morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Standing Bear Farm Hosstel

To: Walnut Mt Shelter
Miles today: 20.3

Left the hostel under cloudy skies that soon turned to rain. rain got heavier as the day went on. The temperature started to drop and put on my rain coat about 1 mile from Max Patch. It was cold and windy going over Max Patch, about 30 mph winds and no views. Stopped at Roaring Folk Shelter and had a hot lunch of rice. I could not get warm as I was soaked to my skin. The sun came out briefly before I left the shelter but about 10 minutes later it started to sleet. I hiked in bb sized ice pellets for about 2 hours. Just as I got to Walnut Mt. Shelter it started to snow. It snowed for about half-hour. It cleared up for about 1 hour and now it is raining and snowing again. Have a full shelter with 6 thru hikers and 3 camping out.
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Walnut Mt Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Weather today was a LOT nicer than yesterday. Cold this morning but sunny. We had more snow last night. Coldest night so far. Slept in my long underwear, first time I wore them. Got into town around noon. Showered, did laundry, went to PO and library. Will have an opportunity to clean and dry things before I head out tomorrow.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Hot Springs

To: Log Cabin Drive
Miles today: 16.3

Slept in this morning then went over to the Smokie Mt Diner for breakfast around 8AM. Packed up and checked out around 10:30. Went to the deli and waited for them to open at 11:00. Had a turkey club was going to get an ice cream cone but was stuffed. The hike out of Hot Springs was very scenic. Most of the day was up hill, but I was fueled and felt strong. The second half of the day was spent walking through open second growth hardwood forest. I left the high mountains south of Hot Springs and now am walking through a green canopy. Right now everything below 4000' has leafed out. Will climb some taller mountains tomorrow. I hiked till almost dark and am about 2 miles from Little Laurel Shelter. Camping by myself along the trail. First time in the tent in almost 2 weeks. It seems like I am in a cycle where about every 3 or 4 days I run into the same group of hikers. Then either I get ahead of them because they go into town or they get ahead of me because I go into town. Then I start meeting a new group. Many that I am meeting started 1 or 2 weeks before me. Today I met Loon, Dune, and Hook.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Log Cabin Drive

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 18.7

It was sunny and hot today. Had a hard time compared to yesterday. Had a big climb in the morning then ridge walking along a narrow, rocky ridge line. had many scenic views. After crossing Big Butt Bald, the trail followed an old jeep trail down. I got to Flint Mt Shelter around 3 and decided it was too early to quit. I made dinner and then hiked about another 3 miles to near the highway of Devil Fork Gap. Have some big climbs tomorrow.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Devils Fork Gap

To: Bald Mt Shelter
Miles today: 16.2

Today was hot! Probably the warmest morning to date. Had two big climbs. Lost about 30 minutes this morning trying to find the trail. Ran into Restless Legs on the trail this morning. Found out he retired from Army Corps of Engineers. We may have talked on the phone to each other in the past. Had some light rain right after I got to the shelter. Had some trail magic today. There was a cooler with Pepsi and apples near Big Bald. The view from Big Bald were impressive.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Bald Mt Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It started out windy and warm this morning with some fog. It got hotter as the day went on. Had some more trail magic at Spivey Gap. A 2009 thru hiker and his mom were cooking chili, eggs, and had fruit, drinks and muffins. Had a bowl of chili and a cola. Beats peanut butter and crackers. Staying at Uncle Johnny's Hostel right along the trail and the river. We will get a shuttle into town later to eat and resupply. Walked over High Rocks this morning. This is where I did my first trail crew work years ago. We built stone and wood steps and they are still in good shape.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Erwin, TN

