morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Friday is the first of three short days, then a zero day. Heavy rain is forecast for Monday and I need to mail some stuff home. Started raining around 9:30 and rained pretty hard for a coupla hours. The wind picked up and the temperature dropped. Came down into Stecoah Gap and had a bite to eat at a roadside picnic table. As I was leaving, a hiker came down the hill and crossed the road. He had been slack-packing and bent his hiking pole. He told me I was fixing to go up Jacob's Ladder. I had heard of this climb, but didn't realize I was close to it. This is a tough, spiraling climb. Goes back and forth while steeply scrambling up. 600 ft climb in .6 mile. Brutal. After that was a cruise into Brown Fork Gap Shelter.It was only 2:30 and I don't normally stop this early, but the rain had stopped and I could use the time to dry my stuff. When it came to cook, my gas bottle ran out after about thirty seconds. So, cold instant potatoes tonight and cold food tomorrow night also. But, in two more days I get a bed and hot food.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: footbridge, stream just past Walker Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Took my time getting on the trail today. I still feel as if I'm not getting enough calories, so maybe these short days will give me a chance to reload, so to speak. I've already added a hole to my belt and will need another one soon.Made an easy 9.1 miles today and stopped beside a little stream and set up about 20 feet off the trail. A short 3.5 to 4 miles tomorrow. I'm not currently hiking around anybody I know, but I am having a blast on these hills. I didn't realize just how much I miss all this. On to Fontana in the AM.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: footbridge, stream just past Walker Gap

To: Fontana Dam Visitor's Center, then the Lodge
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: clear sky

Had a short, mostly downhill, 3.9 mile hike to the "Fontana Hilton". Most shelters are three-sided sheds with a wooden floor. Simple enough. Some are two-level. But this shelter has twenty bunks in a much nicer set-up. And there's a bathhouse nearby. Hot and cold water. And electricity to recharge phones. But 'most everybody is taking Monday off the trail, so the Hilton is full and tents are scattered all around. I'm headed to the Lodge, which has rooms available again after the weekend car clubs left for home. Shower, laundromat, food, sleep. Staying at Fontana Village resort.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Fontana Dam Visitor's Center, then the Lodge

To: The Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Monday is a zero day. Had a food package from Brenda waiting on me when I checked in, and I filled in any missing items from the general store. Also got more fuel for my stove. Can't cook over a campfire every night. Also went to the post office to mail some stuff home. Gearing up for the Smokies!
Date: 2014-04-08
From: The Lodge

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

I made the decision to go straight through the Smokies in six days. About an hour into the hike, I wondered if I had made the right decision. I was carrying a HEAVY pack. But most of the people I talked to that day had the same plan. At least the load will shrink every day as I eat. And water is plentiful along the first part of the trail, so I don't have to carry much with me.The trail into the Smokies is a constant uphill climb. Gained more than 2000' elevation in the first three and a half miles. Then more up, up, up with occasional short level stretches. Hiked 10.7 miles today, mostly up and gained 2900 feet elevation. Hard day for this old man.I'm not seeing the trillium plants here like I was earlier. I hope I don't miss the blooms. Stayed at Mollies Ridge Shelter.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The plan for six days through the Smokies requires roughly 12 miles per day. With these steep inclines, that's ambitious. But I'm giving it a shot. I've noticed I don't have enough snacks for during the day. These little refuelings and water intake are what keep you going during the day. Lots of long slopes today. Long ups and long downs. The track is pretty muddy and often there is a lot of loose stone to slip on. The plant life here is a little different and spring seems to be a little farther behind here. But the trees don't seem to be dying as much. The balds here are also different. More overgrown with trees and bramble. Plus there is a chill in the air here. It's only 10* or so colder here, but it "feels" so much colder. The clouds keep rolling in and the sun is rarely out. Made a long 12 miles today and didn't get in until 7:30. While in the Smokies, you have to stay in a shelter. So tomorrow is either 7.2 miles or 13.5. After two long days, I just don't feel up to 13.5. But that of course would throw me off the six days through the Smokies plan. Dang it. But the highest point on the AT is coming up and I'd like to take a little time to enjoy it. So 7.2 it is. I might have to take a short trip into Gatlinburg for a small resupply, but that's ok. Staying at Derrick Knob Shelter tonight.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

