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

To: Top of Georgia Hostel
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Nice day - a little cool starting out but warmed up quite nice. Not a cloud in the sky. Headed out by 9:30 with 2 Tricks, Wet Bandit, Sparky and Alan. A few ups but nothing too difficult. Got to Top of Georgia Hostel around 3 and showered and headed into Hiawasse for dinner at Daniels Steak House for an AYCE (all you can eat buffet). It was amazing. Back to the hostel. Most are taking a zero (not hiking) tomorrow. Here with 2 Tricks, Wet Bandit, Sparky, Alan, Tuna, Black Beard, Meticulous, Christa, Harrison, Wildlife, Meagan and a few more. Kind of sad - breaking up the trail family tomorrow as Alan, Morrison, Sparky and I will head out after breakfast.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Top of Georgia Hostel

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

Day 9 - Sleeping Indian ShelterFirst I need to mention how great it was to stay at the Top of Georgia Hostel. The host Bob "Sir Packs-a-lot" was very nice and willing to wait for us to leave in the morning and the breakfast that was served was great. I had mixed emotions as we had to bid farewell to two of our hiking family. 2 Tricks is taking 2 days off hoping to get his knees to feel better and Wet Bandit is taking a day off to help his foot heal. I really hope to see these guys further up the trail. So, it's Sparky, Kamikaze (formerly Allen) and I hiking north today. Got on the trail by 9:30 am and it was by far the most strenuous hike to date. Lots of steep ups mixed in with some downs. Weather was perfect - cool and breezy with few clouds. Hiked 16.7 miles to Standing Indian Shelter and arrived about 6:30. Here with Nick, Naffles, Hooch, RR, Harrison, Josh, Arron, Christa, CheeseSteak and a few more. To Miss Repose's classes at Nash School in Weymouth - I am no longer in Georgia - what state am I in? Heading into Franklin by Sunday and possibly hiking Monday but thinking of taking a zero day Tuesday as snow is in the forecast. Thanks for all your support on this hike - from Trail Journals messages, texts and emails. It's nice to hear from all. Please remember that I have dedicated this hike to my friend Paula who lost her battle with Multiple Myeloma and if you wish to donate please go to www.tinyurl.com/MMRFsaint. Gandolf
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Another 16 mile day. Good weather and good trails. Toughest climb was up Albert Mtn which was at the 14 mile mark. Hiked with Sparky, Kamikaze and Aaron. At the shelter are Maverick, Super Feet, Barnacle, Aaron. sparky, Christa, Kamikaze and me. Nice night by the fire after dinner. Rain coming tomorrow but we only have 7 miles to Franklin Happy that we have gone over the 100 mile mark - only 2083 left. Also, heard that 2 Tricks and Wet Bandit will be hitting the trail tomorrow. Not sure about Rob and Alex. Thank you Sister Mary Catherine for correcting the spelling of my name - I decided not to bring a dictionary to save on weight Da - the name comes from Lord of the Rings because me gray beard is getting longer. Gandalf
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap / Franklin
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light snow

Started raining around 8 am and we left around 9:30. Showered for about an hour and then the sun came out. Today it was Kamikaze, Sparky and myself hiking. We met up with Christa and Sole Power close to Winding Stair Gap. We called Ron Haven from the Budget Motel in Franklin and he picked all of us up and drove us the 11 miles to Franklin. Headed to lunch at Mulligans with Christa and Sole Power and then they went back to the trail. Sparky and I went to an outfitter (along with 20 other hikers) and then to Walmart. Stocked up on Vanilla Oreos, chips, donuts, and beer. About the only excitement was when the fire department showed up because someone in another room set their chair on fire. Finished off the night playing Uker. So far game is tied 1-1 sparky and kamikaze vs Montana (formerly Harrison) and me.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Winding Stair Gap / Franklin

