morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-12
From: No Business Knob

To: Nolichucky Gorge Campground
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Frank, Chris, and I started getting up shortly after daylight. Chris had brought along Eggbeaters, bacon, and a very creative method for cooking it all in brown paper bags over the coals remaining from last night's campfire. It was a great idea, and several other hikers were very interested in seeing the outcome. As it turned out, it didn't actually work as well as it did on the internet video. Chris lined the bottom of the bags with bacon strips, then poured on the Eggbeaters and placed them on the coals. Soon thereafter, the bottoms came out of the bags, and the Eggbeaters and bacon were lying on the goals. There were several theories about just what had gone wrong, but none of us are quite certain which was correct. Anyway, Chris quickly went about frying the bacon and eggs in the conventional manner, and the end result was a great breakfast. We quickly packed up and headed out for Erwin, TN. As we neared Erwin, we had great views of Erwin and the beautiful Nolichucky River below us. By early afternoon, we reached Erwin and Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel. We stopped there and took a break and refreshments with the other hikers already there. It was a beautiful day and a great day to be on the AT and in such a lovely place place beside the river. After a few minutes of rest, we crossed over the bridge and headed to our destination, which was a campground on the banks of the river. We quickly set up camp, showered, and then a couple of hours later, we took Chris' car, picked up Indiana Jones and Big Dawg at Uncle Johnny's, and then went into Erwin for dinner at a Mexican Restaurant. Everyone enjoyed the dinner and not long after, we got back to the campground. We retired for the night. It had been a great day on the AT!
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Nolichucky Gorge Campground

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: light rain

After a quick breakfast at McDonald's, Frank, Chris, and I headed out for Indian Grave Gap. The weather was beautiful, and the miles passed quickly. Early into the hike, we unanimously agreed that Chris' trail name would be "Eggbeater". As soon as we finished our day's hike, Chris headed back to Atlanta, and Frank, Susan, and I headed out to the Roan Mountain house. It was wonderful to be in my house and sleeping in my own bed.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Mrs. Gray Ghost dropped me off this mroning at Indian Grave Gap. It was cloudy, cool, and windy and looked as if it could start raining at any moment. Today's hike turned out to be pretty easy. Unaka Mountain, elevation 5180', was the major peak of the day. I made it ot Iron Mountain Gap by 1:30 P.M. At the gap, I met Rob Bird, who was giving out trail magic. Until 2012, he had operated a hostel in Dalton, MA. He now lives in Unicoi, TN and still supports and helps the hiker community. I continue to be amzed at all of the giving people do to support the hikders. Thank you, Rob.Mrs. Gray Ghost soon arrived, and we went back to our Roan Mountain house. Later in the afternoon, we drove to Carver's Gap to pick up Indiana Jones and Big Dawg, who will be our guests for the evening. It's great to be out of a rainy evening and enjoying the comforts of home. Tomorrow, I will hike from Iron Mountain Gap to Carver's Gap. Also, I am looking forward to the arrival of my son-in-law and two grandsons tomorrow night.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Hughes Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

I started walking this morning at 8:00 A.M. The temperature was 54 degrees. The forecast was for rain, dropping temperatures, and snow by evening. The rain started shortly after I started. I wore my rain coat, but it was so warm, I decided not to wear my rain pants, because they are hot. As the morning wore on, the rain got harder, and the temperature started plunging. Before I realized it, my pants were wet, and I began to get chilled. I stopped and put on my rain pants, but it was too late. I started getting cold all over, and my hands started getting numb. I decided to try and call Mrs. Gray Ghost and get her to pick me up at Hughes Gap. I finally got enough cell phone signal and got through to her. She started heading may way, and I knew she would be there in 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, I reached the road, crossing at Hughes Gap. By that time, I was shivering all over. As I waited at the road crossing, a couple of young ladies who were section hiking appeared and asked if someone was coming to pick me up. I told them I had someone on the way. They explained they had become increasingly concerned about the plunging temperatures and sleet that was beginning to fall. They asked if they could get a ride with us, but they didn't know where they could go to get out of the weather for the night. I suggested the Mountain Harbor Hotel, and they thought that would be a good choice. The jumped into the warm car and gradually started to warm up. We delivered them to the hostel, and they were very much appreciative. After dropping them off, we continued to our house on Roan Mountain. It took me the rest of the afternoon to get warm again. Although I cut my hike short, I think continuing on under those conditions could have been extremely dangerous, and I also think the two young lady hikers could have been in peril as well. I believe God was keeping us safe.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Hughes Gap

