morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-02-03
To: Preparations
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Making final preparations. Plan on going to Amicolola Falls State Park on Sunday and then starting the approach trail on Monday morning. I have a few things to do around the house and reviewing the gear list for the hundredth time. Looking forward to the start. I see there is a possibility of snow several days next week. Can't wait.
Date: 2016-02-08
To: Len Foote Hike Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Monday February 8, 2016After getting a few pictures at the Arch behind the visitor center, I hiked to the Len Foote Hike Inn. It was about 5 miles. It was a good way to try and get readjusted to hiking. I haven't hiked recently and exercising only does so much in preparing for a hike. It was a nice hike. Started out with light snow flurries and had a tour of the Inn later that day. Three other groups here, a married couple, two sisters and a group of friends. Tuesday February 9, 2016It snowed last night and the temperature is 20 degrees just prior to my leaving. Before I left everyone had breakfast and the group of friends, all ladies, led a cheer for me and wished me luck. It was a pleasant surprise. Thank you ladies. I hiked the rest of the way to Springer Mountain, 4.4 miles on a trail covered in snow. I arrived at Springer Mountain at noon, the temperature didn't feel any higher but the winds had picked up considerably.
Date: 2016-02-09
From: Len Foote Hike Inn

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After taking the obligatory pictures of the plaque on Springer Mountain and of myself standing in front of it, I was off on the hike. The snow continued to fall off and on during the day. Had a quick lunch at Stover Creek Shelter and decided to go for Hawk Mountain Shelter. The last half of the day didn't feel nearly as good as the first half. Another hiker, Dave (trail name- Sorrow) joined me along the way. Upon making it to Hawk Mountain Shelter, I quickly set up my sleeping bag and gear. Grabbed a quick bite to eat and got ready for bed. Also met Jen at the shelter. She is a recent graduate school student who will soon be a Chemistry Instructor at University of Tennessee-Martinsville(?). Also at the shelter is Kevin, trail name Dream On. He is from Chicago. It is getting very cold and windy as we all settle down for the night.
Date: 2016-02-10
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Very cold morning. It snowed more during the night.I didn't sleep very well but that is nothing new. Thankfully I was warm when I was in my sleeping bag. Got started hiking around 8:45AM. Dave joined me. The footing was slippery at times but there were some beautiful scenery. Sassafras Mountain kicked my tail. But then again so did every other section I hiked today. It was cold and windy as Dave and I hiked. A fellow hiker, trail name Big Cat passed us after a brief chat. He met the ladies from The Hike Inn that gave me a going away cheer and they told him I was on the trail also.After struggling into Gooch Mountain Shelter, I set my gear in the shelter. Dave (Sorrow) worked on a fire as Kevin (Dream On) arrived. As we were finishing our dinner Dream On said "It must be getting close to zero degrees." I don't have a thermometer but he is from Chicago, so I would think he knows a thing or two about cold weather. Later on, after the sun goes down, I hear him say, "#@!%! it's cold." That should give you an idea how cold it's been the past few days. It snowed briefly later on in the night but then the stars came out. But I couldn't convince myself to get out of my sleeping bag to take any pictures. Oh well,some other night.
Date: 2016-02-11
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Dream On and I decided to have a short day of hiking. We made it to Gooch Gap and got a ride into Suches, GA. Staying at Wolfpen Gap Country Store and Hostel. We got something to eat, cleaned up and have been resting today. We are both slow hikers and the wind and cold has taken a lot out of us. We will be back hiking in the cold tomorrow. I will post some pictures when I get a chance.
Date: 2016-02-13
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 11.7

Left Woody Gap with temperature in the 20's and wind 10-15 mph with gusts around 15-20 mph. Hiked steadily most of the day. The wind made the day tougher. Thankfully the skies were clear. Going up Blood Mountain was tough but I think going down the mountain was worse. The temperature did warm up some. When I made it to Neels Gap the temperature was around 36 degrees. Overall a good day of hiking.
Date: 2016-02-14
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was a tough day. Someone told me the weather was going to improve around noon. They were wrong. It was cold and windy all day but especially the last half of the day. Saw several day and weekend hikers. The climb out of Tesnatee Gap, up Wildcat Mountain, made my legs feel like bricks. Probably the toughest half mile for me this trip. After snacking at Hogpen Gap, the temperature started dropping and the wind picked up significantly. I was glad and exhausted when I finally made it to Low Gap Shelter. Three hikers here tonight. We are all getting ready for another cold night.
Date: 2016-02-15
From: Low Gap Shelter 

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

It was a cold night. The wind sounded like a freight train all night. And of course we had a battle with the resident shelter mice. Leaving the shelter, everything had a coating of ice on it. The temperature seemed to be a little warmer compared to first thing this morning. The trail was covered with ice most of the day. Later in the morning, the wind picks up and starts knocking chunks of ice all over the place. Some of the ice was small but others were large baseball sized chunks. I did get nailed by several pieces as the day wore on. Thankfully, they were glancing blows and not the largest pieces, nor the smallest. As I made it to Blue Mountain Shelter, I was getting soaked. I wore my crampons to maintain my footing on the icy trail. The weather deteriorated while eating at Blue Mountain Shelter. Brent, another hiker, and I decided to go into Hiawassee after reaching Unicoi Gap. We got a shuttle to Budget Inn and then we had a full meal at Daniels. Brent is hiking the AT to raise money and awareness for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. If you want, check out his Facebook page go to Facebook.com/IntrepidNorthbound2016.
Date: 2016-02-17
From: Uncoi Gap/Hiawassee 

To: Swag of the Blue Ridge
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got a shuttle to Unicoi Gap. Joyce/Sallie shuttled Brent and myself. We started hiking around 11AM. It was windy part of the day but overall a nice sunny, cool day. Had some nice views on Rocky Mountain and Tray Mountain. Made it to Tray Mountain Shelter around 2PM. Ate a snack and resupplied on water. Hike on to Swag of the Blue Ridge and set up my tent. Very windy while setting up camp and eating dinner.
Date: 2016-02-18
From: Swag of the Blue Ridge

To: Dicks Creek Gap 
Miles today: 7.6

Windy most of the night but the skies were clear and the stars were out. I was up to see the sunrise. After that I was slow getting started. The first few miles were fine but then came upon Kelly Knob. I remember the first time I hiked Kelly Knob. It was not a pleasant experience. Today wasn't any different. Made it to Deep Gap Shelter where I relaxed for a little while, read my Bible some and did some thinking. After taking the break I restarted hiking but took another break at a nearby vista. Enjoyed the views. Decided on another short day. Met Brent at Top of Georgia hostel. Also met Mostly (Ben from Ohio), Who-Dat (Rees from Tennessee).
Date: 2016-02-19
From: Dicks Creek Gap 

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Had a nice stay at Top of Georgia hostel. Really good breakfast. Started out hiking a good steady pace. As the day went on the terrain got tougher. Took a lunch break at Plumorchard Gap. Resumed hiking and the wind seemed to pick up. I began to tire around the Georgia-North Carolina border, where I stopped to get a picture or two. First state completed. Made it to Bly Gap where I had a quick snack and a few pictures of an old twisted tree that is an unofficial landmark on the trail. I should have rested a little longer at Bly Gap but the wind was getting strong and the temperature was getting colder. Started up Courthouse Bald and knew I was in trouble. It was a steep climb and for a moment I was gasping for air so hard, it sounded as if I was climbing Mount Everest. Finally made it over the Courthouse and then into Muskrat Creek Shelter. Three other hikers here tonight, Who-Dat, Mostly and Brent. All of us are veterans of the military.
Date: 2016-02-20
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter 

