morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Tuesday, April 16. Peck's Corner Shelter to Cosby Knob Shelter   15 miles.   Weather overcast to start with some fog quickly giving way to clearing. Hi 70 Lo 46Got an early start today with Chaos, Kawabunga and Honey Badger. We had 12 miles done by noon and I was finished and at the shelter by 1:00. The trail once again followed the ridge separating NC and TN with fine views in both directions. Horses have chewed up the trail pretty good but the footing was OK. I paused for a snack at Deer Creek Gap and just relaxed on a grassy patch in the warm sun with beautiful 25 mile views in both directions. One of my most serene rest stops so far. Most of the trail was above 6,000 feet today so it was cool and sunny, perfect for hiking. Tomorrow we will leave the Smokies and they have been sublime. We are on target to get to Hot Springs on Friday in time for Hiker Fest, a 2 day trail celebration. It should be fun. Rain is starting to fall on the shelter roof and tomorrow is going to be a big day of 17 miles including a 6 mile, 4,000 foot descent followed by a 5 mile 3,500 foot climb. Ouch!
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Snowbird Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Wednesday, April 17. Cosby Knob to Snowbird Mountain. 15 miles.   Weather Windy, partly cloudy with one strong shower. Hi 70 Lo 37Today's hike included a huge drop of 7 miles and 3200 feet into Davenport Gap, followed by an equally grueling climb of 5 miles and 2,600 feet. The grades were quite moderate but both stretches were relentless. Just as you begin to leave Davenport Gap you come to AT trail icon Standing Bear Hostel. This place is really something with rustic cabins, a stream flowing right through the place and the perfect hikers re-supply facility. I would describe it as free spirited and very inclusive. It would be hard to feel out of place there. Our original intent was to continue on to Grounhog creek Shelter, but when we got to the top of Snowbird Mountain we were on a large bald that offered a spectacular 360 degree view of mountains as far as the eye could see. At last free of the tenting restrictions of the Smokies, We decided to pitch our tents right there. We treated to an amazing sunset and fell asleep to the sound of the wind howling and our tents shaking. We woke up to an equally spectacular sun rise. I really felt something for the first time on Snowbird mountain. It was the freedom and the grandeur of the trail. Very uplifting.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Snowbird Mountain

To: Bluff Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thursday, April 18. Snowbird Mountain to Buff Mountain 18 miles. Weather partly cloudy, windy, stray light showers. The highlight today was the climb up to Max Patch Bald. This is the largest most famous bald on the trail and it didn't disappoint. The top has fantastic, picturesque views of distant mountains beyond deep, close hollows with small remote homesteads. The top, while an inviting place for a nap, was extremely windy and cold so Chaos and I had a brief lunch and didn't linger. We then made quick miles and reached our original destination, Walnut Mountain Shelter by 3:00. We didn't like it and decided to push on. We finally decided to stay in a flat area just below the summit of Bluff Mountain. It proved to be another perfect camping spot. We lit a fire, ate our dinner, welcomed some other fellow hikers who decided to camp there, and went to bed before 9:00. Once again I went to sleep to the sound of a howling wind coming down off the summit that sounded like a freight train. I kept thinking it was raining during the night but in the morning realized it was just dead leaves being driven by the wind against the tent fly. I slept like a baby for 9 hours. Fatigue from a long hike is all the sleeping pill I need!
