morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Green Corner Road

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

"NO VIEW ON MAX PATCH" I was sore this morning. My feet were so sore from being wet for so long! The day started off with a 2300 ft climb to Snowbird Mtn. I had a tough time with the 4 mile climb. I wore myself out yesterday in order to leave the Smokys. The rain came today before midday. Just what I was looking forward to: more cold rain. Even the small climbs were wearing me out. The profile map in my trail book doesn't show every climb. It averages it out, so you could go up and down without it showing. The last climb was Max Patch -- a mountain that is mostly a huge bald. The winds were fierce up there: 40 mph constant winds with 60 mph gusts. Add in the rain blowing sideways and being in the clouds, it was not pleasant. I pushed on to the shelter to put on some dry cloths and eat a hot meal. Today was another rough day. I guess I have had a lot of those lately. I'm here with RXR, Critter, Andy, John Doe Smith, & Dubbs. Again, I¢m glad this day is over! MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: light rain

"WIND BLOWN" We didn't make it far today. The start of the day was easy. It was pretty flat. We had one decent climb to the first shelter. I did better today, but I still feel weak. I was eating a snack when RXR & CRITTER showed up. Critter has been having knee problems. It also started to rain and it was very windy. We had enough food to take our time going to Hot Springs. We decided to stay here and miss the bad weather. We can rest and dry out in the shelter. I could really use the rest. The shelter was built in 1938 and it¢s small. We are near the top of a mountain and it¢s very windy. The skies are clearing so tomorrow should be better. Goodnight. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

"ATTACK AT THE SHELTER" It rained again last night. By morning, the rain had stopped, the winds had died down, and it was colder. I was headed up the trail towards Bluff Mtn when I noticed NID had been attacked; a mouse had tried to eat his tail! I was not happy. Most shelters have a lot of mice in them. I will have to duct tape his tail, just like hikers do to protect their feet. From now on I will keep Nid in my sleeping bag or in a safer place. Other than the unprovoked attack last night, the day went well. I'm still not feeling 100% but am feeling better each day. We all pushed on to Hot Springs for some rest. The skies looked like rain and it was still cold. The first thing we did was eat. We ate at the Smoky Mountain Diner. The food was great and filled us up. We then asked the waitress if she knew the people at the Alpine Court Motel. She did and she got them on the phone. We were having trouble finding a place to stay. THANK YOU TO OUR WAITRESS who helped set us up for the night. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

"DAY OFF" I¢m staying here for a couple of days. I'm resting my body and trying to get rid of my nagging cough. I resupplied and bought some gear. Today was Critter's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CRITTER! It was Mule¢s birthday, too. Hopefully I can get rid of this cough. I will get some much needed rest in Hot Springs. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"RESTING" Nothing much to say, jusy getting some rest today. I will leave in the morning after breakfast at the Smoky Mtn Diner. I feel a lot better, although first day out of town can be rough. Thanks for reading my journal. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Rich Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 8.3

"BACK TO THE TRAIL" I finally got back to hiking late this morning. After breakfast and waiting for the rain to finish, we were off. We headed down the trail, which is the sidewalk in Hot Springs. There are no traffic lights in Hot Springs. We crossed the French Broad River and headed back to the woods. The trail went along the wide and swift river before it went up. There were tall rock cairns along the river that weren't there in 06. The overlook, Lovers Leap, was clouded. I took a break at a small dam that forms a pond. We stopped at a campsite on Rich Mtn for the night. Today went well and I felt pretty good. You can tell the streams and springs aren't running like they should be. Rain is needed in the southeast. Good night to all. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Rich Mountain Campsite

