morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Bowie Maryland (Wash DC)

To: Dahlgren campground
Miles today: 2.0

I spent today at mile 1036 of the A.T. It is a small campground north of Harper's Ferry. It is just short of halfway thru the 4 state challenge. Some Thru-hikers commonly try to hike from Virginia to West Virginia then Maryland and finish in Pennsylvania, total of 42 miles. They start about 4am and hike until 10pm. Of course, many hikers stay the course and just do their normal miles but they still cross this campground.I made ham and cheese sandwiches, fruit juice, apples, bananas and pudding cups. Passed it out as they came thru. Tonight, I plan on staying at Eric and Tig's house.Was able to feed Waldo (31, German who works as a concierge in a Austrian hotel), Eleven (young girl just out of college), Papaya (late 20's from N Carolina), Push up (40's from Canada), Voyager (40's Lasher from Maryland), Lost and Found (a flip flopper*), The good Goat (30's), Flip (late 40's), Tommyhawk (50's), and Lady Gray (50's).This would be a great group to hike with age wise. Total 8 thru-hikers and 2 lashers (long a.. section hikers) helped today.Between hikers met "Dodger". Says he thru-hiked in 96, 99 and 2006. 68 years old, really nice guy, hiking a couple days. Took some grape juice but refused anything else saying, "Save it for the thru-hikers."What a great day, coming back tomorrow with Watermelon, pudding and more sandwiches. Going to do dinner with Eric and Tig then on to Conn to see my niece, Heatheryn, and Eric the morning of the 24th.*Flip Flopper is someone who hikes half the trail and then changes direction to hike the remaining miles. Example...Georgia to Penn then drives to Maine and hikes south to Penn where they got off
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Dahlgren campground

To: Hagerstown Maryland
Miles today: 1.0

Spent a second day helping hikers near Hagerstown Maryland. Served watermelon, salami sandwiches and pudding. Helped the following hikers; Dundee (retired Naval Captain), Rocky (Graduated with dual major; Criminal Justice/ Environmental studies), 180 (student at Kentucky University) and her dad who joined her for a few days, Mr Blister (From Maine, works at LLBeen), Oz (masters in criminal justice), Patch, Who's askin, Waffles (19), Dr Jay, White flash, and 5 weekend hikers.Then went to a wonderful Amish market that Eric suggested, good bread and some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. Their pretzels were also wonderful. Had dinner with Eric and Tig. Eric is a doctor and Tig a lawyer who are friends of ours. They recently moved from Arizona to Maryland. I had a great time catching up with them and their children. I timed my visit well, as they just returned from 17 days in Europe. I then drove thru the night arriving at Heatheryn's house by breakfast time.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Hagerstown

To: Stafford, CT 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Spent the last 2 days with Heatheryn and Eric. I am so glad I got to meet my niece!! She is very responsible and smart, I was very impressed. They live in a cute house in a quiet, rural neighborhood. We went fishing, bbq'd, played poker with some of their friends (Ashley and Ryan are hella cool). We tried to go fishing a second time but the rain would not stop. The weather sucked but we didn't care as it gave Heatheryn and I a chance to get to know each other and I tried to fill her in on the family.Next stop the Merola's in Sinclairville NY
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Stafford, CT 

To: Sinclairville, NY
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sunday Bud invited his whole clan over for a BBQ and I got to meet everyone. good times.Monday Bud, Brittney and I walked his wonderful property. Then Kim, Ray (her husband), Brittney (her daughter), Bud and I went shooting which was fun. Tuesday I went to Niagra Falls. I paid for a tour and took the Maid of the Mist boat ride, went to the whirlpool, wind caves, powerplant, etc and had a great time exploring. Then went to an Italian Restuarant for a great meal. Stayed in a wonderful hotel where they upgraded me for free.Wednesday drove back to Uncle Buds. He and I spent a great day driving around the area exploring a lake.Thursday Sandy, Ginger, Bud and I spent the day in Allegheny State park. We then explored Kadsua Dam. We finished a wonderful day at a good restaurant which Bud knew about.Friday after exploring Bud's 269 acre farm, we met some of his family at Long Point to ride a jetski. Later many of us went to the Bulls and Barrels rodeo where we ate BBQ beef sandwiches and kettle corn. I had a great time!! Some one remind me to go to more rodeos. Thanks to the Merola clan NY was fun.Cindy, Bud's oldest, has decided to hitch a ride and complete this trip with me. She will then go on to Los Angeles and San Francisco. She hopes to see lots of family and maybe fisherman's wharf.
Date: 2013-06-01
From: Sinclairville, NY

