morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-01-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

I am ramping up training and reading anything I can get my hands on regarding thru hiking. Also, still working full time, so cardio and time on the trail is challenging. I have not been able to get into the mountains for a couple months, but have been going up to the state park just north of my home, with 22 lbs. on my back and doing an easy 5 mile loop. Not many ups and downs, but beats banging the treadmill at home. I plan to start out with pretty low miles, so hopefully I do enough before Feb 20 to not punish myself too much in the first few days. I was fortunate to attend an ATC presentation at the Charlotte REI before Christmas. Great job by the young lady talking about her 2015 Thru and her job as a Ridge runner in the GSMNP last year. She gave me some things to think about regarding leave no trace. I went ahead and got GutHooks App to supplement AWOL's guide. I should have plenty of information, no excuses in that area. Counting down the days before I quit work and start this adventure.
Date: 2017-02-15
To: Not Much Time Left
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I am staying very busy with last minute preparations. My last day of work was 2/6, so I have more time to train and am checking off the long list of things to do before I head onto the trail, and away from home for months. Trail prep is going well. I have been able to ramp up my day hikes around the area and can tell my legs are getting stronger (let's keep this in perspective) and my overall conditioning has gone from "prone on couch" to "moving around with some purpose". I know I will suffer on the first ascents in Georgia, but that comes with the territory. I did my final pack "stuffing" today. It was like trying to cram 10 pounds of manure into the proverbial 5 pound bag. Looks like those insulated booties are going to be staying home. I don't recall ever carrying 6 days of food, so that was a rude awakening. Oh well, nothing that thousands of others have not dealt with before me. I head down to Atlanta on Friday to spend some time with family and then get dropped off about a mile from the Springer summit on Monday morning. The weather has been improving as it gets closer, but unless a polar vortex slips down, it's a go on Monday morning. Gotta learn to hike in the rain, the snow, the cold, etc. When I committed to a February start, I signed up for some crappy weather at times. I will probably post a couple more updates before I start, but I am excited and ready to ride the roller coaster.
Date: 2017-02-16
To: AT Thru Hike Primer
Miles today: 0.0

Not a lot to update on today, but I thought I would go ahead and provide some general information regarding the AT and thru-hiking it for anyone following my journal that is not familiar with the trail. I have gotten a number of questions from family and interested friends and thought I would provide them some background. If you are a seasoned AT enthusiast you can probably skip the rest of this entry, as I doubt you will learn anything. - The Appalachian Trail is a public footpath covering 2190.3 miles- It is maintained primarily by volunteers of local hiking clubs- It runs from Georgia to Maine (or vice versa) through 14 states- People who hike it all in one year are called thru-hikers- People who hike it all over several years are called section hikers- It pretty much runs up the spine of the Appalachian Mountain range- It was designed and constructed in the 1920's and 1930's- Most of the trail is in the "backwoods" and not real wilderness- There are three sided/roofed shelters generally 8-10 miles apart on the trail- Most people sleep in shelters or in a tent they bring with them - Food must be carried in your backpack, but there are usually towns close to the trail about every 3-5 days to re-supply, shower and get some hot food- It is common for thru-hikers to start out alone, they may hike alone during the day, but generally hikers camp around others- Over 4000 people will likely attempt to thru-hike this year, one in four will finish, less than 15,000 people have thru-hike the AT all time. - The average length of time to thru-hike is about 6 months- Despite urban legend, ticks and water-borne bacteria present more of a danger to hikers than black bears and venomous snakes- While the highest elevation on the AT is 6667 feet above sea level, the trail has many, many ups and downs, that are estimated to be the equivalent of climbing and descending Mt. Everest from sea level 16 times.
Date: 2017-02-20
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Hawk Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 1 is in the books. Weather was sunny and warm. Feel good and about 8 thrus at the shelter. Hikers from CT, MN, KY, FL, WV. Two days to get to Neel Gap. Temp only in 40's tonite. Pretty easy trail today. Can't thank my wife, Michelle, enough for taking me down to Springer and braving the winding forest service road to get here.
Date: 2017-02-21
From: Hawk Mtn. Shelter

