morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Hot Springs

To: French Broad River Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

Awake at 3.00, finding it difficult to sleep in a bed after spending most of the last few weeks sleeping outdoors! Lying awake waiting for the sun to rise so I can get back on the trail.Up at 8.00 and went for breakfast. Decided to take another 'Zero Day' in Hot Springs.Booked out of hotel and set up my tent about 0.5 mile along the trail by French Broad River.Back to Spring Creek Tavern for a few beers and watch the mighty Manchester City v Newcastle away match, happy days!
Date: 2016-04-20
From: French Broad River Hot Springs

To: Rich Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Awake at 8.00.Packed ready to go by 9.00.Another sunny day forecast.Went to Smoky Mountain Diner for large breakfast.After nearly 2.5 days in Hot Springs decided to get back on the trail.Really enjoyed my stay in Hot Springs, good company, good beer and friendly town.On the trail for 11.00Good views of the town from Lovers Leap Rock.Plenty of ups today At 17.30 made camp at campsite near to Rich Mountain Lookout Tower.Good views from the top of tower.Dinner and sleep.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Rich Mountain Campsite

To: Hemlock Hollow Inn Cabin nr Greeville
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awake at 8.30 and back on the trail for 9.39, glorious sunny day for hiking.Plenty of climbs today but taking it easy.Walked up to Mom's Store for a few cold ones and ice cream, stayed over an hour chatting with the elderly owner whose father opened the stored a generation ago.Walked down to Hemlock Hollow Inn and booked a cabin at 17.30.Nice rest, rain that was forecast duly arrived.Hemlock Hollow Inn now has new proprietors, Hailey and James who are a really nice couple and go out of their way to ensure you have a good stay.At the time of my visit the Internet wasn't connected so they couldn't accept any bank cards, Hailey drove me into Greenville to get cash and supplies.Hopefully by now the Internet will be working.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Hemlock Hollow Inn Cabin nr Greeville

To: Chestnut Lodge Gap Campsite
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Awake at 8.00 and back on the trail for 10.30.Light rain started at about 10.45 so got into my waterproofs, rained steadily the rest of the morning.Stopped at Little Laurel Shelter to have a bite to eat. Due to the rain there were more than a dozen hikers sheltering in a shelter designed for five.I continued on and the rain stopped about an hour later, the sky cleared and was rewarded with great views west and east from Big Firescald Knob ridge which was more like mountaineering than hiking.Arrived at Jerry Cabin Campsite at 17.30 damp but content and just as I put my last tent peg in the heavens opened again.The shelter designed for six was accommodating more than a dozen.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Chestnut Lodge Gap Campsite

To: Hikers Paradise Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 8.8

Awake at 9.30 to the sound of rain coming down, reluctantly packed my damp gear away and back on the trail by 11.00.Weather cool and misty with visibility of about 20 yards.Early afternoon the mist cleared and the sun shone through, about time.Blue-blazed to the Shelton Gravesite.Arrived at Devil Fork Gap at about 16.30 and hiked down to Hikers Paradise Hostel Flag Pond where I enjoyed a pizza and beer.In my tent listening to the small stream running past, can't complain.Paradise Hiker now has a new proprietor, Jerry who makes everyone welcome and will even shuttle hikers into Erwin if required, resupplies available.The hostel is still being upgraded but is a welcome respite after hiking from Hot Springs The story so far....continued Now into my 6th week on the trail and completed over 300 miles, it's time for me to take stock.....Has so far been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life, no day is the same. Every day brings its own Rewards.Different places, views, people and weather.Have hiked through snow, rain, wind and glorious sunshine.Have seen vistas like I have never seen before.The friendliness of hikers of all ages......At the beginning of the trail the mantra you're told is 'hike your own hike', this is wise advice.I have paced myself and take breaks and rest whenever I feel tired.I have seen hikers off all ages and genders with a multitude of injuries caused by either rushing or not talking rest days, especially at the beginning of the trail, who have had to return home or laid up for days in order to recover.Obviously some hikers are on tight schedules or limited budgets and are looking to cover as many miles daily as is possible.Not for me, I'm hiking and enjoying the experience, the different towns, different foods and beers and embracing the journey.The only criteria I have is that I must get to Mount Katahdin in Maine before October 14th when the park closes for the winter.
Date: 2016-04-24
From: Hikers Paradise Devil Fork Gap

