morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Campsite 47.9

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up this morning, shivering cold. It was sleeting, and the wind was still blowing. Our tent poles were frozen together. Tom had to breathe on them to get them to come apart. We headed out on the trail with all of our warm weather gear on. Soon I knew it wasn't enough. so I got out my extra socks and a ziploc bag, and put them on my hands on top of my gloves. MAN it was miserable... We got to Blue Mountain Shelter to get some lunch. It was full of kids still getting moving from the night before. There was lots of talk about quitting the hike, and/or going to Unicoi. We decided to push on to Tray Mountain. We got there, and of course the place was crowded. We pitched the tent and went to the shelter for dinner. There we met Mountain Mama. She was hiking with a younger man, kind of guiding him. She had almost completed a thru hike a few years ago, but fell on Katahdin and broke her ankle. Inspiring woman....
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Hiawassee

To: Bly Gap Campsite
Miles today: 8.9

We got a shuttle back to the trail at 11am, we had bought a yummy footling sub at Subway to eat before we started hiking, and of course there was some awesome trail magic going on at the parking lots of Dick's Gap, where we were starting our hike!!! We did scarf up some awesome homemade cookies and some water though!! The trail magic is so wonderful. We hiked that day past the Georgia/North Carolina border and made it to Bly Gap that night to camp. There were about 7 of us camping there, the moon was full and the owls were hooting.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Bly Gap Campsite

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

We heard the rain start hitting the tent around 5 am and decided to start hiking to beat the rain. We got in the trail by 6:15 and started up a hill with the headlamps on.   It continued raining for the next 28 hours!! We got very wet that day, but met some really nice other hikers. Happy Flats, her husband, and their friend. We pitched the tent near the Carter Gap Shelter. Learning the ropes of how to keep a tent dry....
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy St Patty's Day!!! It was still raining, so we took a long time to get moving. We hiked to the best shelter so far, Long Branch Shelter, it was built in 2012, and there was no one there when we arrived. We hung up the tent to dry, and everything else that was wet, we contemplated hiking on to the next shelter, when Austin showed up, we hadn't seen him in days, and it was so good to see him again, then a bit later, Elusive showed up, another person we hadn't seen in a few days. It was great to see them both and catch up with their trail adventures. When we woke up the next morning, the mice had been chewing on Austin's sleeping bag, and there was down everywhere, nothing a little duct tape couldn't fix.   It rained some during the night, But it looked like it might be a nice day.   We learned some more trail wisdom: no pain, no rain, no Maine!! We hiked to the 100 mile mark today, and had to climb Albert Mountain which is 5250 feet with a ranger tower on top!!!May The Forest Be With YouMary and Tom
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Wayah Bald shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked way farther than we had planned today!!! Ouch. We missed our campsite, and had to hike to the next shelter, which was three miles away. It was after 8:30 when we arrived and pitched the tent in the dark. We met three nice young hikers, Squirrel, Listen, and Coach. There was a lot of partying going on at the shelter.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Wayah Bald shelter

To: A Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: snow

We got a good start today. We are getting a reputation as being pretty fast hikers, for us old people anyway. It is fun to run into people we haven't seen, and we are known as "that Alaskan couple". We feel pretty lucky to be able to put in some long days with not too much pain. Today we had a lot of downhill so our feet are very tired, still blister free, so that is good. We actually got to camp tonight with enough time to enjoy sitting around and catching up on my journaling. We saw our first wild flowers today..... FORGET-ME-NOTS!! We pitched our tent near the tree girls we had met yesterday. There are another group of three girls that we have been seeing several times too. I call them Snap Crackle and Pop, but their real names are, Ice Party, Wies, and Hyperbole. They all have shaved their heads and sing beautifully together. they were all at the shelter, along with Sanhican, who was giving everyone directive when they arrived at the campsite. Fun times..
Date: 2014-03-20
From: A Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Locust Cove Tent Site
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

