morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-08
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Burnington Gap - Aquone Hostel
Miles today: 14.6

Had a fair nights sleep but woke around 6:00 and couldn't sleep. I laid around until 7:15 since I felt tired and out of sorts. Didn't feel bad but just didn't feel good. I have been coughing a few days now and think a chest cold is setting in. Was all packed and ready when Ron Havens arrived at 9:00 to return 5 hikers to the trail. He dropped us back at Winding Stair Gap and we were hiking by 9:30. The trail started up right past a nice waterfall within first few hundred feet of road. The trail climbs consistently about1200' over the next 4 miles to Siler Bald. It was a cloudy cool day that helped motivate your climbing. I really rolled along considering I didn't feel right. I covered the first 6 miles in about 2.5 hours. I decided to call new hostel in Aquone run by Wiggie, a 2010 thru, and his wife Maggie to see if there was any space for today. I was in luck and happy to have made the decision. Listen to the body. The hostel is a beautiful log home with full kitchen, dining area and common area with tv, sofa and chairs. It is one of the nicest hostels I have ever stayed at. Because Wiggie is a hiker, he knows what hikers want and need. He picks up at Wayah, Burnington and Tellico Gaps. Maggie is a great cook and made a cottage pie that filled 4 hungry hikers. I just hope the rest and food will get me back to normal quickly. I am hoping to be in Fontana Dam Sunday.
Date: 2012-03-09
From: Burnington Gap - Aquone Hostel

To: NOC
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

I was dropped off at gap around 10:00 to cool and still cloudy morning. The trail was a little slippery from the rain the night before. Got some great pics from the Wesser Bald Tower. The fog was just lifting out of the valleys nd it was just a fantastic 360 deg view. The sun finally came out and the day instantly warmed. The last 5 or 6 miles were all downhill I had to be very careful with so many slippery roots and rocks. Coming around one tree I caught one of the slippery roots and wound up sliding about 10 feet down the hill on my butt. Nothing hurt but my pride. I got into NOC sometime after 4:00 and got a room for the night. Unfortunately my heel has been hurting consistently today. I felt it every single step. I may wind up taking a zero to make sure I have no problems heading into the Smokies.
Date: 2012-03-12
From: Fontana Dam - The Hike Inn

To: Fontana Dam - The Hike Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a nice dinner yesterday in Robbinsville with Yogi and Spider @ Laury's. Nice local restaurant. Decided last night that a day off would be nice before hitting smokies. Nancy and Jeff have been busy with hikers but today is quiet. Slept good and will try to get another good nights sleep. Tomorrow an early start to Smokies.
Date: 2012-03-13
From: Fontana Dam - The Hike Inn

