morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

5:15 PM - At Newfound Gap now - have another 3 miles to hike to Icewater Spring Shelter - 1000' up. I have already hiked 12.5 miles, including over Clingman's Dome @ 6655' elevation. Getting pretty tired. 8:30 PM - Arrived at Icewater Spring Shelter about 7:30 PM. Got space in shelter, so no need to set up tent. Ate a little dinner. Going to bed shortly.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Sunday, 4/27 - Hiked from 8:30 AM to 4 PM today from Icewater Spring Shelter to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter - 12.6 miles. Weather clear and sunny, actually a little too warm w/ high about 75. Likely thunderstorms tonight. Luckily I am staying in the shelter w/ 6 other thru hikers and 3 section hikers.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Tricorner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Monday, 4/28 - 12 noon - Rained fairly heavy last night, but fortunately I was in the shelter, so no wet tent to pack up. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the shelters are larger, easily sleeping 12-14 hikers. You are not allowed to tent unless the shelter is full. Section hikers reserve spots in specific shelters, thru hikers can stay in the shelter if there is room left, otherwise we have to tent. I started hiking at 8:15 AM, have hiked 6.1 miles so far. Started in rain gear, but skies have cleared and it is now only partly cloudy and warm, but windy - changed into shorts. Will try to hike to Davenport Gap Shelter - another 8.6 miles. Depends on how weather looks in another hour when I reach Cosby Knob Shelter. These are last 2 shelters in GSMNP heading north on AT. Monday, 4/28 - 5:30 PM - Just arrived at Davenport Gap Shelter - hiked 14.8 miles today. Plan on staying here tonight, then hike 3.6 miles tomorrow (probably in the rain) to a hostel (Standing Bear Farm). Only 1 other hiker here at shelter so far.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm (hostel)
Miles today: 3.6

Tuesday, 4/29 - 1 PM - Left Davenport Gap Shelter at 8:15 AM after a very rainy, warm night. Stayed dry in the shelter, but had to sleep on top of my sleeping bag because it was so warm (only dropped to about 65) and muggy. I wore my rain jacket and pants this morning, but did not need them - got more wet from sweating under my rain suit than I would have from few sprinkles that occurred. I arrived at Standing Bear Farm (a very rustic hostel) about 10 AM, selected a bunk in the 14 bed bunkhouse, and got showed around by "Rocket". I have since then washed my laundry (hand wash in laundry sink, using a scrubbing board and then using a hand cranked wringer after rinsing - there is an electric drier to finish drying the clothes), took my 1st shower in a week (outdoor shower house, but nice warm water), unpacked my backpack and put sheets on my bunk. Now relaxing and socializing w/ other hikers. In addition to the bunkhouse there is a cabin w/ 3 full size beds (2 down and 1 up in a loft) and a tenting area for overflow (1 tent set up now). The hostel is only about 2-3 miles north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.In addition to the bunkhouse and cabin, there is a common kitchen area, separate laundry room (as noted above), shower room, privy (outhouse), many porches w/ lots of seating place, and a separate small building w/ provisions for sale. Hard to fully describe this place. Lots of chickens running wild and lots of cats. I will try to post pictures later.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Thursday, 5/1 - 7:30 PM - Stayed at Roaring Fork Shelter last night - got there late, it was raining, and shelter was full, so I slept under the picnic table (which was under the shelter roof) w/ my sleeping bag and pad (worked fine). Woke up @ 6 AM, packed up slowly, used the privy, had Carnation instant breakfast, and started hiking about 8:30 AM. Hiked in fairly thick fog w/ on and off drizzle until 1:30 PM, then it cleared up nicely and temp must have reached about 60. Hiked over couple mountains, but did not have any views due to fog/ clouds. Did see lots of wild flowers.Hiked 14.8 miles to Deer Park Shelter, arriving at 5:30 PM. Set my tent up, fixed and ate dinner (Knorr smokehouse bacon pasta side, hot tea, marshmallows), hung my bear bag, pumped up my sleeping pad, laid out my sleeping bag, emptied my backpack. Now getting ready for bed.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn (hostel), Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

In Hot Springs, NC doing a Nero - hiked in this AM (woke up at 6 AM and was hiking by 7 AM) about 3.2 miles. Ate strawberry pancakes at busy diner/ restaurant. Now at a hiker lounge, socializing and using wi-fi. Staying at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn tonight, then hiking north tomorrow. Will resupply while I am here.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn (hostel), Hot Springs, NC

