morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As the trail changed today, so did my mood. This could have been 3 completely different days rolled into one.I was off to a good start: the knees were in pretty good shape in spite of the bad fall. It was a beautiful, sunny morning with a big climb to start the day. I was reflecting on how much effort it takes to haul my big butt up Big Butt Mtn. when I heard a faint, high-pitched female voice calling out from a distance behind me. ¢Hey, Sole Sister¢¦ is that you, Sole Sister?¢ I turned around to find Acorn fast approaching me. Acorn is the youngest of the Summit sisters. She¢s quite sprite and energetic. She is traveling with a group of 6 who are planning to hike 31 miles today! I can¢t imagine how they do it. It was fun to meet her anyway.As I progressed north, the trail became very ¢forgiving.¢ It rolled gently along through sunny meadows, and around the sides of mountains rather than straight over the top. There was a 1-1/2 mile down-hill, which was a little rough, but overall -- nice trail!Then came frozen knob. It was a 1,500 ft. climb over 3 miles, which seems reasonable enough. Maybe it was the fact that I had already hiked more than 8 miles, but I was absolutely miserable climbing that mountain. It was a very beautiful place though. The steep slopes of the mountainside were teeming with all kinds of wild flowers. There were violets, purple trillium, white trillium, tri-color trillium, golden hogwart, spring beauties, dutchman¢s breeches, May apples, and many more I could not name. It was like a floral fiesta, but I was not having fun, though I did stop to thank the flowers for being there. I think that¢s what got me through. As I finally summited the mountain, it began to sprinkle. So, instead of making my goal for the day at a place called Big Flat, I stopped in an area like a swag between two high points. It had a gorgeous view of the valley down below. I only wish my camera battery was charged. I got my tent, set up just in time. As I crawled into it, the rain fell in big drops. I cooked from inside my tent, with the pot outside in the rain. It was okay though, and my Ramen Noodles with dehydrated collard greens hit the spot. I¢ve decided to go into Erwin from Sam¢s Gap tomorrow. It¢s two days early, but I want to charge my camera, get cleaned up and see about the broken zipper on my tent. More about that later. Good night.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Lick Rock

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

Since I¢m low on food, my camera battery is dead, I have a broken tent zipper, I stink like hell, and I have a mail drop in Erwin ¢ I decided to go into town two days earlier than planned. The main reason, though, is because if I hiked straight through, I would not arrive until late Saturday, which means I would not be able to pick up my package until Monday. I do not want to take a zero in Erwin, so I will try to find a shuttle back to Sam¢s Gap in the morning, which is about a 40-minute drive.A couple of days ago, I called Cascade Designs regarding the broken zipper on my Hubba Tent. I love the Hubba. This is the fourth Hubba I have purchased. The first one was the Hubba Hubba, which Mudflap and I shared on our first thru-hike in 2006. That particular tent had a flaw. Water would soak through the floor, but Mudflap and I did not complain. We just used plastic painter¢s tarp on the inside of the floor and dealt with it for the entire hike. Well, as a thru-hiker, most gear companies will readily replace broken or faulty gear because they know we are their best advertisement. When I called Cascade Designs from the top of a mountain the other day, I was put on hold for a bit, only to be told I should go to Nolichucky Hostel in Erwin since they have an outfitter and maybe they could repair it for me. When I contacted Uncle Johnny at the hostel, he said they don¢t do repairs, and that he was very surprised they would suggest that. He told me to come on into the hostel and he would call them himself. Meanwhile, the way my zipper is broken, it gets stuck about three inches up from the bottom, so I have to shimmy in and out of the bottom of my tent. Not much fun when it¢s wet, I tell ya.Today Uncle Johnny called Cascade Designs and left a message. He didn¢t get to actually speak to anyone. I had to go to town to get my mail and a bite to eat, which was a three-hour round trip. So by the time I got back to the hostel, Uncle Johnny was gone, and Grim was in charge. Grim called the company and spoke with the same young man that I did, who started giving Grim the same non-commital response that he gave to me. Well, Grim took care of that by using more convincing language than I would have, reminding the rep that thru-hikers rely on these products for the long haul. In the end, they agreed to take my old tent in exchange for a brand new one. Lucky me. I think the new one is a few ounces lighter than the old model ¢ even better.
Date: 2013-04-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It¢s my granddaughter Brianna¢s 12th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Bree! I just rested up today. Went to town and had breakfast at the gas station/diner. It was actually a very good breakfast for $1.99. I had an omelet biscuit, which included eggs, bacon and cheese on a biscuit ¢ better than McDonald¢s.
Date: 2013-04-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I¢m very glad I stuck around for another day in order to attend the bluegrass festival in Unicoi, TN. It was a smallish festival, but the food, music and surroundings were fantastic. As I was dancing to the lively music of the TV Barnett Roan Mountain Moonshiner¢s Band, they invited me to come up and play the wash tub bass. I have it on video ¢ what fun! Then Tye Dye and I went into the main barn, where they were playing classic country and western and serving up a mean BBQ, Shadtown Stew and cobblers for dessert. Tye Dye, a very nice woman about my age, chose the Shadtown Stew, and I followed suit. It was a delicious blend of collard greens, ham, black-eyed peas and potatoes in a savory broth. Mmm-mmm good! I followed that with a blackberry cobbler, and boy was I stuffed! As we sat and enjoyed our meal at a long table, shared with some ¢locals,¢ I couldn¢t help but be moved by this one couple, probably in their late 60¢s to early 70¢s, who danced to nearly every song. It was hard to tell if they had been together forever or had just started dating. But they simply glowed as they danced, smiling as they looked into each other¢s eyes, moving to the music. I almost cried.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: moderate rain

