morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-18
From: Peck Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 22.0

The morning was cold.... And dark. The shelter was a half mile down a valley. It gave great shade, but not much morning sun.I got going on the trail by 8am. The trail climbed back up and followed a thin ridge for miles. The clouds blew over in strong, thin wisps. Mosses blanketed the dead, fallen trees in a gnome-like world. Ice was choking off the trail in the higher elevations. It was slick, way slicker than I thought. It required much of my attention to stay upright.The trail followed its standard protocol with its steep ascents and fairly dodgy descents. Not in a dramatic way, but rather due to the high steps and steep, unforgiving descents.I met a very friendly ranger named Hayduke. Undoubtedly, an Edward Abby fan. We chatted and he didn't even require me to show my permit. He actually took my word for it.I passed by some olive drab pieces of metal along the mountainside. Upon further inspection, I discovered that it was airplane wreckage. Military. It was really graphic to see those pieces. The final hours of the day were a nearly constant descent with an occasional climb. It was fast, but hard on my knees and feet. The weather held out for the whole day. I did have another storm last night. Wow, it is amazing at just how much you appreciate the sun.I finally exited the national park an felt kind of liberated. I can finally camp where I want and hike the miles that I can. There was some waterfalls nearby to a major freeway crossing. I-40. It was interesting to be disconnected from that speed and hectic day-to-day. And yet, I push myself daily and hardly take a break (other than to gather water). I liked looking at the vehicles rushing by as i pleasantly plodded along.There was a hostel right on the trail and I stopping there for tonight. A storm is supposed to break out during the night. I would really like to keep my gear dry or at least one more day. Plus, they had PBR's!!!!This will be a nice, dry night!!! Good night!
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Pounding Mill Trail
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was just wonderful weather! It did not rain... Well, ok just a slight must first thing. I headed out at a good hour this morning. I did run back to the smoky mountain diner for one more breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and coffee. Perfect!The trail finished its town walk in just over a mile. It is really cool that in Hot Springs, the sidewalks have metal inlaid AT markers in the cement. After that came to and end and returned to dirt, it followed the French Broad River. Then, it climbed up a steep, rocky wall with great views.Eventually, the trail steered away and plunged back into the forest.I don't know if everyone knows about the condition of the hemlocks in the Appalachians. They are dying from some powdery parasitic deal. There was a cool sign that told about an Eagle Scout who made his project saving as many Hemlocks as he could by applying some pesticide. He said that maybe it could stave off the parasite long enough to find a fix. What a great thing to do!The trail was pleasant and, in my opinion, well placed. As I was walking a bit, I started to notice that the trail appeared to be.....(ready for this?)... Raked clean of leaves and twigs. I know, I thought I was crazy...or maybe someone else was!The leaves were pushed to both sides. The dirt actually looked raked. I couldn't explain it.As I kept trying to understand the swept clean trail, I pictured trail workers raking the leaves for miles and miles. Then, I came up on them. They were forest workers with leaf blowers and they were blowing the trail clean. Ok.....but.....never mind.I really tried to be modest with my miles today, just to care for my joints and body. It felt much more relaxed. Especially being outside the national park.I met a nice fellow hiker named Leftie. What a nice guy. I think we chatted for 15 minutes. That sure doesn't happen in the "other" world. In fact, that (running into random hikers on the trail and talking for 10-30 minutes) sometimes happens a couple of times a day.I definitely feel less people now that I am further along and speeding up. I can still very happy and appreciative for the sunny day today!! Wow, it made for a great walk.I climbed one last hill for the night and found a great little camp-spot. I set up and chowed down. This was the end to a good day!
Date: 2015-03-23
From: Hog Back Ridge

