morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Wayah Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

5-18-16. First hour uphill then not too tough until the last climb of the day. Stopped at Wayah Bald stone tower (elev. 5,342ft) for a long break. It was my best views ever so far on the AT. The clouds also gave it an interesting twist. Made good time getting to Cold Spring Shelter even considering the last big climb. The shelter was right on the trail and soon filled up since only held 6. It was a treat having the spring just 20ft in front of shelter. Met numerous interesting people both in the shelter and camping nearby.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

5-19-16   It was too cloudy between the mountains for any views while above 5,000ft. until later in the morning. We did get a great view from Wesser Bald. Jenny got the best view from the observation tower. Passed through miles of lush green forest again today seeing even more wild flowers, azaleas, and mountain laurel. Stopped at Wesser Bald Shelter where we had planned to spend the night but felt strong so moved on. A rugged steep climb took us to a fabulous view from "The Jump Off". Then a rocky decent with some scrambles led us to our shelter for the night.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 1.0

5-20-16   We laughed and talked around the campfire last night with the 3 young men that joined us at the shelter. But it was a tough night sleeping cuz one of them snored LOUDLY all night. I might have gotten a half an hour of sleep. Luckily we only had a one mile to hike to NOC where we met with Tim for resupply. NOC is a popular outdoor adventure destination on the Nantahala River Gorge. Spent most of the day watching kayakers shoot the rapids and falls. We also got to eat real food then spent the night in a bunkhouse room to rest up for the next few days back on the AT.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: moderate rain

5-21-16 After a great night of sleep in the bunkhouse and a bountiful breakfast at the River's Edge Restaurant the torture began. The first 5.8 miles was almost completely uphill and steep. The original blazers must not have believed in switchbacks. It was so tough for me that I'm rather sure my teeth were sweating. I had to take lots of rest breaks, the best being at the Jump Up where the views were panoramic of the mountains all the way down to the Nantahala Gorge. By the way, Nantahala is Cherokee for "River of the Noonday Sun." Avoided the rain and arrived at Sassafras Gap Shelter where several others were also spending the night. Hawaii, New York, and England among other homes were represented.
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

5-22-16.   It rained off and on through the night, but our shelter stayed dry. Ended up with 20 hikers in the camp. Our first 4 miles of trail was a roller coaster of slippery mud and rocks. We hiked sometimes with Chuckles and Tag Along, 2 older ladies from Alaska. Unbelievably, talked to Karen Farago, from the same home town in Ohio as me. She was working on a crew doing trail maintenance, looked at me and said "I recognize you". She had seen my story in the local newspaper about hiking to raise money for Steve Sanders' cancer medical bills. SMALL WORLD! Had a few good views today before our downhill to Stecoah Gap, where Tim had set up trail magic for the hikers. We took a long break there sitting in the sun, shoes off, eating all sorts of goodies with the other passerby's. The first mile after the gap was a steep climb followed by the really steep climb called Jacob's Ladder (600 ft. Elevation climb in .6 mile ). OMG! It was a quick steep descent to Brown Fork Gap Shelter for the night. Good company again.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: few clouds

5-23-16   Had a great night's sleep, 12 hours in my sleeping bag. Had only 4 in the shelter and 3 outside, all very interesting. We took our time packing up and moving down the trail since it would be a short mile day. It was a mostly easy hike with a few nice spots to stop. Upon arrival at the shelter we were greeted by a 5 ft. black snake sunning himself. Had extra time so I soaked my feet in the stream right by the shelter. So far it's just us and John, an Outward Bound counselor from Florida that we met previously on the trail.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: GSMNP southern boundary
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: few clouds

5-24-16   Had interesting conversation last night with Jenny, John, Shoemaker, and Dallas. Up at 6:30AM, the usual time, to get ready for our fairly steep 2 mile climb out. Then it was all down to Fontana Dam Marina area where we dropped our packs with Tim to continue the next 2.5 miles as a slack pack hike with lots of views of Fontana Lake. We checked into Fontana Lodge to take a day off tomorrow.   PS   Slipped on a muddy down today for my first fall of this section, and hopefully my last.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: GSMNP southern boundary

