morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Stealth Camp near Locust Cove

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked about 3 miles to Steoah Gap where Gray Ghost's friends had tents set up and chairs and a camp stove going to cook burgers and dogs, plus lots of treats and drinks for trail magic. The Trail Magic is one of the really enjoyable aspects of the hike. People who love the trail, or just want to support hikers, go out and meet at road crossings to provide encouragement and support for those of us (even a short-termer like me) who are doing the hike. And all along the Trail, so many people will go out of their way, with no real compensation, people running hostels, or giving rides, or shelter, or maintaining the Trail, to make it possible. It has always struck me as "Unconditional Hospitality", sort of a variation of unconditional love - it doesn't matter who you are, how young or old, how smelly, all receive the same support. Thanks, today, to Whitewater, and Mrs. Whitewater (Mary?) and Video and the others whose name unfortunately I can't remember right now - my apologies for my lapse of memory. After leaving the trail magic reluctantly, I headed on up Jacob's Ladder which is a very steep climb out of the gap. The drizzle continued all day. The trail got wetter and more slippery as the day went on. I continued hiking longer than I planned, hoping the rain would quit, but it never really did. Got to Cable Gap Shelter, where Wet Dog and Rob were stopped for the night. I found a somewhat hilly campsite and set up my tent, got a hot meal, socialized a bit, hung my food and hit the sleeping bag to warm up. The drizzle continued through the night, until about 2 am I woke up and thought it had stopped. Looked outside, and it was snowing. The tent had a layer of snow, which I shook off every hour or so. With the hilly site, I kept sliding down to the bottom of the tent and would wake up every hour or so and pull myself back to the top, only to slide down again. Not a very good night's sleep. But the snow was beautiful.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Had to really force myself out of the sleeping bag this morning, knowing there would be lots of wet snow all around. But managed to get moving, do a hot breakfast, pack up all the wet stuff, steel myself to put on my soggy, wet, cold hiking clothes, and get hiking around 9:30. Wet Dog and Rob were still in the shelter, getting ready also. It was a soggy, muddy trek up the hill, but the snow cover was again very beautiful and couldn't help but bring smiles to my face, despite the wetness and chill.   And the sun eventually showed itself, and drove the mist away. Eventually got to the top of the ascent, and then it was a slow downhill to Fontana.    Along the way, the wildflowers started to show. Lots of sessile trillium, and a few bloodroot. Hopefully the trend will continue as I head into the Smokies.   Rob had some friends meeting him for a day of R&R, and Wet Dog and I had discussed sharing a room at the Fontana Lodge. So we caught the shuttle up here, I did laundry, we have all our stuff hung out on the balcony or in the room to dry out, and all is good. I have to pick up a mail drop at the Post Office tomorrow morning - unfortunately they don't open until 11:45 so will get a late start up the hill into the Smokies. Hopefully the weather will be better for the next portion. Way too much rain and cold so far, but still it is enjoyable. Ran into Gray Ghost here at the lodge, he and Becky are staying here and he will hike out early tomorrow.   Sue tells me that UK plays tonight, so I will try to call her after the game.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Fontana Dam

