morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-24
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Stealth camped, Rich Mountain
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 20: Today started like those before; early to rise, early to the trail. I walked away from the Walnut Mountain Shelter at 7:30 and had the 13.1 miles to Hot Springs checked off before 12:30. As soon as I left the trail and stepped on the street a car pulls up and asked if I'd like him to take my picture. He had apparently seen my attempt to take a 'selfie' with the AT and Hot Springs sign behind me. I thanked Bob and with the same breath asked him where I could get a fat hamburger. I was directed to the Smoky Mountain Diner. One huge burger, large fry and two gigantic Pepsi's later... I was shopping the Dollar General for my resupply. I ran into the local outfitter (Bluff Mountain Outfitters) for a fuel canister and power bars. I happened to notice a pub across the street and thought that would be a great place to repackage my backpack while also enjoying a cold beverage. I had originally planned to stay at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn but they were fully booked. I decided that it was too nice a day for hiking, so I didn't pursue accommodations elsewhere. I decided to make more hay. I hadn't planned on hiking very far but it just seemed to happen. Before I knew it, I'd hiked another 7 plus miles. I guess the full belly allowed me to march on while in deep thought. As I marched on I started wondering why "we" hike. There are those that hike for the social aspect. I've seen so many hikers that wouldn't consider hiking by themselves. They require others around them. Perhaps that's out of a need for a sense of security, or possibly a method to help hold themselves accountable to the miles they know they have to put down. Then there're others (myself included) that love the solitude, the peacefulness, and personal freedom that hiking alone provides. A point to ponder... there is something special about hearing a bird sing it's preassigned song. It's the familiarity and comfort that comes with knowing each bird must whistle their tune... no choice, no repertoire...it's who they are. Whistler
Date: 2017-03-26
From: Stealth camped close to Jones Meadow

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 22: I woke up this morning at 5:30, sat up and thought I should start my day. I got dressed and walked over and pulled down my food bag from my Bear line. I fixed breakfast and started feeling rain. I quickly finished packing my pack and taking down my tent. I got my rain gear on and was hiking by 7:15. I guess I was making hay when the sun didn't shine. "Red Ranger" and I had met over lunch at the Smoky Mountain Diner two days prior and ended up camping together last night. He was up shortly after me, skipped breakfast, and packed up just before the rain as well. We hiked together all day which was good to help set a pace that may not have been achieved otherwise. An observation that I made today is the number of graves and/or memorials that there are on and along the trail. There are simple markers such as the pair of boots tied to a cross I saw yesterday to beautiful bronze plaques mounted to the face of a large boulder today. One grave that I had to walk a side trail to see is the grave of the Shelton Brothers. They were two Union soldiers who were killed on that very spot while visiting family in the Confederacy during the Civil War. This trail we walk is rich in history. I would say, "If it could talk...", but in a way, it does... it talks to us every day, we just need to learn to listen. Whistler
Date: 2017-03-27
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter (really, that's the name)
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 23:Speaking of listening...Another great day for hiking. Elevations were modest which made for some good miles. 20.7 in just nine hours of actual hiking. Views were spectacular on what was a mostly clear day, although we did get a quick afternoon shower. I'm still going between North Carolina and Tennessee every day. The trail is such that you literally have one foot in North Carolina while the other is in Tennessee. I will actually be entering Virginia in about another 130 miles. So, a bit more on listening (referencing yesterday's journal posting). There is a common saying on the trail that we thru-hikers live by. It's referred to as HYOH or hike your own hike. For example, I had a choice yesterday while hiking Big Firescald Knob of either taking the white blazed ridge trail or taking what is called a bypass/bad weather blue blaze trail. Both sections are 1.5 miles, but the white blazed trail runs the top ridge of the mountain, is very rocky, and at times requiring hand over fist climbs. The blue trail is rated "easy". Well, I committed to myself that I wasn't going to miss a single white blaze. While others might take the blue blaze trail, I pass zero judgment. They hike their own hike. So, back to listening...there have been several occasions that a South bound day hiker or even a faster than me North bound thru-hiker passes me. I'll always give a big smile and greet them. I might get a return smile, but that's it. It's not until they actually pass me that I realized they have earbuds in and haven't heard a single word I said. So here I am listening to the birds, water rushing in a stream, a flock of 15-20 turkeys, two trees rubbing against each other in a stiff breeze, or just listening to the wind through the trees while they're listening to music. It may just be me, but that's not what I believe the journey is all about... on the other hand, HYOH. Whistler
Date: 2017-03-29
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel, Erwin, Tenn. 

