morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Low Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap

I got started early, like always and after an hour I hit the shelter I was trying for last night. Largo, Andrew, and Kat were there getting ready. I said hello and moved on. It was windy and it was getting colder as the morning progressed. It was supposed to get down into 30's in town which meant freezing and below up in the mountains. Oh boy, was I happy about that. Not!! Around 1:30 I hit Greasy Creek Gap where I stopped for a break. I was looking in my guidebook and noticed there was a hostel about a half mile down to the right. I weighed my options;move on to a cold shelter or go to the hostel and have a warm bed. No brainer there. To the Hostel I went. Welcome to the Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel operated by CC and Pac Rat. What a wonderful place. The minute I got there I felt like I was walking into my own home. CC and Pac Rat are excellent hosts and great people. I higly recommend this place to anyone planning on going through the area. They carry supplies so it is a good way to get out of Erwin with just a couple of days food, resupply there for the trek to the Kincora area. After a bit Largo showed up. He had the same idea I had but he also had a tooth that was bothering him. CC went to the trouble of finding a dentist that would see him the next day. CC had to go into town so I went along for the ride. It was fun seing some of rural North Carolina. Places like Loafers Glory and Squirrel Holler. Then, to my surprise, we pull into a Super WalMart. I didn't figure there were enough people in the area to support one of them!. We got out and went inside. As I walked in it hit me. I stopped and just looked around. I did not know what to do. For the last six weeks my world has been carried on my back and here I was confronted by all this "stuff". I just stood there and then wandered aimlessly around. I eventually bought a couple of oranges and a pear. It was a strange feeling, being in there. Can't imagine what I will do after six months out here! We got back to the house where CC fixed a great dinner. Her salad was one of the best I have had. after dinner we sat around and talked for a bit. If you go there ask Pac Rat and CC to tell you the "Tales from Greasy Creek". Great stuff. Simple Thought - Receving emails and guest book entries from all of you. It is fun to get and read them when I get to a phone. Please keep them coming. I may not respond all the time but I do receive them.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Good thing I chose to stay at Greasy Creek Friendly last night. It was in the high 20's when I left this morning. Today was going to be another tough day. Uphill most of the day and part of it was over Roan Mountain [6150 feet]. I don't think the maintainers in this area understand the concept of switchbacks. Here it is straight up and straight down! I pulled into the Clyde Smith Shelter to sign the register and have a quick breakfast. Kat was still there and Hawk pulled in shortly thereafter for his breakfast. I moved on and began the push for Roan Mtn. As I was doing my walk, breathe, climb method I heard someone behind me. It was Lonesome Dove. I had heard her name and knew she was doing a journal also but had not met her. I was glad to get the chance! Behind her came CatDog whom I had not met before either. We talked a bit and they moved on. Lot quicker pace than I have. I made it over Roan and then Round Bald. On Round Bald I met a couple from England who were visiting the States for awhile. We talked and I answered the usual questions that are asked of thru hikers. I walked a little further and ran into another couple. Repeat previous scenario. I was going to try to make it to Overmountain Shelter but when I hit the Stan Murray Shelter my feet told me that was enough for the day. I set my tent up when Hawk, CatDog, and Lonesome Dove walked in. They pushed on to Overmountain Shelter. I made dinner and crawled into the tent because the wind was picking up. Once the sun goes down it gets cool on the mountain, especially when the wind blows. Off to bed.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

What a good day of hiking. The day started out with a good wind while going over the Roan Highlands. And I mean a good wind! I think there were gusts of at least 40 MPH. A couple of times it literally blew me sideways. As I neared the top of one of the balds I looked to my left and about had a heart attack. I was staring at a big steer not more than 10 feet away. He had a set of horns on him that would have done a Viking proud. The first thing that came to mind is take a picture. Then I thought, no what if he charges while I am pointing the camera at him. Then I thought don't stare at him because it might make him mad. Then I thought, let's just get out of here. I had nowhere to run if he got mad and we were to close for comfort. I left, post haste. After I got off the balds the wind died off and it turned into a good day to hike. The trail was pretty level for most of the day so I was able to break the 16 mile mark for the first time. I stopped at the Apple House Shelter for lunch and then I got to Highway 19E where someone had left some trail magic. A bag filled with Capri Punches and Moon Pies.[ I later found out they were put there by Hawk's wife.] Highway 19E area has a bit of a notorious reputation. Back when the land was being picked and bought for the trail a lot of the locals were upset at the gvernment taking there land. It was purchased but they still did not like the idea. There was a time when fish hooks were strung across the trail at eye level. The whole area just seemed a little wierd. Toward the end of the day I came to the Elk River. Once again I wished I had a fishing hook and line. One of these times I will pick one up. I came to the campsite close to the river and decided to call it quits. At the site were two people I had not met. Blue Sky and Fix-a-Lot. Shortly, Lonesome Dove and CatDog rolled in and they set up also. We ate and talked a bit and then hiker midnight arrived... Sundown ... time for bed.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Campsite