We hiked a mile to the NOC where we ate a great breakfast and got a few food items to resupply. We met a guy who is planning a bike trip from Deadhorse to Argentina! His Mom was with him, they were wonderful to visit with. Headed back on the trail by noon and hiked til about 6:30 to our campsite. Weather was great and we were happy to get some miles in after lots of visiting at the NOC. The people here are just so wonderful.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Locust Cove Tent Site

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

We got up early today because of the chainsaw sleeping next to us. It worked out great because we had a lot of miles to cover today. We met a hiker from Great Britain named Swayed, he had attempted two previous thru hikes, so he had a lot of trail knowledge for us. We tackled Jacob's ladder and a few other climbs, and coasted downhill the final two miles to Fontana Dam. We called for a shuttle to the resort, where we plan to take our first zero day and celebrate Knitter's birthday!! This place is heaven, had a great meal, hot shower, and a cold beer. LIFE IS GOOD!! We found out today that a when a tree falls in the woods, it does make a sound. A very loud sound, we barely missed walking into it, thankfully Tom had to pee!! We felt a light breeze, and then what sounded like a plane crash. The dust was settling as we turned the corner,and we could smell the fresh dirt. Kinda cool. May The Forest be With YouMary and Tom
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Village Resort
Miles today: 0.0

What a treat to be able to have a great meal, a cold beer (thanks Joe and Katie!). Not to mention a hot shower, clean clothes, and a red velvet cupcake for breakfast, compliments of the nice lady at the general store!! We got our food box, and along with it, another boxful of birthday cards and wonderful wishes from so many friends back home!!! THANKS EVERYONE! What a great and memorable day it has been. This trail has an affect on you, all day long while hiking, I think about how lucky I am to have this opportunity . If you ever get a chance to create a dream, do it, it is so rewarding. The trail kicks my butt most days, and sometimes I wonder what the heck I'm doing, then I get to the top of that hill, knob, mountain or dome and realize I did it.   Amazing feeling. I miss a lot of things from home, but know that this is where I want to be right now. May The Forest Be With YouMary and Tom
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

We started the day with some awesome trail magic at the Fontana Dam "Hilton" Shelter. Fresh Grounds had a royal spread of everything you could imagine!!! We walked across the dam and entered the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.. Climbed over 3000' in the rain and spent the night in the shelter with 2 dozen other hikers, the shelter holds 14 comfortably, There are rumors of a snowstorm coming on Tuesday......
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

We are the last ones out of the shelter in the morning, climbed (crawled) to 5454 feet this morning, spotted a coyote at Derricks Knob shelter, spent a chilly night with 4 guys from Illinois, two were Packer fans and two were Bear fans and other interesting characters.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap (Lady Flushing Shelter)
Miles today: 12.5

We woke up to snow and sun, still climbing toward Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT at about 6500 feet.The weather was deteriorating fast so we bypassed the side trail to the tower, there would be no view because of the blizzard we were hiking in. We continued to Mt. Collins Shelter 1/2 mile off the main trail with the intent of staying there for the night, but we couldn't get a fire to start, and the journal entries were all about the DEVIL MICE, so we ate dinner and headed out again towards Newfound Gap to try to get a ride to Gatlinberg for the night. We arrived at the Gap to find the road closed to town, but the restrooms were open.......We spent the night at the "Lady Flushing Shelter" AKA women's restroom, it was warm, dry, and mouse free. Three guys spent the night in the men's room, outside it was 8 degrees and a raging blizzard.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Newfound Gap (Lady Flushing Shelter)

