morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Woke up today feeling pretty good, took my time getting ready and fixing breakfast. I was hoping that "Ice", "Khaki" and Erin would show up before I started walking, but as 9:00 approached, I decided to walk alone with Jamie. I came upon a stream, and decided to clean up a bit. I washed out my shirt, and then tried to use it as a wash cloth for a bit of freshening up. I then hiked on to a watering hole and sat there waiting for my hiking companions before crossing the state line. While there, I ran in to "Tiller Man" and "Super Max". They were both very pleasant and talkfull. After a while, my friends showed up. We then proceeded to the state line. Wow, we made it! There was a tree on the trail with a small sign designating the border. We stopped there and ate and rested. We noticed that the sky was turning gray and brown, and there was a smell of fire. Several of the hikers were worried that there was a forrest fire and we were going to be in trouble. However another group of hikers came up and informed us that it was a controlled burn of 2000 acres or so. We pushed on. We passed an awesome tree, and then came the horrible climbs. I feel like we climbed forever, up and up. I got to the shelter first, and saw that it was full, and there was very little tenting space. I turned around and headed back down the mountain to a beautiful campsite next to the river. A wise choice. There we met a man and his son who were thru-hiking, and from the Virginia Highlands in Atlanta. We were all pretty beat, so as soon as we ate dinner we went to bed.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

We woke up today feeling better, yet expecting a slow day ahead of us, and possibly not getting to our destination. Jamie and I walked alone for most of the day. We did summit Albert Mountain, and climbed the fire tower. The views were amazing. They almost made the tough uphill hike worth it. Then we walked some more. As I approached Rock Gap Shelter, I saw that there was already someone there. He was great, and didn't mind Jamie at all. We waited for others to arrive. Erin showed up, then a girl I had passed earlier, and then "Ice". Then quite a bit later another girl we had passed showed up named "Yhatzee" (not sure on the spelling). We ate and started a fire. Right before we went to sleep a kid from Georgia Tech showed up. He was co-oping in LA and drove all the way out here to hike for the weekend. Pretty crazy. We slept in the shelter, and could hear the rats or mice scampering on the roof. Not a good sound by any measure.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

We woke up early today, around 6:30 and got on the trail in order to catch the 9:00 shuttle in to Franklin. The hike was a little more difficult than we had thought. We got to see the sun rise, and it was fantastic. We got to our hotel, The Franklin Motel, and our room was not ready. We put our packs in the office, and headed over to eat breakfast at a local spot. It was amazing, or maybe we were just that hungry for real food. Then we returned to the hotel and got our room. Then we went to the thrift store to get outfits for the Hiker Bash that evening. As we returned, Ron Haven, the owner of 3 of the hotels, and the shuttle services gave us all a ride to town for a hiker festival that was going on. They recruited four thru-hikers to compete in a hotdog eating contest. Four minutes, and I think the winner at five or so. Then we went back to the hotel and rested. That evening we left for the Hiker Bash. There was a lot of food, drinks and music. A great time was had. Not suer when we went to bed, but I know it was late. What a great day.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So we woke up this morning ready to head back to the trail. As we were talking, it sounded as if everyone could use some more rest and relaxation. We decided to stay another night. We walked over to the other side of Franklin for some lunch at Wendy's, and then hitched a ride back. Then I took a nap. I walked over to Ingles to resupply, and then took it easy for the rest of the day. I think staying was a great idea. Oh, I almost forgot. I bought a $1.00 scratch off lottery ticket today and won $40.00. How awesome is that? Well let's just say that the expense of staying in town another day was taken care of.
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Franklin NC

