morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Springer Mountain

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 1  Hiking Day 1Monday, March 26Start Location: Springer Mountain - 0.00End Location: Gooch Gap Shelter - tented - 15.8Time: 6h 48minWeather: unseasonably warm 75-78Hiker:Wind-walker (Indian culture quiet disposition),  zip code (retired postal worker), jonnie 5 (after robot movie, bob, ex-navy), Ron (bucket - wife likes buckets and this is on his bucket list), Funny bone - orthopedic surgeon - 67, TurtleBob (never talked or came out of the lower level.) and an older couple doing a section.Started out pretty much as anticipated. Up just  before seven.  Ready packed.  Breakfast at 7:30. All you can eat scrambled eggs, waffles, juice, coffee, oatmeal, but bummer, no meat.  Everybody finished and then we ended up waiting about 10 extra minutes for bob to appear.  Was not at breakfast,  never said a word,did not look very happy.  It seemed he was going to slack to Neels Gap.  Dropped off at the base of Springer then up a mile to the top.  The ATC caretaker Many Sleeps has retired and has been replaced by Many miles, a younger guy. Took a quick picture, and away I went.  Left Springer just after 10 as anticipated.  Past several hikers on the way to Hawk Mountain Shelter.  Reached there at 1.  Got water, and left. The sun was out and without the forest canopy, the sun beat down on you.  Used up water early. Sassafras Mountain hit me hard.  Need to watch the water more with this heat.  Started to cramp badly in the legs.  Out of water, legs ramping things did not look good already.  Of course what was on the other side of sassafrass?  Trailajic compliments of the U.S. military.  The Rangers are doing their war game training in this area and had placed a larger drum on wheels of water.  And since the spicket worked why not,  in a way a paid for it anyways.  Took about two liters, rested a bit and tried the next climb for the second time.  Got up, still cramping made it to the shelter.  Set up my tarp in a crappy area since all the tent site are taken with me coming on later.  The nice weather is causing everyone to tent and the shelter only has a couple people in it.  I ate my tuna.  Had to us a calling card as my fork since I packed my spork with my  cook pot which I will pick up in about 8 days.  I will try to get a plastic fork at Neels Gap.  Oh well, not a tragedy.  Kind of a new thing. Now 8:15.  Could hear the machine gun fire and other explosions just on the other side of the ridge.  Saw the miltary vehicles several tomes today so it must be a big training day.   Getting dark and cooling off.  Supposed to be 37 tonight.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Bull Gap - Tenting Area
Miles today: 17.1

Day 2  Hiking Day 2Tuesday, March 27Start Location: Gooch Gap Shelter - 15.8End Location: Bull Gap - tented - 32.9Time: 5h 43minWeather: unseasonably warm 75-78Hiker: Stinger pct cdtCold mornings are alway hard to get going and this was no exception.  Got out of the bag at 8:10, left shelter at 9:00.  Night was cold, maybe 40 or so.  At 4:15 one of the Ranger groups must have been not 200 yards away.  They were doing their Ranger chants and then you could hear the lead guy giving directions.  And of course there was more gun fire and explosions later on.  Odd how these guys volunteer to earn their living with people shooting at them and things blowing up around them.  Night was good as much as I did not cramp up while in my tent.  That would really suck since it is hard to get out of.  Legs were sore all day.  Arrived at Woody Gap and had some trail magic from 6 nice ladies.  Two hotdogs, chips, soda and an apple.  Nice.  Made it to Woods hole shelter and thought about moving on but with my legs screaming I thought I would stay.  Got to the Shelter and it was empty.  Read the journal and it seemed that it was missing a positive vibe.  Not many people stay there.  So I walked back to the trail and made it to Neels Gap.  Picked upmy mail drop and some food and hiked it to here.  Another long way to water but a really good source.  Temps are dropping and so is the sun.  A good hiking day.  Food bag hung.  Time to get ready for bed.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Bull Gap - Tenting Area

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 3 - Hiking Day 3Wednesday, March 28Start Location: Bull Gap - 32.9End Location: Tray Mountain Shelter - shelter - 50.5Time: 8h 29minMiles: 17.6Weather: unseasonably warm Day 75-78.  Night 45Hiker: Stinger, Dingo, Old School, Snipe (6),Day started earlier.  Set my alarm for 7.  Barely heard it go off.  3 other tent were there.  Stinger, a dad and his son out for spring break, and one other thru but I did not get to talk to him since he was tented on the other side of the trail.  Still a bit stiff and sore. Slept ok but waking up several times.  Not overly chilly so I was reasonable warm although I did wear my wind shirt to sleep.  On the trail at 7:45 second to Stinger.  About a mile in came across aseveral other ten area.  Two girls came hiking south, gave a half smile and passed.  Another 1/4 mile I came across anothe tent site with a guy leaning against a tree.  Said hi as I passed and he asked if we had any bears last night.  As it turns out the two girls were with him and were headed back to resupply at Neels Gap since a bear got their food bag during the night.  Said it came into camp, they shooed it away  and it came back later for their food.  I had way to much weight since my resupply so I gave him about a pound of my snacks.  Went on my way. Made it to Low Gap Shelter around noon.  Stinger was there resting and eating with Dingo.  I got water, ate, big the head, talked and left out first.  Came across a few south-bounders.  Then a dad and his 8 year old daughter came passed.  Ends up she is finishing the Georgia section this year.  Very impressive at only 8.  Dad (Old School) indicated a 10 year old girl named Sunshine was supposed to be stating the AT in a bit.  I am sore as I just pushed it too far on Day 1.  Still have not recovered.  About a mile before the shelter my ankle gave out and I took a tumble down the hill.  I was expecting this but just not this early.  Of course the downslope was to my left so I ended up rolling twice before I was able to grab onto a small tree.  I cannot believe how quickly this all happens.  I remember when it happened my first thought was "so here it goes again".  When I climbed back to the trail all was fine.  Nothing fell out of my pack, no big cuts and even my ankle felt fine. Brushed myself off and within about 3 minutes I was back hiking.  If this happened just 200 yards back it would have been on a rock slide and I am sure the outcome would be a lot worse.  Made it to the shelter around 4 and no one was there.  Completely empty.  This hike is very different already since the warm weather allowed most people to start early.  No crowds at all so far.  Stinger made it in shortly after me then later came two section hikers.  I stayed in the shelter with one of the section hikers.  Supposed to be a touch warmer tonight but the wind blowing a bit.  8:30.  Dark. Time for bed.
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Deep GapShelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 6 - Saturday, March 31Hiking Days 5 / Nero Days 1 / Zero Days 0Start Location: Deep Gap Shelter Marker 66.0Ending Location: Standing Indian Shelter marker 86.3 - shelterTime: 10h 00mMiles: 20.3Weather: morning cool , damp foggy- afternoon unseasonably warm Day 70-75 Night 47-50. Some  breeze steady rain all last night-  light rain 5 then stoppedHikers : hermies, partner girl and napster Dicks creek gap trail magicBirds singing Heard shuttle door and drive awayCrossed ga/nc borderDried bag on packHurt ankle and wrist at shelterTrail magic again at deep gap First 20 mile dayRain was steady all night.  Woke up and checked to see how the new tent was holding up.  At first check all was well. Later on I woke up again and saw drops and lot of them coming off the top.  Most of the water was coming down the seam but it did look as if se was coming through the fabric.  But it was running to the sides and out through the screen floor as intended so I went back to sleep.  By morning I could feel my socks were very wet.  Not good because that meant my bag was wet as well.   Sure enough, when I woke up my foot box was soaked and there were even small puddles on my ground sheet.  This is a bad thing when using down since once down gets wet it loses all of its ability to keep in warmth.  I also use my down best under my feet since my pad is only as long as my hip.  Fortunately it had moved up a bit and was just a touch damp.  So packed everything up wet including my tent and started on my way.  Since I was up at 7:10, I was still able to be out by 8.  The morning was very damp and foggy out. Visibility was maybe 15 feet for the first hour or so.  I could hear the birds singing so I knew the rain was over for now  Very peaceful hiking.  Then the fog started to burn off.  By the time I hit the first gap it was clear again.  When I looked up the top of the hills were still fogged in.  On my way down the hill I heard a van door slam.  At 9:15 I knew it was Shuttles driving the Haven Van.  It was funny that I could recognize the sound of the van as it drove away.  Once I hit Dicks Creek Gap the parking lot seemed rather full.  I saw a tent and suspected there might be trail magic. Sure enough Troops 24 and 65 were having a hikers feed.  Had 5 pancakes, 4 sausages, 2 helpings of cheesy scrambled eggs, and what amounted to a half pound of bacon and juice.  A great way to start a wet morning.  Crossed the GA/NC boarder.  Good day to dry the wet bag out in the netting on the back of the bag.  Hit one shelter where it seemed more like a hospital then a shelter.  One hiker had a bad achilles, another had a sprained wrist another was sick.  It was good that a paramedic hiking a few miles back. Once again at the end of the day I ran into another full trail magic.  Two burgers and a beer later, I made my way the final 0.9 to the shelter.  Finished my first 20+ day.  Sheltered with two other AT hikers.  For a bad start with a wet bag, the day turned out good.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 7 - Sunday, April 1Hiking Days 6 / Nero Days 1 / Zero Days 0Start Location: Standing Indian Shelter Marker 86.3Ending Location: Rock Gap Shelter marker 106.0- tentedTime: 7h 46minMiles: 19.7Weather: morning cool , afternoon was cooler but still unseasonably warm Day 70 Night 47- light steady breeze all dayDay was rather uneventful as AT hiking days go.  The morning started at 7:00 when my alarm went off.  Packed up quickly since I was in a shelter.  The other two hikers stayed sleeping as I left.  The trail was close so no long blue blaze to get to it.  The trails were all good with moderate inclines.  The big event was going over Albert Mountain which is a half mile of rock climbing.  Very steep, rocky climb.  The first real climb of the trail.  One thing missing on this hike was there was always a guy who did trail magic at the parking lot right before the start of the Albert climb.  Not there this year.  On the top of Albert is a watch tower that you can climb.  Since it was a nice day I climbed it and took my pictures.  When I took my phone out to use as my camera, I noticed my phone had been on.  Now there was only 25% remaining.  And for an iPhone that is not much.  I have already learned that turning your phone on uses 1%.  So by using it as a camera, just turning it on often to take a picture wears it down quickly.  Oh well.  Got to the final shelter.  Somewhat crowded.  Tent down a steep slope to the tent sites.  About 15 tenting including the German couple I saw at Dicks Creek Gap when I was being dropped off at Unicoi Gap.  Man do they have a tent that looks like it could withstand a major storm.  Their packs and equipment are exactly the same as the other.  Ate, ate again, took forever to hang my food since there were mo good hanging branches and went to sleep, again around 8:30.  The only bad part is I just missed doing back-to-back 20's by 0.3 miles.  Oh well.  Still 40 miles in two days.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Gap Road Crossing
Miles today: 9.7

Day 8 - Monday, April 2Hiking Days 6 / Nero Days 2 / Zero Days 0Start Location: Rock Gap Shelter Marker 106.0Ending Location: Wayah Gap marker 115.7 - Road crossingTime: 4h 10minMiles: 9.7 - Nero day #2Weather: morning cool , afternoon was cooler but still unseasonably warm Day 70 Night 52-55 - light steady breeze all dayUp before my alarm went off.  Broke down camp with my headlamp.  My alarm went off as I was making my way up to the shelter to use the privy.  Grabbed a bottle of water on the way up, and unstrung my food bag.  Used the privy and still out on the trail at 7:20.  A good start to a short day.  My goal is to stop at a new hostel and skip Franklin.  I sent a mail drop there.  It is good that since it is under ten miles it is a Nero and won't be considered a hiking day.  Arrived on top of Siler bald, took a picture and made a call to the hostel for a pick up.  Got picked up and now at the Aquone log cabins and hostel.  The cabins and hostel is owned and operated by Wiggy, a fellow 2010 AT thru hiker and his wife.  Arrived at noon, showered, laundry, made a pack of instant potatoes for lunch and now chilling.  Here with Bamboo Bob who also hiked the trail before, in 2001.  He taught me what is called the PCT method of hanging a bear bag which is pretty cool.  Will need to try it out next time.  At 5:30 a ham diner with all the fixings are are going to be brought up.  For $7.50 it sounds like a good deal.  So far the only dissapontment is there is no phone signal so I can't get my journals out.  Funny, I have had phone service everywhere on the trail so far but when I'm in more of a normal setting there is no service.  Go figure.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 10 - Wednesday, April 4th Hiking Days 8 / Nero Days 2 / Zero Days 0Start Location: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter Marker 136.3Ending Location: Brown Fork Gap Shelter - Mile Marker 153.1Time: 7h 55minMiles: 16.8Weather: heavy rain at  night, morning cool, humid, afternoon was cooler at first but warmed up again. Day 68-70 Night 55 - partly cloudy all day then the sounds of afternoon thunderstorms.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: GSNP Southern Terminus
Miles today: 14.0

Day 11- Thursday, April 5th Hiking Days 9 / Nero Days 2 / Zero Days 0Start Location: Brown Fork Gap Shelter - Mile Marker 153.1Ending Location: Great Smoky Mountain National Park Southern Terminus - Mile Marker 167.1Time: 5h 58minMiles: 14.0Weather: rain at night - Day 68-70 Night 50 partly cloudy all day then sounds of afternoon thunderstorms, some drizzle.  The shelter group was up early, around 6:45.  I was first out since the other three were cooking breakfast.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: GSNP Southern Terminus - The Hike Inn

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 13 - Saturday, April 7th GSNP Day 1Hiking Days 10 / Nero Days 2 / Zero Days 1Start Location: Great Smoky Mountain National Park Southern Terminus - Hike Inn - Mile Marker 167.1Ending Location: Derrick Knob ShelterMile Marker: 188.8Time: 9h 00min Miles: 21.7Weather: perfect hiking day.  Started out cooler.  50-52 Wore jacket for 1.5 hours.  Warmed up in afternoon to about 62-65. Very cold early.  45 by 4:15.  Going to 35 tonight with breeze -  tented outUp by 6:30.  A bit cold in the room.  Got up to plug in and turn on space heater.  Made coffee.  Knock on door about 7:30.  On trail at 8:00.  A good start to a long dayClimb up to Mollies Ridge Shelter was ok. Just under 3000 feet.  Hit there right at lunch time. Took out my foot long ham and cheese sub and wolfed the whole thing down and out by 12:00 noon.  Stopped at Russell Field Shelter.  Cook some chicken Ramen.  On 6.3 miles to the final shelter.  Big group but had a lot of fun talking.  Mostly older thru hikers.  Shelter is full so I get to tent out.  Very cold wind on one side of the shelter so as it got dark I decided to change location to the other side.  Interesting pitching my tent in the dark without a headlamp.  Ended up using my tiny pack light which worked great.  First time ever that I actually used my pack light.  Now in my tent.  The shelter is quiet. 9:15.  Time for sleep.  Easter tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Gap Shelter - GSNP Day 2
Miles today: 21.0

Day 14 - Sunday, April 8th - HAPPY EASTERGSNP Day 2Hiking Days 11 / Nero Days 2 / Zero Days 1Start Location: Derrick Knob ShelterMile Marker: 188.8Ending Location: Icewater Spring Gap - ShelterMile Marker: 209.8Time: 10h 23min Miles: 21.0Weather: started cold, about 35.  Cold breeze.  Stayed cooler all day.  Sunny to completely overcast to partly sunny.  High 60-62.  Now 8:15 and getting cold again.  Supposed to drop to 32-34.    Cold night.  Feet were cold most of the night.  Put my feet in my pack.  Helped a bit but not much.   Up, packed and out by 7:05.  Had to go to the bathroom but need to hike about a half mile or so.  The smokies don't believe in privy's so the have poop fields.  They are so disgusting and misused that I think their goal of spread has completely failed.  Got warmer  Took layers off. Crowded at cling mans.  Feeling weak all day. Indian gap trail  Two trail magic at newfound gap.  About 14 at shelter. More to be added when I have time.
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Icewater Spring Gap Shelter - SNP day 2

To: Cosby Knob Shelter - GSNP Day 3 - Tented
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 15 - Monday, April 9th - Happy B-Day to meGSNP Day 3Hiking Days 12 / Nero Days 2 / Zero Days 1Start Location: Icewater Spring ShelterMile Marker: 209.8 Ending Location: Cosby Knob Shelter - TentedMile Marker: 230.1Time: 9h 02min Miles: 20.3Weather: very cold in the morning - 35,  stayed cold in the morning and some wind made a very cold windchill factor.  Did not show signs of warming until about 3:00 then 55-60.  Started chilling at 5:00. Very cold already at 6:30Up at 6:15.  Snoring in the shelter.  Girl noises.  On trail at 7:05.  Wore warm cloths most of the day.  Hiked with Mr. Wrong.  Hiking was hard but doable.  Cool views.  Skipped charley bunion.  Lunch at 12:30 after 12.6 miles.  A good hiking morning.  All food is gone.  Borrowed fuel. Ridge runner in shelter.  More to be added when I have time.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Green Corner Road Crossing - Standing Bear Hostel

To: Old Roadbed - Tented
Miles today: 25.6

Day 17 - Wednesday, April 11thHiking Days 13 / Nero Days 3 /  Zero Days 1Start Location:  Green Corner Road Crossing - Standing Bear HostelMile Marker: 240.8Ending Location: Old Road - tentedMile Marker: 266.4Time: 11h 2min Miles: 25.6 Weather: very cold in the morning - 35-38 cold wind  Started with all my cloths on again.  Remained cold untill about 3:00.  Then became very cold again quicklyUp at 6:30.  Good sleep.  Coffee.  Roll.  Ate my three eggs.  Out at 8:00.  Jacket on and off then remained on.  At lunch.  Ramen.  Hit shelter.  Cold and bitter wind.  Bad shelter. Down to road.  No site. Up. Two gaps. Over and down. 4 guys at fire. Heated my hands. Nice stayed. Went back to fire.  Eureka a 2010 thru hiker out of food protein mix.  first 25+ mile day. More detail later.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Hot Springs - Alpine Court Motel

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 19 - Friday, April 13thHiking Days 14 / Nero Days 4 /  Zero Days 1Start Location: Hot Springs - Alpine Court MotelMile Marker: 274.0Ending Location: Little Laurel Shelter - ShelteredMile Marker: 293.5Time: 7h 50minMiles: 19.5Weather: cold in the morning but it seems to be warming up a bit- 38-40 Wind has settled down.  Started with windshirt. Snoring last night.  Up at 3:00 after going to bed at 11:15.  From 3 to 4 I updated my journals until the snoring subsided enough for me to go back to sleep.  I actually had a dream about my food bag and pack weight going out if town. I decided just to wake up in the morning, go to breakfast and rethink my pack weight. So that's what I did.  Breakfast was at 7:15.  I knew what I needed to do and I did it.  More good to the hiker box.  Also took just 6 ounces of fuel and left the rest.  Also decided to wait until 9:00 for the post office to open to send back so smaller items. By the time I left it was nearly 9:30 but I was feeling much better with what I have.  The hiking day was fine.  Started with just a shirt and windshirt.  A bit colder like I like it.  Took the windshirt off about two hours into my day. Did not put it back on until my hiking day was over.  Finally hit the trail magic that I missed on my other hikes.  John and Jodie Nelson provide trail magic to 400 hikers a year as part of the extension of Christian Fellowship.  They provide a choice of a main course, drinks and 5 fabulous deserts.  They do extend a Christian outreach which, when your a Christian, is very welcoming and warming.  I enjoyed my time there and wish them great success in their efforts.  Dud not leave ther until after 5:00.  With about 5+ miles to go I needed to jump it.  Passed my favorite stop at the hostel I stayed at on my previous hikes.  My goal is to either hit Erwin on day three or Nero on day four.  Either one is good but I feel a Nero would help set me up for a big push into Damascus.   When I arrived at the shelter it was completely empty.  Odd for it being nearly 7:00.  A shelter solo would be fine with me.  As it turned out Mr. Wrong made it as well as one other hiker, Steve-O.  Getting cold and dark now so time to call it a dayA nice day at that.