morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

I suppose it's true what they say about Hot Springs, NC & Erwin, TN: they are a vortex which suck you in and weaken your resolve to leave and face the harsh elements, particularly when snow blankets the ground. Luckily, I bought snow shoes today, so the snow promptly melted and Spring is sure to be right around the corner. I have deeply enjoyed my stay at Uncle Johnny's! Jeff, who runs the place, is an amazing guy and always has everyone's best interest at heart, though he tries to hide his soft side with sarcasm. When a questionable character came to stay in the hostel, he upgraded my stay in a cabin so I would be safe. <3 He also made a delicious seafood pasta (with squid, shrimp, octopus, clams, and oysters) and wilted salad that was by far the best meal I have eaten on the trail (sorry honey...)then took us to Johnson City for an all you can eat Chinese buffet our last night at the hostel. Jeff tries to be an ass, but he's a sweetheart!The weekend I spent with my wife seemed like a wonderful (wet) dream, which I will be replaying in my mind for weeks to come. Although a physical re-connection was a high priority, simply being able to see, smell, hear, and feel her soon became more important to me. I was overwhelmed with happiness (which, of course, means I cried) not when she arrived, but as I was making her coffee and breakfast as she groggily greeted the dawn by rolling to my side of the bed. I honestly could not tell you whether physical or sensual touch was more fulfilling; I think I could have lied on the couch watching movies and snuggling for days. I know and am at a loss for words to describe how blessed I am to have such a loving and beautiful wife. The morning she left, I tried hard to contain my emotions, but I broke and she held me and comforted me until my breathing returned to normal and my tears slowed to a trickle. We've never been apart this long and the idea of being without her again was too much. My healing waters did the trick and I was able to spend the rest of my time with her living in the moment and enjoying every second of it. The peace I feel when I'm with her is equal only to the serenity of the trail. I love my wife exponentially more than I hate snow. Luckily, I have only 3 weeks until she again graces me with her presence for my birthday. The best gift I will ever receive for Valentines or my birthday will be the time I spend with her.
Date: 2016-02-17
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light snow

