morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Winding Stair Gap , US 4

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

Started the day at an "all you can eat" pancake breakfast at the Franklin Baptist Church. They have been doing this for years and have fed many hungry "thru hikers". God Bless them--what a nice bunch of folks.Caught Ron Haven's nine o'clock shuttle back to the trail and started out about 9:45 and started climbing right away. It was good to be back on the AT. Franklin is a hiker friendly town; we enjoyed our short stay there.The sun was bright all day; but never warmed much. About noon or so, we started the climb up Wayah Bald and I do believe it was about a three hour climb with a couple of pack off breaks for snacks. Finally topped out at the old stone tower where we could se the mountains we will be on for probably ten days or so. What a beautiful view.Finally arrived at our small campsite and at 6:30 everyone is in their bags. It is going to be a cold one tonight.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Woke about 3:00 a.m. to howling winds, lightning, and heavy rain which kept up till about 8:00. On the bright side it did melt the snow. Once again we packed up a heavy wet tent and headed North. The first few miles were what Conductor refers to as gentle miles. Then it was up, up and up Rocky Top Mountain, Once on the summit it was 1200 foot plunge on very muddy trails. Then once again up and away to Wesser Bald where there is a 360 degree view from the tower. We are camping, perhaps, .5 miles down from the top in nice weather for a change. Mentally it is a struggle, but things seem to be working out
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 6.9

Broke camp about 8:30. There was a strange bright object in the sky. Haven't seen the sun in quite a while; so it was a treat to pack up a light dry tent.Made the downhill plunge into the gorge and the first thing we did was have a cheeseburger and fries. Picked up my mail drop that Denise sent me and let me assure you that PaPa Al is not going to starve to death. She is a lot of help and I miss her dearly.Conductor and I have a small plywood room with two bunks, but it seems like heaven.Two signs I'm becoming a hiker. I sat on a bench down by the river and tourists two benches away got up and moved. They were down wind and I may have been a little ripe. The second is I saved two bucks and a climb down the hill by doing my laundry in the shower.In the morning we will get back on the trail with a long climb out of the gorge; so I don't expect we will get too many miles. Three more days till Fontana Dam and a visit from my daughter and niece.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Two words best describe today. Up and Hard. Coming out of the NOC Gorge, it is a seven mile 3000' elevation gain. It took 4 hours and twenty minutes to top out. That is with taking only two ten minute breaks. My old legs held up pretty well to the task. There are lots of hikers here beat from the long climb. Tomorrow we hope to get an early start. Neon has to be at the Fontana Post Office before it closes at 3:45. I am also anxious to get there since my daughter and niece will spend Easter week-end with me. It is costing them plenty to fly out; so I really appreciate it. Of course, they haven't been on a road trip together for awhile so I am sure they will enjoy their trip. Please pray for their safe travel.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.0

Left this morning at 7:16. Hump of the day was over Jacob's Ladder. It was straight up and tough. It really got my attention. Overall, not a bad day; but this old man is tired. Got in the tent at seven o'clock and it started raining. Timing is everything out here. Tomorrow is a 6.8 mile hike into Fontana Dam in the A.M. Then two zero days with my daughter and niece. That will pick me up.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Cody Gap Campsite

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 8.7

Left Cody Gap about 7:20 on Friday. Rained last night; but turned into a beautiful morning. We had a couple of small climbs and only one that really caught my attention. Found some trail magic in a cooler that consisted of donut holes and root beer. Thank you and God Bless. The last downhill into Fontana Dam was long and steep; very sore on my infected toe. It slams into the front of the toe box. I guess I will have to work on it with an axe if it doesn't get better.Got to town and did laundry, showered, and ate everything I could get my hands on. Now, as I have been posting, my daughter and niece came about 9:0 after a long trip from the UP. When they got here I went out to hug, greet, and unload. To my surprise, there sat my granddaughter Alise in a car seat. Words would never express my feelings at seeing her. There is a God. Thank you. Thank you.
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0

Went into Robinville on Saturday morning for breakfast and resupply. Also took a nap with Little Al, while Ahren and Debbie went down the block to get some band aids and ended up in Tennessee. Still miss my wife, but being with family on this blessed weekend has really done wonders for my morale.Zero day today and tomorrow. Will try to go to sunrise service on the hill above the lake. Hope this finds all well on this special week-end. Denise was taking our great grandson Aden a/k/a Little Bud to a community Easter Egg hunt back home. But the report is Bud bailed and preferred the real deal with the Easter Bunny going to his home farm yard; and he opted to play at Knights Kingdom Park where there weren't so many people.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0

Today Conductor and I went with kids to Bryson City for Easter brunch--then a tour of NOC and Natahala River Gorge. Very nice family day. Missed Easter service at my home church; but felt the strong presence of the Lord here in the mountains.Tomorrow the Smokies; a six day tour!
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Fontana Dam

