morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-09-22
From: Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Today¢s hike was going to be challenging for two reasons, first rain was predicted for four hours midday. Second my total climb for the day was 6148 feet with only around 2400 feet of dissent. I met NOBO Hiker Wilberforce and 4 section hikers in the morning, one of the hikers named SOBO and the other Sasquatch. Even with all those upward climbs I spent the entire day in valleys with very few views. To my delight the rain held off until after lunch, where I enjoy the sub sandwich and was able to get all my rain gear on before getting wet. The rain only lasted a couple hours but it did get everything wet. Late in the afternoon I met another section Hiker OBX, and a trail maintenance group that were out on the trail. I made it to Bald Mountain Shelter Where  I met ¢Midnight¢ who was a true SOBO hiker. It was good talking about favorite areas of the trail, And memories that have been created on earth through hikes.
Date: 2022-09-23
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Camping Mile 312
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

We woke up to frost this morning,  I was no ready for that yet.  The trail had several hikers, including 2 NOBO hikers.  We saw two deer but not much other wildlife in this area.  I walked parts of the day with Midnight and ended up camping in the same area with her and another flipflop hiker ¢RAFL¢. We had a fire to close the night.  We had dueling owls that were very noisy for a while both at night and in the morning. Midnight shared several snacks with me since she did not want the weight. (Bars,Gorp,Cookies, and Peanut Butter)
Date: 2022-09-24
From: Camping Mile 312

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

At the first shelter we met a family with their 6 year old twins who were out backpacking.  Met 3 weekend hikers, and then caught RAFL at lunch time and we hiked the rest of the day.  We met Camel in the afternoon who is less than 100 miles from finishing her through hike.  We also met 5 section hikers who are doing long term sections.  Two The Diplomat and DooLittle who were from Great Britain.  We end up in the shelter with Chef and RAFL.  I passed the 300 mile to Springer milestone today.  Unfortunately we got rained on in the afternoon. One of the benefits of the afternoon, Was that we actually had some views from the mountain tops and were able to see some nice Valley views.
Date: 2022-09-25
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Camping Mile 279
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

RAFL, Chef, and myself left the shelter together this morning. A few miles into our hike we came across the sign that welcomed us to dispose of our trash and get some water. Peggy met us when we approached the house and asked us if we were interested in a couple cookies, she was offering peanut butter and loaded oatmeal cookies. She even went so far as to warm up the first one, and then gave us a second one for on the trail they were good. We hate to Spring Mountain Shelter for lunch, and our timing was perfect because about 20 minutes later there was a downpour. We stayed at the shelter and waited out the rain before heading down the trail. Shep stopped at the shelter for the day, and we met two other hikers Mr. Ed and a second section hiker. Rain was predicted for later on in the day so we pushed on and were able to set up camp and eat supper before the rain started again at 7:30 PM. I had it into the hammock early and spent the night listening to a podcast.
Date: 2022-09-26
From: Camping Mile 279

To: Camping Mile 263
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I had to pack up the hammock wet this morning, But the rain is stopped so at least we were able to pack up without having to try and keep the other things dry. We only had a 4 mile hike in the Hot Springs, North Carolina. The first thing we did was head to the Smoky Mountain diner for a second breakfast, the food was great and the helping sizes were very generous, perfect for a Hiker. I was able to get a little bit of a charge on my electronics during breakfast, and then headed to the dollar general for food resupply. Set a meeting Mary in three days and headed back to Michigan For Matt¢s wedding I was not worried about having a large resupply. I was surprised at how busy the trail was today, I met over 30 people during the day, including 4 hikers. Two of the hikers were northbound one was southbound and one was a flipflop hiker named ¢Flip¢. Flip was down to her last 55 miles before finishing the entire trail. I also met a bachelor whose wedding is October 1, who is out with his best man for a four-day hike before the wedding. I did have my first fall in several weeks as my shoe caught on a rut and down I went. RAFL Stayed in town and is doing zero, preparing for the smokies. I made the mistake of Hammock Camping at the top of the ridge last night and when the temperatures dipped below 40° I¢ve decided it¢s time to switch to a tent when I go home this weekend
Date: 2022-09-27
From: Camping Mile 263

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

It was another night when the temperatures were below 40°, and sleeping in a hammock is getting to be very cold. I have been pleased with the number of hikers that I am meeting on the trail. For the second day in a row I met Flip Who will be down to only 30 miles before completing her through hike, Unfortunately the last 30 miles is in the Smokey mountains. I broke down today and duct tape to my right shoe, having caught it on a root yesterday I completely delaminated the front of it. Good thing I had planned on replacing those shoes in the next couple days. Towards the end of the day I was able to summit  Max Patch, which is a beautiful 360 view above tree line. The skies were clear and the views were great. I was surprised at how many day hikers were in the area.  I arrived at the shelter relatively early, and by supper time there were four long-term hikers spending the night. Thanks to ¢ Half Glass¢ we built a nice fire and spent over three hours enjoying the time around the fire and discussing Trail issues. One of those issues, is the fact that hurricane Ian is about to hit Florida and the trail could get interesting the next couple days. Northbound hiker, Crystal, has decided to skip the Smokies and gave me her trail permit which will allow me to enter the Smokies when I return from Matt¢s wedding.
Date: 2022-09-28
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Pigeon River Bridge Exit 451 I-40
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

