morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Max Patch Bald, North Carolina
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we left about 8:15 am and climbed about 4 miles to the top of Snowbird Mountain. There was a bald on top and when I arrived about 20 hikers were enjoying the 360 degree views next to an FAA Tower. Most used cellphones to contact friends and family, some just rested and we all used the opportunity to refuel our bodies with trailmix and snacks for the yet still long day ahead. Our goal: to hike up to Max Patch Bald - elevation 4629 feet - to spend the night. It is a rare event to experience a full moon on a clear night on top of the bald and everyone was excited about the possibility. We moved on from Snowbird about 11:00 am past Groundhog Creek Shelter to Brown Gap where about 15 of us stopped for lunch and to refill our water supplies. After lunch we past a second shelter (Walnut Mountain Shelter) and then hiked on arriving at Max Patch about 6:00 pm after a long day of arduous hiking. What a reward we had! It took us about 20-30 minutes to hike from the vehicle parking lot area to the top of the bald, but when we got there it was awesome. We were rewarded with unheard of and yet unseen views of mountains, distant lakes, colored trees changing from winter into spring, and people. There were easily 75-100 persons on top of the bald carrying on various activities. Some families were there with tents, BBQ grills, kites, and coolers. Another group of about 20 hikers were already there and had set up their tents on the eastern side of the top. Our group of about 15 or so hikers set up our tents on the western side of the top. There were college kids, babies, old coots like myself, strong hikers and weak hikers all on top. All us hikers were anticipating camping out in cool, windless, rainless weather to watch the sunset, the full moon rise, the moon set, and the sunrise. Our anticipation was not unrewarded. Everyone was running around taking pictures and videos of all the activities. I think I took more pictures today than I have taken all the way from my start to here. Please enjoy all the pictures dated with today's date.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Max Patch Bald, North Carolina

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Since most of today was downhill I decided to try to attempt a long day. I have not had any issues with my knees since I left Franklin and hiked into the Smoky's a little more than a week ago. I did good! The shelter at Deer Park was uck! No one slept inside. There were two hammocks and about 10 tents tonight. Some of our group hiked on another 3.6 miles to Hot Springs. That would have been about 20 miles and I just didn't want to take that trip. I slept well on my pine needle hearth under my tent and except for getting up once during the night slept really well with the anticipation of moving on the Hot Springs to do laundry, shower and eat restaurant food. Let's get moving. The most remarkable thing about this shelter was the privy. It was fit for neither man nor beast. I included a picture of it. No one used it. The woods were much cleaner.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Elmers Sunnybank Inn - Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

Today I arrived in town and checked into the hostel about 10:30 am after having a great breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner. I showered, did my laundry at the local laundry mat, walked up and down main street for a while, had my hair cut, beard trimmed, enjoyed some street tacos at the local Mexican restaurant, and then went back and took a nap. Life is good! Tomorrow I plan to Zero and rest and resupply from my hiker box, and figure out what' next. Hot Springs is very friendly and I spent some of my time at Hiker's Ridge Ministries, a place offered to hikers to just relax. There's wifi there, a bathroom, a kitchen and bar-b-que grill, computers and friendly people. I used their computers to input all my journal information. The place where I had a haircut was a beautician's business. The friendly lady Julia spent about an hours cutting my hair and trimming my beard and was very worried when she said, "Do you think $12 is a fair price"? I paid her $20. Both of us were very happy. Tonight I'm having a hamburger at Crystal Springs Tavern. Can't wait. Have a great night u'all.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Elmers Sunnybank Inn - Hot Springs, NC

