morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Deep Gap stealth site 

To: Homestead Area stealth site 
Miles today: 12.0

I am sitting up in my tent, looking at a sliver of bright apricot light lining the horizon, as a layer of iron gray cloud settles upon it. Sunset is a little after 7:30 now. The first wood thrush is calling tonight, very flute like and clear. Old, battered hickories and oaks are sprinkled around the grown over hayfield.    Our two food bags, soft deep red, and bright spring green,are suspended from a partly fallen branch some 30 feet away. Its getting too cold to type for long, and a little too dark to see without the headlamp.   I stepped outside to unroll the sides of the vestibule, and as I got back into the tent, zipped them together. I zipped the screening shut, and stretched out on my belly in my sleeping bag. Last night I slid a bit on the sloped site, so when I set up tonight, I piled leaves underneath the foot of the tent, and its helping to level my sleeping mat.    I hiked another 12 mile day, and enjoyed brief interactions with other hikers along the trail. It was dark and raw all day, but did not rain: good for us, but not good for the water situation.   Tomorrow we head up over Roan Mtn., another 6000 footer. I have heard about this mountain for years, and hope I can enjoy the challenge. We are planning to leave closer to 7 than 8, so I need to get to sleep. Its dark out now, and perfectly quiet, except for a faint rumble of a jet engine in the far distance.Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Homestead Area stealth site 

To: Overmountain Shelter 
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

I am in my tent, sitting up on my mat with my legs in my sleeping bagfor warmth. Its just grown dark, and I can hear robins calling their last songs and neighboring hikers, Cannuck, Aqua Maria and Tailgate chatting softly as they fix their dinners. We are arrayed beside the path leading to Overmountain shelter, an old red barn overlooking mountains beyond mountains. It is breathtakingly beautiful here, pastoral and wild, cultivated and ancient. I wonder where the owners are, how can we just walk here and camp? But hikers have been coming here for years, or so I've read in Trailjournals.   This was a longer day than I'd planned, as we got on the trail by 7:45am, and got here close to 7pm. Jan and I bypassed the Clyde Smith shelter, went up Little Rock Knob, and then went downhill about 2 miles to Hughes Gap, which was the lowest elevation of the day, at 4040 feet.   The approach to Roan Mtn. began there, as we climbed two miles up to Ash Gap at 5350 feet. Another 1.5 miles straight up took us to Roan High Knob shelter, at 6285 feet.   I was facing myself during that climb, over and over. I had my attitude adjusted more times than you could shake a stick at today, when the uphills just went on and on and on. It put me in mind of what a pilgrimage must evoke in its travelers, the strong desire to move toward the sacred, yet the constant confrontation of one's limits in that moving toward.   That trail over Roan Mtn. wound through old paths worn deep by hikers, and washed hollow and black by rain. We clambered up slate colored wet stones the size of boulders, wrapped in hemlock roots worn slick over time. We stumbled over fist sized rocks as we walked down the other side of the mountain, and across Carver Gap to a series of balds whose paths became trenches eroded by weather and time.    We met the congenial hiking duo Garlic and Pickle, who travel light and shared their appreciation of the Tarptent, in their case, the Contrail. They arrived at Over mountain before we did, so I had a chance to ask about the tent I have been thinking of switching to. There they were, 2 Contrails set up in the field here, and two happy owners willing to talk about them, standing by.   Jan has made arrangements for us to hike about 9 miles tomorrow, out to a B&B for a night, which will help us get resupplied and cleaned up, and back on the trail without a zero day. What a hiking partner! After today's major push, that will be a wonderful reward. Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Overmountain Shelter 

