morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 16, Monday 4/18/2011Rocky Top.We got up early, wanting to hike to Silers Bald Shelter, 5460 ft. 14.7 miles away. After hiking 2.9 miles, we arrived at Spence Field, 4914 ft. and the weather was perfect for second breakfast before the big climb of the famous Rocky Top, 5441 ft. or not and Thunderhead, 5527 ft. Sweet Tea, Sparkplug, Tom and Brenda, (The Professors) from Auburn, El Flaco, and I siezed the moment and celebrated the beautiful day. For once I was hiking in the middle. Sparkplug and Flaco ahead, Sweet Tea and The Professors behind. When I hiked last year I was alone so there was no one to compair my speed to. I wasn't fast or slow, I just hiked. Who cares! I'm hiking because I enjoy hiking in the woods. I'm beginning to settle in to my daily routine and it is nice to focus on enjoying the day. The view upon Rocky Top is spectacular, so I waited to get some pictures of the professors, reaching the top. I wrote in my journal as Sweet Tea went ahead. Thunderhead is covered with shrubs so you have to stand on a pile of rocks to see a view. To me the 6.3 miles between Spence Field and Derrick Knob, 4880 ft. is the hardest on the AT in the park. It might be because it comes the day after the 2860 ft. climb out of Fontana. By the time I reach Derrick Knob I know I couldn't make it to Silers Bald Shelter, 5460 ft. So I told Flaco to go on and hike with Sparkplug. I would catch up later. With much reluctance, he hiked on. Sir No Name built a fire and a group of ladies from Richmond Va. and Sweet Tea shared stories of their previous adventures on the trail. The sun set and we were looking foward to see the full moon but it was blocked by clouds. It didn't damper our excitement of climbing the higest Mountain on the AT tomorrow. Clingsmans Dome, 6643 ft. here we come!Location : Derrick Knob Shelter                  CowboyMiles: 9.2
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

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

Day 17 Tuesday 4/19/2011Up at 7:00, on the trail by 7:20. Hiked up Cold Spring Knob, 5240 ft. and reached Silers Bald Shelter, 5460ft 5.9 miles later at 9:30 am. Wrote in my journal and fell asleep. Sweet Tea passed me and was now ahead. Her hip has been giving her some trouble and she was in a lot of pain. Just past Mt. Buckley, 6582ft. I caught up to her smiling face. As we got closer to the summit of Clingmon's Dome, 6643ft. we ran into day hikers, taking a stroll on the famous AT. I met Molly and Tara-Nell from Cornwell, England. Tremayne Bear was showing them around the states and had to get a picture taken with the hiker for a class project. I found the book, " Into Thin Air" at the last shelter and made it an official AT gift for them. It is ironic we were climbing the highest mtn on the AT and the book is about climbing the highest mtn in the world. I was so happy to get it out of my pack and they looked like the would enjoy a great read. Sweet Tea decided to meet her husband at the parking lot of Clingsmon's Dome, another section of the AT completed. We said our goodbyes and I continued to the summit. Sir and Lady No Name joined me for a celebration on top of the tower. After taking some pictures, I hiked to Mt. Collins Shelter, 6188 ft., 3.4 miles away. Goodspeed a past through hiker showed up at the shelter with sodas and snacks to be my first Trail Magic. Cowboyed under the stars as the moon rose. A very special day indeed!Location : Mt Collins Shelter                  CowboyedMiles: 13.5, Just past 200 miles.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Tri Corner Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 18 Wednesday 4/20/2011Started hiking in the cold rain @ 7:20 trying to catch up to Flaco and Sparkplug. Gene, Sweet Tea's husband shuttled them into town for the night while I hiked. I arrived at Newfound Gap, 4045 ft. in a full downpour at 9:10 am. Sweet Tea called as I was held up in the men's restroom. Is that why they call them RESTROOMS? This is the third time I've been saved by a restroom. The door flys open and Flaco is grinning from ear to ear like he hasn't seen me for years. He handed me a McDonalds big breakfast which was to be my only memory of Gatlinburg. Out into the cold rain I went, climbing to Icewater Spring Shelter, 5920 ft. for a second round of breakfast. The rain stopped as we approched Charlie's Bunion, 5540 ft. a rock outcrop jetting out of the side of the Mtn. You can see beautiful views of Mt. Leconte, the second higest mt. in the smokies. I was exhausted when I reached the side trail to Pecks Corner Shelter, 5570ft with 5.2 more miles to go. Flaco gave me a snickers bar and headed off to the next shelter. I fell asleep and drempt I was sitting in first class on a jetliner. There was an in flight movie showing a guy hiking the Smokies. The views hiking over Mt. Sequoia, 6000 ft. and Mt. Chapman, 6250 ft. were amazing. He was sipping on some dark liquid as he sped along. I woke up in a cold sweat at Tri Corner Knob Shelter, 5920 ft.Marilyn it's starting to happen. Location: In Tri Corner Knob ShelterMiles: 20.1
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Tri Corner Shelter

