morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-07
To: Blue Skies - Weather and Pace 
Miles today: 0.0

Today's Wapack hike of 10.1 miles and 2,200 ft. of ascent/decent showed the varibility in trail conditions that this time of year brings. The starting temp. was 35F with a good 12 inches of fresh but spring time packed snow. By mid-afternoon mercury had climbed to 57F. Footing was mashed potatoes with summit ice and stretches of near ankle deep slush. This raises the question of whether to bring a 'heavy' layer (not to mention extra socks since Gortex cann't resist the ravishes of ice water for too long) on the trail - adding pack/body weight. The challenge at that start of the AT is spring time weather variablity particularly in the Great Smoky National Park. Albeit I won't reach the Park until the end of March but at elevations over 5,000 ft. and upwards to 6,643 at Clingman's Dome, the weather could be cold. My down sleeping bag is rated to 30F plus I have a liner and space blanket. Wearing the full compliment of clothes may be needed to sleep warm. Another consideration is pace. I would like to average over the entire trail 15 miles/day. That includes rest or 'zero' days. The key for me will be to start slow and slowly build, or not. My experience walking the Camino Frances 550 miles across Spain in the fall of 2011 was telling. I tend to hike to fast and suffered among other things blistered feet. My objective is to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and hopefully finish by mid-Sept. Quickness isn't so important as long as I'm able to get to the next planned re-supply point. I remind my-self that I intend to thru-hike it in a 'restorative manner' which is to say to walk at a relaxed pace, stay healthy and to be inspired by submersion in nature.
Date: 2012-03-13
To: Support 
Miles today: 0.0

This is my first long distance backpack carrying 'everything'. I have been fortunate to have a mentor in Trog (see his excellent trail journal entries including for his third 2012 AT start on 3/19 as well). Trog's guidance on ultra-light gear and mind set have been invaluable. I have also been fortunate to have a talented mate who has created some of that gear and who will be transcribing my field entries into the trail journal and meeting up with me on the trail. He will be starting out on the 19th as well - a send off.Yesterday Trog and I did a pack assessment. I'm not yet at my 20lb. mark. I have a few day's to cut out some weight. Pack 'fiddling' is never over, even on the trail but most critical at the start - keep the weight down!
Date: 2012-03-17
To: T-36 Hours to Start
Miles today: 0.0

Now making final preparations to leave for Atlanta tomorrow morning and to start the trail Monday morning. So far so good - good weather forecast, everything is ready.Until my next 'on the trail entry', I'll leave you with a poem from around 1240. Interestingly there are Blue Mountains near Kyoto Japan. This 3000 foot range was the home of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Sacred mountains and pilgrimage. There are similiar place names to those on the AT as well."The blue mountains are constantly walking." FurongTo Buddhists, 'homeless' means priest or monk - one who has left the householder's life for a spacious home reaching to the end of the universe."I settled at Cold Mountain long ago,Already it seems like years and years.Freely drifting, I prowl the woods and streamsAnd linger watching things themselves.Men don't get this far into the mountains,White clouds gather and billow.Thin grass does for a mattress,The blue sky makes a good quilt.Happy with a stone underheadLet heaven and earth go about their changes." Han-shan
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

