morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-24
From: Erwin TN

To: Iron Mountain gap
Miles today: 20.0

Was a good morning followed by a nice 20 miler with the boys. Nothing eventful but decently easy. Got back at 320 to Robs van then to shower, laundry, and pre game dinner at the buffet. We went to Golden Corral where we chowed down. Other two guys have lost significant weight (10-15lb) while I've lost 3 so I kinda feel left out.. It's nice to eat whatever I want and take advantage of buffets while I can but I'd like to get down another 15 lb before finishing, which shouldn't be too hard when I hike 20 miles a day and carry all my food with me. Decided that tomorrow I am saying bye to Rob and continuing the trail the hard way. I was able to Slackpack 44 miles these last two days with showers and restaurants following but the trail isn't supposed to be a luxury.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Springer Mt

To: Hawk mt camp site
Miles today: 7.4

The start of an epic journey. Up at 4 for the flight to Atlanta. It was a difficult ride and goodbye at the airport. "Leaving" Mary for 5+ months I know will be the hardest part. Without such an amazing and incredibly supportive best buddy, no way could I attempt this trip. What took me by surprise - although it should not have - was the support of our many friends. Several outstanding send off parties, many text messages, phone calls, etc. I sometime think they are more excited then me!Despite the difficulty of attempting this thru hike, I am excited yet calm and can't wait to begin. Let's hope our checked bag arrives (the last anxiety) then we will be off to Springer. Bag arrived! We got shuttled to springer and started hiking at 1:30. First mile south to the beginning of the trail was a bit of a wake up call. It was hot and up hill all the way. We signed in, took the obligatory pics at the southern terminus, reversed course and hiked to hawk mt camp sites. Hike was surprisingly easy. Dogwoods blooming, trees budding out, a nice waterfall. We arrived at hawk at 5:00, set up camp, filtered water (we need a bit more practice doing that) and ate subs we purchased at lunch. About 8 of the thirty sites occupied We were surprised at how quiet it is out here. Overall the day was a 10, evening a 10.5! We are sure every day will be like this.
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Hawk mt camp site

To: Gooch Mt shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: few clouds

A restless night although that not unusual for me. Up at 5:30. Sleeping pad is fine although a bit noisy Heard Will rolling around all night. I'm sure he heard me. Several times heard critters running around thru the site. How cool is that!Will said I was a champion snorer and perhaps he would not tent quite as close to me in the future. I'm sure he was glad I gave him ear plugs. Breakfast of granola and powdered milk. We both need to figure out how to reduce camp sprawl. While we don't have much equipment we sure made a mess. Left at 9, arrived Gooch Mt shelter at 1:30 and snagged tent sites. Sassafras Mt was the big climb of the day. We handled it quite well. Some amazing views and lots of interesting sections. Camp filled up by about 4. I'm guessing 50 people. For as few people we saw at Hawk Mt tent site and the few people we saw on the trail, tonight's camp is packed. Sounds like this mini bubble of people spent the night at Hawk Mt shelter. Day 2 finished and so far exceeding expectations.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Gooch Mt shelter

To: Lance creek
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

A bit better night sleeping up around 6:30. Moon out and partly cloudy. Even though so many people around still pretty quiet at this hour. After 2 whole days on the trail Will and I are pleased with out equipment choices and weight of packs. Maybe a pound+ of extra clothes an a extra pound or so food, but the extra clothes will come in handy if the temps drop. We have not been eating as much as we thought. According to some of the more experienced hikers - pretty common the first few days people don't have much of an appetite. I'm guessing that is going to change in a hurry! We have been blessed with two outstanding weather days although we did get a shower this afternoon. The hiking umbrellas were a game changer.   Good way for us very experienced hikers to get initiated to the trail. We ran into the first person who was hiking and talking on the phone. We quickly sped by him. Rolled into lance creek camp at at about 1:15 (we started this morning at 8:45). It is a bit boring till the other folks start to roll in 3:30-4:00. Then the entertainment starts. Our feet are doing well. We were both a bit apprehensive but due to the great help of our podiatrist Dr. Count - so far so good. We feel good and have decide to slowly start to increase miles - start doing 10 to 12 after tomorrow. On to Neel gap and our first resupply.
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Lance creek

