morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Carter Shelter

To: rock Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Last night it rained all night. BUT my tent did okay except for condensation that fell on my face and woke me up at 0100 hours. I was up by 0630 and on the trail by 0730. A warm dry bed waiting for me in Franklin is great motivation for hitting the trail. It was a slow down hill slog to Rock Gap. My big toes hurt the most when going downhill. I made it to Rock gap by 12:30 but had to wait in the rain until 2 pm for the hotel shuttle to pick up me and 3 other hikers. Arrived at the Sapphire Inn which is nicer than the Budget Inn. The Sapphire Inn provides a shuttle to the local outfitter, Three Eagles, as well as Walmart for resupply. I have plenty of food but desperately need new hiking shoes. I had great success at Three Eagles and purchased Oboz hiking shoes. The employee saw my big toes and could not believe I had hiked the last week with such swollen big toes. Tonight I spoke with the physician caring for my Aunt Elinor. She is not doing well. I will continue to keep her in my thoughts and prayers.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: rock Gap

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

I left the Sapphire Inn at 0900. I thought there would be few people on the shuttle due to the rain but it was completely full. I was glad to know I wasn't the only one returning to the trail in the rain. I hiked all day in the rain and mud. AND my feet felt great in my new shoes. What a relief! I feel so physically prepared for this trek and was frustrated to be held back by my feet or more specifically my big toes, right greater than left. :-(I arrived at Wayah Shelter at 1730. I pitched my tent in the rain. Thankfully it was dry inside. It rained all night.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Wayah shelter in the rain. Never fun to take down a tent in the rain. My goal was to leave early to make it to the next shelter to secure a spot. Most shelters sleep 12 people. There are lots of pron/cons with shelter. Since I have a wet tent I will prefer to sleep in a shelter tonight which is a pro. The con is the "snore factor" but I have my custom made earplug which helps minimize the snoring. As I left Wayah shelter I began hiking with Slider from Arizona and M.P, from Georgia. We all had a good pace together. We arrived early at the shelter, 1330. I attempted to dry my tent but it started to rain again. Glad I have a spot in the shelter tonight. Getting closer to Fontana Dam where I will enter the smokies.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Wesser Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.7

Left the Wesser shelter at 0800 with Slider and MP in an attempt to get to the NOC as early as possible. It eventually stopped raining and the sun even made an appearance. My feet are feeling great in my new hiking shoes.The NOC an outfitter, is on a river with a few restuarants and hostel. I am sharing a 4 bed bunk room with 3 other female thru hikers. I also saw "Audios" from Colorado. He is such a fast hiker I thought I would not see him again. Great to see him. I spent the afternoon at the NOC on the phone with the doctor of my Aunt Elinor plus my sister and cousin who are at her bedside. My aunt is declining rapidly. We discussed withdrawing care which was a difficult conversation. It is hard to be at a distance but greatful I can be hepful at least via the phone. I hope she passes quickly to her final destination.
Date: 2015-04-18
From: NOC

To: Locust Gap Camp
Miles today: 0.0

Left the NOC hostel at 0730 with Slider. Hiked to Sassafras shelter, a 3000 foot elevation gain arriving at 11:00 in time for lunch. After lunch hiked to Locust Gap Camp. I finally pitched my tent well with help from Slider. Thank you, Slider! Tonight it will rain providing a good test for the best pitch of my tent.I received a text message that my Aunt Elinor has passed. Such sad news to receive on the trail. Elinor: Rest in peace.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Locust Gap Camp

To: Cable Gap shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

It continues to rain. But I am greatful to have no joint or foot pain. Still hiking 2 miles an hour. I am aiming to get to the shelter as early as possible to secure a spot. I want to avoid pitching my tent in the rain. Mission accomlpished! Spot in shelter which holds 6. Next stop is Fontana Dam tomorrow. The weather is predicted to be clear for the next 4 days. I will not take my scheduled zero day in Fontana so I can enjoy the Smokies with no rain.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Cable Gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9

