morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was me and Julie's second wedding anniversary. I spent a great deal of the day thinking about her and how awesome she is for supporting me on this journey. This morning began with biscuits and sausage gravy overlooking the Nantahala. Tack on two cups of coffee and you've got a great breakfast. Shortly after would begin the start of a 16 mile day, eight miles down the Nantahala and eight miles on the AT. Me and three other hikers went on an eight mile "Duckie Run" down the Nantahala through class II and class III rapids. Talk about an exhilarating way to start out your day. The water was bitter cold, as I found out first hand, but the scenery was absolutely beautiful. The trip ended with Nantahala Falls, a set of class III rapids that I wish I could take on every day. After a quick lunch and weighing my pack at the NOC, 27 lbs, I set back to walking the trail. Eight miles of trail, almost all uphill from the NOC at 1749 ft to Cheoah Bald at 5062 ft. To say that it was a grueling trek would be an understatement. I made camp on the summit of Cheoah with several other thru hikers and had a great evening. We watched thunderstorms roll by to the north of us in the Smokies. After a brief period of rain we were able to catch a great sunset from the bald. The hammock is a great way to end my day. Thanks again Julie.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

The condensation was heavy and the air was thick this morning. It's always fun to wake up and have both sides of your tarp wet. Today, for whatever reason, was much more challenging mentally than it was physically. I never could put my finger on it though. The trail down from Cheoah Bald was not terribly difficult, but as it approached lunchtime I was as hungry as I have been on the trail yet. Just as I was planning the massive lunch I was to eat, I could see down below me in Stecoah Gap the road, coolers, then a massive spread and happy hikers congregating around it all. Trail magic, at just the perfect time. I had 3 of everything when I arrived. But the best part was when I opened the drink cooler, there sat Mountain Dew, the glow of which almost blinded me. I grabbed one, guzzled it down, and was happy once again. A mile out of the gap "Jacob's Ladder" was set to begin, a nasty, arduous climb straight uphill. It covered 600 feet of elevation gain in a little over a half of a mile. It's not that bad on paper but it is brutal when you have to hike up it. The trail was relatively easy the rest of the day where the biggest challenge was dodging thunderstorms. A ridge line is no place to be when lightning starts popping. I pushed on to Cable Gap Shelter which was situated in a nice gap with plentiful streams and camping areas. I braced for a downpour that never arrived, although it threatened. Lovely to fall asleep to the trickle of a stream.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Lodge
Miles today: 6.6

I took my time packing up camp this morning which was pleasant. With only around 6 miles to Fontana Dam I was in no real hurry. I was pretty amazed at the size of both Fontana Lake and Dam once I caught a glimpse of them from the ridge line. Quite the engineering marvel. During the hike down, spring emerged. The lower elevations are coming alive, the trees are putting on leaves, flowers are blooming, and the birds are singing. It's funny because the mountain tops and ridge lines are still in winter mode, visually anyways. I made it as far as the Fontana Dam Shelter (Fontana Hilton) when I caught a ride into Fontana Village. We were 9 deep in a minivan, 7 packs and 7 sets of hiking poles. I can't say that it smelled good in there. Once in the village I was able to acquire a bite to eat and a hotel room for the night. It is definitely nice to get a shower and sleep in a bed. I won't complain about that. I enter the smokies tomorrow and will be meeting my buddy Daniel at Newfound Gap in a few days. From there I will hit up Gatlinburg, resupply, and update the journal.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Fontana Dam Lodge

To: Mollies Field Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

This morning I had to wait out a storm front that was passing through. I had no qualms about this because if I have a choice between being cold and wet or warm and dry, well, you know the answer to that decision. I had lunch and resupplied at Fontana Village and by around 2 pm the front had rolled out, only clouds lingered. I was fortunate enough to be offered a ride back to exactly where I left off on the trail, the Fontana Hilton. I was soon walking across the largest dam east of the Mississippi, Fontana Dam. You'd have to see it for yourself, but this is the biggest slab of concrete I have ever seen. The dam and the adjacent village has a very interesting history that I suggest looking into. The views of Fontana Lake and the surrounding mountains were incredible. Before long I was headed into the Smoky Mountains. It is amazing just how quiet these woods are. When I wasn't exposed to the fierce winds rolling in behind the storm front I could have heard a pin drop in the forest. This is without a doubt the most pristine, unmolested stretch of mountains that I have yet to pass through. The temperature dropped rapidly as the day progressed and by the time I reached Mollies Field Shelter it was (insert appropriate expletive here) cold. I put on nearly all of my clothes, put up my hammock, and braced for what was a forecast low of 28 degrees at higher elevations (that's me). I wasn't too worried, however, because if I didn't think I was prepared for it, I wouldn't be out here at all. Also, I reached my third state today, Tennessee. The AT straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee throughout the Smokies.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Mollies Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

