morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-23
To: Hogback Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Wednesday 4/23. Title: 14.3%.Forgot to mention that yesterday was the start of the 4th week on the trail, day #22. I'm doing alright, I know my legs are getting stronger, confidence is high, but must admit the days of walking are getting a bit boring. I think of songs and events from the past and sometimes miss home and family and friends Arriving at the day's destination is a good feeling as boots come off, water is retrieved, and a hot cup of decaf is enjoyed.Tonight we are at Hogback Shelter, 312 miles from Springer Mt., GA. 14.3% of the trail is behind us. Same crowd as last night with one additional hiker,calls himself Venture. I met him third day out. He's a fast hiker as I've leaped 82 miles and he hasn't and were at the same shelter.My toe isn't much better and I could feel it all day. Tolerated it ok, changed socks mid day, and favored stepping on my right foot to avoid the discomfort of the toe. I think it will be ok. Did over 14 miles today. I was the second to last to arrive. But I took my time and took a lot of pictures as the views were incredible. Irwin TN is the next town stop, 25 miles up the trail. Most hikers will arrive day after tomorrow. I have two 10 mile days planned and a 5 miler into Irwin Saturday morning and will take a zero (part day off). Will resupply, clean up, and sleep in a bed.The two biggest complaints from the crowd are having to purify water (which some folks don't, I do) and hanging bear bags (our food and other scented items off tree branches)I haven't been able to get a signal for a number of days so my journals are written but not posted as I email them to my beautiful daughter, Tricia, and she posts them for me. Bear bags are hung as we do every night. It is a chilly night again here in the eastern Tennessee mountains.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Whispering Gap Campsite
Miles today: 0.0

Thursday 4/24. Title: To Lloyd:From Jerry's Cabin shelter to a campsite 13 miles north.My original plan from Jerry's Cabin shelter was into Irwin,TN (26 m) in two 10 mile days and a 6 miler. At this point in the journey, 10 mile days belong back in the first week of the hike. Ten miles means about stopping at 2:30/3:00 which is too early unless nursing an injury. There were about 9 of us scattered along the trail in small groups with a couple of singles. Tonight at a campsite, 5 of us are tenting after 13 miles today. Me, Raven (a lady 'bout my age), Hot Tang (ok!), Earthbound, and Uff-dah (means "oh boy") are sittin' around a fire and Uff-dah is playing his mandolin. Nice evening as darkness sets in at about 8:25.Last year on the way back home from an annual golf weekend, riding with my pal of many years, Lloyd, we stopped off at an exit at the NC/TN border on I-26 south of Johnson City, TN to check out a spot on the Appalachian Trail as the thru-hike idea was hot on my mind. LLOYD! I walked through there today!!!!!! Same place for sure! Its called Sam's Gap in my hiking books. A blue sign on I-26 reads "welcome center 6 miles" driving south, remember, where we got off and got information about the AT and stopped on the way back? Anyway, it was totally exciting being there and remembering the short stop, in the rain, and the wet and sloppy trail where we saw boot marks in the mud. I was wondering when I would pass through there, I didn't realize it would be so soon. I was truly excited.My toe is better today but still a little uncomfortable. Trail about the same, up and down the mountains and across ridges as usual.Today was a treat however . We experienced two incidences of trail magic. We came upon this little platform on the trail that had coffee, water, cupcakes, and cookies. The coffee was great, I had two cups! This set-up was for the hikers who pass by this spot and this sort of thing happens on occasion, left there by trail angels. We later learned there was a gated community very close to that spot and they did this almost every day of the busy season which is now. Later, we climbed a mountain called Big Bald where the top was a huge grassy area called a bald. It was sunny and perfect view of valleys and ranges all around. We all took a long break, most with boots off. Then this guy comes up to us with a bag of treats from Little Debbie Snacks. I had a chocolaty sugar wafer. This guy had thru-hiked in '06, his trail name is Diamond Doug and he is now a voluntary "trail maintainer" for one of the many clubs and organizations who keep the trail in good shape and the shelters and privies in condition. This guy does a great job as evidence of his work is easy to see.Tomorrow another 13.5 into Irwin and a cold Pepsi and Miller Lite. Bear bags are hung. It is a starry, starry night and has been all week, just beautiful. More later.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Whispering Gap Campsite

