morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Spring Mt Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

My first 15 miler! And a beautiful day to accomplish it. Sunny, not too warm not to cold. Not too crowded.   The two gentlemen from Spring Mt. Shelter decided to stop at the Little Laurel Shelter. I elected to see if I could do 15 miles with nearly 2000 feet elevation. I figured 10 hours and I did it in 10.5 hours.Saw what I learned are trout lilies. in a few weeks, they should be covering the trail. For now, their variegated leaves on the ground are unique.This section had a ridge walk that surprised me. It wasn't in the Wingfoot book, but it was worth the walk. At first I wasn't really happy with crawling up the rocks but on top of the ridge, the view was stunning. Panorama of all around. Where I've been and where I¢ll be.Got to the shelter and the young boys had moved on. But I knew I would have company. At Little Laurel Shelter, a young section hiker had come up on us. Francois from South Africa. Epi and I were waiting for Slow Walker when Francois showed up, striding in wearing just running shorts and hiking shoes. He's trying to do some serious miles.He showed up as I was fixing supper. He did 21.5 miles in 3 hours or so. He amazed himself. I'm amazed. He and I sat up and chit chatted as the sun went down. He's biding his time until he goes to a job with Outward Bound.   The topography of the section I hiked today mostly was at 4000 feet. Rhododendron thickets are putting out this year's leaves. Spring Beauties sprinkling the hill sides. Trout lilies are waiting their turn. White and Purple dwarf iris. All very nice.Weather promises to hold out until Monday. Hope to be close enough to Erwin to see the lights. Meanwhile, been patiently awaiting the meteors showers.   Tomorrow, 14 miler along the ridge.Namaste'
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

An almost 15 mile day, 14.7. And it was harder then the 15. The 15 had two 1000 feet elevation; today I had one 1500 elevation change that seemed to go on forever. The issue I think was it was the last 4 miles.I started off from Jerry Cabin before Fran§ois but within thirty minutes he passed me in jog mode and said see ya later. I didn't think I'd see him again but he was here when I came in at about the time I figure I'd be here. And he wasn't alone.My nightly companions tonight are KrispyKritter, whom I met my first day on the approach trail and his new hiking partner, BearTracks. They had gotten a ride back to Hot Springs for the Trail Fest and then picked up where they jumped off.Today was one of those days I could understand why people quit after getting through Virginia. Walking all day, alone, trudging up and down, down and around, around and up. Ten, twelve hours of walking. The land today varied from hills of trout lilies getting ready to bloom to stark naked trees, waiting for spring. On one of the hills, the scent of Spring beauties smelled the air. Passed a scummy pond full of tadpoles. Crossed roads, hearing tractors and dogs barking.On the big hill, passed a day hiker who told me half an hour to the summit. He had on a fanny pack with two water bottles. I figured it would take me 45minutes. But the summit was just the beginning for me. To get here, I had to walk the ridge once I got to the summit, then down a gap and up the next hill. Although I had topped off my platy, I sucked the bag dry. By my calculation, I had half an hour to the shelter. Boy was I glad I figured incorrect.Fran§ois was here yakking with Krispy and BearTracks, taping his feet. Krispy let me know the water was a long way down the hill but very nice for cleaning up. I walked down with my sleeping clothes and the water bag. He was tight. I took off everything, rinsed them out and did a cold spring bath. It felt great! All in all a good day. My plan is to do two ten and be in Erwin Wednesday for a mail pickup. Maybe some of my old hiking buddies will catch up. Otherwise, Miss Janet's hostel will see my business. Namaste'
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

