morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0

Day 31Hot Springs NC0/273.6HostelNow, for those of you who are not completely educated in trail jargon, there is a thing we call the town vortex. A sweet little town like Hot Springs exerts a very strong pull on a hiker. It takes more than a single cheeseburger to reach escape velocity. The shower adds to the pull, as does the congenial atmosphere of a hostel. Hiker gather in the town, so we look forward to connecting with people who might be a day ahead or a day behind. It's also just a great place to relax and prepare for another week long trek in the mountains.I'm hoping to see Joker, as well as VooDoo and Caboose tomorrow just before I leave town. My trail intel says they are due in before noon tomorrow.Hey, I think I figured out how to add some links in my text. Haven't used HTML in a while to I had to do a little refresher, but the song links seems to work, and I'll come back in a few minutes and add in some footage I shot in the National Park.So OK, this is a from a few days ago, while walking in the GSMNP the day I left Gatlinburg. A knife edge trail along the AT. One minute of trail in the SmokiesMay add more later today, so check back.
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 32Hot Springs NC0/273.7TentHung out around the hostel hoping to see Joker , Caboose and VooDoo coming in. Well, they all rolled in around noon, and with a freeze warning tonight, I decided to stay another day. Yep, told ya the town vortex was strong here.So pretty much the entire first week crew is here tonight. It's great to hang out and catch up with everyone. After a month on the trail Hot Springs seems to be a major gathering spot. Can't really think of a better place. Several of my traveling family are doing a double zero here. The push north will be five days to Erwin and in a few weeks Damascus VA.Later in the day we found Spoony and Lady Katherine and a few others and were able to capture the brief reunion in a snapshot. So after tonight's cold snap there appears to be a bit of a warming trend. Not too warm, I hope, but it will be nice to wake up and not dread crawling out of the sleeping bag.Definitely pulling out tomorrow morning.
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Day 33Spring Creek Shelter11.0/284.7TentAfter a nice breakfast with Joker, NesQuick and Lady Katherine, I threw on my pack and hiked out of Hot Springs; looking back only when I was high enough above the river to look back across at the town. It was great to connect with a lot of friends I have made along the trail. Last night I had the pleasure of eating dinner with FireCracker (day 2) and Elle (also a trail journalist) we talked total geek stuff and discovered we had read many of the same science fiction books. Asimov, Heinlien, etc. Actually Elle has read Stranger in a Strange Land more times than I have. I guess my point is that once we break down the age barrier, it's pretty easy to find common ground between thru hikers.Here we are at Spring Creek, where last year we camped with all the Aussie ladies. Drop Bear was among them. Papa Al temporarily lost his food bag and the weather the next day kinda sucked. Tomorrow's weather is supposed to be good like today. We can get some really nice scenery from an exposed ridge line if it's clear.Today's eleven miles were not difficult, but it was hard to get back in the groove. That'll teach me to take multiple zero's then eat a huge pancake breakfast and try to hike
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Spring Creek Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 34Jerry Cabin Shelter15.4/300.1TentA long hard day. I didn't leave camp until 8:30 so it's really no surprise I made it to the shelter at about 6:00. That's an hour after I usually have dinner, which attests to the difficulty of the day.The exposed ridge line gave us some amazing views coupled with a minor obstacle course at about the thirteen mile mark. It was nice not to have to do it in the rain. I took some video footage along the ridge, but the really difficult stuff needed concentration.Weather report, two days old now, says a weather front with an all day rain should come in on us tonight. If that comes to pass, tomorrow will be my first day of hiking in the rain. Can't complain about that. We've been out here for more than a month.Hey! We passed 300 miles just before camp today. Another milestone. No markers this year though. Maybe I should start the trend. It's only .1 back up the trail. Nahhh I ain't goin back.
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 35Hogback Ridge Shelter15.1/315.2TentIt was raining when I awoke this morning, so I rolled over and went back to sleep. Wash, rinse, repeat. Finally I rationalized that if I had any chance of drying out my tent with fifteen miles between cozy sleeping bags I better get moving. I quickly broke camp in the rain after packing everything but the tent in dry sacks. The tent, however is another matter.I really have not found a way to pack up the Fly Creek II in the rain without soaking the tent. Gonna have to work on that.The hike today started in rain, but transitioned to foggy clouds and finally the sun came out a little. Several views of pasture land below and some interesting graves along the way. Actually we walked thru so pastures, which is something I always enjoy.
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 36Bald Mountain Shelter10.1/325.3TentWith the short day I tried hard to be the last one out of camp this morning. All of the tents were gone, but there were a couple hammocks left. Well, I tried.Beautiful day with some interesting scenery. The highlight was just before we crossed under I-26. Trail magic! Scrambled eggs and fried potatoes... Oh! And a root beer. Hey try livin in da woods for a month before you turn away from that! A most excellent second breakfast.Later in the day we climbed up and over Big Bald. Another day of 360 degree views. Great stuff. Nice to have good weather for it this year. I took some videos. Two actually. One from several miles south of the bald and one from the bald looking back. I'll try to post them when I get to Damascus in a couple weeks.Found a nice flat tent spot tonight. Hopefully it will be good rest. The next two days are also somewhat short. I could do it all at once, but it might trash my feet. So I'm still taking it easy. Seventeen is still beyond my self imposed limit. Looking forward to resupply and recharge in Erwin TN on Friday.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: No Business Knob
Miles today: 10.6

