morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was more difficult than expected. Right off the bat an eight hundred foot up followed during the day by several other short but steep ups.We made it to Fontana Dam gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. We'll start into them tomorrow morning. We had rain last night and it was chilly this morning but just as we reached the dam the sun broke through and at this low elevation the weather is great.We decided to stay at Fontana Village instead of a hostel. The double room is only $60 and it's a top notch room. The shuttle from the dam was $3 each person with another $3 each in the morning. It's hard to believe that we've walked from North Georgia to the Smokys, 164 miles so far. We're both a bit tired at the end of the day, Vickie a bit more than me. We picked up a mail drop here and were surprised by a postcard from Pam.When we reach Newfound Gap, probably Sunday, we'll be picked up by some friends, Karen & Steve, who live close by. They've agreed to take us in for a night, we're already looking forward to it.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Great hike today. Had a good dinner and super breakfast at the Fontana Lodge (maybe a little expensive). Started about 9:00 weather changed to rain for about two hours but then quit. Windy all day. Arrived at the shelter about 4:00. Shelter was nice no mice yet. Getting chilly out.We had a resupply box at Fontana so our packs were heavy. Funny thing about food and water. We have to carry everything we eat or drink. Our food weights about two pounds per day and we got four days worth. Water weights 2.2 pounds per liter (about a quart). We each drink about one liter each three or four miles. We user about a liter for breakfast and another for dinner. You can see that adds a lot of weight to you back. We also have to plan our water because you can only get it when you pass a spring or stream. Our guide books tell us where it's at but we need to treat each liter to make it drinkable. About two minutes for each liter. We try to get enough at night to last us until the next water stop the next day. If we walk 10 miles a day we'll use at least eight liters a day, that over seventeen pounds of water a day. Not like turing on the faucet.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter. 
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Rain all day, wind all day, chilly all day, and cloudy all day. We couldn't see more than fifty feet most of the day. Neither of us felt like hiking today and the conditions, terrain, and distance didn't help. I think it's been our worst day yet. Nothing more to say about today other than it's over. Did I mention it was in the 20's for the low?
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Derrick Knob Shelter. 

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Awesome hike today, totally different from yesterday. After a cold night the sun came out and the temperatures steadily rose into the 50's. We walked through an evergreen forest and the smell was sweet at times. We ran into a previous thru-hiker Wildcat and his wife Becky. They shared some Mello Yellow and a couple brownies with us just before Clingman's Dome Quite the nice surprise. We arrived at the shelter just before 7:00, our longest day yet. Clingman's Dome was really busy with tourists, we didn't climb the tower, we did that on our honeymoon 40 years ago.The trail can be so quiet at times. Usually there's just the sound of your breathing. At night it's dead quiet, we haven't seen nor heard many animals, or even birds for the matter. One noise you can't escape is an airplane. You hear the jets flying high overhead at all hours. As you near a roda the car noise picks up, but usually silence.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap (ICO Karen and Steve)
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: few clouds

Yesterday we passed the two hundred mile mark and started our fourth week on the trail. Today is a short day because some friends, Karen and Steve, who live in Cullowhee picked us up at Newfound Gap and we're spending the night there to resupply and refresh.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Newfound Gap (ICO Karen and Steve)

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light snow

Your life is based on the decisions you make.No matter how small or how large they affect everything. When to get up, what to eat, do I get married, what job will I do. You never know whether it's a good or bad decision until it's too late. Such is life.After a really nice time with Karen & Steve we checked the weather forecast. It called for rain and possibly some snow. We've had other bad weather so decided to go for it. When we reached our drop off point of Newfound Gap the wind was howling, the clouds were touching the ground and it was starting to sleet. We could have asked to be taken to a motel but started on the trail anyway. The hike was much friendlier than the first half of the Smokys. We were in a light snow all day and it was starting to stick by the time we arrived at the shelter about 4:30. It was cold and the snow continued with at least 6 inches by morning. We shared the shelter with Stickman, Wyatt, and five High School Seniors from Georgia on Spring Break.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Peck'sCorner Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

The temperature was in the low 20's and the snow was falling harder with a winter storm warning in effect. We all decided to stay in the shelter for the day and not try to brave the weather. By mid afternoon hikers starting arriving from the Icewater Springs shelter who decided to push on. We ended up with 20 people so some had to tent. Cold Cold night, it was hard to keep warm in the sleeping bags even with a lot of clothes on.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Tri Corner Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

No choice today, we had to start moving. Weather looks to be improving, no new snow and probably some sun. We were the first out of the shelter so that meant breaking a path through at least 12 inches (probably more) of snow. It was a hard, hard job. Besides trying to keep on the trail, some of the drifts were up to my waist! We were doing all this at about 6000 feet. As the day warmed a bit, the snow turned wet and heavy. Not a day I want to repeat.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Tri Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

