morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-15
From: River Road, Erwin,TN

To: Iron Mountain Gap, TN/NC
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

I did this section in reverse, thanks to a shuttle from Uncle Johnney's. On the Loose and I decided it was a good move to hike this part down instead of up. We could do in one day, with light packs, what would take two days with our usual packs. So we went for it. I did it in about 9.5 hours!Iron Mountain Gap is where I walked out in the snow in 2005, and got a ride to Erwin. My memories of this section were not particularly pleasant, but today was different. The Cherry Gap Shelter, where I spent a cold, wet night in 05, was no more cheerful. But the darkness of Unaka Mountain was much nicer in the sunshine. Lunch on the Beauty Spot was nice. Then we came upon what I thought was a controlled burn around Indian Grave Gap. Turns out it wasn't really under control yet and some folks ended up having to skip the section when it was closed the next day. There was a large tree blown down between Indian Grave Gap and the Curley Maple Gap Shelter. I couldn't really tell what was the best way around it. Above or below were both really steep. I went down some rocks, then just decided to go through the rest of the blowdown, but it was awkward. We later found out that our friend, Longhaul, had taken a bad fall here and stuggled to Indian Grave Gap where he went home. Loose was way ahead of me now. But I found her sitting on the bridge over the river talking on her cell phone when I came in. We got in early enough for dinner run. All in all, a great day. (except for poor Longhaul)
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Iron Mountain Gap, TN/NC

To: Roan Mountain High Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Stitch, this one's for you.... Stitch and I hiked last year from Iron Mountain Gap to Kincora in five days over Spring Break. Last year we started in the rain, but this year it was nice. Last year, I saved the climb up Roan for our second day, but it was probably still a bit difficult for a newby...(sorry, Stitch) The day went well until I got to the top of Roan. There, I was surprised to find that there was still ice and snow so late in April. All my friends had planned to do a long day to the Overmountain shelter, but I knew that I needed to keep it short after my long day yesterday. When I got to the trail to the shelter, it was up through more ice and snow. Up I went. I put up my hammock, expecting more hikers to follow, but no one showed. Empty shelter.Characters of the Day: Ramp Thieves. As I climbed up from Hughes Gap, I saw three men coming down. Two of them had black garbage bags, which I assumed was from cleaning trash off the trail. One of them had a big hoe. I thanked them for their work, but they told me they weren't trail maintainers. They were just digging for ramps. Ramps are like garlic or onions and grow wild up on the mountains. It is illegal to take plants from the National Forests, but some hikers use a ramp or two for seasoning their food. This was the first time I ever saw anyone with garbage bags full of them!
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Roan Mountain High Shelter

To: 19E Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

I woke up with my tarp blowing in the wind. It was raining and cold up on Roan Mountain. Most of my stuff was hanging inside the shelter with my pack, so I took my sleeping bag and ran to the shelter. I put it in the pack, then did the same with my hammock and tarp. I packed up, put on my raincover, and tried to get down the slippery, icy, snowy, mountain. By the time I got to Carver's Gap, I was out of the ice and snow, but the rain continued. It was deja vu as I crossed the balds with wind and rain. (remember Stitch?) Finally, the rain stopped as I approached the Stan Murray Shelter. Shortly Thereafter I came upon three crews of trailmaintainers (real ones!) They were led, of course, by Bob Peoples. I told him I would be at Kincora in a few days.The rain was gone, but the wind was still here as I climbed the "Humps". I was almost walking sideways up them. Finally, I got back to the downhills again and reached 19E. I checked in at Mountain Harbour Hostel, and walked down the road to the King of the Road Steak House in Elk Park, NC for a big steak dinner. Character of the Day: Braids. She and her brother started back in February. They hiked to the Smokeys before getting off the trail. Now, without braids, and without her brother, she is back. When I met her she had walked into the night on Roan Mountain, but didn't find the shelter, so she slept by the trail. She woke up in the same rain and cold that I did. She dried herself off at the Stan Murray Hostel, had a warm meal, and hiked on. I managed to convince her to stay inside the hostel instead of tenting. She has a lot of spunk, a great sense of humor, and hikes long days.
Date: 2010-04-18
From: 19E Roan Mountain, TN

