morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-15
From: Camping Spot North of Max Patch - Day 27

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter, NC - Day 28
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was supposed to meet my nephew Zack (from Raleigh, NC) at Lemon Gap at 10:00. We got up early and hiked fast. Ken got there at 9:30 and I got there at 10:30. Trail Magic again, how lucky can we be? A wonderful breakfast of eggs, sausage, pastry and spinach salad. Zack showed up at 11:00. Ken suggested we meet at Deer Shelter, another 10 mi, which was going to be my biggest day because I had already hiked 5 miles.Zachary and I hiked 2 major climbs, hard after 10 miles! When we arrived at the shelter, NO ONE was there!!! No Ken, did he make a wrong turn? Or did he choose to go a little further, 3 miles down to Hot Springs? I was worried most of the night about his whereabouts. BAD news is he didn't call his wife. I called Kim and planned to get up early to get to Hot Springs to make sure he was there.The Trail book states water is .2mi to the west and the shelter is .2mi to the east. I went .2 mi to the shelter and then back to the trail to go west for the water source. The water was so difficult to get to! I needed to stand in the water to get to the spout! I took my shoes off, stepped in and my feet proceeded to freeze in the water! Maddening thing is, when I went back to the trail, and then .2 miles to the shelter, I noticed there's a water source on the way to the shelter = half a mile I didn't need to walk!!BREAKFAST!This rat is a pet of a little girl that was at Lemon GapDeer Park Mountain Shelter photo by Dugout
Date: 2016-04-16
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter, NC - Day 28

To: Hot Springs, NC - Day 29
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

We got up and left the shelter by 7:45, in Hot Springs by 9:00 and found Ken, he's fine. I bought some SuperFeet and OH BOY, do they feel good!We plan to hang out in Hot Springs for their big festival. We're trying to get a room in the Alpine Hotel. They said to come back by 3:00. If not, we'll camp. Zack's right knee is hurting so we bought some Glucosamine with Chondroiton, which I started taking myself a few weeks ago. Tomorrow we plan on attending church at 10:00am and then hike for 6 miles. Sara Jones will pick us up.....to be continued. Yes, we were able to get a room at the Alpine. It's been a wonderful day here in Hot Springs! We see many people we have met on the trail and enjoy catching up. However, the best of Trail Magic occurred. After many lazy hours, I went to the outfitters for denatured alcohol. While I was pouring alcohol outside, the couple next to me said their son hiked in 2007. "What is his trail name?" "Waffle.""Waffle! I know Waffle!" I tried to get ice cream to him at a shelter. He wasn't there but other hikers told him I was there. The next year at trail days he saw me and said, "You owe me ice cream!" I bought him ice cream In 2008, 2010, and I believe in 2012 also!Waffle's parents and I talked for hours! Wonderful trail magic!Rethinker is a 2008 thru-hiker. I came by his booth in Hot Springs and said, "We have a mutual friend, Boy Floyd!" He sent me your book 2 years ago. "I love it!" So we spent the next half hour sharing stories. Of course, we sent our picture to Boy Floyd and Hometown who also hiked in 2008. (Racoon also met Rethinker in 2008!)Doug and Salome, Waffle's parents!Is that Southpaw's reflection in the window???Read Salome's comment in the Guest Book (blue tab on the left) and please sign if you haven't already or leave me another message, love hearing from you!Festival ActivitiesView of Hot Springs photo by Icefire
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Hot Springs, NC - Day 29

To: Tanyard Gap, NC - Day 30
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

We attended Church at 10am. Jeffrey, from Australia, went with us. It was his birthday so we sang to him. We enjoyed the Service very much. I played "How Great Thou Art" after the service. We arranged with Sarah "Harvest" AT 2008, to slack pack six miles. It was a long up, so we were glad for the slacking! We had beautiful views of Hot Springs and the French Broad river. Upon arriving at Tanyard gap, Zack immediately secured a ride back to his car in Hot Springs. He was back in 20 minutes, what took 3 hours to hike! Harvest took us to her and her husband's home, Root Bottom Farm. What a great place! She and Morgan have transformed a junkyard into a working organic farm complete with a tiny house for visitors. Dinner was delicious stew served in the "party deck". You can google Root Bottom Farm and learn some interesting facts about organic farming. A small excerpt: "We never spray. Never will. We are dedicated to growing great organic food the old fashioned way. By hand, with love and without chemicals. Root Bottom Farm grows high-quality, organic specialty crops including: microgreens, root crops, herbs, flowers, berries and vegetables. We also specialize in multiple garlic varieties and bulk seed garlic is available for sale."Chicken Feet Giving Ken a MassageSouthpaw, Ken, Chicken Feet, IWOX, Zack above Hot SpringsChicken Feet is Hiking With UsDining on the Party DeckKen, Chicken Feet, Morgan, SouthpawOur Tiny House is on the LeftHouse on the right is for Interns there for the season to work and study Organic Farming. Maybe I'll volunteer a week next year!
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Tanyard Gap, NC - Day 30

