morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Ash Gap Campsite
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 39 - Slept okay in the bunk house after staying up past midnight updating TJ entries. Got up around 7:00am to finish off the past few days while I had several cups of tea with sugar. :PSettled up the bill and headed back the 6/10th of a mile to the AT. It was a nice easy level start for 1.5 mile before the small climb of Little Rock Knob. Moved along @ a pretty good pace until Hughes Gap which begins the 2,245' elevation gain climb over the next 3.3 miles, with the steepest part in the first 2.4 miles of Roan Mountain. This is the last 6,000' climb till New England.For the next 70 minutes I hiked slowly up without stopping until the level off point under the threat of rain. Did get light rain drops for a small period of time near the top. Rewarded myself with a sit down break on a boulder and ate a Snickers bar. As I was making my way downward, I was thinking about how well I had managed that tough section. It wasn't that tough.Then the mountain humbled me. I felt my foot catch on something and I was on my way down. Knew I couldn't do anything so I relaxed, closed my eyes and hit the ground. Felt the weight of the pack on my back and stayed still to see if anything really hurt. Had to undo the pack to be able to stand up. Picked myself up, cleaned myself off, felt some sore spots in the wrist & chin and (of course) looked around to see if anyone saw what happened. Guess I didn't look that bad because a few minutes later a guy going South walks by and says "Hi" and goes on. I did too but at a slower pace. I chuckled to myself and kept my eyes on the trail as I headed on down.   Stopped at the campsite area instead of trying for the shelter up on the mountain. John, who was @ the hostel last night also stayed at the campsite. He started a fire to cook his dinner which he shared with me. Called it a night as the rain started again.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Ash Gap campsite

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 40 - Late start because of cleaning up the wet tent. Finished going up the rest of Roan Mtn. & stopped by to see the highest shelter on the AT. It's a 2 story building with a door & a bunk bed ladder to access the top floor. Wasn't that impressed with it. Got water and continued on down the trail.After going down the same elevation I just climbed the rest of the hike was pretty smooth through grassland areas/meadow type terrain but still had the ups then downs. Ended up @ Overmountain Shelter in honor of frontiersmen who defeated the Tories during the Revolutionary War. It is a barn that accomodates 20 people. I opted to tent a little ways down the path. Had a clear sky with a possible full moon that was shining so bright - it was so cool looking above the mountains.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: U S 19E / Roan Mountain, TN.
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 41 - Another clean up day due to the condensation on the rainfly & tent. First time that happened - same for a guy who also tented. The sky was looking full of gray dark clouds as I left.For the first 4 miles it was tough hiking going uphill of Little Hump Mountain then the 5,500'+ of Hump Mountain. Downhill was okay but a bit tricky at times because of wetness on the rock boulders. Made good time getting to the hostel around 4:30pm. Put up the tent and the next thing I know the ride to the Dollar store (food resupply) is about to leave. Grab $, wind pants & long sleeve shirt and away we go (5 hikers). Had a 1/2 hour to shop then was taken to go eat dinner. Ate a huge chicken wrap and root beer drink with refills. Back to hostel to separate food, looked over map for tomorrow and then journal writing. Tenting near a babbling creek and also get to hear the traffic on US 19E.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: U S 19E / Roan Mountain, TN.

