morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: broken clouds

For the first time on this hike I heard raccoons in the night. They woke me up and that left a fitful night of sleeping as they roamed around the gap. We awoke and I said goodbye to Three Wolves Howling since he is going to be in town for a few days. Strider and I set out with the intent of an early shuttle into Franklin. The trail was not difficult but the one climb got me sweaty again. The morning is heating up already (it hit 90). We passed the Chicago scout troop and quickly found ourselves at the road. Within 10 minutes we hitched a ride from a guide for High Life, a faith based trip organizer. We rode in the back of his pick up and he dropped us right at the motel. He must be a trail angel. We hit up an ayce dinner after stopping at 76 outfitter. I picked up a rain kilt to save some weight. I can't get my rain pants on over my boots and this is the latest craze. A local woman makes these so I feel good about supporting small business and I got a discount as well. My mail drop hasn't arrived. It was still in Illinois on the day it was to arrive here. This meant gas station shopping for breakfast and snacks. I went back to the outfitter to get some backpacking dinners. It will be nice to have a differently tasting food for a few days. I hope to get the motel to send the box back home. Maybe they will add my rain pants too. Now I get to repackage and chill until dinner. There is a Mexican place calling out to me. Bean burritos - I can't wait. Aside - my phone stopped taking photos so I can't update the photos. I'll try to once I get home and can connect my camera to the computer.
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Franklin

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Today held quite the variety of experiences for me. I had some bakery I bought yesterday but I started eating it for breakfast in the middle of the night. By the time our ride arrived I ate a couple cookies, an apple turnover and a peanut butter coated brownie. An employee of the local outfitter gave us a ride in trAde for gas money. The other shuttle people never answered their phones. The outfitter had our backs. We squeezed into the back of his wrangler and shortly arrived at Winding Stair gap to resume our hike. We climbed up and up. The Chicago scout troop passed us again as we'll as a lady who hurt her hip. She was out in the storm we had last night. There was a spectacular waterfall with a bridge across. It was a bit disconcerting with only one hand rail but beautiful all the same. After climbing our way up we came upon Silar's Bald. Leaving our packs at the bottom we climbed even higher to magnificent 360 degree view. Thos is one of the few places i have seen an unobstructed view. No towns in sight. Only forested mountains surround us. It gives you the feeling of really being out there. After half an hour we moved on. The trail took a different turn and apart was hard to follow. Scrambling over and around rocks and tree roots we found ourselves following a narrow path through the grass. The tall stalks overhung the trail and made for brittle brushes hiding the stumbling blocks. After a long (and I do mean long) climb Wayah Bald finally appeared. This is a wonderful tower atop a tall mountain. At over 5300 feet we were able to see everything. The forest service put in plaques to tell us wha we saw. The blue ridge mountains shown blue on this day with clear skies. Many day hikers came up during the extended break. Many questions were asked. I've been on the trail long enough that they are becoming standard ones - where are you going, where did you come from, where are you from, seen any bears.... It's nice to talk though. On the trail down we met a couple looking for their 3 month old dog. They didn't have it on a leash and it ran off chasing a squirrel. They didn't know their way around and we helped steer them back to their car. I hope they find Cooper. I thought I would mention in a special way the kindness of a family. We saw them at a picnic table and we went to sit bear them. After a rest we walked by and they offered us food. It was amazing. Strawberries, blueberries, candy bars and some cookies. Wonderful trail magic (but I did have to "Yogi" for it a bit). The day ended at a shelter where I met Old Style ( he also knew Three Wolves and is from Chicago). We are staying in tents in the shelter because the gnats are just that bad. The bite right through the permethrin coated clothes. Time for this tired one to get some sleep.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke with the intention of just hiking the mile in to the NOC and taking a nero day. Strider headed out with me and the mile went by quickly. I looked through the general store and then headed over to the outfitter. They let us put our packs on the deck while we explored. I bought a small fuel canister to be sure I have enough to get through the Smokies. The restaurant was serving breakfast so we found a table next to an outlet and let our phones charge while we ate. The pancakes had the perfect amount of crunch and provided some much needed sustenance. I took my time while Strider convinced himself to go kayaking. He is staying the night and spending the day on the river. The breakfast rejuvenated my body and I felt ready to head onwards. We parted ways and hope to see each other down the trail. I picked up a coke and some peanut brittle for an after hike treat and headed out. The trail goes right over the river and next to the outdoor center. The zipline tempted me but it wasn't strong enough. The next 6 miles were uphill. At times it was quite steep and there were a few rocky parts to negotiate. I must have passed Warren Doyle on the trail since he signed in the shelter guest book yesterday. I passed a few day hikers and then a family backpacking. It was good to see them since the blazes were faded and far apart. There was a vista that overlooked the Nantahalla river. It was a beautiful view through the trees. I could just imagine Strider having a blast on the river. Eventually the uphill climb stopped and I came to the shelter. It's a two story one with windows providing light to the upper floor. The other two hammockers showed up too. It will be nice having others in the shelter but I think they will leave me behind soon. I'm getting stronger but they sleep in later and finish not long after me. However I'm out here to hike my own hike and I am ok with hikers coming into and leaving my hiking bubble. The worst part of this hike has been the increase on gnat activity. They are relentless. The permethrin doesn't phase them. There hover around like a cloud whenever I stop on the trail and all the time at camp. I might just set up my tent in the shelter again tonight.