An almost 15 mile day, 14.7. And it was harder then the 15. The 15 had two 1000 feet elevation; today I had one 1500 elevation change that seemed to go on forever. The issue I think was it was the last 4 miles.I started off from Jerry Cabin before Fran§ois but within thirty minutes he passed me in jog mode and said see ya later. I didn't think I'd see him again but he was here when I came in at about the time I figure I'd be here. And he wasn't alone.My nightly companions tonight are KrispyKritter, whom I met my first day on the approach trail and his new hiking partner, BearTracks. They had gotten a ride back to Hot Springs for the Trail Fest and then picked up where they jumped off.Today was one of those days I could understand why people quit after getting through Virginia. Walking all day, alone, trudging up and down, down and around, around and up. Ten, twelve hours of walking. The land today varied from hills of trout lilies getting ready to bloom to stark naked trees, waiting for spring. On one of the hills, the scent of Spring beauties smelled the air. Passed a scummy pond full of tadpoles. Crossed roads, hearing tractors and dogs barking.On the big hill, passed a day hiker who told me half an hour to the summit. He had on a fanny pack with two water bottles. I figured it would take me 45minutes. But the summit was just the beginning for me. To get here, I had to walk the ridge once I got to the summit, then down a gap and up the next hill. Although I had topped off my platy, I sucked the bag dry. By my calculation, I had half an hour to the shelter. Boy was I glad I figured incorrect.Fran§ois was here yakking with Krispy and BearTracks, taping his feet. Krispy let me know the water was a long way down the hill but very nice for cleaning up. I walked down with my sleeping clothes and the water bag. He was tight. I took off everything, rinsed them out and did a cold spring bath. It felt great! All in all a good day. My plan is to do two ten and be in Erwin Wednesday for a mail pickup. Maybe some of my old hiking buddies will catch up. Otherwise, Miss Janet's hostel will see my business.   Namaste'
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 13.4

Okay, I lied. I didn't stop at Bald Mountain Shelter.Krispy had planned to be up early to get 26 miles in today. But when I woke up at six, he was still in bed. Once he got started, he did some serious mileage. When I got to Bald Mt Shelter, it was 2:00 and he'd been there before noon. Ten miles in short of four hours. I'll find out tomorrow.As I mentioned, I got to Bald Mt Shelter at two p.m. It just didn't feel right to stop. I thought I'd go another five miles. But the hip informed me that was not to be. I only made it another 3.4 miles.Mockingbird and his dad are set up in this gap also. As is another gentleman that I don't know. This puts us at thirteen miles from Erwin.I think I should be able to do that tomorrow. Today's terrain was up and down. Tomorrow's is pretty level with one small hill in the morning.Mockingbird told me Hot Springs had a grip on folks. When he left, everyone was still in town. So, I have no idea what to expect come tomorrow.New strange leaves coming out of the ground. They're purple at first but it appears that when they grow up they put on green tint.Sometimes I get worried that even with my flower book in hand; I may not learn all the plants along the trail. Then again, why would I want to? Well, I spent a large amount of my waking hours basically staring at them. It would be nice to know who they are!I saw a bug that I call the super bug. It has a black body but long red wings. Like some super hero outfit. The biting black flies are out too. Glad I have my bug spray, but they aren't too bad just yet. I just wish they wouldn't fly into my nose all the time. My ears I can cover with the bandana. But I gots to breath.Tomorrow, Erwin. I hope my mail drop is there. Namaste'
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Whistling Gap

To: Erwin-Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 13.5

Okay, so I made Erwin in four days...five days, four nights. Unfortunately, I'm really back on schedule but Paul thought I'd be slow so my mail drop won't be here 'til Thursday. Since the Hot Spring fiasco, I refuse to forward mail again, so I'm doing two zero days. Friday is looking like the day I get to get on the trail.Today's walk was easier. Couple big climbs and downhill into Erwin. Dropped from 3840 to 1700. The elevation change showed how spring is here in the valley. The Gap was full of bare trees and brown leaves littering the floor of the forest. Down the trail, green things were popping out all over the place. Flowers blooming. New flowers I hadn't seen before. Little purple flowers that look like a bug. Branches of bell shaped flowers, flowering trees. Met three ladies from Maine, section hiking. Somehow they did not look like they were having a god time. One was the daughter f one of the ladies, she was funny. She was looking forward to the nest eating place. Motivated by food, like thru hikers. "I'll walk for cheese" she said.Made good time, 13.5 in seven hours. And now I get to sit. At least he has bicycles here. I figure I'll bike around the town and maybe even help around here. It looks like I¢ll be seeing the gang I left in Hot Springs. Or not, the other hostel here in Erwin is the first choice, Miss Janet's. Most people go there but this place is right off the trail, Miss Janet's is in town. I wanted to stay here so I could get my mail and get back on the trail. So much for plans.Well, the next few days of entry will be interesting. A tourist look of Erwin Tennessee.Namaste'
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Erwin-Uncle Johnny's Hostel D2

