morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: light rain

Considered a "0" day but sitting still all day didn't appeal to me. I have a blister trying to form on the ball of my left foot and both feet burn as I hike...I'll survive. Pretty easy hike day. Seeing lots of pink Ladies Slippers and the ultimate reward for continuing my hike...Max Patch! A real trip highlight. Windy and cold at the summit but the view is awesome. A beautiful clear day and a true 360 view. Rescue #1 has to see this. Stick, Catfish, and Butter Boy shared Max Patch with me then they headed to the parking lot to try to get a hitch back towards Stand Bear where they left their car. I continued my hike to the shelter and since today was so nice I decided to stay in my tent instead of the shelter. BIG MISTAKE!
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: 266.4 Old Dirt Road
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After a night of heavy rain, I brought my tent to the empty shelter and dried it the best I could. Didn't leave the shelter until 10:00 am because I planned to hike only 4.9 miles to Walnut Mountain Shelter but upon arriving at Noon I decided to continue hiking. After a fairly simple climb up Bluf Mountain I began the 4 mile descent. Stealth camped on an old dirt road for the night. Very quiet with no one around so slept soundly.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: 266.4 Old Dirt Road

To: Laughing Heart Hostel; Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: broken clouds

After a good nights sleep I woke late and packed up. Ate a cold breakfast as I was excited to get to Hot Springs today. Meeting Rescue#1 on Sunday and will be heading home to see my mom and attend a family reunion in Indiana. A pretty quick hike into Hot Springs and just as I came out of the woods to my left was the Laughing Heart Hostel and Wicca Witch sitting out front. Rescue#1 made reservations at the Iron Horse Hotel but I was a day early so I stayed at the Laughing Heart for the night. First order of business was a shower then I unpacked my backpack, gathered laundry and walked into to Hot Springs. Clean me, clean clothes, I was again feeling human and I was hungry. Next stop, Smoky Mountain Diner and I highly recommend the 8oz angus cheeseburger!
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Hot Springs, North Carolina

To: Hot Springs, North Carolina
Miles today: 0.0

Rescue#1 and I did the Hot Springs tour. Not much to Hot Springs. We ate breakfast with Bobcat and The Comfort Boys at the Smoky Mountain Diner and as they prepared to return to the trail I wanted to return to Max Patch. A long drive on dirt roads (I thinking hiking was better) but another good view day. Rescue#1 was impressed. I was glad to be able to share part of the trail with him. Tomorrow we head home and my plan is to return to the trail after my mom flys back to Texas.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 8.1

Today was a slack-pack, catch-up day. I missed this section of trail the first time through and am really glad I was able to hike it today. Rescue#1 dropped me off in the Clingman's Dome parking lot where Bobcat and I left the trail about a month ago. I hiked an unnecessary mile up hill before joining the AT (silly me). Having been off the trail for a few weeks made today's hike more difficult than it should have been. The predominately downhill trail stressed my knees but the views descending Clingman's Dome were fantastic. The climb up Mt Collins was less than a mile but I was glad to see the peak. The north side of Mt Collins all the way to Newfound Gap was a true tribute to the trail maintainers. The obvious carnage left by Hurricane Sandy has been transformed into some of the best hiking trail I've encountered. Thank you!!! As I hiked I was surprised to meet Rescue#1 who found a trail access and hiked 1.5 miles uphill to meet me. Love that man! I followed him to the car and left my pack and continued the 1.7 miles to Newfound Gap. There are two wild hog containment bridges in this section to protect a stand of Beech trees. I actually saw no sign of wild hog activity all day. They can really tear up the trail. Rescue#1 met me at Newfound Gap and we returned to the trailer. I have a sore foot and knee. This off and on the trail hike is hard on the body and I don't recommend it. I build up my endurance just as I leave the trail. Day off tomorrow to spend Fathers Day with Rescue#1 and let my old bones rest, then back to Hot Springs to pick up where I left off. Glad to be back on the AT!
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Newfound Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Fathers Day with Rescue#1. We did some sightseeing at Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and then to Davy Crockett State Park. He talked to all the kids and some grandkids and watched golf on TV. I think his day was good. I'm back to hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Allen Gap. NC 208 / TN 70

