morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-10
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light snow

Pretty good day today. Woke up in the hotel in Hiawassee and it was raining outside =\ Decided to push my cab pickup back one hour and grab sone extra sleep. Paid off as the rain was basically done by the time I got to Dicks Creek Gap. Decent climb out of the gap followed my gradual up and down most of the day. Finally passed into NC, one state down! Took a picture of a cool tree on the trail that looked like the creepy tree from Sleepy Hollow around Bly Gap. Made it to my initial destination of Muskrat Creek Shelter real early. Ate lunch there and decided to push on another 5 miles to the next shelter. Body feels good, not real sore, no blisters so I'm real happy. Gonna cook some tortellini and head to bed early tonight. Got a dusting of snow today also, which I would much rather have over rain.
Date: 2011-03-11
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: few clouds

Day started off by waking up to about an inch of snow on the ground. Was pretty cold and took me far too long to get out of the sleeping bag. On the trail by about 930ish. Trail was pretty good. Up and down like usual. Eventually made it to Albert Mtn which was definitely the highlight of the day. Fire tower on top gave a real good view of the surrounding area. Got some good pics and continued on to the third shelter. Pretty long day today at 19.7 miles but i feel pretty good. Got to the shelter and found some trail magic in the form of some fried chicken, biscuits, donuts and Gatorade. In the shelter with some people tonight, The Maine Boys (Smurf, Power Ranger and some others I can't remember, one named LaLa). Bed soonish I think. Good day.
Date: 2011-03-12
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Real nice day today. Beautiful weather all day. Woke up with some thru's in the shelter and headed the 4ish miles to Winding Stair Gap where we were going to get a ride into Franklin, NC. Church group was at the Gap giving out some 'trail magic' in the form of Cokes, snacks and hot chocolate. Managed to get a ride into town and dropped by Ingles to grab some food. Then walked to Outdoor 76 which was an excellent outfitter. Got some new insoles and some Teva sandals which I forgot. Ate some lunch and got a ride back to the Gap with a few other NOBOs (Indy, Altoid and Legion). Ride back was courtesy of one of the owners of Outsoor 76, Rob I believe, who was an excellent guy. Headed up to Silers Bald shelter. Had a nice fire and hung out with the other thrus, then some dinner and off to bed. Also got my trail name this morning. Going by 'Ghost' as I'm pretty quiet, transient and also tend to inadvertently sneak up on slower hikers and scare them when passing...I think it fits. =)
Date: 2011-03-13
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: A Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: clear sky

Real long day today although I wasn't planning on it being so long initially. Just kept feeling pretty good at each shelter and moving on. Although the final descent to this shelter was really rough. Dropped 3000ish feet I believe. Beautiful weather today though and some real nice sights. Crested two different balds today, both of which had towers on top with excellent views. Could even get a view of Clingmans Dome wayy in the distance. Only 0.8 miles tomorrow into the NOC to resupply and then a rough climb out. Hopefully get a good meal and do some laundry tomorrow before heading out of the NOC.
Date: 2011-03-14
From: A Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sasafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Real nice day today. Good weather despite a little soaking in the morning to make the tent inconveniently wet for packing...oh well. A steeep 0.8 mile descent to the NOC. Resupplied there with some food and got some laundry done. Also grabbed a free shower with some   liquid hand soap for body wash and shampoo...better than nothing. Then ate an amazing lunch with One Gray Wolf. Chili, burger, side salad, 2 Nantahala IPAs to drink and a molten chocolate cake thing for dessert.  Meal made the 7 mile all uphill climb to the next shelter quite sluggish. Sharing the shelter with a few people, including LaLa and Gray Wolf. Early to bed tonight. Considering pushing a little over 20 miles tomorrow to get to Fontana but we'll see how the weather is and how my body feels.
Date: 2011-03-15
From: Sasafrass Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Really enjoyed myself today despite some wet and chilly weather in the morning. Hiked the whole day with LaLa and had some pretty interesting and enjoyable conversation with him. In the shelter earlyish today with LaLa and Gray Wolf as well as a few other thru's. Easy day tomorrow only 5 or so miles to Fontana Dam where I'll get my food supply and stay at the "Fontana Hilton" (just a big 24 person shelter) then into the Smokys the next day. Weather looks good, dry and mid 70s so hopefully there should be some good views!
Date: 2011-03-16
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Birch Spring Campground
Miles today: 11.9

