morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Was the first out of the shelter area. It was a cold night so it was tough to get up and go...but I had Hot Springs town food as an incentive. Made good time arriving in Hot Springs around 3:45PM. While a lot of the miles were either level or downhill, there were a few lungbusting mountains to climb. I have learned that while hikers coming from the opposite direction says it is "all downhill from here" not to believe it...it never is...we forget the downhills and only remember the uphill climbs. I met WATER LOGGED and Christine (forgot to get her trailname). Remember they were the two young ladies I met on the second or third day out at the Two Wheels Only campsite (WATER LOGGED had to be stretched off the trail due to drinking too much water). Well they were hiking south from Hot Springs. Turns out they were at the Fontana Dam getting ready to enter the Great Smokey Mountain Nat'l Park when the storm I hiked through hit. Evidently Clingsman Dome area was closed due to the snow...so they got a ride to Hot Springs and plan to flip flop to Fontana Dam. They were also hiking with SWEET TEA....I had heard her name but hadn't met her yet. When I got into town I ran into TRANSCONTINENTAL...now he goes by TC and HOT SAUCE a young ex-marine who starts school in a few months using the new GI bill. I am glad we as a nation are taking good care of the men and women who have served in the military. I immediately showered, washed my shirt and pants ina the motel sink, dried them in the sun...then off for a beer and burger. Afterwards got the rest of my laundry done. Tomorrow I will take a zero to give my feet a break. I picked up some more blisters after two days hikiing in the water and mud...even body glide can't prevent blisters in these condions. The AT emblem is in the sidewalk of Hot Springs.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Nice day for a zero. Had a big breakfast at the local diner to start the day. Then did some shopping to replace my lost items. Also got some epson salt to soak my feet. The blisters on my toes were a little worse than I thought. I decided that I would take another zero tomorrow to give them a little extra time to heal. MILES caught up to me today. Had dinner with him and UGLY TUNA. He and MILES have been hiking together for the past week or so. UGLY TUNA just retired in April and immediately hit the trail. He worked at the FAA for about 35 years. Enjoyed dinner and a few beers. Went to the library first thing this morning to update my journal. Unfortunately the batteries were not at the place where I sent them. I had them forwarded to a hostel like B&B in Hot Springs. All of the mail drops are placed in the open ...so anyone could pick it up. I am going to talk to the owner tomorrow to see if he may have the package...but I am doubtful he will...bummer. All in all a very relaxfull zero.Soaking my big feet.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another zero day. My feet are already feeling better. Had breakfast with MILES and UGLY TUNA. They then went shopping and I hit the library to email some journal entries plus do some surfing on the internet. View from the balcony of the B&B...the river is the French Broad in Hot Springs.MILES, UGLY TUNA and Jason (the B&B owner) eating chips and sipping on a few beers.UGLY TUNAMILESAround 1:00PM I went up to MILES AND UGLY TUNA'S bed and breakfast. It was a very nice place...high up overlooking the French Broad river. We grilled out hamburgers and had a few beers. A very relaxing afternoon. I got to bed early after stopping by the dollar store for some more vitamin I (ibuprofen) and some blister bandaids.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

UGLY TUNA, MILES and I met for breakfast at the Smokehouse Diner. I had 2 scrambled eggs, pancakes and sausage for a third day in a row. Needless to say...it was GOOD! Having 2 days off and a big breakfast I was ready to hit the trail. The pancakes were hiker jet fuel...as I was able to power up the mountains feeling my best yet. I taped up all of my toes to prevent any more blisters and it seemed to work. No problems with the feet today...Yeah! It was a very hot day getting into the mid to upper 80's. The saving grace was we had a very nice breeze. The gnats were out in full force bugging and biting the you know what out of me. I sure wish they would die off...even deet doesn't seem to work against them. Got some trail magic today. Someone near a road crossing left about 15 full bottles of water to drink. I guzzled down two and treked on...thank you anonymous trail angel! We left at 7:45AM and got to the shelter around 5:30PM. Some younger folks left at 10:00AM and got to the shelter around 6:00PM. Some of the young adults can fly on the trail. We plan to get up around 6:00AM so we can try and do another 20 miles. We would like to get to Erwin...the next town...by Wednesday.MILES & UGLY TUNA as we head out of Hot Springs.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

