morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-15
To: Walnut Mountain 
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was the warmest night so far. We had a great time last night cooking hot dogs. Actually Fuego was the chef cooking for everyone. This morning we started with a 2 mile 1,200' vertical climb. At the top we stopped for breakfast. We were already drenched in sweat even though it wasn't even 8am.We then continued with the ups and downs typical of walking the AT. Part way through the day Fuego was frustrated not realizing how much climbing we had today. We stopped for lunch and water and he was good to go. As we were going over Max Patch Bald he was saying how this was the most awesome stretch of trail yet.We finished our 18 mile day on top of Walnut Mountain. All afternoon the sky was filled with thunder but we avoided the rain. We arrived at the shelter before 4pm. The shelter is really small and Fuego passed on a shelter spot, a decision I think he came to regret as the rains moved in.We cooked our dinner at 4 and it is now almost 6. There are about 10 tents set up and everyone is huddled in for the night. It is also quite cold. I am very glad I grabbed a spot in the shelter.I also messed up in Gatlinburg and charged my phone and laptop on an outlet that wasn't working so they both charged but drained my battery so both our phones are running low. Oh well. We will be in town tomorrow.
Date: 2018-05-16
From: Walnut Mountain 

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained off and on all night but by morning it was a steady downpour. Fuego's tent was literally sitting in a pool of water. Fortunately he did a good job setting it up so he stayed dry. Of course 30 seconds after exiting he was soaked. It poured all morning as we cruised into Hot Springs.On the trail if you want to do bigger miles the goal is to due 12 by 12, 12 miles by 12 noon. 2 days ago we did 16 by 1, so we must have done it. Yesterday we did 11.5 by noon going uphill. Today we finished the 13.6 by 11:30. Fuego was happy.The motel we wanted to stay at in Hot Springs is closed, so we were cruising the town looking for a place. Things are surprisingly expensive here. After 4 tries we settled on the Creekside Cabins. It is a great place, right behind 2 restaurants. The rain has stopped so we are all hanging out by the river sharing stories. Lawn Chair has joined our band of 6, but she is taking a zero day tomorrow as is Jawz, so tomorrow we will be 5.
Date: 2018-05-17
From: Hot Springs

To: Log Cabin Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

What a great night last night. The weather was surprisingly good. On our patio several other hikers cruised through. We went to dinner 100 feet from our place and had a great meal. Several others joined us. At one point someone asked me why I am doing the AT a second time. My answer was nights like tonight, the comradery of a great group. I also told about my favorite bumper sticker:The Appalachian trail, the best experience of my life, interrupted by long walks through the woods.The waitress asked where we were from. The answer - Arizona, New Hampshire, California, Alabama, Ohio, Australia and New York. Today was cloudy all day with very high humidity. A couple times it started to rain but never came down hard. We had a fair amount of climbing so I was drenched all day. We saw 2 other thru hikers besides Tracks and Finger Lickin.About 14 miles in we stopped at Mom's store to get an ice cream and a soda. The place is hard to describe. It had a freezer and a fridge, a few couches with locals smoking on them and a whole bunch of junk. Enough said. We had to call for a ride 5 miles before our stop because of no cell service. We showed up at 4:10 for a 4:30 pickup. The hostel is right on a steam. They have food for sale which is nice as well. It is just after 6 and all kinds of people are streaming in. We are sitting on the patio right over the stream. Just finished a pizza and now eyeing some ice cream. The forecast this morning was for storms this afternoon. It is currently clearing and beautiful out. Tomorrow the plan is to walk north and see what develops.We have wifi tonight, probably nothing tomorrow. Will post the next journal as soon as I can.
Date: 2018-05-18
From: Log Cabin Gap

