morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Mollies ridge shetler.

To: Derrick knob shelter.
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The storm lasted most of the night, with thunder and lightening, with driving rain. At some point a cold front came in and the temperature dropped. It had snowed when I got up, just a dusting. I packed up and hit the trail to warm up. As I headed north the snow was deeper, up to a 3cm. The sun started to push through the clouds and I got some beautiful views particularly from Rocky Top at 5440ft. It is amazing to think that only yesterday I entered the Smokies in sunny 65 degree weather, what a change. You never know what this trail will throw up next. The walking was proving very slippy and I found walking in the snow tiring, so at Derrick knob I told Towns I was stopping, he decided to stop as well and we agreed to do Clingmans Dome tomorrow, and then go into Gatlinburg and split a room the next day. I need a shower! In the shelter again tonite and it's already 0c. Well going to listen to some tunes, to drown out the snoring, it will be a long night! Bye for now. A cold Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Derrick knob shelter.

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

It was really cold again last night around -10c. I couldn't keep warm and woke up often. I was glad to get up and pack and hit the trail. The ground was frozen which made the walking much easier, and I really felt stronger today. The weather was perfect blue skies, which combined with the snow and the high ridge running up to Clingman's dome, I had the best day yet, the views were stunning! Just when everything was going so well I went off trail and ended up doing an extra mile, so annoying. Towns was at the top of Clingman's, at 6643ft the highest point on the AT, and he wanted to push on to Gatlinburg. It made it my biggest day at 18m, plus my bonus mile! At Newfound gap we tried to hitch a ride, and didn't have much luck, but after 20 frustrating minutes a couple finally picked us up, nice folk. We booked into a motel, showered and hit the pizza, yum yum. Tomorrow will do laundry and re supply, then hitch back out to the trail. Not sure how far I will go tomorrow, but should be through the Smokies in around 2 more days. Well going to sleep now. Bye.A happy Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Gatlinburg

To: Icewater springs shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Slept well, and was up at 7.30 and showered. Went down to get laundry started, and grabbed a coffee and donuts for breakfast. We then went to the library and I updated my journal and down loaded my pictures to face book. We had to catch the trolley bus 3 miles out of town this place is big and has so much to see and do, none of which is remotely related to the NP. We got some supplies and went back to the room to pack up and eat the rest of our pizza. We headed to the road to hitch back to the trail 15 miles away. We got a lift in 2 minutes, lucky! Back on the trail we chatted to a few people who asked if we were going all the way, they were impressed, or thought we were mad! We only had 3 miles so I had an easy stroll to the shelter. The weather is warm and sunny so hoping for a reasonable night. Tom and Peter turned up at the shelter, it's good to see those boys again. Bye for now. Mayo
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Icewater springs shelter

To: Tri-corner knob shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Slept pretty well for a shelter. Set off in misty conditions, but sun did push through occasionally during the morning. Climbed onto Charlies bunion really exposed rocky out crop. Then the path followed the ridge, and stayed above 5,000ft all day. Views were great if a little misty. Felt good all day until the last couple of miles when my left leg started playing up again. Got a place in the shelter, rain expected tonite. Had cheese mash with bacon bits, nice. Tomorrow I plan on pushing to get out of the park, the restrictions are annoying. Last night around the campfire an ember shot out and landed on me, burnt a hole in my trousers so they will have to go. The trail is hard on both my body and equipment. Bye for now. Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Tri-corner knob shelter

To: Spanish oak gap.
Miles today: 21.1

Got off early and made good time. It was misty to start but in the afternoon the sun came out and it was hot and humid, not nice to walk in. I had a long decent to Davenport gap and then to the northern boarder of the NP. I crossed the interstate and started climbing up to Standing bear farm. This is where things went wrong. I missed the turn off and carried on climbing. By the time I realised my mistake I had gone way to far to go back. So I pushed on, but couldn't find a camp site for ages. I eventually found a site high on the ridge line, and quickly pitched my tent and hung my food bag. As I'm writing this a thunder storm is now battering me. Hail stones, some the size of small eggs, pretty frightening actually! Hope this does not go on too long. My ultra lite tent is not really designed to cope with this kind of weather, but the storm seems to be passing so I will try to get some sleep. Pretty tired it was a longer day than I meant to do, and it's the first time I am completely on my own in the woods.......!?? What's that noise! Bye for now.A worried Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Spanish oak gap.

