morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-04-20
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountian Shelter
Miles today: 5.7

So I stayed at the Red Roof Inn last night in Helen GA. I actually slept I think induced by Nyquil and bourbon.I got on the trail about 11:00, I only had 5.7 miles to do today due to the aggressive mileage yesterday. When I go to the shelter there was only a family of four and one more guy, now there are 10 of us crammed in here.It snowed, sleeted and rained on me today. Its really cold and were are all in our sleeping bags trying to stay warm. I am trying to read my book.I will cook a meal and hopefully sleep. I have about 11 miles tomorrow and I will be in a hostel tomorrow night :) I cooked my hiker meal (chili mac), you have to let it sit for 10-15 minutes in a zip lock, so I put it in my jacket and now in my sleeping bag, all toasty now :)Yes, I do like Sardines!!!!
Date: 2019-04-21
From: Tray Mountian Shelter

To: DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Gap - Top of Georgia hostel 
Miles today: 11.0

Happy EasterSo last night was rough but not too bad. I stayed at Tray Mtn. shelter.  There was a mom, son, girlfriend,and mom¢s friend there. they got rained outta tents the night before so they were in the shelter.  Ended up 10 of us crammed in there. Everyone was in their sleeping bag early as it was so cold. The snoring was out of control, i even heard talking and singing in their sleep.Today was a good hike to Top of Georgia Hostel. A couple of really good views. I met trail runner Katie she was super nice and i wished her a happy Easter, she smiled really big and said she hadn¢t realized it was easter.so now i feel like complete trail trash.i¢m outside a grocery store stealing power for my phone, wifi from starbucks, drinking a Smirnoff ICE smash screwdriver 40ozwaiting for the hostel shuttle to pick me upoh and i¢m wearing ¢gimme¢ scrubs while they do my laundry.And, aside from missing family, I¢m loving it!Happy Easter?
Date: 2019-04-22
From: DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Gap - Top of Georgia hostel 

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0

Stayed at TOG, they got weird when i was waiting for my package.  i grabbed a picnic table and a book (The Old Man and the Sea)and stayed out of the way.Seaneen confirmed package was out for delivery. Hopefully be here soon. I¢d like to get some miles in, it is a gorgeous hiking day.So i got a late start and the climbs were brutal they seemed to go on and on.I did see what i thought was an owl. I only noticed it because of the shadow. it was silent and gliding under the tree canopy weaving its way around the trees, just silently floating.My pack is a little heavier than i like it, I resupplied and Seaneen sent me some essentials.  I now have a solar charger for my phone and camera. Thanks Dr. Kammie?I crossed the GA/NC border today just before camp. I was exhausted.  My pack is beginning to become one with me, and I named it Daisy.1 state down 13 to go!!!
Date: 2019-04-23
From: Bly Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

So This morning I heard an owl Whooooo, 15 seconds later Whooooo this went on for two or three minutes. I was up before dawn having coffee.  Headed out with a flexible plan of 12 or 15 milesI saw a cooler along the trail,  YEA! trail magic, but i gad a weird feeling. I slowly opened the cooler and it was a bad combination of trail box food and supplies and garbage to include a rotten salad, YUCK!  100 feet down the trail there was a small parking lot and a through hiker I have been leapfrogging. Her friends had a cooler of soda, mini snickers, and fruit,SCORE, and THANK YOU!!!I then ran into another trail runner/maintainer these people walk the trail and maintain it. he asked about conditions or issues, he was carrying a bag of garbage, THANK YOU!I haven¢t seen slot of wildlife, today a blue jay.I found a pair of sun glasses on the trail today. Since 90+% of hikers are going northbound i grabbed them and asked everyone i saw. Bringing them into the shelter I met Sloth. he was hanging out in a hammock.  I told him my name is Chuck no trail name yet, he said you look like a Viking, your name is Viking.?So today was alot of up and down, highest point so far on the trail . I thought about hiking the Porcupine Mtns. with my nephews last year. They kept saying why are there so many hills. I would say they are called the Porcupine Mtns. not flats. So that¢s why the Appalachian Mtns are so hilly-They are Mtns.Good night Shepard, Seamus, Sully, & Seegar¢¤
Date: 2019-04-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1

