morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-03
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

Day 2 Hawk Mtn Shelter to GoochToday's Miles: 7.7Total Miles: 15.8 It had rained in the night so everything was wet. We packed up quickly and were on the trail by 8:00 A M. We climbed Sasafras Mtn today which made my calves and thighs scream. But we made to the top and really never stopped all day because we knew that more rain was on its way and we wanted a spot in the shelter. We actually got there around 1:00 and got two of last bottom spots. Just a short time later it began to rain much harder and we were very glad we were under a roof. We met a lot of new people and spent the afternoon having trail discussions. Two of the hikers were Bismarck and Hopper who have sectioned and Thrued before knew people I know: Circuit Rider & Sherlock, Blissful, and Hudson and Big Lu.Susu a ridge runner came in and went over all the leave no trace principles and told us we could not go to Woods Hole Shelter without a bear canister. He explained we would be fined so we changed plans to hike to a camp site 2 miles short of the shelter. But we are supposed get thunderstorms at 5:00 PM so we again will need to get there early to set up. It was kinda a long day but we went all went to bed early which then made it a long night At the shelter tonight were Prof (formally Kate), Bismarck, Hopper, Rocky and his dad Yoda, Werewolf, J R, Nathan, and Swiffer and I. Melinda came in late and had to set up a tent in the rain. Almost every one here is going to the Hiker Hostel tomorrow. But Prof, Swiffer and I are going on to camp. Climbing Sasafras Through fog and muddy terrain To dry out at Gooch
Date: 2015-03-04
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Lance Creek Campground
Miles today: 8.5

Gooch Mtn Shelter to Lance Creek Today's Miles: 8.5Total Miles: 24.3I woke up at 6:00 AM this morning in a packed shelter. I was the first one to start to get packed up. We walked about 1.5 miles and came out of the woods to our first trail magic. Fresh Ground had a tent set up and was cooking banana pancakes. He had coffee and hot chocolate. It was wonderful and we sat and ate and talked. A small oasis in the woods. I found out that Werewolf has a Trail Journal and we had written to each other. Most of hikers left us at Woody Gap and we hiked on over Preaching Rock and Big Cedar Mtn. Even though the climbs were hard with tired legs it was another great day to be on the AT. The trail was less muddy and we even got a slight view or two. We arrived at Lance Creek camp site around 2:00 PM and Prof was already set up down the road. We had beat the storm. We se up, ate early and just visited until we heard the thunder around 6:30 so just climbed in our tents as the rain began. Tomorrow is Neels Gap, Mountain Crossings and a shower and clean clothes. I'm not sure I have ever been this muddy. My pants and boots are covered and we have been living in constant dampness!Fresh Ground's hot breakfast,Coffee, pancakes, and syrup,Fuels are feet today!
Date: 2015-03-05
From: Lance Creek Campground

