morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Trey Mtn Shelter 4:40 PM Aprox time

To: Hawassee Blueberry Hostel 1:30 PM
Miles today: 10.0

Ok I have hiked 10 miles today and arrived at the Blueberry Hostel . The last 2 days it been raining and everything is wet and nasty . I am making the most of this with the rain but overall everything is good. Got a shower and now all cleaned up. The owner "Gary" of Blueberry Hostel are the nicest people they washed and dry our clothes. The owner let us borrowed his truck to get something good to eat in town and get things we needed for the next hike. So " my self Lime Green" " Kitten" " SmoothSailer" " BearWolf" are planning to chow down something good to eat and than go back to the hostel sit back relax and shared our stories. Without the support and help from the Hostels and the community Like "Trail Magic" while on the trail this would not be possible . I will sleep good tonight.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Hawassee Blueberry Hostel 1:30 PM

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Ok we are up and having the biggest feast at the Blueberry Hostel. Gary and his wife out did them self this morning. You name it we had it to eat. Menu for this morning were Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Orange Juice, Biscuits and gravy. Yummy all I can say sums it up for a late start this morning we got out of here about 10:00 am . Ok Hiked 11.8 miles today. We just got out of GA and cross into NC. Arrived at the Muskrat Shelter stayed at the shelter with "Kitten" "Bearwolf" "SmoothSailer" and several other folks. The Shelter was full. The tepmperature is cool it is 40 degrees and rained about dark. Hard Hiking over courthouse bald. I will sleep good tonight.
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Left at 7:30 am from Muskrat Shelter. It is cool and windy today. Took a break at Mooney Gap Elve. 4,400 while there, we hit the jack pot which was "Trail Magic" we had sodas and snacks. That is always appreciated. It is so nice when you hiked a long ways in one day and to find "Trail Magic" it is awesome. I have hiked 19.3 miles today. My Self "Lime Green" and "Kittens" Bearwolf" "SmoothSailor" and "Fleetwood" have arrived at Big Springs Shelter where we will get cleaned up start dinner than rest chat and get ready for another day on the Appalachian Trail. Tonight I will sleep good for sure.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Big Spring Shelter 

To: Budget In Franklin, Nc
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Left shelter at 6:00 am hiking in the dark to get to the shuttle from Winding Stair gap into Franklin, Nc. Arrived at 9:00 am got there and the shuttle came just a little after. Everything going great.   Staying at the Budget Inn in Franklin.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Budget In Franklin, Nc

To: Cold Spring Shelter apprx 5:39pm
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Arrived at Cold spring Shelter after hiking 15.8 miles today. It been a beautiful day sky clear with the temperature at 70 degrees the weather is nice not to cold or not to hot just perfect. This morning we had free pancakes for starters in Franklin, Nc by the baptist church hiked all day with "Bear Wolf" I will be tenting tonight so I can get some sleep if you stay in a shelter you will hear alot of snoring going on. I am setting up my tent for a restful peaceful night. I will cook dinner and have a peaceful moment by looking at the mountain scenery right out my tent door. May you all have a fabulous night.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Cold Spring Shelter 

To: 16.1 miles tent camping
Miles today: 16.1

It been a long day Left shelter at 7:40am hiked by myself most of the day. Made a wrong turn on Wesser Bald (Elev. 4,267) it cost me 2 miles error. Really I humped it to get to the Nantahala River Outdoor Center, which is NOC which is Wesser, NC by 1:30pm had a cheeseburger fries there and hiked up from Noc. I am tent camping with "Bear Wolf" "Kittens" " Steady" and "F100" today miles approx 16.1 mile day. We heard that the shelter about 5 miles out is already full for tonight. Some pop up storms may wake us up in the middle of the night. We will just wait and see what happens just maybe it will go around us. This is "Lime Green" good night to all.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: 16.1 miles tent camping

