morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam Shelter "Fontana Hilton"
Miles today: 1.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Lazy morning waiting for the post office to open. Check out was at 11:00am so I hung out in my room till then before heading down to the post office to wait. Saw Rambo outside the general store so stopped and hung out with her until the post office opened. The post office told me it was delivered to the lodge two days ago so I walked back up to the lodge to see if they had it. Of course they did. They just couldn't find it yesterday. By then it was after noon so I decided to only hike 1.2 miles and stay at the Fontana Dam Shelter instead of heading into the Smokies. The Smokies requires hikers to stay at shelters and the first shelter is 11 miles in. Jabberwalki was at the shelter but left shortly. He and another guy were going to hike 30 miles planning to finish after midnight. Rambo showed up with ice cream. Thanks Rambo! That drumstick definitely hit the spot. Met Bumpy and Jumanji, Chef Odin, and Smooth D. Smooth D showed up with a twelve pack of beer and was handing them out. Thanks Smooth D! A bunch of other hikers showed up but I didn't get many of their names. Nice shelter but I'm looking forward to moving on tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Fontana Dam Shelter 

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got an early start this morning. Rambo and I were on the trail by 7:30am. The first few miles were on pavement crossing the dam and getting to the Smokies. Rambo is doing research on the history of places along the trail and told me Fontana Dam was the fourth largest dam in the world when it was built in the 40's and is now sixth largest in the US. Fontana lake is super polluted. We saw more than one mattress and a ton of other trash everywhere. No wonder no one is on the lake or fishing in it. Stopped and talked to a ridgerunner at the first shelter. He said tomorrow would be a pretty rough section of trail and some severe weather is coming in tonight. I saw a baby black bear near the trail. I didn't have my camera and once it heard me it took off running, but was still cool to see. I was first to the third shelter where I'm staying the night. Rambo was just a few minutes behind. Met Turtle, Grizzly 1 and TMI when they showed up later. Some other hikers showed up but I didn't get their names.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: moderate rain

Started the day planning 13.8 miles to Double Spring Gap Shelter but decided to stop at Silers Bald Shelter instead. All day it's been rainy windy and cold. Once I got to Silers Bald shelter the wind picked up even more and rain got harder. I was also told a bunch of people just left the shelter heading to Double Spring Shelter so since there was room here, and possibly not at the next shelter, Silers Bald seems pretty cozy. A number of hikers took a zero today and stayed here at the shelter to avoid the weather including New boots, Wannabe, Shades and Sweet Time. I stayed at the Top of Georgia Hostel with New Boots and Wannabe. First time meeting Shades and Sweet Time. I also met China Rock who hiked the PCT last year with Rambo. Today was by far the most miserable day hiking. The mud and footing here is much worse than previous mud. I'm really surprised I didn't fall multiple times. Though it was my worst hiking day it was also my best shelter day. It is a really fun group here. New Boots and Wannabe have been keeping a fire going to keep us warm. It seems to be going pretty good despite all the wood being soaking wet. Rambo also gave me the trail name Quiet Diet.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Gatlinburg 
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Slept ok. Mice were trying to get in my sleeping bag last night. Everything is still soaking wet. I hadn't planned on stopping in Gatlinburg but decided to so I could dry out and clean some of my gear. Sweet Time's food bag, which was hanging next to mine, was chewed through by mice. Half her food is jacked. Thankfully they didn't go after my food. Hiked past Clingman's Dome this morning which is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail. As with most of the look outs so far, we had a great view of a rain cloud. I took my first wrong turn today. I went about a quarter mile before realizing I was off the trail. Pretty annoying. It looked like rain this morning when I left so I put on all my rain gear only to have it become a beautiful day. I ended up hiking most of the day in my rain gear only taking off my rain jacket the last mile or so. Some lady asked if I was expecting more rain. Hilarious. When we got to Newfound Gap there was a shuttle driver trying to find some hikers that had called for a ride. He had been waiting for over half an hour and offered Rambo and I a free shuttle to Gatlinburg (normally $30). We certainly didn't turn that down. He also gave us a bag of apples. Staying at the Grand Prix Hotel tonight. Going to dinner at Texas Road House with Rambo and China Rock.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Gatlinburg

