morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-03-27
From: Russell field shelter 

To: Derrick knob shelter 
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Crawled out of our tent with all our rain gear on and hit the trail behind everyone else. Rain, high winds, and storms are in the forecast for today and tomorrow...Ugh! There is a saying that many thru hikers say, it's kinda like a mantra.."No rain, No pain, No Maine"! Today was incredibly tough and I think we underestimated what was in store for us. The first day of the Smokey's was a gradual climb and often with switch backs to ease the steep terrain. Well, today the climbs were high and traversed grassy balds. It was beautiful even with wind gust and thunder off in the distance. One of my fears is lightning and that was constantly on my mind as we kept climbing higher and higher. We ran into a hiker yesterday and he told us about his experience during the severe storm that came in on Wednesday. He was on one of the balds and a gust of around 50mph knocked him right off his feet and to the ground. He got himself up and then a big bolt of lightning struck near him. Luckily, he was able to get off the trail at a shelter that was near by! He was fortunate that a shelter was close by. Sometimes they can be several miles apart and when you're deep in the forest during an electrical storm you quickly find your religion! We were about 1.7 miles from our shelter for the night when the sky's opened up, the wind whipped, the trees bent and quickly the rocky trail became a flowing creek bed! Hard to have a quick pace in those conditions. We even experience some slight hail as we got into the crowed shelter where everyone was head to toe soaked! The rain let up a bit so we pitched our tent and really secured the stakes and tighten the lines as we were in for a long nite of howling winds and rain, a good way to test our new tent!
Date: 2021-03-28
From: Derrick knob shelter 

To: Double Springs Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

So where to begin... at Derrick Knob Shelter we were the first to put our tent up in the rain. Honestly, we thought we would be the only ones to tent but as the evening went on more and more soaking wet hikers stumbled into the shelter which was at full capacity. The winds blew so forcefully thru our tent all night and with each gust the tent snapped!Oddly, we were comforted knowing that others were experiencing the same conditions.One thing you quickly learn before you set the tent up is to look above your set up area for any dead branches or widow makers they're often called as last night proved to be a perfect scenario for them to crash down and make for a really bad night. I was up early and retrieved the food bag from the cables. In the Smokies each shelter provides cables that have a pulley system to hang your food. While we have yet to see bears (may be too early in the season) they often visit shelters and if they become a nuisance the rangers will close the shelter, track the bear, tranquilize it, and relocate it to somewhere else...I think its called Bearville..° The rangers don't mess around with aggressive bears! We got ourselves packed up and on the trail in the rain. There was another couple in front of us and soon they were out of sight. No one else passed us the rest of the day and for good reason..its was a monsoon kind of day. We slushed thru ankle deep water at times while trying to keep our footing. It was going to be a long dreadful hike. All our rain gear didn't help as everything was cold and sopping wet! Lightning flashed and under our breaths we would count, one one-thousanths, two one-thousanths,..We've experienced rain on the trail but NEVER like this and we soon had to except our current situation ...THIS SUCKS! I must have fell three times and I think Suz did a couple times as well. I felt like a turtle that had landed on his back, I couldn't get up until Suz grabbed my shoulder strap and heaved me up right. Finally, we saw Double Springs Shelter in the distant rain fog! It was kinda early for us to stop hiking but the next shelter was too far for us tired ass Dames! Luckily for us the rain stopped and we found a level spot under a tall pine. We were freezing as we pitched our tent! Suz retrieved the water and then we quickly removed our drenched clothes and boots. Hurriedly put on our dried clothes and wool socks and then jumped into our sleeping bags to try and warm up. My feet felt like a foot on a corpse in the morgue, only thing missing was a toe tag..lol!
Date: 2021-03-29
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter 

