morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mt
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: few clouds

TrailDate:150315001Weather: FareTrailMiles .2Beautiful weather for the entire day, sunny and 60s. Perfect hiking weather for the AT approach trail. Lots of steep trail and I really can't say I'm used to it, but hiking alone all day was a treat that balanced it out. Camping tonight just .2 miles from Springer mountain, so I'm officially on the AT.Said goodbye to Beth this morning which is always hard. Kind of the bittersweet part. Waiting for her text to let me know she's ok. Tomorrow brings 8 more miles of hiking, but I feel it's a little easier than today's hike. Looking forward to a few more days of nice weather. All is well.
Date: 2015-03-16
From:  Mt

To: Hawk Mt
Miles today: 7.9

TrailDate:150316002Weather: Sunny 80sAnother gorgeous day. Lots of people on the trail some with trail names already but most folks are still waiting for the trail name them. Even though it's only 8 miles people are weary. I took a quick nap after setting up camp and have recovered, but a good night sleep will make tomorrow's 8 go smoother.Met Neon today and TrailChef. Offered the trail name of Gages to a guy yesterday based on his interesting ear jewelry. Maybe he will accept. It is sort of an honor to name someone. Easy entertainment out here. Probably 30 people here at 4 pm. Seems less than in 06. Shelter basically empty with most peeps opting for tents. Battery life already at 50% not good for the second day out. I'll need to learn how to conserve. Good signal strength yesterday but since last night only minimal.Bugs. Something I didn't anticipate. It's supposed to be cold! But I won't wish for that. It will happen soon enough.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Hawk Mt

To: Gooch Mt
Miles today: 7.7

TrailDate 150317003Weather Sunny 70sCamp Gooch Mt - ShelterTrailMiles: 8.1Yet another gorgeous day. No complaints about that. Lots of people. Many of the same from yesterday. Leap frogging with different groups as we climbed up and over Sassafras mountain today.Traveling at 8 miles per day for the time being, just taking it easy on the bones and the feet. I'm two days out of my first shower at Neels gap. Probably stay at the hostel there.Good campfires last night and tonight. It's a fun time just getting to know people. Two miles up the trail there is a St Patty's day pastry, but a lot of people opted to stop here and forego the hotdogs and beer. Guess the hiker hunger really has not hit us yet.
Date: 2015-03-18
From: Gooch Mt

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

TrailDate 150318004Weather Sunny 60sCamp Lance Creek. TentTrailMiles: 8.6Yet another beautiful day, but all that is expected to change tonight at about 3 am. Fortunately Neels Gap is tomorrow's destination. That means laundry and a hot shower.Lots of people here at Lance creek tonight. Some new faces, but generally the same folk. We will lose several of the spring break hikers tomorrow. Still the camps will be full. Trail magic at both Gooch and Woody gaps today. I'm still not feeling very hungry, but I did have a hotdog. Things are going smoothly at the 8 mile pace, but I might need to increase that after Neels gap simply because of the lack of designated camping. The Georgia trails are really easy on the feet. Minimal rocks so far. That helps the transition from zero hiking to the serious hiking ahead. We just take it easy. I'm feeling pretty tired each day upon reaching camp, but after a couple hours I find myself snapping back. Funny how a good campfire works.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.3

TrailDate 150319005Weather cold rainCamp Cabin Neels GapTrailMiles: 7.3As expected we awoke to pouring rain with temps in the 40s. I packed up hastily and started the long climb up Blood Mountain. The wind sometimes made the rain seriously cold and for the first time, I pulled out my wool gloves. The hike up Blood looked nasty on paper, but in reality the trail was set at a good grade and well maintained. I stopped briefly at the big stone shelter for a photo and headed down the rock face into Neels gap two miles below.Papa Al and I had decided to try and rent a cabin today. Unknown to me he had left camp before daylight and arriving at Neels at 10:30 he was able to get the last available cabin at Blood Mountain cabins. Networking really works out here The cabin sleeps 4 so we were looking for two others when I ran into Neon at Mountain Crossings. The hostel had filled up and she had been able to secure spots for everybody but Sputnick and Fair-Enough so we had our network briefed to direct them down the side trail to our cabin. Problem solved and all of our trail family is covered. Meanwhile it remains cold and rainy outside. We are showered and warm and ready to push on tomorrow morning.Expecting four days until the next stop. Couple longer mile days ahead.
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.5

TrailDate: 150320006Weather: cool n foggyIt was hard to leave the comforts of the cabin, but we arose early and headed out at first light.We leap frogged all day but Papa Al got to the camp first. Shelter is full as expected on a somewhat wet day. Ate dinner early, hung the food bag on the bear cable and after a brief chat session I'm here in my tent expecting some rain to pass through. Tomorrow should be sunny so I'll dry some stuff out again.Tried using the GPS with the trail guide today and it worked great. It also brought me down to 50% battery, so no more of that.Things are going pretty well, while I keep to the same schedule as I did in 06. Really not sure when that will change, but I suspect it will.
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Low Gap

To: Blue Mountain
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: mist

TrailDate: 150321007An early start brought us back into the lifting fog, which gradually dissipated into a beautiful sunny day. The planed day called for pushing past Blue Mountain, but the site looked so welcoming that Papa Al and myself as well as the other folks in our traveling party decided to stop for the day.We dried out the tents and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon just tending to equipment and chatting around a fire. Tomorrow brings more rain and it may be with us for the next two days.
Date: 2015-03-22
To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

'TrailDate: 150322008Weather: Cloudy then cold rainCamp: Tray Mt - tent TrailMiles: 8.1We started out again at first light to cover the eight miles with two mountains on our path. Luckily the predicted rain had not started during the night and we packed dry.At Indian grave gap, a group of college students from Young-Harris college were doing trail magic. I had a hotdog a brownie and some hot chocolate. Maybe a strange combination, but it went down fast and helped with the long truck up Tray Mountain.Tray mountain was a conditional plan, but by the time I arrived several of the others of our traveling group had set up camp. I'm slower today because I just took my time on the climbs. Still, I have to say it was a hard day for me. Thirty minutes after my tent was set up the rain finally came. Guess we were lucky with this one. The folks who wanted to get closer to Hiawassee for tomorrow hiked the last few miles in a cold rain. Maybe it's a little warmer down below, since we are at about 4200 feet. Hiawassee tomorrow for a hostel if they have room and a much needed zero day.
Date: 2015-03-23
From: Tray Mountain

To: Top of Georgia hostel - Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 11.0

Trail date: 150323009Miles: 11.0Camp: Top of Georgia hostelWeather: Partly SunnyIt rained all night last night, but stopped early this AM and we packed up wet tents, but got an unexpected break in the weather for a long day if hiking. We set out from Tray mountain shelter at first light and pushed on through the climbs and descents of the day.About 2.5 miles from Dick's Creek gap, our destination for the day I saw a sign that said "vista." Although I was tired I decided I was here to enjoy the trail, so I dropped my pack and set out on the side trail to see the vista. It was definitely worth it. There at the vista I found Bison, a young man from Indy, who had accepted his trail name I suggested based on his full head of hair and beard. I was honored to have him accept my suggestion. Bison and his group will be moving ahead of us today, so only time will tell if we will cross paths again, so I count it just luck that I took that side route. Oh yeah, the vista was an awesome view of Fontana lake, which is over 10 days away. At least I think it was.Some of us will be taking a zero day here tomorrow. Looking forward to just relaxing, at least until our town visit for resupply tomorrow afternoon.
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Top of Georgia hostel - Hiawassee GA

To: TOG Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Trail date: 150323010Miles: 0Camp: TOGWeather: SunnySpending a nice relaxing zero miles day before the six day push to the Nantahala Gorge. Fair-Enough and Sputnik are also zeroing, while Britches, Neon and Hasselhoff moved on. After 9 days together our trail family has dwindled, but goodbyes are seldom forever on the trail and we will likely see them again.The biggest part of this day will be spent resting like I'm doing right now; sitting on a back porch watching tents dry in the yard with a great view of the mountains in the background.Later this afternoon we will go into town for a buffet and a resupply run. Nothing else pressing, no miles to cover, no instant potatoes for dinner. Life is good.But I don't want to give anyone a false impression of this trail. It's hard, just plane hard on the body, the feet particularly. That's why the zero day really helps.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: TOG Hostel

