morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC- Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

Even though it was a short walk today, it was rainy and cold. We could see the little town of Hot Springs from a mile up on the trail. Elmer's is a retreat center for various health related workshops- including yoga, wellness, etc.- but he also has comfy rooms for thru-hikers since he is one himself. Besides inexpensive beds in the historic inn, if you reserve a spot, you can have a delicious family style vegetarian dinner or breakfast with organic ingredients. This was a great spot to zero while we catch up on business, even though Elmer is out of town this week.We went for a walk after dinner in the balmy NC spring- the cherry blossoms, daffodils and crocuses are all blooming. I can see why some people get off here and why Elmer has no trouble recruiting help from returning thru-hikers. Thanks, Wren, the Wren's and Eric for your hard work and making us feel so comfortable.
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Hot Springs, NC- Elmer's Sunnybank Inn

To: Hot Springs, NC- Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Business done today:* ate huge breakfast including homemade soy milk and granola, nutty pancakes with apple butter, fruit, mint tea and good company* said goodbye to the 10 hikers that are passing us- all young men who started way after us* soaked in the hot tubs * caught up on the internet business at the library* mailed back a few things, including Yak Trakkers and excess clothes* resupplied at the Dollar General and Bluff Mountain Outfitters* read a chapter or two from "AWOL on the Appalachian Trail"* dried out our clothes and repacked* made a few essential phone callsYou can see that this was a very relaxing and productive zero day. The forecast if for sun tomorrow, so we'll be off in morning on our way to Erwin, TN- a 65 mile trek. We're resupplying for 5 days, so we'll need to walk some long miles.
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Hot Springs, NC- Elmer's Sunnybank Inn

To: Near Allen Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

We went up and out of Hot Springs looking back at French Broad River. It was hard to leave town, but it was also good to get back in the woods.The weather was good so we blew by the shelter and went on towards Allen Gap and stealth camped. The woods were lovely, dark and deep. The stars were out and the sky was bright with the moon. We saw the lights off in the distance from a town.
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

It was hot today...the gnats got on my sweaty face when I hesitated on the uphills. I also got some sort of sting on my ear which itched and turned red.I want to describe the Thru-Hiker Water Cycle for those scientists amongst you. Hikers sweat and lose water, they fill their water bottles to drink and replace the water, the full water bottles are heavy and cause the hiker to sweat and lose water...... Our Camelbak water bags are great, but heavy when full. At least we are drinking more.When we came down from Allen's Gap, there was gunfire. I'm not sure who was firing, but it was close and gave us pause. When we arrived at the road, there was a "wanted" poster for some guy that may be on the AT who is wanted by the NC police. Interesting.The tent camping last night was great. We would only stay in shelters if it was raining (or about to rain) or if we wanted to make a fast getaway in the morning for a long hiking day. Shelters are sturdy and mostly water-proof, but are inhabited by mice and snorers. They also aren't as warm as a tent.
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

There was a cliff walk today that involved scrambling over boulders and walking along rocky, narrow ledges. We loved it. To the left was flat and inhabited- farms, townm, etc. On the right was undulating mountains.Sticker says, "Blessed are those who arrive at the shelter before the rain starts", but we were not so blessed. The sky opened up about an hour before arriving at the shelter.When we saw the shelter, we were elated. It soon turned to disappointment when we discovered it was full, so we pitched our tent in the pouring, cold rain. The kids in the shelter (who had the right to be there!) were from UM/Duluth and a few from UA/Tuscaloosa. They were spunky and fun and we enjoyed their fire in the morning.
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

The rain from the night before was frozen on the tent this morning and had to be scraped off the tent. It was cold all day- we could see our breath and the wind was blowing, especially on Big Bald. We only saw a few day hikers.Trail magic is when something yummy is left for hikers. We saw an empty shelf for future trail magic. So far, we missed the hot dog giveaway at Burningtown Gap and turned away the canned beans after Max Patch. Too early for the crowd I guess.
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

It was in like a lion, out like a lamb, today, the first day of Spring. The temps were in the teens during the night and we left the shelter quickly to get warm. We were the only ones in the shelter- too cold, I guess. The mice were busy all night, running up and down and around, but we were busy keeping warm and didn't care.I kept watching for bears all day. It's amazing how many dark stumps there are in the woods. And relativity means that as I move, it appears that the stump moves or at least changes shape. No, Davy Crockett, who "kilt him a b'ar when he was only 3" was history.The day unfolded to be in the 60s and beautiful, so we kept on going after the last shelter to make it into Erwin. The Whistling Rocks were a wall of rock that we walked right under. There were views of Erwin for the last 6 miles of the day.The last 2 miles of any day are the longest miles.
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Erwin, TN