To: Temple Hill Gap
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

It was a great morning! The rain that started while I was eating dinner stopped at 4-5am. I started checking the horizon for signs of light at 5:30 and it (the rain) had already stopped. After the third watch check of the morning, I could see some additional light beginning to appear on the horizon. That was my signal to go! With 10 minutes, I can be dressed ready-to-go with camp fully broke down and packed. Too bad I am not always that ambitious!I needed water for today and had dry camped last night, so I pulled into the first shelter. The data book said there was water .2 miles from said shelter, which was .1 mile from the trail.There I met Saint from Columbus, Ohio and KnowSo who goes to Appalachian State-- I lived by Ann Arbor... U of M.... Their arch rival-Ohio State. The upset of ages... Appalachian State verses U of M! Wow, this is some tough company! Ha!! (Really nice guys)The morning was filled with singing birds and the typical sounds of spring. Long shadows cast from the mature trees gave a pleasant effect. The walk was very enjoyable. Yes, definitely a rigorous workout, but the trail followed a logical path and provided great views.Weather definitely up'ed the enjoyment factor, as well. I even took a luxurious 20 minute lunch break!! That doesn't happen for me in the rain!! I walked relaxed today, knowing that I'd stop short of Erwin.I did not see or meet another person until late afternoon, maybe 4ish. His name was SoboHobo. He started the trail Sobo thru hike last August and is very good spirits, despite some seriously adverse weather. I had fun speaking with him. He was from Lansing, Mi.I cruised on. With camp water on-board, I could camp at anywhere I saw fit. I even went by a sight that I thought I'd never see- a completely empty shelter at 5pm! Crazy! I guess THAT isn't crazy....Seeing headlights coming up a side hiking trail up to the AT. The truck was headed right for me and my tarp. ( I am camped right next to the AT, in the woods, mind you.). These are not very wide paths. It really looked like they're going to run over my tent. I stood tall in my lime green puffy jacket to be seen.The driver rolled down his window and asked where I was going...Then he said "well, you sure are a long way from home."He then pulled off the impossible: he backed into a few trees, hit a bunch of rocks with his undercarriage, and was able to turn around and drive away.I am sure it was just kids having fun, but from my perspective. Let's just say I slept with one eye open and one hand on my knife!!! It was a nice little camp spot and the remaining night was quiet.
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Temple Hill Gap

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 3.5

Near-o into Erwin. 3.5 milesThe clouds last evening tried to gather and muster up a storm, but they didn't succeed. I was graced with perfect overnight weather (and surprise,no more off-roading trucks).The path hugged the steep, flowing mountains toward a beautiful vista. It was a wonderful morning. Suddenly, from around a bend, the Nolichucky River came into view.Short thereafter, I began to see views of the town of Erwin, my next resupply. I easily could have made it into town yesterday, but stopped short to save on lodging expenses (I couldn't have gotten my town/resupply done last night anyways...I came up to a cross road that, if followed for 4.9 miles, brought one into Erwin. Erwin's claims to fame are two-fold. First, they are the supplier of nuclear fuel for our Navy. Secondly, (and more interesting), was that this is the town that hanged (or would it hung) Mary the Elephant. Apparently, Mary was a carnival elephant and gored her trainer. She was to be put down. Supposedly, the town had few choices on just how to accomplish that. So, they marched Mary the Elephant down to the rail yard where they had a crane that could do the job. There, in the train yard, they hung Mary the Elephant. There had been a few business card advertisements along the trail with a local guy from town who shuttles hikers. It seemed to be worthwhile as it was a 4.9 mile hike into town... I gave him a ring, but he wasn't available. He was out hiking! (Can't blame him for that!! Haha!!)I started walking up the road toward town. After a mile or two, a car pulled over and Peggy (the driver) said she had a small farm and she had a couple of rooms. She went on to tell me that she is the owner of Cantarroso Farms, an up-and-coming hostel/inn/b&b. It sounded good to me. Along with her was WyeNot, an incredible, legally-blind hiker.He had been staying at the farm for a few days. Unfortunately, during the Jacobs Ladder (a rocky section), he fell and broke his wrist. He toughed it out for three weeks, but eventually had to seek further medical assistance. That I why I got to meet him. He stayed in town to get his wrist set in a cast.Peggy drove me into town so that I could resupply (and get pancakes and coffee too!). It didn't take me long before I was all set. I went to the Walgreens and the Food Lion. As the next "major" resupply is 80 miles away, I suspect it'll take 3.5 days.Back at The Farm, Peggy and Mike have a wonderful place. They are also extremely welcoming and helpful! It was great to take a near-o (nearly zero miles hiked; a cheaper way to "get into town and back out quickly") and relax at their place.Tomorrow, the forecast is for rain. I can believe it as the winds are really kickin' and seem to be bringing some serious weather in.We all sat around, chatted, and even watched my CDT video. WyeNot and I ordered some good pizza to cap off the night.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: near Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 26.0

I had a great day today....well, except for cutting my palm with my knife....yeah, scary!Morning came soon enough and I was back on trail. The route out of town followed a stream high up the mountain. It was a well-maintained path with good grading. It was nice to warm up my muscles with.I heard some leaves thrashing, momentary silence, and then again an almost "playful" sounding behavior...almost! I whistled at him an rattled my hiking sticks.   He stopped. Then, I saw him....a black bear!! Cool!After that moment of excitement, I hiked and crossed over a few mountains. I descended to a gap where a road crossed and a local gent named BT had delicious homemade banana bread and coffee! It was so good!!! I thanked him profusely and headed on.The weather was good and the trail was well built. I made good time. As I rounded a curve in the trail, I met my only other hiker today-Laurel. Nice gal, we chatted for a brief bit and I kept hiking.The clouds kept getting dark and the winds would surge, but we avoided rain for the day. It was wonderful. The first flowers of the trail were popped up in a tiny patch. They look like Snowbells, but I do not know if that is what they are.Another highlight was walking through a dense Spruce forest. It was dark and looked soft. The thick green mosses blanketed everything. Toward late afternoon, I got my dinner water and carried it on. I was definitely going to dry camp tonight. About 500pm, I found a great seeming campsite. I quickly did my tasks- hang my bear rope, put up tarp, then eat!I could have went father, but 26 was good enough...So, I was cutting an onion for dinner, and yup, slipped with the knife into the palm. I was trying to dice the onion by cutting the top in a star-like fashion, then cutting slices. It was like cutting through a fresh apple and then suddenly getting to a rotten part. The knife just went through the remaining onion and into my palm.I immediately clenched my hand into a fist and did the nervous, "that was bad, but I don't want to look" pseudo pace. It was time for the inspection. I didn't spread the wound like how we normally would. It was about a three inch gash, but was only cut through in three spots. I think since it is so sharp it might heal fast? So, I made sure it was clean and immediately applied antibiotic ointment and taped my hand into a fist for the night! That way, I wouldn't accidentally split it open during the night. Close call.... The cut went from middle of my hand to the outer edge. Lesson learned! Again...
Date: 2015-03-26
From: near Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Campbell Hollow Rd
Miles today: 28.0

