morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I have been looking forward to today since the beginning of the hike. The morning was all downhill into the NOC. Great views at "The Jump-Off" right off the bat. The further we descended, the more prevalent Spring started to become around us. Most trees at low elevations have began to bloom.We made it into the NOC right about 11am and grabbed a table at the restaurant - Barbecue Pulled Pork and a salad for me, thanks. After lunch, I swung over to the outfitter and picked up some more fuel and printed out my Great Smoky Mountains National Park pass. Spent the next hour lounging riverside, watching the kayakers paddle by and starting to put socks and shoes back on and arrange my pack.The (notorious) climb out of the NOC is a mirror image of the descent into it. It climbs over 3,250 feet over eight miles to the summit of Cheoah Bald. I wanted to push all the way to the top of the bald to make camp, but it was already a little breezy and supposed to get pretty cold, so we stopped at Sassafrass Gap Shelter - 600 feet below the bald and mostly protected from wind.I was about ready to stop anyway. Today's climb is the first I've really been winded by. I was just about out of gas by the time we rolled into camp.After the evening routine - set up tent, get water, clean, change, and cook - I went over and spent a few minutes next to a small fire in the shelter's ring. In my tent by 7:30 to do daily journal and listen to a bit of my book on tape before calling it a night.**TRAIL LIFE**Stopped for a quick breather during the climb out of the NOC and noticed a little lizard perched on the tree next to me. That brings the wild animal sighting list to: many centipede-like insects, snails, shitloads of squirrels, salamanders, turtles, birds and lizards.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Got back on the trail by 8:30am to finish the last bit of the climb up to Cheoah Bald by 9am. Beautiful views to both the east and west.Moved along after a few pics and stopped again at Locust Cove Gap for a second breakfast and to shed some early morning additional clothing.The trail rolls along downhill from there, until it crosses North Carolina 143 and gently climbs up to the other side of the road for about a mile until it dumps you right at the foot of "Jacob's Ladder," a section of trail that runs almost straight up a narrow side of a mountain.600 feet vertical gain in just under a half mile of trail without any switchbacks until the very top. Somebody could get rich selling T-shirts at the top reading, "I survived Jacob's Ladder." (ed. note: Jacob's Ladder? Really? Wait...)The trail builders decided to take pity of North Bound hikers after the Ladder as the trail winds about without any major climbs or drops for the next several miles.My body was ready to stop by Cable Gap Shelter, even though there was probably enough daylight to push on to Fontana Dam - the "Fontana Hilton" Shelter...we will save that for tomorrow night.**TRAIL LIFE**It was sneaky hot today and I started to find myself slightly dehydrated over the last few miles of trail. It makes every mile walked feel like three. Got to get back to making a conscious effort to drink plenty heading into the Smokies.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.6

Real fun day on the trail today!Only had 6.6 miles to get to Fontana Dam Shelter, so we took our time breaking down camp and got on the trail at a late 8:45am. After an initial climb out of camp, it was a rolling descent of 1,000 feet over the next five miles, with constant views of Fontana Lake and Dam to the right. The AT crosses NC 28 right at the base of the lake. There, a courtesy phone sits to call for a shuttle into the town of Fontana; mores a little hamlet, really.However, it has everything a hiker needs all in the same spot: laundry, post office and a general store. Ran a load of laundry and went to the post office while I was waiting. Moms sent down both my bounce box as well as a food drop for the Smokies. Packed up enough food to get through the Smokies (without having to stop in Gatlinburg, hopefully) and moved along to the Fontana Pit Stop (gas station) that obviously gets a lot of traffic between hikers and bikers. After a chili cheese dog and cold draft - Shiva IPA - it was time to shuttle back to the marina and hike the last mile to the Hilton.The shelter was every bit as fantastic as advertised! Hot shower, amazing views of the lake, and running water.It was a bit of a party/reunion at the Hilton as a lot of people I have been leapfrogging on the trail all made it in today to gear up for the Smokies tomorrow!**TRAIL LIFE**Just a shout out to Moms here. Perfect food drop and bounce box. Love ya, thanks for all the off-trail support!
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