To: Swaim Gap Spring
Miles today: 10.1

Small discoveries. Using your clothes bag as a pillow. Just wrap your buff over it and cover it with a smartwool top! Just thought I would let you at home reading this know just in case you loose your pillow some night. I was just thinking it has 3 days since I've last read any news, check twitter, stock prices, etc. Now when's the last time that happened? Let's see if I can make it past Neel gap without doing so. Hike up Blood MT was not bad. In fact we crushed it. Views unbelievable. We were quickly reminded it was Saturday as there were many folks who day hiked up - including an energetic Boy Scout troup. We had lunch (at 10:30) at the top then proceeded down to Neel Gap / Mountain Outfitters. Loads of folks there. We resupplied and got pack shake downs. As our pack weights were good, only a couple of minor suggestions of gear to consider removing ("you can use your pocket knife and get rid of the finger nail clippers"). Several of the group who we have camped with the past two nights are getting cabins and may take a zero tomorrow. Will and I decided to push on another few miles. We are stealth camping somewhere near Swain gap spring - about 3 miles beyond Neel gap. We ate dinner then had our first most comical bear bag hanging adventure. I'm not so sure our food will be there in the morning. Oh well only 3+ miles back to Neel gap. Today again a 10+ day. Only hitch was one of Will's trekking poles broke. He will get a new set in Hiawassee in 2 days. We are planning our first zero day there also.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Swaim Gap Spring

To: 2 miles north of low gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter! No sun rise this morning - a bit overcast. Our first successful night of stealth camping AND our bear bags survived so we can eat this morning. I thought Will was a bit caviler about hanging them last night. IMO, a bit too low, too near the tree and WAY too close to my tent. He was conveniently located 75 to 100 yard away. Maybe he was expected me to keep watch over them. I hope nothing more sinister. Nothing too exciting to report on today's journey. Seemed a bit quiet on the trail. We only saw 3 of the folks of the mini group we were with the first few days. We went by Low Gap Shelter at about 1:30 - 2. Typically by then there is activity at the shelters, but no one was there. We hiked another few miles and are stealth camping about 7 miles from Unicoi Gap. We will hike there tomorrow and catch a shuttle into Hiawassee where we have a room booked at the Budget Inn. We had a wonderful Easter dinner prepared and eaten alfresco. Will had roman noodles cooked al dente finished with tuna prepared in a delicate buffalo chicken style sauce. I opted for creamy mashed potatoes accented with a hint of apple wood smoked bacon finished with a zesty cheddar flavored cheese product.
Date: 2017-04-17
From: 2 miles north of low gap

To: Unicoi gap
Miles today: 7.0

Sleeping outside is so cool. Of course we are out in the woods way far from civilization. When I get up at night (I'm not a good sleeper, we drink tons of water, and the normal middle age man syndrome) I typically walk around and stretch. The sky is so clear and it is very quiet except for occasional owl calls. The waning moon is still obscuring the star show, but man are they bright and many of them. Saw my first shooting star in a long time. Looking forward to the new moon. We hiked down to Unicoi gap to head to Hiawassee. First trail magic - granola bars AND a retired gentlemen, Kip, who drove us into town. I got to sit in the back with his two friendly dogs (one of which asked how Breck was doing). Very modest road side motel (vintage 1950s that we have all passed by but have never stayed in - on par with the Trails Inn Rumfort ME) Budget Inn, was our destination. We showered, obtained some beer, and sat out in front of our room drinking beer, doing wash, and nothing else for several house. The biggest comfort was sitting in chairs after 6 days sitting on logs, rocks, and the ground. Did some resupply - 4 days worth till the next town - and had a pretty good barbecue pulled pork dinner. We plan to hang low tomorrow, hit the trail in the afternoon and look for a camp site before the 1000 foot climb to the top of Rocky MT in just over a mile with fully loaded packs. Yikes!
Date: 2017-04-18
From: Unicoi gap

