morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-11-30
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Newport, TN
Miles today: 3.0

Our plan was to get up early from sleeping at the cabin at the hostel, and head out, but Curtis from the hostel told us that a huge storm with lots of rain and wind was heading east from Knoxville. So we decided to wait to get started. By 8:30 the storm still hadn't arrived and we found it had stalled just west of Knoxville. What to do! There were six other thru-hikers who had arrived the night before, and they were preparing to leave. Since the weather was so balmy, very warm, we also said, "Let's go." We packed up and were eating breakfast in the kitchen, when it started to rain. The clouds gave the day an ominous look, but the warmth kept us going. Such indecision. Finally, we decided we'd slack pack the 2.4 miles from Davenport Gap back to the hostel, then Maria or Curtis would drive us to Newport where we would spend the night. Since we were doing this section north, it was easier since it was mostly downhill. Nice!   Then Maria took us to Newport where stayed at the Motel 6. Still no rain, but warm. Had we made a bad decision? We had already decided that out on the trail, there are no wrong decisions. That may be true for everything. By the late afternoon, the storm had arrived. We had already gorged ourselves at the Sagebrush with baked potatoes, salads, and a brownie supreme. It poured with high winds all night. Maybe it was good not to be up on the mountain. We even sloshed through two parking lots in the dark to have soup and salad once again, this time at Shoney's. Then time for bed and hopefully, an early start on the trail with no rain.
Date: 2010-12-01
From: Newport, TN

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

By 6 am the sky was still pretty gray, but the rain had stopped. It was time to hike. We checked the weather and it was suppose to be clear by noon. Curtis picked us up by 8:00 am and took us to Davenport Gap. There we said good-bye as the snow was falling at the gap. And it continued to snow as we moved up the mountain. It wasn't snowing hard, but it sure made us wonder. What if the forecast was wrong. WE could wake up to more snow for as we climbed the snow went from being a little on the leaves, to a 1/2 inch, then 3 inches or so by the time we reached the ridge crest. But to our delight, the sun began to shine by the time we reached 5 miles or so. There was a patch of blue sky, then a little more and finally, right around noon, just as predicted, we had full sun with lots of deep blue sky. Heavenly! But the cold front had definitely brought cold temperatures, but the sunshine was so warm. Then the beauty of the Smokey's came alive for us. I never imagined it would be so spectacular. With the snow on the trees it made for a very special day. We did the first 8 miles to Cosby Knob Shelter so quickly, that we decided to move on. The next 7.6 miles seemed to be the longest. We hit a lot of rocky sections of trail with water running down along them. When we arrived at Tri-Corner, we were the only ones there, so we pitched our tent right inside behind the tarps, that were hung to keep out the cold. It was a starry sky but also very cold. We kept warm inside our tent.
Date: 2010-12-02
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

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

During the night I heard an animal walking about around the shelter. Who knows what it was. I figure it was a deer, but who knows. We saw some tracks on the trail as we headed out. They looked like a turkey and maybe a bobcat. We traveled right over the crest of the mountain, sometimes with it pretty narrow. We saw 2 older guys and 6 girls who were hiking with a dog. A word about our decision to hike the Smokey's in regards to tenting and sleeping in the shelter. When I reread the notes it said that thru-hikers were allowed to tent if the shelter was full, as long as it was on an already flattened area. So, we said to ourselves, let's go, and we are tenting. Seeing that dog surprised us, for dogs are not allowed. When we got to the shelter, we met Kevin, who had hiked in for an overnight from Newfound Gap. It was fun talking with him.
Date: 2010-12-04
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: snow

