morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-18
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

1.  Date: Sunsday, Thrimidge 28 (5/18)2.  Day 233.  Morning temp: 58 4.  Weather: Fog, windy, overcast5.  Time start: 07016.  Time stop and miles: 1630/18.47.  End point: Standing Bear Hostel8.  Events: Fast trailLog:I got up around 0530 after another restless night sleeping in the shelter.  We got everything together and were OM at 0701The trail was fantastic today.  At times a pine needle carpeted path. We made very good time and were at the shelter 7.7 miles away a little after 10.  We are an early lunch. Mmm, mayo, hot sauce, bacon bits, cheese and Fritos on a tortilla. Then headed out for phase two of the day.After continuing to make good time, we decided to evaluate our bodies at the shelter and possibly push on to Standing Bear.LoGear saw a black snake along the way and I came across one basking on the trail a little later.We arrived at the shelter and still felt good, so we decided to move on.We came down to I-40 and did a little riad walk. After that it headed up the hillside and that last mile was the hardest of the day.  We had descended to about 1800 feet and the temp down here was in the upper 80s with some high humidity. Up in the Smokys, it was cooler and dryer.We arrived at the Hostel and grabbed a bunk.  Next it was showers, hand washed laundry, pizza and a beer. Later we did a short resupply in their little store. They have a scale here and LoGear said she lost 15 lbs and I have lost 25.  Not too shabby.Mouse King, Tiger and Gnome showed up later and there were a couple other hikers at the hostel, including a couple Sobos.Tomorrow should be an easy short day to the first shelter.  There is rain in the forecast, but I won't complain. After the wonderful weather we had in the Smokys, it is time for some rain.Flora: some cool white flowers. The PI came back when we descended in elevationFauna: chipmunks, red squirrel, black snakeVOD: Deer Creek GapSmell:  corn like smell of the flowersSound: crowHigh: Doing the first 7.7 by 1010Low: Seeing lots of expiration dates on our resupply food.Hope: An easy climb out of here tomorrow.
Date: 2017-05-19
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

1.  Date: Moonsday, Thrimidge 29 (5-19)2.  Day 243.  Morning temp: 584.  Weather: Calm, some clouds5.  Time start: 08076.  Time stop and miles: 1715/15.27.  End point: Roaring Fork Shelter8.  Events: Max PatchLog:I was up early after a decent sleep in the bunk house.  Sometime around 05.  I went out to the kitchen and made some coffee.Everyone eventually got up and we did our morning routine. We headed out just after 08.  Rain was in the forecast for the day.  We had originally planned just ab easy 6.9 day as we climb back up on elevation, but had discussed moving on from there either 13 miles or 15 depending on how we felt.The day was pleasant early on and we made our way up Snowbird Mtn.  Just as we got up there, a short rain storm started.  We headed back to the woods and after 20 minutes the rain stopped.We stopped at Groundhog Creek Shelter for lunch.  Mouse King and Tiger were there too.  It was way too early to stoo for the day, so we elected to keep going.As we walked along,we started to hear thunder.  It started raining shortly after and kept getting harder and harder.  Since it was pretty warm out, we didn't put on our rain jackets, we just co tinued on and got wet. My ziplock for my guide must have more holes in it as the book got a little wet, but not too bad.After about 45 minutes or so, it started slacking off and another 20 or so, the sun was trying to come out again.By the time we got to Max Patch, it was very pleasant out again.  We walked along the Patch and enjoyed the view.  I was ready to get my wet shoes and socks off, so we continued on to the shelter.  Mouse King, Tiger, Ham Jam and Packman were there and Gnome came in later. We found some good spots and set up.  Dinner at the shelter and some good conversation, then it was time to relax in the hammock.  Tomorrow looks like a 14.7 to get to the shelter near town. Then it's a qui nearo. Flora: Rody bloomFauna: VOD: Max PatchSmell: The forest after a rainSound: Rooster, thunderHigh: Walking through Max PatchLow: My wet hurting feet during the last mile.Hope: A nice hike tomorrow.
Date: 2017-05-20
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

