morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Stealth camp on Meadow Mtn.
Miles today: 12.3

Slept good last night, finally no wind. Left at 8:10am after I rinsed out some clothes in the creek. My backpack looks like a mobile laundry service. Made good time the first 3 miles. Then came the climb up Lick Rock, 1620' rise in 2.8 miles. It was very steep in areas. There was a very nice water cascade on the way up. I met Slowski at Hogback Shelter around 1:30pm for lunch. We won't make the next shelter so camp today will be were ever we find a suitable spot in about 4 miles. The guide shows no water sources in the next 6 miles so we have to load up with water now for dinner and breakfast the next day. Eventually we come to Meadow Mountain and figure to camp on top of this small mountain. As we climb up the wind increases and the temperature starts to drop. We see a spot to camp half way up and decide because of the wind we should camp here instead of near or at the top. Its 5pm as we make camp and eat. We have to retire to our tents due to the cold and wind. We still have two days to Erwin and rain is forecast for the next two days. Hopefully we won't get to wet. Either way we have to press on, my food supply is starting to get low.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Stealth camp on Meadow Mtn.

To: Whistling Gap Campsite
Miles today: 10.0

Last night was the windiest night ever. My tent was being pushed in upon me so I didn't get much sleep. I left camp around 7:45am, Slowski left 20 minutes earlier. I continued the climb up Meadow Mountain and near the top found what would of been a protected area to camp. I then hike down for 325' then a 4 mile climb up Big Bald. This was a difficult climb with slippery rocks. When I came out of the woods and enter the bald at the top the fog is thick and the wind is blowing so hard I have to lean into the wind to push myself forward. The temperature quickly dropped to 39 degrees. Due to bad visibility I couldn't see how large the bald was. When I finally drop back into the woods my left outer leg just above my ankle starts to hurt. I stop in at Bald Mountain Shelter for lunch. My lunch today is a tuna fish pouch with a mayonaise packet and a small snickers bar. I eat quickly, put on my rain gear and left because I was starting to get cold. I started to descend but couldn't make good time due to the leg pain. Three hikers passed me and noticed my slow speed and offered me some Ibuprofen which I gladly accepted. Another small incline then a 1300' drop to whistling Gap campsite where I set up camp near Slowski. I'm in my tent by 3pm due to the wind, rain and cold. I have to cook my freeze dried pasta Primavera in the vestibule. The plan tommorrow is to hike 13.5 miles into Uncle Johnnys Hostel on the edge of Erwin TN. Slowski had called and made reservations for a cabin for the two of us. Slowski has been kind enough to lend me his phone on many occasions to call home.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Whistling Gap Campsite

To: Town- Erwin TN
Miles today: 13.5

It rained all night with wind, again. I'm up at 5:30 and packing up. Its more difficult to pack and cook in the rain. Normally I would place everything outside the tent and pack. Slowski and I start out at 7:10am. We start by going over the 400' very steep High Rocks, then 1025' drop to road crossing US19. Then a 650' climb in heavy rain. Finally a 5 mile flat or slight decline to No Business Knob Shelter for lunch where I eat the last of my food. Its to wet and cold to stay long, we have to keep moving to keep warm and keep my sore ankle lose. One last 300' rise then 1500' drop to Uncle Johnnys Hostel. We find out our reservations can't be honored because hikers aren't leaving due to the weather. He offers to shuttle us to the Super 8 motel in town, we accept. Since I have been hiking for 9 straight days and the need to rest my ankle we decide to take a zero day tomorrow. Since the motel is in Erwin it's easier to get to the laundry and varies stores.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Town- Erwin TN

To: Town
Miles today: 0.0

Taking it easy for most of the day. Walking around town without the backpack is easier on my ankle. Stopped by the post office to see if my phone arrived, it didn't. I resupplied at the Food Lion for the next leg of my hike. Next stop will be the Mountain Harbor Hostel in 4 days outside Elk Park TN. We went to a barbecue restaurant for dinner called Hawg + Dawg. Best pulled pork sandwich I ever had. Back to the woods tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Town