To: Dunlap IL
Miles today: 0.0

Cindy my cousin, who jumped in my car as I was leaving, and I have not seen our cousin Cecilia and her husband, Greg, in decades. We have never met her kids and didn't know what to expect. Cecilia's family is wonderful. They have done such a great job!! From an outsider looking in I don't know how they could have done better. Her children, Bri, Isaac, Josh and Rachal are all respectful and seem to be good spirits. I was impressed!! We were going to watch Josh play baseball on Saturday but his game was rained out. We sat around and caught up on family matters. Sunday we played games and chatted like family should. Very enjoyable!!It has been great getting to know Cindy again. We are having such a great time getting reacquainted. She has a good heart and is easy to travel with.
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Dunlap IL

To: Sedalia MO
Miles today: 0.3

Next up on my trip is my good friend Brad. I have been his friend for 20 years and I promise I have more than one story...Brad was one of my groomsmen when I married Hobbit and my room mate when she moved in, but he moved to Missouri a number of years ago due to his work transferring him. After driving into town and getting a chance to start catching up, we went to eat at Brad's favorite BBQ place. The next day we met Brad's new girlfriend, Wendi, at a buffet near her work. (Manager at Wal-mart).Next on the agenda was Brad took me to his work where I got to fly in the military B-2 flight simulator. Extremely cool, for 90 minutes I did very well except I could not do the inflight refuel to save my life. Got to fly over different cities, like Las Vegas. Had a blast!!!Later that night we hung out at home, Cindy and I made dinner (chicken parmesan, noodles and broc). Wendi came over later and we indulged in a few adult beverages and it was fun by all.Tomorrow on the road for Oklahoma...
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Sedalia MO

To: Wagoner, OK
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

WOW what a great 2 days!!! My cousin, Jill, and her family is amazing. They have 10 acres in eastern OK, kinda near the Ozarks. She is trying to raise sheep, has a bee hive, is canning and I love their pond. We must have caught 40 blue gill and few bass in the 7 hours we fished it. Jill's son was away but we got to meet her husband George, her daughter, Mehgan and boyfriend Silent Bob (aka Chris). Mehgan and Chris seem happy and should have a great future. She is a radiologist tech and he works for Direct TV. I would suggest everyone stop here on their travels.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Springer Mt shelter
Miles today: 8.0

After a long trip on 4/10: Bus to Logan/flight to Atlanta/MARTA bus to North Spring.shuttle to hiker hostel in Dahlonega,GA.. Hiked approach trail via Amicalola falls. Green grass. No leaves on trees. Smokey/ hazy mountains. Mountain yellow and purple violets blossoming. White a anenomoe flowers or wild geranium. Holly bushes. Trilliums not quit ready. Hiked with Bob M, from Kalamazoo. Reached the top of Springer and 1st white blaze around 4:00. Hurried to nearest 2 story shelter trying to beat an approaching thunderstorm. Saw turkey. Squirrels. Cardinal. Jays. Pilated wood pecker. Lightening, thunder, pouring rain started after dark and lasted through most of the night.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Springer Mt

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Trail was wet and foggy starting out. A bit slippery but pleasant with nice views: hemlock forest, rhododendrons, spring flowers. Weather cleared with light breezes - excellent hiking conditions. Camped on a hill near Blackwell creek, got very breezy during the night but the tent held.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another nice hiking day, cool and breezy. Arrived at Woody gap early. Had time to relax, rest, recoup and try out new solar phone charger. Gail's earned 3 blisters in 3 days! Staying in a hostel tonight - time for laundry, showers, and journal entries. Blood Mt & Neels gap planned for tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Woody gap

To: Neels gap
Miles today: 11.3

Blood Mt (4400 ft) was easier than expected. There was a 2 room stone shelter on top. Yesterday was overcast with a light rain in the afternoon. Start temp at Woody was 38 deg, high 50s by mid day. Saw mostly local day hikers on the trail, later caught up with several others we started with at the Neel's gap hostel. The Neel's outfitter stores is a very interesting place, picking up a few supplies, then off in the fog to Low Gap.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Neels gap