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: moderate rain

Another early start and another day of slight showers. Just enough to get you a little wet and then it stops. Today was also one of those das where you had no idea where you were. The trail guide gives landmarks so you usually have an idea where you are but there has been a trail relocation here and none of the landmarks matched up. All you knew was that eventually you would hit a shelter. I hit the Moreland Gap Shelter around 2:30. CatDog, Lonesome Dove, Iodine, and Ranger Jim were already there. Seems like everyone was going to lay up there and have an easy hike into Kincora the next day. The threat of rain was large so I joined the group. The amount of people coming in continued to grow. Wizard, Blue Sky, Fix-a-Lot, Easy Does It, MichiGoose, Lefty, 8 section hikers and a few more completed the crew for the night. There were 12 tents set up. I had not seen that many people in a shelter area since the very beginning of the hike. We got a fire going and everyone had a good time just eating, talking, and relaxing. Short day tomorrow .. into Kincora .. for resupply and a stay at the hostel.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 5.8

Everyone got up early this morning and a lot of us were on the trail before 7 AM. It was a nice, easy hike down to Dennis Cove Road and the Kincora Hostel. I got there around 9:30 and to my surprise, Yippe and Jaberwocky were here. They had been here for a couple of days. As I have said before, when you get to a place that makes you feel at home it is hard to leave. The Kincora Hostel is operated by Bob and Pat Peoples. They have a bunkhouse, shower, laundry, and all the amenities a thru hiker needs. Everything is on the honor/donation system. It still amazes me the kindness and trust the people near the trail have. Puts your faith back in people! A couple of people came in today that I did not expect to see. Joanne, the 72 year old woman, I mentioned early on and Slow Poke. Slow Poke injured himself and he will be resting up for a few days. Last time I saw him was way back in Neel's Gap. I spent the day catching up on laundry, phone calls, bills, emails, etc; Around 5 we went into town where I picked up enough supplies to get me to Damascus. I probably picked up more than I needed but the hunger is starting to go into overdrive. There are times when I feel like my stomach is chewing on my backbone! Some of the others at the hostel tonight were; Lonesome Dove, MichiGoose, Lefty, Mad Libber, Tang, Pilot, Pappa Bear, Badger, and Poler. It was a nice night and I decided to throw the old sleeping bag out on the porch to sleep. Tomorrow is up in the air. I don't plan on a full day, maybe just a few miles or if the weather is lousy hanging out here. I can't figure this foot out. Some days it does fine and other days it bothers me. Today it bothered me some and I was not even hiking. That too, will factor into tomorrow's decision. As I have mentioned, I a not going to let this foot keep me from completing the hike and I still have plenty of time. If I watch it I will make it to Katahdin. Either way this will be my last post until I reach Damascus which will be Thursday or so. Signing off till then.Simple Thought - Thanks to all the Trail Angels for what they do. You all make our days brighter!
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Kincora Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I finally made the right decision. I stayed at Kincora an extra day and it turned out to be a good decision for a couple of reasons. First reason was it started to pour and second some people I wanted to see showed up. MichiGoose and Lefty took off around 9 even though they debated staying. Lonesome Dove was also going to head out. At that time I had not made up my mind yet. Around eleven Pat said she was going to make a town run. I decided to go into town and then see what I was going to do. Lonesome Dove sad she would probably be gone by time we got back so we said the "See you up the trails". When we got to town Poler, Pilot, and I got something to eat. While we were sitting there the storm rolled in and I mean to say it was a storm! It was the hardest I had seen it rain since I started the trail. Right decision number one! The rain had slacked off a bit by time we got back but Lonesome Dove was gone which meant she got caught in the brunt of the storm. I hope she didn't get too wet! Those of us that had decided to stay hung out, read, and talked. I was sitting on the porch reading my book when I heard someone say my name. I looked up and there was Dingle. I knew he was behind but I did not expect him to show though I hoped he would. He said Skirt was on her way also. Double bonus! Bob Peoples made a town run for those that had showed up later. Dingle went to town and shortly after they left Skirt walked up the driveway. I think she was surprised to see me. She figured since I was ahead she might not catch me again. I laughed and said that would be the day. Then two more people that I had been asking about walked up. Brian and Kate. I had not seen them since Mt. Collins Shelter in the Smokies. It was great seeing them all again. We sat around and talked for quite awhile. Kate and Brian still had not gotten a trail name. By the end of the evening Kate had one..Whiskey..not because we were drinking. It is a dry hostel. The name just fits her! Brian still needs one. It was a good day. I had off in the AM.
Date: 2004-05-03
To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started out with a bang. I had set up the coffee last night so all I had to do was hit the on button in the morning. I was up shortly after 6 and I started the coffee. I knew the smell of fres brewed coffee would get the place stirring and it did. What people didn't realize was that ol' Cuppa Joe likes a strong cup. Let's just say that after the third pot all the coffee drinkers were wired and inspired. Job accomplished and I headed out. The sky looked like rain during the morning and walking through the trees reminded me of how the forests looked in Washington. The trail went past Laurel Falls and I took some pictures. I like waterfalls and have seen three on the journey so far. The trail then followed the river and that is where Daniel Boone here screwed up. I missed the white blaze where the trail turned away and up the mountain. I knew it was supposed to go up but there was also a loop trail that went around. I kept cruising, thinking I was on the loop trail and I would start uphill soon. Fat chance. I hit the road, knew something was wrong, turned around and backtracked till I found where I had messed up. Total additional mileage, about 1.5. There were no further mishaps and I made it to the shelter. The sun was fighting the clouds and the odds of rain were dying so I went with the tent. A few others came in for the night;Stretch, Mt. Dew, Wooley, AKA, Kat, and Skirt. Dingle was supposedly going to come but hamburgers had his name on them and Skirt didn't know if he would get away. Supposed to be sunny tomorrow. Off to bed.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

