morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Justus creek

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 10.6

Stayed at Jarrard gap due to bear warnings and camping prohibitions. Brandon from Maine and Dave from Fl camped with me. We woke up to find our food bags raided and the 4" branch from a living tree broken on the ground. The bear was very efficient and ate everything. Luckily, it was only 5.7 miles to Neels Gap to resupply and replace food and dry bag. Hot shower, biscuit sandwiches and ice cream had me ready for another Day of hiking.
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Whitley gap shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Made it to the shelter before my legs died. Spent the evening with Doug "Doughnut" and a father son combo (Pokey and Billy Goat). They were great company and good sports about my snoring. I saw a huge owl that posed for a picture right on the side of the trail. Good day of hiking, but it felt better to stop.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Whitley gap shelter

To: Blue mountain shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm at the blue mountain shelter with a whole host of characters. Mudpuddle, Gardener, icebeard, bob, Free, and Brian. Plenty of laughs. I've noticed a trail community starting to coalesce now that most have been on the trail for a few days. It is nice. I'll cowboy it tonight as there is a low chance of rain and I don't wish to annoy fellow hikers.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Blue mountain shelter

To: Deep gap shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day of hiking in the rain. I made it down to Unicoi Gap before the drizzle started. Half way up Rocky mountain, the rain really got going. At three- quarters the way up , the lightning got intense. I stopped for two minutes before I got chilled, so I kept on. After I rounded the top and was on my way down, I was pressed back by a very close lightning strike that compressed my chest before I heard and saw it. Maybe 30 yes away... That will put a little hop in your step. I was down the slope back into the rhododendron before the adrenaline subsided. The rest of the day was relatively uneventful. Longest day yet. Hiawassee tomorrow to resupply, launder, shower and eat. I'm loving this hike.
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Deep gap shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 3.7

I made it in to the Blueberry Patch hostel early this morning. Gary picked Free and I up from Dick's Creek gap as he dropped off the folks that stayed there yesterday. Today is a needed rest day for me. I got a needed shower and clean clothes. Gardner and Inchworm showed up just in time for the shuttle. We got dropped off at the post office where I sent home my extra fleece jacket and other clothes. We hit Daniel's Steak House for the AYCE mid-day special ($6.40 after tax - drink included). I stuffed myself before hitting the local grocery store for a food resupply. I'm typing from the local library. Hiawasee is a very hiker-friendly town and worth taking my first off-trail night. I plan to hike 12.2 miles tomorrow to Muskrat Shelter... So Geogia should be done by the end of tomorrow.-Grimey
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Rock Gap

To: Wayah shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Cowboy camping under clear skies after a long day on sore feet. Easy resupply in Franklin. Reggie gave us a two-way hitch into town for resupply and back. Long climb to the rock tower, but the view was worth it. Free (hippie friend Scott) was almost killed by a car at winding stair gap. A lady ran off the road and right of the guard rail into the grassy spot where we were eating. Missed Free by a foot as she passed at over 50 mph. Close call. Civilization can be really dangerous! Back to the woods.
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Wayah shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Pushed into the NOC for pizza, beer, hot shower, clean laundry, and a bed. Good day. Sunny and warm today. I'm feeling stronger muscle-wise, but the pounding on my feet is bothering me. I'll take a short day tomorrow climbing to the next shelter (Sassafrass).
Date: 2011-04-27
From: Brown fork shelter

To: Fontana Hilton shelter 
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

An easy day to breeze into Fontana Dam. The winds were cool and at my back all day.   As I coasted into town at 1:40. The short hitch into town was easy. It was nice to get the mail package that Meg and JB sent me. I now have enough food to get tthough the Smokeys... And probably way past Hot Springs. The climb tomorrow will be a long one.
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Fontana Hilton shelter 

