morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Big Bald Shelter
Miles today: 18.9

Just a perfect day to hike today - temps in the 60s and not a cloud in the sky. The morning started off pretty much downhill - but when that happens you know there will be another uphill. We had a pretty significant climb up to Sugarloaf Gap - but on the positive side we were hiking next to a waterfall/river. Once we completed the ascent we soon found the shelter and we stopped for lunch. There was a sign at the shelter stating that there was trail magic 2.4 miles away at Sam's Gap (I-26). After lunch Kamikaze took off for the trail magic - I left 15 minutes later. I got to the trail magic - and Kamikaze was nowhere around - apparently he had hiked by it and missed it. He did make it back and there was a crowd of us there - The Swiss (Silvia & Thomas), Indiana Jones and Big Dog, Goat and Buffalo. Had a couple of cokes and then it was time to hike up more than 2000 ft to Big Bald. It was a tough trek but the views on top where excellent. Saw three deer - but they were too fast to get a picture. Made it to the shelter and everyone is pretty beat. Here tonight are Goat, Buffalo, Cletus, Drifter, Fresh, Stretch, Kamikaze, and two women and a section hiker. In to Irwin TN tomorrow to resupply and then back on the trail Sat morning. Feet are a bit sore today - hopefully I can get some Superfeet to put in my shoes when I resupply.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Big Bald Shelter

To: Uncle Johnnies Hostel / Irwin, TN
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Got up early but still didn't leave the shelter until 7:45. Morning started out overcast but the warmest morning yet on the trail. Supposedly it was all downhill to Irwin but I figured out on the AT - there is no such thing. Quick up to Little Bald and then another up to No Business shelter where we had lunch. It was interesting watching the forest change from beech trees to firs and back again. Noticed quite a few birds chirping as we lost elevation. We hiked down to Irwin and got here around 3. A quick shower and the took the 5 pm shuttle into Irwin. Went to AYCE at KFC - it was great - but at this point so would dog food. After gorging ourselves we went to Dollar General to resupply and then the shuttle arrived to bring us back. We ended up hanging out with Goat, Buffalo, Stretch, Fresh, Drifter, Cletus and Finn Lot of laughs. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Uncle Johnnies Hostel / Irwin, TN

To: Campsite north of Beauty Spot
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Delayed departure from Uncle Johnnies as I needed to wait for the breakfast shuttle to get back to the hostel. Left after 11 under sunny skies and the warmest day on the trail yet - 81 degrees. The climb out was gradual with some steep grades at times. Made it 4.7 miles to the first shelter fairly quickly and stopped to eat lunch. As we approached Indian Gap a trail angel had left gallons of water for hikers. As we descended into the gap another trail angel was setup with sweet tea and fruit. That gave us the energy to hike up to Beauty Spot and then start down to the campsite. On the way we met our third trail magic of the day. Liferaft, Catch and Tugboat had setup with chips, soda, beer, sandwiches and more. Mac, John and Emily came up from Asheville to camp and hike with us on Sunday. John broke out the guitar and harmonica and entertained us for the evening. Camping with us tonight also are Peppa, Sole Power, Cletus, Drifter, Stretch, Fresh, Honey Bear, Illinois, Raven, Ghandis and Peppa's dad. Feet are still sore - mostly the left foot. Hopefully it gets better soon.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Campsite north of Beauty Spot

