morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-03
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Mar. 3, Thurs., Day 11Said good-bye to Sean and was dropped off with Elvis at Winding Stair Gap by the motel van about 9:30 am. Chaffing starting to be an irritation as I hiked up along the Bartram Trail, which coincides with the AT for about 8 miles. The Bartram Trail is named after William Bartram, an 18th-century American botanist and pioneer who explored this area in a time of hostility with native populations. The plant-life on this trail has a decidedly different character, very mixed, with grassy areas, beech trees and an abundance of rhododendrens and laurels. Made it to Cold Spring Shelter about 6:00 pm, ate supper and turned in in the dark. The shelter is small and poorly maintained with a sagging floor, but got a good night's aleep in spite of it.
Date: 2011-03-04
From: Cold Spring

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar. 4, Fri., Day 12Got started about 9:40 am, a good day with partly cloudy skies. The forecast is for light drizzle late in the afternoon and rain tomorrow. The chaffing is aggravating this morning, but not enough to interfere with an enjoyable hike with wonderful scenery. Got into the NOC about 4:00 pm, picked up the mail-drop, checked in, showered and had a great supper at the restaurant.The NOC is a rare treat for the weary hiker. It's situated on the Nantahala River and is actually a small complex for kayaking, river-rafting, mountain-biking and, of course, hiking. It has a hostel of four or five buildings, each with about five bunkrooms with capacity of four hikers each. So there's a lot of room for people. A very good outfitter, an excellent restaurant and general store are at the site, which, oddly enough, seems to be miles from nowhere.
Date: 2011-03-05
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Mar. 5, Sat., Day 13Decided to take a zero day. Hoping the rest will allow the chaffing to heal and to catch up the journal entries. Another task for today is to better organize the pack and to try to box up some unneeded gear and food to send home. Elvis left this morning to push on north toward Fontana.
Date: 2011-03-06
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar. 6, Sun., Day 14Left NOC after breakfast and started out through a decreasing drizzle to Locust Cove Gap. Light snow appeared above 4500 ft elevation and took several images of snow on rhododendrons. Tented at the Gap with The Girl With Four Dogs (Sandra), Kelly, and Delaware Dave. Cold night, had to bring water bottles into sleeping bag to have liquid water for mornings breakfast.
Date: 2011-03-07
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Bee Gap (Walker Gap)
Miles today: 14.3

Mar. 7, Mon., Day 15Broke camp and started around 8:30 am, hiked down to Stocoah Gap, Sweetwater Gap, and up Jacob's Ladder, a long, grinding ascent. Tough up-and-down day. Tented with Delaware Dave at Bee Gap, just down from Walker Gap. Sandra and Kelly passed by in late afternoon, apparently going to Fontana Dam Shelter.
Date: 2011-03-08
From: Bee Gap (Walker Gap)

To: Birch Gap
Miles today: 9.8

Mar. 8, Tue., Day 16Got on the trail around 8:30 am, and walked to Fontana Dam. Onward and Upward (ladies first) hiked along with us for a while. Took shower at the Shelter there and met Moon Pie, who came with trail magic (hot dogs, buns, oranges tea and, of course, moon pies). She had also provided a large bottle of Head 'n Shoulders each for the Men's and Women's showers. Later signed in to the GSMNP, crossed Fontana Dam, and hiked to Camp 113 (Birch Gap). Tented there with Delaware Dave. A really great day, but windy and cold.
Date: 2011-03-09
From: Birch Gap

