morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Neels Gap

To: Blue Mt Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a good dinner last night in Blairstown. 1/2 lb burger, salad, onion rings and cole slaw...ate it all. Also got a good nights sleep and I am ready to tackle another beautiful day.Started the day off with a miocrowave Bob Evans gutbuster and some instant coffee. Keith the friendly owner of goose creek cabins shuttled me to the trail at 8:30am. The first 5 miles had amazing vistas! Saw BANDANA MAN again...nice guy hiking to Hot Springs. Also met Landshark, he went 7 miles without water, he missed a water source.I missed my original stop, and ended the day going 18 miles. The last mile was brutal. I got water , set camp, talked to my wife and was ready for a good nights sleep.Camping at Blue MT Shelter
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Blue Mt Shelter

To: Steeltrap Gap
Miles today: 9.1

Met MILES yesterday hiking. We have the same pace me a little faster on the downhill and what level ground we find, while he powers through the uphills.Did not sleep well again last night, I am tired but can't fall asleep. My energy level was low today and we had two difficult lonng climbs the last Tray Mt. The plan was to do a additioal 6 miles but I was too worn out to do it, plus MILES tweaked his knee slightly so we decided to make an early camp at Steeltrap Gap.The plan is to go 9 miles tomorrow to Dicks Gap and take a shuttle into Hiawasse to spend the night. This will allow us to eat a real meal and restock for the next 4 days of hiking. Hopefully I will get a good nights sleep and feel energized tomorrow.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Steeltrap Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Another night of restless sleep...I am having some stomach issues. I think it may be from some bad pepporini. I did not have dinner last night...nor breakfast. Nothing appeals to me in my food bag. I am thinking about getting a stove while in town tomorrow.I felt very weak today, any uphill took forever to climb...walk 30 yards...rest one minute. MILES got to Dick's Creek an hour and half ahead of me. The nine miles took me 6 an d a half hours, not quite a stroll in. The park today but very satisfying accomplishment considering how I felt.Checked in the Hiawasse Inn 2pm and immediately went accross the street to eat a footlong...joined by MILES and HAZE (who I started the trail with). That helped a bunch...I then took an hour nap, watched some TV then went to dinner.Ate at a locale all you can eat place with HAZE, MASTER CHIEF and Kevin. All of us are nursing something but are still very enthusiastic about the hike. My plan is to take a zero (a day off) tomorrow to rehydrate (folks say I have dehydration symptoms) and be ready to roll again on Wednesday.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Hiawasee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Sorry I haven't been able to post the past few days. All my batteries have failed...the two I purchased on line would not hold a charge. My other battery went out on the trail...I must not have power down when I thought I did. I will be working on getting back up batteries...in the meantime I will update my journals when I get to a town. Good day on the trail today. The weather cooled as I gained altitude. Felt strong after recruperating in Hiawassi. I passed my first state...I am now hiking in North Carolina. One down 13 to go! MILES and I stopped at about noon to cook our big meal of the day. We decided to try eating our big meal at lunchtime to see if it helped our energy level...it did. Had two very steep climbs but were able to manage them fairly well. Miles found out he needs to fly to New York to be a witness on a friends divorce case. When we get to Franklin on Saturday he will get a shuttle to the Ashville airport. He will not get back until late Monday. Hopefully he will catch back up to me...I have really enjoyed hiking with him. Only a few hikers at the shelter area...all of us are tenting, WILD HAIR and RAIN CHECK are a couple tenting close by. They retired in mid forties and have been RVing and hiking ever since...they have hiked this stretch of the trail so their insigt is very helpful. BANDANA MAN and a friend of his POPS showed up later as did a number of other late comers. Another great day on the trail.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

More folks showed up at the shelter last night. One young couple are hiking to earn pledges to help build water sources in third world countries...they hope to earn $10K in donations. HALFMOON showed up about 8:00PM...the has attempted to hike the AT 5 times...he completed the trail in 2001. Another beautiful day...a little hot but still nice. Any water that crossed the trail was used to soak my bandana and wear it to cool off. WILD HARE and RAIN CHECK say the next section is about the easiest of the souther AT sections. The plan is to go 12 miles than see how we feel. Got to Carter Gap Shelter at 2:30PM...had a hot meal of pasta and spam. Felt energized so we hiked 4 more miles to Betty Creek. WILD HARE and RAIN CHECK are already in camp when we get there. I tried to call home but my only battery was dead. Not sure what the problem is since I have been powering down after using. Borrowed MILES and walked up the trail to get a signal and called home...and left a message about my phone problems and that I would call once in town.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