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Bluff Mountain

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Friday, April 19. Bluff Mountain to Hot Springs. 11 miles. Weather Rain showers in the morning followed by heavy rain in the afternoon. Today Chaos and I got up at 6:00 and packed up fast to beat the rain. Just as we closed our packs a shower let loose. We were very anxious to get to Hot Springs for Trail Fest and a planned zero. We flew the 11 miles in under 4 hours and arrived in town by 11:00.We then found and checked into Elmer's Sunny Bank Inn, another trail legend hostel. What an amazing place! It's an old Victorian mansion that know serves as a showpiece resting spot for thru hikers in perhaps the premier trail town. Hiker Fest is a two day celebration for thru hikers including food (of course) music, talent shows, and fun competitions. I immediately took care of showering, eating a huge lunch, picking up a package at the post office and visiting the outfitter for some needed gear changes. Much to my delight, I ran into a representative from Granite Gear who happened to have a stitching machine and he fixed a busted strap on my bag. Then it was on to the all you can eat baked Spagetti dinner and finally the local micro brewery and Tavern for a couple of beers and time spent with many thru hikers I know who are slightly ahead or right with us. I finally got to see B-Line, Srocket and Why Not who I started hiking with back at Springer and have been trying to catch since Hiawasee. It was great to catch up on trail stories in a relaxed, fun environment. Tomorrow promises more of the same.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Saturday, April 20. Zero in Hot SpringsWeather. Crystal clear, sunny, Hi 63 Lo 33Day 2 of Hiker Fest was a fun, lazy rest day with plenty of good food, comraderie, and healing. I mostly just relaxed and drifted from one meal to the next and did my resupply. A group of us went to the Hot Tubs that the town is famous for. While not exactly world class, it was a lot of fun and felt good. My foot feels much better and tomorrow will be a big test. This is another long 5 day resupply as we plan on reaching our next town, Erwin, TN on Thursday. I am excited about some gear changes and pack rearrangement I did. I hope it improves my organization. The meals at Elmer's were out of this world. All vegetarian and organic, I found them satisfying and delicious. The last event for hiker Fest will be a big hiker breakfast and we plan on leaving town around 9:30.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Sunday , April 21 Hot Springs to near Little Laurel Shelter (stealth site) 20 miles. Weather sunny and chilly. Hi 54 Lo 33. We went to the AYCE pancake breakfast this morning and it turned into the All You Can Wait breakfast. It was painfully slow so we left after only 6 pancakes and 3 servings of sausages!We got back on the trail at 9:30 and said good bye to Hot Springs. It was easily the best trail town so far and hiker Fest was a lot of fun. My foot felt great, the best it's felt since I started my hike. I switched out my North Face hiking shoes that have a goretex liner for a pair of super light, breathable Hi Teck trail runners. My feet stayed cool and dry and that made a huge difference. I made my first 20 mile day despite the late start and felt great. We camped away from the shelter because this 70 mile stretch of trail has had a bad outbreak of Nora Virus which is a horrible 2 day bug that knocks a hiker right off the trail. I am also being extra careful with my water and am avoiding any sort of contact with other hikers, bear cables, privies, etc. This virus is very nasty. Boy it's going to be real cool again tonight with temps around freezing and the wind really gusting making for wind chill factors in the upper teens. Brrrr! I'm getting deep into my sleeping bag tonight and I'm glad to be in my tent.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Sunday , April 21 Hot Springs to near Little Laurel Shelter (stealth site) 20 miles. Weather sunny and chilly. Hi 54 Lo 33. We went to the AYCE pancake breakfast this morning and it turned into the All You Can Wait breakfast. It was painfully slow so we left after only 6 pancakes and 3 servings of sausages!We got back on the trail at 9:30 and said good bye to Hot Springs. It was easily the best trail town so far and hiker Fest was a lot of fun. My foot felt great, the best it's felt since I started my hike. I switched out my North Face hiking shoes that have a goretex liner for a pair of super light, breathable Hi Teck trail runners. My feet stayed cool and dry and that made a huge difference. I made my first 20 mile day despite the late start and felt great. We camped away from the shelter because this 70 mile stretch of trail has had a bad outbreak of Nora Virus which is a horrible 2 day bug that knocks a hiker right off the trail. I am also being extra careful with my water and am avoiding any sort of contact with other hikers, bear cables, privies, etc. This virus is very nasty. Boy it's going to be real cool again tonight with temps around freezing and the wind really gusting making for wind chill factors in the upper teens. Brrrr! I'm getting deep into my sleeping bag tonight and I'm glad to be in my tent.