It rained hard most of the night. My tent held up well again. The rain ended just in time fto start hiking at 8:00PM. Poptarts for breakfast and then off. Two milestones today...my first official 20 mile day...21.5 to be exact and I am now over the 300 mile mark. A lot of diverse terrain today. Some rock climbing as well as level trails. Of course the last 5 miles had to be mostly straight uphill! Vista along the trail Vista along the trail A busy shelter area.A busy shelter area.Big group at the shelter tonight. Some of the names...SALTY, TINY DANCER, SHAKES, PAUL BUNYAN, HOT SAUCE, and others. Looks like a tent city around the shelter. The plan is to get to Erwin by Wednesday. I am ready for some town food!
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Was out of camp at around 8:00AM in hopes of doing my third straight 20 mile day (I am rounding up my 19.6 day!). It would put me within 6 miles of Erwin. The moring was mainly a climb while the afternoon was a nice gentle downhill...very nice!!! Had a visit from some trail angels today. Two women from a neighboring community drove up to Big Bald Mt. They had packed lunches for themselves...but as I got there another hiker (RIPPLE) was talking to them. They gave her an apple...then gave me one plus some triskets spread with peanut butter. The apple was so crisp and sweet tasting! A nice lunch time treat. Only a few of the folks from the last shelter made the 20+ miles. It was TC, PAUL BUNYAN and SHAKES. I also ran into UPS who is hiking with RIPPLE.   A few years ago she completed her Masters in social work at the University of Texas. She loved Austin and wishes she lived there...she now lives in Georgia. Looking forward to getting into town tomorrow for some real food. Also thinking about slackpacking. It is when you rent a day pack and they drive you up the trail...let you out where the trail crosses the road and you walk back to Erwin. That way I can spend 2 nights in Erwin and get two town dinners. A view on top of Big Bald Mountain 5516 ft.I know I talk a lot about food...but it is amazing how hungry you get hiking all day! It is on my mind 24/7!
Date: 2010-05-05
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

I would like to thank all of you who have been posting notes in my guestbook...it is great to hear from you!Got up as soon as I heard the birds chirping...at the crack of dawn. I wasn't the only one...everyone was up early to race into town. The hike was fairly easy only a few ups. Most of the trail was downhill into the Nolichucky River valley. Had some amazing views...sorry I was in such a hurry I forgot to take a picture with my phone.Arrived in Erwin by 9:30am...had to hitch hike to my motel. Fortunately I got a ride fairly quickly. Promptly dropped off my pack in my room and made a beeline to JD's Grocery and Deli which is right next door. I had two huge sausage egg biscuits. The I showered and did my laundry. By that time it was lunch and all of the hikers in the area converged on the local pizza place for AYCE buffet. From there MILES and I had to go to the post office. We tried hitching but no luck...1.7 miles later we get to the post office. I then hit the library to email my journal. Then walk back and do some food suppling at the local grocery store. By the end of the day my feet are tired and sore....felt like I hiked all day!Erwin is a small town in Tennesee...lots of churches and houses with big wrap-around porches. Your quintessential all American town.Finished off the day by downing a bacon double cheseburger and onion rings. I plan to do a 10 mile slack pack so I can give my feet a brake...still have blister issues plus losing my big toe nail.The weather again was nice and warm. The long range outlook only has small chances of rain...hope that holds!
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Change of plans. My feet kept me from having a good nights sleep....they were throbbing. So I decided to take a zero today and will slack pack 20 miles tomorrow. I know my journal editor, my son Eric, is reading this and is saying "suck it up old man and get out there hiking."It is now 7:30 and my feet are feeling much better. I am going to use some New Skin on my blisters...it seemed to help MILES who took off hiking today.Did very little today. Mainly watched golf and CNBC. My plan is to get to Damascus, Virginia by Friday 5/14 for trail days. It is a big event involving past and present hikers. Click here for more info on trail days!Looking forward to hitting the trail tomorrow...I am getting stir crazy in my motel room.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Erwin

