morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

Before anyone says anything about today's miles they should come hike north on the AT out of the NOC. 6 mile climb. I'm worn out. Glad to be at the shelter and everything is unpacked for the night.The cabin we stayed in last night was very nice by hiker standards. We each had a bed, 3 in each room, and indoor plumbing. Now that's a sweet deal any day of the week. We all got up about 8-ish, ate something from the food bag and had coffee. Then we hoisted our packs and headed up the trail.It really was a long slow climb today and we are planning to stay here at this shelter because it sleeps 12. The next one only sleeps 6. The trail is still busy with lots and lots of hikers so you have to plan ahead for shelter space. Especially when rain is coming, and rain is coming! Tomorrow and the next day as well. Looks like The Caravan is going to get wet. We'll be in Fontana on the 29th so one cold wet night isn't to bad.We have a fire going, have made camp coffee, and will be cooking dinner soon. Pretty sweet for sure.Still a lot of snow left up on the mountain tops. Will post some pics later.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Started the day early knowing we had a long day ahead. I absolutely must be at Fontana Lodge by noon tomorrow. Long story so lets just say I have something I must do on my own personal laptop. Yosemite Sam and Wounded Knee will be coming up together to bring it to me.It was a long day with some hard climbs and Jacob's Ladder was definitely the hardest part of the day. The best part of the day was Trail Magic at Stecoah Gap provided by Whitewater (2012) and his wife. I had two hotdogs, three sodas, the last one a Mountain Dew, and with a full belly I headed back up the Trail with a full head of steam. I didn't dare stop at Brown Fork Gap Shelter because I knew if I did I'd be done for!!! So when I got there I stopped long enough to read the sign, just so I was exactly sure of where I was, drank some water and moved on. I arrived at Cable Gap Shelter at 4:25 pm. No one was in the shelter, sweet. This shelter is one of the oldest on the Trail. The rest of the Caravan came rolling in over the next hour, including Tank!!! We all got in the shelter. Dinner, food bags hung, and in the bag by dark.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

I just typed a great blog, then I did something and it just vanished. So, I'm completely PO'D!!!Will post some pics, then to bed.Will enter the Smoky's tomorrow so the intel my drop off for the next 7 days. I have a secondary plan so let's hope it works.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Fontana Lodge

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We left the lodge at 9:30 a.m. because the mountains were covered in fresh snow. Beautiful but cold wet walking. We hiked in 4 to 6 inches of snow most of the day. Lots of wet feet and boot here tonight. We didn't stop much because it was too cold and you freeze quickly if you do not keep moving. Made it to the shelter at 4:30 p.m. There was just enough room to get to the five member Caravan in. Sweet!!We are all fed, in dry clothes, and about to climb into the old "zero degree" bag for the night.Life is good!!
Date: 2014-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.0

We had 17 people in the shelter last night. It's only supposed to sleep twelve. We packed them in tight and there were still three people who had to tent. Fortunately, it wasn't terribly cold last night.Today can best be described as hard to brutal. We hiked in snow, ice, mud, and a river (the trail with melting snow running down it.) Every step was precarious and each one had to be placed perfectly. I still fell three times. No injuries--just wounded pride. We finally made it to Derrick Knob Shelter at 5:15. It took the The Caravan over eight hours to cover this twelve mile day in the Smokies. It was a tough day but we are all tucked in and we have a short day tomorrow. We are also all sleeping in!!Life is good when you are warm in your sleeping bag.
Date: 2014-04-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.2