To: Burning Mtn Gap
Miles today: 14.6

Day started early waiting for the 7 am shuttle to the free hiker breakfast at the local church. We got on the trail around 9:30 at Winding Stairs Gap and hiked up Siler Bald and then up Wayah Bald. Cool weather under a cloudless sky. Met up with Bandit, Sole Power, Star Gazer, Kathy, and a few others on the trail. Great views from Wayah Bald. Then we had 1 1/2 hours to go 4.4 miles to meet our shuttle - we were 2 minutes late - not bad. Today we slack-packed carrying only water and snacks for lunch. Hiking today was Kamikaze. sparky and me. Back at the Budget for the night. Chris ( now Lost&Found) and we all went to Mulligans for dinner and drinks. Another good day - zero tomorrow - snow in the forecast.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Burning Mtn Gap

To: Burning Mtn Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Up early to catch the bus for the free breakfast with Harrison (now Morrison). My job was to find a trail angel to drive us up to Burnington Gap. Success! Had breakfast and then chores. Post. Office to get a resupply that never arrived, then pizza for lunch. After lunch headed up to an outfitter in downtown. Met up with Guy on a Buffalo and his mother who I met at the Hiker Hostel when we started a week or so ago. Happy that our 'Trail Family' was reunited today. 2 Tricks, Wet Bandit, and Rob (now Bacondog) arrived from Rock Gap. We all went out to resupply and then dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. It was good to catch up. They are about 1 1/2 days behind us. A great night being together again - if only for a night.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Burning Mtn Gap

To: Nahantala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: broken clouds

Another day doing breakfast at the Baptist Church in Franklin. These people are great - they were kind enough to offer us a ride to the trailhead - for free. So, Sparky, Kamikaze, Morrison, 2 Tricks, Wet Bandit, Bacondog and I were shuttled to the trailhead. It took about 2 hours as we had to go around the mountain due to snow and ice on the road. Once we got to Burningtown Gap we split up. 2 Tricks, Wet Bandit and Bacondog headed south for an 18 mile slackpack hike - we headed north to the NOC. It was cold with a couple of inches of snow under blue skies. Views were the best yet. Around 1:30 we got to Tallico Gap and Blue Deer was set up with trail magic. I had a couple hot dogs, chips, beer and a coke. We waited for Morrison to catch up and eat and then went up Wesser Bald. Views were incredible. After the Wesser we had 8 miles to get to the NOC - most of it downhill - some of it steep with snow and ice. Pulled into NOC just before 7 and checked into the hostel and then to dinner. Met up with Sole. power, Star Gazer, Cheese Steak, Pepper, Griz and Pond (whose has an uncle in Cheshire). After dinner was story telling night - something Sole Power started so that everyone will get to know each other. Another good day - another fun day. Keep them coming. Gandalf
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Nahantala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Gap Campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

A little delayed leaving the NOC as Sparky, Kamikaze and Morrison had to print their Smoky Park permits. We didn't hit the trail until 10:30. Also, had to make reservations for 2 Tricks, Wet Bandit and Bacondog as they are arriving at NOC tonight. Headed out under partly cloudy skies and cool temps. We had a 3500 ft elevation gain over 6 miles. We stopped for lunch at the Sassafras Gap shelter. Met up with Young Gun, Cheese Steak and many other hikers. When we left we had another climb up to Cheoah Bald which had a great view. Stopped at. Locust Gap campsite at 4:30 and decided to spend the night. We are here with Cheese Steak, Sole Power, All Day, Malibu and Long Bow. Had dinner and chatted around the fire. Early day tomorrow - as we hope to get to Fontana Dam which is 18 miles away and it is supposed to rain all day.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Locust Gap Campsite

