morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-13
To: Campsite at Mile 403.4
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Wahoo, we passed the 400 mile mark !It was a little chilly in the hostel when we woke up so it was hard to get started. Our plans were to go up for the gourmet breakfast so we had to crawl out of bed. We were in the loft last night. Steep steps to get up there so you had to be careful especially carrying a backpack. Had another nice breakfast. Only about 18 hikers today.Packed up our stuff and hit the trail. Hiking with Doggie Daddy again.Carl, this one's for you. There were signs up along one trail section that they were doing habitat work for the golden-wing warbler clearing out to make grassy areas. Meant to take a picture of the sign about the work they were doing on the other end but didn't see one. Passed a cemetery and then the associated church. Had snack on a wall at the church. Saw a fabulous waterfall today on a side trail. Someone had put a tiny yellow post-it note on the waterfall sign to say it was worth the trip down the side trail. Had lunch there. Won't talk about how many times Miles had to doctor her feet today. She was in such pain. The blister on the side of the heel, the seed corns on the bottom of her left foot (does her podiatrist make trail calls?), and the inside cuticle on both her big toes were terribly painful today. It was a great weather day and a reasonable trail elevation so we should have been able to make quite a few more miles. Darn feet.Finally set up camp at a small campsite along a stream. Cooked up some warm dinner and a caramel latte and ate a little chocolate before climbing in our sleeping bags. Supposed to be around freezing tonight. Brrrr.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Campsite at Mile 403.4

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

It was certainly cold when we got up this morning. Packed up quickly and hiked up the trail to a warmer spot to have a little breakfast. Today's trail was a little easier on the feet, for the first two thirds of the hike anyway. It was a warm, sunny day...perfect for hiking. The last 4 miles of the hike were hard on the feet and they felt bruised by the end from all the rocks and roots. Miles had worn neon green duct tape over top of her patches - thanks to Dorcas and Shannon. Between the duct tape and ibuprofen she had a better foot day until the end of the hike. Ran into a hiker friend, Mouse, that we haven't seen since Neels Gap.Decided to stay in a cabin at Black Bear Resort. Took the shuttle into town to McDonald's to eat and then stopped at Dollar General and a fruit stand to get some supplies. Back for a shower and then planning for tomorrow's hike. Guess we're doing another day of slackpacking since we're in such tough shape. We'll hike 14 miles and then stay here again tomorrow night. Still trying to work our way toward Damascus for Trail Days this weekend. Running out of time though since we still have 50 miles to go.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Cabin at Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Got up early for our 7:20 shuttle up to the dams so that we could slackpack southbound back to where we stayed last night. Watauga Dam and Lake was beautiful. We hiked way around the lake and saw so many beautiful tent spots. Why is it you can't find one when you're looking for one? Passed Story and Dr. Wu who we hadn't seen for a while. There were a number of places along the lake where the trail had been rerouted due to the high water level being above the trail level. After hiking along the lake, we ran into a couple of folks doing a survey for the health department about the norovirus. In exchange they were giving hikers an ice cold can of drink. Ahhhhh.Had a big climb of 1800 feet up to Pond Flats. Saw a land turtle, black snake, and a lizard. Stopped to filter water near a spot where several hikers before us had seen a timber rattler. We were careful heading through that area but the guys were looking for the snake - hoping to see it. Doggie Daddy showed us Lady's Slipper and Flame Azalea. Another rocky descent today which is so hard on the feet. There were a number of rockslides to pick our way across and because there were switchbacks, the rockslides had to be crossed several times. Had a long trek down to Laurel Falls which were huge, wide, gorgeous falls. The climb up out of the falls area was brutal. Huge rock steps. A tough climb for the end of the day.Got back to our cabin at Black Bear Resort, headed for the showers, shuttled into town to pick up McDonalds to go, and then did laundry. We liked this little resort. The owners were so friendly and everything was clean. The ride into town is on a crazy winding road. Doggie Daddy wants to come back to ride his motorcycle on that road. Sat outside and chatted with other hikers and bikers. This place is filling up with bikers (motorcycles). Very quiet though. Have to pack up tonight. Getting shuttled back to the trail at 7:20 in the morning. Still 37 miles to Damascus.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Cabin at Black Bear Resort