(I lost my journal book. Beginning with this entry, I will fill in as best I can from memory. Today is actually May 1, and I have been off-trail since April 18. But read the story and I apologize for not keeping up-to-date. I did not realize so many were following my trek.)I was in no hurry to leave today, with a shorter hike in front of me. I'm beginning to notice that I don't see the "bubble" of people I started out with anymore. Maybe a few are behind me, but mostly the rest make more miles than me in a day. I've been able to keep up so far by hiking longer hours. But now the majority are covering more miles than I can. The weather is a little better, but still cloudy. Keeps the temp down which makes hiking easy, but cuts down on the views. I'm going to concentrate on food intake for a while. Today was an improvement, with more energy. The plan is for another short day tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

Today was a great day for views. The sky was as clear as could be, not a cloud. Good temperatures too. The short side trip to Clingman's Dome was nice. This is a tourist destination, so there were paved paths part of the way and lots of groups coming and going. But the views were beautiful. I managed to eat and drink enough to stay energized and hydrated again today. I'm having pain in my right knee regularly, but I expect that will be with me the whole trip. Just ignore it.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was a fun day. First a short hike to Newfound Gap, where the road through the park between Gatlinburg and Cherokee crosses the trail. Being Saturday, Godspeed was there with trail magic. Sandwiches, soft drinks, chips, sweet snacks. After chowing down, taking some pictures of the state line and the crowd, a bunch of us caught a ride into Gatlinburg. I wanted to get a prescription filled, but agreed to meet some of the others at a restaurant after a resupply trip to the Nantahala Outdoor Center store. Six of us grabbed a table and had tons of food. Hiking back to the Gap was not easy. I thumbed a ride pretty quick, but two miles later the guy dropped me off. Took another thirty minutes to get a ride from there. Then finished off the walk to the next shelter. Nice relaxing day, get to spend a second night with the Slothersons. Then disaster. While getting ready to crawl into my tent for the night, I discover I have lost my wallet! I have used a ziplock for a wallet and now I can't find it. Last place I had it was at the restaurant. So, back to G'burg tomorrow. Dang it!
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Well, Sunday morning. Back to G'burg, hoping to find my wallet. Kinda doubtful though. But I have no ID, no cash and no debit card. So I gotta do something. I played leapfrog to Newfound Gap with Joe and Libby, the Slothersons. They were headed to meet a shuttle to their car in Fontana and drive back to Indiana. Their section hike was over. Good luck to them and hope they get to come back soon. What a fun and happy couple!Caught a ride before I could even take my pack off to thumb. The NOC in G'burg shuttles people up to the Gap in the mornings and takes anyone going into town when they go back. Good timing. Walked over to the restaurant, but no wallet had been turned in. So I retraced my steps from the day before, hoping. No such luck. Next I went to the hiker-friendly hotel in town, the Grand Prix. It's a quirky place, but reasonably priced and convenient. I called Brenda and she called the hotel and got me a room and paid for it over the phone. While she was trying to figure out how to get time to come get me and I was trying to find another way, maybe a bus or plane, I decided to update my trail journal. When I signed in, I see a message to check with the Gatlinburg police about lost property. Boy was I excited. However, when I called, they didn't have my wallet. Dang it. But about two hours later they called me and said it was there. I took the trolley and picked it up. Everything was there even all the cash. I really think I left it at the restaurant and the waiter turned it in. I had a card in the bag with my trail journal address on it, so that's how I got it back. What a wonderful story! And Gatlinburg has good people.In the meantime, I had discovered some discontent from Brenda. So I wasn't sure what to do. But the easiest way to get home was to find a shuttle to Asheville and catch a bus to Charleston from there. So I went back to the trail in the morning. I also got to do laundry, an unexpected pleasure when I checked in with no money.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Gatlinburg

