morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-05-12
From: Mt. Collins Shelter 

To: PeckÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Corner Shelter 
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

May 12 - Mt. Collins Shelter to Peck¢s Corner Shelter - 16.1 miles (109.9 trip miles) - 38106 steps Today was wet! I got up to pee at about 1am and the sky was crystal clear with stars. By 4am it was raining. I was up early and decided to quickly pack up, eat a pop tart and go. I was on the .4 mile shelter trail by 730 in the rain. The rain wasn¢t heavy and soon became a mist that gathered on the trees and dripped on me all day. The trail was a shallow creek in many places. However, hiking in the misty rain was enjoyable. The downside was there was nothing to see today. The first stop was Newfound Gap. On a nice day it¢s a crazy place with tourists. Today there were 8 or 10 cars and few people around. I went in to the bathroom to warm up and have a snack. Then headed on. Next up was Icewater Spring Shelter where I had lunch. Finally, a long stretch to my destination, Peck¢s Corner Shelter. In this stretch, the trail ran along the ridge line and was only as wide as the trail in some spots. Due to everything being wet I am staying in the shelter again. While cooking dinner I totally screwed up and spilled my cook pot with my food. This was doubly bad in that I now had a cold dinner and I had to clean up the mess so as not attract bears. And, I sliced my finger cutting salami, just for good measure. I crossed the grate in today¢s photo somewhere in the afternoon.  This is to keep the wild pigs out of the fenced area. They destroy the areas they dig in and this area has trees only found in this area.Tomorrow should be interesting. The shelter I would have wanted to stay at is closed due to bear activity. Therefore I will need to go 20.3 miles tomorrow. That will get me in late and may have to tent. Hopefully the weather is nice and things dry out a bit. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2021-05-13
From: PeckÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Corner Shelter 

To: Davenport Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: broken clouds

May 13 - Peck¢s Corner Shelter to Davenport Gap Shelter - 19.7 miles (129.6 trip miles) - 49282 stepsIt got cold last night. Down to around 35. I really did not sleep well due to the cold. Live and learn and pack better next time. Today, the weather was perfect for hiking. Cool, clear and dry. I knew today was going to be a long day so I got going early. I was on trail by 725. First I had to do the .4 miles up back to the trail. As usual it was up coming out of the shelter. The first part of the day was a series of long ups and downs. I made great time except avoiding some of the muddy areas. I took a snack break at TriCorner Knob Shelter and spoke to the ridge runner. These are people paid to check on the trail, hikers and facilities. She had some good information and answered all my questions. Throughout the morning there were a lot of good long range views. Finally around noon I reached the high point of the day near Mt. Guyot at 6239 feet. The rest of the day was spent working my way down to my camp for the night at 2579 feet. Unfortunately Cosby Knob Shelter is still closed due to aggressive bear activity. So on to Davenport Shelter it would be. On a the way down is one more rise where a side trail to the Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower. This is a .6 mile side trail to an old structure for fire spotting. The views were 360 degree and great. I¢m glad I went. Yesterday, due to the rain and fog I passed on a Charlies Bunion, a large rock outcrop with great views.After Cammerer it was 4 miles all downhill. The first 2 miles were very rocky and I ended up with a blister. I¢ll deal with it in the morning. The last 2 miles were clear and quick. Surprisingly, there was room in the shelter when I arrived but now it is packed. Plus a couple of stoned women who are loud and obnoxious. Tomorrow I leave the park the get my resupply box. Hot Springs, NC in a few days. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2021-05-15
From: Max Patch

To: Deer Mountain Shelter Area
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: few clouds

