morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-27
From: town of Hiawassee

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4

Day 9Anguish and hanging in there! Today did not start too well. It was my turn to sleep on the floor of our hotel room. I thought my sleeping bag liner would be enough warmth. Didn't count on the copious drafts from the door & window ( cheap hiker places are not 5 star luxury establishments). So, I woke up with a kink in my lower back. I guess worrying about that and the challenging day of hiking in store, I developed an upset stomach. Ten minutes before we were to meet the shuttle I was vomiting in our room. Got in the van(in the front passenger seat) just in case. By the time we got to the trail head my sick feeling was gone; but, I felt a little week as I didn't have any breakfast. Long story short, I just kept plugging along and had one of my longest days at 10.4 miles hiking until 5pm.Right away the trail went up little over 1,000 feet( Rocky Mtn). Then down about 900 just to go up another 1,300 feet (Tray Mtn). All that by lunch time. I was sure struggling on those uphills. Then to top off the rest of the day, there were plenty more ups and downs. No question I'm taking my Allieve tablets tonight. My two hiking buddies are now about 3 miles ahead of me. I'll catch up to them tomorrow as we spend the night in a Hiker Hostel. Just spending the night and back on the trail the next morning.One good example of Trail Magic today. In the gap between the first two mountains, two husband and wife couples who previously hiked the AT had tables of food set up for hikers. Breakfast sandwiches, fruits, candy bars, various drinks, etc. I took a egg and cheese sandwich. As proof of how I felt, I was only able to eat a few bites and threw the rest away. Those who know me will attest that is something they never see.Suppose to start raining sometime overnight. So may have my first experience of breaking down camp and packing up in the rain. No question it is going to happen many times on this trip. So, may as we'll learn now how to do it.The pic is my group for the last several days. L to R; Trudger from Peru, Jeff( now trail named Paul Bunion) and me.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Top of Georgia Hostel
Miles today: 6.3

Day 10A new experience right away, packing up in the rain. Started raining about 5am. At 6:00 I started getting things organized within the tent. Not really too bad for my first experience. Unfortunately it is impossible to keep everything dry in such situations. So my pack was several pounds heavier, mostly due to a soaking wet tent and ground cover. I caught up with my buddies at the "Top of Georgia" hostel. It is a brand new hostel opening this year. Nice and clean for a change. All of today's hike was either in rain or drops falling off soaked trees. Several muddy sections made for slow going. Had several slips in the mud; but, no falls. A note about wildlife so far. Birds and a squirrel. No bears, no deer and not even the famous mice at shelters. I hear there have been mice that come out at night. Since I've been sleeping on my tent, no personal experience yet.Only about 10 miles left in GA. Will soon venture into NC.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Top of Georgia Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: mist

Day 11Departed the Top of Georgia hostel and arrived at the trailhead at 8am. It was raining and continued all day with increasing winds. Had a long day hiking until 5:30. By the time I arrived at the shelter I was totally soaked from the rain and sweating in the cold and heavy winds. Set up the tent as quickly as possible, got in to change into dry clothes and crawled into the sleeping bag. I was shivering for awhile. Later made a hot meal and then stayed comfortable all night. Did not leave the tent until about 8am the next morning. Could not take a chance of getting my remaining clothes wet. During the night it snowed....so tough getting started the next morning. DONE with GA. Passed into NC this afternoon. My selfie shows how I looked in the rain. Notice glasses in the mouth, did this frequently since they fogged up often.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 12Tough getting started this morning. Stayed in bed until around 8am due to the cold and snow outside. Took the time to make hot cocoa with oatmeal mixed in to start out warm. An easy day of hiking today with the next shelter too far to reach after the late start. Hiked several hours with snow on the trail.A near hike stopper today......another rookie mistake. Since my tent was so wet from snow, I packed differently strapping the tent to the outside of my pack. When I arrived at tonight's shelter I decided to set up the tent to let it dry out. But it was not there. PANIC. I started hiking backwards not sure what was going to happen. I had visions of having to call Wendy to come pick me up...if I lived through the night. The greatest trail magic of all, a young joker named xxxx saw it where I had stopped for a snack break and was carrying it up the trail to find the owner. Saved my hike. I later remembered putting it under the straps to see if it fit, and do not remember pulling them tight. Going to quite cold tonight( but little wind. So, all should be good. Just hung first bear bag. Made on the first try and no one captured it for YouTube.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3

