morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Log Cabin Drive

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 18.8

We hated to leave Hemlock Hollow so soon. A zero day wasn't an option, but slack packing mean't we could do extra miles and come back to the hostel for the night. We arranged for a shuttle to the next road gap north and ran to pack a day bag. I was very apprehensive. The next road crossing was more than 18 trail miles away. I expected the hike to be easier without a pack, but my feet were going to take a beating nontheless and we were getting a late start. I was right and that wasn't the worst of it. We checked the data sheet for water sources and with three shelters and several springs it didn't appear to be any problem. We couldn't be more wrong. At the gap we followed the compass reading south (back to the hostel) and soon realized it was the wrong direction. We went down the trail instead of up and a half mile later came to another road crossing. This definitely wasn't in the trail guide. We were going in the wrong direction. Back-tracking added another mile to an already long day. If we hustled, we could make it back before dark, a little after 8pm. Without flashlights this was imperative in my mind. We passed the first shelter with a water bottle two-thirds full. That was all the water we had and all we were going to have, but little did we know it then. We had several steep climbs, but mostly not too bad. The long rocky sections were tough on the feet at the fast pace we were trying to maintain. When the next spring was dry concern crept in, but we were rationing the water until we could fill up and there was bound to be water in the miles ahead. Larry kept ticking off our progress. We made it to Jerry's Cabin at 8 miles and ran straight for the water. The sight of the dry stream bed brought shock and tears. My throat hurt to swallow nothing. We allowed ourselves and Chloe one sip now and then. For once Chloe even asked for water and we are usually telling her to take a drink. The next two water sources were dry. Our bottle was empty. It was a struggle to keep going and the sun was going down. We heard thunder and waited in eagar anticipation for the rain. It never came. The last shelter was three miles past the last dry spring. We made it. I drank so much water, I felt sick. I soaked my poor foot. There was still 3.3 miles to go before we were back at the hostel and it was getting dark. I was hobbling along, whining and telling Larry to go ahead without me. Then we saw the road and it was 8:00 pm. A neighbor stopped to look at my sticks. I begged for a ride to the hostel. Two sodas and ice cream put me to bed.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Sam's Gap, US 23

To: Bald Mtn. shelter
Miles today: 16.0

No, we didn't hike 16 miles today. We yellow-lined to Sam's Gap in order to by-pass the dry section we encountered yesterday. I never want to be that thirsty again and camping overnight without water is not a consideration. To "yellow-line" is taking a shuttle or hitch instead of hiking the miles. This drought is hard on the southern states and definitely having it's effect on the hikers as well. Our actual hiked miles today is 7.6. After yesterday's punishing mileage, I was happy to ease up a little today. Big Bald is a grass topped high mtn. at 5500 feet. The grass was high and the views made us aware of how close the rain was to our location. The next grass topped mtn. was Big Stamp. As we traversed from one to the other the storm got closer. We dropped our packs to put on gaitors and pack covers. Adrenalin pumped our legs to take us up and over this bald. The heavy rain drops began and the thunder grew louder as we headed down into the cover of trees. The shelter was close and we were at a run to beat the downpour. We made it just in time and was greeted by a hiker. Black Bear'd. It was good to see him again. We swapped stories cathing up while we completed camp chores and prepared for the cold as the temperature dropped. This shelter is one of the highest on the AT. We froze even with the rain fly covering us. It was a long night.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Bald Mtn. shelter

