morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-03-08
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, Tank and Physical are headed back to Dicks Creek Gap today, after finishing their section hike today. They are going back to their homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively. Sad to see them go. The three of us had maintained the same daily sheltering distance since the first day on trail.The strenuous climb out of Bly Gap is well known and did not disappoint. All this in the rain and sleet. It rained all day. I stopped at Muskrat Shelter to use the privy and have some warm breakfast (oatmeal). I continued in the rain to the next shelter (Standing Indian Shelter). I am one of seven in the shelter tonight. We are packed inside like sardines due to the heavy rain.More rain expected tomorrow, but slightly warmer. Hopefully we sleep well tonight.
Date: 2019-03-09
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: moderate rain

Serious fog all day.No one slept good in packed shelter last night. Too tight to move. It rained all night and most of the day. The fog was as thick as pea soup. Water was running down the middle of the trail. There was lots of slippery mud and miles of exposed tree roots in the trail. I made it to Carter Gap Shelter, set up my tent and had lunch.We are expecting more rain tonight and tomorrow morning.
Date: 2019-03-10
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: moderate rain

Started out late today to wait for the rain to stop. Left around 9:15. The clouds cleared and we had great weather for hiking. We finally had views today.Albert Mountain has to be the steepest, most memorable climb so far. I had to set aside my trekking poles and use my hands to pull myself up the mountain. Thank goodness it was not an extremely long climb. I met one of my major milestones today. I have now hiked over 100 miles. I took a picture at the base of the Albert Mountain Fire Tower to mark the occasion.Atop Albert Mountain Fire TowerFinished my hike today at the Long Branch Shelter. Lots of new faces at the shelters each night.Time for bed. Good night.
Date: 2019-03-11
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at 6:00 AM to overcast skies. Luckily no rain. The hike today only had two moderate climbs. All in all, not a bad day.What made things even better was a trip into Franklin, NC at the Gooder Grove Hiker Hostel. I had my first shower in 5 days. To feel clean again is truly amazing. Getting clothes cleaned helps you feel better as well.Time to resupply for the next section and take advantage of the rest.
Date: 2019-03-12
From: Franklin, NC

To: Rest, Resupply, and Eat
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a day of rest, resupply and eating food. I hated to zero on a beautiful weather day but I cannot always predict the weather when I have access to a town.I met a Hiker today trying to complete the entire AT in 100 days or less. He wants to average over 25 miles a day. Trail name is ¢Posi¢, which stands for a Positive Attitude. He definitely has one. I wish him lots of luck.Time to take advantage of the rest.
Date: 2019-03-13
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

A group of us caught a bus at the hostel and we were transported back to Winding Stair Gap where we resumed our hike. With the rest from the previous day, the hiking was not too bad. Even though most of the hike was a long, gradual uphill.We first walked out in the open at Siler Bald. It was slightly overcast but not too bad for views. Further in the hike we came out into another clearing with a stone tower on top. This was Wayah Bald. Hazy, but good views all around. The camp site was a little over a mile away at Wayah Bald Shelter. The shelter and tenting sites should be full tonight.Time to eat and get ready for sleep.
Date: 2019-03-14
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 8.4

Woke up to rain this morning. Broke down camp in the rain and started north bound. A few miles into the hike I heard multiple voices through the fog at the Burning Town Gap road crossing. To my surprise it was trail magic. It turned out to be Fresh Ground in his Leap Frog Cafe van. He has been offering trail magic to hikers for the past 5 years. He had teamed with the Crawford Family to set up for trail magic. If you are not familiar with the Crawford¢s, they thru hiked the AT last year as a family of eight (8), and I followed their adventure on YouTube. The trail magic was great! Blueberry pancakes, mixed fruit, eggs, sausage, yogurt, coffee and juice. We were forced to eat all we could eat and then some. While we were eating, Fresh Ground got a call from another 2018 thru hiker. Her name was Amanda Bess (Trail Name: Pee Wee). I followed her on YouTube last year as well. She was inviting Fresh Ground and The Crawford¢s to her wedding later this year. Nice surprise this morning.Because of the rain today and tomorrow, we arranged for pickup at Tellico Gap to stay at Nantahala Mountain Lodge. Most of us will likely slack pack in the rain tomorrow and return to the trail the day after, in colder weather with dry gear. Very nice accommodations at the lodge and the owners are great.
Date: 2019-03-15
From: Tellico Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoors Center
Miles today: 8.1