I awoke this morning to absolutely freezing temperatures. I was warm, aside from my pitiful toes. The ground was frozen, there was ice on my tarp, my water bottle was frozen solid, and I even had a pair of socks frozen solid in my pack. Poor socks. I can only imagine what those who started weeks before me have been enduring. The wind that howled all night would continue to do so throughout the day and it never really warmed up because of it. I kept my jacket on all day, even through some tough ascents. I have heard that Georgia was just training for the Smokies and I believe it. What then, pray tell, are the Smokies training for? A few miles into today's trek I noticed ice in the trees on Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mountain. I bet that ice is still there tonight. The summit of Rocky Top allowed you to see for miles upon miles. I can't say that I like the song, but I can see why there is one. From Rocky Top I could see Fontana Dam, Gatlinburg, and Clingmans Dome, which towers above everything in this great park. I look forward to summiting it tomorrow, especially since clear skies are forecast. I am still hanging in there mentally. I took a good 45 minute break on a random log along the trail today to snack and allow my mind to wander. It goes all over the place out here. My appetite seems to be growing by the minute, I must've consumed half of my food bag once I reached Derrick Knob Shelter. The wind has calmed a bit this evening but it is supposed to be another cold one. Gonna hunker down.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5

It was a little warmer this morning, above freezing at least. As I was packing my bag and preparing to break camp, along came three deer, two does and a fawn. They were pretty busy feasting upon the low growing vegetation and flowers surrounding me and barely paid me any mind. So I sat there and shared my breakfast with these three deer, amazed at how they stayed within 20 feet of me and were not bothered by me in the least. Another five or six miles into the day, I'm just trucking along and here comes a turkey across the trail. And not just any turkey either, but a huge Tom. He was carrying a pretty good pace and I was unable to get a good picture of him unfortunately. So today was animal day for me. Where 17 days had passed not having seen more than birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and bear scat, I had now seen three deer and a turkey within a few hours. I was waiting to see a bear next, but he never showed himself. On the way up to Clingmans the forest changed from hardwoods to evergreens at the drop of a hat. It was quite a stark contrast in scenery. Upon reaching Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6655 ft, I was rewarded with clear skies and 100 mile sight lines. Being a Sunday, there were plenty of tourists huffing and puffing, complaining about the 0.5 mile walk up a paved path from the parking lot. I had walked 200 miles to get here and drew great enjoyment from their complaining. It was a pleasant walk down from Clingmans through more evergreen forest. I found myself at Mt Collins Shelter and set up my hammock in a nice thicket of evergreens, the perfect wind block. I'm gonna sleep without my tarp tonight to enjoy the moonlight and save myself some time in the morning. I still have another 4.5 miles to go until Newfound Gap where Coop should be meeting me at around 11 am. I am looking forward to hanging with him. Hmm, no tarp, I hope it doesn't rain...On Friday I was at an elevation of 1700 ft, today (Sunday) I had reached an elevation of 6655 ft. That's a lot of uphill.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5

I got an early start on the trail this morning, possibly the earliest yet at 7:30. The first to leave the shelter, I was to be the web breaker this morning. Now there aren't that many spider webs out at this time of year, but they're there, annoyingly so. I booked it down the trail to Newfound Gap to meet Becca and Daniel. They showed up shortly after I arrived and it was great to see someone that I actually knew. We headed down the winding road that is 441 through the Smokies, ears popping the entire way from elevation change. Now I've been to Gatlinburg before, quite a few times actually, but it was strikingly more modern this time around. It is still the same old tourist trap, however, and Daniel was not the least bit amused. We walked down the strip and had a good laugh at all of the "attractions." They were nice enough to take me to a laundry mat to wash my clothes and a grocery store for a resupply. The laundry mat is not a fun place to be, as I'm sure everyone agrees. Most of them are nasty at best, the people inside are usually your run of the mill undesirables, and the machines love to take your money. Just my take on it. Thanks Becca and Daniel for hanging at the laundry mat with me, I know that took a lot!
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6

After a surprisingly tasty breakfast at one of Gatlinburg's seemingly twenty different Pancake Houses, we ran into some of my favorite people on the trail so far, Scott (Push Up) and Joanna (22). They were trying to get back to Atlanta to sort out some gear issues and after they had laid out plans A, B, and C, Daniel offered them a ride back, to Snellville at least. I know that made their day. I think Daniel scooped up a lot of good karma with that one as well. I was dropped back off at Newfound Gap, I said my goodbyes, and headed back into the Smokies. There were a lot of day hikers out this afternoon, more than you would expect on a Tuesday. Walking down the trail, they are quite fond of asking if I'm going all the way and wishing me luck once I tell them of my intentions. After all, that's all it is at this point, an intention to hike to Maine. Over confidence at this point would be foolish, especially considering how I have over 1900 miles of trail remaining. It soon became obvious why this section would be so popular with day hikers when I reached Charlie's Bunion. This is a great spot where a rock outcropping literally hangs over the edge of a mountain side. What a view from this spot. After I sat there for a half an hour contemplating anything and everything, I moved on for what would be a blur of a 15 mile day. I didn't get started down the trail until around 2pm and arrived at Tri Corner Knob shelter around 8 that evening. After setting up my hammock, everyone around me had gone to bed. I ate my dinner under what was a full moon that night, no headlamp necessary. A romantic evening for one!
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Painters Branch
Miles today: 20.5

