morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 16.4

Day 2 in the smokies, more amazing views that really cant be seen in some of my pictures. I am hoping my GoPro has some amazing footage. Both so I can have great pictures but also so Rachel isnt right in telling me to take an "actual camerea" so we shall see. Met a few new hikers "No regrets" and his wife "56 Strong" No regrets told me your not old until your dreams become your regrets. He told me who said that but I cant recall. I liked the conversation though. Rather interesting couple. So I also had a run in with a deer, we had a little mexican stand off up to about 5-10 feet. That little deer has never been around green county Pa or Scott Hilliard becasue she would have known better. But it was pretty cool, I thought I was very sneaky but here most everyone on the trail I have told that story to has had the similar expereince. Still cool either way. Finally arrived at my destination and more familiar faces, they had picked a good bit of Ramps, kind of like wild onions (delicious) so I was able to spice up my rice pasta sidea and tuna dinner which was fun. A guy andy from Michigan bought a 25$ toy guitar from walmart and was strumming away, suprisingly well and it was a peaceful evening. Early morning tomorrow, we are getting up at 430 to hike to Clingmans dome for the sunrise! Happy trails
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Double Spring Shelter 

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Well today hurt a little, I accidently did over 20 miles which people call a 1% day. Which when you think of it that way is kind of depressing LOL. Anyways, myself, andy, Catch Up, Utah, Thespain and Twinkle Toes all got up at 430 and hiked the 3 miles to Clingmans dome for the sunrise. Clingmans Dome is the highest peak on the AT at 6655 above sea level and is crazy windy. That being said it was an amazing view and one of the most amazing sunrises I have seen. Side note people get odd names while hiking they are called your trail name, such as Catch Up or Twinkle Toes. Mine is "Happy Trails" some people were calling me "Captain" but that is to closely related to my real world job that I went with Happy Trails when 2 older women called me that. Not only do I have a tendencey to whislte but I use the greeting happy trails quite often. Ok back to my day after that I ran into 2 rather intersting gentlemen they are both 60 years old and have been best friends since 1st grade which was awesome to hear them go back at one another as we hiked but they told stories for about 2 hours as we hiked. King david and Prince Charles where thier names, David and charles being thier actual names resepectively. We parted ways at Newfound Gap which is right outside of Gatlinburg. I decided not to head into the tourist town and just hike on. I made it to Pecks Corner, which is about .5 miles off the actual trail. Which sounds not bad but when you have to hike all day and then hike another .5 miles that doesnt take you anywhere closer to your destination it is frustrating. Not to mention knowing in the morning you have to wake up and hike .5 miles back just to start your day. But hey out here "Every days a holiday" Happy Trails
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Another big day, which is goin to hurt tomorrow. I hit the northern most part of the Smokies this afternoon. I am happy with my progress so far. While planning i was thinking 6-7 days to get through the Smokies but I knocked it out in 4 days and loved every minute of it. Ok not every minute of it, but when you are hiking the ridge line and looking out to rolling hills/mountains it is amazing. Got to the shelter and met Bret and Ed who are good guys however this shelter had a cage around it and you shut and lock the gate once you are in the shelter for the evening. The other 4 stayed in the shelter I rolled the dice and set up my tent 20 yards away, I thought i may be a cool way to go if a bear came and got me. But I wouldnt go without a fight. So it was either going to make one hell of a story or I would be in a better place. Yet again i was fine and no bear bothered us. Tomorrow I am going to hike 10-15 miles and stop at standing bear farm and grab a pizza and beer for lunch just off the trail. That is a good reason to walk off the trail. Happy Trails
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

I made it to Standing bear Farm where you would have thought I was starving to death because I ate a whole frozen Pizza and a gatordade but not until after a guy gave me a little trail magic, an apple and candy bar..... dessert. I was able to charge my phone and Kindle for the next few days. Rather uneventful day but met up with Bret and Ed again at Brown Gap.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Brown Gap

