morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had another crappy night in the shelter. Nothing like waking up to 30 degree weather and putting on wet socks and slipping them into wet shoes. Left the shelter a little late this morning. When I was crossing some of the ridges, the west side of the mtn had snow on the trees and the east side was green, where the rising sun had melted the snow. Reached 6000ft elevations and everything even the trail was covered with about 2 inches of snow. Had good views all day, the sky was blue with no clouds. The trail was either a stream, mud or snow. Finally started coming down in elevation and the temp felt good. My feet are like prunes right now. Right now I am 3000ft lower in elevation than where I stayed lastnight, the weather is nice. I am only one mile from leaving the Smokies tomorrow. Talk about some weird weather. Two days of hot and muggy, a nice day, than a day of rain and snow and the final day pretty good, except the cold morning. I am sleeping in a tent tonight, hope to get some better sleep.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Max Patch Bald
Miles today: 17.0

Woke up this morning and started hiking, one mile later I left the Smokies. I crossed under I-40 and watched all the vehicles passing. When I was climbing the stairs to get back on the trail and into the woods there was a green cooler full of stuff. Unfortunately it was all empty, I was late this time, bummer. Made it to Standing Bear Farm, where I planned to take the rest of the day off, but instead I resupplied and headed off. Caught up to Kebban and talked with him for a while, really nice guy. Made it to Max Patch Bald and am camping with Kebban and Kenyan. What an amazing sunset.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Max Patch Bald

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

The wind was howling this morning on top of the bald. It made folding the tent up very fun. Nothing to eventful today. A bad storm is supposed to come through tonight, so I am going to stay in the shelter. Plan is to get to Hot Springs, NC tomorrow morning and eat breakfast and resupply.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: few clouds

Woke up and left the shelter at 6:45, excited to get some breakfast. I ate at the Smoky Mountain Diner with Kebban and Kenyan. I had two eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy and a pancake, it was really good. Hot Springs is a really neat little town. The trail goes right down Bridge St and over the French Broad River. Got some supplies at the Dollar General and from Bluff Mountain Outfitters. Got some gaiters from the outfitters and I am loving them. The last few weeks I have been getting crap in my socks and shoes and it would rub my feet all day.
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning and my thermometer said 32. Coming out of Allen Gap I saw two deer. Climbing up Camp Creek Bald, I started to hear drops on the leaves, it was ice melting off of the trees. Must of got cold up there lastnignt. Walked out onto Blackstack Cliffs with Billy Goat, I think it was one of the most amazing views so far. Good views all along the ridge to Big Firescald. Made it to the shelter, Billy Goat, Porter, Pace, Flute Walker and 501 are here. 501 published the Thru Hikers Handbook for I think the last three years. Also met Thom. He is part of a charity raising money for disabled veterans, there are several people involved, they are doing the trail like a relay. Thom is going from Hot Springs, NC to Erwin, TN. They are supporting homesforourtroops.org. Look under American Hero Hikers. I think that it is a pretty cool thing.
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

Its Brittany's birthday today, Happy Birthday! Made it to Sams Gap, under I-26. SkidMark (a current thru hiker) and his wife were doing trail magic. About six different types of fruit, homemade summer sausage, cheese, bread and ice water. Thanks you guys! Helped me push through the last seven miles of the day. Crossed Big Bald, it was big and had some awesome views. Ready to head into Erwin, TN tomorrow and get a shower.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up this morning and got to it so I could reach Erwin in decent time. Saw a deer coming out of Whistling Gap. Made it to Erwin and hitched a ride to the Super8. Took a shower and did laundry for the first time since Franklin, NC, which was April 5th. My body is throwing off some odor. At the laundromat now and then off to Hawg-N-Dawg for some dinner. The restaurant was really good. I had three Cokes, the pork platter, pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans and toast. Then I had the beef platter, same thing as previous but with beef. And strawberry cake and strawberry ice cream, so good. Going to take a zero day tomorrow and resupply.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Erwin, TN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I was lazy at the hotel this morning while the rain passed through. After lunch I set out to town to resupply. Stopped by the post office to mail something home to Brittany. Then I went to CVS, Family Dollar, Food Lion and RadioShack. I picked up a solar charger for my cell phone, the mono-i.   Now, hopefully, I will not have to deal with the dead battery issue again. Now im just being lazy at the hotel and taking more showers.
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Went to breakfast in the lobby of the motel and ran into SkidMark and his wife. They offered me a ride back to the trail. They did trail magic in Sam's Gap and now gave me a ride to the trail, thank you guys so much. I felt very sluggish this morning, maybe I was to full. Had lunch at Beauty Spot Gap with Buckeye Flash and ToTo. The forest floor was alive today, everytime I took a step hundreds of little crickets would scatter around on the dead leaves. The undergrowth is starting to finally green up and the trees at lower elevations are greening up too. Staying at the shelter tonight with Porter, Pace, ToTo and Buckeye Flash.
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: light rain

