morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Blue Mountain Shelter, GA

To: Tray Mountain Shelter, GA
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Its cold, wet and clouded out. Decided to leave and hike to Tray Mountain, 7 miles. Visibility is about 50 meters all day. Arrived at Tray Mountain cold and wet, but still in good spirit. I am sitting in sleeping bag thinking about food. Just another day on the trail. Shelter is full tonight. 6 inside, and 4 camping.
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Tray Mountain Shelter, GA

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter, GA
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Left Tray mountain shelter reasonably early. Rain and clouds cleared finally. Have decided to head into Hiawasee. Hitched into town for quick re-supply and used public library for internet. Cleared 8 miles, updated face-book, etc. Left library went to subway for early dinner and gorged down a footlong in no time. Hitched back to Dicks Gap and headed for Plumorchard shelter. Shelter is 3 tiers. Quite a few thru-hikers. I tented that night.
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter, GA

To: Carter Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

Had an early start today. Got to Carter Gap at 7pm, nearly a 20 miles day. Many people here. 4 in shelter but 20-30 tenting. Did my first bear bag hanging today manually. Took me half an hour to hang a bag. Crossed over from Georgia into North Carolina today. Took photos of the big oak tree.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Carter Gap Shelter, NC

To: Rock Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Last night at Carter Gap, what a nightmare. Took me half an hour to do bear bag manually. Then with ear plugs in and beanie on and burried in my sleeping bag. Two women snorrers in the shelter were horrendous. Did not sleep at all last night. Was glad to get going. Trail was fairly easy until then, until my first 5000+ mountain, Mt Albert 5,250' with a tower on top. Very sunny and warm, thank god. Arrived early at Rock Gap Shelter. Had a teatree bath and felt great. In camp tonight, Andrew, one-track, Bruce, and Dot, WC Swing dancer is tenting with Willow (the tap-dancer). All up feeling good. Feel like im starting to join the hiking community. Into Franklin NC tommorrow.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Rock Gap Shelter, NC

To: Wine Spring NC
Miles today: 12.0

Had a crap nights sleep. In camp, Andrew, Phatmandu, one track and two others. Left Rock gap shelter and got to Winding Stair gap. Met by trail angels, took some photos, blessing and drinks around. Met Ron Haven, he took us into Franklin NC in his shuttle. Franklin is a wide spread out community with many chuches. Andrew got batteries and fuel and headed back to the trail. I posted off excess baggage back to Aussie. Took an hour to hitch out to wal-mart. Franklin is a town really based around retirement and theres no excitement or facilities for young adults. Finally got my phone fixed, had lunch and resupplied and headed back to the highway. Waited 15 minutes, then was picked up by 2 great old ladies in a pick-up. Foot flat to the floor, these girls were fast. Got back to winding stair gap and talked to the ladies. They were also hikers and very interesting to talk to. They were sort of retired, but did bear rescue for non-profit job. Left the ladies after bear hugs all around and headed up the track. Did another 5000 + climb and realized i was running out of sunlight. I wanted to get to Wayah shelter for the night, but was not possible at about 7:30. One track headed out of the bush and I was suprised she was camping by herself. I pulled off the track and camped by the stream. My pack and tent were attacked by chipmunks all night and one-track snored all night. I didnt sleep much.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Wine Spring NC

To: Wesser Creek Shelter, NC
Miles today: 13.4

Left wine springs and 30 minutes later arrived at Wayah Bald. 5342 feet, the highest peak so far. Greeted by more trail angels spreading their magic. Spent an hour talking, laughing, eating and drinking. Just a great Baptist gathering. It was their first day at Wayah Bald. I finally got asked for a G'day Mate. An award winning performance of course. Finally I reluctantly left, we had a long way to go. Lots of Ups and Downs. One-track does not walk too fast and I've decided to slow down. She is good hiking company. Finally got into wesser creek shelter after a long day. Four section hikers were in camp, really nice guys. Had dinner and straight to bed. Ear plugs in, beanie on and burried myself into the sleeping bag. One-track really snored as did 2 others. Somehow slept well in the morning. One-track asks if anyone else heard the bear walk passed the shelter. Guitar Man was in his tent besided the shelter and confirmed a bear walked past the shelter and went up the hill. Bugger, i missed my first bear.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Wesser Creek Shelter, NC

To: NOC - Nantahala River, Wesser NC
Miles today: 5.7

Another short, hard and slow hike into Wesser NOC. Rain set in after we left the shelter it has drizzled all the way into NOC. Had Pizza and coffee for lunch with One-Track, and had just bumped into 6 hikers who had started at the same time as I. THere are about 20 thru-hikers here. The community is growing. Have plans to go into Bryson City, NC and do a resupply. My pack is going to be heavy again as about 7 days of food is required. Finally got the cell phone to work and called home to mum, really lovely to talk to Steph at 7am LOL. Had left over pizza for tea, another big day awaits.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: NOC - Nantahala River, Wesser NC

To: NOC - Nantahala River, Wesser NC
Miles today: 0.0

NOC Staff had a day off and offered to drive us into Bryson City, NC. Went to Ingles for resupply, Library for internet, ATM and went to lunch. Bryson City is a pretty town in the Smoky Mountains. Have decided to hike out tommorrow with One-track to do the Great Smoky Mountains. Should take about 7-8 days. Food resupply could be a worry, but dont want to project. Body is relaxed and ready. Theres still rain about. Lots of thru-hikers left this morning. Bumped into willow and Dillon. Also Acorn, who showed us the picture of his backpack full of acorns that a squirrel and put in there, hence his trail name is now acorn. Pack is very heavy with 9 days of food and many mountains to cross. Weather is good and suprised to see Goodwill at the Library he was hitting the trail today.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: NOC - Nantahala River, Wesser NC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Had the one pound breakfast then hit the track. It was a long slow climb up the hill today. Got into camp quite tired. In camp is Net, photo-shop, Bruce and Dot, BlueBird, One-track and Phatmandu. Had a good laugh with Bruce, he is really different. Bluebird is the worst Snorer on the trail, she's in a league of her own.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter, NC

To: Cody Gap, NC
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Another cold day, the wind chill factor is low. Still ice on the ground at noon. In camp is Chicago Bear, and Quixote and Ponzo and another two, One-track and phatmandu. Got into tent early it was so cold after a lovely day.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Cody Gap, NC

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Awoke to the sound of woodpeckers bashing their heads, and birds whistling. Not so cold this morning. A 9:30am late start today, good steady walking towards fontana dam. Got to registration box just as shuttle was leaving into fontana village. Got drinks and food and went straight back to trail. One-track had a resupply pickup. Took an hours rest then headed to the fontana hilton shelter. The shelter is on top of the lake and Im going to have a free hot shower. In shelter so far is Iceman, one-track and phatmandu. The shelter sleeps 24. Fontana village is full of thru hikers. theres 20 or 30 of them heading out tommorrow after there zero day. Well all of a sudden Bruce(socrates) and dottie (diane dottie) greg (10x10) Doc and about 10 others just walked in. Its a hiker party all of a sudden. One Leg WONDER came up to the shelter, he was an amputee who did the trail in 2007 . That night a guy fell out of the top bunk and he ended up with a broken wrist and left the trail the next day.S(not) & P(iss) his wife continued her hike
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

After a fun night in the Hilton we headed off early across the dam face and onto the trail. It was a very long, hot day up to Mollies Ridge. Spectacular views back over the dam. Many in camp and quite a few headed on to the next shelter. Had a nice quiet night.
Date: 2009-04-25
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Got up early and headed out to Russle Field Shelter where they had a bear encounter that night. 10x10 had photos of an angry bear that night. Met my first ridge runner and continued hiking. Lovely hot day again, weather is fantastic. Rocky top mountain 5227' the highest mountain so far. Stopped for a snack, views over the Smokies were spectacular. I phoned Steph to share this moment with her. Started to slow down in the afternoon. The gnats and Black-flies are driving me crazy. Got into Derrick knob shelter with Goodwill, Miya, Five trail bagger, shelby-hiking, one-track, hatchet man, socrates and don quiote are in camp. Another long day over with.
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Got up early with Five Trail Baggers, packed, had a quick breakfast and headed out on the trail early. Not so hot, just great hiking weather. Had not seen much wild-life. Hikers have had bears, white-tail deer, bush turkeys, salamanders and snakes etc. The trout lillies are out. Have seen trillium, red and white, mainly back in Georgia. Squirrels, Oops! Just took a photo of 4 white tail deer that walked into camp. Have been here in camp since 1pm did short hike today. Did washing and cooked. Talked to Maine Moose, a really nice guy. His mate John is a dentist and I gave him a trail name of Peggy. Spent hours talking about trail life. The harmony it has brought into his life. Peggy also updated my food supply and trail magic im very greatful Two fresh Banananas WOO HOO and chocolate. In camp tonight is SMiling Bandit, Goodwill, one-track, Tyler (slapshot), Dude, Miya, Rabbit, Running Clear, Spicolli, and phatmandu. Tommorrow is going to be a big day, the whole camp is getting up at 4 am to go up to Clingmans Dome for the sunrise. I cannot wait, really enjoying this hiking life.
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

What a night. The wind picked up to about 70-90 Kilometers per hour. I woke at 4am and started packing by 4:30. The whole shelter was up and packed by 5 and we began hiking in the dark north to Clingmans Dome. Arrived 6:40 am, 10 minutes before sunrise. It was freezing cold and winds were 80 kilometers per hour. The night hike was great. Quite a few went into Gaitlinberg, the rest of us pushed onto Double Spring Gap shelter. In camp were, Rabbit, Running Clear, Beaver, The 4 Clemson boys, One-track, Phatmandu. The shelter was facing into the smokies, absolutely stunning. Cold and windy, it had been a long day. Looking forward to bed.
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri corner knob shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

MY BIRTHDAY Well the fire that had been burning reasonable close to the shelter left us with smoke & cloud during the night Wind blew all night & very noisey . Earlt start but had to wait for the clouds to disappear The highlight for my birthday has been CHARLIES BUNION(5905 FT) TOOK SOME GREAT PHOTOS sPENT A LOT OF TIME THERE BUT WAS SUCH A LOVELY VISTA I forgot to mention the spectacal at Newfoundland Gap yesterday A lot of hikers just sitting around near the water fountain turned into an instant tourist attraction Quite funny really also the tour operator trying to guess my accenti do not help at all make them think YES Spent most of the day over 5000 ftwith MNT Sequoyah 6069 ft & MNT Chapman 6417 ft just to finish the day In camp tonight 4sections hikers beaver one track phoenix wolfhound slapshot randaljames jake (the climsol boys) phatmandu & dude Saw old landslides lots of stops & starts A lovely birthday ends & still no bears
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Tri corner knob shelter

To: Davenport Gap shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Left shelter early as a big day ahead up 7 over Guyer Spur 6360ft down to Guyer Spring 6150 ft A good ridge hiking day had lunch at Cosby Knob Shelter trail head with the 4 climsol boys view were stunning again The smokies have been kind to us weather wise . Finaly saw sore wildlife > a RABBIT < After a long beautiful day finally got into Davenport Gap Shelter late afternoon in camp tonight is phoenix lucky joe one track & phatmandu early to sleep locked in the bear shelter Then at 1 am 2 hikers enter the shelter greg (10x10 ) and rambo did not get back to sleep as they just came in laid down then snored there heads off shit happens in shelters   & still no bears
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Davenport Gap shelter

To: Green Corner Road (Standing Bear Hostel )
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

After a crap nights sleep again Got up really early & headed off mostely all down hilleasy hiking> got a bit off track trying to find Standing Bear HostelOne track made a call and Curtis came 7 picked us up Felt stupid arriving in a car with a lot of other hikers standing around looking at the new arrivals Soon found out we were not the only ones T went straight back & finished the missed section Standing Bear Hostel is really unique and the setting is peaceful and unusual Old wooden bunkhouse and beds kitchen & bush privy(right besides the water supply YUK )kitchen & laundry.. Amazed how many lost souls but have found 12 step prorammes in there lives Lucky joe is a strange one but i understand him. He is a documentary film maker. There is a shuttle going into Pheonix river BP garage for dinner, and I need a phone card and a big fat hamburger. This place is a great place, great hostel to sit around and relax. A nero day. Took photo of all hikers in the hostel. Ned the Fed assured me I would not be killed for taking his photo. Ned was an FBI agent for 35 years. End of a great day and out of the Smoky Mountain National Park. No more regimented shelter hops, and I can free camp again.
Date: 2009-05-01
From: Green Corner Road (Standing Bear Hostel )

To: Ground Hog Creek shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

had a good nights sleep and woke up with a sore back. rain had settled in & one track was quite distressed about walking in the rain. She had previouslyexperienced snow rain &cold weather at the beginning of her journey Finally after a bit of gentle persuation she packed and we headed out into the pouring rain. No fair weathered friends hiking is about being out there rain hot cold snow etc its not always pleasant but that the life It only rained for 1 1/2hrs then i was wet from sweat The walk was very easy only 7.2 miles in 4 1/2 hrs Alot of new hikers in the shelter tonight. hopefully an early start awaits. Standing Bear Hostel really stands out as a dont go past hostel Thanks Curtis
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Ground Hog Creek shelter

To: Walnut Mnt shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

More rain to start the day Quite an easy day RAin is drizzle Got to Max Patch one of those must see vistas only to be greeted by clods rain & strong windsCalled into roaring Fork shelter for lunch it was so nice to get out of the rain There is so much water in the Mnts here. Georgia had a lot of water The Smokies were quite dry & here lots of water . I still carry 3 litres of water a day as it is my sranding issue In camp tonight is Bourbon termite mark dame dotty socrates colins library junior 4 idiots (young ones who smoke) c.d.the dog mark &liz? ironstein the dog & 2 friends one track & phatmandu Had a fire & i cooked on the fire It is getting very cold so early to bed again
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Walnut Mnt shelter

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

what a night . heavy rain & wind C.D. termites dog wanted the space between library & myself after 3 attempts she finally gave up The owls hooted all night & flapped around in the still of the night Mice in the shelter thought my hair needed trimmming I awoke to them munching on my hair Junior had his socks chewed as did termite Bourbon who tented had a bear walking around his tent sniffing looking for food Then in the morning it was back to cold wind & rain Got up at6.15 my new get up time left camp at 7.45 walked in rain all morning 1 Mnt up & along decent called into Deer Park Mnt shelter for lunch @ about noon Pouring rain still Had a lovely trail magic before Deer Parh Mnt Junior was sitting down enjoying himself & we decided to join him Water crachers snickers bar & germex hand cleaner towel a welcome break. Saw an orange salamanda & quite a few new wildflowers coming out I dont know the name of the flora but it is interesting to spot & admire new flowers everyday Arrived tired and worn out into Hot Springs . A quant little Mnt townHave to resupply for 5 days > more weight Sonny Bank Inn is a historical building over 160 years old run by ELMER (strange grumpy old man) Had dinner at the rock bottom sports bar & pub with termite bourbon mark & one track The steak hit the spot with choc milk to finish have lost about 4 kgs in weight Ive had enough of towns and just want to get going
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mnt Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Reluctantley said good bye to one track She has been good hiking company She has grown alot in strength in the past 2 weeks I wish her well with her journeyUpon leaving Hot Springs i stained my right calf muscle. I hope this is not too serious It is slowing me down a lot Another day of rain clouds & cold wind Got a hot spot in the Mnts and phoned Stef   Arrived at shelter & greeted by termite bourbon & skywatcher & larry Had a lovely fire & cooked dinner on the fireAlso in camp was Mark Liz? 2 other smoking girls &trail dog ironstein I cannot believe hikes as soon as they arrive in camp out comes the cigarettes I left early the mice drove me crazzy all night as did the smoking
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Spring Mnt Shelter 

To: Flint Mnt shelter
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: moderate rain

my biggest hiking day yet Body felt good once again rain cloud wind most of the day right when the best views were available YEP rain & clouds   had a lunch break at Jerry Cabin shelter Sam ( sct ) & his dad KT   also seggdway   It was a real hard slog from the shelter   Arrived at Flint Mnt shelter to find the shelter was full so had to tent in the rain body was very tired In camp tonight Jnr hardcore ned the fed sedgwaycannot remember the other 6/7 hikers slept very well no mice just a great storm during the night
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Flint Mnt shelter