To: Irwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

From Whispering Gap to Irwin, TN to Unlce Johnny's Hostle. I had about 13.5 miles to do to get to Irwin and got on the trail at 7:15. Uneventful day of hiking with same old ups and downs but none too serious today. The forest service and fire dept were about to start a controlled burn as I passed through a small gap. I was low, too low, on water and they gave me a liter. I will be more careful and pack more water up the trail, weight or not.Arrived at Uncle Johnny's (3 miles out of town) about 3:00, perfect timing. I elected to stay in a one bed little bitty cabin (vs. bunk house)for a few dollars more but it was private and I was to myself as I prepared laundry and got to the bath house first thing. Had a TV but only got two channels so watched a Pierce Bronson tape late night. At 6:00 we were shuttled into town where we had a few choices for dinner. I went Mexican, steak fajitas. I'm planning on a zero day tomorrow and hope to update theses journals and get some CD's of the pix I've taken to this point, will send home to kids and Christine. I'm also planning on a "slack pack" day on Sunday. I will explain next journal.Each of these entries have a place for daily mileage which I have not kept up. As of today, I am 339 miles from Springer Mountain, GA. More later.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Irwin, TN

To: Zero Day in Irwin
Miles today: 209.0

Irwin zero day. It is now about 2:30 and I'm in downtown Irwin at the public library. I've sent a number of journal entries to Tricia but my darn phone is not responding that they went through. I just did yesterday's entry after sending 5 or 6 to Trish. Got a ride into town at 11:00 and got to the library and had trouble getting into the Trail Journals web site, well I got in but there was a problem with the server and it wouldn't take my entries. I hope my emails to Tricia worked.Went to a Walgreens and copied photos, about 109, from my camera to CD's and mailed them off. Walgreens photo lady was exceptionally helpful and friendly. Now back at the library and the server seems to be working ok. It really wierd here as in one block I can get a signal and another spot, not! Tomorrow, I will be slack packing 19 miles. Here's how that works. Slack packing is a term for hiking without your pack. One may take a smaller pack and just carry water and lunch and maybe a rain jacket. Coming into Irwin was about 3-4 miles of down hill (tough on the knees) as Irwin sits on the Nolichucky River. Well, steep down to get in, guess what, steep up to get out. The elevation goes from 1700' to over 4500' in 4-5 miles, that is one heck-of-a-climb!. So, tomorrow, we are getting a lift to Iron Mt Gap, about 19 miles north of Irwin, and will slack pack south back to town, which will be mostly downhill and with a very light pack. Sound like a long hike, it is, but without a pack, should be able to make 2.5 miles per hour so about 7-8 hours at the most. So we'll hike the 19 miles north out of Irwin but backwards... still counts. Then on Monday, we'll get a shuttle back to Iron Mt. with full pack and continue the journey north. Next big stop and trail town is Damascus, VA. Damascus is 459 miles north of Springer Mt. GA.I'm planning on meeting with my hiking friend from last year, Carol, on Wednesday for a half day. She will meet me at a hostel, her home is only 30 minutes from the trail at a certain point. Will clean up and resupply for a two day hike to the next food drop and hostel. Will be back on the trail the next day. Doing well, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Back to the Uncle Johnny's for a nap. No bear bag needed this weekend. More later.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Irwin, TN

To: Rain day
Miles today: 10.0

Unfortunately, today is a rain day, and happy to be in a hostel althrough an additional expense and a day off schedule. It poured all night, and early this morning. We're now paying for the sweet weather we've had over the past 2-3 weeks but it has to rain sometime. No one headed out early. It's one thing to hike in the rain but while at a shelter or hostel and it's pouring before the hike begins, second thoughts for sure about starting out. If we were on the trail, we'd wait until it lets up a bit fefore starting out.Tomorrow is looking better for weather but will cool off a bit, hope to make to 12.5 miles to Roan High Knob Shelter. Big climb before getting there, 800' in a bit over a mile. Roan Mt is the highest elevation on the trail in Tennessee. The climb will be in the latter part of the day, just before getting there. With hikers coming in today, in spite of the rain, it will be crowed. Will get hikin' about 8:00 again and hopefully beat the possible crowd. My visit with friend Carol will be delayed a day and no problem there.Chillin' out, time for a nap and resting up.I am well and in good spirits. Looking forward to back on the AT and progressing north.More later.
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Roan High Know Shelter