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Last night met up with Rambler for dinner at the Mexican restaurant in Robbinsville. I had met him last year in Damascus and he is out doing a warmup for a hike out west. He had his car so he drove us to the dam this morning so we could start at first light around 7:45. You start at 1700' at the dam and ascend to 3800' at the Shuckstack fire tower. The walk across the dam was beautiful with many clouds rising out of the low areas nearby. Upon passing the park sign it began to rain. It was an on and off rain for the first couple of hours making for a socked in firetower with no views. As I crossed to the other side of the mountain a cool breeze came up the hill. The raincoat was on for the longhaul. Around 11:30 the sun came out for about 10 minutes and I thought the rain was gone. One more dose of rain hit before finally clearing out around noon. I was laboring all day not because of getting tired but because my left heel hurt every step today again. I finally got to Mollies Ridge Shelter around 1:45 for lunch and water. I considered staying but decided to go on. Lathered on the sunscreen and put on some bug spray for all the knats out today. It was 2.5 to Russell Field and another 2.9 to Spence Field Shelter, my goal for the night. It was a slow muddy treck over these last miles. I was very tired and had to really push hard to keep moving. I got to Russell Field around 4:00 and just sat around for a quick rest before continuing. I left around 4:15 and after a continuous climb and descent and minor climb I arrived at Spence Field Shelter at 5:40. I was so tired but happy to finally be home for the night. Lots of groups out for spring break. Must be 12 students and 3 thrus here in shelter. 8:40, I'm in my bag and off to sleep.
Date: 2012-03-14
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Was on the trail a little before 8:00. It was cool but still in mid 40's. It was clear when leaving the shelter but the clouds moved in quickly. I was up Rocky Top in about 45 min and Thunderhead 20 minutes later. All day the trail just went up and down and all day my energy level seemed to be at zero. I just couldn't move uphill, stopping frequently on every uphill, and felt like I was in slow motion on downhills. It made for a real long day. I reached Derrick Knob Shelter at 11:50. I got water, ate lunch and tried to motivate myself for the next 7 miles. Easier said than done. I can't remember the last time I was so sluggish. I pushed on and after many ups and downs and many breaks made the Siler Bald Shelter at 4:00. I knew that getting here left only 1.9 to my destination of Double Springs Shelter. I finally made it at 5:00 which was my best all day. Tomorrow is a big climb up Clingman's Dome. 1200' over 3 miles then some ups and downs rest of day. Hopefully I can get my legs back. Overall a very tough day but I made it and that's all I care about right now.
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a nice blue sky with the moon still visible as I started hiking around 7:40. Almost immediately upon leaving I heard thunder but far away. The trail was up for the first 3 miles to Clingman's Dome. The thunder has been increasing as I climbed but it was a slow moving storm. I figured that it might turn away since it was so slow developing. I got to the Dome at 9:03, took a picture from the trail and hurried to.lower ground as it began to rain at 9:07. It was only sprinkling for about 20 minutes but the thunder was almost overhead. I kept moving until it became a steady rain. I put on the rain gear and continued on downhill. The rain was making an already muddy trail muddier. It wasn't until I was down around the Mt Collins Shelter turnoff at 11:00 that it cleared into a beautiful day. It was very comfortable hiking in a short sleeve shirt. I was going to go to shorts but there was so much mud on the trail I figured it was better on the pants than me. I arrived at Newfound Gap at about 1:30 feeling much better than the last 2 days. I sat down, ate lunch and watched what was.close to 100 people enjoy the nice weather. I still had 3 miles until I was home for the night so I decided to get moving about 2:00. It is a continuous climb out of the gap but I moved right on up. I was tired when I for to the shelter at 3:30 but happy my former legs had returned. This is when I like to get into camp. I got cleaned up a bit, my clothes dry and snacked on extra food. I ate dinner early since it looked like rain was coming. It has been thundering with nasty clouds swerling overhead for last 2 hours with nothing more than a 2-3 minute sprinkle. Not sure what to expect other than I will probably be asleep by 8:30 again tonight.
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

