morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hog Back Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Last night I had a good nights sleep even though I slept curled up into a ball while perched on my empty backpack and anything else I had to layer the bottom of my tent, which I had set-up the night before on 15 inches or more of snow. Although Hoosier and I were cold in the morning, we were not miserable. We were both very thankful for a good night and a good start to this day.Early in the day we came to Big Butt Bald. The frosted and snow covered trees sparkled like diamonds as the sun hit them, and the blue skies provided a perfect backdrop. AWESOME! My favorite part of the day was lunch. Although we were not hiking together (everyone goes at their own pace), it worked out that seven of us all stopped at a shelter at about the same time for lunch. We relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine and temperature getting into the upper 30's. We laughed together and enjoyed interesting conversation and special comradely during our lunch break. Much of the discussion centered around an all-you-can eat Kentucky Fried Chicken Buffet that they had heard was about 25 miles ahead. The young men we were with were planning on doing some serious "damage" to that food line in a couple of days. Everyone was sure that the owners would not be making a profit on the day they were there. These guys are great, and the conversation all along the trail has stayed clean and respectful. Not coarse at all. Therefore, it was really funny when one of the younger hikers said he had had a dream about legs the night before. He said he had woke up "lusting" after them. It was only then that he told us the object of his desire was luscious, juicy chicken legs. It was good to laugh and feel free to be ourselves. In the mid-afternoon we came to a small road crossing and someone had left a case of water, some Mountain Dew, and a ziplock bag of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. There was no sign or name. It was simply a very nice anonymous act of kindness that really lifted our spirits. Everyone that we camped with the night before had said they had the goal of doing 13.9 miles today, but only 5 us made it that far to Hog Back Ridge Shelter. The day started with climbing to Big Butt Bald at 4,750 feet, then we descended to 2,960 feet, then it was back to 4,579 feet, then down to a gap at 3,800, and we finished at around 4,200 feet. Plus, of course, there are the normal bumps and dips between these highs and lows. But what made it tough going today was the deep snow. The trail had already been blazed, but at times we were tromping through 4 foot snow drifts. It was slow progress. We all talked about what a great effort it must have been for the first hiker on the trail after the storm. Being the trailblazer at anything is not easy. It requires something special. For example, think of Jackie Robinson in baseball, Columbus and his ocean journeys, or Lewis and Clark, or Martin Luther King, Jr. The hikers we are with all said that if they knew who blazed the trail through the snow, they would love to buy him a beer. I'd love to thank him or her as well.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Spivey Gap

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 11.2

Not all days on the A.T. need to be hard or grueling. Four things combined to make this an "easier" day: experiencing rural southern culture and cooking; good interaction with other hikers; sunshine and warmer temperatures; and a mostly dry, interesting trail section.Gordan and Judy Polsgrove, long time friends of Hoosier and our very gracious overnight hosts, took us to their favorite local breakfast spot in the morning. This local eatery did not have a sign and was in a converted gas station. It was packed, and every man in the place was wearing a ball cap. The biscuits and gravy were great!When we were dropped off at the trail head (exactly where we were picked up the night before), six thru-hikers were there taking a break before moving on. We talked to them as a group, and then as we hiked, we had good individual contact with each hiker. It was fun meeting some new people and catching up the trail "news" and gossip. Later, when we were taking a break, Joe-the-Hiker and Justin caught up with us. Judy Polsgrove had packed us a nice lunch and had given me quite a bit of grapes so I was able to offer "trail magic" and give grapes to Justin when we shared a mid-morning break together. Justin was thrilled and six miles later he went out of his way to thank me a second time (I only mention this to point out what a big deal food is on the trail). We hiked several miles with Joe-the-Hiker and and among other things we talked about the importance of knowing why you are on the trail. Your motivation and goals are what give you the fortitude to keep going. The trail afforded really picturesque views of the Nolichucky River as we began our descent into Erwin, TN. The river has sections of rapids, and a railroad track runs along the one bank as it carves its way thru the mountains. When you get to Erwin the trail comes out of the woods on to a road and Uncle Johnny's Hostel is just a 100 yards away. We stopped at this iconic and crowded hostel and while visiting on the porch caught up with several other hikers we have enjoyed getting to know. It feels good to be a part of, and to be accepted by, the thru-hiking community. I am loving it. Uncle Johnny's Hostel consists of several rather shabby looking "cabins" fenced in and tightly grouped together on a small plot of land. Uncle Johnny is a friend of the hiking community and with his prime location often has as many as 50 thru-hikers stuffed into his cabins. (POST NOTE: Several weeks later a bad virus spread thru the hiker community. It may have started here, at least there were a lot of people here at once who were quite ill with digestive and intestinal distress. You can imagine how a virus could spread quickly in such crowded, and less than sanitary conditions, and then get passed on up the trail. The temperatures today made it to the low 50's. It was really nice to be hiking in just a long-sleeved shirt, not needing a jacket, rain gear or gloves. It was perhaps the best hiking weather we've enjoyed since we began on March 2nd.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Nolichucky River