I finally got my butt in gear again (no pun intended) and put in some miles.   I slack-packed with Airman and Atlas today, in the pouring rain. Many hikers have been sitting out the rain here at Uncle Johnny¢s for the past couple of days. But yesterday¢s forecast reported that rain is expected for the next ten days, except for Wednesday. Now, today¢s forecast is the complete opposite: sunny to partly cloudy every day, except next Saturday, when thunderstorms are expected. Who knows? ... The weather can change moment to moment up here in the mountains. As a thru-hiker, unless I¢ve been drenched in a freezing rain or wet for several days in a row, I don¢t let the rain stop me. I¢ll head out tomorrow, rain or shine. ¢No rain, no pain, no Maine.¢Miss Janet was our shuttle provider up to the trail this morning. On the way there, we reminisced about the characters on the trail back in ¢06. Mudflap and I stayed at her hostel that year. She shared a lot of trail wisdom with us. She has been around hikers and the trail for many, many years and definitely knows what she¢s talking about. She also shared a personal story, which I found touching. As I was about to get out of the van to begin hiking, I realized I had left my water bottle back at the hostel. Miss Janet happened to have her Nalgene bottle in the van and let me take it. She also told me of a ¢secret¢ spring near the road where I could get good, clean water ¢ then bid us farewell. It seems there is no end to the kindness and generosity of the folks who help hikers along the A.T., but Miss Janet will always be an all-time favorite.Airman, Atlas and I fared pretty well on our packless hike. I was hoping to get back in time for the three o¢clock shuttle to Walmart, but I just missed it by seconds! Uncle Johnny and his wife, Charlotte, were inside the store when I came in looking for coffee. I¢m not usually a coffee drinker, but I was rather cold and tired of being outdoors in the rain. I think Uncle Johnny took pity on me. He said, ¢Young lady, would you like to go to the Mexican restaurant?¢ I lit up like a Christmas tree¢¦ ¢Yes, I sure would!¢ ¢Okay then,¢ he said, ¢you can ride with me and my wife.¢   I was so excited! When we arrived at the restaurant, which was next to Walmart, the place was packed with hikers. This is a ¢Sunday only¢ event at Uncle Johnny¢s, and I¢m glad I got to be a part of it. I sat across from Charlotte and Johnny at a table with some other hikers, including ¢Fun-Size¢ and ¢Bottle-Cap.¢ Charlotte shared with me a glimpse of her life as a social worker/outfitter/canoe guide therapist. She and Uncle Johnny are genuinely good people, and I am so glad to have shared a dinner with them.Admittedly, I have felt a little guilty about spending so much time in Erwin, but on the other hand, it has enhanced my experience so very much. I am truly enjoying all the trail has to offer.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Erwin

