morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-02-27
From: Trail Chef's House

To: Trail Chef's House
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It was a time to rest at Trail Chef's house. One more time to speak with his wife, Judy. A time to update trailjournals with entries and photos. Finally got time to respond to a number of great people who signed in my journal page with info and best wishes. A trip to tweak gear. More fantastic meals - yes, I am spoiled. Subman, Suds, and I return to the trail in the morning. The weather should be good. I'll update as I am able. Hope you are having a great day.
Date: 2016-02-29
From: USFS 69 Meadow

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.9

First - Happy Birthday to Rickey Haley, who turns 7 today. He is serving in the Navy. Yes, he's a special guy - my son's best friend and college roommate. And yes, Ricky is a leap-year baby. Our country could not have someone better than Ricky in its service. I've met many veterans through the AT and they are all impressive. Thanks to all who are serving now or have previously served.Today was another near perfect weather day. The views were phenomenal. A couple were what Beth and I refer to as "Greylock" views in recognition of our first mouth-dropping experience at Massachsetts' Mt. Greylock when we saw where we had been from a distance and just could not believe that we had hiked from there a relatively short time ago. Today's first such moment came at Wayah Bald Stone Tower when Subman pointed to Siler Bald, where I just hiked from yesterday. Then Suds told me that inside the Tower were two maps that identified numerous peaks that might be visible. Using one map, Albert Mountain and Standing Indian Mountain could be seen. Off in the distance was Clingmans Dome that I hope to hike to next week. Later in the day, Subman identified the Wesser Bald Observation Tower and said we'd be there in about one hour. It is simply amazing. The blue blaze trail to Rocky Bald made me work but the work was more than paid off by that location's views. It seemed that some camp there so give this spot a thought. There were a number of great stealth camping spots during today's hike. Campers in this area shouldn't feel the need to tent only near the shelters. But if you want to shelter - the Cold Spring Shelter is literally right on the AT. This shelter is small but looks so inviting, given its log-cabin construction. There were so many options today that I could easily see spending extra time here in order to optimize the experience.Speaking of taking time. We passed Rookie today. He began his southbound thru-hike on July 13, 2015. He has less than 200 miles to go. He looked so happy as we briefly heard about his journey.The comments on the sign-in page stopped me in my tracks today with me wanting to comment on two of them. Rock Boat - I so appreciate your feedback. I can only hope to successfully come through a rain test like you did. David - your references to "Hook" made me laugh out loud and I shared them with my hiking bubble today that consisted of Subman & Suds and Big Cypress & Moonbeam (the really nice couple from Florida who write in trailjournals as "Two Peas".Another incredible day. There was little time thinking reflectively because there was so much good discussion on the AT as we leap-frogged, or stopped to take in the sites, or had a break together. Subman has been here many times and said the visibility available today was as good as he's seen it. I was here today. I got to take it in with fellow hikers who made it all the more special.
Date: 2016-03-02
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Trail Chef's House
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Am taking a zero day today following yesterday's somewhat exhausting hike. The intent is to avoid multiple cold nights and hopefully set up mostly good weather days for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Observations from this very limited hiker's experience include:Associate and surround yourself with hikers that you think you'll like to get to know;"Be flexible and take advantages of changing your gear as you realize changes are needed;Carry extra "batteries because you don't know if you'll start your hiking day before dawn or hike past sunset and neither is a time to lack light;Don't panic when uncertainty creeps in and have confidence that you will find that next white blaze or a sign that you are on the right path;Experienced hikers are incredibly helpful and willing to pass along helpful info;Food drop boxes are helpful but, if you are like me, be prepared to mail home far more than you ever imagined;Keep dry clothing available for use at the end of your hiking day so that you can quickly get warm after you're no longer generating heat as you hike;Laugh at yourself and share that laughter with others as everyone enjoys having fun while overcoming challenges;Outfitters know of options to overcome challenges - just explain the problem as clearly as you can;Place your loaded backpack in a shopping cart and use a hand carrier to be aware of the weight and volume of your purchases that will soon be on your back;Sit down when taking a break and resist the urge to hike non-stop to obtain more miles;Take time to speak with trail angels as they love to relive their hiking days and have stories that will increase your desire to continue so that you can create your own stories;Weather reports like atweather.org are very helpful.News from the AT includes:I'm told that Tyler now goes by the trail name of "Rusty" to fulfill his dad's desire to give him that name when he was born - Tyler's last name is "Pots" or "Potts" so while his mother won out originally his dad finally got "Rusty Pots";A couple hikers told me they heard of a hiker who had to get off the AT because of a broken finger - I was happy to tell them that I am still hiking. So much yet to learn and fortunately so many more days to learn it.
