morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-25
From: low gap shelter

To: dicks creek gap
Miles today: 11.5

Day 8: 3/25/15 tray mountain shelter to dicks creek gap 11.5 miles When we awoke in the morning it was again to wet tents and rain pattering on our tents. So once again we packed up wet gear in the morning. Once all packed and our oatmeal breakfast were consumed we started hiking. We hiked over more flat today than the day before but there were a few climbs. The toughest of the day was up Kelly know which was about a mile long climb. When we reached the top of that we stopped to have lunch. From there we hiked the 4.3 miles to dicks creek gap. The descent today was long and strenuous. I didn't think it would be that bad since it was only 4.3 miles but it turned out to be an exhausting hike. I got to dicks creek gap at about 4:00. When I got there crazy horse had bottled water and snickers - I enjoyed my first snickers of the trail. I waited about an hour for Ben to arrive at the parking lot and he and I called for a shuttle to top of Georgia hostel while Toby and Kyle hitched to town for a resupply of food. Ben and I went to the hostel which was a treat. We charged phones, used wifi, ate dinner, and had a fresh baked brownie. I was glad that I went with Ben who was going to pick up his mail drop. While there we caught up with Mike and also meet a guy who works at the hostel who told us great information and brought us back to the trail. Oh yea I also got to use the bathroom and wash my hands - such luxuries to trail life. When back at the trail head we all reunited and decided to set up camp right there. We set our tents up right before it started to rain. Hoping for sun tomorrow to dry gear out.
Date: 2015-03-26
From: dicks creek gap

To: muskrat creek shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 9: 3/26/15 11.7 milesDickies creek gap to muskrat creek shelterIt had rained during the night of our camping at dicks creek gap so in the morning we packed up wet tents and ate breakfast and began to hike. The first mile of the day was an uphill climb and then a steep descent into cowart gap. We hiked those first few miles through the wet and foggy woods which gives a certain since of beauty to it all. We stopped at the gap for teeth brushing and hand washing - my favorite part of the morning. We then continued hiking until blue ridge gap. We got here just before noon and decided to stop for lunch. We spread out all our wet gear to dry and are here. I also had service and called home to work out the logistics of a new tent since mine was leaking. Once again, mom came to my rescue and handled the new tent ordering. After our hour and a half lunch we continued 3.1 miles to the Georgia/ North Carolina line. It was a great feeling to cross our first state line, those it was done without much fan fair. We stopped at the gap just past there for a quick snack and hiked the last miles to the shelter. The first climbs in North Carolina were steep! Georgia cuts switchbacks on all the climbs and the first ones here were straight up. When we got to the shelter we took care of the camp tasks right off and made dinner. There was a fire going at the shelter so we are around that and talked go the other hikers who were staying there.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: muskrat creek shelter

To: carter gap sheter
Miles today: 12.5

Day 10: 3/27/15Muscle at creek shelter to carter cap shelter 12.5 miles In the morning we once again packed up wet tents - there is a definite pattern out here! Today is was also rainy during most of our hike so we were very wet all day. We stopped only briefly before lunch to avoid getting to cold. We hiked a couple miles in the morning before coming to standing Indian mountain shelter. This shelter is about half way up standing Indian mountain but the climb was so gradual we didn't really even notice. We stopped here for lunch to eat under cover. We took a short lunch today instead of our normal long lunches. After lunch we packed up and continued up standing Indian mountain. When we summited there was no view because of the dense fog; this was kind of a bummer because the mountain was over 5,000 ft. As we descended off the mountain and crossed the ridge line we finally got some sunshine. We had enough sun that when we got to camp we were able to dry out gear. This night was frigidly cold! We stayed around the fire until we climbed into tents. At this point it began to snow. We doubled up in tents in hopes that it would keep us warmer. We made it through he night, which got lower than 15 degrees, though with little sleep.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: carter gap sheter