I thinking going to have to stop saying "good day" and "amazing day" today because I'm really loving every day on the trail and today was no exception. Headed the 6ish miles to highway 28 with LaLa where we were successful in catching a hitch on our first try to the Fontana Lodge. Had some coffee there and checked email etc. on the computer, which was nice. Then headed down to the post office to pick up our food drops. LaLa needed some alcohol for his stove but the outfitter was closed so I'm going to let him borrow some fuel through the Smokys if he needs it. Then we hitched back to Fontana Dam and proceeded across. Decided not to do the "Fontana Hilton" Shelter and continued into the Smokys to a nice campsite. Lots of other campers here. Good dinner of shells and cheese with tuna and into the tent by dark. Weather looks beautiful for our trip through the Park and I'm psyched for some beautiful views. Should be through in 5 days. I think assuming all goes well I will feel like I'm actually making a bit of progress on the trail after the Smokys. Hopefully can meet up with Gray Wolf again soon, he had to hitch into a town and is staying at "the Hilton" tonight. Really loving my trail experience so far =) Trying to stay humble about everything and just take each day as it comes..
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Birch Spring Campground

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful weather today with some great views from Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mtn. Some real tough s though and my pack being weighed down with the resupply made today pretty tough hiking-wise. I'm starting to get 'hiker hunger' and basically have an insatiable appetite now. I can really tell when I am hungry as my energy and strength significantly decreases. Next food supply need better, more substantial breakfast and lunch foods. I'll be fine through the Smokys though. Shelter is packed with hikers so LaLa and I are tenting along with two other thru's, Onward and Upward. The heavy pack made me a bit grumpy at the end of the day which I regret feeling now. I really need to appreciate how fantastic the trail is and how lucky I am with the weather currently. Looking to stay with LaLa through the Smokys and maybe longer. We'll see. Over Clingmans Dome tomorrow, supposedly icy and snowy =\
Date: 2011-03-18
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Felt a lot more energetic today than I did yesterday. Hiked by myself pretty much the whole day today. Beautiful weather again. Around Clingmans Dome it was quite muddy, snowy and icy. Having the boots and gaiters made it no problem to trudge right through though. On top of Clingmans got a great view of the surrounding areas and took some good pics. Into camp and the tent early tonight. LaLa and I are going for a 20 mile day tomorrow to get through the Smokys quicker. Possible chance of rain tomorrow but hopefully it holds off. Looking forward to making more progress tomorrow.
Date: 2011-03-19
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Probably one of the best sections of trail so far today. LaLa and I stayed together most of the way and enjoyed the views together. The highlight was probably Charlie's Bunion although the Smokys lived up to their name and fog was rolling in and out of the valleys all day so the views came and went. Mainly stayed on the ridge all day. Sections really reminded me of Dolly Sods and Spruce Knob so I felt right at home. Lots of spruce and misty, wet forests in the ridge. Despite the 20 mile day I felt pretty good at the end of the day. Salmon couscous for dinner tonight, yum! Out of the park tomorrow and possibly a zero at Standing Bear Hostel for laundry, shower and resupply.
Date: 2011-03-20
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: State Line Branch
Miles today: 17.0

Another beautiful day in the Smokys today. I got so lucky with weather through the park and I'm definitely thankful for that. No rain and no (falling) snow...amazing. Today was similar to yesterday trail-wise but I definitely enjoyed it. Mostly ridge line hiking with some nice views and the trail was lined by spruce like the day before. I think I like the Trail more north of Newfound Gap than I do south of the gap, personally. The day ended with a long descent into Davenport Gap which is the boarder of the park. LaLa and I are camping about 1 mile outside of the park and plan a nero tomorrow at Standing Bear for resupply, laundry, etc. Today really felt like spring which I am definitely looking forward to! Lots of bugs out and some flowers starting to bloom. Really looking forward to getting my summer gear which I plan to do in Pearisburg, VA. Looking forward to a rest day tomorrow then back on the trail! =)
Date: 2011-03-21
From: State Line Branch

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Super relaxing day today. Lala and I woke up early and walked the short 1.1 miles into Standing Bear Hostel. Standing Bear was an awesome day off. Curtis the owner as well as the other people working were all real friendly and laid back. Resupplied there and ate a lot of junk food. Also got a shower and washed some laundry by hand. Then relaxed the rest of the day and read "Night" throughout the day. Also met lots of cool people at the hostel: Steady, Hickory, Happy (who my parents gave a ride into Hiawassee earlier on the trail), Triton, Ducky, and also Johnny Appleseed and Mango who I met earlier on the trail. Lots of good conversations throughout the day and the beautiful weather made it even more relaxing. Looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up early and had breakfast with Triton, Hickory and a few others before the rest were up. Lala and I headed out together after grabbing some homemade muffins that Curtis' wife had made. Once again I lucked out with gorgeous weather. Lots of up and down, nothing too bad today. Highlight of the day was definitely Max Patch which had a gorgeous 360 degree view. I waited for Lala at the top and we relaxed a bit before heading down to the shelter. Also just before Max Patch there was a 'trail angel' named Apple giving out some snacks and drinks which was awesome. Thanks for that! Steady, Lala and I in the shelter tonight. Relatively easy day tomorrow, but may rain. Loving the trip so far! =)
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

