morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-23
To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   Sheltered last night-3rd time now. Since Walking Tall took his dog Jack Daniels with him to sleep off the trail, it was my first shelter night without a canine to keep the mice away. They do respect the dogs- but it was okay.   Short day yesterday but hiked from 1000 feet to 4800 in 5 miles. Difficult but managed to go 7.5 total. So despite the distance, felt accomplished.      Honored to be part of a video honoring the birthday of Feral's son. Feral has never gone a year without a "Fisher Price" musical happy birthday celebration for his grown son's birthday. Since this year is a bit different, they both settled for a video rendition of happy birthday from his current trail buddies. Tears all around. Was a touching, happy event.      Heading to Fontana Dam at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, 13 miles out. Should be there Thursday. Bought a "thru-hiker" pass for $20 dollars to hike in these mountains. The protocol for the Smokies is to stay in a shelter, but there are not enough spots to go around, so the fee is to be able to tent if no shelter is available. Will happily comply.....I like tenting anyway.      For those interested in the "threatening" wildlife out here. I have seen no bear, no wild pigs and no mountain lions. Not saying they're not here, just haven't seen them. I have seen bear poop and claw marks in rotted stumps--but the only threatening wild life so far has been a garter snake sunbathing on a rock in the sunlight. I do hear owls and coyotes.- which I appreciate. So I have had no opportunity to use the gun I did NOT bring. But I do know this is their world.      Wondering-if the wildlife is content with us living amongst them?-Hoping....
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Mile 195-   Cell service returned today, likely temporarily. Very spotty here in the Smokies.   Never been one to have my mood dampened by the weather-but I've never walked the AT before. Reached Fontana Dam last Friday. It was great weather prior, and I was appreciating the early spring buds. But the last few days have been very rainy and I have been wet much of the time. Decided to stop in a shelter today after walking 6 miles-a short day but needed to break. I am at the very top of a mountain with nothing much around me. The nice thing about the Smokies is the shelters have fireplaces, which will be much appreciated tonight. There'll be a full house here-given the weather. Here's the "rainy" reality: I walk with a rain coat, but am soaking wet beneath the coat from sweating. The lightweight smart-wool material (great stuff really) keeps me warm WHEN I'M MOVING. However, because going down these steep slopes requires me to slow down, especially in the slippery conditions, I am getting cold as the pace slows. I need to be very conscious to get these wet clothes off when I stop, and need to be careful to keep my sleeping clothes dry. This is not always easy. Hoping to see the sun tomorrow-dry out my clothes and gear, but that's not forecasted. It is difficult, never ending work just now. Trees with no leaves, leaves on the ground. Need some spring weather to lift the spirit.   I am becoming very comfortable with sheltering. I'm sleeping through the mice (amazing what you get used to). It amuses and amazes me how comfortable you get sleeping in a "puppy pile" with strangers. If there's even a hint of an open spot, you make room, male or female. Irrelevant. Everyone welcome. Everyone needs to rest.   There are no privies in the Smokies (had some prior-tend to avoid them anyway-they can be pretty gross). Here there are arrows pointing to a "toilet". As you approach the area, it is merely a location where bathroom breaks are expected-pick a tree- if you can find one unoccupied. Again, amazed at the lack of inhibition that comes of necessity here. Strips it away. Maslow's Hierarchy.       Should reach Clingman's Dome observation deck tomorrow, which is the highest point on the AT (elevation 6643 ft). It is right at the 200 mile point. Shortly after, I have the opportunity to trolley into Gatlinburg- at this point may pass on that. I am beginning to separate from the "bubble" that I have been moving along with- choosing different destinations to camp, different zero days. Traveling with a younger set currently.      My nephew Paul is out here somewhere hoping to find and connect with me. We had some contact before losing cell service and I gave him my location some time back. Continuing to move and hoping to run in to him. I familiar face would be wonderful and I would love it if he could find me.       Will add pictures when I can spare the battery uploading.      Wondering- Will I be living off Maslow's lower tiers for the entire walk?
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 237.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful hiking last few days- weather cooperative to make tracks. Made some pretty good mileage. Only 2 miles left in the Smokies although still mountainous. The landscape has changed a bit--lots of pine trees here. Quite pretty..      It was cold last night. Frost on the tent on waking. But warms fast as the sun comes up.   Staying in a shelter tonight that is fenced off for bears. Hmm. Gives me pause. As I move through this grand country, its easy to think I am alone. This is an absolute reminder that I am a visitor. Respect....   The attached photo is of the white blaze markings on the trees that guide the thru-hikers trail. Many thanks to those that keep these marks visible state to state. More about the thru-hikers and color codes in future blogs.   For those wondering if I have met up with my nephew. No. But there is hope of this in Hot Springs. May connect with other family as well.      Wondering-Is life really going on as usual?
Date: 2016-04-08
To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 50.0

