morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Lynn has made it through the snow and is at a hostel near Davenport Gap. His phone signal is not strong enough to blog, but he wanted everyone to know that he is well and only one day behind due to the white stuff. He rewarded himself with a 16 inch pizza and a beer.(Hostel trail grub) He will continue his narrative when he has a stronger signal. Rita
Date: 2009-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.1

Wow. Cold again. I put on damp clothes that I have tried to dry one garment at a time with my body heat in my sleeping bag during the course of the night. The first 8 miles are snow covered. But the trail has been travelled by 6 or so previously so the going is easier. The sun is bright and warm. I quickly shed layers. I keep tabs on my strength as I need to make 18 miles today. The snow is essentially gone in the track below 4700 ft where I lunch at a shelter with Hot Pants, Chance and Wolverine. Later at Mt. Cammerer I remember sleeping my first night on the AT with Gray and Don, two 1st cousins. We hiked up many years ago. I get tired going down thinking about our struggle to get up. I find the exact spot where we camped in a rhodedendron thicket and caught drinking water huddled under Gray's small dining fly during a rain storm. Just south of the I-40 crossing is a hollow alive wild flowers. The yellow trillium and wild geranium are holding court dressed in royal robes. The usual attendants are gathered around. Solomom's seal is the rankest I have ever seen. The two worlds I have seen today stand in stark contrast. Any person living one cannot imagine the other. I pass under I-40 and make my way to Standing Bear Farm Hostel a mere .1 mile off the AT. An 18 miler. I feel accomplished. The hostel is tucked in a valley along a stream. Nice bunkhouse. Kitchen shack. A privy. Shower house. A provision store where you are on the honor system to pay for what you take. I bake a frozen pizza in the kitchen, get a free beer from the stream and catch up on the snow experiences from other hikers. What a time. SL
Date: 2009-04-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.2

Damascus and I make coffee in the kitchen shack about 6:45. I get two pastries from the store and gobble them down with the freshly brewed coffee. I eat fast concerned that they may somehow go away. I reprovision at the store and go about getting ready to leave the hostel. All are talking about the rain that is coming. Dad, the hostel owner, comes by to say the rain is 1 hour west of us. Most begin to plan a zero day. I might but cannot as I am to meet Lindsay Tank Commander Brown 13 miles away by noon tomorrow. I need to do some miles today. I wait a bit trying to get a signal to complete a backlog of blogging all in vain. I don my rain gear and head for the AT. I am faced with a 2500 ft climb. The flowers along the way tell me I am in the right place. The new hat Rita bought for me is like a house with a wrap-around porch for my neck and head. My rain jacket and additional poncho are adjusted perfectly to keep most of the wet out but allow the fresh breeze in to reduce sweating. Half way up the climb I stop to blog as the sun is out and it is reasonably warm. Before long Nascar and Hell Bender show up. We hike to the Groundhog Creek shelter in wonderdul sunshine. We are joined a while later by Smurfette and Flame Thrower. Both women. The rain has now set in for the evening. The soothing sound of rain on a metal roof. It is warm enough to be comfortable. What a change. What a joy. SL
Date: 2009-04-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.1

Another rainy start. I walk without incident to the 251 mile mark. There is Lindsay waiting for me. He has fresh brownies from Dorine. I eat 2 right away. He also has other provisions. I quickly pack them as it is chilly. We both want to walk to keep warm. We get to Max Patch Bald. No views. We are in the cloud and the wind is clipping at 35 mph with nothing to restrain it. We hussle over the bald for the shelter of the woods. The walk from the Bald to Walnut Mtn Shelter is pretty easy but wet and cool. We both work quickly to get into dry clothes and our sleeing bags for warmth. It is only 1500. We make dinner from our bags. I have 4 more brownies and an apple which Lindsay brought. I quizz Lindsay about food in Hot Springs. I need a big hamburger. SL
Date: 2009-04-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.1

