morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Standing Bear hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 23 Wednesday The top 5 countdown for today...5.Great hiking weather; 4.Did 14.2 miles today; 3.Blisters got worse, not better, even though lots of treatment; 2.Hiking in Crocs from 11AM on; 1.Max Patch Mtn-huge grassy bald with great views in all directions Staying at Roaring Fork Shelter with Piece of Work, Sub-Zero, and a section hiker from Wrightsville Beach, with her dog. Glenn is tenting nearby. Piece of Work and I started out a 8 AM together, but after an hour or so I had to slow down and try to keep my feet working. He went on,, and I did the afternoon by myself. It was kind of nice to be alone at times, I could sing without worrying too much what someone else thought of my off-key disharmony. It's 18.8 miles to Hot Springs, NC, really too far to go in Crocs, but I need to get home and get some lighter walking shoes.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 24 Thursday Piece of Work and I got an early start from Roaring Fork Shelter, 7:05 AM. It's easier to get up when it's not so cold. The others told me this morning that 2 hikers came in about 9 or 10 last night, talked, then tented nearby. I didn't hear a thing. They were late because they watched the sunset from Max Patch. What a spectacle that must have been. I started and finished in Crocs. They feel much better going uphill, because there's no pressure on the heels. Going downhill, however, the toes push into the front as bad or worse than boots. And wearing Crocs means you have to carefully step around creek crossings and muddy spots, to try and keep your socks dry. We pushed pretty hard all day and got into Hot Springs,NC, about 3:15PM. Sub-Zero joined us for the last 3 miles. Piece of Work talked him into coming on into town rather than staying at Deer Park Mtn. Shelter. Trail magic might have been involved. Piece of Work was in a hurry to get here-he had a mail drop at the Post Office, with homemade brownies. He and several others are staying at Elmer's up the street. Mike is there, and I think Granite. They said 365 did a 30+ mile day to get here-he was to meet a friend.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 26 NOTICE TO NOBO'S COMING OUT OF HOT SPRINGS: The Trail is poorly marked at mile 275.8, just above the pond. When you come to the dirt/gravel road, turn left and walk on the road for several hundred yards. DO NOT cross the road and take the trail down the hill around the Forest Service gate. Also, do not go right up into the parking area for the bike trail - stay on the dirt/gravel road until the double blazes mark where to turn right into the woods. If someone wants to copy this and post it where it will be seen by more hikers, please do so. This message could also be posted at the Bluff Mtn Outfitters in HS.Jane drove me to Hot Springs early - I was on the Trail by 8:15. Walked on the river bank, then up a steep climb with several character-building precipices. The uphills were quite easy, thanks to (1) the day of rest (2) lighter shoes (3) a much lighter pack. Uphill was easier than downhill, in fact. Lost 25 minutes just above the pond, due to poor markings [see note above]. At Spring Mtn. Shelter met Granite, Matt, and Yeti (Mitch), whom I had hiked or camped with as far back as Gooch Mtn Shelter. Stayed behind Bravefoot and NYSOM all day but never caught up to them. Met lots of SOBO section hikers, including a group of men from a Methodist church in Madison, AL at Rich Mtn, and some Scouts from Asheville. Made good time and got to Allen Gap at 3:30 PM, about when Jane arrived with the Cokes for Trail magic. We left a few for later hikers and headed back to JC.
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Allen Gap

