morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Erwin TN - Super 8 Motel

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

4/09/17Up for continental breakfast at Super 8 and ready at 7:00 a. m. when the shuttle arrived to take me (and John Boat, it turns out) back to Sam's Gap to continue hiking north into Erwin finally. Started with a climb and then nice up and down hiking past many tent sites (many occupied) to Street Gap. Then began the 1800 foot climb to Big Bald. This was a tough climb - some of it just steep up and some steep up and over rock piles. Much of the snow had melted but many snow banks still remained and were enough to feed water onto the trail and cause the black dirt to be black greasy mud. Oh well just gave to get past it. I slipped and slided constantly but fortunately did not fall - I'd have been filthy. I finally turned a corner and could see Big Bald high above and far from me but with the unmistakable bald crown similar to Max Patch Bald. More piles of rocks to climb and finally the grassy edge of the bald and long line of 4 x 4 posts with white blazes, placed close enough together to be visible in fog. But I had warm and clear blue skies. I followed the posts up the huge crown of the mountain to the summit. Dropped my pack and took in the 360 degree view. I watched two hikers leave and go down into a dip and up to Big Stamp, a treeless saddle on the ridge. At a mile + away they were visible like bugs slowly moving away along the trail and finally out of sight over its crown. I left and followed finding more greasy mud - did not fall. A little over a mile to the turnoff to Bald Mountain shelter - not stopping but a good milestone marker. Many climbs and lots of streams to cross in the next few miles plus a very high steep rock pile called High Rocks - wasn't expecting that. Several more streams with pretty and picturesque bridges in thick rhododendron groves - like an air conditioner in the hot afternoon sun. When I got to Spivey Gap where US 19W crosses I met a hiker coming southbound. This man was one of those helpful souls who volunteered to tell me how difficult and long the next few miles were going to be for me since he had just hiked them easily going in the opposite direction. Typically advice and info from such a person is not accurate but his description was true. I'd rather not have known. I've heard it said that you don't help a man unless he asks for help. After the next few grueling miles I knew the shelter was about two miles ahead. Today was over 18 miles. I am here and ready for the night but more importantly I am well positioned with a little over 6 miles to finally really get to Erwin TN where I will resupply and then tackle the next section to Hampton TN and on to Damascus VA, a really great goal and milestone because I will have GA, NC and TN completed. I could not get phone service so was unable to update Marlene after the summit of Big Bald. The message I tried to send from the shelter last night failed (I found out next morning) so I resent it then. I like to have her know that I am in for the night when I can. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2017-04-10
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin TN - Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up early and ready to go by 7:15 from No Business Knob shelter as were many of the crowd who tented in the area last night - finally finishing the long run to Erwin on our minds. 6.2 miles can seem long but it was a beautiful morning and I was on the trail at first light but before sunrise. There were some pretty views off to the distant ridge lines and peaks and the light was such that hollows right above and below me on the side hill trail were gorgeous and sort of mysterious. In this section you hike about half way and then begin to get glimpses of Erwin on one side and the Nolichucky River and Clinchfield Railroad bridge coming through the gorge on the other from thousands of feet elevation. The long switchbacks back and forth across the mountain showed the town on one side and the river on the other until finally you see both as the river enters the town. Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel is right at the trailhead as it comes off the mountain. Finally into Erwin after all the weather related stuff. I got a bunk, showered and went on the midday shuttle to eat and start resupply. Then I took the supper time shuttle to finish at 5:30. I am set and ready to go out tomorrow. So glad the section to Erwin is complete. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The shuttle arrived at 6:45 and I was ready to go up to Iron Mountain Gap. A quick 25 minutes and I was standing beside the road in the early morning woods watching him drive off. The first part of the hike was a good mix of ups and downs and I was surprised at how good the pack felt especially on the climbs. It was fun to be out in the early morning and such a relief that the heavy pack seemed to feel great. I passed Clyde Smith shelter without stopping and quickly climbed Little Rock Knob. Then the real stuff begins. Roan Mountain is a legendary mountain to climb. It begins at Hughes Gap with a stark climb up it's little brother which seems to have no name and hikers say to me that once done with it the majority of the work is over. Ash Gap is a flatter spot between and then the climb up Roan Mountain really begins. I had done this before and the trail went straight up the mountain, climbing over Volkswagen-sized boulders. I talked with the shuttle guy and he told me they had reworked the trail and put in switchbacks, adding about 1 mile to this part of the trail. This was true - big rocky boulder-y switchbacks. Everybody was surprised by how hard the climb was - toughest so far on the whole trip. I actually remember the old trail as being easier - but that was 15 years ago (old guy memories)... Low on water I finally reached the summit - hot sun beating down and draining my strength. Such a great feeling to reach the top - the site of a hotel from bygone days. After drinking lots of water I began to think about my destination for the day. I had planned to stop at the shelter here on Roan Mountain (highest elevation shelter on the entire trail Georgia to Maine) - Roan High Knob Shelter. I recovered nicely after the climb and decided to go to Stan Murry shelter 5 + miles ahead. Part of the incentive was to go over Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge this afternoon in clear weather, and part was to position myself well to make this section in 4 days. So I started a long trek down to Carver Gap at the base of Roan Mountain on the north side, filtering water at a stream on the north flank. After Carver Gap, Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge are two huge bald mountains - not so famous for their height (though very high) but for their sight distance - you can see a long way with the trail stretched out ahead like a pencil line. It was very clear and beautiful. This is just a taste of what comes ahead tomorrow and I can't wait. If the weather stays clear tomorrow will be the best yet - the last time I came through here it was clouded in with no views. I'll hold off on that until then. I made it to Stan Murray shelter and we have about 10 here. A good group. We have finished eating and are ready for the night. I'm very happy with today's hike. Roan Mountain was hard but God gave me strength to do it with a full-weight pack. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Campsite at the Elk River