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6

Woke up in the hotel rested and ready to go. Got a shuttle ride from Ron Haven back to Winding Stair Gap. Started hiking at 11:45. Beautiful day. We did the mileage we had planned, but the shelter and tenting spots were full. Hiked on another 1.5 to a campsite, but water was .5 miles off of the trail. Hiked on to Burningtown Gap. We saw a tent full of trail magic, and took some Pepsi and whatnot. earlier Decided to camp there in a beautiful meadow. It was Erin, Jamie, me and Muddy who we met a few nights earlier.
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Burningtown Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Good night's sleep! Headed to do big miles today in to the NOC. Early in the day, I met up with the "fraternity", or that's what this group was calling themselves (Tree, Grizzly, Hurcules, Cricket etc.) Then I heard Erin got her trail name, "Thunder". The climb down to the NOC was horrible! Got there and had thought that I was moving on, but after having taken my first fall of the trip today, a slow motion face dive, I decided to stay. Ate dinner twice at the grill. Spent the day with all my new friends on the river. Camped up on a hill over the river. Awesome!
Date: 2010-04-07
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked out of the NOC, it was pretty tough. Ate lunch at Sassafrass Shelter. Hiked to Stecoah Gap. Long day already, spent some time recouping at the picnic table. Water source was hard to find. The directions in the book were no good, and from a fellow hiker, the directions included "Just past the dead salamandor". Finally found it, filled up and moved on. Those next 2.5 miles were awefull! Straight up hill! Had to stop about every 20 feet and lean against a tree for a bit. Anyway, I then made it to the shelter and ended up tenting behind it because it was already full. Ate dinner, caught up journal, socialized and went to bed.
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up at 4:30 a.m. Throwing up and with my stomach in pain. Slept until 8:00, but had to get moving as I had to be at Fontana Shelter by 3:00 p.m. in order for Standing Bear Farm to pick Jamie up. Dogs can't go in to the Smokies, so I had made arrangements with them a few days earlier. I got about 20 feet down the trail and the bottom let loose! Rain, thunder, lightning and crazy wind! I hiked on in missery. I got to where I thought I needed to be after 11 miles and figured out I needed to go another couple of miles. Got there at 2:45 and then Vinny showed up to pick up Jamie, great timing. He then drove me to the Fontana Lodge, and I was willing to pay whatever they were asking. Then I ran in to Muddy, and he was willing to split his room with me. I then took a long hot shower and slept for a couple of hours. Went to dinner, but couldn't eat as I still didn't feel well. Went to bed. Worst day out here by far!
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

Alright, feeling better today, grabbed breakfast, delicious French toast. Planned on staying another night, but the hotel had all of the rooms booked that night. Time to move on. Went to the Fontana Shelter nicknamed "The Fontana Hilton". The weather was beautiful so instead of staying there, I hiked on. I got my Great Smokey Mountain National Park back-country permit and headed in to the Smokies. 10 miles to the first shelter. A beautiful day. The shelters in the Smokies are great stone structures with fireplaces inside. Ate dinner and went to bed.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

While hiking today, I got in touch with my friend Brandon from high school who lives in Knoxville. He is going to meet me at Newfound Gap and driving me, islack, duchess and not bad in to Gatlinberg. Hiked over Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail at 6643 feet. The meet up worked out great and we all went to town. Grabbed a hotel and some dinner. Great day!
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Gatlinberg

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Packed up and had another good breakfast! Ran some errands (bummed around). Tried to hitch a ride back to Newfound Gap, but managed to grab a shuttle ride with the NOC. It was me, Duchess, Not Bad, Giggles, Gut Hook and Licious. Got to the gap around 1:00 and hiked on in to the shelter making good time. I got to see Charlies Bunion today, it was a great vista. A bit cold tonight.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Mount Cammerer Fire Lookout
Miles today: 15.7

Hiked pretty fast today to our intended shelter. When we arrived, Not Bad said she heard that we could sleep at the fire tower (although not legally). We pressed on and got to the tower. It was fantastic! We had a beautiful sunset and great covered sleeping quarters. It was me, iSlack, Dutchess and Not Bad. There were also two locals there as well. They gave us some candy. Great way to spend our last night in the Smokies.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Mount Cammerer Fire Lookout

