morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Blood Mountain Cabins

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

After a few store stops, on the trail @ 945a with much colder weather than predicted. A long 700' climb in 1.5 miles to start. An overnight rain coated the trees with ice that lightly pelted us with an ice chip shower for the next several rolling miles as the sun warmed the trees. Quite unique and beautiful. Another climb to 3800' ( Cowrack Mt) was rewarded with a 700' drop to Tesnatee Gap and...trail magic!! ( chocolate brownies!). Several steep ups and downs later, we arrived at Low Gap Shelter, a wide sloping ravine with 2 streams. Took care of camp setup and dinner, then Poncho treated us to an Eagle-Scout-trained campfire. No sign of Spider who dropped back early today- hopefully he catches up in next few days. Post-hike notes: In retrospect, one of the unique and attractive parts of hiking the AT is the ease and openness and non-judgmental way that thru-hikers share their feelings, backgrounds, opinions, and reasons for thruhiking. Many are just hiking because they like to hike, but many are at a crossroads in their lives, and are trying to think through career change, divorce, relationship issues, death of friends or family, or trying to figure out what's next in their lives. The anonymity of a trail name helps, as does knowing that you may not see this person after your hike ends (or even the next day! ). Thank you to everyone who listened to me, and I hope my listening helped.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

A 7am wakeup after a 30 degree night. The sun warmed us quickly and we were on the trail by 915am. A mostly uphill day ( 3054' start and 3906' finish) but pretty gradual over 7.3 miles. Nice long mountain range views and many mountain streams. Besides my peanut butter coated brownie, the day's highlight was the 72 degree high temp, a treat after the cold and rain of our first week. And to top it off, our shelter campsite was on a 360 degree panorama - warm and no wind - a relaxing afternoon. A delicious Trader Joe's Quinoa and Rice dinner with turkey stick mix-in. Turned in for the night at hiker midnight ( 8pm ). Post-hike notes: Most hikers are so tired that a "late" bedtime is 8pm or so.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Cheese Factory site
Miles today: 6.1

Out on the trail by 915; mornings are much easier with milder temps. Little bit of everything today - after a brief incline, a knee-jarring 1100' descent into Unicoi Gap and what should greet us but more trail magic! A South Georgia church group had just set up a grill for AT thru hikers. Our plan had been for Poncho to get a a shuttle ride to town to pick up a mail drop and get groceries for the 3 of us. While he was so kind to do so, Dory and I spent until 1pm eating, chatting with the group and other hikers, and doing other small chores. Poncho returned, we divvied the groceries, and hit the trail again. Our rest proved needed as the temperature and the trail soared over 70 degrees and 4000' respectively. Plenty of good views and (luckily) water sources which were needed as we plunged down 900' and back up another 500' to the Cheese Factory campsite where we were staying for the night. Apparently, there was a cheese factory here years ago but we could find no physical evidence. All that remained was for Poncho and I to volley back dairy-related puns for miles ("which whey to the campsite, dairy?"). Poor Dory. A quick dinner, camp chores, and into bed. Our 3rd full day hiking as a threesome and we are jelling well both at hiking pace and personality. A relatively short day at 6.1 miles but a challenging and enjoyable one.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Cheese Factory site

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

Off at 930a into an immediate 800' climb in 1.5 miles. Pretty tough climb but views were worth it on the way up and on top of Tray Mountain (4450'). We were then rewarded with an 1100' drop over the next 5.5 miles to Addis Gap. On the way, enjoyed lunch at Sassafras Gap w/ 3 other thru hikers and a black and orange bird who was quite interested in our leftovers. Post-lunch included another tough 800' climb in 2 miles, and then a 1 mile 600' drop into camp at Deep Gap Shelter. A friendly dinner with a group of 10 or so, including Bear Bag, Chef, Grandpa George, Eric, Grandma Jo and others. A short hike, otherwise known as a "NERO" (near-zero), is in store for tomorrow as we head to Blueberry Patch Hostel for shower!,laundry!!, and homemade breakfast!!! Post-hike notes: Today's lessons: 1. Grandma Jo learns that the silica gel in the freeze-dried meal packages is NOT seasoning powder. 2. We all learn from a mystery hiker that dryer lint that he has collected all winter and is now carrying with him makes excellent fire kindling.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 3.6