To: Apple Orchard Campsite
Miles today: 21.4

People ask if I'm having fun. The other day a lady on Bald Mt asked if some days I don't feel like hiking, what do you do? These are both good questions and are difficult to answer. Fun or enjoyment on the trail is measured differently than off the trail. Thru hiking is not like going to the movies or amusement park. The fun or enjoyment I receive on the trail may be seeing a new wildflower or a spectacular vista after a long hard climb. Thru hiking is not easy. If it was -- everybody would be doing it. Just like anything else in life, there are mornings when I'd like to roll over and go back to sleep. But out here you will never get to to Maine by sleeping!I left Uncle Johnny's a little before 8 this morning. Had a terrible night, it was like a sauna in the bunk house. I think I perspired as much just laying in my bunk as I did hiking the last couple of days. It was raining steadily when I first got up, but by the time I left it was a light drizzle. It was cloudy and humid throughout the day with spotty light showers. I got more wet from sweating than from rain. Trail was slick. Had some spotty views from Beauty Spot. Had the camera packed away all day. Was going to stay at Cherry Gap Shelter, but it looked like the weather would be decent so I hiked past the shelter to this campsite. Sharing the campsite with Eric the Red and Chicken Feathers.
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Apple Orchard Campsite

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was a beautiful day for hiking and a great day to climb Roan Mt. Had great views from Round Bald and Jane Bald. Had a little rain last night but it didn't amount to much. Had some condensation in the tent since it was a warm night and our camp site was low. Staying at the Overmountain Shelter which is an old barn converted to a shelter. It has a great view.
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Upper Laurel Fork
Miles today: 21.8

The first 400 miles are HISTORY!Had a beautiful hike this morning over the balds of Little Hump and Hump Mt. It got hot this afternoon climbing past US19E. Got to the Mountaineer Shelter around 3:30. I was alone for a while, then I met Cabanna Boy and Dutch Tape. They took a break and then moved on. I ate dinner and tried to clean up at the falls. I decided to hike a little further. Corps Girl and Eric the Red came in before I left. Found a nice camp spot along Laurel Fork and a small creek.Very few hikers talk about gear unless they have a problem with a piece of their gear or they want to know more about something new or different. I think most of the discussions on gear take place in forums before anyone steps on the trail. The number one topic of conversation is FOOD! What are you having for dinner? What do you eat for breakfast? How many calories in that? All common questions.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Upper Laurel Fork

To: Dennis Cove (Kincora Hostel)
Miles today: 11.8

Had a peaceful night along the Laurel Fork. Got up early and headed out before it got too hot. Made it to Kincora around noon. Showered and did laundry. Will go into town later. Met Troll, Tour Guide, 7D's, Bismark and Gonzo. Also staying here are Eric the Red and Corps Girl. Talked to Bob Peoples and he remembered our stay here years ago when we built the stairs at the falls.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Dennis Cove (Kincora Hostal)

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

Got an early start to try and avoid the hot weather and climb Pond Mt while it was still cool. Got to Watauga Lake around 11:00. Passed Laurel Falls earlier. the rock steps that Judy and I helped build were still looking good. Met Red Stick at the Lake and shortly thereafter, Eric the Red. Eric and I decided to go swimming. We only went in waist deep. The water was still too cold. Red Stick talked us into ordering pizza. After some effort he found the phone number and ordered 2 large pizzas. Eric and I shared one and Red Stick ate the other. I didn't feel like hiking after that but still managed to go another 13 miles. I drank over 5 liters of water today before getting to camp. I think that is a record. Have a nice camp spot. Eric is camping here also. The shelter did not have camp sites and not a good water source, so I decided to go past it and camp here. Had homemade chocolate chip cookies...YUM!
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Last night was an interesting one. Eric decided to cowboy camp. I set up my tent. It started raining lightly early in the night. I closed my vestibule but apparently didn't zip the netting closed all the way. Shortly after heard a couple of screeches near Eric's camp. It sounded like two opossum's fighting. During the night I kept hearing strange noises in and around my tent. It didn't sound like the wind rustling. I shined my head lamp around a couple of times but did not discover anything. Then I felt something running up and down my sleeping bag. I felt something on my finger that woke me up. Later I discovered a mouse inside my tent! I thought I got it out and went back to sleep about 10 minutes later I found another mouse and quickly sent it packing. Slept in this morning because it was still raining on and off. It was foggy when I started hiking but soon it became a great hiking day with cool temperatures, sunny skies, and a strong breeze. The section of trail today and tomorrow is known as the "Tennessee Turnpike" because it is relatively flat and easy to make miles. I got to the shelter around 3 after doing 18.8 miles. A church left some cokes and cookies near the TN91 road crossing, that was nice!About 2 miles from VA state line. The trail from Sams Gap to Laurel Falls was really a scenic section. I'd have to say, probably my favorite stretch so far.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: The Place Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Windy night last night, temperatures dropped into the 30s. Hiked with my rain jacket and gloves till I reached Damascus. Got here about 10:30AM. Did laundry, showered and resupplied. Will go to the library and PO tomorrow then head back out. There are a lot of people staying here. Some are bicyclists. Hard to get a count because everyone is coming and going. Red Stick and Tour Guide are here. I saw Gonzo not sure if he is staying. Met Truth & Bard.
Date: 2010-05-10
From: The Place Damascus, VA