To: Devils Fork Gap
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

Another great evening last night. 5 of us shared a cabin. No TV but we were able to watch a video - Hangover. It was fun as a group. All 5 mentioned it was the best nights sleep of the trip. We had a fan running and were right next to a stream and all the windows were open.There were about 12 people there for the night. In the morning it was still raining, nice to have been inside and dry. We were dropped off just before 8 for a 19.8 mile day. The rains stopped about noon. It was actually nice for walking, keeping the temperature down.We finished walking just after 4. There are four of us headed to another hostel. Fuego is an honorary member of the over 50 club. The other 3 of us are 50+ and want to sleep out of the rain. Tomorrow night we don't really have an option to stay indoors and the forecast is for rain again.It is 6pm and we are waiting for the spaghetti to be ready. We are showered and dry. We have a creekside cabin so we will have the sound of water all night.Tomorrow it is walking north again. If we don't run into Tracks, Finger Lickin and Mouse, we should see them in Erwin on Sunday. They are probably 3 miles behind at a shelter. It was 9 miles to the next one and with all the rain around they probably set up there for the night.
Date: 2018-05-19
From: Devils Fork Gap

To: Big Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

Our cabin on the stream was very nice. I sent a picture to my wife showing the porch basically overhanging the water. She was "I want to stay there". Then I told her the cabin had a bunk bed and mattresses, that's it. No chairs, linens, table. The bathroom is 150' away and up a hill. She wasn't as excited then. Thru hiker standards are quite a bit different. It is much nicer than my tent, and yes it did rain again last night. Today's forecast includes a flood watch for the area. Hopefully we miss that part. It is for random storms but the ground is so saturated and the streams are already very high.Our time to get shuttled to the trail this morning is dependent on the royal wedding. The husband is at trail days in Damascus and the wife is into the wedding. Once again these hostels have wonderful people running them. Jawz is with us. He has also invested well so he quit his job to hike the trail. He will get another job when he finishes. It was great hearing him talk money yesterday, same philosophy as me, live below your means and invest.Last night was our third night in a row being right on a stream/river. I slept well again. We left the door open so we had the fresh air and sound of rumbling water. We started the day dry but since we were in the clouds the sweat glands kicked in. It started raining soon after so it kept things cool. Late morning we could here the rains coming toward us. For 5 five minutes it rained as hard as I have ever seen. It was an instant soaking and the trail was a stream.Today was another big climbing day. With about a mile to go to we were on top of Big Bald Mountain, 5,500 feet. There were 3 sisters on top. Mouse and I were the first up so they gave us each an apple. Those behind us were not as fortunate. While enjoying the views the sun tried to come out, then the thunder started. We could see the rain coming so we packed up in a hurry and took off up the trail to the protection of the shelter. The shelter fits 10 and at 4pm as I write this there are 8 of us here. Our group of 6 plus 2 we know, so a good group. Two more showed up to get us to 10. We all know each other which is fun
Date: 2018-05-20
From: Big Bald Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

It rained very hard for much of the night. Fortunately we stayed dry in the shelter. This was a very spacious shelter compared to most. This morning getting going was a bit tough since we were all on the same schedule. Fuego and I were first out about 7. The trail was very slippery and our feet were soaked right away.The morning had the typical ups and downs. There was tons of water early and then a dry finish into Erwin. We did not get any rain during the day which was nice. The humidity was very high in the woods so I was drenched all day.Once in town we all collected at Uncle Jonnys. Fuego and I got a ride to Walmart where there is a Mexican restaurant as well. After a great meal we hit up Walmart to get food for the next few days. Tracks rode a bike from Uncle Jonnys to watch basketball with us. Fuego just ordered pizza.
Date: 2018-05-21
From: Erwin