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

The forecast was for some pretty cold weather, maybe teens or even lower. But I needed to keep moving and was prepared for that kind of weather, at least for a few days. When I loaded into the shuttle at the NOC in Gatlinburg, I was wearing shorts and a short-sleeve t-shirt. On the ride up to the Gap I could feel the temp dropping. By the time we unloaded, it was probably 25* colder than when we started. And the wind was whistling. Achin was in the crowd waiting for the shuttle, and everyone was bundled up and had their hoods pulled tight to keep the wind out. So I immediately put on more clothes. Didn't get much time to talk to Achin, but figured we'd probably meet up soon. I managed to get to Peck's Corner shelter for the night. It was kinda crowded and I stayed in a tent. Not long after getting in, the rain started. Met a coupla guys sectioning for a week, from Newfound Gap to Hot Springs. They were the only other tenters. By this time, I'm wondering what to do. I really wanted to at least make it to Damascus before I stopped and left the trail. But my marriage is more important than any old hike! So, quandary.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Tri-corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light snow

The rain during the night was intermittent, but strong at times. I planned a short day and got a very late start, last to leave. In fact, I didn't get going until 11:00! And by that time the rain was freezing. And it wasn't long before there was a wintry mix, as they say. Some freezing rain and some sleet. Then the snow started and eventually it was all snow. I started getting cold pretty early and was glad for the short day. In fact, when I got to the shelter, I helped round up a few pieces of firewood and then crawled into my sleeping bag in the shelter. It took me over half an hour to get warm. Once I finally warmed up, I got back out of the bag and fixed up a hot meal. Then back to the bag. I really think my tent might have been warmer. It's so small that it gets "warm" fast. And the firewood was so wet it burned low and didn't heat up the shelter much. Folks were coming in with frozen water containers. It was cold. Down to the teens around midnight. Brrr!
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Tri-corner Knob Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Didn't get get an early start today, but not as late as most days recently. I knew today's progress would be slow. There was about three inches of snow on the ground and the trail had a lot of ice and/or slush. The melt was gonna be slow coming because the temperature was still low and the sun wasn't strong until close to noon. I managed to "only" fall three or four times. Skinned the end of a finger on a rock in one of those falls. Didn't hurt, but boy did it bleed. Guess that's the blood thinners I take. Looked awful in the white snow, red blotch. Got to the shelter mid-afternoon and pretty soon here cones a ridge runner. This is where he's staying the night. So I helped him pick up trash around the shelter and we chatted a while. Nice fellow. Ended up with about 8 people that night. No fire, but not near as cold. By this time, I've made my mind to go home and find out what's up with Brenda. Next stop is a hostel where I can get a shuttle to a bus station or airport. So, an early bedtime.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel.
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got out fairly early this morning. I was hoping to get in early to the hostel and make arrangements to get home. The final portion of the walk out of the Smokies, as a result, was uneventful. When I got to the last climb before the hostel, I could tell that the lower elevation had a bigger jump on spring. There was even poison ivy starting to sprout, profusely. Oh boy! Curtis was not in when I got there, but was instead out on some shuttles and picking up a dog to kennel for a hiker coming through the Smokies. So I checked out the Greyhound routes and schedules. Found a bus from Asheville to Charleston with no transfers. Since Asheville was less than an hour away and the bus didn't leave until 9:00 AM, I was hoping. When Curtis got in later, he was cool with that, so I bought the ticket and let Brenda know I would be in Charleston around 4:00PM. Then I did the usual hostel stuff, ate a bunch of food and took a shower. The laundry is done on a washboard, so I opted out. Did some reading and went to sleep.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel.

