morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: few clouds

21.3 miles, M.M. 306.2I didn't get much sleep last night, getting to bed at 11pm and my habit of waking with the roosters. As I hit the trail about 7am I felt pretty good. But soon my legs felt like lead. I had a hard climb up one peak as steep as it was. I think when they cut this section they didn't want to waste time, so they went straight up! On the downside of that one, the Greenville Hiking and Cycling Club was holding their annual Trail Magic feast. I really timed this one right! They had all kinds of food and treats, free to all hikers! We all sat in the sunshine and feasted! We shared stories and talked about that hellacious climb. When it was time to move on, I thanked them whole-heartedly. When I hit the trail, I felt energized once again. All that sweet tea, food and Mountain Dew kicked in. I was my old self again! Good thing as we had a climb with a lot of large boulders to navigate. It was fun working my way through that mess, and the view from the top was great! I had planned to stay at Jerry Cabin Shelter but ended up going on. Soon I was hiking with Grunt, a big young fellow who didn't mind hiking a little slower. We shared good conversation and those extra miles didn't seem so long. We ended up at Flint Mountain Shelter. Grunt said I was a "cool dude" and he would hike with me anytime. Life is Trail Magic! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Big Bald Shelter (TN)
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

18.9 miles, M.M. 325.1I left Flint Mountain shelter at 8am. Another nice day. At 11.2 miles in, I was at Us 23, I-26. There I saw Waldo, Sherpa Mom's husband. They are retired; she's hiking to Maine and he shows up at roads crossing the trail. That way she gets to sleep in the R.V. some nights. She calls him Waldo, because he's everywhere. As I was passing his R.V., he had me in for a cold Coke. Heaven! After thanking Waldo, I crossed the road to resume the trail. As Buffalo and I entered the trail, someone had left two cold bags with treats, cold beer and cold soda. We had some strawberries and drinks. You just don't know how good a cold drink tastes after days of hiking!I had quite a climb to Big Bald Mountain. Near the top, I met a nice couple from Marietta, GA. We had some good conversation has we slowly ascended. They were taking photographs, not backpacking. As I neared the top of the Bald, there were some stunted trees and a small wildflowers everywhere. Their combined bouquet was amazing. The top of the Bald was covered in grass and was very large. The A.T. went right over the top. There was a great view from there, but very windy. I knew Bald Mountain Shelter was near, but I made a wrong turn and my new found friends from GA helped me get back on course. I found the shelter and several guys I knew were there. Several days back, I saw a young fellow hiking south barefoot. I think he was a day hiker. Still, barefoot! I thought I might see Ellie Mae behind him. There's too much that goes on every day to put in this journal, but I try to give you some of the best. Also, I will try to find a computer geek to help me send home my pictures. I have way too many already. I take pictures of things that I find interesting, and that's about everything in nature! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Big Bald Shelter (TN)

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

16.4 miles, M.M. 341.5I left Bald Mountain Shelter at 7:45am. Another pretty day, just warmer. I had a few good climbs to reach Erwin, but mostly it was a good hike. Yesterday I met Chewbacca and Yoda. I hiked briefly with Yoda who also hunts. I told him about an easy way to prepare a deer for processing. He said couldn't wait to share this method with his Dad and Grandpa. Yoda wore gaiters that were black and neon green. I thought they were a hoot! I was thinking about my tough climb up Big Bald Mountain yesterday. I think my German side keeps my pack in order, but my Irish side pulls my butt over these mountains. My idea for washing my socks is working well. If I hadn't done something, those socks could have walked to Maine in front of me, they were that bad! I saw a bug scurrying across the trail to get out of my way. I thought, do you really think I walked over 300 miles to step on you? Funny,the things you think of when you hike alone, that's why I like it. Well, I reached Erwin, TN in the afternoon. I decided to stay at the Super 8 Motel. There are no restaurants close by, but a hostel in town will shuttle hikers around for $5. Unfortunately you have to work with their schedule. I am still waiting for my Flex-Lite chair. It should be here tomorrow, drop shipped by REI. Once I have it, I'll be able to leave town. Right now, Life is Super 8! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Erwin, TN

