morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Max Patch Road

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

It did rain last night, not hard but with lightening. I was worried that it would prevent us from climbing Max Patch so my sleep was a little troubled. It may have accounted to the wierd dream I had. I was part of a traveling nomadic tribe led by a guy that was a cross between Rocket at Sleeping Bear Farm hostel and Mel Gibson! Where that came from, I have no idea! I'm not infatuated by either! See what hiking day after day can do to you!Max Patch turned out to be awesome! I can't begin to describe how beautiful it was in the early dawn with the mists rising. It is a huge bald so the views are 360 degrees. Pathfinder (fellow Buckeye) was with me. We were on top of the world!The rest of the day was a mixture of sleet, fog, rain, sunshine, mist, you name it! Showers are bringing the May flowers and the hills at the lower elevations are blanketed by all types - Dutchman's Breeches, Columbine, Violets, Trillium, Bellwort, Bloodroot. I see so many of the plants I try to get to grow in my beds back home that are just thriving out here. No wonder my coral bells don't do well - they want to be around 3000 feet up in the woods. There are huge masses of them out here - I would love to see when they are in bloom.Hot Springs is THE agenda tomorrow so I wanted to get to the shelter right before, with a short 3 mile walk tomorrow and the rest of the day for laundry, town chores, etc. It meant a 17 mile day but I did it. And not only me - but Cookie, Wolfgang and Pathfinder also rolled in as I was setting up my tent. Breakfast is at the Smoky Mountain Diner tomorrow. I was thinking of my order as I hiked - hashbrowns, two eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee......
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

Well, I almost had my order for breakfast, with the change of english muffin for toast and a huge glass of chocolate milk. Can't remember the last time I had chocolate milk but guessing it was pre-kids. Yummy!Today is what is known in hiking parlance as a Nero - a day with very short miles. I had a reservation at the Laughing Heart hiker hostel (very nice place, recommend it) and so checked in after my breakfast. It is a bit out of town so I donned their loaner t-shirt, rain pants and my flip flops to do the trek into town for laundry, stop by the PO, and visit to the outfitters. I saw Pathfinder in the laundry and was able to add my clothes to her load, plus enjoy a little company while they washed and dried. So nice to have clean clothes for a while. Socks and Hoop came to see me tonight! We met at the bar next to the creek - Spring Creek Tavern - and had a brew, nachos and salad. They later went to soak in the hot springs, while I enjoyed another beer with Cookie and Wolfgang. A most enjoyable time was had by all.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Hot Springs

To: French Broad River
Miles today: 0.4

I'm heading out today and don't know where I will end up so there is no ending destination or mileage yet. It is currently raining but should let up later this afternoon. I'm at the library updating my journal and then will mosey on over to the outfitters, later to the ice cream store and, if still raining, may have to have a late lunch. I am enjoying this adventure so much. I never focus on the miles or where I am - I take each day as it comes. I know I am lucky to be able to take part in such an experience.As we say - See you up the trail!As it turned out, today was a perfect example of Trail Flexibility. As I made my way down to the Outfitters, it began to pour! And it was cold not a good combo. As I was contemplating what to do, I ran into Michael, one of the Frankfort, KY boys ( he goes by Bass now). One thing led to another - 'let's get some lunch' - ' want to split the cost of a campsite?'. ..ah..yes!So I did a big .4 mile day but had a lovely time talking to Bass over a huge cheeseburger. I later ran into Odat, Sky pilot, and Slim Jim, all of whom I hadn't seen since the Smokies. We caught up on trail happenings over a glass of your preferred beverage (mine was Malbec). It was a good day but I think I may have lost Cookie's company. They were more stalwart and left in the rain.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Stealth camp past Log Cabin Dr.