To: Mountaineer Falls Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Day 42 - Once again condensation on tent so late start. Hiked back to the AT from the hostel and entered into the woods to go uphill right away. Sun was out (70+) and I was sweating since I had extra weight from the resupply. Trail exited out of the woods onto a grassy open area where the path was narrowed by the overgrown vegetation.Kept my head down & eyes on the trail to keep from seeing how long the hike uphill was. Finally made the crest and there was 4 paths to choose from. Didn't see a white blaze anywhere so I took the path going north looking for the blaze. Less than 2/10's I stopped and took off the pack because things didn't feel right - still no blaze. Walked down aways further but still no sign so back I go to collect my pack and return to the intersection. Checked out the other paths - no blaze. Left pack on the crest and retraced the path until a white blaze appeared.About 2/10's mile downwards I came across a big boulder I remembered had a white marking. I was going to sit on it and rest but pushed on. As I stared at it, I saw it had a washed out white arrow pointing right, which I didn't see due to keeping my head down & my feet moving upward. There was also a wooden stake on the left side of the trail in the overgrowth pointing to the right. All this took about an hour in order to get back on the AT.Finally got to the point of going downhill towards Elk River. Still warm but the trail was short grassland & easy to move along on but the tiny black buggers were all around me. Yelled at them but they didn't obey to leave me alone. Eventually got to the right elevation where they don't hang out. Guess that's for the bigger critters. Passed a waterfall and knew the shelter was close. Heard rumblings in the air so I set up my tent on the 2nd floor after seeing the mousetrap by the back wall of the bottom floor. A couple from Illinois showed up to stay the night. About 10:30pm a father & son came in - had trouble finding a certain white blaze. Imagine that!
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Mountaineer Falls Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Day 43 - Beginning of week #7. Quietly started to pack up as the couple left and the late comers were still sleeping. The trail was a gradual uphill and even though the sun was shining I sometimes felt like I was night hiking. The trees had a canopy of cover giving little light making the roots blend in with the wet fallen leaves & damp ground. Fell into a rhythm and covered some miles before noon.Checked in back home to set up a time for being picked up tomorrow to receive food and other supplies. As I got off the phone I heard distance rumbling to the east. As I continued on it got more distinct, sounding closer and the temperature dropped. Put pack cover on & had rain jacket within reach and moved on. About an hour and 1/2 later the "boomers" was heard as was the rain hitting the leaves. Looked around and found a place to ditch the hiking poles and a spot to squirrel away into to put the put down the pack and get into the rain jacket. No chance for the pants as they were zippered away in the pack under the wet rain cover.So there I stood for an eternity (maybe 30-40 minutes) trying to keep the shorts from getting wet from the runoff of the rain jacket. Yeah - right. As it let up I cleaned up a bit, added a dry shirt and got ready to hike on. My hands were wet & cold, feet damp, shorts uncomfortable, the knees were stiff and energy low. Knew once I reached the next shelter I was staying even though it was just early afternoon. Slogged my way to the shelter which looked like it had only got sprinkled on. Set up the tent and got ready to eat when in comes the weekend hikers. Soon there was a mini tent city.
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Side trail to US 321 / Johnson City, TN.
Miles today: 8.7

Day 44 - Got up early (6:00 am) knowing I had a longer hike than I planned due to the rain storm yesterday. Got the message that JoAnn got on the road around 7:00am. I started the trail @ 7:45am - earliest yet. Don't like being the first one out cause of all the cobwebs - slows you down with all the wiping off the face & arms over and over. Finally made it over White Rocks Mtn. and then started the up/down trek for a mile before hitting the downhill rhythm.Time & miles went fast but still concerned I didn't know how long it would take once I took the side trail to the meeting place. Enjoyed the hike going to Laurel Fork Falls. Had to slow down to climb down wet boulders near the waterfall. Next was the skirting the side of the mountain at the river's edge. Then looking out for the snakes sunning on the rocks as I go up the hill towards the side trail path. Locate the cut off and begin the mile towards the trailhead parking area. Arrive just after 1:00pm. and made a phone call to find out where JoAnn was. She went to a different trailhead place (I already had passed by that area). Eventually we met up and drove to Johnson City for the night. Found it hard to ride in my SUV and not comment on how the ride was going. Had a really nice dinner.
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Side trail to US 321 / Johnson City, TN.

