morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It has been a few weeks since I last posted here and I have a little time this morning, so I thought I would let you know that everything is still on track for an April 1st departure. I went to the ATKO a couple weeks ago and met some great folks there. Some of which I will likely see on the trail. I wish I had thought to get contact information from previous thru-hikers Irish Charm and Turtle. I spent some time talking with them around the fire and left thinking I could find them on TJ but I had no luck. Anyway, I have been busy getting my life in order to be lost in the woods for about a half a year. I finished my last assignment with my part time employer, went to see my mother and had dinner and a beer with some of my best home town friends yesterday. I have 10 days left to finish around the farm before I leave. The weather has been nice lately and I am getting pretty excited / nervous about the hike. I have made up some resupply packets that Tamara (my trail boss) will be sending me every 3 or 4 weeks. They are not really food as much as other things that will be difficult for me to get at a Dollar store or in a small town. My pack is still sitting in the living room packed, with the exception of my sleeping bag, where it has lived for the past 4 or 5 months. I think I have repacked it 8 or 10 times now adding or subtracting something each time. I wish I could tell all the farm critters goodbye and that I will be back in the fall so they don¢t think I am gone forever but they will be in good hands until I return. Seeing friends and family for the last time in a while really makes all this seem a quite different than ¢A walk in the woods¢ I am ready to join the north bound thru-hikers!
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

The time is almost here! I leave to join the 2014 class of AT thru-hikers in 3 days. By some type of miracle, I will complete the list of chores we made in August (and have added to a dozen times since) before my departure. I basically have only to grease and change the oil in the mower and tractor. I will continue to work on the tractor shed, but it is in the dry now and can wait till I return to be completed. It seem the weather is causing tough times for some of the thru hikers already on the trail, so I have decided to bring a little heavier down jacket. Some who read this have read my earlier posts and know my approach to doing the AT this year. If you have not, here is my plan; I will be doing a Flip-Flop. My plan is to begin in Hot Springs, NC and return to do the 275 miles south at the end. I am from Maryville, TN and have done almost all of these miles in the past. Some of them 20 or more times. This way I will be in the Smokies in the fall when the weather is good, the shelters are not packed and I can finish at Springer just 2 hours from home.As far as the rest of the trip¢¦I would say it¢s up in the air. I have talked with another ¢14 thru hiker about aqua blazing a small portion, but we will see. The only yellow blazing I intend is heading back south to Damascus for Trail Days and yellow blazing back to where I left off.I will soon be on the trail and enjoying the fruits of my labor. Literally! I dehydrated almost 350 pounds of apples from our trees last fall. I packaged them into about 50 vacuum sealed bags so I can have 2 a week my whole trip. Unless I take longer. Which may happen. I am in no hurry. I want to enjoy everything the trail has to offer. I have been so busy the last few months I have had little time to be anxious but it is certainly creeping in now. I may try to post one more short entry before I depart if I get the chance. If not, see you in Hot Springs on Tuesday
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.8

The week has gone almost perfect. Sunday, I got the roof on the shed and saw my first snake of the year. Monday, We left for Hot Sprins, NC and today, I got on the trail. Yesterday I decided to do the my first section backwards. This would allow me to see and meet the people that will be hiking around me this week, carry one day less worth of food and eat and sleep in Hot Springs again. In a little less than 6 hours, I passed 37 thru-hikers. I figure some will be in front of me and some will be behind me tomorrow when I get a ride back to Allen Gap and head north. Thank You Tamara for taking me to Hot Springs and to Allen Gap this morning. I will post again when I reach Erwin, TN on Sunday or Monday.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Allen Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 53.0

