morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Cloud 9 Hiker Hostel 

To: Cloud 9 Hiker Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0

Cloud 9 was just a great place to stay. Beautiful grounds and Laura & Wizard are just two of the nicest people you could ever meet. They have a fully stocked trout pond and wizard will clean it and cook it on their trout dinner nights. It's perfect for anyone taking a day off. My feet certainly needed the rest. Well, off to sleep. I have a long day tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Cloud 9 Hiker Hostel

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

A little rainy today. Highest climb today 4750 and that's in North Carolina. Yes, I am offically through with Georgia but what a beautiful state it was. The people, places and views were quite beautiful. Thank you Georgia for all your hospitality. Busy at the shelter tonight- a lot of new faces. Early to bed again. Another long day tomorrow. April Fools Hikers Bash in Franklin. Heard they're having some bluegrass bands...looking forward to that.
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.4

Little cloudy today but other wise a good hiking day. Not too many people seen today. I climbed Albert Mt. at 5220'. When I got to the top, it was blue skies with finally some North Carolina views. Short day tomorrow. Resupply, shower and some good fattening food. My food mood has certainly kicked in, that's about all I am thinking about while hiking. Heard there's a good bakery in town. I'll just have to check that out.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: N/A

To: Franklin (but not yet)
Miles today: 5.4

Yes it's official, I have reached the 100 miles mark. Yay!! :o) Took a break at Rock Gap Rd. 67 then Fishing Fred pulled up with his van and asked if I was going to Franklin. Worked out great because that's where I was heading for the Hikers April Fools Bash. I got myself a room and a shower. At night they had a big AYCE right there in the parking lot. Listening to Bluegrass all day and meeting some of the legendary hikers. There was a couple who did what's called "clogging" which is simliar to Irish dancing. They were great. They also showed us how to square dance. Of course I had to get up and try and it was a blast. Well, the mountains are certainly getting bigger. We're in the 4000-5000 ft ranges now. Hope to get some views as soon as I'm into North Carolina. It's been raining but alls good, just a little wet. Climbing Wayah Bald tomorrow. There's a pack of 7 wolves living up there now. I saw some pictures of them and they're really beautiful.
Date: 2007-04-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.7

Well here I am at a forest service road to camp. Did 4 more miles than anticipated which put me at the 16 mile mark. Met up with Baby Steps, Buttercup, Pippy, and two section hikers. No water here but we're doing our best. Sun is shining and the air is warm. Short day tomorrow. Well, I just found what I've been seeing since Georgia. Junko's friendly little birdsand they're all over. No other wildlife that I saw. Oh it must be my hiker smell haha. Oh to be a hiker.
Date: 2007-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.8

Short day of 8 miles but what a killer down hill. Made it to the N.O.C. My feet definitely needed the rest. This place is great...there's kayaking, whitewater rafting, and great food. Had myself a good lunch with a couple of section hikers. I'm so proud- I had a Brownie Supreme. Hot brownies with lots of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and walnuts. I proceeded to polish it off in about 2 minutes and the waitress was shocked. My food mood has arrived!! Off to rest my weary feet.
Date: 2007-04-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today is my zero day. Still resting and been eating non stop since I woke up. It's called "grazing" as I've been told. Hey, I'm hungry... Awesome thunderstorm last night, I woke up to watch it. Now the weather is getting a little cold, may be down to low 20's at night. Yogi, a thru hiker from Florida, never has seen snow. This may be his chance in the Smokies. Well, early to bed, early to rise- I have a long day tomorrow and a 4,000ft climb to welcome the day.
Date: 2007-04-05
To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Long, long day and cold! Thank god the sun was shining. The climb today was a killer. Saw no one today until 3:00 down by a main road. Trail Angels with the whole set up- fire pit, food, soda, and lots of hot dogs. Thank you Bare Bear & Jelly Bean for all you've done! I don't think I could have made those last 2 miles without it. Everyone here at the shelter is already in their bags. We're in for a cold night.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, I've made it to Fontana Dam. Crammed the mileage to get here only to discover no one's going anywhere. Temps are in single digits with wind chills in the negatives. Hotel rooms are where we're stuck for the next 2 days at least. Nothing new to report. Feet and legs feel good, can't wait to hike the Smokies. Hope to see some BEARS. I heard they took down all the bear cages on the shelters. Are they trying to tell us something?
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Fontana Dam