To: No Business Knob shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

We were glad to get down into lower altitudes. The days start warm and sunny, but end in thunder storms. It may help the drought situation so we can't complain only hope we get into the shelter before it hits. We heard this next shelter has a troublesome bear. I hope we get to see him. Hiking today was an exercise in goiing up and going down. A lot of ridge walking. For a while we climbed beside a creek. It was wonderful to hear and see all that water. I took time to soak my feet and we completed the 10.6 miles as the thunder began to roll. The shelter was empty with no bear in sight. I swept out our sleeping area and Larry cleaned up the trash. Dinner was chicken in a mushroom sauce over pasta. It smelled wonderful. We sere sitting together about to eat when Larry began to stutter b..b..b.. bear. I looked off into the woods as he yelled. It seems the bear came from behind and stuck his head right into the shelter from around the side. We chased him around and around the shelter banging our hiking sticks together and on the shelter roof. He wasn't leaving and we weren't giving up our long awaited and much deserved meal. I shook Chloe out of the sleeping bag to help, but all she let out was a couple of whoo, whoo's. Larry quickly built a fire and the bear left. He looked to be about 3 years old. We had heard that the late freeze had killed the wild berries so the bears were extra hungry. The rain came and really poured most of the night. What a story we have to tell the folks back home.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: No Business Knob shelter

To: Chestoa Bridge, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: moderate rain

What we thought was a drop all the way to town turned out to have five or six good climbs. We could see the river and town below for much of the way when the trees cleared. We made good time and came out of the woods a hundred yards from Uncle Johnny's hostel and cabins. The front porch was full of relaxed happy hikers. The grounds were clean and tidy as were the cabins and bunkhouse. His store was well stocked and Larry was pleased to see the selection of sleeping pads as his had sprung a leak. A cozy cabin was $30 and they ran at least three shuttles a day to town for free. We were staying 3 days. I looked up a dog groomer and Chloe was booked for the next morning. We showered and went into town for pizza and a salad bar. Rest and recover was all we did while watching the US Open (golf) on TV. The rain came down later with lots of lightening and thunder. Everyone piled into the vehicles for the Mexican restaurant. What a wonderful place with very gracious hosts.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Chestoa Bridge, Erwin, TN

To: Uncle Johnny's hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Chloe was dropped off at the groomer's at 9am. It was her first time and I hope to never see that look on her face again as I locked her in the crate. I told the groomer what I wanted and left, never looking back. We had breakfast at Hardees and dropped off at Food Lion to resupply. We were both wearing the fanny packs from our big packs. Our groceries went inside. The library and PO were next. Larry and I got haircuts inbetween stops at the Sonic drive-in. We walked several miles across town ending up at the groomer's again by 3pm. Chloe looked great and was so happy to see us. Uncle Johnny's wife, Charlotte, came to pick us up. We were really tired, but pleased to have been so successful getting all our errands completed. Everyone loaded up for the BBQ restaurant and another great day came to an end. I even weighed at a pharmacy and I have lost another 5 lbs. That's 15 lbs. in six weeks.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Chestoa Bridge, Erwin, TN

To: Uncle Johnny's hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Today is hot. The laundry is completed and the groceries sorted and repackaged. Our boots and gear have been placed in the sun for freshening. I'm not happy with Tennessee. Larry has had all the beer he wanted, but wine wasn't sold anywhere. Someone explain this to me. Nevermind, I really don't want to know. The answer is either political or religious. Tomorrow we leave and can't thank everyone here enough for all the hospitality and for such an attractive place to spend a few days.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Chestoa Bridge, Erwin, TN

To: Deep Gap campsite
Miles today: 12.1

Leaving Uncle Johnny's wasn't easy, but we crossed the bridge and headed up listening to the river and trains down below. The weather was perfect. The climb up to Beauty Spot is long and steep in places. This 12 miles wasn't too bad on my feet. They seem to be healing. Beauty Spot was a bald mtn. with weeds waist high. This made hiking hot and thirsty, especially for Chloe who is too low to the ground to get any breeze. Down the other side we couldn't wait to reach Deep Gap and call it a day.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Deep Gap campsite

To: Clyde Smith shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Weather report calls for rain today. The next shelter is 13 miles away. No choice, we have to make the shelter before the worst of it hits. Water is scarce and this whole mountain area is still in a drought. We get water once today, so we drink sparingly. I am so happy to see the springs, I wash out my shorts and top and soak my feet. This will help me get through the rest of the day. We meet up with a group of trail workers and thank them for their efforts in keeping the AT cleared. Some of the trail has been routed around the mountains instead of following the ridgeline up and over the tops. This helped us make better time as we listened to the thunder in the distance. By late afternoon the wind was blowing cooler, the thunder was closer and we could see the rain approaching. We stopped and covered our packs. As our pace quickened to cover the last miles the drops fell and then stopped. There was the shelter. Larry ran for water and I put Fuzzy Butt to bed. Larry was gone forever. Turns out he had to fill the bucket with 12 cup at a time. We ateand crawled into our bags just as the real storm hit. The lightening flashed and thunder boomed. The rain came down in buckets as we snuggled deeper in our sleeping bags.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Clyde Smith shelter

To: Roan High Knob shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: scattered clouds

We slept in because of the wet soggy trees and trails. The mileage today is low, but we climb Roan Mountain at 6200ft. Total elevation gain for the day is 2700 ft in 6 miles so much of it is in steep climbs. I¢ve been to the top of Roan three times now and finally the rhododendron are in bloom. Very pretty. We scrambled over rocks and tripped over roots all the way up. We were lucky to make a mile an hour. My pack was trying to pull me back and weighed 300 lbsnot 30. I¢ll never forget how happy I felt to reach the top. After seeing the gardens we went to the restrooms for water. The Roan Mountain shelter is dry. Larry¢s idea was to fill gallon ziplock bags with water, put them in the bucket, empty his bag enough to hold the bucket and haul it .7 miles to the shelter. I took on some water and his unloaded items into my pack. The trail was downhill and we made it. This shelter is the highest on the AT at 6275 ft. For us it was also the coldest even though it was an enclosed cabin. We froze in our light sleeping bags. Tomorrow¢s hike is supposed to be one of the best on the AT. I hope it is filled with warm sunshine.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Roan High Knob shelter

To: Overmountain shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

It was a cold restless night. Chloe woke us for water and as I rubbed my eyes I felt a contact on my cheek. I quickly put it in my mouth to moisten and straighten it out. No saline was available so spit would have to do. I woke Larry and he held a light on my finger with the soft contact. Carefully I stuck my finger in my eye hoping to center it on my eyeball. It worked. Crisis averted. The stove warmed the shelter as we ate breakfast and it made it a little easier to put on cold damp hiking clothes. Today¢s hike was over two mountain balds (grass topped) with 360 degree views of surrounding mountains. The weather was clear and sunny. It felt good to warm up as we climbed. We could see for miles in all directions. Farms and small towns dotted the landscape below. The large berry patches around us were bare of fruit because of the late freeze in April. That¢s the reason the bears have been more of a problem this year. Not even wild strawberries survived. The high grass clumps and deep rut of the trail made hiking difficult. Everyone was twisting and turning their ankles. In the woods the rocks and roots bruised your feet. Even the short mile days gave little relief. Overmountain shelter is a huge converted red barn. The loft was a large open space for sleeping. One wall was open to let in light. The bottom held two sleeping decks with picnic table between all facing the most fantastic view of the mountains and valley. Third Times A Charm was already there and three young guys soon followed us. They were Scooby, Shaggy and Delicious. I would gladly have paid for the hour after hour entertainment they provided. I laughed continuously throughout the afternoon and evening. Their kilts (skirts) and stories about life on the trail made great material for their comedy routines and our laughter brought in hikers that were tenting around the barn. Later that night the stars filled the sky and owls could be heard in the trees below.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Overmountain shelter

