morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Zero day. No A.T. hiking
Miles today: 0.0

   After 15 hours in the sleeping bag, I departed the shelter before 6:00 A.M. in a fog as thick as pea soup as the saying goes. The first few steps confirmed that it would be impossible to make Newfound Gap 18 miles away. 0.3 miles north of the shelter I took Greenbriar/middle prong trail west in route for Tremont road and Townsend, TN. Had to get off the trail and seek relief for my legs. Swelling and readness had appeared just above the ankles on the shins. This 8.3 mile, 5 hour descent from the mountain to the valley will be one that I shall never forget. By the time I reached Tremont road I was taking stiff footed baby steps and shivering with pain. Why anyone would voluntarily put themself in a position that can cause this is not easily understood and "normal" people can't, but hikers are strange critters. They end each day tired, sore and beat. Then rest at night so they can repeat it again the next day and the next. Go figure.   I flagged the first vehicle I saw, a pickup truck with two local occupants and a dog in the back. My appearance prompted the passenger, a lady, to ask if I needed help. I must have been a sight limping along with a grimmacing/smile on my face if you can imagine that. I explained my situation and they offered to take me to town. I climbed in the back with their dog who I immediately named Skunky because of the faint odor of skunk on him. He was a friendly guy who reminded me of my own dog Max. I used him to shield me from the wind as we rode to town. They dropped me off at the Riverstone Family Restaurant where I immediately called Janice. While waiting on her and friends Josie and Linda to arrive I had the largest and best 4 egg western omelet I've ever seen. At 12:00 P.M. a local blue grass band started playing in the back. I couldn't believe my good fortune as the waitress continued to fill my coffee cup and I caught up my journal. The girls arrived about 1:30 P.M., not knowing this visit had turned into a rescue. They didn't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for me. So they had a very good lunch and we departed for our condo in Pigeon Forge, TN. Funny thing about my shins, they almost quit hurting when the weight is taken off them.
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Zero day. No A.T. hiking

To: Zero, no A.T. hiking
Miles today: 0.0

   A liesurely day. No unnecessary steps taken. Enjoyed observing the three girls, Janice, Linda and Josie. Stayed out of their way as much as possible. They have been best of friends for a long time. We had a nice breakfast in the condo and they went shopping for their grandkids something. As the day went by my legs began to feel better after the rest, ice packs and Aleeve. Bad Hummus called and I informed him of the bad news. He said It would probably take a few days to clear up and that I will probably catch up as he is going to take several Zeros at Hot Springs, NC which is near his home. Mid-aftenoon as we started home I got the nerve to ask Janice to let me try my legs out to see if I could return to the trail. She and the others, even though they didn't say anything, thought I was crazy. As I said before, hikers are strange critters. About 100 yards up the slope, I realized it was futile and that I must indeed be crazy. The pain quickly became severe. When I returned to the car, the look on my wifes face said it all. Knowing I was in trouble, I got in, buckled up both the seat belt and my mouth as we started home, a 375 mile trip.
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Zero, no A.T. hiking

To: Zero, no A.T. hiking
Miles today: 0.0

   Arrived home last night, acutually this morning about 1:30 A.M. with both lower legs and feet badly swollen. Saw an orthopedic specialist this afternoon who confirmed a severe case of shin splints. He prescribed a two week round of anti-inflamatory drugs. Must use ice packs and keep my feet elevated until the swelling subsides. There will be no hiking for at least one week, possibly two. What a drag. Texted my friends and family to inform them of the bad news.   My dog Max loves it. He was lying by my bed when I awoke this morning and hasn't left my side much since. He smelled me up and down to see if I had been with another dog. I didn't tell him about Skunky.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Still Home

