morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: 1 mi. past Sam's Gap
Miles today: 18.1

It rained quite a bit in the night. I was glad to be in the shelter. It wasn't quite as cold as I expected - about 44 degrees when I set out. The first thing to tackle was Big Butt...yes that's the name of the mountain. There was a grave for a man's ashes who had thru hiked in 1968. Then suddenly I'm hiking along an old dirt road. I kept worrying I missed the trail, but it was fairly well marked. I came to another grave for people killed during the civil war. I stopped in at Flint Shelter for a snack. It's a really nice shelter. After the next gap, the next mountain to climb was Lick Rock. Some of the names along the trail are pretty funny. I wonder who comes up with them. I actually went by another Licklog Gap yesterday. There seem to be a lot of gaps named Deep Gap and Low Gap and several named Sassafras Gap. When I got to Hogback Ridge Shelter (my intended destination) I decided it would be better to get a few more miles in today so I wouldn't have to do a 20 mile day tomorrow. Trouble is, it was getting darker and darker - not daylight but rather looking like rain.   I decided to go for it anyway. It was thundering and then raining before I got to Sam's Gap. I thought if someone was there or showed up I might ask for a ride to town and come back in the morning - maybe slack pack even. Nobody was around so I guess that was a sign to continue. There was suppose to be water 0.7 m past the gap. Sure enough there was a source, not great but water none the less. Some of the water sources lately you couldn't be too sure of except at the shelters. Just as I finished pumping water, with just a light mist now, 3 guys (day hikers) came along. They were headed to Sam's Gap and offered me a ride into town. Oh the temptation! I didn't like the idea of back tracking though. I decided to stick it out. They said tonight is suppose to be bad and then snow flurries tomorrow. I still decided to keep going. Within minutes after they left it was raining pretty good. I was wondering how far I would have to go to be able to set up my tent. Then appeared a perfect 1 person tent site on the side of the trail. It was fun (NOT) setting up my tent in the wind and the rain. It didn't take too long though. I got everything set up and changed into dry clothes. After awhile the rain let up so I went out to cook some dinner. Of course it started raining again, although lightly. I didn't really feel like eating, but I knew I wanted to do about 17 miles tomorrow so I had better eat.   I looked over the maps for tomorrow and now writing in my journal. I'll read for a little bit and then call it a night. Barb, I finished the cookies today. I really enjoyed having them...they were great! Tamas, I'm still working on the chocolate.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: 1 mi. past Sam's Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

It rained off and on all night. About 3:30 AM it started to pour. I was lucky though - it was just dripping when I went to get up. It was hard putting wet clothes on, but I knew they would be wet soon anyway. I know I wanted to make the 17 miles today so I headed out. With the weather the way it was, my concern was getting over Big Bald (5516) before it turned cold enough to snow. It was foggy, misty and windy so the trees were dripping and it would rain off and on. I was wet all day. My gloves were wet before I started so I put my mitts on. It wasn't long before they were wet too. Big Bald was very windy and cold with no views. I took a picture anyway. Most of the day was very windy and cold. It was such a relief when I would have a section (brief!) out of the wind. The rain started hurting my face so I guess it was freezing rain. Just before I got to Spivey Gap it started snowing. At Spivey Gap there was a road. Again, if someone had been there I would have taken a ride into town, but nobody was there so I went on. Then the snow came down hard. The ground was covered in no time. The branches were loaded down with snow and hanging in the trail. There weren't a lot of white blazes, but I didn't have too much trouble following the trail. I started getting pretty cold, especially my hands. I couldn't wait to get to the shelter. If I hadn't been so cold I might have gone the extra 6.3 miles to get into town. I figured it would just get colder so it was probably safer to just stay at the shelter. Red Dog was already there. It's now 6:50 as I'm writing in my journal so I doubt anyone else will show up here. It's really pretty with the snow even though it is cold. Every so often the wind gusts and a bunch of snow blows off the roof and the trees and it looks like a little blizzard in front of the shelter for a few seconds. I look forward to getting to town and being warm tomorrow! I figure I will probably start late in hopes that it will warm up since it is such a short hike. Ah, and here is Father Christmas so I guess there will be 3 of us tonight.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Ah, I'm sitting here at Miss Janet's updating my journal and listening to Planet Waves! Crutch carries that CD with him and happens to be here. I'm feeling pretty good right now! Today is day 31 of my journey. I had told myself a long time ago that if I could make the first month, I could definitely make it. I'm having such a great time! I love getting all the emails, guest entries, and voice mails. It is so encouraging!! Thank you all so much for your support,I feel very fortunate. I'm sorry I don't answer many of them, but I do most of it from my phone and it takes awhile so I take care of what has to be done and do my journal. Okay, back to the day. It was windy and cold through the night, but I stayed warm in my bag. I'm really glad I have my silk liner and my bag cover to keep out the wind. I stayed in my bag late. I took my time getting ready. It was pretty, but it was still windy and didn't seem to be getting much warmer. I finally took off a little before 11:00. I used my camp clothes to walk out since everything else was wet and I knew I would be in town. I used my camp socks for mitts. It did start warming up and was a nice walk into town. When you finally get to the last climb (after several ups and downs of course) you can actually see the town of Erwin. It's such a tease though since Erwin is still about 3 miles away. You go a little further and get another view, and then a little further and another view....you get the idea. It had warmed up and there was no more snow at this elevation. The wind was still pretty strong off and on though. I was so happy to get to the road. I had a signal so I called Miss Janet's. I ended up talking to Hangman to see about a bunk! It's a small community on the trail. They had a bunk for me so I got a ride into town. When I got here they said people up the trail had called and said the snow is knee deep at Roan Shelter and there are drifts hip deep. I may stay here an extra day to let it melt some. They have clothes for you here so I took my shower and put on jeans and a shirt...how strange to have town clothes on! The clothes were in the wash and I took care of the other laundry there. So, I walked into town with Hangman and had some Mexican food...yum...not dehydrated!! I came back and hung my tent and sleeping bag on the line and put my boots out. She even has boot driers here! That's all for now, I'm almost done with round 2 of Planet Waves after all this journal updating so it's time to sign off for now.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Erwin, TN

