morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Icewater Spring Shelter to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Shelter to Standing Bear Farms 
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Although I still have a few more miles to go later this afternoon, today is my last real day in the Smokies. And my time here couldn't have ended in a better way. After getting up and fixing breakfast this morning, Billy said that, without a doubt, this was the nicest day he'd seen in the Park this year. With no morning fog to cloud any of the views, I have been stopping and enjoying the magnificence of this national treasure. And even though I'll only make 14.8 AT miles today, I'm currently enjoying the spectacular views from Mt Cammerer, accessible from a 0.6 mile side trail. Worth every extra step! And if the fantastic weather and overlooks weren't enough to satisfy my time in the Smokies, then the presence of two more woodland creatures sure did. As I got close to the side trail, I spotted a furry something-or-rather farther up the trail. I held my trekking poles to my side and tried to move quietly in hopes of glimpsing the moving figure ahead. As I rounded the corner of the rhododendron brush, I saw a deer standing less than eight feet from me, she seemed a bit startled and walked towards her friend just a short distance away. I stood still, and they watched me for several moments before crossing the trail and moving on up the ridge. Twice in the same week! What a wonder! While the start of my hike here in the park included some of the toughest moments to overcome mentally, the end of my time came with some of the most simple, yet best, rewards. My thanks to the trail maintainers, the ridgerunners, the fellow hikers, and, of course, to Mother Nature.When I later got to Davenport Gap Shelter, after previously writing the first part of this post atop Mt. Cammerer, I decided to keep on hiking. I wanted to make it all the way through the Smokies in one fell swoop, and I did. I even saw my first trillium plant getting ready to bloom so I know I made the right decision to keep going. I ended up arriving at the Standing Bear Hostel around 6:40 PM. I was greeted by Rocket, the hostel manager, with all of the crude southern charm he could muster. What a character! The whole hostel was very rustic and even included your simple beagle named Duke, several kitty cats (one of which was a gimpy runt that would've died after momma cat kicked him to the curb, had Rocket not saved him), and a whole slew of chickens running around, including a rooster that made it his mission to usher in the morning in full cock-a-doodle-doo fashion. All in all, it was an interesting but fun little stay, and I am so glad I decided to push on to the hostel for one of those hiker experiences that just can't aptly be put into words.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Tri-Corner Shelter to Standing Bear Farms 

To: Standing Bear Farms to Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

I made an early start out of Standing Bear, and that was a good thing because I kept taking mini breaks all morning long. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other, but the mountain just seemed to be getting taller. I walked across the pretty Snowbird Mountain and kept on moving towards Max Patch. I was running low on water and was so extremely thirsty when, lo' and behold, trail magic! Coca colas, Mellow Yellow, Orange Fanta, oranges, Hershey's bars, Swiss Cake Rolls, fruit chews, cookies and all sorts of yummy treats were laid out for thru hiker enjoyment. How perfect! I then summitted the windy but awesome Max Patch with a full belly, feeling revived. Matter taking a bunch of pictures, I had a mostly downhill trek for the bulk of the afternoon. After one last final push upwards, I made it to the Walnut Mountain Shelter around 6 PM. Thankfully, there was one more spot in the shelter and the company was some of the best I've had yet. After cooking some potatoes and eating a left over orange, I settled in for a warm night with fellow thru hikers.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Standing Bear Farms to Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter to Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

No rain, no Maine? More like no rain, no Hot Springs! At 6:30 in the morning, the heavens opened up and dumped a bunch of water on us! I was glad to be in the shelter so as to not have to pack up a wet tarp in the rain. We waited out the worst of it, sleeping in until about 8:00. I finally left the shelter around 9:00, and after the initial three miles up, Hot Springs was all downhill. And lemme tell yah, I was booking it! The promise of a hot shower and a delicious meal kept me moving long after the bottoms of my feet went numb. I reached Hot Springs at 2 PM and promptly went to the dinner for some southern cookin' before settling in at the Laughing Heart Hostel with three of the folks I met at the shelter the night before. I finished off the day with pizza and a beer from the Tavern and turned in around 11 for a great night's sleep. I'm taking a zero today and will thoroughly enjoy a day of resting, and hopefully a dip into one of the actual hot springs!
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter to Hot Springs NC

