morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Ground Hog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

A nice day with some drizzle in the morning but otherwise dry.After the 20 miles yesterday, the going was slow. Today I stopped at Standing Bear Farm. This is a hostel and store in a restored 1920's backwoods homestead. It is famous in thru hiker circles for its friendly, laid back attitude. Reportedly, more than one thru hike has ended at Standing Bear Farm because it is so hard to move on. However, Hot Springs, NC calls me; so after cookies, soda, and pizza I was back hiking.Two-pounds discovered she had someone elses pack cover today. Within a couple of hours she learned it was Ziggy's and he had hers. Found out where he was and got hers back - the hiker rumor mill/network is mighty efficient.Now that the Smokies are behind us, I'm starting to feel like a real thru hiker. After nearly a month, it's hard to remember the start and the end is still in the distant future. All there is is hiking ...
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Ground Hog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Whew! What a night! A big storm was supposed to be rolling in. Knuckles and chuckles, Two-pounds, and I were at the shelter. it was very exposed to the wind and threatened to let all the rain into the shelter. So we set up our tents in the shelter. K&C and Two-pounds set up on the sleeping platform and I set up on the ground, under the over hang.Our solution worked okay, though a few times I thought my tent and I might be carried to Oz. It sure saved us from getting wet because the shelter was soaked.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, North Carolina
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After the intense weather last night, we were surprised to find a relatively mild and dry day. Two-pounds and I skampered (well, actually it was more like trudged) into town. I got my first mail drop; socks, maps, and thin mint Girl Scout cookies. Also a replacement Visa card, which Bank of America is making difficult to activate. Turns out I've already lost more than 10 pounds. So I am trying to maximize calories while I am in Hot Springs.I really feel like a thru hiker now. I only vaguely remember starting at Amicalola Falls and I only can see a week or two into the future or even to the next town stop. It's like living in a little hiking time bubble. Intellectually, I realize that it will end in 5 months, but emotionally it has become an eternal quest.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Hot Springs, North Carolina

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

After a big breakfast, grocery shopping, and a trip to the outfitters, I was ready to strike out on my own. I ran into Two-pounds who is zeroing in Hot Springs and we said our "good-byes" again. One of my goals is to see how I handle living with just myself. So far I've only been by myself for a couple of days. The first week I was with Bob, then Minstrel, and then Two-pounds. Bob really helped me get started in a safe and sane manner. Minstrel and Two Pounds have been great company. Minstrel is a software geek so we can easily share stories and obsess over anything on the trail that can be quantified.Two Pounds is the nicest person you could hope to meet on the trail. She is generous with both hikers and people in town. She always would add something to the tip after Minstrel and I determined the "correct" amount.But it's time to hike on my own and so I did! Eleven miles without seeing a thru hiker; the weather was summer like, hot and a little humid. Of course the shelter area was full of thru hikers and weekenders. The weekenders took the shelter and the thru hikers camped about 50 yards away. We had a nice fire and shared some stories. So far, I've only heard of 2 hikers that I personally know who have quit the trail. Tuna, who was the first thru hiker I met, apparently left at the N.O.C. Finch, which I last saw at Fontana Dam, reportedly was missing her son and left somewhere in the Smokies.I'll miss them both ....
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Another quiet, peaceful day of hiking.The weather was supposed to deteriourate and indeed, over night was gusty and rainy but did not turn to snow.Among the many ways to measure progress is "map counting". Most maps are printed on two sides and cover 30 to 50 miles per side. So far I have covered 3 full maps and have just moved to the second side of the fourth map - "the TN - NC maps 3 and 4". Only 51 miles to "the TN - NC maps 1 and 2"!
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 17.1