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

I could get used to slack packing. Covered 20.1 miles in 7 hours....a lot quicker than when carrying a 30+ lb pack! The weather start out cool but got very warm by the end of the day...overall a beautiful sunny day!Since I was going south from Iron Mt. Gap back towards Erwin I passed a lot of hikers. It fun to see them and spend a few minutes catching up with them. I saw MILESAVATARPAUL BUNNYANHAND ME DOWNCITY SQUIRRELSCATTERSHAKESTCHOT SAUCESALTYTINY DANCERUPSRIPPLEUGLY TUNAplus some others who's trail name I couldn't remember. I should be able to catch up with most of them tomorrow.Beauty Spot as the name implies was a great place to take a break today. It is a bald mountain top with amazing views! View from Beauty SpotAnother view from Beauty SpotArrived at Uncle Johnny's Hostel before 3:00pm. Johnny himself gave me a ride back to my motel. He bought the property where his hostel is now located 13 yrs. ago and since has built up a nice business which includes an ouutfitter store. He will pick me up tomorrow and take me back to Iron Mt. Gap so I can continue my hike north. As for my feet...vitamin I is my best friend.RollieFirst Previous Next LastHiker Entries May 07, 2010JournalistDestinationTrailDeluxe-- View Entry --Nepal TrekkingCanaryWalnut Mountain ShelterAppalachian TrailAriusBlue MtnAppalachian TrailFrankenweg Mother Natures Son 4km n. of Gra¢fenbergOther TrailsTransientMission Creek CampPacific Crest TrailJack the SharkTennessee 91Appalachian TrailperagerJohn's Hollow ShelterAppalachian TrailDidgeridude and DoodlebugThe PlaceAppalachian TrailSupermanHogback Ridge ShelterAppalachian Trail "Dances with Wolfie"Dahlgren Backpackers CampgroundAppalachian TrailMore...Grouped By Trail... It's amazing while you sit home planning your hike and all the logistics that go with it. You start forming these images in your head of how the towns you will be walking through will look like or how the trail meanders through the mountains.Boy was I off base... Pretty much just the opposite of what I envisioned....    Goliath ¢Pacific Crest Trail2018HikingTrailsJournalsPhotosCalendarGearLinksPartnersULA EquipmentREIPatagoniaNetworkTrail ForumsTrail NewsAbout UsContactDonateJoinLoginHelpFollow UsFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterest LinkedinTop Photo © Jan Leitschuh - Appalachian Trail, 09/16/2003 by Jan LiteShoeTrailjournals LLC © 2024All Rights Reserved. privacy policyNewburyport, MA 01950Terms under which this service is provided to you. Build: 20210226:165913Manage Settings
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got to the trail at 7:45am. A rain band came through the area around 6:.00am...but things cleared by 8:30am. The day was sunny but VERY windy. The big challenge of the day was climbing 6000 ft until you get to New Hampshire. It is 6,225 to be exact...the three mile climb from Hughes Gap to the top of Roan Mt. Is over 2200 ft. It definitely is a huffer to climb. Surprisingly I managed the climb pretty well...just took it sloooow. After Roan comes a number of bald mountains with the best scenic views of my hike so far...quiet spectacular!The best thing happened when I got to the shelter before the one I planned on staying at...two people there said there is trail magic at the next shelter 1.9 miles away!   