To: Piped Spring Campsite
Miles today: 12.9

Ate at the Super 8 complimentary breakfast then off to the post office for the 8am opening. Bad news, still no phone. I told the clerk "return to sender" when it arrives. We made arrangements to shuttle back to the trail with Miss Janet. Miss Janet Shuttles and helps the hikers in this area all for just donations. About 7 of us get dropped off at the trail at 9:40am. The first 3 miles are flat and rather easy. Then, as is the custom when we leave town, we start a long steady climb. I stop at Curly Maple Gap Shelter to eat and apply mole skin to a hot spot on my foot. Other hikers arrive, Guardian, his mate Angel, two Germans and a small women with the largest backpack I ever saw. I left first and hike alone for the rest of the day. The next few miles it flattens out then starts up hill again. The rest in Erwin didn't have the effect I was hoping for on my ankle, and it starts to slow me down due to the limp I have developed.  The rain started in the afternoon and has been stopping and starting multiple times. I had to stop and put on and off my full rain gear many times. I didn't want to get my clothes wet again. At Indian Grave Gap while crossing a small road, two people in a van were set up to give trail magic to the hikers. They had soda and varies snacks for our enjoyment. I had a soda and a brownie, thanked them and continued on uphill. Eventually I make it to the top of another bald ( unnamed) . The wind and rain picks up, thus no view again. At the peak is a tent practically on the trail, swaying under the wind pressure. I wonder " why would they camp there, on either side of the bald there is less wind". After a while I'm on the look out for our camp site. I catch site of Slowski's tent about 100' west of the trail in a small opening. There are other campers at this site but they are over a small ridge. Slowski purposely stayed higher so I would see him. The rain had stopped, which is a good thing for changing and setting up camp. Right as I get done the rain starts and chases me into my tent at 5:30pm to once again cooking in the vestibule. I'm making a Pasta Side. Started at 1712' ended at 4135', 2423' elevation gain. Its 48 degrees at 7pm. My down 20 degree Western Mountain sleeping bag is doing a good job keeping me warm. Water is the enemy of down, so I keep my sleeping bag in an plastic garbage bag when in my backpack.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Piped Spring Campsite

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 11.9

Rained off and on all night. Packed up in a light rain and started out with Slowski at 8am. Immediately started a steep 1050' climb up Unaka Mountain. My ankle is bothering me worse this morning, slowing me down and has me worried that I may be causing damage. Before long Slowski is out of site. Our goal is to make it to Clyde Smith Shelter, 13.9 miles. The top of Unaka Mountain is fantastic and unique. Its a dense spruce forest carpeted with pine needles. The trail becomes obscure and many routes take you thru the spruce forest. As you head down the mountain the trail becomes obvious. its a long 2.3 mile 1280' elevation drop to Low Gap. I stop in at Cherry Gap Shelter since its right on the trail for a rest and food. Afterward the trail goes up and down in 300' to 500' increments. Eventually i come upon Rock pillar and see Slowski waiting for me. Apparently he heard its suppose to rain hard tonight and there is a hostel off the trail a couple off miles ahead, we change our plans and make for the Hostel. When we get to Greasy Creek Gap there is suppose to be a side trail down to the hostel but we are having a hard time figuring where it is. At that point a hiker comes upon us who also is going to the hostel and he knows the way so we follow him down. Its steep, my ankle feels weak and i'm lagging behind. I feel bad that my fellow hikers keep stopping to wait for me. We finally make it to Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel. There are three beds in the house, that are taken, so we find a spot in the unheated bunk house. As time goes by the hostel fills up. Considering my worsening ankle condition, I make arrangements with the Hostel owner to shuttle me to Tri County Airport so I can rent a car to go home. This ends my section hike this spring. hopefully my ankle heals ok and I can continue in the fall.
Date: 2013-09-23
From: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Its been over four months since I left the trail. Billy Goat and me are starting again back where we left off. Billy is starting in Erwin TN and I'm stating 25 miles north at Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel. Philly Tom, who hiked with us the last two times is on a bicycle trip, Philly to Florida. Well he won't have to deal with blisters, at least not on his feet. We rented a car in Philly and arrived at the Tri County Airport to turn it in at 4pm. Tom Bradford our shuttle driver and his wife were there to pick us up. Our first stop is for me up the long winding road to Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel. The owner of the Hostel comes out to meet me and asks if i'm staying the night. I tell her its my plan to start out now and make it to the first shelter. Its 5pm when I start the steep walk back up to the AT. The trail is not maintained like the AT and is rough and not marked. At one point I head the wrong way and have to back track. I meet a hiker heading down the trail who asks directions to the hostel, likewise he gives me directions back to the AT. I reach the AT at 5:40pm and head north. Its a ridge walk with only a small elevation increase of 450'. I pass a couple of nice camp areas but push on for the shelter since its still light. I reach the sign for the shelter and head back the .1 miles. Now .1 miles is 528' and as I continue walking I know I have gone much further than that. I start to wonder if i missed a turn but continue to see the blue blaze. Finally I catch site of the shelter. There is one hiker in the shelter that greets me. I can hardly see him because its 6:50pm, dusk and the shelter faces east. I inform him I will be tenting and proceed out back looking for a tent site. I find a great spot thru some pine trees 100' behind the shelter. After I make camp I head back to the shelter with my food, water and stove. The shelters have places to sit and cook which makes it easier. It was a long day, I'm in my tent at 8:30pm.
Date: 2013-09-24
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: few clouds

