morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Allen Gap - Hwy NC 208
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Section Hike 07-12A, Two Days, 14.7 miles.Hot Springs, NC to Allen Gap on NC 208.   Thursday, 3 May 2007 - This was to be another three day Section Hike, but the forecast of rain lead to a change in duration. I opted to do the hike in a day and a half to avoid the thunderstorms. I was expecting rain, but no lightning. The sound of the French Broad rapids accompanied me as I climbed and looked back at Hot Springs. Along the way I came upon a sign that had been overgrown by the tree it was posted on.    I am beginning to see the Spring flowers ready to bust out in bloom. There are buds on just everything you see along the trail. Rain is on its way as the clouds are getting darker with each passing minute. It has now become a race to the shelter.    On the way I pass a memorial stone for Rex Pulford and later another for woman. I arrive at Spring Mountain Shelter just before the rain hits hard. There are already two other hikers in the shelter, but before the day is over, there will be a house full with rain coming down close and wet.   Friday, 4 May 2007 - We had a wet evening and during the night it was like doing the "wave" at a football game. We were all laying side by side so close that when a person rolled over, it rippled down the line of sleeping hikers. The morning is foggy and wet everywhere. I feel sorry for the hikers in tents.    I start out in the fog and head for Allen Gap and my pick up point. It will be a short hike of only 3.7 miles to Allen Gap. My biggest effort was a 1300 foot climb followed (of course) by a 1500 foot descent. The trail, while wet is enjoyable. The forest aroma is of fresh air as can only be experienced in a wet forest. Birds are happy now that the rain has stopped and sing all morning long. I arrive at Allen Gap, a road access and check in with Judy, then we head into town.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Allen Gap - Hwy NC 208

To: Sams Gap (Hwy US 23)
Miles today: 28.7

Section Hike 07-12B, Allen Gap to Sams Gap.Three days - 28.7 miles.   Monday, 7 May 2007 - The weather is about as nice as it can be, but this hike will be a hard and challenging trek with three big climbs. The AT runs along the Tennessee and North Carolina boundaries now and there are times when if I held a rock in each hand and dropped the rocks, one would fall in Tennessee and the other would fall in North Carolina. Just past Allen Gap, I pass a Hiker's Hostel.    Trail continues along a gently rolling old forest growth area with beautiful trees and lot of wild flowers. I am coming across more balds now than anywhere south on the AT. I see more evidence of old log cabins, barns and livestock ponds. Trail is getting very rocky and requires a lot of attention if you want to keep from tripping or falling. Came upon a couple of old cemeteries next to the trail. Arrived at Jerry Cabin Shelter and was ready to stop for the day, but it was a good day for a hike.   Tuesday, 8 May 2007 - The Guide Book describes today's hike perfectly. "Everything is backwards on this AT Section - You hike south to go north, Tennessee lies east of North Carolina, and one of the best views is from a gap." Up the trail I am back to scrambling over rock slabs to follow the white blazes. Then I am back on a nice grassy trail running though a green stand of trees on a gentle ridge. At Flint Mountain Shelter, I stop for water and lunch. Having lunch are several other hikers and a group of women who live in the local community of Wolf Laurel Resort. End my day at a nice campsite where I set up my tarp tent and relax for the rest of the day.   Wednesday, 9 May 2007 - Out early as I normally do on all my pick up days. I have a steep climb first thing in the morning to No Business Knob where I am rewarded with a grand view. Going on to Hogback Ridge Shelter, stop for a break and sign the Trail Register. Back on the trail again and as I am about a mile and a half from Sams Gap, I hear a familiar voice. Its my dear wife, Judy and she is talking to our daughter on her cell phone. Judy has hiked back to meet me. We join up and head to my pick up point. On most of my hikes, Judy has been getting in two to three miles by hiking back to meet me on the trail. She is always a beautiful sight and it provides a nice welcome back to civilization.
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Sams Gap (Hwy US 23)

