morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-04-04
From: Cold Spring Campsite 

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter 
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

We thought today was going to be an easy day because there was very little climbing and the trail went down all day long. But straight down is hard!  The total descent today was 3000 feet and that doesn¢t include when we had to go up just to come back down. When we got to Tellico Gap there was trail magic in a Tupperware container. The Colonel got a jar of peanut butter and some MRE pop tarts for us. Not much but we sure enjoyed them!  It doesn¢t take much to make us happy. Next we climbed up to Wesser Bald observation tower. We took a break and the views were pretty. From there it was down, down, down. It felt like my brakes were on the whole time.  For a while we walked along the spine with drop offs on both sides and some rock maneuvering. Part of that was a point called The Jumpoff that was just crazy!  Just a rocky point hanging out over the air. We finally got to camp and because it¢s supposed to rain tonight we thought about staying in the shelter but 5 young people showed up so we let them have it and we pitched our tents. We¢ll be packing up muddy gear tomorrow!  My tent is set up next to a stream that sounds so pretty. I also just realized that there is a tree root right under me too. I thought I¢d missed them all. Oh well  Another great day in the Appalachian Trail!
Date: 2019-04-05
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter 

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 1.0

It rained all night and all morning so I had to pack up a very muddy tent. It was only a one pleasant mile hike to the NOC. We went to the general store where we had coffee while we waited for Henry to pick us up. We also got our Smokies permits printed. Henry drove us to Franklin NC to the Hampton Inn. We got cleaned up and went to Outdoor 76 where Rob worked with me on my toe problems. Basically my boots are a size too small so I now have a size bigger Brooks Cascadias. Sure hope they help with the pain!We had a nice dinner at the Root & Barrel.
Date: 2019-04-07
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Henry dropped us off at NOC about 8:45. It was sprinkling as we started hiking. It soon stopped but was very warm and humid. I was sweating like crazy and had to stop to take off my winter leggings and hike in my skirt only. At first the climb didn¢t seem too bad but it just kept getting harder and harder. We took a short break then started the climb to Cheoah Bald. Tough!!  We rested a bit then headed the final 2.5 miles to our campsite. We got to camp and set up and ate. Just as I got in my tent it started to rain. I also discovered that this site is on a slant and I¢ll be sliding off my pad all night. Oh well!I had no foot pain today!  Even though I don¢t love the shoes, I guess they are keepers!
Date: 2019-04-08
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Fontana Dam Lodge 
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

it rained during the night but stopped in time to pack up. Then it rained off and on all day. It wasn¢t cold so it was too bad. Our plan was an 11 mile day to Cable Gap Shelter but when we got there Sweetwater said he was going all the way to Fontana and we could stay if we wanted. That meant an additional 5.5 miles. I knew I shouldn¢t but I agreed to continue on. It was very tough. A big tough climb and muddy and slippery going down. I was climbing up a boulder and slipped back down, falling back on my pack. I scraped my arm but it could have been worse I didn¢t have enough calories or rests to do this kind of day I barely made it
Date: 2019-04-09
From: Fontana Dam Lodge 

To: Birch Spring Gap 
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up feeling better this morning. Slept pretty good. I got everything packed up as much as I could then we had breakfast at the lodge then walked down to do our laundry. Lots of hikers down there sitting on the porch. We sat around talking while waiting. When the post office opened at 11:45 we got our food resupply and took the shuttle back to the trail. We walked over the Fontana Dam then began climbing into the Smokies. It was tough with our packs carrying 6 days of food. There was a .1 trail u to Shuckstack Tower that we took without our packs. I didn¢t climb to the top of the tower because it looked too rickety. The weather was beautiful! Another great day!
Date: 2019-04-11
From: Spence Field Shelter 

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

Today was brutal.  We went up or down all day. No switchbacks. And we were fighting 20-30 mph winds all day. Every step was hard today. Every day is hard out here. Some worse than others but this is one of those days where you tell yourself not to quit on a bad day.  Supposed to be more of the same tomorrow plus rain.
Date: 2019-04-12
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter 