Paya left camp in the dark, trying to get to a Hostel and figure out his permit system. I was surprised at how many downed trees were on the trail the beginning of the of the hike. I did meet seven section hikers, many who have been modifying their plans because of hurricane Ian. The best part of the day came earlier than expected, when Mary met me at Pigeon River bridge, and we started our 9 Hour Dr. back to Michigan. sunrise today was at 7:24 AM and sunset was at 7:19 PM. Our days are getting shorter as we make the drive towards the end of our hike. Mary and I were going to stay in the Knoxville area tonight, but because her travel went so smoothly we decided to head for Michigan a day early. I will be off trail for a few days returning on Sunday and hoping that hurricane Ian has vacated the area. When I return it will be day 136 and I will have 241 miles to complete my hike.
Date: 2022-10-02
From: Pigeon River Bridge

To: Davenport Gap shelter
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I drove 610 miles today to the Knoxville airport. Then Matt Cox picked me up and shuttle me to the Pigeon River Bridge off from exit 451 of I 40. It¢s true trail magic to have Matt have driven me the 65 miles back to The trail, thanks Matt. Unfortunately it was raining, but I only had 2.7 miles to hike to the Davenport Gap Shelter. I arrived after dark, but was pleased to met Desperado, who had already started a fire. The shelter was fenced in the front to avoid bear traffic and had a fireplace inside the shelter. My pack weighed 41 pounds, after making a few equipment changes. I swapped out my hammock for a tent, my down vest for a down jacket, and my extra pair of shorts for long pants.
Date: 2022-10-03
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

it rained all last night, and until about lunchtime today. I was surprised at how many hikers I saw on the trail, there were 14 national park hikers, an eight day hikers that I met today. I also saw my second bear, this when I got a picture of even though he turned and ran before getting very close to me.  I also was happy that there were five section hikers at the shelter. A father (Jeff) And his son (Matthew) were out for a four day hike. It was some father-son time, and Matthew was anxious to get a fire going. Two of the other hikers were researchers studying lichen. The shelter had bear cables but no cell service. I did pass the 800 mile mark going southbound. Talking to several people during the day the weather in the national park on Saturday and Sunday was pretty miserable, so Matthew Gort¢s wedding was perfectly timed for me, and so was God¢s timing!
Date: 2022-10-04
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I left camp alone, But quickly caught Jeff and Matthew, who is stopped to do a morning devotional. I joined them for their devotion, and then did a devotion of my own with them. We hike to Charlie Bunion Lookout, which is one of the better views I had seen in the southern section. To my surprise, it also is a very popular day hike from Newfound Gap which is only 4 miles away. I counted over 125 day hikers in that for miles. We also cross paths with 20 Smoky Mountain national Park section Hikers, and I met Smoke who has a true SOBO hiker. With so many people on the trail, I was blessed with three people who supplied Trail magic. Jeff, was getting off trail at Newfound Gap, provided me with a freeze dried supper, two tuna packs, two bars, and some jerky. A couple at the lookout gave me two bananas an orange and two bars. And a day hiker shared a Clementine orange with me. It¢s amazing how people provide on the trail! I hiked for about 10 miles today with Jeff and Matthew, it was really a good day spending time with them and enjoying their company!
Date: 2022-10-05
From: My. Collins Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

we woke up today to temperatures in the mid 30s. I was glad I had changed out to some heavier clothing last weekend. I hope to Clingmans dome, and arrived about 9:30 in the morning. I stayed for about an hour. Again there were many day visitors at the dome. I did not count them today. I did see 26 section hikers during the day, 20 who were just doing the smoky mountain national park area, But there were also six medium and long-term hikers on the trail. I did receive trail magic again today, from a hiker named Jr. Ranger who is hiking the Smokies after completing the PCT this year and the AT last year. The afternoon hike surprised me as being more difficult than I had anticipated. I ended up getting into camp less than a half an hour before dark. The shelter had a six person work crew there, and three section hikers. We enjoyed a fire and discussing the trail. I did pass to milestones today, my total trail miles Are over 2000 miles now, and I have less than 200 miles to finish the entire trail.
Date: 2022-10-06
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Within the first hour of leaving camp, The shoulder strap adjustment on my backpack broke. I stopped at the first shelter and spent an hour reselling it, only to have it break again later in the day. I¢m at a northbound hiker sunshine who got a very late start this year. After eating lunch, I left the state of Tennessee. This is the 12th state that I have completed the hiking in with only two more to go. Over the day I¢m at 14 section hikers, most of which are doing the smoky mountain section, and five Section hikers who are doing longer-term. It is always good to have people on the trail. Towards the end of the day, I decided to climb Shuckstack fire tower, even though it was additional uphill.  I ran into four horse people, who are up from Alabama, and treated me to some trail magic. They shared various pieces of fruit, cheese sticks, and a couple power bars. It was fun talking to them about their time on the trail with the horses. After the fire tower I headed to Fontana Dam visitor center. I was surprised to find the visitor center open, and they too shared some trail magic with me of a couple breakfast bars, some medical tape, and several candy bars. The best part of the visitor center was I was able to get a hot shower and resupply water.  I decided to eat my meal there before heading to the shelter. To my surprise the shelter had a solar charging station in a beautiful overlook of the damn area.
Date: 2022-10-07
From: Fontana Dam Hilton Shelter

To: Locust Cove Gap - Mile 147
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

1 mile into my hike I visited the Fontana marina. I bought myself a half pint of ice cream a celebration of 2000 miles, and some pop tarts to supplement breakfast for the next two days. During the day I saw 14 section hikers all but two of them going north. The day had many ups and downs of elevation, and I was happy to get to Locust Cove gap. There already was another tent set up there, so the day would  end with a chance to visit with Kristie. I use my new tent for the first time, and have some work on getting it set up quicker. We had to hang food from a bear tree for the night. I finally saw some wildlife, two deer and an interesting looking black stink. I also ran into three hunters training their dogs for bear hunting season
Date: 2022-10-08
From: Locust Cove Camping

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: few clouds

I got a late start at a camp because of the time to break down the tent. But I was looking forward to the day because I was going to be able to have a lunch at River¢s End caf© at the bottom of a large decline. I enjoyed a large bowl of chili, and a chicken sandwich. Unfortunately after lunch I had to climb up the other side of the notch. The notch was over 3000 foot down, and 2750 feet up. The trail continues to have many hikers, Which I enjoy. Today I saw seven section hikers, 10 weekend hikers, and 14 day hikers. I was surprised when I got to the shelter to find that there were 10 weekend hikers, two fires, and an evening of good conversation.
Date: 2022-10-09
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

I got an early start out of camp this morning, and took the time to hike up a fire platform which gave great views of the valley around me. I saw the best colors that I have seen anywhere on the trip today. I also enjoyed having full cell coverage for the first 2/3 of the day. That allowed me to listen to a sermon from First Church of God, and the first half of the Lions game. I could¢ve skipped the Lions game, it was pretty sad. I ran into several different groups during the day, including a group of 13 middle Tennessee State University MTOP hikers, who were out for a fall break trip. There were also a large group of section hikers, and they hikers. Two of the section hikers were a grandfather and his 13-year-old grandson. I hope that will be me someday with my grandchildren. There were two of us at the shelter for the night, so we got a fire going and enjoyed meeting another hiker ¢Hand Blaze¢, Who stopped in to resupply some water. It was good to be in the shelter because the temperatures dropped to near freezing again last night.
Date: 2022-10-10
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Gooders Grove Hostel
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: clear sky

It was a short walk today to winding stair gap, where is Zen picked me up and brought me to the Hostel. He forgot about me so I had to call him to remind me to pick me up but I still arrived at the hostel by 10:45 am.  The delay did allow me to experience a couple trail magic opportunities. As I was waiting a dad and five kids we¢re coming off trail, saw my backpack and started asking questions. Before we were done, they handed me Gorp, honey waffle pieces, freeze dried cherries and a couple odds and ends. After arriving at the high school I was able to get a shower laundry and re-supply. I walked into town and had a nice lunch at Mi Casa, and a food resupply at the Food Lion. I¢m looking forward to cooking some stir-fry for supper, and enjoying the ice cream I bought at the store. There are five other hikers at the hostel, and it¢ll be good to relax this evening.
Date: 2022-10-11
From: GooderÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Grove Hostel

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

I left the Hostel early so that I can meet up with Eagle Ike. Unfortunately I lost the trail early and ended up bushwhacking for about 3/4 of a mile. Eagle Ike and I met up about 10:40 AM and hike together to Carter Gap Shelter. Before arriving at the shelter we climbed the Albert mountain fire tower and enjoyed the view, the trees are really starting to turn nice colors. Eagle Ike also treated me to a Subway sandwich for lunch at the tower. To my surprise in the afternoon I met four hikers that were southbound from Maine, these were the first hikers that I had met in Maine in June. Two milestones were a team today, I pass the 2100 total mile mark and I only have 100 miles left to Springer Georgia. I experience two trail magics today, the first with someone left Honeycrisp apples at the trail head, and Eagle Ike provided me with A subway sandwich, some Oreo cookies and some chips. I really enjoyed meeting back up with Eagle Ike and allowing us to walk together and talk today!
Date: 2022-10-12
From:  Carter Gap Shelter

To: Plum Orchard shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Eagle Ike and I left camp early, hoping to get a view at Standing Indian mountain. Unfortunately the rain continued all day leaving no views. Eagle Ike headed back to his car just before lunch, it was great having time with him again. During the day I saw 10 section hikers, five true south bound hikers, and Squints who has a flipflop like me a Harpers Ferry. I arrived at Plum Orchard shelter just before five and was glad to visit with a couple from Cadillac Michigan. The rain picked up about 5:30 PM and continued on and off most the night. I was glad I was in a shelter. Just before the shelter I left the state of North Carolina, I now have 13 states completed of the 14 on the trail. It doesn¢t seem possible that this trip is gonna be over in less than five days.
Date: 2022-10-13
From: Plum Orchard Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: moderate rain

It rained most of the night, and was very hazy all morning. I had a really nice spot for lunch at the top of Kelley Knob mountain, But again no views. I¢ve enjoyed seeing many hikers the last several days, today there was 18 hikers doing the Georgia section including two hikers from Kalamazoo Michigan. I also ran into a handful of day hikers before arriving at the Shelter. There are four at camp, including another Michigan hiker. I joined Mike and Britany For a nice fire after supper.  We also were able to enjoy the first views of the day since it cleared up in the afternoon. During the night I had to pull out my winter coat, because it was very windy and the temperatures dropped very quickly being on a ridge. It¢s still turned out to be a very nice night.
Date: 2022-10-14
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Camping Mile 38.2 Georgia
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: moderate rain

The wind was strong on Tray Mtn. ridge most of the night and temperatures dropped to the mid 30¢s.  I am finding that there are more climbs in GA than I had expected.  The morning started with two healthy climbs and I stopped at the top of Blue Mtn. for lunch.  The other surprise for me is how busy the trail in GA has been. I met 27 section hikers today and anther 8 weekend hikers.  I also finalize my last off trail hostel visit at Neel Gap area and bought a plane ticket home for next Tuesday evening.  I does not seem real that I am closing in on the finish line.  I decided to camp tonight so that I would be in a valley versus on a ridge. I enjoyed a fire and headed to bed. To my surprise about 8:30 pm, a Boy Scout group of 12-15 people showed up at the camp.  Water has been scarce the last 12 miles and I received some trail magic water refill from three hikers who I redirected from hiking the wrong direction about mid day.  The weather was great and I enjoyed a few nice views today.
Date: 2022-10-15
From: Camping HogPen Gap - Mile 38.2

To: NeelÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Gap - Your Home in the Woods B&B
Miles today: 7.1

Left camp after talking to the Boys Scout group.  Mary would have enjoyed the group leader who was a ND graduate.  The trail remains busy which I continue to enjoy. The Georgia section is only about 80 miles long which makes it a popular one week hiking distance for a lot of people.  In only 3 1/2 hours I passed 18 hikers this morning before getting off at Neel Gap and heading to the B&B.  I did get treated to some trial magic by two different people at the Mountain Crossing Store.  Paul and Bonnie have been great hosts at the B&B. They surprised me by including lunch, supper, and breakfast in addition to providing a shower, laundry, and a bed. I am down to two days of hiking and then will head home Tuesday evening out of Atlanta Airport.
Date: 2022-10-16
From: Your Home In The Woods B&B

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

What a blessed Sunday today turned out to be. It started with a great breakfast at the B&B. Breakfast included in egg omelette, pancakes, and homemade chocolate chip banana muffins. The Nero day with Paul and Bonnie at the B&B were a great blessing to me. The time provided both rest and gracious food supplies. After breakfast, Bonnie handed me leftovers from supper the night before including meatloaf and orange and homemade muffins for me to use at lunch today. Pub drop me back off at trail, and the first thing I did was climb Blood mountain. I enjoyed climbing with a couple and the views at the top were outstanding, the colors are almost at their peak. The next great view I got was at a place called Preaching Rock, which also was a very popular day hike spot. There was at least 25 people at that location enjoying the great views. For the day I passed at least 16 section hikers and more day hikers and I could count. I enjoyed arriving at Gooch Mountain Shelter early, and was thrilled to find 14 other people there and a roaring fire. 3 retired Navy man kept the fire going for over four hours, and there was 12 to 14 of us around the fire, including 7 GA Tech college students, for many hours that night. I experienced the second set of trail magic at Preaching Rock with some hikers gave me a good fire some Gorp and another bag of nuts. The shelter proved a good place to be when it rained at night but I wanna stay dry.