morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-16
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Feel a little slack today as we only hiked about half day. We made to the shelter this afternoon. It is a very nice setting on top of the mountain. The weather today was wonderful so we sat around and soaked it in. Yep, we're slack, but I enjoyed it :-)This evening we had a great pasta and meat sauce dinner pre-prepared by Betsy and dehydrated. We ate with a few other guys sitting around the campfire before retiring to the tent as the temperatures drop here on the top of the mountain.The shelter is busy tonight with 5 or 6 young guys and a couple in hammocks.Had a great day.
Date: 2010-03-17
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Robbie, AKA "Ziploc" and I departed Blue Mtn around 9:15 this morning descending 1000 ft to Unicoi Gap. We then immediately ascended 1000 ft to the top of Rocky Mtn. A good warm up for the day. It was a series of ups and downs as the trail led us over the mountains to Tray Gap. Betsy, Ziploc's wife and caretaker :-), met us there with sodas, lunch, and my next four days of food supply. She is the true Trail Angel of the South. Not only did she prep all the food, dehydrate everything, package it, and write idiot proof instructions for me, she made me a "cozy" to keep everything hot when freezer bag cooking. Tried it tonight. I had rice, beans, and chicken.....awesome!Unfortunately Ziploc had to leave today to go back to the real world. I really enjoyed the past few days and hope we can join up again later on.After leaving Tray Gap, I continued up and over Tray Mtn, Young Lick Knob, and a few smaller hills. Tonight I am camped at Sassafras Gap with Otis and Easyflow.No rain today, however it is coming down lightly this evening.A good day. All is well on the trail.
Date: 2010-03-18
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Bly Gap, NC
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Georgia is done! I crossed into North Carolina at 5:00pm. I am camped at Bly Gap, just north of the state line. Today was a beautiful day on the trail with some nice views. The mist and fog lifted mid morning and it remained clear all day. Today was big mileage day for me and I'm pleased with my first week's progress. Today marks the end of week 1..... Last Thursday night I was huddled in a cold, wet shelter on Springer Mtn with 12 other starters. I was wet, anxious, nervous, and excited. Tonight, a week later, I'm anxious, a little less nervous, dry!, and still very excited. All is well.
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Bly Gap, NC

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

A perfect day for hiking. Sunny skies and temps in the 70's. The day started with a series of climbs gaining elevation with each mountain. First was Sharp Top at 4300 ft., then Courthouse Bald at 4600 ft. The trail then leveled out until we dropped to Deep Gap where I had lunch sitting in the sun, shirt off, just catching some rays for almost an hour...it was great. After lunch I hiked up Standing Indian Mtn. It is a long, steady climb rising to an elevation of just under 5500 ft.... it's up there. Unfortunately, there were no real views from the top. Fortunately, it was the last climb of the day with the last 3 miles descending via an easy walk to Beech Gap. The only real difficulty today was 4-6" of snow remaining on the slopes of Standing Indian which slowed the pace a bit. All things considered, a minor problem in a near perfect day. I'm camped this evening with Otis. He is a Ridgerunner and maintainer for the ATC in Maine and doing the southern sections during his off season. A nice young man and I've enjoyed chatting with him the past two evenings. I saw a note in Muskrat Creek Shelter that RA Wizard was there last night. I didn't see him today, but hope to catch up to him in a day or so. I'm planning to reach Winding Stair Gap on Sunday morning and catching a ride into Franklin NC for re-supply, shower, laundry, and a big dinner. Looking forward to it..... especially the shower. I smell a little funky.
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Beech Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Got an early start this morning and hit the trail at 9 AM. It's surprising how long it takes to break camp and pack to go. Today, it was about 1 1/2 hour to eat, pack, and get going. Today was a another great day for hiking with temps around 70 and mostly sunny. The terrain was also very nice with only a few strenuous climbs. The one really tough climb was Albert Mtn. and the work was rewarded by a lookout tower with 360 degree views that were outstanding. Originally, I had planned to camp a few miles short of Winding Stairs Gap and hike there tomorrow for a ride into Franklin, NC. However, the last 4 or 5 miles to the Gap was hilly along the ridgeline leaving no suitable sites for pitching a tent.....unless you can sleep tied to a tree to avoid sliding to the valley:-). Long story short, Otis and I continued to the Gap arriving around 6:30 PM and caught a shuttle into Franklin, NC. Tonight, I'm at the Sapphire Inn. We had dinner at the Mexican restaurant across the street. Tomorrow will be a zero day here in town doing laundry, re-supply, and resting these sore feet. So far, no blister... and no issues.Long day - Great hike.All is well.
Date: 2010-03-21
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Enjoyed a Zero Day today in Franklin. I slept in until 8 AM, then walked down the street to McDonald's for breakfast. I really enjoyed a quiet day despite the rain. I did my laundry, went shopping to re-supply, and ate my way through the day. I think I've developed the hiker's appetite everyone speaks of. The only excitement today was our attempt to hitch back to the motel from Wal*Mart. I hitch about as well today as I did 35 years ago.... which means we walked the 3 miles in the rain :-). Oh well, guess it helped keep the legs loose and ready to go tomorrow. I will be catching a shuttle in the morning to take me back to the Gap. Hopefully, I'll be on the trail by 11 AM. The weather doesn't look great and I expect some rain for at least part of the day. Nonetheless, I'm on my way again in the morning.
Date: 2010-03-22
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light snow

