morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning well rested. Probably the best sleep on the trail yet. I wanted to get on the trail early and have a big day, so I immediately started breaking down camp and packing up.The first three miles were a nice rolling, mostly flat section. Perfect for getting the legs warmed up and eating breakfast on the trail (two Nutri-Grain bars). The first climbs of the day crossed over a few waterfalls and stream cascades. The cool morning air stuck around for a while, allowing me to hike comfortably in long sleeves and a wool hat. I came upon the next shelter quicker than expected. Chief (Hike-a-Trail) and Snakefoot came onto the AT from the shelter so I hiked with them for the next hour or so until we hit Sam's Gap. Seemed a good place for lunch so I took my boots and socks off for a minute and relaxed. I realized I have already covered 12 miles and that I was about to make a major climb up and over Big Bald Mountain. Bad storms were in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow - still plenty of day left. I decided to push it up and over ASAP to avoid being stranded on the mountain during the storm. As I climbed I started making my way into the low laying clouds. By the time I reached the exposed summit of Big Bald, I was fully immersed in a sea of gray. Strong winds literally blew me sideways as I crossed up and over.Once back to tree line, I pulled out my rain gear, as it started lightly raining, and pushed on. I made it down out of the worst of the weather and realized I was at the campsite I was shooting for, Spivey Gap. I glanced at my watch, and decided I had time, felt good, and decided to push on another five miles to the next shelter. Once I got there I saw Yellow Shirt, Sprouts and Drop Bear were there as well. I was able to get my tent up and make dinner right before the heavy rain fell, so I was able to climb into my tent, warm and dry for the night.**TRAIL LIFE**When I made it to Spivey Gap, I already knew it was going to be my biggest miles day on the trail yet, about 24. Knowing my brother was running the Pittsburgh Marathon tomorrow was enough to convince me to push on further, so both Kirk brothers could claim a marathon this weekend.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 5.8

It rained heavy all night long. I stayed dry in my tent and I was really glad I pushed to lower elevations last night.The road crossing leading to Erwin, TN was under six miles away but I got moving quickly since it was still raining and going to continue all day.I came off the mountain and crossed the bridge over the Nolichucky River on the road that leads four miles west into town.After walking about 10 minutes, I stuck out my thumb and the second truck to pass by pulled over and let me jump into the pickup bed.Booked a room at the Super 8, and flipped on the TV right in time for the pre-game skate of Game 3 of the Pens-Islanders series. Spent the next few hours hanging my tent and gear to dry ad cleaning myself.Wasn't very much motivated to do any town chores so I spent the entire day lounging in my room enjoying being dry and having a soft bed to sleep on.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Erwin, TN

To: Stealth Campsite (343)
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: light rain

The Super 8 had a hot breakfast included with our stay. The little kitchen section and its four or five tables were all overrun with hikers. The breakfast conversation revolved around the hikers not fortunate enough to get out of the rain early enough yesterday.I was planning my first Nero (ed. note: that's "nearly zero" miles) today. I was all packed up by checkout at 11am, but dropped all of my gear off in Yellow Shirt's room as they would "packsit" for me while I ran out to do laundry. When I got back, Yellow Shirt, Drop Bear and Pressure D were all out so I posted up out front of the hotel, and enjoyed a can of Pringles and a tall boy of Heineken in the sun.The weather forecast called for rain but you could tell it was going to be a clear and beautiful evening/night. I grabbed my pack and set out for the post office to bounce my bounce-box ahead to Hampton, TN then walked over a few blocks to a small barbecue restaurant for a late lunch/early dinner. After eating my share, I needed to get to the grocery for a resupply. I was offered a ride by a local kid named Jordan after I commented on his Steelers lanyard. I managed to get another ride from the IGA to the trailhead, and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw how much the water level on the Nolichuky River had risen since I crossed it just yesterday.I finally started back on the trail at 5:30pm. After only an hour of hiking I noticed a perfect little camp spot off to my left. I got settled, snacked a bit, gathered some wood and made a nice little fire for an hour or two, then rolled into my tent for the evening.**TRAIL LIFE**Quick hit on a few of my favorite trail names, and the reasoning behind them:Zack Galifinakis: uncanny resemblenceDirty Rice: A bear got to his food bag early on the trip and ate all his food except a bag of dirty riceDrop Bear: A fabled tree-dwelling marsupial in AustraliaPressure D: A high school basketball coach
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Stealth Campsite (343)

To: Campsite 354
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: moderate rain