To: 3 Miles past Standing Bear
Miles today: 21.1

Day 19 Thursday 4/21/2011Woke up and packed up trash, bandana, knee brace, brand new water filter, and headed out at 7:30am. The amazing view above the clouds of the valleys below could not be captured by my camera. As I hiked to Cosby Shelter, 4700 ft. I found a bear enhanced nelgene water bottle. That makes two so far. As I decended, I was in the clouds and then below them. I was eating second breakfast at the shelter when a group of hikers from Ohio showed up and agreed to take the personaly signed water bottle off my pack. Wow that was fast. There were two guys on motercycles at Davenport Gap, 1985 ft. We talked about the trail and they were interested about following me on trail journals so out came the purple bandana and a pair of shorts picked up at Davenport Gap Shelter a few miles back. Signed and Delivered! They also took all my trash except the new water filter and knee brace. Thanks guys! Finally a trash free pack. The trail passes under I-40 west of Ashville. There was a trail magic cooler sitting next to the trail. My stomach churned in anticipation of what goodies might be inside. Sorry, emptied by the previous hikers. Oh well maybe next time. Fifteen minutes later there was another cooler. Surley this one is full of cold drinks and snicker bars. Sorry, full of trash, bummer. I fowared a mail drop of food to Standing Bear, so I hiked a short distance off the trail to the hostel. Curtis, the owner greeted me with his big smile and showed me where to charge my phone. I ask him if he would send the new water filter back home for me unless he knew someone who could use it. "My stepson is a good kid" he said and off it went. Flaco was there so we shared a frozen pizza and a few sodas. At 8:00 pm, with a full belly and a charged phone, we headed north. On the way up Snowbird Mtn we found a spot to cowboy. Flaco set up his tent and I ran a rope just in case the forecast was correct for night time showers. The raindrops woke me up at 11:43 pm to cap off another beautiful day. Location: 3 miles past Standing Bear.Miles: 21.1
Date: 2011-04-22
From: 3 Miles past Standing Bear

To: Walnut Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 17.3

Day 20 Friday 4/22/2011The raindrops made me want to sleep in. "Hey you up?". "Yea, a beautiful day for a hike", said Flaco. Packed up in the rain with my raincoat on. As I hiked my body said, " To Hot, start cooling systems". I began to sweat. Let me see..... I'm wearing a plastic bag to keep the rain off, while my body is getting hotter and hotter. Before long I'll have a complete meltdown, crashing on the side of the trail, a smoldering pile of flesh, topped by Old Blue. A fitting end. Off goes the raincoat and shirt. Yes. The cool rain and breeze was awsome! We crossed Snowbird Mtn. 4265 ft. in a downpour and I was sad that we would't get a view from Max Patch, the highlight of the day. The rain stoped as we got to Groundhog Shelter, 2940 ft for second breakfast and met Sparkplug and Three Hats. There was hope that the waether would clear up. We climbed Harmom Den Mtn. 3840 ft. and dropped into Browns Gap, 3500ft. There was a gray tarp strung between two trees on the right of the trail. More trash? As we come around the corner, on the left was an oasis on the trail. TRAIL MAGIC! Ox was cooking hambergers and offered a table full of fruit and snacks. This time the cooler was full of sodas, all flavors. Words can't express my joy. The Florida boys got there early and stayed for breakfast and lunch. " Eat all you want. Please don't leave hungry". Three days of providing hikers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Ox thru hiked the trail in 97 and met Rat and has come back each year for the past 14 years. It was hard to leave a trailer full of food, but I couldn't eat another bite and Max Patch, 4629 ft. lie ahead. As I approched the summit of the open grassy bald, Flaco, Snackin, Chutes, Mr. Poppins, Sparkplug, and Three Hats were taking in the awsome beauty. A great celebration of today. Two students from WCU showed up with Oranges, Drinks and snacks. Can it get any better? Well...... YES it can. A mule and cow strolled up from the distance. It was magical. No one wanted to leave but as time passed we knew this couldn't last forever. The hike to Walnut Mtn. Shelter, 4260 ft. was delightful no matter how hard it was. The wind was blasting so I ran a line to dry out my wet tarp from the night before. Behind the shelter provided a great wind block so I could cook and decided to cowboy right there. As I drifted off to sleep, Mr. Mouse perched on top of my head deciding his next move. I made my move to my pack and got out the mouse traps. Location: Walnut Mtn. Shelter.Miles: 17.3
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Walnut Mtn. Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 21 Saturday 4/23/2011The breeze was still blasting when I got up early to get a head start on the group. The hike up Bluff Mtn. 4686 ft. was well graded and added to the anticipation of reaching Hot Springs and a shower after seven days! Lets just say there was a skip in my pace. The post office closes at 10:30 am and I knew I couldn't make it so I called every 30 minutes when I had a signal. I tried one last time at 10:35 am and thankfully Theresa answered and suggested I call Bluff Mtn. Outfitters to see if they would pick up my box. Wayne said he would made it happen. A big thanks to Wayne.From Bluff Mtn. to Hot Springs the trail drops 3,361 ft. so I was careful not to push to hard so I wouldn't get shin splints. Thankfully there was room at Elmers a 1800's victorian house where he hosts hikers and provides vegetarian meals. Bring him a sixpack of Guinnis and you will have a spectacular stay.Location: Hot SpringsMiles: 13.1
Date: 2011-05-31
From: Hot Springs - Zero

