morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-01
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

It was sprinkling when we woke up, but not raining hard until after we got packed up and set off to Waynesboro then it came down pretty hard to get us really soaked, but it actually felt good because we were not hiking. We made good time getting to Rockfish Gap and went to the Visitor Information center where they called trail angels, Ron Brown to pick us up. Everyone was really friendly and very helpful. Waynesboro deserves its reputation as the hikers Mecca. Ron drove us around town to show us where everything was and dropped us off at the motel. We called Enterprise and rented a car for the weekend so that we can go to Charlottesville to see Monticello and the University of Virginia. We saw Kaena and Trudge in town and were able to give them a ride back to the trail. It was nice to offer a ride to a hiker instead of hitching. We ate a lot! Yummm Yummmmm! Civilization never felt better.
Date: 2013-03-11
From: Blue Mountain 

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

SPC. Shawn R. Creighton 1/20/1985 - 04/08/2006Plan a long day hike, hike in the rain, my pack was light. Rain was light but foggy, make quick time to Unicorn Gap, then the sky open up, sleet was hitting me side ways going up Rocky Mountain, on the other side of the mountain there were no wind/sleet.Made it down to Indian Grave Gap, still warm and in good spirits until it was time for the Tray Mountain climb.I had to make an AT cadence to motivate me up.It went like thisSahnan Na Na Aye Aye Hiking the ATChorus:Where Thru Hikers AreWhere Thru Hikers AreAye Aye Marching OnChorus:There Comes The Sleet NowAye Aye Marching OnClimbing The Now Climbing A NowChorus:Where The White MakeCan't see It In the FoaAye Marching This went on for hours.The Rain Stop when I got to Addis Gap.I Stop cook my last meal of Knorr Alfredo and Tuna creation - fuel up for the last 5 miles. As i got pass Deep Gap the sky open up.I was feeling good - complete.Last 5 mile @:30 hrs., well it was most downhill. 19.6 Miles got to Dicks Creek, still raining, temperature dropping 1700.Did not try fir an hitch to Blue Berry Path Hostel, 3.4 miles West.Decide to walk set an Army Road March Pace, 15 mins. per mile, got there just under 50 mins, totally soaked.Hostel was full, phone soak, ziploc wasn't close properly. My phone was floating in water.Gary the Host was great, he give me the couch, hot shower, did my laundry.I was famish, Gary give me a ride to McDonald's.1. Angus, Swiss Meal King Size1. 1/4 Pounder W/Cheese1. Filet-O-Fish Sandwich1. Super Size Fish BitesYes i ate it all Hang-out sleeping bag, shoes and tent to dry. Pick up my food box - 5 days resupply.Life is Good, Love the AT.
Date: 2003-08-02
From: Rockfish Gap

To: waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We went to Charlottesville and visited Mickie Tavern. It was really neat to eat there and be served by people in period costume. The tour of the original tavern was fun. We even got to dance in the Ballroom upstairs. After that, we got a motel close to the University of Virginia and went for a walk on the campus. It was great to see the University Thomas Jefferson designed. We ate fish and chips and had a beer at O-Neils Irish Pub to finish off the day.
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

SPC. Kenneth D. Hess 04/02/1979 -04/11/2006Woke up about 0600, did not sleep well had a snorer and the cannon not too comfortable. Pack up my backpack.Gary breakfast bell sounded at 0835, everyone went to the house for breakfast.Great breakfast, pancake, biscuits, scrambled eggs, sausages, tea, o.j, the works and his wife blueberry syrup.After breakfast loaded up to 9:35 drop off at Dicks Creek and hit the trail today.I had an easy day plan. Easy climb out of Dicks Creek.As I was climbing Buzzard Knob, there was a female hiker, i previously startled a female hiker when i tried to pass on side up a climb so about 8 feet away I shout hiker coming thru. She stop and we star talking, she told me her trail name is Prayerwalker. I was following her journal before i started, I the trail because of suspect cancer tumor on her arm. I was very excited to see her, we talk for a few mins., took pictures of each other.I made it Muskrat Shelter at 1400, east day, one big climb. Quite a few hiker stop here, suppose to get cold tonight. All of the hiker from the hostel are here too.An older hiker, started the day before me is also here.bye Georgia - 1 down 13 to go.
Date: 2003-08-04
From: Charlottesville 