I started this morning's walk with strategy in mind. I knew bad weather was rolling with snow, rain, and cold, and that meant that I had better try to get over these next high peaks pronto. The two biggest climbs were up to Toll House and Roan Mountain, site of the highest AT shelter. Toll House Mountain used to have a resort building up near the top where carriages would bring the well-to-do.It got cold and the skies were very threatening during the climb. Cruelly, the northbound section of the trail actually goes compass south. It doesn't sound like a big deal, except you have to watch to weather roll in while you are going the wrong way!Much of the way was rocky. Very rocky. Other times, ice reappeared on the trail. It was a grind, but before I knew it, I was at the ruins of the resort building. There was even an interpretation sign.Next, as I negotiated a muddy, messy trail, I also saw two old chimney remains. One stood bravely, the other had long since toppled. Mosses went to work and had covered most of them.I keep thinking about the fellow I met in Erwin, TN. I am still in awe of what WyeNot is attempting. To be legally blind and to attempt this trail is amazing. That takes guts...and patience... And tons of determination. And like he said, "what company could say that they're not hiring me because I am a risk; I hiked the Appalachian Trail!!Following my descent off of Roan Mtn, I took a quick lunch by a little stream. I got to meet three section hikers that were going sobo. They were coming from a shelter that was actually a repurposed barn!The trail then climbed up a couple of balds (treeless mountains) and had great views. It was pleasant to be in the grasses, especially since I don't think ticks are out yet.I wanted to do a mid 20's today to get me over some of the bigger mountains so that I would not be doing them in the upcoming storm. I felt a lot better once actually getting past those big peaks. After hiking Max Patch in the driving rain, I learned that I don't want to be on a bald in inclement weather.A lot of the path today was technical with lots of uneven rockiness and tree roots. It slows one down greatly and adds chances of an injury. Every step must be watched over to ensure something foolish doesn't happen. The roots are almost worse because you think you can speed up, but in reality, they are slippery and just as difficult to negotiate.I was able to eventually get down much lower in elevation. Then I had a little trouble finding a campspot as the trail dodged through some civilization. I even passed by a cemetery. Tempting to camp near, but I don't want to been seen when I camp. Ultimately, I found a sheltered pine forest spot that would protect me from bad weather. I set up camp and was done for the day. (By the way--I broke three branches testing them for my food bag (bear-bagging) before the fourth finally held!!Updates on the cut-- the tape and my first aid appeared to be good. After a full day of use, it did not pop open!! I think it'll seal back up just fine!!!!
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Campbell Hollow Rd

To: Hampton
Miles today: 28.0

The storm front came in last night! The winds blew, rain fell, and a mix of freezing rain/snow did too.I was fortunate to have picked a spot that buffered the weather well. It didn't exactly help with the temperature, but I kept me sheltered, none the less.It was a slow go this morning. I sat silently hoping the rain would stop long enough to pack up. It teases me a few times, but it only came back stronger. I manned up and got packed in a hurry . The trail's topographical profile showed a relatively easy day with lower climbs. It would be through alternating deciduous (beech and elm), rhododendron (why won't you guys bloom already!!), and spruce.I was going well and making good time. I got to see several waterfalls and pretty rapids. I only met three folks today- one guy named AYCE, who had some good gear going on (zpacks cuben fiber action), and a couple with a really pretty silver Pitbull. The Pitbull even had a coat on! I wonder if he knew how funny he looked!As I planned my consumption of my remaining snacks (since a snack resupply at a near town was in order), I got a wicked tight muscle in my thigh. It was just above my knee and felt like a leg cramp. Was it from the cold? Did I overextend it?? Did I push the pace too hard?I was not sure, but had no real moment to point to and say, "that's why." Initially, it was minor and only on downhills. I tried to give it a quick stretch to no avail. The cold kept tightening up the muscle, making it hard to bend.I find it interesting that the things that you get most concerned about are not things that usually go wrong. I would have thought that I'd have problems because of the knife cut. Nope. The last 15 miles today (to get to town) were rough. And slow. There was also a No Camping policy in effect for the area due to problem Bears. That meant no stopping early for me.I eventually made it into town and got to meet Sutton Brown. He is the son of an old logging magnate. His old, stone mansion is the hostel. It is huge and amazing. There is not a square anything in this place. Everything has slopes and leans to it. And yet it is quite beautiful! I am hoping that muscle will loosen and just be a minor thing. I'd like to get up to Damascus, VA before I take a zero. My leg/muscle will tell me tomorrow. Fingers crossed!! Right now, my thigh is in great pain. Very unexpected....
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Hampton

