morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Ice Water Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Got on the trail by 6:30. Hard to use my headlight. Very windy ,cold with snow and sleet mix. Expectected sun was a no show. Got to Clinman's Dome and took a wrong turn and was on the trail to the parking lot for about 1/2 miles before I realized it. Came across Mad Jack who helped me get to the right turn off and I was on my way. Mad Jack is my age lives in Houston and his wife is following him on the AT by towing an Airstream. Every 2-3 days he stays in the Hilton Airstream. By this time I was cold and wet but detirined to get out of the smokies as soon as possible. No views from Clingmin's Dome. Not even worth going up to the observation tower, hiking in the clouds,fog and sleet and snow. The sun finally began to make an intermittent appearance about 4 pm. I got to the shelter by 6pm, claimed a shelter spot had dinner( instant mashed potatoes, olive oil and beef jerky and went to bed detirmined to do my first 20 mile day the next day to get out of the Smokies as soon as physically possible. Tax a gent from Tazmania who I met on my second day on the AT was tented behind the shelter.Everyone was in a foul mood because of the miserable weather.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Ice Water Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

Longest mile day so far,I just wanted out of the Smokies and dry clothes and socks. I left ice breaker early and hiked & hiked. The sun finally appeared intermittently by 4 PM. Still cold and wet shoes & socks. I still had one pr of dry socks to sleep in. I got the last shelter place available on the lower platform behind a ladder to the upper platform. As I unpacked I realized I didn't have my electronics bag with phone charger and chords, my external battery charger and spare glasses. My phone only had 20% battery life yet. I was not going back to try to retrieve it and I had to unpack my pack on the trail to get my lunch out and I may have left it on the trail. I made a futile attempt to dry put my socks at 6:30 but the sun was off the shelter site. Miserable day except when the sun came out at 5:30 PM. I was considering getting off the trail for good before then.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Once again up early, on the trail by 8AM and looking forward to a bunk space at the hostel. Made it by 2:30 and got one of the last bunks. The sun was out ,I had a wonderfully hot outdoor shower and a chance to clean my clothes. No electric washer, just a tin tub,scrub board and hand fed roller crank wringer. Probably like my grandmother used. The electric dryer was only marginally effective, the sun and low humidity did great. Resupply was great,just keep a running tab of what you take on the back of an envelope and add it up and pay before you leave the next day. Beer was pay as you go $ 2/can. They had frozen pizza and a pizza oven,I had a combo for dinner and finished it all. My trail appetite is coming along. Scale says I lost 12 lbs. Sat around a fire drinking beer past hiker midnight (8 PM) just sharing experiences and wandering why all the privys on the AT on the Smokies have ADA compliant stainless steel grab bars and ramps. The trails are not ADA compliant. No common sense in the federal government. Besides the federal government all is right with the world. What a difference a warm sunny day ,a hot shower,a pizza and a few beers can make !! Life is good again.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Max Patch Bald
Miles today: 13.3

Got up in AM, saw Tripp,his friend got in late without his pack. He dropped his pack to climb a different short trail to a scenic view. When he returned his pack was gone. Suspected bear theft but no bear tracks seen. Pack not to be found. Remind myself not to leave pack unattended. Off to camp on Max Patch a high Bald 4,629 ft with good views. Great hiking cool in AM but by noon hiking only in nylon hiking shirt. It amazes me how much internal heat is generated by hiking and carrying a 30 lb pack. On reaching Max Patch I retired to set up my tent on a lower more protected (from the wind)area of the bald. Two other folks, Terry and Mad Jack,camped there both born in 1954 and all of us retired. I referred to this area as the geriatric camp site as the youngins camped on the summit with higher winds. I did go to the summit for sunset pics and met people I saw at Icewater Shelter where I last saw my electronics sac and inquired if anyone found it. They said Jay Walker who was hiking with Willie Wonka had it and was a day or two behind us. I had called Miki to reorder stuff to be sent to the outfitter in Hot Springs. Hopefully I will meet up with Jaywalker as I Zero( a no hike day) in Hot Springs.Beautiful sunset on Max Patch and 360 degree views of surrounding mts.It is amazing how diverse and large are these United States. No significant wildlife sitings other than mice and squrrils.No bear or deer sitings, lot of birds especially the wood pecker noise.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Max Patch Bald