To: Log Cabin Drive (Hemlock Hollow Inn/ Hostel)
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Hiked from Hot Springs to Log Cabin Drive from 10 AM to 8:30 PM - a total of 16.3 miles on the AT, then hiked an additional 0.7 miles on Log Cabin Drive to hostel. Went to bed about 10 PM after small cold dinner (can of Vienna sausages and half a can of Pringles).
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Log Cabin Drive (Hemlock Hollow Inn/ Hostel)

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Only hiked 10.1 miles today (took an hr from 12:15- 1:15 PM at "trail magic" tent for lunch - cheeseburger, hot dog, chips, a piece of pound cake, a tangerine, and 2 orange sodas) to Jerry Cabin Shelter and stayed in shelter w/ 4 other hikers. There were at least another 8-10 hikers there staying in tents, hammocks, or "cowboy camping". Weather was warm and sunny.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

3 PM - Got up early this AM, packed, had instant breakfast, and started hiking by 7:30 AM. Made good time and hiked 5.9 miles by 10:30 AM to Flint Mountain Shelter, took 15 min break, then pushed on. Now at 3 PM just finished 1500 ft climb over last 3 miles and have hiked almost 12 miles so far today. Weather is warm and sunny. Next shelter is in 3 miles - may or may not stay there.6 PM - Arrived at shelter about 5 PM and decided to stay. Will sleep in shelter again tonight w/ 3 other hikers. Also about 8 hikers here in tents and hammocks.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap (campsite)
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Did not sleep well last night - there was quite a lot of wind and the bear cables were squealing all night. I finally got up at 5:30 AM and took down everyone's bear bag and placed them on the picnic table so the others could sleep, but I was up.Another thru hiker (So Far So Good) also got up from the shelter and grabbed her backpack from where it was hung on the outside of the shelter. Upon opening her backpack a mouse jumped out. When So Far looked inside her backpack she found the mouse had built a nest inside - she dumped that out and out came 5 baby mice as well, 4 still squeaking and alive. The next thing we saw was the mother mouse come out repeatedly and take/ carry each baby under the shelter - got quite entertaining.After that I fixed my instant breakfast, packed up, and started hiking by 7:15 AM. 6 PM - Hiked 15.8 miles today, including Big Bald at an elevation of 5516 ft w/ 360 degree views - awesome - pictures to follow. Weather warm and sunny all day.Sleeping in tent tonight at Spivey Gap. 3 other hikers here - 2 in tents, 1 in a hammock. Plan on hiking 10.7 miles tomorrow into Erwin, TN and staying in a hostel, taking a shower, doing my laundry, and resupply/ shop.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Spivey Gap (campsite)

To: Uncle Johny's Hostel, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

4 PM - Hiked into Erwin and staying at Uncle Johny's Hostel. Have a small private "cabin" - about 8 x 8 ft. Lots of other hikers here (about 35) - some in cabins like me, some in bunkroom, some in tents. Hiked from 7:15 AM to 1 PM from Spivey Gap to Erwin - 10.7 miles. Had a yahoo and Pepsi, took a shower, put on clean clothes, unpacked my backpack, and now am doing my laundry (1st in line - only 1 washer and dryer). At 5 PM there is a shuttle to a super Walmart and pizza place for 2 hrs. I will start hiking out again tomorrow AM. Weather has been clear, but hot - high to about 85 today.9 PM - Took shuttle at 5 PM. 1st went to Primo's Italian Restaurant w/ about 10 other hikers. I had meatballs parmigiana w/ spaghetti and a house salad and 3 large glasses of sweet iced tea. We then went to Walmarts and did our resupply shop. I also bought a 4 pack of ice cream cones and ate 2 and gave 2 to other hikers. When we got back to the hostel, I cooked an ear of corn in the microwave and ate that, then ate a whole mango, then half a quart of strawberries. I think my hiker appetite kicked in.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Uncle Johny's Hostel, Erwin, TN

