morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is my 21st wedding anniversary. Got a haircut and tried to call England several times with little success (no cell coverage, no phone in my room and the pay phone is right next to the rail road tracks). It was a bit lonely actually. However as always there was much to do and little time to do it. Changing packs is never fun, and I had a good relationship with the Gregory Triconi on my back. But since busting the shoulder harness it was time to clear out and slim down. I had a Vapor Trail waiting at HS and what a change. The major difference is weight, much lighter, no frame and no pockets. The big change for me is in the sleeping bag department. My Big Agnes 15 bag has served me well, especially during the Easter cold blast. But volume wise even with a compression bag, BA took up a lot of space. So I've got a 30 degree Mountain Gear bag that takes two thirds less space. I've sent my cold weather gear to my brother in Boston to hold for the last legs of the AT (yep I'm betting against further cold snaps for now).We actually went to the hot springs for a soak at 12 bucks an hour and that was just the ticket for sore feet and legs.
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Hot Springs

To: Hemlock Hollow
Miles today: 16.0

Wonderful time in Hot Springs. BT and I took two full zero days to recover the body. I had purchased new insoles for my boots on Monday and they proved a disaster and wreaked havoc on my knees. So I had to go back to the outfitter to return them and try again. I was afraid to start again without testing them for a day, and the new lower profile ones worked just fine.The second day also saved us from yet another record, the hottest day on 1 May @ 88. Today was a perfect temp in the low 80s with some cloud cover. Hiking was good but the downs wore me out. Regardless we made good miles and plan to stay in the 15-20 mile range from now on.Dr. Peter Block has hiked with us for a few days now and alerted us to rustic cabins @ Hemlock Hollow, just off the trail. At first we were not interested, but the idea grew and we figured, why not? At the 16 mile mark there was a little wooden sign indicating .5 miles to HH. After what seemed a lot more, we arrived. The hosts, Fred and Hattie, have craved out of the local landscape a shop with a few supplies and food, two nice rustic cabins and an eight bunk hostel with cooking facilities. It all sits on a nice babbling creek, well worth the detour- do phone ahead.Nice.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Hemlock Hollow

To: Flint Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

Started with coffee, homemade egg, cheese and bacon burrito made by Mrs. Hattie. The morning was nice and warm with thunderstorms on the cards. The hike started with a good up and then flattened out into a nice easy day. The trail showed us a lovely rocky ridge that lasted about three or four miles, but tough on the ankles and knees. During the climb of Big Butt the thunder drums started with alarming volume. The loudest and closest I've experienced--to date. Of course at about 1630 the heavens opened and dumped gallons, which makes hiking challenging. I managed to slide a bit on a down and turn the knee we won't talk about. Then the rain cleared just like that. We were about three miles from our goal and again the rain hammered down. Once we got to the shelter it stopped, so we set up our tents ate and hit the sack, and my knee was a bass drum all night. Oh yeah, it rained all night, and in your tent it can drive you a bit crazy.Happy 42 to my brother Mark.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Hemlock Hollow

To: Just Past Sam's Gap, TN
Miles today: 14.0

The overnight deluge ended about zero dark thirty and we got hiking straight away. It was real slow going for me with a certain soreness in the knees. But there is no hiding out here and you must press on. I suffered most of the day and took about an hour break at lunch which did the trick. It also allowed a few hikers we've met on and off since the Smokies to catch up- Just Jack, Leatherneck (USMC Ret. '88) Wolfhound and Dr. Block. We were all lunching at Hogback Ridge Shelter when slack packing came up. For those that don't know, it is hiking with minimal gear to take a break and make miles. Someone takes you up the trail x miles and you hike back or any variation thereof. Anyway the aforementioned intrepid and scheming hikers were determined to call Ms. Janet, a trail legend and owner of a hostel in Erwin,TN, to stay there and slack pack for the weekend. BT and I resisted as we'll make Erwin by this Sunday and we just came off two days in Hot Springs. Plus I plan to slack pack a bit in the future with friends up north. Once at Sam's Gap, which is right on US 23, there was Ms. Janet. She also did her best to entice us into town with talk of more heavy rain, which was nice, but we settled for some BBQ sandwiches when she came back for the last two hikers. Delicious BBQ. So we got on our high horses and headed back to the trail. Just two miles past Sam's Gap, you got it, it started pouring rain again. Yep, I'm in my tent listening to the rhythm of the falling rain...We are now outta NC and in TN for a few weeks and just past 300 miles-whoa.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Just Past Sam's Gap, TN

