morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-04-11
From: No Business Knob

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 6.2

Pilgrim and hiked out of camp together, a rare event and spent most of the short 6 mile hike into Erwin chatting. The view of the Nolichucky from a thousand feet above was as stunning as ever.We waited at the hostel for Maria and Beth to arrive, but since that would be a few hours decided to take advantage of the lunch shuttle, which for $5 take you to an all you can eat pizza buffet with a grocery store and a Dollar General next door.Beth arrived first and within minutes I was riding in a car and headed for the weekend respite from the trail. I love it out there, but it is good to fall back and regroup once in a while.
Date: 2019-04-13
From: Erwin TN

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I treated my clothing with Permethrin. Maybe a tad early, but better early than too late. The ticks will be an issue soon enough. Still straightening out gear, retouching the kits (I have used some first aid items and such.) Drinking OJ and eating bananas and generally trying to maximize the break from the trail with things that just can't be accomplished out there. A shout out to Posey Picker, who I hiked with in 2006. A Botanist, as I recall who hiked the trail multiple times. What a surprise to here from you my friend. Now folks, I truly do love hearing from old friends and strangers alike, who stumble upon my journal. If you leave a valid email address, I will try and send a personal reply, trail factors permitting. It's not always possible and things do slip by.Meanwhile, we'll start pushing towards Damascus VA on Monday, after Sunday's thunderstorm. Lots of really amazing scenery between here and there, including the Roan Highland balds and other great points. For now, I'll just relax and eat solid "non trail" type food.
Date: 2019-04-14
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

All of Us aspire to hike the Appalachian Trail by our own design. We aspiring thru hikers of 2019 face one "uniqueness" that remains a familiar pattern over the decades since Earl Shafer first thru hiked the AT. Weather patterns repeat, but not exactly. So any given hiker can witness a different weather pattern for any hike each time they do it.By the time three hundred miles fall behind, one gets a feel for weather and whether, or not, to just stay put. The reports from last Thursday have held true. When the time comes to move on, we do it regardless of the oncoming weather, but today, we'll sit it out. Redbuds along the NolichuckySome of Us have traveled these paths before. We have experienced cold, wind and rain. We have seen times when all three at once washed away any hope of being dry before we found shelter that day. We have seen sunny days as well and I think it's important to remember a specific place that we experienced different weather. I have crossed the Roan Highlands in both freezing horizontal rain as well as clear sunny skies. Wondering what the coming week will bring, I would prefer the latter.The Legendary Uncle Johnny'sFew of Us consider the absolute requirement for wet weather to keep this forest in balance. A more natural part to this landscape than humankind, let alone hikers, who follow a narrow path. The rain is vital. It's also vital for a hiker to avoid staying wet after the hiking is done. Sounds a little too simple doesn't it. We simply need to deal with it. That's all.One of Us walks the path I take. Not my first thru hike. Not the first time I have taken an unplanned zero in Erwin because of thunderstorms. In a little more than a week I will push past Damascus on into the longest state on the trail, Virginia. Past four, five, six hundred miles, but for now 344.2 will do. Meanwhile, I look forward to the effect this warm rain will have on the forest.
Date: 2019-04-15
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel

To: Beauty Spot Gap 
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I started the twelve mile hike today at 10:00, after waiting for the sky to start clearing up. Although it was generally up hill, the hike didn't seem all that bad. Pilgrim started at first light and was already in his tent when I arrived at 15:30 at the small campsite just beyond the Beauty spot clearing.What a difference a chill wind makes. At 19:30 I headed back up to the clearing, but 20 mph winds make 50 feel mighty brisk. The sky is almost completely clear. Not a lot to light up a sunset. We tried. Looks like we may be in for a cold night. One of these will be our last cold night. Seems late this year.
Date: 2019-04-16
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter 
Miles today: 13.2

