morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Last night was cold - low 30's - with all my clothes on and a 20 degree bag, I was still cold. The morning proved to be foggy and cold. Quickly took down the tent, cooked an oatmeal breakfast and was on the trail with Kiwi, Dreamwalker and Peter Pan by 8:15. More hiking in the fog as we reached the summit of Big Butt Mtn. We found the trees coated with ice and sparkling in the sunshine. We had hiked above the clouds and in a few areas we could see farms in the Tennessee Valley. It was a startling scene to be able to see above the clouds as well a below the clouds. We stopped at the Shelton grave stones (victims of the Civil War) to have lunch and talked a bit about the tragedy of the Civil War. The rest of the day was rather uneventful. Near Sugarloaf Gap, we came upon a nice waterfall and stayed there long enough to cool our feet and heads in the water. After a tough climb out of Rice Gap to Hogback Ridge, we decided to stay in the shelter.It's sure to be cold tonight - time for the long johns.A good hike today with good mileage and good friends. Thank you, Lord , for the warming sun.
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap Stealth Camp
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up today to an overcast sky and temperatures in the 30's. On the trail by 8 a.m. with a gentle climb up to High Rock. After about two hours we could see Big Bald Mountain (5516') in the distance which was going to prove to be a hard climb since we were at an elevation of around 4000'. I had visited Big Bald several times during my college days some 40 years ago. The climb up the side of Big Bald was relentless and incredibly beautiful. Wildflowers were scattered over the side of the mountain with white Mountain Beauties covering the ground like a light snowfall. In some areas the ground cover of white flowers were interspersed with clusters of yellow Trout Lillies. For the first time we were able to smell the sweet scent from millions of flowers. This was a rare treat which probably lasts for only a few days each year. The view from Big Bald was unbelievable. We had a clear view in every direction of the mountains through which we had been hiking. I had last seen Big Bald forty years ago with my wife before we were married. I was saddened to see that the vista was marred by a ski resort and many second homes. Although the homeowners wanted a view from their new home, it was sad to see that the homes had become a large part of the view. The 4 Greezers, Sue, Blip, Peppermint Pattie and Strawhat stayed on Big Bald for about half an hour as we ate lunch and tried to take in all that we could see. It was trully a breath taking place to simply sit quietly. Leaving Big Bald we descended through about two miles of wildflower-covered forest. After a while the wildflowers gave way to dry leaves and the rest of the day we pushed on to get as close to Erwin, TN as possible. We only have food for one more day so we wanted to be able to reach Erwin before dark. Tonight we are camped near a stream leaving us with about 12 more miles to Erwin. A day hiker told us that a big rainstorm is coming tonight so we have pitched our tents with care and hope things clear up early in the morning.Am so happy to have been able to see, hear and smell so many wonderful things today !!
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Spivey Gap Stealth Camp

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

We tented by a road crossing rather than push on to a shelter. It was a nice flat area with many tall pines. Peppermint Paddie and Straw Hat joined us just before dark. We knew that we could reach Erwin by noon today without much difficulty. The day started with heavy overcast and light rain. As the day cleared and we got closer to Erwin, we were greeted by the blast of a horn from a diesel engine pulling a very long train of coal cars through the mountains.Erwin was full of hikers. Miss Janet's hostel was full and the nearby Holiday Express was also full. We eventually found a place at a Super 8 on the far side of Erwin. We were able to Yogie a ride from a Kayaking Lady who stopped simply to say hello. During the afternoon while we were doing our laundry and picking up mail drops, I began to develop an upset stomach. Vomiting, chills and fever soon developed but by the next day it had started to clear up.Not a great day but you have to have some lows so you can recognize the highs!!
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Erwin, TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