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 23.3

Well against my better judgement I pushed myself all the way to Hot Springs today. I was originally going to do about 13-14 miles and then coast in to hot springs tomorrow with a short 10 mile day.... .well I met "Tomcat" a few miles outside of Hot Spring and we talked ourselves into hiking the whole way because it was mostly downhill.... well nothing on the AT is mostly downhill that is a fact. However chicken wings and beer sounded amazing so we hiked on. We got in around 815 and had dinner and a drink by 845 so I'd say it was worth it but a day or two of rest is much needed, plus it is calling for some rain. Hopefully we dont get wet. Also while we are on top of Max Patch hiking I ran into a guy "Apollo" who had done the trail magic with hamburgers and beer just a week or so earlier and we ended up eating lunch and hanging out with some amazing views around us...... Small world.happy trails
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Ok so i realized that trying to get a blog uploaded for every day, so I seem to be skipping around, please forgive me. I will do my best to update as much as possible. So we got out of Hot Springs, rain free which was nice. I ended up staying in the Bunkhouse the 2nd night in order to stay out of the rain so that was 10$ well spent. I got 16 miles yesterday and only went 10 today to Jerry Cabin Shelter. It was a rather painful hike, my shin is still hurting pretty bad, so ibuprofen and rubbing it down every night. Hopefully a few easier days will help. Met some new folks today, Triple P, Dexter, Chia, Snuggles, Two Long Braids, Salami and eventually seabiscuit rolled into camp. It was a fun group of people. Going to be shooting for 15 miles tomorrow, maybe just under that we shall see!
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Headed out of Hogback Ridge Shelter 2 days ago, I unfortunately got rained on the last 30 minutes walking into camp on the 12th. Just enough to make it a little miserable while trying to set up my tent and get water. Not to mention the water source where we filter our water was just over .2 miles from the campsite so that was a pain. But it was a good spring so I took a little camp bath and put on a little deoderant, so i was the best smelling guy in camp!!!! I could at least stand myself when I climbed into my sleeping bag. I discovered precooked pouches of ground meat and that was my protein in my Ramen noodles tonight, and boy oh boy was it delicious!!! Made it to Spivy Gap campground on the 13th but not after crossing Bald Mountain which was a rather remarkable view. You could actually see a small resort time place in the middle of the distant mountain which was neat. I rested at Bald Mountain Shelter for about 35-45 minutes to rest my shin. But I hobbled into Spivy gap right around 4:30. So I was walking down the mountain and saying a little prayer as the thunder rolled around me, thankfully about 10 minutes after pitching my tent and throwing everything inside the skies opened up for about an hour. So it was nice to lay in my tent on my sleeping pad relaxing and reading 100% dry. Hung out with Dexter, Triple P and Chia for the night, good conversation and interesting people! Headed out of Spivy gap around 8am on Wednesday, just a short 12 mile hike into Erwin TN where I can shower and do some laundry. I figured out a way to hike downhill and it not hurt my shin so that was an exciting discovery. It takes me a little longer but I still think im doing just over 2 miles an hour. passed Rocky just as I was descending into Erwin so got a few good pictures. It was kind of neat to see the river and the trains winding through the hills. Not to mention you could hear the people yelling that were white water rafting. Not a bad hike. Got to town met up with Ed "Ideas" and game planning for possibly going to Trail Days in Damascus Virginia. So more to follow on that.Miss everyone and hopefully some videos will be posted through youtube so look for a link soon!!HAPPY TRAILS
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Erwin TN