Day 13Best day yet. Hiked from 8:30 til 3:30 and covered 11.3 miles. Started out with a 750 foot elevation increase that didn't seem that bad after a warm breakfast of hot cocoa and oatmeal. Rest of the sunny, mild day was a lot of downhills and smaller uphills.Stopped at a shelter for lunch. Pic is of Big Shep (3 years older than me and grew up in NJ only about 30 miles away). Also is Katie and Joey from Wisc. Laying in my tent right now set up under a cover of Rhodidendrums. Shoes and socks off letting my feet air out.On Wednesday expect to arrive in Franklin, NC for good food, resupply, shower and clean clothes,
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Rock Gap Sheltet
Miles today: 8.4

Day 14Another sunny, warm day. A hard start with 1,000 feet of elevation gain at the start. The last .3 mile was rough on the old man - very steep and rocky. That was to reach the top of Albert Mtn. It has a fire tower on top. I climbed up it and the view was out of this world. 360 degree panoramic being able to see nothing but mountains in all directions. That's the reward for a hard climb...plus going downhill from there.Passed a milestone today- the 100 mile mark.Looking forward to some rest in Franklin tomorrow,Pic is of an example of why the AT is called the Green Tunnel.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Rock Gap Sheltet

To: Budget Inn - franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 15Spending a beautiful Spring day in Franklin, NC, a Zero. About 75 degrees sitting in a chair outside our Budget Inn room. Paul Bunion and I are sharing the room tonight. Sadly our buddy (Trudger from Peru) is getting off the trail from here. Going back to his home In Western NY before going back to Peru. We'll miss him as one of our early mentors and a friend.An update on health. Knees are fine as are all muscles. No blisters; although it looks like I may lose one toenail soon. The only real problem is split ends of fingers. The thumb and index fingers on both hands are split and painful with everything I try to do....especially with pinching the buckles on my pack so many times a day. Here is a selfie of me after 2 weeks on the trail. Do I look like a mountain man?
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Budget Inn - franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Sheltet
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 16Another very nice day on the AT, sunny and warm. Started off great in Franklin with First Baptist Church coming to the Budget Inn to pick up hikers for a free breakfast of pancakes,etc. Back in time for the 9 am shuttle and the 10 mile drive back to the AT. Started hiking at 10am. Stopped for lunch on a near mountain top with a nice view of surrounding mountains. Took off shoes and socks while eating my bagel and Nutrella lunch. Almost out of Nutrella...will switch to peanut butter at next resupply. Said good bye to hiking buddy Trudger this morning as he left the trail for home.Early tomorrow we'll cross out first "bald". That is a mountain top with no trees even though it is not above tree line. From my readings, it is uncertain why some mountains are like that. I'm suffering a little with a head cold. Fortunately I was able to get some meds for it in Franklin to make it bearable until it goes away.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Siler Bald Sheltet

