morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Wanted an early start today so we got up at 6:35 AM and out by 7:35 AM. Mike and I got everything done and quietly departed among the sleeping hikers in many tents and a full shelter. Up and out and warmed up as we moved through the hills. At Cheoh Bald, stopped to take in the rising sun view at a pristine camp site. There I met Steve (Right Here) and Kennedy. We talked and Right Here moved out. Kennedy and I hiked for a few miles together. Neat guy who had worked on organic farms in New York and Argentina and spent 3 months hiking through Argentina. We had a good talk about his parents and his older sister who was about to have her graduation art show in New York - Kennedy was going to break to hitch hike there to celebrate with her. Very refreshing conversation with a nice guy, 20 years old, who is exploring before heading back to school to take up possibly an Ecology degree. Thoroughly enjoyed our thought sharing walk.In to Cable Gap shelter - very crowded. There met Indy hiking on her own after bike riding with her Dad from Knoxville to the White House; Stealth who was reconsidering moving to section hikes rather than a thru hike; Dirtbag and Lost and Found - good conversations with Lost and Found who had spent a lot of time in Peru hiking around and had a nice outlook about exploring the world. We talked about further travel and he is looking at southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia next. Very nice day, sitting out as the sun set. We had gotten in at 5:00 p.m. so had until almost 8 before sun went down. First time we had stopped this early so it was kind of strange to have free time in camp. Read a bit on the Kindle but no luck on a connection so good not update blog and answer emails.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana 28 AT Crossing
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

Easy day into Fontana. Walked for a while with JHawk. She is from Kansas with 3 grown kids, working or in school, a runner and is out hiking the trail on her own. She is an artist in her hometown working murals for businesses as an independent contractor. Very nice conversation as we wended our way into Fontana. I find it interesting how quickly you can get into deep conversations with people you have just met on the trail. The level of conversation it might take months to develop in the big city with people you meet seem to happen very quickly as you fall into a mutually acceptable pace and walk for hours and the miles fall away. People tend to cut very quickly to meaningful discussions, perhaps a result of the transient link ups before one or the other moves on or maybe because people are doing a lot of thinking and are wanting to discuss some of those thoughts. Whatever the reason, I am benefiting immeasurably from these interactions with my fellow hikers.Finally into Fontana Village where we check in, wash our clothes, pick up new food and go to the Pit Stop for pizza, hot dog, a Nantahala beer. While there, we run into a couple of guys with the WarriorHike.com, walk off the war program. Took this picture of Viking who was a C130 mechanic. Great guy and a lot of laughs at the cafe/gas station.Dinner that night with Right There and Mobius (Guardian has left the trail due to knee problems - hope to see him back out here. We head back out tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Breakfast this morning with Mobius - great guy who was a Union cement contractor in Minnesota. We have been bumping into him regularly and hope to continue doing so. He is definitely a can do kind of guy. He is on standby to donate a kidney for a friend and may have to get off the trail at some point. Working through all of that now but it serves as a testament to the kind of people that are out here.Waiting on a package from the post office and then we head out.I will be trying to update more frequently from the trail. Let's see how it works. A few days and we expect to meet up with our good friend Bob in Gatlinburg. On to the Smokies!Passed Fontana Dam. And shortly thereafter entered Smoky Mountain National Park. Good climb through rolling mountains from 1700' to 4775'. Nice day and good to be here.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Great day! Started out in the mist, cool, hiking out shortly after 8. Immediately started listening to tunes to help push the pace - Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Verve, Imagine Dragons - got warmed up quickly and moved with a purpose. Met friends along the trail, all in good spirits. As one said, "can't imagine being anywhere else."At 11:00 deluge starts, wind whipping from the side, pouring. Rain jacket goes on, meet up with JoHawk and we press on through the mud and rivulets ordain channelled down the trail and into our shoes. Keep moving, eat Clifbar and Snickers, stay warm. Finally make our way to double Spring Gap, Mike in right after. Into dry clothes, a quick dinner of pasta, tuna, hot tea and into tents for night around 7:30. Windy but rain has let up. Weathering the storm.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg)
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Broke down camp, tents frosted over from mist, winds. Pushed up and over Clingman's Dome - highest point on AT - and in to Newfound Gap. Bob had hiked in on the trail to greet us - great to see him - and we hiked into the gap where we were met by a couple making sandwiches and passing out drinks to thru hikers. The Bridens. Thank you, a great welcome. Bob whisked us in his car to Gatlinburg where we were immediately overwhelmed by masses of people and establishments like the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum and the Odditorium. Great evening at the Smoky Mountain Brewery, Jason picked up our thru hiker tab, thanks! And we went back to the hikers Grand Prix motel. Another good day. Tomorrow back out on the trail. Will shoot to finish up Smokies and head into Hot Springs.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg)

