morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-11-18
From: Old Orchard Shelter, 4050'

To: Lost mtn Shelter, 3100'
Miles today: 23.2

Had to readjust my miles to accomodate for yesterday's events. As is so often the case with the A.T. and life in general, just when it appears to be the curtain call, something wonderful comes along and the whole journey is once more reaffirmed. Something wonderful came by way of Grayson Highlands, a section of Mt. Rogers State Park, that is comparable to landscapes of the western U.S. open expanses of land surrounded by Mtn ranges and the kicker, a herd of wild mares grazes the entire area all year. You'd be walking over a hill and stumble right into a section of the herd, a dozen or so gorgeous little mares. They're a little dwarfish in apperance with big barreled mid-sections and long manes. I later met two section hikers, Bird Dog and Double B up for a few days from Greensboro, NC. These guys really lifted my spirits, encouraging me to press onward and the weather would improve. They also gave me a much needed lighter as mine were expended the prior evening. I pulled into the shelter just before dark and was pumped up to be on the A.T.
Date: 2005-11-19
From: Lost mtn Shelter, 3100'

To: The Place Hostel, Damascus, VA, 1928'
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Not too much going on with this section of trail, some nice scenes coming down the mountain and where the A.T. joins briefly with the Virginia Creeper Trail. I first went to Sun Dogg Outfitter upon arrival into town, bypassing several small eateries on account of acquired trail wisdom (eat lunch just prior to coming in town to prevent over indulgence). The friendliness of Damascus began here for me and I scoped some ultra classy Mystery Ranch packs but decided I'd better hold off on purchasing. I proceeded onward to the other outfitter, Mt. Rogers, to retrieve my mail-drop which was loaded down with freeze-dried goodness. These guys at Mt. Rogers were so kind - giving me a new hip-belt to replace my existing worn out belt, a $50 replacement for free. I bought some long underwear and liner gloves. As I'm leaving, old Bearmeat strolls in and is pretty excited about heading home via the airport, then tells me sprained-ankle Cloudwalker is sitting pretty over at the Lazy Fox B&B. I head over to the Place Hostel and leave my stuff in the watchful presence of a dozen or so Boy Scouts of America. While leaving to find Cloudwalker, I bump into section hiker, Backtrack, who invites me to join him for a beer - his treat later that evening. I find Cloudwalker at the Baja Mexican Restaurant, in good spirits and finishing up his written account of his accident. Gracouly, the man offers to buy me a burrito to which I graciously accept, as a thank you for my sherpa services. Later on we convene at the Old Mill where more generosity is bestowed upon me; Backtrack bought me a beer and Cloudwalker some food and drink. We had some great conversation about the trail, safety of solo hiking and the theme of a restless, adventuresome life. The following day I flipped a coin, heads I buy the pack, tails I walk on with no regrets. Heads! I strapped that beauty to my old Gregory and set off to hike 18 miles. But not before an outrageously fatty breakfast of sausage gravy and biscuits at the little diner. [No wonder I forgot what day of the week it was and miscalulated the arrival of the MI crew on Tues. evening, "The friendliest town on the trail", Damascus proved to be just that.]
Date: 2005-11-20
From: The Place Hostel, Damascus, VA, 1928'

To: Double Springs Shelter, 4060'
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

I could feel my muscles straining to move all that weight out of town and up the mountain, yet the sausage gravy did its job and kept my hands out of the feed bag for most of the afternoon. Tickled to be leaving Virginia after more than 4 weeks and 500 miles of hiking. I had to walk about 45 minutes in the dark before arriving at the shelter. The worst insurgent mice thus far; they didn't even wait until dark to begin their raid on my food and were probing all my stuff for morsels while I was unpacking. Later I tried to beat one to death during dinner while it was inside my pack. I failed and it escaped to surely taunt more hikers the following night.
Date: 2005-11-21
From: Double Springs Shelter, 4060'

