morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Apparently I am a snorer. My error wasn't so much in snoring as it was falling asleep within 15 seconds and proceeding to snore all night. My breath-right even stuck last night after I polished my nose to an industrial finish. I assure you when I briefly woke up around 1:30 am, it was like a squadron of B-52 bombers was about to take off in the shelter, so cast not the first stone! The majority of non-snorers have relocated to tents as far away from the shelter as they can get.One thing I forgot from yesterday- Rich and Kalil, who I last saw in 3/21 were at Pecks Corner Shelter last night. It's not often you run into faster hikers, so it was a treat to catch up with those guys. Also, we have met Whisperer, not to be confused with Night Whisperer. She is a doctor, possibly retired? We shared a shelter last night and tonight. There was another doctor section hiking for a few days. What a coincidence that 4 out of 5 nights in these remote Smoky Mountains, I have had a doctor within 10 feet of me. The hiking today was memorable. We woke to a bone-chilling coldness that caused us to retract into our sleeping bags. When I started hiking, it was with all the winter gear that I slept in. There was a light dusting of snow, but I think most of it was what had blown off the ice-fogged trees along the mountain ridge.I managed to get just enough water through my Camelbak to take my Claritin before the tube froze over. It was 5 miles to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter before we seemed to get on the warm (non-freezing and sunny) side of the mountain. I got the water thawed, changed out of the winter wear and proceeded on.I filtered about 4 liters of water from a pristine mountain spring. I am becoming a bit of a water snob and prefer the highest non-shelter water sources, to avoid carrying water up mountains, and to minimize the chance of contamination. My health is good, my feet are in good shape, and morale is steady, but I'm really looking forward to a shower at a hostel tomorrow and a break in Hot Springs. 12.6 miles were hiked today: 217.3 (Pecks Corner Shelter) to 229.9 (Cosby Knob Shelter)
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

I woke from another restless shelter night, grateful it was the last in the Smoky Mountains. The Smokies are beautiful, but it is a challenge to make it all the way through. The repetitive cold nights and cold mornings are sapping many people's morale.Today was a relatively easy day, mostly downhill, avoided a couple horses on the trail, possibly doing trail maintenance. We have met a while cast of new hikers as we have skipped Gatlinburg to push for Hot Springs.We crossed over I-40, which is a special milestone for a roadway engineer. It¢s just one more way to measure progress. We caught up with Erin from New York (now ¢Olive Oil¢) who we last saw in Fontana but we¢ve been bumping into for two weeks prior to that. Joker, Buffalo Bill, Pluto and Sacajaweya also made it here to Standing Bear Hostel. We got some trail magic at Davenport Gap from a Sarasota County Fire Department guy doing an annual study of 49 trees as part of a 30 year long study. The pop and chips were very welcome. We made it to Standing Bear Hostel, did laundry (by hand), took hot showers and resupplied. I may weigh 212 pounds if the scale is accurate (25.5 pounds lost). 10.7 miles were hiked today: 229.9 (Cosby Knob Shelter) to 240.6 (Green Corner Road).
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Standing Bear Hostel