I have been taking pictures of the spring flowers blooming all around here, but have to share the reality of my last 2 days-the attached picture tells the real story of spring so far. It's been very cold, very snowy. Unusually cold actually.   Yesterday I walked in snow for the greater part of the day. Today, walked 5 miles and decided that when I crossed a road with a shuttle leading to town- I would take it. Why? temps projected in the teens tonight, with wind chills to -3.   I have warm clothes but....my Wisconsin sensibilities tell me its time to shelter and leave the miles to another day.   Here's the reality. I am heading toward Erwin, TN, where I am right now. Safe and warm in a hostel with 9 others. Showered, laundered and feeling clean earlier than expected but not exactly the plan. I have time tonight to catch the shuttle in town at 5:30, eat at one of 5 recommended restaurants (hot meals always welcome), restock at Walmart, catch a ride back with the shuttle by 7:30, and bunk down for a good nights rest. Thing is- Erwin is my walking destination for tomorrow. My ride to town was premature. So tomorrow it will take me back ten miles to where I left off. My plan is to walk those miles back here and stay one more night in this same shelter. Well, at least I have a reservation.   Worried somewhat for my good friends that have chosen to stay the night out there. Couldn't persuade them on the possibility of experiencing negative temps in a tent. Time will tell if this is a miscalculation on my part- Should I have toughed it out? Thinking just now that the risks are not worth it...Will see...      Wondering-Will Spring ever show and hold?
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: fog

So I made it legitimately to Erwin, TN today.   Shuttled back to leaving point, walked north to destination. All is well. Today was an easy walking day. Sun shining, elevation fairly steady until last few miles. Good news is all Buddies safe and sound through the cold night. Grateful for their safety.      Stayed in Uncle Jerry's Hostel last night and intended to do the same tonight.. But sleep was very hard to come by courtesy of frequent trips to the bathroom by needy hikers accompanied by slamming doors. Understanding natures call, but nature also requires sleep for the weary. But get this. 14 years ago, the hostel was visited by its main resident that has become king of the castle. His name is Jerry Garcia-a very active canine that has figured out how to make this hostel his very own. Incoming-he pushes his way in. Outgoing- he's on hind legs opening the door. Something to see. But he's an insomniac and came and went at least 6 times last night and has no need to maintain the peace. Needless to stay, I am not staying in Uncle Jerry's tonight. Paid a little extra to get my own, one room cabin.      Cell service better here and have managed more contact back home. Appreciated the well wishes of friends who were present when talking tonight with my wife, Mary Jo. Wonderful, familiar voices. Missing them all. Bittersweet....
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Damascus, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 33.0

Arrived yesterday in Damascus, VA.   The weather has been absolutely beautiful the last week and I was able to make good time.   Damascus is known as the "friendliest town on the trail." It is the home of "Trail Days"- a festival given for hikers and many veterans of the trail. Folks travel back here yearly for a reunion of sorts- a chance to connect with fellow hikers from past journeys. I am a bit early for Trail Days this year. It's not happening until mid-May. Then again, the reunion in future years may be sweeter. This is also a big community for bikers-as in cyclers. The town if full of hikers and bikers as a biking trail heads right through it.   When I landed here yesterday, I decided to stay at a Bed and Breakfast. I was greeted by a wonderful lady who handed me a set of scrubs (flashback!) and told me to get out of my clothes. Handed me a basket of soaps and showed me to a shower. I laughed and commented that "It can't be that bad!". She said, "No, no, I just want to do your laundry for you."   WHAT!! Heavenly shower, sweet smelling soaps, and laundered clothes on the other side. Can't blame me for staying another night.   Nuff said.    Interesting that the Trail is filled with many native German folks. Seems there was a documentary last year that aired on German television about the Appalachian Trail. Sparked some adventurers. They are very determined, very clean, and very satiated. While many of us are reconstituting our meals with hot water and eating them from pouches, they stop and cook entire meals out here without missing a beat. Amazing German ingenuity....   Heading back out tomorrow with my friends once again. Looking forward to a visit next week from my wife who I haven't seen in way too many weeks. Will walk faster to get to her.   Wondering- about the connection of anticipation with inspiration. Blood brothers....
Date: 2016-05-09
To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 86.0
Weather: clear sky