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Everyone was trying to get her by Friday as they have a weekend trail days festival. It's one of the few towns through which the trail travels down main street. Right off the trail was Laughing Heart Hostel but unfortunately no hostel space available. Tenting , hot shower and towel was $10 and no rain for two days. They also had a free buffet of Chili, mac& cheese,pita ,Hummus and dessert as a part of trail days. That was my appetizer before going to the Smokey Mtn. Resturant for dinner.Lots of live music later in the evening as well as 1-2 beers. I ended up back at the hostel and a fire with two hikers playing tunes on a banjo and fiddle. They're hiking the trail carrying their instuments.Quite a treat.I plan to zero tomorrow as my replacement electronics won't get in until Monday.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Hot Springs

To: Zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Quiet day, breakfast in am AYCE pancakes &sausage for $4 donation,resupply and an afternoon taking in the waters (hot springs) at the spa. Tried to get a massage but they were booked up.In the afternoon Wille Wonka showed up saying Jaywalker was not far behing and he still had my gear. He showed up a few hrs later but left my spare glasses behind at Standing Bear.Got my gear,gave him a finders fee amd started recharging so I could finally call Miki. Went to dinner with Taz, Lyons and Clogs. Went to bed about 11 PM,late for a hiker.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early ,breakfast at the diner then onto do laundry. Laundry delayed by broken pipe. Went to Outfitters to see if my packages arrived by USPS but they didn't . Probably will arrive by UPS or Fed EX in late afternoon. As I got most of my stuff asked him to forward it to my home address and left for the trail at 10:45 with clean laundry. Rian predicted for later that day and sure enough it startes to rain about noon. Arrived in heavy rain at shelter. By the time I set up my tent the rain stopped and allowed some conversation and a hot meal. Rained intermittently thru the night. Shelter full with 6 and 35 tenter and hammock around the shelter. So much for solitude.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Spring Mtn. Shelter

To: Little Laural Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Rian stpped briefly in the AM,a respite to eat breakfast and pack up.Light drizzle when started to hike heavy rain within 1/2 hr. Temps dropped throughout the day. By the time I got to Little Laurel I was cold and wet at 1 PM. Stopped at the shelter for lunch and became chilled. Sleet and hail began. I unfortunately decided to hike on to a campsite at a higher elevation. Now snowing heavily and Lyons out paseed me and I could no longer see her so I went back a 100 yards to a campsite and set up my tent at 2:30 and got into dry clothes and my sleeping bag and stayed warm. Had to knock the snow off my tent thru the night. 3-4 inches of snow. Wind and moon came about 10PM. Didn't hang my bear bag that night. Had my shoes in a plastic bag in the bottom of my sleeping bag to prevent freezing , but my feet were cold all night .
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Little Laural Shelter

To: Sugarloaf Gap
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Awoke early 6:15 before alarm. Felt warm in bag and tent. I quickly dressed and packed as best I cod in the tent . Once I get out of the tent hands and feet become numb. Later I was told it dropped to14 degrees. No breakfast, I needed to get hiking to generate heat . Within 45 min. I was warm and stopped for breakfast of pop tarts and cheese. It was sunny but cold . I hiked up the exposed ridge trail and met Terry there. He said he became confused felt warm and sat down on the trail. Said he wanted to sleep. He later got and hiked to where he was now and felt better. He hadn't had much to drink. Sounded like hypothermia symptoms to me and I told him so. We paused on the sunny ridge to drink water and eat . I shed a layer of clothes as I was sweating after the climb. I followed Terry down from the ridge he seemed better. Scared me though. Hiked on to Sugarloaf Gap at 6:30 PM and was spent and tented. I.talked to Miki ate and beded Dow n for the night.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Sugarloaf Gap

To: whistling gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Trail magic exceptional at Sam's Gap, Bandit who left the trail after an injury 3 weeks into her thru and her friend Remix from MN decide to provide trail magic out his parents RV. They made juicy Lucy burgers,rice Krispy treats and provided fruit and soda and beer. What great trail magic . Remix thru hiked in 2007. This gave me the energy and emotional lift to hike the 17.3 miles to Whispering Gap.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: whistling gap

