morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 15.8

We spent last night at the campground in Hot Springs. We had a great time around the fire with Valerie and the rest of the A Team. Our campsites wer across from one another. We also had visitors - 2 people who had hiked the trail in a previous and their dog. It was really interesting to talk with them.After breakfast this morning at the Smoky Mountain Diner, I started up the trail toward Lover's Leap. That was only the beginning of my day of climbs. - many of them today. Hiking up to Tanyard Gap to meet Tagalong I was unexpectedly surprised to come upon a spring-fed pond. There were even 2 benches there to sit on and gaze at the water lapping up on the shore, It was so tranquil, so I sat there for about 10 minutes before moving on. Before reaching Tanyard Gap, I ran into the 2 section hikers that I had leapfrogged with yesterday out of Lemon Gap, as well as Smiling Mike and Tree and their hiking entourage. We had a nice chat. When I reached Tagalong I rested for about a hour with him - not sure if that was good or bad.From there it was up, up and up some more. Around 1, I met up with Lighthouse who is crom Scotland. He and I hiked together until Spring Mountain Shelter. Together, we huffed and puffed up those mountains! I left the shelter after signing the log, around 3:00 and after yes, some more climbs and then a huge downhill (thank goodness) I met Tagalaong at Allen Gap around 4:45.By the way, Rhododendrons must be pretty resilient. While they looked really bad after the 2 hard frosts this week, they seem to have sprung back to life and are looking good again. An interesting aspect of today' s hike were the 2 gravestones along the trail. Also met a group of day hikers who were looking for edible and medicinal plants - I tried a plan t that tastes like mustard greens - pretty good, actually.From Allen Gap, we drove up to Hemlock Hollow Hostel, where we had supper - yum! And then we decided to stay there for the night as well - really nice cabin! So after dinner, I got back on the trail and hiked south back to Allen Gap 1.5 miles to finish up my day.A great day - but exhausting. The temp also got up into the 80's which I am sure added to my fatigue. Early to bed tonight, as the morning begins with a really big climb. Will add pics when I get to Erwin, no way to do it out here. No cell service, and certainly no WI-FI.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel

To: Devil's Fork Gap
Miles today: 18.7

We enjoyed our stay so much at Hemlock Hollow Hostel.   The owners are just so friendly and welcoming - plus hot showers and a comfy bed. What more could a person ask for?   I changed my mind this morning and ate breakfast there as well.   Today's hike began with a 2400 ft climb.   Took a short break at Little Laurel Shelter.   Lighthouse had left 10 minutes earlier.   I caught up with him later at Jerry Cabin.But first there was the climb up and over Firescald Knob. It was 1.6 miles of rock climbing up. and down.   But it was well worth it - 360 degree views!   Took a break at the summit. By then it was well over 80 degrees, so I baked in the sun for awhile.Moving on as I had a lot of miles to cover, I re-entered the forest area, and made my way to a spring to filter water. I drank over 5 liters of water today! It was hot! I made it to Jerry Cabin (a shelter) around 2 and there I caught up with Lighthouse. We were both beat by the heat, so I stayed there an hour to rest, and again get water. He pulled out just as I was treating my water, and another hiker with a dog came in. They were both in need of water, so I directed him to the spring. The really good thing about spring water is that it is usually cold, which makes it all the more refreshing. I set off again as I still had over 8 miles to cover. After several more climbs, the trail went onto an old roadbed - and it was a very rocky downhill for a few miles. I was glad when the trail returned to a forested glen area. Saw bright colors in the distance and thought I had come upon another hiker taking a break. Not so. It was the Shelton gravesite, and the color was flowers. There were several gravestones along the trail today.From there, the trail returned to the forest and the descent began. Met up again with Lighthouse at Flint Gap. I followed him UPHILL into Flint Mountain Shelter, where we took a short rest and set out again. Even though we crossed two more springs, I had enough water so did not stop. The temperature was staring to cool as the sun sank lower in the sky, plus the forest cover helped as well. The last 3 miles were pretty much downhill on ridgelines with the exception of a few small UPS. In the last mile, things got a little interesting as the trail did not follow the trail guide. But, I figured as long as I kept following the white blazes, I would be OK - and I was. Since the trail guide was off, I was surprised when I rounded a bend and saw Tagalong across the road. But it was great to see him - my feet were tired. Talked with Lighthouse who was sitting on the stile across the road a bit, and then we parted, thinking that we will see one another on the AT tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Devil's Fork Gap

