morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

What a difference a day makes! Slept well in the shelter and was so glad to be under a roof. All night we heard branches breaking and crashing from the ice and I was relieved that I wasn't in my tent.This morning it was still raining, although I think it was actually just ice melting from the trees. The 3 of us were in no hurry to leave because it was so wet, and our clothes were already wet from yesterday. At 10:45 I finally headed out and walked for the first hour or so in the dripping, misty, weather. The day soon started to improve, however, and by the afternoon the sun was shining.My mood improved with the sun and I had to stop a couple of times to shed clothes and change layers. Nice terrain today for most of the hike.After reaching Laurel Ridge Shelter the trail headed steeply uphill. Once at the top I looked at the profile map and thought I'd have a straightforward ridge walk for my remaining 6+ miles. What I neglected to notice was the fine print that mentioned a 1.5 mile stretch of the trail that was "rocky and strenuous". It turned out to be a fun rock scramble but rather tiring coming toward the end of the hike.Stopped at Jerry Cabin Shelter for the night. This shelter has a fireplace and we have a good fire going. Here tonight are Heart Rock, Truck Surfer, Feedbag, Bilbo, Java Man, Chin Music, Tall Boy, and Molly. Movie Star just came in after dark. Weather looks good again for tomorrow, so life is good!
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was a good day for hiking. Wow, it feels great to make that statement! The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the birds were singing. The day started with a brief climb up and over Big Butt Mountain (yes, that's really the name), followed by a pleasant 1.5 mile walk on an old logging road. The trail ultimately descended into Devil Fork Gap, which in spite of its name was actually a picture perfect spot, with green pastures and rolling hills. It was lunchtime by this point, and Bilbo, Truck Surfer, Molly, Chin Music, and I all took a nice break by the side of the road.After lunch we all started the long uphill trek, climbing from 2,952 feet to 4,541 feet within about 3 miles. It was all beautiful, however, and I actually had to change into my shorts and wore sunglasses as well.Finally arrived at the shelter at about 5:30 this evening. Lots of folks here... there's some kind of sickness that's sweeping through the hiking community and has slowed down quite a few hikers. Pilgrim, Trekker, Wild Blue, Stretch, Barking Spider, Movie Star, Java Man, Chin Music, Just Dave, Truck Surfer, Bilbo, and Feedbag are all here. I'm comfortably settled into my tent and am hoping to steer clear of this nasty sickness, whatever it is.In the interest of full disclosure, my hike today was actually 14.7 miles. I've tacked on an additional .6 miles because I blew a mileage way back in Georgia (Wayah Gap) and I'd like to have my miles correspond with what's in the guide I'm using. Last night we talked about topping the 300 mile mark, which we did, but my journal showed 299. something.Lastly, thank you so much to all of you who've sent your well wishes through my guest book. Your ongoing words of support and encouragement never fail to make me smile! If internet connectivity was stronger out here on the trail I'd email you all personally, but I just can't make that happen. Know that I truly appreciate your kind words...Today's highlight: the weather. It's about time.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: broken clouds

Another lovely day for hiking, even better than yesterday. I packed up early and was on the trail by 7:30. The trail started with a slight uphill, followed by a long downhill into Sam's Gap. We were all hoping for trail magic at the gap... a sunny weekend day at a road crossing with a parking lot. The perfect place for some magic, but no such luck.After this, the trail climbed steadily and sometimes steeply up to the summit of Big Bald, at 5,516 feet. The views from the top were spectacular! Definitely my favorite bald to date. I'd seen this mountain yesterday in the distance and wondered whether I'd be traveling over it and here I was - pretty cool. Wild Blue and I took a lunch break at the top and soaked in the sunshine and 360 degree views.After this it was a long downhill through some beautiful woods, all the way to Spivey Gap. Alas, no trail magic there either. Can you tell that this is my fourth day out and I'm ready for some town food?After Spivey Gap the landscape changed dramatically for the final several miles. Suddenly I was walking through a predominately pine forest for the first time. Not sure why such a change, but very different.I arrived at the shelter at 6:15. I'd thought I might stay in the shelter, but Just Dave's in there and he seems to have caught the hiker bug that's making the rounds. I decided I'd be better off in my tent. Barking Spider and Stretch are also here, along with a man who found out about Just Dave and opted to pitch his tent out a ways. He hasn't even ventured near the shelter so I haven't met him.I'm exhausted tonight... 