To: Low gap shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Foggy start in the 50's, cleared up by noon to 78 deg. Hiked mostly with Phil & Amanda, a young couple (20's) from Indianapolis. Noticed three 'heart shaped' rocks along the trail and several doves - love was in the air!   The lean-to shelter was full when we arrived ~ 4:00, so we pitched our tent next to a stream which reminded me of roaring brook at BSP but without the roar. 10 tents total set up near the shelter. We all (~20) converged at the shelter and heard the horrible news on the bombing in Boston from one fellow who had an i-pad.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Low gap shelter

To: Blue Mt shelter
Miles today: 8.1

Foggy morning again - the tent was soaked but we packed up and were off by 8:00. Didn't sleep well last night - upset about Boston, also sun burnt ears were very tender. Cleared off by late morning. Gail now has 5 blisters but is hanging in. So far, my 'green' Cascadia sneakers (thanks Jeff P's uncle Bill) are working great on this relatively smooth terrain! Arrived at the lean-to around 3:30 and got 2 slots in the 6-man shelter - not wanting to deal with a wet tent the next morning. Everyone in the shelter tonight is 50+, all the young-uns are camped in tents (6) nearby. Great fresh water spring nearby.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Blue Mt shelter

To: Tray Mt shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful sunrise right in front of the shelter. A slight haze on the horizon but no fog this morning. 60 deg to start and dry! At Unicoi gap, a group from the Helene 1st Baptist church (trail angels) offered to bring us into town for breakfast but we decided to continue on with 'Bus' and 'Ukraine Bill' to seek shelter from an expected thunderstorm. We ended up 1.5 miles short when it hit and were a bit wet. The lightening was fierce and scary crossing over the exposed ridge line of Mt Tray. Several hikers were hanging out at the shelter but we got the last 2 of the 6 regular slots. Later an older couple, who were soaked and had experienced some hail, joined us - ended up with 9 people and 1 dog total in this 6 man shelter, very cozy!Met our first SO-BO (south bounder) from Alabama. He brought news of cold weather and some lingering snow in the Smokies from 2 weeks before.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Tray Mt shelter

To: Dick's gap, Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

Thundered through the night, very foggy this morning. The trail was wet. Experienced my first 'slip' coming downhill around a switchback. While stepping with right foot, my left heal slipped forward. Not compensating correctly for pack weight, went down onto my pack and started to roll quickly down a steep slope alongside the trail. Fortunately, was able to grab onto a tree and stop within 6-8 ft! Getting on my feet and climbing back reminded me of crawling out of a winter spruce trap on Mt Willie in the Whites.Overcast sky gave way to some sunshine by early afternoon. Had lunch at Deep gap shelter (new, beautiful setting with 2 upper lofts and spring water nearby). With threatening skies approaching, decided to head 3.5 miles to Dick's gap and catch a shuttle into a Hiawasse motel while it's still dry. Joined 'Bus', 'Ukraine Bill', and a retired air force trainer (Don Hause), who we originally started with, at Daniels steak house for an excellent 'all you can eat' buffet.Plan to take a "0" day tomorrow (90 % chance of rain).
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Dick's gap, Hiawassee, GA

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Heavy rain most of the day. Staying at the motel again tonight, then off to Muskrat Creek shelter across the N Carolina border tomorrow. The forecast looks good for now!Spent today doing laundry, updating my journal at the library, picking up supplies and re-packing. Hiawassee is a nice town - has an outfitter, hardware store et al. How many ways can an engineer load a backpack? Not sure, but 8 so far.Had another excellent buffet (fish & chicken) at Daniels tonight.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Bly gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Chilly (37 deg) and very clear this morning - absolutely gorgeous! Had a great Western omelet breakfast with grits and am ready to roll!The 9:00 AM shuttle back to Dick's creek gap was booked so we're waiting for the next one at 11:00. Nice morning to relax and digest all the food we've consumed in Hiawassee. Our trail friends, 'Bus' & 'Ukraine Bill', have already left but will save slots for us at the shelter tonight. We plan to be on the trail for the next 3-4 days, next town stop: Franklin NC. Crossed the NC border late afternoon with 'Trillium' from Michigan and decided to stay at a campsite in Bly gap with 'Bus' & 'Ukraine Bill'.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Bly gap