The thunder that has been sounding off all day yesterday finally got it's act together for one giant barage of storms last night. Thunder finally met lightning and brought the rains around 9:00. They were mild downpours followed by a few minutes of peace before a new onslaught of storms. A big storm hit around 11:00 that lit up the shelter, whipped the tarps on the front like crazy and dropped more rain than normal on the shelter roof. It was hard sleeping through the noise, not only the thunder & lightning, but the hail beating on the metal roof. The rain probably stopped around 2:00 and the strong winds had blown all the water off the trees by morning. The sky was clear as I was ready to leave Ice Water Spring Shelter at 7:30. However, there was a beautiful red hue in the eastern sky. I had to stay and watch the great sunrise. It was just the start of a perfect weather morning. The trail was like a river but it was the nicest hiking day so far. The whole trail was a wonderland with many great photos taken for memories. That is not to say this was an easy day. Far from it. There were many small ups and downs that wore me down as time went on. I began the day at 5900' and ended it at 5900'. A lot of work in between. By noon I had 7.5 miles. The weather that was picture perfect started the same old cloudy threatening rain as yesterday. Luckily I made the TriCorner Knob Shelter by 3:00. I saw many birds, hawks, squirrels and grouse today. I also took some pictures of pockets of pea sized hail that was along the trail in various places from last night. I know I felt warm from hiking but it obviously must have been much cooler in these spots for the hail still to be around as late as 1:30 today. Overall a great day. I'm tired but full and relaxing in a dry shelter as it is once again being pelted with rain and maybe hail.
Date: 2012-03-17
From: Tricorner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was another night of heavy thunderstorms with heavy rainfall. It was so nice to be in a shelter with only a few other people where you can spread out and keep all wet things separated. Earlier this week the spring breakers were packing shelters to capacity. I am in a thruhiker hole right now. There was only one at Tricorner Knob last night and about 7 others at standing bear tonight. This morning started much like the last two, beautiful. I was up early in hopes of going all the way to Standing Bear Farm. I left the shelter with headlight on in the dark at 7:00. The trail went up for a few hundred feet over next mile. It was not too bad but the rain from last night made every step a water hazzard. I literally was walking in a small stream every step for hundreds of feet at a time. The trail was rocky so if you rock hopped you could keep your feet out of the water. Needless to say I am a good rock hopper but I occasionally miss one or slide off it and wind up with wet feet. There were only a few climbs of 500' with the majority of the mileage downhill. That's not to say it was easy. I was very tired coming downhill the last mile and when the stream overflowed the rocks across the water, I didn't take time to change shoes. I just walked across the three overflow water crossings in my hiking shoes. It felt so good after 17 miles to soak the feet. If I had more than the mile to do I probably would have changed into Crocs instead of wetting the shoes. It felt great to get to the hostel by 3:15 and get a shower after being without one for the 5 days in the Smokies. Little things are so nice. Tomorrow taking a zero.
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Started out as soon as it got light climbing 2800' over next 5 miles to the top of Snowbird Mountain with it FAA tower. I was hot and sweaty already and it was only 10:30. The trail went down fairly quick to the turnoff for the Groundhog Creek Shelter, which I took since I needed a rest, water,and something to eat. After a short break I was on my way. Left heal is still bothering me and did its best to annoy me the rest of the day. The trail climbed 900' over next 2 miles but the last few tenths up Hawks Roost really is a killer. I was so glad to be up this peak that I forgot the other side coming down is much the same. Fast and furious. Finally down I was getting very tired. The heat has been coming on strong and just zapping my energy. The legs did finally get going as the trail began a somewhat more graded climb up Max Patch. The bald is very nice but I only wanted to get to the shelter to get out of my boots and relax. It was a trying day but one day closer to my next goal of Hot Springs. Off to bed early.
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

I was up early and on the trail around 7:30. The trail rolls smoothly downhill for about 4 miles, which is just enough to get the blood flowing before the 700' climb over next mile of Walnut Mountain. Just over the top is the shelter where I can take a break right on the trail. The sun had been up strong and early this morning. There was no benefit of a cloudy morning as the past few days. I loaded up with a full liter after going down the long hill for water. The trail dropped 500' over next half mile then climbed the last big cllmb of the day, Bluff Mountain. The climb was consistent and not as bad as anticipated. I was ties once on tip but it was downhill for next 4 miles to Garenflo Gap. The last couple miles had some climbs that just started to wear on me due to being tired and drained by the sun. It was great to finally see the shelter.
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Hot Springs 
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

A beautiful morning. I really had trouble sleeping due to the warm night (50 degrees) and too heavy a sleeping bag (15 degree). I tossed and turned all night trying to find the right comfort level even though my bag was unzipped all the way. That will be resolved shortly when I check in at Elmer's where I should have a package waiting with my 30 degree bag. Just finished breakfast at Smokie Mountain Diner and plan to get showered and relax today. Probably take a zero tomorrow. Right now don't feel like doing all the town things that need to be done. It is already close to 70 and is supposed to be in 80's again today. I just have to acclimate to this heat a lot earlier than normal. I will be mailing back my heavy sleeping bag and long underware, but have plenty of warm clothes in the event of future cold or subfreezing weather.
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Hot Springs 