We tried to sleep in because we had a short day planned but the early people made too much noise. So we packed up and ate breakfast. Headed out at 9:20 for a short hike. Today would best be described as mud, ice, snow, slush and again mostly mud. After arriving at camp, I took off my boots and put them in the sun to dry. Great shelter, great company, and no job. How cool is that?!!!!
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was amazing. We were up and on the trail by 8 am. I didn't sleep well last night but I was strangely egar to climb Clingman's Dome. It was only 3 miles to the top, and of course, all up hill. We were still walking in some snow and ice but not to much mud.                              The view from the Needle on Clingman's Dome was fantastic. You could see forever. We took pictures, goofed off a bit, then headed for Newfound Gap where we had heard there was Trail Magic. It was almost 8 miles, and the trail had so much more snow, ice, and slush, but we were driven on by the hope of Trail Magic.                                                                  When we arrived at Newfound Gap Burnie & Beth were providing trail magic. I had an ice Cold Coke, a Bologna and tomato sandwich and Oreos. Sweet. We pick up some to go things from their resupply boxes too. It was awesome. We layed in the sun for a while, tried to yogi some tourist, no luck, then we packed up and headed up the trailAt IWSS now, and all is good. Will try and post a few pics but my battery is low.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Zero
Miles today: 65.5

I hardly know where to start. First, the last 6 days at a glance.4/3 12.6 miles4/4 14.8 miles4/5 3.6 miles4/6 15.1 miles4/7 18.0 miles4/8 Zero Day in Hot SpringsOkay, lets see, the second half of the Smokies were so much better than the first half. Still lots of mud but very little snow. Still cold but not as cold. The phone died on day 5 with no way to charge it. Then when I did get out of the Smokies and charged the phone there was no reception. The last two days have been bad weather days so I carry my phone inside my pack wrapped tight in two zip lock baggies. Especially after getting it wet before. So long story short is this, we have been moving!!!. Really starting to get our legs under us. Most of the hard mountain climbing is behind us now, there are still mountains to climb but just not as rocky. The Trail is much more feet friendly now.I will try a new method of posting too. I will get help from my Neice, when there is phone service, and as the weather warms, I'll be able to stop on the high ground and post before the end of my day. I KNOW, But its hard with no service and no internet. Many of the hikers are having the same problems. Let me also say thanks to all who have signed in and left me encouraging words, it means a lot.Lastly, The Caravan will lose 3 members tomorrow. Sadly Tank, J-Rex, and Listener will be taking 2 zeros here. AYCE, Mack, and The Sleeper will be heading out as a trio.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

It was so hard to get out of that warm bed at the Iron Horse Station Motel. But I slept in, got up about 7:30, and walked over to the diner for breakfast. I had "The Ledge"! 3 of the biggest pancakes you have ever seen. So big the syrup ran off the pancakes onto the table. I was quite embarrassed. I could only eat half of it. Then The Caravan met one last time at the edge of town for qoodbyes. It was sad to leave Tank, J-Rex, and Listener behind. I hope we see them again, but all 3 needed another zero. So AYCE, Mack, and The Sleeper headed out for an 11 mile day. It was a short day, but mostly an uphill day.Arrived here at the shelter at about 4 pm. We have all made our beds in the shelter, cooked, and now we are building a fire. Tonight is "story night", week two. I did not take part in week 1.Ill be posting some pics too.Another great day on the AT.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

I slept so good last night! It was cool and just cold enough for the zero degree sleeping bag to feel really good. Only 4 people in the shelter but most wanted to tent because it was so nice. The first half of the day was 8.6 miles in 4 hours. The second half of the day was 6.8 miles in 5 hours. A little tougher. I was stoked when I got to the shelter. Dinner is done, the chores are finished, and we have a great fire going. Wonderful!!We have another 15 miles planned for tomorrow and not as technical either. Hope the old bones recover tonight. We have a 1.5 mile rock scramble today. It was fun but hard.Life is good!
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Wow, I am so tired. Sorry, but true. We were up early on hiking by 8:05. We had a 14.7 mile day planned so an early start is a must. The day went well till about 12:30. We had stopped at Flint Mountain Shelter for lunch, great shelter, really clean. The bugs were a bit pesky though. Yes they have come out these last few days of warm weather. After lunch we had a nice 2.8 mile walk down hill. Then we hit the 3 mile climb up Lick Rock! Not the hardest climb but late in the day climbs seem to hurt the most.We finally got to the top, only to find out it had a twin peak. So down and up again. Then the rest of the day was down hill with a nice climb to the shelter. We arrived at 4:30 pm. This shelter has a .4 mile round trip walk for water. Nice!!! We gathered wood for our morale fire, started cooking, and Trail Magic came walking in. Longbow shows up with free samples for everyone. She is starting her own business for dehydrated trail food. I chose the chili onr. I ha s already cooked so I put the chili in the food bag.We had quite a group here at the shelter tonight. They have all moved on for a few more miles but lots of fun.I'll post some pics too.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Erwin , TN
Miles today: 26.5