To: White Oak Stamp
Miles today: 12.6

Trail date: 150324011Miles: 12.6Camp: White oak StampWeather: Cloudy 60sCrossed the border into North Carolina today about three miles from our intended destination Muskrat Creek. When we arrived the shelter was full of loud , boisterous boys, so Papa Al and I pushed on to a pseudo stealth camp about a mile up the trail.Showed Al how to do noodles thru hiker style tonight. Just boil the water, turn the stove off dump in the noodles and let them sit for 15 minutes. Conserves fuel that way. The pots on our stoves are wrapped in insulation for that purpose. Not as good a GrandMa makes, but it gets the calories in.
Date: 2015-03-26
From: White Oak Stamp

To: Carter Gap 
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Trail date: 150325012Miles: 11.7Camp: Carter Gap Shelter- tentWeather: walking in cloudsSuch a contrast between our stealth camp last night and a shelter area tonight. Although we were among the first six people here, the hikers started rolling in behind us in an unbelievable parade and now there are probably thirty tents here. The trail seems much more crowded than it was in 2006, but I suppose that is to be expected.Another big difference is the presence of smart phones and with it abundant information. We got wind of a cold spell coming in with temps in the teens, so decided to change our plans and head into town for the coldest night.We have been lucky with the weather and the information flow really helps. Lots of differences out here this time, but the trail is still the good old AT and my feet still hurt at the end of a long day ;-) Thanks for all the entries in my guest book. I was able to read them when I was at the hostel, but with limited computer time it is difficult to answer all.Tomorrow is a big milestone along with a memorable climb up Albert mountain. I'll try to capture a worthy image of that one.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Carter Gap 

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail date: 150327013Miles: 12.1Camp: Rock Gap ShelterWeather: Cloudy then Sunny but colderUp and over Albert Mountain in the windy clouds today, but the remainder of the trail was easier today so with the town visit tomorrow we pushed a little farther. Albert mountain involved some steep climbing, but I think everybody enjoyed the challenge.Several people showed up as the afternoon wore on and we ended up with a nice group around a great fire as snow flurries began to come in.Tonight is expected to get pretty cold, but I opted for the shelter anyway. It will only be my second time in a shelter. Guess it was the threat of snow, but I really don't think it will be heavy.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 3.8

Trail date: 150328014Miles: 3.8Camp: Franklin NC - Sapphire InnWeather: Sunny and coldAs we sat around a blazing fire that barely kept the chill away the snow began to pelt us with those tiny dip'n dots then more in heavy flurries. I put my cold weather equipment plan in action and spent the night in the shelter with four others.Wool socks, wool long underwear, down jacket, toe warmers, silk bag liner and my 30¢¢ sleeping bag. I stayed warm all night, which was good because Moment's thermometer read 18¢¢ this morning when we arose before dawn to catch the 9AM shuttle into Franklin.We hiked the 3.8 miles on trails covered in half an inch of snow; the trail often sloping away steeply for hundreds of feet. One slip could have been disastrous, but at least the path wasn't slippery.At winding stair gap, we emerged to not just one but two different trail angels offering trail magic of coffee, fruit and breakfast burritos. Keep in mind it was in the low twenties, yet these nice folk were out there offering food and drink to hikers. I didn't get all my pictures loaded, but I will post them of the nice people who come out even in cold weather to support the hikers. What an amazing community this trail has built.Once in town, the slinky that is the hiker component of the community collapses down and we have seen all our trail friends at some point during the day. Tomorrow the slinky begins to stretch out along the trail once more, but not before having an AYCE breakfast at the local Baptist church. Food is becoming a priority.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Franklin NC