Six hikers wake at dawn in Walnut Mtn Shelter. We all join and acknowledge that it is Easter morning. It is easy to forget what day it is on the Trail. Maybe we are all trying to remind each other and remember the meaning of the day. Charlie from Plano,TX says he knew he had a problem when his new mother-in-law awakened him and his wife on their first Easter morning as a couple to tell them the eggs had been hidden and it was time for them to get up and find the eggs. John Nascar asked Charlie if he got married at 12? Charlie continued that Christmas was difficult also because his mother-in-law required everyone to pass a bible quizz before any presents could be opened. He said that one Christmas he sneaked a copy of the quizz with answers from her bedroom and shared it with everyone. Well is was the best Christmas ever. And his mother-in-law was happy because she was finally making progress with the biblical knowledge of the family. As we were all laughing Joe Kickass was peeling an orange that he had selected the previous day from a trail magic bag 13 miles back. He gave each of us a section and said "Happy Easter". It tasted better than any glass of orange juice I can remember. What an Easter morning. A sunny day after a week of brutal weather. Rich laughter from a story by a dry talking Texan. And a delicious orange slice being given to me while my legs were being kept warm in my sleeping bag. It was a grand start to a glorious sunny and mostly downhill day into Hot Springs, NC. Everything is so green as Lindsay and I approach the valley of the French Broad River. The AT runs through the middle of town. I stop at a small convenient store for a coke, 7up, crackers and chips. The laundry is in the back room so I complete that task on the way to my room. Lindsay has made reservations for us at the Mountain Magnolia BandB. It is a wonderful place multiplied by 3 because of my experiences of the past week. Tom Cole drives from Greenville,TN to join us for dinner. I have a big rack of lamb plus half of Tom's dinner. I could still eat more but Lindsay had cleaned his plate. Our conversation is easy and wonderful. I cannot remember a better day. I feel blessed and thankful. SL
Date: 2009-04-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.7

Tank Commander and I had a great breakfast at the Mountain Magnolia in Hot Springs after which he was quickly on his way back to C'ville and I was back on the AT. It was great to have his companionship and help with logistics in Hot Springs. I crossed the French Broad River and pulled a big craggy hill over looking the valley. Quite a sight. No rain today but it seemed to get colder and the wind was constant and disagreeable. It was a lonely walk today. I saw Joe Kickass and Storyteller breifly at at Spring Mtn shelter. I walked the additional 3.7 miles to Allen Gap. Tom Cole picked me up there. He had beer and chips at the ready. We toured his perch overlooking the Nolichucky. Quite a place. He and Vicky fixed a dinner fit for roalty. The biggest t-bone I had ever tackled. I ate most of it. It was very special to be in a home, the first time foor me in 1 month and feel their kindness. After a bacon and egg breakfast Tom will take me back to the AT. He weighed my pack. 46 lbs. Wow. I am topped off with food. Maybe too much trail magic from Lindsay, Tom, Vicky. SL
Date: 2009-04-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.7

The day started cloudy but warm. It ended cold, rainy and windy. I could hardly operate my fingers to remove wet clothes and boots and don dry ones when I arrived in the shelter. A set of dry clothes is a must. I would have been in trouble otherwise. There was an especially hared pull today. 1000 ft in 1 mile. I stopped and panted several times. Later a ridgeline of rock formation made for very difficult walking but it was quite interesting. No views as it was socked in with rain and clouds. This section is the most rugged so far on the AT. I became weary after the rocks looking for the shelter. It was 40 minutes beyond my expectation. I was cold. My pants were falling down. I was hungry and wet. I did not want to stop to make adjustments. Finally it appeared and I went about getting warm. A note. I weighed before leaving Tom Cole's house. I am down 13 lbs. May have something to do with my pants. SL
Date: 2009-04-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.7

In the clouds much of the day but no rain. 2.5 miles out and nearing the graves of 2 union soldiers who were killed by confederates as they were returing home, I heard voices. The fog was heavy. I could not see very far. Hummm. Turned out to be an old timer hiking club from Johnson City. We chatted a bit and took pictures of each other. After that I was just trying to make the 14.7 miles. I was borderline cold until a 1500 ft pull. I was wearing running tights under my pants because of the cold. I needed to get them off and keep them dry for evening wear. I sat down on a log removed shoes, pants and tights. Now down to my underwear and defenceless, I heard a 4 wheeler in close proximity and maybe 8 barking dogs. I now noted a 4 wheeler track nearby. I thought of the movie Deliverance. I scurried. I wanted no contact and was able to avoid any. Whew. I was tired but in better shape than last night when I arrived at the shelter and went through my now normal routine of preparing a meal and my bed. I do look forward to rest and the simple warmth and comfort of my sleeping bag. SL
Date: 2009-04-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.5

