morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Whistling Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

5/2 The wind was whistling when I left camp. Traversing around Big Rock I took a bad step and immediately felt a sharp pain in the plantar fascia. I got some duct tape out and taped it but my tape was so old it wouldn't stick. I started hobbling down the trail with 12 miles to Erwin. I ran into Fin, a section hiker with a bad knee, and we walked together down to the last shelter before Erwin for a break. There was another hiker there with a brand new role of duct tape. As they say, the trail provides. I re-taped my foot and the pain was better for the last 5 miles. Turns out Fin and Sandy have been hanging out at Uncle Johnny's for the last few days. He has been slack packing every day trying to strengthen his knee. I found Sandy sitting by her cabin at a picnic table. It had been 4 day since my last shower so that felt good. This place is packed. I'm in bubble of hikers. We try to hike to a town before the next major storm moves in. Seems to be one every week. PatThe weather has been improving, Pat is on the trail, and I'm at Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin TN. I met a woman who is a Physical Therapist and working with the Warrior Hikes. This is a group of wounded vets transitioning from military service. In 2012 two marine successfully thru hiked. This year 13 received scholarships to "walk off the war". This is not a new idea. Earl Schaffer, the first person to hike the entire trail, returned from WWII and set out to heal the emotional wounds of war. Today I'm dog sitting for Mamagoose, Sharon, their support person while she is slack packing a long section. Ruby is a sweet little dog and I am enjoying having a dog in my life if only for a little while. Mamagoose is not only is supporting the warriors, she is working with several hikers and their various injuries. She showed me how to massage my foot. Oh boy, did that hurt, but amazingly my foot felt better already. She gave me some strengthening exercises, and will show me how to tape my foot tonight. When I was in hot springs most people thought the Norovirus illness was overblown. Not so, there are 11 hikers in the hospital here and 40 in the next county north of here. Two of the warrior hikers have come down with it since I have been here. There is at least one other person here that has it. Everyone is practicing good hygiene but with so many hikers packed together in shelters, hostels, and shuttle vehicles, its seems inevitable that you will be exposed. Sandy
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Erwin

To: Indian Gap
Miles today: 8.7

Sandy decided to test her foot today. The trail continues in front of Uncle Johnny's Hostel so Sandy can go back to the hostel if it doesn't go well. So, the walking wounded took off slack packing to Indian Gap. Nice views of the Nolichucky River and then a creek up a gradual hill. Sandy doesn't have a smooth stride but felt better after the hike than before. Fin's knee is getting better every day. My foot was better also. Fin made arrangements for a shuttle pickup at Indian Gap. The Summit Sisters were there waiting for Miss Janet so we had a change to chat. Miss Janet is a shuttle driver that follows along the whole trail helping hikers. She is everywhere. I don't know when she sleeps. Our shuttle driver took us back the scenic, but long way, as he had picked up another hiker that got lost and needed to be taken to his truck. Our shuttle driver had already driven 360 miles today and as soon as he drops us off he is headed for another pickup. Shuttling is big business on the AT. One hostel owner told me its where they make most of their money. We certainly have made our contribution to the shuttle economy. We can slack pack another 12 miles tomorrow and if that goes well we can put on the big packs and continue on. Its about 100 miles to Damascus, the next town. Since we are both nursing injuries the days will be long and the miles short.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Indian Gap

