morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-07
From: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite

To: Rainbow Lake Campsite
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Another chilly morning. No bother, let's get this show on the road. If all goes well, today should be my longest day - followed by an average day. Then Katahdin. Left early, I guess. This non phone thing is kinda nice. Time? Day? Day of week? Who cares. Only about a mile in I noticed something discouraging. My shoelace snapped. These aren't regular shoelaces but this ziptie like thingie. Sort of like a thin tight cord. I can't just string a new lace. I stopped and tinkered for a while figuring out how to fix this with various knots and pieces of bear rope. Seems to have worked. Only a few more days please!This leads me to various gear issues. Here's the random damage report. So far I'm on my third pair of shoes, second pair of pants, shirt, sixth and seventh pair of socks, second bear bag, second water bottle, and now a second pair of trekking poles - both of which are bent. The trail is not cheap. The injury report shows a torn calf muscle, heavy tendinitis in both knees, lots of blisters, a second pulled calf muscle, many cuts and bruises and a cracked rib. I've rolled my ankles so many times I can't believe they never sprained. But I'm still hiking and have two more days left. TWO MORE DAYS! Can you believe it?! I can't. Early in the day there's the last bump on the map labeled a mountain. It looks like nothing and funny how that always surprises you. There is a marked view of Katahdin at the top but when I get there, there are about ten clean backpacks lying around. Means one thing - school group no thanks. I moved on - right to a wide opening with a fantastic view of Katahdin all to myself. The rest of the day I just hiked. As fast as I could. Lots of muck, lots of rocks, lots of bugs. Made it to the Rainbow Lake campsite around 3:30. This was my initial stopping point until I realized I'd missed the map. I need to go five more miles to make tomorrow easier. I moved on about 500 feet when I heard the first clap of thunder. Really loud. I waited for the second and made the quick decision to race back and throw up my tent. Not necessarily stopping but playing it safe. My feet are tired though. It was just a lot of noise at first but the rain finally did hit with a vengeance so I'm glad to be here. Just waiting to see if it'll stop on time for me to move on and get a few more miles in. Whelp it looks like I'm staying. My tent is very wet and muddy. Hoping the breeze will dry it out overnight. Lots of rumbles off in the distance and joy upon joys aargh group of kids has shown up and are staying. Always noisy. Funny- this 100 Mile "wilderness" is anything but isolated. I assumed 100 miles of solitude but there have been tons of people, lots off groups, and lots of road crossing when I assumed there's be none. Tomorrow, after 9 miles, I reach Abol Campground - a store, a road, a restaurant. Will be odd to step back into comforts right before it's all ending. And the next day is Katahdin. There it is.
Date: 2014-08-08
From: Rainbow Lake Campsite

To: The Birches
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: light rain