To: Flint Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 17.6

Day 27 Jane dropped me off at Allen Gap at about 7:45 AM. Weather was perfect - very cool, sunny, no breeze. The walking was pretty easy for the first 4.9 miles to Little Laurel Shelter - not too many long, steep ups or downs. Met two thru-hikers who were breaking camp and heading north. Happy Feet is an ETSU student from Bristol; Swiss Miss is from near Hiawassee, GA. Also met MARTA, who is starting a SOBO thru-hike in July. By coincidence, her Trail Journal page is next to mine on the 2006 index. Also at Little Laurel Shelter I met Two Shoes, a young man from Greenville, SC doing a NOBO thru-hike. Past the Little Laurel Shelter were 2 back-to-back long uphills, to Camp Creek Bald. Then started some of the best hiking so far - the most fun I have had on the Trail. The green rhododendren, white rocks, and blue sky were so serene and peaceful; being Sunday was very appropriate. Also saw a junco-like bird with a white head. Anybody know what it was? The trail along the rocky ridgeline was slow-going, with lots of careful climbing uphill and down. But the views were awesome. Reminded me of Thunderhead Mtn and vicinity, but I believe this was even better. Met three trail maintainers from the Greeneville Hiking Club. Thanks for great work. Stopped at Jerry's Cabin Shelter for a brief rest and some foot doctoring, trying to get the toes and heels back to normal. Now on to Flint Mt. Shelter for the night.The segment from Jerry's Cabin to Flint Mtn. was quite varied. Walked for a while in mature deciduous forest, through some open fields (either occasional pasture or TWRA habitat fields), across some more rocks that had to be carefully climbed up and down, and on an old logging or Forest Service road that was poorly marked. It was rocky and downhill and hard on toes. At the Flint Mtn. Shelter are Restless from PA, Two Shoes, and 3 hikers who I've been with off and on since GA - Yeti(Mitch), Granite, and Matt from Atlanta, who is now Jebus.The predicted late-afternoon thunder shower never came, thank goodness. It's now clear and calm - no sign of a storm. Cooked a big dinner of ramen noodles, chicken, and peas. Was still hungry, so I wolfed down the freeze-dried strawberries without bothering to soak them first.The mileage today was long and hard on my feet. Tomorrow's segment to Sams Gap is only 11.2 miles, which should be easier.P.S. to Day 27 - The storm we thought we had dodged found us at 9:30 PM. A sudden strong wind, some hail, sheets of rain, thunder, and lightning woke us up and caused a brief scramble to see if any gear was getting wet. I was dry and safe in my corner of the Shelter. Two other storms came through later, a less intense one about 2 AM and then a steady rain from about 4:30 to 7:30 AM.
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Flint Mt. Shelter

To: Sams Gap
Miles today: 11.2

Day 28 Monday Decided not to cook breakfast because of the drizzle. The picnic table at Flint Mtn is not covered, and there was not room to cook in the small shelter. Walked out with Restless, who is my age and from Harrisburg,PA. He did a thru-hike in 2001. After a few minutes we passed Happy Feet and Swiss Miss, who tented right on the Trail. During the first storm a big tree came down across the Trail about 10 feet from their tent. Bet that was exciting! Making good time-covered 8.8 miles to the Hogback Ridge Shelter in under 4 hours. Met 2 Trail Maintainers from Hendersonville who left us fruit and snacks for Trail Magic. Thanks, Hotel Man and Big Smoky. Happy Feet and Swiss Miss got to Sam's Gap about 10 minutes after me, right when Jane arrived. We gave them a ride to Johnson City. They're going to Bristol to dry out gear. We stopped at Miss Janet's in Erwin and left a message for Piece of Work. Tomorrow I intend to slack pack from Sam's Gap to Spivey Gap.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Sams Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 29 Tuesday Dear Audrey, Thank you and "Mama Jane" for driving me up to Sams Gap this morning. As you might remember, the sky was clear but the wind was cold. We got a few pictures together, then you got back in the car for the ride back home. The section I hiked today is the same one your mom and I hiked about 18 years ago. The Trail has been relocated in a few places, but the dominant feature remains Big Bald, and extensive grassy bald 5500 feet high. Unfortunately, development and a gully-wash road to the summit are scarring its beauty. When your mom and I hiked that section, the weather was very different from today. Your mom and I walked in the summer, so the trees all had their leaves. Today was early Spring,and the trees are still bare. Your mom and I ran into a thunderstorm and had to bypass the summit of Big Bald to avoid being struck by lightning. Fortunately for me, today the sky was clear, so I went over the summit. Your mom and I had rain, mist, and clouds. This morning I saw a little snow and rime ice "fins" about 5000 feet. When you get older, get your mom and dad to take you on a hike to Big Bald-just make sure it's a sunny day. Audrey, tomorrow's hike will be from Spivey Gap to the Nolichucky River, which I walked with your Uncle James when he was in high school. Ask him someday if he remembers.                  Love,Gramps It was very pleasant hiking by myself today; I made good time and only met one group of SOBO section hikers. Jane and I stopped in Erwin at Miss Janet's to pick up Piece of Work. He is staying with us in Johnson City tonight.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Spivey Gap