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

The Standing Bear Hostel is a one-of-a-kind Appalachian experience. Despite the rumors, the showers were hot, the port-o-pottys were recently serviced, and I had an excessive amount of mountain dew. There weren¢t any freeze dried meals, but there was plenty of other stuff. The rumor is winter storms are supposed to hit Friday night, with temps in the teens, so we are pulling out all the stops to hike 18 miles into Hot Springs tomorrow.Today was a long uphill day. I felt pretty good most of the day and kept pace with Geezer until about 2:00pm this afternoon. The highlight of the day was Max Patch. Unfortunately, it was so windy that I could barely stay on the path. We¢re talking steady 40-50 mph winds with gusts up to 80 mph. I lost my pack cover and chased it down. Fortunately, the wind was less punishing on the side of the Bald and I caught it. I have decided to stay in the shelter tonight. Oh, the views from Max Patch were stunning.15.1 miles were hiked today: 240.6 (Green Corner Road) to 255.7 (Roaring Fork Shelter). 250 Miles!
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another cold front moved in last night. Winter is refusing to go quietly into the night. I was tucked into a corner of the shelter, which mitigated some wind, but not the dropping temperature. We woke this morning with a plan to be out and on our way by 7:30am. We left within ten minutes of that. The hiking today was long. I had my first actual fall about a mile in. The quarter inch of snow had just melted, creating a wet sheen on roots and rocks. This particular area of undulating slopes was more roots than dirt. Despite planting my pole, the network of roots formed a slide which my boot quickly slipped down. Geezer (who was just ahead of me) looked back and called it a 180 face plant. I was sprawled on the ground and fortunately found no injuries. The rest of the day was less eventful. I found that the small basket on the end of my pole was missing, possibly due to the fall. Now it resembles more of a spear ¢ more intimidating, but also sinking a foot deep into the mud. I hiked hard today but couldn¢t catch Geezer. We failed to coordinate our lodging ahead of time, so when I arrived in Hot Springs, I spent a bunch of time calling around to find almost no vacancy, reportedly due to a big yoga convention in town.I climbed back up the hill and found a bunk at the Laughing Heart Hostel. After 18 miles, I was exhausted. I sat in a trance for a while before stumbling into the shower, which felt heavenly. Geezer, Captain Crunch and I went down to the Mountain Diner and ate our fill. A scale here says that I weigh 212 pounds, with a reported over measurement of 4 pounds, which would put me at 208 pounds for an approximate weight loss of 30 pounds. I¢m hoping to put on a few pounds with a weekend zeroing here in Hot Springs, and I can¢t wait for my wife to come visit me tomorrow.18.0 miles were hiked today: 255.7 (Roaring Fork Shelter) to 273.7 (Hot Springs, NC).
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero days are great. My mind had not yet resynced with civilization, so it took me most of the morning to take care of basics like updating a few journal entries, getting breakfast at the diner, resupplying at Dollar General and the Mountain Outfitter, etc. I didn¢t seem to find time for laundry, but I reshowered and used my pocket knife to trim my finger nails and toe nails. Karie, my wife, flew in from Chicago. I showed her the Diner and we checked in at the Mountain Magnolia Inn, after touring the town.Dinner was at the Inn. It was way over-budget, but the Shrimp Risotto was a culinary delight. Perhaps a replica of my experience requires 275 miles of backpacking and deprivation as a prerequisite, but if that is true, I encourage you to do it. My expectations were vastly exceeded. The cold weather has arrived in town, and I am grateful to be indoors. Morale has improved by 25% today due to a visit from my wife, great food, and a great place to stay.0 miles were hiked today (Hot Springs, NC).
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Hot Springs, NC

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

I had my first official double zero today, and it was wonderful, mostly. The down side was that as my wife and I attempted to tour Asheville, NC by rental car, we got a flat tire and suffered the consequences of lowest-bidder car rental roadside assistance service. There was no spare tire in the car, but we spent an hour and a half waiting for Asheville Towing to arrive on site and inform us he wasn¢t authorized to do anything but change an non-existent spare tire. Then the same service said tow truck, only to recall him 20 minutes later to take us to the Asheville Regional Airport to swap vehicles.That finally went smoothly, and we still had enough time to tour downtown Asheville and get a late lunch before returning and checking into the Hot Springs Resort. The couples massage was excellent. We had a great dinner with live music at the Iron Horse Station restaurant. Tentative plans are to get back on the trail tomorrow, fully relaxed, healthy, and at maximum morale. Thank you Hot Springs!Thank you also to Asheville Towing for your excellent service ¢ it was not your fault!0 miles were hiked today (Hot Springs, NC).
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Tanyard Gap Camping
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The only downside of a visit from my wife is that at some point she had to leave. The weekend flew by much too quickly. A lot of logistics were addressed today. All of the items that I requested that required hours of shopping at multiple stores were loaded into the pack, laundry was done, journal entries were made, there was lunch, cheer wine, I've cream, business from home addressed, and then we parted ways. Geezer was at the meet up point, but wasn't ready to go until he went and got some ice cream. We talked to The Count, Patches, Yosamite, and we met Spagnum P.I., who also happened to be hiking out of town and camped in our general area. I also talked to Slinger and Olive Oil as well as Pluto and Sacagawea. Many other familiar faces were in town. We hiked a steep five miles or so, but didn't like the camping spot originally planned, so we're camped just beyond the US 25/70 overpass that Karie and I saw on our way back from Asheville. I forgot that I saw YouTube celebrity "Seven" in town Saturday morning at the diner. He wasn't quite done with coffee, but gave Geezer, Crunch, and me his booth. Cool guy. 5.9 miles were hiked: 273.7 (Hot Springs) to 279.6 (Tanyard Gap).
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Tanyard Gap Camping