Still hiking through snow. Like the long winter of Narnia. Had a long day to make tomorrow a short hop to the Standing Bear Hostel where we will rest and recuperate. Also pushing ahead today with us were Bill & Bill, Hot Pants, Chance, and Grits. The weather was good but we still had to fight slushy snow until we got a bit lower in altitude. The trail itself is also becoming a river with the snow melt.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Short day today to Standing Bear Farm. It makes me think of what a commune must be like. Quite an experience. Just as we headed out of the shelter this morning a thunderstorm popped up, just what we needed (since we haven't had one yet). It rained the 3.3 miles to the hostel. The first half was all downhill, the last half all up. Glad to be here, our mail drop package was waiting for us. we've done laundry, and a hot shower awaits.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 13.6

Today starts our fifth week, hard to believe. Had a "home cooked " breakfast at the hostel and then on to the trail. Started a long up, and almost immediately it started to rain. Not long after we walked into the clouds and weren't to emerge the rest of the day. Very long day, we debated a campsite but decided (good or bad) to continue. Ended up on Max Patch pretty late but happy to have gone so far. Max Patch is a large mountain meadow. It's reported to have spectacular views. Our visibility was about 50 feet, I had a hard time seeing Vickie in front of me. In bed early but was chilly all night. Windy.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Max Patch

To: Campsite Before Garenflo Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Up slowly and took a long time leaving. Went to look at the view since the clouds moved out and we could see. Perfect weather for a change and spirits should be high. Vickie took a bad fall down some stone steps, bruised her knee and pulled the other hamstring somewhat. She's OK but tender. I fell shortly after, but more gently. We had hoped to get to Deer Park Shelter but we just can't seem to get far today. We've changed clothes a number of time trying to adjust to the weather conditions, and we need to stop for water when we run low. At two pounds a quart you don't want to carry more than you need.
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Campsite Before Garenflo Gap

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a good night last night. Camped by ourselves, Waytt was down the way a bit on his own, we had a good fire. Wind kicked up overnight and there were a few sprinkles. Started in our rain gear but it never came. Very windy, especially on the ridges. Made very good time today. Left the campsite at 8:00 and arrived in Hot Springs at 11:45. Picked up a package from Pam and had a nice lunch. Vickie is doing laundry while I write the updates. Not sure of the weather, forecast is for rain but so far dry but windy and pretty cool. Will Spring ever get here?Staying at the Alpine Court Motel, not four stars for sure, but it's a private room.I'm amazed that we've reached Hot Springs. That's about as far as I've read in any of the guide books so the real adventure is about to begin.
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 16.3

Nice day to leave Hot Springs, big up but great views of the town. About three hours out it started to rain and we made it back into the clouds. We got to the shelter (11 miles) about 4:30. We decided to press on to the hostel another five miles away. When we got to Allen Gap there was a sign for "trail magic". We ended up at a house with a good dinner but it ended up being Christian Based which was not we expected. We were there about an hour which was too long because we still had almost two miles to go. By the time we got to the hostel it was 8:30 and dark. The hostel is a great place and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. All in all it was a good day for us. Our longest day and great accommodations.
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Hemlock Hollow Hostel

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started out in a mist and stayed cloudy all day. Steady strenuous up all morning. Lunch. More up including a stretch over a difficult/dangerous rocky ridge. Of course it was too cloudy/foggy to see more than 50 feet. Glad to get to the shelter. I had a couple plastic bags in my backpack that a mouse decided to chew through. No damage to anything important.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

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

What else, another long, hard hike but today it was wonderfully sunny. Vickie and I are both getting more hungry between meals. We've been eating more between meals.We were in the tent tonight, it's a little warmer than the open shelter. There's a large group that we are tailing right now. We had another long day today and went over the 300 mile mark.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Campsite after Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

On the trail by 9:00. Followed the usual pattern of steady, sometimes steep ups and downs. In spite of the difficulty - we feel we made good progress. Big Bald was so majestic and 100% clear skies made the views awesome.Stopped at a campsite just past the shelter for supper and then about two miles later to sleep, alone.Tomorrow we plan to push to Erwin, TN and spend a zero (no hiking day) Sunday.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Campsite after Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN (Holiday Inn Express)
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

A long day for us today started at 8:30 and finished a little after 5:00. We totaled 14.5 miles and are in Erwin TN. We've decided to stay at the Holiday Inn Express for a private room and bathtub. The only problem is that it's a bit out of town which will be a problem for meals. And there was no shuttle either to or from the trail so more walking.Vickie's looking at new backpacks to try and lighten her total weight. We both get tired during the day and need to reach deep to continue. This week we have done more than 10 miles each day including two over 14.We're taking a zero day Sunday to rest and recuperate. The weather has been good for the last few days but thunderstorms are predicted for Sunday and Monday.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Erwin, TN (Holiday Inn Express)

