morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 16From: Cheoah Bald To: Cable Gap Shelter Today's Miles: 14.0Total Miles: 159.2Woke up to the most gorgeous sunrise coming right into my tent. I got up quickly and called to Werewolf to get up as he would miss it. Bismarck was enjoying it from the inside of his tent. Werewolf made tea and we sat as the sun woke up the world. But I must get walking as I was about to do my longest day yet. I left camp about 7:30 am and soon had to stop and take clothes off, so another nice day. It was a very long down into Stecoah Gap but then what goes down must then go up. And an ugly up it was. It is called Jacob's Ladder and each "rung" gets steeper until you feel like the trail is inches from your nose. But I finally made it to Brown Fork Gap Shelter and took a break to get water and eat something. When I was there Hawkeye, Lucy, his dog, and Happy came in and two day hikers from Massachusetts stopped by. They had a lot of questions so I took some time to answer as best I could. But by then it was 1:30 and I still had 6 miles to go. I made it to Cable Gap Shelter around 5:00 pm and it looked like a hikers convention. The shelter was full with that "group " and all the good tenting spots were taken as well. But I found an okay spot and then Bismarck arrived and he found one as well. I just set up, got water, ate and went to bed. It was a long day for me. Here tonight are Bismark, Hawkeye & Lucy (dog), Thunder, Mckiver, Karaoke, Bright Side, and about 8 more who I can't remember or haven't met. Too many and too young. Your nose in the dirtClimbing up Jacob's Ladder To get to the top!
Date: 2015-03-18
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 17To: Fontana Dam Visitors CenterFrom: Caleb Gap Shelter Today's Miles: 7.1Total Miles: 166.3Packed up my tent quickly as I felt a few rain drops but it soon stopped. The trail went up but when I got to the top there was a view of Fontana Lake. Hawkeye and Lucy passed me first and then all the other hikers went by. Bismarck caught me as I was getting close to the bottom and he stayed behind me until we hit the marine area. He stopped to call the Hike Inn and I went on for the next few miles. I remember this part as just a very boring scruffy trail but all of a sudden I was walking along the lake. The trail was wide and flat. So when Bismarck showed up he said yes it had just been rerouted last year. It takes you right by the shelter called the Fontana Hilton. Fresh Ground was there making pancakes! Bismarck and I ate quickly while waiting to get picked up. Jeff,the owner, pulled up and Loner walked up. Now I hiked with Loner in 07. He is now 74 and trying for his. 3rd thru hike. Jeff was kind enough to drive him to his room at the resort before taking us to the hike in. The Hike Inn is just a very small motel of 5 rooms. I was in room 3. It was nice to again have my own room and especially nice to have my own bathroom. I took a shower, dried every thing out and wrote in my journal. At 5:00 pm they drive you into town and let you eat at a restaurant. We decided on Mexican. It was Silver, Bismarck, and me. Then we went to the grocery store to re supply. I went to bed soon after I got back to the place warm and dry. Down, down, down, you goTo Fontana Dam today Starting the Smokys!
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Day 18To: Russell Field Shelter From: Fontana Dam Visitors Center Today's Miles: 13.5Total Miles: 179.8I heard the rain on the roof all night. We had all asked for a 7:00 am shuttle so we left in the dark. We had to walk around the Fontana Visitors Center as there was construction going on at the dam. It was neat walking across the dam but I had forgotten how long the road walk was. I finally made it to the trail put in my pass and it started to pour again. As I was walking up with my rain jacket on and the hood pulled down I noticed movement in front of me. I looked up and about 5 feet away was a young doe and then I looked next to me and there were 3 more. I could practically reach out and touch them. It was a very long slog up the mountain today and the temperature started to drop and the wind came up. I just once again put my head down and hiked. Bismarck and I finally got to Mollies Ridge Shelter and there was room but it was so windy and cold there we decided to hike another 2 miles to Russell Fields Shelter. We were so tried and cold when we got there we didn't even cook. We just ate snacks and crawled into our sleeping bags. I'm glad to be out here but it certainly has been miserable lately!!!Young does on the trailStanding quietly in the rainBeautiful creatures!
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 19To: Silers Bald Shelter From: Russell Field Shelter Today's Miles: 15.0Total Miles: 194.8It was cold and damp this morning as we left the packed shelter around 8:00 but at least it wasn't raining. I got to Spence Field fairly quickly and then started to climb Rocky Top. It is a pretty steep climb and when I got to the top you could only see about 10 feet. I did take a picture of the survey marker which said 515440 ft. I then crossed Thunderhead Mtn. I bet the views are beautiful. It started to rain again so I just kept hiking. The trail was so muddy, I was sliding all over and my pants and boots were covered in mud. It was a very long day for me but I just wanted to get the miles in. I arrived at the shelter around 5:00 pm and was very glad there was room. I took a bottom spot but soon got moved to the top as a group section hikers came in and they are guarantee a place. So we all moved over so no one would have to set there tent. There were three young Marines there and they had a fire going and actual chairs to sit in. And they offered me one to sit in by the fire and eat my dinner. It was very nice of them. I was glad this day was over and I was warm in my bag. Slip sliding away,Carefully placing my feet, Watching where I walk!
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5