To: 3 Miles before Laurel Shelter - Day 31
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Jill called me mid day while they were on a break on a ridge-line that is supposed to be part of the hardest part of the trail:We left Root Bottom Farm at 8:30. We took Sarah's car without Sarah and dropped it off at Tanyard Gap and hiked on. They will pick up their car later this week when they go to Hot Springs for their Anniversary. We hiked out of Tanyard Gap for 11-12 miles in great weather! We saw another hiker with the same problem I had last week and I gave him an energy pack. Ken waited for us, he said there is a store up ahead called Mom's. It looked like it might be closed, it looked dilapidated, abandoned so we trudged on. Shortly after, a lady stopped by where the trail meets the road to the a hostel, the owner and said it was open. We were excited to have food, so excited that we stayed for an hour. This counted as our supper. I had a cheeseburger, Dr. Pepper, a V8, a Klondike Bar and a bottle of water. We had planned to stay at Little Laurel shelter, but it was 4 more miles. After hiking another mile, we decided to camp. Beast and Longstride were camping back near Mom's. When we got to camp, Ken decided to get off the trail, his back is really bothering him. He turned around to go back to the hostel and wait for Kim. Southpaw has plantar fasciitis. Kim explained: Good news/Bad news, meaning the ligament connecting the front of the foot to the heel is over used and over stretched and develops minute tears. Repeated use of the damaged ligament results in inflammation and fasciitis...a sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot near the heal. Commonly known as 'runner's heel.' That's the bad news. The good news is it is treatable and the doctor prescribed a special shoe insert with a a hole where the ligament attaches and additional cushion support surrounding that area. He thinks he will be able to finish the hike. Chicken Feet has been with us for 3 days. We were in bed by 6:00. Kim will be picking us up to take us to Uncle Johnnies in Erwin. The Ridge trail is absolutely glorious and the pictures will show how beautiful it is.The Worst (Best) ClimbWilth and Joe from England on a Day HikeMountain Goat Spotted Me in the Worst SpotCell Service on a Rock
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter, NC - Day 32

To: Devils Fork Gap, NC & Hikers Paradise - Day 33
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

We were told there would be trail magic at Devils Fork Gap, 9 miles in, so we got up quickly and arrived at 12:30! We were disappointed, NO trail magic! We hiked on to the next road hoping that maybe the free food would be there. No such luck! However, there is a hostel called Hiker Paradise 1/2 miles to the west. After much deliberation, we decided to go to the hostel. The walk seemed longer than half a mile. The hostel is only 4 walls but is a gem in progress. Jerry, who runs the hostel, is working very hard and is a very nice guy. There are 9 bunks, has been full every night for a couple of weeks. Last night he even set up a big tent and rented it out. There's a beautiful stream in the yard. I highly recommend Paradise Hostel. It's very nice, lots of food, pizza etc. There are showers, but you can't shower while laundry is going. This is a very depressed area, this is the only business in this zip code and no cell service.At one point I tried to borrow a bicycle from a boy to try and get cell service, but it had 2 flat tires. So, he offered me his scooter. I scooted for about half a mile, I still only had spotty service. I tried calling Cathy, my transcriber. She was at the Hospital with her family, excited to let me know that she is now a Grandmother! Her son Scott & his wife had a baby girl, 6lbs 10 oz. her name ....Fiona Jade. I'm taking this opportunity to publicly CONGRATULATE my Scribe Lipstick and her husband Racoon (class of '08)!First time in a Car Seat!Jill on the Scooter (Cathy thought it was Maybe a Motorized Scooter!)Chicken Feet and JerryIWOX in the Hikers Paradise Hostel
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Devils Fork Gap, NC - Day 33

