morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Greasy Creek Friendly
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6:45. Packed up had breakfast of poptarts. Waited for the store to open at 8 to return the key and left at 8:30. Easy trail along the river with an easy climb up over many foot bridges.   Met up with Bandana Bill and hiked with him a couple of miles. He had roomed with Mondo and Hey George in Fontana. He stopped for lunch and I continued to the Curly Maple Shelter at 10:30, just signed in and left. Got to Indian Grave Gap at 12:30 to trail Magic. Bananas, brownie and sweet tea with BT. He said he once went to Sam's Gap but some people got arrested for not having a permit. Left at 1:05.Trail gradually went up but not too rocky. Arrived at the Beauty Spot at 2 and had lunch. Weather was warm and clear. Trail was next to the road then started to climb Unaka Mt. Even though it is an 1100' climb it was gradually with some rocky patches. Once at the top very dense forest with difficulty finding the trail but there are plenty of blazes.Didn't find the low gap campsite so I continued on to Cherry Gap Shelter. Got there at 5:20. No one there and a few campsites with some hikers. Decided to continue to the next campsite. Had one gradually up but I was moving well at a very fast pace. On the downhill I was doing 16 min/mile pace. Got to Iron Mt and decide to try to cont to the Greasy Creek Hotel, 4 more miles. One issue was I was low on water but didn't see any stream.Arrived at Greasy Creek Gap at 8:08. Initially had difficulty finding the hostel trail but there were stick arrows on the trail. Long downhill to the hostel so I arrived at 8:20. Got an indoor bed, made dinner of Pasta and Ramen in addition to a ice cream and white castle burgers. Showered, made some phone calls and bed by 11.An amazing day with great weather, relatively easy trail, and a good effort. 25+ miles to the hostel. Could affect me tomorrow
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Greasy Creek Friendly

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Up at 8 had granola while writing my journal. Waited for the computer to update my trail journal. Left the Hostel at 10 for the .6 mile uphill climb. Returned to the main trail at 10:30It was a steady climb to Clyde Smith Shelter. Just passed by the trail. Then it was a very hard rock climb to Little Rock Knob. Once over the Knob the trail was smooth and downhill to Hughes Gap. Ate lunch there but no one came thru.Now the climb up Roan Mt. Trail was in good condition with many switchbacks but it was still a long uphill climb. Passed the campsites at Ash Gap then the trail was mostly open fields. Did not go to the parking lot at Roan Mt but did take the side trail to the Roan High Knob Shelter. Very impressive shelter. Four walls, a door and window and a second floor for additional sleeping. Stopped for water then head down the trail.The descending trail from the shelter was wet and very rocky. Numerous streams and footbridges. Arrived at Carver Gap at 5:15 then headed up the the Bald. Steady climb with some rocky trail. Round Bald was an open view with impressive views. From Round bald you go down the saddle up Jane Bald then onto Grassy Bald. Arrived at Stan Murray Shelter at 6:35. Ran into Bandana Bill who was camping there. There was also a boy scout group there. I decided to continue the 2 miles to Over Mountain Shelter. About a mile from the shelter, you could see tents around the shelter. Arrived at 7:30 to find the shelter fairly full and the field almost completely filled with tents. At least 2 scout groups and numerous other group. Found a small opening and tented. Had dinner and bear bagged my food.The shelter is a converted barn with a large upper loft. But only a single privy. After all it was a weekend and I heard this is a very popular spot..Saw many day hikers all day but not many thru hikers. Weather has remained warm and clear during the day but it did cool here after dark.Felt okay today even after my 25 mile adventure yesterday.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Passed Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Up at 7:15 and was amazed most of the tents were gone. Had my granola and packed up. On the trail by 8. Started with an 800' climb. There were some section and weekend hiker on the trail ahead of me. The trail was grassy and smooth over little Hump Mt. Then there is the descent before heading up Hump Mt.The climb up Hump Mountain was exhausting. Not only the 600' Elevation but the wind which was blowing from the side probably 30-40 MPH (total estimate) Again had difficulty staying on the trail. At the top ran into Jersey Girl who is completing this years section hike.I descended the mountain with 2 hikers from Salisbury, NC. The trail was very rocky so it was difficult going down. Reached the TN Border at 11:15. 2 States down 12 to go. Had lunch at a rock outcropping with a views.Good smooth trail down to 19E where I got a soda from Jersey Girl's Husband. The trail up the mountain was past streams and thru farm land. There was a steady uphill but had some great views. The trail descends then runs along the Elk River. Crossed an imaginary 400 Mile mark on the trail.Got to Mountaineer Shelter at 5:20. There was a sign for tenting at the Falls before the shelter. The shelter was again impressive with 3 levels. Got water and decide to go the short distance to a campsite. Once on the trail there was other tenting areas above the shelter.Got to the camp area at 6:30. It had several tent areas along the stream. Set up camp and Safety First and Wanderbust arrived. There were going to stay here also. Set up camp, made dinner, bear Bagged and visited. In the tent by 8. A warm nite but I decided to close my tent flap.A good day with good mileage, good views and good trail
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Passed Mountaineer Shelter