To: Sams Gap
Miles today: 8.5

The morning started out warm - it was already 67 when I began hiking,a nd it was early. Within the first 15 minutes, all of a sudden I felt a gentle nudge on my leg - kind of scared me. Not to be frightened, it was someone's hunting beagle who took a liking to me. She and I continued to stroll north and upward (1600 ft climb) on the AT, with her usually in front of me, and stopping to check if I was OK. Haha!! After about a mile, I looked at her collar which had her owner's name and telephone - tried to call him but no answer. So we walked on.As I ascended into the lush green forest area, with many springs and streams, the temperature cooled about 15 degrees which was wonderful. The dog stayed with me for about 2 miles, and then headed back south - so I figure she must do this regularly with hikers. She was good company for awhile, and my only company on the trail today. Soon I came upon a beautiful waterfall and could have sat there for hours listening to the tumbling of the water over the rocks. While the lush vegetation was beautiful, poison ivy is rampant on the trail now, so I really have to be careful. Two outbreaks have been more than enough for me. Even though it is so warm, it is why I am wearing long pants.Midway through the hike, the terrain and vegetation changed to typical dry trail with brown leaves from last Fall. It remained that way for the remainder of the hike. The temperature got warmer as well. There were lots of ups and downs - I guess I am just getting used to them now. The beauty of the first half of the hike sustained me through the elevation changes later.It was a short hike today - only 8.5 miles, by design. My feet were pretty sore last night, so I have decided to do lighter hikes for a couple of days. Only about 22 miles south of Erwin, TN now.I have been asked about this Tennessee, North Carolina thing. One day, I will tell you I am in NC, and then later TN. Well, the AT runs along the border of both states - literally, Som your left foot may actually be in Tennessee, while your right one is in North Carolina. Makes life interesting!
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Sams Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

This morning it was a little cooler and remained that way throughout the day. Never did put on a jacket and at times, I was a little chilled, but as soon as I started hiking again, I was fine.The hike up the first ascent went well, with lots of green foliage in the forest. A ways into the second ascent, I could see Big Bald way up there, and all I could think was - whoa< I hope I can make it! I crossed a couple of springs on the way, and the climb was tough, but soon I was up there. I had also been watching the weather, and trying to make it across the bald before the rain came. Nothing like being on an exposed ridge during a rainstorm! On the way up I met a couple (Detour and PacMan) who were section hikers hiking south to Sams Gap, where I had started my day. They have been section hiking the AT for 20 years and have 312 miles left to do. They hope to finish in 2 or 3 years. They were really interesting to chat with.Made a brief stop at Bald Mountain Shelter, and then got back on the trail. The rain had not started yet, but I knew it would not be long, plus I still had to climb Little Bald and get over it. From there, it was downhill for several miles, which is my favorite. Although tough on the feet and knees, I really enjoy the downs. I took a little break at Whistling Gap with some other hikers, and then made my way up to High Rocks. And they were massive! The trail down from them was rocks and boulders but soon the regular trail surface resumed.I had misread the Guide so I was thinking Spivey Gap should be coming up quickly, and was worried that somehow I had missed a turn and Tagalong. My more immediate worry though was when the rain began, so I hauled out the tarp poncho in short order to keep dry. Rain lasted for around 10 minutes and stopped. I waited a while, and then put away the rain gear. 15 minutes later, the rain started up again, so out came the rain gear for the second time. When the rain stopped, I decided to keep the gear on anyway since it would probably not be for long. I met up with another hiker who was filtering water at a stream and just beyond it was Tagalong waiting for me.As I approached him, he said, "So, are you going to keep hiking and finish up into town today?" I looked at him and replied that I was done for the day. A few seconds later there was a loud clap of thunder and the rain came down again. He looked at me and admitted that he thought my instincts were correct. Hmmmmm..... I may be hiking in the rain tomorrow, but I am going to look for a window, and at least I will be fresh, rather than at the end of my day!!The AT is amazing as well as all of the people you meet along the way!
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Spivey Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Ended up zeroing today in Erwin. By the time the weather cleared, it was too late for me to hike down into Erwin as I had a conference call at 7 PM. So it was a day of rest and ran some errands. Ate at the Choo-Choo Cafe in Erwin - very, very good.Back to the trail in the morning!
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Spivey Gap

