morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Same morning routine. We took our last shuttle from Joyce to the Winding Stairs. I got a big hug and I took off. Sally and Joyce have really been nice people and I hope to see them again. I started off climbing right out off the bat. Here's a little waterfall that I took a picture of. I had three five thousand foot peaks today. A young couple I saw yesterday still had their tent up. They said that they'd probably stay another day.   The rain started in earnest about 10:30AM - light rain until afternoon. I ran into to two young guys while at Wayah Bald stone tower. One from Pennsylvania and the other New Hampshire; I took their picture for them. Then, I went to the top of the tower and ate lunch it was the only dry place around. I heard a lot of high caliber weaponry firing today. Must be the military - that's the only outfit I could think of that could afford so much ammunition.I got to Burningtown Gap at around 3:50PM. Two women, one man, me, and Linda were staying at a hostel ran by Wiggy and Maggie. Wiggy and Maggie are from England. We had a nice dinner of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and broccoli. The womens' names were Emilia and Jen. The guy goes by "Frisco". That's his trail name. His real name is Tom. We talked about different issues over dinner. The women's feet were killing them and we talked about shelter life in general. Linda and I were in a small private room. Tom was in the bunkroom all by himself. It was only us five here - nice people. Tomorrow, I'm going from Burningtown to NOC. It should be nice weather. The temperature wasn't bad today but it was wet.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Burningtown Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Birthday to me! Left the hostel at about 8:45Am and got on the trail about 9:04AM. Hiked with Frisco for the first part of the day to Tellico Gap - 4.8 miles in a bout 2 hours. Up and down for several miles and a 6.7 mile descent into the NOC. Going downhill is pretty tough. Met two women hikers today, section hikers, Ruffles and Twisted Knickers. Ruffles has hiked about 1,900 miles and Knickers about 1,500 miles of the trail. On the way to the NOC another woman who was sitting in the middle of the trail wanted to know how much futher it was to the NOC. I told her it couldn't be too far and that she needed to rest a little then get up and start moving again. About 3/4ths of a mile out from the NOC, I encountered two snakes on the trail. I think they were both a type of bull snake. The smaller snake had a gold band right behind it's head (Maybe it was a ringneck snake?). They were both sunning themselves and I had to nudge them with a stick to get them to move. Linda was at the NOC waiting for me. She had walked up the trail and took pictures of me coming down. We went to the cafe for supper. Mushroom burger for me, Pizza for Linda, and ice cream desert for us both. Today's scenery was great. The food was so-so. Linda is headed home tomorrow and I will miss her greatly. We'll hike out of here tomorrow because it's supposed to be good weather. I will be under a full pack. I must say that Wiggy and Maggie are very nice people and recommend Aquone Hostel.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: NOC

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

After this day, my total miles will be 153.1Got up and started getting ready and went to the community room for coffee. I met Yogi and Gentleman Jim. I had some left over pizza from supper; heated it up and gave two slices to Yogi. I ate a slice as well. Yogi and Jim reminded me that Casper was one of the three wise men who went to search out Jesus. Linda shuttled out of the dorm right on time and we had already wrapped her backpack in black plastic bags. Sad to see her leave. I went back to my room, got my pack, and took off.It was a long and hard climb out of NOC. The climb out took me about four hours. I started at 9:47AM and when I got to the Brown Fork Shelter it was 7:40PM. I found some Trail Magic at Stecoah Gap - apples and bananas. All of them had some age on them. Jacob's ladder was really tough at the end of the day - it rose 600ft in 6/10ths of a mile. Being close to the shelter I got to thinking that I needed to stay in the shelter for two reasons: it was going to rain and, when we get to the Smokies, everyone has to stay in the shelter. The young couple from the other day were at the shelter. I told them I had never stayed in the shelter before. They said there wasn't much to it - just hang your food bag on a string that is run through a coke can to keep the mice and squirrels from eating a hole in the bag. Open the pockets on the pack so that they won't chew holes in it either.The floor in the front part of the shelter has been cut away - about a three foot gap. Pieces of plywood have been placed across the gap. I fell twice while Messing around with the little ladder to the shelter. I caught myself on an outside floor joist... split one finger nail and hurt my pride. Another shelter-mate named Aladdin helped me get in the shelter. They call him that because he wears baggy sleeping pants. The shelter was pretty dirty.I got up about 2AM before the rain came and went to the privy. A mouse was in the relief bucket... it kept jumping around. He got up on the rim of the bucket so I kicked him out. The rain came in waves. I'm glad I wasn't in my tent.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.0

