morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-03-09
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center/Mile 136.7

To: Locust Cove Gap/Mile 147.3
Miles today: 10.6

The climb north out of the NOC is well documented (in blogs, Trail Journals, YouTube, etc.) as a long, very hard slog out of the deep gap - 3,000 foot ascent from the NOC to Cheoah Bald over 8 miles. Fortunately, the weather was sunny, clear and cold. I had the treat of meeting my daughter at the end of the day. I got an early start and tried to prepare mentally for a tough day.Initially the climb was surprisingly pleasant - I focused on a deliberate pace that was slow but always moving forward without losing my breath. A great trail brought the hiker up through pine forest pleasant with birds signing (something unknown to thru-hikers on my pace thus far) and the sound of the Nantahala River followed along the trail. Along under 30 degrees, the hiking was most enjoyable as the trail design offered different experiences, from ridge walks to switching between the sunny and the shaded sides of the hills being climbed, the later offering rock outcroppings dripping in icicles, snow-covered hill sides and tunnels of Rhododendron.Before I knew it I was within striking distance of the day's gem - Cheoah Bald. Having completed five miles in four hours I was pleased, not because of the pace, but I had thoroughly enjoyed a hike reputed to be unwelcome. The remaining three miles to Cheoah Bald were tough but the final approach of about a half mile was a killer, among the toughest hikes to date. There was quite a reward - Cheoach Bald is a grassy summit (just over 5,000 feet) with a broad view of the surrounding mountains. A group gathered at the bald to enjoy a late lunch, photographs, and the views, including Hungary Cat, Ross, Swagman and a group of three that started from Springer on 2/19.Having not just completed, but enjoyed the infamous climb, it was time to descend to our planned meeting/tenting area - still 2.5 miles north. Although a bit fatigued, I climbed down about 1,500 feet and reached our camping area about 20 minutes before Brooke showed up. (She had driven 5 and a half hours and then hiked a tough 3.2 miles south from Stecoah Gap to meet me.)We set up our tents and cooked Chicken Pesto Pasta (Trailtopia), vegetable and Peach Berry Crisp (Trailtopia). The tenting site was somewhat exposed to the wind and the temperature was dropping, so we had to retreat to our tents and sleeping bags - still amazed and excited that Brooke is visiting for two days/two nights.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-10
From: Locust Cove Gap/Mile 147.3

To: Cable Gap Shelter/Mile 158.8
Miles today: 11.5

Although predicted, the evening rain never came - yet, it threatened so we packed up quickly. We had a moderate to tough, 12-mile day planned with a number of climbs. We (I) got beat up early with an immediate climb and drop into Simp Gap and then a climb out of Simp into Stecoah Gap and then (after a quick water/snack break) out of Stecoah. (Brooke had done all of the 3.2 miles south from Stecoah the day before.) The rain did come and we had to battle off an on rain with very cold morning.The first 4 miles were tougher than I thought they'd be, and then we faced "Jacob's Ladder." This proved to be one of my top 5 toughest climbs thus far. Unlike much of the trails (which utilize switchbacks and other gradual approaches to climbing high summits), the AT at Jacob's Ladder is a direct, frontal attack straight up the vertical. Ouch.Shortly after completing the difficult climb up Jacob's Ladder, we arrived at Brown Fork Gap Shelter where we took a lunch break. We were joined by Candyman, Fifty, Hallie and Livvy as well as earlier by Rivers and another thru-hiker. Having been wiped out for the day, I was glad the rain subsided early and most of the rest of the trail appeared to be downhill. We still had seven miles to cover. We saw few hikers during the day, but there were about 6 in the shelter and 6 tenting when we arrived at the shelter area a little bit before 5 pm. I was beat. Brooke seemed as though she could have gone farther.We set up our tents (challenging sites), filtered water and cooked dinner, visiting with a 60-year old businessman planning to hike only to Damascus. As it got darker and colder, we retired to our tents. Within 30 minutes of getting settled inside the rain came and came very hard. Whew! We had gotten the day's work completed without any rain except for the early miles.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-11
From: Cable Gap Shelter/Mile 158.8