To: Rocky Mt
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: clear sky

We are taking our first zero in Hiawassee. First night in a bed since leaving home 6 days ago. Will and I both discussed while we were looking forward to a day off the trail, it wasn't a "omg can't wait to get off the trail, eat real food and sleep in a real bed". More of a nice break Had my first beer in over a week last night and having my first coffee. Strangely haven't missed either. Still have not checked news, twitter, the stock market etc.. Not missing those either. Have only heard the T word twice so far. Once on top of Blood Mt (one of the day hikers mention him to another, fortunately I did not get the context) and a quick reference to him on Barstool. Something about him signing a little boys hat then not giving it back but tossing it into the crowd. Will introduced me to Barstool. I watched the April 17 Run Down. He is addicted, I'm thinking it is a generational thing.   I have been listening to music (Spotify rules!) only a few minutes in the morning and just before going to bed. We took it easy today. Breakfast and hung out at the hotel. Fred who has been part of our mini group rolled into the hotel. We had a late lunch - Subway - then hitched hiked back to the trail. Only took about 30 seconds before someone pulled over and offered us a ride. Must have been my good looks - or my handy dandy sign I've been itching to use. I feel like an official thru hiker now!We did the just over a mile up to the top of Rocky Mt, made camp and had the second half of our foot long Subway sandwiches (no cooking tonight , takeout!). We met Jamie and Ramey who are section hiking to Virginia. Louie and Tex pass by our site. Again two folks part of our mini group.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Rocky Mt

To: Moreland gap
Miles today: 10.0

Last night hopped into my tent, listened to a bit of Loe Reed , (Transformer and Rock 'n Roll Animal - was it high school last I listened to those albums??) Just before going to sleep, I stepped outside for a comfort break. Most amazing transformation. Mist had rolled in and it was the coolest steel blue gray color out. A kinda creepy / Halloween feeling to the woods as trees have yet to leaf out at this elevation. Almost expected to see the headless horseman ridding through the woods! Pic is a perfect bear bag hang. We started this leg with Each bag having 4+ days of food. Each day of food weighs approximately 2 lbs, costs $10 - $12, and contains about 4000 calories. 4000 calories and you get to lose weight. Top that Jenny Craig! Our longest day to date. We did 14 miles. It was very misty/foggy most of the day. Two loooong up hill climbs. Not many on the trail. We rolled into camp (Moreland gap) at about 4, got water, set up and had Ramon with a package of chicken. Looks like we may be the only ones at the site tonight. Only 10 miles till we say goodbye to Georgia and hello to North Carolina.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Moreland gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