Woke up at about 7:00 am. The rain had come in waves last night-three shelter mates were still sleeping. Scout woke up, then Aladdin, then Scout woke Blue up. Fixed usual breakfast of oatmeal with protein powder; hot tea to drink. Everyone got out of the shelter before me. I had to re-pack my pack, went downhill for water, then got going at about 10:00 am--my latest start on the trip thus far. Just before I started hiking, it rained hard for about 5 minutes, and then it rained off and on until about 2:30 pm. Ups and downs; as we got close to the lake, we could see the lake through the leafless trees--it looked neat! A picture would not have done it justice. I met two hikers on the trail -- Bill McAllister and Alfred -- from Billings, West Virgina. They work at a power plant. Alfred is originally from Costa Rica; he's going there in September and wanted to know if I wanted to go too -- took a rain check!   Bill was struggling a bit; after I caught them for the third time, I stuck around Bill to offer him encouragement. Alfred had a much faster pace. Bill's wife, Sandy, and daughter, Megan, were waiting for us at the Fontana Dam Visitor's Center with a big bottle of Gatorade. They asked if they could take me to the Hike Inn, which they did. The owner said he did not have a room and didn't know of anywhere else; then he mentioned the Tuskgegee Motel down the road; Bill's family took me there. They had a room, and then invited me to eat dinner with them. We went back to the NOC and the River's End Restaurant. This time I had a pizza and a salad. Bill was kind enough to buy me dinner; very nice folks. They took me back to the motel, I unpacked my pack to dry everything out.   Then I called Linda and Daniel back home; it was nice to talk to them.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Fontana Dam

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A "Zero Day" is when you don't hike any miles at all. It is a beautiful day; with Linda's encouragement, I decided to recharge my batteries. Got up, washed my walking shorts, socks, gaiters and shirts in the sink. Initially I hung them in the window to dry, but was very slow progress so I put a chair in the sun and dried them there. I took inventory of my food-- I need a few items to make it through the Smokies. I called the Hike Inn, and was told they do not have any re-supply and to try Robbinville where there is an Ingles grocery store. I inquired at the motel office about a shuttle and was given a couple of contacts. I got a cup of coffee and a pulled pork sandwich for "brunch", then went back to my room, sat in the sun and started calling for a ride to the store. Called Steve Paxton first -- his wife, Becky, answered and when I said I needed food, fuel, and a ride back to the dam in the morning she said the best place was the NOC (!). She was there in 10 minutes with her dog, Abby; they took me for food and fuel at the NOC, then to a BP gas station for snacks. She dropped me back off at my motel and said Steve would be back in the morning at 8:00 to take me to the trail. I ate pizza and a hot dog for lunch, and cole slaw and Gatorade. The ladies at the motel, Barbara and her daugher, Sherry, are real nice people. I certainly recommend the Tuskegee Motel; I looked around town for most of the day. Talked with Linda by phone; she has mailed me a package to be picked up in Hot Springs, NC.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