To: Mountain Harbor hostel 
Miles today: 8.7

I woke after a dismal night's sleep, you know, the kind in which you wake up a zillion times and its 42 minutes later than your last peep at the watch. I was a little sweaty, and despite a cushiony spot to place my tent, simply unable to drift off. There was a layer of moisture clinging to the inside of the tent. Thick fog clung to the outside and obscured any possible view. Birdsong was starting up, however, and as the light grew stronger, the fog dissipated.    I heard the soft thunk of my food bag as Jan kindly dropped it outside my tent. Time to rise and shine! I stretched my legs, and felt the clammy interior of my too-warm sleeping bag. I sat up and took my pillow, opened the end and shook my warm jacket out. I slipped that on and began to root around in the food bag for breakfast. Sigh. Even AT life has its slow starts sometimes.    I opened my pot set and took out the gas canister, screwed the stove top onto it and plunked a pot half full of water on to boil. While searching for the grits and coffee, I could hear the flame growing weak, and soon it died out. OK, I can work with tepid water, I'll just switch the menu to instant breakfast and a sandwich. I knew the gas was low, it was #2 of the two used canisters I brought for this leg.   Eventually the sun touched the tent top and I thought the condensation would soon evaporate. Some of it did, but we needed to get going before the job was done. I stuffed the damp sleeping bag, praying for a front loading washer in the next few town stops, so I could finally give the thing a bath. I tossed everything out onto the still wet grass and into wobbly piles to keep stuff as dry as possible, and took down the tent.    Jan and I started out of the Overmountain area, in all its brilliant morning glory, and stepped smartly down the wrong path for about a quarter mile. Jan caught the error, and we trudged back up to where the AT turned further uphill.   The area we hiked was intensely graded both up and down, and it ran us over several balds with true "Sound of Music" effects: huge skies, mountains 365 degrees around us, and comely groomed domes at the very tops. We saw one school group on the trail today, but no one else. Many friends began to do some serious slack packing in Erwin, so we may not meet up until Damascus.   Jan also had an outstandingly poor sleep last night, it turned out, so we slogged our way to the town of Roan Mtn., and went to Mountain Harbor hostel for a shower, meal in town, grocery run and hopefully, a good night's rest. Tomorrow is a new day, we think we'll do 10-12 or so miles, giving us a clear shot at Kincorra hostel for Friday. Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Mountain Harbor hostel 

To: Rt. 19E
Miles today: 13.3

I did sleep well in a built in captain's bed with pretty sheets and a soft white comforter. At breakfast we were surprised and delighted to find Leaping Turtle had arrived last night, and so we caught up on trail folks over a divine selection of breakfast foods that our host, Mary Hill, had prepared.    Together V8, LT and I decided to slack pack a 13 mile piece and return to the hostel tonight. Ahh, what a super decision!    Terry, also our host, drove us to the trail head 13 miles from the house, and dropped us off with day pack-sized loads. It took us from 9:30 am til about 4:30 to hike back to a shower and a ride to King of the Road steak house. Earlier on the trail today we met up with Mississippi Mule and Walkie Talkie, as we took a break at the new Mountaineer shelter. They were heading north, but we managed to talk them into getting shuttled south and going to dinner with us tonight. So they were at the hostel when it was time to go eat, as was the very pleasant Sightseer and the droll and inspiring Walrus.    Leaping Turtle was the younger of this group of otherwise gray haired hikers, and we made a convivial group at the steak house. Its an unassuming spot, but served the best steak, and was staffed and owned by truly good people. We were treated extremely well.   One highlight of our hiking day was running into Bananas who was hiking north, reconnecting a little cadre of early March hikers for a moment. My concerns about losing touch with friends were abated as I learned that many buddies were either just a day ahead or behind us.   I am extremely happy to have a second night in a bed, without losing any hiking days. The weather is deteriorating toward the weekend, so it is good to be rested and fresh for what might be a few rainy days. In the morning we will be on our way to Damascus, VA. We are hoping to reach Kincora in time for the resupply run they make at 5 PM, as we will need another 3 days' food by then. The adventure continues! 400 miles down! Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-04-25
From: 13 miles N. of Mtn. Harbor hostel

