morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-12
From: Gooch Gap

To: Blood Mountain
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

I got a late start today. I woke up and looked around to see that everyone else was gone, except one other tent. I walked over to Yukons tent and said "I think we overslept". He said "why"? "Because everyone's gone and people that stayed at the last shelter are passing through". So we packed up, had a quick bite to eat, then set off north toward Woody Gap, where the first paved road since leaving the Visitor Center at Amicalola is. The road also marks 20 miles on the trail. We stopped at a parking area by the road to have lunch at a picnic table. It was sunny and warm. It felt great! After lunch we took off with 6.9 miles until Slaughter Creek campsite. So we hiked to the Woods Hole Shelter side trail, but decided to keep going to the campsite. Once we got there we decided to keep on hiking. So we ended up on top of Blood Mountain. We made to the summit and ate dinner as we watched the sunset. It was amazing! The best view so far! So Yukon and I hiked down past the shelter and found a nice little campsite. The weather is clear and fairly warm (45 degrees) for being on the highest point of the AT in Georgia. Tomorrow we will reach Neels Gap. Its only 2.4 miles downhill. Ill be able to resupply my food there and get a shower. I cant wait!!!                                          Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Blood Mountain

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: clear sky

I got up to watch the sunrise this morning. It was great from Blood Mountain. I had a couple pop-tarts and packed up my gear, then started down the mountain toward Neels Gap. When I got down to the road, I saw a neat looking building for a gear shop and hostel. It was all stone and very rustic looking. The shop had all kinds of gear and clothing, food, maps, and books about the trail. I bought myself a shower for $3.75, it was worth every penny! After my shower a group of people from a baptist church came and cooked up hamburgers for us hikers. They were delicious! It's really nice for people to go out of their way just to treat us hikers.          Later in the day I resupplied my food and ate supper. After that we went down to some really cool waterfalls and just hung out for a spell. I got some good shots of us there. There are two more guys I've been hiking with also, Pilot and Dirty Girl Gaiter Boy, brothers from Mechanicsburg PA! Thats close to home! They're great guys!                                    Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Neels Gap

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

So last night we all camped at Neels Gap. We got our stuff together, used the bathroom, and started hiking. As soon as we started the rain did too. At first it was off and on, then it became more steady. We were gonna hike to Low Gap Shelter but decided to stay at Whitley Shelter instead. I'm glad we did! No one was there, so we had the place to ourselves. We all spread out our sleeping bags then made supper. When it got dark we spotted a few mice crawling around the shelter. Shortly after that, we all had our food bags hung properly.          Today was rainy but it was fun! It's suppossed to be like this tomorrow too. But O-well, thats life on the trail!                                       Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

Im glad we stayed in the shelter last night. It stormed like crazy all night long. The thunder shook the whole mountain! Shelters are a blessing when the weather is foul. It keeps you from having to put up your tent in the rain. But shelters have drawbacks too, like snoring hikers on either side of you and mice running around all night. I had a mouse run right over my head, it was weird, but funny.      So when we woke up this morning ( Dirt, Yukon, Pilot, Dirty Girl, and myself) the sun was shining on the wet forrest. It was 1.2 miles from the shelter back to the trail, so we got moving pretty early. We saw a trail maintenance crew and they told us that more storms were coming through. So we hiked quickly to Low Gap Shelter but didn't make before the rain. It POURED!!! So we hunkered down in the shelter, wondering if the party would be canceled. Every year some former AT hikers bring food and drinks up to the shelter for a St. Patricks Day party, it didnt look like it was going to happen. Then Parkay showed up in the pouring rain and told us that the party was being moved to someones house and he was here to gather up any hikers who wanted to come. So we packed up and followed Parkay down an old forrest road to two waiting SUVs ready to take us to the party. It was great! Great people and good food, a great way to spend the evening out of the rain!                                             Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

We all crashed on the floor and had breakfast in the morning before heading back to the trail. Once back on the trail we hiked north toward Tray Mountain. It was a beautiful day and also my biggest day so far. The views were incredible from Tray Mountain. We watched the sun go down, then hiked down to the shelter, in the dark, to camp. I ate a quick dinner then crashed. It was cold, but I slept like a baby.                                    Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Cloud 9 Hostel
Miles today: 11.0

After breakfast (tuna) we hiked on down the mountain with intentions to make it to Dicks Creek Gap today. So with 11 miles ahead of us, we hiked. That's what we do. We wanted to reach the road so we could hitch a ride to Cloud 9 Hostel. They were having a St. Patricks Day feast and we were hungry. We made it there by 4pm and did we ever eat. Lots. It was a great time and we got to camp for free. The best part about this place is: its also a trout farm!!! This hikers going fishing tomorrow! I can't wait.       Everthing is going well. I'm having a blast with my new friends, and my body's not beat up too bad. I might zero here tomorrow, we'll see. I want to fish and maybe soak my sore muscles in the hot tub.                            More Later.....P.S. Thank You to everyone who has signed my guestbook! Your words mean more than you know!         Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Cloud 9 Hostel