Tuesday was a little tougher than Monday. I started at Allen gap with what seemed to be a continous, six mile climb to Camp Creek bald. Then across Bear Wallow Gap which offered spectactular views if you were brave enough to look up from the boulder scramble. I Got to Jerry's Cabin by 3:30 so decided to go to Flint Mountain Shelter. There were 4 section hikers there when I arrived at 6 and after 17.5 miles I was pretty tired. I sat up my tent and started dinner when Scorch and Dune came rolling in with Maripoza. Then next morning I woke to thunder storms that lasted till 8:30 or so, but the rain continued. Scorch,Dune and Maripoza left the shelter just before 9 in full rain gear. I talked a bit with the section hikers and recieved my first trail magic. Then Hog Herder came in looking for water and the privy. the rain stoped so I took my tent down stuffed it into my pack and decided to pack my rain jacket as well. Hog Herder said, you think it's over? I said I do. He said he would continue to wear his rain jacket just to ensure I would not get rained on. Ten miles later I caught up with Scorch, Dune and Maripoza (DS&M) at Hogback shelter where we had to leave the trail .3 miles to for water. It was worth it because ther is no water for 5 miles in either direction. We continued to Sams Gap where I recieved my second trail majic and then on up to Big Bald. The view from there was incredible. I mean a real 360 view. After a snack and water break we continued to Bald Mountain Shelter. (19 mi Day) There was only one person there whith his dog and he was sectioning South. We settled in, cooked dinner and were in bed late, 9:30 pm. During the next 3 hours 6 others came in. Each time the dog made sure everyone was awake and one more time at 3 just so we all knew we had a dog at our shelter I guess. It was still my best night of sleep so far. We were out of the shelter by 7:50. We had Erwin in our sights. It seemed at first an easy day considering the elevation loss, but ther was enough uphill to double the loss. Did I mention the rain? Anyway, we made it to Uncle Johnny's Hostel, got a 4 person cabin, wento town and had Mexican and a beer and now we are back. I am pretty tired. 68 miles in 4 days. I really enjoy the company of DS&M, but I think I will say good bye to tomorrow and hike a little slower. My feet hurt.(Pic posted of the next crew I'll be with, taken at Uncle Johnny's.)
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Erwin, TN

To: Greasy Creek Friendly
Miles today: 26.0

Saturday I took an easy day and slack packed 8 miles. I met S,D&M for lunch and tented at Uncle Johnny's again. I ordered a veggie pizza delivered to the hostel and got back on the trail at 9:30 Sunday headed for Greasy Creek Friendly. The 16 mile day was pretty easy trail but I almost missed the side trail to the Greasy Creek. Seems that one of her neighbors doesn't like hikers and takes the signs down. There were 12 hikers there and I didn't call so I slept in the bunk house. It was nice to hear the rain on the tin roof all night and come in and have coffee made. Connie, the owner of the Friendly is a hoot and sings for you. She took some of us to Unicoy to have Mexican & Margaritas. I was thinking I would be eating Knor Pasta sides till Damascus,VA. I am still almost 100 miles away and Roan Mountain is an hour north. I will rest here all day and take my first zero. I am over a day ahead and there are some interesting things going on constantly here. I had Chunky Monkey, Ben and Jerry's for breakfast (1200 calories). I will get back on the trail Tuesday.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Damascus

To: Wood's Hole Hostel
Miles today: 136.9

I know it has been a while since I last posted. As I planned, I did a short 5.2 mile day on the 15th. It was freezing rain and turned to snow shortly after. I did a short hike and headed back to Damascus to sleep somewhere warm and dry. The temp was in the teens that night. On the 16th, I headed to Wise shelter alone. The day was nice as I climbed to Mt. Rogers. It was an easy climb and I stopped at the shelter for lunch and continued through the Grason Highlands. Somewhere along the way I lost my water bottle and only discovered it missing when I was thirsty. The rest of the day was not quite so easy for me. It was lots of rocks and steps. When I walked up to Wise shelter I was ask if I wanted a hot dog. I said I would love one. I had three and a cup of steamed veggies with cheese on them. A section hiker brought it in and fed everyone that wanted it. My first shelter magic.(16.2 mi) The next morning I headed out with Goat, Gandolf and Topo. We had another nice day and went to Trimpi Shelter. It was a really nice shelter, but pretty full so I set up my tent again. Trimpi is stone with a fireplace. I will add photos later.(20 mi) The next morning I was one of the last to leave the shelter. I walked about a mile to find a tent in the woods with Trail Magic. Only thing was, it was empty. I walked another hundred yards to a road where te Trail angels were restocking and the offered me a sausage biscuit, a cup of orange juice and a cup of coffee. They were from Valley View Baptist Church. It was another great day and I found myself hiking 22.2 miles to Atkins so I could go to the Barn Restaurant for a cheeseburger. I stayed at the relax Inn for $40. You get what you pay for. The next morning I hiched into town to the Dollar store for supplies (food) and headed out on the 19th for Lick Creek to camp along side the river. This was my favorite place so far. Goat and Gandolf joined me after I had my tent set up. (17.4 mi)The next morning there was a 2200 ft. climb that was pretty tough but rewarded us with incredible views from Chestnut Knob shelter. I had lunch and enjoyed the day for an hour with my shoes off. I then continued to Jenkins Shelter where I had my Easter dinner and was offered Cheesecake from a section hiker.(15.6 mi) The next morning after 5 miles I crossed a bridge onto a gravel road where another Church was shuttling hikers to their place for breakfast. I jumped into the truck and was given eggs, potatoes, pancakes, apple sauce, a ham biscuit and homemade cookies. The took our pictures and ask us to send them a postcard when we are finished. I wrote the address down and took te next shuttle back to the trail. 7 miles later, I met True Britt at the road and he told us there was no water for the next 9 miles and ask us to go to his camp. He said he would shuttle us there and back, make breakfast and give us plenty of water for $7 PP. I stayed there and took my first creek bath of the year. (11.9 mi.)On the 22nd I hiked on a rainy day 18.4 miles to Trent Grocery and campground. I will post again tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: scattered clouds