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Left camp at 7:30am some trail magic at Stecoah gap, water, sodas, and apples it was a nice treat. The best part was I needed water when I came to the gap and the water jugs at the bottom were empty. I sat down and had a soda and was eating a apple and here comes a car pulling up and she repaces the empty jugs with full one's. Now that was just timing, I thanked her for what she did. She said she does it all day long, putting out water, what a angel she was. We ate our lunch and headed up "Jacobs ladder" what a climb. After what seemed like it would never end we made the top. Hiked all day with summersalt and pork steak and steamer. Made it to the shelter and kittens, And Bear wolf came also. On to Fontana tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: few clouds

Hiked into Fontana Village today. Had another timing thing happen, when you hike into Fontana there is a phone to call a shuttle to take you into the Village. $3 each way per hiker. Well when I was crossing the Hwy28 to get to the phone here comes this SUV pulling up the doors open and hikers start getting out. Yes you guess it the shuttle and I dident have to wait. Tossed my pack inside and off to town we went. A visit to the P.O. for a food pickup then off to the Resturant for lunch. Then I was shuttled back and hiked 1 mile to the Fontana Hilton Shelter. The name is just becouse this shelter holds twice as many hikers and there is a restroom with a shower. Thus called the Hilton... Well its into the Smoky's tommorrow..
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Rusell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Left the shelter early for a 2 mile road walk across the Fontana Dam and to the start of the smoky's. It rained over night so the air was humid. Which in this case makes you sweat a lot. it was also foggy with a little breesy. This all together makes a little cold hiking day. Had a good climb up to the shuck stack, about 4 miles to get the blood flowing and the sweat. Buy the time I got there it was so foggy you could not see a thing. Oh the Shuck Stack is a fire tower, the forest service put these in places so they could watch for fires years ago. They were manned all the time but that time has since past and now just the tower is here. So I hiked on to the shelter. Staying at Russell Feild wich is the secound shelter in the park and its full with people tenting outside. The park has a rule that you have to stay at the shelters in the park and only if ther are full are you allowed to camp in a tent. All of the folks I have been hiking with moved on to the next shelter. I said I have been hammering it pretty hard and its time for a smaller day.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Rusell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Left shelter 730am hard hiking all day. Hiked over Rocky top and Thunderhead Mtn today. Awesome views today it felt like I was walking on top of the world. Clear skys and cool weather made for a great hike. Lots of ups and downs with 5000ft in elevation made your legs feel like lead in them. Had to stop several times through the day to get my breath. I can tell I am hiking in the smoky's, with some of the best views I have seen yet. Just one more day and I will be taking my first zero day. For those of you don't know what a zero day is its where you take a day and do no hiking. (Thus a zero mile day) Here at the shelter Diesal, Big Sky,Steamer,B.P. and his girl freind. Some folks going south to Fontana in a 4 day outing. The shelter is full with some tenting around. Tommorrow Newfound Gap and home for a day of R&R.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Left shelter at 740am to cold and foggy weather. The wind was blowing also. Had a good climb all morning up to Clingmans Dome. When I got there no views all fog. Well I could have hoped for better weather but the views I had yesterday were great so two days in a row not going to happen. Again legs felt heavy all day guess it was the elevation getting to me. I still made good time, getting to Newfound Gap at 1:00pm. My sewwt wife was waiting for me when I got there. I had told her I would be there around 2:00pm but she knows me well and came early. On my way home for some R&R........"Lime Green"
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Newfound Gap

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well home has been great. I sure needed a rest after hiking 206 miles in 15 days. Got home and the wife had cooked a great roast and mashed potatoes, carrots and rolls. She is so good to me, and I thanked her for all she does for me. Sending my mail drops posting my journal entrys and picking me up and dropping me off. It would be very hard to hike this trail without her support. Washed all my clothes cleaned all my gear and replaced my rain coat. The one I had was 6-7 years old and it was in bad shape and needed replacing. Resupply my food to get me to Hot Springs, NC. Well its back to the trail tomorrow and I feel very rested. Will try and post some of my Pic's so far. Also all of my gear has been working great including my Jet boil Sol stove. 2 weeks and I have not used a fuel canister yet.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: NewFound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Ok 04/4/ left Newfound gap at 8:30 am hiked to charleys bunion took pictures saw no other hikers until pecks corner , saw "steamer" "nacho" "dakota" "dan" "dirty girl" hiked with them to tri-corner knob shelter, the shelter was full tonight hiked 15.6 miles.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Stateline Branch
Miles today: 16.6

