morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap camp
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Was way too cold last night so I ended up packed and hiking at 530 am. Moon was up and I used headlamp until sunrise. Wasn't bad all thing considered. Went a little further than bubble because I wanted the option to get to Franklin on the 10th if weather bad. Another good weather day, but friday promises rain. Sun Dance (was the apostle) is also here along with the newly named Matchstick (brett). I hiked the extra with Bark and Berry - a sweet hike indeed.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Betty Creek Gap camp

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

A bit warmer and sleeping bag was good so finally a good night rest. Crossed the 100 mile mark as well. Made the big miles today LOL. Big Tstorm over Albert Mtn so I used the bad weather bypass with lightning bolts flying overhead. I want to go to Maine, not the morgue. At the new Miss Janets - she is a nice lady =)Hiked last half with Bark and Berry again and scored a ride with them into town.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 5.9

Clay and Branch took Bark, Berry, Matchstick and myself out to dinner. They picked up to the tab too! Amazing generousity! Spent the night at the new Miss Janets. Only about 6 of the 12 beds were full. Met her and Ron Haven too. Some big trail angel names to finally meet in person =) Ron play (and sang) the guiter that was out. Never expected that, LOL, a true man of many skills.Very quick and short slackpack today. Trying to wait for my "bubble to catch up. They have been strung out due to weather.Bark and Berry were off to slackpack from one gap to the next and I was allowed to join them - Clay provided transport at each end. Was very limitted views but a fun day anyway. We started with a pancake and bacon breakfast at Clay's church then a ride up the mountain road. a few other hikers but what surprised me the most were trail angels just past Siler Bald. I got a ziplock with an orange, a small crunch bar, 3 hershey kisses, 2 mints, 12 eggs, 1 baby ruth mini, 1 tootsie roll, and a marshmellow peanut. This came from the Nantahala Hiking Club along with a "happy easter" wish. It wasn't bad to start with, but this just made it even sweeter!! Thanks Ladies. No view whatsoever but promises of big views into NOC. My first true Bald - looks like a football field just out in the middle of nowhere. one picture added from the 30th - Thanks Ryan for passing it along. Went to Fatz again. Clay and Branch once again provided wheels . Good food and great talk. Bark & Berry, Otter, "B", Jedi, Itah, myself and a new hiker to me--Jesse's Girl. Had moved to the Budget Inn earlier and shared the room with Otter. Funniest thing was Bark calling me "Fatlander" as we were talking about how much food we'd been eating.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Wayah Gap

To: Campsite after Copper Ridge
Miles today: 12.1

Dropped off with Bark & Berry--a great day to hike. I caught up with them when I reached the peak of the hill, and a parking lot--hey all you cheaters in your cars LOLThere was a stone tower and a viewing area at the top. We three ate a lunch, and then we answered questions from other tourists, and even got our picture taken.
Date: 2009-04-14
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: moderate rain

I was up at 6am, but Otter was going to hike out with me at 8am. I made breakfast out of the hiker box. Peanut butter w/honey in it and some weird multigrain bread. It worked and was free at that. I also watched Survivor on my cell while waiting =). I shared a four person bunk room. The funniest thing was the two guys who came in at 12:30 am - slightly drunk - one whacked his head on the bunk, but never said a word because we were sleeping. I saw it and watched him grab his head. It was hard not to laugh though. Up, up and more up made it easy to decide to camp with few miles. Bark & Berry were already there but they had only climbed 4.5 miles so a nero for them waiting on us. A bit rainy today but not bad when in shelter.
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Sassafras Gap 

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Pretty chilly last night. When I crossed Cheoah Bald in 1.2 miles it had rime frost on all the plants. There also was an old ammo can hanging from a tree. I carefully opened it (you never know what could be there) and singed the log in there =) Bark & Berry headed past, then Sierra Vagabond, whom I'd just started to know. I made lots of miles to shorten the day into Fontana Dam, but Bark wanted to watch Lost, and they cruised all the way to town (they'll take a zero tom.). I stopped in at Brown Fork Gap shelter to use the privy. A seat and roof w/ NO walls LOL. I still used it. Not as bad as using the woods =) and let's just say other privies have been not good! And some are full if you know what I mean.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Parking Lot NC 28
Miles today: 5.5

Pretty easy NERO, but the trail sure took a winding path to get out of the hills. I felt like the Beatles video of the Nowhere Man. I shared Bark & Berry, and Otter was next door with Redbeard (yeap another new to me hiker). Redbeard was going to zero and I was afraid he'd corrupt Otter too, but Otter was a good hiker! Split a large Digorno pizza that we cooked at the store. It took so long the the sales clerk had to stay over time! She did end up doing even more business during that time. Btw pizza was good.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Parking Lot NC 28

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

I didn't want to pay $3 for a short 2 mile ride or wait another hour plus so I was on the way to road to hitch or walk. I didn't even make it out of the parking lot, and I had a ride--sweet. Well sort of, it was to Fontana Dam shelter. Oh well! I threw pack on a park bench and jogged back to NC 28 to make the miles count. So I scored a bonus 1.1 miles =( but better than Bark & Berry. They had a 2 mile roadwalk WITH their packs. It was a long uphill and I took many breaks. At one break a small group of hikers came past, and I said they had to pay the toll. I had hardly said candy or cookies and was tossed a cereal bar. My fav flavor too.This is the first of the Smokies. You are required to self register for a backcountry permit. Then you are expected to stick to it LOL. All shelter spots are given 1st priority to section hikers, and they can bump out a thru hiker so I was glad to get in pretty early. This last part was news to me--I always assumed thru hikers had priority on the trail--interesting! (Wombat)
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Second great weather day. On average it's one day out of seven, but rain in forecast for tomorrow. I saw a little snake. About 10 inches long and skinnier than a pencil. I about walked on it, but was able "stutter" my step a second and he was gone into the grass. At the top of a grassy bald, I set up my tarp for a lunch and heard a bear. Well sort of, it was Bark pretending to be a bear, so much for that! The Shelters have been revamped with skylights - makes them much brighter and usable. A couple trail maintenance people showed up and one stayed in the shelter. You could tell he did NOT want to go to bed at 830 like the rest of us and then in the morning wanted to keep sleeping. Good luck with that LOL.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Rainy! No views, so just slogged ahead. Not bad to walk in but knew it'd be a cold one tonight. I was in my sleeping bag early. Meet Sleddog. A note on people and their trailnames. I won't even bother naming someone unless I spend some time interacting with them over time. There are just too many people out here for now. Later that might change =) I plan to get to town tomorrow.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Double Spring gap Shelter

To: New Found Gap/GATLINBURG
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

More rain and cloud. Crested highest point on the AT - Clingman's Dome with zero view!   Went up the ramp to the lookout anyway. Totally alone most of day as Otter was pressing on and Bark & Berry are a day ahead sort of. I called today a 10 plus NERO. David & Eva took me into town when I was hitching a ride. They have wanted to hike AT but have only thought about it. They ran me to town 20 miles and showed me around then dropped me off at outfitters. Thanks - you two are great!!!I needed some mac & cheese and some Jello. Hiker box had some - zero $ spent. Later I got some cereal bars from there too zero $ spent. I'd also wanted to buy a little propane can as a backup to the big can that is close to empty - and sure enough a half used little can showed up (zero $ spent) what luck! Gaie, Mary, Patience, Anything, Why-not, freebird and Sympany (and me of course) went to italian place for dinner. I'd have rather a burger I think.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: New Found Gap/GATLINBURG

To: Tricorner knob
Miles today: 15.6

Was on permit for Pecks corner, but pushed it to illegally be at Tricorner knob. Good thing too as Otter was saving me a shelter spot!Back to this morning. Shuttle (for $10) was to leave at 10am didn't want to pay or wait that long. Tried to hitch from 730 to 845 with no luck. Tucked my tail between my legs and went back to shuttle - found they were loading a 9am ride and got in on that. I was a little miffed by no ride earlier and it took until noon for me to shake my mood.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Tricorner knob

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: few clouds

I wanted the heck out of the smokies and their restrictions! I also heard everyone from last two shelters were headed to Standing Bear farm. Turns out that was a lie and hardly anyone showed up, but I flew down the trail to get a bunk. Standing Bear Farm was Awesome! I really like the set up and highly recommend it. If I was ever close again this will be a stop.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Crossed Max Patch today. A huge grassy bald. Also a big milestone in names for my trip north. I elected to press for a shelter listed as 2.0 miles beyond - according to modified wooden signs, but they lied it was only 1 mile like my map said, sigh. I wanted to be further down the trail. Otter was staying on the bald and night hiking to shelter. I saved him a spot =) and we crammed 8 in the shelter like sardines. I at least slept warm between Otter and Geia!!
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Duckett House Inn/Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Longest day ever and my first blister =( I think I got a fold in my sock, grrrr. With Hiker Fest in town I contacted Wombat day before to get a room and she did. Now a big ZERO on the 25th.Addendum: Later I walked back up town to the hiker dinner and saw tons of people. Later Good Spot, Early Beard, Bark & Berry, and Otter (and I of course) got blue bunny ice cream at the gas store right before they closed and we all sat on a wall on main street eating it. Great fun.
Date: 2009-04-25
From: Duckett House Inn/Hot Springs

To: Duckett House Inn/ Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

A grand zero with the town in hiker fest mode today. I didn't come here now for the fest, but it worked out to be a fun time. It started with the breakfast part of bed & breakfast. All the guests gathered around the family style meal. Some egg type dish, biskets and gravy and sausage links (I learned the next day when I had more that the links were veggie links - very GOOD too). I went to the library a couple times in order to get enough comp time to update journal. Thanks for reading :-)At the B&B is Gray Jay, Bear Claw (I think), and Johnie Blaze. It came up that Gray Jay is headed to Hemlock Hollow so I asked if she could take my pack (she said YES). I offered it to Otter and Bark & Berry, but they all said no =( I mostly hung out with Gray Jay and even helped take down the booth when it was over - I figured I owed them some time for my slackpack.As I was getting my gear together, I found a small twig in the heal of the boot - so that is what gave me the blister. After 15 miles everything hurts a bit and a little more pain of a new blister gets missed. Oh well.Old note: Back at NOC I paid for Bark & Berry's dinner as a 1 year anniv. present.
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Duckett House Inn/ Hot Springs

To: Hemlock Hollow
Miles today: 16.3

As I passed Blue Grass (as in Kentucky), he said he'd have taken a slack today LOL. As it was I was on to a new map side. I forgot to mention that map three was done when I left the smokies. Pretty easy slack, but I had to filter water at every source - it was a hot one! The hostel was good. So good Blue Grass and I will slackpack back to it on the 27th =)
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Hemlock Hollow

To: Devels Fork Gap
Miles today: 18.7

Well the longest hiking day so far when you add the 0.6 back to the hostel! A couple small blisters on my right heel, because I was stupid and running down the trail with sore and wet feet. I pay the price for any mistake now in pain. On the plus side, I got through some very challenging terrain (rock ridges and high winds) without killing myself. I also saw WILD Venus Flytraps and was so surprised I forgot to get a picture until I'd left. Blue Grass started with me but got in about 2 hours before me.
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Devels Fork Gap

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Very short miles to set up for a promised trail magic on the 29th. Finally I slept in Hammock and diddn't freeze. Thank God the weather is warmer!!!! Lots of people tonight and we played several games. I feel that the herd has been culled and everyone has earned their place on the trail now. We'll still lose some as time goes on, but to have hiked for 30 days proves dedication. Possible rain coming.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap/Erwin
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

SWEET TRAIL MAGIC times 2. As promised, Sparky and Morning Glory were at Sam's gap - that was two of best tasting Hamburgers I've every had. I flew down the trail with the promise of the other half - I ride to Town yes the Slacker is still in me! Otter was also at Spivey Gap w/ Morning Glory (he's at Sam's gap trailwise) and we are sharing a room at the super 8. I'll slack into town back to the motel on the 30th (you knew I would!!)Other news: I mention blisters but they really are minor compared to others. Overall I am doing and feeling great. I still have a stomach, but the love handles are going byebye. The legs look and feel good. My pack is too heavy with food because I keep getting into the next town before eating it all and then I got more food in my Hot Springs Mail drop. It poor planning on my part - I'm eating as fast as I can LOLThe other issue people are facing is mental (now that the physical is getting better). I'm not having any problems in this area. I feel I'm where I belong. I ask myself everyday "is this where you want to be" and the answer continues to be "YES"
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Spivey Gap/Erwin

To: Nolichucky River/Erwin
Miles today: 11.2

Awesome trail magic from Morning Glory with a ride back to Spivey Gap with Bark & Berry slacking with me. Otter was dropped off 1st since he was starting at Sam's Gap. Great walk today and the weather held off and the cloud cover kept it cool. Fantastic views coming into Erwin from the hills. Train crossed the river as we watched, I was glad not to be camped near that track LOL. We made the first half ~ 4.9 miles in 90 minutes, we were in cruise mode. Took the second half a little slower, but it also passed so fast I didn't want to enter town.So how do I know it's 10am on the trail: a) my stomach growls*, b) I shed my jacket**, or c) Bark says "Berry, where is the TP?" and then runs off into the woods.* thats 3am with my bear bag in a tree - I ignore it.** that could be anytime of the day, but is usually earlier than 10am.Otter finally made it to hostel @ 7pm(ish), but still has to make it to super 8. Pizza time soon (yah, baby!)
Date: 2009-05-01
From: Nolichucky River/Erwin

To: Cherry Gap Service
Miles today: 16.4

Headed out from the Super 8 w/ my pack ON. I also made a sign the night before that said "Uncle Johnny's Hostel" and held it out while I walked. Well after walking and getting stuck by a slow moving coal train, I finally made it to downtown Erwin and started my 4 plus mile raod walk back to the trail. But then my sign worked and JOKER gave me ride straight there, sweet!Easy walk all day. The group had looked at splitting the 26 miles until the Greasy Creek Friendly (a hostel). But I left Uncle Johnny's right after the rain passed and never saw the others. I waited on the bald an hour with nothing. I did dry all my gear as it "rains" after the rain from the trees. At the 13 mile campsite I got water and ate and still no one by 4:30 pm. Bluegrass was there and heading another 5 miles to next shelter. That sounded good as the legs were still strong and the night could bring rain (it did). Plus getting 5 miles closer if it stormed on the 2nd was great. A tough up the last mountain but a cool pine forest at the top. Think Hansel and Gretal!Made it into camp with thoughts of maybe doing another 8 miles but that was crazy thinking. Instead I got a shelter spot and stayed dry. More go in the legs bodes well for the future!
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Cherry Gap Service

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 7.9

Up and out at 7:30 with no knowledge of today's forecast. Heading to Greasy Creek Friendly and a bed =) The 7.9 miles flew by and I was eating Ben & Jerry's by 11:30 (a great nero). Going for a slackpack back to hostel over the big Roan MTN. No sign of Otter or Bark & Berry. Hostel is now full so they'd have to tent if they show up. Well, hike your own hike (HYOH) they say (and now I've said it too).Looks like we have to draw straws for dinner out! I'm still great, but others are still having physical limits thrown at them.
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Carver Gap
Miles today: 9.8

4.5 hours walking in cloud and sometime drizzle. Not bad for a slackpack. No views going over Roan, guess another drive on a clear day. Met Otter coming the other way. He was headed to Hughes Gap and a ride back to the friendly. He explained that the three had zeroed in Erwin and went to newest X-men. Hey, where's the love? I'm the one who's been talking about that one and Star Trek!Used the last of my Walmart card gift buying some cereal bars, bananas, and another book. First book went fast LOL.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Carver Gap

To: Apple House Gap
Miles today: 13.2

Up and over little hump and I bypassed Overmountain shelter and stop midway up big hump for a very lazy lunch. The ridge nearby had a touch of thunder so I booked it over MY highest peak to be on the safe side. The horses ignored me and never came up the hill to see me. Made it to the shelter before dark and later Otter stumbled in - literally. He had fallen :-( but still made it after dark :-)Thought Flicka would have like today. There were some great views. There were some neat sounds (underground river gurgling) and new taste - I chewed on a ramp. More oniony than I liked, but the garlic aspect was pretty good.
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Apple House Gap

To: Abby's Place
Miles today: 12.6

Up early and on the road - we had a breakfast date down the road 3/4 mile (and back for 1.5 bonus miles)In the pouring rain, we made it to mountianeer shelter and then to Abby's place. I fell big time! Seconds after I texted wombat to get a spot at Abby's, I slid and left my "mark" on the trail. I and Otter were laughing so hard, but once is enough LOL. Regarding Abby's Place-- very strange guy, he seemed anti-social. Not what a hostel owner should be. Bought Ben & Jerry's for $5 but it was from 2008 and melted and refrozen. He didn't seem to care. I will not stop there again unless I hear great things beforehand. I'll stay at Mountaineer - a huge new shelter.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Abby's Place

To: Kincora
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: moderate rain

A very cool place. I could stay for awhile but I won't. I did set up for a slackpack for tomorrow though :-)As Otter and I were heading to the drive of the hostel, we see a truck leave and think "that better not be the town shuttle" it was :-( although we do get another later ride to town so all is well. A very full house, and Baltimore Jack cooks up a community dinner of shepherd's pie. I get in on the shift feeding Bob Peoples and listen to both of them until 10pm - I am wiped, but it was FUN.
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Kincora

To: US 321
Miles today: 8.9

"THE" best way to do that section - slacking and South bound. Otter and I feel sorry for everyone heading north. The rain was so heavy the night before that the top of the mountain is flooding. I still don't know how a top can flood LOL. Great day along the falls, and we stop for a longish break and watch some day hikers. As we leave, so does one set of them. They are right behind us. We go into cruise mode and smoke-em! Go, Go, gadget hiker legs! Spaghetti dinner tonight. I skip that as it's what I've been eating on the trail :-( and just do cornbread and salad. And dessert, and more dessert hehe. Also met Two-pack for the first time - I've been hearing about him for a while.
Date: 2009-05-08
From: US 321

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Otter and I wanted to go further to Double Springs Shelter (yes, another shelter with the same name), but we agreed we were out of steam at that point. We had to blue Blaze (take the high water or bad weather trail) around the western end of the lake 1/4 mile because it was flooded. Phantom Cupcake waded through and thought he cut his toe on glass (not a good thing). We also ended up waiting out a storm cell for 1 hour at Dam shelter. It was funny later when a day hiker said her husband was meeting her at the Dam road and got embarrassed about saying it LOL.
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: light rain

1st 20 miler, 1st 21 miler, ..... 1st 26 miler and finally 1st marathon day!!! I was on a roll. 3:10 for 1st 8 miles, 3:10 2nd 8 miles now 2pm and 10 miles to town so I went for it and got a room in town at Hiker's Inn.Oh, almost forgot about the trail magic. Two trail maintainer guys were repainting the blazes between the "emergency" shelter and Abingdon Shelter. They had already done north of the road and cut their kids loose at the pickup to hand out sodas and cookies. I scored one of each from the triplets! They were cleaning the side of the parking lot. Thanks kids!!!
Date: 2009-05-11
From: VA 603/Fox Creek

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Easy hike for the most part with a rocky peak and a "squeeze" from a narrow rock fall. Since my pack is very wide, I had trouble getting through. The weather was misty yet again. We crossed the highlands with many a pony looking for handouts. None from me as they need to fend for themselves up here. The shelter was pretty full. It also got very cold there. Otter and I had left our winter gear back in town. The plan was to ship it all home, but that changed what we will part with.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We are set up for an easy day back into Damascus. My first day to try the new hiking plan. Hike, take a long break, and then hike again in the evening. I was very happy that it was very refreshing. A rainy day wouldn't work well but I hope those are few and far between :-P~~
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in hammock since it was warmer and was okay in the morning. We headed down the AT and joined the Virginia Creeper Trail only to split off and parallel it for much too long now that we could see how easy that would be! Got a bunk at "the place". Noisy and loud people as expected .