morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-26
To: Hotsprings, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Hey everyone! We're here in Hot Springs, NC. We got here much quicker than we thought we would. When we left Gatlinburg, TN we decided to try to make it to Hot Springs by wednesday morning. No real reason, just one of those 'just becauses.' So Sunday we hiked 20 miles, monday was 18 miles, and tuesday was a bit over 25 miles. Talk about huge!. Sore feet at the end of the day. Anyways, we pulled just under 65 miles in three days. It was awesome! Tuesday, we ended up pulling into town around 11 o'clock so we just hung around under the porch roof of the forest service building in town until the diner opened at 6 AM. Everyone who left Gatlinburg as we were going in were surprised to see us already unpacked in Hot Springs before they got there. The confused looks were priceless. The even better news is that Andy is coming down to hike with us for a while. He'll be meeting us in Hampton, TN on May 3 to join the trip for probably a month or so until he has to leave for a trip then work at the camp for the summer. Its going to be a blast, I cant wait for him to get down here. The weather is looking good compared to the freak snow and heat waves going back and forth. Other than a thunderstorm tonight, it looks as if we are going to be getting some normal late spring and early summer weather. The really warm days make for beautiful hiking at night. I couldnt ask for more. 60 degrees and a clear night sky is excellent. Ive decided just to sent my memory card home since Ive tried for a month to get them onto a CVS CD and every single machine in the south is broken. So those should be up in a few days. Time to take off for the trail, so until next time. Take care, U-turn
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Hot Springs

To: Erwin Tn\N
Miles today: 270.0
Weather: few clouds

Hey thereBryans dad here...I just posted some pix from Bryans camera card he sent home. He called today..he is waiting to meet up with some friends in Erwin TN...I will post more pix as I sort through them...but all is well with him and he is having a ball...
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Erwin Tn\N

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 64.5
Weather: light rain

Dad McHugh hereTalked to Bryan today...He is in Erwin TN meeting up with both a local friend joining him on the hike and a maildrop that was lost for an hour or so before we tracked via UPS to Miss Janets Hostel/House in Erwin. Post office did not get the General Delivery address..apparently, Miss Janet gets all of them...go figure??...doesnt the post office know that?....only hundreds of hikers go through there every year...We sent him trail runners as he wants to get out of his boots...some food, different titanium pot,and another camera card.Miss Janet puts up AT Hikers for 20 bucks a nite with breakfast included so Bry will be there for the nite. Going back on trail tomorrow and headed for Damascus , VA...I will throw a few more pix onto the journal later tonite
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Erwin Tn\N

To: Watauga Shelter
Miles today: 82.0
Weather: broken clouds

Dad heretalked to bryan today...pulling into Watauga shelter tonite...40 miles to Damascus....will be in Damascus sunday morning..all is well...His buddy Andy flew down and met him in Erwin and ran into achilles heel problems...slowed them down a bit and decided to separate...he will be going off trail in damascus. bryan will be hiking through damascus and hike as far as he can go in a week, catch a ride back to damascus for the annual damascus hiking festival...its a food fest where AT hikers congregate and have some fun...he'll then catch a ride back to where he left off...I should here from him tomorrow and will post his update...got the boots he mailed home today...didnt look too bad after 400 miles...he switched to lighter and cooler trail runners....He's craving and consuming large amounts of peanut butter...yummmm
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Damascus, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 45.0