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4

Day 4To: Neels GapFrom: Lance Creek Campground Today's Miles 7.4Total 31.7It rained in waves last night about 8 times but we all stayed fairly dry. It was not raining and pretty warm when we got packed up and were out by 8:15. We had a nice walk this morning. stayed with us for a few miles and then took off at her own pace. She is a strong hiker. Not to much up or down today until Blood. We were just moseying along and the temperature plummeted. We had to quickly put on more layers. The weather went downhill from there. As we started up Blood Mtn, the wind really picked up and it started to rain and sleet. We made it to the top but we had not had a break so we went into the shelter. This shelter is made of stone with open windows so it was very cold and wet inside but we managed to find an out of the wind spot, put our pads out and had a snack. Then we started the decent. At the top it is all rock and today they were covered in ice. We were very careful and made it down safely. We walked into Neels Gap in what felt like a wind storm. We were early and lucky enough to get two bunks, as a short time after they were turning people away. I got a bottom one and Swiffer a top. We were so happy to be able to take a shower, do laundry, and dry out our tents. Swiffer and I devoured a pizza around 2:00 PM, but didn't think about dinner but at 6:30 a church group came in a fed all 14 of us an Italian dinner with a great salad. We went to bed soon after warm and dry for the first time since we started this adventure. Temperatures dropping,The wind howling through the trees,We walk over Blood.
Date: 2015-03-06
From: Neels Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 5To: Poplar Stamp GapFrom: Neels GapToday's Miles: 12.9Total Miles: 44.6Got up at 6:00 AM and went out to the common room to pack up. Werewolf came out and made me a cup of hot chocolate and before we knew it the room was full of hikers packing up. It was dark and so we couldn't see outside. When it finally got light and we could see outside,it was absolutely amazing. The world had turned white. Everything was covered in this white frost. I had never seen anything like it before. Swiffer and I actually were on the trail by 7:00 AM. We weren't moving very quickly as we kept stopping to take pictures. It looked like a winter wonderland out of a movie. But we had miles to go before we slept so made a no more pics pack. Though it didn't last long. Mostly everyone from the hostel caught and passed us but we kept leap froging with Bismarck and Hopper. We planned on going to a campsite with them and Werewolf. As we were dropping down into Tesnatee Gap, a woman was hiking up the trail and it was Winkle. She had followed and wrote to me when I hiked in 07 and it was so good to finally meet her. She hiked to Hog Pen Gap with us and it made the hard climb up Wildcat Mtn seem easy. I hope to keep in touch with her. We got to Low Gap Shelter and walked another 1.3 miles to Poplar Stamp Gap Campsite and then found an out of the way site where we could all fit. We built a wonderful fire, our first, and had a good but chilly evening. Hiking into a Winter wonderland of frostThe frozen world stopped.
Date: 2015-03-07
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 6To Unicoi GapFrom: Poplar Stamp GapToday's Miles: 8.3Total Miles: 52.9It was absolutely freezing this morning. Anything with water on it was frozen. We all got up and packed up quickly. It was better to be walking. But the sun was out and that was wonderful. I shed clothes as the day went on. We crossed paths with Rocky at the top of a hill and Bismarck, Hopper, and Werewolf passed us. I was so tired today and after a few hours of hiking I started to get a sharp pain in my arch. It kept getting worse as the day went on. We walked down into Unicoi Gap and the group that gave us dinner was serving hamburgers. All our friends were there eating so we joined them. We had four more miles to go but we decided to call Top of Georgia and get shuttled and stay there for the night. And then Rocky decided to go with us. We took showers and got our clothes washed the because we had Derry's truck the three of us went out to dinner. It was a nice relaxing night and my foot felt much better. The feet are veryImportant to your hiking.Take good care of them!
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 7To: Tray Mtn ShelterFrom: Unicoi GapToday's Miles: 5.2Total Miles: 58.9What a glorious day it was today. I had so much fun. Derry and I had breakfast at Top of Georgia hostel at 7 AM. Then Derry drove me to Unicoi Gap and I started up the hill. The sun was shining but it was still cool but I started in short sleeves for the first time. I was all alone on the trail and the stillness surrounded me and I enjoyed every minute of today. When we came down into Indian Grave Gap, Slow Rider was cooking hamburgers, hot dogs and giving out water and soda, so there was lunch. I had a bottle of water and a hotdog and then down the trail came a bunch of young man who were very happy to see the trail magic. I was only going about 5.2 miles today so I went extremely slow,trying to take care of my foot. Every hour I stopped and found a lot or rock and stretched my calf and my foot and so far had only one little twinge so everything looks good to keep going on. I really wanted to go further than Tray Mtn Shelter but knew that was not a wise decision and so I stopped for the day.Just before I started to go up Tray Mountain there was a Boy Scout group there and they had been given out trail magic all day yesterday but today they were only giving out apples, so I stopped and talked to them and ate an apple and then went I'm on my way. I sat on the top of Tray Mountain for 40 minutes or so just staring off into the distance and absorbing the sun as it felt wonderful on my face. It was a glorious day to be on the AT. After a while Bismarck and Hopper came around the corner and we visited for awhile. When I got to the shelter it was empty! I set out my stuff and hikers started to arrive. Reap-a-Cheap came in and set up then Long Stride and Gray Wolf from Germany. And then camping are Little Goat & Yellow Beard, Tortoise & Hare, both young couples. It was a good night. Walking along now,The sun beaming down on me,Fills my heart with joy!
Date: 2015-03-09
