morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail date: 150408025Miles: 7.5Camp: Double Spring Gap - shelterWeather: Partly SunnyWe took a short day, which was an option then tomorrow an un-planned excursion into Gatlinburg. The boots just aren't working out so hopefully I can remedy that.The sun peeked out frequently today, so our spirits are lifted. We got everything dried out ( of course it rained last night ) but so far on the trail we have not had to set up wet tents. That's a real plus because this B/A Flycreek 2 tent seems to really soak up the water. At least the rain fly does. Dry's out quick though with a little sun.Our third day in the park turned out quite a bit better than the first two. But then... It's not difficult to improve upon a rainy day.With the Gatlinburg side trip, we can spend just two more nights in the park and exit on the third day. By then we will have completed 10% of the trail. Onward to Maine!
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail date: 150409026Miles: 10.8Camp: Gatlinburg Weather: Fair 70sA 0500 wake up got us hiking by 0540 with headlights and the light of the waning gibbous moon. Our goal? To reach Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT by sunrise. My tiny LED light was just bright enough to illuminate the reflective strips on Papa Al's boots. A dense conifer forest blocked out most of the moon light at times, but at intervals the moonlight provided enough light to hike.As we approached the 6000 foot zone we entered the clouds and although we only missed sunrise by 8 minutes, it was obscured anyway. Kind of typical for the 6500+ tower of the dome. We spent a few minutes at the top, then hiked on with a goal of reaching Newfound gap and hitching a ride to Gatlinburg, where I visited the NOC outfitter and bought a new pair of boots. As always, the trail will test these new boots for me, but I think I got it right this time. Keen Durand mid height boots. Something with a wide toe box and extra toe room for the steep trails with pack. I guess my feet just aren't made for trail runners.
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0

Trail date: 150410027Miles: 0Camp: Grand Prix Hiker Hotel Gatlinburg Weather: Thunderstorm Now, y'all are thinkin... When are these ole boys gonna buck up and escape the town vortex. Well, when the option is to stay under a dry roof or hike in a thunderstorm in the Smokies, this ole boy has an easy decision.There will be ample opportunity to hike in thunderstorms over the next five months, so I think I'll just let this one go. Yes, we are taking it slow and steady. Papa-Al and I are not youngsters and we expect the trail legs to come, but maybe not as soon as if we were 20 or 30.My heart is heavy and my hat is off to the folks I have known through trail journals, who have already left the trail. Those who have hiked it know all too well that the trail plays no favorites. It is difficult and very hard on the body, particularly knees and feet.These mountains, especially the first part of the smokies are Brutal! So to those who have left, I salute you. I hope you had many good miles to rembember. I hope there was a campfire or two where you bonded with friends.Papa-Al and Conductor hike on. No rain, no pain, no Maine!OK, that said, I shall watch this storm from a room.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Gatlinburg

