morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-18
From: Rock gap shelter

To: Wyah bald shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Well the tent was a breeze to put up and had a huge amount of space so I'm well happy as waking up today was a cold one with the water bottle iced up. We set off early as we were aiming to do 14.8 miles our best yet. We meet up with Cody just after Winding stair gap and started to eat into the mileage. It was good to have him back with us.We managed Siler bald and there is a great view point 0.2 miles off the trail but that's 0.4 off trail we didn't bother... we're old! Then came Wayah bald now that was relentless it seemed to go on forevermore.When we did make the summit it had been ravaged by the fires of last yearI took some great photos of the views but Cody had received news and had to go and be with a relative so we called Zen for a pick up, he is off the trail.The photo is of Cody in front of the Wayah bald tower.If you read this Cody " Gramps and granpappy say hi junior "A quick hike into the shelter and I thought I found a flat spot for the tent... how wrong was I !Life is good.....at an angle!
Date: 2017-03-19
From: Wyah bald shelter

To: Wesser bald
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

We decided to go the 10.6 miles today so had a leisurely breakfast , oatmeal and raisins yummy.The miles went past well and stops for second breakfast, first lunch , etc we got to the top of Wesser bald . Don't get me wrong there was sweat and swearing enroute and lots of thin young things flying past us but we got there.The fire tower is impressive but not for me, a young couple of day hikers descended from the tower with their dog . It took a while to notice the young lady had a lovely cute pussy ... in her back pack ( behave you lot ) El Vago was up for a stroke but I made him behave .A short hike to the shelter where there were only eight of us, Namaste, Eight track, Einstein , little cheese and others.An early night and bedLife is good.... purr!
Date: 2017-03-20
From: Wesser bald

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

We headed off early for just under 6 miles into the NOC all down hill, easy right! Wrong! It was the hardest down hill section yet. With drop offs every where, you had to really focus. After a couple of hours we made it down. We had to get a bunk in the hostel which is dire but I'm now clean and my clothes are washed. Eight tracks sister was doing trail magic and the bean stew was glorious.Sat by the river with a cold cider about to go for dinner.El Vago had to sit in a rain kilt whilst the laundry was done , now that was funny!Life is very good
Date: 2017-03-21
From: NOC

To: Sassafrass gap shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After a surprising quiet night in our five star accommodation ( see photo) it's up at 6am and using my head torch on red mode to pack up. We are only doing 6.7 miles out of the NOC as it all seems to be straight up.I realised I have achieved all my short term goals and need to set some more, so here goes1/ Hit the 200 miles mark, this will also mean I have less than 2000 to go2/ To get to Clingman's Dome the highest point on the trail3/ To complete the Great Smokey mountains4/ To get to the Tennessee borderSo now it's time for first breakfast Thanks to all who say hello on the guest book, it's great to hear from you allLife is good
Date: 2017-03-22
From: Sassafrass gap shelter

To: Cody gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: moderate rain

So the night was filled with a hugely impressive thunderstorm, the lightning pierced the tent fabric so I gave up trying to sleep and read. I'm impressed with how the new Big Agnes tent stood up to the down pour. Up and about for 7am, the shelter had filled to capacity owing to the storm and it was full of characters.We were targeting the camp area at Cody gap, 12 miles distant and it seemed fitting owing to missing our hiking buddy. The first up hill got us to the top of Cheoah bald with some stunning views.The day passed and it was tempting to stop at the shelter but we kept going.We made Cody gap and started to set up when we were joined by brothers Einstein and Little Cheese; quickly followed by Eight track. A nice little group.About 8 pm it was time for bed and I was lulled to sleep by a screech owl and El Vago's snoring from his tent nearby. A good dayLife is good
Date: 2017-03-23
From: Cody gap

To: Fontana dam crossing
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: few clouds

I woke on an off all night but got moving about 7am. As it was a campsite there were no privies so off I went with my trowel. Little was I to know a certain El Vago still likes his comforts. The first 3 miles were a joy of easy flat descent and after about two hours we got to Cable gap shelter for second breakfast. Well off runs El Vago with a glint in his eyes and TP in hand to the privy I waited but in the end gave up with all the sighing he seemed a contented and settled man so I left him to it.With some Gregory Porter on the IPod I was off for the last two miles of downhill to the Fontana crossing where I spotted some of the guys loading up in a shuttle which I declined so as to wait for El Vago who appeared ten minutes later a slimmer and happier man. Half hour later we were at the lodge and cleaning all the muck and stink off of ourselves.Amazing how a hot shower, clean clothes and a cooked meal can change your perspective on life.To bed in clean sheets and a pillow, luxury!Life is good
Date: 2017-03-24
From: Fontana dam crossing

To: Fontana lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Even on a zero I woke at 7am and we were at breakfast for 8am. The brothers and Eight track were heading out so we fist bumped and said our goodbyes.We checked out the village , did laundry, re supplied for six days and then had chilli dogs and beer at the " Pitstop" ( well I had the beer ). The staff in there are great and we chatted for an hour.Back to the lodge to sort the food into daily bags wondering was it enough but worried it all weighed to much.Phone calls home and journal entries to complete.Time for dinner and another day is over.The Great Smokie mountains are calling, are we ready or up to the challenge; I'll tell you in a week!Life is good
Date: 2017-03-25
From: Fontana lodge

To: Mollies Ridge shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up for another Hungry Hiker breakfast and then a shuttle to the crossing. I imagined the Fontana Dam shelter or Fontana Hilton as it's known would be right next to it but it was a nice walk around the lake. The shelter lived up to its name and was new and modern. We crossed the dam and took a break to drop off our permits in the box meeting " Huckleberry " and his wife " Finn ".A real introduction to the Smokies ensued with tough uphill so the iPod went on with some "Sea sick Steve " to put me in the southern mood.I got to the shelter and set up. About 45 mins later El Vago arrived and shattered is an understatement, he put his tent foot print down and lay on it. I thought he was going to sleep there the night but with a nudge we got his tent up and water down him.If you have seen " A walk in the woods " think Stephen Katz collapsing into his tent refusing dinner and snoring interspersed with expletives and your there.Well day one in the Smokies is doneLife is good.. a little Smokie
Date: 2017-03-26
From: Mollies Ridge shelter

To: Derrick knob shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It had been raining most of the night but at dawn it broke and I got sorted and ready to go. I didn't fancy standing around for hot breakfast so downed a grenola bar. El Vago manages to pack up in his tent already but this time he appeared rather sheepish with reports of taking his bum for a " wee" in the night. A discussion with the ridge runner who kept his distance sent El Vago for some recovery time nearby. Well I'd walked everyday with him, so do I sit and despair, no crack on.Twelve hard miles later and I arrived at the shelter with many familiar faces around, got chatting to an ex service guy who did an exchange with the British army.Set up , dried out and had some hot food.Probably had my bed sleep in the tent to dateLife is good....if your not to lose!
Date: 2017-03-27
From: Derrick knob shelter

To: Mount Collins shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up and moving at dawn and as I was leaving camp there was a mighty racket of wild turkeys around the site. Apart from birds I have only seen nine squirrels so far. I started to push out the miles, the vegetation has changed . The rhododendrons are gone and in place is a damp and dank pine forest. At Double spring gap shelter a few were setting up for the night but it was only 1pm so I pushed on , well aware what was ahead of me. About 4 pm saw me summit Clingmans Dome at 6667 ft the highest point on the A.T. I continued down to the shelter and set up my tent on a perfect flat spot in a dip ( I was tired)I filtered water and cooked food,. It different in the Smokies, before the shelters were open with a group dynamic and everyone chatting. In the Smokies there is a tarp across the front of the shelter and there could be 15-20 inside and 3-5 in tents on the outside. Don't tell him but I missed chatting to El Vago.I turned in at about 8 pm just as the thunderstorms broke, it was so loud I read for over two hours.At 11pm I dropped my hand off the air mattress to find I was on a two inch puddle of water which was getting deeper. Never pitch your tent in a dip, idiot. The storm still raged so I threw everything in my rucksack and took my mat and sleeping bag to the shelter where I found space on the floor and tried to sleep.I got very little sleep with the storm, twenty bodies snoring, farting and getting up for a wee every ten minutes, how do they do it. Life is good....if your not stupid!
Date: 2017-03-28
From: Mount Collins shelter

To: Newfound gap
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: light rain

So after three days of thunderstorms, everything is soaked. I'm emotionally and physically shattered. The plan was to do the Smokies in one hit but I'm off to Gatlinburg for a zero and the way my head is at the moment, a plane home!The 4.3 To Newfound gap had me in a foul mood and the trick carpark with the in correct mileage marker didn't help. I got to the gap and was offered a coke by ex thruhiker G.T and his wife who gave me a lift into Gatlinburg. I wondered why they had the sun roof open so much but then realised I stunk.I checked into the Microtel and cleaned up.My good lady was a star and after a chat with her, a steak dinner and some dry clothes and I was getting back to normal. Never give up on a bad dayLife is good....again!
Date: 2017-03-29
From: Newfound gap

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After a good night sleep and first breakfast it was time for chores. As I was having the meagre offerings the Microtel put on for breakfast I bumped into Eight Track and Dead guy ale both had zero there as the Smokies had hit them much like myself. Throughout the day I saw another six hikers in town I knew all with similar stories. A bus was needed out of town to find a laundry but all clothes clean and dry. The tent is also dry but I do need to clean the bathroom in my room.Gatlinburg is not really my kind of town. It's like Disney land and Brighton pier had a night of passion and Gatlinburg is the love child! Great for kids and the people are great but no thanks!One thing they do well is " Moonshine ". Now as anyone who knows me will tell you I hardly touch alcohol ( stop laughing). I had to try Moonshine for the first time. For $5 you get a small taster of twelve different flavours... hic! I have yet to work out how many jars I can get in my rucksack!Well the shuttle is booked for the morning so it's time to get a good night sleep Life is good.....as is peach Moonshine!
Date: 2017-03-30
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks corner shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I got picked up by our shuttle driver Ravi who picked up another four thru-hikers and made for Newfound gap. Ravi does love to blast his car horn every time he went in a tunnel and there were a few tunnels.We all got dropped off and it was time for some "Queen " to get me through the miles.The shelter was full of familiar faces and as it was warm I sat out chatting to a couple of U.S ex service guys.An early night and asleep to a rain storm, well it wouldn't be the Smokies without rain.Life is good
Date: 2017-03-31
From: Pecks corner shelter

To: Cosby knob shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

After a good night sleep even with the rain I had to force myself out of the tent and start packing up.The rain stopped for about half an hour but was throwing it down as I walked out . I had the full rain gear on for the first three hours but the rain did stop. I lunched at Tri knob shelter and took a photo of the interior as it was empty. After a quick lunch I was off to the sounds of Thin Lizzy and as we descended the rhododendrons were back and the pine forests retreated.Arriving at Cosby knob shelter there were a couple doing trail magic at the shelter, sodas, fruit and cakes. So good. I aired out the tent from the day before whilst chatting to a fellow they hiker "Hindo"Who is hiking with his wife.Bed , a read and time for the rainLife is good
Date: 2017-04-01
From: Cosby knob shelter

To: Standing bear hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up on my last day in the Smokies to you guessed it, rain. So packed up quick time and set of just after eight am as the rain stopped, needed some beats so put " The Jam" on the iPod. Passed a few hikers that left before me. The last four miles out of Davenport gap was all down hill although nearly all running mud.Got to the northern boundary of the Smokies and took the necessary photo. I actually got phone signal and rang the ladies. Another couple of miles and I'm at Standing bear hostel which is unique. More to follow. I have a beer and a pizza, I'm also not camping in the rain.Life is good
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Standing bear hostel