We woke to a cloudy sky but yet beautiful. We knew there was a chance of rain today, but we hoped the sun would soon be out. We saw awesome views from Silers Bald, but then as we began our descent, I felt a few drops of sleet and snain, not snow, but not rain either. WE quickened our pace and as we could see it doing something across the mountains, we knew we had 6 more miles to the next shelter. By the time we got there it was trying to rain, but it was more spitting drops. I will add more later, it's late and we are headed out tomorrow. WE made it with lots of rain and fog by nightfall.
Date: 2010-12-05
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I will write more later, We hiked through snow the entire last day of the Smokey's. In several gaps, there were even snow drifts up to 10 inches! What a surprise. But by the time we got to Fontana Lake, it was snowing, but the ground was bare. We have hiked so much in NOrth Carolina as part of our prep for our journey, we are headed to Deep Gap to continue. We took two zero days and are heading out on Dec. 8.
Date: 2010-12-08
From: Franklin, NC

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

When we got back to Franklin from taking our car to GA, it was 2:30. We still needed to have our friend, Tom drive us to Deep Gap. It took longer to drive to the gap then we figured. It was about 3:45 when we said goodbye, for this last leg of our journey. Fortunately, we were able to hustle up to the top of the ridge from Deep Gap. Then it seemed to go pretty fast until we arrived at Muskrat Creek Shelter. When we got out of the truck it seemed to not feel so cold, but by the time we set up our tent, it was pretty darn cold. We decided to set up in the shelter. This seemed like a mistake because we both felt cold coming from under the shelter right through our tent and sleeping bags. We feel it's better setting up on the ground.
Date: 2010-12-09
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

We headed down to the Georgia border and almost missed it. It was a faded sign attached to a tree just past Bly Gap. When we stopped by a sunny spot for tuna sandwiches, we discussed the possibilities for getting off the trail at the various gaps by roads. Lonnie's knees were bothering him, so this news seemed to energize us both and his knees actually stopped hurting. We knew Georgia was a lot of steep ups and downs, and it is! We finally arrived and set up our tent in clear but cold skies near the shelter. It was actually a pretty spot even though it was .3 of a mile from the trail.
Date: 2010-12-10
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

What a tiring day! We climbed four major mountains, all above 4,000'. I've decided that when we were in the Smokey's the notes always said that no grade was more than 15', but here I believe that no grade is less than 15'! But we did discover that Georgia is beautiful. We climbed to Kelly's Knob, then up to Tray Mountain. It was neat even though it was cold. The views were awesome on this rocky peak. Then we went over Rocky Mountain and finally our last climb was Blue Mountain and a mile past the crest was the shelter. Thank goodness. Unfortunately, the spring at the shelter was just a trickle, but with Lonnie's fast thinking, he created a little dam and soon had our bucket filled. It was getting cold as we climbed inside our down sleeping bags, had our dinner, and went to bed.
Date: 2010-06-14
To: Roanoke
Miles today: 0.0

Left Flint MI on the 14 of June by Greyhound. 3 hour layover in Detroit. We have never done the bus thing before to head to the trail, we usually drive our truck and camper and section between points. We had quite an adventure on the way with an unususl cast of characters at every stop. We probably won't do the bus again and may rent a one way car.
Date: 2010-06-15
To: Howard Johnsons, Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Arrived in Roanoke and got a shuttle from the bus station to the Howard Johnsons from Outdoor Trail Outfitters. We had a real adventure on the bus with a vary diverse cast of characters. Another adventure is now in the works.Met quite a few other hikers at the hotel. Ups, Peaches, Bam Bam, Sideways Yum Yum and Haro, Wounded Knee. Probably many others I cannot remember. We went to the BBQ for dinner and split a rack of ribs as a pre hike meal.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Middle Creek Campground

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a good day today. We are getting stronger and able to enjoy it more. We met another pair of hikers our age at the Bryant Ridge shelter, Peg and Jim. They are doing a thru hike now but have done sectios for 10 years before this. We ate lunch at Cornelieus creek shelter. Hiked past the radio towers and were soon at the Guilotine, which is large rock wedged between two other rock faces that the trail goes under, pretty neat. When we arrived at the shelter there was a trail angel, John. His son had previously done that AT and is working on the PCT now. John cooked us eggs, sausage, and pancakes and orange juice, it was Very good. This is the first time in 10 years we have actually been able to participate in trail magic. We set our hammocks uphill from the shelter. Later Yum Yum and Haro came in, the were a bit sad at missing the trail magic. During the night something was in camp around the shelter as we heard pots banging and shouting. We left in the morning before Yum Yum got up so we do not know what it was.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Thunder hill Shelter

