morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Deer Park Mt. Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.6

Up and at it early. Everyone was up and heading down the trail by 7:45 at the latest with the anticipation of a great breakfast. There was no disappointment as we all gorged ourselves to the max. I love Hot Springs and the Smokey Mountain Diner. After breakfast I slowly walked back to the campground and got a tent site. It¢s real quiet here as their season hasn¢t started yet. I set up camp, took a shower and did laundry. Went back to camp to organize a little then went to the outfitter to get some supplies and some ice cream. Then went across the street to the Spring Creek Tavern where everyone was having lunch. Then I returned to the campground for a while. At 6:30 I went and met everyone for dinner at the Mexican Restaurant. We then all went back to the cabins everyone is staying in and built a fire. We ran into Tiny Elf and she joined us before heading out for a night hike. In my tent now and relaxing. Need to update my photo list as I will be sending the photo card with this journal update. Sending home 2-3 pounds of gear also. Wishing everyone well and thanks for your support. My next town stop will be in Erwin, TN in 4-5 days,. Will try to nero and get out the next morning but will have to see what happens. Going to get cold before I get there, 20¢s at night, and maybe some snow. Knees are doing better but still need some time otherwise everything else is fine.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Once again, another great day Sun was out all day. Got up at 8:00 am and went to the Hiker Ridge Ministry Center for free coffee and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. It¢s open to all hikers so we can use the computer and charge up our phones and tablets. Really nice people. Spent most of the morning there then went to the outfitter to spend more money and back to camp to box up what I was sending home and organize my gear. Then I went to the Caf© to have a Thai Chai Latte that my friend back in Naples told me I have to have. Thanks Mike, that was great! Off next to the tavern for a catfish sub and chili then back to Hikers Ridge to have my photo taken for the Class of 2015 yearbook which is in its second year of production. I will be able to purchase it in mid October. Didn¢t have my hiking hat so if I go back for Trail Days they will retake my photo. Some other hikers are supposed to come to my camp for a fire tonight at dark. I have a big pyre set to go. Sitting next to the French Broad River as I write this just listening to the water rush by. Planning a short day tomorrow as I have resupplied and have a steep climb out in the morning. That¢s it for today.
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Had a great dinner at the Tavern and ran into Amy who I started with. She finally got a trail name and it is Chicago. Several of us sat around the fire last night and had a good time. There was Chef, Frodo, Laugh Track and Nido. A little later the people doing the yearbook, Oatey and Neema stopped by also. Left Hot Springs at 7:30 am. Of course it was a steep climb out like most towns but I just go slow and easy so I don¢t have to tire myself out. Met a couple from Quebec, Shrugs and Axon. Nice people. Shortly after that we ran into several Division of Forestry Firefighters trying to start some controlled burns next tot eh trail but they weren¢t having much luck as it is still too wet. Got to the shelter and had lunch and decided to do a couple of more miles to here. Supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow morning so looks like only 13 miles tomorrow. Going to start a fire and relax before going to bed, Goodnight.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Deep Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