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike was fairly nondescript and especially when compared with yesterday's. The night by the Elk River was not the best for sleeping as the humidity by the river was heavy and it seemed either too hot or too cold all night. I woke with my tent as wet as if it had rained overnight. Up early and out early to hike a pretty section with lots of footbridges over remote streams. It was only 12.0 miles but the lack of sleep made that enough. Also I had hiked 57.4 miles over the previous three days so that may have caught up with me. I am positioned just right though with 6.3 miles to hike to a hostel near Hampton TN where I will spend tomorrow night and resupply in town for the four day hike to Damascus Virginia. I plan to take a zero day there. No phone reception. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove Road - Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 6.3

I love days like today. Short hike into civilization and looking forward to a shower, real food and a place to sleep. My early start got me into the woods at the time of the morning when the quiet trail sounds are there and the light is so pretty. 6.3 miles seems so short, so I have learned not to think of it going by in a flash because that anticipation has a way of making it feel slow and long - are we there yet? By mid morning I was at the road and turned left to walk 3/10 mile to the famous Kincora Hostel, run by Bob Peeples - a trail icon for many years. I will not elaborate on the details but I quickly decided to go elsewhere. I did not see Bob, but the hostel seemed a bit run down and less functional than I remembered. Sad to say, but it needs a little TLC. So I loaded up and walked 3/10 back to the trailhead and then beyond another 1/2 mile to Black Bear Resort. I got a bunk in the bunkhouse and it turned out I was the only one in the bunkhouse so it was like a large cabin at bunkhouse prices. I was able to resupply completely from their store, making that chore almost effortless. They had a signup sheet for a shuttle into Hampton TN at supper time so I put my name in and spent some time doing laundry and shooting the breeze with the other hikers. A lazy day. The only thing they need to improve on is the phone service - none in the area of the hostel - so no calls or wi-fi. As the afternoon wore on the lady in the store came to pose a question. Since I was the only hiker to sign up for the evening shuttle, would I mind skipping the trip to town and just coming to eat with her family there in their residence. It gets better. They had out of town family in but they have to leave right away on Easter Sunday morning, so they decided to have Easter Sunday dinner tonight. Would I like to join them? The best I could do in Hampton was McDonalds - so I took a long time but finally decided. When she called me to come I was ready. Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing like my mom used to make, a ham, salad, rolls, cake, etc were forced upon me. I made up a plate and was seated with the family at the table. What a great time! I excused myself and waddled to my bunk room to rest. I spent the rest of the evening relaxing with the other hikers around, satisfied and completely ready to hike out in the morning. Beautiful Laurel Creek flows right through the property. I listened to it tumble over the rocky stream bed right outside my open window during the night. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Campsite
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Up with the whip-poor-will this morning - a bird that has obviously still not found his true love and is pining away in the forest. I was ready and hiking before sunrise. I like that because the light is kind of mysterious, it's cool out, and I like to listen to things coming to life for the day. It was not a hard hiking day. The terrain was pretty tame, at least no huge climbs for miles and miles. About 6 miles in I came to Iron Mountain shelter, followed shortly by the Nick Grindstaff monument - a chimney-like memorial for a hermit who lived there. I think the story goes that as a young man in the 1800's he traveled out west and was robbed of all his money and belongings. Disillusioned, he came back to this very remote spot to live his life as a hermit. His memorial stone says "he lived alone, suffered alone, and died alone." Sad commentary, and good lesson on wasting a life. The next thing of note is at Tennessee highway 91 where the AT acquired a property with open farm fields all beautiful in new spring grass and views to the surrounding forest and mountains. I had seen it in 2004, just after they had purchased it. Still maintained pretty much as it was and a beautiful scene. The cloudy skies enhanced the colors of the early spring growth all around. At the road Mrs 8-Track (Cathy) was there again with their RV and doing more trail magic so I had a sandwich, chips, fruit, drinks - even a grilled cheese sandwich. So great to have a surprise of real food and it was exactly at lunch time for me. THANKS 8-TRACK AND MRS 8-TRACK!! My original goal was to reach Double Springs Shelter but I wanted to go further to shorten the next day into Damascus, Virginia. I was able to do that, passing the shelter by 5 1/2 miles to a campsite at Double Spring Gap. I set up my tent alone but soon about a dozen hikers showed up for the same purpose. No phone service. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