My stomach is feeling better but still not much of an appetite.We met Terry and Cindy (two engineers from Chicago) at the Super 8 Motel. They had given us a ride into Gatlinburg several weeks ago and were in Erwin to section hike some parts of the AT. I continue to be amazed how many people who, I think, I will never see again keep showing up on the trail. We left Erwin by 11 a.m. after meeting Bob from Vermont whom we had met at the Hiker's Inn in Fontana. He had just arrived in Erwin and had hiked alone through the Smokies. Soon after we got on the trail, we met Gypsy, an older fellow who appeared to be homeless and had camped on the trail to hear some country music at a local private campground. We continued on past a lovely stream with many patches of Dwarf Irises. We had lunch at Curley Maple Gap shelter. At first we had planned to spend the night there, but since the day was clearing we decided to try to get closer to Roan Mountain. This would give us the advantage of climbing Roan in the morning rather than in the afternoon of the day after tomorrow.By 4 p.m. the clouds had closed in, the wind was blowing and a light rain was falling. With advice from some day hikers we found a half decent campsite with a good spring. It is a chilly, damp night but with luck we will stay warm and dry in our tents. With about half an hour of daylight left Peppermint Paddy and Straw Hat showed up. As I said, it's amazing how people keep showing up!!
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

The morning at Deep Gap was foggy and chilly. Everything was damp and clammy. By 8 a.m. the clouds parted so we spread our gear and waited a while for things to dry out. By 8:30, Peter Pan and I had packed up and started up the trail at a good pace. As we climbed Unaka Mtn. we passed through a Lord of the Rings-type forest of thick moss and dense fir trees. The ground was thick with needles, the air was still and the clouds passed through. We stood on the summit for a while to enjoy the quiet of the place. Descending Unaka, we entered more rhododendron forests that lead to the usual harwood forest that we had been hiking through for the last few days. Dreamwalker and Kiwi caught up with us when we stopped for a second breakfast. They were followed by Kumugwee (chief of the sea) and his mother Peter Pan. Kumugwee then did 26 push ups (with his pack on) right on the trail. I don't think he is from the planet Earth.The rest of the hike to Clyde Smith shelter was a series of ups and downs that did little except tire us. Up 200 feet down 300, up 300 down 200- few switch backs and few interesting views. Pointless up and downs - PUDs.At the shelter Kumugwee presented all of the hikers with some smoked salmon from Lake Michigan, others contributed cheese and crackers. A small party before dinner. The Healer ate ramps (that's what Finch wrote in his journal??) that he had collected on the trail.Everyday, every ordinary day not necessarily on the trail, there are hundreds of thousands of miracles.
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Tentsite near Mountaineer Waterfall
Miles today: 17.0

On the trail by 8 a.m. clear cool and breezy. The climb out of Overmountain was very steep but it gave many good vistas into the valley down from Overmountain. During the morning, we hiked over a series of balds that reminded me of the highlands of Scotland. By noon the sky was dark, clouds hung low and we descended from the balds under the treat of rain. I was sorry to leave the balds so quickly because they had required so much effor to reach and their environment was so unusual.As we descended to a lower elevation temps increased and the trail seemed to wonder around - aimless trail relocations. It was tiring work to reach this pleasant tent site.
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Tentsite near Mountaineer Waterfall

To: Laural Falls Hostel/dennis cove
Miles today: 14.8

Packed up early, started the day under clear skys. Because of extensive trail relocations, we were not certain of the distance we had to walk to reach Dennis Cove and one of the local hostels. During the afternoon, thunderstorms caused us to hurry to try to avoid the ridge tops and to reach shelter before serious rain.As the thunder rumbled over us I saw several great streaks of lightening reach down to one of the distant ridges. I was glad the heart of the storm was not over us. Lightening can be spectacular and beautiful but I like to admire it from a distance.Near the end of the day we had a long hike up an ugly, eroded road to a radio transmitter tower. A depressing part of the day. On our descent to Dennis Cove we passed through some lovely old fields that were scented with honeysuckle. We passed Slug and his wife Mumbo. They were headed to the same hostel as we. The hostel (Kincora) is run by hiker friendly folks, however, their place was so popular (bed, shower, meal for $4 donation) the best we could get was a space on his front porch. After a phone call we had a shuttle to Laural Creek Hostel and a room in a very nice cabin for $12 each (shared with seven hikers). The seven of us got a shuttle to Elizabethtown to resupply and get a good meal. We stuffed oursleves with seafood. I am amazed at how much I can eat at one sitting and then find myself thinking of food an hour or two later. Sometimes I even dream of food.Nice to be warm and dry tonight. Tomorrow we hike in the rain.
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Laural Falls Hostel/dennis cove