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday was great, getting all the chores done, staying at the Lodge. Wet Dog and I did supper with Gray Ghost and Becky, and earlier we ran into Flinch and Lobstah (Shelby), both from Maine I think and "walking home". I managed to catch the end of the NCAA game between Kentucky and Michigan, and UK pulled it off right in the final seconds. On to the final four for them. I've talked to Sue about pickup plans, and right now I am going to hope to get to Hot Springs. So today I will be loading up after the Post Office visit, and heading hopefully up the mountain to Birch Spring Gap.   This will most likely be my last opportunity to post an entry, unless the weather gets really bad up on top and I decide to dive off the ridgetop into Gatlinburg along the way. I'll head for Davenport Gap, resupply, and head for Hot Springs. Out on the Trail especially with the hardships of poor weather, it sometimes strikes me that we are living a life a little bit like those in our society who are homeless. It's a voluntary condition, and we can escape when we want, as I am right now. My wife and I are supporters of a homeless shelter in Covington, called the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. Where we experience Trail Angels out here hiking, the people who work at shelters like that are truly angels, showing true unconditional hospitality to their guests. Rachel, the director, has hiked on the AT, and one of the staff, Steven, was a hiker last year in 2013 - trail name "Smiles". If you are a "giver" to worthy causes, and would like to contribute something to this program, you could do so at emergencyshelternky.org and help some people go from "Homeless to Hopeful". My hike will be about 280 miles to Hot Springs - how about a dime a mile? Or maybe a quarter a mile? Or, in your case, perhaps a buck a mile...? Just a thought... Soooo...a few more hours in a warm dry place with access to the luxuries of showers, delicious food, and warm places, then on my way up Shuckstack. The weather looks good for the next several days, although you never know what it will be like way up on top. If I don't get to a computer before the end, thanks to all who have commented and encouraged me, especially my wonderful understanding wife Sue. If nothing else I will do a wrapup at the end.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Derrick Knob
Miles today: 17.1

As intended, I stayed at Birch Spring last night, after picking up my mail drop and getting on the trail about 12:15. The uphill from Fontana is a long slow climb, with a great view along the way from the fire tower at Shuckstack Mtn. Got a good tent site at Birch Spring - the same tent pad I had back in 2010, in fact.   Quite a few others here, but none I know well. So, planned a long day tomorrow, and made it to Derrick Knob, a 17 mile day. I know, I was going to take it easy on this trip, but somehow when you get hiking you just feel like going on and on, and not quitting early in the day when there is lots of daylight. A few miles before the shelter, I ran into Blueberry Bear, whom I had briefly run in to a week or so ago. I passed him up, and he came into camp just as it was getting dark. There was a large crowd at the shelter, and I set up my tent out on the perimeter. Also at the shelter area was Mark, a section hiker I had run into earlier in the day, who has a hammock. I'm assuming that Gray Ghost and Wet Dog are ahead of me at least a shelter, maybe two, so I may not run in to them again. The weather is absolutely wonderful today.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Derrick Knob

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Got an early start, after a hot breakfast. I was able to call Sue from Double Springs Shelter, and discussed options for when she will come to pick me up. Then proceeded on to Clingman's Dome. The trail got wetter and muddier as I ascended, with more and more snow around, but not too bad. There were lots of people at the observation tower,and some were interested in the trail hiking experience, so lots of questions to answer. Then I proceeded on down the trail from Clingman's, and now the trail was mostly in the shade, no sunshine to melt the snow.   It got progressively wetter, snowier, muddier, slushy and slippery. The trail was basically a meltwater stream. The Mt. Collins shelter is a half mile off the AT, so not exactly a desirable destination, but I did not have the stamina to head for Icewater Shelter, so I made the diversion. I thought I would be the only person there, but a bit later Mark arrived, then WrongWay came in, the Lobster, and after it got dark, Lo&Behold, Blueberry Bear came into camp. Blueberry has a lot of heart. He just keeps plugging away. WrongWay got a fire started with what small amounts of dry wood we could find, and it was very cheerful in the shelter. I had been determined not to stay in shelters on this trip, but there was no dry area anywhere near to set up the tent so I caved in and did the shelter. Fortunately, Mt. Collins is a nice spacious shelter, and there were just the four of us there, with Mark in his hammock outside. Blueberry Bear and I were the last to leave in the morning, and had a chance to get to know each other a bit. He is from Kentucky also, from Lexington.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Peck Corner
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I wasn't in a bit hurry to leave in the morning. Did a leisurely hot breakfast, oatmeal with dried fruit and nuts, and a mocha-hot chocolate/coffee/powdered milk drink that gets me going. Mark, WrongWay, and Lobster headed out before me, and Blueberry Bear a bit behind me. When I got to Newfound Gap, I was very fortunate to be the beneficiary of Trail Magic, from Bernie and Beth, who are from Florida, in the Tampa Bay area. They have been coming here for several years on their vacation, setting up at Newfound Gap, giving out sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and other hiker goodies to the passing hikers. They also stay in Gatlinburg at the Grand Prix, and have done "hiker feeds" for the folks who have gone to the city to resupply. Very nice people. Thank you, Beth and Bernie. There were lots of people at the Gap, and quite a few questions about the AT. It was a pretty long day, finally got to Peck around 6 pm. Blueberry Bear came in around 8 pm. What a trooper. The forecast is for rain tomorrow, so will try to get a fairly early start.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Peck Corner