To: Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

So everyone should know that not every night is sleeping in the woods where you have to heat ramen noodles and tuna after filtering your water and going to bed smelling terrible after hiking 15 miles. Every year in Damascas VA there is something called Trail Days. This year was the 28th Annual Trail Days. It is where past, present and future hikers come together with gear vendors, food, music and parades. It was an experience to say the least. As I got into Erwin, "Ideas" messaged me and said he had a rental car if i wanted to bum a ride to trail days with him. At this point I had made up my mind that I didnt want to waste the time of coming off the trail for 3-4 days. However this opportunity was presented to me and I saw it as a sign that maybe I was to take a few days off the trail and relax for a few days. So I did, myself, Ideas and Cruise all rode to trail days, but not after heading to Gatlinburg TN first to hit one of the outfitters there where I got a new piece of gear that comes up over my boots and keeps all the dirt/leaves/rocks out of my boots while hiking. THEY ARE AMAZING. Anyways, we hit Los Burros or some Mexican restuarant there for some fish tacos and a beer before heading to Damascus. So at Damascus there is TENT CITY where hundreds of campers set up their tents in an open field and essentially party for 2-3-4 days. (some longer) We set up our tents and got settled in and cracked a beer, but not before enjoying some delicous BBQ (not comparable to keiths obviously) but it did the job. So there is a church that helps sponsor Trail Days called One Way Ministries and they offer free laundry, showers, haircuts, sewing, food, snacks and the list goes on. I was able to take advantage of the haircuts and food as well as sewing. (Pictures to come) The other cool thing about this event was the guest speakers and documentries that were played. We saw presentations from Gene Espy who hiked the trail back in 1951, a fellow hiker who hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain/France, "Three Among Wolves" writer Helen Thayer gave a 90 minute talk on her expereince while living about 100ft from a wolf den in Canada for 5+ months. There were also countless others that were pretty amazing. Saturday came the parade with all the hikers and fire trucks etc, and that afternoon we left and headed back to Erwin. Again it was fun, we had our fair share of beer and food and I am glad I went, however I am glad to be back on the trail. Alright until next time!!
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Grassy Ridge Bald

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up and at it early again, Sparky and I got up relatively early even though both of us had rough days yesterday. I left and headed to Overlook Mountain Shelter, an old barn they converted into a shelter. Even at 9am when I got there it was an amazing view. From there I headed up to Little Hump Mountain were I met "Cornflake and Shady Security" (A guy and his dog)after swapping a few photo ops we went our seperate ways and up the mountain I went again. But not before putting my pack cover and rain jacket on because it was blowing and raining like crazy. As I crested Little Hump Mountain I saw in the not so distance Big Hump Mountain which they both got their names respectively. I thought for a few minutes my heart was going to explode as I summited this Hump Mountain, but the views up top were nothging short of gorgeous. Ran into Tree Beard and his gf on the way down and gladly took a break to catch up with them for a little while. Last time I saw them was when getting back on the trail at Fontana Dam. Made my way down the hill and up the hill and then down the hill and up the hill, eventually I came to a gorgeous meadow and river with no where to camp obviously so continued on to Mountaineer Shelter. When I got there it was empty, so I pushed on about 1 mile to a campsite where there was supposed to be water. I set up camp and it looked like I was going to have the area to myself. It was so peaceful and quiet with the stream right there and the fire cracking as I cooked my dinner. But then the sun went down and the woods got very very dark and all of a sudden the branches cracking and the wind blowing through the leaves became very eary. Needless to say, I ate my dinner, washed up and climbed in my tent and within 49 seconds I was passed out like a little baby. Waking up was peaceful though, birds and the stream flowing. They were all pleasant sounds. My legs and shins felt good today, I hit 3mph on some parts. But I slowed down to enjoy a few views. There was a random bench dedicated to a gentlemen named "Vango" reading "Dedicated to someone who recieved so little but gave so much" and the view there was beautiful as are so many other views that I take for granted sometimes now. Met a section hiker "Last Minute" and we leap frogged eachother all day until reaching Dennis Cove where we both went to Black Bear Resort for the night. I was able to catch a ride into town where I hit the Dollar General and grabbed some resupply for my 2 day 50 mile hike into Damascaus and also a Subway sandwich that was terrible...... But I ate it anyways lol. Not to mention I was able to check in with dad and chatted with Rachel for a few minutes. A group of us here at Black Bear Resort enjoyed a few beers, some ladder golf and now headed to bed, so until next time!!Happy Trails
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Dennis Cove

