morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-04-17
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.4

Warmer, sunny weather today into the 70s. Hard day of hiking. Marie-Lea dropped off at Lance Creek. Picked up Michael from Austin, TX, and Ben from Louisiana in our group. Crossed Blood Mtn; awesome views! Meet on Blood Mtn. by Trail Guides. Spent the night at Blood Mtn. Cabins, and was able to eat pizza, shower, and download some gear.
Date: 2018-04-18
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Leisurely start this morning. Started out at the outfitter at Neels Gap to Manila package home. Experienced first ¢trail magic¢ at Tesnatee Gap where Roy, a hiking enthusiast, was set up with fruit water water for passing AT hikers. Then, in another mile of so, experience more trail magic at Hog Pen Gap, where Cathy and Mary Helen from Clearwater, FL, handed out hot dogs, drinks, sunscreen, and lip balm. Cathy and Mary Helen had only heard of the AT, and wanted to something nice for hikers. Awesome! Michael and Ben fell back during our day, and we picked up Bryan in our group. Met a couple of friends from TX section hiking with their dog, Maggie. Maggie had her own pack, and was enjoyable company along the trail.Met Bob at the shelter in Low Gap, a gentleman from Alabama with later stage Parkinson¢s disease, who was attempting to hike to PA, his boyhood home. It had taken him all day to hike the 5 miles from Hog Pen Gap to the Low Gap shelter. He asked for assistance in locating the nearest road, as the day's hike and his condition had unfortunately convinced him to rethink his original plan. He contacted his wife for a pick-up the next day, and planned to hike back to Hog Pen the next day. Our group had the pleasure of getting to know him a bit better over dinner at the shelter; very nice man.
Date: 2018-04-19
From: Low Gap

To: Tray Mtn. Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Awoke to a cold and windy day. Checked in with Bob to ensure he headed off ok. Experiences trail magic at Unicoi Gap, where ¢Wokman¢, his wife ¢Honey¢, and their young daughter had prepared grilled hot dogs and had drinks for passing hikers. Awesome couple with lots of time on the AT. Rough day physically for me with low energy, but was able to gut it out. Met Breno, a roofing contractor from from Perth, Australia, thru-hiking. Camped with Mousetrap and Bryan, and enjoyed a small campfire before turning in for the night.
Date: 2018-04-20
From: Tray Mtn. Shelter 

To: Campsite past DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Creek Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked with Mousetrap and Bryan, who earned his trail name ¢Short Mile¢, for underestimating distance to the next point, and stating, ¢It¢s just a short mile to...¢. :-)I received a new trail name today, ¢Treehugger¢, after getting to camp, and preparing to hang our bear bag. I expertly demonstrated the technique, only to hoist the empty carabiner in the tree, and get it stuck :-(  Determined to rectify my mistake, I shimmied up the tree to the branch, and was able (luckily) to free the carabiner and line. Whew! Not a totally bad outcome. We left the campsite to walk down to the Top Of Georgia Hiking Center to eat and relax, and returned just before dusk. Our friends from TX and their dog, Maggie joined us at the campsite.  Also joining us were two couples from the Atlanta area. One gentleman had lived in Fayetteville in the early 80s, and worked at the radio station in town; small world.
Date: 2018-04-21
From: Campsite past DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We took today as a ¢zero day¢, and caught a shuttle ride from Dick¢s Creek Gap into Hiawassee, GA to resupply. We had an eventful day of laundry, grocery shopping, eating, and socializing with fellow hikers. Spent the night in the Budget Inn.
Date: 2018-04-22
From: DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Creek Gap

