morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Erwin, TN

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

6221' gain3863' lossWe woke up to rain. Of course, that meant snow at higher elevation. We could see it in the hills. We arranged a shuttle through Tom to get back to the trail. By the time we got to the trail the rain had stopped.We crossed the Nolichucky River and it didn't take long before the trail was covered in snow. More than we were expecting. It started to warm up and the wind was blowing - and then - TRAIL MAGIC!!There was a sign on the trail for the legendary Leap Frog Cafe. A hiker, Fresh Ground, sets up his magic for about 5 days at a time and then moves north. We finally caught him. He asked if we wanted breakfast or lunch and we all unanimously said lunch. He made hot dogs - I think Mike had at least 4. He had chips, cookies, fruit, Kool Aid, hot chocolate, hot coffee. Then...he made French fries. He had whole potatoes that he sliced up and deep fried in bacon fat. Yes, bacon fat. They were the most delicious food I've ever tasted. He cooks breakfast, lunch, and dinner and does it all on donations.While we ate, the melting snow and wind combined to create a blizzard even though it stopped snowing. Fresh Ground had an area covered with tarps and the snow hitting the tarps was really loud. The timing was perfect for us to be out of that - it could hurt to be hit by the falling snow/ice.Onward to Unaka Mountain - the big climb of the day. Near the top the forest changed to a dense spruce forest. So pretty. With all the snow it looked like Christmas up there.Some trees were covered in ice going all the way up the trunk. As they swayed in the wind the ice would creak and crack. I started to wonder about safety.By the time we got to Cherry Gap shelter it was packed. Tents everywhere. We went a little further in search of dry ground.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Little Hump Mountain
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: clear sky

6824' gain5243' lossThe wind finally stopped by the time we woke up. I'm pretty happy about that. The forecast is for warmer temperatures today.We had some great scenery today. First was Little Rock Knob with fantastic views to the west.Then the big climb of the day - Roan Mountain. The trail was snow covered almost the entire way. Towards the top the forest changed to dense spruce again and it was cold in there. In places the trail was a sheet of ice. Like an ice rink with a layer of water on top. It made for slow going.Then there was Round Bald. Then Jane Bald. Both had incredible views.The afternoon brought snow melt. The trail became a mud bath again. Mike broke a hiking pole with the nasty conditions.Finally we got to Little Hump Mountain, also with great views. We're camped close to a big Boy Scout group. Coyotes are howling.What an incredible stretch of trail.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Little Hump Mountain

To: Beyond Hardcore Cascades
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: clear sky

4409' gain6257' lossThe beautiful scenery wasn't over yet! The trail went over the Roan Highlands with open vistas and rolling hills. It felt a little like the CDT in Montana.Spring has sprung! Hopefully! The temperatures increased significantly - it felt 20 degrees warmer. Mike hiked in his shorts and tshirt. Finally! I was getting tired of the cold.After the trail left the highlands it was almost...flat. Well, flatter than normal. A nice change.We looked at our guidebook and saw that there was a hostel coming up, 0.3 off trail. The timing was perfect to go for dinner, a shower, and hopefully a room. Pizza! Ice cream! Cold drinks! We were so excited.We got to the side trail and there was a sign saying that the Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel was closed. I don't know if it is permanent.We are in our tent, the sun is going down, and it is 61 degrees. Yay!
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Beyond Hardcore Cascades