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

The beautiful day started well with a gradual climb into the hills and a foot soak in the stream. Then we missed a switchback and ended up bushwhacking over some very ugly blowdowns. We had to retrace our steps and find the path which was equally difficult.Then, we stopped at a stream to fill our water bags, but, although I'd like to blame Camelbak, I didn't tighten the top and all my water leaked into my bag and down my back. I had to take everything out of my pack, dry it off and repack, all by the side of the trail.About half a mile down the trail, I noticed that the full jar of peanut butter was missing. We walked back to the stream, but it wasn't there. I must have lost it when we were bushwhacking. Darn.Bushwhack, backtrack, gives a gal a groan. Fortunately we found a comfy place to tent, with lights rising up from the dark all around us and from the sky.Sometimes when I'm walking, the trail consumes me and it is all I can do to find safe footing. Other times, I can just entertain myself by thinking of fun stuff. This is just for fun-fictional, of course.'Twas the night after Erwin   And all through the woods,Hikers were tucked   In their sleeping bag hoods.The food bags were hung   From the pine trees with care,Four feet from the trunks,   Six feet up in the air.I went out in the night   For my twice nightly pee,In my Crocs and my long johns   I leaned on a tree.When what to my wondering   Eyes should appear,But a mother black bear   With her little cubs near.She made not a sound,   But went right to her work.She brought down those bags,   With a claw and a jerk.With haste and in silence   They ate all those yummies.The high calorie foods   Went into bear tummies.The Snickers, the oatmeal   The pre-sweetened teas,Tuna and noodles,   And sharp cheddar cheese.When all of a sudden   She stood up with a start.They disappeared in the dark,   With the last berry Pop-tart.As I stumbled to bed, I looked back in the dark , Did I imagine? A bear's laughing bark?
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.0

Something has changed in our attitude. Instead of hiking to camp, we are starting camp to hike. What I mean is, instead of deciding in the morning where we will go that day, we are now, finally, hiking until we want to stop, and then camping. We know many of the thru-hikers "shelter-hop", that is, sleep only in shelters, which gives them limited choices of distances, but we sleep best in our own tent and don't mind pitching it alongside the trail.
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

We went over Roan Mtn today- the last 6000 footer until NH. It was a long day, but we wanted to stay in a unique shelter- a converted barn. We usually try to sign the logs in shelters we pass, but some cretin took the pens so we settled for pictures at Roan High Mountain Shelter- the highest shelter on the trail. It was blowing and cold by the time we went through the balds by Carver's Gap- a bit of foreshadowing, methinks.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Near Buck Mountain Rd.
Miles today: 14.8

The barn shelter that sounded so good yesterday turned out to have a sieve-like skin and the mist blew in and insinuated itself into all our meagre worldly goods. The whole structure shook all night long and was just uncomfortable enough for us to want to get up and go hike.Big mistake. We had a terrifying hike over the Little and Big Hump Mountains (which are treeless balds). The winds were hurricane force- GarageMan estimated 90-100 mph gusts. Walking was further complicated by the sideways rain that prevented us from seeing the duration of our misery. At one point, my rainfly was torn from my backpack and I was forced to chase it across the lumpy tundra-like terrain to pin it down with my pole. It was way too windy to stop and put it back on, so GarageMan held it for me until we were redeemed. There was a memorial plaque up at the summit for Stan Murray and I remember thinking "I wonder what he did that was so awful that this hellacious ridge is dedicated to him". The wind knocked GarageMan over twice and only my lack of height kept me at a 45 degree angle, enough to slowly move forward. It was as challenging as I've faced (with the possible exception of my first year of teaching).After 4 miles of being buffeted around, we finally got into some trees and some protection. I felt like I was done for the day. Not so. Being a thru-hiker means that you are never through hiking..Later that day, we came to a shelter near the road with an ad for a diner that serves breakfast all day. We tried to hitch a ride, but even after taking off my hat to display my gray hair, no one stopped for us.   When we walked the entire mile to Brook's Kitchen, it was closed. The wonderful gals inside turned the grill back on for us and made us pancakes and eggs. We loved it and got an easy ride back to the trailhead in the back of a pickup truck. The guy promised that the Corona between his knees was the first of the day.The weather turned out beautiful and we could see stars from the tent door that night.
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Near Buck Mountain Rd

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

Lots of fantastic campsites on today's hike. In fact, today was the day most like I pictured of an AT hike. It was overcast with a comfy temp- not too hot, not too cold.The trail had enough ups and downs to be interesting, but not difficult.Most of the trail was well maintained without dangerous roots/rocks.Water was readily available.We met no one else on the trail until the shelter.The trail meandered around waterfalls and streams.Songbirds sounded all day, like the day Bambi was born.As you know, no other day has been like this, so it must not be typical. And, to balance the euphoria, when we got to the shelter, Paul With Bunions had a great fire going. GarageMan melted the zipper on one of the zipped off legs of his pants. He ended up throwing them both in the fire as they were now unusable....he'll be wearing shorts over long johns now and trying to evade the fashion police.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove- Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.0

