morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

It started raining about 1:00 am and continued for most of the day. Packed up a wet tent, more weight, and hit the trail. No views today. We spent the whole day walking in the clouds with visibility generally between 50-100 ft. Wind picked up in the afternoon and it started turning sharply colder. In my tent and sleeping bag by 5:30 pm to stay warm. It started sleeting and the temperature is falling fast. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better weather day
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3

It was a very cold night. Into the teens with wind gusting 35 mph plus all night long. Half an inch of snow on the ground this morning. It was tough breaking camp in the wind and cold. Tent poles were frozen together and tent was ice coated. I stayed comfortable through the night in my sleeping bag. It felt good to finally start hiking to be able to warm up. First climb was up Standing Indian Mountain, 5498 ft, and I was warm when I reached the top. The skies cleared but it stayed cool all day. ( Cool is relative. Remember, I'm from michigan that just had a Siberian winter.) Staying at Betty Creek Gap tonight. It appears we are going to have another cold night.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Another cold night with temps down to around low to mid 20's. There was no wind which made a big difference. Easier breaking camp this morning and the day warmed up into the 50's. I have been walking through tunnels of mountain laurel and rhododendrons. The rhododendrons are 15-20 ft tall. That is amazing to me. I have three in front of my house, that have been there for 15 yrs, and they are only three feet tall. They must hate our winters. Albert Mountain was an extremely difficult and arduous climb, but the views were worth it. Planning on staying in Franklin N.C. tonight and taking a zero tomorrow. ( A zero is a no mileage day ). After ten straight days of walking, our bodies need the rest and a chance to heal.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6

This morning, the baptist church in Franklin NC fed all the hikers breakfast at their church. They do this every year, for I believe 30 days, at the start of the AT hiking season. It was very much appreciated. Started back at Winding Stair Gap this morning headed for Burningtown Gap almost 15 miles up the trail. Rained all day with poor visibility and no views. We were in the clouds the entire day. Disappointing because I had heard you can see 120 mi from Wayah Bald tower. Staying at the Aquone hiker lodge tonight. It is run by a former thru hiker and I would highly recommend it. Very nice. The picture I posted today is from a few days ago, as there were none taken today
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 12.9

We started out this morning in the rain, no surprise, headed for the Nantahala Outdoor Center. We didn't have any views again today due to the weather. It rained until about 12:00 before it finally stopped. The day remained overcast and we spent the day in the clouds. The descent down to the NOC was long and a real knee destroyer. We are staying at the NOC tonight and will head for Stecoah Gap tomorrow morning. Hoping for better weather to be able to enjoy the landscapes as I pass.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.4

Today's climb out of the NOC was long and all up hill. It was like the energizer bunny. It just kept going and going and going. Started out the day with overcast skies and low clouds. We climbed in the clouds and fog until about noon and then it cleared up. We had some great views from on top Cheoah Bald. We are hoping to enter the Smokies on thurs and take advantage of some nice weather that is being forecasted.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana dam visitor center
Miles today: 15.4

Stecoah Gap to Fontana today was definitely a less arduous trek then the one out of the NOC. I started out walking in the clouds/fog but it all cleared out by about 10:30 and the day was sunny. Upon arrival at the Fontana shelter we came upon some trail magic. (Trail magic is an unsolicited or unexpected act of kindness, in the form of food, rides, an encouraging word, etc., that is offered by people along the way.) Fresh Ground had set up shop and was cooking for all the hikers as they showed up. After a long day it's amazing how good a cold glass of koolaid and a hot dog can taste. Fresh Ground is following the class of 2014 hikers north to do this for as long as he can. Well tomorrow is the big day. We will be headed up into the Great Smokey Mtn Nat'l park for our hike across the Smokies. The weather is forecast to be good for the next 5-6 days so we are keeping our fingers crossed. The weather can be pretty volatile this time of year with snowstorms and cold. (Like last year). Service can be somewhat spotty in the smokies so I may have to wait until I get through to update my journal. Till next time.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Fontana dam visitor center

To: Russell Field Sheltet
Miles today: 13.5

Departed Fontana for the climb up into the Smokies. I crossed over Fontana dam and it was very impressive. The views this morning were obscured due to the haze. (Hmm, Smokey Mtns). We crossed into Tennessee today, our third state, and I believe we will bounce back and forth between NC/TN until we get up by Erwin. The day turned out sunny and the visibility did improve in the afternoon. I am staying at Russell Field Shelter as we are required to stay in shelters while in Smokey Mtn Nat'l Park. Overall a good first day in the Smokies.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Russell Field Sheltet