20 miles is doable but the last few miles are always tough. I think 15 - 18 might be my mileage "sweet spot" but I'll see. The good news is that now I'm poised for a 6 mile mostly downhill walk tomorrow into Erwin, TN where a shower, laundry, and town food await. Very exciting business, trust me.Today's highlight: the summit of Big Bald.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN and the Super 8 Motel
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: clear sky

Packed up early with thoughts of heading into town. Poor Just Dave was sick during the night and he was on the trail even earlier.It was a relatively easy 5.8 mile stroll into Erwin, and the morning was pleasantly warm and sunny. I met Sandman as I was packing, and he's the one who set his tent up later last night. We talked about the hiker bug (Stretch and Barking Spider were feeling some symptoms now as well) and Sandman said he feels as though we might be part of a hiker zombie movie... one hiker gets infected and turns others into zombies. Something to think about, for sure...I was into Erwin by 9:30. The trail emerges from the woods and runs right into Uncle Johnny's Hostel. My original plan had been to stay there, but given all the sickness I decided to head to a motel and get a room by myself. Fortunately, Johnny's was getting ready to run their town shuttle, so I paid $5 for a ride into town.Once at the Super 8 I ran into several other hikers all checking in. Apparently this bug stretches up and down the trail, and many in town got off the trail miles south of here because they were sick.A shower was first on my agenda, followed by food and drink. Erwin's a nice town, surrounded by mountains, but very spread out. I grabbed my dirty laundry and headed out, stopping at a fast food establishment (I have no pride when it comes to my stomach these days) for a bite to eat. Just Dave came along and is happily on the road to recovery.Next was laundry and some food resupply at Food Lion. Lots of walking, but it was sunny, I was clean, the terrain was flat, and I was walking in my crocs.Back to the motel for a nap and then I ventured over to Huddle House for some dinner. In my travels I ran across the AT famous Miss Janet, trail angel extraordinaire. She's picking me up tomorrow at 9 to drive me back to the trail. Weather's looking good for the next couple of days, so I'm ready to get back on the trail.Today's highlight: being clean, having clean clothes once again, and eating town food. Always good.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Erwin, TN and the Super 8 Motel

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning wondering whether or not I should head out on the trail. Although the hiker bug didn't totally get me, I was definitely feeling a bit nauseous and low on energy. I decided to have some breakfast at the hotel and see how I felt after that.Cereal went down okay so I decided to go. At the breakfast area Chin Music and Java Man were both there... they'd had a rough night of sickness and were staying put another night.I called Miss Janet and confirmed a 9 a.m. pickup. Stretch and Barking Spider also came along and we were on the trail by 9:45. Today was hot and sunny, with temperatures rising into the low 80's. It was a hard hiking day because of the heat and the fact that I just wasn't feeling well. Fortunately the terrain out of Erwin wasn't too bad or I would have struggled even more. Fresh Ground, the trail magic wonder who has provided trail magic twice during my hike, was set up again at Indian Grave Gao, 8.8 miles up the trail. When I arrived, Stretch and Barking Spider were there, along with BB Cliff and Loogie. Shortly after Maineiac arrived, who I hadn't seen since Hot Springs. He told me that he, Genie, Duffel Miner, Movie Star, and Rainbow Braid were all planning on camping there for the night and that I should plan to do the same.So here I am, in my tent, near Fresh Ground's amazing spread. He grills hot dogs, cooks banana pancakes, and offers salad, fruit, chips, and soda. Everything's run on a donation basis, and his plan is to follow our bubble of hikers up the trail to Maine. It's kind of like a catering service for thru hikers and it's such a gift - thank you Fresh Ground!Others are camped here tonight, including Dude, Fidget, Dan, ZZ Topless, Scrap, Seventeen, and Eagle Runner. Great campfire complete with marshmallows. In the morning Fresh Ground's promising bacon and eggs before we head out.I'm still fighting this bug and am hoping to be back to 100 percent by tomorrow. Off to sleep...Today's highlight: camping here with hiking buddies and being part of Fresh Ground's trail magic.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