May 15 - Max Patch to Near Deer Park Mountain Shelter - 16.7 miles (163.4 trip miles) - 37489 steps Max Patch was cold and quiet last night. People were stirring before 6am to watch the sunrise. I got out of my tent a few minutes after 6 to view it also. It was pretty spectacular as it came over the mountains. After that I ate some Pop Tarts, packed up camp and headed on. Today¢s walking was along well graded and maintained trail. Few rock or root areas. First was a gradual 5 mile downhill to Lemon Gap. More of a trailhead for day hikers. I had a snack and talked to a day hiker for a while who had lots of questions about long distance hiking. From there it was up for 700 feet to Walnut Mountain Shelter. This was a very rundown place I am glad I did not stay at. I had a tortilla with peanut butter for lunch and moved on. Then it was down for 600 feet only to be followed by a 1000 foot climb up Bluff Mountain. No views from this mountain so I headed for the descent. This down was long and hard on the feet. Down 2200 feet and it seemed like it would never end. Finally there were some rolling ups and downs to my camp for the night. There were few things to see today. That¢s just how it goes some days. I am now camped far away from the shelter down by the creek. There is some sort of youth group tenting near me so it could be a loud night. Tomorrow I go into Hot Springs. It¢s only 2.7 trail miles to the hostel. I will shower, wash my clothes and eat as much as possible. I know I need more calories. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2021-05-16
From: Deer Mountain Shelter Area

To: Laughing Heart Hostel Hot Springs 
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: few clouds

May 16 - Near Deer Park Mountain Shelter to Hot Springs, NC - 2.7 miles (166.1 trip miles) - 10991 steps Slept well last night down by the creek. A hiker I¢ve been seeing a lot, Sven, camped nearby. The youth group was ok at night but in the morning when they needed to get water they had to loudly discuss everything that transpired last night. Luckily I was awake so it didn¢t matter. It was a quick 3 mile walk mostly down to Laughing Heart Hostel which is right on the trail when you pop out of the woods. Check in is not until 11 so I¢m just hanging out at a table. The hostel is nice. Got a shower and cleaned my clothes. Both needed a good cleaning. I then headed to town with Sven for food and beer. We ended up at Big Pillow Brewing which also had a taqueria next door. Both were good. I may go back into town later for some dinner. So I did go back for more food and beer at the Spring Creek Tavern. I had the catfish tacos which were good and a couple of local NC beers. I was joined by Sven, Odie and Garfield. Bruiser, the guy whose name I forgot the other day, also joined us. It was a good time and good hiking conversation. I hope to get up early tomorrow and eat breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner then head out to the trail. The restaurant is actually on the trail as it runs right down the Main Street in Hot Springs. My first goal is 11 miles. After that there does not seem to be much until the next shelter at almost 20 miles. That may be too far. We¢ll see. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2021-05-17
From: Laughing Heart Hostel Hot Springs 

To: Little Laurel Shelter 
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

May 17 - Hot Springs, NC to Little Laurel Shelter - 20.1 miles (186.2 trip miles) - 45792 stepsI was up early so decided to pack up and leave the hostel. For the price the hostel was fine. I left at 610 and walked along the trail to the Smoky Mountain Diner. I got a Greek omelette with home fries and a biscuit. While waiting for my order Bruiser came in. We talked while we ate then it was time to move on. I wasn¢t sure how far I would get today. The first shelter was only 11 miles and with the early start that would not work. The second was 20. Maybe too far. Once out of town the trail runs along the French Broad River for a ways. Then it turn up the cliff. This was a tough climb. There were a few good views back into town including one from Lovers Leap. After that I was in the woods all day with no views. I am quite a bit lower now and everything is really green. It sort of pops out in its brightness. I got to the first shelter before 1. I had some lunch and decided to try for the next shelter. There were a couple of long ups and towards the end of the hike I needed more food. I need to be sure to keep more snacks handy. I finally arrived at 530 for my first 20 mile day to on this trip. There are only a few hikers here. There is room in the shelter but I chose to go with the tent. It was calm on arrival but the winds have picked up. We had a good fire going tonight. We¢ll see how the tent holds up. Tomorrow is like today with regards to shelters and distances. I just have to play it by ear. According to a couple of the hikers here tonight the next section has some good views and some more technical climbing. That should be fun. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2021-05-18
From: Little Laurel Shelter 