Woke up to light rain this morning and then fog all day. Made it to Hughes Gap and there was a cooler full of soda and water and cookies and chips. Then came the climb up Roan Mt(6285ft). It was strenuous but not as bad as I thought, maybe my legs are starting to strengthen up or maybe it was the soda and cookies. This is the last 6000ft climb until Mt Washington in NH. Unfortunately all the views were blocked by fog. Pretty neat, Cloudland Hotel was built up there in 1884 but only was around for about 20 years, pretty neat history, bing it. Decided to push on tonight to get closer to Roan Mountain, TN. Really windy tonight.
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 11.2

It was really windy this morning, made folding the tent very difficult. Passed through Yellow Mountain Gap today, where the "Overmountain Men" came through during the Revolutionary War and defeated British Loyalist's on King Mt. Little Hump Mt and Hump Mt had awesome views. Hit trail magic at US19, candy, fruit and soda. Made it to Mountain Harbour Hostel. Porter, Pace, Buckeye Flash, Torch, Lucky, Hopper, 501, Stretch, Spit Walker, Do What, Glide and Orange Blaze are all here. We are staying in a renovated barn, there is a stream, goats and horses. Headed to town on the shuttle to Dollar General and a steak house for dinner. After about 200 miles of crossing between NC/TN every day, I finally left NC today, about 70 miles more in TN. 2 states down, 12 more to go. Also, if anybody wants to send any leftover Easter candy to a hungry hiker I will be in Atkins, VA in about 10 days. If you send a box make it out to Chad Grissom C/O Relax Inn 7253 Lee Hwy, Rural Retreat, Va 24368 please hold for AT hiker ETA May 1 2011.
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

I added a couple of more things to the last three entries and I changed the address in the previous post from the PO to the motel I am staying at. Anyways, happy Easter! The steak dinner lastnight was really good. Ribeye, baked potato, salad bar and blackberry cobbler with ice cream. But the breakfast this morning at the hostel was amazing! Any hikers coming through needs to stay at Mountain Harbour Hostel and pay the extra 9 dollars for breakfast. Really, really good. I left the hostel around 8:30. Nothing to eventful today. Just relaxing in the tent now.
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Really hot and muggy today. Caught up with Glide and hiked with him to Laurel Fork Shelter and had lunch. Somebody left cupcakes there for Easter, they were good. After that I climbed up Pond Flats and was sweating like crazy. Heard some thunder but rain never came. Hiked down by Watauga Lake, locals were swimming there and I wanted to but didn't. The lake was really nice/and a lot bigger than I thought. Made it to Watauga Lake Shelter and Porter and Pace were there with some Coors. Tippy Toes and Orange Blaze were there also. After that was gone me and Orange Blaze made a beer run. It was only 1.7 miles to the highway and we caught a shuttle. Buckeye Flash, Moon Doggie and Pumpkin showed up. It was a good night.
Date: 2011-04-27
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning and left the shelter at 7:20. Crossed the TN/VA border at 12:30. 3 states down 11 more to go. I wont be saying that for a while though because I am in Virginia for the next almost 550 miles, pretty much 1/4 of the AT. Made it to Damascus, VA by 1:30 and ran into Porter, Pace, Bear, Helm, Lemur, New Boots, Kevlar and Hatchet at Quincy's. Had a burger, pizza and some beer. Went to the outfitter, Dollar General and the PO to send a mail drop ahead to Atkins, Va. Staying at The Place, a hostel run by the local Methodist church. You get a bunk and shower for 5 dollars. Going to dinner tonight and then taking a shower. Heading out tomorrow after breakfast.
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

As a sidenote, Damascus, VA is AT hiker central. There are 3 outfitters in this small town and every year they have a festival called Trail Days, I believe this is the 25 year anniversary. It is a hiker reunion for past hikers and previous. There is a parade, water balloon fight, presentations, talent show and many gear reps are there. But anyways, a bad storm came through lastnight and knocked the power out, I am lucky I resupplied yesterday because everything was closed. The locals told us a tornado hit north and south of us and the power would be out for a couple of days. Also, many people were killed in Alabama and a few in Virginia. I left town late and took   a long lunch at Saunders Shelter and used the privy, this is the first privy since Hot Springs, NC, about 200 miles ago, it is so nice to not have to dig a hole in the woods. Ahh, the simple things in life. On to pony land tomorrow, Grayson Highlands State Park. Also, I saw my first snake, just a garter snake.
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2

