morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Fontana Dam

To: NATE & ASHLEY'S IN TENESSEE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

UP t 630 sorting gear and then blueberry pancakes with Blair and BRYNNA while Eli slept in. Made a shopping list, hung tent to air and dry out and then we were off to shop for food and butane. It felt crazy in Wal mart after being on the trail - really busy and over stimulating. The only thing that kept me sane was being with the kids. They partially filled the hole missing Gavin and Elliot gave me. Anyways, no butane to be found but figured I would get some in Fontana. Alas there was none there either so it was off to the dam to do some quick sight seeing with Ashley and the kids where I got some nice pictures of them. Then they brought me over to the marina where I left the trail and no sooner had I stepped out of the van when I realized I had left my trekking poles back at the house over an hour away. Ashley was so gracious and offered to drive back and get them but there was no way I could impose like that. So I regrouped and got myself together and asked her to mail them to Hot Springs and I would pick them up there. I went onto Fontana Hilton Shelter where it was pretty full so I went to the top of the hill and decided to tent there. While there I meet a wonderful couple who had just retired and Sally was planning on thru hiking next year. We talked a lot about the trail and my pole situation and after a half hour they left only to have Dave return and hand me a set of hiking poles and said to mail them to him when I picked up mine. CAN YOU SEE TRAIL MAGIC ! While setting up I realized I had also left my pack cover behind - oh what a klutz I am. Oh well God will look out for me. Settled in by 6 and asleep shortly after. Tomorrow its the Great Smokey National Park ! Thanks again Nate and Ashley. I know it was only 24 hours but it was great and oh yeah go Kentucky U.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: NATE & ASHLEY'S IN TENESSEE

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Rain began at 5 am but stopped by 7. Took advantage of the lull and packed up quickly. and headed across the Fontana Dam which is part of the TVA project. Could see Shuckstack Fire Tower which was 4.4 miles away and 2000 feet up. Made good progress thru the day and had to shed long sleeve shirt for short sleeve. Around 12 pm entered TN/NC at Doe Knob mile marker 174. This now makes my 3rd state I have entered. Got to Mollies Ridge Shelter which was my original goal but it was only 2 pm and decided it was too early to stop and would make Russell Field my final destination for the day. Leap frogged with Opey, Ben, RW and Murphy. There were 4 young hikers that just flew by me. Its amazing how strong some of these kids are. Met up with these guys at the shelter which is nice because they are not big partiers. Plan for tomorrow was Derrick's Knob but that would only make it a 9.2 mie day so I have decided to go for Siler's Bald to make it a 14.7 day which is doable and wold put me in good position to climb Clingman's Dome which is the highest point on the AT at 6655 feet! The trails were sloppy overall today and this is the second day in a row there was either snow or ice on the trail. Met Buzz and Tandem (Father/Daughter) at the shelter also. Shuckstack Fire Towere was pretty impressive and got some great pics. Yeah yeah yeah. I know. When I are you going to post some pics? Hopefully soon I will attempt it when I have sufficient time to work on it as I Haven't done it before it.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Forgot to tell you. When in the Smokies you are required to stay in a shelter unless people with reservations fill it up. Shed fleece in 1st few miles. Hike to top of Rocky Top good and once on top view was spectacular with mountain after mountain flowing together. Then the good times ended and the next 4 miles involved a serious pounding by rocks everywhere. Little ones, big ones. Rocks on their sides, edges and ends. They were flat, jagged and round. They were everything that would make it difficult and painful. And to make matters worse if there weren't rocks there were roots, roots, roots and more roots to trip you up. And this was finally followed up with several mud bogs that were ankle deep and yards long and could not be avoided. Each step was tentative and calculated - Is that rock going to tip? Is that root too slippery? Is there mud under that leaf debris which will send my feet sailing? What I thought was going to be an easy walk ended up like a walk through a minefield. Despite the treacherous landscape I made it to Derrick's Knob by 115 and was going to call it a day and had actually unpacked some of my things. However, after getting a couple of liters of water I couldn't sit around and despite the protestation of my legs and feet I repacked my things and headed for Siler Bald shelter given that it was only 5.5 miles and it was mostly down hill. Needless to say the trail went on for what seemed like for ever...... without any switchbacks and my feet and legs were conspiring to strike. Fortunately it wasn't long when the shelter appeared like an oasis and it even had a piped spring close by. Dinner was summer sausage, cheese, chips, ramen noodles and a chocolate bar. Opey, Ben, R.W., Buss, Tandem, Moving On and Inflammable from Montreal and Malibu, Murphy here. Shoot for Collins with stop at Clingman's tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Left at 745 mile marker 194.3 and arrived at Icewater 515 mm 209.8. Climb to Clingman's Dome was long and steady with over 1000 feet increase. The Dome was a cool structure but the view was not that good due to heavy fog. The sun tried to come out but didn't quite make it. The trail was good despite mud and slop. Snow patches still mark the trail. Ran out of water just before Mt. Collins and had to stop to get snow to melt in order to have something to drink. Talk about make lemonade out of lemons. Had a ruff grouse beating its wings 5 yds off the trail and tried to get some pics. We'll see how they turn out. Ran into "I Believe" who said there was going to Trail Magic at Newfound Gap which was a great motivation to cover the miles. Ran across an interesting containment area of 20 acres protected by fencing to keep wild hogs out to protect some special trees and required special gates to get in and out of. Got Trail Magic at Newfound Gap from Beth and Bernie and included a bologna sandwich with mayo and wasabi mustard. Also got toothpaste, m&ms, coca cola and frito lays. I Believe's husband was there and gave me a used propane tank which should carry me through the Smokies. What Great People! Headed up and out of Newfound Gap with Pitstop and called Laura up on the ridge to give her an update and let her know where I would be. When we got to Icewater the shelter was full of registered people so a number of us had to tent and there were not very many spots to comfortably tent. Billy the AT Trail runner was there and was very interesting as he shared his knowledge of the area. The nice thing about this shelter it has a privy. Yippy!!!! Tomorrow looks like Tri Knob with big ups and downs and rain.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left at 745 and got to Charlie's Bunion which offered some amazing pics despite the inclement weather. Could hear thunder at 930 and debate to put on rain gear started. Light rain started at 10 but started to pour at 1030 and the next 2 hours with wind blowing sideways. Trail pretty good despite weather and I blew by turn off to Peck's Corner. Got some nice pics at Eagle View mm 218 and despite fog and rain made it to Tri Corner mm 222.4 at 2 pm. Was soak and wet so I quickly changed into my long johns, fleece and Frogg Togg pants. Cloths are hanging on line put up by Opey along with everyone elses. It makes for quite the picture - think Chinese Laundry Had some chips, ramen noodles and a chocolate bar. There was snow on the trail again today. Also was a bit homesick and had the blues for awhile thinking about everyone at home. A great remedy was taking out my phone and looking at pictures of my handsome grandsons Gavin and Elliott.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Tri Corner Knob

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left at 745 and got some nice view/pics of mountain tops with clouds below. Only problem now is my cell phone is dying. Nate had given me a power stick but when I went to use it to charge the phone it was dead. Ran into 4 men on horses who were cutting back branches. I made a wrong turn on top of Mt. Crammerer and ended going 1 mile out of my way to the lookout tower and had to go back to the turn off I had missed. It wouldn't have been so bad because the view was incredible but I didn't get any pictures because my cell phone was dead Got down to I 40 and was confused by the directions to Standing Bear. Ended up taking the gravel road all the way to the top (a mile) where the farm was not realizing the trail went into the woods and came out later on the road just .1 mile below the farm. Oh well. Jerry, Mio, Rain Pants were there. The place is really great with a resupply store where you can get things on the honor system and just settle up before you leave. Jerry and I split a supreme pizza, I did my dirty laundry and went right to bed as I was exhausted from such a long hike and would have to get up at 6 am to go back down the gravel road, into the woods to make up what I missed.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 6 am to make up what I missed. The only good thing is I did it without my pack. Unbelievably long climb over Snowbird Mt. which involved a 2400 foot climb. Got to top and wind was just whipping. Got to see FAA tower and took some quick pics. Rest of day more long climbs straight up and straight down. Had run out of water due to water sources being dried up. When I got to Max Patch I seriously eyeballed the snow on the side of a hill, but it would involve getting off the trail 10 yds to get to it, but passed and just swallowed my spit Max Patch was incredible. It was a treeless mountain top that was about 300 acres or more in size and offered a 360 degree view of all the mountains around. With rain threatening I didn't spend a lot of time as I wanted to get to the next shelter to ensure I had a dry spot in it. Got to Roaring Forks at 315 where lo and behold both Gray Ghost and Wet Dog were both there and I had a spot in the shelter. Moving On, Mack, Tank, Ace, Sleeper and others packed in the shelter and we were shoulder to shoulder thru the night. Shooting for Deer Park Mt. tomorrow, but depending on the weather I may take a shot at going all the way to Hot Springs.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