To: Wahah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Trail date: 150329015Miles: 10.7Camp: Near Wayah Bald ShelterWeather: Sunny and coldThe Ron Haven shuttle dropped us off around 10:00 after we enjoyed a free hiker breakfast at the Franklin Baptist church. Beautiful start to a beautiful day as we made the typical long climb out of the gap.The sun warmed us on the south facing slopes, but also made the trail extremely muddy. Slippery muddy, but we made good time, getting into camp before 5 PM. We got a magnificent view from the top of Wayah Bald, lots of photo oops.About 13 of us are camping a quarter mile up from the Wayah Bald shelter, since we knew with the weather and the overflow capacity on the shuttle would make for a crowded shelter area. Sunrise made an excursion to the shelter just to check for water and confirmed our expectation of a crowded camp.Some of the familiar people tonight are Sunrise, Moment, Salmon and Fair-Enough and Sputnik, whom we have been with since Day1. Neon, Hasellhoff and Honey Britches are down at the shelter area, but we enjoyed hiking with them for a good part of the day.It's the people that help ease the difficulties of the trail.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Wahah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Trail date: 150330016Miles: 10.6Camp: Wesser Bald ShelterWeather: foggy then sunny 40sAnother long day of ups and downs started at 9 AM since a thunderstorm swept in during the early morning hours. I made a side trip to Rocky Bald for a really nice view after the sun had burned off the morning clouds. We are so high up in the mountains that the morning overcast is something we walk in.Wesser Bald has an open observation deck with a 360 degree view and it was nice and clear by the time we reached the bald.Tomorrow we do a short day into Nantahala Outdoor Center where we can get a shower and eat some restaurant food. Then we push on toward Fontana after a night in the bunk room.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7

Trail date: 150331017Miles: 5.7Camp: Nantahala Outdoor Center- HostelWeather: Sunny and mildA real live sunrise, a Nero into town (sorta) and a cheeseburger made this probably the best day on the trail so far. I retrieved my bounce box with much needed knee supports and an emergency fleece change out from home along with lots of treats. Staying in the rustic bunk rooms tonight and even got a shower. Luckily we made reservations last night from the trail, which is getting to be the norm. The trail is becoming so popular that the hostel resources cannot keep pace.Tomorrow we begin a three day hike towards Fontana Dam, where we will spend a couple days before setting out over the Smokies. The weather is volatile. Difficult to tell what we will encounter in the Smokies, so we keep the winter gear a while longer.I have taken to using my cocoon silk sleeping bag liner as a kind of sleeping bag seal up near my head and shoulders. Funny the things we do to find an ounce of comfort in the woods. It works to keep the warmth in the bag.Looks like Neon will slow down and camp with Papa Al and I while Britches and Hasselhoff move a little faster. At the end of the stretch between resupplies things seem to even out in the long term.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sasafrass Gap
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Trail date: 150401018Miles: 6.9Camp: sassafras gap - tentWeather: Sunny and mildWe got out of the NOC at 09:30 after breakfast at the restaurant, which could use twice the staff it has. Our destination lie 3000 feet above us with a full day of climbing.The day was absolutely gorgeous with sun and hiking temps that let us enjoy the day. Then we stopped into camp around two to make a decision on whether to go a further 3 miles. Met new hikers who are staying with us tonight. Tumbles and Scout from TJ and Seeker, who brought news that my hiking friend Irish from 06 is only a day behind. Neon, Fair-Enough and Sputnik round out our camp tonight with Papa-Al and myself. Tomorrow we are planning a longer day in order to make Friday a slightly shorter day to drop into Fontana. The post office closes early so we need to get in early.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Sasafrass Gap

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 12.0

Trail date: 150402019Miles: 12Camp: Cody GapWeather: Partly Cloudy 60sWe got up pre dawn and were on the trail once again at first light. Cheoah Bald was the first big climb of the day right out of camp, but there were great views from the top. It was supposed to rain today, but the first drops are happening now at 7:15 PM. We are 8 plus miles from Fontana and several hikers have chosen to stay here for the night. The bulk of the hikers though are three miles up the trail. Everyone is looking forward to a shower and re-supply for the hike across the smokies.Neon pushed ahead today, so the last remnants of our original group from Springer mountain are myself, Papa Al and Fair-Enough and Sputnik. We will probably see most of the others in Fontana, but since we are taking a double zero, it will be down to just Papa Al and I when we start the trek across the park on Monday.The big event today during the hike was a hill called Jacobs Ladder. It was pretty wicked steep, and even now in camp with it five miles behind us people are still talking about it.Everybody seems in good spirits though. It was a long day, but a pretty good one.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 8.8

