morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-02-16
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0

I Laid out my gear to see if I could shed a few pounds of equipment. Got it down to a base weight of 20 lbs (without food/water).I will not be carrying any fuel or alcohol for the first few hundred miles or so, at least until I get fed up with eating dried food.Victus 2011 NOBO"It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end."
Date: 2011-03-01
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Frosty Mtn
Miles today: 0.0

Finally made it to the trail at 3:30pm, hiked the rest of the remaining day and camped atop Frosty Mountain.They named this mountain accordingly, for it was a very cold night hanging in my hammock, the wind kept blowing relentlessly and cooling my core temperature,I had to turn on my sides every few minutes as a result.Only hiked 4.8 miles today,I could have easily kept going, but I decided to ease into it.(I will not be including the approach trail miles in my total mileages for the day)Victus 2011 Nobo
Date: 2011-03-02
From: Frosty Mtn

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking was phenomenal today, pulled off 18.2 miles including the rest of the approach trail. Met a few interesting NoBos, one in particular, his trail name was Special-K. We all hiked together for most of the day. We made a nice fire at dusk and washed off today's hard work in a cold stream nearby, slept under the stars like the cowboy's would have in their time.The trail is evidently a humbling experience, for it grants hikers pure freedom on the trail.Victus 2011 NOBBO
Date: 2011-03-03
From: Justus Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

I felt like pushing on today and getting 20 miles in, but it's supposed to rain for the next 3 days, so i decided to stay the night at Neels Gap for some much needed rest.Tomorrow I plan on getting up around 5am, I plan on doing a 20 mile day in the rain.I was looking forward to some Ben and Jerry's but they hadn't received their stock yet, so i was a little disappointed until I bought myself a pizza insteadn =).Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-04
From: Neels Gap

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 25.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a good head start from Neels Gap, woke up at 5:30 and was on the trail by 6, had a pleasant time t Neels Gap.My goal today was to get to Blue Mountain shelter, but I met two other hikers "SpaceCowboy" and "Youngin'" and decided to hike on with them to the next shelter.It started to rain at noon and I spent a cold wet night on Tray Mountain.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-05
From: Tray Mountain

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 11.0

Woke up from Tray Mountain shelter wet from the mist. Started at 7 and hiked all morning in the rain...again...till we got to Dicks Creek Gap, then we hitched to the Blueberry Patch Hostel. It was truly heaven walking in through those doors! The owner even lent us his Jeep to drive into town for a resupply and eat at the All-You-Can-EAT Chinese buffet.It felt great getting warm and our stuff dried, just being out of that relentless rain.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-06
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Had some great coffee at the awesome Blueberry Patch Hostel and was served the best breakfast I have ever had to date. We got a ride back to the trail and hiked in what seemed to be nice weather. During our stay at the hostel,we met another hiker "Falcor" and ended up hiked most of the day with SpaceCowboy,Youngin' and I.We somehow all met up with the other two hikers that stayed with us at the hostel at the NC/GA border, so we took a picture together.We finished our day at Standing Indian Shelter.Finally got one State done only 13 more to go!Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-07
From: Standing Indian Shelter

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

Spent a very cold night at Standing Indian Shelter, headed out early at around 7. Climbed Mt Albert (5250 feet).Awesome view from the tower, also had my first glance of the snowed in Great Smoky Mtns that lie just ahead. I was happy to see "Falcor" show up at our shelter that night. He decided he was going to take a zero in Franklin to help his knee heel up from the continuous walking, hope to see him again on the trail in the future.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-08
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Cold Sping Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Another long day of hiking, had so many beautiful views atop Wayah Bald, there was a very neat stone tower structure on the top. Finally got to Cold Spring Shelter just to find it full of other thru hikers. Had to sleep under my tarp because i didn't want to set up my hammock due to the cold....didn't feel like dealing with that all night long. It was the wettest night I had yet to experience on the trail, I even got worried about getting hypothermia at one point during the night.But I survived!Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-09
From: Cold Sping Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Spent a very wet night under my tarp, it down poured a few times during the night then at 2am the temperature dropped and the rain on my tarp turned to slush and it drooped on me. All my stuff including my sleeping bag got wet. We then proceeded to hike in the rain for 4 hours till we got to the NOC. There, I bought a Big Agnes SL1 (Tent), an alcohol stove and a bag liner (Silk), might as well get ready for the Smoky Mtns and their snow. Sent my hammock home, I might get it sent back to me when the weather warms up.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-10
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