To: James River
Miles today: 14.4

Decided to get up early and head to the James River Bridge. Peg had called for a shuttle and we decided to share with them and head into Buena Vista to a hotel. We went to the Budget Inn and checked in. It is in a convenient location near the available resturaunts, other are nicer, but farther away. Anne did laundry for everyone. We had dinner at Captain Tims, seafood and beer. Recommended.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: james River Bridge

To: Punchbowl Mountain, Blue Ridge Parkway
Miles today: 10.9

Got a shuttle back to James river and started to Punchbowl. Big climb to start, 3K feet. After the ups came the downs, Anne's left knee started hurting and Peg loaned her a knee brace to try. It seemed to help. We will have to try to get one. Arrived at the pickup point at 1:30 and got a lift back to the Budget Inn. Stopped at CVS and Food Lion for supplies on the way back. Dinner at Hardies and then went to Subway to pick up lunch for tomorrow
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Punchbowl Mountain, Blue Ridge Parkway

To: US 60, Buena Vista
Miles today: 10.9

Slack pack again, started at 8:30. More downhills. There is a very interesting free slave settlement along along Brown's Creek. Some stone fences and ruins of buildings. Ended at 2:30. Peg and Jim are splitting a room with us tonight so we can all save some $. I had told the front desk the AC was leaking water in the room so they were supposed to fix it while we were gone. When we got back the AC did not work at all. The manager had us move to another section, at an additional cost, but the AC worked and the room was much nicer. Dinner was Hardees. We then went to Dominoes for lunch for tomorrow.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: US 60, Buena Vista

To: Spy Rock rd
Miles today: 16.3

Left early, doing 16 miles today to get to the Dutch Haus BB. we have heard good things agout this place. Trail was a very nice treadway with more flowers along the way. A very long downhill from Spy rock Road down to Fish Hatchery road where we were met by Earl for a ride on the the Dutch Haus. Arrived at about 6pm. Met Lois and Earl and got showers and our rooms. Dinner was on soon and the things we have heard are true, Food is great. Met some other hikers again we had seen before and got caught up on some trail news.
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Spy Rock rd

To: VA 56 Tye River
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Short day today, finished at 3:30, we were slack packing from the Tye river, with a real long downhill at the end. WE met Regina, a ridge runner for the area on our hike today, she was quite interesting to talk to. She had completed tha AT and the PCT trails and as a summer job did ridgerunning. Feet and knees are tired, but back to the Dutch Haus for a needed break, good food and a soft bed.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: VA 56, Tye River

To: Reeds Gap BRP
Miles today: 10.6

Slack pack again today. Dropped off at Reed's gap and headed South to the Tye river. Best day of the trip yet. The trail covered the Three Ridges area which are a lot of up and down but it was a good treadway, at least for me. A bit cooler and not as humid. Peg had a tumble today but is doing OK. Anne has had a bit of issues with her knees on the downhills but doing well.
Date: 2010-06-25
To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

We were shuttled back to Reeds gap this morning and headed off with full packs heading off for Waynesboro. The trail is rocky and rough and by the time we got to Cedar Cliffs for a break it was obvious to me we would probably stop short fo our goal and stay at Paul Wolfe. It was pretty warm but not as humid. Hung our hammock near the shelter but not in the best location so it was less than an ideal night.
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: few clouds

