morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Birch Spring Gap campsite

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

A desire to get on the trail early thwarted a bit by the cold - fingers don't work so well disassembling a tent at 35 degrees. Ferl and Loba up early, along with Dory who's beginning a few days of hiking with her brother. Beginning a transition from 7-8 miles daily to 10-13 daily, so just put the head down and kept on plugging today. A 1300' climb from beginning (3600) to end (4900). The transition to spring continues and is highlighted by the trailside blanketed by green fields filled with Spring Beauties. Much of the trailside is also now covered in (for now) yellow grassy fields instead of dull gray/brown woods. Much of the group re-unites at Spence Field Shelter, a sunny hilltop stop.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Lined up today for my longest day thus far (13.5 m). A 600' climb out of camp in the first 2 miles, then rolling after that, and made it to Derrick Knob Shelter by noon for lunch. Found out later today that a bear cub was sighted here a half hour after I left. My wildlife sightings on the trip thus far have been meager. Others have seen deer, bear, wild hogs, snakes and voles. My highlight was at lunch yesterday - a fat moth hovered in front of me for a few seconds, then a bird swooped from nowhere and swallowed it whole. OK, not exactly Marlin Perkins and Mutual of Omaha's "Wild Kingdom" (that's 1970's TV, kids) but it's all I've got for now. Rain forecast for the afternoon so hustled to Double Spring Gap Shelter. The trails in the Smokies have been very muddy in spots as there is more rain and snow at this elevation, plus horses are allowed on this stretch of trail, further stressing the footing. Was fortunate to get a spot in the shelter as I wanted to avoid having to fold a wet tent in the AM. Nobody from my trail family or the "bubble" at the shelter as a few have dropped back due to physical demands of the trail, plus I am pushing ahead a bit to meet Sherri in Hot Springs later next week. I have to say I missed having friends around for the evening and morning.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap/ Gatlinburg TN
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Thankful again for the shelter spot as the day dawned cold, windy, and spitting rain. The morning promised to be a challenge (1100' climb in 3 miles) but also rewarding as today included summiting Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6655'. Many weather conditions (rain, wind, snow, sun, fog) experienced on the way up, along with spectacular views. My photos attempt but can't do justice to the depth of the clouds drifting among peaks that rolled endlessly to the horizon, or to the mist plumes that roller-coasted up the west slope and over the top. As I approached the peak, the wind swept the rain sideways and it was difficult to walk. My plan became just make it to the top and keep going. But as I crested, my eyes met this crazy futuristic space tower (see Photo) that looked like it was from the Jetsons ( that's 1960's TV, kids). Despite my aversion to towers, I just had to climb this. Keeping my head down and hoping the wind didn't turn my pack into a sail and send ME into space, I made a quick circuit of the top and headed down. Next goal was the visitor center a half mile away and off-trail. The chocolate bar purchase and bathrooms with toilet paper made the steep climb uphill back to the trail all worth it. Having conquered Clingman's, I settled in for a well-deserved 1600' descent to Newfound Gap. Was hoping to call and arrange for a ride to Gatlinburg for a hotel, shower, laundry and small resupply. Alas, no cell phone signal the whole way. Among many trail sayings however is "the trail will provide". So I focused on enjoying the cool rainforest-like conditions on the way down. Sure enough, as I stepped off the trail at Newfound Gap, a man approached, asked if I'm a thruhiker and if I would like food and a ride to Gatlinburg. Woohoo, trail magic strikes again. I hop in the back of his truck where thruhikers Captain Planet and Two Sticks are waiting also. Godspeed and his wife drove us a half hour to Grand Prix Motel (which has seen better days, but has hot showers, laundry, and a delightful staff) where I rented a room. Minutes later, got a call from Dory and Overhead who just arrived at Newfound Gap, wanting to know if I was in Gatlinburg and had a room. Yes and yes! They arrived an hour or so later, and after showers and chores, we joined thruhiker Coin Slot for dinner at Luigi's a few blocks away (chicken parm for me).
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Newfound Gap/ Gatlinburg TN

