morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day #32. Up at 7:00 am.   Ascent: 0. Descent: 0. Today was a much-deserved zero day. I was downstairs at 7:30 am for breakfast so I would be ready for the 9 am shuttle to go into town for resupply.  That done, I returned to the hotel, had a spaghetti lunch delivered, organized and did paperwork. At 5 pm, Miss Janet picked me & 3 other hikers (UV, Naked Ninja & Dreamtime) up and took us to a presentation she was giving in Johnson City to an old timers hiking club there.  There were about 50 members in attendance; the oldest was Bob Miller at 93 years old.  He was very spry and sharp as a tack.  It was their monthly pot luck meeting and we enjoyed a great meal as well as Miss Janet¢s slide presentation about her AT hike.  It was a great evening.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Erwin

To: Stealth camp past Unaka Mtn
Miles today: 15.3

Day #33. Up at 7:00 am; start at 8:50 am.   Ascent: 4610. Descent: 1810. Duration 9:13 including a 30 min lunch. Today I saw lots of fringed polygala, a pretty pink woods flower. I was back on the Trail at 8:50 am, hiking in 60 °F temperatures under partly sunny skies.  The Trail was smooth most of the day but became rockier near the end.  I climbed the 2300 ft out of Erwin to the Beauty Spot, another lovely grassy North Carolina Bald, and climbed another 1000 ft over the top of Unaka Mountain.  I am stealth camping halfway down on a ridge above the AT in a nice spot.  It is 9:20 pm; time to turn in.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Stealth camp past Unaka Mtn

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: light rain

Day #34. Up at 7:00 am; start at 8:20 am.   Ascent: 2580. Descent: 2520. Duration 7:02 including a 30 min lunch. Today I walked through the forest with a carpet of green embedded with many, many wildflowers. It was a sight to behold. Last night was damp but there was no rain.  The Trail today was very smooth and easy tread.  I stopped for lunch at 1 pm and there was rumbling in the distance and threatening skies.  By 3 pm there was a torrential downpour and I ducked into the Ceyde Smills Shelter where I ate dinner and decided to make today¢s hike shorter than my original plan of 15 miles and stay the night.  It is 7:15 pm and the shelter is quiet with Fastback, Downhill, Hop-Along and Dreamtime.  The other moving village hikers are tented in back of the shelter.  It is an early hiker midnight tonight.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #35. Up at 7:00 am; start at 8:15 am.   Ascent: 4240. Descent: 3980. Duration 9:12. Today it was wet and cold with muddy greasy trails. It rained last night and I was glad to be in a shelter. I was hiking by 8:15 am in my rain gear and heavy fog and rain plus dripping trees. The weather was the same all day but got progressively colder. At 1:30 pm I came across some great Trail Magic and it ended up being my lunch - 2 quarter pound hot dogs, a 16 oz cup of hot tomato soup, a 30 oz pepsi and a banana. Thank you to the Baptist Church folks of Spring Fork, NC. After the TM I hiked up and over Roan High Mtn (6194 ft) and down to the Over Mountain Shelter. I decided to stay there because I was cold, wet and it was starting to snow and hail. I climbed up to the second floor, cooked my dinner, laid out my sleeping bag and crawled in it to warm up. I was too cold to write this journal so I¢m writing it a day late. By 6:30 pm I quit for the day, bundled in all my clothing to stay warm.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: US 19E in Roam Mtn, TN
Miles today: 9.2

Day #36. Up at 6:30 am; start at 7:20 am.   Ascent: 1980. Descent: 3770. Duration 5:10. Today was wicked weather, a cold 20 deg, wind gusts of 45+ mph, stinging sleet, all over two bald mtns of 5500 ft and 5600 ft. It was cold and extremely windy last night and I wore every piece of clothing I have with me in my sleeping bag, barely keeping warm. When I got up my shoe laces were frozen and my water bottle had ice crystals in it. I was hiking by 7:20 am in rain gear, long underwear and a down vest. Snow and sleet was on the ground as I hiked out. I hiked over Little Hump Mtn (5500 ft) and Big Hump Mtn (5600 ft) in sleet and a heavy cross wind, so strong that I had to struggle to stay upright. My sack cover was blown off and I didn¢t notice it was gone until I got down in the woods on the other side. It was a demanding hike because of the weather. The descent from Hump Mtn was a long 2700 ft. I arrived at US 19E in Roan Mtn, TN at 12:30 and got a ride to the Mountain Harbor B&B where I am staying tonight. Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-24
From: US 19E in Roam Mtn, TN