Today was sunny. Yea! No cold hands today. Big Bald at over 5500 ft. gave a 360 degree panorama. I could see 9 mountain ridges to the southwest, Smokies. Quite a view. It rivals Clingmans Dome on a clear day. I felt my energy return with the sun. I am tenting in Whistling Gap with John Nascar and Lonesome Roads. I am enjoying the tent again and my little cozy space. I have been thinking of Gene Moore. I mentioned my first night on the AT with cousins. Well Gene let me borrow a tent and a camp stove to make the trip. Thanks Gene. Your equipment helped me get started. It was very nice of you to offer a new backpacker the use of your stuff. I wish you well and hope someone passes the message along. SL
Date: 2009-04-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.5

Another sunny day. Did the 13.5 in 6 hours. I only record the good stats. I met a local hiker half way to the Erwin, TN trailhead. Brian McAllister. He shared part of his lunch which was mighty good as I was running low. The views above the town were terrific and the Nolichucky River was beautiful. Brian explained the landscape as we descended into the valley. He and his wife gave me a ride to the Super 8 and he gave me his phone number for a return ride tomorrow. What nice trail angels they turned out to be. On a recommendation at McDonalds while having a Big Mac meal, I went to Lois' beauty shop for a hair cut. Lois, the lady in the chair and I had a great time in conversation. Friendly folk in Erwin. A walk to do laundry, eat and resupply food rounded out the evening. It is interesting to gain the perspective of accomplishing routine tasks without the benefit of transportation. It is a circumstance I do not normally experience. I am thankful for the learning and recognize I have many kindnesses to pass on as many have been shown to me so far on this long walk. SL
Date: 2009-04-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.7

I am on top of Unaka Mtn at 5180 ft in a boreal forest. Think Canada. It is a terrific spot. I feel more isolated than in the Smokies. Maybe it is the absence of people. Where did they all go? It is quiet. I hear nothing but the little clicks with each key stroke on my BB. All is done. I am having Earl Gray in a mug that keeps it hot "forever". I am using my right croc as a cup holder. It works and is an invention out of frustration for spilled hot liquid in the tent. My little space is quite comfortable, tidy and high tech. I feel domestically accomplished. Today was perhaps my best effort to date. I climbed 3400 ft from the Nolichucky Valley to the peak of Unaka. Up all day. About 8 hours of walking. Lisa in Lubbock, I wish your Mom and Sister well. My one word description for the hike so far is COLD. Be weather prepared is my advice. Today was beautiful and sunny. I enjoyed the day. SL
Date: 2009-04-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

There is a delay in entries due to limited signal. I woke up alone on Unaka Mtn. It was mine all night. The wind did start during the night providing a pleasing natural sound in the fir trees. At the point I was ready to hike, Fast Climber and Two Miles from Richmond joined me going north. They are section hiking Erwin to Damascus. At a water stop it began to rain and continued the remainder of the day. We were lucky to find a large overhanging rock ledge that provided shelter from the rain and the breezey conditions for a lunch stop. Finding a natural shelter that turns discomfort into comfort is way cool. We made it to Clyde Smith shelter by 1530. An early but good stop. It began to rain hard. I used the short day to rest as I needed to start early the next morning to meet Gray, Don and Scott at Carvers Gap. Braid from Durham, NC provided music with his harmonica. Cozy, fed, thankful to be out of the rain and live music. Quite nice. Braid has visited Beaufort many times and even asked me if I liked the burgers at the Royal James. I said I would like 4 right now. SL
Date: 2009-04-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.7