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Fun night last night meant a late start today. The Trail Magic folks fixed us all some breakfast and we were on the trail before 9:30. First up was the biggest of the day Unaka - hiking with us were Mac, Emily, John, Kamikaze and the dogs Luna and Chocko. We hiked to the first shelter - about 4 1/2 miles and stopped for lunch. It was warm and sunny with a nice breeze. We got to Iron Mountain Gap and that was were Mac left her car. It was also where Robert Byrd originally from Dalton MA (ran the Birdcage there) had set up trail magic. We all had sodas or juice and then Mac, Emily and John headed back to Asheville. It was great having them hike with us again. We left for the shelter - another 6 miles and arrived around 5. On the way my feet started to bother me again so I switched into my Crocs for the last two miles. It really was much better - so now I'm thinking that my feet have swelled so much that I will need to purchase another pair in Damascus. Here tonight are Stretch, Fresh, Peppa and dad, The Swiss (Thomas and Silvia), Finn and Honey Bear. Heading up to Roan Mtn tomorrow (5700) - they are calling for rain - hope it holds off until we are on our way down.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: OverMountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Very windy overnight but it never rained. Left around 8:30 and the first up was the longest and steepest of the day. From there it was a fairly gradual up to Roan Mt which also has a shelter which is the highest elevation of any shelter on the AT (-5700). We stopped at the shelter and had lunch and refilled our water. Unfortunately fog had rolled in and there were no views. Headed down Roan and then crossed over into the Grassy Knob which contained several balds that were above 5500 ft. Again, had it not been foggy/rainy I'm sure the views would have been great. The last two miles were rainy and windy to the shelter. Got to OverMountain Shelter around 3:30. This shelter is a converted barn - and we all have our sleeping bags laid out in the loft. Being a barn, it is not insulated - in fact you can see outside through the walls. Weather calls for rain overnight and snow tomorrow. We will determine what we are doing in the morning as the next shelter is 18 miles away. Feet were better today. I loosened the laces on the trail runners and that seemed to help. I have a good size tear in the bottom of my left shoe so I might purchase a new pair next time I'm in town. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-15
From: OverMountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Falls Shelter
Miles today: 18.0

Heavy rains and windy overnight but rain had stopped in the morning - just overcast. Headed out by 8:30 with two significant ups to start - Little Hump and the Big Hump. Both humps are grassy balds over 5k feet. The views are probably great from there - but we just had fog and after summiting Big Hump it started to rain. Pretty much rained all day. We never stopped for lunch as there was no place dry to eat. As we got closer to the shelter it would occasionally turn to sleet/hail. By the time we got to the shelter it was snowing. One of the hikers who arrived later said it had snowed on Roan and both of the Humps were snow covered. Another big day as we crossed 400 miles just before the shelter. Here with Raven, City Slicker, Stretch, Fresh, Peppa and her dad Way Man, Kamikaze and Traveler - a section hiker.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Mountaineer Falls Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel / Hampton TN
Miles today: 16.0

Quite chilly this morning - 26 when we got up. Shoes were frozen so I tried to put them in my sleeping bag to thaw. That didn't work so I needed to put them inside my down jacket and after 1/2 hour they thawed enough to get my feet into them. We (Kamikaze, Dayman, Peppa, Stretch, City Slicker and Raven) hiked about 2 miles and then we dropped our packs and slack packed the remaining 14 miles to Kincora Hostel. It warmed up into the 50s under clear blue skies. We got to the hostel around 3 and went into town to resupply. Fast day without packs. Dayman bought us 10 pizzas for dinner and was able to shower and do laundry. Lots of laughs - thanks to Honey Bear and Finn who are staying up the road at the other hostel. Meeting Blue Deer tomorrow and slack packing another 9 miles and then full packs for the reminder of the day is the plan. All is well - feet are much better due to loosening the shoes and slack packing today. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Kincora Hostel / Hampton TN

To: Vendeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5

Wow - what a perfect day. It was cool in the morning but sunny. Ghengis was getting off the trail for a couple of days to meet up with his girlfriend so Wayman gave him a ride to get a rental car and he brought our packs to Watuga Lake - 9 miles up the trail. We met up with Blue Deer (who did trail magic for us at Tellico Gap and Max Patch) and his friend Zach and they hiked with us starting out around 10:30. On the way we went by Laurel Falls and followed the river for a couple miles until we had to climb up and over a ridge to get to Watuga Lake. At the lake Ghengis brought chicken, doughnuts, cupcakes, beer and soda. Incredible trail magic and a great lunch. After lunch we put on our packs. After slack packing for 2 days it took some time to readjust to the weight. We had an 8+ mile hike over the Watuga Dam and then up 1500 feet to get to the shelter. Some really good views today and just an all around good day to be on the trail. Staying here tonight are Raven, City Slicker, Kamikaze, Stretch, Reroute, Blue Deer and Zach. Everybody else pressed on the next 6 miles to the next shelter except Finn and Honey Bear - they may still be at the lake. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Vendeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Shelter
Miles today: 22.7