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 50.0
Weather: clear sky

So it has been a long 3 days.... I got into Damascus on 23 May after doing about 50 miles in 2 days. Left Dennis Cove even though it was calling for thunderstorms off and on all day. Well my prayers were answered and I didnt get one drop of rain on me, there was a little thunder but nothing bad! Made it up and over FrogPond Flats, which was the biggest climb of the day about 2.5 miles up. Before that I hit Laurel Falls which were beautiful so I have some footage on the GoPro which eventually Ill post on here. Walked around half of Watauga Lake which had some beautiful views, eventually crossing directly over Watauga Lake Dam where I sat and enjoyed my lunch. I was able to sneak a call in to Gram, mom and Rachel, 3 very important ladies!!!! I met a few new hikers, Bear Claw and Whiskey and a few others at camp, set up my home at Iron Mountain Shelter which was still 26.? miles out from Damascus, which means tomorrow is going to be a long day of hiking. Everyone says its all down hill, but I have come to realize THAT IS A LIE!Up and at it around 630 friday morning. Luckily I didnt leave camp so someone else cleared most of the cobwebs for me. Got a little trail magic a few miles in from a church group, Little Debbies and Mt.Dew lunch of champions baby! had a few nice views, one right through a cow pasture, which this may sound weird but the view and smell took me back to Devores farm when we were kids and Becky would babysit us over the summer.... some people think that smell is awful but maybe the good memories make the smell pleasant to me! Anyways I hit the TN/VA border around 4:30 and made it into town around 6. I will say that it was mostly downhill. Ended up staying at The Place in Damascus VA, which is ran by volunteers from the Methodist Church right in town. It was basic but that is all I need, a bunk, a shower and a towel and I am happy as a clam. Headed out tomorrow, I have about 100 Miles before mom picks me up Tuesday night!! I will close for now.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Damascus VA

To: Bland VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

So it's been awhile since I've posted but I'm back on the trail now just outside of Bland VA. It has been an amazing break from hiking but anxious to get back out there. I got to see my girl Rachel as well as all as most of my friends and family (CHRIS VICKLESS) celebrated two amazing people getting married (Luke and Michelle) and was at another in spirit (Scott and Tallica) so I wish all of them more happiness than they can handle!!! I squeezed in Charlotte where I got to spend time with Rachel and do some work for the Army. Then headed to Nashville for the Country Music Festival which was amazing, Clyde, Tony, Roo and I survived and with no incidents which was positive! The music was great with live performers all over the city and in every bar! I would definitely recommend it! Now I have a few more miles to hike and look forward to seeing some more amazing views as well as meeting many new people. I have this weekend to look forward to where Clay, Carter and Davis are all coming to keep me company and hike for the weekend! So for now Happy Trails everyone and I will post again soon
Date: 2015-08-07
From: Bland VA

To: Daleville VA
Miles today: 385.4
Weather: overcast clouds

So here is the story, when I came off the trail for Luke and Michelle's wedding, I realized that I wasn't going to finish the trail, this year, I also realized that I really wanted to marry Rachel. That being said I opted only to hike until Carter and Davis got off the trail in Daleville VA. Conveniently that was also about 1/3 of the trail. I was bummed out and disappointed but I lost a little steam and knew I wanted to be home. So to fast forward about a year, I am now engaged to that amazing young lady, I am working for DIRECTV, we moved into our house in Charlotte, Rachel took a new job, my younger brother is about to be a dad, my older brother just got a new job with lots of perks, Carter and Davis finished their eagle scout project and many other things with the family and friends. Fortunately my fianc© is rather amazing and gave me the thumbs up to pick up the trail where I left off. I am hoping to make it from Daleville to Harpers Ferry in the 19-20 days I have to hike. I also uploaded a few photos leading up to DalevilleThere will be more to follow, but that will bring you kind of up to speed. Tomorrow is phase II of no showering, ramen noodles,trail mix and hiking in the rain!!!!
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Daleville VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Rachel dropped me off and as soon as I put my pack on the I realized I forgot my rope for my bear bag. I new my backpack felt a little lite this time. Needless to say I walked into the gas station right off the trail and paid 5$ for 70ft of rope, which Rachel insisted I carry all 70ft just in case I need it. You best believe I still have the entire 70ft of rope in my pack. I wasn't sure how my legs would feel climbing hills again, luckily none of the hills were to large. Since it was Saturday I ran into a few day hikers and one of them pointed out you could see the fire damage from the forest fire they had near tinker cliffs. So in one of the balds (cow pasture) you could see some of the burn damage. Kids these days don't hear enough about Smokey the Bear. Apparently some hiker set a fire and it got out of control, who knows if that's true or not. One of the day hikers filled me in as I took a water break at Fullhardt Knob Shelter that there is lady who bounces back and fourth between the shelters in the area carrying all her worldly possessions. She also thinks she is the actual Queen of England. Luckily I didn't see her around, talk about an awkward encounter. Anyways not many views, at least not like Dragons Tooth and McAfee Knob. I am sure over then next few weeks there will be plenty of views for me to relax at. That's all for now
Date: 2015-08-11
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Glasgow VA
Miles today: 45.6
Weather: light rain