On the trail with Dory and Poncho at 915a with a goal of Dick's Creek Gap by 11am. Had called ahead to Blueberry Patch Hostel for a shuttle ride and overnight stay. Hiked out and shared a ride with Hoba Caitbe from Massachusetts. Gary ( 1991 AT thruhiker, shuttle driver, hostel owner) picked us up and showed us around the bunkroom and grounds. For a donation of one's choosing, BPH provides a bunk bed, laundry done for you, shower, and homemade breakfast. After showers, lunch, and some lounging in the awesome 82 degree heat, Gary drove us to town where we did some food and supplies resupply; then an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) dinner at Daniel's in downtown Hiawasee. After waddling out of Daniel's, the 4 of us stuck our thumbs out in the suggested hitchhiking zone. Within 30 seconds (thanks, Dory) a woman in a black pickup stopped and drove us back to BPH. Upon our return, we were greeted by Jolly Green Giant (thruhiker from NC). After several hours of chatting, repacking, and blogging - lights out at 10pm. Post-hike notes: 1. This was the first of many times I crossed paths with Jolly Green Giant over the course of the entire hike. Although he was a much faster hiker than I, he had a routine of really long mileage days followed by frequent rest days or injury days off. So, I frequently leapfrogged past him on the trail (and him past me) to the point it became a running joke that one of us was stalking the other. A very nice, tall and bearded kid - he really did look like a giant. Also, he showed me how to strap my backpack properly so that the weight was distributed correctly/evenly - made a HUGE difference. Just a sample of the many kindnesses experienced by thru-hikers.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.5

One by one, we stirred from our bunks before Gary's wakeup call. Wash up, last-minute packing and blogging, then the breakfast bell, and we made a scramble for the scrambled eggs. After joining hands around the table and a prayer from Gary, we indulged not only on eggs, but pancakes with Blueberry syrup, sausages, hash browns, biscuits, coffee, and juice. A delicious end to a satisfying stay - very peaceful with creeks, mountain views, mules, goats, and a soon to be vegetable garden. A ride to the trailhead and we're off. Our plan was to get to Plumorchard Shelter, wait out some predicted thunder and lightning, and resume hiking. Many others had the same plan but the storms never came. We sat all day reading, eating, playing cards, talking, and trying (unsuccessfully) to get our smart phones to work. Worked some on photography. Pitched the tent at 630 with a plan to hike 12 miles into North Carolina tomorrow!
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

There is something peaceful about laying warm in the tent and hearing dawn unfold - growing glowing sky, woodpeckers pecking, stirring and murmuring of early-rising campers, slam of privy toilet seat (OK, maybe not that), hopeful chirps of some birds, mourning replies of others.The day began with a long gradual climb (1500') over 6 miles to a peak of 4666'. Group of 6 (me, Poncho, Ferl, Numb Toes, Dory and Overhead) worked together to get there- highlight along the way was crossing the Georgia/North Carolina border. Goodbye GA, hello NC ! 13 states to go! Rolling and downhill rest of way until a mile to go where we are greeted by AMAZING trail magic! The 12th annual red Truck Green Truck Hiker Feed. A group of former thru hikers provides food, drink, fire, bbq, baked goods, fruit etc for all passing thru for the weekend. So much and so good that some hikers decide to camp right there. Several of us decided to hike the extra mile up and camp at cold and windy Standing Indian Shelter for the night.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Greeted as we have many times so far with a bright mountain sunrise. A steep 1200' climb out of camp in 1.5 miles made us thankful we climbed the extra mile at the end of yesterday. Today's starting group included Poncho, Dory, and Numb Toes. Felt great on the uphills and was able to just cruise the last 6 miles into Carter Gap Shelter. We considered going longer but once again we were at the mercy of the rain gods who predicted rain starting this afternoon all the way into Monday evening. We were lucky and early enough to get a space inside the small (6 spaces) shelter. Sure enough, rain started at 7pm and left 20+ people facing a cold and rainy night in their tents. Overall, we have had pretty good overnight weather, and though I prefer my tent, this was one night I actually preferred being in a shelter.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: moderate rain

