morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Cosby shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 9.0

When I woke up this morning...it was above freezing! The sun was just breaking over the ridge & 3 woodpeckers were busy around the shelter. What a joy to put on wet & not frozen boots! Matt, Alexander, SubZero and I ate & readied ourselves for the hike out of the Smokies. At our elevation of 4500 feet, there was still a foot of snow, but the air temperature was around 40 degrees. I made the 9 mile hike in less than 3 hours. I saw SubZero at the road crossing - he was headed to Standing Bear hostel. Soon Matt was along, and we made the mile+ walk to Mountain Moma's Kuntry Kitchen & Bunkhouse. We ate cheeseburgers & fries with cokes. Soon Alexander arrived & it was his turn to chow. This bunkhouse is $15 a night which includes bed, shower & a load of laundry. It's very rustic & kind of pokes fun at itself with signs like "we has indoor plum'n!" The 3 of us are in a pink "honeymoon" cabin crammed with bunk beds. After almost a week in the frozen Smokies, it's the Ritz!Tomorrow may be a big push - maybe 17 miles - half way to Hot Springs. I'm getting mail drops (maybe surprises?), doing some internet stuff & taking my 1st "0" day which means no miles hiked.. I won't push if the Trail is sloppy, 'tho. I'll camp when I'm tired. Most of the day (14 of 17 miles) is uphill, so it could be rough. For now I'm enjoying a soft, warm bed & a cheeseburger in my tummy...AHHHH!
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Davenport Gap

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.0

Slept in a bit this morning & savored the comforts of a bed. Alexander, Matt and I all got up around 7:30am & I made cheese grits & tea & got packed up. 3 thru-hikers - Uber Dude, Low Key & For Today showed up & had cheeseburgers for breakfast. I decided to pack 2 cups of coffee & a big blueberry muffin in me before catching the shuttle back to the AT.I had thought about a big push to Hot Springs, but I wanted to check out a place called Standing Bear Farm, so I took a detour. I was out of money, so I asked the owner Curtis if he'd like a multi-tool I'd found lodged in the back crevice of Curtis Gap shelter in exchange for some time in the internet. He said the hiker internet was down, but took me into his house & set me up at his personal computer. I took a couple of hours to update my Trail journal & check my emails. Afterwards, I checked out the rest of the compound & met some of the hikers staying there - Boulder, Monk & Sproket. I kind of wish I had stayed there the previous night...but time to move on & hit the Trail!It felt good to be able to work up a sweat without worrying about chills. It was low to mid 60's & sunny. Butterflies were flitting about - small purple, orange, yellow & black ones. There were a lot of flowers & greenery popping up - like the earth was holding its breath under the snow & finally was able to give this big, even sudden exhale of life. I made 7 miles to Groundhog Gap shelter well before dark & decided to call it a day. Uber Dude, Low Key & For Today were already set up with a few other hikers & I decided to set up my tent to give myself space & to let it air out. Made dinner & sat around chatting at the shelter until dark & then headed to my tent.My legs & body felt really good today - like I was on auto-pilot. I'm looking to make up some ground with an 18 mile day tomorrow & I'm looking forward to the long miles!
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Little Bottom Branch gap
Miles today: 21.5

Got up fairly early this morning & made myself hot granola with powdered milk...experimental! Packed up my tent & belongings & bid Uber Dude, Low Key & For Today aideu and I was on my way. Sunny and 50's - 60's today. I couldn't believe how fast the first 6 miles went - I was already at a mountain called Max Patch. The top of the mountain is just grass - I guess it used to be farm or grazing land. Great views...and a bit of snow left, too.No complaints from my body today & I pushed on to my first 20+ mile day! I was planning to camp at a tent site, but I never found it. I did find one 1.5 miles shy of Deer Park shelter. That leaves me 4.5 miles to Hot Springs tomorrow morning. I'll certainly take the rest of tomorrow off, and maybe part of saturday, too. I'll have to see what's happening in town. I'd like to stay in a hostel called "Elmer's" tomorrow - it's all vegetarian chow & housed in a huge mansion. I also want to see the resort where the hot mineral springs are. It's $10 an hour & I may need some of that.Weird dinner of 3 cups cous-cous, 1/2 pound tuna, dried carrots & miso soup w/ hot chocolate. No, I'm not pregnant, just at the bottom of my food bag! Time for a mail drop & resupply!When I was hanging my food bag on my bear bag rope, the tree branch broke in the dark & I could only find a mere sapling on this mountain gap with any branches low enough - so my food bag is hanging precariously low. I hear grunting, snorting & branches snapping down the mountain...I hope "someone" doesn't try "something" tonight!
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Little Bottom Branch gap