On the 23rd I left Trent and headed for Wood's Hole Hostel. The weather was nice again. Sunny, but not hot. This was a really nice section of trail following Dismal Creek. A short side trail led to Dismal Falls and a nice swimming hole. Unfortunately, it was too early and cold for me to want another creek bath so soon after the one the previous day. I continued North (on the AT) to Wapiti shelter where I had lunch alone. I continued to Wood's Hole and made it there by 4. I took a hot shower in their outdoor shower and found a place in the bunkhouse. I then spent a little time on the internet and helped in the Kitchen. We had an awesome salad, Black bean burgers, french fries and home made black berry ice cream for desert. (14.9 mi) Today (4/24) I took the shuttle to Pearisburg to buy supplies and hiked back. The trail runs right by the town. I bought an avocado, a pound of strawberries, a little Debbie cake and some Kale juice for my lunch and enjoyed it from a viewpoint on a ridge that overlooked Pearisburg. I got back about 4 again and took another shower. Rocket Man and Ranger made it in to join Princess who was here when I arrived recovering from an injury. I have 5 days worth of food in my pack now and it again weighs over 35 lbs. Leaving town tomorrow morning will be a slow 2,000 ft. climb to get back on the ridges of VA. It will likely be a week before I can post again. Follow the white blazes. (10 .4 mi) Oh yes, I almost forgot. Someone asked about my pillow. I love it and would replace it if it were lost. It does take a few night to learn just how much air to put in it. Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Rice Field shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This morning I left Pearisburg with a heavy pack and a week's worth of food. The weather was cloudy and it looked like rain. Just as I began the climb back up the ridge, it began to rain. The wind and rain made for a cool climb. Shortly after I finished the 2,000 ft ascent the thunder began. I hurried my pace and arrived at the Rice Field shelter just before the storms hit. Rabbit was there. Over the next hour the shelter filled up. Even though I only made 5 miles, I am happy to be warm and dry.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Daleville
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: overcast clouds

So, waiting on the storm to pass paid off. We had an excellent day of cool breez and sunshine. I got off to my normal 9:00 start on Thursday leaving the road near the 4-Pines hostel. The hike was nice, traversing along a stream for a mile or so. I ran into Topo early in the day. I hadn't seen him since the day before Easter. We talked a bit and made our way to McAffee Knob where we took a few pictures and had lunch. We then hiked on to Tinker Cliffs which were also very nice. Around 6 or so we found ourselvs at Lambert Medows camp site. It was really nice with a picnic table and a stream along one side and the AT along the other.(16.6 mi.) This morning we got the earliest start since I started. We left at 7:45. Today was another beautiful one with the light breeze and sun. We hiked into Daleville where I got my shoes to replace the dead ones I had been hiking in for a while. I will wash clothes and eat the rest of the day. I have 2 people waiting on this computer so this will have to be short. I will try again next week.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

On Saturday morning we finally got out of Daleville. I had a new pair of shoes and was so ready to back on the trail. The shoes were not really what I wanted, but sometimes you just have to take what you can get. Being Saturday, the Blue Ridge parkway was pretty busy. We crossed it several times and our last time Sharon and Stephen had set up a table and were making sandwiches for thru hikers. This was the first time they had been trail angles. I sat with them as they waited on me like I was their best customer in their new restaurant. I try not to be greedy even though their food was better than what I had in my pack. After 20 minutes or so others emerged from the woods and I left full and looking to end my day.This day, like all town days, started with a big climb and I was tired. I ended my day at Bobblets Gap shelter. Over the next hour, a few more came in and we built a fire and talked about trail magic (food). It was a little hot but a great day. There was a swimming hole in my sights for the next afternoon. (18.5 mi)
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Bobblets Gap

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Sunday. I have been hiking with Topo for several days now and it seems I get on the trail earlier when he is around. We left about 8 and headed towards the swimming hole everyone was tired of hearing me talk about. There was a chance of rain in the forecast but I was going swimming. This was not a particularly hard day but it was hot. By 1 or so we were descending into the valley where the river was and I could hardly wait. Just before we got out of the woods, we found a trash bag full of individually wrapped donuts. Topo and I each grabbed one but something else had our attention. The smell of burgers on the grill. Once again, there were trail angles in the parking lot. They must have been trying to outdo all the other trail angles because they were cooking burgers and hot dogs with all the fixings including two coolers full of drinks. (Beer) All of the hikers that we had seen the previous day were there. I had plenty to eat and drink but lost the motivation to climb the 4,200 ft Apple Orchard Mountain a few hours down the trail. Topo and I agreed to have a short day and do the big climb in the morning when it was cool. And yes, I did go swimming even though the water was really cold. We stayed at Bryant Ridge shelter. This is now my new favorite shelter. It is beautifully timber framed, has loft and a nice porch. I want to return to this shelter some day. A few hours after we had gone to bed, others came in and went quietly to the loft. (13.5)
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matt's CreekCreek
Miles today: 22.6