Weather was nice last night, but I never sleep good the first night out. I pack up and stopped at the shelter to make my bottled breakfast consisting of instant breakfast, powdered milk, instant coffee and water. I can now see the fellow hiker. his name is Tom Rexa---, Trail name T-Rex. I leave the shelter at 8am. On my way back to the trail I notice another trail crossing the shelter approach trail. Upon further investigation I see its the old AT. Apparently when they built the new trail they picked up the shelter sign and moved it back to the new location, but did not change the milage. Once back on the AT, it heads uphill. After awhile I stop to rest and to remove the bottom of my hiking pants, turning them into shorts. T-Rex catches up to me and we continue our climb at the same rate. T-Rex is a resent retired elementary school principle from Myrtle Beach SC. After a short climb and descend we climb again for 700' up Little Rock Knob. From here there are great western views. From here we drop 900' to Hughes Gap. Then starts the long and hard 2435' walk up Roan Mountain. We had to stop many times so our speed was slow. Near the top we met up with about 8 volunteer trail workers making switchbacks on the steep trail. Hard work all being done with hand tools. Near the top we divert to a parking lot that has bathrooms with running water and a water fountain ( what a treat ). About 100 years ago there use to be a large Hotel on the top of Roan Mountain called The Cloud Hotel. There was a line painted thru the dinning room, one side TN where you could drink, the other side NC where you could not. We continued along the trail until we came to the Roan High Knob Shelter sign and head uphill to the shelter. As we head up the blue blaze to the shelter I comment to T-Rex that this is the first time I recall going up hill to a shelter. Shelters are either next to the trail or down hill. We make it to the shelter area at 4pm and we are the only ones here. We know its early and we didn't do to many miles, but we are tired from the climbs and I don't want to push it on my first full day out. The shelter is unique because its the highest shelter on the entire AT and its the first shelter that I have seen built with 4 walls and a door. Roan Mountain is also the last 6000' mountain I will pass over until the White Mountains in New Hampshire. I find a tent site at the very peak of the Mountain 100' from the shelter. Eventually other hikers arrive, 2 thru hikers,3 section hikers, and 8 in a school group. Had time to enjoy the camp site and in bed at 8pm.
Date: 2013-09-25
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Doll Flats
Miles today: 13.9