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't take too long to hitch a ride the 15 miles back to Newfound Gap. A nice retired couple from Kentucky gave us a ride. They come to the Smokies a few times a year for hiking. They didn't seem to get what Thru Hiking was since they kept asking how we get around. Asked us where our car was and if we take the bus. Pretty uneventful hike today. Really hungry today so I ended up eating more than I usually do. Should have plenty of food to get to next resupply though. The shelter here is nice but the lower bunk is so low I can't even sit up. Makes things difficult. Just over 15 miles left of the Smokies. May finish them tomorrow. We'll see.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Painted Branch Campground
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Dropped below freezing last night and is still in the 30's. I didn't know it was going to freeze so I didn't bring my water filter in my sleeping bag with me. It's possible it didn't freeze because it was in the shelter but if it did the filter is cracked and worthless now. I'm not really interested in risking it. I'll have to wait until Hot Springs to pick up a new one. Fortunately Rambo has Aqua Mira drops she said I could use until then. Thanks Rambo! I think someone stepped on my phone last night. Apparently repeatedly because the screen is completely shattered in what appears at least two contact points. I rubbed some seam sealer on it to hold it together until I can get to town and do a better repair job. It is still working so I don't really want to replace it until after the trail since there is a good chance for more phone accidents. Quite cold all morning. My hands were hurting and not working too well from being so cold even with my gloves on. By afternoon it was perfect weather. Stopped at Davenport Gap Shelter for a couple hours and hiked out of the smokies around 4:00pm. Stopped by Standing Bear Hostel for a rest and dinner. Yummy 3 meat frozen pizza. The Camel gave Rambo and I a beer as well. I didn't feel like spending money to stay there so I hiked a couple miles up the trail and found a campsite near Painted Branch Campground. Currently 31 miles from Hot Springs.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Painted Branch Campground

To: Forrest Road Campsite
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Slept in till about 7:30am today. On the trail by 8:30am. Some random ups and downs. Stopped by a shelter for a break and saw Stealth Bomber and Cyborg(aka John). Encountered some trail magic from some previous hikers at Brown Gap. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies, fruits, salad, sodas, duct tape. Really nice guys. Stayed there about an hour before moving on. It was a perfect day to hike up Max Patch. 360 degree views and no rain. Hung out there for about half hour with Rambo, Stealth Bomber, Cyborg and a group of hikers I didn't know. Lots of day hikers up there as well. Found a great campsite a few miles past Roaring Forks Shelter on an old trail next to a stream. It's always nice to find a campsite next to a water source. Rambo and I combined resources and had some delicious mashed potatoes with cheese, garlic, onion, spam and gravy. Tomorrow planning to hike to Deer Park Mountain Shelter three miles from Hot Springs then nearo into Hot Springs the following day.
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Forrest Road Campsite

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to rain with the expectation that it would rain all day. Luckily it stopped even before packing up. Passed a bunch of day hikers today. Staying at Deer Park Mountain Shelter. Rambo and I were the only ones here for most of the afternoon. Stripes stopped by to sign the log and Rebel Yell rolled in near dark to stay. 3.2 miles to Hot Springs tomorrow. Planning to stay at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. My achilles tendon has been popping a lot the past few days. Having a short day tomorrow will be nice.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The 3.2 miles into Hot Springs went by pretty fast. We got to Elmer's around 9:00am and luckily he had room for us. My mail drop was waiting on the back porch. Thanks Mom!! We couldn't get into our room until 11:00am so we went to the outfitter and did laundry. Also went to the tavern for a couple beers and some wings. Elmer cooks gourmet vegetarian meals so we had some tasty pasta with sauce, soup, and french bread. Planning on having breakfast as well. Elmer's is a nice hostel but there is no computer or wifi and my phone is roaming here so still not able to get in touch with anyone.
Date: 2015-04-27
To: Tanyard Gap
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent most of the day in Hot Springs. Had breakfast at Elmer's, pancakes, milk, cereal, coffee, tea. Pretty tasty. Went to the library to use their computer, went to the post office to send some stuff home, and hung out at the hiker ministries. Had a Burro California burrito at the mexican restaurant and hiked out of town about 4:00pm. The burrito did not sit well and still isn't sitting well. Eating a giant burrito then strapping on a hip belt is not a good idea, but a mistake I'm sure I'll make again before Maine. Found a nice camp spot. No rain in the forecast so not using my rain fly tonight. It's nice to look up at the stars.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Tanyard Gap

