morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-10-18
From: stealth site south of Shook Branch Rec Area

To: Upper Laurel Fork campsite
Miles today: 20.0

I slept in a little and didn't get hiking until 8. The first climb of the day went well and the descent was fast. I followed Waycaster Spring upstream to Laurel Falls which were beautiful. The foliage is fantastic right now and I took a lot of pictures along the river. I then started a climb over 2000 ft. It was rock steps initially and then there were many more steep sections. I stopped to eat lunch in a field not too far from the top. After the Moreland Gap Shelter there was one more short climb and then gradual downhill the rest of the day. There were rumblings of thunder and some dark clouds, but no rain. The last 4-5 miles were often in rhododendron woods and I'm camped near swift flowing water. It was nice to finally get a good bath. 8.0 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-19
From: Upper Laurel Fork campsite

To: US 19E (Roan Mt, TN)
Miles today: 12.4

It was 34 this morning. I had easy hiking to Mountaineer Shelter and down to the Elk River. The river is large enough that there was a lot of wood duck activity. I took a short side trail to see Jones Falls. It was much taller than I expected, with water cascading down several layers of rock slabs. After I crossed Buck Mt Road I climbed to an open ridgeline with nice panoramic views. The foliage doesn't appear to be at peak right here. When I reached US 19E I hitched into Roan Mt for resupply. 5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-20
From: US 19E (Roan Mt, TN)

To: Campsite north of Hughes Gap
Miles today: 20.1

After a hearty breakfast I got a ride back to the trail and was hiking by 8. It was about 45 but got cooler the more I climbed. I had about 2700 ft to get to the top of Hump Mt. About 3 miles into it, I entered NC. I'll be back and forth between NC and TN a lot over the next week. In fact, I'm back in TN tonight. The temperature at the top of Hump Mt was 35 and the wind was blowing hard. Great view though. At these elevations most of the leaves have dropped and the Mt top is the first of several balds to be crossed today. The wind was much less in Bradley Gap and was not strong again until late in the day. The other balds (Grassy Ridge, Jane, and Round ) all had great views, but it was very crowded on the trail since it is Saturday. The climb up Roan Mt is to 6217 ft, the first time above 6K since the White Mts. The trail on the south side of Roan Mt has been completely redone with switchbacks replacing the old straight down the mountain approach. It's a big improvement. 7.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-21
From: Campsite north of Hughes Gap

To: campsite south of Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

It was 35 when I started out this morning. It's a nice climb up to Little Rock Knob where views of Christmas tree farms are everywhere. It was easy ups and downs to Iron Mt Gap and beyond. The climb up Unaka Mt started in hardwoods and transitioned to rhododendron, which then gave way to a dense spruce forest. At Beauty Spot Gap there were panoramic views of distant mts. It reminded me of Shenandoah, but now it's the Smokies to come. 9.0 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-22
From: campsite south of Indian Grave Gap

To: Spivey Gap campsite 
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

The hiking was easy this morning and I'm back in an area where the foliage is prime. After crossing several feeder streams I came to the Nolichucky River. As I was coming out of the woods into Erwin, TN a young couple came on the trail to put out trail magic of Pepsi and Snickers. His name was Coonskin and he had just finished his sobo thru hike on the 16th. I stopped in at the hostel hoping to resupply, but the options were limited. So I got a ride into town and did my shopping. I was trying to hitchhike back and a man saw me from in his house, came out and gave me a ride back to the hostel. I got a shower and repacked. I had a steady climb out of Erwin that gave some nice views of Nolichucky Gorge where I had just come from. I had a late lunch beside a stream and finished out the last 5 miles to Spivey Gap. 6.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-23
From: Spivey Gap campsite 

To: stealth north of Flint Mt Shelter
Miles today: 23.4

I got an early start and covered two miles to High Rocks to watch the sunrise. Then it was on to Little Bald followed by Big Bald. At Big Bald researchers were setting nets to capture raptors for a tagging and monitoring program. The views were also great. I had a long, winding descent that allowed me to look back at Big Bald occasionally. I had a couple more climbs in the afternoon. The weather has continued to be beautiful and the next few days are supposed to be the same. 9.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-24
From: stealth north of Flint Mt Shelter

To: Spring Mt Shelter 
Miles today: 22.5

After getting water at Flint Mt Shelter I climbed up to Big Butt Mt where the trail ran a ridge for several miles. The highlight was Big Firescald Knob. It was very rocky and there was a lot of boulder scrambling, but the views were great on another gorgeous day. I then had six miles of descent dropping 2500 ft to Allen Gap. I finished the day with three climbs to the shelter. 9 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-25
From: Spring Mt Shelter 