For those that don¢t know what "slack packing" is, it involves being dropped off with minimal supplies for the day's hike. Items such as water, snacks, lunch, and clothing for the weather. You hike to the next designated pickup point for that day. This assures minimal pack weight for the day and you still get your trail miles done.We were dropped off in the rain back at Tellico Gap and hiked down to Nantahala Outdoors Center (NOC). We had thunder and lightning during this hike. The rain stopped prior to reaching the NOC and the sun came out. NOC Photos: Footbridge, Nantahala RiverWe stopped in the restaurant and had a great lunch. Some hikers resupplied and others got their permits for the upcoming Smokies. Our shuttle arrived and returned us back to the Nantahala Mountain Lodge.Our host Steve (Wiggy) and hostess Maggie have been great! Getting laundry done this evening and having a late supper.  Getting late and time for bed.
Date: 2019-03-16
From: Nantahala Outdoors Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Everyone at the lodge was shuttled back to the NOC to begin the long climb to the next shelter. Sassafras Mountain has a reputation as a difficult climb out of the NOC. All uphill. It was basically true. I think most everyone got themselves mentally prepared for the effort, and it turned out to be not as bad as I had envisioned.It is cold at this elevation. We are expecting temperatures to be in the low to mid 20¢s tonight.I estimate that over 30 different hikers passed our shelter and kept hiking. The trail is getting crowded.Time to eat, hunker down and get ready for bed.
Date: 2019-03-17
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We had Amos the dog and owner Laura (aka ¢GPS¢) at the shelter last night. Amos was a well behaved dog around all the hikers at the shelter. Added entertainment."Wednesday" got off the trail due to a cold night with existing equipment. She said she was miserable all night. She has been following the same shelter-to-shelter pace as myself since Blue Mountain Shelter. I hope she gets her gear squared away.We came upon Trail Magic from the United Methodist Church at NC Hwy 143 picnic table. Ziplock baggies with miscellaneous snacks were left with an inspiring message from the church.The hike today took a lot out of me due to the Jacob¢s Ladder section. It was long and straight up, with switchbacks showing up eventually near the top of the mountain. It was a tough hill climb at the end of the day.Good night John Boy.
Date: 2019-03-18
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

The moonlight illuminated my tent throughout the entire night. I woke up to a barred owl sounding off about an hour before sunrise.The terrain was up and down most of the day, with a long downhill to trek to Fontana Dam. When I dropped into the lower elevation I noticed thousands of plants about to bloom. I was told they were called Trillium. It will look awesome in this area in the next week or two.When I got to the Fontana Hilton Shelter, there was a husband and wife providing trail magic at the shelter. Hot dogs, soft drinks and snacks. Perfect at the end of a long day.People were teasing me because the shelter was donated in the year 1993 by someone named Papa Smurf.About 6 of us in the shelter tonight and one person in a tent. This is one of the nicer shelters on the AT. You can charge your phones, water is available, nearby toilets with toilet paper and a shower are here.Time to turn in for the evening.
Date: 2019-03-19
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Laundry, Food and Rest @ Fontana Village Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up to a beautiful view of the sun rising behind the mountains just beyond Fontana Lake. We were shuttled to the Fontana Village Lodge to pick up supplies that I mailed to myself when I was in Hiawassee, GA. Also picked up my cell phone battery pack that Mama Smurf helped me order and ship here. Plans for today are doing laundry, eating and resting. I expect to enter the Smokies tomorrow, where I will likely be without cell phone service for approximately a week.Expecting precipitation at the higher elevations in the Smokies on Thursday.Check back for more delayed updates over the next few days.
Date: 2019-03-20
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

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

I woke up today with high expectations. I had a full day of rest. I had a great supper and a big breakfast. I walked over the dam and began hiking with a little pep in my step. After a couple of hours, I started feeling sluggish. It was mainly an uphill climb all day. But nothing too extreme compared to what we have hiked so far. By the time I got to Mollies Ridge Shelter, I was at a crawl (not literally).The shelter is partially full and it should be an uneventful night. Waiting to see what type of precipitation we get tomorrow.Time to eat and then hit the sack.
Date: 2019-03-21
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike today went much better than yesterday. I was tired, but not totally give out. A relatively clear morning, but it started snowing around noon and didn¢t stop until 4:00 pm. There were nice views until the snow started and the clouds rolled in. The drop in temperature has everyone huddled around the fire inside the shelter.The shelter is packed and 4-5 tents are set up outside. Most of the hikers on the trail this week are college students on spring break. Most were not expecting snow on their break.Time to settle in for the evening.
Date: 2019-03-22
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

After I finished my journal entry yesterday day evening it started snowing again. It snowed off and on throughout the night.Just before dark a group of six spring breakers came into camp. Their permits gave them access to the shelter. Seven thru hikers decided to leave the shelter and set up their tents in the snow. The shelter was full with approximately eight tents set up outside. A crowded shelter for sure.The hike started in extremely cold, windy, snowy and cloudy/foggy conditions. The snow made for slow going. I made the decision to stop at Double Spring Gap Shelter. Clingmans Dome is less than four miles away. However, the next shelter is approximately seven miles away and is located 0.5 miles off the trail. I did not have that much hike left in me today. That is why I stopped short of Clingmans Dome. I hope to take on the Dome first thing in the morning.Let¢s see how many show up at this shelter tonight.
Date: 2019-03-23
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

