morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

We had a restful stay at the Super 8. It was quiet, clean with soft beds and a computer for use in the lobby. We met one other thruhiker there. Papa Monkey was on his way out as we were coming in. It was about a half mile walk to the post office, a mile to the grocery and a bit further to the laundromat.I actually enjoyed the walk. It was nice walking on flat ground not having to worry about tree roots and rocks hidden under the dead leaves on trail. When I told Annie that I enjoyed the walk, she was a bit incredulous but it almost acted as a massage for my tired legs.We met a few hikers today that stayed at Uncle Johnny's. They said that it got a bit raucous. So if you are looking to socialize and party a bit, Uncle Johnny's may be right for you. If you are looking for rest and quiet, we recommend the Super 8.We got aa ride back to trail with Tom from Hiker's Shuttle for $7. A good deal.   He has hiked the AT and PCT. He picked us up right on time at 6:30. Typically when leaving town or a gap we have had a steep climb but at least for a few miles today the trail was a bit more forgiving as we hiked along the Jones Branch of the Nolichucky river. It was pretty much flat.We eventually started our climb from the river bed and hiked through dense forest. Brother Tom from Glenmary Missions had set up his truck with goodies for hikers. He was out providing hospitality and kindness. Between the two of us, Annie and I had some banana nut bread, a brownie, lemonade and an apple and an orange. Thanks Brother Tom.It was sunny and warm with blue sky all day. I hiked in a short sleeve shirts and shorts. We are now about three weeks into our hike and based on past hikes, this is when we start to get trail tough. For me the most noticeable change today was that I could hike the climbs all day long without my quads burning. Nothing better for a hiker than to have their legs. I felt strong all day and I had a feeling of gliding along the trail. A sense of effortlessness.We peaked out at over 5000 feet at Unaka Mt. There was a nice stand of Spruce and Fir in this area. Nice to have a change of scenery. From Unaka Mt we spent the rest of the afternoon undulating along the ridgeline. We cruised into Greasy Creek Gap and called it a day. We have a spring for a water source, a nice flat campsite and a beautiful sunset. Today was a great day. We couldn't have asked for more. We were rested, strong, the weather was good. In fact it was a perfect hiking day. Over the next three day the weather is supposed to take a turn for the worse. As we say along the trail, it is what it is. Hike on.Will
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: S of US 19
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: light rain

We left camp this morning in our headlamps about 6am as per usual from our tent site near the Grassy Creek Friendly Hostel turnoff..   We have fallen into a hiking routine of rising at 5 am and then departing as close to 6 as possible.   Since we have been hiking in winter, this means shorter days and thus the headlamp walking each day. If we put in a really long day, sometimes we start AND end our day in our headlamps. But what has been interesting to me has been that hiking in a headlamp seems to change the perception of my hike.   Well, obviously it's dark and I can't really see anything so my perception of what's out there to look at changes.   More than that though, I find myself staying in the moment of my hike more easily.   All I can see are the few feet in front of me, and so I hike those few feet without any prejudice.   I don't look forward and think ' oh great, another honkin 'huge uphill to climb!'   Or,'yay! Whoopee! I get to go downhill!'.   No, in my headlamp, I take each few feet as it comes, uphill or downhill, it doesn't matter.   In some ways it would be great if I could hike the whole trail in my headlamp. I could stay in the moment.   But I wouldn't get to see very much, so I like my hike the way it is thank you very much. Today, we are making our way to the Roan Highland Ridge. This is a favorite spot for many AT hikers as it offers one of the highest and largest views to date. Our driver out of Erwin and back to the trail wished us to say hello from him. It is a spot he loves. And when we reach it, we can see why. The top is cleared of trees and you can see for a very long 360*. Will took some pictures. Of course, just because we hit the ridge, it didn't mean we were done climbing for the day. Not only that, but rain was in the forecast for today. And it was really looking like it would oblige. We had our pack covers on but we're holding off on the raincoats. . And sure enough, as we started to climb up Hump Mountain, which is known for its many false summits by the way, true to its word, it started to rain on us. This was a cold, gusting wind kind of rain. Not very much fun, but it does make you want to hike faster, so that part's good.When we made it to the Doll Flats, we had a choice to make. Camp there, in those nice inviting looking camp sites, or do the next 2.5 miles of downhill to reach the next spot flat enough to camp. Oh, and it's still raining. Well, we were already wet anyway so we went for it.So we're here, it's just called a spring and campsite on our guide but it looks like home sweet home to me! Good night all, catch y'all later. Road Runner
Date: 2016-03-20
From: S of US 19