To: Near Watauga Dam
Miles today: 20.0

4295' gain5659' lossThere are some nights when I am REALLY glad I'm not alone in the tent. Last night was one of those nights.We were both asleep. I woke up to the sound of an animal running up the trail. I couldn't tell if it had two legs or four. It had a strange gait - sort of a clumsy gallop. It was making a noise I had never heard before. It almost sounded like a bird.Then the dogs started running up the trail. They were howling and snarling so loud it actually woke Mike up (not an easy thing to do). We both lay perfectly still because we did not want them to notice us. My heart was pounding. They ran past us and got further and further away and we heard a final series of howls.Then I heard a human voice, very faint, saying words I could not understand.I don't know how, but we both eventually fell back asleep. I woke up a second time when I heard the I unidentified animal again. No dogs this time. It was making the same weird noise and had the same strange gait. At first I thought the dogs were chasing that animal but now I'm not sure.Mike said it was the weirdest thing that's ever happened to him in the woods. Me too.Anyhow....Another warm spring day. We stopped in the Black Bear Resort to shower, do laundry, and eat lunch. We also bought a little food to get us to Damascus. They are very hiker friendly - highly recommended!Then it was on to Laurel Falls. First warm day of spring plus waterfalls equals A Zoo. Everyone and their dog was there. And their babies. And their strollers.On the way up to Pond Mountain we saw evidence of old trail going straight up. We could see the old blazes. The new trail did a nice long switchback instead.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Near Watauga Dam

To: Beyond Low Gap
Miles today: 24.9

6512' gain4859' lossThe rain returned this morning. We had to pack up in the rain, which is never fun. By the time we got to Vandeventer Shelter it was full on thunder and lightning. Good timing - we stopped and ate lunch and watched the storm. After the thunderstorm the clouds slowly dissipated and it turned out to be a beautiful day.The trail looked pretty flat on the map but it bounced up and down a ridge line. Up every bump and back down the other side. Over and over.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Beyond Low Gap

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 14.7

We heard the weather forecast - rain after noon. We wanted to get to town before the rain hit. Unfortunately the rain was early. We got to Damascus around 12:45 wet and hungry. First stop was the Blue Blaze Cafe. I was a little short on food so I was really hungry. I should have bought more at Black Bear Resort. We are both ready for a zero.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

We're staying at the Lazy Fox Inn for a zero day. Ginny, the owner, is fantastic. She is 89 years old and still runs it - cooks breakfast, cleans, you name it. She also swims for exercise. And the breakfast - let me see if I can remember everything she made:EggsBaconSausageBiscuits & gravyPancakesCheesy baked gritsFresh fruitBaked pineappleBaked applesStewed prunesHash brownsJuiceCoffeeShe says you can make it all the way to the first shelter after Damascus without eating after eating her breakfast. I'm sure she's right!More entertaining hiker quotes:"If a GIRL can hike the CDT, I can too, right?"
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Damascus, VA

To: Whitetop Mountain Road
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

6240' gain3130' lossThe trail goes right through the heart of Damascus so we were able to do a little last minute resupply. First we went past Subway so we got a couple sandwiches to eat for lunch on the trail. Next door was the coffee house so I loaded up on baked goods - scones, cookies, brownies. Those are going to taste good tomorrow.Leaving town the trail follows the Virginia Creeper trail - a rails to trails conversion. It seems to be hugely popular with bicyclists. There are several bike rental businesses in town that will drive you to the top so you can coast all the way back to town. Nice.Of course the AT left the Creeper Trail after 0.4 mile and climbed up 1,000 feet. Eventually, you guessed it, we met back up with the Creeper Trail.There was a little AT detour today because of a bridge washout.The weather forecast is for rain tonight. We could see it building. The day started out bright and sunny, then the high clouds appeared, then the darker clouds. By the time we got to Whitetop Mountain the wind had really picked up and the temperature was dropping. We set up camp with no rain - always a good thing.The views on Whitetop are incredible.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Whitetop Mountain Road

To: Beyond Fox Creek
Miles today: 20.4

3878' gain4879' lossIt rained all night long. We had a small puddle in one corner of the tent when we woke up. I'm not exactly sure how that happened. It stopped raining by 10 am so it rained for 12 straight hours. The trail became a creek - even after it stopped raining.The clouds did not dissipate, unfortunately. We hiked through Elk Garden, Grayson Highlands, Massie Gap, Stone Mountain. We saw none of it. We were hiking in a cloud with very little visibility. I was so bummed. As Mike said, "I bet this is pretty."We did see ponies in Grayson Highlands. I think the park keeps them there to graze and keep out invasive plants. We saw three ponies in the mist. We stopped to take a picture and they walked right up to us. Very cute.The winds have been strong all day. On some of the exposed parts of the trail the gusts would make me lose my footing.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Beyond Fox Creek

