morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-04
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: moderate rain

Today can only be described as our worst day on the trail. We awoke at 6:15a.m. to pouring rain and thunder. We started walking in the rain about 9:00a.m. and walked until 3:15p.m. Honestly, there had to have been winds of 50mph along the ridgelines we walked accross. When you put rain in the equation as well, it's just not fun. It's already started to clear off as now we are about to cook dinner(6:00p.m.). The shelter is flooded and the puddle makes it hard to walk and move inside, especially since it's pretty crowded. There is a father and son who are both older and three annoying college-aged kids from Ohio staying with us tonight. The three kids are pretty entertaining as they all have soping wet clothes, packs, sleeping bags-basically everything they have is soaked! Kevin and I both kept things fairly dry except for what we hiked in today. We are planning on town tomorrow to dry out and grub down on something other thatn pasta! The Smokey Mountains have proven to be very unforgiving to hikers and I'm ready to climb Clingmans in the morning. It will be our highest peak on the entire trail and we are both hoping for great weather and amazing views. As for the rain we experienced today, I hope we don't encounter anything like that for a long time-it just made hiking miserable. I'm having fun and know this is much better thatn school or work so it helps me get through these nasty days. I know the weather for the rest of our time in the Smokies is going to be great so that is something to look foward to!
Date: 2008-03-06
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Today we hitched out of Gatlinburg back to the trail. We enjoyed town somewhat, at least the hotel room, showers, and food. But, unlike other visits, we had to walk all over town-long distances!(which stunk). We had a beautiful day today though after our late start off at 3:00p.m. At the shelter tonight we've met up with some other NOBO thru's that we've heard about-Jordan, Phil, and Adam. All these guys are really cool and one even knows some people from back home in Toccoa-pretty small world! Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be bad, even snow if the temperature drops enough. Kevin and I are still optimistic to make a hostel tomorrow night-we'll see what happens but it's a 23.5 mile day so probably not!
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

So here we are in the bunkhouse chillin with LaserChuck and Tradewind. We've once again put a 20+ mile day in! At this hostel we've met Baltimore Jack, a famous AT thruhiker who's done the trail 8 times-insane! But, we've enjoyed chilling with everyone here. This hostel has amazing character and the store here is awesome. Our zero day tomorrow is much needed, welcomed, and earned I believe! Today was a suprising day as we thought the weather would be nasty all day long but late in the afternoon the sun shone through and we got a few great views. We stayed wet for most the day and the thought of a shower kept us pushing to finish before 7:00p.m. Tomorrow we are going to town for a few things and the rest of the day we'll be chillin out to the max!
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today we took an official zero day(no miles hiked). We hung out with Chuck. Felton and Jordan hiked in early this morning so today has been fun here at Standing Bear just hanging with a bunch of NOBO's. Eventually late in the day we were getting a community dinner made by the one and only Baltimore Jack, a legend. Alex and Allgood walked in later so we've all been hanging out talking with "Jack". Today was a great day for a zero because it snowed for most of the day and is extremely cold right now. Tomorrow is supposed to be clear and Will is going to be with us Monday night so there are several positives driving us onward to Hot Springs. It's been a fun stay here at Standing Bear Farm but I am ready to be making my way further north once again!
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: RoaringFork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