An auspicious start! We had a smooth travel day yesterday and a fun stay in Dalonega. Yesterday¢s weather was sunny in the 80¢s. Weather for today starting at 65F to 82F midday. Specifics on the hike, ascent 3190, descent 1990, 7hours to complete the 12 miles.The park center was surrounded by tall Rhododendrons and flowering Red Bud. We were greeted inside the visitors center buy a live Barred Owl and live snakes on exhibit which were caught in the park. A Timber Rattler and Copperhead were among many live snakes on display.We registered as thru-hikers (Trog and I), and weighed in. Fully loaded w/3 days supply, my pack weight was 22 pounds.Our 604 steps up the falls were flanked by woodland flowers- Trillium, Foam, Blood Root, and Violets. The open woods have Dog-Tooth violets and Blood Root in bloom plus a few others yet to be identified. We reached the top of Springer Mtn and the start of the AT at 2:45 then descended a bit to the shelter for lunch. We reached Stover Creek Shelter, found our Tent sites and settled into camp routine. Now 7:40 PM with pink skies and the sound of the creek below. There are other hikers here also. I registered as the 444th to start the Thru-Hike this year. DreamTime
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch MTN Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another 80¢s day with a lunch stop at Hawk Mtn Shelter. A full house at Gooch Mtn shelter. Plenty of activity including a lively guitarist/singer and occasional Flutist playing at the campfire. The start of the trail has many thru-hiker hopefuls. Ascent 2909, descent 3070. 8 hours 40 minutes hiking 1.5 miles/hr.
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Gooch MTN Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today¢s menu, leftover Freeze dried chicken alfredo and Yerba Mate tea for breakfast. Snacks and for lunch a Joya Halva bar, sunflower seeds and raisins. Dinner was Energy power and water plus Ramen noodles and freeze dried parsley cooked with water and coconut oil. Not hungry yet.Ascent 2110, descent 1650, duration 6 hrs 21 min 1.5 miles/hr Cloudy windy hi of 72.
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Lance Creek

To: Wolf Laurel Top
Miles today: 10.3

A rainy day hike to the famous Stone Outfitters building called Mtn Crossings with adjoining stone Hikers Hostel. Showered, resupplied and had lunch, then off again for another 5.7 miles under brightening skies to camp at Wolf laurel Top which has views to the east. Stopped at a spring on the way. The destination site has no water. Four guys: Polaris, Jay (as in bird ¢ he¢s a birder), Swiss and Cat-nap are here before us but there is room. The hike up Blood Mountain (4461 ft) on the way to Neels gap was pleasant with a surprise stone hut at the top. Too bad it was in the rain. Where else is a 4000 footer covered with Mountain laurel and Rhododendrons at the summit?Ascent 1581, Descent TBD, Hike duration 6hr 10 minutes
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Wolf Laurel Top

To: Rocky Knob at 49.6
Miles today: 14.2

Bears(s)? An eventful night as we heard shouts and saw lights through the rainy mist at about 2AM. The 4 fellows hanging bear bag (food bag) had been taken down. A while later I hear ¢bears back¢ as it was sighted again. As if having a marauding bear possibly sauntering by my tent and snapping a tent line wasn¢t enough, the wee hours brought an exciting thunderstorm with all of the bells and whistles including winds and torrential downpours. Suffice it to say the new tent stood the test. The food bag was still proudly swinging on a high branch and no bear presented itself in the morning. Plus it wasn¢t raining (really) when we packed up the wet gear.A quick cold snack and off we went to Rocky Knob. It was a ¢see how far we could get¢ day in the rain. As it was we met the guys again on the trail. They had a plan to get by with the remains of their food. Fellow hikers donated some food at the Low Gap Shelter.We got into Rocky Knob about 6:00PM with just enough time to pitch the tents, stow the gear and return from a half hour trip down the trail to get water and yes, hit by a thunderstorm. No hot meal again. There were others in the area also, including 11 guys for a bachelor party weekend and several thru-hikers groups.Ascent 3060, Descent 3130, Hike duration 8:43
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Rocky Knob at 49.6