To: Stealth camp @spring 308.1
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day of cooler temps and light traffic on the trail. I only saw a half dozen or so hikers all day. Odat and Sky Pilot were slackpacking southbound today from one of the hostels and so it was nice to run into them. We had some cool rock climbing today. I love the rock features - they remind me of Hocking Hills back home in Southern Ohio. Today's were quite challenging, especially with a full pack. I only had to crawl over one boulder so that is not bad - and, I didn't lose my way which is a marvel in itself (the trail will often be ill marked and just a jumble of boulders).I made it to the shelter around 5 but there was only one other person there and I was not familiar with him. I wasn't quite comfortable and they always say move on if you feel that way, so move on I did. I hiked a couple more miles and then made camp in a nice little glen with a spring. As it turns out, wasn't a bad decision - I finally found my mushrooms.Socks is picking me up at Sam's Gap tomorrow and I'll be spending a zero day in Asheville - yeah! I'm excited to see her, Hoop and the dogs. I plan to do a few tweaks on the equipment and clothing. I know that eventually I'll have to cut that Socks and Hoop lifeline - it will be a sad day.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Whistling Gap

To: Curly Maple Gap shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Whistling Gap to Curly Maple Gap shelter 17.6I'm beginning to see familiar people again. Ran into at various times throughout the day - Quahog, Oreo, Odat, Sky pilot, Blimey (met him at the Hiker Hostel at the very beginning), Emperor, Kokopelli and DeeDee. There was a good group at Uncle Johnny's in Erwin but I'm trying to make tracks to get to Mountain Harbour Hostel Sunday or Monday. Socks said she wants to meet one last time. I finally got to meet the Doodles today. They are a young couple hiking with two 13 month old Labradoodles. The pups are so cute and very well behaved. They were picking up dog food in Erwin so they were quite frisky with the light packs each carried.At the camping area of the shelter with a rowdy group discussing hiking, toilet paper (bury or pack out-yuck!), ramping up miles, etc. Two are night hiking since there is a full moon. They are drinking coffee and heading out at dark....
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Whistling Gap

To: Apple Orchard Camp
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Curly Maple Gap shelter to Apple Orchard camp17.2 Gorgeous day today. Better enjoy it because next three are supposed to be rainy. So - first gorgeous view today was Beauty Spot - a high bald where you can see forever. I ran into the night hikers. One had twisted his ankle and then broken a tent pole. Not a good night.Second big climb was Unaka Mt. There's a dense spruce forest at the top so no views but the atmosphere was nice - pine fresh!Met the nicest couple today from Wytheville,VA William and Linda Lively. They are doing the trail in sections. They gave me their contact info and said to give them a call if I needed anything when in their area. So nice!Also ran into Whirled Peas later in the day. She was having a bad day-reskinned her knee and twisted her ankle. Through the marvel of modern communication, she was able to talk to her husband in Afghanistan and things turned for the better. Sometimes just a word will make things right.Rain is coming for the next three days! I hope I don't turn into one of those old fallen logs you see out here - all green and mossy!Note: at camp - Peaches, Siracha, K2 Summit, Le Croix,
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: light rain

Rain, rain, go away!Still raining this morning and continued solid all day. Everything I wear is wet except my sleeping clothes ( see Beckie - I paid attention to your advice).I'm meeting Socks tomorrow so am staying at a shelter just before Elk Park, NC. It's a barn with loft-pretty cool. I was first here and then joined by Orion, Davy Crocket, and Whirled Peas. We all got dry clothes on and ate some hot food then spread out our gear to dry. I know it's hopeless but just maybe....Orion was in charge of ordering beer for a chain of Virginia restaurants so we've been discussing brews and hard ciders. Torture! I'd love a Fox Barrel Pear Cider right now.We were later joined by 6 other wet cold hikers. Two are from Worthington (outside of Columbus,OH - close to where I am from). They are seniors at Linworth and doing a section hike of 700 miles on the AT for their school 'Walkabout' project. What a cool school project!It's a much better day. And......tomorrow we are supposed to have sunshine!
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: US19E Elk Park, NC
Miles today: 8.7

