morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-02
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

It was a foggy day with scattered rain and thunderstorms. A wet climb over Albert Mtn. I rolled into Rock Gap Shelter just before dark. I was glad to get off my feet. I met Gutzy, who was out for a hike. She was going to meet friends the next day. It was an evening of very intense thunderstorms.
Date: 2012-03-03
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

slept late, then hiked to Winding Stair Gap. Got a ride from Ron Havens. Super nice gentleman, and friend of hikers. Stayed at the Budget Inn. Met up with Willy Boy, Veggie, Hawkeye80255, and No Sweat.
Date: 2012-03-05
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Lick Log Gap
Miles today: 12.3

Got a ride from Ron Havens back to Winding Stair Gap. The weather was great for hiking with a day full of climbs. Great views from Siler Bald, and from the tower on Wayah Bald. The shelter was full, so I continued on just past Lick Log Gap and found a wonderful tent site.
Date: 2012-03-07
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Stopped at NOC for breakfast, then a late start north. I wanted to make it to Brown Fork, so that I would be in good shape to get into Fontana the following afternoon. I rolled in around sunset, and met back up with Patches, Gutsy,and Little John.
Date: 2012-03-08
From: Brown Fork Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left early. It was a cool and cloudy day. Down to Cable Gap for a break, then up and over to Black Gum Gap. I could see Fontana Dam about 2 hours before I got there. I got to the marina, and called and arranged a pick up at the visitors center for The Hike Inn. Got to the Hike Inn late afternoon. Hot shower, then ride into Robbinsville for food.
Date: 2012-03-10
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Got a shuttle back to the dam visitor center. Great sunny day with a steady climb. Climbed up to Shuckstack. Great views. A wonderful start for my first day in The Smokies. Passed a full shelter at Mollies Ridge. Saw Biscuit talking to a ridgerunner, and she was headed to Russel Field, so I continued on while I had a little momentum. I was feeling the long days climb.
Date: 2012-03-12
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather took a turn today. I hiked in rain and fog. I climbed the tower on Clingmans Dome, even though it was foggy. The wind was amazing on the top. The terrain past Clingmans was a rough steep descent. I arrived at the shelter wet and tired, only to find a full shelter. I set up my tent in the rain and then fixed dinner. I slept great in my tent as the rain danced on the outside.
Date: 2012-03-13
From: Icewater Spring

To: Tri Corner Nob
Miles today: 12.6

Woke to rain. I was slowly getting dressed, when I noticed my left foot was swollen. I figured the downs were rougher on my body than the ups. I had a nice hot cup of coffee with ghee, and then took down the tent in the rain. The first few hours were spent hiking in the rain, and then it began to clear. My left foot began to hurt as the day progressed. I was soon in serious pain, but with another 4 miles to go. Gutsy and Patches passed me as I hobbled down the trail. I never thought I would be so happy to see a shelter. I made dinner, then passed out, hoping my foot would be better tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-14
From: Tri Corner Nob

To: Cosby Nob
Miles today: 7.7

I got a slow start, but decided to have a short day due to my foot. I hiked the first two hours in pain, and then the pain began to subside. It seemed strange to have such severe pain simply ease without reason, but I was not arguing. I kept to my schedule, and had a short day. I was determined to give the foot a chance to heal.
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Cosby Nob

To: Pigeon River
Miles today: 10.0

Got an early start and hiked as the sun was rising. This was my earliest start, and I think I like being out on the trail as the sun comes up. The light seems very magical.My stride seemed more natural today, and my pace was up. There was just a ghost of pain in my left heel. Stopped at the tower on Mt.Camerer. I fixed a nice cup of chocolate coffee in the tower, and watched a few storm clouds roll by. I was rewarded with a double rainbow. Had a good hike down to Davenport Gap. The last shelter with the fence and gate on the front of the shelter. Stopped for water, then moved on down to cross the Pigeon River. I talked with a few interested tourist about my hike, and then found a spot to relax and have a snack. I was awakened from my nap by my wife. She had come to meet me and spend a couple of days off the trail. I now seemed to need them more than anticipated.
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Pigeon River