Day 37No Business Knob Shelter10.6/335.9TentWith two relatively short days the group that Tall One and have been traveling with have moved closer to Erwin tonight, or maybe pressed on into the edge of town. I'm just sticking to my original plan stopping 6.2 miles short and doing a nero into town in time for the lunch shuttle. Of course the leading edge of another hiker bubble has caught up, but we reserved a cabin room at the hostel last night, so the only time worry for tomorrow is, well, nuthin. Cause one thing I tend to do on a town day is set my alarm and head out early. Cheeseburger motivation, but this time there is an AYCE pizza buffet available. It's also just across the street from the grocery store, which is a good thing because I am down to half a cup of granola and a snack pack of peanuts. Cut it a little close this time, but it's only 6 miles into the hostel. I like to come into town with an empty food bag. Actually, this will be the first time. All in the planning, which is what I need to do tonight. A Nero day can go by pretty fast. Especially if you are not prepared.The highlight of the hike today was a big rock outcropping named high rocks. I took the side trail and climbed to the top and took some pictures. Otherwise it was just a super nice day with relatively few climbs and descents. Every thing feels good. I've been trying a new technique of not using the trekking poles on the down hills and my knees are doing much better. Glad I took the two ten milers.Next stop Erwin!
Date: 2016-04-15
From: No Business Knob

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 38Erwin TN6.3/342.2HostelAs per earlier indicators, I awoke to my alarm at 0600 and was on the trail by 0630. Ok I cheated and waited for breakfast until after the sun had risen. So once the sun started coming over the mountain, I found a log and enjoyed the last of my granola. Another beautiful sunrise after packing up with four Barred owls hooting around the camp. Shaping up to be a pretty good day.Arrived at Uncle Johnny's hostel at about 0900 and fifteen minutes later I was showered and wearing clean clothes. Now awaiting the town shuttle for the pizza frenzy... errr pizza buffet. Lots of hungry hikers headed that way.Ok, yeah, four plates later. Then shopping for food and I still think I might have bought too much. Mexican tonight, lookin forward to that. Tomorrow? Outa here before I get caught in that town vortex.
Date: 2016-04-16
From: Erwin TN

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 10.0

Day 39Beauty Spot Gap10.0/352.2TentLeft Uncle Johnny's hostel at 0900. Not an easy task. A very congenial place. The staff are all really nice and treat the hikers like customers. Even when they were at maximum capacity.Well, the guide book turned out to be wrong, so instead of 12 miles I only went 10, but all the other markers lined up, so several of us came here tonight.On the upside, we were only a quarter of a mile from the bald, so several of us went back up and watched the sunset. Then we came back and sat around a fire until after 9:00.So, not sure about tomorrow. If calculations are correct, it may be a 15 mile plus day. Guess I could say I'm not happy about that. It is what it is.
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 4016.1/368.3Clyde Smith ShelterTentLong day, but not overly difficult. The climbs are gradually becoming less in altitude. Gradually. Nice day, but nothing special to talk about. The weather is so awesome that it just boggles the mind. The skies are blue, the breeze is cool and the trail is in great shape.Apparently we made up the lost miles, but it made the day somewhat longer. Warming up just a bit, which is nice because it has been kind of cold lately.Things are going well. I just don't have a lot to talk about. Feet are still great. Even my knees are doing better. Geez, nothing to complain about.
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 41Overmountain Shelter15.6/383.9TentAnother beautiful day, with views galore and a great climb up and over Roan mountain. Then over Round and Jane balds. Very scenic country. Tomorrow we will pass the last set of balds for a while and leave North Carolina behind for a six day stretch across TN. I tried once more to be the last one out of camp this morning, but BearClaw beat me again. Still I hiked alone most of the day, as I normally do. It works out well to start late and plan to arrive in the next camp about 5 PM. Most of the people leave out early, so I snooze in my tent until it quiets down. I'm not sure if I am just in a hiker bubble, or if there are just a lot of people hiking this year. It's not bad though. I just make reservations about four days in advance, sometimes more depending on phone signal.It's a mixture of people I have hiked with for weeks and some only days. A constantly evolving group. All good people.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: US-19E
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 42Mountain Harbor Hostel9.2/393.1HostelI never tire of the beauty that surrounds me. It is, at once, familiar, yet constantly changing. After leaving Overmountain shelter we crossed over the last balds of the Roan highlands. Absolutely breathtaking scenery. The trail lies exposed as a ribbon across the folds of the treeless balds. Similar topography as most of the trail thus far, but the lack of trees allows a perspective of the ups and downs that's hidden by the forest.Looking forward to what is considered the best breakfast on the trail tomorrow morning. After a hot shower, I'm just chilling out on the deck at the hostel. An easy day tomorrow followed by some long days moving closer to VA until I'm in a position to Nero into town.Might be some fowl weather ahead in the coming week. That'll be a game changer. Half of me is looking forward to it. Not really sure how to express that. Maybe it's a nagging concern that the dry weather will eventually give us dry springs, which are our main source of water on the trail. Let me just say, spring water is so good they ought to bottle that stuff
Date: 2016-04-20
From: US-19E