To: Campsite @ MM 312.1
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

May 18 - Little Laurel Shelter to Stealth Spot at MM 312.1 - 17.7 miles (203.9 trip miles) - 39444 steps Today was a great day for hiking. Slightly overcast, mid 60s, no rain and some views. Last night while sitting around the campfire, a day hiker heading south, Dan (now known as ¢Duct Tape¢ because one of his shoes disintegrated and was being held together with duct tape), heard me talking about my fuel being low. I am not sure I would make it to Erwin, TN on that little fuel . He offered me his fuel canister since he has to get a ride to town for new shoes. That was very nice of him and much appreciated. So this morning once he was done cooking I got the canister and went north on my way, leaving the shelter area at about 840, late for me. The trail for the most part was terrific today. After the initial 1100 foot climb from camp, it was smooth or gradual inclines/declines with 2 notable exceptions. The first was after 5 miles. There was a very rocky stretch for just under 2 miles around Big Firescald Knob (why isn¢t it just a mountain?). This was some tough slow going but fun. The views at the summit were good but hazy.Next it was on to Jerry Cabin Shelter for lunch. The trail to and from that shelter was covered in pine needles which feel great on the feet. There was a long gradual up from the shelter ending at the top of Big Butt Peak (I don¢t make the names). This too was a rock scramble that was challenging. Leaving the Big Butt it was smooth sailing for 5 miles down to Flint Mountain Shelter where I arrived at about 415. I passed an interesting site this afternoon  it¢s called the Shelton Graves. It¢s the burial site of 2 Union soldiers who were killed on the spot by Confederate soldiers while visiting family during the war.  Out in the middle of nowhere.This was a bit early for me to stop so I needed a plan. I decided to eat my freeze dried chicken and rice dinner and move on a few miles. I left the shelter at about 520 and got to my campsite partway up tomorrow¢s big climb. I am about 100 feet from a creek by myself relaxing while typing up this entry. And to top it off, I passed 200 miles and am right on schedule. I planned 100 miles for each of the first 2 weeks. One thing I¢ve noticed; I have not been passed by other northbound (NOBO) hikers in 3 days nor have I passed more than 2 NOBO hikers in 3 days. I am at the tail end of the NOBO thru hikers but there were a lot of hikers in Hot Springs. Where did they all go?Tomorrow¢s plan is to get to the top of Big Bald, 14 miles ahead. Mostly uphill. I will try to make Bald Mountain Shelter at 15.3. That would leave me 17 miles, mostly downhill to Erwin. This might be a bit optimistic but I would like to arrive late in the afternoon and stay at the hostel right on trail. They shuttle hikers to town for resupply. Then I can get out early the next morning. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2021-05-19
From: Campsite @ MM 312.1

To: Big Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

May 19 - Stealth Spot at MM 312.1 to Big Bald Shelter- 15.3 miles (219.2 trip miles) - 37097 steps Today was tough. Coming out of camp it was up for almost 1000 feet. And it was very steep. That climb completely drained me. I don¢t know if I overdid it yesterday, need to take a day off, or maybe I just need to eat more. With a town stop likely tomorrow, I will be sure to pack more snacks and protein bars. I did not have enough of that kind of food this section. There were some good views today. The trail actually heads south for a while today. At one point I could see across the valley to Big Bald, my later destination. It looked very far away through the morning haze. Next was High Rock. This was only fair because you only had a narrow window through the trees to view. I stopped in to Hogback Ridge Shelter for an early lunch to see if that would give me some energy. The trail then dropped into Sam¢s Gap and under I-26. The climb up out of the gap was long and very steep in spots. Lunch didn¢t seem to increase my energy level. Next the trail went through a meadow. At this point my energy seemed to increase. Good thing since I had come all the way around heading north and it was time to climb Big Bald. It was slow going for me but I got up the 1000 feet to the top. It is indeed clear at the top and the views are great. I hung out there for 30 minutes, texted home, had some peanut butter and talked to some tourists. It was now time to head to the shelter for the night. I am here with one other hiker.  He got quite the fire going. I am in my tent now as the shelter was quite dirty. It¢s getting cold fast but the tent stays pretty warm. A few creatures can be heard wandering around. It made a noise therefore it must be Bigfoot. Then it crossed near camp. I was disappointed that it was only a deer. Tomorrow I hope to make it to Erwin, TN and stay at the hostel. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2021-05-20
From: Big Bald Shelter 