To: Tanyard Gap - Hot Springs
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

It was a nice morning so decided to hop up to the trail for a short 5+ mile hike that will take some of the pressure off my heal. I started right after breakfast and was back in town by noon. I can get back tomorrow morning to the top of the hill and go from there. I'm going to try slower days for next week and see how it goes. I've worked out a plan to keep my daily mileage under 15 mi for next week. Yesterday after getting cleaned up I managed to get wash done and food bought for next section up to Edwin between feedings. Elmer's Sunnybank Inn is a beautiful Victorian building with all it's 1800 character. There are many original fixtures, woodwork and lighting that makes for a great experience. The porches are a great place to relax and that I did as I planned my next section. I just weighed myself and I am down 12 pounds over these first 22 days. And The Biggest Loser think they have a weight loss plan. Maybe they should take the contestants for a walk. A long walk. Actually half of what I lost is ok since I had some to spare but I will be watching it close over next 200 miles. I figure I have another 20 to loose over next 1900 miles. Stay tuned.
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Tanyard Gap - Hot Springs

To: Firescald Gap
Miles today: 18.8

Had breakfast in town then got a ride up to Tanyard Gap around 8:15. The next 2+ miles climbed 1400' to the Rich Mountain fire tower. The mountain was cloudy so I did not go over to tower. The trail rolled along fairly well from there past the Spring Mountain Shelter to Allen Gap and then starts up again. At Log Cabin Rd I debated going to the hostel but wanted to get some good miles in. Three miles of uphill climbing I was at the Little Laurel Shelter. It was still around 3:00 so I figured I was feeling good so I could go on to next shelter which was 6.5 miles away. This is a time I should have stayed put. I began getting very tired and the climb got a little steaper over next mile. The trail really levelled out after that but I was wearing down. The clouds were getting thick and the wind was picking up. I decided to camp just below firescald knob. I no sooner stopped and it began raining. I hurried to get tent up and equipment inside before everything for wet. I just got it all together and it began to downpour. I ate peanut butter crackers for dinner and was asleep before 7:00. There isn't much to do when confined to a tent. Overall a good day, not a smart day. Foot is still hurting and today's mileage didn't help. One more decent day and I can take it easy for next 3 days into Erwin.
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Firescald Gap

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Since I went to bed early and slept well in my 30 degree bag I was up before 5:00 and couldn't sleep. It had rained a fair amount during the night so I got everything together and packed before exiting the tent. I packed up, ate a breakfast bar and was on my way before 6:00. I rolled by the Jerry Cabin Shelter in a half hour, saw a tent but didn't hear anything so kept going. It was just starting to get light. The trail climbed about 600' over next 1.5 miles to the top of Big Butt Mountain. The next couple of mile were relatively flat until the mountain finally decided to descend. It was a big drop into Flint Gap then a short hard climb out up to the shelter. It was a little after 10:00 so I filled my water and had a quick snack before heading on. I was warm at different times this morning when it looked as if it would clear, however, whenever I hit one side of the mountain, the wind would make it feel 10 degrees cooler. It has been drizzling off and on all morning but now it started to rain a little heavier requiring pack cover and raincoat. At this point the raincoat felt good because it kept the wind off and kept the heat in. The next few miles to Devil Fork Gap were really nice and I was feeling good. However, on the other side of gap the trail naturally goes up and I started getting a little warm. With the rain and breeze I couldn't take of the jacket so it was one of those uncomfortable times when you choose the lesser of two evils. I finally got to the Hogback Ridge Shelter around 4:00. I was tired, cold, and my heal was hurting. I got water which is .2 miles away and changed out my clothes for dry ones. It took at least an hour until I could finally warm my hands and feels my thumbs. There were 5 in the shelter and 4 in tents. Slowing down for next 3 days. Heal needs some rest.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 2.4