4/12 15.8 miles4/13 10.7 milesI had no service of any kind last night. Yesterday was 15.8 miles from Hogback Ridge Shelter to Spivey Gap. We started early and were at Sam's Gap by 9:15 where Quiet Paul was cooking trail magic breakfast for everyone. Homeade muffins, scramble eggs, and hash browns. Won-der-ful! Thanks so much Paul for the great trail magic, and the stories. It was hard to hike after two breakfasts!We had a great day after the trail magic, and even though the day was filled with some good climbs, our spirits were flying high. We made it to Spivey Gap and set up our tents. Built a nice morale fire, and made dinner. Then we just sat around the fire talking till nearly 9 pm. Late for hikers.We got up early, which seems to be more of a routine now, and were on our way to Erwin by 8 am. There was a stiff climb out of Spivey Gap but a short one. Then the trail was very nice all the way to Erwin. We had met Peggy yesterday on the trail, and she told us about their "new B&B and hiker hostel, so we decided to give it a try. All I can say is you have got to try this place out. It's just to wonderful to explain. You wouldn't believe me. I am so glad we came here. We got showers, drove to town for shopping and dinner, went fishing, staying in an awesome cabin, it's just sweet! Ill be back!!!Thought for the day. "I miss my truck!"
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Erwin , TN

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

There was a time when 8.8 miles would have been the goal for a day, but now we refer to this as a nero. Which is a good thing. The bad thing is The Trio has fallen in love with the Cantarroso Farm. Mike & Peggy are just to amazing. So, this is day two here, we decided to hike a short day today and return here to hold up for most of the bad weather to pass. It looks like the worst of it will be tonight. Then, after much deliberation, we decided to return here again tomorrow night to again hold up inside for the worst of the bitter cold that is headed this way. I know what your thinking, not roughing it enough! But, we have, and this B&B / Hostel is a hiker's dream come true. Don't worry though, we are planning an 11.8 mile day tomorrow. Then on Wednesday morning Mike will drop us off and we will say our goodbyes and continue our journey. It will be hard, there will be some separation anxiety, but I'm sure Mike & Peggy will be able to continue on without us. Yes, sad I know.No pictures today. My cell phone was packed up in my back pack to protect it from the rain. Which barely fell at all. It was a great day to hike and the trail was nice.There are many hikers hold up here in town tonight trying to miss the worst of the storms. Don't worry, I carried all my gear and food, still a purist!!!
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Definitely didn't dodge the weather bullet today! There were storms moving through last night, and we saw an opening in the radar so we thought it was over. Not exactly! The first hour of our hike was nice, then it started raining again. It was a cold rain too. We hiked on, but as we crossed over Beauty Spot I thought we should bail but didn't say anything. As the day worsened, we were getting colder and wetter, evening through our rain clothes. My hands went numb crossing over Unaka Mountain. I looked back at Mack and said "we are in trouble", she said " you don't have to tell me"! We really started pressing our pace at this point. We had to make it to Cherry Gap Shelter 8.7 miles into our day. As we hiked down the northeast side of Unaka the feeling returned to my hands. We made it into Cherry Gap in just under 4 hours. No breaks, no water, but I did manage to choke down a frozen Snickers while I walked. As soon as we got to the shelter we all changed into dry clothes, reassessed our situation and in ten minutes were moving again. This time we had two more frozen hikers with us all heading to Iron Mountain Gap where we were to be picked up by Peggy from The Cantarroso Farm. She met us coming up the mountain with frozen glasses on. While at the shelter the storm turned from cold rain to sleet to snow. Now we were hiking in a full blown snow storm. The snow was going by us sideways and accumulating fast. We made it to the gap by 1:30. So 11.8 miles in 5 hours. Frozen, wet, and happy to be out of the storms we all packed into the truck and headed for Erwin. We got lucky today. Some good lessons were learned by all. What a day!!! Took one picture today, a must have for any hiker. It's posted in the photos. God is good, all the time.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was an easy day. Only 6 miles. But we needed to recover after yesterday's storm. We were up and having breakfast at the Cantarroso Farm at 8 am. The morning was crystal clear but cold. Not a cloud in the sky. All the mountains were covered in snow at elevation. So, we knew what was waiting on us. With this in mind we decided to delay our start and change our plans just a bit.Mike dropped us all off at Iron Mountain Gap at 11am. We said our goodbyes, and it was like we had know each other for years too, then we started hiking about 11:30. Staying with Mike & Peggy was a special kind of Trail Magic. To good to be true, and something I'll never forget.It only took us 2 hours 20 minutes to cover the 6 mikes to Clyde Smith Shelter. We are getting so much faster. We are all set up in the shelter and about to cook dinner. It's going to be cold here tonight but that's fine. Tomorrow we will climb over Roan Mountain and stay at Overmountain Shelter tomorrow night. It's a long day but I am really looking forward to staying there.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a good day. Lots of sunshine. Good trail and good times. The climb up and over Roan Mountain was just as hard as I remembered it. There wasn't much snow left on top but there was plenty of ice to walk on. Or slide on which is more like it. It was also much rockier than I remember too. My feet hurt!!!We made it to Overmountain Shelter about 4-ish and this has got to be the coolest shelter there is. We are all staying in the loft of the barn. Some are tenting outside. Maybe 16 hikers total. The best pictures of this shelter can be taken on the climb out in the morning so look for them tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor B&B
Miles today: 9.2

