morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was scheduled to be a long day and it lived up to its billing. I got out before 9:00 and had a small up hill. There were 3 trail maintainers in the shelter last night and they all said todays section would be tough. It was a long steep climb up to the top of Rocky Mountain. As I started up I heard thunder in the distance. I definitely didn't want to get caught on top of a mountain with lightning around. I made it Ok and then went up Thunderhead Mountain. With about 3 miles to go it started to rain. I put on my rain jacket but not my rain pants. A big mistake as it turns out. It seemed to take forever to do the three miles but I made it. I was totally wet either from rain or sweat. Fortunately it was not too cold. Maybe 55 or 60. Now the fun begins. Where to stay. Here are the rules for the GSMNP. Three spots are for thru hikers. They were all taken. The general public can reserve 8 spaces. Here is the problem. You are not allowed to tent unless the shelter is full. The shelter was not full so I set up. Now I can be sound asleep and if someone comes in with a reservation I have to vacate my spot and go set up my tent. After we were all settled in and asleep some people came in with reservations but we were able to squeeze them. A strange system but I guess there is a reason for it.
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Today I had two choices. Hike a short day 7.2 miles or a long day 14 miles. The problem with the long day is it takes you over Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the entire AT, and a tough climb to get there. Also we have been having afternoon thunderstorms and I don't want to be up there in a storm.I decided to postpone the decision until I had done the 7.2. I got up and put on my wet clothes, not a good feeling when the temperature is in the 40's, and headed out into a cold mist. The climbs were not that bad but I just didn't have much strength in my legs for some reason. The sun did come out around 10:30 and that made things better. I did the 7.2 by 2:30 and knew I couldn't make the other 7 miles so I settled into the shelter. Getting into camp that early gave me time to dry out most of my gear. Tomorrow I will try and do the 10.8 miles to Newfound Gap by 3:30. If I make it I can catch the shuttle into Gatlinburg if not I will have to find another way to go the 15 miles into Gatlinburg. The shelter holds about 18 but as of 5:00 it is not quite half full. As the evening wore on more hikers showed up and soon it was full. Later that night a couple of hikers with reservations showed up but decided to move on so we didn't have to vacate our spot.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is April Fools day and I am a hiking fool. I am trying to make it to Newfound Gap by 3:00 so I can catch a NOC shuttle 15 miles into Gatlinburg. I got my earliest start yet hitting the trail a little before 8. It was a long 3 mile climb up to Clingmans Dome but not one of the more difficult. I stopped and climbed the observation tower for some great views and pictures. I didn't stay long as it was a little chilly and I had a schedule to meet. The rest of the day was down hill with a few ups to Newfound Gap. I can make good time on the down hills and level trail but am still slow on the up hills. While eating lunch at an over look I met a couple, Switchback and Sid. Every day I meet more and more people on the trail. It truly is a family atmosphere. Some hikers you are with just a few minutes and others you are with for days or weeks. The one hiker I seem to see the most is a guy named Wolf. We seem to be on the same pace. I don't see him during the day but we almost always are at the same camping areas. I arrived at Newfound Gap at 2:45. Good job me....Newfound Gap is a scenic overlook so has a large parking lot and bathrooms. It was packed since it was Sunday and a pretty day. As I was crossing the parking lot a man came up and asked if I would like him to take my picture in front of the Tennessee/North Carolina border sign. He took the picture and said that he and his wife had done a thru hike in 2010. Trail names Yak and Stitch. I had followed their hike on Trail Journals and felt like I new them. He took me over and introduced me to Stitch and gave me some trail magic. We talked for quite a while. You never know when something you say will impact a hiker. I mentioned that I was a little concerned about the miles I was doing and needed to pick up my pace. He said "you really don't need to pick up your pace, just hike longer. As the days get longer you will hike more miles. Just hike from a little after daylight to a little before dark and you will hike more miles each day. Your pace can stay the same" I don't know why I had not thought about that but it gave me a real boost. Thanks Yak and SticthThe Shuttle came right on time and dropped off 3 hikers and then took me into Gatlinburg to the Grand Prix Motel. A hiker frindly motel. After a shower and some unpacking to dry things out I am off to Bennett's for some BBQ. Then looking forward to a good nights sleep in a real bed.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newgound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I pigged out at Bennetts on BBQ and assorted sides as well as a couple of adult beverages. Slept like a baby. Got up and went into the office where they had coffee and donuts. I was still full from last night so I didn't go out for breakfast. My "hiker hunger" hasn't kicked in yet. I did my laundry last night so this morning all I had to do was go to the outfitter store to pick up a few things and then to the grocery for food.On the way back I stopped at The Texas Road House for lunch. A bacon cheese burger. YUM. Back at the motel I hung my tent out to dry and while waiting checked my VISA statement and I had a charge on there for $79.00 In addition to my lunch charge. I hustled back over there and talked to the manager and he said it was charged by mistake and had already been reversed. I hope he is right. I don't want to deal with this from the trail.Heading out for a light dinner tonight and then I will pack and go to bed. Catching the bus tomorrow at 9:00 to Newfound Gap and then back on the trail.By the way, two milestones yesterday. Passed the 200 mile mark and climbed the highest mountain on the AT. Clingmens Dome. Should be all down hill from here. Yeah right.