To: Iron mountain gap
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We slack packed again with the Mighty Fin. The forecast is big rain and high winds beginning tonight thru monday. The rain we could probably deal with but the 50 mph wind gusts on the balds is another story. It was windy hiking up to Beauty Spot, a local spot you can drive up to and hike or picnic. Another 900'climb with some light rain to a gorgeous spruce forrest on top of Mt Unocka. Very green and lush and the highlight of the day. We plan to move to the Holiday Inn tomorrow and wait out the storm. This hike is getting expensive. Fourteen rooms and way too many shuttles in only 28 days. You have to pay to play. Erwin is spread out over four miles so its hard to get around. The hostel has a morning and 3pm shuttle but it goes to the same places every day and there isn't a lot of time to do much. Erwin's main industry is enriching uranium for nuclear subs. Also very large police force. There are no taverns and beer only sold at a couple of locations. Churches are like the white blazes on the trail. When your at one the next one is within eyesite. One of our shuttle drivers said there is not one african american in the whole county. We expected more diversity in the south. Erwin is a very neat and clean town. Hope to get back on the trail monday but it will depend on the weather.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Iron mountain gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Took a shuttle to Huddle house for breakfast with Mamagoose and Fin. Mamagoose is responsible for sandy recovering physically from her injury. Fin has entertained her with his stories and convinced her to give it time. Because of them she is back on the trail and improving every day. Very happy to be staying at the Holiday Inn to clean up and relax. Raining hard this morning but not bad this afternoon. A perfect zero day.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Iron mountain gap

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 11.7

Woke up to rain but we are warm, dry, and clean at the Holiday inn. Hotel had a nice breakfast and all the hikers were there trying to plan their day. Forecast was 80% chance of rain but we decided to brave it. Stretch came in with her friend. They were taking the day off to do trail magic and offered to take us up to Iron Mt Gap. They also had a big bag of cookies they were passing out. This was a great start to our day. Up on the trail it was cool but sunny. Hiking with the Mighty Fin again today. He knows a lot about birds and we saw 3 scarlet tanigers. Bright red with some black on the wings. Little Rocky Knob was steep, rocky with big steps. More like cross country. Nice views into the valley. Heading for Roan Mt. Stopped for the night at 5350' , about 2 miles and 800' from the top. Its very cold tonight but no rain all day. In bed early just to stay warm. I hear owls. A good day on the        AT.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Ash Gap

To: Doll Flat
Miles today: 15.1

The approach trail to Roan Mt had been good yesterday but the last 2 miles sucked. Back to rocks and roots. Stopped for breakfast at Roan shelter, the highest on the AT. It was the first shelter with 4 walls and a door. Next was a descent to Carver Gap with a road and popular area for day hikes. The climbs up Round, Jane, and Grassey Balds were pleasant. On the descent to Overmountain there was a marker for the Overmountain volunteer troops that defeated the British in the 1780's. Next up climbs over Little Hump and Big Hump. The weather had been good all morning but around 1:00 it started to mist and we could see rain in the direction we were headed. Since it was early we decided to try to get over the Humps. There was a large plaque honoring Stan Murray who lead the way to preserving the Roan Highlands for public use. We had managed to stay behind the storms moving through the area but now we were seeing lightening. There was nice camping on top of Big Hump but it was totally exposed. We decided we needed to get lower. The next section of trail was some of the worst we had seen so far and it was a good 2 miles. Nothing but sharp loose rocks and roots. This was a hard way to finish the day. Got to a campsite exhausted and set up the tent. Just started to cook dinner when the rain started and its been raining hard for hours. Today was sad as our buddy the Mighty Fin will not be hiking with us but hope to see him in Damascus or before. Walked with Woodstock all day.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Doll Flat

To: Foot bridge camp
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: moderate rain

It rained for eight hours and I didn't do a good job of setting up the tent so we had some wet gear. Good thing we had our neo air mattresses to float on. We started off in a cloudbank dropping 1700' on much better tread than yesterday. By the time we reached road 19E the sun was shining. Filtered some water and had breakfast. When we started hiking again we noticed a bunch of trash in the river. Note to self. Never get water near a road. Passed by Buck Mountain cemetery and church. Jones and Mountaineer falls were roaring due to all the rain. Walked along Elk River which was way over its bank. A lot of PUD's but none major. Trail good except for some muddy spots. We are both beat up from yesterday so pace was slow. Found a nice campsite by a stream and guess what, it started to rain. Diner in the tent again. Woke up at 10:00 and had to heave. The rest of the night I had chills and an upset stomach and couldn't sleep. Ruff night and it seems I have the norovirus.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Foot bridge camp

