morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-17
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: moderate rain

Thursday March 17Lv Little Laurel Shelter 9:15 am Arriving Flint Mountain Shelter 5:30 pm for 13.1 miles.We've been tenting....it's warmer and avoid close contact with others, to avoid Norovirus, Mice and those who have HAD Norovirus, as they are still contagious for 2-3 weeks. We are happy to say Fiber is back in with Team Florida as he called us recently. We are also calling him Pea 3; just as a funny. We have walked over 100 miles together!! Well, today we started later, cuz yesterday was a butt kicker!! Bodies had a hard time with recovery, still not happy to be up and hiking, but the trail waits! We are pressing to Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin TN to avoid rain/snow Saturday & Sunday. We climbed Big Butt Mountain today, and Big Rocks. They both had Blue Blazes to avoid them, but we are not in bad weather, so....white blaze is our goal!! And our goal the entire trail!! Sometimes it was sticks down and easier to use hands, but not a bad hike, just slower pace. We met some trail maintainers having lunch on the bald ridge, it was narrow & rocky! There's a plaque to one of their own, who passed away last year to natural causes! The gentlemen were from NC trail club. They told us that one view to the Right was NC and Left TN. I took a pic of Big Cypress to show this!! But it's not from cell phone so.....sorry it'll come to TJ once off the trail when we can upload from point & shoot.Stopped at Jerry Cabin Shelter, for rest, snack and water. Met Chocolate lab, Roxie and her dad (can't remember his name). She was carrying her own food and was hobbling a lil, muscle aches and pains according to her dad, but we just was sad to see it!! At shelter tonight, True Moo who we know as Rusty or Tyler. We stayed with at Gooder Grove. He got new trail name, as always got chocolate milk!! Compost was there, along with the 3 of us and couple section hikers.Critters: We heard Grouse drumming again for the "ladies." And woodpeckers calling & pecking. BC saw a mouse scurrying into a hollow dilapidated log and he saw squirrel. I always miss seeing the squirrels.Weather was sunny & about 50°
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Friday March 18Lv Flint Mountain Shelter 7:30 am Arriving Bald Mountain Shelter 6:30pm. For 19.2 miles.We have been having beautiful weather...thank the Lord!! Hiked to Hogback Ridge Shelter, arrived at enough time to do a 1st. Cook an actual lunch!! We were hungry enough and got half way at a good time, so we decided it was a good idea. We were greeted at the shelter by a park ranger or forest service ranger. Sadly we should have checked better and gotten his name. He was from the area of Sams Gap and even offered us a ride to town if we needed or wanted. We asked about trash cans at Sams Gap, they have been removed....locals took advantage. So....he offered to take our trash with him!! Amazing and wonderful!! I felt bad, cuz Fiber missed out, as he and Big Cypress were getting water and by the time they got back, as it was .2 miles away one way, the helpful "Angel" was on his way!   Seemingly Little things are Big things out here!! Hopefully he will read this and sign our Guest Book!! Today was a bad day....mentally and physically!! Bodies are struggling and in pain. Big Cypress said he spent couple hours talking himself into staying on the trail. This is something we all go through!! Sometimes daily!! It's not easy out here. The younger people and their long days and high miles make it seem easy. Night recovery comes easier to them we believe. We have each other as support to stick it out, plus we're so stubborn and came all this way already, how can we stop now!?! We are planning on cutting back on the 20 mile days...sticking with 12 to under 20, for few reasons....to enjoy the views, take more breaks, and not be in such a gotta go gotta go mentality, to be better to our bodies!! Bald Mountain was very pretty and we could see it from about 10 miles of walking away. It's a tree less spot on the top of the mountain, so easy to see from far away. Big Cypress knows I prefer to Not know, visually, what's up ahead. It's easier mentally for me, but....I saw it because it was so obvious!! And I did ok!! At shelter with us True Moo, Compost(young farmer from E. PA) and Nubbs(lost top half of fingers in wood saw accident).Critters: Chipmunk, Squirrel and various birds.