To: Stealth camp before Moreland Gap
Miles today: 17.5

What a difference a day makes. Today started with bright sun and some wind. It was good hiking weather. And today I passed the 400 mile point on the AT. Last night was a very comfortable stay at the Mountain Harbor B&B. It was up at 6:30 am and ready for the 7:30 am breakfast. Mary & Terry put on a great meal - OJ, coffee, egg souffl©, sausage, fresh fruit, croissant and thick french toast topped with honey and nuts. I had several helpings as did the other hikers. I hiked the 0.5 mi to the Trail, setting off at 9:05 am in sunny skies and cool temps. The trails were smooth and gently rolling so I made pretty good time. At 1:30 pm I stopped for lunch after hiking about 9 mi. During lunch it started to snow but did not last or stick. The afternoon hiking was in off and on rain and snow. By 6 pm I was looking for a spot to camp since the next shelter was more than 3 miles away. I found a place at 6:45 pm and set up camp, had a hot dog and bun dinner, hung my bear bag and am now in the tent getting warm.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Stealth camp before Moreland Gap

To: Doll Flats Campsite
Miles today: 12.2

Day #38. Up at 7. Start at 8:30. Ascent: 3180. Descent: 3150. Duration: 8:30 including a 30 min lunch. It rained last night and rain got in my tent because a rain panel was not taut. It will not happen again. I woke at 3 am and my back was wet. I soon discovered that my bag was wet and water had dripped off the rain panel and into the bath tub floor. I quickly adjusted the tent and spent some time sopping up the water off the tent floor using my kerchief as best I could. Fortunately my sleeping bag was wet in only a few spots so I crawled back in and returned to sleep. It still kept me warm even though the temp was only 40 F so the damage was minimal. By the time I got up at 7 am it had stopped raining and did not rain the rest of the day. I decided to camp at 5 pm at the Doll Flats campsite after hiking 12.2 mi. It was a tiring day with tedious climbs and descents. I hung my tent and sleeping bag to dry, ate dinner and set up the dry tent that I am in now writing this journal. It is 8:55 pm and has started raining again. Time to get some sleep.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Doll Flats Campsite

To: Campsite at mile 437.8
Miles today: 16.2

Day #39. Ascent: 3750. Descent: 3670. Duration: 9:30 including a 30 min lunch. Today I saw a yellow lady-slipper - only the second one I've ever seen. It made my day in spite of the rain. It rained part of the night last night but by the time I got up at 7 am my tent was dry. Shortly after I started hiking it began to rain and the rest of the day was scattered showers and heavy fog. I reached the Vandeventer Shelter at 3:45 pm and decided it was too early to stop so I hiked on to a campsite 4 miles further up the Trail. I reached there at 6 pm, rushing the last 30 min to beat the rain that was approaching from the west. I quickly set up my tent, ate dinner, and hung my bear bag. It started to rain as I finished. It is 8:40 pm and I am in the tent. I am very tired - it is time to quit. More rain is expected tonight and tomorrow but I can still hope for a dry tent to pack in the morning.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Campsite at mile 437.8

To: Double Spring Gap Campsite
Miles today: 16.0

Day #40. Ascent: 2930. Descent: 3260. Duration: 9 h including a 45 min lunch. Today became a nice day for hiking after heavy rain last night.  Also there was nice trail magic provided by the Baptist Church of Mountain City, TN. It rained heavily last night but thankfully stopped by the morning. I packed up the semi-wet tent and was hiking by 8:30 am. It was a nice day for hiking - cloudy skies, temps in the 60s, and no rain with smooth trails. At 12:30 just before reaching Rt 91E I came across a large metal box full of Trail Magic provided by a local Baptist Church including ice cold soda, cookies, cake and other snacks. I enjoyed 2 cans of Pepsi with my normal lunch of 2 buns with pepper loaf, pepper jack cheese and spicy brown mustard. The soda made the sandwich taste better than usual. I crossed a long set of grassy fields, carefully stepping to avoid any of the many cow plops. The fields and surrounding woods were replete with different birds, many of which I did not recognize. Lots of great bird sounds. It is 8:50 pm and time to quit.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Double Spring Gap Campsite