To: Unaka Mountain 
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It is nice sleeping in a real bed. I slept great last night. We have lots of food and the forecast is only 50% chance of rain today. Sure would be nice if we get the dry half. Today the plan is to climb to the top of Mt Unaka and tent there. Trail days ended in Damascus yesterday so a bunch of people returned to Erwin so today could be quite busy on the trail. Today is another big climbing day but after this the trail gets easier.The morning started cloudy with 100% humidity. Today was a short day, but had 5,000 feet of climbing. Fuego was in a good mood as we charged up the hill. Mouse had started a bit before us, Finger Lickin right after. Tracks had to go to the post office, so hopefully he will still make it here. Jawz is taking a rest day so probably will not see him again. Mid day we came to a road crossing. A woman was there with cold Gatorade. Always appreciated.Our target was the summit of Unaka. It is the first northern spruce forest and it is just on the very top. It makes for a great tenting area but there is not water around. As we are getting water 2 miles before the summit the thunder starts. Then the rain moved in. Fuego and I each carried 4 liters which is 8 pounds. Fuego carried up left over pizza and 2 beers for dinner tonight. Plus we have hot dogs with rolls this time.Tracks showed up as we were trying to start a fire in the rain. It took a while but eventually we got a nice fire going then the rains stopped. It is now 7:30 and we have been rain free for over an hour. Hopefully it is done for the night. Tomorrow was supposed to be nice, but now it is 60% chance of rain. Not sure what our goal is but it certainly involves walking north.
Date: 2018-05-22
From: Unaka Mountain 

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night we were in the clouds all night. It stayed just the 5 of us. It took a while but we got a nice fire going. Fuego brought brats from Erwin so that was fun to cook them over the fire. We all were out of camp by a little after 7. The trail was good but with lots of ups and downs. The middle days are always tough to stay motivated. Heading out of town you have clean clothes and are well fed. Days going into town are great because you are looking forward to a shower, laundry and food. The middle days you put on yesterday's wet dirty clothes and walk north to an unspecified destination. Today stayed dry while hiking. We were above 4,000' the entire day so not too hot. About 4pm we rolled into our camp spot. The sky started getting dark so we immediately set up tents. Good thing because it started raining at 4:30. I haven't counted but I think this is 8 days in a row with rain. It sure would be nice to stay dry for a day.At one of the road crossings we met Shannon. Her family runs Mountain Harbor hostel where we plan to stay tomorrow. We chatted with her for over 30 minutes.The rain let up a bit so we all ate dinner. Before we finished it started raining again. It is now 6:30 and we are all sheltered away in our tents. No reception so no idea what the weather forecast is for tomorrow.
Date: 2018-05-23
From: Ash Gap

To: Mountain Harbor hostel 
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Last night was certainly the worst night yet on trail. We were in our tents by 6. At 9 it was still pouring. Moisture got on the inside of my tent so when the rain hit it moisture would get on me. I put my rain jacket over my sleeping bag. Fortunately the rain let up. Our plan was to get up at 5:30 and walk by 6. It was still dark at 5:30 and it was still raining lightly. At 5:45 it started pouring again so Fuego and I grabbed our gear and took off in the rain. The trail was literally a stream as we headed up the 1,000 feet to the summit of Roan Mountain. The rain did stop about an hour in but we stayed in the clouds till noon. Mouse and Finger Lickin rolled up as we were taking a break.The four of us plus Terra the dog continued on to the road crossing to Mountain Harbor hostel. We finished our 18 mile day before 2pm which is nice.It is sunny and warm in town so we are drying out everything. The hostel is great, free laundry and a food truck on site. Great food, clothes clean, everything dry, an indoor bed, life is good. The hostel is busy tonight. 8 beds inside and about 10 tenters. It is about 7pm and no sign of rain, hopefully that holds out for everyone tenting, including Tracks, Mouse and Finger Lickin.
Date: 2018-05-24
From: Mountain Harbor hostel 

