morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Hot Springs

To: Log Cabin Drive
Miles today: 16.3

I woke up nice and early at Laughing Heart Hostel put I felt really tired. I decided to go back to sleep for another hour. I didn't end up hitting the trail until after 9:00am.The trail goes through Hot Springs then winds down beside the French Broad River. The river had fast moving water and the trail came quite close to it. When it started to climb up, I accidentally missed the blaze turn off. Oooops! It was annoying to be going the wrong way.Once back on the correct path, my legs felt like robot legs with 33% charge. It was awful to heave up my heavy legs over rocks. It was humid and I was dripping sweat. Catnip, Wheels and Pockets passed me and they also were experiencing the ill-effects of town laziness.When the trail flattened out I was back to enjoying the day. I saw a snake cross the path but I didn't get a chance to identify it.I climbed up Rich Mountain but did not go to the summit due to fog. If I was rich I would set up an organization to get kids more involved with hiking, the outdoors and environmental preservation.I hardly saw anyone on the trail today. Only two other people passed me. At the shelter I chatted with Pockets and Nemo while I took a short break. Pockets told me she read in the register there is another Carmen Sandiego on the trail two days ahead. This person must have recently been named. I hope it doesn't cause any confusion!Soon after leaving the shelter, it started to rain. The path got slick and muddy and I had to slow down. I did make it to Hemlock Hollow Hostel before needing a headlamp. The hostel was a 0.6 mile road walk and I was worried that I was taking the wrong way for most the time. I was relieved to see the lights of the hostel.When I arrived, I was greeted by some hikers that I had met previously (on Springer and at the Georgia/ NC border). They had been working for stay and Chainsaw (owner) was treating them to a farewell meal. I was invited to join in the festivities and I enjoyed an amazing Roast Pork dinner. Thank you guys!I felt bad about entering the bunk house late (10:30pm) and making lots of noise to get organized in my bunk. Not Eric and Shrek were sleeping there but I didn't get a chance to chat with them before they left super early.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Log Cabin Drive

To: Shelton Graves
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

I had a yummy breakfast of eggs and bacon before leaving Hemlock Hollow. I unfortunately did not have time to get a shower before I left.The trail went gradually up for the first few miles before Little Laurel Shelter. I met a couple named 'Lil Bit' and her husband 'Bear'. After a snack break I started the long steep climb up to the summit.It was foggy and I could only see a short distance ahead. I hated not being able to see the top of where I was going. The slog was dull and boring in a misty cloud.At the top the clouds cleared and I was able to see where I was going. This section was extremely rocky and muddy on some cliffs. There was a bad weather bypass trail since the section was so exposed. I moved very slowly making sure I was following the correct trail and scrambling over boulders. The views were amazing but it was difficult terrain.I arrived at the shelter with daylight left so I decided to push on and tent. Another hiker named 'Tortoise' decided to join me. Tortoise is a former Yellowstone Park Ranger and is a wealth of knowledge about flora and birds. The climb up Big Butt Mountain was pleasant in the evening and I kept singing 'Sir Mix A Lot' in my head. The descent was flat-ish and gradual - the perfect way to cap of the day.The Shelton Gravesite is the spot where two Union soldiers were killed by Confederate soldiers. The Union soldiers had travelled south to visit family. There are some tombstones and decorations around the graves ( see my video).The area was flat and had tons of room for tenting. It was cold and windy so Tortoise and I immediately set up out tents, ate, hung our food bags and went to sleep.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Shelton Graves

To: Street Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: few clouds

It was a cold night at Shelton Graves and I had a difficult time getting out of bed. Once packed up, I felt awesome hiking on the Trail. The path travelled a couple miles downwards to Flint Mountain Shelter. I met a cool couple named Jade & Steady for the first time. At the shelter, I ate breakfast and spent a bit of time socializing.The rest of the day, I kept running into Jade & Steady, Lil Bit & Bear and Tortoise. We were leap- frogging each other during breaks and when I go super slow up steep inclines. The trail goes down into a couple road gaps and I could hear dozens of dos barking at each one. At one gap, a van pulled up with Baltimore Jack inside! He was shuttling some section hikers. It was neat to randomly see him again (I'm sure it won't be the last!).The trail climb up for a long time but some of it was beside a lovely stream and cascade. On the downhill, I hiked and chatted for some time with Tortoise which helped pass the time. I had missed the big hiker feed at Sam's Gap by one day. I decided to stop there and eat dinner since they had garbage cans. The next shelter was out of reach since it was late in the day so I knew I'd be camping.I was walking on my own when so came across some people at Street Gap. Street Gap is just a random gravel mountain road crossing. Thru-hikers 'Yak' and 'Wings' were sitting around a blazing fire with two locals named Keith and Mike. I was happy to see them since it isn't fun to tent alone.During the evening (and most of the night), I could hear trucks ripping around the mountain firing guns. The truck people were hooting and hollering as they did this. It did not make for good sleeping. At one point, they drive their truck up to where Yak and I were tenting (after 1:00am) They woke up Yak and asked if he wanted to party. Yak told them to go away. I was extremely glad they didn't approach my tent!!!!
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Street Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

