morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Lance Creek Tenting Site
Miles today: 8.1

Water outside froze a little. Also a little frozen condensation in the tent fly. Ate my pop tarts, drank some hot coffee VIA and hiked only about 8.1 miles to Lance Creek Tent site. It was either that or a 16 mile day to Neels Gap because you can't camp between the two without a bear canister and I'm not carrying one. Didn't mind it one bit! A beautiful day, sun out and no wind. Water sources have been great and am using Aqua Mira for purification. I love the food I packed, will be buying as I go soon until Fontana dam where I get a food drop mailed. Nice camping area here. Watched people try to hang bear bags for the first time was hilarious! Everyone was laughing! Got mine up on the first shot to "boo's"! A guy from Missouri named "Boots" spent 2 hours trying to get something out of a tree. We were all saying it was a rock bag with a rock. He was determined and tied two logs together and added a knife to the end. He finally got it to loud cheers from everyone! It was a rock in a bandana! He took the rock home. Clearly having a great time!
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Lance Creek Tenting Site

To: Neel Gap- Mountain Crossing
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Another easy day of only 7.4 miles. Went over "Blood Mountain" which was 4461 ft high. Nice hike up and over. I've met several Boy Scout Troops and always stop to talk with each one. Another beautiful sunny day. T-Shirt hiking. Blood mountain is highest point of AT in Georgia. There are about 100 sport bikes in the parking lot of Mountain Crossings. The road here is very twisty so all motorcycles come this way too! Pretty cool place and I'm staying the night in my first ever hostel! Laundry, shower and food!
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Neel Gap- Mountain Crossing

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Decided to do my 1st ever hostel stay at Neels Gap -mountain crossings. Cool place here. About 100 sports bikes pulled into the parking lot. I could hear bikes racing on the road all the way down off of Blood Mountain. Antioch Baptist Church provided all of us here with a free meal and dessert! They were awesome! Spaghetti with lots of meat and cheese, bread, three bags of homemade cookies and Gatorade! Great place to stop, shower and do laundry. Started the day eating leftover spaghetti! Then off into the rain, wind and cold! I hiked non-stop for 11.5 miles to Low Gap Shelter. I was soaked and cold and got one of the 3 remaining shelter spaces. Changed into dry clothes. Wrong Way Rick, Connor from NY, Jess from NH, myself and 3 old guys are crammed into the shelter. Wrong Way got a fire going in the rain with wet wood! Connor used his lungs to really get it going. Ate dinner and climbed into my bag to stay warm.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: unicoi gap, budget inn hiawasse
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: snow

I called the Budget Inn in Hiawasse, Ga. For a shuttle and room from the shelter last night. The Shuttle picks up from Unicoi Gap at 11:00A. I still had 9.7 miles to hike to the Gap. I got up at 5:45 and was hiking by 7. I made it to the Gap at exactly 11:00a. The shuttle was a little late. Wrong Way got there too and we are sharing a room at the Inn. I spoke to Sir Packs A lot in the parking lot at the Gap. Nice guy and triple crowner. Might stay at his hostel, the Top Of Georgia. It was another cold, windy, rainy day. The Swiss Couple are here too! Got a six pack of Guiness and celebratingSt. Patricks day! Going to eat at a buffet shortly. Warm bed tonight.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: unicoi gap, budget inn hiawasse

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got the 9:00a shuttle back to Unicoi Gap and started hiking. It was sunny, but cool. That changed to windy, foggy and trees dripping that water from two days of rain. Much of the trail goes along ridges and the wind makes it cold. On some sections the trail goes on the non wind side and that makes for a nice change. I hiked mostly with a T-shirt and my raincoat on the upper and trail pants lower. My rain jacket it eVent, which is not a great wind block, but work great at keeping you from overheating on the uphills. I also resupply in Hiawasse so had 5 days of food weight to cart up the trail. Hiked 13.1 miles to Deep Gap Shelter. Met Blueberry Bear here, saw him on Trail Journals. Voodoo, Tess and another guy here so far. Started the day with Tank and Frankie the Sleeper. Will see who else shows later. I got here about 3:40, so not bad a little better than 2 mph, with some good 4000 footers to go over. Trail was also slippery with mud. All in all a real nice day!
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Bly Gap Camping Site
Miles today: 12.6