Rain started last night at 10 and started to pour from 12 to 6. It then slowly let up and everyone started to stir at 7. I was packed up and on the trail by 8. Trails and streams were filled with water and made keeping my feet impossible. I started with my Frogg Toggs on but took them off half way up Walnut Mt. The climb up Walnut Mt. was straight up. Walnut Shelter was old and beat with a mud puddle in the entrance and it was facing west which is bad because that's where most of the weather comes from. Then it was down into Kale Gap which was a pretty spot of pines and there was wild chives growing there which I had. Then it was up Bluff Mountain which I thought was going to kill me. I did fine for the first mile and a half but was quickly running out of steam. I needed something to motivate me so I thought about my grandsons Gavin and Elliott and their wonderful smiles and some of the interesting conversations Gavin and I have had and lo and behold I was thru the last half mile and over the top!!! Unfortunately the backside wasn't much better with a 2700 foot drop that was straight down with no switchbacks and a steep slop of about 60 degrees!!! Called Sunnybank Inn half way down and they were full that day, but I would be able to stay Tuesday and Wednesday and I was going to need it as the relentless pounding was taking its toll on my knees but more so on my left shin which was starting to cause some pain and my back was starting to knot up. Made it to Laughing Heart Hostel at 5. Nothing fancy but meets the needs of the hiker with a place to lay their head, take a shower and access to a kitchen if need be - all for $15 plus tax. Took a shower and did some journalling then off to the Spring Creek Tavern for beer, food & basketball.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Busy day which started at 6 am with meditation readings. Talked with Opey for awhile and then Murphy and Ben joined us. Made a list of things to get done and it was long so got moving. First stop was the local Smokey Mountain Diner where I met up with Gray Ghost who was heading out today. Had ham and cheese omelet, potatoes, sausage and toast with coffee. Had to chuckle when I thought about how 3 weeks ago I had to force myself to eat. Don't remember if I noted in past entry that while at Standing Bear I weighed myself and have dropped from 185 to 167. Despite the loss still feeling well and now eating good. After breakfast headed to laundry mat where Ace gave me a soap pod which was great. Tried to do some journaling while waiting put connections were poor here. While on the way to Elmer's came across Hiker's Ridge Ministries Resource Center where I met Queen Diva who helps operate the center by providing moral support, snacks, drinks and computers, one of which I am using to do my entries as opposed to using my phone. Afterwards went to Outfitters to look around and then to Elmer's. This place is awesome. An old eclectic house outfitted with many cool antiques and books. Took a shower, hung tent to dry out and visited with others at the house. Later had a great vegetarian dinner of lentil soup, salad, rice with ratatouille and maple pound cake with vanilla ice cream. Then relaxed and read some and was asleep by 10. I know I'm suppose to be roughing it but given the soreness of my ankle and the need to rest it I couldn't pass up this place for only $20 a night. Tomorrow I'm going to zero again to rest the ankle and look into a hot springs mineral soak. Then on Thursday its back into the mountains.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Up at 7 and read book on Continental Divide. Had breakfast with Elmer, Jesse, Ace, Mack, Owl Bear, and J Rex. Mack and Ace are headed back out today. Scoped out Dollar General and appears they have what I need. Went to Ministry Center and talked to Queen Diva. Used computer to update journal and scored some ziplocks , snacks and Ramen Noodles. Mailed cards to Brynna and Ura Herschberger. Got birthday card for David and cool t shirt for hot days. Had ice cream at Artisan Gallery. Ran into Jerry and bis wife is picking him up today. Back to Elmer's to sort out gear. Inflammable moved out and Owl Bear in room with me now. Went to mineral spa in afternoon. $15 for hour in private hot tub. Used jets to work over sore muscles. It felt good. Talked to Mom and Dad. All good at home. Reviewed profiles for tomorrow and water spots. Spring mt. Would be 11.0 miles with a 3000 foot elevation increase. All will depend on how I feel. Leaving town with 5 days of food will be tough. Will go to Smokey Mt. Diner for dinner and call it an early night.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.8

Left Hot Springs at 830 after hitting Dollar General. Mads it to Spring Mt. at 230 and ate lunch with Owl Bear. Too early to stop so pushed on even though ankle pretty tender. Made it to Allen Gap at 515. Ran into I BELIEVE who is still slack packing. Trail pretty good most of day except last 2 miles which had a LOT of roots. Didn't help my ankle. Cornwall, Cowboy and Ganderwall here also. Ankle pretty swollen. Tomorrow over 2500 feet elevation increase if I go for Jerry Cabin. Got fire started and cooked summer sausage and had it on a bagel. Desert is a piece of dark chocolate. Everyone is reviewing their books for what tomorrow bri gs.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerrys Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 11.6