To: Spence field shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

The climb out of Fontana Dam wasn't too steep...just long. Since it was cloudy/misty and cold, I made great time. I bypassed Shuckstack Tower due to the clouds. I saw a bald eagle- which was cool.Tonight at the shelter: Deadman, Hollywood, Saunter, Harmony, Katie, Red Moose, Toto, Spider, Balloonatic, and more.Ate two dinners.
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Spence field shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was supposed to be a slightly shorter day of only 13.5 miles. These were the hardest 13.5 miles yet. Steep ups and downs over loose rocky terrain shattered any hope of developing a good pace. Feet sore. Cold night. It was nice to have a fire in the shelter.I've started eating double lunches and dinners due to hunger... Food won't last long if this keeps up.At the shelter: Tabitha (Habitat), Chuckwagon, Chow-hound, Driftwood, Cheetah, Harmony, Katie, Lulu, Saunter, Buckeye, Slo-Joe.
Date: 2011-04-30
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter w/Gatlinburg hitch
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Got up extra early to see the sunrise at Clingman's dome. Still missed it by 20 minutes, but it was nice anyhow. Got some decent pictures. Got an awesome hitch into Gatlinburg Food City courtesy of Will from New York. Got shopping done and then caught trolley to the Shoney's AYCE breakfast. Sat w/Saunter, Driftwood, and Tabitha... we ate way too much... and it was good. Walked to the NOC for a cold shower, and quick rinse of my clothes. Then I caught a great hitch with a nice young woman and her 21 month old daughter (Danielle and Ashlea from Rochester) back up to Newfound Gap. I hiked the 3 plus miles to the shelter where I shared the 12pk of Fat Tire (in cans) that I had muled in. (Note to self: Please eat BEFORE going shopping next time.)Lots of people there and the ridge runner. New people tonight: BamBam, Oatmeal, Scooter, Penguin, Reese, Cottonmouth, Tugboat, and two really nice older section hikers from KY. (Winchester and Inez)
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Icewater Spring Shelter w/Gatlinburg hitch

To: Cosby Knob shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Another record day!Plus I passed the 10% trail completed mark....and Charlie's Bunion was magnificent! What an absolutely beautiful place.My feet are a bit sore from all the downhills and rocks, but tomorrow is a short day into Standing Bear Farm.Met Goodlife, Toto, Saunter, Tugboat, BamBam, Cyclone, Sherlock, SASS and more at the shelter tonight.
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Cosby Knob shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Awesome short day. Feet felt great. Goodlife gave me $20 to buy beer for the crew. I got a shower, and my clothes are clean. I'll stay here tonight, and figure out what to do tomorrow.I've been contemplating how to make it to Damascus for trail days, and also have enough time to take some "zeros" with the family. Through the Smokies, I was missing them when my phone ran out of juice. Since I've hiked this section from Davenport Gap to Erwin, I'm thinking of getting a shuttle up the trail to both make it to Damascus in time, and have some cushion for rest days later.Tonight I'll charge my phone and camera batteries, and recharge my body. Tomorrow, I will figure it out.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Curly Maple Shelter
Miles today: 85.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I made an important decision to hitch the section I had already done down here. This puts me on good timing to reach Damascus for Trail Days, and more importantly, gives me some buffer to take some zeros with the family. I hitched 100.7 trail miles today in three hitches. First, Blaine picked me up at I-40 and got me to Ashville on his way to a new job at Boeing in Charlotte. Then Michael and Sara ( Living in van) picked me up and took me into downtown Erwin for the price of gas. Then I did my computer business at the Erwin library. I got a great lunch at Hawgs and Dawgs (former site of Erwin Burrito) and then I walked to the IGA. leaving the IGA after resupplying, I got picked up by 94 years old "Catfish" Masters. He drove both sides of the road, and told great stories. Other than the occasional near-miss, I would have loved talking to him some more. I started hiking to the selter when it started to rain. I got soaked, but there was room in the shelter for me.
Date: 2011-05-04
From: Curly Maple Shelter

To: Cherry Gap
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Not a long day hiking. It was very cold. There was sleet and Ice coming over Unaka Mtn. I got great trail-magic from Freight Train's mama.... Fresh strawberries, veggies, dip, soda, etc. It is very cold, and everyone is in the shelter in their bags early.Tonight in shelter: Cheesebeard, Matt, Mike, Can Opener, Trudge and Eureka.Did I mention it was very cold?
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Cherry Gap