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

If I were to dream of a perfect Appalachian Trail day, it would be like this. I'd wake up in a kingsize bed at an awesome hostel/bed&breakfast. I'd have a huge breakfast at the B&B...eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, and potatoes. But also asparagus wrapped in bacon, three kinds of fruit breads (cranberry, orange, and banana nut), cantelope, honeydew, pineapple, strawberries, french toast with honey nut syrup, coffee, tea, and orange juice.Then I'd pack up and take a leisurely stroll till I found a little country church. I'd go to Sunday services and be blessed. Then I'd continue my stroll down to a beautiful waterfall and have lunch. Next I'd follow the stream along paths that remind me of what the Garden of Eden must have been like. After a while, I'd climb up to another little waterfall where there would be a perfect shelter area. I'd hang my hammock, get water, cook dinner, eat, read a bit, then go to bed. That would be my perfect day. And it was!Characters of the Day: Adam and Eve. While walking along the stream, a couple came towards me holding hands. I said, "you must be Adam and Eve, because this sure does look like the Garden of Eden". They laughed and said, "No, but watch out for that snake".
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove Rd (Kincora)
Miles today: 15.6

Phrase of the Day: Nine by Noon. The big mile folks try to get in "10 by 12", that is ten miles before twelve noon. I've done that once, back in 2005. But it's tough. Today I did my own version, "nine by noon". I was up and walking by 7am and got to Moreland Gap Shelter a little before noon. I had my lunch there, then took it easy to Dennis Cove Road, where I turned to Kincora, one of my favorite hostels. Character of the Day: Vango. I usually pack up and have breakfast down the trail. Today I kept walking, looking for a good spot. It was getting late, but something told me to keep on walking. Then I saw it. There right on the trail was a garden bench. I sat down and enjoyed my breakfast, and the amazing view. Vango was a hiker. I never met him. His wife, Abby, placed the bench up there in his memory. She also has a hostel a short distance down. I passed up the hostel, but loved the bench.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Dennis Cove Rd (Kincora)

To: US321 Shook Branch Recreation Area
Miles today: 9.9

Word of the day: Slackback. A slackpack is a hike where you empty your pack to hike. To slackpack, someone must meet you at the end so you can get back to your stuff. A slackback is a similar hike done backwards. Bob Peoples drove me down to US321. I was carrying my pack with a little food and water. I walked back to Kincora. (same idea as when Loose and I slackbacked to Erwin) I started with a nice climb up to Pond Flats. The good part is that there were nice, new switchbacks. Then it was a steep downhill to the stream/river. The trail follows the stream/river a bit, then you have to choose either highwater trail, or AT trail. I should know better. I chose the AT. It went over rocky edges, then up steep steps near Laurel Falls. Seemed to be a lot of kids playing hooky around Laurel Falls.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Iron Mountain Gap Shelter

To: Abington Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

There are two main road crossings in this section. Before TN91 there was a metal box full of soda and treats supplied by the GAs (Girls Auxillary) of the local Baptist Church. Wonderful! After TN91 is a neat section of trail that is handicap accessible. Before this trail was made, I hiked the section along a farm drive. But now the trail goes right through a beautiful meadow. It is gorgeous. There is a bench at the top to sit for a bit and appreciate the views. I was getting hungry and needed a nice spot for lunch. I kept walking and felt like I was getting near a spot. Finally about 1:30 I stopped at a campsite with a fire ring, logs, and rock seats. I ate my lunch. When I packed up, I hiked less than a tenth of a mile and saw it... a picnic table. Right at US421! If I had walked a couple of minutes more, I'd have sat at a table for lunch. There was also a piped spring with some of the best water I've found. I filled my water bottles, since I knew the water up to the shelter was not great. The walk from US421 to the shelter was through a control burned area. Up at the top of McQueen's Knob were the cornerstones from the old firetower.There is also a small shelter there. They call it "the emergency shelter".I passed it up and headed toward Abington Gap Shelter, where I put up my hammock.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Abington Gap Shelter