To: Vandeventer Shelter, 3620'
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Some very interesting scenery. Passed a monument atop a mountain for "Uncle" Nick Grandstaft with inscription: "Lived alone suffered alone died alone". It was fairly sobering to read that while hiking alone but then I remembered how much fun I have in my own company and also the anticipation of my friends' visit. Which reminded me, I had miscalculated their arrival by a day and would fall short of the proposed meeting place. I had one of those stomach sinking feelings for the first time on the A.T. - the feeling that I'd spaced out on something important, that I'd flaked. Well, my atonement was swift; I walked all day in the rain which later became snow, which then blew inside the shelter and coated everything while I slept. Major hassle in the morning.
Date: 2005-11-22
From: Vandeventer Shelter, 3620'

To: Bob People's Kincora Hikers' Hostel, 2500'
Miles today: 14.0

Pretty early and disgruntled start, having to shake all the snow off my articles and searching around to make certain I didn't leave anything. I left a pair of socks. The trail was tough on top of the mountain, about 3 inches of snow and sagging rhododendruns requiring solid whacks from the trekking poles to remove the snowfall and allow them to lift. Super smooth hitch-hiking into Hampton, TN where I needed to use the telephone. An older couple pulled their car up to the phone and offered to give me a lift when I was ready. These acts of random kindness have been fundamental to the success of my hike. Additionally, they have greatly increased my faith in humanity and moreover, have motivated me to be patriotic like never before. Some good-looking stuff to see, Watuga Lake and its dam erected by the TVA post depression and beautiful Laurel Falls. I arrived at Kincora around 4 and was taken aback by Pob People's unmistakeable New England accent. He showed me around and we talked a bit on various subjects. Bob and his wife Pat retired to the TN mountains after military careers and now run a legendary A.T. hostel in addition to being prominent figures in the A.T. community through maintenance, builidng houses for Habitat and giving horseback lessons to disabled kids. We're talking nominees for sainthood. I was pretty excited about the soon to be arrival of my MI friends later that evening but couldn't wait up for them past midnight. Afterall, 9 pm is hiker midnight. One last thing worth mentioning, Bob invited myself and my soon to be company to join him for Thanksgiving dinner. Very nice.
Date: 2005-11-24
From: Bob People's Kincora Hikers' Hostel, 2500'

To: Kincora Hikers Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

I was so surprised when Andreea, Jeana and Adam arrived at Kincora, really; I was sound asleep on the sofa next to the wood burning heater and didn't hear them come in until they were over the top of me. It took a moment to accept their presence as reality and not a dream. (Apparently, as I was later told, my reaction to their arrival painted a picture of someone who's been too long in the forest, a little distracted and disoriented) I figured since it was three that everyone would be interested in catching some sleep, nope. We stayed up until 5:30 driking a little Chianti, tea and eating, seriously eating the food Andreea had filled a Coleman cooler with including the coveted fruits and vegetables. We also got into Esperanza Torres' (also of the Travelers Club Restaurant) incredible Banana Bread. (Thanks so much Esperanza. I had no idea you were so handy with an oven in addition to being so beautiful). It felt warm and wonderful to be in the company of these familiar faces once more. Again, the trail is so stellar with lessons on sacrifice and deprivation.   In the morning, actually the morning, Jeana and I had tea while Adam and Andreea redeemed some much needed rest. I made everyone omelets with vegetables Andreea brought, and biscuits that I sherpad-up to Kincora from Hampton, 8 miles down the mountain. Bob helped us make plans for the day and being the sage he is, thought it best for us to do a short hike back to Laurel Falls where I'd walked the previous day. Made sense, that way we could relax and move slowly. I gave everyone their trail names for the weekend: Jeana - "Twenty-First Century Fox", Andreea - "Bloody Heart" and the best, Adam - "The Indulgent Govna". After a great deal of pacing and shuffling, we finally made it to the trail. It was amazing to share my current lifestyle with my friends, they really appreciated the simple views of the mtns and creeks and I was once more reminded of my good fortune to be thru-hiking.Lots of photos at Laurel Falls. We returned to Kincora to find some previous A.T. thru-hikers at the hostel who'd come for dinner on Thursday. We ate a lot, and played Trivial Pursuit until shortly after hiker midnight. Thanksgiving day we got a decent start and walked 10 miles southward. Cold but sunny, and we took time to savor the moments, had many conversations one on one while walking and took turns fooling with the trekking poles. We just barely made dinner, arriving too late for the hors'dorves and showers before entering the Peoples' home. Oops. We all ate a fair bit and some ate more than what many would define as fair, which I of course spearheaded by eating a good 25 minutes longer than the other dozen or so guests. Hard to say whether or not I overdid it, that is until later that night when my gut began to engage in full-on war with itself. I hadn't figured there'd be so much dairy in the food. Oops again. Poor Andreea, bless her for normally only eating the healthiest of diets and never meat, had it far worse than all of us totalled.
Date: 2005-11-25
From: Kincora Hikers Hostel