Trail date: 150403020Miles: 8.8Camp: Fontana Village - CabinWeather: Partly Cloudy 60sOn the trail at dawn brought us to the Fontana road crossing by noon. The immediate news was that the shuttle was in town for maintenance, so we hitched a ride into Fontana Village. My 06 hiking friend Irish was rumored to be close behind and caught up with us just in time to jump on board the flat-bed truck that brought us into the resort.We're here for the weekend in a cabin. Fair-Enough and Sputnik are with us just for tonight. Papa Al's daughter and niece are due in any time now.Tomorrow we will drop off several hiking friends including Neon, Fair-Enough and Sputnik back at the trail to begin their trek across the Gsmnp, and we will fall behind. Scout and Tumbles, Sunrise and Moment, Salmon, Wistfull and Relentless will all move ahead of us. Papa Al and I tend to make friends easily, but it will be kind of sad to see our hiking group move ahead. Maybe we will catch up.I plan on getting as much rest as I can over the next two days.
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Trail date: 150404021Miles: 0Camp: Fontana Village-CabinWeather: Sunny and CoolIt's Saturday, the hiker bubble for the most part has moved on into the GSMNP. Strange to see this quiet resort without the hikers.Took an extra shower and a nap. Doubt if the shower really helped any, but I was happy to have it.I made sure Papa-Al and his family got some time without me.   It's nice to just be still, by myself and enjoy this peaceful, sunny day.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: broken clouds

Trail date: 150405022Miles: 1.8Camp: Fontana VillageWeather: Sunny and MildHappy Easter! We spent the last day of our extended rest sight seeing; traveling back to the NOC by car and finally slack packing the 1.8 miles between Fontana Dam and the road that brought us into Fontana. That saved us almost 2 miles tomorrow as we climb into the Smokies.With six days of food in our packs, we expect to make the transit of the park in as many days. The trail volunteer OX had some good news about upgrades to the shelters, but we will see some longer days due to the camping restrictions placed on us by the NPS. The weather outlook sounds wet but warm. We'll see. So far we have been very very lucky with the weather.It has been a really nice weekend spent with Papa-Al's Daughter, Grand Daughter and Niece. A nice break from the trail. Tomorrow we get back to it with a climb up into the GSMNP.
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Fontana Village

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

Trail date: 150406023Miles: 10.7Camp: Mollies Ridge - ShelterWeather: Cloudy Windy drizzly and coldWe headed up into the smokies today. The sky was overcast and the temperature diminished as we gained altitude. All in all it was a crappy day.Here in the shelter, where we are required to stay, it's cold, but at least somewhat protected from the cold wind by a trap that flaps constantly.The boots really helped the bottoms of my feet, but the uppers are stiff and will need some break-in.Today was a down day for me for a plethora of reasons. I guess the fact that I recognize the bad mood is a good thing. Al senses it too. He has tried to steer the conversation a bit to re-direct my thoughts, but the fact is the weather is probably the biggest issue. The smokies are my least favorite section of the trail. Kind of stuck here for 5 more days.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Trail date: 150407024Miles: 12.0Camp: Derrick Knob - tentWeather: Gloomy Rain 70sAnother crappy day of muddy trail and walking in the clouds.Pretty gloomy stuff, but the sun peeked out just a little after we got to the shelter. When we arrived the shelter was full, so we get to tent tonight, which we count as a blessing. The shelters are crowded, noisy, dark places. We are happy to be free of that restriction, even if we have to pack up wet tents.A shout out! to all my friends at Eaton, who are following my journal. Thanks for all the guest book entries. It really helps during days like this. Just four more days in the park.