So today I started at Carter Gap.  I was walking along minding my own business when there in the middle if the trail was a snake, scarred the ?out of me, first snake i¢ve seen that surprised me.I climbed to the highest point on the trail so far, there was a fire tower there snd i climbed that too. I met Flamingo snd Locks there, Flamingo gave me a little flamingo, sharing the love. the climb up was the most difficult ( technical)so far. But weird thing on the way down the other side NC discovered you don¢t gave to walk straight up over every peak, there are switchbacks and walking along the side of a mtn. I got to the shelter 1st and got to puck my spot.   Best shelter group by far. Everyone very nice.   I built a fire for the first time and got the best night sleep so far.I crossed the 100 mile marker today, there was four of them?
Date: 2019-04-25
From: Rock Gap Shelter 

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

The climb out of Wayah Bald was long and just wouldn¢t end.I met the Raven family: Mom, Dad, and i¢m guessing boy 14 & girl 11???  Story is they are walking the AT to complete the triple crown. That's the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and Appalachian Trails. They moved along very well.I think I finally ate enough of my food to get my pack weight back to normal. There is a sweet spot as far as weight goes.  I was definitely too heavy since TOG.Shelter life - you never know who is going to be there when you get there and you never know who will come in after you. It¢s a crap shoot. I¢ve had good shelter mates and bad ones, snorers, talk in sleep, sing in sleep, go to the bathroom constantly, ugh!!! So a lady, hard of hearing mind you, says to me and a trail mate, Tony if you two are early risers please be quiet.  I¢m like, ok lady how bout you are in a shelter, turn your phone off so it quits vibrating, and don¢t mind us when you pee twice during the night.So WARNING potty talk:  So hydration is big out here. i have not been peeing enough. I made a point to drink alot of water today and i peed all day and clear. I felt better and stronger all day. Additionally I am not like a bear yet, I¢ll keep you posted.
Date: 2019-04-26
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center NOC
Miles today: 16.5

Started at Wayah Gap Shelter in the rain a little later than i wanted due to the rain.  Walking in the rain isn¢t bad, it¢s when you stop you get cold.  I knew today was 17+ but headed to the NOC, and a bed.I walked today with Camel Back Santa-google him. kind of interesting.  I heard a story about a machete wielding man threatening hikers  https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article229620344.htmlToday was weird: it was cold and rainy, hot and sunny, depending on the side of the mtn it was really windy or dead calm.  i was walking in the dead calm and i heard some popping and cracking. I watched a 6 inch diameter tree fall for no reason, it just fell. i¢ve been walking in high winds among millions of trees and this one just falls.  I¢m in a shelter at the NOC tonight, got dinner, a few beers, did laundry, showered and shaved.
Date: 2019-04-27
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap - Camping
Miles today: 10.6

Today¢s picture is from one of the water sources. Some say you don¢t have to filter. I do as its easy and i have a filter.slept terrible again, couldn¢t fall asleep last night, I finally took some Advil and turned on the fan in the 4 person room.  Sleeping mat, cot , bunk was not very comfortable.I ate breakfast at the restaurant with two hiker friends. I resupplied at the outfitters and got a new water bottle. I then mailed about 2 lbs of stuff home.I knew today was going to be hard! It was uphill non stop for 4 hours!!!! 8.1 miles 3330 feet of elevation.  I met a guy on the trail, he was in our hostel/room last night but came in late. He caught up to me at 10:00 and had put a buzz on prior to hitting the trail. He also was packing the three beers i had left in the room. Hike your own hike, I guess!?!Wildlife today I saw a 6 inch lizard and many butterflies.Word travels very fast up and down the trail.  I am not a gossiper but it¢s funny what and how much you hear:-he tipped the pizza driver $70-Norovirus running rampant on the trail. but no one knows anyone who¢s sick.-There¢s a machete yielding man threatening hikers-Sloth, that night hiker guy?So after the climb i took a break and felt really good. I was going to  shoot for 15 today.  When i get tired two things happen. I start to stumble over things more, and the middle of my back starts hurting. It¢s important to listen to your body. I stopped at 10.6.18.5 to Fontana Dam but much more forgiving elevations??
Date: 2019-04-28
From: Locust Cove Gap - Camping