To: Kincora
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

It is about 13 miles to the next hostel where we will take a zero. I had no strength so pace was slow. Early afternoon Sandy came down with it. Neither one us can remember much of the day. It was just survival. We did see Scotty today and he is going well except for his sore knee. Tenting at the Kincora Hostel and hoping to get our strength back. The virus is rampant in this area but most recover in a day or two and hike on. The weather was perfect today but more rain is on the way. All the water storage is at capacity so the low lands are flooding. Heard that a section of the trail coming up has been rerouted because its under 9 feet of water.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Kincora

To: Kincora
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

10 I'm feeling better today. Last night Sandy had a restless night in the tent with chills and bad headache. I've done the laundry and now washing the dishes in the hostel. Didn't expect to stay here but an older couple, Honey and Bear, came in. They have The Cabin Hostel up in Maine and are down visiting old friends. Honey is cooking up a big kettle of spaghetti sauce for all the hikers. I'd be stupid to pass up a good meal and food is finally appealing. Had a big storm come though about 3 today with plenty of thunder and lightening. Honey's meal was amazing. Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, and ice cream sundays for dessert. Tacoma Ted provided our musical entertainment with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and songs he wrote encompassing some of Earl Schafers poetry.Honey and        Bear are wonderful people we hope to see in Maine. Also staying here is Baltimore Jack, 9 AT hikes, who kept us entertained with trail stories and history. About 20 hikers tonight. Chile & Pepper, father and son dropped in. They have completed the AT and PCT and this year biked across the US east to west. Chile was 10 on his first hike. They have plans to do CDT next year. Thanks Bob for a relaxing stay at Kincora.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Kincora

To: Spring
Miles today: 16.0

Stated the day with more trail magic. Honey and bear made blueberry pancakes and bacon. So good to have real food. We walked the.3 mile back tho the trail when I remember my coffee cup was back at the hostel. I would leave anything else but must have coffee so back tho the hostel. The trail took us by the Laural River on a great plover of redial work cut through, up, and around a mountain of rock. Later in the day hiked by Watauga Lake on the old trail. The new trail is under 9' of water right now. This is all part of the TVWA. Nice views of the lake and valleys. It rained all day butit was a warm radon and not uncomfortable. Saw first azalea blooms and bleeding hearts. The May Apple is just beginning to bloom.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Spring

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: few clouds

It rained most of the night so again we have wet gear to pack up and did not get going until 8. Two miles in we passed Vanderventure Shelter. Hikers staying there last night said it was like sleeping in the refrigerator. Most shelters are three sided. This one had the north side open so they had little protection from the wind and rain. Maybe our tent isn't so bad after all. Trail was a nice little roller coaster with no big climbs. There was a mDoubleemorial and grave for Nick Gundstaff and it read lived alone, suffered alone, and died alone 1851 to 1926 . At least he lived 71 years. The path followed a high ridge overlooking valleys on both sides and numerous bright green pastures below. This was a rain free, partly sunny, but with a cold north wind day. Riff Raff had trail magic so we stopped for a drink and cookie. Passed on the moonshine.Camped above 4000' so we may get frost tonight. Coyotes are howling. We have had two good days of hiking and should get to Damascus early Tuesday. Happy Mothers Day
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: 464 mile campsite
Miles today: 16.0

Its still winter here with frost on the tent. Our earliest start at 7am exactly and moving petty good to stay warm. Sunny but cold north wind. The day was rather easy with no major PUD's and on the ridge. A day much like yesterday. We finally left Tennessee for good and crossed intoVirginia. This is our fourth state and 500+ miles long. Entered Mt Rogers wilderness. About 3 miles from Damascus at a nice camp site. A Belgium fellow here that broke his glasses and has double vision so waiting for replacement glasses. He has been here for two weeks, poor fellow. Cold again tonight.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: 464.8 mile campsite