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: scattered clouds

A magnificent hiking day today, despite my two falls. Yes, not once, but twice.The weather called for sun today - wasn't so sure about that when I started my hike. Driving up the mountain to Spivey Gap, fog that looked like smoke was eerily rising from the mountains. It almost looked like Indian smoke signals! As I stepped onto the trail at Spivey Gap, the fog hung low in the trees, and everything was wet and dripping from the rain of the last two days. I quickly found out just how slippery it was about 1/2 mile in. I slipped on a rock crossing a stream and went for a real ride landing on my left shoulder. One trekking pole went down into the stream, while the other had shot up the trail - how that happened, I have no idea. My shoulder ached all the way into Erwin.Around 10:00 the sun came out, and things started to dry off some. But I was wary from my earlier fall, so I took it easy. I took my first break at No Business Knob Shelter, but everyone had cleared out. I guess the call of town and town food made for an early start for those who had stayed there the night before. Soon, I was on my way, as I was anxious to complete the next 6 miles as well. I ran into a section hiker (lady) who had hiked most ofcouple the Trail over the previous 10 years - all in sections. She was headed up to the shelter and back down into Erwin. We chatted for a while and then parted company. Within the last mile or so, there was a clear view of the Nolichucky River Bridge from above - I was closing in on Erwin. I then ran into LadyFish again and her sister. I had not seen her since near Max Patch Road. We all hiked together into Erwin. It was great to reconnect.Tagalong and I decided to do a quick lunch in town, and then I made the decision to flipflop my hike for the rest of the day, meaning I would hike south instead of north. We drove up to Indian Grave Gap and I began the 9-mile hike back down into Erwin.The first couple of miles were a climb for me, but after that it was all downhill - yes!! Of course, in the first two miles, I managed to slip on a rock and root system, and fell on my left knee. I dusted off and kept walking. Somehow the second fall seemed to jar my left shoulder back into place! Who says two wrongs don't make a right?From there it was all downhill into Erwin - yes! I was soon at Curley Maple Gap Shelter where I ran into Ivanich. We had not seen each other since Fontana Dam. The trail from there was nothing short of amazing. A rushing stream paralled the trail all the way into Erwin. The sound of the cascades was simply mesmerizing, and the miles melted away. I heard someone say, "am I seeing a mirage?" and it was Ladyfish and her sister hiking north. They were certainly surprised to see me hiking south! I crossed that wonderful stream six times on the way down - five with footbridges, and the last time rock-hopping where there really should have been a footbridge. My hike ended with the crossing of the Nolichucky River - a truly magnificent day.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