To: rock gap
Miles today: 12.2

Day 11: 3/28/15Carter gap shelter to rock gal 12.2 MilesAfter a night if such cold temps we decided to head to town a day early. We woke up as started hiking as fast as we could. We covered the first 4 miles in easy terrain in about an hour and a half. The woods this morning reminded me of home since there were coated with snow. After the first 4 miles we stopped for a quick snack and continued on our way. The terrain turned to a few more hills but nothing bad until Albert mountain. This was a very short and very steep climb, also reminiscent of home - the exposed rock reminded me of hiking on the coast of Maine. At the top of the mountain there was a fire tower that we climbed and from the top had an incredible view including the snow-capped smokies that we will be hiking in about a week and a half. After some pictures and taking in the scenery we hiked another mile and a half to a campsite or lunch. We again ate quickly due to the cold and continued hiking. Ben and I hiked the remaining miles together. As we were almost to the road we passed a shelter and someone asked us if we wanted trail magic - to which of course we said YES! So he have us snickers, granola bars, and poweraid and it was great! We then hiked to the gap and got a shuttle into town. After setting stuff town in the hotel we went out to resupply but on our way out we stopped at the food truck for milkshakes. We went to dollar general and walked about a mile to another grocery store. After errands we came back, showered, ate, and put on our cleanest clothes to go out in. We went out with a few other guys we have met. We had a good night and then slept well indoor, warm, and dry.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: rock gap

To: franklin, nc
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 12: Franklin, North Carolina Zero day We took our first zero in Franklin. In the morning the hotel shuttled us to a church that does a free pancake breakfast - it was delicious! It was the first time in have had jam in like 2 weeks and it was so good! After we are our fill of pancakes we went pack to the hotel and packed up to move over to the budget inn for out second night in franklin. After the move I went back to the church and went to the service, which was really good! We spent most of the day relaxing around town - everything was closed but they had a nice park that we sat in. I sat there and was on Pinterest for a while. It was nice to just relax and not be thinking about all the tasks involved with life on the trail. We had a much needed day of full rest and early sleep.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: rock gap

To: siler bald shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 13: rock gap to siler bald shelter7.9 milesWe spent the morning in town today. Kyle and Toby went to the pancake breakfast again but Ben and I slept in. We are breakfast in the room and did town errands. I send a package ahead to Tennessee with food and had my first latte of the trail... Big change in my normal life of like a latte a day. I also went to outdoor 76 and picked up a new spork since I left mine in a hostel. We then packed up and left town on the 11 shuttle. Toby and Ben were not quite ready so Kyle and I went and waited for them. Then we hiked about 8 miles to siler bald shelter where we had a fire and spent the night.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: siler bald shelter

To: aquone hostel
Miles today: 10.4

Day 14: 3/31/15 Siler bald shelter to burning town gap 10.4 milesThis morning we woke up in the shelter, which is rare, to all four of us huddled to one side for warmth. We awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the mountains! We then did morning chores and breakfast and hit the trail. We did 7ish miles before lunch and most if the miles were uphill. It was a tiring morning but we had an incredible view on top on wayha bald. There was a tower that identified mountains and we could see the ones we crossed earlier in the trail. We lunched for a while near the shelter and then we hiked another 3ish miles before coming to burning town gap. From here Toby and I needed to get to a hostel to pick up some packages. We did not want to stay there but the only way to get there was to pay for a night so Toby and I ended up staying in a nice log cabin hostel for the night. It's beautiful here! In the morning we will reunite with Ben and Kyle.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: aquone hostel