To: Just .8 miles to Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 25: I had already decided last night that I wouldn't be taking the morning shuttle offered by Uncle Johnny's to breakfast. It didn't leave until 8:30 and I had already planned to be back on the trail by then. "Red Ranger" also decided against the shuttle but for a different reason. He had made arrangements to hire someone to drive him to Iron Mountain Gap, twenty miles north so he could slack pack back to Uncle Johnny's. Slack packing is when you take food and water only, catch a ride and hike your way back. The benefit being the light pack and ease of the hike. The miles still count...remember, HYOH. I ran into "Red Ranger" at lunch time at Indian Grave Gap. He was going south and I was going north. He had hiked 12 miles and I had hiked only 8. He looked fresh and light on his feet... I looked like I needed a shower and a blood transfusion. The hike today started at about 1,800 feet and up to just over 5,000 feet. The transitional changes in the landscape is unmistakable. The lower elevations boast mature hardwoods with mountain laurel and some conifers. Today's hike took me to a beautiful dense spruce forest at 5,000 plus feet on Unaka Mountain. The difference was remarkable in that it was so clearly delineated. The spruce forest was so dense that If you threw a stone you couldn't help but hit a tree. The forest floor was thick in seasonally shed needles which made for a soft almost carpet feel underfoot. A vast difference from the sharp rocky tread normally felt on the trail. The sun made its way through the thick canopy in beams of light that almost seemed like a Hollywood special effect. If not for the stark white blazes on the dark trunks of select trees, finding the way/trail would have been impossible. As I walked I imagined that if there were Elves, Hobbits and Fairies, surely this is where they would live. These huge majestic spruce trees stood tall over their young. The immature trees lined up in almost perfect formation and shape. It was like I was walking through a Christmas tree Farm with every one being the perfect choice to take home. Hiker advice time...while hiking, if your bootlaces aren't feeling right, re-tie them. If there is something in your backpack rattling, take your pack off and find the culprit and stop the rattling. If you have your clothes layered and you're hot, stop hiking, take off that layer(s) and restart your hike. In other words, if you have an itch, scratch it. It makes for a much more enjoyable hike. Whistler
Date: 2017-03-30
From: Just .8 miles to Iron Mountain Gap

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 26: I woke early this morning and was on the trail by 7:15. I arrived at Iron Mountain Gap just prior to 7:45 and hoped to meet "Red Ranger" as he got dropped off. I waited a few minutes and never saw him so I hiked on. Today was one of those days that you hike all day and practically never see another soul. I saw several day hikers and they were all southbound. No NOBO hikers at all but for myself. I stopped at Hughes Gap for lunch, ate quickly, packed up, and hiked on. Shortly after, the weather really got strange. The air got super cold and the sky turned dark. The temperature must have dropped 20 degrees in a matter of minutes. Here I am hiking in shorts and a tee shirt and starting to shiver. I drop my pack and pull out my rain gear just as it starts to rain. I continue to hike and start to warm up from my activity. I'm actually making good time and miles so I decided to skip the next Shelter and keep moving. At one point I am at Janes Bald and the wind is blowing so hard that it blew me down. I got up and it took all I had to walk into the wind without getting blown off my feet again. I finally got to Stan Murray Shelter where I was the only person there. I set my tent up in the shelter and am hoping and praying that no one else shows. If they do, I'll have to move my tent outside. A dangerous thing to look out for on the trail...While hiking there are several things to look out for that do not get the attention they deserve. I'll cover one of them now. This creature lurks on the trail in the most stealthful way. A unsuspecting hiker is certain to be caught by surprise. The Rootapus -Snakeopotamus (my Latin name for them) lay about the trail waiting for some poor unsuspecting hiker to step over them. Their method of attack is that they will reach up, grab your boot, and attempt to trip you and bring you down. Tired hikers are more likely to be tripped up by them so you must always be on alert. They are very clever and at times will hide there whereabouts under leaves. They resemble tree roots and actually will anchor themselves to the ground but don't be fooled by these very dangerous creatures. Step high and keep those boots out of there reach. Whistler
Date: 2017-03-31
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Slide Hollow (stealth camping)
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: light rain

