morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-08-31
From: Cades Cove Campground, Smoky Mountains

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Took a Greyhound bus from St. Louis last night, arriving in Knoxville early morning. Took an Uber ride from bus station to Cade's Cove. Learned that Spence Field Shelter was now closed due to aggressive bear activity. Great. I actually made two reservations for shelters in the Smokey's, one for Spence and one as a thru hiker. The rangers told me I couldn't stay at Spence, so I changed my reservation for the next Shelter at Derrick Knob. I knew it would be a difficult chimb from Cade's Cove to the AT, but I did not have many options. When I finally arrived on the AT, I was spent. I noticed a sign that indicated only thru hikers could stay at Spence. I felt God was looking over me. There were two rangers at the shelter, one with an antenna, and the other with a scope mounted AR-15. Oh, and there was an electric fence around the shelter. They left the shelter to track the aggressive bear and then "pop pop pop". They shot the bear, but it was able to run off. Their GPS tracker had a significant time delay and they said they would not be able to recover her until the morning.
Date: 2016-09-01
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I have been arriving early to the shelters, because I am trying to keep my miles down to something I can handle for the next week or two. Seems like I am the first there and then other hikers start to file in. Both last night and tonight the shelters have been to capacity (12). Rained heavy both Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. So far I have been keeping dry. I would like to pick up the miles, but I am not ready yet. I just do not want a repeat of last year.
Date: 2016-09-02
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Again arrived early at the shelter, around 3:30PM. The rain started when I was about 150 yards distant. Sped up as much I could carrying my pack, and did not get too wet. Hung my clothes up to dry, but the air is really too humid to do much good. The trail has been wet and the sun has not been shining since my first day. It's like walking in the clouds all day long. Great water source near the shelter (25 yards) with good flow. There was an REI Adventure group at the shelter. Basically two experienced hikers showing a group of 8 inexperienced hikers the do's and dont's of camping in the back country.
Date: 2016-09-03
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Mt Collin's Shelter and Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: few clouds

During the hike today I passed Clingman's Dome. It was a short distance off trail, so I walked to the top. This place was packed with tourists. I ran into a gentlemen from Fenton, MO that had ties to Troy, IL...my hometown. Also ran into a couple of hikers resting at the base of the Dome lookout. One was a young Air Force Officer recently graduating from the Air Force Academy with an MS in Cyber Terrorism, and the other working towards his commercial airline pilot's license. We talked for a short time about our trail experiences, and then I departed for my shelter that night; Mt. Collins. They ended up passing me on the trail about an hour out. The sun tried to come out today, but after I departed Clingman's Dome, visibility was near zero. Also ran into a Southbound Through Hiker "White Buffalo" at Mr. Collin's Shelter. He was on his 97th day hiking from Mt. Katahdin, ME. He said on some days he was putting in 30 miles. Pretty awesome! Ah, to be 26 again!!!
Date: 2016-09-04
From: Mt Collin's Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Short hike today even for me, and the terrain was about 70% down hill. I arrived at a Smoky Mountain lookout (Newfound Gap Rt. 441) stop with lots of cars and tourist. I figured I could hitch a ride into town. I took me about 15 minutes for a car to pull over. It was an elderly couple that were good Samaritans. JR and Ellen said they did not want to pass someone hitching a ride when they had a car heading in their direction. The dropped me off at the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg split and I walked into Gatlinburg from there, which was about 1 mile. JR and Ellen also gave me a small Bible to take a long on my trip. That was very nice of them. I arrived in Gatlinburg, on Labor Day weekend, in search of a room for the night, one that had laundry capabilities available. On my fourth attempt of walking in and out of motels with the smell of a hiker in need of a shower and clean clothes, I found space at the Quality Inn. First order of business was to wash cloths, take a shower, and get something other than Ramen Noodles to eat.
Date: 2016-09-05
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Icewater Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: few clouds

