morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Pez, Red Dog, and I were up early to get a jump on the long mile day. I had to take one last shower before I hit the trail. We headed to the diner for breakfast but had to wait as they opened a little late. Had a good meal and started the climb out of town after crossing the French Broad River. After freezing my butt earlier in the week it felt strange being soaked with sweat. The views of Hot Springs from the rocky overlooks were spectacular. The earlier part of the hike went quickly as Pez and I discussed the future of the human race from a scientific point of view. We had a very interesting conversation. We climbed the Rich Mountain Tower but the top was locked and we didn't get the views we would have had. During the day we kept running into Red Dog who is working on a song about cheeseburger paradise aka Mountain Momma's. He had us laughing and I suggested he use the song at the hiker talent show during Trail Days. The second half of the hike seemed a lot tougher. The heat takes a lot out of you and there were a lot of ups and downs. The profile map doesn't look as bad as the trail is as they take an average elevation for the profiles. We went up and down all day but I guess you can say we on average walked on level ground all day. My legs dont believe that. We arrived at Little Laural Shelter just before dark. I loaded up on water and found a stick to cook my hot dogs on. I ate 4 dogs and buns and gave away the extra dog. They were good cooked on an open fire. Dragon Slayer arrived after dark and made us strawberry cheese cake which she had lugged 20 miles. I shared my pringles and we had a fun group of about twelve hikers around the fire ring. I am extremely tired and a little sore from the 20 miles {which includes the .4 to and from the fire tower}. It is almost 10PM now and most have gone to sleep. That is what I plan to do. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

I started out the day with about a thousand foot climb in the first mile. It is a tough way to wake up but I really didn't find it too rough. I may have been helped by the two cups of fresh coffee I brewed with breakfast. Shortly after the climb I came to an overlook with a fantastic view and I took a pack off break and chilled out for a while on the rocks. It looks to be another beautiful sunny day. Shortly after that I noticed the trail follows a relo. Instead of the fairly level but not overly inspiring trail I followed in 2002, the trail follows to top of a rugged and very rocky ridge. It is a very impressive section of trail and I, as a trail maintainer myself, could not even imagine the amount of work that went into building that trail. Massive rocks and boulders had been moved into place so you would be able to navigate the ridge. Remember, there is no way to get heavy equipment into the area so everything was moved using slave (volunteer) labor. As my friend Nasty would say, "It is awesome dude". I tip my hat and offer thanks to those who worked so hard to provide such a beautiful and challenging section of trail. A short while later I stopped at Jerry Cabin Shelter. It was upsetting to see the amount of trash left around the shelter that Sam worked so hard to maintain. Pez and I decided to take it easy today and found a nice sunny, grassy bald to stretch out on. We took about an hour break working on our journals and soaking in the sun. And eating - which I seemed to do a lot of today. After all the climbing today it was time to desend over a thousand feet and then climb again to reach the Flint Mountain Shelter. There are about nine hikers here tonight enjoying the fire I built to chase the biting insects away. All day today you could hear woodpeckers pecking away. Now there are numerous owls calling out to each other - "who cooks me, I cook for yooouuu". When the owls call out that means it is time for thru-hikers to go to bed. That is where I'm heading now. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Pez and I left the shelter about 8AM but not before I had a couple of cups of fresh coffee. After a few easy miles the fun began. We climbed from Boone Cove Road at 2960 feet to Frozen Knob at 4580 feet. I was soaked with sweat by the end of the climb. The weather continued to be beautiful with the sun poking out from scattered clouds. After the Frozen Knob the trail gradually drops to Sams Gap. We took a short break there and took advantage of the garbage pails. It feels good to get rid of garbage that you have been carrying for days. Just before I left the gap a van pulled up - it was Miss Janet. I greeted her with a big hug and chatted with her for a few minutes. I asked her to save me a bunk for tomorrow night. Then it was time to start climbing again. Sams gap is 3800 feet and we had to climb over Big Bald which is 5516 feet high. Most of this climb came at the end of an 18 mile plus day when we were pretty well spent. Before the last 500 feet of climbing I went through my food bag to find anything that would give me a quick boost of energy. Well we made it to the top just before the sun started to set. We took a break on top and were going to stay for the sunset but believe it or not we both were getting cold. I mean shivering cold. It may be the higher elevation or maybe a cold front moved through. We did see some residual snow on top of some of the mountain tops. Anyway, we pushed on to the shelter and arrived just as it got dark. From within the shelter I heard a familiar voice from the past but I couldn't place it at first. It was Debbie (Sea Eagle) who hiked the Ocean to Lake hike with me back in January. What a surprise! We had a little time to chat but I had a lot to do and needed to shovel some food into my mouth. 19 miles in this kind of terraine leaves you very hungry and very tired. And bone weary and foot sore. The air was cooling very quickly and we could see our breath. I was very happy to get inside my sleeping bag. I wanted to just close my eyes but if I don't make my journal entry for the day I'll forget all the good things that happened along the way. It is now 9:30 and I'm the last one awake. Not for long....Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 16.9