To: Big Cedar Mtn.
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the shelter around 815. I need to get more efficient at getting up, packing and hitting the trail. A couple climbs today on Sassafras, Ramrock and finally Big Cedar Mtn. Some folks are cruising and some are having to throttle back a tad. I still have no trail name yet,but Krispy says he is working on it. He is very fast and enjoys doing that. I am tenting by myself tonight on Big Cedar Mtn, in the rain.
Date: 2017-02-22
To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

I tent camped in light rain On Big Cedar last night. Climbed up Blood Mtn, the highest point on the AT in Georgia. No views as the picture shows it was very foggy. Spending the night in a cabin at Neel Gap with some other hikers tonight. Looks like my trail name will be Salesman, because I did such a good job selling the cabin option.
Date: 2017-02-23
From: Neel Gap

To: Chattahoochee Gap
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Started at 7am and ended at 6pm. Weather was great today. Hiked a while with Million Bucks (Fl). We pushed on a little further than planned to make sure we are in a shelter Friday night with rain forecasted. Ended up tenting on an old road bed on the side of the mtn with Skyman (Switzerland),Terminator (NC), $1M (FL) and another hiker from St. Louis.
Date: 2017-02-24
From: Chattahoochee Gap

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Started st 730 and ended early at 2pm. Two tough climbs at Rock Mtn and Tray Mtn. Forgot to thank trail angels previous days for water and sodas at gaps.In the shelter with 7 others, very cozy. Light rain and wind forecasted tonight. Seven others camped nearby.
Date: 2017-02-25
From: Tray Mtn Shelter

To: Top of Georgia Hostel at Dick's Creek
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Out at 730 and hiked until 130. Forecast is for 20 degree night. So good to be inside tonite. Folks at TOG have been great. It is a really good setup and the staff knows backpacking. They took Cruise Control(FL) and I into Hiawassee for an AYCE dinner and resupply. Hiked with Terminator most of the last two days. He is going off trail for a few days, but returning.
Date: 2017-02-26
From: Top of Georgia Hostel at Dick's Creek

To: Standing Indian Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a great stay at TOG, but got back on the trail with temp in the 20's. I warm up quickly and reached the NC line at Bly Gap about lunchtime. The climb up to Courthouse Bald was very tough. Weather forecast for next few days does not look good, so I put in 17 miles to make sure I could make Franklin by Tuesday. I stayed at Standing Indian Mtn Shelter with Cruise, two brothers from ND and a guy from RI. Long day.
Date: 2017-02-27
From: Standing Indian Mtn. Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap Campste
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

First of all, let me thank all of you that have posted comments. They are really appreciated.After a long day on Sunday, I lollygagged around and didn't leave the shelter until 9am. Standing Indian Mtn was a tough climb at 5400 ft. With a threat of rain, I shut down by myself about 3pm, next to some rhodedendrum and a mtn brook. A couple hangers showed up around dark.
Date: 2017-02-28
From: Betty Creek Gap campste

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Right out of the sack, I had to tackle Albert Mtn. That sucker isn't the tallest, but the last half mile was straight up with putting the poles aside and using both hands to grab roots and rocks to pull myself up. It was so foggy up top all, I could see was the fire tower. NC mountains are tough.I included a photo of some of the fire damage. Some areas are really devastated. Many of the Rhodi's look like skeletons with their leaves gone and root systems all charred. In Franklin, NC tonite, watching it rain. Tomorrow looks like I will try to sandwich in a few miles before storms roll in. The plan is to make Wayah shelter and hunker down against the rain and wind.
Date: 2017-03-01
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Tough day. Shuttle dropped us off at 930 with a big storm forecasted to hit us around 2pm. Raced for the shelter through wind and drizzle. When I reached the shelter right as the storm hit, but it was full. Pitched my tent in the rain and road out a really big storm at around 4u00 ft. Got down into the 20's overnight.
Date: 2017-03-02
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Natahala Outdoor Ctr
Miles today: 17.0