One of the nicest times of day is in the morning having a bag of Granola. We typically have this for breakfast after mostly packing up. Just quiet time sitting on a log. Today I felt as good as ever and moved along at a good clip - that is until just before lunch and after we entered North Carolina.About 30 minutes before lunch, my pack started feeling very heavy. I was wondering if Will put a rock or two in it! After a lunch, felt fine again. Around 2 we crossed the Georgia North Carolina border. 1 state down, 13 more to go! The state of North Carolina was not very welcoming. Two turns and 100 yards in we got slammed with two VERY steep climbs. Progress slowed to what seemed to be 100 feet per hour. Someone needs speak to the NC tourist bureau!We rolled into muskrat creek shelter did the setup, water, and dinner routine. Met a small group of hikers who have been traveling together the past week. Sounds like Will and I have been just ahead or behind them the past few days. The shelter area was not too crowded but after 3 -4 nights stealth camping, ( 2 of which we were the only ones at the site) not use to the "crowds".
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained pretty hard a couple of time last night. Both our tents survived. Only some moisture in corners. All you can do is pack up the wet tent, fly, and ground cover then dry them out later in the day - which we did at lunch. Met a 54 year old man last night. Has back/disc issues but is hiking along with a cane. He said he is going as far as he can. He is going shelter to shelter - 5 to 8 a day?? Also met a nice couple from Maine, Matt and Gretchen. They have to be done early September. We may bump into them again, except they don't plan on their first zero till hot springs 273 miles in. We will probably do our next zero at the Nantahala Outdoor Center 3 days from now. North Carolina was much nicer to us today. Was quite easy hiking for most of the day. A mid afternoon rain show which created muddy conditions. Miles and miles of terrain that was burned last year. We believe this was the section of the trail that was closed last year. Saw quite a few thru hikers heading south. We think these are folks who thru hiked last year and are doing this section that they missed last year. Got to camp and did the normal setup routine. Only exciting thing was the squirrel that immediately attacked my pack and destroyed my hip pocket zipper going after the nuts I had in there. We are now more worried about the squirrels getting to our bear bag verses the bears!Tomorrow about 11 miles to Franklin NC where we will go into town, grab a hotel room, resupply, and refuel. Maybe, just maybe, we might check out the two breweries/taprooms. We will pass the 100 mile mark very early in the day.
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stairs Gap / Franklin 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Made it out of camp without any further squirrel damage. At exactly 10:00, we hit the 100 mile mark. We looked for a lottery outlet to play the number but alas saw none. We had an early lunch. The real cool thing was the new mini group we have been bumping into / camping with the pas few days - Nick (from Long Island), Dave (from Toronto) Steve (from Arizona) Chris (who we thought would be way ahead of us) Matt and Gretchen (from Maine) all passed us with hearty "Hey guys" as they passed by.   Got to Winding Stairs Gap and hitched hiked into town. A nice middle aged couple picked us up. They never picked up thru hikers before. We got to sit in the back of their truck with their dog Falcor. A friendly dog but no Breck. Stayed at the lovely budget inn - a step or two (or three or more) below the other budget inn we stayed at in Hiawassee - but all part of the trail experience. Had an outstanding burger at the lazy hiker brewery. Beers just ok. Bought too much food for the next two days. That will be our next resupply / day in town and potential zero day.
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Winding Stairs Gap / Franklin 

To: cold springs shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Woke up to heavy rains. Got the hotel shuttle to breakfast. We were both pretty hungry. Hotel shuttle back to the trail. We started in the rain and it basically rained all day. We started the day using our umbrellas and then hiked without any rain gear till lunch. We ate at Wayah Bald stone tower. We were the only ones there. Was cold, wet and windy. Our first unpleasant experience. Switched to rain jackets for the rest day. Trail was very muddy after lunch. It reminded us of the pictures of the muddy world war 1 trenches - although they had it 100 times worse then we did. We made good time even with all the rain and mud. Despite the conditions, was actually quite nice hiking. The fun and games ended when we got to camp. It was raining hard when we arrived and had to set up. Luckily we had our umbrellas which aided in keeping the tents dry as we set them up. Will dove into his tent. I decided to stay out, cook (some sort of rice side) and eat. I must have been quite a sight hunched under my umbrella eating my freezer bag dinner. No one witnessed the sad sight as all were hunkered down inside their tents. I finished setting up camp and hung my bear bag. I was wet and cold but wanted to get all done before changing into dry clothes and getting into my sleeping bag. I knew once in, I was not going to want to venture out again. Let's hope the good old REI Quarter Dome tent does its job again tonight and keeps out the rain - at least most of it. Can't wait to put on wet cold clothes tomorrow!
Date: 2017-04-24
From: cold springs shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

It was difficult breaking camp this morning. While the rain held off over the night, we basically slept in a cloud and it was the coldest night & morning so far. We all slept in jackets, socks, long pants. Everything was sopping wet in the morning. Will and I broke camp as quickly as possible. Getting into wet/damp clothes was not as bad as we thought except for the totally WET and COLD socks - now that was more than unpleasant. After the first mile we began to warm up and shed layers. I mentioned before the fire damage. Today it reared its ugly head again. Simply amazing the burned and charred landscape. The smell of damp burnt wood/charcoal still very strong. Kinda scary and creepy. Several places the trail was very damaged and we needed to proceed with much caution. Downhill hikes are by far the most difficult. About 4 miles downhill Into the NOC, nantahala outdoor center.   Our knees were speaking loudly to us - and not pleasant words! I would rather climb up a mountain 10 times verses descend once. (See tomorrow's post after we do the 7 mile accent - I may chance my tune). We experienced what we think is the alternative trail culture today. Many "younger" folks that seemed to be on the trail not thru hiking but being something similar to ski bums ( trail bums???) smoking dope (as my generation would say or smoking weed as Will's generation would say) and just hanging out. Will spoke to a couple of guys who were "probably going to spend a third day here". Tomorrow marks our 14th day on the trail. This a big milestone as Will and I always talked about just making it thru 14 days then seeing what's next. Amazing but I have yet to look at / hear / seek out any news, stocks, sports, etc. I'm guessing the Patriots have won at least 2 SuperBowls since we left, Celtics and Bruins bounced in the first round of playoffs. Go Red Sox!Big climb tomorrow. 7 miles 4000 feet to sassafras Gap shelter. Might be a short post. Wish us luck.
Date: 2017-04-25
From: NOC