There is a kind of magnetism about a trail town. Damascus has a lot of pull for a hiker. Hiker friends are all around. Real food is available. People know you are a hiker and want to be helpful. All my chores were done so I was up early, packed and down at Mojo's Coffeehouse before their 7:00 opening so I could get a good breakfast send off. Not disappointed. The day was wet and humid and closely overcast. I took the AT out of town on a flat tourist path then crossed the road, climbed a high set of stairs onto the mountain to be swallowed up by the forest. So much for town. A good climb to get started but I did well - rest always helps. Rain threatened all the way starting and stopping as I went. Then another climb up to Saunders shelter and the rain began steady and in earnest. Much of the hike followed Laurel Creek up the mountain with the AT on one side and the local Virginia Creeper Trail on the other side - both visible from each other much of the time. I saw runners and bicycle riders on the Creeper trail with the beautiful Creek tumbling over boulders between. The AT and Creeper trails come together to cross the Luther Hassinger Memorial Bridge - a very long footbridge built on the railroad trestle from yesteryear. It was a very pretty setting. Finally to the Lost Mountain Shelter for the night and I set up my tent in the rain on and off, with more rain expected overnight. Rain and lack of phone service kept me from texting Marlene so sort of feeling disconnected tonight. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Rain all night and during the pack up time this morning. Rained all day. From Lost Mountain Shelter is a huge climb up to Whitetop Mountain. Whitetop is a large open bald mountain which reminds me of the balds further south, but also gives a preview of the Grayson Highlands to come later today. It was raining with a sharp cold wind. This was a gorgeous scene and again enhanced colors by the wet and cloudy conditions. The high point is Buzzard Rock - stark and bold at the summit. After crossing Whitetop I descended to Elk Garden, a very garden-like road crossing. South of my location about one day's hike is a hiker named Walkman - I have not met him. His parents visited him in Damascus and then came here to Elk Garden, set up a tent and are doing trail magic - so another unplanned but great opportunity to have real food, treats and soft drinks. That was great. Cross the road and climb a hump covered in open pasture land with new spring grass to begin the climb up to Mount Rogers - the highest peak in Virginia on the trail. Rain was falling the whole way on the huge climb up to Thomas Knob Shelter after the side trail to Mt Rogers summit (nothing really to see there). After Thomas Knob Shelter you enter the Grayson Highlands which is home to herds of small ponies. The rain grew intense. The trail through the highlands is very rocky and exposed and a virtual stream bed from all the water. We all finally just stomped on through - no chance to keep anything dry. Saw the ponies and the beautiful scenery of the highlands but was somewhat overwhelmed by the stark and nasty conditions. By the way, ponies leave piles of pony pooh and at the proper location a hiker arranged the required little balls of it into "500 Miles" to commemorate the milestone. Hiker humor on an otherwise humorless day. Finally made it to Wise Shelter where I took a space inside. This being the weekend there were dozens of weekend hikers - boys scout troops etc. There were probably 50 - 60 people there - still in cold rainy conditions. Tents were set up everywhere and activities for the evening were pretty limited. Rain day and night taking its toll on our outlook - we want it to stop!! No communication today at all. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Dickey Gap - Virginia Highway 16 and 650

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: clear sky

Back to hiking. I was ready at 8:00 this morning as Linda the shuttle driver pulled up to the Econo Lodge. Quick load up and we are off to Dickey Gap. Linda talked the whole way, telling me all about her life. Also, their home was threatened by the flood waters and she and her husband Skip had spent the night at a Microtel. She hugs all the hikers before driving off, so I got my hug and loaded up to hike. I had a good hike 4 miles ahead to Trimpi Shelter where I had intended to finish before getting off at Dickey Gap the other day. I can tell that a zero day in town makes me stronger. Water was high in all the streams. The trail was muddy and greasy. There were beautiful old footbridges across streams, and the high water made many rushing waterfalls as the swollen flow tumbled over boulders. High mountains all around, and the early spring buds coming out at this higher elevation. I had kind of a military mindset today. If I had hiked ahead the other day, today's hiked would have ended at Partnership Shelter for about a 15 mile day. When I reached Partnership it was early afternoon so I stopped for a lunch break and hiked ahead to Chatfield Shelter - 5 more miles. This shelter sits on a steep hillside above a creek in a dense rhododendron grove. There are very few tent sites. I had been thru there in 2005. The creek was low and very tame then. Today it was a loud rushing torrent. There was no crossing without just walking across with water to the knee at times. Had to cross about a dozen times. I got there and found a slanted tent space and got set up. Rain continued, as it had all day. Cousin Eddie, a young lady from Texas, and Dead Guy Ale, from Tennessee, were there setting up tents as well (hiked around these two the last week). We set up quickly, ate, and made ready for the night as darkness was setting in. Went to sleep to the rushing sound of the creek just below my tent. It was a deep chasm between two mountains so there was not phone service. All day in the rain, and the terrain has made talks and text messages few and far between. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Campsite at Virginia Highway 42
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: moderate rain

