morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: clear sky

I slept like a log last night. Hiking the 7.8 miles wore me out. There were 12 of us in the shelter, but when I woke up during the night, there was not a sound to be heard. I have never been in such a quiet shelter!Today started out with a .4 mile climb from the shelter to the trail. Then the climb continued. I was like the little engine who could, hiking up and down the entire day. I am hiking very slow (1 mile/hr), but expect that I will improve after awhile. My pack weight is decreasing as I eat my cache of food, so that helps a lot.The hike was beautiful today. The forest is a sea of various shades of green. Moss is covering the fallen logs, and the brushes of rhododendrons are a deep green. Plus all of the other evergreen trees, and plants bursting from the ground. Lovely.Two great things happened at lunchtime. First and foremost I had a weak cell on the phone, and was able to call Ron. I really do need to talk to him frequently. His encouragement is music to my ears. Secondly, a young lady by the trail name "Whisper" came hiking down the trail and joined me for lunch. Nice to have company.I was the first one at the shelter this afternoon, but it soon started to fill up. I enjoy talking to the thru and section hikers.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Things I am thankful for:-A good nights sleep last night-A water source that was steps away from the shelter-590 calorie honey buns-Beautiful weather-Rhododendron tunnels covering the trail for miles on end, even though they are not in bloom-Advil-Chocolate covered coffee beans-Great thru and section hikers I have met-Sitting rocks and logs along the trail where I can rest and catch my breath-Trail maintaining clubs and the trail crews who keep this trail in such good shape, and build those awesome stairs in the steep areas. That is no small feat!
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 10.4

Today I hiked out of the Smokys, 10.4 miles down to the gap. Yay! I did it!! So... reflections on the Smoky's - from Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap. I had beautiful weather, no rain. The trail though the Smoky's is on the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee. So as I was hiking the ridges I had phenomenal views of the rolling mountains of both states. Look to the right, and I was looking for many miles into NC. To the left, TN. I was able to see the rolling mountains just disappearing into the distance. Lovely.The shelters were nice, and the privy's were spacious and very clean. Thank you to all who make that possible. I am thankful that I have been physically able to complete this first part of my journey this year. And I am forever grateful that Ron has been willing to drive me up and down the east coast to continue on my quest. His support and love are carrying me through this journey.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Rest, relaxation, and almost continuous eating, on my Birthday here at Standing Bear Hostel. Lots of folks are here that I have been hiking with from Newfound Gap, and many other new faces arrived throughout the day. Stargazer, a young gal from Germany is spending a few days here, letting her injured leg heal a bit before getting back on the trail. She and I shared a large pizza, and that was divine.I met another thru hiker by the name of Wraijth, and he is considering doing a slack pack tomorrow. Since the weather is going to be frigid, and a bit snowy, I just may join him. That way I will be able to return to my comfy bunk, in a heated bunkhouse tonight. Hmmmmm. I think a plan in coming together!
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: moderate rain

Happy 65th birthday to me from Standing Bear Hostel. A zero day on my birthday. Yay!What a great night's sleep I had last night. I had a bottom bunk, with a mattress and pillow, in the bunkhouse! Earplugs allowed me to sleep well, the only (???editor can't decipher word) once was a very sore left knee, and numb, then tingling toes.Did my laundry in the wash area which was like going back in time. Washed my clothes in a wash tub, using an old fashion scrub board. Then wrung out the items using a handcranked wringer. Thank goodness there was a dryer.Then I was able to talk with Armie, Darrell, and then Irene called me back after her am yoga class. After eating and resting I headed out to the 1 mile section of trail that I missed yesterday. So... 1/2 mile walk back down the dusty road, to the long set of stairs I missed yesterday, and back on the trail for the 1 mile I missed. It was a lovely walk, no backpack, and an overcast day. I had a strong phone signal on the top of the mountain so I was able to call Ron. It is a great day.(editors note: Jersey Girl refers to this as a zero day in her notes, but since she actually hiked 1.5 miles to make up for a missed section she does have miles credited today. Oh, and Happy Birthday Mom!!!)
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Brown Gap