To: Kincora hostel 
Miles today: 13.0

From underneath the overhang at Moreland Gap shelter, the sun is playing weakly on the skeletal trees and distant hills. V8 and I are on our way to Kincora, and met up with Mississippi Mule and Walkie Talkie who were snacking here. V8 went to get us all water, but found the spring very low.    There is talk about arranging a slack pack out of Damascus from 19 miles out. Sounds like a great idea!    Now I am typing from my bunk at Kincora hostel,listening to a little snoring nearby, and a lot of chat from below.    V8 and I left Mtn Hbr after a stupendous breakfast with the same folks who ate at the steak house.    We had full packs today,and warmer weather than usual. We got in around 3, and were able to hop on the shuttle to town and load up for the next leg.Bob Peoples owns Kincora, a well known hostel run on the honor system. Donations are accepted. It was the most orderly little anarchy I had ever seen! Full kitchen, [bring your own food], 12 bunks upstairs, 4 bunks down, a small double bed room called the executive suite... What struck me was the way the place could absorb 12 to 15 strangers, and run smoothly and without problems. Three stalls for sinks and toilets, a shower stall, a laundry room, and a big picnic table on the front porch. All of this was housed in a barn like structure right next to the house Bob and Pat live in. Its a dry hostel, which helps maintain order, but Bob's presence also was key to bringing out the best in the guests. The ride to town was a breathtaking luge ride down countless hairpin turns, piled in the truck and listening to stories of wintertime antics in these Tennessee hills.   If you hike in the area, don't pass up this legendary pair and place. Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Kincora hostel 

To: Route 321
Miles today: 8.9

Its 9:30pm, and the peepers are sounding outside the hostel, as I settle into my bunk for a second night. V8 and I hiked out from Rt 321 at 8:45 this morning with day packs. LT joined us for the 9 mile trek over the unexpectedly long uphill of Pond Mtn, through some ridge-like areas, and then down to Laurel Fork Falls. Tremendous rock work there, both going down and especially coming back up. As LT said, it was like something out of Lord of the Rings. The humidity built and showers threatened, but we walked back into Kincora dry and very happy to get cold water and short naps.   The first rhodendron blossoms came out today, violet pink, signs of things to come.   A new group of hikers had arrived, which jelled around the dinner hour. Everyone had their own food, but lots of sharing happened. Zack from Maine, Preacher and Pie, Sunbeam, and many warmhearted others stayed the day and night. The plan is for us to hike out with packs tomorrow, and take 3 days to get to Damascus. Our buddy Bananas is visiting with her husband, Ground Control, whom we had the pleasure of meeting this afternoon. They are off to civilization for a night or two.   Riding to town last night and this, I picked up some history of the hostel and enjoyed listening to Bob and Pat Peoples talk about moving to TN from Vt. The hostel operation looks effortless, but requires a leader or two with very clear limits and boundaries. Oh, and a tireless appreciation for hard work and the silly antics of long distance hikers off the trail. Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Route 321

To: Vandeventer shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We just went through a rainstorm and major period of turbulent winds, which began to simmer in the last two hours of today's hike. Bob left us off at the Lake beach, rt 321, at close to 9 am, our final departure from Kincora. The air was very humid, and we began sweating within the hour. Sticky, yucky hiking weather, but I had good energy and attributed it to a few good nights' sleep, as well as to drinking a lot of water both last night and this morning. All went well and we stopped for lunch overlooking Wautauga Lake. The wind was picking up, black clouds moved in unpredictable patterns, and a few stray drops flew down.    I passed a small group of day hikers who had their rain gear on, and we wished each other well.   We climbed down into a dark, steep gap, and stopped at a rock cairn. There was a small depression in a rock pile, with a clear pool of water seeping from an underground spring.   We took off our packs and got out a cup Jan keeps for shallow springs. Each of us carefully scooped a liter or two to carry up to the shelter about 2 miles up the trail. The rain really came down just as I was getting my pack back on. Thunder rumbled in the distance. On with the rain jacket, although in warm weather, it adds to the sweat factor. I hiked about as fast as I could that last 2 miles. I had no intention of being on a ridge in a lightening storm. We thought we might hike on from Vandeventer, but as we started to gather our things to go, the skies let loose with a deluge. The energy I felt this morning was totally gone.    About water, I have noticed so many dry stream beds in recent weeks, its been underscoring the reports of drought. Lack of water could really shut down long distance hiking in a hurry.   Its going on 8pm, and we have been here since about 3pm.               There is a buoyant and endearing group of hikers here: Aqua Maria and Tailgate, Nest, Pearl and Trainwreck. Leaping Turtle arrived with us but decided to move on around 8. The others here are planning a 3:15 am wake up, so they can hike the whole way to Damascus tomorrow, in one shot. They hope to be rewarded by yellow shoelaces when they complete the trot cross country. Stay tuned... Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Vandeventer shelter