The morning started out well, with the hike up over Beauty Spot and on to Unaka Mountain. The climb up the latter was doable, but tough. On the ascent I met up with Don't Wait and Firecracker and we discussed the UP for a bit. Misery loves company!! When I was almost to the summit, I met a couple of what I thought were hikers coming down the mountain. I shared that I was envious of their position - but as it turns out, they work for the NC Natural Wildlife Resource Association and were doing a wildlife study. Nice people.I was soon after on the summit of Unaka Mountain and in the midst of a dark, dense spruce forest. It smelled like Christmas! However, I really had to keep my eyes on the blazes due to the darkness. It was nice to walk on a pine-needle padded trail, though. I wound my way down the mountain and started back up again toward the shelter. I took a quick break at the shelter. From here, the day took a wrong turn.I had reviewed my trail guide at the shelter, and thought that I had secured it in my pocket. Evidently not. I always check 2 or 3 times to make sure the zipper is closed. Well, by the time I went over the next ascent and hiked the 3 miles to Iron Mountain Gap, I realized I had - NO MAPS. What was worse was that I had all of the guide through Damascus in that baggie. I met Tagalong at the Gap and said I would wait for hikers behind me to come out, and hopefully one of them would bring them out with them. No such luck. Two sets of hikers had seen them on the trail, but left them there. I found out that they were just north of the shelter on the trail, meaning I would have to hike back 3 miles to get them, and 3 miles out again. I don't think so. I have the 2011 AT Guide - which I will use, only the mileages are off. I think I am more upset with myself, than anything else.So we decided to take a ride up the road, and I thought of hiking back south to the Gap. However, some very dark clouds were starting to form, and I checked the weather, and it appears we are in store for thunderstorms tomorrow and possibly Sunday. Coupled with the loss of the maps, I was in no mood to hike further today. So, it was a short day - hike your own hike, right?I am going to zero until the lighning is out of the way! The shower is calling me!!
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 14.8

What a day! It rained most of the day and never got above 42 degrees.   Had to keep hiking just to try to stay warm.Had a little wildlife on the trail today.   First a rabbit hopping down the trail in front of me, and then later I came across a Red Eft, a type of newt.   Really neat! I also hiked up onto an elevation where the Cloudland Hotel once stood.   It was a luxury hotel where the rich and famous used to vacation.    Just beyond that area was the remnant of an old chimney.   It was right next to the trail.When I finished today, I was pretty much mud - head to toe!   And I was cold. So happy to see Tagalong!And even better, there was trail magic at Carvers Gap!   Hot dogs and fruit and trail mix and tomato soup. It was wonderful.   Thank you to the church group from Bakersville who weathered the cold, rain, and snow to help hikers.It was so cold and snowing that we decided not to stay at the Gap. Accumulation expected tonight. So we are staying at the Roan.Mountain B & B tonight. This place is amazing, and the owners are so nice. Brought All Smiles and Skeeter down with us. So we are all out of the weather and nice and warm. May hike at a lower elevation tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Roan Mountain, TN

To: Walnut Mountain Rd
Miles today: 10.1

Okay - so I wimped out today. I admit it. We decided to hike at a lower elevation today due to the snow last night and today. Well, snow and cold were not to be avoided although it could have been worse.We had planned to hike from Roan Mountain, TN (the town) to Dennis Cove Rd. Well, I may have been overdressed for the cold, as my underlayers soon were damp as was my down jacket.It was really snowing in the higher elevations, but far better than where we would have hiked out of Carvers Gap. Branden hiked on ahead, and All Smiles stayed with me. When we got to Mountaineer Shelter, I told him to go on, as Tagalong was planning to meet me at Walnut Mountain Rd anyway. I usually hike around 2.5 miles per hour unless there are lots of downhills. Well, we were hiking at about 3 mph, and I could tell that I was holding Mike back. So we split up there at the shelter.I actually got to Walnut Mountain Rd quicker than I thought, and had warmed up a little, but was still shaking - even my down jacket was damp. As it turns out, Tagalong had provided both Mike and Branden with hot chocolate to continue down the trail. We are picking them up at Dennis Cove Rd. late this afternoon. I know they will make it - they were trucking.Think I could have done it, if I had not been chilled and/or had hiked at my own pace. But, it was great hiking with Mike, as we have similar backgrounds. Really enjoyed our conversation.Back to the Roan Mountain B&B tonight for a nice stay and a warm shower! Tomorrow is still going to be cool/cold but it is supposed to be sunny - yay!!
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Carvers Gap