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Powered by last night's dinner at Luigi's, and a coffee and blueberry muffin from Doc's General Store, I was ready to tackle my longest day (15.6 mi) so far. An added challenge was that the earliest (but free) shuttle ride back to the trail dropped us off at 1045am. Bid a quick farewell to Dory, Overhead, and Ireland. I will be breaking away from my trail family for at least 5 days, as my mission is to cover 66 miles in 5 days and arrive in Hot Springs by Thursday for 2 zero days and a visit/mini-vacation with my wife Sherri, which I'm greatly looking forward to. Not sure what was in the coffee or blueberry muffins, but I just powered through this hike. Mix in fabulous sunny high 60's weather, and this was one of my most enjoyable days on the trail. A particular highlight was Charlie's Bunion (see photos), a rock outcropping that attracts bird watchers, day hikers, thrill seekers, etc. Though I was not about to climb on it, I got close enough to soak in the attraction of being high among and surrounded by steep forested slopes for almost 360 degrees. Due to the late start, I had to push to get into camp before dark, but made it by 7pm and was able to do a quick tent setup and dinner before nightfall. They're all good days on the AT but this one was special.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter having survived my longest hike, with plans to follow up with the second-longest at 14.8 miles. Getting an earlier start and covering a shorter distance will put on less pressure to have to rush the hike. This morning was notable in that it's the first time it's been warm enough (OK, less cold) to make hot oatmeal, a new breakfast for me. Normally, it's too cold to stand around and for my fingers to work the stove; looking forward to many warmer mornings to come. On trail at 9:15 and despite an early 400' climb, was comfortable in the knowledge that today's hike featured a drop of nearly 4000' from a high of 6300' down to 2500' at Davenport Gap Shelter. In full context, there are times when a steep twisting rocky downhill will be harder than a gradual uphill, but generally down is better than up. That being said, today's overall hike length and a few uphills to keep things honest made this no walk in the park (OK, technically it's all a walk in the park, but you get the point). Arrived at the shelter tired but with a sense of accomplishment (yes, 30 miles in 2 days) and in plenty of time to make a leisurely dinner. A small pleasant group of 8 in camp tonight so we all fit in the shelter. This is the only shelter thus far that had chain link fence and a locking door covering the open front. The story is that all the shelters in the Smokies were affixed with these fences at one time to protect the hikers from the bears. Then people started feeding bears through the fence, which made the problem worse. Or better stated perhaps, is that the problem really was not the bears, but the people who left food around. Eventually, all the fences except this one (not sure why) were removed perhaps in hopes that irresponsible hikers would either change behavior or get eaten. A strong cell signal here, so I spent some time catching up on the blog. First night so far that it has been warm enough not to have to wear a stocking cap or ski mask to bed.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