After a quick and easy morning of hiking, we ended up at Bob Peoples' Kincora Hostel. He runs the hostel on goodwill and donations, and a more generous person, you'll never meet. A thru-hiker gets a shower with a clean towel and soap, laundry washed, a ride to town to resupply, a warm bed, access to kitchen and outdoor grill and the company of other hikers for a "suggested" donation of $4. What a guy!We enjoyed the company of Walkabout and dog Toby, Easy Goin', Pete, Virginia and Will, as well as some short term hikers. The discussion rolled around to purist AT hiking. Even though most people say HYOH (hike your own hike), many have strong opinions about being a pure thru-hiker.Here are some of our own ideas, subject to change, of course:We want to   Go northbound- not change direction for some sections because they might be easier   Carry our packs the entire way   Not take blue-blazed side trails instead of the AT   Complete it this year, barring family emergenciesOf course, everyone needs to HYOH, and some think that the purpose is just to be hiking-anything goes. I respect that, too.Today we left North Carolina. Tennessee and NC have been intertwined for at least 250 miles. Daily we crossed back and forth. If the shelter was in TN, there was no privy. Now we just need to get to VA to cross 3 of the 14 AT states. Trivia question: Which of the original 13 states will we miss?
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Dennis Cove- Kincora Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

It was hard to leave Bob's hospitality and the congenial group of hikers we met there, but the trail was gorgeous, in spite of the rain. We walked for 3 miles next to cascades and falls before climbing 2000 feet to Pond Flats and down again. We continued on around Watauga Lake, over the dam and then had views of the lake the entire rest of the long day.When we arrived at the shelter, the mice stood up and danced a jig. Every shelter has mice, but most are courteous enough to wait until dark. Not so these cheeky ones- they were running everywhere, licking their chops and eyeing our toilet paper. It was blowing a steady 40 with rain, so we did some soul searching and pitched the tent, leaving our packs hanging in the shelter to entertain the vermin. We had a great sleep with the blowing wind as white noise, safe and warm in our 15 degree bags.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Near Low Gap
Miles today: 17.9

It was cold and windy all day. The trees were moaning and groaning so much, I thought I was teaching 8th grade again. I started off feeling really pitiful- saying to myself "this is miserable- I'm cold and the trail is slick and I have to walk for a long time- boo, hoo" so just to prove that everything can always get worse, I tobogganed down a wet root and fell in the mud. After that, I tried not to jinx myself.Things got worse anyway since we camped in snow blowing sideways near the side of the trail. Thanks, Tennesee for a memorable last day.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Near Low Gap

To: Damascus - Hiker Inn
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

The ice covered our tent with freckles, so when the sun came up, we did what every sensible person would do. Yep, we rolled over to sleep in. Unfortunately, we don't have indoor plumbing, so, by 7:30, I couldn't wait any longer, so after answering the call, I gathered up the food bags that were dangling, frozen from their rope in the tree. We enjoyed a yummy breakfast in bed (poptarts, Honey Nut Cheerios, and Instant Breakfast) and packed up quickly so we could warm up hiking.We got to see the Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde nature of the trail- on the east side of the ridge, the mountainous, rugged side, the sun was shining and there was no wind. Coming over a ridge to the west, the ground was snowcovered, it was about 30 degrees and a chilly wind was blowing. We changed clothes all day long.We arrived in sunny Damascus at about 3:30 and secured a private room at the Hiker Inn. We ate dinner at Fattie's and we plan to take the day off tomorrow to catch our breath and to store up some calories that we don't need to carry in our packs. Garage Man has lost about 20 pounds so far and I've lost 10-12....we think.Words GarageMan is requested never to say again, "Someone should bring a leaf blower up here and clean off these trails." and "I thought you said it was all downhill from here". Words he requested that I never say again, "We're almost there now" and "This is the last uphill of the day." After 6 weeks, this list might be getting longer.Finally Virginia. We'll be in VA for the entire month of April and probably longer. We think Spring might arrive while we're here.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Damascus - Hiker Inn