To: Camping
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We really enjoyed Mountain Harbor hostel. The owners are great. Fuego and I had called ahead so we got a private room. It was 2 mattresses on the floor with a 4 foot high ceiling, but great for us. We had the windows open so felt like being outside. Breakfast is amazing here. It is known for having the best breakfast on the trail. Fresh baked pastries and several options for main course. All you can eat.The weather was dry last night and the forecast is good for the next 24 hours.The trail has been busy since Erwin. There is a bit of competition for sleeping space on the trail. Every shelter has been full. Today did stay dry and it is a beautiful evening now. We are tenting about 2 miles short of the shelter. Our area is full and lots of people were headed to the shelter. Today was an off day hiking for us. Fuego and I both like hiking early. This morning breakfast was at 8. We both over ate then left at 9 to walk the half mile to the trail. 6 miles in there was a beautiful river. We ended up staying there well over an hour. Yesterday we had over 13 miles by noon, today only 6. At the river stop there was a steady stream of other hikers going through. All day we had a hard time getting motivated. I guess 16.7 miles is still pretty good for an off day.The terrain was fairly easy with gentle ups and downs. There was plenty of water all day. With all the rain the streams are really flowing well.Every night we hang out food bags on trees out of the reach of bears. Tonight there are no good places to hang out food. Ours are the best of the group so if a hungry bear does wander through here tonight hopefully he goes for one of the section hikers bags as they are not really protected. We also have Terra the German Shepherd with us so just her presence will keep unwanted visitors away. Camping with us are Mouse and Tracks. Finger Lickin headed to the shelter. David and Racoon are both here. We have known them for about a week. There are also 4 section hikers here. Even though the weather is good we have all gone to our tents by 7. The plan is to get an early start tomorrow. As far as critter sightings there haven't been many. No bears, a few deer, some turkeys, a mink, several snakes but none poisonous and tons of squirrels and chipmunks. I have only stayed in 3 shelters so far and there were mice in one of them. We have seen 1 box turtle and he was on top of a mountain. Now that the forest is in full bloom the birds are out. Every morning there is a full chorus. A couple mornings ago two owls were having quite a conversation.
Date: 2018-05-25
To: Vandever Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: light rain

We got an early start as planned. By 9:45 we had covered 9.6 miles and were at a beautiful waterfall. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures. We then had a 2+ mile walk along the river ending at the edge of town. Off to Dollar General and McDonald's. We were 5 miles from the trail and I was about to call about a shuttle when a guy from a local hostel pulls in with a pickup truck. We all hopped in the back. Perfect timing. We hung out at the hostel for awhile then headed out for a 9 mile hike to our shelter for the night. The first 6 miles are closed for camping due to bear activity. We joked the locals probably feed the bears to get people to stay in town. Everything worked out great. There are only 4 of us here. Today was dry but the forecast is for rain all day tomorrow so we are all in the shelter. Only the third time Fuego has stayed in one. This sets us up well as we only have 33 miles to Damascus. A long day tomorrow and a short day into town.This shelter has great views looking down at Watuaga Lake and the surrounding valley.
Date: 2018-05-26
From: Vandever Shelter

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 33.0
Weather: light rain

Today is forecast to rain most of the day. Fortunately we have a dry start. I don't really mind walking in the rain but it is easier packing up dry. It stayed just the 4 of us in the shelter. We had 4 miles to the first water so we skipped breakfast intending to eat once we had water. By the time we reached the water it was raining. Got to keep moving north. It started to rain hard. 7 miles in we reached the next shelter. There were several people there who had not left yet. Our plan for the day was 22.7 miles, our biggest day yet. This would leave us just over 10 into Damascus. When we reached the second shelter which was 14.5 miles in it was still pouring hard. I arrived a few minutes ahead of Fuego. When he arrived he asked can we just keep going all the way to Damascus, 33 miles total. So that became our new goal. We had done 14.5 by 12:45 and now we had 18.5 to go. We passed our original goal at 4pm. That would have been a good day but now we had another 10 to go. By now the rains had stopped but we were still drenched and sweating like crazy.We ended up getting into town a little after 7. We crushed the first 8 of the extra 10 and then slowed down for the last couple miles. So 33 miles in just under 13 hours is an average of over 2.5 miles per hour. We only took 4 breaks all day. Finger Lickin and Mouse got into town a bit after us. We are not sure where they are staying. Terra made it as well. That is a long day for a German Shepherd. Mouse plans on taking two days off here. He has a package at the post office and they are closed till Tuesday. The town is very quiet. We were hoping to watch some NBA playoffs but the TV is broken at our b&b and all the business closed at 9. The town seems very quiet compared to 4 years ago.
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Damascus 