To: Tri-Corner Knob
Miles today: 15.6

After an all you can eat buffet breakfast and quick stop to pick up a butane canister, Bob got us back to the trail. We said our goodbyes at noon and headed, of course, uphill. As it was a Sunday, many day hikers out and we stopped to talk to some. Very nice day although we expected rain late in the afternoon; did not happen. As we were all feeling good, boosted by Fritos, Clifbar, Snickers, and a lunch of salami and cheese (kids tell your parents these are all good for you), we made our way through rolling trails and nice ridge line views to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. There a party was already in full swing with about 10 young hikers, dubbed the Party Crew, we're enjoying short mileage days and having fun. Found a quieter spot on very sloped terrain to set up our tents. At 1000 PM, the skies opened up and it poured the entire night. I fared well but Mike unfortunately did not and at 3 AM had to pack up his watery home and move to the shelter. Mike took it in stride as he always does, adapting and not complaining about it. From motel in Gatlinburg to rainy and sloped camp - a day of contrasts.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Tri-Corner Knob

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.6

Rainy and chilly at departure. Water is like a river running over and into our shoes at it is channelled down the AT. Best thing to do is keep moving and, despite the conditions we move well, alone in our hooded jackets and thoughts. Misty, waterfalls from the runoff, strange scenes in the woods where you half expect a troll or wizard to step out and pass on some bit of wisdom. We look at our maps and realize that if we push, we will exit the Smoky Mountain National Park by mile 15.7. Sensing another marker at being done with the Smokies and with many of us chafing at rules like having to sleep in the shelters if there is room, we decide to make a run for it. 19 tells us about this special place, Standing Bear Farm, just outside the park and we head there. The farm is a collection of buildings, inverted to a hostel many years ago. Rocket, the manager gives us the tour. Privy is over there, the shower is "fabulous," supply house ( take what food/supplies you need, mark it on the envelope, pay on checkout), bunkhouse, kitchen house, dryer and locked beer cooler (see Rocket if you want to buy one). About 25 hikers here - Classic setting and once again you never know what is around the next bend on the AT. Pizzas for dinner and out at 10.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Campsite at Mile 259.3
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

After saying goodbye to our Standing Bear Farm hosts (see photo gallery), we are back on the trail. Stargazer's leg is hurting badly so she stays behind as folks trickle out. She is here from Hannover, Germany (saw an AT special on German TV and came over. She fears her hike may be over and we are all sad for her. She has all the drive but a fall yesterday has left her limping. She will take a couple of days off, perhaps to a doc, and then we hope she will be back out. Tough seeing those who you run into day in and day out full of enthusiasm having to step off. They stay in spirit though. Today is just a beautiful hike up and over summits culminating in Max Patch Bald. Making your way through the woods and then breaking out on to an summit bald - windy, open and with views that go on forever is a real treat. You work for it, get up there and voila! A couple of day hikers are on the top with their dogs, two thru hikers sit and enjoy, another presses on. I stop to take it all in, try to bank the feeling for when harder times come (as they surely will) and move on. Mike, Jo and I find a nice campsite next to a stream and, after a quick dinner followed by the hanging of the bear bag, and, in the waning daylight each get comfortable in our individual tents. Another good day.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Campsite at Mile 259.3

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Rainy wake up so we pack quickly and move out. Walking through the fog it is difficult to see farther than about 30 feet out so each turn is unplanned and a surprise. After a mile and a half of uphill, Walnut Mountain Shelter looms out of the white mist. No one there, so Mike and I stop for a Carnation Instant + coffee quick drink breakfast while Jo goes on. Instant energy and I decide to put in the headphones and amp up the pace. Mumford and Sons, Ramones, 10,000 Maniacs, The Cure - moving now. The weather, good trail, mainly downhill, pushing and feeling good as the magnet of Hat Springs pulls. Stop and take some pictures of plant life and stop for a quick lunch streamside by myself, refill on water and then continue down I into Hot Springs which slowly reveals itself below as I make the turns back and forth down Deer Park Mountain. And suddenly I am at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, a 19th century vacation home turned boarding house turned hostel. Every room with books, old furnishings and an extraordinary organic vegetarian dinner made by the owner Elmer and his staff member Jesse. Down to wash our clothes at laundromat - Jo gets regaled by a guy at laundromat about what little time you have if you get bitten by a rattlesnake in these parts. Clothes into dryer and back to Elmer's but not before stopping for a hamburger, fries and a beer. Tomorrow a zero day - no hiking. Take a rest day, eat, shower, eat, blog, eat - did I mention we will probably eat? Good to be here.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day in town, R&R before rucking up and heading out tomorrow. Breakfast at Smoky Mountain Diner and now at public library updating blog, answering emails - just had great conversation with David who called from Kuwait. A quick note of thanks to all of you who have visited the blog and signed the guest book with your motivational messages - really means a lot. I will try to email back and my apologies if I have not done so yet. Gratifying to have recently heard from GMHS grads who just heard about the trek - thanks for your offers of help! Signing off with this picture of Elmer's Inn; might just have to sit out on that porch swing this afternoon! Have a great day!
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Tentsite, Log Cabin Drive
Miles today: 16.3