To: Asheville
Miles today: 0.0

Had a day off. I went to a walk in sports clinic and had the foot looked at. It turns out I had post tibial tendinitis. The doctor recommended stronger insoles, and compression socks to help with the healing. The day off turned into a day of running around and shopping. I tried on 10 different pairs of boots at 3 different stores before I found the right fit. I had started my hike in 11 1/2s and now I am wearing size 13.I did some laundry and general gear sorting.
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Asheville

To: Asheville
Miles today: 0.0

My third zero day. I took an extra day for the foot, but I am itching to be back on the trail. I will start back tomorrow. I talked with the folks at Standing Bear Hostel, and arranged to do some slackpacking my first day back. This will allow me to ease back onto the trail, and make sure the foot is good, without falling to far behind on my mileage.
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Lemon Gap
Miles today: 19.45

Well, it was great to get back on the trail. My wife dropped me back off at Standing Bear Farm, and headed home. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful wife. She has helped make the dietary requirements work, and I wouldn't be on the trail if it were not for her.She also gets my food boxes to my next location. I hike from food to food The folks at Standing Bear are great. I did a slackpack from Lemon Gap, back to the farm. Hawkeye80255 was surprised to see me come walking in at sunset. Met back up with Pilgrim and Rocket Man. They will be helping out at the farm for a while. It is spring on the trail, with everything starting to bloom at lower elevations. I saw my first Indian Paintbrush. Another warm day forcast, and then cooling to the 70,s. I am headed north to Hot Springs.
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Lemon Gap

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

I got an early start from Lemon Gap. It was another day of unusually warm weather. I rolled into Hot Springs around 4:00. I went to the outfitters to pick up a package, but it was not there. The UPS man delivered Monday, and then had picked it back up by accident earlier in the day. It looks like a nite in Hot Springs. I walked down to Elmer's. An 1875 Italianate Victorian, which happens to be a hostel. Met up with Always Fine, Spider,and Titanium and her dig Rusty. Great night's sleep.
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a relaxing morning in town loading up on carbs and waiting for the UPS man to bring my package back. Headed out of town, and made it to Spring Mtn. shelter. Met Ace,Ninja,Greazer,Booza,Q Tip and Skillet.
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Spring Mountain 

To: Jery Cabin
Miles today: 15.3

Got an early start, as the hiking is very nice in the cool of the morning. I skipped the trail magic at Allen Gap and continued on. Stopped at Little Laurel Shelter for water and a snack. Had a tough but rewarding climb over Big Firescald Knob. It was an exposed ridge line with amazing views. I tented at Jerry Cabin with 4 from the previous day. It started to rain as I climbed into the tent. Later that night we heard cyotes that sounded less than 100 yards away. Passed the 300 mile mark today.
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Jery Cabin

To: Hogback Ridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Cool damp day of hiking. Cloudy views from Big Butt Mtn. Crossed Devil Fork Gap and headed to Boone Cove before the long climb up and past Lick Rock. Tented at the Hogback Ridge Shelter with Ace,Ninja,Booza,Greazer, Always Fine,and Titanium.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Hogback Ridge

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Another wet start. Cool and foggy. Met a coupla a bout a mile south of Sam's Gap. They had a pack full of Bojangles sausage and biscuits, and cold drinks. I got down to Sam's Gap to find a table set up and 3 people serving trail magic. Hot dogs, chips,sodas,oreos,and grab bags to take with you. Titanium had to get off the trail due to a bad knee. Ace was her hero, as he carried his pack as well as hers all the way down the mountain..Passed a group of scouts headed towards Big Bald. Had beautiful clear weather by the time I reached Big Bald. Amazing view in all directions. Pushed on and tented in Spivey Gap
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Spivey Gap