Five months on the trail today. And tomorrow it's all over. I've got to get in a lot of hiking so at first light I'm up and out. Pop tarts and honeybun eaten, dirty clothes put back on, smelly shoes laces up, broken poles in hand. And he's off!Not without a little serenade from the loons. Probably last time to hear those guys and it's one thing I'll definitely miss. Looks to be crystal clear out so that's good but regardless - I know it'll rain. At home 40% chance means no rain. 30 is laughable and 20 is why bother. In fact I don't think it ever rains until they predict 70%. Here, 40 means rain. And torrential with lightening and thunder. For now, clear. I have one hurtle today - the Rainbow Ledges. As I later found out, not much of a hurdle but it was covered with blueberries and had an amazing view of Katahdin. I allowed myself a good rest, a handful or seven of berries, and time for contemplation. The rest of this hike was the proverbial walk in the woods I had envisioned. Very flat, well graded, and quiet. I had a major disappointment when I got to the very last shelter and saw that everyone had checked in the day before. My chances of catching up were nil as they'd probably be summiting right now. I was so looking forward to it and without a camera is horrible. Tried to keep up my spirits and just move ahead but I was downtrodden. Made it to Abol Campground and bought a soda, chips, cheese and a brownie. Moved on and entered Baxter State Park. Got a little emotional. It's so real now! Even better, I went to check in on the info board for the Birches campsite and written down were Gandalf and Survivorman! Wow. Ok I'd see friends! Awesome. So I whistled while I stepped and thought this is just like one of the last scenes from the Shawshank Redemption. When Red is walking down the country road looking for the wall and tree and the hot bugs are singing and the Penobscot is flowing by. Beautiful and warm and wonderful. Then it happened - thunder. Never fails. I knew it. Got totally dumped on but no matter this is the LAST time. And wonder of all wonders when I step onto the park road and start walking down the camp road all wet there's Dino, Moose, DaVinci and Beandip! They had stayed at Abol and will summit tomorrow! I caught up! Got to camp and there was a big party with five other hikers who had summited earlier and were just glowing. Incredible. Couldn't be happier to hang out and drink a beer and hear their story! We all decided to leave super early in the morning to avoid the day hikers so I headed to the shelter and ... trail magic! There was a lady making BBQ chicken and salad and watermelon cut out to look like feet. This day has ended perfectly.   And tomorrow....this chapter ends
Date: 2014-04-19
To: Springer Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got dropped off by Hiker Hostel at Amacalola Falls state park. Nice sunny day to start climbing the approach trail. A ranger was inside demonstrating live owls. Lots of people out today on easter Sunday. These Falls are the largest east of the Mississippi River. Stayed at the Hiker Hostel in Atlanta. Dahlonega is the site of America's first gold rush. On the approach trail a lady stopped me and asked if I worked there. I got that same question a number of times last year too. When did I turn into Ranger Bob? Also a man who was running up and down the steps at the falls stopped to wish me good luck. He said he was 63 and ran across America last summer by himself. He said I was an inspiration to him and others. I don't really feel like that though.so I spent all afternoon hiking up the approach trail, only to end up at milepoint 0 on the Appalachian Trail. Perfect.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Springer Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Only 2 other thru-hikers showed up at the shelter last night. Yesterday when I signed the 2014 thru-hikers register at the State park, I was number 1,228 to do so. Met a hiker today who said he needed to lighten his pack. His food bag alone weighed 27 lbs! Yikes. There was nice walking today along Stover creek, with the Hemlocks. Lot's of ups and downs this afternoon, many "gaps". I am definitly behind the "herd" of thru-hikers.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice Pleasant night at the shelter last night. Hiked up and over Blood Mountain. Highest point on the AT in GA.. Lightly raining and foggy at the top though. Stopped for a couple hours at Walasi-Yi Center. Had a couple come to the Hostel there and brought us a bunch of food for dinner. Had a great meal there with 12 other hikers.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 19.1

Nice sunrise this morning with my morning coffee at Blue Mountain. Walking through the "Mark Trail Wilderness" The only Federal wilderness area to be named after a comic strip character. It was a comic strip in the 1950's and 60's. Cooked dinner at Dick's Creek Gap then slept in the woods across the street till morning and then go into Hiawassee for a zero.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Dick's Creek Gap

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

Zero day in Hiawassee yesterday. Stayed at Budget inn. Full house of hikers. Dicks creek gap was full of people hitting the trail. Including buses full of Boy Scout troops. I've seen more hikers on the trail in the first five days than I did on the entire CDT last two summers.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Campsite at Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2

Yesterday at the last shelter there were a young couple who thru hiked the AT last year. They were starting a business of lightweight dehydrted food for backpackers. It all looked good, but I am buying as I go. Also a newlywed couple with a small guitar, and they played some acoustic blues around the campfire. Very nice.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Campsite at Betty Creek Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

first heavy rain last night. Next 2 days might bring more. Up and over Albert mountain, then climbed up to the fire tower. Great views. I wish we had more views like that early on. Best view today was on top of Silar Bald.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