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 11.2

Day 30 Wednesday Got an early start at Spivey Gap. Jane dropped me off at 7:30 AM. Another great day for walking-clear,sunny, cool, but not as cold as yesterday and without the biting winds. The first 30 minutes I walked alongside a noisy creek, but we were going in different directions. Fairly easy walking to No Business Shelter; mostly well-graded, fairly level trails. Made good time, also. Made these 4.9 miles in 2 hours and 5 minutes, without really pushing. The second segment to the river was equally uneventful. Pleasant walking on graded trails, nice weather, solitude for daydreaming. Staying back at home tonight. Jane will deliver Piece of Work and me to the Nolichucky River tomorrow morning, where we'll start walking together again. Piece of Work sent some gear home and bought some new rain pants at Mahoney's. When I came down off the Trail today I met Uncle Johnny at his hostel/store right on the river. Even though I would not be a paying guest, he was very friendly and helpful. He offered a short free shuttle, use of rest room, etc. I would have no hesitation in staying with him. He also has a mini-outfitters store with a pretty good selection of small gear items and supplies. Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Janet at her place, which was welcoming and friendly and only slightly chaotic. Two great people to visit in Erwin!
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Nolichucky River

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 31 Thursday   Piece of Work and I started early at the river, about 7:15AM. Along the first segment parallel to the Nolichucky we caught Bravefoot and updated him on NYSOM and Phoenix. Bravefoot stayed at Uncle Johnny's hostel last night and was very complimentary of the friendliness, price, and value. Apparently the two guys in Hot Springs who were critical of Uncle Johnny have an agenda. Our experience with him was all positive. After the Trail turns away from the river it goes gently uphill through a rhododendren/hemlock forest. Lots of rocks, accompanied by the babbling brook, going in the opposite direction-alas!   The weather was overcast and cool all morning. We climbed Beauty Spot, then Unaka Mountain, where we met Sub-Zero and Soeur Hawk slack packing south from Iron Mountain Gap to the Nolichucky, and Miss Janet's. At about the summit of Unaka Mountain a light drizzle started, so we covered the packs and kept going. A light rain fell all the way to Cherry Gap Shelter, which we reached about 3 PM. Bravefoot came in about 4 PM. I am finished eating and cleaning and ready to go to sleep-but it's only 5PM. I forgot to pack my stove this morning, so Piece of Work heated my water on his alcohol stove. Thanks, guy. Late addition-Grizzly just came in. He is an ASU student who has been zeroing in Boone. Seems to be a nice young man. After I went to sleep, Alexander came in and tented. I never heard him. He and I have stayed the same place several times, Woods Hole on Day 3, Cold Spring Shelter, NOC.
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Hughes Gap
Miles today: 11.9

Day 32 Friday Started out at 8:15, after a good breakfast of cheese/bacon grits. It rained a little during the night but no storming. We are stopping at Clyde Smith Shelter for lunch. I walked most of the afternoon with Grizzly, who I found out is a Sig Ep at Appalachian State University. We spent a good bit of time talking how fraternity life has changed in the past 40 years and how it has stayed the same. I was disappointed not to be able to see Ripshin Lake from Little Rock Knob on the Trail. I had hoped that it would be visible since the leaves were off the trees. Jane was right on time at Hughes Gap and delivered Piece of Work and me to Ripshin cabin. We got the water system turned on for the summer and did some spring clean-up chores.
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Hughes Gap