To: R and R in Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Good morning everyone. I'm a slob. I actually slept in until about 9:00 am. I went across to the Smoky Mountain Diner to have a country ham breakfast to include a big slab of ham, hash browns, two eggs, a biscuit, orange juice and coffee for $7.00. Afterwards I went to three markets, the outfitter for fuel and boot laces (mine are about shot) and then worked on bringing my journal up to date. I am planning an early dinner (I skipped lunch) and then I'll go back to the hostel to pack up and plan my next stops. I am to be out of North Carolina soon. Irwin Tennessee is only about 68 miles away. Another state down, only 12 more to go. Actually I have decided that I really do not have any great priority of making it all the way to Maine. If I actually do, I'll be ecstatic of course, but my journey now is the most important thing for me. I've decided that I'm going to go as far as my body will let me and my mind will allow me to go. When it becomes no longer fun for me, I'll leave and it will be ok. I have been looking for ways to minister to others along the trail. God has blessed me several times already. Life if really good and I'm so lucky to have an opportunity to be supported by my wife and family and to have the prayers of my local Methodist community. I'm heading out in the morning for more fun. I'll journal again when I get a chance. Thanks for following me.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jones Meadow
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was the day that I took three steps forward only to go two steps backwards. My plan was to hike about 14.5 miles to the next shelter area but stuff happened to us all day. We begin our day about 7:00 am hiking out of Spring Mountain Shelter area where we had tented the night before. I left early because I am slower than some of the others. Jason and Kamakazi and Foxfire caught up with me several miles in the day and then we hiked together up until around 11 or so when, as we were coming down the mountain and were crossing a dirt road to descend again, Kamakazi slipped on a large section of clay and really went down hard. We helped her up but we knew from the way she fell that something was medically wrong with her ankle. While Kamakazi was taping her ankle, Poledancer came along and before we had a chance to say something, she too slipped on the same section of the trail. It was a small miracle that she didn't have any problems other than getting dirty from the fall. We all then walked about another half mile to a road intersection and up to a store called "Moms" where we sought to find assistance. After sitting for a time Kamakazi and Foxfire (had been nursing a bad knee) decided to try to arrange a shuttle back to Hot Springs to the medical clinic to see if anything had been broken or not. Mom's Store had no cell phone or land line service. She has been in business seasonally for about 6 years to provide drinks and food for hikers. This store is in the middle of nowhere. Mom told me that I could use her sister-in-law's land phone but I had to hike about 3/4 of a mile down the road to the house, which I immediately set out to do. After two trips back to the house and to Mom's I ultimately arranged a shuttle to come and pick up the women and transport them to Hot Spring's. All in all we spend a little over two hours helping in our efforts. About 2:00 pm we finally set out (less two hikers) towards our destination shelter area of Jerry Cabin Shelter. We spent a long time hiking up a very tall mountain from 2200 feet to 4800 feet spread over 4 miles. We finally reached Little Laural Shelter a small 5 person shelter on the side of the hill where we were going to eat a hot lunch and rest. We ended up staying there another two hours because no sooner than we had arrived, it begin raining. Not your little light afternoon rain, but one with wind, thunder, and lightning. Before we knew it, about 12 additional hikers had arrived - some wet and some drenched. Myself and at least three others finally left about 5:00pm, but ended up stopping about three miles later at a place called Jones Meadows, a beautiful muddy swamp in between two converging overflowing streams. It even had a concession stand - NOT. We found a somewhat level space and went to sleep pretty much right away. Only 10 plus miles today. We have to do more tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Jones Meadow

To: Devil Fork Gap - NC 212
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today we learned through Jason (Scribe) that Kamakazi's ankle was only a sprain and that she was planning to rest one day and then shuttle back to Mom's to return to the trail. More on this I guess later. Today I hiked during the day with Buckle, whose name if Richard and is from NJ), Slingshot (Emily from Florida), and Tonka (Peter also from Florida). Trolly who we had been hiking with from time to time sped up and was not a day ahead of us. We hiked up and across a mountain called Big Firescald Knob, a rocky, treacherous, and very strenuous trail climb. I was rewarded with beautiful views from the top but I was more worried about how I was going to climb down after scaling this "knob". Lots of rocks and steep ascents and descents. I took some pictures. See those to the left on the menu under today's date. Again we stopped a little early because of an impending afternoon rainstorm. We came down to a road, crossed it by climbing over a special style to prohibit cows from escaping and quickly tented to the side of a cow pasture in a wooded area near a barbed wire fence. In between the cow patties, and the weeds and trees and all the dead wood on the ground it turned out to be a great level sleeping night. But - the rain never materialized. I'm craving Chinese food tonight. I was unable to obtain much water before tenting and was really thirsty all night. I ended up having a Knorr Pasta Side which was Teriyaki Noodles, not quite Chinese, but...
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Devil Fork Gap - NC 212