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 17A less than perfect day on the AT. Early in the day I passed over Siler Bald. It was so cloudy/foggy that there were no views. Then it rained on a long uphill to Wayah Bald. It cleared about the time I reached the top and was able to climb a stone tower there and have some views of cloudy mountain panoramics. Also there was man with trail magic - drinks, snacks, fruits, etc. The last forecast we heard was for pm thunderstorms. So we (Paul Bunion) and I planned for a shelter night tonight. It will be my first experience of foregoing the tent and sharing the shelter with others. I have my earplugs ready. This shelter is at 4,720 feet, higher than most. So will probably be chilly this evening.P
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 18A good day on the AT. Hiked from 8:00 until 3:30. A Baptist Church had trail magic about an hour in. Sausage biscuits and lots more. Had 2 elevation gains of about 800 feet each. Seems I'm improving on stamina going up hills. 'Bout time. At least today the big up hikes were rewarded with breath taking views. Especially from Wesser Bald observation tower at 4,627 feet. Could see Fontana Lake which is still about 35 trail miles away.My first night in a shelter last night went quite well, surprisingly. Six guys and two gals were squeezed in shoulder to shoulder. Even getting up twice during the night to empty the bladder was no problem. I still prefer the solitude of my tent; but, good to know the shelter life is bearable.My hiking buddy, Paul Bunion, accidentally took a wrong turn today and avoided about half a mile of hiking. I'll give him a break since it is his birthday.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahata Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.9

Day19A kind of leisurely day with good weather. Arrived at Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) around lunch time after a mostly downhill hike. This is a complex geared to hikers, bikers and white water enthusiasts. A mountain stream runs through and we saw several kayakers and rafters going by as we ate lunch. The complex has an outfitter, general store, restaurants, cabins and bunk houses. Paul Bunion and I have a bunk room with just 2 bunks, so I only have to worry about his snoring.Tomorrow will be one of the most challenging days to date. We're planning on only a 6.7 mile day to the next shelter. But it is ALL uphill rising about 2,650 feet. And it is calling for rain. Until then it is laundry, resupply of food, showering and of course more food.....pizza tonight.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Nantahata Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: moderate rain

Day20A short mileage day; but, a good challenge. Left NOC at 8:15 and arrived at the shelter at 1:00 pm. Elevation gain of 2,961 ft before dropping down about 300 ft to the shelter. It was raining when I left and lasted an hour. Then was just misty until the last half hour when it started again with a strong wind. Currently sitting on the shelter which is engulfed in a cloud. Should clear later and be a dry Tuesday. When I left Paul Bunion was not feeling well and considering a Zero at NOC. Happily, he improved and has arrived here so our little team remains intact.The shelter here is suppose to hold 16 hikers( a double decker). There are already more than that crammed in here. Three of us old guys and the rest a mixture of college agers and a dog. Also a few tenting in the cold, moist wind. Shelter was full by 2 pm with everyone killing time until dinner prep and sleep. Today's pic was an excellent water source the trail - cold and delicious. Don't think I've mentioned that I use a SteriPen to treat ally water. It is a battery powered device that used ultraviolet light to kill all harmful items. It takes 90 seconds to treat a liter bottle.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day21A long hard day - first 12 mile hike. Right off the bat was a significant uphill followed by several smaller ones throughout the day. Some were short with steep inclines. I guess after the major uphill yesterday, the old body was protesting a bit today. After the crowded shelter last night, tonight it is just Paul Bunion, a girl(Lasso) from NC and myself at Cody Gap tenting area. A welcome change. At one point late in the day there was a large fallen tree trunk across the trail with no way around. I tried stepping on it but could not manage that. So I sat upon it and swung my legs across...very awkwardly to say the least. Then my feet were in the mud on a slope and I couldn't get traction to stand back up. So, I just sat there on the log and laughed at my predicament. Finally with shear determination I found the strength to get back on my feet. Today's pic is my 3 week selfie. What a good looking guy, right?
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana 28 at AT
Miles today: 8.7

