morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Spivy Gap

To: Uncle Johnnys Hostel (Erwin, TN)
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Race to TownAfter four days of hiking in relatively warm weather over difficult terrain, we were all ready for a visit to town where we could shower and do our laundry. Town is also the place were we can fulfill the fantasies of burgers, pizza, soda, and beer that intrude on our quiet contemplation as we proceed down the trail.I was last to break camp, as usual. Loose had cowboy camped and was quick to pack up. I had a nice time chatting with Absent as I broke camp. He is 25 and is taking a break from his job as a house framer in Northern California while business is slow. He is hiking big miles in order to be back on the job by mid-August. He is originally from Massachusetts and is considering returning to the east someday.I reached No Business Knob shelter by noon and had a quiet lunch alone. The shelter register contained notes by Red Hat and On the Loose. They had carried out a bunch of garbage left by others and were asking those behind them to do the same. I thought the place looked pretty clean, so I took the garbage in my pack and spread it around the shelter (just kidding!.There were 6.2 miles left! I headed out feeling the gravitational pull of town and all the luxuries that await therein. I covered this distance in just a bit over two hours, so I was moving. Once you hit the road at the base of the mountain, you have arrived at Uncle Johnny's Hostel, a haven for the thru-hiker. It boasts the best bath house on the trail with limitless hot water. I rented a cabin so I would not disturb others with my snoring. I was pleased to find that On the Loose and Red Hat were in an adjacent cabin. All is good...Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them. -Henry David Thoreau
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel (Erwin, TN)

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Uncle Johnny Has What You NeedI had a planned zero today to reprovision and rest. I also have to steel my nerves for challenging days ahead which will include long mileage days over formidable climbs. I will have to crest Roan Mountain which is over 6,000 feet elevation on my second day out. Sucessful completion of the next week of hiking is a prerequisite for arrival in Damascus on time to meet Ground Control for our gala 25th wedding anniversary event at the Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon, VA.Uncle Johnny is a great host and understands what hikers need. He shuttles hikers into town to restaurants, post office, and stores, several times a day.We had a great dinner last night at a Mexican restaurant with Longhaul, Loose, Grateful, and Torch. I drank gallons of sweet southern ice tea and more than my fill of enchiladas.Today, Red Hat and Loose are slack-packing (hiking with day packs) 19 miles, so they will be well ahead of me on the trail. I will miss hiking with them, but the break up was bound to happen sooner or later. On the trail, we often move from one community of hikers to another, depending on pace, and number of zero days taken in town. Generally, it is best to remain independent in spirit and not become dependent on anyone. However, bonding occurs quickly on the trail and one does form enduring friendships along the way. I hope that I will meet my trail buddies on or off the trail at some point down the line.Tomorrow, it is back on the trail for five days of hiking before my next stop into civilization. Damascus, here I come!Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves. -Henry David Thoreau
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: few clouds

The Emerald ForestI broke orbit with Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel at 7:30 AM and headed up the trail. The A.T. criss-crossed and followed a rolling, tumbling stream up the mountain until it diminished into a network of springs and seeps-it was soothing and refreshing.I reached a windswept bald called Beautyspot by early afternoon. I propped up my pack on a hiking pole to form a backrest and napped a bit between gusts of wind. I had a great view of Unaka Mountain which was my next climb. The daunting profile of Roan Mountain loomed a bit beyond-this is tomorrow's task topping out at about 6,200 feet.I filtered water from a spring at the base of Unaka and commenced the ascent. My trail legs must have finally arrived as I didn't find the pull up the mountain to be much of a challenge. The reward at the top was a spectacular dense pine forest that provided a quiet refuge from the buffeting winds. All was emerald green with moss growing on rocks and trunks, and green pine bows covering the path. The gentle breeze in the wood carried the scent of the trees. It was a magical place.I made it to the shelter before 6:00 pm and set up my tent on a bed of pine needles. Sweet dreams!Our houses are such unwieldy property that we are often imprisoned rather than housed by them. -Henry David Thoreau
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour B&B
Miles today: 15.9