To: Camping Area in woods near USFS 230
Miles today: 12.7

12.7 miles, M.M. 354.2I got up early at the motel, packed, ate breakfast and called for a shuttle to resupply. The hostel service didn't work out. There was a better service, but I found out too late. The motel clerk, named P.J. From India, was aware of my plight and offered me a ride. I gave him some gas money for his trouble. I got my resupply and he dropped me off at my start point. After he left, I remembered that I didn't get my dehydrated dinners. I think I have enough food until the next resupply. I had raided the motel hiker box earlier, and snagged energy bars and two Snickers. My REI Flex-Lite chair didn't make it to Erwin as the Hot Springs clerk didn't forward it like he said he would. I called and was assured it would be sent to the P.O. in Damascus VA. When I got here yesterday, I had two blisters, one under each same toe on both feet. I drained them and used antibiotic. I think I used too much Oder X in my socks, which caused the blisters.Jena will get me additional socks in my next drop. The REI socks get too stretched out when I hand-wash them. I left Erwin at 1:50pm and hiking on these blisters was a slight painful. But Pearl says, I've got to get my miles in if I'm going to finish by September 1st! I told her I had to go through a few oysters to find her, thus her name! I stopped at a camp area 4.8 miles from Cherry Gap Shelter. Ben and Buffalo and a few others are here as well. Life is good people like P.J.! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Camping Area in woods near USFS 230

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

14.0 miles, M.M. 368.2I left camp about 7am. I stopped at 10am to have a snack at Cherry Gap Shelter. A French mother and daughter stopped as well to make breakfast. They pulled a dozen eggs out of their pack. It's true, the French like their food. I bid them bon appetite, and moved on. At Iron Mountain Gap a fellow named Rob had Trail Magic. He invited me into the front seat and I had a cold root beer and an orange. He said he used to run a hostel up north, but now lives here and does Trail Magic. Super guy, boy did that cold drink taste good! I got to Clyde Smith Shelter at 3:30pm. I set up camp, got water and washed some clothes. While at the spring, I soaked my feet in that ice cold water, it felt so good! Some young people came later to sleep in the shelter. To bed early tonight! Life is Rob's Trail Magic! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: 2.5 miles past Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: few clouds

17.2 miles, M.M. 385.4I started at Springer Mountain, GA one month ago today. Yesterday, for the first time since starting the A.T., I hit the wall. I was exhausted when I went to bed at 8pm. I'm not sure what caused it, but today I'm my old self again. Which to anyone who knows me, I tend to have a little energy. If you want quiet time, don't give me coffee. I had a number of big climbs today. When I finally reached the top of one high hard climb, I felt like Jack on the Titanic. Trekking poles outstretched into the wind. Hey, it was a tough climb! Near the summit of another climb, I met six trail volunteers, going to work on a section of trail. One guy was late forties I'd say, the rest were at least in their sixties. One was a sturdy looking woman, well past her spring-chicken days. Most were carrying pickaxes, pry bars and one a chainsaw. They said their friends think they're crazy. I know how hard trail work is, and I thanked them wholeheartedly. I stopped at Roan High Knob Shelter for lunch. That is if you call peanut butter on whole wheat soft taco shells a lunch. Hiker food equates to calories, and I need more. Roan High Knob Shelter is an old log cabin style shelter. It was pretty neat. I read my trail guide wrong and missed Overmountain Shelter. I wanted to see it as it's a converted old barn. Instead I am camping by myself 2.5 miles from Overmountain Shelter. When I get home someday I think Pearl is going to tie my bootlaces together so I can't wander so far! Maybe just the Ozark Trail. Life is good, another pretty day. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-09
From: 2.5 miles past Overmountain Shelter