An early-rising group in the shelter had me up before 7am, so was able to get ready leisurely knowing a "short" 10.5 mile day was ahead. Treated myself to hot oatmeal again and took some time for more blogging before hitting the trail at 845am. Nothing outstanding in first few miles except officially leaving official Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundaries. Took it easy on this mostly downhill section, knowing of the 5+ mile uphill section from miles 3-8. The rain forecast for late morning arrived right on schedule; took a lunch break approximately mile 5 when it looked like the rain might be ending. Alas, the showers returned and added cold, wind, and fog. The last 1.5 miles uphill was spent cursing each apparent hilltop that turned into another rise (Wait! I'm O-Positive! I meant to say I was "praising the rain for the lush green it brought to the forest!"). Well, that "praising" paid off - as I approached the ACTUAL hilltop, my thankful eyes spied trail magic (!) in the form of a pop-up tent shimmering through the fog! An Ohio gentlemen takes 2 weeks every year and drives his truck daily into the woods to serve coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, oranges, and soda. Sat for 45 minutes, changed to dry clothes, and chatted. Fully warmed and caffeinated, motored over Snowbird Mountain Bald and on home to Groundhog Creek Shelter. A vegetable soup, rice, and noodle dinner and into a warm sleeping bag for the night.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Awoken before dawn by some screaming birds or animals (groundhog residents of Groundhog Creek Shelter?) and was on the trail by 810am. Making an effort to get up and out earlier in preparation over the next few weeks to 15+ and then 20 mile per day days. The morning featured a long 6+/ 1700' climb peppered with a few welcome downhills. Midday arrived with a gut-busting 400' climb in 0.7 miles to the top of expansive and grassy Max Patch Bald summit (see pictures). Spectacular panoramic 360 degree mountain views and foreground agricultural landscapes made the climb worth it, and was an outstanding reminder among many of how privileged we all are to be out here. Despite the brilliant sun, the buffeting winds made it too cold to do more than snap photos, so I took lunch at the hill's bottom. The first part of the afternoon was spent on a warm and long 5-mile downhill. Many colorful flowers blossoming and even saw my first snake, who was patient enough to pose for many photos. The day's hike ended with another gut-buster, climbing 700' in 1.2 miles to Walnut Mountain Shelter. Nice views but very windy, so into the tent quickly after gourmet chicken and mashed potatoes dinner with a side of ramen noodles.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC / Elmers Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

The "Start walking earlier" project continued successfully today; on trail by 815am. A quick descent and a quick ascent preceded the hiking highlight of the day - a 3300' downhill into Hot Springs! After a halfway point (6.5 mi) lunch at Garenflo Gap, the "Rendezvous avec Sherri" watch began. Our plan was that she would begin hiking up the trail at 1pm and meet me. I kept peering around every trail turn, until at last she appeared like a trail angel for our first time together in a month. And almost as good, she was carrying trail magic - Gatorade, grapes, and oatmeal raisin cookies, mmm. A quick 2 miles downhill and we were in Hot Springs (the AT goes thru the town's main street). We made reservations for 3 days at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, owned by Elmer Hall, a legend in AT circles. An AT thruhiker himself (1976), he is an ordained minister, former Duke university professor and chaplain, environmental and social activist (among other things), and since 1978, owner of the Inn, an 1840's Victorian with many incarnations. Summer home, boarding house, school, and for many years, home to AT thruhikers and other travelers. Elmer and current assistant Jesse cook breakfast and supper in a group setting that makes each visitor feel like a family member. And that same feeling pervades Hot Springs. From shop owners to the town visitor center to the library and hot springs, we were welcomed like old friends. At Thursday's free community dinner, a local couple invited us to their home later in the weekend. Was also able to reconnect, if only briefly, with many thruhikers strolling the sunny town main street. Also managed a side trip to nearby Asheville for food, art galleries, and a lively street music scene. In all, a fabulous weekend that we were sad to see end, but looking forward to return visits.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Hot Springs NC/ Elmer's Sunny bank Inn

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A late start (130pm) out of Hot Springs, accompanied by Sherri for the first mile. The trail started along the French Broad River where we spotted a salamander (actually, he was already spotted) with 3 legs (see photo). A quick goodbye with Sherri and off up the trail. Besides the view at clifftops of Hot Springs and the French Broad River, nothing spectacular about today's hike as I just had to put my head down and plow to get to camp before dark. Barely made it (730p). Quick tent setup, dinner, and into the sleeping bag.Postscript - just before we arrived at Elmer's, the wife of former thruhiker (trail name) Doc Marley (early 1980's) dropped off a box with Elmer with several containers of ashes of her husband who died of brain cancer in 2013. His wish was to have his ashes spread on the AT, and she asked Elmer if he could request hikers to do so. I took a container and spread some on a cliff overlooking the French Broad River, and some on the nearby trail. Doc can have a view of Hot Springs and the Sunny bank Inn where I'm sure he felt the same welcoming community feel that we did, and today's hikers footsteps can mix with his ashes and his spirit can carry them to Maine. RIP, Doc Narley.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

