morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Very windy night but not cold. Slept well. Up at 6:50 on the trail at 7:15. Hard rocky down hill climb. Feet are sore but blisters don't hurt. Taking it really slow due to terrain and feet. Arrived at NOC about 9:25 but the reservation desk wasn't open. While looking up information, Justin arrived. Since it was going to be 10 min for reservation to open when to Breakfast. Had the Fontana HashbrownsWhen I returned to the office there were 10 people in line. Line moved very slowly. Justin ended up sharing a motel room with Jordan. After 2 hours Final got a bed in the Hostel. Meanwhile Justin called to tell me they had an extra bed. So I canceled my hostel bunk for the motel room. Better deal.As of 1, rain has held off but it looks like it will be coming. Spent the afternoon updating my Journal.Ran into Rambler, who I hadn't seen since Hiawassee. He was going to take a zero and visit a friend. Sat and had a beer. Then took a nap for the afternoon.Dinner at the River's end of burger and beer. It was very crowded and had a long wait.Tomorrow we will head North hoping the weather will break.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Slept well in the motel. Lazy day waiting for the rain to stop. Packed up and Justin and I headed north at 10 am. Steep climb out of NOC in the mist and fog. A few other hikers. Eventually Justin slowed and I head off by myself. Due to the heavy fog didn't have any views. Temperature was moderate to cool. But there were times of heavy winds which were chilling. Arrived at Sassafras Gap Shelter about 1:30 for a hot lunch and to rest the feet. Many people deciding to stay. Justin came in about 2:15. Following the advise of a hiker who didn't take her own advise, I decide to continue at least to Locust Cove Gap if not Brown Fork Shelter.Weather wasn't bad and the climb up Cheoah Bald fair. Again fog at the top. Winds were calmer on this section. Arrived at Locust Cove at 4:30. About 6-7 people were tented for the night. There were a few good tent spots left but I decided to press onward.Steep climb down to Stecoah Gap. Could have camped there but there was still 2 hr of daylight. So I again pressed onward and upward. Climbing "Jacob's Ladder" a steep rocky climb in the cold biting wind.At 7:30 arrived at Brown Fork Shelter. There were 3 tents and 5 people in the shelter. There was room in the shelter but I decided to tent it since I thought it would be warmer.Set up camp, Bear bagged my food, and retired to my tent to eat my sausage and cheese. Inside the tent, inside my bag and liner, with just my long johns it was actually toasty. The wind kept up until about 11 then it was a calm night.Again no rain just snow flurries in the last 2 miles.Feet are feeling good without soreness at the blister.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Visitor Center
Miles today: 13.0

Awoke to about 20-30 degree temps. Slept in till 7:45 to stay warm. Broke down camp, got water and headed out about 9:15. I called the Hike Inn near Fontana about a room for tonight since I had a reservation for tomorrow. Unfortunately she was full. After many calls between my wife and me, we decided to spent the night at Fontana Village since she was coming to drop off my next resupply. Again I started out by myself as I spent most of the day except at the shelters.The weather was cool so I started with my fleece top and rain pants but it gradually warm and finally ended up with shorts and short sleeve shirt.The trail was quite muddy and slippery in places and I finally fell when my foot slipped in the mud. Also there were huge trees across the trail which had to be maneuvered over or in one case under.Arrived at Cable Gap shelter around 1 after taking in slow. Miracle, Plus one and Hydro stopped by. Spirit was already eating lunch. Took my usual 1 hr lunch, foot rest break, and also go water. Left at 2 for Fontana Visitor Center. Tried to call my wife to let her know my arrival time but no service. On the map it looked like one good climb up then all down hill. This was not the case. Yes you start out climbing but it seems you continue climbing for about 3 miles. Finally at Walker Gap you are going down. The trail at times was smooth and flat and other times was boulder and tough going. Once I hit the down hill I was flying. Feet were a little sore but not bad. Arrived at 28 AT Crossing about 5. Miracle, Plus one, and Hydro were headed to the Village. I had 1.4 miles to the visitor center. The trail went up and down and around. It ran along the lake in and out of coves. Great views of the lake. According to my watch the shelter was 1.5 miles not 1.1. Got to the shelter to sign the register. A couple hikers said my wife has been waiting for me. She was waiting at the shelter parking area. I told her to meet me down at the dam. Took the necessary photos then headed to the Village to check in.While checking in I ran into Walkintotree whom I met at the ATKO and Franklin Hiker Bash. Unloading all my gear and resupply boxes. Showered and went to dinner. Visited with Miracle, Plus one, and Hydro. They had a bear canister to send home, so my wife offered to take it to UPS. Ordered dinner then went to the laundry to do my clothes. After dinner took walkintotree to the shelter and picked my clothes.Spent the rest of the nite updating emails and photos. Kind of glad to be in a warm room tonight. Will have enough cold ones coming up in the Smokies.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Fontana Visitor Center

