morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

23 AprilDeparted: 0800Hikers I met today:SnowBlueberry DanMayberry PeteGood nights sleep, the shelter was full and the areas outside the shelter was also maxed out! Frost again this morning, the air was cold and brisk. Getting out of camp this morning was easy and I feel that the (15.7 miles) can be accomplished. During the downhills my tendon started bothering my Achilles' tendon. When I stopped, for water, at Cosby Knob Shelter (7.7 miles) my Achilles strayed to stiffen. Enroute to Davenport I met Blueberry Dan and Mayberry Pete (Day Hikers). They have been hiking various sections of the AT over the past 20 to 30 years. They are in the area for a few days and offered me a ride into Newport, TN where they are staying. Wow, what a break, a ride after departing the Smokies. I finished the last 5 miles with these gentlemen and siting in a car was amazing! My Achilles is now hurting! When I stop it really hurts. My thoughts at this point is that after we eat I am going to really need to take a break. Walking is problematic. After dinner, shower, and a quick trip to Walmart I adorned to my room to nurse my Achilles. I'm so focused on my Achilles tendon that my knees don't even hurt or at least not that I can recall. Arrived: 1545 hours (Davenport, TN)
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Newport, TN "Days inn"

To: Newport TN "Red Roof Inn"
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

24 AprilArrived: Stayed another day at the Days Inn, Newport, TN. My tendonitis is slowly healing. It is good to have a room, however, the accommodations are lacking. For $53/night I was expecting a little more from the motel. It is good to be near other establishments, to eat, that is the ONLY plus! Humble, very humble! I will be looking for another place with a jacuzzi. The Red Roof Inn is 100' from here and I see that they have a jacuzzi. Just returned from eating at Cracker-Barrel and talked to the receptionist at Red Roof Inn. She showed me the facility (swimming pool & jacuzzi) and I think the price is cheaper and the accommodations are much nicer. Tomorrow, I will be there after I check out of the Days Inn. My tendonitis, at this point I can walk without limping. Feeling much better.Departed: Days Inn 1055 hours
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Newport, TN

To: Newport, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

26 AprilSelf Rehab is going good (ice, heat, stretch, ice, heat, stretch)! Still have swelling and some point tenderness around my Achilles Tendon, which is within my pain threshold. Feels like I am ready to go! Forecast is for rain the next few days, I will contemplate waiting until Monday and get a few extra days of recovery as well as put some energy in my body stores and meat on my bones. During my times of reflection, while on the trail, I realize that I am a "composite" of where I have been and how we have grown up. Wherever I go it is with me! Recognizing that on this journey I will not solve the riddle of Life, I am having time to reflect on those moments of nostalgia and know where I go IT goes with me. "I see the crystal raindrops fall when the beauty of it all comes shining through!" - Bill Withers "Just The Two of Us"Cannot wait to get back to my trekking habits (Beginning After Breakfast / Beginning After Lunch):   Stretching - Achilles +++   Singing - "I Want Jesus To Walk With Me" (Dorothy Melton)   Recite - Invictus (William Henley)                     Travel Prayer (St Christopher)   Singing - Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers)                     Sittin On The Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding)                     My Girl (Temptations)                     Heard It Through The Grapevine (Temps)                     Chain Gang (Sam Cooke)                     Higher (Sly)                     Marines' Hymn (3 Versus)
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Davenport Gap

To: Deep Gap Ground Hog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

29 AprilArrived: Davenport, TN (Eastern Boundary of Smokey Mountains) 1000 hoursDeparted: 0830 hours, Red Roof Inn, Newport, TN   Hikers I met today: Mammoth Wild FlowerMoon Flower & Sly Fox (Female)Funny BoneChipmunk Arrived: Deep Gap, Ground Hog Creek Shelter (2850')Shout out to James at Enterprise Rental (Newport, Tn) for transporting me back to the eastern boundary of the Smokey Mountains and a "Thank You" to Emily for giving James authorization to transport me . Enterprise is "hiker friendly!"Hiked approximately 10 miles today. Hiking to I - 40 Wild Flower & Funny Bone was there with a table full of refreshments and even after resting for a few days I still had to "par take" in the soir©e. Took my time over "hill & dale" being especially careful with respect to my tendonitis. Talk with Jim Samples "White Sidewalls", native of Scranton, PA, Private Pilot works ag Seaman's Airport, and we had the BEST conversation since I have been on the trail. His trail buddy Leopard is off the trail with an injury. Amazingly enough we stayed in Newport around the same time. We shared some OUTSTANDING flying stories. Arrived: 1600 hours
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Deep Gap Ground Hog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