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

Got a great night's sleep at the Hilton last night. Even though it was a packed shelter, I was still able to sleep right through till morning...earplugs may be the most weight-efficient item in my pack!Right after the shelter, the trail follows a service road right over Fontana Dam, the flattest mile of trail we will see for quite some time. Right past the bridge you enter into the southern border of the GSNMP.The trail went up almost the entire day, but it was a much easier and winding trail than the past few days in North Carolina have been.Eight miles into the hike the trail starts following the North Carolina-Tennessee border. Pushed on a bit past that and had lunch at Mollie's Ridge Shelter. Even though I kept to a pretty steady pace I had this feeling it was a race to the shelter to beat the rain. However, the clouds seemed to clear up a bit as we finished lunch and decided to move along.Real peaceful and quiet three miles to the next shelter for a water fill-up. After looking at AWOL (AT guidebook) we decided it probably wasn't even worth it to push on another three miles to the next shelter, as we could easily knock those miles out in the morning.Within minutes of making that decision the first wave of rain began to fall. Should continue like this all night, showers and thunderstorms likely. Shelter will most likely fill up to capacity (and then some) again tonight. Earplugs definitely in the forecast.**TRAIL LIFE**I had the damn theme song from The Addams Family stuck in my head all hike today. Couldn't decide if I loved or hated it.."duh na na na click click..."
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a cold wind blowing into the shelter. I went to go grab my food bag off the bear cables and noticed that all of the puddles as well as my bag were covered in a sheet of ice.However, the cold morning would be no indication of the day ahead. Whereas yesterday was cloudy and windy and gave the day's hike a race-to-shelter feel, today was filled with blue skies and a cool high of in the mid-60's which gave the hike the feeling that you could just stroll along leisurely at whatever pace desired. Which is exactly what I did all day.The first climb of the day took me up to the summit of Rocky Top, of Tennessee Vol traditional folk song fame (and always a welcome cover at Phish shows!) Thunderhead Mountain was next, then gently rolling terrain to Derrick Knob Shelter for lunch. Really took my time with lunch, and took my socks and boots off. Did a few stretches and just enjoyed every minute of being out here to the fullest!The miles this afternoon were blanketed with tiny white flowers on both sides of the trail, as well as thousands of tiny crickets that would spring to life as you passed.Got in to Double Spring Shelter at about 4:30 and met up with some of the same people that I have been shelter-hopping through the Smokies with, and several more continued to roll in through the evening. We are three miles sour of Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the entire AT at 6,655 feet. Most of the group has decided to break camp pre-dawn in an attempt to summit for sunrise tomorrow morning. **TRAIL LIFE**I gave out my first trail name today! Been camping at night with a kid from Lima, OH for the last few nights. Caught up with him and his buddy taking pictures at a random gap after lunch. Turned out to be Buckeye Gap - not the most original name, but very timely and fitting. Buckeye it is.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: few clouds

I've only been on the trail for a little over two weeks and I know I have already started several journal entries with "Best day" or "Most beautiful." But today was by far the most eventful day on trail yet!A group of four of us broke camp in the dark and made the three mile climb up Clingmans Dome in headlamps and were able to make it up to the observation deck just as the sun rose over the mountains, along the horizon. Just after Clingmans, I passed the 200 mile marker. The forest this morning was thick with Douglas Fir and Spruce trees, holding the cool morning air as I rolled along.A few miles later I came across Newfound Gap & US 441, the only road crossing in GSMNP. I was fortunate enough to come across some trail magic in the form of carrots, cucumbers, an ice cold water and the most delicious orange I've ever had! Big thanks to Pete & Marie from PA (crazy coincidence, huh Corey?) (ed note: that's Pete and Maria, genius).The hike this afternoon ran along a narrow ridge line with amazing views into North Carolina to my right and into Tennessee to my left. I also passed by Charlie's Bunion this afternoon which merited dropping my pack and taking the short spur trail out to the Bunion for some pics and the views.The trail continued to run along the ridge line for several more miles until I ran into the trail crossing that would lead me to my shelter for the night.20+ miles, great weather, sunrise atop the highest point on the AT, great trail magic and Charlie's Bunion. Pretty great day I'd say!**TRAIL LIFE**I also ran into a great couple where the trail skirts a road prior to Newfound Gap. Del and Marilyn - it turns out they live right off the trail in New Hampshire, right by the White Mountain range. We exchanged contacts and they offered a hot meal and shower when I pass by. Del and Marilyn - I will absolutely take you up on that offer!
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