7:49p.m. Today was our 21st day on the trail. We awoke at Standing Bear Hostel freezing because the wood stove burned through our wood rations very quickly! We stuck around for breakfast and settled up with Curtis before leaving around 10:00a.m. We did get thrown a bit when we woke to find out about the time change! The sun is just now setting as we've walked 15.4 miles to Roaring Fork Shelter. The day was gorgeous but very strenuous. A lot of climbs but the last one of the day was up to Max Patch-a wide open bald mountain with a 360 degree view of nothing but beauty. We stayed on top of Max Patch enduring the cold and wind for 30 minutes just admiring the view. Felton and Jordan decided to camp on top but Kevin and I decided a shelter out of the wind would be warmer. Tomorrow we enter Hot Springs to meet up with Cobra(Will Oliver), our long time pal from home. He will hike for a week with us and we are excited to have a week with a friend. As for now, the weather is nice but cold. We are preparing for a cold night. Well until tomorrow-hello to everyone reading and thanks for the support.
Date: 2008-03-10
From: RoaringFork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Today we came into Hot Springs and met up with Will. It was great to see "Cobra" waiting with his truck as we walked off the trail. We ate a Smokey Mountain Dinner then got set up with a cabin and planned to take a zero day tomorrow. We are looking foward to chilling in Hot Springs for the day.
Date: 2008-03-12
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was a beautiful day on the trail. Warm weather and sunny skies! We've walked all day with Jordan, Phil and Adam and enjoyed their company. Tonight Will, Kevin, Jordan and I are sleeping in the shelter. We've been lying here telling stories and laughing before we go to sleep just having a blast. We crossed a gorgeous ridgeline today and caught some pretty amazing views from the top. We were all dragging by the time the shelter was in sight so sleep is sounding really good tonight. Tomorrow Kev's mom is meeting us to take us back to Hot Springs for a chill weekend-very exciting. We hate to see Will leave but enjoyed hanging with a hometown friend for a few days making memories! Thanks for coming to see us man! O yeah, we had our first trail magic experience since "Gills" and "Somoa" hooked us up in Hiawasee. It was great! "Hercules" and "Fal"(thruhikers '99) posted directions to their house on trial so we got off to see them to find them cooking up all kinds of food for us! AMAZING TIME! Thanks tons!!
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Bald Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Today Kevin and I awoke to the smell of a home cooked breakfast from his mom. Eggs, grits, pancakes and fruit! AMAZING!   I can't thank them enough. We had a wonderful time in Hot Springs hanging with his mom, sister, nephew, stepdad, and girlfriend. They bought us a soak in the natural springs, cooked for us, and took us out for dinner. Awesome! Bill dropped us off this morning at Devil's Fork where we left off. We hiked exactly 16 miles and had a great day. We ended the day with a great 360 degree view from the top of Big Bald Mtn., which was very nice since the weather had been questionable all day. Tomorrow we head back into town for a big re-supply until Kincora Hostel - probably a 4-5 day trip. After we leave there we will enter Virginia, so we are making great time! Tonight the shelter is wide open as Kevin and I are the only two there. There is another couple from Raliegh, NC tenting because they have a dog.It's great to be back on the trail, but a special thanks again to Kev's fam - you guys did too much!
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a rough day. Leaving Uncle Johnny's Hostel was hard. We had a blast hanging out with Matt, Allgood, Alex, CB and Richard. We got started late, around 11:00 am or so and walked uphill all day long! Even into the shelter. There is a big storm moving in so we didn't have any views from the summits we crossed, they were all cloud covered. The company tonight has made up for the day. We are hanging with Tradewind, Allgood, and Alex at the shelter. Tomorrow is going to be nasty because there are thunderstorms forecasted. Hopefully we won't have rough weather as we cross the balds of the Roan Mtns. We are hoping to be at the Kincora Hostel on Friday. The stay at Johnny's was really fun. We shuttled to town, ate Mexican food, and then hung out on the porch by the river until 2:00 am - glad to be getting to bed earlier tonight.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.1

Today Kevin and I knew there was bad weather forecasted, so when we awoke to sunny skies, we were really surprised and relieved that it wasn't raining - yet. We walked a few miles to the top of a mountain only to see a bad storm headed our way. So we decided a day at a hostel instead of a day walking across the balds in bad weather sounded better to us. We got there to find that Tradewind had the same idea. At the end of the day, Alex and Allgood had joined us as well. Connie, the owner was a sweet lady who knew how to cook and made us all feel right at home. It was a great stay and nice to hang with the guys once again.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

Today I awoke in a warm bed and heated room to find the rain from last night had turned into snow and ice and that the mountain was really hostile territory. We started the section that we did in October 2007 as our pre-hike. We walked out of Carver's Gap and onto the gorgeous views from Jane's Bald and Round Ball - by far one of the top 5 places that we've seen on the trail. It was a great day for crossing them. Tonight is also beautiful as we are tentin near the shelter and lying looking up at a full moon. I only hope that tomorrow will be as pretty and perhaps a little warmer. We are having to sleep with our water tonight to keep it from freezing. I have great cell phone reception here so I am off to talk to friends and family.
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today I awoke to a beautiful sunrise that lit up the earth to reveal some of the most breathtaking views of the entire trail so far. Our first few miles were walking across exposed balds with 360 degree views of the mountains to come and the mountains that have been. We walked with Alex and Allgood - a breath of fresh air for us to travel with other people during the day. Some new conversation topics and new personalities bring a lot of good memories. We crossed Jones Falls today just before reaching the shelter. Jones is the highest waterfall on the AT. Tonight brought several new things. Kevin and I slept in different places because a scout troup was at the shelter. The troup noise drove Kevin to press on - right now I wish I had done the same thing. The troup is about 8 kids total - all small kids. I can tell that sleep will be an issue. This causes concern because I have a big day tomorrow to reach Dennis Cove and Kincora Hostel. Bob Peeples runs the hostel and is a trail legend for being one of the best hostels, trail angels, and mountaineers of the entire AT. I am excited to reach the hostel and meet up with Bob again (we met in Oct. 2007). Damascus is only a few days away which exites me even more, our second major town of the south.
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove (USFSA 50) Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