To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.1

Cold morning but good hiking weather. Shuckstack Mountain at 4020' had great views. Feels good to get back on the trail. I am now officially in the Smokie Mountains. Day one: I wonder if I will see a bear? Hope to, well from a little distance anyway. Well thats about it for today.
Date: 2007-04-09
To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 10.8

Good day hiking. Weather is cold and we are all hoping for some warm weather soon. Lots of us here tonight. There is a fierplace in the shelter so the fire is roaring and oh does it feel good. One more day to Clingmans Dome but the weather is not looking to good. Maybe some snow could be in our future. Oh well, life on the trail, take what you get and smile. Day 2 - No Bears Today
Date: 2007-04-10
To: Gatinburg, TN
Miles today: 13.5

Hard hiking today. Going thru my food a lot faster. So my unplanned stop will be Gatinburg, TN to resupply snacks and lunch. Cold up here tonight at 5507'. Rain expected and hut is full of boyscouts. I may stay and wait out the weather on Wednesday. Snow is possible up here but there is a great fireplace inside the hut to keep warm . Oh ah Day 3 and no bear sightings or footprints. Oh well, there is always tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Mt. Lecont
Miles today: 10.8

Clingmans Dome. Windy, not to cold, rain, clouds and climbing up into the clouds. Easy hike but not a view from Clingmans Dome. Here at Gatinburgh, TN. Oh its Walley World here with its own little wedding chapel, neon lights, t-shirt shops. A real tourist trap but the food was good and the people are friendly. Well, still no bears today. I am not sure there are any, will see. Well, back to the woods.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Mt. Lecont

To: Mt. Lecont
Miles today: 0.0

Walking along having a good old time and then BAM, I find out I have missed the turnoff and I have gone 4.5 miles out of the way. I think the Smokies are trying to hold me captive or just drive me nuts. First Gatinburg and now this. But all is well here at the lodge. They invited me to dinner and put me up in a cute little cabin as their guest. Dinner was great, I ate with the crew and helped out in the kitchen. Everyone was just so nice, I felt right at home. Thank you to Henry and the crew for all you have done. P.S. Im not the only one to do this but the first this season. P.S.S No sign of any Yogi Bears yet. Well there is always tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Mt. Lacont

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: broken clouds

Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, never a better sight after todays hike of 19.5 miles and boy do my feet HURT!!! Lots of hikers here tonight, rain is coming down and with it some cold. When will the cold snap end? Tomorrow I am up early to get out of this godforsaken place. The Smokies sucked. Thank god its done. Moving on to better times. Keep on smiling.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

Windy! Hiking was long. My feet ache very much today but so worth it. I am finally out of the Smokies! The one place I was so excited to be in turned out to be one of the worst. The views were incredible but shelter distances and god damn Gatinburgh which turned out to be a total nightmare. Let me ask you a question. How can you live in a town and not know your neighboring businesses. Talk about clueless and thats being nice. Oh Lori, thank you for letting me vent to you on my way out of that hell hole. So, enough of the Smokies. I am here at Standing Bear, first hostel out of the smokies. Nicest people. Curtis, Mariea, Sprokett and Wonder are all so sweet. I got a bunk and slept so great. Sprokett, thanks for an awesome dinner. Porkroast, veggies and the best best mashed potatoes I ever had. Good company and good music made a great night. Thanks again to the Standing Bear Hostel.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Cold and raining this morning. I actually slept until 9:30, thats my first late day on the trail. Just what Sprokett ordered. We had a great breakfast courtesy of Sprokett, eggs, bacon with left over mashed potatoes out of which he made crocettes. They were delicious. So here I still am not wanting to move on so I will zero here. I moved to a cabin with a big cozy bed. Good day to snuggle up and read a good book which is what I'll do until dinner time. Woke up from my nap and it was snowing. I wonder if Spring will ever come. A hiker saw a mama bear teaching her 2 cubs how to climb a tree today. Great, I wonder if she teaches them what color food bags to go for first. Thanks to Standing Bear, one of the best hostels around. Curtis makes you all feel right at home. Thanks to Sprockett who is a great cook and lots of fun to hang with. I certainly filled my calorie quota.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Hot Springs N.C.

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

Short hike out today. NOT guilty & I went straight to the diner this morning. We had ourselves a great breakfast. Nice little town it is. My cabin is right next to a railroad track so every few hours this train comes by. I feel like I am in a "I Love Lucy" episode. On the other side of the cabin there is a rooster who cockadoodledoos all day and night, but I'll take that over the cute little dancing gray mice who live at the shelters. They are cute, sometimes they come bearing gifts and drop them right in front of you. Well, off to get dinner and dessert. What else is there to do on a great day off. Food UM!
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

Long day but it ended with one of the best rock scramble climbs and view I've done & seen yet. My view to the East: mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. My view to the West: a valley which happens to be a little town called "Greenville N.C." surrounded by another mountain range. I sure hope the people of this place look up once in a while and take a minute and breath in the beauty that surrounds them. I know I do everyday. Life is too short not to stop and take a breath.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Erwin, TN

To: Uncle Johnnies Hostel
Miles today: 13.5

Good day out on the trail. Awesome view from the peak. I saw Ermine & the Nolichucky River. Hung out for a little while with a rather friendly brown lizard. Got to Uncle Johnnies Hostal. Great Place to stay and Johnnie and his wife Charlotte are very good people. I think I am taking a zero here, legs need the rest. Happy legs and feet, happy hiking.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Climbed Roan Mountain today, our last 6000 footer until Mount Washington. Carvers Gap was beautiful. The views again like every Bald were just breathtaking. Overmountain Shelter is just about the best. The view is beyond description. I set up my tent to watch the sunrise over the mountains. Can't get any better than this. Enjoying nature at its finest.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Well my prediction was correct. We went from freezing our asses off to 90 degree weather. Long hot day. The waterfalls were great for cooling off. Can't wait to find some swimming holes. P.S. Hardcore Cascades were great. A couple of years ago someone who I have been hiking with helped on that project. Thanks Lumpy
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Dennis Cove 

To: Watauga Lake
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Pitched tent by the lake today. Thunderstorms rolled in. Now I am in my tent thinking... man, I just past the 400 mile mark. 2 days and I will be in Virginia. 459.5 miles with 3 states down. Walking with Spring has been amazing. Watching the trees bud, the flowers bloom. A couple of weeks ago we were walking in freezing temps and sliding down ice covered trails. Loving every minute of it.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: few clouds

Town of Damascus. Went to the "Place" to pitch a tent, shower and EAT. Caught up to a lot of familiar faces. Nice to see everyone you have hiked with in town. Time to relax the body and mind. Zero on Monday. Zero on Tuesday. Miles accomplished 459.5 SWEET.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Hello to all. Sorry I've been lax on my writing out here. Long miles are making me lazy at night. So here is a recap of some of my days. Hiking up Mt. Rogers into Grayson Highlands was absolutely breathtaking. Beautiful weather. One night while reading in my tent watching the sun set a female deer came within 10ft of my tent and grazed for a minute or two. She certainly was a beautiful sight to see. In Grayson Highlands grassland, rock out croppings and ponies, lots of ponies. They walked right up to me. I think they were looking for a snack. There were about 3 or 4 mamas with the foals. Sleeping and eating. It sure was a sweet sight. All in all, it was one of the prettiest days I have had on the trail. For the miles I have done so far, Virginia is really a pretty state and for any one to tell you its flat, they lied! They may not be very tall mountains but you definately do your fair share of climbing. Well, I can't belive I have walked 579.2 miles. It has really been a life experience. The towns people, trail people it has all been great. I know I am still having a great time out here when I see a 2000 foot climb up ahead and smile. Even though sometimes it kicks your ass! But the bright side is there is always a king size Snickers in your bag waiting to be eaten, oh yea with gobs of peanut butter on it is the way to go.
Date: 2007-05-27
To: Pearusburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I am here until Tuesday when the P.O. opens. The Hostel is on a beautiful hillside overlooking the mountains with a path leading to Walmart and Wendies through a cornfield, always a plus. The hike into town is really out of the way though. Oh Pearusburg townies just a note - we love to hike but when it comes to road walking in towns we HATE ROADS!!! Please don't wave to us, just give us a ride to town. Thank You :-) OK, back to my stay. We, meaning Not Guilty and myself went to visit Worm at his hotel and swam the day away on a very hot Memorial Day.   Relaxed the legs and feet, ate some mexican which was very good, yummy. Back to the woods tomorrow with Torpedo. She is from Minnesota. Awesome to hang and hike with. Well thats all for now.
Date: 2007-06-01
To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Another hot, humid day. Long climbs with lots of rocks. Climbing in a skirt certainly puts a whole spin on being a "lady in a skirt". Well Torpedo and I got in at about 3:00 today with all good intentions of hiking another 5 miles but looking at the book decided to stay, hike out 16 miles to Catawba to "The Homeplace" restaurant w/an AYCE (All You Can Eat) dinner. Oh man am I there. Lone Wolf would be so proud I have now recruited another member to the "Hiker Trash" club, meaning we will yellow blaze to get to the restaurant. Forgive us Wingfoot for we have sinned. For this we shall climb up up than down down down. Oh wait, we've already done that. Oops while I'm sitting here writing poor Torpedo's water bag just fell and busted open, shit. Thankfully water is just down the way. Alls good here at Niday Shelter.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: Niday Shelter

To: The HomePlace
Miles today: 15.1

Great hiking today. Torpedo, The Bandaid Kid, Big Brother and myself hiked up to Dragons Tooth today, what a great climb. There is a rock formation that resembles just that, a dragons tooth. It's huge, at least 30 foot in height, lots of rocks to climb on and have fun. Torpedo and I yellow blazed (meaning road walked) to The Homelace for an all you can eat dinner and you can bet we ate very well. The owner there is so nice he let us sleep in the gazebo. Its very pretty here. The home was built in 1907, an old farm house with beautiful grounds. Oh animal sightings, we saw 2 rattle snakes, 1 black snake climbing a tree, took some pictures and moved along.Having a great time climbing mountains and meeting new people. P.S. If anyone from AT 07 is reading my journals and knows the whereabouts of Phil aka "Wrongway" could you please ask him to sign the shelter registers. Thank You.   Phil Where The Hell Are You!!!
Date: 2007-06-03
From: The HomePlace

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Congratulations to all hiking the A.T. We have passed the 700 mile mark. Holy shit. Rain, sleet, snow, winds & hot hot days. Stinking, drinking beers and oh yeah, town food. Having a good ole time. Keep on truckin the AT train to Maine.Rain today but Torpedo & I hiked out. Went to Catawba General store, nicest people. Thank you for the treats and a ride to the trail, it sure brightened our day.We climbed McAfee Knob in the fog but had a good time. TinkerCliffs, the rock formations were really something to see.I'm sure the views were too but we were a fogged in peak with rain. Well, we still had fun, thats all that counts. Off to Troutville tomorrow to resupply.Hello to all, my thoughts are never far from family and friends. Love to all.
Date: 2007-06-05
To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

What a great day for a hike! We have now entered the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views so far have been great. Saw lots of hawks today. Torpedo and I had our picture taken by a very nice couple. They, and I quote "Never Seen a Thru Hiker Before". We chatted a bit and moved on into the woods only to have a day hiker coming southbound with his stuff bag covering...... well you can only imagine. Yes he was hiking naked. We said hello but didn't have a chance to tell him he's a little early for Naked Hiking Day which happens to be June 21. Thats going to be a fun day. So recap of today... hawks, nice people, flowers and 1 naked man. Man I Love Hiking!P.S. thanks to the locals of Troutville/Daleville for your kindness
Date: 2007-06-09
To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: broken clouds

Saturday jam sesion. We listened to Coach (picker, harmonica and vocals), Genissus (guitar, vocals), April (vocals) & Kimchi (vocals). Sitting around the fire listening to some great tunes. We all resupplied in Glasgow thanks to our trail angel who picked us up and brought us back. We crossed the James River today and went swimming. The temps here have been in the 90's, hot and humid. We have been seeing lots of deer and snakes (green, garter, rattlers and king). One of these days I know I am going to step on one. They just lay around on the trails sunning themselves. Oh well.
Date: 2007-06-10
To: USFS Rd 38
Miles today: 16.1

TRAIL MAGIC! 2 miles short of our destination Tomboy & Renegade aka "The Milage Assassins" fed us dinner and ask us to stay and in the morning made us breakfast too. 22 years of being angels, two of the sweetest people you could meet. Thanks for all you have done.
Date: 2007-06-11
To: Hog Camp Gap USFS 48
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

OK, lets get a few things straight.1. Georgia - You have some big climbs. Were all still getting the kinks out, pack weight, foot problems & getting our trail legs.2. North Carolina / Tenn - Bigger mountains, The Great Smokie Mt, no privies in Tenn, just shovels (whats up with that). Bear, deer, beautiful views.3. Virginia - Beautiful rolling hills, flat, you can cruz when you get to this state. Like Hell! Who ever said Virginia is flat must have yellow blazed. There are some huge climbs. Future thruhikers, theres nothing flat in this state nor is it boring. Whoever came up with "The Virginia Blues". It's a beautiful state, always something new to see. Hard work but so worth it. After 700 miles, I'm still loving it.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

In town for resupply. Taking some time off. Went to Rusty too. What a great stay. Helped with his garden and moving out some old furniture. He's a wonderful person and can tell you great stories about the hikers. The trail has been quiet. Not so many people around these days. The days are hot & humid. Hope we get rain soon. Water is hard to find these days. But, we are all having a great time out here anyway.P.S. Waynesboro - great hiker town w/lots of trail angels & locals to help you out. Worth the stop.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: The Woods

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

NAKED HIKER DAY! Couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Sunshine, total ridge walking. Good friends, lots of naked people, well ok, only 7 of us. Matai, the artist of the group had body paint so the ladies of the group (3 of us) were painted. Totally awesome. Now we are known as "The Latex Ladies". People should hike naked more often, its cooler and more comfortable. Need I say more.Oh and I saw my first bear cub, he was soo cute. Lots of deer again today too. The trail has been great. I've been with Torpedo, Nice Enough, Genisus, Matai, Coach and Kimshi. Oh and vegas. Hope to catch up with Megan and Serial.Over 900 miles, I can't believe it. Still meeting new people and enjoying the town life.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Bears Den Rocks

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I saw another bear today and lots of deer, red tail hawks and chipmunks. The trail has been getting busy with section hikers and families out for the day. I have been stopped already many times and asked about what I'm doing. Some think were all insane and others find it exciting. The views today were beautiful. Went up to "Marys Rock". Of course I had too. Thinking of you Mary. 360 degree view of mountains. I have to say I can never get my fill of the fantastic views. Loving Life.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Bears Den Rocks

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful views again. I saw a big bear today on the trail. We both stopped and looked at each then he ran off into the woods. Lots of deer, owls and my favorite, those CRAZY SQUIRRELS. I love them, they try to run so fast from you sometimes. They miss branches and end up falling on to the ground. Silly little animal they certainly make me laugh on the trail. Lots of people at the shelter. Coach & the gang sang to us. As always its an ending to a good day. Hello to all.