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

I wanted to do a "10 by 12" so bad that I got up at 6am. I was hiking by 6:30. Good thing, too, as it started to rain. It is so much nicer to have your stuff packed before it starts to rain. The trail was nice today. I got to the TN/VA border about 9:30 and knew that I would get my "10 by 12". The trail now has a more gentle slope and lots of switchbacks. I hit town just before 11am! First order of business in town is food. I went to the Internet Cafe, but it was closed. So I headed over to Quincy's where I ordered a big meatball sub. Then I picked up my maildrop and headed to Suzanne's for a room. So here I sit, all clean, warm, dry, and relaxing in Damascus.PS. I carry a very basic cell phone. I have to find a computer to do updates. Most hostels do not have computers. If I do not update for a week or so, it does not mean that I am hurt. It means that I have not found a computer. Thanks for worrying about me...
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a busy zero day. I realized that it was my friend Larry's birthday, so I went down and took him to breakfast. I needed to get all my updates done and put up my photos. That takes forever! Then I needed to get resupplies. I saw a sign at the library about a Victorian Tea. That sounded fantastic so I dropped by. The lady said she needed about an hour's notice, so I said I'd be back in an hour. I walked down the street to see if there were any other lady hikers who might be interested. No girls around, but Kit (who is from London) heard me mention it and said he would be interested. His two buddies (Ready and Fuzzy) decided to come too. So about 2pm we went down to high tea. It was fabulous! You can not imagine the luxurious feeling of having high tea right on the AT. I highly recommend that you check out the Victorian Inn just up the street from the Place, for tea. Next I wandered down to the Place where I found my friends Dirt Stew and Dormouse. We played a game of Rummy. It was great. Then I headed back to my room to rest before dinner. Nice relaxing day. Tomorrow I have my ride all set to go after church. I'll be walking back to Traildays.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Catawba, VA 311

To: campsite north of Dragon's Tooth
Miles today: 7.5

To get back to Damascus for Traildays, I had this great idea. I could get a friend to drive me up to Catawba, where I would hike south, and my friend would drive my car back to Damascus. A little bribery worked. I said I would by dinner at The Home Place, which happens to be the best restaurant on the trail. So I went to early services at Damascus First Baptist Church, then got my car filled with gas and my stuff, then met my friend, Wee Willie. Before we knew it we were up Interstate 81 at Hwy 311. We pulled into The Home Place around noon. There was only a 45 minute wait. (not bad for Sunday afternoon) We walked around, sat a spell, and finally my name was called. Dinner at The Home Place is served family style. Fried chicken, roast beef, and ham were the meats of the day. Mashed potatoes, gravy, green beens, pintos, fried apples, biscuits, cole slaw, and peach cobbler with ice cream were the side dishes. We ate and ate! Finally Willie dropped me off at the trail and I headed on my way, while he headed back to Damascus. The trail around Catawba is sometimes rocky and sometimes pastures. I decided I wanted to stop short of the climb to Dragon's Tooth so I could do it fresh in the morning. I found a nice campsite and settled in for the night.
Date: 2010-04-26
From: campsite north of Dragon's Tooth

