morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-04-19
From: Neels Gap & Walasi Yi Center

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.9

I woke up and realized that there were 2 hikers in the hostel, the lady with non-talking dog and myself. I also realized that hostel's check out time is 9AM sharp, I was like oh boy, I need to pack everything as fast as I can.I made it before staff show up to tell us its time to check out.I went to Outfitter Store to do some purchase and Smokestack surprised me with a hello. I went out to re-adjust my backpack. Smokestack watched me while I am adjusting my backpack. He went back to his truck and took paper and pen and came to me and said, your pack is more organized than 2004.  I was impressed he still remember what my backpack look like in 2004, that was 14 years ago! I told him yes but my backpack is still heavy, maybe because of 3 liters of water? I did shake up my pack and remove some few things but still heavy. I hiked up to Hogpen Gap, just on the mountain, just between Hogpen Gap and Testanee Gap. I decided to stop short of 6.9 miles and tented out in order to try to give my feet more time to heal. It was a nice small spot. Not a bad weather (not too cold but not warm)
Date: 2018-04-20
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: few clouds

I got up to nice day.Hiked down the mountain, found spring and start to pump water but noticed some struggle. I lost some time because of that problem. I was like its only 1 week. I think this water filter pump need some cleaning. I tried to open it up but it was glued lock and could not open.I got enough water that filled up my pouch for a 11.9 miles hike to Blue Mountain Shelter with another water refill at Low Gap Shelter. The pump seemed to be okay at that time. At Low Gap Shelter, I found a new 2018 Thru Hiker Companion Book with 2 fuel canisters. It seemed that a thru hiker decided to bail out and left them for other hikers.I continued the hike to Blue Mountain Shelter. I arrived at 6:30pm and saw everyone tenting around the shelter as I was like, oh no, the shelter is full, but no, the shelter is empty and I had this shelter to myself. I looked at my watch, its 6:30pm, oh that is plenty of sunshine left. So I proceed to start filtering my water pouch with water. The pump start to show problem, I tried to fix it, but with no luck, another hiker tried to fix, but it worked again for a short time but then it quit completely.  I was in panic, I read guidebook to see where the nearest outfitter is, it looked like I should go to Top of Georgia Hiking Center as it stated its outfitter too. I have enough water for the night and the next day because its only a short hike down to Unicoi Gap.I finally went to sleep after sundown. I lost so much of sunshine just because of that damn water filter pump.
Date: 2018-04-22
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up, filled up my water pouch with water from hostel, got a free breakfast then a free shuttle back to Unicoi Gap.I did 13.1 miles hike up to Deep Gap Shelter. It was rain and cold day. As I approach Kelly Knob, I forgot how tough is to climb up Kelly Know especially in very foggy, cold and rain day. I arrived Deep Gap Shelter at about 5:30pm.I did not try out the new Sawyer Filtration System that I purchased from T.O.G Hiking Center because my water pouch have about half of water left.
Date: 2018-04-25
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Got up in the morning, figuring and thinking what to do with wrong boot and the idea of another hiker's odor in the boot that I have to use or, buy new one at the next outfitter store?I decided, those both boots will stay with me up to Maine.Crossed GA and NC Stateline today!
Date: 2018-04-26
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up to a day with no rain.I left early at 7:30AM. I felt so good because I keep leaving shelter after 8AM or late.I still feel bothered with wrong boot but managed to ignore my thinking and focused on hiking.As I arrived Standing Indian Shelter.  It was starting to rain. I was like no, please no.  So after I left shelter, it started to pour heavily. Nothing I can do but continue hiking until I reach Carter Gap Shelter.  When I arrived Carter Gap, rain start to stop but everyone was packed in shelter and there were so many tents out around. Of course, hikers hate to hike during wet weather.  Gladly that rain stopped so that I can set up tent because that shelter was so full.I saw few hikers who hiked past me like 2 or so days ago were holed up in that shelter. I talked to the same section hiker who I talked to about boot at Plumorchard Gap Shelter.  I told him HAHA I caught up with those fast hikers just because they spent more time at that shelter.I slept in tent.
Date: 2018-04-27
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: mist

