morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Cody Gap Tent Site

To: NC 28
Miles today: 8.6

Had a mix of very steep climbs, rolling terrain and steep & rocky declines. About 3 miles away we had a gorgeous and constant view of Fontana Lake. We saw trilliums, blood root, and trout lillies today. Nancy picked us up at 3:30 and took us to the Hike Inn where we saw lots of trail friends (Morphine, Day Dreamer, Greenstone, Thimbleberry and Stanley Thermos.)
Date: 2011-04-03
From: NC 28

To: Birch Spring Campground
Miles today: 7.2

Hike Inn dropped us off at NC 28/Fontana Marina. We checked out the "Fontana Hilton", a delux shelter with lakefront view, double deck bunks and hot showers. Next we hiked over the dam and saw the dramatic height of the dam. This is where the famous Fugitive scene with Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones was filmed. It made my heart jump just looking at the drop. "Not Natasha" joined us for today's hike and overnight. We very much enjoyed her company and her homemade brownies were darn good. We hiked up to Shuckstack Firetower (only half way up for me). The views were outstanding even from the midpoint. We enjoyed warm weather and hiked all day in T-shirts. We camped at Birch Spring Gap.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Birch Spring Campground

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I hiked through numerous areas carpeted with Spring Beautys (white flower with pink vertical lines) and occasional patches of bluets (indigo blue flower). In the afternoon, the weather looked threatening so we decided to stop early. The wind howled all night long and rain, sleet, and snow fell on the tin shelter roof.   It was a great night to be tucked in a shelter.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Our mileage has been relatively low the last few days due to two factors: 1) the wintry weather and 2) Great Smoky Mountains National Park backpack camping rules. Backpackers are required to sleep in shelters as long as space is available. If the shelters are full then we are allowed to set up tents at the shelter site. Prior to the GSMNP, we could set up a tent on any site we chose. Todays' hike was much easier than the last few days and offered some nice ridge views near the end of the day.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

We had some spectacular high ridge views today and were able to see Clingmans Dome from about 1/2 mile away. I saw and heard juncos (gray birds) chattering and flying around on the high ridges today. My husband, Mike, hiked in 6 miles from Newfound Gap today & joined us for the last 6 miles of our hike (a total of 12 Mountain miles for Mike). To give Mike a "feel" for being a thru hiker, I graciously traded my backpack for his daypack for the rest of the hike. What a delight it was to hike the last 6 miles of my day with only a daypack!! We ended the day in Gatlinburg, TN and will take my first ZERO (rest day/no hiking) tomorrow. Mike has taken his vitatmin I (ibuprofen) and is really looking forward to his zero day too.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Newfound Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I thoroughly enjoyed my first ZERO day (no hiking) in Gatlinburg and spending time with Mike. I resupplied at the new (for me) NOC Great Outpost and a grocery store. We visited the Sugarland GSMNP Visitor Center where we saw an exceptional exhibit on wildflowers and birds. Also the park officials warned us that if the government budget is not passed by midnight then the AT will be closed in all National Parks; i.e., Newfound Gap would be barricaded.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

The U.S. budget was passed at the 11th hour last night so Mike and I were able to hike together from Newfound Gap. We saw the barriers at Newfound Gap but they were set to the side. Today was my absolute favorite day of hiking and I was so glad Mike was able to join me on this hike. The first "Wow" spot of the day was a short side trail to Charlie's Bunion (CB), a massive, jagged rock outcropping positioned with a spectacular view. I've done the hike to CB many times, with my brothers, with Mike, Cyn and Amy and it never fails to impress. The rest of the hike was all new for me and included one stunning view after another all along a knife edge ridge. After lunch Mikle returned to the van and on to visit the Sterretts while I hiked to the shelter.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Ridge views were pleasant but not stunning like yesterday. I was seranaded and entertained most of the day by juncos (gray bird dominant on ridges in the Smokies) darting about. The trail was frequently bordered by carpets of Spring Beauties (flower). Small group at the shelter and nobody snored (a first).
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