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Got out of Erwin by 730a.m. The walk across the river bathed in early morning dawn light. The air is cool and a slight breeze. Jester decided to start out with me. He started walking without breakfast or even coffee so after about half an hour he stopped to do breakfast. I went on without him.The first four miles were fairly even so I made it to Curley Maple Shelter in no time. Stopped for first morning snack. Ray-el had said something the night before about camping around there so when I heard someone, I called his name. And it was him.We ended up waking together pretty much most of the day, leapfrogging each other. I got to BeautySpot first. I had originally thought I would camp there but it was so early. Ray-el and I sat up at the top and enjoyed the view and had a light snack, looking at the map and figured out what was next. He encouraged me to go for my first 16miler.So off we went. Down to Beauty Spot Gap, where we encountered some Trail Magic. Hot dogs, fresh veggies, fruits, homemade brownies, homemade cookies. We were most appreciative, it was lunch time. Perfect timing.Then off we went to tackle Unaka Mountain, 5180 feet. We got half way up when we ran into some folk slack packing southbound from Miss Janet¢s. Young lady named Chigger knew Ray-el, so they chatted awhile. I kept trudging along upward.Beauty Spot is a bald with a near 360 vista. Unaka Mountain is a wooded summit, tall Hawthorn Firs, mossy underbrush. They are so different.We got to the shelter to find someone asleep in the shelter. I figured out it was Dave from Uncle Johnny¢s hostel. The coldmedicine was the give away. He's taking it easy while he is hiking and get over his cold.Ray-el will need to restock before I do so He thought he would do more mileage. We looked at the map and after much discussion he decided he would do the mileage thing tomorrow. We realized we would probably meet again on the other side of Roan Mountain in about three days. That would be nice. He's a slow walker too. As the evening wore on, we have been joined by others from Erwin. In the shelter we have Lightfoot (Headbanger),NRChi and Overunder with Dave and I. At the top of the hill is a small tent city with Ray-el, DinnerShort, Loopy, Breathless and Speed. No sign of Jester. He told Lightfoot he would camp short of the shelter.The evening is cool with a breeze. Possible sprinkles, which has been happening off and on most of the afternoon and early evening.I enjoy walking with Ray-el. He's hiked a lot of this as well as done some mountaineering in New Hampshire. He isn't much into the town party scene. He's a fast talking Yankee who walks slowly. But he likes to hike.We'll see how it goes.Namaste'
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

