morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-04-06
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was planned to be a long day for us and approaching a tough climb up Albert Mt half way thru. After 4 miles stopped at Betty Creek Gap for a break then about a mile further encountered trail magic at Mooney Gap USFS83. Thanks Dave and Mark for the refreshments! They were also set to up to grill hotdogs but we needed to press on. And about a mile further a "WILD" bus had setup more magic as the trail neared gravel road USFS67. The burger and cold water was great! Also meant we really did not have to plan for another lunch break. A great help and super much appreciated to both these groups. But now the .3 mile comb up Albert Mt came in earnest. Not much switchback and rock climb footholds. There wet 2 times I used my hands to grab balance to the next level- and not the trekking poles! At the top (5250 ft) we were rewarded with a fire tower to climb and great views! See pics. The north side trail down Albert Mt was much easier and we soon crossed our 100th mile from Springer start! Made it in to Rock Gap Shelter a little late but kit of sun left. All flat tent pads w ere full but a woman that had gotten in earlier offered to make space. So we pulled up stakes and moved her tent a few feet then managed to get our 2 tents setup in the same flat space as well. A thing about Rock Gap Shelter: the path from the tenting area and the shelter to the privy crosses 2 spring flows that use rock stepping stones to get thru slightly wet muddy areas. Really? This is very difficult to negotiate at night when footfalls to the privy are to be conserved, not lengthened ! Nuff said bout that! Had a surprise shower in the early morning nite. Our dear neighbor was up and gone before day break according to Jake. Wet but no rain we left by 9 for the Winding Stair Gap and resupply in Franklin. NC.
Date: 2019-04-07
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: broken clouds

We had rain in the middle of last night. Wore raingear as we started out at 9am. Quickly warmed up and took off my rain top. At about 6 miles we reached Winding Stair Gap: our dropout point to get to Franklin NC. More trail magic at the gap. Hot dogs hot on a grill. Fruit. Pop. Water. Jake and I had a hotdog. About 11:30. And another couple of cars pulled up with Duncan Donuts. Had a 460 calorie apple fritter. Tis Sunday so the daily shuttle into town wasn't running. But we got a ride into Franklin (11.5)miles, with one of the returning cars. In town laundry and walking to grocery store it was sunny and 69 degrees. Chores are done and we are having pizza at Budget Inn in Franklin. 90 % chance of rain Monday with 1 to 2 inches expected. Our next day should be a 12 mile day over tough terrain including a peak over 5000 ft. So there is a 90 % chance that Jake and I will stay in Franklin tomorrow and go out Tuesday. This will be our first zero day (0 miles). Tuesday will be rainy also but sunny on Wednesday. So we should be able to dry out on the trail after one day of wet weather. Still breakin in!
Date: 2019-04-08
From: Franklin NC

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 0.0

Our first zero day. Raining hard this aft in Franklin with more rain expected tonite and scattered showers on Tuesday tomorrow. Jake and I are still at the Budget Inn dry for today. We expect to hit the trail again tomorrow packed dry. Tomorrow may be wet but Wednesday is expected to be sunny with hopes of drying out on the trail. This A.M. no rain or lite showers so walked to downtown coffee shop then outfitters then Rockin Roly Poly's for lunch. Back at hotel watchin it pour! Fixed my 2 blistered toes this morning. My family and friends will appreciate this: I have 2 Band Aided toes -1 on each foot! J&J has a new for blister Band Aide that fits great and will hopefully heal these blisters between toes. with no further ado! More reports later...but buy stock now.Total trail miles from Springer Mt start 109.2. Highest elevation Standing Indian Mt 5498 ft. Most difficult climb so far: long- Sassafrass Mt Ga; short- Mt Albert NC. Descent: Blood Mountain was a knee killer!
Date: 2019-04-09
From: Franklin NC / Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Today we climbed over Wayah Bald at 5342 ft. Neat old stone observation tower on top. Storms were pounding the ranges to the east. Clear to thewe west and north. We headed north. At camp we had tents up and dinner done when we had a brief deluge. We watched it pour from the shelter. And some folks still coming in. Our eve and nite were dry and comfy.
Date: 2019-04-11
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.7