The skies cleared for most of the day. I started hiking at 0715. I wanted to insure a timely meeting with my cousins. About 4 miles out I heard a shout, "Slagline". It was Don and Scott. They had decided to hike south to meet me having stayed at the Roan Mtn shelter for their evening. They even combined to carry my pack part way up Roan Mtn as they had ditched theirs. I gladly accepted their offer. Gray being the smartest of the three cousins waited at Carvers gap as planned. He gave me a goodie bag from Juletta. I had 3 pieces of chocolate chip pound cake right away helped along with a 16 oz yuengling. Trail magic for sure. We hiked up a grassy bald with 360 degree views and eventually to Overmountain Shelter. This shelter is well known as it is a red barn over looking a natural valley below. I shared the remainder of Juletta's cake with other hikers in the shelter. Oohs and aahs all around. I reserved 1 more piece for myself and kept all of her lightly salted and roasted home grown pecans. What a gourmet treat. Clouds, rain and sunshine marched in rapid succession over the mountain behind us and down the valley in our full view. It was like the weather channel in fast motion. After a heavy shower a rainbow spanned the valley. Good company, treats from Juletta's kitchen, impressive views and Don boiling all the water we wanted made for a great hiking day. SL
Date: 2009-04-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.2

It was a cold evening and morning. Probably around 30 degrees. Don had some ice on his tent. We cousins were on our way after a warm breakfast and were quickly faced with the Roan Highlands (Little Hump Mtn and Hump Mtn). These are the most impressive balds I have seen. Steep climbs, open and grassy. Many mountain ridges are in view around the horizon. Standing on one of the summits you could see the trail meander down and up the other. Looking closely a few small figures could be seen making their way along the trail. Cloud formations marched from west to east and not far above our elevation of 5500 ft. The wind was strong and contained sprinkles of sleet. Not only the name "highlands" reminded us of northern Scotland and its cold harsh dampness. Horses were grazing on the tallest summit and long horn cows a few hundred feet below on the mountain side. Those horns looked mighty fierce and there was nothing between us and these mean looking animals except a few sprigs of grass. They noted our presence but made no motions in our direction. Now it was all downhill with dutchman's britches blooming in prominence along our path. We made the trailhead at hwy 19E and later celebrated with a nice meal and a hotel bed. It had been a good walk. We had experienced every season in a single day. I suppose that is what Spring is. SL
Date: 2009-04-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a zero day. I needed a day of rest after 16 days of hiking. The day started at breakfast with Gray and Scott. While talking about our hike a man in the next booth asked if we were thru-hiking the AT. We explained and chatted a bit. It turns out he was Warren Doyle. He has hiked the AT 14 times. The most by any person and an amazing accomplishment. I immediately asked to take my picture with him. Wow, imagine the chances of meeting the guy who has done 14 AT trips while eating breakfast in Banner Elk, NC. After saying goodbye to Gray and Scott, I emailed my thanks to Dr. Doyle which turned into an invitation to "talk trail" over dinner at the Lees-McRae College cafeteria. The energy of the student buzz and conversation with Warren Doyle made the meal special. It was AYCE (all you can eat). I ate too much. I am amazed that I had dinner with the guy who holds the record and has such extensive knowledge of the AT. Back to the trail tomorrow. Some good weather days are predicted. SL
Date: 2009-04-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.5

The workings of the celestial clock or perhaps the Clockmaker put me in contact with two important people to my hike while in Banner Elk. I had two offers to take me the 12 miles to the trailhead. I thanked them but declined as I had already contracted with shuttle driver Terry and did not want to break an obligation. Terry honored my request to stop by some local diner for a sausage egg biscuit to go. Mindful of my alternative transportation choices and the extra stop for the biscuit, we arrived at the trailhead at the precise moment Rookie was starting his day hike going south. He was my size,shape and age. He appeared fit and athletic. We started talking right away about the AT. He made a thru hike attempt last year and quit in Vermont. He said, "I just burned out". He related his feelings leading to leaving the Trail. I felt like I was looking a mirror. I could imagine and even felt some of the same feelings. I was being competitive with the mountain. I was testing my self by measuring my pace. I was thinking like an athlete and wanting to demonstrate my strength at least to myself. My thoughts after talking with Dr. Doyle included I should be enjoying the trail more. Squeezing more from the experience. What are the odds of engaging with these two people with vastly different responses to the Trail and vastly different outcomes. There is a Teacher; I have but to listen. Right then I knew I had to change. I had to slow and listen and think diferently otherwise I ran the risk of getting in the same fix that Rookie did. I created a visualization for the change. A Sunday stroll at window shopping speed. I think it worked. I enjoyed the day. I walked 4 miles past my target destination. My body is still skinny but my spirit is back on track. It is the Sunday stroll and a renewed effort to take it all in that will get me to Katahdin. SL
Date: 2009-04-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.6