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Sleep was great, but we awoke to rain, a steady rain that failed to provide a convenient interval to put away a wet tent. So we packed up our wet tents in the rain and made our way.The rain continued most of the day, until about 1:45pm. The sun came out around 3:00pm. I was fully protected in my rain suit / pack cover / poncho system, but the rain turned much of the trail to mud, and today was a big uphill day. One section of trail was nearly impassable. It featured a mud slope of about 25 to 30 degrees, perpendicular to the direction of travel, sloping off to the steeper mountain slope. Geezer and I found our way along a recently created footpath in the vegetation to the side of the trail - still unstable.We finally made it and found a lot of people at the shelter. Apparently the entire group from yesterday decided not to go out in the rain and zeroed here, so I am tenting.It's a good group of people, including Breezy, a southbound hiker from last year who has come all the way from Maine. She stopped in Erwin over the winter and is now on her way again. 13.7 miles were hiked: 279.6 (Tanyard Gap) to 293.3 (Little Laurel Shelter).
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Another good sleep last night, and no rain! The tent pretty much dried out overnight, so that's a little less weight to carry. I was slow to get started, but Geezer and I got the trail around 8:45, with the classic expectation of an easier than usual day. It was not. The alternative routes should have tipped us off.Portions were strenuous. The ridge on Big Butt mountain was difficult but scenic. Despite the reasonable mileage, I found myself very tired toward the end of the day. I'm going to blame the rock hopping, and the muddy trails.I'm trying out the shelter tonight to try to get an earlier start tomorrow. We are lining up a visit to some of Geezer's friends Friday night. We may be able to resupply quickly and avoid getting lured into an Erwin zero.The privy here is open to the approaching footpath. You roll the dice every time you walk toward it. I think my body is still complaining that it's getting used after my restful weekend. I passed the 300 mile mark today! 13.1 miles were hiked today: 293.3 (Little Laurel Shelter) to 306.4 (Flint Mountain Shelter).
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Flint Mountain

To: Low Gap Camping
Miles today: 14.9

Whatever way you count it, a month had passed since I started my hike. A few broad reflections: I unexpectedly had more knowledge of the trail than a lot of people, thanks to years of reading Trail Journals mainly. The skills that I was most worried about: setting up my tent, where to put my bear canister, how to properly dispose of a fuel canister, etc..., were not that big of a deal. A little practice or theoretical knowledge is good, but things can be figured out as you go too. I am a slower hiker than almost everyone, particularly up hills, but I feel I am around the middle of the pack for people who started when I did because I haven't gotten injured and I have not gotten lured into unplanned series once in town.In summary, my performance this month has exceeded my expectations. It's harder work than I imagined, but also much more rewarding on a daily basis, and I'm doing alright. I'm not setting any records, but I'm keeping my body healthy, and I'm on a respectable pace.Today's hiking was long and hard with a lot of uphills. More wildlife was out today, with chipmunks darting behind trees and crickets so plentiful that sounded like raindrops as they bounced in the leaves and plants to the sides of the trail. There were a couple solid views, but energy was a little low toward the end of the day. I keep comparing my schedule to this theoretical 15 mile per day average, but I'm falling behind that schedule. My body is telling me it needs more time to get up to that speed, so that's the way it's going to be. Safety first. I'm looking forward to a shorter 10 mile hike tomorrow to Spivey Gap where Geezer had coordinated a visit to an old friend. I will tag along and make some new friends.It's a small group here at the camping area tonight, just four of us including Geezer and me. Strategy is the main discussion - where to resupply, how many miles to hike to hit the resupply points, where to stop each night. These are some of the bigger questions we face out here. Weather was great today. I'm hoping a good night's rest restores my energy. Oh- and there were no trash cans at Sam's Gap as indicated in AWOL's guide (It looked like they had been recently removed). 14.9 miles were hiked: 306.4 (Flint Mountain Shelter) to 321.3 (Low Gap Camping).
Date: 2016-04-15
From: Low Gap Camping