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

So whatever wind we encounter yesterday was trumped by the events of last night! We were situated on a ridge next to a water source and the elevation was 5500ft. In my minds eye I pictured the winds coming up from the valley below and colliding with the wind from another mountain valley. Much like the colors and movement in Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and this went on ALL night long. Eventually the night was clear and the moon was stunningly bright in our tissue paper thin triplex.. When we woke everything that was wet now was frozen. Boots, socks, underwear, buffs, water, you name it! Sleep was elusive, as I was truly worried that the tent was going to collapse last night. I used hot hands while massaging my feet to warm them up. Hard to sleep with cold feet! Being exposed to the elements deep in the forest was somewhat exhilarating I must admit. When I do sleep it's deep, exhaustive, and often vividly strange with imaginary dreams. Suzanne has said the same. Odd!The morning sun and blue sky's helped thaw our physical and mental state and soon we were on our way to the highest point on the Appalachian trail, Clingsman Dome as well as reaching the 200 mile mark on the trail! Two big carrots to make up for the last two lousy, miserable, days! The hike towards Clingsman Dome is thru a thick mystical pine forest. Any log that fell or rocks on the forest floor was covered in lush vibrant green moss and on this day the suns rays peered passed the pine needles and illuminate the forest! Amazingly, it felt like an exclusive show by Mother nature and we were blessed to be the only ones hiking through this mysterious and tranquil utopia.Clingsman Dome was quiet with only a handful of people. We took in the miles and miles of Vista's and then moved on towards Mt.Collins Shelter. We traversed the half a mile side trail and when we arrived, the Shelter sat completely empty. No one was there and we felt a bit uneasy so we pressed on another 4.5 miles to Newfound Gap. Where we were greeted with an enormous amount of people(Spring Break) all there to see the sunset and to take in the Smokies! We were overwhelmed with the stimulation and even more so when we arrived at Gatlinburg for our resupply! Yuck °¤®!If you wish Check out the link below to see Suzanne's vlog on YouTube. And thanks for all your support and encouragement °¢¤https://youtube.com/channel/UC...
Date: 2021-04-02
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks corner shelter 
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

We couldn't wait any longer in Gatlinburg. You see we never wanted to be in Gatlinburg in the first place but finding a reasonable shuttle to Cherokee was impossible. Our original plan was for a zero day but looking at the forecast we quickly changed our mind and realized that we'd have to take a couple zero days! I think it was harder to stay in the Gatlinburg motel then hike the Smokey's °Julie "Stripper" former thru hiker picked us up at 8 on Friday morning and we were on the trail by 830. It was blustery morning as we headed out of Newfound Gap, temps in the teens with wind chills freezing our nose hairs! Trekking uphill and along side of the mountain we  were immediately challenged with thick ice on the trial! Neither one of us wanted to stop because we were freezing but we realized that the ice was going to be today's nemesis so we dropped our packs and put our crampons over our boots. (It's like chains on a tire) Wise decision by the Dames! We're so happy to have this piece of gear and today it proved that its worth its weight in gold! We hiked the rest of the day in them as everything on the trail was covered in ice. The conditions proved to be our toughest challenge on the trail thus far! It required ALL of our attention and concentration because one slip could land you down the mountain side in some areas, or with a cracked head, or, I think you get the picture. We passed a hiker heading back towards Newfound Gap because he had rolled his ankle pretty severely. We ask him if he needed emergency attention but he thought he could make it. His hiking buddy was carrying his pack back down the mountain along with his own°¥o We hoped and prayed he made it back safely and got the needed medical attention. We were pretty exhausted when we arrived at Pecks corner Knob Shelter. With fridged temps in the forecast we decided to stay in the shelter. With a fire going in the fireplace, body heat from 10 other hikers, and wearing ALL the clothes you have to bed, westayed mostly warm considering how low the temps dipped! We both agreed that today was super difficult but super beautiful at the same time. We can actually say we've walked in a frozen crystallized forest and it was truly AMAZING!
Date: 2021-04-03
From: Pecks corner shelter 

