morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Past Beauty Spot
Miles today: 12.7

It was a beautiful sunny cool morning. I got a shower and packed the final few things. Waited a while for it to warm up a little and left around 9:30. I wore my fleece jacket for about 45 min until I started to feel warm but before I started to sweat. It was warming as I warmed up while climbing slowly up the hill out of Erwin. It was just the perfect day for a climb. Tee shirt and shorts on a trail that climbed slowly made for a great morning. I was at the Curley Maple Shelter before noon and had planned to stay here. I had lunch, got water and looked at the maps as I had a hundred times before. Part of my plan to rest the foot was to only do the 4.7 to this shelter. However, today was probably one of the nicest hiking days so far. I couldn't pass it up. So I hiked on. I took it slow and easy and the terrain also complied. There was a lot of climbing but overall it was well graded. I enjoyed the day while getting in some well needed miles. I found a spot down near the water off of beauty spot that was flat and out of the wind to set up the tent. I was a little tired but happy to be in a position to hit the big climb up Unaka first thing in morning while still fresh. As it gets dark I am off to sleep.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Past Beauty Spot

To: Greasy Creek Friendly
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up at 6:00 and on the trail at first light. I could hear the winds above but it was nice down in the valley. I went about a mile to Deep Gap where I was warming up and took off the fleece jacket. It was a 1000' climb over the next 1.5 miles up Unaka Mountain. The climb was consistent with some switchbacks that helped a lot. As I went up the winds increased and the temperature seemed to drop quickly. The gusts were blowing leaves almost as if it were fall. The leaves settled in the low spots which in many cases were the trail. Walking on them was soft but I had to make sure of the footing since the leaves also hid many roots and rocks. After getting 3/4 of the way up the forest turned into a great spruce forest. It is somewhat unique in this area and was just great to walk through. I did move a little quickly since the wind was strong and the sweat I worked up in climbing was making me cool. A big gentle downhill and a few minor bumps left me at the Cherry Gap Shelter around 10:30. I took a short break and headed on. The next few miles rolled on nicely followed by the climb up Iron Mountain. The feet had felt a little better today and I was headed for Clyde Smith Shelter in about 4 miles. However, as I was going by Greasy Creak Gap I decided to stop into the Greasy Creek Friendly for a nice shower, good food and hospitality. Connie is a good host and bends over backwards to make people feel at home. I will have to make up the 1.9 miles tomorrow and that won't be easy with the big climb up and over Roan Mountain. I will address that tomorrow. Off to bed.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Greasy Creek Friendly

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up early and off at first light. The climb back up to the trail woke up the legs and got the heart pumping. The trail climbs about 500' before hitting the turnoff for the Clyde Smith Shelter. Up a little more then the trail drops down into a small gap quickly before a hard 500' half mile climb up Little Rock Knob. This was one of the hardest climbs in a long while. Luckily it was followed by a nice rolling downhill for a couple of miles into Hughes Gap. It was about 9:30 and I remembered that the gap indicated the start of the 3 mile 2200' climb up Roan Mountain. The first 1500' are hard and consistent until it levels off and descends 100 feet into Ash Gap. It was only a momentary relief because the next 700+' were more verticle with many more rocks. I stopped many times on the ascent and was finally at the top around 11:45. Unfortunately there was a little more up and I was happy to see the turnoff for Roan Mountain Shelter. I was very tired and just relaxed for a while before even thinking of lunch and getting water. I finally got going again around 1:30. The trail came down to Carver Gap where there were a few visitors and cars parked. I was getting very tired as I walked across Round Bald, Jane Bald and another bump before coming down another mile into Low Gap and the Stan Murray Shelter. I wanted to get another 2 miles to Overmountain Shelter but was way too tired to go any further. Tomorrow is another one.
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 11.1

