morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-30
From: woody gap

To: neels gap
Miles today: 10.9

Day 3 Another spectacular day on the trail. Today just flew by. I have found a good pace and just get in the zone and cruise. I don't know why but I don't have a big appetite...yet. I missed my first turn at slaughter creek .Blood mountain was beautiful but the trip down was rough on the knees.
Date: 2016-03-31
From: neels gap

To: hogpen gap
Miles today: 6.9

Day 4-Today was a short stroll to hogpen gap where Linda picked me up for our last night together for a while. The trail was damp and the wind was howling. I take it easy on the downhills as the mud and rain just make it greasy. Wildcat mountain was a steep little hill and I was glad to have that behind me. tomorrow is forecast for rain and thundershowers. I don't have any set Milage in mind.
Date: 2016-04-01
From: hogpen gap

To: site of former rocky knob shelter
Miles today: 10.9

Day #5 Well today I feel like a real AT hiker as I am carrying my full pack. Today started out foggy again. I kept expecting to see Humphrey Bogard and Ingrid Bergman strolling up the trail. Around 10:30 the fog lifted and the trail didn't disappoint. By 3:00 I found this nice site I thought I would have it to my self, but a group of seven has joined me. What is the AT? "The stuff dreams are made of"
Date: 2016-04-02
From: site of former rocky knob shelter

To: sassafras gap
Miles today: 14.4

Day 6 - A lot of firsts on the trail today. It was a little cold but not too bad. I had two big climbs today, rocky and tray mountains. Rocky was a long slug and I enjoyed lunch and good phone reception. It was good to hear Linda had a safe journey home. Being Saturday there were a lot of day hikers out. When I reached tray gap a nice man came toward me asking"would you like a chicken sandwich? A local boyscout group was handing out trail magic and it was so good! I had banana bread ,gator aid and the best of all pink lady apples.(I had two) Thank you BSA! About five o'clock after walking eight hours, I set up camp at Sassafras gap. Tonights forecast is for a low of 27.wind 25-35 mph with gusts to 65 mph! I thought I left Alaska!?!
Date: 2016-04-03
From: sassafras gap

To: dicks creek gap
Miles today: 6.3

Well the wind certainly blew last night! Bacause I camped in a gap it funnels through and at times it sounded like a jet engine. Today I walked 6.3 miles arriving at dicks creek gap .A nice couple gave me a lift the 1/2 mile to top of Georgia hostel where for $30 I got a bunk, a shower, my laundry done for me ,and a free shuttle ride to Hiawasse.(a pretty good deal) I had a late lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Sadly they don't serve beer because it is Sunday.?? I am in a bunk house with 16 other hikers (in three rooms) this is a very nice place .I highly recommend it.
Date: 2016-04-04
From: dicks creek gap

To: deep gap
Miles today: 15.8

Day #8-Dicks creek gap to deep gap. Well today was probably my hardest day yet. I hiked 15.8 miles and it took me about 10 hours. The kind people at top of Georgia hostile shuttled me the half-mile to Dick's Creek gap where I started the days hike. I weighed my pack at the hospital with four days of food and water it came to 31 pounds including the free cheeseburger that somebody left at the picnic table at the gap.The Highlight of the day was crossing into North Carolina! yes!   One state down 13 to go. I thought I might stop at muskrat Creek shelter but it was too early at 3:30 in the afternoon. The next 4 miles were very rocky with down trees and I find that I don't hike so well at the end of the day. By the time I got my tent set up and cook dinner it was starting to get dark.
Date: 2016-04-05
From: deep gap

To: mile 98.4 in the woods
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Day #9 Deep gap to fire road before Albert mountain mile 98.6. Today I hiked 13 miles just before Albert mountain which I understand is a serious climb. So far the hiking in North Carolina has been great. The climbs are much easier with many switch backs. The one thing I don't like about North Carolina is there doesn't seem to be a lot of camping spots available for the thru hikers .Everywhere you think is going to be a place to camp they have signs up ,no camping or restoration work in progress. Which is why I am out in the woods in a camp spot that I found. Tomorrow I plan to hike to winding stair gap and hitch a ride into Franklin to resupply. The hike is going great and I'm loving it!
Date: 2016-04-06
From: mile 98.4 in the woods