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Whistling Gap Campsite
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sunday , April 21 Hot Springs to near Little Laurel Shelter (stealth site) 20 miles. Weather sunny and chilly. Hi 54 Lo 33. We went to the AYCE pancake breakfast this morning and it turned into the All You Can Wait breakfast. It was painfully slow so we left after only 6 pancakes and 3 servings of sausages!We got back on the trail at 9:30 and said good bye to Hot Springs. It was easily the best trail town so far and hiker Fest was a lot of fun. My foot felt great, the best it's felt since I started my hike. I switched out my North Face hiking shoes that have a goretex liner for a pair of super light, breathable Hi Teck trail runners. My feet stayed cool and dry and that made a huge difference. I made my first 20 mile day despite the late start and felt great. We camped away from the shelter because this 70 mile stretch of trail has had a bad outbreak of Nora Virus which is a horrible 2 day bug that knocks a hiker right off the trail. I am also being extra careful with my water and am avoiding any sort of contact with other hikers, bear cables, privies, etc. This virus is very nasty. Boy it's going to be real cool again tonight with temps around freezing and the wind really gusting making for wind chill factors in the upper teens. Brrrr! I'm getting deep into my sleeping bag tonight and I'm glad to be in my tent.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Whistling Gap Campsite

To: Curley Maple Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunday , April 21 Hot Springs to near Little Laurel Shelter (stealth site) 20 miles. Weather sunny and chilly. Hi 54 Lo 33. We went to the AYCE pancake breakfast this morning and it turned into the All You Can Wait breakfast. It was painfully slow so we left after only 6 pancakes and 3 servings of sausages!We got back on the trail at 9:30 and said good bye to Hot Springs. It was easily the best trail town so far and hiker Fest was a lot of fun. My foot felt great, the best it's felt since I started my hike. I switched out my North Face hiking shoes that have a goretex liner for a pair of super light, breathable Hi Teck trail runners. My feet stayed cool and dry and that made a huge difference. I made my first 20 mile day despite the late start and felt great. We camped away from the shelter because this 70 mile stretch of trail has had a bad outbreak of Nora Virus which is a horrible 2 day bug that knocks a hiker right off the trail. I am also being extra careful with my water and am avoiding any sort of contact with other hikers, bear cables, privies, etc. This virus is very nasty. Boy it's going to be real cool again tonight with temps around freezing and the wind really gusting making for wind chill factors in the upper teens. Brrrr! I'm getting deep into my sleeping bag tonight and I'm glad to be in my tent.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Curley Maple Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Thursday, April 25. Curley Maple Shelter to Clyde Smith Shelter. 23 miles   Weather cold and overcast to start gave way to bright sunshine and warmer by late morning. We once again lucked out with the rain. It started pouring last night as we arrived at the shelter and poured all night. We never got a drop on us and set out this morning to overcast skies but no rain. Our hike featured one very big and steep climb in the morning but we still had done 14 miles by 12:30 when we stopped for lunch. After lunch we had a series of ups and downs over the 9 remaining miles and cruised into the shelter at 5:00. This was my longest daily mileage total yet and it felt great. Tomorrow will feature a huge climb in the morning up to the summit of Roan Mountain which is over 6,000 feet high. We will then gradually descend the rest of the day. The weather looks like it will be good and I'm really looking forward to the climb!
