morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Laurel Creek campsite

To: Chestnut Ridge tenting
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke up and decided to go to breakfast! A local church shuttles hikers to the church every Monday during the busy thru hiker season for breakfast. They picked myself and three NOBO'er and their dog that camped near me up a little after 9 am. I guess they had a total of about 15 or so hikers ( down from 34 last Monday). Very nice breakfast. I stuffed myself. The church members were all super nice and their cheer and food was much appreciated. I was back on the trail by 10 am. Walked 5+ miles to Jenkins Creek where I filtered water. Then had my first climb of the day of about 1500 ft. Doesn't sound too bad but it was steep, my belly still full, and the day warming up. In other words, it was tough. Once up, it was a ridge walk up and down small knolls for about 7 miles. No water and warm bright sun. The dominant question of NOBO'ers was "how far to the next water." Finally there was another steep climb up Chestnut Knob to the shelter. Pretty neat area - shelter is fully enclosed with beautiful view of sunset. Lots of folks camping in the area. I would have stayed but by this time my water was low so I dropped down to a spring, filled my water bags and am now camped in a meadow about 2 miles south. Saw a nice sunset. Weather forecast in lows near 50 which shouldn't be bad. For some reason I've been chilly the last two nights. Anyhoot sleeping bag is calling
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Chestnut Ridge tenting

To: Davis Hollow
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Even tenting above 4,000 ft, this was perhaps the warmest night on the trail. Beautiful warmish morning too with no dew making packing much easier. Not that I was any quicker. Still got on trail a little before 9 am. Thought it might be one of those first hot days of the spring that make for hard hiking but luckily enough clouds, especially in the afternoon, to keep things nice. Hike today was down from Chestnut Knob then up and down Lynn Camp, Brushy, and Walker Mountains. None were big climbs although as is the norm on the trail, each had their moments. Nice flowering coming down near the Holston River bridge. Larkspur especially abundant. I may have misspoken about the Rhododendron the other day. I assumed at this elevation it was rosebay but saw a couple blooms coming out today and it's Catawba Rhododendron. I'm especially looking forward to the Mountain laurel and Rhododendron blooming. Huge bubble of NOBOers today (that will probably be the theme the next week or so - pass Damascus). Seems like today well over half the folks were female. Camped at nice little spot in Davis Hollow except I can hear I81 traffic. Tomorrow is lighter day to Mt Rogers Visitor Center. Rebecca picking me up there. This weekend is Son#2's college graduation. Five days off trail to rest my body, enjoy family and eat barbecue!!!! What a way to get ready for the next leg of the trail!
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Davis Hollow

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: broken clouds

Up fairly early. Guess I need to remark on the absolutely fantastic weather I've been having. Another dewless morning. Packed up and wished good luck to my kilt wearing, flute playing, hammock loving, Cinninnati ambulance/taxi driving section hiking neighbor of last night. Two miles and I was across I81 and having breakfast at The Barn. The 2x4 breakfast consisted of two sausages, pieces of bacon, pancakes, eggs plus home fries and toast. Off through the pastoral countryside for a couple more miles and I arrived at the settlers museum and Lindamood school. Folks at the breakfast Monday told me to stop. In addition to some beautiful buildings the church had sodas, fruit and snacks for hikers. Much appreciated!! Thanks so much. The rest of the day was up Glade Mountain ending at the Mt Rogers Visitor Center and Partnership shelter. Got here a little after 3 pm - in time to take a shower (attached to shelter) and go look around at the exhibits in the visitor center. Heard a little thunder while walking last mile and by the time I got to VC it was starting to sprinkle. We've got a good little storm brewing now. Waiting for The World's Best Trail Angel to whisk me back to real world for a couple days and then it's time to finish up with Virginia!!!
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rebecca picked me up a little after 5pm and we hoofed it up I81. Thought I was hiking pretty fast until we covered the entire distance I have hiked since the start of my adventure in 6 hours - including a dinner stop at Ruby Tuesdays!!! Up early today for a morning walk - Rebecca's idea. The rest of the day was busy with real world stuff to do. I'm pooped - guess I'll need to get back to the trail to rest!!!! Ha! Ha
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Campsite on blue blaze 2.4 m S of Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Back on the trail!!! A great 5 days off with friends and family at Matthew's graduation. How lucky a life it is to have such a fantastic family!!!The world's greatest trail angel had me back at the Mt Rogers Visitor Center by 2 pm. Perfect weather - blue skies and in the 70's. I was a little worried getting back on the trail. Seems like I did a lot of sitting this weekend and - after sitting - I moved like a 102 year old!!! But the trail today was mostly level and the tread was good. My body held together and it was good to be moving again. For the first 4 or so miles today there was quite a lot of poison ivy beside the trail. All avoidable luckily but first I've seen of it in such quantity. Lots of geraniums, mayapples, and ferns (wood, beech, Christmas, maidenhair, etc) too. Saw a small patch of pink lady slippers. Got to this campsite about 7:30. Quite a lot of NOBO'ers today (again mostly female - is that the "wild" (movie) bump?). Nobody else though at this campsite. AWOL's book lists a spring. It's here but barely trickling. Got enough water for dinner but can't believe it will be running later this summer. Lots of military jet traffic the last hour. Perhaps SW Virginia is under attack? Call up the National Guard? Call up Texas? Think I'll go to bed instead
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Campsite on blue blaze 2.4 m S of Trimpi Shelter