To: Roan High knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Cold Morning, but good hiking. I recieved trail majic from Mango (J. Moody) at the first road crossing. He had awesome trail magic. Beers, sodas, Snacks, Water, bananas, alcohol, and most importantly... toilet paper! I was almost out, so the timing was perfect.The climb up Roan was tough and at the end of my day. Nice crowd at the shelter though. Another cold night. I was thankful for the 4 walls.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Roan High knob Shelter

To: Apple house Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

What beautiful balds today! Hump Mountain was beautiful. Had to hike in drizzle and clouds for a little while, but it got warmer as I descended into Apple House. I had a total of 5 easy hitches into and out of towns today. I resupplied, ate at Bob's DairyBarn, and got a ride back to the trail. From there I went to J's for pizza, then to the Beer store and back to J's and then back to the trail. I arrived before dark with hot pizza for Tinman and DVD, and cold beers for everyone else. Met DVD, Tin Man, Shaka, Superman, 4 trees, and Sticks.
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Apple house Shelter

To: Moreland Gap shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

18.9 miles and lots of nice trail. I tried a new backpacking diet today...Since I had 10 beers left this morning, I decided that beer would be a good backpacking food... Lot's of calories, and clean water. I figured the "Banquet Beer" would do me well, so I started my day with a beer, and everytime I was hungry, or thirsty, I'd have another one. I made it to the Mountaineer shelter by my 7th beer... not too shabby. I could have gone further then, but I stopped to talk to people, and a steady stream of folks came in. I had drank the last before I left the shelter, so I started eating regular food then. It was a good experiment. I won't likely do it again, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it could turn out. Lots of nice waterfalls today.
Date: 2011-05-08
From: Moreland Gap shelter

To: Kincora
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

Short day. Easy hitches into and out of town for Mothers' Day. Ate at a Pizza Buffet and made my calls to family. I got food, shower, clean clothes and hung out with a lot of nice folks at Bob Peoples' place. It was all good.I was the Chess champion as well. I lost one out of three to Pigpen, and won all the rest of my matches against others.
Date: 2011-05-09
From: Kincora

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

I ran out of water late in the day. I hiked 3.5 miles without... boy was that spring a relief. Daydreamer shared food and Chuck shared water, so I had it easy in camp. What a great view off of the ridge. Watugua Lake was pretty. I'm looking forward to doing a shorter day tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

It made it to the shelter by 2:00 and decided to call it a day due to the pending thunderstorms. Boy was I glad I stopped. We got three waves of storm that was pretty fierce. Tonight at the shelter: Grapevine, CrazyLegs, Moose, Turtlefeet and son, and the late entry was Kitchen Sink. Met Circuit rider and Sherlock during the day. While searching for the spring, I found a food cache ( somebody lost a food bag) and was happy to share the treats with the others at the shelter. Yummy!
Date: 2011-05-11
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Campsite 2 miles South of Damascus
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a nice walk to today's campsite. I set up my tarp to protect against the pending thunderstorm (that never came)that we could hear coming closer. Hot humid evening with lots of bugs. I'm ready to swith to my hammock.Crossed into Virginia today! Three states down!
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Campsite 2 miles South of Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: broken clouds

I got showered early. Ate a big blueberry pancake breakfast at Cowboy's. Got my laundry done, and now I'm doing my business in town. Post office didn't have my package, so it it good I'm staying a day. Lots of familiar faces here in town. It is kind of fun walking down the street having people call out your name and waving.Now to commence to eating again....
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Trail days is fun. I got my shoes glued, and pack repaired for free. Lots of free food and nic-nacs. Shirts, towels, etc. Plenty of beer at the local bar. Lots of hiker trash roaming the town. Tomorrow will be enough for me, so I'm going to take advantage of this for the rest of the day, and then start walking again... after the parade.I got free socks and a spork from the Damascus 1st Baptists. They are really pulling ahead in the "christians for hikers" competition. Add to this the free 'home-cooked' meal, showers, internet, and prayers... Well, let's just say they brought their "a"-game. The other churches are no slouches though... I got a hand-knit hat - made by real 80 year-old church ladies of Kempville Baptist. It came with free hugs and a cookie. The Methodists are housing me. I just wish there was a Catholic church in these parts...I'd really like to see some free beer.Ohh... about that free beer... I still had the $20 that GoodLife gave me back at Davenport Gap. I found Saunter and STAS and we shared beers. Paid for by GoodLife. I think can handle this sponsored thing. Thanks GoodLife!I've ran into a lot of people that I've hiked with over the past month, and it has been fun. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for the RR&T guys, and trying to find other Cincinnatians.
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Damascus

