morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-05
From: Dicks Creek Gap (Blueberry Patch Hostel)

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, what a day! It started with a great breakfast at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. What a great place. Two of the nicest people you will ever meet. Gary dropped Sampson (54 yr old from Mississippi) and me off at the trail head at 9:40 and we were off again. I started in rain gear because it rained last night and was supposed to today. I made it to the North Carolina border by 1:45. One state down! As soon as I took a picture of the border sign and stepped into NC, it started raining. Now, what are the odds that after a week with no rain, it would start then? For those that don't know, I lived in NC for 6 yrs while in the Army. I thought back to the day I was discharged and was driving home. Could it be that, being the young, rebellious lad I was, that I may have uttered a few inappropriate words as I drove across the state line? If so, she is exacting her revenge on me right now. When I got to the shelter it was full and that meant setting up the tent in the rain. Now all that effort that went into getting cleaned up yesterday was for naught. What a mess. North Carolina, I would like to apologize for anything I may have said to offend you. On the other hand I'd like to thank Georgia, especially the trail maintainers, for a great trip through your state. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-06
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

A really tough day. For starters, NC did not accept my apology as you can see in the photo. We awoke to about 5 inches of snow and everything frozen. I got ready as quickly as I could and since everyone else was moving kind of slow, Shake N Bake and I decided to take off. We opened the trail through 5-6 inches of snow, and up to 2 foot drifts. Within 15 minutes of leaving, She Beast caught up with us (impressive). The three of us hiked 12.5 miles to Carter Gap Shelter. Easily the toughest day so far. We passed a young thru hiker walking southbound. He started in Maine last August and will finish in about a week at Springer. I'm sure he is much more used to this snow than we are. We are all shooting for a day off in Franklin in a couple days. I would like to thank all of the people who continue to offer encouragement and advice on my journal. It is appreciated. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-07
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap (Franklin)
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

What a difference a day makes! Slept well in the tent last night. Was up and on the trail by 8:00 and it was several hours before they started catching up with me. Today's hike was the opposite of yesterday. The sun was out all day (we all have a touch of sunburn), there was very little wind, and most of the snow melted. I actually hiked in shorts for the first time. The highlight of the day was climbing Albert mountain. Part of the hike was more like rock climbing. At 5,250 ft, plus a fire tower, there was an amazing 360 degree view of nothing but mountains. The gang (now 6) hiked on to Rock Gap, where we called for a shuttle and are staying in town tonight. It feels good to be cleaned up and have my gear dried out. We all went out to eat at the Roadhouse Diner. That was very entertaining. They are staying off the trail (taking a zero day) tomorrow,but I'm heading back out. It's supposed to be a beautiful day and I don't want to waste it. It won't take them long to catch me. Oh yea, went over 100 miles today! Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Wallace Gap (Franklin)

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Another great day of hiking. When I decided to skip the day off and hike today, She Beast decided to go too. We, along with the 4 Montanans (couple with the dogs), a young couple that graduated from Ohio University, and Bushwacker were dropped off around 9:45. Bushwacker had actually been working for awhile and drove the van that picked us up yesterday. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and despite some serious climbs, we covered a lot of miles. Most of the snow was gone until we got to the higher elevations. We were able to see those scary Smokey Mountains from atop the Wayah Bald tower. Everyone is at the shelter tonight except for the Montanans, who pushed on. They have to meet a lady that is going to kennel their dogs while they go through the Smokeys (dogs aren't allowed). We are currently eating at the shelter while watching a beautiful sunset. Probably going to try for more "big" miles tomorrow. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

