morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-03-05
From: Justus Creek Campsite 

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: broken clouds

It was a very cold night dipping down to 18 degrees.  The wind was not bad only gusting a few times during the evening.To combat the cold I slept in all the clothes I had. All in all, I was mostly comfortable.  The worst part is getting up in the morning and trying to use the nearest tree.  Burrrrr...Hiking during the day was quite pleasant because the sun was out and the wind was fairly calm.  I came across several spectacular views from Ramrock Mountain.  The kind of views which make the hike worthwhile.  From one spot I could see Atlanta - 70 miles away.I also experienced my first ¢trail magic¢ at Woody Gap.  Several kind souls had prepared food for the passing hikers to enjoy.  Their generosity is unbelievable...
Date: 2019-03-06
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a beautiful sunny but cold day.  I ended up staying in a hostel last night due the 14 degrees night.  By the time I got on the trail at 8:30 am it was a balmy 20 degrees.  It ended up in the upper 20/ low 30¢s but the wind was blowing all day.My hike today took me over Blood Mountain - highest point on the AT in Georgia.  The picture above is the awesome view from the top.  Starting at Woody Gap at 3196 feet I climbed over Big Cedar Mountain at 3737 feet then down to Henry Gap at 3083 and up and over Blood Mountain towering at 4457.  After Blood Mountain the trail dropped to Neel Gap at 3125.  My feet are a little sore this evening.I do have other pictures I have uploaded to this journal. To view them look in the upper right corner of my page - there is a box with horizontal lines.  Tap the box and a drop down menu will appear.  Select the photos to view.
Date: 2019-03-07
From: Neel Gap

To: Popular Stamp Gap Campsite 
Miles today: 12.9

Another very cold night forced me to get indoor accommodations at Neel Gap.  It ended up getting down to the upper teens again.  Hopefully this will be the last night of this frigid weather.Other than a cold start to the day it was very sunny and mostly pleasant.  In all I did 12.9 miles today - the most of the trip so far.  Each day it gets a little easier to hike up and down these mountains.  By the end of next week it will be like falling off a log..."One step at a time is good walking."-  Chinese proverb
Date: 2019-03-08
From: Popular Stamp Gap Campsite 

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 8.3

The photo above says it all for today - rainy most of the day and 42 degrees.  At one point in the afternoon it did sleet for an hour.  All the overlooks were cloud covered and breezy.  Most of the day was spent heads down putting one foot in front of the other trying to not slip on the wet rocks and muddy trail.All in all still a great day...Confucius says - Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.
Date: 2019-03-09
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today marks one week on the trail.  So far I¢m happy with my progress even with the extreme cold and wet/windy days and nights.  In two days I will be crossing the GA - NC boarder.  One state down and thirteen to go...Last night I got off the trail and split a hotel in beautiful Helen, GA.  This was due to the cold rainy weather during the day yesterday and predicted to continue through the night.  It was good to have a big hamburger for dinner with a few beers.  The trail today was shrouded in fog the entire day.  The picture above was typical of how wet and slippery it was.  Even though it was foggy with low visibility, there was a certain peacefulness about the woods.The trail today started at Unicoi Gap - elevation 2949 and quickly rose up to Rocky Mountain - elevation 4017.  It then dropped down to Indian Grave Gap - elevation 3113 and then up to Tray Mountain - elevation 4193.  All that in only 5.7 miles.  Even though it was a short hike, my dogs are tired.
Date: 2019-03-10
From: Tray Mountain Shelter 

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0

The weather last night was extreme - a rain storm blew in at 11:00 pm and lasted most of the evening and into the early morning.  Along with the downpours, the wind gusted and whipped through the campsite.  Needless to say, laying in a hammock there is not much between you and Jesus.  I did survive to tell about it and after all the weather cleared out it turned out to be a beautiful day.The picture above was taken from Tray Mountain at 9:00 am.  The mountains look like islands in the sea of clouds.Hiking today was mostly uneventful.  The sun came out most of the day and it warmed up nicely.  More climbing mountains followed by dipping down to various gaps.
Date: 2019-03-11
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