A day I shall remember for a long time. Packed up my gear and ate breakfast before heading out. Truly enjoyed my stay at the NOC,hiked in my first snow today! At the beginning I thought it was cool but by 6pm we were still trying to get to the shelter in a snow storm. I have to admit, I was a little worried, it was getting dark and there was no way we could have set up a tent in that kind of wind, it was very violent. Got to the shelter at around 7-8, we were happy the shelter was facing out of the wind.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-11
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Shelter (Hilton)
Miles today: 12.7

Glad I decided to get a tent, I pitched it inside the shelter last night to help keep the wind from getting to me. Today we hiked a difficult 12 miles to Fontana in the snow and sleet, I guess this helped to get us prepared for the Smokies. Staying at the Fontana Hilton tonight, I'm even going to get to take a hot shower!These upcoming days up at elevatiosn of 5000-6000 feet in the snow have me feeling cold just by thinking about it, but i guess I'll find out just how bad and cold it is up there tomorrow.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-12
From: Fontana Shelter (Hilton)

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

We left the shelter early this morning, beautiful day. There was no snow for the first half of the day, then we went up in elevation to find snow+slush, it was awful hiking in that stuff. Well the highlight of today was getting to meet an ex 2007 thru hiker by the name of Cotton Joe, who had not only hiked the entire AT but the entire IAT as well, back to back, took him 7 months. A real humble person, he gave me all sorts of contact information about the International Appalachian Trail.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-13
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Going to try and get to Mt Collins Shelter, which would make a 20 miles day. We got to Rocky Top at sunrise and shared the view with "Cotton Joe", it was one of the best views of the Smokies. It was by far the hardest day of hiking yet, 20 miles in slush is strenuous, and having to push uphill to Clingman's Dome standing at 6,643 feet (the highest peak on the AT).I was happy when we got to the shelter that night, I was exausted!Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-14
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Gatlingburg
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early and hiked the remaining 4 miles into Gatlingburg for a day off, for some much needed rest, these Mountains are difficult. Hitched a ride in the back of a pickup truck, awesome mountain views going into town, chilly ride in the back of a pick-up truck. The town was very tourist driven, but managed to get a cheap room at a motel for 30$. Had ourselfs some wonderful food and a few beers to wash it down. Times like these make you appreciate civilized comforts to a whole new level.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-15
From: Gatlingburg

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light snow

Felt really good coming out of Gatlingburg, had 3 big meals to fuel me up. It was a good and easy day of hiking, we got to a full shelter filled with spring break hikers, but we were lucky and found spots to sleep. It was a damp night and chilly night. Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-16
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather is finally starting to look better, hiked out of the Smokies today. Heard good things about this Standing Bear Hostel, the last 3 miles to get here were pretty brutal. This Hostel is very cool, very rustic and the people running it are very friendly. You can even get your hands on some authentic Tennessee Moonshine from locals here, what a treat.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

The Hike out of Standing Bear Hostel up to Snowbird Mountain wasn't easy, the view from Max Patch was breathtakingly beautiful. The shelter here atop Walnut Mountain had it's roof blown off recently, but the shelter was full regardless, so we ended up tenting instead. Going to hit up Hot Springs tomorrow, hope we can find some work for stay at a local hostel.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-18
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Had a nice warm day, enjoyable hike into Hot Springs. Very nice little quaint town, going do a little bit of work for stay by breaking pecans for an hour. Beautiful old victorian house with lots of history and all kinds of old cool furniture, very neat! Got to do some much needed laundry today, also got to eat some great food and have a nice shower....priceless!Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-19
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had a great night of sleep at the Sunnybank Inn. Had a slow morning, took our time. Got up, had breakfast and cracked pecans for an hour to knock 8$ off my bill. Started hiking late, it was noon, so we only got to do a few miles, which I was fine with. Coming out of Hot Springs was tough, crazy steep climb in the heat of the day wasn't easy.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-20
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Flint Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Got to be honest, didn't feel like doing this 20 miler today, but I got it done. Had some nice views today of the valley. Going to do another 23 miles tomorrow so we can get into Erwin earlier in the day. Met some new thru hikers, "Tigger", "Stillwater", "Fosters" and "Availability" friendly bunch.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-21
From: Flint Mtn Shelter

To: Spivy Gap
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: overcast clouds