To: US 19 EAST
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

6.2 miles, M.M. 391.6I was hiking by 6:30am. My plan was to hike to US 19 East and go to Roan Mountain, TN and stay in a B&B there. About once a week I need to shower, wash all my clothes and resupply. Early on, I had to climb Hump Mountain, a Bald. As I got closer to the summit, the wind became stronger, sometimes blowing me a little sideways. I was concerned about my Team Hoyt hat being blown off my head. I pictured myself as Tom Hanks chasing Wilson in Castaway, "Hoyt, come back"! I took my Hoyt hat off and put him in a safe place. When I got to US 19E, some great person had left some Trail Magic: brownies and ice cold Cokes (thank you!). I didn't drink much soda before this trip, but now there are days when I would kill for a cold Coke. I tried hitching the four miles to the B&B, but I guess I look too dangerous as no one would stop to pick me up. The Gods at AT&T for once took pity on me as I continue to have lousy service. I had reception long enough to call Ann at the B&B. She graciously said she would come and pick me up! On the way back, we stopped at Subway and to set up a haircut for me - the first one I've had while on the Trail. I showered, washed clothes and called family. Of all the creature comforts, I miss hot showers the most. I'll be back on the trail early, rain or shine; a 40% chance Life is a hot shower! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-10
From: US 19 EAST

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

18.9 miles, M.M. 410.5Ann from the Roan Mountain B&B had me to the trailhead at US 19E by 8:00am. Many thanks to her for the hospitality. I hiked 9.3 miles to Mountaineer Shelter, where I planned to eat something. I met two older fellows there who were slackpacking. It had been cloudy all morning, and now it poured. I was glad to be in the shelter. It didn't rain too long, and I was soon ready to go. There was a pretty waterfall on the way to Moreland Shelter. It's called Jones Falls. I think they could have done better on the name though. I'm tired of rhododendron. The south is full of it; in some areas, you can't see the forest for the rhododendron. When I got to Moreland Gap Shelter, Ben was there, as well as four others. He made a fire and we talked a bit. The others were already in bed. I told him the story of yesterday's haircut: I stopped by a salon in town and got a haircut for $8! I couldn't believe it, I gave the stylist a $5/60%+ tip! Today, just off the trail, I saw a heart-shaped moss as big as a dinner plate. Of course I got a pic of that and have added here. Still not able to get my camera photos uploaded; I need someone out here to help me with that. Pearl will have to get me another photo card in the Damascus mail drop as I am almost out of room on the current card. Recent pictures are taken with my cell phone,that way I can send them right home. Life is Moss Magic! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Spring (past the Lake Watauga Shelter)
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: clear sky

21.8 miles, M.M. 432.3Got hiking about 7am. It was cloudy but soon turned into a nice day. When I got to Dennis Cove Road, I briefly talked to two trout fisherman before a resupply trip to the Black Bear Resort. As I passed the first house, the owner gave me two cold Mountain Dews! Trail Magic! I got my resupply and headed 0.4 mile back to the trail. I then hiked to Laurel Falls. Hard trail down, but beautiful falls. Being a tourist area, I passed several day hikers. I wished all the Moms I passed a Happy Mother's Day. As I neared the top of a tough climb, I tried my phone and it worked. I must have climbed Mt. AT&T! On the A.T., in the south, I think AT&T should stand for "always talking to yourself" as you can't talk to anyone else most of the time. Pearl attempted to get some resolution from AT&T but they need my phone to "trouble-shoot" they said! It's called not having good coverage the farther NE I go! Mother's Day was a great day to have service and I was able to call Mom, Pearl and my daughter. Later on, I met a young man from Nixa, Mo. His name was Rabbit. We hiked and talked together for awhile. As we approached Lake Watauga, he went to meet friends. The trail went right through the top of the lake beach area, where families were celebrating Mother's Day. Here I come out of the woods looking like Mad Mountain Dean. I passed within 40 yards of real food and ice-cold drinks. Might as well have been 40 miles as there was no Trail Magic here. The trials and tribulations of a thru-hiker. I didn't care for the Lake Watauga Shelter area, so I moved on. I ended up at a spring with other hikers two miles from the next shelter. It was already 8pm; I quickly set up and called it a day. I slept without the rainfly; it was nice to see the moon and stars through my netting. Life is two cold Mountain Dews! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Spring (past the Lake Watauga Shelter)

