morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Today was the worst. Torrential rain all night into morning. Got a very slow start (10 am). We were reluctant to hike in the rain. It was alright for a while. At the next shelter, a guy said it was supposed to clear up at noon and be warm and sunny. He was very wrong. We were hiking in pouring rain and wind on exposed ridges. Couldn't see anything from Rocky Top because of the fog. It was cold too. Whenever we stopped for a break, I just had to keep going because I got cold. Eventually, it let up though and was a pleasant walk. The rain makes you appreciate life better afterwards. We saw a turkey and Jonathan saw a fox. Haven't seen a bear yet. One guy said he saw his first bear on the side of the road in the shuttle to Fontana--not a wild experience. Good views from Silers Bald, but very misty. The Smokies are very smokey. And cold. At this shelter, a bunch of dads and five year olds showed up. Hopefully we'll get some sleep. It is the coldest its been so far. Can't leave my sleeping bag.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

So cold last night. Thought Jonathan would get hypothermia in his fleece bag. He turned out all right, but was shivering like crazy in the morning. Hard to get out of bed, but on the trail by 8:30. It was cold. Started out with all my clothes on I had, and headed into the fog. Got to Clingman's Dome and walked up the observation tower. It was bitter cold, windy, and we could barely see 20 feet in front of us. Eventually the clouds cleared a bit and we got glimpses of mountains, but we were eager to get down. It was still cold for another hour. We saw trail crews working along the whole trail today. It was National Trails Day so they were all out and hard at work. There were a lot of different salamanders on the trail, flipping out and trying to go downstream. We saw one big one. The woods are very different in areas near Clingman's Dome and beyond. The forest is very thick and dark with firs and spruce. The ground is almost red and there is moss everywhere, with little underbrush but ferns. Looks like something out of the Pacific Northwest, but I've never been there. The Smokies also seem colder and wetter. I can't wait to leave now and get back down to warmer altitudes. Newfound Gap was packed with cars and tourists. Ate lunch there and Jonathan prepared to leave. Talked to a lot of people who were intrigued by hiking the A.T. My knees were hurting uphill and downhill at that point, but I took Jonathan's hiking poles and said bye. I might have been lonely if this stretch of trail wasn't so popular. Apparently, Cosby Knob Shelter is closed due to bears, which is where I wanted to be tomorrow. Because my knees hurt, I stopped really early (5 pm) at this shelter. Now to get to Hot Springs Tuesday night I need to do a 27 mile day or 50 miles in 2 days--unlikely. I'll see how it goes, but I'd like to sleep at a low altitude (Davenport Gap) tomorrow night, but its 27 miles. Theres 3 others at the shelter, including one from last night. Trail magic: the trail crew left a bag of snickers and a dozen Clif bars here after working on the shelter today. Its still so cold...
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: light rain

It was a surprising day. Started out with knee problems and a stomach ache, but made 27 miles. Cosby Knob Shelter was closed due to bear activity, so I pushed another 7 miles. Its a lot warmer now, since I'm 2000 feet lower in elevation. Apparently it was in the low 30s two nights ago. I was praying harder than I was hiking, but made it alright with Jonathan's hiking poles. The terrain was pretty easy too. The poles took some getting used to. I almost fell off a cliff this morning. There was a lot of torn up dirt beneath the bear bags this morning. It was probably wild hogs. They can get pretty aggressive, so people say to treat them like bears. I haven't seen any hogs, or bear, or elk. I guess elk are pretty rare. We passed some fences with hog containment bridges over them though. The fences keep the hogs out of areas with pristine forest, because they destroy all the underbrush and alter the forest. Also noticed a lot of dead trees in the northern Smokies, due to various diseases. I think I may have gotten blisters today, I'll pay for it tomorrow. My feet are very dirty. At least I don't have to wear socks to bed again, since its warmer here. In only a mile I'll be out of the Smokies. Haven't seen a horse yet either, but theres lots of droppings since horseback riding is allowed on much of the trail in the Smokies. Theres even hitching posts near some of the shelters. For once, I am all alone in this shelter tonight, surprisingly. Don't think I've hiked more than 2 hours without seeing somebody. Apparently, this shelter is the last one in the Smokies to have a chain linked fence to keep critters out. They all used to have them, but instead switched to bear bags. Cosby Knob shelter was closed in the last week. Apparently, bears would come right into the shelter at night and take people's stuff--not afraid of people at all. But I heard 10 people and a dog were there last night, and dogs aren't even allowed in the Smokies. This shelter is like a prison cell with this fence. It's a lonely evening.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.7