To: Fontana Dam - tent pad
Miles today: 18.4

I finally slept good, i only woke for a brief rain shower. I had to put my bag under the rain fly.  I think i was the last one up and the last one out of camp. Very unusual for me.I started out good knowing it may or may not be a long day.  I list two guys Ive been leap frogging, Memorial & Crypter. I¢m hoping to catch them at the dam. Also, I want to get to the dam because Melody, another hiker i¢ve been leapfrogging, is having family meet her in the Smokies and she offered me a ride to Gatlinburg.The day got really difficult coming out of Stecoah Gap then Jacobs ladder out of Sweetwater Gap. That climb was a monster! I listened to my body today took a-lot of breaks, drank a-lot and ate a-lot. I got to Cable Gap Shelter and took a break to make a decision as to stay 12 mile day or continue?!?  The shelter was small and Fontana is 6.7 miles 3-4 hours. I pressed on and I¢m paying for it. Fontana Dam was a long way away with plenty of up hill before the decent, then more accent at the end.Memorial and Crypter were not here but Melody was.Today I passed the 150 mark.  Yesterday I was happy to be away from the drunk before 10:00am hiker. Today I got passed by another creepy guy, He¢s in camp tonight.  You lose one you gain another.I¢ve heard people say they have lost weight on the trail so far, 10,15,20 lbs.  Where they are weighing themselves I don¢t know?  I don¢t feel i¢ve lost weight. My legs seemed to have thinned out but my mid section i don¢t think has changed.There were alot less people on the trail today. both through and day hikers. I¢ve also noticed there were alot of through hikers with dogs at the beginning. I have not seen any of them in days.So today I hiked from 8:15-19:00 11 hours with breaks lets say 8 hours, according to Map my Fitness i¢d burn 5000+ calories.What do I eat in a day:Breakfast:2 packages of oatmeal & coffeeLunch: two tuna packets or pb&j on flour tortillas Dinner: Hiker meal usually around 800-1000 calories per hiker mealSnacks: cookies if i have them, tic tacs, figs, cliff bars.in town i usually try to get a salad and/or fruit.
Date: 2019-04-29
From: Fontana Dam - tent pad

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

So i took my time getting ready today as i was only 11.8, ha ha ha.  And i wanted to visit the gift shop. I took a morning shower. The gift shop was closed?. Its a long lonely walk from the visitor center to the trail head. then the sign says 9.9 to Mollies Shelter, and i know it¢s mostly uphill 2700 feet worth.There were some cool views today and a fire tower. I climbed to the top and the view was worth it.  I did climb a fire twice today, tallest one yet. I saw my first squirrel on the trail today, no other wildlife. A woman came in 45 minutes after me in camp and said  she saw two bears. I was completely wiped at 6 hours and still had 2 more hours of hiking. The day-went like this: I had been hiking uphill for two hours. I looked to my left and saw a fire tower way up and on another ridge, of course thats where i had to climb, ugh!!!So i kept track of food today, I took in 1825 calories, and hiking alone I burned 3800+ calories.Four deer sauntered through camp right at sunset.My nephews wanted to know if I pooped in the woods yet?  As of yet no, but privies are rare in the Smokies.
Date: 2019-04-30
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