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Mar. 9, Wed., Day 17Constant wind and rain all night. Packed up in the rain and hiked all day, wet and cold. Stopped at Molly's Ridge Shelter about noon. Donny and Kelly, both from Knoxville, had a fire in the fireplace. It was inviting to stay, but we pushed on to Spence Field Shelter. Rain let up late in the day, but strong winds persisted. Still hiking with Delaware Dave. Tough, tough day, cold and wet, with constant buffetting winds.
Date: 2011-03-10
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Mar. 10, Thur., Day 18Snow started as sleet as soon as I started the trail. Went over Rocky Gap (no views). Fine snow getting deeper. Got to Double Spring Shelter, almost full (with spring breakers) around 6:00 pm. Snow about 8" deep and getting deeper. Another very tough day.
Date: 2011-03-11
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Mar. 11, Fri., Day 19Snowed all night, now 10" to 12". Started hiking at 8:30 am, up Clingman's Dome, with Delaware Dave breaking trail through the snow. Summitted Clingman's Dome about 11:30 am. Very tough trekking through deep snow with some drifts as much as two to three feet deep. Passed Mt Collins Shelter and reached Newfound Gap about 5:00 pm. Cold and exhausted from the exertion. Hitched a ride with a Cherokee family into Gatlinburg, called Jean and Ryan and checked into Comfort Inn, took a shower and they arrived about 10:00 pm. Went to Smokey Mt Brewery for supper. Most exhausting day yet.
Date: 2011-03-13
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Mar. 13, Sun., Day 21After breakfast in Gatlinburg, Jean and Ryan dropped me off at Newfound Gap. Through many tourists (day-hikers), I hiked to Peck's Corner Shelter, through more snow and slush and mud. I took several photos at Charlie's Bunion, a rock outcrop that offers a breath-taking overlook of the mountainscape beyond. Peck's Corner Shelter was packed full with four groups of spring-breakers. I squeezed in between two sleepers and finally had a decent nights seep. Again, wet boots, socks and feet.
Date: 2011-03-14
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar. 14, Mon., Day 22Another hard day through slush and snow. Reached Cosby Knob Shelter at lower elevatioon where trail was clear of snow and slush. Met Caleb,a ridgerunner for ATC, and Train Wreck and Two Medicines (brothers from Montana). Very pleasant evening.
Date: 2011-03-15
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar. 15, Tues., Day 23Left the shelter about 9:00 am. Drizzling, but quickly stopped. Started with raingear, but removed the gear when sun came out in the early afternoon. Saw beautiful waterfalls and streams at Davenport Gap. Went through the Gap about 1:30 pm. Passed under I-40 about noon. Checked into Standing Bear Farm Hostel about 2:30 pm, with Fosters, Niners, TrainWreck, Two Medicines and Kozmic Zian. Elvis had already checked in when I arrived.
Date: 2011-03-16
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar. 16, Wed., Day 24Started at 9:00 am with Niners and Atl. Dave in cloudy weather, possible rain. Hiked over Max Patch in the clouds, windy and cold. Got to Roaring Fork Shelter about 5:00 pm, with Niners, Atl. Dave, Wolf and girlfriend.
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Mar. 17, Thur., Day 25A clear, sunny and warm day. Hiked past Walnut (no roof) and Deer Park Shelter to Hot Springs, NC. Checked into Cabin 6 and the Campground, with Foster, Atl. Dave, Niners, Stillwater and Jellypants. Later, after a hot shower, ate supper at Iron Horse Station.
Date: 2011-03-18
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: few clouds

Mar. 18, Fri., Day 26After breakfast at the Smokey Mountain Diner, I started out at 11:00 am. I hiked up Lovers Leap, overlooking the town, to Spring Mountain Shelter. With Niners and Atl. Dave.
Date: 2011-03-19
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

Mar. 19, Sat., Day 27Started on a sunny clear morning about 9:00 am. We were about to cross Allen Gap (TN-70), and saw a sign for trail magic to the right. We met John Nelson there, who offered Belgian waffles, stew with pork tenderloin, and an ice cream brownie sundae for dessert. Excellent trail magic. John and his wife are 1999 thru-hikers, and wanted a house near the AT. We passed Little Laurel Shelter and slept at Jerry Cabin Shelter, with Niners and Atl. Dave.
Date: 2011-03-20
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Mar. 20, Sun., Day 28Hiked out early, about 8:30 am, and went over Big Butt Mountain and crossed Devil Fork Gap. Spent the night at Hogback Ridge Shelter with Express (Ryan), Niners, and Atl. Dave. A cold and cloudy day.
Date: 2011-03-21
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar. 21, Mon., Day 29Clearing but cold as the day wore on. Crossed Big Bald, very windy and cold and encountered a small group of girls out hiking. They didn't know that there were people crazy enough to want to hike all the way to Maine. Tented at Spivey Gap near a pretty, clear mountain stream.
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Mar. 22, Tues., Day 30Partly cloudy and cool. Started at 9:00 am and hiked past No Business Shelter, and continued to Uncle Johnnies Hostel in Erwin, TN. Met Elvis on the trail. Watched 'Bull Durham', a movie filmed in NC, at the hostel. Went into town by shuttle for lunch and supper, and called home before retiring for the night.
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar. 23, Wed., Day 31Took another 'zero' today, the third since I started on the trail. Made supper at the hostel, with salad fixins' and a rotisserie chicken, all bought at the local supermarket, with Niners and Atl;. Dave. Called home and talked with Ryan, and watched 'The Last of the Mohicans', another movie filmed in NC, before retiring.
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar. 24, Thur., Day 32Started out at 8:30 am, and intent on tenting at Beauty Spot Gap. Instead, continued on to Cherry gap Shelter after ascending Unaka Mountain. A cold and windy day spent mostly in the clouds with no view but fog.
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: light snow

