morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-13
From: hogback ridge shelter

To: Spivey Gap Campground
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

In which today was an amazing happy day!I don't know what else to say other than today was amazing. I think it was my most fun day yet to date. I kept a quote in my head all day long that my daughter had sent me...."Happiness is a decision. Choose happy!" Today I've chosen happy and I can't help but smile. I was awake and out early morning with the hope of Trail Magic at Sam's Gap. Sure enough, there it was!Quiet Paul was scrambling up eggs and hash browns, had muffins, fresh oranges, and root beer! Yum! Not a bad way to start a day compared to a normal breakfast of cold pop tarts and Carnation instant breakfast drink! He even had lawn chairs set up for us. He provides trail magic for 10 days and today was day number 10. I feel very fortunate to have the pleasure of meeting him.It was weird and wonderful walking on home territory today. I finally get to walk on the AT instead of gaulking at it as I drive by on I-26. It's true that hiking the AT changes your perceptive of things and life. My perception of this area was changed as I walked through it, totally cool. Had some great views too looking back from the mountains to the highway.I had a long climb out of Sam's Gap, followed by a meadow walk where some of the forest was brown and wide open and other areas had a hint of green, some with pine needle beds and others with a rhodadendrom tunnel. The great find was the camping area at Spivey Gap. One side was by a babbling creek. The other sides were surrounded by rhodadendroms. Was very peaceful and beautiful. Rob, RW, Professor and I got here around 4:30p followed by Time for Dinner.Any way, back to the climb. I made it up to Big Bald in time for lunch with Rob and RW. There was a 360* view of the mountains which, in my opinion, rivaled Max Patch. It just felt more grand. We took a nice long lunch break on top and talked with Thunder Cat, a former through hiker, and friend out for a day hike. The shoes came off, the sun was warm, the breeze was cool and the hazy view of the mountains exceptional. There were plenty of streams, little flowers budding and a few, little, purple butterflies. Was just a happy kind of day!At camp the wind was blowing and the full moon was bright. So bright in fact I could see a mouse running up the sides of my tent under the rain fly. I so badly wanted to ping the mouse but I figured it would just bounce back against my tent, so I just watched it scamper around and made sure my tent door was zipped tight. 11 miles in to Erwin in the Am!
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Spivey Gap Campground

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

In which I walk into Erwin, TN to Uncle Johnny's Hostel.It's a walk in to town day so everyone was up and out early. We made it to the first shelter in two hours flat. The trail's been pretty rough, lots f rocks and roots. The forest changed as the day progressed. Some areas looked as if they had been burned, others had a pine needle bed and smelled wonderful, some with trees covered in lichen and rare areas with a few trees budding. Finally saw a Red Bud tree, I love the color of those in bloom! Also saw a green racer snake sunning itself across the trail as we descended the mountain coming into town along the Nolichucky river. Talk about a shear cliff down from the trail. It's one of those days where you don't look down. You just keep your eyes forward and feet steady on the path, unless you like to torture yourself with fear then by all means look down!Once again it's been surreal walking to the places I usually see by car. It also was a feast for the senses. On one side of the mountain the wind was roaring and the sound of the river deafening. On the other side one could hear a lawnmower mowing the grass and get a wiff of fresh cut grass. Cars were driving by and a train whistle blew as the train paralleled the river. My senses were on overload but savoring every moment.Tonight it is supposed to be rainy. I got the second to last bunk in the hostel at Uncle Johnny's. All I have to say is that it better rain tonight since I have a roof over my head and won't have a wet tent to pack up in the morning! I got my shower, did my laundry and am skipping the shuttle in to town since I have way too much food to carry the next few days. I give some food away and decide to see what I can eat tonight to lighten my load tomorrow.I also had the delight of running into Murphy, Superscout and Opie. I even got their bottom bunk where their gear was stored. Score! Time to go eat more food!
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Erwin, TN

To: Curly Maple Gap
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: moderate rain