Hello everyone!Wow its been a while. The past two weeks have been excellent. I believe I havent typed in here in a fortnight. Im not even sure what a fortnight is. In any case, last entry was in Hot Springs. We just arrived in Damascus yesterday afternoon. You know what that means, goodbye Tennessee and I couldnt be happier to be out of it. As great of a hike NC and TN was, the switching back and forth between the two states for the past couple of weeks was totally confusing. So past the babbling, since Hot Springs, NC we have hiked through possibly the most beautiful mountain ranges so far.   The entire second half was like hiking in Scotland. We were cruising through a bunch of bald mountains. Picture this, all of a sudden youre in these enormous meadows for miles but youre at 5000 feet above sea level. Its a real trip. After those balds we ducked down into the woods again for a few normal days and then decided we wanted to hike from Watauga Lake to Damascus in 24 hours. So we started hiking saturday afternoon and topped 40 miles by sunday afternoon with a great couple hour nap in the middle. We showed up in town looking like the elderly after dancing class, but it was well worth it. Damascus VA is my favorite trailtown so far. It reminds me a lot of Clinton but a little smaller. Small town, friendly people, good nature all around. I couldnt be happier with this trip!Well Im in a sub shop right now on their computer and my subs ready, time to woof it down and finish up later tonight. Im sending home another memory card so look for some more pictures in the next week or so. Until next time...Take care,BryanU-Turnp.s. I fit 75 gummy bears in my mouth.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 158.0

Oh, hello. We're here in Pearisburg, VA. Everything is still going great! Even better news is we passed the 600 mile marker sometime last night. The not so great side is Virginia is boring and theres nothing too look at, but I still cant complain. Anyways, same old same old, Im still meeting some great new people and met up with some old friends I havent seen in a month or so. We all gathered at Trail Days and had a kick ass time. That following monday we hit the dusty trail which was more like an ankle rolling shin breaking rocky trail, and got a hitch back to where we left off. The driver dropped us off in the wrong place so we got another hitch from a cross eyed feller that dropped us off again at the wrong spot and after 4 hours finally got to the Grayson Highlands in south western Virginia. The highlands were spectacular. Theyre likened to what you see in Montana, but Ill have to take their word for it, Ive never been to Montana. However, if it looks like the Highlands, Id like to go to Montana. The best part were the wild ponies that graze the Highlands. I just sat down and the younger ponies just walked right up to me and hung out for a while. However, the big one stalked me afterwords, but whatever. Haha. So we left the Grayson Highlands and hit the 'green tunnel' of Virginia where there is nothing to see for 500 miles. There is a TON of wildlife finally coming out. Just last night we saw 4 deer...3 does, 1 buck. I almost tripped over a large Black Rat Snake again, but no worries, not poisonous. Eric saw a coyote also so were neck ddep in animals after seeing merely beetles and squirrels for 2 months!Ill be heading to Troutville, VA in about a week or less, only about 95 miles, Ill shoot an update there if I can because the Pizza Hut pizza buffet started 10 minutes ago and Im late for it! Until next time. Take care, BryanU-Turn
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Pearisburg

To: waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Dad HereBry called last nite...at McAfee Knob in VA...about 800+ miles in...will be in Waynesboro VA by Fri...Had some tough weather last week but all is well..He is sending home Picture card this week...I will post new shots as soon as I get them...
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 188.0

Well, there is good news, Virginia should be overwith less than two weeks. Talk about bluesy. Its not bad actually, theres just not that much to see. We're about to enter Shenandoah National Park which is supposed to be amazing so Im pretty excited to see what it has to offer. They say most animals you see on the trail will be in the Shenandoahs, so Im real pumped. This past week has been so so. The weather is getting tough with the heat. Just last friday it hit 100 degrees or so, about 95% humidity. Talk about a hot day. We're getting afternoon thunderstorms or at least rain most days which is actually kind of good when it cools down the air. We hit McAfee's Knob earlier in the week. Its the posterboard picture of the AT. It was a real cool place to see, hell of a view. However, like everything else in life, it was a lot smaller in person. Still super impressive though. Not too much other than that, we've just been really hell bent on cranking out some miles. The trip is still really exciting, but the 'new car smell' of backpacking day in and day out tends to wear out a little. Ive started to get the itches to get back home and get life started again, but I have to put all that into the back up file until this is over. When I get to New England, the terrain and pace should be a real good change, Im ancy to hit the White Mountains and the Maine wilderness. Im also really looking forward to getting to a Dunkin Donuts! Word on the street is there is a Dunkin in Front Royal, VA...which HAPPENS to be our next stop. Nothing against small town coffee shops, but theyre no large mass produced widespread coffee chain. Take care, Bryan
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well this has got to be quick, 5 minutes on the computer and counting. Im out of Virginia and I couldnt be happier! Nothing against Virginia, but what a state. Just...different. Anywho, Im in Harpers Ferry, WV. It is a gorgeous little town, extremely historic. I did some walking around last night and this morning planning to leave today for another challenge. 4 states in 24 hours, totalling about 42 miles. Unfortunetly Im laid up for the night resting my hips, I took off this morning and had some pains that need a night off. No big deal though, Ill be able to go on the playground now. Haha just a joke. Well, I have to split, Pennsylvania is coming up in just a day or two. Ill catch up on everything there. Dad put up another set of photos from Trail Days to present so check them out and drop a thanks to him for loading them up. Take care, BryanU-Turn
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Hot Springs