The rain finally ended about 4 AM - thank goodness! Every time I awoke through the night, I worried about the coming day's hike out. It was 'no worries' in the light of day. The rain had totally moved out and the sky was full of big puffy white clouds. I do believe this may be my favorite day thus far. What a difference a day makes!We had two big climbs today over Little Hump and Hump Mountain. They are both balds so you could see forever. Just breathtaking! There are times on this hike when I just stop in amazement at the beauty around me. We have such a beautiful country - I hope everyone recognizes that and works to keep it that way.After the balds it was downhill all the way for 4 miles. I was walking with Davy Crocket, a hiker without a trail name, and Mowgli (an ultra marathoner). I kept up with the kids but will pay for it tomorrow. We were down in no time.Socks met me at Mountain Harbour hostel around 5-ish or so. She brought the little portable gas grill so Orion, Davy C., Socks and I went to the store and bought steaks and the trimmings for dinner. My appetite is in full hiker mode - I can't believe how much I can eat.Also here with Bass, Wilson, Mother Teresa, Whistler and Chaos.Today we officially left North Carolina. Since the Smokies we've been straddling NC and TN so I never knew quite where I was. No more - we are in Tennessee baby! And soon to be in Virginia. Bring it on!
Date: 2013-04-30
From: US19E Elk Park, NC

To: Stealth Camp 407.8
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We hit the 400 mile mark today! It seems big but really just a drop in the bucket in the overall scheme of things.Socks saw us off but only after cooking breakfast for all at the hostel. (the Mountain Harbour B&B has the best breakfast on the trail but the owners were taking the day off - I'll have to come back to try it out).Today was another nice day with lots of streams and waterfalls Tennessee is sure rolling out the red carpet for us. Tomorrow I go to Kincora - a hostel legend on the trail. They never turn away a hiker, no matter how full, and the suggested donation to stay is only $5. I'm camped just off the trail. Davy Crocket showed up just a bit ago so I'm not alone. We are at a lower elevation and it should be warmer than the past couple of nights. Good night all - sleep tight.P.S. Happy Birthday Erin!
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero day - breakfast at Blue Blaze cafe and then laundry. There is a television at the laundromat so I went during the CBS Morning Show. We left when the laundry was finished to go to the coffee shop so I missed the Moment in Nature spot where they showed Amicalola Falls.The rest of the day was spent calling family and friends, sorting gear, talking to my hostel mates - St. Nick, Kokopelli, Annette (doing the Virginia Creeper bike trail). It pretty much rained all day and I was happy to be out of it.Dinner at the Blue Blaze cafe. That place has good food!
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Second zero day in Damascus. I'm beginning to like my hostel bunk - even if I am on the top. I'm getting pretty good at climbing up and down.It rained this morning and into early afternoon. That made me pretty happy about the decision to stick around. The next part of my hike takes me into the Grayson Highlands where they maintain a herd of wild ponies to keep the vegetation down. I've seen pictures and they are so cute! I really want a nice day to see them.The first task of the day was to go to the post office. Flame and Pyro, Beckie, Jill and Mike, and Kristi- thank you again for the cards and mail drops. It brightens my day so much to read your messages and munch on the goodies.Afterwards, it was off to the Outfitters and then to the library. I'm doing research on summer sleeping bags (hoping eventually it gets warm). The library was on the other side of town so I got to see a little of the town. Very cute.Lee, our hostel hostess, also offered to take us to Food Lion for resupply (it's a bit out of town). With all the hikers in town, the Dollar General is sold out of many items. I only needed about four things but two were new bottles of Vitamin Water and a litter of water. I use the bottles to hold my water and thought it time to get new ones. They weigh a ton so it was nice to have a ride.Last thing of the day was to go to the Blue Blaze Cafe for wing night. 2 for a dollar plus $3 for a Yuengling. I got 8 and had no trouble finishing them off. Tomorrow I head back to the woods. I am ready to be on my way. I've had a good rest so I should be good to go!Note to my high school era friends: there is a very interesting young lady staying at the hostel. She's had a lot of experiences including working above the Arctic Circle in Alaska and traveling in Europe and South America. Through the course of our conversation, it came out that her mother was from Dayton. ' Hmmm... Did she go to Catholic Schools? ' her reply - 'Yes, and all the family went to UD.' It turns out her mother is Ann Jehn. She was in my class at Alter! Again, small world.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: moderate rain

