morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Going to call today a nero zero day. Wobbles and I actually hiked about 1/2 a mile to get to the gap making it a nero but we got to Hiamwassee so early it was like a zero day.Couldn't get a room right away, so we went to breakfast. I had 3 eggs over easy with 2 sausage patties, home fries, toast and grits. For dessert I had 2 pancakes with bacon and a glass of milk. We then got our room and took our showers, did laundry and I uploaded the trail journal. Then went shopping and to the post office for my mail drops then back to the post office to mail my bounce box ahead. Then I repacked everything and weighed it. My pack weight is down to 33 pounds. Just about where I want it with all my food and water.We then headed to Daniels Steakhouse and I had a 14 oz ribeye with baked potato, texas toast and salad bar. Looks like that will have to hold me over until Gatlinburg. It's going to be trail food for a while.It's late and I have to get up early to eat breakfast, go to the outfitter and catch the 9:00 a.m. shuttle back to the trail. Have fun everyone!
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Had a great breakfast at the diner and headed for the trail head at Dick's Creek Gap. Started hiking in great weather. Then around noon the rain came along with the lightning. Couldn't really get up and over the mountain because there was no down. We climbed almost the entire day. It rained until we got to the shelter. It stopped for a little bit to get my tent set up. It stopped again before sunset and a few of us went to check out where a small plane had crashed some time ago. A little Cessna. The wreckage was spread out. It was sad because no one could have survived it. We did leave Georgia and entered North Carlina today. That and getting to the shelter were the best things. Time to call it a night.
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

What a difference from yesterday. Had to pack up everything wet. Tent was muddy and gear was wet. A mouse chewed a hole in the top section of my pack. Should have left it unzipped. The terrain today was great. When we were heading into Deep Gap some boyscouts said there was trail magic of donuts at the bottom. When we got there it was a lot more than donuts. The trail angels were Freight Train and Plan B. 2011 thru hikers. There was fruit and cookies and hamburgers and hot dogs and soda and beer for all the hikers. Man, the food was great. Then up we went to the top of Standing Indian Mt. It was our highest yet at 5498 ft. Easy climb up as it was very gradual. Great sight at the summit where we met Plan B's parents. The descent was just as gradual which made today as one of the best so far. That's all for today.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Another phenomenal day. Great terrain. Got to climb Albert Mt. Last time I did it I was in a lot of pain and it was rainy & foggy. This time it was a beautiful day. The views were great at the top of the fire tower. Got some great pics. Three of us climbed together. Wobbles, Stephanie (CV) and myself. By getting to the fire tower we reached the 100 mile mark. Got to the shelter at 2:45 which was an hour sooner than we thought. We reassesed our food situation and decided we can maybe make it to the NOC center without stopping into Franklin. Hoping to do 14 miles tomorrow. Take care everyone.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Burning Town Gap
Miles today: 18.4

Got up, had breakfast and hit the trail at 8:30. Thinking 12 miles maybe 14. We had 2 1000-plus foot climbs today. The first was Siler Bald. The A.T. only goes to 5012 Feet but we dropped our packs and walked up to the summit which is 5256 Feet. Got some great pics and video. Had our lunch and continued on. Our next big climb was Wayah Bald. This one stands at 5342 Ft. There is a stone tower where I got some great pics also. I could see Clingman's Dome which I will be climbing in a week or so. We got to the shelter and it was packed so we decided to go 1.3 miles further and realized the water source was 1/2 a mile off the trail so we decided to come here. We stopped at the stream to get water and Sunshine walked up and said there was trail magic at the gap. When we got there the food was all gone so we set up camp, ate, and now I am off to bed.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Burning Town Gap

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Up and on the trail at 8:10. Had a series of short ups and downs this morning then a drop of 1100 ft. into Telico Gap. We then climbed up to Wesser Bald and went up to the observation deck. A little too hazy but still cool. We stopped to get water at the cistern and went to Wesser Bald Shelter for lunch. Wobbles leg is hurting but we decided to go to this shelter which meant a 2000 ft drop. Just as we left we could hear thunder. We were on the ridge line for a long time. Luckily the storms stayed away until we got here and it started to rain and the lightning was on top of us. Then the hail, about marble size started to come down. Just 3 of us here tonight. Me, Wobbles, and Day Pack who is on his 2nd thru hike and third trip on the A.T. Well, off to fight the spiders, good night.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, so much for a nero zero day. Got to N.O.C., had breakfast and found out that all the lodging was booked for the next 4 days so we resupplied the best we could and headed here. We climbed a total of 3000 ft. today over a 6 mile stretch. Most of it was okay but there was some steep parts to it. Actually it was a blessing that the N.O.C. was booked as I found out the P.O. at Fontana Dam isn't open on Saturdays. So we will get there early Friday and rest up some before we hit the Smokey Mountain National Park. Looks like after tomorrow the weather should be fabulous. Wobbles leg felt better today but we were going uphill all day. After the disappointment at N.O.C. the rest of the day has been great. Got here at 3:00 p.m. and are sharing the shelter with 2 mothers and 4 kids and a father son team from Washington (the state) thru hiking. Got a fire going and just relaxing. Hope you all had a great day also.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Unknown loction
Miles today: 17.3