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

A pleasant downhill start to the day, dropping 1300' in the first 5 miles. But the AT giveth and taketh away - then the hard work began and continued through early afternoon, back up 2500' to Camp Creek Bald. According to my guidebook/map, the rest of the day looked flat and downhill. Sure, there was a reference to "rocky and strenuous" but doesn't that describe the whole AT? Well, they weren't kidding - it was. And maybe I should have heeded the Hazardous Weather Bypass Trail sign, but it was sunny when I read it and dammit, I'm a trail purist after all. Sure enough, about 3 minutes into being at the top of the world/ridge line, the skies darkened and a few drops started falling. I quickly snapped a few more of the expansive forever vista - sunny green valley, black clouds, multi-hued mountains - and then a few more because it was that good. Ok, a little stupid and dangerous, because then the real thunder and rain started. Somehow managed to simultaneously scramble over and down rocks, put on rain jacket and pack cover, and fortunately find a rock ledge to wait under. At the first break in the rain, got off the ridge ASAP. Fifteen minutes later, was walking in sunshine. A little bit scary but pretty cool and came through OK. A skip in my step from there to Jerry (!) Cabin Shelter by 5pm for my second 15+ mile day of the trip.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Very windy and rainy throughout the night and when I awoke about 6am. Decided to make a break for it as soon as the rain stopped, which it did about 7am. Did a good job of getting everything packed without getting anything wet. The tent, of course, would just have to be packed wet and dried out later. On trail by 8am, and my good streak of seeing creatures continued, as I saw what I'm pretty sure was a box turtle struggling up the hill with his load on his back, same as me. Later on, another snake rustled across the trail (see photo section). Reached the 9 mile mark for a lunch break at 1245p, faster than my usual pace even with longer morning breaks. Must have been something in the pepperoni sticks; powered up a 1600' climb over the next 3 miles, highlighted by a cascading waterfall on the way up (see photos). Another steep descent and steep ascent led to Hogback Ridge Shelter by 445pm. Spaghetti and tomato sauce dinner, mixed with chopped pepperoni stick, then lights out.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mt Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: mist

After 2 15-mile days, was looking forward to an "easy" 10-mile day. A generally downhill first hour concluded with the morning's highlight - trash cans! Unless one is in town (or at a hostel/hotel), places to dispose of trash are few and far between. Less trash in one's pack = less weight to carry. Yes, this is the life of an AT thru-hiker - excited about trash cans. After that excitement, a long steady 1700' climb to the summit of Big Bald at 5500'. One highlight just before approaching the summit were fields of wildflowers that looked like snow. These fields have been more and more prevalent in the last few weeks, but these were the biggest yet. The second highlight was the Bald itself. Somehow, I had missed the fact that we would even be climbing/crossing a bald today, so that surprise combined with the spectacular views (see photos) and wind that literally knocked you off your feet made this an exhilarating experience. Bald Mountain Shelter was about a mile after the summit, and it was a treat to be there to camp by mid-afternoon. A small but very pleasant group at this shelter, including Dory, Overhead, Bliss, Madcap, Pink Panther, and Hobo; along with new (to me) hikers Firefly and Groundhog, and others.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Bald Mt Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel /Erwin TN
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Longest hike of the trip planned for today; not on the trail as early as I wanted to be, but hopeful that the net elevation drop of 3000' for the day would somewhat make up for the late start. Not a lot of scenery for the day's first half as conditions were mostly foggy. Despite the overall elevation drop, there were numerous uphills sprinkled through the day to keep things honest. The downhills were truly a benefit though; almost all gently graded and smooth footing afforded an opportunity to really pick up speed. The skies cleared at midday, affording better views, particularly of the Nolichucky River, as the town of Erwin TN got closer. Only saw 4 other people in 9 hours on the trail today; combined with easier trail conditions, it was good day for some deep thinking. The solitude was broken upon arrival at the Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel and Campground at the river's edge, where plans had been made to rent a cabin for the night. Roughly 30-35 people were staying at Uncle Johnny's tonight, and the hustle and bustle of shower and laundry in the bunkhouse; ordering/fixing dinner; and resupplying/planning for the next day soon made the day's quiet a distant memory. Shared a cabin with Dory and her friend Sarah, who was joining her for a section hike to Damascus. Ordered and shared takeout delivery (pizza, spaghetti, salad, etc) with them and Overhead. Delicious and filling and a great way to replenish muscles after a long day.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel /Erwin TN