To: Steal Trap Gap
Miles today: 10.7

A quiet night as far as creatures are concerned, but you guessed it, another thunderstorm. The temps are colder too ¢ 50ish inside the tent and I can see my breath outside. The rain abated in time to breakdown the camp at 6AM and start hiking at 7:04AM. The motivation of packing up and out in the dark (it starts to get light at 7AM) was that yesterday we were told by a trail runner that if we were at the road at Unico Gap for 9AM, folks from the Baptist church in Helen would come by and pick us up for a breakfast that they were putting on. So that¢s what we did, hiked 3.3 miles and took a 20 minute ride to Helen in the very nice church bus. There were 10 of us and others who already stayed in the town. The town of Helen is a Bavarian style. Very pretty, on the Chattahoochee River. We walked by the spring head in the woods of the river. More trial magic at Tray Gap as 2 groups were dispensing hiker food(even peeps and Easter chocolate). Arrived at Tray Mtn Shelter around 2:30PM. At 4199 ft, it was pretty, but windy. Moved on another 1.7 miles to camp w/water about .2 miles away. Pitched camp before several downpours and then a rainbow. Succeeded in finishing dinner and being settled in before an 8PM storm, A windy night with temps dropping, 45 in the tent. A good thing we chose to move beyond the Mtn.Ascent 3000, Descent 3190, Hike duration TBD
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Steal Trap Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I overslept to 7:20. Not raining! Hiked out to Dicks Creek Gap and caught a car shuttle Service into Hiawassee for two overnights. This gives a full ¢zero day¢ no hiking Monday.One week into the hike and it has been a successful one. 69.6 Trail miles and 8.8 access miles to Springer = 78.4 miles, 11.2 miles/day. My feet are in good shape! No aches or pains. The remains of a cold that I started with have pretty much gone away. I have slept dry and warm but not for a full night yet. The last night was the best. I¢m becoming more confident in staying dry and warm despite rain and wind I guess. Except for two small spots on my fingers, I have avoided getting poison ivy which is rampant in the open oak woods. So far so good.Ascent 2290, Descent 3150, Hike duration TBD
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This weeks plan is to hike to Franklin N.C. 40.2 miles, to re-supply and overnight for a ¢near zero day¢. I have been carrying 4 days of food. I didn¢t eat it all getting into Hiawassee so need to either eat more or be more careful today re-supplying. Water sources along the trail are reliable now so I can hike with 2 quarts maximum. I treat all water even at shelters except for water that I am boiling for dinner. Regarding shelters, we tented at shelters only twice in t he first 7 days. It is fun to tent along the trail where there are camping spots with water near-by. The downside is no privy and less social interaction with fellow hikers. Yes a wonderful rest day.The Holiday Inn is in a great location next to a grocery, drug store and a very good restaurant with an all you can eat buffet with real food like fried chicken and creamed corn at a reasonable price. Daniels, I¢ll be back again tonight.Ascent 0, Descent 0, Hike duration 0
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

A ¢First¢ Day! First day to leave a state. Entered North Carolina this afternoon. Georgia behind me, 13 states to go. A near perfect hiking day. Sunny but cool. Max temp 69F. Saw Spring Beauty flowers for the first time. Expect to see carpets of them further north. Found a westerly view campsite on the ridge above Muskrat Creek Shelter which sits among the Rhododendrons at 4580 ft. Apparently other hikers today called it quits at Muskrat Creek after the ¢Welcome to NC¢ climb of about 900ft over Court House Bald. Trails in NC so far are cut right over the summits while in Georgia they follow a cut on the shoulders and have graded switchbacks. Needless to say Muskrat was like a hiker convention so it was good to be away from the fray with a great sunset view!Ascent 4330, Descent 2360, Hike duration 7Hrs 29Min
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 7:15. The night was Starry but the morning was high overcast. 50F in the tent. A good hiking day in the low 60¢s. The mileage today landed me at Carter Gap Shelter. A pretty spot. 27 tents pitched but a quieter time around the campfire tonight. Met a Trail Maintenance crew today.Ascent 2260, Descent 2220, Hike duration 7Hrs 43Min
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 12.8

Today I passed the 100 mile milestone. 11 days and 109.8 miles with a zero day. 50F in the tent this morning. An 8:30 start. Another good hiking day. Stopped at Big Spring Shelter for lunch after summiting Albert Mtn at 5250 elevation.   The sandwich is Wheat bagel, cheese, Red peppers and mustard. Not bad. At about mile 105 we encountered a different kind of trail magic, a big blue tub hanging high in a net bag above the trail with a lamented note of encouragement to the thru-hikers from the Park Ranger. Polaris/Jay and Swiss were just leaving and had re-hung the Magic on two bear lines (heavy duty). They said that they enjoyed cake and cookies left there. A nice surprise two or so miles from the next shelter.Ascent 2070, Descent 2840, Hike duration 7Hrs 46Min
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Wallace Gap