Left early again this morning, heading into town. Anne and I are usually about 10 minutes behind Jim and Peg. As we got to the road at Rockfish gap a man had walked down the trail and found Jim and said "I've been waiting for you" Jim said he did not think it was him the man was looking for bit soon had been re assured that we were. The fellows name was Walt and he was another trail Angel, or he said he had been accused of being one at times. He took us to the outfitters and in to the post office. In return we wanted to buy him lunch. He called his wife to tell her of the proposal and we said Please invite her also. We all went to Ccccracker barrel where we met Pat. We found the Walt had done the AT the PCT and the CDT, Pat had also hiked a lot but I did not get all of her trail info. During Lunch Pat and Walt had a side conversation and I guess liked us because they invited us to their home for the night. We were taked aback by their kindness. Their home is near the Blue Ridge Parkway not far from town. It is a very nice place that that could easily be in a magazine. There is a nice deck on the side and flower gardens along the side yard. We unloaded our packs, they showed us their showers and laundry and it was just great. We invited them to the Chineese buffet for dinner and they accepted, and of course drove us all there in their van, the PCT Express. Pat had used the van to provide support for Walt as he hiked the PCT. Many others along that trip also benefitted from their support.Today has been a wonderful experience, We have met a wonderful couple that share our interests and were taken in by another wonderful couple who have devoted much of their time to helping other hikers and really enjoy doing it.
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Riprack parking area, SNP

To: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Pat and Walt provided us with a great breakfast. As we weere packing for our ride back to the trail they offered to Slack Pack us today. It was another great gift. They drove us to Riprap parking area. As we got close to Rockfish gap Walt was again walking up the trail to meet us. He took us back to there home where we had a dinner prepared by Pat, baked spagetti, salad, bread and tea, and bananna pudding for dessert.
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Riprack parking area, SNP

To: Pinefield hut
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

With a sad heart we said goodbye to Pat and Walt at the Riprap parking area. We really enjoyed their hospitality and hearing about their travels. We now have more destinations mind for our later travels, the PCT possibly and also hiking in England. We headed off fully laden with food for 4 days. We stopped for breaks here and there and as we started to decend down to pinefield hut Jim nearly stepped on a rattlesnake, probably over 2 ft long, pretty passive and had to be brushed off the trail with hiking poles. We took photos as Peg sprinted past. Hung our hammocks at the shelter. The temp dropped and it was a bit of a chilly night with the breeze.
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Pinefield hut

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Another early start, we hope to make Lewis Mt Campground today. The trail is good with some climbs and decents but nothing really hard. We had a break and cooked dinner at South River Picnic area before heading on the last 5 miles to camp. Arrived at about 7pm, a long day. Set up on a site with Jim and Peg. Got a shower then ate some more. Blue Eyes, another hiker we have been seeing quite often on the trail arrived at dark and sat up also
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We got a later start today because we wanted to geet some supplies from the camp store which opened at 8am. We got Ugly Apple cakes for breakfast and milk. We headed off to Big Meadows, stopping at the wayside for lunch. Arrived at 2pm. Had a big meal then walked the mile uphill to the lodge. We got our room and went for showers first. Anne and Peg did the laundry as Jim ans I walked back to the wayside for supplies. We got what we needed and then attempted to hitch a ride back up the hill. The first car passed us and never looked, the second probably thought we were to oul to be a real threat so picked us up and we thanked them for the lift to the top of the hill. We went for dinner in the dining room and had a good meal. WE sat in the large sitting room overlooking the valley below, talked with others and commented on how the internet was stopping people from interacting together as they were all in their own worlds with their electronics. Back to our comfortable room and to bed.
Date: 2010-07-01
From: Big Meadows

To: Byrds Nest 3 Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

WE all went to breakfast together and ate a good meal again. Met a ranger on the trail and asked about water at our destination. She was unsure so we will plan accordingly. We stopped at Skyland for lunch in the lodge, Blue Eyes was there also. WE had another good meal with blackberry cobbler for dessert. We stopped at the Pinnacle picnic area for a break where I filled all of our water containers, about 6 liters, and then headed the final 2 miles into camp. This is a great shelter, stone and a new platform has been installed to sleep on. A large fireplace is in one end which Blue Eyes built a great fire in. The temp was starting to drop as the sun went down again. We set our hammocks and tarp for cold weather, low and tight.
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Byrds Nest 3 Hut