1.  Date: Treesday, Thrimidge 30 (5-20)2.  Day 253.  Morning temp: 654.  Weather: Calm, clear5.  Time start: 07556.  Time stop and miles: 1530/14.77.  End point: Deer Park Mtn Shelter8.  Events: Log:I was up around six, looking for the privy after a good night's sleep.  It was still pretty early, so I made coffee at my hammock.  I had set up the tarp with my poles on the one side, so it was a nice canopy.  We packed up and were out before 08.  This morning didn't start with a climb so we moved along nicely.  We were walking along, mostly keeping our eyes on our footing, LoGear was in front, me right behind. I looked up and there was a wide eyed deer looking at LoGear.  I said look and she moved off the trail.We got to Walnut Mtn Shelter around 10 and had an early lunch. After that we climbed our second mtn of the day, Bluff Mtn.  Coming down was some good track and we made good time.  We thought that the rest of the day would be easier with some short ups and downs, but a couple of them were a little tough. When we were about 1/2 a mile or so from the shelter, I was in front. I heard a rattle behind me and to my left.  It was a beautiful rattle snake that had let me pass, but had had enough when LoGear passed.  Of course we took pics. We soldiered through and arrived at the shelter at 1530.As usual, we set up, rested, got water and made dinner.  Packman and Ham Jam are here. The rest moved on to town, I guess.There are also a group of scouts behind the shelter and a couple of them were hanging out talking with us.A couple of older Gals rolled into camp just before I came to my hammock.  They had started in Mar, but had to get off trail for injuries.Flora: Jewel weedFauna: Deer, Rattle snake, butterflyVOD: Walnut Mtn Smell: The weekendersSound: Gun shots, the rattleHigh: Pushing LoGear out of the way to get a pic of the snake.Low: Those last several ups we had to climb at the end of the day.Hope: To get a decent room/bunk tomorrow in Hot Springs.
Date: 2017-05-21
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs - Hostel at Laughing Heart
Miles today: 3.2

1.  Date: Skysday, Forelithe 01 (5-21)2.  Day 263.  Morning temp: 654.  Weather: Rain5.  Time start: 07536.  Time stop and miles: 0930/3.27.  End point: Hostel at Laughing Heart8.  Events: Log:I slept restless through the night. Probably thinking about our up coming town stop.  I read for awhile around midnight, then dozed intil 06 or so.  It had started to rain during the night, so, morning prep was all done under the tarp.  I really like my setup with my tarp in canopy mode.  I was able to make my coffee and pack up while staying dry.  We headed out before and just cruised down the mountain to the town.  It was drippy out, with some sprinkles, but not too bad.  We got down and right next to the trail is the Hostel at Laughing Heart.We got a private room, showered and got ready to head out for lunch.  The rain was pretty heavy as we headed down the road.  We arrived drenched at the Spring Creek Tavern. Had some good burgers and a beer (after Noon).  We checked out the outfitters then headed to the Dollar General to start our resupply.  Next we finished off at the Hillbilly Market and headed back to the Hostel.  Laundry is almost done and we are hanging out with the other hikers on the porch.  Good times.Tomorrow we go for 11 miles. Most likely in the rain.VOD: The wet camp from under my tarp.Sound: The long drawn out Q of a train passing through Hot Springs as I headed down the Mtn.High: Scoring a private room at the HostelLow: Walking to lunch in a downpour.Hope: To not get too wet walking out tomorrow.
Date: 2017-05-22
From: Hot Springs - Hostel at Laughing Heart