I got up at 6:45 -- alarm set for 7:00 but I could not sleep--I am excited about the Smokies! A bit disappointed about the scenery -- still more of the same. But--saw my first black bear today....at the fire tower path there was a mama bear and 3 cubs. The young man ahead of me said I could go first; we had to get down the trail! I started clacking my walking sticks and the young man and women behind me did the same. The mama bear and cubs took off down the side of the hill. My next observation was wild turkeys; these turkeys are much prettier than the Rio Grande turkeys we have in Texas. Big birds; I got photos of the bears and turkeys.   I had an incident with the Jet Boil: set it on a downed tree limb, moved the lit pot, spilled the water and flame went everywhere. I could just see a forest fire, but it turned out okay. Oh, walking across the Fontana Dam was pretty neat; the dam scene from "The Fugitive" was shot here.   I am now at Spence Field Shelter, with 8 other people. All new to me. Just a traveling circus! Might rain tomorrow; thunderstorms predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday; nothing we can do about it. At least we should be dry in the shelter tonight. Trying to get through the Smokies in 5 days.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained last night.   It started about 9:00 pm; so glad to be in a shelter. Milestone today: under 2,000 miles to go!!!   My 2nd night in a shelter, shelter-mates are okay. I met another lawyer on the trail from Philly -- "Lucky B" (for lucky bastard). His girlfriend lives in Austin. Got to the shelter at Double Spring and met Timber and Beer Hunter. Timber is from England and lives near Oxford; Beer Hunter is a retired civil engineer. We are the only people in the shelter; no cell service. Weather is supposed to be bad--rain, wind, and hail. The wind is howling now. Saw a deer tonight in camp.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up this morning and it was blowing rain. Good thunderstorms last night--a bunch of hikers were going into Gatlinburg. I took off after Timber and Beer Hunter; climbed up obervation deck because weather was socked in. Long uphill out of Newfound Gap; rest area, so took a break there; sunny afternoon. Weather supposed to be bad tonight; in a 12-man shelter with about 15 people. Six women from Canada, all in their 30's, taking time off from their husbands and kids. My sleeping bag was a little damp--took awhile to warm up.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: moderate rain

Cold, misty rain; I don't like to wake up to those conditions. Timber and Beer Hunter out ahead; no water between shelters. Told the Canadians good-bye. Met Fletcher, a ridge-runner and took his photo. Erin and Tracy, two of the Canadians, serenaded us early this morning before we took off. I did not look at my map correctly, made shelter by 4:30; trying to start a fire---cold rain, and windy. Rowen, Duck, and Munch, a young guy from Germany, are here; pretty good companions. The circus continues.   Hope to see my brother, Bill, tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: I-40 Underpass
Miles today: 17.6

New month. Met Trail Magic Bill today, and Ace. Ace is just going to Damascus for trail days. Got a honey-bun from Bill.   I tried to connect with my brother; he could not find a trailer spot in Hot Springs so he is in Asheville. I had to call for a shuttle to Hot Springs -- wild ride with Kim, her daughter, and daughter's boyfriend. Took the longest route possible. Lesson: Stay in Newport if you must. I am staying at the Alpine Motel in Hot Springs; motel could use some sprucing up. I ate at the Iron Horse Cafe--almost couldn't finish but forced myself. Munch is with me; he will leave tomorrow. I am taking a "Zero" to wash and re-supply. Will try to meet up with Bill and Marilyn tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Munch and I got up and had breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner; went shopping at the Dollar General. Picked up a package from Linda at the Post Office -- the PO guy says, "God Bless Texas" -- good advertisement, I replied. Back at the room, Munch gave me his contact information and he took off. I went to the outfitters to make arrangements for a shuttle back to I40 in the morning. I could not figure out how to answer my phone--the outfitter guy explained to just swipe across the phone icon! Felt really stupid! My brother Bill had been calling; said they even drove through Hot Springs but no place to park so they went on. Maybe catch them next week on their way back home to Florida.Used this "zero" day to wash my laundry, phoned Linda and the office staff. Linda and Susie on their way to England. Phone service here is terrible. Went to the local library and used the Wi-Fi. The librarian saw Charles' photo and expressed thanks for his service, as well as all service men and women. Her husband and son both served in military. Ate both lunch and dinner at the Cafe. Prepared for early departure tomorrow--need to be at the outfitters at 5:45 am for shuttle to I40.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: I-40 Underpass

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

I heard a rattle outside my door that woke me up; looked at my watch and it was 5:23 am!! I crammed my stuff into my pack and took off....got to the outfitters at 5:48 and the shuttle guy was waiting (thankfully). Hit the trail from I40 Underpass; received Trail Magic from Jetlag. His brother teaches at Texas A&M School of Construction Engineering. Spent night in shelter with a 28 year old Russian, and Bill and Susan aka My Time and Sacagawea. Lights out at 8:53 pm.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1

Shorter hiking day today. Yesterday (20.8 miles) was a new record for me. I got moving about 9:00 a.m. out of Walnut Mountain Shelter. Trail Magic today from Order of the Arrow Lodge 221...pancakes, sausage, strawberries and pineapple, and Gatorade. A nice break; saved my lunch. Lots of downhills today and I arrived in Hot Springs at 3:00 p.m. Stopped at the outfitter, then walked to end of town to the Cafe; they close at 4:00 on Sundays, so I walked to other end of town and ate at the Iron Horse Station. Back at the Dollar General, an interesting scenario: a woman (looked like a hiker) said she needed cash so paid for my stuff with her debit card and I paid her in cash. Only later did I discover/realize that the debit card was not hers! What a scam. I won't do that again. Met Pots, a trail maintainer today; also saw hikers from the trail: B, Astro Guy, Action Jackson. I am in a hostel room with Rick, a section hiker headed home to Kansas tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

A very tough day for me. Too hot. Actually the past two days have been difficult. It was a hard climb out of Hot Springs; mostly uphills. I thought I'd go another 8 miles today, but boy was I wrong!   Sick....thankful for Imodium (need I say more?). In the shelter with Zip Lock (female), BooBoo (male), Jocko (male). Bunch of others around us in camp--young kids who don't keep things cleaned up. Also a couple from Germany who are very nice.Worst shelter I have been in; mice all over the place. I hung my pack with the pockets open, stepped outside, then stepped back in to see a mouse go into my pack. I shook my pack and the mouse popped out and stared at me. I swatted him and he took off.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Seems I am always getting a late start. Last evening I was so tired and dehydrated that I just sat at the picnic table with my head down. Zip Lock offered me some powdered Gatorade; she was observant enough to know that I was in trouble. The Gatorade really helped me. Starting out today we came across a 6 foot bull snake; my thought was to take it back to Spring Mountain Shelter to eat some of the mice!Diarrhea again; no appetite...even water doesn't taste good. In trouble, needing to keep hydrated and calories going. Another really tough day; almost through and we had to climb a rocky and strenuous ridge. I got into camp with another hiker I have been traveling with -- Peep Show (male). I set up my tent and collapsed for about 15 minutes; had some supper and hit the sack.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Big Flat campsite
Miles today: 12.5

More of the same today....walking up and down, low on water, feeling bad. I am with Bingus, Magic, and Peep. Got my tent up and collapsed awhile. I only ate half my supper; still a touch of diarrhea. We sat around the campsite telling stupid jokes and looking at the stars.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Big Flat campsite

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

It's a good thing I got water from Magic in the morning; I never would have made it to the first water source at Hogback Ridge Shelter (2.2 miles away). Still feeling bad; queasy stomach and no appetite. I rested about an hour at Hogback and ate the rest of last night's supper for breakfast.Went over Big Bald today (5,516 elev.). A bald is where all of the trees were cut down years ago and grass planted. Quite a contrast going from forest to pasture. Ivan was camped on the lower bald. I had to make mileage to meet Bill tomorrow; went on to Bald Mountain Shelter where I found Magic, Bingus, Peep, and 3-D. Same routine....collapsed in my tent. I did not even eat supper; just had a cup of tea.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