To: Nolichucky River in Erwin, TN
Miles today: 24.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Section Hike 07-13, Sams Gap to Nolichucky River in Erwin, TN. Two days - 24.4 miles   Monday, 14 May 2007 - Had a good rest in Erwin, TN. Starting at Sams Gap, NC and heading north to Erwin, TN. Within half a mile of my start, I encounter another bit of Trail Magic. Trail Magic comes in all sizes and shapes ranging from big tents, coolers, to a gathering of plastic containers with cookies, soft drinks and dried fruit. Hikers always appreciate this kindness and it reflects in the comments when a notebook is left for remarks.    I have a steady climb to Big Bald today. Wild flowers are starting to break out in profusion. Reaching Big Bald, I can see the Unaka Mountains and Mt Mitchell off to the East. I can also see the resort community of Wolf Laurel below the bald.    Stopped at Bald Mountain Shelter. This shelter has a nice view of the East Tennessee mountains. It is too early to stop so I push on to Whistling Gap and spend the night at a campsite. Around 6:00 PM, I am joined at the campsite by "Brother T."   Tuesday, 15 May 2007 - If you are not awake at day break, the birds will take care of waking you with their songs. I pack up and move out early. Brother T is still in his sleeping bag, so I move out quietly. Passed a couple of tents off from the trail as hikers are still sleeping.    My journey will take me over Spivey Gap, and Devil's Fork Gap. There sure are a lot of places named after the Devil around here. As I climb up the mountain, a nice mountain stream flows down the mountain. I heard wild turkeys with their deep croaking sounds, scrambling in the woods. Saw more evidence of bear scat, but still no bear sightings.    At Temple Ridge I can see some vistas of the Nolichucky River and Valley. Now I have a 1700 foot descent over two and a half miles. Switchbacks help going downhill, but the trail is rocky and steep. I cross the Chestoa Bridge over the Nolichucky River to my awaiting ride back to the RV. Life is good.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Nolichucky River in Erwin, TN

To: Iron Mountain Gap (TN 107)
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Section Hike 07-14A, Nolichucky River to Iron Mountain Gap (TN 107).Two days - 19.1 miles.   Sunday, 20 May 2007 - From Chestoa Bridge, I followed a level forest path that crossed a railroad track. I had no sooner crossed, when I head the distinct rumble of a coming train. I pause and as the train passed me, the engineer on the train blows his whistle.    Thus starts my section hike up a rocky trail again, but the view down the ridge has the river in sight. Some of the sides of the ridge are potentially hazardous and while the path is about two feet wide, you need to pay attention. I stopped at Curley Maple Shelter for a rest break and to refill one of my water bottles. I am being passed by Thur-Hikers head north to Mt Katahdin in Maine. They are after miles, I am after pictures.    The blackberry and blueberry bushes are filled with buds and August will be a berry feast for hikers, birds, deer and especially bears. When I come to Indian Grave Gap and cross the road, it is TN 395 on my left and NC 230 on my right.    At 8.9 miles, I come to a large grassy bald that is Beauty Spot Bald. The name fits this bald perfectly as it is truly a Beauty Spot. I enjoy the view and move on down the trail to a campsite by a gravel road leading up to Beauty Spot.    Monday, 21 May 2007 - Up and at it again and looking forward to meeting Judy and telling her about Beauty Spot. I hike through a dense forest area on a ridge that is so thick with trees, that it is actually dark. Later in the morning I come upon a "Hard Core" Trail Maintenance Team rerouting the AT. These volunteers and all the other Trail Maintenance Teams are to be respected for the labor they provide to keep the trail so good and clear.    Arrive at Cherry Gap Shelter for some water and another break. Sit and talk with several Thur-Hikers then continue down the road. Over Piney Ball and over more rocky trail filled with tree roots, but end up passing through a nice large open forest. Now the trail follows a downward narrow path along a steep ridge, but with a gradual grade.    I arrive at Iron Mountain Gap on schedule. I tell Judy about Beauty Spot and since we are so close, we drive up for the view. She enjoyed the view and I was glad she could see it without having to hike up to Beauty Spot.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Iron Mountain Gap (TN 107)