Shortly after I got done writing my journal a SOBO (Southbound) thru hiker named Sobo Hobo stopped in for a few minutes. He has about 30 more days and he will be done. It did rain last night then the rain turned into snow as I started to hike. By the time I got to Little Laurel Shelter the snow was about 3 inches deep and still falling. Four and Five were there and were staying put but I decided to push on. By the time I got to Camp Creek Bald, elevation 4,750 ft. the snow got to about 5 inches but I could still see footprints so I know I wasn¢t alone. The snow stopped by the time I got to Big Firescald Knob but it was too cloudy for a view. The sun came out as I was descending, of course, and I got a little view of the valley. When I got here the shelter was full so I set up my tent. It is extremely cold and snowing again. Fingers are getting numb so burying myself in my sleeping bag.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke to some snow around my tent and 12 degree temps at this altitude of 4,200 ft. My 15 degree sleeping bag kept just warm enough to keep me from freezing but I was still a little chilly. Had to use my stove to heat up my tent poles to take apart as they were frozen together. Then I tried to put on my shoes but they were frozen , so I wore my crocs in the snow until 1:30 PM. My hat was also frozen stiff and my water bottles were 34 of the way frozen. Got some trail magic in the way of an orange, ginger ale and an apple fritter from some past thru hikers. We just never know when and where the magic will happen, unless it is Fresh Ground because he keeps us posted on his location. I have officially hiked in long pants more than I did my entire 2012 hike. I don¢t think it got out of the 30¢s again today. Lots of snow at all elevations. Been keeping up with the same group of hikers that I entered Hot Springs with but that will change when I get to Erwin. Another cold night and morning but supposed to warm up to the 50¢s tomorrow afternoon. I hope. Numb fingers once again.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 26.9
Weather: clear sky

Cold again last night and this morning. Not as bad as the morning before, maybe low 20¢s. Woke early to clear skies and the fire still going after I fed it at 2:30 am. With the fire we were able to dry out our shoes and socks last night so we could wear them today. Although hiking in my Crocs yesterday felt good there just isn¢t any traction. Hit a lot of mud today as the snow is starting to melt. The ice was falling out of the trees as we were hiking. Glad I decided not to push to Low Gap as there was a lot of snow there. I climbed to an altitude of just over 5,500 ft. to the top of Big Bald which was covered in snow and the view was awesome. It was really muddy coming down as the sun was melting the snow. Met Frodo, Chef, Sweet Blood and Brightside at the Bald Mt. Shelter for lunch then headed toward No Business Shelter which would make it a 20.7 mile day. I stopped at about 2 12 miles short and ate dinner and decided to go a little further than the shelter so I wouldn¢t have to walk in the rain for so long in the morning. When I got up from my dinner break I felt a pain in front of my lower shin near the ankle. It seems I have pulled a tendon there. When I got to the campsites near Erwin I decided it was best to push on to here with my hurt leg than to try to walk with it on a wet trail in the rain thus my long day. Got here to Uncle Johnny¢s Hostel at about 8:30 and set up my tent. I have a cabin reserved for tomorrow and the rain should stop by noon to dry everything out. It¢s late so I am off to bed.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Uncle Johnny's Hiking Hostel

To: Uncle Johnny's Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Woke several times to trains blasting their horns as they went through town near here. It sounded like they were in my tent. Was able to get into my cabin early and let my pack explode. (Pack Explosion: taking everything out of the pack and laying at all over the place) Chicago was here last night also with Skunk and Laugh Track. Got my shower and got my supplies then started to organize my gear. Ramblin Man arrived as well as Boyd and Pliskin. Boyd, Pliskin and myself got a shuttle to the laundry mat and then went to Mc Donald¢s to grab something to eat until the shuttle picked us up to take us to dinner. Ate at an Italian restaurant which has several hiker priced specials just for us hikers. I had the lasagna and it was a healthy portion for $9. We then returned to the hostel where I seen Mingo as he arrived while we were gone. Doesn¢t look like he will do a yo-yo hike (Hike the entire trail then turn around and hike back) as injury has slowed him down. Forgot to mention that I had my first fall yesterday as I slipped on a root with my left foot and it went behind my right foot and I fell to my knees. Just got a little dirty. Thank God I didn¢t get hurt. Will catch the breakfast shuttle tomorrow then hike about 8 miles where Fresh Ground is set up. Will see how my leg feels and either stay there or move on. Looking forward to seeing my longtime friend Pam next weekend.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Uncle Johnny's Hiking Hostel

To: 1/2 mile North of Beauty Spot
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: broken clouds