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I did make a good choice in slacking today. Wraijth, Fuzzy Wuzzy and I started the hike in a gentle, but very cold rain. The rain deteriorated to sleet, as we hiked up the mountain. The top of the mountain was shrouded in cloud, so it was difficult to see the weather monitoring system that was located there. However, what I was able to see was a gentleman, by the trail name of "Apple", who was doing trail magic right at the top of the mountain. It was freezing at this point, and the rain had turned to sleet. He had a tarp set up, with lawn chairs under it, and was offering hikers hot coffee, and snacks. It was certainly nice to have something warm to drink during this storm. After visiting with Apple, and few more shivering hikers, I took off down the mountain. The precipitation quickly changed from sleet, to snow, and it continued to snow until I arrived back at the hostel. It actually was a very pretty hike once the sleet changed over to snow. What was really nice though, was arriving back to the heated bunkhouse. The caretaker "Mr. Gets", had a great fire going in the wood stove, and continued stoking that fire all night. It was a great call to hike back to the hostel this afternoon, since the temperature is going to be below freezing during the night!
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Brwon Gap

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Curtis, the owner of Standing Bear Hostel drove Wraijth, Fuzzy Wuzzy, and I back up to Brown Gap to continue on our journey north. As we approached Brown Gap we saw the results of yesterdays precipitation. All the trees were covered in snow and ice, and the trail was either snow covered, or crunchy with ice. When we got to the gap I met another hiker by the name of Einstein, and his dog Baby Girl, who had been camped out in the gap overnight. The hike this morning was very chilly, and soon the snowy top of Max Patch came into view. Max Patch is a bald that was created by residents from quite some time ago, who grazed their animals, and farmed the area. The climb up Max Patch was a bit windy and cold, but is was very beautiful. I had a 360 degree view of the Smoky Mountains. It was stunning. I had Fuzzy Wuzzy take my picture by one of the posts with a white blaze on it. I will have this picture framed, and put next to the one Tina had given me when she was working in Smoky Mountain National Park a few years ago. The picture she gave me was taken in the summer, while this one looks like the dead of winter, even though it is supposed to be spring!
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

It was a nice hike into Deer Park Mountain Shelter today. When I arrived, Michael and his son Elijah were already there and had their tent set up. I had been seeing Michael and his son on and off the past day, and had occasion to talk with them a bit. Elijah, who I think is about 12 years old, soon came over to help me stake out my tent. How wonderful was that! Thank you Elijah!!
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

This day is considered a nero day. Not quite a zero, but not a full hiking day. The 3.2 miles into Hot Springs was a bit steep, but I make it to Elmer's Sunnybank Inn by noon. Elmer Hall, the owner of Sunnybank Inn is well known on the trail. Irene and Armie had spent a few night's at Elmers when they thru-hiked the trail in 2001, and Irene encouraged me to stay here. What a wonderful choice. This huge old house is steeped in history, as is Elmer, and I had the most delightful, private room, with a queen sized bed, and lovely linens. I felt like a queen. And the food!!!! Elmer had been a chef in his former life, and his vegetarian dinners were to die for. After settling in, I went across the street and had lunch at the Smoky Mountain Diner, and the food was outstanding. The rest of the day was spent relaxing, and strolling through this compact town, which has everything a hiker could ask for. Many places to eat, a great outfitter, and actual hot springs. I did not partake of the hot springs because I felt I would relax so much that I would be unable to shoulder a backpack again. It was an early night, as I had to test out that wonderful bed!
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Hot Springs

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

What a great day in Hot Springs. I seemed to eat all day. Can't believe the appetite I have had while on the trail this year. I met Waijth at the Smoky Mountain Diner for breakfast. Had the most yummy veggie omlette, with a side of bacon (of course), and I don't know how many cups of coffee. After that I took Waijth over to the Sunnybank Inn to meet Elmer. Waijth is having trouble with his knee, and needs to seek medical help, and to probably rest it for a bit, so he made reservation at the Sunnybank for a few nights.   After breakfast I went to the outfitters to get a compression sack for my sleeping bag. Then back to the Inn for a nap...yummy! After my nap I was off to the tavern to a huge Cobb salad for lunch. While sitting on their patio I was able to watch the Easter Parade go down the street!Then back to the Inn to get my pack ready to leave in the morning. Another wonderful dinner prepared by Elmer. After dinner I spent some time with Bear Bag and Isn't Black. Bear Bag showed us a video he had put together with music, that included snippets of his hike from Springer. Isn't Black, who is from Germany was playing the harmonica in one of the videos. That reminded me so much of my Dad! In bed by 8pm!
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter Everyone!OK, that was a crazy long walk from Hot Springs. And beginning of the hike from town was super steep. It was a nice hike today, but quite intense. Lots of steep ups, and it just seemed to be a never-ending day. I finally was able to get a weak cell phone signal, and was able to call Darrell, Tina and Annette, to wish them a Happy Easter. I had called Ron and Irene and Armie last evening. So everyone knows that I am OK, and still hiking!!
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 8.6