To: Erwin TN Uncle Johnny 's
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Hard day,felt spent.perhaps have a cold or not drinking enough water, fatigue , headache no energy. I get to Johnny's but only tenting space with shower & towel. Go to Pizza Hut with Taz,Clogs& Lyons and feel better but plan to zero tomorrow .
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Erwin TN Uncle Johnny 's

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Decided to zero feel better, on AT again tomorrewEaster Sunday after an early breakfast at the hotel.resupplied at an IGA grocery store and found one of my favorite cakes , a TastyKake Butterscotch Krumpit. I took them back to the hotel and smashed them flat so they would fit better in my pack. They will make a nice midday snack.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Erwin

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

I left Erwin early from the Mountain Inn hotel at 7:30 am a beautiful sunlit Easter morning and missing my friends HCCC. I Hadith walk to the trail an as usual a climb up. I was determined to increase my miles per day and try to meet up with Miki in Hampton TN or Damascus VA. I was delighted to meet up with Yo-Joe who I hadn't seen since the Smokies. He'd been having Achilles' tendon problems for which he got off the trail but was better and joking again. Experienced trail magic at Beauty Spot by as 1999 thru hiker and his wife. Two tuna fish salad sandwiches, a Dr Pepper,a beer and a few cookies hit the spot! The 1999 thru hiker likes three Floyd's micro brewery in Munster IN a block from where I used to work. I rely enjoyed the spruce Forrest atop Unaka Mtn.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: just above Jane Bal
Miles today: 19.9

Long hike,very few people on the trail. It's been real nice. A hard hike. Up Roan Mtn and the bathrooms at the visitor center were closed. Roan Mmtn is the highest mountain until I hit New Hampshire. Stopped by Roan Mtn Shelter but was empty at 5:30 PM . Shelter is the highest on the trail and a four sided structure with a door and loft. Two small plexiglass windows but dark in side. I decided to cook dinner Mac& cheese and hike on. As the sun was setting I set up camp above Jane Bald by myself. Beautiful spot and amazing sunset. An awesome day. Windy on the bald tent flapping all night. Rain predicted for the morrow so plan an early start.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: just above Jane Bald

To: US 19 E. Harbor Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: moderate rain

Early morning. Sun gave into clouds and wind. After an hr or two in the trees back on a series of balds. Beautiful 360 degree views of mountains around the balds . A pair of hawks glided about a100ft above me, effortlessly covering in 20 sec what it took me 45 min to traverse on foot. Absolutely amazing and beautiful. Entered the trees again to a light rain and made it to US 19 E as the rain picked up. Any thought of going further ended as I headed the .3 mile to the hostel and get the last bunk available. The hostel occupies the upper barn with a horse, a mule & goats the first floor . Not much from the outside but quit cosey inside . Hot showers and sheets and pillows. A shuttle to Bob's Dairylandf for a merge burger and milkshake as well as resupply for the next three days. I wanted to get to Damascus Va to meet Miki and I've been pushing the miles, trying to do 120 miles in 7 days. The B&B has a great. Breakfast and I make reservations for Miki & I to stay there next Sunday &Monday.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: US 19 E. Harbor Mountain Hostel

To: campsite mile409.0
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Late start after a big breakfast. On the trail by nine. Quickly passed by one of my breakfast companions who ate twice what I did. His trail name is Route Foot,,a marching command that allows you to sing, talk and move at your own speed. How cool! Only passed one person on the trail the whole day. Very quite. Stopped at a memorial bench,(benches are quite rare on the trail) for a view of the Roan Balds I'd crossed 2 days before. Camped at tent site near a stream an d used the last of my water tx drops . I planned to get more the next day at a Black Bear Hostel
Date: 2014-04-24
From: campsite mile409.0