Another big day. Terrain was pretty good today. No significant ups or downs so we decided to hike 22.7 miles. Started out at 8:30 with Kamikaze, Blue Deer and Zach (and Aspen the dog) made it to the first shelter for snacks and then came across trail magic in the woods with a cooler of soda and some snacks. At that point Zach and Blue Deer decided to let us go - and go we did. Made it to the next shelter for another snack with Goat, Stretch, Reroute and Eastwood. From there it was 8.3 miles to the final shelter of the day. We made it in 2 1/2 hours - arrived at 5:45 - cruising. Goat, Reroute and Stretch continued on to another campsite 8 miles from here. Tonight we have Alpacka and two of his friends from Roanoke, Raven, Eastwood, Kamikaze and another thru hiker that we met at Kincora Hostel that I can't remember his name. Blue Deer and Zach pulled in around 9:15. Weather today was overcast and cool all day. Perfect day to hike. Tomorrow we have 10 miles into Damascus - getting up at 6 and hope to be on trail by 7-7:30 which should get us into town around 11. Looking forward to town. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Abingdon Shelter

To: Damascus Va
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Earliest morning up and out to date. Alarm went off at 6 and we were out of the shelter by 7. A quick 10 mile hike into Damascus. What I did t realize was how fast we were going to hike it. We were in Damascus by 9:45 and at the Post Office before it closed at 10:30. Picked up my resupply from Fontana, some sweet pretzel/chocolate from Joe & Karen and some letters from MMRF. On the way to Damascus we passed the TN/VA border. Three states down - 11 to go (although Va has the most miles of any state 550 - we'll be here awhile).We checked into The Place and setup our tents in the yard. After that I headed to the outfitters to get some new trail runners as mine only lasted 10 days. While at the outfitters I noticed a Subway next door and ate my first lunch and then headed back to the hostel. Headed in town a little later and bought a new filter (Sawyer Squeeze) and then had my 2nd lunch at the Blue Blaze Cafe. I spoke with both Kellye & Kara today and filled them in on a few stories and wished them a Happy Easter. It was good to hear their voices. For the past couple days I keep thinking that I'm in a dream and someone needs to wake me up so I won't be late for work. It was great reuniting with all the hikers in town today. Peppa, Mission, Youngster, Buffalo, Goat, Fresh, Sole Power, Blue Deer, Zach, Raven, Moose and many more. Finished the night at the Damascus Brewery with good music, cornhole and a couple of beers. Looking forward to a day off tomorrow. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Damascus Va

To: Damascus Va
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Easter and what a nice day to take a zero day - sunny and warm. Unfortunately in the south most of the restaurants are closed so we had to settle for Subway for lunch. This morning was spent going through my backpack and removing unnecessary items in an effort to get my pack weight down. I have switched filters from the Kathadyn Vario to the Sawyer Squeeze - much lighter and less bulk. In doing so I no longer need my Nalgene bottle and will use my platypus to get water. I also realized that I had way too many clothes and have cut down on those as well as getting rid of a pair of gloves. Time will tell. It was great to see Bob & Jackie Heger who drove down from Ma to hike a couple days on the AT with us. I took them to the local outfitter and to Dollar General to get supplies for the next few days. Afterwards we met up with some of the hikers that I have been with over the past couple of weeks. It was great to see Cletus and Drifter who arrived this morning as well as Sparky, Fritz and Mio who hiked 50 miles in 26 hours to be here today. Hope to see them soon up the trail. We then took a ride to the trailhead where Jackie will meet us tomorrow. Yes, we are slack packing again. The plan is to slack pack Goat, Stretch, Sole Power, Kamikaze, Bob and myself 14 miles up the trail. From there we will hike in the 1.1 miles to the shelter. Hopefully this should give me enough time to break in my new trail runners before I throw a big pack on my back. After that trailhead we went to find the day 2 trailhead where Jackie will meet us on Tues and then hike the 4+ miles to the shelter. Weather looks good for tomorrow - but calling for showers on Tue. After our ride we went to Dots for dinner - not the steak I was hoping for - but better than dehydrated food or pasta sides. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Damascus Va

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Another nice day out on the trail - warm temps and sunny skies. Bob and Jackie showed up at the hostel to pickup our packs so that we could slackpack close to the shelter. Kamikaze and I were on the trail by 9 and stopped by Subway on the way out of town to get a sub for lunch. Most of the trail is near the Virginia Creeper Trail - an old railway that is now a bike path. Although there was some elevation gain - most of the trail had switchbacks making the trail easier to hike. Met up with trail magic (thanks Bob & Jackie) 1.2 miles before the shelter. From the road we hiked up to the shelter and had a good time reliving stories from the other hikers. Staying here tonight are Goat, Sole Power, Cletus, Drifter, Stretch, Fresh, Eastwood, Bob & Jackie, Kamikaze and a couple more hikers.Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Morning started out overcast and Kamikaze and I were on the trail by 8:15. Bob & Jackie headed back to their car so that they could meet us further up the trail. The morning hike consisted of one giant uphill ~1500 feet and few switchbacks. We arrived at the parking lot around 11:30 and Bob & Jackie were doing trail magic again. Subs, chips and dip, soda, beer, cookies and clementines. Enjoying the magic was Stretch, Fresh, Sole Power, Eastwood, Chair, Black Bear, Cletus, Drifter and a SOBO - Taxi. We packed everything up around 1:30 (in the rain) and headed up to the shelter - 4.25 miles. It was foggy and rainy but the rain stopped once we got to the shelter. After dinner, Cletus, Fresh, Drifter, Bob and I took the .5 mile side trail to the summit of Mt Rodgers - the highest peak in Va. Early to bed as it is cool and damp tonight. Hope to see the ponies tomorrow in Grayson Highlands
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: clear sky

Another big day - highest mileage day - 25.1 and we passed the 500 mile mark. Morning started out with blue skies and cool temps (30s). We said our goodbyes to Bob & Jackie as they hiked back down to the car and back to Ma. So glad they could spend time with us and meet some of the hikers we have been hiking with. Hit the trail around 8:45 and headed into Grayson Highlands. The Highlands are like fields - but between 4-5K feet in elevation. Finally saw some ponies and got some good photos of them. We arrived at Wise shelter and there were three ponies right next to the shelter. Once we got out of the Highlands there were some ups and downs but nothing significant. Came across trail magic again (thanks Bob & Jackie) and then headed the final 11 miles to the shelter. Here tonight are Stretch, Fresh, Goat, Sole Power, Goucho, Cletus, Drifter and Kamikaze.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Late start this morning as we only had 10 miles or so to go. Day started out overcast but warm as we headed out. Some uphills that should have been easy but I think I was still tired from yesterday's hike. Got to Partnership Shelter around 12:30 and then caught the 2:45 (50 cent) shuttle to Marion to resupply with Kamikaze, Goat and Goucho knowing that we would have to find our own ride back. Went to Subway to eat and then to Walmart to resupply. Goat went by himself to the Mexican restaurant to eat. When we all met up - I had found a ride but it would be another hour before we would get picked up. While at the Mexican restaurant - Goat found a ride so we waited a few minutes and then the big SUV stopped by and we all jumped in. About two hours later we got to the shelter. These people that picked us up were probably the most bizarre people I have ever met. They took us to their house and showed us all of the rooms in the house plus their art gallery. It was something out of the Twilight Zone.They finally brought us back to the shelter and we celebrated Drifter's 30th birthday. A fun time was had by all. In the shelter tonight - Raven, Stretch, Fresh, Cletus,, Drifter, Goat, Sole Power, Goucho, kamikaze, First Time, Purple Blaze and a few other hikers that I can't remember their names.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Crawfish Trail Campsite 
Miles today: 17.0