The BEST part of today was seeing Ron waiting for me at Devil Fork Gap!!! I was headed down into the gap, and let out a whoot at soon as I saw him. He was busy doing trail magic, and scores of hikers were sprawled out on the grassy embankment taking full advantage of the soda, beer, chocolate milk, and snacks that he had for them. Soon we were headed for the campground where he had parked the camper. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Beauty Spot
Miles today: 2.3

The weather forecast called for lightening and thunderstorms for today. It was raining when I woke up, so I checked the weather forecast again, and still it said lightening. That is one thing I do not like, so I went back to sleep. When I woke up a few hours later I found the day to be a bit overcast, but no rain, or lightening. So I decided to at least hike a few miles, which is why you see such a paltry number of miles hiked today. After the short hike Ron suggested that we go into Johnson City, to the outfitters, to see if they had hiking shorts/pants for me. They did, and while in town we re-visited Cookie Brown's restaurant, and had an awesome lunch!
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Beauty Spot

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: moderate rain

The day started out foggy and a bit windy again. The fog slowly subsided as I approached Unaka Mountain. The profile map made this mountain look a lot worse than it actually was. I really enjoyed climbing this mountain. Wonderful switch-backs made the ascent fairly easy, and the surprise waiting at the top was really cool. As I crested the mountain I entered the most wonderful, dense spruce forest. It was wonderfully dim in the forest, and the trail bed was a dense carpet of pine needles. The wind did not invade this wonderful scene, and I took my time walking through the trees. Once I exited the spruce forest, I was surrounded by a sea of small Christmas trees! The colors now were a bright green and very lively looking. What great fun! Before I knew it I had hiked the 9.5 miles, and found Ron waiting for me at Iron Mountain Gap. I really do love seeing him at the start, and end of the hiking day, and also I love going back to the campground and camper for a great night's sleep on a bed! I know I can't slack pack this entire trail, but I do love taking advantage of the privilege when I can. Thanks Ron!!
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Carvers Gap

To: Hughes Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I hiked from Carvers Gap, over Roan Mountain, to Hughes Gap. It was very, very blustery, and cold when we got to Carvers Gap. I quickly got ready and got hiking. I was blocked from the wind as soon as I got into the woods. It was a really nice hike up Roan Mountain. This is the last time the AT climbs above 6,000 ft., until Mt. Washington in NH. I did not have much of a view on the hike since clouds had moved in, but it was still pretty on the trail. I passed a chimney with a fireplace as I neared the top of the mountain, and when I got to the top I was able to see part of the foundation of the Cloudland Hotel. This was quite a posh hotel in the 1800's. There was an interpretive sign where the hotel had been located. Very cool. The hike down the mountain was worse than the climb. It was quite steep at times. The day had turned warm and sunny as I descended the mountain, and I was sure happy to see trail angel Ron at Hughes Gap because I really needed a chocolate milk after that descent.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Carvers Gap

To: Bradley Gap
Miles today: 8.5

Another very, very windy day on the trail. I started at Carvers Gap in wind gusts that were strong, and very cold. I had to climb over a few balds and the wind was knocking me around a bit. My plan was to stay at Overmountain Shelter tonight. Overmountain Shelter is actually a big red barn, that had been used as a backdrop for the movie "Winter People". That was the plan..... until... I heard the the Boy Scouts were going to be there. I wondered "How bad can that be?". Well, apparently there were quite a few scouts already on the trail, and they were headed to the barn. I got to the barn at noon, and soon was lying on a great expanse of grass by the barn. The barn is located at the top of a huge ravine, and the wind was blowing right up that ravine. Even at noon I was a bit chilly at this location. So while having my lunch I made a decision to move on, and find a campsite for the night. Between the wind, and the Boy Scouts I felt I needed to spend the night in another location.The hike away from this location, and up Little Hump Mountain was very steep! It took some time for me to crest Little Hump, and as I did.... what did I see ahead of me? Hump Mountain!!!! It was huge. A huge, huge big, bald mountain. That is what I will be climbing tomorrow. Oh dear!Anyhow, about 3 miles from the barn, I found a lovely campsite (at the base of Hump Mountain), in Bradley Gap. I set up camp, and shortly was joined by a young couple (Zae and Shazz)who were thru-hiking. A dad and his daughter followed, and then a few others arrived after I was already tucked into my tent for the night. It seems that a good number of people left the barn because the whole area was packed.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Bradley Gap