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got to Charleston with no snags, waited for Brenda to get off work and come get me. When I got home, the dogs were excited. Washed my stuff, cleaned my pack and tent, put my sleeping bag away after febreezing it. Just general things like that. I've been taking it easy since. I've occasionally been walking with the dogs, but not with a pack or for long distance. I still get the knee pain, but I think that will be forever. So it can't be what stops me from hiking. I want to get back out there. And most probably will, although the longer I wait the less likely it will be. So, I plan to decide by Thursday morning, May 8. That'll be three weeks off trail. Stay tuned.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel.

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

Well, I'm back on the trail. Wednesday morning Brenda took me to the bus station. Eleven hours after leaving home I was back at Standing Bear Farm/hostel. Went straight to bed, it was after 10 PM. Didn't sleep too good though. Got up early Thursday morning and headed out. Had to stop and visit with Duke, the dog, first. I was on the trail by 7:00. The first 4 miles were a hard climb and I kept tuckering out. At first I thought it was because I had been off for three weeks. Then I realized that during that long trip Wednesday I had gotten slightly dehydrated and behind on my calories. And the not so restful night. So maybe I'll be better tomorrow. After the 2500 elevation gain to start it was right back down 1300 ft to Deep Gap. Stopped at the shelter for lunch. While there I met a couple from Florida who are hiking to Damascus and Jim from Cape Cod. Only had three more miles to go to make ten for the day. Of course the first 2.5 were up. Staying at Brown Gap tonight. Also showing up we're Mad Science and Sunshine, and two more ladies I don't have names for. I made sure to calorie up and drink plenty of water. Went to bed at 7:30 so I could get plenty of rest.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Brown Gap

To: Kale Gap
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: haze

Friday was a much better day. Didn't get going until 7:45, but I got plenty of rest. Started out kinda slow, but I kept drinking water and eating snacks and got stronger as the day went along. The highlight of the day was Max Patch Summit. It is a bald like no other. The wind blows constantly, I doubt you could even set up a tent. But it is so big and beautiful. I've always heard it described as being like the field where Julie Andrews sang in the Sound of Music. And it is just like that! Truly amazing. Pictures and words are not enough, you gotta see it to understand. I was making good time for me and decided to not stop at a gap after about twelve miles. I wanted to get to the top of the next mountain. The rain had started but wasn't too bad, so up I went. 1.4 miles later I was checking out a campsite but there was no water so I thought I would go just a little farther. That's when the rain started really coming down hard. I jumped up and when I got to the trail I went the wrong way. When I got to the previous gap I realized what had happened. Oops! 2.8 mile round trip wasted. Dang it. By this time I was soaked, but the rain mostly stopped long enough to set up camp and eat. Sunshine and Mad Science were there also because the previous shelter was full. Ate and went to bed early again. Staying at Kale Gap tonight.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Kale Gap

To: Hot Springs/Laughing Heart Hostel
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Today was another good day. I woke during the night and the rain had stopped, so I put a few things on a tree limb and hoped for the best. By morning most things were fairly dry. And the morning had very little rain, so that was nice. Got going around 7:45 and went back up the hill from yesterday. Grrr! But I was feeling rested and fed. I emptied my water container at breakfast, but got water 3/4 mile up the trail. Had a good day with a good pace. It stayed cool most of the day. And the only hard rain was for about an hour during the early afternoon. Saw lots and lots of wildflowers. Sometimes like a carpet. About 3:15 I saw my shadow. It had been a coupla days. I rolled in to Hot Springs about 4:00 and went to the outfitter and got my food package. I also bought some hiking poles. If they are as good as people say, I should be able to do more miles every day with less leg fatigue. Got my fingers crossed. I'm staying at Laughing Heart hostel tonight. Clean clothes and a shower. I also had catfish and fries after a plate of nachos. And two beers. Living the High Life, close to lights out. Thanks to everyone following this journal and keeping me encouraged with your messages.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Hot Springs/Laughing Heart Hostel