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

Friday, April 26. Clyde Smith Shelter to Overmountain Shelter14 miles. Weather: brilliant sunshine all day, clouding up this evening. Today we slept in until 8:00 because we only planned to do 14 miles. The morning was a big 7 mile climb up Roan Mountain at just over 6,000 feet. The top was somewhat anticlimactic and in fact I wasn't even sure I was at the top when I got there. I then visited Roan Mt shelter which at 6,060 feet is the highest shelter on the AT. Why Not and I had a quick lunch there and set off.I wasn't expecting the beautiful stretch of trail that was to follow. I caught up to Srocket and we soon began to climb up a bald where we met up with B-Line. The views from that bald were spectacular and we could see our upcoming route for at least 15 miles. The Roan Highlands are bald after bald set atop 5,000 foot mountain peaks and rolling hills with an occasional farm or homestead. Just idyllic and beautiful. This is to me the most amazing stretch of the trail so far. It's hard to describe the wonder of the trail. You wake up in the morning with the light, break camp, eat breakfast, and pack up by 7:30 and you're on the trail. The morning hiking is the best when you're rested and the air is cool. 12 by 12 is the goal. 12 miles by 12 noon. Then the rest of the day is yours. You stop for lunch and a rest then set off. It's easy to rip off 20 or more miles and by now our bodies handle it with relative ease. You reach a campsite for the night, set up your tent, lay out your bag, cook your dinner and share stories and laughs with your trail mates by a warming campfire. Then its off to bed around 8:30 as dusk turns to night. The freedom of deciding how far and how fast and the simplicity of the life style and the awesome comraderie are wonderful. The physical challenge of what we are doing adds to the sense of accomplishment. The best part of all is the incredible scenery, and remarkable people you meet along the trail and in the towns. Every day I wake up and can't wait to see and experience what the day brings
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Saturday, April 27. Overmountain Shelter to Mountain Harbor Hostel, Roan Mountain, TN   11 miles Cumulative miles 391Weather: over Today's hike was different from every other day. We started with 2 big, steep climbs up balds that were connected for 4 miles. This felt like what I imagine the Scottish Highlands to be like. Rain threatened all day but once again never fell on us. We covered the 10 miles to town before 10:00. We are definitely like ponies back to the barn when we head into town. We did the 10 miles in just about 3 hours. We then got to the hostel and like machines showered, did our laundry and headed to town to eat. B-Line and I had embarrassing large quantities of food followed by dessert. 5 hours later we devoured 5 pizzas among the 4 of us. Tomorrow morning will feature what is considered the finest breakfast on the trail. Hungry thinking about it!Well tomorrow our luck with the weather looks like its going to run out. The forecast is for 4 days of rain. It should get interesting!
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: mountaineer shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Sunday, April 28. Mountain Harbor Hostel to Mountaineer Shelter 9.1 miles. Cumulative miles 400.9 Weather: driving rain, high winds, Hi 58 Lo 38Today started with easily the best breakfast yet on the trail. The hostel puts out a legendary buffet of all homemade items. Sticky Buns, banana compote topped pancakes, quiche, fresh sliced yellow and red heirloom tomatoes, quesadillas, fruit salad, ham, sausage....you get the picture. We ate ourselves into a food coma and didn't leave the table until 10:00. We are now officially in Tennessee only and no longer straddling the line with North Carolina. I have now covered 400 miles and will be in Virginia in 4 days. Meanwhile, the weather had really turned ugly. We set out onto the trail in a pouring cold rainstorm with high winds. We were soon soaked to the bone and walking thru ankle deep mud. My teeth were at one point chattering uncontrollably and I was not happy. After a couple of miles, I began to warm up and now I was at least wet and warm. I walked with Why Not for most of the morning and was happy to have someone to talk to.Thankfully we only had 9 miles to cover today to set us up for our next town stop tomorrow. We got to the shelter at 1:30 and we were very happy to find there was room for us. We ate lunch and crawled into our bags as the rain hammered down on the shelter roof. We are expecting another inch of rain tonight and tomorrow the weather is expected to slowly improve. Our spirits are high and we are ready to get back on the trail tomorrow morning.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: mountaineer shelter

To: Black Bear Cabins, Dennis Cove Rd.
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Monday, April 29 Mountaineer Shelter to Black Bear Cabins 16 miles.   Weather Mostly Sunny Hi 71 Lo 50. Today we woke up to sunny skies and comfortable temperatures which was very different from the gloomy forecast. We left the shelter around 7:30 and walked the 16 miles at a leisurely pace and arrived at the cabins around 2:30. We reserved the cabin because the forecast called for rain for the next several days and because we won't be in Damascus, VA until Thursday night. The cabins were still a nice chance to dry everything out, shower and eat a town meal. Tomorrow we have a big climb but still a moderate 17 mile day. We've been taking it easy the last few days and it will be interesting to see how it goes. Hopefully our luck will hold out with the weather.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Black Bear Cabins, Dennis Cove Rd.