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 9.7

I got some good rest last night, despite being on a bit of a severe incline that kept me sliding to the bottom of my tent. The breathe-rights still aren't sticking through the night, but I have changed my strategy to maximize the distance between myself and my fellow hikers.Big Bald was the highlight today. I don't recall hearing much about Big Bald, but the views were on par with those at Max Patch, and the winds were not nearly as severe. It was a shorter day, but three miles from our destination (the nearest cross road), we received trail magic, on the trail itself. Usually trail magic is located near roads, and frequently where the trail passes next to parking areas. A man met us carrying a box of donuts with a shoulder sling of oranges! He had to hike 3 miles in, up a 1067 foot mountain, and down 400 feet to meet us, while carrying a box of donuts.After he met Geezer and me, he said he was done doing trail magic, and hiked back the way he came very quickly. As we enjoyed the oranges he gave us, I contemplated the odds that a mortal man would do such a thing vs. the odds that an actual angel of the Lord would show up in disguise as a thru-hiker from 2007 to make our hike a little better. There are compelling arguments for both conclusions.Also, against all odds, we arrived at Spivey Gap around 2:50pm. Our ride arrived at 2:51pm. Geezer's friend Laura was extremely helpful to us. Despite living 45 minutes away, she picked us up, took us to Wal-Mart and an Outdoor store to resupply. I picked up a two liter of Mountain Dew and a pint of HaagenDaz ice cream to supplement a great dinner of smoked ribs, mashed potato with cheese and bacon, and other delicious sides.Laura and her husband Bart were overwhelmingly hospitable to Geezer and me. Their young daughters and neighbors that came over kept us all entertained. Also, my trail name is a big hit with kids. We have arranged for Laura to take us back where she found us tomorrow morning, well fed and rested - with clean clothes once again. 9.7 miles were hiked today: 321.3 (Low Gap Camping) to 331.0 (Spivey Gap).
Date: 2016-04-16
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

It was a great day. Sleeping in a bed was just as comfortable as I remember. Geezer's friends Laura, Bart, and their daughters Sam and Ashley could not have been more helpful or hospitable.We carb-loaded at Hardees prior to hitting the trail. Laura bought extra cinnamon buns in case we found thru-hikers, and we found Pluto, Sacagawea, Wildfire, and Bees Knees at Spivey Gap. They looked like they just won the lottery, which must be what I look like when I get trail magic.The hiking was a small amount of uphill, but mainly downhill, and the gradually descending type you dream about. We got into Erwin without a real coherent plan. NASCAR has clogged the lodging business in this area, so those of us flying by the seat of our pants are in a group of 30 tents on Uncle Johnny's back lawn.We got a shuttle in to a strip mall area and I somehow found myself eating Mexican food, which I confirmed is still my least favorite food type. We then resupplied at the same Wal-Mart we went to yesterday, but I had nothing I needed. I had a good time hanging out around the fire until bed. 11.1 miles were hiked: 331.0 (Spivey Gap) to 342.1 (Erwin, TN).
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Erwin, TN

