morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-02-24
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 8.1

Stopped at Amicalola Falls SP visitor center and signed the thru hiker register. I am the 61st hiker registered this hiking season. At 10am I started my 2184 mile walk from Georgia to Maine. The adventure is on. Walked the one mile down to Big Stamp Gap parking lot and received a big send off from my family. Lots of pictures, hugs, kisses, goodbyes, and are you really going to do this. Yes, I'm sure.Very nice day to hike. Clear, blue, sunny skies with temps in the 40's to 50. Lots of hikers out on day, weekend, section and thru hikes. The first 8 miles seemed all downhill, maybe all 2184 miles are downhill. Made it to the shelter around 2pm. There were 6 in the shelter, which is a double Decker that sleeps 12, and a small tent city scattered around the shelter.How good is this? What a wonderful life. It's been a glorious day.Matt 1&2.
Date: 2013-02-25
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter 

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.9

Tougher hiking day today..more ups I guess it's not all downhill. Overcast most of the day the sun came out briefly when I reached the parking lot at Woody Gap. Starting to feel a blister on my toe and noticing my left hamstring on the climbs, but still a glorious day. Seven of us pitched our tents here. Calling for snow tonite. This is way to much fun. Matt 3&4.
Date: 2013-02-26
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain and wind all night last night or at least when I was awake. Packed up a wet tent and started off in fog,wind,mist and cold. Pretty much the conditions all day. But still a great day to be hiking. It was a pretty good climb up Blood Mt the highest peak on the AT in Georgia @ 4461 ft. Made it to Mountain Crossings @ Neel Gap mid afternoon and stayed in the hostel. Hot dinner, hot shower did laundry. Picked up a couple of items at the outfitter one of which was waterproof gloves. Still working the blister issue. Probably were great views today but I could not seem them due to the fog.It's another glorious day on the trail Matthew 5&6
Date: 2013-02-27
From: Neel Gap

To: Cold Springs Gap 
Miles today: 15.4

Left the hostel this morning with my belly full of pancakes and coffee. Bit of snow overnight but turned out to be a beautiful day with clear blue sky and sunshine. Some nice views of the Georgia mountains. Stealth camped somewhere near Cold Springs Gap. Cooked dinner and in my tent by 6pm. Very pleasant day to hike.It's another glorious day. Matthew 7&8
Date: 2013-02-28
From: Cold Springs Gap 

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Tougher hiking day today. Cold all day with a stiff wind off and on. My snickers bars even froze. Had to keep moving at a brisk pace to stay warm. That's why I put in big miles today, big for me this early in my hike. Along with two others made reservations at the Budget Inn in Hiawassee tomorrow night and arranged for shuttle pickup at Dicks Creek Gap @ 9:30am. Five of us tented in the area. I think this was the coldest nite so far, maybe in the teens. Slept well though as I was tired from the long day. Matthew 9&10It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-01
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 5:20 to make it to Dicks Creek Gap for the shuttle @ 9:30. Spent about 20 minutes untangling one of the food bags caught up in a tree. Packed up and started walking in the dark. Needed my headlamp for the first 1/2 hour or so. Thankfully it was not difficult terrain. Made it to the shuttle pickup by 9, not bad time for me. Staying at the Budget Inn in Hiawassee. Had breakfast, did laundry, some gear assessment and took a nap. Had dinner and went to bed. Matthew 11&12It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-02
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero today in Hiawassee, that's hiker lingo for taking a day off. Got all dried out, warmed up, charged up (phone), and the body fueled up. Not sure I remember eating so much in one day. Food resupply and bought some gear, expecting another cold nite Sunday. I'm anxious to get back on the trail in the morning. Matthew 13&14It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-03
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Wateroak Gap
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Set the alarm for 7 this morning but awake at 5 thinking about what my hike will bring today. Everyday so far has been different. Not just about packing up, eating, water, walking and finding a place to sleep and doing it all over again. It is being outside in nature, the scenery, the views, the satisfaction of making it to the top of another mountain. Every day the weather is changing sometimes better sometimes not. It is also about the other hikers and the hiking community that develops on the trail. I've enjoyed my 1-1/2 days in Hiawassee but I'm ready to go. Calling for high of 41 & low of 26 here..wonder what it will be like up on the mountain.isn't this the life.Shuttle dropped 10 of us off at Dicks Creek Gap. After a couple of hours didn't see any of the others the rest of the day. Did see a couple of weekend hikers. In the afternoon walked through several inches of snow, snow on the trail the rest of the day. Passed a milestone today, walked from GA into NC, 1 state down only 13 to go. Stealth camped again on eastern slope of ridge out of wind in a gully. Couldn't light alcohol stove as it was to cold. In my bag by 5.Matthew 15-16It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-04
From: Wateroak Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Boy was it cold last nite, felt like single digits. Slept with all my clothes on. I've stretched my 15deg bag to the limit. Walked in snow and ice in the morning with bright sunshine most of the day. Sleeping in a shelter tonite calling for rain. Stopped for the day around 1:30. A fellow stopped for a break, he was SOBO, started in Maine in August. When he reached Springer he was turning around and walking back to Maine. Now there's a man that likes what he is doing. Five of us in the shelter, the 2 ladies from NY, Steven,Patrick and myself. Meow Mix slept in their tent. Matthew 17-18Another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-05
From: Carter Gap Shelter 