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

I can't believe we're here again! It's incredible! Sadly, substantial rain starting mid-afternoon coupled with very long uphills put a damper on my smiling tendencies. Dad and Meemaw drove us up to Hot Springs at 8 and got there at around noon. We had lunch at the little cafe--I got half a veggie wrap and a smoothie--and then we were off at 12:30. Poor Dad, he's so nice and selfless in letting us do this! Came across 2 trios of backpackers, plus a dayhiker. It was pouring for a good while, and we huddled under a tree canopy for a while, hoping it would stop. Here were are at the shelter (which is full, although they offered to make room for us--how kind) and in our tent mostly warm and dry. Putting it up was an ordeal, especially in the rain, but we made it and, after the second half of the veggie wrap and chocolate for dinner, we're reading and going to bed. Man, I was so weak from hunger by the end, I could barely clasp the buckles on teh tent. Our packs weighed 31 lbs each this morning. OK, I'm exhausted. Bed at 9.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Whew, a hard hiking day, especially for our second day! The morning wasn't bad, but then came a really long and very steep uphill that was quite brutal. Even teh thru-hiker guy who was at our shelter last night said it was killer. After that was flattish until a ~3.5 mi stint at the end of the day that was just rocks and boulders, straight up and straight down one after the others--classic PUDs. We called Dad and got connection after the third try. He said he's even more sad than last year. We have the shelter to ourselves tonight (so far at 8:15). The water is dried up, so we had to lug extra from the last shelter, Little Laurel, about 6.7 mi from here. (I think we read it in LL's register--must always check those in the future for such pertinent info!) Dinner was black bean tamale pie and it was so good and fiiiilling. I was so weak from hunger when we finally got to lunch, but in the afternoon I wasn't hungry but still felt weak by the end because of the PUDs. I have one blister on my left heel and a hot spot on my right, and after today's rocky downhills, my feet feel like they have a blister under each toe. It's hard to imagine that we'll be here for five weeks--yesterday I was wanting to quit and even for a moment today, too. The weather today was perfect (except for humidity) and cool but overcast--hopefully the rain will hold off. We had to set up the tent inside the shelter because Mom was freaked out by the mice. We saw a salamander and a toad today. Also stopped at a couple of nice overlooks.
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was much better because my left blister wasn't as bad in teh PM, there was more flat walking, and it was nice and cool. Took a long time to pack up this AM (got up at 7, left at 8:45). Early lunch at Flint Mountain Shelter from 11:30-1. The morning's hike was quite pleasant mostly, even affording some views. In the PM was a three-mile uphill, but it could've been worse--not that it was good or anything. Today I felt more like my trail legs were coming on--I could keep going faster on the uphills. Maybe just all the inactivity from my trip to Chile wearing off. Called Dad when we got to the shelter and all's well. Shelter to ourselves again! Dinner was parmesan pasta for me, but Mom's curry stuff wasn't good, so she dumped it and ate dry food. It seems we won't get much time in Erwin because I planned too much mileage before meeting up with Beebo. Getting quite chilly now. Bed at 9:15.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Hogback Mountain Shelter