A 2 mile uphill stretch came early in the day and most of the rest of the day was downhill. There was a huge variety of wildflowers just North of Davenport Shelter; of special note were trout lillies and crested dwarf iris. Later in the day the trail followed the Stateline Branch stream which included many small waterfalls and an abundance of wildflowers, including 2 varieties of trillium and a purple flower (geranium ?- not sure). The trail left the woods and continued on a road first going over the Pigeon River and then under I40.   It was funny (and very helpful) seeing AT white blazes on the I40 sign post. I ended the day at Standing Bear Farm Hostel where I enjoyed pizza, a hot shower and a bed with sheets.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 9.9

The weather report for today was for morning showers followed by a sunny afternoon. I kept looking for the sun, but instead got cold windy rain all day long. The day started with a tough climb up Snowbird Mountain (2455 feet elevation increase). Finally at 4:00 I gave up on the sun and pitched my tent in the rain and threw my bear bag rope in the rain. Throwing my rope took 20 minutes because my hands were numb and uncoordinated from cold. I grabbed a milky way for dinner cause I didn't want to cook dinner in the rain. By the time I got in my tent I was close to early stages of hyperthermia so I was very happy to get on dry woolies and climb in my dry down sleeping bag.   All and all a very tough day.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Brown Gap

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

Oh what a difference a day makes. It was a glorious day full of sun!! I started the day with a hike up Max Patch, a huge bald meadow. which offers a 360 degree spectacular view of mountains and surrounding farm land. I met several day hikers at Max Patch as there is a road which goes to the base of the bald which gives easy access to the summit. In fact I heard there was trail magic there a couple of hours after I had passed through. The afternoon was filled with relaxing downhill hiking along a meandering stream. I'm camping with a big group including So far So Good, Toto, and Cricketman. We're in tents because the shelter doesn't have a roof (under repair).
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Early in the morning I had a 2 mile climb up Bluff Mountain. Then it was mostly downhill on exceptionally smooth trails for the rest of the day.   Towards the end of the day Rhododendron formed a tree tunnel on the trail. I'm looking forward to seeing the rhododendron in bloom. I got a view of the French Broad River and Hot Springs a couple of miles away then it seemed to take forever to reach town. The AT goes right through the center of Hot Springs. The AT logo is embedded into the sidewalk at regular intervals. Hot Springs is a fabulous trail town with all services located in close proximity. First I stopped at the Sunnybank Inn; met Elmer; was told that the last room had just been given out; so I got my name first on the waitlist for the next night. I found a room at the Iron Horse Station. This was a first rate accomodation with a comfortable double bed and big fluffy duvet; quite a step up from my down mummy bag. The rooms are in a historical building, eloquently decorated and located above the Iron Horse restaurant.   I had dinner at Rock Bottom with Greenstone, Thimbleberry, Flame, Pigeon, Sidmark and his wife. We all moved on to the Smoky Mountain Dinner for pie a la mode, a fitting end to an enjoyable day.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Hot Springs

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I started my Zero day washing my clothes where I met "Whitney Houston", an athletic guy with poofy hair ala Whitney? doing 30 mile days hoping to complete the trail in 3 months. I had a delicious breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner (sweet potato pancakes recommended by Whitney.... mmmmm). Then I checked into the Sunnybank Inn and was given a private room in the study.....Score. The Sunnybank Inn (1840) is the oldest home in Hot Springs and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Inn is run by Elmer Hall, an ordained minister, Duke graduate and former owner and chef of a restaurant in Durham. After hiking on the Appalachian Trail, Elmer purchased the Sunnybank Inn in 1978. Elmer serves vegetarian meals handmade and includes produce from his organic farm. I spent the rest of the day using a laptop at the library, resupplying at Bluff Mt. Outfitter and reading and resting at the Inn. I ended the day having dinner at the Smoky Mountain Diner with Nate and Little Drummer Boy. (Elmer was taking the evening off).
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 11.4

