morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-03-29
From: Brown Gap

To: Kale Gap Campsite 
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night I stayed at the Standing Bear Hostel again and Maria took us back to Brown Gap where we started our slack pack yesterday. Today I summited Max Patch - elev 4629.  Max Patch is 350 acre bald which has 360 degrees views of the Smoky Mountains and Mt Mitchell.  Max Patch was cleared back in the 1800 for cattle grazing.  It is very popular with not only AT through hikers for cowboy camping (camping under the stars) but also the locals use it for picnics, frisbee golf and checking out the numerous wildflowers.  I spent a good part of an hour leaning up against my pack, eating my lunch and taking in the glorious views.  The picture above shows some of the bald and the Smoky Mountains in the distance.
Date: 2019-03-30
From: Kale Gap Campsite 

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 12.4

This the end of my fourth week on the trail.The hike today was mostly down hill because it took me over Bluff Mountain - elev 4686, and into Hot Springs, NC - elev 1326.  The weather on the way off the mountain was very nice with temperatures in the low 70¢s with full sunshine.In Hot Springs, I¢m taking a zero day tomorrow.  I haven¢t taken a zero day since I left Fontana Village nine day ago. Every part of my body is sore and is in need of rest for at least a day.
Date: 2019-03-31
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs,NC
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day today in Hot Springs.Thank you, thank you and thank you again to all who have added comments to the guest book in this journal.  All of the messages inspire me during the daily physical challenges I face.  Hot Springs is the quintessential AT town.  The trail goes from one end of town and out the other.  The entire town is geared up for the couple thousand AT through hikers that hit the town every year from early spring until the end of summer. This includes both the NOBO (north bound) and SOBO (south bound) hikers.The town has all the necessary resupply items.  They can be acquired at Dollar General, Bluff Mountain Outfitters and the Hillbilly Market (real name).  In addition there is an outstanding bar/restaurant - Spring Creek Tavern, which has live music most nights and an excellent craft beer selection on tap.
Date: 2019-04-01
From: Hot Springs,NC

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.8

The day after I take a zero day, I feel very refreshed and ready to put some miles behind me.  Today was no different.  The hike out of Hot Springs runs along the French Broad River for roughly half a mile then it abruptly ascends over the next eight miles to Rich Mountain - Elev 3506.  The picture above looks out over the French Broad River and Hot Springs.The morning weather leave Hot Springs was clear yet still chilly in the high 30¢s.  By the time I reached Rich Mountain, it had warmed up to the mid 40¢s with a little breeze making it feel cooler than it really was.  In the photo gallery - you will find a pic I took looking north from the top of the lookout tower on Rich Mountain.  I never get tired of the views.
Date: 2019-04-02
From: Deep Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 14.1

300 Miles!!!Today I passed the 300 mile mark.  It occurred on Big Firescald Knob.  The picture above shows the view from the Knob at the 300th mile mark.The entire day¢s hike was mostly uphill starting at Allen Gap - elev 2218, and ending up at Camp Creek Bald  - elev 4750.  The 300 mile mark is just 3.7 miles past the Camp Creek Bald.  There were no makers on the rocky trail celebrating the occasion just the fantastic view looking north.  With 300 miles behind me, I only have 1,890 more miles to finish the entire trail...
Date: 2019-04-03
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter 

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 15.5

The hike today started out like most other mornings - cold and sunny.  I encountered a few elevation changes of 1400 feet.  What made the day a pure delight and totally unexpected was two separate trail magic events.  The first happened at Devil Fork Gap.  Section hiker Now-Or-Never and his crew were set up along NC 212 where the trail crosses the road.  They treated us with pimento cheese sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, chips, fruit and a variety of sodas.  Thank you Now-Or-Never and your crew for such a great treat.  A pic of Now-Or-Never and his crew is in the photo gallery.The second trail magic event happened when I arrived at the Hogback Ridge Shelter.  Section hikers and local trail maintainers - Trout Man and Sketch hiked 2.5 miles packing fried chicken and cold beers and soda.  I cannot being to tell you the excitement of us hikers when they opened their pack and the smell of fried chicken hit our noses.  Most of us didn¢t utter a word until we gobbled down a couple of pieces of chicken and had a drink or two. Thank you Trout Man and Sketch for this delicious treat after a long day hiking.  A pic of Trout Man and Sketch is in the photo gallery.I am continually amazed at the overwhelming generosity of the hiking community who provide trail magic to the AT through hikers.  It is truly a blessing to be associated with this unselfish group.
Date: 2019-04-04
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter 