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: light rain

Today we got off to a good start. It was cold but the rain had stopped during the night. We packed up our wet tent and ground sheet and headed down toward US 19. We had a couple of shorter climbs through the wet forest. The trail was slick. Our initial destination was Upper Laurel Fork.At the fork we were going to head off trail to the Vango Abbey Memorial Hostel. We had sent a resupply package there to break up the segment from Erwin to Damasus into equal parts. We try to keep our load as light as possible. The frequent resupply help.We reached Laurel Fork before noon. We hiked by the turnoff and then retraced our steps finding the blue blazed side trail to the hostel. Unfortunately when we got to the hostel it appeared deserted. There wasn't anybody around. We waited about an hour and called but got the answering machine. We were a bit unsure as to what to do, but after considering our options we decided to hike on. The only problem was we were out of food.We consulted our hiking guide and decided that Black Bear Resort would possibly provide a resupply where we could get enough food to get us to Damascus. So the Black Bear it was.We had another 13 miles to the resort. We put RR in the lead and she put it into high gear. I was basically running the downhills to keep up with her and even then there were several points that she had to stop and wait for me.It turned into a beautiful hike. When I was in Erwin I was tempted to send out some of my winter gear to lighten my pack. The weather had been summer like. I was glad that I didn't because winter returned this afternoon with a vengeance. Yesterday's rain turned into today's snow. The large fluffy snowflakes were mesmerizing as they fell in slow motion. Soon the rhododendrons were snow covered and we were hiking through an enchanting magical winter wonderland.Hiking through the snow was made all the more enjoyable because we knew when we got to the resort we would find shelter. We need not sleep on the snow tonight. In our 400 plus miles of hiking the AT, I have come to appreciate that you are never a day or two from a bailout point if the weather turns bad.We reached the resort around 6 PM picked up a pizza for dinner. Bought some food for resupply; took a hot shower and got us a rustic cabin that kept us out of the snow and a wet damp cold night. Sometimes our trail plans don't always work out and we just have to roll with the changes. Today was one of those days. But in the end we are still heading north up the trail. Let the good times rollWill
Date: 2016-03-22
From: N of Vandeventer Shelter

To: S of Damascus Virginia
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: clear sky

Yes Virginia, we did have an easy day on the AT. Somewhat of an easy day or at least an easier day. Yay!!! The expected night of bitter cold and subfreezing temps never materialized. Another yay!!! But it was still plenty cold. We broke camp in the dark and the wind that had been so gusty the day before subsided sometime in the night. We were all layered up and it took awhile to get warm even on the climbs.Soon the early morning light was upon us as we walked the ridgeline. There is a peacefulness in the stillness of early morning. Soon the birds were chirping and we were witness to a wonderful sunrise. The sky turned from pink to orange to a brilliant red.In the south, a blood red, full moon hovered over the mountains. The full moon was so bright last night that I awoke from my slumber thinking that I had accidentally turned on my headlamp. The inside of our tent was illuminated.It was easy hiking along the ridgeline as we passed Turkeypen Gap and then Iron Mountain Shelter. We dropped down to TN 91 and entered a flat open grassy area where we stopped for a break and shed a few layers. The sun was out in full force and the much anticipated warming trend was upon us. One more yay!!!We climbed a bit in the early afternoon and met an elderly couple out for a day hike south of Low Gap. By this time I was down to a short sleeve shirt and shorts. Quite a change from the morning's cold. We hiked along undulating terrain on the ridgeline never having to do any long climbs. Just a kind of gentle up and down all day. This was by far the easiest terrain we had traversed in a day since our start at Springer Mt.We met some section hikers at Abdington Gap Shelter where we picked up some water. More easy hiking led us to he Tennessee Virginia border. We had now entered our fourth state but for the most part the topography was the same with maybe some subtle changes. The balds and open areas were a welcome sight as were the pine and fir forests. for the most part it was dense forest as far as one could see.We hiked a few more miles in the golden light of late afternoon. We were cruisin toward Damascus but decided to stop just short and enjoy the brilliant sunset and the rising full moon. We knew that it would be a warmer night so we stopped to enjoy the peacefulness of the forest. Tomorrow we will take a nero in Damascus and resupply for our next 120 mile segment. Today was very enjoyable and an easier day on the AT.Will
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Piped Spring S of Damascus 