To: Fontana Dam/Mile 165.9
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Daylight savings time meant that 7 am was much darker than the day before. Our tent flys were wet from the evening's rain, some of which was light and intermittent as we were waking. (Packing without rain is immensely valuable to me.) Determined to get an early start, we packed up with the assistance of headlamps and, thankfully, no rain interrupted the effort.We dressed for rain, but nothing came immediately. Our first hike of the day was a climb so we both were overheated and had to shed a couple of layers. Overall the hike was about 3 miles of climbing and 4 miles of downhill. We hoped for a noon arrival so Brooke could get on the road back to Chapel Hill. We passed one thru-hiker who had tented near us the last two nights, but otherwise did not see other hikers until 4 younger hikers caught us at Fontana Crossing (marina) where we called to arrange our shuttle and enjoyed a vending machine beverage.The trail was very wet and slick in many places, perhaps from the prior night's rain. After Fontana Crossing, the hike was pleasant as it followed the lake shore. A mile and a half later Fontana Crossing, we came upon the famous "Fontana Hilton" shelter, on high ground overlooking the lake with picnic tables, seat surrounding a fire ring, running water, and a charging station (and a hundred years away, there are tenting spots, flush toilets, and even a shower with hot water). Most thru-hikers have heard about this shelter (and seen in YouTube videos), but it was even nicer than my impressions.After some photos, Brooke and I made our way to our pickup at Fontana Dam.The Hike Inn picked us up and brought us to my room for the next two nights.After cleaning up, Brooke drove us into town for a Mexican lunch and chores, including trying to address my malfunctioning iPhone.Brooke headed off and I settled in for the evening and for my first zero day.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-12
From: Fontana Dam/Mile 165.9

To: Fontana Dam/Mile 165.9
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Zero day. My first day of no hiking. I've hiked at least 7.1 miles everyday since I started on February 24th with Cheryl. My original plan was to have at least one zero day every ten.I used the day to rest, prepare for the big entrance into the Great Smokies (canister fuel & permit), and try to deal with my iPhone problems.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-13
From: Fontana Dam/Mile 165.9

To: Russell Field Shelter/Mile 180.4
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

After a good zero, I headed into the Great Smokies with rest-empowered eagerness. Most like me who follow thru-hikers on YouTube or Trail Journals, etc. see this step as a major one. It's almost as if basic training has ended and it's time for combat. Gadabout (who roomed next to me at Hike Inn for the same two nights) and I got dropped off at Fontana Dam and we were hiking by 7:30 am.  The day was pleasant, partly sunny and cold - very nice for hiking. Although the day's hike was akin to climbing out of the NOC, the trail brought us up gradually. (Fontana Dam, at 1,700 feet, is the highest dame in the east. We were to climb to over 4,700 feet over the 12 miles.) The morning was uneventful (I skipped the steep side trail to Shuchstack fire tower because the clouds appeared. To eliminate any particularly good views. Scars later confirmed the wisdom of my decision.) I felt strong and, I think guided by a good mental approach (being prepared for the climb out of the NOC), I eventually reached Mollies Ridge Shelter, where I was reintroduced to and spoke with Maverick 71 as we both prepared lunch.I moved on another 3.3 miles gently uphill and then downhill to Russell Field Shelter at 4,347 feet. It was quiet at the shelter so I prepared to sleep in it. A large group from U of South Florida showed up to fill the shelter. Maverick 71 and his son showed up and tented. A couple of section hikers with a dog were also tenting (and one was in a hammock).The group was social but the bitter cold drove us to eat quickly and retire to our sleeping bags.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-14
From: Russell Field Shelter/Mile 180.4

To: Silers Bald Shelter/Mile 195.1
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light snow