To: Mt Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: broken clouds

3852' gain4682' lossWe got lucky with the weather today. There was a chance of rain but we never saw any. The walking was relatively easy today. We stopped to take a look at the Partnership Shelter - one of the fanciest we've seen. It has a shower (although it wasn't working). It had stacked firewood. A fully enclosed privy. Pizza delivery. Pure luxury.At the Mt. Rogers Visitors Center we decided to try and hitch into Marion for resupply instead of going to Atkins tomorrow. Marion is a much bigger town with restaurants and real grocery stores. We got a ride pretty quickly and in no time were having dinner at the Mexican restaurant.The town is spread out but has public transportation that will even take us back to the visitors center tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Mt Rogers Visitor Center

To: Hwy 683
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

2215' gain3054' lossWe got a late start out of town - resupply, laundry, and lunch take time. It rained a little this morning so we were in no hurry to leave.The trail was relatively flat again today. It is a really nice change.When we got to the road to Atkins we caved to the motel siren call. The motel is right off the trail and a restaurant is down the road. Tonight is supposed to be cold so that made the decision easy!
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Hwy 683

To: Lynn Camp Creek
Miles today: 15.1

3937' gain3885' lossThe weather was absolutely perfect today. Clear, sunny, and warm. We had breakfast at the Barn Restaurant with Straight Ahead Bob and we all headed out.By lunch Mike was not feeling 100%. He felt a little nauseous and couldn't eat. An hour or so later we stopped for a break and he drank some water. It all came back up.He wanted to keep going so we hiked to the shelter where he laid down. He drank some more water and kept it down this time. We hiked a little further until the trail started to climb again. We stopped early and Mike got in the tent to rest. Eventually he ate a little food.There's nothing worse than being sick in the woods.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Lynn Camp Creek

To: Trail Boss Trail
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

6549' gain5856' lossMike felt better this morning, although not 100%. He ate a little breakfast and wanted to get moving.The big climb of the day took us to Chestnut Ridge. The top was open with incredible views. The climb was worth it. Chestnut Knob Shelter is fully enclosed with a door and windows. Pretty nice.Mike got stronger through the day. We finally camped at Trail Boss Trail and he is tired. Right after we got in the tent we heard a few rain drops.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Trail Boss Trail

To: Beyond Dismal Falls Trail
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: few clouds

4872' gain5659' lossEasy walking this morning down to I-77. Our first water source of the day was north of I-77 where the trail enters the woods. The stream had garbage in it but we had to get water from it.The water source after that one was "unreliable" but fortunately was flowing. It was cold and delicious!!Some of the trail on the ridge line was rocky. Turn your ankles rocky. It slows me down.We got to Highway 606 around dinner time so we walked down the road to Trent's Grocery. They have a grill. Unfortunately they were out of burgers. And milkshakes. We still managed to have a big dinner.We saw no other thru hikers today.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Beyond Dismal Falls Trail

