morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Crawfish Campsite MM: 548.5

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 26.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Very hot day over 2 gal of water. It is no fun when you have to purify water 5 mins for mix, plus 30 mins before you can drink. I have a 2 lit bottle so it a juggling act. The good thing is lots of water is available due to rainfall. The last few days a few Section and Day Hiker out, I met a couple day hiking at Chestnut knob, they each give me a Balance Bar.Thanks for the Trail Magic.I get to the Shelter about 1945. Three Hikers were there, Grampa - Older Hiker making good distance on the Trail - He said his secret no more than 2 hrs in town. Chevy (dog), Camaro, female hiker and male hiker were also there.I set up tent, dinner, bed. As Grampa put it Hiker Midnight. Around 2230 I saw flashing lights, at first I thought it was UFo, then maybe Camaro looking for Chevy. I found out later that the Group from Crawfish decide to Night hike.Their were more Hikers than shelter space so some had to set up tents in the rain at 2300 hrs, which took them about 2 hrs, guess its all about them.Can't wait to get away from them.
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Dick's Creek

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

3/30/03Hiawassee - HiawasseeToday was a great zero day. I slept awesome last night in a real bed all to myself and nobody snoring in the room. I got to eat breakfast in bed and watch Sponge Bob. Then everyone started showing up around 11am.Today we have 6 people in our room, makes for more excitement. We added Big Red (aka Stacey), Hobbit (aka Katie) Ribbit (aka Julie) and Peel. It's fun because everyone meets different people along the way and they have great stories to share. I think I'll use this journal entry to remind myself of a few.Pirate- apparently he is an AT legand I should have gotten a picture while I had the chance. He was staying at the Neel's Gap Hostel at the same time I was there. He is a Navy vet, has the long hair and zztop beard. Wears a red bandana like thing around his head. He's hiked the trail in some capacity 13 times. This year he is hiking to Damascus for trail days and then heading out to Colorado. Apparently he has connections in every trail town and doesn't pay for a town stays or resupplys. He is also what they call a Blue Blazer - if there is a blue blazed trail around a mountain, he's taking it. Also if the weather is iffy he will find way to town. Hi pack is like 70 pounds and he carries all these gag items like fake snakes and dog poop. He adds some fun to the trail.Easystreet - started off at Springer with a 70 pound pack. Rumor has it that he hiked two low mile days, then hid gear in the woods, hitched to town, rented a car and picked up his gear. He went to the outfitter at Neel's Gap and got reoutfitted and his packed weighed 35 lbs.Wee Willie - one of Pirates friends. He hikes in jeans and construction boots and has a blue blaze on the front of his shirt. He hikes to water sources.My favorite stories right now came from Erin, Amanda and Burrito. Two of them are from Eastern PA. Switchback and I hung out Saturday night with them and they kept me laughing the whole time. They are definitely hiking the trail by trial and error and have the best attitude when things go wrong. Their stories make me laugh so hard I cry.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Pearisburg MM:630.8

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a good night sleep, bed make a huge difference.Up at 0730, pack-up, take a shower, charge all the gadgets and relax for a few hours.Check out at 1030, stop at gas station, purchase cheese danish, honey bun, did not get to breakfast. I had a cheese burger leftover form dinner.Got back on the trail at 1100, Past a Section Hiker couple, retired Army 2 yrs ago - Officer. We chat for a few mins. Whenever you lease town you have to climb back to the top. The climb up was not bad, a bit rocky, make it to the top and hit cruise control.I met a South bounder, start from Maine September as he was coming up an hill. We talked for a bit, told him he only have about 650 miles. He said I was ahead of the pack. Guest not too many North Bounders are ahead of me. I was surprise I only had 5.2 miles to Shelter at about 1430, I debated whether to go next Shelter. I decided to stay with the original plan, plus I am wearing new shoes, didn't want to do too much miles the first day.Got to Shelter 1800, only one here, set up tent, dinner and prepare for bed. Suppose to rain tomorrow.The new shoe workout great, very comfortable, well cushion.P.S.Last night I was watching a documentary on the Digestive System, they explain why after a large meal it is hard for me to move fast. Most of your blood goes to process the meal, so not much left for other function.
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Dick's Creek Gap 