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Started out the earliest yet and hiking the most miles to date. Weather forecast called for rain all day but there was little rain - just clouds, fog and drizzle. We hiked to Stecoh Gap and was surprised to find trail magic served be Whitewater '12 and his wife. We stopped and had a cheeseburger, root beer, cookies and some coffee rolls. That provided enough energy to hike Jacobs Ladder - a steep but short ascent up the mountain. We continued on and made it to Fontana Dam before 6 and called for a shuttle to take us to the resort for dinner. Dinner was great. Burger, salad, beer and desert filled us up.Received some bad news - we think the post office is closed on Sat so I will need to figure if we are going to zero for 2 days , make arrangements to get the package or just forget the resupply and head out tomorrow - all to be determined tomorrow. Here with Sparky, Kamikaze, Lemondrop, Crazy Horse and a few other hikers. Saw Josh at the restaurant. Fontana Dam Shelter (aka The Fontana Hilton sleeps 20 - there were about 12 of us here. It has showers and hot water -not bad for roughing it Need to send a get well message to Star Gazer (Christa) who is down for about a week. Get well fast and I'm sure you'll pass us soon. Great day - but exhausted. Gandalf
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Realized that the post office is not open on Saturday. Options included taking two zero days and going to the Post Office on Monday at 11:45 when the open or hiking today and calling the PO on Monday to have them 'bounce' the resupply further up the trail. 0-2 on PO resupply. Headed out around 10:30 under cloudy skies but warm. Entered the Great Smokies National Park and dropped the permit in the dropbox. We now have 8 days to complete the Smokies. Today's hike consisted of about 1800 ft of elevation gain. Terrain wasn't too bad, but shortly after heading into the Smokies it started to rain and get cold and windy. Made it the 11+ miles to Mollies Ridge Shelter and was pleased to see tarps up to prevent the wind and rain from getting into the shelter. This shelter also has a fireplace inside. In the Smokies - hikers are required to stay in a shelter unless it is filled. At that point you can tent. Tonight we have Sparky, Kamikaze, Grey Beard (the ridge runner for this part of the Smokies), Chase, Mocha, Bamboo, Silvia and Thomas (both from Switzerland).To Ms Reposes class at Nash School - your question " How can you survive a storm when you're sleeping in a tent?" The tent I have should be strong to prevent rain from getting me wet - so far, so good. If staked down properly it should be fine on a windy day. Hope that answers your question. A special note of thanks to Randy and Connie Payne (trail angels) who have offered to resupply me in Newfound Gap. Happy to be warm and dryGandalf
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well we didn't plan on taking a zero day - but the rain turned to snow and we ended up with about 4 inches of snow and quite cold. As Sparky and I put our boots on to get water we realized how wet and cold our boots and feet were. Warmed up by midday but decided to stay put and wait for things to dry out. Shelter is full tonight. Josh & Nick stopped but kept going. We are the only ones from last night. Here we have Listener, T Rex and quite a few other thru hikers plus three section hikers. Next few days are supposed to be sunny and 70sGandalf
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To:  Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Left this morning at 8:15 under cloudless skies and warm temps. Only problem was the trail. All day we were in either slush, snow or mud. Tough going   We made it to the shelter by 6:30. Josh, Nick, Indiana Jones, Dad (a thru hiker syndicate member) plus quite a few others are here. Shelter is full and there are some tents setup outside. For Ms Repose's class at Nash School - I have a question for you - tomorrow we will hike over the highest point on the AT - what is the name of this peak and what state am I in?Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-01
From:  Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap/Gatlinburg TN
Miles today: 12.5

Out of the shelter by 8:30. Needed to meet Randy at 2:30 at Newfound Gap for a ride into Gatlinburg. Sparky, Kamikaze and I started the ascent to Clingmans Dome. Clingmans is the highest peak on the AT and is also the highest peak in TN and the third highest peak east of the Mississippi. Spent a little time taking pictures and having lunch on top of Clingmans Dome but then had to hustle as we had about 7.7 miles to get done in 2 1/2 hours. Some more ups and downs but the trail was in better shape than the day before. Still lots of snow and mud - but not nearly as much as the day before. Weather was great - sunny skies and warm (60s) temps. Met Randy at Newfound Gap parked right next to trail magic. Thanks to Beth & Bernie who drove up from FL do serve us balogna sandwiches, coke, brownies and cookies. Hit the spot. Randy gave us a ride to the Grand Prix in Gatlinburg. After showers and a couple beers we headed out for dinner at TGIF. Morrison caught with us so it's the four of us in a room. Josh & Nick showed up after dinner - I think we are all going to zero tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Newfound Gap/Gatlinburg TN