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Saturday March 19First Day of SpringLv Bald Mountain Shelter 7:45 am Arriving Uncle Johnny's Hostel at 4:30 pm. For 16.9 milesWe had a tough day - all three of us. First Fiber then Big Cypress and I. Fiber had a struggle early in the morning....he stayed back and then shared his struggle with us when we stopped at a stream for water and snack. Two Peas had mini breakdown at stream .3 miles from No Business Knob Shelter. Fiber hiked up to the shelter and let us hash out our junk. As I've said, it's a struggle!! And we need to communication with each other, our stresses, and learning patience with each other!! I spoke with Suds as she and Subman are here at Hostel till Tuesday and they had the exact thing happen and in the same spot!!Sometimes it's hard to be your own person/hiker, cuz your hiking as a team not a lone hiker!!It takes sacrifice and understanding for both members of the TEAM!!Clouds all day, except 15 minutes of clear blue skies & Sun & then sprinkles after 3 pm.We were greeted today by True Moo, Compost, Suds & Subman, Steady & Teach and hostel manager, Jeff!! Showers, clean clothes, beds, packs off, shuttle to Italian Restaurant and happy hikers with full tummies. Red Table Wine & Mead from Oliver Winery in Indiana from the package store, next to the restaurant. We all had dinner together, minus Suds&Sub but plus Mustard Seed - from Fontana Village.   Next was walking to walmart for treats and get shuttle back. We all hung out on the front porch for the evening, trading pictures, learning future areas we will be hiking in from Jeff....Just socializing!! Bunk beds for Two Peas and Fiber. Tomorrow night we are in the cabin/trailer with private bathroom!! Critters: I actually saw a squirrel...all other squirrel reports were spotted by BC and they were gone by the time I was there!! Not today...I saw it, I saw it!!Learned: Don't believe what someone says about a section of trail...We were told that it's straight down to Uncle Johnny's....no it wasn't...it was down but switch backs and nice. This isn't the first time we were misled, not on purpose...it's just perspective!!
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Sunday March 20Palm Sunday and Zero DayUp at sunrise, after having Jerry Garcia the hostel dog, let himself in & out of the hostel bunk house several times during the night. 8:30 shuttle to Huddle House for breakfast!! Very good and filling breakfast!! Ran over to the grocery for steak, mushrooms, and breakfast items for Monday morning, as we have kitchen in the cabin. We also stopped in at Dollar General, for EmergenC, new Smart Water bottles, treats, sunscreen, and hair clip for my bangs, as yesterday I lost some of my bangs because my gummy band "ate" and would let go my bangs!! Packed our packs, after going through our food resupply we sent ourselves some of our boxes resupply gets donated to the hiker box. Then ..... Resting, watching a movie and trail journal updates and emails sent. Zero days also include all the chores that need done!! That's why we like to Nero & Zero together, but hiked to many miles and came in late for a nero.Uncle Johnny's is a wonderful hostel and super hot showers!! We enjoyed our time here!! Please visit our friends (4K) website now and in December for AT video.NickMosher.tv He's very good and carrying a 5# video camera on the entire trail.
Date: 2016-03-21
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.18
Weather: scattered clouds

17.1 milesWoke in the Uncle Johnny's Cabin @ 530 am. Big Cypress made breakfast, even prepared some last night, to make it faster this morning. Fiber, slept on the fouton. We had our own room and the bathroom was adjoining and had a door that separates it from kitchen/living room. We stayed up late watching a movie, 11:15 pm, so it was hard to get up this morning.Left with an escort of Jerry Garcia, the hostel dog, at 8:15 am. He led us the the woodsy part of the AT, as we had to walk across the Nolichucky River Bridge and across some RR tracks. We eventually told Jerry to go home and he did. He's a 12 yr old Rot mix that showed up at the hostel a couple years ago and stayed!! Mostly sunny day today, about 40° . We met a family out on day hike. We pit stopped at the first shelter we came to, Curley Maple Gap, after I thought I saw it well before it was actually there!! Guess I had a in the woods mirage!?!? We all got a good laugh from that one! We got trail magic, coffee, cocoa, and treats from Brother Tom. He sits 5 days a week, giving trail magic during the hiking season. He had camp chairs to sit & visit. It was nice!! Climbed Unaka Mountain @ 5180'.It was gorgeous up