30 AprilDeparted: 0800 Deep Gap, Ground Hog Creek ShelterWoke up around 1230 AM and was awake for about 1 hour, took a melatonin right away and it was back to sleep. Struggled getting up this morning. Hikers i met today:Trail LiteU-TurnSix22 & Push Up13+ miles today. The goal is to get to Hot Springs Wednesday / Thursday. My Achilles is feeling much better and the mileage did not seem to bother me today. Needless to say I was VERY nervous! White Sidewalls kept me in check all day ensuring that I did not exceed my limits! We walked about 10 hours. I need the time and the mileage IF I mexpect to bump up my mileage next week to 14 +/ day. Arrived: Walnut Mtn Shelter (4260')1800 +
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.2

1 May Departed: 0810 Walnut Mtn ShelterGood hiking today. Nice pace all day and hiking with White Sidewall has been a blessing, for several reasons! Left to my own devices, I would have probably pushed hard which would have resulted in more days off the AT. We have talked about flying and families and at the end of the day we realize that "life is good!"The shelter is empty and the hikers are electing to sleep outside the shelter in an attempt too avoid the Norva Virus that is plaguing hikers to the north as far as Erwin. Tomorrow, we hike into Hot Springs (1326') 3.2 miles, resupply, BIG Angus hamburger, wash laundry, clean gear and a hotel room. My only needs will be enough food to get me to my next town (yet to be determined). Arrived: 1530 (11.2 miles) Deer Park Mtn Shelter (270 miles)
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

3 MayDeparted: 0945 Hot Springs (1326') after a Good breakfast! Hikers I met today:Count DaddyNugget CheesesteakSynge / CondoUtaPush UpMalarkey For some reason today's hike mentally sapped me! My Achilles is feeling good and I picked up the pace today to see just how I would feel. The climb out of Hot Springs was arduous and strenuous for me today. Realized that I am STILL not myself and the heel is feeling stronger with each passing day! Forgot to purchase oatmeal!Arrived : 1615 Spring Mtn Shelter (3300')
Date: 2013-05-05
To: Log Cabin Road
Miles today: 0.0

5 MayO530 wake up at Hemlock Hollow Inn; breakfast 0735 (cheese omelet, bacon, wheat toast, fresh brewed tea, 12 oz Coke, and weather update). The next few days do not look good for the weather. We (Invictus, Lewis & Clark, White Sidewalls, U-Turn, ) have placed our heads together to "slack pack" tomorrow (6 May) IF the weather is good (18.9 miles) and save money on the 45 minute shuttle ride. ($19 + $5 / person). I have become a "outdoor enthusiast" since being out on the trail. We are starting see the aftermath of last nights weather. Hikers are coming into the Hemlock Inn soaked from the steady rain. Although there is NO additional vacancies the owner is allowing hikers to use the porch for their tents, sleeping pads / bags ($10 / hiker). It has rained ALL day today. Hikers I met today:ET - reconnectedJeannieDoc SpiceLunch: 1 Quarter Pounder, chips, 12 oz CokeDinner: 3 pieces of pizza, 12 oz Coke, ice creamThis has been a good rest and although I have been off the trail for a few days there were a number of A.T. hikers that I have met through mutual acquaintances and ALL have that glow of ". . . remembered amazement when discussing the A.T. and try to think of what it is going to be like coming back to the "real world." Talking to some "Day Hikers" this evenings, now I know much the same way I felt initially as a retired veteran, lonely for someone who could understand what I have experienced and how it changed EVERYTHING!
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Log Cabin Road

To: Devils Fork Gap, NC
Miles today: 19.4

6 MayDeparted: 0855 Devil Fork Gap (3100')Hikers I met today:22 & Push Up - reconnectedKillerStorm Crow & FinHollister & Special KOccupy & DogLady Mac & DogMercury - African American from ColoradoZak Galifinacus (SP)Today, after breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuit) transported to Devil Fork Inn (NC 212) , slack packed 18.7 miles on the trail, .7 mile to the Hemlock Hollow Inn, total 19.4 miles North to South. This is my first time doing 19+ miles since the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation Standard (MCCRES) 1989! Crested Big Butt (4750); 308.9 miles into this and it feels RIGHT! I am feeling like my "ole" self! Back in time for dinner (grilled cheese on sour doe, roast beef, lettuce, 4( 12 oz) sodas, ice cream bar, Tomorrow, I should know which part(s) of my body are aching. 1200 mg of Vitamin I, I am thinking I need some type of anti-inflammatory. Arrived: 1746 hours Hemlock Hollow Inn (2500')
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Devils Fork Gap, NC

To: Springs
Miles today: 0.0

7 MayDeparted: Devil Fork Gap (3100') 308.9 milesHikers I have met todayQueen Arthur??? La LaToday, I am not physically motivated ". . . to get this show on road!" It is the RAIN, plain and simple. The forecast for the next few days is pretty much the same, showers, more showers and then, more showers in the afternoon. That coupled with the low temperatures makes trekking that much more challenging. Climb 3100' to 4579' (Frozen Knob) and I just could not get my body to respond today. Drank a 5 hour energy drink and it did not "Energize" me. Just past Sam's Gap U.S. 23, I-26 (3850') 317.4 miles, rain cloud were moving into the area. These temperatures are unusually low and it is ensuring that I keep my rain jacket on and my pack covered. Less than a mile up the A.T. I decide to call it a day as the weather begins to produce some hail / precipitation. Tent up, staked and inside within 3 minutes! Nice to be DRY and Warm! The rain is really sticking around this area, that Low pressure area is just stuck, dumping some significant showers. I do notice that because of the cool / cold temperatures in the south the tornado count this Spring is really down. Lewis & Clark join me in the bivouac area and white Sidewalls joins us when he arrives. Rain the majority of the evening. Arrived: Springs (Vicinity) (4000') 318.1 miles
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Springs

To: Spivey Gap, US 19 W
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

8 MayDeparted: 0800 Springs (Vicinity) Hikers I met today:BlairWhite Sidewalls, Lewis & Clark and I start the day with the goal off reaching Spivey Gap. Before reaching Big Bald Stamp (5300') the visibility is 50' - 100'. What an experience, I was Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) while walking.Again, I feel tired! Today, Maximum Energy (5 hour) drink, Gu and this get me to Spivey Gap. My quads are a little, sore. I may have to take a Zero in Irwin. Arrived: Spivey Gap, US 19W (3200') 330.8 miles
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Spivey Gap, US 19 W

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0

9 MayDeparted: Spivey Gap, US 19WHikers I met today:Old PhoenixRavenKobeDoggy - Daddy ( reconnected)Flat Lander (retired AF)Chief (retired AF)Last night my knees ached, it rained off and on all night. Nothing like placing a wet tent and fly into a stuff sack! Today's objective is to reach Erwin, TN; resupply, eat vegetables, fruit and dessert! This was a difficult trek today! I realized today, besides the distances and terrain, that the weather plays a significant role when it comes to my body synchronizing with my mind. This afternoon I checked into a Hostel very near the trail. Wide Sidewalls made arrangements a few days ago, through his daughter, for us to stay here in individual cabins $20 / night. GREAT! Showered, cleaned and inventoried ALL my gear!   and will wash my laundry later. Dinner (pulled pork barbecue, french fries toast bread, lemon meringue pie) and sweet tea. In order to get to dinner, we had to rent bicycles and pedal 3+ miles to a restaurant. White Sidewalls was familiar with the restaurant chain "Huddles," so we ate there. Arrived: 1330 hours, Erwin, TN (1700') 342.0 miles
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Erwin, TN

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

10 MayErwin, TN - Zero DayHikers I met today:Brother Bear - reconnectedColin - reconnectedStaying at a hostel (Erwin, TN), taking a Zero Day! Big climb tomorrow. Early this morning I woke up in a sweat! Do not know what that was about, however, I showered and I am ready to get ALL those administrative things completed today (resupply, pay bills, post office, Dollar Store, etc.). I am catching a cold. The only transportation is a bicycle 12 miles round trip. . FUN! Again!Resting for the most part today, although I should be hiking in this beautiful weather.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Erwin, TN