To: Roaring fork shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Well Standing bear hostel is an experience, it could be quite nice if they just emptied the portiloo. The stench was overpowering , there wasn't a spot on the grounds where you could escape it. To even consider using it made you retch!I left asap and did the four miles up hill to Snowbird mountain in over two hours. At the top "Shane" and his amazing family were doing trail magic and I had my first peanut butter and jelly sandwich with lots of cold drinks. The views were amazing. The miles wouldn't walk themselves so I set off.Some hours later saw me summit Max Patch which had amazing 360 degree views. It's obviously a Mecca for yoga students, the position those ladies got themselves in I had to move along, slowly!I found about a dozen familiar faces on the summit chilling and taking in the view so I joined them for an hour. Many were staying for the sunset but I dropped down to the shelter and set up.A tough but good day.Thanks to all who sign the guest book and a massive thanks to the trail magic being leftLife is good.. especially on top of a mountain with like minded hikers!
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Roaring fork shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I woke about 6am after an awful night sleep so I started to pack up and it wasn't raining, yah!I have stopped having hot breakfast and walked out eating a granola bar at 0750hrs. A nice easy couple of miles and I'm happy. Then it started to drizzle, it wouldn't last...would it? Yes! It rained contantly for the next eight hours. I stopped to put on my jacket but that was my only stop all day. As I thought it would stop I didn't put on my gaiters or rain kilt , how silly. In " Good morning Vietnam " they do a weather forecast, " its hot and wet, which is nice when you're with a lady but it ain't no good in the jungle!" Well it was like that.I kept going as I was a 6'1 lump of wet! I got in to Hot Springs wet to the core and ready for a warm hotel room, all I had to do was find El Vago, with no signal easier said than done . There is only one hotel but he wasn't there. He wouldn't be in a hostel says I to another hiker. He is refined. How wrong was I . We eventually meet up at the restaurant. I have a hotel room and I'm wearing dry pants, small things make you happy ( well my good lady says this, not sure what she meant Life is good out of the rain!
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Even with clean sheets and a nice bed I woke at 6am and started sorting, a breakfast at the ranch restaurant saw me alone .... for all of ten minutes and then nearly every hiker I had met appeared.I chatted to El Vago, Einstein, Litlle Cheese, Eight Track Dead Guy Ale and more. Little Cheese was a star and lent me his phone so I could sort some banking stuff.El Vago and I split a room at Alpine court and the bands back together. We were thinking of names of famous double acts when Hondo piped up "Dumb and Dumber". Thanks bro!Chores were done and we stripped every store of food.A great meal with a couple of beers at the local tavern and I'm a happy boy.Quote of the day from El Vago "have I got something in my hair?" To which he pulled out the biggest bug from his silver locks! ShudderUntil we saw the weather forecast, thunderstorms tomorrow, rain the next day and snow Friday.Well I suppose it's still April.Time for a good night sleep , although Snorelax is also back!Life is good....whilst it's still dry!
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Hot Springs

To: Springer shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Sleep eludes me with Snorelax back in the room, Hot Springs also has a freight railway line running through it and those trains are loud.We got a huge breakfast and set off at 0940hrs. It was only going to be an eleven mile day but it was tough. It rained for about two hours, I think El Vago was secretly pleased so he could try out his new rain kilt.The shelter was at the top of a hill which seemed to go on for ever. The shelter is tiny and could only fit about five; there is four here at the moment so that's lucky.There a nice guy we meet on week one here, he's now been named Moose. Great to see him again.Out of no where AT & T have provided signal so it was great to call homeLife is good...the first day out from a zero u
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Springer shelter

To: Jerry cabin shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained most of the night but helpfully stopped in time for us to pack up. We have both got in the habit of packing up from about six am. So we were up and away by 0740 he, well before the youngsters in the shelter. Well it first rained and then the snow arrived...in force!!The terrain at times was hand over hand and on the ridge line it was very exposed.Eventually we got to the shelter which was small but only had three occupants within , so as the snow was still driving into our faces it was a no brainier. We slept in the shelter. One guy had sent his winter gear home three days before. Mistake!Once chores were done we settled in and two other hikers arrived.Two of the hikers normally hammock so strung their tarps across the front of the shelter keeping out the worst of the snow and wind. Heroes!My first proper night in a shelter... not bad. Although I have experienced Snorelax before but not three inches from my left ear; Mrs Snorelax must be totally deaf. In fairness he did keep the mice at bay.Life is good... out of the snow storm!
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Jerry cabin shelter

To: Hogback ridge shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light snow

After a pretty broken nights sleep we got moving about 6am , there's no way I wanted to get out of that warm sleeping bag but it had to be done. I'd hung my trousers up the night before and they were semi frozen around the waist band but there was no option but to get them on, it's only cold!I had to hit the privy and as you can see that was bracing to say the least. My neither regions nearly stuck the seat!I took lead and my size twelves crunched through the virgin snow, it was only 2-3 inches but in spots there were 5-6 inch drifts. I'm so glad I ignored all the advice regarding using trail runners, my big boy boots and long gaiters were perfect for this. At times I felt like Scott of the Antarctic not Scotty of the A.T. At one point I got the wobbles and suggested a single shelter strategy as we are not use to snow in the south east of England. But El Vago was having none of it , he's from New England , loves snow and was having a whale of a time,so we pushed on . He wouldn't even let me call it a blizzard . ( it was ) It was not long before I face planted into the snow , at least the landing was soft.We made it to the shelter and I contemplated putting my tent up but the snow was still everywhere and the windchill was freezing.We shared the shelter with the hammock heroes Frodo and Nopoles, also Maple, Pogo and Baseman. A nice group. A mouse made an early appearance but we settled down released the Snorelax and he was never seen again. Life is good....now the snow has stopped!
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Hogback ridge shelter

To: Whistling gap campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

After another broken night we started to pack up, Maple and Baseman both did the same, with Maple leaving the shelter first. She can pack her gear quickly. We left and within a couple of miles had dropped out of the snow. I exited the woods at Sam's gap to a sign stating Trail magic; I was so excited. I had eaten a cold breakfast of a granola bar and after the last two days of snow hot food called. I made stupid eating motions to El Vago who wondered why I was skipping in the wrong direction. The trail angel was " Quiet Paul" who was already feeding Maple. He cooked us the biggest plate of eggs any hash browns. So good! We rolled back down the hill and within half a mile there was more trail magic and although I was stuffed I had a Hot chocolate drink and a tin of peaches. I was now ready for a doze.But we were here to hike so off and up we went. And we went up and up, it seemed to never end. We summited at Big Bald and all that hard work made sense, the views were spectacular. Maple was already there and took some photos for us.The shelter was only two miles away but that was to close so we pushed for Whispering gap campsite. There were six of us there; at a campsite there are no privys or bear cables so we were all lassoing tree branches and digging cat holes but it was a great site.It also meant I was back in my tent. Yah! Very happyI turned in around seven sent some message, read and was asleep by eightLife is good... especially with trail angels around!
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Whistling gap campsite

To: Erwin
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

A good night sleep and an early start, I was packed up and ready to go before El Vago so I set off alone. I had picked up a cough from the cold and had very little energy so I knew El Vago would catch up and as I stopped at the shelter for first lunch he joined me. A Cliff bar and I was off again, Vago had loads of energy and went past me but after a short uphill it was four miles down hill into Erwin. You could see Erwin from the top of the mountain and it's got slowly closer.I eventually exited the forest and meet Vago outside Uncle Johnnys hostel. We grabbed a cold drink and Vago stuffed down a ice cream sandwich before we grabbed a shuttle to town.It transpired Pogo and Baseman were in the same hotel.A shave, shower and change of clothes and I was feeling human again.We all meet up at the Huddle house for a meal where the food was excellent but the service was a comedy of errors.As we weren't in our tents there was no need to go to bed at eight so a cold beer chatting to Baseman was in order.Life is good... with a cold cider in your hand!