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Up at 7:45 broke down camp and left by 8:30. Started a short uphill climb from the campsite. Stopped at Bench and called home. The trail was gradual up and downs on a leaf lined trail. Just a walk in the woods. Not many views but there were some interesting streams and waterfalls.The Hostel at Laurel Fork had a closed sign up and the trail was blocked.Arrived at the Moreland Gap Shelter at 12:45 for lunch. Did not get water since it was a long downhill. From the shelter the trail was uneventful until about the last 1 1/2 to 2 mile into Dennis Cove Road. It then became very rocky as well as some steep descents. Good job by the maintainers to cut into the rocks.Got to Dennis Cove Road at 4 and hiked the .5 mile to the Black Bear Resort. Got a bunk room, had some drinks since I ran out of water in the last 2 miles again. Then showered and ate.The weather again has been great although very hot. I think it was again in the upper 70s to 80s. The weather should be like this the next couple of days.Feeling good but think I will decrease the mileage in the next day or so. Thanks again for all the email support.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 6, Breakfast and visited with Bandana Bill, Bypass and Songbird. It was interesting that Songbird and Bypass's daughter is in the Public Health Service in Shiprock. Headed out at 9:15. Was to be a short 10 mile day. Weather clear and warm.Initially the trail was smooth and flat but then there was the descent to Laurel Falls. Very steep and rocky. 2 other hikers went to the falls with me. Took our pictures - very impressive falls. Then we searched for the trail. They crossed the river but did not see any blazes. I went up but no luck. Finally after about 30 mins Affirm was come down but stopped about 50 ft above us and turned right - which was the trail. Remember if you can't find the trail go back then look for it. We then continued along the river crossing over many bridges. By the way we never saw the Laurel Fork Shelter, and others who were looking for it never found it.There were some workers repairing one of the bridges. After passing the side trail into Hampton, the climb to Pond Flats starts. 2 1/2 mile 1700 feet up. Actually the trail was not bad - gentle grade and lots of switchbacks.Took a 1 1/2 lunch break at the top before going down to Watauga Lake. Very quick descent. People were sunning and swimming at the beach. Got water and continued around the lake. Got to the Watauga Lake Shelter at 4. Not alot of good tent spots so I decide to continue on. Wasn't sure how far since the next shelter was 7 miles and there was limited water sources.The trail continue around the lake which is very large. Saw many marinas in the distance. Crossed the dam and got to the road crossing. Shellback, Tigger, Banana bill, and 2 other hikers were there resting. The lady from the Black Bear stopped since she was picking up some slack packers.I decided to continue up the mountain. I passed a couple of good tent sites but without water.   I did pass the slack packers on their way down. The trail climbed but I was maintaining a good pace. Seems that after 4 I seem to have a bit of energy. Many views of the lake from the trail.Got to Vandeventer Shelter at 7:30 and immediately went for water. The water was .3 mile down a very steep hill. I got water and was back at the shelter by 8:10. 40 minutes to get water. Set up camp and started dinner. This is the first time I will be cooking in the dark.White Spot and No Legs were in the shelter and 2 section hikers from VA were tenting. Nice area with a view of the lake.Bed by 9. Longer day than expected and another 18 mile day
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Campsite
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 6:15 to see the sunrise. Difficult to see due to the trees. Headed out at 7:45. This seemed to be a preview of Virginia. Flat dirt smooth trail in the trees without an views. Saw many butterflies but no other wildlife.Stopped at Iron Mountain Shelter to get water and have lunch. 5-6 other hikers were there lunching. Got to TN91 about 1:15 decide to take a long break to avoid the heat. Again a sunny very warm day possibly in the 80s.The trail then went across the farm lands with 3 ladders to climb. Stopped at Double Spring Shelter at 3:30 to fill up all my water containers. Decided to continue to the campsite 5 miles ahead. Again felt really good and made excellent time.Arrived at 6:10. Set up camp and had dinner. White Spot and No Legs were there and later another hiker arrived.13 miles to Damascus.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Double Spring Gap Campsite

To: Damascus
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6:45 and on the trail by 7:45. A quick 1 hour to Abingdon Gap Shelter. Had breakfast and continue on the green tunnel.Arrived at the TN-VA Border at 11:15. Cowboy, White spot, No Legs, Bypass and songbird were there. Took the necessary pictures and headed into town. The last mile down the hill seemed slow. Arrived at the welcome sign at 12:15. Waited for Cowboy and her fellow hiker to take my picture. Went to the library to check my email. Then into town to the Hiker's Inn. Got the last bunk space.Showered, put my clothes in the laundry, and went to the Blue Blaze for lunch with No Legs and White Spot. Excellent CheeseSteak and 2 beers.Spent the rest of the day restocking and just hanging out.Lots of hikers in town who I hadn't seen in a couple of days. Walked around town seeing the neighborhoodHad a pizza and beer with Bandana Bill that night at the Blue Blaze. Will be zeroing tomorrow and finish restocking
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Damascus

To: Hiker's Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 7. Tea and bananas courtesy of White Spot. Sort my food and made my shopping list. Very comfortable night other than very difficult getting into bunk due to the low ceiling.Headed down to the Blue Blaze for pancakes. Lots of hikers in having breakfast. There was one doing the challenge but only ate about 11. The record was 19 and there were 3 going to try to break it today. Had the Butter Cream Coconut pancakes which were very good. Service was a little slow but then I ran into Rambler, whom I did not recognize. Haven't seen him since NOC and he has been chasing me since.Spent the rest of the Morning at the Library before going to Food City for groceries. Will spent the rest of the day resting.Weather still warm but we may be in for some rain next week.Ran into 2 shane and rambler at Dave's place. Visited with them before returning to the Hiker Inn.There were 3 ladies from Indianapolis who were going to section hike for the next 3 days. This would be their first hiking experience. Visited with them. One of them just finished the Indianapolis half marathon.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Hiker's Inn