To: USFS 230
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Great to be back on the trail after the long weekend in Erwin. Did my biggest mile day so far. Last thru-hike, I was doing 16-17 miles a day by now ¢ if I wanted to. Right now, I am still struggling to meet my daily goals. After lunch, I seem to have no energy to go uphill.Yesterday, during my slack pack, I slipped on a wet rock. I didn¢t fall, but I think I pulled a muscle in my back. It really hurts today. I took a muscle relaxer a few minutes ago. I should sleep well tonight and, hopefully, not be too groggy in the morning.
Date: 2013-04-30
To: Apple Orchard
Miles today: 9.2

I probably could have gone further today, but this meadow is such a pretty place, I might as well enjoy it. I¢m here with Bama and Brownie Brittle. Bama remembers me from 2006, when we were both thru-hiking that year. She has a great memory. We only met once in PA, but she described the incident, which jogged my memory. It appears these two women hike at a similar pace as me, so I have a feeling I¢ll be seeing them again.We crossed over Unaka Mountain today, which is topped by a dense spruce forest. It¢s one of my favorite mountains on the trail. In the thickest part, near the top, the sunlight barely peeks through the canopy, giving it a dark, primeval feeling.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Apple Orchard

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

I actually felt a little stronger than usual today. I could have gone another 1.6 miles to the top of Roan Mtn., but I decided to make it a nice easy day tomorrow. Hopefully, it won¢t be raining. Last time I went over Roan, it was thundering and lightening. I¢ll take a little break at the cabin on top of Roan, then head on over to Over Mountain Shelter, one of my all-time favorite places on the trail.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Ash Gap

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday, when I said I was planning an easy day today, I must have forgotten where I was. Short day ¢ yes; easy day ¢ no. The climb up Roan Mountain was ever so steep, though the spruce forest was enchanting and smelled so good. These are the rewards for the hard work of climbing up. I stopped by the old ranger¢s cabin, which serves as the shelter on top of Roan. At 6,194 ft., it is the highest shelter on the trail. The last time I climbed Roan, it was during a thunder and lightning storm. The shelter was packed then. This time the mountain was shrouded in a thick white cloud. It wasn¢t exactly raining, but it was damp due to water dripping from the trees. So, the effect was the same as rain. If it were a clear day, there would be spectacular views from Round Bald and Jane¢s Bald, which I cross after Roan. Instead, the wind blew hard as I pushed my way through the thick mist, sometimes knocking me sideways off the trail. It was still strikingly beautiful in its own way. I let out a loud hoot at the top of Jane¢s Bald as I leaned against the wind. These are the experiences that make hiking the A.T. memorable.Before crossing the Balds, I stopped at Carver¢s Gap, where there is a parking lot and a restroom. I saw a school bus from Bristol, TN there and a pack of about 20 kids running around the hills in the mist. I stopped to talk to the woman driving the bus, as she rolled down the window to ask if I was a thru-hiker. She said she wanted to take the middle-schoolers for a short hike on the A.T., but since they were dressed in shorts and T-shirts, they couldn¢t stay long. The weather changes very quickly up here in the mountains, so one must be prepared with proper attire. After the woman took my picture, we said good-bye, and I walked over to the restroom. There, in front of the building, the schoolchildren had left a variety of snacks for the hikers ¢ trail magic! I gladly helped myself to some sour cream and chive-flavored potato chips, plus an oatmeal cream pie. It was just what I needed! Thank you to everyone at Vance Middle School! My trek for the day ended at Over Mountain Shelter; another one of my favorite places on the trail. The old red barn is situated on a hill that overlooks one of the most picturesque valleys I¢ve ever seen. Ramps and green onions grow wild around here, making for a tasty addition to my Ramen Noodles. I hope the sun will shine on this sweet little spot tomorrow. Today, it¢s all enveloped in the mist.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor/US 19E
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