To: Walnut mountain shelter.
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Well I did survive the night, with no unwanted visits. I was really mad with myself last night and felt for the first time I was not in control. I packed up early and hit the trail for 7.00. Climbed up on to Snowbird mountain bald just as the sun was coming up. I got some wounderful panaramic views of the surrounding mountains, really special. It made up for my cock up of yesterday. I headed to the next shelter and there I made breakfast and coffee. Then headed out to climb Max patch. It was a hot humid day again and I was sweating so much. I reached the stream just short of the top and bathed my feet which felt great! As I climbed up on to Max patch bald the views were fantastic. I was so hot I was thinking that if I looked tired enough someone might offer me a cold drink. Just then I noticed a couple with a cooler and a sign saying 'trail magic' they gave me soda, beer, pizza and fruit, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. They were Richard and Cathy I think, their daughter had thru hiked last year, and it was their 40 th wedding anniversary, so they decided to do trail magic and had a bottle of champers which they shared with all the hikers. I was there for 2 hours, but eventually badger, whoop and I headed out. I did a big day which means I will be in town early tomorrow afternoon. This was a great day, it's amazing how the trail picks you up when your down. Bye for now, A happy Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Walnut mountain shelter.

To: Hot Springs.
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

As I was trying to get to sleep last night my feet felt really hot, and I realised I had burnt them whilst sitting up on Max patch. It was 25c and I had taken off my boots and socks! So todays walk was OK apart from my feet being on fire. It was again hot and humid but I made town by 13.00 and booked into the hostal, showered then hit the diner. Later I did laundry and checked out the outfitters. They have a scale which showed I had dropped 4 pounds. I really missed out on wild life today. Tom spotted a bear, and whoops got a picture of a big rattlesnake. Taking a zero tomorrow, so going for a couple of beers tonight. Bye for now. Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Hot Springs.

To: Hot springs.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I didn't sleep too well as my room was in fact a celler, which smelt of paint. I got up early and showered. Breakfast was waffles, mellon and coffee. I was still pretty full from yesterday. I had a free day in town so started by spending 2 hour on journaling, photos and emails. It was great to read all the messages from my friends and family back home. I re supplied at the Dollar store, and bought a cheap watch to replace the one I lost, no idea where. I think my food is about right this time, I hope. I booked 2 lodges each had 5 beds, at the Hot springs resort spa. We quickly rounded up 10 hikers. It was good value at 10 dollars each. It was raining most of the day, but we decided to hit the spa. Badger, Whoop, Road Dog and I got in one and spent an hour in hot mineral water, it was really great! The spa was outside by the river, in the rain! After, we headed to dinner and a whole crowd of hiker trash took over the place. Badger over did it and had to go out to be sick, lightweight! I was really full but after a walk around I started to fell better. We had such a good time, lots of laughs. I am in a lodge with Towns, Tom, Twigg and Peter. Hoping for a good sleep, I need to slow down so only planning 10 miles tomorrow. No need to start too early. It's been a very relaxing day, I needed it! Bye for now. A relaxed Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Hot springs.

To: Log cabin drive.
Miles today: 16.3

After a quick shower, Whoop and I went for breakfast at the local cafe. I took my time packing because I was only planning a short day to the first shelter. Weather was great,a lovely spring day around 65f. There was a steep climb out of Hot springs and I got great views back to town. I felt really strong today, and made good progress to the shelter at Spring mountain. Once there we found it full, and with a whole group of school kids camping there. Whoop, Towns, Road dog, Badger and I decided to head out and find somewhere else to camp. We reached Log cabin road and camped in the woods, not a great pitch. We then walked down the road to a hostal and shop to get water a hopefully some fruit. Once there they had a cafe so we ordered burgers, and had a great feed, unexpected but welcome as we were pretty late. It was dark as we walked the 0.6m back to camp. Tom then started hanging the bags and got my rope stuck in the tree! We couldn't free it so will try in the morning when we can see what he's done. Now going to try to get some sleep, but don't expect to much. Bye for now. Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Log cabin drive.