To: Gravel springs Hut
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

It was a cold night but we did OK. We are up high with good views and many reasons to stop and look around. WE stopped at Thorton's gap and filtered water from the tap as the sign said to treat the water from here.Stopped at Elkwallow wayside for food and a break. We hung around for about 2 hours before heading off again. We got to the hut around 6pm, another long day. The ridgerunner, Midnight, was there due to bear problems in the area. We made sure to hang all of our smellables before bed. WE put our hammocks flat on the deck of the shelter tonight due to the temps. Had another dinner and then to bed.
Date: 2010-07-03
From: Gravel springs Hut

To: Front Royal Va
Miles today: 13.4

Headed out early again, trying to beat the heat. There is quite a rock decent as you leave SNP which took some time to get through. We finally got to the road after quite a long walk along a fence. When we arrived at the road I tried to hitch a ride but no luck. Soon another hiker came out of the woods and offered us a lift to town. Another gift of kindness we were happy to receive. We got to the Quality Inn and checked in. After we talked about it a bit we decided to take a zero tomorrow to rest and catch up on stuff. We went to dinner at the Mill in town and had another good meal, then to ice cream and back to the motel. Rest is in order for the night.
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Front Royal Va

To: Front Royal Va
Miles today: 0.0

After hiking for 18 days straight we need a rest. Today we took a zero and rested, ate, did laundry, ate, shopped for blister repair stuff, and ate again. It is supposed to be in the 90 degree range today and tomorrow so we decided to so a slack pack on the 5th.
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Ashby Gap, US 50

To: Front Royal Va
Miles today: 20.0

WE found a shuttle to Ashby gap and started hiking before 8am south. After the first climb we came into the biggest raspberry patch I have ever seen and they were ripe. Anne was picking with both hands and eating them as fast as she could. They were very good. We did not have enough time to stay so we had to leave a lot for the next hiker.We saw 2 large black snakes on the trail, a couple of rabbits and an abundance of squirrels today. As we hiked south we were met by 3 NOBO hikers that had started today from Manassas Gap. THey said another SOBO couple had left gear there and wondered if we were going south far enough to catch them. WE assured him we were and took on the task of returning the gear. As we approached the highway south of the gap another hiker was heading North. It was the fellow that left the gear at the shelter. He was staying at Denton shelter and had hiked back about 2 miles so far. He was pleased he did not have to go all the way back to get it. We told him we would stop at Denton shelter as we passed to get water and we did. His wife thanked us also for helping to return their gear. As we got to the highway near Front Royal we tried to hitch a ride but had no luck for about 20 minutes. Just as I was about to call to see if we could get a pickup someone stopped and gave us a lift back to the quality inn. WE ordered pizza for dinner.Tomorrow we will head off early again, back to Ashby Gap.
Date: 2010-07-06
From: Ashby Gap

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

WE started out from Ashby Gap after a shuttle ride, uphill as usual. The trail was good, but it was supposed to be over 100 today. Anne hooked her toe in a rock and fell on a slight downgrade. She scraped her leg a bit but seems OK. We tried to hydrate at every chance, but after lunch, at Morgan Mill stream, Anne had a slight headache and needed even more water. I have drank at least 6 liter today and I think Anne did about 5. The roller coaster started right after Rod Hollow Shelter and I counted 9 uphills before we got to the road to Bears Den Hostel. Normally the uphills don't bother me at all but with the high heat it was a bit of work. We arrived at the Hostel about 6pm, 10 hours to do 13 miles. In this heat I guess it was all we could do. The Hostel is a cut stone building owned by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and ran by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. It is a beautiful building ran by a great caretaker. We got our bunks and had showers, did our laundry, boy was the water dark after only 1 day of hiking. We then split a pizza and each had a pint of Ben&Jerry's. All is well.