A cold but beautiful morning...my hands and feet are a little numb breaking camp...they will warm up real soon on the trail...good weather for hikinig. We decided this morning to go thru to Franklin. This will give MILES an opportunity to clean up before he gets shuttled to Ashville to catch his flight tomorrow. This gives me a chance to fule up (food wise). I definately am burning more calories than I can eat on the trail. I can tell I get weaker as the days away from a town click by. Plan to carry more food in the future...I am hungry all the time. In town I will also do laundry and ship some supplies ahead of me. The hike over MT. Albert was probably the toughest to date...a few times you had to do rock scrambles. It is 5250 ft and at the top at the best views I have seen on the trail! Also the last big hill Big Butt its called was a bear to finish off a great day of hiking. Also another milestone was reached...passed the 100 mile mark! Got to Winding Stair Gap at 3:00PM and were waiting for the 4:00PM shuttle...a guy pulls up and volunteers to give us a ride to our hotel. Turns out his wife is thru-hiking and he is up here to visit her while she is in the trail town of Franklin. As soon as we checked in we went to an ice cream place a block away...I quickly devoured a Pepsi and a Chocolate Malt. YUM! I then went back to the room showered...cleaned my clothes in the bathroom sink...and sorted thru my gear. Planning to go to dinner soon. Then a early bedtime.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wahah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

My middle son Danny turned 23 today! Happy Birthday Danny I love you. It is also a big day for my youngest son...tonight is his Sr. Prom...love you too Eric...have fun!Had a great evening yesterday. Sat around wih WILD HAIR, RAINCHECK and MILES talking trail, eating pizza and having a few beers. I found out WILDHAIR and RAINCHECK thru-hiked in 1998. They stressed the importance of eating...eating a lot. They say you burn between 5000-7000 calories a day...it takes a lot of food to make up that deficet. WILDHAIR said he has seen many hikers looking very malnurished by the time thewy reach Virginia. I do not plan to be one of them.The tower was dedicated to Bryne who first proposed the route of the AT in the area.Got to the trail about 11;45 AM. It is cloudy with a slight chan ce of rain...temps in the 60s...lows in the 30!. Nursing a couple of blisters...I missed a few spots with my body glide. I felt good on the climbs going slow and steady maintaining a nice breathing rhythm.Arrived at the shelter area around 5:45pm. There is a group of guys and one girl staying there. They carried beer in their packs! JURASSIC offered me one so not to be rude I accepted. He and his friend are from Austrailia.Close up of Plague
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Wahah Shelter

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful day...cold start but clear skies. The plan today is t hike 15.5 miles to get in throwing distance of the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). Was the first out of camp at about 8:45AM. After hiking about 2 hours I came to a clearing where a dirt road crosses the AT...there I found trail magic! MELLOW YELLOW, Laura and Jessica BRAVEHEART 2006, MELLOW YELLOW 2003, current thru-hiker TURTLE, Laura and Jessica had been there since Friday cooking hamburgers and hot dogs...plus providing beverages, cookies, chips and fruit. I came upon them just whe they were packing to go home but did get a coke, apple and some cookies...awesome! This gave me a nice burst of energy for the next hill...thankyou all again for doing this!I have not seen much wildlife...except for birds and gnats...todAy though I came upon a wild turkey running through the woods. No bears yet.TURTLEAll in all another good day on the trail. The last 6 miles were mostly downhill...the knees held up well.
Date: 2010-04-19
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.8
Weather: clear sky

Broke camp about 8:45AM...was camping with TRANSCONTINENTAL (he and his brother previously bike across the country) and FIREBALL a young man from Germany.Checked in early to my dorm like room and met TRANSCONTINENTAL for breakfast. After breakfast I did laundry, got some supplies and forward some food to a future stop. Then had lunch and rested. Tomorrow will be a very long climb going from 1700ft to over 5000ft in about 7 miles.Had dinner at the Rivers End with all the other hikers. We celebrated BANDANA MAN's birthday. Starting to feel like a community...everyone looking out for each other...gi ving encouragement when needed.Going to get a good nights see for a big day tomorow...rain is in the forecast.DAN and MUDBUG
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Left ay 9:00am sharp. The climb out of the NOC was not as difficult as I anticpated...no stroll in the park...but could have been worse...that was until the last climb to Brown Fork Gap Shelter. It was at the end of the day and the batteries were low...but I made it.Hiked n a cold rain all day. It was really pretty comfortable. Hiked past Sassafas Cap Shelter where I was going to make a hot lunch. Had my head down and miss the turn. Ended up just dropping my pack on the trail during a lull in the rain and wolfed down a power bar,pretzels and gatoraide. Got to the shelter around 5:45. Had pasta and spam...delicious.Two gentleman from Jacksonville, Florida who have been section hiking for 5yrs. About a week at a time are in the shelter. One is 68 and his trail name is NAVIGATOR his younger friends name is CHAINSAW (I think he got his nickname from snoring). Climbed into bed early to stay warm...I choose to sleep in my tent instead of the shelter. I wanted to test it inthe rain and it has got to be warmer than an open shelter. On to Fontana Dam tomorrow.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After I got into bed two more hikers showed up...SALTY and TINY DANCER...they are a young engaged couple...they figure if the relationship can last the hike...they will get married. I forgot to mention I met a couple who are doing the thruhike as there honeymoon!...trailnames...HUSBAND and WIFE.It was a sunny, breezy cool day...perfect for hiking. Out of camp at 8:45. Arrived at Fontana Dam at 2:30 and called the Hiker Inn. Jeff came to pick me...he said the toughest stretch in the south is behind me...he said the trail won't be easy...but I will notice a difference. He and his wife have been running this 6 room place for 18 years. Only one other thru-hiker is staying here tonight the others are section hikers...it is OHIBRO...he started with me on April 7th. He had been ahead of me but he has been nursing an infected blister. Nancy...Jeff's wife took us to town for dinner...had Mexican food...good place to go when you're hungry. Had three supply boxes that I had forwarded at different points on the trail to sort thru. In the future I am going to just resupply along the trail instead of buying in bulk and shipping ahead. To big of a hassle plus the postage really starts to add up.Spence Field Shelter Wayne and Ron section hikersTomorrow I enter the Great Smokie Mt. Nat'l Park...should see a lot more wildlife...maybe a bear!
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