To: Lost MT Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Left Damascus around 1:00 PM. Great day for hiking. Trail was fairly easy and scenic. Staying in shelter with Sticks who I met in town this morning and Whamo and Blue Meanie who are section hiking. Trail is starting to get crowded with people heading to Trail Days.Most of the leaves are now out. When I left Hot Springs it was green below 3500 feet. When I hit Erwin it was green below 4500 feet. The understory is green with vegetation like raspberries and poison ivy.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Lost MT Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

About 5 minutes after waking up this morning it started to rain. It was a light off/on rain. It was foggy and windy most of the day. The winds were about 40 mph on Whitetop Mt. with no views. I stopped for lunch at Thomas Knob and it was 41 degrees at 12:30. I decided it would be warmer at the next shelter. The fog lifted and winds died down as I got closer to the shelter.There were a lot of people heading south on their way to Trail Days. Staying again with Sticks, Whamo and Blue Meanie along with 2 pass thru hikers Bumper and OlSkool plus two people out for a couple of days.Some of past thru hikers I passed heading SOBO were Crash Bang, Chin Music and Braid.
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Over 500 miles completed! The weather was warmer this morning but still cloudy.   Had limited views going over Stone Mt. Overall, it was a nice day for hiking. Had a few light showers in the early afternoon. The trail was generally rocky and rooty but some stretches were well graded. Made good time, arriving at the shelter around 3:30.Met a very nice lady and her two collies, Laddie and Lassie, heading south on the trail before Dickey Gap. She offered me cookies and tangerines. She also left two Sprites up the trail. I am constantly amazed on how nice and generous people are on and off the trail. That is one of the unexpected pleasures in this hike. Thirty years ago we didn't have that kind of response and interaction with people. It seems like more local people are interested in the trail and hikers and go out of their way to help. THANK YOU ALL!
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the last night in the shelter by myself. first time in 5 weeks. Slept well. Had nice hike to Partnership Shelter. Showered, washed my shirt and ate pizza. I then hiked to Chatfield Shelter for the night. Met Lorod and Blue Rooster when I arrived. Later Phil from Main came in. I met Sparky, Papa Smurf and Smurfette on the trail and they are here too.
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Happy Hiker Hollow 

To: Lynn Creek Camp
Miles today: 15.1

I now have completed over 25% of the trail. Today was another hot and humid day. The trail was beautiful with stretches of rhododendrons in bloom and thru farm fields. There was a stretch of about 3 miles that traversed private land with only a narrow right-of-way easement. This was through some of the pasture fields. Makes one aware that the trail is still not totally protected. Camping with Phil from Maine. Not many people on the trail with Trail Days still going on. Met Tattoo, a section hiker, at Knot Maul Branch shelter. He started today in Atkins and is heading for Harper's Ferry. Had some Trail Magic at VA42 crossing thanks to Lumberman who thru hiked in 2006. I have been enjoying this stretch of trail from Chatfield shelter to here because of the mix of woods, farms, and streams. Hear some thunder, May have a storm tonight. We had thunder last night but no rain.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Lynn Creek Camp