These were the two longest back to back days I have hiked yet, and I'm feeling every mile of it tonight. Had alot of tough uphills today,the goal was to shorten tomorrows miles into town, so we have more time to do stuff. Had some great views and vistas today and I also saw my first deer! Well I'm hoping to get a good night's sleep and burn off those 12 miles into Erwin in the morning....Pizza Hut Buffet here we come!Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Spivy Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Easy day into Erwin for some much needed rest. We were up at 5 and started hiking by 7.Happy to be in town again, ate at an AYCE pizza buffet.Going to drop into town for a good resupply at the Walmart, had myself a good night's rest in a double bed. Hostel was full so we got a cabin for the same price!4 more days till Kinkora.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Erwin

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up and had cereal for the first time on the trail, also had some great coffee and orange juice.The terrain coming out of Erwin was fairly easy, Fosters and his dog Kya are now our fourth and fifth group members. Finished and got to the shelter right before the rain hit, supposed to get thunder showers tonight. Roan Mtn tomorrow, 6000ft elevation.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Over Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Thunder storm last night, came down real hard, managed to get my stuff wet again. Roan Mtn was not that bad of a climb, we were actually supposed to sleep on the summit, given that it's the highest shelter on the A.T (6,275) and renowned for being very cold, we decided to push on and did 23 miles to the next shelter at a lower elevation. I'm not to happy cause my sleeping bag is wet and I know it's going to be a cold night.Thankfully, we will be at a hostel in two days.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-25
From: Over Mtn Shelter

To: Mountaineer Selter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a great day, woke up from a very uncomfortable sleep, but we had the best view yet, it was just amazing atop Hump Mtn, we got above the fog and had a great view of the surrounding area and of Roan Mtn.It was easy hiking down the Mtn, got to a church and spent an hour there to dry off all my stuff on the pavement since we had some sunlight. Tomorrow we will stay at a hostel in Kinkora. Decided we are going to take a zero day in Damascus, can't wait!Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Kinkora

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful hiking this morning,we hiked at the bottom of this awesome gorge and passed by the Laurel Forks Falls,but then we had this crazy steep climb to go up in the fog. Tough miles today, but some of my favorite hiking to date.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 32.9
Weather: light rain

Woke up with the plan of hiking 22 miles to Abingdon gap shelter, but we decided to push on and pull off 33 mile day into Damascus since we got to the shelter at 4:30. It was mostly for the challenge and to see how I could handle a 30+ mile day. Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had my first official zero day, my body definitely needed the rest. Got most of my errands done already. I'm also going to take another zero tomorrow to let my knees heal up properly and relax for once. I'm really enjoying Damascus,so far. Gonna do a small shake down, try to lose 5lbs and send it home. All I have to do tomorrow is to go to the post office and hit up the internet at the library. Oh yeah, and we met this interesting guy named Dean at the Hostel we are staying at. Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Damascus

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Had some great coffee once again this morning and took a nice warm shower, took my time and headed down to the outfitter around 11 and replaced my silk liner due to tears. Also added more photos to my Facebook at the local library. Then we played some hardcore monopoly for the rest of the day. Felt real good to have two zero days back to back, felt good.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Damascus 

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't have the greatest weather for hiking today, but the terrain coming out of Damascus was easy. We arrived at a full shelter, darn day hikers, well we made them move so we could fit, no way we were sleeping and pitching our tents in the rain.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: light snow

Went over Virginia's tallest mtn today, Mt Rogers, woke up to more snow this morning...it was hard to get out of my sleeping bag and into cold boots. We got to see some horses today and Youngin' almost got stampeded, it was hilarious, Fosters dog Kya scared them off.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: light rain

Woke up this morning to a few inches of snow,took a while to get going cause my boots were frozen solid. Hitched into a town for a quick resupply and a lunch at Jerry's Kitchen, then kept going to hit Partnership Shelter for some Pizza Hut delivery! Pizza was awesome, tomorrow going to hit up Atkins for the 11am buffet.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: clear sky

Had a great night at the partnership shelter, we ate some pizza and had soda. The hike into Atkins was very neat,crossed a lot of farms and stopped for a brunch buffet. We Hiked with another fellow hiker "Face Jacket" today and met up with "Diggit" and "Solitaire" at the shelter.Had nice weather today,which I was very thankful for, heat is always better then snow.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Very hot and humid day for hiking,the climb up to chestnut shelter wasn't easy in the heat,but was well worth the effort.The Shelter was really cool,took a nap today for the first time on the trail and it was awesome. Going to stop at Woodshole hostel tomorrow for some rest, heard some great things about this place.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

