morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2023-09-28
From: Greasy Creek Friendly

To: Beauty Spot
Miles today: 12.5

Connie made us some breakfast as a gift. I had food left over from last night; I was still able to eat that plus the eggs & grits she fixed. Then it was 0.6 up the rocky hill again to the Trail [which wasn¢t difficult after that].  The project for the day was to get up & over Unaka Mtn, the highest for the next 30 miles. Connie said the locals call it ¢U-Nay-Ka¢. I wondered if it was the same Indian name as ¢Unicoi¢, a Mtn range & the name of the county around Erwin. Apparently so: according to internet, both mean ¢white¢ or ¢mist-covered¢. Nothing on pronunciation.  After lunch at Cherry Gap shelter, I went up the next little Mtn, from which it was very difficult to see the big one right next to it. A series of well-designed switchbacks led up to a plateau on Mt Unaka. Part-way up, I met Taj Mahal & Sarge from 2 different Bloomingtons [Indiana & Illinois]. I thought I was at the top in 114 hours ¢ then it was another 20 minutes to the actual top. There I met NOBO Over-drive. A pleasant walk thru evergreens provided no views, but there seemed to be lots of campsites on top. The walk down doesn¢t seem steep at first, but it¢s definitely rockier than coming up the North side, with fewer switchbacks. As I neared the next gap {Deep Gap seems just about the same elevation as Low Gap on the other side], I got my foot tangled in something & fell forward. My pack-weight made it happen so fast I landed pretty hard on my shins, forearm, & forehead. My hat softened the blow somewhat, but I was still concerned about concussion. First I had to take care of the bleeding on my leg, tho. I had enough bandages to get it fairly presentable. Then I went a little slower, but I still wanted to get camped before dark.Beauty Spot is a bald area spread over a mile or more. I have camped in that area the other 3 times I¢ve done the Trail; so I wanted to make it a 4th. In 2013, I¢d camped with others at a spot near the road that parallels the Trail & meets it 3 times. The grass & brush is taller in the Fall, & everything looked different, so I couldn¢t find it. When I begin to get into trees again, I quickly set up, hung a bear bag, & got to bed. It looked like the same spot I camped in 2016. I did call my son, Mark, to have him call me back in a few hours to check if I had any concussion effects. By then, my head seemed OK. I do have to be more careful at the end of the day ¢ I guess it¢s easier to fall when I¢m tired. Nice bright moon!
Date: 2023-09-29
From: Beauty Spot

To: Uncle Johnny's ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Erwin
Miles today: 11.9

Up at 5:30, out by 6:50. Even with some moonlight, I had to use my headlamp for the first 15-20 minutes, basically till I got thru some woods onto the second ¢Beauty Spot¢, a larger bald area that had lots of spots where people were camped. As I went by Lonnie¢s tent, he was awake ¢ I told him I¢d see him later, when he caught up with me.  Generally downhill all day. Lots of nice views of misty mtns & valleys as the Trail followed a ridge. Being first out, I got to clear spiderwebs for those who followed me. I crossed FS Rd 230 for the 3rd time at 8:30, then reached TN 395 at Indian Grave Gap a mile later. Trail Magic! I enjoyed sitting in a chair & talking with Brother Tom for a while, while several hikers came thru, including Lonnie, plus NOBO Water-Boy & 2 week-a-year hikers. I left about 10:00 & stopped briefly at Curly Maple Gap shelter. Nice place, but too close to Erwin to want to stay.The Trail had been quite nice thus far, but about a mile past the shelter, I started encountering blow-downs, only a few of which I could do anything about except report them to the Trail maintainers. Passing a campground across Jones Creek, I started meeting lots of day-hikers. Then there was a short [narrow & poorly marked] uphill along a cliff before the final descent to cross the Nolichucky River & arrive at Uncle Johnny¢s. I¢d stayed there in 2013 & made use of their services on other hikes thru here. There is a new owner, but not much has changed. Lonnie was there in the bunkhouse & so was Sheepdog. They were talking about slack-packing tomorrow, either 11 miles from Spivey Gap or 25 miles from Sam¢s Gap. I thought I might be up for 11 miles.The town is spread out, some distance from the hostel, & we¢d missed the free shuttle in the morning. Bicycles are free, but not in very good condition. Lonnie & I decided to bike into town for supper at a Mexican restaurant. I hadn¢t ridden a coaster-brake-type bike for many years. No major hills tho. I enjoyed the meal ¢ with my mouth problems, most of their stuff is soft enough for me ¢ but I still brought a bunch of it back, swinging wildly from the handle-bar, to eat later.I had my usual frequent trips to the bathroom in the night. It¢s in a separate building, a few steps off the ground. On my 4:00 am trip, I misjudged the extra step into the room & fell forwards. I might have landed safely on the soft part of my arm, but the back of my head struck 4x4 supporting the shower stall. Hard! I was stunned a bit, but made it back to bed.
Date: 2023-09-30
From: Uncle Johnny's ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Erwin

To: Uncle Johnny's ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Erwin
Miles today: 0.0

In the morning, I discovered that I had a gash in the back of my head that had been bleeding all over. No slack-packing for me today. I took the free shuttle & spent the morning in the emergency room getting the wound cleaned & head checked for concussion. Then I walked around downtown, looking for lunch. Steel Rails [this used to be a railroad town] coffee shop sounded like the place to go. I got a breakfast croissant with sausage, figuring that would be easier to eat than ham & or corned beef. Not so. The sausage was tough, the eggs were tough, even the croissant was tough. After struggling for a while, I accepted a free ride back to the hostel from Steve [Unicoi shuttles]. He apparently does a lot of extra things to support hikers around the area.I¢ve mostly felt fine today, but I probably do need more time for rest than I used to. I got my laundry done & continued to eat a lot. Cobra, whom I¢d met previously, is staying here too, taking his time finishing the Trail. 8-10 others arrived during the day, including section hikers Lucky-Dog & Gee-Haw. By the time I was done with supper, Lonnie had arrived from his 11-mile slack-packing & Sheep-Dog had finished his 25 miles!Some of the hikers got a large bunch of beer & were drinking it far into the night [I was near the refrigerator]. Quietly. I got a good night¢s sleep.
Date: 2023-10-01
From: Uncle Johnny's ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Erwin

To: No Business Knob shelter
Miles today: 5.8

Up & packed by 8:30. I¢m checking out but leaving my pack till I get back from church. Steve took me in to the Presbyterian church in time for Bible class, which was quite good. Then after church one of the members gave me a ride back & I changed clothes & took off up the hill. Everyone else had left by then. Lots of good views of Erwin & the Nolichucky River. Near the top, I met Lucky-Dog & Gee-Haw on their slack-pack from Spivey Gap. Talked awhile. Lonnie is going South from Spivey Gap today. He¢ll likely stay a day ahead of me the rest of the time. I hope it goes well for him.I encountered a couple of deadfalls to report to maintainers & one I was able to fix, before arriving at the shelter at 6:45. No one else there. Nice place, tho a little hard to find a tree suitable for a bear bag. Even if they can¢t have privies in Tennessee, I can¢t believe they can¢t have bear boxes.
Date: 2023-10-02
From: No Business Knob shelter

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.6

attle with of the owls: lots of early-morning screeching that sounded like a fight over territory.   Out at 6:49.  I remembered a long down-hill to Spivey Gap; actually, it¢s more up than down, until the last half mile. Altho many are shown on the guides, I found only one really good water source in this 5 miles.  Dead-falls along the way ¢ one at top of last hill, where I had to decide not to cut the bottom branch when I figured out that making passage a little easier for hikers would result in the main trunk falling to the ground. Left well enough alone.Less than a mile past the gap is a short side trail to ¢High Rocks¢. It¢s kind of a nice interlude, with some minimal views. When I go to the top, the rock was occupied by some kind of vulture. As I tried to take its picture, it flew away.  The rest of the day was climbing up to Big Bald by way of ¢Little Bald (tree covered)¢. That Trail turned out to be pretty rough: loaded with roots & rocks. I think it was unnecessary ¢ running the Trail along the edge of the Mtn.  From the nice woodland trail across the ridge of the saddle & up Big Bald, I judge that they could have done that on Little Bald as well, rather than that rocky, unmaintained track along the edge. If the idea was to give hikers access to one brief view-point, that could have been done by a short side trail. Anyway, nice trail up to the Big Bald shelter [North of the top of the bald].  This shelter is in North Carolina, so it has both an open-air privy & a set of cables to hoist food bags above the reach of bears. Easier to work than the bear poles in Virginia, but less fool-proof. The cables can easily get tangled, &, in the past, I have seen people trying to use them like a trapeze! A cool night in the shelter. Four other hikers camped nearby.
Date: 2023-10-03
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Sam's GapÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ NatureÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Inn hostel
Miles today: 7.7