To: Hot Springs to Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

I woke up at Laughing Heart hostel this morning, looked out the window, and saw the snow promised by yesterday's weather forecast. After plenty of pizzas from the tavern, a trip to the hot springs spa, a mini-day hike up to Lovers Leap, another filling breakfast from the diner, and a visit to the outfitters for a warm sleeping bag liner, I headed across the bridge and got back on the trail. I knew the forecast was calling for more snow and high winds and worried about nightfall as the snow began quickly falling an hour or two into my hike. My goal of making the shelter before it got too full kept my pace swift and before long I was climbing the last hill before the safe haven came into view. While today has been extremely windy and cold and snowy, it has also been absolutely beautiful. The way the snow blankets the forest floor and collects on the bark and branches creates a peaceful, quiet view of the woods on an otherwise yucky day. With seven people squeezed into a five person shelter, I'm hoping the cold temperatures and fierce winds will make a couple of hours of warm sleeping possible.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Hot Springs to Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Spring Mountain Shelter to Jerry's Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

What a rough morning we all had waking up with frost on our sleeping bags, ice in our shoes, and a bitter cold that made it hard to get up and get going. After remaining cozy and in the shelter for way too long, I finally packed up and left the shelter around 10 AM. The first part of the morning was tough due to the snow that sometimes stood in drifts a foot deep. After warming up enough to stop for a brief minute, I made some hot tea and oatmeal. And then I was able to really enjoy the snow covered views and fun walking. The later part of the afternoon looked like a breeze when checking the guidebook at lunch, but before long we were walking over snow and ice covered ridge rock. But man, were those sights fantastic! I am once again snuggled tightly into an overpacked shelter and hoping for another cozy night, despite the cold temperatures.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Spring Mountain Shelter to Jerry's Cabin Shelter 

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter to Hog Back Ridge Mountain 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

I woke up so much warmer today than yesterday! After oatmeal and grits, I started moving up and over the mountains. With the exception of one boulder scramble at the beginning of the day, the morning hiking was relatively easy and quite beautiful. This afternoon, however, was a tough part of trail since much of the path was covered in either sloshy melting snow or foot and a half deep snow drifts. By the time I was hiking towards the shelter, my legs were on fire from having to push up the mountain despite sliding backward with each step. But what a cool day! And even though rain is in the forecast for tomorrow, group morale is up because my fantastic and amazing parents are driving up so that Daddy can join me for two weeks! And since they'll be here in the morning and rain is a'comin', we're gonna go into town for a hot breakfast and a small resupply before slack packing for the next two days. Now with a day like today behind me and a day like tomorrow ahead, how could I not sleep warm and cozy tonight?
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter to Hog Back Ridge Mountain 

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter to Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

What a terrific day to slack pack! With rain in the forecast and food supplies running thin, our group was very excited to have the best kind of trail magic- from those who love us most! After a quick two and a half mile hike down to Sam's Gap, we met my parents, who not only brought cold Powerades but also warm biscuits. We then headed to Mars Hill for a country cookin' breakfast at a local restaurant. Not only were we able to fill our bellies with warm food, but Nails (an awesome lady who is "tough as nails") was even able to conduct a phone interview for a graduate research position! As the group says, "take whatever the trail gives you". And today it gave a whole heaping of magic along with some fortunate timing. So as we began to slack pack the remaining 13.6 miles of the day, the promised rain held off. Man, what a joy it was to fly up the mountain without a cumbersome pack dragging me back down. Even though the top of Big Bluff was foggy, the summit was still a very cool scene. And I'll have you know, today was Daddy's first day of his two week long hike with me on the trail! And what a trouper! Ol' Two Weeks (as that's about how long he'll have each time he works toward completing his AT section hike) trucked on along and was able to hang with us thru hikers. It may take more hours of hiking each day to log the miles, but I feel certain we can keep up with my new-found and much loved group and stay ahead of the AT thru hiker "bubble" (the large mass of folks who leave Springer around the same time and fill every shelter and campsite available). After meeting my sweet Mama, one of the best Trail Angels yet, at Spivey Gap, we hopped into the mini van and headed towards the nearest Mexican restaurant. Not only did we enjoy an easy day of slack packing (taking only a few supplies- mostly snacks and water while leaving the big pack behind, only to retrieve it later, making for a very easy, lightweight day), but we were able to feast at both breakfast and supper and end the day snuggled in warm beds. Mama dropped Happy, Moagley, Longstep, and Nails off at Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin, TN while we (Mama, Daddy, and I) stayed in a hotel. Any way you slice it, we all had a fantastic day, full of positivity and enjoyment. I couldn't have asked for better. I am so grateful for the loving and kind people in my life who make each day a blessing. The trail gives, and the trail takes. Today it gave more than I ever could have asked for.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter to Spivey Gap