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: moderate rain

Advice for the day: if somebody lets you use their ladder think twice. Late last night Strider rolled into camp. He got some kayaking in and still caught up. The gnats were so bad that we set up tents in the shelter again. I was glad because it started raining in the wee hours of the morning. It let up a bit for me to get started hiking but the leaves were dripping on me. The rain came back on and off until the last few miles. This gave me a chance to try out the kilt. With long pants deflecting water away from my boots and the kilt keeping most of my pants dry, my feet were happy. I wasn't squishing in puddles of water inside my boots. A little over a mile into the home was a scenic overview. It was too cloudy to see anything. It was still spectacular to see the tops if the trees drifting in and out of the clouds. There was more scrambling over large, loose rocks. It looked like rocks slid down to cover up part of the trail. It was fun for awhile but the rain made every rock surface very slick (and the roots too). Then came Jacob's Ladder. This was a 800ish foot climb in less than a mile. My lungs, legs and arms were put to the test. After several other shorter inns this one just about did me in. Multiple stops to catch my breath and steady plodding got the job done. The view at the top was overcast but the payout for all that effort was in the fact that I made it. Now only 9 or so miles to go. Maybe next time I'll let Jacob climb his own ladder. The trail in North Carolina seems to go right up over the mountain instead of having switchbacks. This can make for a long day. I kept seeing campsites that looked wonderful exceptFor the lack of water. It seems that water sources are becoming rarer. Eventually I made it to the shelter to find another person and his dog in it. It was a small one so I just set up my tent. Spinach pasta for dinner was good but then I finished off a bag of cookies too. I am still hungry after eating 3 cliff bars, some peanuts and poptarts. Some days my hunger gets moving in full gear. Tomorrow is a short 6 miles in to Fontana where I really think I'll take a zero day before the Smokies. My knees are feeling these climbs.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain snuck in during last evening and chased me to my tent early on. I got some reading and journaling in while I wondered how my tent would fare in a storm. At one point the storm threw the rain hard enough to splatter right through the rain fly. The water also came up a bit from the ground puddling on the floor. I was able to keep my down sleeping bag up on my sleeping pad so it remained dry. Everything else was in plastic so all was good. The fierce portion of the storm passed over and left showers throughout the night and into the morning. Eventually I got up and found most of the rain was just blowing off the leaves. Deciding that this was a fine time to pack up I busied myself. With pack in hand I made my way to the shelter to eat a breakfast of poptarts and the remnants of a cliff bar. Fueled up for the trail it was time to head out. The trail had some ups and downs (puds: pointless ups and downs). These were more challenging because my legs and knees were tired and the rain kept sneaking in every once in awhile. There were a few moments where I woke up to the presence around me and found myself in the midst of natural beauty. Hiking in the rain can be wondrous if you don't get discouraged. It's easy to lose focus when the extra heat from rain gear and wet spider webs in the face keep trying to bring you down. Rustling in the leaves and angry chirping of birds kept my senses alert. Eventually the trail led down to Fontana. I rolled in to a parking lot with restrooms and a sobo hiker showed up. He was getting a shuttle to town so I went along. I ended up checking into the Fontana Lodge for 2 nights. Tomorrow will be a rest day before I start the Smokies. Fontana is a resort the has become a "village." You can charge things to your room anywhere in town. I draped my wet tent and clothes in the room and found a dehumidifier to leave running. This dried everything out quickly - boots too. The post office is next to the general store so I picked up a few things and retrieved my mail drop. Thanks again to my parents for sending the food. The store is woefully short on supplying vegetarians. The rain kept me stranded at the store so I got to talking with a couple of other nobo hikers. They are vegan and got a large mail drop too. They clued me in to the veggie burger at the grill so that is my next stop (it was homemade deliciousness). One of their bags burst in shipping so they were trying to sort out the mess. I will see them in the trail in the upcoming days. Back in the room after dodging (unsuccessfully) rain, I spent the rest if the day resting and relaxing.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Village - rest day