To: Newfound Gap/Gatlinburg TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is a zero day. Since I have missed all of my mail drops but one - I will need to go in town and buy supplies and food to get me to Hot Springs. Hope to meet HT & Mac somewhere before Hot Springs and hike with them for a few days. Overall my body definitely needs the day off. I'm feeling good - no blisters and no muscle soreness. I had a tough day yesterday but that might have been due to the fact that I was so tired. Mon night I went to bed without dinner and got up Tue morning and just started hiking. That and we covered 30 miles through the Smokies in two days. Was happy to hear that Star Gazer (Christa) has recovered and is back on the trail. I'm sure she will catch up in no time. On the other hand - was bummed to hear that 2 Tricks is leaving the trail today. I was really looking forward to reuniting with him up the trail. It appears that Alex (Mo Mo) and Bacondog are leaving Fontana today and Wet Bandit tomorrow putting them 2-3 days behind us. Rest of the day was spent visiting Gatlinburg - what a great city. I would love to come back here someday. The evening finished off with a free chili and hot dog dinner at the hotel hosted by trail angels Bernie & Beth. It was fun hanging out out with hikers we knew and some new ones we just met Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Newfound Gap/Gatlinburg TN

To: Tri-Corner Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: moderate rain

It is said that when you hike the AT - 80% of the time you are either too cold or too hot or too wet or too dry and 20% of the time it is perfect. Today was one of those 20% days. It in the 50s with a cool breeze under partly sunny skies. Views were just amazing. We left Gatlinburg and took the 10am shuttle to Newfound Gap and started hiking. Quite a few ups today - but the trail conditions were dry - very little mud and no snow or slush. We had lunch at Charlie's Bunion - a rock outcropping with great views into the valley. We pressed on and made it to the shelter by 6:30. Had dinner with section hikers Ryan and Squirrel who we met a few days ago at Molly Ridge Shelter. Also here are Indiana Jones and his dad, Peppa, Cup full of Love and Cheezen. In the Smokies - you must stay in the shelter unless it is full. When we ran into the ridge runner yesterday he told us the shelter was full but to tent up at the horse hitching post - a nice flat spot of land - so 5 of are tenting. In our group - all four of us are here - Kamikaze, Sparky and JMo (formerly Harrison)Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow - but we are looking to try to get out of the Smokies - so it might be a long sloggy day. To Ms Repose's class - regarding my tent - everything fits under the flaps on side so all stays dry when it rains. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Tri-Corner Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well - we are out of the Smokies! Day started out overcast but soon turned to a complete downpour. We were lucky that we were 7 miles into our hike and near the Crosby Shelter when the skies opened. We had lunch and waited out the storm which passed after an hour. The remainder of the day was mostly downhill to Davenport Gap and then to finish the day a 1 mile uphill to Standing Bear Shelter. Quite a few people we know are here. Sole Power, Peppa, Mocha, Indiana Jones and Big Dog, and Thomas & Silvia plus some new hikers. They are completely filled up so we are tenting on their property. Looking forward to tomorrow as I will meet up with Mac & HT (Paula's daughter) and we will hike to Hot Springs. Happy to be out of the Smokies unscathed. The weather can be quite severe up there and we were lucky that we only had one snow storm. The views from the Smokies are the best yet. As for our hiking group - it looks like we are down to two - Kamikaze and me (and his mother told him he has to stick with me as she reads my journal). Sparky developed a knee issue and wanted to slow down - so he and JMo are going to slow the pace down. We hope to meet up with them after our zero day in Asheville. Having a great time Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Campsite just north of 'Max Patch
Miles today: 16.0

Another 20% day - cool temps and a bit overcast when we started but cleared up nicely during the day. We had quite a few uphills but knowing that Blue Deer was providing trail magic on top of Max Patch and the fact that Mac & HT were meeting us there helped push us along. As you may know - I dedicated this hike to Paula Guerin ( Mac's mother) and I am honored to have Mac hike a portion of the AT with me and to support me. If you wish to donate to the MMRF and support my hike - you can do this by going to this link - www.tinyurl.com\MMRFsaint. Arrived at Max Patch before 3 and devoured 2 hot dogs and a couple of beers before we met up with HT & Mac. Left Max Patch around 4:30 to find a campsite. Our hope was to go past the first shelter so that we have less miles to go to get to Hot Springs on Sunday. It was fun around the campfire catching up on things. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Campsite just north of 'Max Patch

