morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

Today was a cold, rainy, windy, miserable day. It was the first day so far that I have had to hike in really crappy weather. It started raining while I was asleep early this morning, and from when I woke up on it was cold, foggy, and drizzling sleet and rain. I took my time and didn't get out of camp until 11, as I only had around 8 miles to hike today. A couple miles into my hike I encountered more trail magic. At the Unicoi Gap road crossing somebody had left a bottle of Coke with a label stuck to it that read "For the next thru-hiker... mmm... sugar!" It was delightful.As I was relaxing, someone pulled up and was waiting to give some folks a ride into town. She told me thunderstorms were rolling in around 4. Suddenly, I couldn't take my time and I had to bust my ass to make it to Tray Mountain Shelter before the storms hit, hopefully to find a spot in the shelter for me. Between me and the shelter lay two tough mountains: one a 1,000 foot climb, and the next a 1,300 foot climb - and I only had about 3 hours.As I was hiking, I was out of breath and the weather was terrible, and I kept thinking about football practice in high school. When the weather was bad and cold and we were tired, Coach Dupes would always say, "Where would ya rather be? Where would ya rather be?!" This became my mantra for the day.Part of me was loving the bad weather, as it seemed like a rite of passage for thru-hikers despite the fact that there will be many days like this ahead. I was starting to feel like a real thru-hiker.As I was reaching the top of the second climb the thunder started, and I got nervous and really started hurrying to the shelter. Walking up to the top of a mountain was not what I wanted to be doing with thunder and lightning looming. When I reached the shelter, the worst two words an AT hiker in cold rain can hear were uttered from behind a strung up tarp covering the front: "Shelter's full." So I set up my tent, got into my dry clothes and sleeping bag, and here I am. It is supposed to clear up tomorrow!Blood Orange
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

This morning was cold, but when the sun came out it started warming up and became a beautiful day. Before I left camp, I signed the shelter register with the following:"Cold... rain... wet... sleet... hail... windy... 'Shelter's full'... tent still wet from this morning... and yet... where would ya rather be?!"-Blood OrangeAfter a pretty easy 5 miles I stopped for lunch and let my tent dry out in the sun. I just relaxed for an hour, as the weather was perfect and I was in no hurry. After lunch I had a one mile climb that on paper was easier than both yesterday, but for some reason it was really tough and seemed like it would never end. I reached Deep Gap Shelter around 3:30 and just dried all my stuff out and relaxed. I can feel the often lauded "hiker hunger" kicking in, as I had a two-dinner night for the first time tonight.Tomorrow I will take a nero, or near zero, day. I'll hike 3.6 miles into Dick's Creek Gap in the morning and then head into Hiawassee, GA for a relaxing day and night at the Budget Inn. After tomorrow I only have 8.9 miles to the GA/NC border!
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 3.6

This morning I woke up at 7, packed up, skipped breakfast, and was on the trail by 7:30. I wanted to hike the 3.6 miles to Dick's Creek Gap and get into Hiawassee as early as possible so that I could secure a room and have as much town time as possible.I hitched into town and got to the Budget Inn around 10. Unfortunately, when I went to the office and asked for a single, the manager said that there were no more rooms. As I was putting my pack on to head to the slightly more expensive motel about a mile up the road, he came out and said that with all the hikers grouping up for rooms he had lost track, and that he did have a room available. It also happened to be a "nice room", as most hikers grouped up and got rooms with two beds, leaving the single room unused. It is a huge room with a king size bed, a couch, and yes... a jacuzzi!I walked uptown and got lunch at a nice caf©. I think I'll get breakfast there in the morning. I also went to the post office to get a package from my mom containing some overflow from what I overpacked when I started last week, plus a couple bonus goodies. After that, I went to the large grocery store next to the P.O. and resupplied my food. I headed back to my room and watched The Office and a documentary on Notorious B.I.G. while I organized and packed my rations, and updated my journal online. I got to make a few calls home as well, which was very nice.After eating dinner at DQ, it was jacuzzi time! You may be surprised that I had a jacuzzi in my $40 room at the Budget Inn, but you probably won't be shocked to hear that the Budget Inn ran out of hot water and it turned out to be a lukewarm jacuzzi bath. It still felt great, though.After looking at the weather for tomorrow night (low 20's... brrr...) I am thinking I may be heading to the Blueberry Patch Hostel tomorrow and just hanging out there for a zero day. I probably won't decide until the morning. I am really loving coming to towns and seeing all the guest book entries. Thanks to all who are sharing their support. As Theresa pointed out, I haven't been posting many pictures. I am taking many pictures on my camera, but won't be able to upload all those until I'm back home, so I can only upload pictures taken on my phone. I keep forgetting to get it out and take a picture or two a day on it as well, and I apologize. I will try to remember to get it out and get more pictures that I can upload. I can't wait to sleep in this luxurious bed tonight, good night!
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Today I woke up and went to breakfast at the Southside Caf©. It was cheap with big portions. After packing and checking out, I took the Budget Inn shuttle to the Blueberry Patch Hostel. I ended up deciding to spend a zero day here to rest up and avoid another cold night. When I got here I was greeted by Gary, who with his wife, Lennie, owns and operates the hostel. It is really just a bunk room and dining room in a building adjacent to their house. It is very charming and cozy, kept warm by a great wood-burning furnace. I went back into town with the other folks staying here who are fresh off the trail, because I didn't have any food for today. In town we ate at Daniel's - all you can eat southern food for $7! We got our fill and it was actually pretty good, just not many choices. The next stop was to the public library to buy and print out a newly required permit to hike through the Smokies, something I forgot to do yesterday. After that, it was back to the Blueberry Patch to relax. Also staying here are Amanda, Spencer, Torch, Rango, Shane, Alec, and Borders, his wife Doobie, and their daughter Pink Panther. Everyone is very nice and cool, and most are new to me except for Torch and Rango, who I met back at Black Gap Shelter. I petted and got some pictures with the resident goats and donkeys, played some cards, and played a rousing game of "flip the dime" with Pink Panther - which I won!It sounds like Gary and Lennie will be making us breakfast in the morning which I look forward to greatly, as I've heard it's delicious. After these restful days, I am very antsy and excited to get back on the trail. Tomorrow night I should be sleeping in North Carolina.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0