After taking care of laundry and hygiene last night, I set out this morning for resupply. I visited the local NOC, a retail store for outdoor activities, and purchased some more fuel (denatured alcohol) for my cook stove, and some Gatorade power to mix with water I pull from mountain springs. In town I also picked up some more food for dinner and other foods to eat while on the move. Plan to call an Uber to get me back to Newfound Gap and pick up where I exited yesterday. Short mile day with a about a 1000' climb out of Gatlinburg to the first shelter, Icewater Gap.
Date: 2016-09-06
From: Icewater Spring Gap Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Made some decent miles today. Passed Charlies Bunion lookout this morning. Glad I took the loop off the AT to take a look. A fairly hazardous area, in that there were signs to keep a close hold on children and caution climbing on rocks. There was a steep decent from the rocks for the best view of the mountains; like straight down a couple hundred feet. Moved on and working my way towards Pecks Corner Shelter or possible skipping this one and finish up at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter if I think I can make it before dark.
Date: 2016-09-07
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

Decided to make this a long day and try to make it to the Standing Bear Farm Hostel. Arrived around 6:30PM. Took a room in the bunkhouse, took a shower, ate a pizza before hitting the rack. The next morning I was in no hurry so I did my laundry on a washboard, but used a standard dryer to finish up. The crew of workers at the Hostel are made up of hikers that end up taking a break there and "work for stay" until they are ready to move on. The Hostel is rustic but functional and a great place to prepare yourself for the next days hike out of the gap. (Davenport Gap)
Date: 2010-03-27
To: Dahlonega GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I have a one way airline ticket to Atlanta GA. No checked baggage since I sent my pack ahead to the hostel. I arrived at Pgh.Int. at approx. 0815 hrs and was at my departure gate at 0830hrs. No problem at all. Flew into Atlanta made it to the MARTA and waited a North Springs till Josh from the Hiker Hostel picked me and my fellow hikers up and drove to the Hostel at Dahlonega.
Date: 2010-03-28
From: Springer Mt. GA

To: Gooch Gap GA
Miles today: 16.5

As I go on with this journal I will focus the trail, the people, and the experience as a whole. Any person who has walked any length of this trail knows it is about the physical and mental struggles of the trail itself. It is about the people you meet on the trail, the people in the trail towns that support the hikers and the friends and family you left at home. It is about the true pleasure one can get only from drinking directly from a cold mountain spring when you are really thirsty or crawling into a comfortable sleeping bag and tent at the end of along day of hiking.Of course I was full of excitement to set my feet on the Appalachian Trail for the first time in my fifty-four years of existence. The ride up to Springer Mt. that Josh from the Hiker Hostel was a harrowing fish tailing ride to the top. So the whole way to the top Josh is giving info that few of us in the back can hear. I am hoping it is not too important since I really have only one shot to get this right. We all file out of the van, about eleven people. Josh tells us we are on the AT. The parking lot is part of the trail. He gives instructions on how to get to the actual southern terminus of the AT. I was concerned because I needed him to pick me up at Gooch Gap 16.5 miles away and I wanted verbal confirmation. He started to try to talk me out of doing the 16.5 miles. I could not believe it. This was my plan and he knew it. My friends that I met at the hostel are far ahead of me on their way to the rock, where I was counting on us taking each other¢s pictures. I told Josh to plan on picking me up at Gooch Gap. Another man in the parking lot tried talking me out of it. He began to explain why he never does any more than 10 miles a day. By this time I am getting irritated. I simply walked away from my unsolicited adviser and caught up with my friends on the trail.We took our pictures and on the trail we were. Now I chose to slack pack GA, so I am staying at the hostel each night. It rained off and on for most of the day. The hiking was basically what I had expected it to be. Most notable is Sassafras Mt. elevation 3,300 ft. The big toe on my left foot is still black from it.I make it to Gooch Gap about 4:30. I am tired and a bit sore but I made the first 16.5 miles of the AT.
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