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

On this Resurrection Sunday I attended a special Easter Service at the Polsgrove's church. It was a day of rest that included a HUGE Turkey dinner, phone calls with family, and a Michigan Basketball victory.The first Easter Sunday went something like this: On the day of Jesus' Resurrection, two of Jesus' followers were walking/hiking along to the Village of Emmaus, 7 miles from Jerusalem. As they walked/hiked along, they were talking about everything that had happened. Jesus suddenly came and began to walk/hike with them. He explained to them the scriptures that are written about him and sat down and ate with them. (from Luke 24)I admit that I like the idea of walking along with Jesus more than attending the kind of "big" well planned production that I went to this morning.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Nolichucky River

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Sunshine filtered through the trees as we hiked for several early morning miles along a mountain stream. It was warm enough for just a t-shirt at 1700 feet. As we climbed, the sun went behind clouds and stayed there for most of the rest of the day. Two long sleeve shirts were necessary as we crossed two grassy balds at about 4,100 feet. In the afternoon a little rain prompted us to put rain jackets on, and they stayed on the rest of the day. The 5,100 foot summit of Unaka Mountain was unique because it was a pine forest. We hiked on a "carpet" of pine needles mixed with snow, under a thick evergreen canopy. It seemed like being in an enchanted forest. Then, after the usual roller coaster type elevation changes, we ended our hiking day at around 3700 feet. The Polsgroves gave us a dozen tangerines to share. We made new friends as gave them out to hikers we met along the way.It was a largely uneventful day, but never-the-less still a day of contrasts. C.S. Lewis said something to the effect of, "If you think life is going to be like a luxury hotel, you are going to be sorely disappointed, but God does provide some pleasant Inns along the way." Lewis' words prompt me to say; if you think the A.T. is going to be easy, smooth, sunny, and relaxing you are going to be sorely disappointed. But Hoosier and I have enjoyed some very pleasant and comfortable "Inns" along the way, including tonight, as we are again staying in the Polsgroves' home. In this area the AT does not head on a straight line north. Instead it wanders all over. So that we were only 10.7 miles from the Polsgroves home when they picked us up this evening. The Polsgroves not only wanted to help us out again, but urged us to find two other hikers to also stay overnight with them. Hence, Joe-the-hiker is also with us tonight. The Polsgroves' invitation (extended thru Hoosier and me) to Joe-the-Hiker came at a very good time for him. The recent snow and tough conditions had taken a real toll on him mentally, physically and emotionally. Prior to our extending to him the invitation to stay here with us, he had already e-mailed his family saying that he needed to take a 3-4 day break and re-evaluate his hike since he felt like his "tank" was empty. Now he is getting a chance to re-group and fill up his "tank".
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 15.2

