morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-11-19
From: Campsite Watauga Lake

To: Boone, NC
Miles today: 0.0

I got up early this morning. Once again it was warm which helped me to get moving. I walked back to the road and started hitching. I decided due to the location that I probably woud have no better luck than yesterday so I crossed the road and started hitching to Hampton, TN, 2.6 miles away. Luck was on my side this time. A friend of mine was visiting Boone on the weekend and was driving back to TN when she saw me hitching, so I got my ride into Hampton to the Golden Arches. I got some breakfast and then watched as the sky opened up to a good thunderstorm. I was very happy to be sitting inside and not out on the road with my thumb out. After breakfast I went into the gas station portion of the stop and bought a permanent marker. I used my tyvek ground cloth and made a sign that said, "HIKER TO BOONE, NC" It had stopped raining so I walked back to 321 and held my sign. It still took some time but eventually I got a ride 10 miles out of Hampton where 321 turned towards NC. From there I had a light rain fall until I caught another ride to a Elk Mills General Store. After a good while at the store a couple stopped and gave me a ride all the way to Boone. Woooo Hooooo. I arrived 10:45ish so it was a good hitch overall. I don't see how people hitch around the country though. I am patient with most things but in hitching I start thinking about how far it is and how long it would take if I started walking. If I had gotten within 10miles of Boone I would have started walking. As that would only be about a 3-4hr walk and probably faster on road.I went into Outdoor Programs and started meeting back up with friends. After a great shower I weighed myself as I knew I had lost weight. The verdict was 135lbs. Down from 153lbs when I got back on the trail September 22. Glad Thanksgiving is here! I will spend time putting back on some weight.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-11-20
From: Boone, NC

To: Raleigh, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Well I really enjoyed seeing friends and hanging out in Boone. I spent a lot of time updating this journal but normally that was when my friends were busy with class or work so it gave me something to occupy my time. I made it to my Aunts here in Raleigh last night after 10pm and had some bacon and eggs before heading off to bed.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-11-23
From: North Wilkesboro, NC

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 9.9

Well I am glad everything worked out for Thanksgiving. Hitching a ride to Boone was the longest I have ever hitched and must say that I would not be able to hitch across the country. I am to impatient when it comes to hitching. I look at distances and start thinking about it being easier just to walk there. Boone was very relaxing as always. I found out some great info like when the Banff Film Festival (april 11 and 12) was and got to catch up with friends. The Thanksgiving feasts yesterday were awesome but I still don't think I gained much weight back. My Aunt Debbie and her crowd along with my parents brought me back to the trail. It did come back short on gear though. I left my headlamp in the back of my friends car so I took my mom's as a replacment and I left my long underware on the dryer at my Aunts. Luckily Mast General Store in Boone was open earlier than normal for BLACK FRIDAY. I got a later start than I was planning and I had heard so much about Bob and Kincora over the past four years at school that I had to stop in for a visit. It was nice to finally put a face with the name. Two others Emily and Tina were there waiting for Murphy. Bob and I sat and talked about the ATC, Trails, School, and about where friends were and what they were doing. There is a really nice wood stove here which is awesome because temps are suppose to drop into the teens tonight. brrr.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-11-24
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Mountaineer Falls Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

With a good pizza meal last night and food for thought from Bob, I finally set out this morning. Temps did indeed drop and it was very difficult to leave the heat. It was nice to get to sleep early last night. Over Thanksgiving I stayed up every night and now I am lacking on the sleep. I didn't sleep in because my body is used to being up and running by 6ish. This morning I got to toast my Pop Tarts as well which is always a plus, along with some hot coco and oatmeal. I had a good climb to start the morning which was wonderful for getting me warmed up. The temps were below 25 degrees a good part of the morning according to my thermometer (Rhododendron leaves). There were some good views from some rock outcrops and you could see the higher mountains were still covered with some snow. A dusting was still present along some parts of the trail as well from the snow the night before last and yesterday morning.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-11-25
From: Mountaineer Falls Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning to warmer temperatures than I thought I would. Also had some friendly skies overhead at least they were trying to get that way. I knew rain was in the mix for today and tomorrow, so I knew to be looking upwards. After hiking just a little bit I really had to get out of some layers. The sun came up and the temperatures just spiked. The morning hike offered some views of the Roan Highlands which would be my destination. There were some cumulus clouds lingering in that direction. After a lunch break at the Apple House Shelter where temperatures were up to 60 degrees I started climbing. It was 5 miles to the summit of Hump Mtn. The trail was great but when I got about 2.5mi. away from the summit the clouds rolled up and over on the NC side and with that came rain and WIND. The strongest wind I have seen on the trail or backpacking ever. It was hard enough just to keep on my feet much less walk on the trail which was also slick mud. I felt like I was walking through thigh deep snow. When a stong gust came your best bet was to make sure both feet were on the ground. If it would have blown South it would have saved me a lot of time and energy. Needless to say I got no views from Hump Mtn. or Little Hump. I got to the barn and went straight up to the loft. It was a little weird staying in such a large structure with no one else around. Feeling it move underneath me when the wind blew didn't help too much either. I beleive this was the most physically taxing day I have had and I am glad to be out of the wind.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-11-26
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: moderate rain