To: Sam's Gap, NC - Day 34
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked to Sam's Gap and enjoyed some Trail Magic of water, fruit and Gatorade by 1:00! The plan was to hike to Sam's Gap and get a ride with Ken and Kim to Erwin, but we arrived so early that I was able to "acquire" a ride for all of us in the back of a pickup with a young man who was driving past Erwin. He was a little nervous about all of us being in the bed of the truck. Southpaw was embarrassed that I asked, but you all know me, ha! At one point I laid back in the 65 mph truck and the wind caught my skirt and blew it up. Thank goodness I always wear hiking pants underneath! That's just my thing, what I like to wear, great having all the pockets. We were dropped off at Super 8 Hotel. I called Ken but they WEREN'T there! Super 8 didn't like the idea of 5 hikers in one room so they found a nice Comfort Inn in Johnson City that did! Tim and I went to college and got married while we lived in Johnson City, great memories! I borrowed a car and drove to the CPA Firm where I used to work, Wiseman & Fields, Inc., but the partners, Joe & Jim, had just left.News from the Homefront: Tim has reported that my two younger sisters are taking good care of him. WAIT A MINUTE!...... I DON'T HAVE ANY SISTERS!Plaque at Sam's GapHitching a Ride Into Erwin, 65mph on the Interstate!
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Sam's Gap, NC - Day 34

To: Zero Day in Johnson City - Day 35
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We decided to take a zero day because it was going to rain. I took the opportunity to make another trip to Wiseman & Fields. This time, I was able to visit with Joe & Jim, great time! I also drove by the little White House at 706 Antioch Rd. where Tim and I lived for 3 years when we were first married. There was a big Railroad track right behind us, great memories!For dinner, we had a great Mexican meal, something we had talked about doing for several days.Cathy comment: I called Tim to ask the Firm's name where Jill used to work. We had a great conversation. If you enjoy Jill's fun personality, you should meet Tim, he completes their team of wit and humor, great man! He shared a funny story about Jill. I have permission to share! "One of the Best memories of the White House is when our neighbor came to save Jill. We were both working in the backyard and Jill said she needed to go to the bathroom. When she started towards the house, I tackled her. She started screaming! The neighbors across the street, Rob and his large wife Robbie, thought someone was being attacked. Robbie arrived with a bat in hand, ready to go into action! All four of us had a great laugh!"I asked Tim how he was doing being alone. He laughed and explained he wished he was alone because he's been so busy! He's been asked to help or fix things with Jill being away, ha! He's doing fine but he also shared that there is one heartbroken dog laying around, their Corgi, Zobbie (black, with a white blaze, looks like she's wearing a tuxedo). Tim takes her for a ride EVERY day in the car to keep her happy. "Let's just say this, if me or the dog died before Jill returned, it would be OK if I died first but if Zobbie went first, I would be facing the wrath of Jill, it would not be a picnic!" Our Dog ZobbieFirst RampsJill Getting a Much Needed Foot Massage!
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Sam's Gap, NC - Day 34

To: Whispering Gap, NC - Day 36
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Ken and Kim drove us back to Sam's Gap. This is where we said goodbye to Ken and Kim.We saw a lot of new faces since we had taken a day off and hikers had caught up, just one of the things I enjoy about hiking, meeting new people! Southpaw even enjoyed taking 3 hours to socialize!Trillium, One in a Million!>Ken & Kim at Sam's GapSouthpaw on Big BaldThe Sun Breaks Through!Chicken Feet on Big Bald
Date: 2016-04-24
From: Whispering Gap, NC - Day 36

To: Erwin, TN -Day 37
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

We Got an early start with Erwin, TN as the goal. Southpaw & Chicken Feet went on ahead. The first obstacle was the biggest blow-down I have ever seen. As I was studying how to get past, another hiker came and helped me over. This is the second time help a arrived just when I needed it. God is surely watching over me!I caught up with my pals at the next shelter and had lunch. I took off first and it took a long time for Southpaw to catch up. Chicken Feet was having pack troubles which slowed him down. He finally arrived and we hiked down to Uncle Johnnies. We rented a cabin for 4 and Right Side joined us. It was great to see so many hikers again: Geoffrey from Australia, but especially Limey, who greeted us just wearing a towel.For supper, the shuttle took us to a Mexican restaurant, then we were able to resupply at Walmart   Sailor Pete visited our cabin to watch. "Memphis Belle" for the evening's entertainment.Biggest Blowdown!A hiker showed up just in time to help me. I would have had to crawl under otherwise.Nolichucky RiverView of Nolichucky RiverRhododendrumsPurple Flowers - Crested Dwarf Iris
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Erwin, TN -Day 37