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Up at 7 AM Packed up and drove to the visitor Center and left at 9. Met Everton from Pittsburgh when crossing the Fontana Dam. Entered the park and left my permit. Started the long climb up the mountain. Weather was cool but quickly warmed up. Continued up to Shuckshack Tower for lunch. Met some day hikers who said they saw a bear on the way up to the tower.Continued to climb up with a few downs. Some patches of snow. It just seemed like I just continued to go up and up. Finally reached Mollie's Ridge Shelter at 3:30. Met a ridge runner there. There was no one in the shelter. Worked on my blisters which have been slowing me down. Decide to continue on 3 miles to Russell Field shelter.Arrived at the shelter at 6:15 and the shelter was full, so I got to tent. Made Dinner, visited with some other hikers. The shelter residents had a fire going and were singing. Sam and his dad arrived . Bed by 9
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

A very cold morning. Hard to get out of the sleeping bag. Decided to use my camp shoes which are my Nike Zoom racing flats. Feet did not hurt in these but they also don't have a lot of padding.Trail was smooth and flat along the ridge. Lunched at 11:30 on Rocky Top. Two sticks passed by. She had to be in Gatlinburg by noon Sat to pick up her mail drop.Finally was able to contact my wife to get her to bring me different shoes. Arrived at Silers Bald Shelter at 6:30. I'd been hiking with Sam and his dad for the last hour. We decided to press on to Double Spring Shelter. After a significant climb we arrived at 7:30. I got the last spot in the shelter on the upper deck. Made dinner and in bed by 9:15Feet felt better with the softer lightweight shoes.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 7 after a good nite rest in the shelter. I was fortunate to be in the shelter since it rained last nite. Left at 9:15 with my hiking shoes on since it was too cold for the Nikes. A steady climb on the rocky wet trail. Arrived at Clingman Dome Tower at 10:30. Very very windy so did stay at the top. Decided to go to the visitors center to charge up my watch and phone. Unfortunately it is a 1/2 mile downhill climb resulting in an uphill climb later.Sam and his dad were at the visitors center waiting for Mom. After about an 1 1/2 hours I headed up the mountain. I had switched to the Nikes again to rest my feet.The trail was rocky and muddy and the sun came out. Decided to take off some of my layers which proved a mistake. After 1/2 hour the weather turned cold and rainy. Made it to the shelter by 2:30. Only one hiker there so I decided to stay and got a good spot on the top level.Weather turn cooler and rainy. Made dinner. Got water. and picked out my spot. Put on extra layers of clothes since it seemed like it would get colder. Went to bed by 6. But it turned out in the shelter with the liner and sleeping bag, I was very warm.Went over the highest point on the AT at Clingman's and passed the 200 mile mark.Tomorrow get resupplied at Newfound Gap. Short morning hike.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 6:50, packed up and quickly left by 7:15. Had to be at Newfound gap by 10 to meet my wife. Trail was smooth and one of the prettiest so far. Fallen trees with moss covering. Still had uphill climbs though. Crossed 2 of the Boar bridges. Arrived at Newfound Gap at 9:40. LouAnn was there 1/2 hour later with McDonald breakfast and coffee and tastykakes. Gave out some goodies to some other hikers. Restocked my food, tried on different shoe combinations. Decide to continue with my size 8 keens with their insoles. Another couple of trail angels arrived about 1:30 with goodies, drinks, fruit. They said they would be at Davenport Gap on Tuesday.Left at 3 and encountered numerous day hikers returning to the parking lot. Arrived at Icewater Shelter at 4:40. I was the second one there so I took a spot on the upper level. The shelter was filling up when a group of Davidson College students arrived which filled the shelter. I decided to tent but when I changed my mind, my shelter spot had been taken. Made dinner, visited, in bed by 9. Very crowded shelter area. Many people tenting around the shelter.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Icewater Shelter