From: Tray Mtn Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Day 8To: Dicks CreekFrom: Tray Mtn ShelterToday's Miles: 11.0Total Miles: 69.6Woke up about six got out of my bag about 6:15 AM. Long Stride and Graywolf were also up and the three of us got ready. It was slightly raining as I guess we were in some sort of heavy cloud so I started out in raingear and quickly got hot so had to take a layer off but then got cold so I had to change again and then got hot so had to change again! There were three changes within like the first two hours.The day was pretty good in the morning with lots of just gentle ups and downs and some stretches of almost flat . Ripa cheap passed me as well as Long Stride and Graywolf and I was alone for a little bit. And then Tortoise and Hare and the two girls, then Yellow Beard and Little Goat came up and we had a little five minutes break together. I caught them later and they had talk to them about the top of Georgia Hostel and so they were trying to call but her phone had died so I said if you could wait for me at the top of Kelly's knob then you could use my phone. So we all went to Kelly's, not together as it's quite a little hike. We finally got to the top and they called Top of Georgia and got a couple of bunks, so that'll be nice to have them there. The rest of that group is going into Hiawassee to the budget in for the night. I got to Dicks Creek Gap around 3:00 PM and walked the .5 miles down the road to the hostel. I was warmly greeted by Buttercup, Maw, and Ms. America. It felt like coming home. And Bob (Sir Packs-A-Lot was there. He is the owner and is doing a great job running this Hostel. I started my chores which always takes forever. Shower, clothes, and re-packing. In the middle of this Werewolf walked in. I thought he was long gone. And the Love Birds now Snickers and Taco arrived. We all got pizza and sat around talking. I also printed out my Smokeys pass. Overall it was another great day on the AT!Top of Georgia isOne of the best hostels On the trail today!
Date: 2015-03-10
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 9To: Muskrat Creek ShelterFrom: Dicks Creek GapToday's Miles: 11.8Total Miles: 81.4 We got up at Top of Georgia today to another wonderful breakfast and were in the van and on the trail by 8:15 AM. The trail started up immediately and that trend went on for most of the day. The weather was overcast and drizzling all day.I went over Buzzard Knob and then As Knob and then up to the Georgia/North Carolina border. It was a big moment to pass out of the first state. But then we hit Bly Gap and up Courthouse Bald, an extremely difficult climb. But up and over I went, and on to the shelter. I didn't take any breaks today and I actually got a spot in the shelter. Tribute and Smasher were there and then the Road Island Express came in (3 childhood friends from RI, Frodo, Chef, and Hat). Then Reap-a-Cheap, Gray Wolf, Blue, and Bright Side (all of whom I met at Tray Mtn. So I was the only female. This was the first time in a shelter for the boys so they had a lot of questions. I tried to answer the best I could. The others had to tent in the rain. I want to thank Georgia for the beginning of my trail legs, meeting new hikers, a beautiful winter wonderland, Neels Gap, and Top of the Georgia! I won't miss the wet and cold weather, no views, and full shelters. One and done today,Crossing the border intoNorth Carolina brings joy!
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Day 10To: Carter Gap Shelter From: Muskrat Creek Shelter Today's Miles: 12.5Total Miles: 93.9Another rainy day on the AT. I'll be glad when this weather stops dictating my hike. Right now you put on your pack and then you hike to where you are going to stop for the night. I'm not used to that and it is beginning to take toll on me physically. I generally hike for 2 or 3 hours and then have a sit down break. Maybe some day soon the sun will come out. We went over Standing Indian Mtn today. It's over a mile up,but it goes up gradually so it was not too bad. There were probably some great views at the top, but in the rain and fog there was none today! Coming down on the other side, I met a group of girls hiking up with all their rain gear on but they were not wearing their happy faces. The rest of the day was not too bad hiking wise with gentle ups and downs. At the end of today the rain came down in torrents for a few hours, so by the time I got to the Carter Gap Shelter I was soaked and of course by then everyone had passed me by and so the shelter was full. I set my tent up, got water, ate a cold dinner, and went to bed. Making some new friends Is what the trail is aboutComing and going!
Date: 2015-03-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 11To: Rock Gap Shelter From: Carter Gap Shelter Today's Miles: 12.1Total Miles: 106.0 Got up in the wet this morning but at least it wasn't raining. Did my best to dry my tent off but it was still heavy with water. I really like the way North Carolina has signage at almost all the gaps. Today we had Betty Creek Gap, Mooney Gap, and Glassmine Gap. I left the shelter first but as usual everyone went by me in the first few hours. So I was surprised when I came to the base of Albert Mtn and Reap-a-Cheap was sitting there eating. She said she had pulled a muscle and was only going to the next shelter. I went on up Mtn Albert, which for me is a hand over hand climb and the rocks were wet. I finally made it to the top but waited until I knew she had also made it up before I went on down the trail. She soon passed me again and she stopped at the new Long Branch Shelter. At the top of Mt. Albert is the 100 mile mark so I did a little celebration dance. There is also a tower but you could only see about 20 feet so I didn't think it was worth the climb. And then the most amazing thing happened, the sun came out! I threw my pack down and took an actual break for about 15 minutes. But then finally moved on. I got to the shelter around 3:30 but of course it was full but an amazing thing happened, one of the RI boys who I have named Hat said he would sleep at the back of the shelter and give me his spot. I thanked him profusely and put my stuff out. I also put up a line and hung all my gear out to dry. The boys had built a fire and it turned out to be a nice evening until the rain started again. Here tonight are Hat, Chef, Frodo, Blue, Bright Side, Greywolf, Skunk, and three others who, I can't remember their names. The rain continues so I am happy to be under a roof!Sitting on a logSoaking up the sun for now Enjoying it all!
Date: 2015-03-13
To: Wayah Gap, Wayah Rd
Miles today: 9.7

