morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-03-10
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.6

Short day today, so I didn't hurry. I was one of the last ones up, but I was still hiking by 8:30. I wasn't catching my shuttle until 11:15. Spent a lot of last night talking to Robbie, David, and Bobby, three young guys doing their first long hike. They had a lot of questions and are super excited to be hiking. They didn't come to town and will deal with tomorrow's rain. When I got to the road crossing, there were two guys interviewing/filming thru-hikers for a documentary, and they interviewed me. Pretty sure I'll be a star!Caught the shuttle into town and to the Budget Inn. Now I'm clean, my clothes are clean, and my belly is full. I plan is to zero, here, tomorrow as they are calling for rain all day. My feet and legs can use some rest anyway.Fitbit steps 11744 floors 88
Date: 2018-03-11
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Lazy day today. Besides eating (I think my hiker appetite is starting to kick in), I bought groceries for the next 4 days. I also bought some cheap insoles for my boots. I have decided that I need a half-size larger boot, but the 2 outfitters in town don't carry hiking boots! The cheaper insoles should give me a little more room until I get to Franklin, NC in 40 miles. I may lose a toenail or 2 which sounds worse than it is, but I do need to get that fixed. The downhills can be hard on toes.Matt (aka Knobs) and Harley won't make it out this week, but it does sound like Harley is on the mend. Hopefully, they make it out at a later date so that I can dominate Knobs in cribbage.Talked to Julie today, thanks for handling everything on the home front. Love you!I also got to talk to Paul (aka Brewmaster). He has started his training for when he hikes with me for a couple weeks this summer. While talking to Paul, Danny and Ester stopped by my room, bringing me a beer and a bag of potato chips. We chatted a bit and then went out and grabbed some dinner. Ester is from Holland, her English is very good, but also English is a bit crazy. While reading the forecast she asked, "What's blustery?, and we say "Windy." She reads the next day's forecast, "What's breezy?," "Windy."So tomorrow it's back to hiking.I'm ready to get back out there!Fitbit steps 6572,  floors 16
Date: 2018-03-12
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek
Miles today: 11.8

Made it to North Carolina!I caught the 9 o'clock shuttle leaving the hotel and was hiking by 9:30. The pack is always heavy leaving a town, but I was rested. Met several new people including Smoky and the Bandit, Steamy, Tater Tot, and a family of 8 (yes - a mom and dad with 6 kids!) The youngest kid is a toddler riding in dad's pack and the other kids ranged from 7 to 17 (my guess). The 7 year old carries a pack and hikes about the same pace as I do!Highlight of the day was crossing into North Carolina. One state down, 13 to go. North Carolina did give us a rude welcome. There was snow on the ground and the wind was blustery! :) I'm guessing 30 mph or more.  Got to this shelter, pitched my tent, made dinner, then jumped in my tent and sleeping bag well before dark. It is suppose to warm up this week. Hikers here who I know are Iron man, Pilgrim, Lyndzey, Stephanie, Smoky and the Bandit, plus several more I have seen and talked to but don't know their names. The family of 8 hiked on farther.Fitbit steps 31940,  floors 536
Date: 2018-03-13
From: Muskrat Creek