My legs felt great, all things considered, when I woke up this morning and I knew that I wanted to put in some good miles today. Pushing for Hot Springs. I bought some good food in Gatlinburg, a lot of it actually, so I knew I would have plenty of caloric energy to do so. I got a late start this morning, foolishly, as rain was on the way. I only took three breaks today, the first to eat, a lot, the second to camel up on two liters of water, and the third to eat again and to call Julie. Once all was said and done today, I had hiked in the rain for over an hour, exited the Smokies, crossed under I-40 (this was a trip), and hiked 20.5 miles. When I arrived at Painters Branch, a nice stream side campsite, it was going on 8pm and the light was waning. I started to set up my tarp and, in the dim glow of a cloudy sunset, I noticed poison ivy, in a dormant state, all around me. Not a wise choice for a spot to camp. I moved up the hill to a spot less engulfed by this ornery weed, but I am concerned about how much contact I had made with it. Me and poison ivy aren't the greatest of friends. Once I was finally set up I ate a ton of food, laid back in my hammock, and was asleep in seconds. I was proud of today, minus the poison ivy blunder, and hope to see more 20 mile days ahead. Hot Springs by Friday is my goal.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Painters Branch

To: Some Unnamed Stream
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Last night I was setting up my hammock while at least seven other people were asleep in their tents. This morning when I awoke, they were all awake, rustling about. Normally, this isn't a problem, but I had to use the bathroom, bad. But you can't do that in between streams, and especially not in between streams close to seven other people. So I held it. I took down my camp, packed my bag, and I held it. I have never felt so much relief as when I was able to move on up the trail and let it go. Lesson learned: don't camp where you can't get away to pee. The first twelve miles today were grudgingly uphill. And not just lackadaisically going up hill, but sweat inducing, heart pumping going uphill. Sure, there were a few down hills, but the "let's go straight up a mountain" uphills more than made up for it. The uphills stopped with Max Patch Bald, which is an awesome mountain composed of little more than native grasses. The trail on top was marked by blazes painted on 4 x 4's buried every 50 yards or so. You start to wonder, "Why so many blazes?" Then you think about all the hikers who have to cross this grassy bald in the snow. I could have sat on top of Max Patch all day, the sun was warm and the breeze was cool. Looking back at the Smokies I felt small as they towered over everything around me. After coming down from Max Patch the trail leveled out as it intertwined with numerous streams in the area. I would've liked to have made another 20 mile day. Reluctantly, I caved after 17 miles as my feet started whining and my eyes found a perfect spot to hang, next to a stream, alone, with an owl up the hill hooting away.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Some Unnamed Stream

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.7

I woke up at 6:30 this morning, was on the trail by 7. The light has a much more profound effect on the landscape in the morning time. The way it shines off of foliage, the way shadows are cast. Standing in the shadow of a mountain, you can't help but to notice the difference between the flora and fauna from one side to the other. Landscapes, and temperatures, change in a single turn. Today was all about reaching Hot Springs, and getting there by lunchtime. I had one good climb today, then it was all downhill. Hot Springs is unique in that the AT actually runs down Main Street, or in this case, Bridge Street. Hot Springs may be small, but it makes up for it with old world charm. No fast food restaurants, no hotel chains, everything is local. How often do you see that anymore? Upon my arrival, I bought a hungry hiker burger at the local diner and acquired a room at the Iron Horse Station, a jack-of-all-trades (inn, tavern, and restaurant). The train tracks are nearby, probably 100 yards away, and they use them. Adds to the charm.
Date: 2013-04-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Took the day off for some R&R and to enjoy Hot Springs. Did my laundry, yay, resupplied, and had to buy a new backpack. My old pack was rubbing my back pretty good and I couldn't see myself walking another 1900 miles with it. Goodbye, old pack. This new one should do the trick, proper fit, great suspension, and a comfortable ride. Sounds like an automobile advertisement. Hot Springs is a cool little town and I recommend a visit, just don't blink. No poison ivy breaking out yet. Hopefully I was spared. I am ready to get back on the trail, too much time loitering and the woods beckon.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