The barn was cold last night. As you can see by the pictures of Overmountain Shelter it's not exactly air tight. The wind blew hard most of the night and at times you could feel the old barn sway a bit. I slept pretty well, but really didn't want to get up this morning. We had a short day into Mountain Harbor and I thought a little extra shut eye would be good. No deal. Everyone was up early and we cooked breakfast right in our sleeping bags. Then we were on our way by 8 am.It was of course a climb out of the shelter, nothing new there, first over Little Hump, then over Big Hump, then almost a 5 mile down hill to the road. We arrived at the road at 12:30. Walked the .3 miles to MHBB, and here we are. It was an overcast day but the views were still good. I took lots of pictures today and posted a bunch so check'em out.This is an amazing place, our laundry is done, we have just returned from Elk Park, TN, where we ate at Bob's, and now we just have to pack our gear for tomorrow. The best part of MHBB is breakfast in the morning. Unbelievable! More on that tomorrow. Life is good.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Mountain Harbor B&B

To: Laurel Fork Shelter
Miles today: 26.6
Weather: clear sky

4/19 8.8 miles4/20 17.8 milesFirst, we had no reception of any kind last night at Mountaineer Falls Shelter so no post. It was hard to leave Mountain Harbor B&B, especially with full bellies but we did manage it. We had a short day planned because of the late start plus the rain. When we arrived at Mountaineer Falls Shelter we were soaked. But we quickly changed into dry clothes and set up for the night. We got there at 2 pm so we had a while to move in. We had late lunch, then early supper, then when the rain stopped, a great morale fire. This shelter has 3 sleeping levels. Totally awesome. All 3 were occupied by night fall. 5 more hikers came in and we had a great time talking and hanging by the fire.Today we were up early because we knew we had a long day. We made great time and covered the 17.8 miles to Laurel Fork Shelter in 8 hours. The highlights of the day were running into Bob Peoples doing Trail maintenance, and soaking our feet in the ice cold falls. It felt so so good on those tired sore feet. Then it was just .8 miles to the shelter. This shelter sits up on a high slope above the river. No one here but the Trio. A great day on the Trail. Happy Easter everyone. God is good, all the time.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 33.1
Weather: moderate rain