To: 0.3 miles south of Rhododendron Gap
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: clear sky

Wow!!!! What a great day! Perfect weather, great trail, great area. It was chilly last night - naturally since I switched to my summer bag. With my puffy jacket on it was okay. Up and away a little before 8:30 am. Chilly weather made great hiking. I loved the trail today. The tread was great and even though I had a couple climbs I never ran into any steep grades. Saw some painted trilliums, mountain laurel and catawba rhododendron both just starting to bloom and - very surprisingly - my first batch of blooming trout lilies. I've seen lots of trout lily leaves but until today no flowers - and I've been looking as hard as you can going 2 mph. I'm up in the Mt Rogers high country now and it's spectacular. Passed a number of ponies already and there's a small contingent of great looking long horned cattle guarding the spring here at Rhododendron Gap. Got here about 7:15. Set up camp, finished chores and talked with a section hiker from High Point, NC. Hardly anyone here but I guarantee the next shelter - Thomas Divide - is packed. Personally I enjoy keeping away from the shelters unless it's raining but lots of folks go from shelter to shelter. Ahh diversity makes things interesting. Time to turn in now. Tonight is going to be a good test of my summer bag. Made great time today so I'm going to sleep in a little tomorrow - at least until the sun starts to warm things up!!!
Date: 2015-05-14
From: 0.3 miles south of Rhododendron Gap

To: Campsite near pond 0.1 m S Beartree Gap trail
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

The great life at Mt Rogers continues! Camping at 5400 ft last night was a chilly one and - yes - I did regret not having my winter bag - but with wool socks, winter hat, puffy jacket, and fleece covering my backside I managed okay. The morning warmed up quickly and by 8 am - yes I slept in - the tent was getting warmed by bright sunshine. Had grits, stretched, enjoyed the sunshine and finally bid farewell to Rhododendron Gap around 9:30 am. Another great weather day, warmer than yesterday but not hot at all. The high country of Mt Rogers was spectacular. Dropping down pass Deep Gap I was hoping for some good flowering. ( I remember this area from scouting trips as being quite nice). Truthfully, the flowering hasn't been all that good so far this AT trip. Part of that is the AT spends so much time on the ridges and running through dry oak/hickory/pine forest and part of that is, when thru hiking you're getting snap shots of each trail section for that particular day and my timing has been such that I've missed the peak flowering in several sections I've gone through - I'm talking to you Parker Gap! Anyhoot I was hopeful today and disappointed - NOT!!!! Great flowering - easily best of trip - from Deep Gap to Elk Gardens and both up and down Whitetop Mountain. Lots of beautiful cove hardwood forest and again great trail. Too many flowers to bore you with everything but, ahem, carpets of trout lily, lots of red trillium (and the white variety, same species) pink lady slippers, wood anemones, foam flower, jack in the pulpits, hobble bush, etc etc. at Elk Gardens I asked a NOBOer how the flowering was ahead. They said "not much, think it's too early". Well ahead was literally miles of white fringed phacelia carpeting the forest on both sides of the trail!!! This southern Appalachian endemic is at its northernmost range here. The air was fragrant with its sweet scent. Along that same section were brilliant deep pink geraniums and orange columbines rising out of the white phacelia background. This was the best day so far on the trail making the last two days #1 and #2. I'm super excited to be getting close to the high country of TN and NC!!! Got into this campsite by a small pond about 6:30 pm. Early by my standards. Don't think it's going to be as cool tonight but I'll have extra clothes in tent!!
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Campsite near pond 0.1 m S Beartree Gap trail