To: Brown fork gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Based on yesterday's decent into the NOC, we were expecting a difficult climb up Sassafras MT this morning. Turns out it was just a gradual 7 mile assent. A few short steeps, but very doable. A good 10 to 15 degrees colder at the top and in the clouds so was chilly. We were prepared to hike 8 to 10, 12 max. On the backside of sassafras We picked up extra water expecting to stealth camp somewhere without water. After carting it about 3 to 4 miles (mostly up hill) we decided to push on to Brown Fork shelter, another 3 miles, so dumped the extra water. Nothing like carrying an extra 4 pounds of water around the mountains for nothing. Last 1.5 miles into Brown Fork were a killer. Multiple very steep sections. We arrived exhausted. Only ones at the camp / shelter were Gretchen, Matt and Greg. We have been traveling with them 3 or 4 days now. Gretchen and Matt are strong fast hikers. Even they said the last 1.5 mikes were tough. Hikers rolled in and the show began. Act 1. One young girl (Dutch??) who we passed earlier in day, she was wheezing, huffing and puffing on a not difficult section, arrived and proclaimed "After that I'm going to smoke so many f***ing cigarettes tonight." Act 2. A guy spent well over 1/2 hour trying to hang a bear bag. Provided all at the shelter lots of laughs. He was still trying when we left to go to our tents. Wonder if he will still be there trying in the morning. Many other characters and acts. Always entertaining staying at the shelters. Even if we stay at a shelter site, we always pitch a tent and avoid staying in the shelter and using the privies. I don't feel like cuddling up next to some stranger and we need to be weary of norovirus.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Brown fork gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day of hiking! We "only" had 11 miles to Fontana Dam so took our time breaking camp. Sadly we think this will be the last day we see Gretchen, Matt and Greg as they are going further than us today and don't plan to zero for quite awhile. But hey you never know. Besides we will meet other folks along the way. Spring showed up big time today, especially as we descended into Fontana Dam. Trees really leafing out, ground cover really green - a green carpet- lots of woodland flowers. Sun was out the entire day. Just wonderful. We were going to spend the night at the Fontana Dam Shelter, fondly called the Fontana Hilton (we will find out just how Hiltonie it is in 2 days), then stay one night at the Fontana Lodge, but as we entered the parking lot, Dad decided to spring for an extra night of civilization. (Actually I was thinking about it half way through the day - but don't tell Will). The Lodge is a real vacation place - somewhere you would go with the family for a few days vacation in the mountains. Has proper rooms, comfy beds, pillows and house keeping service every day. We obtained beers (of course) and showered. I had some sort of leaf material stuck to my feet the past few days that took some considerable scrubbing to get off. It is now stuck on the bathtub floor. Will opted to sit inside on the bed and catch up on Barstool. I can't understand why after 2 weeks on the trail he wanted to be inside on the comfy bed. A few posts ago I wrote about setting up in the driving cold rain on Cold Springs Shelter. Advertised at the site were bear cables to hang food bags which there were none. Well last night at the shelter, we found out that in fact there was a bear box. Apparently the folks in the shelter that night were keeping it for themselves and had it hidden under a sheet of Tyvek. Even though many of us asked about the cables, no one in the shelter said anything. They just left us to go hang bear bags in the cold driving rain. May bad karma, very very bad karma, visit them!