To: Uncle Johnnys
Miles today: 10.7

Broke camp in the rain. I used a trick I picked up from Weaverbird on the first part of my hike. She was looking at my tent, and figured I could take it down from the inside out, which I could. I could collapse the tent under the rain fly, and put it away dry.. Thanks Weaverbird Had a nice hike down to the Nolichuky River. The rest of the gang showed up a cpouple of hours later. They ordered pizza and then headed out. I am going to pull a zero.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Uncle Johnnys

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Hit the trail early, and had a nice climb out of the Nolichucky Basin. Cool morning with sounds of cascading streams in the rhododendrums. Had a nice relaxing break in the sun on Beauty Spot clearing. Continued over Unaka Mountain and thru the spruce forest. Hiked past Cherry Gap Shelter. I collected water from a stream crossing and camped just above Iron Mountain Gap. Great sunset and fire, then fell asleep to the sound of the wind racing thru the trees.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Stan Murray
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke early and ate breakfast as the sun rose. Beautiful day for hiking. Nice views from Little Rock Knob. Crossed over Hughes Gap and began the climb up Roan High Bluff. Right foot began to hurt 1/3 of the way up. Slow travel up and over. Stopped for a break at Roan High Knob shelter, the highest shelter on thye trail. Continued down the trail. Spider passed me, and we ended up tenting at Stan Murray Shelter.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Stan Murray

To: Mountain Harbour
Miles today: 10.5

Got off to a slow smooth start. Windy climb up Little Hump and then an even windier climb over Big Hump. I got blown over by strong gusts. My foot was hurting again going down the back side, so I decided to go a shorter distance. I got off the trail at the next road crossing, and limped down to Mountain Harbour. Good to get off the foot.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Kincora

To: Vandeventer
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Slept late due to rain and made breakfast with Always Fine. Got a late start. Foggy start. I stopped at Laurel Falls, which was really spectacular from all the rains. Had great views later in the day of Watauga Lake and the towns in the valley. Stayed at Vandeventer shelter with Standing Bear. Great views from the shelter, but the water source was a real pain. It was .3 miles down a ravine. Had a nice hot pemmican and buckwheat ramen dinner.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Abingdon Gap

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

A short hike into Damascus. I crossed the TN/VA line. I picked up my box at Mt Rogers outfitters, and got a room at the hostel across the street.I headed into town for some fresh fruit and vegetables. I went back to the outfitters for a few things. I decided to switch from my long pants to a kilt, and also another fuel cannister.
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Damascus

To: The Scales
Miles today: 20.6

I had breakfast with Standing Bear, Spider, and Always Fine. I got a ride on the 9:30 shuttle with Blue Blaze Bike,and started where we slacked from the previous day. Sunny and windy. I had great views from Buzzard Rock and from White Top. Lots of people out for the weekend. I made camp at The Scales, an old corral.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: The Scales

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: clear sky

It was 26 degrees in the tent when I woke. The rising sun soon took the chill off. There was a herd of wild horses grazing around my tent. Had a beautiful clear sky, and a great day for hiking. I stopped late the fix a broken lace and to have some dinner. It was a nice night, so I did a little night hiking into Partnership shelter. The moonrise was late, so the stars were amazing.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Atkins

To: Knot Maul
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

I got a ride back to the trail, and decided to stop at The Barn for breakfast before hitting the trail. I had steak and eggs with a side of bacon. The trail was a nice mix of rolling fields leading to wooded hills. I stayed at Knot Maul Shelter with SOBO hiker Sweet Tea and her dog Heavy. She would be finishing her hike in Damascus, as she had flip flopped.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Knot Maul

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a cold windy day on the trail. It never got above 40, and the winds were strong and persistent. I stopped in at Chestnut Knob shelter to make a hot lunch. It is a fully enclosed shelter, which was a welcome break from the wind. I continued on after lunch, and had snow flurries on top of Garden Mountain. There was trail magic at VA 623. I got some water and 4 boiled eggs. I had two with dinner, and saved the other two for breakfast. I shared the shelter with Grinder. He is doing section hikes using a van and motorcycle to stage different sections. Slept great after a long cold day.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Ridgeline past Helvey's Mill
Miles today: 20.0