To: Log Cabin Drive Hostel
Miles today: 8.0

"Trail Magic" When I got up this morning I was in the clouds. The tent was wet from being in the clouds. I headed up the trail to the privy at the next shelter. The privy ranks high on my needs on the trail. It¢s much easier than digging a hole in the woods. The next goal for the day is Allen Gap. We heard there may be trail magic there. There was some great magic there today. It was Fal & Hercules. They leave a note at the road telling hikers to come down 350 yards to their home. They welcomed us to their home. They had 3 courses for me: a Belgium waffle, pork stew, and a big brownie sunday. Those were my choices. They actually had other options on the 2nd & 3rd courses. They both thru hiked in 1999. THANK YOU, FAL & HERCULES!! I was very full and we spent a long time there. The forecast called for bad weather tonight & the next shelter would be full. We opted to stay at the Hemlock Hollow Farm. It had a bunkroom for us to stay in. Nice place. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Log Cabin Drive Hostel

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

"Shelter" It did rain last night with high winds. We made a good decision to go to the hostel. We found out the next shelter had been full. When we started off it was overcast and cold. The weather was predicted to clear. It didn't clear; it got colder and very windy. We were in the clouds most of the day. The wind was bringing the wind chill factor way down. We have not had any views since we left Hot Springs. Today was a wet, cold, and windy day. We stopped here due to the weather and the crowd ahead of us. It is going to be another cold night. The shelter is packed tonight.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

"WEATHER CLEARS" We tried to get going a little earlier this morning. We still didn't leave till 8 am. We were trying to do a 20 mile day due to bad weather on the way. I was still hiking in the clouds, but it did clear. This was the first good weather we have seen in awhile. We passed many grave stones today. One was a thru hiker¢s, one was two union soldiers killed while coming home, the last was a family plot near an old homestead. The day turned out great after the clouds cleared. I was struggling up the climbs though. I did not think I would be able to do a 20 mile day today. When I started this hike, I looked like I was 9 months pregnant. I just get tired as the day goes on. I never was a strong hiker. I don¢t hike very fast either. When I get real tired I pick a spot or tree and hike to it. Sometimes I only go about 50 ft at a time and take a couple breaths, and go again. I did not do 20 (miles) today. I was just too tired. Goodnight. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

"BIG BALD" I started off at 7:15 this morning. I was trying to go as far as possible today. Bad weather is due in on Monday and I did not want to get caught in it. The day was beautiful for the second day in a row. The big climb today was Big Bald. It's a grassy-top mountain with no trees on top. The climb was steep before reaching the grassy area. The views were spectacular from the top. You could see 360 degrees for miles. In one direction Wolf Laurel sticks out like a sore thumb. It¢s a ski resort with homes all over it. I was trying to go 15 or maybe even over 20 miles today. When I got to the Spivy Gap, nobody was camping. I pushed on even though I was tired. I didn't want to be the only one who didn't push on. I knew if I was desperate I could just tent next to the trail. However, I did do the 20.7 miles to the shelter. I am very tired and my feet are throbbing. I hope they are still attached when I wake up. GOODNIGHT. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-06
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 6.3

"RACING THE WEATHER" Early this morning the rain started. I was hoping it would wait till I got to town. The rain stopped before the sun came up. I packed up and left for town at 8:15. The sky was gray with the threat of rain. As we got closer to town the weather got worse. We could see the rain at the next mountain. We made it to town before the rain hit us. We called the Super 8, but they were unable to pick us up. We got a ride from a section hiker to the motel. The first thing we did after checking in was walk to McDonalds to eat. Yes, even before we showered, we ate. While we were eating the rain started. We walked down to a drug store to get a few things. I had to get some more medicine for my nagging cough. We went back, cleaned up, and got some rest. We had Chinese for dinner then went to the grocery store. The weatherman is predicting 2 to 6 inches of snow tomorrow. We had good timing this time! MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Nolichucky River

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: overcast clouds

"BACK ON THE TRAIL" We checked out late from the motel. We were only going to the first shelter. We packed our hot dogs to have for dinner. We shared the food with other hikers at the shelter. It will be cold tonight, but I will be warm in my bag. The weather will be good tomorrow. I didn't hike very far today. I'm very tired even though I didn't do anything. Good night. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: few clouds

