morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: overcast clouds

A short but hard day. I descended from 4,280 feet to 1,749 feet, a drop of 2,531 feet in just 5.9 miles. My knees are killing me. I left late again at 8:45 AM, but still the first out of camp. Before I left, Guy-On-A-Buffalo said RW meant: Rooty WooHooty. He called me this because it expressed his feelings about the trail. The trail now was like walking on a spider web of roots instead of rocks. The roots are just as difficult as rocks, and seem to want to grab your feet and trip your every step. It rained and again I walked in clouds until nearing my destination. This cloud rainforest is thick with mosses and as I descended, it gets greener, but only because the moss grows on everything. The trees still look gray and lifeless.I arrived at the NOC at 11:30. I checked into the hostel, had lunch, wrote my journals, and cleaned-up. I will dry all my equipment tonight and hopefully start the day dry and warm.Some of the email I receive asked me to discuss the changes in my gear due to the cold weather. Even though I have a 12 degree bag, I got cold, sometimes due to the dampness, which just penetrates the sleeping bag in shelters and only a little less in the tent. I purchased a sleeping bag liner and that made a major improvement in my comfort. It provides warmth, but its biggest benefit is combating the dampness. I sleep dryer now, which translates into warmer.   Also, because I am not carrying a coat, one shirt layer of long-underwear wasn't enough at night after hiking all day. I purchased a second long-underwear shirt, and I am now more comfortable after hiking and sitting around at night before bed. It is not the warmth it provides, but again, it fights the dampness. I still wouldn't bring a coat. Liner gloves are working well so far, but my hands don't get cold easily anyway.I will end now and celebrate by purchasing my Great Smokey Mountain National Park permit. How nice that feels.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: snow

It stormed all night. Geo, a 53-year-old from Louisiana shared my cabin. He is a Geologist.   We talked a long time and he showed me pictures of a garnet he found on the trail. The waiter said RW stood for ReWind. We ate breakfast and I hit the trail at 8:40 AM. The trail climbs 3,313 feet in 8 miles. While it rained at the hostel, it snowed in the mountains. After a while I ran into Black Horse, a 65-year-old from Maine.   We hiked together for an hour or more and he talked about hiking the AT. It was his lifelong dream.As I ducked snow-covered branches I came up with a new meaning for RW - Rhododendron Weeping.   Near the top of the summit I met Opi, Small Spoon, Super Scout, and Murphy. They were slackpacking. I intended to hike to Brown Fork Gap but ran out of gas at Stecoah.   I took a shuttle back to NOC and stayed in a hostel.It must be faith. I found Colorado, Blue, and the homeless Yogi Russ at the Hostel. Not in the mood to write much. See pictures.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 15.1

Sorry about not posting for so long. There is virtually no cell service. This post is written on April 3rd.   The decision yesterday to stay at NOC and slack pack today was one of my best decisions to date.   Again the trail is hard. The five amigos (Opie, Super Scout, Little Spoon, Murphy, and myself) hiked all day. The four guys alternated carrying the day pack.   Today RW stands for really winded.The trail between NOC and Fontana is the hardest yet. The trail is wet and we could see that the Smokies were still deep in snow.The day was pleasant and sunny. By the end of the day, we all had sore knees. As we neared Fontana we started a five mile downhill trek that hurt our knees even more.   The first signs of Spring were evident: snowdrops, wind flowers, and trillium dotted the trail. We tried to call the shuttle at Fontana, but the phone was broken and none of our cellphones worked. Fortunately, we found a working phone at the marina office. When we picked up our packs, I found that the guy who provided the slack pack service had bought me three days of food on the house. He did this because I told him I needed food in Fontana and he was concerned that I wouldn't make it to Fontana before the store closed. That night we opted to sleep in tents on the lake. It was beautiful.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

It was a warm night, and rained for an hour. We woke early and fixed breakfast About the time we were ready to leave, Steve the slackpack driver pulled up and gave us all coffee, eggs, and biscuits.   Little Spoon decided to take a zero day because of his sore knees. We're all hurting.   The remaining four of us hiked over Fontana Dam and entered Tennessee and The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We climbed Shuckstack Mountain, a tough 3.5 hour climb.   As we rested the four superhikers arrived: Bree, Will, Simon, and Wesley.  I didn't expect to see them again, but they took a zero day in Fontana, and I temporarily got ahead of them. The day was hot and the trail dry. Unlike NC there isn't much water. We ran out of water and could only find one source after a long, dry, thirsty hike. The forest seems vacant and the trees are spaced far apart with no undergrowth. We arrived at Russell Fields Shelter about 5:30. This is my first time in this park and had heard many stories.   The shelters are bigger and better than any so far, but no better protection from bears.   No privy, so it is a bit disgusting around the shelter as everyone is forced to go wherever.   All went to bed early.RW means Retired willingly
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

We got up early after a warm night. The shelter was crowded with 14 people. Water source is a little stream about 50 yards downhill. I had a hard time filling my water bladder because the stream is so shallow. The four of us hiked hard all day and the trail was difficult. Lots of mountains to climb today.   Russell Bald Shelter is at 4,360 feet. After a long downhill, we climbed the famous Rocky Top Mountain.   5,440 feet. The day grew hot and the sky clear. There are still patches of snow in the shady places. Near water, some insects were moving about. The first insects I have seen.After Rocky Top we climbed Thunderhead mountain at 5,527 feet. We met a Ridge Runner named Fletcher who said this portion of the trail is the hardest in the Smokies. At lunch time we ran into only 3 of the 4 super hikers at Derrick Knob Shelter.   They said Bree went on without them because they were too slow for her. They were stopping for the day after only 9.4 miles.We pushed on. The forest is changing again. Instead of being wide open with large trees, the forest is now cluttered with densely-packed small trees.   After a grueling day we arrived at the shelter about 5:30 totally wiped out. Silers Bald Shelter is at 5,460 feet.   Only about 9 stayed there. I finally got a cell connection and contacted my father for tomorrow's pick up at Clingmans Dome. By 7:30 everyone was in bed. RW means Rockytop WindBesides the 4 of us, Movin'on, Buzz, Tandem (his daughter), Bragan from Alabama, and Inflammable from Canada were there.   Inflammable is a French Canadian who is trying to hike home.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a very warm night.   We got up early and left by 7:30AM. It threatened to rain so we all donned rain gear.   Out west, lightning could be seen. Besides the four of us, Bragan and Movin'On joined us.As we climbed I saw a deer, the first large animal I've seen so far.The forest began to change again. Now instead of small trees the forest was made up of large fir trees and pine trees. Soon the clouds moved in and the wind picked up. We could hardly see 30 or 40 feet in front of us as we climbed Clingmans Dome. The wind gusted to 25 to 30 miles an hour.We made it to the top of Clingmans Dome around 10:00AM. Clingmans Dome at 6643 feet is the highest mountain on the Appalachian Trail.We all climbed to the top of the mountain, and then said our goodbyes. I was leaving the trail for the rest of the day and they were proceeding on.My father acted as a Trail Angel today. As we left the parking lot we picked up Buzz and Tandem. He also picked up Bragan.   Dad took the four of us to Gatlinburg where we all plan to take a zero day tomorrow. RW   Raindeer Watching
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

First zero day. A great day not to hike because it rained hard all day.I want to say "Thanks!" to Tic Toc. The black bag, advice, and handwarmers are a great help. I learned today that Mum stopped at NOC while her son Guy-On-A-Buffalo continued hiking alone. He's very strong and I expect will catch me within a week.A zero day is fantastic.   My knees, ankles, and stomach are so much happier.   I ate all day and am finally full.I have had a difficult time with water. I added drops to my water system and wish I had started with it, using the Swayer as a backup. I purchased more food than in the past because I've been so hungry lately. Also purchased gaiters because the trail is muddy and I anticipate Spring will keep the trail muddy. The plan is to leave early tomorrow for the trail.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Icewater Springs Shelter
Miles today: 10.9

Still no cell service. I am writing this in Hot Springs, NC at the Hiker Mission. No cell service in Hot Springs and no WIFI and no computer at motel. Cell service is rare and computers even rarer.Dad drove Buzz, Tandem, and me to the top of Clingmans Dome which is where I left the trail two days ago. The day was cold and windy, but very clear. The clouds were below us. We slacked packed from Clingmans Dome to Newfound Gap. This is a great and beautiful part of the trail. At the gap, trail angels gave us sandwiches, chips, pop, and candy. Buzz and Tandem stayed for a while and I continued towards Icewater Springs Shelter. Buzz and Tandem went to Pecks Corner Shelter.The entire day was warm and nice. The shelter was crowded. All of the hikers are concentrated at the shelters because the Smokies don't allow tent camping. The shelter was full so some people camped outside anyway.   I met a lot of other thru-hikers who I had seen on the trail already. There were too many hikers to list. For the first time there were also 4 dayhikers. I liked this shelter but it was incredibly noisy due to the crowds. RW means: Rock Wrangler
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Icewater Springs Shelter

To: Crosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up early and left by 7:30 AM. It was a spectacular sunrise but a cold night. It dropped down to about 28 degrees. I planned to put in a big mileage day because the group of hikers ahead of me are trouble. They are making the entire Smoky mountains a pub-crawl from shelter to shelter. They are drunk, high, and seriously obnoxious to everyone. I hope to skip over them and get far ahead of them.I also learned today that Guy-on-a-buffalo has already passed me and is way ahead. He is a super strong hiker and I don't expect to ever see him again.Today was a beautiful sunny day. The trail was somewhat level, at least as level as I have experienced so far. Also, there are many places where the trail traverses a narrow rock wall, 6-7 feet wide with steep dropoffs on each side. So the views to the left and right were great. I had to be careful not to walk off the cliff while enjoying the views. Gaucho and Stargazer passed me and were walking hard to get ahead of the obnoxious partiers. I arrived at the shelter around 5:30 and found it very crowded. I heard that a large number of hikers were close behind me. The requirement to stay in shelters in the Smokies, plus the snow storms, were causing hikers to bunch up. I met Fletcher the ridge runner. He hikes the trail 5 days a week and patrols it trying to keep the peace. I also met Wildlife, a young girl from Switzerland who was hiking the trail because of Bill Bryson's book.RW means: Red Wizard
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Crosby Knob Shelter

To: Painter Branch Campsite
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: moderate rain

It rained hard all night and the trail became a mountain stream, deep with running water. I left a little later than normal due to the rain, at about 8:45, but was still one of the first to leave.I dodged deep pools of water as the rain poured down. At about 10:30, Stargazer, a young woman from Germany traveling alone, caught up to me and passed me. She stopped for a few minutes and I passed her again. Shortly afterwards I heard her scream. I turned around and saw her laying in the flowing water on the trail, her face in agony and grabbing her leg. She had fallen and hit her leg on a sharp rock. I helped her get up and out of the water. After a while she felt better and refused my offer to carry some of her pack weight. I walked slowly ahead of her keeping an eye on her as she limped along behind me. I soon saw many other hikers approaching so I hurried on my way knowing that many hikers would be passing her and she wouldn't be left alone as she limped down the trail.I left the Smokies about 12:00. I arrived at Standing Bear Hostel around 1:30 and decided not to stay because it was too early in the day. I bought a little food and cooked a pizza. As I left I saw Stargazer limp in. She said she was going to stay the night and then go into town to see a doctor about her leg.I continued on to Paint Branch campsite, another few miles up the mountain. There I camped next to two 18 or 19-year-old boys named Prom Queen and Trail Wife. They were from Maine and a very interesting couple. I also met Lobster, a young woman from Maine who graduated from college and couldn't find a job, so she now works on a lobster boat. Buzz and Tandem also set up camp here, along with another group.It felt great to be camping in my tent again. The shelters in the Smokies were cold, damp, crowded, noisy, dirty, and mouse-infested. The rules require campers to sleep in the shelters because of bears. If the shelter is full, then you can camp in your tent. I often tried to arrive late just so I could sleep in my tent, but many other thru-hikers used this strategy more effectively than me, so I ended up staying in a shelter every night in the Smokies. The campsite had great water, but I regret not putting in a few more miles, knowing tomorrow will be hard.RW means: Rock Welder
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Mile 261.6

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It started to rain about 5:00 am. I waited until 7:30 to start breaking camp because my headlamp was dead. I finally left about 8:30 and arrived in Hot Springs around 12:30 and checked into the Alpine Court Inn for two nights. It's cash-only, so I had to use up all my cash. Hot Springs is nice and very friendly to hikers. I'm spending most of my time at the Hiker Ridge Ministry Center, which is a volunteer center for thru-hikers. It provides internet and other social services. My cell phone charger died, and the Hikers Ridge gave me a replacement. That is incredible.Lori, or Queen Diva, from Terra Haute, Indiana runs the place during the hiking season. She is a volunteer from Indiana. During the day I ran into many of the hikers I had met on the trail. They were all taking zero days to rest. At dinner I ran into the Super Hikers. Wesley now has a trail name of Cowboy. I found our dinner conversation enlightening. Will and Simon talked about the complicated and involved process of getting a six month visa to hike in the U.S.A. I had no idea it was so difficult to get a six month visa. It entails proving financial means to stay in the country; proof of employment; and many more documents. We also talked at length about our snow storm experience and how intense it was. We all agreed it was the most intense experience yet on the trail. It is also very nice to have clean clothes.RW: Really Wanting to be in Hot Springs.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

I added several Youtube videos today. Hung out all day in Hot Springs. I thought I might leave today if I felt okay, but after I woke up I realized I needed a day off. I just hung out with other thru-hikers and caught up on my journals.Tomorrow I start a long, 70 mile section to Erwin, TN. No resupply points along the way, so I will have to carry five days of food.No cell phone service expected. I weighed myself at the outfitter.   With my clothes on, I weighed 3 pounds less than when I started with no clothes. I think I have lost 8 pounds. This evening, I learned from Queen Diva that in 2013 only 12 percent of AT thru-hikers actually completed the trail. She also said that by Hot Springs at least 50 percent of everyone who started has dropped off. Tonight the town offered free dinners for all the thru-hikers. They gave us pizzas, hot dogs, salads, dessert and beverages. I ran into the couple from Switzerland, Katrina and Michael. I met them a long time ago in Georgia and in Franklin after the big snowstorm. I talked to them and they said they were skipping the Smoky Mountains and jumping to Hot Springs. They now have trail names. She is called Swiss Miss and he is known as the Matterhorn.RW Roaming Wilderness
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Hot Springs

To: Camp Creek Bald
Miles today: 20.9

I left Hot Springs at 7:00 and arrived at my destination at 6:30. My destination is Camp Creek Bald lookout tower, which has many communication towers.   I am currently sitting on top of the mountain watching the sunset.      I climbed several mountains today, which took a lot of energy. Every 1000 feet climbing equals 2 miles of energy. Hot Springs is at 1326 feet and I am currently at 4750 feet.             I saw several graves.                                    I didn't meet many people because almost everyone stayed in Hot Springs to enjoy the hiker fest. I did meet Caveman 1 and his partner Uncle Fool. They both left Springer Mountain March 8. This is Caveman 1's second attempt.He attempted to hike the trail last year but near Erwin, Tennessee he fell and sustained a concussion. Both have already missed 10 days due to sickness and injuries and now they were sick again. I hurried along not wanting to catch whatever they have. Later I came across Caveman 2. A 22-year-old boy who also has several injuries. He was currently hurrying down the trail because he broke his tent poles the night before and needed to find a way to fix them.The forest is mostly Hemlock trees. A sign said the Boy Scouts of America were taking care of the Hemlock trees near Hot Springs as part of an effort to save them from destruction by Chinese beetles. All the other trees have not budded leaves yet.These mountains are very different than Hot Springs. In Hot Springs, people are mowing the grass and the flowers are in full bloom.   There are a few flowers in bloom here in the mountains but most of the trees don't have leaves.      During the day I came across a group doing a controlled burn of the forest.                                                         I am camping alone tonight on top of this mountain.At the last shelter I noticed in the log book that a lot of hikers who I know are just a little bit ahead of me.   I have a blister on my heel. I will need to watch this or it may slow me down.                                                               RW means right whales
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Camp Creek Bald