The Hiker Inn owner Jeff took OHIBRO and I to the trail at 8:30am. Jeff told us if we see a bear...bark like a dog....they are hunted by dogs and he says it works every time...we'll see. I did practice barking as I hiked into the Great Smokey Mt. Nat'l Park. The trail was pretty tough the first 7 miles then the uphills and downhills became moderate. Unlike Georgia the trail sometimes went around the mountain top instead of straight up and down.Felt good today...fueled up yesterfday and I had a hot lunch of mashed potatos and spam at 1:00pm. I also snacked every couple of hours. It was partly cloudy with a little breeze with temps in the 60's...a very nice day.Passed two section hikers just starting out. POPEYE who is going to Hot Springs...ROOSTER going to Harpers Ferry. Ran into SEVEN (his trailname is a number) a number of times today. He got as far as Fontana Dam last year before he injured his knee.Having to sleep in thed shelter tonight...it is a rule in the park. Probably will not get much sleep...it is 7:45pm and someone is already snoring!Saw my first Bambi today. It was about 30 yards from the trail just staring at me. I was just focusing my camera...the noise spooked him...so I got a picture of it's white tail. That was the only deer I saw all day.Spence Field Shelter Wayne and Ron section hikers
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Challenging hiking day on the trail. Seemed like I was going straight up most of the time. I am worn out and ready for some town food tomorrow in Gatinburg, TN. The plan is to take a zero to recharge the batteries and give my heel blisters a chance to heal. Forecast for tomorrow is ominous...severe thunderstorms. Hopefully I can get into town before the storms hit.Three ladies (in their 60s) are in the shelter tonight. They are finishing the last section of the AT. They began section hiking I 2003...quite an accomplishment!Water sources have not been that great so far in the park...a lot different than the plentiful sources before entering the park...not sure why...just need to make sure I don't pass a opportunity to refill my water bottles. I carry 2 liters of water and can easily drink one every 1 1/2 hours.Tomorrow I will be hiking over the highest mountain in the Appalachian Mts. Clingsman Dome at 6643 ft. Also I will be going over the 200 mile mark...like walking from Houston to Dallas!View while hiking in the GSMNP...notice the lack of leaves on the trees.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: New Found Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Last evening sitting around the shelter and preparing dinner black gnats were out in full force. They like the sun...and light winds...once the sun goes down they go away. Their bites remind me of black fly bites I have gotten up north...fortunately they are not as aggressive...but they really itch!Sure wish I could tent...but unless the shelter is full you can't in the Great Smokey Mt. Nat'l Park. The park has ridgerunners who can issue a fine if you don't comply. Tenting allows you to get relief from the gnats plus you do not have a complete stranger who is 2ft from you snoring in you're ear...and I am sure the guys next to me don't appreciate me getting up a couple of times a night to go to the bathroom...a problem you have when you try to stay hydrated!Was out of the shelter and on the trail at 7:15am. I wanted to catch the 12:30pm shuttle from Newfound Gap to Gatlinburg 13 miles away. It was windy as I hiked the highest portions of the AT...it was eye popping to walk on top of the mountains getting spectacular views on your right and left!I took a wrong trail...the park has many crossing the AT...I walked 1/2 mile before I figured it out and had to double back to get on the AT again. I need to do a better job making sure I see a white blaze every hundred yards or so...especially in a national park where there are a number of trails.Got to Newfound Gap at 12:30pm sharp...7 and were picked up and taken to the outfitter who sponsored the shuttle. From there we walked 1 1/2 blocks to hiker friendly hotel the Grand Prix. I got the $29.99/day hiker special...not your Hilton but it has a bed, TV and shower...that's all I need!My plan is to take a zero tomorrow. My body needs some rest. Went to Shoney's and had the all you can eat buffet...they lost money on me! Looking forward to a good nights sleep.FOODBASKET thru-hiker who is carrying his guitar. He plays at the shelters.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: New Found Gap

