morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-03-27
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

Up around 7 at the motel. Got my bag mostly packed and worked at updating the Trail Journal while Pepper got ready. We went next door for breakfast and had eggs and biscuits and bacon. Pepper had hash browns and I had grits. When we were done, we found someone had paid for our meal! Caught the shuttle at 11 and were hiking by 11:50. The first mountain was Rocky Mountain and it had so many steps! When they finally stopped, there was nice trail the rest of the way up and most of the way down. Next we climbed Tray Mountain which had a point at the top. Got to the shelter around 5:30 and are sleeping in the shelter. It's kind of cold tonight, so don't know if we will be warm or not. Saw Jingles here. The young folks are having a campfire and marshmallows tonight.
Date: 2019-03-28
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

It was a cold night, but we had a beautiful sunrise! The moon was also up late in the night. Got started just before 10 and it was nice trail most of the day. Ups and downs, but nothing too rough and we only had 2.8 miles left at lunch. We passed Swag of the Blue Ridge which some people say is the beginning of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Then came Kelly Knob which went straight up and up and up! It was a mile of steep climb with no relief in the hot sun and took forever. Very little shade and only a few spots to sit. But when we got to the top, it was an easy down again to the shelter. The shelter was very crowded with probably 30 tents and the shelter full and very noisy. We found a flat spot and got water at a little stream nearby and had hearty bean soup for dinner. It was delicious!
Date: 2019-03-29
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Cowart Gap
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today we started from Deep Gap Shelter at 10 a.m. On our hike today, we saw a lot of different water sources and took some pictures and videos. Overall, the trail wasn't too hard and I can feel my legs getting stronger. Stopped to enjoy an overlook and had a nice break. We met a few hikers along the way, some we had seen before and one dayhiker going the opposite direction. We made it to the Top of Georgia hostel and picked up our second resupply box. Their fresh coffee was a great treat. We had hot dogs and chips for lunch and then got a shuttle back to the trailhead since we had walked in 1/2 mile. After the shuttle ride, we were back on the trail. We came across a couple more good water sources and decided to just pick a campsite instead of trying to get to the next shelter. We had a good dinner of tuna and cheese wraps and got our site all set up for the evening. We got our food bag hung between two trees, relatively easy. We took some pictures and videos and now we're calling it a day. We've made our plans for the next few days. The supply box added a few pounds to our bags but we have a lot of great things now to eat. That's it for now.
Date: 2019-03-30
From: Cowart Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Somebody came down the trail around 5 in the morning. They must have seen our bear bag hanging over the trail because they were shining lights all over the tent. We had a good breakfast and packed up and set off around 10. It was a long way up the first hill, but then we went down to a little spring where we got water. Hiked up another hill past Plum Orchard Shelter and down to a gap for lunch. Finished the sausage and cheese. Then up another hill to another spring and more water. The trails were pretty nice after that and we made our way to the state line and into North Carolina! The campground was just past that and we got set up on a ridge and had mashed potatoes for dinner. Both of us were pretty tired and got in bed as soon as we could. Storms all night and the wind was really howling. The folks next to us had a huge tarp which came loose and made a terrible noise til they got it secured again.
Date: 2019-03-31
From: Bly Gap