To: Plumorchard Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a gloomy day. I woke up in my tent this morning feeling a little ill. I was glad to be at the hostel, and was planning to take the day off here to fish, soak in the hot tub, and just relax, but decided that maybe I shouldn't. So before we left, I updated my journal and added a few pictures. We got back to the trail at about 3pm. We hiked to the first shelter and set up camp at a campsite along the shelter trail. The shelter here at Plumorchard Gap is pretty big, I think it can hold like 16 people.        I continued to feel sick throughout the day and confirmed that I had a cold. Its no fun being sick out here, but ill try to make the best of it. The worst thing about today was not fishing! I know i'll regret it!                Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Plumorchard Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: moderate rain

Rain started during the night and continued into the morning. I layed in my tent, still sick, and waited to see if anyone else was going to get up. Just before noon, with the rain still pouring down, I heard movement. Some of the guys were packing up, despite the rain, and decided to hike. I didn't feel like moving, let alone hiking, so I just waited and Yukon came over and told me that he, Pilot, and Dirty Girl were hiking hiking out because they didn't have enough food to take a day off. Fortunately for me Dirt said he was staying too. So after they left I layed in my tent with hopes of recovery and rest. At about 6pm, the rain quit, Dirt came over and said "Lets pack up, if we go a couple miles we wouldn't technically have taken the day off". It sounded good to me, so we hiked north. That's what we do. It was only a little over 4 miles to North Carolina and a campsite, so that's where we went. So here I am in my second state! 13 more to go! Goodnight!
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Bly Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

I woke up this morning feeling a little better and the sun was up. We packed up and started hiking our first full day in NC. It was cold and windy, but sunny and clear. The trail went uphill, and was steep at first, but then leveled out on the ridge. The mountain was dusted in snow at the higher elevation. Very pretty. So Dirt and I marched. We stopped at Muskrat Creek Shelter for lunch, then hiked up and over Standing Indian Mountain. Its a big mountain! At 5,498 feet the views from the top were breathtaking! The Cherokee legend says that a great winged monster once lived on the mountain, and during the monsters reign, warriors were posted on the mountain as lookouts. As the story goes, a tremendous bolt of lightning shattered the mountain and killed the monster. During the strike, a lone Cherokee sentinel was hit by the bolt and turned to stone, hence the name: Standing Indian. I looked but could not find a stone indian standing anywhere. O-well. After crossing over the mountain, Dirt and I set up camp here at Beech Gap. Its a nice spot here and the weather is pleasant. Well its time to get some shut-eye. Goodnight!                Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Beech Gap

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

We got up early this morning and hiked about 3.5 miles before stopping at Carter Gap Shelter. I ate a snickers bar and made some phone calls home. Then we hiked about 7 or 8 more miles until we came to Albert Mountain. It wasn't a long uphill climb, but it was steep!! Definitely the most difficult thing so far, but it was very rewarding! At the top stands a huge tower, which I climbed, that overlooks a beautiful valley. The view was incredible! I could see endless mountains in all directions. It was truly a sight, and it felt great to be alive! We ate a snack, took some pictures, then hiked a few more easy miles to Rock Gap Shelter. The shelter is full and we're tenting out back. Tomorrow we're going in to Franklin to resupply. I can't wait to eat at a restaurant!!!                Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Dirt and I got up early this morning, just before sunrise. I'm starting to get into a routine now, things are becoming a habit. I'm starting to fall into the groove. Its fun. We wanted to reach Winding Stair Gap to get a hitch into Franklin. We were planning on just getting supplies for the next few days, but ended up staying the night here. We got picked up by Ron Haven, who owns and operates some lodging and shuttle services to hikers. He's a great guy. He brought us into town and we got a room, did laundry, took showers, called home, went grocery shopping, and got dinner. After all the chores were done we could relax at the motel, and that's what we did! It was nice being clean, full, and dry. We watched "Cheers" and some of the "The Goonies" on TV, it was nice. So thanks Ron Haven! for providing us hikers with a place to chill. Tomorrow we'll get back to the trail.                 Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Silars Bald
Miles today: 0.0

We got back to the trail today at about 1:00 pm. From the road, the trail climbed up and up until we came to a bald. A bald is a mountain top with no trees, and is covered only in grasses, like a meadow. The bald mountain before us was named Silars Bald. A small trail came off the AT and climbed to the top. We followed it up to the summit and found ourselves gazing at 360° views of the surronding mountains. We set up camp up here and watched the sun go down. Now its getting really cold and its windy, I'm going to sleep. GoodnightTruckin'
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Silars Bald