To: Beech gap
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Long climb out of Bly gap.Nice campfire last night, great conversation with (4) NASA engineers (section hikers, 20 miles/year!) from Huntsville. Very funny - much respect for Pratt SSME turbopumps. Beautiful sunset!Very chilly - 38 deg at 10:00 PM
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Franklin NC

To: Siler Bald shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: light rain

Had a hearty breakfast and preparing for the next leg. Next town stop: Fontana Village in ~5 days, then onto the Smokies!Mailed a drop box ahead and one back home. Not having a car is challenging! Nice morning, clear 54 deg.Got to the shelter at 2:30 - an hour ahead of a thunderstrom. 12 people cramped in this small, rickety shelter throughout the breezy thunderstorm which ended around 6:30.Nice campfire later to dry out & warm up. 3 young-uns offered to set up their tents to make room for the night.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Siler Bald shelter

To: Cold Spring shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Clear start, 30 deg!Steep climb up Wayah Bald. Met a trail angel (retired Navy, non-hiker, God bless him!) near the summit - peanut butter, banana & honey sandwiches; snacks & beer!Great views from stone tower from Mt Albert to Clingman's Dome in the Smokies.Made it to the shelter (vintage, 60's log construction about 4:00 and turned in early.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Cold Spring sheler

To: Nanahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.7

Perfect hiking day, start temp 35 deg.Beautiful views from Rocky Bald and observation tower on Wesser Bald.Trail dropped from 4945 to 1750 ft at NOC. Arrived at 2:30. Kayak competition going on this weekend so we decided to stay at the hostel and enjoy the festivities. Had the 'hiker special' burger (2 half lb patties) for dinner.Great bonfire, live band, and local IPAs.
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Nanahala Outdoor Center

To: Nantahala cabin
Miles today: 0.0

Rainy and warm, 80% chance of rain today -decided to take a '0' day and stay at a cabin near the NOC with 'Bus' & 'Ukraine Bill'. The cabin Mgr couldn't pick us up (lost license) so walked 2 miles E to the cabins. He was very accomodating, let us use his car to go into Bryson City - home of the Great Smokies railroad. Re-supplied, did laundry.Rained all day, the cabin was warm & comfortable.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Nantahala cabin

To: NOC hostel
Miles today: 0.0

The cabin was dry & wonderful - feasted on toasted bagles with cream cheese and hot chocolate for breakfast!It had poured rain all night, woke up to a heavy thunderstorm which we watched approach under protection of the rear porch - huge lightening strikes just a few miles off.Weather forecast bleak: more rain all day today - decided to check back in at the NOC hostel, take another '0' day and enjoy the kayak competition finals.Met up again with Phil & Amanda from Indianapolis.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: NOC hostel

To: Stecoah gap
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Long climb up to Cheoah Bald (5062 ft). Foggy start at 7:00, trail conditions very good considering all the recent rain. Cleared up nicely by noon. Almost stepped on an orange newt that was also heading North.Decided to stop at the 'cabin in the woods' (recommended by Chris L) with 'Bus'. 'Ukraine Bill' continued on to sleep under the stars. Stayed in the 'Coop' - really nice place with an amazing model railroad next door.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Stecoah gap