To:  Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was a good day to take a zero. Had biscuits, gravy and eggs for breakfast. KFC for lunch and pizza for dinner...packed in the needed fuel for my hike.Relaxed for most of the day watching golf and sorting thru my gear. Went shopping for supplies and got on the same bus as POPEYE...he is a section hiker I met the first day I entered the GSMNP. He just got into town. He is 67 years old and in great shape. He is hiking to Hot Springs, the next town I will hit on Friday.I have a package to pick up tomorrow at the Post Office. It was originally sent to the Happy Hiker Outfitters...but it is closed. Luckily they forwarded the package to the local post office. I plan to send some things home and a box up to Erwin, TN where I should be by May 5th.I was able to order 2 Droid batteries while here in Gatlinburg. I should have them in a week. This will enable me to post daily as I did at the beginning of my trip.Looking forward to hitting the trail tomorrow..Command Center....my motel room at the Gran Prix
Date: 2010-04-26
From:  Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

A very rainy, windy and cold day. Left Gatlinburg via Newfound Gap at 12:45PM after being dropped off by the NOC outfitter shuttle. Even though the conditions were bad I had some pluses...no bugs and cool temp for hiking. You just couldn't stop long or you would get cold quickly...so you just kept hiking. Got to the shelter around 7:15PM. It is packed with people...some even sleeping on the floor. This is fine by me...I get to sleep in my tent. Two tents are set up...it is a tight squeeze since there is very little cleared area for camping. After I cooked my mashed potatoes and packaged chicken dish I quickly got to my tent and got out of my wet clothes and iinto my sleeping bag...AHHH!...warm again. Before I got to the trail this morning I went to the Post Office to ship some things home and some up the trail. On the bus ride back to the motel I met another thru-hiker...his name is ZEUS. He is not your typical thru-hiker...he is 82 years old! He staarted on March 23 and says he has taken about 8 zeros so far...but he is still going to hike on. Now when I am complaining abouty hikinig up a steep hill I just need to think of ZEUS for motivation!
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: moderate rain

Went to bed to a cold rain. Put on my wet shoes and pants and broke camp at around 8:00AM. It wasn't more than 15 minutes and the rain tuirned to snow and sleet and continued for most of the day. After my first 8 miles I went into the Cosby Knob shelter with all intentions of calling it a day. I made some beans and rice with chicken...cleaned up then got iinto my sleeping bag in the shelter. I laid there for a while and then the sun came out...I looked at my watch and decided to go another 10 miles to the Standing Bear Hostel. The lure of food and warmth got me going. Well the sun didn't last long...about 20 minutes out it started to sleeting heavier than ever. The trail was like a creek of water. It felt good to get to the Hostel around 7:00PM, unfortunately I was a late arrival and the only space available was in a barn. There I could set up my tent and at least be out of the elements. I also got to do some laundryand had 2 microwave hamburgers...YUM. All in all the most demanding day on the trail. Standing Bear Hostel kitchen and laundry room.
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

What a difference a day makes . I awoke to crisp blue skies! Had a late start approximately 9:30AM. I lost my watch in Gatlingburg I think I left it in my room. I have also lost my sunglasses, cup and spork on the trail. I am using a KFC spork I got while in Gatlinburg...hope to get a replacement in Hot Springs on Friday. I also will be getting my extra Droid batteries in Hot Springs. This had to be one of the best days on the trail. I did not dread the uphills...I actually got into a good slow climbing rythums (sp?)...almost zenlike. Climbed Max Patch. It si the site of an old homestead and logging camp. It was originally forested but early inhabitants clearde the mountain top to graze sheep and cattle. The USFS purchased the 392 acre grassy-top mountail for the AT. It mows and uses controlled burns to keep the bald appearance. The 360 degree views are incredible to the top! While hiking over Max Patch I met a couple from Austrailia. TROOPER and the WIZZARD OF OZ. They ouwn a farm and a bed and breadkfast in NE Austrailia.   Fasinationg couple...they are amazed at the various somall town cultures they have run across so far...they are surprised how much religion plays a part in our society...especially here in the bible belt. They have climbed the highest peaks in Africa (Mt. Kilimanjaro) and the highest peak in SE Asia(Mount Kinabalu). They have also hiked across England and done a number of long distance hikes in Austrailia and New Zealand. Took a long break on another bald mountain around noon. It gave me a chance to dry out all of my stuff from the soaking it got over the past couple of days. All in all a fantastic day on the trail. Vista from another bald mountain