On the road again. I just can't wait to get on the road again...Actually, I had a pretty leisurely morning. I took a shower, had some oatmeal with strawberries and blueberries and coffee, packed my backpack and then had a nice long conversation with Bitter Goat. At one time, I thought Bitter Goat was the rare African-American on the trail but I couldn't have been farther from the truth. He is from Sri Lanka originally but is now Canadian. His father received political asylum after being put on a hit list by the Tamil Tigers and then sponsored the rest of the family. Bitter Goat is probably one of the most intelligent people out here and a very nice young man. In fact, you'd be surprised at the level of education out here. So many of these young 'kids' have their Master degree.I was on my way well before my 10 AM target time - it was 9:37. I ran into Whirled Peas at Mojoes. She is riding the Virginia Creeper trail this morning. I'm walking out on it for ten miles until the AT branches off (this is an alternate Senior route) so I told her to be on the watch for me. I also got to say bye to Matt. He's about my age and just bought the hardware store in town. He's putting a woodshop in it to sell craft baskets and these cool benches he makes. He is really good. I told him I'm coming back for Damascus Trail Days in 2014 so I'll stop in and say hi.And so began my hike of the day. As I mentioned, I did the Creeper Trail which is a rails to trails project. The climb is gradual and the walk follows a river, which was extremely swollen and raging from all the rain we've had. There are something like 48 trestle bridges over the entire trail - I went over about 20 or so on the part I walked. Some are short, some are really long. I did see Whirled Peas and she was having a great time riding that mountain bike. After branching off on the AT, the Lost Mountain shelter is only 2 miles away so I was there by 3. I was planning on going a little further to a campsite but it was threatening to rain, plus they had a fire going, room in the shelter, etc. I claimed my spot and about ten minutes later, the skies opened up. It rained pretty hard for a bit, then cleared - even showing some blue skies. Then it started up again, repeating the pattern. It is raining now as I write this. I am warm and dry and I won't have to pack up a wet tent. So happy to be back on my way....
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Sandy has a trail name! Aunt Sand. ...And it took me forever to get my name...We woke when the birds started singing - as Sparky would say. I was properly introduced to Sparky yesterday. I've hiked around him for a while but never really had a chance to talk to him. He's 71, from around Little Rock, AR and an Iron Man athlete in his past. He hiked the Trail before (can't remember the year) but had to get off right where we were today because of chest pains. He is hiking again this year after a bypass and is doing great. He is a very nice man.Today was Aunt Sand's big introduction to the trail. The day started foggy and then proceeded to rain. During this time, Aunt Sand had to take everything out of her pack looking for her rain poncho (finally found it), fell down and couldn't get up (Kokopelli happened by so we were able to get her up), slid downhill into a tree, and stepped in the creek (got her shoe totally wet). But she didn't quit on a rainy day. She did really great - she doesn't like the uphills but who does?The sun finally came out about 1 pm - so welcomed. Shelters are spaced far apart in this section so we decided to stay at the Relax Inn when we made it to Atkins, VA. This place is a trip back in time and not in a good way. I think the bathroom tiles are the same that were in my home on Bigger Rid. Circa 1959. Bluebird is sharing the room with us. She is from Illinois, a farm north of Peoria. We have been meeting a lot of new people. Our bubble is changing. So, once again, a day that started a bit rough ended well. Our clothes and bodies are clean, our tummys are full. I have a feeling we will sleep well.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Last night was cold, cold, cold! So happy I didn't send home the winter gear. I stayed warm in my mummy bag. I pull the string around the top so tight that it is a cocoon.Up early and out of camp before 8. I remembered much of the first part of our walk today from when I was here in 2011. Unfortunately, there wasn't any trail magic at the forest service road...booThe next part of the hike was a killer hill. Four miles and 2000 feet. It leads up to a high meadow with fabulous views so you are rewarded for your work. Chestnut Knob Shelter is shortly after and that is where we are spending the night. It is cold and windy up here but the shelter has a door so hopefully we will stay warm.Our view from the shelter is Burke's Garden. It is a natural depression surrounded on all sides by mountains. It was the Vanderbilt's first choice for the Biltmore but I guess they couldn't buy it. It is pretty cool.Weather forecast for the next week shows 70's and 80's. Finally!
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