I woke up and got ready to go. I noticed that someone else had shown up during the night but could not tell who it was because of the sleeping bag. Just as I was ready to head out a head popped out of the bag..Dingle..He had done a little night hiking to get there. We said hello's and off I went. Great day for hiking. We are walking on what is termed the "Tennessee Turnpike". Fairly level terrain which makes for good mileage. I was averaging a little over two miles an hour which is good for me. I made it to where I wanted to go by 2:30. A lot of people would push on but my foot dictates where I go and I had reached the limit for the day. I do like to get in early because it lets my foot rest and I can get some reading and journaling done. Stretch, AKA, Dingle, and Skirt also ended their day there. They start later so they come in later. I heard through the trail grapevine that Yertle and Kickstand were behind me but back on the trail. They had gotten sucked into the Erwin town vortex. I also heard that Kristen, now Stands with a Fist, was two days back. Scholar and Sox have kicked it into high gear! They are several days ahead now. Almost to Virginia! Time for bed.Simple Thought - Butterflies and Bumblebees. I had not seen many, if any, for years prior to getting on the trail.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Iron Mtn. Shelter

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

Not a lot to talk about today. Aother day on the Tennessee Turnpike. I did pass the Nick Grindstaff Memorial today. The story on him is roughly this; He was born in 1851 and when he was a young man he packed up and headed West to find fame and fortune. He did not get far before he was robbed and mugged. Disillusioned he came back to this area where he lived the rest of his life as a hermit in the mountains I am in. He died in 1923 and his uncle erected the memorial to him. On the memorial are the words, he was born alone, suffered alone, and died alone. He has become a part of the trail experience. I am now 10 miles from Damascus, VA and even closer to the TN/VA border. Tomorrow I will get to town and resupply, check emails, etc; and then head out the next day. No need for a zero since I just took one at Kincora. I plan on getting up even earlier than I usually do so I can get in early. We will see if that works. Done for the night.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus,VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

DAMASCUS, VA!! ...I have arrived. I was up at 4 AM this morning and on the trail at 5 AM. Skirt was also at the shelter and she got up when I did. We had a cup of coffee and I told her I would see her in town. At 7:34 AM I crossed the Tennessee/Virginia line. Dingle was with me. He had gone ahead last night but was to tired to make the push into town. We took each others pictures at the border and off we went. Food, shower, and laundry were calling. Dingle cruised ahead and I moved along quite well. I am still amazed at how fast you can move when a town is ahead! I arrived around 9 and as I was walking down the street [the trail runs right through town like in Hot Springs] I heard a voice shout,"All you can eat breakfast at the next right"! I waved and gave the thumbs up and made the next right. Dingle appeared behind me and we went in to eat. Tang, Stretch, AKA, Wooley, Lumber, Mt.Dew, and Big Stick were already there. I got my order and stared down at the biggest pancake I have ever seen! It completely filled a regular sized plate and was two inches thick. This, along with a generous helping of eggs, bacon, coffee, and muffin took care of breakfast. There was no way I could have gone for seconds! Excellent breakfast .. thanks Side Track Cafe! Side Note - Another hiker came up and asked my trail name. I told her and she said,"You're Cuppa Joe"? I said yes [wondering how my name is known here] and she said she was Nuffy. I laughed and could not believe that I got the chance to meet her. She started 2 weeks before me and has been working in Damascus for the last 3 weeks. She was part of the chat group back in November and December. I headed to The Place which is the hostel here and I ran into MichiGoose and Lefty. They were getting ready to leave and then Lonesome Dove walked in. She did get soaked the day I decided not to leave Kincora. I grabbed a shower and went to do laundry. After laundry I hit the post office and the Dollar General. I find that the Dollar General is a good place to start your trail food shopping. You can usually find most everything there for cheap. I managed to get enough "trail food" for the next 5 days for about $20.00. Not bad. Once again I must emphasize that trail food is NOT what a person would consume at home. That is why we love to hit towns. Real food is something we can savor and enjoy. What does hitting Virginia mean? It means 3 states down, 11 to go. It means 459 miles traveled, a little over 1700 to go. It means I will spend the next month and 500 or so miles in Virginia alone. It means that in about 75 miles I will have completed 1/4 of the trail. It means a lot! I am leaving on Friday but will return to Damascus on the 13th for Trail Days. It is a pretty big event and hikers from this year and years past show up. It will give me a chance to talk to some of the people that have pulled ahead of me. Signing off till next week.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Damascus,VA