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up early and decided to go through the mail drop. I found extra goodies that my parents through in. Always a good thing. My food bag will be quite heavy because I'm carrying enough to get all the way through the Smokies. I am thinking it may take 6 days but I have an extra day of food just in case. Maybe I'll go slower with this extra load. Today I will get the laundry done and mail back a few things I don't need yet. I have no cell or wifi service in my room so I might find a place to hang out and update myself on the world. I expect no service at all until I get out of the Smokies so it will be a week until I get anymore updates in the journal.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Fontana Village - rest day

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Waking up in a bed without bugs is so wonderful. The shower beckoned and cold pizza was waiting to be eaten. The shuttle starts at 8:30 so I had time to slowly get ready. The shuttle drivers didn't answer the call so after awhile the desk clerk gave me a lift without charging me. Strider was walking up as we arrived so we spent the day hiking together. He is stopping at Clingman's Dome. I wonder if I will come across another person to hike with. I hope so because the trail gets longer with fewer around. The day started with Fontana dam. It's 480 feet high and 1/2 mile long. Larry the Cable Guy recorded a show last week and they let loose a large flow of water. There is a canoe and kayak competition next week so a higher release is going to happen. It was fascinating to see and I found myself walking from side to side to see as much as I could.The Great Smoky National Park starts right after the dam. We followed the road for a quarter mile until the trail started up. The day was almost entirely uphill. The grade was steady but steep in a few places. After a rest day it took awhile for my joints to get back into shape. I kept a lookout for bears but didn't see any. One of the guys who just came in saw two bounding away from him. I'm a bit jealous. I didn't expect to see horse hoof prints. E identity horses are allowed on much of the AT in the Smokies. I did see plenty of gnats and even a few salamanders. There were 3 trail caretakers we passed who are also staying at the shelter. Along with a mother/son, there are 8 of us here. A group passed by who were day hiking 18 miles. Not an hour after they passed the sky opened up and the cold rain poured forth. We sought shelter from the rain and put our stuff together to get ready for the night. Now I have to stay warm because these large raindrops are bringing with them cold temperatures. It's nice having conversation with new people at the shelters. The highlight views of the day were early on. I rounded a turn and the trail turned rocky. Then the brush disappeared and the view off the side of the mountain was breathtaking. A little bit further and I took the side trail to the Shuckstack fire tower. The tower is rickety (only one rail for part of the way) but the view is the best so far. You can see the Nantahala river, the Fontana Dam and the entire countryside. Strider and I ate and say up there for quite some time. It's easy to realize how small you are when the only thing surrounding you is forested wilderness. Those are thee nuts that draw me out of and in to myself. They give me strength to keep fighting the part of my mind that pulls me towards the "comfort" of home. If I were there it would be too easy to forget the largeness that envelopes us. This simple lifestyle of the trail calls one to recognize what is really needed to survive. The trees coexist with the undergrowth. The salamanders coexist with the boar and the bear. We can learn from the natural world.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I spent a restless night tossing and turning. I heard the mice roaming around and a big branch fell near our food bags. The thought that it was a bear kept slept at bay for a bit. Morning came soon enough and everybody started getting ready. The 2 boys (15 and 16) helping the trail caretaker are juniors in high school and are still homeschooled. It's great to see youth out here taking care of the natural world. Pretty sooner said our goodbyes and headed out. Strider and I stayed close for most of the day. The early morning was spent looking for bear and boar. I heard them all around yesterday but didn't see them. Buddy saw 2 bears. It would be nice to see some. We saw some boar here and there throughout the day. Mostly I saw movement but once I saw the ears sticking up by a bush. The ground is scuffed up everywhere and there are boar tracks along the trail. We heard what sounded like a bear several times. Since I'm an early riser I expect to come across more of them throughout the Smokies. It became apparent that the elevation gain and loss did not correspond well to the guidebook. There were many steep climbs and descents. The highlight of the day was climbing Rockytop Mountain (and we are in Tennessee). The clouds did not give us a chance for great views. However just before Rockytop we went through a section that looked like a wealthy family's well maintained garden. Grass flowed into flowering bushes to create some beautiful scenery. Thunderhead mountain was next and people told us it would be a challenge. We quickly passed by the geological survey marker that signified that top but didn't seem to have much trouble. After going down a bit the trail then got very rocky and steep. Tedium set in as the miles slowed down. Watching my footing quickly took precedence over being in the lookout for bear and boar. The blazes became very sparse. At one point I found myself going up a stream Ed and it became quite vertical. Slick rock needed hands and feet to negotiate. After a long time without seeing blazes we came out onto a path. At some point I followed the wrong path but they met up. We were told that they are rerouting this section so maybe we took a new section. The climbs and descents added up and the shelter could not come soon enough. Upon arrival at the shelter we met another couple of hikers. They were taking a break and plan to do 6 more miles. A short time after they left the rain stopped. Hopefully the sun will dry out the path. We spent the last few hours squishing through muck while being covered up in raingear. The temperature drops with the rain. An early dinner warmed me up and now I'm laying in my sleeping bag waiting to warmup fully. The smokies are beautiful but the incessant clouds a d sporadic rain can hide that beauty for a bit. At one point on the trail I saw a large tree that was knocked down onto another standing large tree. I guess even the bears provide handicap access to get into the trees.