To: A.T. in the Smokies
Miles today: 0.0

Packing to leave tomorrow for my return to the A.T. in the Smokies. This has been a long two weeks. It's always that way when you are anticipating something. My legs are pretty much well but the medication has had me so anxious that I'm washed of energy. Not much sleep and up 3 or 4 times each night to go to the bathroom. Will have to take it slooooow for a few days.Will be starting from Newfound Gap in lieu of Derrek Knob shelter where I exited the A.T. on an 11.3 mile side trail into Tremont University. I am doing this to avoid the extra miles and the strenous climb to Clingmans Dome on. What this means is that after finishing the trail, I will have to go back and complete this 18 mile section of the trail. Since my wife and I are in the Smokies each autumn, it will be a nice way to spend a day and a night. GOTTA TO GET TO MAINE FIRST !!!I would like to personally thank everyone who has offered support and signed my journal with words of encouragement. Hope to see some of you on the trail. Happy trails and God Bless you .
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Newfound Gap

To: Icewater Springs Shelter
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Janice dropped me off about 4:00 P.   Easy walk to the shelter but rocky and didn't know how this would affect the shins but they did ok. Sent word via some day hikers to phone J and tell her I wasn't having any problems.Icewater is the most used shelter in the smokies and it quickly filled to overcapacity. The last arrivals about 11:00 P. Met a nice family from MI on their way to FL for a wedding.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Icewater Springs Shelter

To: Tri Corner knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rainy Day. Rocks very slick. Left the shelter about 8:30. Very foggy and no views to be had. Slipped on the rocks about 11:00 A. and took a nasty fall. My first of the trip. Gouged a hole in my right leg just below the knee. Bled a lot because of the medication I've been taking, but no serious damage or soreness. Made it fine the rest of the day but had to watch every step as this section of the trail is very rocky. Met a nice guy from WI who is 66 and is doing a thru-hike. He seems to be making it well and good mileage. His trail name is Gray Ghost.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Tri Corner knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 18.1

A very pleasant day. Started out wet as it had rained most of the night but stopped about daybreak. The sun came out about midmorning and the views were spectacular. Took many pictures. The walking was easy for the most part and made it into Standing Bear Hostel about 5:30 P. Even though there are lots of hikers I walked all day alone. Saw a young couple at Cosby Knob shelter where I stopped for lunch. Their trail names are Hamburgler and Pippi. Hamburgler was thru-hiking in 2006 and was in PA when he was bitten by a black widow spider on the ankle while in his sleeping bag. He was very ill from it and had a tough time getting medical attention. No one on the roadways would stop and pick him up. He finally had to pay $47.00 for a taxi. The bite left him weak for the remainder of that year.Standing Bear Hostel is a pretty and interesting place. I am staying in the loft of a cabin which is literally over a creek. The cost is $20.00. The Creek runs under it. They have resupply food and other things to eat. I had a large supreme Pizza cooked myself. Laundry, if you do any, is in a tub on a wash board by hand and the wringer is by hand. I opted to save my dirty laundry until I reach Hot Springs, NC in a couple of days. Everything is on the honor system. The prices are marked. You keep up with it, put it in an envelope and drop it in the box when you leave. The internet is $1.00 per 15 minutes. It morning and I Gotta go. The trail awaits. Have a great day!!!!
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Green Corner Road

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

Great Day. Beautiful scenery. No pains to speak of other than the normal foot fatigue at the end of the day. Arrived shelter 5:10 P.M. No one here yet. Very quiet except for the faint sound of the creek and the hound I hear somewhere up on the mountain. Gray Ghost arrived at seven o'clock. Said he didn't feel well and had a rough day. Two more hikers arrived later. Met a couple today thru-hiking with 3 very friendly dogs. Later found they were forced to leave the trail for some reason other than the dogs. This shelter has a mail box and someone left and bottle of beer with a hikers name on it to return a favor.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the shelter at 8:00 A.M. Stopped and purified water at the first creek near the shelter. While waiting noticed a fork in the trail. A little study reveal the A.T. was to the right. Later found that many people took the left and walk a long distance only to discover their error. First 3 miles or so of the trail was very easy and pretty with several creek crossings. The forest here is absolutely beautiful with giant fir and hardwood trees laced with laurel and streams. So nice to walk through. The last half of the day was all down hill it seemed and that kills my feet!! Could see Hot Springs in the valley below for miles and hours before I finally reached it.` Staying at Elmers Sunnybank Inn, a hostel. His place is an old 1840 home of beautiful design. The furnishings appear to go back at least a hundred years. The cost is $15.00 per night which includes a shower and bed linens. Not bad. Ate across the street at the Smokey Mountain Diner. Had a hiker special which is a giant cheese burger and fries topped off with hot pecan pie and ice cream.I roomed with Freestyle a hiker I met in GA. He was taking a Zero the next day to rest up.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Awake at 5:00 A.M. Went across the street to the diner for breakfast at 6:00. There were some very friendly and funny people there. I felt right at home and they even had me serving coffee. Did my laundry when and picked up a few things before leaving town at 10.00 A.M. Stopped at a pay phone and called Janice as I had no cell phone reception in town. Cross the French Broad river and started the long and strenuous climb back up into the mountains. Missed the trail near the top and literally climbed hand and foot over the rocks to the top.Found a cooler of soft drinks (trail magic), near a road crossing today and helped myself to one. Left a thank you note. The people who do this have a genuine fondness for hikers and most of them are hikers themselves.Several tough climbs today but overall not too bad. All things considered the trail is somewhat easier since leaving Newfound Gap in the Smokies. Arrived at the shelter about 3:00 P.M. as the rain began to fall in earnest. I arrived first and claimed my spot. A young hiker, trail name Peak Axe arrived a short time later and Gray Ghost came in about 5. His knee had been bothering him so he took it easy. The shelter has a fire place and we got a fire going. It really felt good. Some young hikers came in about dark and tented near the shelter. We sat them by the fire to dry out.I built a mouse proof rope to hang my pack from as I had noticed where one had chewed through my zip lock toilet paper bag. At least it wasn't my food bag. We normally hang those in the trees to keep the bears out.Hope I can sleep tonight but don't really think I will, but I hate to tent in the rain, so I guess I'll take what few naps I can get and hope for tomorrow.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Most interesting and enjoyable day on the trail thus far. Rained most of the night but stopped by mid-morning. Trail not to difficult early on but that changed later. I've learned to appreciate the level spots. At Allen Gap, John and Jodie Nelson had their home open were serving food to any hiker who wanted to stop by. John even picked me up at the trail crossing about 300 yards from their driveway. They served me a large Belgian waffle, butter, and maple syrup. After that I had a large bown of piccadilla, a cuban dish of ground beef with apples nuts and other fruits over a bed of rice. And, after that I had a large bown of blackberry pie with about 5 scoops of ice cream. I was pleasantly full to say the least and didn't eat again until late in the day. John and Jodie and truly wonderful people and will help hikers in any way they can. In fact, I learned that the hiking community is very close and every one helps every one else. It is amazing.Later in the day I came upon some guys and ladies serving trail magic of another sort, namely alcoholic beverages. I didnt spent much time with these guys. They were a lively crowd and I soon departed as I had miles yet to go.Later came upon a very rock mountain with an optional safer side trail but I decided I would follow the white blazes and got myself into a pecarious situation. But made it ok and am glad it took it.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Street Gap, NC
Miles today: 19.4

Stopped short of the gap and tented on a beautiful knowl. This day started off foggy, again, but the sun broke thru near noon. Couple of tough clims but otherwise not too hard. The grouse were drumming early but I only saw one. It is surprising how far the drumming can be heard. Saw two turkey sitting in the trail. Had to go around them. Can't believe they would actually hunt where they were. Later found a gallon of water near a road crossing, more trail magic. I filled my bottles and moved on. Stopped at two shelters and signed the registers then moved on as I needed a good nights sleep and planned to tent. For the last two nights in the shelters I've had some one two feet from me snoring all night and I got very little sleep. Borrowed a cell phone today near the I-26 crossing and called home. Seems that everyone with Verizon have service and we who have AT&T do not!!!Anyway, a good nights sleep coming up as it is now 8:00....yawn, P.M.Later
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Street Gap, NC

To: Temple Hill Gap
Miles today: 18.3

Nice day with sunshine. Several tough climbs. Very pretty scenery. The climb up to big bald mountain was the hardest of all but the 360 degree panoramic view was worth it. Took severl photos. A bald is a mountain with grass instead of trees.Passed many streams today which were cascading their way down the mountain. Walked along Oglesby branch for almost a mile and had lunch where the trail crosses it on a log bridge near the top. Filled my water bottles from the stream.Hung my left boot under a rock, stumbling and felt a sharp pain all way up the shin. I first thought I had reinjured it but about an hour of walking fixed it. Later at camp I took some Ibuprophren and Aleeve. Camping about 4 miles outside of Erwin, TN so I can get in early find a place to stay and rest up for about 24 hours before starting off up the trail again. Tenting alone tonight and like it that way.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Temple Hill Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Into Erwin about mid-morning. Staying at Uncle Johnny's hoste. Cost $21.00. Did my laundry first thing and took a shower. Went to AYCE pizza and salad bar then did some grocery shopping. My resupply package from home didn't arrive at the P.O. Will check again tomorrow morning before I leave town and if not here, will have it forwarded.Got to get off the computer now as several people need to use it.Happiness at everyone, and God Bless.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Erwin, TN

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 23.3

Ok, I have been slow to make entries. I meant to catch up in Damascus, VA but got distracted and forgot. Sorry. Today is April 23 and I am in Pearisburg, VA but will go all the way back to April 9th and put some stuff in. Here goes.4-09-08, awake by 5:00 A.M. Stayed at Uncle Johnny's hostel and had a private cabin for $21.00. He shuttle me and some other's to town to the local resturarnats for lunch and dinner last night. Think I got caught up on my carbs and protein. Pizza for lunch and Mex. for dinner. This morning I had my first cup of coffee in 4 days. I seem not to think of it while on the trail. Called the P.O. and my resupply box didn't arrive so I asked them to forward it on to Damascus, VA. Left town about 9:30 A.M. and walked along the beautiful Nolichuck river for about 2 miles and then up the mountains. One in particular, Unaka mountain was very pretty. Hiked about 12 hours, (must have been the pizza) before finally stopping on a knoll and pitched my tent for the night. Arrived by flashlight.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Over Mountain shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Left camp at 7:45 A.M. Weather good but the wind got up in the afternoon. Several major climbs today. Little rock knob was steep. Then came Roan Mountain. Thought I would never make it to the top. This location has some of the worst weather in the southern appalachains. At the top is an opening where stood an exclusive hotel in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was named Clounland. Nothing remains now. I found 2 rusty square type nails which would have been used in its construction. Had lunch at Carvers Gap on the north side of the mountain. I sat on some unusual square shaped rocks. A close look revealed they were an old fallen chimney.. Hiked up Jane Bald in the afternoon. It is a treeless, grass covered mountain which offers a 360 degree panoramic view for many miles. Stopped for the night at Over Mountain shelter which is a red barn which served as a backdrop in the movie Winter People released about 1983. The barn sits in a gap where the voluntary Militia of 800 crossed in route to meet the British Army at the battle of Kings Mountain. They defeated the British and this very important battle.Sleeping in the loft of the barn. Heard a turkey gobble at sunset.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Over Mountain shelter

