morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Post for Monday March 28Start Sassafras Gap ShelterDestination Cable Gap ShelterMiles 15.2Post title: On becoming a thruhiker We've been on the trail for three weeks. It still feels too soon to really claim the thruhiker identity. When people ask us where we're headed, we both tend to say we're hoping to make it Maine. But each day, as we go through the experiences that are the fabric of the thruhiker life, I feel closer to being that person. The sky was clear and full of stars when I went to bed last night. Three hours later, the rain started pouring down. I woke up in the morning to find that, due to the slant I was on, some water bad puddles in my tent. My sleeping bag had damp spots and my pad was wet. There was nothing to do but pack up our wet stuff in the rain. But today we were not walking into town, but to another shelter. The question was whether we stopped at the one in 9 miles, so we could be sure to have a place to sleep I'm the shelter and not have to deal with wet tents, or do we keep pushing to the one at fifteen miles, knowing there would be no shelter spaces by the time we got there. It was just too early to stop at nine miles. Us, we both wanted to see how we would do with a fifteen mile day. As if to affirm our decision, the rain stopped and the sun came out shortly after we decided to keep going. Our day included our steepest climb yet--nearly 600 feet up in only half a mile. My tent is still a little damp as I write this from my sleeping bag. But we survived the rain, the climb and the miles. I think we're ready for the Smokies.
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

On becoming a thruhiker We've been on the trail for three weeks. It still feels too soon to really claim the thruhiker identity. When people ask us where we're headed, we both tend to say we're hoping to make it Maine. But each day, as we go through the experiences that are the fabric of the thruhiker life, I feel closer to being that person. The sky was clear and full of stars when I went to bed last night. Three hours later, the rain started pouring down. I woke up in the morning to find that, due to the slant I was on, some water bad puddles in my tent. My sleeping bag had damp spots and my pad was wet. There was nothing to do but pack up our wet stuff in the rain. But today we were not walking into town, but to another shelter. The question was whether we stopped at the one in 9 miles, so we could be sure to have a place to sleep I'm the shelter and not have to deal with wet tents, or do we keep pushing to the one at fifteen miles, knowing there would be no shelter spaces by the time we got there. It was just too early to stop at nine miles. Us, we both wanted to see how we would do with a fifteen mile day. As if to affirm our decision, the rain stopped and the sun came out shortly after we decided to keep going. Our day included our steepest climb yet--nearly 600 feet up in only half a mile. My tent is still a little damp as I write this from my sleeping bag. But we survived the rain, the climb and the miles. I think we're ready for the Smokies.
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

On to the SmokiesToday was another nero day. We hiked the 5.4 miles from the shelter to Fontana Dam, where the shuttle picked us up and took us to the Fontana Lodge, a beautiful place that looks like it is quite the bustling resort when their season starts later this spring. We did the usual--resupplying at the general store, laundry and super long shower/bath. And, of course, eating lots of food at the restaurant. However, this was also the time for something else--planning our hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Of the entire AT, the Smokies are the section I am most anxious about. The Smokies have the highest mountains of the trail, the coldest temperatures, the most bear activity and the highest probability of bad weather. It can snow any time there through April. No blizzards are currently predicted, but the temperature is supposed to drop in a couple of days. And every day there is a chance of rain. So, I'm not quite sure what to expect. But after what I'm sure will be a substantial breakfast at the restaurant, I'm ready to find out.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Fontana Shelter

