morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-04
From: Woody Gap

To: Bull Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

A very pleasant night back at the hiker hostel last night and the good fortune of dodging camping in the snow. By morning there, much of the snow had melted and it was calm. The story at Woody Gap was quite different however. Gusting winds, temps below freezing and snow covered trails met us when we arrived. Hiked through snow through much of the morning until the sun began to break through. As soon as it did the snow literally began to disappear.Today's big event was the hike up Blood mountain. It was a modest climb that netted a fabulous view at the top! Certainly the highlight thus far. Ranger Ray, Dreamcatcher, and I enjoyed lunch and a few pictures in the, by then, very warm sunshine! We dropped into Neel's Gap after that, hung out a bit at Mountain Crossing, and hiked another mile into Bull Gap where we are camped with a few others tonight. We have Jensen, Scooby, Jessica, Evan in addition to the three of us. A decent dinner, a not so decent fire, and fun conversation capped the day nicely! Reaching Neel's Gap was a real psychologic boost for me. It felt like the first true milestone and insured that I didn't bail in the first three days. I began to feel my usual backcountry confidence for the first time this afternoon which was a very welcome feeling. My body feels pretty good for day 3, my feet are doing great, and I am enjoying being in Ranger Ray's company and meeting new people!
Date: 2016-03-05
From: Bull Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a glorious weather day. I wish they could all be like this but then there would be no water! The day began in the high 20s with bright blue skies. By 10:30 I was hiking in shorts! Some small views today, but mostly hiking through open hardwood forests. Met a pair of brothers who were out scouting public land for hunting potential. They shared some insight into Georgia game management which was interesting.Camped tonight with five others on a ridge at 3500 feet. The hiking was un eventful today. Meeting more new people but also finding long stretches of just Earl and I on the trail. So far we have avoided shelters for anything but lunch. Nice weather makes that possible. My body is holding up well. Some aches but feel good overall. If all goes well we will earn our 50 miler merit badge tomorrow!
Date: 2016-03-06
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Another bright sunny day in northern Georgia. While the temps made it into the 50s for sure, they started in the 20s. A brief rain shower last night led to a frozen tent fly in the morning. The cold is hard on my hands. With all of the camp craft, my fingers have lots of little cuts on them which is a nuisance. The hiking was good today. Lots of people on the trail. The first six miles were easy save for some rocky stretches. The second six involved the most challenging climb so far. 1100 feet in 1.5 miles. Hiked with Ranger Ray for awhile and also Weatherman, Scooby, and Slug. In camp tonight with those guys, R3 who is documenting his hike on YouTube, and Slugs brother Ripple. Today's highlight was finding Paul and his daughter Christina serving hot dogs and burgers in Unicoi Gap. What an awesome treat! Many thanks again to them.Tomorrow we are going into Hiawassee, GA to resupply and spend the night. Earl is working on me to spend the whole next day and zero. Not sure about that yet. I have enjoyed having him on the hike. I will miss him when he leaves in a couple days but I guess it is time to be on my own. It has been fun to meet new people. There are a couple that I may see a great deal of as we seem to hike at similar paces. Time will tell!
Date: 2016-03-07
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Another sunny day in the south. Last night was a bit warmer than earlier in the week. As a result I slept better. I'm a bit concerned that my very expensive sleeping bag isn't as warm as advertised. Maybe it's just a wind factor and the amount of screen in my tent.Today was our biggest mileage day yet at 13.0. Ranger Ray's feet are giving him some trouble as a result of the boots he is wearing. This slowed our progress a bit. Arrived in Dicks Creek Gap around four pm. Took about half an hour to get a ride into Hiawassee. We were getting discouraged when a bright yellow VW bug passed us, did a u turn on the grassy bank, and came back to the parking lot to give us a ride. The driver, another avid hiker called Honey Bee, brought us into town and shared some details about the area. She is getting on for a section with a friend tomorrow. Spending the night inside tonite and plan to take the day off tomorrow, resupply, rest, and hitch down to Dahlonega to get the Ranger's car. This will put him in a good position when he returns from the NC border where we will part ways. He is going down to Florida to visit his mom and I will continue north on the trail. It has been fun to be with Earl and share this trip. The transition to trail life has definitely been easier having a friend from home. It will be an adjustment to be fully on my own but I guess it is time.Met some more new thru hikers today who have been on a few days longer than us. While I did not anticipate a full day off so soon, it will be good to help Earl get situated, rest up a bit after a solid six day start, and eat some real food!
Date: 2016-03-08
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