It was bitterly cold when we woke this morning. Water froze instantly as I poured it to make my oatmeal and Instant Breakfast. The snow was approximately 2 inches deep at the shelter. As we approached Clingmans Dome the snow deepened. The wind was howling atop Clingmans Dome. But the views were not bad at all. No visitors were at the dome except for hikers passing through. With the snow and ice on everything, there were many near-miss slips and falls. The further north of Clingmans Dome we traveled, the snow approached 6-8 inches deep.When I came to Newfound Gap, there were hundreds of sightseers in the parking lot and on the trail. I had constant day-hikers near me for at least 2 miles after Newfound Gap parking area.I made it to the Icewater Spring Shelter around 5:30 pm. A long day of hiking for me. This shelter is particularly full with a mix of weekend and thru hikers.I reached another goal today--200 miles!Time to eat and get ready for bed.
Date: 2019-03-24
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

The low temperature last night made hiking very interesting today. The snow and ice froze solid during the night, so it was more of a snail's pace, slip & slide the first three hours of the day. Multiple near falls by everyone. As the temperatures warmed up it turned to a slush in spots, which gave better traction.The views today were great! Slightly hazy, but you could see for miles. Several pictures were taken throughout the day. A very memorable view from slightly off trail at a location called Charlie¢s Bunion. Click to see the pictures: Smokies 1 Smokies 2, Smokies 3, Smokies 4, Smokies 5, Smokies 6Most of the same people at the shelter this morning are also at the Tri-Corner Knob Shelter this evening.Time for the usual camp chores and prep for bed.
Date: 2019-03-25
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

We finally leave the higher elevations today. We have been at or above 6,000 ft for days now. The temperature did not get below freezing last night. That meant that the snow and ice were slushy. Better foot traction in the slush. There were few views this morning because a rain storm was supposed to come in around noon. It did, as scheduled. I was eating my lunch when it started. The rest of the day was walking in the rain with a couple of mountain climbs. But the majority of the day was downhill. The lower in elevation, the less snow was present. By the time I got to my destination, Davenport Gap Shelter, it started to downpour. This is my last shelter and night in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP). Other than the great scenery, I am not going to miss the Smokies. Too many rules and regulations here. The weather is also more extreme here due to the higher elevations.One of the guys that I have been hiking with since Fontana Dam will likely be leaving the trail tomorrow. He blew out his knee on the downhills today. I hate to see anyone leave the trail, even for injury.As usual, it is time to do camp chores and get ready for bed.
Date: 2019-03-26
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 3.8

What is a Nero (or Near Zero)? Basically it is hiking a short distance to your next town or resupply point, staying overnight and getting back on the trail the next day. That is what I plan on doing today. I hiked from Davenport Gap Shelter approximately 4 miles to Green Corner Road. Just off this road is a well known hostel called Standing Bear Hostel. They offer basic warm meals, a bunk or cabin, a communal kitchen, resupply items and hand-washed laundry and a dryer. I got here before 10:00 am which allowed me time to shower, hand-wash clothes, eat and gather resupply items.There are a large number of hikers here today. So many in fact that all bunks and cabins are full. The hostel owner allowed late arrivals to tent nearby and use the hostel amenities.Time to eat and rest this evening.Special Note: I left the Smokies today and hiked underneath Interstate 40. I-40 might give some people a reference to where we are located in North Carolina/Tennessee.
Date: 2019-03-27
From: Green Corner Rd

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

Most of today¢s hike was uphill. We hiked over two different balds today. The first was Snowbird Mountain grassy bald where there was an FAA tower off to the side of the bald. The views were not too bad for a hazy day. The second bald is more famous. It was Max Patch. It was huge and numerous hikers were setting up their tents to camp out and view the stars tonight. Better views from this bald. After a long day of hiking I made it to Roaring Fork Shelter. Everyone is tenting. No one in the shelter. At least we are not forced to stay in the shelters now that we are out of the Smokies.My feet are tired and need some good rest for another long day tomorrow.
Date: 2019-03-28
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

It was a very underwhelming day. The skies were clear and the temperatures not too cold or hot. There were no views to speak of either. There was a grassy clearing, but nothing to write home about.I did however come upon an inflatable doll hanging from the roof of Deer Park Mountain Shelter. It was named "Appalachian Annie". There were messages written on her that asked the next person to take Annie to the next shelter. Eventually moving shelter by shelter up to Katahdin. I think I will pass on the opportunity to help Annie along.Time to start camp chores.
Date: 2019-03-29
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2