As is usual when I'm heading into town I was up and ready to hit the trail early. I had to settle for oatmeal bars because I had already eaten all the good stuff. I did at least have a good cup of coffee. For lunch today all I had left was a few chocolate bars. Somehow I wound up with two extra dinners and no lunch or breakfast. But I'll make up for any shortages when I get to Erwin. We hit Hghg Rocks and took the blue blaze trail to the top. The rocks were shaped perfectly to fit my body so I took that as an invitation to lay down and soak up some sun and rest for a while. Pez and I watched amazed as another thru-hiker walked past without stopping by. Hike 2174 miles but not go two tenths of a mile to enjoy something so special? To each his own I guess. We then went passed Spivey Gap and hiked along a section of trail I remembered fondly from my earlier hike. I love hiking on top of pine needles and along the side of mountains. Most of this section is both. It was just as enjoyable as last time in spite of the recent burn - some areas were still smoldering. At No Business Knob Shelter we met Old Hickory out for a short section hike. He promised to have a cold soda waiting for us when we got to the bridge and offered us a ride. The soda was enough incentive to get our butts in gear. We arrived at the river just after 4PM and a cold drink was waiting for us. Since Pez was expecting a ride we declined his offer of a ride to Miss Janets and chose to wait. We waited about one and a half hours and I worked on my journal while sitting on the church lawn. After the ride to Miss Janets I got a fast shower and headed to the Erwin Burrito for dinner. The place was packed with thru-hikers. We had a birthday cake and a big party. Miss Janet provides all a hiker needs and makes everyone feel welcome. A visit here is a big part of everyones hike. She helps so many - many whose hike would be in trouble because of injuries. Anyway, I'm getting to bed late because I spent most of the night hanging with the other hiker trash. Good- night, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Nolichucky River

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

As is usual when you take a zero day you have a lot to do. I started my laundry and caught up on my journal using the computer at Miss Janet's. I went to the post office for my bounce box and mail. Found a nice surprise - a package of goodies from team Greasepot. I had hiked quite a bit of the AT with Greasepot in 2002 and had followed her through email to Katahdin. Thanks and good luck on your PCT hike this year. After going through my mail and taking inventory of the food items I walked about a half mile to the store for more suppies. The weather had turned nasty and shortly after my return a thunder storm passed through. Good size hail and I was glad to be warm and dry. The prediction for the remainder of the week did not look good - rain Wednesday and snow on Thursday. And rain/snow mix through Saturday. I can't stay in Erwin forever so I plan to leave right after breakfast tomorrow. If the weather is ok Miss Janet will meet us on top of Beauty Spot and we will have a nice fire and I'll cook the hot dogs I'm packing with me. She will bring her potato launcher and we will attack the city of Erwin when darkness falls. I'll camp on the bald near there dependng on the weather. Sounds like a plan.Well, it is after midnight and all is packed and ready to hit the trail. It is raining but maybe by morning things will clear. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Erwin

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

After a breakfast of Green Eggs And Ham during which Miss Janet had me reading the story we loaded into the van and headed back to the trail. Of course it was raining. Just before we left Bearbag Hanger, Scarf, and Nails arrived. They had hitched in from Sams Gap. They were cold from their ride in the back of a pickup and from hiking in the snow. They reported that above 3000 feet it was snowing. I'm getting sick of snow and of repeating that stupid poem about green eggs over and over in my mind.Well, I started to hike in a light rain about 10:45. When I arrived at Curley Maple Gap Shelter it started to come down heavier. Then it changed to snow. By the time we climbed up on Beauty Spot there was about six inches of the lovely white stuff. The wind was blowing it sideways so hard it hurt. My beard offered a lot of protection but was fully covered in ice. The brim of my hat had icicles hanging from it. I could not get a cell signal to call off the potato war and I didn't want to set up a tent in those conditions. At this point I was hiking with Slips and Fitz. We decided to try to make it over Unaka Mtn (5180') to Cherry Gap Shelter. We would be hiking these conditions in the dark. There was one set of footprints ahead of us which helped to follow the trail. And the skid marks and butt prints gave warning of the slippery spots. We all took a fall at some point - mine only a few hundred yards from the shelter. The snow was over a foot deep when we arrived cold, wet, tired, but so happy to be there. We rushed to get some warm liquids and food so we would stop shivering. It took an hour inside the sleeping bag to feel warm again. The plan for tomorrow is a short 8 mile day. So I intend to sleep well into the morning. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: light snow