How nice to wake up and find everything dry and NOT frozen! Slept very well and was ready and walking by 7:30. The couple from Ohio University got started first, but I passed them pretty early. So far She Beast, Bushwacker, and I have made it to the Nantahala Outdoor Center where we are stopping for the night. They have bunks and a restaurant, so that will be a nice break. They have a whitewater river that runs right through the center. They are having the US Open for kayaking here at the end of the month. Today was a long day and my feet are feeling it. It actually got pretty hot as well. There were several views of Fontana Dam (where I will enter the Smokies) throughout the day. Should get to the Smokies in a couple days. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-10
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Another beautiful day in the mountains of NC! The Ohio University couple (who I'm going to refer to as the Bobcats), She Beast, and I (not sure what happened to Bushwacker) left at about 8:30 after grabbing a cup of coffee at the restaurant. We all quickly spread out as usual. We had another 5000 footer to go over, but it is easier now than it was two weeks ago. I met several weekend hikers who are always fun to talk to. I was passed late by a young thru hiker (J Lo) from Baltimore, who left Springer on March 1st, so he is moving fast. I spent some time talking to him at the shelter tonight as well. He is a very interesting young man. She Beast and two other young boys are in the shelter, J Lo is in a hammock, and I'm in my tent. I will make it into Fontana Dam tomorrow, and start the Smokies Tuesday. I saw a snake skin on the trail and we had spider webs, so spring can't be far off. The accompanying picture is an example of what all of the privies at the shelters have been like. I explained how they work below the picture. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-11
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Slept well last night. Was up and on the trail by 8:00. I hiked 12.7 miles into the Fontana Dam Shelter, known as the Fontana Hilton. Just after I reached the shelter, the rain started. At the shelter tonight we have J Lo and the Montanans minus their dogs. She Beast's hike is over and she has left. She really wanted to continue, but was time to return to work. Tomorrow I start the Smokies, so I'm not sure how the cell phone reception will be or how long the battery will last. The weather looks good for the next few days after tonight.   Thanks again for all the words of encouragement. I'm going to need it for those big mountains across the lake. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Welcome to the Smokies! I got started a little after 8:00. The trail goes across the dam, up a road, then into the trees. From there it was a 3000 ft climb over 7 miles. As I was starting across the dam, a car pulled up and a hiker named Papaw got out (he has a trail journal). We ended up leap frogging each other all day. We have a very similar pace. Once we finished the climb, the trail was basically rolling. The trail was built well, which makes for better hiking. Until around 2:00 we were hiking in a cloud, so we really had no clue what was around us. There are four other people at the shelter tonight that have a journal - Caribou and Dovetail as well as the Ogden twins. It's going to be another cold one tonight so I'm in my tent. We are going to try to make it out of the Smokies in 5 days. Tomorrow I go under 2000 miles! Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Today we are going to part from the routine journal entry. I'm not sure if I've publicly credited my sister, Sheri for the work that she is doing helping me with my journal. Last night, after I posted my journal, I became aware of some sad news. One of Sheri's dogs was recently diagnosed with cancer. After Sheri and her husband Mike tried every possible treatment, Sophie passed a couple days ago. Sophie had performed as a therapy dog at the Veteran's Home among other places, touching many lives. Nothing I've done out here today is more important than honoring Sophie and hoping that Sheri, Mike, and Lucy can find peace. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: snow

Cold night again, about 15 degrees. Mother Nature did reward us with a clear, sunny day though. We made it up and down Clingmans Dome and through Newfound Gap. The conditions were not good. There was 1-2 feet of snow up that high. It had partially melted, refrozen, then had a half inch of new snow on it. We were going down hill most of the day, so it was basically an ice rink. I think I fell around 8 times. Still hiking with Papaw, and with us at the shelter tonight is Caribou, Dovetail, and Rock n Roll. Supposed to be good weather tomorrow. Two more days and the Smokies will be behind me! Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