I got an earlier start than I planned this morning as the shuttle was at the shelter by 8:30 and we were on the trail at 9:30. The weather has changed dramatically with temperatures in the mid 20's and snow showers. I hiked in the snow all day. It is really quite nice and the woods are beautiful. However, the new snow covering the previous hardpack made the treadway extremely treacherous. I fell only once, but had several close calls. I had originally planned to camp near the Wayah shelter. When we arrived there, it was brutally cold and windy so we decided to push on another 5 miles to Cold Spring....on the next mountain.As we descended into Burningtown Gap we came upon some "Trail Magic" set up along the trail. "Grits", a 2009 thru hiker (gotta love these names) had set up a large tent with heat inside, hamburgers on the grill, drinks, chips, etc. It was great. A nice break and an early dinner. We stayed a while chatting as he provided advice and tips for the trip. Then we continued up the mountain.Tonight we are camped on Copper Ridge just north of Cold Spring shelter. We're at 4920 ft elevation with snow blowing.....it's a bit chilly up here. Hope I don't have to dig out of the tent in the morning:-)Fortunately, it feels good in the sleeping bag so I'm in for the night. I'm camping with Otis, Thinker, and Tornado tonight.All is well.
Date: 2010-03-23
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Winter is back! I woke up this morning with 3" of snow and biting winds along the ridgeline. I was awake before 7 listening to the howling wind, but didn't get up and packing until around 8 am. I skipped breakfast and got on the trail quickly in order to warm up.Things warmed up this afternoon and the skies cleared making for a nice walk. From the top of the Wesser Bald Observation Tower there was a 360 degree view of the mountains including the snow covered Smokys to the north. I kept thinking that next week I will be there...... Hope the snow is gone.I planned to hike about 15 miles today, but I grew really tired this afternoon and decided to stay here at the NOC. It is a recreation center for kayaking, rafting, and hiking as it sits on the AT as well as the Nantahala River.So, today was a shorter day. I will be taking a few more light days this week in anticipation of the big push into the Smokys this weekend. I will be staying at the Hike Inn in Fontana Dam Friday night and entering Smoky Mountain National Park on Saturday.
Date: 2010-03-24
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Happy birthday Taug! And belated birthday wishes to "ho-ho". I just remembered yours the other day. Today was a near perfect hiking day. Temps on the low 70's, sunny skies,-light breeze.... Today was the day I dreamed of so many times when contemplating the epic AT thru hike. I felt much better today than yesterday with much more stamina. I started the day with coffee and morning news on TV while sitting around the hotel family room and chatting with Dr Evil, Patch, and a young lady whose name escapes me (I'm really bad about that). I finally got packed and going around 9am. Today was an enjoyable walk, albeit a difficult trek. From NOC the trail ascended 3200 ft to Cheoah Bald... A 7 mile climb. Once over the Bald, I descended to Locust Cove Gap where I am camped for the evening. It is a beautiful, mild, evening and we're all sitting around the fire. I had an early dinner so I'll soon be hitting the bag.   A lazy day on the trail :-) Tomorrow will be another light day of about 12 miles leaving a short hike into Fontana Dam Friday morning. It's calling for rain tomorrow afternoon through Friday, then clearing for the ascent into the Smokies Saturday morning.Tonight I'm camping with Tennesee Tom, Tornado, Wildman, Scout, and Saguaro (from Arizona of course). Otis stayed on the trail past NOC yesterday and is now about a day ahead. He needs to rush to get as far as he can before returning to Maine and his job as a Ridgerunner. I look forward to seeing him up there around September.... Lord willing.All is well.
Date: 2010-03-26
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