The morning was a slow one; I knew I was planning to go short today. Roan Mt up ahead, big climb.Hiked alone for the first half of the walk and with Dave the second half. Met up with Ray-el here where he was having lunch. Most of the gang from Cherry Creek decided to head on up the mountain. By the time they left here it was three o'clock. The discussion was to make Roan Mt shelter since no one wanted to get to Overmountain in the dark.A new term got coined when OverUnder and NRChi were negotiating who was going for water. Everyone is interested in lightening their load for the mountain, "Eat my pack weight".The shelter tonight is full. Navigator, the Hobbit sisters, Sanguine, Arms, David and a couple section hikers. We had a young man who is meeting his dad down in Hughs Gap tomorrow morning who gave us a weather forecast for tomorrow, rain 80%. We're thrilled. Nice again, may find myself at one of those vista places and may not se a thing. Oh well, at least I had great views from Beauty Spot yesterday.The walk here Dave and I ran into a couple older ladies who knew the names of some of the flowers I've been seeing. Later, I found out they are known as The Ax Murderers. Very Amusing.So, now I know May Apples (Dave knew that one), Dutchman's pants. A lot of red trillium blooming. The trout lilies in this area are larger and are blooming in fields mixed with spring beauties. I also now know how to identify ramps, which are edible.The Hobbit sisters brought some into the shelter. Some cooking happened with them and now the shelter smells of Ramps, a garlicky onion smell. We hope it will keep the mice away.Today's walk was gentle up and down. Deception lying in wait for the big climb tomorrow, possibly in the rain.I was glad I did short today, the hip was giving twinges. Hopefully stopping early and getting rest will carry me over.It's interesting to notice how spring comes to the hills. The floor is covered with flowers and greens. The shorter bushes under the taller trees are starting to put out greenery. In another month, the trees will fill out and the forest will be lush with life. Sometimes I'm amazed at watching the season creeping over the land. The multitude of shades of green now vibrant, the scents of all the flowers most overpowering. The many different kinds of flowers, their texture and shapes, causing the forest floor to be undulating with life. And bugs! The biting flies, the giant centipedes, I watched a dung beatle for awhile as he maneuvered around a tree branch.This morning we even had a hummingbird visit us at the shelter.For now, we listen to the creak of a tree behind the shelter; probably will fall in the near future. Waiting for more rain to dance on the tin roof.Namaste'
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

As I went to bed last night, I saw a light about 100 feet from the shelter. The wind was howling and I thought someone was setting up a tent in the wind. When I got up this morning at one as I usually do, it was raining. The sound on the roof put me back to sleep near immediately.This morning it was still raining and there were two extra sleeping bags under the shelter roof. The lights I saw in the night were a couple out for the weekend. When it started to rain, they came in.The rain didn't let up, so we all just started walking in the rain. Eric headed out first, then me. Eric thinks Jessica should have the trail name Southern Alpine. She's a slow start in the morning. About an hour later, I passed where the Hobbit sisters and Navigator were camped. They were just breaking camp.The Hump Mountains are balds that the weekend couple said has some great views. There is a cold front moving in and the rain made for another no viewing for me. Another section of the AT that everyone tells me is great and I won't know.The rain stayed with us pretty much all day. At one point, I wanted to know where I was compared to the shelter; I dropped the guide book (inside its zip lock bag). I stooped to pick it up and the water collected in my pack cover poured down my butt. So, now I'm wet from the waist down. The shoes are filled with water, my pants are soaked. The water proof jacket is steaming up my glasses. And, gratefully, I realized I'm less then two miles from the shelter. The temperature is dropping, which means I need to walk faster, downhill.I got here and threw off my clothes and put on dry clothes. Made some hot cocoa. Eric was here. Another hiker, Out and About has been here, waiting out the rain. No shame when it comes to getting warm and dry.It was only one o'clock. The rain kept falling. The temp falling.Out and About has a radio. The forecast is for a freeze. But the sun is supposed to come out. Jessica finally showed up, soaking wet. Her pack cover filled with water. When the rain let up, we built a fire and did some clothes drying. Then others started showing up. Manzooka, a young man who has section hiked the trail but wants to do a through thru-hike. Stairstepper, who appears to be a big mileage guy. Arms backtracked from town. The fire is still burning. The sun is trying to peek out before going down. The temperature is still dipping. But it's going to be a sunny day to hike tomorrow.The most amazing thing today was seeing an earthworm over eighteen inches long. Eric saw it also. He took a picture of it with a Snicker bar next to it. Otherwise, snails. Big grey ones and little black ones. Drowned centipedes. And rain clouds.Namaste
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 8.2