To: Highway 19E
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

I forgot to mention in yesterday's entry, my son-in-law arrived last night with my two little grandsons. What a wonderful reunion!I hit the snow covered trail this morning at 7:30 A.M. The overnight temperature had dropped to 20 degrees. Today, my plan was to make up for my short day yesterday. As I got up to 4,500' elevation, the trail became a river of ice. Before I reached the summit of Roan Mountain, I had slipped and fallen three times. Fortunately, there was no damage except skinned hands and knuckles. Once I reached the balds, the views were spectacular all afternoon. This section is the longest chain of natural balds in the entire Appalachian chain, extending over seven miles. I crossed over Jane Bald, Grassy Bald, Little Hump Mountain, and Hump Mountain. A portion of today's section was also over 6,000' elevation. Today was the most spectacular scenery I have seen to date. As I entered the last mile of my hike, I saw Luke, Tuck, and Tanner coming up the trail to meet me. That was a very special moment. We all finished the last mile together, and Mrs. Gray Ghost was waiting at the road crossing to take us to our Roan house once again. Today's hike had been nearly 21 miles, and I was exhausted and hungry. Maybe tomorrow I will do an easy 10 to rest my legs and feet. All is good on the mountain tonight with my precious grandsons here with us.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Highway 19E

To: Walnut Mountain Road
Miles today: 10.9

Today I had the pleasure of hiking with my son-in-law, Luke. For a long time, we hiked through an old homestead and pastures. Later, we walked beside the beautiful Elk River and wished we had a fishing rod or fly rod. It was a very fishy looking river, and I hope to give it a try after my hike. Later in the day, we saw a beautiful waterfall called Jones Falls. We saw Fritzbang, Pyro, Mio, and Rain Pants near the falls. Several of them were also slack packing out of Mountain Harbor Hostel. When we reached Walnut Mountain Road, Mrs. Gray Ghost, Tuck, and Tanner arrived shortly to pick us up. When we got back to our house, Luke grilled us delicious hamburgers. Life is wonderful on the mountain tonight.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Walnut Mountain Road

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night, Mrs. Gray ghost convinced me that today would be a great time to take a zero day. It didn't take much to sell me on the idea. We all got up early and had breakfast at Bob's Dairyland, and then drove over to the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, NC. Tuck and Tanner each got a basket full of candy. It is all old fashioned penny candy, like we had when I was a kid. I also purchased a pair of Soloman trail shoes. My heavy goretex boots have served me well, but as the weather warms up, and I no longer have to deal with snow, slush, and wind, I need something a little bit lighter. Later in the afternoon, Luke and I split and stacked some firewood. The boys played all afternoon on the mountain and had a ball. Toward evening, we built a campfire and roasted marshmallows. Tomorrow, Luke and the boys have to go, but Daniel and Mandi, my son and daughter-in-law, will be here and will hike 15 miles with me. I have enjoyed so much, having some of my family with me this week. Sometime next week, I will reach Damascus, VA. Mrs. Gray Ghost will return home, and I will be on my own until June, when she will visit with me in Northern Virginia.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Zero Day