Day 27: Pitching my tent in the shelter worked well for me last night. The storm was one that you didn't want to be sleeping out under those big trees for fear of a widow maker coming crashing through my tent. The trail was littered with huge branches and tree blow overs which was a true indication of just how severe this storm was. It was still raining when I awoke so I got a bit of a late start. I decided that I would hike the 1.9 miles to the Overmountain Shelter for my morning coffee and breakfast. Overmountain is a shelter made from a converted barn. I arrived right at 8:30 and talked with a couple of thru-hikers that said it had been packed last night. Now I was really happy with my decision to stay at Stan Murray (not that my feet could have gone any further anyway). The sun was just breaking through the clouds providing the view that this shelter is known for. It was kind of funny how a group of us were taking in the view. We were just staring at the mountains as if a high action movie were playing before us. No action... just amazing beauty. After my breakfast I packed up and hit the trail, or should I say, the river. All that rain water has to go somewhere and why not the trail? Being the path of least resistance for all that water, unfortunately, this same trail was the one we all had to trek. Water was at times up to my ankles. In the "shallows" it was like hiking in pudding. The Roan Highlands are known for both the intensity/difficulty of the hike and for their views. Well, a heavy fog provided cover for the views, but the hiking difficulties remained. The highlight of the day was passing the sign that I had officially left North Carolina safely behind me. Two states down, twelve to go. Whistler
Date: 2017-04-01
From: Slide Hollow (stealth camping)