To: Carvers Gap (TN 143)
Miles today: 13.7

Section Hike 07-14B, Iron Mountain Gap (TN 107) to Carvers Gap (TN 143)Two days - 13.7 miles   Tuesday, 5 June 2007 - Returned to the AT after a week trip to Washington DC with my family sightseeing. Taking it easy and enjoying the wilderness after the busy city. The trail takes me into deep forests and along the top of a rocky ridge where the rocks are getting bigger with each step. The air is fresh and fragrant. This part of the forest is very dense and there are fewer wild flowers to be seen.    From a high ridge I can see Christmas Tree farms in the valley. Passed over Lowly Martyr Gap and Greasy Creek Gap. Love the names of all these places, but especially the stories of how they got named. Stopped at Clyde Smith Shelter as the sky was getting darker and threatening rain was on its way. Soon I was joined by several other hikers seeking to escape the rain and stop for the night.   Wednesday, 6 June 2007 - After an evening of rain, it is foggy and chilly in the morning. When I start out I am chilly, but I warm up in a hurry as I have another mountain to climb. Two miles up the trail between Little Rock Knob and Hughes Gap, I see and count twenty-four small bright orange salamanders about two to three inches long, over a period of two hours. They are just out in the middle of the trail and you have to be careful not to step on them. I pick one up and place it on my hand it does not move. Everyone along the trail has been talking about the climb to Roan Mountain. It did not disappoint. After four hours of climbing the mountain, I reach the top and a small meadow where I rest. There were times when I had to pull myself up by grasping a tree or a rock. I explore the site of the famous Cloudland Hotel built back in 1885.   Not much left now. Walk down a rocky trail to Carvers Gap and meet Judy. The rhododendron are out and I had a beautiful 360 degree view from Roan Mountain. It has been a nice hike.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Carvers Gap (TN 143)

To:  Roan Mountain, the town, on US 19E. 
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Section Hike 07-14C, Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain (the town) on US 19E.Two days - 13.4 miles   Saturday, 9 June 2007 - Started out at Carvers Gap and hiked over several grassy balds. Views from the top of the balds are beautiful and you can see mountains, blue ridgelines and green valleys. Trail is easy to walk on and follows through the grass and wild flowers.    I crossed over Jane Bald, Grassy Ridge, Little Hump Mountain and on to the much higher Hump Mountain. There are still a lot of large rocks. Geologists believe that the rocks here are over a billion years old. Passed two shelters today, one was the Overmountain Shelter, which is actually a historical red barn that can sleep up to forty hikers on three floors.    My planned destination was Bradley Gap, but I continued on to Doll Flats and camped. On the way to Doll Flats, I came upon two horses grazing up on a high meadow. They looked up at me and seemed very bored. Passed several hiking groups to include Boy Scout Troops and other section hikers. Doll Flats was a great place to camp with a small clearing in the trees and level grassy ground for several tents.   Sunday, 10 June 2007 - Off again at 7:30 AM, with a very short day before my rendezvous with Judy. I will only hike 3.1 miles to my pick up point and it mostly downhill. Life is good. The entire trail was in the forest and varied between a leafy path to very rocky.    Hikers you meet on the AT are a unique group. You learn a lot about each other in those brief moments of time. Yet, everyone remains anonymous by using trail names or just first names. Chances are if you are a Section Hiker, that you never see the folks again. Little sayings are passed on when everyone is relaxing in a shelter. When asked how many hikers can sleep in the shelter, the response was that "the shelter is not full until the last hiker has arrived".
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Dennis Cove (USFS 50)

To: Watauga Dam Road
Miles today: 12.8

Section Hike 07-15-1, Dennis Cove (USFA 50) to Watauga Dam RoadTwo day hikes (Slack pack) - 12.8 miles   Our RV is parked near Watauga Dam, so I will do two day hikes instead of my usual overnight hike.    Tuesday, 12 June 2007 - My hike for today will be a nice one-day, five and a half hour stroll along a forest stream that is followed by a climb over Pond Mountain and up to Watauga Lake near Hampton, TN. In short order, I find myself walking next to Jones Branch, a picturesque stream in an area with huge rock formations.    The path is softened with pine needles, making for a very pleasant hike. Along the stream, I see a number of primitive, well used level campsites. The trail turns rocky and I find myself between two sheer rock walls. Then I reach Laurel Falls, a seventy foot, two tier fall. The trail follows a rock ledge around a large rock cliff and is about three feet up off the stream. It is a beautiful sight and refreshing. The summit of Pond Mountain is nice, but offers no view. Watauga Lake comes into view and soon I am at the edge and my pick up point.   Thursday, 14 June 2007 - This is my second day hike in this section. It will really be a short hike of only 3.9 miles. Judy drops me off and then goes to my pick up point and start hiking back to meet me on the trail. I will be hiking to Watauga Dam Road. Most of my hike is above the shores of Watauga Lake.    The path takes me up through a mature pine forest, over Griffith Branch, another nice forest stream. Then it is over and down to the earthen Watauga Dam on a paved road. I encounter a short rocky section, but the rocky section is not difficult. Judy hikes up the trail towards me and we hike back to the car together.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Roan Mountain on US 19E. 