I had called Bill last night to let him know I would be in Erwin, TN today. I got up and made breakfast for the first time in several days. Oatmeal with protein powder.   This was a long day; feeling better but still weak and dehydrated.It started raining about 3:45 and continued until I reached Erwin. I saw two groups of trail runners coming up out of Erwin--men and women. Those people were in shape! I called Bill from the Unaka Springs Freewill Baptist Church; when Bill and Marilyn got there they were looking at me in disbelief. Not until I saw myself did I realize how bad I looked! I looked like a prisoner coming out of solitary confinement. They took me to Mountain Inn and Suites in Erwin. Nice place; Valerie was the desk clerk. Suggested I take a hot shower and go eat at Primos. Good Idea--good food. I took my lasagna back to the hotel. Bill and Marilyn dropped me off, said their good-byes, and drove off in the rain. Beautiful country around here.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Erwin, TN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero Day in Erwin, TN. I need to recover. I got up when my phone rang, but I missed the call - it was Linda. Called her back and had a nice talk. Her England trip with sister Susie is going well.  My sister Ginger also called so I had a nice talk with her as well. Then Bill called to check on me. He and Marilyn are on the way home; got started late due to rain this morning.   I ate the buffet breakfast at the motel. I got on the scales....I have lost 25 lbs! I am sure a lot of that is just from last week. I am convinced I had the norovirus. Valerie at the desk arranged for Ms. Janet to shuttle me to Wal-Mart. I did my laundry and the shuttle finally showed up at 7:00--a van full of people. I open the door and there is Chestnut, the scammer! She was very quiet. Halfway to Wal-Mart I notice that she has a joint in her hand. Before going to Wal-Mart we go by Uncle Johnny's hostel. BooBoo and Zip Lock are sitting in the rain; they join the circus. Then Ms. Janet asks if anyone wants to eat. Yes, yes, yes. So -- back to Primos for Greek salad, soup, and Philly cheese steak.   Shopped at Wal-Mart, watched the Spurs game, then lights out.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Erwin, TN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another Zero Day; feeling better.   It's Mothers' Day; the weather is nice. I hope the boys remembered Linda. I spent the day relaxing and sorting food and preparing for the next few days on the trail. Still caring for an infected hair follicle on my leg; I am calling it dermatitus. I met another thru-hiker, No Hurry, a house painter from up north.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Up and packing....They had put me on a smoking floor but I was too tired to complain; at least the room did not smell. Went down for breakfast, then finished packing and was out the door to hike to the bridge. Felt pretty good today; almost made it to River Road when a van stopped and offered me a ride. It was Uncle Johnny. He told me a movie was being made based upon Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods". He predicts that the Spring following the release of the movie will bring 10,000 people on the AT. Said trail was not ready for that many people; not enough water, hostels not prepared or large enough. Dropped me off at his hostel and I walked to the trailhead.Received Trail Magic today from Brother Tom (BT), a cancer survivor. Fruit, cookies, tea. BT is a lay person for the Catholic Church; went to Marianist Catholic University. Also met Pick-Up and Drop-Off today--husband and wife supporting Darryl, a 7 Summiter. I noticed them because Pick-Up was wearing a Winslow, AZ, the Eagles, tee-shirt. We talked; they had visited Winslow.Arrived at Cherry Gap Shelter and found a spot close to two tents. Ate supper; lightning and rain starting. I grabbed my stuff and threw it into my tent.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

I stopped for water at Clyde Smith Shelter where there were a bunch of hikers. Everyone is wanting to get to Damascus for Trail Days; I have no desire for that. One young girl at this shelter, in her 20's; I think she'd had a little marijuana to smoke. Laughing at everything, annoying, I had to push on.  A lot of hikers staying at Clyde Smith because they thought it was going to rain.   Met Walter White today.Tough climb up to Roan. It is like a rain forest up here. Saw remnants of an old house; only the chimney remained. Hiking up Roan at about 6:45 I see that mist is settling in. I got to camp about 8:00...getting dark. Hiking in the mist, I got soaked so the first thing I did was change clothes. Roan High Knob is the highest shelter on the AT. My tent is even higher; over 6,000 ft.   Big moon out tonight.