morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-04-23
From: Hog back ridge shelter

To: Spivey Gap campsite
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I have been living outdoors for 30 days! What¢s the best gift for a 30 day benchmark? There is no better gift than met my husband in the morning after 2.5 miles on A.T.. He was visiting a customer in Asheville, NC, about one hour drive to Sams Gap where A.T. and hwy 26 intersects. He brought me lots of goodies and a week worth of food and other needed stuff. Meeting him, even just a little over an hour gave me big moral boost! Thanks honey, I always love you!The food added quite weight to my backpack. I was carrying about 10 days worth of food now! There were several tough climbs today. Fortunately the wildflowers were constantly distracted my attention. Under the warm Sun, spring beauty - a small white and pink flowers, carpeted the mountains. Their perfume was so strong, it intoxicated me. I can¢t help but walked very slowly to immerse myself into the fancy world of the wildflowers. I bet it smelled better than Chanel No.9!It was a long day with a heavy pack. At the end, my legs felt like jello. I was so tired that it was the first time that I didn¢t cook dinner. Just picked out the heaviest Big Sur energy bar (one bar = 3 regular bars), ate half of it, and drank some water for my dinner. Time for a good night sleep. I am camping near road 19. Hopefully the cars will not bother me much.
Date: 2019-04-24
From: Spivey Gap campsite

To: Curley Maple shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 31In the morning, I picked a few wild scallions and garlic mustard from a side of trail thinking to use them in dinner. But in a hot day like this, they got mushy in the afternoon, and I threw them away.For most of today the trail was hot and dry except in the morning and in the evening where the trail followed creeks. So there were many small one-side with handle wooden bridges when the trail goes across the creeks. Many of these areas have lots of rhododendrons, and today I saw the first few rhododendron blooming. They were just before the trail crosses Chestoa Bridge over the Nolichucky River.I was not careful yesterday afternoon when I lifted my backpack and twisted my right knee. I had some knee pain in my left knee two weeks ago. But after couple of zero days and the continuous walking that had made my muscles stronger, it had been no issue in the past week. Now I got this problem which I cannot blame anyone but myself. Again, it was minor. I am ok to go uphill without being bothered. But I had to slow down a lot when going downhill. I am planning to do shorter distance in the next four days. On the trail about 2-3 miles to the river, there were switchbacks. I got so bored and started making silly songs of the switchbacks that I called zigzags. The song did not have any meaning, mostly just silly words that happened to come into my mind. And they were always linked by sound ¢Zi-O Geo¢. I started by predicting how many zigzags would be there. Then counted them one after another. I did notice the views of the river and the town Erwin are the best on zigzag 6 and 8. It had 19 zigzags, very close to 20 that I predicted. When the zigzags were done, I came across a road and got in front of a hostel called Uncle Jonny¢s. I had heard its names many times in the past 3 days. Many friends that I met on trail decided to stay there in stead of their original plan to go to the next shelter. I hangout in there for about an hour, had a can of Lemon soda and a chill dog since ¢Peach¢, the beautiful lady who did A.T. Last year is doing trail magic at this place. So when I got to the next shelter about 5 miles away, I had the shelter all by myself. There were only 3 tents at the shelter. A very quiet night it will be.
Date: 2019-04-26
From: Cherry Gap shelter