Survived yesterays storm and was on the trail by 730. A couple big climbs, but with clear skies I got some great views at the Wesser Bald tower and at the Jumpoff. Ate dinner with Crispy at NOC. He is nursing an injured quad. Tired, but feel good. Big climb right out of the chute in the morning.
Date: 2017-03-03
From: Natahala Outdoor Ctr

To: Brown Fork Gap shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Got a great start at 7am from NOC. Started the day with a 3500 ft elevation ascent. I got to the top about 1130. Great view. Had my first bad experience with another hiker. Guys like that give responsile dog owners a bad name. It was cold all day, but sunny. Had my first fall, face first variey. Score is Rhododendron bush-1, Salesman-0. Was in the shelter with 2 other Nobos, including Deli.
Date: 2017-03-04
From: Brown Fork Gap shelter

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Out by 730 and it was cold. Sun warmed it quickly and it was a nice 12 mile day. Spending the night at the FD shelter. It has a shower with hot water and a killer view. If they had airbrush T-shirts, it would be better than Myrtle Beach. LOL I head into the Smokies tomorrow. Excited to be at this point.
Date: 2017-03-05
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I crossed Fontana Dam in sunny weather on Sunday morning and made the long 2600 foot elevation climb to Russell Field shelter. It is too early for much wildlife, but I did have a couple deer stroll up behind me in the morning. Chef, Deli and some spring breakers were in the shelter also. A pretty pleasant day on the trail.
Date: 2017-03-06
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 2 took me over Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mountains. It was foggy, drizzly and very blustery. I had planned to do something on Rocky Top to celebrate my alma mater, but it was so inhospitable that I belted out a Go Vols and moved on. I guarantee no one heard it. Chef, Lucky Charms, Bill and 3 more spring breakers were in the shelter for a very cold and windy night up top.
Date: 2017-03-07
From: Siler Bald shelter

To: Icewater Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Day 3 in the Smokies was my biggest challenge to date. When I woke in the shelter at Siler's Bald the wind was whipping and it was in the lower 30's. Some in the shelter were saying they were just going to stay in their sleeping bags all day and not deal with it. I shoved out about 730 and headed up Mt. Buckley and then then up Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6667 feet of elevation. The wind was blowing about 30 mph and the rain was coming sideways. The clouds were rolling by quickly and the fog was very thick. On the windward side gusts had to be 50 mph and would almost knock me over. It was, in one word, miserable. I was wet with rain on the outside of my rain suit, and wet with sweat on the inside. Clearly, there was no one else up there, except for Chef, who was about 20 minutes behind me. I made it over the top and walked in the rain the rest of the day. I did slip into the public bathroom at Newfound Gap, use the facilities and relish the warmth of indoors and being out of the elements. The thought crossed my mind, that it might be a pleasant place to just spend the night. I chose otherwise, and moved up Mt. Kephart and got to Icewater Springs Shelter just as the skies opened up and it started pouring. Chef, Nope, Wick and Haiku were my shelter mates for the night and we had some enjoyable conversation. It was good to be out of the rain and wind.
Date: 2017-03-08
From: Icewater Springs Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: moderate rain

I awoke on day 17 of my trip to cold temps, blustery winds, but bright sunshine. The shelter sits on a bluff that looks to the East and you can see miles of mountains, including the Black Mountains east of Asheville, where Mt. Mitchell is found. The temps had dropped into the mid-20's and all of the rain from the day/night before had frozen solid. I included a picture of my frozen sock in yesterday's journal. I head out and found sections of the trail to be like a hockey rink. It was slow going as I picked my steps away from the ice and tried to stay upright. The wind was blowing strongly from the west at about 20 miles per hour, but the views were stunning, by far the best day in the Smokies. I passed Charlie's Bunion and continued to deal with ice patches all day, but it was worth it. I only did 12 miles this day, but the miles went slower than expected as I stopped to take several pictures and had lunch on a rock outcropping with Chef as we sat in the sun and looked out to the mountains to the East. I made it to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter around 330 and Lucky Charms, Chef, Wick and Haiku piled in as well. There were several others in the shelter including 3 ETSU students from Abingdon, VA. At dusk, Switchback showed up after hiking 28 miles that day. That dude is a beast. Good guy, though.
Date: 2017-03-09
From: Tri-Corner Knob shelter