Hello from North Carolina!My bunk at the Blueberry Patch last night was wonderfully comfortable. I got a great night's sleep and some great hospitality. Gary and Lennie woke us up around 8 with a breakfast of eggs, sausage, biscuits, pancakes, coffee, and orange juice. They asked nothing of us for our stay, simply placing an envelope by our plates for the opportunity to leave a donation, which I was happy to do. At 9:30 Gary shuttled us back to Dick's Creek Gap and it was back on the trail. I hiked 4.5 miles and then stopped for lunch at the Plum Orchard Gap shelter, which was a very neat three story shelter. Another 4.4 miles and I was at the GA/NC border. It was awesome to finish a state and see some real progress. Georgia was a delightful state and the people I met were some of the kindest, most generous people I have ever encountered. However, it is great to be moving on - one down, thirteen to go!I camped just 0.1 miles past the border since we were expecting rain. It turns out it won't start raining until some time late tonight, and it should rain all day tomorrow. I'm planning a small 7.5 mile day tomorrow and hope to arrive at Standing Indian Shelter in time to get a spot for the night out of the rain. I'm not looking forward to making breakfast and breaking camp in the rain. But... no pain, no rain, no Maine!
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It started raining last night at some point while I was asleep. Luckily the rain dropped off and gave me time to have breakfast and break camp. On my way out of camp, I got a picture of the most photographed tree on the AT. It is a cool looking, twisted tree and evidently everyone takes a picture of it. It feels good to be hiking in a new state, but North Carolina really slaps you in the face when you start it. There were three really steep, tough climbs today. The first came right away, directly out of Bly Gap, giving no time to warm up. I was really huffing and puffing. Luckily the rain held off all day, although it was very foggy and humid. I was literally hiking through clouds, it seemed. I got to Standing Indian Shelter around 3:30 and secured one of the last spots in the shelter for tonight. I met Coyote, Avacado, Rocket, Great Legs, and Valkyrie, all of whom I'm sharing the shelter with tonight, and all of whom were very cool. We had a nice evening around a damp fire. Coyote heard that the rain is done and that the weather is supposed clear up, which is great news. I am staying in the shelter just in case, though.
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Rain! It rained hard last night and all day today. It was tough to get motivated to pack up and get moving. Once hiking, I got pretty used to it and didn't mind the rain all that much. Sleeping in the shelter was nice since I was able to keep my necessary dry clothes and sleeping bag dry. I hiked just over 7.5 miles today, and they were pretty easy miles. I arrived at the Carter Gap Shelter around 2 for a late lunch, and then Valkyrie showed up and planned on staying there. Everyone else from last night had pushed on, but they are all doing much bigger miles per day than me. I had planned on doing a few more miles and camping, however with no end to the rain in sight, I decided to call it here for the night. The shelter filled up pretty quickly, and some guys are sleeping on the ground beneath the cooking overhang. They blocked off the rain with a tarp strung up over the opening facing the rain, which helped a lot. It should get to the upper 20's tonight, but I am dry and well-fed so I should be good!
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 4.5