To: Whistling Gap Campsite 
Miles today: 13.6

The highlight of today¢s hike was sitting on Big Bald Mountain - elev 5516, and enjoying the 360 degrees views.  The picture above shows the views of the surrounding mountains.  This bald has a similar history and size of Max Patch.The other highlight today was the trail magic treat provide by 2007 through hiker - Quiet Paul first thing in the morning at Sams Gap.  He cooked up scrambled eggs and hash browns.  It was a perfect treat to start the day and it was needed as we climbed up Big Bald Mountain.  Thank you Quiet Paul for the delicious treat.  A pic of Quiet Paul is in the photo gallery.
Date: 2019-04-05
From: Whistling Gap Campsite 

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 13.3

The hike from the Whistling Gap Campsite to Erwin, TN was, for the most part, down hill.  I woke up to a fierce rain storm which was brewing all night.  There were wind gusts up to 35 mph which interrupted my sleep several times.  By 9:30 am or so, the storm had passed so I didn¢t have to pack up or hike in the rain.  The trail was still very sloppy so the trek was slow and cautious.  Several days ago, under the same conditions, I tripped on a tree root and did a face plant on the muddy trail.  Even though I didn¢t injure myself, I was lucky the face first landing was on soft mudd and not rocks.  Once I wiped the mudd off my ego, I continued on with care.One of the best parts of the day was the trail magic provide by Cow Bell and his son at Spivey Gap.  Cow Bell posted up at the Spivey Gap campsite for two days to provide hamburgers, fruit, beer and great conversation for all of us hiker trash that may pass through.  In addition, it was Cow Bell¢s 53 birthday.  To be out with us hikers on his birthday says a lot of his dedication to the hiker community.  Thanks again Cow Bell - the burgers were fantastic...  The pic above shows Cow Bell¢s grill set up.
Date: 2019-04-06
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Week five on the trail is complete.Zero day in Erwin today.  Besides visiting the Food Lion and CVS for resupply, I did laundry, dried out my tarp which covers my hammock, and just chillaxed...Erwin is one of of those nice towns along interstate 26 between Asheville NC and anywhere north.  It has all the bigger small town amenities but is not a true hiker town.  All the folks are very nice but a guy with a scraggly beard, hiker shorts and crocs is still viewed as odd.Tomorrow I¢ll be heading out of town and back on the trail.
Date: 2019-04-07
From: Erwin, TN

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 12.3

After a relaxing zero day in Erwin, it was good to get back on the trail.  There is a dark side to each off day - the long uphill hike out of town.  Most of the towns the AT intersect are down in valleys next to a beautiful river.  The uphill hike out of town will usually test your hiking resolve.  The hike out of Erwin is no different.  The hike starts along the Nolichucky River - elev 1662, and the rises to the Curley Maple Shelter - elev 3039.  From here the next eight miles goes up 1300 feet to the top of Beauty Spot - elev 4321.The view from Beauty Spot is spectacular.  The picture above shows only part of the 360 degrees views of the surrounding mountains.  After a long break on top, and the threat of rain, I quickly looked for a spot to hang my hammock for the night.
Date: 2019-04-08
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Greasy Creek Hostel 
Miles today: 12.0