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Not to be redundant but, boy, have I enjoyed the Mt Rogers area. Loved taking the scouts here but this has been even better. Warmer night at lower elevation last night so that was nice. Slept in but still on trail by 9:30. Another beautiful day through beautiful forest on well built trail. This was the day for Catawba rhododendron. They lined the trail for several miles. Later on toward Damascus at slightly lower elevation it was Mountain Laurel that was lining the trail. Today I saw the fewest number of NOBOers since probably before Daleville. Needless to say it's because everyone is in Damascus for Trail Days. Heard they are expecting 30,000! Original plan was to be south of Damascus for Trail Days but a little unexpected time off trail and here I am! Actually glad I'm here. Damascus is one of the great trail towns and Trail Days is a big deal. So when in Rome . . . Got in about 2:30 pm, got a smoothie at Mojoes per No Pants advice, set up in the "quiet" section of Tent City, showered, sampled multiple free foods, toured the vendors area, listened to some real nice music in the park and partook in the hikers feed sponsored by Granite Gear among others. My energy is gone for the day and I am content to hit the hay. Taking zero tomorrow for full day of Damascus life
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Damascus, VA

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

Party in Damascus!!! Tent City was buzzing last night and over in the rowdy section the drums continued well into the night. Had a pancake breakfast over at the Baptist Center across the street. I'm waiting in line, turn around and see Smile right behind me! We've been leapfrogging each other from the start, I'm putting in longer mileage days but every time I get off the trail Smile takes the lead. Then when I get back on the trail all I hear about from NOBO'ers when they find out I'm flip flopping is "oh you must know Smile". Anyway it was great to see her again and catch up over pancakes. She's been hiking the last 150 miles on a bum ankle which speaks volumes about her determination (and the power of high doses of ibuprofen). Nothing broken but Damascus doctors have convinced her to take some time off the trail. I have no doubt she'll be back on soon and we'll meet one more time somewhere in the north. (She flip flopping up to Maine and hiking down to Harpers Ferry). The rest of the day I probably walked 8-10 miles - 4x into town from Tent City and once out to Food City for resupply. I good day with lots of highlights¢¢ Hikers parade with all kinds of wild hiker attire (think Mardi Gras) and lots of water being exchanged between walkers and onlookers¢¢ Met AWOL of AT Guide fame. What a fantastic resource for thru hikers¢¢ Another great dinner put on in Tent City by Joe Mitchell of the Four Pines hostel, one of the great trail Angels of the ATNow as the drums start up in the rowdy section of Tent City I'm in my tent getting ready for bed. Town's been fun but in the words of bluegrass musician Jimmy Martin "Tennessee I hear you calling me"
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Damascus, VA

