morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-11
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the night in the shelter and rain started about 1:00 AM. Glad I was in shelter and out of the rain. Dragon up at about 6:30 so got moving. At first so foggy that headlamp would not illuminate to ground when shining the head lamp down. Rain quit but was in fog all day so drops dripping from trees. Quite annoying in that if one put a rain hat on was hot but off and one got drops down the neck. Wind was tough in that large sections were into the wind so the drops were blown into your face. Got to Mt. Albert at about 11:30 and it was an easy hike except for the last 500 feet of elevation which was large steps and a scramble over boulders. Not too challenging and I found it exhilarating but tiring. Wind speed on top of Albert was probably about 60 mph so climb to tower was challenging especially coming down with wind at back. Hiked to Long Branch for lunch and a beautiful new shelter. The use of dowel pins to assemble pieces and not nails was beautiful craftsmanship. Hike down was fast and to Rock Gap by 2:00. Heavy D showed up with trail magic but with rain coming made a decision to go to town. Heavy D put me and Moxie in his Tacoma (tight squeeze with Heavy D weighing in at 330 but a fantastic trip to town. Heavy D was awesome. The people on the trip have been so kind. The hot shower after about 5 days was fantastic. Dinner with the crew of 6 at Muligans. Mushroom Swiss burger was great.
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Rock Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Zero day at Budget Inn. Coffee shop in AM was fantastic. Went to outfitter for last minute gear for Smokies. A new beanie and buff for the upcoming cold. Nice to be in town but can feel the draw of the trail. Ready to get back on the trail. Shuttle tomorrow and back out by 10:00.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Rock Gap

To: Wayah shelter
Miles today: 15.0

After a zero day took off from Rock gap. Going to be a long 15 miles to Wayah shelter. The climb over Wayah will be tough. It was nice day but was expected to be cold at night. E climb up was brutal. The top of Wayah bald was spectacular. We could see Fontana Lake - e days out, Clingaman's dome one week out. Cold at night 16 degrees so decided to do 17 and get to NOC NEXT DAY
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Morgan Gap

To: Fontana Dam Vi/sitors Center (Hike Inn)
Miles today: 4.1

i had short hike of about 3 miles to get to phone to call for pick up. Got there about 8:45 and was told pickup would be 11:00. Nwas frustrated as my reservation was for a 9:00 pickup so decided to hike a little further to shelter and be picked up there. Walked to shelter and someone there was giving rides. Got ride to Hike Inn. Learning there is a higher plan. I normally would not have been able to ask for a rise but people have been so nice I decided to go for it She took me to the hike in and another hiker to the store. She does this I the summer for a couple of weeks in memory of her Mom. I am learning and slowly changing on the trail as expected. Hike in was very comfortable. Had no wi-fi which was frustrating but having faith it will be okay and to just play it by ear. We will see what is the plan. Did go to McDonalds and they had wi-fi so able to send a short e-mail to all that I was okay While Inn owner shopped. Will do the rest when I get to next stop. Very nice in valley as Sring is starting to arrive. I could see plants starting to come up from under the leave coverage. Back to the mountains tomorrow but a touch of the Spring that is coming.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Fontana Dam (Hike Inn)