To: Switchback Creek Campground
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: few clouds

Got shuttled back out to Wilbur Dam to start hiking again. Big climb right away. The elevation profile wasn't too intimidating but there were continuous ups and downs as we hiked across a ridge. Saw a bunny when we stopped to filter water. Side made a call to Miss Janet who is supposed to shuttle us to Damascus in the morning. Hiked 16.1 miles. Decided to stay at a local campground where we met a nice group of folks. Showered and did some laundry. The kind guests here fed us burgers and hotdogs. So nice of them. They're motorcyclists.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Damascus, VA - for trail days

To: Damascus, VA - for trail days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Update from last night - after all the kindness of yesterday, it was quite a downer to have to deal with the inconsiderate hikers who partied to the wee hours not caring how much noise they made. People traipsed past our tent screaming and howling. This afternoon we moved our tent to a new location hoping it might be a little quieter but we hear tonight will be even rowdier than last night. And we're in the family section of the campground but unfortunately everyone has to walk through it to get to the rest of the campground. Thinking there is a design flaw there. Guess we're just getting too old.Rode the free trolley into town to get Miles' third latte of the trail. Attended a talk on a hiking trail in Europe. Visited the hammock booth for the third time and finally ordered two hammocks for a little later in the hike.Although we didn't go, this afternoon was the hiker parade in town where the hikers parade down the street and the townspeople spray them with water guns and water blasters. There was a terrible accident at the back of the parade where the driver of a car had a seizure and drove into the people at the back of the parade. Some people were taken to hospitals in helicopters. We just got an update a little while ago that no one is in serious condition and some people will be returning tonight so that was really good news. Such a scary thing to happen at a fun event.Hanging out this evening waiting for the music to start at the church coffee house.Our friend Doggie Daddy who had been off the trail due to sickness showed up today with John (our early journal entries referred to them as John and John) who had to drop off the trail earlier due to back injuries. At the coffee house later in the evening we ran into Grin who we stayed with at the hostel the night before we started the trail and Patchouli who we met at Blueberry Patch Hostel in Hiawassee, GA.Tomorrow we have to figure out how to get back to the trail. Seeing late tonight online that the major news channels are carrying stories about the accident. Hope no one saw that and worried about us.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Damascus, VA - for trail days

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a much better night's sleep in our new tent location. Did get awakened at 5:00 by some giggling girls. But compared to the previous night, it was a dream. Packed up pretty early. Next problem was how to get back to the trail. Walked out to the road and stuck out a thumb. Second car that passed stopped and picked us up. Now wasn't that just two days ago that we were so lucky getting rides just when we needed them? A nice gentleman from South Africa who is hiking on the trail took us right where we needed to be. Thanks so much 'Climb High, Sleep Low'. Hope to see you again on the trail.Started hiking up across the farm where we had seen cows along the path last time we were there. No cows this time but some of the most gigantic cow pies ever. Not sure what they're feeding those cows.Pretty gentle hike today. Met a woman hiking south who was raised in Latrobe. Small world. There weren't many hikers on the trail today. We did see Chipmunk. Hiked 11.3 miles today. It was rumbling most of the afternoon so when we got to Abingdon Gap Shelter we decided to stay. Started setting up the tent and the storm hit. Just got everything inside in time. Now it's been raining for quite a long time. There are a couple of guys in the shelter. Not sure we'll be cooking a hot meal tonight.Some folks came in wet after the rain had started. Ended up with four hammocks, another tent, and some in the shelter. Rain has stopped.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Dave's Place Hostel in Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Yippee, three states completed - GA, TN, and NC. We are now in Virginia and will be for quite some time. About a quarter of the AT is in Virginia.As we were waking up, it began raining and then continued raining as well as booming thunder. So we were delayed for quite a while. Finally Side made a break for the shelter with his pack so he could begin packing while Miles packed her pack inside the tent. Ended up with both packs and both people in the shelter but the very wet tent still out in the continuing rain. Finally about 9:30 it let up some and we got the tent packed up and headed down the trail. The rain continued and booming thunder for probably five miles. The trail was a mess and in no time at all so were our boots. And we had the squishing of wet socks which is so fun. The rain pants were a muddy mess from the knees down. And by the end of the hike, our clothes were soaked with sweat because raingear does not breathe.So this nasty weather of course brought on a migraine for Miles (Kim, you were probably able to predict that sentences ago.) So seven miles into the hike it was time for the meds. Miles' migraine remedy includes a muscle relaxer. Well taking a muscle relaxer and asking your muscles to work for you don't go well together. Raggedy Ann had to really focus to keep upright on the slippery trail and not flop down over a bank.Hiked ten miles back to Damascus. The town sure looked different from a couple of days ago. But we did find some hikers still hanging out. Made arrangements to stay at Dave's Place, a hostel. Have our own room which is nice. Side spent time drying out wet gear while Miles headed for the laundromat. Clean clothes and dry gear put a smile on a hiker's face. Throw in a shower and it's bliss.Made plans to do a 21 mile slackpack tomorrow and then spend the night here at the hostel again. Feet, don't fail me now.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Dave's Place Hostel in Damascus, VA