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

3/31Dick's Creek Gap - Muskrat Shelter10.5Wa-Hoo! Today I crossed my first state line and it marked the completion of the Georgia section of the AT. It was a wicked cold day. When we started at 9:40 it was 37 degrees. The sun was out but the combination of sweating on the millions of uphills and the bitter cold winds that blew every so often made it an uncomfortable day for me. At Plumorchard Shelter there was a dog - Harley. I so wanted to get my sleeping bag out and curl up next to Harley, but I had to move on and cross the state line.In celebration on completing Georgia I busted out the bottle of Jagermeister my brother gave me for Christmas and shared it with others. I think the bottle weighed more than the amount of alcohol in it.Then we got initiated by North Carolina with a seriously long uphill.It was a cold night at the shelter. I tented and it felt like forever before I finally got comfortable to sleep.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Out by 0800 was planning a big day. At the start of the trail was all rocks, this reduce my speed significantly. I made some time up on the War Spur Section. It rain off and on. The forecast called for rain, T-Storm. I stop at the War Spur Shelter to privy and lunch. Met a Thur Hiker "the dude" start 5 January. On the climb up form the Shelter it started raining. The Surface was very rocky so I was not moving very fast. I decided to stop at the next Shelter.There were a Thru-Hiker at the Shelter. I decided not to tent cause it was raining hard and I want an early start. The dude and another hiker is also here.Very short day today, better to be cautious than risk injury.The rain stop and the wind started blowing, the temperature drop to low 30. I questioned if it were the right decision to switch out sleeping bag, the poncho line didn't not stop all the wind. I wasn't freezing but not comfortable enough to sleep well. Should have set up the tent in the rain.
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

04/01/03Muskrat Creek Shelter - Carter Gap Shelter12.5The weather was much warmer today. At the start of the hike there was a snowman that flash made. We hiked through tunnels of rhodedendrum and the ground was snow covered it was a really pretty sight. It was a great hike and we got to see some great views from Standing Indian Mountain.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel, VA 624 MM: 697.8
Miles today: 29.2
Weather: scattered clouds

What a difference a day makes. Today was perfect hiking weather no wonder there is a saying, never quit the AT on a bad day. The flowers were blooming, birds singing make some good miles the first 4 hours. Stop at Nidal Shelter for lunch. This was my original destination yesterday. Chat with a young couple, day hiking.About a mile after Nidal I say an Hiker sitting on a Mossy Oak Bucket. I remember a seeing a picture document of a Thru-Hiker with a Bucket last year, I asked it it was him he said yes. He was doing a Section Hike to Damascus for Trail Days Festival. He told me that Dragon Teeth is a taste of what to expect in the Mite Mountain (should have listened). About 1/2 way up the climb to Audie Murphy Monument I was taking a H20 and snicker break. A day Hiker came up, we started taking. Told him I was in the Army. He thank me even saluted me. He is call Coach, he told me about Four Pine Hostel and the Cataloba Ayce, so i said why not I can make it before 1830 hrs.I mention to the Thru-Hiker I was going to visit Audie Murphy Monument. He told me to take a rock from the At. So I found a nice smooth pebble to take.In the Army we have an Exclusive Club for the best and brightest Soldier. That Club is the Audie Murphy Club. You have to go in front of Board with Sergeant Major. Audie Murphy Inductees, it is very hard to be inducted into the club. So it was an high honor and privileged for me to visit the Monument of one of America's Greatest War Hero.I Lay the stone on the Monument and A combat Path of the 172 ND Striker Brigade, the unit I was deployed with in 2005 and 2006 to IRAQ. When I first decide I was going to Thru-Hike the AT. I took some pictures, pay my respect. Then it was time for ayce on at least that's what I thought.I did the first 3 mile in less than hour and then I hit the Dragon's Teeth. Hell I had a lot of flossing to do and it was about 10 or 11 teeth, couldn't get an accurate count,I was too busy stepping on rocks.To make a long story short, didn't get to the Hostel until 1950 hrs, too late had to settle for frozen pizza from the store, while the other Thru-Hikers had a good ole time of country cooking.Overall it was a great day on the AT, the views were Astonishing from a top the Dragon's final tooth.
Date: 2003-04-04
From: campsite past Wayah Bald