To: Hughes Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

All readers of my journal:I was grateful that you spent your time to read my journal. And many of you left me warming messages in the guest page. Even though I was not able to reply to your messages individually due to my limited connections to the internet, I cannot thank you enough for leaving your messages for me. It demonstrates how caring you are, even for people you never met before.In most days, I can only get cellphone signal on a ridge in the middle of my hike. I normally spend about 30 minutes to post my journal and get reconnected with my family and friends during that time. In some bad weather days, the ridge is the last place I want to stay when the wind is strongest and I am wet and cold. So there will be days that I can only post afterwards. ***************************Day 33The challenge started after8:00 am when the rain came and lasted for almost the full day. It was not as bad as last time when I was still in the Smokies. But when I reached Iron Mountain Gap, the strong wind drove the rain into my poncho like nothing in between. I got soaked in less than 15 minutes except my core. It was less challenging in the sense that there were a few breaks in the rain. And the wind blew dried my clothes somewhat in those brief moments. Near noontime, there was even a moment when the sunshine, no matter how weak it was, came through. It was a brief moment of hope. It really lifted my spirit. It was also so brief that in just a few minutes, the sunshine was gone. The wind blew in dark clouds and the hope disappeared faster than I can count to 3. Then I got soaked again the same way as it was. I was planning to stay in the next shelter 9 miles away. However when I got there in early afternoon, the man with mental problem was there by himself. I was not comfortable staying there with him. So I pushed on to Hughes Gap, hoping to camp there for the night. When I left the shelter, it started hailing. I was so determined that I hiked through the hail. On Little Rock Knob the wind sounded like hundreds of trucks on highways. I was grateful that the trees gave me some protection from the strong wind.3 backpackers I met on trail told me someone was doing trail magic at Hughes Gap. When I got there, there are another 8 they-hikers huddled under a canopy around a BBQ stove with fires burning on in stove. Immediately they fixed a grilled garden burger for me, and let me warmed up near the fire. The best thing from this trail magic was that they called Miss Janet in Erwin. And she¢s coming with a van to take all of us into her house for tonight! As I am typing this journal in Miss Janet¢s house, warm and clean and being fed, more than 10 hikers are also here watching TV comfortably.During today¢s challenging hike, my knee kept quiet most of the time. My backpack also felt feathery light. As I wrote yesterday, it is all in your mind. The trick is how can I master the art to keep them out of my mind all the time!
Date: 2019-04-27
From: Hughes Gap

To: Overmountain shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

D34This could be one of the best day for hiking! The air was cool and fresh after yesterday¢s rain. The visibility was miles and miles. The section was not difficult. All the climbings were done in the morning. And with lots of balds the views were really opened up. In the morning after breakfast, all hikers who stayed in Miss Janet¢s house last night took a picture together. There were 18 of us. Some slept in her house, some camped in tent in her yard, some slept on her porch, and some slept in the school bus converted hikers bus. I slept in her living room on the floor. Then 7 of us were delivered back to Hughes Gap in the school bus. The happy music accompanied us happy hikers all the way for about an hour. When we reached Hughes Gap, we found two groups of people were doing trail magic - one group was cooking breakfast and the other was giving hikers prepared sandwiches and goodies. I had an egg and half chocolate chips cookie. The temperature was in mid-40s when I started hiking at 10:00am. The morning had about 2000ft climb to Roan Mountain. Quickly I warmed up nicely. But since the temperature stayed low for almost the whole day, I never got overheated. Just cruising along through the ridges, a fairytale like camping area, the spruce forest with the most delicious smells, and later the views through the Balds. A little after lunchtime, I reached the Roan High shelter - the so called coldest shelter on A.T. , also the highest shelter as it sits at 6285ft. It was a nice shelter. It was indeed very cold. I noticed lots of ice on the trail near the top of Roan High Bluff. I was glad that I came here today in a sunny day, not yesterday in the rain storm.Being this is a Saturday, there were many day hikers and weekend backpackers on the trail. And we hit a record high of 3 trail magics in one day! The third one was near the Carter Gap just off Roan Mountain where day hikers were on trail in incredible numbers. One guy was holding a paper with a big ¢7¢. He told me his the 7¢s group of hikers today who joined the organized hikes.At the end of day, many thru-hikers that I have aquatinted with came to Overmountain shelter for the night. There were also many weekend backpackers in here. Some are family with children. It is one of the best camping area near A.T.. the shelter itself is a large barn. And the camping area near the shelter has very nice views. After Roan Mountain, the A.T. Will stay below 6000ft for a very long time, till it reaches the Whites in NH. Does this mean it will be a little easier?
Date: 2019-04-28
From: Overmountain shelter