To: Cosby shelter 
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

This shelter slept 14 but there were only 10 of us. We chose the top bunk which is only about 6ft off the ground and provided more head room. There's no privacy and for me I don't sleep well in those conditions but we were more protected from the elements then in our tent.The low teen morning made everyone stay in there cozy bags a little longer as we were the first to stir. Actually, the hard wooden bunks were the reason we got up. Are bodies were aching from the long uncomfortable night, we had to get vertical! Slowly we got ourselves breakfast and packed up and in-between we kept warming our hands with Hot Hands! We trekked out of camp like a couple of old ladies because our feet were frozen. About a mile into it we warmed up as the Sun was casting her rays! Once again the trail was covered in ice. Thick and slick in some areas but it was melting thank goodness! We stopped for a break at Tri knob shelter and then pressed on. We passed a very pleasant trail runner and she told us that we'll come across a helicopter landing spot on top of the next mountain. Guess it's for emergency reasons, scary thought! The day was long and hard but the views were outstanding, the sky's were vibrant blue and the sun was so encouraging as we made our way to Cosby knob Shelter. Suz pulled a way from me to try and beat the bubble of folks behind us going to the same shelter. The rangers told us of couple nice level tent spots and we wanted to make sure to secure one. Suz greeted me at the trail for the shelter. The shelter was perched on a cleared mountain side facing East with a perfectly piped spring on the southern side. We set up our tent towards the East tucked in and hugged by Rhododendrons. Extremely exhausted we divided our chores. Suz prep our mattresses and sleeping bag, I collected water and filtered for dinner. I started the stove and realized we were out of fuel...ugh! Cold dinner for us, I was not happy camper but we made it work and soon we were in our sleeping bags snug as a bug in hopesfor a beautiful Easter morning sunrise....
Date: 2021-04-04
From: Cosby shelter

To: Standing Bear
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

The big thaw and Easter Sunrise in the Smokey's I was awake early and writing in my journal when I peaked out of our tent's vestibule to see a glorious dawn over the mountains ridge! Easter Sunrise in the Smokey's, so stunningly beautiful! I woke Suz and we both watched as the Sun peaked over the treeline. I took a moment to reflect on all the many Easter Sunrises I had with my folks and I know they'd be touched by this one! Feeling the warmth of the sun as we packed we became energized knowing that this was our last day in the Smokey's! I think we were more excited to exit the Smokey's then when we entered! Actually, I know so. Still touching the clouds we had a long and rocky descent thru the now slush and muck. Finally everything was rapidly thawing. Even us, ironically! As we hopscotched down and across the rocks we finally switched back our way to a softer trail . ...ahh our feet thanked us! We passed several day hikers going up to the fire tower which we skipped because it was over a mile off the trail. When suddenly, on the left, there it was, the last shelter, Davenport and just like that the Smokey's spit us out the northern end! We literally felt like a pinball at times! We fricken made it! Another milestone behind us and a notch on our backpack strap° We're still very grounded but we certainly gained, really earned more confidence! After we deposited the second half of our permit slips we were treated with trail magic by a nice gentleman named Ed. He had beer, sodas, fruit and more. We grabbed a few things, chatted a bit, and then off we went towards Standing Bear. This is a strange and squirrelly section of the trail as you hike under enormous power lines, past pigeon river, and then road walking under the I40 over pass then back into the forest until you cross a creek to a gravel road then take a hard left towards Standing Bear Hostel...a place that time forgot. It's like going back to the 60s and 70s.. Crystal blue persuasion, Peace and Love communal living. So in we walk...
Date: 2021-04-05
From: Standing Bear

To: Brown Gap spring stealth Site 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

We rented a tent site by a babbling creek at Standing Bear Hostel on Easter Sunday and were treated to a nice complimentary Easter feast, hot shower, and a couple of Beers, a little celebratory fun for our exit out of the Mysterious Smokey's. It was super nice because we separated ourselves from the peace, love, and hemp life that normally happens at SBHThat evening we had another hiker tent next to us, her trail name is Indigo. She just did 20 miles to get out of the Smokey's oh and I forgot to mention shes 72 years young! Suz and I were truly impressed with her capabilities. Although she is modest I couldn't wait till morning to ask her what her secret to longevity is. This trail is incredibly challenging and difficult and makes even the most athletic person humbled. That is part of th the many allures of the A.T.We woke early to the sound of a cow bell letting us know that breakfast was ready and we were too! We got our bellys full and made a plan with Indigo to do 10 miles to a stealth spot. Today we hike four miles up to Snow Bird mountain and boy was it difficult! Saving grace was that is was a blue sky as far as the eye can see kinda day. Good weather makes everything better! At the top of Snow Bird there's a unique FAA building and boy does it have some breathing taking 360 views. We stopped and had a bite and then we meandered down to our home for the night at Brown Gap Springs stealth Site. Indigo was waiting for us. Water source was good too. We always try and tent where there is a water source other wise you have to shlep it in and that's ALOT of extra weight at the end of a long hard day of hiking!
Date: 2021-04-06
From: Stealth site