To: the NOC
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

Day 15: 4/1/15 burning town gap to noc 12.7 milesIn the morning Toby and I woke up at the hostel, it was really nice to be in a real bed. We woke up and are our oatmeal as normal, expect I microwaved it. We then had a ride back to the trailhead from the hostel owners but first they dropped us by a general store so Toby could mail home his old sleeping bag. The general store also had coffee so I wasn't complaining. When we got to buringtown gap Toby and I hit the trail fast to try to catch Kyle and Ben. We hiked the first 5 or so miles to tellico gap by noon. From the gap there is a 1.5 mile ascent to the top of mountain that has a fire tower. I did this a little behind Toby but we passed each other at the top. I took a few minutes to look at the view and climb the fire tower. After sight seeing I hiked down to the shelter where we had all agreed to reunite for lunch. We ate and soaked in the sun. After a nice break we decided to go all the way to the NOC, this meant a 7ish mile hike down to town. The way down was steep and rocky so it took some time but as the terrain got less tough we picked up speed. We stopped at the shelter about a mile out for snack and this was a beautiful spot. There was some big open space in front of the shelter with giant trees towering above and a river running right in front. We took our break and hiked the last bit in. We followed some fellow hikers who know of free camping and set up and are dinner. We then went back to the restaurant and the boys got a few beers and we hung out by the river. After a while there we decided it was time to hit the hay. I spent the first night in my new tent and it was sweet!
Date: 2015-04-02
From: the NOC

To: sassafrass gap shelter
Miles today: 6.9

Day 16: 4/2/2015 NOC to sassafras gap shelter 6.9 miles In the morning we got up at 7:30 though no alarm was set. However since we were not in a rush I hung in my tent till about 8:00. I then packed up as had oatmeal as always. After we packed we took our bags and headed to the NOC. We were waiting on a package for Kyle so we decided to have a lazy morning there. We spent time reading and chilling out. Around lunch we decided to all split a pizza and fries. This was the first time we have gone out to eat. After eating Kyle retrieved his package and shared some of his goods! Thanks Kyle! We then set out to do the 6.9 miles uphill to the shelter. I got there about 6:20 and hung out by the fire for a while. At about 7 we made dinner and by 8 we were in out sleeping bags. We are in the shelter tonight because there's not enough flat ground for tents. The shelter is full! Looking forward to tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: sassafrass gap shelter

To: cable gap shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Day 17: 4/3/15Sassafras gap shelter to cable gap shelter 15.3 miles This morning was fairly normal. We were in the shelter so it was a fast pack up. This shelter was pretty beat the upstairs had little windows. I ate my oatmeal as normal and set out. It was Friday and I wouldn't be into Fontana until the next day when the pos office was closed so I called the PO and asked them to bring my package to the lodge and they were very nice about it. It was weird to make a phone call from the middle of the mountain. We hiked all morning and stopped at stacoa gap for lunch. While we were eating a gentleman pulled up and gave us fruit - that's my favorite trail magic! We continued to relax there for a while and another guy pulled up and have us more fruit. He also brought some people into town. Right before he left he also have Kyle and I a veggie sub from subway. It was so delicious! We then continued to hike the remaining miles to the shelter. When we got there, Toby and Kyle got the last shelter spots so Ben and I set up our tents. I was still so full from lunch that I just had hummus and a tortilla and went to bed. I woke up at about 10 to a crazy thunderstorm. We were low into a gap so we were safe but we could see the lightening and hear the thunder right above the ridge.
Date: 2015-04-04
From: cable gap shelter

To: fontana hilton
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: few clouds

Day 18: 4/4/15Cable gal shelter to "Fontana Hilton" (Fontana dam shelter) 6.6 miles In the morning we broke camp the fastest yet, which was weird because this was the morning it took me the longest to get out of my sleeping bag. Kyle and Toby set out a little before Ben and I. They were going to the road and hitching right into town while he and I were going to the shelter first. So Ben and I hiked the relatively flat terrain in goo time. We made it to the road around 11. There was a set of restrooms at the marina that the trail crosses through. As we were leaving there a women called to us asking if we wanted trail magic - they answer to this is always yes. We ate cookie cake and drank juice. We then continued the mile to the shelter. When we got there we were the only two there so we set our spot and and took in the view of the lake that the shelter is perched next to. This shelter is called the Fontana Hilton because it has a real bathroom including a hot shower. So after we laid out our gear to dry we took our time in the showers. When I was done I came out and the same lady from before, warm and toasty, was cooking eggs and pancakes. This was also incredible! After we were full Ben and I hitched into town so I could get my box and print the smokies permits. When we got back to the shelter there was a guy unloading cases of beer and and burgers and sausages. So that night we had a great party by the fire with lots of beer and veggie burgers. I went to bed at 10, so late for a hiker, so early for normal life.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: fontana hilton