North Carolina here I come...Today I crossed the boarder of Georgia into North Carolina.  The picture above shows the small sign, which was nailed to a tree, indicating the boarder.  With Georgia behind me I have thirteen more states to go.  The next state after North Carolina is Tennessee which is 311 miles away.So far the only animals I have seen are a few squirrels, birds and the occasional white tail deer.  Maybe I¢ll see the zebras, elephants and giraffes I¢ve been looking for in North Carolina...
Date: 2019-03-12
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter 

To: Carter Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was a picture perfect day to hike. The weather was in the mid 50¢s and it was very sunny the entire day.  I even got to see the sun set - the first time on the trip.I climbed over Standing Indian Mountain - elevation 5435, the highest mountain I¢ve climbed so far.  The view from the top was amazing.  I could see as far as Hiawassee GA, which is many miles away.Over the ten days I have met many hikers also trying to through hike to Katahdin in Baxter State Park, ME.  Most of the folks are from the east/southeast/midwest.  A few are from as far away as Utah and Oregon.  The out of country hikers include UK, Australia, Germany and Canada.  Everyone has been very nice and pleasant to spend time with.  Several of the hiker names I have come across include - Crazy Heart, Upstate, Scout, Flickertail, Ponykeg. Crazy Heart, aka - Alan Gardner, retired banker, and I have spent the last week hiking together.  We have a similar pace and enjoy each other¢s company.The picture above is an evening hiker tradition - fixing dinner together.  If it is not raining, we all cook around the campfire.  If the weather is not cooperating, we cook in front of the shelter.
Date: 2019-03-13
From: Carter Gap Shelter 

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

100 Miles Completed!!!Today I passed the 100 mile mark.  It occurred just after the Albert Mountain.  If you are confused by my total journal miles and actual AT mileage - the total journal miles include the 8.8 mile I did on the approach trail from Amicalola Falls State Park to Springer Mountain - the official start of the AT.The picture above was taken on top of the Albert Mountain Fire Tower, elevation 5250 at the top of the tower.  The 360 degrees view was awesome. This fire tower was last used in 1989.  The weather today was great - sunny, warm (mid 50¢s) and clear.  Hiking was easy and very enjoyable.At the end of the day I was treated to trail magic at Rock Gap by the Crawford family.  The Crawford¢s became famous last year by hiking the AT with their 6 children - ages 2 to 16.  Check them out on YouTube.  They provided food and beers.  A real treat after a long day of hiking.  Thanks Crawford¢s - your generosity is heart warming...
Date: 2019-03-14
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a short hiking day.  Last night I decided to take a shuttle to Franklin, NC and split a hotel room with Crazy Heart.  It stormed in the evening so it made sense to get off the trail and avoid the bad weather.Also, and more importantly - Xavier started their march to win the Big East tournament.  I was able to watch how they dominated Creighton by winning 63 to 61.  With that win they move onto meeting Villanova tomorrow.
Date: 2019-03-15
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I decided to take a zero today to rest and resupply in Franklin NC.  The town is very hiker friendly.  After hiking for 12 straight days - a one day break is needed.Also having the ability to watch Xavier kick Villanova¢s butt again is worth a day off the trail.  Let¢s Go X...
Date: 2019-03-16
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Week Two is behind me.  In all I¢ve hiked 129.9 miles (including the Approach Trail).  All in all, I feel good and I am looking forward to the weeks ahead.After taking a zero day yesterday in Franklin NC, I feel very refreshed and ready to hit the trail for several days.The highlight of my hike today was the Wayah Bald Stone Lookout Tower.  It was built by the CCC back in the mid 30¢s and used for a fire lookout tower for many years.  It use to be twice as tall but was chopped off to its present height, due to neglect which caused structural issues.  A picture of the tower is in the photo gallery of this journal.  The picture above shows the great views which are seen from the tower.  As a matter of fact, I was able to see Clingman¢s Dome in the Smoky Mountains from the top of the tower looking northwest.  I will be at Clingman¢s Dome on March 25th.  The Dome is 80 miles away via the AT.As you may have noticed - I have been given a trail name by my fellow hikers.  I guess, unbeknownst to me, they have observed how much I have enjoyed a wee taste of Woodford Reserve when we are in town - hence my trail name is Woodford.I have had the privilege, over the last two weeks, to provide six trail names for hikers in my current tramily (trail family - as the hiker community calls groups of AT hikers spending time together).  There is Upstate (hiker from upstate NY), Flickertail (hiker from ND - Flickertail is a ND state nickname and is a Robinson ground squirrel which flicks it¢s tail), Valcan (Roman God of Fire - hiker was able to get a fire going for the group with very wet wood on a very cold evening), Sacajawea (hiker who has the characteristics of being fearless), Mona Lisa (hiker who is was an art major and who actually resembles Mona Lisa when she smiles), and Frodo (hiker who likens hiking the AT with the adventures in the Shire).
Date: 2019-03-17
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 10.6