To: I-40 near Davenport Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 18 started early for me, as I hit the trail before 7am. I had a high mile day planned, as my brother was going to meet me at I-40 for a couple days of R&R in his Knoxville home. It was all the incentive I needed. The weather was perfect. A little cool to start, gloves and stocking cap; but those soon came off and it was shorts on a windless, warm day. There were still great views to the East and West for the initial 10 miles. I passed and got passed by Switchback, LC and Chef several times throughout the day. There were section and day hikers aplenty around the Mt. Cammerer trail. The last 7 miles or so, were all downhill and pounded my ancient knees. I ate lunch with Lucky Charms on a rocky view. I traded my week old leftover tortillas and beef jerky for a cookie with him. A good deal in my mind. I finished the last few miles with Chef, who is a great kid from Atlanta. He is starting Law School in August and is a super person to spend time around. My brother was waiting for me at 4pm and we headed to K-town with a stop in the McDonald's drive-through. My hiker appetite has kicked in. My sister-in-law made a dinner fit for a king and I got ready to enjoy my first zero. I included a picture of some plane wreckage from a jet that crashed in the early 1980's on Snake Den Ridge right next to the trail, less than 100 ft. from the top of the ridgeline. Both pilots lost their lives. Sad reminder of the dangers these mountains can present in many different ways.
Date: 2017-03-11
From: Knoxville

To: Knoxville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I spent my second day with family today and made some tweaks to my gear. Even though the forecast is for snow tonight on the trail and this week looks to be very cold, I decided to swap out my 5 degree bag to my 20 degree bag. I need the space in my pack, especially with the 7 day resupply I will start out with tomorrow. I swung by the REI in Knoxville and picked up a pair of snow gaiters this evening. My hope is that there is no snow at the trailhead and I can just get them returned. I would like to thank all of those that have put placed comments in the Guest Book. Your well wishes and encouragement are appreciated. It is great to hear from those that I am disconnected with on this journey.A few reflections so far from about 3 weeks on the trail:- The people are the best part, folks really bond and help one another- The trail seems to get progressively more challenging as your stamina improves- I learn something every day about how to deal with this new challenge- Weather is big damn deal. It forces me to adjust when it goes bad- My support from home has been fantastic, thanks!!!My favorite moment from the trail so far was when I was descending down Clingman's Dome in the rain toward Newfound Gap and met two Southbound Hikers coming in the opposite direction. We talked for a moment and they told me they were finishing up the last 200 miles of their 2190 mile journey. They were in their mid-twenties, had the scraggly beards of thru-hikers and were clearly enjoying their time on the trail despite the lousy conditions that day. They wished me well and gave me some encouragement. I congratulated them on the feat they were about to achieve and told them I wished I were in their shoes. They both smiled and shook their heads. "No, we wish we were you", they replied. "You are about to have the best time of your life". Tomorrow morning I head back to the trail.
Date: 2017-03-12
From: Knoxville

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: snow

My wife dropped me at the trailhead at round 9am on Sunday morning. There was only about an inch of snow on the ground, so I left my n w snow gaiters. It was a long steady climb for 5 miles, 2700 ft of elevation up Snowbird Mtn. The winds were brisk and it was still cold as I made my last climb up Max Patch Bald. I sheltered in a cold Roaring Fork Shelter with two others. Twenty-two degrees when we woke.
Date: 2017-03-13
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Out to a chilly trail just after 8 today. Still lots of snow in the shadows and northern exposures. Biggest climb of the day was Bluff Mtn. More descents than climbs today. I can tell I am getting stronger, as the 18 miles only took about 8 hours. Staying at Laughing Heart Hostel. The AT runs right down Main St in Hot Springs and the picture is the AT emblem in the sidewalk. A number of past thru hikers are here, doing the whole trail again. They are very knowledgeable and encouraging. Low temp on Tuesday and Wed night are to be around 15. I may take a zero tomorrow and try to be indoors to sleep both nights. Weather is going to be the challenge for the next 3-4 days.
Date: 2017-03-14
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy snow

The forecasted lows the next two nights caused me to hang around Laughing Heart hostel today. There were several others in town doing the same. I saw Cruze Control and Wick downtown. My picture today is of Forrest, a PTSD service dog that is hiking with Hilton-good guy, good dog. Antsy to get back on the trail tomorrow, but wind chills are forecasted for single digits.
Date: 2017-03-15
From: Hot Springs

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

I got on the trail right at 7am, walking through Hot Springs by headlamp in the dark. It was a quick climb up the cliff and then the rest of the day was cold, windy and increasing levels of snow as I gained elevation. Hemlock Hollow Hostel was a blessing as temp went back into the lot teens this night. Stayed in with 7 others.
Date: 2017-03-16
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel

To: Rector Laurel Road
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the hostel around 730 with Clean. I went up the exposed Ridgeline at Firescald Knob for some awesome views, but the footing was icy and snow covered. It was very cold and windy. I decided to push along with 2 brothers from Ohio and did 20 miles to tent camp in the low 20's. The long day should allow me to get to Erwin on Saturday.
Date: 2017-03-17
From: Rector Laurel Road

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Another cold start, that included about 20 minutes of bushwacking with Clean and Layla. The trail was snow covered all day and very treacherous. I crossed Sams Gap on I-26 about noon. The highlight was the great views from Big Bald at 5500 feet. I got into Big Bald Shelter just as the rain came. There were 10 of us in there as it rained all night. Good to be under a roof.
Date: 2017-03-18
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel - Erwin
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

The good news was the overnight rain melted just about all of the snow, the bad news was it was still raining for the morning hike. The weather improved throughout the day, with periods of sunshine. The streams were all running strongly with the rain and snowmelt. Great view from the ridge coming into Erwin of the Nolichucky River. Went to Mexican dinner with 7 others from hostel.
Date: 2017-03-19
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel - Erwin

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: snow

I got out on the trail by 9 and had a morning of constant climbing. The streams were rushing with the snow melt. Later in the day I climbed over Unaka Mtn which is a fairly flat top mountain over 5000 ft, which looks like an enchanted forest with all of the thick pine trees. Sheltered with Jolly, Firefly and Owl. It was a cold night, but good to be out of snow on the trail.
Date: 2017-03-20
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

In my hike prep, I spent many hours reading about various shelters and hostels, some must stays, some try to avoids. Rule #1 was do not stay at Roan High Knob Shelter. At almost 6200 ft, the place is almost alwas cold and windy. I have experienced myself on weekend hikes. Rule #2 - see rule#1. Well the weather forecast called for fair and warm weather for Mon and Tue, so I bit. I planned to end the day with a 4 mile 2200 ft elevation gain and shelter in the enclosed fire wardens cabin on the top of Roan.All was going well until about 5700 ft, when the trail turned into solid ice from side to side. The last 2 hours were treacherous and slow. When I got to the shelter, Hilton and Forrest were there. Three more showed by dark, then 15 more after sundown. We made room for everyone under the poor conditions.Roan Mountain never goes easily. Remember the rules.
Date: 2017-03-21
From: Roan High Shelter

To: 11 E - Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I couldn't wait to get off Roan Mtn, so I donned my microspikes, and was out of the ice within 45 minutes. I crossed several balds today, including majestic Hump Mtn, which I think is the best bald in the south. The trail was very muddy for the first 6-7 miles after Carvers Gap. At times sinking up to my ankles in goo. The weather improved as the day progressed, and ended warm and sunny.I got to the hostel about 4pm and got my bunk and some hot food. My resupply was here from home. Great hostel, great service and the best breakfast on the entire AT.
Date: 2017-03-24
From: Vanderventer Shelter

To: Low Gap Campsite
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Left the cliffs at Vanderventer shelter about 830. The terrain was pretty accommodating, thus the miles came pretty easily. My goal was to push far enough to ensure I could make Damascus on Sat. I tented by myself in a gap. I met Sparky, a repeat thru hiker who is from my home town. Good guy