In which it's 1330 and I'm sitting in my down quilt in the shelter with all my clothes on watching it snow.Well, I'm happy to report that it did rain last nite but has currently stopped for now. I feel like I got my money's worth staying in the hostel! At least for staying dry, not so much for getting a restful night's sleep, too many snoring, wiggling bodies in the bunk room for that! Likewise, the train which parallels the river must have come through at least three times announcing it's arrival with the whistle, as if it had to do that to be heard.I packed up my stuff, ate my breakfast and was preparing to head out while there was a break in the rain. The clouds were still low, gray and heavy looking. Rumor has it thunder was to begin around 1300 and the low will be in the 20's tonight in town (which means colder at the higher elevations). Just as I was leaving Rob was being dropped off. So we headed across the bridge over the river, across the train tracks and into the woods back on the AT. The forest walk was very nice-no roots or rocks, just a soft pine needle floor. That continued until the 1000 ft. climb up to 3000 ft. It started to rain lightly then pour about half way up. I stopped to put on my rain coat and pack cover. I didn't figure I would need my rain pants since it was a short walk up to the shelter and it won't really "rain too hard". Wrong! I was soaked by the time I got to the shelter where I had planned to stay for the night. I changed out of my wet clothes and put on my dry sleep clothes. I heated water and made a hot lunch. Then the Professor rolled in, so it's the three of us in the shelter for the day and night.There was a steady stream of passer bys who came in to the shelter to chat and briefly stay dry. Listener and RW stopped by. Prom Queen and Trail Wife passed through, along with Roadrunner and Wiley Coyote, Cornwall, the german, a couple and friend and a day hiker. I was so cold I climbed in to my sleeping bag. The rain briefly turned into sleet, them finally snow and continued to snow throughout the day and night. The view from my bag in the shelter is better than watching TV. The leaves are now covered in white, the brown ground has disappeared. Rob is trying to nap while the Professor is talking full of all sorts of facts.I eventually cooked my dinner around 1700, drank some hot chocolate, cleaned up, found some hand warmers and climbed in bed for the night. What a day!
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Curly Maple Gap

To: Campsite passed Iron Mtn Gap
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: scattered clouds

In which I could barely see the trail at some points if it weren't for the foot prints in the snow.After a long day/night in the shelter we were up and out around 0630. I laid there for a bit dreading getting out of my bag, but that was inevitable. Out I rolled and in to wet, frozen clothes I changed. I ate on the run because it was too cold to stop. The snow on the trees and shrubs was beautiful. Walking through the snow blanketed forest was lovely and magical. Every now and again I would get a glimpse of the snow covered peaks. Not too many roots or rocks today either, just snow.When I came down Indian Grave Gap there was trail magic provided by Brother Tom (BT). Coffee! Brownies! Bananas! and conversation! Oh my. It was wonderful and very unexpected. Coffee never tasted sooooo good. Off again and as I walked through the forest frozen icicles kept falling like rain, except they hurt when they bounced off my neck and head.We came up out of the woods to Beauty Spot and that it is! Especially breath taking with the snow covering. Also got a glimpse of Unaka Mtn which is a dense spruce forest. There were actually switch backs as we headed up the rocks zig-zagging our way there. Once again the scene was like a picture out of a fairy tale book. The ground was blanketed by snow, the trees had a coating of white, shadows danced across the snow blanketed floor and best yet, the forest smelled like non-stop Christmas. The sun also was shining and everything glistened in it's light. Thank heavens for the foot steps who had gone on before me! At times there was no sign of the trail only a few white blazes on the trees which made it a little bit of a challenge in which to navigate, but I did it and emerged on the other side of the mountain after a very peaceful and enjoyable walk through the forest. It was a scene right out of the movies! Picture perfect.The trail was muddy coming down the mountain. I stopped in at the shelter for a lunch break and onward to a beautiful camping area in a little meadow. I set up my tent and sat in the vestibule writing for a bit. The sun warmed up my body and tent and have to say made me a bit sleepy. So next I cooked dinner, hung my bear bag and watched two super fast hikers fly by, it was Alaska and Happy. I crawled in to my and listened to the world around me, no Bard Owls yet. However, in strolled Prof. he made it. So he entertained me with his noises and eventually I drifted off.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

In which I started my day with an awesome surprise and a few tears!The wind stopped blowing at some point during the night. It was cold but not as cold as it was the night before. I didn't sleep that well but I feel ready to roll! I told myself I was going to take my time this morning and not rush off after putting in a long day yesterday. Haha. Habits are hard to I change. I was hoping to be treated to a sunrise but the sky is cloud covered. The view of the valley was still spectacular and ever changing with the time of day. My tent site was a great place to stay for the night!Rob left first, followed by RW. Then AYCE, Mac and Frankie the Sleeper flew by. I was packing up my pack. I looked up as I was packing and there standing was DaVinci!!!!!!! She just made my day! Tears of joy welled up in my eyes. I was so happy to see her. We started the trail together and I've been wondering where she was. Here she is standing in front of me. She spent the night in the shelter and I never even saw her. Bear in mind that the shelter and camping area were a good bit away from each other. She said she was looking out of the shelter (big red barn) and said, "I know that skirt and green jacket!". Was so good to catch up with her briefly.I finally headed out and up another bald where my treat to myself was to eat breakfast number two. I cooked oatmeal, had coffee, and was able to make a few phone calls all while enjoying the very peaceful and serene view. I could even see Grandfather mountain, the hotel on top of Beech mtn., table rock and the Smokies in the distance.I finally got serious about walking and meandered my way along the Elk River, over a few road crossings, passed the 400 mile mark (which a big boost I needed after feeling totally exhausted and frustrated today), passed by Mountaineer falls and finally got to the shelter. Met some new folks there today. Rafiki and his brother Walking Stick, a couple from Florida, Red Dog, Prof came through and a section hiker. Our water source was the top of the water fall, very pretty! Ended the day with the last of my peanut butter and chocolate. Yum! Sleeping in the shelter because rain is threatening tonight. Pretty new and cool shelter, a triple decker. I'm on the top floor then there is loft space where two others are. Rare for Tennessee shelters to be nice.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