The Spectacular Roan HighlandsI had to cinch down the neck baffle and close the face porthole on my goosedown mummy bag to just a few inches in order to stay warm. When I awoke at 6:30 AM, the thermometer on my watch suspended from a net pocket in the tent read 27 degrees F. When I got enough nerve to emerge from my tent into the stiff breeze, I estimated the wind chill factor at absolute zero on the Kelvin scale. Forget about breakfast, the goal was to pack up quickly before I lost too many digits and appendages to frostbite. By 8:30 AM, I was slipping and sliding through ice, snow, and frozen mud. I could no longer feel my thumbs or index fingers. Thankfully, the sun was in my face.After bleeding off 700 feet by running down the trail, temperatures warmed to a balmy 30 degrees and I emerged at Carter Gap where there is a road and a parking area where tourists in cars can view the rhododendron gardens which turn the mountain red in June and July.I proceeded into the balds of the Roan Mountain highlands. One of the features of these balds is the opportunity to see the trail as it meanders ahead for miles. The views from the top are spectacular. I crossed Round Top, followed by Jane Bald (named for the woman who died on it from milk sickness), then after a wooded gap, the trail ascends Little Hump Mountain, and finally, Big Hump Mountain. From Big Hump, I could trace my progress all the way back to Roan Mountain High Knob. Looking to the east, I could see the jagged and imposing profile of Grandfather Mountain, whose rocky and volcanic-appearing outline made it stand out from all other peaks.I called Ground Control from the bald in spite of the buffeting winds. It turns out that she medalled (second place in the-getting along in years-lady category) and set a new personal record in the 5K that she ran that morning. A shame that I wasn't there to beat her, so she wouldn't get a big head. I promised that I would hike into Damascus on Saturday for the gala 25th Wedding Anniversary Celebration.I raced down the moutain to Rt 19E where I did a roadwalk for 0.3 miles and came to rest at the Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel.What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?-Henry David ThoreauAnd You May Ask YourselfHow Do I Work This?And You May Ask YourselfWhere Is That Large Automobile?And You May Tell YourselfThis Is Not My Beautiful House!And You May Tell YourselfThis Is Not My Beautiful Wife!-Talking Heads
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Mountain Harbour B&B

To: Mountain Harbour B&B
Miles today: 0.0

Life in the Slow LaneMy knees and shoulders were getting cranky and requested a day off. Damascus is five days away and I know that I can make it in time to meet Ground Control by Saturday, even with a day off. Of course I won't smell as good, meeting her just getting off the trail, but this will be an opportunity for her to get better acquainted with the true, unvarnished, thru-hiker experience.So, I remain another day in the care of Terry and Mary Hill at Mountain Harbour B&B.Tomorrow, it is back to work!You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. -Henry David ThoreauCarpe diem quam minimum credula postero-Horace
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Mountain Harbour B&B

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

Waterfalls in the ValleyI have just crossed the 400 mile mark!Rain patters down on my tent fly. I make this entry at a time well past hiker midnight (7 pm). I am content in the dry cocoon formed by this personal shelter, and I feel connected to the world and weather, in a way that is not possible when residing within a house.The A.T. usually runs along or near the ridges of mountains, descending when necessary to the gaps in between. Today, I spent time walking through fields and valleys for a change and saw several cascading waterfalls and a lovely small river. The day started with a smattering of sun and clouds, then a light rain developed in the afternoon which strengthened by the evening. The rain added to the beauty of the rhododendron tunnels and the evergreen forest. The rain adds swiftness to the streams and feeds the springs. For now, the rain suits me.Catch you down the trail...Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.-Kahlil Gibran
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Rt. 321 (Braemer Castle, Hampton, TN)
Miles today: 14.9

Pretty Waterfalls and a Big ClimbThis morning, I didn't feel quite as in tune with the rain as I packed up my wet tent. I had a late start (again!), so I headed down the trail with a lively pace. I covered the first six miles at nearly a 3 mph pace.The first highlight of the day was Laurel Fork Falls. Equally as impressive was the stream that cascaded between towers of stone and descended a narrow gorge before forming the falls. The trail was quite memorable in this section.The excitement of tumbling water into a gorge was followed by a relentless, and largely unrewarding climb up Pond Mountain (which failed to include both ponds and views). I recommend that the ATC divert the trail around Pond Mountain on their next trail relocation.I am staying at the Braemer Castle which is not really a castle. The floors are so sloped, I feel as if I'm lost in a fun house.Tomorrow, I start my three day hike that should end in Damascus, VA where G.C. should be impatiently waiting.March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path.-Kahlil Gibran
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Braemer Castle Hostel 

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Visions of WataugaSutton Brown, owner of Braemer Castle and Brown's, drove me up Rt 321 to Watauga Lake. He told the story of how the lumber company left town in the 30's and how his grandfather puchased some of their properties where the hostel and grocery/hardware store now stand.The hike today was very pleasant. It began with a shoreline ramble, then crossed the earth dam, and then ascended to a ridgewalk with spectacular views of Watauga Lake. The profusion of wild irises, violets, and a variety of wildflowers added to the wonder. I stopped at Vandeventer Shelter for second lunch and was later joined by Saint and Red Ranger. The shelter is on a high ridge. I perched on the rock cliffs behind the shelter and enjoyed the lake and mountain vista.I arrived at the shelter at 7:00 PM due to my lengthy breaks. I felt that rain was on the way and stayed in the shelter with Red Ranger who hails from Atlanta and completed a thru a few years ago. Before I went to sleep, the stars were out and the moon glowed brightly.Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. -Kahlil Gibran
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: mist

