morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Spencer Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.5

Less than 2000 miles left- 1989.9 to be exact! Today did 13.5 m from Spence Field to Double Spring Shelter. Since the Smokies are a National park it is tightly regulated and everyone has to stay in shelters. The shelters are 3 sided stone structures with a fireplace inside LUXURY! The group of young folks I have been hiking with have fire going already. Had fun hiking w the 'kids'. They made it light and enjoyable with lots of laughs. Trail was challenging with snow and ice covered trails. Started some light snow as we reached the shelter tonight. Tomorrow I will summit Clingman's Dome - the highest point on the AT 6643 ft. To put it in perspective. Mt Washington is 6288 ft. After summiting I will reach Newfound Gap and hitch a ride to Gatlinburg TN and get off the trail for a day- can't wait to take a hot shower! Night all.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8

Call me crazy but I was actually happy when I awoke to the sound of rain this morning because rain means its above freezing and above freezing is good. Packed up and was on the trail at first light on my way to Clingmans Dome the highest point on AT. Because of the low cloud cover and fog the views that would've been spectacular were nowhere to be seen. I reached the famed Clingmans Dome tower at 9:30 with no one but myself to share the moment, which it turned out, was no big deal since the tower was totally shrouded in fog and rain. As I made my decent, I encountered the most difficult and challenging hike yet. The melting pack snow on the side of the ice covered trail turned the downward slope into a luge track. It was treacherous going and even with a low center of gravity I fell several times. Not sure if a falling tree makes a noise if there are no ears to hear it but they sure heard me. At the lower elevation things improved dramatically when the ice turns to slush and my trail buddies Tarzan and Coffee Pot caught up to me and we hiked the last 4 miles to Newfound Gap together. When we got there, trail angels Mountain Mama and Godspeed were waiting in the parking lot with a pot of chili and drove us and 4 other thru-hikers into Gatlinburg TN, 15 miles to the west. It is really amazing what these trail angels do, just makes you feel good about the world. Plan on staying here in Gatlinburg until Monday to rest and re-supply. Today I hit a couple milestones; hit TN, my 3rd state and cleared the 200 mile mark. Tomorrow I will be posting a ton of new pics. Until then, goodnight.
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Mountain Meadow

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0

Finishing up a most memorable day here in Gatlinburg, TN, a kind of Las Vegas meets Mountain Dew kind of town. Replete with Dolly World, a Ripley's Believe it or Not Odditorium, and a Guinness Book of World Records Museum, you can tie the knot in one of two chapels, buy a personalized wood gift and dress up as Billy the Kid at 1) Old Time Photo 2) Olde Time Photo or 3) Old Tyme Pictures. You want air soft guns? There are 2 shops within a 3 block radius. I mean this place has it all. Needless to say I am ready to leave Dodge but they are forecasting up to a foot of snow in the higher elevations so with an eye to the sky and a quick Hail Mary and Our Father I will pray the weather front fizzles so I can make my great escape into the mountains beyond.Just one final note. Weather permitting I will begin a 5 day mountain trek from Newfound Gap to Hot Springs tomorrow morning. Due to battery concerns on my i phone my posts will be brief and sporadic at best. Take care and thanks again for all the love and support.
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up to snow and after debating with myself whether or not to hit the trail at Newfound Gap the Park Service made the decision for me by closing the only road to the trailhead. With wind advisories and heavy snow predicted for the high elevations it is probably just as well that I will be spending another day here in Gatlinburg. The motel I am staying at is jammed packed with hikers so I will have plenty of company as I while away the hours. Hopefully the road will be reopened tomorrow so I can make tracks. I am planning on meeting Janice in Hot Springs on Saturday and have 67 miles to go ....need to get moving!
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Severe weather alert remains in effect throughout the day ( that and the fact that the road leading to the trailhead at Newfound Gap is still closed) so it looks like I will be spending another day here in Gatlinburg. Can't change the weather so I might as well just go out and enjoy the day. More impressions of life on the AT:The stars down here are so bright and twinkle so brilliantly that they almost seem fake.The best camp site has level ground, a killer view, a log to sit on and a flat rock to place your stove.Can't dry a roll of wet toilet paper. Like gun powder you must keep your tp dry at all costs.The AT is the ultimate boot camp.... Sometimes I feel like the guy on the Planet Fitness commercial.....I pick things up, I put them down, I pick things up.. I walk up the hill, I walk down the hill, I walk up the hill, I walk down.....Or as my friend Owl replies when her friends back home ask her about the trail. "It has its ups and downs"After several days on the trail when you are dirty, hungry, cold and tired you fantasize about the next trail town where you can do a load of laundry, get a hot meal and a warm bed. Once you reach the town and do your laundry, get the room, take a shower, a hot meal and good night sleep, you can't wait to get back on the trail.
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0