The last 2 days were 11 mile days. Today was about 6 as we went down from Wesser Bald Shelter at 4115 ft to the Nantahala Outdoor Center at 1725 ft. A reasonable sunny day and generally good path, but with a very harrowing downward hair pin turn thrown in. Resupplied at NOC. Expect to climb steadily (?) to 4330 tomorrow ... With rain. We are at mile 136.5 from Springer after 16 days.
Date: 2019-04-12
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Out of NOC to Sassafrass Shelter there's a 2600 ft gain in alt in about 7 miles. That was our target. Always harder coming out of a gap...gotta go up again! We left NOC at 9 and got to Sassafras shortly after noon. Surprisingly! We both felt good So we kept on keeping on until Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Our first 15 miler! The trip up was arduous but with plenty of breaks we got to the shelter with plenty of daylight for tent setup and time to prepare the eve meal. A nice eve for tenting.
Date: 2019-04-13
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana
Miles today: 12.8

Start time about 9:30. I was up at 7:30 for a privy break but sometimes in just takes time to get your stuff together! Cloudy morning but packed up dry. The trail was muddy in places, like yesterday, but mostly in good condition. Some trail clearing yet needs to be done on this section and yesterday's section- the midway area between NOC and Fontana. They've done a lot already but have been delayed this year because of govt shutdown issues. Thanks Ox for all your efforts! There was one spot I had to twist and scramble thru backwards to keep the rododendrons from grabbing my pack. A tree had fallen in that spot making it difficult to bend under and twist with slightly aching knees. Fontana came into sight on several of the ridges we were trekking on. But oh those miles did stretch on! A cloudy sunny day with intermittent sprinkles. I was in and out of my rain jacket a few times. Got shuttles and resupply but short on timing. General Store closes at 7. Shuttle stops running at 6. A long day. Writing this on 4 / 14 last night slept well in the shelter with 15 - 20 others. Zero day tomorrow to hold for weather!
Date: 2019-04-14
From: Fontana

To: Fontana
Miles today: 0.0

We are taking a zero day at the Fontana Dam "Hilton"Shelter. High winds and storm this aft. We are safe and dry. Town today for restaurant food. Tomorrow should be good for the trail. Will be entering the Smokies tomorrow. We have hiked 165.5 trail miles. There were possibly 15-20 people in the shelter last night. Shelter is open standing in middle with 2 floor sleeping platformsn the sides. A dry sleep. Actual toilets and shower up the hill a but on a paved path. Staying here tonight then next 3 nights in the Smokies. Light sprinkle here now calming restoring morning after a 16 mile day and a 13 mile day. Update: actually today was a nero not an actual zero though I'm registering it as a 0 so totals add up. Yesterday Jake and I called for a shuttle to get into town to resupply before everything closed up. Then getting later in the day we took a shuttle directly from the Fontana Village General Store to the Fontana Hilton Shelter. In doing so we skipped 1.1 miles of the AT!! So today after our restaurant lunch in town we got dropped off at the Marina and slack packed that 1.1 miles from the Marina to the Shelter! (Slack packing is hiking the trail without your backpack.)So all's good with the trail spirits! And more trail magic tonite Cullin and his wife brought fried chicken fast food to the Shelter for all. A great supper! Tomorrow the Smokies!
Date: 2019-04-21
From: Crosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I will update Smokies entries later. Jake and I encountered weather as we traveled thru the 2nd hhalf of the Smokies. Today as we left the Shelter there was snow on the ground and our hands were freezing. And our first 2 miles were an uphill climb. That was a slow go. Over a couple crests the snow was also sticking to the trail. The vistas were fogged. It snowed lightly as we slogged on. And the trail was very muddy in places as we got lower to Davenport Gap . Serious mudholes hard to step around. We finally slogged to Davenport Gap and doggedly followed signs to Easter Trail Magic. Homemade turkey sandwich and chips and the best banana pudding! Thank you Steve and Sharon ( cloud watcher and puddin'). Refueld we trekked another 4 miles t Standing Bear Hostel. Bunk room tonight. Hot shower. Hand washed a few clothes. And a ham Easter dinner free by the hostel. I am exhausted but looking forward to a bed sleep tonite! We are out of the Smokies! (Northern edge) .
Date: 2019-04-21
From: Crosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 13.0