Up early to get into Hot Springs this morning. I ate breakfast with a local day Hiker at the Smoky Mountain Diner. It was great. When you are constantly on the move like this day after day, food with a variety of flavors really tastes exceptional!I was going to stay at Elmer¢s, but they were full due to a wedding in town. I wound up staying at the Laughing Heart Lodge.Time for town chores. Shower, laundry, resupply and eat as much as possible. I can tell from my loose fitting clothes that I have lost weight. That means, eat more...My feet are sore due to the longer miles that I have been putting in lately. They are barking at me, telling me to rest them. I might just do that tomorrow.
Date: 2019-03-31
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Before getting dark last night, everyone at the hostel was entertained by a young couple from the band "Mailbox". Their trail name was Purple People because everything they wore and carried was lavender in color. It was a nice end to a restful day.Today started off wet. It started raining during the night and continued through the morning. As I hiked uphill out of Hot Springs, it got colder with the increase in elevation. At some areas it was actually snowing. No accumulation though. Because I was carrying a full resupply and most of the Hike was uphill today, I decided to stop at the first shelter. It was Spring Mountain Shelter. I am preparing for a cold night. The rain and snow ended around lunchtime. The wind is blowing strong through the mountaintops.Time to eat supper and curl up inside my quilt for the long evening.
Date: 2019-04-01
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Chestnut Log Gap
Miles today: 15.9

The winds died down just before sunrise. Because it was so cold, all my stored water was frozen. Therefore, no warm breakfast this morning. It was Poptarts and I was out of camp. The first half of the day was a lot of uphills with no views.I had my first slip and fall today. It was on a downhill, in the mud. I slipped and landed on my backside. I just stayed there for about 15 seconds, stunned that it just happened. No falls in snow or ice. It took melted earth (mud) to take me down for the first time. I also passed the 300 mile milestone today.The second half of the day was warmer with a 1.5 mile section of rocky ridge walking. Much better views on this ridge. Today was my longest hiking day with 15.9 miles. I was very tired at the end of the hike, but I was not totally exhausted. Another 15+ mile day planned for tomorrow.Getting dark. Time for bed.
Date: 2019-04-02
From: Chestnut Log Gap

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today started out cold. But a warm breakfast helped get things started. It threatened to rain all day, but never did. About a quarter of the way into the day, we came upon a mountain called "Big Butt Mountain". The name is real--I kid you not! I took a picture of the bypass trail for that area. The mountain was dense with large boulders for that stretch.A couple of areas offered some views. But today was more about miles. Both yesterday and today were around 15 miles each day. I am very tired at the end of these days. In my tent before sunset here at Hogback Ridge Shelter.Time to complete my journal and get ready for bed.
Date: 2019-04-03
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter 

To: Big Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.1

Today¢s hike started out very cold, but warmed up quickly. It turned out to be a little on the warm side by mid afternoon. It was a constant gradual uphill hike all day. It was relentless. Even though it was just over 10 miles, it took everything out of me because of the continuing uphill climbs.We came upon trail magic at Sam¢s Gap (US 23, I-26 crossing). A man that hiked the AT in 2007 set up and fixed eggs, potatoes and juice/soft drinks. He has been doing this trail magic since he hiked back in 2007. It was GREAT and was greatly appreciated.We came upon a smaller meadow with rolling hills. Later we came upon a grand view atop Big Bald. It offered 360 degree views--impressive sight.Only going just over 10 miles gets me to camp early enough to get my camp chores done without feeling rushed. I am planning another day tomorrow just over 10 miles again. Then a short hike into Erwin Tennessee.Time to rest for now.
Date: 2019-04-04
From: Big Bald Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.8

Today was my best day on trail so far. I woke up to the drumming courtship sounds of grouse nearby. It lasted for at least an hour. One of the guys that tented last night said that a deer came within 10 feet of his tent as he woke this morning. Another saw a deer run off as he began his hike. And lastly, I saw my first snake on the trail. It was right in the middle of the trail, so I took a picture. I can¢t believe how little wildlife I have seen so far. I am 344.2 miles into my hike and have seen only 4 squirrels and small birds. I hope today is a sign that spotting wildlife is on the increase.At Spivey Gap (US 19W) we experienced some great trail magic. It was offered by "Chimney", a 2017 thru Hiker, and a 2018 thru Hiker whose trail name was ¢Cow Bell¢. They offered cheeseburgers, hotdogs, boiled peanuts, tacos, honey buns, chips, bananas, clementines, miscellaneous snacks, and drinks. I think I had one of everything! It was the perfect lunch. It gave me the energy to hike past my planned shelter stop and take on an additional 6 miles to get into Erwin Tennessee today. It is supposed to rain tomorrow and now I am at Uncle Johnny¢s Hostel, warm and dry, with a shower and laundered clothes. Life is good.I thought about Mom today. It is Mom and Dad's anniversary today, which means it's time to put out the hummingbird feeder for the season. I love you Mom.