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

I started the day downhill and then had a short climb up Rich Mt. All the springs are dry or running as a trickle. I was glad I had enough from camp. I passed through some fields that were being used for turkey and grouse breeding habitat. Didn't see either but I have seen quite a few grouse in the last week or so. I made a final descent to the French Broad River and crossed over it into Hot Springs. I made a beeline for the pizza place and then checked into the hotel for the more mundane tasks. 4.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Max Patch Road (Hot Springs)
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: scattered clouds

After breakfast at the diner, I headed out of town. I had a climb up to Deer Park Mt Shelter where I talked with Easy Wind for a while. Then, after a flat section, climbed for four miles to the summit of Bluff Mt for lunch. The leaves had completely fallen so I had reasonable views of the surrounding mountains. After going over Walnut Mt I had another gradual climb to Max Patch. Debbie and I arrived at the top, from opposite sides, about two minutes apart. I loved sharing the view with her from this magnificent bald. Colors here are past prime but there are still some beautiful patches. We hiked down to the road and drove back to Hot Springs. 7.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-27
From: Max Patch Road (Hot Springs)

To: Davenport Gap (Hot Springs)
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Deb and I ate at the diner and then she drove me up to Max Patch so I could slack-pack. Not very far into the woods I found Easy Wind breaking camp and I updated him on the upcoming weather. I felt really light with just day provisions on my back. I went down hill to Groundhog Creek Shelter and was there so early that I texted Deb to pick me up earlier. I hiked in a cloud all day, so the climb over Snowbird Mt (another bald) was with 100 foot visibility. I had a long, 2500 foot descent to I-40 where I finally came out of the clouds. The last climb was short but pretty, ascending along Stateline Branch. The water was cascading most of the way. Deb met me at Davenport Gap and we moseyed our way back to Hot Springs. At the outfitters we ran into Two-Step and Splits as well as Banjo and 4-5 other sobos. 5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-28
From: Davenport Gap (Hot Springs)

To: Davenport Gap (Hot Springs)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I had hoped to slack-pack the 31.3 miles to Newfound Gap today. There is no way to hike a shorter distance because there aren't any roads close enough for Deb to pick me up. I gathered as much local knowledge that I could and weighed it against a cold front moving through with rain/snow/wind and decided not to do it. So today was yet another zero. We ate and shopped and I did a lot of reorganizing. The weather outlook is for more precipitation, cold, and windy for Mon-Wed. On the bright side I'm hoping for some great photo opportunities.
Date: 2012-10-29
From: Davenport Gap (Hot Springs)

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light snow

After one last breakfast at the diner, Deb got me to the trail and she headed home. Weather report talked about up to 7" snow over the next two days. Shortly after I passed the Davenport Gap Shelter I entered clouds. There was a dusting of snow and I saw a few flurries. I had a long climb to the top of Mt Cammerer and at that elevation there was 3-4 inches of snow. Footing was good and the descent was easy. I stopped at Cosby Knob Shelter for lunch and then continued climbing. It began to snow and on Mt Guyot it was 22 degrees with a little more snow on the ground. By late afternoon it was snowing harder and it took me a while to get to the shelter. By then there was close to a foot of snow. I got into my sleeping bag, in the shelter, as fast as I could and it took about an hour to warm up. Temp is 24. 8.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-30
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Temp was 24 when I got up and it was snowing. The snow was to my knees. The water source is frozen. I have managed to keep my one litre of water from freezing by putting it between my sleeping bag and pad. My shoes are in my bag along with all my electronics and batteries. I spent the entire day in my bag and the temp never budged above 24. It has snowed all day. I've been at war with the mice. I do not appear to be winning.
Date: 2012-10-31
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I started eating breakfast around 6 and did as much packing as I could while in my bag. Overnight the snowing stopped and the temp was 26. I put my pack on at 7:30 and stepped out of the shelter. I was stunned. I could bury my hiking poles in the snow without hitting ground and they are 45"! I tried walking and got about 30 yds and knew it was futile. Back n the shelter I unpacked my bag as quickly as I could and stayed in it until 10:30. I came out of it long enough to reorganize things and then back in. I came out again at 12:30. The temp had risen to 29 degrees and I was pretty sure my stove would work to melt snow. I was down to 3/4 litres. I took a few sips last night but had not had fluids all day yesterday or this morning. Fortunately the stove worked and I melted 2 litres of water. Around 1:30 the sky suddenly turned blue and the sun beat down on my path. I trampled the snow so I could stand out in it. It felt great. Even my feet were kinda warm. I ate lunch out there and soaked up sun. It was melting snow and I noticed that it helped to compact it some, making it easier to walk in. I heated another litre of snow for water. The mouse battles continue. This is a Halloween to remember.
Date: 2012-11-01
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: South side of Mt Chapman
Miles today: 1.3