I laid contempt in my sleeping bag as the morning rain pinged off the tin roof of the shelter. We decided it was going to be a fairly short day anyway, so I decided I would stay in my bad until after 7am.The day was calling for showers all day but the morning rain eventually lifted and I got on the trail around 8:45am. Managed to stay dry for about two hours when the rain returned. I was already five miles into the planned 13 for the day, so our pace would determine how long we would hike wet. My pace dictated about three hours out in the rain - not too bad, actually.The rain mixed with the rolling fog gave the day a true Smoky Mountain feel. I got to Cosby Shelter just a bit after 1pm and didn't feel like pushing another seven to Davenport Gap, so I was in for the night.Dinner and all chores done by 5pm so it looks like another early, rainy night in the Smokies. Thunderstorms in the forecast all day tomorrow, so the plan seems to be to get out in it early and make a quick 10 mile push to get out of the GSMNP and checked into Standing Bear Hostel to dry off for the night.**TRAIL LIFE**Speaking of bear, I only have eight more miles in GSMNP tomorrow and didn't see one yet. That makes a total of zero seen in all three of my backpacking trips here. No worries, though - I hear I'm almost guaranteed to see some in the Shenandoahs on down the trail.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

A section hiker woke first this morning, holding his phone in his hand. "Looking at the updated radar forecast," he stated. "The real heavy stuff should start passing through about 11am." That was all it took. That one statement triggered the release valve on just about every air pad in the overcrowded shelter.Standing Bear was only a little over 10 miles away, just past the northern border of the GSMNP. The rain fell heavy and thick as I climbed up Mount Cammerer right out of the shelter. I hear there is a nice lookout tower on the summit, just a quick spur away. Didn't bother though; wanted to get off the ridge line quick - the view would only have been of fog, anyway.The miles came quick and by the end of the park all five of us ended up coming together on trail, even though we had all left the shelter at separate times this morning.We got to the road crossing for Standing Bear and headed that way just hoping they still had five bunk spots left. Right as we got there, the cabin on site freed up and we were able to lock it down as a group.Standing Bear is a wonderful hostel and made for a real enjoyable Sunday evening. The cabin actually sits on top of a stream that runs under it and the front porch. I was able to wash my clothes by hand with a washboard and clothes wringer. A hot shower, hot food, and dry clothes were fantastic. We went in family style and made a giant spaghetti dinner and relaxed on the porch all evening.**TRAIL LIFE**Today's Trail Life is actually about tomorrow's hike. While sitting on the porch I realized that Max Patch Bald is only 14 miles away. The rain is supposed to let up tomorrow afternoon as well...it might just line up for some amazing views.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Campsite: Mile 259
Miles today: 18.7

Woke up, and things were good. Got a great rest, and knew I was able to cook a hot breakfast, and the sun was shining!I went back to the pantry and bought some eggs for breakfast and a few other items for a short resupply in Hot Springs 30 trail miles away. I made my way over to the kitchen, made myself a giant breakfast burrito, and packed up my things and squared up with Rocket. Great times at Standing Bear - I highly recommend the cabin!Got back to work at nine on the dot. Long, gradual climb up to Snowbird Mountain and its grassy bald top. Great views and it only fired me up more for Max Patch later on in the hike. I made up my mind right there that I wasn't stopping again until Max; lunch could wait. Within the next hour I had passed the other four hikers from the cabin (Yellow Shirt, Drop Bear, Sprouts, Hagerad), let them know my plan, and urged everybody to do the same. I was 2pm by the time Sprouts and I got there - it was as beautiful as advertised: a small single track running up a steep ridge with green grass top and 360 degree views to all the mountain around.We ate lunch, took in the views and started climbing down off the summit.We dropped into a totally different forest zone and started following a cascading stream out and down the valley. The trail, which usually runs you up and over every hilltop, decided to just take it easy and ribbon its way around the sides of the mountains. We found a large open camp area and settled in. Lots of fuel around so we got a nice campfire going. The inviting campfire seemed to draw in several other traveling parties. Back in my tent after shelter-hopping through the Smokies!**TRAIL LIFE**We ran into the most fantastic Trail Magic today! As we approached the summit of Max Patch, eager to enjoy a late lunch, we noticed a sign spiked into the ground:TRAIL MAGIC! Downhill, under white tent.Sure enough, a couple hundred feet downhill we saw a white canopy and an SUV.It turned out to be "2 of a Kind," a husband and wife team that thru-hiked the AT in 2010. They had set up tables and chairs and we were treated to banana bread muffins, a giant bowl of spaghetti and meat sauce, and some sodas. Many thanks, guys! The food was great and the memories are even better!
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Campsite: Mile 259