To: Tanyard Gap
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: light rain

Rescue#1dropped me off at NC 208 / TN 70, right beside Mom's Store, and I hiked a short distance up an abandoned road to the AT. Hiking Sobo toward Hot Springs. Took me 45 minutes to reach the first peak but the trail was easy walking. No ankle breakers today. We had thunderstorms during the night and this mornings humidity was extreme. A light rain started about a mile before I reached Spring Mountain Shelter which helped break the humidity and helped cool me. Lazy Days was at the shelter when I got there. He was on his first backpacking trip and spent the night alone in the shelter with "lots of mice". I ate lunch and donned my rain gear and descended Spring Mountain to Hurricane Gap. The rain stopped and the humidity picked back up. Very few people on the trail but did meet two couples on my way to Tanyard Gap parking area to meet Rescue#1.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Tanyard Gap

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 5.5

What an enjoyable hike today. Rescue#1dropped me off at Tanyard Gap and I headed southbound towards Hot Springs where I met Rescue#1 for lunch. A rainy day hike but I like hiking in the rain when I know I can get warm and dry at the end of the day. A few interesting events as I made my way down the trail. I saw no one on the trail until I was a quarter mile from Hot Springs and because I solo I click my trekking poles occasionally at blind spots. At one point I clicked and something big ran through the woods to my left. Could have been a deer, a bear, Sasquatch or maybe an elephant??? A few miles later I startled a large flock of turkey beside the trail. What a lot of noise turkeys make trying to get off the ground. Near the end of my hike, as I stood watching the French Broad River flow, I felt something pushing against the back if my leg. I looked down to see a newborn fawn nuzzling my calf. His mother was not in sight but I'm hoping was near by. As I would walk away he followed bawling loudly. I had to hike fast to get away from him. Hopefully mom returned soon. The trail surface was wet but for the most part was flat and the assents and descents were gentle EXCEPT the climb down the mountain side from Lovers Leap Rock. Yikes!
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light rain

Rescue#1 dropped me off and I headed south. Very pleasant hiking for the first 3.5 miles. I stopped for a break at Flint Mtn. Shelter then climbed out of Flint Gap to Coldspring Mtn. The humidity and heat became too much so stopped for a short break at the Shelton graves. As I rested up the hill north bound comes a dad and 3 kids 8 to 12 years old out for a week. I love to see families on the trail. Those children are learning to appreciate nature and that can only help us all in the long run. I continued my hike on an old gravel road with many stagnant pools filled with polliwogs. Lots of frogs coming to this part of the world. A gentle climb up Big Butt Mtn. Took an unexpected turn into a major downhill rock scramble just as the rain started. That is when I slipped on a wet boulder and fell on my big butt. My butt was fine but I have a big goose egg on my elbow. The rain did break the humidity for a while. I worked my way through the rocks but was concerned I'd lost the trail which was poorly blazed in this section. I came upon a Nobo hiker and was more confident as I hiked through an overgrown field chest high in weeds. The trail is very closed in. Finally arrived at Jerry Cabin Shelter. A great shelter with piped in water close by. Lots of company and a good night.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Got an early start this morning while it was still cool. All last evening I contemplated whether to cross the 1.5 mile Firescald Ridge or take the bypass. Hikers I talked to said it was tough. Well, so am I...I hope. I climbed the ridge and loved it! The ridge is only 8 feet wide in spots but the shrubs on the edges give the illusion of security. Glad this part of the trail was early in my day while I was still fresh. Sections of the trail again were not well marked but I would eventually find a blaze and feel more confident. Yesterday's hikers were talking of a lost horse who I came upon today. The poor fellow stood across the trail and no amount of talking could persuade him to move. His head was covered with a mask so I don't know if he could see at all. I finally skirted around him and reported his location later in the day. Hope he made it home. My day ended at Mom's Store in Allen Gap just as heavy rain started. My guardian angel is still looking out for me.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Sams Gap