The road to newfound gap is still closed due to snow and ice and despite what my brother in law John says there are only so many times you can walk through Gatlinburg. There are several hikers stranded here in town and the consensus is that given the hazardous trail conditions it is probably just as well to lie low for another day or two and play it safe. The waiting around is frustrating but the way I see it it's just another story line to my adventure Too late to get out today but hope to be back on the trail tomorrow. Hearing stories of 5 foot drifts so hoping they are just stories. Will feel great to be moving! Today I followed my son Kevin's advice and had lunch at the Mellow Mushroom in town. Great pizza and beer, chain with awesome beer selection. Will be packing up to get outta Dodge at sunrise and heading for Hot Springs NC Its official!! My Gatlinburg sentence has been commuted by the National Park Service. The road and trail closures have been lifted. I will be heading up tomorrow morning with Tiki and Zook to resume the hike. There is no way I can make the 67 miles to Hot Springs by Saturday but the 34 miles to Davenport Gap, where Jan can pick me up, should be doable. I spoke to a couple of hikers who came off the mountain today. They told me that there is 12 to 18 inches of snow on the trail but conditions are improving. There were a couple in their group who continued on so the trail should be blazed by the time we start tomorrow =:0
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Good Morning..no signal yesterday or last night... Did 15.6 miles from Newfound Gap to Tri Corner Knob Shelter. Took shuttle yesterday am to Newfound Gap to hit the trail early. As advertised, 18 inches of snow greeted us once we got into the higher elevations. It was a true winter wonderland, stunning views everywhere. So glad to be hiking with Tiki and Zook. Both are experienced hikers and given the trail difficult trail conditions it was nice to share trail blazing duties.Just have to get to Davenport Gap which is in Hartford TN by Saturday. Jan will be flying into Baltimore connecting to Greenville Spartanburg SC, then driving to Hartford TN to get me and then on to Hot Springs NC where we had originally planned to meet before the snow delayed everything. On Monday she will be driving me back to the trail in TN from NC, then back to SC to catch a flight to Orlando FL to make a connection to Manchester! That is love....Started with a 1000 foot climb through the heaviest snow. Felt like the Grinch climbing Mt Crumpet! As the day progressed the temps rose and snow became heavy and wet and made for an arduous slog. Day was memorable for 2 reasons: (1) it was the most beautiful hike so far (2)it was the most physically challenging so far. Will be reaching the northern border of the Smoky Mountains today. They were magnificent but also harsh and unforgiving. I will be happy to leave them behind. Great pics will be coming in the next couple of days as I get a more solid signal (hoping). I am sure, based on my progress, that I will beat Jan to Davenport Gap on Saturday....Thanks again for everyone's support and comments and motivating words...Totally loving this experience!
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