To: Super 8 motel / Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, maybe longer hiking days recently have caught up with me. Felt more and more sinus congestion coming on in the second half of yesterday's hike and last night, so I decided to take a zero (sick) day in Erwin today. A not very good night sleep last night, so just need to curl up, sleep, and get better. Took a shuttle into Erwin and had breakfast at Huddle House with Bliss and Mocha Pot before doing errands around town. Just like in Hot Springs, everyone in small Erwin (pop 4,500) is very friendly, and they make a special effort to cater to thru-hikers. Got a haircut at Colorful Curls (Harry's Barbers is closed on Friday's), shopped at Walgreens and Food Lion, and spent a few hours at the Erwin library updating the journal. The railroad is very active in downtown Erwin (appears to be lumber and mining, mostly), and the old railroad depot was converted to a public library in the 90's. Rented a room at the Super 8, ordered takeout delivery, and hopefully will be ready to hit the trail again tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Super 8 motel / Erwin TN

To: Super 8 motel / Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Well, instead of getting better, actually felt worse upon awakening today. A bad night's sleep (didn't fall asleep until 130am), so will do much of the same today (reading and napping), and hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Super 8 motel / Erwin TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Feeling much better after 2 zero (sick) days, with naps, lots of calories, and Alka-seltzer Effervescent tablets doing the trick. A shuttle ride from the Super 8 back to the trail from Uncle Johnny himself, and the hiking begins at 820am. The plan for a few days is to pace myself better, rest more often and longer, and with more camping options available, just see how far I can get. The terrain cooperated early on, a walk across the Nolichucky River and then gently moving up into the woods alongside a chugging freight train. Lots of picturesque streams and swarming (fortunately not biting) bugs. Reached the first stop (Curley Gap Shelter) faster than normal pace and felt good. Continued a long gradual uphill stretch and made it to 8.8 miles and a lunch stop at 1230p. Looking forward to this lunch (Italian sub from Erwin Food Lion) for 2 days, and 900 calories and a full belly later, it did not disappoint. It has been difficult to eat enough calories and keep weight on so this helped. The long gradual incline continued until mid-afternoon when the day's summit (Unaka Mt - 5180') was reached. Highlights along the way included great views at Beauty Spot Gap, another snake sighting, a skink (small salamander-ish), and s beautiful spruce forest. The rest of the way into camp was mostly downhill and I arrived at 515p with...my new longest day at 17.5 miles! Pretty psyched as I didn't even know if I would make it 5 miles today. Most important I think was more calories; second most could have been the songs in my head, including Hitchin' a ride (Vanity Fare), Jacobs Ladder (Springsteen), Rudolph the red nosed reindeer (Burl Ives), Three Blind Mice (?), and Here comes the sun (Beatles). The day was capped with a celebrity sighting. While I was looking for a spot to hang my food bag, I recognized Erin "Wired" Saver striding into camp. Erin has completed the Pacific Crest Trail (Mexico/California border to Washington/Canada border), Continental Divide Trail (New Mexico/Mexico border to Montana/Canada border), and is going for the Triple Crown of thru hiking by completing the AT in 2014. She has a great website (walkingwithwired.com) that I read over the winter as preparation for my trip. She is motoring through the AT (22-24 miles per day). We chatted for about 10 minutes and she is as nice and outgoing in person as on-line. A cool ending to a great day on the AT.