Looking out of the shelter this morning I knew things were going to be tough. The snow looked deep and it was still coming down at a pretty good clip. All through the night the snow was blowing into the shelter and was hitting me in the face. The shelters work fine for rain but are not designed for the snowstorm that blasted us today. Three hikers headed out at about 10AM. Two of them returned and said it was too deep and the trail was nearly impassable and difficult to follow. By noon nature forced me out of my cozy sleeping bag. I made a hot breakfast and a potent cup of coffee. I was reluctant to spend the day in the shelter as this was my first day out of town. I usually carry an extra day of food for emergencies but I didn't want to use up that buffer on the first day out. Especially knowing I am heading over Roan Mountain in another day. At 1PM I headed out - Biscuit and Slim headed out a little earlier. Nobody else intended to budge from the shelter. I started with a short climb which seemed to take forever. The snow in some places was between one and a half to two feet deep. The branches hanging over the trail were so heavy with snow they were touching the ground. The going was painfully slow. I caught up to the other two hikers and suggested we try to get off the trail at Iron Mtn Gap. Even if we could make the next shelter, I did not think we could possibly get over Roan Mountain. It is over 6000 feet and is a tough climb without snow. I decided the smart thing to do was bail out and wait for the weather to improve. My gear was sufficient to handle these conditions but I really did not want to spend days hanging out in a cold shelter. It took almost two hours to hike 2.7 miles to Iron Mtn Gap. We stuck out our thumb and immediately got a ride to Unicoi. About a mile away from where we were picked up there was no snow - none whatsoever. We stopped at a market and I had a delicious baloney sandwhich and some coffee. Then we tried to hitch back to Erwin. Biscuit and Slim took turns holding out their thumbs with no luck. One said "Hey Lwop - try your luck". I took off my glove, stuck out my thumb and about ten seconds later a van pulled over to pick us up. It was Miss Janet. Just by chance she was taking that way home. As I expected her place was packed so four of us got a room at the Holiday Express. It includes a pint of Ben & Jerry's and has a Hot Tub. I can't help wondering how the others are making out up on the mountain but I know I made the right choice. I do not intend to go back for at least a couple of days. I may just hang out here in Erwin until the snow melts. But right now I'm exhausted. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I, like many of my fellow hikers, spent the day hanging around town waiting for the weather to improve. The temps seem to be dropping and the rain continues to fall. Miss Janet got word from further up the trail that nobody seems to be getting through Carvers Gap. We did hear that some of the hikers I had left at the Cherry Gap Shelter had made it to Iron Mtn Gap and hitched into North Carolina somewhere. At least they are safe in a motel there. Miss Janet picked us up at the motel and we hung around at her place all day. Baltimore Jack was preparing a big dinner for all the hikers stranded in town. I chatted with Crash who is continuing through Alabama and onto the Florida Trail when he completes the AT. We had a nice crowd for dinner and headed over to a motel which I am sharing with the same crew as yesterday. Sea Eagle will be heading to Hot Springs in the morning with Baltimore and Miss Janet. I may take the ride to keep Miss J company on the way back. After that I will continue to wait for some end to this winter storm. Now I am going to sleep and dream of snow free trails. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am still here in Erwin hearing reports of hikers still coming off the mountains. Many look like they've had a rough time trying to get through the snow drifts. Today the sun actually came out and the snow stoped falling. I spent much of the day driving around with Miss Janet picking up stranded hikers and a few who were brave enough to do day hikes at the lower elevations. I intend to hit the trail where I bailed out early tomorrow. There are predictions of record low temperatures for the day I plan to hike over Roan Mountain. I've hiked this area before and it is always cold there. I am just getting anxious to get moving again. I'm wasting money here in town. And I want to get on the trail before all the other hikers break loose and head up Roan. I'll pack down the snow for them. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: US19E
Miles today: 8.6

I got up early but had no intention of setting out. I want to dry some of my gear and relax after the tough day I had yesterday. I enjoyed a strong cup of coffee and ate my breakfast while my boots and socks dried in the sun. Joe, a section hiker here with his two sons, started a fire and everyone was busy trying to dry gear and clothes. The wind had died somewhat and it is shaping up to be a beautiful day. There is still about a foot of snow and judging by the clear skies, a lot of that will be melting and slushy today. I headed out about 10AM and immediately had to climb Little Hump Mountain followed by Hump Mountain. The views from these two balds are among the best on the AT. 360 degree views of nothing but mountains. With the covering of snow it looked like the scenes from the Lord of the Rings. Slim and Biscuit caught up to me on Hump and we shot some pictures of each other. We found a nice big rock that was free of snow and decided to take an early lunch break. I suggested we just chill for a long while and only hike to the next shelter. First Light arrived from the Roan Shelter and chilled with us. Then Grey Fox, who I had met in Hot Springs joined in too. The rock was getting crowed with lazy hikers. Grey Fox offered a ride to Boone and a chance for us to all crash on the floor of his girlfriends apartment. We could go to the Golden Corral for the all you can eat buffet. The rock was vacated in about ten seconds and we knocked off the next 5 miles in about an hour and a half. At 19E we were packed 6 people and 4 backpacks into a small Honda and headed into Boone. It was an interesting ride. We ate and got to Walmart and downloaded photos. It was an excellent dose of trail magic. Thanks Grey and Red Fox. Oh, I got to play with their cats too. It was a good day to be on the trail - even if we goofed off most of the day. Grey Fox and I did manage to get sunburned. Between the elevation and the reflection off the snow, the sun really baked us. I can't wait to see my pictures. They will be added to the journal in about a week. But for now, I'm going to claim some floor space and get some sleep. Good night, Lwop.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Morland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 6.1