There was a lot of rain overnight and more light rain during the day today. I made it to the Hike Inn Hostel at Fontana Dam, NC. I will be starting the push into the Smoky Mountains tomorrow. Phone coverage will be limited, so updates will be infrequent, but I will add more details to my posts as soon as I have service again.
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

A stunningly beautiful day today. Although the trail ascended uphill all day, the route was well graded with switchbacks and smooth treadway. This made for a wonderful hiking day. I saw no wildlife today which seems to be the norm so far for the trip. I've seen one deer, that's it, which seems odd. I've seen evidence of bear activity a few places along the way and I've seen warning signs regarding proper food storage etc., but no sightings to date. The Smokys have a very high concentration of black bear so chances are good I'll see one this week. The weather the next few days is calling for rain and fog so the conditions are good for wildlife sightings. In these conditions, the scent and noise is muted by the mist and wet leaves. A good day today. Tonight I'm at the Russell Field Shelter with Scruffy, RA Wizard, and 2 section hikers. In the Smokys, tenting is not allowed unless the shelters are full so I'll have to stay in the shelters... which I really don't like to be honest. The snoring is one thing, the mice is another. Mice love the shelters... which is why I do not :-)
Date: 2010-03-28
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: moderate rain

Cold, rain, sleet, snow, mud.... I was wet and cold all day. It was pouring when I left the shelter and didn't let up; except when the rain changed to ice and snow, then back to rain. Climbing Rockytop and Thunderhead was challenging with the grade, snow, and raging winds. I had originally planned to go about 14 miles today, but by the time I reached Briar Knob, I was racing to the next shelter before hypothermia set in. I reached Derrick Knob around 3 PM, Changed into dry clothes and got in the sleeping bag for a few hours to warm up. Tomorrow is calling for clearing. I sure hope the forecast is correct. Today was tough. Tonight, I'm snug in the bag... won't be moving until I hear the raindrops stop hitting the roof.
Date: 2010-03-29
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light snow