Monday morning's forecast had talked about warmer temps for today. I didn't know if any of that was still valid. I was running low on stove fuel for melting snow and had 2 litres of water. I wasn't able to call out or text on my phone. I hoped that with warming through the day that walking would improve. I started hiking at 8 AM hoping to do 1/2 mile per hour, which means I could reach the next shelter around 4-5 PM. Hopefully I'ld get a phone signal along the way. After getting on the trail I descended for a while and it went fairly well. Then I started the climb up Mt Chapman. I tried my phone, but otherwise didn't dare stop so I wouldn't get colder. When snow was over thigh high I crawled on top of the snow using my poles as outriggers for my hands. I had to stop doing that because my gloves were getting wet, though. I summitted around 2 PM, way behing what I had predicted. This descent did not go as well as the snow was deeper on this side of the mt. Around 4 PM I reached 911 in Cherokee. They advised me to stay put and they would contact Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I stomped the snow down and pitched my tent as quickly as I could. My pack had snow all over it so I left it outside and brought in what I would need. My feet had stopped being cold and I couldn't feel them. When I took my wet shoes and socks off my toes were white and my feet were swollen and splotchy red/white. When I touched my feet they were like ice cubes. I left my shoes outside because I knew I couldn't warm them and my feet, too. I have talked to 911 again tonight because I can't get a call to go through to GSMNP. They said a search was underway. This gives me hope since I know I will no longer be able to hike, with frozen shoes. All I can do now is wait, try to stay warm, and pray.
Date: 2012-11-02
From: South side of Mt Chapman

To: Seveirville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

The temp went down to 28 overnight. Around midnight I could tell my feet were beginning to warm up but I didn't look at them since I needed to stay in my bag. I was able to get 911 around 7:30 AM. They said that the search party was finding it difficult going on snow shoes. The dispatcher planned to call Debbie to let her know what was going on. I briefly got through to the GSMNP dispatcher but then lost signal. I heard a helicopter overhead around 11 AM, but just briefly. Around 1:30 PM I heard another helicopter that I could tell was near by. It was coming from the direction of the Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. I called 911 and they confirmed that it was looking for me and I stood in the door-way of the tent hoping for visual contact while remaining on the phone. I briefly spotted them as they crossed over the trail where I had come from. Eventually they came almost directly overhead and they spotted me as I waved wildly. I went back into the tent to get in my bag. As soon as I saw they were going to lower someone to me I got my rain gear on and stuffed things in my pockets. The trooper, Buck, had a very steep climb up a slope in chest high snow to get to me. He said there was time for me to load my pack. All I left behind was the tent and my mattress pad that we were using to stand on while the trooper got me ready to be lifted. The hoist up, oddly enough, was beautiful. In a slow spin I saw a magnificent view of those rugged mountains. Once Buck was on board we headed to the airport where an ambulance was waiting. I received IV fluids and tests. My feet were in pretty good shape with no frost bite. I had a debriefing with GSMNP and ate hot food. By the 6 PM news there was already filmed coverage. Now I'm at a hotel waiting for Deb and Mom to arrive from home. Praise be to God.
Date: 2012-11-04
From: Washington, NC

To: Washington, NC
Miles today: 0.0

I've laid low today, and will continue to, in order to let my feet recover. I'm tired in all ways but doing well. I will not be making any decisions about whether or when I might return to the AT for a while. The doctor advised that I not expose my feet to cold for at least one month and I need to work through all of this. If you click on "in news", you will find some tv coverage of my rescue. I can't give enough praise for all that was done, by so many, to bring me out of the mountains alive and well. I won't be doing any further posting for a while but want everyone to know how much your encouraging words and prayers have meant to me and my family. I will let you all know what decisions I make about the AT and any final thoughts I may have.
Date: 2012-11-13
From: Washington, NC

To: Newport, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I have recovered quickly and Deb and I have agreed that I have unfinished business to attend to. It has been a much more difficult decision deciding when to finish. Mom has been my taxi to Newport, TN and she will get me to Cosby Campground in the morning. I plan to take a sidetrail about 5.3 miles up to the AT and head south, retracing my steps another 5.1 miles to where I was airlifted. That's the plan, anyway. I have a good six day weather window to get through the Smokies allowing flexibility of my schedule. Debbie and I are so grateful for the prayers and supportive emails that you have sent. You are all a blessing to me.
Date: 2012-11-14
From: Newport, TN