I left at 8:12, the first one out, but was passed soon by Grunt & Uncle Sam [Engl.]. Up on the bald, I could see a bunch of people standing around. On the way, I passed thru an area where there is a lot of trapping & banding of birds. So the folks on top were birders, spotting birds while waiting to participate in some way. After getting off the bald & looking back, I decided it was a case of partial or pattern baldness, since only part of the Mtn top was open.  Downhill most of the rest of the day. I met woman on a bench, plus Kazoo & Bucks, & then a day-hiker coming up from Sam¢s Gap. While in the woods, my wife called to tell me of a bill that was due that I had not arranged an automatic payment for. It was a bit of a challenge to get all the numbers I needed from a cell-phone with one bar of service, but I got it paid.Amy picked me up at Sams Gap. She runs Nature¢s Inn hostel, which her brother had built. Lots of separate little buildings, a bit spread out, with a rather long distance uphill from bunkhouse to bathhouse. Amy had to leave for family business, & a younger woman named Samantha took over. They have a nice lounge/cooking area, with lots of appliances & a well-stocked re-supply closet. No other hikers tonight.
Date: 2023-10-04
From: Sam's GapÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ NatureÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Inn hostel

To:  Rector Laurel Road.
Miles today: 6.2

The cheapest breakfast I could buy from the hostel¢s pantry was pancakes [3 for $1!] + they had butter & syrup]. That works well for me to eat quickly, but actually I¢m not in hurry ¢ it¢s my last day on the Trail, with no good pick-up point beyond 7 miles. Samantha dropped me off at the trail-head, & I started up a steep hill. Up about 500 feet to yet another place named ¢High Rock¢. Along the way, I passed a group of day-hikers, & they caught up with me while I took in the view. A little farther on, I stopped at Hog-Back Gap shelter for lunch. I remember it from 2013 hike, when I did a 21 mile day from there! No need this time, even if I could. I had the shelter to myself that time, even tho there were 20 hikers camped around it [who had made a smoky fire for me in front of the shelter]. The shelter had posters warning about bear activity, but as I left I met a Forest Service worker who was out removing them ¢ emergency over!A nice Trail led up a Mtn labelled Lick Rock, past several false summits. Having earlier met an18-mile day-hiker + father-son section hikers, I also met River Rat (SOBO) & Andrew (NOBO), the latter on a saddle between peaks, with a view but bad trail-bed. No recent mowing or trimming had been done on the uphill side, so hikers felt forced to walk on the weak outer edge, causing the Trail to fall off the Mtn. A little bit of maintenance would go a long way in preserving the Trail. From there down the Mtn, I passed a number of blow-downs, including one very complicated one about a mile from the bottom. Sent pictures to the maintainers. Rector Laurel Road, a paved road, way down in the hollow, that leads to hostel. Signs advertise re-supply, but I had talked with the owner & learned they had none at this time. Interesting low-end hostel: 6 bunks, nice sink & shower, but no toilet ¢ just a privy out back. I thought this was in Tennessee, which allegedly doesn¢t allow privies!  I paid my money up at the trailer & was given a Pepsi; otherwise, I had the place to myself.
Date: 2023-10-05
From:  Rector Laurel Road.

To: Maryville, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

While eating breakfast, a hiker arrived & got upset when I told him there was no re-supply here. He had to walk an extra half mile because he didn¢t call ahead!  I had been trying over the past few days to work out how to get to the Knoxville airport to fly home. Obviously, I had once again overestimated how far I¢d be able to hike. I¢d gotten no help from Squirrel¢s husband or most of the people I called, except an estimate of $230 for one to drive me. Another shuttler suggested I could ride to TRI for $80 or Asheville $90 & rent a car to get to Knoxville for less than that. Good idea! Changing my flight to a closer airport would cost $250-300 plus shuttle. So I¢m getting Miss Janet to take me to TRI & renting a car for $65 + $20 for gas.  Janet & I had some interesting conversation on the way to the airport, about our encounters in 2013 & the present & future of the AT. Renting a car was not only cost-effective but gave me the opportunity to spend the afternoon touring the area; so I went by way of Erwin [looks different when I can drive myself], Hot Springs, & Max Patch. Lots of very winding roads, some of them gravel. I didn¢t see any hikers I knew in Hot Springs, but mid-afternoon is not the best time. At Max Patch, there were a lot of people doing various weird things, including wedding pictures [Photographers have to be more athletic than they used to]. 13 or 14 years ago, I got a ride from there to the airport ¢ I didn¢t realize how far it is. I ended up getting into the motel quite late, & had to re-pack & get some sleep, before getting up at 4:15 for an early flight.
Date: 2022-06-08
From: Port Clinton PA

