morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-18
From: NOC

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.22
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early to try and get a jump on the huge climb out of the NOC. Most other hikers wait until the restaurant opens to get breakfast first. I ate a few Fig Newtons and that was good enough!I didn't see any other hikers for the first three hours. The unrelenting uphill for 6-7 miles was very challenging. Listening to the pretty birds chirping eased the discomfort.I met a hiker going south who had just completed the Bartnam Trail. He said he saw a bear and wild boars yesterday.I also met up with T-Bird on the trail close to noon. He recognized me from Trailjournals. We had a nice chat and he told me he was staying at the next shelter. I decided to push on past the shelter.I also ran into Reboot again and we walked and talked until the uphill started again and I had to slow down.On the top of Cheoah Bald I met up with Nova. She started out earlier than me and I caught up with her. We discussed our options for the night. Shelter, Camping or hostel? We decided to stay at the 'Cabin in the Woods' which picks up at the next gap. The last part of the day was brutal on my knees again. The descent was on a narrow path and went over a number of rockslides. Ouch ouch ouch!Donna picked us up at the gap and took us to our own cabin (for hostel prices). This place is very comfortable and had an awesome bathtub! It will be difficult to leave in the morning.Sorry, wifi is still not strong enough got me to post my new videos.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana 28 AT Crossing
Miles today: 14.0

Regarding YouTube videos: They are all up to date. Day 9 was not showing up but I figured out how to fix it and it is the the TJ video list.I slept with my knees elevated and they seemed to feel better in the morning. nova and I went over to the main house and Donna served up Eggs Benedict for breakfast. I met a section hiker named Tom who warned me about the big climb out if Stecoah Gap called "Jacob's Ladder".Nova and I had a late start back on the trail. It sprinkled rain in various degrees the entire day. Most of the time, the water hit my skin and quickly evaporated. The sky was grey and gloomy and the air smelt like damp mud.The 'Jacob's Ladder' portion was a long, steep climb up with few switchbacks. My calves were burning and I stopped every few minutes of a rest. When I see a huge climb up ahead I try not to think too much about it and focus on the immediate steps ahead. Before I know it, I'm at the top!I didn't see anyone until arriving at Cable Gap Shelter. The shelter was an older, small (sleep six) model right on the AT with a stream out front. I debated staying there as the rain had not stopped, it was getting late, and it was still 5.5 miles to Fontana. During my lengthy break, a bunch of familiar faces started to roll in (Salty Family, Tricks & Aquaman etc.). They had hiked from further back and weren't going any further. People started to set up their air pads in the shelter and I decided to move on. I rather give up my shelter space to an exhausted hiker and push forward.Originally, I had intended on camping a couple miles up the trail. When I arrived at Walker Gap the tent spots did not look very inviting. They were sloped with lots of tree roots. I looked at the sun in the sky and decided I could make it to Fontana before it got dark.The climb down into Fontana was a bit treacherous due the rain. I almost had my second fall on the trail during a slick muddy patch. My body started falling backwards but I caught myself at the last moment with my hiking poles. Hiking poles are awesome. I wish I could carry the ultralight poles (carbon fiber) but I am too clumsy and would have snapped one in an incident like this.At the road crossing was public washroom and direct telephone to Fontana Village. Nova and I met up again and decided to go to Fontana Village. I had originally intended on staying at the Fontana Shelter but it was 1.1 miles away and it was after 8:00pm.The lady on the phone said the $3 shuttle had quit for the night but she could send maintenance to picks us up. They arrived a couple minutes later with a pickup truck. Nova and I hopped in the back and had a cold, wet ride up to the lodge. We were given the hiker room rate ($59) and picked up our resupply boxes. The restaurant was closing soon so we went to eat before showering. I had soup and a steak sandwich with veggies.I enter the Smokey Mountains tomorrow!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing

To: Birch Spring Gap Campground
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