To: Watauga Lake
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The morning is clear, warm and humid. We arranged to get breakfast at the Laural Creek hostel but we don't eat until 9:00 with a shuttle at 9:30 to the trailhead. The trail to Laural Falls is well built and follows an old road bed to Laural Creek. The falls were spectacular and we stayed around for half an hour taking pictures and enjoying the view. The water cascaded over 5 or 6 steps to fall about a hundred feet or more. The spray drifted in the air and keeps the rocks and vegetation wet. The trail away from the falls followed the creek for about a mile often over rocky outcrops that formed a preciously narrow trail - one slip would have meant a ten foot fall into a fast moving stream.The trail then led away from the creek to start the steep ascent to Pond Flats - an increase in elevation of about 2000'. At times the trail was especially steep - almost a rock scramble for the last two hundred feet. On the way up we met Peppermint Paddy and Kumungwee slack packing on their way down. After we reached the summit we had a second breakfast of candy bars and crackers. On the descent to Watauga Lake we met Slug and his wife who were also slackpacking their way back to the hostel at Laural Creek. The folks at Laural Creek run a shuttle service that makes it possible to slack pack from Dennis Cove to Damascus. The Four Geezers, however, will not slack pack!!On the side of Pond Flats we found Orange Mountain Laural in full bloom along the trail. At Watauga Lake we decided to have lunch and wait out a thunder storm; however, the storm was not short-lived and we were forced to move on in the rain. Because the day was hot and humid, I was soon sweating so much that the inside of my rain jacket was as wet on the inside as on the outside. I found it more pleasant to simply hike without the jacket and live with the rain falling on my shoulders. We arrived at Watauga lake Shelter wet and sweaty. After considering our options - to hike on in the slackening rain or stay at the shelter. We decided to stop - have a short day and try to get an early start tomorrow. The shelter and tenting area are overcrowded.Damascus call usas we rest in this old shelterDamascus call usand we will come helter skelterOn the trail to Damascuswe will hike further northOn the trail to Damascuswe shall tamp and walk forthOn the road to Damascus an epiphany for PaulOn the road to Damascus an epiphany for AllWhen we get to Damascuswe shall feed and eat hashWhen we get to Damascuswe shall have a great bash!
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Watauga Lake

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Awake at Watauga Lake about an hour before sunrise, started breakfast and waited for the others to stir. The sky was overcast, temps in the 60's and no wind. PeterPan was feeling under the weather but he was ready to move on by 7:30. From the shelter the trail led us along some of the shoreline to the Watuaga Dam. As we walked across the dam, we were surprised by the size of the dam and the amount of rock that had to be blasted and dumped in the river to create the dam. A tunnel must lead from the lake to a power plant. About a mile below the dam, the river was re-created. The dam took 7 years to build.We then climbed up to the ridgeline and had occasional views of the lake and surrounding mountains and valleys. As we moved along the ridgeline, it leveled off and the walking was easy. We called this part of the AT the Tennessee Highway. We stopped for lunch at Vandereuter shelter and climbed the rocks near the shelter for a great view of Watauga Lake and the surrounding area. Moving on we made good distance on "The Tennessee Highway" and reached Iron Mtn Shelter around 3 p.m. Decision time: to go on and camp along the trail in 3 hours or stay at the shelter. PeterPan was clearly tired so we decided to stay at the shelter. Then the skys darkened and a tremendous thunder storm developed. Good decision - stay in the shelter - try to stay dry and move on in the morning. Tomorrow may be a long day but I would rather not be carrying a wet tent and gear. Damascus is still two days away.On the trail today, I saw pink Lady Slippers for the first time. Several were growing along the trail. Also saw a box turtle lumbering alongside the trail. Tonight we hunker down and hope the weather improves by morning. A good day, other than the rain, but my spirits are low tonight. Maybe I need a quiet day in a town and a big hamburger, onion rings, fries and a milkshake.Peter Pan, Kiwi, Dreamwalker and Finch are warm, dry and safe in a good shelter. All is well, safely rest.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Iron Mtn Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: light rain

