morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-03-03
From: Blue Mountain

To: TopOfGeorgia Hostel
Miles today: 2.0

An affable tent neighbor, Footprint, thawed a skim of ice from his water this morning. Ridges to the east glowed with magenta, then orange, then direct sunlight as viewed from our mountaintop camp, providing a stunning daybreak show.Crunching down Blue Mountain over spiny hoarfrost my earworm of the day became Hall of the Mountain King from the Peer Gynt Suite! Perhaps I have another cadence-keeper.Approaching Unicoi Gap I noticed the evergreen galax alongside trickles of springwater. I have descended again into Georgia Springtime.Hearing traffic at Unicoi Gap I recalled my short section-hike attempt in 2004. I was sure I could hike 70 miles in 5 days from Springer to Dick's Gap where I had parked my truck. I was the one on that trek who thought I would be mountain hiking. While I was exhilirated to be in these mountains, actually on the Appalachian Trail, I realized I was unprepared for this rigorous adventure. My thighs burned, I stopped frequently on each climb, and my feet were chewed up like hamburger. At Unicoi Gap, mile 52, I was out of food, I threw my boots in a trash can, put on my heavy "camp shoes", and stuck out my thumb. I was done, dejected, and bewildered by this epic footpath. The pleasant couple who picked me up knew I was depressed. Even though I smelled like a dead goat, they smiled and attempted conversation. It's a southern thing, I guess. They asked, "Where you from?" Then one simple phrase was enough to begin my recovery from my self-defeating angst. He observed, "Well, this ain't like Indiana." I learned to appreciate that truth.Over the months and years later I began to catch Appalachian Trail Disease: I grew more determined as I understood this journey demands my training, gear improvement to improve my odds (particularly my boots), systems development for eating, hiking, sleeping, maintaining hygiene and for field repair. For me it takes experience and resilience. Tonight I sleep in a bed at the very nice Top Of Georgia Hostel. I resupplied groceries for four more days (so I don't have to carry five months worth of food), did my chores (shower, laundry, AllYouCanEat buffet, plan my hike to Franklin, N.C., etc.) Tomorrow I resume NoBo AT'18, to the tempo of Hall of the Mountain King!
Date: 2018-03-04
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 17.0

The order of the day was abundant sunshine. More happy thru-hikers were encountered, and some strugglers were learning to hike their own hikes. They will begin to get their trail legs if they keep hiking for three weeks. Strength, balance, stamina and confidence all build. We become very good at something we do persistently.I spotted a bluebird on Kelly Knob. Since they are bug-eaters spring may be rising in the elevations. Still, the mountaintops have the look of dirt-brown southern winter. Last fall's leaves remain on the forest floor as the primary drab ground color. The open tree canopy has no new leaves to shade the trail. Only rhododendron thickets allude to the Green Tunnel, as this AT is known. My camp is just south of Dick's Creek Gap, off the trail a bit where other hikers' tents have left an impression. I am alone tonight, enjoying the solitude.
Date: 2018-03-05
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Standing Indian Mtn
Miles today: 17.5

A discernible rhythm appears at most state line crossings. Perhaps, if the trail could talk, "Oh, just about of Georgia? Here, try a couple more steep climbs before you leave!" Then, entering North Carolina we zoom up Courthouse Bald on rugged, steep trail over a peak that hasn't been bald for decades. "Welcome to the Nantalala Wilderness! Hope you liked that." The exciting reward of that climb was a minute cluster of three tiny bluets. I was pleasantly surprised to see the wildflowers blooming already. Later, I spotted a red-headed woodpecker flying along the slope below the trail. I am bush-camped tonight a half-mile north of the Standing Indian Mtn shelter. As I ascended this first AT 5000 footer I filled my water bottles at a spring (filtered, of course) and continued up the trail. I soon found a level area well off the trail. I started the stove on bare soil and set up my tent on untrodden leaves. A barred owl is asking who cooks for me. I told him I am self-supported.
Date: 2018-03-06
From: Standing Indian Mtn

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 19.0

Listening to rain on the tent this morning I thought, "This could be an ordinary day." We all have ordinary days. We remember exceptional days; just get through ordinary days. A winter wren then called through the drizzle. A winter wren! One of my favorite wilderness birds announcing that only mediocre people can be at their best every day. I will walk in a wilderness today. This can be an exceptional day!  Standing Indian Mtn trail redembles western trails with its consistent gradient, cobble-smooth, wide treadway and regular switchbacks. Metronomic cadence to Taj Mahal's "Queen Bee" accompanied my steady ascent, via mental recall. After the featureless, cloud-locked summit I achieved "trekkers' trance": an autonomic in which the psycho-kinetic functions of cadence hiking seem to be on autopilot. The trailside becomes a blur as ordinary natural sounds provide background for my ponderances. Resuming cognizance is usually effected by changes in treadway or wildlife/wildflower sightings or "Think water? Drink water!" Staying hydrated is essential even on damp days.Wildlife today included three juncos playing tag ahead of me, a pileated woodpecker who laughed out loud though I did not see Woody, and a gray squurrel scurrying noisily over the leaf litter.Many "rhodo-tunnels" were traversed, some of which showed evidence of recent wildfires with blackened trunks and defoiliated evergreen branches. Several of the presumed dead shrubs had green shoots at the base of the trunks. I am impressed by the resilience of natural processes.Rain subsided as I approached Albert Mountain. Both significant climbs today were over 5000' elevation, but the trails were vastly different. As much as Standing Indian resembled western trails, Albert was quintessially an Appalachian Trail mountain. The last half-mile of Albert is nearly vertical! Several log and root steps alternated with open rock scrambles. Sometimes I tossed my hiking poles up ahead to free my hands to grab rock chinks or roots. The climb-to-the-sky was rewarded with vistas of nearby mountain-tops rising like islands above the cloud layer beneath me, affording a lofty, surreal exhiliration.Is Albert Mtn the steepest climb on the Appalachian Trail? We shall see.
Date: 2018-03-07
From: Rock Gap

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 14.0

Snow is easier than drizzle to shake from the tent fly. As I broke camp this morning a squall spread a fresh blanket of white over the forest. The trail was snow-slick but manageable as I hustled a few miles to catch a shuttle ride into Franklin, N.C. for efficient resupply. In town a homestyle diner served a good hot breakfast before my grocery stop. Soon I was on a return shuttle provided by the county bus system.I re-entered the magic portal into the wilderness crossing a log footbridge over a cascading creek. When the trail crosses a creek, we usually climb. After a few warm-up hills the ascent to Wayah Bald began. The "Anvil Chorus" played in my mind as I plodded up the.steady incline. Near Bartram Trail intersection I pitched my tent on snow-covered ground. This is going to be a chilly night. My fingers are fumbly, so I'll just call it a day.
Date: 2018-03-08
From: Wayah Bald

To: Wesser Bald shelter 
Miles today: 14.0

Ice was melted then heated in the cook pot for coffee, rice with plenty of cranberries, and tea. I had left some water in the pot overnight. I had liquid water in my bottle which came inside my sleeping bag overnight. A fresh layer of white was delivered pre-dawn. Most of the trails remained snow-slick or icy all day. Flurries whipped by gusty breezes stung my cheeks. Sunbreak was hinted but clouds prevailed.The climbs up Wayah and Wesser are similar: long, steady grades with various rock-hopping stretches. Hiking through the winter wonderland today was quite enjoyable and peaceful, though only a couple of ravens made the wildlife sighting list.I am bush-camped tonight on lower-elevation leafy ground. Water fetched for supper and breakfast began to form ice crystals inside the plastic bottles on the way down from the spring. Anyway, supper was Ramen, instant mashed potatoes, a spinach wrap with cheddar cheese, and decaf tea. Now I need to get my fumbling fingers inside the sleeping bag. It is so quiet here tonight. So quiet. Ahhh.,..
Date: 2018-03-09
From: Wesser Bald shelter 

To: Locust Grove Tent area
Miles today: 16.0

Two ruffed grouse exchanged overlapping greetings at dawn. Their distant "thump-thump-thum-thu-d-d . . ." started the day with a smile.The trail down Wesser was generally fast with occasional rock-hopping. Lengths of treacherous treadway had developed where proper trail benching had eroded into a sideways slant with mud-slick footholds. "Short steps are safe steps" becomes my mantra when treadway demands caution. The descent was overall increasingly rewarding with a happy vista at the Jump-off (which I did not do) and appearance of anemone hepatica near the Nantahala gorge. Another wildflower closely resembled blue aster, though asters are known to be late bloomers, literally.In the gorge, Nantahala Outdoor Center has a lock on adventure tourism. I planned to pass right on through, then the restaunt opened as boot hit pavement. Three fish tacos later, I launched into the tediously steady hiking-climb up Cheoa Bald. The challenge of a cumulative elevation gain of 4000' feet over 8 miles is to keep the beat. "Ain't nothing gonna break my strided" was heard in the N.O.C. cafe, and so it was my earworm. A long hiking climb of 500'/mile can test stamina; 750'/mile elevation gain is strenuous; 1000'/mile is a near vertical power struggle. Cheoa finished steeply, though without hand-and-foot rock scrambling as on Albert. The partially bald summit affords views to the southeast, where we NoBo's have been, and a sneak pre-view to the northwest, where we are going: the Smokies!Descending Cheoa is a blast! Practically speed-hiking I arrived at Locust Grove tent area with plenty of daylight to settle in for the night.
Date: 2018-03-10
From: Locust Grove Tent area

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 17.0

Remnant patches of snow mixed with chunks of milky quartz along the trek to Fontana. Some of the fractured quartz blocks were the size of soccer balls, or the size of my Bear Vault food container, or even as large as beach balls. The white beacons are scattered randomly, some on the treadway, others begging to be seen, farther off. While rolling up and over numerous humpty-bumps, I realized in a trekkers' trance I am blissfully detatched from the inane blather known as news. Foggy days narrow focus on the trail to just the next few steps. Surprising spans of solitude enhance the wilderness experience. On the trail I am at once humble and grateful to be here, now.Tonight I am off the trail in Fontana Village. Chores are done, good hot chicken alfredo enjoyed, shower blasted off a grimy layer, l will sleep on a mattress! I do not own a television, and this one is not coming on, either. TV is a time thief. Like Grandma Gatewood said of aging, "I don't want to rock. I want to do something!"
Date: 2018-03-11
From: Fontana Village

To: Russell field shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A shuttle into/out of Robbinsville for grocery resupply was motivation enough to crawl out of bed predawn. That last chore done, the Smokies were in sight, momentarily.The ascent up Shuckstack to enter the park by trail is a "gear down and grind it out" trudge when it seems the entire Blue Ridge is enshrouded in thick fog. A fire warden tower was hardly given a glance since the view from the abandoned lookout would surely be the same as from the ground: nada! Such persistent moisture creates a unique ecosystem. Entire trees seem covered with lime-green moss speckled by lichen, and a few varieties of fungus were spotted.Around a bend in the trail Ridgerunner "Graybeard" was busy removing a chest-high deadfall from the trail. He accepted my eager offer to help relocate the obstacle. With the trail cleared Graybeard documented the event with a quick photo. As we worked I learned Graybeard had lived a few years in the Marion County Children"s Guardian Home, in Indianapolis. He was a few years ahead of me, but we attended the same public school! Amazed as I was, Graybeard is just as conscientious. Without a pause he began pushing a potential deadfall near the trail. He motioned to the direction the standing log might fall, which was toward me. We exchanged "good talking with you" sincerities, and I resumed my trek.Rain splats are now pelting the metal roof of the shelter. A few section hikers came up from Cades Cove to spend the night. Smokies regulations require backcountry overnighters to stay inside shelters, unless the shelter is full. It is hikers' midnight now, regardless of clock time changes. I remember now why I am not a shelter-dweller.
Date: 2018-03-12
To: Derrick Knob shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Strong rain rattled the metal shelter roof then quieted overnight as temperatures dropped and snowfall accumulated to five inches, ending early afternoon. Gusty, frigid breezes created blizzard conditions. Two other hikers and I hustled across Rocky Top over rime ice, through whiteout, and bracing against the driven snow. The forest provided some respite from the wind, though drifts formed trailside. Sometimes we left posthole bootprints where the drifts encroached the treadway. Going was slow, but the forest was a fantastic white wonderland.Arriving mid-afternoon at my planned lunch-stop shelter, feeling fatigued as though I'd hiked a long day, this CCC building seemed like home for the night. Hot tea went well with the late lunch, and a rare afternoon nap in the sleeping bag was a warm pleasure.Supper was WackyMac with powdered alfredo sauce to which turkey jerky was added. Cheddar cheese and a protien bar completed the meal. Low temp of 20 was announced by a hiker, so we all eventually cocooned ourselves in wind-buffeted Derrick Knob shelter.
Date: 2018-03-13
To: Double Spring Gap shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light snow

Frigid conditions persisted with flurries and chilling wind across the ridges. When the storm began, rain froze on every surface, then rime ice coated twigs, old blackberry canes, grasses and heather leaves. Fine snow stuck to the ice, and intricate, fascinating, miniature sculptures were everywhere. Short drifts still blasted into nano-blizzards with swift boot-kicks. Treadway is still covered, hiding stumble-bumps and demanding cautious steps. Short steps are safe steps.Arriving early afternoon at Double Spring Gap shelter for a planned lunch stop, I stared at the cold fireplace. Most CCC-built shelters in the Smokies have fireplaces, though park policy now discourages their use. In this extreme weather, I made a prudent decision to forego the additional miles I planned to hike, and I dug out matches. The cabin was built from twigs on the shelter floor, one match struck, and flames grew. Enough down-and-dead branches were scavanged from a nearby blow-down area to throw a little heat into the shelter. Other hikers soon drifted into home for the night, and a few scrounged their contribution to the stick-pile. Hands were warmed, gloves and socks began to dry, boots released odorous vapors, and the shelter was temporarily warmer. Suppers were cooked over personal stoves and hikers' midnight sent us to our cocoons.
Date: 2018-03-14
From: Double Spring Gap shelter

To: Newfound Gap, N.C./Tn.
Miles today: 10.0

Boots of a few hikers were whacked and clobbered in the shelter this morning, attempting to soften the frozen material to allow feet back inside. I held my Asolos over my stove/pot as rice was cooking to warm the gusset and sides. Determined effort was still needed to pull on the frosty footwear. Fresh snow fell until after noon. Magnificent spruce boughs bent low under the cumulative weight of ice and snow. The trek from Double Spring to Newfound Gap traverses a boreal forest biome complete with towering spruce and fir trees and alpine bogs (frozen today). Many low-arching branches gave me their snowload as I brushed under them. Overall, the scene was glorious. Sunshine appeared mid-afternoon, but the spruce thickets remained dark from the dense canopy. So the trail alternately brought me out into brilliant snowblinding light, then through shadowy coniferous tunnels. Crossing over Clingman's Dome, highest elevation on the AT, views were negligible. Having hiked fewer miles per day than my current average, I needed resupply before enjoying the eastern Smokies. As I emerged from the AT into Newfound Gap, a curious tourist inquired about my hike. He ultimately offered me a ride into Cherokee, N.C., the southern gateway town to the Smokies. I have now done my town chores, and I'll sleep in a warm bed tonight.
Date: 2018-03-15
From: Newfound Gap, N.C./Tn.

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

A local bus ride took me to the south Park entrance where I stood outside the visitor center until someone asked if I was hiking the trail. Soon he had kids squeeze over, wife went to the back seat and we went up to Newfound Gap. The AT to Icewater Springs and Charlie's Bunyon was very busy with day hikers and short-section hikers. Sunshine warmed south-facing slopes making slushy treadway. North-facing and shady stretches were still snowy or frozen. Climbing back into the boreal zone took me beyond the hundreds of casual hikers. The AT through the Smokies follows the ridge line with the trail mostly on the crest. This makes for rolly-poly terrain with sporadic views of valleys and nearby peaks. The spruce/fir/birch forest continues to dominate the wintery scene. Another hiker offered, "Merry Christmas!", instead of the usual, "Enjoy your hike." Peck's Corner Shelter tonight is full, with several tents set up on snow-covered ground around the area. I arrived early enough to claim a slot on the lower deck. A couple brothers and a son from Alabama provided jovial banter while hikers turned into cocoons. Comic relief continued after hikers' midnight, entertaining us shelter dwellers until soft snoring began to replace the chuckles.
Date: 2018-03-16
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Pliable boots cooperatively slipped onto cold feet this morning. The Camelback tube was not frozen. A not-so-cold morning allowed an early enough start to push for Davenport Gap Shelter, near the northeast end of the park.The sloppy slush of yesterday afternoon refroze overnight. Bootsteps were crunchy or sliding until noon. Wide stance striding sometimes found better traction. Many sections of this decades-old trail have been worn into knee-deep or hip-deep nano-canyons by billions of boot-sriikes. With the snow and ice, the trail sometimes resembled a bob-sled course.Open gaps on the narrow crestline provided stunning views. Steep slopes dropped off sharply on each side of the ridge and gusty winds played with my pith helmet, attempting to toss it far into the valley. Just a touch of my hiking pole kept hat on head. Sharp breezes also filled my pack cover, inflating it like a sail to pull me off-balance. The spinaker was stowed. Clothing layers were peeled off as hazy sun warmed the peaks. First came the thermal (middle) shirt, later the outer shell was packed. Just the base layer was needed the rest of the day.Second lunch was munched in Low Gap before the last climb of the day, over Mt. Camerer. The log where I rested, hydrated and renourished was surrounded by spring beauty wildflowers. Descending from the ridges. I have found springtime again. Mother earth treadway surface has re-appeared.My last night in Smokies will be here in Davenport Gap shelter. Late arrivers are filling up the ersatz home. All us here tonight are thru-hikers, but we won't get to Katahdin tomorrow. The journey is the destination.
Date: 2018-03-17
From: Davenport Gap shelter

To: Roaring Fork shelter area
Miles today: 19.0

Davenport Gap shelter is the last of the Smokies shelters to have chain link fence across the open front. The first hiker this morning to open the squeaky gate sounded the unintended alarm for all us shelter dwellers to start stirring. Knowing this could be a long trek today I wondered in the first mile if another energy bar should have been stuffed into my pant leg cargo pocket for the first few miles, to be eaten before first lunch. As I walked by trucks which were parked overnight near I-40, a driver greeted me with an offer of cold pizza. Trail magic! Just as I was thinking of an extra snack, the trail provides. Going up Snowbird the trail was adorned with trillium, spring beauty, pussytoes and anemone wildflowers. Cumulus clouds parted and warm sun required peeling off the Marmot Precip outer shell jacket.Views from Snowbird and Max Patch were clear and stunning with the Smokies behind NoBo's and Big Walnut and Bluff Mountains looming ahead. Treadway descending Snowbird is amenable to pushing the pace over smoother surface and steadily falling grade. I announced to lingering hikers on Snowbird, "Just push in the clutch and let 'er roll!" Picking up speed to the thrill-point legs were striding long and hiking poles were alternately reaching far forward. Trailside images were out of focus. Quartz blocks streaked by in a peripheral white blur. Rhododendron branches held out waxy leaves to slap "high five" on my knuckles and shoulders. One slapped my cheek. Without looking back to indentify the culprit I shouted, "Cut it out! Not in the face!" Rounding hairpin switchback turns, the inside hiking pole was stabbed into the sharp vertex while a few furious steps careened around the banked outer arc. Gliding soft-kneed through random leaf piles the pace was slowed when encountering root-strewn treadway. The miniature speed bumps brought the near speed-hiking to a cautious pace. I had covered two thrilling miles thanks to fast trail and amenable treadway.Max Patch is a popular day-hiking area so crowds of happy hikers were scattered across the grassy bald even though the near gale (Ref. Beaufort Wind Scale). I held my pith helmet in place with a firm hand while traversing the windy open summit. Tonight I am back in the tent near Roaring Fork shelter. Only thtee hikers choose to sleep inside the shelter and three of us are tenting. The thru-hiker group along here seems to have dwindled. Some thru-hikers in the Smokies said that after the blizzard they were "through hiking". I share a motto with those who persevere: "The best is never behind you." Trek on!