To: Daves Place Hostel in Damascus
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Miles woke up with the beginning of a migraine. Got picked up by our shuttle guy, Dave, and stopped to pick up another couple. While we were waiting for them, Miles went down the street to grab two lattes for the ride. Turns out the caffeine stopped the migraine which was really nice. No Gumby legs today.Started slackpacking at 9:15 from the top of Whitetop Mt. going south back to Damascus. The top was socked in with fog so no views. The trail was really soupy from all the rain we've been having. The first few miles were so pretty with low trees and fields of tiny white flowers with lacy edges (fringed phacelia) amid the grass. The next mile was filled with Mayapples amid taller trees. They have a big leafy top and start with a pod hanging down which later opens up into a flower. Then we saw orange columbine here and there along the trail. Hiked through a cow pasture of fields and grassy hills. They have very interesting stiles you have to get through but the cows can't. Each is a little different; some are pretty clever. Passed a large grouping of pink lady slippers on both sides of the trail in a large pine forest. So unusual to see so many of them together.Passing many, many hikers coming north out of Damascus after Trail Days. Stopping to say hi and let them pass slowed down our hike some but was enjoyable. Ran into a hiker who we hadn't seen since Neel's Gap. Met a couple our age out for a hike - had first taken a limping thru-hiker to Marion to catch a bus home - how sweet. They alerted us to the upcoming lady's slippers. So far today has been primarily a gentler downhill easy-on-the-feet trail. At 11:45 stopped for a quick snack. Now the trail for miles had many tall Rhododendron. Will be beautiful when they all bloom. The AT joined the Creeper Trail (a bike trail) for a short while including the Luther Memorial Bridge. Stopped for a quick lunch of poptarts and gatorade. Near the end of our hike at higher elevations, we began seeing blooming rhododendron and mountain laurel. Woohoo, will be breathtaking soon! Just before we left the woods heard some noise to the right of us and realized it was two long black snakes, mating. Snapped a few pictures and scooted on as they were tumbling down towards the trail. Yikes.Today was a lovely, scenic hike and the weather was great. We hiked 21.1 miles and were pretty exhausted when we got back. Had promised Side some ice cream at Dairy King but they were closed by the time we got back. So was most everything in town so back to the Blue Blaze Cafe yet again. Started to lightning and then it poured rain. Back to the hostel for showers and to relax a little. We'll be picked up at 10:00 in the morning to head back to Whitetop Mt so we can start hiking north again. Planning a more relaxing day tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Daves Place Hostel in Damascus