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Camped off the grid to have a short hike to Winding Stair Gap (US 64) to meet the 9:30 shuttle bus.Up at 6AM and packed in the dark to start in the morning light at 7:00AM. Heard a pair of owls(screech owls?) last night, bright half moon and stars. Made it to the road early in 1.5 hours. A former thru-hiker owns two hotels in Franklin and runs the shuttle bus. Today and tomorrow is Trail Fest so there will be booths, entertainment, people knowledgeable about long distance hiking and gear and book signings going on. As it turns out a portion of the festivities including tonights music and BBQ will be in the parking area right outside my hotel room. Hmmm. Just had a very nice lunch and am doing laundry. The next 4.5 days and 54.8 miles will land us in Fontana Village with a re-supply passing thru Nantalahala Outdoor Center at 37.5. Now 6pm and it is raining with rain forecasted for tomorrow. Will have breakfast at the Baptist church about 7:15 am tomorrow, and then shuttle to the trail for a 9:30 start. Just a note ¢ apparently this area still has gem stone mining ¢ garnets/sapphires and was the site of a large Cherokee community. The Tennessee River running through was a trading route.Ascent 650, Descent 650, Hike duration 1Hr 30Min
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Franklin

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke to dark skies which became partly cloudy by the time we started hiking. A few thunder rumblers and sprinkles as we set up camp. Just nine of us at the shelter, all over 50. Two Timer celebrated her 54th birthday. We met 2 days ago at Wallace Gap. She changed her trail name to ¢two timer¢ because she got off the trail two weeks ago and started anew with a new name and now a friend to hike with (Bright Flower) rather than hike solo. Hope to have a good nights sleep.Ascent 3040, Descent 2090, Hike duration 6Hr 50Min
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Encountered a showy variety of spring woodland wildflowers and ferns on a steep hillside. It was a ¢U¢ shaped Col Iris, Lilies, Maiden hair fern, trillium, jack in the pulpit to name some that I know. Have seen about six types of violets. The wild dogwood are in bloom. Today felt like a summer day. Just under 50F in the tent this morning. High of 81 today. Missed scattered thunderstorms again this afternoon. Heard the rumblings. Now dark about 8:15. Currently camping with two groups of boy scouts and thru-hikers under a half moon, starry skies. Last night I could hear Bard owls close by for most of the night. The bear bags are hung between two trees. It took some doing on the steep hillside.Ascent 2690 Descent 5070, Hike duration 9Hr 03Min
Date: 2012-04-02
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night¢s new sound on the trail - Whippoorwills. I love hearing them as much as I like owls and the Whippoorwills didn¢t let up very often. First close to camp, then further away. We had a good hike day with close to 4000 ft of ascent. Had stopped at the Nantahala Outdoor Center ¢NOC¢ for breakfast and for a 2 day resupply. The Nantahala River and the AT run through the NOC complex which is known for kayaking and has an Olympic training course which I could see from the Riverside restaurant. A thundershower rolled thru after setting up camp. Skies cleared with a nice sunset and stars afterwards. Camped with Sean, his Dad Mike, Hopper, Bismark, and Flash Gorden. I¢ve met all but Flash. He¢s getting ready for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Ascent 3980 Descent 2500, Hike duration 8Hr 59Min
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Today¢s humidity and temps in the low 80¢s promised thunderstorms. Had one at 2:15. Then again just after we arrived at Cable Shelter and scrambled to get the tent up as the next down pour started at 4:00pm. Cooked in the shelter. 8pm now and rain has subsided. I can hear the gurgle of a small stream about 20 ft away. Everyone from last nite is here plus three others. Saw a different kind of salamander around the stream, murky brown with bulging eyes. Saw another with orange and black and yellow side stripes coming out of Dicks Creek gap last week and Trog saw a pink one with black spots. I have read that the species in the Smoky¢s and perhaps here are rare and inhabit a very small zone. Getting dark now, 60F in the tent.Ascent 2650 Descent 3390, Hike duration 7Hr 36Min
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 5.5

A short day into Fontana Village for an overnight and three day resupply. Tomorrow we will enter the Great Smoky National Forest. Submitted the backcountry registration form. Currently drying gear and heading to the laundry. Ascent -- Descent --, Hike duration 2Hr 30Min
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Fontana Village