Date: 2016-03-03
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana 28 AT Crossing, Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail Chef drove us back to Stecoah Gap and we were back on the AT by 8:15. This may be the last time I see Trail Chef so today's goodbye was more meaningful than previous times. Jacob's Ladder greeted us with a substantial climb but our fresh legs and stomachs full of good food enabled us to overcome it in much better shape than I could ever imagine. Our luck with the weather continues as we had sun instead of the forecasted rain. I think we've had sun for some portion of every day that we've hiked. I was feeling good this morning and hiked solo until Subman, Suds, and I were briefly united at Cable Gap Shelter. Whereas Jacob's Ladder wasn't a struggle, I found the climb immediately after Cable Gap Shelter to be a real challenge. The weather and trail also became a challenge in the afternoon. The morning's sun was replaced by varying types of snow - sometimes lightly falling snow flakes, to flurries, to flurries with some wind that made it uncomfortable, and finally to a wet snow that made for slippery conditions on leaves, roots, and rocks. For the first time in daylight I had a difficult time being able to stay on the AT. The wet snow seemed to erase the trail's path. Fortunately this only lasted for a few hundred yards but I did have to go backwards a few yards in order to walk past each of the AT's white blazes. Today's 14 miles seemed easy in comparison to hiking similar mileage in recent days. It's possible that my "hiker legs" are starting to develop which would help with some challenging hikes coming in the Smoky Mountains. The picture with today's entry was a real stunner. Beautiful wood seats were found miles from AT access points. Maybe there are ways to easily get here other than the AT because otherwise it would take a decent hike to reach them. I just know I enjoyed them. Another picture included in today's photos was a somewhat magical series of rim-iced trees. I wish I was a better photographer because the white ice clinging to a swath of trees for a mile or more while being surrounded on both sides by trees with no ice was perplexing in a fantasy sort of way. I really didn't care how or why this unique setting existed I just wanted to keep taking it in.
Date: 2016-03-04
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing, Fontana Dam, NC

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today seemed harder than just 12.6 miles. The sun just couldn't seem to break through except for brief moments. The trail leaving Fontana Dam was dry and provided good footing. Our entrance into Great Smoky Mountain National Park had us believing that the afternoon might find us hiking in a t-shirt. Today's hike had us climb 2800 feet to tonight's 4586 foot elevation. With the higher elevation came changes in the snow. Snow wasn't on the trail, then it appeared, then it became slushy, and then it became crunchy as it got colder with the higher elevation.The visual highlights today came before the Shuckstack Fire Tower and then from the upper steps of the tower. The Shuckstack Fire Tower is .1 mile off the AT. It is identified in AWOL's Guide but isn't marked with a blue blaze like so many other interesting side trips off the AT. I loaded a few pictures from the tower and recommend it if you are hiking here on a clear day. My climb of the tower today was challenging because each step and each of the tower's handrails were coated with a thin layer of ice. But I made it up and down without a mishap and thought the views were well worth the effort.I caught up with Subman and Suds about 1-2 miles before Mollies Ridge Shelter. It was before 3:00 but Suds and I were cold as we had continued to climb in shorts today. Hiking generates so much heat that shorts can be worn comfortably in 30 degree weather. Campers are required to stay in shelters in Great Smoky Mountain National Park because of the park's bear population. There are more bears here than anywhere else in the U.S. except Alaska. As the afternoon continued more hikers arrived. First to arrive were "The Itailians", who separately are Papa Wolf and Halmi (Halmi is one of their 15 grandchildren's shortened version of the Korean word for "grandmother". He is ex-Army Special Forces. They both seem real nice. Next was Matt Briggs, who I first met at Hiker Hostel before my first day on the AT. Matt is ex-Army too. At the hostel, he explained that he was really in to the blues. He's just accepted the trail name of "Blues Brother". Happy to see him again. As the night has gone on more have arrived. I think this 12-person shelter may even be full. We're at Mile 177.3 seemingly way ahead of the bubble.   Tennessee shelters have "toilet areas" instead of privies at the shelters so tomorrow morning could be an "interesting walk in the park".