"He lived alone, he suffered alone, and he died alone."I awoke to the sound of rain pattering on the shelter roof. I was glad that I decided not to tent. Nearly everyone staying at the site was planning on hiking 26 miles into Damascus. Walking Man West and I decided to go 16 miles to Abingdon Gap Shelter.A downpour developed during breakfast preparation, so I got out the rain pants and parka for the hike. By the time I started hiking, it was just a drizzle. A short while into the hike, I came across an interesting grave site/memorial. It was a small stone chimney that was likely part of an old cabin (my Mom subsequently told me that the chimney was constructed as a monument and was NOT part of a cabin) on the crest of the mountain. A weathered stone plaque mounted on the chimney bore the epitaph: He lived alone, he suffered alone, and he died alone.This was apparently the final resting place of Nick Grindstaff, a hermit who lived on Iron Mountain and died in the 1920¢s. His kin felt warmly enough about him to erect this unique memorial. The inscription affected me more deeply than expected. To how many among us will this epitaph apply? Living in the trail community, it is difficult to comprehend how folks become so disconnected from family and society: the disenfranchised, marginalized, lonely, discarded, and alone. Later, I arrived at a handicapped accessible section of the trail which meandered through a beautiful meadow, and ended at a bench on top of a grassy hill with a spectacular vista. The rain had stopped and flotillas of clouds were passing between the hills and ridges. I stopped to take some pictures of the pastoral scene.I stopped for lunch at Double Springs Shelter where I rejoined Walking Man West and met Smokin¢ Loon and Mountain Yogi who were southbound thru-hikers from 2009. I had read their Trail Journal blog, so it was great to meet this special couple.I arrived at Abingdon Gap Shelter to find Walking Man West waiting. There were great tent sites on the ridge, but I decided to use the shelter as there was a 50% change of thunderstorms that night according to WeatherBug.Tomorrow, I race into Damascus to meet my one true love...Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.-Kahlil Gibran
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Damascus, Here I Come!Most of us awoke by 6:00 AM as we were raring to get into town. Damascus is the second town that the trail passes through and is one of the most famous trail towns. It is where Trail Days are held each May.I packed up and had a quick, cold breakfast, and headed down the trail by 7:20 am. I covered the 10 miles in a 3-4 mph pace which isn¢t bad since I was carrying the equivalent of a four year old child on my back. Excitement built as I could see the town of Damascus below. I finally hit pavement and passed under the wooden A.T. sign welcoming northbound hikers to Damascus. I found the outfitters and called G.C. who was waiting for me on the north end of the A.T., the victim of bad advice from a local. We finally caught sight of each other and ran the last block to embrace.After burgers and beer at Quincy¢s, we headed over to The Place to look for other hikers in town. I was surprised to see Dormouse and Dirt Stew who had been several days ahead of me based on the shelter registers. They decided to take a few zero days to recover from the ravages of the trail. G.C. had fun getting to know them. We took the opportunity to be trail angels and drove them to the supermarket and back.Then we headed to the Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon to live the life of the rich and famous.There's beauty in the silver singin' riverThere's beauty in the sunrise in the skyBut none of these and nothing else can touch the beautyThat I remember in my true love's eyesYes, and only if my own true love was waitin'Yes, and if I could hear her heart a softly poundin'Only if she was lyin' by meThen I'd lie in my bed once again.-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Martha Washington Inn & Spa

To: Martha Washington Inn & Spa
Miles today: 0.0

Life in the Fast LaneG.C. and I are currently swaddled in the sumptuous luxury of the MWI in Abingdon, VA. We have tea at three and port wine at nine.There was a great jazz duo (piano and vocal) at the Cabaret last evening: Hod O'Brien and Stephanie Nakasian.Today, we played tennis (G.C. went down two sets to naught), soaked in the outdoor spas, and swam in the pool. In the evening, we enjoyed a fantastic Patsy Cline musical at the Barter Theater.Yet another day on the job for the A.T. thru-hiker.A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.-Lao Tzu
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Martha Washington Inn & Spa