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 12.3

I awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and hikers farting. This isn't unexpected when you fill almost every tentable square inch of Uncle Johnny's backyard with tents and hikers. I quickly snuck in a shower before most people woke up, and tried to block out of my mind the vomit in the two sinks. Communal living has its downside.I retracted my firm position with Geezer that I wanted to skip breakfast and start hiking immediately. I knew it was going to take all morning, but teamwork sometimes means you don't get your way. I'm working on my flexibility. Either way, I benefited from a calorie and caffeine boost at the Huddle House.We got back, took down tents, Geezer got more alcohol (for cooking), and we were back hiking by 10:45am. The day was a serious uphill day, but with my breakfast, I felt good all day. I saw and took a photo of a snake today. I believe it's non-venemous, but it was about 20 inches long, and the diameter of my thumb. 10 points to whoever can identify it and tell me how common it is nationally and along the Tennessee/North Carolina border. Also, is it venomous?That reminds me that yesterday while standing around in Uncle Johnny's backyard, I swatted a spider hurriedly off the back of my neck. I had people concerned for my well being until Spagnum P.I., a biologist, examined the spider and declared she was 100% certain it was 0% poisonous. After learning that the spider was missing a couple limbs, people felt more sorry for the spider than the spider attack victim. Thank you Spagnum!It was about a 3000 foot elevation climb today. Beauty Spot Gap was beautiful, and accessible by car, so we had to share the beauty with the locals this time. We are camped just beyond the scenic spot. Geezer has been having some serious pain in his feet, but seems to have worked out a solution with a topical pain reliever. 12.3 miles were hiked today: 342.1 (Erwin, TN) to 354.4 (Camping).
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Camping was a success. The random glass shards strewn around did not pierce my tent or footprint. Thank you Big Agnes!Unaka Mountain was beautiful. We stepped into an alternate universe of sense spruce trees at the highest elevations. We saw The Count and his gang, including Scavenger, who blazed by me on the approach trail, but has been sick and had only recently caught up. I believe it was his dad who took Karie's and my photo at our request under the arch.We received trail magic at Iron Mountain Gap - Yes! I just took a can of coke and let him take my trash, but he had snacks as well.I'm trying a shelter again tonight. I'm commandeering a two-sleeping bag section, and think I'll get a good night's sleep if I can hold it until sundown. We intended to stop at the Greasy Creek Hostel, but there was no road or signage, so we missed it. Apparently we learned that they don't serve dinner there anyway, but Geezer is getting whiny because he hasn't had a soft bed for three days. Watching people hang bear bags, I've decided that the bear cable system is much safer for both bears and humans. 13.9 miles were hiked: 354.4 (camping) to 368.3 (Clyde Smith Shelter).
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

The shelter was as good to me as shelters can be. I was on an upper level area which might fit two cozy and immobile companions, but thankfully only had to fit myself, which had the added bonus of making it difficult to helpfully nudge me when I start snoring. The thin Thermarest did what it could, but near constant rotation was necessary to provide continuous blood flow to all parts of the body.We got an early start at 7:46am. Roan Mountain loomed large ahead of us. It was two miles of pleasant downhill to a minor trail magic of 20 m&m's before ascending 2200 feet over five miles. I missed the shelter at the top where I planned to eat lunch. Somehow I did 10.1 miles all the way over the mountain and down to Carver's Gap in under 5 hours. Thank you trail legs.I even passed a family with college-age daughters (Who were admittedly going slow to wait for their parents). Passing people uphill was rare if not a first. I'm starting to feel like a real hiker.The following balds were scenic. I filtered some water at a pristine stream up the mountain, and I'm tenting outside the barn. People were getting creative with their hammock placements in the barn. I informed them that as an engineer, I couldn't vouch for the lateral strength of the members they were considering. They were still deciding what to do when I decided to tent instead.The big talk around the shelter is the fire that has closed a portion of the trail about two days ahead of us and a bear who ripped apart two unoccupied tents at another shelter (somewhere we're going to pass in the next week). The trail has been rerouted and the bear shelter has been closed. People are taking bear precautions seriously as far as I can tell. However, lots of bear bags are hung from little twig-like branches that would probably break if a bear yanked on the rope.The view at Overmountain Shelter is great. A ton of people stopped here because the shelter is 18 miles away. Geezer and I have a short 9 mile day to a hostel which we are both looking forward to. One bad thing about this shelter is that everything in view, including places to pee. Careful site selection is required for the modest among us. At least it has a privy. I have never been so thankful for a fly-infested unlockable pit toilet as I was at Carver's Gap. All is well, although my waist has lost enough inches that my waist belt is running out of room to tighten. 15.6 miles were hiked: 368.3 (Clyde Smith Shelter) to 383.9 (Overmountain Shelter).