To: Molly Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7

Left the dam at 7:45 this morning. Ahren, Alise, and Debbie dropped us off; then headed to Grandma Bobbie's house. Sorry to see them drive away; but got back in the groove once back on the trail.We had one very beautiful view before the weather set in. Talked to Denise this morning and they got about 4"-5" of snow last night at home. Don't miss the snow; but sure miss her. Once we reached the Molly Ridge Shelter it was cloudy, cold, and very windy. Some people are already in the sack just to stay warm. I will soon join them.Lots of climbing today--about 9 miles. I guess the shelter is in Tennessee, so Papa Al has walked into his third state. The way I understand it, we will be back and forth between North Carolina and Tennessee all the way through the Smokies. I have no signal at this point; so will have to send it out when I catch one.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Molly Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Left shelter about 7:30. This is my first night in a shelter. It was crowded; but glad to be inside. Weather was bad with high winds, heavy rain, and very cold. Kind of a miserable hiking day today. Lots of very steep climbs with fog; then heavy rain in the afternoon. So far the Smokies have been about what I expected with crowded shelters, bad weather, and steep hills. I will be glad to put them behind us.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

A short day today. Tuesday's climb took its toll on these old legs. Conductor and I both feel better. Tomorrow we will climb Clingman's Dome and then move on to Newfound Gap where we will try to hitch a ride into Gatlinburg. The Conductor left Fontana Dam with a new pair of boots that aren't working out so well. Thus he will look for a replacement. A cheeseburger may be in my future.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8

We left the shelter with headlights on at 5:43 under a bright half moon. Our plan was to get to Clingman's Dome Tower for sunrise. The trail is a 3 mile up hill hike, but we made good time. However, as we climbed to the highest elevation on the AT, the clouds rolled in and you could not see your hand in front of you. Oh, well, Denise and I will have to take a ride down there sometime. From there it was about 7.8 miles to Newfound Gap and Highway 441 which is the only road that crosses the Smokies. A Baptist Church had trail magic set up and as I was eating an apple, a donut, and a coke an older fellow came up and asked if we needed a ride to Gatlinburg. He had been a 1990 thru hiker himself. Again, the trail works its wonders.Conductor needed a new pair of boots. He now has the boots and Papa Al's belly is full of ribs and chicken. Will catch the shuttle back to the trail in the AM if the weather holds.Let me mention that last night a 78 year old thru hiker came into camp   Certainly blew the heck out of my old guy act.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Newfound Gap 

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Got a delayed start because the shuttle out of Gatlinburg was late. We left the trailhead about 10:50 under clear skies.The views were stunning today. Charlies Bunion was awesome. Between the view and relatively easy climbs, it was a very good day. Glad to get out of the circus atmosphere of town. We did not see may other thru hikers on the trail; but the shelter is filling up fast. Two Australians and two Germans are in the party. Should be interesting conversations.I took some nice pictures, but will have to wait to send them as the signal is poor.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Crosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9

Before I start today's trek, let me go back to Charlie's Bunion where I did my first yogi act and got my first banana. Maybe I can find a career here.The Northern Half of the Smokies have treated us much better than the first. The weather has been great; the climbs have been long, but the grade is more gentle. Flowers are beginning to bloom in some areas.We left the shelter about 8:00 and arrived here about 2:30. We had a .4 mile hike out of the shelter which does not count for trail mileage. Took a couple of nice pack off breaks with beautiful views. Pushed the pace a bit to see what the legs had and they did okay for a couple of old buggers.Tomorrow we will say Good Bye to the Smokes and that will make PaPa Al happy.I had a two course dinner tonight since it was Sunday. Some of the people we left Springer with have dropped out. The hills have been brutal and for the most part; the weather has not been good. They got to the start and gave it what they had. And for that, they have my admiration.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Crosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7

Left the shelter early with a smile on my face. The end of the Smokies is in sight. Gave Denise a call when I stepped out of the park. It was a big milestone for me. A couple of miles later, we crossed under Interstate 40 and immediately started climbing uphill.We will resupply and stay the night at Standing Bear Hostel. Will be leaving here first thing in the AM heading for Hot Springs, North Carolina. Cell service is very poor through the Smokies.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Heaven's GateI titled today's journal due to the fact that I did so much climbing that I was expecting to see the Heavenly gates just around the corner.The Conductor laid out a plan to put us in Hot Springs in two 15 mile days and the last a Nero at three miles putting us there early on Thursday leaving us enough time to pay a visit to an outfitter. This is our longest day so far. It started out with a five mile climb out of Davenport Gap. Soon after, we came to a clearing with a FAA tower on it which bid us a beautiful 360 degree view. We started out in the rain and it was on and off all day. The climbs kept coming and got steeper. I thought it would get a bit easier after the Smokies, but once again I was wrong.The highlight of the day was crossing our first big bald called Max Patch. It was cloudy and raining as we climbed to the top, but after a few minutes it cleared and the 360 views were again spectacular. I apologize for lack of pictures, but will probably not be able to send any out until we get to town. Not even able to text my bride tonight and it's very frustrating. If Verizon is the best signal, I would sure hate to see what the other ones are like.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs North Carolina
Miles today: 17.4