To: Martha Washington Inn & Spa
Miles today: 0.0

R & R (Part 2)The weather was a bit rainy today, so we attended to some town chores. I brought my pack to the Mt. Rogers Outfitter in Damascus, because they have the reputation of being top notch pack fitters, and my pack was not fitting as well (since losing 28 lbs. on my adventure). Jeff spent an hour with me, adjusting my pack, and sewing a small tear on the shoulder strap, all at no charge! This is really a great store--friendly to the A.T. thru-hiker.For the balance of the day, we enjoyed the special environment of the MWITomorrow, it is back to work...Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. -Lao Tzu
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Leaving DamascusIt was difficult to say goodbye to Ground Control. We walked together until the point where the A.T. crosses the road and climbs up the wooden stairs. I will see her again when I reach Duncannon, PA. I wonder why I didn't plan to stay more than three nights at the MWI. Our time together seemed to pass all too quickly.The climb out of Damascus was not bad. It started to drizzle on and off. The rain gradually developed into a downpour after a couple of hours. In spite of this, the hike was enjoyable following a tumbling, cascading creek. The Creeper Trail follows the creek on the far side. I saw wildflowers with bright red petals that I had not noticed before. Most of the wildflowers have been purple, yellow, and white. Red has been conspicuously missing heretofore.I became progressively more wet with the steady rain. Although the trail climbed, I was unable to stay warm as temperatures dropped. I stopped at Saunders Shelter for a break--getting colder in spite of putting on my down jacket. I decided to stay the night as the downpour continued. Better weather is forecast for the days ahead.He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.-Lao Tzu
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Conquest of Mount RogersThe day dawned clear and cold. My jacket had dried out from wearing it for several hours during my night in the shelter. I packed up and headed down the trail.The trail soon merged with the Virginia Creeper Trail which is a great rails to trails masterpiece. I will have to return someday and bike this. It follows roaring and tumbling Whitetop Laurel Creek and then crosses it on a trestle bridge. I caught some views of Whitetop Mountain: its top appeared to be enshrouded in clouds, but I later realized that it was a field at the top covered in snow. It must of been snowing on top while we were enduring the heavy rains below. I met some slack-packing thru-hikers who had just come down the mountain, heading SOBO, they confirmed that there were two to three inches of snow at the summit.I began the long climb up Whitetop Mountain followed by Mt. Rogers. There was only scant amounts of snow on the ground when I got there, but the snow was still on the evergreen bows and would pelt me whenever the wind blew.It was late in the day as I approached the summit of Mt. Rogers, named for William Barton Rogers, Virginia's first geologist and the founder of MIT. The trail cuts toward Thomas Knob instead of crossing the summit. As I arrived at this high elevation shelter, the sun was setting, the wind rising, and the temperatures dropping. I was in for a cold night!Yet in the walks I take through nature in quest of truth and demonstration, I recognize a poetry in earth and sea and sky, ruled in their cycles of harmonious actions, deeper and more sublime than any muse un-taught in science could inspire.-William Barton Rogers
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Thomas Knob Shelter 

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Spectacular Grayson HighlandsI was zipped snuggly in my sleeping bag and survived the cold night in relative comfort. There was still nearly a foot of snow on top of the shelter picnic table; the puddles and mud outside of the shelter had frozen during the night.Soon after leaving the shelter, I came upon a small bald surrounded by scattered pine trees with three wild mares and their new foals. It is difficult not to gush about how cute these shaggy, talkative, foals were with their awkward stilt-like legs. One decided to nurse while I looked on. It was one of the great gifts of the trail.The next several miles included some of the most spectacular views to date. I crossed highland balds that were capped with rocky outcroppings that appeared to be castle ruins. My progress was markedly slowed by the beauty. Off to the south, I could see the profile of Roan Mountain on the distant horizon.I arrived at the shelter a bit before sundown. It was a new shelter so I decided to stay indoors again. Temperatures had warmed considerably and I would end up being too warm in my sleeping bag.If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.-Lao Tzu
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter 

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

A Large Pizza and Two Liters of Sierra MistThere are many things that motivate hikers to walk the trail. For most of us, walking to Partnership Shelter, located at Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters, the motivation is pizza. There is a phone at the headquarters where one may order pizza that is delivered right to the A.T.!It was a long, hot day of slogging down the trail. I remember very little of it as I only had one thing on my mind.Recent milestones: 1) crossed the 500 mile mark, 2) drank two liters of Sierra Mist with supper (new personal best).Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. -Lao Tzu
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Boy is it Hot!I had a great night's sleep in my tent pitched on a bed of pine needles. The shelter facilities were great--including a sink and fresh water faucet. Camp chores were greatly simplified.I headed down the trail at 10:00AM, my latest start yet. I knew that the mileage was relatively short, and the climbs manageable. Temperatures climbed into the 80's by the afternoon and clouds started to stack up. I moved as quickly as I could, feeling the gravitational pull of town. My priorities were a shower and laundering my clothes after living on the trail for the past five days.By 3:00 PM, I made it to the Relax Inn. Some might call this place sleazy. For tonight, I call it home.The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. -Lao Tzu