To: Cosby Knob
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left about 9 am after a hot breakfast. I really enjoy doing the hot breakfast in the morning. Why rush off, unless the weather is awful? I start my alcohol stove up with some dried fruit simmering in the water, mix up my mocha drink, add the oatmeal and nuts, and relax for a few minutes with a hot meal to start the day. Lots of people rush off, chugging down a pop tart of energy bar, but I'd rather enjoy the start of the day before hiking. There is plenty of daylight. All you have to do is go slow, go long, and you can get to your destination. So, the day started off fairly nice, then the rain came in. It was fine at first, but after awhile I began to get a bit chilled, and so stopped off at the Tri-Corner shelter for lunch. Found Mark there, huddled in his sleeping bag to get warm. I made some hot tea and some dried-fruit "soup" to warm up. During my break, the rain stopped. The rest of the hike was very windy and chilly, but pleasant. When I got to Cosby Knob, I found Blueberry Bear already there, he had bypassed the Tri-Corner shelter in the rain. Later on, Rain Pants and Mia also came in, I hadn't seen them for awhile.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Cosby Knob

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

It rained a bit during the night, and was very cold again this morning. After breakfast, got hiking around 9 am. There was lots of frost and ice on the trees and bushes as I hiked. It was very beautiful. After some uphill, the descent to Davenport Gap began. Down and down and down. At the bottom, I found Blueberry Bear, waiting for his wife to pick him up, for a few days off the Trail with his family. I told him I would be following him on his journey, and would contact him after he finished, to maybe meet in Lexington for lunch to hear about his experience. I hope we can make that happen. As I got down toward the bottom, I began to see the yellow trillium. When I came through in 2010, the yellow trillium was a surprise to me - I had never seen it before. But it is pretty common in the Davenport Gap area. It was good to see some wildflowers in bloom, they have been pretty scarce on the Trail so far. I also saw some bloodroot, white trillium, bellwort, solomon's seal, redbud, yellow and purple violets. I hiked on to Standing Bear Hostel, and set up my tent in the field. As usual, I prefer to tent rather than stay in the hostel. I am too restless at night, and I am told I snore, so it is better to be in my tent. Rob came into the hostel later, and we shared a pizza. I washed out some socks in their washtub. It is always good to have clean socks.   In the morning, I went into the kitchen area, to fix my oatmeal, and there was a gentleman there who offered me some coffee he had made. His name was Captain Guts. I recognized him - I had run into him in 2010 at the Gooch Mtn Shelter, back near the beginning of the Trail. He is still hanging out on the Trail, enjoying the outdoor experience.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a nice morning hike out from Standing Bear, perfect hiking weather. I walked for awhile with "Tank", who is part of a group that has formed in recent weeks, people hiking at pretty much the same pace. We made the slow trudge up and over Snowbird Mountain. At the top is an FAA installation of some sort that assists pilots in navigation, and it turned out Tank is an air traffic controller, so he knew what it was. Later on, I hiked on to Groundhog Creek Shelter, and took an extended break. I made a nice cup of tea to enjoy the break, and then promptly spilled it due to carelessness. Anyway, I took an hour or so to pause and reflect, and to try to plan anew for what comes after the hike. I thought about various random ideas, possible paths to pursue. The sunshine was warm and comfortable, and the woods were peaceful and calming, but no great inspiration came to me. Nevertheless the break was delightful. Later on, I hiked over Max Patch. The views were good, although a bit hazy, and it was very windy, so I didn't stay too long. I had entertained the possibility of camping out on Max Patch, but decided to head on to Roaring Fork, due to the weather prediction for rain and high winds coming in. At the shelter, I found Gray Ghost, Wet Dog, and Rob, along with a host of others. As I walked toward the shelter, a hiker approached me and said, "Are you the guy that knows about the wildflowers?" So we talked about wildflowers for awhile. It is good to know that some others are interested in seeing what is growing around them. For me, I like to know the names of the flowers I am talking to as I walk along. The weather forecast is bleak - if it rains too much I may just "zero" here in my tent, since I have lots of time to get to Hot Springs. Another hiker here is "Movin' On" who was also at Standing Bear,and has a Trailjournals blog. There are quite a few who I hope to follow on their journey north.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: light rain