Got up in the cabin at 7:45 and packed up my gear. Didn¢t sleep well last night. Think it was the 3 Dr Peppers I had after dinner. Caught the 9 am shuttle to the Huddle House for breakfast where I had 3 eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, hash browns, toast, milk and OJ. We got back to the hostel at 10:30 and I hit the trail at 11:00. Breakfast stuck with me for the 8 miles to Indian Grave Gap where Fresh Ground was set up. I didn¢t feel hungry but I put away 4 hot dogs, a big handful of fries and a couple large spoonful¢s of fruit cocktail. I met up with Chicago (Amy), and her sister Theresa who is hiking with her for a few days. After leaving Fresh Ground I hiked up to Beauty Spot which is a bald with a view. Then met Chicago and Theresa here at the campsite. We built a fire and just before sunset the girls went back to Beauty Spot to watch the sunset. While they were there a helicopter came and ended up landing on the bald then took off again. What a strange event. We sat by the fire for a little while and are now on our tents for the night. Longer day tomorrow as we climb Unaka Mountain.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: 1/2 mile North of Beauty Spot

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Slept good last night. Was up early and left camp at 8:00 am. Another beautiful day. The climb up Unaka Mt. wasn¢t bad at all. In 2012 it was covered in snow but this year it was very comfortable. Walking through the Spruce Forest was amazing. Took my time enjoying the green of the spruce trees as we haven¢t seen much green yet. Met some trail maintainers when I got near Cherry Gap Shelter and talked with them there as they had lunch. Just after they left Chicago and Theresa came in. I handed the shelter journal to Chicago and told her to read my entry. It read ¢That¢s it. I¢m done. I¢m going back to Florida. What was I thinking? Another thru hike is nuts. April Fools.¢ Her expression after reading the first three lines was perfect. I got her good. I started to head up the trail again and stopped to help the trail maintainers roll the large log they had cut out of the trail. It felt good to be able to help. I continued on until I reached a field where there used to be an apple orchard and took a break while I got my water bottle refilled from the spring. I was the first one here at the shelter but was joined by Boyd, Chicago, Theresa, Klaus, and Red. We had a fire and are all in our tents. Time to say goodnight as I have a 15.5 mile day planned.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

First to leave this morning at 8:30. Sun was shining but the temps were still on the cool side. Got some nice views from Little Rock Knob. Shortly after that it was a little weird as I was hiking south as I climbed up Roan Mt. At 6,200 ft. it¢s still cold. Ran into a little snow and some ice. Had lunch at the Roan High Knob Shelter which is the highest shelter at 6,194 ft. This shelter is a 2 story with 4 walls and a door. On the descent down my foot that I had problems with going into Erwin started hurting again so I took it easy for the rest of the day. When I reached Round Bald it was like a rerun. Clear skies until I started hiking up and here come the wind and fog just like in 2012. Needless to say I got no views from there. Once I got off the balds and into the tree line everything calmed down. Staying here at this shelter which is an old barn. I am up in the loft with Boyd & Sunshine who I stayed with in Gatlinburg, a father/daughter team section hiking and a couple of others I haven¢t let yet. Only have 9.2 miles tomorrow and then Pam will pick me up and I will take 2 days off to heal my foot.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: US 19 E
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a little windy last night and the barn shook some but I slept well. Leaving the shelter it was a steep climb up and the wind was blowing me sideways at times. When we got to the top of Little Hump the wind was even stronger. At least we had great visibility and were able to see the views. I could see Hump Mt and the trail going up it from there then we were back in the woods for the descent. When I came out of the woods I was at the base of Hump Mt. It looked a little daunting but I had to remember that this was much better weather than 2012. The winds weren¢t as frequent but just as strong. Sat on top for a while and just took it all in. Now for the hard part. The descent to US 19E. It¢s a long, (5.4 miles, 2,700 ft) descent and my hurt foot felt it all the way down. It was slow going but I made it to the Mountain Harbour Hostel and texted Pam to come get me. I don¢t know who was more excited to see who but I am so thankful that she is here to help. Iver, the owner of the house, is such a nice interesting gentleman. It¢s so cool to have him open his home to me. I plan on taking 2 zero days here but might have to take more if my foot doesn¢t get much better. As soon as I got here I took a shower and just talked with Pam and Iver till dinner which Pam made Beef Pot Pie, green bean casserole and red cabbage slaw. I had two plate fulls plus dessert. Will do laundry tomorrow and get my resupply. Trying to figure out the logistics of the next 6 days but will have to wait till tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-04
From: US 19 E