To: Dennis Cove (USFS 50)
Miles today: 23.8

Section Hike 07-15-3, US 19E (Roan Mtn, TN) to Dennis Cove (USFS 50)Three Days - 23.8 miles   Thursday, 28 June 2007 - Started my hike just past Roan Mountain, TN on US 19E. My first day would be 8.2 miles over gentle rolling ridges. As I approach Virginia, the trail is more "hiker-friendly" and not a constant roller coaster. The forecast today is for a thirty percent chance of rain, so I will keep an eye out for the dark clouds. Gnats are becoming a nuisance, but a bandana covered with insect repellant helps.    A highlight today was coming to Jones Falls. It was a 70 foot two-tiered fall over huge rocks which tumbled into a nice pool. Arrived at Mountaineer Falls Shelter and met Brewmaster at the shelter. This is a very nice new shelter recently built and it looks new. We end up with a full house and a number of tents outside the shelter.   Friday, 29 June 2007 - Today I have 9.5 miles over gently rolling ridges, so it should be an normal hiking day. Main concern is the forecast of sixty percent rain early in the afternoon. So I am in a sort of race to reach Moreland Shelter before I get wet.    I am passing nice bursts of rhododendron blooms, mountain laurel and flaming azaleas. This section also has its share of poison ivy along the side of the trail. It must be a very wet area as there is green moss covering everything on the ground. I come upon a group of large bright orange mushrooms attached to a tree.    Reach Moreland Shelter early in the afternoon and missed the rain so far. At the shelter is my friend Brewmaster and a new friend, Breezeway. Around 9:00 PM the rain comes charging in and we scramble away from the picnic table and seek the dryness of the shelter. A strong wind comes with the rain and we can hear tree branches breaking off and falling to the ground. We hope for the best for the hikers in tents. At 10:00 PM, the storm settles down and we all go to sleep.   Saturday, 30 June 2007 - I leave early so I can take my time as the tril is wet and slipery. However, I still end up taking my first fall of the season. I stepped on a wet tree root and fell on my side, but my backpack cushioned my fall. I look around to see if anyone saw me fall and when I see that I am alone, I bounce up and continue on as if nothing happened, however the mud on my butt tell a different story. I reach Dennis Cove and meet Judy. She asked me how I got mud on the back of my pants and side and I tell her I sat in a wet and muddy spot when I took a break. We head back to town where I really need to clean up now.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Dennis Cove (USFS 50)

To: Shady Valley, TN (TN 91
Miles today: 28.8

Section Hike 07-16A, Watagua Dam Road to TN 91 (Shady Valley, TN)Two days - 16.0 miles   Monday, 2 July 2007 - Why is it that everytime I am dropped off at some road access, my first challenge is always a climb up some mountain?? My climb was a stair-step trail where I would climb about 300 feet, level out for about another 300 feet, and then repeat to the top. Once up on the top of the ridge, I follow Watagua Lake on my right for many miles. There is a thin growth of young trees that obstructs the view of the lake, but I am able to get a peek once in a while.    At mid-morning I reach Vandeventer Shelter. The shelter is located next to a large rock slab with a beautiful view into the valley and over the lake from about two thousand feet. I take a break, sign the trail register and continue. The side of the trail still has some rhododendron, but not as full as a week ago.    Arrive at Iron Mountain Shelter where there are already several hikers in for the night. We end up with nine hikers in a shelter built for six. Cozy..   Tuesday, 3 July 2007 - Just 4.5 miles to my pick up with Judy. I am seeing a lot of deer now along with several fawns. At 1.3 miles from the shelter, I came upon a large stone burial monument for Nick "The Hermit" Grindstaff. His epitaph reads, "Uncle Nick, Born 1851, Died 1923, Lived alone, suffered alone, died alone." This section of my hike is flat and I enjoy my short hike to TN 91 through thick rhododendron tangle tunnels, knee high grasses and rocky sections requiring careful footing. Thus ends another section hike. Virginia is getting close.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Low Gap on US 421

