morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Horse Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 10.6

Gorgeous weather today as we pushed through GA. Jesse and I hiked at different paces but met up frequently. Michelle joined us and I hiked behind with her as she's just getting her mountain legs. Illinois and Oklahoma don't offer the same training conditions as Maine and NH, but her attitude alone has her off to a successful start.Trail magic blessed us twice today... once in the form of Rice Krispies treats, liquor nips (Epic Vodka!!!), and Austin's crackers reminiscent of elementary school... and once in the form of Hot Dogs, spaghetti, and a plethora of snacks, cookies and candies!!Spent the evening fireside with Michelle, Fresh Ground, Heart Rock, and Rainbow Braid. They, aside from Michelle, are successful Nobo Thru hikers and shared stories for hours. Michelle and I sat and listened while enjoying our Epic Vodka and Fireball Whiskey. I possibly ate an inappropriate amount of food, but purely so it wouldn't go to waste.Tomorrow I plan for an easy day, about 4 miles to Lance Creek. This will put us on the edge of the bear canister zone in the Blood Mtn area. That way we have a full day Monday to enjoy the mountain and make it out of the restricted zone more easily... putting us at our first resupply at Neel Gap!
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 10.6

Spent all morning helping Fresh Ground set up kitchen, brew coffee, cutting taters, etc. Brought me back to cooking at the New Gloucester Village Store! The gang slack packed to Neel Gap and I originally planned on getting off at Jarrard to hitch into Suches, but what are plans on the trail anyways?!Caught up to Trix, Coach, and Key Lime at Jarrard and got talked into pushing over Blood Mtn. into Neel, full pack and all! Happy I did cause we had a beautiful hike up and down Blood, and I had a beautiful cabin waiting for me!!Finally picking up my parcel from Suches tomorrow so it will be a nice Nero day for me.
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Neel Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Took an early nero day at Mountain Crossing in order to obtain my parcel, rest my bones, reassess my gear/supplies, and to straight up kick it! Played a brutal game of Giant Jenga with Critter, had a great talk and pack shakedown with Will (the MAN!), and received my poles and shades which I drunkenly neglected back home.Thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Trix, Owl Bear, Dad, and Sweet Meat, who shares a similar first time being hammered story as me. Both of us visited Munich Germany as children and indulged in copious amounts of delicious German lager at beer gardens. What a way to kick it off!Tomorrow Trix and I plan to push forward and close the gap on Shy Bear and Key Lime. Rain in the forecast for Wed/ Thu... yeehaw!!!
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After yesterdays nero (not using the term zero so I can stay productive when not covering miles, thanks Heart Rock!) I was feeling great about hitting the trail! Trix made progress with healing her knee as well and our 11.5 seemed like nothing!Ran into my first slight predicament with water... two sources along the way had dried up, and the alleged trail magic at Hogpen ended up being soda, chips, and candy. I planned to never rely on magic but to always appreciate it... shouldn't have gotten my hopes up this time!Plenty of water at Low Gap, however! Camped with Trix, Sweet Meat, DAD, Aaron, Noah, and Russell. What a funny group! We hads. Pushing 9.7 to Unicoi tomorrow and hope to catch up with Shy Bear and Key Lime who kicked back at the Holiday Inn (say WHAT?!) during the first rain of the trip.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Low Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