Last night while up in the Barn the headlamp my mom let me use broke. The bad part is when it broke the only way for it to connect to the batteries broke. Thus I no longer had light except for the indiglow light on my watch. Once again the clouds are hovering over the mountains this morning. Shortly after I started hiking the rain started falling and continued to do so all day. Luckily for me I have been in this area before however only after big snows or on night hikes. I was still tired from yesterday so I drank more water to get more energy and ate a few extra snacks. Luckily there was a water drop at Carvers Gap so I didn't have to waste time in the rain collecting or purifying water. Also the bite valve on my platypus tube fell off and I lost a considerable amount of water before controlling the tube and getting the valve back in place. I originally planned to go to the next shelter south of here but I don't want to risk having to night hike in the fog with no headlamp. I'm sure the temp will drop tonight and this rain will turn to snow or ice higher up. It was 45.6 degrees on top at Roan High Knob Shelter. I doubt I will make Erwin tomorrow.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-11-27
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Curley Maple Gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

It started out foggy again with a light rain again today. Along with that it was also a little colder out. The day would brighten up though. First off would be with a Pepsi on top of a mountain. It was too cold to stop so with out missing a beat I bent down grabbed one of the Pepsi's, switched hands with it and put on one of my Pepsi mittens (good for drinking pepsi's when the cans are cold) and continued to walk holding my trekking poles in the other hand. Once I finished the drink I threw the can to the ground (no I didn't leave it), crushed it with my foot and then stuffed it in the side pocket of my backpack. Now that was some great trail Magic on the go. Next I would come across some water. I was hoping that the jugs were not empty. Luckily it was from Farsnag's Mom and Dad and they have been keeping them stocked well. I was on empty so I loaded up and rehydrated before hiking. A little later I came across some of the TN Eastman Hiking Club out doing trail work. Bob was not with them he was on the other side of the river today but I talked with them for a bit and expressed my Thanks. These were the first people I had seen in a while. The past two days I had seen no one except people driving by on roads I crossed. Unaka Mtn later in the day was AWESOME. It is a wooded summit but it is of the Southern Appalachian Boreal Forest type which reminds you of Maine. Ice had covered many of the trees here and the temperature was much cooler than where I had started my climb. Soon after the Mountain I was rewarded with views back towards the Roan Highlands which were covered in snow and a look ahead to the Mountains that await my passage. In my race against dark I came across another water drop from Farsang's folks. This kept me from having to worry with collecting water when I got to camp. I made it before dark and got my dinner cooked up just in time. Thanks a bunch for the magic.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-11-28
From: Curley Maple Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: clear sky

Tonight I am at Uncle Johnny's Hostel outside of Erwin, TN right by the Nolichucky. It has already been very great. There is a nice bunkroom kept warm by a wood stove. I got my resupply at a Wally world as someone was going to town earlier and have since just been relaxing. Tomorrow I will head out with a Headlamp and make my way towards Hot Springs. It was warm again today, maybe these days will continue for a bit. As I tell others though, for SOBO's there are three places to make it through where snow is likely; the Virginia Highlands (got it there), the Roan Highlands (missed it barely), and the Great Smoky Mtns. (what will it bring). Of course this is not always true but if you get it in these places it tends to be a lot bigger.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-11-29
From: Uncle Johnny's

To: Bald Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 16.9

Sleep was pretty hard last night. The heat in the bunkhouse was a little too much. I was sleeping by a window which helped out. Later in the night or morning I should say, the cat some how got into the bunkroom and jumped on my head to get to the window. Both Firework and I planned to get out early but that didn't happen. It is always hard to get moving out of a town or warm place. There were some scales at the hostel so I made the mistake of seeing what my pack weighed, 53lbs! Not very excited about that but I have carried more before. It seemed that I hiked faster than normal due to the fact that someone else was hiking along. For the first time in a while I actually got to the shelter with plenty of daylight left. At 5,100ft it could be a cold night.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-11-30
From: Bald Mtn. Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