When I woke up at around 6 or 7, I peek out of my tent, and saw heavy fog.  I said FK it, I am not going out as I want to sleep in tent hoping rain will stop.Then I finally get out of tent at around 10AM, the clouds were breaking up, with sunshine. I was like, I should get out more earlier and saw almost everyone gone except 4 of us.I hiked up to Long Branch Shelter, I love that Shelter, very spacious with privy really close by behind the shelter. I saw something in privy but wished I would took picture of it.  It was a big nest made of toilet paper up on the ceiling in privy. I was like, where did those mouse or birds took those toilet paper from since all privy do not have toilet paper. Hikers were the one that carry toilet papers all of the time to use at those privies.  I start to fix my eyes on that nest, then I realize maybe mouse or birds took those used and soiled toilet paper out of bottom of privy and made a nest out of them.
Date: 2018-04-28
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

I was the last person leaving Long Branch Shelter. I was like, I need to start a new habit of getting up early and leave ahead of them! Anyway it was nice day hike with sunny.  Siler Bald Shelter have a broken, non-functional bear cable but it still have a wire hanging up in trees.  I hanged my food up there with my rope and tied to tree while I noticed other hikers choose to hang their bear bag on tree down the hill in grassy camping area. Off I went to sleep.
Date: 2018-04-29
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

When I got up, I got out to pee and then something caught my eyes.Hikers were trying to get their food bag down but it got stuck in the tree, about 10 feet above them. They become bear themselves while figuring out to get food down. It took about 20 to 30 minutes for them finally to get their food back down.While hiking, I met a section hiker, named Rain Man. He tried to talk to me but I told him I am Deaf. He took paper and pen out and write as we start conversation. He was very nice and friendly guy. He told me he finished the entire Appalachian Trail last year in October of 2017 after 14 years of Section Hiking. WOW! He asked me if I need anything, I told him no but was looking forward for Coca Cola at NOC.He said he have one in his car and asked me to meet him at the top of Wayah Bald.  I said ok and when I finally met him at the top (yes he hiked more faster than me) and got a cold Coca Cola and a beautiful view out of Wayah Bald, in front of tower. I noticed more and more hikers showing up. I was like I need to hurry up and hiked down as fast as I could and catch the space at Cold Spring Shelter. I did and caught a space. Hikers showed up and looked in the shelter, but there is only one space left but they choose to camp out .1 mile north of Shelter.At least I got space at shelter because I am too lazy to set up tent then pack them in again the next morning.
Date: 2018-04-30
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 10.7

I did not like the downhill hike from Wesser Bald Helter to A. Rufus Morgan Shelter. That was a terrible downhill hike!When I arrived to A. Rufus Shelter, I was really serious about getting to shower at NOC. I took almost everything out of my pack and went to NOC. When I got there, I bought 6 pack of beers and a 16 oz can Pabast beer. I took shower and it was coined shower, not a $2 shower as what Thru Hiker Companion book stated that.  I went back to shelter after the good shower. I happen to see Nancho, a hiker I met few days before. I thought he was ahead of me but he is still around. It gave me confidence that my slow hiking pace is not a problem because I still be able to catch up with them. 16 oz Pabast beer surprised me. it is more of IPA than regular 12 oz Pabast beer.  I enjoyed each can before I go back to sleep.
Date: 2018-05-01
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Tyre Knob
Miles today: 3.1

I tried to add photo to this journal but seemed that it disabled or not allowing me to to do so.Anyway, when I got up. three hikers who slept next to me got up, 1 left and the other 2 stayed for a bit finishing up their beers. I asked if they have extra and Nacho sure had it and gave me one. Its a good breakfast because beer is 300 calories worth to fill up your empty stomach. So I left shelter to go to Nanhtahala Outdoor Center. I stopped by general store to buy more beers then did some shopping at outfitter store and at around 2pm, I saw Nacho at NOC again, I shared him my beer. We chatted for a bit.  I left first before him.I hiked up the uphill, stopped for few times, to empty the beers I carried with me. They are so heavy. Peach and Nacho caught up with me. Peach hiked up further while Nacho stopped and sit with me and drinking some beers.  He vowed to hike up to the next shelter. I told him I will follow himHe still too fast for me.i realized my balance was out of whack, there is no way I can hike up to the shelter but I saw other hikers tenting up at the campsite and I joined him.One of hiker started a campfire, I keep that campfire burning until 11pm. This hiker who started this fire told me to stop collecting dead woods because if they are going to sleep. I told him, I am not going to sleep so I want the campfire to burn that long. He understood and went back to his tent.  I really enjoy the campfire that late, so dark, in the woods and the aroma of wood burning make this evening so special!
Date: 2018-05-04
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.8