To: Starting day with bugs, ending it with a plunge
Miles today: 0.0

MAY 31: Woke up with bugs having a feast on my face so I put up my sleep screen net up for the first time this year.Ogie was gone and I had the shelter to myself. I went back to sleep and woke up to the sound of music.Smiley got up early and caught up to us for breakfast. We were half way up Apple Orchard Mountain, 4225 feet, and the forecast is for 90-degrees. I felt like a sieve. As fast as I could put water in, the water poured out.Early lunch and rest at Thunder Hill Shelter, 3960 feet, with a new privy. The trail dropped down to Petites Gap, 2369 feet, then climbed Highcock Knob, 3073 feet, for the final gush of energy I had.At Matts Creek Shelter, 835 feet, the choice was to sit in the creek or jump from the James River Foot Bridge, 678 feet.Flaco said it was a 12-foot jump. Reality was more like 20 or more.As I stood on the edge, my heart said no but my ego said go.I survived so I had to do it again. After a hot wet day the cool wet swim was awesome!
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Starting day with bugs, ending it with a plunge

To: Brown Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 60 Wednesday 6/1/2011Slept in my silk liner all night. Glasgow is not the most hopping place in Virginia. Ate the leftovers of my egg and sausage sandwiches I made last night. Hitched back to the trail and blogged by Rocky Row Run. The trail steadily climbed to the top of Bluff Mtn. 3372 ft. I could focus on the three rashes I have or the 88° weather, but decided on the nice breeze, the blooming rhododendren and Mtn. Laurel. Crossed Pedlar River and soaked my feet at Brown Mtn. Creek. Met Circuit Rider, Sherlock, and Flaco at Brown Mtn. Shelter, 1395 ft. as the sun set and made popcorn.Day 60 Recap:1/3 Trail CompletedNo BearsSore Heel and Heat RashSummer Gear switched in Daleville.Location: Brown Mtn. Shelter, CowboyMiles: 20
Date: 2011-06-22
From: Blackburn Center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 81 Wednesday 6/22/2011The Hiker Trash Tour rolled into Harpers Ferry with much fan fair, the psychological half way point of the AT. The trail drops down to the point the Shenandoah and Potomic rivers meet. Peter Pan, a volunteer and Laurie, the boss, congratulate and greet the hikers as they enter the main headquarters of the ATC. All willing hikers are photographed and are numericaly recorded to be placed in the hiker's annual. The books go back to 1980 and hikers look for friends who are hiking ahead of them or hiked in the past. There is even a hiker lounge with internet, refrigerator with drinks, and a hiker swap box. At the headquarters, I met Trolly Stop while his family visited from Georgia to spend the weekend together. As I was planning my 24 hour day of sleeping, eating, and resting, Emily, Katie, and Jack, Trolly's grandchildren, made me homesick. "Do you want some hiker trash? I asked." They looked at me as if I were nuts. By the way, kids are always right. I ran to my pack to get the latest find on the trail. Although they didn't understand that I pick up trash on the trail, they did enjoy the gift. Off to have a ball in Harpers Ferry!Location: Harpers FerryMiles: 11.8
Date: 2011-08-10
From: Manchester Center