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

THE DRAGON HAS BEEN DEFEATED! (at least the Dragon's Tooth) Flashback to 2003. I had just gotten my feet wet (literally) on the AT with 100 miles under my belt. My husband, Frank, and I were RVing up to New Jersey to visit relatives. We were camped at Salem, VA, when I realized we were really close to the AT again. I said that I'd like to do a day hike if he didn't mind. He didn't. So I selected an area nearby between a couple of road crossings in the Catawba Valley. I had no idea what I was getting into.The hike began nicely with streams and good trail up to the Audie Murphy monument, where I had lunch. Then it was over streams and up to the Pickle Branch Shelter area. Then I was climbing and climbing and climbing up to Dragon's Tooth. I had never heard of it, but it seemed like a bunch of teeth to me with all the false summits. Anyway, an afternoon thunder shower blew in. I was rock climbing with no where to go. When I finally reached the top, there was a very steep down, with rocks and even rebar holds. I was scared to death. I was running late, it was getting dark, and I knew Frank would be worried. When I finally got to the bottom, it was dark, and he was frantic. I swore I'd never do that section of trail again!Flashforward to 2009. I was picking up sections that I had missed. When I got to the Catawba Valley, I told Old Man River that he could go on, but I was hitching around the Dragon's Tooth. So he did, and I did. We met the next afternoon at the Catawba Valley store and hiked on. Flasforward to 2010. I am doing a Thruhike. That means no skips... not even Dragon's Tooth. But I decided that it would be easier going up the steep side. So I did it from the north. I got up early and was hiking by 7am. By 9 I was over the top! Woo Hoo!!! It was still scary, but not like 2003. And I recommend to everyone to do it in the morning, because afternoon thundershowers are scary!
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Niday Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Rocky Ridges and Pretty PasturesI did this section northbound last year when I was picking up sections. All I remember is the pretty pastures and the rocky ridges. Pretty pastures are nice. Rocky Ridges, not so much. But today I was blessed while on those rocky ridges. Three eagles were soaring over my head. I stopped and tried to get their pictures. I managed to get a shot of one at the edge of a tree. They were amazing and I wish I were a better photographer so I could share how awesome it was.While in the pastures, I kept thinking of the 23rd Psalm. I didn't really lie down in the green pastures, but I sure wanted to. Unfortunately, it was really cold and damp, so I kept going. I kept going longer than I wanted to, but moving kept me warmer than stopping early.
Date: 2010-04-28
From: War Spur Shelter

To: campsite
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Where are all the hikers? I thought by doing my "backflip to Damascus" that I'd be seeing 10 to 20 hikers every day. But I've only seen 4 or 5 each day! Empty shelters are strange... Yesterday I passed the Eastern Continental Divide. Today I crossed the Allegheny trail. Still comparatively cold up here, with frosts in the morning. Shooting for Pearisburg tomorrow.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: campsite

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Well I made it to Pearisburg and checked into the Rendezvous Motel. Funny, no hikers but me. The hotel is full of contractors. I guess most of the hikers are either at the motels in town, or at the Church Hostel. I was just too tired to walk one more step and was lucky to get the last room at the first motel you see from the trail. Resupplying, resting, then heading to Woods Hole tomorrow.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Pearisburg

To: Sugar Run Gap (Wood's Hole Hostel)
Miles today: 10.4

Imagine hiking by yourself for weeks on end. As a social person, you try to camp near shelters for companionship. But somehow, you end up by yourself day after day. For the past few days my spirits were down, and were probably reflected in my short journal entries. Part of the decision to hike southbound back to Damascus was to meet and greet other hikers. But it had been disappointing so far. I hurried to Pearisburg, doing long days, with hopes of seeing more hikers. But Pearisburg is spread out and I saw no one I knew, and only a couple that I thought may be hikers. So I started my walk out of town, in not so great spirits. But then I saw someone I knew! It was Poppop, another older hiker I had met somewhile back. Then there were others, more and more as the day progressed. But when I got to Wood's Hole early in the afternoon, there were no hikers there. I mentioned my feelings to Michael, who assured me that there would be plenty of hikers here. And there were! They poured in all afternoon. At last my spirits were lifted! The food was wonderful and the company was great. Neville and Michael have done a fantastic job of running Wood's Hole in the family tradition of which Tilly and Roy would be proud. I recommend a stop at Wood's Hole for any hiker.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Sugar Run Gap (Wood's Hole Hostel)