The downhill to Fontana Dam is hell! My knees were ready to quit but I am okay. I hate too steep downhill because hiking poles did not help much and my knees were burning bad due to the downhill before Nanthana Outdoor Center.Two big downhills, really is bad for knees.When I reached Fontana Dam Shelter, two hikers saw me and waved at me with excitement, and offered me beer. I say no no no beer because of the experience I had from NOC.One hiker offered to make a call for a shuttle for me to get to Fontana Village. I did not ask him to make call for me but he wanted to do so and the shuttle was already waiting on the parking lot 1/2 mile from shelter. so I went.I got to the village, all in my mind is BURGER.  I went to bar where they serve meals. I saw Nacho again and he also introduced me to new hiker friend, named Hal. (he got no trail name yet)Nacho told me by writing about his experience hiking up to Sassafras Shelter, the night when I was so drunk and slept in tent and he vowed to continue to hike.  He told me he arrived Sassafras Shelter at 10:30PM, he fell once and bent his hiking poles and told me he will never do that again.I told him if I followed him all the way I would arrive shelter at 2AM.  Now I should be glad I did not follow him, instead, erected the tent for that night.I asked Nacho if I can use his shower. He said his towels are all wet but Hal have some dry towels. Hal told me he have extra bed in the room so I stayed for the night. I did not sleep good that night but heck, I enjoyed a hot shower and a clean and soft mattress to crash.
Date: 2018-05-05
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up late, Hal was waiting for me to get up.I was like... damn, good mattress and a hot shower. I was ready to say hey, I want another zero day but nope.Hal and I got shuttle to Fontana Dam parking lot. We start hike from there,  Hal was faster than me.  He told me beforehand that he is slow but no, he's still faster than me.I arrived Mollies Ridge Shelter at around 6pm because I left late.I love Smokies Shelters because they are spacious and nice, feel like at home but ....I did not like to blend in with clean shaved tourist hikers who stare at me like they never seen a stinky bearded hiker.
Date: 2018-04-19
From: I40 underpass

To: Groundhog Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

4-19-18It was a cold, overcast, gusty start for this section hike. Jenny (Turtlestone), my backpacking partner, and I appreciated the cold though for the 5 mile uphill at the start.  Stopped briefly at the summit of Snowbird Mt. for pics by the FAA tower. Ahhh, air traffic memories!Met several thru hikers on the trail and even more at the shelter. We secured our spots in the shelter amid numerous tents set up later. Lots of NOBO¢s (northbounders) were passing thru these mile markers.  Had to laugh at the ¢Hobbit Privy¢.
Date: 2018-04-20
From: Groundhog Shelter

To: Roaring Fork shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: few clouds

4-20-18Very cold 28 degree wake up call. I actually stayed in my sleeping bag 13 hours since early last evening. Turned into a beauty of a day though even with 90 % uphills and 10% downs. That never ceases to amaze me.  We were treated by fantastic trail magic at Max Patch Rd. crossing. Campfire, beer, doughnuts, hot dogs, chips, Little Debbies.  Enjoyed my first AT beer with Benji, the trail angel¢s dog.  Ascended to Max Patch, a bald at 4629¢ with panoramic views. More scenic views cheered us on to the shelter where we once again arrived before the throngs of other hikers.  Among others we met couples from Germany and Switzerland and a young girl from Thailand.  We were interviewed by a writer doing a story on trail names...Aliases backpackers use.  Love the stories behind the names of the people I¢ve met. Luckily only dipping to 35 tonite. Love my down sleeping bag!  PS  Awoke at 1am remembering a ¢zebra cake¢ that Jenny stuffed in my pack as we left the trail magic. I couldn¢t chance mice, bears or other critters sniffing out the tasty snack so..... I searched my pack, found the cake, debated on a quiet solution, and then I ate it.  Then back in my bag to warm up.
Date: 2018-04-21
From: Roaring Fork shelter