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter 
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Started at 9 am.  Beautiful Weather. Hike was steep out of town but not too bad.  Not as Rocky as I expected.  Starting out with low mileage days.  In 2019 Port Clinton is where I got off.  70 more miles and Pennsylvania will be done.  Set my tent up. I am only one here at shelter but it¢s only 2 pm.  Sure some people will resupply in town and head here.  Supposed to rain all night.  I can deal with wet tent  tomorrow and set it up to dry out later in day.  Plan on 10 miles to Ecksville Shelter
Date: 2022-06-10
From: Ecksville Shelter

To: Lookout Hostel 
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Weather was great. Got trail magic from blue eyes. Had two hotdogs and a water. Thanks. The Hostel is right next to a restaurant. I had a burger and a couple beers.  Was able to do laundry and get a shower. Other hikers here were Falling Leaf , Snack Pack, Daisy, Sunshine, Legacy and Pegasus. 2 other hikers also that I did not meet.  Definitely starting to get rockier.
Date: 2022-06-11
From: Lookout Hostel 

To: Palmerton 
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

Pattern continues no rain and sunny.  Left Hostel around 7.  Plan on getting close to Palmerton today. Rocks continue.  I did knife¢s edge and oven bake knob today. It was dry and sunny so no problem. Just had to focus  I though descent of bake oven was most difficult.  A reroute today so actually hiked at least another mile. Great reroute!! Takes you to all the overlooks instead of any pile of rocks. Called Bert¢s Hostel when I got close and they said plenty of room. The 2 mile walk in town sucked but hostel was great.  Leaf Blower and Pilgrim were there. Sunshine and Daisy showed up later. Met them fist night out. They live close to me in Virginia. The shower here was awesome and laundry included. Long but great day.
Date: 2022-06-12
From: Palmerton 

To: Leroy Smith 
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Nice night at hostel. Watched a movie leaf blower picked.  A Zombie remake how ironic.  Palmerton had everything you need and cheap food. Pattern changes. Rain on two mile walk out of town. But ended after that. Hike oil was steep for sure. Another reroute today again taking you buy overlooks. Saw 7 rattlesnakes after Blue Mountain Road. After rain and cooler weather they were in dens in big rocks hiking up. Obviously a few reroutes were taken.  Did 18 today counting hike to trail.  Got nice tent site at shelter.  Long day.
Date: 2022-06-13
From: Leroy Smith Shelter 

To: Kirkridge Shelter 
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Rained a for a couple hours after sunset.  No rain during hike.  Everyone is excited to be exiting Pennsylvania soon. Lots of rocks as usual.  Got to Shelter around 3:30 and set up tent. Good night talking to other hikers. Leaf Blower, Falling Leaf, Snack Pack, Sunshine, Daisy, Viking, Pilgrim, Beast Mode and Santiago
Date: 2022-06-14
From: Kirkridge Shelter 

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Everyone up early to finish Pennsylvania. Most are moving on. I have a hotel room waiting me. Got to Hotel at 10:30. Was able to check in and decided to get another night to take a day off. Room has great air conditioning and shower pressure. Hikers dream room. Lots of local spots to eat. I went to Doughboys pizza and had two slices. Then got a meatball parm and 6 pack of beer to go.  Good day
Date: 2022-06-15
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Enjoyed a nice day off. Went outfitters and Sunoco and got my resupply. Stopped at Pizza Place and got a sandwich to hike out with tomorrow and some beer for tonight.  Rested in room then went and got a BBQ sandwich for dinner. Also did laundry. All set to get out of town tomorrow
Date: 2022-06-16
From: Delaware Water Gap 

To: Mohican Outdoor Center 
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to sound of Thunder.  Glad I¢m hotel and not outside. It dumped rain for a couple hours. Left room at 9 to walk back to trail.  Walked over I80 bridge into New Jersey.  Saw 2 bears just before NOBO 1300. Fun day. Lots of deer. Stayed in bunkhouse which is really a lodge with 2 bunks to each room 4 bathrooms and complete kitchen. Wish I knew about kitchen, I would have brought something to cook out of town. Only one other person in lodge with me.
Date: 2022-06-17
From: Mohican Center 