To: winding stair gap / Franklin NC
Miles today: 11.4

Day #10 Today I got an early start and was on the trail by 8:00. I was dreading the steep climb up Albert mt but it was really fun . The best view of the trip was on the fire tower. I hiked 11.4 to winding stair gap and caught a shuttle to Franklin NC. A lot of people are staying in town. It looks like a cold front is blowing thru and we could get rain and snow for the next three days. I am glad I have warm gear with me.
Date: 2016-04-07
From: winding stair gap / Franklin NC

To: Burnington gap
Miles today: 14.6

Day #12- I spent last night at the penny pinchers hostel in Franklin and had a good nights sleep. I decided to pass up the free pancake breakfast at the Baptist Church and proceeded to wander around Franklin to find something good for breakfast .A mile and a half later I found the Sunset restaurant and had a good omelette to start my hike. I caught the shuttle back to the trail and was hiking by 9:30 AM. Seven hours later and 14.6 miles I decided to set up in a nice area next to a stream. No sooner had I got my tent up and ate dinner when it started to rain. I'm glad I'm safe in my tent as I'm typing this journal.
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Burnington gap

To: grassy gap mile 140.1
Miles today: 15.3

Day #13 Today was a long 15.3 miles. Leaving my tent sight I walked into snow. I hiked in shorts as it wasn't windy. I also wore my iPod for motivation. The 4 1/2 mile descent to NOC seemed to never end. Arriving at 1:30 I grabbed my mail drop and had lunch. A burger and IPA. I decided to bang out a few more miles and found a nice camp site next to a very cool rock formation. The climb out of NOC is strenuous. I am glad I broke it into two days.
Date: 2016-04-09
From: grassy gap mile 140.1

To: stecoah gap/cabin in the woods
Miles today: 10.7

Day#13 (sorry readers I got ahead of myself) One really does lose track of time and what day it is when you are hiking .I haven't listen to the news cycle for two weeks. I couldn't tell you the last stupid thing Trump said and I don't miss it. Well today's climb was pretty strenuous.I never thought I would get on top of Cheoah Bald! I thought the rest of the day would be pretty easy but just like so many mountains I have climbed I kept hitting false peaks. I finally descended to Stecoah gap and was rewarded with trail magic! A very nice former thru hiker "Hopefully" invited me to celebrate his birthday. 23 years old for the third time! Hotdogs,potato salad,beans and soda all for free. The AT really restores our believe in the goodness of average people. Tonight I am staying at cabin in the woods hostel.
Date: 2016-04-10
From: stecoah gap/cabin the woods hostel

To: m 162.3
Miles today: 11.6

Day 14-Last night I stayed at cabin in the woods hostel. Donna picked me up and drove me to her hostel. What a nice stay I had! Very reasonable and home cooked breakfast and dinner. Did I mention she has cats? This is a big deal for me as I am a cat and pet lover. Donna is a one person show and she works very hard for us hikers.The hike out of Stecoah gap was very nice. The woods were very quiet today, no birds or airplanes. Kinda creepy. I took it easy today as I am ahead of a mail drop coming to Fontana dam. Its nice to slow down my roll.
Date: 2016-04-11
From: footbridge mile 163.1

To: fontana resort
Miles today: 2.2

Day#15-Today I have an easy 2.2 miles stroll to Fontana resort. The highlight of the hike was seeing Fontana dam. This is a milestone and the beginning of the Smokies national park. I called for a shuttle and made it to the resort by 11:00. This is a nice place and I think they cater mostly to weekend getaways, all though there are a lot of hikers here. I got my laundry done, a shower and printed out my AT thru hiker permit. This park has a lot of weird rules. You have to stay in the shelters,unless they are full, then you can tent nearby. If your sleeping in the shelter and a non thru hiker comes you have to give up your spot. (what you didn't want to carry a tent? )And for the privilege of doing this they charge us $20 .Oh yeah I heard there are horses out here too.
Date: 2016-04-12
From: fontana resort