March 29: traveled 18.4 miles from Tri-Corner Knob to Standing Bear Farm, a hiker hostel in Hartford, TN. It was a really cold night in the shelter and when I woke up, my boots, which were wet from trudging through the snow the day before, were frozen solid. When I jammed my feet into them they felt like cement and because there was no flex, I hiked the first 15 minutes flat footed like a robot.... The day started with a steep climb to 6000 feet and although it was chilly the air felt good. The trail to the Davenport Shelter, my intended target, was less traveled and required more trail breaking than trail following. Fortunately much of the trail was down hill as I made my way to the northern boundary of the Great Smokey Mountains and the snow thinned out as I made it to the lower elevations. Around noon time it started to snow which turned to ice which turned to rain as I approached the shelter. With visions of frozen boots and another cold miserable night in a shelter, I decided to slog the additional 3 miles to Standing Bear Farm, where for $15 I got a bunk, a hot shower and was able to hand wash my laundry using a wash board and hand cranked wringer. With the rain and melting snow the trail behind me will be transformed into a flume by tomorrow so I am totally psyched to be going to Hot Springs, NC with Janice for a couple of days of R&R. She is picking me up here on her way from the airport and I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve waiting for her arrival.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Jan and I are having an awesome day here in Hot Springs, NC. This is a super cool hiker friendly town with post card views and friendly people. Had lunch on the banks of the French Broad River before hitting the famed hot springs mineral baths. After an hour of soaking in the 100 degree restorative power healing waters, Jan and I were ready to take on the world so we went back to the hotel and promptly took a nap. Sucks getting old! Early dinner tonight at the Iron Horse Tavern, followed, I'm sure, by an early night to bed. Tomorrow morning Jan will drop me back off at the Davenport Gap where I will resume my trek north. Hope All my family and friends had a wonderful Easter. I miss you guys.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Lemon Gap
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

April 1st: Standing Bear Farm to Lemon Gap 18.7 miles. 259.5 hiked so far, 1926.6 to go. Jan and I had a great time in Hot Springs and after a hot breakfast at the local diner, Jan dropped me off at Davenport Gap on her way to the airport so I can hike the trail from Davenport gap back to Hot Springs. After another bittersweet goodbye, I made my way up the trail. The first 4 miles was a 2500 ft climb to the summit of Snowbird Mt. For the 1st time since leaving Springer Mt on March 4th, I was able to begin the day in short sleeves. Even the song birds, which have been conspicuously quiet seemed to be heralding the belated start of Spring. One of the highlights of my day was Max Patch Summit. It is a huge bald which is basically open pasture on top of a mountain. The views of the farmland below was beyond beautiful (Got some great pics which I can't wait to post) On the way down from the bald, the trail cut through fields, a first on the AT, and several mountain streams. Because I got hung up on all the views and lost track of time, I ended up having to go off trail to set up camp. Found a nice mountain stream [the sound of running water draws me in every time] that offered level ground and relaxing sound effects. Overall another great day. Temps seemed more seasonable and I didn't encounter any snow. All of the locals I have talked to have told me they can't remember this much cold, snow and ice and although I am happy to have the worst of it behind me, I wouldn't change a thing. So far I have been able to manage through it all and I am pleased that it is all a part of my AT adventure.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Lemon Gap

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

April 2nd: Lemon Gap to Hot Springs 14.6 miles. 273.9 total, 1912 to go. Here we go, Deja Vu all over again. Back in Hot Springs but this time I walked into town. The day started out on the chilly side but perfect for hiking. Must say it was kind of a Ho Hum day with so so views. Pretty much put my head down and made tracks for Hot Springs where I booked a room at the Laughing Heart Hostel, a 5 star hostel if ever there was a rating system out there. Run by "Chuck Norris", a former thru-hiker, this place offered all the creature comforts of home. Also had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Mud Mouth and Yard Sale, a couple from NH who live just up the road in Concord.Re-provisioned for the 70 mile hike to Erwin, NC, the next trail town on the AT. Planning on getting an early start tomorrow. Should take me about 4 days.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hot Springs to campsite in woods a couple of miles short of Little Laurel Shelter. Approx 17 miles. Enjoyed a great night at Laughing Heart Hostel. Feel like I have a head cold but w all the down time in Gatlinburg, I decided to press on. Hiking out of Hot Springs, the trail is literally the sidewalk on Bridge St. Stopped at diner and ordered up the glutton man special. Whenever you leave a trail town,you know you have a steep climb and today was no exception. Morning was sunny but cool as I made the steep climb to Lovers Leap Rock. Trail conditions were excellent, dry and soft with pine needles which made for happy feet. By midday I was at lower elevations thru fields and country roads. Hiked alone all day only passing a couple of other hikers. I really enjoyed the solitude. Lately I have adopted a more carefree style of hiking. Rather than having a specific destination in mind, I just hike until 5pm or so. If not within a mile or so of a designated shelter or campsite, I just look for a suitable spot (easier said than done) to make camp, cook dinner, hang my food and crawl into my tent by sunset. Another good trail on the trail. .
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Gerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 9.3

Finally got a signal today so here is my day late update from 4/4. 9.3 miles to Gerry Cabin Shelter. Total of 300.3 miles hiked, 1885 to go. Woke up at 2am to high wind and my own hacking cough. Tossed and turned while my tent got pelted w leaf litter. Rain in the forecast so I, along w everyone else, will be heading for the shelters. They fill up fast so I can only hope for room at the "inn". Started at first light in the rain... which turned to snow, sleet and ice at the higher elevations. I was looking to make 3rd shelter at 15miles but it soon became apparent that was not happening! I thought I was done with cold and ice but the AT had different plans. Part of the hike included a ridge trail of open granite rock face. Conditions were so bad with a driving ice storm that for the first time, I was actually scared. The freezing rain was coating the rocks with a thick layer of ice. Seemed like I was on the ridge forever crawling over ice covered rocks on all fours before I was able to make it down. When I reached the shelter, less than 10 miles into my hike, I peeled off my soaking wet clothes and crawled into my sleeping bag. 4 more hikers made it to the shelter with similar stories of woe so there was plenty of room and misery to share. Today represented my first full month on the trail and given the foul weather, frigid temps, blisters and trail closures, I am satisfied with my progress to date. It has never been a race to the finish line but with improving trail conditions and vastly improved hiking ability, I should be able to make up for lost time. Talking temps in the 80's next week - let it be so!
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Mountain Meadow
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

April 5th: Today I hiked 18.8 miles from Jerry Cabin Shelter to a mountain top meadow with killer views. Cool night in the shelter last night but at least it was dry. All of the trees were encased in ice from yesterday's storm and all night long you could hear branches and trees crashing to the ground due to the extra weight. What a difference a day makes. The first half of the day was cool and foggy with light rain but in the afternoon the sun came out and made a pleasant day for hiking. Towards the end of the day came across a beautiful mountain top meadow that I couldn't pass up. Pitched my tent, cooked some dinner and getting ready for what promises to be a beautiful sunset. Should get a nice sunrise too. Only wish Janice was here to share the view. She would love it....the 19 mile hike in the mud to get here...not so much.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Mountain Meadow

To: No Business Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

April 6th: Hiked from the mountain meadow to No Business Knob Shelter for a total of 16.6 miles. 335.7 miles hiked, 1850.2 to go Today was absolutely grueling. Word began filtering down the trail yesterday that a stomach bug is running ramped in this part of the trail and wouldn't you know, yours truly began experiencing the symptoms last night. By today, I couldn't hold any food down but I was hellbent on making a good run to Erwin, TN the next trail town in striking distance rather than getting stuck in the woods in a tent while the bug runs its course. I had no food in me but I did drink 7 liters of water nearly 3 times what I consume during a normal day. I also used electrolyte tablets which helped a lot. Weather wise it was a beautiful day but unfortunately mostly wasted on me. Trail conditions were tough with mud, particularly at the higher elevations. Still pretty certain that I will see this to the end. If I had been on the edge, today would have pushed me over for sure. I hobbled into the shelter and set up my tent 10.5 hours after I started, a hike that normally takes me 8 hours. Staying at Uncle Johnny's Hostel tomorrow (and most likely Monday too) in Erwin, less than 6 miles away to regroup and recover.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: No business shelter

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

April 7th: Hiked the short 5.8 miles from No Business shelter to Uncle Johnny's Hiker Hostel in Erwin, TN. Like every hostel I have stayed at, the people are super hiker friendly. Got a shuttle into town with 5 of my thru-hiker buddies where we went to Walmart for resupply and a Mexican Restaurant for dinner. My stomach held up amazing well. Although I feel much better I'm still wiped out so I will follow the path of common sense and take the zero day tomorrow as planned. Will hit the trail again on Tues and begin my journey to Hampton, TN, 75 miles north.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Erwin TN

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0

Zero Day in Erwin TN -Uncle Johnny's Hiker HostelNote:I am in the process of changing my journal from White Blaze to Trailjournals. My wife is going to be entering all my previous journal entries to get me up to date and get my trip miles calculated.What a difference a day off the trail makes. Today was a total down day where I just kicked back and relaxed. Caught up with some old friends and made a few new ones. Got some Lagunitas beer in town and a cigar and enjoyed the sunshine -Loving life! The stomach virus has now extended over 200 miles up and down the trail and was the main topic of conversation. Thankfully it seems to be running its course and things can get back to normal. Today temps topped out at 81 with blue skies and sunshine. Will be hitting the trail tomorrow at first light for the 75 mile hike to Hampton, TN. Clear skies and warm temps through Weds, thunder storms on Thurs.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Spruce Forest

To: Roan High Knob
Miles today: 20.1

Late Entry for 4/10 Spruce Forest to Roan High Knob. 20.1 milesMy first 20+ mile day but my planning could have been better. Weatherwise it was nice but the hike was a tough one with several high climbs, the worst being the last couple of miles up Roan Mtn. at 6200 feet, the 3rd highest peak on the AT. The approach to the shelter was covered with melting ice so it was tough going, sort of like climbing a running river. Got in late so by the time I set up camp on the melting snow pack and cooked dinner it was dark. Cool night but comfortable. Thunderstorms and severe weather forecast for Thursday so will keep an eye to the sky, esp at these altitudes.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Roan High Knob

To: US 19
Miles today: 15.8

April 11th: hiked 15.8 miles from Roan High Knob Shelter to US19. Total miles hiked: 391.6, 1794.3 to go. Today was perhaps the most beautiful hike I have taken so far. The weather was perfect and the views from the trail were spectacular. First thing this morning I started down Roan Mt. The melting ice continued to wreak havoc tuning the trail into a river. Once I got below 5500 feet the trail improved dramatically and so did the views. The trail cut through several balds, high altitude meadow land that seemed to go on forever with unobstructed 360 degree views of mountains and valleys. Overall the trail was very quiet today but I must admit I enjoyed having it all to myself. Got off the trail by 4:30 so I could set up camp before the rain which is forecast for early evening. Hopefully I can manage to keep my stuff reasonably dry.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: US 19

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light intensity drizzle

April 12th: Hiked 18.9 miles from US 19 to Moreland Gap Shelter. 410.5 total, 1775.4 to go. Really rough night. Started raining around 8 p.m. and by 10:00 it was a complete down pour with thunder and lightning. Water started to puddle under my tent around midnight so I had to pull up the stakes and drag my tent to drier ground in the pouring rain. Unfortunately, the damage was done and everything, including my sleeping bag, was either damp or wet. Needless to say, sleep did not come easy. Rain let up in the morning just long enough to allow me to pack up all my wet gear. The AT gods had the last laugh, however, when it started to rain as soon as I hit the trail. Ok enough whining. The hike this morning was beautiful. Country lanes, expansive fields, rivers and streams, this hike had it all. At noontime, the AT gods showed they can also be merciful when the rain stopped and the sun burst through the cloud cover. I was able to hang out all my wet gear which, being ultra light dried while I ate my lunch. The afternoon hike was really nice too. Expansive rhododendron forests and countless mountain streams. The trails, by far the best so far, were really well maintained and because the grade changes were relatively small, made for clear sailing. Tomorrow I will be making a short 6 mile hike into Hampton, TN for resupply, laundry, shower and bunk at one of the 3 local hostels before hitting the trail on Sunday for the 50 mile hike to Damascus, VA.