To: Low Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Awoken at 7.00 by a rooster crowing at the break of dawn, will be an early start today!On the trail for 9.00 with what promises to be a fine, sunny day.Uphill for the first 3 miles and then levels out.Ups and downs over Hogback Ridge.Stopped for a bite to eat at Hogback Ridge Shelter.Temperature into the lower 80's and my legs beginning to tire so I found a camping area at Low Gap at 17.00.Enjoyable day's hiking with some good views.Getting closer to Erwin which will be my next resupply and refreshment stop.
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Whistling Gap Campsite

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 13.3

Awake at 9.00, on the trail for 10.00.Plenty of ups and downs.Looking at getting to Erwin today to resupply.Arrived at Erwin at 17.00 and went to Uncle Johnny's Hostel.Shuttled into town and went for a Mexican and large beers before resupplying at Walmart.Back at Uncle Johnny's for a few beers around the campfire.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Cantarroso Farm Cabin on Nolichucky River 

To: Cantarroso Farm Cabin on Nolichucky River 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left Uncle Johnny's Hostel this morning and decided to rent a cabin down the road at Cantarroso Farm which is located on the Nolichucky River for a couple of 'Zero Days'.Weather in the high 70's today with forecast of rain tomorrow.Spent part of the afternoon at Cantarroso Rapids on Nolichucky River, peaceful and relaxing.At 21.00 the heavens opened and I'm glad I'm in a cabin and not my tent!'The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step'.Lao Tzu
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Cantarroso Farm Cabin on Nolichucky River 

To: Cantarroso Farm Cabin on Nolichucky River
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Heavy rain last night.Weather warm and sunny today.Awake at 9.00 on my second 'Zero Day' at Cantarroso Farm Cabin.Laundry all sorted and Mike shuttled me into Erwin Old Town for my lunch.Went to Hawg-N-Dawg BBQ and then across the road to the chemist for a large thick milkshake.Had a walkabout and not spotted any bars.Have been asked to give my opinions on American craft beers which I have thoroughly enjoyed when I get the chance! More to follow.....Relaxed by the river in the afternoon.Leaving Erwin early Friday morning.Cantarroso Farm Cabins are owned and run by Mike and Peggy, nicer couple you couldn't meet.The cabin is fully equipped with everything you need and spotless.Mike or Peggy will shuttle you into town and collect you when you want with a phone call.A short walk through the woods leads to the Nolichucky River where there are chairs and a hammock to relax in and watch the river flow, so relaxing.Originally I was only going to spend one day here but turned into two, I wish it could be more but I need to get back on the trail to make sure I get to Damascus for Trail Days.
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Cantarroso Farm Cabin on Nolichucky River

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 12.3

Up at 7.30 and breakfast in the farmhouse at 8.00.Weather forecast is sunny for today.Shuttled back to the trail at Erwin and hiking by 10.30.Feeling good today after 2 'Zero Days', good job as I'm carrying enough food supplies for about 5 days.Steady start with a gradual uphill hike and stopped for a bite to eat at Curley Maple Gap Shelter.Steady climbing for the next few miles.Trail magic was a welcome sight at Indian Grave Gap, lemonade and fruit.Temperatures up in the low 80's, feels little cooler as shaded by the trees.Hiked up to Beauty Spot Gap and set up my tent about 0.5 miles further at 17.00.Good day's hiking, feeling fit and strong.Dinner and asleep by 21.00
Date: 2016-04-30
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Canpsite near Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 9.2

Awake at 8.00Packed away and on the trail by 10.00Steep climb and then downhill with an easy hike north.Nice hike over Unaka Mountain with numerous spruces.Overcast and warm day with a forecast of rain late afternoon Arrived at campsite at 17.30Heavy rain started at 18.45 and continued all night which kept me awake.Not as much energy as yesterday
Date: 2016-05-01
From: Canpsite near Iron Mountain Gap

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light rain

After a seriously disrupted sleep due to the heavy rain surfaced from my tent about 9.30.Packed my gear away and back on the trail by 10.30, within 1/2 mile began to rain again and continued until about 12.00 and then made my way to the Greasy Creek Hostel where I booked a bed for the night. This part of Tennessee is 'dry' so I had to buy a case of American Lager from a resupply in Johnson City which was collected for me.After beer and chicken time for bed.
Date: 2016-05-02
From: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel

To: Ash Gap Campsite
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: broken clouds

Awake at 7.00 and hiked back the 0.6 miles from Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel to the trail by 8.30.Weather overcast but warm.Good views west from Little Rock Knob.Steady uphill hiking today.Stopped at Ash Gap at 14.30 when rain threatened and set up my tent.Clouds cleared and the sun came out, dark skies so decided to stay here tonight.Dinner eaten and bear bag hung.Heavy rain arrived at 16.30 and continued with heavy noisy thunderstorms.
Date: 2016-05-03
From: Ash Gap Campsite

To: Overmountain Shelter Campsite
Miles today: 9.2

After a good nights sleep in the rain, awake at 8.30 and was on the trail for 10.30.Climbed Roan Mountain which is now switchback as opposed to a vertical climb in previous years.Light showers and I stopped at Roan High Knob Shelter (highest shelter on AT) at 12.30 for lunch.Changed into my waterproofs and continued downhill.Crossed Carvers Gap where it was very misty.Within 10 minutes of climbing Round Bald the sun appeared and the mist cleared and was rewarded with great 360 degree views.Stopped at Stan Murray Shelter for water.Arrived at Overmountain Shelter Campsite at 17.30 and set up tent.Fine views from campsite.Enjoyed todays hike.
Date: 2016-05-04
From: Overmountain Shelter Campsite

To: Mountain Harbour B&B/Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 9.2

Awake at 9.30 and back on the trail at 10.30.Climbed up Little Hump Mountain and then Hump Mountain both which had fantastic views in all directions.Downhill for about 5 miles before finally arriving at US 19E and a short walk to Mountain Harbour B&B/Hiker Hostel at 17.00.Set up my tent and then round the campfire for bbq food and beer bought from Elk Park N.C. Today was probably the best days hiking so far on the trail with 360 degree views for most of the day, thoroughly enjoyable.
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Mountain Harbour B&B/Hiker Hostel

To: Mountain Harbour B&B/Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Awake at 7.00 and had the buffet style breakfast big style at 8.00, thoroughly enjoyable. Mountain Harbour is renowned amongst the hiking fraternity for its big choice breakfast.Cold today with blustery winds making it feel very cold.Decided to take a 'Zero Day' today, take a shower, do some washing.Hitched a ride into Roan and back to resupply, no beer on sale in this part of Tennessee.Light rain shower at 15.30 and forecast cold and wet tonight, hoping for a sunny day tomorrow.Damascus Trail Days starts in 8 days....not be missed!!!
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Mountain Harbour B&B/Hiker Hostel

To: Upper Laurel Fork
Miles today: 12.7

Awake at 7.00 and in for buffet style breakfast at 7.45.Heavy rain overnight has thankfully stopped, still cloudy with a chance of rain.Decided to make a move back on the trail, left Mountain Harbour at 10.30.Steady hiking uphill and then passed Isaacs Cemetery.Downhill hike and then visited Jones Waterfall which is worth a visit.A lot of ups and downs in heavy mud due to all the recent rain.Stopped at Upper Laurel Fork by the stream at 17.00 and set up my tent for the night.Felt strong today after yesterdays 'Zero' and this mornings big, big breakfast.Planning on getting to 'Trail Days' in Damascus next Thursday.
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Upper Laurel Fork

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 12.4

After a good nights sleep awoke at 8.00 and packed up and on the trail for 8.30.Nice steady day today with not to much climbing.Stopped at Moreland Gap Shelter for lunch.Passed large areas of burnt out forest which happened late April.Came off the trail at Dennis Cove Rd where there was a welcome sight of 'Trail Magic' by Jake and family who laid on a top spread of food and drink, thanks to you all.Hiked 0.3 miles down the road to Black Bear Hostel where I booked in for the night before grabbing a beer.Late night having a few more beers with hikers in one of the cabins......
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Wilbur Dam Rd Camping
Miles today: 13.0

Up early at 7.00, shower and ready to go at 9.00, steep 2 mile climb ahead (last one before Damascus.)Weather looking good for todays hike. When I returned to Denis Cove Rd 'Trail Magic' we're providing breakfast so I stopped for more food before finally leaving at 10.30.Good hike to Laurel Falls and along the river before a strenous hike up Pond Mountain and descent to Watauga Lake where there is no camping allowed within the area due to bear activity.Walked around Watauga Lake and past the dam before arriving at Wilbur Dam Rd at 18.00 where I set up my tent and had a few apres hike beers.Spent a great night drinking beer and listening to music round the campfire with a lot of good people, it's now midnight and I'm in my tent, looking at a 16 mile hike tomorrow.
Date: 2016-05-09
From: Wilbur Dam Rd Camping