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 6.8

31 March 2019. We walked from Bly Gap today to Deep Gap, 6.8 miles. Good morning, everyone! Started with leftover drizzle from the trees and a cold wind from last night's storm. The trail led us up a hillside which just went on and on. Early afternoon was rather rough for me and tiring. Later in the afternoon, it seemed to go a little bit better but the wind blew hard and cold most of the day. We did find a good campsite, got our water for tonight and tomorrow morning, and had hot ramen soup and tea to drink. It was great! Hopefully, the wind doesn't blow as hard tonight. Supposed to get rather cold tonight.
Date: 2019-04-01
From: Deep Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It got very cold overnight. The water in the bottles froze! There were ice crystals everywhere on the trail. It was very beautiful. Although it was cold, it didn't feel so bad because the wind quit blowing! I have cracks on both thumbs and one finger. Pepper's hands are worse. We climbed Standing Indian Mountain today and it wasn't nearly as bad as we thought it might be. Switchbacks all the way up. We went to the summit which was grassy and beautiful! Daffodils and a view. Stopped at a sunny rock along the trail for lunch. That was nice. Then at a spring for water. The afternoon got long doing the ins-and-outs of the mountain, but finally started climbing up to the shelter. Got here about 5:30. Chili for dinner was delicious! The number of trees that have been blown down in recent storms is amazing and devastating! The trail crews have done great clearing the trails.
Date: 2019-04-02
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Pepper here. We hiked from Carter shelter to Long Branch shelter today, 8.7 miles. Tomorrow we are hiking into Franklin which will be about a 7.2 mi hike. We're going to spend a couple of days there while we resupply and catch up on our journey entries and get more things posted. We had a good hike today. The first part was easy up and down. The latter part of the day was more steep and climbing over rocks. We went to the Ranger fire tower at the top of Albert Mountain. The view was really worth the climb! We got into the shelter today about 5:30. We had a good meal - Spanish rice and tea and good conversation with other hikers. We're meeting a lot of people from around the country and from other countries. So as the sun sets, we are going to stay in a shelter tonight instead of the tent. It's a 2-level shelter. We're going to tuck in soon and get a good night's rest.
Date: 2019-04-03
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Completed a 7.2 mile hike today and got a shuttle into Franklin to the Gooder Grove hostel. Got picked up about 3:30. Plan on staying the evening and another full day and evening. Got settled into our room and got a shuttle to a local diner, the Motor Company Grill, that has great food and we ate a lot :-) :-)! A local Baptist Church provides a free breakfast for hikers every morning in April and we will be going tomorrow. After that I plan on going to local Urgent Care to have my feet checked since I'm having trouble with some of my toes. Except for that, the hike is going well and my legs are getting stronger. We are having a great time! It is truly a wonderful adventure.
Date: 2019-04-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This morning we went to the First Baptist Church in Franklin. They pick up hikers at 7:15 and take them to a free pancake and bacon breakfast. We also had orange juice and coffee and great conversation with other hikers and church members. They provide the service every morning during April. It is wonderful! They're doing a great job and have been doing it for 12 years. After breakfast, we came back to the hostel and got a ride to urgent care to have my feet checked since I am having trouble with my toes. I lost two big toenails and one small and apparently have an infection in my right big toe. The doctor cleaned it all up and gave us guidance on how to take care of the infection, including oral medications. After the visit to the doctor, we did some laundry and some shopping and had lunch. We got a shuttle back near the hostel and then had dinner. When we got back, I took the bandages off my feet and soaked them in water and epsom salts. I have to keep my foot elevated as much as possible and leave it open to the air. Except for my foot issue, everything is going well and it has been a great trip!
Date: 2019-04-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We are still at Gooder Grove. I'm resting my foot for another day. We got up and went to breakfast with the group, had pancakes and orange juice. It was great! After that, we came back to Gooder Grove where we are sorting some of our items we bought yesterday and I'm resting my foot. I'm taking some medication and have to soak my feet three times today. Have to keep my right foot raised much as I can today due to the infection in toe. Salt will be going to the post office this afternoon to mail a few things back we decided we could do without. That will ease up some weight in our packs and some bulk.
Date: 2019-04-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the day about 8 with a great breakfast. Salt made egg burritos. We also had coffee packets that the Crazy Korean left for us. Not a lot happened besides resting my foot and working on our journal. We got the journal caught up to include a few pictures. It's coming along nicely. We do have some videos we want to upload but having a little difficulty with that but we will figure it out so standby please :-) We decided to give Pepper's foot one more day of recovery.
Date: 2019-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We're still at the Gooder Grove hostel. We had a great breakfast of scrambled eggs and coffee and conversation with hikers. Still resting my foot and will soak it a few times today. Considering getting new boots before we head back out. Tentatively we will head out tomorrow morning or around noon. Salt walked down to Ingles this morning and bought stuff for sandwiches and soup and crackers for dinner. It was very quiet in the hostel this afternoon. Zen was gone and it was just us, Ghost, and Twenty-five. Uploaded pictures and did some puzzles. Later Zen came back and was philosophizing about his life and what he might do with it. We watched a show together and then he left. Pepper and I had dinner and made sandwiches for tomorrow then watched another show. Got our packs together finally and we are ready to get some sleep. On the way again tomorrow. We will add posts/pictures every few days...will usually need to be in town for a good connection. We hope everyone likes the journal. Leave a comment if you want.
Date: 2019-04-08
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 6 this morning. Got Pepper's toe bandaged and we went to the pancake breakfast. Pancakes tasted delicious this morning! Got packed up and got a shuttle to Winding Stair Gap. On the trail at 10 as usual! The trail was kind of nice. Not as much up as I was expecting, so we made pretty good time. Saw a beautiful waterfall right at the beginning. Stopped for a break after 1.5 miles and then kept on until we saw the shelter sign. We decided to keep on until the north entrance and came down that way. A tree broke just as we were passing which was a little alarming! The path to the shelter was down and rocky - should be fun to climb in the morning! Got to the shelter around 1 and had lunch and got set up. Weird to sit around all afternoon. Rain was intermittent but heavy at times. Everyone is in bed at 6:30!
Date: 2019-04-09
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: mist