Iron Mountain Shelter was a refuge from a powerful thunder and lightning storm that brought heavy rain and lots of thunder. Several younger hikers arrived after most of the storm had passed but chose to tent outside the shelter rather than squeeze in with the 6 geezers who were already settled in. As the night approached the rain let up and a damp chill settled over Iron Mountain.In the morning we were engulfed by a very dense fog and everything was damp. We quickly made breakfast and packed up to get on the trail around 8 a.m. The trail was wet and slippery but we set off at a good pace. The trail followed a high ridgeline but we had no views because of the very dense fog. After about an hour we came upon the grave of a hermit ("he lived alone, suffered alone and died alone") that seemed to rise out of the mist. Since the trail was fairly level, we made good time after the fog began to lift we could occasionally see into the valley below. We had lunch and refilled our water bottles at Double Spring Shelter. During the afternoon we passed Pipi and her hiking partner. Around 3 p.m., thunderstorms were approaching and we began to hurry to Abingdon Gap Shelter to try to wait out the storm. We found the shelter filled with hikers who had decided to hunker down during this storm. We packed in and joked about how fetid the air was arising from our various body odors. It was a pleasant hour of jokes. The rain stopped for a while so we put on our packs and bid farewell to the others who were not sure they wanted to go further today. The rest of the trail to Damascus was pleasantly graded and we arrived in this small town of 800 residents at 7 p.m We found the town over-run with hikers and spent an hour trying to find a place to stay. We met several old hiking campanions who had already found space in the various hostels. We eventually found accomodations in an up-scale hotel but by having four in a room designed for two people the cost was about the same as some of the hostels.In eleven hours we hiked almost 26 miles even though we had waited about an hour for a storm to pass. This is the farthest I have hiked in one day. This has been a great day, full of contrasting weather, good friends and good cheer!! However, I don't think I can keep doing 26 mile days - too hard on my feet. What will Virginia hold for us?
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Damascus