To: Erwin, TN (Holiday Inn Express)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Vickie's Turn...After completing 5 weeks on the trail, I am now much more knowledgeable on the subject of hiking and camping. First off, if you are a woman on the trail you absolutely cannot care what you look or smell like. My fingernails are dirty, my body reeks most of the time, my hair rarely gets combed, and my skin is definitely weathering. Still, it is a great accomplishment - much harder than I ever anticipated. My clothes are much looser and my face is thinner (not noticeable in photos) but I have not stepped on a scale. Tim is also loosing weight and he does not need to.People out here are just great. We all have this common bond of traveling this challenging journey and we all respect each other, even when we don't agree or necessarily like each other. Some folks have been out of sight for a while and I have heard of some who have left the trail. We are setting our sights on VA where I am totally convinced the terrain will be kinder and gentler. The previous 3 days of sunshine boosted our morale and we think spring will soon be fully engaged in the mountains. I am looking forward to sending a few bulky, heavier items to Tim's sister for a while - will need them again in late summer when we get to New England.Sleeping in shelters is convenient, sleeping in a tent is a bit more private and perhaps a little warmer, but this idea of sleeping in a hotel is best of all. Soaking in the tub really soothes the sore tired muscles. Taking a zero day is so wonderful (we aren't even going to count that miserable day we holed up in the shelter at Peck's Corner in the Smoky Mountain snowstorm). In closing, this is the hardest physical thing I have ever done in my life. I am hoping to get into the best shape of my life (even at age 60). I still have a love/hate relationship with the mountains and trail - but staying steady on the course for now. The fine mist and rain that is falling gently today makes me happy to be where I am.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Erwin, TN (Holiday Inn Express)

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

The memory of rest in Erwin Sunday slowly passed as we walked up and out of Erwin. We enjoyed the rest and "Uncle" Johnny was nice enough to shuttle us when needed.Out of Erwin was gentle at first then increased. The first three hours were mostly beside different rivers and streams. It started raining in the afternoon and it was hard to get the right combination of clothes on. It seemed we were changing all the time. Our goal was Deep Gap where we arrived about 4:00. We set up our tent just before another shower moved through. In addition it was very windy. By evening there were at least eight other tents all set up in a very small flat area. There are a couple hostels off the trail in the next couple days and we hope to take advantage of them as we go.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Deep Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap (Hostel)
Miles today: 12.2

We were first out of Deep Gap today and only four others passed us by the time we stopped at 4:00. We had another good day of hiking. It started steep for a couple miles then leveled off and ended up with a few good "bumps". The weather was weird today. It started with rain that turned to snow flurries and back to rain. All accompanied by strong winds. Another day of trouble getting the right combination of clothes.We're staying at the Greasy Gap Hostel which seems like a very nice place. It's run by a friendly, accommodating woman named Connie and there are three others here today including Almond Joy and Gentle Ben . The only down side is that it's .6 of a mile off the trail and downhill. That means that we'll have an extra up tomorrow morning. Tomorrow is also the climb up Roan Mountain. We'll gain 2200 feet in about eight miles. Remember that's like walking to the top of two one hundred story buildings.There's a shelter at the top that we might stop at if we're bushed.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Greasy Creek Gap (Hostel)

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to a light dusting of snow, not what we were expecting or wanting. Hard day of crossing Roan High Knob (6285 ft high). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roan_Highlands) The snow was a bit deeper and the winds were strong while the temperatures were low. The day can be explained by rocks, Roots, and Ruts not a pleasant hike. But we did thirteen miles which is quite good considering the conditions. We ended up in a shelter by ourselves, since it was so windy we set up the tent in the shelter which helped a lot.The last couple weeks we've been crossing what are called Balds. A Bald is a clearing at the top of a mountain that is free of trees. From what I've read no one knows why they are like that but since they are now protected they are starting to revert back to forest land with trees and briars growing and crowding out the meadows.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To:  US 19E (Mountain Harbor Hostel)
Miles today: 10.9

Saw three deer frolicking on a bald on Hump Mountain (http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/index.php/hump-mountain-tn/). Gusty winds continued to blow us around. Ended the day at the Mountain Harbor B&B. It's totally wonderful. We upgraded from the Hostel to the regular B&B and it's worth it. We have a private room, a great shower, laundry done for us, a ride into Bob's Dairyland for dinner, and now relaxing for the rest of the night. Also here Gentle Ben, Chance, Pusher, Skyking, Storyteller, and a few new faces.
Date: 2009-04-24
From:  US 19E (Mountain Harbor Hostel)

To: Laurel Fork
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

We had the best breakfast, I can't even begin to describe it but it was wonderful. The weather has improved dramatically in such a short time, into the 70's with clear blue skies. The trail was a lot of short ups and downs, nothing like the past few days. Still we're tired and glad to stop.We camped by ourselves beside Laurel Fork Creek. It was a nice restful night with the music of the water to lull us to sleep.We crossed the 400 mark today!
Date: 2009-04-25
From: Laurel Fork

To: Dennis Cove (Kincora Hostel)
Miles today: 11.8

Hikes mild ups and downs today. The heat is surprising since we had snow just a few days ago. We're certainly not used to it and it's taking it's toll on us. Even though the hike was easier than recent day we felt more tired.Stayed at the Kincora Hostel, quite different from the Mountain Harbor (but it's only four dollars compared to 95). You do get what you pay for.Bob Proples runs the shelter and is well respected in the AT community. He offers a free shuttle into town and back which is almost unheard of.Finished our sixth week on the trail!
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Dennis Cove (Kincora Hostel)

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Hiked up and then down to and along a river for a while. Back up a rocky path and then up up to the top of Pond Flats. The temperatures are now above normal and taking a toll on us. Drinking more water and missing a cold diet Coke.Joined up with some a new group of thru hikers and some section hikers. Mr. Ed and Lightweight, Wishy-Washy, Doc, and Tord.The warm weather has also brought out the bugs so now we have bug bites to add to our list of miseries.
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

On the trail by 7:30 to try and beat the heat a little. Steep out of camp past the dam. Warm weather continues and saps our energy. We'll need some time to adjust. Still we had a good day with over thirteen miles.Camped with Mr. Ed & Lightweight, Wicked, Wishy-Washy, among others.
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

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

Our destination is Damascus in two days for a mail drop and rest & relaxation. Saw the sunrise and out of camp again by 7:30. Slightly cooler and better terrain. Still a long tiring day, we were happy with our success but very tired at the end of the day. We'll be in Virginia tomorrow.Today is what I expected the trail to be like, a nice walk in the woods. I'm afraid it won't continue.Bugs continue to be vicious.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Abington Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Ten point two miles in less than four hours today. Hard to believe we could do it. Another day of nice trail, little ups followed by little downs. Still tired but arrived in town at noon. We're staying at the Montgomery Homestead B&B. I know we're going to enjoy this. Lunch at Subway but not sure about supper, limited choices here for a vegetarian without transportation.We are going to look at the local outfitters for some possible equipment changes to light our load somewhat. Our current gear is fine just a bit heavy.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Dickey Gap

To: Parthership Shelter 
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain and more rain. Light drizzle all day. Up early but didn't move around much because of the weather. Went to Jerry's for breakfast. He took us to the Post Office and then to the trail. Finally started about 9:30. The trail was kind to us and we made good time to the shelter. The regulars (Mr. Ed & Lightweight, Wishy-Washy, DOC, and Rattler are also here along with a couple others. The shelter is at the HQ of the Mt Rogers National Recreational Area and next to a road. The town of Marion is about five miles away and they have restaurants that deliver. So we pooled our resources and ordered four large pizzas, yummy!
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Parthership Shelter 

To: US 11 (Relax Inn)
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Short day today but we could never get a good rhythm going. The trail was rocky, we were walking in the clouds, and it was on again off again drizzle. Nevertheless we went on. Stopped for a break at the seven mile mark and the sun came out and the trail got friendlier. But about two miles from town the skies opened up, we were soaked by the time we reached the Relax Inn. Showered and dried off. Had a bite to eat and relaxed. Went to dinner with Mr. Ed & Lightweight. Forecast is for more rain the rest of the week.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: US 11 (Relax Inn)

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: moderate rain

Guess What? Rain again and cloudy skies. Hike was challenging early on, and again at the end. So-so in the middle. We stepped over 21 stiles and around 21 downed trees (stats courtesy of Lightweight). Son many obstacles. Could be a cold night in the shelter.Many flowering trees and bushes are starting to bloom, the forest is also turning green.
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

Crossed streams and trails swollen by the heavy rain last night. Water over our boots in many places. Wet trail was the order of the day. Made it to Chestnut Knob Shelter by 2:00 and decided to push on to Jenkins. Bad decision. The trail was hard after a difficul morning. Arrived at the shelter around 8:00PM after a two hour rain storm. The shelter was full so ahd to tent. We did get a break in the rain for the evening. I ate but Vickie went straight to bed. Twelve hours to do 19 miles, a high for both.It would have been much smarter to stay at Cchestnut and have the long day to Bland, a much easier trail.