Clear skies last night and it appeared that sunny skies would be in the forecast with beautiful weather this morning. Too often I eat breakfast on the trail so I decided I would relax and eat at camp. I even made a cup of coffee too, something I figured I would be doing almost every morning but can count the times I've actually done so on one hand.The morning trail ran alongside the same creek I camped by last night. Several footbridges have been built to help you across some of the wider flows. The trail eventually climbed up and out of the valley, as it always does.The trail crosses a road right by another North Carolina-Tennessee state line sign and was a good place for lunch. Several hikers all ended up sitting down about the same time, including one of the first SoBo hikers that I've talked to. Sherpa Chief started September 2012. Yellow Shirt ended up showing up right before I left as well. Turns out that Drop Bear, Sprouts and him were planning on camping at the same marked spot as I was. There wasn't much hiking to be done this afternoon, and that was a good thing as major dark skies started rolling in.I climbed up and over a real pretty meadow and dropped down to the camp spots on the other side. There were already several tents set up but I managed to find a decently flat spot right as the heavy rain started to fall. The rain let up about 4:30pm - just long enough for me to hop out of the tent to cook and eat dinner. As I was cleaning up, the rain picked back up and chased everyone into their tents for the night.**TRAIL LIFE**I decided to listen to an old Mitch Hedberg album on my iPhone while I was trapped in my tent. Broke into laughter several times; I'm sure a few other tents were wondering what was up!
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Campsite 354

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Ahoy Friends of Arrow!A rare moment to break away from KC's adventures. I hope everyone enjoys his perspective of the journey as much as I do, because let's face it...if we weren't doing this, we'd probably be watching So You Think You Can Dance. Wait, I'm the only one that gets suckered into that? Shit.So let's get to today's post. Make sure to pay attention to the intriguing plot twist towards the end:It rained a lot.Hiked 14 miles then chased into the tent by harder rain.Forgot to journal today, feel free to ad lib a bit or entertain everybody if you want to, Corey.Arrow**TRAIL LIFE**No Trail Life today, just Corey wondering if Arrow meant to write that on a cocktail napkin and pin it to the windshield of a stolen Las Vegas police cruiser...
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Early morning! Sunshine came through the trees and splashed against my tent. Best sign of weather I've seen in what feels like a week!Overmountain Shelter is an old barn converted into a shelter and supposedly has an amazing view down valley. The shelter sits less than 15 miles away, so just about every thru-hiker at camp this morning was planning to end there.After a a quick scramble over Little Rock Knob and my morning started with a gentle descent along switchbacks down the back side. Things were good.I passed Chief by a stream and noticed that he was picking wild ramps out of the ground. He pointed a few out and I grabbed a few as well. In the onion family, and they have sort of a buttery-garlic taste to them.After passing Hughes Gap, the trail ascends over 2,000 feet over the next four miles and summits at Roan High Knob, the former site of The Cloudland Hotel back in the 1800's. All that remains now are a few random stone foundations and chimneys. Descended down to Carvers Gap and the weather got nice enough for all of us to pull out our tents and let them finish drying while having lunch.Climbs up two beautiful balds - Round and Jane - were the highlights of this afternoon hike, followed by a descent into camp.Overmountain Shelter is as advertised - badass. The view stretches all the way down valley and can be viewed right from my sleeping bag, which is settled in on a raised platform with an exposed front, protected by an overhand with the barn above.**TRAIL LIFE**Today marks one month on trail! I've seen some beautiful country, met some interesting people and have taken away some amazing memories. I feel so blessed to be able to experience this adventure and can't wait to see what the next four months have in store!
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: US 19
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The sleeping platforms in the shelter provided a clear view out east, which made for a beautiful light show of pinks and light blues before the sun rose over a mountain a bit to the north.This morning took us over the most impressive balds yet. The first was up and over Little Hump Mountain, which upon summiting, provided views of the patriarch, Hump Mountain. I was hiking with Sprouts out of the shelter today and we managed to time it right and were treated to blue skies and 360 degree views atop the bald.Upon the descent we caught up with Yellow Shirt and Drop Bear. Sprouts and I decided atop the bald that we were going to run into town at the road crossing at the bottom of the gap. Both of our vices were calling for us: smokes for her and a six pack of liquid calories for me. After struggling with the decision for a bit, Yellow Shirt and Drop Bear decided to stick to the trail and get a few more miles in.We were able to get a ride to and from the local grocery store by CC, the owner of the Greasy Creek Friendly, who was on her way out to resupply her own hiker pantry.We made out like bandits and returned back to a campsite wedged between a flowing creek and the road we took into civilization well-stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, brats and buns to cook over the fire and even a whole rotisserie chicken to pick at for lunch.Rain showers on and off throughout the evening, but we barely even noticed being so content with hot food and a warm fire.**TRAIL LIFE**The campsites and shelters have been very crowded these past few nights...most thru-hikers and numerous section hikers are trying to time it right and make it to Damascus, VA for Trail Days.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: US 19

To: Upper Laurel Fork Waterfall
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