After spending the night with a small, young group of scouts, I awoke with little sleep knowing one of the best hostels on the AT was awaiting my arrival. One that no scouts would be at and keep me up till 12 scared to death because every sound they heard led to "hey was that a bear!" or "are those eyes" or "SHUT UP and go to sleep!" and of course the sudden BOOM you hear at 3:15 in the morning when a boy jumps from the top floor to the bottom to go to the bathroom. Anyways, needless to say I was out of there early and glad to be away back in the peace of the trail. After arriving at Kincora, Kev, Alex and I got a shuttle to town and got resupplied. Also, we all three bought Little Ceasar's Pizza and downed the whole thing when we got back. Allgood had come in and some sectioners also, "Foggy-bottom" and his wife Jessica. "Foggy" thru hiked in 04 and we talked to him for hours before catching Z's around 11p.m.
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Dennis Cove (USFSA 50) Kincora Hostel

To: Iron Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 24.3

Today we had planned on staying at Vandeventer Shelter. We arrived to find it was in the wind, the temp was going to be in the teens that night, and the water was half mile down a cliff and then half mile back up it!(NO WAY!), so we pressed on and head lamped to Iron Mtn. arriving shortly before ten in the snow flurries. There were already some sectioners there with a fire so we warmed up and pitched tents-now we are planning on sleep. Today was very pretty as we walked along a river, saw a huge falls(Laurel Falls), hiked out of a gorge, then around and up mountains surrrounding Lake Watauga. These climbs will haunt my dreams tonight! Tomorrow we plan on Damascus, VA It's hard to believe we have gotten this far and will soo enter a new state, but extremely exciting!
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Iron Mtn. Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: light rain

Today was very eventful-that's the best way to describe it! We awoke to feel 18 degrees, snow in our tents, and flurries coming down. It snowed on and off all day. It was very cold and windy but town was in our minds. We got a late start, around 10:30 a.m. so we knew it would be a long day. We met a man from Michigan(Trail Foot). He started March 1st!! WOW! Anyway, Kevin arrived in town about an hour before me, I headlamped in about 8:30 or 9:00p.m. On our way to "The Place" (hostel), we stopped at a pizza/italian joint to find "Trail Foot" eating as well. We chilled and got to know him and had a great time. Of course how couldn't we have a great time with "real food". Afterwards at the hostel we found Jordan and Transfat" (Felton) and talked with them for a good while just catching up and telling stories. We all plan to zero tomorrow.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we ar zeroing with Jordan, Felton(Transfat) and Trailfoot. We got laundry, resupply and the outfitters to visit. Also we ran into "The Wanderer", an interesting fellow with an amazing story. He cooked for us free dinner which was amazing and we heard all about his hiking/trailangel days. He lives on trail in Damascus and offers meals and a telephone free of charge. Really enjoyed hanging out at his place getting to know him. Also Jeff at Mt. Rogers Outfitters was a great guy helping me with my pack troubles. I chilled up there talking to him for hours. His father, "Damascus Dave" shuttled us twice and is a cool guy as well. Shout out to both of them for all they did, do, and will do-Great People. Afterwards Jordan, "Transfat" Kevin and I checked out the local bar to watch some TV as seeing the hostel didn't have one. We got back there late and chilled a bit where I got spanked three times in chess by Jordan before retiring for bed.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Summit Cut (US 58)

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

Today Kevin and I slack packed SOBO back to Damascus. We had a beautiful day and met Chuck, Jordan, Transfat, and Trailfoot coming NOBO. We hope to catch up with them tomorrow. It was a quick 17 as we finished about 4:30p.m. and stopped in at Subway for lunch/supper. We both decided we wanted luxury instead of "The Place" hostel so we moved our gear and checked into a sweet B&B (Applehouse B&B) owned by Debbie and Les. They were amazing people and loved the stay. I've gotten laundry done by Debbie, a shower, TV and an awesome bed! We really are patting ourselves on the back for making this decision.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Summit Cut (US 58)

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

We awoke to the delicious smells of pancakes, sausage, gravy and eggs and pigged out this morning! Debbie and Les outdid themselves! Got shuttled by "Damascus Dave" after saying goodbye to the B&B, a quick visit to the post office and everyone at the Mt. Rogers Outfitters. (Jeff-thanks for everything BROTHER!) Got started with the intentions of meeting up with our fellow NOBO's at the Wise Shelter but never hit stride and stopped short. We crossed Whitetop, the first big mtn. of the day and ended up hanging out at "Buzzard Rock", then decided to take a slow pace the rest of the day. Tonight we came up on the shelter with time to hang out a bit before cooking and enjoyed what I think was the best sunset of the trip. This shelter is really awesome and the views are incredible! Glad we stopped. Tomorrow we plan to catch up with everyone and cross the highlands! They're supposedly one of the best sections of the trail.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Well needless to say I am ready for bed! Today proved to be very challenging as we fought through high winds, then rain. We crossed the Grayson Highlands early in the day with great weather just winds of 50mph! There were huge rock out croppings with great views, this was definitely new terrain for us. Afterwards we came to Hurricane Mtn. Shelter-Kevin was very happy and boasting on how nice it was. We met a section hiker there from Augusta, GA-nice to talk to someone from the home state. Anyway, we decided to press another 9 miles here and in the process I tried to beat some showers to the shelter and failed miserably! I got soaked from head to toe! So, we got a fire with all the wet stuff close by and are looking foward to Atkins tomorrow. 21 miles here we come and there you go!
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: light rain