While I had not intended to take a day off so early in the trip, that's exactly what we did today. Zero that is. The days project involved hitching back to the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega to get Earle's car. We got easy rides back into Neel's Gap where we got hung up for awhile. This gave me a second chance to meet Rainbow Braid at Mountain Crossing which I did. Rainbow thru hiked in 2013 and was friends with Lady Grey. I had promised LG that I would say hi when I went by. Rainbow was awesome and actually loaned me her car so we could finish the trip. This was super kind and I was so grateful. RB, if you read this. Thank you so much again!The rest of the day involved resupply at the store, a little stretching, and a good deal of eating. By the time we hit the trail again tomorrow I'll have had five very good sized meals including two AYCE buffets. They seem to be quite popular down here and very reasonably priced. Ranger Ray has settled on making it to the NC border then backtracking to his vehicle in Dicks Creek Gap. I will be sad to see him go. I've worked on him for eight months to do the thru hike but not to be. Thanks for your company and support Earle. Come back anytime! Next up a three and a half day stint into Franklin, NC where I'll resupply and hopefully meet up with an old AMC friend.
Date: 2016-03-09
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Muskrat Creek shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Back on the trail today after the zero day in Hiawassee. The bright sunshine in town gave way to clouds hanging over the peaks near Dick Creek Gap as we arrived to start hiking. It was a pleasant morning hike in and out of the clouds in cooler temps. This was good because Scooby, Weatherman and I had a full load of food in our packs. Those clouds gave way to bright sunshine after awhile and it got hot. An afternoon breeze helped mitigate the heat to some extent. Shortly after 100pm we arrived at the NC/GA state line! Ranger Ray, long on ideas as always, packed for one night thinking he would stay over with us after crossing the state line. When we got there however, he decided he would backtrack to his car and finish his hike. It was with some sadness that I bid the Ranger goodbye. Thanks for coming Earle. It was great fun and I hope you get back on the trail some time. With Earle gone I felt like I was starting all over again. Now I am fully on my own and off into solo AT adventures. The terrain has changed quickly since leaving Georgia with longer, steeper, and more sustained climbs. Tomorrow I will climb above 5000 feet for the first time. Camped tonight at the Muskrat Creek shelter with probably 20 other hikers. This is the first night I have stayed at a shelter site. Looking to maintain 12 mile days into Franklin, NC then I think it will be time to increase the mileage.
Date: 2016-03-10
From: Muskrat Creek shelter

To: Betty Creek gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today dawned foggy and in the clouds. It does not get light until about 6:30 am although I believe the days are getting longer since I started. Packed up, ate, and was on the trail by about 8. The first order of business was climbing up Standing Indian mountain. After yesterday's rough initiation to North Carolina ascents I was concerned we would have more of the same.  Not to be.  It was a very gradual walk up to the summit at 5435 feet. With the cloud cover hanging on,  and a wooded summit,  there were no views to be had. The rest of the morning and early afternoon featured similar terrain so I reached my planned destination at 12.5 miles by 2:00pm which was way too early to stop for the night. Wound up hiking another 3.7 to Betty Creek Gap and called it a day. This was the longest hiking day yet but it was fairly easy. My body feels pretty good overall.  I did develop one blister today which is very disappointing. My knees are OK and I feel like I can make good time. The weather remains good although showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for the next several days. Today I spent a lot of time figuring ways to avoid being wet. I have disliked camping in the rain since I was a kid.  You'd think the idea wouldn't bother me anymore but it still does. Maybe it bothers everyone. I have decided to go into Franklin a day early due to increased miles and potentially bad weather. I haven't quite figured out what happens after that but I guess that will come. I do not want to zero on Saturday but will need to resupply a bit and want to visit with an old friend briefly while there. Guess I'll see what happens. Last night at the shelter there were tons of people.  Tonight there are probably 14 people at this campsite. This is the seventh night I have spent with Scooby and Weatherman,  two quality young men. Tonight there is also a father daughter team and several others who I met last night including Drew, Ash, Justice, and Piggy. All very nice people to spend the evening with!
Date: 2016-03-11
From: Betty Creek gap