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

Returned to the trail this morning after a zero day in Hiawassee, GA. Good night¢s rest, feed, and resupplied. Mousetrap, Short Mile, and I hiked as a group. A cold, rain began just after noon. Crossed the Georgia-North Carolina border near Bly Gap, NC. Stayed at the Muskrat Creek Shelter with Breno (Perth, Australia), Bliss (California), and Connor (Boston, MA).
Date: 2018-04-23
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Awoke to another cold, rainy day. Slow start this morning; finally stepped off at 0900. Connor travelled with Mousetrap, Short Mile, and I today. Breno and Bliss  left earlier, and were ahead of us most of the day. Our goal for the day was to reach Carter Gap Shelter, just 12.5 miles away, but when we arrived about 2:30pm the shelter was full. Breno had arrived before us, and had pitched his tent. The rest of us conferred, and decided to push forward to the Long Branch Shelter (8.7 miles away), where we hoped we would find respite from the weather. We made great time, arriving 3 hours & 15 minutues later. The most strenuous part of the day was the afternoon section, and crossing Albert Mountain, almost on our hands and knees. Crossed the 100 mile point at Albert Mountain. Thinking a lot of family today.
Date: 2018-04-24
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Great night at Long Branch Shelter, a newer, two-story, shelter that sleeps 16. Seven of us had the place to ourselves for the night. Another rainy, cold day of walking; moving in this type of weather equates to warmth. Connor  and Short Mile dropped off the trail near Winding Stair Gap to resupply in Franklin, NC. Mousetrap and I traveled to Siler Bald Shelter (full), and pressed on to the Wayah Bald Shelter, which was full too. We set up tents, and ran in to previous trail mates Bandit and Highlander.
Date: 2018-04-25
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center. 
Miles today: 16.6

Awoke to more rain, but was able to make reservations at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC); look forward to a shower and a bed tonight. Long, slow walk. Clouds dissipated late morning, finally revealing the wonderful views that we had been missing the past few days while walking in the clouds. Wesser Bald Onservation Tower offered 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and especially Fontana Lake,  our next destination.Arrived at the NOC just before 6pm, checked in, picked up a package, and went straight to the River¢s End Restaurant for dinner. Mouse trap and I gorged on fish tacos, burgers, ¢Sherpa rice¢, and still had room for a dessert of blackberry cobbler and fudge brownie al a mode! The NOC bunkhouse room was a small, warm, dry, dorm-like room with bunk beds. Good night¢s rest.
Date: 2018-04-26
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center. 

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Restful, relaxing day. Short walk down the hill from the bunkhouse back down to the restaurant for breakfast.  Cleaned out our bunk-room, and talked with fellow hikers. After breakfast, we tweaked gear at the Outfitters, caught up with friends and family, ate lunch with Bandit and Highlander. After lunch, we washed gear and laundry, mailed boxes, etc. great day, but ready to be  back on the trail.
Date: 2018-04-28
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: few clouds

Great weather climbing out of the Nantahala Gorge today. Slow walk with some foot and leg pain/stiffness despite the rest in Nantahala. Met Ryan (no trail name yet) and walked a bit with him today. Stecoah Gap is a picnic spot along NC Highway 143, and does not have a designated camping spot, but Mousetrap and I decided to stealth camp just off a forest service road about a half-mile back from the picnic spot. Quiet evening and night. (See Sunrise at Stecoah Gap and Deer Stalking... Us? pics).
Date: 2018-04-29
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Fantastic, warm, sunny weather for our hike today. Awesome views of Fontana Dam and Fontana Lake from the trail winding down from the ridgeline. Ran into "Bliss" today, a section hiker from Arkanasas, and hiked along with Ryan, an 24 yo insurance adjustor from NY, again today.Arrived at the Fontana Lake Marina with Ryan and Mousetrap just after lunchtime, and hitched a ride to the Fontana Lodge from Al Smith, a gentleman from Tennessee who had just completed his day-hike. Ryan picked up a package that had been mailed to him at the Lodge, and Mousetrap and I walked down to the local General Store to resupply. Were greeted by several other thru-hikers at the General Store: "Swayze" (yes, he closely resembles the actor), and another couple who were resupplying as well. After our resupply, we walked down the road for a quick beer at the Pit Stop, where we discovered that Fontana is one the stops along TN Hwy 129, also known at the "Tail of the Dragon", boasting "318 curves in 11 miles", and is a popular road for motorcyclists to test their riding skills. This particular weekend, the road was also crowded with Mini Coopers zooming around the curves. After our visit to the Pit Stop, we walked back toward the Fontana Marina to continue our walk along the AT to the Fontana Dam Shelter.  Aleah, a young woman beginning a 10-day section hike, picked us up along the road, and dropped Mousetrap and I back at the Marina. We hiked another mile or so through the woods along Fontana Lake, and arrived at the shelter known as the "Fontana Hilton". The shelter sleeps 20, has running water, showers, and a phone charging station! I got cleaned up, and spent a relaxing evening talking with other hikers staying in the shelter and at the nearby tent site. (check out other Fontana Lake and Fontana Hilton pics).
Date: 2018-04-30
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field 
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Entering the Great Smokey Mountains National Park (GSMNP) today! Slow start this morning, as I neglected to print my park pass* for the Smokies while at Nantahala, and had to wait for the Fontana Dam Visitor's Center to open. Took advantage of the wait by taking photos of the lake and the dam. *All hikers entering the Smokies must pay for a park pass to hike there. AT thru-hikers receive a discounted rate, but can only hike on the AT in the park. Met "Tadpole", an older woman thru-hiking with her grand-daughter, "Peanut". Tapdole and her husband live in both TN and Alaska, and alternate residences seasonally. Peanut is from Indiana, and convinced her grandmother to join her on a thru-hike. Beautiful weather today, and a steep climb up from Fontana. Great views from Shuckstack Mtn. Fire Tower. Had the privilege of Facetiming with Mousetrap's parents in Englad while on the Shuckstack Fire Tower. Greeted at the Shelter by Bliss, and got to meet "Kelly" a lab technician from Florida.
Date: 2018-05-01
From: Russell Field 

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful, sunny day! great weather predicted for the entire hike through the Smokies. Met a young couple, Natalie and Chris, from Asheville, NC, who are section hiking through the Smokies. They are both very energetic, helpful, positive people, who plan to launch on a trip to explore all of America's National Parks over a four year time period.
Date: 2018-05-02
To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Restless night. Up, packed, breakfast, and on the move by 0715. Summited Clingman's Dome, highest point on the AT, by 0830 with Bliss, Tentcents, and Mousetrap. Interesting observation tower architecture at Clingman's Dome; photo and video op with our group of hikers. Mousetrap and I walked down to the visitors center in search of goodies (hoping for gummy bears!), and take a nap on the sidewalk while we wait for the shop to open at 1000. Our wait is rewarded with locally made chocolate bars and trail mix for sale in the shop. We buy more that what we need, eat a few, and are on our way again within a few minutes. We stop for lunch just before New found Gap, and reconnect with Bandit, Highlander, and Ryan.  We all experience some impromptu trail magic at Newfound Gap from Pat Finn, a nice woman from Iowa vacationing in the area. She stops to ask us what we're doing, and is impressed to learn that we at thru-hiking the AT. She offers us all Pepsis, and wishes us the best of luck. Within a couple of minutes of Pat driving away, Luke and Skip also from Iowa, drive up and ask us if we'd like for refreshments. Luke and Skip have just finished a section hike from Amicalola to the NOC, are staying in the local area for an extended vacation, and wanted to provide a little trail magic. We all gather around the truck to take advantage of the opportunity for sodas, beer, water, cookies, little Debbie snacks, candy and chips. It's a great opportunity to bond with fellow hikers.The shelter is crowded tonight, but it is a nice gathering of familiar faces: Highlander, Bandit, Ryan, Chris, Natalie, Mousetrap, etc. We all stay up a bit later than usual socializing and enjoying the wonderful weather.
Date: 2018-05-03
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 31.0