After some debate ( due to forecast rain all day), we (Dory, Poncho, Numb Toes, Overhead) decided to go for it to the next shelter. The rain had drizzled/stopped by our 10am start and we kicked off with a quick 400' first mile climb. We gave that right back with a 600' descent to Mooney Gap. Then the fun began with a 950' climb over 2.5 miles to the Albert Mountain peak/fire tower. The overnight rain (combined with rain/wet snow that started again) made this section particularly challenging. The footing became rocky, rooty, bouldery, and flowing with swollen creeks. Decision time came at the base of Albert Mountain when we decided whether to take the bypass trail around the mountain or be "purists" and tackle the last 0.3/ 385' section head-on. Purists, it is! Slow, step by step, hand climbing boulders, finally we made it! And at the top, we hit the 100-mile mark for the thru-hike. Definitely the toughest segment of the trip so far for me. A brief rest and then a casual descent to Long Branch Shelter, a new (2012) and large (16 person capacity) structure. Packed in like sardines (some on the dirt under the shelter), we settled in for a cold snoring night. Post-hike notes: in retrospect, this hike stands out as an accomplishment (tough climb, bad weather) that bonded us as a group, and that we were all pretty psyched about, both at the top of Albert Mountain and at the day's end.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 4.6

FYI for all my loyal blog following... I can only post 1 daily photo in the journal section but there are many additional photos if you click on "Photos" on the left side of the screen. Today began with a declaration of war by Overhead on all mice of the world as some had chewed thru his t-shirt overnight. A cold start but on the trail by 830am, a new record! Motivation to get to our 1130a shuttle to Franklin for laundry, shower, resupply etc. Our group of 8 (Dory, Poncho, Overhead, Numb Toes, Grandma Jo, Bliss, and Furl) arrived plenty early to do some stretching and sunbathing in the roadway. Ron Haven ( shuttle driver, motel owner, elected county commissioner, former pro wrestler) picked us up and gave us the lowdown on Franklin's attractions. Our bus broke down on the highway partway there but no worries - Ron entertained us with stories of his pro wrestling start at age 17 and then borrowed a hiker's guitar and sang a few tunes, topping off with Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison". Replacement vans arrived and we were soon at Budget Inn and made our way around town to get chores done. By 6pm, a call was placed to Vito's Pizzeria for the free shuttle ride back and forth. Twenty-two of us made the trip and enjoyed pizza, sub's, and salad (and baseball on TV). The evening's highlight was a surprise cheesecake and Happy birthday rendition for Grandma Jo, a grandmother from Germany who is hiking the AT.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Franklin NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