To: Campsite at 439.7 miles
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Following last nights late night, didn't leave campsite until after 10.30.Steady climb out with warm weather forecast.Stopped at Vandeventer Shelter for lunch break before arriving at a campsite at 16.00 .Feeling tired today, temperatures in the 80's this afternoon.Set up my tent and made dinner.
Date: 2016-05-10
From: Campsite at 439.7 miles

To: Shady Valley TN 91
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

Awake at 8.00 and on the trail for 9.30.Nice easy hike to Shady Valley at 14.00 where 'Riff Raff' pre 'Trail Days' party was being held.Warm welcome with loads of food, beer and music all laid on.Great stuff from all folks of 'Riff Raff'.Late night, finished about 2.00.Nick was born on December 26, 1851. By the time Nick was just three years old both his mother, Mary Heaton Grindstaff, and his father, Issac Grindstaff, died. Nick and his three siblings were left orphans. Nick lived with relatives until he was 21 years old. He was an active member of the Baptist church. At age 21 Nick's parents' farm was divided into fourths for the children. Nick built a house on his fourth and began to farm the land. After five years of farming Nick sold his farm to E. S. Jordon and decided to go west.Nick was robbed of everything he owned. He went to Benjamin Wilson in Missouri for help. Benjamin had moved to Missouri from Carter County. Benjamin sent Nick back home. After Nick return he lived with Mr. Jordan. He refused to stay with any of his relatives. After a while Nick decided to live on Iron Mountain. He went to the highest peak where Johnson and Carter Counties dividing line are and built a hut of logs and boards. Nick lived in this hut for more than 30 years. Nick stayed busy clearing land, building fences, and raising a garden. He gathered roots and herbs and traded them for supplies.Nick defended himself with a barlow knife, an ax, and a hickory stick. Although Nick isolated himself and looked rugged from the many layers of old clothes and the long hair he wore, no one was afraid of him because of his kindness.On July 21, 1923 Baxter McEwen went by to check on Nick. He found him dead on the bunk in his hut. His faithful dog had been keeping watch over his master's dead body for the past three or four days. The dog had to be tied before men could carry out Nick's body for burial. Nick was buried on the mountain peak where he lived the last 30 years of his life. A gravestone was erected so passersby would remember Nick. Today the Appalachian Trail passes by the area. The Cherokee National Forest maintains the monument that marks Nick's burial site.
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Shady Valley TN 91

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter Camping
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Awoken at 6.00 with heavy rain.Up at 8.00 for sausages, pancakes and coffee from 'Riff Raff'.Decided to take a chance with the weather as I want to arrive in Damascus for Thursday.Left at 11.30, light showers and easy hike.Rain stopped at about 13.00 and the sun made a short appearance.'Trail Magic' at Low Gap.Arrived at 17.00 at Abingdon Gap Shelter where I set up my tent.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Abingdon Shelter Campsite