Great night's sleep. Awake before sunrise, have breakfast, and quickly walk to Charlie's Bunion, a large rocky outcropping, to watch the sunrise. Beautiful views! Despite the great start to the day, I experience a bit of pain in my feet and legs. At each stop along the way today, I decide to continue to push a bit further: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter (12.6 mi day) to Cosby Knob Shelter (20.3 mi day) to Davenport Gap Shelter (27.4 mi day), leaving the Smokies, and finally, to Standing Bear Farm (31 mi day). The last 3-4 miles of my hike is after dark, with a dim headlamp. The trail and blazes are barely visible, and I am challenged navigating across the Stateline Branch involving multiple water crossings, the Pigeon River Bridge, under Interstate 40, and then back into the woods along the AT, to a gravel road where I find the Standing Bear Farm and Hostel around 10pm. Great training! I am greeted by "Tune-up", who I haven't seen since the NOC, and his friend, "Tarzan". Tune-up leads me to the kitchen so I can eat, and Tarzan shows me the shower facility, and the tent site. I crash hard.
Date: 2018-05-04
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Awoke at Standing Bear to a slow start. Breakfast, resupply, settlement for lodging, and pack up. Meet two scout leaders from Atlanta section hiking south bound.   While I ate breakfast, we talked about our experiences with Scouting, and they were kind enough to take a photo of me at the hostel. Rough day of hiking with lots of hills to climb today. Met several hikers along the way, including Tarzan whom I met late last night after arriving at Standing Bear. He and his group of hikers have decided to "slack pack" today, and have enlisted the assistance of Tarzan's Dad to shuttle their packs farther down the trail, so they can hike less encumbered by the weight of full packs. I struck up a conversation with a gentleman from Concord, MA, "Two Hats". Two Hats is a retired financial planner, and this is his third year attempting to complete at thru-hike of the AT, as the past two years, he was plagued with physical challenges. Crossed Max Patch in the late afternoon, with great views of the surrounding area, and walked into Roaring Fork Shelter with Two Hats.
Date: 2018-05-05
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke early, packed, and ate my last packet of oatmeal for breakfast. Definitely looking forward to getting to Hot Springs today for resupply and link up with my mom. Started hearing reports of a forest fire in an area just south of Hot Springs, NC about two days ago indicating a section of the AT is closed to hikers, and forest rangers are rerouting hikers, and shuttles are helping to more hikers around the closed sections and into Hot Springs. My goal today is Garenflo Gap by lunch time, and into Hot Springs in the early afternoon. My mom will pick me up in Hot Springs in the late afternoon. I leave the shelter area by 0610; most of my shelter mates and fellow hikers are still sleeping.
Date: 2018-05-07
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got an opportunity to hike with my old friend, Alan today. We met early at Allen Gap, left his car at a small parking area, and then drove in my car back to Hot Springs. We hiked along the French Broad Rver leaving Hot Springs, then up the cliffs at Lover's Leap. From the cliffs we were able to have increasingly better views of the French Broad River Valley, Hot Springs, and the surrounding mountains. Multiple fields and trail crossings on our hike today, with the forest beginning to awaken into Spring. Mayapple plants, and other flowers are plentiful on the forest floor, as well as blackberry, poison ivy, poison oak, and other plants. Stopped for a snack at a pond, across Tanyard Gap and a highway overpass, and up to Rich Mountain. We ran into Mousetrap, Highlander, and Bandit at the top of Rich Mountain on their first day after coming out of Hot Springs, and on their way to Little Laurel Shelter and a 20 mile day. Rich Mountain has a lookout tower that is currently being renovated. We were still able to climb to the top, eat lunch, and enjoy views of about 10 miles, 360 degrees. To the south, we could see where we had come from the Smokies. To the north, where we are going, Bald Mountain, Roan Mountain, and Erwin, TN. To the east, the city of Asheville, the Pisgah National Forest, and Mount Mitchell. To the west, Tennessee, and the Cumberland Mountains in the distance. We crossed Hurricane Gap, and hiked up to the Spring Mtn. Shelter. The last portion of your hike meandered down the mountain and into Allen Gap. Despite the weather forecast predicting rain, we walked in sunshine all day.  We drove back into Hot Springs, and grabbed a bite to eat at the Iron Horse Saloon. Good food, great company, and a really awesome hike today.
Date: 2018-05-10
To: Whistling Gap Campsite
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: clear sky

Up early, and hiked solo for the most part today. Met "Speedy" from Bethesda, MD. Ran into Crispy, Long Bird, and their dog, Stella at lunchtime. Met "Burning Sole" from FL, and his friend, Rick from Atlanta, GA, section hiking.
Date: 2018-05-11
To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 13.3