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: overcast clouds

After a good breakfast, Mom drove me to Cosby Campground. We said goodbye at the gate because it was closed. I found the Snake Den Ridge Trail in about 15 minutes and began the ascent. The entire 5.3 miles were up hill at a moderate grade. There were a lot of long switchbacks. The trail conditions were good and I didn't see snow on the trail until 5500 ft elevation. When I reached the AT I stopped for a break. I had not been moving very fast and I could tell I hadn't hiked for quite a while. I started south on the AT, covering ground that I had walked before, but in very different conditions. I ran into 5 sobos that I know who were actually going north. They had flip-flopped from Hiawassee to Hot Springs and then they will finish out going south. They were able to tell me about trail conditions ahead for me and it sounds positive. It didn't take long to get to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, but I didn't stop. Snow is patchy on the trail and most of it is very firm so you can walk on top. I then made the climb over Mt Chapman. I think I would have gone right by where I was rescued if it wasn't for some trash there. My tent and sleeping pad were gone. The only thing I could salvage was a thin seat cushion that I use. I could not believe how different it looked with most of 4 feet of snow gone. I ate lunch there. Finally I could start the AT "odometer" and went the 3.9 miles to Pecks Corner. I actually hiked 14.3 miles. The 1.3 miles that I tried to walk in the snow on Nov 1 I did today in under 45 minutes. 2.0 hrs.
Date: 2012-11-15
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

It was 29 degrees when I got up this morning. I was slow getting organized but got going by 7:30. I had some great views as I ran a ridge, able to see both to the east and west. The ridge was very narrow with steep sides, but you felt very well protected by the trees on the sides. Minimal wind. There were quite a few people day-hiking. I stopped at Newfound Gap to eat lunch. There were many blowdowns from there to the shelter as well as compacted snow/ice. You may be wondering why I am opting for staying in shelters, rather than my usual tenting around a shelter or stealth. It is because GSMNP does not allow stealth tenting or near shelters. It is a very heavily used park in the summer and they do this to lower the impact on the forest. I hate the shelters and the mice that come with them, but I understand the need. 7.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-11-16
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was an easy climb to Clingmans Dome. It was blustery, but clear as I climbed the ramp to the tower. Because it was around 9 am I had the place to myself. The sky was clear and blue. The valleys were shrouded in cloud cover. I was looking down on the entire AT! At 6643 ft, it is the highest point of the trail so its all down hill from here. The trail had almost no snow from there on. I did a gradual descent to Derrick Knob Shelter where I stopped for lunch. Then it was up again to Thunderhead Mt where I passed over 2000 miles!! I celebrated with a Three Musketeers Bar. Rocky Top provided nice views to the south and I could see Fontana Lake for the first time. I got into the shelter just before dark, the last shelter that I have to stay in. 8.0 hrs.
Date: 2012-11-17
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

It was 37 degrees when I started out this morning. It was more down than up all morning. Late morning I left the TN/NC border for the last time so there are officially two states to go. From there it was almost all down hill to the dam. I stopped at Shuckstack to climb the fire tower for great views of Fontana Lake and Dam. I crossed over the dam and went back in the woods after 1/2 mile of road walking. At Rt 28 I got a ride into Fontana Village. I'll plan on a zero day tomorrow. 7.5 hr.s
Date: 2012-11-18
From: Fontana Dam

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

I did the usual resupply stuff and worked out scheduling. I have had to tell the story of my rescue to a lot of people over the last several days and it has been nice to be by myself today. I have slept poorly in the shelters and haven't been able to get into my normal routine so holing up in a hotel has helped a lot. I have worked out a schedule to finish on Nov 30. I know that I can't be aggressive, with my feet still trying to recover. I can't be pounding out 20 miles day after day. Anyway, back on the trail tomorrow morning after one last breakfast here.
Date: 2012-11-19
From: Fontana Dam

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I ate breakfast at the hotel and they shuttled me back to the trail by 8:30. It was a long, steady climb out of Fontana Dam but I made good time. I could see the lake frequently through the leafless trees. After a short descent to Cable Gap and a break I climbed again to Cody Gap where the trail leveled out most of the way to Brown Fork Gap Shelter where I stopped for lunch and water. I had a steep descent of "Jacob's Ladder" and then it was lumpy to Locust Cove Gap. Its so nice to be in a tent rather than a shelter. Privacy at last. 6.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-11-20
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Wesser Bald
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I started the day with a 1300 ft climb to Cheoah Bald, a mountain I first saw at Clingmans Dome. After taking a few pictures I began a 3300 ft descent over 8 miles to Nantahala Gorge. I stopped for a break and pictures about half way down at The Jump-up. It was my first views of the gorge/river. I got to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) around 12:30. Oh! Lunch time! Have you ever had an open-face cheeseburger? It was a roll layed out with two patties topped with chili and cheese. Tater tots and beer were my two sides. I left NOC. around 2:00 ascending 2900 ft over 7 miles to the top of Wesser Bald. I bypassed the shelter a mile before the top because there is a firetower at the top and it looked like there would be a nice sunset. I pitched my tent at the base of the tower. 7.0 hrs.