So I slept alright and felt good to start the day.  It always seems good in the morning when I am fresh.  My pack is lighter now due to having eaten my food weight down.  I¢m still trying to think where i can cut more weight. I may get rid of a t shirt and pair of underwear. There was talk of bears in camp during the night. I didn¢t see or hear them. I did see another deer in the morning. I met a lady from Australia, and  an older gentleman named Elevation whose finishing a through hike from last year.We hiked over Thunderhead Mtn. and Rocky Top today. The AT goes along the border of NC and TN in the Smokies.  Elevation told me to definitely go to trail days in Damascus.  Another guy is walking the trail with no toilet paper, I stay far from him and everything he touches.My shoe started falling apart, I am going to have Seaneen call and get a new pair shipped.  160 miles, not good. At that rate i¢ll need 12 pairs of shoes. I was hoping to get 400-500 miles out of a pair.The Raven family came into camp and stayed the night. They are the family doing the AT as the third trail of the triple criwn.There is something to be said about the AT, well two things.  One, look around for the highest peak and that¢s probably the one you are climbing next.  Two, it seems that no matter how easy or tough the day is there is almost a killer incline in the last mileI did not see Crypter or Melody today, they are ahead.  Memorial, Camelback Santa and Tony are behind.
Date: 2019-05-01
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 7.4

Well today is May 1!!! I started as a police officer 24 years ago, and today is my anniversary. I am on vacation until May 3, so I am officially an employee for two more days, then retired!!!! This morning started out windy and cold. The wind blew out my jet boil several times. Once I got moving I warmed up fast.There was an older lady hiking yesterday and she fell and knocked herself out, complains about all of her ailments but she got up this morning and kept hiking. Today was a short day 7.4 but it had a few good climbs.  I stopped early because I am being picked up tomorrow at 515 at Newfoundland gap. So, if i hiked to the next shelter it would only be four on Thursday.I am going to do a semi night hike in the morning. I have the alarm set for 415, I want to be on trail by 430 & to Clingmans Dome by 630 for the sunrise. Hung out with Princess from MN today at the shelter, met two guys from Parma Italy, and chatted with Blueberry from Durango CO.Camelback Santa is catching up.Shoe update. Seaneen called LLBean and they were very helpful!! They are shipping a new pair of shoes and I should have them by Monday. Thanks Seaneen for the logistical help.
Date: 2019-05-02
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter 

To: Newfoundland Gap
Miles today: 10.5

Started out the day at 0430, alarm at 0415.  I walked from 430-630 in the dark and fog.  Talk about Blair Witch Project. The sun came up at 641, but it was foggy/cloudy at Clingman¢s dome. I stayed at the top of the dome for three hours until the gift shop opened below. I cooked my morning coffee and oatmeal.  I was rewarded with about a 30 second view to the northeast.  While there Princess, Longfeather, Max, Tree trunks, and the Italians all made a visit, all to not be rewarded with a view. There was an old guy up there that talked my ear off for at least 45 minutes about everything and nothing. He was a military trained pilot and after the military he flew helicopter to and from oil rigs in the Gulf delivering people and supplies.I had 7 more miles to walk to get to Newfoundland gap.  On the way I passed 10-15 older women out for a two mile hike, they were very chatty and had many questions for me which I smiled and answered.Rene, a friend, is picking me up at 515. I got there at 315, time for a nap. Rene and a co-worker friend, Lee, picked me up at the gap.  We went into Gatlinburg and had dinner. Salad and a burger tasted so good, oh and beer.  We then went for ice cream, and I resupplied at the grocery store.  I got a hot shower and a comfortable couch to sleep on.Thanks to trail angels like Rene!!! Today also marked the highest elevation on the AT, Clingmans Dome, and the crossing of the 200 mile mark!
Date: 2019-05-03
From: Newfoundland Gap

To: Icewater Springs Shelter 
Miles today: 3.1

Today started out at Rene¢s re-organizing my pack with all of the grocery store items I purchased.  I took a second shower and shaved. I looked in the mirror and I could finally see I¢ve lost weight.  I knew my legs had thinned out but I was finally able to see overall weight-loss, I can¢t imagine what i will look like in 3 more weeks. Rene took me down to her welcome center and showed me around and introduced me to co-workers. She dropped me off at Newfoundland Gap and today I¢m officially in TN, two states down.  The hike up to the shelter was not that bad, it was short, but it was uphill the whole way.  The shelter was busy but had a good energy, and I caught up with Memorial, he¢s still hurting but he¢s still moving. Let¢s talk shelter life. Shelters are first come first serve, throw you bag down and mark your spot.  You sleep on wood shelves and hang your backpack from the roof. The floors are dirt and sometimes there are mice. Smoky Mtn. rules are if you are a section hiker you get space in the shelter over through hikers, even if a through hiker has been there for hours.  Today I got booted. I was set up, napped, ate dinner, then two groups of section hikers arrived and I had to set up my tent. It¢s ok I like my tent, but it¢s supposed to rain tonight.Thanks to all who have signed the guest book: Roy, Donnie, scott, bill, joe, pat, dennis, chris, sooner, gary, krissy, roberta, brian, dennis, rich, patrick, rita, mark, and dave.Donnie, yes i¢m doing well, still trying to figure out keeping the phone charged, and i don¢t always have a signal.If anyone has trail questions please write in the guest book and I will respond when I can.I¢m getting a little home sick with the little bit of downtime I had. Being on the trail keeps me focused.
Date: 2019-05-04
From: Icewater Springs Shelter 