Weather report: Cold, wet spring continues. Walked in so much rain, would love the sunshine. It does appear briefly. Managed to miss a hail storm that was just ahead of me. Walked into new, green spring leaves at my feet surrounded by little ice pebbles. Beats walking on last years leaves but the loss of the new ones a shame.   Glad I missed the head pounding...gotta be thankful for the grace of mother nature out here.   Was a grueling walk today. Headed up a mountain for many miles at a 35 to 40 degree grade- just a little short of climbing up a ladder really. Then had the downslope-same grade, and then up again until mile 12. Once at the top was grateful for the ridge. Level walking ("level" is relative). The grade then was a mere 15 to 20 degrees. Piece of cake, catch my breath. Decided when I get back to Wisconsin I am going to find a cornfield, take a blanket, park myself in the middle and be happy NOT to see any mountains! My Pike River Walk so tempting. And yet...well....there is the....   Been waking around 6 am or so each morning and hitting the trail by 7:15 or 8:00. Plenty of good daylight to hike now and my average for the last few days is well into the teens. Am amazed at the 20 somethings out here that make this look so much easier than it feels for me. Seems there are 2 speeds. Mountain goat (not in this group) and sloth (may be a harsh and inexact description but its how it feels when confronted with the reality of my extra years). Let's call it the "mature" speed.   No need to rush!      Laugh when I head into town around here to resupply.   Back home I stocked up with the food I thought I would be eating out here. All processed, nothing fresh.   Pouches, packages, you get the idea. Never a comment or even a raised eyebrow at checkout even though I was waiting for it. Although my diet has adapted somewhat, I am buying most of my supplies out here and they are still pre-processed. When I go to a store, the clerk ALWAYS knows and ALWAYS comments on that fact that "I must be walking the trail!" My response- "Yep." Nothing else to say.   My body does crave natural foods with actual vitamins that I hungrily eat when in town.       Wondering- If I had a blood test right now, what the heck would my cholesterol level be?
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Campbell Shelter

To: On and on...
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

Been wondering why anyone who actually has a life would want to voluntarily walk 2200 miles in 1/2 a year?? Insanity.       Woke up this morning soggy once again, moved on to hike another day with a heavier pack courtesy of mother nature (wet is heavier) and thinking I have relived this moment once again (Groundhog day movie replaying in my mind). Knowing I was heading to McAfee Knob today, I very photogenic spot along the AT, and seeing a very thick fog when starting out--I was discouraged.       But as I moved through the walk, skies cleared for me. When I reached McAfee I was granted an amazingly wonderful sight. Stood atop the world and took in beauty I could only imagine in my dreams. Here for a reason. Explains the insanity-at least for today.      Wondering- What is next?
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Daleville, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: fog

Stayed last night in Daleville, VA at a clean and comfortable Super 8. Laundered and restocked and back on the trail early this morning. Been traveling with Poptart, Stenchy (who has since left the trail), and reconnected with Feral once again.    Glad that I had time to dry out my new boots. Not a spot on my feet and adapted well until my little "incident". I was crossing a rocky stream, step by step, stone by stone, thinking "this is kinda dangerous".   Next second I was on my side in the stream soaking wet. Miscalculation. Good news..supplies held up high and dry thanks to the Ziploc plastic bags I keep my essentials in (you learn that in a rainy spring). Of course, clothes on my back and boots another story. Received blisters on both little toes walking on in the wet boots. They're dry now and I'm hoping for more comfortable mileage.   So the picture of the bear (thought I wouldn't get to it??) Yes its real and yes I took it. I had to cut my walk a little short yesterday because my destination shelter was closed related to "bear activity". There was a female bear with 3 cubs "nuisancing" the hikers. (I guess that's what its called when we are in "their" way). Anyway, although I didn't stay there, I had to walk through the area the next day. Myself and 3 other hikers stopped for lunch. Before eating, I walked alone down a path to a stream to refill my water supplies. Returned, opened pack and began enjoying lunch. All of a sudden this young looking, very pretty black bear came walking up the path I just returned from! She came forward, we yelled "go away bear!" She stopped, looked at us, and moved forward. We yelled, "go away bear!" She advanced, but slowly, and we had enough time to get in a picture or two. She had no fear at all-would have walked up and helped herself to our lunches no doubt. Was I feeling threatened? Oh yes! A powerful animal, closer than the picture shows (probably came within 50 ft of us.) I had more courage with the company I kept or I'd have taken off sooner. I was with a dog and 2 marines (did I say the bear had no fear? These marines had way less!) When she kept advancing, they said, "Ok, that's enough" and grabbed some sticks, clapped them overhead, and walked towards her. She retreated to a safe distance (did not totally disappear). We packed up, walked on. So grateful to these young marines for their protection-in the woods, in battle, for the nation.    Wondering-About remarkable creatures- both wild and human. Feeling patriotic and humbled.
Date: 2016-05-18
To: Matt's Creek
Miles today: 44.0
Weather: few clouds