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up very refreshed - so nice to get back in my tent again! Everybody had a bit of "pep-in-the-step" this morning knowing that hot food and cold drinks were waiting for us in Hot Springs.Drop Bear, Yellow Shirt, Sprouts, Hagerad (ed. note: Arrow's spelling explanation: "the dude from Harry Potter") and I all decided we would hike along again today but all meet up at the Smoky Mountain Diner in town for lunch and to figure out sleeping accommodations. I was the last out of camp and really enjoyed the early morning hike up Walnut and Bluff Mountains. I heard a few wild turkey calls down valley, but never saw them. The summit of Bluff Mountain marked the high point for the day at 4,868 feet. The rest of the day was a 10 mile descent down to Hot Springs at 1,300 feet. I came around a bend to find the group up off the trail with a fellow with a big cooler."Coke or Mountain Dew?""Coke please and thanks!"It turned out to be Shepard, another former thru-hiker. Thanks, Shepard! Also, nothing like food and drink to bring our little hiking family together! I finished the hike on a nice sugar buzz from the Coke and made it into Hot Springs for lunch.We had lunch, got a great cabin for the five of us right on the French Broad river and went back for dinner and drinks at the Spring Creek Tavern (my kind of place!). I even got to watch my Nugs win game five! The stars were out in full force on my walk back to the cabin, bound for bed.**TRAIL LIFE**The Hungry Hiker is a 12 ounce burger that I absolutely destroyed. I was full after but not miserable how I would have been before the hike...I feel the hikers appetite coming on.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC (Zero Day #2)
Miles today: 0.0

The cabin worked perfectly for us, each having our own bed and for a really affordable rate. I called and left a message before they even opened this morning to let them know we would be staying again tonight.The Hiker Ridge Ministry provides snacks, coffee, juices and free WiFi for all hikers. After surfing the Internet a bit on their back porch, I started running all my town errands: laundry, post office, food resupply.I made my way back to the Tavern for a late lunch. I met Sprouts and Yellow Shirt there as they were leaving and we decided to go in on a group dinner and grill out over our fire ring out back of the cabin.We grilled some burgers and Sprouts whipped up a giant fresh salad. Shanks even came over and brought a case of Yuengling to share. And we all had something to cheers over as it was Sprout's birthday.Spent the rest of the evening relaxing on the front porch on made my way to bed.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up and started moving at about 6:45am. The original plan was to grab a hot breakfast then hit the trail. During breakfast, I decided I was going to head back into town for some coffee and to borrow a quick bit of WiFi. Ended up getting back on trail closer to 10:30am.The trail takes the bridge over the French Broad River out of town then immediately hops over the guide rail and follows along the river. The lovely flat walk riverside lasts all of a whole 0.5 miles before a series of switchbacks comes along and brings you up out of the valley and up to the mountains ridge line, offering great views down into Hot Springs behind me now. My body felt great after the Zero Day so I knew early that I was going to make good miles and would hit the second shelter that Sprouts, Yellow Shirt, Drop Bear and I had discussed; a little over 19 miles away. However, I just couldn't get my legs moving quite fast enough to make decent time. I was going to be hiking into the evening a bit.The trail passed a dam-formed pond and would constantly dip down into the valley, then slowly lift back out of them and up over the next mountain.I was fairly shocked to see the roof of the shelter appear over the top of a gentle climb. I noticed Drop Bear, Yellow Shirt and Sprouts all had their tents set up and starting dinner, so I went straight over and joined them at 6pm sharp.Nothing fancy for dinner, just a quick Lipton chicken & broccoli noodles then straight to the tent for the night.**TRAIL LIFE**Just wanted to mention how much I love my trekking poles. So nice to have to help dig in on the uphills, provide another point of balance on the descents, and I found a third use for them today: helping to push a rattlesnake off the trail ahead of me!
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to the sound of thick raindrops pinging off the rain cover of my tent. It wasn't actually raining - there was just such a thick blanket of fog that moisture would gather in the trees above and fail when the wind would blow.The first three miles of trail would pass right by several key sites just off the trail, and I made the decision that I would put in the extra credit and check them all out. The first side trail led up to a fire tower. I was shocked when I got to the top and saw a dozen cars and 20 people out constructing a massive canopy. It turned out to be the Greeneville, TN Hiking Club setting up their annual Hiker Feed. They will be out there all weekend grilling up burgers & brats for all hikers who pass by. I was a bit early for grilled food but was showered with snacks and drinks. Thanks, guys!The next stops were Whiterock Cliff and Blackstack Cliffs, both offering fantastic views. The trail then summits the bare rock top of Firescald Mountain, where a bit of scrambling and rock-hopping was necessary.The descent on the backside was a bit steep and my knees ached a bit, so I stopped early at Flint Mountain Shelter for the evening. Short day - under 13 miles.Going to try to get up before sunrise and tack on some big miles tomorrow.**TRAIL LIFE**Couldn't get my pack comfortable on my back today. Kept on having to readjust it every so often. Maybe it was because it was overstuffed with snacks given to me at the Hiker Feed!