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 14.08
Weather: clear sky

Section Hike 07-16B, Low Gap (US 421) to Damascus, VA Day Hike, 14 miles.   Monday, 8 July 2007 - Day hike into Damascus and the start of my hiking in Virginia. Figure I will be hiking in Virginia the rest of 2007 and most of 2008. While I have 14 miles to hike today, I will be doing it with my camelback pack. Was not sure what to expect on today's hike as the Guide Book described the hike as through mostly mature forest with a lot of overgrown grass, stinging nettles and poison ivy. Wonderful, just what I needed... However, the hike turned out to be good and I had no incidents or follow on rash..    As I walk the trail I am seeing a lot of evidence of rock fences built by farmers trying to clear their land of all these rocks. I am also noticing that the gnats are out in force and letting all the hikers know that they own the trail this time of the year. Lot of places to spend the night. Shelters and campsites all along the trail.    At 2:04 PM I study my map and feel like I am about to enter Virginia. Then a major highlight happens to me. I see my first bear. It was up a tree about fifteen feet and looking down the trail in the opposite direction that I was approaching. I think it heard my footsteps and climbed up the tree for a better view. I stop, pause and reach for my camera, when it suddenly dropped down the tree and was off down the ridge like a bulldozer plowing through all the small trees and brush. It was only then did I think that I was glad it had gone away from me, because I would have never out run the bear if it had come in my direction. Enjoying my new sighting, I approach Damascus and meet Judy by the park.
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Damascus, VA

To: Elk Garden, VA (VA 600)
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: light rain

Section Hike 07-17A, Damascus, VA to Elk Garden, VA (VA 600)Three days - 23.8 miles - NorthboundThursday, 12 July 2007 - Leaving Damascus, VA along the Virginia Creeper Trail. The trail is easy, even though it is wet from a hard rain last night. The AT passes along the side and up on the ridge from the paved Virginia Creeper (VC) Trail. I can see bikers and hikers along the VC trail. After a while I break away from the VC trail and head up into the forest.    I have been in a steady climbing and arrive at the Saunders Shelter where I will spend the night. There is no one at the shelter, but within an hour I am joined by seven Venture Scouts and their scout masters. Later we are joined by a preacher and his group. Believe it or not, but I had met the preacher on the AT last summer. At the evening campfire, the preacher asked the group a question: "If a man is in the woods, and says something, and if there are no women in the woods, is he still wrong?"   Friday, 13 July 2007 - Today will be a short hike of 6.4 miles. There is a forty percent chance of rain, so I am into another race to the shelter in hopes that it will not rain while I am on the trail. It has been an easy hike and I have crossed the Virginia Creeper Trail several times. Cross the wooden, 500-foot-long Hassinger Bridge. A light rain begins to fall, but the trees offer some protection. Just past noon, I arrive at Lost Mountain Shelter, just in time before the hard rain comes down. I relax during the day reading, listening to music and the sounds of the woods and the birds. I am the only hiker in the shelter tonight, but have the mice for company.   Saturday, 14 July 2007 - Early start as I have 9.2 miles to my pick up point. Have several stream crossings, passing over US 58, and briefly back on the Virginia Creeper Trail. For about two hours the trail has been nice and level along a cool and bubbling stream. Then I start a long climb up to Buzzard Rock, a bald extending across the Whitetop Mountain. I must be close to the end of my hike as the trail has started down over very rocky terrain and slowed me down a bit. About a mile from Elk Garden, I meet Judy coming back to me on the AT. We return to the car and drive into Damascus for a late lunch.