To: Unknown Campsite - Day 38
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

My brother Jeff got up at 4:00am to drive to Erwin and hike for two days. We shuttled his car to Iron Mt. Gap. Then we got a late start at 10:30. Jeff did great except for the up-hills. Beauty Spot was the highlight of the day!! I took pictures but they did not turn out because I could not see my screen in the bright sunlight. I was chatting with a hiker when Jeff arrived. I told him to keep going. Big Mistake!! He was now hiking so fast I could not catch him. Then we both missed the water source I needed. Ray, the hiker with me informed me of my mistake. I knew Jeff was ahead, so I kept going. I was frantic, but I finally got a call thru and we hiked back to where Southpaw was waiting. We set up camp without Chicken Feet, having no idea where he was. Jeff made the other hikers jealous by attending the campfire in pajamas. Beans told me later that he considered saying, "I didn't know there was a nursing home up here on the trail".Jeff Pointing to Mileage to KatahdinJeff's First Trail MagicTrail Angel Lucky CharmBeans is JealousView from the BarnHiker ForgetMeNotBeauty Spot photo by Short Stop 2014Trail up Beauty Spot - photo by Little Sas 2013Looking South from Beauty Spot - Pockets photo 2015Clyde Smith Shelter - 58Starter's photo
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Unknown Campsite - Day 38

To: Clyde Smith Shelter - Day 39
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We got out at 7:55am, a nice early start. About a mile in, we saw the water source we were actually looking for last night. So, where we stayed is not even in the guidebook. We learned that Chicken Feet stayed here. Jeff was hiking great, even on the up-hills. He is a stone mason, so he is very strong, he was just using different muscles.We met up with Monica from Quebec, out on her second day of a two month section. At 8 miles, we arrived at Jeff's car. He was not ready to quit yet, so he unloaded his pack and took half my stuff. He then hiked 3 more miles before turning back. I enjoyed the partial slack packing! Southpaw waited for me at Greasy Creek Gap to decide whether to go on or go to the "friendly" (they say they are not hostel), I tried to find Chicken Feet. All I could hear on the phone was 367.2. The guidebook showed water and camping there, so we decided to hike the .8 miles. We also convinced Monica to go too. After a while we suspected that we were way past .8 but no sign of water or camping or Chicken Feet. Shortly, we arrived at Clyde Smith Shelter: 2 miles!! We realized that Chicken Feet gave us the mileage from the 2015 book and he was back at the "friendly".Note to Bama: We met Brawn of Brains & Brawn, hiking south. He says hi. When he hikes without his wife, he is No Brains. Also, I forgot to tell you earlier I met Old Drum in the Smokies.Jeff Switching BackRabbit on the TrailNew Shelter!Cathy here: If Jill doesn't get a photo of the shelter, I sometimes search on this site for a photo taken about the same time of the year. This one was taken in December 2011, doesn't fit time of year but I thought it was so beautiful, thought you would enjoy! Photo taken by Hopeful.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Clyde Smith Shelter,TN - Day 39

To: Roan High Knob Shelter, NC - Day 40 
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We left Clyde Smith shelter early. Monica left first, then me and finally Southpaw. A little ways up the trail, Monica was hiking South! She had forgotten her water bottle. I was able to call Southpaw and he recovered it for her. Since I had cell service I called Ken. I hope to see Ken & Kim at Trail Days!!! The section I was hiking I had hiked with my scribe Cathy "Lipstick" and her husband "Racoon" in 2008. It was fun to recognize some of the places. At Hughes Gap there was Trail Magic by Rob Bird. I enjoyed talking to Rob. He ran a hostel in Massachusetts that my daughter may have stayed in 2008. We decided to cut the mileage to stay with Monica at Roan High Knob Shelter, where I had stayed in 2008, but that year we hiked southbound. Switchbacks have been added to make the trail about 2 miles longer, but much easier!Something odd happened today while hiking. I thought it started raining, it sounded like rain but when I stopped and held out my arm, the rain sound stopped and my arm was not getting wet. I started again and I heard drops again! This happened several times, when I stopped, no rain. I finally realized that there were thousands of grasshoppers around me! When I moved, they jumped, when I stopped, they stopped, ha! When I caught up to Monica, she asked me what the name of the little blue flowers was. I remember them as ForgetMeNots. Monica said that would be her trail name, because she liked the flower and it would remind her not to forget her water bottle. We met many south-bounders out for day hikes and since we weren't in a hurry, we enjoyed talking to all of them. I came up with the idea of sending a message back to Chicken Feet that we would be at the next shelter. Then I asked about ten hikers to greet Chicken Feet by name when they saw him. I was disappointed that he did not come in to the shelter, so I don't know how or if my trail fun worked. We arrived at the shelter early and settled in, then at 7:00pm we were hit by a horrendous thunderstorm. It only lasted 45 minutes, but it was rough. I was told there was more rain overnight but I slept thru it.Three "Volunteers" Gathering Fire Wood at Roan High ShelterForgetMeNot RelaxingHiking Buddies, IWOX & ForgetMeNotRob Bird had Trail Magic at Hughes GapPurple FlowersSouthpaw Fell Over Laughing at My Vitamin Mix!Raffle Queen (IWOX) & Lipstick at Roan High Knob Shelter, 2008IWOX & Racoon at Roan High Knob Shelter in 2008. We had trouble getting a fire going!See Racoon, You Really Can Get a Fire Started at Roan High Shelter ;-)
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Roan High Knob Shelter, NC - Day 40 