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

Another beautiful day! Spending my last night in the Smokies at Cosby Knob Shelter. Papaw and I took off around 8:00 and were able to pull our first 20 mile day. We have a short 10 mile hike to exit the Smokies tomorrow and will spend the night at the Standing Bear Hostel just outside the park. We had the best views of the hike today and naturally my phone wouldn't keep a charge (it doesn't like cold weather). I did manage to get one before it died. Much of the day was spent walking on icy trail on the edge of the mountains that dropped off A Lot. It was a bit nerve wracking, but we survived. At the shelter tonight we have Caribou, Dovetail, Papaw, and three guys out for a three day hike. It's pretty warm this evening. I am able to type this without my hand shaking. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Rd (Standing Bear Farm Hostel)
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Slept very well in the shelter last night. Still haven't seen a mouse. We were up and on the trail around 8:30 and had mostly downhill trail since we were coming down out of the Smokies. About 8 miles in, we left the Smokies and saw a sign that there was Trail Magic ahead. Well, that suited me just fine. When I got to the road, there was a family passing out chili, chocolate chip cookies, and various drinks and resupply items. They were there because the young man in the group wanted to do Trail Magic for his birthday. Just then, another family pulled up and had more great stuff. The lady with the second group is going to thru hike next year under the trail name Dragonfly. Needless to say, when we left, we had full bellies, a full resupply, and some great new friends. A couple miles later we arrived at the Standing Bear Farm Hostel for the night. There are several thru hikers here and a lot of interesting conversation. Tomorrow we will head out toward Hot Springs. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Green Corner Rd (Standing Bear Farm Hostel)

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Tough day. We left shortly after 8:00 and had a 3000 ft climb in the first 5 miles. The day continued with ups and downs with nothing exciting to look at until we reached Max Patch, which is a couple hundred acres on top of a mountain that looks like a hay field. There was a pretty good crowd up there wandering around (not sure why).   It was good to walk around in something besides trees for awhile. Shake n Bake pulled a 30 mile day and caught me last night, but stayed at the hostel to wait on his partner (Buzz). Now Buzz has pulled a big day and is here with us tonight. Should be interesting to see how this all works out. At the shelter tonight is Papaw, Buzz, Groundpounder, and a father and son who are in hammocks. The father and son are from Ashville, NC. The father is an anesthetist with a group of neurosurgeons, and is taking training in wilderness medicine. He was kind enough to doctor two very impressive blisters I have developed on my heels. Who says its hard to get a doctor appointment these days? Hoping to get to Hot Springs tomorrow and am considering my first zero day to give these legs a rest. Until next time.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

We didn't get the rain predicted last night, which was good since I was in my tent. My body must be adapting to the terrible sleeping conditions since I'm sleeping better. When I woke up this morning Shake n Bake's tent was set up near mine. He came in around 9:00 last night, so he and Buzz are back together again. Papaw and I hiked 18 miles to get to Hot Springs today. Papaw's wife picked him up and I'm staying in a cabin with Shake n Bake and Buzz. Everyone is taking a zero day tomorrow. The hike today was much better. We did have to put on our rain gear for the last half hour or so. We will be heading north again Wednesday morning. We are currently at the laundromat washing our stinking clothes!! I have made two journal entries today, so don't forget to go back and read yesterday's entry. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

What a beautiful day to not be walking. The break has been helpful though. I was able to get laundry done, shower, eat some good meals, resupply, and rest my feet. The next resupply opportunity is 70 miles away in Erwin, TN, so I will be loaded down pretty heavy with food. We went to the outfitter here in town today and I had the first opportunity to step on a scale since the start of my hike. I was shocked that I've lost 17 lbs. There are several hikers in town. I met Rash last night. I was following his journal before I left for my hike. Several of the early hikers were slowed down by the blizzard in the Smokies a couple weeks ago. I will be meeting up with Papaw tomorrow and heading back into the mountains. Until next time.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Any day that begins with Elvis pancakes has to be a good one, and today was. Shake n Bake, Buzz, Papaw, and I hiked together today and are camped in tents between shelters. The day was sunny, with temperatures in the 50s, perfect for hiking. The trail was great, with some nice views. Much of the day we could see flat, farmland off in the distance. The mountains have definitely gotten smaller as well. I continue to get some very nice comments from people on my guest page. They are appreciated. Tomorrow we move on toward Erwin, TN. We will go over 300 miles as well. Tonight is supposed to be a cold one. I don't have reception here tonight, so this will be sent in the morning when we climb out of here. That means there will probably be two entries tomorrow, so don't forget to go back and read the first one. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Allen Gap