I have been having problems with shin splints on my right foot, but things seemed better today. The weather was a little calmer and warmer. I passed Helvey's Mill shelter, and continued on down the trail. I found a great tent site just off the the ridge a couple hours north. I set up camp,built a fire, and made dinner. I enjoyed the warm coals,then turned in.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Ridgeline past Helvey's Mill

To: Dismal Creek
Miles today: 16.0

Well I guess my Friday the 13th started early as I was sick all night. I guess I just managed to catch a 24 hour stomach bug. Yet another new trail experience. I got off to a slow start, but felt pretty good once I got hiking. I was a little tired and dragging, but it was a beautiful day with great views and terrain. I could have had a high mileage day if I had felt better. I managed to get my miles in, then got a ride into town. I figured a hot shower and a bed would have restorative powers. I have a tendency to push it, so I wanted to take it a little easy and hopefully let my body recover. I don't want to do anything that might cause me to have to get off the trail from injury. I figured a slack pack the next day would help as well.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Dismal Creek

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Sometimes a hot shower and a full night's sleep is just the ticket. I woke up feeling great. The shin splints are better, but still there. Decided to do a slack pack, and then take care of my chores. It feels great to be able to leave the pack behind sometimes, and just hike. I can cover a full day's worth of miles in about half the time when I am no carrying a 35 pound pack. I got back to town and had time to attend to laundry and resupply. All of my trail food arrives in my mail drops, but I love picking up fresh fruit and vegetables when in town. I wanted to get everything squared away, as I am meeting my wife for a few days off. It will be great to see her, and I am hoping the shin splints will go away with a few days off. I want to be in good shape to take advantage of the "easier" terrain ahead of me.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Kelly Knob

To: Brush mountain
Miles today: 19.6

Nice sunny day early on, then cloudy as it went on. Nice hike of mixed terrain. Went thru some rolling pastures and came upon Keifer oak. The second largest on the trail. 18 feet around. I climbed up Brush Mountain past the Audie Murphy monument and found a nice spot for a tent. I was joined by Standing Bear as I was having dinner. The rain started as we were getting setteled in.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Peaks of Otter

To: VA 614
Miles today: 8.9

Started out as a cool foggy day with an occasional shower. I met up with Standing Bear and Spider at Cove Mtn. Shelter. I fixed a nice hot lunch of pemmican,noodles and ghee. Made coffee afterwards to try and wait out the rain, but it only rained harder. The three of us decided to hike to 614, and get a cabin. Wanted a longer day, but I did laundry and taped up my sore ankle. The weather is supposed to be nice Friday, so we should be ready to take advantage of it. The weekend weather could get wet.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: VA 614

To: Marble Spring
Miles today: 20.9

Got a ride back to the trail at 9:30. Stopped at Bryant Ridge Shelter for a break. A very nice 3 level shelter. Hiked up to Cornelius Creek Shelter for lunch. Stopped by Thunder Hill shelter for a late afternoon hike. Met a nice hiker named Hap. Hiked on to Marble Spring. Came in after dark and set up camp and had a late dinner.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Marble Spring

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: moderate rain

It was a cold morning at Marble Spring. Headed out and made it to Matts Creek just before thunderstorms. Spider and Standing Bear arrived shortly after as the rain started. Decided to have a hot lunch early. I headed out as the rain calmed down. Hiked across the James River and then up over Bluff Mountain. Stopped at Punchbowl shelter. Yappy and Bat arrived a little later.
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke at 1am to thunderstorms,glad I was in a shelter. Woke later to a chilly foggy morning. Yappy was already gone,and Bat was packing up. I headed out and stopped at Brown Mountain Creek shelter for a hot lunch. Made oatmeal with lots of ghee and blueberries. It cleared a bit and I had great views from Cold Mtn. Stopped a bit early and made camp at Hog Camp Gap. I crossed a sunny patch coming out of the woods,and the young crickets sounded like soft rain on the dry leaves. Had a nice tent site in a grassy field.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Spy Rock Road
Miles today: 10.0