Day started out overcast but quickly turned to showers. Today Goat joined Kamikaze and me on the hike. As we got closer to Atkins the thunder and lightning stated - actually as we were going under high tension towers. We made it to an old school house which had trail magic. As we were there sheets of rain came down. Randy a section hiker stopped by as well as a couple that were at the Partnership Shelter with us last night. As we were leaving Stretch and Fresh arrived - a bit soaked. We left and headed to The Barn next to I-81 and had a couple of burgers and quite a bit of soda. We left there and continued another 7 miles to the campsite - mostly in the rain. Hiking in the rain today was actually kind of fun. It was fairly warm out so it really didn't bother us. Here at the campsite is Kamikaze, Goat, Goucho, Stretch and Fresh. It is still overcast with some showers but the weather for the next few days looks good. Also meant to mention that I finally weighed myself yesterday and I am down 25 lbs. Hopefully I don't lose too much more. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Crawfish Trail Campsite 

To: Day 45 - Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: clear sky

The skies cleared overnight and it was sunny and warm to start the day. Like most days we had an uphill to wake us up. We didn't leave the campsite until 9:20. Hiking today is Kamikaze, Goat and me. The day made for some nice photos as we traversed some fields today and made it to Maul Knob shelter for lunch with Randy (a section hiker) and Goucho who will be off the trail in a couple of days. We took a longer lunch than usual so that we could utilize the sun and warmth to dry out our clothes from yesterday that were still wet. After lunch we had a significant climb to Chestnut Knob shelter which also had great views. We had dinner there and left around 6:15 to hike 10 more miles to the next shelter. We arrived here around 10:30 after hiking a couple of hours in the dark with our headlamps. We setup our tents - and that is about all the energy that I have left in me. A long day 12+ hours and almost 27 miles. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Day 45 - Jenkins Shelter

To: Day 46 - Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: clear sky

Got up at 7 but took until 9:30 to get out hiking. The morning had a couple of climbs that really weren't that bad but I was so tired they kicked my butt. Got to Laurel Stream and we were told that there wouldn't be water for 18 miles so we loaded up on water (weight) and headed uphill towards the shelter for lunch.After lunch the trail was much nicer - slight uphills and downhills. We crossed I-77 our third interstate highway on our journey and made it to Jenny Knob Shelter by 7:30. This was our 2nd 20+ mile day in a row and we have just hiked 100.4 miles in five days. Pretty happy about that. Tomorrow morning we will cross the 600 mile mark on my journey and we are now more than 25% done.One thing we did notice today was more birds than before and some biting insects. Both yesterday and today were quite warm and under mostly sunny skies with the high in the 70s. Both days many of the hikers including myself hiked shirtless. Working on getting rid of the trucker tan. Here tonight are Fresh, Stretch, Kamikaze, Peppa, Sole Power, Spiderman, Spirit Hawk and another 3 hikers that I can't remember. Rain is in the forecast so I'm not sure how far we'll go - depends on how hard it rains. We hope to be in Perisburg by Tuesday. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Day 46 - Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: light rain

I had a great night sleep and the rain held off. We were up before 7 and on the trail just after 8. Rain held off until about 10 and then it showered off and on until we got to the shelter for lunch. While eating lunch the skies opened up and it poured and hailed on us. Happy we were at the shelter. After lunch I put on my rain pants and rain jacket and we headed out to hike a 1500 ft elevation gain. Halfway up I took my rain jacket off as it was just too hot - and it never rained again until we were about a half hour from Docs Knob Shelter. I had already taken my rain pants off and decided to hike in the rain. Kamikaze and I are here in the shelter with a German couple (Birding and) and Journeyman and Soup. Fresh is tenting as the shelter is full. To Ms Repose's class - your question about slack packing. This is when you remove all the heavy articles from your backpack and only hike with snacks and water. I use the top of my backpack (the brain) to slackpack and then someone will drive the backpack up to where the trail crosses a road. As for the birthday cake - Cletus (Drifter's friend) bought a slice of cake and put a candle in it and we all sang Happy Birthday to him. As you can tell from the picture from that day - quite a few had party hats and Drifter was wearing a tierra. Gandalf