To: Campsite passed Flint mountain shelter.
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't sleep too well due to sliding into the foot of my tent. We managed to free my bear rope by Tom throwing a stick up. Weather was again warm and sunny. Had a great walk along Blackstack cliffs. Climbed Big butt mountain and passed the 300 mile mark. The trail in this area was badly marked and Tom and I got off trail once. We arrived at a camp spot passed the shelter and 3 of us managed to fit our tents on the space for 2. Then 5 more people arrived and we have people nose to tail with Whoop literally camped on the trail itself. I cannot close my tent flap as Sweet pea and blue eyes are cowboy sleeping with their head practically in my tent, very cosy! Should be an interesting night. Bye for now, A cramped Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Campsite passed Flint mountain shelter.

To: Sams gap.
Miles today: 10.3

I took a while to get packed up this morning due to being surrounded by folk. Still left camp by 8.15. The trail started a hard climb immediately and I was finding it real hard to get moving. The weather was over cast with a cold strong wind. Storms are predicted over the next 24 hours. Tom and I reached Sams gap and we met Blue eyes and his crew in the parking area. A guy there offerred us all a lift down to Little Creek cafe 2 miles away. We jumped at it and had a great feed. The lady in the cafe said we could crash in her barn, so we had a look and it did not appeal. But once we cleared space and put up our tents I was happy. Towns turned up at the cafe, he said he's been struggling, glad to see him again. He has joined us in the barn. We will have breakfast in the cafe tomorrow and then hit the trail. I certainly found things harder today, hope the short miles will help. Bye for now, Mayo
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Sams gap.

To: Spivey gap.
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Once the storm started it rained hard all night. By morning it had just about stopped. We packed up and walked down to the cafe for breakfast. After, we stood outside hoping for a lift, when an old couple came out of the cafe and offered us all a lift, result! The trail immediately began to climb, and it started to rain hard, so into the rain gear. The rain only lasted 30 minutes. The weather improved through the day. We climbed up on to Big bald 5516ft, and had clear views all around. It was very windy and cold. Headed down to the gap to make camp, lots of folk here. Shorter day tomorrow and will go into Erwin to re supply and will hopefully stay in Uncle johnnys hostel. I felt strong today and really enjoyed this section. Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Spivey gap.

To: Erwin
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Last evening Tom did a run into town and brought back beer and marshmellows, which we had around the camp fire. It turned cold over night and I didn't sleep too well. I was up early and packed quickly, my hands were so cold. I hit the trail to try to warm up. The weather was sunny with clear blue skies, but there was a cool wind. I felt strong and pushed on to get to town early. The one thing which slowed me were the blow downs. One big tree made it really difficult to pass, had to take my pack off to get over it. Arrived at the hostel by 12.00 and booked in. Towns, Tom and Peter joined me in a lodge. We got a shuttle into town to eat and re supply. Whoop also turned up later, it was great to see him back on the trail, he had been visiting relatives. Did laundry and dryed my tent out, as it had rained over night. Plan to be back on the trail tomorrow.Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Erwin

To: Cherry gap shelter.
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

I slept OK in the hostal but was late to leave. Started walking around 10.00. It was a nice day, sunny and warm. The others seemed reluctant to get going so I left with Whoop. It was a lovely walk, and I rolled along fast. Got some nice views back to Erwin. As I was going so well decided to push on to Cherry gap and stay at the shelter. It was a hard climb over Unaka mountain 5180ft. At the shelter there were only 4 of us, it is really thinning out now. I may take a short day tomorrow and stay in the hostal at Greasy creek gap, we'll see. they have internet so I can hopefully update my TJ. Getting good internet access has so far proved difficult. Towns, Tom and Peter have not arrived and Whoop moved on further. Even before I was asleep, I have seen mice so should be an interesting night, these shelter mice are clever critters, hope they don't put holes in any of my gear.Well bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Cherry gap shelter.