To: No Business Knob Shelter, TN 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Morning began with serious fog and radio reports of more rain. The fog makes for an errie, slow hike. The knee feels better. Before we attempted the summit of Big Bald I could just make out a cooler ahead on the trail. Early morning Trail Magic consisting of hot coffee in a big thermos, hard boiled eggs with salt and pepper, cookies and fresh water for about 20 or so- many thanks!! Now replenished, BT and I summited Big Bald. But just like when we reached the top of Clingman's Dome, there was no view and in fact I could barely see BT.Then the rain came and stayed with us for the next 5 hours. Upon reaching Spivey Gap the rain stopped and we came across a 2nd instance of TM, ice cold Coke in a cooler--merci buckets! Four point nine miles to go to the shelter tonight and it was a lovely walk up but-LONG. When we reached the shelter I thought it would be all ours as the rain returned with even more force. Even though we are slow hikers, hikers came out of the wood work behind us -- 1,2,4 then 5. The shelter is quite small and 6 is probably max(unless it is freezing). Well I hate shelters, plus I'm too big, so I ran out and set up my tent in the rain to give way to others and am quite happy. Off to sleep now...
Date: 2007-05-06
From: No Business Knob Shelter, TN 

To: Erwin, Tn
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wet, cool morning. Six miles to Erwin. Short up and lots of down to get into town to resupply and recover. I keep pounding my left leg and am really feeling the pain move down from my knee to my lower left shin. Will lay low and apply ice. I haven't slept so well the last few night, but I will tonight thanks to the great mail drop from my brother Mark. Oh yeah.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Erwin, Tn

To: Captain's Log; Supplemental
Miles today: 0.0

A few reflections after a month on the Trail- I miss my family much more than I thought I would (I love you all).A bed with linen is a wonderful thing.Hot meals, clean water and toilets are pure luxury (outdoor privy's are a close second).No matter what you need, its at the bottom of the pack. The AT is a lot harder than I thought and lots more fun. TV sucks compared with the great outdoors (but I do miss watching the Red Sox). Two Questions I have from listening to the news on the radio lately:Are the Bee colonies really close to collapse? Now that scares the hell out of me!Why don't we send hundreds more Cougar and Buffalo armored vehicle's to our troops to protect them from IED's? More musings...Best item I brought on the trail with me was Bag Balm. I put it on my feet every night-and to date no problems (this is not science but it also cleared up my chaffing).Hiker poles with shock absorption are worth the bucks. Real serious prep for the AT is a must. Make sure you try out all your gear a few times and that you actually need it. I read this but did not heed, I brought too much stuff. Remember you have to carry everything a long way... Hike your own hike is more than a catch phrase; if you want to have a good hike do what feels good, don't chase miles or others.Taking frequent breaks is a good thing. Look around and enjoy the view.It never fails if you look up to see something besides the trail below your feet, you will trip or kick a rock (or root) real hard.Hire a hiker. I've met some of the most driven, creative, generous, articulate and funny people on the planet out here. Growing a full face of hair is overrated, but fun and practical, as it saves water.You don't need deodorant on the trail.Receiving a thoughtful box of goodies that can be eaten on the spot and shared with others brings out the biggest smiles. Being scared of bears is natural and makes for light sleeping.The good people who maintain the AT are wonderful and all volunteers, thank you.Biggest disappointment-so much trash left behind by lazy shits.Biggest surprise-a tree falling behind Backtracker and me early one morning on the trail and it made us jump through our butts and then we laughed real hard because we thought...Overall I have new found respect for the infantry, nurses, beat cops, postmen, construction workers, bartenders, wait staff and anyone else who work on their feet all day.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Erwin, Tn