Day 22Arrived at the Fontana Dam area about 1:15 today. Unfortunately we waited over a hour for the shuttle to the Fontana Lodge. Seems like a recurring issue on the AT that the promise of a few minutes for the shuttle turns into much longer. We called them numerous times and was told each time they'd be there in just a few moments. When the driver finally arrived he said he was never told we were waiting, Ended up getting a free shuttle ride. Thought today's hike was mostly downhill; but, surprisingly there were several uphills that ate my lunch. Soreness in my left lower shin area is more noticeable today with a few sharp pains. Will treat with ice today/tonight and see how it is in the morning. Could see Fontana Lake for hours today from much higher elevations. Probably why the hike seemed so long with the getting down to it seemingly taking forever. Picked up my mail drop from Wendy at the PO. Lots of good food stuff including homemade Peanut Butter Walnut Oatmeal cookies. Thanks Love. Also a nice surprise was a card with notes from many of my friends at former employer BAE. You guys are great. Today's pic is Fontana Lake from above. Tomorrow we cross over the dam and enter the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. One of the highest concentrations of black bears along the AT. 72 miles of AT in the GSMNP.....hopefully about 7 to 8 days of hiking. ONE MORE THING - today was a milestone day....my first PITW. If you do not know what this means refer back to my 3/13 entry. Suffice it to say everything came out alright....and in its proper place!!!'
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Fontana 28 at AT

To: Birch Spring Gap Camping
Miles today: 7.0

Day 23Crossed the 1945 TVA completed Fontana Dam this morning and entered the Great Smokey Mountains NP. Staying in the only camping area allowed in the park on the AT corridor. All other nights will be in or near shelters. Many rules in the Smokies. One of which is (except for this camping area) is you have to stay in a shelter. If it is full, people with reservations have priority and AT thru-hikers have to tent in the immediate area. And the park is the only section that charges thru-hikers a $20 fee to hiker through. From the dam we climbed 2,100 feet today before dropping back down a little to where we are now. Today's pic is me sitting in a rock formation called the throne. Unusual to find a flat rock seat and a comfortable back rest. Was nice except gnats have suddenly come out with a vengeance. The price to pay for nicer weather in the mountains. Kicking myself for not getting big spray at Fontana Village yesterday. Actually while hiking it's not bad. But stop and they're all around non-stop.Put ice on my leg last night and it is feeling somewhat better today even after hiking.Other thru-hikers here so far are: Paul bunion, Big Shep and Lasso.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Birch Spring Gap Camping

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 24Skipped over two shelters and arrived at our choice for the night. Paul Bunion arrived before me and got the last confirmed spot in the shelter. A park ranger is here and tells me I can only get in the shelter if someone with reservations does not show. So, I have to wait until nearly dark to see if I get in the shelter or have to set up a tent. Can't stay in a tent if there is room in the shelter. Love this system in the GSMNP. Hiked from 8am until 3pm. Nice weather today and forecasted for the next 2 days. Only thing of note today was talking with a group of about 12 horseback riders who rode up at a previous shelter while we were having lunch. They asked Bunion and I all kinds of questions about our hike. The pic today is tonight's shelter.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 25Have I mentioned how very hard my new job is? That being an AT thru-hiker. Today was the hardest yet for me. Have done about the same mileage a few times before; but, I'm exhausted as I lay in the shelter writing this. Did not think I'd ever get to the shelter and did not arrive until 6pm after starting about 7:45 this morning.The day was beautiful,warm with bright blue skies and pure white clouds. Forget to mention yesterday that we entered a new state, Tennessee. But we're not done with NC yet. The trail goes along the border switching back and forth for at least the next several days. Early today we hiked over "Rocky Top" from the song "Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee". Great views. A Ridge Runner(gov't employee who hikes the trail checking on shelters, etc.) told us the section we hiked today was the hardest stretch I'm the GSMNP. Hope he is right.Today's pic is a view from the top of Rocky Top.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Mt. Collins shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 26Three points of interest today. Very close to the shelter this morning were two grazing deer. They just wandered around as us hikers observed. Later we reached the highest point on the AT, Clingmans Dome at 6,655 feet of elevation. There is an observation tower with a spiral ramp leading to the top. Although very cloudy earlier it was clear viewing while we were there. It was very windy however making our sightseeing from the top short lived.Lastly we surpassed the 200 mile marker on the AT. Other than than things are well. When I say we I am referring to Paul Bunion and myself who have been buddies since meeting the first night on Springer Mountain, GA. Seems like ages ago.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Mt. Collins shelter