there, it snowed on Sunday and the top is a dense spruce forest. We took a lot of pictures and enjoyed it very much. Smelled and looked like Christmas!!We missed the Low Gap camping spot we had planned on stopping for the night. So, we continued on to the Cherry Gap Shelter, arrived at 6:30 pm. Tinder, had passed us during the day and he was at the shelter, with a campfire going, (that's how he got his name). There were three other hikers there also, K Train, John Goodman and Rhino.Jeff at the hostel told us about privy's in NC & TN. Since we've on the state line between the two states and going back & forth.....We've noticed some shelters have privy & some don't. A privy, according to Jeff is illegal in TN and sometimes the shelter is in TN and privy is close by, but on NC land. Strange!!Critters: various birds and those being the usual suspects. Chicadee, cardinal, robin, crow
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Cherry Gap

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

Lv Cherry Gap Shelter 7:45 amArrived Roan High Knob Shelter at 6 pm. For 17.8 miles We didn't see any other hikers during the day, after leaving this morning. When we arrived at Roan though, a man said he was lost and needed help finding the parking area at Toll House Gap. It was .7 miles south, hopefully he made it ok. It was cold and windy and he was not dressed for it. Well.....the Roan Mountain was not as ominous as we anticipated! And the shelter was a log cabin with a loft and door. Fiber, Big Cypress and I had the place to ourselves and took full advantage!! Had campfire, since someone had prepped for one!! Shelter magic I guess. Well.....it is the highest shelter on the AT and pretty awesome!!Temps were nice today about 49°, but we were cold then hot then cold then hot....frustrating!!No critters to report
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Wilder Mine Group Campsite
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Lv Roan High Knob Shelter 8:15 am Arriving Wilder Mine Group Campsite at 5:30-5:45 pm. For 16.3 miles (that includes going to the barn)We woke to howling winds!! YES....crazy winds. The shelter is the highest on the AT at 6193' elevation. It wasn't a bad temp, but the winds made it very cold. We woke at 6 am, to Fiber's alarm....but the 3 of us didn't want to get out of our warm bags. We hesitated until 6:45; then up we got, breakfast of eggs was on our menu....I couldn't finish mine, so Fiber helped!! He's very very good at that!! Packed up and headed out! Coming in last night wasn't bad for snow & ice, but this morning we got to test out the Yak Trax!! Granted it was only for 15 minutes, if that!! But.....the trail was pretty muddy in places and even frozen mud, depending on the sun and if it ever reaches that side of the mountain. Lots of ups today!! And downs too! One being Little Hump and Hump. The later was at 5587' and false summits! A big grassy narrow path! Hard to walk at times. Very blustery day!! Wind blew so hard at times it made you miss your next step!!We took a lunch snack break and privy use at the Overmountain Shelter. It's a converted barn, turned shelter. Beautiful views and best privy view on the AT. Yes a privy, since it's in NC. Lots of little tiny wildflowers are blooming, colors if Pink, white, purple and yellow. Some trees are starting to bud, but not many!We fell again today. Big Cypress did a skid on mud and I was taken down again, by a big stick. My feet are conspiring against me, one steps on or kicks it, then the other foot trips me. My hiking poles first saved me from the fall, then left got stuck behind me and made me eventually fall!! No body parts injured for either of us!!Saw lots of section hikers today, no other thru hikers. Critters: birds that couldn't fly well, due to the gusty winds, 2 bunnies, various birds I wish I could identify. One bird this morning had the most beautiful melody that we've heard for the entire trip so far! It serenaded us down Roan. Lots of little tiny grass hoppers and tiny black spiders on top of Hump Mountain.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Wilder Mine Group Campsite

