morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-01
From: Stover Mountain shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The first night on the A T was extremely cold, down into the teens. We bundled up with everything we had in our packs and made it through the night. We awoke to cloudy skies a little drizzle and loaded up on water at the nearby creek. An easy hike into Hawk Mountain shelter, but then came Sassafras Mountain. Again, the slippery icy snow-covered trail got the best of us! our feet were soaked all day. On the way down Sassafras Mountain, we spotted many footprints with 5 foot streaks stretching out behind them followed by a divot in the shape of a thru hiker's backpack. We drug our feet into Gooch Mountain shelter, and arrived about 6:30 PM. it took us nearly 10 hours to hike 13 miles! The shelter was packed with about 15 other hikers... All whose spirits were being tested. Some of them have already cracked.
Date: 2015-03-02
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke up the sound of predator meeting pray. Not sure what exactly was out there, But one thing's for sure... It started out with two, but now there's only one! We got our first trail magic today... Thanks Fresh Ground for the pancakes eggs freshwater and best of all... coffee! Later on we got some more magic! Cheese and crackers pop tarts raisins... All from spent MREs and stuffed into a backpack and left on the side of the trail. On our way to Blood Mountain we ran into two other thru hikers... Rocketman and Princess. They are slack packing the entire trail, and my back is a bit jealous! Later on we came upon a ridge runner, and he reminded us of the bear canister rule for Blood Mountain. We are not carrying a bear canister so we're forced to stop at Jarrard Gap. First night sleeping in a tent, and the weather couldn't be any better. Best of all... Snow's gone!
Date: 2015-03-03
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Neel's Gap 
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As we awoke the rain began to move in. But it's an easy day with only a 5 mile hike up and down Blood Mountain. Everyone was talking about how tough Blood Mountain was going to be. I must admit, coming down was a little hard but overall it was a cinch. The rain is coming down really good right about now, so we decided to take a little nero At Neel's gap. Spent nearly the entire day at the hostel. The crowd that started on March 1st is beginning to catch up. All the other thru hikers are taking Ethan under their wings. He really enjoyed the little time off.
Date: 2015-03-04
From: Neel's Gap 

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 12.9

We made it out of the hostel at about 7:30 AM and made her way up a fairly steep climb out of Neel's. Near Tesnatee Gap we ran into another trail Angel from the class of 2013, Northstar, had hot tea and left out of there with a beer and two soft drinks. Thanks a bunch to Northstar! The rest of the hike was fairly easy. A few ups and downs, but overall rather flat. Later we ran into a southbounder on his last leg. Started in July! I can imagine the weather he had to go through! Then came Rocketman and Princess yet again. We pretty much have been seeing the same people since day 1... Give or take a few. Fun night around the campfire. Looking forward to another long hike tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-05
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: snow

Woke up to some rain this morning, and left our tent site at about 7 AM. Our original plan was to make it to Tray Mountain Shelter, but as we continued to hike, the weather went from bad to worse. By the time we reached Blue Mountain Shelter, it was 37 degrees and we were soked, so we knew we wanted to head into town. Ended up catching a ride into Hiawassee from Unicoi Gap. We spent the day resupplying our food bag and resting our feet. Looking forward to slack packing 17 miles tomorrow!
Date: 2015-03-06
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dicks Creek
Miles today: 16.7

We're both a bit tired, so we're gonna make a little short... We have one more night in a cozy bed and then we're back in the wilderness for the next several days. Bad news today... I seem to of lost my camera. I've always had bad luck with cameras, and the saga continues. An easy day overall, slack packing from Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek. For those of you who don't know what slack-packing is, it's hiking with just a day pack instead of the elephant on your back. The air was crisp and the trees were glazed with ice throughout the day. We ran into only one other fellow thru hiker, Karaoke, and enjoyed a nice conversation with him before moving on. Later, as we reached Dicks Creek, we ran into the two Germans with their dog. It appears the crowd all moved into the Top of Georgia hostel. I'm sure we'll see many of them out there tomorrow. We're shooting for Standing Indian shelter... 17.2 miles, and we're not leaving till midmorning, so 17.2 miles maybe a little bit too much... We shall see.
Date: 2015-03-07
From: Dicks Creek

