morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Neel Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Today might well be the toughest day on the trail. I just said goodbye to Terri from the furthest that we will be apart. The first four days of sunshine are gone, and the rain will be here for a while. She will be updating my posts from time to time, but nothing can compare to the teamwork that is between us.Though the rain is bleak, it is nowhere near the sideways rain of the Adirondacks, so a two inches in three days beats two inches in fourteen hours. Heading north, so I can get back home to paradise....topofgothics
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

Tmax for Topofgothics...There's a very active bear from Neels Gap on out. TOG ran into three people who lost bear bags and heard reports of 6 others. There's talk of closing some camping areas until they can catch and relocate the culprit! Decided not to stop in Hiawassee but is pushing on.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Tmax for Topofgothics...TOG went into Franklin NC tonight to attempt to dry out a little. Nearly everything is wet making for an even heavier load to carry. Lots of rain and some lightening the last couple of days. TOG saved himself from a face-plant but in so doing, took a good hit to the lip! Has been meeting lots of other wet thru-hikers along the way. Turns out there's a big hiker shin-dig in town next Friday so TOG is considering going back for it. Says the guy putting it on is good people.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald campsite
Miles today: 10.5

Enjoyed a hospitable breakfast from some good folks down here. After almost a full day off the trail, I am hoping to make it to Fontana Dam (Smokies southern teminus) before friday. The weather looks better, but rain is still headed my way. Crossing the first state line was supposed to be fun, but with the water-laden pack, I took a few more steps and bunkered down, semi-comfortablt, for the night. I am moving pretty well, but may return to Franklin for a party put on by Ron Haven, a hiker's dream, this weekend. It is another world where you erect and tear down your home every day. One never knows when they will see a town or computer again, so take care until then....topofgothics
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Wayah Bald campsite

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

Tmax for Topofgothics...Woke up to sunshine today! Tomorrow calls for more rain until early afternoon so the plan is to hang around town and get a late start out. Last night a field mouse tried to make the tent it's sleeping quarters for the night but was successfully encouraged to make other arrangements. Lots of thru-hikers partying at the hostel tonight. I guess all the cold and wet gets hikers in the mood for warming liquid. TOG was on a short section of terrain today that reminded him a little of the ADK's and he was able to do a 73 foot per minute descent! He's looking forward to reaching some tougher mountains to climb...
Date: 2009-04-01
From: NOC

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.1

Tmax for Topofgothics...Good deal of elevation made today but at a fairly gentle grade. TOG was on top of Cheoh Bald by early afternoon and just hung out all day. Weather actually got warm! Watched a nice sunset and is spending the night on the bald with about a dozen other hikers.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics...On the trail by 8 this morning and hustled along to get to Fontana Dam shelter, known as the Hilton because there are bathrooms, showers, payphones and the shelter sleeps 24! Biggest day so far in terms of mileage. Plan is to go into Fontana Dam tomorrow to pick up his drop and get right back on the trail.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Mollies Ridge
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

My first real breakfast in weeks. Fruit cup was awful yummy. Took a shower last might at Fontana Dam and had plenty of room to spread out. Going to try and make it through the park in five days, unless the weather breaks and we get some serious sun and plentiful vistas. Thank you again dear for all that you are doing for me. Without you this would be ten times the effort....topofgothics....................Tmax for TOG...David made it to Mollies Ridge. It was a cold one and a couple of bungles (created because he was in a hurry to get back on the trail) have left him a little short on some important stuff. He hopes to meet his friend Kat at US 441 on Sunday who will bring him what he needs. It will be a tough couple of days to cover the 30 miles to get there.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Mollies Ridge

To: Double Spring Gap 
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics..... Big day! Tog was without fuel but a ranger let him use his stove so David had a BIG dinner with lots of calories. He was feeling like something was wrong because he was so tired - until he looked at his trip meter and saw that he did 5900'of elevation gain for the day.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Double Spring Gap 

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

Tmax for TOG.... After crossing over Clingman's Dome (Tennessee state high point!) met Kat at US 441 and went into town for a large buffet. Weather was good today but the forecast has it getting quite cold, with rain, hail, and snow. Topofgothics is hiking with Sir Richard who plans to teach him the finer aspects of cricket. About 11 people in the shelter tonight, good thing for ear-plugs!
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