To: sick day. Vandeventer shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I need to shed a little light on what happens when one falls ill out here. Seven hikers were planning to stay in this shelter last night. Jan and I had our two spaces by the wall, and were not too crowded. I had lunch food for supper, then cooked up a Knorr noodle dish. Not able to eat more than a little, I gave the rest away.    Come nightfall, I felt shivery and sweaty and kind of off in the stomach. I hoped sleep would help. In the night I woke up with a headache.   In the morning, as the rain poured down, I knew I was out of the game for the day. This is a cement block shelter with a metal roof, and it lacked ambience in the dark, cold, rainy morning.   I could barely get up to take care of a woods run, and when I did, collapsed back in my fog dampened bag like the dead.      I felt like I swam in that peculiar depression that accompanies illness. I worried about holding up the trip, and tossed and turned in a sweat laced misery. I'd wake for a few minutes and then plunge back into an uneasy oblivion for an hour or so. I was still in that trance like half consciousness as afternoon came to a close. Some other hikers had come by, but I didn't pay attention to who they were. Someone said "Ukelele...".   I was drifting when I heard the first strums, and thought, "Oh man, this is the last thing I need," when very slowly and very carefully a man sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", to a measured, modal version of the song. Everyone was quiet. I felt my spirit sung back into my body. My fear melted, and tears came.    V8 was so kind, patient and caring, as she covered for me all day. Made me grits at supper, got water, hung the food bags, all with a cheerful outlook. It was as if she was minding the store while I dropped out for the day.   The gang planning to do 30 something miles split ranks. Two took off at 3am, in the rain, and the other three slept in til noon today, then rallied and hit the trail when the rain stopped mid afternoon.   Jan and I were on our own here til a few new folks came in: Site, Sunbeam and Brown Bag, nice bunch. The air also cleared and its now 40 but far prettier, bright and sunny. I hope I am lots better tomorrow, and that V8 stays well. May music touch you all.Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-04-29
From: sick day. Vandeventer shelter

To: Low Gap campsite
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Sometime during the night last night I knew I was well again. It was a deeply peaceful experience that permeated my sleep and left me very rested in the morning. Jan and I were up and packing by 6:30, as was Site, while the others snoozed away. It makes an awful racket, fixing food and stuffing sleeping bags, but I try to do it as quietly and quickly as possible.    During the night the wind had roared over the shelter, the way it would sometimes in Georgia and the Smokies. Rain lashed, and I do mean lashed down on the corrugated metal roof. I had no idea what we would waken to. As it was, the temps had dropped to 20, and the wind was consistently powerful through out the day. We headed out at 7:45.am.    Very few birds sang today, as is often the way it is in the cold. The one or two that I first heard were piercingly beautiful, like the origin of all music. I felt immersed in the origin of art and color, scent and sound. I felt carried by that impression off and on all day.    The terrain was easier after Vandeventer, less acute ups and downs, so we banged out the 6 miles to Iron Mtn. shelter by 11 AM. We had lunch there, and struck out for Double Spring, 7 or so miles further. To my satisfaction, we got there by 3 ish, and after a short break, decided to get in a few more miles to make tomorrow easier.    I didn't expect to see the next 4 miles covered with blackened ash, the result of controlled burning that is done annually. Everywhere we looked was charred at the surface, and it smelled burned and damp.   We knew a campsite was about 4 miles out, and we are there now. Its a flat spot 30 or so feet in diameter, that they carefully avoided burning.    Its 7:30pm, and the sun is slanting across the tent top. I am done with supper and clean up, and ready to sleep after the day's record breaking mileage. The wind is softening, finally. A woodpecker is hammering into a tree nearby, sounding for all the world like an old fashioned telephone ringing away.The last section of the road to Damascus awaits us.Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Low Gap campsite