Big storm came through last night. Heavy rain, lightning and wind. and thunder. Luckily though the rain ended early this morning so I didn't have to walk in it all day. Didn't see too mant other hikers on the trail, they were all huddled up in the shelters today. They were all expecting more rain.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: moderate rain

Spent a couple hours today at NOC. Shower, laundry, lunch. Then a huge climb out of Nantahala River Gorge. One of the longest climbs on the AT. Rain again in the afternoon. The Nantahala River is one of the premier whitewater rafting destinations in the southern Appalacians Mountains.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Still hiking in the nantahala National Forest. 1.3 million acres in western North Carolina. Nantahala is a Cherokee word, which translated by the U.S. Forest Service as meaning "land of the noonday sun". lately I have not seen the sun for 3 daysdue to rain.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Walked across Fontana Dam today. One of the highest dams in the est. Bears are already being sighted by other hikers, but we didn't see any today. Very nice weather last couple of days, warming up. Officially in the Smoky Mountains now. AT thru hikers are now required to stay at shelters, plus pay a 20.00 fee.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Fairly rugged terrain today. Steep ups and downs with no real change in elevation. Finally getting some open views from atop mountains. Hiked over "rocky Top" today with views of Fontana Lake. Only went 12 miles total, but it felt like much more.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Newfound Gap

To: Ice water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked out of Gatlinburg this afternoon. Had a run in with a bear on the trail prior to getting to the shelter. It just kept walking on the trail for 20 minutes and would not let us pass. Also later the bear tried to sneak up to the shelter at night. We had to yell loudly at it to shoo it away.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Ice water Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Longer walk today. lots of good ridge walking, with Tennessee on the left and North Carolina on the right. The trail has alot of impressive stone work. Built by the CCC in the 1930's, by unemployed men. Many public work projects were completed throughout the US.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Ground Hog Shelter

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: light rain

hiked up and over Max Patch today. Great views in all directions. rained again this morning. Had to walk a few hours in the rain. saw a mama bear and her small cub near the trail. I have never seen cubs in the wild before. Heading into Hot Springs, NC tomorrow morning.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

Short walk today into the nice friendly resort town of Hot Springs North Carolina. Tried to get a soak in the hot springs at the resort but they had no openings. It was a Sunday and Mothers Day so everyone was out. Checked into The Sunnybank Inn for the night.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

Long climbing today out of Hot Springs! Hot and buggy too. Had a nice stay at the Sunnybank Inn with Elmer. Great food and good company with other hikers. Getting hotter now. Heard some thunder in the distance but luckily no storms. Passed by several gravestone along the trail of mountain folk who died long ago. You wonder how their lives were then.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Flint Mtn Shelter

To: Campsite at Little Bald Mtn
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: broken clouds

Went over "Big Bald" today. Excellent panoramic views. Thankfully it was a nice day. Otherwise it would be a very exposed hike. Completed a section of trail today that actually goes directly south for 16 miles. Tough to imagine that when you are trying to make progress north.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Erwin, TN

To: Campsite at USFS 230
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Got all cleaned up in town. Left at 2pm back to trail. Stopped at Uncle Johnny's Hostel and picked up our food boxes on the way out. Big uphill hiking leaving Erwin. I could not find an extra Gopro battery in town. Most hikers have got a shuttle to Damascus for Trail Days. we are just going to continue to hike north.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Campsite at USFS 230

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Very cold this morning! Another cloudy day but no rain. Long climbing uphill today toward Roan Mountain. Some local cars drove by our roadside camp last night honking their horns. Tomorrow morning we'll walk over Roan Mtn, elevation 6,212. This is the last time at 6,000 feet until MT Washington in New Hampshire.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Ash Gap

To: Open Ridge
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Climbed over roan Mountain. Site of once a Grand Hotel named Cloudland. In the afternoon we walked over many "balds" summits and high points. The Roan Highlands they are called. Very nice indeed and a trail highlight. It was a great day for pictures. Also the sun finally came out this afternoon. Rhododendron flowers are starting to bloom in some places. Stopped at the picturesque Overmountain shelter for lunch. What a fantastic setting!
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Open Ridge