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Brrrrr..... Woke up to snow and frozen water bottles again this morning. I was the first one up and on the trail. Shake n Bake caught me after about 4 hrs, Buzz came into the shelter after I had been here about 30 minutes, and Papaw hasn't shown up yet. He may have stopped at an earlier shelter. We walked through about 2 inches of snow all day. The trail is really pretty when it snows, but is harder to walk on. I think everyone is ready for spring. We had to climb over a lot of rocks too, which makes things interesting. I hope to make it to Erwin, TN by Saturday. We have some of the faster (younger) later starters catching us now. They are doing 25 - 30 mile days. Thanks again for all the great support I have out there. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: mist

What a day. Another cold morning. I was the second one out this morning. Our day began with a 4500 ft climb and ended with a 5500 ft climb, with a bunch in between. We covered just short of 19 miles. Cold again tonight with snow forecast, and cold for several days ahead. Tonight at the shelter we have Shake n Bake, Buzz, John from Virginia, who started a fire. It was amazing to watch him build it. Also we have John's buddy Grandpa. He thru hiked in 2011, and decided to do it again. Grandpa is also a master fire builder. We have 16.4 miles into Erwin tomorrow, and its mostly down hill. So it looks like a warm bed and good food tomorrow evening. It seemed that all day today we were crossing things. I posted several pictures of different ways we crossed fences, gates, roads, etc. You know you've been in the mountains too long when you get excited about crossing a four lane highway. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN (Uncle Johnnie's)
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Town day! Was up and ready before daylight this morning. As soon as I could see well enough, I took off. Grandpa and John took off earlier using headlamps. About three fourths of our miles were downhill. This is good for covering miles, but it tears up your feet and knees. Grandpa and I made it to Uncle Johnnie's Hostel around 2:00. They run a shuttle into town at 3:00 and come back at 6:00 to get you. So far I have done laundry, resupplied, and had pizza. We hiked through some nice trail today, although it could use a little maintenance. Tomorrow it looks like we will be heading out in rain. Our next stop will be Damascus, Va. It should take around 6 days, depending on the weather. I have been getting some questions from a few people on the journal page. I would be happy to answer them, but you have to leave your email address when you sign the guest book. It won't let me simply reply. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Erwin, TN (Uncle Johnnie's)

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

A great day! After a great nights sleep at the hostel, we were ready to go this morning. The only problem was the impending storm. There were predictions of up to 12 inches of snow in the mountains. Based on this, everyone decided to stay at the hostel another night, except for ...... you guessed it .... us. We decided to pull a big day to a shelter which is about 7 miles from another hostel. Now, if we get a lot of snow, we can hike out to the hostel or stay here at the shelter. The latest reports have snow starting at 6:00 am, so we should be fine. Now for the hike. I must begin with an apology. In yesterday's journal entry, I broke one of my personal rules by criticizing the condition of the trail. Had I waited until today, I would have understood more about the situation. They (trail maintainers) have been doing some amazing work on the trail north of Erwin. The trail and the scenery was beautiful. I can only imagine how those maintainers would feel after doing all that work if they read my comments about the trail to the south. Thanks maintainers! We saw a little bit of everything - two balds, streams, a pine forest, hemlocks, fog, sunlight (for about 2 minutes), and rhododendrons. Pine forests are a favorite of mine, and this was a nice one. There were a couple places where the trail was lined with little pine trees the size of Christmas Trees. In the shelter tonight with me is Buzz and Shake n Bake (who is desperately trying to start a fire). We are going to sleep with the mice in the shelter tonight. We will see how it goes tomorrow. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Gap (hostel)
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

We awoke to another winter wonderland this morning. I was planning a before and after view out the front of our shelter, but it was too cold for my camera (phone) this morning. We set out to hike the 7.3 miles to the Greasy Creek Hostel to wait out and see what the storm is going to do. There are 3 other thru hikers here (two of which are the Ogden twins) waiting also. The next obstacle in our path is Roan Mountain. At nearly 6200 ft, it will have a lot of snow. Hopefully we can get back on the trail soon and Mother Nature will check her calendar and see that it is SPRING! Oh yea, there is a scale here at the hostel. I've lost another 5 pounds (22 total). Until next time. Sent from my iPhone