To: Overmountain Shelter,NC - Day 41
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful morning at the highest shelter on the trail! The first section was an evergreen forest with fog rolling thru. Carvers Gap was the first stop at 1.5 miles. Then we hiked over three beautiful balds. Today's goal was Overmountain Shelter at 7.1 miles. We were then able to hike slowly and enjoy long breaks at the most beautiful sections. We arrived at Overmountain by 2:30, so we enjoyed the rest of the day socializing with other hikers. Lucky Charm showed up with drinks and hot dogs!In the picture above, Jill is pointing to where she met Tim on January 15, 1972!!! I have been enjoying the company of BigBird for the last three days. At Clyde Smith Shelter I accidentally dropped my pack top from the upper bunk and nearly hit him in the head. At Roan High I spilled his water. When Monica and I found a good tree for firewood I went back to get the guys to help. I said, "I need three volunteers to help get firewood." There was only Big Bird, Southpaw and rightlane at the shelter! They all laughed and came to disconnect the tree and drag it back. I rewarded my volunteers with hugs and BigBird said it was his first hiker hug!View From the BarnCarvers Gap in FogRound Bald by SouthpawFirst SnakeIWOX at Carver's Gap Sign (Pointing to Her Wedding Ring)Red TrilliumRoasting Hot Dogs at Overmountain ShelterThe Privy at Overmountain ShelterThe View From the PrivyPhoto from BigBird
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Overmountain Shelter,NC - Day 41

To: Boone, NC - Day 42
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

We woke to a beautiful morning at Overmountain Shelter. We hiked on out and started approaching a grassy bald to Little Hump Mountain. After a strenuous climb, we thought we had crossed Big Hump Mountain. However, when we came out of some woods, Big Hump was looming in front of us! It took about 30 min to climb to the top of Big Hump. The 360 degree view was spectacular! We took a nice long break at the top with such perfect weather.Bigbird joined us and we continued to the road crossing of 19E. I had arranged for my friends of 40+ years, John and Ann to pick us up and take us to their lovely home for the night. Bigbird had joined us at Big Hump so Southpaw and ForgetMeNot hiked on ahead. Unfortunately, Bigbird twisted his ankle and/or his knee a little bit, so I stayed with him until we reached The Mountain Harbour Bed and Breakfast where he had a reservation. We had about 3 hours before John and Ann would arrive, so we hitch hiked to the town of Roan Mountain for a BBQ Supper. Southpaw got the hiker special which consisted of a double cheeseburger with pulled pork and French fries right on the sandwich. He also got a side of sweet potato fries and ice cream for dessert. He could not eat it all! I got the BBQ platter and estimated it to be a half pound of pork BBQ with coleslaw and beans. ForgetMeNot got a chicken burrito. We then resupplied and hitchhiked back to the B&B. Interesting fact about Monica(ForgetMeNot): this is her very first time staying in an American home (remember she is from Quebec, Canada).We enjoyed a great evening of fellowship with John and Ann!Overmountain Shelter in the distance, see the red barn?Red Barn, Overmountain ShelterBigbird Gets Another HugMountain Harbour B&BHitched a Ride to SupperJohn, IWOX and Ann