So today I intend to hike 20.2 miles between Neels Gap and Unicoi Gap. The night before Josh helped me plan the hike. He recommended that I flip flop and hike north to south to take advantage of the terrain. He advised that I make sure that I have enough calories for the 20.2 miles and that while hiking maintain a steady pace and not slow myself down by stopping and talking with other hikers. I started from Unicoi Gap about 7:45 am. I began the hike in a very dense fog. About 1 12 miles into the hike the fog lifted and I ran into the first of five different hikers I had met at the hostel. I stopped to talk to each one of them. Thus my retraction of my earlier statement. It is gratifying to see hiker that you started out with doing well on the trail. This section has some serious ups and downs but for the most part is downhill when SOBO. There were some very nice views. This is when my good knee started to hurt. I was being careful on the steep descents not to fall. My bad knee is my left one so I was leading with my right. I tended to go very slow on the descents. The hills are steep and you generally are walking on huge boulders that if you fell wrong it would be easy to crack a rib and end your hike much too early. The day was cold and it misty. I arrived at Neels Gap about 6:20 pm. I was feeling the accumulative effect of hiking big miles in Georgia. At Neels Gap I met ¢Lumpy¢ who gave me a coke so I gave him a cigar. ¢Cool Breeze¢ arrived and shuttled me back to the hostel. I want to mention ¢Mountain Squid¢, ¢Cool Breeze¢, and ¢Frank Foot¢. These are three trail veterans that when I told them my plan was to hike from Springer Mt. GA to Erwin TN in one month each one replied that it was very doable. When I arrived at the hostel I showered and popped two of my miracle drug aspirin and felt better in minutes. 50.9 miles in. hikers. He knew that already I was skipping breakfast. They serve a fantastic breakfast at the hostel. For some reason I have to force myself to eat when I am hiking. I told him that I never stop and talk to other hikers. I only talk with them when we are heading the same direction. I retracted that statement at the end of the day.
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

My final day of slack packing GA is from Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap. It is a 16.6 mile hike. Two miles into the hike my good knee stiffened up and began to hurt. The pain on the down hills was excruciating. I really slowed me down. I ran into ¢Snickers¢, ¢Daytripper¢, and ¢Dryclean¢. Daytripper saved my hike by dumping out everything in his pack to retrieve two aspirins for me. I saw them again at the summit of Tray Mnt. I hiked with them off and on throughout the day. I ran out of water on the way up Kelly Knob. This was a climb that I will not soon forget. I found the water source at the Shelter below Kelly Knob. This was my toughest day yet on the trail. I expected to get to Dicks Creek by 4:30 but did not arrive till 6:30. The long descent into Dicks Creek was very painful.
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

It is April 1st and I did not want to fool around, because today I planned on crossing the GA/NC state line. Josh got a flat tire so I did not get on the trail until 1230pm. I was excited to end my slack packing and sleep outside in my tent and sleeping bag. Josh and Leigh run a first rate hostel. I learned that hostels are just not for me. This is just personal preference and not due to any hostility encountered at the hostel. The band aid on my nose in my profile picture was the result of a breath right strip that when I removed it half of my nose was ripped off due to sun burn from the previous day. I was using the strips as not to bother the others in the room with my snoring. On the way to Dicks Creek Gap, Josh gave me a very good overview of what to expect on my way to Erwin TN. Of course Georgia was not going to let me go easily. The climb out of Dicks Creek was not as bad as I had expected. The elevation change from Dicks Creek to the GA/NC line is 2,675 to 3,825. So considering the big miles I had put in the days before I took notice of the change in terrain. I was so happy to be out Georgia and cross into North Carolina. This is an important part of my trip because this is when I first met three hikers from the British Isles who I became friends with, we hiked together off and on. They had no trail names and I sensed they preferred not to, at the time. They were Jimmie, who I had actually met a day earlier on a shuttle. Jimmie is from Scotland, Bill from England, and Tony born in England ,but now resides in Ireland.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Beech Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