The promised snow storm came in the early morning - lightly at first, then heavier. I was pushing to make Hog Back Ridge Shelter (about 15 miles). By the time I got there, there was a couple of inches on the ground. Reportedly, the forest service was calling for 12 to 18 inches at our elevation. A thru hiker met her Dad and another gentleman and they were hiking out while the rest of us got ready for a cold night. A little later, Ducky and her dog, Madison, came in and she said she was hiking out to avoid the show. That seemed like such an attractive idea. So, I said to wait a minute, while I repack. We then hiked the additional 2.4 miles to Sam's Gap.Unfortunately, getting from Sam's Gap to Erwin (and warmth) wasn't so easy. Although I-26 passes thru Sam's Gap, there isn't an entrance there. The regular road, US-23, had no traffic. So we called Holiday Inn, no shuttle but they gave us a number. Called (repeatedly) but no answer. Called another shuttle -can't come until 8:30 (it's now a bit after 6PM). Called Holiday Inn again - they'll ask around. We were getting resigned to waiting for 8:30 when an SUV pulls up. It's the Dad from the shelter - he heard the Holiday Inn person talking to us and drove the 20 some miles to pick us up.HOW SWEET!
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Erwin, TN

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 11.1

Shuttle picked us up on time, but then we waited (and waited) for 2 section hikers. We got to Sam's Gap around 10:30 - about an hour behind schedule. Red Bear and I took off. He is a very fast hiker and I decided to try to keep up with him for a while. That lasted about 100 yards and then he slowly but surely pulled ahead another couple hundred yards and I'd occasionally catch a glimpse of him. After half a mile or so, I saw him talking to someone on the trail - turns out its Two Pounds. She's been hiking thru the snow with Maggie but, because of the drifts, they're only making 6 to 10 miles a day.And while the snow has melted at lower elevatons, above 4,500 feet or so, it is still slow going.The highlight of the day was Big Bald. At 5,500 feet it is one of the highest places around. The bald area (actually grass covered) is huge - 70 acres I am told. Clear skies allowed for some great pictures!Tonight, Two Pounds, Maggie, and I are camping in a gap that should be fairly protected from the 30% chance of rain.P.S. Didn't rain last night and the day is starting off warm and dry.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Whistling Gap

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 13.5

Luckily, Maggie is an early riser and that caused us to get our chores done and packed up earlier than usual. Within a half hour of starting to hike thunder started; shortly followed by a driving rain. Back to "chores done". You haven't lived until you've pooped outdoors in a pouring rain. Waterproof toilet paper would be very useful.Well the rain died off after about 2 hours and the rest of the day was quite nice. I'm spending the night at "Johnny's" in a little cabin with Nice Lenses, a nice 60-something guy. Johnny's is a hostel with a bunk room, a few cabins and a store. This where I would have stayed in Erwin for the two zero days except their was no vacancy. So, today and yesterday, I hiked some 25 miles to end up back in Erwin.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Nolichucky River

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: light rain

Waited around half the day, hoping the weather would either get bad or good, but it stayed overcast but not stormy. Finally decided to hike to the first shelter. Apparently a number of others had the same idea and eventually their were 9 hikers.Today marks the end of the fifth week - only about 23 to go. With the bad weather, this was the least milage week so far ... two zeros and a 4 mile day will do that.There's alot of different ways to measure progress. Calender time is only one. Every 50 mile multiple completed is celebrated as every 50 mile remaining multiple. Also, ever 5% completion point. So - right now I have completed 300 miles and have 1,850 to go. That's more than 15% of the total distance.Tomorrow I should cross the 350 mile mark. Almost every day there is some mile stone to celebrate.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Easter morning was gorgeous - not a cloud in the sky and temps in the mid 30's.After a few minutes of walking we had a great view of Erwin, TN. I thought, "Cell Coverage" and gave Ruby Begonia an Easter morning call. She was happy to hear from me but would have been happier if I hadn't called at 6:30 on a Sunday morning. Sorry, Ruby, but ya gotta take the reception when ya got it.Today I climbed Unaka Mountain. The top was magical. there were wide-spread conifers with a bed of pine needles and moss. There was no discernable trail, but as you passed a tree with a white blaze, another would become visable. It was like following a magic pathway in a scene from Lord Of the Rings.This was my favorite 1/2 mile of the AT.A great day - Happy Easter!
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