4/5 hiked all day by myself stopped at cosby knob shelter for lunch and "switchback" was there also. Ate lunch it was foggy and overcast all day no views. Got rained on before davenport gap shelter stopped there to dry off. "Switchback" and "Amy" came in after I got there. Left and hiked to stateline branch where I am camping for the night in a tent. It is now raining and I am hearing rain drops on my tent. Hiked 16.6 miles today.
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Stateline Branch

To: Roaring Forks shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

April 6 started at state line branch. Packed up a wet tent started hiking 7:50am. Nacho passed by hiking up snowbird mt. very foggy and cold. Had some "trail magic" before max patch, sodas and cookies from hiker name apple at max patch had great vews staying at roaring fork shelter and staying at the shelter. .
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Roaring Forks shelter

To: Elmers hostel
Miles today: 18.0

April 7th left roaring fork shelter hiking with "dakota dan" "runner" hiked all the way into Hot Springs, NC 18 mile day. Stayed at Elmers sharing a room with Bill. Washed my clothes at the wash tub and ate dinner at Elmers the food was really good he served us vegetarian meal it was yummy.
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Elmers hostel

To: Hot Springs Resort and Spa 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

April 8th Hot Springs, NC zero day staying Hot Springs Resort stayed in nice cabin at the campground. Went to the spa for relaxing soak it was beneficial and they are famous world natural hot minerals . The spa was in a private setting along the rivers. If you go there you must make reservations in advanced. Had a good visit with the wife and our two furballs our boxers "Rufus Boy" and "Sadie Lady" We ate at Smokey Mountain Diner the food was awesome and homemade the staff was friendly and ready to serve you. The day went by really way to quick but enjoyed the time I had with the family.
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Hot springs 

To: Spring Mt Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

April 9th breakfest at the Smokey Mountain Diner in Hot Springs, helped the wife load up the car and headed out at 10:00am hiking. Hard day hiking guess to much town food and full pack. everyone here at the shelter said the same thing tuff day. Stayin in my tent Spring Mt. Shelter 11 mile day.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Spring Mt Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today hiked to road NC208 sign said "Trail Magic" 350 yards up the road to a house on right. Great trail Magick "Waffles" "Sodas" and "Lemon Square" for dessert can I say Yummy. Hiked on over to White Rocks great views today was awesome. I'm staying in shelter with "Runner, "Grandbob, "Mouse, and few others. It been a long day and hiked 15.4 miles in the cold with the wind blowing . I will sleep good tonight that is if I can stay warm. Keep thinking about a nice warm blanket at home to curl up with the wife. I am enjoying my hiking it been really good so far.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Jerry Cabin shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

It a very cold day very windy all day with some views but mostly kept my head down and hiked all day to stay warm . This mornings with temperature at 30 degrees and the high temperature was around 50 degrees. I did not see many hikers all day. Staying in the shelter with "Dakota", "Dan Runner" and "mouse", "professor Oak" "Grand Bob". There are 10 or so tenting around us and it is a very busy shelter. I for one changing my socks putting on some more warm clothes it going to be chilly tonight again. Hoping the weather will warm up little bit. For those of you who don't know where Hogback Ridge it still in North Carolina & Tennessee Border.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Today I've hiked 20.7 miles finshed at No Business Shelter had trail magic at Sams Gap from "Quite Paul" we had eggs and hash browns great food may I add. Today also got lucky and got trail magic on north side of Sams Gap got Sodas and Ice cold Beer out of the cooler that was super nice. Hiked over to Big Bald Mountain the temperature was 24 degrees and "COLD" but since than has warmed up to be nice hiking day.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: No Business Shelter