We set off today from the comforts of Uncle Johnny's and hit the snowy trail. I donned my new snow shoes, but realized after about 30 minutes it was easier to follow in the footsteps of Bill Nye, Sundown, & Keeper. The snow really wasn't too deep, minus the occassional drift here or there. Despite my rescent negative outlook on snow, the woods seemed majestic and I couldn't find any justification (except, of course, Valentines with my wife) for my week-lon g furlow. I have made my peace with the snow (for now) and enjoyed the short walk to the shelter.
Date: 2016-02-18
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a very long, exhausting, and beautiful day. I led the group in the morning, but it was only a short while until Sundown and Bill Nye caught up with me. The game of the day was Obscicles: before passing under snow-laden branches, you whack the shit out of them with your trekking poles so they fly in the air with their newfound weightlessness and you are able to avoid wearing an additional layer of snow. I played this game until Sundown passed me, who preferred to pummel through the snow in his rain jacket. HYOH! After hiking halfway up Roan Mtn at a slow 1 mph, I again attempted to wear my snow shoes, but they blistered my feet and were extremely tedious to hike in, particularly when the trail sloped in any form or fashion. The peak of Roan Mtn looked like a scene from Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, with snow-covered Spruce suffocating the trail. This was the first time I have felt claustrophobic among the trees and I expected Yeti at every turn, but he did not (sadly) appear. We had some amazing views from the balds after Caver's Gap & I often reminisced of my former trip there with my loving wife. After the views, I got just a wee bit cranky, as I was aching from my shoulders down. I raced the sun to the shelter with the moon as my guide (it rose quite early today and was, at times, in line with the trail) and made it just after sunset. Some section hikers were staying there as well and had started a fire and made a sock tree and rotisserie, over which they dried their footwear. They gave me a swig of honey whiskey to ease the bitching, which I accepted graciously.P.S. An additional factor to my bitching was my lack of papers with which to roll a smoke and the lack of any smokers from which I could procure a smoke or papers. I had asked the group of men with the whiskey...but alas, I was reduced to smoking tiny bits of tobacco from my one-hitter, which intrigued the group of men. I later discovered the men were a group of policemen, one of whom was a narcotics cop...I¢m so glad there tends to be a "live and let live" attitude while on the trail.
Date: 2016-02-19
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We woke up to a beautiful sunrise and a wind that brought tears to my eyes (while the sight was moving, the wind was strong and cold and literally brought tears to my eyes). We headed out to the humps, little and big, which rivaled the balds in their magnificence. The 50+mph winds nearly knocked me over on top of Hump Mtn and despite the expansive vistas, I was ready to get to the safety of the trees, though they held their own tribulations: more deep snow. I followed the postholes of my hiking buddies and managed to only fall on my face once and my ass twice. Once I reached Doll Flatts, I left North Carolina for good and the snow was never more than 2" deep. Not having had my morning constitution, I began to feel the pressure (literally) coming down the mountain to 19E, the road leading to the hostel. I checked my guide and estimated to be 1 mile or 30 minutes from the road and a toilet, so I pushed on. Unfortunately, I was wrong and 30 minutes later (and a good 1-2 miles from the road) I was loosening my hip belt to relieve some of the pressure. As they say, the trail will always provide you with what you need, so as if the mountain were saying "just take a crap already," my shit shovel disconnected from my pack and fell to the ground. I listened to the mountain, took care of business, and hiked on to the hostel lighter and with a smile on my face.Mountain Harbor Hostel is an absolutley serene converted barn, complimented by a creek, dogs, cats, horses, a mule, and a goat that eats the fence. We had a full house with the section hiker cops, Keeper, Sundown, Bill Nye, & myself. We successfully hitched a ride into town so I could bounce my snowshoes & ate at Highlanders BBQ, which was good, but gave me the shits. Oh the irony of life.
Date: 2016-02-20
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Oh...my...goodness...we had an AMAZING all-you-can-eat home cooked breakfast; it was seriously the best home-made biscuits and gravy of my life! With a full belly and heavy heart, I left the hostel after a farewell hug from Sundown and Bill Nye. They were planning an 18-mile day, and I didn't think I would likely see them for some time. I allowed myself to be sad, but I didn't wallow in it. Although I considered Bill to be like a brother, all siblings eventually grow old and leave the nest to live their separate lives at some point or another. Aside from losing Bill, I was mostly sad to be by myself again. Hiking solo generally means less laughter, knowledge, and security. Meh, oh well, the hike must go on. Within the first hour, I surprised myself when had cleared nearly 3 miles (on a seriously full belly, I must add). I went back and forth arguing with myself on whether I could do the same mileage as the boys, and began to admit defeat when I arrived 15 minutes after my deadline to my lunch stop for the day when I was ran into Sundown. I figured the trail was sending me a sign to push on, so I shortened my lunch, put some tunes on for extra inspiration, and pushed on. As the sun began to set and a fog rolled in, I became nervous I would lose the trail, especially since my headlamp was nearly useless in the fog, reflecting my light back at me. 30 minutes later, I spotted a bright light within the dark mist and whistled, getting Sundown's voice in response. I was so elated, I thought I might cry, but I knew Bill would shake his head (there's no crying in thru-hiking), so I maintained my composure as I joined the boys at the shelter for just one more night...
Date: 2016-02-21
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

So my plan was to hike to Hampton, TN and stay in a hostel to avoid walking through thunderstorms and make my hike into Damascus a bit easier, but neither Bill nor I could determine if the hostel was actually open. I decided I would stop in at Kincora, home of the legendary Bob Peoples, for lunch and to inquire as to the status of the Hampton hostel. Shelters are littered with Bob Peoples jokes such as: "Bears hang Bob People's bags; Every time Bob Peoples builds a switchback, an angel gets its wings; Jesus asks for Bob Peoples' forgiveness; What Bob Peoples doesn't know doesn't exist." To my surprise, Bill was already there, and after a bit of a misunderstanding (Bob had said the store was closed when we asked if the hostel was open) we decided to stay for the night. Bob drove us into town for some food and regaled us for the majority of our stay with his hiking stories. While I enjoyed visiting with Bob, his place reeked of cat piss and it did not seem sanitary to make food in the kitchen. But hey...it was only $5...
Date: 2016-02-22
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Woodchuck Hostel
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