Day 20To: Newfound Gap US441From: Silers Bald ShelterToday's Miles: 12.5Total Miles: 207.3 It was a cold frosty morning as I climbed up to Clingmans Dome. My hands were so cold but I didn't have any gloves to wear as the two pairs I have were soaking wet. But after a few miles the sun came out and the day warmed up. I was having a stupid day today. First I forgot a small black stuff sack and Bismark came out to give it to me, the later Happy and Hawkeye told me that Bismark had my footprint to my tent, then Ranger Jeff stopped me to check my Smokeys permit at a sign and I was supposed to make a sharp left but went straight for about .3 of a mile and had to climb back to that sign, and then as I was walking up to Clingmans Dome there was a patch of black ice and down I went! So after that I really tried to to think before I did something and was very careful!It was beautiful up on the top and you could see forever. It was worth the hard climb but I was in a hurry so didn't stay very long and then it was down and down. The was still a lot of ice on trail and I had to be extremely careful. I had told my friend Helene, I would be at Newfound Gap by 3:00 pm. I didn't make it until after 4:00. Helene, her friend,Deb, and Bismark were sitting around finishing up trail magic. I had chocolate milk, a sloppy joe sandwich, and cookies and then we headed to Gatlinburg to drop off Bismark. It is quite the place. People and cars are everywhere! It took us 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive back to Helene's house. I took a shower, we got a pizza and I went to bed. Nice to be in a dry, warm house. And looking forward to a zero day tomorrow, my first!
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Day 21To: Newfound GapFrom: Newfound GapToday's Miles: 0.0Total Miles: 207.3I took my first zero day today and I was really ready for it. My friends, Helene and Kim made a great breakfast and then Helene and I went to the brand new REI that just opened up. I resupplied some and took my pack cover back as it broke the first time I used it. I got an REI one. We'll see how it works. Then we went to Kroger and I finished resupplying and stopped at this place for Putin. I don't think that's how you spell it but it is a French Canadian dish. Helene is French Canadian and she gets to speak French with the owners. The dish starts out with French fries on the bottom, then cheese, then chicken, and then covered with gravy. I ate it for lunch and dinner and still couldn't eat it all! Also today Kim worked on my feet and toenails. It was wonderful. She is a nurse practitioner so really knows what she is doing. I then repacked and went to bed. It was a wonderful zero day and wish I had two days! Back to the trail tomorrow!Good friends are awesome!You can never replace them!Hold them close to you!
Date: 2015-03-23
From: New Found Gap

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6

Day 22To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter From: Newfound Gap Today's Miles: 15.6Total Miles: 217.7I was up early and Helene and I were in the car heading back to Newfound Gap. We got there around 8:00 and it was cold and windy outside. Helene walked with me for about a mile and that was very nice as I don't often have any company on the trail. But she had to turn back and once again I was hiking alone. The solitude is enjoyable but every once in a while it's good to be able to talk with someone about what you see or hear or just have a good conversation about an idea or topic. And I was pondering that thought, I hear a howling behind me and turn around and there's Werewolf in a full kilt. He looked so cute, I had to take a picture. And then he walked with me for about four miles which for him is a very slow pace. When we were passing Ice Water Shelter the trail was a sheet of ice. Werewolf stepped on a piece and almost went down. We were more careful after that. After awhile he went on at his own pace and I mine. I told myself that if I got to Pecks Corner Shelter around lunch time I would go on the next 6 miles to Tri Corner. Well I got there at 1:00 but decided to go on as what would I do at the shelter all afternoon. There 4 climbs I had to do so I kept count. I passed two groups of young men out for Spring break and chatted with each group for awhile. But I was pretty tired by the time I arrived at the shelter, but was glad I did it. The shelter was pretty full but there was a space on the bottom I took, but then the Ridge Runner said there were 4 scouts coming so I moved up between Werewolf and Recon. We were all shoulder to shoulder. A woman thru hiker came in Bearbait who I had not met but all the others I had at least met before. It had been a long but nice day and I was glad to get in my bag and be horizontal!The Smokys part two:Continues to be ups andDowns along a ridge!
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Here is an update on my broken leg saga. Last week I had to go back and have a new cast put on as I had gotten it damp in the shower and the cast had also gotten too loose. The tighter new cast felt more comfortable, but still bothered my ankle much of the day and night. Then this week I went back for my scheduled visit. I worried about the visit as I would find out if I needed surgery or not. Everything went well! The X-Ray showed the spiral break mending well and the alignment of the bones looked good. When I explained that the cast felt very tight around the ankle the doctor put on a boot cast that is held together with Velcro. I still have a lot of discomfort, but it is slowly getting better. But I still can't put any weight on my leg for at least three more weeks and that's really hard as it limits my activity to reading, watching tv, and very short trips with my crutches. I can't wait until I can start rehabilitation on it. I miss the trail and wake up each morning wishing I was out there, but have accepted the reality of what happened and the need to take the time to heal. I read Trail Journals everyday and search for word of the friends I made out there. Last night, I read that Recon fell on a rock in a stream and broke his leg. I feel for him and truly understand what he must be going through at this time. So please everyone take care out there and be safe!
Date: 2015-05-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