3/30 11.1 miI was up early and on the trail by 7:00. A few small ups and downs and I was by the turnoff for Overmountain Shelter by 8:00. It was very cloudy and as I climbed Little Hump Mountain visibility was only a couple hundred feet. The footpath on this and the following Hump Mountain are much the same. The trail is a deep groove cut into the thick grass. You have to walk in a path that can be a foot deep and only a little wider than your shoe. You have to walk in the path because the tuffs of grass that line the trail are so thick it is almost impossible to keep your balance on them. Additionally the wind is strong and cold trying to knock you off balance. I was disappointed not to have any views but that seems to be one of the consequences of hiking early. The clouds and dampness take time to burn off. However, once over Hump Mountain, appropriately named, the next 5 miles are a nicely graded downhill walk down to US 19E. I was happy to see the road and knew I was about .5 miles from the Mountain Harbour Hostel. It felt good to get in around 12:30 and get cleaned up. I ate some lunch and just relaxed in the beautiful setting.
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Walnut Mountain Rd
Miles today: 13.6

Decided to do a slack pack back to hostel for another night. Odd Bird and I were dropped off at trail above Walnut Mountain Rd about 9:15 after a great breakfast up at the B&B. We hiked southbound on a dreary cloudy morning. It had rained all night but did not leave the trail too wet. I was warm after about 15 minutes and it was a perfect day for hiking. In about a half hour we past the Mountaineer Falls and the shelter. I thought the falls were nice but in a few miles the Jones Falls were 10 times better. Well worth the .1 mile side trail. I'm sure the rain last night had something to so with the amount of water coming over the falls. I only stopped long enough to take pictures and take a sip of water. I was sweating some and started getting cold in that short a time. We rolled down along the Elk River and began climbing up Buck Mountain. I finally felt I had gotten my pace back going up the hill. Unfortunately my foot began to hurt badly as we levelled off. Luckily it was all downhill for next 3 miles. We were back at hostel by 1:30 which was great. We still had most of the day to relax after showers. We went to the barbeque restaurant for dinner. Half a pound of pulled pork, big salad and drink for $11. Great meal. Tomorrow, 11 miles into Kincora.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Walnut Mountain Rd

To: Kincora - Dennis Cove Rd
Miles today: 10.3

4/1 10.8 miA whole lot of thruhikers around hostel last night. Odd Bird, Bummer, Sonny, myself, Yappy (on the couch), Boulder and JT in tents, Bat and Orange in tarps. Around 8:15 Terry took us up to the forest service road so we could go north.from where we started yesterday. It was very foggy in the valley but when we got up top it was nice and clear already. Within 15 minutes I was down to shorts and a tee shirt. The trail was fairly smooth with a few decent climbs but the footpath was great. I moved fairly decent all day and got to Kincora around 2:00. This section of trail had a few nice views to add to the nice hiking weather. It still is amazing at how green everything is. Spring is in bloom especially as you come down the mountain. At the lower levels people are cutting grass, plowing fields and tending to flowers. Just seems to be almost a month early. Hope this doesn't mean heat and drought by the time I reach the central states.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Kincora - Dennis Cove Rd

To: Watauga Lake
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: light rain

Well so much for a 20% chance of rain. It started early and continued throughout most of the day. I had breakfast and decided to do the slackpack back to the hostel from Watauga Lake. I figured it would clear early but that was just a wish. The trail near the lake was nice but starts a 4 mile challenging climb up Pond Flats almost immediately. This 2000 ' climb was tough even without a pack. After getting up top the trail levels before coming down on a nicer grade to Laurel Lake area. This is a great area in nice weather and the locals hangout here enjoying the falls. Today I just wanted to get up the little climb out and the other mile + back to the hostel. It began to downpour as I got back. Nice to be back inside.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Watauga Lake