To: Carters Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

It rained last night and was very foggy this morning. During the day it rained lightly off and on but the fog stayed and the wind picked up. Parts of the trail still have ice. I was a little sluggish after yesterday. There were not any vista views to enjoy today. Made it to Carters Gap Shelter where Brent, Mostly and WhoDat are staying also. We are all disappointed in finding how much trash is being left at the shelters the last few days. We have cleaned up some but there was more than the 4 of us could handle without prior knowledge of what was here. Whoever is leaving this mess needs to review Leave No Trace principles.
Date: 2016-02-21
From: Carters Gap Shelter 

To: Rock Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a little earlier start today. Hiking at 7:35AM. The day starts out cloudy but not as bad as yesterday. The first few miles weren't too bad. Knowing Albert Mountain was going to be a tough climb, I took a short break at Mooney Gap. As I started climbing Albert Mountain, I tried to pace myself. I have hiked this mountain before and knew the toughest portion was the very top. While going up Albert Mountain I was able to enjoy a few views of the surrounding area. After finally reaching the top, the winds picked up and the clouds were already moving in. Took a few pictures and headed out. My goal was to get to Rock Gap Shelter. I had a strong pace going down the mountain when I started to feel a hot spot under my left foot. I later stopped to give my feet a break. I am hoping no blisters are coming. Anyway after the break I continued on and made it to Rock Gap Shelter shortly before 2PM. Who-Dat already headed out to Franklin. Brent leaves shortly after I arrive. I decide to rest my feet and stay at the shelter. Mostly arrives and he is staying too. Thankfully this shelter is clean.
Date: 2016-02-22
From: Rock Gap Shelter 

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8

Got some rain again last night. Not that cold this morning but cloudy. Started hiking around 8AM. Got warm quickly. For the first time this hike, I had to take off my rain jacket. Very humid also. Most of the views were blocked by trees or from being in the clouds. My left foot is still feeling a little sore. Made it to Winding Stair Gap where Mostly and I get shuttled into Franklin, NC. We meet Brent and WhoDat at Ron Haven's Budget Inn. I met Ron Haven also. He is well known in the area for being hiker friendly. After meeting him, I realize he is simply a nice and friendly man.On another note, in a few days,I will be taking a little time off the AT to return home and prepare for a fundraiser. Some friends and I participate in the Benning to Gordon Relay. We run across Georgia, from Fort Benning to Fort Gordon to raise money for our military service members and veterans. This is our forth year doing this. Please check out Benning to Gordon Relay 4 on Facebook for more information and to keep track of our progress. The relay will start March 10. Considering how little I have run lately, I believe I need a little extra time to prepare for this fundraiser. After the Benning to Gordon Relay, I will return to the AT and complete my hike as originally planned.
Date: 2016-02-24
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Got up early and got ready for the shuttle. Met Rodney from West Virginia on the shuttle. During the shuttle, the wind was blowing very hard. The driver mentioned he had to slow down to control the vehicle. Wind gusts were reported to be about 58 mph in Franklin. I got dropped off at Winding Stair Gap and started hiking at 9:20AM. Made good time initially. The wind was blowing most of the time but the temperatures started out in the 50's. Made it to the Siler Bald Shelter trail a little after 11. About 40-50 minutes later, it began to rain and you could feel the temperature dropping. Prior to making it to the Wayah Bald Stone Tower, I was soaked. The rain was cold and the winds were strong and steady. The moment I stepped at the base of the Stone Tower, a heavy snow and sleet started coming down. I knew I only had a mile or so to go but I had to stop to put on an extra layer of clothes. It was cold. The sleet and snow would come and go. I get to Wayah Bald Shelter around 2:40PM. I meet Mostly again. He had a short day. Rodney arrives around 4PM and the three of us set up a tarp that had been left behind to block the wind and snow. Overall, a cold, wet but good day.
Date: 2016-02-25
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: The NOC
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

You remember that tarp that Mostly, Rodney and myself set up last night. Well, we did a good job of setting it up but we all got a layer of snow on us as the wind blew snow through every crack and open space in the shelter. It was a long cold night. By morning all of our sleeping bags were damp from the snow. I got up several times during the night and knocked snow off of my sleeping bag.The three of us slowly get up and get moving. Rodney is the first one to hit the trail. I head out around 8:30AM. I feel okay the first few hours. The trail is covered in snow, 1-2 inches with some higher sections having a little more. Obviously, the footing is slippery at times. I make it to Cold Spring Shelter around 11:10AM. There are two guys taking a zero there and they are also caring for a dog that someone has lost. After a quick rest, I head back out. The winds are strong at times but I feel comfortable. I wanted to take a good break at Tellico Gap but the winds were so strong there I started getting cold quickly so I cut the break short after a snack. There are not a lot of views today because of the weather but there are a few. I make it to Wesser Bald Shelter where I take another break and have another snack. I considered staying here but decided to have a longer day. I leave the shelter around 2:45PM. Now I have hiked down Wesser Bald on several occasions and I knew it was a long hike. I had forgotten that is can also be uncomfortable, especially when you are still getting into condition. I finally make it down the mountain and decided to skip the A. Rufus Morgan Shelter and go for the NOC. I make it to the NOC around 5:45PM and I am tired. And my feet hurt. And I am hungry. And I see the River's End Restaurant. I go in and get something to eat and get a room at the hostel. I meet Brent and Dream On again. As I mentioned before, I am returning home for a charity run. I will be participating in the Benning to Gordon Relay. Check us out on Facebook. After the run, I will take a few days off to rest and then return back to the NOC and restart my hike to Mount Katahdin. Until that time I hope everyone enjoys keeping track of fellow hikers and best of luck to our fellow hikers. See you down the trail.
Date: 2016-03-22
From: The NOC

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I have had a change in plans. After having longer than expected time off for a charity run (we raised about $5,000) and after checking on how big the crowds were ( I spoke to a GSMNP employee and he said the AT was extremely crowded in the park), I have decided to do "modified flip flop". Okay, I made that term up. I am going to drive to Damascus and head north from there. After I finish hiking north (hopefully sometime this summer), I will return to Damascus and head back to the NOC (hopefully I will do that section in the fall). My primary goal is to hike all of the AT and enjoy the people and the views. Direction is not that important right now.
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter 
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I was dropped off in Damascus and got started hiking around 8:45 AM. The first thing I noticed while going through town was how busy people were mowing and cleaning up yards and public property. The first thing I noticed when I start hiking in the woods was that I could tell it had been a few weeks since I hiked. There weren't a lot of views even though the trees are still bare of leaves. But the views that were available were nice. And there was a lot of sunshine. It got a little warm as the day went along. Overall, a nice day. There is detour on the AT due to a washed out bridge. So I got to hike on the AT and Virginia Creeper Trail at the same time. Made it to Saunders Shelter at 1:30 PM. Another hiker, Charlie (Squish), arrived later. We setup in the shelter and were able to enjoy a fire later in the afternoon. Nice day to be back on the trail.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Saunders Shelter 

To: Lost Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 6.5

The moon was very bright last night. I was able to walk around the shelter area without needing a headlamp. The morning temperature was 42 degrees. Unfortunately I didn't sleep well. Because of the short day scheduled, I take my time getting started. Finally leave the shelter at 9:15 AM. I feel a little sluggish. The day is sunny again. During the morning I can hear a river off in the distance. I pass several small streams, then finally reach a river that runs next to the AT as it rejoins the Virginia Creeper Trail for a short distance. I take a short break and have something to eat. There is a good crowd of people cycling and enjoying the Virginia Creeper Trail. After my break I continue on towards Lost Mountain Shelter. Arrive at the shelter at 12:45 PM. Kick back and relax. Joining me at the shelter area is Charlie, 4 section hikers from Alabama, a mother and daughter doing a section hike, a family of five out for the weekend and Coolio from Georgia with his dog (Gracie). The winds pick up and it starts to rain just before it gets dark, so no fire tonight.
Date: 2016-03-25
From: Lost Mountain Shelter 