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Trail date: 150411028Miles: 10.4 Camp: Pecks Corner - shelterWeather: SunnyWe finally caught a shuttle out of Gatlinburg and started hiking about 11 am. A perfectly sunny and cool day for one of the best stretches of trail in the park. Most of the day involved ridge walking with steep drops on both sides of the eight foot wide trail. Charley's Bunion, arguably one of the best views in the park was four miles in. The proximity to Newfound Gap made it accessible to day hikers, so there were a lot of people on the trail. Here at camp, we are with an entirely new group of people.The day was filled with spectacular views. I think I took three times as many pictures today. Staying in the shelter tonight with one open sleeping spot. Looks like it might be a bit chilly tonight, but that's the price of a clear sky.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail date: 150412029Miles: 12.9Camp: Cosby Knob - ShelterWeather: SunnyAnother super day with fairly easy hiking and fantastic views from more knife edge ridges. Papa-Al left an hour before me so I just took my time. Stopped for a long lunch at Tri-Corner knob then for the first time on the trail I put my earphones on and hiked to music. Made for a great day.Tomorrow we leave the smokies behind, dropping back down to lower elevations. I am looking forward to more flexible camping options and sleeping in my tent. That said, these last two days in the park have been really beautiful.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail date: 150413030Miles: 10.4Camp: Standing Bear FarmWeather: Partly Cloudy WarmSeveral milestones to count. By yesterday we had completed 10% of the trail. Today we crossed I-40 our first Interstate Highway. We also dropped down to more comfortable altitudes and finally, we can feel our trail legs. Trail legs is what hikers refer to as conditioning. We can climb mountains with our packs and not have to stop to catch our breath. Tomorrow we test that theory with a 15 mile day. Should be good, but the forecast is for wet weather the next few days.Our new adopted group seems to be going the same way, so we may remain with them for the next few days. Nice mixed group of old and young people, which is typical for the trail.Standing Bear Farm is a classic AT hostel, very rustic in nature. You can hand wash your clothing in an old hand wringer washer, but they do have an electric dryer. The shower is just nasty, but that's what we have available, and it felt good after three days. I'll have to include a picture.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Standing Bear Farm

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

Trail date: 150414031Miles: 15.4Camp: Roaring Fork Shelter- tentWeather: Intermittent rainA long mile day with lots of elevation change. The rain was never hard, but it was on and off. Still a good day overall.The highlight of the day came late. Max Patch, a large grassy bald with excellent views. Unfortunately for some of our group, the cloud around the summit obscured the view, but for those who hung around 5 minutes the cloud of the moment would pass. I have pictures of both conditions.Our plan is to do two long days, then Nero with a three mile day into Hot Springs. I need to collect my bounce box and change out some things. Also send a few things home as well as visit the outfitters and resupply for the 6-7 day trip between Hot Springs NC and Erwin TN. Depends on our hiking plan, which I coordinate with Papa-Al.We are preparing for visits from both our wives on different time schedules, which will be an interesting dance of timing in order to put us back on the trail at the same time and place.It's good to have a trail partner. Two heads making the decisions, plus sharing room expenses and above all, someone to share the "stealth" campsites with. I never really liked camping alone. Especially in bear country. Coming up is a stretch of trail that has had some bear troubles in recent years. But that's a story to save for after Hot Springs.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Trail date: 150415032Miles: 18.0Camp: Hot Springs, NCWeather: Pouring Rain - 60sThe rain began in the wee hours of the night preceded by a cold front and the low rumble of thunder. As morning crept in, there was no cessation in the rain as had occurred on previous days. Instead, there was only waves of rain, and we eventually gave in and reluctantly packed up wet tents and prepared to begin another 15 mile day.The rain never let up. Papa-Al, and I left camp at our usual 7:30 ish with the intent of hiking to the shelter 15 miles distant, but calling ahead to Hot Springs in order to reserve a room for Thursday night. We had also co-oped with Drop-Bear the Austrailian lady who had been traveling in our group since Gatlinburg. The group had a variety of plans for Hot Springs and would be dispersing.Drop-Bear eventually caught up with Papa-Al and I so over the next several hills we attempted to reach any of the listed lodgings in the small town. Things were filling up fast and some businesses were unreachable. Apparently the town is preparing for a trail festival. I will hold my tongue concerning my opinion on trail festivals, but there we were growing desperate in the cold pouring rain.At some point we made a unanimous decision to press on a further three miles and take whatever lodging we could find. Papa-Al and Drop-Bear each got rooms in Creek Side Cabins. No frills rooms for $60, while I, after we finally were able to contact Alpine Air motel, secured a room for $47. None of these rooms are really made to accommodate soaking wet hikers, but we made do.The extended miles were tough on my feet. Our longest day yet included a knee pounding steep descent into town, consistent with the AT. We were supposed to arrive here tomorrow after a short three mile trek, but plans change.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

TrailDate: 150416033Camp: Hot SpringsWeather: Better than Yesterday 70sLots of chores done today. Picked up packages, visited the outfitter for a few small items, resupply, laundry, couple of showers (hardly effective.) Resting the feet after a hard pounding hike yesterday. This zero day was much needed, and Hot Springs is a great town to do it. Everything is within 5 minutes walk, so the feet get a rest. Better than Damascus in that respect, and the library here, is likely the best on the trail. Two rooms set up with computers for catching up. A rare treat to have an uninterrupted hour on a computer.Thanks to all for the guest book entries, which I finally had a chance to read today. A shout out to all my Kayaking friends! Missing the rivers, for sure, but know in my heart that I am a hiker!So short entry today, just relaxing, getting ready for a 6 day trek to the next town.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Trail date: 150417034Miles: 11.0Camp: Spring Mountain Shelter - TentWeather: Partly Cloudy 70sBeautiful climb out of Hot Springs. The trail did switchbacks up the mountain with some great views of the French Broad river and Hot Springs. Part of the hike was a short dirt road walk and there was a fire tower with great views a couple miles short of the shelter. It was up hill most of the day, but that is not really a problem any more.Tonight we are camping with the Australian contingent. It's a hoot. A lady from Perth and her two daughters plus Drop-Bear who is still with us. Trail names Red-Back, Muddy Duckling and Fire-Bear. Spirit and Suki are here as well. The Aussie girls have never heard of roasting hotdogs, so we were trying to describe the process.Text msg with Fair-Enough with news that he and Sputnik were with Britches and Hoff and surprisingly just twenty miles ahead of us.Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice day, so we might make it a long one.
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Spring at mile 296
Miles today: 10.7

Trail date: 150418035Miles: 10.7Camp: Stealth by a spring Weather: Cloudy Mild 70sEvery hill we climb makes us stronger and we will never see this level of conditioning again. We pushed a little farther than the plan, which will reduce some of the 14+ miles days planned for this section. Weather has been in our favor, but that is expected to change and we are four days out of Erwin, TN.Most of the crowd pushed on to Jerry's Cabin Shelter, but my memory of that place made me stop short. Not many good tent sites there. Three of us here tonight. A new hiker named Smoke-Break and of course Papa-Al and myself. Sitting around a fire tonight, knowing tomorrow we may be wet. Take it as we can. Papa-Al got the rock over the stub of limb in only three tries for the bear bag. I took more tries. Cheap entertainment ;-)Nice hike today, views of cloud banks hovering low among the valleys, flowers in abundance and a forest coming to life. We listen to owls hoot in the forest nearby. Life in da woods.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Spring at mile 296.1

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: moderate rain

Trail date: 150419036Miles: 11.1Camp: Flint Mountain ShelterWeather: Rain, wind and MudAn early 0700 start ensured us dry tents, although it rained for a short while during the night. Not long after we started so did the rain, so the views were negated today.Before long we found ourselves deciding between the blue blaze weather route and the exposed ridge line with it's wicked nasty little rock scrambles. We chose the ridge line, but as we reached the exposed part the rain came in sideways. Second guessing ourselves was out of the question, so we pushed on. The footing was treacherous on wet granite slabs forming makeshift steps. The rest of the day was negotiating the mudslides. Sometimes the trail was just so muddy that walking on it was difficult at best. That's just how it is on rainy days. Fortunately, there are more sunny days than rainy.So we get to a gap about a mile from the shelter and I had enough signal to run a radar scan. Turned out a huge storm was bearing down on us. We pushed on and arrived at the shelter a mile short of our goal for today and found Sookie and Spirit already here. We decided to stay dry for another day, sorta.Tonight the shelter is full with eight people. The storm wasn't horrendous, but it sure was nice to avoid it. The price for our stopping short is a 15 mile day tomorrow. Hopefully we will get a break. The weather report is for scattered showers.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 15.0

Trail date: 150420037Miles: 15.0Camp: Low GapWeather: Stormy then partly cloudy then stormyThe night in the shelter was crowded and the section hiker next to me snored pretty loudly. Even my ear plugs didn't help, so I didn't get much sleep.Up at 0600, not that I wasn't up already. On the trail at 7, but if I had checked the radar, maybe we would have let the storm pass. As it was we were caught out in it, but it was just cold rain and wind, no lightning.The 15 miles went easy today. Tired, but feet doing OK, so I'm pretty happy about that. Another passing storm hit us about an hour after we camped. It didn't last long. Kinda tired so I'm going to make this entry short.
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Low Gap

To: No Business Knob
Miles today: 14.6

Trail date: 150421038Miles: 14.6Camp: No Business Knob Shelter- tentWeather: Sunny windy 50sOn the trail at 0730 starting with a lengthy climb. We look skyward into the distance to a vast grassy bald. Within an hour we are standing on it. The wind is whipping us around and we have donned out foul weather gear, gloves included.Later in the day we climbed up to High Rocks. I took the blue blaze trail to take in the view, while Papa-Al waited down below. Lots of views today, since it was clear. Still cold though.We have been out for 5 days and we are both looking forward to Cheese Burgers, Showers and resupply in that order ;-) in Erwin TN tomorrow. Not completely out of NC yet. The trail stays on the state border for a few more days, but tomorrow the resupply will be in TN. Time to drop into another river valley. This time the Nolichucky.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: No Business Knob

To: Uncle Johnny's Erwin TN
Miles today: 6.1

Trail date: 150422039Miles: 6.1Camp: Erwin TN - Uncle Johnny'sWeather: Sunny 70sA Nero into Erwin brought us to on of the famous hostels on the AT. Uncle Johnny's has both a bunk room and cabins to rent at reasonable prices which include the shower and the shuttles into town.After showers, AYCE pizza and a grocery store visit, we have only laundry to complete our chores. After six days in the woods that shower felt mighty good, I can say with a smile. The fellow sitting next to me at the shelter last night triggered my gag reflex, and I could only imagine how I must smell to other people. I was haunted by that stench last night in my tent.We are beginning to cover more miles per week as we slowly increase our daily mileage. It's funny because we met some 20 something kids in the Smokies who zoom by us on the trail, but here they sat today. In all fairness, they intend to head out today, but it is still fun to see their faces when us older guys walk up.We saw Wistfull and Relentless here at the hostel today as they were getting ready to leave. They said we missed Sputnik and Fair-Enough by only 1 day. We may catch up, but the upcoming wife visits and multiple zero days may push that out a bit.Thank you for all the great guest book entries. Papa-Al is way a head of me on site views, so check back often. It's becoming a friendly competition. And do check the picture folder. There are a lot more than the ones I select for each day's post.Any requests, just ask ;-)
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Uncle Johnny's Erwin TN

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 20.1

Trail date: 150423040Miles: 20.0Camp: Uncle Johnny's HostelWeather: Sunny but coldOur first 20 mile day, but with light packs and South bound. We did a slack pack getting a shuttle out of the hostel to a road crossing twenty miles ahead and hiked back. Tomorrow we shuttle to the same spot and head north.The best part of the day was seeing Britches, Sputnik and Fair-Enough. The twenty mile jump put us just enough ahead to intercept them. It was nice to see some of our Hawk Mountain first family again. We missed Neon by a few miles and Hoff by half a day, but they are still out here. Britches had to send her trail dog Frieah home. The trail was just too much for her.So we covered 20 miles in 8.5 hours, which included hiking up and over Unaka Mountain, a substantial climb. Pretty sure we did that stretch in the optimal direction after seeing it today. Rocky, steep and mostly down hill for us.We will be throttling back in order to meet the wives as they arrive next week at easy to find road crossings. Probably 10-12 mile days.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 12.3