To: fontana hilton
Miles today: 0.0

Day 19: 4/5/15 zero day in FontanaI wanted to sleep in but I still got up at about 7:00. I got up and Everyone left to go try the get to town. I stayed in the shelter and talked to Peter. At about 10 Ben came to get me to go go to the lodge and charge phones. So we went there and hung out for a while and then we moved to the general store for lunch. I had ramen and broccoli - my favorite town food. I then went mini golfing because it's free for thru hikers - I went with bubblegum who is also from Maine. After that we hitched back to the shelter and were picked up by a lady whose kids kept sharing their Easter candy with us. When we got back we hung out by the fire and are dinner and went to bed.
Date: 2015-04-06
From: fontana hilton

To: mollies ridge shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 20: 4/6/15 Fontana Hilton to mollies ridge shelter 11 milesWe woke up at the shelter and did the normal morning thing. We left the shelter after one last stop at the bathroom. As soon as we walked up the hill it started to rain so we stopped and got out rain gear. We then walked across the Fontana dam and enters the smokies. We knew the morning would be a long climb but it was not very steep so it didn't take too long. We stopped for lunch at about 11 and set up Toby's rain fly to get out of the rain. We hit the trail again since it was cold and began to hike. I hiked with Ben for the afternoon and we made it to the shelter at 3:30. It's cold and windy up at the shelter but it's not too bad and we had a successful first day in the smokies.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: mollies ridge shelter

To: derrick knob shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Day 21: 4/7/15 Mollie's ridge shelter to Derrick knob shelter This day we hiked the hardest section of the Smokies after lunch. Before lunch the terrain was fairly normal with some ups and downs - though the trail was really muddy due to all the rain. Around 11 we broke to the top of an incline to a grassy area. From this point on for a while the trail was winding over grass topped mountains. It was pretty neat terrain, I had never seen the like and I enjoyed the change up. After a soggy lunch is when we really hit the challenging part. The trail was up most of the afternoon and was rocky. The terrain was similar to hikes in Maine that I have done. I enjoyed the hike and it's challenges. We got to the shelter about 3:00 ish and decide to stay since the next shelter was pretty far and you can't stealth camp in the smokies. The shelter was full so we pitched tents and settled in for the night.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: derrick knob shelter

To: mt. collins shelter 
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Day 22: Derrick knob shelter to mt. Collins shelter 13.8 milesToday was a day of milestones: we passed the 200 mile mark and hiked the highest point on at AT, clingmans dome. The morning of hiking was uneventful but when we stopped for lunch we finally got some sun to dry out clothes and tents so we took a long break there. After lunch we made the climb up clingmans, this was interesting because it was the first time we had been around tourists and as we excited the woods we heard whispers as we passed by. It was an interesting day and I felt in display but it was also fun to see so many tourists who had driven up to the top. After our time on the dome we went to the shelter for the night. A dad and son were section hikers there and they gave us snickers!
Date: 2015-04-09
From: mt. collins shelter 

To: ice water springs shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 23: mt Collins shelter to ice water springs shelter 7.5 milesIn the morning after packing up we hiked 4 miles to newfound gap. When we got there, there was a church doing trail magic so I enjoyed and apple and chocolate covered raisins. From the gap Ben and I hitched to Gatlinberg, TN for a resupply. We were picked up by a super cool family who was out hiking with their three young kids. They brought us to Five Guys where we met up with Toby, Kyle, and blackout. I have never eaten so many fries in my life! After stuffing ourselves we took the trolly to the grocery store and post office. On our way back through I had Starbucks which was much appreciated. After spending the day in town we hitched back out to the gap and hiked 3.5 miles to the shelter. I had packed out a salad for dinner and it was delicious!
Date: 2015-04-10
From: ice water springs shelter