Another tough day. I expected the Smokys to be a challenge and I have not been disappointed. Hiking in the snow is very difficult. One has to work going up or going down... never a break. On the climb to Clingman's Dome the snow was 3 to 4 ft in places. Fortunately, it was hardpack, but the soft spots caused frequent postholing.... a real jolt when you suddenly drop to your crotch unexpectedly. It happened several times today as well as frequent falls. I fell several times when the trek poles sunk to the handle when I was expecting support.... not a pretty sight. The rain, snow, and ice continued throughout the day despite the forecast for clearing.... Hopefully tomorrow. I summited Clingman's Dome this afternoon, the highest point on the AT at 6643 ft. Unfortunately, it was socked in, so there were no views. It was freezing up there so I didn't stay long. I hope to come back on a clear day and hike it again. Tonight, I'm at the Mt Collins shelter packed in with 13 other hikers. We're packed like sardines with wet gear and clothes, boots, socks everywhere. I really is quite a mess actually.I'm praying for sun tomorrow.
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I awoke to find my pants, shirt, socks, underwear and boot frozen. I changed into dry clothes for sleeping last night and hung the wet things hoping they would dry a little... fat chance. This morning I had to change back into the wet stuff in order to keep a set of dry clothes for camp and sleeping tonight. You always have to keep a set dry or you're in big trouble. Slipping into frozen underwear, shirt, socks, etc is a real wake-up call. I gotta tell you, this was tough! Fortunately, the weather improved dramatically today with clear skies and temps in the 50's. This made for a much better day. The real high point of the day was at Newfound Gap, the approximate halfway point and only main road crossing of the trail in the Smokys. Jerico, a previous thru hiker and his wife had set up a feast for us at the gap. They provided trail magic at its best with fried chicken, vegetables, snacks of all kinds, sodas, water, etc. It was awesome. We arrived there just in time for lunch so it was perfect. And, it was sunny and warm sitting there in the parking lot for the first time in days. This afternoon it was a quick hike up to the shelter. We arrived around 4 PM. We have a sunny spot on a hillside so we're all drying boots, socks, etc. It's a good thing. The shelter is crowded tonight with about 13 people including RA Wizard, Scruffy, Cowgirl, Scout, Fish, along with Seth, Andrew, and Karl; three section hikers on Spring Break. Tomorrow, we will do Charlie's Bunion and a few other summits. The trail for the next 20 miles stays above 5000 ft so we'll be in the snow a while longer.
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

We awoke to a beautiful morning and a great sunrise over the mountains. I got packed and out by 8:40 knowing today would be a long one in the snow. The weather was perfect today. I got some great views from the mountain tops at Charlie's Bunion, Bradley View, and Mt. Sequoyah. It felt really good to be dry and hiking without rain gear. The only remaining issue is the deep snowpack. There is still 3 or 4 feet in places on the trail making it treacherous along the side hills and very tiring. Tonight will probably be my last night in the Smokys. I should be out of the snow by tomorrow afternoon and begin descending into Davenport Gap. The weather is supposed to be great so I hope to enjoy a nice walk. It's about 16 miles down to the gap. Tonight I'm at the shelter with RA Wizard, Scruffy, Scout, Uncle J Bird, Fish, Buzz, Cowgirl, Seth, Andrew, and Karl. Seth, Andrew, and Karl are the 3 section hikers on Spring break. They are students at Johnson Bible College in Tenn. They are really nice young men and it has been a joy to have them with us the past few days.
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 18.1

The Smokys are done !!It was tough, it was challenging, and it was fun.. but with the snow, rain, and cold, mostly it was tough :-)Today was a high mileage day as we descended from Cosby Knob at 5100 ft down to the Pigeon River at 1400 ft. As we left the Smokys, we encountered some more trail magic as a couple who had been dog sitting for Cowgirl's dog were there to meet her. They had drinks and candy bars to us as we passed through. Perfect timing. It was late, hot, and we needed a lift. Thanks to all the Trail Angels out there. It was beautiful day today with temps in the 70's once we dropped below 4000 ft. We left the snow behind and entered Spring... it was great. I calculate I hiked about 45 miles in the snow ranging from 1 to 3 ft the past five days. Most of the time it was harkpack and frozen making for very difficult footing. I'm ready for some Spring weather. Tonight I'm staying at the Standing Bear Farm Hostel about 2 miles north of the Pigeon River. It felt great to get a shower, laundry, a pizza, sodas, and ice cream. I'm feeling really good right now. And, it's warm:-)All is well.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Green Corner Road