To: 0.1 m south of TN91
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I learned they must cut off the drumming in Tent City at 2 am. I also learned that just prior to cutting off the drumming is when it gets its most energetic. It rained some yesterday so the tent was pretty wet this morning. I waited to see if the sun would poke out of the clouds and it did enough that I could pack a pretty dry tent and be on my way by just after 10 am. Nice trail today through nice mixed deciduous forest, especially the first 10 miles or so and the last couple. Quite a lot of blooming including some beautiful flame azalea. Also saw lots of true and false Solomon seal, white clintonia, sarsaparilla, some beautiful patches of wild geraniums and some flowering Frazier magnolias among others. Weather was more humid than it has been but no bad uphills so hiking was good. Ran into a brief shower in the early afternoon and then a much longer one right before the Double Springs shelter. At first I was contemplating staying at this shelter but heard it was depressing from some NOBOers. Didn't matter as when I got there it was packed (and a little depressing). Heard from some folks there about a campsite - with trail magic- 3 miles further so I picked up some water and headed to it. Great level site on knoll with big steel box nearby courtesy of a nearby church. Fixed my red beans and rice and topped it off with a slice of lemon pound cake (little Debbie) and a Spite. Life is good
Date: 2015-05-18
From: 0.1 m south of TN91

To: 1 m south of Shook Branch Rd
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: few clouds

Another big mileage day. Woke up, got the tent down (pretty dry) and had a Coke from the "magic box" before heading out about 9 am. Nice trail, nice woods but understory and herbaceous layer were more disturbed today. Quite a lot of poison ivy by the side of the trail and for miles trail was lined with some species of bluegrass (Poa). It was so thick it made it difficult to use your hiking poles. Did hike through a beautiful section of mountain laurel, rhododendron and flame azalea. This afternoon the trail went around Lake Watauga. That is one big lake. The bottom fell out and the rains came down as I encircled lake and crossed dam. Did see some beautiful spiderwort and some four leaf milkweed on the way down. There is a four mile section in the lake area closed to camping this year because of bear activity. That made the day a little longer than I hoped. Got to the restrooms by the lake's end and Hwy 321 around 6 pm. It was still raining and there were quite a few hikers milling around. Not sure what their plans were. (They didn't seem to know either). I took on some water and pushed up Pond Flats Mountain. Thought I was going to have to go up the whole mountain but about a mile up found this nice campsite. The rain had stopped by then and thought it would be good to set up tent while I had a chance. We've had a few sprinkles since. Just checked radar (cell reception has been great the last couple days) and it looks like a rainy night is on the way. Tent is battened down so hopefully everything will stay dry
Date: 2015-05-19
From: 1 m south of Shook Branch Rd

To: tentsite 1.7 m S Moreland Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Well despite the nasty looking radar last night we didn't get much rain. This morning, however, we got an early shower and since I had a shorter day planned I stayed in the tent and paid bills (ah, cell reception). Rain stopped I went outside, spread some damp clothes on a nearby tree and used the outside facilities. Just deciding what to do next when it starts to rain again. I grabbed all my stuff and went back into the tent. Checked radar and saw a little rain cell sitting over my location. The cell sat for about 45 minutes. Rain finally stopped and I was able to pack up and headed out a little after 10 am. Up and down Pond Flats Mountain was very nice. Well graded trail, good tread and lots of mountain laurel blooming on the way down. Walked along the creek to Laurel Falls. With the recent rains it was roaring. Pretty area and I gather, quite popular. Ate lunch by myself at the falls but shortly later a large group of students from Missouri State University stopped in. They were music students on a post semester tour. When I reached Dennis Cove Rd I walked west 0.3 m to Bob People's Kincora hostel. Too early to call a day but Bob and Kincora have long been part of the AT and I wanted to meet them. Unfortunately I couldn't find Bob but did check out the facilities. The walk through the cove ( Dennis Cove?) and up to White Rocks Mountain was great. Again well designed and built trail. I love the diversity of a cove hardwood forest and recently the AT has been going through this forest type a lot. This afternoon's hike was beautiful. Got to the campsite and should have grabbed the first site I saw. Instead I decided to check out the rest of the area. All other sites were occupied and after walking around some 30 minutes I'm right back at this first site. Ah well. Weather was nice after the morning rain and forecast is looking good. Sounds good to me.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: tentsite 1.7 m S Moreland Gap shelter

