morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Stealth camped
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day8: This morning started out with freezing temperatures and three inches of snow. It was extremely difficult to motivate myself to creep out of my sleeping bag. To top it off, the clocks were moved forward one hour. Well, I finally got it moving... two maple cinnamon oatmeal packets with dehydrated apples and a cup of coffee for breakfast. When I finally broke camp which included knocking as much snow and ice off of everything as I could, it was 10 minutes before 9:00. I guess the good Lord decided to rectify the issue of the scorched forest I journaled about yesterday by covering it with a blanket of snow. It was beautiful. As the day went on and temperatures climbed, snow clods started falling on my head and backpack. It did start getting old after the countless times it occurred. I know come June I'd love to have that snow dropped on me... why is it that we are never satisfied? So I hiked mostly solo today which gave me time to think about something. I hit the 100 mile plus mark today and I thought how if God were waiting at that 100 mile mark and told me I was done, no more hiking for Whistler, I don't think I could bear such a thing as to not be able to finish. Every mile I get to hike is precious to me and I thank God for that privilege. Okay, a suggestion for future thru-hikers with regards to today's hike...when you get to Albert Mountain, fold up those trekking poles, stash them in your pack and be ready for a rock scramble. It was especially tough going today with the snow and ice. I recommend three points of contact on that very steep climb. Now, time for another hiker tip if you are planning a thru- hike regarding sleeping bag choice; if you think you can get by with a three season sleeping bag... forget it. The number one complaint I've heard on my hike is how cold it is and how hard it is to get good sleep. I've slept threes nights in a row in snow, freezing rain, and thunder storms. I've always been comfortable and warm. Watch your pack weight somewhere else. All the best, Whistler.
Date: 2017-03-13
From: Stealth camped

To: Rocky Bald
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 9: Another freezing cold night...but I was warm in my four season duck down bag! My biggest problem is breaking down camp. There is so much snow and ice that it's difficult to get it off the tent. I end up packing it and carrying the extra weight. In fact, I was having to shake it off tonight while setting up again. There was so much ice on the trail this morning that it made for dangerous hiking conditions. With every step, I think to myself that a slip could be a hike ended. The trail tends to be only 18 to 24 inches wide in areas. There are places where you hug the mountain side because 18 inches away is a drop to nothingness. Still, I was able to clock another 16.7 miles today, not too bad considering the rough conditions. I'm heading to the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) for a package pick up from my trail angel sister. I'm going to make it a "Nero" (A "Nero" is a day with few miles. A "zero" is a day taken off hiking with no miles). A real bed and I might even throw in a shower (or two) and laundry as well. All the best, Whistler
Date: 2017-03-14
From: Rocky Bald

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: snow

Day 10: So, here I am enjoying a glass of red wine (thanks to my dear trail angel, Susan, and her drop box full of surprises) thinking about today's events. Actually, I'll need to back up a day. So, yesterday afternoon "Fish" and "Radio " came up behind me doing their normal quick hiking pace. They told me about some bad weather coming. Apparently, freezing rain, snow, and high winds were expected. I'd already spent the last two nights in similar weather while everyone else ran off to Franklin. My thought was that the tough weather would prepare me for the "Whites" of New Hampshire. Well, to be honest, I was tired of waking up each morning and packing a frozen tent. I decided I would make a run for Cold Spring Shelter six miles further up the trail and gain one of the six shelter spots for myself. I gotta tell you that I was hoofing it. Imagine my disappointment when I arrived and found 8 people in a shelter designed for 6. It was still early (4:00) and I still had some steam in my legs so I decided to do a couple more miles. My goal was to get to Rocky Bald. I arrived at 5:00 and couldn't believe the view. At 5,030 feet I