To: Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Stayed at Roan Mountain B&B again last night. They are such amazing people - even baked us fresh cookies and made tea for us! We left around 8 this morning and headed up to Carvers Gap again. It had been around 30 last night in Roan Mountain so we knew it would be cold - and it was. Carvers Gap is at 5500 ft and when we started up the trail, I started to have second thoughts about hiking the highlands. There was plenty of snow and the wind was fierce - nearly blowing me over. However, we quickly trudged through the snow up to Jane Bald and were soon at the summit. The views were wonderful!!From there we headed to the 2 shelters up the trail - Stan Murray and Overmountain. At the first shelter, there were hikers who had pitched their tent - inside the shelter!! They were just waking up, but we took our break there anyway. Then it was a beautiful hike to Overmountain Shelter - a converted red barn that sleeps around 20, set in a mountainside meadow - so picturesque. We decided to enjoy the vistas and eat our lunch there. I was hiking with All Smiles again today - Branden had hiked on ahead of us (that's okay, he's young!). We were just enjoying the scenery.Then we continued UP - for miles, first over Little Hump Mountain and then Hump Mountain, which was even bigger. Of course, there was a valley in between them! The hike up Hump had a lot of false summits, but we finally made it to the top. We looked like drunken sailors hiking up there as the morning winds seemed tame in comparison to the ones we were now experiencing. Not sure which was worse - the climb or the wind. All I know is that it was really hard to remain upright - darn near got blown off the mountain!Once we summited, the descent began - first over some really rocky terrain - boulder hopping again - and then the trail settled into regular rooty and sometimes smoother trail again. This is when the snow began - and at one point - it was snowing pellets and pretty heavily. As we descended lower, it began a mixture of sleet and finally raindrops. The forest was lush and green at the last. Such a mixture of terrain today - and SO glad we chose today to complete this section we had skipped on Monday.Staying at the Black Bear hostel tonight - really nice. Today was a great day and hopefully tomorrow will be too!
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Walnut Mountain Rd

To: Dennis Cove Rd
Miles today: 14.3

Before I forget, there was another milestone yesterday. I officially left North Carolina at Doll Flats (about 2.5 miles before the end of my hike) and am now in Tennessee until I reach Virginia. So - 2 states down - yay!!I started a little later this morning - around 9 - as it was still raining at 7:30. Went back up to Walnut Mountain Rd to finish up that section, and now I am all caught up and back on track again. The rain had stopped by the time I got up there, so the debate was weather or not to don rain gear. I decided not to, and was glad I made that decision. After a couple of hours, the sun came out and the day turned out beautifully.Within the first few miles, I came across a memorial bench on the trail for hikers to rest and take in the view. The fog was rising out of the valley in the distance, making for a Kodak moment - see photos. After a brief rest, I got back on the trail and continued my hike. Everything smelled so fresh after the rain and snow. The trail was a little muddy in a few places, but not nearly as bad as it had been the past couple of days. Ad the day went on, it dried out more.I came across a few hikers who had stealth camped the night before - Precious, Tater Tot, Gribley, etc. Spent a few moments chatting with them and then moved on. Gribley and I hiked together to Moreland Gap Shelter. I have to say that it is the WORST shelter I have encountered on the trail yet. It is made out of cinder block, which makes it naturally cold, and faces the wind!! There would be no staying warm in this shelter at night!There were lots of ups and downs in today's hike, but it was not bad. I just flowed along on the trail and enjoyed the scenery. There was plenty of water flowing in the streams that crossed the trail. Hardcore Cascades were just breathtaking. At one point, a stream actually was the trail. Toward the end, I came across a beautiful old barn right next to the trail. It certainly made my day. Finished up at Dennis Cove Rd for a decent 14.3 miles by mid-afternoon.We will see what tomorrow's forecast brings.