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 13.3

Day #41. Ascent: 1520. Descent: 3100. Duration: 5:25. Today I said goodbye to Tennessee and hello to Virginia. I left North Carolina several days ago. Three states done and only 11 to go. It was an exciting night also. I woke at 11:00 to the sounds of a pack of wild dogs harrassing what I believe to be a bear. They were very loud and not far away. There were also multiple roars that I believe to be the bear. At one point around 2:00 one of the wild dogs ran between our tents sniffing and breathing hard. That got my attention but he left and rejoined the others. The pack seemed to break up into several pieces and gradually leave the area. One, however, remained and barked/howled until nearly daybreak. I didn't get much sleep. I was up at 6:30 am in sprinkling rain, quickly packed up a semi-dry tent anticipating a harder rain which did not materialize. The rest of the day was nice, with good tread way. I was motivated to get into Damascus by 1 pm to get a pizza and beer lunch, covering the 13.2 mi in 5 h 25 min and arriving at Quincy¢s Pizza House just before 1 pm. I had my first pizza and beer on the Trail - it really hit the spot. I am staying at the Montgomery Homestead Inn. The fragrance of apple blossoms is in the air on this lovely evening. I plan to take tomorrow to enjoy a rest day.
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #42. Today was a zero day. It was a welcome rest day after the push into Damascus. I slept in until 8 am then had breakfast at Cowboys, a gas station, convenience store and restaurant that claims the best blueberry pancakes in town. The owner, Cowboy, sat down and talked with us for over 30 min. He is an interesting guy who started his place 29 years ago when there was nothing in town and he recognized a need. Hence a new and very successful business was born - a real story of American entrepreneurship. I got food at Food City 1 mi outside of town and purchased alcohol for my stove at the outfitter. Dinner was with 10 other thru-hikers, the ¢mooing village¢ at LBOEs (Little Bit of Everything). I had a BAB (big a** bowl) spaghetti with meat and root beer. It was excellent and the pasta was even al dente. Some Trail names today: Old Goose (66 yrs old), Hollywood, Fluegel Horn, Roller (was Jesse), Sunkist, Bucket.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day #43. Up at 6:45 am. Start at 1:00. Ascent: 2810. Descent: 1510. Duration: 5:30. Today I am on the Trail again after a relaxing zero day. I was up, ate, and at the post office by 9 am. All 3 drop boxes were there for which I was glad. Now I have new shoes, a summer bag, meds, a replacement pack cover (the old one blew off when I crossed Hump Mtn last Monday), and a new battery for my broken camera. Unfortunately the new battery did not fix my camera, so I sent it home along with my winter bag, old shoes and some other items I don¢t need. I ate lunch in town at Ma Joes and was back hiking by 1 pm. The trail was easy today and I made good time except that I missed a turn and hiked off the AT for about 30 min before I noticed that there were no white blazes. I backtracked until I found where I had gone wrong, and set off north again. I arrived at the shelter at 6:30 pm amid thunder and lightning, hurrying to set up my tent anticipating rain that did not come. I ate a leisurely dinner of Spanish rice and smoked oysters with Overdrive, Mr. Fabulous, Dreamtime and Cricket. It was hot today ¢ up to 85 F at one point. The hot weather is likely to continue for several more days.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Camp site at mile 492.5
Miles today: 16.2

Day #44. Ascent 4170. Descent 2570. Duration 10:25 including 30min lunch and 30 min trail magic. Today while hiking from the shelter to the Trail I saw a mother bear and two cubs as they crossed 50 ft in front of me. They did not bother or threaten me as I watched. Too bad my camera is broken. There was no rain last night, and I was hiking under clear skies by 7:30 am. It stayed partly sunny all day and the temperature remained a comfortable 75 F. The trails were mostly mellow with some rocks in places. I met Low Gear going up the 2000 ft climb to White Top Mtn. He is training to do a section hike from Port Clinton, PA to New York in a few weeks. After climbing down White Top he came back to where the AT crosses VT300 (?) where he provided Trail Magic, one of my favorites ¢ a cold 20 oz Coke and a big Hershey chocolate bar. Thank you Low Gear. I hiked to a camping spot 0.1 mi before Deep Gap. Dinner is done, bear bag hung and I¢m in the tent for the night. It is 60 F ¢ a perfect temperature to crawl into my summer bag and sleep.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Camp site at mile 492.5