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Downed a couple of honey buns on the way out of Haiawasee, and didn't start hiking until 9:30 a.m., so off to a late start. we met a few new faces on the trail. Voltron, Boyd, Amy from Chicago, and two other thru hikers with their dogs so we should be safe against bears tonight. highlight of the day was crossing the Georgia - North Carolina border. 1 down 13 to go. It was a tough climb out of Georgia into North Carolina, so the Diabolical duo are both exhausted. The weather is nice... perfect temperature for a good night's sleep.
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Spring forward so we lost an hour. Sleep was good none the less. We didn't leave camp until after 9 a.m., and the day started with a fairly decent climb up Standing Indian Mountain. Our goal was to reach Carter Gap Shelter, but we reached with plenty of sunlight left thanks to daylight savings time, so we pressed on to Betty Creek and got there at about 7:30 p.m. just enough light out to set up the tent, hang our bear bag, write our journal, and then hit the sack. Rain is in the forecast for the next several days, but you know what they always say on here... No rain no Maine. We only ran into one other new thru hiker today... Sofa King.
Date: 2015-03-09
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to the sound of rain pitter pattering off our tent. We took off from Betty Creek rather early in order to make it into Franklin later on in the afternoon. The hike started off with a steep climb up Albert Mountain where we reached the 100 mile mark on the A. T. and enjoyed some pretty awesome views from the fire tower at the top. The snow isn't done yet... At Albert Mountain Summit there was an inch on the ground. The rest of the hike was fairly easy. We didn't see any other thru hikers all day, or until we reach the highway into Franklin where we ran into Jingles and Dakota.   However we saw plenty of college kids section hiking during their spring break. A little R&R in Franklin along with laundry,and a little resupply, then back to the trail tomorrow morning.
Date: 2015-03-10
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: moderate rain

There's only one word to describe today's hike... soggy. Rained on us most of the day. We headed out on the trail near Winding Stair Gap at about 9:45 a.m. and our goal was Cold Spring Shelter... 3 shelters from where we started. As we made our way to the top of Wayah Bald the rain was blowing sideways. We weren't sure we wanted to continue past the second shelter, but the rain didn't dampen our spirit. we went ahead and reached Burningtown Gap, 1.2 miles from our actual destination, and stumbled upon trail angel Fresh Ground. He was cooking up hot dogs, spaghetti, hot cocoa coffee and even cranked out a few beers a little later. Any guess where we camped tonight? Burningtown Gap will be our home for tonight, and we're in great company... Voltron and Boyd are also here. Boyd actually visited Burlington Iowa as a kid and remembered the grain elevator explosion and the old guy with his popcorn stand. Tomorrow we make our way to the NOC. We hope to dry out all our sleeping bags and all our personal stuff. It's damp in our tent, but at least we r warm with a belly full of spaghetti thanks again to Fresh Ground!
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

We woke before sunrise to the same wet weather. We packed up just as Fresh Ground was getting breakfast started... pancakes eggs coffee hot cocoa than off to one of the most challenging hikes yet... 700 foot climb to the top of Wesser Bald followed by a 3200 foot to decent into the NOC.   We passed 4 panoramic sites, but all we saw was a whole lotta haze and what feels like nonstop rain for the last 3 days. Boyd kept us company the entire hike making for a fast hike as well. Staying at a hostile tonight. Dried out our gear, did laundry, and best of all we had dinner at a sit down restaurant and enjoyed a view along the river right outside the window. Looks like a dry night tonight and more rain tomorrow. We're used to it by now!
Date: 2015-03-12
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

We left the NOC around 8:30 AM and started one of the toughest climbs since the start of the A T. A bonus was given to us at the top... Fog lifted and the sun popped out for a bit. We continued to push on until we reached Stacoah Gap. We were exhausted and didn't think we could make it any further, so we tried to call the hostel down the street, but they were full, so we decided to take a long break at the roadside picnic area, and ate dinner (mashed potatoes snickers and trail mix) and pushed on. A short distance Later, we made it to Jacobs ladder... An even tougher climb the one in the morning. Tore us up and made for a good nights sleep. Tough day overall. Seeing more new faces out here Lomax, Fireball, Red Ice, another thru hiker with no name passed us at lightning speed. He completed the PCT last year, and wants to finish by July 1 so he can start the CDT immediately after.
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana
Miles today: 13.2

Another day of wind and rain, but no big deal... We're headed to Fontana Village with a warm bed, shower, hot cooked meal, and a resupply. Best of all... Beer! Although rainy, the day started off easy with only a few small ups and downs. Shortly after having lunch at Cable Gap Shelter, we crossed the ridgeline and the clouds and fog broke just enough to catch a glimpse of the dam. However, we had a long two-three hour dissent into Fontana.   We saw the same faces throughout the day... Lomax, Red Ice, Fireball, a thru hiker girl and her non-hiker friend out here for spring break. I can't remember her trail name... I just remembered talking to her about going to ISU next year for her PhD. Our food bag just got a bit heavier.   80 miles of wilderness hiking with no good resupply thru the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, but the forecast is looking good so we,ll make up the extra weight with having a dry bag. Shooting for six days thru the Smokies, and no updates until then. The Diabolical Duo signing off for a bit!
Date: 2015-03-14
From: Fontana