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day:28Today's hiking is what I'm going to call a "free" miles day. In other words, an easy hike; limited climbs and easy downs. I did the 15 plus miles in six hours of stress free hiking. I had the pleasure of hiking a couple of those hours with "Mr. T". "Mr. T" and I are close in age, had the same pace, and had great conversation. We split just as I was getting ready to stop by Kincora Hostel to pick up a package my sister had sent me. I didn't actually plan on staying at the Hostel, but quickly changed my mind once I arrived. Bob Peoples is the owner/operator and is a legend of the AT. His warm welcome convinced me to stay (that and his twelve cats). The deal here is that you can stay for the recommended donation of $5.00. The Hostel common area includes a full kitchen for hikers use. Showers, laundry, bathrooms and shuttle to local restaurants and an Ingles grocery store are also available. This is a 'not for profit' Hostel... don't expect the Hilton. I also had the pleasure of meeting Stanley the dog today. As I was hiking, Stanley and his owner (I have no idea what his name is) were both hiking South. Stanley is a Lab-Irish Setter mix with the sweetest disposition. Anyway, when finished loving on Stanley, I continued on with my hike only to find two coolers full of trail magic. The note on top of the cooler... yep you guessed it... left for thru-hikers by Stanley.
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 29: I left Kincora Hostel this morning at 7:15, but not empty handed. Bob Peoples, the proprietor, sliced off four huge pieces of banana nut bread for me to take on the trail. It never made it to the trail though... I ended up being the only hiker at the hostel last night which made for a very quiet night. Boots (an orange tabby) kept me company as he slept with me all night. The start of my days hike was unique in that the rock formations I was climbing were like huge blocks stacked on top of one another. It amazes me how the physical makeup differs from one mountain to another. This mountain (Pond Mountain) looked as though fine stone masons erected it stone by stone, carefully cutting and fitting each one in a specific predetermined location. Like those masons that had built the great cathedrals and pyramids, this mountain in its own free form shape was designed and built by a Greater power, each stone placed exactly were He planned. The hike started today with a huge descent over a boulder field and the deeper the descent the louder the roaring Laurel Fork Falls. When the falls finally comes into view, I found myself moving in slow motion as it was totally mesmerizing. Laurel Falls was worth the price of admission which was that huge descent. That ticket provided a front row seat making me an audience of one for the big show. Well, sometimes you have to go down before you can go up. Reality hit soon after I started my hiking away from the falls. Pond Mountain asked for full payment for that show at a cost of 3,800 feet. It was brutal, but still worth it. Tomorrow's hike looks to be a lot easier with limited elevation changes so I'm hoping to put down some big miles. That should make for a short day on Tuesday taking me into Damascus. I might actually take Wednesday off as my first "zero" after a full month of hiking. I'm tired!!!Whistler
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Stealth camp
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 30: Before I report on today, I wanted to take you back to yesterday's hike. I realized that I left out a big portion of yesterday's adventures. Once I came to US 321, I stopped at Shook Branch Recreation Park, which is a picnic and sandy beach area. This was the perfect spot for me to sit at a table and enjoy my lunch. The whole time I imagined how perfect it would have been if there had been a coke machine there. Anyway, after lunch I started my hiking again where the trail takes you along the shoreline of Lake Watauga. In fact, the trail follows this man made, dammed lake for a couple of miles. You continue until you cross over the Watauga Dam, follow the road that is sparsely blazed, and then back on the trail for a big ascent. The higher I went the bigger the view of the lake, which was breathtaking. Higher still and I could see the marina across the lake. My imagination ran away with me as I was still thinking about that coke machine. That marina had to be 10 miles away and I still thought how great it would be to mosey on over there for an ice cold drink. My imagination didn't stop there. I imagined walking up to those blue canopies and finding a dockside bar. I sat down and people started asking if I was an AT thru- hiker. I responded that yes, I was, and I would tell them all about my adventures after I ordered myself a cold drink."No, Whistler", they all say, "Your money is no good here." "We're buying your drinks today." "Well, in that case, I'll have the big slurp bottomless mug of ice cold beer. Once that beer arrives, I'll wet my whistle and tell you my stories..." So about today's hike... it rained almost all day, I got soaked, my feet turned into prunes, I hiked 24.8 miles, the end. I did want to journal about the ruins that you see as you hike the AT. It's not uncommon to come across an old stone foundation or to find a fully intact stone fireplace in the middle of nowhere. These are the remnants of a time when the people of Appalachia lived and worked in these mountains. There is a long history of the governments involvement in "assisting" the people of Appalachia. Job creation, education, the introduction of coal mining for jobs, the building of dams for cheap electricity, and actually relocating them to remove them from poverty. A lot of falsehoods, myths, and distortions were promoted to support those acts. Later studies and published papers dispelled those stereotypes that unfortunately still follow the people of Appalachia today. Whistler
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Stealth camp

To: Damascus
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: moderate rain