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Just after dark we were treated to a thunderstorm that lasted about 90 minutes. It rained hard and the sky lit up. Round 2 started about 1 hour after the first storm. It was not as bad. Woke up to a wet tent inside and out due to condensation and splashing from outside. My sleeping pad was wet but my sleeping bag was mostly dry. Was able to dry things out at lunch on Chestnut Knob. Had some open areas at Burkes Garden that afforded some views. Soon after leaving Chestnut Knob the clouds rolled in and the thunder and lightning started. Walked the last 3 miles to the shelter in the rain. It has been raining steadily since. Got to the shelter around 3:30 and it is now 6. Staying with Phil from Maine and Walt, a section hiker from PA.
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: light rain

Rained all night and till early afternoon. Trail was mostly ridge walking with some road walking. Made pretty good time. Had trail magic 3 miles before the shelter, burgers, gatorade, chips, and snickers. Totally unexpected but truly appreciated. Staying with Phil from Maine, Kumquat, Willow, and a couple of others including a fellow from Germany. The other day we were discussing the issue of section hikers vs. thru hikers. Some section hikers say they are treated less than equal by some thru hikers and others. I heard someone say a while back that some thru hikers are really section hikers, they just don't know it yet. Is there any difference if one is hiking 4 weeks or 4 months? The trail is the same and the effort is equal regardless of the length of the hike.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Jenny Knob shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: light rain

Rained off and on through the night. It was mostly cloudy with a few sunny periods then intermittent rain showers throughout the day. Temperature probably in the low 60's so it was cool when you stopped hiking. The trail was mostly through pine and rhododendrons and quite nice. There were a few ridges that were rocky and one good climb. Staying at the shelter with Phil from Maine. We were going to camp 4 miles farther down the trail, but it started raining so we decided to stay here. We are the only ones here.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Doc's Knob shelter 

To: Chillicothe, OH
Miles today: 8.2

Got an early start and headed to Pearisburg. The trail down from Angels Rest was steep and slippery. Phil from Maine got a room at the Holiday Motor Court and let me shower. I rented a car and drove home to see my wife, Judy, to celebrate her birthday a little early and to tend to some personal matters. We have a contract on our house in Columbus and I needed to sign some papers and move some things. I will be off the trail for a few day, returning on Tuesday, May 25.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Chillicothe around 6:30 this morning and arrived in Pearisburg around 10:30 to return the rental car. I knew I had been off the trail too long when I stopped at Hardees and the burger tasted lousy. A week ago it would been a gourmet treat. I hit the trail around noon. I left my cool weather gear at home and am hiking in shorts and North Face trail runners instead of my Asolo boots. Naturally the trail out of Pearisburg was lined with poison ivy and stinging nettles. The climb up Peters Mt. has been relocated into the woods and no longer follows the power line. The weather was cloudy with a few rain drops. Once up Peters Mt. the trail generally followed the ridge so it was easy walking except for the rocks. About 2 miles from Pine Swamp shelter I tripped and tookk a hard fall as I was descending on a rocky trail. I bruised and scraped my right shin and my middle finger on my right hand is swollen. Got to the shelter just before dark. I caught up with Overload again. He arrived at the shelter shortly before I did. Haven't seen him since before Franklin.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