To: Thomas Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

It rained more during the night. Thankfully it stops just before I head out for the day. The temperature was in the 40's and it was cloudy especially as I climb higher. The climb from US 58 to Whitetop Mountain is nearly 2,00 feet. There were no views at Buzzard Rock or Whitetop Mountain's summit. The winds increased also. The sun comes out after noon. Just in time to have a nice view as I arrive at Elk Garden. From Elk Garden to Thomas Knob Shelter there is a 900 foot climb. I am tired when I get to the shelter at 3:50 PM. It is also quite cool as the winds continue to blow.
Date: 2016-03-26
From: Thomas Knob Shelter 

To: Old Orchard Shelter 
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: few clouds

Had a comfortable night even though I didn't sleep much. Morning temperature was 38 degrees. Windy morning. Started hiking at 8:45 AM. Initially my hiking was slow because of the rocky trail. There were several other trails also and I took a wrong turn. Thankfully I didn't get too far off the AT before I realized my mistake. Passed over several open fields and had nice views. Made it to Grayson Highlands State Park where I saw some of the famous little ponies that reside there. After getting a few pictures of the ponies, I continued on to Wise Shelter where I took a lunch break. After lunch I hiked to The Scales, an old coral on the AT. It was nice and sunny so I took a few minutes to rest and snack. After the rest, I continued to Old Orchard Shelter. Arrived at the shelter at 4 PM. There were two guys there taking a break. They had three dogs with them and they were friendly and well behaved. Another hiker shows up and sets up his tent away from the shelter. The other two guys and their dogs leave. Charlie shows up at 4:30. Then a married couple show, Girth and Kate. They are hiking this weekend. Girth ( didn't get his real name) is a firefighter and Kate (doesn't have a trail name yet) is a Registered Nurse. They are tenting nearby. Late in the afternoon Scorched Heels shows up. He is an archaeologist from North Carolina. Scorched Heels did 22 or 24 miles today. As night approaches, Squish and Girth make a good size fire. Everyone has a pleasant time telling everyone else stories of their jobs and other life stories. As the night progresses and the fire goes down, we all say good night and settle in for the night.
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Old Orchard Shelter 

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

Restless night. Had to fight off mice during the night. Morning temperature was 48 degrees. Started hiking at 8:20 AM. It was foggy the first few hours. Had a nice view of a valley filled with clouds, while sitting on top of Iron Mountain. Later in the day, there were some nice waterfalls. Comers Creek Waterfall was nice. I made it to Dickey Gap where I took a rest. Charlie (Squish) arrived and we decided to try and get a ride into Marion. After just a few minutes we were able to get a ride into Marion. The guy that gave us a ride is an archeologist from Pennsylvania. After we get into town, we get a place to stay and then get a pizza. It was great to have some real food.
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Dickey Gap / Marion, VA

To: Partnership Shelter 
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light snow

Charlie and I were able to catch a ride from Marion to Dickey Gap. Kris and Dave, a married couple from Ohio, gave us a ride. They are doing some day hiking in the area and exploring some of the AT. We started hiking at 8:50 AM. We immediately met Diana from Colorado. She is doing a section hike, from Damascus to Harpers Ferry. It was a very nice day. Sunny, clear bright blue skies and the temperature was just right. There were a few steep but short climbs. Late in the day I met two southbound thruhikers. They started in June of last year. They took about 7-8 weeks off because of snow and winter storms. I make it to Partnership Shelter at 3:20 PM. There I meet Big Country. I have been hearing a lot about Big Country from a number of hikers. Really nice guy. He is hiking to raise awareness for mental health. You can search for Hike for Mental Health and look him up under sponsor a hiker. Squish shows up. A father-daughter team shows up. They have just completed a section hike and are waiting for a ride. A few other hikers show up as the night approaches ( Rambo, Critter and Medic). Several hikers order food from the Mount Rodgers Visitor Center that is close by the shelter.