To: Johnnys in Erwin, Tn
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked 5.8 miles left shelter nice day for hiking cool in morning and warmed up nice. We had nice views of the River coming into town staying at Uncle Johnnys in Erwin here with "Hot Foot" "Mouse" "Dakota" "Dan Runner" All of us sharing a 4 person cabin in town. Getting my clothes washed and got cleaned up and that is always a good thing when your out hiking in the wildress trust me. Picked up my mail drop . Missing my family and my furballs I am sure my boxers do miss me. Going to meet up with a friend this afternoon he going to take me to dinner he is my hiking buddy which we have done section hikes as a team in the past. Well signing off for now until we meet again on the Appalachian Trail. Will be back on the trail tomorrow for now Eat, Chat, Rest, and get plenty of Sleep.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Johnnys in Erwin, Tn

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started in Erwin finished Cherry Gap shelter did 17.5 miles today. Felt a little slow today but made it to the shelter at 2:15pm. Hiked over beauty spot and unaka mt. nice forest on top of unaka mt. " sankaku" and "lucky day" stopped in for a break at our shelter. I am here with "mouse" and "sit a bit" "smooth sailing". and "dakota dan" and "dan runner. Everything going good.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan Mt.. Shelter
Miles today: 16.4

Today started at Cherry Gap Shelter finished at Roan Mt Shelter today. I am tenting tonight. Hiked 16.4 miles today it was a very nice hike with cool temperature low humidity. It was hard climb over Roan Mt. I am here at the shelter with "mouse" "smooth sailing" "dakota dan" , "runner" and "sit a bit" "sankaku" "lucky day". "Santa" and "nome" A south bounder came by His name "shakes" he is on his way to finish.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Roan Mt. Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel and B & B
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Well I started at roan Mt shelter and finished at mt Harbor hostel did a 16.5 mile day, cool and windy to start. It turn out to be a pretty day for hiking. Now it has warmed up alot and pretty quick. Hiked over Jane Bald, Little hump, Big Hump it made it for a nice views today and awesome. It was very hot coming down from the mountain making my way to hwy 19E it is in the 80 degrees mark already. It will be nice to be in town get my clothes washed , visit and chat and relax. The hostel is full but I was lucky to a bunk bed. I will need to pick up my drop box and get some real food in town. I will see you guys tomorrow good night and hope for a cool day with no rain tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel and B&B

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Started from Mountain Harbor Did 18.4 mile day The breakfast this morning was awesome we had little bit of everything fruit, eggs, hashbrowns, sausage, gravy, biskets, orange juice, and or coffee. "Streach, "Earlybird, " Sit a bit" , "Dakota Dan" "Mouse" all of us staying in the shelter tonight. The terrain was rolling hills and the trail was moderate but pleasant. It been a very hot day while hiking then it rain now its really cool temperature. Like they say you never know out on the Appalachian trail what the weather will be like. So just be ready for anything. Don't take chances for sure. Had a long day so good night everyone and see yall on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up to rain the forecast 100 percent chance of rain all day. I started out late waiting for the rain to clear left the Shelter at 10:45 am.   While hiking we did not see much today due to overcast and rain.   I just put down my head and kept walking. Hiked 16.5 miles in this stuff today it good thing I love the trails. I know there will be many more days and weeks and months of rain and storms, you just deal with it, and hope for the best and that you can somehow keep dry.   However laurel falls was running good and also seen some wild flowers and some awesome azelas blommed. I am here with "dakota dan" "blue" "mouse" "sit a bit" "kat" and few others hikers who are tenting tonight. I hoping for no rain or at least not as much rain for tomrrow. We are really close now to Damascus, VA that our next stop in town. My wife not coming to Damascus, Va to meet me. So I guess I will only take one zero day while in town. I am signing off for now. Godd Night everyone.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