To: Camp 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed around for the hiker parade - which was the town's way of giving us a free shower. It was basically a big water fight between the town and the hikers. Lots of fun. Hiked out of town after the hiker parade. Made it 12 miles in the rain before I ran out of light.
Date: 2011-05-20
From: Camp

To: Camp at Dismal Falls
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Met up with Jim and Dave at Helvey Mill Shelter. We hiked a long day through the woods to have an awesome camp along side of Dismal falls. My first trail visitors were game for a long day. We had "foil burgers", beer, and Marshmallows around the fire.
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Camp at Dismal Falls

To: Woods Hole / Pearisburg
Miles today: 12.9

Dave, Jim and I hiked to Woods Hole and then drove into Pearisburg. Got a cheap hotel, and had great Mexican food. I REALLY needed a shower and laundry as it had been over 8 days without... It was a good day to cut it short a bit, as i was feeling the effects of several long days.
Date: 2011-05-24
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: moderate rain

I saw my first bear today! It was a cub about 10 yards down the trail from me. I froze as it took off quickly into the woods. I looked for Mama, but never saw her, so I kept hiking after a few minutes of catching my breath. I'm not sure who was more startled. I joined the group heading into the Homeplace restraunt on Thursday. I needed to slow down for a few days anyhow, as my feet are not too happy after long days.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Camp by 624

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

The Home Place was awesome! 24 well behaved hikers tore it up there. Short day finishing up at McAfee Knob in time for the sunset. Got my hammock set up before the storms rolled in. Stayed reasonably dry...just a little misting, but I was warm enough.
Date: 2011-05-27
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville HoJo
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Shared a room with GPS, Snake Farm/Mel, and Almost There. I got new shoes, and a new shirt at the outfitters. I then went to Krogers then Three Little Pigs Barbeque for great beer, and great food. Too many drinks last night, but good time all the same.
Date: 2011-05-28
From: Daleville HoJo

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

I made it out of town with a heavy pack... and maybe a little hung-over from the previous night's festivities. A throng of hikers doing shots isn't always pretty... but it was entertaining. Three beers for the road (left-over) + new shirt + new shoes + full load of food + late start = short day.
Date: 2011-05-29
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Great day complete with a long swim at the swimming hole. Went into the campground for Bacon cheeseburgers, soda, and ice cream. At the shelter: Vista, Frodo, Brazil Nut, GPS, Snake Farm, Lady Sherpa, Coyote, Steamer, Marathon, and Thimble.Nice to get back to a full day.
Date: 2011-05-30
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Glasgow, Va
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: few clouds

Long Day. Saw my first rattlesnake today - and it was a big one. Sonic gave me a beer at Matt's Creek shelter. Good Hiking and talking w/Vista. Cold shower at the Glasgow shelter was refreshing. Met: Firestarter, Rainbow, Sundance Kid, PaceMaker, A1, Hot Sauce, Trapper, Lost, and the infamous Mr. Black. I was invited to slack-pack tomorrow, so this will be another first. It is supposed to be 96 degrees and humid, so 22.5 miles up and down some serious inclines without a pack is appealing.
Date: 2011-05-31
From: Glasgow, Va

To: Buena Vista, Va (Reversed due to slack)
Miles today: 22.5

Hot Humid 96 degree day. My feet are still sore even though I didn't carry a full pack. It was fun passing everyone I had been hiking with going southbound. I definitely got more miles than I would have with a loaded pack....and another cold shower to end the day.
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Buena Vista, Va 

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: few clouds

A tough start to the day. Going uphill after two pints of milk and 6 ice-cream sandwiches was not good for my insides. A lactose bomb. The fact that it was 11:00 and 90plus degrees with high humidity and the dairy was added to the two sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits already in my belly, was not any help.The bugs were annoying and biting. Arrgggh! (in my best Charlie Brown impression)Spy Rock was awesome. I also ended up doing my first night hiking of this trip to get into the Priest Shelter. I just ran out of daylight. I also was able to get cell signal for a while.My right calf is sore for some reason. No swelling, just pain. I know it isn't a bone or joint issue... I'm hoping a little rest and stretching fixes it. Too many people are breaking down right now, and I don't want to be the next one.I met Squeaky, Double Check, One-Step, and Sparky at the Seely-Woodward Shelter.
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Priest Shelter