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Dropped off at 8:30 and down the trail . Picture is of Fontana Dam from the fire tower after about 3 hours of hiking. The hike up was quite challenging but not as bad as Georgia. Saw several squirrels so Spring is on its way. Also when looking at the ground closely one see small plants starting to sprout. A big thanks to my son and daughter who supplied my food. The message for e day was perfect because it was stormy and the message was in a nutshell to be grateful for the rain and wind because it makes one appreciate the days do good weather and it takes the different types of weather to allow the seasons to occur. Started to rain harder in late afternoon so stepped it out and just made it to the shelter before thunderstorms, hail and heavy rain. Shelter had a fireplace and dragon made a great fire. Sitting n front of fire and typing was really nice Now hailing o grounded is covered in paea sized hail. Welcome to the smokey Mountains and March continues to be unpredictable. Glad not hiking in the hail and lightening.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Morning was cold about 10 but got up and going early. Like the message from the day before one appreciates the sun more when one does not have it. I hiked east and the sun was rising over a mountain and was fantastic. Saw first Robin so spring it appears is on it's way. I will really appreciate the warmer weather. Stopped for lunch at a beautiful vista and note in meal was every spot in nature can be paradise if one will simply enjoy that moment in time. Picture attached of vista and it truly is a spectacular view. The views cannot be captured on film or described. they imply must be experienced in my opinion. Afternoon was tough with the trail poorly marked and part of the trail just looking like a creek bed. The rocks were tough on the ankles and everyone needed Motrin when coming in. Great people to hike with.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

This was the day to attempt to go over Clingmans dome so was worried about climb. Clingmans dome is highest point in Tennessee at 6650 feet. Seeing snow at 5000 feet so expected it to be tough. It was cold in AM so just a cliff bar and out to get blood circulating. A beautiful day for hiking. Stopped at Silers bald to make oatmeal. Nice warm food tasted great and was powering up for Clingmans. Passed several hikers (on spring break) on way in so trail to Clingmans was relatively easy. The slope was fairly low and little snow. View from top was fantastic. We could see for hundreds of miles. The cold front had cleared it all out. Down the backside of Clingmans was treacherous with ice. I fell about three times and my poles saved me several more. It was basically a skating rink. Managed to bend poles slightly so they will no longer collapse but they kept me from going down hard. Long slow journey down but made it to the shelter.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Mount. Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

First day of Spring but one could not tell it due to,the 4 to 6 inches ofmsnow overnight. Overnight was cold about 1o degrees according to rangers at Newfound Gap. Feet and hands cold so took off early. I got to Newfound Gap and. found they had a visitors bathroom that was warm. I had cell coverage and a little battery on phone so,called to tell everyone I was okay. Waited in warmth for others to make decision. Everyone arrived, Roswell, cricket and I decided to push two more shelters. We were told,by ranger temperature would be cold (about 8 overnight) and there would be snow. We decided to go for it anyway. I got lost for first time but will be more attentive in the future Nothing major but went Southbound instead of north for one mile but got it straight. It cost me an hour. Easy to do when cold when tired. Got to shelter, able to make a fire by teaming with Cricket and Roswell. fire was needed to prepare for the next dry (dry socks etc). We then built a big fire to try and warm the shelter a little bit for a few hours to try and get some good sleep. It helped and I got some good sleep. Not too cold overnight. Gear is working good.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 22.6

Decided we had been cold long enough and decided we could possibly do 23 miles to Standing Bear hostel. It was again bitter cold about 8 degrees when got up. It took me two tries to get out of the sleeping bag due to the cold. First try it was too cold, went back warmed up and tried again. Cricket had left two 4 X 4 boards and it made a perfect log cabin fire base for the wood that did not burn over night. Used some denatured alcohol and got it going. A fire made it tolerable. Had to pack one piece at a time and then warm hands. Cannot pack a sleeping bag with gloves on so hard to get ready to go. Finally out and it was a hiking day. Again beautiful views but just moving to get it done. Stopped at shelters for water and then lunch. Snacks were on the move (all 6 to have energy to keep moving). Trail magic by Fresh Ground at highway 440. He is a saint. 2 hot dogs, 2 cups of soup, a salad, a banana and a cup of hot chocolate made it perfect. Got to hostel and we had gotten brownie mix from Fresh Ground so we made brownies for dessert. A hard day but it was fantastic with the people I hiked with. Much thanks to Cricket and Roswell for working together as a team for three days to get through the toughness of themSmokey Mountains.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Standing Indian Hostel