I should be at a Mexican restaurant on this day. But there were none between Bryant Ridge and Matt's creek. This was a tough day with several big climbs. For the first time, I saw a trillium blooming this morning. By the time we reached the Blue Ridge parkway (BRP) I had seen thousands. I really noticed on this cloudy day that winter is giving way to spring. It happens later in the mountains where the AT is. We stopped for lunch just before it rained. Not my favorite way to have lunch. We had no shelter and were still pretty high in the mountains. We finished our lunch and took off hiking so we could warm up. The rain was quite cold. We ended this long day at Matt's creek and saw Gram Cracker and Short Stop again. They are from Knoxville and Sevierville. We chatted as we made our dinner and beds in the shelter. I prefer the shelter any time there may be rain. (22.6 mi)
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Matt's CreekCreek

To: Brown Mountain Creek
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Another day with a swimming hole. The day started with crossing the James River on a foot bridge built for the AT and is the longest pedestrian only bridge the AT traverses. Usually, crossing a river means a big climb afterwards. This was no exception. We climbed 2,300 ft. to the top of Big Rocky Row where we had lunch or maybe it was second breakfast. Anyway, the view was awesome. We then went to Punchbowl shelter for water and second lunch before heading to Pedar River where we would swim and camp. The water was still cold but easier on this hot day. Topo even got in. I think he sees why I like the river so much. After we dried, we looked for the camping spot. We couldn't really find a good spot so we decided to go to another one a little over two miles away. When we got to the spot referenced in our guide book, there were signs saying NO CAMPING HERE. Brown Mountain Creek was the next camping spot so off we went. We had no intention of hiking 22 miles again but that is how it played out. Gram Cracker and Short Stop were there and the 4 of us shared the shelter. Brown Mountain Creek once was the home of a community of ex-slaves. What a beautiful spot they had. I guess it was just too far to Wal-Mart because now there is nothing there but stone walls. (22.2 mi)
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Brown Mountain Creek

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Since I was running low on fuel and Topo needed new shoes we decided to try to hitch a ride into Buena Vista. The trail crosses a road about 8 miles from town. As we crossed the road we saw Gram Cracker and Short Stop sitting on a table talking to some folks. As we walked up the people were leaving. We asked for a ride and they said they would give us a ride to the BRP so we jumped in. As we talked they decided just to take us the rest of the way in and they dropped us off at the Blue Dog Art Cafe where we ate second breakfast. We decided to stay at the hostel so we had plenty of time to get supplies, shoes ordered, find fule and eat. There was NO fuel in this town so the hostel owner said she would pick some up when she went to Lexington. I got my fuel, plenty of food to make it to Wanesboro, ice cream, ate a few more times and even got a haircut. Thursday we will make the 2,600ft climb up Bald knob with heavy packs. The locals tell us it will be getting to almost 90 on Friday. I will be looking for another swimming hole. Oh yes, I passed the 500 mile mark this week.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Porter's Field
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Topo and I did a resupply in Buena Vista and had to wait till 10:30 am for a ride back to the trail. We are usually on the trail by 8 or so but this late start allowed me to have a pint of ice cream after breakfast. The past 8 or 10 days I have been hiking with Topo, our hiking styles have changed a little. He has gotten me to do longer days and I have gotten him to do longer breaks. I think he likes the swimming holes now. There was just such a place in the plan for this day, the North Fork of the Piney River. First, we had to climb Bald Knob, a 2,000 ft climb. Going to town is nice so we can shower and get food for the next 4 or 5 days, but every town seems to be 2,000 feet lower than the AT. We got on the trail just after 11 and it was already hot. The leaves are not on the trees over 3,000 ft yet so the sun made this 90 degree day seem much hotter. Water sources were also pretty far apart here so we had to plan on getting it every time we could. I guess it was the heat, but the climb kicked my but and the Piney River was only a few inches deep. I did soak my feet though. We decided to camp at Porters field. It was a nice place with a spring right in the camp. We built a fire and shortly after, Sysafus, Dino, Shortstop and Graham Cracker all set up their tents nearby. It was a nice way to end this day. Tomorrow we meet the Priest.