Arrived in Fontana Dam at 1130. Jeff from The Hiker Hostel picked up me, "Boomer" and "Twandia" both from North Carolina. Enjoyed the Hiker Hostel but it had no cell phone reception or a public computer to use. I have been so behind with my daily journal entries. My Big Agnes tent arrived at the Hiker Hostel. Due to frustration with my TARP tent I wanted to switch out to my 2 person Big Agnes Cooper Spur but have now decided against it. I want and need to keep my pack light. My TARP tent is so light and I am pitching it better. Recieved my re-supply box. today will be a day to organize my food for the Smokies. I am aiming for 7 nights/8 days to pass thru the smokies and arrive in Hot Spring, N.C..
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Shuttle from Hiker Hostel dropped us off at the Dam at 0830. My pack weighed in at 33 pds, 10.75 pds of which is food! I calcualted that I am eating 1.34 pds of food a day. I do not think I am eating enough. I know I am losing weight. I keep having to pull in my belt loop each day. But still feeling strong. The AT passes over the Dam. It is a beautiful day. NO RAIN. Sunny skies. What more could you ask for! Deposited my Smokies permit in the box. Reached a firetower which provided views of the north and south Appalachian mountains.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler shelter
Miles today: 14.7

Left Russell Field shelter (4360 ft) at 0800. The weather continues to be dry and sunny. Hiking all day we had wonderful views of the Appalachian mountains both north and south. I am definitely feeling my heavier pack. I know each day it will lighten as I eat my food! When we arrived at the shelter at 1530 it did begin to rain which influenced our decision to not push on to the next shelter. slept in the shelter faily well thanks to my earplug and deafness of one ear. :-) Tomorrow is Clingman's Dome, 6643 feet, highest point on the AT.Feet continue to feel great. No joint or back pain. Loving every step on the AT!
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Siler shelter

To: Icewater shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Left Siler Shelter in the cold and wind but no rain. Arrived at Clingmans Dome (6643 ft)highest pt on the AT. We walked up the concrete observation tower to 360 degree panoramic views. However, it was so windy and cold did not stay longer than 10 minutes. After coming down from the observation tower I foolishly wanted to walk the half mile to the gift shop hoping for some hot chocolate. Slider and I walked an extra mile only to use the bathroom at the parking lot for Clingmans Dome - no more extra miles for me.We received trail magic at Indian Gap road from a ranger. she gave me an orange and Slider received a bag of peanuts. We also learned the name of 2 wildflowers Spring beauties and Bluetts which cover the ground like a carpet. Arrived at Icewater Shelter (5920 ft) at 1730 and to a full shelter. I pitched my tent fairly well. The temperature dropped to 25 F. My bag is rated for 37 F. I WAS COLD. I broke open my toe warmers and put them over my femoral arteries in hopes of warming by blood. No success! I then put on my down jacket and was warm from the waist up.So far I have hikes 210 miles - hard to believe
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Icewater shelter

To: Trinob shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

I was awake thru most of the night due to the cold. Once the sun was up I was packing my tent and pack plus eating breakfast in an effort to warm up. Thankfully the temperature rose and the sun was shinning. We were hiked along a beautiful ridge line in the northern part of the Smokies. Dropped our packs to hike to Charlies Bunion with more beautiful views. Arrived at Trinob Shelter at 1500. Put down my sleeping pad to secure a space in the shelter for tonight. I am tired after last night sleepless night.
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Trinob shelter

To: Davenport Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept better last night in the shelter especially when I woke up to rain falling on the tin roof and not my tarp tent. The Davenport shelter has a wire fence and door to the shelter giving it the appearance of a cage. In the past it was created to keep bears out of the shelter. Left the shelter by 0800.I have noticed that the evergreen forest has left and now have returned to the wild rhododendron thickets which have no blooms. The rhododendrons remind me of my childhood home in Newton, MA..Lost my big right toenail after dinner. The nail came off easily with no pain. The toe actually felt better without the nail. Now I am left with occasional pain of my left big toenail.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Davenport Shelter

To: Ground hog creek shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Left Davenport Shelter with the intention of taking a "Nero" day at Standing Bear Hostel. Once arriving I knew I did not want to spend the night but to keep hiking to the next shelter. I took advantage of hostel by showering, plugging in my phone, washing my underware and eating lunch. We left by noon all clean arriving at the shelter in time to grab the last 2 spots. It rained most of the afternoon and night. Every night I enjoy reading from my kindle. Once I arrive in Hot Springs I need to download another book.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Ground hog creek shelter

To: Garenflo Gap
Miles today: 18.0

Left Ground Hog shelter with minimal rain. Heading to Max Patch, an infamous old homestead and logging camp. The mountain top was cleared to graze sheep and cattle. It was a sunny and windy at the top. But took the time for a photo op.Arrived at Walnut Mnt shelter at 1500 but decided to push on to a campsite near Garenflo gap to minimize miles into Hot Springs the next day. Found a lovely campsite with 2 other thru hikers, "Campfire" and "Young Guns". While assembling my tent another thru hiker, "My best friend" who has the same tent showed me how to correctly pitch the tent. He also had called the manufacturer with questions about how to correctly pitch this tent.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Garenflo Gap

To: Hot Springs, North Carolina
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked the easy 6.6 miles to Hot Springs. I needed to go by the hostel to pick up my mail drop. Originally I was going to stay at the hostel but no one answered the phone so we decided to rent a cabin in Hot Springs. The cabin is very small with no towel or linens. Not worth the money. I did schedule a massage for tomorrow offered by this resort! I want the massage therapist to focus on my feet!Spent the day at the library entering 17 days of journal entries! Now I am done. I hope I can enter more frequently. Enjoyed dinner with several other hikers. Once again the cast of characters hiking the AT are entertaining and inspiring.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Hot Springs, North Carolina

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Zero day in Hot Springs. This is my second day of rest , no hiking, no miles on my feet since beginning April 5th. I weighed myself in the outfitter store and have lost 5-7 pds depending on the accuracy of the scale. Today I am organizing my food for the next 5 days to Erwin, TN.. I also need to "bounce" a box to Hampton, TN., fill my fuel bottle and purchase few more food items. I found a small light weight bell to hang from my pack to add sound effects to my trail name Jingle Bell. :-)Can't wait for my massage at 3:15!Tomorrow will begin the 5 day trek to Erwin, TN. Stayed tuned and don't panic if I miss a few days of entries. I am feeling physically fit for this experience and enjoying every step.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Ate a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, grits and coffee before leaving Hot Springs after a wonderful nero day. My feet felt great after my hot stone massage increasing my hourly mileage to approximately 2.5 miles/hour. Arrived at the first shelter at 12:30 - too soon to stop for the day. Pressed on to Little Laurel shelter arriving at 1630. Slept in the shelter that night as rain was predicted.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Little Laurel shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Woke up to cold temperatures (low 40s)fog and mist. Feeling like a slow hiker today as the shelter was quite loud last night with snoring. If no rain is predicted will gladly sleep in my tent. Hiked over an exposed ridgeline but unfortunately no views due to fog. It took all day but eventually the sky cleared. Good weather is predicted for the next 2 days.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap Camp
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Slept well last night in my tent. It was cold when I woke up and was told the temperature was 34F. Left the shelter by 0745 and had lunch at Hogback Ridge Shelter. Feeling stronger with more sleep. Crossed over a major interstate, US 23, I-26 and stopped at the grassy parking lot for a break which included taking off my shoes and socks. I was hoping for a trash can to dump my trash but no luck. Reached Low Gap Camp at 1600. Looking forward to sleeping in my tent again. I discovered the name of another N.C. wildflower - Dwarf Larkspur. It is a dark purple with 4 petals.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Low Gap Camp

To: No Bussiness Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

Another cool night but I slept well with the addition of my silk liner to the inside of my sleeping bag. Weather has been clear and dry. Hiked over Big Bald Mnt (5516 ft)with 360 degree panoramic views.Came across a stream with a bridge for Slider and I to soak our feet. Wonderful! I will try to soak my feet daily providing I find a stream along the trail. Several days ago I crossed the 300 mile marker on the trail. It is hard for me to believe that I have hiked almost 30 days and 300 miles.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: No Bussiness Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, Tennesee
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: few clouds