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Lv Wilder Mine Group Campsite site 7:45 am Arrived Moreland Gap Shelter at 5:45 pm. For 19.2 milesWe woke to beautiful weather. There were hot coals still from our campfire last night, so we had breakfast by a fire to take the chill off. Fiber was concerned that the cave above us was home to a sleeping bear, but we survived the night and no signs of one.We plan our morning bathroom issues the night before. Good thing here, the ground was very rocky and hard to dig a cat hole. Cat holes are supposed to be 8 inches deep. This area was a challenge, but Big Cypress did well for us. We met Recycle, a local section hiker. He camped near by us last night. We first came upon a sign indicating we were in Big Foot Sanctuary and also a sign we entering habitat for endangered Yellow Side Warbler. Guess which one was legit?!? LOL   Then Big Cypress....Saw something when we round the bend.....Big and Black....a bear or a dog?? Not sure, it had a collar, but still not sure, they do put collars on bears to track them. We wondered for several minutes....until we stopped for a drink of water, leaves rustling....We stop moving, waiting....a big black hound dog pops out. He was shocked to see us!! He just stood there and didn't move. It was funny!! Finally, he put nose to the ground and continued on. We saw another dog, brown one with his family. Several picture spots today. One spot was a garden bench, seemingly random, but placed facing a lovely view. We had Lots of waterfalls. We even took lunch break at one to celebrate hitting the Over 400 miles mark and soaked our feet. Big Cypress had a mini widow maker fall on his shoulder. Not a big branch, but a small twiggy branch that scared us, but didn't hurt!! We had a couple more mishaps. Fiber kept twisting his ankle. Big Cypress almost left his hat on a rock from a break. Fiber also dropped one of his poles, tricky to get but at least we weren't on a cliff ledge. Prayed all day that the rain and thunder storms would hold off until we made it to the shelter.....God is Good!! Arrived in threatening skies and wind at 5:45, rained a little at 6:30. We decided to sleep in the shelter, there's room, faster morning ready time and storm possible. With us was K Train and Raza(he's from Germany), he tented. Critters: lots of birds as usual, one that looked like a Bul Bul from Hawaii, it had a pretty call. Tiny purple butterfly/sulphur? And a little snake, sunning on the trail....we scooted him off so we could pass. Plus, a cool blue beetle bug at the foot soak spot.
Date: 2016-03-25
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: light rain

Lv Moreland Gap 7:25 am. Arrived @ Black Bear Resort on Dennis Cove Rd at 10:30 am. For 7.1 milesThank you Jesus....for dying for us! We were happy to be in the shelter last night, as it was extremely windy and rains came around, more than a sprinkling.We had a fast hike this morning, in sprinkles for a very brief moment, then just foggy mist. Fiber went ahead of us at about half mile from the road. He needed to go to see Mr Bob Peoples at Kincora Hostel for his resupply box. We arrived at the Dennis Cove Rd and went right to go .4 miles, Kincora was left .3 We saw Stready & Teach, they were just leaving the BB Resort. We chatted a few minutes and congratulated them on their engagement!! Zach proposed to Angela yesterday or the day before. Word travels very fast on the trail, we heard from K Train last night and she heard it from someone earlier! We got laundry done, showers taken, then we asked Miss Stephanie to take us to the grocery store. We went to Elizabethton and got steaks, salad fixings, Mac n cheese, food food food food!! Spent $390 between us & Fiber!!We are full tummies and watching movies....no regular tv and no cell service and no WiFi. There's a computer in the Bear Den if we need. Taking a Zero tomorrow also....so food food food, rest rest rest for these 3 weary hikers!! At the beautiful and clean and so very nice Black Bear Resort!! Next to a trout filled river!!
Date: 2016-03-26
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi everyone, just a short update. It's Saturday the 26th and we (Big Cypress, Fiber and I) are safe and indoors. Staying in Hampton TN at the Black Bear Resort! It's lovely and the family that owns and runs it is wonderful also. Problem is that we have no phone service or WiFi. Our journal logs, for several days are in my phone and will have to wait for Damascus VA (3-4 more days)until we will post them. I'm able to write this with the Bear Den hiker computer, but keep our log daily in my phone and then cut and past when we have service. So....we will post the March 21 to ? - when we get to VA. Thank you for understanding and being patient. Side note, to Miss Beth/Neon. Again, we can't thank you enough for the edibles treat box we got at Uncle Johnny's! L O V E it!! We really liked the Clif Block during workout gummies and the chocolate bar with the espresso beans, we shared with Fiber and all three of us enjoyed. I know we thanked you via email, but wanted to say thank you publicly for your thoughtfulness!! Ok, we will head out tomorrow (Easter Sunday), planning on 3 sleeps in woods till Damascus VA.
