morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-19
To: One Track Mind 
Miles today: 0.0

By LeftyRemember in Bill Bryson¢s book, A Walk in the Woods, when at the end of a long day of hiking Bill's friend is recounting the day's trials and tribulations? Bill's friend goes on and on about a part of the trail that was very difficult to pass. He talks about how challenging and tricky it was and that it took him a good 20 minutes of maneuvering to get through this impass. The funny part of the story was that Bill didn't have any recollection of it. His friend couldn't believe it, "What do you mean you don't remember it?" he challenged Bill. I laughed out loud so hard when I read that. I don't know whether I am proud or embarrassed to say that I too recently had this kind of Bill Bryson moment. It's not exactly the same, but I definitely think it would fall into the category of how in the world does this happen to a person and they not realize it?For the gear heads, my experience involved a very important piece of gear: My "Exofficio" underwear. This was not just an ordinary pair of underwear; it was one of these new light and fast drying kind. They were expensive. And, they were supposed to be comfortable. I wore my new pair, purchased from The Happy Hiker, in Gatlinburg, TN for the first time on Mother¢s Day. That day we hiked our second 20-mile day. I noticed pretty early on in the day that these wouldn't be my favorite pair. I made a mental note while eating my bacon, egg and cheese biscuit at McDonald's, that they may be okay for town, but not for the trail. The reason for spending top dollar on gear is so that you lesson as many discomforts as possible.As most hikes begin, there was an ascent early on. Within the first few minutes I had to readjust them because they were riding up one cheek. The readjustments were necessary every few minutes. I even mentioned to mom, who has the same kind of underwear, "These underwear suck!". Her only comment to me was that maybe I shouldn't have bought the Large. As expected, I did have to use the proverbial "restroom" while on the 10-hour hike. I even investigated the situation to figure out if I had them on correctly. They looked okay to me. They just didn't fit! Well 20 miles and 15 hours later when we made it into a real restroom, I finally figured out what was going on. I DID have my underwear on wrong! No, I did not have them on inside out. And no, I did not even have them on backwards. Yes, I had one of my legs through the part that goes around your waist. I really don¢t know what to say about this. I am bewildered. How in the world can this happen to a person?
Date: 2006-05-19
From: A Day in the Life

To: Zero Day- Drive to Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

By RightyToday, the only task we had was to get in the van and to drive to Damascus, VA so that we could enjoy Trail Days. We slept in a little and had a lesiurely breadfast at Crackerbarrel Restraurant. It was a beautiful day and an easy drive on the interstate to get us to Damascus. We decided to find lodging in Abdington, VA which is about 10 miles from Damascus.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Zero Day- Drive to Trail Days

To: At Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyWe didn't even try to get a place in Damascus since we decided at the last minute to go to Trail Days. Instead, we got a room at the Days Inn in Abington, about 10 miles away. Trail Days were alot of fun. We were up fairly early and had breakfast at the Dairy King (not Queen). After that we walked around and checked out all the concessions. There were lots of booths with hiking gear and lots of booths with food. Much of it FREE. We really didn't need to go out to breakfast that morning. We ran into lots of hikers that we had seen at one time or another on the trail and met many hikers that we had not met before. In the afternoon, there was a parade in which all thru-hikers from all the different years, walk down the street and through town. It was quite a sight. We didn't buy too much there mainly because then you have to carry it. I think all of us bought a tee shirt that said "Trail Days 2006". Lefty bought an alcohol stove from a vendor who was a past thru-hiker.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Hughes Gap