To: US 19
Miles today: 15.4

Wednesday 4/30. Title: Hump Mountain: Miles today 15.4.from Roan High Knob Shelter to US 19.Last night was probably down to 25-28*. The top portion of my two water bottles were frozen The soap in my cooking pot was frozen. I was frozen. I was cold but it was bearable, and I was frustrated that I couldn't get to sleep. Morning finally came and up and on the trail and warm as I hiked down the icy mountain. As careful as I was, I slipped a few times on the muddy trail and fell once on my left leg. My knee was sore the rest of the day, but no harm done. What an experience!Was a pleasant day overall even with 3 steeps over Jane Bald, Little Hump Mt. and Hump Mt. All 3 were balds and once again just amazing views and photo opportunities. Hump Mt was a long combination of gradual and steep. Took me 40 minutes. When I got to the top crest, I was greeted by 5 what I thought were Brahma (sp?) bulls, just staring at me and working on the cuds. I said,"well, hello there! and now what the heck do I do?" They were right on the trail. So I bushwhacked to the left around them, towards a cluster of trees figuring I'd run for it if needed but thankfully, they had no interest in me and probably many others who pass by. Just a few minutes up the trail, I met a seniors couple just out for a day hike and he told me those bulls we African Watusi (I think he said) cows/bulls and they ate the unusual grass that grows on the balds where as regular livestock wont. These bulls had horns that must have been 6' long. Huge! and one of them had one horn pointing up, and one pointing down.... that's no bull!! Anyway, the lady in that couple I mentioned ask me if I was thru-hiking and I responded that was the plan, and she gave me a Rice Krispie Bar, and a Reese Cup! Trail Magic!I hiked some extra miles today and about 6:00 met up with my friend Carol whom I hiked with last Fall. She took me home and we had Chinese, cleaned up, did a load of laundry, a few minutes in the hot tub, and a real nice visit. It was a nice evening especially after last night in the cold on top of Roan Mt. Needless to say, I slept in a little and slept well. I had Cheerios with a banana for breakfast.More later.
Date: 2008-05-01
From: TN US19 At

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Thursday May 1. Miles today 14. Title: A Walk in the Woods. From TN US19 AT crossing to a campsite.Carol dropped me back at highway crossing where she picked me up yesterday about 10:45. So I got a late start. My current two day plan is to arrive at Kincora Hostel tomorrow, 25 miles from start today and I want to get there early. So I stayed on the trail until about 7:00 tonight knowing there were a couple campsites ahead on the trail but not exactly where. Got in 14 miles I'm estimating by the guide book. Now only 11 miles to the next planned overnight, Kincora Hostel. Will be there early by 2:00, 3:00 latest (depends on the steep ups). I hope to have dinner with my cousin Bobby Jones. I initially thought too hard to coordinate and declined but will try to reverse and call him as soon as I can get a signal and if there's someplace to go in a very small town. Maybe he can still make it. It is an hour's drive for him.I complain a bit about the trail, especially the climbs. Today started out with a couple but afterwards it was a real nice day in the woods, wore a short sleave shirt all day. Dogwoods are in full bloom and just beautiful. If they're a few feet from the trail I hurry by them as yellow jackets are a plenty. Met a jogger, who said he regularly joggs the AT. Then for about a mile, the trail paralled a wide mountain stream, like a mini river, maybe 100' wide at parts. It was just beautiful! The water was flowing north. It was clear, not very deep, and inviting. Had it been a warm summer day, you can bet time would have been taken for a refreshing dip. I did take a pack-off break and stared at the steams beauty for a few minutes as I purified some drinking water from the stream. It was good, and cold. Very soon, the white blazes took me one way, the stream miandered the other way. Not many rocks today either. I hiked into the early evening hours wanting to make some real miles and get to Kincora Hostel early for a few hours of no rush. I met a couple ladies about 7:00 who were camped and found a great spot nearby. Watered up with 2 liters half mile earlier... a wise move. It was a pleasant night in my tent. Got on the trail at 7:15. More later.
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Campsite