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Day 45 - Last night was a long one but come morning things were ready to be packed up. Ate breakfast downstairs, loaded the things for home in the SUV, stuffed the pack and then found out how heavy life is going to be for the next few days. Yikes! Probably have too many candy bars. Drove to the Outfitters to get birthday ballcap for my Dad, got some food for next drops (going to try some new items) and then drove back to the pickup point. Got pictures taken, said goodbye and a 1/2 hr later was at the AT to start @ 12:45pm.For the next 2 1/2 hrs I made my way up Pond Mountain for 4 miles @ an elevation change of 1,700'+. I was a sweaty hiker within the first 15 minutes. Took many breaks (including potty time) and kept drinking H2O. After 3:00pm the real downhill was evident - yea!! Met a couple sitting on the trail coming the other way for their break. They gave info on where the good water stops are for me.At the bottom of the mountain the trail goes around Watauga Lake where the locals were enjoying swimming, jet skiing, boating, etc. At 6:00 pm I'm the only one at the shelter and was reading the trail book about the bear visits the last couple of nights. Thought about going on but 7 more miles wasn't doable for me. So I set up my tent in the small shelter and got ready for dinner. Heard noise and in comes "Hat Trick" (a young guy) after a long hike. He decides he'll also stay. He makes a fire after his dinner. Another young guy comes in so it's just the 3 of us on bear watch duty. Just kidding.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 46 - Sorting things in the tent when around 8:00am the rain came down hard for about an hour. After the guys left I spread things out while eating breakfast.Left around 10:45am to head towards Watauga Dam. When I got there it began to rain a light mist. Finally got off the paved road and into the woods. Began to start the uphill climb (with an elevation change of 1,500+) of Iron Mountain which will last the whole day. After about 3 hours I was beginning to drag. The constant uphill plus the 35+ lb. pack and the wet conditions whupped me.Decided to stop at the shelter instead of going another 4 miles to a campsite. Finally reached the shelter around 5:00pm and set the tent up and then made dinner. Felt good to just sit down and stretch the back muscles.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 47 - Knew I was going to have a long day so I got up early. Still took 3 hours to break down camp & eat breakfast. The threat of rain made me keep everything in the tent until it was time to stuff the pack. Changed around some item locations to see if that helps the weight distribution.Continued the uphill climb of Iron Mountain and after an hour it was time for a rest and wipe down. Still had to conserve on water due to not many reliable sources. Finally made the crest of the mountain so I started to feel like I actually hiked some miles. Stopped @ Iron Mtn. shelter for a snack, potty break and doubled check the map to see if time allowed to get to the next shelter (7.6 miles).Five minutes after leaving the shelter I was attacked. It was on a level stretch of trail so I was booking it. Put my pole down into the growth along side the trail when all sorts of noise is heard. Saw movement and thought it was going to be a snake. To my surprise it was a small wild turkey and it was coming after me! I crossed my poles in front of me for protection. Tried to move up the trail quickly but it kept pace in the brush. Finally got far enough away from what I believe now was her nest. Chuckled to myself as I continued on.Was getting low on energy when I found some of the people from last nights' shelter hanging around a metal box that held cold pop, candy, trail bars and other items. Trail magic appears at the much needed moment to help me go the next 3 miles to the shelter.Right after that much needed break I got to hike the 1/2 mile of handicap-accessible section of the AT and then uphill through grassy fields which are mowed for hay. Got to the shelter and scoured the place for a semi-level spot to set up the tent.
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Campsite before Damascus, VA.
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 48 - On the trail by 8:10am but was #6 leaving from the area. Looks like everyone is going for a big day. Unlike most shelters this one starts your day level before descending for 3 miles. After crossing US 421 @ Low Gap the constant long uphills wore me down.I had tried a different way of loading the pack this morning. Still gets heavy on the back from leaning into the mountain for long periods of time. Stopped at the last shelter before Damascus @ 1:30pm and met one of the guys who left before me. He has a bunk reserved at a hostel so we both head out for 10 more miles.Seemed to take forever for the small uphills to quit. The trail finally begins switchbacks (zig-zagging down the mountain) towards Damascus. At 4:30pm I crossed the state line and entered Virginia. Still had over 3 1/2 miles to go and I was slowing down from the long hike and the left knee was letting me know it wanted to be done. Came to a campsite about a mile+ from Damascus. Decided to camp there - wasn't ready for the town experience yet. I'll head in tomorrow to go to the Post Office to pick up a food drop.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Campsite before Damascus, VA.

To: Damascus, VA. / Douglas Drive
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: light rain

Day 49 - Alarm went off @ 6:30am and because the tent wasn't wet & I didn't have any breakfast I was packed and on the trail before 8:00am. Moved along at a pretty good pace and was at the bottom before I knew it.Came to a road intersection and wasn't sure what to do since I saw a shelter that' s for "day use only" and an archway with a blaze on it across the street. Figured since it was a "trail town" that those buildings were for demonstration purposes. Choose a path which would take me into town as the guide book directed.Got to the Post Office and received my food box and talked to "Rocket Turtle" (who I hiked with the last part of yesterday) and decided to stay @ the Hiker Inn where he is at. Settled in, ate a big breakfast up the road, had a shower, looked at maps for next food drops while waiting for the laundry to get done. Went to the library to use the internet and realized I couldn't remember passwords. Left and checked out what stores were around. Soon it was time for an ice cream run with the guys and then back to the hostel.While looking at the Trail Guide book I discovered that I had taken the short cut into town - not the AT. :'(   Bummed about that - needed to have taken the other path thru the archway. Thought it over, put on my pack (minus some items) and walked back to the archway to hike the right way in being a "white blaze" follower. Took about 40 minutes to back track & return.Changed clothes and went to dinner (pizza & 2 beverages') then back to the mess on the bunk. Worked on a few things and next the guys were ready for bed as it was going on midnight. I was tired too so it will be an early morning for me.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Damascus, VA. / Douglas Drive

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

Day 50 - Start of week #8. Didn't sleep that well last night knowing what all had to be done in order to leave. First off, I entered the entry for Trail Journals for the 3rd time. Problems getting it accepted last night.Laid everything out on the bed and began to stuff the pack. Rearranged a few items since I had more food weight. Went to the Post Office to send a few things home and then finished loading the pack. Had 2+ liters of water for the hike cause not knowing what the water sources were going to be like.At 11:00am I began to hike the AT where I had stopped. After 1/2 mile I crossed over the road and into the woods @ 2,000' elevation. Virginia wanted to let me know she has some mountains to climb too. Told me I had to pay some dues before I qualify for the promised easy days. After 2 miles I was cresting Cuckoo Knob @ 3100' elevation.The pack didn't seem as heavy like before but still a slow and tiring climb. Saw 5 people and 1 dog all going the other way. When I saw the sign for the shelter I was surprised at the time it took to get there. Thought about going to the next shelter (6+ miles) but decided since it was Saturday there might be too many people already staying there. So I walked the quarter mile to the shelter and selected a spot for the tent. It felt good hiking - not thinking if I did everything that needed to be done. If I forgot something, I'll make do.
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Campsite on Whitetop Mountain
Miles today: 12.6

