morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-03-28
From: Wine Spring Campground

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

First, some background on trail names. It is customary to adopt a name for the trail that is given to you by fellow hikers based on some incident or trait. I didn't fully understand this until coming on the trail and realizing how much easier it is to learn a distinct name with a story rather than all the real names of the tons of new people you are meeting. Some examples of trail names I have come across - roadkill, sturdy gurdy, yogi, sidetrack, trail mom, toasty nuts, spider, caveman, hurley, and those are the ones clean enough to share.For a while, I was just going by the name "Trail Ryan", who I would explain is much more laid back than regular Ryan. This name even became famous when I left my hat with a group that put it on a fence at a gap for me to find with a note reading "do not steal me, I belong to Trail Ryan". A couple people I saw later who I didn't know would say "that hat! you must be Trail Ryan..." This name worked for the first couple weeks.So, my real trail name has become "Stretch", as in Stretch Armstrong. I was standing around with some friends I had made earlier in the trail and then run back into, when I started contorting my arms as I do sometimes.  When they noticed, I showed them my double-jointed trick where I can clasp my arms behind my body then bring them all the way over my head.  And thus, Stretch Armstrong was born, based on the early-90s toy commercials. It's a good trail name, and it reminds me to stretch more as well :)Did a good bit of mileage today, and my knees started hurting for the first time.  There is really no flat at all, it's all up or down of some sort, banging on your body. Good to meet back up with Caveman and Becca, and liking the rest of the crowd around this timing as well.
Date: 2018-03-29
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

First sign of civilization directly on the trail in quite a while today. Went through the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center), and it really brought back memories since we would raft through here and under the distinctive bridge that is itself the AT. Felt good to buy some vegan jerky and candy to re-up food. Went to the restaurant and sat at the bar talking to the bartender a bit. He actually started the AT, ended up here, met a girl, and stayed. He was also saying the weather has been much worse than normal, so hopefully it will warm up. Ordered a whole large pizza, at 3/4 of it, and saved the rest for dinner.  Hiking afterwards straight up hill was brutal with a bunch of pizza and beer on my stomach, but it felt so good to get off-trail calories. Getting to camp and eating the rest of the pizza was so satisfying as well.  Hiking with Caveman and Becca again for a bit the second half of the day. Night was rain combined with harsh wind. Tent got pretty wet, and the sun hasn't really been out in days.
Date: 2018-03-30
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Made a bunch of mileage today getting closer to Fontana, looking forward to my 0-day on Sunday. Even included Jacob's Ladder, a notorious uphill section of 600 feet in less than 1/2 mile.  Kept pushing knowing each mile, campsite, and shelter was that much less on my short day.  Hiked on-and-off with Caveman and Becca again, good rhythm of meeting up for breaks sometimes, hiking together for a few minutes, then not see each other for 2-3 hours before I came across them again.Very eventful night at the shelter site, making me glad I was in a tent. We heard owls hooting for most of the night, then late in the night we started to hear a few random coyote howls over the ridge.  As they got closer, at ~6AM an hour before any sunlight, the owls hooting stopped, and then all of the sudden there was a massive commotion right outside the shelter in an open area ~25 feet from my tent. I don't think the coyotes ever actually made it down to the shelter, but the noise was a pack of wild dogs rolling in to defend their territory from the coyotes and they started running in circles and barking wildly. Not having any light, it was pretty terrifying, and the people in the shelter were spooked. In the light of day, it was 3 dogs, led by a huge pitbull.  They were actually pretty friendly and followed one hiker into town...
Date: 2018-03-31
To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

Hiked into Fontana quickly in the morning and took a shuttle from the marina with a bunch of hikers to go get lunch in the village. Fontana Village is an odd little resort-community that doesn't appear to be very near anything. 3 distinct visitors - hikers, families visiting the lodge, and car nuts driving the "dragon's tail" highway section with a bunch of curves. It was great to go to a restaurant again, get a veggie burger and some onion rings. It somehow took 2 hours to eat even though we were the only table there since we chose to sit as a big group of 10. Good company and all the folks I've been hiking with. Went to the store and got some beer and then hung out at the lodge with Caveman and Becca since they had a room tonight before I headed back out. Shuttled back to the marina, hiked the 1 extra mile to the shelter, and then pitched my tent on a concrete tent pad, which was a weird feeling, but so great to have something completely level for once. Hung at the campfire for a bit, but went to bed super early since I'd been eating so much all day.
Date: 2018-04-01
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Took a 0 day in Fontana to wait for my box when the post office opens Monday morning. Shuttled in to town early, and was amazed to find that they got me in a room at 10AM.  It was really great to have the whole day to wash things out.  This is really the first full laundry I've done in my sink, and it takes a lot of time without a tub...Went to the lunch buffet, and it was amazing.  So much mac&cheese and mashed potatoes. Buffets are pretty great on 0 days since you don't have to hike with that on your stomach, it's just catching up on calories and you don't feel guilty completely filling your stomach for once.Taking it easy in the hotel,texting people at home.  Star Wars marathon on TV is better than flipping channels.  I went down to the store a couple times, so I've actually been walking a good bit today. Printed my Smokies permit, and tomorrow I'm headed into the Smokies as well as Tennessee!!
Date: 2018-04-02
From: Fontana Lodge

To: MollieÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Waited for the post office to open (at 11:45), then tried to head to the trail.  The shuttle was down, and I luckily learned this while at the general store with my new friend Shirley, who comes down to Fontana from Kentucky a few months a year for her husband to be a Ridge Runner who helps maintain the trail in the Smokies.  Shirley very kindly drove me to Fontana Damn, and I was off on the trail.  The first campsite was closed because a bear tore up two tents the previous night (people were fine), so headed to the first Shelter.  In the Smokies you have to stay at designated shelters.  There were 3 main topics of conversation in the Smokies:-Bears-Bear sightings and signs of activity -Bears......It really is an obsession here....
Date: 2018-04-03
From: MollieÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

First night actually staying in a shelter, which was perfect because it kept me and my tent dry.  Smokies have honestly started out underwhelming.  A few things that are firsts on the trail:- having a view of city lights every night- trail winding next to roads... nice and loud- no privies at shelters :(It picked up, but the southern Smokies are not very well traveled for a reason.
Date: 2018-04-04
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Big day!!  A few milestones:-Crossed Clingman¢s Dome, the highest point on the AT.- First day over 20 miles- More than 5,000 feet of climbing Clingman¢s Dome is a total trip since you come out of the woods to a paved path with a bunch of families who walked from a parking lot.  Got lots of questions about thru-hiking from families, including my favorite so far ¢have you had to hunt anything on the trail¢ ..... ¢no... first I haven¢t eaten a piece of meat in 18 years, and secondly bow-hunting deer is probably not in keeping with the leave-no-trace policy us hikers abide by.¢After 21 Miles, was hoping for a celebratory welcome to camp at a warm fire.  When I rolled in at 7:30, the shelter was already snoring, so I pitched my tent and struggled against the cold to cook food that would not heat.  Cold, crunchy noodles were my only celebration.
Date: 2018-04-05
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-corner Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Kept my momentum going with the goal ofngetting out of the Smokies before the snow.  FINALLY had some views from ridges which started to make it worth it for all the hassle and bear gossip of the Smokies.  Purified some water I melted from icicles to avoid a water stop, which worked great.
Date: 2018-04-06
From: Tri-corner Knob Shelter 

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Hauled out of the mountains since I knew rain was coming and I wanted to get to town.  Once we got the gap, it was a dirt road with no traffic, so I suggested we hike 2 more miles, which the two guys with me agreed to.  There we met a river rafting company, and they offered to take us into Hartford, TN for a better chance of finding people.  Ended up chatting with an old woman and her friend over some of their home-made moonshine.  She offered to take us up to her acreage and stay on her porch (since she was too drunk to drive us to Gatlinburg), and then suggested we go over to a back porch nearby where there would be hungry rafting guides partying.  Low-and-behold (after more moonshine...) my new friend Blake convinced one of the guides to drive us.  Blake and I had a great night inGatlinburg -  some beer and then a TON of food at Cici¢s (pizza bufffet). After the 2 hour ride finding journey, it was great to be out of the woods right before the rain and snow!!
Date: 2018-04-07
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg 
Miles today: 0.0

Took a 0 in Gatlinburg to hang out with my cousin Emily, and she surprised me by bringing another cousin, Mary Claire.  Had a great day!!  Did laundry, ate good Mexican food, bought candy, and then went to the outfitter, where I also scored a ride back to the trail tomorrow.  The trail provides!  Been in a crazy room at the Motel 6 with a heart-shaped jacuzzi, so it¢s been a fun Gatlinburg experience.  Looking forward to getting back to the trail!
Date: 2018-04-08
From: Gatlinburg 

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got back on the trail from Gatlinburg to mushy snow.  Trudging up the mountains was hard, but worth it once we got the amazing views from Snowbird Peak and Max Patch.  Skipping Standing Bear Farm also had me catch up with a bunch of people that I knew, which was good to see them again.  Had the most amazing trail magic.  Came out of the snowy woods to a parking lot with a church group serving hot vegetarian chili - amazing!!  Alas, a rainy night in the tent combined with snow melt was the end of the day.
Date: 2018-04-09
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: ElmerÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 17.9

A muddy day getting out of the mountains, just sliding the whole way.  Totally worth it to get to a warm room and warm food!  Ended up at a historic inn/hostel catering to through hikers that rents bnb-style rooms for hostel prices to hikers.  Amazing sleep!  Hung out with some friends in Hot Springs and ate a ton of food.  Hard to not stay a 0 day here like many are.
Date: 2018-04-10
From: ElmerÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Sunnybank Inn

To: Spring Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Late start out of Hot Springs with re-supply and distractions, so didn¢t hit the trail till after noon.  Not a bad hike, then got into the shelter at 6 and there were still spots, so I crashed there.  Met a bunch of new people since the groups I had been with stayed in Hot Springs.
Date: 2018-04-11
From: Spring Mountain Shelter 

To: JerryÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: few clouds

Finally seeing the sun for the first time in a while!!  Exciting that Spring is really coming, but also draining.  Hike was good today, and then a surprise scramble up-and-down rocks that was intense, but a lot of fun to do.  Same group as the last shelter.  There was a shelter cat!!!  Hikers were feeding her and she was keeping the mice away.
Date: 2018-04-12
From: JerryÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Cabin Shelter 

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 15.5

Another day of rock scrambles, which was more fun when expecting them.  Ended up deciding to stay in the shelter after a draining day of sun, which was ok but a bit of mice activity.  Amazing trail magic at the shelter - 2 local guys showed up at 6:30 with beer, fried chicken m, and snacks.  It definitely boosted the energy and morale midway between resupply.
Date: 2018-04-13
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter 

To: No Business Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 20.7

Very long day to get in 20 miles and get close to Erwin.  Had great trail magic at the beginning of the day with fresh cooked eggs and hash browns by the side of the road from a former thru hiker.  That got me enough calories to go all day, through the hottest day yet.  Stopped at an amazing waterfall for a break near the end to cool down, which felt great.  Saw my first snake at the water near camp, but nothing dangerous.
Date: 2018-04-14
From: No Business Knob Shelter 

To: Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got in to Erwin today.  The hostel is nice and looking forward to all-you-can-eat pizza!!
Date: 2018-04-15
From: Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Nolichucky Hostel

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took a 0 in Erwin, which was perfect to avoid the pouring rain. It really came down all day, to the point where the river next to our hostel has risen 5-6 feet in a day and we're in a flood warning zone still. I'm really glad I'm not on the trail today. Spent all day eating warm food and breaking in my new shoes that came with my re-supply box.  Looking good to get back on the trail, and it's a long stretch to the next solid re-supplies. The rain just kept getting worse all day to the point where we couldn't do anything but huddle in the hostel or under awnings. It's good to have a warm, dry place to nap and catch up on everything.
Date: 2018-04-16
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Taking another 0 in Erwin since the rain is not letting up and it's supposed to get freezing cold tonight.  Looking forward to hitting the trail again tomorrow when at least the sun is out, even if it's muddy.  Tomorrow is my birthday, so I'd rather not wake up cold and wet for no reason.  I'm at the library now, which is an old 1925 building and even has a house cat! It's pretty great.  I'm probably going to hit the pizza buffet again since it has salad and fresh food, then crash as much of the day as I can. I'm mentally very ready to get back on the trail, so I'm looking forward to it clearing up tomorrow!!Also, I've been adding some photos, but haven't been linking them to entries since that takes more time and hassle. Check out the photo list if you want to see more!
Date: 2018-04-17
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel

To: Unaka Mountain Road
Miles today: 10.1

Had a good, short hike out of town on my birthday.  The group at my campsite included 2 different groups of friends I've made, so it was a great way to celebrate!Unfortunately, today we also had our first official drop-out from our larger hiking group.  It's one thing to have people go home for breaks or injuries, but this was the first real "see you later".  It's very different to shake someone's hand and say goodbye.  This put a bit of a pall on the mood and I think brought us all back into the realities of life. It makes me appreciate the amazing core support team I have in my family and the extended enthusiasm from friends.  Thank you all!
Date: 2018-04-18
From: Unaka Mountain Road

To: Little Rock Knob
Miles today: 17.4

Had a pretty easy day hiking through TN (finally out of NC for good!!), started early and ended up breaking for ~1 hour in an old apple orchard (that of course has no apples now). My friends caught up with me there, and we ended up finding an awesome spot to camp a mile past a shelter on top of a knob.  Good campsite and fire ring, and we were close enough to walk back down to the peak for an amazing sunset view. It was so nice with such good service (for Verizon of course, never for us ATT folks), that my friends ended up doing a Facebook Live (I'm somewhere in there breaking the "wishbone tree" we found.  Caveman won the wish...).
Date: 2018-04-19
From: Little Rock Knob

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Did 2 easy miles down the gap after waking up late. I had my friend John meeting me to hike for a few days, and we met up in perfect timing. The day started pretty rough - incredibly cold and windy, and stayed that way for the first 5 or so miles up a big mountain. We stopped a few times to try and dry off the dog's paws as he kept getting muddy.  We finally broke out of the forest onto a big knob, which was beautiful and also let the sun down on us to start finally warming up. The wind there was brutal though, worst we've had on the trail and literally blowing you over to the point of using my hiking poles to stabilize against the wind. John and the dog were both troopers, and the first 11.9 miles together was totally fine.  Unfortunately, literally the last 0.1 miles from the water to the shelter the dog started limping.  It was pretty scary to see an injury that late when he had seemed fine all day. The shelter we were at was very unique - it was originally a barn during the revolutionary war that kept getting repaired until it now serves as a massive shelter.  There were probably ~20 people up in the loft including 2 full tent set ups.  The night was brutally cold (low 20s), and I slept very little.
Date: 2018-04-21
From: Little Hump Mountain

To: Mountain Harbor B&B
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked a short morning out of the woods to Mountain Harbor B&B. My friends had stayed there the night before with another friend visiting them.  I hadn't planned on another hostel so soon, but I really needed to re-boot after the incident on the trail. Very, very nice place with a newly renovated hostel.  Amazing breakfast!! Also a "food truck" (trailer with a fryer out front) that served awesome food. We actually ended up finding a drive-in movie theater not too far away that was playing Ready Player one, so a group of us ended up going since there were 2 visitors in town with cars.  It was pretty awesome to get out of the hiker world for a few hours, while also experiencing a drive-in which I had never been to. (I have since been corrected by my mom that we went to a drive-in as little kids in Ohio). Ready Player One was great - also just a good escape from the hiker world. The drive-in experience was also fun. I wish I had made a recording of the intro they made, since I kid-you-not they must have spent a full 5 minutes describing how to put your car in accessory mode, but not put your headlights on, so that your battery wouldn't die.  Really, I kept thinking they were done and then went into more details about which direction to turn your key and how many clicks to feel. Our battery still died, but they of course had jumpers since I'm sure they get one car every show.
Date: 2018-04-22
From: Mountain Harbor B&B

To: Brook @ Mile 406.5
Miles today: 11.7

With both of our visitors gone, me, Caveman, and Becca headed back out to the trail, getting a late start out of the hostel after lots of eating. We did a relatively short day, partially looking at rain that was supposed to start at 6, but thankfully waited until we slept.  Passed our first really cool waterfall, which there are a few of in this section. Found an awesome little campsite next to a brook to camp. The rain came during the night, and I slept like a rock listening to the rain and brook.
Date: 2018-04-23
From: Brook @ Mile 406.5

To: Brook @ Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

The rains really began today, making everything muddy.  Hiking was a hard combo of constantly switching out clothes to stay dry and warm without getting sweaty.  We didn't get a ton of miles done, but we keep moving in the rain.  A lot hikers during this week bailed to hostels for 0s, so at least we were making progress. Nothing too noteworthy today besides the weather.
Date: 2018-04-24
From: Brook @ Dennis Cove Road

To: Boot's Off Hostel
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

The goal for today was Hampton, TN, as that's the last re-supply before Damascus. The friends I have been hiking with really wanted to do the McDonald's re-supply challenge -i.e. buy a bunch of food at McDonald's and only eat that for 40 miles.  It's loaded with preservatives anyway, right? As you can imagine, as a vegetarian, I did not attempt this myself, but did enjoy some apple pies. We had intended to hop in to town and back, but the rains just kept getting worse and worse. When we ended up at the gap, a hostel sounded great, so we headed to Boot's Off Hostel and each got bunks.  The bunkroom was surprisingly nice - little privacy curtains on each bunk and your own light/charging port. Let's just say that this is a step above most bunkrooms. Next - onward to Damascus!!
Date: 2018-04-25
From: Boot's Off Hostel

To: Campsite @ Mile 454.0
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain continued.... the one advantage of this is that it did delay a lot of hikers and put them in hostels for multiple 0s, so the trail was not as crowded and we were passing shelters at 7PM that weren't full - unheard of 100 miles ago!!! See the photo for perspective on how much Watuga Lake was flooded when we passed.We cranked some miles today. My friends had been thinking about trying to do the full 40 to Damascus in one go, but the rain combined with some injuries coming up slowed that down.  We did however do over 26 miles today (ok, ok, we were 0.2 short of an actual marathon, but I'll count it).  Had another nice campsite with just the three of us. A quick aside - it's been REALLY nice having hiking companions. We've been off-and-on before, but for the last week+ I've been hiking every day with Caveman and Becca. As a solo hiker, it just feels safer having other people to camp with when you're not at some established shelter or larger site.  It's also good to have others to pace against.  Beyond the safety factor, it's also just always nice to make good new friends :)