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: few clouds

Had breakfast at the Blue Blaze Cafe. While we were eating, Allison came in. We hadn't seen him for a while so it was really nice to see him. Ran to the post office to mail the bounce box. Stopped at Dollar General to pick up a couple more supplies. Gypsy Dave came to shuttle us to the top of Whitetop Mt. Hiked 2.4 miles to a parking lot where hikers gathered to decide whether to continue on as there was rumbling of thunder and lightning in the distance. We hid under the entrance to the bathroom to stay dry with High Tide and Blockade Runner, a sweet couple who we had first met at the Nantahala Outdoor Center a month ago. Hardtack's parents came with trail magic for us - sodas, fruit, and goodies. They are so sweet. We had met them at Mountain Harbor Hostel and on Roan Mountain.Finally braved the weather and headed up the mountain. At the top we saw our first of the wild ponies. There were about eight of them. Took lots of pictures for Jilli. Continued on and by the time we got to the shelter, we decided to stay since the skies didn't look so good. Cooked up a quick dinner and then we had a sudden downpour and Side had to dash in with all the cooking and filtering stuff that had been on the table. Now some hikers came in saying they got hit by sideways hail and were drenched. Donated the toe warmers we had. The rain stopped long enough to run to the privy. And now it's raining again. Just going to be that kind of night. Good night to be in the shelter..
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: campsite at Fox Creek
Miles today: 12.7

Wahoo!!! 500 miles completed - working our way towards 1/4 of the trail. Seems unbelievable that every day we're still just following white blazes through the woods.Left the shelter at 7:45 with rain jackets and pack covers on and needed it for the morning. Never a real hard rain but it rained all morning and occasionally it would stop for a bit. The trail today was streams, lakes and muck. We've had so much rain. Much of the trail was rocks and roots which is so brutal on tender feet.Fatman Squeeze is a rock tunnel that you have to squeeze through with your pack on. It wasn't well marked so we went around the outside and once we got to the other side we could see a white blaze that indicated that we had missed the tunnel. So back we went to do it right.The Grayson Highlands were beautiful even in the rain. Gigantic rock formations with pasture-like in between. Beautiful mountain views. Slightly foggy conditions. Heathcliff!!Saw a few more ponies today. Went through a number of fence stiles. Most were walk-throughs but you had to squeeze through carefully so you didn't tear your pack cover. One stile was a step climb over a fence. Stopped for a snack at Wise Shelter and then continued on. Stopped to filter water just before Old Orchard Shelter and continued past it also. It was a nice afternoon for hiking and today's terrain had been much easier than some of our hiking days. Stopped for the day at Fox Creek and set up camp. Side started with a chest cold yesterday, coughed a lot last night, and ran out of energy today. And his sciatica was much worse today. (Early warning to Dr. D., if you're reading this.) Half an hour after getting the tent up it started to rumble and rain. Guess we made a good call again. Looks like we'll be eating a cold dinner rather than the cream of wheat and ramen that was planned. Oh great, it was three musketeers and granola bar or crackers. Sure that will get us up big hills tomorrow. Yep, Side fell asleep instantly. Just like normal. And he says he can't sleep. Woke him up to bear bag and brush teeth. It's all over now. Back to sleep.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: campsite at Fox Creek

To: VA 672 camping at a home
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Packed up a wet tent again but at least it wasn't raining. Hiked up Iron Mountain first thing. Later in the day we passed a beautiful cascading falls. Again we say - we've had so much rain but it does make for full running streams and falls.Side had a rough day yesterday so we decided we should try to get ourselves to a food establishment to raise his spirits with lots of calories and protein. So after 8.5 miles when we got to Dickey Gap where the trail comes out at a road, we planned to head one direction or the other to find food. A hiker was just getting dropped off and told us the closest place was a combined restaurant and store. So out go the thumbs and we had a ride in about 15 minutes. Thanks to the gentleman who picked us up. We quickly downed pulled pork sandwiches, chocolate milk, mountain dew, munchies, and homemade strawberry cobbler with ice cream. Grabbed a few items for resupply and got a ride back with a shuttler who was there with two other hikers and was returning them to the trail where we needed to go. We no sooner got on the trail than we saw a sign for a hiker feed tomorrow all day put on by a local church youth group. Count us in. And you can tent with them tonight. So off we went down the trail with full tummies and better spirits.Hiked another 5.5 miles to a little tent in the woods where the Valley View Baptist Church youth group had drinks and snacks out for the hikers. Then at the road crossing we found the home where you could camp. The members of the church were so friendly and glad we had come. They served us drinks and pizza and cake. So good tasting to a hiker. We set up our tent and then sat around the campfire talking with church members and about ten other hikers. They made deep-fried oreos that were to die for (dipped in pancake batter, then fried and then covered with powdered sugar). Don't try these at home - only hikers can afford the calories. Some of the church ladies thought they might have to join us on the trail as a result of eating them. Watched the full moon climb over the hillside. Time for sleep with full tummies again. And a promise for coffee and breakfast in the morning. Some days life on the trail is sure good to you.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: VA 672 camping at a home