Mar. 26, Sat., Day 34This is a big day, going over Roan Mountain. It's cold and cloudy again and I'm in the clouds all day. Went over Round Bald and Jane Bald, all in the clouds with cold and windy weather. Stayed at Overmountain Shelter, a restored barn, with a Boy Scout troop. It stormed heavily all night.Hiked with Niners, Katmandu and Papa Smurf.
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel 
Miles today: 9.3

Mar. 27, Sun., Day 35Another cold day in the clouds. Intent on the Mountaineer Shelter, I passed over a series of balds, all in the clouds, cold and hard hiking. Stayed at Mountain Harbor Hostel (nice!) instead, in Roan Mountain, TN.
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel 

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar. 28, Mon., Day 36After a great breakfast at the hostel, I set out at 8:30 am. Drizzling, but decreasing rain. Took off raingear about noon, but still cloudy. Stayed at Moreland Gap Shelter with Colorado, Niners, Dutch (Marnix), Stillwater and the brothers Train Wreck and Two Medicines. Very cold at night about 27 degrees.
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Mar. 29, Tue., Day 37Beautiful morning - SUNSHINE!!! The first clear day in about 12 days. Saw Laurel Fork Falls and River. Passed by Watauga Lake and stayed at the shelter there with the same name, with Colorado, Niners and Stillwater.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: moderate rain

Mar. 30, Wed., Day 38Started in light rain, which stopped after an hour. Crossed Watauyga Dam, took pictures. Hiked in fog all day. Stayed at Iron Mountain Shelter. Rain resumed during supper. Inn shelter with Niners, Stillwater and two section hikers from Connecticut, Packman and Detour. They have been section hiking for nineteen years and have the Smokies and Maine to complete the AT.
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar. 31, Thur., Day 39Left the shelter about 9:00 am, after P&D left southbound. In the clouds and cold all day. Had lunch at Double Spring Shelter and spent the night at Abingdon Gap Shelter. Very cold and started to rain as we got into the shelter, turning to sleet, then snow as we made supper.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Apr. 1, Fri., Day 40Left shelter at 9:15 am, with one-quarter inch of snow. Made it to Damascus at 12:40 pm, cloudy but warmer in the valley. Showered at Dave's Place (hostel), where Niners and Stillwater stayed the night, expecting to take a 'zero' Saturday. Met Jean, Andy and Dee at 4:30 pm. I'll take the next week off the trail, at home.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: few clouds

Apr 10, Sun, Day 41Very sunny and warm today with highs in the 80's. Jean sand Ryan dropped my off in Damascus , and I hiked through town to the AT trailhead. Met Sandalwood, a hiker from Ontario who is an avid boatbuilder and woodworker. Met Legion , who said that he had just finished hiking 35 miles the day before, and Papa Muskrat, a turkey hunter when he's not hiking. Both were eating lunch at Saunders Shelter. I went on to Lost Mountain Shelter, for supper and much needed sleep.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Apr 11, Mon, Day 42Very Warm again today, highs in the low 80's. Started at 7:30 am, hiked up Buzzards Rock, skipped Thomas Knob Shelter, in Grayson Highlands State Park. Four 'wild' ponies came up to the shelter, eating grass, while I was finishing supper. I offered some dried apples, which were taken out of my hand immediately.At the shelter with Feisty, Smurf and Count.Rain predicted for tonight.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: moderate rain