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 10.7

Now on own. Cricket is with her sister and her dog. Roswell took off early to get to Hot springs as early as possible. I took another step forward in just hung out until noon, updated trail journal and then had a hot lunch. Am now stopped for a snack at Bald. Will relax and then move on. Have no idea where I will spend the night. Afternoon hike is gorgeous. Mountain is in fog, completely quiet, trail is leaf litter so very soft on feet. Ups and downs are low slope so just a great hike. I will probably catch up with Roswell and Cricket tomorrow but nice to be by ones self stop,when one wants and it was also nice to just chill out for about 4 hours and not rush to be back on the trail.
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Brown Fork Gap

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: light rain

Rained hard all night but stayed dry. The tent worked fantastic. I decided to hike hard to try and catch the others and to get close to Hot Springs (Deer Park Mountain Shelter is 3 miles from Hot Springs). It would mean another 20 mile day but I felt it was worth it to get to lower elevation for warmer weather and to be ready to go into Hot Springs early. Body was definitely tired along the way and actually had a little pain on the back of one foot where i thought a blister might be forming. Adjusted hiking a little bit and was able to compensate. The uphills are still hard but the downs and the levels are easy. One bad part of the ups is that I must go slow and even then I begin to sweat which makes me cold. Additionally, the body is not working as hard and that also leads to me being cold. Guess the aerobic ability to climb will get better with time. It was a wet foggy day mixed with rain which at first was annoying because it made the soft dirt that was so nice the day before to hike in into mud. Lots of slipping but then I saw the rain had washed the rocks clean and they were some kind do slate that was a beautiful silver color mixed with bronze and copper. Have to just look for the good and enjoy what you have. I made the 20, cooked a good meals and laid down. Laid in shelter for over an hour talking to other hikers and one section hiker. A very good day.
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: NC Highway 209. (Hot Springs NC)
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

As we went to sleep the night before it began to rain. Shocked this morning to awake to about a 1/2 inch of snow. At first was a little upset I had hiked so far the day before to get to a lower altitude for warmer weather but then realized I was only 3 miles from hot food, a hot shower and a warm bed for tonight. Gat up and ate two energy packets so I would have energy to get to town. Hiked hard and then went to the restaurant across the street from Elmer's for a skillet (a trail tradition), it was awesome. The hike down was absolutely beautiful in the light snow but i just had to realize how lucky I was to be here and enjoying the beauty. I then checked in at Elmer's for the upcoming night. The house was built in 1840 and is spectacular. Been serving hikers since the 70's. Then went to the laundromat wearing all of clothes and then stripped down to shorts and a t shirt and washed the rest. Made calls while there and my barefoot shorts and t-shirt seemed to bother no one despite the fact it was snowing outside.I am sure they are used to thru hikers. I have sorted meals from my food drop and now at library to update journal and do e-mail. A sign I have truly left the real world is I had to,ask the librarian what day it was. Tonight a hot shower a night out for dinner then a short 11 mile hike is planned to continue to give the body some rest tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-26
From: NC Highway 209. (Hot Springs NC)

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light snow

Probably toughest day yet. 11 miles was not too far but in fresh powder all day so each step I had to move snow. Very tiring. It was also a lot of uphill and legs were more tired than I expected. Ran into Hosier and Spark going SOBO. Actually in shelter in my sleeping bag leaning against a wall,to,type,this. It is not,too cold (probably about 30) but about 10 inches of snow on the ground so few hikers moving today so I am alone. Drifts were almost up to my knees at times so probably a good decision by many to not hike. Problem is it is continuing to snow so doing nothing but getting worse. Will be challenging tomorrow to get out but found white blaze and will only try to do 6 to a hostel or 8.2 to the next shelter. I hope,it begins to warm up soon. Elmer in Hot Springs commented that he thought this was probably the most challenging year in a while when I was leaving his place today.
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Spring Mountain Shelter to Jerry Cabin Shelter March 27Woke up cold and should have gone on to Hostel. Wet socks are going to an issue. Decided to step it out to catch up to Z. Also ran into Hoosier and SpArks. Afternoon took ridge trail a and saw views that were phenomenal! I need to be smarter about hiking. At Uncle Johnny's I will slack pack the first day out. Dry gear, extra night sleeping in a warm place, lighter pack all for $50. Definitely worth it. I need the extra help to make it the whole way. I have to keep in mind why I am doing g this. It is not to do the whole trail north bound with no help and prove I can do it. Want to enjoy it day by day.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Jerry cabin Shelter