Trail date: 150424041Miles: 12.3Camp: Ash Gap - tentWeather: Sunny 60sTonight we are half way up Roan mountain in a gorgeous flat area known as Ash Gap. Wistful and Relentless and their dog Baby stopped by and decided to stay as well. I neglected to mention that we also crossed paths with them yesterday. They were taking a nap on Beauty Spot bald.The trail today was excellent. It was what I like to call class I trail, related to the kayaking river classifications. Class I is smooth, rockless, rootless and well graded. The maintenance crews have done an amazing job with this stretch. Class II trail is more common, with rocks, roots and mud. Class III has bigger rocks and a higher risk of injury if you stumble or fall. Plenty of Class III out here. Class IV; the White Mountains of New Hampshire. So anyway, it was a beautiful day. Tomorrow the rain returns for a two day visit. It can't all be sunshine.
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Ash Gap

To: Over-Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: moderate rain

Trail date: 150425042Miles: 9.2Camp: Over-mountain ShelterWeather: Rain strong wind 50sToday was the opposite of yesterday. Cold, strong wind and rains caught us on the bald and it became an ordeal, but I'm getting ahead of myself.Awoke to the alarm at 0500 to check the radar for the approaching storm. Looked like the heavy stuff went South, so I rolled over and went back to sleep. Technology is great. At 0630 I checked again and we had time to break camp before the rain began.We hiked up and over Roan mountain before the rain really set in. By the time we reached Carver Gap it was getting nasty. The rain wasn't hard, but when it comes in from the side it has a quality that can only be described as Brutal! Two balds were just beyond Carver gap and we didn't know how the remainder of the day's weather would pan out.Well, as it turned out the sun came out later. We were just thrilled to hear the later hikers speak of the sun shinning on the balds. LOL, some days you kill the dragon, some days the dragon eats you.So here we are in the famous Over mountain barn shelter, taking refuge from the storms coming in tonight. Tomorrow, more rain, but a hostel awaits, along with upcoming visits by both our wives. Looking forward.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Over-Mountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 9.2

Trail date: 150426043Miles: 9.2Camp: Mountain Harbor - HostelWeather: Rain wind 50sAfter leaving the barn we continued our traverse of the Roan highlands. From our view point at the barn we could see the clouds moving over the high balds above us.By the time we reached the balds the wind was whipping and the rain once again coming sideways, but this time from the west. Once again we found ourselves pushing against the wind into a cold rain.Once we dropped off the summit we made our way down the mountain, sometimes across stretches of serious Class III trail in wet conditions. Our thoughts constantly on watching where we placed each step. Eventually we made it to US 19E, where we were met in the rain by trail angels offering a variety of treats. Both Papa-Al and I had a can of soda, but we declined the .3 mile ride to the hostel, so they could keep providing the magic. Nothing raises the spirit like a can of pop after a couple days on the trail.Al's wife arrived a couple hours later. Town food!Yes!Oh yeah! We left North Carolina today for the short trip through Tennessee enroute to Virginia. Two states down, twelve to go.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Campsite Mile 410
Miles today: 15.9

Trail date: 150427044Miles: 15.9Camp: Campsite mile 410Weather: Sunny cool 60sAfter the amazing breakfast served at Mountain Harbor, I set out hiking north once more. This time with Pam and Pat, who are visiting with Papa-Al's wife. Our destination a mountain road that we had scoped out on Sunday afternoon, which was 10 miles north of US 19E. It was a beautiful day, and a really nice hike through lowland hills. Two excellent waterfalls; Jones and mountaineer highlighted the day and Papa-Al and his wife Denise arrived at the pick up point within 5 minutes of we three hikers. So at about 4PM I said goodbye to the Papa-Al group and hiked about another 6 miles. Campsites in this area are few and far between. Typically you can find multiple campsites along the trail, but this stretch was oddly different. It was an easy day, and I was able to take a chunk out of the twenty four miles separating me from the point where Beth will pick me up on Wednesday.Tomorrow, a short day to Kinkora hostel at Dennis Cove road, where I will wait for Beth's arrival the following morning.