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 11.0

Friday 5/2. Title: Bunk House Tonight. Mileage 11. From: Campsite to Kincora Hostel near Hampton, TN.Got in before 1:00 as planned after a 7:15 start. I watered up soon after starting as my experiences with being low on water and uncertain of next source have had their effect. Figure water weighs 2# per liter.... so that's heavy. I like packing 1.5 if I know water not far ahead and I drink more. They say, consume a gallon per day. I easily go through a liter with decaf and dinner at night. To purify my drinking water, I use a produt called AquaMira, a cholrine product, two little bitty bottles, 7 drops each per liter. I may switch to a pump filter after May when I lighten my pack with summer gear.I forgot to mention yesterday, my pal Lloyd called me yesterday from his car on the way to Springdale Country Club as he was headed south along I-26. I'm usually riding with him on this annual long weekend golf outing We had a nice talk and asked him to tell the guys I'm fine and will be back next year.The first 10 miles out of here tomorrow is very hard as there is this mt top called Pond's Flats. It is a 1900' climb and most of it is without switch-backs and straight up. There is no pond and no flats. So I'm slackpacking it with some other hikers. We will be dropped off north of this mountain and once again, hike south over it, back to the hostel. Will be packing a day pack with the days needs. Its only 10 miles but will still be a challenge but very little weight on my back will ease the difficulty factor. 40% chance of rain tomorrow but nice the next three days into Damacus, VA.I had a nice chat today with my cousin Connie who lives a bit south of Boston. Her brother who I lost his email and phone, my cousin Bobby, lives an hour or so away. We had thought about hooking up but too hard to arrange. We will try it again in the Fall assuming I return to re-hike my 82 mile leap. Thanks Connie for your kind words of encouragement. Tell your friends hello for me. I hope to see you in western Mass. as we've planned later this summer. Bobby, see you this Fall.The hostel is full tonight. The young people are on the porch playing Monopoly making much noise and saying the F word in every sentence. There are girls present, some day the guys might get a clue how to act. I don't remember being like that in my younger days, I mean with ladies present. I'm away from the porch and its getting late. Guess I'll join the older hikers inside. I'm well and looking forward to tomorrow's hike and knocking out the tough day.More later.
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Watauga Lake