To: Fontana dam
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Perfect hiking conditions. 52 deg start at ~7:30 with a light breeze and beautiful sunrise.We heard two owls while climbing up Jacob's ladder, which is usually steep with few switchbacks, and later saw one checking us out while flying high between trees. We also heard several male grouse mating calls today - similar to a woodpecker but with a hollower drum like sound. We saw our first snake on the trail while coming down through Walker gap - fortunately it was a friendly, black water snake.Wild flowers are everywhere and the forest floor is now green at lower elevations.We arrived at Fontana lodge ~4:00, picked up our re-supply drop package, and decided to splurge and get a room for the night. We plan to start our long trek up into the Smokies tomorrow morning.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Fontana dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Entered the Great Smokies National park - need a thru-hike permit this year, so got a late start. 'Ukraine Bill' stayed at the Fontana Hilton (shelter) last night and was pushing on to reach Damascus VA before his VISA expired in late May. We hiked directly over the Fontana dam (ELEV 1700 ft) and then started our long climb out of the gorge. We met our first other Maine thru-hiker - Dr 'Fast Eddy' Friedman, a vascular surgeon from Falmouth. Nice views from a rickety old firetower on Shuckstack Mt (3800 ft) - dangerous, I'm surprised it's still open! It got a bit buggy later in the afternoon so we decided to set up the tent for the night near the shelter. Turned in early after a long, tiring day.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Got very windy during the night, but warm (50 deg). Stayed dry and comfortable in the tent. Had breakfast at the shelter - another hiker reported seeing a bear and her cub within a quarter mile the night before.Very comfortable hiking day. Overcast day with 15 knot winds. Great views from Thuderstorm Mt (5727 ft). Hiked over some grassy knolls, which were a pleasant change, and reached the shelter about 4:00. No bugs tonight, so we decided to sleep in the shelter. It was at full capacity (12) by 6:00. The younguns 'Wiz' (21) and 'San Francisco' (18) set up tents nearby.It stayed very windy during the night. I had a cold wind blowing on me all night - the stone shelter walls were not sealed.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Derrick Knob shelter

To: Collins Mt shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Cold windy start. Another overcast day but with much heavier winds - had to keep moving to stay warm. Hiking up through the clouds was damp and slippery in places, but got to Clingman's Dome (highest point on AT) about 1:00 and climbed the tower. Visibility was poor but improved sporatically as clouds blew on over the top.We made it to the shelter around 3:30 and gathered wood for a fire. Met Mary, a 70+ retired chemist, very interesting lady from Jaffery NH.Stayed very windy all night - blew leaves, debry, fireplace ashes all over the shelter. We were on the lower level which took the worst of it.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Collins Mt shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 5.0

Very cold (33 deg), damp morning in the clouds and fog. Got an early start, hiked to Newfound gap and met trail angels: 'Godspeed & Mountain Momma' - wonderful folks from Gatlinburg who gave us fruit & brownies, then drove us into town. They look after hikers every weekend during the 'season' and I was wondering why - until I checked out their website: at-miracle.com. After showers and laundry, we met up with 'Bus' for lunch at Bennets. Gatlinburg is beautiful - trees and flowers are in full bloom. Several people were out and about even though it rained most of the afternoon - saw many fellow hikers in town today.We capped off the day with a great, loaded Mamma Mia pizza at Big Daddy's and later received needed spiritual nourishment and guidance at the St Mary's 7:00 PM mass.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

It's pouring rain this morning, so we decided to take another '0' day and see the town. We met 'Bus' at Bennets for the breakfast buffet and plan to get the 'all-day' pass and ride the trolley today. The trolley system here is great. There are (7) different color coded lines that go to various attractions around the city. This is the first day we've spent more time riding than walking. In all the other towns we visited we had to hoof it! When we started, I kept expecting to find a vehicle at all the trailhead crossings, now I'm happy to find a trash can to lighten my load! We just had some of the best hamburgers ever at Five Guys restaurant. We're ready to hit the trail first thing tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Pecks Corner shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

We're about to head out to Newfound gap on the 8:00 shuttle. Currently the rain has stopped and it's foggy.The shuttle was crowded - 8 hikers, 8 backbacks, plus driver packed into a Chevy Yukon. Cool (44 deg) and mostly clear up at Newfound gap. Views E were beautiful, valley to the W was totally socked in by low clouds. Excellent hiking day - though trail was wet it was easy to traverse. Minimal flooding in this high Alpine region. This section of the AT ridge trail was the bestso far!We got to the shelter at 2:30 and it filled up quick - 17 spent the night in this 12 man.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Pecks Corner shelter

To: Cosby Knob shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: moderate rain

Early start at 7:15, foggy, 50 deg - first ones out. Partial sunshine today, good conditions but chilly. We were above the clouds most of the day. We shared a great picnic with 'Bus' in a alpine grassy knoll area at Deer Creek gap (6080 ft). Clouds eventually blew through 'laden with humdidy' (Bert & I) which robbed the heat right out of us - ended up getting a bad chill and numb hands.Passed some aircraft wreckage on the way down Mt Guyot. Found part of a compressor case with a split flange and several mangled cantilever stators -learned later it was an F4 that had crashed in 1984. Got to the shelter at 3:00 - learned of an 87 year old German thru-hiker who was 2 days behind us.