To: Erwin Redux
Miles today: 0.0

Started out on the Trail again on a beautiful day after a short rest and resupply. However, the pain in my left shin got progressively worse along with some impressive swelling. I decided the best course of action was to turn back and get an x-ray at Erwin County Hospital. I did not want to needlessly cause any drama for me or the Mountain Rescue.So BT and I reluctantly turned south and headed back to Erwin (Stan is such a good man).Good news--no cracks or breaks. The Doc thinks I just banged and twisted it a bit too much- but he could not explain the egg like swelling just above my ankle. Bad news--a few days of taking the drug Propoxyphene (good I hope), ice and no weight bearing. Will chill for a few and re-evaluate on Thursday.Damn the bad luck...
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Erwin Redux

To: Escape from Erwin
Miles today: 0.0

Great town, good people. More than ready to go especially since I've heard tell of a hiker from last year who got injured near Erwin and hiked on crutches...after a few days down. Now that is hiking.Thanks for all the emails and calls of support to keep going. Big thanks to Granny Frannie and Miss Janet for the rescue pickup and to Mr. & Mrs. Patel for collecting me from the hospital. Many more thanks to Stan "Backtracker" Johnson for sticking with me and fetching the beer!I'm back in the saddle again.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Escape from Erwin

To: Just past Unaka Mt.
Miles today: 11.0

Today absolutely kicked my butt. My leg was just fine but the sun and terrain beat me hard. I had to retrace my route again (5in, 5 out and 5 back). The first five miles were just fine but the whole body was not trail ready. Had to keep the head down and pull the pack straps tight and keep climbing from about 1700 to 5100 ft. Temp hovered in the high 70s all day with occasional clouds.The trail was strewn with big rocks lots of exposed roots and up...Stopped early in a very fine pine wood and set up camp and started a fire. I had rice with lentils along with tuna surprise-thanks Mark. I loved the Odwalla bars as well. I'll sleep well...
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Just past Unaka Mt.

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

OMG. I am whipped and feel like a small beaten dog. Big miles, big ups and a fine day 'ta boot.Earlier today I thought it was starting to rain and turned my face towards the sky and nothing. So I kept walking and still, pitter-patter on the dry leaves and new growth. Then it hit me, hundreds of tiny grasshoppers. The sound was so cool like that of hundreds of falling dominoes. This followed me off and on for several miles.We napped at Clyde Smith Shelter for about 30 minutes and got some water, which was nasty and full of floaters-incidentally the first time we've had bad water so far. However it could be a sign of what it to come if predictions of a drought are true.The last two miles were all up today and there was a spell leading up to the camping area we are in that gained 1300 feet in elevation in less than a mile and even my sweat was sweating. We need to plan better for the end of the day so they are not so strenuous. I actually could not eat all my dinner of rice & chicken because I tried to inhale it and just felt sick.Time for some big sleep to prepare to summit Roan Mt. in the morning.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Ash Gap

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 16.5

Slept so well till almost 0900. Ready to finish climbing Roan Mt., which for me has been the most difficult to date. Cool morning in the 50s and overcast. A light rain started just past noon and lasted about three hours. Actually just in time for some Trail Magic at Overmountain Shelter from a group of thru-hikers from 1998, featuring hot dogs, chips and liquid refreshments. The rest of the day was spent hiking across the Roan Highlands which consisted of three concurrent Balds. On a steep-ish down with rocks and slippery soil I went for the gold medal for falling. Yep, straight into a squat, down on the butt, and slide. BT gave it an eight, but it was worth the laugh. The views were just fab, even though the weather was not very cooperative. The elevation ranged from 6200ft to 3000 with lots of rocks ranging from the size of cats, dogs and small ponies that just tear up the feet and legs. Good night all.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Camp Site
Miles today: 15.0