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Bob dropped off 7 hikers at Watauga Lake at 8:15 on his way to his weekly trail maintenance. It was a nice morning with the sun already up and warming the air. The trail takes you up and around the lake to the dam. There were some real nice views on this 4 mile stretch before crossing the dam and starting the harder climbs. The sun was covered occasionally by some thick heavy clouds that made hiking a pleasure. However, when the sun was not hiding it was scorching everything around, mostly me. I lathered up well with sun screen but was still feeling it's effects. I drank 1.5 liters of water before reaching Vandeventer Shelter around 12:30. I ate lunch out on the rocks behind shelter with a great view, drank another half liter and aired out the feet for a while. By 1:00 I was on the move to Iron Mountain Shelter another 7 miles away. It became drier and drier as the temperature rose to around 80 and the sun just continued to shine. There are storms forecast for this afternoon so I can't waste any time. I drank a lot and continued to move fairly well considering the heat. I was very happy to see the spring that is .2 before the shelter. I loaded up 3.5 liters and probably drank another .5 before leaving. I got to the shelter around 4:40 and 10 minutes later the first thunderstorm hit. I never looked behind me or I would have noticed the storms sneeking up. Luckily I was in before the rain although I was far from dry. Today was hot. Hopefully these storms will take a little edge off the heat tomorrow. I have almost an identical distance on much the same kind of terrain as today.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

It was a beautiful morning. The sun was just coming up as I came across the flat area before going down to the road. It was the nicest walk as I could watch the sun rise over the white puffs of clouds in the valley. All good things come to an end as the trail turned off the ridge as it began to descend to the road. Right after the road begins a 2 mile section of handicap accessible trail that wanders up through a grassy field to a bench to fully enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains. After this the trail climbed a few hundred feet to Double Spring shelter. It was about 10:30 and the sun was already burning me. I took a short break and rolled on. A few times the clouds rolled in and I thought it might storm but just as quickly they would disappear. It was another very hot afternoon. It will be great when the trees get leaves even though a lot of this section was without the benefit of trees overhead. It is close to 80 or the sun makes it feel that hot. Storms are predicted for tonight. Tomorrow Damascus.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: moderate rain

I was up early and had plans of leaving at first light. However, today began with heavy rain until almost 8:00 when it began to slow. I figured if I had gotten out early I would be in town for breakfast, my favorite town meal. I left while it was still raining but the thunder was gone. The trail wraps around the hill in a way that makes you feel you are going back in the direction you came. Then it becomes one nice smooth trail all the way into Damascus. It was not a nice trip but just knowing I was going into town made it nice. It was still ugly when I reached town and found a bunk in the Hiker Inn. It finally cleared an hour later and became beautiful. After getting cleaned up I ate some lunch and walked down to the store about .5 out of town. Since the hostel has a bbq grill, I bought some salad, steak and wine for a nice dinner without going out. I also picked up enough food for the trail and fuel at outfitter. I have everything to leave in the morning except maybe the desire. Although not positive I may take a zero tomorrow. It has rained on three separate occasions today and is raining now. The next week looks good with temps in 50-60 range and no rain. So I want to go but feel I need a day off. Tomorrow morning will tell. Also thanks to Goose, who I hiked with for 700 miles last year, for the package of treats he sent me.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Damascus VA

To: Summit Cut - Rt 58
Miles today: 16.7

After all those storms the last few days the weather turned cool overnight. This morning was around 38 degrees as I walked up to Dairy King for breakfast. I joined Willie, Bat and Bummer for a 16.7 mile slack lack from Summit Gap back to Damascus. We left at 9:00 and arrived at the trail around 9:45. We went up a little but the majority of the day was going downhill. It warmed up quickly and I hiked in shorts and tee shirt all day. It was a beautiful day with temps around 60 degrees and full sun. There was enough shade that i thought I would not have a problem with the sun. I was wrong. However the trail rolled along and I was back before 4:00. Tomorrow we will be shuttled up to the same location as today to head north. Just a great day for hiking.
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Summit Cut - Rt 58