To: Hot Springs/Asheville NC
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Took our time getting on the trail. It was cool and overcast. Early on we met up with Thomas & Silvia (The Swiss) and pretty much leapfrogged with them throughout the day. Also ran into Sole Power, Peppa and Marshmallow - as they had 'cowboyed' camped (only sleeping bag - no tent) on top of Max Patch to catch the sunrise. Most of the day was downhill except for a nice climb up to Bluff Mt where we stopped for lunch   It was great having Mac & HT along with Kamikaze and me today. We ended up covering the 16 miles in just over 8 hours including lunch and breaks. We rewarded ourselves with a beer and cheesesteak sandwich at a restaurant along the river in Hot Springs. Joining us there were Sole Power, Peppa, Marshmallow, Indiana Jones, Big Dog and a couple more that I don't recall their names After our snack it was time to get Mac's car at Max Patch and then head to Asheville - about an hour or so away. Once we got to Asheville - it was time for pizza and showers Zeroing tomorrow - as are most of the hikers we were hiking with - so that we can resupply and get laundry done.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Hot Springs/Asheville NC

To: Hot Springs/Asheville NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Another zero day - my feet needed it. They were pretty beat after wearing heavy hiking boots for almost a month - trail runners starting tomorrow. Slept in late and Mac made banana pancakes for breakfast and then dropped us off in downtown Asheville to be tourists. Went to lunch at Farm Burger and then made our way to Asheville Brewing Company to sample some local brews. HT & Mac met us there and brought us to the market to resupply. Lasagna dinner with John & Emily completed the night. Back on the trail tomorrow morning with Sparky & JMo. Many thanks to HT & Mac for their hospitality - we had a great time. Hope to see you up the trail. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Hot Springs/Asheville NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thanks to HT for giving us a ride back to Hot Springs from Asheville. It take about 45 minutes - and we got to Hot Springs by 9:30. Had to pickup a care package from MMRF - thanks Alicia. I loved the card and have distributed the contents of the package. After that Kamikaze and I found Sparky & JMo and gave them the chocolate chip cookies that Mac made. They are zeroing in Hot Springs and then JMo might go onto Knoxville for a few days and then rejoin us. From what we have heard Bacondog and Wet Bandit are about a day behind. We headed to the trail around 10ish under overcast skies and hiked along the French Broad river for a bit and then a pretty steep up to get out of town. The rest of the day was just a typical day - ups and downs. The highlight was the fire tower on top of Mt Rich. Views were good - might have been better if the sky was clear. Got to the shelter around 3:30 - quite a few regulars. Peppa, Mission and his wife who we met 3 or so weeks ago, Guy on a Buffalo who I last saw in Franklin a couple weeks ago, Goat - same thing - two weeks ago. New to me hikers are Fresh, Stretch, Tennessee, Grey Ghost and Walking Stick. A nice fire going and good conversation. Gandalf
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

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

BIG day!- we have hiked over 300 miles- we had our first 20+ day- we have just completed our fourth week hikingThe day started out very foggy and chilly after it had rained overnight. The first part of the day was mostly downhill - but whenever that happens you know that you must go uphill. We found a store called "Moms" as we hit the end of the downhill on the NC/TN border. From the outside it looked sketchy - but the owners - Pam and her husband told us stories of moonshine racing and Nascar and kept us entertained while we had a soda and snack. After that break it was uphill - 2500 ft. The weather started to clear and by the time we got to Firescald Knob it was beautiful. The best view since Max Patch - we had perfect 360 view of the surrounding area. After that hike - we headed to the next shelter where we ran into Buffalo and Goat and had a snack before we left for the next shelter. We had 5.9 miles to go and it was 4:45 when we left. We arrived at the shelter at 6:45 - granted there was a lot of downhill - but still impressive time/miles. Here at the shelter are Fresh, Stretch, Cletus, Drifter, The Swiss, Indiana Jones and Big Dog, and Finn (who we last saw 3 weeks ago at Low Gap).A bit tired and we have another big mileage day planned for tomorrow - not as big as today but still more than we have been doing on a regular basis Also, not sure if I mentioned this, but I have switched out of hiking boots and into trail runners - my feet are loving it. Everything is going well - no issues for either Kamikaze or me.