To: OverMountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Day 33 Saturday After a restful night in our Ripshin cabin, we were shuttled to Hughes Gap by Mrs. Mango. The weather was cloudy; time was 9:45AM. After only 1.5 hours of steady climbing, we were at the top of the Roan. Unfortunately, we were greeted by a steady cold rain, misty wind, and a padlocked restroom. So we headed on down to Roan High Shelter, the highest on the AT at 6285 feet. It is a cabin with a door and a loft but no fire place. Between the Cloudland Hotel site and the shelter we encountered a surprising amount of remnant snow and ice. The mile or two from the Roan High Shelter to Carver's Gap was like walking in a creek, because we were walking in a creek! The rain and runoff were channeled in to the Trail in most places, making walking a splash. It's too bad the weather was so bad, because the surroundings were quite interesting-Canadian-type fir and spruce forest and a gentle trail. When we got to Carver's Gap the weather turned even worse. To my disappointment, one of the most beautiful sections of the Trail that I had looked forward to was nullified by the weather conditions-cloudy/foggy, strong wind, horizontal rain. We had to keep our heads down and keep trudging up the trail, just to get over Round Bald and Jane Bald. On the way up, we met 3 runners with day packs charging down the Trail. I guess each group thought the other was crazy! When we got off the balds the wind diminished but the trail got more treacherous with mud. I slipped several times and landed on my butt. We pushed on to this shelter without stopping-The Overmountain Shelter is actually an old barn. The lower level is open partially with tables for cooking and eating. The upstairs hayloft is for sleeping, we hope(!). The boards have lots of wide cracks, and the company is large and varied. Besides Piece of Work and me, there are already 4 thru-hikers(Coach, Orangeman, Bugs, and Mr. Rogers) about 15 Scouts and leaders, and somebody downstairs with a very young child-maybe 4 or 5 years old. The Scouts are from Troop 200 in Cary,NC, on a training hike for Philmont this summer. Coach is a thru-hiker who had to go back to Buffalo, NY, for a root canal. He has poked a hole in his sleeping pad, so he called Uncle Johnny in Erwin abouta buying a new one. For a pretty reasonable fee, Uncle Johnny is going to deliver it to him at 19-E tomorrow. The more I hear about Mr. Johnny's place and service, the more favorably I am impressed.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: OverMountain Shelter

To: US 19-E
Miles today: 8.7

Day 34 Sunday During the night, I heard mice, owls, hawks, deer, snakes, turkeys, horses, and a hippopotamus - all asleep in the hayloft. Twenty or so hikers can make an incredible variety of sleeping noises. The weather turned clear and cold overnight; some unprotected water bottles and wet clothes and boots froze. I had to knock some ice off my boots to get them on, and my hiking shirt was stiff where it had not dried. Piece of Work and I got away about 8AM; we wanted to get walking quickly to warm up. The views were spectacular - frosty ridges, long panoramas, Hump Mountain(a large bald). I am fortunate that I have only missed one very scenic area due to bad weather - yesterday on Round Bald. We walked some with Mr. Rogers, who seems to be a very nice guy - about 30, friendly. We also met a lady whose trail name is Karuna Miel. We had seen it in the Shelter registers but were ignorant of its meaning. Turns out that "Karuna" is Sanscrit for "compassion" and "Miel" is Spanish for "honey". Ooooh-Kay. She was zeroing at Apple House Shelter to rest her foot - a bad case of planter fascitis. Sure hope she recovers quickly, but from what I've heard of other cases, I'm not optimistic. She is from Tullahoma, TN - nice to meet another Tennessean on the Trail. Some observations - the forest floor is starting to green up below 3000 feet. Spring is coming. But above 4000 feet, it might as well be January. Saw a couple of deer today near a high pasture approaching Doll Flats, the first I have seen on the Trail (saw 3 from the car near Spivey Gap, but they don't count). Piece of Work and I met Jane at 12:30 PM, as planned and came to Johnson City for rest, resupply, and to watch the final round of the Masters. I got some needed planning done for future mail drops. Since I only have one more night at home before late May (when I come home for a wedding and family reunion), I need to have my boxes packed, addressed, and ready to mail before I head for Damascus.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: US 19-E

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 35 Monday The weather looks great as we head through Elizabethton to the trailhead above Roan Mtn(the town, not the mountain itself). It's sunny and cool, and the forecast is for continued mild all week. One regret I have is missing church so much, especially Palm Sunday (yesterday) and probably Easter Sunday, too. I'm always aware that it's Sunday when I'm walking and try to sing (to myself, so as not to scare the critters) and pray and think about what might be going on at Munsey at that time. Today's hiking was warm and calm. After a fairly steep climb in the first 30 minutes, the rest of the day was pretty moderate-nothing extreme. The highlights for today included: 1. Great views of Roan, Round Bald, Hump Mtn., and Little Hump Mtn., including the grassy areas. 2. Some high pastures and open fields on top of ridges. 3.Jones Falls, reached by 0.1 mi. side trail-well worth the walk. 4.Going over 400 cumulative hiking distance. 5.Climbing through an old pasture with piles of stones here and there. Many of these places have such interesting stories to tell; I wish I could read them better. Was there a home here? Are there apple trees? Why were the stones collected into piles? Did the farmer do it so he could plow and plant? Often in the woods there will be abandoned equipment, old roads, chimneys, block foundations, etc. The history of these things is probably lost - no one left who knows the stories. 6. Walking along the Elk River for a while, seeing kingfishers and wood ducks. Piece of Work and I are at this shelter, and several section hikers(3 from Baltimore) are staying here also. New subject not related to today: I have often been aware that the smells of the forest don't seem to be around. Only a few times have I ever caught a whiff of that rich, earthy forest aroma. Even in the Smokies the smells were weak or non-existent. Occasionally a pine or fir will give off an evergreen scent, but mostly it's barren.
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: US 321 / Watauga Lake
Miles today: 15.0