Again started the day with a great meal of hot oatmeal, raisins, and nuts. Also had a good hot cup of mocha. We then got packed up and headed back up the hill to the trail. I stopped to talk to another hiker just before getting on the trail. I think his trail name was Mechanic. He had camped there with his dog and had been at the the same shelter the day before. He said he had heard a bear crashing through the woods the night before but all was well. We were then back on the trail looking for new adventures. After hiking for a while we came across a group of about six hikers. We met a lady from Sweden with this group. We talked briefly and were on our way. A little later we saw a couple of day hikers and the other group then caught up and passed us. That's how it goes many days :-) We had lunch on a couple of logs that were across the path from each other. It was nice but people kept going between us! Go figure. After lunch the trail led us up to Wayah Bald. There was a gravel road running beside the trail for a ways but we climbed the steep hill instead. After a couple hours we came to a girl sitting on a rock. She hopped up so Pepper could sit down and Salt went up the trail to the spring at the road to get water. A little more hill and we were finally at the top. Just before we got there Pepper stumbled and cut his hand. We went to the restroom on top to wash his hand but they were pit toilets. Big disappointment. We used our own soap and water and cleaned his hand. Just then it started to rain! We hopped in the bathroom and waited there while the storm passed. Then we walked up and saw the fire tower and from there we went down to the shelter. The shelter area was crowded and we took the flattest spot we could find. It was not very flat! 25 Mile camped next to us. We had a great night sleep, slope or not! Wayah Bald Shelter was very nice but full. There were about 30 tents in the area. All the good flat spots were taken so we slept on a bit of a slant that night. 25 Mile took some pictures of us and a short video of us eating dinner for her journal. Her goal is to do a 25 mile day sometime and I hope she does it!
Date: 2019-04-10
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Big Branch Campsite
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Much better spirits this morning! We slept good despite the slant. We walked down and had breakfast at the shelter and it was very nice. Along with 25 Mile, we were the last ones to leave the campsite in the morning. Almost 11 before we left, but the first mile went quickly and we stopped for water, which was quite a way off the trail! Still, the next few miles went easily on some very pretty trail and we had gone four miles by lunch. It was hot after lunch and we were going uphill, so slow going! When we reached Cold Spring Shelter, we stopped for a break to cool off. Finally got going again and made it up the hill. We went up to the summit of Rocky Bald, which was beautiful! We had to walk up a huge expanse of rock face, which had flowers growing all over the edges. You could see forever from the top! We camped at Big Branch Campsite with Hurricane from New Zealand. Had a good conversation with him. Our campsite was sloping again! Pepper's toe seems to be getting better but he is very tired.
Date: 2019-04-11
From: Big Branch Campsite

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 8.6

Didn't sleep so well last night, but had a good visit with Hurricane. We made good time today. Left at 9 when it was still cool outside. We went down to Tellico Gap and then up to Wesser Bald. That took a little while. We went up on the fire tower. What a view! We could pick out Clingman's Dome! We're on the way! Went down and got some water from an old stone cistern, then came a couple of miles of ridge walking. Next was the Jump Off, a steep downhill climb off the end of the mountain. Very exciting and scary! We made it down finally, and then came hours of walking through the woods - most of it downhill. We didn't see many people, but one guy caught up to us - it was Ghost! We last saw him at the hostel in Franklin. We saw him again when we finally made it to the shelter. Salt was beat! We stayed in the shelter with two old Marine buddies. A lot of stories were told! It rained during the night, but we were dry and slept really good. Tomorrow we reach the NOC!
Date: 2019-04-12
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: The Jump Up
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We didn't sleep late but we did take our time this morning. We had breakfast first, then packed up and left at 10:30. Got to the NOC around 11. The NOC is the Nantahala Outdoor Center, an adventure resort on the Nantahala River. The trail runs right through the middle of it. The restaurant was open, so we went in and ordered lunch. I asked for a table with a plug for the phone! I had fish tacos and chips and Pepper had chili and fries. It was all good! Stayed almost an hour eating and charging phones. Next we went to the outfitter and bought a small bottle for soaking food and some Nuun, which is electrolytes. After that, we felt like it was time to go so we did. The climb out wasn't too hard. We met a work crew along the way and got a picture. We found a nice stone bench and sat on it. Stopped at the Wade Sutton Memorial, a memorial to a fallen firefighter. When we reached the spot where we were going to get water, there was none, so we went on a couple miles more. We got water from a lovely waterfall. It was almost like a shower! Very refreshing! It was getting towards evening and the trail had turned very rocky. It went around the mountain and then turned and went up the mountain. We made another turn and the trail became very steep. I realized we must be on the Jump Up. We climbed and climbed until we found a flat spot beside the trail. This was our campsite for the night! The tent barely fit and the rain fly covered the trail but it was a place to stay. We had dinner, put up the bear bag, and went to bed.
Date: 2019-04-13
From: The Jump Up