To: Jones Meadows
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Clear night last night with lots of stars out. Lots of uphill today. Pretty tiring. Stopped at a lookout tower for a few minutes. Nice 360 degree view with clear skies. Much better than being stuck in a rain cloud. Saw Yoo Hoo on the trail today. Met him briefly yesterday. Also met a couple at one of the shelters I stopped at for a break. Didn't get their names, but they seemed to be struggling a bit. Found a decent camp spot near Jones Meadows. Quite a few people their but pretty quiet and near water source.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Jones Meadows

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 14.8

Woke up early this morning and was able to see the sun rise over the mountains. Stopped at a few shelters for breaks and snacks. Saw a bunch of hikers I haven't seen before, but didn't really talk to any of them. Saw a few signs at road crossings telling hikers not to let dogs follow them and to "rock it away" if a dog starts to follow. It went on to say they have lost three dogs that went to follow hikers then got hit by cars. It's sad but it sounds like their dogs should be more secured so they can't run off. Found a nice camp spot near a stream, ate dinner early and was in my tent by 6:30pm. Early night.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Rough day today. Saw some more signs about hikers and dogs. I think three signs so far. It was pretty chilly this morning. Hailed this afternoon. The weather on top of Bald Mountain was terrible. Strong winds, cold, rain, hail, fog, and it started to thunder as we reached the summit. We were pretty exposed on the bald and thankfully didn't see any lightning. We pretty much ran over the summit to avoid being out in the open for too long. I'm sure it is quite beautiful there on a clear day. Luckily there was room in the shelter when we got here. Met hikers Moose Legs, Outro, and Seneca. Neemore showed up later as well. Still wet and cold. Rain continuing on and off. Plan to get close to Erwin tomorrow then nearo in the following day.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.8