Date: 2016-03-05
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

The morning hike couldn't have been better. Snow was sparkling everywhere in the warm sunshine. The new experience today was rim-ice showers. Rim ice fell from trees like rain showers. And that became the problem. The firm trail became icy slush again. My trailrunners were soaked with no chance of getting dry. Descents became treacherous so the hiking that moved quickly in the morning slowed in the afternoon. Rocky Top was today's visual highlight. Views in all directions. Must admit that I realize I am spoiled with the recent ability to see 360 degree views on a daily basis.Judy Johnson sent me the following "What is an AT hiker's favorite day of the year? March 4th - get it?Subman provided the tip of the day. First thing in the morning and need to go to the bathroom? Hike south to do your business. Hikers leaving the shelter go north so you don't want to go there. The "toilet area" is disgusting. Nobody is hiking in to your shelter from the south so that's the place with the most privacy.I'm at Mile 189.3 tonight. 2000 miles to go!
Date: 2016-03-07
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Just a short hike today because we needed to resupply in Gatlinburg. The 6 of us - Subman & Suds, the Italians (Papa Wolf & Halmi), Blues Brother, and me - all started hiking before 7:00 and were done around 9:00. The plan was to call for a shuttle at Newfound Gap but the shuttle wouldn't arrive until 10:30 and we had all envisioned finishing breakfast by then so it was time to hitch a ride. Subman's initial effort didn't result in a ride because the couple was driving in the opposite direction. So since the couple couldn't provide a ride, they stopped, opened their trunk, and gave Subman a bag full of snacks. Subman has talent! Still needing a ride, Papa'Wolf approached a slow moving camper that had stopped to take in the views at Newfound Gap. Excitement ensued with the news that 4 could jump in. Then a few minutes later came the news that 2 more could be fit in so the 6 of us were all on our way to Gatlinburg together. The fascinating part of this journey were our drivers - Geoff & Annette Wiadrowski from Australia. The Wiadrowskis left Australia 3 months ago to begin their 40,000 mile, 11 month tour of the United States. Funny how it's become roitine for people to ask us about our journey and here we find ourselves talking to a couple who are underway with their own incredible adventure. They were amused by our plans. Annette giggled at the idea of sprouting angel wings when she heard that she and her husband were trail angels since they were providing us trail magic in the form of their driving us 15 miles in to Gatlinburg. The picture today is provided in response to a few requests to show what I look like at this point in the journey. Felt a bit foolish asking if I could have a picture taken with their rabbit decoration but the kind people at NOC Great Outpost said they've had stranger requests. Will admit I never have done such things in the past. You have to wonder what lies ahead.