To: Campsite on trail
Miles today: 12.0

Today started out as the day of my lowest morale to,date. It was cold again, low 20's. My boots were frozen into blocks and it took almost an hour to get them on. Both pairs of socks were wet. Decided to hike 6 miles to Flint Mountain and see from here. I was considering pulling out for a day or two. The first mile was steep uphill making my mood worse. After the trip up I stopped and pulled off one boot (they were not thawed yet) . I was having trouble with the boot and found my big toe numb and it felt like an ice cube. I was concerned with frostbite but nothing I could do but hike. My initial plan was to get to Flint Mountain Shelter to sit, let gear dry and do IPAD to catch up. Made it to Flint Mountain shelter for lunch. And after the first mile up it was downhill and easy. I put up a clothes line for both pairs of socks, my sleeping bag and my tent. Just sat and ate slowly, drank water and talked to other hikers as the temperature warmed to 50 and the sun came out. I just needed to let the plan from a higher power play out and quit doing my thing. About 3:00 decided I was supposed to push to gap and camp on the ground. The elevation will be about,2900 so should be relatively warm. Tired of being cold. Went a little further than I expected but on ground and morale is now at opposite end. Just need to the it one minute at a time and take what comes along. Picture is odd sign along tail. Must remember each day the trails was designed as a scenic tail, not a thru hike. Designed to go over mountains and enjoy scenery. Most efficient is not part of the equation,
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Campsite on trail

To: campsite on trail
Miles today: 13.0

Campsite to Campsite March 29Best night of sleep yet. Just stopped, packed the snow down at a level spot and slept. Confined in a mummy bag so often have to wake up and reposition as body gets a cold spot or a cramp. Only awake about 4 times and able to go right back to sleep. Night was less cold judged by water was not frozen solid. Boots in a bag in tent was also better but took input from another hiker and night before loosened all of the laces a the toes and opened the boots as much as possible before going to sleep, in morning I put the bag of boots in my sleeping bag as I said mt morning prayers. Boots were then soft enough to go right on. Finished packing, took off for hog back ridge shelter for lunch and second breakfast. Will see from there where I feel led to go. At hog back and longer hike than expected. Arrived at about 11:30. Eating and will take off. Not sure I will get next 10 over big bald but I will go until tired and then stop. Picture is of drifts Jon trail. Poles are 3.5 fee tall. Drifts over 3 feet deep and having to porthole way forward. Very slow going and not much fun.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: campsite on trail

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 18.0

Campsite to ErwinMorning was tough as it snowed overnight but temperature was about 30. Boots are now in my tent in a 2 gallon ziplock so they are inside but not getting things wet. I then put the, in my sleeping bag as I eat breakfast with my feet in my sleeping bag ( breakfast in bed). The boots are then supple enough to get on. I hav e figured out dry socks are useless. The boots are soaked through by hiking in snow all day so even if socks are dry to put on, they are immediately socked when boots go on. Just going to have to learn to enjoy wt feet.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: erwin tennessee

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Easter. Rained last night and glad to be In a cabin. Cleared off in AM and birds are singing. Nomad had called a local church on Friday and they happened to be there for a birthday party at the church, First Christian agreed to come to the hostel and pick up hikers. We had about. 12 hikers attend the service. The service included kids choir (3 kids) choir and a Cantata. It was refreshing to go to church. The kids were magical to here and the cantata was beutiful. Abstinence definitely makes the heart grow fonder.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Erwin