It was calm last night and I slept good. Started getting ready in the dark at 6:30am. I was the first one out of camp at 7:30am. I only got 100' down the trail when the rain started. At first it looked like a quick short shower, but kept up as a light rain. I went down hill for 2 miles. There was bathrooms at an observation point parking lot, so I made good use of it. While I was in the bathroom T-Rex had passed with out me knowing. As I started up the Bald I kept looking behind me for T-Rex. When I reached the top of the bald I couldn't see to far because of the weather. There was a short down hill and then up another bald. As I was heading up I caught site of T-Rex up ahead. Once over the second bald it was back into the woods for a steady decent. I'm moving at a fast rate trying to catch T-Rex. I catch him just as we reach a shelter. We stop for a snack and a short rest. We continue on and the rain finally stops at 11:30am. I want to stop for lunch at the famous Lookout Shelter. Its an old barn that sleeps 40 with great views of the valley. Normally I wouldn't go .3 miles off trail just for lunch but I didn't want to pass it by. We have lunch and explore the old barn, then back to the trail. We start up hill and the rain starts again. We then go down for a short time then we head up the largest bald of the day, Janes Bald. Very high and tough. The guide said there are many false summits and I could attest to that. Three or four times I though we were at the top only to see another summit. The clouds were breaking up and we got some nice views of the clouds racing across multiple mountain peaks. At this time we were tired from going over the slippery balds. The guide showed a steady down hill to our intended camp site. The problem was the trail turned very rocky and with all the rain it also became very slippery. It took a long time to cover the last mile to keep from falling. Finally at 4:45pm we come to a clearing and saw a sign "Doll Flats". There were woods with some nice spots to camp, but they were full with a school group that looked like they were there all day. We moved back into the flats and set up camp just as the rain stopped. Normally I take off my hiking shoes and put on my sandals but I needed water and were told the water source was .2 miles away and down hill. As we head back to our tents it started to rain, so I had to change in the cramped tent. I'm stuck in my tent for the long evening and cooking while leaning into the vestibule again.
Date: 2013-09-26
From: Doll Flats

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 3.1

The rain had stopped during the night but everything is wet. Since we had a short 3.4 walk to the hostel there was no reason to leave camp early. The Hostels also don't want you to show up to early. T-Rex and I left camp at 9am. The first thing we did was stop at the "Leaving North Carolina" sign. We take pictures to record the occasion. Actually I left NC many times during the last 216 miles, since the trail runs on or near the NC/TN border. This is unique because we will not reenter NC again. Another state complete. The trail runs down hill at a nice pace crossing over or running along side a creek. Eventually the trail brings us out to route 19. According to the guide book the hostel is .3 miles west. We leave the trail turn left and follow the road. A north bound hiker always turns left if the guide say west no matter what magnetic west is. We arrive at Mountain Harbor Hostel at 11:30am. The hostel is above the barn. Nice beds , clean sheets, very nice as hostels go. The owner even washes your clothes, for a modest fee. After T-Rex and I pick our beds there is only one left. We lay out all our camping gear to dry, eat and relax until the the 5pm owner shuttle into town. I couple more hikers show up in the afternoon. The shuttle takes T-Rex, me and another hiker into town. We eat at a barbecue restaurant thats just OK. Then we walk across the street to a small grocery store to resupply for the next few days. I then receive A call from Billy Goat, he just made it to the hostel and asked me to pick him up a few things. He must of hiked long and hard to catch up to me already. Bill sleeps on the floor due to the crowded conditions. Feels good to lay on a mattress with sheets. We make arrangements to eat breakfast up at the main house B+B. Its suppose to be the best breakfast on the AT.
Date: 2013-09-27
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Upper Laurel Fork
Miles today: 13.3

Slept good last night. A couple hikers leave early. The remaining 7 hikers go up to the main house for the 8am breakfast. The Breakfast did not disappoint. It was good and plentiful. T-Rex and I leave together and reach the trail head at 9:25am. Billy Goat is not far behind. We start with a 900' climb. The views are good from the few open meadows. Billy Goat catches up to us. We descend 1000' over the next 4 miles. The high light of the day is Jones Falls, the largest falls on the AT. At 1pm we come to a blue blaze trail , indicating water, but no sign for the falls. I hear the sound of water, so we follow the blue blaze trail. Sure enough the sound gets louder, the high falls appears. Its a nice spot. We take pictures and stay and enjoy lunch. We are all glad we took the detour. Over the next 4 miles the trail has a little incline of 700'. We start to look for a camp site and come upon a stream and a small crossing. We fill up our water containers and see two hikers from the Hostel make camp here. We think the area feels damp and we move on. We travel about .5 miles and find a tent area at 5:45pm for the three of us 50' off the trail. The area is called Upper Laurel Fork. We traveled 13.5 miles today, not bad considering our late start. Sundown is at 7:30 and we are in our tents at 7:40pm.
Date: 2013-09-28
From: Upper Laurel Fork