On June 2nd I continue my hike of the Appalachian Trail. I have been granted a summer sabbatical from my employer, to explore the ecology of the Appalachian Mountain Range. I hope that the knowledge I gain while spending time on the trail, and in the nearby trail towns, will help me to better manage the school campus where I work.I am a relative newbie to backpacking. I started backpacking two summers ago, section-hiking through the New England sections of the AT. To date, I have completed the AT from New Jersey, through the White Mountains of NH, and the northern third of Virginia. My goal for the summer(I am able to hike through mid-August) is to hike from Springer Mountain in Georgia, to Rockfish Gap, VA. Time permitting, I hope to also complete a section of the AT in Pennsylvania before returning to work.I am grateful to everyone who is supporting me on my hike, including my family, friends and school. Understanding the hardship my being away creates, I will do my best to get the most out my hike I can. Thank you all!
Date: 2015-05-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Less than two weeks to go before I begin my hike. I have my plane ticket and a ride to the trail. I am still deciding on how many clothes to bring. I am leaning towards bringing extra, and sending it home if I find I don't need it. Also, I still need to shop for food. I plan on starting with three days worth, and resupplying at Neels Gap.Hopefully, finding good water sources won't be too difficult. I will bring a 3L water bladder, in case water gets scarce.Can't wait to get started!
Date: 2015-05-26
To: Pre-Hike #3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Six days to go! Every day closer to starting, I feel less and less prepared. I hope it's just nerves, and not reality setting in.I have gathered all my gear, and laid it out. It looks like a lot to carry. I down-sized my pack, from 65 liters to 58 liters, in the name of saving weight. I hope everything fits. All I have left to do now is shop for a few meal items and other various sundries. All told, my goal is to be carrying less than thirty pounds, inclusive of food & water.To get ready for my hike, I have been running 4-5 days per week, with a long run on the weekend. This past weekend I ran 16 miles in just over 2 hours. I am feeling pretty good about my fitness level going into my hike. I would like to be able to hike 20+ miles per day, if the mood strikes me. I tend to over-do it mileage wise, and will work hard to enjoy the scenery. After all, the journey is the reward!!
Date: 2015-06-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I arrived in Atlanta at 10 a.m., after an uneventful plane ride from Hartford. My bag was waiting for me at the baggage carousel. Just outside the airport, I caught the Atlanta metro across town, to catch a shuttle ride to the Hiker Hostel, where I spent the night. It is a beautiful place, taking in hikers all year long. On the way to the hostel, we stopped at the local Wal-Mart, where I bought enough food to last a week- in other words, lunch and dinner. After making a last-minute check of everything in my pack, I caught up with my jounal & emails, called home, then had dinner. I am hoping to get to bed early, so I'll have lot of energy for tomorrow's start.Off we go!
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Springer Mountain

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Today was a great day of hiking. After a great breakfast at the hostel I was shuttled to the trailhead. Although thunderstorms threatened throughout the day, it was a nice day. Temperatures were in the upper 70s, and the humidity was not too bad. I ended my day at a shelter called Gooch Mountain shelter at 5 o'clock. There were quite a few other hikers there, including Calcutta, Rocket, John, Cheryl, Sue and Martha. I am still adjusting to sleeping on the ground, but that will come with time.Another big day tomorrow. Sixteen miles to get to the Mountain Crossing Hostel, where food and a shower await!
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: moderate rain

Today was another good day for hiking. While there aren't many vistas, the few that there were were spectacular. I was also surprised to see so many mountain laurel and rhododendron in flower. Lower down the mountain, they had already bloomed. Tonight I am at the Mountain Crossing Hostel with a large group of hikers. I am expecting to put in a long day tomorrow, so I can get to a hostel the following night. Thanks to all for signing my guest book. I really enjoy reading your comments. Please keep them coming.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Neel's Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 26.8
Weather: light rain