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We got packed up and headed for Enterprise to return the rental car and picked up some McDonald's food along the way. Enterprise took us back to the trail and we headed for the Shenandoah National Park. Our first night was spent at Calf Mountain Shelter where we met four guys from Ohio who were doing section hiking. They stayed in the shelter and we tented. It was nice to have some company at the shelter while we ate our supper.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

In Memory of  SSG. Eugene M. Alex 8/30/1974 - 09/03/2006Last night was down to the teens, sleeping bag hold up okay, I was not uncomfortably cold. Still trying to find best position to sleep, so I rotate position during the night.Woke up about 0630, still dark out, get my food bag from shelter. The Three hiker there were packing to get to the pickup point for a ride into Franklin.Took my time eat breakfast. Pack up, left at 0830. Planned a 18 miles day to Wayah.The first part of the trial was well grade, did 10 miles in 4 hrs. and then it went down hill, it was an hard slug.I got to Wayah Gap, where Fresh Ground was again, setting up for Trail Magic.I got there about 1410, ate a couple hot dogs, chips and top up water for the last leg.Did I need it, the climb up Wayah Bald was tough, I was huffing and puffing the whole way. I was so relive when I got to the View Tower.The view of the Appalachian Mountain from Wayah Bald was spectacular, never precise. The mountain range was immense/massive.The last mile to the shelter was Easy, arrive at 17000, set-up tent, dinner then plan tomorrow hike.Met and hiker here taking pictures of other hikers for his web. He took my picture and home town.The party from C-- Gap showing up, going to be a little loud I guess.Going to listen some Brother Bob, put me in the zone for tomorrow.Hike into NOC all down hill 17 miles
Date: 2003-08-05
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Today was a hot one and we had a lot of miles to do. The shelters here are far apart in some places, and there is no place to camp in between. The guys from Ohio got started before we did in the morning, but I caught up to them when they were taking a lunch break. I also met two other hikers who got on the trail at one of the overlooks. They did not seem to be very prepared for what they were about to do. One of them had a huge cotton matress tied to the top of his pack and a big knife on his belt. Their packs must have weighed 60 lbs a piece. The sky was getting a little overcast as I hiked the last 3 miles up the mountain, but I made it before the rain hit. I read the registry and found out the this shelter or hut as they call them in SNP had a resident rat and a copperhead. I got some water and settled in to wait for Relentless and the others to show up. We got to see the snake while we were cooking supper. It crawled under the fireplace stones in front of the shelter. Even though there wasn't a very good place to tent, we decided to do so before we came face to face with the rat. The guys from Ohio stayed in the shelter. About 11PM we heard loud banging, yelling and laughing coming from the shelter. The next morning we found out that the guys had killed a rat that measured about a foot from nose to tail. From now on I will refer to them as the Ohio extermination crew and the guy who actually got the rat as the Exterminator or Rat Slayer.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Last night the temperature warmed up. Up at 0730, breakfast, pack-up was on the trail 0805. I was cruising the 9 mile, an average of 3 mile per hour. As I was climbing up to Cold Spring I notices a excessive rubbing to my pants against my inner thigh, did not pay it no mind. I walk down into Tellico Gap, stop for a snack break, coming up was the biggest climb of the day.I unzip my pants took a look at my leg, it was chafing very bad so I rub some Carmex (forget i had Neosporin ) on it. I started the climb to Wesser Bald, the pain was intense so i stop and change pants, put on my Army PT shorts, worked wonders.Save the day to Young German Thru-Hiker past me while taking break at Tellico Gap.As I was getting to the top of Wesser I past an hiker huffing and puffing is way-up. The view at the top was great, he took a picture of me and himself , first black guy he say on the trail.I later saw hum at NOC TN AJ-Appalachian Journey Arkansas.As I was coming into NOC I stopped to help a Black Father with Son, Son had splinter in is hand, give him some Neosporin and band-aid.Got into NOC, get room from the Hostel $19, shower, charged electronics, small resupply. Pizza $21 and Laundry.Thought I am going to pull the zip-off, thinking of gear to dump, before the Smokies Overall today was an easy 17 miles, wouldn't want to be South on the climb out of NOC.NOC is an outdoor Recreation Center, Rafting, Zip-Line etc.
Date: 2003-08-06
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We decided to stay at a campground tonight because the tent sites at the shelters are not very good here. The rat and the snake at the last one helped to convince us that a campground might be nicer. This campground is right on the AT, so it was a pretty easy decision to take advantage of it. The deer here are really tame. One of them stood watching us as we put up our tent and our bear bag before heading off to the showers and the camp store. The store was really good. We got beer, hotdogs, potato salad and ice cream. The showers and laundry were great too. We saw a couple of Ohio Exterminators at the laundry and found out that they had decided to camp tonight too.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