After my first evening in a shelter, I was again first up and out on the trail. The morning was clouded in, cold and windy. The snow was much deeper than the prior day. The trail headed up from the shelter and the climb became more difficult (due to snow, wind and terrain) as it ascended Rocky Top and then Thunderhead Mountain. Although the sun suggested it might break through, there were no views other than the white of the snow and the grayness of the close cloud cover. There was a starkness and almost a forbidding sense created by the lack of color, feeling snow underfoot, the inability to see any distance or perspective, and the bitter cold and wind. I had not been overtaken, yet, by faster hikers from the shelter - itself unusual. What most days is enjoyable solitude today felt instead like uncomfortable loneliness. (It was almost one of those - "what am I doing out here?" moments.)The morning ended with a quick, late lunch at Derrick Knob Shelter. I was happy or relieved to see some familiar faces, Gadabout and other settling in for the day. The weather had also turned somewhat brighter.I put on my Microspikes (these provided great benefit), gathered myself for a large afternoon push, and took on the last five and a half miles to Silers Bald Shelter. When I arrived (6:30 - my latest day for hiking), the shelter was generally full - Scars, Nightmare, and El Diablo were there. I quickly decided to tent - set up, gathered and boiled water, ate a Trailtopia meal, and with the bitter cold closing in on everyone, climbed into my tent and got ready for what I anticipated might be a brutal night.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-15
From: Silers Bald Shelter/Mile 195.1

To: Newfound Gap/Mile 207.3
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

After a night of tenting in the snow, I packed up on a cold and windy morning. I was first out of the shelter where another dozen people spent the night. This day the objective was Clingman's Bald, the highest point on the AT and the highest point in eastern United States. After a half an hour of hiking, which allowed me to warm up (and my frozen shoes to thaw), the trail headed up through a forest of hemlock, pine and fir. I stopped at Double Spring Gap Shelter (1.7 miles) to filter water and grab a breakfast bar (and was met there for the same purposes by El Diablo and Nightmare).With substantial snow (6 to 10 inches) on the ground and much still clinging to and suspended in trees, the trail was essentially a beautiful tunnel winding upwards towards the summit. Sauerkraut (and then El Diablo and Nightmare) came by (he described his own nightmare of losing his phone the prior day - and running almost 4 miles south to retrieve it).The first three or four miles were uphill but the trail brought us up at a reasonable grade. Views of the surrounding mountains on this clear blue sky day were more frequent than usual. The snow in the mountains and in the foreground made most vistas especially beautiful. The day was cold, still below or at freezing, but I was comfortable due to the heat generated by the climb (and I continued to hike in rain pants and jacket (especially good for the wind)). The last mile or so to the summit was more vertical but I eventually hit the access road (covered still by snow) and made my way the last few hundred yards to the iconic observation tower.With 35-40 MPH winds and 14 degrees, it was hard to spend much time in the tower, but I took a moment to enjoy the views and take photos and video. I was told that there are probably only 40 days a year where it's clear atop Clingman's Dome. I hurried down and ran into Scars heading for the tower. We spoke. Both planned to zero in Gatlinburg. It was too cold to linger so we moved on.The hike down to Newfound Gap was a substantial descent of seven miles with a few smaller uphill segments along the way. The trail was beautiful but my pack was feeling particularly heavy and my left hip was hurting some. The weather warmed mostly from the bright sun and the trail continued to be beautiful. I ran into a number of day hikers making the 14 mile round trip hike from Newfound Gap to Clingman's Dome. Scars caught me and hiked on as I tired. My progress was slow but eventually made it to Newfound Gap. I caught up with Cheryl for awhile until my shuttle (A Walk in the Woods) arrived.I settled into the Hilton Garden Inn.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-16
From: Newfound Gap/Mile 207.3

To: Newfound Gap/Mile 207.3
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day spent working on RSIP closing (Tennessee State Bank).BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-17
From: Newfound Gap/Mile 207.3

To: Newfound Gap/Mile 207.3
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day - resting hip. Planning for rest of trip through Smokies. (March Madness.)BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-18
From: Newfound Gap/Mile 207.3

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter/Mile 223.0
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