Started out on the trail at 7:10. was planning on staying at the shelter but pushed on to here instead. There is a group of hikers known as the Wolf Pack that we have caught up with. Great bunch of peple but they have later hours than most of us. We hit all kinds of terrain today from smooth areas to rooty areas to walking on large rocks. We also had some real easy climbs and descents along with some real steep ones. The steepest climb had to be Jacob's Ladder. It almost whooped us but we did conquer it. When I get home I will write Congress and see about putting in some escalators at some of these insane climbs. We had great weather this morning, then rain early afternoon, then more sunshine, then more rain and now at sunset it is great again. We can see Fontana Lake from here but not the dam. Will be there tomorrow morning. We will finally get showers and laundry done. Will pick up mail drop and send off these journal entries. Hope all is well.
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Unknown loction

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Great short day. Got up early to dense fog and had a short climb. After that it was all downhill to the Fontana Dam Marina. Got real clear on our way down and was able to get some good pics of the dam. We left the marina and climbed up to the shelter a little over a mile away where we set up our tents and got showers. Yes there are hot showers at this shelter. We ran into Dewey (Tyler) who we hadn't seen in a few days. Then we went into the village to do laundry and pick up my mail drop. Weather has been great. The night was a disappointment as the Wolf Pack partied until 12:45 am. They are losing respect with the hiker community as they show no consideration for those of us trying to sleep. Too bad, because as individuals they are great but together they just don't care about others. That's all for tonight.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero Day. A day of rest and relaxation. Went to town this morning and had ice cream for breakfast followed by two honey buns and a chocolate milk. A little later we went to lunch and I had a fried fish Po-Boy sandwich. We then headed back to the shelter area and I took a nap. Then got up and took a shower, man does that feel good to do, and went through my stuff to try to lighten my load. A woman came by with 3 pizzas, some Easter candy and a 12 pack of beer for someone, and they weren't here so she gave us one of the pizza's which we shared with High Life and Red Fury as we were the only ones here at the time. The other people did finally show up and get their trail magic. Several hikers are showing up now so I think I am going to go socialize. Take care everyone. We enter the Smokies tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Easter everyone! I had a great day. Left Fontana Dam at 8 am and started our climb into the Smokey Mt. National Park. Climb wasn't too bad. Went up the ranger tower on Shuckstack Mt. and got some great views. Took a video from the tower. God has been real good to me as far as giving me good weather to see what I missed two years ago due to the weather. Had my first fall today. Not bad though. Ended up on my back looking up like a turtle stuck upside down. Luckily Wobbles was there to help me out. Decided to stay at this shelter instead of the next one. CV (Stephanie) is here not feeling well. Hopefully it isn't bad. Will try a nero into Gatlinburg on Wednesday. That's all I got for today. Goodnight.
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

It was cold this morning. Wore my fleece jacket and pants for the first time. Left the shelter at 8:20 am fully clothed. After 20 minutes I shed my two top layers which left me in my sleveless shirt. I waited until we got three miles to shed my fleece pants. It was a challenging day with many ups and downs. My shoulder was pretty sore this morning from yesterday's fall but feels pretty good right now. I think it will be stiff again tomorrow though. I was over 5,000 feet several times today including Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mtns., Cold Spring Knob and Silers Bald. Found out today that my water pump will be in Gatlinburg on Wednesday which I am so happy to have as I hate using the iodine tablets. Thank you so much Donald and Bernie. It's getting cold so I am already in my tent warming up. Will be colder in the morning but we have a short day so I will stay in here until around 9 am. Have a good night.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