For starters I left my head lamp at the Watauga Lake Shelter on the floor. I am hoping someone will turn them in for me. Today I hiked 14.0 miles.   It was hard day of hiking I am very tired. Guess from hiking so fast the day before. "Mouse" and "Sit a Bit" moving on. I am here at the shelter with "dakota dan", "couch", and few are tenting tonight. I guess I will not have any trouble sleeping tonight for sure. Hope I can rest up so I can be ready for tomorrow. I should be in Damascus, Va by Saturday.   I am ready for a zero day it will be nice to take a full day of rest. Really nothing plan for Saturday I can't wait to grab a HOT Shower and get cleaned up. Than pick up my drop packages and reload my back pack go to town buy A head lamp since I left my at the Watauga Lake Shelter but just maybe hiker will bring them to me while in Damascus, Va. My wife mailed me pair of hiking shoes the one I have on right now have bit the dust it has a lot of miles on them somehow they got cut on the bottom of the sole. I am missing my family but it helps to be able to talk to my wife on the phone when I can. It gets lonely out here on the trail and one thing for sure I do missed my soft bed at home.   Oh by the way I am really hungry for some real food and lots of it in town. Tell we meet again tomorrow see you all soon.   from Jim "Lime Green"........
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abington Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today Hiked 15.9 miles started Iron Mountain shelter and finished Abington Gap Shelter. Left the shelter at 7:30am it was great day I felt better today than yeasterday it was easy short easy day. "Fire weed" passed by going southbound, passed "Kat" going north I made it to the shelter by 1:30pm which was 6 hours hiking had a great day. 10 miles from Damascus, VA hope to be in town early tomorrow I am here at the shelter with "Dakota Dan" , "Couch", and "Nacho."
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Abington Gap Shelter

To: Damascus , Va
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Started today from Abington Gap Shelter finished Damascus, VA hiked 9.9 miles for today. Left the shelter early to get to town left at 6:30am hiking in good weather "Dakota Dan" left before me to get to Post office while it was open. Got to town early 9:30am stopped and got a soda than went to the Outfitter to pickup my food drop and new boots. Staying at the Hike Inn nice place taking zero day for tomorrow . Good to be in town.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Damascus , Va

To: Damascus, VA staying at the Hike Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today A zero day in Damascus,VA It rained in the morning and a overcast day. It is cool and around 50 degrees outside. Staying at the Hike Inn with "Dakota dan" sharing a room. Went to Cowboys for breakfast everything taste really good since it better than trail food. Than off to food city for some supply's. Stopped at the Outfitters and Dollar General Store. Just a good day to relax and rest my feet.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Damascus, VA staying at the Hike Inn

To: Damascus, VA Hike Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well just a quick recap of the trail from springer to Damascus, VA. When I started the weather was hot in Georgia and the hiking demanding. Up and down small moutains will wear on you. A few stops with trail magic mixed in helped me finish Georgia. Soon I crossed the state line into NC. What a wakeup call courthouse bald was a very tuff climb, and then Secoia gap with Jacobs ladder, NC was very demanding hiking. Then it was through the smoky's. First a very hard climb out of Fontana Dam up to skuck stack and on to Russell Feild where I stayed the frist night. The next day was very rewarding with some of the best views on the trail. Cilngmans dome was fogged in so no views for me. A zero day at home some R&R and back on the trail. Charles bunion was great the views were good the first day back but the weather soon rain and fogged us in. Hiking on over snowbird Mtn was a very long climb it took half the day. The weather seem too cool at times and then hot at other times. it was a challange to keep me temp regulated. Then made a quick stop in Hot Springs for again some much needed R&R and quick trip to the spa. (Nice spa could have done that every day). I have met a lot of hikers and a lot of trail magic folks along the way. It seems that when you are tired from the day something comes along to make your day better, a great view a deer standing in the trail just looking at you or a simple cool breeze to make things better, or a great water fall. On to Damascus I went around Watauga lake some good views of the dam and some of the easest trail I have hiked. Well taking a 2 day zero here enjoying the town and letting the weather clear some. It snowed here this morning and was very cold 34. The forcast is to improve tomorrow I hope for better weather and some nice views coming up in Mtn Rodgers.