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

I got up today trying to decide what I wanted to do. I figured I had 2 options - either get my resupply done and get ready to head out late for a short day, or stay another day. When we sat down to breakfast (and wow...what a breakfast!) another option came up. I could slack pack from Indian Grave Gap into town and still have time to get resupply done and head out tomorrow. Most of you know I have no problem with slack packing since I was planning to do that when I got to NY anyway. The problem I had was that I would be hiking southbound. It seemed strange. I was told that when slack packing from Hostels you generally hike back toward town to make it easier for shuttles. I only had a few minutes to decide so I went for it. It was such a beautiful day. I hated to waste it. I took Fabian (Miss Janet's dog) with me. At least this way I could get a hike in. I had a great time. And since I started in that direction, I got to see a lot of people who had been staying in other places in town since they were heading out. I saw Tapper, Chillout, Breadless, Waffle (I hadn't seen him in a really long time), Bluebelle, Tree, Yorkie, and Harmony who had stayed at Miss Janet's last night. It was fun catching up with them. The trail is like living in a small town. I met a few new people too. I almost stepped on a snake (harmless...don't worry Tania) that was sunning himself in the middle of the trail. I took a picture, but had a problem with my memory card. I couldn't take any other pictures...bummer. When I got back to town a rafter picked me up and gave me a ride. He and his wife are planning to hike the trail next year. I hope they do and wish them the best! I was back in plenty of time to get all my errands done and resupply. I was going to get a frozen pizza for dinner, but I saw the mushrooms and onions and decided to make myself a stir fry instead. When I came out of the store I was able to get a ride back from a very nice lady. There are such friendly people here. Since Hangman was here, I decided to get a massage. He had established some great rates for hikers passing through. I know I just had a short one in Hot Springs, but I went for it anyway. Unfortunately, I have a rash on my feet, ankles, and the outsides of my legs where the pack was rubbing....I am assuming from 2 wet hiking days. I'm in bed pretty late tonight. We'll have breakfast and then I'll probably be out on the trail around 11 AM tomorrow. Rt 19E is my next resupply point. That's all I worry about...what do I need to do to get to my next resupply. I don't like to think too far ahead so it doesn't seem overwhelming. Baby steps - one resupply at a time.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up in the morning after itching all night and realized the rash was covering my whole back and was starting down my legs and arms and chest. In 1998, as some of you reading this may remember, I was covered with a rash from head to toe for 3 months from an allergic reaction to sulfa. This seemed like the same type of thing. I called my medical group again and they felt I should be seen here before hiking on. I tried a couple of places but couldn't get in until 8 AM tomorrow. So, I decided to do another slack pack and stay to see the dr. in the morning. Rutabaga wanted to do the same hike so I would have someone with me. We took Fabian too. I took a Benedryl which helped some with the itching, but it also made me a little sluggish. It was a really nice hike. Unaka Mountain was quite an unending climb but a very different peak. It was covered with pines and reminded me a little of the forest going up Windham High Peak. As the day progressed the Benedryl wore off and I started itching even more. At least I only had a light pack on. I couldn't wait to get back, take a shower and have as little clothing touching me as possible. Luckily there are the town clothes available here at Miss Janet's. I hope the dr. will be able to give me something to help tomorrow. I just can't imagine having to hike this way for 3 months.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I walked to the dr's office and within that 10 minute walk, I had to get my socks off because my feet were itching so bad. The dr. confirmed the allergic reaction and prescribed some medicine for me. He said most people see a noticeable difference within 24 hours. I got back to Miss Janet's in time for breakfast. Since this ended up being a zero day and not much to tell about, I'll take the time to tell you how I got the name M&M since many of you have asked. It's not really anything exciting. Way back just before Woody Gap there was a bluff with a nice lookout. TMax was with me then and we stopped to enjoy the view for a bit. I noticed a few pieces of gorp and a yellow M&M. Nobo Hobo (he didn't have his trail name then though) stopped there and I mentioned the M&M and he said he saw it too. That evening when a bunch of us are standing around the fire, I brought it up. Almost everyone there had seen the M&M and could even describe the little chip out of it. So I started a discussion on how long do you have to be on the trail before you would pick up the M&M and eat it. We got into some funny discussions about it and Griz (or Jake or Montana or Seuss ??) said I really should be called M&M Bluff. I said that was too long and not really a trail name. The next day there was another yellow M&M on the trail and of course people saw it. There was no avoiding the name after that. Sorry it's not a more exciting story...a lot of trail names are like that though. It's an easy name for people to remember. Yorkie says a trail name has to be short enough that you could yell it across a bar. I've been called M squared, M2, M, and Auntie M. Others have tried to come up with different things the M's stand for. And after this rash, a couple of new suggestions for a trail name were "Itchy Woman" and "Scratch". I think I'll just stick with M&M.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 14.0