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: broken clouds

After the high views of yesterday we are back in the forest and the long green tunnel. Got down to Kincora Hostel only to find it swamped with over 100 hikers brough down from Trail Days to do trail work. We ended up going over to Black Bear Resort down the road. Today was sunny all day! Passed a few waterfalls along the trail today. Very scenic to see that naturally.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Watauga Lake
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent last night at Black Bear resort. Went over to Kincora Hostel this morning to pick up a package. Had a nice lunch with Bob Peoples and Baltimore Jack, and other hikers. Stopped by nice Laurel Falls this afternoon. Seeing more thru hikers now that Trail Daze in Damacus is over. temps warming up. this Laurel Fork Gorge area has many sheer cliffsm, and waterfalls, another highlight of the AT.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Watauga Lake

To: Footbridge at stream
Miles today: 18.1

Camped at Watauga Lake last night. Several hikers had their food bags gotten eaten by bears. It is a mama bear and her 3 cubs that are getting peoples foods. Luckily our food was not eaten. Today we saw 11 bears in 45 minutes. Amazing. We came upon a mama bear and her 3 cubs along the trail, and the bear would not move away. We tried to make noise by banging our hiking sticks but the bear wouldn't move for 30 minutes. Mama bear started huffing and started to circle around us in the woods. So we decided to head back 1 mile to a shelter for the night and try again in the morning. A couple hundred yards later we run inti another mother bear with with cubs on the trail. So now we are between 2 bears with cubs! A pickle! Soon a group came by and we walked with past all the bears. We hung our food tonight hoping no bears will eat our food.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Footbridge at stream

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: scattered clouds

came down with some 24 hour virus. felt very bad and got sick. Luckily it passed quickly. A day off in damascus helped alot. staying at The Place.. An AT Hostel like house. The bunks have no mattresses, no refrigerator, or stove in the kitchen. But for just 6 dollars, it is a nice enough place to stay. Ate alot of food in town to regain my strength back. Memorial Day weekend now. Seeing alot of tourists out, espially on VA Creeper Trail.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Damascus, VA

To: Campsite at Pond
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

got a late start leaving town again. so many things to do. email, laundry, shopping, post office, resupply, updating journals at library, eating food, writing post cards, looking up, upcoming trail maps, and future town stops. drying out my gear, then, maybe, get some rest before leaving town again. Right now we are in MT Rogers national recreation area. going to sleep now to the sound of bullfrogs croaking in a nearby pond.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Campsite at Pond

To: Stream
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: light rain

hiking thru Mt Rogers Nat'l Recreation Area today. great lunch spot today up at Buzzard Rock. Nice open views with great weather. This holiday weekend many are camped out near MT Rogers. There must have been at least 200 hundred people camped all over the area. It is a beautiful area and place to camp. Walked thru Grayson Highlands State Park. Saw some semi-wild ponies grazing. Hope the MT Rogers area doesn't get overused.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Stream

To: South Fork Holston River
Miles today: 23.0

Waled thru another herd of ponies this morning. They had some small baby ponies too. Very cute. After yesterdays nice views near Mt Rogers, we are back in the tunnel. At the end of the day we saw some big chest on the side of the trail, which said "trail majic". It was packed with many types of snacks, candies, coffee and other goodies. After we snacked, we met two women coming down the trail at 7:30 pm. They were restocking the chest. Very nice!
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Campsite

To: Garden Mountain
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had some great trail majic this morning at VA 42. Church volunteers from a group called ATOM, AT Outreach Ministries drove from AK and set up grills. They had everything, hot dogs, burgers, etc., . We were walking through areas of so much history, especially the early westward movement of American Settlers. In the afternoon we climbed the open summit of Chestnut Knob, with spectacular views of farms of Burkes Garden.
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Garden Mountain

