morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

We had planned for another slack pack day. It was to be the longest ever for us at 19 miles without a lot of elevation changes. The thought was that dependingon how we felt from the 16 miles we would do it and take our time.The weatherman Thursday night said lots of rain and severe storms Friday. My partner woke up Friday pretty sore so we are holding up in town, writing emails and journaling. We did splurge on a massage.I actually have a heat rash around my ankles so not having socks and boots on will be a good thing.I was able to talk him into putting his foot into an ice bucket 10 minutes for 4 separate times. Man was he cussing me. I don't think he has much regard for me as a therapist. Every time I suggest something it is not normally what he wants to hear.Once again, I am reminded of the lesson of how important it is not to have rigid schedules and to just relax and go with the flow because the journey is so much more enjoyable if you do."easy going"
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 6.3

Saturday May 216.3 milesLog Cabin Rd to middle of nowhereWhen our shuttle picked us up at 6:45, we still were not sure where we were going. Nean has been shuttling us for a few days; he has thru-hiked 3 times so we always use his suggestions for distance and direction. He has been great, very supportive and very realistic. As we drove out, it was decided instead of 15 miles, we would just do 6 to take it easy on the foot.This morning I taped that blister and taped the forefoot pretty good to givesome support. It was iffy because his foot swells so much during the day.There were nice climbs, over 1000 ft elevation gain, not too bad of a pitch. Since we started so early, we hoped to see a deer or bear but nothing was seen. I think that wildlife is around us and steers clear of the hikers plodding up the trail.Nean had told us to go a half-mile past a split and then bushwhack to the right about 100 yards; there would be a road. Well, the day was nice and the walking was on level ground.. Before we knew it, we overshot the saddle. A quick look at the map told us to backtrack and eventually we found the road.Today was the first day we hiked and felt good, not sore or tired.The plan is 1 more slack pack of 12 miles then hit the trail with full packs and push to Spivey Gap. Spivey Gap is the furthest we got to heading south from Erwin last week.God willing and the creeks don't rise and the foot stays healthy.... ¢Easy going¢
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunday May 2213.5 miles Devils Fork to Camp BaldToday we got a shuttle up to Devils Fork Gap with the plan to hike to the same take out as yesterday. Basically you get to a place on the trail and bushwhack due west about 100 yards until you come upon a road.The trail today had a very steep pitch up, over 1 mile long and 1000 ft elevation gain, no fun at all.Once over that rise, the trail leveled out and we passed over some cool balds at the top. There were many family cemeteries; most were veterans of the Civil War. As hikers pass these, many will place rocks on the headstones -always 3.Also up top there are old orchards where the trees are no longer tended, overgrown, in need of pruning but still in bloom. I saw apple and pear trees, all in bloom.There was an area of the trail that was "relocated" over an exposed rock ridge. We had heard it was very beautiful but difficult in places. As we got closer to the new trail, it got more and more rocky until we were scrambling over the rocks. It¢s much easier for me than my partner with his bum knees and foot. We took tons of pictures.There was a little trouble with the bushwhack at the end. We cut off the trail too early and instead of the ferns and birch trees we walked through the day before, today it was berry briars, rocks, and fallen trees. We found the road but we looked horrible.Only twenty odd miles to connect to the area of the trail we have already completed. We just have to decide if we will slack pack it or put the big packs on. Depends mainly on his foot.We slept in a bunkhouse near the trail, great place. The main home is an awesome cabin. The bunkhouse is 3 story with an outside shower and privy. The water is from a spring and the shower is awesome- hot water and a view of the outside and trees. Unbelievable.We have really met the nicest people and seen some cool places."easy going"
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Sams Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Tuesday, May 2414 milesSams gap to Spivey Gap Today was one of the best and worst days. We got a shuttle up to Sams gap and the hike started with a 5 mile up hill, which of course is not my strong point. The flowers were out and beautiful, I never get tired of them. I'll come home with 100 pictures and they will all be wildflowers! So the hike takes us over a bald--A mountaintop meadow. When we get there, the wind is crazy, wild and cold, and the sky looks like it could pour anytime. We put on all our warmer rain clothes but my hands are so cold I think they are permanently stuck to the poles. I did manage to take a few pictures. The trail runs through an old orchard. We stopped in the woods at a shelter to sign the register. Hikers sign the registers to contact other hikers or in case a ranger is trying to locate a hiker and they know where a hiker has passed. My hands are too cold so I asked my hiking partner to sign for me, tell them "easy going" said it's friggin' cold up here. We decide to get going with over 4 miles to go and apparently it will be raining on us. As we pack up, it starts to hail. That's right, I said hail, as big as peas. My long-sleeve t-shirt and gortex jacket are not doing the trick I am cold. Now I am looking at the likelihood of walking down the mountain in wind, hail and rain. Several minutes later it stops and we start cooking down the trail. Can you believe, the wind never stopped but no rain, no more hail, nothing. We got to the bottom and the sun was out and the wind finally ceased. I was still dressed for the weather but it turned nice at the end. We were actually grateful, it could have rained the whole way. Tonight we are at Miss Janet¢s hostel in Erwin, TN. Showered, warmed and tomorrow we will catch a ride north to Carvers Gap and start walking to Damascus, VA. Amazing over 100 miles so far in 10 days, 9 days of actual walking. On a personal note, I am amazed at how supportive people are about the trip. Hikers are so easy going and laid back. Everyone shares food and advice. It is a great environment. Another plus about the day, I got to shave my legs for the first time in a week. Simple pleasures. "easy going"
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Erwin, TN