A long day took me to the Roan Mountain Shelter. At 6,280 feet, this is the highest shelter on the AT. It is also special because it is a cabin. So although Roan Mountain was still snow covered, the temps were in the 30's, and the rain was falling, the shelter was warm and dry - and crowded. All 8 of us were in the attic, generating enough heat to keep it 10 degrees warmer than outside.Roan Mountain is home of a famous Rhododendron garden, but it's too early for any blooms (especially at this altitude). I am looking forward to them blooming; I think in a week or two at low elevations.
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Roan Mountain Shelter

To: US 19E
Miles today: 15.7

Another big day. The first highlight was to get down out of the snow. Next, the trail crossed a number of "balds". A bald is a grassland on top of some of the mountains. Usually they have great views but not today. Visibility was about 100 feet. Sometimes the trail was hard to follow and I stumbled forward until a white blaze showed itself through the fog. Two highlights: on one bald the fog suddenly parted and there was a great view of some farms in the valley below. On another bald there were ponies grazing on the grass. I pushed on to a B&B - a bit pricey but very nice. The oddest thing is that it's decorated exactly as my parents decorated their house. The kitchen and bathroom are almost exactly like theirs. I'm staying in my sister's bedroom. It's almost spooky! (MORNING OF THE 15th)Breakfast at the B&B was awesome. Nine bucks for hostel guests, free with a room. We had: bisquits and gravy, ham, french toast made from french bread with syrup and crushed walnuts, scrambled eggs and potatoes, strawberries and cantalope, a couple kinds of muffins, keylime cake with cream sauce, OJ, coffee, and tea.P.S. Spoke with Ruby and she asked "Take any pictures?" Duh, ofcourse not! If you want to see the B&B, go to www.mountainharbour.net.
Date: 2009-04-15
From: US 19E

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice day! No rain! Couple of great waterfalls!Had planned on a longer day but when I pulled into the first shelter at 2:30, Moses had a fire going and it seemed like time to stop.By 6PM we had me, Moses, Maggie, MD3, Duckie, Madison, and Early Bear. The shelter is spacious (3 stories) and new (2006).We are all sitting out enjoying the fire as darkness settles. Nice Day!
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 15.6

Today marks the first day solely in TN.Up to now I have been bouncing between TN and NC. For much of the time the trail is on the border. After about 45 miles, I'll leave TN and enter VA, which will be home for over 500 miles. Today was a bit sureal. The weather was warm, sunny, and clear. The trail was flat. It felt a bit like Disneyland-AT.Tonight I'm staying at the Kincora Hostel. It's a very nice place and only $4 a night. I was bumming because I arrived after the shuttle left for town. So while everyone was eating pizza and salads, I was having the usual mac and cheese with tuna. Ducky also arrived late and again demonstrated how clever she is.The hiker box contained some pasta and tomato sauce. She dug up some spices and we had some great Italian food. Made the evening!I have a coworker named Shawn, who lives in Columbia, SC and is a private pilot. He's going to fly up on Saturday and we are going to have lunch together. Stay tuned to find out how that goes.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: US 321

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 8.9

Today I "slack packed". Slack packing is hiking with a lightly loaded day pack (6 or 7 pounds instead of the usual 40 some pounds). In this case I was shuttled about 9 miles down the trail and walked back to Kincora. The difference with a light pack is amazing - 20% faster and maybe 30 or 40% easier.In the early afternoon I caught a shuttle to the town of Braemer and am staying at the Braemer Castle. It's a hostel and Inn in a converted 100 year old commisary for the Pittsburgh Lumber Co. Normally $20 for a private room but $15 for me because I made up my own bed.The last few days have been calorie short, so I spent the afternoon eating:BBQ Place - BBQ, baked potatoe, beans, etc.Dollar General - Groceries and a few snacksMickey D's - Burger, Chicken Sandwich, SundaeCoffee Place - Latte and a fancy, dancy slushieAnother BBQ Place - BBQ and friesOoooh, my stomach hurts, but not enough to get my mind off of breakfast.Speaking of eating, here's my typical trail day food rigamarole:Breakfast is usually around 8AM and is cold - a granola bar is typical. Sometimes a packet of instant oatmeal with cold water poured in (let sit for 2 minutes and not too bad). I also make up a quart of water with a packet of Gatorade. I drink this while hiking. The Gatorade calls for 20 ounces of water but I like it better more diluted.While hiking, I carry a trail mix of equal parts raisins, M&M's, and peanuts. I'll have a handful every 1/2 hour or 45 minutes. That keeps a nice even energy level. Lunch is usally around 2PM and consists of 2 Pop-tarts (strawberry is best) with peanut butter.Dinner is at 6PM or 6:30. Mac and cheese is my staple but sometimes I'll have a rice based dish. I usually add a foil packet of tuna or a can of chicken, turkey, or ham. I'll also have a cup of bouillon, tea, coffee, or apple cider.Most grocery shopping is at Dollar General. It's surprising how few small towns have "real" grocery stores. When a grocery store does make an appearance I try and get things not otherwise available - cocktail rye bread and sharp chedder is a favorite. If only buying 2 or 3 days of food, I'll add some fresh vegetables - carrots keep well.But for all hikers, it's calories - fats, sugars, and more fats. The problem is that you can't carry enough so the town stops are essential. But its great not having to worry about getting fat!
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Dennis Cove

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

In the morning, I packed up, hit the post office, and walked to a cafe where I continued my eating binge: 3 eggs, hashbrowns, sausage, pancakes, and O.J.Shawn was scheduled to arrive at noon so I sauntered back to the post office at 10:30, sat out in front, and took care of chores (foot hygiene, repacking some loose items, etc). The post mistress came by and I explained I was waiting for Shawn. She went into the post office and brought out a lounge chair so I'd be more comfortable - folks are so nice to thru-hikers. While I was waiting for Shawn, I talked to half a dozen people.Shawn showed up about 1/2 an hour late and was very apologetic. In thru hiker time, a half hour is inconsequential; when the hike is over, it will be hard to readjust to the timeline requirements of normal life.Shawn and I had a great lunch at Hillbilly's BBQ and Catfish - my sixth meal in less than 24 hours. I'm finally (almost) full.I showed Shawn the hostel I stayed at last night and he drove me to the trailhead where we took pictures and said our goodbyes. It was fun seeing Shawn and fun to tell folks - "My buddy flew in to have lunch with me" - real jet set stuff!I managed to drag my food-heavy body 8.6 "flat" miles. The quotes are because the trail was like a roller coaster - up/down a million times. As Moses said, "50 - 20 foot climbs is still 1,000 feet".There's been a lot of sick hikers. Although I stayed in the shelter tonight, I'm going to try and tent to hopefully escape whatever bug is going around.Only 1,750 miles to go!!!!
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

Today was my longest day and I passed the 20% mark of the trail. Tomorrow, I¢ll be in Virginia. After all this self-congratulations, I ran into Fast Track who started three weeks after me and caught up to me in three weeks. He¢s averaged well over 20 miles a day. WOW!It drizzled most of the day but it didn¢t really rain. The shelter was crowded and I decided to tent (see previous post). About midnight the rain started in earnest and continued until near dawn. The tent stayed dry! Life is good ...
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Damascus is known as ¢the friendliest town on the AT and is host to a hiker festival called ¢Trail Days¢ (May 15 ¢ 17). My fellow hikers (especially the younger set) have been talking about Damascus for days ¢ you would think it was a combination of Las Vegas and Orlando. Actually, it is a pleasant town of about 2,000. It has many hostels and B&B¢s. There¢s a nice river and the area is popular with hikers and bicyclists. I stayed at Miss Ginny¢s Lazy Fox Inn ¢ a 4 bed room B&B. My afternoon and evening was spent eating, doing laundry, eating, shopping, and eating.I just want to mention that the last 100 miles of trail were especially well maintained. The group responsible for this is called ¢The Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoe Club¢. Thanks!Bob Peoples who runs Kincora Hostel is one of the leading trail maintainers of the group. He is a legend (and an inspiration). Some one graphitied each of the shelters with a tribute to Bob. My favorites: ¢When Bob Peoples stays at this shelter, the mice bring him food¢ and ¢Bob Peoples takes care of the baby animals near this shelter until they are six weeks old¢.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4