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Lots of ups and downs today (a common theme) but fantastic views, especially from Thunderhead Mtn. Right knee has been giving me problems last couple of days. I think I tweaked it on the descent into NOC and it has become more sore. Hoping it is nothing serious. Another sunny day but it cools down rapidly in the evening. Hoping weather continues to be pleasant for our trek across the Smokies.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Up and over Clingmans Dome today. Hazy, windy, and chilly up Clingmans so I didn't linger long. We seem to have gone through a transformation in surroundings today. It seems we went from deciduous forest to more conifers. There were places today where the trail was cut into the ground up to 2-2 1/2 ft. It is sobering to think about how many different pairs of boots/shoes have trod this trail, ever in search of the next horizon, and for some the ultimate quest, a thru hike. My boots are now attempting to become a part of that history. Have decided to go into Gatlinburg to zero and rest up for the final push through the Smokies. I have gone a 100 mi the last seven days with no break. Hopefully it will help the knee also. Expecting to be back at it Monday.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a zero today. Knee is feeling a little better. Hopefully that will continue to be the case when I return to the trail tomorrow. Did a short term resupply to get a little extra food just in case. They are calling for snow on Tuesday with lows around 15. The unknown is the amount of snow up that high, so this way I will have an extra day or so of food. Well I have spent almost 3 weeks on the trail and I have a couple thoughts on it all,1) Your body does adapt to the rigors of the trail, it just takes time, even though you think it never will.2) I wish that people would use writing tablets more instead of using every surface in the shelters to post their messages.3) I am physically and mentally beginning to adapt to the trail, but I am still having difficulty adjusting to being away from my family, kids, and the love of my life, my wife Lori.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-corner Nob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6

A beautiful day today, blue sky and no clouds. Fantastic vistas of the Smokey Mountains. Our first stop of the day was Ice Water Spring Shelter, and a surprise awaited my partner, Nordo. His two daughters had a friend who was out hiking, leave some birthday cake for him at the shelter. Rachel and Amy, it was great, thank you. Nordo shared. Knee still sore but does not appear to be getting worse. Stopped for the night at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. (If I didn't explain it before, shelters are three sided structures, that are spaced at different spots along the trail. Everyone is required to stay in the shelters while in Smokey Mountain Nat'l Park). Cold again tonight and am in my sleeping bag by 6:45 to stay warm. Forcast calling for rain/snow tonight and tomorrow, so will push to get out of the Smokies and down to a lower elevation tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Tri-corner Nob Shelter

To: I-40 underpass
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light snow

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday I was worried about sunburn, today I was worried about frostbite. Awoke to find 3-4 inches of fresh snow. It made for a beautiful but cold and slippery walk. The snow returned later in the morning and in no time I was walking in 5-6 inches of snow with it still accumulating rapidly. Tried to cover the miles as quickly as possible so as to be able to get to a lower elevation and hopefully less snow. The temperature and wind made for a cold day in the higher elevations. The snow finally thinned out around 1700 ft elevation. My partners boots were soaked so we got off the trail for the night and headed into town were he could try to dry them. Staying out would have been tough for him as the temps are forcasted to be around 16 degrees tonight, and his boots would have been two blocks of ice by morning. Will return back to the trail tomorrow morning and head for Hot Springs.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: I-40 underpass

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

What a difference a day makes. Blue skies and sun but still chilly. Highs today around 42-45 degrees. Got off to later start this morning so had a shorter day. It was a long climb up Snowbird Mountain but it was worth it. The views looking back toward the Smokies were awesome. Camped tonight in brown gap and am in my tent and sleeping bag at 6:15 to stay warm. Temps are supposed to be in mid 20's tonight.I would like to thank everyone who has signed my guest book, and for all your words of encouragement. They have meant a great deal. I would also like to say hello to Mrs. Hinds classes at Farms. They are following my journey north. I hope you enjoy it. There will probably be a test on it I'm sure. (Just kidding)
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Brown Gap

To: Garenflo Gap
Miles today: 16.7

A cold night and morning. I am ready for spring and more seasonal temperatures. Climbed up Max Patch today. It is a large bald on top of the mountain with no trees. Great views, but I didn't linger long. Temps in the low 40's and high winds made for a cold summit. It would be a great place to sit and enjoy on a warmer day. Lots of snow still. Many drifts were 1-2 feet deep along the trail today. The drifts and ice made for a slow go for a big part of the day. Finished the day at Garenflo Gap. Tomorrow I will hike the rest of the way into Hot Springs.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Garenflo Gap