had the most spectacular vistas. With the weather still clear, I made camp, had dinner, hung my food bag, journaled and went to bed. Right at midnight I woke to the storm and just rolled over and went back to sleep. When I awoke again at 5:30 I could see my tent was heavy with snow. Generally, this would not be a problem, but Rocky Bald is up a rock face that on a good day requires careful negotiation. My concern was that the blazes were painted on the rock face, covered in snow, that I'd be unable to find them, and that I'd have a difficult/slippery time trying to get back to the trail. After getting breakfast and packing my pack (including a frozen tent) I made my way. I ended up using my trekking poles as canes, not risking putting my wrists through the straps for fear of slipping/sliding down the rock face of Rocky Bald. I made it safely to the trail only to find that I was obviously the first one hitting the trail... no track in the virgin snow but mine and a countless number of animals (those animals must find the AT convenient... a forest super highway). I made the 9.9 miles to the NOC in exactly four hours... mostly descending. In fact, the descent went from 5,030 feet to 1,732 feet over the 9.9 miles. Ice and snow made it a real challenge and had me slip and fall three times. I kept my speed up as I factored in the soft snow and the toque on my head to limit the impact and a concussion if my head hit a rock. So, I made it safely to the NOC, had a big fat hamburger, fries and two of the best beers I've ever drunk. I'm showered and laundry is done... life is good... nope, life is great! A note to my family, friends, and those followers of my journal... my intent is to journal every day. Sometimes I find I'm in a location that has limited or no cell service or my battery has run down. When this happens I will make up the entry when I have service/power. Whistler
Date: 2017-03-15
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 11: Spending the night at the NOC was a great move (more luck on my part than anything). I woke up at 6:00 revived and raring to go. I stayed in my room all afternoon and evening the day before to get my gear, clothes, and myself cleaned up. My plan was to get a big breakfast at River's End Restaurant at the NOC. I saw a huge group of 20 plus inside which turned out to be a group preparing for a river paddle (and you thought I was crazy). Anyway, they were having breakfast off a big buffet so I asked a gentleman that apparently was the manager if I might be able to order breakfast? He apologized and informed me of their hours (11:00-7:00), but with his next breath tells me to grab a plate and help myself from the group's buffet. Life is freaking AWESOME!!! Good karma on Mr. NOC restaurant manager?? The hike out of Bryce/NOC was straight up. It snowed so much last night that it was up over my knees in places. When I arrived at Sassafras Gap shelter which was just 6.4 miles, I had lunch and decided that it would have been irresponsible and dangerous to continue. A very short day, but at 24 degrees I feel I have made a good decision. Anyway, I've got a full food bag, all my layers on and a group of fellow hikers (including an ATC ridge runner) to chew the fat with. It is supposed to warm up some tomorrow so I'll make up the miles then. In the meantime, I'm safe and above freezing. Whistler
Date: 2017-03-16
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 12: Oh, what a night...It was a very long and cold night for the inhabitants of Sassafras Gap Shelter. As I explained in yesterday's post, freezing temperatures forced us to stay put. In fact, it got down to 9 degrees Fahrenheit... I figured I would have been warmer if I slept in my freezer at home...crazy cold. It was so cold that our isobutane stoves wouldn't light unless we warmed the canisters underneath our clothes. While hiking to Sassafras, my hydration system was freezing as I hiked. I would have to warm the hose and bite valve with my hands to thaw them whenever I needed a drink. The shelter was big enough to sleep 14, but there were only six of us (nobody else was crazy enough to be out in that weather). Everyone was inside their sleeping bags by 1:00 in the afternoon. I had every piece of clothing I have with me on my body. At midnight I needed to visit the "privy". My boots were frozen solid. I slept with my hydration bladder and my water filter in my sleeping bag to keep them from freezing. This morning, all anyone wanted to do was to get hiking as that was the only way to stay warm. Fortunately the