Safety and his dog Koda, Forest, Denali, McGuyver and a few others came into the camp site last night. The hike down to Dicks Creek Gap was like a muddy bobsled run. Very slippery and slow. My goal for the day was the border and a new state. Made it into NC and camped about 100 yards into N.C. At Bly Gap. That was a pretty tough hike at 12.6 miles. It took until about 5pm. No signal up here. The mountains have rhododendron bushes growing all over and at times form tunnels. Long green tunnels, which is often used to describe the AT. Wrong Way, Forest, Safety/Koda, McGuyver, Denali all here too. Looks like moisture moving in. Oh we'll, dry inthe tent!
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Bly Gap Camping Site

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

It rained last night and we were in the clouds. Got a little moisture in the tent. Packed up, had pop tarts and started hiking up the mountain. Past an old twisted oak tree, but didn't feel like taking the phone out in the rain. As I was hiking through Sassafras Gap I saw movement. It was a large coyote running up the hill. I went about 200 feet further and found a deer right next to the trail that was freshly killed and clearly the coyotes killed it last night and were chowing down! Saw Connor again today and looks like he will use Lighthouse as his trail name. Hiked up Standing Indian Mountain which is 5500 ft, but it was a nice trail all the way. Hiked 15.3 miles today and am sheltering it at Carter Gap Shelter. With Lighthouse and Raven, no one else in the Shelter.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin - Budget Inn
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Packed up a little late. I got cold last night and wasn't in a hurry to get out of the sleeping bag! It was another beautiful sunny day, cool and perfect for hiking. Lighthouse proposed going into Franklin, NC to resupply and hotel it. I was in! Another milestone today....broke the 100 mile mark. Hiked 15.9 miles in a pretty fast pace. Only the Albert mountain was a tough climb. There is a fire tower there. Took a picture and continued hiking. Made it to Winding Stair Gap by 3:30 and caught the Budget Inn shuttle with Lighthouse. Had barbecue for dinner, resupply 5 days food, doing laundry now. Apparently there is a free breakfast buffet in the morning put on by local church! Yum! Speaking of yum, Wrong Way and the others at Bly Gap found the Deer I passed, butchered it and had fresh venison right there on the trail! He just texted me those details. Ron Haven is playing guitar for all of us staying here! He really is an awesome host! Highly recommend!
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin - Budget Inn

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 11. Started at Winding Stair Gap and hiked 15.8 miles to Cold Spring Shelter. Hiked with heavy pack after resupplying 5 days of food in Franklin. Ugh! The trail went up and up Siler Bald 5000 footer. Then down and back up to 5290 ft, down again and up to Wayah Bald at 5342 ft. Cool stone tower there. When I crossed Wayah Gap a Trail Angel left some Trail Magic in the form of 12 pack ofBudweiser, Doritos, candy bars. Had a can of Bud and some chips and headed back up. Thank you whoever you are! Saw a snake that was very thin, brown with light brown stripe down it. Hiked up to Cold Spring Shelter hoping to get a spot inside as rain is forecasted. Hail Stone and Lighthouse are here and no one else yet. Shelter holds 6 allegedly. Long hard day, but still feel good. Down hill big time tomorrow into the NOC! Pizza!
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.7

Day 12 It rained last night, but I was warm and dry in the shelter. Hail Stone snored loudly, which is a down side to shelters. Mice are another. Lighthouse was here and met Daniel from Germany who tented. The hike down to the Nantahala Outdoor Center was a long decent. The path was wet and slippery. It stopped raining as I started hiking, so it was an excellent day in the woods. I hiked with Daniel and made it to the NOC about 3:30. Staying here tonight in a bunkhouse. Hot shower, pizza and beer are in order. I was actually just here at the NOC at the end of last summer with Pat and Dan whitewater kayaking. This time I walked here! The sun is out, but it's supposed to get down to 18 degrees. Bunkhouse is heated....ahh the little things in life!
Date: 2014-03-24
From: NOC