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Today, I had the special privilege to hike wit my son and daughter-in-law. I said goodbye to Luke, Tuck, and Tanner, who had to return home for Easter. A few minutes later, we were on the trail. Today's hike was a fairly moderate section of the trail, with no more than a few 200' climbs. Daniel and Mandi kept a very good pace, and we finished ahead of schedule. There were periods of rain, but fortunately it was fairly light. Mrs. Gray Ghost drove up just as we finished and took us back to the house to clean up. We went out to dinner and had very good meals followed by an ice cream on the way home. Tomorrow, we will be attending worship service in Roan Mountain, and Daniel and Mandi will be en route home. Tomorrow afternoon, I will probably do a few miles after lunch. Today has been a wonderful day spent with family. Tomorrow will also be a wonderful day as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Dennis Cove

To: US 321 Hampton
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

We attended a wonderful service this morning at Roan Mountain First Baptist Church. The choir performed their Easter Cantata, and the pastor delivered an excellent message celebrating the resurrection of our Lord. After church, we quickly ate lunch, and I then started my hike at Dennis Cove. Since I didn't start until afternoon, I planned a shorter hike of just over eight miles. A few miles from my start, I reached the beautiful Laurel Falls. In addition to its beauty, this waterfall has special significance for our family. Six years ago, our daughter, Liz, accepted Luke's marriage proposal at this very spot. Later, I ascended over 1700' elevation to cross over Pond Mountain. After starting down Pond Mountain, I began to get great views of Lake Watauga, a TVA Reservoir. Mrs Gray Ghost was waiting for me when I reached Hwy 321, the end of my day's hike. It was a wonderful day.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: US 321 Hampton

To: TN 9, Shady Valley, TN
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today's first few miles wound around the Watauga Lake, and then crossed over teh dam. This is the second dam crossed by the AT, the first being at Fontana. After the dam, I climbed back up to the ridge top and was there most of the day. Almost all day long, I could see the lake below. I saw Red Dog and a hiker I had not previously met by the name, "Indiana", not to be confused with "Indiana Jones" as I have mentioned previously. As I neared the end of my day, I cam upon a box of ice cold water, sodas, and snacks that were provided by Nelson Chapel Baptist Church, in Mountain City, TN. This is a really great ministry for this church, and I can't say thanks enough. I plan to send them a note expressing my appreciation. After finishing the hike, we drove over to Mahoney's Sporting Goods, and I bought an Osprey backpack that is about five to six pounds lighter than my old Gregory pack. Now, I have to figure out how to get everything packed into it. Tomorrow, I will hike 21 miles and will cross over from TN to VA and will end my day in Damascus, VA. Three states down, 11 to go.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: TN 9, Shady Valley, TN