It rained pretty steady throughout the night, but the skies cleared for a little bit this morning. Long enough for Sprouts and I to break down camp.We decided to hitch in to Roan Mountain, TN. We got a lift pretty quick and were dropped off at a small diner for a stack of pancakes and hot coffee. A quick walk to Dollar General for a few last minute things and back out to the trail. We got a ride back from Flint, who hiked the trail last year. His brother is hiking it this year and Flint came out to surprise him.The trail was very mellow all day today. We started by climbing up a ridge line to a cemetery. Skirted around that and just wove down and through several valleys, occasionally climbing up and out of one, then descending down the backside into a different valley.We took a quick side trip to Jones Falls - well worth the trip! Stopped at Mountaineer Shelter for a quick lunch. Rain started back up again, so we hung around a bit longer. Got to talking and found out there were two other Penguins fans in there with me, so most of the talk was about Game 6 vs. the Islanders tonight (ed. note: they won. F you, John Tavares).The rain let up a bit so we decided to push on. AWOL mentions some campsites next to Upper Laurel Fork, so we decided to shoot for there to make camp. We came to a footbridge marked for Upper Laurel Fork and a few campsites already taken. None too impressive, at that. We pushed on a bit further, and, lo and behold, there they were! Two perfect tent sites and a fire pit, right next to a 10 foot cascading waterfall and a giant rock face across the river!One last rain storm passed through as we were setting up camp, but the sun came out shortly after and we had clear skies all evening.**TRAIL LIFE**I passed the 400 mile marker today! Boots and gear are holding up great and morale is sky-high! Looking forward to Trail Days.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Upper Laurel Fork Waterfall

To: Kincora Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 11.7

ed. note: We're BAAAACCCCKKK! After over a month without a post, Arrow's back to let you know he's still alive. Just think of the hiatus as a mid-summer break for your favorite TV show, only without all of the stupid, "Last season, on LOST..." We'd like to think it's because Arrow is working on new twists and plot turns...but let's face it, dude is just walking an ass-ton. Let's start the show...Got a great night's rest with the tumbling water from the waterfall right outside my tent. After I found the motivation to start moving for the day, I walked down to the creek and soaked my feet for a while.The weather forecast called for rainstorms throughout the day, but Sprouts and I managed to stay dry, for the most part.No major climbs and several stream crossings made for a relaxing hike and we came down to the road crossing for Dennis Cove Road before we expected. The famous Kincora Hostel, ran by Bob Peoples, sits just down the road and Sprouts and I were planning on staying the night there, so we headed that way even though it was only a bit after 1pm at the time.We were greeted by Baltimore Jack as we walked up the driveway and he gave us the lay of the land and showed us all the facilities. I was able to get a shower and Sprouts and I got a load of our clothes in the laundry before most other hikers arrived.Bob drove all of us into town, managing to fit 10 hikers into the back of his pickup. We all went in and made a massive salad and pasta dinner. As we were cleaning up I read Trivial Pursuit questions to the group; very impressed with Brain Damage's knowledge of geography!**TRAIL LIFE**Baltimore Jack must have thought that Sprouts and I were a couple as he offered us the Treehouse for the night. An elevated cabin set about 15 feet above the ground complete with a queen size bed, glass windows and a door. It kind of felt like one of those cheesy romantic comedies that Ashton Kutcher would be in. I'm going with the couple thing for the private room instead of in the bunkhouse with everyone else.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Kincora Hiking Hostel

To: US 321: Hampton, TN
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We also bought everything we needed to cook breakfast last night, too. I woke up excited to whip up some omlettes using the full kitchen available at Kincora. I made Sprouts, Hagrid and myself breakfast then headed back up to the treehouse to pack up.I needed to head into Hampton this afternoon and resupply from my bounce box. But it's only 9 trail miles to the road crossing, so I packed up and waited for Sprouts, Hagrid and Magic Spice so we could all head out together. The first mile of trail led us to Laurel Falls - a very impressive waterfall, the largest on the trail yet. After the waterfall, the trail climbs up 1,700 feet up and over Pond Flats and down to the (very flooded) Watauga Lake and US 321. There were already two group trying to hitch and cars were flying by, so I decided to start walking the four miles into town. Made it about a half mile before I ended up getting a ride to the post office where I picked up my bounce box, as well as about seven dozen cookies!AWOL shows that the Ice House Saloon serves food and drink, and even offers to allow you to camp outside as well. The four of us as well as OZ (from Kansas, apparently) regrouped and headed out that way. Turns out there was no food, and drinks basically means a few 30 packs in the cooler, but it turned into a hiker party, and at one point 10 of us were having drinks and eating cookies (good thing - really didn't want about five dozen cookies to go to waste). We also met a local named Caleb while shooting pool who offered to drive Hagrid, OZ and me out to neighboring Elizabethtown, TN to grab some food. We ended up each grabbing our own Little Caesars $5 Hot 'n Ready and going to the Elks Club to eat them. We all decided to head back to Caleb's place where he offered to let us camp in his yard. Even though it was forecasted to get down to about 38 degrees, it was a clear night, so we decided to cowboy camp and watch the stars that were fully out by the time we called it a night at 12:30. Way past hiker's midnight.**TRAIL LIFE**Hiker's midnight is generally considered to be 9pm.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: US 321: Hampton, TN