Date: 2016-03-09
From: Tri-Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

The new experience today was waking up and realizing that I wasn't freezing. Must admit it was nice. The shelter banter was good and everyone was out early. We left before 7:00 because we planned on hiking out of the Smokies today. Blues Brother was hiking very fast today and took off - he's clearly capable of big mileage days whenever he feels like it. Papa Wolf, Halmi, and I leap-frogged as I stopped to take pictures. The views weren't as spectacular as yesterday but there was a continuous ability to see mountains through thin trees. I caught up with Turkey Tracker, a section hiker who is doing her 3rd section this week. She did a 50 mile section when she turned 50. Did 51 miles the next year and is here doing Great Smoky Mountain National Park this year which is 70+ miles. Nice conversation and I learned that she's hiked some with her 3 sons - maybe her husband too. Low Gap found all of us together and up came a couple of nice older men from a side trail. This resting stop became a longer one as we learned about each other. Hikers genuinely speak with and have interest in each other - this is a really nice aspect of hiking the trail.The "prize" today was Mt Cammerer Lookout Tower. It required a .6 mile one-way side trail. Side-trail mileage doesn't "count" as miles walked in the total shown with each journal because those miles aren't on the AT. The same goes for miles required to hike to/from a shelter or wherever we sleep for the night. This side trail had climbs and descents so it wasn't the easiest but I recommend it if you're hiking on a clear day. The tower itself was an interesting structure and it provided an external walk around railing area that enabled views in all directions. The inside was pretty big and I suspect that hikers sometimes sleep here whether they are allowed to or not - I know I'd sleep here if I came through this area again.Don't know the reason why but hiking in 70 degree weather left me ready to take a nap - just like I sometimes do at home. No such luck today. There was a lot of downhill climbing today until exiting from the park. Then, after an extended walk next to a creek came a rather steep climb before the walk to Standing Bear Farm. This hostel is run by former thru-hikers and is a really comfortable place, an experience I'd recommend to make you feel part of the AT community. The fire pit was put to good use and provided a great ending to this day as the farm's workers came and went periodically, each with their own interesting story. With just 10% of the AT hiked now, today felt like I was part of all this - what a nice feeling to sleep on.
Date: 2016-03-12
From: Hot Springs, NC

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

The AT literally goes through Hot Springs. White Blazes are replaced here by AT symbols embedded in the side walk leading in and out of this community. Today was a zero, non-hiking, day that allowed me to do laundry, clean gear, restore my internet capability that somehow disappeared the night before, upload pictures, get caught up on trailjournals, make phone calls, and mingle with other hikers and people in town who wanted to discuss the AT or Hot Springs. And get some rest and non-hiker food too. I hadn't seen Papa Monkey in a week or two but saw him a couple times today. He had taken a zero here yesterday. Papa Monkey has added beef jerkey to supplement the gorp combination he's been eating. He says he is taking vitamins too. I don't know how he is hiking these miles on so little food, but he is doing it. I spoke with Trail Chef and his wife, Judy. Sounds like Trail Chef plans to hike the AT for a month in a few weeks. it was good to speak with them and he provided updates on other hikers. I hope to be able to hike with him when he returns to the AT. I have a long way to go yet to get to the mile marker he hiked last year. While having dinner with Blues Brother at the Spring Creek Tavern, the father of a father/son hiking team, joined our conversation. It turns out fhe father has hiked more than 1,000 miles of the AT. He downplayed his hiking as being that of a "section hiker" but I congratulated him and told him that he was much more of a hiker than I am since he has hiked four times as many miles on the AT as I have. I think everyone glamorizes the concept of "thru-hiking" and I understand the dream associated with it but 1,000 miles is 1,000 miles - quite impressive to me. News of the AT includes troubling concern of many hikers behind us who are sick with a very contagious noro-virus. Rain is forecasted for the next two days, but Blues Brother and I will return to the AT tomorrow morning with the added motivation of maintaining some distance from the hiker bubble and the illness that may be coming with them. It's been a good day here and will be good to resume hiking again.