To: Mountain Harbour hostel
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to beautiful weather.   Really intended to be on my way a little early today but, alas, it was close to 9am before I shoved off. Most of the day was pretty flat, lots of creek crossings and rhododendrons and, even though it was at about 3500 ft it had the feel of being lower. Lots of muddy sections and I have a feeling I wouldn't like hiking this section in the rain. (Think you'd have your boots sucked right from your feet numerous times.). Took the side trail to Jones Falls which was pleasant. Don't know if it was the flatness or what but my IT Band really tightened up this afternoon. For awhile I was moving like a 102 year old! Stopped and got some water and stretched and deep massaged it and and by the time I reached Hwy 19 it was doing much better. I'm staying tonight at the Mountain Harbour hostel. This was one of No Pants favorites. I've been trying to lower my expectations the last few days to keep consistent with my philosophy of "low expectations, pleasantly pleased". I made reservations for the bunk house yesterday morning, got here a little before 5 pm and they tell me all they have is a king sized bed. Total costs $80. My expectations have been lowered. Couldn't see paying that much money to stay in a bunkhouse so I'm tenting. Did get to shower and have my laundry in now. I'm paying for breakfast which supposedly is the highlight. Don't know about expectations but my appetite is certainly ready!
Date: 2015-05-21
From: Mountain Harbour hostel

To: Overmountain shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

A most relaxing day. Woke up expecting blue skies from the forecast of several days ago but the skies were cloudy. Packed some stuff up and, at the last minute, decided to take down the tent before breakfast. Turned out to be a wise move as during breakfast it started to rain pretty good. Speaking of breakfast, it was fantastic - lots of tasty fruits, home fries, egg casserole, quiche, scones with fresh blueberries and real whipped cream. I could go on and on - did I mention the chocalate covered strawberries? I stuffed myself and then watched the weather channel. Forecast was for rain to stop sometime in the morning and good weather by afternoon. By 10am it looked like the skies were lightening and so I headed off. Trail was uphill into the Roan Mountain high country but fueled by the great breakfast and a nicely designed trail it was no problem. Reached Hump Mountain, the first and perhaps nicest bald and it was still very low visibility. So. . . I had lunch and waited. By about an hour later, the sun was shining and skies were at least partly blue. Fantastic views!! I decided I was going to take my time across the high country and just go to Overmountain shelter. It's a converted barn. Some folks at the hostel raved about it. This is my first shelter since north of Daleville. Got here about 5 pm and I've finished all my tasks and it's still only 7 pm. NOBO'ers starting to pour in. This shall be an experience - don't think it will be a habit
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Overmoutain shelter

To: Cherry Gap shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

One of the best days on the trail (I'm not going to rank them anymore) but it didn't start out that way. First off, Overmountain shelter is okay but, hey, it's just a barn. Not sure if all the enthusiasm I heard for it was justified. Not sure how many folks ended up coming in last night - the place could probably hold 50 easily - but the youthful enthusiasm and noise didn't die down til maybe 10 pm. Then, of course, at 5:30 am the old men at the shelter (no, not me, the other old men) wake, go downstairs and start talking in quite loud voices about how cold it was last night. So, not the most peaceful of nights. And the old guys were right - it was COLD!!!! (Second night I really wish I had my winter bag). On top of that I had to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom! By 6 am I decided it was too cold to sleep so I got up,packed, stretched and headed out. Weather was foggy and cold but by the time I got to the Stan Murray shelter a couple of miles away the sun was starting to shine and by the time I hit the first bald it was all blue skies!!! The views were fantastic and I was snapping picture after picture all the way to Carvers Gap. The hike up to Roan Mountain shelter was through a nice spruce fir forest. Later I went by the site of the old Cloudland hotel one of those luxury hotels that dotted so many mountain tops in the late 19th century. The rest of the day's hike was through a beautiful mesic forest. Wonderful side hill trail, diverse big trees. Most of the early spring flowering was over but it was still very nice and definitely a place I'd love to visit again - in late April? Did see a few trillium still flowering plus lots of false Salomon seal, some white clintonia, and quite a lot of larkspur among others. Got to the shelter site about 7:30 pm. Almost 25 miles. Not bad for a wreck! Lots of nice tent sites so I'm settled in and hoping it won't be as cold tonight.