To: Greasy creek gap
Miles today: 7.7

I didn't sleep too well due to the mice running around the shelter, but they did not get into my gear. I was only planning a short day so took my time to have breakfast and pack up. I left with Lisa and we walked as far as Greasy gap. She went on and I headed the 0.6m to the hostel. I met Conny who ran the hostel, she had to go out so she left me in charge. I had the place to myself and updated my TJ, although it took an age on a dial up connection! Later Tom, Blue eyes, Sage and River rat turned up and Conny took us down to the local diner. We later drank beers and watched Forrest Gump! Its been a nice restful day.Bye for now,Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Greasy creek gap

To: Overmountain shelter.
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept well and woke up to the noise of a lawnmower as predicted by Conney. It was her next door neighbor who is trying to stop her running a hostel. As I left he started swearing at me, nice! I think he's a mad old man, with nothing better to do. He's even put up signs saying the hostel is closed. I feel sorry for Conney having to put up with such behavior. I got back on the trail and came across Towns packing up his tent. We hiked together and started the hard 2,500ft climb up on to Roan mountain 6275ft, it started to rain and blow, which made it even harder. At the top we had lunch and then pushed on to the shelter. Overmountain shelter has great views down the valley. I felt strong most of the day, and feel I am managing the climbs better. I am in the shelter with Towns, Tom, Peter, Sherpa and Sprout. The weather improved in the afternoon, with some sun but mainly cloudy. Still better than the storms that were predicted. Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Overmountain shelter.

To: Mountainer shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept well and got up and packed by 8.00. I was first on the trail, and as I climbed up on to the ridge it left the trees, and I was out in open grassland for a change. But there was low cloud blocking the views. As I climbed higher the clouds cleared and I got some great views. I dropped to the road and Tom, Towns and I decided to walk up to the diner which was 0.5m away, it was shut so we hiked another 0.5m to the gas station and got a burger. Towns was leaving the trail to meet his girlfriend. I really hope he catches up soon. We still had 8 miles to the shelter so I hiked fast, I felt strong again today. Tom decided to hike on, but I felt 20 miles was enough. I will stay at the hostel tomorrow, so will get a shower and resupply. Will pass 400 miles tomorrow. Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Mountainer shelter

To: Dennis cove.
Miles today: 15.6

I was up and packed early as I was keen to get to the hostel. I left the shelter at 7.20 in full rain gear and just walked. There was no views today just mud and trees. But I have been so lucky with the weather, this was the first real rain I have had to walk in. As I went along I suddenly thought, 'I am so lucky to be out here!' , it's good even in the rain. I made good time and reached the hostel at 13.30. Tom was here and we did laundry, while I had a shower. Tom was looking through the hiker box and found me a main USB charger, I have been trying to buy one for weeks. Thanks to whoever didn't want it anymore. At 17.00 Bob who runs the hostel, drove us into Hampton for food and re supply. We put together and bought ice cream and brownies, and eggs and bacon for breakfast. Lisa, Sprout, Sherpa, Peter and Spark are all here. Anyway I have to go eat! Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Dennis cove.

To: Vandeventer shelter.
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

We had a group breakfast this morning. Peter did bacon, Sprout did toast and everyone did their own eggs. I then had cereal with full cream milk, yum yum. I left first at around 8.45, and had a great walk along the river, with a beautiful waterfall. I then started the first climb up to Pond flats 3,780ft. My legs felt very tired and Sprout soon passed me, she was flying. It was hot all day and reached 79f in the afternoon. I dropped down to Watauga lake and there was Meehap with his folks doing trail magic. I loved the fruit salad, and had 4 bowls. I rang home while paddling in the lake it was a beautiful area. I had been feeling a little homesick lately but it is to be expected. I set off again as I still had 9 miles to go. It was had work in the heat and the back of my right heel started to hurt. Once at the shelter I decided to camp as the shelter is very small. The views from the back of the shelter is lovely, right over the lake. Sprout, Sherpa, Peter, and Spark are all here, Tom arrived very late as he thought he had lost his wallet, but he eventually found it in his bag. I plan a 20 plus day tomorrow so will try to get up early. I want to hit town in 2 days, where I will take a full zero, I think my body needs it. Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Vandeventer shelter.