To: Mountain Harbor B&B and Hostel 
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Day 35In early morning I passed Litter Hump Mountain and Hump Mountain in cold high wind. The sky was covered in dark clouds which threatened to rain at any moment but never delivered a drop. I can see in the far distance to the east, the rain draft threads were touching down to mountain hills. There might be rained over there. At one time, a bright column of light pierced through a crack in the dark clouds, the light of heaven effect put on a dramatic show. Most of the time on the exposed balds I had no where to hide. I walked leaning against the wind to climb up the balds. A few times, the wind almost blew me out of balance. It was a lone traveler in vast empty space kind of feeling. Only cold dark rocks and a few sad looking small lone trees shared this harsh world with me. However sad looking, the views to distant mountains with fast rolling clouds still provided lots of entertainment and energy to the lone traveler.The struggle against cold wind did come to an end after I got down into the forested level. By the time of early afternoon when I was near road US 19E, it was warm and sunny. The fresh green of the spring forest was so calming. The trails turned lazily turns. The creeks run lazily runs. Even the sound of water was the tune of slower tunes. Some of my fellow thru-hikers also slowed down. They set up their tents by a creek just an hour after noontime. The breeze moved the shadows of tree branches and leaves gently on their tents and their bodies, like a caring mother¢s hands caressing her babies. And the trail again filled with the sweet smell of wildflowers, those closed petals had opened up responding to the warmth of the Sun.Shortly after Doll Flat, I reached the sign ¢Leaving NC¢. The A.T. finally done with North Carolina! I met bunch of hikers there. We celebrated and took a lunch break just before crossing that sign. Some mentioned that crossing this line means that there will be no more privy near the shelters. So no one wanted to cross that sign. Some even suggested that we walk back to Springer Mountain! After sitting there for about 30 minutes, I finally got up and left NC for good! Soon all the young hikers caught up with me very quickly. For me I was happy to finish the section on NC/TN border. On this section, I lost the feel of belonging. I really didn¢t know which state I was in at any given time. Even though it was just man made, rather randomly decided border to most people, and it really didn¢t matter to the Mother Nature since the trees, grasses, flowers, animals and mountains on both sides are the same, it still put a confusing mind to people who are used to manmade rules. By finishing that section, my sense of belonging returned. I think it was also impacted me later in the forest that I felt extra calmness.It was a sweet short day to me. I reached Mountain Harbor B&B and hostel around 2:00 pm. Resting well before returning to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2019-04-29
From: Mountain Harbor B&B and Hostel 

To: Moreland Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 18.4

Day 36Mountain Harbor B&B and Hostel makes very nice breakfast. Due to planed long hike today, I was thinking to skip the breakfast to leave the hostel early. But ¢Robin Hood¢ suggested strongly to have it. He had at least 3 times. So I signed up and very satisfied with the variety and quality of the meal. When I almost finished the breakfast, five big hungry thru-hikers came in. They said that they heard the breakfast is excellent, so they want to see if they can have some. The owner looked at the five big guys, all over 6 ft tall, and looked at the food on the counter. ¢Well, we can make some more for you, but not everything. Would that be okay?¢ All five immediately piled food high on their plates. The owner started making more egg dishes. I was amused by the scene. What would I do if five hungry men came to my place when it was not planned?So I am in Tennessee! Sure and square! To me, Tennessee is always a romantic state: the country music, the southern hospitality, the idly way of life. I feel that even time runs slower in Tennessee. And the trail is definitely mellower. There was no killer climb today. Ups and downs were still added up to about 2800ft. But I didn¢t feel them. In early morning, the green slopes covered with yellow, white, purple flowers. White clouds hung over the top of higher hills in the distance. Very soon, the trail skirts the bank of a happy clear river. Some campsite on the side of the trail were very inviting. Then just a short distance after I passed A.T. 400 miles mark, the beautiful Jones Falls was impressive and refreshing. Shortly after noontime, the trail passed Mountaineer Falls, a small but unique waterfall where the water leap over a big rock.I hiked 18.8 miles today with 18.4 on A.T.. When I finally got to Moreland Gap shelter, I had only about an hour of daylight left. There was only one guy pushed to the same shelter today. Many people had set up camps along the way. So it will be a quiet night. The owls are out now. I can hear their ¢Ho Ho¢ calls.
Date: 2019-04-30
From: Moreland Gap Shelter 