Day 36 Last night I slept better than any other night so far on the Trail. I didn't wake up much and the weather was mild-to-cool. Highlights of the day were (1)the second half of the vanilla pudding with blueberries for breakfast and (2) the spectacular Laurel Fork Gorge. The rock climbs, Laurel Falls, beaver-gnawed trees and dam were some of the things that made the Gorge memorable. The lowlight of the day was definitely the climb out of the gorge and over Pond Mtn. It was steep, it was long, it was on a narrow ledge, and it was hot. It seemed an awfully unnecessary routing across a mountain with no scenic vistas or noteworthy places. I got down to the highway beside the lake at 4PM; good time even with the slow climb; I had left Moreland Gap at 8:15AM. Tonight will be my last night at home for a least a month and a half. Tomorrow I start back on the Trail from shelter to shelter - no more slackpacking and sleeping at home with my honey. My list of chores tonight is a page long - maildrop addresses, gear repairs, resupplies of consumables, etc. It has been wonderful to spend time at home and still make progress on the Trail, but it has also been more complicated, trying to remember what to pack for the next day or two. Starting tomorrow I just carry everything.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: US 321 / Watauga Lake

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

Day 37 Wednesday   Today started early in Johnson City with mild weather. Jane and I left home about 7:45AM and drove to Hampton to pick up Piece of Work at the Braemar Castle Hostel; Coach was also there so we gave him a ride, too.   The weather today was perfect for hiking in shorts and tee shirt. We'd sweat some going uphill but were very comfortable on the ridges and the downhills. The sky was overcast for most of the day but the sun came out in mid-afternoon. Iron Mtn. Shelter is similar to several others we have recently passed-concrete block, one level, six person capacity. So far the ones here are Piece of Work, Alexander,and me. Orangeman came by and decided to push on; he wants to get to Damascus tomorrow. Today's highlights were crossing over Watauga Dam and the views of Watauga Lake from the ridge on the north side of the lake. After climbing up to the ridgeline, we walked several miles with great views of the lake. Piece of Work was impressed with the color of the water-a deep green and clear. It occurs to me that I've been referring to and travelling with Piece of Work for several weeks and without sharing much about him-here goes. He is 61 years old, retired from the nuclear power industry, and lives on the western shore of Maryland. He and his wife have a time share condo in Gatlinburg and spend a lot of time day hiking in the Smokies. It's a little embarassing for a Tennessee guy to know less about the Smokies than he does. We get along well and hike at about the same speed. He goes faster uphill, we go about the same downhill, and I'm faster on level trails. He is shorter than me and has a shorter stride, but uphill he has a rhythmic pace of short steps that I can't keep up with for very long. But as we often say, it's not a sprint - it's a marathon. Another difference is that I stop more frequently to catch my breath, look at flowers or hillsides, relace boots, drink water, etc. He pretty much keeps going especially since he has a water carrier with a tube and "bite valve" that allows him to drink without stopping. To me, not stopping means missing a lot of the Trail-the woods, birds, rock bluffs, views,and homesteads. I think Piece of Work is beginning to appreciate my approach a little more - he seemed to really enjoy sitting on the rocks today, looking down on the lake.   A couple of slack packers came by this evening, Greg Fox and Homeward. After a few minutes of talking, I learned that Homeward and I had met back at Low Gap Shelter, at mile 41 in Georgia. He, Grey Fox, and two others are thru-hiking NOBO but slackpacking out of Boone, similar to what I have been doing out of Johnson City.