To: fontana resort / Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

Today I decided to take my first zero day(no hiking )It was good to clean gear,resupply and plan for the upcoming hike thru the smokies .A lot of hikers avoid Gatlinburg because it's pretty commercialized but I have always wanted to see it.So I will hike four days then catch a ride into town. I had heard before this trip that resupply was sketchy at Fontana dam, but I found the General store to have most food items hikers are carrying. The weather forcast for the next week looks like sunny days. I am glad I waited out this one rainy day.
Date: 2016-04-13
From: fontana resort 

To: birch spring tent site
Miles today: 8.1

4/13/16 After a well deserved zero day ,I caught the shuttle back to the marina to start my hike. The highlight of the day was crossing Fontana dam and entering the Smokies. The climb up shukstack mountain was a good one. I decided to stay in the last tent spot in the park before I have to stay in the shelters.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: birch spring tent site

To: spencer field shelter
Miles today: 11.1

4/14/16 Todays hike was 11.1 miles and my first night in a shelter..The hike was not hard today and I got to meet two people on horseback. There are many connecting trails in the park that horses use. I arrived at the shelter and was greeted by a very nice ridge runner, Carl. I grabbed a spot in the shelter even though I much prefer the privacy of my tent. By seven o'clock the shelter was full and there were ten tents outside! I slept ok and was the first up at six am. 100 yds from the shelter was a family of coyotes howling. I also heard there are wild hogs(invasive) on the trail and can be worrisome to hikers.
Date: 2016-04-15
From: spencer field shelter

To: double spring gap shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

4/15/16 Today was my toughest day yet. 13.5 miles 7 1/2 hours later I arrived at double spring gap shelter. Today was nothing but up and down ,no level trail. I was glad to make camp and immediately I pitched my tent. The trail really gained elevation today and we are entering spruce and pine forests.I am wiped out and ready for a good nights sleep.Tomorrow Clingmans dome the highest spot on the AT.
Date: 2016-04-16
From: double spring gap shelter

To: icewater shelter
Miles today: 13.4

Today was another beautiful day to be hiking! We have really lucked out with the sunny weather. I packed up early and was the first out of camp. I usually get passed by the younger hikers but that's okay. About two hours and two liters of sweat later, I was standing on the highest point on the AT 6667 FT. The funny thing is there is a road you can drive to near the summit. At the top is a strange mix of fire tower meets Star Trek. It looks like a UFO on top of a mountain .I stayed for a minute and proceed on. The hike down was rocky,rooty with many big step downs that are tough on the knees.13.4 miles later I arrived at Icewater shelter for the night.
Date: 2016-04-17
From: icewater shelter

To: tri corner shelter
Miles today: 12.1

Today I was up early and on the trail as the sun was coming up. I really love hiking early in the day. The light is so beautiful and I feel better in the cool air. Today I met my second ridge runner Chloe. All the park personnel have been great. A lot of my fellow hikers are ready to get out of the park because of the camping regulations. It does make it hard to hike say 13 miles but the you have to do 11 or 17 miles. The terrain was much nicer and the views are beautiful. I really like the north end of the smokies better. I miss all my friends and family back home. Happy birthday Sue!
Date: 2016-04-18
From: tri corner shelter

To: Standing bear farm
Miles today: 18.4

Well today I was on a mission to get out of the Smokies and get to the hostel where I have a mail drop. Today also was my longest day on the trail 18.4miles. It was a long descent all day and I managed to make good time. The afternoons have gotten hot and despite putting on sunscreen I have managed to break out in a sun rash. The last mile was a road walk uphill and I was out of water. Needless to say I was very happy to get to the hostel. Standing Bear Hostel was a trip! I can best describe it as joe dirt meets the Beverly hillbillies .But for $20 I got a bunk,a shower and did my laundry. Even if it was in a sink with a garden hose.They offer a resupply store on the honor system. Just write on an envelope what you take and pay when you leave .How refreshing! There are many cats dogs and a chicken running around. This is a fun place to stay!
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Standing bear farm

To: tent site m 257.1
Miles today: 16.9

After A fair nights sleep at the standing bear,I threw on my much heavier pack and hit the trail. As is often the case when entering a town or hostel you have a big climb up to get out of town. The big highlight of the day was crossing over max patch a big grassy bald area on top of a mountain. Still great weather and great views.16.9 miles later I made camp next to a creek. I am making multiple journal enteies since I have good cell connection. Dang mountains!
Date: 2016-04-20
From: tent site m 257.1