I enjoyed a lazy sleep in at Fontana Village. I spent the morning organizing one week of supplies for entering the Smokey Mountains.After checking out, Nova and I headed over the the outfitter/general store to check out what they had on offer. I only ended up getting a banana, cranberry juice and Pep chocolate bar.The $3 shuttle picked us up from the store and dropped us back at the Fontana AT road crossing. Nova had dropped her sunscreen in the shuttle and phoned to see if they could come back. The operator called the driver and he said he found an iPhone. That iPhone was MINE! I had left it on the seat while I was eating my Pep chocolate. Thank goodness I didn't start hiking before I realized it was missing.The hike to Fontana Shelter (Fontana Hilton) was pleasant with views of the lake. There was a plethora of tents sent up around the shelter area.I enjoyed the easy walk across the dam. It felt really strange not to use my poles since it was concrete. I met SOG (Shades of Gray) and we chatted on the road up to the Smokey's park entrance.At the park entrance hikers need to inset a portion of their permit into a box. I met up with Brave (Russian lady living in South Africa) and she admired my Zpacks backpack. she said she was going to order one and checked out the features.I didn't get started in the Smokeys until the heat of the day and it was HOT! During the climb I was moving from shady spot to shady spot. It was extremely slow going and I felt my core temperature rising. My pack was much heavier than usual with one week of food ( I brought extra in case of bad weather)   I knew I was getting into trouble heat-wise so I sat down under a tree, set an alarm for 20 mins and had a power nap. When I woke up, I was rejuvenated to continue my climb up Shustack Mountain.I had intended on going to the first shelter but I was so wiped out that I stopped at the Birch Spring Gap Campground instead. This is the only place thruhikers are permitted to camp on the AT in the Smokeys. There was a jovial group already in the area celebrating Easter when I arrived. I set up my tent beside a nice girl named Pappi and joined the fun around the campfire. Nova had also decided to stop at the campground and was already there. A hiker's mom had sent him Peeps marshmallow chicks in his Fontana maildrop and they got roasted over the fire. It was a beautiful camping spot with a babbling stream and green leafy trees. I had a fantastic sleep dreaming about adventures to come in the Smokeys.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Birch Spring Gap Campground

To: Derrick's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.1

I packed up my tent early and was ready to start a challenging day.The first part of the day was pleasant and I was rock'n'rolling down the trail admiring wildflowers and birds. I had heard that thunderstorms were a possibility the next day so I made a decision to push all the way to Derrick's Knob shelter. The 6.3 miles from Spence Field Shelter to Derricks Knob were really challenging with lots of elevation change, rocks and steep climbs. In the Smokeys you have to stay at a shelter so I had no choice but to continue. It was tough!The sunset in the mountains and I was night hiking for the first time. Everything was going fine until I saw two red eyes in front of me. It was too small to be a bear and my first thought was that it was a fox. The eyes crossed the trail ahead of me and I could clearly see that it was a coyote. I thought it would scamper away but it decided to circle me for a good 10-12 minutes. At this point I started shouting at it and picked up my hiking pace. The coyote did not seem afraid of me and I hoped it was just curious rather than having a mental issue like rabies. Eventually, my shouts of "Take off you hoser" drove it away.I arrived soon after at Derrick's Knob shelter, ate a snack and set up a bed space in the shelter trying not to disturb the slumbering hikers.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Derrick's Knob Shelter

To: Mount Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept soundly at Derrick's Knob shelter since I had done 17.1 miles the day before. In morning I met some of the hikers I ran into at Fontana Lodge. My favourite trail name from the group was SYAAKB which stands for 'see you all at Katahdin bitches!!!'.It rained all day long but that didn't damper my spirits since I knew I had hitting two milestones- highest point on the AT and 200 miles.The trail was really muddy and I had fall number 2 and number 3 on the trail. I slipped on my left bum first, then slipped on my right bum a couple hours later. Symmetry is great!I met an AT ridge runner named Fletcher and he gave me a good top regarding Clingman's Dome (CD). Don't take the first sign (CD parking lot), don't take the second sign (CD Trail), take the third sign (CD Trail) and you be at the tower on 30 seconds.The climb up to Clingman's Dome was gradual and I was disappointed not to see any views due to the rain. It was windy and blowing the droplets sideways into me on the ridges.The top of Clingman's Dome was a huge concrete ramp to the top. I jogged up it because it was freezing cold. At the top, all I saw was white. Boo!!! I met a nice family and chatted with them about the AT briefly before heading down.During the walk down from CD the trail was very dark and mossy in the forest. I would have enjoyed it was more if the rain had stopped! I also passed 200 miles on the AT. huzzaI stayed at Mount Collins shelter which is 0.5 miles off the trail. Ugg extra miles! :pA hiker named EZRock was in the shelter. I had connected with him via the AT Facebook page and it was fantastic to meet him in person. It was a pleasant surprise!I also met a young couple with the super cute trail names of 'Spaghetti and Meatballs'.The shelter was really cold that night. Thanks to all the hikers who had collected firewood and managed the fire. It was very much appreciated as I came in close to dark!
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Mount Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