To: Locust Knob
Miles today: 25.0

Three words to describe today: scenic, cold, and painful.The trail climbed out from near Hampton and crossed over Watauga Dam. It was beautiful. Even the trail was sensibly routed along its ascent. Once having gained the ridge, the path stayed along its top. This gave a great grade and nice pathway.The disappointing thing about the weather was that it was bitter cold. The biting wind cut right through you. The trail alternated in-between the windward and leeward sides. The temperature variation must have been 30 degrees. Even with that, it was still cold.I left my winter gear on all day today. The snow that fell last night varied from a dusting to a few inches. It was so cold that mud froze to my hiking pole tip and turned it into a ice brick. It was literally a racquetball size blob frozen to the end!While I was walking, I kept feeling something banging against my leg. My pants had frozen slush all over the backs of them. It was just like your slush frozen to your wheel wells (or mudflaps) during winter. I had never seen it build up on pants like that before.I had the trail all to myself today except for a father and son on a weekend trip and two lady long distance runners. I spoke with them all today as I was trying to slow down anyways. There were no thru hikers.I hiked a section of the AT that was handicap accessible. Granted it was something like only 1/2 mile, but it was something nice. It might give someone inspiration.The trail kept meandering an undulating with the local terrain. It was mostly all hardwoods with a dash of rhododendrons thrown in.I went passed a little stream and spied a nifty steel box. The box was painted yellow and had nice Christian decorations on it. The note on it said that it was a girls church project. It was wonderful. Little Debbie's and soda pop! I signed the register in the box and there were only two other signatures as far...(they will get more, no doubt. Thank you for the trail magic!! It really perked up my day.Why did my day need perking up? Was it the extreme cold and bitter wind chill? No, it was my left inner calf muscle. I thought it was cramped yesterday, but today it was still extremely tender. It didn't help that the temp was so low again. It got stiff and as it got later, it hurt a fair bit.When I get into Damascus, I will take one or two zeros to try to resolve the problem. Just when I was ready to begin doing big miles.... Hopefully, it was just a was to slow me down a bit.It is unfortunate as I like being up toward the front of the pack. All of the shelters that I passed were empty. It feels a lot emptier than before. I like it! Setting up camp was challenging with the bitter, bitter cold. Everything took so long as you could only do one thing before stopping and rewarming. I ate, put on my remaining clothes, as hunkered down. This was an extremely rare time when, not only did I don on almost all of my clothes, I actually cinched down the sleeping bag to the smallest exposed hole to breathe out of!!It's going to be a cold night!!!
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Locust Knob

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 17.0

I woke up right near Locust Knob. It was a good thing that I camped where I did... Up any higher would have been punishing!It was so difficult to get moving. I had the drawstring to my sleeping bag pulled down to the very smallest of holes for breathing. I immediately noticed that my bladder and hydration tube were frozen. I had left room in the bladder in case it did freeze. My slept with my water filter, but am not sure if it froze or not. I guess it's a good thing that I alias shake out the excess water.So, when I was finally motivated, everything took so long. First, I warmed up my clothes in my sleeping bag. Then, I warmed the athletic tape up so it would stick. Then, I would poke a leg out of my bag and tape my foot. Once finished with that foot, I swapped to the other foot. In between every step, I had to rewarm my hands. It was slow going!Any amount of exposure resulted in an excessive amount of cold and pain. Later, it would make sense as I found out the temp was down into the single digits. Once I got dressed, it was a race against time to finish packing. I had to be careful to not get too cold before I started walking. Pack the pack and break down the tarp. Even the fabric seemed somewhat brittle. It was sooooo cold!My leg hurt some, but the terrain made it forgiving. It was mostly level (by AT standards) with rolling hills. Water was fairly sparse through this section.   It didn't matter too much since it was so cold and my hydration system was frozen. No drinking for a while today. The seventeen miles went by quickly. I saw AYCE again today. Nice guy from Washington State. He is actually going for his double triple crown!!! (One triple solo; one triple with his lady! Perfect!!). So impressive and he was really humble about it!I got into town quicker than I expected. That was certainly appreciated as I wanted to be sure to get some kind of lodging in town. After talking with some hikers and getting the "lay of the land", I found lodging! And I found food!! And outfitters!!! Time for chores and then it's time to rest!!