morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-10-12
From: Curly Maple Gap Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Short hike day for a nearo in Erwin. At the AT railroad crossing, had to wait for a train to go through and that was interesting - first time that has happened to me on the AT. Here at the Holiday Inn and loving it. May make it a zero though as the weather is looking rather iffy tomorrow with rain and t-storms, and I am supposed to enter another bald region - Big Bald. Will wait and see. But I was planning a zero in Hot Springs on the weekend and the weather looks good on the weekend, so may do a little switcheroni on zeros. Much better to get out and hike in good weather.
Date: 2010-10-13
From: Erwin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a zero today - decided to do it here rather than Hot Springs as the weekend weather looks really good when I'd be there - and I don't want to waste a sunny day. Though right now here its clear but supposed to change later on with a front coming through a colder, windier weather. Besides I need to eat some calories - I was losing weight with the higher miles. Already the bones in my back are starting to disappear, yippee. Much in part to a fellow hiker, 10K who treated me to great barbecue yesterday in town. Great meeting fellow hikers out here. Will head out tomorrow.
Date: 2010-10-14
From: Erwin

To: Campsite North of Big Bald
Miles today: 16.9

Ate breakfast at the hotel of cheesy omelets and sausage then walked back along the highway to the AT crossing. Some rain in the AM then cleared and wind picked up. Saw no one on the trail all day. Camping tonight between Little and Big Balds. Very cold and windy. Ate quickly, hung my food bag and dashed into my tent for warmth. Thank goodness for a 15 degree bag- I was toasty.
Date: 2010-10-15
From: Campsite North of Big Bald

To: Flint Mt shelter
Miles today: 19.5

Day bright with sun and golden colors of autumn but quite cold with high winds. Crossed Big Bald with nice views but my camera batteries are close to dead. Still managed to get some shots by switching them around. When I called Steve today, got the bad news that my uncle Don passed away suddenly earlier in the week. Then got the news that my pastor's wife's mother is very ill and might be near death. Some hard news to receive in a mixed up day. Am glad God is in control or i don't know what I would do. Alone at the shelter area tonight.
Date: 2010-10-16
From: Flint Mt shelter

To: Spring Mt Shelter
Miles today: 21.3

Geared up for a big mile day today and thankfully did not make out too badly considering some of the terrain which took me over rocky summits (but with beautiful views). Lots of hikers out in this particular section. Went down to Allen Gap in the hopes of food at a trail angel's house but no one was home (sniff). So a Snickers bar had to suffice. Alone again at the shelter area tonight, but a nice campsite on a hill top and Hot Springs is tomorrow. Weather is excellent.
Date: 2010-10-17
From: Spring Mt Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up early for the walk into Hot Springs. Beforehand, took a short side trip to Rich Mountain firetower and was greeted with one of the best views of my hike - from the grandeur of the Smokies to the ridgeline I had just hiked to the flatland of Tennessee and the fog resting over the river areas. Beautiful. Arrived in town at noon and stopped at the campstore for a great burger, salad, and fudge brownie with chocolate chips and frosting. Got my chores done and relaxed. Also mapped out next week with Steve leading to the Smokies. Only about 16-17 days to go.
Date: 2010-10-18
From: Hot Springs