To: GSMNP southern boundary
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Pete arrived today to help support for the last half of our trek. Relaxed, ate, did laundry, repacked backpack, ate, relaxed, swapped pictures with Jenny, ate, showered AGAIN, ate, made this entry, slept. Nice having a zero day especially since tomorrow's climb into The Great Smokey National Park will be a real challenge. Onward and upward!!!
Date: 2016-05-26
From: GSMNP southern boundary

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

5-26-16.   Startedhikingat7:30AM.We wanted an early start cuz we knew The GSMNP started with some long climbs. I started running out of gas on some of the steeper ones. Glad to have Turtlestone for my hiking partner, cuz even though she is a HIKING MACHINE she adjusts her speed to hang with me through the tough spots. We saw our first bear activity warning sign a few miles in, but no bears. Saw lots if bear scat, wild boar diggings, and Jenny saw some wild turkeys. It rained fir about half of our 6.5 hours of hiking which actually cooled us down and made it more pleasant. At the end of the hike the sun came out and turned the forest into a sauna. Arrived at the shelter nice and early and were joined by a few others. Everyone is keeping an eye and ear out for bears as we have heard about several sightings, including the attack a few weeks ago.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

5-27-16.   The trail kicked my butt today. Lots of steep climbs. Passed over Rocky Top (like the song) 5,440 ft. and Thunderhead Mountain 5,527 ft. Highlights today: Safely seeing a mama bear and 2 cubs on the trail 30 yards ahead, seeing a male bear 20 yards off the trail watching us pass by, and last but not least, actually making it to the shelter after a grueling day!!!! Among others that we met at the shelter was Patman, a Trail Space reviewer, trying out some new gear.
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

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

5-28-16. Most of our day was over 5,000 ft. with the highest being 5,607 ft. at Silers Bald. Saw 1 wild turkey and lots of bees & flies as the past few days. Met lots of people on the trail due to memorial day weekend. The AT moves in and out of NC and Tenn. through this area. There haven't been any signs but we know which state we're in by whether or not there is a privy at the shelter. So,the last 2 nights were in Tenn. and luckily we are back in NC for one of our few luxuries on the trail! Arrived st Double Spring Gap Shelter. There are 2 springs, one in NC and one in Tenn. Felt great to arrive early and not be exhausted.
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

5-29-16. Said "wow" a bunch today cuz of the awesome views from above 6,000 ft. Passed through more lush, grassy forest before transitioning to pines at the higher elevations. We added .8 miles to meet Tim and Pete at the Clingman Dome parking lot for a nice break and some real food. We switched to lighter packs to slack pack the rest of the day then started our climb to Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT, 6,667 ft. No views today since we were in the clouds. We had our picture taken at the top of the fire tower with signs for Steve and Joann Sanders (sending our prayers). The trail down had a few miles of Hansel and Gretel forest (dark, mossy dead trees and tangled). Later we crossed over 2 wild boar containment bridges for protection of the beech trees in that area. We descended down through greener areas again to meet up with our sherpas again at Newfound Gap (US 441). Took a few pics at the NC/TENN state line. They drove us to their campsite in Cherokee for showers and a great dinner. We really did a total of 11.2 miles so a real bed was a welcome for the night.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Newfound Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: few clouds

5-30-16. Nice relaxed morning then the guys drove us back to Newfound Gap to start back on the trail. It was a pleasant 3 mile climb cuz we talked most of the time with 2 day hikers from Florida who were interested in learning about backpacking. It made the time go so much faster. Arrived at our shelter by 1:30. It was sunny and cool with a fabulous view from just under 6,000 ft. Spoke to lots of hikers this last day of the holiday weekend passing by the shelter right on the AT. Most were out to see Charlies Bunyon (only a mile away). We would liked to have hiked farther but the next shelter and water sources just didn't work for us. Basking in the sun was much better after spending so much time in the forest. Hope you all had a blessed Memorial Day. God bless America!!!! PS At 7pm we had a pop up TORRENTIAL rain storm. Sooooo glad to be in the dry shelter. Princess Peach serenaded us during the downpour with an absolutely beautiful rendition of "Rocky Top". Afterwards we all shared in the joy of seeing a wonderous rainbow from our mountain top vantage point. Nature is AWESOME!!!
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