Woke to another chilly foggy morning. Had a nice short 10 mile hike to Spy Rock road. I walked into town and to Dutch Haus for a mail drop. Had a great dinner of home made spaghetti and meat balls over rice pasta. Caught up with Standing Bear who is taking a break due to shin splints. Will do a 20 mile slack tomorrow with Yappy, Bat, and Willy Boy
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Spy Rock Road

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 20.3

Slept well and had a great breakfast. I can not say enough good things about Dutch Haus. Lois went out of her way to accommodate my gluten free diet. They shuttled us back to the trail and we hiked north over the Priest and Three Ridges. They picked us up and took us back in the late afternoon. Shower,laundry,and another great GF dinner.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Reeds Gap

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great night,and then wonderful GF breakfast at Dutch Haus. They took Yappy,Bat,Willy Boy,and me back to Reeds Gap and we headed north. It was a warm sunny day with nice views from the overlooks. The Waynesboro visitor center has a list of trail Angela providing free rides into town. A very nice service. Caught a ride in with Badger from Jim Wilson.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

I got a shuttle from DuBose Egleston, one of the local trail angels. He took me up Skyline Drive, and I slacked back to town. It was a hot day, but I made it back a little past 7:00. I kept watching thunderstorms to the west, but I made it back to town before rain.
Date: 2012-05-05
To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

My friend Dennis dropped me off at the trail after a great breakfast at Weasies. Saw Spider as we were headed to where I had stopped previously. It started to rain as the hike started, and rained all afternoon. The rain let up as I arrived at Pinefield Hut. I had bacon pemmican with pasta and then made oatmeal with ghee and brown sugar. It started to rain again as I was finishing my oatmeal, and I was glad to be warm and dry.
Date: 2012-05-06
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Country View Motel
Miles today: 11.6

Well, I fell asleep to the sound of rain, and then woke to the same sound. I had a leisure start and got on the trail around 8:30. It was a wet foggy day. I met up with Easy Strider, and then had a hot snack at Hightop Hut. It was an easy day of 11.6 miles, although I was glad to get out of the cold damp weather. I got off at US 33, and got a ride to Country View so I could get my food box and reorganize.
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Country View Motel

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

Another wet foggy day. I had planned to do 20+ miles, but the day just seemed to slip away. I got dropped off at the trail around 9:40, and got off to a slow start. I was passed by Whistler and Spice along the trail. I saw them again at Wayside. Whistler was pushing on, and Spice was going to get a tent site at Big Meadow. I wanted to push on, but my ankle had been hurting for a while, so I decided to tent there as well. I set up my tent, and then headed over to the laundry area. I was planning on cooking dinner while I dried out a few things, as everything seemed damp and cold. I discovered Spider was there as well, and it lifted my spirits. Tomorrow was another day.
Date: 2012-05-08
From: Big Meadows

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Another mixed bag of weather. It was cool and very windy in the morning, with rain around noon. I stopped at Pinnacles Picnic Area for a hot lunch, then pushed on to Pass Mountain. I found Spice at the shelter, and then Spider rolled in a bit later. It was great to have their company, and a dry place for the night.
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tm Floyd Shelter
Miles today: 23.7

Woke to a cool morning with light sprinkles. We stopped at Elkwallow for lunch. I had been planning on a bunless burger, but discovered the burgers had wheat flour in them . We pushed on towards the shelter, and so did the rain. The skies opened up about 3 miles from the shelter. It was a cold heavy rain. We arrived to find a few short hikers taking up the entire shelter. Spider and I found a passable site and set our tents up in the rain. I climbed in my tent, got into my sleeping bag, had a quick cold dinner, and went to sleep.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: Tm Floyd Shelter

To: Dicks Dome
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: scattered clouds

A cold windy morning which turned into a pretty day for hiking. Met Sweet Tea along the trail, as her house borders the trail. She had finished her thru earlier this year. I got to Dicks Dome around 4:30, and thought about pushing on, but when Spider showed up, I decided to stay. My knee was swollen and sore, and Spider convinced me to take it easy.