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 4.0

The sound of coyotes in the pre-dawn interrupted my sleep, so I opened my tent door to look toward the dawn. Deep indigo to ocean blue, wisps of pink-edged fog clouds & finally the bright salmon face of the sun peeking through the trees. Songbirds greeting one another from mountain tops & gaps. The cackle of a wild fowl. I laid, listened & watched for an hour or more.I had no cereal or tea left, so it was a peanut butter bagel for breakfast. After making quick work of breaking camp, it was 4 easy miles to Hot Springs, NC. I first went to the outfitters & got money from the ATM. I then hit the post office to pick up my mail drops...and some surprises! At this point I was pretty loaded down with stuff, but Hot Springs is a towm easily walked & it took me only a few minutes to lug my haul to "Elmer's," my hostel for the evening.As I was meandering through town, I greeted many familiar faces, and Elmer's was no different. Our Trail culture had just been moved from 3-walled shelters to a beautiful mansion! I was greeted warmly by Elmer & shown to my room. I took a quick shower & got into fresh clothes (shirt at least), and a group of us headed for lunch. Big double burgers & fries - YEAH! Next: some provisions...beer & cheese fries & a pint of ice cream...gluttony??I got back to Elmer's & prepared my pack for the next leg of my journey. Before I knew it, it was 7pm & time for dinner. Amazing family style vegetarian fare with service for 16! We ate & talked for almost 2 hours & finally after dessert...I had to go lie down! Well, with some reading & this journal entry, that's about all I could muster. I feel like a bear after a long summer...where's my cave?
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Got up around 6:30, and the hostel was bustling. I sat in bed for a bit & read & then got dressed & readied a few things for the post office.. I took a walk to the corner store & called Mom & it was time for breakfast back at the hostel. Pancakes, granola & fresh fruit - I felt like a pig, but my appetite is growing & with good reason. According to the scale at the outfitters, I've lost 15 pounds! Got my bag packed, paid my tab, thanked everyone for a GREAT stay & headed off. I stopped at the post office to mail some post cards & supplies ahead to myself. Then to the outfitters to use their computer to update my journal & I was off.My pack was very heavy with food - over 15 pounds worth! A lot of uphill today & my body complained a bit. So I called it a short day after 11 miles & made a giant dinner & shared some of my goodies with other hikers. I'm at the Spring Mountain shelter with Bandit & Sundancer. We're all getting over the stay at Hot Springs - it's hard to get back on the Trail after relaxing & binging like that, but tomorrow I'll get back on track.
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Spring Mountain shelter

To: Jerry Cabin shelter
Miles today: 15.0

The mice were holding a circus in the Spring Mountain shelter last night. The sound of little pitter-patter feet lulled me to sleep. Sundancer was up early & with all the racket, I was up too. Sunny morning in the low 60's - beautiful hiking weather! Brian ambled up the trail & stopped to make breakfast. He's fresh out of high school & rather quiet. We talked for a bit & Bandit (from NYC) finally woke up. I was ready to roll, so I said good-bye & hit the Trail. Shorts & a t-shirt & I was still a little hot - a good amount of uphills today & a long ridge of rock - but I put in an easy 15 miles to Jerry Cabin shelter. I took 2 breaks to sit & read in the sun & a long lunch - very relaxing. I saw a foot long green snake slither across the Trail, and a couple of small (5") brown lizards that were curious but photo-shy...oh well. A bit of Trail magic today - a family was day hiking & offered me a granny smith apple which I readily accepted. I ate the whole thing including the core - YUM!I made it to the shelter well before sundown, and decided to call it a day. Sundancer and I are the only two here tonight. He's in his late 50's & from New Mexico. With 3 kids around the country & a wife back home, he's looking forward to a "0" day in Erwin to relax & make phone calls. Erwin is about 40 miles, so it's only a couple of days away.Music was interesting today. Yes mom, I was singing the Janis Joplin song! I was also singing "Time" from Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon...and I sang a skip in it! I have a cassette tape recorded from an album, so that's how I heard it for years - weird!Off to bed - probably some bigger miles tomorrow. I feel great - like I could have easily gone further today, but I'm staying relaxed, pacing myself...and enjoying!
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Jerry Cabin shelter