It was very cold again this morning - bottoming out at 26 degrees.  It¢s not so bad getting out of the warm hammock, or stowing the gear in the backpack, or even visiting the privy in the dark, the absolute worse part is putting on cold boots.  It takes about two miles to warm up my feet.It did warm up nicely to the upper 40¢s with plenty of sunshine.  The clear day made the views from Copper Ridge Bald - elevation 5080 and Wesser Bald Fire Tower- elevation 4627, absolutely worth the climb.  I have pictures of the Wesser Bald Fire Tower in the photo gallery.My hiking partner - Crazy Heart left the trail this afternoon for several obligations at home this coming week. His wife Gwen and daughter Anna met us at Tellico Gap to pick him up. Gwen stopped on the way to the Gap and picked us up hamburgers/fries, beers and made homemade chocolate chip cookies.  Wow was that nice.  Such simple things make the day...I will be meeting up with Crazy Heart again in eight days at New Found Gap in the Smoky¢s.  Hopefully he will bring me some trail magic to enjoy.
Date: 2019-03-18
From: Wesser Bald Shelter 

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.8

Today¢s hike was split into to halves.  The first six miles were all down hill from Wesser Bald Shelter - elevation 4092 to where the AT crosses the Nantahala River - elevation 1732.  Although you may think going down hill is easier than going up hill, it is really hard on your knees, thighs and feet.  Most hikers pick an uphill climb over long down hill stretches.  The one reward along this down hill stretch was the Jump Off Point which provided stunning views of the distant Smoky Mountains. The picture above highlights the view.Upon reaching the Nantahala River, the AT passes right by the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC).  The NOC is a favorite hiker stop because it is not only a hostel, but also has a restaurant, resupply store, laundry, etc.  I took full advantage of all the amenities.  After a quick hobo bath in the men¢s room, I did my laundry, ate a huge burger and had a beer, and picked up a few food items I needed.The second half of the hike was mostly up hill.  Starting at the NOC, the trail goes up 3000 feet over the next six miles to Swim Bald - elevation 4710.  Needless to say by the time I got to my destination at Sassafras Gap Shelter, I was beat.On the way up to Swim Bald, there is a memorial plaque honoring Wade Sutton who died on December 7, 1968 fighting a forest fire.  A picture of his memorial is in the picture gallery of the journal.  RIP Wade...
Date: 2019-03-19
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter 

To: Cody Gap Campsite 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

The weather has been beautiful over the last several days, even though it still gets down to the mid to low 20¢s at night. During the day it has been peaking out in the mid 40¢s.  Great hiking weather.The highlight of today¢s hike was Cheoah Bald - elevation 5062.  The picture above shows a gathering of hikers on the Bald. The 360 degrees views were awesome.  A great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine.The day was going along very well until I hit Jacob¢s Ladder.  This fairly short stretch, six tenths of a mile, which jumps up 600 feet of nearly vertical ascent, with no switchbacks.  Although this may sound like an old tired hiker complaining, it was just brutal.  Having a thirty five pound pack on your back going straight uphill, is no picnic.Needless to say, I passed out when I hit the hammock later in the evening.
Date: 2019-03-20
From: Cody Gap Campsite 