Pretty easy day today hiking-wise although mentally I was a bit out of it today. Wasnt feeling too much like hiking for whatever reason. But I assume there will be bad days on the trail when I'm a bit out of it just like bad days off the trail. Either way cant complain too much as the trail was pleasant today and the rain held off. Nothing too spectacular on the trail, a few ups and downs but for the most part pretty flat. Got to the shelter early today and Lala and Steady werent far behind. Took a bit of a nap and cooked some pasta for dinner. Hot Springs tomorrow for groceries and the outfitter. Apparently we are in a tornado watch currently but the weather looks fine right now, we'll see. Hopefully some food and a good nights sleep will get my head right.
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Felt much better today as soon as I woke up. LaLa and I headed into Hot Springs early and got some errands done. Was able to get almost all groceries at the Dollar General which was awesome and cheap. Then headed to Bluff Mtn Outfitters to check out some gear. I got some Leki trekking poles which i am already loving. Really going to save my knees and ankles in the long run I think. LaLa picked up a few small things as well. We headed out after some lunch at a small restaurant and continued the 11 miles to the next shelter. It got significantly colder on the way, gloomier as well. Arrived at the shelter a bit later than usual and made some mashed potatoes and peanut butter and honey wrap for dinner. Some fog has rolled in now and it totally looks like the perfect setting for a werewolf attack. Hopefully a thin layer of nylon and mesh will protect me from them tonight =P
Date: 2011-03-25
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

Day started off pretty chilly but it warmed up eventually. After about 4 miles there was a road crossing with a sign for some 'trail magic' down the road. It turned out to be totally worth it. An older couple who thru hiked in 99 had been feeding hikers for about 7 years, trail names were Hercules and Fal. The food was amazing! Fresh coffee, Belgian waffle, pork stew and a brownie sundae for dessert. Myself, LaLa, Joker and Yo-Yo were all thoroughly stuffed when leaving there. It made the next few miles a bit rough. However, about 5 miles before the shelter there was an awesome section of trail, probably one of my favorites so far. An exposed ridge with some amazing views. To the West was TN and to the East NC, really beautiful. In the shelter now with Elf and LaLa and a few section hikers. Weather looks iffy for the next couple days...chilly and rainy. But I guess I'm due after the abundance of beautiful days so far.
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Somehow the rain held off today despite it threatening all day. Hiked with LaLa, Joker and Elf most of the day, nothing particularly exciting. Kinda gloomy and chilly all day but the rain holding off made the day alright. At the shelter Joker and I went to get some water from the spring and found 5 Cokes floating in the stream that someone had left for thru hikers. Which was an awesome surprise! Elf made a fire and of course once it was roaring the rain came down hard. Despite the rain the fire was so big it went all night and we were able to get it going again in the morning. Salmon and some 50 cent macaroni and cheese for dinner which was as flavorless as you might expect but I needed the calories!
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Pretty 'blah' day today. Fog and cold all day, no rain but somehow water dripped off of trees for the entire hike. Day was fairly easy despite the 20 mile distance. No views because of the fog. Big Bald would have been cool if the visibility was more than 30 feet. Crossing a road I did find some more 'trail magic' in the form of a PBR...although I did feel a bit odd drinking it at 10 AM =P. Cheesy tuna helper tonight was amazing, actually. Elf and LaLa and I did the 20 miles others stopped short. Erwin tomorrow for resupply, shower, laundry and  a restaurant. Yum!
Date: 2011-03-28
From: No Business Shelter

To: Curley Maple Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started out rough but definitely got better as it went. Woke up to pouring rain and 40 degree weather which LaLa and I hiked in until we got to Uncle Johnny's Hostel which is just outside of Erwin, TN. I stopped there and got a shower and did some laundry which felt amazing, LaLa went straight to town. After all that I got a ride into town and did some shopping at the Dollar Store for all my groceries. Then walked about 3.5mi back to the trail as hitching wasn't happening. Only a short 4ish miles to the shelter which is brand new, super nice. Not sure what the plan is for tomorrow yet. Need to figure it out. Rain looks possible...
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Curley Maple Gap

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful day today which was a nice change from the gloomy, rainy cold weather the previous few days. Did a relatively short day today and took it easy and just enjoyed the hike. Took a long lunch at Beauty Spot which had a nice view of the surrounding area. Also really enjoyed hiking over Unaka Mtn which had a real thick spruce forest on top and made for a nice few miles. In camp with Spartan, LaLa and Elf tonight; we made an excellent fire which is still burning nicely as I write this...may be some embers in the morning still. Been thinking about life a lot recently and discussing it with other thru's. Quite determined to find a way to make this (hiking, exploring, traveling, etc.) my life. A career can come later..
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: snow