To: Winding Stair Gap Franklin, NC
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Was out of the Betty Creek camp before 8 today for a climb to the summit of Albert Mtn and a fire tower view. Sadly the cabin on top was locked. Still a good view though. The highlight of the morning was crossing the 100 mile mark! Uneventful hiking for the rest of the day. Ups and downs into Winding Stair Gap where I got off to go into Franklin for resupply and to meet up with an old AMC friend. Beth Gill and I worked at the Lonesome Lake hut together back in 1982. It was nice to catch up and meet her family. If you read this Beth, thanks for your hospitality! Did a quick resupply this afternoon and have enough for three or so days which I'm hoping will be enough to get to Fontana Dam. Staying at a hostel in Franklin tonight. I'm writing this on the patio after dark in shorts and T shirt. I thought it would be cold down here this time of year but no. Guess I won't complain. Much better than snow!
Date: 2016-03-12
From: Winding Stair Gap Franklin, NC

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today started at the Country Kitchen diner in Franklin where I easily polished off a sausage and cheese omelet, homefries, toast, and a side of biscuits and gravy. Needless to say my hiker hunger has kicked in! That meal was the key to a great morning where Weatherman and I did 10 miles in a bit less than 4 hours. Our arrival on Wayah Bald coincided with the arrival of Kicho, a local trail angel, who set up a hot dog barbecue with many sides including bananas, beer, and I even ate my first oatmeal creme pie. Quite a morning! The terrain was reasonable. Part of the hike up Wayah was of moderate grade. Most of the day involved traverses and switchbacks. As a White mtn raised hiker, I have never thought much of switchbacks. HOWEVER... I now believe there is a place in the world for them. You make your miles, and they're not nearly as steep. What's not to like? Tonight is night number two in a hostel. Last night was spent at a hostel in Franklin which I would not recommend. Tonight we are at the Nantahala Mtn Lodge which is the polar opposite and which I would highly recommend. Its off the beaten path and has no resupply option but it's very clean and the hosts are very friendly and make a nice dinner. Despite some sore bottoms of my feet, I feel pretty good overall. It looks like we will be at the southern end of the Smokies in three days. Today for the first time I realize that I am actually hiking the AT and am making progress. The day flowed easily and I enjoyed the hiking. Could I actually be a thru hiker?
Date: 2016-03-13
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

Short entry tonight. Staying at the NOC tonight where there are lots of people both hikers and river types. Enjoyed sitting by the river this afternoon with a cold beer and thru hiker company. Quite the party scene here tonight so I hope to sleep. Rainy hike this morning followed by clearing and warm temps. A few nice views of valley fog and splashes of sunlight.
Date: 2016-03-14
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

Crossed the 150 mile mark today. This is now officially the longest continuous backpack trip I have taken.    Most other times I'd be done with my hike. Tonight I don't even feel that I've started yet! I don't feel like ive developed any kind of groove yet in terms of the logistics/timing of resupply. The hiking is the easy part. That I know how to do.My feet are suddenly really sore with a couple blisters. I've been spoiled most of my life by not ever getting them. Now it is a new annoying reality. Ann has sent my trail runners to Hot Springs and I can't wait to get them. It is much warmer down here than I anticipated so the gore tex in my boots is way too hot. In addition my feet are starting to feel the constant use. I decided to come into Robbinsville tonight to get some extra insoles for comfort and a couple small items I've been missing since I started like a small pair of scissors. Tomorrow we should arrive in Fontana where my current plan is to nero or zero before heading into the park. I have a large resupply box that should be there which I will need to split because I have decided that seven days of food won't fit in my pack at this point. There is lots of talk about norovirus on the trail in Fontana and the Smokies. I'm hopeful its just talk. As a bit of a germ o phobe, I have no interest in getting that. A long hike out of the NOC this morning which netted a couple of views from Cheoah Bald among other places. Rain this afternoon did not dampen the spirits of Brave and Forward who were sharing trail magic in Stecoah Gap. Special thanks to Forward for giving me the lift into Robbinsville and then taking care of Weatherman and Statler. Very much appreciated!
Date: 2016-03-15
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Back in the 80s for my birthday one time, I asked my Dad for a Sony walkman. Remember those? I thought it would be fun to ski listening to my favorite Grateful Dead tapes. Oddly, I didn't care for it much back then. Last winter I tried skiing with music again and really liked it. Today, for the first time in my life, I listened to music while hiking. I'm sure this sounds dumb to many but it is a whole new world for me! It was totally awesome and really took my mind off my feet which have been hurting. We logged 14 miles today from Stecoah Gap to Fontana Dam. The highlight was cresting a ridge and getting a view of Fontana Lake. China Cat Sunflower was playing, it was bright and sunny, and seeing that lake felt like a true milestone. For me it had been 40 years in the making. What a great feeling! Many thanks to my friend Mike for sharing a bunch of music with me before I left. Once we got to the boat launch, we got a ride to the village where we're spending the night. The first stop was the general store. As we sat on the porch, four guys from New York City pulled up in a tricked out Escalade. Other than a bunch of logos on the car it looked a lot like Big Papi's. We met T-minus and his friends who are here with a bunch of other high end car people for a rally that runs from Atlanta to Miami. Certainly not what I expected to run across in rural North Carolina. All those guys were very friendly and entertaining. T-minus is the guy in the picture. There are a number of hikers staying here tonight. Weatherman, Greyhound, and I have a room and we've seen at least a dozen others. Considering a day off tomorrow to rest before the Smokies. If all goes well I should be in Hot Springs in seven or eight days. (Take note Bill Powell).
Date: 2016-03-16
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0