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Newgound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Another good nights sleep. Thats two in a row. YEA. I got up about 6:30, got dressed and went to "Old Dads" for a bacon egg and cheese biscuit. Returned to the motel for coffee and donuts. I finished packing up and was ready to leave by 8:45. There is a bus service between Gatlinburg and Cherokee that stops at Newfound Gap. It leaves at 9:15 but doesn't arrive until 11:00 at Newfound Gap. I was leaving the motel when a man stopped me and asked if i wanted a ride to the trail. He and his wife were shuttling some other hikers and had room for one more. The other hikers were at breakfast so we had to wait for them. As it turned out about an hour. As we talked I found out that the couple, Beth and Bernie, had come to Gatlinburg a couple of years ago to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They discovered the through hiking community and decided to come back the next year and do trail magic, even though they are not hikers themselves. The back of their truck is full of food that they pass out to hikers as they meet them and of course they do the shuttles. All for free. Thanks Beth and Bernie.I have just been blown away with the generosity of the people I have met. The people are the highlight of the trip so far.I got on the trail about 11:00 and made good time to the first shelter where I stopped and put on my rain gear. It had started to lightning and thunder. The rain held off for awhile but then cut loose and pretty much rained the rest of the day. I began to notice something on the trail. It looked like rock salt. As I moved on I saw more and more and finally realized it was hail. Apparently it had hailed a lot just before I arrived. I never got hailed on thank goodness.The rain left the trail a muddy mess. At times it was like hiking in a drainage ditch. It was very slippery and I had to be careful not to fall.When I got to the shelter it was almost full and I knew there were more with reservations on the way because I had met them at the shelter where I changed into my rain gear. I slid my pad into an available space and heard someone say "granbob". It was Bill, a hiker I had met last May. We had stayed in touch and I knew that he was on the trail but he is much faster and I thought he had passed me while I was in Gatlinburg. He had covered in 2 weeks what it took me almost 4 weeks to do. He was doing 20 mile days right off the bat. It sure was good to see him and catch up.Later that night a father and his two daughters and a grandfather and his grandson came in with reservations but we were able to fit everyone in. I wish I had discovered backpacking and hiking when my girls were younger. It would have been a great experience to share with them.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

After a crowded night in the shelter I awoke to a sunny morning. Of course my hiking clothes were wet. I packed up everything I could and ate breakfast but eventually I had to put on those nasty, cold, wet clothes. The shelter was a half mile off the trail so I put in a mile of hiking that doesn't count as AT mileage. The first five miles went quickly even though it had a lot of up hills. I stopped at a shelter to rest and eat lunch. There were 5 men there on horseback. This is one of few sections of the AT where horses are allowed. So in addition to the trail still being muddy from yesterdays rain and it also has been very rocky I now have to be careful not to step in horse poop. While there I decided to change into my rain gear since it was clouding up and the forecast called for thunder storms. After about a half mile I realized that I had not repacked the pants I had changed out of so back to the shelter I went. I was not a happy hiker especially since today was going to be my longest day. 12.9 miles. After about a mile the sun came out and I was roasting in my rain gear so I stopped and took off my rain jacket. Put my pack back on and started again. I got thirsty so I sucked on my sip tube that is attached to my water bladder and nothing came out. I knew the bladder had water in it so whats the problem. Took my pack off checked everything out but couldn't find the problem. Finally figured that I had turned the valve off. All that for nothing. I felt like an idiot. Repacked and I am on the trail again. Now I am behind and may get to the shelter too late to get a spot. Somehow I shifted into a higher gear and flew down the trail. Got to the shelter at 4:00. WOW. Along the way I passed a valley which was full of flowering trees. Dogwoods I think.A smaller group in the shelter tonight including Bill, Precious (a guy), Diesel and others.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Today was scheduled to be a pretty easy day. 10.7 miles and mostly down hill. I wanted to get to Standing Bear Hostel early so I could get a bunk. I made good time the first 7 miles to Davenport Gap. Ate lunch there and put on my pack cover since once again rain was expected. I should be able to out run it since I am only about 4 miles from my destination.   