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It has been a crazy week. Manchester Center has what I think the nicest hostel on the AT/LT. Jeff, the owner, has it down. I even got to swim in the quary near by. The next day, the weather was great and the climb up Bromley delightful. Did i say delightful? Yup. I tried to get other hikers to do the zip line on top of the ski area but got no takers. Snake Farm caught up and we stayed at Peru Shelter where it rained all night. The next day, on to little rock pond where I met Dog Catcher, the care taker. We discused the merits of "Leave No Trace" and how it doesn't cover trash left at shelters or dropped on the trail. After a swim it was on to more miles. Stopped at White Rocks for a great view, then on to Greenwall Shelter. The night was great so I thought I would do some night hiking. I checked my phone and there was a message from Ed Jones, a college friend 30 years ago, who lives in the area. He picked me up at the next road crossing and spent the night at his and his wife's B&B, the Ira Allen House. Brother of Ethan, The leaders of the Green Mtn Boys. I rested and then we spent the afternoon riding the Alpine Slide at Bromley. Just another day on the trail......Thanks to Jeff, Ed and Maria I'm ready to hike on.
Date: 2011-08-23
To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Since Hanover the trail has been very challenging. First, "Old Blue" 's hip belt broke. Second, it rained for five out of the last 10 days. Third and last, the trail has turned from hiking to climbing and bouldering. Hiking one mile per hour and climbing three thousand feet every other day is taking it's toll. The vitamin I is helping but I can still feel the pain. Miss Janet and Bag of Tricks was in Glencliff providing trail magic and encouragement for the start of the famous White Mountains of New Hampshire. Mt. Moosilauke, Wolf and the Kinsmann Mtns, all over 4,000 ft. were beautiful and hard in the same breath. Lincoln, Lafayette, are both above 5,000 ft and the first experience of hiking above tree line for any legnth of time, were as if we were on a different planet. You could watch the big black clouds forever as they approched. Just past Lafayette and above treeline, it opened up and Smiley and I seeked cover as the lightning and hail cracked and fell all around us. I guess thats why they have all those warning signs about the weather. I fell five times, a record for the adveture, making a total of fifteen times. I dragged into Galehead Hut at 9:30 pm after hiking in the rain for five hours without a break. I was exhausted and ready for sleep, skipping dinner. The storm continued all night with the wind shaking the hut. The skys cleared the next day and the seven miles over to Zealand Fall Hut took seven hours, a testament to the terrain. The eight miles down to Crawford Notch was like a blast from the past, " Hey, I can actually hike", a pleasant reminder of the 1,800 miles up to this point. On towards Mt. Washington tomorrow. Life is GOOD!
Date: 2011-08-28
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Carter Hut, Imp Shelter, Gorhamwq
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Ok, so call me crazy but I came on this trip looking for adventure and for once I might have got more than I bargained for. I hiked up the 12 miles from Crawford Notch to Lake of the Clouds Hut on Saturday. The weather was perfect, sunny and cool. My legs felt great after resting them for twelve hours in bed. The news was Hurricane Irene was coming north and the forest was being closed. Sparky said that thur hikers would not be turned away from the Huts, where the staff would hunker down through the storm. Lets face it, i'm 1.4 miles below Mt Washington where the worst weather has been recorded. Whats the big deal? So my option was to hike down and hang out in Gorham or ride out the storm at a hut. Humm...... Some one told me that the Gorham liquor store had keys to all the huts so I hitched into town. I bought not one, but two bottles of whisky just in case the storm was a bad one and I needed to stay two days. Back on the trail I climbed Wildcat as hikers scrambled down to beat the 6:00pm closing time for the forest. I arrived on top of Wildcat at 5:00pm as they were closing with three more miles to hike. Hiking over Wildcat D, C, B, and finally A had me dizzy and ready for rest. Approching Carter Notch Hut the trail skirts a pond. The storm had not started yet and the trail was under water. I arrived at the Hut with a mixed reception. They liked the liquor but not me. They said I could stay the night but had to hike down in the morning for my safety. Ok I'm going to hike 3.5 miles back down the mountain. I don't think so. The storm started saturday night and was progressing quite well as I left Carter Hut "For My Saftey". I looked at the forecast and thought I could beat the heavy rain if I could hike the seven miles in seven hours and get to Imp Shelter by 2:00 pm. The water was ankle deep at 11:30. By 1:00pm it was ankle to calf deep. At 1:41 the whole mountain was under water. The water concentrated in the trail path calf to knee deep. Between the peaks the board walks were either floating or a foot under water. It was strange watching the water moving with the boards sunk. I needed to stay on the boards to keep out of the waist deep water. Shortly after 2:00 pm I arrived at Imp's caretakers tent. All the smart people were out of the forest including the caretaker so I made myself at home. I got into some dry clothes and ate a late lunch and went to bed. I was a happy man.Monday I knew the problem was crossing the streams as I got close to Gorham. The hike over Moriah Mt was windy and in the clouds but by the time I got to Rattle River Shelter the sun was shining. The two crossings of the Rattle River was as expected, close to the boys getting wet but great practice for the Kennebec River. On to the White Mountains Hostel and Mr. Pizza for some good old hospitality. Hope you and your family are safe durimg and after the storm... Mark
Date: 2011-02-12
From: bham-al