Hit 400 miles today. Upon leaving Apple House, one must cross US 19, and someone was clever enough to put up a sign indicating home cooked breakfast-one mile. So head down, we went for it. Not the greatest roadside diner but the Mountain Man omelets hit the spot-and the music was straight Johnny Cash. Wonderful day in the 60s, lots of sunshine and easy hiking. Highlight of the day was Jones Falls where we frolicked in the water and I washed away yesterday¢s mud. BTW- about shelters: They come in all shapes and sizes, generally sleeping between 6 and 12. Backtracker and I use them as physical way points for distance because some points in the ATC guide are hard to tell when you arrive. Shelters normally mean water, good tent sites, respite from sun or rain and a chance to catch up on trail news from other hikers. Good night.
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Camp Site

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 10.5

We were up at 0630 to a very cool morning, 51 by my watch. Fingers were numb by the time we broke camp and headed back to the trail. It's day five since leaving Erwin and all supplies are exhausted. We are headed to Laurel Creek Lodge for the night to resupply and recharge. Tomorrow we head to Damascus!!
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Dennis Cove

To: Vandeventer Shelter 3,510'
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Good nights sleep and an early start. Walked to Kinkora to pick up my package with the new Ultra-violet light Steri-pen for water sterilization, the pump just takes too long and the pen, maybe 60 seconds. The trail began with Laurel Falls which were just superb and quite striking in size and water thru-put. Then up,up,up as is normally the case when the trail drops down to a town. BT and I planned to lunch at Watauga Dam and enjoy the water. Spent most of the day walking around the periphery of this huge dam and enjoyed looking over its vast water all day. As we headed towards the shelter it was all up as, as the shelter is sitting higher than Snowden.My contact at Orbis International (Chris R.) tells me the over five thousand dollars raised so far will provide 150 people with sight saving surgery. Isn't that just great! Thank you all so much for supporting me and Orbis!!!orbis.org/seemikehike
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Camp Site

To: Damascus
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

OH Yeah--Damascus!!! A real milestone.Wonderful May day, cool in the morning with a gradual warm up through the day. Long trudge after a bit on up to Double Springs shelter, the rest of the trail was a pleasant down into town. I was in time to collect my packages from the outfitters and get a new pair of shorts (yep- got rid of the North Carolina rope belt). The annual Trail Days festival gets underway in the morning and I'm gonna give it a miss and hit the trail and try to make up the days I lost in Erwin with that bout of leg flu...so the boss commented on over the phone.
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Backtracker and I parted ways today. Stan is a fine gentleman and a good hiker buddy and mentor for my introduction to the AT. So I got an early start this morning and it was a cold one at 45 degrees. Guess what came boppin down the bunny trail today? I had just sat down on a rock just off the trail for a well deserved break and I notice movement, low to the ground and blackish--rabbit? Possum? nope a Skunk. As I watched it get closer I had a quick reassessment-SKUNK. It was about ten feet away and I thought, you know I've never encountered a skunk before. I reached for the trusty camera, pressed the on button and nothing. Forgot to charge the damn thing at Damascus. Critical decision point-get sprayed with no pic, throw the camera? So, brain finally kicked in and I picked up a rock and threw it just behind the small beast. It jumped, turned around, hissed and raised the mighty tail like a broadsword and examined the rock and then scampered off it the correct direction, away from me. Success.Promise of an even colder morning dipping into the 30s.MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Lost Mt. Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Very cold morning in the late 30s according to my device. Had to use socks as gloves (hey as hot as the Sox are right now why not?). It took a while to get the engines going so I stayed in the bag and listened to NPR for a while. Grayson Highlands is a wonderful place, too bad about the unruly horses running wild. Guess they are so use to getting fed over the years they just think they can bully everyone for food. I was not gonna play and just walked faster and hoped for another hiker to appear behind. The day brightened up and was nice and sunny for the rest of the day. Gonna try for 20 miles tomorrow.MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Good sleep. Got my camera charged at Jerry¢s Country Kitchen as I could not resist the short walk for some late breakfast and a sandwich to go. Pleasant walking weather and terrain. Got a great shot of a very small fawn still carrying its white spots. Partnership shelter is the best on the AT so far with a shower and a palace of a privy. Yes I broke 20 miles today and I am so dead-no marathon for me! That will not happen again for a while....and make that over 500 today baby, not even the Yankees can manage that this year (so far anyway)...
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