Day 12To: Wayah GapFrom: Rock Gap Shelter Today's Miles: 9.7Total Miles: 115.7Woke up in the dark and started to pack up out at the picnic table that I think Skunk slept on in the rain. It had rained in waves again all night so being in the shelter was wonderful! The morning started out rainy and the temperature started to drop so I stopped and called the Hiker Lodge that Bismark recommended. I actually got a private room as I would like a night by myself instead of surrounded by 20 year old boys. When I got to Winding Stair Gap, Skunk was crossing the road so I let him go ahead. A little while later Werewolf and Sparkle passed me and then Smasher came along. He walked with me for awhile and then went to Siler Bald Shelter. Also about 5 male hikers were southbounding Including Recon. They were doing a 17 mile day. I passed Siler Bald and was so wet and cold that I was shivering when I got to Wayah Gap. I called the Hiker Lodge and waited about 15 min until Wiggy (he thru hiked in 2010 and they are from England) came to pick me up. He had his car very warm. It was wonderful. This was a great place to be. They have a warming room where they first to take you to take your wet and muddy clothes off and hang up all your gear . Then you take a shower and they give some clothes to wear. It was heaven! Bizmark was there watching basketball. Maggie the wife made a wonderful dinner for the two of us. I worked on journaling some and then went to bed in my own room. It felt so good to be warm and dry!!Rain, rain, go away Come again another day!I'm ready for sun!
Date: 2015-03-14
From: Wayah Gap, Wayah Rd