Left this morning and had an easy walk. Walked through a pasture with some cows and calves. Also, I saw two deer when I left the pasture and started the climb up Whitetop Mt. It was cold and very windy today, especially crossing over the bald. Had lunch at the Thomas Knob Shelter and saw 5 ponies. Left and walked through Grayson Highlands State Park, one of the highlights of this trip so far. I saw 12 more ponies, they released these wild ponies back in the 60s to help keep the grass down. The last few miles of the day I rubbed my middle three toes on both feet raw. I looked at my socks and the toe section was thin and after walking 23 miles today, there was took much rubbing I guess, oh well.
Date: 2011-04-30
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

The temp was pretty cool this morning. My plan was to go to Partnership Shelter where there is a solar shower and you can order pizza and have it delivered .2 miles away at the Mt Rogers visitor center. But when I hit Dickey Gap, Gary and his dog Pepper were there with his remodeled 70s Dodge ambulance van. He was giving hikers a free shuttle to Jerry's Kitchen a couple of miles away in Troutdale, so I took him up on his offer. He is usually out hiking every year but took this year off and decided to help out the hikers. When I got to the restaurant, Orange Blaze, Supa Chef and Speedy Gonzalez were there. I had 40oz of Pepsi, a double cheeseburger with potato wedges and a huge strawberry milkshake, I almost vomited. After that I decide I couldn't push on the next 15 miles to Partnership Shelter so I only walked the 4 miles to Trimpi Shelter.
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Settlers Museum
Miles today: 19.5

Crossing a gravel road this morning, a couple left trail magic in a bag tied up in a tree, to keep the bears out of it. Peanut butter crackers and honey buns. Made it to Partnership Shelter before lunch but decided not to order pizza. Pushed on to the next shelter but there were no flat spots for tenting. Snacked there for a minute and three section hikers from Ohio stopped by. They were getting off the trail that afternoon in Atkins, VA. So they gave Charlie and me the rest of their food. Pushed on a little bit further to the settlers museum and camped on a grassy hill. Just me here tonight. Walked down to the museum and threw away my trash and looked at the old buildings and swung on the swing on the front porch of the house.
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Settlers Museum

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

Taking a nero day today. On my walk into Atkins I saw 5 deer about 20 feet off the trail. Ate breakfast at The Barn, I had the 2x4. 2 eggs, 2 slices of bacon, 2 sausage patties, biscuits and gravy, grits, 2 pancakes and a coffee. Staying at the Relax Inn, did some laundry and took a shower. Got two drop boxes full of Easter candy, one from Brittany and one from Heather. Thank you so much, I have been eating candy all day and I still have leftovers to put in my food bag. Hung out with Hatchet, Shutter, Badger, Click and Long Time in the afternoon. Went back to The Barn for dinner and had the hikers special, a 16oz burger with chips and I added a slice of coconut cream pie. Might as well eat good before I go back in the woods.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Atkins, VA

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Atkins this morning and the walk was pretty easy. I walked and talked with Hatchet for a while. Made it to VA42 and there was trail magic. Two coolers, one with Bubba Cola and the other with PB+J. Made it to the shelter I had planned on staying at tonight, but it was only lunch time so I pushed in to the next shelter. Staying in the shelter tonight because a storm is coming through tonight, it is raining right now.
Date: 2011-05-04
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

I actually slept good in the shelter lastnight. The rain brought in a cold front. The hi never got above the mid 50s. Good hiking weather. Made it to the shelter and the temp is starting to drop. They are calling for mid 30s and freeze warnings. Staying warm in my tent.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept through my alarm at 6 but was up by 6:20. Packed up and took off towards town. Had a couple of really good views down into Pearisburg and some farmland. Made it to town and I am staying at the Rendezvous Motel. Laundry, shower, P.O., and resupply. Stopped by Dairy Queen for dinner and had the 1/2lb double cheeseburger, but it didn't fill me up. So I added the chicken finger basket and a large blizzard, flavor of the month. That did the trick, I love coming to town and eating. Now just relaxing back at the room. I am adding this part by request of Grandma Moreno. My next drop will be in Daleville, Va, on May 11. I like banana bread with or without nuts, either way. It needs to be addressed, Chad Grissom C/O Howard Johnson 437 Roanoke Road, Daleville, VA 24083 Please hold for AT hiker ETA May 11, 2011. Thank you so much for thinking about me, it is always nice to receive things from back home.
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

Everytime I leave town I always feel sluggish and my pack weighs a little more because of resupplies. Crossed over the New River on the Senator Shumate bridge. Weather was nice out but after climbing up a mountain I was drenched in sweat. Had some pretty decent views. The walking and weather was pretty nice today. Saw another garter snake. Buffalo showed up later to the shelter. I have been seeing him off and on since south of Franklin, NC.
Date: 2011-05-08
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