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

4/4Campsite past Wayah Bald to A. Rufus Morgan Shelter - 16 milesGot out of camp by 8. It was foggy all day long. I got to Wesser Bald before 2 and the only views I had was fog fog and more fog. Apparently you can see views of Fontana Lake and the Smokies. I hit my original destination by 2 so Big Red and I decided to keep going to this shelter and possibly Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). That 5 miles downhill was rough and we ended up staying at the shelter even though we are only a mile away from NOC. Flash gave us the message that Switchback is waiting for us at NOC, but we are just too darn tired and my feet are hurting. Plus I have extra food to eat up.It is amazing how it is really starting to look like spring here. Lots of the trees are starting to bud and some flowers are starting to sprout up. Tonight will be my first night sleeping in a shelter. There are 6 of us in here. When I first arrived it was raining so I decided the shelter may be easier, no wet tent to pack up. I hope the mice stay away.So tomorrow we have 1 mile to NOC and lots of eating to do.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Daleville 

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

While packing last night, I realized that the new pad wont fit in my pack. I will need some straps to secure it outside the pack. Went to the outfitter at 0915. They didn't pen until 1000, so I end up getting a late start on the trail.It wasn't a bad hike, except for the trail crossing the Highway several times, car zooming at 65 MPH on the highway lot of overlook for motorist to pull off. Cove Mountain Views where very scenic.Got to Shelter at 1940, setup and dinner. Four Thru-Hikers were there one I met at Laurel Creek Shelter. Early bed long day tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-05
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter 

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.8
Weather: moderate rain

4/5A. Rufus Morgan Shelter to Nantahala Outdoor Center - .8 milesMy first shelter experience was a good one. No mice that I know of. It rained on and off all night long. I slept with my head towards the opening and it was neat to feel the breeze and light mist on my face. It was also neat to hear the rain on the tin roof. It helped put me to sleep.I woke up to a thunderstorm and the lightening was a cool orange color.After watching the rain for about an hour 5 of us were ready to leave and run to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. It was only .8 miles away and downhill. We got there at 7:30am and waited around to get bunks and breakfast.It is now 11am and gorgeous outside. It is sooooo perfect for a day on the river. I ended up joining a raft trip at the last minute. The Nantahala was a cool river to run and very pretty. It was a guided raft trip where there was a guide in every boat so it was rather uneventful. Even though there were rapids it felt like a float trip because the guide did all the work. I think it would have been more fun if I had gone with a group of friends or paddled myself in a duckie. Still it was a great way to relax and enjoy a beautiful day.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 29.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Out at 0720. The first 5 miles was easy, then the first climb, that was a long climb. Stop at Cornelius Creek Shelter for water. Run into a group of seniors on the skyway, think I scared them. I pop out of the woods, they were standing by the Trail, I said quick hello, cross the road and back into the woods.At the last climb Petites Gap. I was in the zone, picking across the rock I barely look up in time, I almost walk into an Hiker who stop o the Trail, I barely side past him. He said I scared him, well better than bumping into him.I was hoping to get to the Shelter before the rain. I lost that battle, stop suit up and march on. It stop raining by the time I got to the Shelter. I came on the South side of the Creek. Dinner, foot hygiene and bed.The temperature drop to the mid 30's, it also rained. Big day tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap Campsite
Miles today: 30.3
Weather: clear sky