For several days we have been looking at Roan Mountain. At 6,285 feet, it is the largest mountain in the area, and today was the day we would hike over it. We were glad for the clear sky and sunshine, although our winter hat and gloves stayed on all day. Trail talk was that the three miles before the summit were "groan'in" miles. We were told of the snow we'd encounter. One south-bound hiker told us that he fell 20 times on the solid-ice covered trail. That's all good information, but I wasn't fearful or worried. Instead of dreading the climb, I was looking forward to it.At this point, we have gone over numerous peaks. We have been through the challenges of the Smokies. These experiences gave me confidence. I wasn't feeling cocky or unstoppable. I just knew that I could do this; one step at a time. There was no reason to fret. The ascent and descent from Roan Mountain proved to be very tricky....perhaps dangerous even. The trail was basically a river of thick ice with some ice covered rocks mixed in just for fun. We (Hoosier, Joe-the-hiker, and I) all fell hard at least once, and we watched other hikers take serious tumbles as well. One thru-hiker observed and then judged my most serious tumble on an Olympic gymnastics scoring scale. (I scored a 9.4...smile) Now, at the end of the day, we are all safe. We have stopped for the night about three miles past the peak of Roan Mountain. We are actually "camped" in a National Forest parking lot that is here for the use of day hikers. With only two cars in the parking spaces and little traffic on the road it is very quiet. It will be another mid 20's night with cold winds. Hoosier has decided to lay out his sleeping bag on the concrete inside the small one-seater pit toilet restroom. It is not very smelly this time of year, and he is convinced he will be warmer sleeping on the floor inside then in his tent outside. It's all quite humorous. He has taken a picture and posted it on his Face Book page. Joe-the-Hiker and I chose to set up our tents on the concrete right outside the pit toilet, thus using the small structure as a windbreak. We were all settled in for the night, when the occupants of one of the cars came hiking by flashlight down the trail and then attempted to use the toilet that Hoosier was sleeping in. They couldn't understand why the door was locked. We tried to be very still and hold our laughter until they left. It will be a story we can laugh about for years to come.There are so many scriptural parallels that can be drawn out here. While we were intently focusing on keeping our footing on the icy trail, Hoosier drew our attention to the phrase in Ephesians, from the King James Version of the Bible, that says, "we are to walk circumspectly." The idea is that we should take great care as to where we place our feet when we take each step in life's journey. That was a thought worth meditating on.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Carvers Gap

To: US 19 E
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

BALD IS BEAUTIFUL! Balds are windswept , treeless mountain tops. Everyone agrees that balds are starkly beautiful and offer a stunning near 360 view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.We were up before the sun, and after a hot cup of coffee were on the move. Immediately we headed up the long, grassy slope of a bald. As the sun came up, we were giddy and exhilarated by the views. It was amazing. Then we went up the next-higher bald, and it was even more amazing. Then the next bald had us exclaiming even more. We went up and over 4-5 grassy balds, with the last two above 5,400 feet. All told, we hiked over five miles in these high mountain clearings. I took lots of pictures, and we stopped twice to lay out, basking in the sunshine...although the temperature stayed in the low 40's with brisk wind. Over and over we commented on how thankful we were to have a day like this. At times on the steep slopes between the summit of each bald, we again had to carefully navigate icy trails. We met up with Trail Movin, who said, "if anyone says that didn't fall yesterday or today on the ice, then they are lying." We all laughed and then realized the life lesson parallel. If anyone says they haven't messed up and fallen then they are either deceived or lying. We all need help getting up after a fall.We ate lunch at the Overmountain Shelter. A refurbished red barn that now can sleep around 20 hikers in its lofts and offers a water source right nearby. It's an idyllic scene. With about 5 miles left in our day we came upon Booboo. He was tired and alone, and we asked him if he would like to join Joe-the-hiker, Hoosier, and I at the Polsgroves tonight. He was shocked by the offer, which he accepted, and he has been very friendly. He clearly is overwhelmed by the Polsgroves' kindness. He has been self employed as a plumber for 24 years and shut down his business for 6 months in order to hike the A.T. His wife is meeting up with him several times along the way to offer help and encouragement. To thank the Polsgroves for their hospitality Joe-the-hiker treated all of us to dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Life is very good.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: US 19 E