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

16.1 miles, M.M 448.4I was on the trail by 6:50am. This was another pretty day, and this time a fairly easy hike. As I hike more miles, I meet new hikers. Today I met a young hiker named Casanova (I did't ask) and his buddy. His buddy could be the brother of Michael Scott on "The Office", funny. As I approached TN 91, a church group had a bear-proof box in a clearing. It had cold sodas and treats inside, with instructions saying to help yourself. Trail Magic from Heaven! Afterwards, I walked the short distance to TN 91. As I crossed the road, I met a good old boy named Fletcher, a 21 year veteran of the Marine Corps. I thanked him for his service and he said it was an honor to serve. He was looking for a friend and asked if he could walk with me as the trail was going into a big field. The A.T. here was a 4ft wide gravel path. Fletcher and I had a good conversation as we headed up the path. Up ahead, there was a trail magic party that some young people were having. Their party tent was set right on top of the A.T. path. Now I'm a trail purist, meaning I want to hike ALL of the trail. Well, they invited us to stay and play Frisbee and drink beer. Me, being the party animal that I am, begged off. Before I left I had a hamburger and a Red Bull (yes son, I really did!). I guess that makes up for the 15 ft of trail I couldn't walk. As I hiked away, I could hear Fletcher - I guess he stayed and had a good time! I reached Double Spring Shelter about 4pm. I set up my hammock uphill off the A.T. in a nice spot. I had plenty of time to wash some clothes and have a nice evening. I am headed to Damascus, VA tomorrow - the fourth state of 14. With all the talk about the annual Trail Days hiker festival there next weekend, it almost feels a pilgrimage to get there. Life is those church people who leave Trail Magic for hikers! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.2

18.2 miles; Mile Marker 466.6I rolled into Damascus, VA this afternoon. The hike in was moderate but tough; I wanted to get here before the P.O. closed, so I hurried. I had another pretty day for hiking. I expected cold cans of Trail Magic when I came out of the woods on the edge of town. But not to be, so I poured 1.5 liters of cold spring water I had over my head and put on a clean shirt for my walk down Main Street. The trail goes right through town, and there were a lot of hikers rolling in for the annual Trailfest event this weekend. As I proceeded down Main St., I heard someone yell "Hoyt"! It was Dave, Bill's brother. He was here to bring Bill a new set of trail shoes and was having lunch. I joined him. I ate a very large sandwich and drank five glasses of saaaweeeet tea! I was in bliss! Bill soon called and said he was sick. The boys went to that Trail Magic party too. Bill thinks he got food poisoning there. Dave picked up Bill at the trailhead to take him home to recover. I, of course thanks to AT&T, had no phone service. I used Dave's phone to reserve a B&B room in town for two days. I picked up my resupply from the PO. Pearl is doing a great job keeping me resupplied. She also sent me my new pair of size 30 hiker pants as I have lost an entire waist size - my 32" were falling off of me. I sent these back home for when I gain my weight back. I also finally picked up my Flex-lite chair - these old bones are going to love this little chair after hiking all day long. As I reached the B&B it started pouring. I hope Chase and Banjo made it to town before the rain. Dave said the boys went to Gatlinburg, TN awhile back because they ran out of water. I had no way of knowing that. I hope that we can resume hiking together again when we leave town. Life is Good! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Zero-mile day.Enjoying my stay at the B&B with the owners Linda and Jerry. The boys and Dancer, minus sick Bill, are in the garage apartment behind the B&B. I spent the day soaking up calories and doing a resupply. It's always a balance of how much can I carry and how much do I get to eat. It was good to see the boys again and catch up. Damascus is a nice little town. The annual Trailfest hiker weekend is getting started. I want to see the gear and then get back on the trail tomorrow afternoon. The boys, Dancer and hopefully Bill, will follow on the 16th. The easy life at the B&B! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: moderate rain