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Seasday, Forelithe 02 (5-22)2.  Day 273.  Morning temp: 634.  Weather: overcast, calm (rain)5.  Time start: 07416.  Time stop and miles: 1525/11.07.  End point: Spring Mtn Shelter8.  Events: back painLog:I was up in the middle of the night and then around 06. The mattress made my back hurt and it would cause problems all day.We got our stuff together and headed over to the Smoky Mtn Diner for bfast.  It was good and we hit the trail at 0830.They had a scale at the Hostel, so we checked our packs. With 5 days of food and 1 liter of water each, mine was 33 and LoGear's was 34.  We will hopefully be lightening up soon. Sending our cold gear and sleeping pads home, but for now, we carry them.After leaving town and walking along the swollen French Broad River for a bit, the trail starts heading up.  We made our way to higher elevation, passing Lover's Leap rock, our only semi-view of the day.As we went up, the rain started coming down. It only fell hard for a few minutes, then slackened off and after awhile, only the trees were dripping.The sun actually tried to come out a few times. We ate lunch by an old dammed pond halfway up the mountain.  We wondered who had put in the strange concrete dam some time ago and why.We decided to walk up to the lookout tower on Rich Mtn, but you couldn't go up into the observation area, because there were holes in the floor.  We came down and continued on.The final push up Spring Mtn wasn't too strenuous and we arrived at the shelter just before 1530.Tonight the area is full of hikers we don't know.  They are mostly people who went to Trail Daze. I'm mostly sitting in my hammock as it helps my back.  It keeps hurting when I stand, so that sucks.This is really the first day that I was kind of low for most of the day.  I blame it on my back and I know there will be plenty more low days, but I'm happy it took 27 days for it to happen.Let's hope it can do 15.9 tomorrow.Flora: plantsFauna: birdsVOD: Lovers Leap RockSmell: HoneysuckleHigh: When I was able to sit on my hammock at the end of day.Low: All day back painHope: That my back is better tomorrow
Date: 2017-05-23
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Earthsday, Forelithe 03 (5-23)2.  Day 283.  Morning temp: 604.  Weather: Drizzle, overcast. Rain later.5.  Time start: 08156.  Time stop and miles: 1715/15.97.  End point: Jerry Cabin Shelter8.  Events: Rain, broke poleLog:I slept pretty good last night and my back was feeling better in the morning. I probably have another day or two until it's  back to normal though.We packed up and were on the move at 0815. As usual the morning was a comfortable pace as we headed mostly down. After a short break about four miles in, we decided to try for the next shelter for lunch.  The rain started just before Noon and we were pretty wet by the time we got to the shelter.  We ate and continued on.  A girl at the shelter read us the weather report.  It was a pretty wet forecast.  The rain would go off an on for the rest of the day.  I was pretty much soaked through all day.  There was a weather bypass around Big Firescald Knob and we took it.  The main route had some rock scrambles and with everything wet, we decided to go the safer route.While on that route I slipped on a rock as I tried to catch myself with my poles, the right one went down a hole and I went down. The pole had a 70 degree bend on the bottom piece.  Needless to say, it broke off when I bent it back. I was still able to use it, but it looks like I need to get to a Walmart soon, or maybe the trail will provide me one.A little later I was walking behind LoGear and I saw something move from around her feet.  It was two baby birds that must have been hiding on the trail.  They scurried past me and their mother started calling from the nearby thick brush.  LoGear said it sounded like a hurt dog.We got back to the AT and the trail was pretty nice for the last couple of miles. I was in my end of day push, but LoGear was getting cold.We arrived at the shelter just as the rain was picking up again and had to set up in the rain.  We just put up the tarp first, then work underneath it.  My pack and hiking clothes are still soaked, but I'm warm and mostly dry in my hammock at the end of another successful day on the trail.As I was sitting under my tarp watching the rain, I saw the water spills off my tarp every so often.  I was able to fill up my water bottle with the fresh rain water.I was glad after I saw a couple guys come back from the water source with yellow looking water.Tomorrow we do 15.5. I hope it is a dryer day.Flora: Tulip poplar flower petalsFauna: baby chicks, toadVOD: My wet feet, that's about it.Smell: RamenSound: Mama bird calling her chicksHigh: Seeing the chicksLow: Breaking my poleHope: Less rain tomorrow.
Date: 2017-05-24
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Starsday, Forelithe 04  (5/24)2.  Day 293.  Morning temp: 604.  Weather: Fog, wind, wet5.  Time start: 08056.  Time stop and miles: 1645/15.57.  End point: Hogback Ridge Shelter8.  Events: Rain, heavy rainLog:I was up around 06 after a night of rain and thunder.  It was a lot of fun to put on damp clothes and still soaked shoes. My semi dry socks were wet in a minute and would stay that way all day. I saw a woodpecker poking at the tree near my hammock and watched him awhile.We headed out a little after 08 and did our first climb. It wasn't very long and we made good time for the first few miles. There was a stiff breeze and the sun did try to come out a few times, but it didn't quite dry the clothes punned to my pack.We stopped for lunch at the shelter. It seemed like it was going to be a niceish day. Boy, was I wrong about that.We headed down hill to cross a few roads. There were a lot of snails on the trail. I guess they like wet weather. I also saw a mouse dart across the trail and disappear in the middle. When I got to that point, I saw the small hole he had ducked into.When we hit the roads, a vulture was on some roadkill and the rain began. We had a long climb to do and as we headed up, the rain kept getting harder and harder. Before very long, we were both drenched to the bone. Any drying our clothes had done during the day was erased.When we neared the top, near Lick Rock, the rain finally stopped and the sun actually came out.  We had a nice view there, the first in three days.We were a little chilled from being wet and the wind was blowing, but we kept moving to Keep warm and finish the day.We arrived at the shelter before 1700, ready to get our wet clothes off. There were lots of people here that we hadn't seen before.  We set up, got water and got into dry clothes.  Just as we were going to cook dinner it started to rain again. We moved under my tarp, but LoGear got splashed alot as the rain came down and spilled off the tarp.  We retired to our hammocks until there was a lull, then I put our food bags up on the cable.I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow, but it probably will. We have 13.6 planned, camping away from a shelter for a change.Fauna: woodpecker, snails, mouse, vultureVOD: Lick Rock. After heavy rain. Smell: Sound: A bird's call that sounds like a refs whistle.High: First decent view in 3 daysLow: Climbing that mountain in a heavy downpourHope: No rain tomorrow
Date: 2017-05-25
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