Got under way around 8. Under brush is starting to fill in along the trail and thru the woods. Seeing a variety of small flowers the size of a dime. It's interesting to watch the woods come alive as you move along and up and down. Came across a snake today. It looked like a garter snake from back home about 1 and a half feet long. Got pic and will try to send it to Gavin. Came to a section that indicated it was an exposed ridge and offerred an alternative bad weather trail. Of course I took the exposed ridge and what a climb it was. In several places you could see both east and west and the views were awesome. The climb over and around rocks were especially difficult but exhilirating. Thought about going on but ankle is still giving me some problems. The swelling has gone down some but still limits my range of motion especially when going down hill.Tao Mom and Dad, Laura and Kris. All is going well with everyone. Plan is still to do Erwin in 3 days (Hogsback Ridge, Spivey Gap and then into Erwin. Its 430 and Movin On just pulled in and is going to tent for the night.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Jerrys Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Left Jerrys Cabin around 730. The weather is going to be nice for the 3rd day in a row. Its amazing how much the weather affects your attitude and your hike. Today was the first time I walked in shorts and boy was it nice. It was a real interesting day as I came across a number of gravestones along the trail. One was of a former hiker who had hiked in 1968 and a couple of others were local ones of people who had passed away in the 1860's. My ankle continues to be pretty swollen and I'm thinking about going to the Urgent Care in Erwin if things don't change. It dosen't seem to be muscle or skeletal but is mostly edema. Stoped at a creek at mm 309.4 for a bite to eat and to soak my ankle in cold water. It seeme to help quite a bit. Lick Rock appeared on the profile as a real difficult climb but given all the switchbacks and side cuts (that's where the trail is cut into the side of a mountanin instead of going straight up) really made it nice. Last 1 - 2 miles up Hogback Ridge was particularly tough given the steep increase in elevation, it was straight up and then had several false summits. I finally made it with Movin On and Nick pulling up right behind me. There was a guy Max already there. He is section hiking. Water was quite a ways from the shelter but it offerred me another opportunity to soak my ankle. Had some chips with sausage and cheese for dinner and a piece of dark chocolate for desert. I'm going to have to swithch this up for a change. Hopefully they have something to offer in Erwin. Stayed in shelter with the Professor who is an older retired gentleman who has done a great deal of travelling and is a wealth of information about a lot of things. Supposedly there is trail magic at Sams Gap in the am - boy that would be great. Almost 7 and getting ready for bed - hang bear bag, visit privy and get gear ready for morning.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today is Palm Sunday and I really wish I could have been in town to go to Church. I really miss being there eventhough I have been reading my Lenten Meditation book each day. Maybe I can be in town for Easter. Left at 730 and got down to Sam's Gap where Quiet Paul had trail magic for hikers. Had a big plate of scrambled eggs and hash browns along with an orange fanta soda. Its amazing what people like Paul do and is greatly appreciated. In addition to the trail magic he provides for 10 days straight he is also a trail maintainer for the local trails. He is truely a dedicated person. Got an orange to go and started to make the haul up Big Bald which involved a 1700 foot rise in elevation. It was a long truck up and could see it a ways off. Hiked on and off with RW and Moving On. Also ran into some day hikers who knew alot about the area. One was a thru hiker Thunder Cat. Had lunch on top with RW, Moving On, Thunder Cat and D. What a beautiful view it provided and I definitely need to take more breaks like this when available. It really regenerates the motivation factor. It's kind of like taking the time to smell the roses. I had an interesting quote from Moving On today when we talked about whether I was going to fast, "Making great time does not always make for a great time". How right she is. There continues to be a lot of floweres opening up and you can smell their frangrances. Another sight that was especially interesting is the old barb wire fences that run through the woods. These are fences that were put up before 1950 and were literally split in quarters or thirds and driven into the ground. It's amazing to think of the work it took to put these up. Tenting at Spivey Gap with RW, Moving On, Time to Eat and the Professor. Calls for rain tomorrow. I hope it holds off long enough for us to get up and get our things packed. It really sucks carrying those extra pounds of wet gear if you can avoid it. Erwin will be the goal tomorrow and shouldn't be that difficult since its only 11.2 miles.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 11.2

Up at 6 to get packing before rain starts. RW, Movin On, Time to Eat and the Professor are ready and on the trail by 730 with 11.2 miles to Erwin. As they say, if you go down into a gap, you've got to climb out of it and that's how we started our day with over a 500 ft. climb. After that it was probably the best hike to day. The Pisgah forest had some great trails with nice grades and was mostly free of roots and rocks. There weren't a lot of views until we got to Erwin. You could see where there had been a large fire a number of years ago. When we (RW and Movin On) got to Uncle Johnny's we were a little disappointed because there were only 2 bunks available and the shuttle only ran 2 times a day. RW and I ended sharing a room at the Mountain Inn and Suites which is an awesome place with great staff. After showering we walked about a mile to a pizza place with an ALL YOU CAN EAT buffet. After 6 slices of pizza and 2 trips to the salad bar I was full for then. Then we checked out the Dollar General and the IGA but they had a limited selection. I'll have to figure something out. Did laundry and updated journal on computer. Will plan what to do tomorrow which will depend on the rain and when it stops and how much time I have to hike.