To: Hot springs NC
Miles today: 16.6

Well last night was the worse nights sleep I have had. The spot I had chosen was more slanted than I thought and laying on my air mattress was like being on a slip and slide .At 4:30am I decided to pack up and get to Hot springs 16.6 miles away. I found lodging at the laughing heart hostel. I have decided to take a zero day after walking 52 miles in 3 days.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Hot springs NC

To: Zero day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was the first day on this trip when I felt I really needed a day off to let my body rest.There are several restaurants,one outfitter and a dollar general store here. So I was able to resupply and rest up. I met a hiker at the laundromat who started on April 8.He must be doing 20-30 mile days.I can't see doing that..A good day to rest and update my journal
Date: 2016-04-22
From: hot springs

To: mile 296.8
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: broken clouds

Well the official word from the fire department is that they are closing 14 miles of the trail north of Hot Springs. Which means this morning I am catching a shuttle to Alan Gap. I am told that even though I missed 14 miles of the trail I will still be credited with a thru hike because the trail was closed due to forest fire . We arrived at Alan gap about 1030 and started to hike and immediately the rain kicked in. This was the first day on my hike when I hiked all day in the rain and I was soaked. We try to stop at a shelter but it was crammed with every hiker for 30 miles.So we stood in the rain and ate our lunch. Today I hiked with fellow hiker Shepard from Maine. Today was frustrating because we managed to take the wrong trail and ended up hiking 9 miles before we got back on the trail.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: mile 296.8

To: sugarloaf gap
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday was particularly frustrating because we walked over 17 miles but only 8.3 of it was on the Appalachian Trail. When I woke up this morning I found that I had water in my tent and my sleeping bag and half of my clothes were wet. Last night was the worst rain I've ever heard in a tent. It was so loud I could hardly hear myself think. Also sometime in the middle of the night a giant tree fell over and made a huge crash. I had images of that falling on my tent! So this morning I packed up all my wet gear put it in my bag and got back on the right trail headed in the right direction luckily it's not raining anymore. The good thing about the rain is probably really helped with the forest fires south of us. Today's 14.1 mile hike was particularly arduous. The trail crossed farmland and 4x4 roads. lots of trash and hillbilly looking trailers. When I got to camp I pulled all my gear out like a garage sale. my tent and bag are 90% dry.
Date: 2016-04-24
From: sugarloaf gap

To: Whistling gap campsite m328.8
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Well today was a much better day I put in 17.9 miles and the highlight of the day was crossing big bald. Balds are essentially big open fields on top of mountains were you have a 360° view and it's just spectacular. It was sunny and calm So I pulled out my sleeping bag and tent to dry out further. Before I knew it a gust of wind kicked up in my sleeping bag was airborne 20 feet up and going round and round with me chasing it! Luckily I snagged it before it got into the next county. I felt particularly good this afternoon so I kept on pressing miles and I found a nice campsite with water nearby tomorrow I hope to make it to Erwin Tennessee tomorrow.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Whistling gap campsite m328.8

To: Uncle johnnys Hostel Erwin Tn
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike was a relatively easy 13 1/2 miles to Erwin Tennessee and Uncle Johnys hostile. Along the way there's some beautiful views of the river and community. I got to the hostel about 130 and got booked into a room took a shower and happened to see there was a scale there. Boy was I surprised I've lost 25 pounds so far on this trip! That's not good so I need to figure out how to carry more food and stop more to eat. The hostel will shuttle you into town in the evening for dinner. A bunch of us went out for Mexican food and boy that hit the spot, then we stop by Walmart to resupply for tomorrow.
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Unvle johnnys Hostel Erwin Tn

To: Unaka mountain M354.4
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a great time staying at Uncle Johnys hostile and I highly recommend it. Well given my drastic weight loss so far on this trip I decided that I needed to buy a lot more food to take with me today and boy does my pack feel heavy! I also made an effort To stop more often and snack. So we'll see how this goes .The trail today was really rocky, rooty and slanted it was very tough on my feet and ankles by 3 o'clock I was looking for a campsite and I found a beautiful one halfway up Unaka mountain, in a nice field.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Unaka mountain M354.4