To: campsite at mile 354.2
Miles today: 12.7

11 AM - Left Erwin/ Uncle Johny's at 8 AM and have hiked about 5 miles so far (mostly up) and just took break at Curley Maple Gap Shelter. Now hiking on - not sure how far today. Another clear, sunny day w/ high expected about 80.6 PM - Hit trail magic again at about 1 PM (sponsored by a church) - I ate 2 Wendy's cheeseburgers, 1 Wendy's chicken sandwich, a bag of potato chips, a brownie, and 2 cans of soda.It was a very warm day hiking - sunny w/ high about 80. I only hiked 12.7 miles and am staying at a campsite at mile 354.2. I got here about 5 PM and decided to stop and set up my tent (otherwise I would have started a 1000 ft ascent over the next 1 1/2 miles - I would rather do that in the morning when it is cooler). There are 6 other hikers here in tents and 1 hammock. It is still warm and a little buggy (little gnats that fly around your head, but don't bite), so I am laying down in my tent on my inflatable pad, relaxing.There is a spring here w/ good cold water.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: campsite at mile 354.2

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

10AM - Initial climb (Unaka Mountain - elevation 5180 ft) done. In gap on other side, 1300 ft down and walking to Cherry Gap Shelter - another 1 mile. T-storms predicted as possible mid afternoon here.5 PM - Only hiked 12 miles on AT today, then hiked another 0.6 miles to Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel - arrived here about 3:30 PM. Staying in bunkhouse w/ 7 other hikers. There are 3 other hikers staying in house in room w/ 3 twin beds and 1 additional hiker sleeping on floor (overflow). Hostel is run by a women named Connie ("CC") who opens her house (living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom) to the hikers.It was partly cloudy this AM, mostly cloudy this afternoon, and there is a line of thunderstorms moving into area - temp was up to about 75 earlier, cooling off now w/ rain moving in.I took a shower already, now sitting in living room watching a movie - Gran Turino.Hostel owner to drive few hikers to restaurant shortly - ordering take out - I plan on getting a double bacon cheeseburger, curly fries, and a chocolate milkshake. Tomorrow I hope to hike 0.6 miles back to the trail, then 16.9 miles to Overmountain Shelter.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

11 AM - Climbing Roan High Knob - shelter at top at elevation 6194 ft is the highest shelter on AT. I have hiked up 500+ ft, have 1700 ft more to hike up.8 PM - Woke up about 5:30 AM, left Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel about 7:20 AM, hiked 0.6 miles/ 400 ft up back to AT and started hiking on north on AT about 7:45 AM. Hiked total of 16.9 miles on AT to Overmountain Shelter, a barn converted into a 2 story hostel which could probably sleep 50. There are at least 20 hikers here, all staying in the hostel. On the hike up Roan Mountain, there was a thunderstorm w/ heavy rain - started halfway up and continued until I reached the top, then overcast w/ showers on and off until about 3 PM. Sun came out about 4 PM. I got to shelter at 6 PM, unpacked, and cooked/ ate dinner (Mountain House Spaghetti w/ meat sauce).This shelter is awesome w/ lots of room and an amazing view. I am sleeping upstairs.Tomorrow I am planning a short 8.7 mile hike to Mountain Harbour Hostel where I have a reservation.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Monday, 5/12 - 7:30 AM - Only hiked 8.7 miles yesterday and arrived at Mountain Harbour Hostel about 2:30 PM. While hiking I have met and talked w/ hikers from around the world - today there was a hiker from England, a couple from Austria, another couple from Germany, and a mother/daughter hiking together from France. After I got to hostel I took a shower, unpacked, and relaxed until 6:30 PM, then went out to dinner w/ 4 other hikers (1 has rental car and drove) - Halfmoon (who drove), Frisbee, and Coyote and Roadrunner (a father and his 8 yo son). We went to a Lonestar Steakhouse and I had loaded potato soup, loaded baked potato, and a wedge of iceberg lettuce w/ blue cheese crumbles/ dressing, then 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert - NO steak or meat other than bacon bits in soup and on potato.Slept fairly well last night, already packed, and now waiting for breakfast - they supposedly have the best breakfast on the trail here. After breakfast I am planning to hike a relatively easy 12.6 miles to the Vango/ Abby Memorial Hostel and stay there tonight.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Vango/ Abby Memorial Hostel
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Monday, 5/12 - 9:30 PM - Hiked relatively easy 12.6 miles from mile 391.8 to mile 404.4, then hiked down side trail 0.3 miles down to Vango/ Abby Memorial Hostel. I had reservation for private room upstairs w/ comfortable bed w/ sheets. Downstairs is 8 bed bunkroom w/ kitchen - only 1 hiker (Frisbee) staying there. Hostel owner recently had kidney stone and hostel was closed shortly, but re-opened (but rumor is out that it is still closed). Arrived here about 4:30 PM, unpacked, cooked dinner (bacon, macaroni, and cheese), then got pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream for dessert. I talked/ visited w/ Frisbee for a while and just finished shower.Weather today was sunny and hot w/ high >80. Seeing lightning and hearing thunder in distance, but has not rained here yet.Hiked past couple waterfalls and along river today. Also had several nice mountain views.Tomorrow plan on hiking to Kincora hostel at mile 417.0, then will rent car in Elizabetton, TN and drive home on Wednesday (son's graduation this weekend) - then back to trail next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Vango/ Abby Memorial Hostel