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter. Today started with a quick breakfast at Cowboy's, the only restaurant open this morning. The same four of us were getting dropped off at RT 58 to go north from where we started yesterday. We were on the trail before 10:00 and it was much cooler than yesterday at this time. It was partly sunny with a crisp breeze. I actually wore my raincoat as a windbreak for an hour until it warmed up. Climbing warmed me quickly and the heal that has been a constant problem was working normally for a change. I made very good time climbing up to the Thomas Knob Shelter for a late lunch and water. The sky was clear and I was finally down to shorts and tee shirt. The wind still whipped around but the coolness kept me moving. I wanted to get to Wise Shelter for the night. It was nice just walking along the ridge and then through Grayson Highlands where I could only see ponies in the distance. After reaching Wise Shelter it was decided that it would be better to be down lower at next shelter than to freeze up at 4500'. It was already at my 3:00 quiting time but I decided to go the extra 6 miles. It was a bit much and the last few rocky downhill miles were killers. I was beat when I got to Old Orchard Shelter and my feet hurt from the pounding. It is going to be a cold one tonight but I ate and took care of all chores in record time. Looking at maybe 14 miles to Trimpi tomorrow. Looking at some sleep now.
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Merion VA - 
Miles today: 24.7

The winds last night were brutal but I slept well anyway. It was about 38 degrees with diminished winds and clear skies. It's the kind of morning that makes getting out of the sleeping bag very hard but once I deflate the air mattress I am committed. I was on the trail a little after 7:00. After the 1.5 mile downhill the trail climbed 800' very smoothly over the next 2 miles. After coming down 1200' over the next 5 miles there was only a few hundred feet of climbing before the trail becomes a nice walk all the way to Partnership Shelter. I has intended only to go 14 miles today. However, the heal felt normal for first 14 miles and as I arrived at the shelter it was before 1:00. I took a short lunch break and decided to go on. I moved extremely well today and wanted to take advantage of that. Some days you just feel good and today was one of them. As I arrived at.Partnership a little after 5:00 I didn't hestitate at the shelter. I was tired and had decided that if I could get a hitch to Merion within .5 hour I would go to a hotel for the night. I got a ride within 5 minutes and was happy to be at hotel by 5:40. The shower was so good I almost forgot to get out. My left heal hurts but after 24 miles who cares. It was a great day all around and tomorrow is only 11 miles to Atkins.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Merion VA - 

To: Atkins, VA - Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

I made arrangements to get back to the trail by 6:30. It was quite cold this morning. The thermometer said 38 degrees but the gusting wind said much colder. There was only one climb right at the start. Once over that the trail moved along very smooth. The legs served me well and I felt like I was moving without much effort. I always seem to move much better on a town day. My goal was to get in early and get breakfast at the Red Barn before they stop serving. The wind kept me on the cold side and moving fast. I saw the hotel and bolted for it to get a room and run up to restaurant. I arrived at 11:05 and was informed breakfast was over. I settled for a Hiker Burger. Bogangles and Tuna joined me a few minutes later, also opting for the Hiker Burger. A whole pound of Angus beef that was out of world. Just what I needed. It was 2 half pound burgers with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and mayo on a giant bun that takes 2 hands to hold and a hiker hunger to eat. It was delicious. I walked back to the hotel where I then attended to the many chores of being in town or hotel. I showered while the clothes washed, reviewed my plans for this resupply, pickup maildrop and sort through food. Plan for tomorrow is 14 miles with a below freezing night. Could test the limits of my 30 degree bag. Off to bed before 9:00 in town.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Atkins, VA - Relax Inn

To: Atkins, VA - Relax Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up at 6:00, packed and ready to leave. I then checked the weather to see that it was 35 with 30 mph winds throughout the day. Tonight is supposed to dip to 29 with the same winds. I gave some thought about staying in my warm hotel room. Around 7:00 I decided to walk up to the Red Barn for breakfast. With long pants, short and long sleeve shirts, fleece jacket and hat I was cold due to the gusting wind. This sealed the deal. I was going to eat breakfast and sit this one out for a day. Tomorrow will be cold but warming and without the winds. My choice, my hike.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Atkins, VA - Relax Inn