Decided to wake up at 4am so we could get to the Hostel early in order to get things done. It turned out to be not all that bad.The Hostel was amazing, it lived up to it's reputation. Had dinner with a group of section hikers and had some pizza and ice cream! Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Woodshole Hostel

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 22.3

Got up around 7 this morning and got myself a beautiful cup of coffee.I decided to hike solo today, so I got going before the others to get ahead. It was a very warm day, unusually warm actually.Had a tough incline coming out of Pearisburg. Well, I'm already missing the company and joking around. I might slow down to let the others catch up to me again, I'm still on track and don't really need to be hiking more miles per day.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: moderate rain

Had a Warm night in my tent, but i woke up feeling good and ready to start hiking.Decided while I was hiking to stop short of my 26 mile goal and stay at War Spur shelter knowing the other guys are aiming for there. Well I'm glad I stopped here cause it's beautiful,gonna read for a bit and wait to see if the guys show up.... if not, I'll have dinner alone.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-09
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Coach and Professor showed up last night in the rain and were followed shortly by SpaceCowboy,Youngin' and Fosters.Today was a tough 18 miles, had a bad fall and busted up my leg.The rain came down hard right at the end of our day and was followed by thunder.Felt good to get into the shelter and out of the rain.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Niday Shelter

To: Cambel Shelter
Miles today: 27.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Long day of hiking, we had some nice weather and great views, both at Dragon's Tooth and McAfee's Knob.We pushed hard to get up to the knob before the sun was completely gone for a nice photo.The Knob was amazing!Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Cambel Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Nice warm night, but I could not manage to get a solid night's sleep.It got up to 86 degrees today, very hot hike into town,felt like it was taking forever cause we could see Daleville not far off. Stayed at the Howard Johnson and got the chance to call everyone.Finally picked up some Aqua Mira droplets, I really don't trustsome of these water sources, especially the ones down in the valleys.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Today we had some relatively easy hiking out of Daleville.Had a great breakfast at the motel, ate a lot of food!Saw a squirrel fall out of a tree, about 50 feet and he some how survived.Also had good weather which I'm glad and grateful for.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: broken clouds

Had nice cool weather for hiking today. The first half of the day was easy, but the last 10 miles were difficult.Met a lot of other thru hikers today, Red Rider,Indiana Jones, Flying Squirrel and Samurai. Then we met a girl named Sage who apparently triple crowned in one year.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: clear sky

Other then the heat, today was a beautiful day, had a mtn to climb right at the end of the day, but we got nice views.Stayed at a shelter next to a nice pond, the shelter waw known to be haunted by a little boy who had died trying to get fire wood, then got lost, this was back in 1890. Spooky stuff.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Seely-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: clear sky

Another long day of hiking.Saw some cool shelters today with lots of awesome privies in this section! My body and feet are getting tired and sore from these bigger days in rough terrain, so I'm gonna take a Nero in Waynesboro. Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Seely-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: moderate rain

Rain! Woke up this morning with rain blowing all over my stuff inside the shelter and got it wet.Hiked 12 miles in downpour rain and got picked up by SpaceCowboy'sfamily, went into town and dried our stuff. Weather cleared and we headed for the trail for round 2 of the day. The downpour created some nasty flash floods, we hiked another 3 miles to the shelter and had to wade across a fast flowing stream.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C Wolf Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a very nice change from all that rain and bad weather.Crossed alot of fast moving water all day, decided to wear my sandals rather then my boots because they were just soaked. I actually liked hiking in them, lighter weight on the feet makes a huge difference. I'm excited that I only have to do 5 miles into town for a Nero tomorrow!Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Paul C Wolf Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Nero day in Waynesboro, felt great to only hike 5 miles. Got all my chores done today, laundry, uploading pictures and made a few phone calls. Decided to tent in a town for the first time, I get to save a bit of money. Starting the Shenandoah section tomorrow, well looking forward to a good night's sleep.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: thunderstorm

Finaly made it to Shenandoah National Park, the climb after town wasn't all that bad. Met up with Reverend at the registry again. Had some easy terrain today with some great wildlife. We also met up with Coach and Professor again at the Hut, they were planning on doing a 30 miles the next day.Victus 2011 NOBO
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Very humid day, got started early this morning and got to see a beautiful buck and a bear both on the trail.Didn't feel all that great after hiking in the mid day sun and heat.We got to the hut at 4, which gave us lots of time to cool off in the stream and read.Victus 2011 NOBO