To: Mountain Harbor B&B
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

On Friday,we set out to do 14 miles and stay at a shelter to get the "real-deal" experience. The day was great once again excluding Andreea not fully recovered from the previous day's festivities. Jeana was the strongest hiker, staying up front the majority of the hike, clearing the trail of fallen limbs, while Andreea made her way as best she could and myself and Adam tried not to get too distracted with various sights and activities. since Adam's knee became a problem late in the day and Andreea wasn't 100%, we decided to try another hostel - where we'd left the car for the day. I presented our sob story to Terry at Mountain Harbor B&B and as luck and generosity would grant us a stay in the B&B at hostel rates since the hostel was rented out. I knew that my life has been one of privilege and luxury, especially after a few weeks on the trail, bit it wasn't until the euphoria hit me inside the Mountain Harbor that I fully realized the extent to which I'm accustomed to plumbing and electricity. The detachable shower-head was borderline transcendental experience, the heat and clean clothes novelty and the humongous king-sized bed decadent. It was an awesome end to an awesome weekend. The Indulgent Govna and myself went out and brought back some P.B.R. which mysteriously, the ladies had no interest indulging in.
Date: 2005-11-26
From: Mountain Harbor B&B

To: Overmountain Shelter, 4682'
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We took advantage of the stay and slept late. Adam and Andreea checked out the pygmy goats while I gathered up my stuff to hit the trail again. We went for brunch at the Country House where the Govna' astonished us all by putting away a rather large double bacon cheeseburger followed by a BLT. Outstanding!After eating, I did some basic resupply and we made our way to the trailhead where I was to be released back into the wilds and the MI crew woiuld return home. The Govna' and I each had a PBR to round out the level of intake we'd grown accustomed to over the weekend and we said our goodbyes. I was pretty sad to see them go but after a few minutes, the full umpact of a wonderful weekend began to uplift my spirits as I trudged through the packed snow at the beginning of the Roan Mtn Range. Passed some very weary Boy Scouts on the way up, all asking how soon until the road. Wish I had something to offer them but all I could do was cheer on the stragglers in their jeans and skateboarding shoes and tell them they'd be finished soon. Got a top three sunset of the trail on one of the balds and after an amazing weekend, was overcome with emotion on the mountain-top with the brilliant colors streaking the big sky and the lights beginning to come on in houses down below in the valley. I walked for about 2 hours after dark until arriving at Overmountain Shelter, an old barn converted to an A.T. shelter. Even had company from a young girlfriend/boyfriend couple. Feeling so good about my thru-hike.
Date: 2005-11-27
From: Overmountain Shelter, 4682'

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel, 4035'
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Roan Mtn range was spectacular despite some low cloud cover that came in mid-morning. I spaced out and dropped a glove, not realizing my mistake until nearly 2 miles after, causing me to hide my pack behind a tree and run back to find it where I'd filtered water. I didn't really want to get to the hostel because I had no cash to pay them with but I had to pick up a maildrop and so it made sense to go and try to reach an agreement with the proprieters. I had a major dog freak-out on the dark and un-marked two-track road leading down to the hostel. The neighbor's dogs (obviously trained to go crazy everytime a hiker walks by) were forunately behind a fence but there was an additional pit-bullish one coming towards me on the road. This was a pretty scarey situation and I retreated until I could assess the situation. I walked towards the pit-bullish one and it ran while the fenced-in dogs were going crazy all the while. Finally the hostel proprieter came out and told me the classic "They're all friendly" and we made our way to safety. The owners of Greasy Creek had no problem agreeing to let me sleep in their bunkhouse, very generous and trusting as I said I'd send them cash when I got to the next town. We talked about trail politics, world politics and weather before turning in for the night.
Date: 2005-11-28
From: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel, 4035'