My tent proved its loyalty in the rain last night, and I had a successful first bear bag hang at Low Gap as well... two things I had yet to attempt! Walked in the rain for an hour, misty fog for a couple more, and finished the day with overcast conditions. Just shy of 10 miles today, but Unicoi was an appropriate goal since Trix and I got a ride to the Holiday Inn where we reunited with Good Eats (Shy Bear), Key Lime, and Gentle Spirit. Good to see my buddy after a couple days!It's nice to get a shower and laundry after a night in the rain, but other than that I would prefer to be around a camp fire in the woods! After today I may push onward to cover some mileage. I have had a blast in Georgia for the past week, but the allure of North Carolina beckons! Overwhelmed with the kindness of fellow trail mates, trail angels, and citizens of GA.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Back on the trail with Shy Bear, Key Lime, and Trix after an enjoyable evening in Hiawassee! All we could eat breakfast topped off with a Doggie Style pale ale (just myself and Shy) helped us trudge up Rocky Mtn in the cold, damp morning.Came upon some wonderful magic in the form of cheeseburgers and Mtn Dew just before noon, rounding off my 7 beverage marathon of water, coffee, milk, OJ, AJ, beer, and soda! Had wonderful talks with Mother Nature and Wiley climbing Tray Mtn, and arrived at Addis Gap just before sunset. Mountain Monster explained her elaborate and impressive hammock setup, which furthered my interest in hammocking next year, or perhaps this summer. Shy and I polished off the last two Flying Dogs (Delicious stouts and IPAs) and called it a night!
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Addis Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Made it to North Carolina today, and also hit the 100 mile mark... both are exciting accomplishments! Woke up before everyone so I hiked Kelly Knob in the dark and watched the sun rise over some tea and oatmeal, then proceeded to Dick's Creek Gap.Walked 0.5 to the new hostel, and wasn't too impressed. The guy working was very rude, and was unable to get into the resupply closet so I could purchase fuel. Apparently the only person who has access to the supply closet also drives the shuttle around all day... how convenient!Luckily I ran into Blue Foot and Turtle Viking who had to go back to school and gave me their fuel... thanks guys! Spent the rest of the day hiking alone listening to music, which was a fun way to pass the afternoon. Shy Bear and Key Lime showed up at Bly shortly after me, and Trix got in just after dark.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Bly Gap

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

Once again I was the first to awake, so I headed up the hill to have another sunrise breakfast... not a bad way to start the day! Also ran into Coach, Listen, and Squirrel who I hadn't seen since Neel Gap. I hiked with them for a while and Shy Bear caught up with us during lunch. Apparently Trix and Key Lime wanted to sleep in and take things easy, so we headed on with the Cali crew.Our original plan was to camp at Carter Gap, but pushing the 3.7 to Betty Creek put us in the possiton to make the 11am shuttle from Rock Gap into Franklin NC. It was a long day (12 hours) but well worth it!
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke and packed up just before the rain started, and headed out alone as everyone was still packing and I had no desire to stand around. It was a very interesting scramble up the 5250 foot Albert Mtn in the dark and pouring rain. I had headphones on to distract me from how dangerous this hike was.Heading down the mountain, it got lighter but also rainier. I had sent my rain pants home but wished I had them. Stopped at Long Branch shelter to dry off and cook breakfast. We made it down just in time for the shuttle! Caught up with Gentle Spirit and his group The Herd in Franklin, and we caught up over a Chinese buffet.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: light snow

Woke up to bacon and pancakes, courtesy of the lovely First Baptist Church of Franklin. Coach needed a day to rest and I had a package being delivered today, so we opted to take the 9am shuttle back to Rock Gap, walk the 3.7 to Winding Stair Gap, and grab the 11am shuttle back to Franklin.It was fun hiking with the Herd for an hour... what an energetic group! I hope to catch them again soon, it was nice to talk with Spirit and Moose. Shy and I spent the remainder of St Patty's day walking around Franklin eating, buying groceries and supplies, and drinking delicious beer. We had fun but quickly realized how much we'd rather be on the trail. It's nice to know that living on the trail and sleeping in a tent is more comfortable than a day in town with a motel room. Back at it tomorrow!
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Back on the trail! Very glad to be out of town, although it was nice to catch up with Trix and Key Lime and enjoy drinks with other hikers.Today was a huge uphill hike, which I prefer to downhills. We walked in and out of clouds for a while and had some nice views on Wayah Bald. I was so tired from drinking and lack of sleep, so I took an hour long nap after Licklog Gap. I awoke later than I wanted, but the rest was nice. I got to camp just before sunset, set up my tent, ate a hot dog from Ginko, and continued my much needed sleep!
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Swim Bald
Miles today: 17.5