I started the day with Elmer's delicious breakfast (eggs, grits, homemade ww biscuits, honeydew and granola). It was raining in the morning so I waited until the weather cleared and left town at 11:00. I crossed the French Broad River and then went through the grounds of the former Smoky Mt. River Expeditions (now NOC) where our friend Brad used to work. Brad taught us how to whitewater kayak on the French Broad River so it was really fun to hike along this river.   The trail climbed steeply and I had fantastic views of the river rapids for a couple of miles. In the late afternoon, the temperature dropped and the wind was fierce making steep climbs even tougher. I was exhausted at the end of the day. I had a subway sandwich (trail magic) for dinner and crashed for the night.
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Spring Mt. Shelter

To: Campsite at 293.5
Miles today: 10.7

Today's hike had a tough climb early (elevation increase of 2510 ft. over 4 miles).   I was tired today and fell asleep for 30 minutes during my lunch break. I basically gutted out the miles today. I set up camp in a nice stealth spot with a stream and rhododendron. I was soon joined by Eats anything, JetPack, Lady Pants, Toto, Toast, Poncho Verde and Vinca.
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Campsite at 293.5

To: Campsite at 307.8
Miles today: 14.3

I started the day with a climb up Big Firescald Bald, a rocky, strenuous hike which offered spectacular ridge views, one of my favorite sections so far.   The afternoon included hikes through balds, meadows and an old road; quite a diverse day of hiking. Around mile 300 I met Muldoon from Maryland who has a business in Germantown (where I live). I set up camp by a stream and crashed for the night.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Campsite at 307.8

To: Bald Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 15.2

This morning's hike took me through a forest floor filled with trout lillies and trilliums as far as my eyes could see; it was stunning. Later in the morning I saw a huge bush move and was sure I was about to see a bear, but instead a big turkey emerged and took off in slo-mo flight. I wasn't sure this huge bird was going to lift off in flight but he did and it was quite amazing to watch. I crossed Sams Gap today and was delighted to find trash cans at the parking area. Hikers love opportunities to unload trash. The afternoon was really hot especially with the leaves still off the trees. This was my biggest mileage day yet and I was getting tired with numerous steep climbs. However I got energized at the end of the day when I reached Big Bald, an unanticipated 360 degree view of mountains. I spent the night at Big Bald Shelter with Micky, Freefall, No Problem, Cubby and JWalker. I met JWalker on my first day at the Hiker Hostel in Georgia and this was the first time we had seen each other since then.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Bald Mt. Shelter

To: No Business Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike was mostly downhill. Thank goodness because my 2 previous big mileage days done over steep terrain had drained me. Mid day I went through huge stands of rhododendron and kept imagining this area in full bllom. I got to the shelter early and claimed a spot as evening rain was in the forecast. I shared the shelter with JWalker, Sunday, Micky, Pretty Boy and No Problem.
Date: 2011-04-21
From: No Business Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We all left the shelter by 7:30. A couple of miles before the shelter I thought I saw my golden retriever (Kate) and then Mike (my husband). I was shocked and delighted to see them. Mike definitely surprised me with this visit. I was only kidding Mike when I told him not to bother visiting unless he brought my golden like Winkle's husband Greg had done on the Gatlinburg visit. We checked into a cabin at Uncle Johnny's, took a wonderful hot shower then went out for lunch AYCE pizza and salad which was really good. By dinner we were still full so we went for breakfast at Huddle House.
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Erwin

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: light rain

Mike, Kate (our golden retriever) and I caught Uncle Johnny's 7am shuttle to Iron Mt. Gap. We slackpacked south to Uncle Johnny's. A cold windy rain fell most of the day (ugh). The sun finally appeared during the last 5 miles. We finished our hike at 6pm. Twenty miles is a long way even with just a daypack. We were beat. We joined Ranger Bob, Anna, No Problem, JWalker and Echo for a very good dinner at Erwin's Main Street Cafe. Everyone finished off the meal with the berry cobbler ala mode ....mmmmmm.
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Campsite at 375.8
Miles today: 15.8