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6

We got up and were back on the trail by 7:30 am, the weather is still bitter cold and the road is still closed. We stopped for breakfast at ICEWATER SPRING Shelter, the water was frozen in all of our bottles, so we ate snow most of the day. We made it to TriCorner Knob Shelter, another cold and crowded night( in the Smokies, you have to stay in a shelter). It was a clear day and the views in the park that day were incredible.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Again we are the last ones out of the shelter, our boots are frozen hard as a rock this morning. Today the sun is out and it is warmer, so the snow is starting to melt. We climbed Mt. Cammerer and begin descent on to Davenport Gap Shelter. This is the only Shelter with a cage still on it, the rest all had tarps over the front to keep out the elements. This was a very nice night to be in a shelter, the weather was great, and the company was pleasant. No mice or critters around just us smelly hikers.... Flipper,Trix, Rabbit, Moose, Stakes, And Cliffwalker showed up later
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

We hiked out of the GSN Park and headed toward the I40 underpass and on to The Standing Bear Farm/Hostel to resupply. This place was very Quaint, it reminded me of Hope, Alaska. We got the world's Best Pizza there for lunch, or we were REALLY hungry,( it was frozen store bought) We also picked up some food for the next two days of hiking. It was like shopping in the shed we have in our backyard. We headed up a VERY BIG HILL to Snowbird Mountain, passed a FAA tower on the summit, and pitched our tent at Groundhog Creek Shelter
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Somewhere warm and DRY!!! old road bed. 
Miles today: 17.7

We got the tent down before the rain started at 6 am, and hiked a long day across Max's Patch Summit, where it was very windy and foggy across open pasture land. We dropped down to a Pig Sty left by some slobs around a campfire pit. We got to Walnut Mountain Shelter at about 3:30 pm, and planned to go another mile to camp at KALE GAP, but all hail broke loose when we got there. RAIN WIND SLEET!!! We changed clothes about 6 times today, or as Swayed told us a few days earlier, the weather is whatever you are not wearing. We finally stopped to pitch the tent in an old road bed in POURING rain. We broke all the rules, cooked and ate in the tent, and slept with our food. The food we had just bought at Standing Bear Hostel looked great until we noticed the expiration dates were July 2013, and November 2013. Oh well, we ate it anyways, and it was DELICIOUS! It was just plain nasty outside, as we listened to the rain turn to snow.....
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Somewhere warm and DRY!!!

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: few clouds

we got up around 5:45 am to break camp and hit the trail, after hearing at least three hikers already pass through, and our camping buddy, Inspector Gadget, had left around 3 am. We hiked to Deer Park Shelter, and ate breakfast with the lone shelter inhabitant. we were fighting through snow laden rhododendrons, and trees forming a 5' high tunnel at times for three miles. Then we broke into sunshine and 40 degree weather at Hot Springs. Arrived at the Laughing Heart Hostel at 11 am. We dried out our gear, did the laundry, got some Trail Magic chili, salad, soda, and cookies!!!! We met Moneymaker. Most of our trail buddies trickled into town throughout the day, and we all had our trail horror stories to share.. We had a great dinner with good food, beer, and the Dollar Store It has been a challenging, but very rewarding journey so far, we feel lucky to still be on the trail with most of our body parts still in good working order. We are slow and steady with our walking, but having a wonderful experience. Thanks to everyone for your support.May The Forest Be with YouMary and TomMay The forest be with you....
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Rich Mountain Tent Site
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

We left Hot Springs about 12:30pm and headed over the bridge and walked past the river and back up into the hills. It was a nice hike in nice sunny weather. We got to Rich Mountain Lookout Tower and climbed to the top   It was a beautiful view, then we set up camp with several hikers.   Bird man, Red, Canadiah, Yo Teach....Ranger, who has a horribly frost bit thumb from the Smokies...May The Forest Be With YouMary and Tom
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Rich Mountain tent Site

To: Jones Meadow Tent Site
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

We hiked to the next shelter, and met Shy Bear and Chef, who were cooking up some delicious food. Shy Bear was on some super diet, chigging tons of olive oil....There was talk of an ice cream store near the trail, but Weirman wasn't interested. We hiked to Jones Meadow and there were 4 dogs in the campsite. That was weird, but we were close to a house, and they were out for an evening stroll. This was a hard day for me, it was HOT, and we climbed up a lot of big hills.   I had a bloody nose, and was finally brought to tears. Tom is very patient and encouraging, he would be halfway to Maine by now if he didn't have to wait for me. May the Forest Be With YouMary and Tom
Date: 2014-04-02
From: jones meadow 