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter, 3080'
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I don't remember much about this day except that it rained and I lestened to music all day. I decided against heading into Erwin because it was too late by the time I arrived at the shelter to continue on for another 4 miles. I was able to enjoy a big rainstorm from inside the shelter. I don't hear the noise it makes when it hits the metal roofs any longer. Trail conditioning.
Date: 2005-11-30
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter, 3080'

To: Miss Janet's House, Erwin TN
Miles today: 28.0

Hooray, it's finally Miss Janet's House day after hearing about her hostel from as far back as my first week on the A.T. I did some back tracking around the Nolichucky River deciding which way was best to get a hitch into town as Miss J. wasn't answering the phone. She had left the door open with a note to southbounders coming by to make themselves at home. Originally I planned to have her drive me out for an afternoon slack-pack but she was occupied with caretaking for a sick mother-in-law. I took care of my errands and resupply before the trouble arrived. Late afternoon, this boistrous fellow (not a hiker at the present)comes in the hostel looking around to see who was home and strikes conversation with me for a few moments before taking a phone call and changing from English to an Arabic sounding language (Turkish I find out later). "Hawk" or Hakan had attempted 2 thru-hikes in the past couple years but blew his budget in addition to other issues. Such is the reason he's currently driven to TN from Deleware (which I learned was not only a state but the first state) on Tuesday. Apparently he had some incident at a shelter near Fontana Dam, NC, alcohol related of course, and was going to Asheville for court. He's in the kitchen drinking Jack Daniels and telling me to make a cocktail with 1/2 gallon of Vodka he bought for Miss Janet's house. I made one and he works steadily on his whiskey. We decide to go to Sonic (fast food drive-in style) down the street from the hostel, where I learn that Hawk's been awake for over 50 hours at this time. There's no substitute for the characters you meet on a thru-hike. Amazingly we made it back alive and Miss Janet had returned. She's too smart and picked up on my over anxious behavior about not completing all of my errands and suggests that I stay another day and do a 24 slack-pack instead of moving on. Well, I decided not to be a fool and took her up on the suggestion. We watched "Black Robe", amazing Canadian/Australian film about french missionaries in North America, while Hawk snored on the sofa. The next day was fun to be carrying my litest load of the trail. I was told by Hawk that if I really wanted to, I could do that 24 miles in just over five hours. I laughed and thanked him for the ride, wished him good luck in Asheville then started walking. Miss Janet demanded I take at least 3 photos during my hike, insisting that it's not about racing. But at this point in the game, the race is on. It's just too cold and psychologically my tolerance is fading as fast as the daylight. I'm ripping through AAA batteries for my headlamp weekly and my 15 degree sleeping bag is a far cry from getting the job done without wearing several layers at night. Perseverance is my theme for achieving the dream. I was surprised by Miss Janet's character; she was caring but more sassy than the sweet southern belle I'd expected. We had a good time chatting when she wasn't tied up with her mother-in-law
Date: 2005-12-01
From: Miss Janet's House, Erwin TN

To: Jerry's Cabin, 4000'
Miles today: 18.0

I had no interest leaving Miss Janet's warm truck when we arrived at Sam's Gap so I made myself feel better by eating a tenderloin and egg biscuit sandwich from the gas station. So good, so gross. Nice day up on the mountains and I made good time to Jerry's Cabin, a shelter with a fireplace on one of the sidewalls. I got a nice raging fire going and pulled a picnic table right beside the hearth to warm my backside while I cooked and ate. It was so comfortable and I don't know why more shelters haven't included fireplaces. I read a fairly recent Rolling Stone issue someone had left behind that had a brief interview with musician Willie Nelson regarding his work with biodiesel fuel for his tour bus and his Mercedes. He also made a biodiesel service station in Texas.
Date: 2005-12-03
From: cowboy camp, 4 miles north of Hot Springs, NC