It was cold again last night but the stars you could see from the bald more than made up for it. I wanted to see good night skies and last night's was one of the best thus far.Our hike today followed a ridge line for 8 miles which meant ups and downs. There were some cool rock features but, other than that, not much of note. We had a big lunch of spaghetti at Jenkins shelter. A SOBO we spoke to earlier said there were around 35 tents at Jenkins last night. I believe it because everyone we spoke to yesterday said they were headed there. The privy there has absolutely no wall - just a seat out in the open. And it was full to the brim so wonder how that went over with all those campers. Yuck!We had less than 5 miles left after lunch so we were at camp by 5:30. I built a fire to boil water for dinner (I'm a little worried we may run out of fuel). It worked out fine so I know now that I have options in case we do run out before I can replenish. Dinner was quinoa with beans and vegetables. It was very good and filling. I am starting to get a bad case of the hikers appetite. I am always hungry! Odat and Slim Jim came in as we were setting up our tents. So nice to see them! They did a big day today - 20 miles. Slim Jim is meeting his wife next week so he is on a very tight schedule. I was glad to see them for the 'male' presence in camp. We're next to a roadway so the more the better.I can hear the sound of the river and it is a lot warmer tonight. I think I will be sleeping well. Good night all...
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Dismal Creek Camp

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Today is Aunt Sand's last day on the AT and she was very chipper this morning! I think she is ready to go back to the civilized world!We had a short hike to Woods hole Hostel where her husband Ted will meet us at 2. We made it by 12:30 - plenty of time. You tend to allow leeway when meeting up with someone because foot travel times can vary so much.Ted was right on time and brought us Hardee's hamburgers. We were pretty happy, to say the least. I have enjoyed this past week hiking with Aunt Sand a lot. I feel like I was on vacation. My knees feel good - no aches or pains to speak of. It's all good. We said our goodbyes and she was off to Ohio. I stayed at Woodshole for the night. Socks and I stayed there during her thru hike and it was the exact same time - during Damascus Trail Days. (Trail Days is a huge festival for current and past hikers. They have gear reps present, special programs, a hikers parade, talent show etc...) This year was different in that the hostel was full. We had maybe 25 hikers there. Neville and Michael, the proprietors, serve an organic dinner ($13). We had salad out of their raised bed gardens, homemade bread and stromboni. It was delicious. I had two big helpings of salad - I couldn't get enough!The hostel is an exercise in sustainability. They raise much of their food - vegetables, chickens, pigs, cows, goats. There were two litters of baby pigs (too cute!) as well as baby goats to ooh and ahh over. No surprise that some hikers had been there numerous days. I got to put faces to many names that I had previously only seen in the shelter registers - Aqua man, Homebrew, Ice Tea, Violet. Plus I saw many familiar faces - Odat, Slim Jim, Sparky 2 and Orange Peal (father and daughter team), Blood Orange from Upper Arlington in my area.In regards to the parent/ child teams, there are a couple of father/ daughter teams, some father/ son teams but I haven't seen any mother/daughter or mother/son teams. Hmmm... Kids...?Dinner was late so it was off to bed once completed. Hiker midnight is around 9 - we go to sleep early out here. Tomorrow is a new day - I need to refocus on the hike after my 'vacation'.