It was a very cold night at Mount Collins shelter. I was damp and chilled from walking in the rain all day.I started hiking really fast to warm up as quick as I could in the morning. The trail to Newfound Gap was pretty easy and I appreciated the grandeur of the forest much more than the previous day.While pausing to film a short clip of a Wild Hog fence, two hikers caught up to me. It was Tricks and Aquaman! They told me they woke up at 4:00am to hike to Clingman's Dome for sunrise. I admire their hiking fortitude and ability to withstand some pretty nasty weather at night! A small group approached us from the south and told us there was Trail Magic at Newfound Gap. I think Tricks and Aquaman took off sprinting. I love running into that couple. At Newfound Gap a church group was generously handing out treats to hikers. I had an orange pop, banana and snack cake. I had a long socializing break in the sun chatting with hikers. Reboot came in from Gaitlinburg and it was nice to see him again too.I decided not to go into Gaitlinburg because I had enough food and had been carrying it since Fontana. I wanted to complete the Smokeys experience in one shot without being interrupted by the hustle and bustle of a touristy town. I was envious when other hiker told me tales of hot showers and delicious buffets!I climbed up to the next shelter and had another long socializing break. I met a big crew of guys thruhiking together called 'The Lost Boys' ( Viking, Lobster etc.) I always love meeting new hikers and hearing their stories. I considered stopping there for the night but a large group of section hiker guys came in from the south. Things were a bit too crowded for my liking so I moved on.The walk to Peck's Corner shelter took in some amazing views and I was walking on the ridge for most the time. My phone ran out of battery at this point so no more videos for you guys. This shelter was also 0.5 miles off the trail so I had to do extra walking again. Grrr.I stopped the filter water on the way down to the shelter and ran into 'Easyday'. He laughed at me filtering from a puddle instead of walking the extra bit.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

The cold night totally drained my iphone battery so no video or photo for today. Sad, especially since I saw a cute family of deer near a stream.I had an awesome hiking day in the Smokeys. Each uphill slog was rewarded with amazing vistas. I hike by some plane wreckage that was surprising to see. If anyone knows the story, let me know!I actually rolled into camp early-ish and it was a good thing since the shelter completely filled up due to expected rain. Everyone was squeezed in tight and one guy slept on the ground in front.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 10.7

Got a super early start in anticipation of completing the Smokeys. It was bittersweet because I live it up here but I need to move along the trail. It was raining but still beautiful in the mountains.The climb up Mount Cammerer flew by. I opted not to take the side trail to the summit due to poor visibility due to the weather. It started to get warmer and warmer as I descended out of the Park. At the park exit I had met up with Nova. I stopped to take off a layer when a van with three ladies rolled up. The ladies offered us some trail magic from their driving snacks. Two of the women were sisters, and their mother was born in the park. Their grandfather was the ranger at the Mt Cammerer fire tower! they currently live in Buffalo. The ladies graciously handed out grapes, candy, chips and drinks. Thanks again!The trail to Standing Bear farm first goes through a pretty, green shady area with a babbling brook. Then it crosses a big highway and I HATED walking on the asphalt. A big group of section hiker guys caught up and I was worried that they were going to take all the bunks at Standing Bear so I started to race them. Luckily, It was not their final destination but I exhausted every ounce of cardio in my body during the uphill. Okay, maybe the cold beer also prompted the burst of speed!Standing Bear farm is a very rustic place that is reminiscent of an overseas hostel. I didn't mind it, I hadn't had a shower in seven days! Soon as the hot water hit my salty, dirty skin I let out a very loud "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!' I picked up a maildrop, which in retrospect should not have had much food since it is a tough climb out.Check out my a Youtube or click on the videos on the side of the page to see a clip of the place.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Green Corner Road

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

The climb out Standing Bear Farm is really steep. It took about four hours for me to climb up to Snowbird Peak. The heat was brutal and I was moving pretty slow.At the top of Snowbird Peak was a cool looking communication station. That almost made up for the awful climb. :pOn the way down I stopped to filter water and met two section hikers named 'Shrek' and 'Not Eric'. They told me they were stopping to camp at Brown Gap but I was adamant that I was going further.It was stifling hot with no breeze and all the hikers I encountered were hot and tired. I told a hiker named 'Sure'n'Steady' that I was considering napping and hiking in the evening. When I was going up a steep section I heard a random hello. I look around confused and spied Nova hiding under a tree.Nova was also overheating and I joked about trail magic at Max Patch. Nova quipped that maybe we'd get some at Brown Gap. I laughed.Nova hiked ahead of me and told me I missed seeing a bear on the trail by a couple minutes. On the way down the hill towards Brown Gap a southbound hiker told me that there was trail magic at the bottom. WHAT? My speed down the hill increased 50x.Moose and Ox hiked the trail in 1997 and hold a hiker feast weekend annually. Thank you, I love you guys!!!! Their set up was epic with a big trailer, shady tents and make-shift privy. Brown's Gap is on the state line and they were set up in Tennessee and the privy was set up in North Carolina. Check out my video to see a clip!I arrived in time for a juicy cheeseburger. They told me I should stay for dinner and I spent a long time deliberating. I should go more miles, but food and good company!Eventually, I decided to set up my tent and partake in the feast. There was steak, salmon, pork chops, baked potatoes, veggies, corn etc. I was salivating as the meat was sizzling on the grill.More and more hikers came down the hill as word travelling up the hill about the hiker feast. Two section hikers were at the shelter stuck because one of them was not feeling well. Viking and some of the other guys from 'The Lost Boys' ran back up the trail to take their packs and help them done. It was truly amazing to see the hiking community helping each other out.I had a relaxing sleep with a full stomach in my tent.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Brown Gap