I will update Smokies entries later. Jake and I encountered weather as we traveled thru the 2nd hhalf of the Smokies. Today as we left the Shelter there was snow on the ground and our hands were freezing. And our first 2 miles were an uphill climb. That was a slow go. Over a couple crests the snow was also sticking to the trail. The vistas were fogged. It snowed lightly as we slogged on. And the trail was very muddy in places as we got lower to Davenport Gap . Serious mudholes hard to step around. We finally slogged to Davenport Gap and doggedly followed signs to Easter Trail Magic. Homemade turkey sandwich and chips and the best banana pudding! Thank you Steve and Sharon ( cloud watcher and puddin'). Refueld we trekked another 4 miles t Standing Bear Hostel. Bunk room tonight. Hot shower. Hand washed a few clothes. And a ham Easter dinner free by the hostel. I am exhausted but looking forward to a bed sleep tonite!
Date: 2019-04-27
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

4/27. Mile 317.3 Hogback Ridge Shelter. El 4324. 15.5 miles today. Made good time first half of day then got to Rectal Laural Rd gap and the Mt after that took the wind out of my sales! Good path conditions but a terrible uphill that would not quit ... Although I did meet a couple of day hikers going the opp direction that said it did end... Today started chilly but was a very nice hiking weather day. We are about 27 miles out of Erwin TN. plan to be there in 3 days to resupply. In planning this section we counted one dinner short each. Don't know how that happened!!! We are each halving a dinner to make it thru! Already can't wait for breakfast in Erwin! Tenting tonite. Expect good weather next few days.
Date: 2019-04-29
From: No Business Knob Shelter6.3

To: Erwin
Miles today: 6.3

April 29th. View coming down into Erwin. We are in Erwin TN for a resupply. Mile 343.9. Our 35th night. Yesterday, Heidi's birthday,Jake and I had our first 20 mile day at 20.7 miles. We expect good weather The next couple of days. Today we finally got to launder all our clothes! Didn't in Gatlinburg, didn't in Hot Springs, finally had a place with laundry today! Good trails but too often the trail wants to be to direct going upward! Sent another packet home today to lighten the backpack. Roam Mt coming up this week at 6285 ft. And several balds over 5000 ft. Should be an interesting next 50 miles!
Date: 2019-05-08
From: Damascus VA

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today, May 8th, is our 44th day on the AT. We are staying at the Broken Fiddle Hostel, taking a "much deserved" zero day after hiking 470 trail mails from Springer Mt to Damascus VA. Jake and I both purchased new shoes today. Me this morn and him about an hour ago. Turns out we both got the same shoe, same size, independently bought! His are blue though and mine are black ... curious, don't understand that color change difference. (Altra, Lone Peak). Also resupplied food for our next 60 mile segment and sent my winter jacket home via a stop at the PO. I am now again all for unloading as much weight as possible from the backpack and re-evaluating my raingear. At the next good stop I might process getting rid of the bear canister in favor of the Kevlar Bear Bag. Also looking for a rain kilt to keep my mid-section dry during rain hiking. Unfortunately I cannot update more trail info here today because my ATT phone does not have connectablility here and on most places on the trail. I'm at the public library right now and they close in 4 minutes! All's well with Jake and I. Hitting the trail again tomorrow: each of us with happy feet!
Date: 2019-05-16
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Today is Thursday May17 2019. We are at mile 593.4 from Springer. Our 52nd day. Ate lunch today at Brushy Mountain Outpost right on the trail at a pickup point to Bland VA. (2burgers strawberry shake fries scoop of peach ice cream for dessert.) Note to self: have only 1 burger if you are going to do more trail hiking same day! We did a short term resupply at the outpost - 3 day food supply to get to Pearisburg. Then hiked 2.o2 miles to get to this shelter. It was steep getting out of that gap and that 2nd burger really slowed me down! Pearisburg VA is 40 miles from here. We are planning an overnight resupply there. No laundry since Damascus. Last 3 days we have had good dry weather. Chilly cold in the morning and overnight. Last section of trail has been marvelous but other sections have had boulders rocks stones up downs making for a tiring trek. Lately Jake and I have been making 15 mile days if we get a good start with good weather. So we plan to be in Pearisburg on the red day from now. Weather looks good til then!  Happy Trails! By the way...a couple of days back we came across this rock fraction on the trail. Rock fraction? !!! We are now more than 1 / 4 the way to Katahdin!
Date: 2019-05-18
From: Campsite at 612.2