Today started out rough but got better as it went. Cooooold and rainy this morning. Foggy and windy as well. Basically hiked nonstop to the first shelter and ate lunch there. Then proceeded the rest of the way which became some super steep, rooty, rocky uphill to Roan High Knob. Was real foggy and windy up there. Sitting in the attic of an old firewarden's cabin right now getting warm. This is actually the highest shelter on the entire AT, pretty interesting shelter. Dry though...which is all that matters right now.
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Probably my favorite day of hiking so far! The trail was pretty amazing the whole way. Coming down from Roan High Knob was real chilly and foggy but it made the dense spruce forest seem even cooler. Then went over a few balds that were very foggy as well. Eventually the fog cleared up a bit and made for some spectacular views and hiking over Little Hump Mtn and Hump Mtn. Everything was exposed so you could see the trail a mile ahead of you and behind you. Fog rolled in and out all day which looked fantastic from the exposed ridge. Coming down to the shelter was a bit rough...lots of rock hopping and slippery roots. I barely made it to the shelter before the rain hit. Relaxing now. Close to Kincora hostel and a nero. Then only 50 miles from VA! Hopefully cell service will improve. In the shelter with LaLa, Elf and Spartan again tonight.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a bit of a mediocre day. Woke up to cold temps and some snow on the ground which was a bit of a surprise. Really nothing particularly interesting on the trail either. Seemed like filler trail compared to yesterday. Relatively flat though so the hiking wasn't bad. Snowed off and on all day. Running low on food so was noticeably sluggish towards the end of the day. In the shelter with Pa Bert, LaLa and Spartan. In the bag trying to stay warm. 6 miles to Kincora tomorrow and a shower, resupply and laundry. Should be a nice day off.
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night in Moreland Gap was pretty wild. Some thunder and lightning around midnight and then the skies just opened up...but it was snow. Unfortunately the shelter was facing the wring direction so there was serious amounts of snow blowing in and the thunder and lightning was ridiculous. I got my tent fly out and covered myself eventually but the damage was done. Soaked boots and bag =( Luckily it didnt last long and we all managed to get some sleep. The morning was chilly and uncomfortable because of the wet but once we got moving it was alright. Took a nero today and went to Kincora which is an amazing place! Bob Peoples who runs the place is amazingly nice and super generous. Some of his trail crew even cooked the hostel a nice spaghetti dinner tonight which was fantastic. Definitely recommend this place. Lots of good people here tonight too (LaLa, Corsican,Elf, Ronin, Dart, the three bears and others). Got a resupply and laundry and all that as well. Two and a half days and then into VA!
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Kincora Hiker Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful day today! Started off by cooking up some eggs/spinach/cheese/garlic and wrapping them in tortillas with Elf and Lala before leaving Kincora. Lala actually did the cooking, i assisted. Was good to start off the day with a nice breakfast. Not to mention some fresh coffee. I find my thoughts are mainly about food during the day...Mid 70s and sunny was amazing for a change. Highlight was Laurel Fork (I think) falls. Gorgeous cascades. The water looked very inviting but I'm sure it would have been crazy cold. Finally have some 3G so I got the journal updated today which was nice. Pretty long day tomorrow and then intoDamascus on Tuesday by noon.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Real hot today! Was up to 85 in the afternoon so I sweated my butt off all day. Trail was relatively easy, just gradual/short up and downs all day. No real good views or anything. Pretty much ridge line all day long with obstructed views. Highlight of the day was definitely some trail magic from a local church that was left in a cooler right near the trail. Oatmeal cream pies, a honey bun and a Coke! Was definitely good motivation on a hot day. In the shelter now. Thundering but no rain yet. Couscous and tuna for dinner tonight and whatever else I feel like eating from my food bag since I'll be in Damascus pretty early tomorrow for a resupply and hopefully to meet up with my friend Sam. Hoping Grey Wolf and Goose can catch up at some point!
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: The Place
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

After an 85 degree day yesterday, woke up this morning with some snow falling and cold temps! Crazy temperature swing. The walk in was pretty straightforward, mostly downhill and smooth. Headed straight to "The Place" which is an awesome hostel right off the main drag in Damascus. Basically just an empty house with a bunch of wooden bunks for sleeping on. Plenty of room and three real nice showers in the place. No heat...but I havent had heat in a month so I'm pretty used to it. Did some errands with Corsican today after getting into town. Outfitter, grocery store, Dollar General, Subway and a coffee shop. Now just at the library getting up to date on everything. Wasnt planning on taking a zero tomorrow but the convenience of Damascus and the cheap price of the hostel is making it seem like a real possibility. I am probably a little bit ahead of schedule as it is so a nice rest day before heading into VA may not be a bad idea!