Woke up and it was cold again. Didn't wear my fleece this time because I knew I would warm up fast. Hit 200 miles today. Got to Clingman's Dome and got a couple of pics. Went back to the bottom of the tower and started eating lunch. Then it started snowing. After I left we got more snow, then sleet, then hail. We got to this shelter and ate our first dinner then collected fire wood. We thought this shelter would be empty being 1/2 mile off of the trail but we are packed. Got a fire going in the fireplace and am getting ready to crawl into my sleeping bag. Goodnight.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: New Found Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was literally freezing this morning. The muddy messes on the trail were frozen solid. The springs that seep slowly were also frozen. Got up, skipped breakfast and headed out for our nero day. Nice hiking even though it was cold. Got to the gap and found out the shuttle was not running today. So four of us stuck out our thumbs and the first car that came by stopped and packed all 4 of us, Wobble, Red Fury, High Life and myself and all 4 packs into his little Volvo. He dropped us off at the outfitter and we went to the Grand Prix Motel and checked in. Then Wobbles and I went to breakfast where I had 2 eggs w/steak, 3 pancakes, 3 french toast, grits, milk, & tea. Then headed back to the motel to get my shower and start laundry. Getting ready to go shopping. More to come later.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: New Found Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

First off let me finish with yesterday. After mailing my journal I found out that Passionflower and Sparky were in town and that it was Sparky's birthday. Passionflower stayed at the Grand Prix and Sparky was with his brothers. Passionflower and I went to get lunch and just before dark we went for icecream. They had to go back to Clingman's Dome this morning putting them 1/2 a day behind me and Wobbles. Today we started at noon from Newfound Gap and had a fairly easy day. We went to Charlie's Bunion and got some great pics. Still walked on ice all day. Seen some other great views on the way to the shelter. When we got there we ate dinner and got firewood. With the temps in the 30"s we have a good fire. The shelters in the Smokies have fireplaces. We have been running into a father and son section hikers Jim and Joe so we are calling them Team J.J. It's great talking with them. It's cold and I am beat so off to bed I go.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Cold again this morning but not as bad as he last few days. Only a couple of spots with ice. Hit the trail at 8:20 and it was here where we ran into the Wolf Pack and found out they were only going to the next shelter. I decided to stay here and make it a short day. Wobbles went on through. I might catch him in Hot Springs. This gave me a chance to let Sparky and Passionflower catch up to me. I also was able to get a lot of firewood and to sew up my shoulder strap on my backpack. I found out that Passionflower and Sparky will be here soon. The German couple just came in also. I am going to cook dinner and get a fire started. See you later.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Not much happening today. We (Passionflower, Sparky and I) did a long day but the terrain was probably the easiest so far. It's nice hiking with Passionflower as we hike the same pace. Sparky is faster but we all end up at the same place. Ran into a group of scouts and one of them fell and cut the back of his head. It looked like he will be OK as the Scout Masters had everything under control. Will be leaving Smokey Mt. National Park in the morning. Will be nice to camp anywhere we want. Had dinner and getting ready to relax.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 13.4

What a day. I said Goodbye to the Smokeys and crossed over Pigeon River. Crossed under I-4, then climbed for 6 miles gaining 2,800 feet of elevation. When we got to the top of Snowbird Mt. we had lunch at the T.A.A. Tower. We then dropped down to the next shelter and made the decision to come here. It's nice to be in my tent again. A lot of people here with the Wolf Pack at about 15 people plus 3 others and Sparky, Passionflower, Snail, & Turtle (The German Couple) and myself. Had dinner and am in my tent ready for bed. Easier day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Brown Gap

To: Catpen Gap
Miles today: 11.6

Got off to a fast start. Did 3.5 miles in 1 1/2 hours. I was on top of Max Patch, which is a huge bald, all by myself. It was cool being there and having it all to myself. Once Sparky & Passionflowergot there we took a few pictures and left. It was so windy we didn't stay long. The terrain was real good today, got here at 3:30 and got plenty of rest. Snail and Turtle showed up around 4:30 and camped here also. They are the German couple I have mentioned earlier. They are such an inspiration. They have kept up the whole time. We are having fun with them. We are learning a little German and they are improving with their English. Into Hot Springs tomorrow and a zero on Wednesday. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, and french toast, steak and ice cream here I come. Also a shower and a little laundry. Might do a little slack pack on Wednesday also. That's all, out of paper.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Catpen Gap