To: Boots Off Hostel 
Miles today: 14.9

Day 37This has to be the best scenery on A.T. so far. 6 miles into the hike, I reached Denice Cove area. One creek was bubbling passing through flat rocks. It¢s a perfect place to get fresh water and rest. Then the trail flattened out all the way to Denice Cove Road with beautiful fresh green leaves and bright flowers on both sides of the trail. An abundant barn with only frames left, blackened by the passing time, added to the imagination. On the road side, Rob - the A.T. friendly van was there doing trail magic. I had a nice cool Gatorade and a chocolate waffle cookie. He said he will be doing trail magic in these areas till June 22, then drive to Massachusetts for more trail magic. Thank you so much, Rob!From Denice Cove, the trail entered Pond Mountain Wildernes. That¢s where the beauty exists. It¢s a flat trail following Laurel Fork River, at leisurely pace at first. Then it passed rocky cliffs on both sides. Many pink rhododendrons are blooming, some are over the cliffs and by the riverside. After a steep big rocky stairs pathway, I reached the great Laurel Fork Falls. It¢s a quite large Falls. Over a huge rock, white water poured down in full force. It sparked under overhead sunlight. A few people were fly fishing standing below the white water wall. Their dark silhouette printed nice pictures against the white sparkle background. Down stream, the river jumps at multiple steps for a long long journey. And the trail, at some point, literally hugs the river on tilted rocks. At high water, hikers have to use another trail in this section. I was so happy that I don¢t have to use the alternative trail, for that trail will not be able to see the waterfalls close.The A.T. continues on the riverside for 2.5 miles with easygoing grade. It passed springs and two pretty looking foot bridges. At one point, a little sand beach was so inviting that I dipped my feet, up above my knee in the pleasure of the cold water. This area is so beautiful that it could be a great day hiking trip by itself.In the afternoon, I had to climb up almost 1700ft in 2.5 miles. It¢s hot and hard work. But that¢s just what¢s needed to be done. And I even saw orange yellow rhododendrons in this part of trail!In the course of today¢s hike, my hiking pants got a 3-inch long gush. The solution? I cut off a never used inner pocket from the pants and mended it this evening. I wished I had the matching thread for the work. But you can only do with what is available. The sewing kit from hotel has 4 colored threads. I had to use 3 of them. Checked in Boots Off Hostel tonight for a nice cute cabin. Because bear activities are high in the nearby area. Hostel sounds like a better idea.
Date: 2019-05-01
From: Boots Off Hostel 