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 8.7

Today¢s hike was fairly uneventful.  The trail from Cody Gap Campsite to Fontana Village is mostly down hill with several views of Fontana Lake.  The weather was cool yet very sunny.I did spot a sign of spring on the way down the mountain.  The picture above is a Trillium which was trying to bloom at the lower and warmer elevation along the trail.  Hopefully spring is on its way to the NC mountains.Tonight and tomorrow I have booked a room at the Fontana Village Resort.  This will give me a chance to shower, laundry, resupply, rest, eat, drink and be merry before the next leg of my journey into the Great Smoky Mountains.
Date: 2019-03-21
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Village 
Miles today: 0.0

I want to thank everyone who has signed the Guest Book.  I read the entries every day.  The heart felt comment provide me with the inspiration to get me through the toughest parts of my journey.  Please keep the cards and letters coming.  Thank you all...Zero day at Fontana Village today.  It turned out to be raining off and on all day.  Besides doing my zero day chores, I was able to catch up on my journal entries, make a few overdue phone calls and just chill out.Fontana Village is an interesting place.  It was the housing area for the men and women who built the Fontana Dam in the early 1940¢s.  The Dam is the largest of all the TVA lakes.  It¢s main purpose when it was constructed was to produce electricity for the Alcoa aluminum plant in Alcoa TN, fifty one miles to the northwest.  This plant made aluminum to support the World War II effort.  Fontana Village had 5000 people living here at its peak.  Now it is just a sleepy resort filled with through hikers in March / April and vacationers during the summer months.Tomorrow I make my way into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP).  This is a special section of my hike because I have hiked the southern part several times in the past.  The first time with my brother George back in our college days and then with my son Nate eight or so years ago.  I¢m looking forward to revisiting the overlooks and mountain tops again.
Date: 2019-03-22
From: Fontana Village 

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: moderate rain

After a relaxing day at Fontana Village, it¢s time to get back on the trail and into GSMNP.  The trail leads from the Fontana Village marina, past the Fontana Visitor Center and over the Fontana Dam.  From the top of the Dam, you can a vast amount of Fontana Lake and over the spillway side, the Little Tennessee River is visible.Past the Dam, the trail enters the GSMNP and back into the woods.  The hike for the next ten miles is mostly up hill.  The elevation starts at 1862 and by the time I hit my destination at Mollie¢s Ridge Shelter, the elevation is 4585.On the way I passed Shuckstack Fire Tower, elevation 3889.  The views of Fontana Lake and the surrounding Smoky Mountains are stunning.  I have a few pics of the tower and view in the photo library.
Date: 2019-03-23
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter 

To: Derrick Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Three weeks on the trail today.  Last night was the first night I spent inside a shelter.  In the GSMNP, all hikers are required to stay in the shelters.  The only time you can camp is when the shelter is full.  I prefer sleeping in my hammock because it is much more comfortable and I enjoy the privacy.Today¢s hike tracked over Rocky Top - elevation 5440, and Thunderhead Mountain - elevation 5527.  The views from Rocky Top were awesome.  The picture above shows the views and some of my fellow hikers - from left to right: Mulligan (second attempt at a though hike), Bullseye (from Australia who likes to play darts), Grizz (big guy who snores like a bear), and Sweatsicle (has long hair and when he sweats, it freezes at the ends of his hair).  All the guys are characters in their own right.
Date: 2019-03-24
From: Derrick Knob Shelter 

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

During today¢s hike I passed two major milestones.  First I climbed to the top of Clingman¢s Dome - elevation 6658, the highest point on the AT.  The next highest  peak directly on the AT is Mt Washington, NH - elevation 6288.  The picture above is from the top of the Clingman¢s Dome observation tower.  Unfortunately, the view was limited due to haze from the impending weather.The second milestone I accomplished today was reaching the 200 mile mark on the AT from Springer Mountain.  This occurred right on Clingman¢s Dome. With 200 miles under my belt, I feel my chances of actually finishing my quest has increased.The path up to Clingman¢s Dome was long and rocky.  It also was full of snow and ice from the snow storm which occurred two days before.  A picture of the snowy trail is in the photos gallery.
Date: 2019-03-25
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 8.0