Taking the tent down in pouring rain was how my day started. As the day progressed, it kept raining harder. We had planned on taking it as far as the last shelter before Hot Springs, but come into town for a motel and hot shower instead. When I got into my room, I thought something really stinks in here; then realized it was me. I now have my backpack exploded with everything hanging all over my room along with my tent. We made a couple of hard climbs today. One was up a bluff mountain where once we topped out the temperature must have dropped 20 degrees. Got off as quick as I could and took refuge in a cave hallway down and ate my lunch.Glad to be in a warm bed. Thank you and God Bless all for prayers and comments.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Hot Springs North Carolina

To: Hot Springs North Carolina
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a rest and will be back on the trail in the AM. But meanwhile, I have some thoughts after a month on the trail.For the most part, the weather in general has not been good; but it will come around. I knew the hills were going to be tough down in this area, but not this grueling. However, on the bright side, I've lost 20 pounds of belly and maybe three out of my pack. Legs and lungs are starting to get a bit in shape. It is really nice to come into Hot Springs--one of a few that the trail runs directly through. At breakfast this morning, there may have been thirty people, and I already knew 25 of them.It has been a real adventure and I am enjoying it, but have been lonesome for my wife and family. Right now I have every intention of hiking all the way to Katahdin. If I see Bill Bryson, Robert Redford, or Nick Nolte on the trail I will let you know. A special shout out to my great grandson Aden a/k/a "Li'l Bud". I am a good way across North Carolina and haven't seen Eustace yet but am in hot pursuit.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Hot Springs North Carolina

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Hiked out of Hot Springs North Carolina and crossed the French Brad River at 9:31 this morning. The climb to get out was very pretty and offered many view of Hot Springs and the river as we climbed the switchbacks. Some gentle miles followed for a while; but once we crossed the highway we made a hard 1500 foot climb and several smaller ones. The weather was beautiful--sunny and 70 degrees. I have a feeling we will be paying for that soon enough.Once to my destination, I set up my tent and ate some Mac and Cheese and Cheetos and hit the sack at 6:30. Life on the trail has settled into a routine. All day you hike pretty much alone. At night, everyone gathers at the shelter areas. In the future, I may try to do a little more stealth camping. The crowds are getting old. I forgot to mention I took a short side trail to Rich Mountain Fire Tower. The 360 views were impressive.
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jones Meadow
Miles today: 10.7

We got a late 8:00 start from the shelter; but it was a relatively easy start. However, when we reached the highway, the whole easy thing went away. There is a little store here in Allen' Gap called Ma's. It is a little rustic. Actually it was on the dark side of rustic. But to this wannabe thru hiker, it was a little bit of heaven. I indulged in a sweet roll, chips, and coffee for $4.00 even. Got back on the trail and started a 2500 foot climb. The last mile rose 1000 feet in one mile which is breath sucking steep.We are now stealth camping with a beautiful spring on one side and a creek on the other. I even got to clean up a bit. Life is good. Nine more days and my wife will be out to plug the hole in my heart. Still the absolute hardest part of this hike is being away from her and the family. But Lord willing, I intend to walk to Maine.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Jones Meadow

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: moderate rain

Got an early start at 7:30. My pack was heavy with a wet tent and a full water bladder. The immediate first small uphill went well until we hit a junction in the trail. There was a sign with a Blue Bypass Trail for bad weather to get around the rocky exposed ridge. Since we thought the weather was just inclement and we did not want to skip any white blazes--up we went. It was a real scramble all the way with more than a couple of places a fall would have been very bad news. Also, at this time the weather took a bad turn with heavy rains and strong winds.   At about a mile or a mile and a half, we came down where the blue bypass came in.Our plan was to hike a mile past the shelter and tent for the night. This changed with the heavy rains and winds. We are in the shelter fed and in the sack at 5:16 with 36 miles to go to reach Erwin.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