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

No side effects from yesterday's big miles. Fuego is actually a little stiffer than me. It is nice to have an off day. We had a nice breakfast. Finger Lickin was at the same restaurant. She and Mouse both made it in to town last night. After breakfast we did our laundry then headed over to where Mouse was staying. We then all walked to the grocery store. When you have been on the trail you really appreciate a real grocery store. We bought too much food for the next 4 days. No problem eating it, just tough to carry it all.I then had time to do my invoices and payroll , so that is now all taken care of. It is 2:30. Tracks sent us a text, he is almost into town. Tonight will be the last night the 5 of us will be together as Mouse and Tracks are both staying in town tomorrow as they need to go to the post office Tuesday morning. Our place here has a nice yard with a hot tub. Unfortunately it is now raining so we are hanging out on the front porch. I just made it back from the outfitter before the hard rain stopped. It has been a lot of fun traveling together. We joke about it being our Wolfpack, from the movie The Hangover, which we all watched together a ways back. The common phrase for a trail family is tramily.We all went out for a nice meal together. Mouse had to go back to take care of Terra but Tracks and Finger Lickin came back to our porch the room until 10. Finger Lickin will walk north with us tomorrow but the 2 boys are staying in town to go to the post office on Tuesday. Fuego only has 4 more hiking days and my wife is coming so I will be doing different things for a few days.
Date: 2018-05-28
From: Damascus 

To: Lost Mountain shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Our plan was for a relatively short day so no hurry to start. Subway opened at 9am so that became our plan, get a sub right when they open and head north from there. There is a popular bike path - the Creeper Trail, that goes through Damascus. It is an old railroad line. The AT leaves town on it then heads for the hills. The Creeper Trail follows a river. About 12 miles out of town they join up again. About half way up is the Creeper Trail Cafe.So Fuego and I hit up the cafe for a burger plus we are each carrying a sub. Shortly after leaving town the rains started. Our original plan was to do about 16 miles and rent. About 2pm we arrive at an empty shelter and decide we are done hiking for today. The forecast is for rain the next few days so let's stay inside the shelter the first night out. We are in Virginia so there are privies st the shelters now.This is a nice shelter as well, so why not hang out here for a while. We actually are staying here for the night. The rain has sort of stopped (5:30pm) but we are comfortable here. There are 5 of us, Finger Lickin as well the couple across the hall at our B&B the past two nights. Two women section hikers showed up at 6:30. So 4 women and 3 men, first time I can remember being outnumbered on the trail.The plan is to do a couple 20s then a shorter day Thursday. Of course plans change regularly.
Date: 2018-05-29
From: Lost Mountain shelter

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Another rainy day. I don't mean to complain but we have had 1 dry day in the past 3 weeks. We were over 5,000 feet for much of the day. Even if it wasn't raining we were in the clouds.Fuego had a tough day. All along he has had a thru hiker attitude. Today it was clear he only has 2 more days so it makes tolerating the wet a bit harder. He has accomplished everything he hoped. We are past the 500 mile mark.We did go through the Grayson Highlands, so that means ponies. Visibility was never over 100 feet so I was afraid we may miss them. Then we saw a single pony so we headed off trail to get closer. There were actually 5 adults and two babies. We all (Fuego, Finger Lickin and I) were able to pet them. The mommy pony gave me a kiss. Finger Lickin took a photo so hopefully I can get it from her in a day or so. That put us all in a better mood.We then descended below 4,000 feet and the rains stopped. The trail is still half stream. We stopped to take a break at a shelter 5 miles shy of our destination. There were 4 guys there who were done for the day. At 3:30 we moved on figuring 2 hours to do the last 5. Part way through I was ahead of the other 2 and feeling good. At 4:45 the sky started to get really dark and I am thinking we have 2 more miles. Then there is a trail sign and we only have 1 mile to go. That put an extra pep on my step. As I was getting water at the trail to the shelter both Fuego and Finger Lickin arrived. Within 15 minutes of arriving at the shelter it starts raining and it's still raining 3 hours later. This is a nice newer shelter and there is 6 of us here so it is perfect. The 3 others are good friends with the couple we were at the last shelter with.