Uncomfortably cold last night and this morning. Seneca had thermometer and said it was 45 degrees last evening before he went to bed. Felt colder than that this morning. We were pretty slow getting going this morning and were some of the last getting back on the trail. Trail was cold and muddy. Ice was falling off the trees as we crossed little bald. I'm really glad I put my water filter in my sleeping bag last night. Definitely not in the mood to buy another one. Stopped at No Business Shelter for a snack and found out we had already passed the last water source before Erwin. So instead of camping we decided it would be better to hike all the way to Erwin and either stealth camp or find a hostel. On the way to Erwin we met a couple of hikers that gave us Miss Janet's number. Miss Janet is a well known trail angel in Erwin that allows hikers to stay at her house for free, perfect! We were able to hitch a ride into Erwin from the first car we saw. Our ride dropped us off at the KFC with an all you can eat buffet. We ate way too much food and texted Miss Janet to see if we could stay at her house. Miss Janet didn't reply so we looked up her address online and knocked on her door to find out she didn't live there anymore. Oops, sorry. The woman that lives there offered us a ride to Miss Janet's current house which we gladly accepted. While we were waiting for her daughter to take us over Miss Janet replied and said it was cool if we crashed at her place. We found out later it was Miss Janet's daughter we got the ride from. When we got to Miss Janet's she wasn't there but the place was full of hikers. We pitched our tents on the lawn, jumped in the shower and did a load of laundry. The other hikers said Miss Janet was at dinner and driving people around. She still isn't back yet.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early and left Miss Janet's before anyone else was up. Unfortunately we never got to meet Miss Janet. We walked past a laundromat on our way to a coffee shop when a guy asked us if we were hikers and wanted a ride in his van after his laundry finished drying. We reluctantly agreed and as we were heading into the laundromat to use the restroom a woman he was talking to warningly said "he's insane." He replied "I'm not insane." She than said "He's insane, talk to him for 5 minutes, he has mental problems." He kept reassuring us he didn't but after using the restroom we decided to politely decline his off and continue walking. About a half mile later we met Rain who asked if we needed a ride. Rain hiked the AT last year and after talking to her a little bit found out she didn't have room in her car to give us a ride. She then asked for directions to Miss Janet's and left. We continued walking to the coffee shop that wasn't open. So we decided to go to the Choo Choo Cafe which was also closed. As was the Hawg and Dawg restaurant. I expected more to be open at 9:00am on a Saturday. As we were decided what to do, a creepy old guy with a sagging eye that was draining large amounts of puss stopped to talk to us about the construction going on down the street. Fortunately that was a brief encounter. We decided to head back the way we came. The coffee shop we had tried first was open when we passed by again so we went in for some coffee and a pastry. The girl behind the counter said she had to wait for a train so she was late opening. We decided to stay at the Best Southern Hotel since it is closer to the trail and has a grocer near by. The Best Southern Hotel was another mile and a half walk. On the way two people stopped and asked us if we needed a ride, but judging my our morning encounters we politely declined and just walked. We got to the hotel before 11:00am. The office was locked with a sign on it saying to call a number if we wanted a room. The number turned out to be the Super 8 across town. The guy at Super 8 said he would be right over. Half hour later we were finally checked into a room. Made our way to the Pizza Plus for their lunch buffet and again ate too much. Rambo had a mail drop at one of the hostels so she got a ride to pick it up. Hit dollar general and the grocer for resupply and made some delicious shrimp scampi with tomato and avocado salad for dinner. Quite a day.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Erwin, TN