To: Low Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

Today was pretty uneventful for me. I hiked much of it by myself. Buckle had left really early and the others I had been hiking with stopped at the last shelter due to the rain WE never got. I climbed up and over Lick Rock from our location down at about 2900 feet to about 4500 feet past some beautiful waterfalls called the Cascades. But every time you think you're about at the top, the trail fools you and turns uphill again. I just took in stride and hoped that I could eventually reach out and shake God's hand later that day. Late in the afternoon after finally reaching the top and stopping to take a bit of nourishment, a section hiker about 60 years of age came running up the trail carrying nothing but a water pack. Did I mention he was running? His trail name was Table. I made it to Low Gap Campsite about 6:00 pm and met up with Buckle who had arrived their about 1 hour in front of me. Later about 7:00pm Jason (Scribe) and Bookie with her dog Star joined us. I met Bookie and her dog for the first time back on Max Patch, several, several days before. Then one more hiker came in by the name of Whoopy. Everyone tented except him. He set up his rainproof hammock. We ate, soaked our tired feet in the nearby piped spring, and went to sleep. All of us were set up on the side of the hill so we all were expecting a sliding night - from one end of our tents to the other and back. Boy I wish at times like this I had a hammock. At least you can adjust your levelness.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Low Gap Campsite

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today I hiked by myself too as Buckle and Whoopy set out again very early. And Jason and Bookie and Star were slow to get out of camp. A lot of the day would be to hike up several hundred feet and then down about a thousand, hike up several hundred feet, then down about a thousand. This went on the entire day as we were overall descending from an elevation of about 5500 feet to 3100 feet. This prolonged "downhilling", as I call it really takes a toll on your knees and feet. I really slowed down today. But what really slows you down is blisters and I had begin to develop some pretty sizeable ones. It now takes me about 1/2 hour each morning to "dress" my feet in moleskin, Band-Aids and tape. I'm getting ready to lose two toenails also. Uck!. Anyway enough about me. At one point I climbed up to a place called "Big Bald" a great expanse of real estate on top that used to be a grazing place for cattle a long time ago. It was beautiful and I met three day section hikers enjoying the view. I pressed on and watered up at Bald Mountain Shelter a mile or so down the other side and pressed on up the trail. I reached a gap called Spivey where the trail crossed US 19 (Tennessee) and then climbed up again, and up again, and yet up again alongside a beautiful cascade of streams surrounded by mountain laurel. When I finally reached the shelter it was getting dark and everyone there asked me if I had seen the 4 foot rattler along the trail on the way up the last climb? I said, "What rattler?". They said the Big Rattler. I guess I must have missed him. Oh Well. I set my tent up and went to sleep. About 9:30 or so a train of about 15 through hikers proceeded to come through camp on towards Irwin, night hiking with headlamps and carrying only a small pack with snacks and water. It seems that they had gotten off the trail somewhere behind me and shuttled to Irwin, TN where they had dropped their heavy packs, picked up smaller ones, shuttled back to their initial point and had "slack packed" back to Irwin. I was asleep pretty much after the first one had come through. Tomorrow for me? Irwin, TN and a few days off with my sister and brother-in-law in Burnsville, NC about 30 miles away.
Date: 2015-05-11
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: light rain

I left the shelter about 8:00 am and leisurely hiked towards Erwin. I didn't have to be there until about 3:00pm when I was to meet my sister. On the way down the longj downhill section, (blisters and toes hate this stuff) I stopped multiple times to take in the beautiful sights alongside the Nolichucky River and the town of Erwin. I arrived just before noon where I hopped a shuttle into town for and AYCE buffet at a local Pizza place. My sister and husband picked me up at 3:30pm, checked me into a beautiful little motel in Burnsville and then took me to the most delicious Mexican restaurant you could imagine. I was hungry, even after the two pizza and two salads I had previously eaten only three house prior. A good night sleep, a shower, a laundry for my cloths and a relaxing night was ahead of me. More later about Burnsville and my R and R.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Roan Mountain, TN

To: Harbour Mountain B/B, Moreland Shelter, Hampton, T
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We left Roan Mountain at 6200 ft in cold pouring rain and strong winds. The trail was like a small stream slipping and sliding all of the way. The rain eventually cleared to give great views from the high balds that we climbed. A long day the rain came down in sheets until just before we arrived at the B&B. The plan was to take a day off and to spend time with Ingrid. Ingrid met us at the trail head. We enjoyed Brie, fresh fruit, wine and beer. Ingrid has been my trail angel. She also gave haircuts ( Obsolete) to needy hikers. She made a big impression. My hiking companions would like to trade me in for Ingrid. Unfortunately our leisurely day together turned into a trip to Boone, NC to replace my cell phone. The rain managed to get through it's life proof case inside my rain jacket. I'm grateful to have replaced my phone but it was an all day event. We made the most of it. New boots to replace mine that have over 500 miles and a nice beer at Appalachian Brewery. It was great to spend the day with Ingrid. Following my off day we had a 18 mile hike. It was a beautiful day with waterfalls and interesting hikers. A group of "seniors " passed us going south bound on a day hike. There were ~ 20 in number and ranged from late 60's to mid 70's. They were an example that you are never too old to do what you want to do. Their joyful expressions were infectious. The day ended with camp at Moreland Shelter. Beautiful weather, views and waterfalls. We arrived in Hampton, TN today. For you NASCAR fans their is a big race in Bristol a few miles up the road. Incredible waterfalls and rivers made for exciting hiking. We crossed the 400 mile mark yesterday. A milestone that I'm looking forward to celebrating. The next stop is Damascus, Virgina - "Trail Town " USA.
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Hampton, TN

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Obsolete and I left Hampton, TN after a big breakfast at the local restaurant. My appetite is growing but not yet at the rate of my hiking partners who order two entrees.The people I meet hiking are interesting and diverse. We had dinner with Iso last night. He is from Christ Church, New Zealand. He also has a supportive wife A beautiful day we made over 24 miles with steady climbs. I am now at mile 443. Our hike took us around Lake Watauga that provided lovely views. There were not as many wild flowers in this section of the forest. However the dogwoods were in full bloom. Their white flowers accented the still bare woods. Thirty minutes before reaching our campsite it started to rain. More rain is in the forecast and I'm expecting a very wet day.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: overcast clouds

You can't live outside in the Appalachian mountains for 5 weeks and not expect to get wet. Obsolete and I had driving rain (est 30-40 mph gusts) most of the day. The good news is that it only hit out right side as we hiked ridges all day. The focus was too keep warm and to keep moving. Despite the challenging conditions the day had its rewards. I've never been so wet. A very clean feeling with my clothes washed clean. We left TN for good and entered Virginia. Three states down eleven to go. This was our longest hike to date at 26 miles. A marathon. We found luxurious accommodations at the Hiker Hostel in Damascus run by Lee and Paul, clean dry clothes and good food. A wonderful ending to a long wet day.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: wise shelter, trimpie shelter