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

Day 13 was a tough hike up, up and up from the NOC. Hiked all day from 8 to 4:30 and made it to Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Got a spot in the shelter. It was a nice day to hike. It got cold last night, but hiking in the cold weather is nice when the sun is out. There were some frozen spots on the trail. Daniel, Lighthouse, Seminole, Trail Santa and about 5 others are at the shelter. Only 6 inside, the rest are camping. I'd say this was the toughest day yet. Had a nice fire. Tomorrow is a short downhill day of about 12 miles into Fontana Village where my 1st food drop awaits me. A section of today's hike was called Jacobs Ladder. Yeah it was about as steep as a ladder!
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam-resort
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light snow

Day 14. Woke up to 1 to 1&1/2 inches of snow on the ground. I felt it blowing into the shelter a little during the night as it landed on my face. It wasn't too cold last night and the sun soon over took the shelter and caused everyone to start packing up their gear. Fresh snow on the ground and 3 people leaving before me made it easy to follow the trail. It was actually one of the best hiking days yet. The snow didn't really make the trail icy, just wet and slushy. The snow did cover the rocks and roots, so foot placement had to be done carefully. The snow started falling from the tree sometimes landing down my neck, which felt kind of good. You get warm quick while hiking. Soon the clouds took over and it seemed to get colder and the wind picked up. It started snowing again and it was great hiking through white forests and falling snow! Oh, and it was mostly downhill today into Fontana Village, where I have a food drop waiting. Fairly easy day of 11.6 miles, but much needed for the legs. The Smokey Mountains start tomorrow and everyone is talking about them. Looks like a lot of rain in the forecast. No rain, no pain, No Maine!
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Fontana Dam-resort

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 15. Hiked out of Fontana and the trail goes up and up. Hit the snow on the trail and there was about 4-6 inches at the higher elevations with some drifts about a foot deep. Only about four hikers had gone through. Did some post holing for a while through the snow. It was good hiking in the snow through the woods and it reminded me of NY as a kid we were always in the woods even in the winter. The trail wasn't really slippery until it started to warm up, causing some spots to melt. Hiked about 17 miles to Spence Fileld Shelter. All in all a nice winter hike.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Spence Field Shelter

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

Day 16. We'll slept great last night and it was a good thing. All that snow melted slightly yesterday froze solid overnight! The trail was a skating rink. Wish I had some micro spikes. Very slow going all day. Late afternoon some of the trail thawed, so now it was slush and mud and ice! Feet got soaked. Tough day today. Hiked 13.5 miles to Double Spring gap Shelter. A woman from Abilene has a great fire going. The shelter has a fireplace in it and a tarp covering the open side. About 10 others here. All came in cold and wet to warm and stay. The day was very cold due to a constant 30-35 mph wind that is still howling! Lots of nasty socks drying by the fire.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Day 17. Ice skating again today. Reached some milestones though...Climbed over Clingmans Dome which is actually the highest point of the entire AT. Also, reached my third state...Tennessee! Made it to Newfound Gap and a couple from Florida was handing out all kinds of food and drinks to through hikers! Had the best ever bologna and cheese sandwich and a Mountain Dew! Thank you! They are doing this for 10 days even in the cold and rain. Also, have a trail name now....Top O'! On account of me greeting folks with Top O' the morning or Top O' the mountain to ya! Thanks to Jake and a hiker from Nacadoces?, Tx who recommended it. Several folks at the Icewater Spring Shelter taking cover from the light rain we had all day and the icy trail conditions. Most of the folks I've been meeting at the shelters the last couple of nights are heading into Gatlinburg, Tn to get out of today's rain and tomorrow's rain forecast too. Not me this time.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Day 18. We'll it warmed enough to rain last night, which melted most of the ice from the trail and turned it into a stream. It also rained all day long and was cool/windy. Some ice remained at higher elevations in the deep dark pockets of the forest. Made it 12.6 miles to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. Lighthouse just came in from the pouring rain along with Milky, Lucky, Gadget. Also, met a neighbor who lives just down the street from me Wild Feathers who is thru hiking too! Small world. Got cold so a hot cup of tea and dry clothes felt good. The rain has turned to sleet. Cold night ahead!
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 19. So overnight I felt snow on my face a couple of times. Thought it might be a dusting. Was I ever wrong! Went out to use the privy and there was a foot of snow! 15 inches is some spots and up to my knees a little higher up! Hiked 14.8 miles in the snow postholing most of the way. The Rhododendrons were the worst! The weight of the snow bent them over, breaking many. It was war! Constant battle all day with those trees crawling under, over, around and through them. Heard them breaking all day too. We were at elevation most of the day, so deep snow all day until the last three miles to Davenport Gap Shelter which was slush! Couldn't feel my feet after a while because the water was snow melt. Also, I was pelted with snow clumps falling from the trees most of the day too! Well I made it through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. It was a battle everyday. Two snow days, two ice skating days and one full rain day! It was awesome!
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: few clouds

Day 20. Another 18.7 miles down! What a difference a day makes. Hiked in shorts and a t-shirt and the sun was out all day. There was still snow on the trail at higher elevations and a bunch of slush to hike through which meant wet feet again today. Thoughts of real food are driving me to get to Hot Springs. I also plan a "zero" day there to recover and consume mass quantities. A zero is a day off from hiking. A "Nero" is when you hike short miles into or out of a town. Town duties include laundry, food shopping, fuel and eating! Definitely losing weight, need to eat more. Starting to get my hiker hunger. Tenderfoot, Bucket List, Thin Mint, Sloth, Lucky, Silent Knight and Sysifus are all crammed into the Roaring Fork Shelter. The highlight was hiking up and over Max Patch Bald. A bunch of folks are camping on top. Another 18 miles to get to Hot Springs tomorrow. Hope it is not as tough as today was.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, N.C. Elmer's Sunnybank
Miles today: 18.0

Day 21. The thought of a cheeseburger, onion rings and a Pepsi motivated me to hike 18 miles to Hot Springs, NC about 18 miles. There were a couple of mountains to go up initially and then there is a long downhill into Hot Springs. The trail was real nice. The sun was out and it got hot. About 80-82 degrees, which after all previous days so far is very hot! Everyone got a little sun burn, but I didn't for some reason. I'm staying at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. Earl Shaffer, the first AT Thru Hiker stayed here in 1948. It's a nice National Historic Home, built in 1800's. Nice, inexpensive, welcoming and everything a hiker could ever need. Hot Springs is a must stop for all the hikers for at least a resupply or maybe soaking in the Hot Springs! Shower, cheeseburger/onion rings Pepsi, laundry and a beer at the Tavern....twas a good day!
Date: 2014-04-03
From: hot springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 23. A good uphill hike out of Hot Springs. I planned to leave early, but a thunderstorm was raging outside. Went across the street to the diner and had a good breakfast. Rain stopped and I started hiking about 8:15. Hiking in shorts and T-shirt and made decent time. Did 19.6 miles to Little Laurel Shelter. Sloth, Dallas were there. Sisyfus, Key Lime and two others came in the dark and camped outside. Long day and was glad to see the shelter and water. Water is plentiful due to the rain and snow. Some springs have a portion of PVC pipe sticking out and this greatly helps getting the water.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 24. Started hiking and went over Blackstack Cliffs, Big Firescald Knob and a ridge line. About half way across I hear thunder and the sky on one side of the mountain darkened. I put it in gear and made it to the other side before it started to drizzle. It was light rain, but I put on my rain coat and pack cover. After a while the rain started to get heavier. I was ahead of the folks from the shelter the night before. Just as it started to pour, a shelter appeared. Duck into the shelter to eat and wait out the downpour. I was still relatively dry, but everyone else who arrived was soaked. It stopped raining, but the ground was wet. The trail very muddy. Decided to stay at Flint Mountain Shelter after only 12.7 miles, but it was just right according to my body. The next shelter was about another 9 miles. Good group of folks here.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 25. Hiked 18.9 miles to Bald Mtn Shelter. Great day for hiking. Shorts and t-shirt if you kept moving a long sleeve for when you stop. Paul was giving out trail magic in the form of scrambled eggs and hash browns. Also had sodas and muffins. He's a great guy with a big heart. A lot of good climbs with the final one being Big Bald Mountain. The trail is nice with a lot of leaves and mud in spots. Also got a hot dog and root beer from a former thru hiker right on the trail! Gotta love that trail magic! Getting cold and windy tonight.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, Tn
Miles today: 16.4

Day 26. Today was a 16.4 mile day to the town of Erwin and a resupply. Staying at Uncle Johnny's Hostel which is right there as you come off the trail. Good day hiking and nice streams and views. Shower, laundry, eating and a good nights rest are in order. Lots of people at the hostel and I know most of them from the trail.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Erwin, Tn

To: Curly Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: moderate rain

Day 27. Woke up and it was pouring rain outside. It is hard to leave a nice dry and warm hostel when it's raining! Many taking a zero day because of rain and high winds. I decided like about 8 others to push on. Did a Nero day and stopped at Curley Maple Gap. High winds, but no rain and then it was too late to head out. I noticed the trees starting to bud, a couple with blossoms and bugs. Spring is close but cold weather still lurks especially at higher elevations. The rhododendrons are flapping their leaves in the wind like they are trying to take off! More rain forecasted. The rain is not so bad, but when coupled with cold and wind....you can have it!
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Curly Maple Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 28. First day over 20 miles. 21.9. Wanted to make up for the Nero yesterday. Hiked to Clyde Smith Shelter Santa, Thin Mint, Legs, Swiss Opa, Sloth, Cristo and another section hiker Growler are all here. Rain and cold predicted. The hike today was actually very nice. You start out bundled up, but are soon shedding layers as you warm up. You are trying not to sweat too much so you don't get chilled. Some nice trail. Felt good. Tomorrow it's up and over Roan Mountain. Had salami and cheese tortilla wraps for dinner. Mmmm!
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

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

Day 29. Woke up to rain on the shelter. Trail Santa had a leak above him and got wet. The rain soon turned to sleet and snow. We were at 4500' and had to hike up to 6200'! It sleeted most of the way up and was very cold and windy. At the top I went into Roan High Knob Shelter, which at 6194' is the highest shelter on the entire AT. It is fully enclosed, but it was cooold! Ate fast and fled for lower ground. Got down to Carvers Gap and the sun came out. Kept moving to make it to Overmountain Shelter, which is a fairly large old barn converted into a shelter with beautiful views. The hike today was only 15 miles, but it was cold and tough. I must mention the trail magic received from Ron Bird who use to have a place called The Bird Cage in Dalton, Ma. He was parked on the side of a country road giving out sodas and Little Debbie snacks! Awesome how many people are boosting spirits in little ways
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0

Day 30. The sun was out and it was a beautiful day, plus the hike today was very pretty. Went over Hump Mountain, which was a Bald. Bald's are grassy with a trail digging into the earth which cause muddy and slippery trails, but the views are great! Slipped and did a "turtle" but was in one piece, just a little muddy. Broke the 400 mile mark today after 30 days out. Hiked along the Elk River for a bit and then up to Mountaineer Falls and the shelter next to the falls. 18 nice miles today. Also, hitched a ride into Elk Park, NC for a cheeseburger, onion rings and Pepsi and hitched back. 2 miles each way. I need the calories and got them.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.9

Day 31. Beautiful day for hiking! Want to say thanks to the man and dog in the SUV for the ride to Elk Park and to the man in the diesel Passat for the ride back to the trail yesterday! Nice falls at Mountaineer and nice shelter, but Swiss Opa woke everyone up by packing up at 5:00am! The day was nice for hiking with sunshine and warm temps. It was a surprisingly hard day for some reason and I hiked 15.9 miles to the Kincora Hostel run by Bob Peoples and his helper Lumpy. Interesting place and Bob is awesome! He ran us into town for a resupply. About 15 people here and everyone is having a good time.