for cover of woods after snapping a few photos...then hurriedly donned rain jacket and pack cover...just in time to walk through a short but intense thunderstorm, including hail, while en route to the next shelter. By the time I arrived there, the rain had stopped, but the small shelter was full, so I was forced to set up my tent. The evening turned cool very quickly, so I ate cold food out of my bag, did a few necessary chores, and went to bed. It was the coldest night I've spent so far, and at times I wasn't quite warm enough, but I did sleep well in my own little "cocoon", from 9pm to 7am. Blessed sleep.
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0

Brrr! Very cold this morning, as I packed up, hurriedly ate a few fig newtons, and headed out, with two shirt layers plus rain jacket, hike skirt plus rain pants, and socks on my hands, since I had put my gloves in my bounce box, thinking I wouldn't need them anymore. I'm guessing the temps were either low 40s or high 30s at 8am. Usually, once I start hiking I warm up quickly, but today it was a very long time before I started to shed layers. After hiking down the mountain a while, and starting back up at a gap, I came to a dirt road crossing and found a gentleman there doing trail magic of sodas, granola bars, trail mix, bananas, oranges, soft n chewy chocolate chip cookies, and pringles. So my second breakfast was better than the first, and took me up the first climb of the day. The sun came out, and eventually I was hiking in t-shirt and skirt again, though it was pleasant, rather than hot. Most of the day was downhill, which seems easier, but is harder on the body, especially knees and quads. So now I'm in Hot Springs. The AT literally passes through the town, so the white blazes are instead symbols stamped on the sidewalk. The cell service is extremely weak to non-existent here, so I will have to post that photo, plus the others promised, in a few days when I get to Erwin.The hostel I had hoped to stay at here was full already, as was the motel, but another hiker offered to split a room with me for the night, for which I'm grateful. I've dried my tent, tried to catch up journals, may get to emails later. Laundromat is closed til morning, as is grocery. But I had a nice meal at the local diner earlier, and will get to shower tonight, so hey, what else does a person need, right?Thanks again to all who have written, it so encourages me, whenever I can read them. To those of you offering to send boxes, please hold that thought...it's very hard to know where I will be and then not being able to call and reserve rooms or even text from here, well, I'm not sure what to tell you right now. I will get back to you as I'm able and love that you are thinking of me and want to help. Rain check!
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Hot Springs

To: Stealth campsite, Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I was kind of dragging my feet to leave Hot Springs. Not because the town had charmed me, especially, but rather because I had originally planned to zero there, and it hadn't worked out. I was simply reluctant to return to the Trail so soon. I lingered over chores like laundry, a bit of resupply, trying some weak wifi, and stopped in the hikers ministry (a bright spot...they had free coffee and hot from the oven chocolate chip cookies, extra butter added...I had 3), then briefly in the outfitter and a quick browse through the artisan gallery. No more stalling, I crossed the French Broad river, which is running very broad indeed just now due to recent rains, and then started up the hill. Quite soon I came across a small lizard posing for me on the trail (see that picture, plus some from previous days that I posted). Not much else to report about the hike until mid afternoon, when just before I reached the shelter I'd planned to stop at, a sudden squall hit me. No, not snow. But cold rain, and wind blowing it sideways. Of course, as soon as I had managed to get my rain jacket on and pack covered, it stopped. I arrived at the shelter, rather oddly situated on a hilltop, with water supply deep down the hill, and room to sleep only 5 people, swarming with gnats. I cooked and ate my supper there, but decided to move on, as it wasn't 5 yet, and the weather had improved. I passed a nice camp spot 2 miles later, no good reason, just kept walking. I saw a nice stealth spot in the woods overlooking a valley, but two trees were rubbing against each other in the wind, and it was eerie. I thought about walking to a nearby hostel, but was already clean and resupplied, so didn't need to spend the money. When I came to Allen Gap, a small cluster of tents was set up just before the road, near "mom's store", a campfire already smoking. I talked with a young woman there, Tink, who invited me to stay. I hadn't met her, or her group of 3 others before, but felt immediately welcomed. We shared food talk around the fire, mentioned soda preferences, and I found that Tink is a fellow "pepper" fan. I told the group that if the store was open before 9 the next morning, I would buy us all sodas, and took their orders. It was a different sort of evening, and I enjoyed it, away from the usual shelters, a nice campfire, fresh faces. Happy camper