To: Unofficial tent site
Miles today: 8.1

4-21-18Nice easy few miles to start the day.  Once again we got trail magic. This time it was PBJ¢s and lawn chair seating set up as a station for day hikers raising money for Cystic Fibrosis. They were happy to share with us, so we were happy to donate for their good cause. We passed about 75 of their hikers moving southbound throughout the day.  Also met a young woman from Germany as we went up and over Walnut Mt (4,245¢) with a short break at the shelter up there. Later we peaked Bluff Mt. (4,686¢).  After filtering water at Big Rock Spring we searched for a tent site. Found a great spot with a super view. Had fun pitching my tent... it had been quite a while since I needed it. Used the PCT method to hang our food since no bear poles at an unofficial tent site. After dinner forced ourselves to stay awake till 8:09 to watch the sunset. Worth it!!!
Date: 2018-04-22
From: Unofficial tent site

To: Tanyard Gap
Miles today: 15.7

4-22-18Pleasant weather all nite and morning. Nobody else around, so quiet too. Packed up our gear and had an easy hike down except when I slipped for no apparent reason. My feet went off to the left and my right rib cage fell on my water bottle. That cheap plastic bottle didn¢t even break under all that weight. It probably prevented injuries except for the bruised ribs.  We met our sherpas, Pete and Tim at Garenflo Gap where they were giving out trail magic fresh fruit. We exchanged our backpacks for our day packs and after a short break, slack packed into Hot Springs where we met the guys again at their campsites. Had another rest time before they drove us out to Tanyard Gap so we could slackpack back to Hot Springs again for 2 nites with our husbands. After a lovely shower, we enjoyed Pete¢s homemade pot roast with Jenny and Tim in their cabin. Nice being with Pete and sleeping in a clean RV.
Date: 2018-04-23
From: Hot springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

4-23-18Peaceful, relaxed day checking out Hot Springs, NC.  The four of us spent an hour in a mineral water hot tub beside a large creek. Felt great especially for my ribs that were hurting even more than the previous day.  Returned to our camps on the French Broad River, just across the road. Light rains off and on, but walked into town for the outfitter store and yummy meatloaf at the Rocky Mt. Diner.
Date: 2018-04-24
From: Tanyard Gap

To: Spring Mountain shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

4-24-18Pete and Tim dropped us off at Tanyard Gap again to continue north this time.  As usual, saw several hikers including Half Slow who recited ¢Invictus¢ to us in the middle of the forest. He claimed we inspired him for that particular poem. Now that was cool magic.  Arrived early at the shelter on this threatening looking day just as the heavy rains started.  Lucked out again.  Or maybe not.  The mice were the absolute worst I had ever experienced in a shelter...active all over...all nite.  I felt 4 while awake. I sent one airborne causing it to squeak cry upon landing. Luckily no one had chew damage to their gear.
Date: 2018-04-25
From: Spring Mountain shelter

To: Little Laurel shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

4-25-18Hiked in the rain and clouds all day. Lots of ups and slippery muddy downs. Tim met us at Allen Gap where he was passing out fresh fruit again.  Checked our feet, ate our bananas, said our goodbyes and pushed on for the shelter. The forest was dripping wet. Our gear was all damp. We were grateful to get in the shelter again to be semi dry. Red Bush and others got a fire going somehow for a short time which helped.
Date: 2018-04-26
From: Little Laurel shelter

To: Jerry Cabin
Miles today: 7.2

4-26-18Rained throughout the nite but luckily stopped by morning.  Climbed over 1,100 ¢ in 1.3 miles. Later the clouds formed around us so we finished the last few miles inside the mist. Made it to the shelter just before a heavy downpour.....again.  Breezy and damp cold all nite at 4,148¢.  Around dinner time, from out of the storm in walked a domestic cat. He was orange and white with a bob tail and very clean and healthy looking. We named this sweet, friendly feline Jerry (after the cabin). The shelter journal noted he had been there before, so I guess he knew what he was doing. He ate well this nite!So...at about 1am I woke to a strange sound. Flashed my headlamp in the corner at some unrecognizable creature.  Next to me, Walk Man also was intrigued.  Turned out to be Jerry with a plastic bag stuck on his head thrashing around to get it off. We offered to help, but Jerry ran out of the shelter blindly, and never returned.
Date: 2018-04-27
From: Jerry Cabin