"Rescue on the Trail" The weather today was great. I was the first person to leave the shelter. I felt good today overall. Today I was going to hike over Beauty Spot. Beauty Spot is a bald with great views. It was nice up there, but it was a little cold in the wind. There was still snow on the trail. The next climb was Unaka Mtn. There was a lot of snow on it. The snow was also melting and making the trail muddy. On the way down I came up on Jay Bird. He said he blew his knee out. RXR & Critter showed up and she put a brace on his knee. Then Cascade and Pogo showed up. We all put most of his gear in our packs. RXR and I went to the shelter while everyone else hiked with Jay Bird. RXR went ahead so he could go back and carry Jay Bird¢s pack. Pogo had his arm around Jay Bird, trying to keep the weight off his bad knee. A hiker slack packing was going to call for help when he got to town. About 2 1/2 hours later three ATVs came. Two paramedics came up with several volunteers. They checked out his knee and put another brace on it. Then they loaded him on an ATV and headed to the road to take him to the hospital. Thank you to the rescue people! Before they left, even more people came up the trail on foot. I hope Jay Bird¢s knee isn't too bad and he can get back on the trail. He is a strong hiker. It's been a long day. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 7.3

"THUNDERSTORMS" I left the shelter hoping I would beat the rain. The weather looked good when I left. When I got to Iron Mtn Gap it started to storm. There was someone there doing trail magic. It was Mango. He thru hiked in 2006. I never met him in '06. He had some great stuff as trail magic. He ended up giving us a ride to the hostel. THANK YOU, MANGO! The hostel is called the Greasy Creek Friendly. It's owned by CONNIE, a very kind lady. The place was great. It even has a neighbor who doesn't like anyone. Connie told us stories of things he does to her and the hikers. At 5 am we all heard this loud engine running. He actually takes his riding lawn mower and puts it at his gate and starts it. He sets it at a high idle, too. I left at 8:30 am and it was still running. That was weird! There are some real crazy people out there. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

"RIVER OF SNOW" Today RXR & CRITTER are getting picked up. Her parents are taking them home so they can get ready to do the PCT. It was great hiking with them again. They are strong hikers. I wish I hiked as well as they do. I will miss them a lot. They helped me out here when I was having a rough time -- which is most of the time. I hope I didn't mess up their hike. HAVE A GREAT TIME ON THE PCT, MY FRIENDS! Today was Roan Mtn. It is a steep, 2000+ foot climb. It was a muddy, wet, snowy, cold, and windy mess. There was a creek of snow that was the trail. I got to Carvers Gap and it was no better. It was freezing with no view; we were in the clouds. When I started to go down, the trail was another muddy mess. Sometimes there was 6 inches of mud. The sun came out at the end of the day. The shelter here is beautiful; it¢s an old red barn. It's cold here, but I will warm up in my bag. The views are great here. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: US 19 E
Miles today: 9.2

" EASTER SUNDAY" I woke up this morning and there was an Easter basket next to my sleeping bag! My name was even on it and it had candy in it. Four hikers brought all the Easter goodies for all the hikers. Here¢s a big THANK YOU to Jesse, Sonny, Anna, and Tom. That was great Trail Magic. The weather was really good today. It was below freezing this morning. The ground was frozen. The views from Little Hump Mtn & Hump Mtn were incredible. The weather was perfect up there. The rest of the day was all downhill. Today was the best day yet. I felt pretty good all day. My destination was Mountain Harbor Hostel. Terry & Mary Hill run a great B&B/Hostel. She has one of the best breakfasts on the trail. They even had a special Easter dinner for the hikers. The dinner was delicious. This is a wonderful place to stop. The forecast is rain for two days. I don¢t think it will be cold. Time for me to go to sleep. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-13
From: US 19 E