I woke to the second sunny day since leaving Banner Elk. The sunshine with a cool breeze made for a perfect weather day. I happened upon a rock outcropping at about 4000 ft over looking an all natural valley. Service berry trees were in bloom all around me. I took my shoes and socks off and let the sunshine and breeze dry my feet. I had lunch and completed yesterday's blog. All the while I was looking at beautiful. Farther down the hill and turning a switchback I verbalized an involuntary "Oooooh" because the hillside was covered in blooming blood root. I was reminded of my Mother's description of a similar hill in Ft. Donelson Park in Dover, TN. I have never seen this hill in bloom but I imagine it to be similar. Later I came to Laurel Falls, one of the prettiest spots on the trail. I followed the stream to the trail town of Hampton, TN. I imagined a dusty cow poke pulling into a west Kansas trail town. I saunter up to the Ice House Saloon and hitch my back pack to the picnic table under the covered porch. I swagger enough to be noticed but not enough to be accused of doing so. I go to the bar and order a Pepsi. The woman bar keep says you can get Pepsi in the drink machine outside. Only serve beer in here. I stuff my dollar bill unceremoniously in the drink machine and down the Pepsi quickly. Now I try again to make an entrance. I'll have a Bud. On tap. A cute blonde bar lass asks where I blew in from an invites me to sit on the stool next to her. Now okay, just like in the movies. I later learn her name is Shonda. She says it is like Honda with and S. I do my best John Wayne of understating having completed over 400 miles of the AT and wait for her to be impressed. I ask her where a dusty trail hand can get a bath and a room and she gives me directions. She even suggests taking me there when the son of a local family of prominence, younger and better looking comes to the bar. Shonda is gone. Well I forgot the John Wayne act and retired to a table of 3 thru hikers and learned that they are the Smith brothers from NJ. How cool is that? Three brothers. We had dinner together and shared stories. What an adventure. SL
Date: 2009-04-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.8

Today was a tough physical day. I am ready for a long sleep. I had a big breakfast at the Copper Kettle in Hampton then walked 2 miles back to my exit point on the AT. There were 2 ups today of around 1800 ft. Both very steep. Watauga Lake was the scenic hihglight of the day. People sunbathing and boating. I did have a few thoughts that their lot was better than mine. A sailboat on the green water set me to dreaming of another day. I now have Damascus heavy on my mind. Making Damascus means I can make Katahdin barring unfortunate circumatances. Additionally Rita will come and help me spend two zero days there. A pretty special deal for this trail warrior. I am a lucky guy. SL
Date: 2009-04-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.4

I must have had 2 gallons of water today. I started in deficet because the water at last night's shelter was .3 mile down a steep hollow. I conserved and left this morning with 1/3 liter. Water was promised in 4 miles. Thank goodness it was there. I took little sips and ran out just as I saw the spring. What a lifeline this little spring was for me today. No matter the form a life line is precious. I celebrated by having a liter of water with some vitamin C packets Don left for me. Mighty good. I am staying at Double Spring shelter. It is located in a large area of blooming trout lily. The most I have seen and very nice. The Southern Appalachians with their cold and wet are behind me. The terrain is smoothing a bit. I have traversed GA and NC. I will finish TN tomorrow. Damascus looms as this special trail town 18.5 miles away. It will be a big milestone. Rita will help me celebrate when I get there. SL
Date: 2009-04-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.5

I have arrived at the Augusta's Appalachian Inn. I am clean and have had my big half lb burger and 2 big Pepsis two blocks earlier. What a delight taking a shower is. What a comfort to have my belly full of food which I know my body needs. What a pleasure to sit here on the front porch with a beer and blog with the town's people enjoying strolls along the sidewalk. All so simple, but so delightful. Everyone is so friendly. I feel I have arrived in "DamascOZ" after following the white blaze road. This "SlagLion" plans to ask for courage for the remainder of the trip. I will ask to see the Wizard tomorrow. This evening I will search for more food. SL