As I went to bed last night, I saw a light about 100 feet from the shelter. The wind was howling and I thought someone was setting up a tent in the wind. When I got up this morning at one as I usually do, it was raining. The sound on the roof put me back to sleep near immediately.This morning it was still raining and there were two extra sleeping bags under the shelter roof. The lights I saw in the night were a couple out for the weekend. When it started to rain, they came in.The rain didn't let up, so we all just started walking in the rain. Eric headed out first, then me. Eric thinks Jessica should have the trail name Southern Alpine. She's a slow start in the morning. About an hour later, I passed where the Hobbit sisters and Navigator were camped. They were just breaking camp.The Hump Mountains are balds that the weekend couple said has some great views. There is a cold front moving in and the rain made for another no viewing for me. Another section of the AT that everyone tells me is great and I won't know.The rain stayed with us pretty much all day. At one point, I wanted to know where I was compared to the shelter; I dropped the guide book (inside its zip lock bag). I stooped to pick it up and the water collected in my pack cover poured down my butt. So, now I'm wet from the waist down. The shoes are filled with water, my pants are soaked. The water proof jacket is steaming up my glasses. And, gratefully, I realized I'm less then two miles from the shelter. The temperature is dropping, which means I need to walk faster, downhill.I got here and threw off my clothes and put on dry clothes. Made some hot cocoa. Eric was here. Another hiker, Out and About has been here, waiting out the rain. No shame when it comes to getting warm and dry.It was only one o'clock. The rain kept falling. The temp falling.Out and About has a radio. The forecast is for a freeze. But the sun is supposed to come out. Jessica finally showed up, soaking wet. Her pack cover filled with water. When the rain let up, we built a fire and did some clothes drying. Then others started showing up. Manzooka, a young man who has section hiked the trail but wants to do a through thru-hike. Stairstepper, who appears to be a big mileage guy. Arms backtracked from town. The fire is still burning. The sun is trying to peek out before going down. The temperature is still dipping. But it's going to be a sunny day to hike tomorrow.The most amazing thing today was seeing an earthworm over eighteen inches long. Eric saw it also. He took a picture of it with a Snicker bar next to it. Otherwise, snails. Big grey ones and little black ones. Drowned centipedes. And rain clouds.Namaste
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gape Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

The morning opened bright and sunny. It didn't freeze last night. Part of the group was heading into Roan for mail pickup and the rest were heading north. Two speed demons were heading all the way to Dennis Cove, 24+ miles. I decide to challenge myself and do 18 to Moreland Gap. In the hiking circle, this stretch is nicknamed the Tennessee Turnpike. The elevation change over the whole way to Dennis Cove is 500 feet, up and down.The stretch right outside of 19E is an old apple orchard. Old Apple trees were blooming. The hill a gentle roll. I notice rose bushes. Not ready to bloom but in abundance. It was an enchanting beginning of a tremendous day.Several shelters ago, a posting showed a reroute made last year. The elevation maps are printed in 1995. No one had any idea what to expect. But we figure the elevation shouldn't be too different. The nickname turnpike is apropos. The grades were easy compared to what we had been doing. After the apple orchard, we walked into the forest. And like a turnpike, the scenery became mundane.A couple waterfalls were mentioned in the Handbook. I stopped and took the blue blaze to see the Jones Fall. It was very nice. I had a little snack when Arms showed up for the same thing. We chatted and I headed out. The second falls were lessspectacular. But pretty in its own.Then the scenery became mundane. I'm sure the rhododendron thickets are pretty in bloom, but for now they are starting be oppressive. Funny how my attitude about things change. The weather was blustery and chilly.After eight hours of walking I ran into a day hiker and asked him where the heck I was. He told me and I was confused and shocked. He told me I had another seven miles to get to the shelter! I thought I was closer.I thought it out and knew based on my travel time I should get to the shelter by 730. If I was walking slower, I would just start looking for a place to camp after that time.Eric caught up with me and we walked and talked. He was surprised at how much more we had to do. I told him my plan and he thought that maybe what he and Jessica would do also.Eric stopped to wait for Jessica and I kept walking, up a hill that wasn't mentioned in any literature. As I started down, I thought I heard the Hobbit sisters' laughter. I really thought I was going nuts. When I got to the bottom of the hill, there was the shelter!The Hobbit sisters, Navigator and Arms were there. The open side of the shelter faces the wind. It was chilly but a comfort.Jessica and Eric joined us shortly. We all snuggled in and fixed our suppers and went to bed. My fingers are cold. Finish this tomorrow (which is today) Namaste'