To: Iron Mountain shelter 
Miles today: 16.0

Day 38I left Boots Off Hostel in early morning. The A.T. along the bank of Watauga lake was still flooded. I followed a road for a little while, and reconnected with A.T. at a higher elevation place. Still around the lakeshore, the forest ground was covered by ferns and royal purple larkspurs. They looked like the best combination in the shades of tall trees. After I passed the dam that formed Watauga Lake, the trail goes higher in elevation following the ridge  of Iron Mountain for the whole day. In mid morning, I saw a pile of fresh bear scat. This is a bear active area. The forest service even closed the whole 5 mile stretch to camping, picnicking, or lingering. I was on the lookout for bears. But I didn¢t see any today. However, I saw two types of flowers for the first time on the trail: may apples and blueberries flowers. Both of them were delicate white flowers. The may apple flowers are quite large. They look like a small globe before blooming. I never saw them in west US.For many thru-hikers, each day we plan around the shelters. A shelter provided us with a sense of community, a reconnection place for hiking friends that you have made along the way, a sense of home, no matter how temporary it is. It also provides access to water, and sometimes bear cables and a privy - a little more convenience in the out country. The distances between shelters can be a few miles, or up to more than 18 miles. Each evening, when we reach the planned destination of a shelter, it is alway a relief for the rest of the day and the safe of the night. So I made a shelter song today.A little simple shelter, blended so well into the forest.You don¢t see it, until you¢re right in front of it.Then you see it with you own eyes, own eyes, own eyes.A little simple shelter, some were built long long time ago.It provided protection, especially in a storm.It blended so well into the forest.You don¢t see it, until you¢re right in front of it.Then you see it with you own eyes, own eyes, own eyes.A little simple shelter, it is far far away from each other.It takes many hours, to walk from one to another.It blended so well into the forest.You don¢t see it, until you¢re right in front of it.Then you see it with you own eyes, own eyes, own eyes.A little simple shelter, all has three sided walls.I am believing in you, even if you are far away.It blended so well into the forest.You don¢t see it, until you¢re right in front of it.Then you see it with you own eyes, own eyes, own eyes.The day before yesterday, it¢s 18.4 miles to reach my planned shelter. Today, it was 16 miles. Lots of hiking friends also congregated into the same shelter tonight. When people arrived in the shelter earlier saw others came in later, there was always cheering and congratulating. And that¢s the warmest greeting on earth.
Date: 2019-05-02
From: Iron Mountain shelter 

To: Abington Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Day 39In the early morning everyone rushed out of the campground. Many people wants to do high mileage today to get as close to the town of Damascus as possible, that was still about 26 miles away. My goal was to reach a shelter 16 miles ahead. So I had plenty of time to go mellow.With the easy trail, I reached the old Osborne Farm in mid- morning. A giant AT marked the side of a weathered barn. In front of it, my fellow hikers had a great time taking video and pictures. And soon the will marked path led me back into the woods. The trail threaded on the ridges, passing some old home site with only a chimney still standing and a former fire- tower site with only a few bases of posts remained. Ah, the gone era in history!In mid-afternoon rain came. More accurately it was shower. I could still see blue sky with white puffy clouds overhead, but the rain drops kept coming, and getting heavier. With umbrella I still got partially wet on the side where the wind blew in. The rain and breeze brought relief from the heat. It was quite pleasant for a while. Then it got too heavy, with thunder cracked near me. Fortunately there was an emergency shelter nearby. I went to there and waited for about 30 minutes for the heavy shower to pass. During that time three other hikers also got a break from the rain in the shabby emergency shelter. Because the clouds moved quickly, at sometimes it was sunny but pouring rain. It was always the most beautiful nature phenomenon when it happens. It¢s one of my favorite sighting at all times. The rain brought water which is the stored energy from heaven. The plants soaked it up eagerly, every type of plants, all the trees, vines, bushes, grasses, wildflowers, all happily receiving the gift from heaven. Then the gift from sunshine came, brought more energy for the plants to grow. Every leaf danced in the breezes to welcome these gifts, they shine to show their happiness. There is nothing better than in the middle of all these beautiful world, except if there were not so many bugs flying around my face or into my ears!
Date: 2019-05-03
From: Abington Gap Shelter 

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 10.2

Day 40The early morning sun brighten my tent and the forest around the campground. In the morning cool air, I cruised through the last 6 miles of Tennessee mountains. Along the way, Patti Page¢s soft song ¢The Beautiful Tennessee Waltz¢ swirled in my tongue, the sad but beautiful lost love fits perfectly in the pace of my hike. For the last five days, I waltzed with the mountains, forest and small towns of Tennessee, like a knife cutting through a piece of butter smoothly. Tennessee will always remains sweet and beautiful in my mind.In early afternoon, I arrived in Damascus, VA - the most A.T. friendly town. But my guide book got me completely disoriented. After many inquiries in local shops, I finally got checked into The Broken Fiddle hostel which I thought should be on the second block in the town, it¢s actually on the second block when get out of the town. So I got cleaned and resupplied here. Had a nice dinner in Mojo¢s Trailside cafe. Tomorrow, despite the rain, I will continue for the long journey in Virginia.