In which I walk through a gentle rain to Kincora Hostel at mile 417.It rained at some point during the night but has currently stopped, good call for sleeping in the shelter! I really thought the rain was done for the day and didn't even think twice about it picking back up later. My bad!I was awake early compliments of the shelter noises from other hikers below. That goes with the territory and got me motivated to get up and going since it was going to be another long day hiking. Surprisingly, I was the first out this morning. The skies were gray and cloudy but I didn't put on my pack cover. I began walking and lo and behold it starts to spit, then gradually increasse to a slow but steady rain. I stop to put on my pack cover and shed a layer before I put on my rain coat. The walk through the forest was uneventful. Did pass some nice falls and made it to the shelter for lunch. My fun fact for today was experimenting with tortellini. I put the tortellini in a freezer zip lock bag, added water to the bag last night before bed and found this am that they were rehydrated and ready to eat, hence my lunch for today! I like it when experiments work out.The rain let up and I finally made it to the road crossing where I walked down to Kincora hostel, a funky little place with great personalities. I did my chores, i.e. shower and laundry, got my food resupply box and repackaged everything for my next trek to Damascus, VA. I didn't go in to town and stayed behind with Plan B. Lumpy fixed us dinner then we sat around chatting. What a delight and surprise. I stepped outside to make some phone calls and was entertained by a cat chasing a vole. The sky was beautiful as the sun set. Beautiful end to a long day!
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

In which perfectly laid plans sometimes don't work out.Happy Easter! Today started off a happy day. Two cups of real coffee at the Hostel. That's a red letter day in and of itself. The kids who stayed at the hostel made themselves breakfast before heading out. I at my pop tarts and hit the trail. It was a glorious morning, warm sunshine, warm breeze, plenty of birds, no cars or people around and the sound of the Laurel falls/gorge. It was really beautiful and a delight to be out walking, great meditation time! After the gorge came the big climb up and over a 2000 footer thankfully with switchbacks which didn't make the climb seem too bad, plus the benefit of it being a long climb. I snacked as I went expecting a short day. Well, that wasn't going to happen.After the climb down I came out to rt. 321 and crossed over to Watuaga Lake which was a very pretty aqua color and very long. Many people were out enjoying the weather fishing and boating, etc. I walked around the south end of the lake then walked around to the north side of the lake towards the dam. I was expecting the shelter to be close from here. Well I couldn't find the shelter! I did find the trail to be heavily used in this area, littered and a little sketchy. So I kept walking. There were some pretty places to camp along the lake but they were so close to town and people. As I walked back up in to the woods I passed a creepy dude and his dog. That sealed the deal. No staying around here tonight. Around 3pm I finally found the shelter where I planned on staying. That too was dirty and a little creepy so I walked on.I continued to walk over the dam, on the road for a bit, back into the woods and finally up another 2000ft. climb that paralleled the length of the north side of the lake. The view was beautiful and I enjoyed listening to the sound of the boats below. Water ironically was an issue today too. The sources were non existent or difficult to find. So today I hiked hungry, dehydrated, a little frustrated and exhausted. I was a mess and had a little melt down. Good thing no one was in the woods to hear me! I was ready to quit at mile 10 and enjoy a quiet day. At 6ish and 17 miles later I finally reached the shelter in time to walk down the very steep ravine to go fetch water before the sun set. The reward in it was catching up with Dirty Harry and Fran and the beautiful sunset. Then on the back side of the shelter we were treated to not only the night lights illuminating the town below but also the bright stars in the sky which were worth every bit of frustration today!
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