I knew that the weather would be miserable today. I knew that I'd have wet feet, cold hands, and that the trail would be slush. I went out into it anyways, with a smile on my face. It started to rain within thirty minutes of me leaving the cozy confines of Hot Springs and it didn't quit. And so today I trudged along, looking mostly at my feet and where they were going next. Every now and then I would look up to see nothing more than fifty yards of trees on a backdrop of dense fog. The type of fog that makes you feel lost, even when you know you're going the right way. I keep my hood pulled over my rain soaked ball cap which aids in claustrophobia. The trail is a different beast when it's raining. It's muddy, slippery, and always steep. I watched a guy bust it on the trail today, leaving a good two foot skidmark in his wake. I thought it was funny, after seeing that he was obviously ok, and laughed to myself. I almost fell five times throughout the rest of the day as a recourse. Road crossings, and road travel, are becoming more prevalent as I head north. I was thinking that, over the course of 2185 miles, you're gonna have to walk down a few roads every now and then. I didn't mind the short walk down a road today, something different. I stopped at a tiny shelter for lunch and to get out of the rain for a minute. Within half an hour I was shivering. To warm up I stepped back out into the rain and didn't stop until 7:30. I had walked almost 20 miles in a stupor and hadnt realized it. As I was setting up camp, the clouds broke and I was able to catch a great sunset. It's always worth it out here.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Another Unnamed Stream
Miles today: 16.8

I awoke to blue skies and rays of sunshine this morning. Today would be much better than yesterday. I was able to catch a couple of great views today which makes all of the climbing worth it. Due to the soaking rain of yesterday much of the trail was a muddy slush. That mud, in turn, clogs the soles of my shoes. Muddy shoes plus wet rocks equals I fell on my butt three times today. It always occurs in slow motion too. A good fall is just going to happen, you can't fight it. Once you're set in motion the backpack takes over and down you go. Fortunatel, all I have is dirty shorts to show for it. Up around Big Firescald Knob the trail, as my guidebook described it, was rocky and strenuous. I was forced to use my hands in lieu of my poles to assist in climbing. It was fun, so long as I had good traction. It is becoming harder for the trail to steer clear of civilization. I passed within a couple hundred yards of homes, at road crossings, several times today. I just keep on moving, no telling who lives there. Then there's the dogs barking and a chainsaw running. Keep walking. It's funny the things you think about when you hear a chainsaw going. I found a nice stream to camp beside this evening. Water is literally running under me. Will fall asleep to water running over the rocks.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Another Unnamed Stream

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 20.5

I had a good early start this morning after waking up to water running underneath me. It's amazing, when I stop to listen, to think about just how many birds are in the trees around me each morning. They are extremely active by the time I hit the trail each day. Just before lunchtime today I ran into several locals out day hiking. Interesting people to say the least, but nice. The most intriguing were two older gentlemen, both gray haired, one rocking a V neck shirt, the other in full camouflage with the sleeves cut off. As we were talking about where I was from and the trail ahead, I couldn't help but notice a large white handle sticking out of grandpa's deep pocketed camo jacket. On the other end of that handle could only have been a Colt six-shooter. I simply found it funny, the gentleman was as nice as could be and non threatening. You never know who you'll run into out here, but everyone on the trail has been nice. I'm more worried about Mother Nature than any of the people out here. After I crossed I-26 today I would have to climb for six straight miles up to Big Bald. An arduous, time consuming hike, I sat on the summit for some time, relaxing and chatting with the other hikers around me. Balds are a great place to relax after a tough summit, warm sun, a cool breeze, and panoramic views for miles. The hike down from Big Bald was easy enough, refreshing at the end of a day. This evening I find myself camped just up from another stream, staring up to the sky listening to the birds sing their rendition of a days end.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 10.7

Today the weather was great, the trail was downhill, and Erwin was close. The birds were singing me into town today, only to be drowned out by the occasional stream crossing. I think I heard 10 different birds on the way down the mountain. A pleasant hike, as I drew closer to town I was able to catch a great view of the Nolichucky River and Erwin beyond. I watched from above as a train passed through town and crossed over the river. It is astonishing just how long trains are, especially when you can see their entire length from above. Three locomotives, seemingly hundreds of coal cars, and easily two miles long. Nothing but coal. Similar to Hot Springs, these train tracks are often used. I pulled into Uncle Johnny's, a hostel adjacent to the trail just outside of Erwin, right at lunchtime. An amazing, laid back place they offer tons of great hiker services. I was able to catch a free shuttle into town for dinner, Mexican, and a resupply. On the shuttle into town I counted 12 hikers, two kids, and the driver, the hostel owner. It cleared out pretty quick when we arrived at the first stop, the discount tobacco and beer outlet. I did my business in town, ate cookies into the night, and relaxed my feet in preparation of continuing my journey north. This has already been such a great experience and I can't wait to see what's around the next bend. I am grateful for each day that I have out here.