To: Spivey Gap to Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 21.0

Another day of slack packing and a little more rain! It's amazing how enjoyable a rainy day can be when you stop to count your blessings. Moaglee, Nails, Longstep, Happy, Two Weeks (Daddy) and I all began our 21 mile day around 8:45 this morning. We knew we'd be able to slack pack until we reached Uncle Johnny's Hostel around lunch just 11 miles down the trail. However, we weren't certain that we'd be able to slack pack the entire way because our Magic Mama was only going to stay another night if she found Fresh Ground and his Leapfrog Cafe, as that was our ending point for the day. After she searched high and low for the elusive Fresh Ground and his unique brand of trail magic. (He sets up at a spot along the trail for about ten days at a time and will feed any and all hikers that pass through until they can't eat another bite. He doesn't charge a dime and runs solely on donations and the kindness that the Good Lord has placed in his heart.) Well, Mama was able to find him tucked back off of a dirt road near Indian Grave Gap. Not only was she happy to meet this trail legend in person and to spend the afternoon with him, but this also meant that we were able to continue slack packing after meeting her for a lunch of hot pepperoni pizza and Gatorade at the 11 mile mark near Uncle Johnny's. The afternoon rain came here and there with nothing too terrible right up until the last mile and a half. After lucking out all day with scattered showers, the last mile and half brought cold, pounding rain. One by one we miserably trudged on up the mountain towards the Leapfrog Cafe. Upon seeing a sign posted to a tree on the trail, we each immediately picked up the pace and raced to the safety and comfort of Fresh Ground's tarp. As soon as I met him, he told me to make myself at home, help myself to any and all snacks, hot chocolate, and kool-aid. After a short twenty minutes, he served up some delicious and warming spaghetti followed by a strawberry shortcake. We all wanted to stay on top of the mountain with this miracle man but as the wind and rain grew more and more fierce, we all decided to make the smart decision to head back into town for a warm and safe night of sleep. After all, it's not everyday that you have a wonderful woman like Magic Mama to shuttle you around and make your hike more enjoyable. Overall, today was full of blessings in the form of trail magic, rain and all.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Spivey Gap to Indian Grave Gap

To: Indian Grave Gap to Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.0

This morning we woke up in a comfy hotel room, gathered our belongings and picked up Nails before heading up the snow and ice covered road to Fresh Ground's Leapfrog Cafe. Magic Mama was hesitant to make the slippery drive to the top of the mountain where she'd found us cold and shivering from the wind and rain the night before, but right as we'd given up hopes of getting the van to the top, Fresh Ground pulled up in his car and told us that the first part was the worst- "maintain your speed and the rest isn't so bad." Well, we all said our silent prayers as Magic Mama carefully and judiciously worked her way to the top. As soon as we got to Indian Grave Gap, we began helping Fresh Ground unload his car of more yummy supplies. Within minutes he had bacon, cheesy scrambled eggs, and his famous banana pancakes hot and ready to eat. With snow covering the ground and a definite chill in the air, he warned us that the winds would be fierce but that he had no doubt of our ability to press on. Sadly though, Magic Mama had to head back home today shortly after we started hiking the trail this morning. We stomped through the snow, over Beauty Bald and on up to the spruce covered grove atop Unaka Mountain. With the snow and ice caked onto the branches and bark of the trees, today's hike was nothing short of a winter wonderland. We made it to the shelter around 4 this afternoon and quickly ate supper before crawling into our toasty warm bags. I know it'll be a cold night, but the rest of the week holds promise of warmer weather with temperatures in the low 70s.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Indian Grave Gap to Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Cherry Gap to Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Poor ol' Two Weeks! Today, we decided to trudge through 18 miles of slushy snow and ice to reach the highest shelter on the AT. The first part of the day was fairly easy going as the weather quickly warmed up, allowing us to shed layers of unnecessary clothing. However, the last five or so miles were straight up Roan Mountain. Thankfully, Nails and I hiked that portion together, talking and laughing, making the time go by faster. As we neared the top, the ice made for dangerous foot placements and some near falls, but the reward was at the top. Around five o'clock we reached the grassy bald atop the mountain and found Happy and Moaglee enjoying the sunshine. We joined them for a while before eventually making our way the last 0.6 of a mile to the shelter. And this shelter did not disappoint! With four walls, two stories, and a door, this shelter once served as a mountain man's cabin. For us, it was a neat landmark of the trail- the highest shelter on the whole AT! Despite the awesome shelter, most of us camped as the weather was finally nice enough to not spend the whole night shivering. We sat around the fire for a bit before heading to bed with no intention of waking up early or worrying about big miles the next day; only about how we hoped to have seen the last of the snowy days.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Cherry Gap to Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter to Over mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

One of the best days on the trail yet! No joke, today was simply divine! We woke up to the sound of Longstep rejoining us after not knowing if we'd ever see him again (as he took a zero at Uncle Johnny's rather than hike in the snow). We lazily moved about our morning chores of making breakfast and packing up knowing we were only planning on a 7 mile day. And why not? We spent the day hiking the most gorgeous part of the entire trail and the weather and views could not have been any better. With huge sprawling balds as the main feature of the day's terrain, we wanted to feel free to go slowly and enjoy every minute of the trail. And boy, I loved every second of it! We reached the first bald within an hour of leaving the shelter and ice behind. Everyone stopped for a while at the first bald, but Nails and I lingered for a while longer enjoying our girl talk. We then kept moving up and over Jane's Bald with fantastic 360 views. I let everyone pass me by as I soaked in the sun, and as I got to the Grassy Ridge Trail, I stopped to check my guide book. Well I am mighty glad I did! The book indicated views from the top of Grassy Ridge Bald so I didn't think twice about hiking the 0.6 miles up to the top. I am so thankful I didn't pass by this spot. I found peace and contentment on top of that mountain in a way I had not yet experienced. The day was just perfect and with only seven miles I had plenty of time to reflect on my hike, my life, the lessons I'm learning, and the people I've met. As I took in the amazing views, I was also able to take a step back and see the bigger picture of my experience out here I the trail. For every tough, scary, challenging, and uneasy time I've had, I've also been blessed with good company, trail magic, relentless support, great weather, and fantastic views. My highs would not be so high without the lowest of my lows. Every piece of my experience builds a more complete picture of life and the tolls it takes along with the gifts it gives. I am just as thankful for the hard times as I am for the glorious ones. And to come to such a simple but powerful realization on a beautiful day in the perfect setting was one of the best gifts life has given me so far. Today ranks very high in the memory book, and I can only hope that I don't take for granted the good or the bad as it it all a part of the experience of living. And if the sunny day wasn't enough of a treasure, my seven miles ended at an old barn that has since been converted into a shelter with a view overlooking the valley. Rarely are days so purely beautiful and celebrated.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Roan High Knob Shelter to Over mountain Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter to Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was fantastic! More wonderful weather, more great views from the balds of Big Hump and Little Hump, and even a trip into town for more snacks and a delicious lunch. By noon, we reached highway 19 and caught a ride into town. After picking up some more pop tarts and oatmeal creme pies, we walked over to Bob's Dairyland, and I had the best pulled pork BBQ sandwich and a tasty cheeseburger followed by a chocolate milkshake! Seriously a must for anyone going through Hampton! Bob even gave us a ride back to the trail after the lunch crowd settled down and said that if any other hikers ever need a ride to or from his restaurant that he is happy to pick them up and take them back- just give him a call! Soon after getting back on the trail, we worked up a fierce sweat. Spring is definitely here! Nails and I quickly decided that we were gonna cool down as soon as we reached Jones Waterfall, and man, was that great! Not only were the falls absolutely beautiful but it felt wonderful to rinse off a bit and enjoy the afternoon. I even stopped again a little later by the Elk River, another perfect site for a snack break. I finally made it to the shelter around 6 in the evening and enjoyed staying in the relatively new shelter (which included three platform levels, capable of comfortably accommodating at least 12 or so hikers). Tomorrow we only have 16 miles before meeting Mr. Bob Peoples at the legendary Kincora hostel.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Overmountain Shelter to Mountaineer Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter to Bob People's Hostel
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up to a bit of rain and the sound of thunderstorms. Despite the weather, we woke up and began making our way on to Hampton, TN. We've all heard rumors of the unique and giving hospitality provided by Mr. Bob Peoples and we certainly didn't want to miss out on this particular trail experience. By 10:00 AM, the rain stopped and the sun came out, making for a beautiful and warm day. After hiking the relatively easy 16 miles down to Dennis Cove Road, we took a left and soon found ourselves face to face with the trail legend himself. After quickly settling in, Mr. Peoples shared several stories of his travels, many about his time hiking the El Camino Trail that goes through parts of France, Portugal, and Spain. While I'd heard about this pilgrimage-type trail from others, I'd never met a soul who actually hiked it. It sounded like such a cool experience, and I am inspired to hike at least part of that trail sometime down the road. At five o'clock, Bob drove us into the tiny town of Hampton to resupply at Brown's Grocery. While Two Weeks picked up gatorades and a frozen pizza, I ran in next door to grab our resupply box. However, while in the Hiker Haven laundromat/electronics repair/grill, I decided to order an amazingly delicious burger from Ms. Clara. This burger was so good that I not only sent Two Weeks in for two more (another for me and one for him), but encouraged other hikers to try the laundromat burger. It's amazing how great town food tastes after eating Ramen noodles day in and day out. After heading back to the hostel for showers and laundry, we all settled in for a good nights rest with the intent of waking up early for a tough 18 mile day. But with Bob Peoples' generous hospitality and unwavering kindness, we simply enjoyed our stay with quality company in an inviting place.