morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 5.0

I woke up a little later than I wished: I wanted to make it into Erwin by lunchtime. A guy with a thicker Georgia accent, Rooster, is at the table, and after talking a while we realize we have the same plan of hitching into Erwin.We separated for a while as I pulled ahead. The rain had picked back up, and at times came down hard enough to get through and beneath my rain coat. The Trail had turned into rocks, puddles, and mud, giving every step the hazard of taking one's feet away from where they should have been. About two miles from US-19W I encountered two freshly fallen trees across the path. The first was easy enough to get over, but the second was an old, girthy oak that sat nearly at chest height. There was no room to crawl under and with the loose earth and steep ground, going around it was impossible. I jumped as high as gravity allows, and attempted a full-body straddle. While I made it, one of the failing straps on my waist pouch finally ripped off. I threw it to the other side while I manoeuvred myself to the other side. I found what I thought was a stable spot for my left foot, planted it, and--slwooop! The ground and half the Trail gave way and took me on a five-foot ride down the mountain. I climbed hand-over-hand back to the path and continued on, now covered in mud.I arrived at the crossing with Rooster not too far behind. The lack of traffic was a little troubling, but I figured any traffic coming through here would be on their way to Erwin. Rooster took his pack off and took his phone out, hoping for reception. After thirty minutes and two vehicles heading west, I left my pack and walked up the road, hoping the other side of the gap would get me something. Of course, there was nothing for a T-Mobile customer.An hour later, two hikers show up and say a shuttle is on its way. They're heading to the Super 8 in Erwin. Like a deus ex machina, our salvation arrived.We split a room at the hotel, and go our own ways that evening. I end up not going to bed until the small hours of the next morning.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Near Unaka Springs Road
Miles today: 1.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Despite the late night, I got up early enough for a free breakfast of a bagel and a danish. I mulled about the room, wondering where I should go next. I had yet to do laundry, and wanted somewhere I could plug my phone in. A laundromat seemed like the appropriate choice.I walked the three quarters of a mile, and noticed a lack of cars, hikers, or lights outside. It was closed. I had muddy clothes, filthy socks, and a phone that was almost dead. I was also presently wearing a fleece getting far too warm, and rain pants that prevented the sweat from breathing away. The afternoon was going to be interesting.Downtown, everything closed an hour before I got to it. It seems that Saturdays were a day where tourist-driven profits weren't a high priority. The owner of the Steel Rails Caf©, however, was generous enough to get me a hot tea and show me a sound stage near his building with plugs. At least I could charge my phone and call everyone.In my quest for food, Google directs me to Rendizvous [sic]. It's a local bar that serves pickled eggs, nachos, and domestic beers. I decide to give it a chance and sit down to a couple of Rolling Rocks. The strangers immediately were talking to me in thick East Tennessee accents, most of which were amplified by a smoker's husk, the bartender was a high-energy, goofy woman in her late thirties that smoked behind the counter. It was a bar scene straight from my imagination of what a warm mountain watering hole would be like. I spent a few hours there, to include a karaoke cover of "Wagon Wheel", enjoying a slice of Erwin night life.Afterwards, I took the long walk back to Trail, and slept under the stars near an outfitter.
Date: 2016-05-02
From: Pittsburgh

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Howdy and welcome to my trail journal site. I have been sending the link to those who have asked about my progress and especially to everyone who has financially sponsored my trip (bought my stuff). I leave early tomorrow morning for Georgia with Handlebar, my Triple Crowner friend. I'm nervous, don't know how much Ill sleep and I still have a lot to do tonight. Oh well. It's really happening!!
Date: 2016-05-04
To: Springer Mtn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We made it to Franklin, NC last night. Experienced trail magic this AM via Granny and Old Goat. Handlebar oversaw my grocery shopping at Wal-Mart yesterday, so you can be sure I have everything I need. I slept like the dead last night and look forward to about 8 miles of trail on my first day. Should be starting from Springer Mountain before noon.
Date: 2016-05-04
From: Springer Mtn

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

First day on the trail. Handlebar drove me up to Springer Mtn and we slack packed out to the official start of the trail for photos. Note that my gut is quite large in May. It's safe to expect it to decrease after backpacking 2200 miles.Only hiked 8 miles today. I am taking it easy in order to get into shape and be ready to knock it out starting in June.
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

It rained all night. In the morning it hailed. I just kept rolling over and going back to sleep. I started hiking at noon today but wasn't worried as I only had 8 mikes to the next shelter area. It rained all day too. Very cold, but I just kept moving instead of piling on clothes. A lot more elevation gain today too. Slow going, but it keeps you warm. There were so many people at the shelter site I set up my tent (14 snoring people in a shelter is not cool). Thank god I have good gear. Even with all the rain I was warm. These past few days I've been sleeping in. It's part of getting away from the pre-hike festivities and building back up.
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Gooch Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunny and cool day. It will soon be in the 80's so I'm grateful for cooler temps. I crossed a road today and there was a van there offering free shuttle rides to a local outfitter and hostel. I rode in for some odds and ends. Plenty of time for hiking and breaks today. I even sat atop Woody Gap on a nice hot rock with a view of over 20 miles. Camped near a creek today with most of the small herd I met the first night. Everyone is having a good time, and 7 of us plan to compete the entire trail. Some have already left due to blisters and not realizing what it's like backpacking here. Georgia is twice the scale of anything in PA. I've also met two GATC ridge runners who confirmed the Handlebar wisdom of starting off easy. We'll be covering 20 miles a day soon enough. My first major resupply looks like it will be about 80 miles in near what's called the Top of Georgia. There is a restaurant with a salad bar. Fresh vegetables are on my mind already. Spam and cheese is still rock solid for dinner though.
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Lance Creek

To: Bull Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Climbed up Blood Mountain today. Had some cell service. No bears although they have been reported in the area. They may have simply had too many people camping there and leaving trash. Saw some guys on the way up with a drone. That would be cool. We came off the mountain and hit an outfitter at Neels Gap. Best chicken salad sandwich I've ever had. I didn't stick around too long lest I start buying pizzas so I climbed up to Bull Gap where the small tribe rendezvous for the evening.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Bull Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a nice rolling day until we hit a 1000 foot climb. We missed some rock that supposedly looks like a cow, but no big loss there. Went on a side trail for water and turned out adding a 3 mile round trip. That sucked. Good water, but there was another spring 0.2 miles further along the main trail. Long hot afternoon ended at a shelter area in a wet hollow. I won't do that again (bugs). Slept in a shelter for the first time. 3 people snoring is also a bit much. I left at first light the next AM.
Date: 2016-05-09
From: Low Gap

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

Early start today. Highlander and I hiked 10 miles to Unicoi Gap by 12:30 PM. We decided to hitch into town and celebrate breaking 50 miles on the trail. Helen, GA is a tourist trap, but also a really good place for a nero. Cheese steaks and subs were eaten, a few beers drank, and I wound up getting a hotel room for about $15. Not a bad day.
Date: 2016-05-10
From: Helen, GA

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Hitched a ride out of Helen this AM and was on trail by 8:30. Today was the hardest day yet. 13 miles, which isn't bad, but with over 3000 feet vertical gain. Reminded me of the Black Forest Trail back home. I'm being eaten by midges and gnats as I update this. Didn't set up tent and will sleep in shelter tonight. Screw that, I set up the tent and am out of the bugs! Tomorrow I hitch into a town for my first food resupply. Looking forward to changing the menu a bit. Also getting tips on stuff from other backpackers along the way. Will basically hike about 4 miles to the road, hitch or get a shuttle into town, then return to trail and hike in a couple miles to camp. I am going to get some fresh veg and destroy a salad in camp tomorrow night, even if I need to carry grocery bags up a mountain!!
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Deep Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

Today I hiked with "All the Way" McCrea to the next gap where we sauntered down to the Top of Georgia hostel. This is a nice place. I needed to get into town and buy groceries, but it was the same price to stay here with shower and breakfast included, rather than pay for just the town shuttle. Had a chance to do laundry, eat at a fried chicken buffet,buy groceries, buy fuel, update social media, etc. You know it's a hiker place when they sell individual Ziploc bags. Little John and MJ were already here so it was good to see them again. MJ has to fly out to return to work in Minnesota, but LJ is going all the way like me. The youngins left this AM and are about 6 miles ahead, so we'll probably all catch up in the next week. I'm feeling stronger but now my pack has 7 days food and is damn heavy. Trying to get a friend to mail my lighter sleeping bag so I have it before the Smokey Mountains next week. That will be rough and I will go as light as possible. I also found out today that Tron is at mile 861. Will be able to rest a day or two with his family, but man that's a long way away. Oh well. One step at a time.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Big effing climb
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

About to get back on the trail. With 6 days food (leftovers on day 7) my pack weight is at 34.5 lbs all in with food and water. Over time I may carry less food and I'm hauling frozen meat instead of just tuna packs and spam.Starting out the day hiking up up up. Will probably lose some body weight (yah!). Will update later.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Big effing climb

To: Whiteoak Stamp
Miles today: 13.0

In order for Georgia to say goodbye she led us up a climb that never seemed to end. About an hour before the top of the ridge in NC, I also got dumped on by buckets of rain with hail and lightening thrown in for good measure. Folks who were already over the last ridge never got it. It was nice finishing the first state Northbound (nobo) on the AT. Unfortunately there was a lot of trash. That is inexcusable. There are volunteers who police it but they shouldn't have to. Anyway, the day almost ended at Muskrat Creek shelter with an extremely attractive college professor. Between her class, the other thru hikers, and section hikers the place was way beyond capacity. After dinner LJ and I left the snoring German at the shelter and went ahead a mile to camp. Nice quiet site.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Whiteoak Stamp

To: South of Betty Creek
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

I wrote an awesome entry and lost it. About 5500 people started this year. 25% already dropped out. The Smokies are coming up and they are no joke. I feel good and stronger every day. I am camped in a bear preserve so I hope to get a shot at the Smokies. Night.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: South of Betty Creek

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

slept 12 hours and didn't get going until 11 AM. Guess I needed it. I did want to catch up with some folks I've gotten to like but there are plenty of miles left for that. I began the day hiking down a ridge toward Albert Mtn. Albert includes an approx 500 foot gain in less than a quarter mile. Almost climbing on all fours. There is a fire tower at the top and the views were epic. I'll try to load the panoramic shots. At the base of the tower I met some guys backpacking with their dad and another friend. They all had bourbon and offered me some. The next 3 miles flowed by quite well. I cooked dinner later on and bagged it up hoping to catch the others ahead on trail before I settled in. I got to Winding Stair Gap just as it was getting dark. It took awhile but I was able to hitch a ride with a guy toward Franklin, NC to pick up beverage and snacks. Todd was going to pick up bouncy castles he had set up earlier in the day (parties) before returning past where I got picked up. So I had a chance to hang with Todd (aka Toad) and enjoyed good conversation about a lot of things before retiring to my campsite for the night. All together an awesome day.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

I found out the friends I had been looking for (Bear Crew) were camped 0.2 miles ahead of me the night before. I missed all their shenanigans! They had a bag of cheeseburgers and a box of wine. Who wouldn't enjoy that? My original plan was to make the Nantahala Outdoor Center on Tuesday. The weather this Sunday was epic, so I caught up to LJ and we wound up 15 miles out from the NOC at Licklog Gap. Even though I hiked all day I was dreaming of food and wound up eating another dinner at midnight by a nice fire reading Travels with Charley (thanks Joy!). It's down to about 40 at night in the mountains so fire good.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Licklog Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

NC mountains are triple that in PA. Beautiful, but tough. We needed to make some elevation and then drop over 3000 feet to the NOC. When we leave, we'll be climbing out toward the Smokies with the same gain. Damn. I'm writing this after having gained the NOC, eaten good pizza, showered, had a beer and washed my clothes in the sink. We rented a trailer with cable and I'm Chillin with Walker Texas Ranger. If I had to walk up that mountain tomorrow I doubt I could. I'm not taking photos, but I lost a lot of skin on my heels. The opinion of the salesperson was off. I'll be trying to get my old size shoes from REI. I'm sure we'll work something out. Else I'll be upset and they'll still have my money. At least I made friends with the neighbors and was invited to a bonfire, but I'm about to turn in. Looking forward to eggs tomorrow. Hopefully I'll cook a batch of meatballs for the crew (or just me). This place is big enough for all 8 of us.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I entered my first 4 mail drops. I am about to walk up into the Smokies, so if you are interested in sending something I won't be able to exchange emails for the Hot Springs drop. Please note the others drops. Folks ask what I eat and it's a mix of bars, snickers and dinners are typically noodles with chicken or tuna. Mountain House and Backpacker Pantry entrees are also appreciated. Just leave a note in the guest book if you intend to send something. Please note I listed the dates for which packages need to arrive by. The post office will hold the package for me. Thanks!!
Date: 2016-05-18
To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

It was good to have coffee this AM after a good night's sleep. Had one last breakfast at the NOC then I figured out some mail drop locations. Folks have asked if they can help my hike and I could use all the food I can get. There have been some unexpected gear costs for broken and worn out stuff so I'm going to be watching the budget a bit closer. This is the first time I needed to estimate mileage and dates for arriving at towns with post offices. I dated my ETA with some flex. I hope to upload lists of items that I eat and use Friday to take the guesswork out of it. Back to hiking, I'm laying in a shelter with 4 others who climbed up 3000 feet from the NOC. We're all tired. My other friends left much earlier, but we'll likely regroup at Fontana Dam on Friday. That is the entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

My legs were more tired today than ever. I hd a massive climb yesterday and wanted to get close to Fontana Dam to pick up my new shoes on Friday. About 5 PM my legs told me they were done. So I am camped out, eating a big meal and about to get a good 10 hours sleep before the last 8 miles into Fontana Dam. There is another big downhill tomorrow, which is hurting my right knee (two surgeries). We'll see how that goes.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

OK, so I made it to Fontana Dam and hitched a ride to the resort in order to make the post office in time. My package was not there. I paid extra to make sure it was, but money does not always fix things. Long story short it had gotten lost and the post master drove it out to the resort after hours. In the meantime I had to cancel the order and send for new shoes that wouldn't reach me until after the Smokies. I am in the resort lobby entering this and wearing my new shoes. Will need to figure out how to settle up with REI and take care of the $280 worth of charges out there on my debot card.At least the AT shelter here is posh. There is a shower house with really hot water, good for laundry and smelling much better. My knee is swollen up pretty bad so I will be hanging around the resort today before entering the Smokies Sunday. Hope if shrinks a bit. Will ice it. In the meantime there is a Nissan Z rally here with hundreds of really cool cars. I don't have a cool car but I am the only one here walking around in a kilt. It's a conversation starter.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A zero today at Fontana Dam. There is a shower house here, which is excellent. I did hike a few mikes to the neighboring resort to try my new shoes. All seems well. Today will be about washing clothes, eating, and some fishing in the lake. We can hear all the Z cars from the rally but they have quiet hours too. That's cool. New people are showing up at the shelter so there are more and more interesting people to meet.
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge
Miles today: 13.0

I'm in the Smokies! We started shortly after 9 AM and climbed up over 3000 feet to the shelter where I am now. It's been quite a day. Came across a snake early on then I rounded a corner and saw the largest black bear (that I've come across). Luckily we had a small group together and were able to make the bear leave the trail. I had planned to use my phone for photos but it takes a while to get it out of the pack, turn it on, etc. Perhaps I'll pick up a small camera or borrow one if someone could include it in a mail drop. I'm thinking something slim that I can hang on my pack strap. Anyway, even though we had to climb a lot today the gradient wasn't too steep. The trail is in great shape and the woods are almost magical. I've never been here and now wonder why it took so long. The peaks are rolling and the next week will be mostly around 5000 feet above sea level. Nice cool nights. Good for sleeping. My permit gives me 8 days to finish this section but I think 5 will be enough. That will depend on my right knee. At least I have the new shoes and got rid of the ankle problem. I fell behind the people I was with before since I needed an extra day off. Now I am hiking with a Marine (Dreamchaser) and a cool guy from New Zealand (Kiwi Ben). Good times.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Mollies Ridge

To: Derricks something
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: fog

I thought I might cover 18 miles today to hit my mail drop from Superhiker before the holiday weekend in Hot Springs. I'd need to make up time to get there by Saturday the 28the. I hiked about 8 miles today and knew I'd only cover 12 instead of 18. There was a bear attack here about a week ago and they closed off a shelter and limited access to another, for use at utmost need with an electric fence. So my planned 15 mile days must be 18 or now 12. Oh well. Not much to say today. Someone built a fire to burn garbage (not supposed to do that). I set up my tent in the wrong spot and got totally smoked out. I moved it, but can't see myself sitting around the fire right now. At least the hike was beautiful today. Still love the Smokies.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Derricks something

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.0

Problem is food again. Adding days to the next resupply requires more than my reserve. Today was going to be 14.5 miles up and over the highest point on all of the AT, or split into a 7 and 11 mile pair to work in a town run. Kiwi Ben and I plan to hitch into Gatlinburg tomorrow after about 11 miles, taking time at Clingmans Dome (elevation 6643 ft). Shuttle costs add a ton to the grocery bill. There doesn't seem to be a hostel or campground so that sucks too. Once we get back to trail it is 3 miles uphill - so a flophouse hotel is in order to avoid hiking uphill at night. I'll also try couchsurfing, but won't expect much in small towns. The hiking today was easy (short). A guy named Frog has knee problems and is slowly working toward the next road out. We're in a national park known for mountain wilderness, so there ain't many roads. I'm approaching the point where 50% of all those who started have dropped out. Right now I'm just trying to adjust my earplugs so I don't kill the kid next to me who snores like a champ (in shelter tonight). I think I'll make it. Also, I just went out to relieve myself and saw two wild boar next to our shelter. You don't see that every day. There is a lot of sign down here, but I hadn't seen any yet. I'm on the upper sleeping platform about 5 feet off the ground. I warned the guys on the bottom level......Not sure I'd like being in my tent tonight. It works out when there are 8 tents, but one solo tent near a shelter is asking for trouble.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: broken clouds

OK. So today started out with a short hike to Clingmans Dome, which is the 200 mile mark. From there 4 of us were to be picked up and driven to Gatlinburg for resupply and awesomeness of showers. Our driver was a bit confused and after a couple hours he finally showed up then overcharged us. I'll hitch next time. So, got to a super cheap motel and yes, total Jerry Springer but I loved it. Got to see how much a tourist trap Gatlinburg is. It's cool if that's your thing. I skipped the moonshine tasting lest I never buy food or get my laundry done. Later in the evening we did have a bunch of hikers and bourbon and live music on the motel porch. That was awesome. I posted a video clip of Kiwi Ben jamming on the guitar on FB. Good times.