To: Phil's Gap 
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Indigo wanted to head out of camp before us and had informed us that her foot was causing her issues so she wanted to get a head start. Today we were headed to Max patch, a beautiful 360° bald that Suz, Simon and I have actually camped on top of a couple of years ago. Originally the bald was a cow pasture and what a beautiful place to graze, happy cows for sure! When we stayed the weather was ideal and we were thrilled to have experienced an incredible sunset, a zillion stars, and then had coffee as we watched the early morning mountain mist slowly raise from the valleys below lifting the curtain for dawns dramatic show. This time we ascended at the top of Max Patch on a exceptionally warm and brilliantly sunny spring afternoon. You could see vista's for miles and as we turned and faced the southwest, there in the distance was the Smokey mountain range!! We stode there for a moment and reflected on everything we experienced, from the misty morning walk over Fontana Dam, toclimbing Shuckstack fire tower on a sunny cobalt blue sky day, to wading in ankle deep rushing water on a trail that had become a creek from all day pouring down rain and hail, then froze our butts off as the trail turned from water to thick sheets of ice, watched as the strong winds filled our tent and then snap as it left,huddled in a shelter one night in hopes we'd stay warmer from the low teen temps we weren't really prepared for, and then constantly reminded of God's beauty on every ridge and pine forest that surrounded Clingsman Dome. The Smokey's certainly gained our respect and helped us build more confidence in ourselves and in our gear. Kinda like a mom, preparing us for the long journey ahead. Love you Mom! Especially our mom's in heaven ¢¤
Date: 2021-04-07
From: Phil's Gap 

To: Hot Springs 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Our packs were heavy as we arrived first at Phil's gap with water that we had to carry about a quarter of a mile up to our destination and boy was I tired that day! We picked our tent site, set up, and then heard Indigo coming up the trail. She made it to camp but now BOTH her feet were causing her pain. She wasn't sure if she could make it to the nearest forest service road nearly 4 miles down the mountain tomorrow. She could barely stand and realized she should of shuttled out of Lemon Gap, to seek medical attention but that was several miles back.She dropped her pack and sat down on a log, we joined her. Concerned, we helped set her tent up and then we discussed what the plan was to help her down the mountain. She said she has a very high pain tolerance and that was apparent when she removed her shoe and discovered an open blister that looked terribly painful and she didn't even know it. She ate and we gave her a couple 500 MG of Naproxen, helped her to her tent and tried to comfort her as she was visibly upset. Suz and I took a little walk and were able to get a signal and make a call to The Happy Gnomemad Hostel and spoke with Sunshine. Thankfully, she could meet us at Granenflo Gap tomorrow and shuttle Indigo to a walkin clinic in Hot Springs! We shared the news with Indigo in the morning and decided that we would carry her heavy items in our packs to help lighten the load. We got on the trail around 830am and said a little prayer to help guide us safely. We trekked behind Indigo the whole way down the mountain and were so impressed with her will and determination, one strong woman for sure! We arrived at the Gap around 11 am and Sunshine was there within minutes! We hugged an emotional goodbye and told her to let us know what the prognosis is. The last 6 miles were long and hot and as we rolled into Laughing Heart Hostel. Exhausted from the emotional day we just experienced.
Date: 2021-04-08
From: Hot Springs 