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: clear sky

I had a very weird occurrence in the middle of the night. I'm not sure why I tell you guys all these little things, except I guess it's part of my hike as a whole entity. So last night about midnight I was jolted out of my sleep. I'm not sure exactly what happened but it seems like I must have taken a deep breath in and when I did some saliva went up by the the epiglotis and pinned it shut. Immediately I could not breathe. Believe me I was trying. No air could pass down my throat. I tried to make a breath happen but couldn't.   I reached over and tapped Will on the back. He looked toward me and sat bolt upright.   Now, can you imagine coming out of a deep sleep to find a wife who isn't breathing and is clutching at her throat to indicate the problem? Talk about a rude awakening! He assessed the situation pretty quickly for someone who had only been awake for a few seconds. He rubbed my back and told me to try and relax and in a little while it unstuck and I could breathe again.   After I stopped coughing, the first thing I said was, I feel so sorry for those people who have full on asthma attacks!You never appreciate something as simple as a breath until you can't get one. The only time I have ever had anything that was close to this experience was when I was out riding this huge gelding I used to own. He decided to roll while I was in the saddle. I was able to dismount when he dropped to the ground, but when I came up behind him to catch him when he was done, he kicked me in the chest with his steel shod hoof. He kicked me so hard that it lifted me right off the ground. It must have put my diaphragm in spasm because I couldn't breathe. I tried really hard but couldn't. I remember thinking that this is what it felt like to die. Then I started to pass out, but when I fell to the ground the spasm released and I was able to breathe again. I had a couple broken ribs, but I could breatheIt's kind of fun to wake up and know you only have a couple of miles into a rest town. We got up at our usual time and we're on trail in our headlamps about little before 6am. The walk into town was a slow leisurely downhill and we were there before we knew it. Damascus is one of the few towns that the trail runs right through the town. They have murals and sidewalk brick artwork as well as markers in the sidewalk.   We went to Cowboy's and had breakfast and then sat there and planned a bit. There are three outfitters in town, when they opened, we sauntered over there and checked them out. Then we went over to the Crazy Larry's Hostel and booked a room, and added laundry and homemade breakfast for added fees.A friend of Larry's gave us a ride to the Food Lion to resupply which was cool. We had lunch at 'Hey Joe's ' Mexican restaurant. Super good food. Dinner was at Subway. Oh, and I got a nap and read a book in there too! A pretty good nero day all in all I would say. So, I'm signing off for now. Catch you later! Road Runner
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Damascus, VA

To:  N of Elk Garden
Miles today: 25.0

We had a good stay at Crazy Larry's Hostel.   Larry is a big hearted guy who looks after the needs of the hikers. We had a private room which was clean and quiet with a big comfortable bed. Larry did our laundry.   Total $50. A Good deal. The bathroom was big and clean. Larry got up early to cook us breakfast.   Pancakes, eggs and sausage for $7. Another   good deal.   We were out the door and on trail by 6:30. We   recommend Crazy Larry's. RR got a migraine and didn't get much sleep last night. She had a tough day but still did a good job getting us down the trail. We had some nice hiking this morning as the AT joins up with the Virginia Creeper trail for a few miles. The Creeper trail is a rails to trails path that follows a nice looking trout stream.   It was pretty flat in this section and the hiking was easy.The AT left the Creeper trail after crossing a long wooden bridge and then we began an ascent which topped out near Whitetop Mt. We haven't seen any thruhikers for the last couple of hiking days although we did bump into Patches in Damascus.Today we met a couple of guys who were out with their dogs for a day hike. Then shortly thereafter we met a mom and daughter team, Donna and Laura who were out for a 40 miles southbound section hike over spring break.   Laura is a high school senior who plans to take a year off from college to hike the Appalachian Trail.   Bravo!!The afternoon was sunny and warm.   RR wasn't feeling well so we pulled up early.   The wind has picked up but we have found a flat sheltered camp site in the trees.   Grey clouds have moved in. It looks like rain. We are hoping for a good night sleep for RR and a better hiking day tomorrow. Will
Date: 2016-03-26
From: N of Dickey Gap

To: Davis Hollow
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: broken clouds

I think that Bill Bryson really nailed it with the title of his book A Walk in the Woods.   Because for the 500 plus miles that we have been hiking that is exactly what we have been doing: walking in and through the woods.I wish that I could write some beautiful lyrical prose to describe our hike but in all honesty after awhile the forest all looks the same and I can't tell if I am heading north or south. We are now officially into the season of spring and hopefully we have left the snows of winter behind. The trees are still bare, no buds yet. I did see some ferns growing along the trail today but the wildflowers are still dormant.We have seen only two other thru hikers the last few days: Trouble a 2003 veteran AT thru hiker and Supernova a young speedster from North Virginia, No. Va. Therefore the Nova part and he probably is a super kid. Put them together and you got a Supernova. Zoom!! We have enjoyed our solitude the last few days. It seems like we have had the trail to ourselves. This was one of the appeals of an early season AT hike. We were hoping to avoid an overcrowded trail. Today was a reminder that we are walking through American history. We passed an old schoolhouse that was built in 1894 and is being maintained by the Settler's museum. Inside the desks were arranged to face the blackboard. There was writing on the board.We got a meal at the Barn near the Atkins, Va. interchange and then grabbed a quick two day resupply of junk food to get us to Bland. We will be hungry heading into Bland.We hiked to Davis Hollow picked up some water and called it a night. We both feel that we have finally got trail tough or trail fit. We both feel like we've got our hiking legs. What does that mean? I guess the best way to describe it is that we can do the long climbs without our quads or calves feeling like they are at a burnfest. We can hike all day and at the end of the day have a little left in the tank and not feel wasted. A good feeling. It also helps that the trail has moderated. The climbs are neither as long or as steep here in Virginia. We are thankful for whatever mercies the trail offers.Will
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Davis Hollow