To: iron mountain gap
Miles today: 9.0

Last night I came to the realization that my sawyer squeeze filter had bit the dust. I knew something was wrong when it took forever to filter a bottle of water plus the water I did filter tasted like swill. It was three years old so I guess it's my own fault. My only option was to walk 9 miles to iron mountain gap and try to get a ride back to uncle Johnnys. I saw them for sale there. Upon arriving at the gap I was met by trail angle Dirtman who was giving out water and bananas. When I explained my predicament he insisted on driving me there no charge! And once there he gave me his phone number to take me back in the morning! People are truly generous out here! Well I got a new filter and some Aqua Mira for back up and mailed home some items to free up space in my pack for more food.I am glad I stayed in the shelter as it poured last night.
Date: 2016-04-28
From: iron mountain gap

To: Tent site Mile 381.3
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

In the morning I split a shuttle back to iron mountain gap and by 8:30 was on the trail. I had no real destination in mind today but I have a Mail drop at mountain Harbor B&B 32 miles away .Any way it turned out to be a great day to hike and I hiked 19 miles a new record. Today I received trail magic. A soda at Hughes gap road and with that sugar boost it was time to tackle Roan mountain. That kicked my butt! Carvers gap Is a beautiful area and the Balds are my favorite places on the trail .
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Tent site Mile 381.3

To: Montain Harbor B&B mile 393.1
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

I slept great last night and was ready to head to the hostel 11.8 miles away. I called and reserved a bunk and the miles went easy. Mountain Harbor B&B is a nice place to stay and I hear the breakfast is to die for. Its so nice to have a shower and clean clothes .The weather has been hot close to 80.
Date: 2016-05-01
From: tent site m 409

To: pond flats mountain
Miles today: 15.0

Happy may 1st. Last night it rained pretty good but I had my tent set up better. The hike went well until I got to the last climb of the day to pond flats mountain. I was pretty wiped out and knew it was going to be tough. Plus it was close to 80 deg.and I was out of water. Hiking is a big mind game. You have to physic your self up to get to the top of that mountain. Well I got there and filtered water but it was ugly. I am stopping here tonight because of a problem with bears the next eight miles.
Date: 2016-05-02
From: pond flats mountain

To: tent site mile 442.5
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Today's mission was to get off pond flat mountain and past the bear problem area around Watuga lake. Of course I get up early and am hiking by 7:00am. So I was hiking all morning alone around the lake. No bears spotted and I walked over my second dam of the hike. Today was also my first snake and first turkey spotting. I kept hearing thunder clapping and finally after 18 miles I found a spot and set up my tent and it started dumping. Glad to be in my tent!
Date: 2016-05-03
From: tent site mile 442.5

To: damascus VA
Miles today: 27.4

Today I was only planning on hiking 16 miles. But I could not find any water so I just kept walking till I got to Damascus. Which turned out to be my longest day yet 27.4 miles. I am going to take a zero day tomorrow and rest up and resupply. Today it rained on and off and it was hard to dress for it. I also walked thru a farmers field with cows. I have a bunk at the woodchuck hostel and will sleep good tonight.
Date: 2016-05-04
From: damascus VA

To: Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

Today I did not hike. Except to walk around town ,eat, resupply and get a haircut. This is a big milestone to get to this town. I can't believe I have walked this far, and I can't believe how far I have to go. The people I have met have been great and there definitely is a social aspect of this trip.
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Zero day

To: lost mountain shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My zero day was very nice. I ate real food got a haircut and resupplied. Oh yeah and I didn't hike with that big thing on my back. A lot of people I have met are slack packing south bound. They pay to get shuttled ahead and carry only what they need for the day. At night they stay at the hostel that shuttled them. Pretty sweet. Kinda weird seeing them hiking toward you. It seems counter intuitive to not hike north for me. Leaving Damascus it was cloudy and rained on and off till about three PM when it decided to really soak us. After 16 miles I made it to lost mountain shelter and pitched my tent as fast as I could. I jumped inside and blew up my air mattress and got into dry clothes and my bag. The temp was just above freezing and I could here people shivering in their tents. I fired up my stove and made a cup of tea and top ramen. I added peanut butter and crackers and it was poor mans Pad Thai. My pack the last week has been killing my shoulders. Not sure what's going on. A tough day.