Today¢s hike took me down to New Found Gap.  This is the pass which connects Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC.  I knew the Gap would be full of tourists from Gatlinburg, but I was unprepared to see so many people.  After several weeks in the woods and having limited contact with no more than 10 people a day, the crowd was overwhelmingly.  I did get more than a few stares.  Maybe it was because I looked like a homeless guy who smelled a bit strong.  Instead of pushing a grocery cart with my sole possession, I had my dirty backpack.  I can tell you nobody got too close to me...Today Crazy Heart rejoined me.  He and his wife Gwen drove up from the Charlotte area to meet me at New Found Gap.  Crazy looked well rested after a week off the trail.  We will continue to hike together until I have to leave the trail for a few weeks in May.  I want to thank Crazy and Gwen for bringing my resupply, a huge hamburger and a few beers.  Thanks Gwen and Crazy.A lot of people ask me what I eat while I¢m hiking.  For breakfast I have been eating granola bars while I walk.  I usually have Cliff bars for lunch and for dinner it has mostly been freezed dried meals or ramen noodles and tuna.  While in town, I usually eat like I¢m going to the electric chair due to having real food.The last couple of mornings I have tried something new.  I¢ve been enjoying a couple of pepperoni peanut butter burritos.  This is a hiker staple. The picture above shows one of my creations.  To make one, you need a small soft burrito shell, smear peanut butter on it, spread a few pepperoni around, then roll it up like a fatty and enjoy.  Try one at home - you may like it.
Date: 2019-03-26
From: Icewater Spring Shelter 

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

The weather today was a continuation of where it left off yesterday - a cold rain.  Because of the rainy conditions I spent last night in the shelter with 11 other souls.  During the night we experienced a fierce wind and rain storm.  I was woken up several times from all the blowing and  the downpours.  In the morning the rain had slowed but was still steady.  It kept up until around 10:00 am.  I don¢t mind the rain so much but the temperature was around 40 degrees so I had to keep moving to stay warm.The hike took me from Icewater Shelter - elev 5935, past Charlie¢s Bunion - elev 5568, over an area call the Sawteeth, then up and over Mt Chapman - elev 6215, and into Tricorner Shelter - elev 5895.The picture above is from the Sawteeth section of the hike.  The trail corridor is only a few feet wide with sharp drop offs on both sides.  Because of the rain and low cloud ceiling, the views most of the day were non existent.  I literally spent the day in the clouds at that elevation.  The trail was also icy in many spots so I had to be very careful where I stepped the entire day.Since I climbed up and over Clingman¢s Dome, the higher elevation has changed the forest from a mostly deciduous forest with oak, beech and birch trees to an alpine forest with all spruce and pine trees. This alpine forest is very densely populated which makes is dark and cold.
Date: 2019-03-27
From: Tricorner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel 
Miles today: 18.4

Today¢s hike was the longest on my trip so far - 18.4 miles.  The reason I decided to hike so far was to get off the mountain and into the Standing Bear Hostel for real food, a shower and to wash my clothes.  I had been living out of my pack for the last six days since I left Fontana Village and it was time to wash off the trail dust and sleep in a real bed.The trail today took me near the summit of Mt Guyot - elev 6302, over Mt Cammerer - elev 4948, out of the north boundary of GSMNP and down to the Pigeon River.  From Mt Cammerer to the Pigeon River  - elev 1762, the trail was down hill for almost seven miles.  As most hikers will tell you, going down hill is tougher than going up hill.  The constant strain on your knees is tough.  After arriving at the hostel, a few cold beers made the long hike worthwhile.
Date: 2019-03-28
From: Standing Bear Hostel 

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 9.8

The picture above shows a few of the cabins and bunkhouses at the Standing Bear Hostel.  This hostel is visited by most of the through hikers because of its location to exiting the Smoky Mountains.The staff and living arrangements are very welcoming.  As a matter of fact, this place has trapped many a hiker for multiple days.  The vibe is just south of a hippie commune.Crazy Heart and I decided to slack pack 9.8 miles today.  Slack packing is hiking without your pack.  We made arrangements with Maria the owner of the hostel, to drive us up trail to Brown Gap and hike back to the hostel.  The weather was a very nice 65 degrees and the hiking was easy without the 30+ pounds on my back.  All in all a good day.Tomorrow morning we will have Maria take us back to Brown Gap and we will continue onto Walnut Mountain Shelter.