To: ~2 miles after Spivey Gap
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was nice. Slept quite well and wasn't cold at all last night. Some big climbs in the AM, but better then than in the PM. Got to Big Bald and it was quite windy but lovely views--360* and finally a bit sunny today. Called Dad up there, then had lunch at Bald Mountain Shelter, which was really nice--two story bunk platforms! Lunch from 1:30-2:40 (record fast time so far). Unfortunately, Mom was feeling nauseous after lunch, probably because she ate 4-day-old cheese. Mostly easy afternoon hiking. Didn't see a single person today. It was windy and cool but partly sunny so not too cold--just couldn't stop for more than 2-3 min at a time. My left-heel blister is much better and callousing over, but now I have 2 on my right heel. Happily, I popped it and it wasn't too bad this afternoon. It's actually better without the moleskin donuts because they always slip off after about 20 min. We're tenting on an old, overgrown road a bit off the trail. Dinner was ginger-teryaki veggies and parmesan pasta. Very good and very filling. Tomorrow is a ten-mile hike into Erwin, but mostly downhill so it'll go faster. Today was my favorite hiking day so far: I'm definitely getting some trail legs, and my mind is starting to go into dream-mode while I hike, so it will just wander pleasantly as I tramp along.Whoa, we just saw a bear! We were standing outside our tent, and I saw a black shape coming up the road toward us. But it stopped and ran into the woods on seeing us. Mom was very freaked out and wouldn't wear her earplugs in case it came back. Also, there were trucks driving by (but down our road, thank goodness), and it rained really hard (so Mom told me: I woke up several times but don't remember hard rains).
Date: 2007-06-05
From: ~2 miles after Spivey Gap

To: Erwin (Super 8 Motel)
Miles today: 9.5

We're nice and dry and clean and comfy in our first motel of the trip. Packed up this AM in record time (1 hr 15 min). A couple of bigger uphills, but nothing that could slow me down from reaching Erwin. Actually, I wasn't that much anticipating a town stop yet. I could've gone on longer just fine, I guess, but I'm sure glad we did get a stop. Lots of downhill at the end leading down into Chestoa Bridge over teh Nolichucky River, directly across from Uncle Johnny's hostel (I'd read about it on Whiteblaze with mixed reviews). Got a shuttle from Super 8 with no problem and got showers and then walked the mile/more to the laundromat, then farther still to the FoodLion. (New foods of the trip: Veggie WheatThins, cookies, goldfish, candy bars, etc) Our errands took 2 1/2 hours, then we lounged in the room til dinner, which we ordered from PizzaPlus. We each got a small veggie delite pizza, and I ate all but on piece; clearly, I'm putting my own mother to shame eating-wise. Lying around is wonderful, but I'd probably get restless soon. I mis-calculated the mileage for tomorrow, so we get to leave later tomorrow. Yay for sleeping in! God's been very good to us with keeping us safe from big injuries and only raining last night and not the past two days. I haven't been keeping up with quiet times since we started hiking, so I'll have to set aside times each day while hiking to intentionally pray.PS: Unfortunately, Miss Janet's was closed--from what I understand, for the first time in many years. We were looking forward to staying there and were quite disappointed at hearing that it was closed. But a private room and bathroom at the Super 8 wasn't exactly difficult to bear.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Erwin (Super 8 Motel)