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A zero day in Damascus. Kiwi, Peter Pan and I attended the Methodist church in Damascus. There were 12 other hikers at the service and about 40 parishoners. This church runs a "free" hostel nearby ($4 donation) and permits tenting on their grounds. The hostel is very basic but it at least provides a dry place to sleep in this town.During my hike yesterday, I figured out why my spirits have been so low lately. The shelter and tenting areas on the trail have simply become too crowded. We seem to have caught up with (or been caught by) a "bubble" of hikers and the friendships we are making are becoming too thin. Most hikers are friendly and considerate but if there are too many people the atmosphere becomes less personable. I expect the hiker population will thin out a bit after we leave Damascus.The weather forecast is predicting stormy weather for the next four days. Not the best conditions to start this section of the Trail, but we will get back on the Trail anyway (I hope!). Damascus is a nice town and it will be hard to leave our comfortable - dry- room.One thing Damascus has to offer is pizza and roast beef sandwiches. Since leaving Springer, I have lost about ten pounds and I seem to be hungry an hour or two after eating. I think I am now eating twice as much as I did before I started this journey. It has been years since I have felt as physically fit as I am now.
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Strong thunderstorms and heavy rain this morning. We got a real good rate on a room in a nice hotel so we decided to take another zero day.Peppermint Paddy and Kumughwee have decided to leave the trail and return home. We will miss them. They were a lot of fun to hike with.I had a chance to look up the names of several flowers I had seen on the trail and had not recognized. Also had a chance to look over some of the pictures I had taken and entered some descriptive captions. Thank you Damascus Town Library.Today was mostly one of eating, resting and reading. We go in the morning, despite rain, hail, snow, wind or flood. Got to get back on the Trail!! I miss the routine and the simplicity of life on the Trail!!
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mtn.
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We left Damascus around 9 a.m. after breakfast at the "Barn". Service was slow but it was fun talking with some of the local folks, none of whom seemed to be in a hurry to get to work or to start their day's activities. We left under a heavy overcast with a storm threatening. As we started our climb up "The Cuckoo" the clouds appeared to be lowering and we eventually found ourselves in fog. By noontime we were hiking in a light rain and the wind had started blowing more stongly. Given the choice of hiking 1/4 of a mile off The Trail to find a shelter for a lunch stop and a rest, we decided to keep warm by continuing to hike until we reached the next shelter on the Trail...about 6 more miles and three more hours. Around 3 p.m. the rain stopped and we reached the shelter by 5 p.m. While we were hiking we saw several rhododendrons in full flower. I a few more days, I expect the woods will be full of flowering rhododendron, azalea and magnolia trees.I saw some new flowers today. They looked like foam flower except they had some red and yellow on the tips of the petals.Early on the trail today Peter Pan bumped his head on a low hanging tree. He hit it hard because he was walking along at a good clip watching his footing (ground was slippery) and when he hit, he sat down fast. After a few minutes he appeared to be ok so we hiked on. He did, however, give us a scare because he was clearly stunned for a few minutes. This seems to have been a close call.Since the weather forecast predicts more wet weather, I have elected to claim a space in the shelter. It will be crowded, smelly and noisy but at least it will be dry. I am not ready to carry a wet tent for the next five days. The overcrowding and noise (is this some sort of frat party?) are getting me down.This has been a challenging day. Wet, cold, hot, muggy and slippery.At times the AT crossed the Virginia Creeper Trail that winds through the Rogers Rec Area. Some 17 miles of the Creeper Trail is downhill to Damascus on a semi-paved road. I think I would like to come back to Damascus and try some of their bike trails.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Lost Mtn.

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

As we prepared breakfast and started to pack up for today's journey, a light rain fell and the sky's were heavily overcast. When will sunny blue skys return? The wet weather is hard on everyone's spirits. Today we spent most of the morning hiking through a hardwood forest that was 30-40 years old. Many stumps and no old growth trees. As we ascended Whitetop Mtn. we gradually moved into a Frazer fir forest that looked like some of the northern forests in Maine. Near the trail I saw many red columbines for the first time. Buzzard rock, an outcrop on the side of Whitetop, gave us an excellent view of the surrounding countryside and some of the mountains through which we had hiked. The trail did not take us to the top of Whitetop but rather traversed to the east through a rhododedron forest. As we climbed Mt. Rodgers we started to travel through a series of balds with many jagged rock outcrops. Near Thomas Knob we encountered some amazingly tame deer. Later, in Grayson Highlands State Park we encountered many wild ponies, some with recently born colts that were amazingly tame. The trail through the Grayson Highlands was difficult with many loose and slippery rocks just waiting to twist an ankle or break a leg.When we reached Wise Shelter, we found the shelter occupied by four young people who had effectively taken over all of the space. Kiwi, Dreamwalker and I elected to tent in the rain rather than try to squeeze in. Peter Pan, however, moved into the shelter. The reception by those in the shleter was not very welcoming.Despite the poor weather, today was a good day. The Grayson Highlands reminded me of Scotland and some of the views were excellent. Even a dismal day can have some bright moments. It is wonderful to be here. Now if only the sun will shine in the morning!!