To: Vango Hostel
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 43Vango Abby Memorial Hostel12.7/405.8HostelAfter what has been called, and with good reason, the best breakfast on the trail. I departed Mountain Harbor hostel about 10:00 AM planning a short day to Mountaineer shelter, but as I arrived at about 3:00 PM someone pointed out that this hostel was only four miles up the trail. Well, I had overlooked this hostel, but in hindsight it breaks the days into two medium length days instead of a short and a long, so here I am. At least it's a cheap hostel.The real issue is the wildfire that stands between us and the resupply hostels at Dennis Cove road. Several hikers were held up today due to the fire. Hopefully it's under control by tomorrow.Easy trail today. Should be easier tomorrow, now that I trimmed the milage. Ok, more about that breakfast. Becha thought I was just gonna gloss over that. A vast smorgasbord encompassing fruit, meats, pastries, classic biscuits and gravy, caramel glazed monkey bread and, of course , eggs. The word is that they are being officially recognized. Got my vote. By contrast, I really can't recommend this hostel except as a stop gap to even out the milage. Bet it gets crowded if the rain comes in tomorrow.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Vango Hostel

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 44Black Bear Resort12.4/418.2HostelWildfire! At mile 406 the AT was closed. We were directed to follow the forest service road for seven miles to a connecting point on the trail. About half way, I sat on a rock to take a short break, when a ranger came by with bad news. The fire had spread beyond the rejoin point. Soooo, as I write ten hikers are on hold near the rejoin point awaiting another reroute.Well, the reroute was extended an additional six miles. The milage for the trail today as recorded is the official AT milage, but we walked a little farther than that and were picked up by the proprietor of Black Bear resort, saving us an additional, and brutal seven mile road walk.So I'm staying in a four person cabin with Squid, Tumbleweed and Escargot, which turns out to be cheaper than the bunkhouse.So we had planes and helicopters buzzing around. Sometimes a whiff of smoke. There were forest rangers, who by the way made every attempt to help us navigate the reroute. They also contacted the hostel and arranged the shuttle. Oh, we had to ford the Laurel creek. All of us hikers we're thankful for their help and guidance. And they were happy to let me capture a picture before getting back to the business at hand. Lots of pictures from today, so don't forget to check the picture stack. Can't post them all.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Vandenventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Day 45Vandeventer Shelter17.7/435.9TentThe forest service road walk yesterday brings out a contrast that I had not fully considered until this morning as I walked thru Laurel canyon. What a magnificent piece of living art, this Appalachian Trail. Millions of hours of difficult human labor have created something very special. The road, by contrast, made with machinery was dull, almost boring. No pictures can do this section justice.As we made the 1300 foot climb to pond flats a thunderstorm rolled in on us. Tumbleweed and I sat under a rhododendron, which at least slowed the rain down before it hit us. Once we were sure there wasn't going to be lightning, we moved on. It rained for about two more hours then subsided. At the recreation area, just across US 321 a couple was doing trail magic of homemade vegetable soup, fried plantains and cake. Just the thing for soaking wet hikers. Luckily they were doing it under a picnic shelter roof. Really a nice treat on a wet day.The hike continued through the Watauga lake bear closure area, where some bear incidents have been occurring for a few years, thus the long day.As I arrived at the shelter, I found Sookie and Spirit (2015) hikers among the dozen or so people here. Nice to see them again. Sookie had to get off the trail last year due to an injury, so she is back at it again this year. Spirit is hiking with her to Harper's Ferry or maybe a little beyond to Pine Grove Furnace in PA.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Vandenventer Shelter