Today was a long day that drug and drug! Maybe it was because the weather was bad, cold, wet, on and off rain, who knows? Just not a fun day of hiking. We got to spend the night with "Laser Chuck" so that was fun catching up and hanging with him. He got a good early start whereas Kevin and I started a little later and enjoyed our warm sleeping bags longer. We passed several people on the trail but mostly kept moving as Atkins was on our mind! Got a nice room at the Relax Inn, ordered pizza and watched TV. It was fantastic!
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Atkins, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we decided to take yet another zero after several big days. The thought of hiking in the rain another day was also not appealing! We just slept in late, got a good meal, watched TV and basically were lazy all day. Had a lot of fun doing nothing and Alex walked into town so we got to chill with him a bit after dinner and resupply. Some good phone calls back home was a refreshing bonus to staying again as Verizon and VA have not been the best of friends so far!
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we got a late start after a big breakfast at the Barn Restaurant. It seemed we were going to be cold and wet again hiking out but during our first break 4 miles in at Davis Path Shelter, the sun popped out! It was a great site since we haven't seen it in several days. we hiked all day with Alex and tonight at the shelter met a nice guy by the name of "Tentshaker". Got it cause he's up so early he always wakes everyone else up (we'll see what tomorrow morning brings!) Today was easy hiking along streams and pastures. It was a different scenery than we are used to but very enjoyable. Tomorrow starts our third "month" out and we are hoping for warmer weather to come with it. The family is coming up this weekend and Teahana is coming with them as well. I'm really looking foward to seeing them all!
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

After a long night of "Tentshakers" snoring and Kevin yelling to wake him up every 30 minutes I didn't get much sleep to prepare me for our long day. It was a tough day as there were a lot of uphill climbs but worth it for some of the awesome views we got from the ridgeline around "God's thumbprint". The last 4 miles were downhill so that was a good change but the rocky terrain today definitely took its toll on my feet. Tomorrow we are going to Bland, VA for the night and look foward to yet another night in town. Got a few phone calls out, one important one to my mom to discuss their visit which was exciting news. Tonight Kevin decided to tent so Alex and I will hopefully be able to sleep through "Tentshakers" snoring. Some good sleep after a hot meal seems like the only thing on my mind after such a tiring day. The bugs came out today, first time we've had to deal with them so hopefully that means warmer weather on the way. Also, today was the first time I ran out of water on our adventure so I'm going to have to be more careful in my planning. After drinking so much when I got to the shelter, I hope getting up during the night isn't an issue! Today the weather cleared up for most of the day but rain was in the forecast and about 30 minutes after I reached the shelter we had a shower for a few minutes. The stars are out in full force though so hopefully tomorrow will be nice.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland, VA 
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a beautiful day with easy walking. We had a little trouble getting a hitch into town but once we got there it was all good. We both pigged out at the Dairy Queen. Then, back at the Big Walker Motel we met up with "Tentshaker" and hung with him for a few hours. Later, we decided to resupply and walked to a Dollar General, then ate supper at Subway which equals amazing! Looking foward to a good night's sleep and TV for a few hours before calling it a night.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Bland, VA 

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After waking up and getting a late start around lunch we got on the trail about 12:30. We had full bellies, a short day, and of course BAD WEATHER! It started raining around 1:00 and didn't stop till late while we were asleep. I was soaked to the bone when I reached the shelter! My boots, socks, rain gear, pants, shirt, even my sock hat was soaked. So I hung everything up and got dry clothes on and jumped in the sleeping bad about 5p.m. After warming up, a warm meal and some friendly conversation with "Tentshaker" was just what I needed. It was early so I listened to the IPOD before going to bed and finally got to sleep around 10:00.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: light rain

Last night was great falling asleep listening to it rain but when I realized this morning none of my clothes had gotten dry, I was not very excited about putting them on. Once I got the first few miles behind me I was warmed up enough for the wet clothes not to matter anymore. At our first shelter of the day we met up with "Allgood" and walked with him the rest of the day. Now we are chilling out listening to "Tentshaker" snore and "Allgood" jamming out on the mandelin. Tomorrow we have a short 8 miles into Pearisburg where we are meeting up with my folks and our girlfriends for some good ole chilling! Looking foward to the zero day and yet another town!