To: Brink Shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Lodge was great. Good nights sleep and hiking by 7. Hiked first 11 miles with Geo the lady from lodge last night.  She went on and I stop at shelter.  So far I am only one here.  I am tenting. They have privy a spring and a bear box here.  Lots of nice views today.
Date: 2022-06-18
From: Brink Shelter 

To: Mashipacong
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

I saw a bear first 10 minutes on trail.  He was heading down the trail towards me. We both saw each other at same time. He ran about 50 yards off trail then slowly kept walking away. Great trail magic today. Gas fired pizza oven. Had a pepperoni pizza.  Lots of nice views today.
Date: 2022-06-19
From: Mashipacong

To: Secret Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Stayed at secret shelter.  Cabin owned by hiker who lets people stay in cabin or tent. Has well water and electric to charge up.  Also has outdoor shower. It was warm day and cold well water shower was nice. Jake the mule has been there 26 years. 11 hikers there.  Great day hiking.
Date: 2022-06-20
From: Secret Shelter 

To: Pochuck Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

Slept in since planning short day. I can do 7 or 19 to next shelters.  Decided to go into Unionville NY to resupply.  Went to country store and had breakfast sandwich. They have chairs out front and plugged in my charger to max that out. Bought a few resupply items. Also got a roast beef sub and a few beers to pack out for 4 mile hike to shelter. Weather was great today.
Date: 2022-06-21
From: Pochuck Shelter

To: Waeayanda Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Another nice weather day. 5 miles into hike reached road with hot dog stand.  Two chili dogs chips and drink 8.50. Good deal and got rid of my trash.  Climbs are getter steeper. Got to shelter and set up tent. Met Determined who grew up where  I did. He is a year older. Actually met his wife at great pizza trail magic Agee days back. Started raining around 7:30. So far I have not hiked in rain yet.  4 miles to complete Jersey
Date: 2022-06-22
From: Waeayanda Shelter

To: Greenwood Lake
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Up early and hiking by 6. Ten miles to town.  Overcast but not raining.  About 7 miles today were brutal. Lots of rock climbing. Still made it to trailhead by 11:30. Called hotel and picked me up. Room was ready. They did my laundry for 5 bucks.  Been a week since last washing. Went to CVS and bought way to much resupply. With a couple of delis should make the 86 miles left in NY without going to a town. They have showers at some of the campgrounds. Made it through Jersey without hiking I rain.
Date: 2022-06-24
From: Greenwood Lake 

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Owner of hotel took me to trail and started at 7:30. I figured I could get to shelter by 4:30 got there 7:30.  Long day.  Many serious rock climbs and long distance between water sources.  Hope tomorrow the rock scrambles are less.  Sunny and 84 today. Calling for 89 next two days.
Date: 2022-06-26
From: West Mountain shelter 

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Got up early and on trail by 6:30. Had one liter of water to make it 5 miles to bear mountain. Got there and they had soda and Gatorade machines.  Got 2 Gatorade and one coke. Then hiked another 2 miles to lodge and filled up my water bottles. After that hiked bridge acres Hudson River. Tugboat went Under me while crossing. Another reason for early start was now calling for 90 today. Had big climb after bridge then easier 4 miles to campsite.  They have a softball field where they let hikers camp. Cold shower a Pavilion with electric to charge up and port-a potty.  Took shower. Washed clothes in set tub. With 90 degree heat they dried in about an hour. Good day hiking and beat the heat of day getting to camp by 3
Date: 2022-06-27
From: Graymoor Spiritual Center 

To: Denny town Campgrounds 
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Planned on hiking farther but my body felt like crap today. All the heat and lack of liquids zapped me. Started raining after I started. First time I have hiked in rain so far. Got to road where campsite is and there was trail magic.  Got a egg sausage and cheese sandwich and coke. Also a Gatorade. The guy trying to do Appalachian Trail in 41 days passed by today. Did not see him but met his mom who is driving one of the support vehicles.  Headed to campsite and it rained hard for two hours. Was able to put pack under a picnic table to keep dry. After rain sun popped out. I set up camp and dried my clothes in the Sun. Good decision to not push on today.