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

Up at 6 to view a beautiful sunrise. Left 7:40 with warm clothes which came off after 1/2 hour. Arrived at Charlies Bunion at 8:30. Took pictures then headed on the trail.Trail was along the ridge line and was smooth and flat. Unbelievable vistas with as many as 8 mountain ranges in the distance. After about 2 miles then the uphills started. After at trail head for Pecks Shelter at 11:45 but it was 1/2 mile off the trail so I stayed on the trail.Stopped at eagle view for lunch. The trail continued on the ridge line with great views. Arrived at Tricorner Shelter at 2:30. Got water, changed socks, and shoes and decided to continue on to Cosby Knob. This would be my 2nd 20 miler.The map was very deceiving again. It looked flat and down hill but in reality we had 2 steep ups and one downhill.Arrived at the shelter at 6:40. Shelter full and about 10-12 tents already there. Found one small area with 3 others. Made dinner at 8.   There were some section hikers who chopped wood for the fireplace.Great day with great views and good distance. Weather still nice. Possibly rain tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.7

Up at the usual 6 and on the trail by 7:30. New keens are doing well without discomfort in the heel. Steep climb then smooth trail. Decided to take side trail to Mt. Cammerer Tower. Very cloudy and not sure it was worth the extra mile.When I returned to the main trail Hydra was there so we hiked on to Davenport Gap. Trail was up and down and flat. Arrived at Davenport Gap at 11;30 to trail magic by the Paynes. Sloppy joes, soda, beer, snacks, fruit and resupply items. Spent an hour there then headed out of the gap. Interestingly the trees had leaves on them and there was ground covering. Hadn't seen this previously.Crossed the Pigeon River and went under I40 and up the hill to Standing Bear Farm. It was crowded already. Hydra got the last spot in the bunk house and I was in the upper loft of the cabin. The rain had held off for the day. Lots of hikers coming in. They were tenting, on the porch and any were they could be put.The farm has a kitchen, a good resupply area with lots of food to prepare there. Pizzas, hamburgers and any thing you want.A major issue was the laundry. You had to hand wash the clothes which wasn't that bad. But the dryer took a long time for most people, up to 2 hours. I finally got my clothes in at 8 pm and it took about 40 mins.Bed by 9;15.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast of tortilla and sausage since I hadn't set breakfast food aside.Left with Hydra at 8. Trail was long and steep for 5 miles. We went from 1700 feet to 4300 feet. At the top of Snowbird Mt. another trail angel appeared with drinks and Donuts. There were lots of hikers on the trail today. A different experience than in the past where I was alone.Feet are feeling good with the new keens. Desented from Snowbird to Brown Gap and had lunch. Weather had warmed nicely. After lunch we climbed to Max Patch. Since it was a clear day the vistas were great on top of the bald. Can't believe we've never visited this area.On the way down off Max patch, took a wrong turn when the trail was on the right. but got straighten around.Arrived at Roaring Fork Shelter at 3:40. No one was in the shelter but there was a nice tent spot in front. There were also several other flat tent areas in back of the shelter. Good bear cables also as there have been since leaving the Smokies.I could continue even though I did 16 miles but that would put me in Hot Springs a day early. Made dinner, visited and in the ten by 9.Not in a hurry tomorrow since it is a similar day.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

A slow start today. Up at 7:45 and last to leave at 8:50. Trail was mostly downhill and nice and smooth. Less than 2 hours was at Walnut mt shelter.Called home and got caught up on things there. Climbed Bluff Mt and had lunch at the top. Again a long downhill section so I traveled pretty well. Then at junction off the Shut in trail the trail decide to go up for 3 miles. Weather had turn sunny and hot. Also the trail now was rocky with roots. Roaring Fork Shelter was .2 mile off the trail with tent areas near the trail. Looked for water west of the trail but no luck. Headed to the shelter. There were already 3 people there but I found a good spot for my tent. Mom Bear and her daughter and son were hiking for a week and were tenting there. We all went to find the water source which we did. This was an older smaller shelter with no table but it did have bear cable.Took my time and finally had dinner around 6:30. Called my friends to tell them how things are going. Visited with jelly bean and irish. In the tent at 8:15. Very warm nite but there is a call for rain.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

Short quick day. Up at 6 on the trail by 7:15. 3 miles of downhill completed in 1 hour. Arrived at the Smoky Mt Dinner at 8:30 for breakfast.Eyes bigger than stomach. Ordered the pancake special and the hash brown special. Ate about half. Lots of hikers coming in. Hydra joined me. He had come in last nite to avoid the rain. It sprinkle in the middle of the night and in the early morning. Ran into 2 sticks who had hitched from Davenport Gap and is looking for a way back.Dropped off my pack at Elmers since check in wasn't till 11. Went to the library to check email. Then to the outfitters to look at packs. Checked into the room of the very old house but very comfortable. Headed to the laundry to wash clothes then back to the outfitters. Had an Ice Cream and stopped in the welcome center to get a history of Hot Springs. Spent the rest of the afternoon on my journal. Shared a room at Elmers with Hydra. Had dinner with 6 others hikers. Soup, Pasta, salad and bananas with coconut cream for desert. Very filling.Bed by 9
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast with the other hikers. Granola, grits, Biscuit with gravy, cantalope and tea. Good breakfast but not for the meat eaters.Head down the street to the outfitters to check on packs. My pack weighed in at 31#. Tried a ULA Catalyst which was quite roomy. All my gear fitting in well. I had to try a medium for a better fit. But it only brought my weight down to 27-28#. So I opted out.My wife arrived at 11:15. Had lunch at the Takeout Grill which was very good. I had a bacon blue cheese burger. For those hungary hikers they have a burger with out the bun. The bun is replaced by 2 grilled cheese sandwiches. Dragin had one as we were leaving.Spent some time at the Hikers Ridge on the computer trying to download pictures. Spent the rest of the afternoon restocking and buying a few extras. The Dollar store was out of most hiker items.The town was busy with motorcyclists, day hikers and other tourists. Had dinner at the Tavern with Dragin. Beer and Pizza. Then packed up and was ready to go in the morning.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Headed out of Hot Springs at 8:15. Easy hike along the river. Passed several hikers who had camped next to the river. Then the trail headed up on a very rocky trail. Passed 2 sticks and hobo. Passed several southbound hikers mostly scouts.Got to Mill Ridge and basically got lost. I did turn right up the road but then I didn't see the blaze on the road so I went right up to a parking lot and bike trail. After 1/4 mile headed back to the road where two hikers had seen the blaze.At Tanyard Gap received trail magic from Pink Panther's sister from PA. This preceded a long climb out of the gap. Took the side trail to Rock Mt. Lookout. Great view and good lunch stop. Some local motorcyclists were at the tower. When I came down to the spring for water, Hobo and 2 Sticks were there.Arrived at Spring Mt Shelter at 3. Shelter was full so I changed socks and decided to continue on. It was a very hot day. When I got to Allen gap, met up with 3 hikers I had met early at Tanyard Gap. We hiked together to the Little Laurel Shelter. Hard climb up 1200' in 3 miles. Arrived at 7:15. Shelter was full but there was a good tent spot.Got water and cooked my Pasta side with tortilla.In tent by 9. Very windy nite but still warm. Calls for rain tonight and tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Rain in the middle of the night but the high winds dried out the tent. Left at 8:15. Had a hard climb out of the shelter but I just didn't have the pep or energy. Moved slowly up the hill. Then the trail became rocky. Weather was warm despite the strong breeze.Got to the Ridgeline trail. There is an alternate bad weather trail but I took the main trail. Very hard with big boulders and very steep. I can see why this would be bad in nasty weather. You are totally exposed. The descent was just as hard. Got to the shelter and made a hot lunch in case it's raining tonight and I can just have lunch items. Head to Flint Mt. Trail descended to the road. On the climb up it started to sprinkle so on went the pack cover. Just in time because I got into a major thunderstorm for about 1 hour. Heavy rain with thunder. Continued down the hill toward the shelter. By Flint gap the sun came out and there was even a rainbow. Arrived at the shelter at 4:30. Shelter was full so I got another nice tent spot and hung up my clothes. In my tent by 7:30 due to the bugs. A hard day of no energy, hard climbs and my first episode of rain. Fortunately I did have to set up or take down a wet tent.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Slow start since it was raining in the night and not in a hurry to get out of the tent. Finally got on the trail at 10:30. Weather again calls for rain today and tonight.Trail was flat and smooth so I could get a good pace going. Trail seemed to go thru farm land with fences. Green ground cover but no leaves on the trees.Saw lots of millipedes and some snails. Lots of property markers in this area. Got to Hogback shelter at 2:30 Had lunch of tuna and Ramen. One hiker was staying at the shelter due to potential rain. Pink panther and Mad Dog arrived and were staying. Then Firefly and Groundhog arrived. I could have stayed but decide to push on to low gap and camp. Made it to Sam's Gap at 5 and continued up the hill. At Meadow caught up with Irish. We climbed the last 1/2 mile to low gap together. The Low Gap area was in a small valley. There were 5 of us there. Made dinner, bear bagged my food and in the tent by 8. Hopefully no rain tonight
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Low Gap