To: Iron Mtn Gap
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

11 MayArrived (via shuttle): Iron Mtn Gap, TN 107 NC 26 Hikers I met today:NeonPromiseTorchPappa JimTakesNo NameReveille 0545, (i have a head cold) I anticipated getting a ride to Iron Mtn Gap shuttle with some other hikers. Called Marie / Tom last night and did not get a return call regarding the shuttle. Got a RIDE with Marie ($10) and I am Happy! Sung by White Sidewalls room to ask him to coordinate another night here, at this hostel $20 / night). 20.4 miles, slack packing (South), today. This is my highest mileage since being out on the trail (30 March). While stretching and jury rigging a day pack, observed another hiker getting out of a vehicle and they (Pappa Jim) will be heading south as well. Walked with Pappa Jim 7 + hours before we bid each other "adieu!" Felt good today up until Curley Maple GapShelter (4 miles) taking 3 breaks and they were for a few minute to talk to the Northbound hikers. All of a sudden I was hit with this excruciating pain in my bad knee which became progressively worse. Damn, I could hardly walk for several miles during one of two torrential downpours after my knee started "killing" me. I am surprised that the emperor of Japan did not call the U.S. to complain about my language that was heard half way around the world! It appeared that I was on track to complete in about 8 hours, when my knee caused me so much pain. Searing pain! I hope I feel better tomorrow or I will be forced or may cause me to take a Zero tomorrow. It was my hope that less these physical ailments (swollen right leg, Achilles [right ankle], bruised right heel) now my knee, which I was most worried about holding up! When I returned from today's trek I found that my gear was moved to another room. I was able to account for everything. Spartan living, however, it is certainly an upgrade from my tent. Sitting here this evening, I am not sore or tired physically, my left knee is starting to loosen up! Fortunate enough to have ice in the room I occupy this evening. I hope that this is a similar pain to that which I experienced each and every time I increased my mileage. This by far is the worst! I am devastated by this development. It was my hope to make it to Damascus, VA for Trail Days to get my Jet Boil stove repaired [igniter], possibly purchase a Big Agnus "footprint" for my tent.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Iron Mtn Gap

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

12 MayZero Day! Knocking out that 20.4 4 hurt my knee. To date I have not felt that much pain in my knee since I have been on the A.T.! Today I can bend my knee and I am feeling much better. Looking forward to tomorrow and how my knee will perform.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Iron Mtn Gap

To: Roan High Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

13 MayDeparted: Iron Mtn Gap (3723') 0855Hikers I met today:Lisa & Evan - Day Hikers passing on some candySean & Brad YettiSome PeachThis morning started out great, shuttle (Marie) on time. OUTSTANDING conversation and some valuable insights on the Nora virus. Several people at Uncle Johnny's were sick that stayed in the bunkhouse. Fortunately, I had my own room. Leaving today and knowing that I would not see Jim "White Sidewalls" was sad, very sad for me. I looked forward to seeing him at the campsites and planning our strategy for the next day and recapping the days events. Although I should see him at "Trail Days" this weekend, it will not be the same for me. Roan Mtn Shelter is the coldest place on the trail. This is an interesting shelter, two floors, good water source down the hill. It is getting very cold and when I passed one section of the trail I saw ice along the trail. Anything above 5500' seems to be cold. The wind is 10 gusting to 20 mph+. The shelter is providing good protection from the wind. A Chech couple with a dog (No Names) are up top along with Some Peach, and Yetti. Arrived: Roan Mtn Shelter (6275') 1630 13.7 miles
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Roan Mtn Shelter

To: US 19E
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

14 MayDeparted: Roan Mtn Shelter (6275') 0800MidwayBearcatTuesdayBo, Mike, Jenn - trail magic (Clif Bar, carrots, Trail MixLeg less & NicoleMachine-gun Jim - reconnectOG & Carey - trail magic (Carver's Gap) Well, last night it was below 20 degrees. It is hard to believe that it is the middle of May in NC! Many of the hikers are complaining about the cold, however, I do not think that they have experienced "heat" southern style! Today, the weather was perfect! I captured some of the vistas (photos / videos). It was up and down ALL day 6275' to 5512' to 5770' to 5050' to 4550' to 5449' to 4950' to 5587' to 2895'. Damn, I enjoy going up those hills! The descents are still kicking my butt! My knee held up today. Staying at the Mtn Harbour Hostel and it is very nice. Owner transported us to town for homemade pizza. WOW, I ate an entire 12" pizza!Vitamin I, icing my knees and ankle. Arrived: US 19E (2895') 1700 Mtn Harbour Hostel ($22 / night) 16.3 miles
Date: 2013-05-15
From: US 19E