I high tailed to it. A group of 1998 thru-hikers set up quite a spread near the shelter they served beer, cokes, chile, chps, pretzels and grilled cheese sandwiches. I ate a ton...all of it was terrific. This is the fourth year they have done it. What a great way to end the day! Trail magic attracks a lot of hikersAnother pic of the trail magic festivities.RollieFirst Previous Next LastHiker Entries May 08, 2010JournalistDestinationTrailDeluxe-- View Entry --Nepal TrekkingCanaryHot SpringsAppalachian TrailAriusHiawasseeAppalachian TrailFrankenweg Mother Natures Son SchnaittachOther TrailsTransientArrastre CampPacific Crest TrailJack the SharkIron Mountain ShelterAppalachian TrailperagerPunch Bowl ShelterAppalachian TrailDidgeridude and DoodlebugThe Place- DamascusAppalachian TrailJerry from KentuckyVA 16 Mt Rogers NRA HeadquartersAppalachian TrailSupermanBald Mountain ShelterAppalachian TrailMore...Grouped By Trail... It is an amazing morale booster to swap stories and experiences of trail life. Sometimes it can feel as if you are the only one struggling out here. ...    Doubleshot ¢Continental Divide Trail2016HikingTrailsJournalsPhotosCalendarGearLinksPartnersULA EquipmentREIPatagoniaNetworkTrail ForumsTrail NewsAbout UsContactDonateJoinLoginHelpFollow UsFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterest LinkedinTop Photo © Jan Leitschuh - Appalachian Trail, 09/16/2003 by Jan LiteShoeTrailjournals LLC © 2024All Rights Reserved. privacy policyNewburyport, MA 01950Terms under which this service is provided to you. Build: 20210226:165913Manage Settings
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Checked off another state. Left North Carolina and entered Tennesee. The trail has been back and forth between the two states...often times the trail is right on the boundry of the two states. Next state is Virginia.Quite a day. The winds were cold and howling. Crossed two exposed bald mountains...Little Hump and Hump Mt. Both mountains are at around 5500 ft. Ice formed on the trail as I scaled both mountains. The winds coming sideways with gusts over 50mph often times knocking me off balance. It was still cloudy as I went o ver Little Hump...hiked through the clouds. The clouds broke as I climbed over Hump Mt. exposing magnificant 360 degree views. The rest of the day was spent at lower elevations...just a lot of ups and downs.I did get some trail magic today. I crossed a road and as I ascending 12 cokes were laying by thed trail. I quickly downed a coke and hiked on.   Met Bodasios on the trail. He used to work for the PGA at tournaments. He was laid off and is now living in Erwin...he is thru-hiking now but has hiked this area before. He highly recommends I stop tomorrow at the Kincora Hiking Hostel. The owner does a many things to maintain the AT in these parts. He also does not allow alcohol and you can only stay one night...except if you are willing to do work on the AT. He does not charge an ything but the recommended donation is $4. For this you get the bunkhouse, showers and he shuttles into town for dinner...what a deal.Got to the shelter at 5:00pm...I am camping about .1 mile from the shelter...the tenting area is recommended from the shelter at this sight.Plan to get to bed early as the howling wind kept me up most of the night.Happy Mothers Day Glenda...I love you! Happy Mothers Day to all the moms following my journal!
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Pond Flats
Miles today: 21.3