To: Stealth site at Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

We decided to stay at Laughing Heart Hostel that was right on the trail when you come into Hot Springs. We had our own private room but shared bathrooms. Unfortunately, the accommodation were subpar for us and it was difficult to get the rest our bodies needed. Our last night there we chatted with three women that were across the hallway from us. Actually, we were all at the same stealth site a couple nights before but were preoccupied with helping Indigo so we didn't really chat much. They've been doing section hiking and have completed all of Georgia and now into North Carolina! One thing we noticed and were drawn too was there laughter! It was contagious. While they enjoyed hiking together, what they really enjoyed was each others company and we admired that connection. Like the tide, people ebb and flow in and out of your life on the trail. Some touch you so briefly and then they're gone. That wasn't the case for Sally, Jan, and Karen or Larry, Curly and Moe as Suz fondly called them. We felt a link, kindred spirits I would call it. A moment the trail so often creates with many in the hiker community. It's not just getting to MT. KATAHDIN that matters, it's really about reconnecting with what is missing in today's society, HUMAN CONNECTION.
Date: 2021-04-10
From: Stealth site at Deep Gap

To: Little Laurel Shelter 
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Deep Gap was a great stealth area that we shared with a couple new hikers we met named Gandalf and Tree. The only down side was that we had to carry water from Spring Mountain Shelter. Today's plan was to hike about 10 miles to Jones Meadows but the weather had other plans for us. Tree and Gandalf headed out of camp early for a 14 mile trek towards Jerry's Cabin Shelter (which is an awesome scaled down Smokey's style Shelter complete with a fireplace in it and also several grassy tent sites to choose from) We were certain to not see them again as we left camp and headed north. Soon we passed a couple sobo section hikers who warned us about the approaching thunder storms in the area and said it was supposed to be severe between 1-2pm. We were head for a 1.5 mile ridge hike that neither one of us really wanted to be on during a storm. So we picked up our pace and made it to Little Laurel Shelter around noon. We were relieved that Tree was tucked in the shelter and that she didn't press on! Gandalf decided to trek on, brave lady for sure! We climbed up in the shelter and hoped that the storm would pass quickly so we could continue with our plan. Well, you know the saying..man plans and God laughs. Hikers were popping in and out as we were proped up against the back of the shelter with our puffy jackets on as the wind was ripping in from West. The longer we sat the more we realized it's best to give in and settle in for a long night in the shelter. Lights were out by 7pm as we anxiously awaited day break!
Date: 2021-04-11
From: Little Laurel Shelter 

To: Flint mountain shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The youngsters that shared the shelter with us headed out around 6am. So eager to start their long day as we're we! Laying in the shelter for well over 14hours is hard on these old bones! Tree left aheaded of us and we weren't too far behind. The trail was damp and mucky in some areas, and as we trekked up the mountain we could see off in the distance the first of three fire towers of the day. The sun came out and reassured us that we made a great decision to wait out the storm last night. As we continued our climb and followed the trail it lead us to a 1.5 mile exposedrock scramble ridge. The scramble was challenging but the long range views were our reward. As well as reaching the 300 mile marker! Finally after a long 14 mile day we reached Flint Mountain Shelter. Tree was there and had claimed her spot in the shelter and we found a nice level tent site.After dinner we treated ourselves to a nice foot soak in the ice cold creek, just what our tired feet needed!
Date: 2021-04-12
From: Flint mountain shelter

To: Sam's Gap 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Tree decided to tag along on our hike today. We chatted the whole hike as the miles ticked by. A refreshing change to when Suz and I hike. Tree is retired and at 68 she does an amazing job out here by herself! She inspired us as we climbed, huffed, and puffed, on so many different topics. Today we were headed to Nature's in Hostel for a quick stop to resupply, shower, and a bed. Most other hikers have their trail legs by now and are able to make it to Erwin from Hot Springs without needing resupply but we're not there quite yet. So at Sam's Gap we called Taft and before you know it there he was to pick us up! Boy what a awesome Hostel he has! It has everything you need plus it's SUPER CLEAN! We enjoyed some of his homade BBQ pulled pork..yummy! We got a nice hot shower and slept in these adorable little cabins that were situated by a babbling creek which lulled us to sleep after a long day on the trail.