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

In Memory SGT. Nicholas R. Sowinski 8/15/1981 -10/11/2006Left NOC 0900 going to climb out to Sassafras Gap. The 1st 7 miles was not too bad, make good time, then the temperature warm-up, climb to Creoam Bald was not too bad.Too a 15 mins. break, great view of the Appalachian Mountain.I was sucking down water like crazy. At the end i came up on a climb call Jacobs Ladder.First time since I start the AT I had to take a break. I had to reach deep to knock the climb, it was straight up for about a mile.First to arrive at the shelter. I met a Female Thru Hiker Shuttle Bug, she was hiking with a group today, decided to hike her on her own schedule.Hike your own Hike. She is here tonight along with Sunny, past him on Jacob LadderNot much Hikers out today, herd starting to thin out.At Shelter get water, I was out at the start of Jacobs Ladder, cook dinner, snack-up, talk to the hikers and sign register.Tomorrow short hike to Fontana Dam.
Date: 2003-08-07
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started out very dark with a lot of humidity. Soon it started to sprinkle, and we decided to stop at a wayside for a bite to eat even though it was .5 miles off the trail which means we would hike a mile out of our way. It was starting to really come down by the time we reached the wayside, so this turned out to be a really good decision. The waysides in SNP serve basic fast food type meals, but they are rather expensive. We had hamburgers, onion rings, coffee, and milkshakes. We were soon joined by a lot of bikers because they had the same problem we did with the rain only worse. The foggy conditions were made even worse as the rain pelted the windshields of their motorcycles and the humidity fogged up their facemasks and glasses. When the rain let up, we hiked on but there was still a log of fog and some drizzle. When we got to Pinefield Hut, the Exterminators were already there. We cooked our supper and found a place for our tent up on the hill. The designated tent pads are not the best and this one was small and muddy but still better than staying in the shelter. We all pitched in to make a fire which helped to dry things out a little as we visited at the shelter. A youth group showed up later with about fourteen middle school kids and their leader. They were from an adventure camp. They set up their tents up on the hill where we were camped and down by the shelter too. They were a good group, very quiet and well behaved.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana 28 Crossing
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up at 0700, pack-up. I stopped at the shelter asked AJ if he mind sharing his room with me. It save me having to walk back and forth to the Fontana Dam shelter for the car pick up.It was a nice easy walk to the Fontana 28 AT Crossing. Arrive at 1245, a few hikers were there, were impressed with how lite my pack was. A female hiker mentioned she is the lightest weight since high school, then she pulled her shirt to show us flab she had, didn't want to see that. Shuttle bug came in soon follow by AJ. Shuttle Bug was hiking to the shelter, she took our picture with her 2KBS Canon Camera - hence the name. AJ call a ride, guy showed up in a pick up truck, we put our gear and jumped in the back for the 5 min ride to The Fontana Inn.We checked in, double queen bed, AJ showered first, the shower has 4 settings. I tried them all, not because I was dirty, just did.The two sisters hiking with there dog, who I always pass taking breaks, finally met them. Dogs not accepted in the Smokies. They were on there way to Fontanana Shelter. We let them shower, then we all went to the Restaurant for dinner, were joined by 73 yr old Canadian mail thru-hiker who is moving very fast.Dinner was good had Chicken Fontana and cheese burger, carryout which I started to eat at the Restaurant and finish back in the room.We invited the sisters to stay in our room, i offered my bed, they refused, took floor.I stop at Cable Gap Shelter, it was close to the trail.I met Hiker Roswell, he is from Florida, believes in UFO'S. He talk about the upcoming Smokies and weather, he is waiting for a package like AJ, mail drop can restrict your hike.I seem to resolved my chafing issues, wearing the army shorts with my UA underwear worked great. I had to stopped wearing the underwear it was riding up and chafing my thigh, had to stop pull it down consistently, so my $65 convertible pants is heading to the AT Museum (Gear that didn't work) so a $20 army pants and UA undies fix-priceless
Date: 2003-08-09
From: Swift Run Gap