We had a big hiker¢s breakfast at the Lazy Fox Inn. Joining me were Tailwind, his sister Sally, and brother-in-law Alan. Sally is day hiking with Tailwind who is slack packing while Alan is hanging out and shuttling them to and from the trailheads.In a light drizzle, I leave the Lazy Fox and head over to Mount Rodgers Outfitters. Jeff Patrick is known as an expert pack fitter. I¢ve been having a bit of tiredness in my middle back and I knew he could help. He had me take off my heavy pile shirt so that I¢d be dressed like I am when hiking and remeasured my back. The pack size is all correct ¢ great. He then readjusted all the straps. Voila, much better! After paying for a few miscellaneous things, I¢m off with a much better wearing pack.A lunch stop and I¢m out of town. At the edge of town I say ¢hi¢ to Alan who is waiting for Tailwind and Sally. About 12 mile up the trail, I decide to reconfigure for the rain that is threatening. Oh, my! My pile shirt is missing! I must have left it at the Outfitters. I hurry back to where Alan is still enjoying his coffee and he drives me back. Whew! It¢s there and I retrieve it. A short drive back to where the trail crosses the road, and a big ¢Thank You¢ to Alan ¢¦ The biggest drama in weeks is resolved.The shelter area is very nicely sited and my tent is in the midst of sweet smelling pines. Life is good ¢¦
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Three miles after Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.9

Talked to Ruby Begonia in the morning ¢ always a great start to the day. The shelters were awkwardly placed ¢ too close or too far. So I decided to camp in between in a little pine forest. I haven¢t camped by myself yet and I was sure tonight would be it. Just before dark, Captain Max came by and said, ¢Can I join you?¢ ¢Sure¢, I replied. Captain max is 76 years old, former Marine and Army Special Forces. He is section hiking and will complete the AT this year or in 2010.As you know we are now in Virginia. The trail thru VA is really one quarter of the AT. So, the handbook divides VA into: southwest VA, Central VA, Shenandoah National Park, and Northern VA. I guess that will give us a sense of progress rather than feeling we are on a never ending VA thread mill.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Three miles after Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

I¢ve been looking forward to today for months and it didn¢t disappoint. The weather was cool and sunny for the trek through the VA Highlands, which are likened to the Montana grasslands. There are rock out crops and meadows for about 10 miles. There are small herds of feral ponies throughout the area but especially in Grayson Highlands State Park.There were so many photo ops and people to chat with and even a bit of trail magic ¢ a bagle ¢ that I arrived at the shelter with little daylight to spare.Best conversation of the day was with a horseback rider who apparently never heard of thru hiking the AT.He: ¢Where you coming from?¢Me: ¢Georgia.¢He: ¢Where you going?¢Me: ¢Maine.¢He:   ¢You don¢t say.¢ (Incredulous look on face ¢¦)He rides off. About 10 minutes later, he comes trotting across from his trail to mine and pulls up and ¢¦He: ¢Forgot to ask, when you leave?¢Me: ¢March 8.¢He: ¢Well ain¢t that something.¢And like the Lone Ranger, he rides off into the sunset.
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

A nice, uneventful day. Highs were in the low 80¢s. Tomorrow I pass Partnership Shelter where supposedly, one can have pizza delivered.Slightly off ¢ color trivia: The area between mountains are called ¢gaps¢ and the tops of mountains are called ¢knobs¢ (out west they would be ¢saddles¢ and ¢peaks¢). Well, it turns out that in England (and other commonwealth countries) ¢knobs¢ is slang for ¢penis¢. The English hikers find great amusement in names like ¢buzzard knob¢, ¢little bald knob¢, and ¢queen¢s knob¢.