To: Rice Gap (we think)
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We hit 300 miles today!!!! It was another sunny beautiful day, and I am getting acclimated to the heat I guess, because it didn't seem that bad today. I think of all of the climbs we do as swirling around a soft serve ice cream cone!! Do you think I am craving ice cream?? Round and around we go.   Up up up then down down down.   Tom decided after dinner tonight that his legs were all limbered up, and we should walk another 3 or 4 miles, uphill of course. We ran into some local fellows who were harvesting ramps( I thought they said rats) and when he came over with his bag to show us, I nearly ran away.   Ramps are like wild onions I guess. Anyways we decided to get further down the trail, and ended up hiking in the dark until my headlamp was burnt out.   We set up the tent somewhere flat in the dark........
Date: 2014-04-03
From: rice gap (we think)

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Tom woke up a little after 5 am and noticed some lightning flashes in the distance, so in his infinite wisdom, he dragged me out of a nice warm tent and into a rainstorm. Remember my headlamp had faded into a fog the night before. We almost ran to the next shelter which was less than two miles away. We had one thunder and lightning strike so loud and close that we both crouched into the ground and I think I screamed as loud as the thunder. We made it to the shelter and ate breakfast there and waited out the storm.   It turned out to be a beautiful day and we hiked 17 miles, we summitted Bald Mountain, which I totally didn't think I could do, but was so excited to see the top, the view from it was incredible, we could see a 360 degrees view of the valley. This was Toms favorite view so far. We hiked to Spivey Gap where we camped with a few other guys from South Carolina just doing a 5 day hike.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: spivey gap

To: Erwin Tennessee
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

So I woke up this morning and said to Tom, what do you want to do today? Wanna go for a walk?? He said sure, so we decided what the heck, let's walk to Erwin, it's only eleven miles. We had walked about three miles and ran into another hiker, Moneymaker, who told us there was another storm headed our way, so we decided we had better pick up the pace, but it turned out to be just a nice spring rain.   We got to town about 2:30 and got a cabin at Uncle Johnny's place. We had a box here waiting for us with homemade cookies( THANK YOU LAURA!!! ). Along with another weeks worth of trail food.   We went out to eat at a restaurant with a bunch of other hikers, got a few other things at the store, and by then Tom was ready for a sub sandwich at Subway.   I guess he had earned it   Looking forward to a nice night in a soft bed.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Erwin Tennessee

To: mile 351
Miles today: 9.0

We waited in Erwin for the mail, and our letter from Tessa arrived as we were in the store talking to Bearbait   It was our maps for the next section of the trail, and pictures of Kale!! We ate lunch and headed back out on the trail about 12:15pm. It was the most beautiful day for hiking, about 55-60 degrees and sunny. The trail followed a river and crossed it several times with little wooden bridges. It was a light incline which was refreshing after all of the ascents and descents we had been doing. We hiked until we found a nice campsite in mossy bed in the forest. Moneymaker showed up as we were getting ready to pitch our tent, and joined us at the campsite. It was close to a road unfortunately and it was Saturday night, so there was a lot of partying going on until the wee hours. But all in all a great day
Date: 2014-04-06
From: mile 351