To: Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 14.0

The rangers were at the Wood's Hole first thing this morning to warn about the control burn about to take place. Any hikers would have to walk the road around the burn. The distance was almost exactly the same, the difference being a nice, even road, as opposed to an up and down trail. Not too bad...I headed out and took the road. The burn hadn't started yet, but there were rangers all around. I'm glad that I didn't have to go through the smoky smell of the burn afterwards. I saw several more hikers I knew and told them about the burn. Then I set my sights on Trent's grocery by dinner. I came to the Wapiti shelter where I hung my hammock last year, but this time I just had a bite for lunch and hiked on. The Dismal Creek was beautiful and I crossed it several times. (it certainly is not dismal!) I arrived at Trent's about five and ordered a burger. I ate and decided that camping in back was fine for me. I found several other hikers had made the same decision. There was one place with a couple of trees along the creek where the barbed wire was cut low enough for me to hang my hammock. It would do. Sat around with hikers talking till bedtime.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Trent's Grocery

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, I'm finally beginning to meet the bunch of hikers who I knew were ahead of me. For lunch I met a group of six at the shelter, including Beefstick, Panther, and Ridley. I call Panther and Ridley "Aggie1 and Aggie2" because they attended Texas A&M (Galveston Branch). Sometime back, I noticed the rings and commented since my son and middle daughter attened Texas A&M (College Station). They are fast hikers and I knew they were a ways ahead. Beefstick I last saw in Damascus, where he hiked in on a 35 miler. Whew! I arrived at the Helvey's Mill Shelter just outside Bland, not needing to go to town for resupply. I've been eating at hostels and grocery stores since Pearisburg and haven't used any of my food. No sense paying for a hotel room when I don't need one. So I put up my hammock and visited with the other hikers. Then in came "David" or at least that's what I named him back at Helen, Ga. Now he's known as "Scruggs" because he plays a banjo. Next came "Braids". I was so glad to see her! She decided not to stay the night, as she likes to do miles before dark. Whew!!!I'm starting to feel better again now. Braids did tell me that "On the Loose" was in town with her mom. So I knew I wouldn't get to see her until Traildays. Bummer.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Jenkin's Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

So I'm up early and on the trail by 8am. As I head down and start to cross over HWY 77, I see Walking Man (East) with Grace & Glory. They have spent the night in town, in style. Seems a lady picked them up, took them to her home, fed them dinner and breakfast. Wow, some folks have all the luck! I admit I am a bit jealous. I cross over the highway and start up the road that leads to the trail. Into the woods and I see the water is still being left in memory of Soleman 03. He was planning a hike, but died a month short of leaving. Wench and Hotdog carried a flag all the way in his honor. I followed their journals back then.This is one of the nicest, most pleasant parts of the trail. Pine needle trail, smooth ridges, like walking in heaven. Soon I come to Saguaro and Sherlock who seem as pleased to see me as I am to see them. I hear that Boston and SoulSearcher are behind. They are headed to town for resupply, so I wish them well.Then I see her... On The Loose! Her mother dropped her off about an hour ago. I am so glad that I didn't miss her in passing! We talk for a bit, but must push on. We will meet again at Traildays.When I get to the road crossing at 615, I am hoping for the trail magic usually left by the Appalachian Outreach Ministry. But, alas, the box is empty and the trash is full. Oh well. Then a guy in a car offers me a grape juice. I finish drinking and put the bottle in the trash when another car pulls up. They offer me a soda. Wow! This is the gentleman who puts the water out in memory of Soleman. I am pleased to meet him. Five more miles to go, long day...
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Jenkin's Shelter

To: campsite before Knot Maul
Miles today: 17.0

Forgot to mention my DQ Radar yesterday. My kids were convinced that our car had "DQ Radar" because everytime we came near a Dairy Queen, my husband said that he simply could not control the car and it would pull in. Later our grandchildren experienced the same phenomenon. Even our neighbor's grandson said he wished they would get a car like ours that stopped at every Dairy Queen. I have to admit that it sometimes annoyed me that he played that game, but now it is one of my pleasant memories.So yesterday afternoon, while sitting at 615, I decided to walk down the road to where it crossed 42 and hitch a ride to the DQ in Bland. It worked. Just couldn't pass up the DQ. Today, I had miles to make up so I could get to Atkins for Rambunny and Aquaman's hostel where I had reserved a space. Pleasant memories about doing this section last year with Old Man River. Tough climbs from this direction, and lack of water were problems. But it was okay, because tomorrow I get to the hostel.