1.  Date: Sunsday, Forelithe 05 (5-25)2.  Day 303.  Morning temp: 454.  Weather: Cold, windy, overcast5.  Time start: 08106.  Time stop and miles: 1350/10.17.  End point: Bald Mtn Shelter8.  Events: Early day due to weather.Log:I slept ok, but could tell it was going to be a cold morning and it was.  We slowly packed up all our wet stuff and hit the trail. We were hoping for a decent day, but that was not to be.The morning was ok.  A little cold, but we kept warm by moving. We had a decent view at the first hill top, but could see Big Bald where we would be soon and it was covered in cloud.We stopped for lunch on some rocks halfway up the Mtn and it startrd to sprinkle.  We packed ip quick and hit the trail.The wind picked up as we climbed higher and the sprinkles continued. We came to another weather bypass of the summit and decided to take it. On this section we have taken all three bypasses offered. This has definitely been our most challenging section so far. Four days of shitty weather maked me cranky.After the bypass we still had to cross a bald area and the wind was wicked. It was actually blowing me sideways at times.We continued down into slightly sheltered forest, but now had to deal with slippery mud in a few places.  LoGear went down first and I had a slow fall a lite later.We came to the shelter and there were only two people there. Pixey and Blaze who had both passed us earlier.  We were contemplating calling it a day, so we could stay in the shelter and get warm and dry.  And that is what we are doing. We stopped 3 miles short, so we will have to make that up tomorrow, but it is supposed to be warm and sunny. Flora: Maple helicoptersFauna: Snail, birdVOD: Somewhere before Big BaldSmell: socksSound: Rain on shelter roofLow: Being blown sideways by freezing cold wind on the baldHope: Sunshine, please.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Erwin, TN - Uncle Johnnys
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

1.  Date: Moonsday, Forelithe 06 (5-26)2.  Day 313.  Morning temp: 504.  Weather: wind, overcast5.  Time start: 07156.  Time stop and miles: 1600/16.87.  End point: Erwin, TN - Uncle Johnnys8.  Events: Log:I was up at 06. We had extra miles to walk, so we needed to get an early start.  We headed out into a breezy, cool morning, but early on the sun started peeking through the clouds and it would turn into a beautiful day.The day had a few short climbs, but would mostly be a down hill trend.  We took each as it came and just did them.  My mood was sullen as I just wanted to get this section finished.  At lunch, we decided that a zero was in order.  We just hoped that we could get a bunk or hammock space.  I thought it would be a regular Friday business, but Ham Jam reminded me that it was Memorial Day weekend.  We continued on as the weather became perfect.  It was warm and the breeze was refreshing and not chilling, but I didn't care.  I just wanted to get down this damn mountain.As we started our final descent, I decided to put on some music and it really helped me notice how beautiful the day had become and I was able to finish strong.I arrived at the Hostel right at 1600 and asked about a bunk/cabin/hammock space. She said they were all booked, but I could check the hammock space to see if there was any room. I checked and there was, so we checked in and set up.  We took a quick shower and got ready for the 1730 shuttle to Walmart and a couple restaurants.  We ate at the Italian place, got a six pack and walked through Walmart planning our resupply for tomorrow.  I wasnt sure how many days we needed yet, so we decided to come back tomorrow.We shuttled back (we fit 20 people in the 10 passenger van) and settled into the Hammock area.  There is a nice table under the pavilion with a charging station.Tomorrow, we will do laundry, eat more food and resupply.
Date: 2017-05-27
From: Erwin, TN - Uncle Johnnys