In which I get trail magic and walk through a cow pasture.I left the shelter after a lovely breakfast of mashed potatoes and bacon bits and my shake. I love hiking in the morning, it's so peaceful. The day seems so full of hope and possibilities. I feel energized and ready for a new day. Now the rush is on to get to Damascus, the next major milestone for me on this journey. So today has become another unintentional long day and a 20+ mile day challenge. I'm so crazy! I need to stop this..."my hiking is getting in the way of my trail experience".I made it to the first shelter around 1130 and took a quick break and snacked, and basked in the sun for a bit. I was half way to the next shelter rounding a corner and ran into a chest of treats provided by a church group. There was a cooler full of cokes and mellow yellows, container of snack cakes and another box of misc. goodies like blister care stuff. I enjoyed my 2nd coke of this trip and a Little Debbie snack cake. Yum and Thank You! Good junk I totally enjoyed. That powered me to the next shelter.It was three o'clock and the 3 guys ahead of me were just leaving the shelter, so being the insane person I am I decide to move on too with the plan of stealth camping somewhere. The next really big surprise came in the form of walking through a beautiful cow pasture. The view of the mountains from there was fantastic, the barn picturesque, the stiles and white blazes on rocks were photo worthy (and I took a lot of them!). I really enjoyed the walk thru and would have liked to camp right here on top. I also would have liked to see some cows, but the smell of them was awesome!Onward, passed the second shelter and after another exhausting and painful (to the feet) day I arrived at the third and final shelter of the day. That was a new record also. I set up my tent, made myself some dinner even though I didn't feel like it, hung my food bag and went to bed! To Damascus in the morning! Then I really need to slow down my pace and enjoy the ride.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Abingdon Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

In which I walk through Damascus and drive home for a zero.I left camp at 0730. The tent city I arrived in last night has vanished! Where did everyone go? I heard my neighbors packing up this morning early but I didn't hear anyone else leaving. Strange. Onward to Damascus with the masses. Towns always bring people out in masses and people I haven't seen in days and weeks. Very nice to catch up with them and see how their journey has been.I got a phone signal when I was about 4 miles out of town. That was surprising so I took advantage of that and sent a few texts and made a few calls, one of which to my family who is coming to meet me and take me home for the night. That was another unexpected surprise, not one that I will argue with either. A bed, real food, a shower and computer, how could anyone argue with that!I got into town before noon and hit the outfitter. I had a little more time to kill so I wandered into the Dollar General. They had ice cream! So I bought myself a Good Humor bar and sat outside on the bench while I waited for my ride and talked with the Professor. Well before I finished my ice cream, I had one bite left to be exact, my parents pull up. I'm busted! eating my ice cream. Now I can't appear hungry and pitiful to them because they saw me eating ice cream, oops. I think they're on to the real reason I hike.....so I can eat whatever I want and still loose weight. Oh well, still think that was comical and the ice cream sure tasted good! Best food of the day so far.Now off to get some real food for lunch! and to plan dinner, and breakfast, etc....So much food to eat, so little time!
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Damascus, VA

To: saunders shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

In which I enjoy hiking along the river and the Virginia Creeper Trail.The first day back from a zero is always hard. My pack weighs a lot and feels very heavy. It's full of food. I'm one day out of shape but rested and fed. I'm transitioning from worlds again and it is surprisingly difficult at times. I no longer know who is hiking ahead of me and who is behind me. I don't know who I'll meet or who's path I'll cross. That can be a bit unnerving sometimes but also a bit exciting. Everything is all new again. This is part of the mental challenge for me. It gets a bit lonely at times when those I've been with have gone onward. I have nothing but time to hike and think about all those people with which I would love to share this experience. On the other hand, I love my quiet time. I love the solitude, the serenity and the space the quiet time provides during the day. I love being able to set my own schedule and go as I please. I have no one's agenda to follow but my own and that is very freeing. At night however, I find I like knowing people are around in which to socialize and hear of each other's adventures for the day.While hiking today I passed Junco and Early Bird and Minty at a stream. I thought, "Oh good, they'll be at the shelter tonight". Not so. They came by for a dinner break then left. I was pondering moving on but told myself just to stay put. So I did.Truck is here tarping behind the shelter so I had the shelter all to myself. No one else showed up at the shelter. There is a chance of rain tonight so staying in the shelter will keep my tent dry. This is the first night I've spent in the shelter by myself, likewise a bit unnerving. It's just me here sitting at the table writing, starring at the trail watching for people to come in.The shelter is very pretty among the conifers. The juncos are pecking around the leaves rustling them around. the birds are still singing and the trees are swaying. My food bag is hung and I'm crawling under my quilt to read.The highlight of my day was the huge hot fudge sundae I ate at the Dairy King before the hike up and out of Damascus. I ate the whole thing! and enjoyed every minute of it.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: saunders shelter

To: thomas knob shrlter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

In which I have the most terrifying day I've ever had.Let's just say there was lightening, thunder, hail, side ways rain and wind, hiking up balds and rock formations, long miles, fog and a seemingly unending trail and day.And that's all I'm going to say about that! I even thought of quitting.....but I am not!