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Did rain overnight but I was dry and toasty in my bag. The day started out blustery, damp and foggy and didn't get any better. Most of the day there was maybe 50-100 yards visibility. There were probably some fantastic views particularly on Albert Mt but I couldn't see them. The most difficult hike so far was the 2 miles from Mooney Gap up to Albert Mt, pretty treacherous was with the ice and wet rocks and leaves. A steady rain the last 45 minutes down to Winding Stair Gap. The shuttle was there waiting for the ride into Franklin and motel stay. Another milestone today, passed the 100 mile mark I was hungry for dinner ate whole large pizza from Dominos. Matthew 19-20. Another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-06
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to take a zero today. It's been windy and snowy with some significant accumulation in the higher elevations. Been eating, resting and texting my main squeeze and #1 support person. Ellen..wish I could be there to shovel all the snow in the driveway. Getting antsy to get back on the trail.Matthew 21-22. it's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-07
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0

Decided to leave earlier than the shuttle this morning and hitch hike back to the trail. As I was walking out of Franklin, Mr. Robbie Robison stopped and gave me a ride to Winding Stair Gap. He retired from the Forest Service. When we arrived at the Gap he offered a prayer for my safe journey. Thank you brother. Walked all day in snow, several inches to more than a foot at times, but did have clear blue skies. Spectacular 360 views at the top of Wayah Bald(5342 ft) but no pictures - my phone/camera decided to crap out. Three of us in the shelter tonite it will be another cold one. Took my phone apart and removed then replaced the battery and back in business again. Matthew 23-25. It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Wayah Bald Shelter 

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center 
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light snow

Haven't seen much wildlife so far but did experience some last nite. Heard coyotes off in the distance and during the nite mice were getting in backpacks and running up and down my sleeping bag.This morning was the most difficult hiking so far with ice and snow on the trail. Lots of slipping and sliding. Fell several times I expect to me sore in the morning. Spectacular views of the North Carolina mts the afternoon. In a 4 person bunk room tonite. Nice place to spend the nite. The Nantahala Outdoor Center has bunk rooms, cabins, restaurant,grocery store,outfitter and rafting on the Nantahala River that runs through the property. Going to the outfitter in the morning having trouble with my backpack.Matthew 26-28It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center 

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

Stopped in at the NOC Outfitter first thing to look at backpack. After sizing determined I needed a large vs medium. Computer showed they had a large but could not find in the store even went to the warehouse, but no large. Mello (as I recollect) spent 30-45 minutes working on weight distribution and adjustments to make it bearable until I could get a large. He suggested I call the manufacturer, tell them I was a thru-hiker and they would send a replacement. Very impressed with the outfitter at NOC. If you need gear help/advice they are the place. My wife called the outfitter (Blue Ridge Mt Sports) and they sent a a large to Standing Bear Farms, no chage. A big thank you to NOC outfitter and BRMS.The hike up Cheoah was 3313 ft elevation gain in 7.9 miles, maybe the toughest climb todate. Grreat views but glad that is behind me. Tented on Cheoah (5,062 ft) also camping there were Jerry, Mark, and Adam from Greenville. Trail magic supreme, they feed me dinner and gave me food to go for the next day. Thanks guys.Mark 1-2It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-11
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

Easy day today. 5.4 miles to Rt 28 crossing at Fontana Marina and called for the shutle to The Hike Inn. Walked another 1.5 miles to the Dam Visitor Center for pick-up. Spent afternoon organizing gear, shower, and putting together a grocery list to last thru the Smokies. Big plus was that Jeff (The Hike Inn) did my laundry. This evening going into Robbinsville for dinner and resupply. Found the folks at The Hike Inn very accomodating. A good stop and place to spend a rainy afternoon. Tomorrow the Smokies.Mark 5-6.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: few clouds

Entered the Smokies today at Fontana Dam. Met Bazinga crossing the dam and walked with him most of the day. The morning was frosty and foggy-no views. The sun finally did burn through in the afternoon. Lots of hikers today, spring break must be in full bloom. Shelter is full this evening and 3 of us are tenting.Mark 7-8.It's anotherf glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 13.5

Hiked with Bazinga today. It was foggy,windy and cold this morning. Partly sunny,windy and cold this afternoon. In the shelter tonite. With Caribou,Dovetail,Bazinga and 8 spring breakers.Mark 9-10It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter 

To: Icewater Springs Shelter 
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunny with clear skies all day with nice views. Crossed the highest point on the trail today,Clingmans Dome(6643 ft). Walked up the tower but was very windy and cold only time for a quick picture. Lots of people at Newfound Gap with many day hikers on the trail. Pretty amazing since the trail was very icy. The shelter tonite is at 5939 ft. Five of us in the shelter Caribou,Dovetail,Bazinga,Rock and Roll and myself. Going to be another cold one tonite.Mark 11-12it's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Icewater Springs Shelter 

To: Cosby Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 20.3

Beautiful sunrise this morning. Beautiful day in the Smokies,sunshine all day. There was some ice on the trail that made it a bit treacherous. Seven in the shelter tonite including the regulars Bazinga,Caribou and Dovetail.Mark 13-14it's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Cosby Knob Shelter 

To: Green Corner Rd
Miles today: 10.7

Nice day to walk with sunshine and warmer temps. At Davenport Gap fantastic trail magic. Cold drinks,chili w/fritos,fruit,muffins,snacks to go and dinners. It was great. Thanks to Dragonfly(2014 thru hiker) and another family I did not catch their name. It was awesome. Out of the Smokies today. There were great views,but the cold,wind,ice and snow was a bit much. Saw one ridge runner and no rangers. Ridge runner asked if I had my permit but didn't look at it. Staying at Standing Bear Farm tonite. If you are passing through its an interesting stop. I guess you have to be here to understand.Mark 15-16it's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Green Corner Rd

To: Roaring Fork Shelter 
Miles today: 15.1

Happy St Patrick's Day.Bazinga and I are still hiking together.Fairly tough climb up from Green Corner Rd to Snowbird Mt, 2500 ft elevation gain in 4.4 miles. Snowbird Mt is a grassy Bald with great views,there is also a FAA tower on the summit. Crossed Max Patch another bald this afternoon. Quite a few people out enjoying the nice weather up on the hayfield as Bazinga would say. Tented this evening at the shelter. Calling for rain.Luke 1it's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Roaring Fork Shelter 

To: NC 209, Hot Springs 
Miles today: 18.0

Our(Bazinga & mine)objective today was to get to Hot Springs for a zero. I was going to meet my main squeeze. Fairly comfortable hike today. Did have to put on raingear for about to the last 2 miles into town. Ellen drove down from VA to spend this evening and tomorrow with me. It was good to see her drive by and pick me up out of the rain. She had already got a room at the Mountain Magnolia Inn a B&B,an excellent choice. It was not my typical hiker accommodations. Excellent dinner at the Inn. If in Hot Springs I highly recommend a stay here.Luke 2-3It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: NC 209, Hot Springs 

To: French Broad River,Hot Springs 
Miles today: 0.4

Zero,or essentially a zero as Ellen and I walked the .4 miles of the AT through town on Bridge St. Went to Asheville to the Verizon store. I have not been able to get an internet connection for several days. After about 30 minutes Amanda had fixed the problem. We had dinner at the Iron Horse. I really,really,really enjoyed spending the day with Ellen. She also got to meet some of the folks I have been hiking with.Luke 4-5It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: French Broad River,Hot Springs 

To: NC 208 at Allen Gap 
Miles today: 14.4

Ellen dropped me off in front of the Iron Horse met Bazinga and we crossed the bridge over the French Broad River. The trail followed the river a bit and then headed up the mountain. Tented with Bazinga,Shake and Bake,and Buzz.Luke 6-7It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: NC 208 at Allen Gap 

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 11.6

Showed overnight and the trail was covered with snow today. It was mostly sunny but cold and windy. Varied terrain uphill early then over,around and between rocks with some nice views from the ridgeline. Bazinga started early than me this morning not sure I will see him again as I'm sure he will do more miles per day. The shelter has a fireplace like those in the Smokies. In the shelter are two spring breakers and a dad. They built a fire which took a bit of the chill off. It was greatly appreciated since a thermometer in the shelter read 18. Another thru hiker came in later and cooked his dinner over the fire.Luke 8-9It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter 

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 14.7

Got down right cold last nite,low teens. Made for a pretty uncomfortable trip to the privy this morning. Trail magic at NC 212,water and sodas left along the trail. Boy did the cola taste good and 240 calories to boot. Saw as many dogs as hikers today, 3 of each. The dogs followed me for about 100 yards got bored and wandered off. Only one in the shelter tonite. Here in my sleeping bag watching it snow.Luke 10-11It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter 

To: Somewhere north of No Business Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 22.0

A bit lonesome at the shelter last nite even the mice didn't come for a visit. Woke up to freezing rain and got back in my sleeping bag until it stopped. Foggy and gray all morning. Stopped for lunch at Bald Mt Shelter and a group of Boy Scouts out for a day hike stopped by. Only folks I saw on the trail all day. Cleared off in the afternoon but still gray and overcast. Planned to spend the nite at No Business Knob Shelter but it was trashy. Someone even left a large bag of trash hanging in a tree. Went on another mile or so and stealth camped.Luke 12-13It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Somewhere north of No Business Knob Shelter 

To: River Rd, Erwin TN
Miles today: 4.5

Rained hard overnight and raining this morning as I packed up. When I started hiking it stopped,go figure. Started raining again when I got to Uncle Johnny's Hostel around 11am, decided to stay the nite and dry out. Took the shuttle into Erwin for dinner(Mexican) and resupply(IGA). Had some time to kill before the shuttle returned and bought a newspaper. I read about:sequestration-now that's a finely tuned political process, the anniversary of the start of the Iraqi war, March Madness being in full swing-what happened to the WVU mens basketball team?,MLB is gearing up for a new season-I think one of these years I'm going to take my main squeeze to spring training sitting in the sun and watching baseball. Which got me to thinking about how much we pay professional athletes to play a game vs how much we pay soldiers to fight our wars and teachers to teach our children. Started to read about the new Pope-got to go here comes the shuttle. Wow,this has nothing to do with hiking. I should probably have spent my $1.50 on honey buns or snickers. Winter storm warning calling for up to a foot of snow in the higher elevations,not sure what I'm doing tomorrow.Luke 14-15It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-25
From: River Rd, Erwin TN