To: Lost Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

In all my running around yesterday I forgot to get fuel for my stove so I did not get out of town till 9 or so. While I waited for the outfitter to open up I had breakfast [of course] and chatted with CatDog and Hawk who were also there. After I ate I got the fuel and off I went. The first part of today's journey was on the Virginia Creeper Trail. The VCT is a product of the Rails to Trails program. In places where the railroad is no longer running the track area is being converted to hiking/biking trails. I think it is a great program, turning something no longer used into a place for enjoyment for all. Nothing much to speak of on the trail today, mainly uphill, heading toward Mt. Rogers which is the last high peak we hit until the White Mtns.It has turned to summer type weather though. In the 80's today and it is supposed to be like that for the next several days. That plus a chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms. I would much rather hike in the heat than the cold. I am loving this weather. When I got to the shelter Hawk, CatDog, Lonesome Dove, Palm Tree, Wizard, Lumber, Stretch, and Bluegrass were there. We were all planning on doing some low mileage days till we hit Atkins,VA. next Wednesday. From there we were going to go back to Damascus for Trail Days. Lumber was shooting for Pearisburg before heading back which meant he had some high miles to do in a short time. Tomorrow we hit Mt. Rogers. After Mt. Rogers a lot of people send home their winter gear. I plan on dropping three to four more pounds of stuff when I get back to Damascus next week which should put my pack at 29 to 31 pounds including food and water. I can deal with that. The pack weight has never really bothered me from the beginning but lighter is still good!Off to bed.
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Fox Creek
Miles today: 12.5

Woke up this morning to clear skies which was a good thing because today was the day we were going to hit the Greyson Highlands. Everyone was on the trail early and it was worth it. The scenery was spectacular. I took a lot of pictures but I know they won't do what I saw justice. The highlands are known for the wild ponies that roam the area. The first one I saw was right on the trail where two little girls were trying to feed it. They may be wild but they know where to get goodies! I passed through Fatman Squeeze [gotta love the names out here] and ran into a batch of six ponies. I was taking my camera out of my pocket and they were surrounding me. They were after the salt that was on my pack from the sweating I have been doing. It was a trip having them push and pull at me. I made my escape and proceeded on. Over the next few miles I saw five more ponies. The rest of the crew stopped at The Scales for lunch but I kept going. I usually pack "lunch on the go", stuff I can grab from my pocket and munch on while walking. They were going to call it quits at Old Orchard Shelter but I was going to push on a bit. If I had stopped there it would have been 1:30 and I wasn't ready to quit yet. That lasted a mile and a half past Old Orchard. I crossed a road, went up a small hill and across a bridge over a stream. I got to the end of the bridge, looked back, and thought,"This place is too cool to pass up". There was a campsite right by the river and I have been looking for a place like that since I started. I have seen them but usually it is at 9 AM in the morning and I am not going to stop then. I set up camp, rinsed out socks and shirts in the stream and washed myself off a bit. The cold water felt great on the feet! After that I spent the rest of the afternoon reading, relaxing, and enjoying the sounds of the stream. After I ate and got into the tent[around 8] I heard someone coming across the bridge from the north. I looked out and he looked in. It was Dingle! I asked him what he was doing there and he said he had shuttled to Atkins and was hiking south, back to Damascus for Trail Days. We talked and laughed for a bit and he headed out. He wanted to make it to Old Orchard before quitting for the day. It never ceases to amaze me who and when you run into people on the trail! Off to bed.