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Derrick's Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collin's Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Thunderstorms rolled through last night but this morning looks beautiful. While I was getting ready a deer came right up to me. We gathered cameras and still it didn't run off. This was the start of seeing wildlife today. I said my goodbyes to Strider. We've hiked together for most of the time I've been out but he is taking a short day to meet his ride back home. Hiking won't be the same without him. It I'm also excited to meet new people. I was the first out and I stirred up turkey in several spots as well as some grouse who did their job of terrifying me. They wait until you're right there and then make a racket as they fly away. I didn't see as much sign of boar today but saw some fresh bear tracks. Today turned out to be further than I thought and more work. The morning saw miles flying by but the trend was consistently uphill. I'm on my way to Clingman's Dome which is the highest point I'll pass. By the time I got to Double Spring Gap Shelter I found several families who were day hiking from Clingman's. This gave me a false sense of accomplishment. I still had much more effort to put in. I ate a snack and talked for a bit before heading out. Put your head down and grind away the hill. That was what I kept doing to get up this mountain. Some was a gentle grade but it got steeper as I got closer. Eventually my feet started aching because there were many rocks to stumble over. The trail was just wider than my boot in many places. The approach trail to Clingman's surprised me. Yes it was technical and tough. However there were many beautiful views. I met a family out day hiking and we talked for a bit. The trail went up from there and the going got slower. Since its Saturday there were crowds of people. It was disconcerting to be amongst the crowd. I climbed up the viewing platform with my pack - to be more authentic? The few clouds provided a rare opportunity for great views. I learned that this isn't a common occurrence. On the way down I talked with the ranger and headed out. The 4 miles to the shelter took awhile. My body slowly made its tiredness known. The shelter is full. A ridge runner is here (with some of his friends. The friends even have a bunch of beer). 4 women showed up filling the place. Buddy is left to hammock but he likes that. I am walking the old road. The trail is so old that it is cut into the soil. At some points today it's almost as deep as the top of my boot. These trails have been around so long. I feel the wisdom, suffering and joy of those who came before me. This sense if antiquity gives each step more value. This is where the wisdom is found - on the old roads.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Mt Collin's Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Last night was the "super moon" and in spite of a bit of rain the sky cleared up. It was like somebody left a light on outside. There were skylight windows in the shelter and the place never really got dark. I went outside and couldn't see the stars. The ridge runner was the first on the trail and he cleared away the spider webs for me. I saw some bear scat on the trail (maybe that's their usage of the trail- their privy?) but no sightings. The trail leading to New Found Gap was prehistoric looking. Large downed trees covered in moss. Their exposed root systems were taller than I am. The trail appears raised. Logs line the trail with dirt filling them in. Every so often there are large runoffs. Some of them look to be a foot deep. There must be some strong rains or snows. When I came out onto the parking area for Newfound Gap it was culture shock. So many cars, motorcycles and busses. People were everywhere and some stopped to talk but nobody offered me a cold soda. Trail food is reminding me of the lessons of simple living. It's so easy to take our life and the things in it for granted. I took some pictures and read the signs then hiked on up the hill. Another 1000 foot climb was made more enjoyable by the company I had. Marty and his wife were day hiking up to Charlie's Bunion. We went about the same pace so we talked almost the whole way there. The climb and the miles melter away. Charlie's Bunion was amazing. I climbed out onto to rocks and Marty took my photo. I had big miles still to come so I didn't stay long. The next part of the trail was another new experience. There's a section called the sawtooth and it felt just as dangerous as walking on a saw blade. My hiking poles continuously met with air - that's how skinny the trail was. The drop off on either side went quite a distance. I felt a bit of vertigo and tried my best to remain vigilant and awake. There were some beautiful overlooks on this section but I certainly earned them with all the ups and downs. I passed some Scouts who were headed to the same shelter. There were already a father and son here so we just about filled it up. It has started to rain so I am really hoping nobody else shows up or I might have to set up the tent in the rain. It was quite the hike down from the AT to the shelter and even more down to get water. Dinner is in my belly and I'm just about ready for another course before bed. Desert anyone?