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

The winds died down during the night. A crescent moon washed the sky with that faint radiance all night, and we awoke to first light, as if to a new world. It was snappy out, and the tent had a lot of condensation inside and some traces of ice outside. I bundled it up as is, and figured I could dry it out in Damascus.    Both V8 and I were amped to make the most of an early start, so got ourselves together and on the trail by 7:30. Brisk and cool, it was perfect hiking weather. It felt like New England in the late fall. A good strong sun shone all day, but we did not feel actual warmth til we got down into the town around 2pm. It was shirtsleeves all the way, once down here.   Only one other hiker passed us today, and that was Pigpen, a pleasant fellow who remembered meeting us back many weeks ago. With a long stride, even ambling along, he was quickly disappearing over the horizon.   I hiked faster than usual and felt it today, so that when I got to the town itself, I slowed to an easy, grateful stroll past the park area. We took the usual pictures of the Damascus sign, which was oddly moving despite its commonness.   A fellow with dark hair and glasses, and what looked like an injured ankle hailed us from a bench beside the trail. It was Crazy Horse, whose entry at Double Springs shelter had caught my eye. Tom had been in touch with him since they met up in 07, so we were introduced to the town in style.   We stopped in at Mount Rogers Outfitters, to get maps before they got scooped up by fellow Northbounders. The afternoon sun on our backs as we walked to the Lazy Fox Inn was so comforting.   As we stepped into the foyer of the Inn, I looked up and saw three smiling faces looking down at us from the second floor. Mississippi Mule, Leaping Turtle and Walkie Talkie were waiting for us and wanting to know how we were since the unplanned zero at Vandeventer. News travels fast on this path! They were so sweet, and asked if we would have dinner with them tonight.   I took our clothes to the laundromat a couple of blocks away, and just sat in the sun a bit while chatting with Walkie Talkie and then going across the road for an iced tea. I savor these moments, as much as I savor being on the trail itself. All the contrasting paces and beats make for a rich mix of activities.   At supper time we went over to Dot's for burgers and beer, met a few others like Bilge Rat and Wool E. Mammoth, and wrapped up the evening by 8pm. Tomorrow is a real zero, with a lot of chores and planning to do. PS: I need to stop drinking sweet tea in the afternoon. I had a terrible time falling asleep last night, and just know it is that seductive southern brew...Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damscus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Lawn mowers are thrumming in the background. One robin is carrying on at top volume in the maple tree outside the veranda. The sky is hazy and the heat has built up through the streets and lawns of this little town. May Day.    As predicted, we have indeed been busy today with overlapping lists of chores. I unloaded all the bits of gear and food I had, and sorted that out. Jan made the hard decisions about how far to go next and where to resupply. We made shopping lists. Went to the Dollar General, library, outfitter...   But before this we had breakfast. Miss Ginny served the 4 of us, Gucci and Barefoot and V8 and me at 8:30am. Grits baked with cheese, biscuits, baked pineapple,scrambled eggs, sausage and crispy bacon, fresh fruit, stewed plums, coffee... we sat there over an hour just loving the ease and the chairs and the chance to eat without rushing.    Miss Ginny is wise, kind, pretty and definitely experienced at having hiker guests. She made it all look effortless. I had the kind of feeling you have as a kid staying in an aunt's well kept, orderly home.    Now, as I sit on the front porch reviewing the day, I drank down a pint of strawberry milk that V8 brought from the store. We skipped lunch entirely, and now that its after 5pm, we are feeling it!   We expect to be going to a family style restaurant later tonight with friends, meanwhile I will finish this little note to all of you, and get my sleeping bag off the line, stuff the tent, etc, etc.Until tomorrow,Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame