morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

The shelter last night was full, as several other hikers came in late at night, including G-Bird. G-Bird, a young woman from Germany, thru-hiked the PCT last year, and is thru-hiking the AT this year. Her and I slept next to each other in the shelter, and talked for quite a while about the PCT, which I really enjoyed. We had a nice fire going too, which is always good. Luckily, the terrible weather we had yesterday cleared, and today greeted us with cloudless blue skies! It was some of the best weather I've had on trail so far. Today's hike went over Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, at over 6600 feet up. The hike to the top was overall pretty gradual, even though it maintained an upward direction for about 10 miles. The hike up was gorgeous, and it went through miles and miles of deep, lush, mossy forests that looked more like Vermont than Tennessee. The air was also filled with a rich pine smell that you could almost taste. As I gained elevation and climbed over 6000 feet, the trees got noticeably smaller. Clingman's Dome is a bit of a tourist hotspot, due to its close proximity to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge (tourist meccas). The summit of Clingman's Dome was packed full of tourists admiring the views. Hundreds of people were milling around, all wearing clean clothes and smelling of perfume and cologne. Several thru-hikers were on top too, and we sure looked different than the tourists. Our hair was unkempt, our clothes dirty, and bodies smelly. In addition to being the highest point on the trail, this was also our 200 mile mark! I met a nice Japanese family that gave us about 10 minutes of celebrity treatment when they found out we were hiking all the way to Maine! They even asked if they could get a picture with us, which was quite funny. After about 45 minutes on top of Clingman's Dome, I began to hike to my destination: Mt. Collins Shelter, which was still 4 miles away. The hike down Clingman's Dome was as beautiful as the ascent. For about a mile, the trail paralleled US HWY 441, with about 30 feet of woods separating us. As I walked this stretch, I wondered how many of the people flying by in their cars are even aware of the 2,185 mile mountain footpath just through the trees. I got to the shelter at 5:00pm, and it was pretty empty. Bama, Iron Cheeks, Earnhart, a family of 4 from Louisville, KY, Smokin' Bear, and a few others are here tonight. Tomorrow will be a 4.5 mile hike to Gatlinburg, TN where I may spend the night, or I may hike out. We'll see!
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap 
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: few clouds

Today ended up being a shorter day than I wanted. I was awake at 7am in Mt. Collins Shelter, where I slept very well. I was on trail by 7:50am, heading to Newfound Gap, 4.5 miles away. I got my picture taken at the TN/NC border sign, and then hitch-hiked into Gatlinburg, TN to resupply. I had my thumb out for no more than 5 seconds when a car pulled over and offered me a ride to Gatlinburg. Awesome! The AT crosses over US HWY 441 at Newfound Gap, so there is a lot of traffic. I was in Gatlinburg 20 minutes later, and my first stop was the Gatlinburg location of the NOC (not to be confused with where I was last week). The NOC in Gatlinburg offers free showers to thru-hikers, and man, I needed one! It has been 5 days since my last shower. After my free shower, which felt amazing, I went out to the road and tried to thumb my way back to Newfound Gap and get back on trail where I left off. I saw Draggin and he was also trying to hitch back to the trail. I tried to hitch unsuccessfully for several hours, and I was growing very frustrated, because by this time it was already 3:00pm, and even if I got a ride, I'd still have to hike for a few hours to make it to the shelter. I finally gave up and decided that I'd just spend the night in Gatlinburg, and take a shuttle back to the trail in the morning. I called Iron Cheeks, and he was sharing a hotel room with Bama and Earnhart, so I ended up joining them in the hotel, so at least I was able to do laundry and shower again. I'm a little upset that I only covered 4.5 miles of trail today, but you have to be flexible out here. I am planning on doing 15.6 miles tomorrow, which will put me in good position to get out of the Smokies the day after. The 4.5 miles today was through pretty country, and I crossed over two hog containment bridges. I covered the distance in about 2 hours. That's it for now. I'm going to try to start doing bigger miles per day from here on out.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Newfound Gap 

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Today was a great day for me, despite the dismal weather conditions. I awoke at 7am in the Gatlinburg Days Inn, and called the Grand Prix Motel and reserved a 9am shuttle to Newfound Gap. The owner of the Grand Prix Motel had a large Israel flag waving on top of his hotel, and I ended up talking to him for a little while. I learned that he is a staunch supporter of Israel, so I enjoyed our conversation immensely. The weather forecast today was not good (rain, wind, fog, and cold). Such is life on the AT. I hiked with Bama, Iron Cheeks, and Earnhart to Icewater Spring Shelter, 3 miles in. We got there at 11:30am, and they decided to stay. I also saw The Mayor there, who I haven't seen since our pizza party at Rock Gap Shelter, before Franklin, NC. There was no way I was stopping before noon with only 3 miles under my belt, so I donned my rain gear, and headed out into the tempest. As luck would have it, soon after I left the shelter, the rain stopped. I took a side trail to Charlie's Bunion, a large rock outcropping with unbelievable views. While I was on the Bunion, the clouds parted for a few minutes and I was able to enjoy the views. After 10 minutes, I left and continued down the AT. The wind picked up and the rain returned. The trail was extremely muddy, and every step I took sloshed through the mud. I carried no water today to make my pack lighter, thus giving me the ability to hike faster. I was in a cloud all day, as the ridge I was on was enveloped in clouds. At times, I could see the clouds whipping over the ridge line. It was so beautiful, it was like I was walking through a dream. Even though the footing was poor, I was in a zone today, and did the 7.4 miles to Pecks Corner Shelter in under 3 hours. When I got there, I briefly though of staying, but it was only 3pm, and I was feeling too good to stop. I pushed on another 5.2 miles to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, where I am now. I'm so very happy to be in the shelter tonight. When I got here, there was only one spot left, so I really lucked out by getting it.Belch, Lover Boy, Wild Turkey, Caddy, Zone, and many more are here tonight. Even though I spent the day cold, wet, thirsty, hungry, and being rained on throughout the day, I was smiling at the fact that I am out here doing this. Oh yeah- today I hit the 10% mark on this thru-hike. Still so far to go, but I am damn proud for making it this far. Time to get dry and warm. Goodnight!
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was my longest day yet, at 18.4 miles. I woke up very early, after a night of no sleep. The shelter was fine, but for some reason I could not fall asleep. I slept next to Charcoal, and in the morning she told me that I was tossing and turning all night. Regardless, I was on trail at 7:45am, and wasn't sure how far I would make it today. I really wanted to get out of the Smokies, because with all the rules and regulations, it took some of the fun away from being out here. I was making good time all day, and by 11am, I made it to Cosby Knob Shelter, 7.7 miles north, and decided to eat lunch there (and use the privy). I ended up taking a 50 minute break there, and took my shoes and socks off to let them dry in the sunshine. The weather today was gorgeous. Such a difference from yesterday. From Cosby Knob Shelter, it was another 7.1 miles to Davenport Gap Shelter, the last shelter in the Smokies, and just one mile shy of the northern boundary of the park. I got here at 3pm, and was still feeling good, so I decided to hike to Standing Bear Farm, 3.5 miles further north. After I exited the Smokies (Hallelujah!), I saw Broadcast, and we hiked the next 2 miles together. The AT goes underneath I-40, which was very cool because I've driven on this portion of I-40 many times before. Let me tell ya, it felt way cooler crossing I-40 on an AT thru-hike! This is the first real road walking on trail so far, which I actually enjoyed after 240 miles of walking in the woods. I soon got to Standing Bear Farm, which is such a cool place! If you are on the AT in this area, stay here! I am here with many hikers tonight including Mailman, Wild Turkey, Charcoal, Belch, Loverboy, Bartender (SOBO thru-hiker), and others. They also have a resupply store here, which is based on the honor code. Everything is priced, and you put money in an envelope for what you take, and give it to Rocket (the overseer). The place has a very natural and Bohemian feel to it, which I like. Really good people here tonight, and we all enjoyed each other's company. I could easily spend a few days here hanging out, but I've gotta make miles! This will be a place I'll remember far after my hike ends. I'm currently 33.1 miles from Hot Springs, and I'm going to try to get there in 2 days. Goodnight from the bunkhouse at Standing Bear Farm!
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was my longest day yet, and my first 20 miler! The roosters at Standing Bear Farm began to cock-a-doodle-doo at 4:40am, and they were right outside the bunkhouse, so needless to say, I was up early. However, I did manage to fall back asleep until around 6am, and then I got up for the day. I went to the camp store located on the farm to buy some resupply items until I make it to Hot Springs, NC in 2 days. On my way out, I settled up with Rocket ($32 for resupply food and a bunk with shower). I planned on doing 20 miles today, but wasn't sure if it would happen. The first 5 miles was all uphill to the top of Snowbird Mountain. Right before we got to the top, Mailman and I were greeted by Apple, a trail angel who had set up a trail magic spread. He gave us doughnuts, cold soda, and cold Gatorade, which really hit the spot. After lingering for about 15-20 minutes, I continued on. At the summit of Snowbird Mountain is an FAA tower, which looked more like a UFO than a tower, but it was a cool place to hang out for a few minutes, and the views from the mountain top were amazing. After the 2.5 mile descent, Wild Turkey, Shamrock, Mailman, and Dustin (still no trail name), had lunch near Groundhog Creek Shelter. The next 6.6 miles went up, up, and up, all the way to the summit of Max Patch. I was already a bit tired from the 5 mile climb up Snowbird, but I muscled through it, and a few hours later, I was on Max Patch. Max Patch is a large grassy bald with stunning 360 degree views, and the weather couldn't be better. It was sunny, warm, and just slightly breezy. Lots of people were on Max Patch, and I lingered there with Wild Turkey, Mailman, Shamrock, and Grizzly Bear, and many others for about an hour. I then resumed my trek. At this point, I was 6.7 miles from my destination, and the end of my first 20 mile day. The terrain was pretty flat for the first 5 miles, but my feet were hurting pretty bad for some reason, and I was dragging behind. Maybe it is because of all the miles I've done in the past few days, but for some reason the bottoms of my feet felt very tender during this portion of the hike. Regardless, I had miles to make, so I hiked on. I listened to my iPod to take my mind off of the foot pain. When I got to Lemon Gap, 1.3 miles from the shelter, the trail that was level for the previous 5 miles began to climb steeply, and I was moving slow. I just wanted the day to be over. Soon enough, I arrived at the shelter, filtered water, cooked dinner (freeze-dried chicken and rice), and pitched my tent. Wild Turkey made a sign that read "20 MILES" that we (Mailman, Shamrock, Dustin, Wild Turkey, and I) took a picture with, because none of us had hiked a 20 mile day yet on this trip. I hope my feet feel better in the morning. Tomorrow I'll be in Hot Springs!
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I slept like a baby last night, and got a solid 9 hours of sleep. At 9am, Dustin called every lodging place in Hot Springs to secure a room for all of us to share tonight, but they were still all full. Very frustrating. Right next to the campground we stayed at there was a road mileage sign that said "Asheville 32," and just like that we decided to go to Asheville. We walked over to the outfitter and asked about a shuttle to Asheville. For $70, Dustin, Shamrock, and I were en route to Asheville. This worked out for me because I needed to get fitted for a tuxedo to wear as a groomsman for a friend's wedding in Atlanta on May 17. When we got to Asheville, we got a room at the Downtown Inn, where we did laundry, showered, and felt almost human again. I then called a cab and went to Men's Wearhouse where I was fitted for the tux. Afterwards, I walked through the mall for a few minutes, and after spending the last 26 days on the Appalachian Trail, I could not get out of there fast enough! I quickly called a cab back to the hotel. Dustin, Shamrock, and I had dinner at Mellow Mushroom, which was good, as always. Dustin has a friend coming to visit him, and he'll take us back to Hot Springs in the morning, where Shamrock and I will resume our trek north on the AT. My right pinky toe is beginning to get pinched in my shoes for some reason, so I may look at new shoes tomorrow at the outfitter as well. It was not to rest today and not hike anywhere, but I'm looking forward to hitting the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up in the hotel in Asheville, NC and enjoyed the free continental breakfast maybe a little too much! Dustin and his friend gave Shamrock and I a ride back to Hot Springs, and we were able to resupply at Wal-Mart on the way, where I got enough food to last me until Erwin, TN. We didn't get back to the trail until noon, and I went to the outfitter. I bought a cup of coffee and a Buff (versatile bandanna-like thing). After an hour or so milling around the outfitter, I hit the trail. I've heard so many horror stories about how tough the climb out of Hot Springs is, but to be honest, I didn't find it that bad. It was tough, but not as bad as a lot of climbs I've done in the past 27 days. For the first 1/2 mile out of town, the trail paralleled the French Broad River, and then turned left and started climbing. After about a mile, I arrived at Lover's Leap, a large rock outcropping that a heartbroken young Indian girl supposedly jumped to her death from, hundreds of years ago. The views high above the river were stunning, and we kept climbing. A little north of Pump Gap, I ran into Laser Pussy, Sprout, and Schweppes (a ginger who likes ale). It was nice running into them, and we were soon on our way together. The trail maintained a steady climb today, and at the top of Rich Mountain there was a lookout tower. Sprout, Laser Pussy, Schweppes, Shamrock, and I climbed it and enjoyed the great views. I wanted to stay longer, but I still had 2.7 miles to go, and it was getting late, so I hiked on, northward as always. I soon entered a controlled burn zone through the woods, and everything around me was black and burned. A mile before the shelter I passed a small gravestone right off the trail for a woman who died at 50 years old. I stopped and pondered life there for a moment, and thought about how amazing it is to be alive and have the ability to go for a hike on the Appalachian Trail. I soon got to the shelter and made a gourmet dinner of Ramen and tuna. The forecast is calling for rain overnight, so I am sleeping in the shelter because I don't want to pack up a wet tent in the morning. This is my first night in a shelter outside of the Smokies, where it was mandatory to stay in them. Tomorrow I am shooting for Jerry Cabin shelter, 15.4 miles away. If I make it there, I'll also pass the 300 mile mark. Amazing!
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: moderate rain

Man, the rain fell last night! Luckily, I was in the shelter and was able to enjoy the view from a warm and dry sleeping bag. The rain stopped by 7:30am, but the trail today was a muddy mess for the first few miles, until it crossed a pasture. The pasture was extremely foggy, with visibility around 50 feet. I loved it! It was very cool to walk through, and it looked like the set of a spooky movie. I soon passed the tombstone of Howard Bassett, a 1968 AT thru-hiker, who passed away in the 1980s and now his ashes are buried alongside the trail. Two miles later, I passed another grave. This one was for Colonel Shelton, a Union soldier who was murdered by several confederates as he was walking home after the Civil War. RIP Col. Shelton. Immediately after, the trail descended down a very steep hill. It was very muddy and I had to use my trekking poles to brake myself. Not long after this descent, I reached Flint Mountain Shelter, 5.9 miles into my day. I stopped here and had a lunch of cheese crackers, a powerbar, and dry Ramen noodles. The trail for the next 3 miles was pretty nice, and gently rolling. After I crossed Devil Fork Gap at mile 309, the trail began a very steep ascent up an unnamed mountain. It was a very steep climb, and it felt like it would never end. On the way up, I passed a beautiful cascading waterfall, where I filled up my water bottles. Once I finally summitted the mountain, I began the 1.5 mile descent to Rice Gap.For some reason, I was really tired today, and by this point in the day I just wanted to get to the shelter, which was another 1.2 miles up a mountain. I finally got to the shelter around 5pm. Lots of familiar faces here again tonight. I lucked out again, and got a spot in the shelter. I heard it is supposed to rain and hail tonight, so I'm glad I'm not tenting. I'm currently at mile 315, and should be in Erwin, TN in 2 days. It is getting dark and it is time for bed.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Sams Gap
Miles today: 2.4

Day 30! It is also my shortest day so far at only 2.4 miles. It never rained last night like everyone thought it would, but this morning looked like a storm was imminent. The clouds hung low and were very dark and gloomy. It was also windy as hell. I mentioned to Broadcast and Shamrock that we could hike 2.4 miles to Sams Gap and hitch a ride to Erwin, TN and get out of the storm that we were all sure would hit hard today. I told them that we could get a hotel for the night and come back tomorrow after the weather cleared. Shamrock decided to just keep going, but Broadcast decided to join me for the hitch into Erwin. After a few minutes of unsuccessful hitch-hiking, I called Cantarosso Farm, a hostel and B&B in Erwin. I simply asked the guy, "How much for a ride to Erwin from Sams Gap for 2 people?" He told us $20 for the two of us, so we agreed. That is when things got interesting. He assumed that we were going to stay at his place, but Broadcast and I already made reservations at Best Southern Motel, a real fleabag dive in Erwin. When the guy arrived, he began talking about his B&B and how much we would love it. He also brought warm cobbler and cold drinks for us to have on the ride there. That is when I just told him that we already made reservations at a motel. He turned angry and said something like, "So you tricked me?" After explaining to him that we did no such thing, and that we simply asked how much a ride to Erwin costs, he took us anyway. IT was a VERY awkward 30 minute car ride to Erwin, and all Broadcast and I wanted was to get the hell out of his truck. Long story short, he took us to the motel, and I gave him $30 ($10 more than we agreed upon. And now I am very mad at myself for giving him anything more than the agreed upon price, because truth be told, the guy was a real asshole). I'd never stay at Cantarrosso Farm in Erwin. Anyway, we checked into the motel, and walked next door to the pizza buffet at Pizza Plus, and stuffed ourselves with salad and pizza. We then went to IGA to resupply, and spent the rest of the day relaxing, having a few beers, and reorganizing our gear for the next leg. A shuttle will pick me up at 6:30am and take me back to Sams Gap where I left off and I'll resume my northbound odyssey. Goodnight!
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Sams Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

My alarm went off at 6am, and it wasn't easy to get up. I didn't sleep well at all. I got out of bed and took another hot shower. I looked outside at 6:30am, and sure enough, there was my shuttle, ready for me. She took Broadcast to Uncle Johnny's Hostel at mile 341.5, and took me back to Sams Gap at mile 317.4, where I left off yesterday. I got on the AT at 7:15am, and after hiking for about 10 minutes, I realized that I forgot my wallet in her car. I called her and she came back 30 minutes later and returned it. I began hiking again by 8am.The morning was super foggy, and at times the AT went right through the clouds. I especially liked the hike over Big Bald, which was completely covered in a thick fog. Visibility was maybe 25 feet. It was like walking on a different planet. Very cool stuff! 8 miles into the day I reached Bald Mountain Shelter, where I immediately made a trip to the privy (because I know you wanted to know that). After that, I had lunch (a frozen food type of burrito that was now thawed).Freckles and Dragonfly were there too. Freckles attempted 2 thru-hikes before, stopping both times in Pennsylvania for some reason. Dragonfly is a 74 year old woman who is trying to be the oldest woman to complete a thru-hike. After lunch, I looked at the guidebook and saw that I had another 10.6 miles to my destination for the night. It was mostly downhill too, which was very hard on the feet, ankles, and knees. Six hours later, I reached the shelter, where I saw Dragonfly, Freckles, HoBo (stands for Homeward Bound, because she lives in Maine), PapaDoc, and Not Chicago. I made a large fire that we all sat around and talked. It is just me and HoBo in the shelter tonight. Tomorrow I'll go to Uncle Johnny's Hostel and get on the shuttle to town to eat again. I'm shooting for the first shelter past Erwin tomorrow, but we'll see.