To: Damascus
Miles today: 3.0

Hiked into damascus this morning and first person we saw was our old friend Scotty. Had breakfast with him and then found our way to the methodist church where we are staying tonight. Sandy yogi ed getting our laundry done so we had an easy morning with not too many chores. Slow & Steady, Pantry, Honey,Bear, and Jeff plus many other people we have met staying here. This is where the old folks stay. No drinking or smoking.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Damascus

To: Footbridge Creek
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Left town at 9 after a nice breakfast at The Blue Blaze. The trail paralleled The Creeper Trail, a popular bike trail, for several miles. The rest of the day was a lot of climbing. Ended the day about 1100' higher than we began the day. Camping with Pantry, Scotty, and Just Jeff tonight. Lots of laughs. This was our first real nice day in a long time. It was short and t-shirt weather probably mid 70s. Two days ago its was low 50s. Hope the weather holds as we are headed to the highest section of Virginia. As we gain elevation we are walking back into spring. Saw Ladies Slipper, trout lily, and May Apple. A good day on the AT.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Footbridge Creek

To: Thomas knob shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Our earliest start this year at 6:30 on a nice warm morning. We're knew this would be a difficult day with a lot of elevation gain. The day went well. Trail was good and didn't get rocky until the last few miles. Last night we were in warm weather gear. Tonight its back to cold and rain forecasted for several days. There are wild ponies in this area. They come up to the shelter looking for handouts. They are very tame and you can pet them. Sadly I think they have been feed too many protein bars and ramen noodles. Camped near Mt Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia. Flowers spectacular today. Camping with Scotty and Pantry is in the shelter.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Thomas knob shelter

To: Hurricane Mt Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

We stayed on the last 5000' peak we are going to see for a long while. There is blue sky and sun but in every direction there are threatening clouds. Descending it was much like yesterday. Very rocky with huge rocks to navigate. It seems like instead of going around these rock piles, the AT goes up and over them. Often you can see where people have gone around them but not being familiar with the trail we stick to the white blazes only to see that some of them could be avoided. Nice views of open landscape with green grass and flowers. Saw many wild ponies in the Grayson Highlands and huge long horn steer. They had no fear of us and never even looked at us. The rocky trail dropped out of the high country and gradually got better. Unfortunately the weather did not. A thunder storm moved in and our final hours of the day were in a downpour. Arriving at Hurricane Shelter soaking wet and and cold with no sign of the rain letting up, we decided to spend our first night in a shelter. Luckily it was fairly new and clean. Scotty and Pantry showed up and then 5 young guys. It was crowded but dry. Our AT experience so far has been spent walking in the rain, waiting for it to rain, or watching it rain. Has all three today.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Hurricane Mt Shelter

To: Near Partnership shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: moderate rain

Sleeping in a shelter with 8 hikers side by side was odd but worked for me. I slept well but Sandy didn't. I think she was worried about the mice running over her. Hard to be organized with all our wet gear. When we left it was warm and we waited for the rain to start. About two hours in it started to rain and rained all day. It was a light rain and warm so not bad. Its what hikers call a free shower. We had been having some trail hunger and a little worried we would not have enough food for this section. As they say, the trail will provide. We had trail magic at Two road crossings. Also at the Mt Rogers Visitor Center they have a phone and you can call Pizza Hut and have it delivered. Of course we did. Camped just past the visitor center with scotty. We are now out of the high country. A nice rolling trail in virginia. We had a good day and covered 20 miles today in 10 hours, our best mileage since starting. The footing is better and less rocks which makes for faster travel. A few sunny days would be appreciated. Just heard about the car crashing into the hiker parade at Trail Days. We know several people there and very concerned. A sad day for our hiking family.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Near Partnership shelter