Today, after breakfast, repacking and checking out, we headed out of Hot Springs. Before leaving town, we stopped by Hiker's Ridge Ministries and met Queen Diva - great lady who fed us coffee and cookies and then had us write our name on boards for a picture to be place on her website. This is done so that in coming months hikers can track others. Quick stop at outfitters to weigh packs and selves and packs and then across the bridge to scale the heights above the city and into the mountains. Good to get walking again. Had a very good day, warm but with breezes and we made a good 16 miles even though we left at 11:15. Two excitements for the day: a controlled/prescribed fire pushed smoke into our area most of the day (weren't sure if a fire was headed our way but then saw the signs and Forestry trucks) - about 200m of AT was blocked due to the fire. Interesting to watch the smoke from different places as we moved up. The second excitement was that I stepped on a snake, Jo yelled out and we stopped to watch it strike out at my trekking pole several times. Little fella - Got a picture and we moved on. Found good spot to camp, recharge water and meal of teriyaki noodles and beef with tea and double stuff Oreos to finish it off. Another good day.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Tentsite, Log Cabin Drive

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Some people vignettes:- We heard that some of the hikers who stopped in Gatlinburg had a pretty exciting time in town. We see 2 18 year old thru hikers from New Hampshire, Trail Wife and Prom Queen and ask them what happened in Gatlinburg. Without missing a beat and in a way only an 18 year old who has seen it all, Trail Wife says, "What DIDN'T happen in Gatlinburg?"- We run into two day hikers, previous section hikers, Hermann and Barbara Gucinski, who are very excited to speak with us and share their memories of hiking the AT and PCT. - In Elmer's, one of the guests we meet is a guy working on his dissertation from MIT. Quantum physics, there looking for inspiration to work it further. I am lost within 10 seconds as he explains what his paper is on...- Woman getting into car with her husband sees us and we tell her we are headed to Maine - can she give us a ride? After she realizes we are not serious, she talks with us and is so excited that she raises her hands in the air over our heads and sends us off with a moving prayer for our safety. - Town hosts once a week pot luck dinner for hikers which we attend. Hot dogs, salads, beans, chips, cake. After eating we go around the room and introduce ourselves before hearing about some of the events the town will be holding to help out others. Never know what the next turn on AT will bring.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Highlights today included:- bolting for trail angel Quiet Paul's eggs and hash browns before he shut down at 2:45. Made it and had a great breakfast. Paul has been doing this for 4 years over a 6 day period ( the first year he was arrested for cooking in the state's parking lot so he moved 200 yds away to the current spot. He is a stone mason who worked extensively on the National Cathedral and is now near his wife's family in TN. Thru hiked in 2007. - Easter eggs full of jelly beans and chocolates left for hikers on trail. - Finally great views off Big Bald after a long hike up. Wonderful break on top.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Good hike over the day, a bit humid but hills manageable and good progress. Into Erwin where we stayed at Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel on the edge of town. Good place to hole up with decent bed, showers and laundry. Mexican food for dinner (so so) and back to Johnny's. Coordinated with Allison and Emily and excited about seeing them in a couple of days, 36 miles near Roan mountain!
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Erwin TN

To: Rock Creek Recreation Area
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: snow

We head out today in cold, rain, temps expected in 20s tonight. As we headed out of Erwin, noticed that the rain, was turning into snow - the higher we went more snow, large flakes and then hail. Pressed on - as long as we kept moving up, stayed warm and it was actually quite nice with the snow in the trees.At Indian Grave Gap (ominous), we crossed a major road and, in the space of about 15 minutes, it seemed the weather hit us with a vengeance. Temperatures dropped quickly into the teens, winds were blowing very hard, snow whipping around. We huddled to assess our position. Jo's hands were already white, Mike was out of water, we were all bitterly cold and the next shelter with water was a good 2 hours further north. We decided to get the heck off the AT and move to lower ground, out of the wind and cold as best we could. Back to the road, to hitchhike down to a campground 1200' lower. Walked down the road about 2 miles before getting picked up by Jeremiah (thanks!) who took us to the park, which of course was closed. Hiked in any way and camped at this great spot.Good teamwork assessing the potential danger of pressing on in worsening conditions. After a warm meal and into tent, sleeping bags, woke to a nice sunrise and a warming day. All good.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Rock Creek Recreation Area