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

4-27-18Misty and wet to start from 5 days of rain. Went up and over Big Butt Mt. our highest point on this section at 4,812¢.  It was starting to clear up near Shelton gravesite which was situated on a beautiful opening in the woods.  Had a break at Flint Mt. shelter then continued mostly down to Devil Fork Gap. With poor cell service we didn¢t know Tim had had some medical issues and that only Pete would be meeting us. We drove Jenny back to meet up with Tim and decided to skip the last day of our planned section. So today marks the end of this section hike.  Once again, I¢m thankful for all my experiences on this awesome trail.  And I¢m especially thankful to have Turtlestone for my hiking partner and to have Pete and Tim for our sherpas. Jenny¢s APP, Guthook, was great to have on our trek. Most other hikers we met had it as well.  Some interesting info it provided for our trek was:Total ascent- 17,647 ftTotal descent- 16,208.3 ftSo I guess my theory of significantly more ups than downs is not so significant!
Date: 2018-10-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

10-8-18Pete, my husband/sherpa, agreed to my hiking alone for this section as long as he could drop me off and pick me up later each day. Starting tomorrow I will begin hiking the 84.4 mile section between Devil Fork Gap and Bear Branch Road. These miles run along part of the border between Tennessee and N. Carolina. I won¢t necessarily be doing the 9 legs in order and not all south to north, but I will get all of the miles. The number of miles and elevation changes among other factors will determine where I hike each day.
Date: 2018-10-09
From: Sams Gap

To: Devils Fork Gap
Miles today: 8.7

10-9-18This was a perfect Fall day for the beginning of my next section hike. It was sunny and crisp at 70* with a cool breeze. I did a reverse direction hike so I wouldn¢t have so much steep uphill for my first day in the mountains. Training in Ohio and at my age....well I did what I could, but still needed to ease into this trek. I saw no people and remarkably only one bird all day, but yet it was glorious in the beautiful deciduous forest just starting to turn color. I¢m starting to get my mountain legs back! Besides adding AT miles, I¢m dedicating this next week to communing with nature and praying for my family and friends, especially for a few that need extra prayers at this time.
Date: 2018-10-10
From: Spivey Gap

To: River Rd. / Unaka Springs Rd. 
Miles today: 11.1

10-10-18Hiked most of the day in the rain. The umbrella effect of the forest canopy kept me relatively less drenched. Enjoyed the easy hike to No Business Knob Shelter, where I took a long break out of the weather for lunch. Yesterday I saw my first blue mushroom. Today I spied red, orange, pink, various shades of brown and of course some white ones. There¢s still purple wild flowers everywhere. I saw 7 southbound hikers today, 2 couples from Vermont and 3 individual guys. Lots of small critters came out after the rain finally subsided. I ended my day with a walk across the bridge over the Nolichucky River near Erwin, Tennessee.
Date: 2018-10-11
From: River Rd. / Unaka Springs Rd. 

To: River Rd. / Unaka Springs Rd. 
Miles today: 0.0

10-11-18Heavy rain all day so did not hike. We stopped at the Unicoi Forest Ranger Station, which happened to be less than a mile from our RV campsite at Woodsmoke Campground in Unicoi. They helped us locate a midway extraction point so I wouldn¢t have to hike a 15 mile section later on in the week. Now it¢ll be a 5.6 and a 9.4, plus an extra mile added on each day for hiking in/out on a walkable forest road for access.
Date: 2018-10-12
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: River Rd. / Unaka Springs Rd. 
Miles today: 11.8

10-12-18A good weather day for this reverse direction hike. Again it was to help me with the steep elevation changes. There were several beautiful stream crossings and foot bridges. I stopped at Curly Maple Shelter for a lengthy break and to change my socks, a practice that I love to do each day on longer hikes.  I only saw two people, a couple from Michigan on a day hike.