To: N of Walker Gap 
Miles today: 25.0

Happy Easter everyone! We usually don't hike this early in the season so I usually spend Easter at church and with family and friends. This Easter I had to have my own quiet meditation on what Easter is all about as I walked down the trail. It was nice.It's interesting how you change over the years as a long distance hiker.   When we hiked the PCT in 2006, every 100 miles was a huge milestone and we got so excited about it. If someone hadn't already written '200' miles in stones, we made our own marker and took our picture by it. Many hikes have come and gone since then. Now, we hardly notice. You haven't heard me mention the 100,200,300,400 or 500 mile mark on this AT through hike.But that is about to change because today we hit the 550 mile mark which is about one quarter of the AT finished in a little less than a month.   For some reason that feels significant to me. There was even a sign to mark the quarter trail point!Today was a TD. No,I don't mean touch down. TD as in tough day. It didn't help that I started it off with a migraine. My family and friends know how crazy bad those can get for me. I took the meds I have for migraines and that kind of helped but for the rest of the day I had zero energy which is what happens after I get a migraine.   And of course we had long, super steep uphill climbs today.But there were also some great views. We were out in the open a lot more. And we did a bunch of ridge walking which I really love. Oh, and we bumped into 7 or 8 Amish folks up by the Chestnut Nob shelter. They live down in the valley and had walked the the mile and a half up to the shelter. It was on an open ridge and you could see their farms down below.We cooked a hot meal up there and then kept on hiking. We are headed into Bland tomorrow to resupply and so we wanted to get a few extra miles in.We found a nice secluded spot in the rhododendrons and we're all nice and comfy. Hoping for a good night's sleep. Catch you later! Road Runner
Date: 2016-03-28
From: N of Walker Gap Rd High on the Ridgeline 

To: Bland, Virginia
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It poured last night.   This led to some early morning drama. The trail is covered with leaves and when they get wet the trail becomes very slick. RR hit a slick rock and down she went in a full blown face plant. By the time I reached her, I could her crying and I could see the blood pooling on the rock. In that initial moment we weren't sure how much damage had been done but it didn't look like she broke her nose. We got the bleeding stopped. She had a rough day but was able to hike on. We were both thankful that the injury wasn't more severe.   And it brought to the forefront how easily and quickly a thru hike can end.All in all today's hike was pretty easy. We only had a couple of climbs that were more gently graded with some switchbacks thrown in. The weather turned early this morning and it actually turned out to be a decent day. Cool and sunny. We didn't see any other hikers. We have been hiking through the forests and after awhile it starts to grow on you. There is a deep sense of peace and contentment that I have noticed developing over the last week or so. The quiet and stillness that we experience throughout the day really penetrates deeply into our being and is healing and restorative.We hitched into Bland for an overnight stay and a quick resupply to get us a couple of days up the trail.Yesterday we hit the quarter mark in mileage and today we hit the quarter mark in time. This is our 30th day on trail including zeros. So how are we doing? I had mentioned in an earlier post that we are on the clock. In reality whether we like to admit it or not, most thru hikes are loosely scheduled. On the PCT and CDT you have to make it to Canada before the winter snows come. On the AT you have to get to Katahdin before they close the mountain. Although I'm not sure how you close a mountain.All in all I would have to say that we are doing OK with our non scheduled schedule. We have been able to keep the hike free flowing for the most part and when issues come up like RR's poison ivy, we roll with the changes. So far so good. Over the next two months we will gradually try to pick up the pace and bank some extra miles for the northern section when the hike gets tougher.We are heading out to Woods Hole Hostel for a day of R and R. We have heard so many good things about the hostel. We are really looking forward to our stay. See you up the trailWill We would like to thank everyone who has signed our guest book or sent us emails. Your positive comments and encouragement mean a great deal to us. It is nice to know that you are walkin along the trail with us wherevere you may be.