I woke up this morning to the sound of bacon sizzling in the pan... Fresh Ground had made an early trip out to buy enough supplies to feed us all breakfast. The thought of food was actually appealing which seemed like a sign that the hiker bug might have run its course with me.We all feasted on bacon, scrambled eggs, banana pancakes, oranges, hot chocolate, and coffee. What a great way to start a day of hiking! Thanks again, Fresh Ground, you're the best!The big climb of the day started soon after as we ascended Unaka Mountain (5,180 feet). As we climbed higher we entered a lovely spruce forest. The terrain reminded me of northern Vermont, and it wasn't anything we'd experienced yet on this hike.Following the wooded summit the day progressed with numerous smaller ups and downs, along with some walking through old orchards and earlier through a bald. I neglected to mention that today was super hot and sunny, which made the uphills taxing. I know, I've whined continuously about the cold and here I am complaining about the heat, but to suddenly be hiking with temps in the 80's and no leaves on the trees is quite a shock to the system. I think things are supposed to cool off tomorrow, but that may involve thunderstorms...We stopped tonight at the Clyde Smith Shelter. There's a large group here, including Eagle Runner, Hurry, ZZ Topless, Movie Star, Genie, Rainbow Braid, Duffel Miner, Maineiac, Streaker, Wild Rain, Dan, Soho, and Hurry. Eagle Runner realized today that his aunt and uncle live in the same town as I do in Vermont, and they actually don't live too far from me. What a small world!I'm in my tent and am excited to be sleeping without the rain fly on for the second night in a row. Ah, the simple pleasures out here on the trail.Today's highlight: starting the day with an awesome Fresh Ground breakfast.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The day seemed like another hot one, so I was on the trail by 7. I was a bit anxious about the big climb of the day, over Roan Mountain, since I'd heard from Soho that there was snow and ice near the top. There was also weather talk of some potentially nasty thunderstorms so I wanted to get over Roan and the subsequent balds before the rain hit.The whole hike turned out to be beautiful. The climb over Roan was well paced, with lots of switchbacks. Toward the top it involved some rock scrambling through a dense pine forest, but it was all good. The summit of Roan is 6,212 feet, and this is the last time I'll see that altitude until New Hampshire. The trail on the north side of Roan was hard packed snow and ice, so I had to walk carefully. At times it turned into a streambed, so I felt as though I walked through it all today.At Carver's Gap (at the bottom of Roan) the trail ascended to climb over two beautiful balds. First was Round Bald, followed by Jane Bald. Pictures don't do justice to these spectacular grassy summits.After the balds I walked through lots of lovely woods and old orchards until reaching Overmountain Shelter, my destination for the night. The shelter is actually an old barn, and has a reputation for being one of the coolest shelters on the AT. It supposedly holds 20, but that's just on the first floor sleeping platforms. There's a huge loft upstairs, where we're all staying tonight to get out of the rainstorm. It was wonderful to reach the shelter by 3:30 and have lots of time to hang out and enjoy this place. The barn is nestled in between hills overlooking a bald and a valley. We had a special treat because father/son section hikers packed in 5 pounds of potatoes and a skillet, and Cosmic Charley made us all tasty fried potatoes fried in oil with pieces of spam, seasonings, and some chopped fresh ramps (ramps are everywhere on the trail). He went through all 5 pounds of potatoes and they were so good.Huge crowd here tonight, including Genie, Duffel Miner, Maineiac, Rainbow Braid, Movie Star, Streaker, Dan, Hurry, Eagle Runner, Linus,Sugar Gnome, Heartburn, ZZ Topless, Button, and a section hiker named Trombone Man. As it started to get dark, in walked Goat, Tommyhawk, Fix, and Foxi, followed shortly thereafter by Logan and Ned. I no longer say goodbye to anyone because they invariably resurface further up the trail! The storm has started and we're all happy to be in a shelter with 4 (drafty) walls tonight.Today's highlight: enjoying this shelter space and all the hikers here.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Rte. 19 (Mountain Harbour Hostel)