After yesterdays adjustment to getting back on the trail, I work up first thing in the AM ready to rock! Packed the tent and hit the trail by 7am, and got to enjoy a hot breakfast on Copper Ridge Bald for sunrise. Clouds and fog quickly rolled in after breakfast, so I packed up and headed on. The day turned out to be partly sunny and warm.So sunny and warm that when I got to the Nantahala River and saw all the kayakers, all I wanted to do was swim my afternoon away. The breeze quickly cooled me down, and I opted to do shopping, organizing, and socializing instead. I will definitely get my swim on at some point.Shy Bear and Ginkgo joined me at River's End for dinner... a cheese burger smothered in chili, onion rings, and a delicious Nantahala IPA? No complaints. Full bellied and well rested, we pressed on to attempt a 7 mile push to Sassafras Gap shelter in the dwindling daylight. Ginkgo blasted past us, and my knee also began to express interest in setting up camp. Shy and I found a decent clearing just before the summit of Swim Bald, which became my first campsite at an unofficial campsite.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Swim Bald

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 12.8

Shy Bear and I awoke to very cold and breezy conditions on the ridge approaching Swim Bald, and quickly packed up and headed out. We had breakfast at Sassafras Gap shelter with a few hikers, and learned that The Herd had left not too long ago and we were in position to meet up with them today.The sun warmed us up nicely as we moved up Cheoah Bald, and I fell back to keep my knee happy. I was greeted at Stecoah Gap by apples, bananas, Mt Dew, and friendly faces... including one who stuck around after the crowd dissipated and preached his beliefs to me while I charged my phone, dried my tent, and stretched out some yoga. He was fun to listen to, and seemed to eventually appreciate my views although they didn't line up with his own.Moving on, I pushed up a steep section of the trail apparently known as Jacob's Ladder. I loved the miles of switchbacks, as energy draining as it was, because my knee was all set with downhills. I arrived at Cody Gap and was glad to see Shy Bear, Gentle Spirit, and the rest of the Herd. As much as I enjoy hiking alone, it's always nice to camp with company. I set up my tent in a field of alleged poison ivy (I knew it wasn't), and joined the crew for dinner and a fire.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

After being awoken by howling coyotes at what seemed to be a hundred yards from my tent, I tossed and turned in and out of horrible dreams (too much salt for dinner) until getting up at 6am. I packed up and hit the trail instantly, as I do, and met Rabbit and Gentle Spirit at the blazing fire pit. Apparently it's a Herd ritual to start the day with a morning fire for warmth... it's a Chef ritual to begin hiking ASAP for a similar effect.Spirit seemed to like my method, and asked to join me in my morning stroll... gladly welcomed the company, and waited for him to quickly pack up and pressed onward. We had a great hike towards Fontana Dam, and it was nice to catch up since we hadn't seen each other in a few days. We got to Fontana Dam, grabbed overpriced sodas out of the vending machine, and pressed on to the shelter.We were very glad to see Fresh Ground cooking spaghetti and hot dogs, and began stuffing our faces immediately. We all made plans to pick up packages and get to the store. Shy Bear and I spent the afternoon getting lost, ruining my shins on pavement, and chasing around my package before I realized it was sent to the Hike Inn, not the Fontana Lodge.I ran to town with Fresh Ground to go grocery shopping for the Leap Frog cafe and to retrieve my parcel. Had a great conversation with him about this and that, and got back to camp in time for a shower and a phone call before bed.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made our way into the Smoky Mountains today! There was rain and thunderstorms in the forecast, but I'm glad that didn't stop us from hiking onward. The day ended up being partly sunny with a cool breeze, a slight sprinkle of refreshing rain, and one heck of a climb! We detoured up to the sketchy Shuckstack fire tower and had great views all around. We then pressed on to Mollies Ridge Shelter. We knew that the Smokys have A particular guideline to follow regarding camping. Apparently you are required to camp in the shelters (something I've avoided for over 2 weeks for various reasons) until they are full, at which point you may sleep in your tent (something I've thoroughly enjoyed for over 2 weeks). As thru hikers, we must forfeit our spots in shelters to any overnight campers with reservations whenever they show up. Therefore, Shy and I gladly pitched tents without hesitation, prepared with a glorious BS story for any rangers we come across.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