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: heavy intensity rain

We started out in a light, cold rain. Soon, it became a steady rain, and ice was forming on branches and leaves. We were again crashing through low hanging/drooping ice-laden rhododendrons. You simply pull your hood tight, lower your head, and barge through the icy branches. Then it began to sleet. The sleet was followed by pebble-sized hail. We joked that all that was left was for it to snow. Then snow, it did; big, quarter- and silver dollar-sized wet flakes. Quickly a half on an inch was on the ground. None of this caused us to lose the joy of the journey. It did mean that we had to keep moving, or we would quickly chill. So after eating lunch in an open shelter, we covered the last 10 miles without putting our packs down. I am writing this in a three sided shelter, occupied at this time, by only Joe-the-hiker, Hoosier, and I. I am sitting up with my sleeping bag around me listening to rain on the tin roof while surveying the icy forest. I enjoyed a Mountain House delicious lasagna dinner. I am contented and happy. This morning, as we liked, Hoosier remarked, "Life is good." Joe-the-hiker responded, "No, life is grand." I agree, "Life is grand."
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Watauga Lake
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Things I will remember.Today marks the completion of five weeks on the trail for me. There have been some challenges, most notably the cold and snow. There also have been numerous special moments that I will never forget. They will define this journey, not the cold. Here are some moments from today: Coming upon what I was told (perhaps erroneously) was a poisonous water moccasin on the trail. It was cold, so the snake was lethargic. I don't like snakes at all, but Joe-the-hiker picked up this 3-4 foot snake by draping it over his hiking pole, and I got some good pictures. The challenging, rocky scramble down to the base of Laurel Falls. I love rushing streams, and the falls were beautiful. At one point the trail ran right alongside the river on a narrow ledge. Eating lunch at Laurel Fort Shelter which was high up on the ledge of a cliff. We boiled hot water and had a cup of coffee while looking out on a mountain range as the clouds drifted overhead. The setting was a great backdrop for the conversation that Joe-the-hiker, Hoosier, and I were having.Sharing a half-full jar of peanut butter that we found in another shelter, after a 1700 foot climb late in the day. We each dipped a finger in for a glob. When we couldn't reach the bottom of the jar with our fingers, we cut the jar in half. Then we scraped the rest of the peanut butter out. (We sound pretty desperate don't we?)Meeting thru-hikers like Frost, who got engaged on Max Patch Bald on March 10th. His fiance has thru-hiked the trail twice. She is not thru-hiking with him this time but is making plans for their wedding which takes place after he finishes. We joked with him that he better finish his thru-hike or he will never live it down.The incredible hospitality of the Polsgroves. They are so excited for us and eager to help in any way they can.Sitting in the sun at the end of a full day of hiking. Feeling a contented kind of tiredness that comes from a feeling of accomplishment.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Watauga Lake

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

We had a nice change of pace for the first couple of hours this morning as the trail wound along the shore of Watauga Lake. This was the first large lake that we have come to . . . really the first lake of any size at all. Eventually we climbed to a ridge-line and for the rest of the day enjoyed views of the lake to the east and a mountain range to the west. We hiked in shorts and t-shirts the majority of the day since it was sunny with temperatures in the 60's.I sat alone on a rocky ledge 2,500 feet above Watauga Lake for a full hour at lunch time. It was relaxing and peaceful to sit and be still. Joe-the-hiker and Hoosier were a little way off, and were occupied answering "thousands" of questions posed to them by a group of sections hikers.   There was 12 miles between water sources today, which meant that we were thirsty and drank deep when got to the spring just before the shelter we are staying out tonight. Water sources have been so abundant that we haven't had to pay close attention to how much water we had with us and where we can get it next. We may need to be more careful with our planning as we move northAs I write this, I am sitting at a campfire with my tent pitched nearby. This is our first camp fire in 3 weeks. Also at this shelter-site are five other thru-hikers. Several are just out of High School (which is young for would be thru-hikers) and two are Eagle Scouts.I love being in the woods. It simply doesn't get much better than this . . . good friends, great weather, terrific trail, and no bugs. With no time constraints I have plenty of time to soak it all up.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