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

I started the day early at 7:00. I had hoped the trail would be easy today, but it was very hard. For the first several hours I walked on boulders and broken rock overlooking a sheer ledge. My progress was very very slow as every rock could cause a real injury. The view is fantastic. As the day progressed it got hot. Also I noticed that the forest floor in the lower mountains is now covered in green plants.   At lunch time I finally met 3 other thru-hikers: Listening, Tank, and J-Rex. They were moving slowly so I passed them and hurried on.The terrain is very hard.  The mountains are high, but unlike the Smokey Mountains, each mountain is separated by a steep gap. As a result all day long I go up and down steep slopes.   By the end of the day I was very very tired. If someone had asked me to stop hiking I think I might have said yes. It is the first time I have felt like quitting. When I finally reached the shelter I saw a lot of thru-hikers who I knew. They greeted me by name and soon I felt so much better. Movin'On, Phil, now named Professor, Time-to-Eat, Rob, and Nick from Lincoln Park Chicago were there.   It was a great end to a hard day.        I saw graves of Union Soldiers killed during the Civil War.                              RW today means Randall White.A day hiker gave me this name.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.8

We all packed up early and headed for Sams Gap because there was promise of terrific trail magic. When we arrived Paul was serving scrambled eggs and hashbrowns and all kinds of sides. The professor didn't read the sign well and didn't make the small detour.   He had a lot of 4 letter words to say about his mistake.   The day became warm. Rob, Movin'on and I stayed together most of the day. The Professor and Time-to-Eat walked together. The day passed quickly with pleasant company. The hiking proved to be hard again because of the many steep elevation changes. But the day went fast and we ended early at 4:30. At the end of the day I left NC forever.   Two states down.Little changes in the wildlife. Today there were quite a lot of insects and song birds.The night was warm.                        RW: Roy Wilson The trail angel called me this. He said I look like a friend of his named Roy Wilson.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Last night was warm and we camped in a grove of very large Hemlock trees with a nice stream nearby. Movin'on, Rob, and I made it to camp at 4:30 and the Professor and Time-to-Eat arrived about 6:00.We all woke early and left about 7:30. We left early and hurried because we had heard from some day hikers that rainstorms were predicted for today and we wanted to get to Erwin, Tennessee before it rained. As usual, Movin'on, Rob, and I hiked together and the Professor and Time-to-Eat hiked alone far behind us.The trail was easy today and we made Erwin a little after noon. We planned to stay at Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel & Campstore, but there were only two beds left. Rob and I decided to check into the Mountain Inn & Suites. The Mountain Inn is wonderful, fantastic service and rooms, walking distance to supplies, and the nicest people you will ever want to meet.A little about the people I have been hiking with:Professor/Phil is in his late 60s or early 70s and is extremely intelligent and interesting. Retired, Phil now lives all over the world and travels instead of owning things like cars and houses. This is his third attempt to hike the trail. The first two attempts, combined, lasted about 100 miles. He will likely make it all the way this time.Movin'on is a former University of Chicago heart surgery nurse, who after a long nursing career moved close to her family in Ashville, Tennessee.Rob is a retired State of New York corrections employee who created and administered training for inmates.Time-to-Eat is a section hiker and in the U.S. Army. I have hiked with all of these people on several occasions. They're the nicest people.I bought food today, did laundry, and plan to take it easy. Freeze warnings for tonight with snow predicted in the mountains. I will wait and see about tomorrow.RW: Rob says it means Ridge Wizard.