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

15 May Departed: US 19E (2895') 1700 Mtn Harbour HostelHikers I met today: Showered, breakfast, and I launched at 0800 from the hostel (approximately .3 miles from the hostel to intercept the A.T., again and continue my journey. Beautiful day at 2895', just a little humid and warm. Cooled off on the mountain, and the wind picked up. Started using 60 minutes as a benchmark for a rest. 66 minutes I take a break and my knee is acting up again. Stopped at Isaac Cemetery, enroute. Damn, this hurts, again. If I can get back to the hostel, I will need to take a Zero Day to recover. Cannot figure out what I did this morning. Phone service is intermittent at best. Could not reach the hostel, called my son for assistance. *I odd not have one problem yesterday and today, I feel this pain after one hour! Uphill good, downhill WOW!Lewis & Clark saw me sitting on the trail and told me I had .4 miles before the road. My knee is going to take me off the trail for a few days until I reduce this inflammation or whatever is going on with my knee. Arrived: 1330 picked up Buck Mtn Road
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

16 MayDeparted: N/AHikers I met today:SeminoleLast night I had trouble sleeping, too much on my min! At this point in time i realize that IF i intend to complete the AT (Northbound) beginning 20 May ( will need to hike 6 days /week (15 miles / day) in order to finish by the end of September. My goal now is to get to VA. Today, after a Hearty breakfast here at the hostel, I have decided to take some Zeros to see what the rest will do for my knee. Friday (tomorrow) I would like to go to Trail Days to speak to a few of the vendors (Big Agnus, Jet Boil, and Suunto). This will give me some additional days off to address what I believe is an inflammation. If my knee is not better, I will need to do the following:- become a section hiker and begin where I get off the trail later this year or next year (particularly IF I do NOT have a FULL / Part-Time job!- rehab (home) and go to Maine (Mt Katahdin - Baxter State Park) head South since the cold will not be a significant factor. *Baxter State Park closes early October! (particularly IF I do NOT have a FULL / Part-Time job- rehab (home) and start in Damascus when I am feeling better! (particularly IF I do NOT have a FULL / Part-Time jobI am sure there are more options that I have NOT thought of at this point in time.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: N/A

To: Mtn Harbor Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

17 MayHikers I met today:BullwinkleDon Quixote - reconnectData - reconnectRainman - section hiker + (wife) StitchEasy day, not placing any stress on my knee. It was suppose to rain this afternoon and as of yet "no joy!" This morning I had the opportunity to catch a ride to Damascus, however, this was NOT. A round trip ride. Anticipating rain tomorrow 60 / 70 %
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Mtn Harbor Inn

Miles today: 0.0

18 MayHikers I met today:No ride to Damascus, VA to attend Trail Days. Raining off and on today. Tomorrow, I will need to get moving, rain or shine! Hikers are continuing to show up, North / South-bounders. I know that I need to get on the road or I will start to lose my momentum. The knee issue may just need another shot of cortisone to get me through another 45 days! Packed up my pack and rain or shine, I am out of here tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Campbell Hollow Road

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

19 MayDeparted: Campbell Hollow RoadHikers I met today:Coal Cracker TuneTyrannosaurusJumperMy plan today was to go to the first shelter Mountaineer Falls Shelter (5 miles) and break 400 miles today; see how my knee feels and remain at that shelter until tomorrow (20 May). Felt good; decided to go to the hostel (4 miles) and enjoy the amenities. Good idea, however, I could not find the hostel in the downpour (thunder and lightning). I press on to the next shelter - Moreland Gap Shelter - MISTAKE! Three torrential downpours later, I arrived soaked! Total mileage for today 14.8 miles! Exceeded what I anticipated or for that matter wanted to do. Arrived in the rain, the shelter is FULL! Set up my tent, fixed chow, got,some water from the water source, drank some tea and in my tent. Ahhh, home! Just a little stiff, tomorrow will tell the story. Arrived: 1800 - Moreland Gap Shelter (14.8 miles)I
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove USFS 50
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

20 MayDeparted: 1100 Moreland Gap ShelterHikers I met today:Fritz & WallflowerTrail Lite (reconnect)WafflesStormToday, it was difficult to get moving this morning! I think 75 % of my gear being wet had a lot to do with my lack of motivation. Finally stripped off my dry sleep clothes and slipped into my wet clothes. Fortunately it was not cold. This was the longest 6 miles I have hiked! Decided to stay at the Black Bear Resort. Very nice facility and I stayed in a cabin. Pulled out all my gear to clean and dry. The next time I clean my boots I will not jump into the stream! Fortunately I had heat in my cabin and able to dry all evening. Washed clothes and the owners took us to a Mexican restaurant, Wal-Mart in Hampton while we crooned to the sound track of "Animal House." NICE! My "hiker appetite" keeps that feed bag on me. So I ate a pint of "Cherry Garcia" tonight and my body did not reject the milk!Arrived: Dennis Cove USFS 50 Black Bear Inn (2550')