"Wanna head out before it picks up?" I ask Shy Bear after being awoken by gusty winds which hinted at yesterdays alleged weather. He confirmed from his tent, and minutes later pouring rain coincided with the sound of us packing up. We quickly loaded our packs, tore down our soaking tents, and headed down the trail in conditions comparable to our ascent up Albert Mtn last week. 3 miles and one "sunrise" later, we arrived at Russell Field shelter to make breakfast and dry off.Our next stop was for lunch at Derrick Knob shelter after many viewless pushes up several hills. It was unclear whether the rain had stopped and the trees were providing our bath, but eventually the clouds began to break and the sun came out to say hello.With the sun came a rush of cool air, which complemented our soaking gear and clothing nicely. We arrived at Silers Bald shelter before sunset, ate a few piles of carbs and sodium, and pitched our crunchy, frost covered tents in front of a crowd of warm, dry shelter dwellers. We gladly accepted some whiskey from two weekend campers, one of which thru hiked in 91. Tonight I slept deep within my sleeping bag and felt an 8 year old again. In fact, much of this trip has reminded me of my childhood. No complaints!!
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Sevierville, TN
Miles today: 12.5

This morning was quite chilly! Most would associate cold mornings with staying in bed as long as possible... but out here, it means get up and hit the trail ASAP!! This is exactly what we did, and by 6am Shy and I were on our way to Clingmans Dome, the highest point of the AT!! The sun flirted with us as it rose behind the summit of Clingmans. Luckily it was a solid uphill climb so there was plenty of heat generated.The sun was out in full force as we reached the summit, as was the wind! I ate quadruple batch of oatmeal, brewed some tea, and climbed the tower for chilly views and photos. Now all we had was an easy 7 miles down to Newfound Gap where my friend would meet us and bring us to his house for a much anticipated zero day!We were greeted 2 miles from Newfound by Dick and his good hiking buddy, who walked with us to the lot and drove us into town. We had a lovely tour of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and were convinced to spend a couple days in town to experience the area! I am looking forward to resting and relaxing since I'm slightly ahead of schedule (if schedules existed out here) as well as visiting with old friends. Plus, there's some local moonshine calling my name!
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Sevierville, TN

To: Sevierville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Had a wonderful zero day in Sevierville, TN with Shy Bear. My good friend Dick, who was a great hiking friend of my fathers, and his wife Pat have offered Shy and I a place to stay and relax for a couple days. We've been thoroughly fed and hydrated, showered, done laundry, cleaned gear, etc.We've also been given a tour of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, two towns nearby with extensive tourist attractions and restaurants. Dick took us to a couple Moonshine distilleries and we got to enjoy samples... very tasty indeed!It is very nice to take some time from the trail and experience the south, especially with such great friends. I'm also enjoying being able to rest my bones, and feel that returning to the trail refreshed will be quite a good thing.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Sevierville, TN