Miles today: 8.7

Overmountain Shelter sits at 4,654 feet and we must have been at ground zero for last night's thunderstorm. There were gaps in between the barn's wallboards, but fortunately the roof was solid. It was quite a wild experience and I was so thankful to not be in my tent.This morning it looked as though the day would be clear, but 15 minutes into my hike the rain started. It was a foggy, rainy walk over Big Hump and Little Hump, two balds that I can only imagine must provide stunning views under better conditions. Duffel Miner came along and commented that the balds were beautiful in a kind of "Hounds of the Baskervilles" kind of way. I kept moving, fueled on by the thought that I was heading for Mountain Harbour Hostel, which would include a hot shower and some town food.By 12:30 I was at Rt. 19, my destination for the day. Goat, Tommyhawk, Fix, Foxi, and I all walked the half mile on the road to reach the hostel. What a great place! The owners operate a bed and breakfast out of their home but have converted the floors above their barn into a small hiker hostel. We're here tonight along with three section hikers.The hostel provides a free shuttle service into Roan Mountain at 5 each evening, so six of us headed into town. We started at the Highlander BBQ, one of the 2 barbecue places in town and it was so good... I have to say that Tennessee does barbecue better than what we get up north. After dinner we went across the road to the local grocery store for resupply items, and we ended our town outing with ice cream at Bob's Dairyland.Once back at the hostel we were surprised with a visit by Fresh Ground, who's spending the night here and having breakfast in the morning with his mom. It was great having the chance to chat with Fresh Ground when he wasn't jumping up to serve us all something!So once again I'm clean, well fed, resupplied, and sleeping inside. Mountain Harbor has the reputation of serving the best breakfast on the entire AT, so I have that to look forward to tomorrow morning. All is well as I get ready for the final 70 mile push to Damascus, which will take me out of TN and into VA. Oh - and today I walked out of NC for the final time.Today's highlight: spending time at the hostel and in town with great trail friends.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Rte. 19 (Mountain Harbour Hostel)

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast at Mountain Harbour was even better than I'd anticipated. Fresh fruit, home fries, cinnamon rolls, mini pancakes with smoked salmon, sausage, special eggs, and the list goes on. If you're planning on hiking this stretch of the trail, plan to stay at Mountain Harbour and by all means stay for breakfast. What a treat.As I left the hostel and walked up the road I was feeling a bit blue. I learned last night that my dear dad had a stroke yesterday and was in the hospital. I talked with John, my brother Tom, and my stepmom Sandy, and although there's nothing I can do at this point I just felt so far away from the situation. On top of that, Goat, Tommyhawk, Fix, and Foxi liked the hostel so much that at breakfast they decided to take a zero there. They tried to talk me into staying as well, and as I was walking up the road Tommyhawk stood on the deck with his coffee and yelled "come back, Lady Grey"!And then to really make me feel sorry for myself, my left ankle was bothering me. I think scrambling over the wet rocks and roots yesterday took its toll. It was all a rather lonely feeling.But it was a gorgeous day and I was determined to continue on the road to Damascus (Virginia) so off I went. I gave myself an attitude adjustment, turned on my IPod, and started walking.The terrain I covered today was great. This being the AT, there were still ups, downs, overs, and unders, but it was as though it was all done as a miniature version of the real deal. Simply a walk in the woods for once.I stopped in at Mountaineer Shelter for a late lunch and saw Movie Star, Sugar Gnome, Heartburn, and Cody Coyote. I thought Movie Star and the gang would be further ahead but it turned out they were all planning on stopping at the same shelter that I was.I'm now comfortably set up in my tent for the evening at Moreland Gap Shelter. I'm here with the usual suspects... Maineiac, Duffel Miner, Genie, Rainbow Braid, and Movie Star. Cody Coyote also stopped in for the night. We passed the 400 mile mark today, which is exciting.I just learned that my dad's holding his own, which is all I can hope for at this point. The day turned around and all is well.Today's highlight: have to go with the breakfast.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light snow