Alas, it was not to be. About half way there it started to rain and rained for about an hour. The last mile was pretty tough. All up hill. Arrived at the hostel about 3 and got one of the last bunks. It has been storming off and on since I arrived and is supposed to continue all night. Standing Bear Hostel is a different kind of place. If you are not a hiker you would probably not like it. There is a very old rustic bunk house which sleeps about 14. The toilet is a privy just like on the trail. There is an indoor and out door shower. There is another building with resupply items as well as food to eat while you are here. Frozen pizza etc. Another building houses the kitchen and laundry. The laundry is a wash tub and an old time wash board. Every thing is on the honor system. You pick up an envelope and write down everything you get and then when you are ready to leave you add up your bill and put the cash in the envelope and put it in a box. A very unique system.Today I left the GSMNP with mixed feelings. The views were great, the trail and shelters for the most part were well maintained but I will not miss the regimentation of having to stay in the shelters and not knowing if you are going to be kicked out.The past few days I have noticed that It is not taking me as long to do the miles as I had planned. I think I may be finally getting my trail legs. Last year I did this section and did two 15 mile days in a row. I am going to try and do the same Friday and Saturday and that will leave me only about 4 miles into Hot Springs on Sunday. I should be able to resupply, do laundry and head out Monday after the PO opens so I can pick up my meds that Reed mailed me. I just realized that Sunday is Easter. I hope the stores are open so I can resupply. If not I will resupply Monday and head out Monday afternoon.
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Standing Bear Farm hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained all night last night and was sprinkling a little when I left about 9:00. I had wanted to get an earlier start but as usual I am slow to pack up. In addition when I got ready to leave I realized that I hadn't gotten my snacks and lunch out. Naturally they were on the bottom.My first 15 mile day started with a 5 mile climb. Two thirds of the 15 miles were uphill. The first 5 miles went by quickly and at exactly twelve noon the sun came out. The afternoon was cool but pretty. After about 1:00 the miles seemed to drag by. I was dragging. At 3 I crossed a forest service road and there was trail magic. "APPLE" from Cincinnati had snacks and drinks for everyone. He is retired and does trail magic along the AT but also does it along other trails. Thanks Apple.The highlight of the day was Max Patch Bald. It is a huge bald with great views. Last year I was at Max Patch on May 18 and it was 35 degrees and sleeting. Today it was beautiful but a little cold in the wind. I still had 2 miles to go to the shelter so I didn't stay long. I can't believe the shelter is not full again. I have met some new hikers here. Runner, Lime Green, Dakota Dan and Einstein.It's cold tonight so I am already in my sleeping bag.I will have another 15 mile day tomorrow but much easier terrain.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

This morning I woke to my coldest day since being on the trail. My thermometer is not the best but it read 38 degrees. It was hard to get out of my sleeping bag. As I mentioned we had a small group in the shelter last night. The topic of discussion this morning was "how far are you going today". There is a shelter just 3 miles from Hot Springs NC but it is 15 miles from our current shelter. Some wanted to do the 18 miles into Hot Springs but getting there late in the day on Saturday with no reservation is risky. The thought of town food, showers and a laundry overruled the risk for most. Others like me are going to stop after 15 miles putting us in position to be in Hot Springs by mid morning on Easter Sunday. I should be able to get a place to stay Sunday night although I understand it is spring break for some. I will just have to take my chances. Even if I can't find a place to stay I can still do laundry, clean up in a bathroom somewhere, resupply and eat some good food.I got out about 8:40 and it didn't take long before I was warm. It is amazing how much heat your body generates when you are hiking. Even though I am doing 15 miles for the second day only about 20% is up hill. The first 3.5 miles to Lemon Gap were down hill then a 1000 foot climb to Walnut Mountain shelter in a little over a mile. I then had another down hill and a very tough uphill to the top of Bluff Mountain. I made really good time and since most of the rest was down hill I thought I might make it to my destination in record time. About half way down my feet started bothering me. Just really sore and of course there were a lot of little ups and downs at the end just when you are really tired. Still made it in by 4:30 which for me is really good time. Not many in the shelter tonight so I guess most went on into Hot Springs. Not as cold as last night. I hope to get into town by about 9:30 tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Well there is something about being near a town that will get you going. I was up at 6:30 and on the trail by 7:30. I was only 3 miles from Hot Springs and arrived there at 8:45. I went straight to Elmers Sunnybank and he had a room that would be ready at 11:00 so I went across the street for a big breakfast and it seemed the whole hiking community was there. After checking in and getting my room I took a shower and then went to the laundromat. Then off to the store to resupply. The exciting life of a thru hiker. Now its time to work on my journal while I await Elmers famous all vegetarian dinner. A Happy Easter to all and I hope the weather is as perfect where you are as it is here.