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Praise The Lord .....He has Risen!!Praise The Lord, He has Risen!! Happy Easter EveryoneLeft at 8:35 am, big breakfast first! Arrived 5:30 pmSo....Last night we were sitting on the front porch of the resort and who walks up.....Suds & Subman. We were thrilled!! So....they checked in, got some of our overloaded food box meals for the next few days. Plus, that avoided going into to town and paying extra for that. We then invited them to a big dinner, we called it our Easter Dinner!! Ate till our eyes popped!Hard day of ups & downs on the trail. We thought it was going to be more level, but nope!Lunch was delicious next to the Watauga Lake! We 3( Big Cypress, Fiber & ) dined with Suds & Subman!! Water from a faucet at the Rec area, we still treated it though, just in case!!Met Bookworm & Stuck at Black Bear and again at sleeps tonight. They also got some of our meals and raved!! Suppose to rain today, prayers from this lil Moonbeam, answered!! "Please hold the rains until we arrive at the shelter." We were there 10 minutes and it rained!! More of a sprinkling!! Critters: 2 Canada Geese at Rec Area and 2 Malard Ducks. Blue birds and Robins
Date: 2016-03-28
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Vandeventer Shelter 8:30 to Double Spring 5:00 pm. 14.4 milesWe made a hot lunch today....oh so nice!! At Iron Mountain Shelter with Suds & Subman. Fiber had his snacks and nap! We got amazing trail magic from Jo & Rick from Nelson Chapel Baptist Church and had a nice visit!! Hike was fairly easy! Arrived at Double Spring Shelter to a bunch of hikers. They were there with 17 time AT hiker, Mr Warren Doyle. We met him and he shared his pretzels with us!! Decided to camp just up the trail within site of the shelter as limited flat spots!! Had a nice fire and had a visit with Suds & Subman! I had a near crying laugh at the men, Big Cypress & Fiber throwing a rock with 5-50 cord, over a bent tree for our bear bag hanging. Wish I video taped it!! But it's forever burned into my memory!! LOLCritters: 2 slugs racing down the tree next to our tent this morning. 1 snail with shell, crossing the trail. Robins singing and flitting about and one little tiny twiggy bird nest on the trail, must have blown out of the tree. All that hard work....darn!Cold day of hiking, from the front that came through and as Winnie the Pooh would say, Blustery!!
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Campsite at MM 466.7
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Double Spring 8 am to Campsite at mile 466.7 (AWOL Guide mileage) arrived at about 4 pm.Woke to blustery, freezing temps! Literally, our tiny bit of water on our toothbrushes was frozen. Hard to get moving in those conditions! We've been sleeping in, a little too, since we cut miles and the terrain is lil easier.We had a pretty easy terrain day, our average speed with stopping for pee breaks and snacking ect., was 3 miles per hour. Suds & Subman met up with us at Abingdon Gap Shelter at noon and we all had hot meals, even Fiber, as I couldn't finish mine, so he helped out!! We arrived at the campsite at about 4. I gathered kindling so we could have a fire, Big Cypress got it roaring for us. Suds & Subman were at camp already. Suds was on hold with Big Agnes, as they have an air mattress that doesn't hold air!! We are only 2 miles from Damascus, decided to camp close and arrive in the early a.m. Two reasons, save money and its hiking miles, so a Nero day not Zero. But, arrived early enough to feel like Zero!Critters: Pheasant-only Big Cypress saw it, cuz he's the lead !! Heard lots of woodpeckers today, but didn't see them.
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Campsite at MM 466.7

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 2.3
Weather: clear sky

A picture from the 12th, but wanted y'all to see it. Please check it out.We slept decent. Suds had rough night, said she had to sleep sitting up, due to her cough. Subman and Suds are in serious need of down in bed, rest time! We skipped breakfast and met S & S at Creekside Cafe at about 9:30 a.m. We stopped at Mt Rogers Outfitters to drop our packs and get our rooms as they have the Dave's Place Hostel across the street. Nice and clean! Beds are all wood, so we have to use our pads & bags....kinda like a shelter platform. Showers after breakfast....ride to Crazy Larry's for laundry and here we sit, after a quick lunch at the Cowboy Cafe couple doors down, Visiting with Larry. No laundrymat in this town! Yucky weather due tomorrow, some severe. Our resupply boxes didn't come yet. I told BC that maybe we are supposed to stay in Damascus more than tonight....as we were planning another Nero tomorrow and just going to the next shelter 9 miles out of town. God does have a plan for us, maybe this is part of it?!? Suds & Subman would be thrilled. Fiber is torn as to what to do - stay or continue on. He needs some ankle care, so might stay. We shall see!!https://youtu.be/n_aVFVveJNsLink video From Miss Kelly and brought this follower of Christ to tears!