To: Iron Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

Sunday 5/4. Title: Snake on the trail. Miles today 15.4. From Watauga Lake to Iron Mt shelter.Good to get going again. Weather has been nothing short of perfect. Did a little over 15 today. Another 15-16 tomorrow, all fairly level, then a short 9-10 into Damascus on Tuesday for some new hiking shorts, a hair/beard trim, and resupply My next place of significance to get to is Pearisburg, VA, 163 trail miles out of Damascus. I have about 12-13 days planned for this leg but will try to cut 1-2 off of that now that I'm into longer days.Saw a garter snake today, sunning itself across an open part of the trail. Pretty good size, two to three feet, about as big around as a nickle. I nudged its tail with my pole and it quickly coiled up and was looking right at me, sensor going quickly in and out. I don't think I'll be doing that again. There are poisonus snakes out here, Copperheads and Rattlers farther north. I think I'll just avoid anything that looks like one. There have neen numerous deer sightings. Breeze said he saw a wild boar cross the traik ahead of him. The bear stories, eapecially back at Hot Springs, NC, have been numerous and true as some of my hiker friends have had their food bags taken by one paticular bear that the forest service caught and relocated. Some shelters in GA and NC have bear cables, a system of steel cables on to which food bags can be attached and pulled up between trees. Haven't seen any for a couple weeks (or privies too) now.We had two hikers in the shelter tonight that are taking the 50 miles into Damascus in two days. It is quite possible with an early start and movin' out hiking. I'm not quite ready for that.Its a pleasant night again. I can see some lights off one side of Iron Mountain. All day the views have been great. The areas we went throught today looked over Watauga Lake and hill sides, tree farms, and marinas. I could see a couple boats skimming across the water, but I couldn't hear them.Big campfire tonight,compliments of 25 miler Rhino Another 15 tomorrow, then the milestone town of Damascus after a short 10 on Tuesday. I will take only a partial day off in town then out early with sights on Pearisburg for the significant stop and zero day or two.Good night.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Iron Mt. Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Monday 5/5. Title: Tomorrow. From Iron MtShelter to Abingdon Gap Shelter, 15.9 miles.All nobo (northbound) hikers are talking about arriving tomorrow in Damacus,VA, a true hiker town. Everything there you need (well, mostly) within walking distance. Most folks planning at least one zero day. I've planned a zero but can get everything done in an afternoon and can pick up a day getting to Pearisburg.Today, on the trail, just another beautiful day. My 4th right toe is bothering me again and I had to stop and attend to it with dry socks, some antiseptic cream, and a bandaid to put a pad over the corner of the nail. It worked although still somewhat tender especially down hill when the foot slides forward. Many hikers will lose toenails (it isn't as bad as it sounds).Stayed in my tent tonight. The shelter and camping area were nice. Once again, tent city with 8-9 tents and a couple in the shelter.The day temps are great, 70's mostly, but the nights are still pretty chilly in the forties I'm guessing. I had to put on another layer after getting into my sleeping bag with just a T-shirt on (well, had bottoms on too).On the last night out before a planned resupply, most will try to empty their food supply and carry little water for a light load for the day into town. I ate as much as I could, (stuffed!) still had some left over snacks and an extra dinner which is ok as one should carry a little extra.Nothing else of significance today. I'v been listening to my ipod lately but not until later in the afternoon for a little kick the last 2-3 miles. It does not distract me from watching most every step I take. Good night. Maybe I'll sleep a bit better since so full. I still don't sleep very well.More later.
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tuesday 5/6. Title: Damscus. From Abingdon Gap Shelter to Damascus. Miles 10.I'm now in VA. GA, NC, and TN now history. Three states done, 11 to go. Damascus is 461 trail miles from Springer Mountain, GA. I've leaned much in the time past. I feel good about where I am in this long walk. My legs are strong and I have a lot more confidence in my keeping it together on the trail. The hike into Damascus was short and sweet, no climbs to speak of. All hikers got an early start and arrived in town 11:30 or so. Very friendly hiker town as I was greeted with "welcome to Damascus" a number of times. I stayed at a place called "Hike Inn", a very comfortable bunk room for 4. I had the place to myself. Shower, laundry, new hike pants, Subway, ATM, post office, outfitter, drug store, barber, and a 6-pack of 7oz. Buds and ice back to the bunk room. There was a patio there so I shared a beer with the proprietor. It was a beautiful day walking from place to place in my crocks, hike shorts, and bandana. I had hiker written all over me. Dinner was a burger at Dot's, the only bar in town. Many hikers there, some had been there all afternoon. Most all were taking a zero day or two. I went back and began preparing for the next day's hike of about 16 miles planned. I slept well, and after an oatmeal and Tropicana OJ breakfast, started hiking out of town. Nice little town. More later.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Damascus

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Wednesday 5/7. Title: First 20 mile day. From Damascus to a campsite. Miles 20.4.Today's hike went from a planned 15.4 miler to a 20.4, my first day over 20 miles. Coming out of Damascus was a steep climb, another one later on, and a third and (very steep) at day's end, unplanned. I unintentionally hiked past the last camp site (before a mountain) without knowing it and before long, I'mhalf way up a steep climb so I had to keep climbing. Fortunately, I watered up with 2 liters before the climb. Long story short, at 7:15 I found a campsite just on the other side of the mt top. There were three other hikers there and they welcomed me. Took a look at the mileage and I had done over 20. I was beat and a bit concerned as it was getting late. Worked out alright. I was truly relieved upon reaching the campsite.The three guys (Richard, Glen, and Steve) were hikers from Lexington, KY, and were packing about 60# each, using a lot of military (heavy) gear and were just hiking for a couple months, doing 6-8 miles. They were great company and we had a lot of laughs and a great fire. Slept well for a change, no doubt after a full day of walking. Early start the next day for another 18.4. My hiking legs have arrived.More later.