Wow! I awoke to find a clear sky as daylight came and the tips of the high mountains around us were bathed in sunshine. Not a great tent site but I got a good night's sleep. Today promised many great things. First, I hiked ahead 2 miles to the Settler's Museum, kind of a farm using 1800's farming techniques, and also the LIndamood School - a one-room school house like "Little House on the Prairie" days. I followed the swollen creek down out of the mountains to see these, and beautiful Virginia valleys all decked out in new spring green grass. The path alternated between woods and open pastureland. At this elevation the trees were noticeably more in bud and leaf. By late morning I was at US11 / I-81 interchange in Atkins, Virginia - just a wide spot in the road with a cheap motel, a restaurant and a gas station. At the gas station I walked up to a man in a pickup truck and offered him $5.00 for gas for a ride to the Dollar General, about 4 miles down the road. Roger agreed and in about 30 minutes I had shopped for food and returned. I had a great time with Roger who is retired and has lost his wife so I could tell he enjoyed a chance to talk. Right on time to meet Dead Guy Ale, Cousin Eddie, and Boo Boo at The Barn Restaurant where we over ate - sliced roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables and a salad. I loaded up and left first. Normal hiking up and down mountains to the Davis Path campsite - shelter from 2005 gone - and a climb up Brushy Mountain and Walker Mountain. The path led to the area around Old Rich Valley Road in a beautiful farming scene almost to beautiful to describe. Long rows of ridges with gorgeous valleys between - all settled in picturesque farms - the long valley shown in perfect late afternoon light from the north ridge with this afternoon's ridge to the south as a backdrop. As I was crossing Old Rich Valley Road - remote country road in a beautiful valley - a pickup truck stopped. The man said he maintains the 1 mile of trail south from there that I had just hiked - wanted to know if it was ok. About 1 1/2 miles ahead on the other side of the next mountain is a concrete bridge built to go under water if the Holston River floods. He told me I could cross today, but yesterday it was impassible - bridge under water. I hiked ahead to find the water 6 inches below the surface of the bridge, rushing by. At the bridge is a beautiful picturesque farm, and the site of the Tilson Mill - an old water powered mill from days gone by. 2 1/2 miles ahead to the campsite at Virginia Highway 42 to find Dead Guy Ale, among other hikers setting up for the night. A beautiful day. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2017-04-27
From: Campsite at Virginia Highway 42

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Up and out early to climb another Brushy Mountain (lots of them in this area) to Knot Maul Branch Shelter. Many creeks and bridges in remote locations. The trail is in better shape today and much drier, with a lot less mud. Another climb up Lynn Camp Mountain and down to the Lick Creek footbridge where I had camped in 2005. Rough work ahead - a 2000 foot climb up Chestnut Ridge. First a difficult climb through forest and rocks to the shoulder of Chestnut Ridge where the top of the ridge is an open grassland - like a miles long hayfield on the broad top of the ridge. I hiked through long open grass in new spring colors, with intermittent woods between - all the while continuing the climb up to the 2000 foot elevation gain. Finally the stone shelter came into view - a fire warden building from the past, converted to a shelter, where I spent the night. The shelter sits on the top of a bowl-shaped valley called Burke's Garden, and also God's Thumbprint. The round valley is bordered on all sides by mountains with limited road access to the inside. The valley floor is dotted with beautiful farms - all visible from the shelter area - a valley 7 - 8 miles wide and across. The story goes that the people who built The Biltmore House in Ashville, NC wanted to build it here, but the locals found out and refused to sell any land in order to preserve the area. It is beautiful. I got pictures and a video in the late afternoon and also a sunrise picture the next morning - the valley full of low clouds with the tops of small mountains on the valley floor peaking through. Rain threatened and came intermittently all afternoon on the walk across Chestnut Ridge and came in torrents at sunset and all night. The high exposed shelter took the brunt. The stone shelter held firm. Goodnight Sweetheart.