So....set off today with high hopes of putting a gnarly dent in the mileage to Damascus, VA. According to the guidebook, the only challenging portion appeared to the 3 pointless miles up Pond Flatts, followed by 3 miles downhill and the rest of the incline would be gradual...first off, the stairs into the gorge were basically the rock form of hell. I tried to go backward down the stairs to avoid putting too much strain on my knees. This seemed effective and I hauled ass the 3 miles up switchbacks before taking a leisurely lunch at the top of Pond Flatts. About 10 minutes into my hike down, I felt a jarring pain in my left quad. It was a bit akin to when you roll your ankle after stepping on a root, so I attempted to walk it off, but the pain only intensified. I slowed my pace and used my trekking poles as crutches as I began to sob in pain and fear. I was terrified I had torn something in my leg and would have to come off the trail for an extended time, a loss that would be beyond devastating. I became fearful I wouldn't be able to get myself down the mountain...the pain wasn't continual, but when that muscle would catch, I screamed in pain that was definitely a 8-10 on the scale. I seriously considered trying to call Bob Peoples to help me...which just pissed me off. Fueled by anger and pride and numb by whatever chemical my brain emits when I've had a panic attack (or two) with no Xanex to counteract it, I hobbled my stubborn ass off that mountain, pausing only to pee or scream, crying in pain, anger, and sadness the whole way down. After 2 hours, I sat at a picnic table at Watauga Lake and called my insurance company to find a doctor. It took her over an hour to find one, by which time I had already hitched a ride to the hostel in Hampton so I could have a place to stay in the event I couldn't see a doctor that day. After discovering a doctor in Abington, VA, I arranged a shuttle with Mount Rodgers Outfitters in Damascus to take me to the urgent care clinic, where the doctor informed me I had strained my quad. Just a bit of rest, compression, and ice and I'd be good to go. I felt a bit like a sissy since a muscle strain really doesn't sound that bad, but then I remembered how much it hurt and figured I ought to be thankful it wasn't worse rather than feeling weak for being in pain. Afterwards, Josh gave me a free ride to Woodchuck Hostel in Damascus (#trailmagic), where I was reunited with Einstein and the NOBO boys from Fontana (Trey, Frogs, and Sacrifice).
Date: 2016-02-27
From: US321 (Near Hampton, TN)

To: Iron Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Basking in the morning sun and feeling great about being back on the trail. Although Woodchucks was by far one of my favorite hostels along the trail (you got bed and a breakfast for $25 & Jamie and Randy were excellent hosts) I could barely keep myself inside. I was out walking at every perceived opportunity, be it slowly and gingerly. My leg did great, though there was a bit of popping around the lake, which may have been a psycho alarm, as I passed by a guy wearing glasses and toting a very large gun. Needless to say, my mechanical defaults did not prevent me from picking up the pace and getting the hell out of dodge quickly and efficiently. I had lovely vistas of the lake and valley below the ridgeline all day. I doubt some of these views will be available once the trees begin to don their spring leaves...which should be soon! My leg started hurting around mile 10, so I slowed my pace and stretched, so that it never became more than a mild annoyance. I arrived at the shelter just after dark and enjoyed the twinkling lights of the towns and stars. Slept well minus the disturbance of a mouse devouring a sucker wrapper someone had left behind around 1 am. PACK IN, PACK OUT!!
Date: 2016-02-28
From: Iron Mtn. Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: few clouds

Bustin out those miles! So glad my leg is healed, the sun is bright, and the views are breathtaking. I've been hiking at a steady pace and average (breaks and lunch included) 2mph. I greatly enjoyed my leisurely 45 minute lunch, during which time I was able to take off my socks and shoes and dry my feet and boots. I successfully employed the "hang your socks from your pack while you hike" technique to dry them (winning!) Unfortunately, I left my Crocks drying on the picnic table (losing). Guess I'll be hitting up the DG in Damascus!
Date: 2016-02-29
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Woodchuck Hostel
Miles today: 9.9

I need to live outdoors. The beauty of this morning's sunrise filled my heart with a profound joy that even the spriklings on the tin roof above my head could not extinguish. My only concern at the moment is whether to poo in the rain or wait until Damascus...does a 10 mile day still count as a Nero? Easy hiking into town with lots of off-key singing at the top of my lungs (a benefit of solo hiking). Got into town and ran into Grock, who had been doing a work for stay at Top of GA hostel, Indiana Jones, and Yoda.
Date: 2016-03-01
From: Woodchuck Hostel

To: Lost Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

I decided to take the Virginia Creeper town and thoroughly enjoyed traipsing along Laurel Creek. I'm not sure if I was super hydrating, if walking along the creek effected my bladder, or a combination of the two, but I swear I peed at least once for every mile I hiked. The only criticism I have of the Creeper trail is its lack of stealth pissing places (which did result in a bit of leakage through a particularly populated stretch of the trail). Otherwise, it's amazing and I highly recommend it to all non-purists. It was another warm spring-like day, and I was able to sunbathe (and dry my pants) while I took my lunch by the creek. Not 5 minutes after I had stripped down to my undies did 2 US Forestry Trucks drive down the trail on a log-clearing quest. I scrambled to put on my clothes, but then quickly decided I didn't give a fuck and continued to soak up the sun's rays as I ate and drank my fill. I ran into Indian Jones and Yoda where the AT intersects the Creeper trail and hiked with them the remaining 2 miles to the shelter, which (to our surprise) was completely full and surrounded by tents. Our dumbfounded shock was eased with a Hershey's candy bar bestowed to us by one of the three chaparones (for the 16 high school students)...later these candy bars were joined by marshmellows and graham crackers around the fire. <3 Section Hikers!!! Indiana Jones played us all some tunes on his backpacking guitar, after which I went to bed in the rain in my tent. Condensation was still an issue and smoking inside the tent is ill-advised.P.S. I saw several signs of spring:1) I have 5 itchy bites2) I saw 7 butterflies3) I saw 1 heronP.P.S. I like Indiana Jones and Yoda. They are cool/chill dudes.
Date: 2016-03-02
From: Lost Mtn. Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

After 3 days of spring, the veil of winter was lowered yet again. I woke to sleet on my tent and 35F. The temperature continued to fall to 20F and my water froze while hiking. I'm not sure which game I enjoyed more: hide-and-seek with the white blazes at Elk Garden or hopscotch across the partially frozen streams which doubled as the trail. Whitetop Mtn was a whiteout; I think there must have been a freezing fog, which made for some stunning views and spectacular photos (@sassysfree). I arrived at Thomas Knob Shelter dehydrated, starving, cold, and alone. The clouds/fog cleared up when I went for my 2nd round of water. Mother Nature is harsh, but majestic.
Date: 2016-03-03
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: VA 603 (Fox Creek Trailhead)
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

It's still only 25G, but I was able to see some of the sunrise this morning. Great views from Thomas Knob to Greyson Highlands. I saw many ponies and had many carrot kisses today. The partially frozen streams were completely frozen today and I discovered I am no good at mountain skating (mountain climbing + ice skating). I hid out for a bit at Old Orchard Shelter as a lazy wet snow fell from the sky. I left the shelter and the snow began to fall in earnest on my way to my pick up spot. I arrived 15 minutes early and waited 30 minutes before hitching a ride to Troutville to use a phone. Apparently, this was my greatest mistake, though I think it was writing down the wrong pickup spot for my shuttle driver. Once at the community center in Troutville, I was able to call Randy, though I could not reach him due to no cell service. I called Chuck, owner of Woodchucks, but he was on the road and could do little more than I in reaching Randy. I then called Steve (Santiago), who was staying at the hostel. This is when I learned I had written the wrong pick up spot and proceeded to have a panic attack in front of a room of strangers. Allen, the very nice man who picked me up and drove me to Troutville, decided at that point it would be necessary to leave immediately and drive me to Damascus due to the weather rolling in. While Damascus received very little snow, they were calling for 5" on Troutville and the snow plows were already at work as we wound our way through the mountain. Alan kindly dropped me off at Woodchucks, where I waited to apologize profusely to Randy and Jamie before heading to the store to get a much needed bottle of wine and gorge on the all-you-can-eat pizza across the parking lot. With sustenance and the calming effects of the wine, I headed back to chat with Steve while waiting for my lovely wife to arrive at a creek-side cabin I had rented for my 30th birthday.
Date: 2016-03-04
From: VA 603 (Fox Creek Trailhead)

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've had a lovely time with my wife the past 3 days. The birthday gift I received was by far the best she's ever given me!! :-p My wife made me home made biscuits and gravy for breakfast; we bounced around town running errands; I got drunk off one margarita and filled my belly on cheese dip and chimichangas; and we discovered neither one of us (but particularly my wife) was very good at darts at the brewery. The next day was spent lounging in the cabin, walking briefly along the Creeper Trail, eating yummy steak, and experiencing the wonders of a two-person bathtub/Jacuzzi. (word to the wise...jets really enhance a bubble bath, though you should make sure the water level is low as the bubble level will be high)Also decided on a trail name for my wife: Firewalker.I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE MY WIFE!
Date: 2016-03-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

First, I'd like to thank each individual who has corresponded with me, giving me support during this crazy adventure of mine. I hope my ramblings inspire, inform, and educate you in whatever way you need. I greatly appreciate your kind words of concern and encouragement. In a way, each signature in my guest book is a connection with the wonderful hiking community. Second, I'd like to inform newcomers this is my personal journal and I write about what I feel. I feel a lot. I'm in it for the journey, not the destination, so you're going to be reading about my relationships with others, my experiences and emotions along the trail, and just a tid bit of info about mileage and places to eat and stay. Sometimes...okay...most times I lack a filter. If you are a bigot and/or negative in anyway, I will delete and report your guestbook entries. Ain't nobody got time for that. Radiate positivity people. Third, I must give a shout out to the many Trail Angels and Trail Maintenance individuals out there. Without you, my experience would not be nearly as wonderful as it is. Thank you.
Date: 2016-03-06
From: VA 603

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: broken clouds

I had to say goodbye to my wife today. I wish it weren't so hard, but at the same time, I'd be worried if it weren't. My time spent with her always seems so magical, after the initially awkward re-introductions. She¢s my perfect partner; she completes me even from 3 states away. I¢m not sure if it was the end of a wonderful weekend or having bought way too much food, but I didn¢t feel up to the planned 12 mile hike, so I stopped after only 3. I read, drank, ate (to lighten my load obviously) and enjoyed my time lazily. I was later joined by a couple (Sam and Rhonda) who were in for the night. (San is continuing on for a few days and enlightened me on the art of cooking with a wood stove.
Date: 2016-03-07
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

I walked for about 9 hours today. I prefer less walking, but the possibility of pizza delivery had me pushing on for Partnership. I ate and enjoyed my new lunch (peanut butter, honey, and chocolate covered blueberries and cherries wrapped in a tortilla) at Trimpi Shelter, which is pretty cool and I almost stayed, but again¢¦PIZZA. I also ditched my trail mix for Gouda Triscuits, Colby Jack cheese, and beef sausage. It was very GOUDA! I hiked in my new Dollar General boys shorts and a t-shirt, saw more butterflies, and was caught in some spider webs. Spring is coming¢¦ I arrived at the shelter around 5:30, but the Visitor Center was closed and I had no cell service, so no pizza. Oh well, there¢s always tomorrow.P.S. I discovered the following day there was a phone OUTSIDE the Visitor Center for the purpose of pizza ordering. :-/