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter, 4260'
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Have gotten on a later schedule, sleeping in and walking more in the dark with the headlamp. Easy 4 miles into Hot Springs, NC where I resupplied minimally, ate a huge lunch and replaced some gear at the outfitter. I couldn't help but tell the hound story to one employee at the outfitter. He said it's true the hounds are starved during the season and also added I may see some bear in the Smokies as they are pushed in to the safety of the National Park. We talked about how rare it is to see one (I haven't on the A.T. during my thru-hike)and then to imagine a group of people interested in baiting or using dogs to "tree" the bear then blast it down. It started raining while I was in town and I had to start my walk in the rain gear. Bluff Mtn out of Hot Springs was too long of a climb, a gain of 3000 ft. over 4 miles, ouch. bumped into some very generous hikers out for the weekend from Alabama - gave them quite a scare as I emerged from the darkness to the road they were waiting for a ride out, with my music on and neither saw nor heard them for a minute as they continued to say hello and receive no response.
Date: 2005-12-04
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter, 4260'

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel, 1850'
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Everything was muddy when I awoke and got a good look around the shelter and surroundings. A large section of forest had recently been clear-cut just beneath the shelter and muddied the spring. On the way down to the spring, I took a terrific backwards fall and got muddier. I hate falling when noone is present to enjoy the comedy. Hiking was not exciting me at all with mist and fog but I was definitely excited to get to that hostel and see what the mailman brought. Sadly, some days on the trail, it's hard to be motivated by the act of hiking alone. I know Aunt Gretchen had something sent as well as Mom and I had an inkling that my friend Jeana (same who came for Thanksgiving) may also have sent something.   Dad - thanks for the articles, I had some laughs about Doug Clark's mohawk and that shit-eating-grin he's wearing. Mom - great job as usual, lots of Tyvek Aunt Gretchen - you're amazing, I highly doubt there are any preservative in those cookies and they still taste very fresh. It took about a dozen and a half though when I opened the package to make certain. Great packaging job, nothing crumbled, thanks so much for all the edible love.   Standing Bear Farm was a litle disappointing as far as amenities but the hosts were very nice, Curtis and Maria. Curtis was hyper from driving the family back from in-laws in Nashville, about 4.5 hours, and came into the hiker cabin with half a bottle of Manisheweitz wine and chain smoking cigarettes. He probably said, "I've gotta get my shit together for the Northbounders" at least 20 times. It was great. We talked about waste vegetable oil as alternative fuel source and the likelihood of me getting through the Smokies. The highlight for me was the big Franklin style, wood burning stove in the cabin, or rather, I loved swinging the full length axe inside the cabin to make kindling pieces.
Date: 2005-12-05
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel, 1850'

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, 5920'
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: snow

Whoowee! check out that elevation! Can't believe I'm not frozen right now but it's actually not that cold tonight. Apparently, the A.T. planners put the trail in the Great smokey Mountains National Park on a high ridge line. Not unlike the other so call "essential sections" of the trail (The Whites, Shenandoah) the weather is junk and I didn't get any views. But I'm happy that it's not freezing and there's no snow which I figured there would be and worried about this morning, manifesting itself through several trips to Curtis' privy. Saw wreckage from aircraft crash, probably helicopter, probably USFS. Shelter is massive and I'm holding it down alone per usual.
Date: 2005-12-06
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, 5920'

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter, 5507'
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

The weather broke over the night, giving way to a beautiful day. I had great views off many of the summits. The ryme ice glistened in the sunshine and the visibility was great. I pushed a fast pace all day and made 20 miles by 4:45 p.m. I decided to go for another 6.3 to the next shelter and try to catch a sunset from the A.T.'s highest peak. Racing up the mountain was tough, the trail was iced over and the closer I got to the summit of Clingman's the less visibility. I barely made the end of sunset but it was great to be alone on the observation tower, normally jammed with tourists in the comfortable months. Gatlinburg looked like Vegas, or at least a small portion. When I arrived at the shelter, Memphis, another SOBO I had met at Kincora hostel over Thanksgiving, was in his sleeping bag. There was also a section hiker working steadily on his buzz, drinking Margaritas and smoking Marlboros one after the other. It was nice to have some company for a change.