This morning I woke up to fairly clear skies but the forecast called for rain off and on all day.  The start of my hike today took me straight up to the top of Unaka Mountain - elev 5180, a climb of 1000 feet in just a mile and half.  The picture above shows the dense spruce forest on the top of the mountain.  This is unique to this mountain because of the elevation.  All the other mountain tops since I left the northern part of the Smoky¢s have had deciduous forests.  The rain did come back with sprinkles until the early afternoon.  I was able to make it to Cherry Gap Shelter before a heavier rain started around 1:30 pm.  In the shelter, I ate my lunch and took a brief snooze, waiting for the rain to stop.  After about forty five minutes the rain stopped and I thought I had a four hour window to get to my final destination - the Greasy Creek Hostel, about eight miles away.Well, as my luck would have it, several miles past the shelter, it began to pour.  For the next four miles I had to hike in a steady hard rain -with wind and all.  I don¢t mind hiking in the rain but this was a down pour.  As the great philosopher Forrest Gump once said about his experience with rain ¢We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin' rain, and big ol' fat rain, rain that flew in sideways, and sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath.¢  For those four miles I felt Forrest¢s rain pain.  You can imagine how happy I was to reach the hostel and get out of my wet clothes.
Date: 2019-04-09
From: Greasy Creek Hostel 

To: Round Bald
Miles today: 12.6

Last night I spent a relaxing night, out of the very rainy night, at the Greasy Creek Hostel. The gracious owners of the hostel are CeeCee and Gadget. Their hostel is the last refuge for NOBO¢s who are hiking over Roan Mountain - elev 6285.  For the last two years, during the first week of May, Ceecee mentioned they have hosted 45+ hikers, in one night, due to unexpected storms dumping a foot of snow on Roan Mountain. Ceecee makes a mean southern grits, turkey bacon and strong coffee breakfast.  Gadget told me he emigrated from Cuba when he was a child. He came to the US as part of a US lead evacuation of non communists escaping Fidel¢s government. He still has a deep love for the Cuban people, culture, food and cigars. His favorite Cuban cigar is the Montecristo. Although he didn¢t have any on hand, if he did and he offered me one, I¢m sure I would still be sitting on his porch enjoying the fine cigar with a glass of rum. Thank you Ceecee and Gadget for such a great evening.My hike over Roan Mountain was fairly uneventful. Although it was a long up hill climb, the views on the way up made it worth it.  Back in 1880¢s, the top of Roan Mountain was the home of the Cloudland Hotel. This three story, 166 room structure was the respite for the wealthy of the day to escape of the summer heat as well as those who suffered from hay-fever. The hotel only lasted until 1910 when it was abandoned. The only reminders of the hotel are a few stones from the foundation and a chimney from the caretaker house.As I hiked past Roan Mountain the Roan Highlands are visible. The highlands are three grassy summits - Round Bald, Jane Bald and the largest, Grassy Ridge Bald. The AT travels across all three balds. The picture above was taken from Round Bald looking towards the other two balds.
Date: 2019-04-10
From: Round Bald

To: The Station At 19E Hostel 
Miles today: 14.2

Last night I stealth camped near Jane Bald because I hiked until 6:30 pm.  I was able to see the sun set behind Roan Mountain. This morning I woke up to a beautiful sunny day. After I broke camp, I hiked over Jane Bald and then hiked near the summit of Grassy Ridge Bald.  In the early afternoon I summited Little Hump Mountain - elev 5459 and then hiked up to the top of Big Hump Mountain - elev 5587. The picture above is taken from Hump Mountain looking back over Little Hump Mountain and in the far distance is Roan Mountain. The hike today has been my favorite of all the hikes so far. From midway up Little Hump Mountain until a mile past the summit of Hump Mountain (three miles) the 360 degrees views are awesome.  Today I also walked out of NC and into Tennessee. Two states down and twelve to go. The trail through the eastern tip of Tennessee is only 74 miles.  On a down note, I spoke to Crazy Heart two days ago and he has decided to leave the trail. This is due to a couple of medical issues which have plagued him over the last few weeks.
Date: 2019-04-11
From: The Station At 19E Hostel 