To: Camp by Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 18.4

Day #45. Ascent 2870. Descent 3940. Duration 10:39 including 45 min lunch. Today I passed the 500 mi mark on the AT. I hiked over Grayson Highlands where I saw many wild ponies up close. I started hiking at 7:30 am under heavy overcast skies; it felt like rain was coming but only became partly cloudy with a temp of 80 F. It was mostly comfortable but hot at times. The Trail was all rocks including many rock slides to cross and embedded rocks in the Trail. Where there were no rocks there were roots, so my feet took a beating today. I am camped 50 ft from a stream and the rushing water sound is very relaxing. It will lull me to sleep tonight (comment added by Transcriber ). Time to enjoy it.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: Camp by Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Day #46. Up at 6:30 am. Start at 7:45 am. Ascent: 3040. Descent: 3560. Duration: 9:25 including 25 min lunch. Today I hiked 19.7 miles, my longest hike to date. Today the trail was mostly smooth and hiking under overcast skies I made good time, reaching Partnership Shelter at 5:15 pm. I set up my tent and called in for pizza and 20 oz Cokes along with a bunch of other thru-hikers. Some new hiker names: Kindle-Ninja, Opie, Bucket, PacMan, Cricket, Hans, Sprit, Talks-a-Lot.
Date: 2012-05-04
From: Partnership Shelter

To: I-81 in Atkins
Miles today: 11.6

Day #47. Up at 6:25. Start at 7:20. Ascent: 2010. Descent: 2820. Duration: 5:25. Last night there were 34 hikers at the shelter ¢ many in the shelter, many tenting, and about 6 cowboy camping. Our pizza and Coke dinner was excellent. The birds would not let me sleep this morning, so I was up at 6:25 am, packed up, ate two 460 cal frosted buns, drank a leftover 20 oz Coke, and was hiking by 7:20 am under overcast skies in 60 F temp. It was pleasant hiking weather. The treadway was rocky about 20% of the time when I had to carefully pick my way. The rest was smooth, allowing me to make good time. I arrived at the I-81 in Atkins at 12:45, completing 11.6 mi in 5 h 45 min. I am now at the Relax Inn doing ¢ what else? ¢ relaxing after resupplying at the local gas station.
Date: 2012-05-05
From: I-81 in Atkins

To: Lick Creek Footbridge
Miles today: 17.3

Day #48. Up at 6:15 am. Start at 8:30 am. Ascent: 4220. Descent 4370. Duration: 9:40 including 30 min lunch and Trail Magic. I spent most of this morning walking through a tunnel of rhododendrons in full bloom - a beautiful sight. This afternoon was several hours walking through rolling fields and woods with the sweet scent of wild roses. I also saw many pretty bright yellow iris by the Holston River. I checked out of the Relax Inn at 7 am, ate a hiker breakfast at the Barn Restaurant and was hiking at 8:30 am. Good trails today ¢ no long climbs, just a lot of small ups and downs through the rolling Virginia woods and fields. It sprinkled occasionally but nothing significant. I am stealth camped just past the Lick Creek footbridge on lumpy ground. It is 8:45 pm and dark because the full moon is not showing through the clouds yet.
Date: 2012-05-06
From: Lick Creek Footbridge

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Day #49. Up at 6:30. Start at 7:45. Ascent: 4030. Descent: 3790. Duration: 9:50 including 30 min lunch. Today there were some long climbs and rocky trails resulting in sore feet and some blister precursors that required additional Body Glide. It rained some last night but stopped before I got up. My tent was wet when I packed up. By 7:45 am I was hiking in heavy fog under dripping trees in 60 F air. After a long climb to the 4400 ft Chestnut Knob Shelter I ate 2 PB and strawberry jelly sandwiches for lunch, then hiked the downhill and long ridge walk on a rocky trail to the Jenkins Shelter where I am tenting for the night. At the shelter I met Jan-Walker, Hook, Lady in Long Skirt, Alpo, Old Goose, Kindle Ninja, Bags and Dreamtime.
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Stealth camp at mile 593.2
Miles today: 18.0

Day #50. Up at 6 am. Start at 7 am. Duration: 12:00 including 60 min lunch and water. Today it did not rain, snow, sleet or have high winds. The trail was smooth and although there were many climbs and descents they were neither steep nor long. Life on the AT was good today.
Date: 2012-05-08
From: Stealth camp at mile 593.2

To: Stealth camp by Dismal Creek Footbridge
Miles today: 17.8

Day #51. Up at 6 am. Start at 7 am. Duration: 11.00 including 2 hrs for lunch and resupply. Today I passed the 600 mi mark on the AT. I woke up to heavy overcast and threatening skies. I packed up quickly (while my tent was still dry) and was hiking by 7 am. It sprinkled and misted throughout the morning but it was comfortable hiking and the trail was smooth with the exception of a 2 h stretch from 10:30 to past noon during which I had to pick my way through rocks in the trail. I ate a long lunch (pizza and a 24 oz coke) at Trent¢s Grocery & Deli. I bought a turkey sub to pack for dinner. Now I am stealth camping near a Dismal Creek footbridge ¢ it is very pleasant with the water gurgling in the background and the spring peepers doing their thing. It rained hard as I started eating my turkey sub so I ate in my tent. The water is now dripping off the trees but more rain is expected tonight. It is 8:50 pm and dark ¢ time to turn off the headlamp.
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Stealth camp by Dismal Creek Footbridge

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 18.8

Day #52. Up at 6:20. Start at 7:20. Duration: 10 h including 15 min lunch. This morning I encountered my first clove scented azelea which gave the forest a very pleasant fragrance. This afternoon was a very tough hike on a 4000 ft ridge in rain, moderate to high wind, rocky trail, and in sub 50 F temp. I was wearing shorts, T shirt, rain jacket, and gaiters. These were hypothermic conditions and I had to keep hiking to stay warm. Then a 2000 ft descent on a greasy treadway and the constant sound of squish, squish, squish. I'm now glad to be in Pearisburg.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #53. Today was a zero day for resupply, rest, and relaxation. Had dinner at the Old Virginia Smokehouse BBQ Restaurant where they had an old-fashioned jam session playing 1880's bluegrass music. The food was great too. It was one of those life is good moments.
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Day #54. Up at 6:15. Start at 8 am. Duration: 10:24 including 30 min lunch. Today was a good day to hike - dry, sunny, no clouds, no wind, temp only up to 60 F.  But it was a long hike - 19.3 mi over a rocky trail that is starting to bother my plantar fascia. Time to start the massage routine.
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Day #55. Up at 6:10. Start at 7:20. Duration: 11:12 including 30 min lunch. The weather was again good for hiking, clear with temps up to only 70 F. It was cold last night - the tent temp got down to 45 F after I had just sent the last of my winter clothes home two days ago. I was cool but not cold. It was hard hiking today - I was hiking in rocks most of the time. There were also several 1000 and 2000 ft climbs and descents. I was glad to reach the shelter at 6:30. Finally the mountain laurel was out in full bloom today. There were many patches of pink and white by the Trail and in the woods. Beautiful.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Stealth camp near Audie Murphy monument
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #56. Up at 6 am. Start at 7:05 am. Duration 10:30 including 1:30 for Trail Magic Dinner. Last night was good for sleeping in my summer bag without any extra clothes. The tent temp was 60 F. Today was an overcast day in the 60s with no rain. I hurried out of camp at 7:00 to make the 2:00 Trail Magic at the 14 mi point. I made it there at 2:30. It was great with lots of food all cooked in dutch ovens. There were over 20 hikers there and everyone had their fill. I hiked out at 4:00 up a 1500 ft climb where I found a tent spot, got my tent set up and bear bag hung and it started to rain. Today I saw fire pink flowers embedded in carpets of white phcelia. It was a very pretty sight. I am now in the tent listening to the rain drops. It is now 8:15 and will be an early hiker midnight tonight.
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Stealth camp near Audie Murphy monument

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: moderate rain

Day #57. Up at 6:05, start at 7:20. Duration 6:30. Last night it rained, sometimes hard at times. I was up at 6:05, packed up a wet tent and was hiking at 7:20 in the rain. It continued raining lightly until I reached the several miles of rocky ridge walking on Cove Mtn. Then the sky opened and it starting raining hard just before I reached Dragons Tooth. The 1200 ft descent down from the Tooth was difficult for me especially in the heavy rain. When I reached the road I decided I had enough for the day and walked up the road to get a space at the Four Pines Hostel where I took a shower, got into dry clothes, and hung my tent to dry. I will be sleeping on a plywood bench in the barn. We will see how that works out.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Day #58. Up at 6:30 am, start at 7:50 am. Ascent: 4370. Descent: 4200. Duration: 10:10 including 30 min lunch and 30 min photo op. Today I passed the 700 mile mark on the AT. Last night it rained hard but the barn roof did not leak and I stayed dry and my tent dried out. The rain had stopped by morning and did not rain all day. Last night I moved from the bench to the dirt floor of the barn. I laid my tent ground cloth on the dirt floor and then my sleeping bag on top of it.  I slept very well on the ground. Today I went over McAfee Knob and then over Tinker Cliffs. Both had great views. Then with 20 min to the shelter the sky opened up and I got drenched walking the rest of the way to the shelter. I am now in the shelter with 7 other hikers.