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

"BIG BREAKFAST, BIG DAY" The breakfast was great this morning. Mary is a wonderful cook and she goes all out. I was hoping the food would get me down the trail. I needed to do big miles to reach the second shelter. The skies looked like rain, but I was lucky today. The terrain wasn't hard but I didn't get started till after 9 am. There was a waterfall early called Jones Falls. There was another one called Mountaineer Falls. Then I came to a shelter that was built in 2006. I wish I could have stayed there, but the day would be short. I did have lunch there and got some more water. The day seemed to last for ever. I hiked most of the day with Grayson. I got to the shelter at 5:45 and I was tired. I averaged over 2 MPH with breaks. That¢s good for me. The Easter Bunny crew was at the shelter already. There was room for Grayson and me. I'm going to Kincora Hostel tomorrow to pick up my resupply box. I'm about a week behind on my mail drops. I hope to get back on schedule. Time to go to sleep. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove Rd.
Miles today: 6.1

"KINCORA HOSTEL" I left at 7:45 this morning, trying to beat the rain. There was a little bit of climbing but most of it was downhill. With about a mile left I started to feel a mist. Then it turned to a very light rain. I arrived at Kincora Hostel just as the rain started to increase. I went in and was greeted by Bob Peoples. He is a trail maintainer and runs the hostel. He is a trail legend out here. He goes out of his way for hikers constantly. He only asks for a $4 donation for staying here. I don¢t think that covers the cost of running this place. It's been raining most of the day. Bob made an early and a late shuttle to town. Tonight there are several hikers here: Radio Phreak, Grayson (Firepit), One Stick, Green Tea, Jones, Dude, and Capt. Max. This is a great place to stay. There isn't a TV and there is no alcohol allowed here. There is plenty of reading + board games to keep hikers busy. AT hikers don¢t miss Kincora Hostel and Bob Peoples! MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Dennis Cove Rd.

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

"POND FLATS" Last night two more hikers showed up at 9:30 p.m. Cascade and her brother came in. Night hiking in the rain doesn't sound like fun to me. I also got a hiker¢s name wrong. Green Tea is Mr. Green Tea. Today was overcast and we were hiking in the clouds. During my hike I saw Laurel Falls. It's in Laurel Fork Gorge. In ¢06 the trail was impassable due to heavy rains. I had to take the high water bypass. It was a huge cascade of water and it would be an easy day hike. The first climb was Pond Flats. Miss Janet told me in ¢06, "There isn't no pond and there isn't nothing flat about it." It had two very steep parts a mountain goat would have problems with. Next was Watauga Lake. It wasn't good weather to relax there. I went around the lake and crossed the Watauga Dam. After that we had to go up to get on a ridge. There was a long part that was very steep. We had some good climbs today, but now we¢re on a ridge till Damascus. Mudflap is all tuckered out. . .At the shelter tonight is Mr. Green Tea, Fire Pit, Radio Phreak, and Mudflap. I hope to do 22+ miles so I can get to Damascus on Friday afternoon. SEE YA TOMORROW. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

"SUNNY DAY AND SORE FEET" The morning started out foggy from being in the clouds. The sun was trying to come out. It finally came out and stayed out. It was a beautiful day to hike. There were no 2000 foot climbs today. There were a lot of short 300 foot climbs. There was a lot of very pleasant trail to hike. There was even a wheelchair friendly trail area! The day was long and hard on Mudflap. I will be in Damascus, VA. tomorrow. GOOD NIGHT. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

"THREE DOWN, ELEVEN TO GO" I awoke to a beautiful sunrise from my sleeping bag. Fire Pit, Radio Phreak, and I were the only ones at the shelter last night. I was the first to leave. I was still a little sore from yesterday¢s miles. I was glad when I came to the state line. Three (states) down, eleven to go. From that point it¢s all downhill. I went right to Mt. Rogers Outfitters to see about staying at Dave's Place. They had plenty of room for me. I got a shower and picked up my mail. Radio Phreak was going to meet me at Dot's for food and beer after he found a place to stay. After I ate I did my laundry, then picked up my boxes at the PO. I had four boxes waiting for me. I sorted the food and headed back to Dot's. I ate a burger and drank some beer. Radio Phreak bought some beer for the other hikers. I went to the outfitters and got a couple of things. I went back to the hostel and One Stick was there. After he got showered and ready, we went out to a place called Fatties to eat. They had great hamburgers. Today was a great day. KEEP ON TRUCKIN¢. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Damascus, VA