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Overcast this morning but milder temps. I did the remaining 6.6 miles into Hot Springs. I have now done 1/8 of the trail. On one hand it feels good to have made it this far and to have done that much. On the other side it doesn't feel like I have come very far at all. I have come 274 miles, then I think of the 1900 miles to go, and it seems so far. So, tomorrow is a new day, the sun will rise, and I will put one foot in front of the other and continue to walk, ever north.We got word this morning that four people had to be rescued, in the smokies, in the aftermath of the weather we hiked through. I believe it all turned out fine which is terrific considering the conditions. Up in the mountains it is astounding how it can be so beautiful and serene one day, then cruel and harsh the next. I've witnessed this transformation a couple of times on this trip and it happens very quickly. On a softer note, here in Hot Springs, the trees are starting to bloom and the grass is greening up, due to the lower elevation. 1300 ft vs. 6000 ft.Nordo and I have met a young lady on the trail, trail name Beandip, who is from Australia. She has hiked with us, off and on for about 2 wks now. I understand her mom reads my journal and so I would like to say HELLO. You have a terrific daughter.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Hot Springs

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

I did a zero in Hot Springs today. I needed to get laundry done, resupply, and do other odd tasks. It started raining late morning and continued for the rest of the day. Johnny K and some other thru hikers decided to perform some trail magic, and they cooked us dinner. We had hamburgers, hotdogs, chili, salad, and brownies. It was greatly appreciated. The temperature is supposed to drop into the 30's tonight with continued rain. Tomorrow I will head for Erwin.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Hot Springs

To: Log Cabin Drive
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Left Hot Springs this morning under overcast skies. It had rained in Hot Springs overnight, but snowed in the mountains. So, we spent another day walking in the cold, the wind, and the snow. The drifts were up to 1-1 1/2 ft deep with some over that. Winter just does not want to release its grip on the southern Appalachians. With the weather I've had so far, maybe I should have signed up for the Iditarod this year, and hiking the AT next year. The sun finally did come out in the afternoon, however, the wind continued to blow all day. Hopefully spring, will finally show up this week as the weather forcast is calling for warmer temps.As a final note for the day, I would like to say HELLO to Mrs. Roy's three sixth grade science classes at Farms Intermediate. I hope you enjoy reading about my journey.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Log Cabin Drive

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out this morning with a big climb, back up into the snow. The snow and ice, then snow and slush as the day warmed up, made for more difficult hiking today. Had good views from the top of Bald Ridge. In the afternoon I came across the Shelton gravesite up on Big Butt Mountain. I was told that there were two brothers, who fought for the Union during the Civil war, who were killed when they returned home and this is where they are buried. It was strange seeing this up on the mountain in what appears to be the middle of nowhere. It warmed up into the 50's today with blue skies. Finally lost the snow when I descended down to the lower elevations. I went over 300 miles today so I gave myself a pat on the back. (A small one).
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful sunny day with temps climbing up to around 70 degrees. Lots of climbs today, with the final one being over Big Bald at 5500 ft. The views were worth the climb. For the first time in a few days I didn't have to walk in the snow. The sun and warmer temps have worked their magic, on both the snow and my mental outlook. Camped at Bald Mountain Shelter at almost 5100 ft and the sunset was wonderful to watch. It was nice not having to be in my sleeping bag by 6-6:30 pm to stay warm.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Left the shelter a little later this morning since I was doing shorter miles today to set myself up for a short day into Erwin. Last night was a beautiful night with clear skies and milder temps. I could see a town in the distance that I think was Erwin, but was not positive. Temps today were around 70 degrees, and the combination of sun and temps, has taken care of any snow and ice that had been left over. Great views from the top of High Rocks.Leaving this morning I slipped in some mud and my left ankle is now a bit stiff and sore. It makes you realize how vulnerable you are to injuries out here, that could possibly end up being hike enders.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 6.4

It started raining about 5:00 am with occasional thunder and lightning. I left the shelter, in the rain, at 7:30 am for the short hike into Erwin. The rain continued for the majority of my walk, but stopped, just as I started the final descent into Erwin. I had a great view of the Nolichucky River.First thing was a nice hot shower. It felt absolutely wonderful. Next, was an AYCE (all you can eat) pizza place for lunch. I have heard about the hiker appetite that kicks in, and now I know what they mean. I consumed an entire large pizza, a big plate of salad, four sodas, and I still felt like I could easily eat more. However, I restrained myself. That's because I had heard about an AYCE restaurant that serves chicken, that I could go to for dinner. Planning a zero day for tomorrow, before heading out on Saturday for Damascus.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Erwin

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I'm sorry I haven't updated in a few days, but this past week has turned out different than I anticipated. My partner, Nordo, has decided for personal reasons to not continue the hike. I will miss his company. He was a great companion during some tough times early on. I decided to come home, with Nordo, so that I could see my wife and kids, and to step back from it all for a few days. I have rearranged my food resupply and gone through my gear these last few days. I will be heading back to the trail and continuing my journey north, solo this time. I am very much looking forward to the new places and people I have yet to see and meet, and to hopefully catch up to some of the ones I already know. My next update will be from the trail as I continue my trek north.I want to thank everyone who has followed my journal, and the words of encouragement they have given me. I have appreciated it very much.
Date: 2014-04-16
To: Upper Laurel Fork
Miles today: 62.9