To: Hogback Ridge shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Last night, a big thunderstorm rolled in. My sleep was interrupted by a distant roar - a headwind rushing through the trees. It was probably a half mile off when I heard it coming. It got louder and louder like a train approaching. Suddenly it was upon the shelter with heavy wind, rain, lightning & thunder. I saw Sundancer jump up & grab a chunk of wood to weigh down the plastic tarp which had come loose in front of where he was sleeping. I watched the storm for 20 minutes before returning to sleep.The storm was winding down at daybreak, and the sun was peeking out by the time I hit the Trail - a bit after 9. Sundancer had left the shelter earlier, so the Trail was vacant. I put in 7 miles before the next shelter & my lunch & water break. I took a leisurely time of the whole day until the final 5 miles which included a 1,500 foot climb. As I was ascending, the sky thickened, and I heard a roll of thhunder. Raindrops started to fall, and I got out my raincoat and pack cover. I kept moving as I had some ground to cover before Hogback Ridge shelter. The skies never opened up & I made it to the shelter dry.I was greeted by Sundancer when I arrived. He was just making dinner, so I set to preparing my meal and readying my sleeping bag. Big hearty meal of peanut sauce with ramin noodles, summer sausage & carrots with miso soup & tea.The wind is howling over the ridge & the trees are squeaking & groaning. They're 70 to 80 feet tall & move 15 to 20 feet at the tops. The branches clatter together & it sounds like big pieces of lumber being continually tossed around. I just hope it doesn't rain tonight as there's no tarp in front of this shelter - the weather will just blow right through.For the last 2 days I've been considering bigger miles & it comes down to a 20 mile day tomorrow to give myself an easy "in" to Erwin, TN.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Hogback Ridge shelter

To: No Business Knob shelter
Miles today: 20.6

My sleep was interrupted last night by precipitaion on my face...it was snow! I turned my bag toward the rear of the shelter & snoozed 'til dawn. Sundancer was already up & out before my breakfast was ready...I lingered for awhile & was out by 8. Just a dusting of snow, but it was pretty chilly - maybe around 40 degrees. I came upon some Trail magic at a road crossing - spearmint jellies, dates & cokes! That fueled me up & over Big Bald - a great mountain top at over 5,500 feet. There was still frost on the trees & a cold breeze! I had a leisurely lunch at the shelter atop the mountain & then I was off. The weather warmed a bit as I descended through the beautiful mossy woods. The last miles flew by & it was happy hiking in the sun. I arrived a No Business Knob shelter before sunset, and who did I see? Old Sundancer! He was already fed & in his sleeping bag. I made a "Mountain House" brand dinner & it was fantastic! Grilled chicken breasts with potatoes and gravy. As a trail meal goes, it was a bit complicated to make, but it came out tasting like fresh cooking...and it's freeze-dried! If only I had a brownie with ice cream for dessert. Tomorrow is an easy 5 miles to Erwin, TN. I'll stay the night either in a hotel or hostel - shower, laundry, LOTS to eat & restock provisions.Songs today? Crosby, Stills & Nash "Southern Cross";"Rock Around the Clock";theme to "Happy Days" - WHOA!
Date: 2006-04-05
From: No Business Knob shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 5.0

Woke at No Business Knob shelter & had a slow-paced morning for the 5 mile hike down to Erwin, TN. Made it to a hostel called Uncle Johnny's & bought snacks. I grabbed a shuttle toward town - stopped at A&W for lunch & saw Sundancer there. It was an easy hitch to town with Jerry - an "old country boy" in a beat up old pick-up truck...cool! Grabbed my mail drop at the post office & headed to Miss Janet's house - my hostel for the evening.Great house with a dozen bunks - I got right to work with a shower, laundry & making up my bunk. I headed out for burritos with Sticker & Bugs - Tofurky met up with us after awhile & we chowed down.Back to Miss Janet's to sort some gear & sit around watching "AT" videos - getting inspired for what lies ahead! We made a run to the grocery store to restock provisions & get food for breakfast...and Ben & Jerry's ice cream! Miss Janet told us the story behing No Business Knob. It was named during moonshine days, and the general public had "no business" being around there. I ended up staying up 'til almost 11:30 - way past my bedtime! But just hanging out - clean & well-fed felt great for all of us.
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Erwin, TN