To: Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel, Erwin TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

May 20 - Big Bald Shelter to Uncle Johnny¢s Hostel, Erwin, TN - 16.9 miles (236.1 trip miles) - 40448 steps Bigfoot did not get my food bag last night so maybe it really was only a deer. I was up early, packed up, ate, and was walking by 730. Last night was clear and quite cold up high. There wasn¢t much to see today as I proceeded to lower elevation and the trees have really filled in. It was also very warm in the sun  Spring has arrived at lower elevations.A few miles in I almost had a big problem. I had just gotten past the summit of High Rocks, a rock outcrop with a view, I chose to not visit. On the way down a long step off a rock I placed my foot into an unseen hole that was filled with leaves. My ankle turned hard like a high ankle sprain. It even sounded bad. I thought I was done. But, after a few minutes I got recomposed and realized it would be ok. A couple of Ibuprofen and crisis averted. The trail continued mostly downhill throughout the day. I had more energy today as well. I think the tough up to start yesterday may have been the issue. I stopped at the No Business Knob Shelter for lunch and finished off everything except my emergency instant potatoes. An hour later I called the hostel to reserve a bunk. A resupply/dinner run was at 430. That meant I had 2.5 hours to go 5.4 miles to make it. Challenge accepted. It was mostly downhill and no views until the Nolichucky River. I made it with time to spare. The hostel only gets a fair from me. First, the hot water is out. They should have told me when I called or when I was handed a towel. Second, it¢s pretty dirty overall. The location is right next to the trail. I got my resupply done and have too much food. I shouldn¢t have low energy from lack of food. Tomorrow¢s plan is to settle my tab when they open at 830 and hope to get to Unaka Mountain to camp. It¢s a long way up. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2021-05-22
From: Cherry Gap Shelter 

To: Roan High Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

May 22 - Cherry Gap Shelter to Roan High Knob Shelter - 17.6 miles (271.0 trip miles) - 39944 steps Big tough day today. I did indeed get moving early, about 615. I quickly broke down camp, ate some instant oatmeal and was on my way. Most of today¢s walking was in the forests with minimal views. There were 3 minor climbs this morning. Nothing too long or steep. I stopped at Clyde Smith Shelter for lunch. I ate a bunch to try and lighten my food load. I really need to get better at resupply. I have way too much. I topped off my water at the shelter. That was a long ways down and up. Then I was off. There was one more minor climb then a drop down into Hughes Gap Road. I had passed a hiker earlier in the day who said he had drinks and snacks at his pickup. I picked up my pace hoping there was some left. A few SOBO day hikers said I was coming onto some trail magic and I thought it was the pickup. I got to the gap and grabbed a Powerade then saw a tent down the road. A family had a full spread set out. I grabbed a PB&J and topped my water. I thanked them and started up Roan Mountain. This was a 5 mile, 2200 foot climb. It was tough. The forest was nice throughout, going from hemlock to pine, similar to yesterday. As I got higher the temperature kept dropping. It took about 3 hours of tough climbing but I made it to the summit. The first peak is Cloudland Peak. This area was the site of the Cloudland Hotel, a high society retreat opened in the late 19th century. It lasted about 20 years and is almost completely gone now. From there the trail drops a bit and then rises to Roan High Knob. I am tenting near the Roan High Knob Shelter, the highest shelter on the AT at 6270 feet. I can see how it could get quite cold up here but for tonight, the forecast low is about 50. Tomorrow I hope to cover 16.3 miles to Rt 19E to stay at a hostel. There are 2 and they both get good reviews. When I get enough signal I will call them and see what happens. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2021-05-23
From: Roan High Knob Shelter 