To: Damascus
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: light rain

I started today's hike at about 7:45 A.M. The forecast was calling for rain, but it was not raining when I started. The first mile ws through beautiful pasture land, still used for cattle. At mid-morning, I came down the mountain to cross Hwy. 421. AS I neared the crossing, I saw a truck and a canopy covering a picnic table. When I approached, Tennessee Tom asked me if i would care for a hamburger or hot dog. He had just set up for a day of trail magic. It was not time for lunch, and I had already had a good breakfast, but I couldn't pass up this good food. I had a hamburger, chips, and a Sprite. While there, I met Sprout for the first time. He started his hike on the 20th of March. Tennessee Tom is from Knoxville and has hiked 1,500 miles of the AT. I finished my burger, thanked Tennessee Tom and headed out. Later on, I caught up with Rob, who I had not seen since Hot Springs, NC. He is planning to take a zero day in Damascus tomorrow. Today's hike was fairly easy, and I covered 21.7 miles in only seven hours. The trail enters Damascus, VA in a beautiful city park by a river, and then turns and runs down Main Street. In the center of town, there is a very good outfitter store, and I stopped in to look for a lighter sleeping bag, since the nights ar getting warmer. i got a really good deal on a 40 degrees Marmot bag. As I was paying for my purchase, several other familiar hikers came into the store. I saw Sprout, Mio, Rain Pants, and Mondo. Soon after, Mrs. Gray Ghost arrived, and we headed for Roan Mountain after a detour to one of our favorite BBQ restaurants, Ridgewood BBQ, in Bluff City, TN. The portions are so large, that even though I have a hiker's appetite, I had enough left overs for my lunch. I also forgot to mention, that I crossed from TN into VA today. Tomorrow morning, I will say goodbye to Mrs. Gray Ghost, and head out. It has been a wondferul week, getting to see family and sleep in my own bed in our Roan Mountain house. I will be looking forward to another family visit in Northern, VA in early June. Good night.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Mrs. Gray Ghost and I had breakfast, traveled to Damascus, and I headed north while she headed home to take care of things there. The weather was beautiful, and I hiked alongside and sometimes on the Virginia Creeper Trail. This is a wonderful bicycle trail that runs through Damascus and covers some of the most beautiful country you could ever imagine. If you are a bike rider, put this trail on your list. I hiked by and crossed over many beautiful creeks, and I wished I had a fly rod in my pack. I met a hiker I had not previously ran into. His name is "Good Company", and he is from Cherokee County, GA. Heh is young and lean and covers many miles in a day. At the shelter, there were four of us sleeping in it and two section hikers tenting nearby. It's really nice not having to worry about having toom in the shelters. Today was a great day, and tomorrow I will summit White Top Mountain and will travel through the Grayson Highlands. I forgot to mention from yesterday, but as I entered Damascus, a car pulled up, and it was Bobby Middleton bringing a bag of goodies for me and others to share. We talked about hiking for a few minutes. Thank you, Bobby, for your kindness! Sorry I forgot to put it in yesterday's entry.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

The first part of my day was climbing Whitetop Mountain, an over 2,000' climb. Then I entered Grayson Highlands State Park. This area is very unique to the Appalachians and looks more like our western mountains. The tops of the mountains are covered by grass, small shrubs, and large exposed rock formations. Throughout the Highlands, there are wild ponies grazing near the trail. Some will ignore hikers, but some will follow them looking for a snack. There are signs posted along the trail urging hikers not to pet the ponies, but most do and some get bitten or kicked. I was totally exhausted by the time I reached the shelter. I was the only one there, but Sprout stopped by for dinner, and then continued on for more miles. Rain is in the forecast, and I have a 20 mile day tomorrow. It's almost 8:00 P.M., so it's bedtime. Goodnight all.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: thunderstorm

Today is a long 20 mile day. I was greeted by light rain as I started to leave the shelter. Three section hikers who had camped nearby came to the shelter to get out the rain. We chatted for a moment, and I set off to do my 20 mile day. The rain was off and on and light all morning. I passed through pastureland and saw cows grazing beside the trail. At mid morning, I spotted a small trail sign beside the trail. Valley View Baptist Church had set up a canopy with two chairs, snacks, drinks, and miscellaneous first aid and hygiene articles. There was a sign on the box urging hikers to help themselves. I sat down and enjoyed crackers, cookies, and a soda. That was just what I needed to pep up for completing my day. As the day wore on, the clouds began to darken, and I began to hear thunder. Just as I made my biggest climb of the day, it began to rain and hail,and lightning was crashing all around. I have always known this would happen but did not know exactly what I would do. Well, I decided there was little I could do, but walk faster and get down the mountain. After about 20 minutes, the lightning began to end. Later in the evening, I learned that Sprout had actually seen lightning strike a tree in front of him, and shatter it. That's too close for comfort! I finally made my 20 miles and arrived at the shelter. About an hour or so later, Pyro arrived for the night. I was glad to have the day finished and be in my sleeping bag in a dry shelter. Tomorrow will be a shorter day.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Patnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday's storms were gone, and there was nothing but blue sky. Today's destination is Partnership Shelter, which si adjacent to the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center, about 8 miles east of Marion. This shelter has a shower and one of the pizza restaurants in Marion will deliver to the adjacent visitor center for hikers. When I arrived at the shelter, I was the only one there, but later Pyro, Murphy and her friend, Crazy Horse, Professor, and a couple of section hikers showed. I decided to call a taxi to take me in to Marion for dinner. Pyro also wanted to go, so he could resupply. We called the taxi and told them to pick us up at 4:00 P.M. He was right on time and dropped us off at Food City Supermarket. Less then two blocks away, there was an Italian Restaurant. We completed our shopping and walked to the restaurant for dinner. The dinner was really, really good, and we didn't leave a bite. We then called our taxi and were delivered back to our home for the night. Murphy and her friend called in a pizza and had it delivered for their dinner. Both Crazy Horse and the Professor have previously completed thru hikes and told stories until bedtime. It had been a great day, but as I went to bed, I felt that my really bad cold was getting worse.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Patnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I felt so terrible all night long. I felt so bad that I didn't want to get up. I finally resolved that I had to get up and get moving. I made a cup of coffee, hoping that would give me a jumpstart and ease my very sore throat and congestion. It helped, and soon I was on my way. Thankfully, today was easy terrain and only 11 miles. During the morning, I met Valley Girl and her chocolate lab, and Kimbodia. By early afternoon, I reached Atkins, crossed the road, and checked into the Relax Inn. It's completely adequate for tired hikers but not a motel you would stay in with your family. I quickly showered, did laundry, and walked up the road to the Barn Restaurant for late lunch. When I walked in, Pyro was already there, so I joined him at his table. A few minutes later, Murphy and her friend camein for lunch also. The trail actually passes right by the motel and restaurants, so they are accustomed to serving hikers. After lunch, Pyro continued on for several more miles, and I returned to the motel to rest and work on my journal. The restuarant closed at 3:00 P.M., so I had to get my dinner from a truckstop up the road. It consisted of two hot dogs and chips. I also grabbed some moe breakfast bars and Ramen Noodles for next week. I am hoping that tomorrow morning will bring relief from this awful cold, which is really draining my energy and strength. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Mall Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

After a good breakfast at the barn, I headed north. Rain showers began early in the day. I was lucky and did not get into any lightning storms. At mid-day, I stopped for lunch. As I was finishing up, Murphy appeared going southbound. She was slack packing for the day and hiking a section from north to south. Anyway, she related to me that she got caught in a storm and had seen lightning strike a tree directly in front of her. Needless to say, it had shaken her up. I continued on and passed through beautiful farm land. Later, I walked beside and crossed over the Upper Holston River. I could have used a fly rod. It was a beautiful stretch of river. Right after I crossed the river, there were two boxes of trail magic provided by Lambormack 2006 and Lab Rat. I enjoyed a soda and an oatmeal pie. Thanks again for the kindness. When I arrived at the shelter, it was nearly full due to the rain. There was a German couple and three section hikers. I had not met any of them previously. It had been a wet day and evening, but I was safe and dry for the night. Tomorrow, I have a hard 19 mile hike planned.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Knot Mall Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: moderate rain

It rained most of the night and my sleep was interrupted several times by coughing spells. This cold just keeps hanging on! I got up and headed out in steady rain. Ahead of me was a 2,100' climb. I finally made it to the top, and the trail crossed over a grassy top mountain. I know there was a view, but all I could see was clouds and fog. After completing the 2,100' climb, I thought the trail would get easier. I was definitely wrong about that. The rest of the day, the trail was like a roller coaster and was a continuous boulder field. Stepping from boulder to boulder is tedious and very tiring. I reached the shelter totally exhausted. I got the last available space in the shelter, and I was so thankful to be out of the rain and not walking anymore. At the shelter were Trip the Light, Hey Everybody, Eastwood, Dog Man, and his dog, Wayah. The shelter was crowded, but at best it was mostly dry as the rain continued. The highlight of this day was being safe and making to my sleeping bag. Hopefully, the rain will end soon.