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: light rain

We ate a good breakfast at the little store by the campground. They serve egg sandwiches with a choice of meat. Gary had two, one with bacon and a tenderloin and I had a sausage one. We also had some doughnuts. We started off about 9:20 AM trying to get a hitch to the trail but no one stopped for us. Then, finally, a sweet couple from PA saw us and picked us up. It took us about an hour and a half to get the ride and I can¢t tell you how grateful we were! Jenny and her husband were going hiking in the Shanendoahs and dropped us right at the AT trail head. It was misty all day, but that kept the bugs away and it was cool though humid. I head a break off to my left and motioned to Relentless to go slow and be quiet, then I saw her! A big black bear in the mist. She was hard to spot because she blended in with the black tree trunks but I saw her move. Then we spotted her two little cubs. They were so small compared to the mother. We must have only been about 50 yards from them. I tried to take a picture but the fog probably made the bears difficult to find in it. We got to the campground just before the rain and got a good site close to the store. There is one thing I really like about the Shenendoahs and that is the accessibility of food. We ate spaghetti and ice cream for supper. We also met a really cool motorcycle camper named Mike. We really enjoyed talking with him. We had a little fire going before it started raining again. The people across from us gave s some wood. The fire kept the bugs away during supper. Now it is raining again and I can hear some thunder in the distance. I called home and talked to Kristen. It was really nice to hear the news from Columbus.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Fontana 28 Crossing

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

 Rain last night stop after dawn. Ate breakfast, pack up, headed to Fontana Dam to the trail. I stop take pictures at the dam, nice scenery, hike to entrance great.Smoky Mountain, 2 Park Ranger were there, stop talk to them for few mins., they took my permit. I start my hike to Derrick Knob, 23 mile day plan, rough spot, slowed me down. Made it to Derrick Knob about 1845, two older Female were there, Madison and Jenny. Talk to them, set-up my sleeping bag in shelter. Not authorized to camp unless shelter is full, cook dinner clean-up and bed.No views today, cloudy and misty.Some thoughts, they are two types of people on the trail, backpackers and hiker. The packer carries an heavy pack, struggle up the mountains and do low mileage. they enjoy the camping experience, they have a wide variety of food, crocs, air mattress, lot of snivel gear. At the end of the day they are tired. The hiker enjoys walking long hour, high mileage, climbing is fun not tired at the end of the day. The hiker food mostly chocolate, protein bars and quick meals, knorr and tuna pack. The sleeping bags is their snivel gear.I am in this category hiking is fun.There is also the fair-weather hikers, those who hike when good weather is forecast, then stay in shelter or in town until the weather is good. They always know the upcoming weather, they are here for the social experience.
Date: 2003-08-10
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Big Meadow Campground
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a good breakfast at the camp store and got off to a good start. It was a nice day and a great trail. Much of it was a thin path through a forest covered with ferns and ground cover while the trees formed arches over our head. When we were almost to the campground we got to a rock with a great view of the valley below. There was a bit if a haze but no fog. We saw a doe and a fawn right ahead of us on the path. The deer are everywhere, four of them grazing at our campsite tonight. Relentless has seen two bucks bit I have only seen does. We ate at the lodge for dinner tonight, Yumm! The lodge is a neat building created during the depression years. We passed the 900 mile mark today. Our plan is to get in 1000 and come home. We could do more miles but we wouldn¢t enjoy them as much. I want to quit while we are still enjoying the hike and save some for next year.
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hike out at 0830; Recap 200+ daysA rainstorm started about midnight, blowing rain. It tapered off by hiking time. Talk to the Female Hiker.I was motivated for the climb to the highest point on the AT Clingsman Dome 6655 FT.I started off in full rain gear. I was singing Bob Marley, Jacob Miller Celine Amy Song that came in my head. If their were Bears out i sure scared them away.Stopped at Double Spring Gap Shelter for water, hiker Oto was the only hiker there, said he was taking a zero hoping for good views tomorrow on Clingsman. I set off on the big climb.The climb up wasn't hard, the trail was in good condition it took a few tactical pauses (break. Not because I was tired or winded, want to take it easy for the climb out of Newfound Gap.I climb the Dome Tower no view foggy, took the Ceremonial photo (it was there thing). I took a break had had lunch and started the hike to Ice Water Shelter, 1 mile to go, then i met the ice rink going down Clingsman, slipped a few times but didn't fall. Arrive at New Found Gap at 1700. Lots of people were there, a couple asked if I was a Thru-Hiking, I replies with my customary answer "that the plan". Folks started to gather asking me questions, when I start, how many miles I walked etc. One lady offer me Trail Magic, fruits and cooked food, I thanked her but politely refuse. I have enough food to get to Hot Springs, it was getting late and I was cooling down, plus I had the toughest steepest climb of the day ahead. I took a photo at the Maine 1920 miles sign and was off.The climb up was not as hard as it looked on the guide sheet, there were Icy Spots, nothing I could not navigate past. Got to the shelter about 1815. Their were four Section Hikers already here, they had there stuff all over the shelter, found my spot, water and dinner.When I was at New Found Gap a day hiker said a storm was coming, I was skeptical about the report because they have not been right. It started sleeting before long, it was a blizzard condition, it continued. I will zero here, no need to be an hero, lot of 900 days ahead. Oops left my pack towel at Derrick Gap Shelter. Remember about 1/2 mile, wasn't going back to get it.
Date: 2003-08-13
From: Luray