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light snow

It got cold last night! The wind was non-stop and the temperature dropped down to 20°. The inside of my tent was frozen and covered in ice crystals this morning. I packed up quickly and hiked back down, out of the wind. Dirt and I hiked to Cold Spring Shelter but all the tent sites were taken, so we hiked on and camped at Tellico Gap. I think it will be cold tonite too. Tomorrow we'll reach the N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center). There's an outfitter, general store, and restaurant there. Its also getting closer to the smokies.                Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Tellico Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Dirt and I woke up at dawn to get to the N.O.C. At a good time. We've been right behind our friends for awhile now. We were hoping to catch up with them today. When we got to town, Dirt picked up a mail drop and then we got a bite to eat. As we were eating our food Dirt spotted Yukon, Pilot, and Dirty Girl in the distance. When they saw our packs outside the restaurant, they all came in. So we had lunch together, then hit the store for a few things, then started back up the trail. We only hiked a couple miles before we found a great campsite. We made a fire, and supper, then called it a night.                Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

We all started hiking at about 10 this morning. The trail was tough, with a seemingly endless uphill grade. We stopped a few miles in at Sassafrass Gap Shelter for lunch, then continued on up to the mountain top. It was a nice view and the weather was warm, but we kept moving. It was a tough day! We stopped at Brown Fork Shelter to find it full. We kept on hiking, into the night, to a campsite at Cody Gap. It's late, i'm tired and tomorrow we're going to Fontana Dam, the doorway to the Smokies!                Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

We all got up at about 8:30 this morning, and started hiking. It was a beautiful day with warm temperatures. We stopped at Cable Gap Shelter for a lunch break, then hiked the last 5 miles to Fontana Dam. When we got to the road, a guy, who hiked the AT last year, named Ox was there to greet us with sodas and snacks. He also gave us all a ride to Fontana Village, the local store. Thanks Ox!!! When we got there, we all had a bite to eat, then changed into our rain gear to do laundry. After relaxing for awhile we caught a ride from Bronco, in his Bronco, down to the showers by the dam. It felt great to be clean! After showers we all found tentsites by the lake. We cooked supper and hit the hay.                Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: light rain

The sky was overcast this morning, but it was pretty warm. We were all planning on resupplying here, or somewhere before we hiked into the Smokies. It will be 6 or 7 more days until the next resupply point, once entering the park, unless you hitch into Gatlinburg. I'm not sure if I want to do that. I'd like to hike straight thru. So we figured on hiking back to the parking area where we left the trail to cover the chunk of trail we missed, and try to hitch into Robbinsville to get groceries and maybe a bite to eat. When we got there, Ox was back doing trail magic for hikers again! He said that he'd take us into town, no problem. It was awesome! So we all piled into his truck, and away to town we went. We got our resupply at Ingles grocery store and stopped at Wendys for some burgers. Ox brought us right back here to the shelter and hung out for awhile. Thanks for everything Ox! You da man!!!                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today, Dirt and I decided to take a zero day. A zero day is basically taking the day off, hiking zero miles. Its technically our first day off, although we have taken a few "nero" days(only hiking a couple miles). It was good to just hang out and relax. I'm still battling this cold, it went from a head cold to a chest cold, so now I have this cough that is rather annoying and I actually left the shelter last night and slept in my tent to not disturb the other hikers with my cough. I don't feel badly, its just annoying. So anyway, since I'm not hiking today I thought I would list some of the food i've been eating on the trail. Its nothing glamourous, but it seems to work.BREAKFAST : When I eat breakfast its usually pop-tarts, nutri-grain bars, or just a couple a cigarettes.LUNCH: Tuna, crackers, sometimes I'll cook ramen, beef jerky, tortilla wraps with cheese, pepperoni, salami, or summer sausage, cookies, pretzels, pretty much anything I have.DINNER: Ramen, mashed potatoes, stove-top stuffing, Lipton pasta sides, alfredo noodles, rice, or anything I have that I feel like eating.SNACKS : Snikers bars, granola bars, G.O.R.P.( good ole raisins and peanuts) or whatever.DRINKS: Gatorade, Crystal Light, Propel, Kool-Aid.So that's it for now. I can't wait to get up in the Smokies!                Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

After a day of rest, I was ready to go again. So we hiked across the dam, then a short distance up a small road to the trailhead. We were now in Great Smokey Mountains National Park! The sky was overcast and the forrest floor was wet as we climbed up to the ridgeline. It took the rest of the day to cover the 10 miles up and up to the top. When we arrived at the shelter, there was only one guy there. So we settled into a spot in the shelter for the night. All hikers must stay in the shelters in the Smokies, the only time you can tent is if the shelter is already full. More hikers started showing up and soon the place was full. Many people had to tent outside, but not me, I was dry and out of the rain and wind. There must have been 12 people outside and 14 in the shelter. Full house tonite! I've ment a lot of great people so far, and I know i'll meet many more. Can't wait!                Truckin'
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter 