What a day. I am laughing at one-week-ago-me for thinking that that weather was bad!When we woke up, there was 1 or 2 inches of snow on the ground, and it was still falling hard. Somebody at the shelter had a thermometer that read between 10 and 15 degrees. It was really hard to get up and start packing and making decisions. Eight people or so made arrangements for a shuttle to Franklin to pick them up at Mooney Gap - about 4.5 miles from the shelter. I couldn't decide what to do, so I just took a long time getting packed and ready. About half of this time was spent either re-warming my hands after using them to pack things up, or staring at my wet hiking clothes, dreading putting them on. I knew if I didn't go into town and had to sleep another night out here, I would need my dry clothes to stay dry for my safety. It was the first time I have been legitimately worried about hypothermia and/or frostbite. Once I packed up, had my wet hiking clothes on, and started walking, I warmed up and actually thought hiking in this winter wonderland was cool. It was very peaceful and solemn. I was still unsure about tonight, due to talk of continued snow and even lower temperatures. I had about a 12 mile hike to the next shelter that I had intended on staying at, with a short 3 miles from there for the next morning to a road access and town. I began thinking that if the folks were still at Mooney Gap waiting for the shuttle, I would try and join them for a respite from the weather. When I arrived at the gap, there was a silver Volkswagen crashed into a tree. This was the shuttle man, and his car had slipped on the ice and ran into the tree. This happened earlier when the first four from Carter Gap had arrived for the shuttle. Luckily a Jeep had driven by shortly thereafter, and took those first four into town. By the time I showed up, the second four plus an extra hiker named 50/50 were sitting in the warmth of the crashed car, waiting on a tow truck and another ride. There was no room for me so I kept warm by pacing, waiting and hoping that I could get a ride into town with them. Another shuttler named Otto came but only had room for four at a time, so 50/50 and I waited in the car for him to return for us. He eventually did, and we got into Franklin and out of the harsh mountain weather. He said he had taken close to forty hikers into town today! So, here I am at a Microtel in Franklin, waiting for a little better weather. I will spend tomorrow here too (hopefully somewhere cheaper), as by Wednesday the weather should be back to standards that I can hike/survive in!I feel somewhat like I am reaping what I sowed by starting this early in the season, however I feel happy that by starting so early I can comfortably start off with small mile days and wait out bad weather in town without worrying about getting behind or feeling like I won't have enough time to finish. I have a feeling that with this weather a lot of people may have dropped out today - I'm just glad that I'm not one of them!
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a nice zero day. I was able to dry out all my gear, resupply my food, and stop in to a local outfitter to pick up some more fuel. It was still cold and lightly snowing all day. 50/50 and I lined up a shuttle to take us back to Mooney Gap in the morning, then went to dinner with a couple other guys. When we got back to the Microtel, we heard from some hikers coming into town from the trail that conditions were still bad up there. We decided to play it safe and give it an extra day of warm weather to melt more snow off the mountains. I'm unhappy with spending so much time (and money!) off the trail in Franklin, but I know we are making the wise and safe choice. One more day here in town, it is then.
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Today will be a very short entry, since I had finished all my town chores yesterday and had nothing to do today. I just hung around the hotel, watched TV, and roughly planned my next few weeks. Jurassic Park was on the Encore channel, which was cool. I am feeling anxious with cabin fever and cannot wait to get back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Franklin, NC

To: Campsite just past Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 11.7

It was great to finally be back on the trail today. It was a beautiful, albeit slightly chilly day.Starting right off the bat was the most intense climb I've come across so far. It was a 400 ft. elevation gain over only about a quarter mile. It was so short that it wasn't all that bad, but there were some really steep, hand-over-foot rock scrambles that were tough. The good news is that the mountain top marked 100 miles on the AT!The rest of the day was pretty low key hiking. At Rock Gap, I came across some great, more adult-themed trail magic. Before you jump to any conclusions, it was three guys who had beer, whiskey, and hot dogs. I took a nice hour-long break with them and then did 4 miles to camp. I got out of there before I made those 4 miles any more difficult than they needed to be! I am camping with Spicolli and Home Brew, who had been at Carter Gap Shelter with me, and with Chicago and Private Snowball, who had been at the Blueberry Patch with me (Alec and Shane). We had a nice bonfire and hit the sack around 9. We're expecting rain tomorrow night.
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Campsite just past Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a day full of climbs. This morning's weather was not too bad, and it was supposed to be clear and nice all day until tonight. That's not what happened, though. It was in the low 30's all day and started snowing - again - around noon. The snow kept up until about 6:30. It made today's climbs, which were already plentiful and arduous, that much more difficult. When I got to Wayah Bald Shelter, it was full so I set up my tent and got settled in. Camping at shelter sites is very nice because you can use the cover of the shelter to keep your stuff dry while setting up your tent/camp, and use it for cooling meals and just hanging out. The snow dropped off around 6:30, and the rain started recently, some time after 9. I should be warm and dry all night - my tent hasn't failed me yet. I am hoping the weather clears up some tomorrow and that we have a nice day. I'm looking forward to watching the Buckeyes play tomorrow with my mom and brother!
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Inn
Miles today: 8.4