To: High Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

by RightyLefty and I left Damascus at noon to drive back down to Greasy Creek Hostel to park our van for a week. Pillip (Packrat) gave us a ride to the Hughes Gap trail head, where we realized we had forgotten our hiking poles. I started the 3.5 mile uphill trek up Roan Mountain, while Lefty went back to the hostel for our poles. It was a tough hike. It took me 5.5 hours. We tented that night at High Knob Shelter, the highest elevation shelter on the AT, at 6,200+. We met 3 section hikers on the way up; Tom (Dozier), Don (rockhound) and Richard (gazelle). We enjoyed sharing trail stories around the fire. Damascus to Abington Shelter - by BuoyMy team left me alone in the middle of Damascus and told me I would have to hike back to the car 90 miles south of here. That is an assignment that an Army Seargant could have dreamed up. I felt a little lonely when I started hiking up that mountain with my really heavy back. I carried 7 days of food with me. I had to hike 10 miles uphill but I must say it was a pretty easy gradual climb. I found the shelter pretty full with hikers and tented close by.
Date: 2006-05-22
From: High Knob Shelter

To: High Mountain Hostel and Bear Story
Miles today: 15.0

By RightyThe wind howled at night and it rained some so our tents were wet when we got up in the morning. We actually slept a little late because of the weather. We didn't leave the shelter until around 10:30. That's a little late to start when you have a 15 mile hike in front of you. When it started off it was still cold and foggy. but after hiking for a couple of hours and about the time we got to Little Hump Mountain it started to clear off. By the time we got to Big Hump Mountain, it was fairly clear and the views were spectacular. These humps are basically treeless and full of grasses and mountain flowers. The trail went right througn a pasture and Lefty and I actually had to hike thru a bunch (herd??) of cows. For city-folk, this was kind of scarry. They were big and some had BIG horns. They were parked right in the middle of the trail; but as we got closer and talked nice to them they moved aside. By the time we got to the shelter that I thought we were going to stay at, I WAS DONE. My legs and knees were aching and so tired.Lefty informed me that she wanted to go to a hostel that was ONLY 1/4 mile further down the trail and then 1/3 mile down the highway. She had her mind set on a nice hot breakfast the next morning. As usual, I capitulated, and hobled after her. I must admit, this was a good choice. It was a GREAT hostel. New, built above an old barn. Real beds (not bunks) with real sheets and quilts and a great shower. The next morning, our hostel hostess, Mary, made the most amazing breakfast. FANTASTIC.Abington Shelter to Iron Mountain Shelter - by BouyI think today was the first time in my life that I had a beer in the morning. To all readers. Do not get concerned. I am not getting in trouble but I ran into a beer trail magic at 9 am. I just had to drink that. No way that I would carry that with me for 10 hours. So I had a some kind of champagne breakfast with beer and candy bars. I should have kept that beer for the afternoon. Then I could have had a picknick with bears. Yes I officially saw my first bear today. And the beer really had nothing to do with it. I was about 1 hour short of my destination of Iron Mountain Shelter. It was very peacefull and quiet on the trail. No wind, no noice. I came up a hill when I saw the bear right in front of me. He had sensed me just a second earlier. He got up and turned around so I could see its full length and than bolted down the ravine. He was very beautifull. Not fully grown yet. Wonderfull deep black fur. And man was he or she afraid of me. That bear could run. To me it felt a little like watching TV. Almost not real. But I also felt a strange connection to that animal. A connection that you would have with a hostage taker when he smiles and chooses not to shoot you. "I could eat you but today I choose not to do it" Or something like that. As long as they keep running away from me I would not mind to see another one some day.
Date: 2006-05-23
From: High Mountain Hostel