To: Campsite
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Longer hiking day today. All of it in the woods. walking on ridgecrests. Today was one of those days when you feel like you are "connecting" the dots. From point A to point B. Not alot of views through the woods, but still pleasant walking none the less. Sleeping tonight right next to trail about 1 mile north of Helveys Mill Shelter, which used to be informally called Dead Sheep Shelter. the USFS vetoed the informal name.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Campsite

To: Dirt Road
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Passed the 600 mile mark today! Had a first swim break today too. Took a nice cool dip in Dismal Creek after lunch. Water is actually cold! Camped by a pond tonite. Very loud right now at sunset. Crickets, frogs, whatever else is making alot a noise. Tomorrow morning we head into Woodshole Hostel. A great place to stay. A little slice of heaven.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Dirt Road

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Short walk this morning to Woods Holw Hostel. It is a 1880's chestnut log cabin. Opened in 1986 by Roy and Tilly Wood. Their grandaughter Neville and her husband continue to operate it. An emphasis is on sustainable living through beekeeping, farming, organic gardening. A slice of heaven, not to be missed.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Hemlock Ridge
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice dinner and breakfast at Woods Hole Hostel. Before eating we stand in a circle holding hands. Each of us hikers tells where we are from and what we are thankful for. Something different. Went in and out of Pearisburg this afternoon. No need to spend the night, just resupply and go. Walked across a big road bridge of the "New River". Called the second oldest river in the world. Pearisburg is named for George Pearis, a Revolutionary War Soldier and early settler.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Hemlock Ridge

To: Bailey Gap shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

There is a new trail coming out of Pearisburg, which adds more milage. We hiked 12 miles of ridge on the west VA and VA state line today. Rain this morning. We set up my tarp at lunch and had coffee with lunch, and stayed dry. AT passed an intersection on or with the Allegheny Trail, another long distance trail that runs through west Virginia to the Mason-Dixon Line. the rain today caused reduced views, but there were some cool looking fog in the trees along the trail.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Bailey Gap shelter

To: powerline campsite
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

Not as many rocks on the trail as yesterday. Nice lunchbreak at war Spur Shelter. Next to babbling creek with coffee to boot! Passed by Keffer Oak tree. One of the largest standing blazed trees on the AT. Named for the late Rev Keffer, a former landowner. It's girth is over 18 feet and it is over 300 years old. It is 10 pm now as I write this, and we are getting thunder, lightning, and rain. This is nice of course because I am in my tent! I like the sound of rain in my tent!
Date: 2014-06-05
From: powerline campsite

To: Scout trail
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Passed by "Eastern Contintental Divide". Also stopped by Audie Murphy monument. He was the decorated american soldier of WW2. he died in a plane crash on Brush Mountain in 1971. went by Dragon's tooth. very popular area. Very steep downhill hiking late in the day. Quote from the AT Guidebook for VA. " The footway is, at times, rocky and uneven, making walking difficult". Who keeps saying VA is all level? great views today from Cove Mountain.
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Black Horse Gap

To: Campsite
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

Missed a few days of notes. The last few days we went over Mcaffees Knob, tinkers Cliff, and ridge. very nice, but hard hiking at times. went into Daleville to resupply. There was a hiker celebration going on in town. yesterday we saw the Blue Ridge Parkway for the first time. the trail will follow it closely at times. Today was also Snake day. saw lots of big black snakes. Had a nice afternoon swim in cool jennings Creek. So nice to cool off.
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Campsite

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: haze

Up and over Apple Orchard Mountain . Big climbs in hotter weather now. the heat really makes you sweat alot and takes alot of energy out of you.. came into Glasgow today. Camped in town at a shelter the town provides with a shower. Had all you can eat spaghetti dinner but after one plate I was stuffed. My stomach shrinks so much out here. Waked across the James River on the Foot Bridge.. 625 feet, it is the longest foot only bridge on the AT.