Day 31: So yesterday/last night I had actually planned on stopping and staying at Double Spring Shelter, but it was full. "Onion" and "Flutter " were about to make room, but I thought I'd go on a couple more miles as I still had some steam in my legs. Besides, as you know, I'm not really into sleeping in shelters. It had been raining all day and as I turned to start back on the trail the sun made its first daily appearance. I took this as a sign and marched on. I found the perfect stealth site just over two miles further north and yes, two miles closer to Damascus. I took this as a sign... When I woke this morning it was raining and pretty evident that it had done so all night. I started packing what I could while in my tent. Don't you know that it stopped raining just as I was thinking about taking down my tent. I took that as a sign... I only had 8.3 miles into Damascus and was already getting excited about this short day and my commitment to taking my first zero tomorrow. Just three miles or so prior to Damascus is the Tennessee/Virginia state line. "Flutter" came by just as I was about to take a selfie at the sign. She took my picture and I returned the favor. I took that as a sign... When I came off the trail I could not believe how beautiful Damascus is, picture perfect in every way. Gardens, landscaping, and the park in the center of town is just beautiful. I took this as a sign... I walked up the main street and bumped into "Red Ranger". I took this as a sign... We made plans to meet for lunch after I had the opportunity to stop by the post office and local outfitters for my packages from Annie and daughter-in-law, Lauren. After lunch I made a minor resupply, got back to The Hikers Inn, and took a shower. The Inn took my laundry (those poor people) and now I'm enjoying an ice cold beer. Oh, the sign I mentioned... I think it was a sign telling me that taking a zero is the right thing to do. Time for a recharge!!!Whistler
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 32:I've been thinking through what I could possibly journal about today. Here I am taking my first and all so pleasant zero in the quaint and very hiker friendly town of Damascus, Virginia and what to write about??? Well, believe it or not, you actually plan and work when taking a day off the trail. Sure, there is plenty of down time to eat and drink... and repeat throughout the day. But, one must resupply, repair and replace worn and broken equipment, and study the trail guide for the next stops and future resupplies. For example(s), the insoles of my boots had worn through after this nearly first 500 miles. I picked up a new pair at Mt. Rogers Outfitters. For the record I could never recommend Mt. Rogers Outfitters highly enough. Next, a buckle on one of the straps that I use for cinching my tent to my backpack broke. The guys at Mt. Rogers Outfitters came up with a fix for that issue and didn't even charge me. Next, I was off to the local grocery store about one mile away for a few odds and ends. My food bag is now fully stocked for the next 100 miles. So, here I am fully restocked, recharged and ready to lay down some north bound miles. The weather report for this evening and tomorrow is calling for rain and snow... no more soft living for this hiker. Whistler
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Damascus

To: Stealth camp
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: light rain

Day 33: Goodbye Damascus, hello AT...You would think it difficult to leave the comforts of civilization, but it was actually quite easy. The day and a half off did me a lot of good but to be honest, I was bored out of my mind. I am not wired for sitting around. No, I need to be moving. Back to last night for a bit. After taking care of my zero day hiking responsibilities, I watched a couple of movies out of my hosts very extensive DVD library (I said I was bored...). I also made a dinner run to Hey Joe's for another "everything burrito". I'm really glad I did as I ran into "Fish" and "Radio" whom I had not seen since the NOC. I sat with them and we told our tales. It was a lot of fun to catch up. The are two really great young men that helps restore my confidence in today's youth. I was up at 5:15 this morning had coffee and a 660 calorie cinnamon bun warmed in the microwave (its all about the calories) for breakfast. I had my backpack packed and on my back by 6:30 and was out the door. I felt really strong all day and only stopped hiking when the snow and ice got just too dangerous to hike in (I hate it when the meteorologist are right). I did have the pleasure of hiking this afternoon with "Onion". We met shortly after I had stopped at Saunders Shelter for lunch. We hiked to Lost Mountain Shelter together where she called her day, but also was waiting for " Flutter " to catch up. It was just after 2:00 and I really hoped to get 20 plus miles in so I continued on. I finally stopped when I found what had been the only decent stealth camp site and knew I had better take it quickly due to the weather. Tomorrow's big adventure, weather permitting, is seeing the Grayson Highland feral ponies. I've been looking forward to seeing them for as long as I have been planning this hike.