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Damascus was a great place to refresh. The town and people are hiker friendly. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a real treasure. A well groomed bike trail runs along a trout stream. Gentle terrain and looks like fun riding. I look forward to returning with my bike and a fly rod. We crossed the 500 mile mark this week. A great feeling. Only 1689 miles to go! Ivan now see progress on an AT map. I am know at mile 531.5We woke up to wild ponies grazing around our tents. They graze the grass to look like a golf course. They moved on after they realized that they would get no treats from us. A beautiful day for hiking. Many streams that were crystal clear along with cascading waterfalls. Managing blisters on my feet which have slowed me down. However I am maintaining my daily distance. I'm grateful for "leukotape". It supports hot spots and keeps blisters stable. My feet will enjoy the day off this Saturday after a short 10 mile hike on Friday.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Trimpe Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Obsolete, Ox and I have been hiking since Springer Mountain. We met on the shuttle from the Hiker Hostel to the drop off at the start of the AT. Now at mile 542.7 and six weeks of hiking together we have parted ways. I was in need of a day off to reconnect with Ingrid and to heal irritating blisters on my feet. Obsolete and Ox continued on after we had lunch at "The Barn" restaurant that is on the trail. I headed back to Marion, VA with Ingrid for a day of R&R.I could not have asked for better hiking companions in Obsolete and Ox. I'm grateful for their companionship over the past six weeks. Their collective intellect, humor and energy were infectious. They are a big part of getting me this far. It's rare to find new friends and even rarer to be brought together on the circumstances of the AT. Our hiking trio was unique, interesting and special. The AT brings out the "authentic" in each of us. I'm blessed to have shared this time with two great individuals.   Thank you for sharing your stories with me.My best to both Obsolete and Ox for good weather, fun hiking and a great adventure. You were the ones who chrisitend me with "Caboose". An appropriate name that honors my family's history and my tendency to bring up the rear. Remember, I won't be far behind you and look I forward to catching up with you. My plan is to be there is enjoy Ox's Mother's crab cakes in MD.It has been a great time in Marion, VA. I'm refreshed and renewed. The opportunity to reconnect with Ingrid and to enjoy Marion. Ingrid has done so much to make this adventure possible for me.Until next time.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: VA 683, U.S. 11

To: Chestnut knob shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: drizzle

It was a cold and foggy 24 miles today. The wind had stopped and a wet mist filled the air. It was like walking through a quiet serine cathedral. Tall trees and a quiet foot path. My hike was noted by a waypoint that marked that I've finished 25% and only have about 1600 miles to go. Time to celebrate!I arrived at the shelter just after 7pm pushing the last nine miles. It was worth the effort. The sun broke through the clouds long enough to set up my tent and have a cold but pleasant nights sleep.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Chestnut knob shelter

To: Helveys Mills Shelter.
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: light rain

It was a cold morning at Chestnut Knob at 4300 ft. My tent and shoes were covered in frost. It was great to be able to use the shelter to cook breakfast and enjoy a cup of coffee. Other friendly hikers were helpful to me there. Thanks Walking Man and Up Hill. I was tired and hungry following my long hike yesterday. When I get into camp late I'm too worn out to make dinner. That makes for a challenging next day if I haven't had enough calories. A few hours into my hike I came upon Trail Magic at a gravel road that intersects the AT.   As "Obsolete " says, "Never expected but always appreciated". "I Believe", (2014 thru hiker) and Jim were the Angels that gave so generously to me and several other hikers. Their hospitality was humbling. They put in significant effort to be at that point in the trail to wait to serve hikers. Thank you "I Believe" and Jim. You are living examples of kindness, humility and generosity. My first Honey Bun in over 20 years. Chips, oatmeal cookies and an orange crush filled me with sugar. It renewed my energy and spirit. My special thanks to "I Believe" who made sure I had a tangerine and Snickers bar before I left. Their trail magic gave me the extra boost to make a 26 mile day. I could not have done it without their help. Im beginning to believe that sugar is a vitamin for me! Thank you Trail Angels. You made my day.