5-31-16. Woke up early to see the sunrise. Hiked out to have breakfast at Charlies Bunyon (5,522ft) with a magnificent view. Experienced vertigo before and for a distance after the Bunyon cuz of straight down drop offs along the narrow ridge trail. Lots of great views today including The Sawteeth and Eagle Rocks. Mostly rocks, roots, ridges and rain today. And of course some tough climbs. Saw another bear just ahead on our trail shortly before arriving at Tri Corner Knob Shelter. Full house of hikers, most had seen bears today. We all saw one bear right by the shelter that just didn't want to leave. One of the tenters had a boot stolen by some sort of animal. Should be an interesting night.
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Tri-corner Knob Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

6-1-16. Luckily no bears came in for the night. Heard later that one walked right next to the shelter shortly after we left this morning. We were able to take our time hiking to our next hut due to lower miles and easier terrain. Checked out an old plane crash site on our way. Arrived early at the shelter ahead of another large group of fun people. There were so many that several had to pitch tents. It rained hard starting at 6PM, but luckily we were all settled inside and dry. Two wildlife park rangers showed up at 6:30 dripping wet and packing tranquilizer guns & bear tracking antenae along with their other gear. They were a wealth of information for us. There are now 20 to 25 people here. It could get interesting with the bear snares being set up as I type!!! Bear sighting stories are flying everywhere. Two FBI agents there told of how at their shelter the day before a bear came very close to one of them a stole his backpack. Since it contained some important FBI items, they decided to go after it. They trailed the bear, spotted it ripping through the bag, waited 20 minutes for the show to end, and because the bear ran off were able to retrieve what was left of it. They got back all of the important items they hoped for. Jenny, who always brings extra food, was quick to share with the young man who had lost all of his. She is always so thoughtful and protective. Sometimes I call her MOM!!!
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Interstate 40 Underpass
Miles today: 9.9

6-2-16. Quiet night....no bears. Heard later down the trail that a problem bear had been caught shortly after we left our shelter in one of the snares that the rangers had set up last night. Wish we could have watched the process of tranquilizing, measuring, ear tagging, tooth pulling, blood sampling, and radio collaring like the others that hadn't left yet. We had a great last day of our trek though. Today's trail was mostly downhill with a few obligatory climbs. We were blessed with some nice views, a dear staying near us on the trail, seeing several hikers we knew, and ending with an easy path following cascading waters along a lovely stream. Our 2 sherpas, Pete and Tim, were waiting for us at the end with lots of trail magic snacks. They drove us back to their new campground in Sevierville, Tenn. for a shower, dinner, and a peaceful end to our adventure. THANK YOU JENNY/TURTLE STONE for being my "Sole sister" and sharing this experience with me. Steve and Joann Sanders, I thought of you every day and hope the best for you both. See you soon!
Date: 2016-07-03
From: Jo Mary Road - Cooper Brook

To: Tent site near Whitehouse Landing
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Stayed at the AT Hiker Hostel with Mark and Tina Hopper in Monson last night. Got a shuttle to the half way point of the 100 mile wilderness. Heading north to Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. Hiked a relatively flat 10 miles to a campsite a few hundred yards off the trail. Mark was setting up his tent when he realized he had no poles. He managed to set it up, sort of, by tying ropes to strategic points. Shortly after this creative endeavor the poles were found lying on the ground nearby. Go figure.
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Tent site near Whitehouse Landing

To: Watley Stream Lean To
Miles today: 8.0

Hiking again in relatively flat terrain. Fatigue has caught up to me after the scramble to get things tied up at home before heading to Maine. Had a very long break at a beach. Snoozed for at least an hour. Got to meet a beautiful young lab puppy on the beach (I wanted to take it home). First night sleeping in a shelter. I like it a lot better than sleeping in my bivy sack.
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Rainbow Lake Dam