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Made breakfast of tuna sandwich and had tea and bananas. Left at 8. Started out on the sidewalk then joined the Va. Creeper trail. Almost missed the left turn to the trail when I wasn't looking up. Lots of switchbacks up the mountain. About 1/2 hour in it started to rain but not heavy. Shellback and Trigger caught up with me when we had to take a detour due to a washed out bridge.Then the trail ran along the river with the Creeper trail on the other side. Stopped at Saunders Shelter for lunch as a scout group arrived. The trail then rejoined the creeper trail.The trail to the shelter seemed to go up and up. Slow going but the rain had stopped. Arrived at the shelter at 4. Shellback and Trigger had stopped to eat but were headed on. I decided to stay. There were already 4-5 tents.Saw some rhodondendrom in bloom today for the first time. It was a hard day after a zero.Dinner at 6. Bed by 8
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Rained last night but not when I woke up at 7. Had a tuna sandwich and headed out at 8:50. The trail was uneventful with some smooth spots and rocky section.Met up with White Spot and No Legs, my German hikers. We climbed 1500 feet to Buzzard Rock. The clouds were initially at the top but then it cleared.I stopped for lunch at the top of the rocks while others continued. At Elk Garden we got trail magic of KFC chicken, cake, mac and cheese. Dried out my tent on the green before heading up the Bald.Ran into the Indianapolis ladies who were southbound. They said they had a rough first day with rain, running out of water, and too much food. The trail then became rocky on the way to Mt. Rogers.Did not summit Mt Rogers since it was 1/2 mile off trail and up 300 feet. Continued onto Thomas Knob shelter. Nice shelter on the hill with lots of nice tent spots but limited water. Decided to continue on to Wise Shelter.Saw the first wild horses on the descent down the mountain. Very rocky descent which every one said was difficulty. It appeared that a new trail had been created on the final descent. The trail then went thru farmland. Arrived at the Wise Shelter at 7:20. Songbird and Bypass were there. Very interesting shelter that had 2 privysSet up my tent, made dinner of ramen, cheese, and tuna. Bed by 8:30. Weather was warm today but not hot. Looks like we will have a full moon.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Up at 7:45 with a slow start. Had tuna sandwich and peanut butter tortilla. Packed up and left at 9. Trail was smooth and flat with no major obstacles. Made good time till I got to a junction with a trail to the Scales. Didn't read the sign and headed on the trail to the Scales. About 1/4 mile in I realized I didn't see any blazes. Turned around to the junction and realized I didn't read the line below which said AT right turn. Trail then went into the woods but then became rocky on the climb up.The Scales was a large corral where the farmer brought their cattle to sell. Rather than walking down the mountain and thus losing weight they weighed them at the top to get the most for there cattle.Has lunch at Old Orchard at 1. I realized that I had pack problems. I discovered that it broke at the bottom and the metal brace was pushing thru. After Fox Creek started the major climb of the day. The trail was gradual. Met the ridge runner from the day before as well as some former thru hikers headed to Trail Days.Called Gregory about my pack. They are sending a new one to Woods Hole Hostel since I should be there in a week.Saw my first deer on the trail just standing there eating. As I passed he crossed the trail but stayed near.Couldn't find any good water sources or campsites and if I crossed as stream I didn't get water. Decided to head for a campsite at mile 518. But it was 3 miles down the trail. Headed to the next shelter and arrived at 7:20. Got water, bear bagged and made dinner of Pasta, cheese and ramen. In tent by 9A longer day than expected. Pack is giving me major problems and probably has been broken since mile 400. It was another hot day .
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 22.0

Up at 6:45 took my time packing and ended up leaving at 8:55. Trail was very nice, smooth flat and down hill. Made excellent time. Received trail magic from a gentleman on the trail with a popsicle and then fruit and ice tea.Arrived at Partnership Shelter at 1. Very nice shelter next to Mt. Rogers Visitors Center. Had shower, a privy, an area to wash clothes. White Spot and No Legs and I order pizza and spagetti at the visitors center and took a 2 hr. lunch break. There is a shuttle into Marion from the center at 9, 11 and 2:30. Lot of hikers were return from town.We headed up the steep mountain. Very slow going up but then the trail was smooth and downhill. I decided to stop at a stream before the shelter to get water. As I was continuing to the shelter carrying the water in one had and my poles in the other, the trail gave way and I fell down the small hill. I landedon my back but hit my left hip on a rock. This was actually a waste since the stream ran in front of the shelter. 6 of us arrived at the shelter but there was a gentleman there who was not feeling well. So all of us decided to move on. Most of us headed to Atkins which was 4 1/2 miles away.The trail was smooth and flat so I could make good time it then went into farm land and grassy fields. Saw 4-5 more deer in the field.Arrived at the Relax Inn at 8. Checked in, got some drinks and ice cream from the gas station. Did my wash. Shellback, Trigger, White Spot, and No Legs arrived about 45 mins later.A very long day but an easy trail. Relaxed in my room. Called home. Bed by 11
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Atkins

To: Relax Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A true zero day. Got a shuttle to the Dollar General with White Spot and No Legs to restock. Then had breakfast at the Barn with them before seeing them off. They had to be in Buena Vista by the 28th. Just rested in my room.Went to the Barn for dinner with Hard Head and Crazy Martin. Had the 16 oz burger.Bed by 11
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Relax Inn