On the way into Atkins I met some nice folks painting (I did not volunteer as I was painted-out from my last house) the inside of a one room school house (1894), they offered me a sandwich and a soda (thanks). ATC members were also out improving the trail around Atkins and I did volunteer to help but there were enough hands-thanks to you all.Easy strolling today great weather. It dawned on me today that most of the trees are now in leaf and providing great shelter from the big bright ball in the sky, but obscuring the views...oh well.Thanks for the great food box Mark!
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Davis Farm Camp Site
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Great day for hiking. Temps in the mid 70s and a big sun. Lots of up and ridge walking, however very few views which is a bit disappointing after all that work. A Trail Angel was good enough to leave a cooler of Gatorade at a road crossing and man did that hit the spot! I was setting up camp and heard a scuffle and lots of twig-branch snapping and saw my first BEAR. Ok, it was a cub scampering and then right up a tree. Well, what do you do? I guessed mama was nearby so I clapped my hands and it came right back down and ran off. If you are reading this there was no further problems, but man did my adrenal gland dump a gallon.-PostscriptYep I lived through it and I am sure my tent was under surveillance all night, but my snoring was probably reassuring to mama bear that I was not quite human. MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Davis Farm Camp Site

To: I-77, Bland, VA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

Started out as a good day, no bear damage, but my stomach was not happy for whatever reason. That old feeling to run for the porcelain was getting urgent. I knew from my hiker's guide there were options coming up so I took the very small town route. I was also worried about dehydration so I took a room at (appropriately) the Big Walker motel. Well, there is nothing left in my belly and I have taken on some serious amounts of fluid. Maybe the whole bear scenario played out all too real internally...at least the Sox-Yanks featured on ESPN (Sox lost-sniff). It was actually the first ball game I've watched this year--so far. To compound that, Liverpool lost to AC Milan in the European Cup. Anyway I'll sleep it off, have a big breakfast and start north again on the 'morrow. MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-05-24
From: I-77, Bland, VA

To: Dismal Creek Falls
Miles today: 20.0

Easy day, good warm sunshine. The Trail was kind and mostly flat with gentle ups and downs. The stomach and bowels were back in harmony and of no further bother. The biggest worry of the day was water, specifically the lack of any good sources. It was not till the end of the day when I came to Dismal Creek Falls that I was able to replenish. To top it off I met four other hikers at the Falls with genuine Georgia Moon, which considering it was on offer I had to try it. I crossed the 600 mile mark today and if all goes well I should head into Pearisburg by tomorrow evening.MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Dismal Creek Falls

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

I was up early on another stunning day. Reviewing my data book the Trail appeared to present another easy day, the book was so wrong. It seems the Trail layout was changed to go much higher up Pearis Mt. but I could be mistaken... To make matters worse, water was a problem again, with plenty in the morning and none in the afternoon. Lots of wildlife out and about. Even the snakes are starting to sun themselves on the trail. The chipmunks and squirrels were running all around shrieking and making a scene. When I hit town I was absolutely crushed and hurting. Maybe I'm not built for daily big miles...