After a restless night, spent tossing and turning due to the roaring sound of wind rushing through the nearby trees and whistling through the cracks of the barn walls, I was ready for an early start this morning. As I hurriedly packed my belongings, I had a slight urge to empty my bladder. Within a couple of minutes, as I was putting on my boots, the urge became urgent. I laced up my boots as quickly as I could, then rushed over to the steep wooden steps descending from the loft. As I stepped onto the third one down, out of maybe 12, my boot slipped from under me and down I went, step-by-step on my butt all the way to the bottom. It was more scary than painful¢¦ but the worst of it was that I lost control of my bladder. The floodgates opened completely as I went down, and there was nothing I could do about it. I was so angry with myself in that moment. Now my hiker stink had evolved into hiker stench.I went back up the steps to my place in the barn and packed the rest of my things very quickly and left without saying good-bye to anyone. I just didn¢t want anyone to catch a whiff of me. I headed out into the foggy morning, disappointed that on top of a bad start to my day, there would be no good views to enjoy from Hump Mtn. Last time I came through here, the views were spectacular from the top of the Balds. On a clear day, you can see Grandfather Mtn. from the top of the Hump. Today, the trail was completely immersed in the clouds, just like yesterday. But today was extra challenging because of the incredibly strong winds blowing across the Balds. Not only could you not see anything, it was nearly impossible to stand up straight and hike in a forward motion. I had to lean in hard to make any progress. In spite of the difficult passage, I covered the 8.5 miles in just over four hours. The thought of a hot shower and clean clothes motivated me to move fast.Mountain Harbor B&B is one of the best places to stay on the trail. The breakfast is the best one will ever experience on or off the trail. I can¢t wait till morning.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Mountain Harbor B&B

To: Laurel Fork
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: moderate rain

Somewhat milder terrain lent itself to somewhat longer miles for me. Yay! I tented by a lovely creek. The sound of trickling water will lull me to sleep tonight. This is the third time I will have no camp companions for the night. I love the solitude. My ankles are starting to hurt now.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Laurel Fork

To: Dennis Cove Rd.
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: moderate rain

Very soggy, drippy trail today. It rained late last night and into the early morning. My tent is water-logged and heavy. Luckily, the trail consisted of rolling hills today; no steep climbs or descents. If the weather had been nicer, it would have been a very scenic hike.I am staying at Kincora Hostel so that I can return the spoon I borrowed seven years ago. I told Bob Peoples the story of the traveling spoon, and he got a kick out of that.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Black Bear Resort

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This would have been a great day for hiking. It started out a little drizzly this morning, but soon the clouds broke, the sun shone through, and it¢s been blue skies ever since.I decided to stay here today (just up the road from Kincora) because I layed awake almost all night last night. My mind would not shut off, thinking about family stuff. So, I figured I could take a day to make phone calls, dry out my tent and just enjoy the day. The people at Black Bear are terrific folks.   They are from Florida, but moved up here and have been running the resort for a couple of years. The grounds are very well-kept, with nice, clean accommodations. They have a decent re-supply available, but will also run a shuttle into town.I am sharing a bunk room with seven other hikers: Patchouli, Double Dare, Honey Badger, Indian, Vitamin C, Whiskey & Women, and Chuck Wagon. A couple of them are preparing a nice dinner with fresh veggies to share with all of us. Should be a good time!
Date: 2013-05-07
From: TN 321

To: Cove Rd.
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Birthday, Alena! I miss my family out here. I can¢t get a signal on my phone to call my daughter and wish her a happy birthday. There is a phone here at Black Bear Resort that we are allowed to use (free) for five minutes at a time. It¢s also a business phone, that¢s why there¢s a time limit. Anyway, I left a birthday message.I chose to slack-pack today over Pond Flats. I wonder how this mountain got its name: There¢s no pond, and it certainly is not flat. It¢s approximately a 2,000 ft. climb in three miles. The hike was very enjoyable, especially at the end, when I came to Laurel Falls. This is a gorgeous waterfall, which I did not get to see in 2006 because the trail was flooded and impassable back then. A ranger was there taking photographs, so I asked him to take one of me by the Falls.There are fewer hikers at the resort tonight. Looking forward to moving on tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: TN 321