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

"STAYING IN TOWN" I¢m taking a zero day today. That means a non-hiking day. I may even take another one tomorrow. I checked out some gear at the outfitters. I have not changed anything yet. All I did today is eat and relax. There is more rain headed here tomorrow. That¢s another reason to take the day off. I have been doing a lot better lately. No day is easy out here when you¢re hiking. It's hard being away from home when you¢re wet and cold. All the support from home is great. I had four boxes at the post office. My sister and nephew sent me a package. The Fouts family sent me an Easter package. Russ and Kitty sent me a box with baked goods. Dad and Myra sent my resupply with some extras in it. Thank you to everyone for thinking of me. A BIG THANK YOU TO JJ WHO HELPS LIFT MY SPIRITS WHEN I'M FEELING DOWN. I'm glad to be in Virginia. I hope it's done snowing now. The cold wet weather should be about done. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Damascus, VA

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

"ZERO AGAIN" Well, I decided to take another day off. I should have left this morning but I didn't. It's raining today and I wasn't feeling good this morning. Besides, Growler has been trying to catch up to me. He may only be one day behind now. If anyone sends me a package, I'm a week behind my mail drops. I got plenty of rest today. Good night. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

"BACK TO THE TRAIL" First thing I did this morning was start packing my pack. Then I went to get some breakfast from the Dollar Store. Then I had to mail my cook pot home. I bought a smaller cook pot Sunday. It was 9 am before I left town. I hiked with One Stick all day. The skies looked like rain all day. We got to the shelter just before the rain. I hope we can miss the rain tomorrow . Goodnight.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Whitetop Mtn Road
Miles today: 11.9

"SNOW AGAIN" One Stick and I left the shelter heading north. As soon as we left it started to rain lightly. As long as you kept moving you didn't get too cold. Part of the trail was on the Virginia Creeper Trail. It's a railroad bed trail primarily for bikes. The sun came out before we got to the next shelter. We took a break there before our next climb. The next climb was Whitetop Mtn. It's over 5000 ft. The climb up wasn't too steep, but it was a long climb. We were 3/4 of the way up when it started to snow and became very windy. We camped near a piped spring on the mountain. It was so windy it took both of us to set up each tent. It was warm in my sleeping bag inside the tent. I even took a nap before I cooked my dinner. The cold wind was howling while I slept in my warm bag. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Whitetop Mtn Road

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

"Cold & Windy" I got up this morning to take a little walk and there was snow on the ground. It was cold and very windy too. I finished my business and got back in my warm bag. When the sun came up it was still windy. One Stick and I decided we would leave at 8 a.m. That way we could help each other take the tents down. We headed up the trail toward the safety of the woods. After a short while we peeled off layers of clothes. We started the gradual climb up Mt. Rogers and were in the open. The wind almost blew us over and the cold wind cut thru you like a knife. It was miserable until we got into the woods again. We saw some wild ponies in the distance. We went to Thomas Knob Shelter to take a break. We followed the trail over some big rocks and thru a natural rock tunnel. It was called Fatman Squeeze. We saw some wild ponies near the trail. The ponies made the cold and windy day OK. At the shelter tonight is Triple C, Racheopod, Ironwood, One Stick, and Mudflap. It will be cold tonight, but hopefully the wind will die down. If anyone is sending me anything, I'm a week behind my maildrops. Thanks for reading my journal. Check out RXR & Critter PCT Journal. They start on 4/24 on the PCT. Time for this hiker to go to sleep.