Apr 12, Tue, Day 43Rained heavily during the night, but cleared at dawn. Started hiking at 8:30 am, but a missed turn at a trail junction cost me a half hour of back tracking. Hiked to Old Orchard Shelter and had lunch. At VA603 crossing met Gary from Damascus and got a ride to Troutdale for additional resupply (and another lunch). Continued on to Hurricane Mtn Shelter and saw Availability there. Continued on through developing rain and came to Trimpi Shelter, which was full. Tented in the wet, but stayed relatively dry and had a good night's sleep.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Relax Inn, Atkins, VA
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

Apr 13, Wed, Day 44Packed up a wet tent and started out at 9:00 am in partly cloudy weather. Hiked past Partnership Shelter, Mt. Rogers Visitor Center and Chatfield Shelter. Looked at the old LIndamood Schoolhouse, a well preserved one-room school that is locally managed and maintained. Very nice visit.Came into Atkins, VA and checked into Relax Inn about 7:00 pm. Had supper at the Barn Restaurant, a very hiker-friendly place. This was a long tiring day with alot of ups and downs.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Relax Inn, Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Apr 14, Thur, Day 45After breakfast at the Barn Restaurant, started hiking at 10:00 am. A beautiful day, with alot of wildflowers just starting to bloom - Spring Beauties, Crowsfoot, Blood Root and Trout Lilies. Crossed I-81 underpass and walked throuth pastures and woodlands. Stayed at Knot Maul Branch Shelter with Blue Moon, a young lady who had just broken up with her hiker-boyfriend. Late in the day, Delaware Dave came into the Shelter and later still (12:30 am), three drunk and rowdy hikers.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Apr 15, Fri, Day 46Had latecomers at the shelter last night, so sleep was interrupted. Nonetheless, got up at 5:30 am, and was on the trail by 6:15 am. Hiked up Chestnut Knob (very rocky) and visited Chestnut Knob Shelter, one of the few shelters on the trail that is fully enclosed, with a door and windows. Intended to go into Bland, VA, but was running too late due to the slow-going over the rocks. Stayed at Jenkins Shelter which was very crowded.Rain predicted for tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Big Walker Motel, Bland, VA
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: moderate rain

Apr 16, Sat, Day 47Rain started at 2:00 am and continued on until 11:00 am. Started hiking at 8:30 am and got to US-52 about 1:00 pm. Got a ride to Bland, VA, and picked up Jean's maildrop at the Big Walker Motel. Talked to Jean and Ryan for a long time. It really lifted my spirits, which had been doused by the continual rain.
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Big Walker Motel, Bland, VA

To: Trents Grocery Campground
Miles today: 18.4

Got a ride to the trailhead with Frances, who provides shuttle-service for hikers and the Amish in the area. Hiked with Mike Williams for awhile.Crossed an interesting suspension foot-bridge over a river.Got to Trents Grocery late in the day, and decided to tent there with JT, Guido Blanco and Shark. Camped in a pasture and paid for a shower, but the shower room was so nasty that I decided to forego it.
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Trents Grocery Campground

To: Motor Lodge, Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Apr 18, Mon, Day 49Started at 7:30 am and took side trail to Dismal Falls (disappointing, low water). Hiked past Wapiti Shelter and Doc's Knob Shelter and ascended Pearis Mountain. Stopped at Angel's Rest - nice view but took no pictures. Went down the mountain and entered Pearisburg just as rain strted to fall. Stayed at Holiday Inn Motor Lodge. A tough long day, but at least it didn't rain ALL day.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Motor Lodge, Pearisburg, VA

To: Symm's Meadow
Miles today: 11.9

Apr 19, Tues, Day 50Started at 11:30 and hiked up Peters Mountain. Met Zora at Rice Field Shelter for lunch, and hiked on to Symm's Gap, where I set up the tent and watched the sun set over the valley below. A very enjoyable, nice day for hiking.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Symm's Meadow

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Apr 20, Wed, Day 51Watched the sunrise and broke camp to get on the trail at 7:00 am. Hiked to War Spur Shelter, got in about 6:30 pm. Met Rain Fly and Suicidal, who left to camp further south. Suicidal was involved in a dog/fear issue with some south-bound hikers that included several officers-of-the-law.
Date: 2011-04-21
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Apr 21,Thur, Day 52Started early (7:45 am) and met the hikers in Suicidal's encounter with the law. Apparently, he was 'spooked' by their dog, and had made some threats that concerned the other hikers, who then phoned the police. Hiked to Sinking Spring Mountain and continued on to Niday Shelter, where I met Alex and Shelby, from Roanoke, VA.
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: moderate rain