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 18.6

A fantastic day. Perfect weather for hiking with it starting out cool (2 layer weather but no jacket) and then up to about 50 no rain and some sun. With Sparks and Hoosier for the hike. I was blessed to be going to a house for the night that is a friend of Hoosier so packs were light as my sleeping gear had been moved to the house. The walk was fun for me as i walked in leaf litter and kicked the leaves around. Living South of Houston we do not get leafs to fall so leaf litter was fun to kick around like a big kid. The trail was very gentle slope and few rocks, roots or mud. The evening was also perfect . The homeowners son and his wife and 5 kids came over and had a family dinner. It was such an honor to have a family meal with them. Food was beyond description after living on camp food for 30 days. Fantastic to sit and watch Grandpa get caught up on the kids activities They were also interested in our adventurers and listened to our tales of the trail. A memo day all around. Lesson - sometimes we seem to be in the valley but a valley is formed by two peaks. Keep moving the peak is coming.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Carver Gap
Miles today: 14.2

Iron Mountain Gap to Carver Gap April 2 15 milesAn amazing day on all fronts. Hiked to Greasy Creek Gap which was about 4 miles in about 2 hours. I enjoyed the leaf liter again and the beautiful day. As standing at Greasy Creek Gap Nomad walked out of the forest with no pack. Nomad and I talked and h e has been led to get off of the trail and provide trail magic and help to Maine. An amazing man of faith and he has strengthened my faith. He had driven up with groceries on a road he was not sure would get him there but it did and exactly on time and I helped him carry them to the site. The hike from Greasy Creek Gap to Roan Mountain was very gentle slope except for the end, The mile before and after the peak was all ice and everyone coming through fell but no serious injuries. Deep snow at the top so I stopped and made a snowman. A picture do "Snow the Hiker" is attached. Hiked down to visitors area to spend the night and a couple came in that had been following us on trail journals.com. It was fun to talk to them about their plans to do some trail magic for south boulders. Slept in a parking lot.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Carver Gap

To: 19E Elk Park NC
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the most memorable day of the trip so far. Woke early and hiked first bald in sunrise. It was spectacular. Day was filled with balds and each one higher in elevation than the one before. A bald is completely clear of trees so view is 360 degrees God's grandeur. Hiked slowly, took at least three short naps and it was a spectacular day to just soak up the beauty around me. Had to earn each peak as they became higher and steeper but worth it. Final bald was highest and hardest to get to but magnificent view. Down to 19 E as an easy hike and done. Went by barn and to me it was not worth the stop.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: 19E Elk Park NC

To: Moreland Gap
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: moderate rain

Dropped off by friends of Hoosier after another night at the house. Weather report is that it will be a tough day with rain and freezing temperatures. Hiked a little bit and sure enough it began to rain. Rain was light and since in rain gear it was no problem. Rain turned to freezing rain and then to sleet. Lunch at a shelter and we watched the trees slowly become covered in ice by the freezing rain as the temperature dropped. In afternoon temperature continued to drop and it was sleet and hail. Very light so enjoyable to feel it fall on the rain gear and be dry. Finally it turned to snow and was massive flakes ( size of quarters). It was beautiful as we hiked for a few hours in the snow and accumulation was about 1/2 ". Into camp and cold so into shelter quickly. We cooked in our sleeping bags in the shelter since only ones in the shelter. A good day of enjoying what you have. Even cold and snow can be beautiful if you take the time to enjoy it.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Moreland Gap

To: US 321
Miles today: 14.9

Tough day to get started as it was cold and gear was wet. Forced ourselves out knowing we would be at house tonight and plan was to go out to Shirley's for dinner. Hike was good as it warmed up and able to end day in one layer. Shirley's was unbelievable. All you can eat of two,meats and 10 sides. Also included soup and dessert and drink. I ate so much I was almost in pain. First night I did not wake up during the night hungry. We will need to figure out how to take off wet rain gear and get it dry because the next day the gear was still wet and miserable to put on in the rain the next day.