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up early and left Vango/ Abby Hostel at 7 AM after quick instant breakfast. Wanted to get earlier start as it was going to be another hot day w/ threat of afternoon thunderstorms. Hiked past half a dozen tents w/ hikers either still asleep or just getting up. By 10:30 AM reached Moreland Gap Shelter and had hiked about 6.5 miles. Took a break there w/ some other hikers, had some trail mix. After 20-30 minutes started hiking again to Dennis Cove Road - reached it about 2 PM. Overall hiking day was pleasant in mostly wooded terrain w/ few longer views, weather was warm (not hot) and mostly sunny. It did rain hard shortly after I got to hostel, but I was able to stay dry there.There are 2 hostels on Dennis Cove Rd, Kincora and Black Bear Resort. I decided I would stay at Black Bear after reading a flier about its amenities when I was at Moreland Gap Shelter. Also, Frisbee, the thru hiker I was with the night before, agreed to share a cabin at Black Bear w/ me - cabin has 4 beds (2 full size beds down and 2 twin size bunkbeds up) - price is $40 for up to 4 hikers + $5/ bed for linens. We both rented the linens rather than using our sleeping bags. The bunkhouse would have been $15/ person and obviously has less privacy and room.After checking in and unpacking, I took a shower and did my laundry. Then the resort had a shuttle to town and did a Subway run - I got a 12" BLT sub w/ avocado for dinner. After dinner, sat in the lounge and watched a movie - Signs, then going to bed before 9 PM. Tomorrow I am renting a car and driving home for my son's graduation, then will return to the trail here next Tuesday or Wednesday to resume my hike - my son is planning to join me for about a week.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Pittsburgh, PA

To: Kincora Hostel-Drive back to Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Drove back down to Elizabethton, TN today. Left Pittsburgh about 10 AM. Returned rental car to Enterprise in Elizabethton, TN at about 5:30 PM (after dropping off Matthew's car at motel just off AT in Atkins, VA - about 125 miles north on the trail). Unfortunately the shuttle driver for Enterprise leaves at 5 PM. However, I was able to call for a shuttle ride to the hostel we were planning to stay at - Kincora Hostel run by Bob Peoples - he came and picked us up. There were several other hikers there who I knew from a week ago when I left the trail - they had spent 4-6 days at Trail Days in Damascus, VA (the largest festival on the trail). We picked up a pizza on way from Enterprise to hostel for dinner, had free ice cream and cake for dessert at the hostel.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