Apr 22, Fri, Day 53Started early (7:30 am), and hiked up Brush Mountain and visited the Audie Murphy Memorial. Weather was windy, cool and overcast. Passed Pickle Branch Shelter and ascended Cove Mountain to Dragon's Tooth. Rain began to fall and I expecteed to camp before Catawba, but found a sign for the new Four Pines Hostel. I walked the 0.3 miles to Four Pines and talked to Joe Mitchell, the owner. He offered to shuttle me to the Home Place (AYCE) nearby. He and his son Josh, his ex-wife Sheri and her sister Dineese from Shelbyville, KY, joined me there. Joe is a Norfolk Southern MofW employee.
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Apr 23, Sat, Day 54Started at 6:15 am to get to Catawba PO for a maildrop pick-up. Joe Mitchell, from Four Pines Hostel, met me at VA-311 and drove me the one mile to the PO, then dropped me off back to the trailhead.My pack is now very heavy. Hiked to McAfee Knob, good views, then Tinker Cliffs, also good views. Stayed at Lamberts Meadow Shelter with George and Adam, two UNCA graduates (Agronomy). Had good lively conversations.
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Howard Johnsons Motel, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: few clouds

Apr 24, Sun, Day 55Left the shelter about 8:00 am in sunny weather and hiked to Daleville, arriving about 1:30 pm. Stayed at the Howard Johnson Motor Lodge there. No pool, as advertised on the sign out front, and, worse, plenty of stink bugs in the room. Must be an epidemic through this area, I've heard others complain in Virginia trail towns. Had supper at Wendy's, since the Three Little Pigs, a barbecue restaurant that's been highly recommended, is closed (Sunday).
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Howard Johnsons Motel, Daleville, VA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Apr 25, Mon, Day 56UPS'd a package home of things I've not used recently (5.5 lbs.). Started hiking at 9:00 am, through fairly level terrain, and stayed at Cove Mountain Shelter. Rain is predicted for tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-26
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

Apr 26, Tues, Day 57Rain off and on today. Changed in/out of raingear five times. Started early and got into Thunder Hill Shelter about 7:00 pm. Shook, Orange Bear and others had just had some trail magic - scrambled eggs, ham, bacon, and biscuits. I nursed blisters - the first of many due to wet feet.
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Apr 28, Thur, Day 59Stayed in the Shelter 'til clouds parted and the sun appeared, about 12:00 noon. I treated my blisters as best I could, had lunch, then hiked out about 2:00 pm, my latest start ever. It was mostly a gradual downhill today and easy. It was nice to have some sun for a change. Stayed at the Brown Mountain Shelter with White Wolf, Dennie and Orange Bear. A quiet, easy-going group of hikers.
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: The Dutch Haus
Miles today: 18.2

Apr 29, Fri, Day 60Started early with a long uphill up Bald Knob, another 2900 ft ascent. It's been overcast all day, with mild temperatures.Some hikers (White Wolf, Dennie) went off to Buena Vista for zero days, I chose to stay at the Dutch Haus, recommended by several hikers I had encountered earlier. Looking forward to a shower, bunk, meals, rest for the feet.
Date: 2011-04-30
From: The Dutch Haus

To: Reed's Gap
Miles today: 30.0

Apr 30, Sat, Day 61Decided to try 'slack-packing' (hiking with a day-pack, after being shuttled further down the trail), after breakfast at the Dutch Haus Hostel. Started at Reeds Ga, and hiked south, past Maupin Field Shelter, over Three Ridges Mountain, down to the Tye River (beautiful!), over the Priest (another 2900 ft ascent), and finally back to the Hostel. Hiked with Goose and Always Fine, in sunny weather all day.
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Reed's Gap

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

May 1, Sun, Day 62Started at Reeds Gap again, but now hiking north. A mild day with some drizzle, stayed at Paul Wolfe Shelter with Goose, Always Fine and Matt, a south-bound section hiker. We kept a campfire burning and its effect was to keep the conversation going 'til long after dark.It's a nice, roomy, recently updated shelter next to a beautiful stream.