I had an early a.m. shuttle come to take me back to the trail. It was amazing how much better my hip felt after two days rest. I was hiking by 7:30. Initially, it was cold and breezy as the gap was still clouded in. Within an hour, the temperature moderated and the sun was trying to show itself. The trail was of good quality (clearly well-traveled, likely due to probity to the gap and the reputed views at Charlies Bunion). The morning's hike proved to be primarily a very pleasant ridge walk. At Charlies Bunion, the sky was still clouded in, but the sun appeared before noon to create a beautiful and mild day. Scars caught up to me (after a tough fall) and I got an update on his medial issues. (Sounded as if the two days in Gatlinburg were as beneficial for him as they were for me.)Scars and I had a quick lunch together. We than ran into Hot Dog, Pioneer, and Turbo - who I would see most of the day. Tri-Corner shelter was pretty full - with Mike & Alyssa, Peaks, Izzie and Fin ("Hans and Franz"), girls group from Calvin College and Scars. Hot Dog, etc. showed up at the shelter late. Due to the mild weather, we enjoyed dinner together with time to talk.Scars and I tented. Uneventful evening, but rain expected next day.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-19
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter/Mile 223.0

To: Standing Bear Farm/Mile 241.4
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

I was, unusually, out of camp late, mostly due to the temperature being mild - which made it easier to cook breakfast - and for people to socialize.I ran into Hot Dog, Pioneer and Turbo fairly quickly and would see them most of the day. Scars left early and I would not see him until evening.The trail was iced over and therefore very slippery in many places. I was happy to be able to use my Microspikes again.It was to be an 18 mile day with most of that downhill as I was leaving the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Only two tough climbs and I handled both surprisingly easily - do I now hake hiker legs? The final descent seemed to go on forever. There was nothing special about leaving the park at Davenport Gap.I did have a good signal and spoke with Cheryl as I hiked a very pretty section between Davenport Gap and I-40.The final mile and a half to Standing Bear was tougher than expected.I finally arrived and was greeted by Scars and Izzie and Fin. They shared pizza with me and we had a beer. Also there: Bearbait and his wife.An interesting (and "iconic") place (some of my trail friends said "dump"). It rained early evening as we settled in.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-20
From: Standing Bear Farm/Mile 241.4

To: Stealth Tent site a mile south of Max Patch/Mile 253.7
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

Initially there was a long difficult climb up to Snowbird Mountain, which has a large grassy bald (with an FAA tower). The view back to the Smokies here is awesome - 180 degrees. My view this day was partially obscured do to an ever-increasing cloud cover. I did a podcast interview with Mighty Blue from this summit.I ran into Same, an actor from Harrisonburg, on the summit. We hiked and lunched together.We then attacked a long, unexpectedly difficult climbs out of Deep Gap and then out of Brown Gap toward Max Patch and shelter.I tired from the climbs, but had enough time to reach Roaring Fork Shelter (which would have been a 15.2 mile day, but weather started to set in late afternoon). I set up shelter and was later joined by two older, section hikers.The rain increased. I had to set up quickly, but then settled into my tent - very comfortable. The rain and evening came.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-22
From: Garenflo Gap/Mile 267.9

To: Hot Springs, NC/Mile 274.5
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

Slackpack the 6 miles from Gap into Hot Springs.After shuttle by Yaya, I started at 8:45. Perfect morning. Easy climb for first mile. Bright blue sky. Had to remove Microspikes because underfoot was too soft - clumping up in my spikes. Sun and increasing warmth sorted trail. Beautiful modest walk through snow covered trees with reasonably good views of surrounding mountains. I arrived at shelter (halfway point) right at 10:30, which was followed by the only real climb of the day. Then downhill into Hot Springs. I got back to Mountain Magnolia Inn right at noon and quickly transferred my gear to Elmer's Sunnybank Inn.Rest of day was zero in town and back at Inn. Saw Scars at library. Did some trustee work and planning for trip to Erwin.Enjoyed communal, vegetarian dinner with Elmer, Matt, Peaks and two other thru-hikers. Dinner topic: If you could, which of man's technologies would you eliminate?BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-23
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn/Mile 274.5

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn/Mile 274.5
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day in Hot Springs, NC. Mailed package to Erwin. Finished trustee work and prepared FedEx package. Attended to journalling. Planned next five days food and mileage objectives. Enjoyed a "pool" at Hot Springs resort - naturally hot, mineral baths.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...