Yesterday, weather spectacular. Today, fogged in. Managed an 18 miler yesterday, planning the same for today.      Been a lot of wildlife activity this spring. Saw my 3rd bear today. Was traveling alone, easy miles, when I heard sticks snapping to my right. Looked over, was able to make out the image of a large bear not 15 feet away from me.   We looked at each other, I yelled "Go away Bear". and kept moving. Headed down the path, looked back eventually, didn't see it. Switchbacks on the trail, walked in and out of the area. Who knows the company I keep. Did not see him again.      Bears have been prevalent this spring. Theories abound. Some say the cold, wet spring has created a later than normal berry crop so they are searching for other food sources. Others blame humans for leaving garbage and crumbs on the trail. Makes us a source of easy food (not literally-they just want our Cliff Bars). More likely to hang around us for the leftovers. Think its a little of both. It is why the Trail adheres to a strict LNT (Leave No Trace) rule.   No sign that you have been there. Extends beyond food. Don't leave your garbage (Pack it in, Pack it out); stay on the trail and if venturing off, walk on durable surfaces (like rocks or grass) to not destroy local vegetation; dispose of waste properly (human waste is buried and should never be left on the surface); use biodegradable soaps and do not wash in water sources others may use for drinking water, minimize campfires and properly extinguish, and on and on. The rules out here need to be respected... and there is an expectation to follow these. Peer pressure palpable. For the most part, the rules are followed.      Besides the bears, raccoons active as well. Agile creatures, unimpressed by Bear Bags hanging from trees. A minor challenge.   They climb the trees, scale the branches, get to the supplies, hang from them, rip them open, help themselves. Lucky to have been spared thus far.      While I still believe the idea that Virginia is a flatter walk is wishful thinking, part 2 has definitely been kinder. Not flat, Oh no. But easier to move through once the "ledges" were behind me. (Held on to the side of a rocky mountain, picked my way through. Looked to my right, straight down). Don't really know why more people don't die out here. Although I am still finding that my upward routes are just short of requiring a rappelling rope, it is somehow easier. I am appreciating this part of Virginia. Every state is unique both geologically and because of different state park requirements.   Georgia was tough (but it was new). North Carolina figured out that switchbacks makes a saner (although longer) walk (thank you).   Virginia terrain gives more mileage. But no matter which state I'm in, I am amazed that those that charted this course thought it best to always go "up and over" the obstacles instead of taking some easier and more logical path around the base. Have whispered (ok, shouted) a few choice words for them out here.       Wondering- Who are these people and are they sadists?
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Priest's Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 58.0
Weather: light rain

Had a very hard week of walking. I don't think I've have seen the sun much at all through the month of May. Maybe for a few hours on particular days. Very wet, very muddy.   Slowing me down. Wet on the outside, wet on the inside as my rain gear is hot and I sweat beneath it. Walking is slick. Downward descents dangerous. I may as well slide down the mountains-wouldn't make me any muddier than I already am.   Definitely needing to find some positives for a mental uplift.   Spent a scary night 2 nights ago in my tent. Hard storm, extremely high winds, pounding rain. The wind so strong I doubted that I would have a tent over my head by morning. Thought at any minute it would rip open, blow away..leaving my exposed out here. When I'm not sheltering, its my only protection.   Long, sleepless night. Heavier gear when packing up thanks to the wet, the mud....   I stayed in my tent that night because of my previous nights experience in the shelter. Woke up in the morning as usual. Went to my pack and found small bits of material laying around it. Looking inside, I noticed a ripped shirt with holes. Nestled in the remains of the shirt was a mother mouse with 3 newly born little baby mice. Oh my. She not only did a number on one of my primary hiking shirts, she put a nice hole in the heavy ply plastic bag I line the pack with. She also chewed a hole through my tent sack. Lifted up the family, moved them into the woods. Inspected everything and felt relieved that the damage did not extend to my tent or sleeping bag. But I wasn't happy about the invasion.   As I headed for my walk that morning, I realized that I should not be going up, which I was doing. Was planning on a downward descent to start the day. Stopped. Took out my AT app and realized I had walked 1.1 miles in the wrong direction. Really??? It is easy to do. White blaze marks on trees heading in opposing directions (for the northbound and the southbound hikers). Not easy to orient your direction out here north and south-this winding trail heading in all directions no matter your destination. Clouds and fog close you in- you get the idea. Anyway, headed back to my camp putting an unnecessary 2.2 miles in without advancing. Had a very hard time mentally recovering after that and didn't make the miles I intended for the day.   There is a lot of poison ivy out here. I am very careful to avoid it but I seem to have a mild case on the back of my hands. My theory is that I set my pack down on some of it. Itching....   I am managing to move forward but inspiration elusive. Hoping for some cooperation from Mother Nature. Appreciate the well wishes and good humor on the guestbook. Makes me smile. Thank you.   Wondering- Does the sun ever shine in Virginia? Sure could use a little...