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today we traveled our longest trail mileage yet of 22.8 miles. We started at a campsite near Dismal Falls mile612.2. The day was sunny hot humid. The trail was mostly in good shape though some mudholes because of some overnight rain: started level and then worked thru the days first climb. Our target was Doc's Knob Shelter about 15 miles from our start. But after our planned segment we were running short of water and Doc's had water but under a rock jumble that we could not withdraw water from. So we continued and continued until finally reaching a campsite at mile633.5 which had a decent running stream. We both stumbled into camp but got things setup and were finishing dinner as darkness fell. Did have a good nights sleep . Watch and carry water from 620 to 630. Our water concerns are a little higher because the Sawyer water bags we have both have leaks near the output. We can still carefully filter by pinching the leak but kit is awkward ... and arduous. We hope to get new bags in Pearisburg at the Mercantile. Happy hiking!
Date: 2019-05-19
From: Campsite at 633.5

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 3.5

May 19 2019. Jake and I are at trail miles 636.5 from Springer Mt. Our 55th day. This am I was up at 6:30 to dig my cathole as business called; a beginning of a hot humid day just a few miles outside Pearisburg VA. We broke camp about 8:40 and hitched a 2 mile ride into town from the trail head at VA100. At Plaza Motel. The owner does laundry free for all hikers so we asked if she would do 2 loads for us...so we could shuffle everything and get allll our clothes done! And no problem! Ate at DQ and Mexican restaurant across the street. Recommend both! Got grocery supplies for this coming week: 4 brkfsts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, trail snacks. We plan to resupply at Catawba VA grocery store on the 5th day from today, Sunday. About 70 miles. DQ for breakfast tomorrow and dinner at the store on Friday. Weather looks good for at least 3 days: 70s and probably humid. After the grocery store we'll continue on the trail for a couple of more days until we get to Daleville VA. Gotta stop there! Happy hiking!
Date: 2019-05-20
From: Pearisburg Plaza Motel

To: Campsite at mile 650
Miles today: 13.5

Today is May 20 2019 our 56th day on the trail. We started in Pearisburg VA, DQ breakfast then a stop at the Pearisburg Mercantile. This shop does not have a lot of selection but we were able to buy 2 new water bags that fit the Sawyer filter and a fuel canister. Then packed out of the Plaza and across the street for a quick DQ lunch and out in the street to hitch the 2 miles to the trail head. Took maybe 20 minutes of sticking the thumb out on a brite sunny day til finally a guy in an orange Subaru stopped to five us a ride. He had done the trail twice before "back in the day" ... 1984 and 1993. Yup someday I'll be able to say I did the trail ... "Back in the day"! Beautiful day today though a long climb out of Pearisburg: we got to the trail head about noon and spent much if the afternoon climbing. A long up but because of the switchbacks the climb wasn't as bad as it could have been. Later in the aft we got to the high meadow in the photo that had a marvelous view of what must be West Virginia. Apparently the AT follows the VA / West VA border closely in this area, but we never cross into wva until Harper's Ferry. After the high meadow we watered up to carry water to our target campsite: enough for dinner and breakfast. It was great to be both filtering water at the same time with our new bags! We arrived at the campsite with no problem and are all settled in for a good night's sleep. Expecting good weather for a few days. Tomorrow we are targeting a shelter about 18 miles from here. Happy Trails!
Date: 2019-05-26
From: Daleville VA 