Not much to report from the day off today. Got my resupply box, sorted out food for the next stint, did wash, and rested my feet. We have decided to try to do the Smokies without getting off in Gatlinburg part way through. This means I am packing about seven days of food and will leave Fontana with what should be the heaviest load of the entire trip. I'm glad their isn't a scale here cause I don't want to know how much my pack weighs. If all goes well we should arrive in Hot Springs, NC next Wednesday after 105 miles. I am a careful planner and have always been sure that I have one extra layer of clothing and more than enough food. This time I'm not so sure. It is what it is because I don't think I could put one more thing in my pack.It has been interesting to experience an intersection of three very different groups of people here today. There are we thru hikers, some families, and the car rally people. All oddly brought together in this very rural place. The rally folks are very urban people. It has been a pleasure to talk with them. They are all very friendly. I would never have a chance to meet them back home. They leave tomorrow on a ride that will take them from here to Miami in some incredible cars. Tonight's picture features one of them. If you don't know what it is, ask Grady Brokaw.There has been much talk about norovirus in the shelters. Since GSMNP requires that hikers sleep primarily in shelters, this creates a pickle for people like me who hate feeling sick. I am hopeful that it is more hype and less fact. The weather appears ready to take a turn for the cooler in the coming days with potential for snow and below freezing temps. Guess I should be careful what I wish for! Back to work tomorrow.
Date: 2016-03-17
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

This morning we crossed the Fontana Dam and entered the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Feels like kind of a milestone. Left with seven days worth of food so it was a long pull up hill with what I hope will be the heaviest pack I carry for the whole trip. It was another bluebird southern day with temps exceeding 60 in the valley. This afternoon the trail took a turn to the northeast and began following the Tennessee North Carolina border. It was exciting to touch the third state on the trip! Made good progress all day. It definitely feels like I am in real mountains now. The ascents and descents are longer and more sustained. The trail is well designed following contours and switching back at times so the grades are fairly consistent. I admit I like that, especially later in the hiking day. There is a nice group of people here tonight including Nomadic Fish and Chalkdust, two brothers from Maryland, and also the Kentucky Cruisers, aka Jelly Ankles and Cheetah, and their friend Corn Cob. Don't really have a plan for tomorrow other than to walk some more! Looking at a possible 17 mile day. We'll see. Nice to be able to call home tonight after being in a cell desert for the past couple days.
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

My wife Ann comes from a pretty close family. She has a bunch of cousins that live in Virginia and North Carolina. Every summer they come up for a family reunion that happens in eastern Vermont. One of those cousins, Stewart, aka Banjo Stew, is an accomplished musician. He has been the instigator for many a family sing along. One song that always gets sung is Rocky Top. Today I had the good fortune to stand atop good old Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee! I never really gave much thought to that being a real place but I guess it is. Today was another beautiful weather day though I fear it may be the last for awhile. Had a great sleep last night in the tent. Beautiful stars and a nice nighttime view of some Tennessee town in the valley below. Got a reasonable start considering it still doesn't get light much before 7:30. Today's hiking was much more challenging than yesterday's. More direct uphill climbs made for slower going. Some nice views along the way and some bald patches I'll call them. Areas where there is grass at higher elevations. Rocky Top was the highlight of the day for sure. Got a chance to hike a bit with Jelly Ankles and Cheetah. They are two very nice young women from Kentucky. They are college friends enjoying 100 days on the trail together. In the group I'm currently traveling with I'm clearly the oldest guy. I do seem to hold my own in terms of hiking. There are times when it would be nice to have a peer along. Earle, where did you go?The weather is going to get cold and wet for the next two days and may include some snow. I could get off in Gatlinburg tomorrow afternoon but I'll see what actually happens before deciding. Sleeping in the shelter for the first time on the trip tonight. Hopefully I will sleep well.