To: Abol Bridge Campground 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Hiked the Rainbow Ledges. Had a rest at Hurd Brook Shelter, then on to the end of the 100 mile wilderness and Abol Bridge Campground. Had a hot shower and washed some of my clothes in the shower with me. Ordered a cheese burger at the restaurant, it arrived with no meat patty and no cheese. Just a bun with lettuce and tomato. Eventually I ended up with all of the parts to make a cheese burger.
Date: 2016-07-07
From: Abol Bridge Campground 

To: Katahdin Stream Campground 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

Had an all you can eat breakfast at the campground restaurant. It pored rain most of the afternoon as we hiked towards Katahdin Stream Campground. Mark caught a shuttle to Millinocket to retrieve his car. He took wet items with him and dried them while he was in town. Tina was happy to sleep in a dry sleeping bag.
Date: 2016-07-08
From: Katahdin Stream Campground 

To: Baxter. Peak
Miles today: 5.0

What a crazy climb!!!!! 7 am to 7 pm on the mountain. 5 miles up and 5 miles down. Fog and mist all day and no views. Above tree line was another world, Lord of the Rings like. Got a sunburn through the fog. Listen to your mother, always wear sun screen. Mark's car was waiting at the bottom so straight to Millinocket for pizza and another stay at the AT Lodge.
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Millinocket 

To: Cooper Brook Falls Shelter
Miles today: 3.0

Mark dropped me off on the Jo Mary Road at Cooper Brook, where we started on July 3. I'm on my own now and headed south. Did a flat 3 miles to the shelter. My legs are glad for the break. Katahdin wore me out. Ate leftover pizza in the shelter for supper, making the other 2 hikers (Tigger-Nobo, The Bobcat - Sobo) there jealous.
Date: 2016-07-10
From: Cooper Brook Falls Shelter

To: Logan Brook Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A tough 12 miles in the rain, with a significant uphill at the end. Rigged my trekking umbrella to be hands free. Was able to stay somewhat dry without having to cook in my raingear. The shelter was full of people who zeroed there because of the rain. Had to spend a wet, uncomfortable night in my bivy sack.
Date: 2016-07-11
From: Logan Brook Shelter

To: Carl A Newhall Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Poor sleep and a wet morning. Didn't start hiking till 10 am. Incredible views from the top of White Cap. Spent the night in the shelter with Sheepdog and Wahoo (who I met at Hurd Brook Shelter as I was heading north). Sheepdog had a great gravity fed water filtration system using a Sawyer filter.
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Carl A Newhall Shelter

To: Chairback Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

Had a long lunch at a stream and entertained myself by watching day hikers try to cross the water without getting wet. Hard uphill slog to end the day. Hauled water uphill for 3 miles (after a 0.4 mile detour to get it) only to find out that the unreliable water source at the shelter actually had water. The rock scramble up Chairback was reminiscent of Katahdin. At the top I met an Austrailian couple who were hiking with 2 enormous dogs (Malamutes). Amazing that those dogs made it up the climb.
Date: 2016-07-13
From: Chairback Gap Shelter

To: Long Pond Stream Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Started early, arrived late. Long, tough day with lots of steep ups and downs. The shelter was full so I set up the bivy. It was warm night and the bivy was like a sauna. I do not want to spend another night in that claustrophobic coffin.
Date: 2016-07-15
From: Logan Brook Shelter

To: Monson
Miles today: 3.0

Made it through the first and largest section with no towns. I am sleeping at Shaw's Hiker Hostel tonight. Hiking the trail is even tougher than I expected. Uphills are very significant in slope and duration. The footing is rarely even, many roots, rocks make for technical hiking with a lot of looking down at your feet. Glad for a break, a shower (hikers have their own particular aroma), some real food and sleep in an actual bed.Purchased a tent to replace the coffin and a Sawyer water filter to replace my MSR pump. Set up the Sawyer to gravity feed, just like Sheepdog showed me. Spent the day hanging out with Silky Bear, Rhino, Wahoo, Sheepdog and others.
Date: 2016-07-17
From: West Branch of Piscataquis River Ford

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean To
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Experienced a thunderstorm as I summited Moxie Bald Mountain. Had the entire leanto to myself. Santa and Wonder (2 teachers from Mass) hung out for supper. They set up their tent nearby. My goal is 15 miles tomorrow to reach Caratunk and rendezvous with my brother Garry.
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean To

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Was up and on the trail early. Experienced another thunderstorm at the summit of Pleasant Mountain. Pushed hard at the end of the day and got to the Caratuck B and B hostel at 7:45 pm. I was exhausted. Paul the proprietor of the B and B looked after me, cooked me a burger and made room even though he was full. Problem, no cell phone service in Caratunk. How do I contact Garry to let him know where to meet me?
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Caratunk

To: Pierce Pond Lean To
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had a great breakfast at the Caratunk B and B. Went old school and put a sign at the end of the driveway with my and my brother's last name. Garry and Angie found my sign and we connected. I sent a text over the internet but the did not get it since they had no cell service either. We crossed the Kennebec River via the canoe ferry and walked 4 easy miles to the Pierce Pond Lean to. A short day so I could rest and an easy start for my greenhorn brother.
Date: 2016-07-22
From: Little. Bigelow Lean To

To: Avery Memorial Campground 
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Garry took off early as he knew a steep climb awaited. A very long, slow, steep climb to the top of Bigelow's Avery Peak. Thought I had reached the summit at least 8 times before I finally did. Set tent up on a platform for the first time. Also had cell phone reception in camp for the first time and was able to call home from my tent.
Date: 2016-07-23
From: Avery Memorial Campground 

To: Stratton Village
Miles today: 8.1

A short climb to the top of the West Peak then a very long downhill off of Bigelow Mountain. Downhills are very hard on the knees and feet. Got a ride from the Chief of Police from the trailhead into Stratton. Stayed at the Stratton Motel hostel. Ate a giant Wolf Burger for supper. (Yum)
Date: 2016-07-28
From: Redington Stream Campsite

To: Rangely - The Farmhouse
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

A steep climb to the top of The Horn. Interesting down then up to the top of Saddleback. A very long downhill section that tested the knees and feet. Resting comfortably on a large bed (free upgrade) at the Farmhouse hostel in Rangely.
Date: 2016-08-02
From: East B Hill Road - Andover

To: Baldpate Lean To
Miles today: 8.0

Trail magic. There were cans of soda and beer in a stream. Had a cherry flavored Mountain Dew. Tough climb to the top of Baldpate east peak. A long day of hiking. Didn't get to the shelter until past 7 p.m.
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Start of Mahoosuc Notch

To: Carlo Col Shelter 
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Maximum effort with minimum distance. The Mahoosuc Notch was s giant puzzle to solve. It is not well marked for southbound hikers. We slowly picked our way over, under, through and around large boulders. The ice beneath the rocks gave us air conditioned comfort. Next was a steep, long, technical climb up Fulling Mill Mountain. Hiked a long hard day but only covered 7.2 trail miles.
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Trident Col Campsite

To: Gorham
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Started at 8:30. Some up and some downs. Able to cruise on some sections. Hitched in to Gorham. Stayed at The Barn Hostel. The town was filled with ATVs. Garry is taking the bus home tomorrow. He has thrown in the towel.
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Gorham

To: Stealth Campsite on Carter Mountail
Miles today: 11.3

My brother Garry went home on a bus today, about 3 weeks earlier than expected. His sore ankle told him it was time to stop. So I'm hiking on my own again. The first 3 miles were relatively easy. Then it got to be steeper going as I climbed to the top of Mount Moriah and then Carter Mountain. Camped in a small stealth spot on Carter Mountain at an elevation of over 4000 ft. It was a bit chilly overnight.