To: back home plus a little more
Miles today: 0.0

spending time the fam before i attempt to be humbled by the a.t. for the next 6 months or so, my plan is to leave anniston al. on the 13th and spend the next day, my 22nd bday on the trail. I've spent alot of time down here visiting with my family who mean the world to me. still the weather forecast is to tantilizing to pass up, i will begin my thru hike this sunday and go as far as I can nobo 2011!-markcmessina
Date: 2011-02-21
From: hiawassee

To: zero day
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero day at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. My feet and shoulders are thanking me! Gary and Lennie, you truly are trail angels! thank you so much for a wonderful stay, going to church, and the best breakfast of my life! You helped heal me physically, mentally, and most importantly spiritually, godbless you!-Markcameron ( aka jellypants)
Date: 2011-02-22
From: Hiawassee

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

At the library right now in Hiawassee, a very hiker friendly town. I am off to the trail after a quick post office stop. I am glad to report that my Uncle Gabe is out of the hospital and doing much better! Miss you uncle G! With a high spirit, and new found friends Onward, upward, and Gentle Ben, I head back to the trail for another beautiful day of hiking.-MarkCameronp.s. more photos coming soon!
Date: 2011-02-24
From: Muskrat Creek shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: broken clouds

Attempted to go over Standing Indian mountain today ad push for carter, but due to inclement weather had to cut the day short at noon . After much debating it ended up being the smart decision as myself and 6 other hikers spent the night fending off pouring rain and howling wind all night. I suppose i should'nt complain as it has been the only poor weather I've encountered thusfar. Tomorrow is a big day. Im hoping to make it to Big Spring Shelter-jellypants
Date: 2011-02-25
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Long day today. It was unfortunate with a cloudy morning on Standing Indian, but made up for it at the fire tower on Albert mountain. Clear skies and panoramic views! I just want to thank all who made it possible for me to be out here. so thank you Dad, mom, grandmother, Sherry K., Kathy, Phillip, Boogie, Uncle G Don, Yardsale, and all the wonderful trail angels Ive encountered so far. I have been blessed with this opportunity to, as the plaque atop Springer states, seek fellowship with nature, and also to contemplate my life , sphere of influence, and perhaps most importantly, angle of vision. Thank you all who give me the strength to go on when sometimes i feel i cannot.-Mark Cameron (aka jellypants)
Date: 2011-02-26
From: Big spring Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

taking a night At the budget inn, for some cleaning, resupply, cleaning, and a little more cleaning( i can smell my own funk, its gnarly). also a little restaurant action with my fellow thru-hiker brethren. Then, it's back on the trail tomorrow.pics coming soon-jellypants
Date: 2011-03-03
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Slackpacked with dust made it all the way to brown fork gap shelter where i met ashtma turtle, met and strawberry, a few section hikers on spring break from college. The shelter was full of old friends and new. There was trainwreck and two medicine, diggit, and availability to name a few. Can't wait to take a couple days off with my dad in Ashville.-jelly