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Tuesday, April 30 Dennis Cove Rd. to Vandeventer Shelter.17 miles. Weather: sunny to start, overcast in the afternoon.Hi 76 Lo 46Today started off with a great breakfast thanks to Srocket and B-line cooking up eggs with veggies, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese all on toasted bagels. Delicious!We set out on our hike about 8:30 and soon hiked down into the beautiful Laurel Falls. The trail consisted of rocks set as stairs for several hundred yards and wound around steep rock ledges. The waterfall was more of a wide cascade but still impressive but the trail was the star of the day for sure. We then climbed Pond Flats mountain and descended to Lake Watagha, a big man made lake. We had lunch at a lake side park and then ascended Iron Mountain and ended the day at Vandeventer Shelter.   The shelter is situated on a bluff that overlooks the lake on one side and faces the sunset on the other. Really beautiful. We all made our dinner on the bluff and just enjoyed the amazing view down to the lake.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Tuesday, April 30 Dennis Cove Rd. to Vandeventer Shelter.17 miles. Weather: sunny to start, overcast in the afternoon.Hi 76 Lo 46Today started off with a great breakfast thanks to Srocket and B-line cooking up eggs with veggies, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese all on toasted bagels. Delicious!We set out on our hike about 8:30 and soon hiked down into the beautiful Laurel Falls. The trail consisted of rocks set as stairs for several hundred yards and wound around steep rock ledges. The waterfall was more of a wide cascade but still impressive but the trail was the star of the day for sure. We then climbed Pond Flats mountain and descended to Lake Watagha, a big man made lake. We had lunch at a lake side park and then ascended Iron Mountain and ended the day at Vandeventer Shelter.   The shelter is situated on a bluff that overlooks the lake on one side and faces the sunset on the other. Really beautiful. We all made our dinner on the bluff and just enjoyed the amazing view down to the lake.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 10.0

Thursday, May 2 Abingdon Gap Shelter to Damascus VA10 miles.   Weather: Partly sunny, Hi 72 Lo 58. Today we hiked into the infamous trail town of Damascus VA. I did the 10 mile hike in 2hrs 40 mins and got into town by 9:40. The night before we were able to get a reservation at a hiker hostel called Crazy Larry's, but before checking in the first order of business was eating. I walked by the Blue Blaze Cafe and recognized a hiker dog named Bella and knew her owner Mitch would be inside. When I went in the place was full of thru hikers, including B-Line. There were at least 40 thru hikers in town and most of them were here eating. One guy, 6-7, so named because of his height, just shattered the house record by eating 15 six inch pancakes, the last one topped with ice cream just for emphasis. I had steak and eggs with home fries which hit the spot. Soon Srocket and Why Not arrived and ate. It appears Srocket has fully recovered from her previous nights bout with a food poisoning and she confirmed it that night by downing 4 or 5 beers, a huge salad, Philly Cheese Steak sub, and part of my pizza.After the usual chores of showering, laundry, and resupply, I wandered around town and tried to find the home we will be renting for Trail Days. Trail Days is the annual hiker festival where about 20,000 AT hikers, past and present, descend on this quiet town of less than a thousand to celebrate the Trail and all of its traditions. While resupplying, the owner of the house heard I was trying to find it, got my number, called me, picked me up at the resupply, and drove me to the house for a full tour. The place is great and I'm so happy, B-Line, Srocket , and Why Not will be staying there with Yolanda and I. That evening, back at the Blue Blaze Cafe, was Karaoke night. Fueled by much beer many hikers excrutiatingly belted out familiar (sometimes barely) hits. 6-7 was again the star of the show especially when he lifted the entire mike stand a foot off the floor to be able to sing into it. We walked back to Larry's a little disappointed that we were unable to find ice cream for a night cap. Oh we'll, there's always tomorrow as we will be zeroing in town.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Damascus VA

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Friday, May 3. Zero in Damascus. I had a restful zero today, which is always welcome. A day of fine tuning the pack (I shipped home 3 pounds of gear!), another shower, a few little things replaced at the outfitter, and   catching up on phone calls and journaling. We head up into the Grayson Highlands tomorrow and will take 3 days to get over them. The forecast is not good with much rain, wind and cool temps forecasted. We will see. We're planning an early start tomorrow and hope to cover 16 miles. Beddy bye time!