I am writing this while sitting at a campfire with eight thru-hikers (a whole different group of hikers than last night). Invariably, the conversation turned to the goal of getting to the finish at Mount Katahdin in Maine (which is still 1700 miles away). Discussion revolved around who has dropped out, who is hurting, where other hikers are, and when everyone expects to reach Katahdin. Almost everyone assumes that I am a thru-hiker, and I usually just remain silent unless I am asked a specific question. It's awkward explaining that I have to leave the trail after only 8 weeks. It makes me feel like an outsider.I am very grateful for the time I have had, and I will seek to savor every moment in the next 20 days. I like to think that I have what it takes to finish a thru-hike of the AT. My body is responding well, and I love the trail experience. But I do know that there are a lot of challenges in the remaining miles. I hope to come back sometime for a full thru-hike. It's #1 on my "bucket-list". It was a good day to be in the woods. We stayed on the ridge line with continual roller-coaster ups and downs. We hiked...all day. The afternoon sun felt good. Still no bear sightings.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: few clouds

This morning we packed up and were hiking on the trail 15 minutes before the sun peaked over the ridge. The lore of Damascus, "The friendliest town on the trail," had many energized and eager to cover the 10 miles. It seemed that some, having caught "Damascus fever", were half running down the trail. I was in no hurry and enjoyed a leisurely "stroll" into town. Coming into Damascus, Virginia, meant we had now completed Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. (Thru-hikers will pass through a total of 14 states in all.)The trail dropped dramatically from the ridge line we had been on for 2 1/2 days, and we came off the mountain and out of the woods directly into town. The A.T. runs the entire length of main street. There are three hiking outfitters in this little town/village and lots of hiker hostels. We are staying at "The Place." It is an old house right in the middle of town. It is run by the local Methodist Church. For a $6 donation, I get a bunk bed (no mattress) in a room with six other hikers, and the chance to take a hot shower.It is a perfect summer day with the temperature reaching near 80 degrees. Hoosier and I watched 17 thru-hikers (we know most of them) swim in the river close to the hostel. The water was frigid, but they were having a great time. (Most were swimming in their underwear.) Being in town means walking to the laundry-mat, to the food store to resupply, to the barber to get a haircut, to the post office, to the outfitter for needed gear or repairs, and of course, to a restaurant for some food. My boots had split at a seam, so earlier this week I called Go Gear (which is where I bought my boots in Muskegon, Michigan) and told them about my problem. Those guys are great! As I expected, they took good care of me. They worked it out so that the boot manufacturer sent me a new, better replacement boot at no charge. The new pair was waiting for me here at the post office. Thank you, Go Gear!I could find only two places in Damascus with a public television; the 24-hour laundry-mat and the Blue Blaze Cafe. Since tonight is the NCAA National Championship game and Michigan is playing in it, I envisioned watching the game with a whole group of hikers. However, by 9:45, I was the only person left sitting in the Blue Blaze Caf© watching it, and the Caf© closed before the game even reached half-time. It is amazing to see how deserted this town gets after 8:30pm (which is referred to as hiker-midnight). Thru-hikers just weren't very interested in the game. Many are planning on taking a zero day here in town tomorrow, but Hoosier and I will be headed out in the morning. The weather is just to good to not be out on the trail.