To: Abingdon gap shelter.
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

I slept well in my tent and got packed up and away by 7.30. I felt strong and made good time to the road and got trail magic, of coke. It was hot all day 77f, but with a nice breeze. I really surprised myself how easy it was. I reached the shelter by 17.15. Made tea and put up my tent. Only 10 miles into Damascus, and showers and food!! I will take a zero so will have a good break. It,s been a good day, so far Sprout, Sherpa, and Peter have arrived. Its 19.00 so orhers may still roll in later. Well bye for now, Mayo
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Abingdon gap shelter.

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I was up and packed early as it was a town day. Tom and I hiked the 10 miles in 3 hours, we were motivated by the thought of milk shakes! It was an easy trail all the way, and the weather was again beautiful. We also crossed into my 4th state, Virginia today. Once in town we booked a room for 2 nights at Dave's place and did laundry. I checked out the outfitters and bought a fleece sleeping bag. I plan to ship out some gear that I won't need during the summer to reduce my pack weight. We spent the evening playing trivial pursuits. I have all tomorrow to re supply and update my TJ. Well bye for now, Mayo
Date: 2011-04-26
From: Damascus

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

My back was really killing me as I tried to sleep, and the bunks are very unfortable, note to self 'check out the beds before booking for 2 nights'. I spend the day relaxing, did my TJ, re supply, but mainly eating. I did get my first blister in town! I walked out to the store in my crocks with out socks on, big mistake. Should be fine with my boots on. The locals were putting on food for the hikers, but it was Mexican, which I don't like so I ducked out. I had dinner with Gypsy girl, Lisa and Radar. The Wolf pack all arrived today, even Blue eyes. The last time I saw him was at Greasy creek hostal, and his feet were really bad. He was much happier today and says the pain has gone, it's great to see him back, nice guy. I am looking forward to hitting the trail, I get itchy feet being in town to long, plus I spend money. Planning to ship some gear to a lady here in the US who offered to hold a box for me. That will reduce my pack weight, but I will need to carry more water in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Today was another nice warm day, hope it lasts. Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-27
From: Damascus.

To: Whitetop mountain
Miles today: 21.3

Once I was packed I went with Gypsy girl for coffee. We then hit the trail and started climbing, I soon left her behind and pushed on to the Saunders shelter for lunch, no one else showed up. I started back on the trail and met Tom, we walked together to the next shelter. There I made a dinner of spicy rice. Road dog, Meehap were there and we all decided to push on to and camp site over the next climb, I agreed because I felt good today. After a long climb it was very windy on top and the campsite a little exposed, should be a noisy night. I just hope my tent stays up! Had some good views from the top as it was a bald. Will hit the magic 500 miles mark tomorrow. Well by for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Whitetop mountain

To: Wise shelter.
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

What a night! The wind and rain battered my tent all night. One gust blow it down, so I had to tie it to a tree. The sky was lit up constantly with lightening from thankfully distant thunder storms. I actually slept well once I got to sleep. The morning brought a wet dank day. My tent was very wet as was the bottom of my sleeping bag. I packed up and started walking with Tom, Meehap and Road dog. The weather improved through the day, with the sun making an apperance around lunch time. We entered the Grayson highlands, which are very open, with rocky tops. Plus the ponies which roam freely and are not bothered by the hikers. The going was hard due to the rocky paths. So when I reached Wise shelter I decided to stop and get my kit dry, so it was a short day. I got everything dry and am in the shelter with Tom and Meehap, Road dog moved on. Gypsy girl arrived later with a black eye, she had fallen on to her pole, but she was OK. She is tenting here. It has been a beautiful day for great views, with lots of photo op's. I didn't quite make the 500 mile, but will tomorrow. Rang Sheila to wish her happy birthday. Bye for now, Mayo.