They were packed in like sardines in the shelter last night. It rained a lot and my tent is wet and dirty, but it has done a great job keeping the rain out. Thank you, Big Agnes! I didn't hurry getting up in the morning, not sure what my plans were. But after getting up, doing breakfast, and with the rain stopping, I decided to hike on. Didn't get started until about 11 am. Wet Dog and Craftsman were still in the shelter. Wet Dog decided to hike on also. It was not raining, but very wind and chilly. Got to the Walnut Mtn Shelter early afternoon,and decided to stay there. I found a nice area down in a small valley behind the shelter, out of the wind. Wet Dog came in later, and stayed in the shelter.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Deer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Another very chilly morning. I did a nice breakfast in the shelter with Wet Dog, before hiking out. I am not feeling very energetic, perhaps knowing that my hike is almost over has something to do with it. I saw some squirrel corn today, a few bloodroot trying to come out, and some false rue anemone. As far as wildflowers go, it's been a bit of a bust. But the winter experience with the snow has been beautiful, although challenging. I did catch a fleeting glimpse of a pileated woodpecker today, just a flash through the trees. And there was a very noisy owl near camp this morning. Wet Dog and I did a nice campfire in the evening. He rebuilt the fire ring with the rocks, and I gathered a bunch of firewood. It was a nice way to spend the last night camping out on the Trail. I'm really looking forward to breakfast in town tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Deer Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: few clouds