I slept very well. I had my coffee and breakfast, which was probably just a power bar. I filled my water containers and hit the trail around 8:45. I was being bothered by bugs and wished I would have kept my deet in my pack, but I decided I would not need it this time of year. I was wrong. I got stung by something below my left eye while taking down my tent and thought very little of it. I was happy because the trail was fairly level for some distances enabling me to make some great time. As the day progressed I noticed my left eye swelling. I already have a band-aid on my nose and now a swollen left eye. I ran into a family that was hiking the trail only for a couple of days and we would take each other¢s picture at the vistas. They must have been used to thru-hikers because they were not taken aback the least bit my appearance. Thank you Frank Foot for the trail magic at Mooney Gap. The climb up Albert Mountain will forever live in my memory. I met up with the Brits and a married couple - Carl and Carrie from Kentucky that I became friends with and saw quite a bit on the trail. Frank Foot gave me a PBR. I am not really a PBR man. I chilled it in the stream and slowly sipped it. It was one the best tasting beers I ever had. True trail magic.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Rock Gap

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

I departed Rock Gap around 9:15 am. Today I pass the 1/3 mark of my intended section hike. I met up off and on with the Brits throughout the day and we ended up camping together at Wine Spring, elevation 5,290ft. This was when we really started to get to know each other. When I told them I lived in the Pittsburgh Pa. area they asked if I was a coal miner. They were surprised when I told them how clean the city is and that the rivers were full of game fish. The temperature was extremely hot for someone that is used to much cooler weather in April. It was in the 80¢s. The trail offered lots of up and down, but I appreciated how in NC they at least used switchbacks and take around the mountain in the ascents whereas in GA they like to straight up and down the mountain. The hiking has been what I expected, tough. The friendship has been what I expected. Great! I camped at Wine Spring. We agreed that of all the challenges the trail missing our families is the hardest to deal with. There was never a discourteous word spoken between us. We were similar in age 50¢s and 60¢s and similar in culture so really enjoyed each other¢s company. At least that was my impression. I probably should have asked them before making such a statement.
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Wine Spring

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

April 5, 2010I departed Wine Spring around 830am. The hiking was fairly easy. Wayah Bald was the best view yet. Near Burningtown Gap I received trail magic from Apple. I have been enjoying the trail a lot since departing GA, because I am still making big miles with my pack and get to sleep in my tent every night. I am still forcing myself to eat. I know I need to eat more but I just lose my appetite on the trail. The views from Wayah snd Wesser Balds were unparalleled. I camped at Wesser Bald shelter with Bill, Tony. Jimmie and Matt.
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

April 6, 2010I was on the trail about 7:45 am. The 5.7 miles to NOC had some small ups and downs but was mostly down hill. I arrived at NOC about 1115am and checked in at the office and got a nice room for $66 with a shower and a bath across the hall. I picked up my mail drop at the outfitters. The outfitters asked to see my id before giving me my mail drop, which seemed like a good idea. I had a Wesser burger with a couple I has met on the trail. Where else can you can you feel comfort in asking someone you met only once before if you can sit at their table for lunch? The restaurant is located right beside the river. I purchased a quart and six pack of ale to take back to my room. I had dinner with Tony, Bill, Jimmie (The Flying Scotsman), and Eric another hiker I met at the lodge.We enjoyed buffalo wings and wine. I enjoyed explaining what buffalo wings were to my English friends. The staff at the NOC is top notch. Whether at the outfitters, oufitters, or at the lodge, the staff was friendly and couteous. The highlight of the day was getting to speak to my wife, which I has been unable to do since I left GA. The battery in my phone died because it had come on accidentally. Another hiker suggested that I remove the battery while hiking, which I did and never lost the charge again.I totally enjoyed my stay at NOC and recommend it as a destination of itself. It was a great nero day.
Date: 2010-04-07
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