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wednesday May 25Carver Gap to Over Mountain Shelter5 milesToday we got a late start. When you stay at Miss Janet¢s you always get a later start than you expect. She does a nice job with feeding her hikers and making you feel at home. She shuttled us up to the top of Roan Mountain and dropped us off. We are set for 3 nights out and the goal is to make it to Dennis Cove and then get off the trail. As we start up the bald, the wind is blowing and we have our gortex on to keep us warm but as you go up, the heat builds up and you end up stripping off the layers. With our full packs on today, the going is a lot slower. I was thinking on the way up, huffing and puffing, that this morning I weighed about 130 pounds and now I weigh over 160 with this pack on. My poor muscles don't know what is going on, and they are unhappy. Maybe if you weigh 200 to start and go to 230, the percent difference is not too terrible but proportionally it seemed like a big jump to me.My pack is very uncomfortable. I think it is the weight. When I have used it before I never had over 25 pound in it. Mostly I notice it in the left shoulder and on my hips, as a bruised feeling. Today, we are only going 5 miles since we started so late, and I am glad.Today was my worst day.The shelter is an old red barn open to the east at the top of a meadow at the top of a valley. Great views so we are out in our bags undercover, hopefully a great sunrise will wake us. Could be cold--hope not.¢easy going¢Addendum to WedsAs I finished the journal entry, all the hikers at the shelter curled up in their sleeping bags ready for bed. It was 8 pm, and we hear a booming female voice screaming "HELLO!!!¢When she realized everyone was sleeping, things went way worse. She continued to boss her brother, his name was Michael, and her dog, Sandy, around. It was nuts, they went to the 2nd floor dropped their bags on the floor on top of my head and decided to set up a tent at the other end of the 2nd floor. For 1 1/2 hours they stomped, yelled, and set up their gear. They saw 5 people sleeping yet this did not seem to register with them. It was awful.Finally they got to sleep and the rest of us finally had peace.In the morning, the whole routine started all over again. Total disregard for sharing space with others.Tomorrow is another day and we decide to leave early to outrun the hikers from hell.Easy going
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: 19E
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Thursday, May 26Over Mountain Shelter to 19E8.7 milesSo I was a little stressed since yesterday was so ugly. Today, we head out of the shelter and it is uphill for 5 miles with my new 30-pound pack. It sucks; there is no other way to put it. On the balds it is about 45 degrees with a hard wind, trying to blow you over. I have been in shorts with gortex pants and t-shirt, fleece, and gortex jacket. With all that, it is cold. Your nose starts to run and your hands are cold so when you stop to take a picture, it is difficult to use your fingers. When you get off the mountain balds and down in the tree cover, you want to strip down to your shorts and t-shirt. Never happy with what you have on, always changing.So we had 5 miles of up then 4 miles of down, by the time we got to the bottom we were whipped. Others hikers had told us of a hostel so we decided to go that way. The hostel is over top of the horse stables in their barn but there are beds and a shower and even laundry. Great place and so far, good people.Tomorrow¢s goal is 14 miles but pretty level. We will see. The tops of my hips are bruised and my collar bones are red, wearing the pack is the worse part for me, I would rather have a more enjoyable hike with a less weight pack.Off for nowEasy Going
Date: 2005-05-27
From: 19E