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 7:45. Checked the weather which was difficult since it didn't show local conditions. Had breakfast at the Barn. Then headed on the trail at 8:45.The day started with a drizzle but not heavy rain. The trail was mostly up and down. Had one major uphill. Stopped at noon for lunch and the rain had stopped. So I took off my rain gear. Got some trail magic of PBJ sandwiches and drink after lunch.At 3 PM it started to rain very hard. Didn't take time to get on rain gear so I got really soaked. I hadn't seen any other hikers so I figured the shelter would be empty. The trail was slippery in spots but smooth. Arrived at the shelter at 3:50 to find it almost full. The shelter held 8 and there were 6 people and a large dog. I talked my way into the one spot. Mighty Blue showed up but they wouldn't make room for him or 3 others who came later.Hung my pack, bear bagged my food, and made dinner of cheddar pasta. Started to rain so I felt good in the shelter. Most of the people in the shelter stayed there that day.Bed by 7
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob 
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: moderate rain

Up at 6:45 but took my time so the others could clear the shelter. Breakfast of tuna sandwich and headed out at 8.The trail was very muddy and wet and the streams were running very strong. Some were very difficult to cross since the rocks were covered and the stream widened.There was a steady climb up Lynn mountain which I struggled with. Just didn't have an energy.After VA 625 started the long climb up Chestnut Knob which was 3000' in 4 miles. Weather was cool so I kept my fleece top on and my rain pants. The trail just seemed to go up and up. Finally got to Chestnut Ridge with some view.Arrived at Chestnut Knob Shelter at 1:45 Tired and hungary, Mighty Blue was there already. Again a very impressive shelter. A stone building with windows, a door and 5 bunks and picnic table.Some others arrived. Soon after the rain and hail started so we decided to stay for the night. One came in later so there were 3 of us in the shelter.Made dinner of pasta, cheese and ramen. A very tough day dealing with wet clothes, a long climb, bad pack, and colder temps. In bed by 8:30
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Chestnut Knob 

To: Laurel Creek Campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Wind blew last night but we were cozy in the shelter. Stayed in my bag till 8:45. Had tuna salad for breakfast and headed out at 10. Started with rain pants, down jacket, and fleece. Got water at Walker Gap which took no time to get to since it was downhill.Had a small climb then the trail ran level but rocky. The trail to VA 623 was 4 1/2 miles but seemed to take for ever. Had to conserve water since the next source is 5 miles.Started to feel better past the Davis Farm Campsite but it was 1/2 mile off trail. Went down 1700' to Jenkins Shelter. Decided to push on to the next shelter. The trail was up hill but smooth. The trail changed some then it smoothed out.Arrived at Laurel Creek at 6. Already 5 people were there including Songbird and Bypass and Mighty Blue. Set Up tent, bear bagged, got water. But could not eat dinner. Bypass and Songbird are getting off in Bland to meet relatives who will be hiking with them. In tent by 8 to keep warm. Cold night but warm in tent. Bed by 8. No Appetite hope I'm not getting sick.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Laurel Creek Campsite

To: Jenny Knob
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

Was warm until 3 am when it cooled down. Up at 7 but slow moving due to cool temps. Couldn't eat breakfast. Left at 9. Minor climb of 700' in 2 1/2 miles.Those would left camp before were making calls, I waited till I topped the mountain.Everyone got together on the road into the Bland junction. It was a little confusing when we crossed the road and down to I77. Mighty Blue made a wrong turn but then corrected. I had some difficulty finding the trail till I saw others getting water. Got water both my bottles and bladder since I didn't know how far I was going.Had a minor climb before tackling Brushy Mt. Which was a steady uphill but I did well. Arrived at the shelter at 6:10 Weather is cool. Called my wife to order new shoes to be picked up in Buena Vista. Still not very hungary without an appetite. No dinner.The shelter was full and there were 5 section hikers in addition to 4 thru hikers at this site. But all had good tent sites.19 Mile day not bad considering my health and my pack