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise! We headed down to Davenport Gap, the end of the Smokies. There was some trail magic there! Some coke, apples and candy bars. The next section was beautiful! There was a river and waterfalls. Then we crossed over the Pigeon River and under I-40. We got to the Hostel and decided on the cabin which cost a little more, but was more private which meant better sleep. Curtis who owned the hostel took me to see Jamie, boy was she glad to see me. Then Curtis took me, Not Bad, Duchess, Ugly, Gator, iSlack, So Far and Stud Muffin back to the river for a swim time. He said that this is only the third time in all the years that he has done this due to the weather. It was great and relaxing. Made a beer run then went back and ate dinner and went to bed. This place reminds me of a hippie commune, with fixed up barns and whatnot. Pretty crazy.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 13.6

Rough day today, Jamie isn't doing well. I don't think they fed her right at the Hostel. She is throwing up and won't eat. I had to carry her over my shoulders for most of the day. Well on a positive note, I got my trail name today, Boss.  That was the second group I had hiked with, and they had both come up with the same name independently, so I figured that should work.  Finally made it up to Max Patch just in time for the sunset. What incredible beauty. We were going to cowboy camp on the bald, but it was far too windy. Set up camp by tree line, cooked, ate, talked story and went to bed.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Max Patch

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

Woke up to crazy winds and some rain. Glad I didn't cowboy camp up on top of Max Patch! Duchess and I decided to do the big day in to Hot Springs while iSlack and Not Bad decided to take a shuttle. We did the nearly 20 miles in just under 7 hours! Then once in town, we had no service, but managed to find iSlack and Not Bad at the hotel. They didn't accept dogs, but the guy working decided to ignore the fact that we had one, and told us to keep it on the down low. Great food and cold beer. Then bed time. Jamie is not looking to good, and throwing up a good bit.
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took a planned zero day today. Took advantage of a free breakfast from some trail angels doing a bit of magic. It was fantastic, eggs, sausage, pancakes etc. We moved from the hotel to a cabin at the campsite next to the river. Did some laundry and waited for my mom to show up. After she got there, she distributed some trail magic (apples, oranges, candy bars and cokes). The as we were about to head to lunch, Hardcore showed up, she thru-hiked last year and was friends with Rusty. He told her I was going to be in town as she was passing through. She had lunch with us and bought me a beer and got on her way. It was good to listen to stories about the trail from last year, and it was good for my mom to hear as well. Then I went and relaxed for a bit while mom checked out the town. Then we went to dinner and all met up at the cabin and had a fire. Great day!
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Hot Springs

To: Rich Mountain Fire Tower
Miles today: 9.1

Said goodbye to mom over breakfast and recommended that she go see Max Patch on her way home. Took care of resupply but forgot fuel. Had a good lunch at the diner. Went by the library to use computer, but only managed to read email as the computer was pretty slow. Headed out around 1. Passed a swimming hole, but the water was pretty gross, and it was a bit too cold to jump in. Hiked up to fire tower and decided to stay there. It ended up being me, Jamie, Ice, Stud Muffin, Duchess, Not Bad, Compass, Southern and ?. Best part was when Jamie needed to use the restroom, she would climb up and down the stairs on her own. Nice day, tough climb out of town though.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Rich Mountain Fire Tower

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked on today, started raining. Got to one shelter and almost stayed, but I was supposed to meet up with Brandon at the shelter after that. After a long rainy day, we got to the shelter, an minutes later Brandon and Sally walked up. They brought awesome trail magic! Kickin chicken sandwich from Zaxby's and a lot of fresh oranges, strawberries and grapes. Wow what a great way to end the day. The shelter was full, but there was a fire inside, so while we warmed up and set up camp, Brandon walked Sally back down to the trailhead. When he came back, I realized that he didn't bring a tent, so it was a full night in the tent dig and all.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