Got up early and headed out after First Light, Biscuit, and Slim. The trail was enjoyable as it was free of snow and very green. Spring seems to arrive a little earlier in this area. Just before reaching Dennis Cove I passed a beautiful pasture loaded with wildflowers and dafodils. At one end of the pasture was a swimming hole complete with a platform from which you could dive in. Not me, not this time of the year. I arrived at Dennis Cove around 11AM and checked in at the Kincora Hostel. It is run by Bob and Pat Peoples who are very much involved in maintaining the trails in this area. They are a very special asset to the hiking community. After showering and doing my laundry we headed to town to resupply. A bunch of us chipped in to buy dinner - cheeseburgers cooked on the grill. They were great. I plan to hike out of here in the morning and push on to Damascus over the next few days. At that point I plan to take a few days off the trail. Tomorrows hike takes me through Laurel Fork Gorge and by Laurel Falls. I love this section up to the PUD called Pond Flats. PUD = pointless up and down. This one is a 2000 foot climb up and 2000 foot climb down. There are no views from the top. But it is a part of the trail so up I'll go. Many of the other hikers are hiking this section without their packs. Maybe they are smarter than me - but I've carried mine this far and I will probably carry it all the way to Maine. We are expecting rain for the next three days. The immediate forecast calls for some heavy sleep. So, good night,Lwop
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Dennis Cove

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Opened my eyes to a beautiful day in spite of the predictions for rain. Most of the hikers in the hostel were heading out early to do some slack packing. I opted to leave a little bit later and carry my pack. There was only one climb today - 2000 foot over Pond Flats. It was tough but not so bad that I would have my backpack driven to the other side rather than take it with me. Todays hike brought me through Laurel Gorge to Laurel Falls. This is a very pretty wilderness area with excellent trails which just happen to be maintained by Thru-hikers. The falls were impressive especially with all volume of water created by the melting snow at the higher elevations. At the falls I met a family having lunch. They offered me a sandwhich and other goodies. I accepted two drinks and candy bars. I did not need more food as I had just resupplied and my pack was already too heavy. It has been nice meeting the local residents. People are so pleasant in this part of the country. After the falls I met an individual who helps maintain these trails. I complimented him on the good job being done. Next it was a climb over Pond Flats and a nice sunny picnic table next to Watauga Lake. While I was chilling out at the table Biscuit and Slim showed up. We spotted someone hanging over the lake from a rope swing. Biscuit and Slim nearly took off running to give it a try. Both took a swinging dip into the icy waters of Watauga Lake. No way I was going to do that. We arrived at te shelter early and found some wood to build a fire to keep the bugs away. For some reason I feel tired this evening. I should sleep well tonight. It is beautiful out - cool and clear. I don't know how far I'll hike tomorrow. I'll figure that out tomorrow. good night,Lwop
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise in spite of the prediction for rain. Dave and Curious George headed out from the shelter ahead of me. I made myself a nice breakfast and a strong cup of coffee and hit the trail about 8AM. The trail followed the contours of Watauga Lake and then passed over the Dam. Watauga Dam is an impressive earthen dam - just rocks and dirt piled up to hold back billions of tons of water. And the lake goes on as far as the eye can see. It is a beautiful sight especially when viewed from above. After passing over the dam the trial starts an immediate and very steep climb and follows the ridge adjacent to the lake. The views lasted most of the day. I stopped for lunch at both the Vanderventer and Iron Mountain Shelters. Hiking over 20 miles one lunch just wasn't enough. After passing the TN91 road crossing I was starting to run out of steam. It was good to finally get to the shelter and sit for a while. Dave was there along with a section hiker named Photo Op. We were later joined by 30-30, Giggles, Biscuit, and Slim. We were all too tired to consider starting a fire. I ate quickly and climbed into my sleeping bag. It is now 9:30 and I am ready to get some sleep. Tomorrow I should make it into Damascus. I will probably miss all the Easter festivities but will enjoy the luxury of a hot shower. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, I saw a big turkey today. It was right on the side of the trail but too fast for a photo. Good night all,Lwop