To: Icewater Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 13.6

Since I struggled so much yesterday I laid in my tent trying to figure out what to do. I knew my pack weight was part of the problem. I had one bar on my phone and was able to message someone from a women¢s group. She was able to find someone to help me. Without even knowing me he drove two hours each way to meet me at Clingmans Dome. He brought us sodas, fruit pies and tangerines. He took some of my cold weather clothes, my camp shoes and my bear canister to mail home. And he loaned me a bear bag. And wouldn¢t take any money. Now that is amazing trail magic. He text me later and said he had taken 5 pounds 1 ounce from my pack. I couldn¢t believe how much better it felt. We couldn¢t see anything from Clingmans Dome because it was raining. It was kind of a yucky day but we hiked most of the day through forest that was so pretty with miss growing on everything. We took a break a Newfound Gap. A couple people asked about what I am doing and said it was so cool. We are tenting outside the Shelter and could possibly have an amazing sunrise view if the weather cooperates.
Date: 2019-04-13
From: Icewater Spring Shelter 

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.6

This morning we quickly came to Charlie¢s Bunion. There were great views in spite of the cloudy day. It sprinkled on and off all day but the Smokies delivered the views today!  They were constant and forever. I got a lot of beautiful pictures.
Date: 2019-04-14
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter 

To: Maggie Valley Inn 
Miles today: 17.6

It started storming about 3am and I couldn¢t sleep after that. The wind was crazy. I packed up and left early. It rained off and on all day and everything we had was soaked so we decided to push on for a big day and get out of the Smokies. Our plan was to stay in a hostel but it was full. Another hiker, Mellow, offered to give us a ride. She was being picked up at the 40 underpass. They dropped us off at a hotel where we got a shower, a good meal and laundry done. Tomorrow morning we resupply and head back to the trail.
Date: 2019-04-15
From: Maggie Valley Inn 

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 7.7

Our Lyft driver picked us up about 10 and we were on the trail by 10:30. We climbed 3000 ft in 5 miles. It was crazy hard but the weather was great, sunny and cold. We had some real pretty views at Snowbird Mountain Bald. We are the tenting tonight near a shelter. It is supposed to get into the 30¢s so I¢ll layer up. I¢m sure my sleeping bag will do fine but I dread packing up in the morning. My hands just get so cold.
Date: 2019-04-16
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter 

To: PhilÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Gap
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a tough morning climb but we eventually got up to Max Patch. It was just amazing!  This huge open grassy area with 360 views!  So pretty!A lot of the terrain was different today with open paths through grassy areas. It was a nice change. And the weather was great, sunny and not too warm. A lot of the afternoon we followed a creek. I love that. The sound of the flowing water is so peaceful. We have a nice campsite tonight. My flattest spot in a long time!  A great day!
Date: 2019-04-17
From: PhilÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Gap

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 11.0

Today was a fairly easy day. We had 11 miles to hike and 10 of them were down. I left camp at 7:15 and walked into town at 11:30. 11 miles before noon!  Not bad!Hot Springs is a quaint little town. We stopped and ate lunch then I checked into my room at the Iron Horse. The rooms are above a saloon so I got two glasses of cider and took a nice long soak in the claw foot bathtub. Henry will be here in a couple of hours and I will take the day off tomorrow to relax, do laundry, and resupply before hitting the trail Friday.
Date: 2019-04-19
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0

We said goodbye to Henry, standing there with his umbrella, as we walked away in the pouring rain. At first it wasn¢t too bad because it wasn¢t cold. But it turned out to be a difficult day with the terrain, full packs, pouring rain and decreasing temperatures. We did have some easier spots in a grassy area and on a gravel road. We got to the shelter early but I was soaked to the skin so I quickly put up my tent and changed into my only dry shirt and my puffy jacket. Even in my cozy sleeping bag I¢m having a hard time warming up. Tomorrow is supposed to be more of the same only colder so we are going to do a short day to a hostel to get warm and dry.
Date: 2019-04-20
From: Spring Mountain Shelter 