Date: 2016-03-16
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Cantarroso Farm in Erwin,TN
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike was relatively easy. It didn't have yesterday's big climbs and was primarily downhill. Blues Brother and I laughed as we struggled up today's climbs. Tattoo Joe says there is nothing easy on the AT, just some climbs that aren't as difficult as the others. Water sources were plentiful again. Within the first few minutes of today's hike I saw 3 white-tailed deer and a red sunrise that isn't captured in the photo. The hiking started off fast at almost 3 miles per hour for the first two hours. Then the trail returned to the look for every next step hiking instead of being able to hike and look up. Blues Brother said he was somewhat bored by the continuos hiking around mountains. I liked it as I was pleasantly surprised with the realization that the next 5 - 15 minutes weren't going to leave me panting for air and soaking my shirt in sweat again. As "easy" as it was, I found myself struggling today. Could be lack of sleep. Could be yesterday's hard day. After the first couple hours I found myself just getting by with little zip in my steps. Extra food and water didn't seem to help.My day changed when I met 30+ and Firefly. Firefly thru-hiked in 2011 and 30+ ended his thru-hike due to a foot injury. Today 30+ was clearing obstacles from the trail while Firefly was repainting white blazes. Great people doing trail maintenance. Loved the origin of 30+ trail name - his goal was to lose 30 pounds while hiking the AT. He met that goal, then laughed when he said he has since put the weight back on.Nubs was another hiker Blues Brother and I met today. Nubs was returning to the trail today after recovering from losing multiple finger tips when he put out a tent fire caused by his cooking in his tent on a very cold day. It was hard to believe that he was back out here. His fingers looked very painful. Firefly recommended that we stay at Cantarroso Farm when we arrived in Erwin to resupply. Really glad we listened to her as this place is fantastic. Blues Brother and I are in a 2 bed cabin for $25 each. The trip into town for dinner and to pick up additional supplies cost another $8 which seemed very fair. The owners - Peggy and Mike - are very friendly. We're the first to be here this year. If you are hiking this way, get here. As this place becomes better known, I think it will fill up just like Hiker Hostel. Blues Brother caught a bass today using fishing gear made available for those who stay here. I enjoyed watching and listening to the rapids on the Nolichucky River that is the back of their property. You just never know what's coming on the AT.
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Big decision today. Hike or Zero? Storm was a big concern the night before and today's hike was 6000 feet elevation with multiple climbs to get up and over Roan Mountain. The morning sky and radar looked favorable so we got a late start but got a full day of hiking. The hike up Roan Mountain has trail that is beautifully maintained. The graded climbs let you enjoy the hike and there is plenty to enjoy around Roan Mountain. The camp site pictured seems too good to be true. People who live in this area and who enjoy hiking are really fortunate to have such a place. Since this was Saturday, we saw many day hikers, particularly at Carvers Gap where it seemed many hiked Jane Bald for the views. The weather cooperated until Jane Gap when rain began and continued until the end of the hiking day. Blues Brother and I are in Overmountain Shelter. This is a beautiful shelter that originally was a barn.Continuing with the "news" topic begun yesterday. Since March Madness is underway it is inevitable that trash talking is out there. Here on the AT, Blues Brother is riding Colin pretty hard about his trail name of the "Big O" which stands for the Big Oriental (Colin has embraced it). Blues Brother wants Colin's trail name changed to the "Big Zero" since Colin is several days behind us after taking a few zeroes for his knees and noro virus.The bigger news involves the Greasy Creek Hostel where we stayed last night. Happy to report that the Battle of Greasy Creek is over. The battle involved a nasty neighbor of Connie, the hostel owner. This neighbor for years undermined Connie's ability to welcome hikers. I saw one example last night in the form of a sign that stated that the hostel was closed due to a death in the family. Another example involved the neighbor apparently misdirecting hikers away from the hostel. Lastly, the neighbor banged pans early in the morning to annoy hikers as they attempted to sleep. Blues Brother and I came to this hostel, in part, to support Connie and get a status on this situation. Was happy to hear that the battle ended when Gadget, a 2015 hiker whose thru-hike ended due to injury, confronted the neighbor and pursued a permanent end to the battle by pursuing a legal outcome that ended within mediation. Yeah Gadget!Connie's Greasy Creek Hostel is a one of a kind experience and Connie is a caring person with a heart of gold. I am so happy to have met Connie and Gadget, two characters within this AT journey.