To: Roan Mtn., TN
Miles today: 8.7

The songs of a thousand birds awoke us at 5:30am. I sat up in my sleeping bag and listened as the mountain ridge began to glow with the morning sun. When Larry and Chloe began to stir, I made breakfast never leaving my bag. This adds a new dimension to the term ¢breakfast in bed¢. Third Times A Charm and the NJ boys had declared their intention to join us at the next hostel. We had heard it was busy this weekend and available beds were few. Unsuspecting to everyone but me, I knew the race was on. We hit the trail at 7:30 and kept up the pace as best we could through the climbs over Little Hump and Big Hump. Another day over high balds with great views. We stopped occaisionally for a gulp of water and I even peed without removing my pack. It was a punishing 8.7 miles, but if we didn¢t get a bed we would be tenting. We arrived at the B&B/hostel an hour before the others and we were lucky to rent the travel trailer for the weekend. The big Rhododendron Festival was being held at the state park and we were just in time. Mountain Harbour was lovely. The B&B was on a hill overlooking the horses, goats and creek below. The hostel was built over the barn with bath and sitting room/kitchen below the sleeping loft. It was all well stocked from fridge to bath towels. Terry shuttled us to dinner and the NJ boys set up their tents upon our return. Larry walked a mile to get beer and wine and returned with a bottle of Boone¢s Farm. I can¢t wait to get to VA.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Roan Mtn., TN

To: Mountain Harbour hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Breakfast was served in the house at 7:30 and we were there for $6 each. Mary served a gourmet meal for a room full of guests. The house itself was extremely attractive and the display of food choices was simply elegant. Mary loves to talk and immediately makes you feel wonderfully at ease in her home. We raved about the food as we cleaned our plates and kept up a lively conversation between hikers and B&B guests. Later, Larry and I sat down and planned the next weeks hike with a few necessary changes due to the severe lack of water ahead. At 11:00 Terry took us to the festival. It was quite a crowd. There were many craft booths and bluegrass bands played on the stage. We chose our lunch from the typical fair food vendors and sat on the grass in the sun to people watch and enjoy the music. One booth sold Indian flutes. I tried to resist but his middle C flute would make a nice addition to my A flute. I hate adding it¢s weight to my pack although we keep hearing that VA is easier hiking than TN, NC and GA. I spent the afternoon learning to play the new flute and soaking my swollen feet. We ordered a pizza and watched a DVD. I miss the NJ boys and hope to see them again.
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Mountain Harbour hostel

To: Mountain Harbour hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Again breakfast was unbelievably superb. Hostels are fast becoming as much fun and enjoyment as hiking the trail. They are not just an opportunity to rest, recover and eat, but a diverse experience into the lives of many new and interesting people. After breakfast I played the flute and caught up on this journal. Larry walked to the nearest Baptist Church for service. It wasn¢t far. I believe there were 17 churches in one direction and 21 in the other. Now we know why there¢s no wine. We have re-supplied from the hostel and local market for the next two days and Kinkora hostel will have our next supply box. We're trying to get hungry for the early buffet at the King of the Road restaurant today. There¢s a hammock on the large porch of the house, it looks like a good place to play a flute, to rest and recover.Mary just brought me a bottle of California merlot with a wine glass. She either felt sorry for me or it's for my birthday. We will truly enjoy it tonight with our Subway sandwiches and a pint of Ben & Jerry¢s ice cream. A thunderstorm just rolled through. The creek looks fierce after the torrential rains.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Mountain Harbour hostel

To: Mountaineer shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: light rain

After one last superb breakfast, we headed up the trail. Late afternoon thunderstorms are predicted all week. This means we hustle to get the mileage over as early as possible and into a shelter before it starts. The trail has been relocated in several spots. It crosses fields around the town of Roan Mtn. and finally enters the coolness of the forest. Instead of climbing to the top of each mountain, the trail now goes around the side. This has mostly to do with erosion, but it definitely helps us make better time and our stamina goes a bit further. The new trail has far fewer rocks and roots, proving to be much easier on our feet and ankles. The rain in this area has returned water to the creeks and streams. We cross many small bridges where rock hopping was the only way to reach the other side in previous years. The trail volunteers are doing a terrific job on improvements in this area. The first sound of thunder rumbled in the distance about 2pm. It quickened our pace to the shelter. This one was new, clean and spacious with three sleeping levels and built-in cooking tables with benches. Chores were completed before the rain came down. We were joined by a friendly talkative Englishman named Ant (short for Antony) who made it just as the rain started.
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Mountaineer shelter

To: Moreland Gap shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Off to an early start this morning hoping to beat the afternoon storm even with an extra mile. The trail is like a walk in the park with wide smooth paths softened by the dead dry leaves of winters past. We reach Jones falls around noon. It's mostly a cascade over rock at our level. The falls and pool are high above, nevertheless we strip off our sweaty hiking clothes, rinse them out and after bathing, put them on again. Feeling refreshed, we hurry on as the first roll of thunder echoes through the valley below. The ground is drier as we approach the shelter and we are once more crossing dusty creek beds and seeing empty springs. This shelter is old (1960) with evidence of a healthy mouse population. We grab water bottles and the bucket for the trip down to the spring that supposedly is still running. Following the blue blazed trail we stop short at the sight of a dry spring bed. We struggle to grasp what this will mean and I play with the idea of catching rain water for bathing and cooking. Fuzzy Butt follows the empty water course down with us behind and soon we hear splashing water from a pvc pipe shoved in the ground. The relief had us smiling and laughing and soon we're back in the shelter as Ant hikes in and the first raindrops fall.
Date: 2007-06-27
From: Moreland Gap shelter

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 6.1

The shelter mice could be heard investigating our packs all night. I reached for the little flashlight next to me and when the light picked out the mouse on my pack he looked up startled then sat up on his haunches curious about me. His tummy was pure white surrounded by the steel gray of his fur, large round pink ears stood up above beady black eyes and a twitching little nose. He looked more like a fat hamster than a mouse. Our bagged food was safely hung from the ceiling on a cord strung through a tin can at the top. This is one method that keeps the mice from reaching the food bag. Lids of every discription are used as obstacles too. The mice try to balance on the can or lid and fall off on to the floor below. Very ingenious. Today we hike to Kincora hostel. Just as our conversation turns to how close we are to VA, we see our first deer grazing in a field. The trail is very dry, but an easy walk to Dennis Cove Rd. We hope to get there before Bob makes the daily trip to Hampton. We are out of food and I'm thinking about making spaghetti again. We made it and off to town we go after a hot shower and clean clothes. We shop for real food for dinner, breakfast and lunch. Back at the hostel I make a huge pot of spaghetti and garlic bread. Everone eats and cleans up the kitchen. The boys from NJ are here. One split his toe at the falls and he's going home. Three gals come in soaked and shivering from the late rain storm. There are plenty of bunks, but we are fortunate to have a small private room.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Kincora hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Ant stayed in the tree house. He loved it as many do. The birds wake you at first light as they practically surround your bed. The hostel has a large covered porch with individual shower stalls and bathrooms, inside is a sitting room with kitchen. Cooking was a pleasure with the well stocked kitchen. This morning I cooked up eggs, bacon and biscuits. Larry washed our clothes and we are kicking back reading and chatting with the hiker's that are coming and going. We have heard from south bounders that the water situation from here to Damascus is very much a problem and one mountain is 1900' up then 1900' down. With this in mind, I must say, "My hiking is definitely getting in the way of my trail experience!" We are talking about yellow-lining from here to Damascus tomorrow. Larry hopes it will help heal my feet, but I believe they will never be without pain. I prefer to think it's just time for some fun and we have hiked the toughest part to get here. We're taking a well deserved break until after the 4th and then get back on the trail to see what VA has to offer. All 500 miles of her.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Kincora hostel

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 50.2
Weather: broken clouds

Bob drove us to Damascus from Kincora this morning. It was a scenic drive and he was very entertaining with stories of the trail. Damascus is a lovely picturesque small town. Lots of B&B's and a few hostels. Breakfast, lunch and dinner could be had any day of the week and the large grocery store became the mainstay of all our meals. Six days in town would include the 4th of July celebration and offer my foot a good chance to heal. The Hiker's Inn owned by a helpful friendly single lady had a private rear bedroom behind the room with bunkbeds. Now we're talking sheets on mattresses and towels. A small fridge and microwave made up the kitchen with a coffeemaker. There was a table and chairs and propane grill in the carport. In the rear of the main house we were permitted to watch TV or use the DVD player. All this for $20 per person. Larry and I had the queen bed in the private bedroom for $40 a day. We were very comfortable.