16.1 miles, Mile Marker 482.7I left Damascus after getting my R&R and my resupply at 10:10am. The Trailfest does not begin for another day and I didn't want to wait. I believe the boys are staying for the Trailfest and will catch up later. About five miles in, it started to rain steadily and didn't stop the rest of the day. After three hours in the rain and going through numerous puddles, my Asolos leaked. I think the water came in at the lace area. My socks were dry from the ankle up and wet ankle down. Mostly in bottom front of both boots. I'm walking in soaking wet boots. I had on my rain suit so the water must have come in from below. I stopped at Saunders Shelter to eat. There were two boys and a young man there. They were headed for Trailfest tomorrow, and were waiting out the rain. The young man said he completed the trail in 2001. After I left and was about 1/2 mile away, I saw a woman about my age. She had on a sleeveless shirt and shorts, no raingear. This being a cool rain, I asked if I could get her raingear for her from her pack. She said she was going to the shelter I just left, and that she was fine. Brrrrrrr! I don't think so. Grunt caught up with me at 4:00pm. He was headed for the same shelter and said he would see me there. When I got to Lost Mountain Shelter, there were 4 men and 2 women planning to sleep there. I set-up my rainfly and then my hammock, keeping it dry. I am going to bed to the sound of raindrops, but I hope to wake-up to sunshine. Also, my camera got wet in the rain and ruined, I will have to use my phone for pictures until I get a replacement.Life is very soggy tonight. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

12.2 miles, Mile Marker 494.9 (check for accuracy against hardcopy journal)This morning it had stopped raining but it was cold and damp. I stayed in my hammock until 8am. My Asolo waterproof boots leaked yesterday so today was not pleasant in wet socks and wet boots. I called Pearl, she's going to contact REI about replacement boots for me. They will have to be shipped to P.O. in Sugar Grove VA. The sun came out now and then, but about a mile out from the shelter it began to drizzle. It tried to snow briefly too. The shelter is nice but high and exposed to the cold wind that doesn't stop blowing. I was the only one at the shelter at first, then Grunt and his two buddies came along and Tortoise showed up. I set my hammock up in the forest and then made dinner in the shelter. I hope it's not too cold in the morning. Life is cold, wet feet. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: VA16, Dickey Gap near Troutdale, VA
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: overcast clouds

21.2 miles, Mile Marker 516.1Shortly after I went to bed last night, I heard what I thought was rain, but was sleet and snow. In the morning, it was cold and windy, with a .5 of snow on the ground. I sent my weather radio home while in Damuscus, VA to save weight, so this was a surprise! Good time to have slept in the shelter. A few days earlier, rain found its way into my pack where my gloves were, so they were of no use. I wish money would find its way into my pockets the way water finds a way into everything. Packing up was a challenge in the cold and wind. Grunt and his buddies were going to a church hostel and said I should go and dry everything out. I left at 7:00am, across the snow covered semi-bald. I passed steers with long horns and ponies the area is famous for. My camera appears to have been ruined in the rain so I am unable to take pictures. At 2:50pm I saw my first bear! I was hiking down an old dirt road the A.T. was using. The woods were fairly open, no rhododendron. I saw the bear about 50yds in front of me on my right. It was 30 yards from the road, slowly moving uphill. I stopped and tapped my trekking poles together. The bear stopped, looked at me, then ran across the hill away from me. Pretty neat! There was an SUV parked at Dickey Gap when I got there. Long story short, these were the parents of Doc. A young doctor thru-hiking with her boyfriend, Tex. They gave me a cold beer and a ride to the hostel. They were waiting there for Doc to arrive. Nice people - Trail Magic!Grunt and his buddies were already there. The Baptist church hostel is a two room bunkhouse. We're staying in the one with two bunk beds. Just plywood, you use your own camping gear. It's clean, there's a shower and a washing machine behind the church. This is a really small town. What a day: snow, a bear, Trail Magic and my first stay at a hostel. Life is Good People such as Pastor Ken and his wife Mary! -Hoyt