To: Moreland Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

by RightyAfter a wonderful breakfast at the High Mountain Hostel and a quick ride to the trailhead on Route 19E, we were off and running (just kidding) by 8:30AM for our 18 mike trek. It was an absolutely beautiful day. However, it was a strange hike. The first part was very beautiful as it went through some fields and meadows. Then the next 10 miles or so were up and down. Down all the way to the water and then up to ALMOST the top. You could actually see the tops of the trees and the blue sky, but just before you got there, the trail would wind around or start back down hill. You never had any views. Our destination was Moreland Shelter which was only 15 miles away ... but felt so much longer. I was really tired and just ready to be done. Right before the last mile, I was greeted with one last straight UPHILL ascent. I don't think I mentioned before, but NC doesn't seem to know about switchbacks. So many of their trails just go literally straight up. Huffing and puffing at the top, I felt like I could go no further; but I could finally see the shelter in the distance. That is always such a wonderful sight. The two brothers, Cosmo and Nickname already had a fire burning so it was so inviting. We tented next to the shelter and enjoyed the companionship of several other thru-hikers we knew (John & Flying Tortuise).Iron Mountain Shelter to the Lake - by BuoyWhat a fun day today was. The weather was great. I loved to hike on the easy high ridge trail early in the morning. I felt so at home up there on that ridge. Came by the grave of and hermit who had lived here 100 years ago. Well I do not want to be that much at home in the mountains I have to admit. The 15 or so miles to the lake where pretty easy. I even had a real long brake at the Vandervelt Shelter with my boots off and everything. Later I found out that some years ago 2 hikers had been killed right on this spot. But I had no idea of that at that time and just enjoyed the view of the lake and the little bird in front of me. He wanted a part of my lunch but he was not scary enough for me to make me share with him. When I got down to the lake I used the boat ramp to go swiming. The locals I think did not like that that much but it seemed the only safe place to enter the water. I think I will never forgot how I felt after the swim when I sat on the grass to dry myself. I felt happy and very free. In the Shelter I ran into Skywalker (or Himmelwanderer). He shared some of his Tennesse Bourbon with me. We had met often before but I think it was just the second time that we shared a shelter.
Date: 2006-05-24
To: Kinkora Hostel 
Miles today: 6.0

by RightyThis morning we got up pretty early to hike the short 6 miles out to Kinkora Hostel on Dennis Cove Road in Hampton, NC. Originally our plan was to meet Buoy, who was hiking in from the North, at the Hostel. Our plans changed though when I called my daughter-in-law, Kathy to let her know where we were. She only lives 15 minutes away so she came out to pick us up and we spent the night with her and my grandson, Lowe. My son, Matt, had just left that morning for Singapore so we missed him; but it was so wonderful to spend time with Kathy and Lowe. She made a wonderful, homecooked meal for us that was to die for. Then we had icecream and fresh strawberries for desert. And, last but not least, I got to spend some time with my dog, Jillie. I could tell that she had missed us; but she is living in doggie heaven right now. A beautiful house with lots of land all around so she can run and play and my 5 year old grandson to keep her company.The Lake to Kinkora Hostel. - by BuoyI had a simple but great breakfst right next to the lake (if you call Snickers a breakfast) and than had another of these 2.5 hour climbs. In my mind I only had one thought. Well three thoughts. Dennis Cove Road (that is where Kinkora Hostel is), Soon I will see Kelley again (I really missed her) and I will take a shower. On my map it looked like that the last 2 miles would be easy. I just had to follow a river. How hard could it be to follow a river? It should be nice shady and flat right ? Oh was I wrong. The last 2 miles took me over 2 hours. It was pure rock climbing. Just 4 hours later I sat down to an unexpected home cooked meal. Nothing could feel better. Thank you so much Kathy for turning this day around for me. It now will go to my "this was a geat day" drawer.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Kathy's house