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

Thanks to the goddess of switchbacksWhen I asked Clutch about it, she said she felt the same thing. It was this twinge of either regret or questioning as we left the comfort of the Fontana Lodge for life on the trail. It was a twinge that lasted until we put on our packs and started hiking again--and both knew that's where we wanted to be. Still, our brief visits to the world of indoor living are a stark contrast to the life we have chosen to live for now. The elevation of Fontana is relatively low and the Smokies are high, so we knew there would be a lot of climbing today.   And there was a lot of elevation to be gained, but much of it was on a gently rising trail with many switchbacks. It was a good way to enter the Smokies. Because there is so much bear activity in the Smokies, you have to stay at one of the shelters. Tenting is not allowed. As it started to rain around midday--and continued through the evening--we were glad to be heading to a shelter. It's still raining as it is getting dark. We will see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Not about the viewAfter a day and night of rain, we woke to cloudy skies but no rain. I think that every minute in the Smokies when it's not raining is an incredible gift. Today we went the whole day with just a few episodes of hail/sleet as the only precipitation. However, despite some valiant efforts by the sun to break through the clouds, it remained foggy and misty. Yesterday, we climbed almost to the summit of a mountain with a fire tower on top. Surrounded by fog, it was easy to forego the chance to go the tenth of the mile to the summit. Today we climbed two mountains--Rocky Top and Thunder Mountain, again in the fog and mist. One of the things I have always loved about hiking is getting to the top of a mountain and seeing an incredible vista. But today, as I passed by yet another mountain surrounded by fog, it was very clear that, on this hike, it is not about the view. It is about so much more.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Walking through the (very cold) winter wonderlandI hate to be cold. At home, I have a full complement of items to keep me warm. Here on the trail my options are significantly limited. Last night was so, so cold when we got to the shelter. The only way to get warm was to stay in the our sleeping bags. We left them briefly to cook and eat, and then back in the bags for the next twelve hours. We awoke to a winter wonderland of frost and ice covering the tree limbs. It was incredibly beautiful and still so cold. We packed and started hiking as that was the only way to warm up. As we hiked, I thought my hands would never get warm. My gloves were totally not up to the job. But we're in the mountains and it was't long before we started climbing and generating some heat. Because of the cold, the mud we had been slogging through yesterday had frozen, making for easier hiking. And then, because the weather always changes in the Smokies, by mid-afternoon the sun came out and we had some amazing views. Today was a big day. We climbed to the top of Clingman's Dome--at 6575 feet it is the highest mountain on the trail. It's still super cold and we are in our sleeping bags. But tomorrow we head to Gatlinburg for a warm bed and a chance to watch basketball.
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: broken clouds

Halfway through It was cold this morning, but not quite as cold. And knowing we only had to hike four and a half miles to Newfound Gap and the road to Gatlinburg made everything just fine. The trail to Newfound Gap was beautiful--hiking on a thin coat of snow through a wonderful, enveloping pine forest. The trail was generally down, but with a few warming uphills. When we got to Newfound Gap we stuck out our thumbs to hitch a ride to town. Once again our luck (or maybe our trail magic) continued and we got a ride within five minutes. We are now halfway through the Smokies. We've seen their rain, cold, a little snow and their highest mountain. We'll take tomorrow off and go back to the trail on Monday. But now, instead of nervousness, I am looking forward to the rest of our time in these magnificent mountains.
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Gatlinburg R&RToday was our first zero day, something our bodies, feet and stomachs completely appreciated. We ate a lot, gawked at the wonders of Gatlinburg and watched a lot of college basketball--both the men's and women's semifinal games.   We re-supplied and will head out tomorrow for the rest of the Smokies and beyond.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

A Grand and Glorious DayIt's pouring rain with thunder and lightening right now, as I sit in the shelter typing and listening to the raindrops on the roof. We knew the storm was expected at some point in the afternoon when we started out. The only question was whether we would get to the shelter first. But when we started hiking in the morning, it was pretty bard to believe in rain. The weather was spectacular--warm and sunny without being too hot. As we climbed up into the Mountains from the gap (you always climb when leaving a gap), I felt stronger than I have the whole hike. Clutch felt similarly. Lots of food ways helps. I think taking a day off was really good. And it seems we are now developing our hiking legs. Once we gained elevation, the trail followed a ridge and the views were incredible. Because the AT goes along the state line, to the left were the mountains of Tennessee and to the right the mountains of North Carolina. We both agreed this was probably the best hiking day so far--in a journey with so many fabulous days already.
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Rain, Snow and a Little SunThe Smokies do keep you on your toes. For most of last night, I heard the thunder and the rain beating down on the shelter roof. When it quieted early in the morning, I thought we were done with precipitation. I was wrong, as I found out in the morning when I awoke to a snow-covered landscape. After the sun and the warmth of yesterday, it was back to cold and the beauty of winter. We took off, crunching along on the frozen terrain. Of course, since this is the Smokies, the terrain was varied and inconsistent as the weather. We walked on ice, depending on our hiking poles to keep us from slipping. We also walked through the streams flowing down the trail after last night's rain. We walked through deeper snow as we climbed above 6000 feet and we walked through slush and mud as we descended. And then, in the midafternoon, the sun came out, the fog lifted and suddenly we could see the mountains surrounding us. Tomorrow we leave the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We leave knowing we have had a rich Smoky Mountain experience--and appreciating every moment.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Spanish Oak Gap
Miles today: 13.6