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.6

After being bumped from the shelter I slept in my tent and got a great night¢s sleep. I was told the sunrise can be awesome at this shelter and it was incredible.  There were many hikers awake and moving, it made for a cool scene with the sunrise. I felt good leaving camp and stopped at Charlie¢s bunion I was alone there for a half hour. I had an apple and did my morning exercises.  It seemed to take a long time to get to the first shelter, Peck¢s Corner.  Rick and I had stayed there in 2016. It¢s a nice shelter but it¢s .4 off the trail and  the hike out is all up hill. This added almost a mile to my day.  The next shelter Tri-Corner Knob was 5 miles away and it was raining. I hiked those miles in the rain, I need a new bag cover.  Tri Corner is a nice shelter and I think Rick and I stayed here too.  There is a ridge runner here and he¢s kind of a jerk.  There is also a guy here that won¢t shut up,  blah blah blah, he¢s knows everything!!!  At one point today the trail was lined on both sides with various kinds of moss everything was shaded green, it was raining and still. I could hear rumble of thunder faintly in the distance. There was noise but the silence/ stillness was very calming. I looked down and there was a particular variety of moss, it looked soft and  warm like a puppy ¢s fur. I had to reach and touch it and it was soft but not warm like a puppy. So my bag cover is no longer waterproof so when I got to the shelter my bag was soaking through and the contents getting wet. When I¢m done hiking for the day I get cold really fast, no matter the temperature. I got into dry clothes, thankfully they didn¢t get wet. I climbed into my half wet sleeping bag and warmed up for about an hour. The shelter was packed!!! Three people slept on the floor and there was not enough room for everyone to cook.  Hikers are very patient with each other. We are all cold, wet, tired, and hungry.In every shelter there is a guest book for hikers to sign. I sign in as the hinking VIKING, and I sign out:Just Taking Steps?
Date: 2019-05-05
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter 

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.4

Woke to pouring/driving rain. I had no signal on the cell. It¢s hard to plan a day when you can¢t get the weather report.  My bag cover was an epic failure yesterday. I don¢t mind hiking in the rain but i need to be assured there are dry clothes in my pack. If not I am screwed, being cold and wet is not good, and there are no prospects of a warm bed at Davenport Gap. I hiked like a rock star today.  It rained from the time I left the shelter until 240ish. I like hiking in the rain but I get cold when I stop, so I didn¢t stop.  In high school I ran my best cross country races in the rain. I get really focused and goal oriented in the rain.  The path was like a river today flowing up or down as i traversed. It¢s funny as it¢s raining it¢s not slippery but as soon as it stops raining it gets like an ice rink, sliding all over. It¢s also funny when you start you avoid puddles and then after a while you don¢t care and you run right through the middle of them.  I am still hiking in the broken shoes so every time i bring my right foot forward through a puddle it scoops up water and throws it at the back of my left leg. It finally cleared up the last two hours of the hike.I made it to Standing Bear Hostel. I really like this place, very laid back. Upon arrival you get a half sheet of notepad paper and that¢s your tab. If you buy food or beer or supplies they hand write it on your tab. Upon checking out you settle your tab. They don¢t even ask for a credit card up front.  I¢ll try and add some pictures of this place to my photos. Good news is I met up with Memorial again. It was good to see him and have a beer.