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got down to about 15 degrees last night, so it was hard to get going this morning. It warmed up a bit and the snow disappeared, but then I had a climb up Standing Indian Mountain. It was my first time above 5000', and there was still snow on the ground up there. Official elevation is 5498 feet. The trail had switchbacks, so the grade wasn't too steep. I also passed by a side trail named Chunky Gal Trail. I imagine some guy telling his wife he named a trail after her.  Got to this campsite about 3:30, and discovered that there is a large college group on spring break. They are from Iowa State-- my alma mater. I had a brief chat with them, and one girl in NREM will tell my old advisor hello for me!It's going to be cold again tonight.  I'm in my tent at 6:30 to journal, listen to some tunes, get off my feet, and stay warm!Fitbit steps 32332,  floors 268
Date: 2018-03-14
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was cold this morning.  First poked my head out of the bag at 7:45 and thought about getting up, but didn't. The forecast last night was 15 degrees with below zero wind chill. Pretty sure it got there. Tried to get as ready as possible for my day while still sitting in the sleeping bag, but once I stuffed it, then it was all hurry up and load everything and get hiking. Most of the trail was well graded - until I got to Albert Mt. The last 400 feet climb was steep, but the view at the top was amazing - my second time over 5000 feet. Had a lunch break there. The rest of the day was mostly down hill. I hiked through groves of rhododendren and then a mostly hard wood forest. There's a small group at this shelter as many people pushed on to town. Here tonight are Iron man, Papa Smurf, Pilgrim, Lyndzey and Daisy, and Flinn. Flinn is Daisy's English setter. Three other guys showed up later. We're all heading for town tomorrow. A couple walked in from a nearby road to say they give free shuttles. So we'll have 3.5 miles to meet them at about 9:30 in the morning. Franklin, NC tomorrow and hopefully new boots!Fitbit steps 29739,  floors 205
Date: 2018-03-15
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Today was an awesome day on the AT. Got up early, as John and Linda were meeting us at Winding Stair Gap at 9:30. Hiking by 7:30 which started with a decent climb, then downhill to the gap. John and Linda were waiting for us with hot coffee and Krispy Creme doughnuts! They then drove us to Franklin.Checked into the motel, did laundry, showered, walked to have lunch, and then to the outfitter for new boots. They measured my feet, and I tried on 4 pair. They recommend going by European sizes where I went from a 43 to 44. In U.S. sizes, I went from 9 to 10.5. My toes are much happier! Thanks Chin Music for the info!We had a group of 8 for dinner (click on pic for names) and then walked to Lazy Hiker Brewery. Back to the motel before 8pm. 9:00 is hiker midnight. Back to the trail tomorrow, but it might not be too early!Fitbit steps 14212,   floors 95(For those of you who tried to outdo my zero day-- it's time to step up to a nero!)
Date: 2018-03-16
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Another great day on the AT. Today started with a free pancake and bacon breakfast from the Baptist church. Then while waiting at the motel for the city transit, a guy yells from the hostel across the street that he would shuttle us back to the trail for free. A couple from Canada and I accepted. As he was driving, he starts telling us stories of his WWE wrestling, and I say "Are you Ron?" It was Ron Haven who used to own several hotels in town. He had shuttled me 11 years ago. He's an AT legend !I was hiking by 9:30 and was planning 11 miles, so I didn't need to press too hard. I didn't see anyone for an least an hour, and then I came upon two guys on the trail-- IntrepiDan was doing an interview, and I was included. He's hiking the trail and puts his videos on YouTube, so look for me there. Then about noon I came upon Trail Magic. My Friends was grilling hot dogs. I had 2 hot dogs and some birthday cake. John was there, also doing hiker interviews for YouTube. Look for me there under AT Thru-hike Interviews ( I think that's right). He thinks I'll be in group 20 of his interviews. He lists the names at the start of each group. I also met some new hikers there, Bumlebee, Shivers, Rae, Katie and Brian.After leaving there ,the trail took me up to Wayah Bald with great views. I hung out there for awhile then hiked the 1 mile to this shelter. Also here are Gray, Flight Risk, IntrepiDan, and a guy from Germany. We finally have nice weather and had a fire, staying up past 8:00! Iron man, Daisy, Overdrive, and Papa Murph planned to get here, but didn't make it. They'll probably catch me tomorrow. The new boots felt great, no more hammering toes on the downhills. I'm planning a shorter day tomorrow to keep breaking the boots in.Fitbit steps 29192,  floors 387
Date: 2018-03-17
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

It was raining when I woke up, so I stayed in my tent. It was almost 9:30 when I started hiking. Got sprinkled on a couple times, but by noon the sun was out. Things are still fairly barren here, so it's easier to see the little things such as lichens, moss, ferns and the few spring flowers that are trying to poke through the downed leaves.More trail magic today. I didn't stay as long as yesterday, but I had a beer and 4 chocolate chip cookies-- a most excellent combo!After the magic we had a 800 foot climb to Wesser Bald. During this climb, I did see my first wildflowers. I climbed the tower there for 360 deg views. Then less than a mile then to this shelter. Here tonight are Ulysses and Buttercup, more mature hikers like myself! There are a couple others here now that I don't know yet.Fitbit steps 27642, floors 267(If one of my computer savvy children wanted to start a spreadsheet to add up my steps, that would be awesome!)
Date: 2018-03-18
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