Out of the SmokiesAlthough it was cold and snow was on the ground when we got up, the sky was clear and the sun was rising. After a two mile ascent, we knew we would be going down, down, down for five miles--out of the Smokies and into warmer weather. And, indeed, by the afternoon we were hiking in short sleeve shirts and shorts. The morning cold and snow seemed so far away and long ago. It's an interesting phenomenon--one might think every day, even every hour, is pretty much the same. It's just hike, hike, hike, putting one foot in front of the other. Yet every day feels so rich and full. The terrain is different, the views are different, the people we talk to and the conversations are different. And then there is the unexpected magic. Today it was the different, all beautiful, butterflies surrounding us when we stopped for lunch.Leaving the Smokies means leaving the higher elevations. In the park, we were generally between 5000 and 6000 plus feet. Now we will between 3500 and 5000 feet until we get to Virginia ( except for one day next week when we go back over 6000 feet). Leaving the Smokies also means we can camp out and don't have to stay in shelters. So we are tenting up on a ridge where we could have watched the sun go down if we hadn't climbed into our tents and sleeping bags before dark. Our food bags our hung high and I dare any bear to get them.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Spanish Oak Gap

To: Roaring Brook Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Max Patch MagicThere were a lot of ascents and descents today. That is the hallmark of these North Carolina/Tennessee mountains--up and down and up again. We met an aspiring thruhiker early on the trail. I don't know if he is still on the trail, as he was saying on the second day--I didn't think there would be so much up and down. There is definitely a lot of up and down. The last up today took us to the summit of Max Patch--a completely unanticipated place of wonder. It is a mountain with a huge bald summit, essentially covered in grass. There were amazing views of the mountains surrounding us in all directions. Perhaps most wonderful, though, was the sun and the warmth. We got to the summit, threw off our packs and just laid down on our backs to soak up some pre-summer heat. Being there today was great. But what was also great was knowing that this was just the first of what is sure to be many opportunities to lie back, relax and enjoy the sun. After all, we will be hiking into the summer.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Roaring Brook Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

You just never knowWe are seeing increasing signs of spring. The butterflies are everywhere. More and more wild flowers are appearing along the trail. The rhodedendrons seem close to blooming and the trees are showing signs of beginning to leaf. Of course, once the leaves come out on the trees, we will lose the views we are getting through the naked branches. We will then really be in the green tunnel. Coming to the sign in the picture was such a thrill. It was the first sign we have passed with the distances to Springer Mt. (265 miles) and Mt. Katahdin (1914 miles) listed. Of course we needed to take a picture. We left this morning hoping to get to the shelter 14.8 miles down the trail. We haven't done a lot of 14 plus mile days so were not sure if we would make. We knew we could tent along the way if we needed to. We did not anticipate that we would be flying along the trail, making good time on the ups and really moving on the downs. It was 3:15 when we got to the shelter and Hot Springs was only 3.2 miles away. No question about it--we were going to Hot Springs for the food, the shower and the bed. We are meeting Clutch's brother and sister-in-law tomorrow for dinner, so we will be taking an unanticipated zero tomorrow. Life is really good.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hot Springs DecadenceOur reward for our 18 mile day yesterday was a zero day on Hot Springs today. And what a great reward that was! The AT goes right down the main street of Hot Springs, a sweet little town with everything a thruhiker needs--a couple of places to stay, a laundromat, an outfitter, a store to resupply and some places to eat. We decided to organize our day around food. Breakfast was at the diner, where they have these amazing skillet breakfasts with biscuits on the side. Try as I might, I could only finish half (although other thruhikers were more successful). Then, in between chatting with the other hikers in town, we bought our food for the next five days of hiking. More sitting outside in the sun and talking, and then it was lunchtime. We had decided ice cream for lunch would be perfect. We each had hot fudge sundaes (Clutch opted for the brownie sundae). More sitting around, and then I went for my massage at the Hot Springs spa. I came back to the hotel room to find Clutch enjoying the jacuzzi attached to our room. I took my turn after her. Finally, a wonderful dinner with Clutch's brother and sister-in-law--and our day of decadence was over. Tomorrow we have one more hearty breakfast and then back to the trail--to fantasize about what we'll eat when we get to town again. (Note to those who have asked: when you don't see a new post for a couple of days, it is because I have no cell phone service. I think it's the good news that there are still places where the signal doesn't reach
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Camp Fire Chit ChatMore signs of spring today-- little irises along the trail as well as wild daisies (and the one I chose said she does, indeed, love me). And lots of sunshine. As I look around at the other thruhikers staying here, we all have t-shirt tans. As usual, there was a big climb as we left town. And, also as usual, fortified by lots of town food and a good night's sleep, the climbing felt great. There are a lot of people at the shelter tonight--the group of us that left Hot Springs this morning. Most of these folks here are hikers we've seen regularly along the trail. Clutch calls them our bubble--a group that's going about the same miles per day and so end up at the same shelter. In the Smokies we worried that if our bubble was too large, there wouldn't be enough room in the shelters. Now that we can tent again, it's nice to have a bubble to chat with. It's one of the warmest evenings we've seen. There's a great fire going, which has chased away a lot of the gnats and black flies that had been tormenting us. Folks are engaged in idle chit chat about the trail and the hike so far. We are so lucky to be living this life.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry's Cabin
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Making the MilesIt was amazing to wake up and have it be warm. I think it was the first morning I haven't immediately put on my puffy jacket (hiker talk for down jacket--a thruhiking essential).   Between the warmer weather and the earlier sunrise, we were up and ready to leave before eight--a new record for us.We wanted to get an early start as we were aiming for a 15.4 mile day. Although we have a few fifteen plus mile days under our belt, we were looking at some particularly challenging miles today. In addition to a couple of major climbs, we were also hiking a section described in our book as rocky and strenuous--take bypass trail in bad weather.The climbs were challenging, but also exhilarating in that pushing your body and feeling good about it kind of way. And although the rocky section was, indeed, rocky and strenuous, the views were incredible.Today was the start of our fifth week on the trail. Every day we get more confident in our hiking and our ability to make our miles. We will never be what we call the fast folk--hikers who are already doing more than twenty miles a day.   But we are very happy to be hiking our hike.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Jerry's Cabin

To: Hogback Ridgeback Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

A Bad Weather DayYesterday was so warm and delightful. At some point during the night, the rain started--heavy rain with thunder in the distance. By morning it had stopped, although we still had to pack up wet tents. It even looked as if the sun might come out.The sun did not come out and, in a couple of hours, the rain started. Clutch and I talked about how much nicer this spring rain was. We could hike in rain jackets and shorts as it was too warm for rain pants. Most importantly, although wet, my hands stayed warm.I was hoping the sun might come out around one. Instead, the temperature dropped--a lot. Hail started mixing in with the rain. The wind got stronger and colder. We just got colder. I suppose the good news is that we hiked faster than we ever had to get to the shelter, with the hope of being someplace where we could get warm and dry.We got to the shelter at 3.30. It was a small shelter and already full with hikers snuggled into their sleeping bags and warming up. So back into the rain to put up our already damp tents and crawl into them as quickly as we could.It's dark now and still raining. I know that sunshine can quickly erase the memory of being cold and wet. I really hope there is some sunshine tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Hogback Ridgeback Shelter

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 13.5

It's True about the SunThe rain stopped during the night and we woke, if not to sunshine, at least to no precipitation. As we ate breakfast, we actually saw the sun beginning to come out. However, we still had to pack up our wet tents, clothes, and damp sleeping bags and pads. We started hiking, hopeful about the sun. It was a perfect day for hiking--not too hot or too cold, with a gentle cooling breeze. Of course, we wanted hot so we could dry our things. Midday we found the perfect stop--just off the trail on the windless side of the ridge. Within an hour, everything was dry and life was good. There was a lot of climbing after lunch. The highest point was Big Bald, a grassy mountain top with amazing 360 degree views. More ups and downs until we reached Whistling Gap, where we are camping tonight. Now that we are not cold and miserable, we are both proud of our ability to make it through whatever the trail has to offer.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Whistling Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Stupid FoodStupid food is food you don't eat and carry into town with you. We used to carry a lot of stupid food, as we just didn't know bow much to bring. Today, as we hiked into Erwin, we felt very proud of ourselves, as we had essentially no stupid food. All we had was some honey and Parmesan cheese--and both of those are meant to last longer than one resupply. Now, though, we are back from buying food for the next few days. I am a little concerned that we may not feel so smug the next time we hit town. The grocery store is just too full of good stuff and it's hard not to think we want it all. We're staying at Uncle Johnny's Hostel, right on the AT. We had a great hike into Erwin--hikes into town are always more downhill than up, as towns are in gaps. Of course, that means hikes out of town are always more uphill, as we leave the gap. But that is for tomorrow. Tonight we sleep in a real bed, with clean bodies and clean clothes.