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 8.8

Up early this morning and packed up the tent in case anyone came along. We hiked up to Sassafras Gap Shelter to get water. Very nice shelter, but a cold wind was blowing up the gap so we didn't stay long. We had light rain as we made our way to Cheoah Bald. That was a hard climb! The rain had stopped, so we ate lunch on top. Beautiful views! The first mile down was hard with new trail, rocks, roots, etc. But then the trail got better. Pepper took a fall sideways on one of the rocks, but was fine. We reached Locust Cove Gap around 4 and got water and decided to go on to Stecoah Gap. It was a nice walk, except the last downhill which took forever with the switchbacks. We planned to come down the mountain and set up a campsite for the night. When we had about a mile to go, salt got an alert on her phone about high wind warnings for the next two days for high elevations. They were forecasting up to 60 mile-an-hour gusts! We decided to go into town . That turned out to be a good decision since they also had tornado warnings up for that time frame! In the Gap, we met Hopeful and his wife, Diana, doing trail magic. They gave us hot dogs and soft drinks, fruit and brownies! When they found out we were going to town, they gave us a ride and bought us dinner! Great conversation! In the Quality Inn tonight.
Date: 2019-05-03
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: clear sky

We stayed with our son Kevin, his wife Becky and grandson Linus from Apr 15 to May 3. Pepper's foot issue has greatly improved and we have headed back to the trail. After a long drive from Maryland, we arrived at the trail head at about 2:15. The first thing we did was eat our yogurt from breakfast so we could toss the containers in the trash cans there at the gap. Then a lot of adjusting of packs and we set out on the trail at 2:35. Everything was so beautiful! Salt kept taking pictures every 5 minutes. The trail went up and down until we got to Jacob's Ladder. That went up and up! Parts of it were pretty steep! It was a ridge walk after that until we reached the shelter at 4:20, 2.4 miles. It was a nice hike. We put up the tent, got water, ate dinner - it was still pretty early. Pepper took a nap and Salt talked to some of the other hikers. The wind is up and I think I hear thunder, but the sun is still out. Maybe storms later tonight.
Date: 2019-05-04
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Campsite by Stream
Miles today: 9.4

Up at 6 and on our way at 8:15. We had to stop for water so we did and then continued on. The day seem to go by rather quickly. When we came to Hogback Gap, we took a break. It was all set up with two benches! The next section had lots of rocks to climb over. We talked to Too Many, a hiker who is hiking for servicemen with PTSD who have committed suicide. After Cody Gap, it began to rain but only lightly. We continued on. We were going to have lunch at a stream, but there was no place to sit so we went down to the road. No place there either and it had started raining hard! We continued on to the shelter and had lunch there and a big break. When the rain stopped we went on to a campsite by a stream. Dinner was ramen noodles. We are the only ones here tonight. We hiked 9.4 miles today. The day went pretty well except for getting soaked but it has to rain sometime. We have a 4 mile hike tomorrow to Fontana Dam Lodge. We will spend the night there and pick up a resupply box. Monday we will move on to the Smokey Mountains. :)
Date: 2019-05-05
From: Campsite by Stream

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

What a pleasant day! It started off with rain. It rained lightly most of the night but really came down when it was time to get up! We just waited an hour until it let up. Packed everything up wet and off we went. The trail wasn't too bad; muddy in spots and not too many rocks. We got to the Fontana Marina about 10:30 and went out on the dock for coffee and ice cream at the store. That hit the spot! Then a very pleasant mile over to the shelter where we marveled at all the amenities and then went on to the visitor center. Got the shuttle to the lodge - a room and our package. Then to the general store for fuel and snacks. Had lunch at the Wildwood Grill and then back to the room to dry things and get packed up. Printed our Smokies permits, and sat in the sun on the balcony admiring the view! Tomorrow at 9 we head out again!
Date: 2019-05-06
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

The Smokies! What a night that was with all the drying of gear! Finally got everything packed and when we wanted to microwave our breakfast sandwiches, we realized we didn't have a microwave! They went on the heater like everything else. Left the visitor center at 9:30 and did a mile of roadwalk then up into the woods. There was a lot of uphill mixed in with some flat but mostly up. We stopped at a stream for water with about 5 other people. Reached Shuckstack Fire Tower around 12:30 and went up to see it. We didn't climb it! Had lunch on a convenient log - summer sausage and spray cheese. The most fun was the giant tree challenge! A tree challenge is when there is a tree down across the trail and you have to try to get over or under or around it! This one was a doozy. We thought we saw a bear as we approached a stream but luckily it ran off. It was something black. The last uphill was steep and took forever but we finally made it to the shelter. Our first 11 mile day! Got here around 7 and it was a flurry of getting water, setting up sleeping spaces, eating dinner and hanging bags. Bet we sleep tonight!