As I was browsing the shelter register this morning, I came across a poignant quote that somebody had written down. I don't know if they authored it or if it is a quote from something else, but I enjoyed it:"My home is with the hills and trees around me, My ceiling holds the moon and stars above, So I'll never be a lonely man a-walking, I'll never live one day without love."The rain dropped off early this morning and the sun came out for a beautiful day. I have reached the section of the trail that passes over many of the curious Appalachian balds. These are grassy areas found at the peaks of certain mountains that lack forestation for no apparent reason. There is no "tree line", or alpine zone, in the southern Appalachians because the weather isn't drastic enough at any of the elevations to create such regions. Thus, the origin of these balds is a mystery. Even the Indians that inhabited the area were unsure of how these balds were created. I have enjoyed them, as they often provide outstanding views and photo opportunities. I arrived at Tellico Gap just about 5 minutes after my mom and brother showed up. Perfect timing! We handed out some Cokes and candy bars to some hikers coming through behind me, and then headed to a hotel for the night. I got cleaned up, had a great dinner, and then had to watch the Buckeyes lose. I was disappointed that the one tournament game I got to watch was a loss, but I was glad to have gotten to see it. Tomorrow it is back to the trail for a final push up to the Smokies!
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Nantahala Inn

To: NOC Basecamp
Miles today: 8.1

Today was a nice day on the trail, despite some rain.The NOC did not have a great resupply selection, but luckily I was able to take my mom's car a few miles up the road to an Ingels where I got a nice supply of food that will take me to Fontana Dam. Today's hike was pretty much all downhill into the Nantahala Gorge, where the NOC is located. It was tough on my knees and I am feeling it tonight. I wasn't sure what I was going to do tonight, but then I heard from 50/50 who had been doing some planning. After talking to him, we decided to hike out of the NOC tomorrow morning, 13.4 miles to Stecoah Gap, where we will stay at the Cabin in the Woods hostel. Not only will they pick us up at the gap to take us to their hostel, they are going to slackpack us as well. This means that they will pick up our backpacks at the NOC and bring day packs for us to use. This way we can walk without carrying our packs for the day. This will be very helpful, as we have a massive 3000+ foot climb out of the NOC. Not wearing a 30 pound pack will make this climb so much better. So, today I just hiked back to the NOC from Tellico Gap and I am staying at the Basecamp Hostel here. I am rooming with a guy named Starchild, whose story of receiving his trail name is interesting to say the least. Something about a heavenly vision on the interstellar AT. A guy from a big group from Wisconsin here rafting gave me a beer while I was cooking my dinner. Very nice!Tomorrow will be a tough hike!
Date: 2013-04-01
From: NOC Basecamp

To: The Cabin in the Woods
Miles today: 13.4

I'm sad to say that I will have to be cutting my thru-hike attempt short, and I will be heading home tomorrow. ...April Fools! Today was my best day on the trail by far!It was a very challenging hike, but the weather was perfect, there were some great views, and I wasn't carrying my pack! With no rain in sight and knowing I could charge my phone back up tonight, I was able to listen to music as I walked as well. Today everything just clicked. I was in great spirits and really enjoyed the hiking, even though it was tough. Marcus Mumford and Bruce Springsteen helped me out, too. Nothing gets you pumped up starting a huge climb like blasting "Dustbowl Dance" by Mumford and Sons. There were some breathtaking views, specifically Cheoah Bald. Big climbs are so worth it when the weather cooperates and allows views. As I was listening to the music, I was surprised that some lyrics have taken new meaning with this hike. I heard this today, and it stuck with me:"Keep the earth below my feet,For all my sweat, my blood runs weak,Let me learn from where I have been,Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn."- Mumford and Sons, "Below my Feet"After getting to the Cabin in the Woods and taking a shower (third night in a row!), we had a delicious dinner of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and pineapple upside down cake. It was wonderful. We have breakfast at 7 and then it's back to the trail. Upwards and onwards!
Date: 2013-04-02
From: The Cabin in the Woods

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

This morning we had a great breakfast with the other guests staying here, and then got a shuttle back to the trail. Everybody else is slackpacking again, all the way to Fontana Dam. I didn't feel like hiking all the way there today, so I am back to carrying my full pack. A mile into the hike today I hit the hardest section of the trail so far. It is nicknamed Jacob's Ladder, and it goes up 600 feet in elevation in just 0.6 miles. It was insanely steep with no switchbacks, and seemed as if it would never end. After the Ladder, it was an easy hike to Cable Gap Shelter where I set up my tent, leaving a short 5 mile hike to Fontana tomorrow. Many showed up here at Cable Gap - some new and some familiar faces. Staying here are Z-Man, Bomber, Lady, Twigs, Guru, Chainsaw, Raven, and a few more. I am very excited to be so close to the Smokies!