morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Overmountain Shelter 1

To: Overmountain Shelter 2
Miles today: 0.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I just had to include a picture of the Overmountain privy. Most privies at shelters have at least a half-sized door for privacy where you need it the most. However, this one didn't. Trail etiquette deems that if you see feet at the bottom of the privy wall, you stand a discreet distance away and look into the woods as if there is something really interesting to look at. Once the person is finished with "business" they will walk past you and give some sort of greeting: "hey". Then, you can greet them back, or nod, and continue up the trail to take care of your business. It's all very civil.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Overmountain Shelter 2

To: Little Hump Mt
Miles today: 9.2

Today's hike was one of the best so far. We had good weather, a good trail and good companionship. The path up Little Hump Mountain was long. However, the mountain was mostly grass on the way up, and at the top, just like a bald. It seems to me that the criteria for a "bald" and a "mountain" are variable to the region. We could see 360* views. The openness and vastness of the space was something that we had not experienced much before. Compared to the closed-feeling woods and forests, it was exhilarating!After Bradley Gap, the uphill continued in earnest for a mile to the top of Hump Mountain. It was quite unique to see the trail ahead go straight up the mountain before you. Normally, you can only see a small portion of the trail in front of you at a time.The hikers ahead if us looked like colored dots moving up the grassy incline. The view was continually amazing; a panorama of mountains in every direction. Once, we took a break on some large boulders. I noticed a small farm in one of the valleys below. I wondered if the owners of that farm ever saw their property from such a high vantage point. The setting was postcard worthy. They were very fortunate indeed.The five of us were so enamored of this part of the trail and setting that we stopped often to take pictures. I took a video clip on my phone. Viewing the video and pics later, I am disappointed that the photos seem flat and unimpressive. However, if I close my eyes, I can imagine myself there, FEELING the openness and grand space that it is. I think that is one reason why I love this AT experience so much. You can buy a photograph or postcard of any given place. But, to experience it's beauty and grandeur, now that is SOMETHING.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Little Hump Mt

To: Hump Mt.
Miles today: 0.1

I have included two entries for today so that I could get another picture added. I think that Trail Journals sequences the journal entries alphabetically. If so, you should read the Little Hump Mt. entry first, then this one.Hiking Viking had it in his mind that Hump Mountain was the one thing he wanted to conquer on this section of the trail. After this mountain, the trail would be all downhill. I concurred. Hump Mountain was definitely a goal to climb, get over and descend. Too soon the grassy bald ended. The path down first went through some sort of cattle gates. We never saw cattle; perhaps the fencing was meant for us? Rhododendron was thick here, as well as the unwelcome large boulders. The rocks were hard on the feet. This northern side of the mountain was much different than the south side by which we ascended.Eventually, we reached HWY 19 E, our endpoint for the day. We walked along the highway to Mountain Harbor Hostel. Arriving just before 5:00, we had just a few minutes to drop our packs and register at the hostel. Terry, the owner, loads his pick up truck with hikers and takes them into town, Roan Mountain TN. I was glad to get a spot in the front seat, and not the back of the truck. There were 12 of us. The town is small, but had what hikers need: hot food and a grocery store. We ate at Bob's Dairyland, where "Samson" ordered the "Holy Cow": a house specialty consisting of 3 5-oz beef patties, 2 slices of ham, 6 pieces of bacon and 2 onion rings. He finished it in 15 minutes. The local patrons were amazed!Today, my good friend Bridget married Doug. Tom sent me pictures and I cried while eating my cheeseburger. I missed home and being there for her wedding day. I said a prayer for them and sent them both texts.
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Hump Mt.

To: Campsite, Elk River
Miles today: 6.0

We were all up in time for breakfast at 7:30. Mary and Terry Hill wake up at 4:30 am to cook a buffet breakfast for their guests. Their family room and dining room easily hold enough space for 20. They could fit more if needed.The breakfast was displayed and served with an artistic flair and beauty that would rival any five-star hotel. A small side table served as a hot tea and cocoa station. Coffee service was on the counter. Juice was poured from a large glass dispenser. The center kitchen island held the bountiful breakfast: scrambled eggs, spiral cut ham, little smokies, bagel halves with lox & cream cheese, mixed fruit in pineapple halves, cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy, french toast, strawberry & spinach salad, sausage strudel, lemon pound cake with sauce, strawberries and cream, sliced tomatoes, and home fried potatoes. Everything was homemade and DELICIOUS. All the hikers were stuffed. Believe me, that is very hard to do.Mary also did our laundry while we watched the weather channel and chatted with other hikers in the family room. She is cheerful, genial and a great hostess. All the hikers raved over the hospitality and accommodations. While we were getting ready to leave, I had a chance to talk with "Firehands", whom I had met previously. He had a walking cast on his left foot. He had been climbing around Jones Falls and fell, breaking 3 bones in his foot. From the falls, he had to walk two miles uphill to the nearest road and hitch into town to seek medical care. Thankfully, he was with 2 friends at the time who were able to carry his pack as well as their own. Firehands had to leave the trail due to his injury. It was sobering later in the day when we visited Jones Falls and saw the condition of the trail that he had to traverse with a broken foot. We five had not slept well due to the traffic noise near our tents and the full moon. After the large breakfast and the full resupplied packs, we trudged small steps uphill. From the road, the trail is always uphill. We had a lovely field near the Elk River as our campsite for the night. We all slept well. None of us wanted to cook, so cold suppers.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Campsite, Elk River

To: Campsite, Upper Laurel Fork River
Miles today: 7.4

Today's highlight was a bench.A garden bench was set on the trail so as to enjoy the view. It was dedicated to the memory of (dont' know first name) Vango. Further on, was the Vango/ Abby Memorial Hostel.This is also close to the site where we crossed the 400 mile mark! Hard to imagine that I could ever have done this much. I've just put one foot in front of the other. Good time to share a Tolkien quote:"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door," he used to say. "You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to" J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Campsite, Upper Laurel Fork River

To: Black Bear Resort, Hampton TN
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was the longest day ever. Hot. Mostly downhill. Black Bear Resort was super clean, well organized and beautiful. They have a bunkhouse, private cabins, a conference facility, RV park, etc. The family that bought it last year had no idea that it was so close to the AT. Boy, did they hit the jackpot. I was so happy to have found Sprite Zero in the camp store. It is very rare in the South.We split a cabin for 6, which was cheaper (and more comfortable) than tenting. The price included a hot shower with a towel-- luxury! We met members of "The Wolfpack", a loose group of about 20 hikers. They had all come to the AT to thru hike as individuals, met one another along the way, and formed a community who hiked together, camped together, and looked out for one another. Tom and I had met a similar, but smaller, group in the Smokies nicknamed "The Moving Village". These smaller groups within the larger hiker community really form close bonds that are important in the arduous task of pounding your feet through the mountains mile after mile after mile. We talked with "Yankee" and "Roadside". Roadside had the unfortunate notoriety of being "the guy who got mugged". His experience did not deter him and he is still hiking.I am thankful that the A Team has adopted me into their family and we form a hiking family. Hiking solo has it's merits, but there is comfort in being part of a group also.The photo above is of Jones Falls where Firehands broke his foot.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Black Bear Resort, Hampton TN

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: few clouds

We spent a hot night in the cabin- not a good night's sleep. There was a ceiling fan, but it didn't help much. Also, the bunk bed mattresses were enveloped in plastic. We placed our sleeping bags on top of the plastic, but every time someone moved, the plastic would make a loud crinkly sound. I felt like I was sleeping in a potato chip bag. Breakfast was microwaved egg, bacon and cheese sandwich with hot chocolate.The morning's hike was through a dark, lush forest. We followed the trail down to Laurel Falls. The footing was steep and rocky. Thankfully, it wasn't wet also. We followed the river and had to work our way around cliffs and rocks. I was very careful about my footing and went even slower than usual.At around 10:30 am we reached the trailhead at the road. "Chief"'s father drove up to spend the day with the A Team. "Charlie" (trail angel) drove us around Hampton, TN to do our town errands: eat and buy more food. We enjoyed a yummy Subway lunch in air conditioning.We were dropped off at the trailhead again in the afternoon. The rest of the day, we had a good trail around Watauga Lake. Spent the night at Watauga Lake Shelter. Met "Bismark", "Hopper", "Bright Flower", "Kokopeli". Also, Annie the dog, a Border Collie, who did not have a trail name yet.One new thing was the bear pole here to hang the food bags. Very entertaining to watch us all attempt raising the bags up onto the pole. I forgot to take a picture. But, I heard that Shenandoah Park has the same poles so will take a picture there.I wanted to share this photo with you. Sometimes the water source is a mountain stream. However, the flow and rocks are not deep enough to dip a bottle or cup down into. If you use a large leave, like this Rhododendron leave, you can channel the water to flow into your container.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

It was warm already when I awoke. Warmer still when we started hiking at 8:30. I would estimate it was already 80*. The trail wound around the Watauga Lake shoreline. After half an hour, we stopped at a small clearing so those who wished could go swimming. They all found the water too cold to swim, so splashed around a bit and cooled off. I stayed in the shade. I know better than to swim in a mountain lake in the beginning of Spring. Brrr.The trail was hard today. Hard. Hot. Humid. Viking and I stopped many, many times. Later in the day, we talked to other, younger hikers who also felt beaten down by the heat. I had read a weather forecast back at Black Bear predicting the high today for 87*. It sure felt that hot.Remember the saying: "Never quit on a bad day". Today was the kind of day when I had many thoughts of quitting. I seriously don't know how I'm going to handle the heat of summer. I sweat profusely. The sweat literally drips down into my eyes, down my chin and then makes little water dots on my shirt. The worst is when it goes into my eyes because the salty sweat stings. My bandana gets soaked early in the day. I leave it tied to my belt loop. That way, it is easy to grab and wipe my face and neck while hiking without getting dropped or lost. Also, it dries-- sort of-- in the sun during the day. It is only the beginning of May, and already the sun drains all of my energy.We got our water 1.7 miles before the shelter. This was the closest water source on the trail. We were advised by Bismarck to get our water there instead of at the shelter. The water source at the shelter was 0.4 miles down a very steep slope. I carried 2 liters of water up the mountain trail, adding 4 lbs. of weight. The additional weight added to my grumpiness. My pack was heavy and I was hot and tired.We finally made it to the shelter and congratulated ourselves on a job well done. Cooled off a bit and set up my tent. Two section hikers, locals, had left a snack for us: cheese bread with pepperoni inside. I don't normally like pepperoni, but wolfed down my slice anyway. I was tired and needed the calories. It tasted good and I was thankful for food I didn't have to cook myself. Met "Gator Bait", a young man from Florida and "Walk and Eat".
Date: 2012-05-04
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Iron Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 6.8

Another day of PUDS: pointless ups and downs. The weather was hot again. Hiking Viking and I stuck together at the back of the pack, encouraging each other. Valerie had to walk on ahead so she could rest her stomach a bit. We were glad to reach the shelter at the mid afternoon point. Back when I was planning my hike, I had originally thought that I would be making bigger miles by now: at least 10 or 12. I was discouraged about the progress I could make each day, but happy to be out here at all. What a privilege to be hiking! Good thing the A-Team got places in the shelter, Viking set up his hammock and I set up my tent early. Throughout the rest of the late afternoon and into early evening, many hikers came in to the area. Members of "The Wolfpack" claimed their spaces. By supper time, we counted 15 tents and a full shelter of 7, including 2 dogs. Several more were camped a bit north of the shelter. "Atlas" hikes with a full size guitar case strapped to his pack, and played songs around the Wolfpack campfire at night.
Date: 2012-05-05
From: Iron Mt. Shelter

To: TN 91
Miles today: 4.8

It rained in the early morning hours. Most of the hikers stayed put in their tents until the rain slowed down to a drizzle, then started their morning chore of packing up camp. I was slow to get out of bed, as usual. I waited until 7. First thing in the morning, I always change into my hiking clothes, then pack up my gear into my pack before getting out of the tent. I put my rain cover on the ground, then slide my pack out, put my boots outside and crawl out of the tent. Then, I can use the privy, get down my food bags and fix breakfast. It's just me, but I hate having to go back in my tent in the morning after breakfast and do all that packing. Today, I was very glad to have had my gear all packed up because I moved my pack under the eaves of the shelter. It started raining again and my gear could stay protected. Chief checked the weather on his iphone and found that a big thunderstorm cell was headed our way. We opted to hang out under the protection of the shelter until it passed. All of the other hikers pushed on with their day, despite the forecast. They were determined to make long miles today: some 16, some 26. The lure of Damascus, VA and a hot meal pulled them on.The A-Team was in no such hurry. They had family members scheduled to meet them in Damascus in 2 days and could afford to take their time. Patriot was meeting me this morning at TN 91. While I was anxious to see him, I did not want to be sopping wet. We waited. The storm came and went as predicted. The trail was an easy downhill. We passed a gravestone monument at mile 442.1. The inscription read "Uncle Nick Grindstaff born Dec 26, 1851, died July 22, 1923, Lived alone, suffered alone, died alone." Sad. (I later looked him up online, but there isn't much about why he lived alone.)Before we got to the road, there was trail magic left by Nelson Chapel Baptist Church! Sodas, cookies, & treats. Thanks for the goodies!As promised, Patriot was at the road waiting. He also had trial magic for the hikers: sodas, apples and treats. He didn't know about the other goodies just up the trail. Still, the hikers were thankful and loaded up on the delicious calories! He shuttled some hikers to Damascus, then others to the store in Shady Valley, just a few miles down the road. The A-Team continued on down the trail, while I rode in comfort to Damascus. A hot shower, meal and clean clothes were waiting for me! I planned to take 2 zero days and then meet up with them again in Damascus.
Date: 2012-05-07
From: TN 91

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

Zero DayEnjoyed 2 zero days in/near Damascus. I had chores to do, so not exactly 2 days of rest. My gear and tent were wet: had to dry them out. Laundry, too. Sorting & buying food. It took almost 6 hours to load up my last week or so of trail journals, photos & etc. On the trail Saturday, Hiking Viking and I had shared our dreams of the next town-cooked hot meal we would want. I envisioned meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and salad. Across the street from our hotel was a Cracker Barrel! I got my meal and it was every bit of delicious as I had hoped. The AT goes straight through Damascus, VA. There are white blazes on a few telephone posts. Even white blazes on the bricks of the sidewalk, directing hikers along the main street of the business district. Whoever fanagled that route was definitely thinking ahead to the business opportunities that the hikers would bring to this small town.We were able to easily walk around town. There are three outfitters, several restaurants and a few bed & breakfasts, Dollar General, Post Office. The laundromat closed, so I was glad to have done laundry at the hotel earlier.The highlight for us was meeting the extended family of the A-Team, particularly Mrs. Hiking Viking.
Date: 2012-05-08
From: Damascus, VA

To: Big Wilson Creek, East Fork
Miles today: 7.5

Patriot and I left Damascus reluctantly. Well, I was reluctant. He was determined to see the wild ponies of Grayson Highlands. We got a shuttle ride north to Fox Creek, VA 603 from Tom (not Patriot). He told us some of the history of how Trail Days in Damascus began. Very interesting. We headed south from the trailhead, keeping a watchful eye on the sky. It had been raining and the clouds were still grey and low. It only drizzled most of the morning, so we were happy with that. At different points during the day, we met several hikers that I knew. They all said the same thing: "Aren't you going the wrong way?" No, I explained, We were hiking this section southbound while the rest of the A-Team was still in Damascus. I planned to meet up with them further north later in the next week. When section hiking, it is always a good idea to park your car in a populated area (like town) instead of at a trailhead. Then, shuttle to the trailhead and hike back to your car. It is much better than arranging a pick up time from a shuttle driver and taking a chance that you are late, miss the appointed time, and are stuck somewhere without a ride. We camped along Big Wilson Creek in the only flat space we could find among the tall grass and rocks. We were in our tent early. I was freezing cold and put on all of my clothes and got into my sleeping bag. We were able to finish a crossword puzzle while it was still light. We heard horse snorting near us, but were too tired and wet to want to open up the tent fly to check it out.
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Big Wilson Creek, East Fork

To: Massie Gap
Miles today: 2.3

We were able to sleep well, eat breakfast and get our tent packed away before the rain started again. More of a drizzle, really. The hike today was lovely, passing through Grayson Highlands State Park (VA). We had to climb up and over fence stiles; a new experience. The trail was still rocky, but not as steep. The wind was fierce.We had hoped to see the wild ponies, but it was too rainy. Any animal with sense was taking cover from the weather. Massie Gap was an open, exposed place with no relief from the wind or rain. I was miserable. We decided to walk down to the parking area, hoping to catch a ride back to a road where we could hitchhike back to Damascus. Patriot was disappointed and I was discouraged.We followed a side trail to the parking area, then on to a paved road. We started to walk and met fellow hiker, Alison. She was out hiking with a club from Louisiana and offered to drive us into Damascus! A Trail Angel! We gladly accepted her offer. Her friend, Cat, accompanied us.
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Massie Gap

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

We had a wonderful lunch and lively discussion with Alison and Cat in Damascus. We were very appreciative of their kindness in driving us 40 min. to town!The A-Team was surprised to see us so early-- we had originally thought to meet the next week. We were glad to have returned, though. Samson was celebrating his high school graduation with his family. They had bought a cake with a white blaze on it! Very cool!
Date: 2012-05-10
From: Damascus, VA

To: To Be Continued
Miles today: 0.0

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.?-- Dr. Seuss?The decision to leave the AT was not an easy one, but it was the right one for me. I decided a week ago to leave the trail. I did try to stick it out another week with Patriot, so that we could hike together during his vacation. He wanted to see the wild ponies of the Grayson Highlands. You may remember that a few weeks back, I left the trail for one week, hoping for rest and to get back my appetite. I did feel better physically when I returned to the trail at Erwin, TN. I felt stronger, had an appetite and was not so homesick. It was especially encouraging to hike with a group, and not alone. Still, I found that the mental challenges of the trail continued to assault me. Every small setback weighed heavily on me until I was not having fun anymore. I pressed on, believing that if I just tried harder, pressed forward, and gave more of myself, I would eventually "get over it". But, I didn't. Then, I stayed on the trail because I didn't want to disappoint my family and friends who had believed in me and supported me so faithfully. This motivation did not work, either. What I came to realize was that I needed to be out there for one reason alone: because I WANTED to be there. And the fact is, I didn't want to hike any more. Even the lures of Virginia, The White Mountains, and Maine, were not enough to keep me going. I was done.Instead of looking at the 1680 miles that I did not hike, I prefer to remember the 500 miles that I did hike. To some, who are long distance hikers, that is not a big deal. But, to ME, that 500 miles is a significant achievement-- longer, stronger, higher, farther than I had ever gone before! I was challenged in many ways and met those challenges with faith in my God and faith in myself. I met many wonderful, kind, and generous people. I took pictures. I can close my eyes and imagine myself on top of a mountain, knowing that I climbed it step by step. I entitled this journal entry "To be Continued" because I am not done hiking. I will continue to piece together section hikes of the AT until I've completed it. A week at a time. A month at a time. With friends. With family. Alone. The Appalachian Mountains will be there waiting for me. The next time I hear the call and feel the pull, you can be assured that I'll put on my Big Boots again and follow the white blazes north.
Date: 2012-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Preparations continue. Paperwork (taxes, etc.) is largely finished. Hiking equipment has been gathered - fine tuning remains. The tent has been seam sealed. Books are loaded onto Kobo. Training is winding down.Oh well, at least I have the time, as I retired in January. I am jealous of those who have already started, as the weather has been magnificent.See you on the trail.