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

Great hiking day. Rescue#1 dropped me off at Sams Gap at 7:40 this morning while the humidity and air temperature were low. I hiked south again today so up I went to High Rock at 4460. The climb was pretty gentle and a slight breeze made the hike comfortable. There are many old barbed wire fence rows along this section of trail which continues to flip back and forth between North Carolina and Tennessee. I hiked past Hogback Ridge shelter as it was too early for a break and I was concerned about the darkening sky which quickly cleared. I saw two solo hikers, both I had encountered a few days ago and a group of four hikers. Not many people on the trail right now. I'm hearing rumors of another outbreak of Noro-virus so will continue slack-packing and returning to the trailer at night. I like a daily shower anyway. Rescue#1 is the best! Done with my hike today by Noon. Tomorrow I head north again.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Sams Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 13.4

Rescue#1 dropped me off at Sams Gap and I hiked north to Spivey Gap. Plenty of up and downs the first 8 miles but Big Bald was totally worth the work. Big Bald and Big Stamp both were covered in yellow flowers and the view off of the bald was clear with the exception of a rain cloud headed my way. Didn't get to stay long but enjoyed the visit. Hiked to Big Bald Shelter for lunch and continued up the trail to Little Bald (not so impressive as Big Bald) then to High Rocks. Rescue#1 met me at Spivey Gap. I did not get rained on all day but the rain fell just in front of where I hiked so I got the wet grass and mud. A trip to the laundry this evening! Good day on the trail.   PS I read in the Big Bald Shelter journal that a hiker led the lost horse I spoke of a few days ago, to it's home. Now, if only I knew that mama deer returned to her little fawn in Hot Springs.
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Spivey Gap

To: Nolichucky Gorge Campground
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Rescue#1 dropped me off at Spevey Gap and I headed north. Another day seeing no backpackers on the trail. I did see two hikers at No Business Knob Shelter with Norovirus symptoms. They had spent the previous night at Uncle Johnnys in Erwin. I wished them the best and quickly continued on my way. This section of trail was pretty easy hiking. After the first 30 minutes of incline the trail was a gentle up and down. Great views of Erwin on the descent from Cliff Ridge. I saw a Violet Coral Mushroom growing on the trail. It's edible with a radish taste. Don't eat much as it may have a laxative effect. So much variety on the trail.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Nolichucky Gorge Campground
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: light rain

The day started at 8:30 a.m. with a heavy downpour which lasted just long enough for me to get into my rain gear. A southbound muggy hot, rocky ankle breaker, slippery tree root, watch your every step day. Because I was southbound I saw 11 backpackers headed north and enjoyed talking to other hikers. Stopped for lunch at Curley Maple Gap Shelter...no privy. The last three miles of trail returning to Nolichucky Gorge Campgound ran along Jones Branch, crossing many times by stepping stones or foot bridges. A short hike day but I was ready to get in out of the heat! Another heavy downpour 30 minutes after I got off the trail. Thank you guardian angel. Plan an earlier start tomorrow to hopefully avoid some humidity.
Date: 2013-06-27
From: INDIAN GRAVE GAP

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

What a contrast to yesterday's hike. The trail was easy walking and the weather much cooler. Started the day climbing to Beauty Spot, a grassy bald. As I hiked I could smell deer or bear so would click my poles occasionally. Don't really know what bears smell like but guess it can't be good. When I reached Beauty Spot I did see fresh bear scat and he'd been eating lots of berries. At the summit I raised a covey of quail and a turkey. Beauty Spot has good views but mine were heavy with clouds so I moved on. I descended Beauty Spot to Deep Gap. The rain started and continued through out the rest of my hike. No bugs today! I met two Erwin bound section hikers as I climbed Unaka Mountain. They were the only hikers I saw today. The 1.5 mile climb wasn't bad and the footing continued to be, for the most, stumble free. The peak of Unaka is beautiful. Azaleas in bright orange bloom and surrounded by a spruce forrest. A young buck with antlers still in velvet led me down the cloud draped trail. He was intent on eating and when I'd get too close he'd move on a few feet. The downhill trail was more a creek than trail so I walked in the forrest keeping an eye on the blazes. Very little undergrowth in the amongst the Spruce. Loved this section. I stopped for lunch at a campsite at Low Gap at the base of Unaka and made another stop a few miles further at Cherry Gap Shelter. I was meeting Rescue#1 at 3:00 at Iron Mountain Gap and had time to spare so checked out the rock outcrop on the descent. The ATC Guide Book says these rocks are 1.1 billion years old. An enjoyable day but tired. May zero tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Hughes Gap
Miles today: 9.2