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 11.1

Slept good last night, no wind. We all left camp at 8:20am. We headed up hill for a short time to US forest road 293. Small ups and downs for the first few miles, then a 400' climb where Billy Goat separates himself from us. We pass a spot call "Hardcore Cascades", nice cascades. We eat lunch with a view at a rock outcrop just south of Moreland Gap Shelter. Its our plan to stop at Kincora Hostel. T-Rex and me continue along as the trail becomes more rocky. We then drop 1700' down to Dennis Cove Road. Kincora hostel is .3 miles west. As we arrive at the Hostel we see the shuttle into town is getting ready to leave. Billy is is here and showered. T-Rex and me just have time to change into a clean shirt. Once in town the three of us eat at a AYCE chinese place. We then resupply at the Engles food market. Back at the hostel we shower and wash clothes. Bob Peoples owns the hostel, its very rough, but only accepts donation to stay. He also is very active with AT maintenance. There is 8 hikers here tonight.
Date: 2013-09-29
From: Kincora Hostel

To: North of Wilber Dam Road
Miles today: 12.7

Slept OK last night. Didn't leave until 8:20am. Bob Peoples started talking about some of his adventures, so we stayed to listen to the interesting stories. T-Rex and me leave first. The first mile was easy then a steep rocky climb down to Laurel Falls. Laurel Falls is not as high as Jones Falls but is a beautiful spot with more water over the falls. Billy Goat catches us at this point. A south bound hiker passes us and warns us of an aggressive bear that bothered him last night. The trail then followed along Laurel Creek. We then crossed over three very nice foot bridges. We passed by Laurel Fork Shelter then crossed over route 321. There is a posted bear warning issued from the forest service stopping people from walking thru the next 10 miles unless you are hikers who do not camp until Watuga Dam Road 10 miles away. I guess we are not camping for another 10 miles. We then start a tough 1750' climb up Pond Flats. We have lunch at the top. No view though. We then have a 1750' drop to a nice recreational area on the Watuga lake. We sit at a nice picnic bench taking in the lake view. There is even a water spigot to fill up our water. The trail then follows the lake shore line for a couple of miles. There was some nice camp spots along the way we would of stopped at if allowed. The trail slowly went up, passed Watuga Lake Shelter and dumped us onto Watuga Dam Road. Great view from here looking across the lake with the mountain back drop. Once we crossed the dam the trail followed a steep road then back into the woods. At this point we are allowed to camp and we stop at the first spot we see. We got to camp later than we like to so we are hanging our bear bags at dusk right after we eat. Billy Knocks his head lamp off his head when he throws his line over a branch. The three of us can't find it due to the dark and rocky overgrown area. Right as we are about to give up and look in the morning he finds it. Hiked 12.7 miles today in nice weather.
Date: 2013-09-30
From: North of Wilber Dam Road

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

I dreamed a lot last night and was told I was talking in my sleep. I did notice I dream more sleeping in the woods. The three of us hit the trail at 8:30am. We slowly gained in elevation. No large climbs today. The highlight of the day was eating lunch behind Vandeventer Shelter on the cliff rocks. There is a great view of the TN mountains and the lakes created by the Tennessee Valley Association. Water was scarce today. The few springs shown on the guide were more like puddles. We knew things were no better in front of us because two sets of south bound hikers asked us if we passed any water. Billy Goat made it to Iron Mountain Shelter before us. T-Rex and me needed water before camp. We saw a blue blaze trail and followed it only to find a puddle with water only dripping out of the spring. It took us much longer to pump water thru our filter from this source. Washing up and rinsing out clothes was out of the question. We would not risk contaminating what water was left. We arrived at camp at 5:30pm. The iron Mountain Shelter site has a lot of open areas for tenting. The problem is the ground all had a slight slope to it. Three south bound thru hikers arrived and strayed in the shelter. Two girls and a dog are also tenting here.