When I got up this morning it was amazing how much better I was. My feet had itched quite a bit in the night so I was a little concerned about hiking, but it was such a nice day. I decided to slack pack again so I could at least get some miles in, but still let my body heal. This way I wouldn't have a heavy pack rubbing against me and could shower when I got back. Bluebelle had taken a fall on Wednesday so she and Tree had gotten off the trail at Iron Mtn and then also did a zero on Thursday. They wanted to do the same slack pack so she could let herself heal a little and see how it would go. It was nice to spend the day with them. I took Fabian along again. Since it was a longer hike for him, I brought some food and extra water for him this time. The walk up Roan was very nice. We stopped in to see the shelter since it is the highest on the trail. It is actually a cabin...it has 4 sides and a door and there is a loft with a trap door you can close. I imagine the weather can get pretty bad up there. The ground was still mostly covered with snow up there, although it wasn't very deep other than a few pockets where there had been drifts. The trail was a little slushy and there was a little ice here and there. It wasn't a problem though. The day overall was pretty easy. Of course with a light pack and being on steroids, I was moving really well. The itching wasn't bad at all...only some on my feet and back. I got to see Kiwi whom I hadn't seen since Fontana Dam. I also saw Nobo Hobo whom I hadn't seen in an even longer time. I've been meeting new people who are really "behind me" both on the trail and here at the hostel. Tomorrow I plan to hike from Carvers Gap north. That will make 5 nights here at Miss Janet's. She has been wonderful and I've really enjoyed my stay here. I'll be glad to move on though. At least through all of this I was able to get some miles in. I probably won't update this again until I reach Damascus.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Carvers Gap

To: Rt 19E
Miles today: 13.7

Bluebelle, Tree, and I dropped off our full packs at the Mountain Harbor Hostel on our way to Carvers Gap so it was another slack pack today, but this time we were heading North. It felt good to be getting out of the "Erwin Vortex"! What a beautiful hike on a beautiful day! I took lots of pictures today. We went over some of the best on the trail. We had several balds to go over with 360 degree views. We didn't get dropped off until about 1:20 and had almost 14 miles to go. It was a fabulous afternoon. We had views of Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Mount Rogers to name just a few notables. A local was on one of the balds with us and pointed out the mountains. It was a lot of fun spending the day hiking with Buebelle and Tree. Most of the time I hike by myself, so it was a change. We had also dropped off some wine and cheese at the hostel so we had a nice evening meal. We topped it off with some Ben and Jerry's for sale at the hostel. It's a very nice hostel with only the 3 of us there. So it was quiet, calm and relaxing. It's going to be good to get back to the trail with my pack on my back and have flexibility to stay where I want with no deadlines to catch a ride. The rash is much better.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Rt 19E