Firework and I got out about the same time this morning. I let him go out ahead as he is a faster hiker. His plan was to make Jerry Cabin and I figured that was a good goal for a nice day. Temperatures were pretty warm out. We got some more magic from Farsang's folks and also had some Coke's out on the trail. I packed mine until lunch time. We had views throughout the day which was nice. Firework flew ahead to make it by dark and I took my time as I knew night hiking would be in the picture. It turned out to be one of the best hikes I have had in a while as I made it to some open balds in time for the sunset. From there I made it to the shelter in no time without even having to use my headlamp. There was another group around the shelter but they were tenting. My stomach started to bother me shortly after arriving.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-12-01
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Spring Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

I never once thought when I left Katahdin that I would actually hike in December. Here I am though, the trail has been great so far and I can expect nothing less of the remaining miles. Last night turned out to be better than I thought it would be based on how I felt. I thought I might have a repeat of my CT sickness. Luckily that was not the case. My plan today was the Spring Mtn. Shelter unless I made good time and then I would go on to Hot Springs which would be a 26mi day. Well at Allen Gap Firework was standing at a water drop and called up asking if I wanted some BBQ. I didn't believe it at first but sure enough 300yds up the road was a house offering trail magic. With that we took off up the road with smiles on our faces. Good ole Magic for SOBO's. I had a waffle followed by BBQ, Potato Salad, Fresh Bread, and Ice Cream Sundae, Pickles, Bean Salad, and I'm probably leaving something out. It was 2:30ish when we left the house and I knew with the 1100ft climb up to the next shelter that I would not make it to Hot Springs. I am looking forward to kicking back tomorrow in town.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-12-02
From: Spring Mtn. Shelter

To: Elmer's in Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I am in Hot Springs and will now go and kick back to relax. I had a great hike into town. There will be some music going on later at a church, so I may go check that out. Other than that I guess I will kick back and listen to some good ole WNCW. -Snack Time
Date: 2007-12-03
From: Elmer's in Hot Springs, NC

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

My stay at Elmer's in Hot Springs was awesome. I enjoyed sitting back and looking through his book collection, and even started a list of some that I though would be interesting. I got to bed at a good hour for a change (normally getting to bed in town is always late), and thus was able to get a good and early start on the trail. While in town I got my permit for the Smokies and talked with my friend Cole ("Flash" AT and LT '03) who was planning to join for a few days. The weather is hard to make out right now but looks like there maybe some precip in the forecast for Wednesday-Thursday. Knowing this, makes me wonder if I will make it through the Smokies without snow. The wind today was roaring once more as I headed for the roaring fork shelter. Once I arrived my biggest complaint about the trail was once again revived. Everything in the shelter area was still frozen solid. The sun had been out all day and warm up areas and melted away ice but the shelter was built in a valley where it sits in the shade all day long. It also faces North. I'm sure there is a lot that goes into selecting shelter sites but it seems that more passive solar designs could start being incorporated in newer shelters. Build them facing SE and on the S facing slopes not the North. Putting an overhang on the roof will keep the high summer sun out and still provide shade for the hot days when NOBO's are walking through (yes I could just camp). I'm really looking forward to Max Patch tomorrow, as I have very fond memories of the summit from two previous trips to the area. -Snack Time
Date: 2007-12-04
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

It was COLD! this morning. For the first time on this trip I got cold last night. My feet cooled down but never froze, that is until I placed them in my boots. It was a little later when I got started this morning. Originally I was thinking about sunrise on Max Patch but that didn't come close to happening. The views from the summit were amazing none the less. From there the walking was pretty good but I just took my time. The weather that day was just crazy. I went from having a frozen beard on top of Max Patch to temperatures around 60 degrees when I reach the I-40 crossing. Comming down to 40 I hit some trail magic in a creek. I decided I would just pack the soda and continue on instead of taking another break. Then at Davenport Gap I came across some water, which I found out later was left by Cole. He had also written a note with sticks on the ground but once I started down the hill my focus went to the water so I missed the note. Once at the shelter I met up with Cole and caught up on life and what has been happening. There was also another guy at the shelter who had a big fire going in the fireplace. Cole will hike on with me to Newfound Gap in the Smokies and then head back to School. It is great hiking with him again.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-12-05
From: Davenport Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

It seems that everytime Cole and I hike together we bbring and energy with us which causes more extreme weather than predicted. We have planned many of trips only to have it rain, snow or other crazy events to occur. With that it is only fitting that we are getting snowed on in the Smokies. I told many of the SOBO's I have passed recently the three snow traps for us would be the Grayson Highlands in VA, the Roan Highlands in TN/NC, and the Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC. These are where snows could possibly be the heaviest. I have managed to make it through all three areas with interesting weather, not BAD just interesting. If things get crazy I do have the option of going down to the crazy town of Gatlinburg. Cole will be getting off tomorrow at Newfound Gap and I will try to continue pushing up and over the highest peak on the AT, Clingmans Dome. The areas here in the park looks so rugged which is awesome and reminds me of some of the mountains I saw out west. It is quite beautiful and I will have to get back and hike some more. I hope that I can here or see some Elk, which they released in the park and seem to be doing well. My guess is they are down at lower elevations though.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-12-06
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Sometimes it is hard to find the right word to describe situations, or things. This morning the words cold and crazy seemed fitting, however; what would come of that cold and crazy environment would be a beauty that words just can't describe. It is the kind that just stops you in your tracks and you say WOW! Although you take pictures you know that those pictures will never truely capture that moment. The snow last night did continue and Cole and I woke up to 4-6" blanketing the ground. We still got out early but our pace was much slower going through the snow. The sunrise was awesome over the next ridge and shortly after starting, the winter wonderland around us showed us the best it had to offer. The day continued with breath taking views and by 1:30 we had made it to Newfound Gap. Cole would leave from here and I decided to push on, although a shorter day than planned. Warmer temps are on the way but tonight I am staying around 5,800ft. Brrr...-Snack Time
Date: 2007-12-07
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Derek Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Often times when hiking you tend to drink more water in the summer than winter. As a matter of fact, I should say that probably is true 99.0% of the time. I have constantly been trying to keep myself dry and warm over the past few days through the snow and colder weather. To do so I have been keeping myself warm by staying COLDER (Clean, Overheating, Layers, Dehydration, Evaluate, Repair). All these things are important when winter camping. The D however, I seem to keep ignoring. With my platypus hose frozen, I have to stop to drink water and for that reason I haven't been drinking as much. Today I believe that had a big part with doing lower mileage than I had planned. The water source here at Derek Knob is awesome though, so it will be nice to stay. Another plus is being here with plenty of daylight. With lots of water I had a bigger meal than normal, and some hot coco. Thanks to some earlier hikers I also had a good amount of wood scattered under the shelter, which meant it was dry. I made a nice warm fire in the fireplace and was able to dry my boots and socks out. While hiking today I took notice of several animal tracks which I will have to check out when I get home. First thing in the morning I also went over the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, Clingmans Dome (6, 643ft). Clouds rolled in while I was on the top but it was still nice because the snow closed the road to the top meaning I was the only one there and by evidence of no tracks in the snow the only that had been there since it was covered. Tomorrow I will be pulling a big day due to a lack of water in the south end of the Park and the fact that the last shelter is only 11 miles away. That shelter, will mark my 2,000th mile on the trail!-Snack Time
Date: 2007-12-08
From: Derek Knob Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

2,000 Miles! It was lunch time today when I passed by the 2,000 mile for SOBOs. It was a great feeling, and help me to think back about what I had covered. Being there also made the end seem terribly close. The hardest par of the hike today was the first 7 miles. I got started in the dark and moved pretty well through a misty fog. The snow was pretty much all gone as this side of the park did not recieve as much and the temperatures rose through the night. As the day went on rain started falling and it did so on and off the rest of the day. I made it to Fontana Dam before dark and got a drink from the coke machine at the visitor center before walking down to the shelter. Tomorrow I will hike onto Fontana Village where I hope I can get a quick resupply. Sounds like the weather will remain as is until next weekend. The dam is the end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I really enjoyed getting to see a good portion covered in snow and wish I could have seen more of the southern half after Newfound Gap. I will be back to the Smokies though as there is so much more to explore below the ridgeline.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-12-09
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning to a light rain, and packed somewhat slower. I also knew that stores down in town would probably not open up too early. It being a Sunday made me wonder if I would find what I needed open before the afternoon. I hiked a mile to NC 28 where I took an attempt at getting a shuttle but had no luck there. I started walking to town and traffic needless to say, was non-exsistent. While walking the rain started coming down harder. Two miles later I was glad to come around a curve and see the OPEN sign lit up on the gas station. The lady running the store told me to come on inside and got me a cup of hot coco. I then got a biscuit and honey bun. She informed me the stores would be opening at 9am. Currently it was a little after 8:30. Knowing that I just sat and talked with her for the next 30mins. She had actually opened early to do some decorating, any other day I would have been out of luck until 9. Luckily an employee at the Village did give me a shuttle back to the trail. The hiking was splendid as it followed along and atop ridges. The wind has picked up as the sun went down. This will probably be one of my last short days.-Snack Time