To: Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg,TN
Miles today: 4.5

Day 27Only hiked a short distance today down to Newfound Gap on highway US 441 that runs through the GSMNP. There we waited for about an hour in the cold and wind for a free shuttle down the the city if Gatlinburg, TN. Hoped for a ride from many tourists who stopped by but no such luck. We'll be in a motel for 2 nights as we wait out potentially bad weather. Calling for much rain and potential hail and tornado activity...followed by much lower temps. Wednesday should improve quite a bit, so that's when we'll turn into AT hikers once more.Until then I'll be on the lookout for Dolly Pardon as we eat, laundry, resupply and recharge the batteries of both out electronics and our tired old bodied. Once again I want to thank so many people who have signed my Trail Journal Guest Book. You just cannot realize how much a few words of encouragement can mean during the long hours out here in the woods. I REALLY appreciate the comments.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg,TN

To: Gatlinburg, Days Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Day 284 weeks of hiking and you know what that means, time for the weekly selfie. I was a little overdue for a haircut and went to the near extreme. Now the hard part back on the AT will be fighting off those amorous female hikers.Taking a Zero today in Gatlinburg. Weather is a factor due to lots of rain last night and not ending until about 3pm today. It actually changed to snow before ending. Saw cars driving thru town that obviously came down from with mountains with accumulated snow on them. Heard rumors of up to 3" of snow in the mountains today and the possibility of the GSMNP closing the road. That would delay our departure in the morning. As of right now we have a paid shuttle set up for 8:30 in the morning. The free shuttle is overbooked due to so many hikers in town avoiding the snow and probable mid-teens temps overnight tonight. Forecast is to return to the 50's tomorrow.Had good trail magic today. Paul Bunions brother/in-law, Dan, drove in from the Charlotte area and shuttled us around town for shopping, lunch and haircuts. Nice guy and his services were much appreciated. Have set up plans for Wendy to visit next Monday/Tuesday in Hot Springs, NC. Now I have to keep up a good pace of hiking to meet her in time. Can't wait to see her.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Gatlinburg, Days Inn

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 29Back on the trail again and it was the most enjoyable hiking day yet! Our shuttle left Gatlinburg at 8:30. It was me, Paul Bunion, Hermes and Bags sharing the cost. The 15 mile drive was neat. Beautiful snow on the mountain trees as we rose on elevation to 5,000 feet. Started hiking at 9am and climbed up another 1,000 ft of elevation through snow, ice, slush and mud. Sounds miserable; but, it was a really fun experience. Even though I liked it, there were down sides. Had my first fall when my foot slipped out from under me and I was down before I knew what was happening. Luckily only a minor scrape on the side of my knee. Also my shoes and socks are soaked. Have another set of socks. Will once again in the morning have to put on a frozen pair of shoes. Actually, as long as the socks are dry the shoes warm up quickly.The scenery today was great. Several long range views of continuous mountains going on forever. The best was from a rock formation called "Charlie's Bunion". P. Bunion called me out on a previous entry. On the day at Clingmans Dome. I failed to mention that I missed a turn and went about a quarter of a mile the wrong way. I knew I should have been very close to the top of the mountain; but, I was going down hill. I discovered my mistake and had to backtrack to the missed turn. Sure enough I was at Clingmans Dome within a few minutes.Also forgot to mention that I lost my first toe nail a few days ago. Otha's been black for weeks and finally came off.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 30Another good day for hiking, cool morning, warm afternoon and sunny all day. There was still some ice, snow and mud from the previous storm. Made good mileage and the stats do not include the half mile from the shelter back to the trail. Have to keep up a good pace to meet up with Wendy in Hot Springs, NC on Monday. Tonight is the last one in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. We'll exit it during the day tomorrow. Looking forward to having more flexibility - not having to be limited to shelter mileage. If we want to hike more or fewer miles, we can adjust and tent wherever we want.