To: TN Rt 19E
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

This was the last day of my 185 mile section hike from Newfound Gap in the Smoky's, to Route 19E in Tennessee, and I will have to admit that it was probably the most difficult.The day started with the climb up and over Hump Mountain. The 0.9 mile hike to the top of the mountain was made in in very strong winds. Some of the other hikers estimated that the gusts were at least 35 mph. And I will tell you... it was gusting most of the time. The wind almost blew me over a few times, and my hiking poles were flying horizontal in front of me. Finally, I got to the top, and took a well-deserved rest, talking with other hikers. The hike down the other side of the mountain started well, as I hiked the other side of the bald, but things changed as soon as I entered the wooded part of the mountain. Rocks, rocks and boulders. Took me forever to go what seemed like at least one mile down the rocks and boulders. That ended once I got to Doll Flats, where this picture was taken. The trail was kind to me after this section. The weather was sunny and hot, and the wildflowers along the mountainsides were beautiful.So..... I have now finished the AT down south!!!! Since I started this adventure in 2009 I have hiked 1,298 miles of the AT. I plan to hike the rest of the miles I have left in PA this summer. Thank you to everyone who has been following me on Trail Journals, it is great to have you along on my adventure!!
Date: 2013-03-21
To: The first entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

With the exception of one or two items, my last gear review looked pretty good. Pack weight (with 5 days food, 2 days water) is right around 35 pounds. Sounds heavy, but that's winter gear weight, more food than I'll carry normally, and every bell and whistle I could think of. I'm sure I'll trim off a couple pounds here and there as I do my shake-down hikes. Also, I'm a big guy (6'2", 270 lbs), and I've been training with a 45 pound pack for about 4 months now.I'm planning a few overnights in the Adirondaks for this spring/summer/fall to put everything (myself included) to the test. I'm also planning on making it to Trail Days in Damascus to get a chance to talk to the current crop of thru-hikers. I look forward to any comments/suggestions as my departure date (2/2014) nears.
Date: 2013-03-22
To: Trail Name
Miles today: 0.0

Thought I'd throw an entry here to explain how I came to choose "Thunderbolt" as my trail name. My nickname is Thor. No, I do not look like the Marvel Comics version. My looks run more toward the Scottish side of my heritage. I was given that nickname many years ago by a friend who was a huge Stan Lee fan. I like it as a nickname, but didn't want to use it as a trail name. So... Thunderbolt. Also, when I first started planning to thru-hike, a friend was going to do it with me. Being small of stature, she was going to be "Lightfoot." Any Clint Eastwood/Jeff Bridges fans out there?
Date: 2013-03-27
To: Gettin' ready
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Made my reservation at Amicalola Lodge for Feb. 25 - 27, 2014. My sister is going to fly down to Atlanta with me, where we'll rent a car for any last minute stuff. She'll be meeting me at Katahdin, so it'll be nice to see her at the beginning and end of my hike. This also gives me the option of skipping the 8 mile approach hike if I choose to. Haven't decided on that one yet...Oddly enough, all the room descriptions for the lodge say, "mountain view." Considering the location of the lodge, I should think it would be hard to find a room without a "mountain view."I've decided to use two packs: my Alpine Lowe 90 for the start of my hike, and then switch to the smaller Marmot Odin 50+ for warmer weather. Given my start date of February 27, I'll be packing my winter gear, which means more bulk. I know the 90 is overkill for the trail, but I've hiked quite a bit with it and know how not to over pack it.
Date: 2013-05-21
To: Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I apologize to any readers for the lack of posts over the past couple of months. In addition to doing as many training hikes in Mendon Pond as possible, the rest of life has kept me busy as well. Yet another reason to look forward to the trail... I made it down to Trail Days in Damascus, VA. There was a bit more of a "festival" atmosphere for my taste, so I left Friday evening. I wasn't there for the unfortunate accident during the parade, but my thoughts and prayers go out to those who were injured.I will be trying out a new hammock system in the next few months; a Hennessey Hammock. With practice, set up and take down should be able to be achieved in under 1 minute, with the hammock never touching the ground. Also, it's design allows the user to sleep diagonally, relieving the stress on the lower back when one ends up in the "banana boat" position. I'll keep you posted.I met with my cousin Bill, who lived near the trail for many years, and had more than one conversation with Earl Schaffer. I gained a great deal of insight and knowledge from him, and look forward to my next visit, where I'll be showing him my gear. When he hiked, canvas was the wonder material! (Of course, you also had to watch out for T-Rex, and they were just laying down the stuff to make oil - Just kidding, CB). I admit, I feel a little spoiled with my tech gear...I'll post more (I promise!) as I test gear and such. Don't forget to sign my guestbook, and e-mail me if you'd like. I'd like to hear from others starting in 2014.