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel 
Miles today: 5.3

I didn¢t sleep well. Everything was wet. I was cold.  My pants had been soaked so I wrung them out and hung them in my tent. I had stuff hanging from every spot possible. Nothing dried. About 5am I put my pants under my pad because I had heard that would help. Nope. About 5:30 I put them in my sleeping bag liner and slept with them to warm them up. That helped a little.  About 6 I put them on and crawled in my sleeping bag.  At 6:15 I decided to start packing up. We didn¢t have a long hike but the hostel was then .7 from the trail. It¢s a nice hostel. She did our laundry for $7. Then I took a wonderfully hot shower. I still didn¢t warm up all day. It¢s like I was cold to my bones. It poured off and on all day and I just kept thinking how thankful I was for that hostel. It¢s supposed to get very cold tonight.
Date: 2019-04-21
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel 

To: Flint Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 17.3

We left the hostel and walked the.7 back to the AT. It was very wet. We had to climb for 5 miles. We eventually entered a winter wonderland. This is what we would have had to camp in if we hadn¢t stayed at the hostel. Snow covered everything and the trees were covered in ice that would fall on us when the wind blew. The trail was a muddy mess. It made it tough to walk. Then we came to come crazy terrain at Firescald Knob. We were climbing up and down rocks and boulders, and in some pretty precarious positions sometimes. Unfortunately because it was so cloudy and foggy we didn¢t have any views. We finally got to camp about 4:30. A long 18 mile day. I¢m very sore and tired but very happy to be dry in my tent!
Date: 2019-04-22
From: Flint Mountain Shelter 

To: Low Gap campsite 
Miles today: 14.9

Today was a beautiful hiking day!  Sunny and not too warm. We followed a stream rushing down the mountain for a long time  it was really pretty  We were told about a psycho guy that had been at a shelter ahead of us. I guess he had a knife and was doing very threatening things. Today when we arrived at Sam¢s Gap there was trail magic from Biscuit and Redneck. I had beer, pizza, banana, cutie and candy!!  But also at the Gap were the police, forest service, and a tv reporter. I guess there is a manhunt out for the psycho guy. Sure hope they catch him!We got to camp about 4:30. A nice camp and a good day!
Date: 2019-04-23
From: Low Gap campsite 

To: No Business Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 14.6

We started our day with the usual strenuous climb. At the top was Big Bald. It was really pretty with 360 views. We had another beautiful day for hiking, warm and sunny. There was trail magic at Spivey Gap. I had soda, salad, hotdog and a cutie. They also informed us that the psycho was caught and arrested at Sam¢s Gap some time after we left yesterday. I tripped over a root and fell flat on my face. Surprisingly I¢m just scratched and bruised. We thought about hiking the extra 6.2 miles to Erwin but when we got to the shelter we decided to stay. Sweetwater¢s shoes fell apart and his feet were really hurting so he got a ride to Johnson City to get new shoes and is going to try to make it here tonight.
Date: 2019-04-24
From: No Business Knob Shelter 

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: moderate rain

I didn¢t sleep well last night then I woke up at 5 and had to go to the bathroom so I¢m m out in the dark woods traipsing around to do my business. When I got back to my tent I saw Sweetwater was up so I decided to go ahead an start packing up. We had a few ups and a long down into Erwin, TN. It was another gorgeous warm and sunny day There were some really pretty views of the Nolichucky River coming down. We went to Uncle Johnnies Hostel and did laundry and showered. I found a yellow plastic rain jacket in the hiker box so I threw my Frog Togg jacket away. It was falling apart. Then they shuttled us to a pizza place for lunch. There was a Dollar General next door so we resupplied there. When we got back we started the hard climb up to camp  we filtered water,  set up camp, ate dinner and now I¢m settling down for the night.
Date: 2019-04-25
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter 

To: The Apple Orchard 
Miles today: 17.2

I left camp by 6:45 and we didn¢t get to the summit until noon. I thought we were never going to get there. It sprinkled off and on today but it was more refreshing than anything  I met some YouTubers ¢It¢s who we are¢. They are a nice couple. We stopped at a shelter for a break and when talking to Patches I discovered it was her yellow raincoat I picked up!We are camped in a version old Apple orchard. There are a few trees but it is mostly a huge field of beautiful wild flowers. It wasn¢t a great day today. I struggled all day. Just no energy.
Date: 2019-04-26
From: The Apple Orchard 

To: CarverÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started out ok. It was cool and cloudy which is really ok for hiking weather. It sprinkled off and on but no big deal. I came to a shelter about 8:45 but it had stopped raining and was early so I didn¢t stop. About 1/2 mile later it started pouring. I stopped and put on my rain gear. As I hiked I got wetter and colder. But it was raining so I didn¢t want to stop and take off my backpack to add a layer. I knew I was coming soon to a Gap and I thought there was a road so I was just praying there would be some way for me to get out of the rain to add layers. As I came down the hill I saw a canopy tent. Trail magic!!!  There was nobody there but there was a camping tent next to it and I figured they were sleeping. So I went into the canopy, layered up, sat in one of the chairs and ate a granola bar. Pretty soon I heard voices so I called out to let them know I was sitting in their tent. Em and Silver Lining came out. They were awesome!  He made me coffee and a cheeseburger. By then other hikers started showing up. It was the best trail magic ever on such a horrible day. We left to start the 4 mile climb up Roan Mountain. It was pouring and the wind was blowing sideways.  The trail was a muddy mess. Muddy water squished out of my shoes as I walked. And it just kept getting worse. By the time we reached the summit it was sleeting. We had intended to camp near the Roan Mountain Shelter but decided it would be too cold so we headed to a campsite 4.4 miles away. As we hiked it became apparent that the weather wasn¢t improving so we decided to get out at Carver¢s Gap and get a ride to Roan Mountain TN. When we got there I couldn¢t believe Kim (try try) was there!  I¢m shocked that I caught up with her. She got a ride from some people that were there. There were 2 guys in a truck and The Colonel asked them for a ride but they said they were going hiking. He told them about the weather on the mountain and advised them not to but they were determined. In the meantime 4 of us were crammed in the restroom trying to warm up. Eventually the 2 guys decided not to hike and offered us a ride. They to us to a hostel but they were full. I was so cold that I was shivering uncontrollably. Sweetwater found us another hostel and they came to get us. So we are at Station 16E. I got a hot shower, laundry is done, fish & chips for dinner, and I¢m settling down for the night. The plan tomorrow is to slack pack the 14.8 miles from Carver¢s Gap to Roan Mountain TN. What a day!
Date: 2019-04-27
From: CarverÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Gap

To: Mountain Harbour B&B
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: moderate rain

Today was a gorgeous day, sunny, cold and windy. We were dropped off at Carver¢s Gap by the shuttle about 8:30. It was a nice hike. We crossed over three balds. We stopped at a shelter for a short break then moved on. I was in front and quickly lost the guys. I knew they were more than 1/2 mile behind me so I decided to truck on. I climbed Little Hump and once at the top saw Hump Mountain in the distance and could tell that was going to be the big challenge of the day. It was a long climb with great views at the top. Once leaving the top it was 6 miles DOWN. and a lot of it was boulders which are just awful to hike on and over. But I made it to 19E about 2:45. Henry arrived about half an hour later and picked me up. He picked up the guys too when they got done. We are all staying at Mountain Harbour. Isaac, my grandson came with Henry and the will be hiking and camping with me tomorrow and Monday.
Date: 2019-04-28
From: Mountain Harbour B&B

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Henry, Isaac, and I had a big breakfast at the B&B, said goodbye to The Colonel and Sweetwater, and started hiking. Isaac did really great for his first backpacking trip. He enjoyed the views, water crossings, and other hikers passing by. Jones Falls were beautiful, much bigger than I thought they would be. We took our lunch break there. Not much later we were walking along the river and found a perfect campsite for the night. It was early but I didn¢t want to push Isaac. We set up camp and he got our campfire all ready. Then he played in the river in his undies for a while. We ate dinner, my first hot dinner on trail since Henry brought our stove, then enjoyed the fire before an early bedtime.
Date: 2019-04-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It was one of three gorgeous days we had last week. I was hiking along and it just came to me, ¢I¢m done¢. I had gotten to the point, despite the ups and downs, literally and figuratively, that I was doing well on the hike. No more doubts about whether or not I could do this. The change was that I no longer wanted to. I was missing my family and my life.  We had already planned for Henry and Isaac to hike with me so I decided it made sense for that to be the end of my hike. And it just happened to be the same day I would pass 400 miles. I feel so happy and proud to have accomplished what I did, and I¢m content to end it there. I¢m glad I did the hike and feel that I got everything out of it that I wanted. It was the hardest thing I¢ve ever done and an amazing experience, but I¢m finished with my Appalachian Trail hike.
Date: 2019-04-09
To: Amicalola Falls
Miles today: 0.0

Im sitting in the living room about to embark on a journey, nervous and excited. I fly out of logan, hoping all gear makes it intact. After many weeks of discussing shuttle plan with one man from a fb group, he has let me down on the day to get from north springs to Springer. Now I scatter and hope the uber I have now locked in for my arrival comes thru. I lock in the campsite for tonight at the falls and hope to sleep enough to get thru the approach trail with high spirits. The past weeks have been tough on the trail and has had me with a higher pack weight. I hope to have a decent trek to the first outfitter and then shake weight and find a groove. Let go and Let God Long Drive
Date: 2019-04-10
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Stover creek shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

epic start to the trail.  Beautiful weather and yes the approach trail was just as hard as expected. Sweating profusely as I snapped a photo on top of springer. Many would point out they parked on the other side and hiked less then a mile, but when you can only get to Amicalola; you do it. I¢m a little disappointed I didn¢t register at visitor center. I got in late and I was too excited to just Get on the trail!! Long drive
Date: 2019-04-11
From: Stover creek shelter

To: Gooooooochhh
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Started out with dense fog. It was awesome to hike in it. There was a view of a meadow with the fog settled in just off the AT. Right after lunch at hawk mountain shelter it became sunny and hot like the day before. Great views the whole way thru. On the descent of sassafras mountain, 2 trail angels with a plethora of snacks and grilled dogs!!! Clutch considering I was down to a sip of water and a couple miles to go for more!!! Arrived at the gooch shelter and the shelter had spots but I declined and decided to tent out like 10 others. Bad call. It rained hard and sleep was tough.  Got the gear ready in the tent and put the tent away wet and weighing 5 lbs more. Not too bad of a hike with the onslaught but missing views a little disheartening. Long drive
Date: 2019-04-12
From: Gooooooochhh

To: Suches
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

brutal night sleep.  Rain moved in and the constant pelting of the tent had me up all night.  After minimal sleep I got up at 6-7 and waited for a break to break down tent. After getting ready inside the tent I leaped out doing the fastest break down I could.  Tent was rolled up soaked with the Georgia red clay. Brush the teeth and off I went, however the chaffing was growing unbearable. A few stops administering baby powder and doing my best impression of a duck walk, I decided to stay at wolf pen at woody gap.  Only guy there began to dry out my tent and gear and sleep. The sun comes out and it looks decent but I already paid and my inner thighs needed a break. I was disappointed for a bit, although two wheels had a dinner special that hit the spot Long drive
Date: 2019-04-13
From: Suches

To: Mountain crossings 
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

woke up around 4am  Rested and ready for a productive day.  Have to get to mountain crossings before the storm rolls in. It seems to be one of concern  I stretched out and went thru the gear got the pack ready.  The locals say blood mountain is no joke.  I¢m thinking mountain crossing by 4-5.  The day was awesome.  Views had me frozen right from preacher rock.  It was amazing ascent and descent from ramrock and blood mountain was a leg burner but I got to mountain crossings by 1.  Ran into some great people from stover, decided on floor space at the cabins to let this storm blow Thru Longdrive