To: middle of nowhere
Miles today: 12.0

Friday, May 2719 E to middle of nowhereabout 12 milesGreat night in the hostel, wonderful people. The breakfast was an additional cost of $5 but it was amazing. We went up to the main house where the table was set with china and real silverware. There was fresh fruit, homemade egg casserole, potato casserole, sweet roll loaf, and coconut bread- just amazing.We all went back to the hostel above the barn to pack up and it started to rain. Hey this is a warm place with good food, and microwave popcorn, why are we leaving???? But the rain stopped and we started up the trail.I woke with a dry cough and noticed my energy was not as high as normal. We climbed up through meadows and get great views. Nice walk, lots of uphill, alongside a river, and across many creeks. From the map and data book, it is hard to say where we are. We decide to camp with our friends- junebug and kg. They really have their act together with their meals. Before they left they packaged meals in Ziploc bags. Tonight they share garlic mashed potatoes and even desert. Mountain moon pie- a mixture of vanilla pudding mix, coconut flakes, and vanilla wafers. All in a bag, you just add water, knead it and after it sets it is awesome !ok, off to bed in my bag. Easy going
Date: 2005-05-28
From: middle of nowhere

To: Kincora, TN
Miles today: 12.0

Saturday, May 29middle of nowhere to Dennis Cove Rdabout 12 milesI take back what I said before, today was definitely the worst day so far. The cough I had the day before is now deeper in my chest.We packed up our site and started walking. It was drizzling so we had raingear on and pack covers on. When I started to climb up the first hill, I noticed this was totally different than yesterday. My body was having trouble regulating the heat, so I was hot and unable to cool down. Breathing was hard because I could not take in a deep breath, maybe 1/3 of normal. These 2 things together made the hills difficult. I was barely moving, and stopping frequently to catch my breath and cough. The up hill section lasted for 10 miles.Did I mention it stopped raining by the time I reached the top? So all those miles uphill struggling to breathe were in the rain, you would think the humidity would help. My hiking partner would meet me at the top, but I would be a good 30 minutes behind. When I finally reached the down hills or levels, I was so oxygen deprived I would stagger and trip like a drunk. Yeah, not my best day.I can't tell you anything about the trail, what I saw, or the terrain. It was all about concentrating on something I do everyday without thinking-breathing.Tonight we are at a hostel in Kincora, near Elizabethon, TN. I am taking Robitusin, trying to make something happen. A quick call home made it clear that was not the place for me yet.   Tomorrow is another day.easy going
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Kincora, TN

To: Kincora, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Kincora Hostel0 daySo today I decided not to hike. This thing in my lungs may respond to a break in the action. Taking Robitussin, not sure if it helps. A new friend shared a home remedy of garlic and honey so I tried that too.Spent the day reading and visiting with U haul and Many Names Tom. I could forget all the hiking and just hang out with the folks! There are some pretty cool people, learning something new everyday.I played around with the idea of leaving early but we are so close to Damascus. The plan is 8 miles tomorrow, 16 miles Tuesday and a long 20 miles into Damascus. We may divide the miles of the first 2 days, we will see.   They say there is a climb tomorrow and pretty "easy" into Damascus. I have found out, though, that they lie. Many variables can come into play, my illness could worsen, it could pour rain, and his foot could act up. But for now, we have a plan.easy going
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Campsite
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Monday, May 3012.7 miles321 to campsite In the morning I felt better but not 100%. We had a shuttle to 321 at the base of Watuga Lake. The walk along the lake was easy but loaded with poison ivy. There were quite a few groups of teenagers hanging around for the holiday weekend. We were able to meet up with our friends at the shelter near the lake and make plans to meet at a campsite later. From the lake, there is a stiff climb transversing the elevation lines. It was steep and unshaded so it was hot. Once on the ridgeline, we were told it was a nice walk. Someone lied. It was definitely an uphill most of the day. My hiking partner was feeling poorly all day. For the life of me, I could not get him to slow his pace. The man is goal focused- get to the shelter for lunch so muscle thru, not stopping, no easy pace, just get to the shelter. I took my time, looked at the vistas, the flowers and met him there but he looked horrible. We had 4 more miles to the campsite, in about 5 minutes he was up ahead hurrying on to the campsite. I swear if I could get him to slow it up the cold he has would nott be near as bad. I always knew he was stubborn! As for me, great walk. Went through a section where the rhododendrons were in full bloom. There were tons of blue butterflies. I took some great pictures. There were fields of Mayapples; I stopped to enjoy some great breezes coming thru the gaps. It was such a warm day; I kept my eye out for snakes on all the sunny areas. Thankfully, no snakes.When I hit a grassy stretch, pretty level, I knew where I was - the "tennessee turnpike". An oldforest service road grassed over, the grade is great to walk on and you can make some great time. Our campsite is off this 1 mile. And there is my partner with his tent up, in his words "feeling like dog s___ " Yep, he looks bad, I have no doubt how he feels, I was there just 2 days ago. The key is, don't tax yourself, take your time so you don't run yourself down, and rest. But then again what do I know? I am just glad to be on the mend. 32 miles to Damascus! "easy going"
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Campsite