The last two weeks have been emotionally tumultuous to say the least. I lost my partner, but, had made the decision to go on. I then had to mentally get myself wrapped around that decision. It turned out to be harder for me than I thought it would. Also, I had a chance to be able to see my wife and kids and did so. During all this I was able to day hike/slackpack the trail a few times, so that I would not be gone from it entirely. I thought if I did that, it would make it easier to return. Well today was my first day back, carrying my pack again, as a full time hiker. North Carolina, my second state, is behind me and I went over the 400 mile mark today. The terrain has moderated a bit since leaving the Roan Highlands and I have been told it is a pleasant hike to Damascus from here. After not carrying my pack for two weeks, and only hiking a few times I can definitely feel it in my feet and legs. I guess it will take a couple of days to adjust to the rigors of the trail, again. Today was sunny and a beautiful day to hike. I did still run into some of the snow that had fallen yesterday. Let's hope that kind of weather is over before I hit Mt. Rogers next week. I should be out of Tennessee and into Virginia by Saturday or Sunday.
Date: 2014-04-19
To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 62.6

I have returned home to take care of a personal matter, and, I was waiting to see how it would turn out before updating. I still don't know the results yet. It will probably be another week or two before I know for sure. So, for now I am off the trail indefinitely, and I do not know when I will be returning. I have enjoyed the time I have spent hiking so far, and the new places I have seen. The people I have met along the way have all been terrific. I want to thank everyone for their encouraging words and for following my journal. I hope to return sooner rather than later, but, for now I know I need to be patient. I made it into Virginia before having to leave, and I at least left with some feeling of accomplishment at having made it that far. For now, that will have to be enough.
Date: 2014-04-27
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I want to update everyone. I had some tests done this last week, and they all came back with good results. That is a great relief. I am feeling better as every day goes by. My intention is to give it another week or two, and if I am feeling good, to return to Virginia and continue on. Besides, Lori has said that she is really looking forward to picking me up in Maine. How awesome is that. So, God willing, I hope to be back hiking soon.
Date: 2014-04-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I am planning to do a section hike of the AT, starting late next week. I will be flying into JFK and then taking the train out to Port Jervis. I pick up the trail at High Point State Park (mile 1332.3) and will continue to the AT RR Station at mile 1444.8. The idea was to time this to hit the peak of spring time in New York, however the harsh winter may have delayed things a bit. Nevertheless, I should be just in time for the first major mosquito hatch of the year!The weather does seem to be improving, and I plan to use my lighter weight sleeping bag. Combined with no-stove, no-cook, base weight should come in right around 7 lbs.I do plan to spend one night off the trail in Fort Montgomery, catching up on relaxing and eating. My schedule is quite non-aggressive (I hope), dictated mostly by the shelter spacing. They seem to be spaced every 12-14 miles, and I know that I won't be doing 24-28 miles each day. Trail may be slow/muddy, who knows? Also, some of the elevation profiles look "fun", so I have no idea exactly what my pace will be. In the Sierras, I normally average out to 30 min/mile, including stops, so I assume that I will have a similar pace on the AT.Very much looking forward to the trip, as I have not done any East Coast hiking. I know that it will be different!
Date: 2014-04-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

As I mentioned, I am planning to do this short trip without cooking or use of any stove. Just keeps things easier. My goal is to eat 3000 cal/day, which should keep weight loss to a minimum - perhaps 1/2 lb/day.Besides eating (more or less) healthy, the goals are high calorie to weight density - at least 125 cal/oz, and also small volume. Only so much room in the pack, and want to make sure that everything fits.I had started out thinking that I would make oatmeal overnight, mixing with water/milk powder the night before. But instead, I have opted to have cereal to start the day. Kashi go-lean mixed with dried fruit - blueberries and cherries.During the day, I plan to be eating a mix of trail foods - raisins, peanuts, macadamia nuts, fruit bars, dried peaches, pumpkin/sunflower seeds, mm&m's, and my favorite - piknik potato sticks. Certainly man cannot live on healthy food alone! I should be able to eat about 2000 calories through the day.For the evening meal I am applying all of my vast culinary talents(!). Some dehydrated black beans, air-dried veggies, some chili powder and cumin, add water, hike for a couple of hours, and we have veggie chili. Well, it's not bad, but don't look for me on the Food Channel. I have found that Honest Earth roasted garlic mashed potatoes (dehydrated) also rehydrate very well with cold water. Again, some air-dried veggies and spices (curry poweder) and we have another dinner.I'll let you know how it tastes on the trail.