To: Relax Inn, Atkins, Va
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Rained all night but just misting as we broke camp and headed for a town stay at the Relax Inn. Several small PUD's. Everything is so green, trees blooming and very fragrant. We are walking into spring again. Passed an old farm, museum, and school house, Lindawood, built in 1881. Made it to Atkins Barn Restaurant in time for brunch. We had beat the rain hiking but the rain started at the restaurant and we had to walk back to our hotel in the rain. Its still raining at 7:30 pm and we are glad to be inside tonight. Life is good. We are clean, full, and watching a soccer game and The Voice on TV. Have talked to some friends in Damascus and the news is better than expected. We hope everyone will be able to continue their journey.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Relax Inn, Atkins, Va

To: VA Road 623
Miles today: 29.0

5/20 Our little group (Pantry, Scotty, and Sandy) left Atkins in a light drizzle around 10:00 am after 8 hours of steady rain. Thirty minutes into our hike it let loose and rained hard for four hours. The trail was a slippery, muddy mess the rest of the day. There were many hikers joining us in our misery. Trail Days are over and all the hikers are back on the trail. Everyone had the same plan to hike to the first shelter and it was tent city with the small shelter only sleeping 8. The rain quit and we were able to cook and sit around and chat a little tonight.5/21 Woke today to dry conditions, of course, everything is wet from yesterday and the humidity is so high that nothing drys out. The morning was all climbing as we headed to Chestnut Knob Shelter. The rock Shelter was situated on top of a bald with about 100 acres of high meadow. A very nice place to take a break and enjoy dry weather! The morning had a lot of climbing and the profile looked like we had an easy ending to our day. The next seven miles was rough, rocky and constantly up and down. Our envisioned easy afternoon turned out to be very difficult. We were all trashed by 4:30 so we quit early and dry camped by a road with nice tent sites. Strawberry Donut and Whistler, the German couple, arrived after slacking and we visited with them until their shuttle driver showed up.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: VA Road 623

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

As bad as the last two days have been with lousy weather and trail conditions, today made up for it. We had sunshine all day mixed with a few clouds. There was plenty of water and we had a nice creek for our breakfast break and a great lunch spot at Laurel Falls. It was hard to leave Laurel Falls. The weather was perfect, the water was perfect, and there we many hikers hanging out. The trail was not littered with rocks and the PUDS were gentle all day. In the afternoon there were several storm cells and we managed to miss all but the one right after setting up our tents. Saw two Black Snakes today. They are very big. One looked to be about five feet long and the other about three plus. One was at the shelter and we were told they hang out there for their favorite food - mice. Camp sites have not been as plentiful in Virginia. The mountains slopes are steep and we have been forced to camp near the shelters. As I write this entry it is raining. I can't remember the last time it hasn't rained for more than a day, but it was a good day.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Trent Store
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: few clouds

This was a very sad day on the trail for me. Sandy has been walking with a bad ankle for a couple of hundred miles and it has been getting better but now her knee on the opposite leg is beginning to bother her. She has been down this road before and knows there is nothing to do but take a break. She has a lot of pain tolerance but I am worried about permanent damage. The opportunity presented itself when we saw Jolly at a road crossing. He had decided to go home to New York and had a shuttle driver to take him to Bland. I was bummed all day. It was so hard to say goodbye. The trail won't be the same. I am fortunate to have Scotty and Pantry to hike with for the next few days. Its going to be hard for me to get used to not having my best friend with me. We had a late start this morning due to RAIN, but we still got to Trent's Store before 6pm. Had real food, shower, laundry, and got my tent up before, you guessed it, RAIN. I don't think it will ever end. We are twenty five miles from Pearisburg, our next resupply, and if all goes well I will be there Saturday night. Way past hiker midnight in my lonely tent wondering if Sandy has been able to make arrangements to get to DC, Michigan, or home to California.