After an unpleasant night listening to gunfire, I felt sleepy in the morning.Despite my fatigue, the climb up to Big Bald Mountain went by quick. Just before reaching the summit I entered a meadow filled with purplish-white flowers. It looked like newly fallen snow among pretty trees.   I was close to frolicking in it like a Disney princess. Lalalala!!!!The majestic 360 degree view at the top of the bald rejuvenated me. I felt a warmth of happiness inside which reconfirmed my decision to hike this trail. Thru-hiking is the best job in the world.After descending, I came upon two random folding chairs. Tortoise came up on the trail and joined me for a quick chat. We saw a huge raven soaring and riding the wind currents above the trees.The rest of the day flew by, as fast as the raven. I hiked into the evening and the combination of cool air and rolling trail made for a relaxing hike. Lil Bit was ahead of me and she saw a bear. I was sad I missed it again. Seeing a bear is like trying to see Polkaroo! When I arrived at the shelter area I set up my tent near Lil Bit & her husband and Jade & Steady. I had a no cook dinner of crackers with almond butter and cheese. I took my summer sausage over to the shelter campfire to roast. Over there, I met a former thru- hiker named Nuclear who hiked in 2007 doing a section to Damascus with two ladies named 'Sunny D' and 'Mooch'. Nuclear also has a cute little black dog named Peppy
Date: 2014-05-04
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: River Road (Erwin)
Miles today: 5.8

I woke up late since I knew I had a short day into town! I took a 'Nero' which is a day with nearly no hiking.The trail down to River Road was mostly downhill and I sang many random songs as I hiked. For example, I made up new lyrics to 'Tainted Love' as 'Appalachian Trail'.The first glimpse of the Nolichucky River let me know I was getting close. Close to the bottom, I heard music coming from the hostel and I even started to dance! Uncle Johnny's hostel is right off the trail. The first order of business was drinking a cold pop. Number two was getting my room and resupply box. I was told that a shuttle to town was leaving in five minutes for Bluegrass music and BBQ so I quickly threw my stuff on my room and changed into town clothes without showering. . Jade, Steady and Yak also decided to come on the shuttle. A fundraiser was going on for a local family that had lost their home in a fire. We got a big plate of BBQ and enjoyed live Bluegrass music for a donation. Many participants came directly after church in their Sunday finest so I felt a bit out of place being dirty from the trail. I went with Yak down to Walgreens because I needed to buy something for my sore toes. I bought and tasted a soft drink named 'Cheerwine' for the first time. It has a wild cherry taste that is not unpleasant but not as tasty as I imagined. Almost everything in the town was closed since it was Sunday and there wasn't much to do other than sit on the street and people watch. After taking the shuttle back to the hostel I needed to relax so I went to my room. My room had an old-school TV/VCR combo. There was a collection of VHS tapes so I popped in 'Total Recall'. The hostel shuttle also did an evening trip to a Mexican restaurant. I celebrated Cinco de Mayo early with a big beer, salad, taco, enchilada, rice and beans. At dinner I met a spunky hiker named 'Cheer-Up' for the first time. The nearby Walmart was allowed to sell beer since it was outside of town so the hikers went over there after dinner to grab resupply and some brews. Back at the hostel, I got in line to use the washing machine. I didn't have a full load so I invited Jade & Steady to thrown in their stuff with mine. While waiting for laundry I had fun socializing and catching up with other hikers. I stayed up pretty late organizing gear, my food resupply and watching 'Death Becomes Her' in my room.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: River Road (Erwin)