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

I was up at 7:00 and went across the street to the diner for breakfast. Elmer was cooking breakfast at the hostel but I wanted meat. After a big breakfast I went back to the hostel to do a little packing and then off to the PO for my package with meds in it. Thanks Reed. My hike out started at 11:00 and in§luded a lot of up hills. About a mile into my hike I reached "lovers leap" According to legend an indian maiden's fiance was murdered and in her grief she jumped off the ledge to her death. However some say she just jumped and the trees broke her fall and she ran off with the murder. Take your pick. Either way the view of the French Broad River and Hot Springs is great. As with most days the morning went fast and I stopped at a great pond formed by a small dam. It looked like a Norman Rockwell painting. Since I ate such a big breakfast I packed a small lunch. Big mistake. I think that is why I pooped out this afternoon. I did get to the shelter about 5:15. Not bad for 11:00 start and 11 miles. I have met two new hikers; "Mouse and Option" must be my lucky day. One on my right and one on my left. Did I mention that one is 50 and the other in her 60's. Also here tonight are. Runner, Einstein, Lime Green and Dakota Dan. There are some others here also that I can't rember there names.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up at 6:30 and it was pretty cold but I couldn't linger as I am doing a 15 mile day. I got on the trail at 8:00 which I think is my earliest start. After a couple of hours I came to a road crossing and there was a sign there. "Food and drinks 350 yards up the trail" Then they listed some of the food. Belgium waffles, Stew, home made bread, banana splits and more. I just wasn't hungry so I didn't stop. Later I talked to some who went and they said it was fantastic. They even gave foot rubs for sore feet.As usual I made pretty good time in the morning but today I also made good time in the afternoon. The afternoon included a 1.5 mile ridge walk. It was really rocky, to the point that I had to back down one section like climbing down a ladder. Another section just dropped off on both sides. Last year when I did this section the weather was bad so no views. This year the sun was out and the view was awesome. Made it to the shelter about 5:00 and got the last spot in the shelter. This shelter has a fireplace and Mouse had a nice fire going. Very much appreciated since it is chilly and going into the 20's tonite. As I write this we are all sitting in the shelter and it is interesting to listen to everyones experiences. A great way to unwind after a long day of hiking. One of my better hiking days.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Up and getting packed at 6:30 and on the trail at 8:00 for another 15 mile day. It started with a gentle uphill through some really pretty woodlands. At one meadow there is grave site where the Shelton brothers are buried. They were Southerners who fought for the Union Army. They were coming home to visit and were killed by Confederate soldiers. There is another marker there of a 13 year old boy who died in 1863. Someone maintains the grave site on a regular basis including flowers.The afternoon was a lot more difficult. I had a 1400 foot climb followed later by a 600 foot climb and then another climb to the shelter. The shelter is full and there are about 20 tenters. Once again I scored the last space in the shelter. It may be better to be in a tent tonite as tents are usually 10 degrees warmer than shelters and it is going to be in the low 20's tonite. There is a sign at the shelter that says there will be breakfast Trail Magic at Sam's Gap about 3 miles from here. I hope that works out.A few more milestones. 1) Just passed the 300 mile mark. 2) I have been out longer and done more miles than on any previous hike.I should be in Erwin, TN Saturday. Then I will be hiking on trail I have not hiked before.Several people have asked about my ankle so here is a health update. My ankle is fine. I finally found an ankle brace that fits and it has kept me from rolling my ankle again. I also wear a brace on my left knee and it too has kept my knee pain free. The past few days I have felt a strain in my groin but today it was gone. My right shoulder stays sore and I am not sure why. I still am not sleeping well at night. Reed is mailing me some medicine for my dry mouth which I hope will help my sleeping. So all and all I am feeling good and doing well.