To: Campsite on Iron Mtn.
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

When Bob, the owner of Black Bear Resort, let me out near Watauga Lake, I was shocked to see the difference in the lake, from what it was like seven years ago. In 2006, there was a big hiker party on the banks of the lake. There were picnic tables and a small beach, with sunny skies overhead. A good time was held by all. Now, the picnic tables were submerged underwater, and there is no beach. The campsite where we stayed is also flooded. Much of the trail was underwater around the south end of the lake, so I had to bush-whack around the borders of the lake until the trail picked up again on higher ground. As I circled the lake, I was pleasantly surprised to witness a pair of great blue herons take flight out of the murky, shallow edges of the water.Today¢s hike mainly consisted of climbing up onto the ridge of Iron Mountain. Once up on the ridge, there should be gently rolling terrain all the way into Damascus. I should be able to make some good miles tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Campsite on Iron Mtn.

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

In my regular, everyday life, I do not encounter cows up close. I have a general understanding that they are fairly docile animals, except for the bulls. But I also imagine if a female cow felt threatened, she may attack. As I was hiking along on this beautiful day, I came upon a pasture. Behind a gated fence, there were about 30 or so cows. As I approached the gate, to open it and pass through, a big brown and white cow, with one horn sticking out from the left side of its head, approached me and stopped and stared. I stopped and stared back, not knowing what would happen next. These are big animals up close, and I knew she could truly hurt me if she was so inclined.   As I stood frozen, she seemed to eventually become bored with me and moseyed on over to where some tall weeds were growing along the fence and commenced munching on those succulent greens. After that encounter, I continued through the crowded pasture, exhilarated by the close proximity of the huge cows.It was also very satisfying to make my goal of 16 miles today, though I still wish I could do more. I continuously compare this hike to 2006. Back then, Mudflap and I did 21.5 miles on this stretch. But it¢s okay. I enjoyed my day.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Damascus
Miles today: 13.3

There¢s nothing like the draw of a town to make the feet move faster. All I could think of was a shower and a good meal that included fresh veggies. When I reached the sign that marks the TN/VA border, it read: 3-1/2 miles to Damascus. After a nice hiker named Jay paused to take my picture at the sign, I, in turn, did the same for Snafu, who was there re-taping his injured ankles. As soon as the photo session was over, I turned and started to run north, up the trail toward Damascus. Of course, I couldn¢t keep that pace up for very long, but I tried. I should have known better. It¢s always downhill into towns, and downhill is hard on the joints. I was reduced to a waddling limp by the time I reached Damascus. I managed to hobble over to Mount Rogers Outfitters, where there were some chairs outside. I felt it would be a ¢hike friendly¢ place to take a seat. Groaning loudly, I lowered myself into one of the chairs. A hiker named Double Dare witnessed this pathetic display, whereupon he advised me that I should be having fun out here -- not beating myself up. He¢s right ¢ I overdid it. Then he told me about the Old Mill Restaurant, where I could get a nice steak dinner. It didn¢t take me long to find ¢The Place,¢ a hiker hostel run by the Methodist Church. I was on a mission now to get a steak and salad into my stomach as soon as possible. I quickly showered, went to the post office to get my duffle bag bounce box, then headed straight for the Old Mill, which is situated right on the river next to a waterfall. I chose to dine by the water and ordered a rib eye steak and salad. Scrumptious!
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Damascus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I wish I hadn¢t zeroed, but I needed to wash clothes, go to the library (in hopes of posting photos to my journal) and then go back to the post office. I never made it to the library, so now I feel I wasted my time.Meanwhile, there was a town-wide yard sale going on today. It was a grey, drizzly day, but people were out anyway. The town is getting ready for ¢Trail Days,¢ which begins mid-week. I heard a local woman complain about it, saying, ¢I can¢t wait till it¢s over.¢ I asked her what the population of Damascus was. She said, ¢Less than a thousand, but about 10,000 show up for Trail Days.¢ I guess the event is a mixed blessing for this little town.   We hikers bring in revenue during the season, but Trail Days can be overwhelming for some town folk.