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Once again, I had a late start! I was tired from the previous evening's festivities. I had some leftover beers and I gave them to Viking (who had just come to the hostel early that morning). He was extremely happy! Many other hikers decided to spent a second night at Uncle Johnny's to prolong the fun.I enjoyed a juicy apple for breakfast leisurely packed up my bag. I threw my bag on a weight scale with five days of food and full water - it came under 19 pounds. That makes me happy! The walk up the trail from the hostel was super pleasant for the first couple miles. It gradually ascended up the hillside under shady trees beside a lovely stream. I was disappointed that there was no one at the shelter because I was in the mood to chat. I ate a snack and moved on.The trail up towards Beauty Spot was terrible. It was terrible because I was hot and overheating since it was steep without shade. Slow and steady got me up there!Beauty Spot is a grassy bald with a nearby parking lot. Nuclear, Sunny D and Mooch were up there and had already set up their tents. I laid down in the grass for abut enjoying the breeze. I was in desperate need of water so I left soon after. The trail went down a short distance to Beauty Spot Camp. Jade & Steady were setting up camp and I decided to join them. I was also really breezy in the area which was good for keeping the bugs away but bad for trying to light my Esbit tab. After several failed attempts, I used a storm proof match to complete the job. Two other hikers joined our merry band of tents - Neon and Liberty. I fell asleep in my tent almost instantly.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After packing up my tent, I set put for the climb up towards Little Hump Bald. Many other hikers left at the same time so it was neat to see everyone climbing the bald at different stages. Immediately after was Hump Mountain. That bald had a bunch of false summits and it seemed to take forever to get to the summit. At the summit, I lounged in the sun with Neon, Sure'N'Steady, Lil Bit, Oregon, Captain Dan and Cheer Up.It was clear that we were going to get sunburnt to a crisp. Sadly, we had to leave the gorgeous 360 degree views of the Highlands and descend. The first part of the trail down was slow going with lots of large uneven rocks. You had to be very carefully with footing due to shifting stones and snakes.At Doll Flats, I met up with many of the above hikers for a snack break. The was a sign stating "leaving NC". Yay! Out of North Carolina and going to rock it in Tennessee!On my way down to the bottom, a group of southbound slack packers told me there was trail magic ahead. Woohoo!At the road crossing, a number of hikers decided to take a zero and set up trail magic. I was gifted a beer, fresh fruit and a massage! Bryan (Quest) Brown is a blind hiker on the trail this year. He is a registered masseuse and was generously sharing his talents with the hikers. Kudos to him for touching all the stinky, dirty hiker feet! My foot, calf and neck massage was lovely and it took all the soreness away. It was tempting to call it a day and stay at the nearby hostel but I wanted to push a big day so I left the crowd.On the hike to Mountaineer Shelter, I only saw Sleepy Hollow. I was alone for the rest of the day. It was stifling hot in the exposed areas and I was glad when the trail went under shady trees. I was trying to hurry since I wanted to reached the shelter before nightfall. On the way there, I passed a cemetery, large river and.... 400 miles. 400 miles! 400 miles! Oh yeah!!Right before the shelter, was Mountaineer Falls and I filled up my water bottles with cold, gushing water. I saw some familiar hikers when I finally arrived but everyone was getting ready for sleep. I arrived with barely enough time before needing my headlamp. I scarfed down a bar, set up my quilt in the shelter and joined the group in slumber.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Someone's alarm went off at the shelter at 6:00am and I decided to get up with them. I forgot how disruptive it was to sleep in a shelter with snoring, mice, rustling and people switching on headlamps. My tent is a much for peaceful place!I loved the first part of the day with rolling trail passing streams, Laurel Forks and Hardcore Cascades. The weather was great and I saw lots brightly coloured birds and butterflies.I stopped at Moreland Shelter for break with Neon, Sleepy Hollow and Cheer Up. It started to rain so they debated staying there or going in Hampton. I had a package in Hampton do I knew I was always going there.My four and fifth toe sometimes overlap in my shoes. This friction causes a round sore between them. My right foot had been acting up for about a week and today it was terribly painful. The rest of my day on the trail was agonizing. I tried to put the pain put of my mind but it was difficult. I phoned the Hikers Haven hostel to see if they could pick me up at the next road crossing. Since I thought I'd have no service further down the Mountains, she agreed to come after 6:00 if she didn't hear from me earlier.I hobbled down to road and waited for 45 minutes for my pick up ( as I had no cell service). A young couple from Yeti backpacking Foods drove to the road and saw me. They gave me a complimentary bag of spices and told me they offer backpacking foods (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for $10 a day. It was nice to chat with them while I was waiting.Slow'n'Steady popped out of the woods and decided to also come to Hikers Haven. He had a medical issue requiring attention at and urgent care in Elizabethtown. We were picked up by a lovely lady named Clara and driven the 5 miles to Hampton.There is nothing much in Hampton! The bunkhouse was full so I got a bed in the sunroom. Slow'n'steady got a huge air mattress to put on the floor of the sunroom. They even set up a TV with DVD player in there although I didn't use it.My package was not at the hostel but there was a slip stating I owed $5.10. This makes no sense because I sent it flat rate and it was prepaid! I am really worried because I need my new shoes, food and misc. resupply (eg. Contact lenses). Luckily, the post office will be open tomorrow (Saturday) for two hours from 8:00 to 10:00am. They better have not sent it back!They shuttled us to the gas station for beer, Dollar General and McDonalds. At the hostel, I saw some familiar hikers like Two Sticks, Mohawk and Quest. I was exhausted and went to bed early.I propped up my foot to elevate my swollen toe for the night.Slow'n'steady fell violently ill during the night with vomiting ( unrelated to his other medical ailment). I felt really bad for him as he was up and down the whole night. If my toe is still swollen tomorrow I will have to take a zero for injury.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 0.0