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

At the moment it is 8:00PM. I am cozy in my tent as thunder and lightning flash and rain comes down. What a first night in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. OK, now hail is coming down hard and covering the ground. Tent test! Icy mist and 45 degrees in the tent.Ascent 4530 Descent 1690, Hike duration 7Hr 55Min
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke today to cold wind and wet mist. Stayed dry though. Started out at 9AM. It was a difficult day for layering. Cold wind but hot on the ascents. Eventually the afternoon cleared with cold wind promising no thunderstorms this afternoon. The shelters are well done in the park. Most of the same people are at the shelter tonight that were at Mollie Ridge. A group is hiking together who previously didn¢t know each other. Four Germans and a fellow used to live in a neighboring town, plus others. This group was making a fire in the shelter fireplace plus it¢s a full moon and already cold, so I decided to sleep in the shelter. Nice fire, nice group, they call themselves ¢The Moving Village¢.Ascent 3630 Descent 3450, Hike duration 8Hr 12Min
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mount Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

A cold night ¢ a breezy 35. The cold has cleared the air so that the visibility on Clingmans Dome was more than 75 miles from the observation tower. Clingsmans is the second highest mountain east of the Mississippi at 6643. Mt Washington is third. I crossed the 200 AT mile point today and am now halfway through the Smoky Mountains at 35.3 miles. Since the hike has been largely between 4100 and 5000 feet, the plant variety has been more limited than I expected especially after the N.C. stretch before the Smoky¢s. Mostly Spring Beauty and Trout Lilies with some grassy spots. Beech understory. Many areas are dug up by wild bores which like to consume Spring Beauty Tubers. I¢m now on the north side of Clingmans Dome which is a Fraser Fir Forest. There are five Forest Eco-systems in the 800 Sq mile park. It feels like another cold night ¢ A sleep in the shelter night.Ascent 4110 Descent 3060, Hike duration 8Hr 55Min (1.5/hr 60 min break)
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Mount Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The end of week 3! 206.8 miles. We were lucky to be able to hitch a ride with the Moving Village, 15 Miles to Gatlinburg. Big Foots Parents were able to cram 13 total and our gear into the covered extended cab truck. Parents Rich and Bet had Easter candy, brownies, and cookies to greet us at the gap. A clear and wonderful day with great views at 5045 ft from the T-NC border. Gatlinburg ¢ Gateway to the Smoky¢s is the theme park and is filled 3with tourists like me, even on Easter SundayAscent 0 Descent 935, Hike duration 2Hr 15Min
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Gatlinburg

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

The next three days and second half of the Smoky¢s section will be at 5k-6k feet. Cold sunny weather is forecasted. The trail today was a scenic Ridge Trail through mature Fraser Fir Forests, some Beech and mixed hardwoods. Great visibility. We were fortunate again to get a ride with Big Foot back to Newfound Gap and started to hike about 11:00 AM. Caught up with the Moving Village at the full Pecks Corner Shelter about 5:30PM. I was able to squeeze into the shelter taking the only remaining spot. My 30 degree bag won¢t keep me warm in the tent if the temps plunge into the high 20¢s. Now getting settled in at 7:30. Most everyone is in their bags and sleeping already. It¢s like the night before Christmas, only the mice are stirring.Ascent 2510 Descent 2210, Hike duration 6Hr 00Min
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

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

A windy cold overcast day with the high about 43 starting at 39. Now in the Cosby knob Shelter 6:20 PM. With a fire going ¢ ambience really.   Still gusting winds. A pretty trail section. Now have dropped to 4800. Tomorrow we¢ll be leaving the park; descending to 1400; resupplying and a hostel on the trail and then climbing out of Davenport Gap. Have Mountain laurel, Rhododendrons, and mixed hardwoods at this elevation again..Ascent 2050 Descent 2800, Hike duration 7Hr 00Min
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Snowbird Mountain (.6N)
Miles today: 15.5

Today we hiked out of the Great Smoky Mountain Forest about 11:30AM. We kind of blew out on gusting winds in the 30¢s but a clear day. Now at lower elevations. I see the flower variety from N.C. Stopped at Funky Standing Bear Farm to resupply. Then up over Grassy Bald with beautiful views and finally down a bit to tent in the woods. It¢s about 45 in the tent now at 8:00PM and in the 30¢s outside. The chores are done; bear bag hung and now time to see how the 30 rated bag with a liner feels.Ascent 4190 Descent 4900, Hike duration 9Hr 40Min