To: about 4 m past Walnut Mtn Rd
Miles today: 13.8

Happy Earth Day everyone and Happy Birthday Steve! Today was another beautiful day. I felt so good all day. It was especially nice to be back to carrying my pack and be out of town heading North. Miss Janet is wonderful and was a tremendous help, but it's good to move on. Bluebelle, Tree, and I headed out from the hostel around 10:30. We really enjoyed the hostel. We were doing fine on the trail and spent a lot of time trying to figure out which way to go. There were about 5 old roads so we kept checking for white blazes. We finally went back and found the turn we missed. After about 3 miles in or so, Bluebelle and Tree decided to take a break. I went on so I could spend more time at Jones Falls. What a nice spot! I spent over an hour there. The trail then goes down along Elk River. It's a beautiful new section of trail that has just been opened. There is also a brand new shelter thanks to Bob Peoples. It's a 3 story shelter - very nice - the Mountaineer Shelter. EZ Duzit was there when I got there but said he was heading on to Abby's Place (a hostel) about 4 miles out. Bluebelle and Tree came along and decided they wanted to stay at the shelter. I knew I had some more miles in me and wanted to shorten my distance to Dennis Cove (the plan for tomorrow). Then we realized EZ had left his camera. So I headed out and took the camera with me. I got to the junction of where the signs say "Springer 398 m, Katahdin 1776 m" and then a sign to Abby's. What I didn't realize is that this was the long way to Abby's (.4) instead of the .2 further back...oh well. I took the camera back in to EZ since I figured he would be worried about it and I didn't want him to back track. He was very happy! It was about 6PM but couldn't bring myself to stay at the hostel - especially so far off the trail - so I headed back to the trail and kept going for awhile. I stopped at a stream and pumped some water so I would have the flexibility to stop when I wanted. About 7:3o I found a nice tent site.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: about 4 m past Walnut Mtn Rd

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 10.0

It was yet another nice day. I headed out a little before 9 and was at the Moreland Shelter before long. I stopped in briefly and signed the register. It was a pretty easy day. When I had about 2.5 miles left to the road, I met Bob Peoples out doing some trail maintenance. It was an honor to meet him and I was glad to be staying at his hostel. He said to be sure to enjoy a nice view point on a rock outlook just before the last descent to the road so I decided that was a good idea. I wasn't in a hurry and it was so nice that I hung out for about a half an hour. I got to the hostel just before 1:30 so I had plenty of time to shower, do laundry, and relax. Some hikers already there had some pizza and soda left over so I had some lunch. Bob took 13 of us to town to resupply and get food for dinner and breakfast. I had 1.5 burgers and some frozen veggies...mmmmm, so good. Bluebelle, Tree, EZ and I got eggs, bacon, and toast to make for breakfast. It was fun listening to stories from Bob on the drive into town. He is a nice guy, even though he is a Red Sox fan. We had some fun talking about that. There is a 9 mile slack pack option to get over Pond Flats if I want to do it tomorrow. I think I will probably just head North after breakfast though.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Dennis Cove

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I considered the slack pack and then maybe getting a ride back to be able to stay at the first shelter. I decided not to though. It just sounded good to be on my way with no restrictions. I started out about 10 AM and first passed Laurel Falls. You're right Fred, it's beautiful!! It is a really pretty section of trail that has had a lot of trail work. Then there was the big climb up to Pond Flats. It was tough but felt good. You then come around to Watauga Lake with a picnic area and a beach...very pretty spot. A group of us were there hanging out when a man pulled up down the way in a van with the back door open showing he had a cooler. We started thinking about cold drinks so I got elected (being the "girl") to go talk to the guy to see if we could get a ride to a nearby store. I offered to pay for gas and he said "I wouldn't take a dime from a thru hiker!". He took Matterhorn to the store to get sandwiches, soda, and beer and then came back and hung out with us for awhile at the lake. He took some picture of us and told some interesting stories. His name is Shoe trailname The Bionic Man)...a very nice man indeed. Thank you Shoe!! After a few hours we finally packed up and went the 1.8 miles to the shelter. It was a fun group (Matterhorn, Nobo Hobo, Derek, Kiwi, EZ Duzit, and Rockman) with lots of laughing. We all planned to shoot for a long day tomorrow so we got to bed fairly early. It was a warm night.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

I got the earliest start ever today - about 7:35 AM. The plan was for a long mileage day so I wanted an early start. It was gentle to the dam and then the climbing started. Everyone said it would be easy once we got up on the ridge. I knew how the ridges are though, there are still a lot of ups and downs. First stop was at the Vandeventer Shelter for a snack. Then more climbing. It wasn't too bad though. The next stop was a nice spring with delicious cold water. It was a hot and humid day so it hit the spot. On to the next shelter for lunch. Iron Mtn Shelter was nice and shady. A bunch of us had a late lunch there. It was only 7.6 miles left to go! I couldn't believe I made it to the shelter by 6PM with all the stops for food and water. It was a good day, but I'm really tired so this is about it for today's entry. Tomorrow I will cross into Virginia!