Bob has returned to the trail and I'm delighted to have him back!! We had lunch at Little Rock Knob and had a nice view of the valley including Christmas tree farms. We found trail magic at Hughes Gap: cupcakes, muffins, snickers, ice cold soda and water. This gave us just the boost we needed to climb straight up Roan Mt. (no switchbacks at all). We planned on staying at Roan Mt. Shelter, but somehow we both missed the shelter sign. We kept hiking on and finally stopped to camp on the saddle in between Round Bald and Jane Bald.
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Campsite at 375.8

To: Mt. Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 13.9

We passed by Overmountain Shelter, a converted red barn with beautiful valley views. Next we hiked up Little Hump Mountain and Hump Mountain both grassy balds. Hump Mountain was massive. We were very happy to be hiking these exposed balds in glorious weather. We later heard scary stories from hikers who hiked these balds while dealing with hail and lightning and only had a few rock outcroppings for cover. We arrived in the afternoon at the Mountain Harbour Hostel and were delighted to learn that Mary, our hostess, would be serving Easter dinner since all the restaurants in town were closed for the Holiday. Mary is a gourmet cook and her dinner was superb.
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Mt. Harbour Hostel

To: Laurel Fork
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We started the day with Mary's fabulous breakfast buffet (egg casserole, tomato pie, french toast, bannana pudding, hashbrowns, fried eggs, ham, sausage, biscuits, etc.) Then we slackpacked back to Mt. Harbour. The trail followed streams for nine miles. It was a hot day so we kept dipping our bandanas in the stream to keep cool. We took the shuttle to Dairyland for dinner.
Date: 2011-04-26
From: Laurel Fork

To: Kincora
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

We started the day again with Mary's bountiful breakfast buffet (many new items: pancakes with whipped cream & strawberries or real maple syrup, smoked sausage kabobs, quiche, lemon pound cake, homemade cinnamon rolls, etc.). Today's hike was over gentle rolling terrain (good thing after that breakfast). At the end of the day we got the last two open bunks at Kincora Hostel! Kincora's Bob Peoples and Seiko shuttled us to Elizabethtown where we resupplied at IGA grocery and got Little Caesars pizza for dinner. Bob Peoples is a huge supporter of the AT. He provides a hiker hostel & shuttles at only $4.00/night suggested donation and leads weekly AT trail maintenance work crews.
Date: 2011-04-27
From: Kincora

To: US 321
Miles today: 8.6

Today we slackpacked back to Kincora. This provided us with an active "rest" day and a safe roof over us at night. The trail followed a stream and took us to Laurel Falls, an impressive large waterfall. A miniature variety of rhododendron (lavendar flower) was in full bloom and was striking against the rocks above the stream. The rain and wind hit Kincora at night; while a tornado hit Abingdon. A storm took out the electricity in Damascus and a tornado devastated Tuscaloosa, Ala. with a huge loss of lives. Some of our friends who were in shelters and tents had a scary stormy night. Fierce winds and sideways rain hit the shelters and soaked sleeping bags. Lady Pants and Captain Planet sought refuge UNDER a shelter and awoke safe but dusty.
Date: 2011-04-28
From: US 321

To: Iron Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 15.6

The first part of our hike took us around Watauga Lake and offered many views of the lake surrounded by mountains. Today's elevation profile looked easy, but there were non-stop mini ups and downs (felt like climbing without ever reaching the top) which I found tiring and other hikers concurred. There was a big crowd at the shelter so we set up tents. We camped with Sunday, So Far so Good, and the Virginia Creepers.
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Iron Mt. Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

There wasn't much easily accessible water on this section so we had to plan carefully. A number of the youngsters are hiking 28 to 33 miles today to reach Damascus by early evening. The terrain is gentle and mostly downhill so this is doable for the fast hikers. We spent the night in the shelter with James, Jen, Jeanine and Crazy Horse (5 times thru hiker). I was tired after 2 big mileage days.
Date: 2011-04-30
From: Abingdon Gap

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike was mostly downhill. I was thrilled to reach the TN-VA border as now I am in known territory and just one state away from Harpers Ferry which is 45 minutes away from my home. I'll be in Virginia a long time as there are 536.70 miles in this state. But I'm getting closer to Mike so he'll have an easier time meeting me. Even though today's hike was easy, I was dragging all day. It's definitely time for a ZERO (rest day with no hiking). Checked into the Montgomery Homestead Inn, a very comfortable arts & crafts style home. Went to lunch and dinner at Quincey's which was very good.
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Damascus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