To: US 19 e
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Slept really well even though Benny the dog slept with me. It is his bed I guess. Had breakfast then called Solo to see if he had my sleeping bag and he said yes. When I told him I was in Linville he said that he and Otto were here too so they came over for coffee and we talked on the back porch for at least an hour. Glad I got to see both of them. I did a pack explosion, cleaned what I needed to clean up then went shopping for the next 6 days on the trail. Pam or Iver are going to drop off 12 of it at the Shook Branch Recreation Area to lighten my load some. Will meet them there on Thursday morning providing I can leave Monday. Foot still hurting some today so just might stay. Will cross that bridge Monday. After having a quiet afternoon Pam and Iver cooked dinner which consisted of salmon, kale, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. Everything was delicious. After that I got to go to a meeting and met a few people there one of which wants to thru hike the AT next year. I really enjoy encouraging people to at least try it especially the younger ones. Come home and have had dessert so it is time for bed.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: US 19 e

To: US 19 E
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Easter. Woke up a little before 8:00 and started soaking my foot at 9:30 in some Epsom Salt and again at 1:00. I have done it 2 more times this afternoon. Pam took me for a little ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway then to see another view of Grandfather Mt. We then got back to the house and had a steak dinner for Easter. Looks like I will be having the last steak for dessert tonight. I plan on getting back on the trail tomorrow. I pray that all goes well with my foot. Going to pack up my things and have my dessert.
Date: 2015-04-06
From: US 19 E

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 8.8

Up early and ready to hit the trail. All 4 dogs knew something was up when I brought my pack out to the living room. We took some pictures and Pam loaded up the three dogs that were going with us to drop me off. Said my goodbye to Pam and the dogs and started up the trail at 8:00 am wondering if I should have taken 1 more day off. Once I got moving things weren¢t bad at all. I just hiked slowly. I got water a mile in. I always dump water I get from town to get spring water because the town water has a chorine taste. You don¢t really notice it until you start hiking a long hike. Got to an open ridgeline and could hear a turkey from down where I had just come from. I have met many hikers who started on March 1st. Some of them I recognize from here on trail journals. Took the side trail to Jones Falls which is always a good place for a break. Felt my tendon but it didn¢t hurt. I think the ace bandage is helping. Will just keep to my low mileage plan for the week. Got here to the shelter at 2:00 PM. Wanted to go further but decided to stick to the plan. Found some wild onions today and used them in my dinner. There are about 8 hikers here so far. Might be more before dark. Looks like rain tonight and possible thunderstorms tomorrow. Another short day of 9.6 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained some last night but had stopped by morning. Ate a hot breakfast and headed out at 8:30. At 9:00 it started to rain then rained all morning. Foot felt good this morning until about 12 way but never really got bad. Got to the shelter at 12:30 and Drifter showed up around 20 minutes later. We sat and ate a bunch of snacks to lighten our packs. Met Penguin today who I had seen on Trailjournals. Rain pretty much stopped by 5:30. Going to stop at Kincora tomorrow to pick up my trail magic from Julie and another package from Passionflower. Looks like I will probably be tenting in the rain tomorrow. Just 4 of us here now. Might get a couple of more by dark.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: New Campsite
Miles today: 14.6