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We made our way up into the Smokies today. It rained nonstop seven straight days of rain and it's still raining as I fall asleep. The weather forecast is for Sunny skies tomorrow... One can only hope at this point. There are a lot of new faces here at the shelter but the mood is damp and very little socializing tonight. There's 10 of us and the shelter holds 20, so plenty of room. Another hard climb out of Fontana and into the Smokies. Not many miles accomplished due to the late start. Our feet were fine, but my quads were burning. First time taking pain meds. Better to have sore muscles than sore knees. That's been the real killer so far. Highlight of the day... We hit the TN-NC state line. 3 down, 11 to go.
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

First ones up and out of the shelter this AM. Sunny skies!!! Started off with a hiker trash breakfast consisting of honey buns,pop tarts, and hot cocoa mixed with carnation instant breakfast. The day started easy, by midday we were resting on Thunderhead Mountain (5527 ft). Out of nowhere comes a trail Angel, Almost Awesome... A class of 2012 thru hiker. She was handing out 16 oz PBR tall boys, and fresh baked homemade chocolate chip cookies. The mood couldn't have been any better... 360 degree views covering 4 or 5 states. Almost Awesome you truely are awesome! At 5500 ft, one 16oz PBR is enough to lighten the pain of any sore muscle. I had to use the ace bandage today, the pain turned into a slight limp. It hurts most on the downfalls. Longest day we've done so far, and among some of the most stunning vistas. Clear night tonight and temps are plummeting, so hitting the sack early.
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

We awoke to deer outside the shelter. Got a bit of a late start, but after 17 miles and 15 today we're beat. We passed the highest point on the A T and the views were awesome. You could see clear out the tops of mountains we hiked two weeks ago. Makes you feel sort of insignificant. Later we had along climb down from Clingmans Dome to Newfound Gap. We stopped at the parking lot for a late lunch. The day hikers and through travelers all smell so good! Some were curious and asked us where we were heading. The look on their faces made Ethan a little bit proud of himself. A short three-mile hike from Newfound Gap to Ice Water Spring Shelter will be home for the night. The sunset from up there was amazing! We're seeing more new faces yet again... Kate with no name, another father-son duo Iron Man Bill and Just Pete, along with Beau and the Dude. We're tired and sore yet we're gonna push for 20 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

We finally reached our 20 mile goal and we're not even out of the Smokies yet. But her legs and feet felt every last bit of it. My shoulders and feet were tingling just right. Best 20 mile neck and foot massage ever! We saw the same faces all day as we did yesterday along with the same awesome vistas. I have a slight sprain in my left ankle and still a bit of a sore quad. Ethan has a rash on his ears and face resembles a little bit of allergic reaction to the sun. We passed A ridge runner who handed out veggies along with Fizz and Bluejay... Two previous through hikers. Shower tomorrow!!!
Date: 2015-03-18
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

A short 10.7 mile day today.Begin rant...We made it through the Smokies, and was only harassed two times by park rangers. The Smokies requires a $20 thru hike permit. You can drive thru the park for free, but don't you dare try to walk thru without your papers! One of the reasons I'm hiking thetrail in the first place to get away from body scanners, pat downs, and illegal searches, but here I am being harassed by park rangers to see my papers.Rant over.We made our way out of the Smokies,and ran into another trail angel Dragonfly she is planning to through hike next year. She had a nice spread of fruits and veggies, beer, soda and a few other essentials like Twinkies and Dingdongs. Then on to the hostel, a warm shower, laundry, tiny re-supply, and a soft bed. I played a little euchre with the same group of guys from the University of Iowa and another thru hiker from Michigan. Seeing a few other new faces around here as well, but apparently they're pushing through too fast to socialize for very long.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: moderate rain

What a night at the Standing Bear Hostel... hot showers, pizza, cold beer and a soft bed. The perfect conclusion to 80 miles of roughness. We didn't leave until 10 AM not until after fixing a plate of eggs and warming our honey buns in the microwave. Ethan had fun playing with the cats, the rooster, and the hostel owners couldn't get enough of his trail name... That Guy. He's That Guy! By the time we left, the rain had returned and stayed with us all day. The first bald we came across the wind was blowing about 40 mph and the rain hit us sideways, but halfway through our hike we ran into another trail angel, Apple, who was serving up hot coffee and Cocoa in a heated igloo. He said he'd heard about us 5 days earlier. We had a great conversation and met a couple of section hikers... California and an Italian fellow. Later, as we headed over Max Patch, the clouds and rain lifted offering us some really stunning views... Some of our best views yet, and pictures don't do them any justice. The wind was howling and the cold was biting, but the views were so stunning! Later, we made our way to the shelter and got out of the rain, and dried our gear as best we could.   We were there with the same crowd... Silverback, Ironman Bill, Just Pete, Beau and the Dude, along with Maverick. We've all been beaten, yet we're all looking forward to Hot Springs. Ethan twisted an ankle, so now he's the one wearing the Ace. Time for zero, a well-deserved zero.
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: snow