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Mmm...beautiful, relaxing day. Got up at 7:40, got breakfast from teh hotel lobby (disappointing--donut and cheerios), packed, and then the hotel guy drove us back at 9:15. The uphill out of town wasn't nearly as bad as the SOBO one would have been. My sense of time is getting really warped, but in a good way: I can lose track of an hour of uphill and not even think much about it. Translation: Trail legs have arrived! Had early lunch at the first shelter we came across (pizza goldfish, which are amazing, and other such junk). Then up to Beauty Spot, an open bald with good views, by 3:30. Called Dad from there and had a Snickers and just basked in the sun for an hour. Then got here to the campsite at 5. We read, had dinner (pizza and nacho lunchables from town) and set up tent. It's not even 7 yet, and we are quite able to go to bed right now. Today was so nice and sunny, but very cool on the uphill, so it wasn't bad really. The first day I would've been gasping for air, but today I was fine. God is so good: easier next couple days, lovely today, plenty of food/water, blisters calloused over, and no rain in sight as of now. Bed at 8:45.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith SHelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Tragedy strikes, but I know God has a good purpose for it all that will make everything turn out for the best. My right knee started hurting slightly yesterday, but today it completely blew up! On the downhill from the pine needled, foresty summit of Mt Unaka (well will I remember that name now, and with forboding), the meniscus started hurting and got worse and worse. We stopped at the first shelter 4 1/2 mi from this morning's camp to rest, and I wrapped it with an Ace bandage and started considering that I might have to stop hiking for good. Went on til the road crossing after Iron Mountain and realized that it was definitely getting worse, so we called Beebo and Dad and told them the plan: Grandma and Bob would drop off Beebo at Carver's Gap after Roan Mtn and Mom and Beebo would hike on another week to Damascus, while I would ride home with Grandma and Bob. I won't say I didn't get emotional and weepy about the ordeal many times, because I'm no liar. I must've cried at least ten times. But God's given me some peace now and is helping me through it. Mom carried a lot of my weight and did all the chores this evening at the shelter, which we have to ourselves. It still looks as if I will definitely need to stop for good, despite my wishing. I tried bending it 90* to stretch but it was incredibly painful! A sad end to this section hike, but there's always next year...I'm quite upset, really, but am accepting it and coping with it in God's portion of wisdom that reminds me of the good things of stopping now...maybe I could get a summer job or even just a good, deep conversation with Grandma and Bob on the way home...who knows?
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Clyde Smith SHelter

To: Carver's Gap
Miles today: 8.0

Slept well, and off at 8. Downhill was not good, but the uphill to Roan Mtn was difficult yet preferable. No views on the top, but there were some aromatic evergreen forests along the top and on teh way down. Had lunch on top, then took almost an hour to go the 1.2 mi down! Now we've been waiting for 1 1/2 hrs and can't get a hold of Grandma or Beebo. Hope they get here soon; they were supposed to meet us here about 2...Well, they finally arrived (albeit over 2 hours late) and I had to watch Mom and Beebo walk off on the path I have dreamed all year of walking. But next year will be more valuable, and I will certainly take from this the significant lesson that hiking should not be taken for granted--after all, how many people get to do this, walking through the lush forests of the Eastern US for days on end with no responsibilities? It reminds me of some saying that reminds us that oftentimes things are only valuable if they're rare and extraordinary. Hiking is certainly that for me--I don't get to do it much, but that simple fact makes it all the more wonderful when I do.
Date: 2007-07-30
From: Carver's Gap

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

I'm back on the Trail after a good month's recovery of the knee! I'm so thankful to be here! Last night we stayed at Kincora Hostel at Dennis Cove. Took a little under an hour to get to the gap from Kincora. Bob Peoples, the owner, drove us. He's real nice (to use an understatement to its extreme) and from PA (with a curious accent--makes me smile to hear him talk) and has been all over the world traveling. Neat guy. Anywho, The views on the balds were really foggy but we could see a bit. Saw 2 horses (which we thought were wild, but turns out they were probably tame and owned by someone) and a doe with her fawn and salamanders and frogs. Good wildlife day, if I do say so. Lunch a little before Bradley Gap. Here at the shelter is one guy from PA with his dog Paige--nice guy, doing sections, this one from the Shenandoahs to GA. We're right next to a stream and the noise is lovely. Oh, it rained a good bit today, and when we were atop Hump Mtn, there was lightening and peals of thunder. Great place, great timing, no? Anyway, hiking today wasn't too tough--a long downhill stint this PM but my knee's fine for now. Left Dad a message at lunchtime. Dinner was honey-mustard pretzels, dried veggies, M&Ms. Not supposed to rain anymore after tonight...oh I hope! I'm not bursting with energy because I didn't sleep long enough the past couple nights. Hopefully I can catch up tonight--it's only 7:20 and we're done with all the chores.