To: Bald Mnt shelter 
Miles today: 18.9

up early 6 am & onto trail by 7 am everthing is wet & damp Morning started ok then in came the rain it is very cold wind & cloud The whole day has been rain my calf muscle is nit right at all May have to zero to let it settle down   Bald Mnt is a highlight but is all cloud & rain bugger in camp tonight hardcore dude Jnr 4 new hikers 6 others??? phoeniz ned the fed & im tenting it in the rain again time to sleep
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Bald Mnt shelter 

To: Chestoa Bridge Nolichucky River Uncle Johnnys
Miles today: 16.9

Last nights thunder storm was right over head Wind 70/80 klm /h driving rain lighntning thunder it was right over head was not in a hurry to get as i was only going to No Business shelter   My calf muscle is really swollen & sore my brain has not engage I left the shelter got to trail head & head South Then my brain kicks in & advises me of the wrong direction   The sun should be on my right side not my left side   Then to confirm my wrong direction a rock that i passed yesterdat with 3 blazes on it was on my left side   Yesterday it was on right side BUGGER BUGGER BUGGER wel it was only a mile turned around and headed in the right direction NORTH Caught up with phoenix at the trail head we hiked all day together he was not in a hurry & i was slow Phoenix is 19 & openly talks about his recovery from substance abuse & his 12 step programme   abit too honest for some people but i praise him for his courage   Caught up with ned the fed at No Business shelter   We all decide to keep walking towards Erwin with an approaching storm we kept going Then we saw the swollen Nolichucky river then before we knew it we were at Uncle Johnnys Hostel There were so many hikers there it was a great catch up   Ordered pizzas at 9 pm arrived 10.30 pm ate a pizza then it was lights out but not quite as the geese honked river noises & coal trains went all night long
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Chestoa Bridge Nolichucky River Uncle Johnnys

To: Uncle Johnnys
Miles today: 0.0

My calf muscle is very swollen and sore Time to rest a zero day9.00 am shuttle in for breakfast 12.00 pm shuttle in for AYCE pizza 6.00pm dinner shuttle to the restaurantsthe atmosphere at the hostel is vibrantso many hikers trying to get to Damascus for Trail Daystime to sleep with the elements geese river & trains
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Uncle Johnnys

To: Uncle Johnnys
Miles today: 0.0

Had received word that my hiking buddy one track was in difficulties and not hiking to well she had shin splint trouble and in alot of pain I had left amessage on her phone that i wouldback towards her to help her get off Bald Mnt I got a phone call from her father jim I told him what i would do not knowing if one trck got my message or not I left the hostel at 7 am & hiked back (SOBO)towards Bald Mnt shelter I came across photoshot & general mustard & 2 others . Got to No Business shelter by 9.30 am calf muscle was feeling goodspoke to 2 hikers and left I estimated that i would meet one track about midday if she had left at 7am I came across willow who told me one trck was onle 1 mile behind her I meet one track siooner she was in good spirit which is very important but the shin splints were slowing her down (very draining) we had lunch & transfered her heagear into my nearly empty backpack 2 horse riders came by My calf muscle was a little sore but feeling alot better We headed back to no Business shelter & stayed for the night   as i did not have a mattree i had a very uncomfortable nights sleep   was glad to get going in the morning breakfast took our time getting to the hostel & meet by alot of fellow hikers   then went in on the lunch shuttle
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Uncle Johnnys

To: Uncle Johnnys
Miles today: 0.0

zero day 5back into the routine breakfast lunch & dinner shuttles life is easy but i really want to hike in between the routine is time to update journals etcat nighttime after dinner shuttle i just sit around the hostel sing songs or listen to all the bullshit around the camp fire when its not raining Hostel staff are Johnny Shore (Uncle Johnny) his wife Charlotte CB & Free birdthe hostel has a great atmoshere about it   but shower block does need a bit more cleaning attention given the amount of hikers in the place The train blowing its horn all night long is a major pain after my solo hike to help one track off Bald Mnt my calf muscle has improved alot One track is having a zero day today as well Cannot wait to get going will be slow hiking for a few days with one track shin splints & my calf muscle & a full pack to carry alot of hikers are planning to slack pack then shuttle up to Damascus alot of the younger hikers just seem to be going from 1 party to the next party up the trail booze drugs smokes the party continue Last night here YEAH