To: Damascus, VA- Hiker Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We spent a glorious day in hiker friendly Damascus. Locals come up and chat and other hikers are all over in the shops, library and on the benches and picnic tables. There are lots of public phones available and the outfitters give hiker discounts on large ticket items.We weren't sure where to stay because I was sick of sleeping on plywood but without spending a bundle. What a find at the Hikers Inn. We have a private room with a very comfortable bed (the first in 6 weeks) with clean bedding and shower right on the main street. Suzanne has wifi and free long distance on her phone. She took us to resupply and we joined her for dinner cooked on the grill. She's putting up a website, but if you want to upgrade from a slab, I recommend it. She also has beautiful rooms in her house.We are still struggling to post some of our 200 pics, but we might have some up in the morning. We leave about 1:00 tomorrow after some Alaska contacts. Right now the wind and rain are banging on the window reminding us it's time to move on. We'll be ready to walk through April in Virginia.Hikers leaving Damascus tomorrow are Pete, Easy Goin', Walkabout and Toby. Wes left today. Good luck, guys! I haven't seen anyone new at the 3 hostels today. I'm sure there are lots up in the hills tonight.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sorry for the security breech- don't worry- I've taken appropriate steps!We left Damascus in the warm afternoon after a late call to Alaska (and the 4 hour time difference). A garter snake crossed the trail in front of GarageMan-a good wake-up call. So far we noticed that Virginia has signage, privies and switch-backs, all pleasant upgrades from the first 460 miles.The Virginia Creeper Trail is a bike trail that parallels the AT, but is low altitude and has a 2% max. grade....way too easy for us!The shelter held only us, with CookyMann in his tent outside. A nice quiet re-entry from a zero day. We loved Damascus! but we came to hike and by the afternoon of a zero day, we want to get back to walking.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It started off beautifully with an early start and great hopes of climbing the highest peak in Virginia. The wind started picking up by afternoon and although we planned to tent camp in Deep Gap, we couldn't find a spot out of the wind so we walked the additional 2 miles to the shelter. At the summit, there was a turnoff for Mt. Rogers, the highest mountain in Virginia, and then a short 4/10ths of a mile away was the shelter. Water was down the hill from the shelter in a creek that was enclosed with a wood rail fence to keep out the wild ponies. The fog was so thick by this time that I couldn't see the top of the hill and the shelter from the creek.When we went to bed in the attic of the shelter, the wind was shaking the entire building.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Every day is an adventure. When we woke up, the wind was lifting the corner of the roof of the shelter so we didn't know whether to leave or not. The wind was gusting to 60 mph and the rain was coming down in torrents. We finally got dressed and moved all our stuff down to the first floor of the shelter to decide whether to make a run for it.About noon, the Chicago girls, Too Clean and Hot Mess, came by and told us that the wind was at its worst right around the shelter. We packed up and headed down the mountain. From now on, I will say "humping it" in memory of our day over Big Hump Mountain to refer to extreme wind, cold windchill, low visibility and generally dismal crossing of balds, pastures, exposed ridges and highlands. We "humped it" for about 6 miles of our hike.We went through the Grayson Highlands, reputably one of the prettiest sections of the trail in the fog. We did see one sad little wild pony huddled by a rock against the rain. We also heard a neighing from far off, but basically, we missed most of the beauty as it disappeared into the fog. Much of the trail was ankle deep water running downhill.Today was also notable in that we went over 500 miles. It also was notable in that we discovered that hiking in bad weather was better than sitting around waiting.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

What a difference a day makes! It was gorgeous today and we continued all the way to the shelter with the phone to order pizza. The trail was easy walking and the ridgelines gave us great views of pastures and mountains.The shelter had Boy Scouts with leaders and about 9 thru-hikers. It was our first really fun, social shelter experience- we ate pizza on the porch of the Visitor Center next door and went to bed much later than usual- about 9 pm.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Happy Hiker Hostel- Adkins, VA
Miles today: 12.2

Coyotes howled about 4 am and we took our time getting up and moving today. It was really hot and we were on snake watch. Rambunny and Aqua have a comfy hostel with all you can eat dinner (ham, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, bread, potato salad, asparagus, salad and cake) and we're looking forward to a big breakfast and drop off at the trail tomorrow.Water is an issue on the trail because it is so heavy and so you want to carry enough, but not too much. Two ideas we've heard and like are: drink lots when you are at the water source so you don't have to carry so much and pour out all your water to lighten your load when you are within 45 minutes of the shelter. We are now carrying water in our Camelbaks during the day, and right before we stop for the night, we make sure we each have an additional liter each for dinner and breakfast.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Happy Hiker Hostel- Adkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

It was raining all day, except when it was snowing, It was in the 30s all day, but the trail was interesting and varied. There were several miles of treadway easement only. When we got to the shelter, we decided to pitch our tent in the shelter since snow was falling and the wind was blowing it around. Water was about 1/2 mile away, so that was inconvenient. Why is it that we can walk for miles, but that last short walk is painful?I've been thinking about the absence of females on the trail. There are some of us, but I think that thru-hiking behavior is not how we are raised. Belching, farting, spitting, snoring and peeing in the woods have been discouraged since we were little. On the trail, these bodily functions are expected. "Hey, Foul Stench, whatcha got for us? Only that little girly belch? Try more Slim Jims!". Anyway, some gals (like Rocky, Too Clean and Hot Mess) are more adaptable, I guess.