To: Old Road
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up feeling great in my tent. I packed up and headed down down to get breakfast at the hiker feed. Because I woke up late I missed the wave of eggs, pancakes and sausages. I didn't mind because I wasn't up for a heavy meal after the fantastic dinner from the night before. I had some bread, fruit, juice and was on my way.The climb out of Brown Gap was yucky. It was steep and it was difficult for my muscles to adjust to early in the day. My calves burned like the fires of Pompeii.I was hiking alone as I approached Max Patch. Max Patch is a famous grassy bald mountain at the top. The view at the top took my breath away. I twirled around the top like if Julie Andrews was a dirty hiker.The trail down from Max Patch to Lemon Gap was an absolute dream. It was a very gradual descent with lots if leafy trees, sparkling streams and colourful wildflowers. I spent most the time hiking with a fellow named 'Harly'. Harly is a super fast hiker who started April17th. We exchanged fun stories and it made the walk even more enjoyable. We stopped to filter water at a stream where a group of day hikers were having lunch. They shared some carrots, fruit and cookies with us.After Lemon Gap, the trail went up to Walnut Mountain. Harly is much faster than I on uphill so I said goodbye to him. Halfway up U stopped to filter water and met a delightful thru-hiker named 'Tumblemelon'. She told me she was camping that night at Old Road. I had no destination in mind so I started to consider stopping there.At Walnut Mountain Shelter I reconnected with Nova and met a section hiker named 'Northern Lights' from Nunavut.Nova and I decided to press on the camp and continued on the trail. Nova got ahead of me while climbing Bluff Mountain and at that time I met up with Bloodroit and Red-hawk who said they were also camping at Old Road. Well that sealed the destination!At Old Road, Viking built a fire that turned into a giant blaze reminiscent of a Viking Funeral Pyre. It was difficult to stake in my tent into the road but I managed with a sturdy rock. It rained a bit during the night and it was not fun to pack up a wet tent.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Old Road

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

Going to town today!!!Everyone was packing up early and ready to hit Hot Springs. The trail had a bit up at the start but was mainly downhill. When I finally spied Hot Springs I start red to get really excited.Soon as got to the bottom, the Laughing Heart hostel was on the left side. It took a bit if investigating to find out if the hostel had space. I met Baltimore Jack and he offered me a bed in a three bed dorm for $20. Nova took one of the other beds. This is the end of Nova's section hike. I will be very sad not to see her smiling face at the shelters. It has been a pleasure getting to know her and I will miss her encouragement.I went to the Hiker Ministries lounge to hang out and finally get my YouTube videos uploaded. It was a cool little spot with free coffee, juice, snacks and wifi. I liked chatting with all the hikers who came through.I ate dinner with Nova at the Tavern. I had delicious fish and chips with a cold local beer. Afterwards, we went to the diner for a couple slices of pie. My stomach was so full that I had to lie down when I returned to hostel.I've been sitting outside 'Laughing Heart' updating my TJs, drying my tent and enjoying making new hiker friendships.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up, packed my gear and was almost ready to leave Hot Springs. Then I got worried about the weather, felt tired and decided to zero. I changed my hostel reservation at Hemlock Hollow for tomorrow.It turned out to be nice and cool in the morning and I was annoyed I missed putting in more miles.In the A.M. I relaxed in the Laughing Heart hostel. I watched a film (The Croods) and was served 'toad-in-the hole' breakfast by Viking. Thanks Viking!!!I gave my laundry to Chuck Norris since my stinky hiker clothes had not been cleaned for two weeks. I can't wait to put them on tomorrow.Nova's friend picked her up so our adventure together is over. I went to the Hiker Ministries lounge and ran into a Optimist Prime. It was a great treat to see her again and catch up. Salty and his father (now named R.H. for Reluctant Hiker/Really Happy) arrived soon after. Other hikers I hadn't seen for weeks also stopped by the lounge (like Ninja Turtle).I walked down to the Hot Springs Tub place with the Salty family. It costs $15 for a private solo tub. I needed my own since I don't have a bathing suit! My tub wasn't ready right away so I relaxed by their fire pit. The tubs had their own secluded area so clothing is optional dependant on the company you are with. The water was warm but not piping hot. I felt like an oversized toddler as I floated, splashed and swam in tub. Tip: put the soles of your feet in front of the jacuzzi jets for a delightful massage.I went to the Dollar General to pick up dinner with Optimist Prime. Frozen pasta with chips and candy! I ate it with the Salty family in their room.In the evening, I went to the tavern and clinked a few pints with hiker friends new and old.