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: few clouds

4049' gain4281' lossAnother beautiful day. The sun was out and it felt like it was easily in the 70s.I continue to be amazed by the level of volunteer trail support. We met a volunteer trail guy today as he was running up the trail towards us (uphill), covered in sweat, with a hack saw in one hand and a wood tool in the other. He was probably in his 50s with a long white beard. He runs his section of trail and clears what he can with those tools. He comes back with a chain saw if he needs to. And he seemed really excited to be out there. Pretty awesome.Great scenery today. At the very end of the day there was Angels Rest and Pearis Mountain with great views to the east.After lunch I felt bloated and full. The feeling never went away. I didn't feel terribly sick until we got to the first road crossing to Pearisburg. I had to sit down because I felt light headed. I got up to walk to town and immediately had to stop and vomit. I wasn't sure how I was going to walk the 0.9 miles to town.One of the day hikers we met showed up and Mike convinced him to drive us to a motel. He dropped us at the Plaza Motel where I had my new shoes sent - they had a no vacancy sign on the door. Mike went next door to the Holiday Motor Lodge - no vacancy. The only 2 motels in town. All the rooms are taken by contractors in town for a big construction project. This could be a problem as more hikers get here.I sat in a chair in the Plaza parking lot going downhill fast as Mike searched for other motels in Narrows - the next closest town. Just then the owner of the Plaza showed up and confirmed no vacancy. Mike asked her if we could get my shoes. He went in the office and came back out with keys to a room! I couldn't believe it! My hero!! He told her I was sick and I think she took pity on us. I owe her a huge debt of gratitude.I just got worse as the night went on. I couldn't keep any fluids down. I had thirst on a level I've never experienced before. I didn't care that it was going to come back up. I kept drinking water and PowerAde in the hopes that I could get a little hydration. I think this is the sickest I have ever been.This is another time I'm REALLY glad I'm not hiking alone. I don't know what I would have done without Mike.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I can eat again! I actually left the motel room and saw the town! Being sick really makes you appreciate being healthy. My abs are sore - it hurts to laugh.It's snowing here in town today. Hikers are showing up in town and say that it is nasty in the mountains. I'm glad to be in town.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisberg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I can eat again! I actually left the motel room and saw the town! Being sick really makes you appreciate being healthy. My abs are sore - it hurts to laugh.It's snowing here in town today. Hikers are showing up in town and say that it is nasty in the mountains. I'm glad to be in town.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Pearisberg, VA

To: The Captains
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

5000' gain4505' lossIt was cold this morning as we left town. I'm surprised by the huge abrupt temperature swings - we don't get them often at home. The rain and snow had stopped and it was bright and sunny. There was a little snow on the sides of the trail but not much.Leaving the highway we could see brand new trail tread with signs saying do not use. But it looks the new trail re-route will be open soon. I wonder how often the trail changes. Straight Ahead Bob is using last year's guidebook and the mileage is slightly different than ours.We had some fabulous western views today. Wide open. And with the sunny skies we could see for miles.We camped at The Captain's. He allows hikers to camp in his yard. Hikers can use his wifi. We had to take a zip line across the river to get to his property. Fun!
Date: 2014-04-17
From: The Captains

To: Near Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: broken clouds

6611' gain5466' lossThe cold and sunny weather continued today. It is perfect hiking weather! The trail dropped down to some beautiful pastureland with cows. It felt like we were walking through people's backyards.Keffer Oak is the largest oak tree on the AT in the south - over 18' around and over 300 years old. It really is impressive.And at the end of the day...a climb! It always seems to end up like that. It was a switchbackless steep climb but once we were up there we had a beautiful ridge walk with views to the east and west. The sun was setting. Fantastic!
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Near Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Beyond VA 624
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: overcast clouds

5402' gain6650' lossA special thing today - the trail went past the Audie Murphy monument. Audie Murphy was the most decorated combat soldier of World War II. He died in a 1971 plane crash near the site of the monument.More trail volunteers today. We met a pair who were re-painting the white blazes on trees. Almost all of the AT white blazes are painted white rectangles. They're painted on trees, rocks, power poles...whatever can be found. They also show turns or junctions with double white blazes. The trail is really well marked.For what seemed like forever we walked a rocky bumpy ridge line to get to Dragons Tooth. It is very cool and a popular day hike. Coming down from Dragons Tooth was really steep and a rock scramble in places - with the occasional rebar handhold.At the road we walked a half mile to a grocery store with pizza. Dinner! I didn't realize how cold it was outside until I walked into the store. It was like walking into a sauna. It is amazing how you get acclimated.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Beyond VA 624