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 11.0

The dogs at Miss Janet's woke me up this morning. Three of them were running around and jumping on bunks. Luckily I was on a top bunk, so I avoided the ruckus. We had a great family style breakfast in the back yard with an egg souffle, fried apples, and sausages. About 10 of us sat around for 45 minutes eating, talking & having a great time. Then Miss Janet loaded up the first shuttle - I would be taking the third shuttle, so I knew I'd be leaving after noon. I got busy with some post office duties, packing, and working on my Trail journal. It was finally time for my shuttle, so I packed up and hit the Trail by almost 2pm. The weather was overcast with a bit of drizzle & in the upper 50's. Nice cool hiking, but my pack was so heavy with food & my legs were complaining. I made it to a tent site before dark, and felt that 11 miles was pretty good considering what time I hit the Trail. Set up my tent, a quick dinner & off to bed.exciting stuff today - I saw a red newt & got some nice pictures. Spectacular views...and I'm still pretty clean!
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Clyde Smith shelter
Miles today: 14.0

The hooting owls woke me up & I had breakfast in bed! Cooked grits & hot tea from my tent. I was camped near a dirt road, and I saw a hunter pace up & down - I think he was looking for some fowl. I packed up & hit the Trail by 9. The early morning looked like rain, but things cleared nicely, and I was soon hiking in t-shirt and shorts. I got to the top of the first mountain & caw a coyote from about 10 yards off! Maybe 40 pounds with a grey/tan coat & fluffy tail. He saw me & took off.Good hiking today, but my feet & ankles felt the weight of all the food I was carrying. I was thinking of doing a 20 mile day - to the top of Roan Mountain, but I ran into some locals who said it was supposed to storm pretty bad tonight. I opted for the lowlands & I'll hit the mountain in the morning. I made it to Clyde Smith shelter by mid-afternoon & cooked an early dinner & set up my sleeping bag. Down the Trail appeared Bugs - she did a big day today - 21 miles. I took a nap while she prepared her dinner. I woke from my nap to darkness, but the sky was clear - maybe no storm tonight? We'll see.I saw a lot of interesting butterflies today - small purple, white ones, larger orange, black and yellow ones. I stopped occasionally to watch them flutter around. I even witnesseed a dogfight between a yellow & black one. Lots of brightly colored & textural mosses & lichens today - the bright sun after a rain is the trick to make them "pop" out of the landscape. I guess tomorrow is supposed to be some of the best hiking on the AT - the Roan Highlands. I'm looking forward to it...even the 2,500 foot climb first thing in the morning!
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Clyde Smith shelter

To: Overmountain shelter
Miles today: 12.9

The storms weren't overpowering last night, but there was a bit of light snow. I woke up & had breakfast in bed - nice! It was chilly & rainy, and I can't say I was in a great hurry to strike out on the Trail, but I packed up & off I went. There was a 1,000 foot climb to warm me up, and after descending that hill, up I went 2,500 feet to Roan High Knob. At over 6,200 feet, it features the highest shelter on the AT. I used the shelter (actually a cabin) to cook lunch & change into dry clothes as I had neglected to get into my full rain suit & it turned rainy & quite cold. There was still ice pack at this altitude & the Trail had turned to a chilly river. After some tea & soup I packed up & headed back out into the rain.I had decided to call it a short day at 13 miles & turned to Overmountain shelter - also known as the "Big Red Barn." The place was packed with a boyscout troop of 16 & half a dozen thru-hikers, but it housed us all comfortably.I'm hoping for a better day of weather tomorrow. The reports call for 70's and sunshine...drive this rain & fog away! It will be good to dry & de-mud some clothes - and see that hot orb in the sky!
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Overmountain shelter