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was able to get two entries sent to trail journals last night. It might be a while before I can send anymore. It's a five day hike to Erwin, maybe more. And signal around here is hard to find, especially AT&T. Most of the hikers leaving today are "slack packing". I don't much care for that idea, although I can see where it has it's draw. Mostly it's younger kids who want to brag about this many miles or hiking with a tiny pack, etc. However, today's hike is mostly steep climbs and the couple from Florida are slack packing the opposite direction and staying at the hostel again tonight. I understand that. Even though that's two hostel fees and two shuttle fees. They will get shuttled back to the other end of today's hike tomorrow. So it's kinda expensive. But they like Hot Springs and also know one of the people at the hostel. So it works for them. Me, I get to slog the uphill until I'm pooped and put up a tent. But that's what I'm out here for!The hike out started with an 1100 ft. elevation gain. Little downs and big ups most of the day. Spent the day leapfrogging with Chainsaw and Owl. Most everyone else stayed in front of me once they passed. Got 11 miles done and stayed at Spring Mountain Shelter. Also there were Owl, Chainsaw, a group of three whose names I don't know, Billy Goat, and a German couple. Earlier in the day I met a guy from Charleston who had started at Springer a day before me. He had just gotten back on the trail in Hot Springs after about two or three weeks back home.Had a good day, good people, good miles. The heat is building though, so it takes a lot of water to keep going. That's all for today.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Got started later than I meant to, after 8:00. We've been hearing reports of no water up the trail, so I'm loaded with close to a gallon. Heavy! And still got 4 days of food. I would like to do 15.4 miles today, but it's hot and the climbs are tough. About four miles in, I hit a clay spot that was slick and Wham!, on the ground. Bent one of my new poles, my glasses went flying. Luckily I'm ok. It happened so fast! The rest of the day was just trudging, trying to keep moving. When I got to the first shelter, Little Laurel, I was worn out. I stopped to rest. The Germans and the group of three were moving on. But Owl and Chainsaw were staying there . Since it was too late to make the next shelter, I decided to stay also. Maybe the extra rest will let me hike farther tomorrow. So a short 8.6 mile today. Four more people showed up before I went to bed, so another small crowd. One of the people is a girl named Sarah. She has a dog named Bry. Not sure about the spelling. As she was telling me the she (the dog is female) doesn't like men, it came over to me, curled up and lay down on my feet. I had to laugh. Another hiker is a retired infantryman, No Pain. He's a triple-crowned and is doing an AT thru for the fifth time. I think I'm meeting a more interesting mix of people now than earlier. Well, it's bedtime again.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Felt fresh this morning after the early stop yesterday. Got on the trail at 7:30, about twenty minutes after Owl. He's an 80 year old retired mailman. Today's hike starts with a steep up, of course. But a little further on is the Firescald Knob. After reading Achin's journal I was a bit intimidated. Turns out it was difficult, but gave some beautiful views. You cross a ridge on rocks, and you better not fall!Later in the day at the first shelter Chainsaw came in right behind me, Owl, and No Pain. He had been humping. But he said his knee wouldn't let him keep going. I took off first cuz I'm usually the slowest. A coupla hours later I was taking a break at a Civil War gravesite and No Pain caught me. After a short chat he took off. Only two or three miles left to the next shelter, Flint Mountain Shelter. Another group of three with a cat and a late-arriving couple are here. Owl stopped back at the last gap, about a mile away. Said he was done for the day. I think Sarah and the dog stayed at the first shelter with Chainsaw. We had a fire again for the bugs. These things are awful. Little black flies. They get in your eyes, your mouth, your nose. And they bite! Arms , legs, wherever they can land. And they draw blood. What a torment! Going to bed now, 8:30. Late night for me.PS. I crossed the 300 mile mark today.