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

Tmax for Topofgothics.... Another big mileage day in an attempt to get out of the mountains as the weather moves in. David called around 8:00 pm tonight from the shelter. It was about 22 degrees outside and a balmy 30 in the shelter. There's a tarp across the open wall to help hold in some warmth. Some folks were trying to get a fire started and the shelter is full of hikers trying to warm up. It hailed and snowed today. Everyone hopes to be at the hostel by late morning/early afternoon tomorrow for warm showers!
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Spent the night at Standing Bear Farm Hostel. Nice eclectic place, even got to do my laundry using a washboard and a ringer. The bunkhouse was packed, and the barn saw quite a few visitors also. Woke up on Tuesday at the Cosby shelter to about five inches of snow. Hightailed it out of there and broke trail for about seven miles until enough elevation gain was lost to finally see dirt. The next two days look fine weatherwise, but we are hoping for a more extended period of being lost in a cloud. By estimations, eight of the last fourteen days have seen total or extensive vista-less days. Came out to see the sights, but it is all starting to look the same. With luck things will change before I end up missing all the good stuff. Next town stop is Hot Springs, maybe it will be warm there....topofgothics
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

Tmax for Topofgothics.... First really nice day in weeks! After trudging yesterday through lots of snow that turned into lots of sludge and mud, today was a little drier and a nice temperature. Only three folks in the shelter tonight. Plan is to resupply in Hot Springs tomorrow.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... Went into Hot Springs with the intention of resupplying and eating but weather report called for severe thunderstorms to move through so decided to spend the night. Staying at Elmer's (Sunnybank Inn) and had the gourmet vegetarian meal. TOG reports feeling like a sloth now! He's sharing a room with Longhaul and Sir Richard and Odyseus are there as well. TOG plans an early out in the morning to make-up for the low mileage day today!
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Hot Springs

To: Log Cabin Drive
Miles today: 17.0

Tmax for Topofgothics... David took care of resupplying in Hot Springs and then along the trail he went looking for the rumored waffle-serves (prior thru-hikers) but they were nowhere to be found. Instead, he and Longhaul and a group of other thru-hikers Longhaul has been doing a video documentary on, all decided to stay at Hector Hollow Inn. Reasonably priced supplies and ice cream sandwiches made the day!
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Tmax for Topofgothics....Crossed Big Bald today in very cold windy conditions with virtually no views. Noway to get over it other than head down, holding on to the pack cover so it didn't blow away and blazin' through. There are about 35 hikers in and around the shelter tonight.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 6.0

Tmax for Topofgothics... Stayed at Kincora Hostel. Nice place with a small suggested donation to stay there. No trail work being done so it was a fairly laid back day. Got some advice on a lighter pack and will be trying some out in Damascus. Current pack is causing some discomfort on the right side.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Dennis Cove

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Tmax for Topofgothics... Late start out from the hostel today. David was waiting for Longhaul to come in so he could see how he was doing. Got down the trail a ways and realized he'd forgotten his pack-cover and had to go back for it. Another nice hiking day. Only 39 miles to Damascus and a couple of days off. David and I will meet halfway between us and he hopes to reconnect with Longhaul when he gets back to Damascus. Only one other person in the shelter tonight so should be a quiet evening.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: moderate rain

Tmax for Topofgothics... Had a couple of hours of sunshine today which made for some nice views. Temperature is still on the cold side, but overall conditions are improving. Plan is to have a liesurely day tomorrow to cover only about 8 miles, lots of stopping and enjoying...
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Tmax for Topofgothics... Woke up this morning to snow on the ground. Hung around dozing in the tent until late morning waiting for things to warm up and the snow to melt. It was another good hiking day. Hitched into Shady Valley and got a burger and fries. Got a ride back to the trailhead pretty quickly too. Amy, Gangsta, etc... are all at the shelter tonight planning to get into Damascus tomorrow. David will take the long slow day tomorrow and will camp just outside Damascus then head in on Friday morning.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Tmax for topofgothics... Hiked into Damascus and picked up his mail drop. Did some errands. Looked at new packs in Mt. R outfitters and with a little help from Dave, decided the one he was using was just fine. Called me from the diner where he was getting some greasy food. David will walk back out of town tonight and camp along the trail, then will take a few zero days starting tomorrow so we can spend some time together. He'll drive 5 hours, I'll drive 6 and we'll meet in Maryland. David will be back on trail Monday........ Just got another call from TOG, he decided to stay in town at "The Place" with Spitfire and No Toys who will be heading out early in the morning. TOG doesn't think he'll be able to catch back up with them after his couple of zeros so they've made plans to hike in the Whites once they all get off trail!
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Damascus

To: Meet Terri in Hagerstown, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Tmax for Topofgothics.....While waiting for the rental car to come pick him up, Topofgothics ran into Longhaul in the diner in Damascus. Longhaul got a ride into town to see a Dr. with an infected toe. Needs to take a couple weeks off and was looking at shuttles, busses, taxi's etc... to get home. (see David's 4-27 entry)So David loaded him in the rental and drove him to a DC suburb. They plan on re-connecting further up the trail. Met David at around 7:30. He's a smaller version of himself with calves that are shaping up nicely!!!
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Tmax for Topofgothics... Late start out of Damascus with a full food compliment and hot weather meant a tiring day, but a good one! Lots of hikers took the mid-day off to swim or just get off the trail. Temp in the 90's. The Lost Mountain Shelter has almost the entire Lorax story written on its walls. David plans to come back and finish it!
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Tmax for Topofgothics.... David described his day today as GREAT. Sounds like fantastic hiking conditions and awesome scenery. He saw lots of the famous wild ponies, including a nursing colt. Caught up with some folks he had hiked with previously (sorry but with the poor phone reception I only got the name of the twins...)and is enjoying the company. Took the side trail to Mount Rogers (Virginia's high point) so that Topo could touch the top. Two years ago we hiked this section with M&M on her thru-hike and David dropped pack at the bottom and didn't bring Topo along! (P.S. I've updated journal entries to include pictures through April 18, so go back and take a look at some of David's photos!)
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Tmax for Topofgothics... Short day today, good thing because David was fighting off a migraine. Had his pizza pig-out (pizza place delivers to this shelter... there's even a hot shower!) with The Twins, Newt, Miss Scarlet, Rapunzel, Col. Mustard, Hammock, and Squeegee. Weather is calling for rain and hail tonight so another night will be spent in the shelter.(Photos are updated in entries through April 21, now we have to wait for David to send me his next memory card before I can share any more.)
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Knot Maul Dam Shelter

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: light rain

Tmax for Topofgothics... Another rainy day. Boots haven't been dry in 4 days! Rumor had it a bridge was out which lead to a bunch of hikers making some sketchy crossings of the creek. A whole crew of folks wound up tenting just off the road afterwards and were woken up in the middle of the night by traffic coming in to park!
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Laurel Creek

To: VA 606
Miles today: 25.5

Tmax for Topofgothics... Another rainy day. AT map was wrong which led to traveling a little too far looking for the road and then a bushwhack to get back! Staying at a little campground sort of place where for $6 you can camp, shower and do laundry. David hopes to get into Pearisburg tomorrow.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: VA 606

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: broken clouds

Tmax for topofgothics... Caught back up with Sir Richard at a leanto today which was a pleasant surprise. David had his best time ever for a controlled decent but I'll let him quote his time because I'm not sure I heard it right! I don't think I could travel down that fast if I were butt-sliding in snow! Mixed day (some rain, some sun) but did manage a nice view stop along the way. Staying at a Hostel in Pearisburg. Turns out he's only a day behind Spitfire and NoToys so he's hopeful he might catch them. Got a ride from a very nice couple to get some food and then to the Hostel. "Bushwhacked" to Walmart to get some supplies. Will dawdle in the morning before heading back out.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Tmax for topofgothics... very poor cell reception leads to very little info to pass on. I know there was lightening striking as we spoke, David broke his food bowl and spent the night alone in the shelter, but that's about all I could make out from the choppy conversation!
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: light rain

Tmax for Topofgothics... Spoke with David early today as he was on a ridge and had good reception. He got to see the Keffer Oak today and said it was beautiful! His plan is to get to Pickle Branch Shelter tonight and then have a short day of hiking tomorrow so he can spend some time on Dragon's Tooth with it's great views. No idea if the weather will allow it. It continues to rain and now lightening, thunder, flooding, and even tornado warnings have entered the picture. I can't stand being away from David any longer and our short weekend together wasn't enough, so I've decided to take a week off of work to go down and join him on the trail at Catawba. We probably won't make any entries until I get back, unless David gets some internet access tomorrow while he's waiting for me to get down there! But I'll fill in the gaps and add pictures once I return. With any luck I'll bring some sunshine down there with me!
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics.... Spent time today on Dragon's Tooth and made the climb to the top of it and even had some views! Got to Route 311 in Catawba and had an all you can eat feast with Gutsy Rabbit at the Homeplace. Had a rental car company pick him up and then drove to the trailhead at the James River to wait for me. I arrived at 4:00 in the morning!
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Catawba

To: Pig Farm Campsite
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Tmax for Topofgothics... What a beautiful day! After a couple hours of sleep in the back of my car, David and I got into the rental and headed back to Catawba to get on the trail. Stopped for breakfast along the way and then got a ride back to the trailhead from the rental car guy. At the trailhead, a good 'ole party was happening with lots of food and live music. Not yet feeling like I deserved any trail magic and knowing I would be much slower than Topofgothics, I opted to start up the trail while he went to enjoy the festivities. I stopped once I gained the summit of McAfee Knob. What a beautiful view! Topofgothics joined me after awhile and we just hung out until the clouds moved in and the wind started up. We traveled over the knob and set up out tent for the night at a great spot. We were joind by Mike and Logan, two marines David met at the party earlier. What a couple of nice young men. We spent a very pleasant evening in front of the fire.
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Pig Farm Campsite