To: Derrick Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was foggy and wet this morning, but not too bad. We hiked to the next shelter for a snack, then to the next for lunch. The weather wasn't bad, its been pretty warm up here (40s). We hiked from the shelter up to Rocky Top. The sky was pretty clear with great views, but it was really windy. So we left the famous Rocky Top, and decended down in a gap, only to climb right back up the next mountain, Thunderhead. This was the highest point on the trail so far at over 5,600 feet, but soon we'll reach Clingmans Dome (6,643), the highest point on the whole trail. I hope we have views from the top! After passing over Thunderhead Mtn. We hiked a few more miles to Derrick Knob Shelter, which became full again. So its time for sleep. Goodnight!                Truckin'P.S. Thanks to Andy for the extra grub!
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Derrick Knob Shelter 

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: few clouds

The rain was pouring this morning, so we waited for it to die down for awhile. Once it did, we hiked. That's what we do. The overcast sky began to brighten, then eventually cleared. The day warmed up and took on a whole new feeling. The sun was shining, the air warmed up, and the warmth brought spring scents to the air. It was gorgeous! The views were amazing! So we hiked with the sun on our shoulders and all was right with the world. It felt great! We stopped at Double Spring Gap Shelter and lounged in the sun on our sleeping pads. As the sun went down it cooled off, and everyone made their homes inside the shelter. We have all just decided to get up at 5am and hike the last 3 miles to watch the sunrise from Clingmans Dome. That will be awesome, but I better get some sleep! Goodnight!                Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter 

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

We all woke up early as planned, then hiked the last 3 miles to Clingmans Dome in the dark. The sky started to brighten as we climbed the mountain and the light revealed clear skys. Once we reached the top we climbed the observation tower and the sun was just starting to rise. The mountain tops looked like islands in a sea of clouds below. I've never seen anything like it, the view was amazing! We took our time on top, enjoying the view, then hiked another few miles to the next shelter. It was early in the day but we decided to stay here tonite. Its a nice shelter and its not full, but I'm tenting out tonite. The weather is not bad and there's nobody here to tell me I can't, so I'm sleeping in my tent. Tomorrow we'll reach Newfound Gap and hitch a ride into Gatlinburg. I wasn't planning on stopping there, but I need a few supplies, and that is not limited to a Ripleys Believe it or not museum! So Gatlinburg, here I come!                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg TN
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

This morning we hiked the last few miles to Newfound Gap, and got a ride in about 10 minutes. It was cold in the back of the pick-up, but we were glad to get a ride! When we got to town we saw Yukon, Pilot, and Dirty Girl trying to get a ride back out of town. They saw us in the back of the truck and came down the street to say hey. We all had lunch together before they split, it was cool. So Dirt and I got a cheap room at the microtel, then hit the town for some grub. I heard Gatlinburg was a tourist town, but I could not believe what I seen. Shops, stores, museums, restaurants, hotels, a huge ski-lift taking people up the mountain for a view of the town and surronding mountains, a sky needle, it was ridiculous! Seriously. There were so many people, I couldn't believe it! The place was more than I expected, no doubt! Everything was pricey too. So we did our laundry, then ate dinner at an Italian restaurant. It was excellent! I had a big calzone, breadsticks, and a Yuengling Black and Tan. The best meal so far! After we ate, we walked around for awhile, and checked out some of the shops. There was actually a place called "The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum" can you believe that? We didn't go in, but that's the kind of stuff in Gatlinburg. So after browsing the town, we went back to our room and called it a night. This will be my second night in a bed since I started this hike, I can't wait. Goodnight!                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Gatlinburg TN

To: Icewater Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept well lastnite, and was ready to check out some of the shops in town before heading back to the trail. So Dirt and I strolled down the street with our packs on. It was funny the looks Dirt was getting in his kilt! I bet ninety percent of the people we passed has no clue that Gatlinburg is trail town. We ate some lunch, got a few supplies, then got some stove fuel at the Happy Hiker Outfitter. Then, we tried to get a hitch back to trail. It took awhile, but finally got a lift. We started hiking in the rain and got soaked by the time we reached Icewater Spring Shelter. It was full, so we pitched our tents in the rain. Not fun. I ate some supper, then curled up in ole sack. Rain, rain, go away...                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Icewater Spring Shelter 

To: Pecks Corner Shelter 
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

The rain continues. We reluctantly hiked 7.4 miles in the rain to the next shelter. There was room, so here we are for the night. Not much exciting about today, the weather gave us no views at Charles Bunion, I was really hoping to see that. So now my wet clothes are hanging up everywhere along with everyone elses. I hope I don't lose anything in this mess! O-well tomorrow is another day!                        Truckin'