April 7, 2010I was on the trail at 9:05 am. I had about a six mile climb out of NOC. You could see how many trees had fallen during the winter. The trail maintainers had already cleared most of them. The weather was sunny and hot. I hiked to Locust Cove and camped there with Thunder, Tree, Grizzly, Tenzig, H.D. Mamma, Superman, Matt, and the Englishmen. The water source was good, but the camping area was small and the ground was hard. It was a heavily used site.
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: fog

April 8, 2010H.D. Mamma was being supported on her thu-hike by her husband following her in a motor home. So she got a weather report saying a big storm was supposed to hit in the morning. The wind blew hard during the night. Everyone packed up early in the morning so as to get on the trail before the rain came. Rain, it did. I reached the top of my first climb and the wind blew hard and it rained hard. It rained hard all day. Every hiker was soaked to the bone. I pushed on to Cable Gap. Just after 2:30 pm, it still raining. I went to the privy and put on my dry clothes since there were other hikers in the shelter. I set my tent up in the shelter with the rainfly on it and carried it to spot and set it up. I crawled inside it and took a nap and warmed up. My tent stayed perfectly dry. The Englishmen decided to push on to Fontana Dam in the rain. My feet were soaked and I did not want to risk getting blisters.
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5

April 9, 2010I started my hike out of Cable Gap at 8:39am. I soon caught up to Buck and Sniffer. They were Father and son who had spent the night in the shelter. When I arrived at the shelter the day before Sniffer was showing signs of hypothermia. Buck was able to get a fire going and dry Sniffer¢s clothes. They both looked fine on the trail today. I made it to Fontana Dam around 11:30 am. I dialed 0 on the phone at the visitor¢s center. The man that answered contacted Hike in for me where I had reservations. They picked me up in less than 20 minutes. I highly recommend the Hike Inn. Jeff and Nancy who run it are very friendly and nice people. They took my laundry and put in a lunch order while I showered and dried out my equipment. Staying there too were Cope who I had met at Cable Gap and I met another thru-hiker Rabid. Nancy drove the three of us to a fine Mexican restaurant and then to a grocery store re-supply. I did not need anything from the grocery store since I had a mail drop sent the Hike Inn. This was my second mail drop and the second time I ended up giving half of my re-supply away because I just could not eat all of the food. The accommodations were comfortable at the Hike Inn, but I was not used to sleeping in a bed. I sleep much better on the ground and in my tent.
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

April 10, 2010My plan is to hike straight through the Great Smokies to Hot Springs NC. That means 100 miles with no re-supply. My pack was the heaviest it has ever been and the climb into the Smokies is huge. Jeff drove us to the trailhead and along the way gave a very in depth briefing about hiking the Smokies. The one piece of advice that stuck with me was. ¢Do not set leave your pack unattended.¢ He said the bears will stock a hiker and wait for the pack to be unattended and will simply run off with it. My goal for today is Mollies Ridge Shelter. The starting point is Fontana Dam Visitors Center at 1,700 ft. elevation. Mollies Ridge is 4,520 ft. with the heaviest pack I have carried yet. I met Professor at the beginning of the Smokies and he took my picture. I made it Mollies Ridge Shelter very tired and thirsty. I had run out of water three miles before the shelter so, I was happy to find a good water source. I got to sleep in my tent since the shelter was full. That made me a happy camper.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

April 11, 2010I remember the shuttle driver telling me on the way to the Hike Inn that the second day of hiking in the Smokies would be harder than the first. She was correct. The first six miles after leaving Mollies Ridge were not too difficult, but the last five really tough. The ups and downs were long steep and rocky. I made it to Derrick Knob shelter. Professor and Hercules won the were suffering the worst. I camped with a bunch of hikers who became known as the Frat Pack. I enjoyed their company. They were always entertaining. All of this exertion and I am still forcing myself to eat.