In the continuing saga of "People who give us free food", the First Baptist Church provided a free shuttle at 715a to an all you can eat breakfast for AT thruhikers. They serve daily for 4 weeks in March/April and have done so for at least the last 7 years. One nice feature is they take a photo of you, print it, and mail it and a note that you send to a person of your choice. Then everyone signs a large wall poster of all the hikers who have passed through this year. Back to the Budget Inn for last minute bartering and/or giving away of food and other small necessities. A notable day - I decided to give up coffee (more specifically carrying coffee and supplies. It is still too cold and too time-consuming to brew in the AM. Plus - less pack weight!!). We decided to take the later (11am) shuttle back to Wallace Gap so I had time to buy my Great Smokies National Park permit online and walk to quaint downtown Franklin to get my hiking poles adjusted at the local outfitter. A ride back to the trail from Mr. Haven and off we went. Numb Toes and Grandma Jo took a zero day in Franklin so hopefully they'll catch up to us soon. Nothing spectacular about today's hike except some small (but always welcome) trail magic from a section hiker who had just finished. General wisdom on the trail is that the average male thruhiker should consume twice as many calories (4,000) as in regular life and I honestly don't know how that would happen without trail magic. Into camp mid-afternoon at Siler Bald Shelter, leaving plenty of time for calls to loved ones, socializing, dinner prep, tent setup, etc. Into the tent early for some blogging and rest for tomorrow's 11-miler.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Random intro... One of the few disappointing parts for me about hiking the AT (at least before starting) was that I was going to miss the New England spring/summer. Early on, it has been encouraging to see the first brave green shoots pushing through the gray and brown ground. Increasingly, we are seeing more small yellow, purple, and white flowers popping up trailside. My early thought was wondering when we would walk northward into spring. When I realized that of course we couldn't walk that fast, a better image became that spring is looming behind us like a huge ocean wave which will wash over us in a sea of green and color before we know it. At this point, I think I'm enjoying spring more than I ever could have at home as I'm totally immersed in the day-to-day tiny details and changes...buds getting a tiny bit bigger each day; plants that haven't bloomed at higher elevations that have at lower elevations; etc.Started the day with Bliss, Dory, Poncho, Furl, and Overhead. We have had great hiking weather the past 4-5 days...high 60's & low 70's. Even when that seems a little hot, the sweat & cool breezes balance it out and after a cold winter, the heat is welcome anyway. Four major uphills on the day. One highlight was #3 to the top of Wayah Bald- great views, a sunny lunch with the group, and... a cinder block bathroom building with a door and lock and toilet paper! One valuable commodity on the AT is toilet paper (see photo of padlocked toilet paper to prevent hiker theft). The day ended with a tough 700' climb over 1.2 miles that made the very pleasant looking Cold Spring Shelter that much more welcome.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: A Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 10.7

Currently hiking in the same group of six and looks like we will probably continue so for the short term until we each start taking short breaks/hikes to meet family & friends. Today's journey started with some rolling terrain, then down, then a steep rise to Wesser Bald over 5000'. (Definition of "bald" - generally hilltops that were cleared of trees/vegetation years ago for cattle grazing, that have since remained "bald" of growth, or are mowed by local hiking club, or others). Wesser Bald featured terrific views during lunch and an observation tower. Though I am now comfortable climbing wet sloping 6 inch wide trails with 1000 foot dropoffs, I haven't totally conquered my fear of heights and didn't climb the tower. We were all pretty excited that our afternoon featured 5.7 miles of downhill, but alas it was no picnic. Some spectacular views and a small cave but pretty difficult as we dropped 2400' overall in pretty hot conditions. The 5 of us (Bliss went on an extra mile to stay at the Nantahala Outdoor Center) got to Rufus Morgan Shelter at 430p, staggered through dinner, and - too tired to put up tents - had the shelter to ourselves, so retired to the sleeping bags early.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: A Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

Happy 80th Birthday, Dad! Not having to break down tents this morning afforded everyone the benefit of rolling onto the trail by a new record 8:28am. Our plan was to hike the 1 mile downhill to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), meet Bliss for breakfast, then take care of shower, laundry, minor resupply, lunch, etc. The NOC is an outdoor recreation complex featuring whitewater rapids, zip line, mountain biking, hiking, etc. It also has lodging, a few restaurants, outfitter, and general store. A warm sunny day and too few functioning showers slowed our pace such that we didn't leave the NOC until 330p for what we knew was a short (6.7 mile) but all uphill climb to Sassafras Gap Shelter. The trail featured a good mix of gradual and steep sections, but the difficulty came in the unrelenting rise, climbing almost 3000' in 3.5 hours. The reward was some phenomenal views and a cool-looking mountain spring. Only by taking water and snack breaks while hiking (instead of stopping) was I able to make it to the shelter by 7pm and even then had to scramble to get the tent up and dinner made before nightfall. Only with Loba's and Overhead's lighters for my stove and Brother Man's Monty Python imitations was I able to survive.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