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

With plenty of time to get to Damascus for Trail Days we decided to hang out until check out and do a late start since yesterday wasn't very restful for a zero day. Checked out at 11:00am and hitched a ride to Uncle Johnny's Hostel on the trail. We hung out there a couple hours before hiking out. Hiked a couple miles then stopped for a snack. It was super hot so we hung out for a couple more hours for the heat of the day to pass. It was mostly uphill after that. Quite slow going with our packs heavy with fresh resupply of a week's worth of food. Pitched a tent near Indian Grave Gap as it was getting dark.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Up and hiking before 8:30am this morning. Somehow I missed the first water source and had to go 9 miles before finding water. Not really ideal. Met 2 Step, Patrick with his dog Samson, and Beans. Also saw and hiked with Auto Draft and War Cry. We haven't seen them in a few days. Encountered some trail magic soda and snacks at one of the gaps. Started drizzling about an hour before getting to the shelter. Staying at the shelter with Gorp Gobbler, Big Country, Doc 13, War Cry and Auto Draft. Still raining on and off.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up a few times last night with someone banging on the shelter. Rambo said she heard someone ay 2:00am threatening to hike out because it was too loud. He actually left the shelter and slept outside. He said it was "way too noisy to sleep." No one else seemed to think it was loud except for him banging on the shelter walls. Hopefully we won't be staying at any more shelters with him. Big climb up Roan Mountain today. Trail magic cookies, fruit and gatorade at one of the gaps. Really nice people. Stopped for the day at Overmountain Shelter. Overmountain Shelter is an old barn that has been converted to a shelter. It sleeps more than 20. The history of the Overmoutain Men is pretty interesting. I won't delve into it but it's worth looking up if you don't know about them. It started raining shortly after we got here. We picked some ramps today while hiking to add to dinner. Ramps are a type of wild onion that is pretty abundant on this section of trail. Really good flavor. About 9 miles from here is a hostel, Mountain Harbor Bed and Breakfast and Hiker Hostel, that is famous for their breakfast. I've heard a number of people say it is the best breakfast they have ever had. Sounds like I need to see for myself.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't sleep too well last night. I slept on lower level of the barn with an amazing view but whoever was above me kept dropping stuff through the cracks onto me. Dirt, water, food and some other unknown objects fell onto all of us throughout the evening and night. Climbed Hump Mountain today. Possibly my favorite spot on the AT so far. Beautiful! Also finished North Carolina today. Woot! Got to Mountain Harbor Hostel early afternoon and bought a tent spot to save money. Paid for breakfast as well. Hikers leaving said not to miss the breakfast. I'm looking forward to it tomorrow. Showered, did laundry and hitched a ride to town for dinner and resupply. The store didn't have much but enough to get us through the couple days until we get to Kincora where I have a mail drop waiting. Ate Highland BBQ. Pretty tasty. Hitched back to the hostel and did some crosswords. Getting dark. Will be crashing soon.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Hardcore Cascades
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Breakfast this morning was the best I've ever had. Huge spread. Four quiches, cheesy potatoes, regular potatoes, ham, sausage, cinnamon rolls, pineapple upside down cake, biscuits, gravy, pancakes, fruit, almond syrup, fried bananas, pirogies, corn muffins, chocolate chip muffins, tomatoes, coffee, tea, OJ, cranberry juice, hot cocoa, and more I can't remember at the moment. Well worth the $12. Slept in a little so I didn't pack up camp until after breakfast. We were among the last to finally leave the hostel. Ran into some trail magic on the way back to the trail. Some guy pulled over and offered us snacks and gatorade. I was still so stuffed from breakfast I took it to go. Lots of climbing today. Crossed the 400 mile mark today. Started pouring in the afternoon. Got soaked through my rain gear. My pack cover filled with water and soaked my pack. I'm glad I have a compactor bag as a liner so gear in my pack stayed dry. Rained for a couple of hours. Found a cool hidden campsite near Hardcore Cascades. Rambo somehow managed to get a fire going with soaking wet wood. Everything was so soaked I wasn't able to dry out even with the fire. Hopefully be able to dry out tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Hardcore Cascades

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 9.3

Pretty decent hiking today despite still being wet from yesterday. Stopped in a field to dry out my tent and gear. Met Rocket today. Rocket runs Standing Bear Hostel and was taking some time off to do some hiking of his own. Made it to Kincora Hostel about 2:30pm. Picked up mail drop and hung out a bit. As we were heading down the driveway back to the trail it started raining again. We took that as a sign to stay at the hostel. Kincora is a great hostel run by trail legend Bob Peoples. There is a main house then another building out back as well as a tree house. The tree house was taken so I wasn't able to check it out but sounded really cool. We stayed in the back building with Parkay. Bob Peoples also does "Hardcore" which is two days of trail maintenance after trail days. He has been doing it for 15 years and this is the last year. I definitely plan on signing up for it.
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Kincora Hostel

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

Slept pretty well last night. Fairly early start this morning. 2 big climbs today wiped me out. Stopped at Watauga Lake and cooked some delicious burritos for lunch. Some guy driving by gave us a cherry coke and Parkay gave us some strawberries. Really nice lunch. Watauga Lake Shelter is closed as well as all camping within a mile of the shelter due to bear activity. Staying at Vandeventer shelter. The water source here is terrible. Almost a half mile down a super steep trail. Had I known, I would have packed water in from the last source. Planning 17.9 miles to Low Gap tomorrow. Going to visit Rambo's sister in Durham, NC for a few days to kill some time so we can hike into Damascus for trail days this weekend. Hoping to hitch to Boone, NC where Rambo's sister will pick us up.