ZERO dayStarted the day with eggs and toast from Cowboys, a cafe at the Exxon. At Cowboys, we saw our German friends, So Far So Good and Sunday hiking North out of town. There is a large group of Germans hiking the AT this summer. The National Geographic film on the AT aired in Germany this past year and as a result there are record numbers of Germans hiking the AT this summer. Went shopping at Sundog and Mt. Rogers Outfitters. Checked into Dave's Place, a hostel run by Mt. Roger. Did my food resupply at the Dollar store, a store found in many Southern small towns along the AT. I bought a new pair of trail runners (Oboz) highly recommended by the Mt. Rogers staff. The shoe company is run by a guy who was previously with Montrail. I've been very happy with my Montrail sabinos but they were worn out and I was starting to feel the rocks too much. The Oboz shoe is more rigid than the Montrail. I think it might hold up longer on the trail and protect my feet better from the rocks. I haven't had any blister problems yet.   I use hydropel sports ointment everyday as a blister prevention and it is working extremely well.
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Damascus

To: VA 589
Miles today: 14.9

We slackpacked back to Damascus. Throughout the day we talked to lots of familiar hikers headed North. The AT and Virginia Creeper Trail were the same trail for .4 miles early in the day and again for .4 miles right before Damascus. We walked through lots of areas with rhododendron and even saw a few flower buds out finally. We crossed lots of streams. We ate dinner at Quincy's with a big group: Kebban, JWalker, Spud, Snakehips, Moss, DooDah Man, Bumblebee and Millhouse.I want to say THANKS to everyone who has read my journal, signed by guestbook or sent me an e-mail. Your comments help me stay focused and keep my spirit up. I send my journal entries via e-mail from my phone to my daughter who posts the entries online. THANKS Laura!!!   I don't often have access to the internet. Just recently Trail Journals started sending TJ guest entries to me via e-mail which is terrific as now there is no delay in reading guest entries.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: VA 589

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I was apprehensive about leaving Damascus since today's hike started with a long steep climb up Whitetop Mountain and the weather forecast was for a 70% chance of thunderstorms with a cold front moving in. But it ended up being a beautiful sunny day. The forest was covered with deep carpets of wildflowers (trillium, trout lily, spring beauty, wild geranium, fringed-phacelia). About a mile south of VA 601 I saw a huge stand of pink lady slippers (rare wildflower).About 45 minutes before reaching the shelter, the weather forecast proved true. We were suddenly hit with hail, wind, then driving rain and a big dip in temperature. I was never so happy to reach a shelter. The bottom was full but we found open spaces in the loft. It was wicked cold all night long, but we managed to stay warm enough to get some rest.
Date: 2011-05-04
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was bone chilling cold this morning making it very difficult to climb out of my sleeping bag, fix breakfast and pack up. I awoke in the loft to a gleeful shout from Mishka announcing "snow and ponies!!!" Sure enough the trees and ground were covered with snow and there were 3 wild ponies beside the shelter. We got a late start (9:45 instead of our usual 7:30 start) because it was so bitter cold. A mile into our hike we saw a herd of wild ponies, including 2 newly born wobbily foals. The hike soon took us over land that has been described as similar to Montana- big grassy balds, huge rock outcroppings. The scenery was stunning and continued throughout Grayson Highlands Park. We didn't see any ponies there, but were later told that many hikers so lots of wild ponies here the next day.It was slow hiking today as the rocky terrain was tough enough to navigate but even more so with the wind and freezing rain. For the first time hiking I wore a t-shirt, thermawrap synthetic jacket, rain jacket and long pants covered by rain pants and I was still cold. The weather got even worse in the afternoon when we hiked 3 hours over open balds and woods with sleet beating down. It was a relief to finally reach a shelter and surprising to find it open. The next morning we found out that everyone else hiked 1.7 miles further to the road and hitched a ride to the Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel.