morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to rain, strong winds, and fog this morning. I don't understand how it can be foggy when the wind is blowing so hard. It must be the altitude. Weather radar was showing strong storms coming in and I decided to wait it out. I'm glad I did. Around 10 am heavy downpours arrived with lightening and strong winds. Storms didn't let up under 3:30 pm. I ended up taking a zero day in my tent. I was hoping to take my first zero day in Franklin on Wednesday and fill up on some good food. I guess Mother Nature and the AT had different plans. It's almost useless to plan ahead on the trail. Weather and tough terrain can slow you down at any point. You just have to be flexible. Sunny skies return tomorrow and more rain on Wednesday. I'm going to be on the trail by daybreak and see if I can hike all 16 miles into Franklin and get back on schedule. If I can't make it, I will stealth camp somewhere off the trail, hopefully within 4 or 5 miles to the highway.
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Best hiking day so far!! I was up at 6 am in the dark and started packing up my tent and gear. I was ready to hit the trail at 6:30 am, but it was still dark so I waited about 15 minutes for the first signs of daybreak. Not only was the weather perfect, but I hiked 16 miles. That's my most distance so far! I also crossed my 100 mile milestone!! Highlight of the day was climbing Albert Mountain. There is an abandoned fire tower there. I had heard about Albert Mountain and it didn't disappoint. The last 1/4 mile is more like rock climbing than hiking. You have to put your trekking poles away and just use your hands to pull up over the rocks. You are rewarded with spectacular views. Also seeing more wildlife. At daybreak I saw about 8 deer staring at me as I hiked past. They didn't even move. Seeing more squirrels and I saw my first wild turkey cross the trail ahead of me. And no, still haven't seen any black bears, and that's fine with me. I'm in Franklin, NC and I caught a ride into town. Since I haven't showered in 4 days, I'm planning to shower, do laundry, and eat real food!! And thanks to everyone that has left messages in my journal. It doesn't allow you to respond, but the messages help me stay motivated.
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I had a much needed zero day in Franklin, NC. During the peak AT hiking season, First Baptist Church sends a shuttle to the most popular hiker hostels and hotels at 7:15 am each morning to transport hungry hikers to their church for free pancakes, bacon, and beverages. What a great group of people! This is part of their outreach program and they seem to love what they do. And we hikers love their generosity! I spent the rest of the day making resupply visits to a local outfitter, Walmart, and Ingles Food store. You might wonder what people eat on the trail. You see about everything, but the most common things are freeze dried meal packets while in camp. Most hikers carry some type of stove to boil water. Then they can add things like pasta, rice, and ramen. Add tuna or chicken and you have some good protein. I have chosen to go stoveless. My normal day would be a breakfast bar in the morning, followed by a energy bar around mid morning. Lunch would be beef strips and something sweet. Dinner is normally tortillas with peanut butter, more steak strips, and some fruit snacks. And then probably another energy bar before bed. There is no way you can replace the calories you burn each day, so you try to pack food that has the highest calories in the lightest weight. A good rule of thumb is 130 calories per ounce. That's why you become good friends with Honey Buns, Snickers, and dark chocolate! LOL! Timing was good to be off the trail as the weather was stormy off and on all day. Would have been a very cold and wet day on the trail. Can't say enough about the people of Franklin. This is a true trail town! Back on the AT tomorrow. Weather forecast shows cool temps in the 40's and windy. I will be layered up. On cool mornings I always start off in my down jacket, but it doesn't take long before I have to stop and take it off. You are fine as long as you keep moving. You never send your down jacket home. It will be needed throughout the trip for cool mornings at high altitude. Oh by the way, just to show you how clueless I can be, I was telling a local about the mornings being so foggy even with the strong winds at my tent sites. He reminded me that it's not really fog, it's clouds!! When you camp above 5,000 feet you are at or above the cloud level. Duh!!! You learn something everyday!!
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

It felt good to be back on the trail today. I got a ride back to the AT from a 93 year old WWII Air Force veteran. What a nice man. He drove a Jeep Wrangler and shuttles hikers throughout the day. I could have listened to his stories all day, but the trail was waiting. Weather was cloudy with increasing winds. Temps in the mid 40's. Stayed in my down jacket, stocking cap, and long pants all day. The weather is really on a roller coaster. Hiking in shorts and short sleeves one day, bundled up in layers the next. The hike wasn't too difficult with only one major uphill to Siler Bald. Total of 15.8 miles. I am camping near Cold Spring Shelter. I bought some heavy duty tent stakes in Franklin to help with the strong winds. They will be tested tonight with a wind advisory in effect for wind gusts up to 45 mph. I remember commenting in my journal in my first few days about the wind and the sound it makes as it roars across the mountains and through the gaps. After 125 miles, I'm still in awe. I have actually grown to enjoy the sound. It's like the mountains are trying to speak and welcome you to their world. If all goes well tomorrow, I plan to reach the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) by late afternoon.
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Cold Creek Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

