morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter

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

BUFFET...TN!Very difficult getting out of the sleeping bag this morning! Very cold and sleeted all night, but the best night of sleep so far on the trail.  Skies cleared after Clingmans  Dome and temperature got warmer as elevation decreased. Got to US 441, Newfound Gap Gatlinburg, TN and decided to take the shuttle into town and eat at  Shoney's (only all you can eat place in Gatlinburg). Got some new sunglasses, chums, and fuel.  Ended up buying some gloves from a section hiker named Van who had an extra pair for 10 bucks.  It took me 45 minutes to find a ride back. A girl named Ana from Franklin NC brought me back to Newfound Gap, then I hiked in the rain to Icewater Spring Shelter.  Close to 14 miles hiked today.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

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

Quite a day! Terrible weather. I'm looking foward to getting out of the Smoky Mountains!  No bears...just wild pigs, strong wind gusts,  rain, snow, hail (golf size), and sleet. Pelted twice today with hail and it hurt!  Tried hiding under a huge tree...didn't work.  Had to suck it up and keep trekking.There was an awesome view just outside of Clingmans Dome yesterday  that didn't last long. Staying at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter.  About 12 miles hiked today. Headed to Davenport Gap Shelter tomorrow, then taking a Nero for Saturday with the wife and kids!
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

God was good to me today!  Skies cleared and I hiked around 15 miles in 6 hours.  Got to Davenport Gap Shelter at about 1:40 and decided to relax the rest of the day. A hiker named Oak that I haven't seen since Hiawassee arrived later. Oak Hitchhiked with me and Firebreak to the Hiawassee Inn a little over a week ago.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Davenport Gap

To: Davenport Gap, Tenn.32, N.C. 284
Miles today: 0.9

Hiked about a mile to the road from the shelter expecting Amanda and the kids at any minute. There were a couple of hikers standing at the road when I got there and about 3 seconds later Amanda pulled up. Pretty good timing I thought and the hikers thought it was pretty good timing as well. We stayed at the Red Roof Inn in Newport, TN and I took advantage of the amenities...shower,hot tub and indoor pool! Awesome seeing the family. Probably won't be getting together as often the further I get on the trail. Wow, can't believe I'm on the AT! It's been more than I've expected and tougher than anything I've ever done. I'm looking foward to the days ahead!
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Davenport Gap, Tenn.32, N.C. 284

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked around 22 miles to Walnut Mountain Shelter today after Amanda dropped me off at the trailhead.  Hiked with a guy that I met at Siler Bald Shelter (in GA).  His trail name is Johnny Walker.  We walked up on trail magic today.  Had a hamburger, baked beans, an orange, a few strawberries, some Pringles, a banana, and a drink.  Awesome!  Today was the first day without hunger pains!
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: US 25 & 70
Miles today: 19.0

Johnny Walker and I were the only hikers at Walnut Mtn Shelter.  I slept pretty good, and getting going this morning was a lot easier since we were the only hikers there. For the first time, I didn't have to wait for the privey! Johnny Walker was my hiking partner again today.  We hiked around 19 miles to a little past US 25 & 70..  We missed our planned campsite so ended up putting our tents up along the trail ( not an actual campsite).  Hiked through Hot Springs NC today, ate lunch, and bought light weight trail shoes.  Shipped my boots and down jacket back home to drop weight.  Hot Springs is the smallest town I've ever been in. I would say 20 minutes to walk through entire town...no kidding!
Date: 2012-05-01
From: US 25 & 70

To: Log Cabin Drive
Miles today: 10.4

Hiked close to 11 miles today to a Hostel right off Log Cabin Drive. I was planning on pushing to Jerry Cabin Shelter but something came up at home that I need to take care of. Amanda is on her way to pick me up. I will have a zero day tomorrow taking care of business at home and the plan is to be back on the trail Thursday. I've started planning 20 mile days. My body feels good so time to step it up a little bit. Now the trick is keeping my weight up. Lost 10 lbs since I've started!
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Log Cabin Drive

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: broken clouds

While I was home, I took the car to get an oil change and tire rotation,  went to Walmart  to grab a few things for the trail, and did a few other tasks that needed to be done. Afterwards, I was back on the trail so I ended up not taking a zero after all.. Amanda drove us 3 and a half hours and dropped me off at Log Cabin Drive.  I hiked around 3 miles to Little Laurel Shelter. It's always difficult watching Amanda drive away because I miss her and the kids so much.  I had to keep telling myself after she left that I'll see them again soon!  Crossed paths with Johnny Walker today as he was heading south.  He decided to take the slack packing offer at the hostel on Log Cabin Drive.  He left his backpack there (at the hostel) and got dropped off 19 miles north on the trail and hiked back south to the hostel.  Couple of hikers here At this shelter I know...Oak, Knief, and Freefall.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked close to 22 miles today.  Man it was tough! Temperature is upper 70's, low 80's .  Stopping a lot more for water fill ups.  Had great views off Blackstack Cliffs...could see for miles. Lots of flowers on the trail, nice aroma. Took a picture of a cool bloom. I'm Not really a botanical dude, but is was pretty.  Staying at Hogback Ridge Shelter tonight.  I'm exhausted... Should sleep good.  Oak and Knief are here.
Date: 2012-05-04
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: light rain

Great day for hiking.  Temperature a little lower, less water stops. Another 20 miles plus today.  Great views off Big Bald.  Passed a hiker (trail name Sampson) picking ramps.  Ramps are a type of onion that grow out here.  I tried one and it was spicy. Would be great to cook with!  Also hiked a mile or so with the Middlebury's.  Mrs. Middlebury hiked 700 miles of the AT last year but had to get off the trail due to her dog dying and other personal issues. She decided to try again this year with her husband, but he's decided to end his journey today because he hasn't been enjoying it.
Date: 2012-05-05
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Woke up this morning to the sound of rain.  Hiked close to six miles to Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin, TN in the rain.  Lots of hikers here I haven't met before having a good time (cinco de mayo).  Had to wait 2 hours for shuttle into town for all-you-can-eat pizza and the grocery store. Asked a lady named Barbara in the grocery line if she would take me back to the hostel and she "yes".  Hiked another 4 miles to Curley Maple Gap Shelter.  Don't know any of the hikers at this shelter.  Looks like two hikers are taking the challenge to hustle back down the trail  (8 total miles in the rain) and get 24 beers with two large pizzas.  CRAZY! The challenge rules are written on the shelter.  Hope they make it back.  Probably won't get any sleep! Still a restful day.  Planning to do back to back 20's!
Date: 2012-05-06
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't get any sleep last night.  This group of hikers at Curley Maple Gap Shelter partied all night long. I can't wait to put miles between them and me! Left the shelter early since I planned a 22 mile day.  Saw my first bear! It was a very cute bear with no momma bear in sight.  The cub took one look at me and ran off.  After a minute or so I started hiking again. Disappointed I couldn't get a pic. Met a couple further up the trail and they took pics of the same bear cub.  The momma bear must have been off looking for food.  Staying at Clyde Smith Shelter tonight with new hikers.  Started raining 1 mile before the shelter.  Should sleep good tonight!
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: US 19E - Roan Mtn, TN
Miles today: 23.5

Slept decent last night.  Hiked around 22 plus today. Morning started with lots of bright red or orange lizards on the trail.  May have stepped on a few not knowingly. Spectacular views after Yellow Mtn Gap and going up Little Hump Mtn.  Very grueling and strenuous hike starting with Roan Mtn, then the Balds, and finally Little Hump Mtn. Had a friend and her husband (Christina and Randy) pick me up at US 19E. They bought my dinner, gave me a place to stay for night, and cooked breakfast...awesome! Suppose to rain today.  Will have to go to the Mountain Harbor Hostel tomorrow and wait for my package from Amanda.  Hopefully it will be there soon so I can get more miles in...
Date: 2012-05-08
From: US 19E - Roan Mtn, TN

To: Abby's Memorial Hostel - Viewpoint at mile 401.7
Miles today: 12.1

Found out from Mary (owner of Mountain Harbor Hostel) that my package from Amanda came in on Monday.  It was beside the bed that I had reserved but forgot to cancel.  Oops! Anyway, got refueled (thanks to my awesome wife) and took off on the trail since half the day had gone by before I figured out where my package was.  Hiked close to 12 miles which included a cool waterfall.  Decided to stay at Abby's Place Hostel off of View Point. Ended up being me and one other hiker staying here. Funny Bones whose staying upstairs, gave me a  pizza.  I ate it whole!  I have downstairs all to myself.  So glad I decided to stay here!
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Viewpoint 

To: Dennis Cove - Kincora Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: moderate rain

Hiked to Kincora Hostel, about 12 miles. Rained the entire hike.  It's not really fun hiking in the rain for 6 hours because it's difficult to stop for a break or to eat snacks. Had to stop at a shelter and remove my wet clothes so I wouldn't get hypothermia. Got some bad news, Knief, a hiker I see often on the trail, fell and hurt his knee.  He told me a couple of days ago at Mountain Harbor Hostel he fell, but I didn't know how bad it was. One hiker here said he was limping pretty bad.  Hope he is okay and will be back on the trail soon!   Metric and Sticks are here. I see them a lot as well.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: Dennis Cove - Kincora Hiking Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Slept great last night! Got going early this morning. Skies cleared.  Hiked around 18 miles to Vandeventer Shelter.  Don't know any hikers here.  Oak, now called Bombedill (character from one of "The Lord of the Rings" books), arrived later.  Had my first fall today, pretty scary.  I was coming down a craggy rock trail to Laurel Fork Falls.  Wasn't really keeping an eye on the AT paint marks.  Got to bottom of falls, took some pictures, then continued the wrong way for about 20 yards up more rocks. I didn't see white paint marks anywhere so I turned around and thereafter lost my footing because I wasn't paying full attention to the rocks I was stepping on.  Fell backwards on my backpack and had to quickly unsnap my straps from my backpack before it took me down the rocks with it!  Close call.  No damage done, a MIRACLE! Not long after that, a hiker I see often, trail name Arius from Lithuania, showed me the switchback which I totally missed due to being distracted by the beautiful Falls.  Arius hiked the AT to New Hampshire in 2006, fell and broke his ankle, then finally finished 2 years later.  He's trying again to thru-hike all the way this time.
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Great day for a hike. Hiked 23 miles plus today. Great views this morning from Vandeventer Shelter. Can't wait to get to Damascus tomorrow to EAT! I told Oak I didn't like his new trail name and will continue to call him Oak. He was cool with that. Not sure he liked Bombedill either. A few other hikers here I haven't met. Still hiking solo, but Oak is ending up at the same shelters or campsites as me. Oak is from Missouri and carries a big Oak stick.
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Virginia, yeah man!! Did 10 miles into Damascus in 3 hours and 25 minutes.  I was in a hurry to get some new boots, ship old shoes back before the post office closed, and eat somewhere that serves breakfast. Right before I got into town, I walked up on a deer on the trail while talking to Amanda on my cell. I put her on hold so I could take a pic. Phone died before I could get pic of the deer and also while I was still on the phone with Amanda. Walked to within 10 feet of the deer before it finally ran off. Ended up eating at Mojo's (a breakfast, smoothie, sandwich, and coffee place)...very good!   I left my gear at the Damascus Methodist Hostel (The Place) where I called Amanda back. Need to resupply, then will decide to move on further up the trail or to stay at the Hostel. Well, decided to hike about 9 more miles to Saunders Shelter. Rain is in the forecast for the next few days.  19 plus hiked today total.  Arius was at the Hostel in Damascus and would not let me get back on the trail until my hiking stick was fixed. The footing had come off so Arius took both my hiking sticks to Mt. Rogers Outfitters and got them fixed. He told me that finishing the trail at Katadin would be enough repayment...pressure! I think Arius is God sent.  There's 5 more guys at this shelter I've never met.  I got here kind of late so everyone was either asleep or getting ready to be asleep.  Snores of THUNDER!  Going to be a long night...
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Va. 600, Elk Garden
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Not motivated at all this morning!  Last night while I was filtering my water, I heard noise behind the shelter.  I shined my head lamp towards the commotion and saw 2 big glowing eyes looking right at me about 15 yards away. Thought it might be a bear but after further evaluation, turned out to be a deer.  Hiked 14 or so today in the rain. Decided to tent camp since I was cold and the rain wasn't letting up.  The rain turned into sleet on Whitetop mountain.  Camped at Va. 600, Elk Garden.  Oak is camped beside me.
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Va. 600, Elk Garden

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up to rain.  Decided to eat a couple of honey buns and drink a protein shake hoping the rain would let up...not! The rain turned into a light sprinkle around 10am and I took my tent down.  Pretty much hiked in rain all day.  Ran into some wild ponies in Grayson Highlands State Park which was the high point of the day.  They are used to people and one walked up the trail where me and High Gear were standing, so we took some good pics.  Hiked around 15 miles today to Old Orchard Shelter.  Few hikers here I know from a previous shelter I stayed at...Profit and Cane Cutter.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Va. 16 Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters
Miles today: 24.8

Hikes close to 25 miles today. Not really any views today. Got to Va. 16 and hitchhiked to Marion to the Virginia House Inn. Me and Highgear split the motel bill. Got my laundry done and I plan on getting my package tomorrow morning. Didn't take long finding a ride from the Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters. A very nice lady named April took us to the motel. The motel owner dropped us off at the laundry place and we walked back to the motel afterwards. Took the best shower at this place since I've been on the trail! Definitely recommend this motel! My tent was still totally soaked from all the rain so I hung my tent on the air condition unit. Should be dry by tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-16
From: Va. 16 Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters

To: Va. 683, U.S. 11, I-81 Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked to Va. 683, U.S. 11, I-81 Atkins, VA around 11 miles to the Relax Inn.  Ate the pound burger at the Barn Restaurant everyone has been talking about with Highgear.  He moved on while I stayed  in Atkins, VA to get my Trail shoes overnighted to me.  The new shoes I bought in Damascus shredded my feet so I dumped them.  What a waste of money!  Will never do that again. Great hike today over a few mountains on the way to Atkins. The Settlers Museum was also pretty cool although a little spooky because it seemed abandoned.  Weather was perfect for hiking. Marian, VA was very hiker friendly. Yesterday after breakfast at the Super Grove Diner, a nice man that had finished eating there took me to the post office to pick up my package and while walking to the motel another man named Shannon gave me a ride back.  Then the shuttle came directly to the Virginia House Inn and took me and Highgear back to the trail. Doesn't get any better than that!
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Va. 683, U.S. 11, I-81 Atkins, VA

To: Brushy Mtn
Miles today: 12.6

Woke up and went to the Barn Restaurant for breakfast. Oak and a few other hikers I've met on the trail were there.  Afterwards, I went back to the motel and waited on FedEx to deliver my shoes. Oak and the other hikers decided to go to Trail Days in Damascus. I chose to skip Trail Days and to stick to the trail! FedEx got to the Relax Inn around 1:30pm.  Checkout was at 11:00am so I hung out with a couple of hikers who checked in today, Canecutter and Profit (both from Alabama) until my shoes arrived.  Saw Knief, Metrix, and Sticks when I got back on the trail.  They also were headed back to Trail Days. The trail today went through a pasture with cows all around.  Had to be careful not to step in cow poop.  Hiked about 12 miles to a campsite at Brushy Mtn. I had planned to stay at Knot Maul Branch Shelter but that changed due to an incoming storm. I had to quickly put my tent up before the rain started.
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Brushy Mtn

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: broken clouds

Tweaked my knee last night putting tent up.  Felt it all day today.  Hiked around 22miles and the weather was perfect. Not sure how my knee will do tomorrow but do know I will definitely take it easy! Ate lunch and called Amanda at Chestnut Knob Shelter.  It's the first fully enclosed shelter I've come across. The eating tables were inside the shelter along with raised wooden beds.  Caught back up with Highgear at Jenkins Shelter where I'm staying for the night.  Highgear explained how a girl wrote in the shelter journal about a bear that messed with her tent.  Not long after that, a black bear was 30 yards in front of us.  I got a pic before one of the hikers staying at the shelter threw a rock at it.  It ran off but not far then circled around the shelter and later disappeared.
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked around 14 miles to Helveys Mill Shelter. Knee felt stiff but seems to be getting better. I will continue to baby it until it's 100%. Me and Highgear Hooked up with some cool section hikers from Canada, Blue and Green who stayed in Bland at a motel while me and Highgear continued on. Best hike so far. Didn't look at my trail companion all day due to the great company we had. Green may be finished hiking but I may meet up with Blue later on the trail if he decides to do more sections. I could tell Blue was enjoying his section hike a lot. Highgear and I shuttled into town as well and ate at Dairy Queen and resupplied at the Dollar General. We took showers at the Motel that Blue and Green were staying at. Finally Hitchhiked back to the trail, then hiked to the shelter. Everyone here hit the sack early. I stayed up sitting at the fire updating my journals. Great day!
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Dismal Creek Falls
Miles today: 18.2

Hiked around 18 miles with Highgear to Dismal Creek Falls today. Another great day for hiking. My Knee felt a lot better, but still a little sore.  Had one great view on Brushy Mtn. We stopped at Trent's Grocery Store, .3 miles west on Va. 606  and I had a double cheeseburger, onion rings, coke, and a chocolate milkshake. Also got a few more snacks and dinners for the trail. We thought about moving on past Dismal Creek but someone had wrote on the Dismal Creek sign "Great swimming hole",  so we decided to check it out.  Glad we did because it had great campsites by a huge waterfall and there was a great swimming spot so we took the plunge, then put our tents up. The water was ICE COLD! Afterwards, we chatted with a couple of hikers, Jungle Cat and Happy Trout by the fire and then hit the sack.  Over 600 miles hiked of the AT!
Date: 2012-05-21
From: Dismal Creek Falls

To: Sugar Run Gap - Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: mist

Hiked from Dismal Falls to Woods Hole Hostel about 12 miles. Had a great dinner! Helped cleaned kitchen and then it was ice cream time. Owner of Hostel called me "Hot Stuff". Planned a short day to rest the knee. Highgear will be off the trail for 6 days starting today. He's been a great hiking partner. Hopefully, we'll meet up again later up the trail.  Looking foward to my zero this weekend with the family. Called Amanda and she told me Roan (my son) broke his arm falling off his friend's trampoline.  He will have to have surgery to fix it. She told me not to worry and to stay on the trail.  I wish I would have been there!
Date: 2012-05-22
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked around 17 miles to Rice Field Shelter.  Knee feels good now but the front of my left ankle hurts since I've been putting most of my weight on it to help heal my knee.  Now, I'll have to be easy on my ankle. Oh well, guess that's what happens when hiking the AT! Amanda texted me today saying Roan's surgery went well.  Looking foward to seeing him this weekend. Had to hike in a bad thunderstorm today for about an hour until I got to the Shelter. Water was flowing like a river down the trail and was above my ankles!  I was frozen when I got to the shelter which was full of hikers who nicely made room for one more. Warmed up fast after I changed into dry clothes.  Looks like there is rain in the forecast for the next few days.
Date: 2012-05-23
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

5/23Hiked 16 plus to Bailey Gap Shelter today. Really foggy kind of spooky trek this morning. Got off the trail and Resupplied in Pearisburg, found a Chinese buffet, then got back on the trail.  Rain held off but did sprinkle a time or two. Been meeting up with a hiker named Not Worthy. He's sectioning the AT, doing 200 miles a year of the trail until he finishes it. Got to the shelter early so decided to hang drenched clothes from yesterday So they'd not be as soaked. Only other hiker here is Slim Pilgrim.  Relaxing hike, still taking it easy...
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked over 21 miles to Sarver Hollow Shelter. Not Worthy and a couple of other hikers stayed here as well. The Shelter was a half mile off the trail and was built not that long ago. Met up with Not Worthy a few times today and we hiked several miles together. Azaleas are in bloom. When I get back, I'm going to get me some flame azaleas and plant them in the front yard!  Skies cleared after noon which made the hike even better! Got a picture of the big Keffer Oak. Didn't really notice how big it was until I saw myself in the picture standing next to it. Knee and ankle feeling a lot better!