To: Elk River
Miles today: 14.5

The boyscouts were stirring early at Overmountain shelter, so I headed downstairs & made breakfast. Three packs of grits, dried fruit & tea. I headed back upstairs to the sleeping loft to collect my pack & gear. As I was walking downstairs, I twisted my ankle! Having done this many times before, I've found that just falling over results in the least injury, especially when carrying a 40 pound pack. So I ended up on my side in the mud, but the people around me quickly helped me up. Ankle's fine & the ego's hardly bruised.The morning was warm & sunny, so I laid some things out to dry & took my time. The boyscouts had headed off & the only ones around were me, Bugs, and this guy George & his 3 year old son Owen. They were cute & shared bagels & fig newtons with us. My clothes from the previous day were almost dry, so I put 'em on & hit the Trail.Crisp, sunny morning - hiking over the last of the Roan Balds - beautiful views. Icy trees, grass & moss - a world of difference from the previous days hike. I made 9 miles to the Apple House shelter for lunch. A few people were there & we discussed the upcoming stretch of the Trail. I had been talking to George earlier in the day - th upcoming highway crossing (19E) and the following 6 or so miles are full of "hiker un-friendly" people. This area was the last holdout on th AT where people wouldn't sell to the federal government, so the government pulled an "eminent domain" & took it. People are still upset & flip off hikers, litter profusely & are generally unwelcoming. I can sympathize...& then move on.Very easy afternoon of hiking & I made it to Elk River by late afternoon. I started setting up & Alexander showed up & decided to camp, too. We made dinner & Bugs showed up...we've got a tent crew by the river, and there's one on the hill. Sundancer, Super Amped & Buree are 100 yards up the Trail. The sun sets, frogs set to chirping & it's off to bed!
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Elk River

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 18.0

Woke by the Elk River to frozen dew. The sun crept over the ridge & started to melt away the frost, but by that time I was already packed up & ready to hike. Sunny & warm - flowers in bloom & smells in the forest no manufacturer can capture. Warm & sweet, earthy, piney - warm ridges & cool hollows. The morning was a flat 12 miles to Moreland Gap shelter for lunch. I saw Buree - a young woman from New Jersey, and Super Amped - a twenty-something guy from Chicago.The last 6 miles of the day consisted of two 1,000 foot hills followed by a 1,500 foot descent into Dennis Cove & my bunk at Kincora hostel. A beautiful, rustic setting - cabin, large bunk house & community area including a large kitchen. I arrived close to 6pm & caught a shuttle to a nearby town for Arby's and groceries. We got back & hung out - snacking & talking 'til almost 11pm...way past our bedtime!
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Dennis Cove

To: Watauga Lake shelter
Miles today: 10.2

I was the last one up at Kincora hostel & I wasn't feeling great. Had a big breakfast compliments of Sundancer & Bugs - eggs, bacon, pancakes & fruit. It was 9:30 by the time I hit the Trail for a big steep climb out of Dennis Cove. Beautiful waterfalls, warm, sunny - but my stomach was quite upset. I took some Tums & kept on hoofing it. I knew I couldn't stomach any food, but I kept sipping water & taking breaks. I crested the hill & got water at a spring, read for a bit, and continued on. I wasn't 1/4 mile down the hill before my stomach acted up...and I got sick! The last 5 miles to Watauga Lake shelter were difficult - not the terrain 'tho. I was dehydrated & dizzy - more breaks...but I finally made it & laid out my bedroll for a nap. It wasn't long before Alexander (now "Toasted Almond Alexander") showed up. I didn't say much beyond "hello," and kept napping. It was dark when I decided to try eating. I made a package of Ramin noodles with tea, and all seemed OK. Back to bed with hopes for returning health!
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Watauga Lake shelter

To: Route 91
Miles today: 18.0

Woke up in the middle of the night with a splitting headache, so I took Ibuprofen (vitamin I) and went back to sleep. Had dreams of filling bottles with butterscotch & listening to Phil Collins cover Bruce Springsteen songs...maybe that's a nightmare! Woke up feeling better & with an appetite, so that was a relief. Had my usual 3 oatmeal packets, dry fruit & tea. I got packed up & Mango & Piece of Work & Coach all showed up. They're 3 older gentlemen - late 50's or so. They all left with Alexander and I stayed behind - catching up on my journal.When I hit the Trail, I was rolling - temps in the 60's & slightly overcast. The terrain was easy - no big climbs & great ridge vistas. Trees beginning to bud & flower, butterflies chasing one another, and frequent songbirds. I had an early lunch 8 miles into the day with Alexander & Coach - then back on the Trail.I was going to stay at Iron Mountain shelter, but I wanted to get a bit closer to Damascus, VA. I pushed on another few miles as daylight allowed - that gives me a 21 mile day on fairly smooth terrain to Damascus tomorrow - a do-able day. I may take a "0" day there to cool my heels a bit.I found a secluded campsite in a rhododendron grove by a small stream - perfect! It's a clear night & almost a full moon, so if I wake in the middle of the night, I may pack up & hit the Trail for some night hiking! We'll see - I do feel fresh, but I also like my sleep!