To: Watagua Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

by RightyWe had a good nights sleep in a comfortable bed at Kathy's and woke up to the smell of breakfast cooking.It was raining lightly when we got up and we wern't anxious to ge back on the trail; but we knew we had to do 10 miles that day, rain or no rain. By the time we got to the trail head, it had started to clear off. We said goodbye to Kathy and Lowe and started off with a hike DOWN into a gorge to see Laurel Falls which were beautiful. Then there was a 3 mile up hill climb (2500 foot elevation gain) that was a doosie! The first couple of miles used switchbacks but the last mile was straight up and so steep in places that I felt like my upper body was parallel to the ground as I inched my way upward and forward. It took me almost 3 hours to do that 3 miles. The 6 miles downhill were nicely graded and a fairly easy decent. Our final destination was Watagua Lake Shelter. When I arrived, Lefty was there with another thru hiker, Ben Here. We set up our tents and were in bed by 8:30.Kathy's house to middle of nowhere - by BuoyRighty is right. It was not easy to get back on the trail today. It was so much fun to stay with Kathy and Lowe. I started the whole thing with a 2.5 hour climb. It really was hot and humid and I smelled like a skunk. I was trying to find this half completed shelter but never located it. One time I hiked up a little side trail in my search of the shelter. A big tree branch (half my size) came crushing down pretty close to me. That raised my heart rate to 200. After 6 hours my feet gave up on me. I took a bath in the river, put on my sandals hiked one more mile and put my tent right on an abandoned Forest Service Road in the middle of absoluteley nowhere. It got real dark and in the distance I could heard lots of dogs barking. I hoped there was a big fence between them and me. Oh and then the rain started.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Watagua Lake Shelter 

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

by RightyWoke up in the middle of the night to the sound of thunder and rain. It was still raining at 8:00am; so I got dressed in the tent (which is quite a feat since my tent is so small). By 9am the rain had slowed down so I climbed out of my tent and started taking it down and packing it away. By the time we left camp, it had cleared off. We did 14 miles today. The first part was two steep climbs (1000 foot each) the the rest of the day tapered off to 300-500 foot up and downs. When we did have views, it was of the lake in the valley below. When we got to the shelter the first thing we did was set up our tents so they could dry out. We had just finished dinner and hanging our bear bags at about 7:30 pm when it started to rain again. Since our tents were up we jumped in. This was a real early to bed since the rain kept up all night.Middle of Nowhere to Mountain Harbor Hostel - by BuoyIt had rained heavy all night long. Several times that night I had to fix my tent. With my flash light on I checked for leaks found them and somehow fixed them. It was all my own fault. I just had not set up the tent well enough and now I had to pay for it. Next time I will spent the few more minutes needed to set up the tent perfectly. Still I managed to stay mostly dry. Sometimes I had 3 lighting flashes in 5 seconds. I counted the seconds between the flashes and the thunder. The storm never came closer than 4 miles. In the morning I packed up the wet tent and started hiking. The first 4 miles were easy but than I had to climb one big evil mountain. I saw a hudge wild turkey who flew away right in front of me. Also ran into lots of small snakes. I started to really pay attention to where I set my feet. They have rattle snakes and copper heads here. 30 minutes before I made the hostel the thunder started. There was a real big storm coming so much I could tell. I started to hike as fast as possible. I arrived at the hostel and ran into fellow hikers Wild Poodle, Big and Bedbug who already had arrived a while earlier. The hostel seemed full and I went up to the owner and begged him to find a place for me. He did and no more than 5 minutes after I got into the building the biggest storm broke loose. It rained heavy for several hours and this time the lightning was right on top of us
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abington Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