What a wonderful hiking day with perfect weather, beautiful trail, and outstanding views. I even encountered some familiar faces. I didn't begin my hike until 8:00 a.m. and after my zero day yesterday I was we'll rested. The trail started with some very gradual incline for 2.3 miles to a rock pillar formation then pleasant trail to Greasy Creek Gap and on to Clyde Smith Shelter for a lunch break. Saw seven sobos before lunch and on the trail to the shelter I came across a volunteer work crew working on a trail re-route. The ATC Crew leader was Muffin Man who I met back in March near Neel Gap.   After lunch I headed to Little Rock Knob and the most challenging part of the day with a steep rock climb before summiting. Fantastic views at the top! The trail was all downhill from there. Rescue#1 hiked south on the trail and met me about a mile before Hughes Gap. Nice surprise. Met "Teacher", who I've run into twice before, taking his lunch break (Teacher is not his trail name because he doesn't want one but I need to call him something.) He was about to take on Roan Mountain. I will do that tomorrow. . Great day on the AT!
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Hughes Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

I am the ultimate flip-flopper thanks to my wonderful Rescue#1. I started my 4 mile southbound hike today atop Roan Mtn. at the site of the Cloudland Hotel. The Rhododendron were still in full bloom at the 6150 foot elevation. The first mile of trail was rocky and wet but well marked and the remainder downhill trail to Hughes Gap was fairly easy. In two hours I met Rescue#1 and he returned me to my starting point where I hiked north up and over the balds. What a beautiful day to hike the balds with comfortable temperatures, sunny skys and unbeatable views. I saw the very rare Gray's Lily in bloom and the bright orange Flame Azalea in full flower on Round Bald and then ate lunch on the rock slab atop Jane Bald. Lots of picture taking today. Saw many day hikers and tourists on the trail around the balds and answered lots of backpacker questions like "Do you carry a gun?" and "Aren't you afraid of bears?" If anything ever happens to me on the trail there will be lots of folks who can say..."I told her so!" I can honestly say I don't feel afraid but I don't hike unaware of my surroundings and I don't really hike alone either. After hiking on the balds, reentering the woods seemed claustrophobic. I left the tourists behind and saw no other hikers until reaching Stan Murray Shelter where I met Big Bob, an AT 2000 miler and Orlando, a section hiker from Florida. I enjoyed their trail stories which both told with a great deal of theatrics. I'm really enjoying this experience. I finished my hike at Overmountain Shelter which added to the perfect day. This shelter is a renovated barn and has the best view of any shelter I've seen. I slept on the platform with a beautiful view to the southeast with Wildflower and her family. They've hiked a section of the AT every year for the last 11 years and are approaching 400 miles. There are 12 people in the shelter and 14 tenters outside. Not alone tonight and having a good time.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: US 19E
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke with the birds this morning after a windy, stormy night. I didn't get my sunrise but I did get a good nights rest. Light showers fell as I cooked, ate my breakfast and packed. I was on the trail by 7:30. Yesterday Big Bob told me the Roan Highlands were spectacular so I was anxious to see for myself. I. Said my goodbyes and left the shelter climbing out of Yellow Mtn. Gap and up Little Hump Mountain. A nice clearing on the way to the top with a good view of Overmountain Shelter and the valley below. I met Orlando at the top of Little Hump where he had tented. We hiked to Bradley Gap and the summit of Hump Mountain together. AWOL states in his A.T. Guide "NoBos have several false summits"...yup! Orlando and I leap frogged our way to the summit through the clouds. A very brief view at times as the clouds floated around but we were pretty much walled in. On the way we encountered a deer who welcomed us to yet another false summit. Finally reaching the actual summit and the Stan Murray plaque we parted and I began the long descend across the balds as clouds finally lifted and I got some great views. I love the grassy balds and am glad they are being saved. To walk through a grassy bald after days in the green tunnel is a real treat but back into the woods I went for the 4 miles to US 19E to meet Rescue#1. The descent was at times bolder hopping and steep but I enjoyed the hike. Today is the end of this hike session but I plan to return in the fall.
Date: 2013-08-23
From: 19E