Sure'N'Steady was really sick so he hitched into Elizabethton for medical aid and to recover in a hotel room. I tried putting on my shoe and there was pain on my toe when I stood so I knew I needed a zero to recover. It sucks!I walked down to the post office and arrive right when it opened. I'm glad they were open for two hours on Saturday. I owed $5.10 because the post person that rang up my maildrops accidentally put the medium flat rate sticker on the large box. That means I was overcharged for a medium box with a large flat rate sticker. I am surprised that they didn't catch the mistake when I paid for the boxes and they got mailed! I hope my other boxes are okay and I won't need to travel to the Post Office to get them again.The rest if he day, I hung out with hikers, updated my blog and watched DVDs. It was rainy off and on. I would have been furious if I was stuck inside on a gorgeous day. I split a shuttle with a bunch of other hikers to go into Elizabethton to a Chinese Buffet. This buffet was strange and had items like hotdogs in puff pastry. We all left clutching our stomachs because we were so stuffed.I really enjoyed talking with the owners of Hiker's Haven - Clara and Jeff. It is really interesting to learn about this small community and local culture.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

Miss Clara dropped me back off at Dennis Cove Road in the morning. If my toe started to act up I could go back to Hampton at a couple bailout points. The trail was shady and green with lots of flowing water for the first few miles. Laurel Falls was much nicer and larger than I expected. I sat on a log enjoying the view and eating my breakfast.It was a bit confusing to follow the white blazes around the rocks near the river. At one point, the trail inched around some large stones beside the River and I seriously questioned if I was going the correct way!The trail turned steep up Pond Mountain at the Hampton town trail junction. I was glad for the switchbacks since the heat of the day started to come out. Jade & Steady caught up with me and I took some pleasant breaks in the shade with them. After descending Pond Mountain, the trail goes to a Watauga Lake Rec area. A bunch of hikers were congregating around a colourful van. That van belonged to Miss Janet, trail angel extraordinaire. Miss Janet was shuttling hikers from the lake to Hampton for beer, food and McDonalds. She offered me a ride and I happily obliged! I picked up a couple cans of beers at a gas station and told Miss Clara that I was definitely moving on today. Back at the lake, I had an easy two mile walk around the perimeter to the Watauga Lake Shelter. Most hikers chose to camp directly on the bank on the lake, but I decided to tent at the shelter. There were a handful of hikers there and I was a good neighbour and shared my beer.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a great night sleep in my tent and was ready to hike my heart out. The trail continued to wind around the lake before reaching the Watauga Dam. I lived seeing and hearing all the water fowl. The dam was pretty on one side (lake) and ugly on the other (looked like a construction site).Once clearing the dam area and road stuff, I climbed back into the forest. Lil Bit & Oregon tearing down their tent when I walked by their campsite. Everyone said it was super easy trail after Pond Mountain. This is not true. The climb up to the ridge caused mass quantities of huff and puffing. Aquaman & Tricks and Sheepdog & Butterfly passed me but I pulled ahead if them when they stopped for a break. We discovered that Tricks, Butterfly and I all use the P-Style in the same colour! Female hikers - get one and try it out, you won't be disappointed.I stopped at Vanderventer Shelter for a break. The water source was far away, off trail down a steep hill. Another hiker had too much water and gifted me with a litre. Hooray! I was told that Vandeventer Shelter was the site of a brutal axe murder. Yikes! The trail rolled up and down steep hills that were a challenge in the hot sun and heat. I had another break at a water source with Sheepdog & Butterfly. Good water was difficult to get on this stretch. Right before the Iron Mountain Shelter, was a muddy stream. It took a long time for me to filter water and I was being bombarded by black flies. I was shouting out loud at them but they continued to swarm and bite around all my exposed skin.I got up to the shelter and planned on having dinner before pushing on to camp elsewhere. A slew if hikers started blowing by the shelter stating they were heading to a party put on by the Riff-Raff crew.I wasn't in the mood for a blow-out rowdy time and some cool hikers were at the shelter ( eg. Bloodroot & Red Hawk) so I decided to stay put. I set up my tent and settled in for the evening. I seemed like hikers passed the shelter with their headlamps all through the night on their way to Riff-Raff's party.