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Early start . driven to get to Damascus VA by Satt. To clean up before Miki arrives.on Sunday. Stopped at Black Bear Hostel for lunch( cheese steak , barbecue sandwich and beer as. We'll as water tx drops. No water tx drops available so I had to by a water filter. Back on the trail by 12:30. Large and beautiful falls. , Laurel Falls . Then a long dry and hot climb for which I didn't carry enough water . Finally a spring at pond flats after a hot 1500 ft climb. Again I didn't t pass anyone on the trail . I arrived at the shelter by 6:30 and found it empty. I had a leisurely meal and was in my sleeping bag by 8:30 PM. At 9 "Problem Bear " and another hiker arrived after a marathon day of 26 miles. Problem Bear is about my age , from Calif . And started his hike at Key West Jan . 1. 2014he plans on going to Canada
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day, rained 90 min into hike as we'll as 2 more showers each colder. The last one just as I was getting dry . Stopped at Vandeventer Shelter at2:30 for the rain to stop and dry off as well as make a hot meal before I Hiked on. Owl Bear was there, I'd met him at Mountain Harbor Hostel as well as a German. Couple I'd met early in the Smokies. Pushed on and camped at about 7 PM got in my dry clothes and went to bed.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

tired , got into Damascus by 4:30 pm and was fortunate to get the last hiker bunk available,unfortunately an upper bunk but with sheets, pillow and blankets. I met Road Warrior an 50 ish male resting an Achilles tendinitis for 5 days after a 26 mile hike. Also met Grandma Jo a 55 y/o German woman who has been nursing severe blisters on her feet for the past 10 days. Had dinner with then and then showered and had laundry done so I wouldn't have the hiker stench for Miki. Damascus has the largest gathering of hikers the weekend after Mother's Day when it swells from a town of 900 to 20,000 with a huge tent city for 4-5 days.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Damascus VA

To: Roan Mt. TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Road Warrior and I went to breakfast and then to the 9 am service at the Presbyterian Church. It was "low Sunday" the first Sunday service after Easter. The preacher said they had 30 for Easter; today there were 8 including the pastor,pianist and us two visitors. However it was a beautiful liturgical service that brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of how much I miss all of you at HCCC. We prayed for a hiker acquaintance of Road Warrior who fell from a cliff. Fortunately his fall was witnessed by kyakers below who came to his aid. He had multiple fractures and surgeries but is recovering . I met up with my beautiful wife introduced her to some of my hiking friends and then we were off to the Harbor Mt B&B.
Date: 2014-04-30
From:  Damascus

To: Lost Mt Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Started at 8:30 am 80 to 100 percent chance of rain. Always seems harder hiking after a zero; harder still since I miss my wife all ready . Rain holds off the trail follows the Virginia Creeper trail an old railroad bed and beautiful riv r. I part ways with the VA Creeper trail after the tresses bridge. I stop to stay in the shelter because of the threat of rain. Sure enough it pours down for an hr starting At 8:00 PM. tomorrow looking forward to Grayson Highlands.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Amacalola Falls

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

Today is the day. Green ghost registered and headed up the approach trail to the top of Springer Mountain where he starts his journey. Unfortunately we were late getting there and he didn't get started until 5:30pm. When he called at 8:30pm he was 5.5 miles in, it was dark and raining. He set up camp and stayed there for the night. Posted by ShadowFor
Date: 2014-04-07
From: 3 miles from top of the approach trail

To: Gooch Mountain
Miles today: 15.8

Oh what a wet and rainy day to get started. Green ghost hiked 18.8 miles to Gooch Mountain today. He said everything he has is soaking wet. When he got to the top of Springer he started passing people and almost everyone he talked to had skipped the approach trail and started at the top of Springer. Probably a good idea since he is about 9 miles behind his estimated night 2. He passed one man who had started 3 days ago so he is making good time. He is 15.8 miles in on the Appalachian now. Sleeping in his hammock near the shelter.He did the 8.8 miles up to Springer but we are not going to count that in our daily miles so that it adds up his Trail miles only.Posted by ShadowFor
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Gooch Mountain

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 15.9

I started the morning at Gooch Mountain Shelter heading out around 0630 hiking in what turned into a very windy day! For a steady 7 hours, stopping only as long as it took to grab water or a snack. It was up the top of Blood Mountain, the highest mountain in GA, then down the other side to Neel Gap by 1300. While I was there eating I met an awesome young couple that offered to share their cabin with me. After a lot of food/junk food, I resupplied, showered, and washed my clothes, Then watched some Seinfeld and off to bed.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Neel Gap

To: Rocky Mountain
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Green ghost made it 17.9 miles by 3:30pm on day 3. He text saying he was heading on to Rocky Mountain to stay the night. That totaled 22.6 miles for the day. A total of 54.3 miles into the trail. Posted by Shadow For
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Rocky Mountain

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 39.6
Weather: clear sky

Green ghost called yesterday around 4 while eating an ice cream at Dairy Queen. He had walked over 16 miles to Dick's Creek and paid at a hostel to shower and catch a ride into Hiawassee, GA for some real food. He then got back on the trail and hiked 4 more miles to Plumorchard Gap Shelter for a total of 19.8 miles on day 3. Day 4 went well also. He called in the evening and said he was at Carter Gap Shelter. So day 4 resulted in 19.8 also. He is now 93.9 miles in on the Appalachian and trucking thru NC. He should be in Franklin by tomorrow. Posted by Shadow for
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center Bunkhouse

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: light snow

Green Ghost left the NOC and headed up the mountain in the rain with 40mph winds and 40 degrees. He said it was awful and he stopped at Sassafras Gap Shelter to to eat and change into some dry clothes. Then he moved on to finish the night at Cable Gap Shelter.Post by Shadow for
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Green Ghost took a 0 for a day and spent it with me, his wife and our kids at Dollywood and had a great mini vacation. We dropped him off around 3 on his 11th day on the trail and he made it 11 miles to Mollies Ridge Shelter.Post by Shadow for
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Green Ghost left out from Double Spring Gap Shelter and had a good morning until he got to the trail split at Clingman's Dome. He sat down for a bite and called home to say Happy Easter to the family. When he started back he went the wrong way and slipped fell. He caught himself with his hand and jammed his middle finger. After he got turned around he said the rest of the day was outstanding. He made it to Pecks Corner Shelter for the night.Post by Shadow for
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 23.6

Green Ghost said it was time to get out of the Smokies! He left at 0630 making good time through some beautiful country. He said he thinks everyone should hike the section of the trail between Clingmans Dome and the North End of the Smokies. He said it was amazing views and he took plenty of pictures on his camera. He ended the day at a Hostel called Standing Bear Farm and that it a cool place setup like an old farm.Post by Shadow by
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 33.1
Weather: light rain

Green Ghost said Today was his biggest day so far traveling from Standing Bear all the way to Hot Springs, NC. Around 1600 he ran across Trail Magic at Lemon Gap. It was the Warrior Connection Foundation doing a hike. They had burgers and fruit on the menu. He got into town about 10pm and found a place nice enough to stay open long enough for him to grab a bite to eat. He got a room for the night and rested up. Post by Shadow for
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 67.6

Sorry we are missing a few days between Hot Springs and Erwin, TN. Green Ghost said:Today is Friday and I woke up ready to get out of this Valley/Hollow. It's sprinkling and windy on the top but tomorrow I get to see my wife and kids. I'm happy to make it a long day with family and food(which i was out of) on my mind. I headed to Erwin to make for a long day of 31.5 miles. I cant help doing less than 20+ miles. The days are long and make the miles add up.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Erwin, TN

To: Hughes Gap
Miles today: 29.8

Green Ghost took a zero on 4/26/2014 and spent the day with me and the kids in the small town of Erwin, TN. He sent this as his daily entry:Peggy from the Hostel in Erwin dropped me off at the bridge where I had gotten off the trail on 4/25. I made good time all day knocking out almost 30 miles in my first back on the trail. I stopped in a bad spot for the night on a steep hill with a lot of dead tree's ready to fall in this rain!Post by Shadow for:
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Hampton, TN

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: moderate rain

Green Ghost said:I had a slow start leaving town at 9:40. When i got to Wahtuga Lake I stayed and had lunch for two hours. I also went for a swim in the lake and it was nice and cold. I finished the day with only almost 19 miles at a Campsite. Post by Shadow for: