morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Temperature today 65* and windy.We had a later start this morning, just didnt want to get out of that nice comfortable bed. Severe storms were expected today but no show. We had a few sprinkles as we started off in fog. We could only see about 100 yards then it cleared up but stayed cool all day.Almost ran out of water today. We couldn't find any springs to fill up. Luckily it wasn't hot.Wildcat Mountain was the only tough climb but we were still tired when we got to Shelter. Shelter was full so we're camping again. We filtered our water, ate and hung out near our bags. Now I'm ready for bed. Trying for 15 miles tomorrow. We shall see.Hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory site
Miles today: 13.4

We had only a short rain last night but temps dropped to 45*. We camped in the valley and all night long you could hear the wind howling coming over the mountain but it never bothered us.Today was a cold hike. I started with a jacket but eventually had on a long shirt and a t shirt. Our average hike today had only one bad climb at Blue Mountain. The climb up and down was very rocky. See my photo. No good views today.It's going to be cold again tonight. So far haven't seen any bears but I'm looking. Race walker will probably leave us tomorrow to stay in town, so I will have to find someone else to hike with.Well it's 8 pm and that is hikers midnight so Good Night and hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Cheese Factory site

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Cheese factory site is just a name of the camp grounds. Started hiking at 8am with Racewalker. It was a rough climb over Tray Mt. 4430 ft. then fairly easy until Kelly Knob. Had lunch at Deep Gap shelter at 1 pm. It was too early to stop so we headed on. Hiked over Powell Mt. that had some great views and on to Dicks Gap . Racewalker went to a hostel and I hitched into town with Mondo and MRI. We caught the first ride and went to Dollar General and resupplied with food. Then we ate at Huddle House and walked 4 blocks to church. After church a couple offered to take us to their house and let us do laundry and shower and spend the night. They grilled gigantic burgers and we had a great time sitting around talking. It was a good night.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muscrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8

After having a fantastic breakfast at Trail Angels house prepared partially by Mondo we headed to the trail. We first had to make a few stops in town for a new pack cover for me. The start was a hard climb up Buzzard Knob and the rain started. No views today. We crossed over into North Carolina today. 1 state down, 13 to go. North Carolina sure gave us a good welcome with 2 of the toughest climbs so far over Courthouse Bald and then into camp at Muskrat Creek Shelter. Had to hike all day in rain and cold winds, at times it looked like snow falling. Setting tent up in rain is no fun. I just ate in my tent and I'm cold. I have to go hang my bear bag and go to sleep. Goodnight
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Muscrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

Woke this morning to a very wet campground. Had to put cold wet clothes from yesterday back on, not fun. Packed up camp including wet tent by 8 am. Hiked with Mondo and MRE again today. Had one tough climb up Standing Indian Mt. Had lunch @ 11:00 and tried to dry tent out but not enough sun so back on the trail. Rest of day was pretty easy. Had to cross some small streams and managed not to fall in . Finally got to Carter Gap Shelter at 2:30. Dried out tent and set up camp. Ate supper of tortilla shell, summer sausage and cheese . Stood around fire for awhile till hikers midnight. Goodnight
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 15.9

Hi everyone. Just got into Franklin NC and staying at my first hostel. Trail angles drove us from Winding Stair Gap to Chinese AYCE (all you can eat). Passed the 100 mile mark today. Feet are usually sore by days end but fine in the morning. Hikers midnight is usually 8 except in town. So far I have not stayed in a shelter, but camp nearby. Have to hang bear bag every night and that's your food bag hung from a tree, usually at least 12 from ground. Want to thank everyone for emails and trail journal comments and prayers.   Goodnight.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Temp: warmThis morning trail magic happened again. We were picked up outside our hostel by the Baptist church in Franklin and given a AYCE pancake breakfast with bacon and juice they even took our picture and let us write a letter home and mailed them for us. Then Ron Haven shuttled us back to the trail. I highly recommend Ron's hostel with free shuttle service . Today was a short day only 11 miles. Just shortly after getting on trail we saw a small waterfall and then a long steady uphill climb to Siler Bald. Then another long climb to Wayah Bald where there is a stone fire tower that's not in use any more. Then another mile to Wayah Bald shelter for the night. So far we have seen very little wildlife, couple squirrels, very few birds. We can hear woodpeckers sometimes and an occasional owl at night. Saw one small snake and heard a deer snorting but couldn't see him. Vegetation isn't very good yet either. Only a few wildflower and lots of mountain laurel leaves, no blooms. It's almost hikers midnight so good night
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Wayah shelter

To: Rufus Morgan shelter
Miles today: 15.5

Temp 75Started off with a cool hike with Mundo. We hike pretty good together and would like to go to Maine together but not sure if it'll work out. We quickly took off long sleeve shirts and just wore t- shirts. Hiked over Copper Bald 5080 ft with great views (see pic) then a few little ups and downs to Rocky Bald. We then desented 1200 ft to Tellico Gap. Those descents are really rough on your feet and knees and they are usually all rocks and roots. Climbed to Wesser Bald where we had planned on staying at Wesser Bald Shelter but it was just 11:30 so we decided to try 5 more miles to the next shelter. We had a three mile desent and it just about did us in. Our feet are so tired, tents are set up and supper is done so I'm relaxing the rest of the night. Goodnight
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Rufus Morgan shelter

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 11.3

Last night was warm. Could have slept without sleeping bag. Started with a 1 mile hike to the NOC (nantahala outdoor center). They cater to rafters, kayakers and hikers. Had omelet and toast for breakfast. The restraunt tends to put all the hikers in the back corner but that is probably because of our smell. We (mundo and I) hiked up to Swim Bald and stopped on the way to catch a view of Nantahala Gorge (see pic). The place we ate breakfast is along the river in the pic. We still had 800 ft to the summit. Short down hill and back up to Cheoah Bald then 2 mile desent to Locust Cove Gap where we are camping for the night. Yesterday and today has really kicked my butt and I've gotten my first blister. Its on my heel and I put duct tape on it hoping that will let it heal. My legs have been really tired. I wasn't sure I was gonna make the last climb. I'm just running out of energy and I really don't have a hiker's appetite yet. Everything in camp is done so good night.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today Mundo and I left camp a little early around 7:30. The hike was mostly mild ups and downs with one tough decent into stecoah gap and then a really tough climb up Jacobs Ladder. Jacobs Ladder is a 600 ft climb in a half mile stretch with lots of rocks to climb over. There are times when it looks like a land slide happened and you have to climb over all the rocks. After Jacobs Ladder it was a few more ups and downs and then a long decent into Cable Gap Shelter. We were going to stay in the shelter tonight because of possible rain but after setting up sleeping pad and bag we found lots of mice running around so off to the tents for tonight. They just saw a big black snake by the privy. Today we did see some wild flowers, looks like spring is near. Also bees and flies are starting to come out. Camp is set up next to a small stream and I'll be able to listen to it all night. Mundo is hanging the bear bags. Tomorrow we head into Fontana Dam, the start of the smokie mountains. If you have any questions about my hike ask on my trail journal guest book or email me. Thanks for your support and prayers. Goodnight. Just realized that we went over the 158 mile mark today so less than 2000 miles to go.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Lodge
Miles today: 6.5

Last night we had really strong winds the sound of rain and crashing limbs falling from trees. Got up this morning and a limb was not even a foot from missing me and the tent. That limb fell about 70 feet and only by the grace of god it missed me. Today's hike was short only 6.6 miles. It will be a Nero day which is a near zero mileage hiking day. The threat of rain was already here so we really hiked fast and prayed for good weather till we got to the lodge. It wasn't 15 minutes after we checked in it started raining. Just taking a little r&r today. The trail really changed as we came down the mountain, trees are getting leaves and a lot more ground cover. Pray for us because temps are gonna drop and snow for a couple of days. Hope I can handle this. Off to a nice bed. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Fontana Dam Lodge

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Mundo and I had to wait for shuttle driver to take us back to the trail where we got off. Reached trail about 9. Had a long 7 mile steady climb over Doe Knob. No views today just woods all day. Trail was like a mud slip-and-slide with rocks and tree roots in it . Was rough on the ups and worse on the downs. Mundo fell once but he's ok. I nearly fell probably a dozen times. Wasn't a good day for hiking fast but we made our destination around 5 pm, ate, hung food bag and ready for bed. In the smokies you have to sleep in shelters because of bears and wild pigs so this is my first night in a shelter. Temps are suppose be around 20 deg. tonight. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Trail was in better condition today. It started out frozen but within a couple of hours it started getting muddy again. There were still places of the mud slip-and-slide. We even had a boulder field to climb over but there was about a 1/2" of ice all over them, not fun again. This afternoon the trail finally started to dry out and finished in pretty good condition. Tonight its freezing here and it's only 6pm. Will probably have to sleep with jacket on tonight. I'm tired so good night.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up to very cold morning, shelter was just about full last night by dark. Started with a long climb to Clingmans Dome but it was fogged in so no views. After a long downhill climb we came to Newfound Gap and found trail magic. We got turkey sandwich with lettuce, chips, orange, little Debbie, and soda. Best tasting sandwich I've ever had. This is also the Tennessee/North Carolina border so 2 states down 12 to go. Another 3 miles and we're at our shelter for tonight. We ate, hung food and I'm cold, so good night.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tricorner Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

Rain started last night and continued this morning. Hated to get out of sleeping bag this morning but had miles to burn. Rained for first couple of hours on the trail then was just windy and cold. Never did see the sun today and views were all fogged in. The hike today was mostly just hiking along the ridges with a few long ups. They say that this hike is mostly mental and you find out it really is. You have all day to think about everything in the world and your hiking partner is 30 feet behind you so there isn't much conversation. The worst part is when you have to say goodby to your grand kids, kids and especially Nancy, my wife, when you get a chance to talk to them. Getting cold and looks like rain might be done. Gotta go hang bear bag and get some rest. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Tricorner Shelter

To: I-40 Overpass
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Happy EasterWe had a downpour last night but the rain stopped by morning. Today's hike was mostly downhill with just a few small climbs. We made excellent time today, started at 7:30 and had 8 miles in by 10:30. Took it a little slower and finished 18 miles by 3pm with lunch included. A friend I used to work with (Ric) picked us up at the I-40 overpass just past the northern end of the Smokies. Yes we are thru the Smokies. Ric took us home and let us do laundry and shower, resupply and even fed us an Easter meal. Now we're just sitting around relaxing and I don't have to hang my bear bag tonight.Goodnight
Date: 2014-04-21
From: I-40 Overpass

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday we had a great time with our trail angles Ric and Teresa. It was really nice sleeping in a real bed last night And a real breakfast for a change. Ric took us to the trail where we had finished yesterday and we started on our hike. Mundo and I only hiked about a half mile and started talking and decided that God had showed us what he intended for us to do and that we didn't have to go any further. We called Ric and he picked us back up and took us to his house so we could figure what we were going to do. We both ended up renting a car and heading home. I called Mundo just as I was getting home and he said that he stopped at a gas station and his knee had swollen up really bad and could hardly walk and that we were suppose to go home. I believe we made the right decision and maybe we'll be section hikers to finish but no matter what happens we're doing trail magic next year. Everyone we met on and off the trail was fantastic and I will really miss them. This world would definitely be a better place if everyone hiked the trail for a week and learned to be like the hikers. Everyone is equal, we're all there surviving and helping each other. Thanks to all who followed my journal. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-02-02
To: Prep #2
Miles today: 0.0

Good training hike today, an out-and-backer on the Skyline Trail in the Blue Hills Reservation just south of Boston. Approx 8.5 miles, with a treat for early February with temps in the high 40's, maybe even 50. Trail conditions were in equal proportions snow, ice, mud, and dry. So a good match for the first 3-4 weeks on the AT. Predictably (from distance running days), the varied footing (esp. tentative walking on ice) made for sore legs at night. All in all, a good workout with a pack weight about 75% (est 25 lbs) of what I expect to carry on the AT. Good news - Trail magic starts early...at my turnaround about an hour after discussing pros and cons of hiking poles with some nice lady (one con being that I lose things), I discover I have lost my hat that I had stuck in my pocket. I bought it just a week ago and embarassed to admit what I paid, but more than any other I've owned. Glad I picked an out and back trail today, because a half mile or so on the return trip, I find that a kind person had picked it up and left it hanging on a branch.
Date: 2014-03-22
To: Drive to PA and Pre-trail magic
Miles today: 0.0

AT trail magic can be loosely defined as any unexpected acts of kindness that happen for an AT thru-hiker. These usually are in the form of food or drink, but can also be rides off-trail, free meal by restaurant owner or customer, etc. They can be provided by a range of folks, including the local trail club, former thru-hikers, local boy scout or church group, or total stranger.Today's trail magic came at a stop for gas in NY on the way to PA. Two new Clif Bar flavors not available in MA and two of my favorite foods! Coincidence? No, trail magic!
Date: 2014-03-24
To: Springer Mt shelter
Miles today: 0.0

After almost a year of planning, the hiking shoes hit the trail today! An early breakfast, final backpack repacking. Signing the Hiker Register (northbound hiker #672 for 2014) and a final pack weigh-in. Yikes - 43 pounds including food and 2 liters water. My overpacking tendencies strike again. Oh well, too late now, already thinking of things to mail home/throw out. A last hug with Sherri at the approach trail and it's a go!Pleasant hiking temps all day and despite mostly uphill, nothing too strenuous. Someone offered to take my photo at official trail start (Springer summit). Nice touch that a thru hiker does nearly 2,200 miles and the first 8 don't count . Got to camp at about 430p and 2-3 hours to set up tent, gather and sterilize water, arrange pack, inflate sleeping pad & get settled in. Tent sites are pretty spread out - only 3-4 other tents and a few guys in the shelter. A great first day on the AT !Post-hike note - I didn't realize it until later, but it turns out that the "few guys" referenced above turned out to be Numb Toes and Overhead, two friends from Germany who I ended up hiking with for long stretches for 6-8 weeks.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Springer Mt shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Awake at 730, rain and ice on tent, temps bottomed out about 32 degrees. Tried drying tent in sun but not much use at 32 degrees so packed ASAP & ate breakfast on trail. Gradual downhill till midway, then first trail magic at stream crossing. Shout out to GA Appalachian Trail Club for hot cocoa, homemade goodies and candy bars. Then gradual ascent over 4 mi to Hawk Mt Shelter. High temp in mid 40s today with overnight lows forecast for 20's or teens. Lucky to arrive early enough to snag one of 10 shelter spots. Quick ramen noodle and goodies dinner before diving into sleeping bag. Shout out to hiker Stovegirl who lent me her lighter when my stove wouldn't light. Guess she's named Stovegirl for a reason. Also met Scrapes, Poncho, Two-step, cornpatch, Gump, Garrison and others. In short, a brutally cold windy night we were all glad to survive. Shelters are 3-sided wooden structures with a roof whose main advantage is protection from rain and wind but of course none from the cold. All in all, my Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15 degree sleeping bag lived up to it's rating. Post-hike note: this was easily the coldest night of the hike. I honestly thought i might freeze solid. Wore every bit of clothes I could and in the sleeping bag right after dinner.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Pretty tough crawling out of bed this AM but thankfully no tent to break down. Temps peaked in high 40's today and mostly sunny while the climbs peaked at Sassafras Mt (3,342') and Justus Mt (3,226'). A pleasant tent night with a Mountain House freeze dry Spaghetti and Meat sauce dinner. Mmm's at 5pm and Zzz's by 8pm.Post-hike notes: Today's daily photo was my first (but far from the last) exposure to the rolling bluish-purple mountain after mountain in the distance. It is truly beautiful and breath-taking. I wondered if I would tire at some point of seeing "one more" scenic view, and honestly have to say that i never did. I like to refer to them as "wow" moments -- if you still spontaneously say "wow" with each vista view, you are NOT getting bored.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

To: Lance Creek Campsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Much easier tent breakdown with temps in mid-30's this AM. Off to a 9am start with breakfast on the trail. At least until temps warm and there is more evening light, I would rather get to camp early and get set up and eat more leisurely. More trail magic today - Drew from GA hiking with his son offered soda and chips from the trunk of his car at the Woody Gap trailhead. The chips were Pringles; the "pre-AT hiker" in me would never lower himself to eating Pringles. SO hungry today that there was NO hesitation to eat them. Large group (30+) at Lance Creek campsite tonight. Most folks are staying here tonight to avoid the "bear canister only" area ahead. No food/bear bag cables available here as at prior campsites, so everyone gets to compare bag hanging techniques. A good day on the AT. Post-hike note: the "bear canister only" area is a trail stretch where if you camp, you must carry a special hard plastic-cased container to keep your food in. Bear canisters cannot be opened by bears. Very few, if any, AT thru-hikers carry canisters; instead they use waterproof food bags. At some shelters, there are cable/pulley/hook systems to hang one's food bag. When there are no bear bag cables, one ties off the food bag with rope and secures it to a sturdy tree branch at least 8 feet high and 5-6 feet out from the tree trunk. It takes some practice but it is pretty satisfying when done correctly once you get the "hang" of it, haha. Hanging food bags is not required, but highly recommended.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Lance Creek Campsite

To: Neels Gap / Mountain Crossing Hostel
Miles today: 7.4

Rain and heavy wind was predicted for overnight and it hit hard. Also predicted was a 2 hour window of dry weather at 8am so decided to blast out as soon as the rain stopped. Had to plot out packing each item to minimize getting stuff wet while packing. Plan worked mostly well but have to deal with wet tent later on. Two long 700' climbs peaking at 4461' on top of Blood Mountain. Cool stone shelter but pretty spooky looking with no people and shrouded in fog/mist. Tough luck to get no views from top of highest point on GA AT. Hoping for a nice smooth descent but alas a lot of steep rocks and smooth boulders for most of the way down. Passed as usual by Scrapes and Stovegirl and walked rest of the way down with Two-Step. Had decided to stay previously at Mountain Crossings/ Walasi-Yi Hostel - $17 for a bunkbed and shower. Picked up my first food mail drop from front desk - thanks, Dave G !! Very fortunate also to catch tail end of Alabama youth church group cooking free burgers for thru-hikers; who then came back to cook free spaghetti, salad, bread, and cookie dinner. Mmmm... Then shower and laundry - what a luxury. Tried catching up on as much blog, email, and phone calls as possible, then lights out.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Neels Gap / Mountain Crossing Hostel

To: Blood Mountain Cabins
Miles today: 0.0

With rain predicted all day and an already wet tent, decided to take a zero day today and crank out a 12-mile hike on Sunday. After a leisurely pack up, headed to Mountain Crossings store to see about staying a 2nd nite . Informed they don't rent for a 2nd nite (to free up space for the next wave of hikers), I was directed to nearby Blood Mountain Cabins to be matched up with hikers looking to split the cost of a cabin. Very lucky to be matched up with Poncho, Dory, and Spider; 2 of whom I had met a few days ago. We wandered to the cabin store for lunch and then spent the rest of the day/night with 2 other thruhikers (Blueberry and Itchy) at the next cabin swapping tales of our long week on the trail and eating pasta meal suppers scavenged from the hiker box. Most shelters and hostels have a hiker box containing free usable food and gear discarded by hikers who no longer need them. Yes, we are approaching "hiker trash" status - scavenging. Back to Bear Cabin where the 4 of us have decided to hike together tomorrow.Post-hike notes: meeting up with Dory and Poncho turned out to be one of the best and luckiest things that happened on the entire hike.