The weather was perfect for hiking, sunny and around 70 degrees. The trail was mostly rocky with a couple of climbs. The climb up Johns Ck. Mt. was steep and rocky. Had views from White Rocks and Kelly Knob. Staying at the shelter with Overload, Corps Girl, and Funky Monkey. The mountain laurel are in full bloom. Lots near this shelter and War Spur shelter.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Late last night someone came into camp with their headlamp on. They set up a hammock in front of the shelter. In the morning before I left he woke up. He is south bounding on this section to go to Captain's party on Saturday. He stopped in Newport and picked up eggs and bacon and was going to make breakfast. I left and found out later his name may be Griz. The trail today had 2 tough climbs and then one minor one the last mile before the shelter. The shelter is .3 of a mile off the trail and down a steep climb. The water is farther down and steeper. I am tenting on the hill above the shelter. Also tenting are Pilgrim, Chicken Feathers, Gonzo, Cerveza, Bear Blaze, and one more whose name I forgot. The weather started out sunny but soon became cloudy. My feet got wet from the dew but were only slightly damp when I got into camp. Had some thunder around 3:00 and a few rain drops when I got to camp. Still a few drops now.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 14.6

Went past the 700 mile mark today! It was a great day hiking with good views before Dragon's Tooth, on Dragon's Tooth and past. Also some nice farm walking. For the first time I have gotton off the trail to get something to eat. Because I was making good time, I decided to hike .4 mile to a store for lunch. I got to the VA311 road crossing around 1:30. I was going to walk the 1.4 miles to the Home Place restaurant but a day hiker gave me and 3 others a ride. Because the restaurant does not open until 4. I had plenty of time to relax. Went to the PO which is just down the road. It started raining about 5. Thunder and lightning and heavy rain for about 1 hour. Wee waited for the rain to let up before we left the restaurant. I hitched back to the trail and got a ride in about 10 minutes. I got to the first shelter and there was no one there. I t had stopped raining but was still thundering so I decided to push my luck and head to the second shelter --made it here and remained relatively dry. There were a father and 2 sons here. I am staying in the shelter because I don't want to tent in the rain. The food at the Home Place was excellent and we got our fill. Fried chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits, green beans, cole slaw, mac&cheese, and cherry cobbler and ice cream.
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Catawba Mt. Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

Had good views from McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Trail ws rocky and weather was hot and steamy. Made it into Daleville around 3:00 Went to the outfitters and picked up my package and looked for a summer bag, but no luck. Ate Mexican with Stix and Tour Guide. Lots of thru hikers staying at the Howard Johnson Express unfortunately the pool is not open.
Date: 2010-05-30
From: Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Left the hotel around 11 and was planning to go to the second shelter. The weather was hot and humid. It started thundering around 3 but no rain. The wind picked up and it was a little cooler so I decided to go on to the next shelter. I met several new hikers including, Gray Wanderer, Reststop, Hobbit,and Red Lobster. Also staying with Tatoo and 7D's. I HAVE NOW COMPLETED ONE-THIRD OF THE AT!DID YOU READ ---I have now COMPLETED 1/3 of the AT!Right-on trekking.......
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelias Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't sleep well last night because of noisy whippoorwills. Started out as a hot and humid day. Found trail magic at the road crossing in the morning. Had a Mt Dew and an apple. Another unexpected surprise. I went swimming at Jennings Creek around lunch time then got all sweaty again climbing Bryant ridge. Got to Bryan Ridge shelter and the thunder started and then the rain. It had about stopped when I left but it soon started again. Had a 5 mile climb with 2000' of elevation gain, so the rain felt good. It only lasted about 30 minutes. It dropped the temperatures slightly so it is cooler tonight. So far I am the only one at the shelter. I am tenting because of bugs and mice.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: light rain

Another great day for hiking. It was a little warm but had a breeze most of the day. The trail was not that difficult and made good time. Had a brief shower around 3:00 just after leaving Matts Creek shelter. There are biting gnats out now and have gotten several bites where they drew blood. Sleeping in the tent to night because of bugs. Also staying here are Hoofit, 2 Rings, and Charlie, John and Mike who are section hikers.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

Beautiful day -- had a tough climb first thing. Had good views off Rock Row and Bluff Mt. The trail was scenic after Punchbowl Mt going thru pine and hardwood forest. Weather was hot and sunny. No showers today! Had trail magic 2 miles from shelter from Flash and Hot Flash who thru hiked in '87. Staying with Hoofit, Red Stick, Nails, 2 Rings, Wizzard.