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Out fairly early and met loads of hunter on Deer Mtn with their hound dogs barking away. Glad for my orange vest on my backpack and bright aqua t-shirt. Good climb up and down Bluff Mtn. At shelter there is a warning of bears, so hope they stay away. Alone tonight.
Date: 2010-10-19
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful autumn views atop Max Patch summit today. Love the early morning light on the fall colors. It makes them all the more dramatic. Saw the Smokies before me in all their glory and they do look rather steep. Stopped at Standing Bear hostel to pick up my mail drop and get a quick bite to eat before pressing on. Entered the Smokies ad the first shelter. A group from REI expeditions is here and they were very friendly. Rained a good part of the night.
Date: 2010-10-20
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Some rain in the Am as I hiked out and up into the Smokies. But by noon it began to clear and the wind and cold picked up. Caught some views off the trail. Quite a bit of uphill today and with rocky footing. But made good time to the shelter despite the terrain. Packed house tonight at the shelter with hikers coming in all hours of the night. And little sleep. But a nice bunch.
Date: 2010-10-21
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Up a little later than normal as I had a shorter day planned. Even made some hot cocoa to warm up a cold start to the day. Nice views from the ridge and Charlies' Bunion outcropping where I talked with a couple about my hike. Then met some parents hiking with their son at Icewater Springs shelter. Found out the son was a missionary to Nicaragua and helps arrange short term missions trips. I got his info when I arrived at Newfound Gap as this might be good for our church's mission trips. I also accepted a soda and grapes from them before hiking on. Alone tonight at Mt Collins shelter which is strange, being alone at a shelter in the Smokies in October. Where are the hikers?
Date: 2010-10-22
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 3.2

Steve surprised me at my tent in the AM and brought with him delicious Dunkin Donuts which I snarfed down in record time. I hiked out, and he met me at at very cold and windy Clingman's Dome for pictures. We then drove to a hotel in Pigeon Forge, ate at an IHop (another meal I ate in record time), shopped and relaxed. Ryans steakhouse for dinner. Getting some of the needed hiking chores done. Back on the trail tomorrow afternoon.
Date: 2010-10-23
From: Clingman's Dome

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Spent the AM at the hotel then Steve dropped me off at Clingman's Dome so I could start hiking in good weather. Having stomach issues though from all the food I ate the last 24 hrs. Hiked to the shelter with a good size but friendly crowd for Sat. night. Beautiful sunset. Hope to get to Fontana Dam shelter if I can do it.
Date: 2010-10-24
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Fontana Shelter
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Got out early and hiked first mile or two by headlamp - first time for me. Cold and windy for the first part of the day. As I descended it began to clear. Made good time despite the long day. At the visitor center at the dam, a visitor gave me a bottle of Boost and a snack bar. Another lady gave me some antibacterial wipes to clean up with. So thoughtful. At the shelter a hiker offered me homemade chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies. So feeling much better after such a long day. Nice to have a shelter with a restroom at it.
Date: 2010-10-25
From: Fontana Shelter

To: Campsite at Locust Gap
Miles today: 17.5

Was going to leave early but at 7 AM when I planned to get up a massive thunderstorm blew through with thunder, lightning and heavy rain. So hunkered down with everyone else at the shelter to wait it out. Found out the hiker above me in the shelter was The Kid whom I had met back in Maine at Sabbath Day Pond shelter. So had a nice reunion. Finally started hiking at 8:30 into the notorious Stecoah Range which proved just as challenging as it was back in '07. Made camp at the foot of Cheoah Bald as just too tired to go all the way to Sassafras Gap shelter which would have been another 20 plus day for me.
Date: 2010-10-26
From: Campsite at Locust Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Out leary by headlamp but still made slow time in this mountain range, hampered by wet leaves, rocks, and winds gusting at times to 40mph. Finally made it to NOC where a guy at the outfitter hlped fix my pocket rocket stove that had not been burning correctly. Ate a turkey sandwich for lunch, did laundry, relaxed by the flowing river. For dinner I ahd a superb Greek pizza. Staying at the bunkhouse, and it soon rained, which it did for a good part of the night.
Date: 2010-10-27
From: NOC

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Didn't want to leave NOC as it was still raining and I had a good climb up to the ridge. But onward. Rained off and on and with many blowdowns on the trail making the hike a slow one. Then 2 miles from the shelter the skies opened up and it poured. I was soaked and getting cold by the time I got to the shelter. Managed tyo change quick and hang up clothes. By then the skies were starting to clear. Here with another SOBO hiker and his adopted dog, Grayson.
Date: 2010-10-28
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Up early to catch a pretty sunrise from atop Wayah Bald at the tower. Long day hiking - got a treat from a day hiker out of Winding Stair Gap - a cashew bar. Arrived at the shelter to find it turning sharply colder and with a good wind. Ate dinner with a section hiker who came in and asked questions about gear. Then headed to my tent for warmth. Days are getting shorter - now dark by 7 PM.
Date: 2010-10-29
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter area
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: clear sky