To: tri knob shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Day 24: ice water springs shelter to tri knob shelterWe had the coolest view of the smokies. We hiked a mile past the shelter to Charlie's bunion. Here we climbed the rocks and looked out to the misted in mountains - the view was eerie and beautiful. The rest of the day passed pretty normally and we got to the shelter mid afternoon, rested, ate and slept.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: tri knob shelter

To: stateline branch camping
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 25: 4/11/15 Tri knob shelter to state line branch camping 16.6 miThis was probably the toughest day for me so far even though it was downhill. The downhill is just really hard on my knees so after a long descent out of the smokies my legs and feet were tired. Even though it was tough, along the way we ha some cool views. We stopped early in the morning on a grassy ridge and checked out the views for a while, we passed the sight of an old plan crash, and waterfalls. We passed the day walking and got to a campsite right next to the water early evening. Being down out of the elevation of the smokies meant the temps were also much warmer so we set up camp and I soaked my feet in the river. We are dinner picnic style and went to bed.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: stateline branch camping

To: groundhog creek shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 26: state line branch to groundhog creek shelter 8.7 milesI split up from the boys for a few days starting this morning. They set out before I did to get to the I-40 underpass to go into ashville and I kept hiking. I waved to them as I passed and continued to standing bear hostel. I stopped there for a few hours for a resupply and to use their kitchen. I hung around for a view hours and then hiked out. Leaving there the trail goes uphill for a while to the summit of a grassy mountain. I stopped on the top for a while at the top an had lunch. It was a peaceful rest on a sunny day. I then continued to the shelter and got there mid afternoon. I set up camp and hung around chatting with the others who were staying there. It was a fun day and I was glad to have a successful day of solo hiking.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: groundhog creek shelter

To: walnut mnt. shelter
Miles today: 13.1

Day 27: 4/13/15Groundhog creek shelter to walnut mountain shelter 13.1 mi In the morning I got up and packed up camp. I was just finishing breakfast when embassador, a 2012 through hiker out for a section hike, brought coffee up to the shelter. I have two cups and chatted with him and grazer. I then set out and hiked up max patch bald. This was an incredible mountain, it was over 4000 ft and covered in grass with amazing views. I was going to stop for lunch on top but it was too windy so I kept going and stopped for lunch later on. After resting for lunch I climbed over walnut mountain to the shelter. During the climb I felt my body saying I needed to start eating more calories so I had 3 servings if couscous for dinner. It was a rainy night so we tied a rain fly to the front of the shelter and propped the picnic table up in front. I made it through the night pretty dryly.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: walnut mnt. shelter

To: hot springs 
Miles today: 13.0

Day 28: walnut mountain shelter to laughing heart hostel13 miOriginally I was going to do 10 miles to a shelter right outside town and then Nero into town the next day but I ended up going all the way to hot springs. I hiked with dusty pilgrim who is an older gentleman and was a God send that day keeping me company and talking to me the whole way. We arrived in hot springs around 2:00 and I settled into the hostel. I camped outside so I set my tent and for organized and went into town. I resupplied and picked up a package containing Easter candy at the post office. After running town errands I went to the hostel and showered! I then cooked dinner and hung around for the evening. I really enjoyed meeting new people and chatting with others at the hostel. The previous days have been the prettiest sections of the trail I have seen so far. The ground has been green, flowers are blooming, streams are abundant, and views are spectacular. I felt as if I was walking through the shire.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: hot springs 

To: hot springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 29: 4/15/15 Zero day in hot sprigsI took a zero day in hot springs waiting for the guys. I tried to sleep in but I woke up at 7:30; I was slightly bummed but got out of my tent anyway. I made breakfast in the hostel kitchen and just hung around. It was a rainy day so a lot of people stayed put and hung out on the hostel porch. I spent my day chatting and reading Cosmo. It was a really nice time to just hang out and have zero responsibility for the day.