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 10.1

It's Good Friday. I found myself comtemplative today and focused on the meaning and significance of this day. Today was special.... not only for the terrific weather and the scenery, but for His sacrifice and His gifts to the world. Today was a light hiking day as planned after the big mileage day yesterday. I ate a late breakfast at the Standing Bear Hostel and finally left just before noon. In retrospect, an earlier start would have been better as it was very warm today with temps in the low 80's. What a difference a few days can make. Two days ago I was freezing while hiking in the snow. Today, I was overheating while hiking in shorts and tee shirt. I hiked out of the gap with RA Wizard today and up to Spanish Oak Gap gaining about 2000ft in elevation. The late start and afternoon sun made for a long, hot trip up the mountain. Near the peak at Snowbird Mountain I caught up with Cowgirl and her dog, Kelly. We hiked into Brown Gap this evening. It is cooling down nicely this evening which should make for a good night's sleep. I'm thrilled to be back in my tent again after a week of staying in shelters in the Park.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Brown Gap

To: Garenflo Gap
Miles today: 16.7

Today was another nice day on the trail. The early morning was a little cloudy, but cleared by mid morning. I started by hiking a short 3 miles up to Max Patch. It is a large bald at about 4700 ft elevation. There are views in every direction looking out over the southern Appalachians. I talked briefly with a few day hikers at the summit, then descended to Lemon Gap for lunch. As I sat near an old logging road at the Gap I began wishing for a little more "trail magic"; perhaps an ice cold coke or something. I actually started looking around expecting to find a cooler full of sodas or something. Unfortunately, this didn't happen. I had to settle for water with my peanut butter sandwich and tuna.... tough day :-)It was very nice terrain this afternoon and the treadway was well graded and maintained. It made the walk an easy trip and I arrived at Garenflo Gap at 6:30. Tonight will be another early to bed night. I'm tired... but it's a good, physical tired. I think I will sleep well. Tomorrow, I plan to hike only about 7 miles into Hot Springs, NC. Donna is driving down and we plan to meet around noon or whenever I make it there. I'm excited about seeing her and taking a day off with just the two of us. I plan to take a zero day on Monday so we may explore the area a little before she heads home and I hit the trail again on Tuesday. I'm really looking forward to a few days together.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Garneflo Gap

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

A "nero" (near zero miles) today. I was up, packed, and out of camp by 8:40 this morning for the short walk into Hot Springs. It was another beautiful morning in the mountains. I've now been blessed with 5 nearly perfect hiking days in a row which is awesome (maybe I shoudn't say this). The trip down the mountain provided a number of veiwpoints into the valleys below and I soon caught a glimpse of the town of Hot Springs. Seeing it from high with it's quaint little main street, the railroad, and the river bordering the town helped quicken the pace and I stolled down the path. I called Donna as soon as I reached town to find she was only about an hour away so our timing was close. It seems I've acquired the famed "hiker's appetite" so I had no problem filling the hour until she arrived. The first of 2 lunches was gone in a flash. So began a great Easter Sunday entailing a short hike, a lot of food, and a great day with my wife. We spent the afternoon looking around Hot Springs and enjoying the weather on the patio at the Mountain Magnolia Inn where we are staying tonight. It is a grand old home refurbished beautifully and now operates as a bed and breakfast. This evening we had dinner at the Iron Horse Station restaurant downtown and spent a quiet evening back at the Inn. Tomorrow, will a "zero"... I will not be hitting the trail again until Tuesday morning. An enjoyable Easter;All is well.
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As planned, today was a no hiking day here in Hot Springs. Donna and I enjoyed a relaxing day at the Magnolia Springs Inn. It was a beautiful spring day and the town was bustling with thru-hikers taking advantage of the services available... Post Office, Outfitters, Pizza shop, and yes- the Rock Bottom Cafe and Sports Bar. We were there too. The Blue Ridge Burger was pretty good. Tomorrow morning Donna is heading back to Virginia. I will be hitting the trail again... rested, fed, and ready for a few more miles :-)It has been a really nice break.