To: Greasy Creek Friendly
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

We hiked another shorter day today, but climbed a few mountains in the process. We were hearing rumors of some nasty weather heading our way, so we decided to plan for a night at the Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel.We stopped for a quick snack about a quarter mile from the road, and of course when we got to the road, there was a white van parked with a guy in it that invited us in for some trail magic.!! His name was Rob Bird, and he had moved south after hiking the trail himself. He had all kinds of goodies to eat, and FRESH FRUIT!!! We headed on down the trail to find the hostel... The book said it was .6 mile off the trail. We walked past the trail going to it, and ran into Moneymaker who was ahead of us, and had also missed the turn. So we turned around and nearly ran to the side trail. We walked a long time and still hadn't found it, but called and we were on the right track, it was just further than .6 mile for sure. We arrived to find the place full of other hikers. They were heading to town for dinner but there was no more room for us to go. That was fine, we got to relax, shower, and visit with the other guys who didn't go to town either. We ate from the freezer and enjoyed some cold beer. It was a fun night meeting some really nice people also hiking. Gentle Spirit was there, doing a work for stay. Crazy neighbor rode his four wheeler past to try to harass hikers.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Greasy Creek Friendly

To: Roan Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light rain

We got a good nights sleep at the hostel in spite of the neighbor who doesn't like AT hikers. We decided we would get back on the trail, so Connie, the lady who ran the hostel, made us the best breakfast sandwich, with eggs, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, YUM!! We left the hostel and headed back on the trail. It was a great day to hike up the mountain. It was beautiful up there, a spruce forest, and rocks... just gorgeous. We made it to the shelter before the rain. It is the highest shelter on the trail at 6194 feet. It was nice because it actually had a door and four walls!!! We were there with Tenderfoot, Jenna, Weis, Iceparty, and Hyperbole.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Roan Mountain Shelter

To: site of Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 15.3

We got up and moving to a cold and frosty morning. As we were heading out the door of the shelter, Napoleon showed up to eat breakfast. We visited with him for a little bit, then headed out. He passed us about 30 minutes later, that guy can MOVE!! We hiked for a bit and then Jenna passed us as well, she can move fast also. We hiked about 7 miles to the Overmountain Shelter. It is an old barn which is pretty cool. We called home from there and hung out for a while then headed back out. The terrain went from down to up right away. We climbed up Little Hump Mountain, then Hump Mountain, over 5500 feet. It was very windy but beautiful on top.   The rest of the hike was downhill and we ended up camping with two other guys just outside of Roan Mountain (the town). It was chilly today, but good hiking weather.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: site of Apple House Shelter

To: mile 406
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

We got up early today to hike the mile into Mountain Harbour B&B Hiker Hostel for their famous $12 breakfast. They didn't disappoint.We met a very nice couple there, Runaway and Grasshopper. We crossed the 400 mile marker with and took each others pictures! We leap frogged with them all day, and ended up camping on a little spot near the trail, when I decided I wasn't going any farther. There was a random bench along the trail for me to get a quick rest.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: mile 406

To: Pond Flats campsite mile 422
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

We got up and hiked to Moreland Gap Shelter for breakfast. Moose and Flipper were there still in their beds. They had hiked until 2am. We had a nice visit with them and headed back down the trail. About an hour later, I ran into our first snake. It was just a little one, but gave me a start. Squirrel and Listen passed us up in the woods, we hadn't seen them in awhile. We got to Dennis Cove Road about 1pm and were contemplating hiking the extra half mile to the Black Bear Hostel for something to eat when the Princess Tour showed up!!! Flash was so nice and drove us to the hostel to get some food. We enjoyed cold sodas, fresh fruit, and burritos. YUM. From there, we hiked on to Laurel Falls, which was beautiful. It is a pretty popular local hike, so there were quite a few people there, and the trail was very well maintained, but a bit rocky and strenuous on the final descent. A very nice young man came up and asked if we were thru hiking, and gave us each the most delicious homemade molasses cookies!!! I had been dreaming about the great harvest cookies for weeks, and these were every bit as good!!! It turns out he has friends that thru hiked in2006, and they now live in Anchorage. We got around the trail and found a nice spot to soak our feet and wash up a bit. It was a hot sunny day and we were getting pretty smelly. We hiked up the last 2 1/2 miles to Pond Flats to camp. I was able to wash some clothes in the stream and hang them out overnight, ah the small pleasures of "fresh smelling clothes in the morning does wonders for your mental well being