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Was up at 6:30, got a shower and was over for breakfast by 7:00. Frost was on everything but the wind had subsided overnight. It felt much warmer at the start than it did all day yesterday. The sun was out but it took until noon that I actually felt any warmth. I rolled along this morning covering the first 8 miles in a little over 3 hours. Right after climbing Big Walker Mountain my heel started hurting so I slowed down. The final 6 miles took 4+ hours. Today was a nice walk through some very nice farmland with easements allowed for the trail. Greenery was everywhere. The fields and woods are all in bloom and the trees should have leaves within a week. I saw a few deer jump a fence and play in the field next to the trail. Birds, woodpeckers and chipmunks were having a good time. Spring definitely was in the air today. It took a while but this afternoon warmed up until I was in a tee shirt which was just great after the last few cold ones. Tonight will be cool but continued warming is forecast. Should have some great views tomorrow from Chestnut Knob.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: few clouds

I knew today was going to be a long one so I wanted to get an early start. I was up around 6:00 and hiking by 6:45. It was clear and in the mid 30's. The trail went down for a mile so I got warmed up a little before the quick 500' ascent of Lynn Camp Mountain. I came down slowly for about 700' before the trail levelled off for the next mile. After that it was time for the big climb up Chestnut Ridge. The trail climbed 2000' through some rough forest then through nice grassy fields with views off the sides. I was up at the Chestnut Knob Shelter around 11:00 and had lunch sitting in the sun outside. The stone building is an old firewarden's cabin that is like a refrigerator inside during cool weather. I moved on after about 45 minutes to a big downhill that took a lot of care to keep from sliding down the rocky hill. After leveling off the next 7 miles were shear hell for me. The trail constantly goes up and down on rocks in the midday's sun. It was just a killer for my heel that hurt almost every step all afternoon. The final 2 miles were downhill and I finally got into the Jenkins Shelter around 6:00. A long hard day. Off to bed 8:15.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Few miles before Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: few clouds

Was up at 6:15 and on the trail with Willie Boy at 6:45. Spider was getting ready when we left and Socrates was still asleep. Willie Boy was on a mission to get to Bland, meet up with Bat and Bigger, and eat a burger and real food. He set out like lightning and I didn't see him again all day. I was aiming for the Helvey's Mill Shelter 14 miles away since yesterday seemed so tough. To my surprise today's footpath was so much nicer. There was little rock and I could move quickly on the few climbs of the day. The morning walk was great since the sky was filled with early morning clouds. It was cool and just perfect for walking. I knocked out the first 5 miles in around 2 hours and was climbing the second and final hill of any amount today when the sun came out. It immediately warmed and I was down to shorts and a tee shirt by 9:30. It was just a great morning and their have been many nice people the last few days who have left water, soda, sandwiches and goodies near road crossings for hikers. Water is scarce in this area normally but it will be worse if it remains clear and warm for much longer. By 10:00 I had lathered on the sun screen and was sweating heavily. The only saving grace was a nice breeze and some leaf cover to cool things down. I was at the road to Bland by noon which is only 2 miles from my intended destination for the night. I thought about going into Bland for a burger but decided i would be wasting time since I was still feeling good. I climbed the hill off the road and got to the shelter turnoff by 1:00. It was getting very hot but the feet still felt pretty good. I had filled up my water at the creek back 6 miles and carried an extra .5 liter so I didn't have to go down the .3 mile trail to the shelter for water. I moved on after adding another layer of sunscreen. If not for the breeze today would have been unbearable. I had just taken my last sip of water when I came to the stream that was nearly flowing. I manages to get enough water to take care of me for the night and moved up trail about a mile tons nice little campsite off the trail. I was dehydrated and did nothing but drink water the rest of the night. I was also feeling my neck and arms from the sun. All in all a good day.