by RightyIt was overcast this am but NO rain. Had to pack up WET tents AGAIN which is no fun and adds a lot of extra weight to your pack. It was a fairly easy hike today on a comparative basis; but it was still hard. There were lots of ups and downs; but no serious elevation gain. I have noticed that each day out the hiking seems to get harder and harder. From talking to other hikers, I've learned this is "the cumulative effect". Your body just gets worn out and you get more and more tired. You either have to push through it or take a 0 (zero) day. The shelter was packed tonight. Another scout troop, this one younger boys who were pretty loud. Also 4 section hikers, a family of 3 weekend hikers and Ben Here.Mountain Harbour Hostel to Overmountain Shelter - by BuoyI woke up in this beautifull and clean hostel. We all had the most amazing breakfast. And I mean it. This breakfast would be a success in fancy San Francisco. But for a weary hiker it tasted even better. The weather forecast was talking about a sunny day. When I looked out of the window I saw no sun at all. It looked exactly like the day before. And that day had ended in a monster electrical storm. Today I had to hike up to Roan Mountain. Before I got to Roan Mountain I had to climb over a whole bunch of balds. No trees to protect me from lightning and the whole thing is situated in an elevation of 6500 feet. I REALLY did not want to get into an electrical storm up there. It was hot an very humid during my 1500 foot accent. It was actually way more than just 1500 feet. I climbed for 2.5 hours and was pretty sick of it when I left the tree line behind me. That all changed when I got up there on the bald. While assending hikers told me that the balds are covered in thick fog. Just when I got there the fog lifted and I had this amazing view. I was so exited. I heard thunder in the background ( at least the whole time I thought I heard thunder) I pratically ran accross the next 3 miles. But I had so much fun up there. I felt so good and strong out of some reason. I guess future employers should consider giving me a window seat. Great views seem to have a positive impact on my performance. I ran into the same big horn cattle that Lefty and Righty had seen a few days earlier. I also met another hiker who swore that he had been hit my lightning a day earlier. That made me run even faster. At around 4 pm I arrived at Overmountain Shelter a beautifull red former barn with magnificent views. Really a great place. I had forgotten that it is Memorial Day weekend. I had to share this Shelter with at least 40 dayhikers. Half of them were teenagers. That part was no fun. The church group leaders were actually even louder than the kids.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Abington Shelter

To: Damascus, VA 
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

By RightyToday was a short day and not too difficult. It was mostly downhill all the way to Damascus. It was a great feeling to pass the Virginia State line and to know that we have now completed 3 (three) states. This is another one of those towns where the trail goes right through it and is very hiker-friendly. By the time I got into town and headed to the first fast food restraurant (know as the Dairy King) to get a chocolate milkshake and onion rings; Lefty had scouted out the housing situation. Because it was a holiday weekend, most of the hostels were full. However; she got us a bunk at a well known hostel called "the Place". It's a big, old house that has many bedrooms upstairs with 4-6-8 bunks in each. Not very private and definitely not fancy; but it did have a good hot shower -- in a not very clean bathroom.Overmountain Shelter to Hughes Gap - by BuoyI started at the totally overcrowded Overmountain Shelter. The Churchgroup with its 25 teenage kids started to wake up at 5:30 AM. They did not have much consideration for fellow hikers. I got out of that place as fast a possible. It felt real good to be back in the Woods. I know that sounds like I became a hermit or something like that but that were too many teenagers at one place. What a beautifull day. Today the weather did not keep me guessing. It was just wonderfully sunny and warm. I hiked up another 2000 feet in elevation and came to another set of balds with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. I made sure to take this view in and preserve it in my mind. This is one of the most breathtaking sections on the entire AT. I drank from a spring that came right out of the top of the mountain. How does the water get all the way up there? There is not snow and it had not rained in 30 hours. Yes really so long. There must be a hidden pump controlled by some guy in the parks headquarters. Anyways it was great water. I reached High Knob Shelter around lunch time. This is the coldest and highest up Shelter on the entire AT. And it was real hot up there. Mountain Dew and Rainbow Brite left some trail magic up there. I had a wonderfull cold coke that they had left in the shelter a few hours ago. Thank you guys :-). Then I had to climb 3000 feet down the mountain and pick up our car. Now I am so happy to be re-united with Kelley. (a.k.a Lefty)
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Damascus, VA 

To: Hotel in Abington, VA 
Miles today: 0.0

By RightyThis morning Lefty was feeling worse so we packed up and drove to Abington to the Days Inn so she could get some rest and try to beat this cold. We're taking a zero day (meaning a rest day where we do no miles); but decided to do so in relative comfort. Here we have internet access so we can update our journal. Also have a laundry and barber shop for Andre. After not shaving for 8 days, he's looking very sexy!! Lefty's hoping she can convince him to not shave for a few more weeks.