Out at 0830, nice scenic walk along the James River. Cross the longest foot bridge on the AT, then the 1st climb up. The views of the James River Basin was majestic, I saw Helicopter flying along the river. A Section Hiker was enjoying the view by eating breakfast at the top.I met my first Ridge Runner, just past Punch Bowl Shelter. She was going to Damascus, said there are a few Thru-Hikers ahead. Give some information on water and what a Ridge Runner job is.Then the big climb of the day to Bald Knob, I think this is the worst climb on the At. Nothing to see after climbing to 4059 Ft true storm.I had Prince playing on the I-Pod, so I was singing way up the first part of the climb of Bald Knob, the steepest. Sweat was flying, leg pumping to Purple rain. When I got to the top, I shouted out who is the man, bring it on At. Not even a second later, I step on a rock and twisted my ankle (no bigger moral of the story you can't beat the AT).As I was climbing up to Cold Mountain, a Female Hiker was coming towards me, she looked familiar, she asked if I remembered her from the Smokies. She was one of the two women at Derik Knob Shelter. Then get off at Cling Man due to storm and went to Hot Spring. She is going South Bound.I saw my first AT Sunset today.
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

4/7Sassafras Gap Shelter to Cable Gap Shelter - 15.2Yesterday I didn't write much of a journal entry but I'll try and recap the day. We left NOC around 11 and only had 7 miles to the first shelter, however it was 7 miles of uphill. At mile 5 it started to sprinkle right when we had an awesome view of the Nantahala River and NOC. Then we started to hear thunder, then harder rain and hail. Big Red and I reached the shelter and it already looked full. We scored some floor space to sleep on. Some people continued on including Burrito who was nice enough to give us his spot on the second level of the shelter.This shelter sleeps 14, we managed to fit 24 and there were several more in tents outside.It rained on and off all night long.Today was a much better day. The rain held off the entire time and had some great cloud and mountain views.Since this is the start of my third week, I thought I'd post some statistics.Animals:1 Deer1 Mouse - it was in a hostel2 Snakes3 Lizards - one big fat brown one, one small grey one, and Big Red found a bright orange one todayToo many birds, squirrels and bugs to count.Blisters:1 on my ear from sunburnNumber of Pints of Ben & Jerry's finished in one sitting: 2, Chunky Monkey and Brownie Batter - let's see if I can manage to have 1 of each flavor.A few people have asked me about Switchback. We lost him at NOC. We couldn't do that last .8 miles to get in the same night as him. He left NOC around 11 on Saturday and from the shelter registers it looks like he made it to Fontana yesterday - a 21 mile day. He's fast and his pack is only at 20 lbs so he flys. He wants our group to meet up with him and his wife in Gatlinburg. I hope we see him again.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Hog Camp Gap Campsite

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 28.1
Weather: few clouds

There was an Hiker in an Hammock at the camps last night. He was gone when I exit my tent.Down the trail at Salt Gap I saw a few pages of AWOL Guide, I picked it up thinking someone drop it. Going up the hill about 2 miles further I say an Hiker coming South. I asked him if heading South, he said no, I asked if he missed something, he said his guide pages. I gave it to him, he was very happy, save him 4 miles. He was an Older Hiker, trail name Binder or Minder.Met Thru-Hiker Fly Fisher Man, started in February. It seems I leave the biggest climb for the end of the day. A gluton for punishment
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Village
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

4/8Cable Gap Shelter to Fontana Dam Village - 5.5 milesToday we hiked 5.5 miles into Fontana Dam. It was a cloudy, foggy morning but we did see some views of the Fontana Lake and Dam. It is so amazing how it is really starting to feel like spring. The trees are budding, the dogwoods are blooming and so are many many flowers. I'm not sure if it's the elevation difference, the rain or the state but things are so much greener in NC than GA.So today I'll be doing laundry and eating lots. I'm staying at the Fontana Village. It is very retro and reminds me of the resort in Dirty Dancing. They have a post office, general store, putput golf, mountain biking, craft center, etc. etc. It is a great price for a decent place to stay. But I spend so much extra money on the AYCE buffets and snacks. Of course they also have a gear store which is impossible to stay away from.Rumor has it that we are going to have a fire in the lobby and that there is going to be some beer.There are a lot of people here today. It feels that we are all clumped together right now. I'm curious as to how crowded the shelters will be in the Smokies. I hope we spread out enough where everyone is comfortable.Tomorrow is a zero day and I will be resting and refueling and getting reorganized for the Smokies. Rumor is that we may see snow for the next couple days.
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro, US 250 MM:857.5
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