day's temperatures were fantastic, in the 40's and clear skies... praise the Lord. It was slow going as there were snow and ice which made hiking difficult and dangerous. I slipped and fell three times and this with using extreme caution. Truth be told, it is possible that I passed some of the most spectacular views today and never knew it. I was too busy looking at my feet and deciding where to put them to keep myself from falling. Much more important than to even begin to think about looking around me. So, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention "Jacobs Ladder". This climb was the most difficult so far. This was not a religious experience, but there were a lot of hikers, myself included using the Lord's name in vain. There was no ladder here, nor stairs, elevator or escalator either. In fact, not even any switchbacks to speak of. This was a vertical climb that just beats you up and is unforgiving. Future hikers, shorten your trekking poles and get ready...Right at the noon hour, "Bottles", "Carl" and myself met down at Stecoah Gap at NC 143, had lunch at a picnic table, and decided to continue on to Cable Gap Shelter for a 15.2 mile day. This puts Fontana Dam just over six miles away and perfect for my next resupply (thank you Lauren). From there I enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As I write this entry to my journal, I have no phone or data service so it will get posted a day late. It's just before 8:00 PM, I'm in my tent (overfull shelter) in my sleeping bag and ready to pass out. But first a call out to the best sister a brother could ever ask for. Her hiker drop box was waiting for me at the NOC. Homemade hot chocolate, homemade backpackers macaroni and cheese, and countless other goodies got me through a really tough two days. Thank you Susan... I love you!!!Whistler
Date: 2017-03-17
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 13:I got an early start today (7:45) as I wanted to get to Fontana Dam as early as possible. I had my drop box to pick up, Smoky National Park permit to print, a real meal to eat?? and some fuel and batteries to locate/purchase. My goal was to hike the 12 miles past Fontana Shelter (called the Fontana Hilton), but the hours just slipped by. The park rule is that you must stay at their shelters (no stealth camping allowed). I would have been too late getting in, so, another "Nero". About this morning's hike... ice everywhere; I did everything I could to not slip, but still took three big slip and slides. Each time I'd get back up and look around to make sure no one saw me (like who is out there to see me?). I'd take full inventory to make sure I was still whole and then, as my granddaughter says after a fall, I'd say to myself, "I'm OK", (only she yells it out). FYI, apparently there is no cell service in the Smokies. It might be several days before I can post again. An easy day today and big miles to make up. All the best,Whistler
Date: 2017-03-18
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Day 14: Staying at the Fontana Hilton last night ended up being a good decision. A heavy rain and fog dropped by to pay us a visit. It rained all night which put me a little behind my self imposed goal of a 7:00 AM departure. I had really wanted to get my first twenty mile day, but had to settle for 17.6. I was walking across the Fontana Dam at 7:45 and was in awe by its enormity and by the engineering wonder of the structure. I was quite amused by a sign posted which read, "NO JUMPING OR DIVING". Really? Did they really have to post a sign? Views were limited for most of the day as that smoke/fog hung heavy. That was okay though because once again I was too busy looking at my feet. What do you get when on one day you have a foot of snow and the next day a rain storm with temperatures in the 50's? You get mud that is the consistency of lard. Lots of slip sliding, but fortunately no falls today. While hiking in the Smoky Mountains National Park, you are required to stay at the shelters. The only way you can tent camp is if the shelter is full. In other words, you plan your entire day based on the distance you can hike to the next shelter. No stealth camping can cramp your style. I'm at Spence Field Shelter tonight which is packed (with a lot of people not very concerned about my desire to get rest). A couple more days and I'll be out of the park with a bit more freedom. Don't get me wrong, the Smokies are beautiful and the shelters are beautiful (stacked stone and timber construction). They are just a bit too constricting.