What a remarkable day! Woke up this morning at Cold Creek campsite and the name was very appropriate. Temps dropped during the night and the wind increased. Started hiking around 7:15 am and as I climbed to higher altitude, I started to hike in snow. It was so pretty and quiet to hike in that setting. And to be the first hiker out, I got to walk on pristine snow. The wind really picked up and the gusts were over 40 mph on the mountain peaks. I was glad I had my trekking poles to stay balanced. I climbed a wooden observation tower on Wesser Bald that is maintained by the Forest Service and was rewarded with unbelievable views. I could see Fontana Lake and the Smokey Mountains in the distance. It will take me about 2 to 3 more days to reach Fontana Dam and then enter the Smokies. The wind was so strong on the tower that I couldn't stay long. It was a long winding downhill to Nantahala Outdoor Center. Very rocky in spots and made more challenging with the snow and ice on the trail. All in all, a great day. Got to NOC around 2 pm and ordered a huge hiker burger and fries at their restaurant. This is a really neat place with canoeing, kayaking, zip lines, and fishing. A general store and an outfitter. Pretty much everything an outdoor enthusiast would want. And the AT goes right through the property. Planning to leave here tomorrow morning and start heading toward Fontana Dam.
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Grove Gap
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Started hiking about 7:45 am with cloudy skies, calm winds, and temperature of 30 degrees. By lunchtime, it was sunny skies and temps in the 60's. Hiking yesterday in snow, today back into shorts! Spring is definitely showing in the mountains. I am noticing all the trees starting to get leaves and I am seeing more color throughout the forest. It was nice being able to see long distances in a winter forest, but the trees and bushes blooming is even better. Coming out of NOC, the trail starts a long uphill climb to Cheoah Bald. It was over 6 miles uphill with no breaks. Felt it was never going to end. Add to that, my pack was loaded with food and water, so I'm sure I looked like a pack mule climbing the long incline. That darn mule would have probably beat me to the top! Passed Sassafras Gap shelter near the peak and it was tempting to stop and set up my tent. I decided to eat lunch there and I felt much better after getting some food and water. Continued hiking to Locust Cove Gap at the 10.1 mile mark for the day. At that point I was very tired and decided to stealth camp there. The next shelter was 5.4 miles away. Just too far after a tough day of hiking. This has been an exhausting day physically. That's okay. It's all part of the experience, and that's what makes it all worthwhile. Ate some dinner, hung my bear bag, and refilled my water supply. It's 7:45 pm and that's hiker midnight for me. Time for sleep. Tomorrow will be a big day. Hoping to get out early and hike 18 miles to Fontana Dam. If I make it, it wIll be the most AT hiking miles I have done in a single day. The trail guide doesn't show any major mountains to cross and the weather should be good.
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Locust Grove Gap