I want to get to US 250-Waynesboro by 1530, so I can get into town early to resupply, laundry and rest before the start of what I dub the hike to food.I passed many Section Hikers, it is nice to see people are using the trail as Benton Kay envisioned it to escape the city for a day.I met a former Marine, he was Section Hiking with a buddy. He Thru-Hike in 2008, after he left the corps. We pretty much have same thinking about our Hike. I made it to the junction about 1530, this is after stopping several times to talk to other Hikers.At the intersection of the trail and road, there was a list of numbers for Trail Angel, you can call for a free ride into Waynesboro.I called the first number on the list, tail name "Miss Cady", Cindy Davis. She said she will pick me up in 10 mins. I wait for the ride at Kettle Corn stand run by a Black Gentleman. He said I was the first Black Thru-Hiker he has seen since He's been at that location over 2 years. I told him Mr. Fabulous Thru-Hikes last year. He wanted to take a picture of me next to his stand. I obliged, he took the picture with his I-pad, so I am thinking I maybe in his commercial. This brother walk 857 Miles for some Kings Gourmet Kettle Corn. Miss Cady pick me up. What a Trail Angel, she showed me around town, where all the services Hikers needs are located. She dropped me off at The Quality Inn (expensive not Hiker friendly). I arranged for her to pick me up at 1000 hours tomorrow.It so happened that she picked up Mr. Fabulous last year, she is 2/2 picking up Black Thru-Hikers. She even said two handsome ones too. his is the beauty of the AT you get to meet some nice people.I resupplied (Kroger), laundry, Chinese all you can eat and Burger King. I am full going to get some sleep for the beginning of my hike to food. 160 miles in 6 days too Harpers Ferry/WV
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Fontana Dam Village

To: Fontana Dam Village
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

4/9Fontana Dam VillageToday was a zero day. The AYCE breakfast and dinner buffet was actually pretty good today. I did alot of relaxing. Big Red and I are sharing a room for a second night. The weather report is snow for the Smoky Mountains. We are heading out anyway.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Waynesboro, US 250 MM:857.5

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Miss Cady drop me off at 1045, I thank her for her generosity for picking and dropping me off.I walk the 1/2 mile to registration kiosk at South entrance. Planned a short hike to Back Rock Hut, since it was raining and foggy.Not much to see my first day into the park, spring hasn't really take hold as yet, still not much vegetation.Arrive at the Shelter about 1800 hours. Tenting, two deer walked past my tent feeding. two Section Hikers were at the Shelter, talk to them for a few mins. Long day planned tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Fontana Dam Village

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: snow

4/10Fontana Dam to Russell Field Shelter - 14.9 milesWell, this morning I actually saw blue skies and sun. Big Red and I got a late start because she bought a new pack at the outfitter in Fontana - how cool new gear! We got on the trail around 11. I saw the Fontana Hilton which is a large shelter that can hold about 30 people and it has a lakeside view. I think it would be great to stay there on a nice night.As we started getting higher into the mountains it started to rain, then snow. And of course we were in the fog. After a few more miles I started to notice that the snow was starting to accumulate - that means it's getting colder. About every 20 minutes the amount of snow cover increased by a lot. The whole time I told myself I was going to stop at the first shelter and when I got there I actually moved on 2.5 more miles.The whole group was at the next shelter and I was very happy to have a warm spot to sleep even though I was next to the wall and had to use my ground cloth to block a draft. I also ended up waking up in the middle of the night to big drops of water on my face. Oh well, I was warm and at that point that is all that matters.We have about 6 inches of snow now.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 33.8
Weather: fog

Today was all about getting some miles in. It was overcast but cool, so not a bad day to hike. There were a few climb. when I got to Bearfence Hut it started to drizzle, set tent, quick dinner and went to sleep.I was able to get I 33 miles.