morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Fun group of people at the shelter last night...was dead tired but didn't sleep so well.Leonardis made us all coffee in the morning again...he only has ten more days of hiking...I will miss him when he leaves the trail.It was a cold and damp morning...it wasn't raining but everything was socked in...can't complain too much about the weather though as this was the second day of crappy weather since I started.Today I went over Clingmans Dome which is the highest point along the AT...the trail was above 5000 feet all day and at the highpoint I was at 6643 feet! I felt much better today despite my lack of sleep and did the miles in less than four hours. Encountered some snow up high.Supportive Wife met us at Newfound Gap and she had sandwiches for all of us! Oh so good! I am now at Lo-rods and Supportive wife's house for the night....we enjoyed a delicious meal and than had a lovely boat ride to watch the sun set....you guys are awesome! Thank you so much for your hospitality.We will head back to the gap tomorrow and will have two more days of hiking in the Smokies...life is good!Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Newfound Gap

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a wonderful time in Seneca with Lo-rod and Barbara....thank you again for everything! Lo-rods dad dropped us off around 4 and it was a quick hike to the shelter. Its located on a nice grassy field at 5920 ft! Its another beautiful day and not a cloud in the sky! Once Lo-rod gets here we are going to head out to Charlie's Bunion for sunset....should be nice. Its supposed to get below 30 tonight!Shooting for a big day tomorrow! Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: cosby knob shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

So we never made it to Charlies Bunion for sunset....too flippin cold! Instead we made dinner and a campfire. Gonzo showed up about an hour or so later and packed up 13 cheeseburgers!! Cold night for sleeping and am happy to be spending the night much lower.Woke to a beautiful sunrise but my photos do not do it justice. Very cold morning and I am happy to have not sent home any clothing yet.Spent most of the day between 5k and 6k today...the trail bumped along the spines of endless ridges. About a mile from Icewater I took the short side path out to Charlies Bunion....beautiful views! The mountains down here are so completely different than from home....the ridges go on for miles and miles.Leonardis hikes much faster than me and Lo-rod is doing a shorter day today so I spent most of the day hiking alone...its nice because at the end of the day the shelters are full so I get my fill of the company of others.This is my last night in the Smokies and it has been absolutely fabulous! From the terrain, views and weather I could not have asked for anything more. Its very peaceful out here and the body seems to crave the daily abuse of walking through these woods....I am thoroughly enjoying my time out here.Finally caught up with Rock'n roll....he is from my hometown! His group is pushing ahead a few more miles but I am sure I will see him later on down the trail.Over and outJibitz
Date: 2010-04-20
From: cosby knob shelter

To: groundhog creek shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Full house at the shelter last night....the shelters in the Smokies are stone structures and have fireplaces...we had a semi indoor fire last night...oh so very nice! Slept very well and got an early start....Leonardis has bee making me coffee every morning and is now my coffee b*tch...not sure what I will do when he leaves the trail in a few days....I have been through withdrawal once already...can I stand to go through it again? Or will I find a new friend who will make me coffee! I must sound sob lazy when I talk like this....Had a beautiful walk down to Davenport Gap. With each step the forest grew greener and the wildflowers more abundant. There were a couple of nice outlooks on the way down too. We rolled into Standing Bear Farm sometime around 11:30 or so and did a light resupply. It was tempting to stay for the night but tenting was the only option and the forecast was calling for rain. It looks like a really fun place to stay and there is a big party there tonight with blue grass music and bbq and beer. Lots of hikers staying there for the night. Sometimes I wish I was a party girl.Sitting in the kitchen I had a cup of coffee and about 20 twizzlers....and then it started to rain! It was a light rain but rain indeed it was. Leonardis wanted to hang out but I got antsy and decided to head out.   It was a nice climb out of the gap despite the rain. Its hard to decide what to wear when its raining...less is better because it gets so hot when going uphill for five miles. I wore a rain jacket though which not only gets wet on the outside but the inside as well. It was chilly on the climb up Snow Mountain so I just kept it on. The summit was an open grassy area but no views today! I am now at the shelter and the rain has stopped and some sun is breaking through the clouds....would be nice to get everything dry but that is not going to happen.Just a couple more days to Hot Springs, NC....will try and take a zero day there...Funky Monkey and Lo-rod are a day behind so that will give them a chance to catch up.Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-21
From: groundhog creek shelter

To: hot springs
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Got Hot Springs fever today! Decided to do a big day...nothing like the thought of a burger and a cold beer to get motivated! Started out just before 7 in the clag...cloudy, damp, misty weather. The first climb of the day was a seven mile approach to Max Patch...it was a long slog but we made good time...had hopes of the weather clearing but that did not happen. We made a mad dash over the summit of Max Patch and missed out on all the beautiful views we had been told about...can't complain seeing the first several days of my trip were picture perfect.Despite the crummy weather I totally enjoyed the trail and the woods around me....it was a quiet and peaceful day. The trail meanders and never seems to go in a straight line....I like that...twisting and turning never knowing what direction will be next...just one step at a time.We took a brief break at Roaring Fork shelter and ate...its hard to take long breaks when its cold and damp...you get cold really fast.Next we made the climb up to Walnut Mountain Shelter and we had a nice long lunch break here. Leonardis made coffee and teryaki rice! Hot food is oh so nice on cold days! The last climb of the day was up Bluff Mountain...and by the time we got to the top the weather had cleared! Sunshine improves the attitude immediately! Not that my spirits were down...sunshine just makes things seem nicer.Descending down Bluff Mountain was beautiful and again the lower we got the greener things became. The wildflowers are abundant and lovely. The last six or so miles seemed to drag on but I eventually made it to Hot Springs just before 5....awesome long day!Heading out for food soon and will take a zero day tomorrow.Life is good!Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-22
From: hot springs

To: hot springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took my first zero day. Hot Springs is a nice little town...spent the day eating, resupplying at the outfitters, drinking coffee and internetting at the library. It is nice to give the body a break.Lo-rod, Funky Monkey and Gonzo rolled into town this evening and will zero tomorrow...I want to stay with them but I can not hang around town again all day. Leonardis is moving on to Erwin in the morning but will be doing big miles.I had some upsetting news from home today....the vets discovered an inoperable tumor on Reubens spleen...Reuben is a great dane and I will miss him very much. He was almost nine...that is a good long life for a dane.Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Hot Springs

To: spring mountain shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After spending two days off in Hot Springs it was finally time to head out. I woke early and went to the coffee shop for my last cup of good coffee for who knows how long. Sunny greeted me when I walked in and asked me if I wanted the usual....my second time there and it was like I had been going to her place for years. I hope to come back here sometime in the future...hopefully it will be with my little sister.I left around 9 or so this morning on my own...I didn't want to hang around town any longer....I didn't say goodbye to anyone because I figured they were all still sleeping.It was a nice climb out and it was steep but the trail had lovely switchbacks. It was steamy hot and the sweat was pouring off me....it was so peaceful to be back out walking. I am sure I will meet up with Funky Monkey, Lo-rod and Gonzo later on.About an hour in I met up with a father and son from Canada....talked and hiked with them for a while...the father warned me severe weather was coming in but my plan was just for a short day. The trail was nice today and again lots of wildflowers everywhere! As I climbed higher it got cloudy, windy and a bit colder. A few miles before the shelter there was a side path to a fire tower....nice but limited views.I arrived at the shelter just in time....its raining now and everything is damp...the shelter is rundown and full...Leonardis showed up and he will be staying here too. Looking to do a couple of big days....hopefully the weather will clear by morning.Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-25
From: spring mountain shelter

To: flint mountain shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Crammed seven people in the five person shelter last night...it was snuggly and warm and the fog just rolled in to the shelter all night. There was some big wind but no violent storms. Slept very well and bottom of my sleeping bag was very damp in the morning...actually everything was damp.Headed out just before 8 and things started to clear....and it also got very humid. About six miles down the trail we came to Log Cabin Drive and decided to go to the Hemlock Hollow Farm....who can resist hot coffee and ice cream! Wicked awesome place and the owners were so welcoming and nice. I forgot to mention the night before when I lit my stove I discovered the outfitter in Hot Springs sold me white gas instead of alcohol....not a good situation...the hostel was kind enough to swap out my fuel for the right stuff...to top it off they also gave us a ride back to the trail! If I ever come through this way again I will be sure to stay there.Today was a tough day for me...I got behind on my water intake ands every up was a struggle. The trail was steeper today and combined with the heat made it a difficult day for me. At Little Laurel shelter we met up with Lo-rod and had some lunch....I also took the opportunity to dry out my sleeping bag while we rested and ate.After lunch was a big climb and at the top we were on the ridge fore the rest of the afternoon. The trail bumped along and there were some really nice views. The trail was very rocky in some spots and I turned my ankle....ouch! Took a very quick break at the next shelter and than did the final climb of the day up Big Butt Mountain....a beautiful mountain with great views! I am now resting at Flint Mountain Shelter...my stomach is full and there is a nice stream a few yards down the trail...so nice and refreshing!Hoping to do another big day tomorrow.Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-26
From: flint mountain shelter

To: bald mountain shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

Another long day....in the rain. So nice to be at shelter now. It started off fairly nice and about three miles down the trail we encountered trail magic left by Bodacious! Soda, apples, little debbies....thank you!After that the miles went on forever...I think the mileage in the book is wrong...the woods were nice and lots of trilium everywhere! Took a break at Hogback Shelter....lots of people there waiting out the weather. Two miles later we reached a highway ands thought about heading to town to get out of the rain. Decided to push on seeing we couldn't hitchhike.Long 8 miles to the next shelter....uphill all the way! Was feeling good but the weather can be a downer. It was pouring as I went over Big Stamp and Big Bald. So nice to be in the shelter now....full house here tonight.Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-27
From: bald mountain shelter

To: erwin
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: moderate rain

Long night at the shelter last night....woke up hungry despite eating two dinners....also kept awake by pouring rain on the metal roof, big winds and a chorus of snorers.Not fun putting on wet clothes and wet boots. Got an early start which was nice. Two more people showed up late last night and they were very happy to take our spots in the shelter. Big miles and achy joints are catching up with me today....struggled on all the uphills.Met up with Leonardis at No Business Knob shelter....he had lunch and coffee waiting when I got there! Today is our last day of hiking together...I will miss him...hopefully Funky Monkey, Lo-rod and Gonzo will catch up soon.After lunch the sky opened up and we got poured on once again. We practically ran the last six miles to town. Drying out now at Uncle Johnny's....its nice to be warm and in dry clothes again! Hitched a ride to Wal-Mart for resupply...people down here are so nice! We were going to call a cab for a ride back but there are no cabs in this town.....so you will never believe how we got back....Pennie in customer service called the local sheriff and he came and gave us a ride back to the hostel!! Wicked awesome. Thank you Bobby!Its pouring again and we are waiting for the shuttle to take us to town for dinner. Lots of food will be so nice! Looking forward to a good nights rest.Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-28
From: erwin

To: greasy creek hostel
Miles today: 24.3

Must get head checked! I promised myself I would cut back on miles once Leonardis left the trail...ha! Sitting on cozy couch at Greasy Creek Hostel...just finished an entire pint of Ben and Jerry's! Life is so good today....except for my achy tootsies.Said farewell to Quinten today...I hate goodbye's.....I really enjoyed hiking with him and I will miss him. So why the big day? It was sunny and beautiful...the air was crisp and cool...the body felt good despite having five days worth of food in my pack...the trail was foot friendly....I loaded up on town food the previous night....and a good nights sleep does wonders. I had planned on a 16 mile day but I got to the shelter at 2:30...way to early to stop for the day. There was also a weird dude at the shelter....he was laying in the leaves and then he puked....easy to make decision to move on!!Went over Beauty Spot today and had fabulous views! I think I could see the Smokies.....also got a view of Roan Mountain which was coated in white from snow! The next big climb was over Unaka Mountain...not a bad climb. There was snow near the summit and I got soaked from the melting snow from the trees. The trails were wet and muddy but who cares...anything but rain! What a difference the sun makes!Its looking really nice for the next couple of days but its going to be cold. Heading over Roan Mountain tomorrow! Off to bed now.Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-29
From: greasy creek hostel

To: overmountain shelter 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a great nights sleep at the hostel and was on the trail by 7:30. First climb of the day was up Little Rock Knob...nice views down into the valley. Long decent to Hughes Gap...lower leg just above my left ankle is very sore...I think I strained something the other day when we did the mad dash to Uncle Johnny's to get out of the rain...hopefully it will go away soon. It does not bother me on the climbs which is good. Big climb up Roan Mountain...some snow and ice near the top...got a little wet from the trees. Wicked awesome view from the top! Took the side trail to the shelter where I met Josh and his dog....super cute pup! Had lunch and moved on to Carvers Gap. Carvers Gap was amazing! The trail went up Round Bald and the views were simply beautiful! There was not a cloud in the sky today and I could see for miles. Tomorrow I go over Hump Mountain and Little Hump which are balds as well....can't wait! Staying at Overmountain Shelter tonight which is a converted barn...the view from here is fabulous. Looking forward to dinner and sleep. Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-30
From: overmountain shelter 

To: vango and abbys memorial hostel
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: clear sky

Another awesome day on the trail! Wicked tired and hungry though. Relaxing at the hostel and just finished dinner number one....will eat again in another hour or so. Appetite is out of control!! The shelter last night was nice but I did not sleep very well...didn't feel tired though until the last few miles today....wicked hot out today and not a cloud in the sky! Hard to believe I was walking in snow yesterday! Started the day going over Little Hump Mountain...absolutely fabulous! Outstanding views all around. The next big climb was over Hump Mountain....this one was even better...everywhere I looked was just breath taking...I think this is my favorite section of trail so far. Long decent to rt 19...turned my ankle so that made it longer. Oh...shin pain from yesterday is completely gone! The second half of the day was hot...the trail twisted and turned all over the place and at times I felt like I was going in circles. I took the side path to Jones Falls and took a nice long break there...soaked my feet and washed all the salt and sweat off my body...oh so nice! Was going to call it a day at Mountaineer Shelter but it was way too early to stop. Short day tomorrow to Dennis Cove...will resupply there and rest my feet and body. Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-01
From: vango and abbys memorial hostel

To: kincora hostel
Miles today: 11.8

Long day for relatively short miles. Slept in this morning till about 7:30....body so needed to rest. Thought it was going to be an easy day after looking at the profile...a little up and than down. Wrong!! Maybe it was the heat...it was so flippin hot today! Maybe I was short on water too. Maybe I was just depleted of calories...who knows. Turned both my ankles today so that did not make me happy either.The trail was actually quite pleasant but the miles just went by too slow. Town food was on my mind all day so maybe that's why things seemed to drag along. Oh well....I am here at the hostel now and everything is great again!Bob Peoples took a bunch of us to town so we could eat dinner and go to the grocery store for resupply. So nice to have a full belly of food. A bunch of us are doing a slack pack tomorrow and after that we will hike into a shelter afterwards. Looking forward to hiking without a lot of weight on my back!Time for ice cream!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-02
From: kincora hostel

To: watauga lake shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

Nice short day today! Slack-packed the first 8.9 miles over Pond Flats...it was a nice climb up with a super light pack but the decent was steep with lots of rolling rocks under my feet. It was hot again today but there is a nice breeze and lots of puffy q. About a half mile before the hostel there was a nice swimming hole....the water was freezing but it felt so nice on the feet! Finally got the courage to go in after an hour or so.Got back to the hostel around 1:30 or so and ordered pizza...oh so yummy!! Took the 3:00 shuttle back to the trail and did the short hike to the shelter. Log is reporting lots of bear activity here....thankfully lots of folks here....should be a fun night!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-03
From: watauga lake shelter

To: Double springs shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

No bears last night! It did rain like crazy though. Didn't start hiking until after 9:30. Was planning on a short day but ended up doing a big one.It was hot and humid most of the morning but at least the rain had stopped. The first seven miles or so was uphill to a fabulous ridge where I spent the rest of the day walking...off to one side was Watauga Lake...very pretty.The past couple of days I have been hiking with Heads Up, Yoga Matt and Landfill....nice young guys. We all hike at different speeds so most of the day I was alone which I really enjoy. The ridge bumped along with little ups and downs.About three miles before my destination I met two men doing trail magic...they were from the local church...very nice men.The last three miles were beautiful as the trail went through a big field...lots of birdies singing and nice views all around.Its late now but I am feeling wired....I don't get much sleep but I never feel tired...even after a long day. Had two meals for dinner which should keep me from waking up hungry.Just over 18 miles to Damascus! Can't wait for beer and real food.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Double springs shelter

To: damascus, va
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Long day but so nice to be in town! Woke to clear and cool skies....another beautiful day to be walking! Crossed over into Virginia today....whoo-hoo! Will be walking in this state for a while as its around 500 miles or so. Rolled into town late this afternoon and it was so nice to shower and do laundry. Staying at a hostel tonight and will do more town chores tomorrow. Need to get a new sleeping bag and send some stuff home.Enjoyed a yummy meal at Quincy's with a bunch of other hikers....wicked full now and looking forward to sleep.Will write more tomorrow.Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-05
From: damascus, va

To: saunders shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Spent most of the day in town doing chores. Went to the outfitters and got a new sleeping bag, mailed stuff home at the post office, resupplied at the grocery store, ate again at Quincy,s and got packed so I could head out this afternoon. Damascus is a great trail town and the people here are very nice.I like going to town but also can't wait to leave town...its nice to shower, have clean clothes, flush toilets and restaurants to eat at. Heads Up and I left a couple hours after lunch. The packs are heavy with food and stomachs are full from too much town food. The first few steps are painful to the feet but than that slowly subsides. The legs ache but that eventually goes away too. Within minutes the body falls into a natural rhythm and the walking gets easier....the breathing is easier too. I look forward to each climb....my thoughts wander but I am easily distracted by the sights, sounds and smells of the woods. It really feels like home out here. Life and choices on the trail are simple....I can decide to hike a long day or a short one but I can also change my mind whenever I feel like it. Lots of people here tonight...my tummy is upset from too much greasy town food. I hope I get some decent sleep tonight. Long day tomorrow over Mt Rogers!Jibitz
Date: 2010-05-06
From: saunders shelter

To: thomas knob shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Slept like a baby in my tent last night. New sleeping was awesome! Was on the trail by 7:30.The first part of the day was so long ago I don't remember much...it was nice though. Took a lunch break at Lost Mountain shelter and had a yummy peanut butter and honey sandwich.Than it was five miles of uphill to Buzzard Rock...was so happy when I got there....wicked awesome views! Took another break here and than moved on.The second half of the day was amazing! After a road crossing the trail went up a beautiful field....there were hundreds of dandelions and bluets everywhere...and the views! Then the trail went back into the woods and the forest floor was a carpet of trout lilies and skunk cabbage. Kept climbing for another hour or so ands finally arrived at the shelter....it is on an open field with spectacular views! Shortly after arriving I spotted a herd of wild ponies!!! There was one baby and it was so cute frolicking around. The ponies are very tame and will walk right up to you and lick you...they want food but I had none to offer. We will more than likely see many more over the next few days.Time for dinner!Jibitz