Date: 2017-03-19
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 15: I would have been found innocent of my crime by the court of Spence Field Shelter had I followed up on my desire to put an end to one of my shelter mate's snoring. Let's call him "Simpson" (he and his family reside in Simpsonville, South Carolina). He and I struck up a conversation because of his Gamecock hat, a very nice guy for sure. "Simpson" was just preparing to finish his section hike and shared his love for the AT. When hiker midnight struck (about 8:00), everyone was getting settled. "Simpson" must have been real tired as he quickly fell asleep. My imagination kicked into high gear when it became apparent that it was going to be a long and sleepless night. My first thought was that I could smother "Simpson" with his Sea to Summit blow up pillow. I imagined the other 12-15 Shelter residents jumping up and applauding my actions. Court would have been held in the morning over our oatmeal, Pop Tarts, and instant coffee. I would have been found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity and allowed to continue my hiking. My next thought was that I would hike back to Fontana Dam and locate the sign I journaled about yesterday. You know the one, "No jumping or Diving", and jump. That sign makes sense to me now... Today's hike was treacherous with ice along the trail in the morning after freezing temperatures overnight. By mid afternoon the sun had worked its magic and turned the trail into a lard and quicksand mixture. It was very slow going (no slip and falls for Whistler today, whew!). Anyway, I'm just a couple of miles from Clingmans Dome. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest peak on the AT and Smoky Mountains National Park, as well, the second highest east of the Mississippi. I am hoping for a clear morning and some beautiful views. Whistler
Date: 2017-03-20
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 16: Hiking each day for eight to nine hours is almost like having a job. You wake up early, get dressed, take care of "personal" stuff, eat breakfast, pack your stuff and walk to work. You'll get a lunch break, stop walking when your shift is over, eat dinner, get ready for bed, sleep, wake up... repeat. It's my job... it's what I/we do. Today's hike took me to the prized summit of Clingmans Dome. It was a beautiful morning with clear skies (although it clouded a bit just as I arrived). The observation tower seemed a bit out of place, but I had to remind myself that it was built for the multitudes. The views are just out of this world. It's no wonder that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the United States. The descent from Clingmans Dome was horrifying. The ice on the backside of this mountain was heavy and difficult to negotiate. I slipped and fell three times. The rest of the day's hike was a pleasure with the trail taking me through beautiful lush forest of Fraser fir and red spruce. It amazed me how much the forest changed with the changes in elevation. I haven't mentioned a young man I had been leapfrogging these past few days. His name is Quinn and he had been going by the trail name, "The Mighty Quinn", which he didn't care for very much and was hoping for a new one. Well, Quinn would start his day long after me and inevitably pass me before lunch. So I offered up the new trail name, "Wheels", which he loved. Unfortunately, "Wheels" took a shuttle in to Gatlinburg today and is off the trail. Some personal reasons which is a shame as he is a great young man and a really strong hiker, perhaps another season for "Wheels". A highlight of the day was when I arrived at Newfound Gap, US 441. The parking lot was packed and was actually a bit of a shock after the isolation of the trail. I was standing with a group of thru-hikers when a woman walked up to me and said, "You look like you could use a beer". Did it show that much? Was it that obvious? Anyway, thank you Trail Angel Heather... you made a great day greater!!! Today I hiked with "Hook-set", "Strider", and "Ho Chi Minh", all great guys about my age and hiking speed. Tomorrow's weather is calling for rain ("No rain-no Maine"). Whistler
Date: 2017-03-21
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri Corner Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 17: I'm a light sleeper, but really?I was in my sleeping bag by 8:00 last night in anticipation of a good night's sleep. I had a pretty good idea that it might not go well when "Tank" made a public announcement that he has sleep apnea and that it's a disability and we all need to suck it up. He went on to say that if anyone touched him to try to stop his snoring he would kick them in the face (ouch). Hmmm, how do you even begin to respond to that? Well, unfortunately "Tank" wasn't the only one snoring; it sounded like a herd of wild animals in that shelter. I tried everything I could to get to sleep... forget earplugs as they were totally ineffective. It was 4:30 in the morning when I gave up. I got myself dressed, ate breakfast, and packed my backpack. I was hiking by headlamp by 6:00. I slipped hard on an ice patch, hurt my hip when I landed, and bent a trekking pole. The problem being that I was exhausted, I mean walking zombie exhausted. I finally made my way to Pecks Corner Shelter where a volunteer, "Ox", was doing shelter maintenance. I explained my situation of having gone sleepless. I asked him that after I had lunch if I could get a one hour nap. "Ox" took care of me... he did some work away from the shelter and gave me my wake up call at 12:00. After waking I felt much better and hiked an additional 5 miles to Tri Corner Knob Shelter where I set up my tent. 'Ranger Bob' could come by and site me with a fine and I'd gladly pay it. I'm not sleeping in a shelter again. FYI, the weather reports called for rain all day... never happened!!! In fact, it was probably the best weather I've had thus far. So, I had something happen to me a while back that I've given a lot of thought to. It was at Levelland Mountain that I came up behind an older couple along with who I thought must be their granddaughter. They were moving quite slowly when they made an abrupt stop and announced, "This is a good place for lunch". I went around them and wished them a good day. As I walked away I thought to myself that they would never make it. Five miles later I was ready to drop for being so tired and hiked into Whitley Gap Shelter. The next morning I was hiking along for several miles when I came across them again. They were eating breakfast and we waved at each other. They actually hiked further than I had. I realized then that the trail is a true equalizer and it's impossible to know another's ability.