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

After a long uphill hike yesterday, I was able to push it today and reach Fontana Dam. It was a hike of 18 miles, but the weather was beautiful and the trail was accommodating by AT standards. Primarily rolling hills and then a somewhat long descent into Fontana. This is a beautiful area! When I arrived I noticed numerous motorcycles and sports cars around the Dam area. There is a nearby road called "Tail of the Dragon" which features 318 curves in 11 miles. It's Americas number one sports car and motorcycle road. There was a group of over 100 VW GTI Golf sports car enthusiasts who were meeting to socialize and drive the twisting roads for fun. I was told that other car clubs meet here often such as Porsche, MiniCooper, and BMW. When I cross Fontana Dam tomorrow morning, I will enter the Smokey Mountains. I'm very excited to finally reach the Smokies. I have seen them from a distance for several days, and now I am right at the entrance. I have been asked if I am hiking with anyone. The answer is yes and no. I hike primarily alone during the day, but you occasionally see other hikers. You do cross paths with day hikers around popular trailheads or scenic views if there is a road nearby. As I go further north, I see fewer people. Some days I don't see anyone until I reach a campsite. The shelters and campsites are where you have the most opportunity to meet people. You find that there are several people that you see over and over. It's called a bubble. Since I have been on the trail for a couple weeks straight, there are probably 6 to 8 people that I see on a regular basis. You may camp near them one night, and then not see them again for several days. And then you run into them at an overlook or maybe even at a hostel. I haven't found many hikers in my bubble that are my age. Most of them are in the 20's and 30's. Good kids. Just out for an adventure. One 18 year old was put on the trail by his Dad and told to find out what he wanted to do with his life. His Dad hiked with him for 2 nights and sent him on his way. He had never backpacked and he was really scared in the storms. He has really come a long way. He's talking now about joining the military. There is a common bond we have on the AT and the challenges we all face each day. There is a kinship from those experiences that only those who are out here understand. It's really neat in its own way. The AT has a way of leveling the playing field as far as age, lifestyle, or culture. We all share the common goal of staying hydrated, eating food, and getting over the next mountain.
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to my second day in the Smokies with clear skies and temps in the low 30's. Temps later warmed up to the mid 60's. I have been fortunate to have great weather so far while hiking in the Smokies. This area had blizzard conditions just 4 days ago, and there was still patches of snow on the ground today at the highest altitudes. Just shows how fast the weather can change even in mid April. I did end up sleeping in the shelter last night. We had about 14 hikers spread across the double decker. Understandably, I didn't sleep very well. Highlight of the day was climbing Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mountains. This is the rocky peak referenced in the popular "Rocky Top" song played at Tennessee Volunteer sporting events. The sky was so clear that you could look down and see Cades Cove. What a beautiful scene! Both peaks were right at 5,500 feet. I hiked 14.9 miles today and I made it to Silers Bald shelter where I will be staying tonight. Hiking this far today sets me up to make Newfound Gap tomorrow where Highway 441 intersects the AT. It will only be a 12.1 mile day. I will then hitch hike the 15 miles into Gatlinburg for a zero day. By then, I will have hiked 6 days in a row over some high peaks and I can feel my energy level needs a boost. Nothing that a good hot shower, a real bed, and some good food can't easily fix.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 3 in the Smokies went very well. Another beautiful weather day. I am seeing much more wildlife while hiking in the Smokies. There is no hunting allowed in the Smokies, so animals seem to know that are safe in their natural habitat. Seeing squirrels, turkeys, and some deer. There are elk in the area and some hikers have seem early in the morning. There is also the highest concentration of black bears in the US, but I still haven't seen any bears. During today's hike, I passed a couple of milestones. First, I climbed the highest mountain on the AT, Clingmans Dome. It felt strange to hike to the summit only to find tourists all around. There is a road that allows the public to drive and park within a 1/2 mile of the summit. After not seeing any road for over 40 miles, you are surprised by people, parking lot, cars, and a visitor center. Nevertheless, it's a beautiful setting with great views. After leaving Clingmans Dome, it's another 7 mile hike to Newfound Gap. During this section, I passed the 200 mile mark in my adventure. It's hard to believe I have hiked over 200 miles since I first started back in Georgia. It's been a great time that has been very challenging at times, but always extremely rewarding.
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

I haven't had good cell service in about a week, so I'm trying to catch up with journals. I try to write comments each day and save them until I can upload. Sometimes you are just too tired to write at night, but someone reminded me today how important it is to capture what you are experiencing while it's fresh on your mind. As the number of days on the trail increases, the days start to blend together. I will try to be diligent in uploading entries even though some days it seems to me that it's kinda boring to someone not hiking. Having said all that, I will upload many journals today. Normally when you leave a town, the trail punishes you with a steep and long incline the very first day. Sorta it's way of welcoming you back, but leaving Gatlinburg wasn't too difficult. Experienced great views on Charley's Bunion, a rock outcropping. The weather has been perfect so far while hiking in the Smokies. The nice weather, plus the no major inclines allowed me to hike 15.1 miles.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

My last hiking day in the Smokies was again beautiful. I have to say hiking in the Smokies wasn't as difficult as many would think. It's hard coming out of Fontana Dam to get to the higher elevation, but once you are there, you follow the ridge lines most of the way. It is definitely beautiful throughout the entire park. The only negative is the park is not really thru hiker friendly with all their regulations. That's too bad because most thru hikers comment that they are glad to be past the Smokies. I made it to Standing Bear hostel. This is a very unusual hostel with very interesting people who work here. You quickly learn you are really in the back country and people live their lives completely different than what most of us do. I am tenting tonight for $15 in a grassy area behind their bunkhouse. That includes a free outdoor shower and a towel. After not seeing any bears through the entire Smokies, a mother bear and a newborn cub were spotted just past our tenting site. I didn't see them, but several other hikers did. The cub was so small that he was having a hard time keeping up with mama bear. Lots of hikers here tonight. Meeting some new people and I was able to catch up with the group that I met near Gatlinburg. Great group of hikers of various ages, backgrounds, and physical condition. It just shows that if you are mentally strong, you don't have to be the the be super human to keep hiking. You have to learn to listen to your body. Don't push too hard and take short breaks when it gets too strenuous.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Max Patch Bald