To: Double springs shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Today we got started from our campsite later than usual at 10 am. My partner was anxious to get going so he headed on down the trail with a meeting place for us set for the afternoon. I got started 15 minutes later, climbed a small hill, then leveled off and within a 1/4 mile of camp, came across a deer in the middle of the trail. When you are by yourself, walking quietly, you run into all kinds of things. It was a great walk, we were still on the "Tennessee Highway" for the first few miles. An old logging road that was grassed over so the road is pretty level with great views of meadows, lots of flowers. Along side the highway, there was an old chimney, in the middle of nowhere. I left the trail to take a closer look and found on the back of the chimney was a memorial to an uncle with the epitath " born alone, suffered alone, died alone". Wow, pretty grim picture. But all I could think was someone cared enough to lug all the concrete up there for a memorial.I had some bad karma around me today, sprained an ankle somewhere along the way. I think it was a high ankle sprain and I was struggling with walking on it so I decided to tape it and see if it helped. All I had was duct tape but it worked pretty well. While I stopped to do that, I got stung by a bee and also stopped to use " the Facilities" but my aim was not good and I hit my own leg. Let's hope the day picks up, it is my birthday after all.I ran into our friends KG and Joonbug and ate lunch with them and eventually ran into my partner at a road crossing. Only a few miles to the shelter and the walking was easy, I was grateful since I have been limping a bit.We get to the shelter and start getting dinner together, Uhaul arrives a little later and a new friend, McGyver. There was a little birthday party. KG and Joonbug made banana pudding and I got some gifts, candy bars, fruit roll ups.... life is good !!! We even played Two for Your Momma.The night was rough, lots of mice and as I was trying to fall asleep I looked to the right at my hat and noticed a spot on it. As I was looking, that spot, a mouse, ran right towards my face. Yep, it's going to be a long night.Tomorrow is a long hike out- 18 miles to reach Damascus. My partner is nervuos about it so I have told him to stay back with our friends and come in town the next day. He says no but is still complaining about the distance so we will see what he does. "easy going"
Date: 2005-09-04
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

The descent from Hawk Mountain was beautiful and quiet except for theoccasional bird chirping. The following path, however, was tough,hilly, and overgrown. Someone at the hostel had warned me aboutSassafras Mountain, and this was it. With the amount of climbinginvolved, I kept expecting vistas, but there were so many trees, Ididn't see them. On the wildlife front, I saw chipmunks, a hugemillipede, and many varieties of mushrooms (orange, red, white, gray,brown; round, stringy; bowl-shaped) and some birds I didn't recognize. I ran into a volunteer trail maintenance worker who was valiantlytrying to put a dent in the weeds. I was constantly on the lookoutfor poison ivy but didn't see any.The Gooch Mountain shelter was my original destination for Day 2, butsince my enthusiasm brought me so far ahead of myself on Day 1, I gotthere at 11:30 and didn't feel like stopping so soon. Instead Ifiltered water from a pristine stream.It surprises me how many nice, clear water sources there seem to beeverywhere. Even at the tops of mountains, springs pop up, and sincethe trail is so well marked, they're easy to find. I hadn't had tocarry more than one liter of water until now, but I stocked up alittle more this time.I thought I heard bears in that area, but then I resigned myself tothe fact that bears don't moo. I hadn't expected cows, though, sincethe forest seemed too dense for grazing.After the Gooch Gap road crossing, there was a beautiful section oftrail running along a contour line of a steeply sloping mountain.This section of the trail had lots of wildflowers and some partialviews down the slope. And it was flat :-)Things got much harder for me in the next area. I kept thinking I wasclimbing Ramrock Mountain, only to find out that I was just in themiddle of some intermediate ups and downs. My knees started to hurtfrom the constant elevation changes. and I had 4 different blisters onmy right heel. (Trying to treat the first ones actually caused thelater ones.)There were some bright points later in the day, though -- RamrockMountain FINALLY offered some beautiful views of the surroundingmountains and towns. I passed some day hikers on the trail who werevery friendly. And when I made it to Woody Gap (a highway crossing 7miles before the next shelter), I decided to spoil myself with anotherHiker Hostel stay, and Josh picked me up :-)I was there at 3pm and only hiked 12 miles today, but my kneesdefinitely needed the break. I had a nice shower, nap, and dinner ata Mexican restaurant, and am already feeling rested and refreshed andready for the day tomorrow. As long as I make it 10 miles to NeelsGap, I'll still be on the original schedule I laid out. So I thinkI'll take it easy and try to make my body happy. And I think I'll tryout my tent tomorrow night to avoid the mouse problem.