Today was a good day, but lonely. Went about 5 hours without seeing anybody. Right out from the shelter this morning--called jokingly the "Smokies Sheraton", its not a great place--ran into a park ranger for the first time, less than a mile from leaving the park. Seemed like a nice guy and asked to see my permit. I could see how some people don't like the rangers though. They definitely enforce the rules, and there are lots of rules in the Smokies. Finally left the Smokies, crossed the large Pigeon River, and crossed my first interstate (I-40). Good thing Jonathan didn't try to hitchhike from Davenport Gap--it's a dirt road. It was a tough uphill from there though, but the hiking poles saved me. Passed over my first real bald at Snowbird Mountain. The trail went above the trees quite definitely. But then I got to Max Patch--a huge bald. It threatened to rain all day, and I felt nervous being so exposed on the summit of Max Patch. The views from Max Patch were incredible though. Want to hurry into Hot Springs before the post office closes at 4 pm tomorrow. Decided to stop here for the night though. My feet probably need a break and its starting to rain. In here with 4 other long distance hikers, including a woman under 30, which is a first. It's surprising how many people out here smoke weed. Want an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs Resort Cabin #1 (Hot Springs, NC)
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

In a hurry getting to Hot Springs this morning. Started hiking at 7:30 and it was an easy day. Looking back, this is the longest backpacking trip I've been on; both in time (>12 days) and distance (>107 miles). Its not well marked, but I think I'm hiking the border between Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests. We started in Chattahoochee National Forest, the Nantahala National Forest, then TVA land for a bit, then the Smokies, now here, on the state line. Getting water last night, I saw my first mouse, but it was on the trail--not in the shelter. The trail today was often overgrown with grass. Grass is difficult to hike through: you can't see rocks, and the dew makes my feet wet. I also noticed that the trail crossed a lot of old road beds today. There are a lot of nice smells in the woods, and the scents vary from place to place. Around 2:00, the trail went right down the center of the tiny town of Hot Springs. I rented a cabin by the river with 4 other hikers, showered, and did laundry at the laundromat. After two burgers at a restaurant, we went shopping at the dollar store, which had an awesome selection of hiker-friendly foods. One guy got milk, a box of cereal, and a ladle just to eat it with (then he's gonna throw it out). Can't wait for breakfast at the diner tomorrow. I don't think I'll go to the actual hot springs, but they sound awesome. This is a great town to relax in.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Hot Springs Resort Cabin #1 (Hot Springs, NC)

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Hot Springs is a pretty sweet place. Went to the tavern for dinner, then shopped for supplies at the dollar store. Had an awesome breakfast at the diner. I ate so much there. Caught up with Rich again at the outfitter--he did a 30 mile day. He goes by 3 Shot now since he killed the snake with his slingshot. There was no cell signal in town, but there was a computer at the outfitter. Somebody told me I'd be lonely hiking this late in the year, but there are tons of people out here. A lot of them are hiking Springer to Harpers Ferry though, taking it slow and having a good time. Most people took one or more zeroes in Hot Springs, but I haven't taken one yet. My shortest day was 5.7 miles. I would be happy slowing down and ending at Harpers Ferry, but as long as I can keep pace, I'm trying for Maine. I bet the children in Hot Springs grow up to love hiking. We saw an elementary class project about the ABC's of the AT at the diner and at a trailhead. When hiking the trail, going into town is exciting. Usually, going into the wilderness is exciting and a change of pace, while town is normal. But now its the other way around and town is foreign and exciting. Left town around 2:00 with a ton of food. Could barely fit it in my pack. The first 1/2 mile of the trail followed the river--a nice change. Saw my first bear of the trip today. It ran away when it heard me, on the other side of the holler. It was kind of small. Took the half day hike kind of slow, enjoying the sites. Passed an old pond with a big stone dam in the middle of nowhere--forgotten. Walked through some old, overgrown farm fields, then very open hardwoods where I saw one of the biggest oak I've ever seen. We've been through a lot of different kinds of forest. Unfortunately, this shelter is very small and full of people from last night in Hot Springs. And its starting to rain. I'll see how my hammock does in the rain I guess. Seems like the rain is almost done though. Rich (3 shot) just came into camp. I think I finally set up this hammock right. The fire is nice and big. I surveyed the people here and decided to go by Road Warrior and not Road Walker, it just sounds better.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't rain last night and the hammock was comfortable, unlike the shelter. Because of the fire and the wind it was filled with smoke all night. Had 2 pop tarts and a milk and cereal bar for breakfast. Today was tough. First, there was a long, steep uphill. At the top, I planned to have lunch at an "observation tower". It was just a cell phone tower. I had cell signal there though for the first time in almost a week, and called home. I got a water filter mailed from home and it is working pretty good (picked it up in Hot Springs). After the tower, there was a grueling rocky stretch. It started hurting my left knee again. It was the rockiest portion of the trail so far. The trail then went through old mountain meadows on an old road, which was cool. The forest service is interested in preserving this type of environment now, through controlled cutting and burning. Forests were once endangered in the eastern U.S., but now its the fields and meadows that are threatened. Many native species thrive in meadows and the forest's edge, since these environments have been around naturally and artificially for thousands of years. I heard even the Indians used burning to create large grasslands. The final part of the hike today was a steep, rocky downhill. My left knee is shot. Two weekenders are at the shelter--they went to bed around 7. 3 Shot also rolled in a bit after me. Saw him a couple times on the trail today. We're going about the same pace. No complaints at this shelter, but I'm hungry. Bear ropes by the Carolina Mountain Club are nice. In some areas, they say bears have followed hikers, waiting for them to take off their packs. If a bear associates a pack with food, its not long until it attacks a person I would think. Its still pretty cold at night.
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