Hiked out this morning for a nero day in Erwin. Staying at Uncle Johnny's hostel. I received my food drop plus a battery recharger for my i-phone that i ordered last week from Amazon as well as "dirty girl gaitors" for my hiking shoes. I am amazed how easy it is to order online with delivery to the next hostel. I have already begun to "bounce" boxes down the trail to the next hostel. I am "bouncing" mostly food as I only want to carry 4-5 days of food.Nero days are great as I can shower, wash clothes, eat in a resturant and organize for the next 5 days on the trail. Next town stop is Hampton, TN.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Erwin, Tennesee

To: Cherry Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Great nero day in Erwin yesterday. Enjoyed stay at Uncle Johnny's hostel. I purchased a tye dye T-shirt to go with my fushia hiking skirt. Left the hostel at 0740. Arrived at the first shelter in 2 hours, 4 miles. Hiked over Beauty Spot with panoramic views. Began the long ascent of Unaka Mountain, 5180 feet. At the top was a forest of Red Spruce reminescent of the my beloved north Maine woods. Arrived at the shelter at 1630. Will sleep in the shelter tonight due to possibility of rain. I have now lost both great toe nails. This is a good thing as I have no pain. I am putting anti-fungal cream on both nail beds in the morning covered with a bandaide. This seems to work well during the day as I hike with no toe pain.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Cherry Knob Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Left at our usual time. I wake up at 0615-30 and am usually ready by 0730-45. Hiked to Clyde Smith shelter for lunch. We received trail magic at Hughs Gap. 2 lovely women provided sandwiches, homemade fudge (by Becky), Lemonade and oranges. It was the perfect break to begin the ascent of Roan Mnt and Roan High Knob shelter at 6275 feet. This shelter was originally an old firewarden's cabin.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: US 19 East
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: few clouds

Slept better than I thought I would in the cabin/shelter. Hiked quickly to Carvers Gap, approximately 1.4 miles. Used the public restroom but no trash barrels to dump trash. Ate lunch at Overmountain shelter, a large red barn with views over the valley. Forgot to take pictures.:-(The hike after lunch included hiking over several balds with clear views North, South, East and West. As we descended the balds it began to rain. Passed thru Doll Flats which is the North Carolina/Tennessee line. Now officially in Tennessee. The rain picked up as we hiked to a hostel on US 19 E, Mountain Harbor Hostel. After the rain stopped within an hour and we set up tents. Showered/ate in the hostel. Looking forward to the famous breakfast the hostel will provide in the morning.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: US 19 East

To: Campsite 407 miles
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

The infamous breakfast at Mountain Harbor Hostel lived up to it's reputation and then some. It was worth all 12 dollars and the late start on the trail - 0845. For lunch took a side trail to have lunch and swim in the river. The water was cold but refreshing. Crossed the 400 mile marker. I can't believe I have walked 400 miles and hiked for 35 days. Stopped hiking at 1700 hrs to camp in an unofficial campsite. The weather cooperated and let us cook our dinner before it started to rain.
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Campsite 407 miles

To: Pond Flats
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked all morning with shin splints in my right leg. Naproxen seemed to help and of course rest. It was a long downhill descent to Dennis Cove. We arrived at 12:30. Prior to crossing the road at Dennis Cove there was a sign directing "Hungry Hikers" to a lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs at a local house on Dennis Cove Road. More trail magic just as we were hungry and tired. After lunch I was able to soak my feet in the stream by the house. I am trying to soak my feet daily to help with the ache in the soles of my feet. After lunch we entered the Pond Mountain Wilderness region hiking to the 50 foot Laurel Falls. After the falls we had to ascent 1800 feet to Pond Flats our campsite for the night. It was a hot hike up this mountain. Fortunately the water site was next to the campsite. I successfully hung the food bags! Tomorrow will hike the 3 miles to US 321 then hitch into Hampton, TN for a nero day.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Pond Flats