It was just the 4 of us, Drifter, Penguin, Chef and myself. It poured again last night but stopped by daybreak when we all got up. I was the first one on the trail so I was clearing the spider webs out of the trail. As I started my descent the stream was running right down the trail after all of yesterday¢s rain. As I was walking up to Kincora Hostel I saw Solo¢s van there. He was sitting with Rob People¢s, who owns the hostel and is an AT legend for his trail building and maintenance, and Ramblin Man. Passionflower sent me a care package. In the care package was homemade AT cookies which were a hit with everyone. My friend Julie also sent me enough money to feed me for a week. Thank you to you two. It sure means a lot to me to have the support. While I was at Kincora Bob told me of a new campsite he built to help us have a place to stay before we enter the no camping zone after Shook Branch Recreation Area due to bear activity. It¢s the same area where I had to chase a bear away from Passionflower and I¢s food bags. I decided to push the extra miles so I could meet Pam early at the Rec Area. She brought me my resupply that will get me to Damascus. I built a fire and am drying out my socks and shoes. Trying to eat a lot of food also. It was supposed to rain today but it never came. Going to get a good nights sleep tonight.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: New Campsite

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early, packed up and headed to the Rec Area. Was hoping to charge my phone but the power to the pavilion was off as the park hasn¢t opened for the season. A park worker, Rueben, came by and told me he is supposed to run off the hikers trying to dry out their gear and told me to have a god day. I watched as he cut down 2 trees then Pam showed up with my resupply. She said that the day I left Benny, the dog who slept in my bed, was whining that night because he missed me. He was really happy to see me today. I said goodbye to Pam and entered the bear area. It was nice hiking around the lake but then the climb started. It was one of those endless climbs. Got here to the shelter and decided to stick to my plan and stay here. The only drawback is the water source is a long way down, then a long steep climb back up. Eating a lot of food to lessen the weight of my pack again. We were watching a thunderstorm in the distance and lightning struck nearby so we are in the shelter now. Going to eat again then call it a night.
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

The mice were really active last night at sunset. Little acrobats they are. Luckily the quieted down after 9:00 pm. We were all up early and I left at 7:15. At 9:00 am it started to pour and the wind got whipping really good. It rained for about 1 12 hours. We got to the first shelter just before it stopped raining and had an early lunch then I took off at about 11:15. The Swede, a section hiker from Sweden who will probably be renamed, caught up to me and we hiked together the rest of the day. He just started so he is hiking at my speed. We hiked through an area which is wheelchair accessible. When we got near TN 91 there is an iron box which the local church leaves sodas, snacks and other hiker needs for us. The box is to keep the bears from getting at it. They have been doing it for years. About 1 12 miles from this shelter it started to rain again and stopped quickly. Just 4 people here tonight so should be another quiet night. Think the weather will be nicer the next couple days. Foot felt real good today but I stuck to my plan. Looking to do 16 miles tomorrow with easier terrain and then Damascus Sunday morning.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Campsite near Damascus
Miles today: 16.4

Just 4 of us in the shelter last night. A south bounder, The Swede, Bonafide and myself. We were all up by day break. I was the first one out at 7:40 am. It was pretty cool this morning, I am thinking in the 40¢s. Another great day with small ups and downs. When we got to the Abingdor Gap Shelter for water and lunch the black flies were thick around the picnic table but not bad in the shelter itself. Must be in between bubbles as we only seen 3 other NOBO¢s today. Finished Tennessee and entered Virginia today. 3 states down and 1 to go. Will be in Virginia for around 500 miles so it will be a few weeks for me to finish it. Took some pics at the state line and got to this campsite where there is a small scout troop camped out nearby. Had a huge dinner of green bean casserole 3 packets of oatmeal, 2 packets of Carnation instant breakfast, a juice Plus protein bar, a Snickers bar and a peanut butter cookies one of the scout leaders gave me. Will split a bunk room with The Swede in Damascus. He is going to keep the trail name The Swede. We will probably hike together for a while as he is hiking my speed for now. Looking forward to a day off tomorrow.