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Nice hike today (especially after yesterday's weather. Met different hikers who had stories to tell about their own visit through the wild weather.Meandered taking it all in, nice views on Little Bald and saw this white blaze that someone had modified - good happy motivator.On to Greasy Creek Gap. Sun was warm, spring is here and we are camped out in a nice setting with the sun going down. Bear bags up, some mashed potatoes, salami, Oreos, hot tea. Into the tent for a good night.Psyched - tomorrow Allison will pick us up from Carver Gap for a stay in Johnson City!
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Early wake up and headed out for a half day hike to meet up with Allison who came up to pick us up at Carvers Gap. Great to see her at the parking lot!Drove down to eat first - burger, shake, float, fries, onion rings at The Cookout - and then on to the Treadways. Jake's parents, Keith and Vicky, graciously agreed to host 3 unwashed travelers in their home. First class support with the top floor handed over to us, a bedroom for each and then, after a superb shower and washing of clothes, Keith set out to stuff us full of steaks, chicken, corn, salad washed down with various libations. Great conversation with Allison and Jake, Keith, and Vicky at an oasis of relaxation - Thank you to the Treadways for the outstanding stay.Tomorrow, Emily rolls in from Atlanta - can't wait.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Carvers Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Emily came in this morning and we all had a nice breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We then made visits to Kroger, an outfitter, Lowe's. Thoroughly enjoyed the time with the girls but being back in traffic and the big city was a bit overwhelming. Too much, too soon. Good to have the access to things but since we have been carrying out homes on our backs, it has been interesting to see what one can do without. We had planned to be back on the trail by 2 but were delayed with the racing around to getting on around 5. Allison, Emily and Jake came up to the drop off point. Overcast but still good views as we climbed onto Roan Mountain. Kids walked with us for awhile and then turned back for the car as we went on.A wonderful break with family - Thanks Emily for coming up and Allison and Jake for taking the time out to take us around and be with us. We all really enjoyed it.Headed up and over Roan Mountain to Overmountain Shelter which is a converted barn that is now used as a hiker shelter. We did the usual stay in our tents but the setting of the barn, tents and views into the distance was quite nice in the waning day.Tomorrow, we link up with Mike's family - looking forward to it.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Banner Elk
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today we hiked from Overmountain a bit over 8 miles to link up with Mike's family. Julia, Karla, Steven, Kevin and John joined us from Springfield and Charlotte. We met with them at US 19E, Elk Park where the road crosses the AT. Good climbs over the balds before we saw them. We thought with Karla, Steven and John out for a day hike, the rest of the day would be a nice cruise.Of course, we totally we were wrong - they were there to hike. Sporting 65 pound rucks, enough food to feed an Army division and with Karla 4 months pregnant, we set out. Word to any of you who may be thinking of a leisurely hike with them - not possible. With Steven, an active duty Special Forces NCO with multiple combat tours in the lead; his brother, John, a computer programmer, a can do type of guy close behind; and Karla, who's motto is "Please, is this all you got?!" Mike and I traveled in their wake as we pressed on for another 15 miles. I got a little concerned when Steven put on his night vision goggles and said that we were now at the half way point, but found out that this was just a bit of Special ops humor - funny). We came out onto the forestry service road where, after a joke by Karla that the car had been towed and that we would be walking more or calling Julia for a pick up, we rounded the bend to find the vehicle where they had placed it earlier in the day. After I stopped hugging the car, we got in and drove to meet Julia and Karla in Banner Elk. A nice Best Western stay with a good dinner and reloading of calories at Bella's. Thanks to the Julia, Karla, Steven, John and Kevin for making the trek out and for a great couple of days. Hope to see you out here again.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Banner Elk

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter - in Banner Elk for a nice breakfast.We head out today. Looks crystal clear out there.Late start around 3 and headed up trail from the forest service road with full packs. Mike surges ahead still high on having been able to get together with his family. Mike and I see wander separately down the trail past streams, an old dilapidated barn, and a trail that breaks off to Coon Den Falls. It starts to get dark at around 8 and we link back up at Dennis Cove Road to look for a spot to camp. We see a sign that says "High bear activity in the area," and Mike jokingly says that he is up for hiking another few miles.Instead we find a nice spot right across the road next to a stream, set up our tents, hang the bear bag and eat leftover pizza from our time in Banner Elk and a bunch of different things out of our food bags orienting mainly on what is the heaviest rather than taste. Must - lighten - backpack.Just as a doze off some good old boys roll in to the parking lot and loudly party for about an hour 100m from our spot. Car headlights on, lots of noise - of course I just sit in my tent waiting for the "Is that a tent over there? Let's go check it out?" - But that never happens. After a while, the cars tear out of the parking lot and we are back in the quiet and out after a good day.