Slow start this am. Sunny day, rolling hills, pretty streams, and views. Johnny's Hostel in Erwin booked up; found a room at the Super 8 Motel in Erwin, TN. Ate dinner in Erwin at Azteca Mexican restaurant with Burning Sole and Rick. Coordinated for a 10 mile slack pack hike tomorrow morning. My daughter is driving into Erwin tomorrow to spend the afternoon with me.
Date: 2018-05-12
From: Beauty Spot

To: Unaka Springs Road
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Slackpack this morning with Burning Sole. Picked up at the hotel by Johnny's Hostel folks, and dropped off at Beauty Spot. Hiked back into Erwin, and ended at Unaka Springs. Rosalyn picked us up, and drove us back to the hotel. Roz and I had a great afternoon eating lunch, catching up, and she helped me resupply at WalMart.
Date: 2018-05-13
From: Beauty Spot

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: moderate rain

Up early. Picked up at the hotel by Marie, "J-Walker", who runs a Hiker Shuttle. J-Walker is local to the area, and has been section hiking the AT for years; she dropped me off at Beauty Spot for me to begin my hike northbound again. Met Troop Leader, Root Ninja, and Snickers today. Ran into: Tarzan, Whitey, and Long Bird slack-packing (running) to make it to Damascus before Trail Days. Got cell reception, and was able to call and wish Mom a happy Mother's Day.
Date: 2018-05-14
To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: mist

Goal for today was to reach the Overmountain Shelter, and spend the night there. A beautiful day crossing multiple balds in Tennessee, and the old Cloudland Hotel site with fantastic weather. Today was a great day for Trail Magic... three times!! Trail Magic #1 was provided by Greem and Pops just north of the Cloudland Hotel site where they met me on the trail, handed me a goody bag, and we talked for a bit. They are local folks from Jonesboro, TN that have never thru-hiked the AT, but oftern spend their free time on the trails in TN. Trail Magic #2 was provided by Overmitten, Socko, and Robin from Michigan at Carver's Gap. Overmitten and Socko, a father and daughter team, thru-hiked the AT last year before Socko's freshman year of college. She just completed her freshman year at Appalachian State University, and since her parents had driven down to pick her up from school for the summer, they decided to perform a little trail magic. We had a delicious early lunch of hot dogs, drinks, and chips. Trail Magic #3 was provided by a another local couple, Pat and Bob, who hiked up to the Overmountain Shelter, and hung out with all the hikers arriving for the night for a couple of hours. They brought hardboiled eggs, nuts, fruit, sacks, and offered to take our trash out with them. They have traveled and lived all over the world, and have their own acoustic instrument band; cool people. Rosalyn's recommendation to stay at the Overmountain Shelter was a great idea! This shelter boasts phenomenal views, a bedazzled privy, and was just a great spot to hang out with fellow hikers. Thanks, Roz!
Date: 2018-05-15
To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 17.9

Today began early with the threat of rain. The morning hike was initially uphill, crossing more balds, and taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. I officially entered Tennessee, and left North Carolina behind just before lunch, after many days of skirting the NC-TN border. Just before arriving at Mountaineer Shelter, I was caught in a late afternoon thunderstorm, and was drenched before I could don my wet weather gear. The Mountaineer Shelter was small, but dry and warm for the night.
Date: 2018-05-16
To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 15.9

Awoke early to a hard rain. Hiked throughout the morning and early afternoon with Tent Cents, arriving at Black Bear Resort, a small campground with camping cabins. Tent Cents stayed at the Kinkora Hostel about a mile away, as he had a package that he had mail dropped there; we agreed to meet up the next morning to continue hiking together.The campground and cabins are neatly situated along a river in a valley, and are owned and run by a pleasant family originally from the Chicago, IL area; Bob, Mary Lee, and Stephanie. I was able to dry off, shower, wash some laundry, dry my gear, and resupply. Ran into "Danimal", a fellow Army veteran currently retiring from the military, and on terminal leave; we've been crossing each other's paths since I left Amicalola State Park in GA. I spent the afternoon hanging out with fellow hikers, sipping beer, and relaxing. I met: Drizzy (Syracuse, NY), Goat (retired Navy), and Tanker (retired Army) throughout the afternoon, and evening. Drizzy and I met at check in, and decided to split the rent on a small cabin for the night.