We woke up early. All the stars were out so after yesterday, we hoped to have a rain free day. Conductor and I hit the trail about 7:00. He had to stop for water; but I kept going. Since I had service, I called Denise and mentioned what a nice day it was. About 15 minutes later, the sky darkened like you hit a switch and the wind picked up with a wretched force   This lasted about one half hour; then quit. The weather was pleasant for the rest of the hike.One or two major climbs today with some awesome views. We trekked up one holler some distance and came upon a small fenced two plot grave yard. A little further down the trail were the remains of two small cabins. After we crossed US23 and started back in the woods, I noticed a plastic bag, but didn't think much of it. A little later I was sitting part way up the climb. A short time later, along comes Conductor. He had stopped and retrieved the last apple out of that trail magic bag. Papa Al is going to have to be more vigilant in the future.
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Left Low Gap after a very windy rainy night. My guess would be temperatures were in the high thirties. We climbed for about two hours or so before we reached the summit of Big Bald. This is a clear grassy area with a 360 awesome view. We did not spend much time up there as it was just too windy and cold.The rest of the day was up and with a couple more good climbs. The weather was sunny and cool temperatures--perfect for hiking.We have been out for five nights now. Tomorrow will put us in Erwin Tennessee where we will shower, resupply, and hopefully get a couple of meals of town food. Wearing the same clothes and not showering for six days is all part of the adventure, but I can hardly stand myself. We try to clean up when we have creek access; but the way the weather has been it is not easy.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Uncle Johnies Hostel
Miles today: 6.2

We left the shelter at 7:30. The miles were short and all down hill to Erwin, Tennessee and Uncle Johnnies Hostel where Conductor and I rented a cabin. After six days in the mountains, a long 20 minute shower may have been the best I ever had. Then it was off to town to an "ayce: (all you can eat) pizza and salad bar. I don't believe they made any money off this old boy.Tonight we shuttle back to town for Italian and Walmart. It is almost unbelievable how much I can eat and am still losing weight.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Uncle Johnies Hostel

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 20.1

We decided to do our first slack pack of the hike. The shuttle from Uncle Johnny's Hostel dropped us off at Iron Mountain Gap so that we could hike the 20 miles back to the hostel. I only had about 12 pounds on my back; so actually felt like a kid again. Our climb of the day was over Unaka Mountain, but coming at it North to South thus making the climb much more gradual. The temperature at the start was about thirty degrees with brisk northwest winds. Gloves and jackets or coats were definitely in order. The sun was out all day which is a rare occupancy these days. Three more days and my wife will be down with a couple of our friends. Conductor's wife is coming the latter part of the week; so we will do a little hiking and a bit of R&R.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Ash Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.3

Before I start on today's hike, let me cover something I missed from yesterday's southbound hike. We got to see three members of our original trail family from Hawk Mountain Shelter. About one mile into the hike, here comes Honey Britches whom we have not seen since Fontana Dam. The reunion was great; but her dog was not with her. She could not withstand the rigors of the hike; thus her family picked her up.As we hiked on another four miles, we caught up to Fair Enough and Sputnik. Another happy reunion!Today's hike began with a shuttle back out to Iron Mountain Gap where we once again headed north. The climb was short but cold with frost. We did not, however, have the winds of yesterday and it warmed up to a very nice day. We are throttling back a bit in order to meet my wife on Sunday. Today's major climb is Roan Mountain at about 6200 feet. We are camped about two miles below the summit so will have a good bit of downhill hiking tomorrow after a short climb. With the sun out all day, we were treated to some beautiful views.The legs seem to be dialing in nice. But when I weighed my back pack this morning before leaving Uncle Johnny's Hostel, it was 34.5 pounds. That consists of 3 days food and water. I would like to get that down to 30 or so. The only way to do that is to buy some new equipment which I am reluctant to do; but may have to.
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Ash Gap Campsite

To: Overton Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.2

Trail JournalsDay 41Ash Gap Campsite to Overton Mountain Shelter9.2 miles Got tent down and packed so that was a blessing. Hit the trail and finished the hike up to the summit of Roan Mountain. At the top is a site from a old hotel site years ago, also down the trail a bit is the log cabin shelter.Then the rain really started, we took cover under the outhouse roof at Carter gap. When it became apparent the wind and rain was not going to let up we headed over the next two bands, that was a mistake. It was raining with wind so strong you had to use your poles just to stand up.We are presently in the Overton Mountain shelter. It's a old barn converted to shelter, a lil bit of heaven.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: US 19E

To: Walnut mountain Road
Miles today: 10.4

Before I start with today's hike let me mention how much my wife and enjoyed our stay at the Mountain Harbour B & B and hostel. The owners really made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Breakfast on Monday morning was the best I have had since leaving home in March. Highly recommend it.Monday was a zero day that wife and I spent the day together. Tuesday morning she took me out to the AT crossing at Walnut Mountain Road and I slack packed back to highway 19E. Without the 35 pound pack I was able to run a lot of it so didn't take long to finish the 10.4 miles, felt good to run bit like my old ultra running days.While I was on trail my wife and two friends Pam and Pat dispensed trail magic. First at Carber Gap, then at highway 19E.Broke 400 miles today so lil by lil were gaining on it.