To: Stealth Campsite 744
Miles today: 14.8

Sunday May 26 2019. 744 trail miles from Springer Mt. 62 days on the trail. Resupplied yesterday in Daleville and overnighted in an out of shape Howard Johnson Express. Got showers laundry and groceries done. On the trail this am about 10:45. In the 80sand humid. Very fortunate that the trail is mostly shady! But still use sunscreen and take many water breaks. The trail is dry - no rain for several days. Typical trail day is starting in a gap (for example Daleville is at 1350 ft And climb to a ridge about 2000 ft, walk the ridge , gap down for a shelter or water source, back up to 2000 walk another ridge section. Sounds easy but getting back out of the gaps is arduous in this hot humid heat. We did about 15 miles with the late start . Carried extra bags of water into camp for dinner and breakfast. Next source 4 miles up the trail at the next shelter. In tents tonight still very warm at 9:30 pm. Our next resupply is at Glascow VA at mile 786. Expecting more hot humid days ahead.
Date: 2019-05-28
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.1

Today is Tues 5/28 our 64th day from Springer Mt. We are tenting at mile 778.3. We will be in Glasgow VA tomorrow for resupply. The last 2 days Jake and I have gotten up at 6am and hit the trail about 7:40. It has been hot and humid. With the earlier start we have been beating the days heat and take a more relaxed lunch. Water is key! There is a lot of water on the AT but there are also 7 - 10 mile stretches without a source. We've learned to watch that closely with our guide books. Rained 2 night s ago but everything us pretty dry lately. 2 large climbs today. The first from 1277 to 4225 over 9 miles. Thus was our morning. Then a short one in the late afternoon over a scraggly knob. The 2nd was definitely more arduous! Fortunately the trail here is in pretty good shape - always exceptions. Hopefully I can load the photo of the Guillotine. Muggy night tonight but all's well!
Date: 2019-05-29
From: Marble Spring Shelter

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 7.7

Reresupply complete. Storm rolling in. We are tenting in Glasgow town park setup for thru hikers! Expect storm to clear by 10pm. Dry tomorrow. Will hitch hike back to trail 6 miles and on word to Waynesboro. No shower no laundry, but Happy Trails!
Date: 2019-06-02
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Devils Backbone Brewery
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

Today is June 2nd. We start at trail mile 836 having slept in tents at Harpers Creek Shelter, at a nice creek side tent site. A scout troop was using the shelter. Good to see a group like that out! Our target is Reeds Gap and hitch a ride to Devils Backbone Brewery for lunch, dinner, and overnight tenting at their free campsite for thru-hikers. The 8 mile trek, turns out to be a little more difficult than I expected having to have to get over "Three Ridges" at 3970 ft elevation. But Jake gets to the gap parking lot and strikes a ride to the brewery just as I show up! Get a cold Coke and some goodies to share and hit the campsite in no time! We setup our tents with about 20 others at the site and go get food first, and some brewskies. The IPA was good and they had a very good black lager "Schwartz Bier". Their giant salted pretzel was delicious!!! So after refreshments we had to play a round of Corn Hole, then back to the tents to shower and setup for the evening before nightfall. We did go back for a delicious evening meal at their restaurant...a little extravagant for an AT thru-hiker, but this brewery compound "had it all"! I highly recommend this stop to anyone on the trail! Enjoy!
Date: 2019-06-03
From: Reeds Gap

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 19.1

June 3rd, trail miles 843.9, Reeds Gap. This morning we actually wake up at Devils Backbone Brewery Campground for AT Hikers at 6 am and head for the grill for a hikers $5 breakfast. After breakfast and coffee Jake and I are ready to go with the first "truck load" of AT hikers. The brewery is about 6 miles off trail, but the establishment offers a "shuttle" to and from the trail head to their brewery. I hop in the back of the pickup with four others and packs, 4 more are crammed into the cab. But it's a good go. There were about 20 hikers at the camp so there will be 2 more shuttle trips. We get a good start, a cool sunny day, and the trail in good condition - not easy but not too difficult. Our initial goal was to get to a shelter about 15 miles in, but with talking to other hikers and noting the conditions, we now target going this entire 19 mile segment in this one day. About midaft we make our shelter target, take a nice break for food and privy privaledges, and press on to actually arrive at Waynesboro about 6pm. Called the hostel for a pickup - Stanimals - and got settled in: eat food first, laundry, showers and a nights sleep. Will take a zero day on the 4th to resupply and gear shop.