To: Uncle Johnnys
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Treesday, Forelithe 07 (5-27)2.  Day 323.  Morning temp: 60s4.  Weather: Clear, nice5.  Time start: 6.  Time stop and miles: 07.  End point: Uncle Johnnys8.  Events: RestingLog:I got up before 06 to get the laundry started before anyone else was stirring. I didn't seem to sleep much after staying up pretty late updating the Journal.  I actually sent Brandi an email around 0230.I was writing a Zero Day Update on the blog, when I felt a migraine coming on. I took a pill and it cleared up wothout a headache, but I would ne tired later.We took the 1230 shuttle into town and did some resupply at a local grocery and had ayce pizza for lunch.When we came back, I took a little nap in the hammock and awoke refreshed.We took the Walmart shuttle, had a margarita and nachos at the Mexican restaurant, then finished our resupply at the Walmart.Back at the hostel, we relaxed into the evening.  The forecasted rain never showed up during the day, but a good storm blew through overnight.It was a very good and much needed zero. Tomorrow we head north. Not sure how far. Most likely 12.3 to a campsite.VOD: The swollen Nolichucky river.Sound: NeverstopHigh: Nap in the afternoonLow: MigraineHope: That the rain isn't too bad tomorrow.
Date: 2017-05-29
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Apple Orchard campsite
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

1.  Date: Seasday, Forelithe 09 (5-29)2.  Day 343.  Morning temp: 654.  Weather: Overcast5.  Time start: 09506.  Time stop and miles: 1650/13.17.  End point: Apple Orchard campsite 8.  Events: Bus, TrailLog:I was up pretty early, around 05 or so.  Showered, had breakfast and checked out of the Hotel. We Ubered over to the bus station and went inside. John, the dispatcher helped us get everything sorted and we just waited for the bus to arrived.  It came basically on time and before I knew it, my baby was gone. I waited outside for a bit and Miss Janet drove up and whisked me back to the trail.After getting dropped off, I put on my pack and took about five minutes to get going.  I just stood there feeling like I was forgetting something. I realized that what I was missing was LoGear. I no longer had anyone to say "those mountains aren't going to climb themselves" to. I was alone.I finally started to get my rhythm going and made my way up to Beauty Spot.  It was nice and had a cool view. Next I started up Unaka Mtn. On the way up I stopped for lunch at a campsite. There was a guy there hanging out. I went over to say hi and saw he had a familiar looking walking stick. It looked like the BohDi sticks we award the inductees into the AT Museum's Hall of Fame. I asked him about it and he confirmed it was made by Bodacious. They are friends.  His name is Jim.I headed on after taking his picture and entered the enchanted spruce forest at the top of the mountain.  I had some good track coming down the mtn and made decent time.I arrived at the shelter at 1441. It was too early to stop, so I went on another 4.3 miles. At 1650 I arrived at the campsite that used to be an apple orchard. You could see the old apple trees in the meadow. They are all twisted and rotted, but still alive.I found a spot near the water and set up. Theresa (Snickers) and her husband Rob came in after me and are camped up in the meadow. We met them at Uncle Johnnys the other day.Dinner is done and I'm now in the hammock relaxing and avoiding the bugs. I'm away from the others, alone.Tomorrow I may try for a bigger day, so I can have a shorter one for the next Hostel stop for a small resupply. I'm not sure I will stay there, but we shall see.I miss my baby already.Flora: SpruceFauna: VOD: Beauty Spot, Enchanted Spruce ForestSmell: deodorantSound: BirdsHigh: Beauty SpotLow: Saying bye to my babyHope: That I don't get too lonely