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up at 5:30 this morning and was on the trail at 6:08. Wanted to make sure I beat the rain. It was so foggy I could barely see the trail. I passed where the Wolf Pack camped out and didn't even know it until I hit the top of Bluff Mt. I stopped about 7 miles into the hike for breakfast which consisted of 2 packets of hot chocolate, 1 packet of Carnation instant breakfast & I got the last of my honey out of the jar. When I hit town at 10:45 I had 1/2 tsp of black pepper and 1/2 oz. of hot sauce left in my food bag. I stopped at Smokey Mt. Diner and ordered 2 breakfast plates and a tall glass of milk. As I was heading to the P.O. I ran into C.V. and she told me that Wobbles was at the outfitter and was getting ready to hit the trail. I went down there and missed him by 3 minutes. I got my water pump at the outfitter and headed to the P.O. but it was closed for lunch. I then got my tent spot at the campground, got set up and did my laundry and picked up my mail drops. Got back to camp and I met someone who lives on 102nd in Naples Park. What are the chances? Another camper then gave me a big thick hamburger which was delicious. I went to the store and bought a chocolate milk, 2 Dr Peppers, 2 Reeses, 2 Honey Buns, 2 cookies and a fresh baked cheesecake brownie. I am now in my tent writing this and listening to the rain. Have a good night.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Got up and went to breakfast with Passionflower and her boyfriend, Chris, Sparky and his wife Janet and Snail and Turtle. Snail gave me a funny look when I ordered my 4 eggs, 4 toast, side of bacon, side of sausage and 4 French toast with a huge glass of milk. I then went back to the campground and talked with Warren who lives on 102nd. It's a small world. The rain that started at 3:00 PM yesterday finally stopped at about 1 PM today. I then took my journal entries to the PO along with my bounce box. I hung around town for a while eating ice cream and talking to other hikers. I had a nice fire going tonight and am going to bed late. It's about 9 pm, late night for a hiker.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

Got a late start out of Hot Springs, left about 9:30. Some great rivers leaving as the sun started to come out. Took several pics on the way out also. Didn't see many people today. Ran into some section hikers that seen me when I crossed I-40 a few days ago. I also met a thru hiker from 1993. His trail name is Homeward Bound and he told me to give him a call when I get near Delaware Water Gap. Got to this shelter at about 7:15 pm and set up my tent in the shelter thinking no one else would show up. But lo and behold, Delaware, Whistle Tits and three others showed up. It's been a long day so I am going to cut this short.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mt Shelter
Miles today: 12.7

Another late start at about 9am. The hike up Firescald Knob was great and the view was even better. Then came the descent and I didn't remember it being so challenging. It was real interesting. Came across a memorial where a 1968 thru hiker's ashes were placed. There were also several other memorials before that one and a gravesite from the 1800's (see pictures). The hike yesterday took a lot of goodie out of me so took a short day. Lots of rain and thunderstorms forecasted for tomorrow. Hoping for 15 miles tomorrow and 15 on Sunday. We will see. I am off to bed. I am about 2 1/2 days behind my 2010 schedule which is just fine with me. Goodnight.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Flint Mt Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

The forecast for today was showers by 10 am and thunderstorms by 1 pm so I put on my pack cover when I left the shelter at 7:20. I knew I was going to get wet. 10 o'clock rolled around and no rain. 1 o'clock rolled around and still no rain. I can't believe I stayed dry all day. I seen some of the greenest forest floor yet and got to see a couple of nice grassy areas also. As I crossed I-26 at Sam's Gap I was looking forward to getting rid of my trash as there are garbage cans there but to my suprise there were a couple cooking hamburgers and hot dogs with all of the fixings. And if that wasn't enough there was Kennedy and Buddah with Kennedy's parents with more trail magic of fresh fruit, cookies, and soda. Unfortunately I had a big lunch which I rarely do so I couldn't eat as much as I wanted. People on the trail are some of the greatest. Decided to stay here in the Gap due to it sprinkling. 15 more miles tomorrow then a 6 mile nero into Erwin on Monday. Heard from Wobbles last night and he said he was calling it quits. So he is heading home to Seattle. Said he was homesick. Best of luck to you Wobbles. I will keep in touch. Off to bed, it's getting dark.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Low Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to rain so had to pack up a wet tent. It rained all day long. I got to Big Bald and it was a total white out. Foggy and rainy all day. Oh, and I almost forgot it was cold. Just before I got to the shelter the sun came out for a whole 2 minutes and it started to rain harder. The shelter is packed and people are wet and cold trying to set up their tents. I am buried deep in my sleeping bag staying warm. I will say goodnight for now.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

Woke to freezing temps. Was first one out of the shelter at 7 am. Got about 1/2 mile into the trail and the sleet started followed by snow shortly afterward. It snowed all the way to Uncle Johnny's Hostel. When I got here I found out that there were no bunks available so I got on a list just in case. Then a cabin opened up so I grabbed it but was told I would have to find a roommate which was easy becasue Kentucky showed up looking for a place so I asked her if she was interested and she said yes. Later her friend Yeti called and needed space too so we told her that she and her dog could stay with us. I reserved the cabin for tomorrow so I can slack pack with Sparky and Passionflower. I think we are doing 20 miles. Slack packing is where we leave most of our gear somewhere and get driven up the trail to walk back. By the way there was 3 inches of snow on the ground at Low Gap where I stayed the night before. I might see snow tomorrow. I will let you know,