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 13.5

Day 13To: Tellico GapFrom: Wayah GapToday's Miles: 13.5Total Miles: 129.2Woke up in a dry warm bed and then had a wonderful breakfast cooked my Maggie. She made me a sandwich and then Wiggy dropped Bismark and I off at Wayah Gap for my first slack pack. I didn't think I would start this early but the weather was more of the same and I wanted to come back to a dry place to sleep. Bismark and I started the climb to the Wayah Bald stone tower. He was very patient with me as I pretty slow especially on the ups. We finally got to the top and Smasher was up in the tower. Of course you couldn't see 20 feet in front of you. Then Bingo came up and we took pictures of each other instead of the views. We got to the Wayah Shelter and it was a mess. I heard later that there was 16 people in an eight person shelter. Bismark cleaned up a lot and packed it up. Houdini arrived for lunch. I had heard about him so was glad to meet him. I finished my lunch and started out so as not to make Bismark have to go so slow. I don't think I've ever seen the trail sooooo muddy. I was caked in it from my knees down. But the walking was easier and Bismark didn't catch me until Cold Spring Shelter with Houdini in tow to go to the hostel with us. And when I got to the shelter, it was packed with young boys, some of whom had been there all day. That is what many hikers are doing. They get to a shelter early, get a spot, and stay. I may never get in one again. Greywolf was there and he looked miserable so I asked him if he wanted to go with us to the Hiker Lodge. He jumped up and started to pack up. In a matter of minutes, I was leading the way, as I'm the slowest, down the path to Tellico Gap with three very good hikers behind me. It was another great evening with clean clothes (I'm not sure how Maggie did it), an amazing dinner, and relaxing time before bed. I really recommend this place to any AT thru or section hiker. And I think it was my longest day. Mud, mud everywhere,On your boots and pants and handsSlipping and sliding!
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Tellico Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 8.1

Day 14To: NOCFrom: Tellico GapToday's Miles: 8.1Total Miles: 137.3Got up and had another wonderful breakfast. I ate 3 waffles! Packed up but didn't get to the trail until 9:30 am. That's late for me as I need all the time walking as I can get! But it was a beautiful day and I was determined to enjoy it, so I started up to Wesser Bald. I climbed the observation tower. The grandeur of the panoramic view was incredible. I stood in the morning sunshine and soaked it all in, but had to move on. From there it is almost a 7 mile down hill. At the Jumpoff, there were day hikers so I talked to them for awhile and then had to sit down to get down the rocks. My legs are sometimes just too short for this trail. I finally made it to the bottom and Werewolf was sitting outside the store. I checked in and he walked me up to my room and then made me a cup of tea. Later we found Bismark and Greywolf and we all had dinner together. The hamburgers were wonderful!I had a room to myself, which was great but the young girl next to me talked to her boyfriend on speaker until after 11:00 pm. Tomorrow we climb out of the NOC. Blue sky and sunshine Beautiful mountains to view Soaking it all in!
Date: 2015-03-16
From: NOC

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 7.9

Day 15To: Cheoah BaldFrom: NOCToday's Miles: 7.9Total Miles: 145.2Woke up very early so decided to just get up and pack and start walking up. It was still dark so I was hiking with a headlamp. The stillness of the morning enveloped me and I felt like I was the only one in the world. The sun came up and the day turned warm and the hikers came. I had just passed Grassy Gap when Long Stride came walking past me. I thought he was way ahead of me as I had not seen him since Georgia. Then another mile or so and Graywolf hiked by. And as the day went on the hikers kept coming. Each one says hi and moves on. I really don't have any peers out here but I fine with that and I'm enjoying the serenity of the forest. I had finally reached Swim Bald which was the top of the 7 mile climb out of the NOC and sat down for a few minutes. Bright Side came and she wanted to know how far to the shelter, so I told her a mile. She is part of a large group of hikers that get to a shelter early and stay. Then Bismarck and Werewolf arrived and we decided we would get water at the shelter and move on to Cheoah Bald and camp since it was going to be a beautiful night. We were there early but set up and relaxed in the sun. On one side of the Bald the sun sets and on the other it rises. We couldn't stop taking pictures of the sunset but as soon as it went down we went with it! It was a very good day on the AT today. Hiking up and upOn top of the world today Sleeping on a bald!