Day 51 - Out of the group of thru-hikers I was the second to last to leave around 9:00am. Had to stop and think about how I came in when I saw a N-S sign at the fork in the path. If I took the "N" way I would return to the main trail above where I came in. Nope - no more back tracking for me. About 5 miles "Wizard" caught up with me as I was putting the pack cover on and trying to decide about rain gear for me. He was trying to make the next shelter before it started to rain harder so he wouldn't have to stop out on the trail. Met up with him @ Lost Mtn. shelter and he was going to push on to the next shelter (close to 13 miles more) where the others headed out today for. I checked on campsites between the 2 shelters as a backup. There was going to be a 2,000'+ elevation change in the next 4 miles going up Whitetop Mtn.On my way up the mountain as I was crossing the open pasture the rain storm started. Managed to get rain jacket on but the pants were in the pack which was under the pack cover. Had no choice but to continue on.  The downpour continued along with a stiff blowing wind. Didn't take long to be soaked to the bone. My socks were sloshing in my boots as I tried to straddle the trail which was now a flowing stream or a deep puddle. Thankfully no lightning happened as I inched my way up.By the time the trail entered into the cover of the trees I knew making it to the shelter was impossible. I was worn out, the feet water logged, the hands bitter cold trying to hold onto the poles and I could feel myself start to shiver. Not to far into the woods was where it said campsites were. It also noted: "During bad weather, camping is not recommended anywhere on Whitetop."As rain came down through the follage I found an area near a tree and boulders that wasn't a puddle. Briefly the rain let up for me to assemble the tent and put the rainfly on w/o getting to much water in the tent. Started to go get the stakes when the rain & wind picked up - along with my tent. So there I was clutching the tent and shivering away waiting for the next lull in the rain. Managed to get tent staked down, backpack and myself under the small rainfly then trying to peel out of the rain jacket, soaked boots & socks while uttering words of wisdom no one heard. Laying in the sleeping bag getting warm I listened to the rain, wind and branches do their thing for what seemed like an eternity. Not sure if I got any sleep - just wanted the new day to begin knowing I survived the worst day on the trail.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Wise Shelter

To: VA. 603, Fox Creek
Miles today: 7.6

Day 53 - Had a nice night for tenting and no condensation on the tent this morning. Hiking was pleasant for about a mile and 1/2 before the up/down/up to 5,000' of Pine Mountain. 3 1/2 miles of descent brings me to pass the 500 mile point on the trail and then to VA 603 road.No traffic so I hit the blacktop to Troutdale to get to the PO buy 4:30pm. Found out it was about 4.0 miles via the winding road. After 3 miles or so a long distance bicyclist going the other way offers me a doughnut or a piece of pizza to tie me over till I get to the store @ the intersection. At the store I ask about directions to the PO and Jerry (the owner) provides me a ride the rest of the way and then to the hostel. I settled in, have a shower and then head back to the store for dinner. Sorted out food & gear then called it a night after getting prepared for the return walk to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: I-81 / Atkins, VA.

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: moderate rain

Day 57 - Starting week #9. Got up at 6:30am for breakfast was being served @ 7:00am sharp. Many different foods and drinks to select from. Finished loading the pack and then weighed it on the bathroom scale. Afraid it was going to be close to 40 lbs. but it weighed in around 36 lbs. Was taken back to the trailhead and headed into an overgrown field after going under I-81. The first mile was a hot and sweaty climb going uphill. Also got to hike through private property where the cows stared at you and I had to watch out for all the cow poop on the trail.Within an hour after starting I heard rumbling off to the west and around 11:15am the rain came. Able to put pack cover and rain jacket on, then waited awhile for the thunder & lightening to stop before hiking on as I was near the crest. Rained for over an hour then stopped for awhile. Began again, on and off rain till 3:00pm making the day a wet and sticky one under the rain jacket. The trail wasn't really that bad of a hike - only one big elevation change from 2500' to 3500' then back down to 2700'. Was beginning to wonder if the shelter would ever appear. Since it was a small one I opted to set up the tent and let the guys have the shelter. Getting ready to make dinner when the rain came down hard @ 9:00pm with some noise and a few light streaks. Eventually it quit and I was able to settle down to get some sleep.