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel 
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

May 23 - Roan High Knob Shelter to Mountain Harbour Hostel - 16.3 miles ( 287.3 trip miles) - 37235 stepsWow! What a day. For days on end you hike in the green tunnel. Then one day you just pop out of that. But first ......It got cold last night at 6200 feet but not that bad. In my tent last night I realized that the Roan Highlands where the pines thrive is very similar to lower elevations of northern NH and ME. Pine smell, tightly packed trees and very dark. It¢s very pleasant hiking in it except for the part of the trail that was over an old gravel road. Very tough on the feet. I was up early. It was quite windy so I decided to pack up and start hiking and eat breakfast later. As the trail descended the pines gave way to hemlocks and I came out of the woods at Carvers Gap. It was packed with cars and it didn¢t immediately register that it was a weekend morning and people like to camp on the balds. Balds would be the theme of the day. First up was Round Bald. A pretty easy climb up and great views. This was just the start. Next up was Jane bald. It too had great views. The trail then went by the side of Grassy Ridge Bald. I chose to pass on the 1.2 mile round trip to that summit. The views had been great so far. Little did I realize these views were weak. The trail then dropped down into Yellow Mountain Gap only to begin an 800 foot climb up to Little Hump Mountain (I told you in a previous entry, I don¢t make the names). On the way up the very steep beginning of the climb I got a view of Overmountain Shelter. This shelter was formerly a barn and a very popular destination on the AT. It was condemned a few years ago and is off the trail so I passed. From the summit of Little Hump Mountain the views were spectacular. 360 degrees and the air had cleared. After a short drop the trail then climbed 600 feet to (did you guess where?) Hump Mountain. This one was the tallest and by far the best. I could see where I¢d been and where I will be in a week in VA. Photos can¢t do it justice. But, for everything that goes up, it must come down. 5.4 miles of down. The first mile was treeless and ok. Once in the trees again, it was rocks, rocks and more rocks for about 1.5 miles. I did pass a sign that said I had now completed NC. That¢s 3 states done. (GA, NC, and MD last Oct). Finally the trail mellowed and I cruised along to RT. 19 and a short walk down the busy highway to Mountain Harbour Hostel. So far it¢s good. Hot shower, quiet, beer for sale, and hopefully the food truck guy shows up. There¢s another hostel on the NC side of the gap but it sounded like more of a party scene so I chose the one I¢m at. Tomorrow starts off with a big climb then is pretty mellow the rest of the day. I will get 2 Mountain House meals here and should be good to my next resupply. It¢s all good. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2021-05-24
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel 

To: Tent Site @ MM 411.2
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

May 24 - Mountain Harbour Hostel to Tentsite at MM 411.2 - 15.9 miles (303.2 trip miles) - 37667 steps I slept well in the bunkhouse last night. There were a couple of other people in there along with some more private rooms. In the morning I had the breakfast that is pay and more a part of the B&B side of things. It was excellent and well known as being the best breakfast on the entire AT. I would agree. After gorging myself I hit the trail at about 855. It was about 1000 foot climb to start the day but few areas of it were steep. About half way up I met a thru hiker, Boston Bill. We have similar hiking styles. I am slightly faster but he is more consistent on the uphills. We started talking and ended up hiking together all day. He is also at this campsite tonight. Unlike yesterday, there was not much to see other than the green tunnel. We did take a short side trail to see Jones Falls. Due to the large breakfast I didn¢t need to stop much. Just a snack and numerous stops for water. The hiking today wasn¢t hard but it did tire me out. Lots of short ups and downs  It was a bit warm in the sun and very humid. A young couple, Rocket and Pop Tart, are also camped here. Tomorrow there are 3 options; go to the Black Bear Resort (more of a hostel) at 8 miles, go to Laurel Fork Shelter at 11 miles, or get up and over a 2000 foot climb to Boots Off Hostel at 17 miles. We¢ll see how things go. Until tomorrow.