To: Sevierville, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Second zero day in Sevierville was as much fun as the first! Dick took us to Dollywood where we got to ride some sweet coasters and watch an amazing performance. The show was Mother Africa, and featured incredible, music, dancing, and displays of human strength and dexterity. Very cool!Spent the afternoon at a local brewery and then went to a dinner show in Gatlinburg. Great food and entertainment... great way to end our visit to the area! Thank you Dick, Pat, and Brian for the hospitality and all around good times!!Excited to hit the trail tomorrow, especially being so well rested, fed, and entertained!
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Back on the trail again!! Dick and Brian hiked a couple miles in with us, but the trail was icy so I can't blame them for not continuing further. As we approached Charlie's Bunion the sun came out, and it proved to be an excellent spot for lunch. Zachsquatch, Cactus, and Reset joined me and Shy for snacks, beers, and photos.The rest of the day was equally as beautiful, and ended up being my favorite day in the Smokys, as well as one of my favorites of the trip. This section was a beautiful ridge where we had great views all day. Between Pecks Corner and Tried Corner my knee started to hurt slightly, but I figure it needs to get used to hiking again!Tonight was my first night sleeping in a shelter. Since there was rain in the forecast, and also not many good spots to pitch a tent, I figured it was worth a shot. I did see one mouse as expected, but overall had a good experience. I will prefer my tent, but this was nice!
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to slightly damp conditions, but no rain and much warmer than yesterday! My knee was feeling good and I had a nice breakfast before I took off, so it was a solid start to my day! A couple climbs, but mostly downhill as we departed the Smokys.I look forward to returning here sometime, possibly in the summer or fall for nicer weather and conditions. I enjoyed my time here but felt a little rushed due to poor weather.I'm glad to be out of the Smokys for one reason... no more camping restrictions! I love the freedom of being able to pitch a tent when and wherever I please. I suppose this was the case in the Smokys as well, but I try to respect guidelines as much as possible.We ended up pushing a long day to arrive at Standing Bear. The last mile or so was tricky, but well worth it! Rocket runs a heck of a spot here, and it's s beautiful I'd rather not leave! Had a frozen pizza for dinner (yum) and crawled to my bunkhouse to find conditions unbearable! The temperature in the loft must have been close to 80 degrees, about 30 warmer than I prefer! Others agreed that it was warm and turned the heat down, but by then I was convinced that sleeping on the porch was my best bet. I setup my sleeping pad and bag, and crashed instantly for one of the best sleeps on the trail! The babbling brook beneath me was very soothing, and at one point a local cat came to cuddle with me. I highly recommend this hostel to anyone!
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: moderate rain

Left Standing Bear Hostel with Violet just before noon. Flood was waiting to clear up matters with an Amazon delivery and had been rocking out to hold music for a while, so he agreed to catch up to us at camp. The forecast called or potential showers, a risk I'm always willing to take.About a mile up the trail we ran into Left Foot, who had been contemplating getting off the trail for a few days, for numerous reasons. She had convinced herself to turn back and head home, which proved to be a wise decision. She will return to the trail this summer with her husband, further north to hopefully rejoin us. Throughout the afternoon some clouds and rain came and went, but rain progressively increased, while the temperature dropped. By the time we reached Max Patch there was pounding rain and powerful wind... combined with the decreasing temperature, it was time to be in shelter and not in the middle of a 4600 foot field.We shivered our way into the overcrowded Roaring Fork Shelter, dried off, cooked dinner, then shortly reunited with Flood. They found space in the shelter while I opted for the crawl space beneath the shelter. This seemed like a better option than setting up my tent in the dark, driving winds, and cold rain. I managed to get to sleep with no problems...
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light snow

Woke up around 2am with roughly 2 inches of snow covering me and my down sleeping bag... uh oh! I tossed and turned in and out of conciousness for about an hour, and realized my situation. I was getting colder and wetter by the minute, and my only option was to get up and move. I collected all my frozen clothes and gear, packed up my bags and headed onward!The trail was near impossible to find, due to the combination of complete darkness, snow falling and wind blowing all around me, trees covered in snow (where are the white blazes?!), and trees bowed to the ground with ice and snow. I managed to find my way up to Walnut Mtn. Shelter about 5 miles from where I started, which only took 4.5 hours! I found a few members of the Herd, Cactus, G, Ranger, and others gathering their packs and breaking down tents. We were all caught off guard by the sudden snow, and the situation was definitely twisted by the rain we had experienced yesterday.The shelter cleared out, and I sat to make oatmeal, tea, and attempt to warm up. This proved to lift my spirits greatly, especially combined with a phone call to Jenny to let her know I was okay. After this, I packed up and headed up Bluff Mountain, at which point the clouds broke and the sun came out! This lifted spirits even higher, and the day turned from the most dangerous mountain conditions I'd experienced into the most beautiful afternoon of winter hiking I could ask for!I foot skiied my way down to Hot Springs, where other hikers were lounging on the lawn at Laughing Hearts hostel drying their geer, enjoying PBRs, and enjoying the comforts of town. Shy Bear and I shared a cabin with Cactus, G, and Safari, and proceeded to the local Tavern for delicious beer and burgers. What a day!!