To: Hay Rock
Miles today: 11.4

Tmax for Topofgothics... We had a perfect weather day today! Hiked up to Tinker Cliffs with amazing views and I got to meet Paulman and Cup Of Joe. They were still trying to walk off their feast from the Homeplace. Spent a couple of hours on the cliffs before deciding to make some more mileage for the day. We had hoped to get to Daleville since there are camping restrictions in this section of trail, but time and energy worked against us. So we wound up "stealth" camping at Hay Rock (where it's obvious others have camped underneath the overhang of the huge rock). Unfortunately, people have decided to turn the rock into a billboard and it is covered with spray-painted graffiti. We walked back down the trail a little ways and climbed up a different rock to enjoy the sunset.
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Hay Rock

To: Curry Creek
Miles today: 12.6

Tmax for Topofgothics... It started to rain this morning shortly after we woke up. Luckily, we were able to pack up dry as the overhang of the rock protected us! The rain was mostly light, but picked up at times. As we were getting closer to Daleville, we had to cross some high tension lines that you could hear humming and almost feel the vibration. Being soaking wet, I couldn't help but think that I was one small move away from electrocution! On the way down the hill into town, we were passed by Madelyn (a pretty amazing woman!) and Maggie. It was good to start putting faces to so many of the names Topofgothics has been referring to. Once we crossed the road and went into town, our first stop was at a coffee house for an extra large cup of joe! MMMMMM... It was good to warm up and dry off a little. Then we went to the supermarket to resupply (buying way too much and adding significant weight to our packs) and walked around in the supermarket with our packs on our backs. No-one even reacted. Trail towns are good! Then it was off to Pizza Hut to fill our bellies. I then headed back to the trail while Topofgothics went in search of fuel for the stove. I expected him to catch up to me within a mile or two. I enjoyed the varying trail conditions (rain stopped and sun came out around noon time!) and views as I walked along. About 5 miles in, I ran into a man who was being forced off-trail by an injury. He was so disappointed. It was at this point that I started to wonder what happened to TOG. But on I went and started the long climb up Fullhardt Knob. TOG finally caught me a little way from the top. He ran all over town and couldn't find any fuel. We'll need to conserve until we can find some more. We stopped at the shelter and there all curled up in a sleeping bag was Gutsy Rabbit! She was running ahead of schedule to meet a friend who would be joining her on the trail so she was just wasting time. We shared our fresh strawberries and frosting (yes, we carried that 2 pounds up the knob with us!) with her and she decided to hike with us to Curry Creek where we planned to camp. We had quite a time trying to hang all the food we had once we set up camp! Topofgothics struggled to get a fire going as everything was quite wet. But we managed a small one to have dinner in front of. Topofgothics passed the 1/3 mark today!
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Curry Creek

To: Mills Gap 
Miles today: 11.3

Tmax for Topofgothics... Another beautiful day. Sunny and warm with a nice breeze and lots of views. Played "hopscotch" with Gutsy Rabbit all day. The trail started to cross the Blue Ridge Parkway frequently which afforded nice views. Stopped at Taylor Mountain Overlook for lunch and met Point-two (a marathon runner) who is averaging 30 miles a day on the trail! Ran into Madelyn again (who, in her retirement years is outpacing most hikers) who was very gracious in her support of us. Spending the night just beyond the Mills Gap Overlook and were treated to more nice views and good sunset.
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Mills Gap 

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Tmax for Topofgothics... OK, the story is getting to repeat itself... another beautiful day! A pleasant morning walk brought us to Jennings Creek at lunch time where Maggie had just taken a swim. She said it wasn't "too bad" but I stuck my feet in and decided it was too cold for me, no matter how much I wanted to clean up! Topofgothics got a ride into town from a local man to get some fuel. Unfortunately, the store only had 2 ounces left! But he did manage to get a pint of Cherry Garcia ice-cream. We had a nice hot lunch at the creek and were joined for awhile by Gutsy Rabbit who was now waiting for her friend to arrive. We made the climb up and over Fork Mountain and decided to stop for the night at Bryant Ridge Shelter (one of the largest on the AT) and were the first to arrive. We set up our sleeping bags on the second floor and then went down to the stream to clean up. Soon after, Wags and her crew came in and then Gutsy Rabbit and her friend Kristie came in as well. Another nice evening in front of a fire.