The last two days have been nice and rainy. Every local I run into day hiking says they need the rain, well I need a dry nights sleep, but that has only happened one out three nights so far. Either way it should help the streams, since a lot of them have begun to dry up. Did a 21 mile day from Wilson Creek Shelter to Bryant Ridge Shelter. I was hurting by the time I got camp set up. Luckily I got to stop off at Jennings creek, shower up and soak my feet. Three ladies were staying at Bryant Ridge Shelter, they were doing a section headed south. The one lady was 66 years old and was full of energy. I hope I have that much get up when I am 66. (I am sure Rachel will as well, wink wink) Sorry that's my inner comedian. (-:From Bryant ridge did a 17 mile hike to Marble Spring where I had a peaceful night of camping alone and in the rain. All day it had been overcast and rainy, when it wasn't raining I was hiking through the fog and mist. Needless to say not many views but I sure was glad to climb onto my sleeping pad. I had to cook dinner under my tent and then hang my bear bag in the pouring rain, but I think that is better than sleeping with a bears meal. Hiked into Glasgow today, well I hiked to the James River and this lovely couple in a Volkswagen Golf, bless their heart, offered me a ride not 2 minutes after trying to hitch hike the 5 or so miles into town. (I didn't fit in the back very well, but it beat the hell out of walking) Coincidently they were camping along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) from the Smokeys and making their way north to visit their son and daughter in-law in Mt. Lebanon Pennsylvania, small world. There is a pavilion in the middle of Glasgow, that has showers, bathrooms and allows tenting. So its nice to hang out for the afternoon. The sun finally came out so drying out all my stuff. They have an all you can eat spaghetti at the only restaurant in town, so I will give that shot. Posting this from the library, while I charge my phone and kindle. I am going to hit the dollar general and then grab some dinner so that is all fro now. Next time I will be able to really post will be Waynesboro which is about a 4-5 day hike I believe. So until then Happy Trails.
Date: 2015-08-13
From: Glasgow VA

To: Devils Backbone Brewery (Reids Gap)
Miles today: 42.3
Weather: overcast clouds

So Glasgow was an interesting town, they don't have much but they were very hiker friendly! They have a pavilion in town that had an outdoor shower, latrines, electricity, picnic tables. It was very accommodating. The spaghetti at Scootos was tasty as was the miller lite! Got my resupply at the Dollar general and headed out of town nice and early. Got exactly 20 miles in to brown mountain creek shelter, not a terrible hike, But a rather long and steady up hill out of Glasgow for about 5 miles or so. Hiked 22 miles Thursday and got to Crabtree falls, they were beautiful, I'd love to bring Rachel back to here. Not a bad climb up to the top either, saw a black bear on the way down which is always fun. But met 2 guys Woody and Hollywood that are headed north and getting off in Waynesboro, they are getting a ride from Crabtree falls up to Devils Backbone Brewery! Well they had me at "ride" but when they said the destination was a brewery I was sold. So unfortunately I jumped over about 15 miles of the trail so a solid day of hiking, I met some cool guys had a delicious burger and some Devils Backbone Vienna Lager, which I'd highly recommend for people to try! Good times had by all!!!