It had rained during the night again. Not extreme but decently for a few hours. I woke once around 5:00 and saw stars filling the sky. I hadn't gotten back to sleep yet when I saw some bright flashes. I went back to sleep and woke around 6:00 where it was still lightning regularly. So I laid around for another half hour to see what weather would bring. There was no real change so I got up, packed up everything and was eating breakfast when the thunder, lightning and hail hit. Luckily I was dry in the shelter as the heavy rains followed for another 15 minutes them steady rain for another half hour. It was finally around 8:00 when I left the shelter. I had both raincoat and rainpants on. One of.those rare moments that I wear rainpants. They kept me warm since I only had a few hundred foot climb before the descent into Sam's Gap. It was clearing into a nice day but my heal had been aggrevated by the last few days and was killing me at every.step. I decided to thumb into Erwin from there and then worry about these miles later. I saw another hiker, spider, who had visited friends in Ashville for a day and was returning to the trail. They had missed the turn back about 6 miles to get him to Devils Fork Gap. His misfortune turned into a 6 mile ride for me. I got out when he turned and 2 minutes later 2 fisherman offered me a ride another few miles. I put out my thumb and was picked up by another local who dropped me right at Uncle Johnny's hostel. It was just so nice that people are so willing to give a lift to a stranger. I got a.cabin for two days and will decide what I will do.
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Sam's Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

I managed to get a ride back to Sam's Gap from a scout parent who was heading there to await 7 boys who were out for weekend. The only problem with this whole plan was that it was raining heavily from the middle of the night right through this mornings 7:00 meeting time. I was on the trail by 7:25 fully decked out in rainwear as it had not let up in hours. I had been hoping on the ride that it would stop around 8:00 as it had yesterday. I was comfortable, as far as warmth went, but a little ticked at myself for not just sitting this one out. The first little hump out of the gap had me down, huffing and puffing and kicking myself for my decision. I had my pack but all the heavy nonessential items had been left at the hostel. I probably had 10 lbs, so after warming up the long 3 mile climb up Big Bald was not bad at all. Unfortunately all the effort and there was no view. At the top it was still raining and the moisture cut visibility to little more than the trail. I stopped at the shelter for a quick snack and it was only a little after 10:00. The rain was just about stopped by the time I left shelter. It has been cooler in the 40's the last few mornings so it is hard to stop for too long or you wind up cold. I moved on. Just when I thought the rain was done it started again. The next few miles were predominately downhill except for a few little quick bumps. I got down to Spivey Gap around 1:00 or a little after. I got a ride out of the gap in about 20 minutes up to near the interstate where the driver was going. This left about 4 miles to the hostel. In another 20 minutes I was at the hostel after another ride from a local fisherman. Trout is big around here now. Got a shower and can't wait until the 6:00 dinner shuttle to town. Heal was not too bad today. May check out some other inserts when in town tonight.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Spivey Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 10.7

It was a beautiful day and I just caught up on all the town chores. Washed all the dirty clothes including raincoat that has harbored a rotten smell the last few rainy days. Naturally that smell got there from me. Luckily the rainpamts were not the same fermented funk so I had something to wear while washing just about every other item of clothes I had with me. I made sure that I got another shower before putting on these newly purified items of comfort. If I would have walk out of town today, anyone passing me would surely think I was just out for the day or an extended weekend. I smell too good to be one a them thru hikers. It's kind of a joke among hikers that they try to guess the smells of deodorants, soaps or fabric softeners of the people who pass us in the woods. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, we never get any feedback as to fragrances given off by us. Anyway, it always good to be clean and dry. Last night was able to visit a Walmart and pickup some different inserts for my shoes. I need to give something a try to get rid of this heal pain. I feel great in all other areas. The car can be in the best mechanical condition but it doesn't drive too well with a flat tire. I am hoping that in conjunction with less miles it will feel better and heal. Heal the heel. This section which would normally take 7-8 days to Damascus will probably take 9-10 unless I get the flat fixed early. Anyway, plan to hit one of the Mexican restaurants tonight for dinner, get to bed early and hit the trail in the morning. Already have everything organised so it will take only 5 minutes to pack it all up and be on my way.