The other couple in the shelter last night went to bed around 7--since they got up at 3 am that morning. I got hiking by 8:30 (a little late). First few miles were very easy, then some big hills. Walked through some less wild and more rural areas today. After crossing a road, the trail crossed a cow pasture--the cows didn't mind. For much of the day the trail followed an old barbed wire fence along the ridge line. Near one road I could hear dogs and a rooster and houses were in sight. Crossed I-26 on the North Carolina and Tennessee state line. There was actually a gate I had to go through at the edge of the Right of Way. After a long climb and a box of Mike and Ikes (heavy to carry all this way from Hot Springs), I finally made it tot he summit of Big Bald. It was like Max Patch, except with more flowers and more dramatic views. I could look back and see the mountains and meadows I had crossed earlier today. The top also had cell reception, so I could send out pictures and finally call up Jonathan to catch up since he left. After a short but beautiful walk down, arrived at this shelter--one of the highest on the trail. Hopefully it won't be too cold tonight. Its a pretty spot with lots of birds. There is one bird with an especially beautiful, almost metallic, song I keep noticing. A guy pointed it out before Hot Springs. Nobody else is here, which is surprising since its a Friday night and I bet Big Bald is a popular hike. The shelter has a ton of trash under it, so it must be a heavily used spot. Not sure if 3 Shot will make it or not. He always strolls into camp late, but he's eager to get to Erwin, so he might camp a little further down the trail. Someone called me a trail angel today. I came up to some hikers right as they were going the wrong way at a switchback and pointed it out. Unfortunately, I didn't find any trail magic like I had hoped at a couple major road crossings. But, a guy at the shelter this morning gave me some delicious bacon. Except for Hot Springs, I haven't seen a lot of hikers this week. I saw no other hikers on Monday except people parked 100 yards from Max Patch and people at the shelter. Also, I saw no hikers on the trail on Wednesday (but it was a shorter hike). If nobody shows up, this will be the second time I've been alone at a shelter. Wow, there are some small birds that are trying to learn to fly it seems. They're hopping branch to branch and one fell to the ground. 3 Shot came in late, after deciding not to camp on the summit.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Felt sick all night last night, and very nauseous and weak in the morning. Got very little sleep. Stayed in bed and it turned into a zero day--my first. Wish I could've gotten to the hostel in Erwin. This is a lonely place for a zero, but several trail angels helped me out. A biologist checking for invasive plants this morning gave me a banana. 3 Shot left some vitamin packets. The group from yesterday who I helped stay on the trail made me some tea and prayed over me. Another guy gave me a bunch of water. I really don't want to be alone here tonight, but its starting to look that way. I need to get out of here. I think I'm feeling a little better but I'll see how tonight goes. I'm definitely heading out tomorrow. If I feel real sick and can't make it to Erwin, I'll hitch to town at the next road (5 miles) and work from there. My stomach hasn't stopped churning.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally got going again today. Not sure if it was something I ate, or slightly bad water, but I'm feeling better. I heard a lot of people have been getting sick in this area. The hike was pretty uneventful and mostly downhill. Saw a huge black snake though. Last night there were mice in the shelter, but they were only after the shelter log. They tore it all up. Nest material I guess. One guy said a mouse gave birth in his guitar, and he didn't find the babies in there for a couple days. It was a pretty easy day, but I felt a little weak. After some nice views of Erwin and the river below, I got to Uncle Johnnie's hostel. Got some food there but didn't stay. Saw a lot of people there, including a bunch who helped me out when I was sick. Two of them were done with their trip and heading back to Los Angeles. Although it was starting to drizzle, I kept on 4 more miles to the shelter. Apparently, theres a huge storm coming, and it'll be thunderstorms for the next two days. Its gonna be rough. Hiking in the rain is exhausting. And Roan Mountain is a high, exposed bald--could be dangerous if there's lightning. If I do 20 miles tomorrow I can stop at a shelter or a hostel. Thats after climbing Unaka Mountain, which is forested on top, luckily. There are only 3 more 5000 foot mountains for a long time: Unaka, Roan Mountain, and Mount Rogers. I'll just have to see how the weather goes... There aren't privies at the shelters in this stretch (Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club), which could be unpleasant in the rain. I'm here with some of the guys from Hot Springs and Spring Mountain Shelter, including a recently married couple. They always have a fire, which is nice, and gave me a hot dog. The wind is starting to blow hard. Hope the rain holds off as long as it can."It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."--Psalms 18:32-33, 36
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: moderate rain