Up early and again caught the sunrise from the firetower on Albert Mtn. Slippery going heading down off the mtn. Fighting a headache today - hope I am not coming down with something. Decided to camp on a hillside above the shelter to catch the valley view and the sunset. So today I have seen the sun rise and set. Another cold night but warm in my tent and sleeping bag.
Date: 2010-10-30
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter area

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Up early again with my trusty headlamp as I am getting picked up today by the mom and stepdad of one of the newlyweds we met in Maine - Ragamuffin. Crossed into Georgia today at Bly Gap. Made good time and they came in early to the gap. They treated me to a great lunch, then we drove through Helen, GA which is like a Bavarian village and swarming with people. At their home I took a tour of the interesting plants they grow (they own a nursery and landscape business) along with the cats, dogs, chickens, and rabbit. Wonderful time.
Date: 2010-10-31
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Blue Mtn Campsite
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

The Wheelers rose before dawn to take me back to the trail. I so much appreciate their kindness and hospitality. Made pretty good time today considering the elevation changes and mountains to climb (Kelly Knob, Tray Mtn, etc). Got to the campsite to discover I must have left my beloved fleece hat at the Wheelers. A real bummer. At least it wasn't too cold out. Camping in like a big hollow area.
Date: 2010-11-01
From: Blue Mtn Campsite

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got out early and hiked again by headlamp. Part of the terrain was on an old road, so I made seven miles in a little over 2 hours. Cruisin' it today. Stopped to chat with a few backpackers. Made it to Neels Gap to get my drop and got picked up fellow hiker "Winkle" who invited me to spend the night in her lovely home near Blairsville. Will be back on early tomorrow and finish at Springer by Wed. I wish it was the completion of my SOBO but that will come next spring with the Delaware Water Gap to Harper's Ferry leg.
Date: 2010-11-02
From: Neels Gap

To: Justis Creek campsite
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

"Winkle" and her husband drove me to Neels Gap, and I was back on the trail by 8 Am for the last 30 mile leg of a 5 month-long journey of hiking southbound this year. Day overcast but still clear when I summited Blood Mountain. Was going to stay at Gooch shelter, but occupied by a group of men in camo and propane so moved on and found a nice spot to spend my last evening on the trail at Justis Creek. Now I am only about 13 miles or so from Springer. Hard to believe.
Date: 2010-11-03
From: Justis Creek campsite

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

It rained a little around 5 AM but the tent didn't get too wet, thankfully. Since I only had about 13 miles, took my time leaving cmap but was still on the trail at 8 AM. Near Hawk Mountain the skies opened up and it rained hard. Stayed a bit longer than normal for a break at Hawk Mtn shelter and finally ventured out. Was sad the day was so rainy and foggy, but still glad I am made it safely to this point. On my way up from Stover Creek, who should I run into but "Winkle" and a friend Bob who plans to thru hike next year. They had arrived at the gap and came to greet me and hike with me to Springer. I was so floored by that and so grateful I had someone to take my picture at the summit and share the moment with. We talked about hiking and the trail as we walked, then contemplation set in as I neared the summit. I knelt and thanked God for guiding me safely on this journey, took pictures, and left a pebble from Katahdin atop the rock. I then called my hubby to let him know I had arrived. Although I still have Delaware Water Gap to Harpers Ferry to go to complete the SOBO (next spring's journey, so stay tuned), I was thankful for the journey and all I had experienced, and the lovely people I had met and know I will continue to meet.
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Harper's Ferry, W. VA