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

It rained all night. As soon as it let up a little, we got up and headed for the shelter for some breakfast. Then we packed up and headed on. It was a tough day and Brandon did great. The rain stopped pretty early in the day. When we reached the shelter, there was room for Brandon, but the rest of us had to tent. It was a tent city out there, so many people. It was Tequila John, Moose, Teatherball, Six Course, Trooper and the usual crowd.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Buisiness Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up an headed out, group wanted a 15 mile day, but I thought we needed to do 20 to get in to town at the right time. Hiked over Big Bald and saw a deer. Got some phone calls in. After 15 miles, we stopped for dinner. Then we all pressed on the next 5 or so. Shelter was full, so it was another tent city. Another crowded night in the tent. Brandon struggled a bit, but did great considering the circumstances. As he put it, he will go as far as we want but it might not be pretty.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: No Buisiness Knob Shelter

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 6.3

Hiked the easy down hill out to the edge of Erwin. Checked in at Uncle Johnny's Hostel and waited for Brandon. It took him a while because he rolled his ankle, and took it easy the rest of the way. We (Brandon, Duchess, Not Bad, iSlack, me) then all took the shuttle in to town for lunch, but we didn't like where they took us, so we walked a few miles to eat mexican. The walk was so long, we even stopped at Sonic for milkshakes. I ate too much, but it was fun either way. We then resupplied and I grabbed some Subway for dinner. Then Sally showed up to pick up Brandon and drive us back to the hostel. Great timing! Then Ice and I took the free bikes out for a ride. We went to the grocery store and the gas station. It is quite difficult to ride a bike with a lot of groceries when it has no baskets, and you are afraid to shift gears for fear of breaking the bike. Got back to the hostel and spent time hanging out with everyone. Went to bed. Glad Brandon had a chance to meet up with us for a while on the trail.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Nolichucky River

To: USFS Road 230
Miles today: 9.4

Woke up early to pack up before the rain. Rain held off, and the sun was out in full force. Took shuttle to JD's Market for breakfast. I ended up having two cheeseburgers The shuttle to pick us up was over an hour late. Got back and got ready, headed out around 1:00. Fearing rain we stopped at a shelter 4 miles in but it was full. We (Duchess, Not Bad, Ice) pushed on. Started raining, we found a small campsite next to a gravel road. We set up camp, got a fire going with wet wood in the rain and ate dinner. Went to bed around 7:00.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: USFS Road 230

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 14.9

It rained all night long, stayed fairly dry. While hiking today, we took alot of breaks (it was kind of nice). We went down to the Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel. We had ice cream and the girls used the Internet. Hiked back to the trail and decided to stay at te campsite right where we rejoined the trail. Good day overall. Jamie isn't eating
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Rained all last night, but it stopped long enough for us to pack up thismorning. Hiked on to next shelter and had breakfast. Then hiked up Roan Mountain, WOW! Rainy and foggy, no view. Hard to believe that there was once a resort here at one time. Hiked to Roan Mountain Shelter, the highest shelter on the AT. It was so cold, there was snow on the ground. There were several sick people at the shelter. Ate lunch there and moved on. Arrived at Overmountain Shelter (huge old barn, sleeps 20). Jamie wouldn't eat today. Hopefully rain will clear out for tomorrow. Not sure about tonight, it's so cold rainy and windy and I'm sleeping by a huge opening covered with a tarp held down by rocks on the floor.
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor B&B
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

4/27/10 Mountain Harbor B&B 9.2Terrible night last night. Rain and horrible WIND, mixed with freezing temperatures. My 50 degree sleeping bag which was already insufficient was now wet. The wind was so bad that it lifted all of the rocks up at one point. I had to rearrange them in order to try and keep out the elements. All of my clothes are wet and cold. Got dressed and had no water, but neede to move on in order to warm up my body. Terrain was gorgeous! Rain and fog subsided for a bit. Got to next shelter and took a break. Then the bottom let loose. RAIN! We hiked to Mountain Harbor B&B. It was a great place, and we (Duchess, Not Bad, Ice, Stud Muffin, Dry Clean and Tomatoe) got to stay in the Jefferson Suite. Made runs for resupply, dinner and beer. Watched Kung-Fu Panda and went to bed. So glad we stopped here, it was hailing and raining all day, not to mention cold and windy.
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Mountain Harbor B&B