To: Viewoint, TN
Miles today: 20.6

Woke this morning to the sound of turkeys gobbling. Music to my ears and makes me want to go hunting. But, I've put that on hold for this spring. Another beautiful sunshinny day. The 6th in a row. The first mountain today was little Bald, but don't let the name fool you. It was in no way little and it took forver to climb. At the top the wind was fierce as there are no trees to block it. At one point it was so hard it had to stop and lean in to it as it was impossible to keep my balance and walk. Crossed U.S. 19E about 11:00 A.M. and left N.C. behing for good on this hike. Had lunch at a beautiful spring branc. Purified water and moved on. Hiking alone as I have been ever since I returned to the trail March 30th. Missed a turn in the trail before reaching the top of the next mountain which is named Buck. After discovering my mistake it took at least an hour to get back on the trail. In the meantime I stopped a man in an old hunting truck who was looking for his hound named Daisy. I got in and we rode around until we found her. Priorities, you know. After we located her he got me back on the trail where I should have been. The man was very nice and a deputy sheriff in Carter Co. TN. Late in the day I took a side trail to what used to be Abby's Place, a hostel. The owner has passed away, but new new person living there let me stay in one of his outbuildings, and get this, it had electricity, and a bed with a mattress. How lucky can you get. It reminded me that before I arrived I had found a buckeye tree and picked up a few. I've always heard that carrying a buckeye will bring you good luck and it certainly did today.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Viewoint, TN

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: broken clouds

Good nights sleep and the shed. Left before the owner got up. Didn't know what to pay, if anything, so I left him a $10. and a thank you note. Nice walk along the creek leaving his place. There were a series of beaver dams which formed small ponds. A pair of mallards took flight. Before reaching the A.T. a thunderstorm came up forcing me to cover the pack and put on my rain gear. Midmorning the sun broke through and the remainder of the day was nice for walking. Stopped for lunch at Dennis Cove and walked .3 miles to the Laurel Fork Lodge and had a "cook it yourself" pizza. Called Janice and Mom from a pay phone. Cell phone is almost nonexistant in the mountain valleys. Laurel creek is beautiful and it passes through a deep gorge with a 50' waterfall. The trail follows it for a few miles then exits via a very steep climb with took about 1.5 hours. Got into the shelter at 8:00 P.M. another late arrival. Caught up with some guys whose names I've been seeing on the shelter registers. They are, MajorMiles, Dog Boy and Beavis. Trail names are one of the interesting things about this hike and you would not believe how some of them happen.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: light rain

Turned cold during the night. left shelter at 7:20. It takes about an hour to eat, pack and hit the trail. The climb out of Watauga river bottom wasn't too bad and the trail leveled off for about 10 miles. I love it when it does that. Started snowing about 9:00 A.M. and about 3 inches had accumulated by late afternoon. Met some new guys today. Arrived first at the shelter and got a fire going. The new guys, all young, were thrilled to see the fire as they were wet, especially their feet as most of them were hiking shoes which resemble running shoes. I wear well greased Vasque boots and really like them. It takes a lot of water to we my feet as they are lined with Gortex. It is very cold and will be a real test for my new light weight sleeping bag.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

Finally out of TN and into VA. It seems I've been stuck in TN and NC for ever!! Last night was cold and so was I. My sleeping bag, rated at 25 degrees, let me down. Hope there aren't many more nights like that left this spring. Started snowing again this afternoon as I walked steadly toward town. Interesting, as I descended the mountain the snow became less and less and by the time I was at the foot of the mountain, no snow and the temp was actually comfortable. A big difference. Checked the P.O. first for my resupply box and it didn't arrive. Found out later it was my fault as I had janice mark it with my trail name and I had been asking for it by my real name. I feel so intelligent some times. Had some more good luck today. A man who is renovating a house let me stay there for free. When I went grocery shopping I bought some things for him as I know he would not take any money.Good mileage from Erwin, TN to Damascus, VA. Averaged 20.1 miles per day for 6 days and feel ok.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Had breakfast at Dairy King where I had supper last evening. Interestingly, they had no ice cream. They had just opened and were not fully stocked yet. Bought to much food for the trail and my pack is heavy again. I guess the thought of the 150 miles to the next town scared me into thinking I was going hungry when in reality you an exit the trail on one of the many roads you cross and hitch a ride to town. Arrived at the shelter at 9:00 P.M. Late again. Need to change this, but I like to make respectable miles even when I leave late as I did today at 1:30 P.M.Have not seen any bears yet, not that I am wanting to. I been through 2 or 3 bear sanctuarys. I've talked to others who have seen some.