After a brief 600' climb in the first mile, today's five (Poncho, Dory, Bliss, Overhead) had a gradual downhill/rolling hike until stopping for lunch just after Simp Gap. About a half hour past lunch, Poncho and I heard ambulance sirens well below us. The lightbulbs went on...sirens = roadway + weekend = possible trail magic? The thought inspired our pace to new speeds until...YES! We spotted food-filled tables below. BBQ pork sandwiches, chips, fruit, soda, cookies, etc provided by a family from Oak Ridge Tennessee. OK, so we just had lunch an hour before, but it would have been impolite to turn down their generosity, haha. So an hour and several round bellies later, we pushed (pulled?) ourselves onward and a short time later up the day's ( and one of the whole hike's) toughest climbs. "Jacob's Ladder" ascended 600' in just 0.6 miles. A short downhill later, we took an hour's rest at Brown Fork Gap Shelter (9.1 mile mark). At Poncho's suggestion after checking weather forecasts, we pushed on another 3 miles to Cody Gap campsite. Tomorrow's forecast called for rain all day starting midday, so the thought was to get farther along for an early start and minimize time spent hiking in the rain. A friendly evening was spent camping at Cody Gap, as Loba was the only one there when we arrived, and we were joined a short time later by a Dad and his 6 & 8 year old sons.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Cody Gap campsite

To: Fontana Dam NC/ Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Pretty uneventful day on the trail, with our main focus to get to the Fontana Dam Lodge shuttle bus before the rain hit. Alas, the drops began around noon and the last few hours were spent scurrying downhill in a light but steady rain. The rapid elevation drop was evident as the forest floor turned a lush green and certain flowers were in bloom that were not at higher elevations. At the bottom, we spent over an hour huddling with many others under a restroom roof overhang. Spirits were high however as many were anticipating their first rest day in a while (16 straight days for our group of five); plus of course, the leftover Pepsi & Dr Pepper left there by some trail angel helped, also. We finally got our our turn on the shuttle to Fontana Lodge and found our room. After an afternoon lounging, laundering, and showering, we enjoyed a late dinner at the Lodge restaurant. The Lodge became a reunion spot of sorts as many others had also planned a zero day in anticipation of tomorrow's all-day rain. Among those whose company we enjoyed over the next 2 days were Monkey Man, Pearl, Furl, Ireland, Brother Man, Loba, Day Man, Hero, Sunflower, Carver, Nemo, and others.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Fontana Dam NC/ Fontana Lodge

To: Fontana Dam NC/ Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero day at Fontana Lodge after 16 days of hiking in a row. A great day of rest, socializing, bonding, chores, etc. Got my laundry done yesterday so today for me was a real breakfast (including Honey Nut Cheerios!), mail drop food box pickup (thanks, Dave G !) and sorting, and lots of blog entry. About 25 hikers from our "bubble" staying here, and with a cold wet and snowy day, a lot of mixing over bottomless cups of coffee while sinking in the cushiony lobby couches. The staff at Fontana Lodge was great and so was the price (especially when split 5 ways) and the area is quite abundant in outdoor recreation opportunities. A long group dinner with 9-10 thru hikers capped the evening.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Fontana Dam NC/ Fontana Lodge

To: Birch Spring Gap campsite
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Originally planned an earlier start but the temptation of one more shower and a real breakfast pushed "feet on the trail" time to 1130am. Started with Ferl, Overhead, and Loba but we quickly strung out. After an hour-ish walk along the shore of Lake Fontana, I approached the actual Fontana Dam itself. Somehow in my planning, I overlooked that the AT crosses directly over the dam. Built in 1942-44 for (in some order of importance) flood control, electricity, manufacturing capacity for the war effort, economic development and shipping, the Dam is the largest east of the Rockies. In a "might not pass this way again" moment, I stopped into the visitor center/ mini-museum for a half hour; a good choice despite cutting into hike time. Terrific views of the dam and the mountains about to be climbed. Onward into Great Smoky Mountains National Park - many inspiring views and flowering trees/plants. Due to the late start, a lack of energy, and steep climbs (2100' out of Fontana), decided to cut the day short (along with many others) at Birch Spring Gap campsite. A cold night predicted, so a quick dinner and an early night in the tent.