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 4.7

Only two of us in the bunkhouse last nite and only four in the cabins. Three left early to try to get to the next hostel. The other three of us(Gary,Bull and myself) decided to only go to the next shelter because of the snow and wind advisory at the higher elevations. Left the hostel a little after 11am and got here in about two hours. Built a fire,not sure if it made us warmer but looked warm. Going to try for 20 miles tomorrow to get to the next hostel. It will be interesting to see how much snow we encounter as we go up over 5000ft on Unaka Mt. 5:30 and in my bag to stay warm. Luke 16-17It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter 

To: Iron Mountain Gap 
Miles today: 15.9

Couple of inches of snow overnight. Bull and Hedgehog left the shelter first, I followed about 15 minutes later. Gary still packing up when I left. I had not gone far when ran into 6-8 inches of snow and not much further until 12-18 inches plus. Eventually caught up with Bull and Hedgehog when they were searching for a white blaze. Eventually made it to Iron Mt Gap and decided we could not make it to the Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel before dark. Called about shuttle but she could not get out due to the amount of snow. Bull flagged us a ride on the tailgate of a pickup. That got us to a store about 2 miles from the hostel. After eating and warming up at the store, got a ride to within a quarter mile of the hostel. Nine of us in the house since the bunkhouse unheated. Due to the snow will probably spend a zero here tomorrow.Luke 18-19p>It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Home 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Walked the couple of miles from Greasy Creek Friendly down to Foxx Den store in Buladean to meet Ellen to go home for a couple of days. Want to be home for the pending birth of my granddaughter. Also visit with the family, I miss them dearly. Made it home in time for Maundy Thursday service.Luke 22-23It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Home 

To: Roan High Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 13.7

Back on the trail again. Left home at 5:30am. Ellen dropped me off at Iron Mountain Gap a little after 10am. Nice hiking weather today,sunny and not to warm. Passed a couple of trail maintainers working on the trail north of Greasy Creek Gap. Spending the nite at Roan High Knob shelter the highest shelter on the AT at 6194ft.John 9-10It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Roan High Knob Shelter 

To: US 19E, Mountain Harbor Hostel 
Miles today: 15.8

Cold,windy and freezing rain most of the day. With freezing rain and ice on the trail,quite a challenge today. Thought about taking a picture but couldn't get my phone out because pants covered with ice. Decided to stay at the hostel to warm up and dry out. Others had the same idea it is packed with folks on the floor.John 11-12It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: US 19E, Mountain Harbor Hostel 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Enjoyed my stay at Mountain Harbor Hostel and the breakfast was super. As I was leaving the hostel a lady there said I looked like a hiker. I asked what a hiker looked like and she said a ballerina. Not sure about that,I'll have to ask my granddaughter Dory who is a dancer what that means. The morning was foggy with a light drizzle,started to clear off around lunch time and was sunny the rest of the day. This was probably the easiest 17 miles of trail so far,not many rocks and roots and surprisingly not as much mud as I would have expected given the recent snow and rain.John 13-14It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Campsite 

To: Watauga Lake 
Miles today: 17.7

Frost on my tent this morning but sunshine all day and I would guess the temp made it to the high 60's. Hiked in the Laurel Falls area,very scenic. I'll come back here again. Walked into Hampton for some beverages and a bit of resupply. Pitched my tent along Watauga Lake this evening. I can hear the geese down at the lake.John 15-16It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Watauga Lake 

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: broken clouds

Another nice weather day to hike up and down the Tennessee hills. In 22 miles only saw one other person all day. Saw several butterflies today..spring is here? Near Shady valley,TN there is 0.5 mile of AT that is handicaped-accessible that meanders through pasture - kinda neat.John 17-18.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

Another nice day to hike. Good weather and good trail. Reached another milestone today, I walked into Virginia. Three states down (GA,NC,TN) and only 11 more to go. For the last several days I have not seen any thru-hikers, been wondering where they are. I've found them, they are in Damascus. Stayed at the Hiker's Inn, a nice place and a PaPaw recommendation. Enjoyed my evening in Damascus. Shower, laundry, socialize, resupply, refuel and rehydrate. Also ran into a couple of hikers I had not seen for a couple of weeks.John 19-20.It's another glorious day.