I slept in today and then fell back asleep, waking up at 10:00. Didn't mean to do that and I didn't anticipate the difficulty of the day and came rolling into camp around 18:30. I didn't speak to or see another human all day until about a mile from the shelter. Wednesday and Bearfoot, two ladies I met a few days ago, had set up camp about a mile early.We came over Unaka mountain today. The mature pine forest on top of the mountain is it's own ecosystem that I think must be a result of the mountain being isolated somewhat. Its beautiful regardless.I saw a pileated woodpecker today. Heard them peck and laugh at us almost daily. The secretive bird seems to know when its been spotted. As I write, a barred owl is calling from the woods above the shelter.I must admit, it was a difficult day. Tomorrow is longer, but hopefully not as difficult. Roan high knob, our next big mountain.
Date: 2019-04-17
From: Clyde Smith Shelter 

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

The long climb up the ridgeline and eventually Roan Mountain was nice to have early in the day. I waited for Pilgrim at the summit and we both made the side trail, water bags in tow, to check out the Roan High Knob shelter. Highest shelter on the AT at 6186 feet. I think it's fair to say, it was quite a climb. Some really beautiful views from the balds that followed and just a bit of scrambling. So here we are at Stan Murray, two miles short of the side trail to Over Mountain. When we arrived, there was a family and three large poodle mix dogs occupying the shelter, complete with a full size dome tent set up on the shelter. Funny.The dogs should warn us of any bear encroachment. The certainly notify everyone if a hiker comes down the trail. Pilgrim and I sat at the table and cooked our evening meal, chatted with the family and moved off to the comfort of our tents.Tomorrow some even higher balds and a long descent into Tennessee.
Date: 2019-04-18
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour hostel 
Miles today: 11.1

We started early to cross the last few balds of the highlands. Sunny with a few clouds let us see the 10 mile expanse in clear air. The wind across Hump Mountain was exhilarating. No precip to speak of, just strong gusty wind.During the long descent into US19E and Mountain Harbour hostel my knees ached from overuse and the constant pounding over rocky trail.I feel fortunate though. Within hours of arriving my knees had recovered. That includes up and down steps and ladders throughout the stay. Who doesn't love a converted barn in a rustic setting including a wood stove in the main lounge. And do not miss this breakfast!
Date: 2019-04-19
From: Mountain Harbour hostel 

To: Mountain Harbour hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, the thunderstorms came and dumped a significant amount of water into the drainage next to the hostel. As the day and the rain moved into afternoon it became evident the stream was going to flood.As flooding goes, the situation continued to worsen. Dave the owner was out on his tractor trying to shore things up. The volume of water continued to increase.Pilgrim had been watching the water rise and that Dave was being overcome. He headed out and started working on the diversion dam that Dave was building with his front end loader tractor. Others followed and we managed to keep the water at bay.It's dark now, but the rain continues. Hopefully the two diversion dams we build will keep the creek out of the basement, where the hostel has taken in the would be tenters because of the harsh conditions.
Date: 2019-04-20
From: Mountain Harbour hostel 

To: Mountaineers Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

The creek volume diminished during the night and the diversion dams held. The weather report didn't look good, but we had stayed too long and the move forward urge found Pilgrim and I headed out into the rain at about 9:30. After one more Mountain Harbour B&B breakfast. Of course.The elevation gain isn't as dramatic through here, but the peacefulness of the pastures and hollows makes it a great hike rain or shine. We stopped by Jones falls, which was flowing heavily and Mountaineer falls, also flowing heavily. The the light off and on rain started around the time we made it to the Mountaineers shelter. We decided to make camp. Actually, we set up our tents and called it a night.
Date: 2019-04-21
From: Mountaineers Shelter

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 15.5

A chilly day, mostly dense clouds with a brief clearing about the time we reached Dennis Cove road and turned right towards Black Bear resort. The trail was a little less demanding in terms of altitude gain and loss.Right knee was bothering me quite a bit today. I'm apprehensive about it because its 50 miles to Damascus, where I might be able to find a brace or something that will help. Until then I'll be in some pain. We were able to dry our tents out once we got settled. That's always a good thing. Last night was rainy off and on all night. Today wasn't wet, but it wasn't a good day for drying tents along the trail either.Black Bear resort, under new ownership, but essentially the same. Rented the same cabin I stayed in in 2016, and to my surprise it was on the same day 21 April. Ate a whole pizza and downed two Yuenglings. Then just tried to relax and stay off the leg.
Date: 2019-04-22
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Boots Off Hostel. Hampton TN
Miles today: 8.6

Although I got a good nights sleep, I was worried about the knee. As I began hiking through Laurel Canyon and crossing the stream three times on beautifully constructed bridges, I remembered once again why the AT is so special to me. I even saw a red eft, my first this year.Hiking on and climbing up and over Pond Mountain, it became evident that I was not going to be able to hike to Damascus on this knee without some sort of support and rest. I made the decision to stop at Boots Off hostel and get a ride into Elisabethton to a mainstream drugstore. I ended up going with the hostel owner on his general errand run and found the KT Tape I needed. Great hostel by the way, and the best thing about it... a solid cell phone signal.Sat around the campfire talking with folks tonight. Section hikers and Thru hikers alike. So a rather painful day ended nicely by a campfire. KT Tape is awesome stuff and I can already walk without a limp, but I'm going to give it one more day of rest before we push on to Damascus. Sorry AT... you don't get rid of me that easy.
Date: 2019-04-23
From: Boots Off Hostel. Hampton TN

To: Boots Off Hostel. Hampton TN
Miles today: 0.0

Ok, so I hung around the Boots Off hostel for another zero day. My goal was simply to rest the knee and see if I could walk without a limp before heading toward Damascus. Everything seems Ok. The tape seems to be working. I'll carry the heavy knee stabilizer just in case until all knee problems are solved.A bear came into the grounds last night setting off the dogs. Yep, it's bear country folks. At least for the next several hundred miles. I guess it's ti.e to take a few more precautions with our food. A human food habituated bear can be a major problem. Its unfortunate for the bear and often ends with a euthanized bear. Tomorrow we traverse a section that is closed to all but hiking through it. It's a section around Watauga lake that has had some bad bear activity in past years.Hey, its not all gloom and doom. We are about to make it to Virginia! Another state behind us, but that's two and a half days away. Hopefully nothing will delay our progress in getting past Damascus, another great trail town.
Date: 2019-04-24
From: Boots Off Hostel. Hampton TN

To: Iron Mountain
Miles today: 16.0

Left Boots Off hostel at my routine 0900 for the 16 mile trek to Iron Mountain shelter. It was a warm sunny day and I caught up with Pilgrim, who leaves earlier at Vandenvetnter shelter nine miles into the hike. We went just a little past the shelter in order to find flatter ground and have a nice stealth camp that is quiet and flat.We passed through the bear closure area first thing this morning, but I think it's safe to say that we are in bear country now and need to take more precautions and be more vigilant. Finally met up with "Onward" today, who I knew from my 2015 hike and a hiker reunion I attended in Maine. Always good to see an old friend on the trail. She is with the Warrior Hike group this year. I can't do it justice so if you're interested just Google Warrior Hike and get the full scoop. Onward was a US Navy nurse, and you should know I love Navy folk.Great views of Watauga lake from the ridgeline today. The valleys are various shades of green and the farms look so peaceful from our high viewpoint.The knee is doing fine. Manageable pain, not completely gone, but far better than two days ago. On the down side... my Snickers bar melted. Guess it's time to switch to Paydays.
Date: 2019-04-25
From: Iron Mountain

To: One mile beyond Abingdon Shelter 
Miles today: 17.0

Without any doubt, the trail magic at US-421 today was at a perfect time and place. I don't know why, but I was just having one of those low energy days. My thoughts were cluttered with things I didn't want to dwell on. And people were passing me all day, which kind of just gets to you after a while. Two burgers, two egg rolls and two beers later, I was plowing up the next hill like it was morning. Got to chat with some of the new bubble folks and that's always good. Even met a fellow trail journalist "Looper", who addressed me by name as soon as I walked up. He was part of the group of folks doing the trail magic. What a lift to the spirits.The rain that was supposed to catch us midday didn't come in, so we stayed dry all day, but it's supposed to hit us tonight. Don't care. One, I'm in my tent. Two, we are only nine miles from Damascus! Tomorrow is "Town Day." Good food, post office, a shower and resupply. Not necessarily in that order. The shower should probably come first.The picture isn't clear, but it's a monument placed by a hermit's family. Nick Grindstaff born 1851, died 1926, lived alone up in these woods. The epitaph reads..."Lived alone, suffered alone, died alone." These mountains have a lot of stories to tell.
Date: 2019-04-26
From: One mile beyond Abingdon Shelter 

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 9.0

The 05:30 alarm came at a time when the rain was pouring down, so I rolled over and snoozed, but true to my word I was packed and ready by 07:00 and on trail a full two hours earlier than normal. We crossed into Virginia and made it to Damascus by 10:00. Not a bad speed for nine miles, but when its pouring down rain, one seems to hike faster.Visited post office, dinner and outfitter between rain showers that came in 20 minute waves all day. Actually only got caught in one downpour, but had to hurry a couple times.Staying at Woodchuck hostel, which is a disappointment. The ownership changed hands and a great many changes were made. To be honest, I think the new owner should change the name and earn the reputation. But that's just me. I'll say no more.Resupplied for a four day trip to Marion rather than three to cut back the miles for a few days and let the knee fully recover. Don't want to take another zero day. We did a 9 in and will do 7 out tomorrow. That will give us a little more time in town. Hopefully this crazy storm will pass as we head up towards the Grayson Highlands and onward through Virginia.
Date: 2019-04-27
From: Damascus VA

To: Saunders shelter 
Miles today: 10.0

I guess I'm not the only one who doesn't feel motivated to hike after a shower a meal and a comfortable bed. Yet, here we are sitting around a fire 10 miles north of Damascus.Saunders shelter is somewhat less popular than the Lost Mountain shelter 6 miles further, so there are multiple reasons to stop here. Our friends Go Fourth and March Fourth are here and one other tent up the hill a ways. Nice cool sunny day for walking, but I'm still being careful with the knee. Seriously though, carrying a full resupply of food is part of the issue. Fortunately, we get over it in a few days...wash rinse repeat ;-)The breakfast that comes with a stay at Woodchuck is a family style meal with eggs, biscuits and gravy, plus waffles, oj and coffee served at the diner. Pretty good stuff and it includes a shuttle to the diner.
Date: 2019-04-28
From: Saunders shelter 

To: White top Mountain Road
Miles today: 12.3

It was a great night at Saunders shelter. Pilgrim had made one of his excellent campfires and March Fourth, Tune-up (pictured) and I stood around it talking late into the night. I was feeling good and slept into the morning long enough for my tent to dry from the light rain we recieved after midnight.During the hike this day, those nagging thoughts crept back in. I had been reading some emails from a night sky photography group I follow as well as those from the FAA drone notices. My two year drone license sits dormant at home. Many landscapes wait, while my camera sits idle at home as well. Spring is finally emerging at home and things that I love to do in the summer with my close friends. Yes folks, even 64 year old hiker dudes get homesick once in a while.Meanwhile, my legs just didn't feel like hiking, yet we climbed over 2000 feet in the course of the day. By the time I was half way up Whitetop, my legs were exhausted. Probably more psychological than physical. Pilgrim was waiting for me at the chosen campsite just past the road. It was difficult, but I had to tell him what I had decided when I spoke to Beth half way up the mountain.The view from Buzzard rock was spectacular and a fitting end, as I remembered my daughter Jennifer and at this very spot ten years ago. Never quit on a bad day... words of wisdom on the wall at Top of Georgia hostel. Well, it was a good day, cept for the sore legs.I had hiked 500 miles, including the eight mile approach trail from Amicalola Falls. In the morning I would retrace my steps back to Damascus and go do some of those fun things I had been missing.
Date: 2019-04-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After four days of weighing the pros and cons I have decided to leave the trail. I made this decision on a "good" day, although my legs may not agree. No injuries (the knee was coming along,) no rain (well a little,) no family emergency, no particular reason.I simply decided that I could enjoy the summer elsewhere. Thank you all for following. I know this my be disappointing to some. For me 500 miles was enough. Conductor... signing off.
Date: 2014-01-22
To: The Second Day
Miles today: 0.0

Now that the dream is almost reality and I've moved from being over a year away from the start of my hike to months and soon to weeks...anxiety is starting over final preparation. I just can't seem to get started on food planning. Other things like final gear selection and purchase, developing the rough itinerary, mail drop and/or bounce box locations...all that stuff is easy for me. The food stuff is just not. In addition to food I still need to improve my capability using my Spot Messenger and the web site for it. I was convinced a few months ago to get the Spot if for no other reason to ease Cathy's mind a bit knowing my location at least a few times a day. One problem I have with it is me not it. The Spot uses color coded lights (red and green)to let you know of satellite connections and message delivery. Well I'm color blind and I don't ever really know if the messages go out!! Just another challenge for me among others the AT has to offer. Philippians 4:13
Date: 2014-02-14
To: Going Thru
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail for the uninitiated means hiking the entire trail from either direction (Georgia to Maine or Maine to Georgia) in one season. This is an approximate 5 to 6 month adventure covering over 2100 miles of which less than 20 percent of the some 2500 hikers that start each year complete. The reasons for not completing are numerous. Hikers stop for reasons ranging from physical to mental to other personal reasons that draw them off the trail unexpectedly. My hike is because I want to experience the trail for reasons previously noted and the environment of the AT: the woods, trail towns, and the challenge of being out in the wilderness on a long distance hike. I also want to undertake this adventure in a manner that helps ensure success. To this end that is why I'm a "Thru-Halfer" as Steve Burkich, a Sheltowee Trace 2013 Hiker Challenge friend has led me to call my hike.My strategy is that by splitting my hike into two seasons I can experience all the trail has to offer and not be away from Cathy as long. From the beginning I know that being away from my life companion will be most challenging and harder than any physical challenge I will face during the hike. At this time my plan is to head back out next year at about the same time I end this year so as to fully experience the trail as if I was truly hiking it all in a single season. I can also hike at a pace that is as slow or fast as I want. That means I can "dilly dally" along the way, like when I stop in Gatlinburg to meet up with Cathy and help my cousin Jan open her cabin for the season. My plan is to hang out there for 3 days but that could easily extend to 4+ and my hike plans remain unaffected. And besides all that I guess since I'm retired there always the option of continuing on past my stopping point for this year to whatever alternate location I might choose. Joshua 1:8-9 Blessings,
Date: 2014-03-02
To: Anxious to Start
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

One month to go! And I'm getting anxious to get started. For the last few days I've been getting food and mail drop/bounce box supplies ready. I really enjoy this aspect of adventure. This is probably due to my professional background in planning...oh well, so be it. I must say however while there is still anxiety about getting everything, including me both physically and mentally as ready to go as possible, I am ready to hit the trail. And even more so today with icy rain turning to snow and several inches predicted by tomorrow. In just about two months I will be at or near the route down to Davenport Gap in the GSMNP. I'm in anxious anticipation of being one with creation, walking north into spring, meeting new friends, being tired enough at night to enjoy sleeping on my mat in a tent or shelter, stream crossing with and without shoes, navigating through small towns and grocery stores looking for resupplies, hostels and motels and laundry mats (!), campfires and cooking on my MSR, taking pictures to share, but not so much missing my Cathy and family/friends at home. Blessings,