To: Waynesboro (Dripping Rock BRP)
Miles today: 15.6

The day started out cool and windy. I struck camp at 6:30 and then had breakfast. I hiked out and down the mountain for a mile before I realized I had gone the wrong way! The night hike the evening before meant, I didn't recognize my error until I got to the road crossing where Squeaky stayed. My Calf was really sore today, and it got worse on the 7 miles early in the day. I ended up hitching into Waynesboro to rest my calf.   While I was showering at the YMCA, someone stole my wallet. I only had about $30 in cash, but having now money, ID, or Credit Card really sucked. I filed a police report, and called my bank to get a new card expedited to me right away.   I got a package from the post office from my aunt and uncle that had cash, food, and socks in it. What great timing!   I set-up in the YMCA camp area which was nice (and free)   Today I met: Tiger Bones, Red Eyes, Ketchup and his dog Rebel, Spring.
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Waynesboro (YMCA)

To: Same
Miles today: 0.0

I took my second zero today. Kristen wired me some money. I ate at the Ming AYCE Chinese buffet...It was a gluttonous feast! I took a nap and then Red Eyes and I went to Kroger and bought all the supplies and fixins for a grill-out (Rib-eye, potatoes, Mushrooms, Charcoal, case of Yuengling, watermelon, onion, etc...) It was another great feast. Spring brought strawberries, blueberries, and whipcream for dessert.   I won at chess again.
Date: 2011-06-04
From: Waynesboro (YMCA)

To: Calf Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a late start out of town. My new CC didn't show up at the YMCA before 4:30pm like I was promised. I called and made different arrangements before leaving town. I walked to the Tastee Freeze for an early dinner and a shake for the road. I hitched to fairly close to the trailhead where I met a few motorcyclists taking a break. I talked with them for about 30 minutes about the AT. They were impressed, and had lots of questions. It was clear to me, that they would not likely ever set foot on the trail. As I walked to the shelter in the evening, I saw several large deer. I made it to the shelter just before I would need a headlamp.At the Shelter: Oggie, Lady Pants, Hoop, Shuffle and Dash, Tip Toe, Red Eyes, NeatHawk, Goldie, and some others.I'm now in the Shenandoah National Park. My calf was still "twingy" today.
Date: 2011-06-05
From: Calf Mtn Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: broken clouds

Another Marathon day! 26.2 miles. My calf felt fine. Oggie and I hiked together for most of the day. Having someone to talk with sometimes is nice, and it helps the time go by also. We met up with Goldie at the Loft Mtn Campground and drank several reasonably priced beers together. I had my bottle of Dr, Bonners peppermint soap open up in my pack and leak over everything. No wonder my back-side was so tingly today. I washed everything out at the campground store. I then met Oggie and Ladypants at the wayside for dinner. As Oggie and I left the wayside, we saw a large bear in the woods below us. It was neat to see it at a distance. We made it to the shelter a little before dark where I bathed in the stream. I met: Dutch, Ol' Hickory, and BeBop at the shelter.
Date: 2011-06-06
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Hut.
Miles today: 20.6

Decent day, except the last 4 miles my calf (right) was sore again. Hiked w/ Oggie for a second day. Dutch shared a beer cache with us at South River Picnic area. Later we made it to the Lewis Mtn. campstore, for food and beer.Met Goldylocks (15) and Forrest (13) Popins came into the shelter late.
Date: 2011-06-07
From: Bearfence Hut.

To: Byrds Nest #3
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Good day, and my leg felt good. Ate a big breakfast at Big Meadows wayside, and then great weather and views as we hiked to Skyland. I met up with Goldie and Vista before heading to the Dining lodge with Goldie for some nice beers. While at Skyland, a group of newer backpackers 'chatted us up' and ended up providing us with some fresh fruit and food.It was a good day complete with a beautiful sunset at the Byrds nest.