Started at 7:39am. Ate two Quaker Oats bars and ready to go. The morning was on the cold side...but sunny and the wind had died down. Perfect hiking weather!Most of the start of the day was the usual ups and downs...no major uphill but it did get the blood pumping. The highlight of the day came in mid afternoon. Got to see Laurel Fork waterfalls. Pictures do not do it justice. It has got to be as high as a 10 story building...just spectacular! Hiked along the fast moving river for a few miles. Saw my first snake sunning itself on a rock by the water. Not sure what kind of snake it was. Then the last 3 miles took the wind out of my sails...a grueling 2000 ft over 3 miles. I am glad the hills didn't have ears.   The last third of the climb was void of switchbacks...just straight up. I dragged myself into camp area where I met section hiker WOODY. This was his first day out. He cut his teeth on the 2000 ft climb...it nearly wiped him out. He hopes to complete the Springer Mt. to Bland, Virginia. TC also came into camp as well...also a couple from Charolotte, NC TOONS and TOOTSIE POP.Oh I had a change of plans today. Decided not to go to the hostel but instead hike on. I will reward myself with a nero (3 miles) and a overnight in a small town called Elizabethton. As usual looking forward to some town food.Two milestones...biggest mile day and well over 400 miles.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Pond Flats

To: US 321
Miles today: 3.2

Rained on and off last night. Luckily as I was packing up in my tent it stopped. The 3 miles was my favorite...all down hill! Jumped off the trail and stuck my thumb up, about 10 minutes and 50 cars later, a cabinet maker in a pick-up stopped and gave me a ride. He initially said he was only going to Hampton 2 miles away...but as we talked about hiking he decided to take me to Elizabethton...he had an appointment there later in the morning. He drove me right to my hotel...nice guy. I offered to give him some gas money but he decined. I'd call that trail magic!Got my laundry done, went shopping and of course ate. Lunch at the AYCE Chinesee place...dinner at a Mexican cafe. Also picked up another battery for my Droid. If I have reception I will report nightly.Back on the trail tomorrow. The next 42 miles is called the Tennesee Turnpike where hikers can do big miles...we'll see!
Date: 2010-05-12
From: US 321

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a ride from the motel to the trail from Bob's Taxi Service today. It is one of three jobs 69 year old Bob has...his wife was the driver. Got on the trail at 8:30am. Walked around beautiful Watauga Reservoir...supposedly one of the cleanest lakes in Tennesee.I was expecting an easy day today...I should have known better...there is never an easy day...only less harder! The first 4 hours were a lot of climbs...then it did level out somewhat for a while for some nice hiking. The morning was warm and humid but as I gained altitude clouds moved in and covered the mountain tops makinng it a nice cool walk. Later inn the day after a brief shower the skies cleared. Tonight should be fairly warm.Met HAND IT TO YOU (2008 thru-hiker) and her husband John. They like many on the trail just started hiking this week. The plan is to hike into Damascus for Trail Days...which starts in earnest tomorrow and goes through Sunday.Around 2pm I caiught up with MILES who was hiking with BACKWARD,POWDER and Russel...POWDER's dog. The dog jjust started hiking last week and does not have his trail legs yet. He lays down every chance he get's!Got to the shelter saw SHAKER, ROADRUNNER and BODACIOUS. Found out tonight BODACIOUS has already hiked the trail 3 times...I thought hiking it once is a challenge!BODACIOUS said there was a aggressive bear in the camping area he was at last night. A group was campinng out near hoim and the bear kept coming up to get their food bags...they would scare hom off but he kept coming back. BODACIOUS decided to hike on in the dark and set up camp farther down the trail.Will get to Damascus tomorrow. Should be interesting to see what the festivities are at Trail Days!John and HAND IT TO YOU.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

On the trail by 7:30am. A quick poptart and I am ready to head to Damascus and Terail Days. The trail was "less hard" today with the last. 3 miles ...all downhill.Got into town at 1:30pm. Exhibitors were busy setting up their displays and tents for tomorrows official start.The caming for hikers is about a mile out of town. A real tent city...hundreds of tents are set up in an area close to a river. Hiked a mile to the campground as soon as I arrived in Damascus and set up my tent. Then hiked back into town to the local Subway. After wolfing down my 12 inch sub and chips I was off to the local ice cream place. The I noticed a bike rental place...5 minutes later I have a bike to get around in...my feet are so happy! Went and got my chocolate shack the cruised around town...plus hung out with fellow hikers.Dinner was free at the local Baptist church. Hot dogs, beans, chile, chips, cokes and cookies. They were very nice folks. Tomorrow they will have a mobile shower set up and they will have a couple of podiatrist to check out feet for free!I ended the day by watching some little league baseball. It brought back memories of my boys growing up.