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

After eating breakfast, going to the post office and bank, we got picked up by Bob Jenkins for our ride back to the trail. Bob entertained us with stories about AT hikers he has met during his four years of shuttling people to and from the trail. It was great not to have to find a hitch this morning. We hadn't gone too far when I almost stepped on a rattle snake. He was about a yard in front of me when I saw him and stopped with a shock and my foot in midair. I waited for Relentless and took some pictures from a safe distance. The snake never moved, and I was glad. We went around him giving him lots of space. I also saw a bear cub come scrambling down from a tree as I hiked by. He ran off ito the bushes where I heard mama bear breaking branches. Everyone on the trail has been seeing bears and snakes. There are also a lot of deer here. We stopped for supper at the Elkwallow Wayside and store. We are almost out of the Shenendoah National Park. I will miss all the places to stop for camping and food. The mountains here are truly beautiful and the trail has been good with lots of wildlife, flowers, butterflies and birds.
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

The plan was to hike to Tr-Corner Knob Shelter, due to deed snow and having to break trail.Woke up 0630, start packing at 0730, breakfast of cereal. Left Shelter about 0830. The temperature was low 20's and cloudy. I start breaking trail, some drifts was about 3.5 FT deep, it was slow and tiring.When I got to the Sawteeth the most amazing thing happen. The clouds give way to blue skies, I was able to see the mountain for the first time since entering the Great Smokies. Below there was a flock of about 20 hawks riding the thermal, what a sight to behold. I continue on enjoying the sunshine but still breaking trail.I ran into a group of boys scout, coming from Peck Shelter heading to Newfound Gap, I thank them for breaking the trail all the way to Peck Junction so the going was easy until after Peck then it was slowing again. I took it slow and steady on the climbs. The snow was very thick, make up time on the downhillI arrive at Shelter about 1445, not bad for the trail conditions I had to endured.Got to Shelter change, dry clothes, hanged the wet stuff in the sun, cooked, set up for night, Bear Bag, clean-up.I couple from Spain Section Hiking showed up about 1700, so I will have company tonight.Planning a 18 miles to Standing Bear Hostel tomorrow.