To: north
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wednesday.Drove to Harper's Ferry. Mostly back roads. Took me five hours. Nice scenery; McMansions, horse farms, winerys. Staying at Quality Inn. Tomorrow will walk half a mile to the park's visitor center and catch a shuttle bus to downtown H.F. and the A.T. Weather forecast looks good for the coming week.
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Harper's Ferry, W. VA

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: scattered clouds

A nice sunny day. Section hikers are out. One other woman out for a few days is here. Water source is .5 mile steep down and a trickle. From this site I have a view of Brunswick, MD, and route 340. A couple with dog just arrived. Another couple without dog will sleep in shelter. Lots of company tonight. Haven't gotten any names.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Again, many section hikers on trail. As the trees are still bare, there is no green tunnel to protect you from the sun. A hot day. Good choices: sun glasses and sun hat. This shelter is brand new. It hasn't even been carved up and there is no evidence of mouse activity, so I'll sleep in the shelter. Two groups of boy scouts are here, one camped below at the water source and one up on the ridge. Also, other people are camped on the ridge, too. Two guys are sharing the shelter with me. One, Snacker, thru-hiked in 2007.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Cloudy with a cool breeze all morning. Sun came out noonish. I thought I was getting up at 5:45, but later realized it was actually 4:45 a.m. I bet the two guys in the loft appreciated that. Low on energy today. This shelter is so close to I-40 that I can hear the traffic. About five groups of people stopped by to check out the shelter; no takers. It's an old shelter. The privy is wrecked. Most said they were going up to Annapolis Rocks. I am not carrying MD maps. Bought PA maps at ATC. Started looking at those. Hey, maps are really nice.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Md, 17 Wolfsville Rd :. Free State Hostel
Miles today: 8.0

It was a good, easy trail along the ridge on an old roadbed. I passed the blue-blazed trail to Annapolis Rocks, but didn't go down. There are supposed to be 13 campsites there. This hostel is delightful. It is owned by a former thru-hiker: Bonepac 2006. A hiker from NJ is here. We've been having the hiker gear talk. He shared his pizza with me because the pizza place that delivers is closed for Easter. Sending a bunch of stuff ahead tomorrow.
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Md, 17 Wolfsville Rd :. Free State Hostel

To: Devil's Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 5.1

A very strenuous climb up Raven Rock Mountain. There is no Raven Rock Shelter - yet. Devil's Racecourse Shelter and water is .8 miles down the muntain that I just came up.I left the pack at the top, went down, got water, brought it back up, and camped on the blue-blazed trail at the top. A hiker came along with a GPS. His first time out. He's staying down at the shelter.   Mailed a box of gear ahead, but pack still heavy.
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Devil's Racecourse Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

A very hot, hard hike. Nice water in front of the shelter. Tent pads are crushed slate/stone. No one here. It rained during the night; wet tent to carry. My face got sun-fried. Penn Mar Park is lovely, though not open.
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Old Forge Park is beautiful. Fresh-tasting, good water from a spigot. Tumbling Run Shelters are beautiful. There's even a clothesline. Tenting area is lovely. Gotta love Pa. The two shelters here are mrked "Snoring" and "Non-Snoring." It was a very long, hot day. I'm burning up out here. Feels like mid August. Again I'm camped on a ridge because the shelter and water is waay down. Again, hiked down to the spring at the road and hauled water back up to my campsite. Enertia Trail Foods have been my main evening meals. They are delicious. Hearty vegetarian meals for one. www.enertiatrailfood.com, I think. They're gone, so now it's back to Ramen noodles for a while. Two guys are down at the shelter.
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Rocky Mountain Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Plus 1.4 mi. to the grocery store in Smithsburg, PA. Bought food for four days. Ate a big, sloppy egg salad sandwich at Henicle's Market. Caledonia State Park is still closed. A hearty hike up the mountain; mostly good trail, though. someone had decorated two pine trees with plastic Easter eggs. This is a beautiful, clean shelter, so I'll sleep in it. Shelter has it's own caretaker who classifies himself as the "innkeeper." He does a superb job. It is supposed to rain tonight.
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