To: Stealth Campsite At Mile 410.2
Miles today: 15.0

400 miles passed today.I decided to spend last night in Roan Mountain, TN at the The Station hostel and I¢m glad I did. Dave, the owner, and his right hand guy, Eddie, were very hospitable. Getting a shower, washing my clothes clothes and a having a good meal is always welcome. I was able to catch up with several of my tramily to see how everyone was doing. Denali, Ax and I went to a local bbq restaurant and it was delicious. The hostel also had a great craft beef section which was very welcome and I was obligated to try one or two. The hike today was easy walking. The trail heading out of town was not the usual huge uphill climb, as the other trail towns, but a fair uphill grade. The two highlights of the day were passing the four hundred mile mark and stopping at Jones Falls.  The four hundred mile mark was written on one of the white trail blazes - a pic of the blaze is in the photo gallery. Jones Falls is a beautiful waterfall literally in the middle of nowhere. The picture above shows the falls and some of my fellow hikers having lunch and enjoying the cool mist. In the pic from left to right are - Cliffhanger, Galileo, Test, Bucket List, and Challenger.
Date: 2019-04-12
From: Stealth Campsite At Mile 410.2

To: Waycaster Spring Campsite 
Miles today: 12.0

I woke up this morning to a few sprinkles of rain. This was preceded by howling wind the entire night. The wind was so loud it woke me up several times. The only thing that went through my head all night, was if one of the very tall trees around me were going to fall over on my hammock. And you know that never ends well. Nevertheless, other than the wind blowing, nothing happened.Today I had to push myself to keep up a good pace. Maybe it was the interruptions in my sleep or just having a down day, the overall hike was a chore. This all changed at the last two miles when I saw Laurel Falls. The falls are spectacular. The picture above only captures part of the beauty. I sat next to the stream for a good forty five minutes enjoying the view. A great way to end the day.
Date: 2019-04-13
From: Waycaster Spring Campsite 

To: Boots Off Hostel 
Miles today: 6.3

Today marks six weeks on the trail.Last night I stealth camped with Bucket List, Galileo and Cliffhanger next to the Laurel Fork River at the foot of Pond Mountain. During the night we were hit with a thunderstorm- torrential downpours and an impressive lightning show to boot. It only lasted 45 minutes but it felt like hours. Fortunately, I firmly secured my tarp over my hammock and I did not get wet.My destination today was the Boots Off Hostel. The fairly short six plus mile hike took me over Pond Mountain. The grade going up and over the mountain was very fair. The entire hike only took me a few hours.At the hostel I met up with my very good friend and ex-neighbor from my hood in Loveland, John Chapman. John had been planning to meet up with me for several months. He is an avid hiker and outdoorsman. John¢s youngest daughter, Mary, drove him over from their home in Charlotte.Upon arriving at the hostel, John and Mary were kind enough to take me into Hampton, TN for my resupply. Thanks again Mary for spending time with your dad and me. The picture above shows John and me in front of our tiny cabin at the hostel.Once we were back at the hostel, John presented me with some very special trail magic - a batch of homemade stew for dinner, a nice selection of cigars and best of all, a quart of premixed Manhattan¢s. If you know anything about me, I do like a good Manhattan and John knows how to mix them just right.  After we ate the stew, we sat on the porch of out tiny cabin and lit up a cigar and poured a Manhattan. I was in heaven.  John, being fresh to the AT, did not have a trail name. So it was only fitting that I give him the name ¢Manhattan¢. He gladly accepted the new moniker and from this day forward he will be known as ¢Manhattan¢. I cannot thank him enough for his awesome gifts and I look forward to spending the week with him.In addition to the gifts that Manhattan brought, Kerry, his wife, also sent some trail magic - a variety eight pack of Kellogg cereal and a very nice card. The joke here, for those who do not know Kerry, she is known for serving cereal to her family for dinner when she doesn¢t feel like cooking. So in my mind, she sent me eight different dinners. Thanks Kerry for thinking of me. I will enjoy the variety...
Date: 2019-04-14
From: Boots Off Hostel 

To: Vandeventer Shelter 
Miles today: 9.1

Manhattan and I left Boots Off Hostel around 9:30 am waiting to see what the weather was going to do. Based on the radar and forecast, the rain for the day was to show up in the late afternoon, if at all. I could see there were thunder storms all around us but it looked like they would miss us.  The hike today took us along the shore of Watauga Lake. After a few miles at near lake level, we crossed the dam and climbed back into the mountains. The views of the lake and surrounding area were fantastic. Our destination was the Vandeventer Shelter 9.1 miles from the hostel. I thought I would give Manhattan an easy day being new to the trail and all. The picture above is the view of the lake from right behind the shelter.As we crossed the Dam and started uphill, we were treated to trail magic from Sweeps, Fuzzy and Patchs. Sweeps was from Ireland and had taken his two children, Fuzzy and Patchs, on an AT through hike last year. They did the entire trail in 99 days. The treats they provides were very welcome at that point in our hike. A pic of Sweeps and his kids are in the photo gallery. Thanks Sweeps for the food and company.For the most part the rain did hold off until we reached the shelter. Looking at the overnight forecast, we made the decision to sleep in the shelter. It ended up being a good call because the wind howled and the rain came down in sheets all night.
Date: 2019-04-15
From: Vandeventer Shelter 

To: Stealth Camp At Mile 448.2
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

This morning I woke up to a surprise - snow. The rain and blustery wind last night blew in a cold front. The snow was just past the sleet stage and not yet flakes, just round pellets of joy. By the time I had breakfast and packed up my gear, the snow showers had stopped. The cold wind kept up most of the morning and into the early afternoon so I hiked in my rain jacket and pants to keep warm.From the Vandeventer Shelter to Damascus, VA, roughly 33 miles, the AT is affectionately know as the ¢Tennessee Turnpike¢. This is due to the relatively flat terrain. The fluctuation in elevation is at most 600 feet staying between 3500 feet and 4100 feet. The picture above shows the typical look of the trail in this section.In the early afternoon, I met Too Many who is from Alabama and was hiking southbound. He was finishing up his through hike he started last year. He had already summited Katahdin and was hiking towards Springer Mountain.After we exchanged the usual hiking pleasantries, I asked him how he got his trail name. He said Too Many was short for too many of our US service men and woman are dying from PTSD related injuries after they get out of the service. He stated that he is hiking for twenty two service men and women- one for every one hundred miles of the 2200 miles of the AT. He showed me a picture hanging on the side of his pack, of one young Marine who lost his battle with PTSD. He said after he hikes the one hundred miles for the intended service person, he hand writes a letter to that person¢s family.Too Much was also in the service, so he understands the challenges our US military personnel face when they get back home and try to pick up their lives again.Thank you Too Much for your important work helping us all be sensitive and hopefully take some type of action to help our veteran heroes.
Date: 2019-04-16
From: Stealth Camp At Mile 448.2

To: Double Spring Gap Campsite 
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today the weather was in the high sixties and very sunny - a perfect day for hiking. Manhattan and I broke camp around 8:30 am. We stopped several times during the day to look at the views of South Holston Lake to the west and the little town of Shady Valley to the east. The trail continued to be very moderate with just a few ups and downs.  Tonight we decided camp at Double Spring Gap Campsite. We had the campsite all to ourselves. Once we set up our hammocks and had dinner, Manhattan brought out a couple of cigars he had packed. The picture above is Manhattan enjoying a smoke after a long day of hiking.
Date: 2019-04-17
From: Double Spring Gap Campsite 

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 13.3

Today Manhattan and I walked into Damascus, VA. We woke up early enough to see a spectacular sunrise from our campsite. The morning air was cool but not cold. There was a light breeze all night which was a pleasant change from the last few nights.Because we hike at different paces, I left camp first and told Manhattan I would get checked into the hostel as well as get a few provisions.  Also today, I left Tennessee and entered Virginia. Three states down and eleven to go. Virginia is one of the longest states on the AT, stretching over 541 miles. It is longer than I¢ve hiked in all three states which I have finished plus 95 miles. Because the trail is so long through VA, most hikers get the ¢Virginia Blues¢ and look forward to exiting the state midway through.