To: Moutaineer Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Back on the trail after 7 weeks away. It seemed the hills and distance magically doubled and the endurance i'd gained is lost but I'm glad I'm here. Crazy Legs has returned with me. She started at Springer but had to leave at mile 91. Glad to have company. Rescue #1 dropped us off at 19E and we started hiking north. The trail was generally uphill but never steep. For a time we hiked along a jeep path with fresh bear scat and prints. No bear sightings. Soon after passing Isaac Cemetery we stopped just before Campbell Road for lunch. Nice campsite but close to the road and we could hear neighboring dogs barking. We took the .10 mile blue-blaze to Jones Falls which is fantastic and should not be missed. The hike along Elk river was nice. The river appears to be heavily fished as there are many side trails. Rumbles of distant thunder followed us along the river. Our ascent to Mountaineer Falls and then shelter wasn't dramatic but the heat and humidity did me in. Glad to see the shelter which we had to ourselves, except for the carved bear on the second level. Around 8:30 we had three section hikers join our campfire. They pitched tents on the hill behind the shelter. The shelter and water access is good but no privy or bear poles. Of course there are mice who took advantage of the fact I did not properly store my toilet paper. Good day on the AT.
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Moutaineer Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

Left Mountaineer Shelter at 8:00 after a good nights sleep. Heard Bared Owls calling in the night. We saw no hikers on the trail other than the three section hiker we met last night. They had a 17 mile day and didn't dawdle. Gentle trail with many stream crossings. Took our time today and arrived at our shelter around 3:00 where we met Country Gold who is headed back to his job at Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin. As he and I talked there were many hikers we both knew from our earlier hikes. Its a small world. An enjoyable evening.
Date: 2013-08-25
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: AWOL419.2 Side trail to Hampton, Tn
Miles today: 8.7

Left Moreland Gap Shelter at 8:00 headed to meet Rescue #1 at US 321. A mostly steep descent but the reward was Laurel Falls. Blazing is sparse to non existent but we made it to the falls. Laurel Falls is beautiful. Continuing on the AT was another challenge to find and stay on the trail but we climbed our way to the blue blaze leading to Hampton, Tn. and Rescue #1.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: AWOL419.2 Side trail to Hampton, Tn

To: US 321
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: broken clouds

5.9Hiked the return 1 mile to the AT from 321 and up we went. Thank goodness for switchbacks! Today we hiked up to Pond Flats. Another day of seeing no one on the trail. Slow and steady got us to the summit and a lunch break. Saw the pond but it was dry. The downhill wasn't bad either. Met Rescue at US 321.
Date: 2013-08-27
From: US 321

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: light rain

Rescue dropped us off at 321 and we hiked around Watauga Lake. The Watauga Shelter is closed until December 1 because of bear activity. We saw a lot of bear signs and trash but no bears. Watauga Lake is beautiful but we saw no one on the lake however we did encountered 3hikers on the trail, no one at the shelter tonight.
Date: 2013-08-28
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: TN 91
Miles today: 11.4

There is the possibility of a great view of Watauga Lake but both last night and this morning we were banked in. Very little view last night and none this morning. Neither Crazy Legs nor I slept well last night with the mice playing marbles on the roof of the shelter. I woke every two hours, checked my watch and listened to the sounds of Mother Nature's creatures in the woods and in the shelter. Glad for daylight and getting ready to hit the trail. Today we hiked 11.4 miles which was Crazy Legs' longest day. The first half was difficult with ascents and, at times, poor footing, but the last half wasn't bad. We stopped for a long lunch break at Iron Mountain Shelter whiched helped with the remainder of the trip. Most of the day was cloud walking but by the last 4 miles the sun was shinning. Rescue picked us up at TN 91. A long day but can think of no place else I'd rather be.