Expected a rainy day, but it wasn't so. This morning was a bit wet, but it was sunny by lunch time. Tomorrow will probably be when the storm hits hard. The guys I was with last night and Thursday night were nice. They always have a fire and shared some food with me. The couple from Alabama said there was a shooting between Auburn players and someone died. THe hike was pretty uneventful, but I climbed Unaka Mountain, which was a cool experience. The top was covered in spruce forest and it was very misty and thick woods. It was a cool place. Met a guy going by the name Meandering Snail. He said he started at Springer 90 days ago with everyone else, but was going about 5 miles per day. Apparently, it took him a week to hike the approach trail (~8 miles). Met another guy who had a Masters degree in library science (didn't know that existed). Reluctantly skipped the nearby hostel and came to this shelter. There are a lot of people here that I've seen in past shelter logs. One guy is carrying a ton of candy (called Candyman). Most of these guys are thru-hiking, and probably flip-flopping (getting a ride to Maine around August/September then hiking back to wherever they left off, to finish the trail this year). The trail's end in Maine closes mid-October and sometimes earlier. Its pouring rain now. Hopefully it won't be too bad going over Roan Mountain tomorrow. Really want to get 24 miles to a hostel tomorrow, but it'll be hard in the rain. Heard they have a good breakfast.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 23.7

I'm pretty sure the trail has gotten nearly a mile longer since my guidebook was published. They moved a section going straight up Roan Mountain to switchbacks. The trail is always changing. The switchbacks were definitely better, but there were still some treacherous portions. Last night, in the rain, a ten year old and his grandmother showed up at the shelter. Not your typical backpacking crowd. Luckily, the rain let up this morning after pouring all night and it seems like the thunderstorms missed us. Regardless, Roan Mountain was very foggy, muddy, steep, and slippery. It was the last 6000 foot peak until Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Its got a lot of Rhododendron on the top and is a popular place for nature watching--you can drive almost to the top. Didn't get good views because of the mist though. At Carver Gap, I met a guy who gave me a muffin--I've been craving baked goods real bad. The next 10 miles or so were the best views I've seen this whole trip. At two spots the trail went for miles across spectacular balds in the the Roan Highlands. Got beautiful views of valleys and meadows and barns below. Also passed the Overmountain Trail, following the militiamen on their way to the battle of Kings Mountain. At Doll Flats, the trail left North Carolina for good. It is completely in Tennessee now until Virginia. 2 states finished. Also at that point, there were a bunch of cows standing in the trail. I tried to shoo them but they wouldn't budge, so I walked around. I guess I could've hit them with my hiking poles. Just like the "Welcome to North Carolina" rocky uphill, there was a "Thanks for Visiting" brutal downhill. I was glad to get to this hostel as it started raining. It was full for singles, but since it was raining I splurged for a king sized bed. I hear their breakfast is great. Clean for the first time in a while after a shower and laundry. Had ice cream and a twinkie too. This is the first real bed I've slept in this whole trip, and probably the best I've been in since home in Leesburg.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Laurel Fork campsite
Miles today: 26.6

Yesterday was the most beautiful hike I've ever been on (except for maybe the Tooth of Time at Philmont) and today was the best breakfast I've ever had. There were so many dishes and they were all homemade and amazing. Even pecan swirls. I wasn't hungry again until 2 today, which is amazing while hiking. I don't know why that one guy hates the Tennessee section in his book--it's wonderful. The first few miles were more country the wilderness. Passed through many fields and meadows; some in various stages of reforestation. Several quiet backroads, a church, and a modern cemetery too. It was a nice area, but the first stream was full of trash. The trail was much gentler today than its been. It followed two rivers. The last two miles in the Pond Mountain Wilderness have been amazing. The trail dropped into a canyon with large waterfalls and a wide river. The trail was a mess though and I missed the shelter. Not a bad thing though, because I strung my hammock up by the riverbank. Its a beautiful spot. I'm starting to see a lot more thru hikers. There were several at the hostel last night. Even met a couple SOBO flip-floppers. Seems like people go by trail names more as the trail goes on, and I am too. I'm amazed at how many people out here smoke weed--I'd say nearly three quarters. I can't remember the last time I went a day or two without being offered a joint. I was forced to pay for the kind sized bed at the hostel last night, but didn't regret it. I got an awesome sleep. I've been sleeping 10 to 11 hours but I only needed 8 in that bed.