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

This was a day of many blessings for us.Got up this morning and had breakfast with the Valley View Church members, the other hikers who camped with us, and other hikers who had stayed at the shelter 1.5 miles back on the trail. How wonderful to have coffee, orange juice, sausage on a biscuit, bagels, cinnamon rolls, donuts and other pastries when you're on the trail. They had brought in two porta-potties for our use. Amazing. We so appreciated the fantastic food, fellowship of the church members, and their wishes for our safe journey. We won't forget their kindness. Got a late start at 10:15 because it was so hard to leave.Made really good time on our morning hike. All those calories really helped and more importantly our spirits had been lifted. We had minimal phone service so tried a call to Bek to say hi and to warn her that we'd soon need our summer clothes. Had a nice call with her.Realized we had texts from Miles' sister Shelley but our phone service didn't look good enough to call when the phone rang and it was her wondering where in VA we were. Turns out she and hubby Tim were looking for us on the trail to do some trail magic. We were speechless. They were on their way to SC on vacation. Ended up that we couldn't connect but they got to do trail magic for Magic Spice taking her to the Dairy Queen. Note that Side is really envious. May be able to connect next weekend.Continued hiking at our good pace and made it to the Partnership Shelter. Nice looking and even had a shower(not that we had time to stop and use it). The Mt. Rogers Visitor Center was right next door. Took a break for a drink and candy bar and then headed on. The trail turned rocky and continued rocky and uphill for the rest of our miles. Hiked 16.2 miles total and stayed at Chatfield Shelter with some nice southbound section hikers.
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: campsite north of O'lystery Pavilion
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: few clouds

Today's first goal was to hike 4.5 miles to the Barn Restaurant. Okay now, you must be thinking that it seems to be all about the food. Yep. Can't get enough of the real food. Getting tired of the same old trail food. It's been some time since we've been able to plan a list of food before getting to a grocery store. We each had the 'Hiker 2 x 4' - 2 eggs, 2 sausages, 2 slices of bacon, 2 pancakes, biscuits and coffee. Side also ordered French toast. Now he's getting the hang of more calories. Filled us up but can't say it made us hike any better. Enjoyed the breakfast with Clinker who we had stayed with at the shelter the previous night and had first met back at Mary's Mountain Harbour Hostel two weeks ago. Took the opportunity while we had phone service to wish our girls and their families a happy Memorial Day early. Missed Izzy so this special 'Happy Memorial Day' wish goes out to her. And the same to all of you.By the time we got back to the trail it was 1:00 and we still had a lot of miles to do. We're on a schedule to make it to Woods Hole Hostel by end of day Friday and we need to average 15 miles a day to accomplish that. Turned out to be a day that was a little more tough sometimes than our bodies were ready for. Had originally thought we'd make it to the next shelter a couple more miles away but not enough daylight left. We must have climbed over five or six ladder-type stiles over fences today. Hard on sore feet and indeed they were. Hiked through miles of pasture today. Very pretty but watch out for that cow pie. Oops, saw a couple pies that looked like someone slid through them. Finally made it to the campsite and had a cold supper since it was so late. Starting to dislike those cheese crackers an awful lot.Along the way today we reached the 25% mark. One quarter of the way to Mt. Katahdin. Wow indeed !!!!!!!!