This AM we packed up and ate breakfast, then left hostel at about 8 AM (I woke Matthew up at 6:45 AM). We hiked a total of 10.3 miles on the trail. We did take wrong turn and wasted about 1 hr, otherwise had nice hike w/ only 1 big up and down (1700+ ft up and down). We hiked to Watauga Lake Shelter where we are staying the night. 1 other hiker here now, expect some others to show up. About 2:30 PM, when we got to Watauga Lake, we came upon another hiker doing some trail magic and cooking hamburgers and hot dogs. Matthew had 1 hot dog and some chips, I had 2 hot dogs. Then after we got to the shelter, Matthew made a Knorr pasta side (Smokehouse Bacon Parmesan) for supper. Now we are just relaxing, but do expect a black bear visit tonight - a bear w/ 2 older cubs has been at the shelter several times in the last week. The shelter has a pole to hang food from, but at least 1 of the cubs knows how to climb it - we hung our food from a tree using a bear line and it should be safe.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Rained hard last night, cleared up this AM - partly cloudy day w/ high about 75 today. No bear visits overnight. Hiked 14 miles from Watauga Lake Shelter to Iron Mountain Shelter today. Started about 8 AM, got here about 6 PM. 5 of us are in shelter, another 8 in tents. Some nice views today, average terrain w/ about 2000 ft elevation gain thru the day.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Friday, 5/23 - 11:30 AM - Left Iron Mountain Shelter about 8:15 AM after an uneventful night. Came across trail magic box w/ sodas and Little Debbie's snacks about 10:30 AM (after hiking 5.6 miles). Hiking on now.Friday, 5/23 - 7:30 PM -Hiked total 13 miles today, from Iron Mountain Shelter to a campsite at Double Spring Gap (mile 454.3). We stopped at Double Springs Shelter at 12:30 PM for a short break, then at Low Gap at 2:30 PM for water (from a spring). We arrived at the campsite at 4 PM, decided to call it a day (Matthew's knee was bothering him and I did not want to push him too far). There are 3 other hikers (all section hikers) here at the campsite w/ us. Weather held up w/ partly cloudy skies and high of about 70 - nice hiking weather.We have 13.3 miles to go to get to Damascus - may get there tomorrow depending on how Matthew feels.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Double Spring Gap campsite

To: Woodchuck Hostel, Damascus
Miles today: 13.3

Saturday, 5/24 - 7 PM - We hiked the 13.3 miles from the Double Spring Gap campsite to Damascus, starting at 7:30 AM and getting here about 2:30 PM. We checked into the Woodchuck Hostel (just opened 3/2014 by previous thru-hiker Woodchuck) and dropped off our gear, then walked to the Dairy King for a late lunch/ early dinner (Matthew had a Jalape±o burger and creamsickle milkshake, I had a BLT and chocolate milkshake, and we split a chef salad and order of onion rings). We then walked back thru town (maybe 1/3 mile), stopped at the outfitters and the Dollar General, then back to the hostel. We did run into several hikers we know from the trail - some staying various places in town, some leaving and hiking on. Weather today was near perfect - mostly sunny w/ high of 65-70. Matthew's knee was still bothering him today, so we decided to do a zero here tomorrow - that means we will stay here tonight and tomorrow night and start hiking again on Monday.I have now completed 3 states - GA, NC, and TN. Only 11 more to go.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Woodchuck Hostel, Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

Monday, 5/26 - Today I woke up about 5:30 AM and took my shower, then packed up. I woke Matthew up at 7 AM, we ate a fairly quick breakfast, Matthew packed his bag, and we left Woodchuck Hostal and started hiking about 8 AM.We hiked a total of 15.6 miles to Lost Mountain Shelter, arriving there about 5:30 PM. Weather was good w/ mostly sunny skies and a high of about 75. Most of the day we were in the woods w/ limited views, but did walk a mile or so along a nice stream/ river. We had 3 decent "climbs" of 1000 ft, 1200 ft, and 700 ft elevation gain thru the day.When we got to the shelter, Matthew cooked dinner - a mix of mashed potatoes, chicken meat chunks (from a pouch), and craisins, seasoned w/ salt and garlic - a meal he calls "Thanksgiving in a pot" - it was quite good.We cleaned up and listened to other hikers conversations, then went to bed in the shelter. There was 1 other hiker in the shelter and at least a dozen in tents, at least half were section hikers.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite past Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

Tuesday, 5/27 - 9:30 PM - I again woke up at 5:30 AM, but let Matthew sleep until 7 AM. We ate breakfast, packed up, and started hiking by about 8:15 AM. Early on we were hiking in a mist which cleared as it became more sunny. We had some nice views, but then it became overcast and rained from about 12 noon to 2 PM. We hiked thru the rain and the sun came back out and we managed to dry out. We arrived at the Thomas Knob Shelter about 4 PM, but as it was fairly full, decided to hike on another .6-.7 miles and set up our tents. The site we picked overlooks the grassy top of a mountain at 5400 ft elevation (a "bald") and there was a herd of wild ponies 100-200 ft away as we were setting up - these are the Grayson Highlands in Virginia, known for their wild ponies. We set up our tents, made and ate dinner, relaxed around a campfire, and went to bed about 9 PM. Matthew and I are the only 2 camping at this campsite.