I'm liking the terrain changes as we move north. Today started with a downhill walk that eventually led to Laurel Falls, a beautiful spot. Since it was a weekend day there were a fair number of day hikers out for a walk in this heavily used area. There is a kiosk with park service info about the trail into the falls, and I assumed it would be an easy nature path type of walk. The walk started out easily, but eventually turned into a steep downhill scramble over stone steps and rocks. It reminded me of the gorges around Ithaca, NY. I wonder how many people have been duped by the trail... starting out in their flip flops only to find it's a serious walk.Following the falls, the trail started to climb. Sigh. We'd all looked at the profile for the day and noticed this one steep hill, climbing almost 2,000 feet in 2.5 miles and then immediately descending just about as far down. If you haven't already heard this term, this was a textbook example of a true AT P.U.D. (pointless up and down). Yep, we climbed to the top, leveled off for a few minutes, had no view, and then headed down. Definitely not the highlight of my day!Once down, we walked along the shore of Watauga Lake until we reached Watauga Lake Shelter. I'm tenting near the shelter, and here tonight are Duffel Miner, Genie, Rainbow Braid, Movie Star, Maineiac, Cody Coyote, and Crow. I'm hoping to make it to Damascus by Tuesday night which means a couple of high mileage days ahead. 7:30 p.m. and time to crawl into my sleeping bag.Today's highlight: Laurel Falls. Beautiful.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained a bit overnight, and this morning the skies were overcast and the temperature was cooler. I was planning on a high mileage day so packed up early and was on the trail by 7. Remember, I'm on the road to Damascus and I'm ready to be there.The day started with an uphill climb (I could probably open most of my entries with this statement), but fortunately this climb was paced better and had much more of a point than yesterday's long haul. Along the way a man zipped by me, pausing briefly to chat. His trail name is Shortstop, and he thru hiked last year. He's older than I am and is training for some kind of cross-Maryland 40+ mile challenge. He was powering through 41 miles today in preparation. Impressive to say the least!After ascending to the top, the trail followed a ridge line for a long ways, all the while overlooking what I believe is Watauga Lake. Signs of spring are suddenly appearing everywhere, with lots of wildflowers along the trail.I stopped for a late lunch at Iron Mountain Shelter, about 14 miles into my day. This was the shelter destination for the crew I've been with because they're all fired up for the "Damascathon" tomorrow. Iron Mountain Shelter is 26.2 miles from Damascus, so that's what they'll be doing. They tried to suck me in, but I held strong and said I'd be splitting my mileage differently, thank you very much.So on I trekked to the third shelter of the day, Double Springs Shelter. Whenever I've walked a 20+ mile day I've found the final 3 miles or so to be like a death march. Today turned out to be my lucky day... at about mile 18, Nelson Baptist Church left some trail magic of ice cold Mountain Dews. Now I'm not a Mountain Dew lover, but give me any kind of cold beverage on my third day out at mile 18 and believe me, I'll drink it. White Flash and I sat on a log drinking our sodas, and he made the astute comment that really there's nothing special about a 20+ mile day except that we're walking for more hours. Good point.Fueled by the caffeine, the final few miles were lovely. The trail went through a beautiful pasture, complete with cows, and part of it was designed as handicapped accessible. The trail finally re-entered the woods and climbed gently to the shelter.Here tonight are White Flash and Maverick, who I just met today, and a couple section hiking southbound from Damascus to Springer. I'm again set up in my comfy tent and looking forward to reaching town tomorrow.My dad is holding his own... Thanks to everyone for their well wishes.Today's highlight: the final few miles, starting with the ice cold soda.