Got up early, packed up with the tent fly a bit wet, and had to use my headlight for a half hour or so. Chomped on an energy bar, knowing I would be in Hot Springs for breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Grill. The few miles left went quickly, and I got to the hostel around 8 am, where the Jesuit center used to be years ago.   Was able to get a shower - first one since Fontana, I really needed it. I'm not sure it is possible to describe how wonderful a hot shower can feel to a dirty hiker after 8 or 10 days in the woods. Wet Dog showed up, and we both headed for the Grill for breakfast. There were quite a few other hikers there also, including Rain Pants and Mio. Later on I headed for the laundromat to wash my smelly clothes. Met J-Rex there. Later went to the Ministry office, where they had hot coffee, snacks, a place to stash your pack,and the marvelous Queen Diva who was making cookies for the hikers. Rob was there also, taking a zero to recover from doing too many high-mileage days. Later on I ran into Wet Dog, and we had a beer in the pub, before he headed out of town. After that, I just walked around town until around 3 pm when Sue arrived. We drifted around town for awhile, visited the outfitter and a few shops, and then headed for home.
Date: 2009-09-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Okay, I decided to start my journal today in hopes that by putting it down in writing that it will really happen. About four weeks ago I decided that my two teenage sons and I are going to hike the AT next year. Of course, shortly after coming to this decision, one financial crisis after another has occurred. I am still trying to be optimistic, but just a few hours ago we received some news that could definitely put a halt to our plans to hike. How the next few weeks play out, will determine whether or not the hike will be possible. If we already had all the gear we needed the finances wouldn't be an issue, because we would not spend anymore on the trail than if we were back home, in fact would would probably spend a lot less. Unfortunately buying quality gear for three people is not cheap. And, yes, I have been trying really hard to get some good deals on e-bay, but so far I have been out bid every single time.I have been camping and hiking before, but my son's have not, so I know the quickest way to spoil this adventure for them is #1 not have a proper fitting backpack, #2 not have a big enough and water proof enough tent for them to crawl into after a day of hiking in the rain, #3 not have a sleeping bag that will keep them warm, and I could go on.But I believe things will work out, that I will have the ability to get the the middle of the range gear as far as price and quality are concerned for all three of us. Call me crazy, but by putting our goal down in writing that myself and my sons will hike from Georgia to Maine next year, then it will happen. I felt that I had to tell the world, at least the hiking world, that we will be on the AT next year.I really feel my boys and I need this, which I will explain why in more detail in future entries I make. - Somewhere, below, above,   Shall a day dawn-this I know- When Power, which vainly strove   My weakness to o'erthrow, Shall triumph. I breath, I move, I truly am, at last! Robert Browning
Date: 2009-09-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, I am feeling a lot more optimistic tonight, than I was last night, about our hike really happening. I think posting my intentions on this site and facebook helped. So, far the only prep I have done is reading a ton of books by people who have thru hiked the AT, PCT and CDT, which have been very insightful. Plus there is still a ton more books I would like to buy off Amazon, as the public library does not have them, that I would also like to read, but if I spend my precious resources of books, that's less for gear, so I am trying to compromise. Unfortunately, I am highly addicted to books, so that is going to be difficult. But my next purchase will be Ten Million Steps by M. J. Eberhart, which is about a man that hiked from Florda to Maine.As far as gear goes, I would like to get my big expense items out of the way. I already have my pack, so now I just have to buy two more for my kids. Does anybody have any recommendations on what packs I should buy for a boy who is about 4ft 8in and 100 pounds, torso about 17, and the other boy 5 ft 1in and 90 pounds, torso about 18in? I have not found any packs in any of the outdoor stores here, that I could have them try on to see what fits them best. I've gone to Cabelas, Dicks, Adademy, and the other one's name is alluding me at this moment.Also, am looking at getting a 3person tent, that is somewhat light weight, and I say somewhat light weight, because I can not begin to afford the tents that are really light weight. My head is swimming, I have done so much research of tents and read review after review, which just leaves me more confused. So, if anyone out there has any advice on the best tent to get in the 150 dollar or less price range I would really appreciate it.I thought I was going to have to spend over a 100 dollars a piece on sleeping bags, but I have found some made by coleman for almost half of that, at the 20 to 25 degree rating I am looking for, but they are slightly heavier than the more expensive ones, but if they work at the temp they say they do, than I'm willing to carry the extra weight. So does anybody out there know if these sleeping bags live up to there temp. rating.I just realized that I should go on the hiking forum sites to ask these questions, and I will If I don't get any responses.I can not wait to hit the trail, but there is so much work to do before we go. I believe we've got the getting in shape part taken care of. We do Tae Kwon Do 3 times a week and run/walk on the tread mill for 2.5 to a little over 3 miles. Hey, its summer time in Texas, so don't begrudge us gradually working into dealing with the elements. Once I get the boys packs and it gets a little cooler, we will start doing some day hikes, work up a couple of overnight hikes, and as the final prep, I would like to do the Lone Star Trail, which if I remember right is about a 140 miles. It is the nearest and the longest trail within 6 hours of our house.Hopefully by the middle of this month, I will have the boys packs, and then we can start hitting the trails around here.-Dare to Dream Big