To: Campsite 1 mile south of Double Spring shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Day 46Campsite13.0/448.9TentI love the sound a whippoorwill makes. It reminds me of camping in Indiana as a kid. About midnight last night, I was ready for some whippoorwill stew Awoke to the sound of people moving about the camp getting ready for their day. I waited and finally decided to get up about 8:00. I knew where I was headed and it wasn't going to take all day.Decided not to go all the way to the shelter today, but find a flat campsite instead. Spirit, Sookie and others are here as well. I've decided that the flat campsites we see all day look better than most of the available campsites at the shelters.Not much going on during the hike today. I fell for the first time today. Stepped on a wet root and was down before I knew it. No harm done. Another cloud walk most of the morning, chilly and breezy, good for hiking and not much else, since the woods were still damp from last night's rain. An even shorter hike tomorrow, then a nero day into Damascus VA. All planned to put me in town when the post office is open. In hindsight, I should have taken a slightly shorter day yesterday and evened it out better.No whippoorwill stew tonight, but I do hear some owls in the distance.
Date: 2016-04-24
From: Campsite 1 mile south of Double Spring shelter

To: Past Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 47Stealth12.1/461.0TentCamping alone 7.5 miles outside of Damascus VA. I'll get up early and make it into town early enough to shower before lunch. Then I'll be headed for a deluxe cheeseburger.Had some excellent cheeseburger trail magic today. Actually I had two, plus a gator aid and a beer. Then we all sat around and enjoyed the chairs and company for a while. Like many, this is becoming a tradition for these nice folks.It was probably the warmest day so far this year. Hiking up hill seemed harder, but at least the ups and downs have diminished for a while. I ended up getting two blisters, something that never happens. Probably a combination of my overused socks, the heat and maybe a little dehydration going on. Just heard a pack of coyotes nearby. Always interesting to listen to them go back and forth.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Past Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 48Damascus VA7.5/468.5Hostel Damascus. Those of you following last year may remember that this is where I left the trail. At this point, I look back at the hike last year as one helluva shakedown. So I crossed into Virginia this morning. Finally done with Tennessee. As I descended the mountain into town, the foliage became greener and more abundant. It was like watching a time lapse of spring happening. On the top the buds were just beginning to open and at the bottom everything was completely exposed.As usual, I woke up early and arrived in town around 10:00. Shower, laundry, cheeseburger, outfitter and all chores done by 3:30 this afternoon. Now it just time to relax, but that doesn't come easy. I'm staying at Woodchuck hostel and it's a busy place. Lots of new and old faces, which is typical of any trail town. Went to every outfitter in town and finally found some permethrin. Time to prepare for ticks. Hopefully it's a little early, but I figure this treatment should last until Harper's Ferry.I'm feeling good, so the zero day should be helpful. I don't plan on doing more zeros for a while. A little discomfort in the feet, but I wouldn't call it pain. Certainly nothing like my previous hikes.
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Damascus VA

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 49Damascus VA0/ 469.0HostelSpend a very relaxing day, doing a few chores, like walking down to the grocery, mailing a big package home and sorting gear, but otherwise not doing much of anything.Got my clothing treated with Permethrin, so I should be good thorough VA. Weighed my pack. Summer base weight 15 lb. on the button. The hostel has a great scale just for that purpose.Good discussion about Lyme disease around the porch table. We have an entomologist among us. Knowledge shared broadly among the community. One of the nice aspects of AT life. Few rules, lots of freedom, lots of working together in terms of trip planning. NesQuick, FOB, Mogli (whistler) and several others have come into town. It's really fascinating how we can walk different miles on any given day and still end up in the same place. Nice though, to see friends that I haven't seen for a while.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Damascus VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Day 50Lost Mountain Shelter16.3/484.8TentLeft the hostel after breakfast about 8:30 and walked to Mojo's at the other end of town for second breakfast with FOB and Moses. NesQuick slept in and I guess he will be zeroing to heal up his feet some.Started off very humid and there was a threat of thunderstorm, but all we got on the trail was a few sprinkles. Some SOBOs at the shelter caught the storm apparently, so we'll call that isolated showers.I've got a cold. So it was an extra long day for me. Not going to linger in the camping circle tonight. Just gonna rest. There was a rerouted trail today to bypass a bridge out over a small stream. Several of us ignored it and just forded the stream. It wasn't very deep, but it felt great on the feet.
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

Day 51Thomas Knob Shelter12.3/497.1ShelterThe storm rolled in on us last night around 8:30. Big one, but everyone was settled for the night. Much better than hiking in it. Today was supposed to rain, but we were spared that as well. Beautiful hike through woodlands and across some pasture land. A couple of climbs, which sorta kicked my butt because I'm still fighting this cold. I'm just getting tired easier, so I stopped a little short today. My other option was 17+ miles to make it past the Grayson Highlands no tenting zone. There is another storm expected tonight, so it's just as well to stay in the shelter.