To: Stealth Camping
Miles today: 12.3

Woke up Easter morning to a fabulous sunrise on Max Patch Bald. Despite the windy and cold night, it was a beautiful setting for Easter. Since there were no trees around, we couldn't hang our food bags. We had to sleep with our food in our tents. Not a good idea in bear country, but there was no choice. No bears made an appearance to which we were grateful. Quickly ate breakfast, took down the tent, and packed my backpack while trying to stay warm. After a short hike off the Bald, the wind calmed, the temps warmed and it was a great day to hike. The terrain was not near as tough as yesterday. Had planned to only hike 7 or so miles to the next shelter to so that I could reach Hot Springs the next day. Reached the shelter by noon and again had the delimna of whether to camp here or push on. After eating lunch and seeing the bad condition of the shelter, decided to move on. Several major climbs were ahead and it would be over 17 total hiking miles before reaching the next shelter. Almost ran out of water. Passed several good streams earlier in the day and assumed there would be more ahead. I usually carry about 1 1/2 liter of water just to be safe. I was down to less than 4 ounces and all the reliable water sources shown in the trail guide were dry. Nothing more frustrating than walking a good distance off the trail to get to reportedly good water only to find it dry. Plus it slows you down. Finally heard a stream up ahead and it was flowing strong. Filled up both water bottles, plus an extra liter in my filter bag. Since it was still 4.6 miles to the next shelter, decided to stealth camp on an abandoned dirt road crossing. Just got the tent set up before a short downpour of rain. Ate dinner and had a very good nights sleep after a long day.
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Stealth Camping

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Only had a short 7 mile hike this morning to reach Hot Springs. A couple of not too difficult climbs right after leaving the tent site, followed by a long downhill into Hot Springs. You could see the town as you hiked down the last mountain and it sure was a welcome sight. There is a river that flows right through town and you could hear the sound of a train rumbling down the tracks. It made you excited to see and hear, knowing good food was fast approaching. The AT trail runs right down Main Street. The trail is marked by the AT marker in the concrete sidewalk. It was lunchtime and I was hungry. Found a great place to eat right next to a flowing stream. Ate outside and ordered a salad, burger, and fries. And of course, sweet tea. The food was excellent! This is a great small town and really welcomes thru hikers. Great food, welcoming locals, several hostels, a small outfitter store, and even a laundromat for us dirty hikers. They even have a small welcome center for hikers that offers free wifi, homemde cookies, and a place to sit down and relax. The only thing that's missing is a barber shop. I haven't had a haircut in over 6 weeks and I haven't shaved in over 3 weeks. Not sure I carry the mountain man look very well, but it is what it is! LOL! I thought Franklin, NC was a great trail town, but Hot Springs is even better. Definitely my favorite town so far. Filled the rest of the day getting a hot shower, resupplying food at the local Dollar General, doing laundry, and just enjoying the beautiful afternoon. Ate dinner at Iron Horse tavern and ordered a grilled shrimp salad. It was delicious. I really miss salads while on the trail, and it's always the first thing I order when I reach town.
Date: 2017-04-18
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

It was hard leaving Hot Springs this morning. Ate breakfast at a local restaurant and I was stuffed. Great food and their portion size was enormous! After over a week of beautiful weather, it was cool and drizzling rain when I walked across the bridge and left town. I had a late start to get on the trail and ended up hiking alone all day. Several other hikers were taking a zero day in Hot Springs, but I decided to go back to the trail. You grow to enjoy the bubble of people that you are hiking with and sometimes you see and hike with them for several days. Then, when you get to town, schedules change and the core group can part ways. You find yourself missing the comradarie. It all falls back to the mantra of HYOH "Hike Your Own Hike". Everyone has to follow the schedule and pace that works for them personally. The trail always provides and you meet new people and create new bubbles. It was a 11 mile hike to the first shelter. It rained off and on all day and the low clouds blocked any good views. It was a day that you just have to get through on the trail. I stopped for a quick lunch, but the rain and cool temps made me cold pretty quickly. Started hiking again just to warm up. Had to wear my rain gear all day. Got to the shelter around 5 pm and it was a dump. Other hikers were complaining. I pitched my tent and ate dinner. I think everyone was just a little grumpy after hiking in cool temps and rain all day. You have to take the bad with the good. Every day is not going to be perfect hiking conditions. Some days you just hike miles without lots of adventure. This was one of those days.