4/22/14 14.4 miles4/23/14 18.7 milesWe got up a little early yesterday and left the Vandeventer Shelter heading to Double Springs Shelter with some rain on the way. We made it a couple miles and it started to sprinkle. It only rained hard a few times and only for a few minutes. We were pretty soaked nevertheless. There seemed to be a lot more climbing than the guide book showed but nothing new there. There was a lot of talk among the other hikers about doing a 22 miler and I was sure hoping that AYCE and Mack weren't thinking that. As it turned out they weren't so when we arrived at Double Springs Shelter we were all thinking stay here. We were wet and tired. The shelter was full of people just getting out of the rain for a bit before pressing on to complete a 22. After everyone left we moved in. Changed into dry clothes and laid out the gear. We had a great evening. The mice were so bold there, coming out in broad daylight. We got up pretty early today and were walking buy 7:30 am. It was cold and windy most of the day but we managed to cover the 18.7 in just over 7 hours. We stopped at the Dollar General, Mt Rogers Outfitter, and then checked into The Place. We ate dinner at The Dairy King, had our laundry done for 5 dollars, and now we are clean, full, and super tired. Bed will come soon.The phone died yesterday so only one photo loaded for today.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Damascus

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 63.6

First, it looks like I have my dates off by one day, so here are the current stats and dates.4/24 15.6 miles4/25 12.2 miles4/26 22.7 miles4/27 13.1 milesSo much has happened in the last 4 days it would be impossible to type it all out here. Typing on the phone doesn't always go so well. But I'll hit the highlights. 4/24, getting through Damascus was great for my spirit. It was the final hurtle to put some bad memories to rest. The hike out was beautiful and the trail was nice.4/25, we expected some bad weather but had no idea things would get as bad as they did. We got caught out in the open in a severe storm with lightening, strong winds and hail. When the storm was at its worst we were all 3 trying to hide under a small rock ledge, and was barely able to protect us from the worst of the hail. We continued on in the strong winds and rain to the top of Mt Rogers to Thomas Knob Shelter. When we arrived the wind gusts were easily 40 to 50 mph. We decided to stop there for the day and hold up inside the shelter. Just as we were climbing in a bolt of lightening struck so close it was deafening. I think we chose wisely. The storm raged on the rest of the day and most of the night.4/26, we got up early at Thomas Knob Shelter and headed out on a planned 22 mile day. The Grayson Highlands are beautiful, and the wild ponies were wonderful but the trail sure put a spank'en on us over those 22 miles. Strange at the end of the day we all felt as though we had more left in the tank. So as light was fading we stopped at a camp site at miles 518.1 and tented. A great evening.4/27, the 13 miles left to take us into Marion went by easy enough but the highlight of the day was stopping at Partnership Shelter and ordering pizza and having it delivered to the shelter. There were a bunch of hikers there doing the same. After this we tried our hand at hitchhiking and we had a ride in just a few minutes into Marion. The Trio's luck is still holding. We just destroyed a Chinese Buffet and now we are ready for bed at The Travel Lodge.So much more to share but just not enough time.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Marion, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.5

It sure felt good to get back on the trail this morning after my 4 day trip home to take care of some things. I got up this morning at 3:30 am, drove 4 hours, turned in my rental car and was hiking by 8:30 am. It was an easy 11.5 today just to get the legs moving again. It was quite different hiking without my Trail Family. We are spread out a bit but still close enough to get together again at some point.Had some great Trail magic at the Old School. Check out the pictures of the school, and the "rules".Planning some big days in the future so send me some prayers for safety, determination, and a lot of "happy". I feel great, no concerns, and I think I can do this. I have enjoyed Virginia so far, well except the rocks, it is beautiful. Some said Virginia was "easy"! NOT!!! All I can say is it aint flat, just say'en. Flat "is" easy!!!Thought for the day, "there are some strange things happening on the Trail". The details will be in the book, sorry!