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: clear sky

5738' gain6752' lossWe spent all morning hiking through an extremely popular section of trail. There were multiple huge groups of Boy Scouts, day hikers, weekend backpackers, trail runners. Wow. It probably didn't help that we hit it on a Saturday.But it was very scenic. First was a nice climb up to McAfee Knob. The top is a long rocky overhang with incredible views.Then it was Tinker Cliffs. Wow. Again, just spectacular views. I can see why these hikes are popular.Then it was a long trek into Daleville. The trail crosses Highway 220 very close to a Howard Johnson motel. We checked in and had dinner at the Mexican restaurant across the highway.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We took a zero in Daleville today. Easter Sunday meant that many restaurants and the outfitter were closed. We walked up to the Tap House - so new that it wasn't in the guidebook. Great food and beer. And one of the owners volunteered to drive us back to the motel. People are so nice!!
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Dal

To: Near Cove Mountain
Miles today: 22.1

5646' gain4360' lossPerfect weather today! Sunny but not too warm with an occasional breeze.Leaving Daleville the trail crossed a highway, interstate, various roads, and private land. It was good to get that over with.Then the trail paralleled the Blue Ridge Parkway for 8 miles or so. It even went through some of the paved overlooks.We are starting to see some wildflowers! I'm so excited to see spring.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Near Cove Mountain

To: After Petites Gap
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: clear sky

6972' gain7018' lossThe beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains continued today. At lower elevations the trees are leafing out. We saw our first blooming trillium today!!On Apple Orchard Mountain there was a tower with what looked like a giant white gumball on top. Very strange. The guidebook says it is an FAA tower.The trail went under The Guillotine. It is a giant rock suspended between two rock faces. It looks like it could fall at any moment. Like an Indiana Jones trap. Very cool. All part of the AT experience!!We got to Petites Gap and there was a sign posted at the road saying that Matts Creek Shelter and privy are closed for sanitation reasons. I wonder if other hikers are getting sick.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: After Petites Gap

To: Swapping Camp Creek
Miles today: 26.9

6027' gain7605' lossThe skies had cleared this morning but it was still windy. The wind blew all night long.Beautiful trail down to Matts Creek Shelter. The shelter was taped off with that yellow "do not enter" tape. The privy was too.The trail continued down to James River - all the way down to 678'. The trail crossed the river on a foot use only bridge - and the James River is probably as big as the Willamette River.On the other side of the river we chatted with a trail angel. He told us the sad news - the shelter was closed because a hiker died there. There is an ongoing investigation and the shelter will be closed until they figure out what happened. I was shocked and deeply saddened.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Swapping Camp Creek

To: Highway 60
Miles today: 4.3

1289' gain374' lossIt was a short hike to the highway into Buena Vista. The trail paralleled Brown Mountain Creek for awhile - with interpretive signs. The area had been settled and farmed by freed slaves in the early 1900s. Some evidence is still visible - chimneys, rock walls. The Forest Service eventually bought the land.Buena Vista is a nice town, although our motel is far from downtown.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Highway 60

To: Near the Priest Shelter
Miles today: 20.6

6440' gain4564' lossI finally sent home my winter gear this morning. I hope I don't regret it!The forecast called for rain, and it rained soon after we got back to the trail. We climbed up to the clouds with very little visibility. We didn't see any of the views from Bald Knob or Cold Mountain. I was bummed. The mist dampened the sound so it was very quiet up there, which was cool.Then the thunderstorms hit. It got really dark. Thunder and lightning went on for about an hour.The rain eventually stopped but the wind picked up again. I think this was the longest sustained rain of our trip so far.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Near the Priest Shelter

To: Before Humpback Mountain
Miles today: 22.3

5863' gain6238' lossThe wind went on all night long. I could not sleep. Eventually I put in earplugs which helped a little. We had beautiful sunny skies in the morning.First thing, the trail dropped 3000' to the Tye River. Our first water source was Cripple Creek - same as the song?Lots of gorgeous viewpoints today. Also lots of day hikers and weekenders. When we got to Maupin Field Shelter it was a tent city. And more people kept arriving. Huge groups.