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

HIked down to US 321, 3 miles. After walking a mile or so we were offered a ride into Hampton. I needed to pick up a food drop at the local grocery store. The store is closed on Sundays but I called the owner (his number is in the guide book). He graciously met me at the store so I could retrieve my packages. As we started to walk towards the Black Bear Resort we were offered another ride to this hostel. Black Bear Resort is great. The owners are so helpful and generous. So far this is a great nero day. I am leaving in the morning to hike the 47 miles to Damascus which will take my 2.5 days. My hiking partner, Slider, is going off trail for 4 days so I will be on my own. This will be a good experience for me. However, on the AT you are usually never alone. Trail Days, a large hiker gathering, begin May 15th in Damascus, Virginia. Looking forward to that event.
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Enjoyed a wonderful nero day at Black Bear Resort. Highly recommend this resort/hostel. Almost forgot my hiking poles but Slider remembered them for me! Started hiking at 0830 - a bit late for me. The first four miles only allowed hiking and no camping due to a long standing bear problem. As I was hiking north I met hiker, Cheesesteak, who had to return to town to resupply after a bear ate all of his food the night before. I hiked 10 miles beyond the 4 mile radius of bear "trouble" and had no bear encounters. I ascended approximately 2100 feet over Iron Mnt. I was surrounded by blooming rhododendron bushes and newly hatched black butterflies. I arrived at the shelter at 1630 2 hours before the torrential down of rain with thunder and lightening. My tent was set up and handled all the rain well.
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abington Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

It rained again last night around 2 am with more thunder and lightening. I heard from other hikers that trees were falling at the other shelter. My Tarptent did well - minimal condensation and everything remained dry. Upon packing up my tent I realized my pad to sit on (called a "sit upon") was missing. I realized I had left it at the water source 0.3 miles from the shelter. I quickly walked back to the water source but it was not there. When I returned to the shelter I asked a few hikers and one them had picked it up yesterday. Phew! I really like my "sit upon". It was misty when I left at 0735 but eventually the sun came out. I arrived at a road crossing (TN 91) by 10 am to more trail magic. A group of previous thru hikers were providing all sorts of food, soda and beer. I took a break but declined a beer at 10 am! After the trail magic the AT took me thru a field of cows. I had to navigate around the cows as I followed the trail. FUN!Eager to get to Damascus. I need to rest the arch of my right foot. It has been hurting for the last 2 days. Fortunately my shin splints have improved.
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Abington Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.2

The trail from the shelter to Damascus was easy. I hiked 10 miles in 3.5 hours. The AT goes straight thru the down of Damascus. I checked in at the Woodchuck hostel to secure a tent site, took a shower and began my laundry. While having lunch at a Mexican restaurant I met the marketing director for Hyperlyte Mountain Gear (HMG)who made my pack which I love. I actually had met her a few days before while hiking over Pond Mountain when she took my picture with my pack.I will tent at the hostel for the next 4 nights. I have decided I need to rest my feet especially the arch of my right foot. This will mean 3 zero days for me but I want to avoid any long lasting injury such as a stress fracture.
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Damascus

To: Dams
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Beginning day 1 of 3 zero days! Having a leisurely day and resting my feet. Yesterday I had another massage. Wonderful, especially for my feet. Trail days starts tomorrow. Unfortunately, there is a 50% chance of thunderstorms. I purchased a $5.00 umbrella at Dollar General in an effort to stay as dry as possible while attending Trail Days.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Damascus

To: White top mountain, mile 490
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Said a sad goodbye to my hiking partner of the last month, Slider. Hopefully we will see each other again. Packed up a wet tent at the woodchuck hostel and 4 days of food until I reach Marion for my next food drop. The morning hike was hot and humid but I enjoyed the blooming mountain laurel and rhododendrons. Caught up with Twanda and Boomer. We hiked together all day and camped on top of White Top Mnt. It was raining when we arrived. No fun in setting up camp and cooking in the rain.