Big mileage day. Almost 27 miles! I'll pay for it tomorrow. After reaching the shelter we were planning on staying at at 2:30, Al and I decided to go to the next shelter eight miles further on. Although it was a bit tiring, we arrived by 6:15. Earlier in the morning, I passed by a vista that was so spectacular it brought tears to my eyes as I thought to myself, "I wish someone was here to enjoy this with me".Early to bed tonight.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the shelter at 7:15 am with fellow marathoner True Grit, headed for the town of Hiawassee, GA, 11 miles ahead. We hiked quickly, and reached the road to town before noon. Although I started the day thinking I might spend the night in towcn, I decided instead to continue on to the next shelter, 11 more miles on. I parted ways with True Grit, as he had to return to Florida. He gifted me with some extra trail food he had. Whohoo!I got to the Muskrat Creek Shelter at 5:30 pm. A Boy Scout Troop arrived shortly after me, so I decided to pitch my tent away from the shelter. The scouts were very well-behaved, and I had a good night's rest. The trail through Georgia has been relatively smooth, not too many trippers, and not many 'big' hills.I crossed into North Carolina today. Another state done! Many more to come.
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was my longest day yet, at 28 miles. I met up and hiked all day with Sir Scrabble. Scrabble went to college with the daughter of two of my co-workers. We had pizza on our minds all afternoon, so stopping short of Franklin just wasn't an option!
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

After spending the night in hiker's paradise in Franklin,NC(cheap motel, hot shower, pizza, beer, breakfast and food re-supply), Sir Scrabble and I shared a ride back to the trail just before noon. Because Sir Scrabble was a bit sore from the previous day's hike, he decided to take a 'Zero' day. So, we parted ways, and I continued on my way. Along the trail I met two hikers from Harrisburg,PA, Alex and Jordan. They are hiking to New Jersey. After spending a while talking with them, I said goodbye, and set off for the next shelter. I stopped for a lunch of ham and cheese on hamburger rolls(the best that Dollar could provide).When I got to the next shelter, it was not yet 5 pm, and as I hadn't started hiking until noon, I pressed on to the next shelter, reaching it by 7 pm. I was the only hiker there, and as I don't like being the sole victim of the resident shelter mice, I opted to pitch my tent. Shortly thereafter, Alex and Jordan arrived and set up camp nearby. We shared a wonderful view from a nearby overlook. I made it almost through the night before it started raining. Fortunately, the rain ended before I got up, so I was able to keep everything dry. A short day tomorrow - headed to a hostel!
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was spent climbing all day, starting at 1700 feet, and ending at 4921 feet. Which is okay, because tomorrow I ascend Clingman's Dome, the highest elevation on the AT, at 6655 feet above sea level. I am really looking forward to that.
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 27.6
Weather: light rain

Today I 'went over the top', ascending Clingman's Dome, the highest elevation on the AT. On the way up, the clouds rolled in, causing zero visibility and rain. Fortunately, the rain let up after a half hour, and when I reached the summit the clouds had cleared enough that I enjoyed a nice view. That only lasted about a half hour, when the sky got dark again. It also got quite chilly, so I ran for cover in the trees.
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 31.0
Weather: broken clouds

June 12My longest day yet - 31 miles! I started the day thinking of taking it easy. I learned when I stopped for lunch at a shelter that the shelter I intended to stay in was closed, due to aggressive bear activity. Not wanting to end my day at noon, I hiked on, reaching the Standing Bear Hostel at 7 pm. The hostel is run by Lumpy, an AT thru-hiker. It was an interesting place.Needless to say, my feet were sore by the time I got to the hostel.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Laughing Heart Hostel
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

I got an early start today, in order to get to Hot Springs, NC for lunch. I arrived just before noon, and immediately went for a double cheeseburger with fries. And a salad. And a quart of orange juice. It is nice to have 'real' food. Hot Springs is a cute little town. Not much going on, but it has everything a hiker needs. The food was good, and the hostel was clean and reasonably priced. Best of all, I got to do laundry!
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Laughing Heart Hostel

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

Before leaving Hot Springs, I stopped at the diner for breakfast. The pancakes were as big as the plate, and delicious! I was back on the trail by 8:15 am. The hiking today was uneventful. At the shelter that I stopped for lunch at, I met up with Coyote and Haiku. I had spent the night at the Fontana Dam Shelter with Coyote and others. She had skipped over the Great Smokies National Forest after hearing about all the nuisance-bear reports in the GSNF. The wifi at the hostel I planned on staying at was not working, so I pressed on another 4 miles to the next shelter, reaching it by 6. There I met Posey Pusher, a retired botany professor from Missouri. He was the only other person at the shelter.I continue to be without cellphone service, having to borrow the use of others' phones in order to call home. In two days I will be in Erwin, TN, where I will resupply and possibly take my first 'zero'(mileage) day. That will depend upon how I am feeling, and what excitement Erwin, TN has to offer. So far, I am feeling great. Today makes it two weeks I have been on the trail. By far my longest outing I continue having a great time!