Big drop in temperature here. It rained last night and got cold. After dark I set my tent up in the shelter. It took up the whole shelter. No one showed up. Easy trail today. Saw one guy backpacking South who gave me the weather report: low 40's tonight - no rain.   Saw a church group coming out of the Milsburn Cabin area. The cabin is in terrible shape; as though it hasn't been maintained in years. Once upon a time my spouse, our then three-year old son and I spent a few days there. Then the place was charming.   Birch Run Shelter is filty. There's a dead mouse on the floor. It is windy, cold, and I'm tenting on uneven ground.
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Well, I hope I can refrain from complaining about the heat. Woke up to ice on the tent. Actually, it was a great day to hike. Wore a sweater all day. Sun was out, and the trail was practically a lawn-mowed path. Made it to Pine Grove Furnace State Park and surprise: the store was open (weekends only.) It's lovely here. Just filling my face and waiting for the hostel to open. Later: the hostel will close the end of april for the rest of the summer in order to make repairs/renovations. It will reopen as a hostel, but not as Hostelling International. There is one other hiker here who's out for a week going South to Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 7.1

My math was off. Thought I had a 10 mile day, so how surprising to find myself at the shelter turnoff at 2 p.m. The shelter is .2 mi. up a hill then another .2 down the hill for water source. Whereas, at the turnoff, the A.T. crosses Tagg Run. So, I am camped right along the stream. Nice to have an early day. Cooked dinner at the bridge. On the trail saw one guy day hiking who passed me three times. There must be a lot of loop trails around here. Just saw a couple with a hot-dog day hiking, and, earlier, Lone wolf and Flip going from Duncannon to Springer. This is my eleventh straight day of hiking. I think that's a record.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Alex Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

What a beautiful hiking day. The trees are blooming; the forest is greening. Trail was mostly level and easy except for some boldering just north of Whiskey Spring. Saw one day hiker. There is one section hiker here tonight: Rev, from Georgia. My tent is up, but I am going to have to put everything under my knees so I don't slide down the mountain. Daily routine: Hike, set up tent, haul water, sponge bathe, change into camp clothes, cook & eat dinner, relax.
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 3.9

It began raining about 6:30 a.m. and continued until sometime after I arrived in Boiling Springs. This little town is absolutely charming. Bunyun told me about the Allenberry Playhouse, saying they have hiker rooms/hiker rates. Later I remembered that my husband and I had gone to see a play at the Allenberry Playhouse before we were married. This month would be our 30th anniversary. So I just had to return. I like it so much I'm staying two nights. Just had the buffet lunch. Might attend the matinee tomorrow. The facility is about half a mile from the ATC office. Their laptop, though, is in maintainence.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had the buffet breakfast at Allenberry then to the post office; hike to Karn's for groceries, lunch at the Boiling Springs Tavern. Spent a lot of time sitting by the lake watching ducks and the local scene. The lake/stream water is amazingly clear. This is a big fly-fishing place. Saw two backpackers pass through town.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: U.S. Route 11

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: broken clouds

A pretty trail along the conodoguinet Creek. Passed the day hiker from Ontario again. Saw one other day hiker with dog. Carried one gallon of water plus my full pack one mile up the mountain per sign at bottom warning of dry spring at Darlington Shelter. No one here. It's Friday night; sort of expect someone. Just before a thunder storm hits, I see/hear people at the shelter. Go visit. Three co-workers from an adult home in Harrisburg up to celebrate one of their birthday's. We chat, nibble; storm hits; abates, folks leave. It rains off and on during the night. Wind drys tent by morning.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a cold, cloudy, windy day; a day that keeps you moving; a moderately high-energy day. At 2 p.m., Cove Mt. Shelter, it was too cold and windy to spend the night on the mountain, so I hiked on in to The Doyle Hotel in Duncannon. As I approached the hotel, Vicki, the owner, waved to me from the window, as if she were expecting me. Kite and Sandpiper are here. I need to stay somewhere in this town until Monday, as I have a package waiting for me at the post office.