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning to Caleb standing on his back porch yelling that he had a fresh pot of coffee going. OZ needed a quick resupply, so Caleb told us that he would take us into town and swing us through the Dollar General. Then it was over to a diner for a hot breakfast, then back out to Watauga Lake east of town where the trail crosses.I didn't need any resupply, but I figured I would browse around and see if anything would catch my eye. And there it was - a giant pi±ata shaped like a sun with sunglasses on and a big ole' smile. Without even thinking, I grabbed it and headed straight to the register.As promised, Caleb drove us out to the trail after breakfast. Watauga Lake was so flooded from the recent rain that some of the trail was submerged and we were forced to take a re-route through a neighborhood and got back on after the trail climbs up off the bank of the lake a little bit. The trail wound around a bit then crossed over the top of the dam where it rose up and hooked up with the ridge line. The entire morning offered views down to the lake on the east. A large boulder with panoramic views at Vanderenter Shelter made for a great lunch stop for me and about 10 other hikers.The trail in the afternoon was fairly uneventful and I was feeling the effects of a night on the town from last night still, so I pretty much put my head down and ground through the last seven miles to the shelter. Saw Magic Spice and Sprouts when I got there, then set up camp for the night, complete with the sun pi±ata hanging from a tree above my tent.Thanks go out to Caleb for taking us out last night. I know OZ, Hagrid and I will be talking about last night for a while.**TRAIL LIFE**I can't even begin to tell you how fun it was to hike all day with a giant sun pi±ata strapped to the back of my pack. Every time I passed someone, they would break into laughter.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite: Mile 460
Miles today: 19.9

Today was the last full day of hiking before hitting Trail Days. I was about 25 miles away from Damascus, so I figured I would go about 20 miles or so, make camp, then get up and knock out the last five the following morning before the campground opened at 9am.I broke camp the same time that Hagrid did and we hit the trail together. The terrain was really moderate and we were making miles very easy. By about 10am we came out of the woods to a road crossing and followed the trail as it led to a gated pasture. After closing the gate behind us, we stood in awe looking at the trail ahead. A nice, wide crushed gravel path marked with white blazes on posts drove into the group wound through a lush green meadow and over a hillside in the distance. The clearing also provided some of the longest visibility on trail yet and we were amazed at the mass of NOBO hikers making their way north into Damascus. Once we cleared the hillside in the distance we were shocked again when we saw that there was a herd of cattle beside the trail ahead of us! I took a video as I passed by, then climbed over the fence on the north end of the field and entered back into the woods. The afternoon miles passed by as easily as the morning ones did and I came to Abingdon Gap Shelter before I realized it. I filled up my water bladder and pushed on a few more miles before beginning to look for a campsite. At the bottom of a downhill, I saw a fellow hiker - Six - setting up his tent and a few other relatively flat spots in the area, so I decided that would end my day of hiking.By dinner time, Hagrid, Firebird, Chief, Snakefoot and Mamasita (ed. note: no need for background on all of these people...just picture them all as KC with varying degrees of beard) had all settled in as well. We all relaxed around a campfire for a while before making our way into tents for the night.**TRAIL LIFE**The water source at Abingdon Gap Shelter is way down a very steep and rocky hillside. I think my climb back up may have been the toughest of the day.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Campsite: Mile 460

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 6.4

Even though I was the last to break camp I was still on the trail by 7:30am. The trail picked up right where it left off yesterday, gradually descending all the way into Damascus. About an hour into the hike, I noticed a wooden sign telling me I was leaving Tennessee and about to enter my fourth state on the trail, Virginia.Before long, I was out of the woods and entering the community park where the trail goes under a marked sign and follows the river on a crushed brick path, intersecting with Laurel Avenue and turning east through town. During Trail Days, the town organizes a "Tent City" about a half mile outside of town and in the woods behind the Little League fields. I made my easy into Tent City solo and found a nice and level shady spot by the river to set up my tent. The city really goes out of their way to help hikers. By noon, I had already got a shower from a mobile shower bay and dropped off my laundry to be done for me in another mobile laundry trailer. It ended up being the same trailer that gave support during Hurrican Katrina and Tropical Storm Sandy.I was also fortunate enough to get a ticket for a free homemade meal presented by the Baptist church. It was a potluck provided by all its members and proved to be quite an impressive spread!Once I decided to make my way back to Tent City, I noticed a group tossing a Frisbee, so I joined them. Within minutes, we had a 7v7 game going and played for over two hours before calling it and making my way back to the campsite for the night.