It rained all lastnight. I had to roll up my wet tent and pretty much everything in my pack got wet. Made it to War Spur Shelter and had lunch and set all my stuff out to dry, it did the trick. Had a really good view at Kelly Knob. I hit trail magic, a rubbermaid container with orange soda and regular soda. Five people walked by it in front of me and thought it was empty, but when I looked through all the cans I found one last soda. Buffalo, The Conversation and Chopper are here.
Date: 2011-05-09
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: broken clouds

Left this morning and it warmed up pretty quickly. Crossed a lot of farmland this morning and my feet got soaked from the dew on the grass. My shoes are ripping where the mesh meets the sole, so the gore tex isn't working anymore. Passed Keffer Oak, the largest oak tree on the A.T. in the south, it is 18ft around. I crossed the Eastern Continental Divide today, also. I had a big climb up to the Audie Murphy monument. He was the most decorated soldier during WWII. He died in a plane crash close to the site of the monument back in the 70s. Camping tonight with Buffalo and eating a lot of my food for dinner, there is a convenient store close to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Pig Farm Campsite
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

Had a steep climb up to Dragons Tooth this morning but the view was amazing. Huge stone monoliths with great views. On the way down I hit some trail magic. The Magicians Nephew (a planned thru hiker for next year) and John were carrying trail magic up to Dragons Tooth and they gave me some. An orange, Clif protein bar and granola bar. Buffalo caught up with me and we hit the road and headed towards Catawba Grocery. Got a couple of hot dogs, ice cream, soda, snacks and a six pack of beer to carry for dinner tonight. While we were sitting at the store, with a couple other hikers, a driver pulled up for Blue Bird Bakery and we got some more trail magic. He gave us loaves of bread, bagels, cupcakes and sno balls. Hiked up to McAfee Knob, the most photographed spot on the A.T. and had some amazing views and took some pictures. Made it to the campsite, started a fire and had dinner and some beer. Just Buffalo and me here tonight. Seems like maybe the hikers are starting to spread out, no one has walked by tonight. A storm is coming through while I type this and lightening just hit really close by. Headed to town tomorrow, looking forward to a zero day, my first since Erwin, TN.
Date: 2011-05-11
From: Pig Farm Campsite

To: Daleville, Va
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning and left camp at 6:30. Rolled up a wet tent but wasnt worried about it because I know I have a zero day tomorrow and can let things dry. Walked across Tinker Cliffs but had no views because of the fog. Took a couple of breaks but knocked out the miles pretty quick and hit town at 12. Checked in at the HoJo, showered up and went over to Pizza Hut. Went to Kroger's just to pick up some snacks and on the way out a couple offered a ride to the hotel in their truck. That was nice because the hotel was uphill and it was hot and muggy. Plan to resupply tomorrow and go to the outfitters for some new shoes.
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Daleville, Va

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up and went to the continental breakfast, if you can call it that and then went to the outfitter. Got new shoes, inserts, socks and gas canister. Went to Kroger's to resupply and I have just been hanging around the hotel and relaxing. Heading to Cracker Barrel for dinner and then getting ready to head out tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Daleville, Va

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left late this morning, around 9. The temp was great, but with 100% humidity I was sweating all day. Higher elevations were foggy so all the views were blocked. Crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway a couple of times today and will for the next about 80 miles. Raining a little bit right now.
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to fog again, so no good views today. It was hot and muggy again, sweat all day. Took a long luch break at Jennings Creek and was wanting to jump in and cool off but people were fishing there. Started to rain this afternoon. My stuff is somewhat damp. Hopeing the rain will let up and some stuff can dry overnight.
Date: 2011-05-15
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Another hot and muggy day. Soaked my shoes climbing up Apple Orchard Mtn on the wet grass. Atleast everything is blooming now, lots of pink and purple flowers. Had a great view at Black Rock and Thunder Ridge. Made it to lunch early and decided to go into town with Buffalo to the convenient store. Crossed the James River and hitched a ride on Hwy 501. The person wasn't a local and didn't know where he was going, so we got dropped off in the middle of nowhere. We started walking back towards the trail and a local did pick us up and new where to take us, she hiked the AT back in I think 1990. Got to the store, grabbed some snacks, beer and ate a cheeseburger and fries. Got another hitch back to the trail. Made it to the shelter, here with Buffalo, German Shephard, Loner Boner, Oveload and Sprawl. It rained pretty good today and I think I messed up my phone.
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day today. Hot and muggy and rain off and on all day. Plus it was my longest day, as far as mileage. Had a 1900ft climb in the morning and a 2900ft climb in the afternoon. Got trail magic at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter. Crackers, trailmix and candy. Camping with Buffalo tonight, pouring rain right now.
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: moderate rain

Virginia isn't for lovers, its for rain. Woke up early and luckily got everything packed up before the rain. Then the rain set in with a mix of hail. The temps were in the 40s and 50s. It did clear up for a little in the afternoon. Had one good view today. Made it to the shelter and it has rained a couple more times since ive been here, the tent is wet.