Date: 2017-03-22
From: Tri Corner Gap Shelter

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

Day 18: After hiking with limited sleep from the night before I found my way to Tri Corner Gap Shelter. As soon as I arrived I found what had to be the only tent site there. I arrived early, but set up my tent even though the shelter wasn't full; the rule being that you must stay in the shelter unless it's full. As I journaled yesterday, I'll not stay in a shelter unless my life depends on it. I found myself in my sleeping bag at 7:00 and soon was sound to sleep. It was around 9:30 that the light show along with accompanying thunder made a grand entrance. Funny how snoring will keep me awake all night, but how easy it was to sleep through a thunderstorm. I was awake by 5:00, had breakfast (strawberry frosted pop tarts...yum), tent down, backpack packed, and on the trail at 6:45 (by way of my trusty headlamp). I felt superhuman this morning after a great sleep and with the benefit of a lot of down hills, made fast time of it. I did the 18.4 miles in just under seven hours. I arrived at Standing Bear Farm in the early afternoon with the intention of a resupply and then hiking on, but fell in love with the place and decided to make their treehouse my evening accommodation. They offer hot showers (not like I needed one) and use of the laundry in with the price ($30). They also have a resupply store that easily met my needs until I get to Hot Springs. I enjoyed a great dinner of pepperoni pizza and the company of "Hummingbird", "Engine and Caboose", and "Scoutmaster" along with his service dog, "Scout". Two highlights for today, the first being meeting four members of the Carolina Mountain Club. Just as I passed Davenport and as I exited The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I ran into four guys doing trail maintenance. It's these fine people that have such a passion for the AT that makes this hike possible. The Carolina Mountain Club and its members maintains 93 miles of the AT. The second highlight was that I have officially completed one tenth of the trail.
Date: 2017-03-23
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 19:I went to bed last night at 8:00 to the sound of a babbling brook directly below my tree house bunk. 10 hours later I jumped out of bed when I saw it was already 6:00. It was time to get ready for work. By the time I had everything packed, breakfast and coffee, and my bill paid, it was 8:30. My plan was to do between 12 and 15 miles, but I felt so strong from the rest I got that I hiked exactly 20 miles. How fortuitous that the miles from Standing Bear Farm to Walnut Mountain Shelter is exactly 20 miles. So I am now officially a twenty miler. Another milestone for the day is that I have passed 250 miles hiked. The weather very much contributed to my ability to put down those miles, as well, the elevations and terrain. So, like they say, you've gotta make hay while the sun shines. One highlight for the day for me was hiking through Snowbird Bald. I took a picture and texted my sons as I have fond memories of the time the three of us hiked there years ago. I recalled how we sat on the Bald and picked and ate our fill of wild strawberries. Another highlight was hiking Max Patch Bald. The 360 degree views are breathtaking. Tomorrow takes me right through the hiker friendly town of Hot Springs. When I say right through I mean literally right through. The AT goes right through the middle of their little town. More about Hot Springs tomorrow...Whistler