To: Damascus
Miles today: 9.9

Back on the trail for 8.30, mostly downhill hike into Damascus arriving about 14.00.Into 'Tent City', set up tent and went for a much needed shower.It's the day before 'Trail Days' officially starts but everything is in full swing with plenty of hikers about.Went to 'Hey Joe's' for Mexican before heading over to Damascus Old Mill for some craft ales and then onto 'Blue Blaze Cafe' until closing time, great beers and good company.Back to 'Tent City' and to bed early morning.Favourite craft beers.....Damascus Brewery Beaver Fever Porter 8.6%Damascus Brewery Honey Mango Shandy 4%Damascus Brewery Beaver Rage IPA 7%Wolf Hills Honey Cream Ale 5%Wolf Hills Troopers Alley IPA 5.9%Long Trail Amber Ale 5%Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale 6.5%(Bold Rock Virginia Hard Cider 4.7%)Nick was born on December 26, 1851. By the time Nick was just three years old both his mother, Mary Heaton Grindstaff, and his father, Issac Grindstaff, died. Nick and his three siblings were left orphans. Nick lived with relatives until he was 21 years old. He was an active member of the Baptist church. At age 21 Nick's parents' farm was divided into fourths for the children. Nick built a house on his fourth and began to farm the land. After five years of farming Nick sold his farm to E. S. Jordon and decided to go west.Nick was robbed of everything he owned. He went to Benjamin Wilson in Missouri for help. Benjamin had moved to Missouri from Carter County. Benjamin sent Nick back home. After Nick return he lived with Mr. Jordan. He refused to stay with any of his relatives. After a while Nick decided to live on Iron Mountain. He went to the highest peak where Johnson and Carter Counties dividing line are and built a hut of logs and boards. Nick lived in this hut for more than 30 years. Nick stayed busy clearing land, building fences, and raising a garden. He gathered roots and herbs and traded them for supplies.Nick defended himself with a barlow knife, an ax, and a hickory stick. Although Nick isolated himself and looked rugged from the many layers of old clothes and the long hair he wore, no one was afraid of him because of his kindness.On July 21, 1923 Baxter McEwen went by to check on Nick. He found him dead on the bunk in his hut. His faithful dog had been keeping watch over his master's dead body for the past three or four days. The dog had to be tied before men could carry out Nick's body for burial. Nick was buried on the mountain peak where he lived the last 30 years of his life. A gravestone was erected so passersby would remember Nick. Today the Appalachian Trail passes by the area. The Cherokee National Forest maintains the monument that marks Nick's burial site.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Damascus

To: Campsite at 470.4 miles
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Awoke at 8.00 and my tent was full of condensation, happening far to frequently and will probably get worse the further north I get.Decided to purchase a hammock and the full kit from Jacks 'R' Better LLC who were really helpful.I seriously considered buying one in the U.K. but there was very limited availability and choice.'Trail Days' parade in the afternoon and Damascus Old Mill for lunch.Left Damascus at 17.30 and hiked to campsite (1.9 miles) and set up my hammock, so far so good and very comfortable.This will be my first night in a hammock, comments tomorrow.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Campsite at 470.4 miles

To: Stealth camping at 481.4
Miles today: 11.0

Awake at 6.30 after a good nights sleep in my new hammock, happy days!!Returned to town to post my tent to Mike in Connecticut.Bought some supplies and then went for my breakfast before returning to the trail.First day hiking in Virginia.Stayed until 12.00 as diner had wi-fi, so I could get updates on English Premiership final day. Manchester City have done enough for Champions League qualifiers!!!Steady climb out of Damascus with no vistas to be seen, cool sunny day, ideal hiking weather.Set up my hammock at 18.30 and had dinner.Cold night predicted.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Camping at stream at 481.4 miles

To: Elk Gardens Camping
Miles today: 11.6

Awoke just before 10.00 after a great nights sleep, the hammock is proving to be an excellent purchase.Back on the trail for 11.00 with easy pleasant hiking by the river.Walked over the Luther Hassinger Memorial Bridge with good views of the river and adjacent bike trail.The elevation then started to rise quiet considerably from about 3,000 ft to over 5,000 ft of hard climbing, perhaps my beer tasting days in Damascus are taking there toll but this climb tired me out.Took a short break on Buzzard Rock, west of the summit of Whitetop Mountain with spectacular views in all directions.Downhill hike to VA 600 Elk Garden where I set up camp for the night.Climbing Mt. Rogers Virginia's highest peak at 5,729 ft tomorrow so I need a good sleep.Can hear cows mooing in the distance.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Elk Gardens Camping

To: Wise Shelter Campsite
Miles today: 9.3

Awoke to the sound of rain and decided to have a well deserved lie in.Packed away and on the trail for 11.30 with overcast cloudy weather.Steady climb past the cows and into Lewis Fork Wilderness and continued through Deep Gap.Hard climbing up to Thomas Knob Shelter where I had a quick snack. Shelter full with all hikers taking a 'Zero' because of the rain.Downhill hike with some good views from Wilburn Ridge and then entered Grayson Highland State Park where I passed the '500' mile marker!!Saw a few wild ponies so took a quick detour to take some pictures.Downhill to Wise Shelter which I passed by about 0.1 miles and set up camp for the night.Pleased to have passed the '500' mile marker, hiking hasn't always been easy but I have been rewarded with wonderful views and met some interesting and friendly people.Virginia is where the 'Virginia Blues' are supposed to happen, we'll see.'No pain, no rain,no Maine'.