To: Temple Hill Gap
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

The night was exciting. The wind blew and blew. In the tent it sounded like the ocean. But no Rain. Left at the usual 8:10. Long climb up to 5500', 1200' in 2 miles. Some rocky spots but mostly smooth. Winds continued to blow hard. But not a cold wind. Climbed to Big Bald which as again a grassy field. The major factor here was the winds. There were so strong it blew me sideways. This continued until Little Bald.Arrived at Bald Mt Shelter but did not go to it. The trail then went down to Whistling gap. Made some phone calls and the climbed to High Rocks where I had lunch. Nice shelter area in the rocks. Quick descent into Spivey Gap. Lots of green foilage and many streams to cross. Trail was rocky, rooted and narrow. Incredible tree damage either from winds or ice storms. Stopped for water before No Business shelter since I knew the source wasn't a good one. Arrived at the shelter at 3:30. It was everything I remembered from Oct. Dirty and not a lot of tent spot. Would hike on since I remembered some areas just north.Got to Temple Hill at 4:45 and tented there. Made dinner. Hung up some things to dry. Bear Bagged and in tent by 7 to journal. Overall a good day. Into Erwin tomorrow
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Temple Hill Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 6:45. Again no rain. On the trail by 7:30 for the quick 3+ miles in to town. 1/2 mile on the trail saw the campsite I was looking for.Arrived at Uncle Johnny's at 9. Lots of people who were in Hot Springs. Some staying some heading out. Got all the info - in a cabin but will be sharing, laundry $5, Shuttle at 11:30 to the AYCE Pizza and Dollar store, and the computer in the hostelWent online to check some things. Call the Greasy Creek Hostel, and home. Went thru my food bag to make up a list. Showered. Decided to spent the day in Erwin and took my laundry. But forgot my bag liner.11:30 shuttle into Erwin with 12 others. Pizza Buffet for 6.99. Check out the dollar store and IGA. Got some supplies. Then headed to the Library and town. Took about 1/2 hour walking. Pretty day that started overcast then cleared.Finished laundry and shopping. Did have a moment of panic when I lost my wallet. Found it in the grass on the way back from Food Lion. Back at Uncle Johnny's at 5:30. Doing one more item to wash. Dinner of ice Cream and sliders.