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: few clouds

Woke up to fantastic breakfast! Not Bad was feeling sick, apparently Tomatoe was sick all last night too. We headed out around 11:00 after relaxing for a bit. The weather was great! We stopped fir a while at a waterfall. Jamie is struggling today, and so is Not Bad. I had to carry Jamie, and Not Bad got to the point where she couldn't go any further. She set up her tent and the rest of us just sat around. Then I ran up the trail a bit to see how far the shelter was, not far. Then I came back and Ice and I took our stuff and Jamie to the shelter. We then went back and carried all of Not Bad's gear while she walked the rest of the way. Jamie was  awfully sick, so I borrowed a phone and ran to the highest mountain nearby. Just as I got in touch with my folks, the battery died. I figured I would try my phone for the hell of it, and to my amazement I had some service. I got in touch with them, and mom is coming to meet me tomorrow. As I was done calling, I realized it had gotten dark, I wasn't on any path, and I didn't have my head lamp. It took me a while to get back, it's not a good feeling to be lost in the dark.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

Woke up early to get Jamie to mom. She is looking better. Hiked very fast with Ice and got there a little after lunch. She drove Ice and I to the hostel and hung out for a while then headed home. Made a dinner/resupply run (crammed in the back of the truck). I hope Jamie is doing well.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Beach/Swimming Area
Miles today: 9.7

Woke up and group decided to slackpack today. Bob drive us up to the beach, and we hiked back to hostel with small backpacks. We spent a fair amount of time at the river and then at the falls.  We jumped in for a swim, so cold! Got in touch with dad, said Jamie isn't doing well today. Dinner run, lots of food. Also bought food to make back at hostel, way too much food, going to bed in pain.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Beach/Swimming Area

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Woke up and had breakfast. Jimmy Dean in the microwave, fried honeybuns with ice cream and muffins took shuttle to lake and began hiking. It was hot, we hiked around the lake and across the dam, then on to a shelter. We took a 3 hour siesta/lunch break. Then we hiked on. It began to rain, and I saw a beautiful rainbow. The rain stopped and we got to our destination. Ate and set up camp, went to bed.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up today planning on doing around 17 miles. Had the best night sleep thus far. Hiked to the next road (TN91) about 4 miles up. We were hoping fir some trail magic as it is a weekend. We waited there for a couple of minutes when a woman pulled up and shouted out her window "Yall hungry?" We obviously answered "YES!" It was a most interesting spread. We had beans, rice, fruit, drinks, cornbread, pickles, bananas etc. Thank goodness for trail angels. Then Mountain Squid, an ATC volunteer showed up an took all of our names. He already had mine as I had seen him on the first day of my journey at Springer. With bad weather looming, iSlack and Not Bad decided to get a ride to Damascus, and the rest of us (Ice, Duchess and Dry Clean) decided to slack pak in to town. I had just slack packed a couple of days ago, so I decided to take my full pack. It ended up being a marathon day once you counted the extra walking to water sources. It was a beautiful hike. Crossing the state line in to Virginia was quite an accomplishment. Finally made it to Damascus! Staying at the Apple Tree B&B, they were full, but let us stay in the shed and take showers for $10. Had a big dinner and some beer. Really tired, going to bed.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Damascus, VA

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

Planned zero day. TV, Food, outfitters called Mont-Bell about seam in sleeping bag. Got bad answer, send it in and wait for it to be fixed and sent back (2 weeks). Wrote email w/pictures. They are going to overnight a new one. More Food and rest, Quincys again. Went to bed. Got woken up @1:00a.m., 2 hikers got roughed up. We went w/them to walk them home. They were pretty shook up. Ended up leaving trail.