We can't seem to get a break... More rain. We woke early and set out among first light. An easy day overall with only a few steep climbs and a small dissent into Hot Springs.   Saw a couple new faces along the way... Mr. Bean and Walk It Off, along with some old faces... Rocketman and Princess. In Hot Springs, our first stop was the diner and a plate of Chicken Fried Steak, mashed potatoes and broccoli bites. Later, the Alpine Hotel and a warm bed. Zeroed out!
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

We woke about 7 AM and drug our feet leaving the confines of a warm hotel. We stopped at a little station on the edge of town and scarfed down a egg sandwich. The climb out of Hot Springs was pretty intense, but we are used to it by now. We didn't meet a lot of other hikers today. Just Spooner, a recently retired Marine. Highlight of the day was the fire tower on top of Rich Mountain. We also picked ourself some wild onions.
Date: 2015-03-23
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Big Flat Campsite
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke up a little late and therefore got a late start. The only other hiker we saw all day was Spooner. We did pass a ridge runner heading south but no other souls throughout the day. Highlight of the day was the views from Firescald. We missed our goal of 22 miles, therefore we're out camping on our own. Great sunset tonight and looking forward to an even better sunrise tomorrow. Were up on a Ridgeline... I normally wouldn't camp up here, but the weather is fantastic. Especially the light winds. The climb up to the ridgeline kicked both our butts, so lights out for now.
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Big Flat Campsite

To: IVO No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6

We almost made our goal... within arms reach, but ran out of daylight. We didn't want to be the guys who stroll into the shelter when everyone else is trying to sleep. We saw only two other hikers today Pigeon and a southbounder named SoBo Hobo just as we were eating lunch on top of Big Bald... the views at the top were stunning. One additional highlight, we ran into a pile of trail magic... Full cans of Sierra Mist just laying along the trail. Yesterday we came upon a bag of red delicious apples hanging from a tree. To the trail angel that wishes to be anonymous The Diabolical Duo both thank you. 22.6 miles... longest day yet. Starting to think we maybe overdoing ourselves, but with eight zeros on the way and the weather going from good to bad we will continue to push along.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: IVO No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We started our hike ready to conquer the world, but then we got to Erwin Tennessee. One dollar pizza by the slice along with BYOB and a liquor store next door suckerrd us in. Now we have miles to make up!   We ran into plenty of other hikers... Silverback, Newfound, California, Spooner, Sid the sloth, Beau and The Dude, along with a few others we haven't seen until now. It's hard to resist cold beer, a hot shower, fresh laundry, and a warm bed. Gotta have the discipline to just move along. Some actually did... Not us.
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We left the hostel after finishing off the leftover pizza from last night. Winds are picking up and temps are falling from a high in the mid 70s to below freezing for tomorrow morning.   We planned to make it to a road crossing for lunch. When we arrived, trail angel BT (Brother Tom) was alongside serving up brownies and iced tea. In addition, the folding chairs were better than random logs! We enjoyed a nice chat, and moved on. As we approached the shelter area, we ran into a few new faces along with a few of the same... Carl (who we saw a second time), Pa (slackpacking to try to beat the wx), Sid, Bruin, Spooner, Rebel Yell, Trail Blazer, Hakuna Matada, Goodnight, Erwin (I gave him that name), Cookie Monster and Happy Feet. The rain is pitter pattering off our tent by now, and the chill is setting in. We'll sleep good tonight!
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up to snow and sub-freezing temps, and shortly after leaving the shelter we passed Rocketman and Princess along with Maverick. By the time we reached the second shelter, the weather had scared many of the other hikers into the Greasy Creek Hostel a short distance away, and for good reason! We were heading back up to 6000ft where conditions were sure to worsen! We reached our destination a bit early... Roan Mountain Shelter, the highest shelter on the A.T. (6194ft) on the coldest night of our hike so far! Not many views this evening as we are huddled up inside, clouds outside, temps in the teens, snow on the ground, water bottles freezing, but NO WORRIES... We're in good company! One other hiker... Hakuna Matada! All we thought about was in one more day we'll be eating fast food, and sleeping in a warm bed for one week! What a way to start a well deserved Spring Break!