Today in a nutshell-- steep down, cheese burger, steep up!Started at just over 4000 feet, dropped down to 1700 feet at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), then climbed to this shelter at 4300 feet. Coming down I saw several different types of wildflowers. The NOC is a big whitewater kayaking place that has a restaurant, an outfitter, and a small general store. I ate first. Then went to the outfitter where they have a computer set up for hikers to get their Smoky Mountain National Park pass, so I got that done. I bought a couple more snacks then headed up the mountain. It is 7 mile, 3000 feet climb. At this shelter I've completed 6 of those miles and 2300 feet of the climb.New hikers here tonight are Maverick, Zoomer, Bret, Big Boy and his brother, and a couple others whose names I didn't get. Huck and Rae are here also-- I last saw them in Hiawasse. Fitbit steps 34077,  floors 443
Date: 2018-03-19
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7

Short day today. I was hiking by 8:20, starting with a 700 foot climb to Cheoah Bald at just over 5000 feet. Mostly down hill with a few short climbs thrown in. Got to Stecoah Gap and called Lonnie. He was there to get me in about ten minutes. This hostel is a 4 bedroom house, and I have my own room. Pigweed is here, too. He is on Trail Journals also and is having some heel issues. Lonnie drove us to Bryson City to resupply. The plan for tomorrow is to slackpack to Fontana Dam. Slackpacking is hiking with just a day pack. Lonnie will pick me up, and then I will stay here again tomorrow night. Thunderstorm happening right now, so it's a good night to be inside. Fitbit steps 19780,  floors 186
Date: 2018-03-20
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: moderate rain

Today was a slackpack day. Shadow, who thru-hiked in 2016 and 2017, drove me up to Stecoah Gap. I was hiking by 8:40 and started with a good climb - then the trail got better. I was hiking in shorts and a t-shirt. I saw Bumlebee, Shivers and Katie. They had full packs, but were headed to a different hostel tonight. The forecast is for snow tomorrow, so many people are planning to zero tomorrow. I am going to zero tomorrow, also. I took a short lunch break at Cable Gap Shelter. Hiking on the ridges, I started getting views of Fontana Lake which was a TVA project. On the long, sometimes steep, descent to Fontana Dam, it started to rain. I stopped and put on my rain coat. It rained pretty hard at times. I got to the shelter about 3:45 and gave Lonnie a call. The Professor was at the shelter and gave me a beer. Three other guys were there also, so I chatted with them while waiting. Shadow showed up and drove me back to Wolf Creek Hostel. 3 new hikers here tonight, also, and nobody is hiking tomorrow.  Tomorrow's goal is to take as few steps as possible!Fitbit steps 39531,  floors 416
Date: 2018-03-21
From: Wolf Creek Hostel

To: Wolf Creek Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a true zero day. Walked to the cafe next door for breakfast and lunch. Rest of the day was sitting or laying down! For dinner we all chipped in, and Andy and Briana bought and made a pasta with meat sauce and a salad! I did start organizing my pack for tomorrow. No precipitation predicted for tomorrow, but I will probably be hiking in some snow. Everyone left here is headed out tomorrow. Spartan headed home today, he broke a small bone in his foot a couple weeks ago and has a nasty blister on one heel. Hope you heal quickly, Spartan. Fitbit steps 1589,  floors 2
Date: 2018-03-22
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

Another different kind of AT day.Started with breakfast at the cafe. Then we loaded in the van, and Shadow delivered us to our different starting points.I was dropped off at the Fontana Dam Shelter, I and walked down the road and over the dam. The sun was shining, and I could see the snow in the mountains. After crossing the dam, I entered Smoky Mountain National Park. My pack is heavy with 7 days of food loaded in it, and the trail is mostly uphill. The higher I climbed, the more snow I found. Fortunately I wasn't the first up the trail, so I had footprints to follow. There were probably 3 -5 inches of snow, but some drifts were 2 feet deep. No easy places to take breaks, so I kept hiking.When I got to Mollie Ridge Shelter, it was packed, and there were many hikers that I hadn't seen for a few days. I sat, had a snack, and then hiked on. It was another 3.3 miles to this shelter, and when I got here there was plenty of room. There are tarps across the front of the shelter and a fireplace inside. Mongo got a fire going even though the wood is damp, now there is a good bed of coals. I'm on the upper level. Three guys came in after me, and there is still room. It's 7:45 -- I am in my sleeping bag and warm!Fitbit steps 37884,  floors 584Oldest son heard the call to create a spreadsheet, adding my Fitbit steps. Here is the link:  https://docs.google.com/spread...
Date: 2018-03-23
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Derick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.0

Tough hiking today. I had hoped to get another 5.7 miles, but it was after 2:00 when I got here and I was tired. It was kind of nice to hear the young kids talk about how tough it was. The trail is still covered in snow, and the downhills are slick. Stopping early, I did get my pick of bunk space. It's now 5:15; the shelter is getting full. Forecast is for rain tomorrow, so we'll see if that's better or worse!Fitbit steps 26865    floors 342
Date: 2018-03-24
From: Derick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Another tough hiking day, so I made it a short one. It rained during the night, but there is still a lot of snow. It was slushy today instead of frozen. Foggy, windy and a little rain. I got to this shelter about 2:00 and called it a day. I got in my sleeping bag to warm up and read a little. Only 4 of us here so far, as many pushed on to get to Gatlinburg tomorrow. I plan to hike on through. It's now just after 5, dinner is eaten, food bag is hung on bear cables, and I'm toasty in my sleeping bag!Hoping for some warmer weather!Fitbit steps 19615   floors 194
Date: 2018-03-25
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: snow

Back to some more normal miles, although the trail was a mixed bag. I started with a 1100 foot climb to Clingmans Dome-- the highest point on the AT at 6643 feet. The rain last night knocked the snow back, but the trail was very wet. Up on Clingmans I was hiking in ankle deep slush, but as I came down, the trail sometimes looked like a trail! I did have my first wrong turn, went downhill then had to hike back up.Trail Magic at Newfound Gap. I had a Coke, Honey Bun, and a banana. Thanks, Tina! While enjoying the Magic I was talking to Huck and Rae, a young couple who I've been crossing paths with since before Hiawasse. They remembered that we were at the same orientation while registering for our thru-hike. They remember the ATC guy asking Julie if she had or needed her thru-hiker tag and she replied, "Oh hell no!" They thought that was pretty funny. The weather is better, and there are several section hikers at the shelter.  So I pitched my tent. Fitbit steps 39041  floors 401
Date: 2018-03-26
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the best view day yet, but it was cold again. Woke up to frozen boots - those are always fun to put on. Packed up, loaded my pockets with snacks, and started hiking. The trail looked like a trail for most of the day, but it never did warm up. The trail was graded well, and I stayed up high most of the day. I stopped at one overlook for lunch but it was cold. Got here about 3, grabbed a spot in the shelter, then cooked dinner early. It's 6:00 now, and the shelter is about full. Two spring break groups are here, one from Wisconsin and one from Brown. Cell reception is spotty here, so I haven't been able to send pictures but they will be coming. Tomorrow I'll be dropping in elevation as I get close to finishing GSMNP and hopefully finding warmer temps!Fitbit steps 32167  floors 323
Date: 2018-03-27
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road (Standing Bear Hostel)
Miles today: 18.1

It warmed up overnight. It rained some too. I started hiking a little after 8. It was foggy and damp starting out, but soon it cleared. The first half of the hike stayed high, with some good views when the fog parted. The second half was a long descent out of Smoky Mountain National Park, and spring returned! It probably got to 65 degrees. I saw many wildflowers and spring plants. Got trail magic just before crossing under I-40. Got to this hostel about 5:30. Picked up my mail drop, showered, ate a pizza, and did laundry. It's now 9pm, which is hiker midnight. I didn't sleep the best last night in the shelter as it was packed, a mouse ran by my side a couple times, and I heard that my dad was in the hospital. Glad to hear you're feeling better, Dad. Thanks to Julie and my siblings for keeping me updated. Tomorrow there will be more hiking!Fitbit steps 46290   floors 288
Date: 2018-03-28
From: Green Corner Road (Standing Bear Hostel)

To: Max Patch Bald
Miles today: 13.8

Today was a mostly uphill day. I started at about 1900 feet, and Max Patch Summit is 4629. It was a nice warm day to hike, mostly shorts and a t-shirt. A little different than just a few days ago! I keep looking for bears but haven't seen any big wildlife on this trip, yet. No water on Max Patch, so I got 2 liters from a stream before the last climb. When I got to the top, there was trail magic! Vein, who thru-hiked in 1991 and then did 1900 miles on the PCT last year, had hauled a cooler of beer, chips and hot dogs. I had a beer and chips there, then took 2 hot dogs and buns to cook for dinner. It was really windy, so several of us hiked a little down from the summit and set up camp. I'm camped with Which Way and Right Step (a couple also on Trail Journals), Close Call, and Heartburn. After eating hot dogs, Which Way and I walked back up to the summit to see the sunset. Tomorrow morning we will see the sunrise from our tents!Fitbit steps 36299  floors 601
Date: 2018-03-29
From: Max Patch Bald

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 19.6

Got up early for me. It was really windy breaking down camp, but there was a nice sunrise. The trail was good, and I was making good time - so I started thinking about making it to town. It was also warm today, had to be in the 70's. Today's hike was also mostly downhill, starting at 4600 feet and ending at 1300 feet. Of course, it's never all downhill, so there were 5 or 6 climbs thrown in!My trail legs are beginning to kick in for me. This was my longest day, we'll see if I can get out of bed tomorrow. Plan is to zero here tomorrow, then continue north on Saturday. I meet my nephew, Drew, in Damascus on April 14th which is about 175 trail miles from here. Drew plans to hike a week with me, should be a fun week!It's past hiker midnight (9pm), so I'm going to bed!Fitbit steps 49952   floors 331
Date: 2018-03-30
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Mostly lazy day today -- but this hostel is up a hill from the main street. Walked down for breakfast and then to the outfitter. Lost my town hat somewhere, so I bought another and also bought resupply food for the next 5 days. Walked back to the hostel and got my gear organized. I had a semi-private room last night, but needed to move as it was reserved. I called a bunch of places - every one was full for tonight, so I'm in the bunkhouse at the same hostel. Had dinner with Nomad tonight; he's another more mature hiker!As I was walking back to the hostel, several younger hikers were headed to town. I'm sure they'll be quiet when they get back, and I'm sure that I'll be equally quiet when I get up early tomorrow. Yesterday was very warm, so thanks for all the warm weather wishes! Today was cool and rainy, a good day for a zero.Tomorrow it's back to hiking, after one more town meal!Fitbit steps 8809  floors 21
Date: 2018-03-31
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 16.5

Another good day on the AT. Slept pretty well in the hostel, everyone was pretty quiet after 10pm. I got up about 6 and loaded up my pack. I hiked down to the diner for breakfast and was headed out of town before 8. After crossing the French Broad River on the road bridge, the trail started with switchbacks up the mountain. Always leaving town with a heavy food bag, you have to go up hill! There were areas of level trail after the climb. I really didn't know how far I'd go today, but as I hiked, I decided that I wanted to stealth camp -- find a level but not designated campsite. I crossed a road at Allen Gap and loaded up a couple quarts of water, then hiked on a couple more miles. Found this spot and set up camp. Redbird and No-Po (he broke both of his hiking poles) passed by, heading to the next shelter 3 miles away. Then Database and Smalls Too went by, headed to the same shelter. They are two young guys from Boston. I haven't seen anybody else, and it's dark now. Very peaceful evening!Highlights of the day included walking by a pond that had a vertical concrete dam which was the site of an old mill. Also I saw pairs of bluebirds, nuthatches and tufted titmouse. Spring is in the air, and after a cool start, it was a beautiful day. Fitbit steps 43169  floors 570
Date: 2018-04-01
From: Stealth Camp

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 13.7

Lazy start to my day. I heard people hiking by my tent, so I figured I should get moving. Slow going this morning, mostly uphill, and I felt tired. Stopping at the first shelter to get water, I met Sparrow there. She hadn't hiked any yet today. I came upon Trail Magic -- pop in a creek. I took that as a sign to have lunch, so I ate my pb and tortillas with my cola. Dillon and Katherine (no trail names yet) had lunch there also, and Sparrow showed up, too. Other highlights were a very rocky ridge hike with great views of NC to the east and TN to the west. Loaded up with water at the last shelter, climbed Big Butt Mountain, then ended up at this campsite. Two section hiking women, Giggles and Gypsy Bean, are here also. Gypsy Bean hadn't built a fire until 4 days ago, but she built a good one tonight.Time to crash!Happy Easter everyone!Fitbit steps 34563   floors 453