morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hog Back Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day Thirty Nine (17 April)Today we did another 15 miler! However, my feet were killing me! We hiked from Jerry Cabin Shelter (300.3) to Hog Back Ridge Shelter (315.8) for a total of 15.5 miles. Today's hike included Big Butt Mountain (a little disappointing, because there really was no view), and Big Flat (4500 ft.)! There was a nice view coming up Big Flat. We got to the shelter and after a grueling hike, the water was quite a ways from the shelter! :-(. It was a good choice to sleep in the shelter tonight because just after we laid down and started working on the journal, it began to rain. :-o Tomorrow, we are going to knock it back down to 10 miles. :-)
Date: 2017-04-18
From: Hog Back Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Forty (18 April)Although today was a 'short' day, it seemed like it was all up hill! Today we hiked from Hog Back Ridge Shelter (315.8) to Bald Mountain Shelter (325.9) for a total of 10.1 miles, that included High Rock and Big Bald. It was cold and drizzling all day. It would have been really beautiful hike, but because it was so cold the flowers were all closed. Beautiful white Bachelor Britches and yellow flowers. When we got to the shelter we quickly jumped into our sleeping bags to warm up.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Forty One (19 April)Today we hiked from Bald Mountain Shelter (325.9) to No Business Knob Shelter (336.5) for a total of 10.6 miles. Last night we were glad that we were in the shelter because it poured down rain. This morning was all foggy and drizzly. We got our rain gear on and headed out. The trail was wet, muddy and slippery, and we started uphill (as usual), steep incline (Little Bald). Upon reaching the ridge wind whipped the cold rain into our faces, but we soldiered on, through boulder scrambles. We hiked trough some massive boulders. Then, coming down it was very flat, just slippery, and would have been a perfect hiking trail if it wasn't for the rain. Further down we went through a section that was like an enchanted forest, with green lush mossy covered boulders, it was absolutely beautiful! Then we decided to pull out our chairs and take a break by a mini-waterfall, because it stopped raining, we were able to take off our rain gear, and continued on. The closer we got to the shelter, the AWOL said that there was a piped stream just before it; not so. There was a stream, but no pipe, and we did get water, thank goodness, because there was no water at the shelter. Also, there is no privy or bear hang cables. Tomorrow, we go into Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel, Erwin, TN.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day Forty Two (20 April)Today we got up bright and early, packed up our stuff, and hit the trail. We hiked from No Business Knob Shelter (336.5) to Uncle Johnny's Hostel, Erwin, TN (342.7) for a total of 6.2 miles, and we nero'd. We got a beautiful view of the Nolichucky river coming down into Erwin! Oh, and about 7:15am just after sunrise we are hiking the trail at a good clip not talking, focused on our pace and footing. The trail is about a little over a foot wide, and on our left is the steep mountain rising to the top, on our right a steep decline to the valley below, there are fewer plants on the left the right pretty lush with rhododendrons. All of a sudden we hear a loud crashing and I saw a round ball of fur come rolling down from the mountain, across the trail about ten feet in front of us, and on down the mountain. Awesome!!! Bushy tried to get me to move up so we might see what it was but I thought if it was a baby bear, momma may follow! :-oWe heard that the hostel was a party hostel, but we have learned that it is pretty laid back and accommodating. So far, we are not seeing any signs of partying. They have three free shuttles a day for guests into town, and Shuttle Bunny (the shuttle driver) is awesome! We decided to replace Bushy's Zpacks pack with an Osprey Atmos 50 AG (Anti-Gravity) and we compared Uncle Johnny's price with REI, and they were the same. We were pleasantly surprised, because you would expect inflated prices along the trail, but they were not. Anyway, the Zpacks pack was very uncomfortable to Bushy and even causing back pain. :-( The new Osprey might be heavier but at least it will be comfortable. Can't hike the trail if your pack is causing you pain! The shuttle took us to the laundromat (the hostel's laundry facilities were backlogged) and then was kind enough to swing back and pick us up. :-) Then, we caught the evening shuttle to dinner and Walmart. Awesome meal at Los Jalape±os! We supplemented our mail drop with a few items at Walmart...not sure why we did a mail drop here because we could have just resupplied at Walmart. :-/Charla (Uncle Johnny's wife), Uncle Johnny , and Gary have been very accommodating, helping Bushy with her pack fitting and answering our many questions. They have a pretty impressive outfitter inventory. We plan on zeroing here tomorrow, especially after being in the woods for five days!
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day Forty Three (21 April)Zero'd in Erwin, TN. Rode the shuttle into town to Huddle House for breakfast, then took a nap. :-). Took showers and getting all ready to hit the trail again tomorrow! Tonight we might have Italian! Yum!
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Erwin, TN

To: Campsite at 355.0
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Forty Four (22 April)We were up by 6:00am and by 7:00 hiked from Uncle Johnny's Hostel, Erwin, TN (342.7) arrived by 2:00pm to a campsite at mile marker 355.0, for a total of 12.3 miles. It was a very nice walk at first, then it started to rain...plus we had to climb to the top of a Bald! Check out the photo, the trail, for a good mile, was all roots! We finally got to the campsite and fortunately it stopped raining, so we set up our tent and switched to dry shirts and socks and got cozy in our sleeping bags. After a short nap, we woke to find that the sun had come out. So we hung a line and our wet clothes. Some got dry but not all, so we will pull into the Greasy Creek Hostel tomorrow and wash and dry everything (we are now in our only other set of dry clothes) :-o. We also met up with Down Hill again (we first met her earlier on the trail), she was here getting out of the rain too, and we found out that she used to work for an Outfitters. She was so very kind and walked Bushy through all of the adjustments for her new Osprey pack! Such a very nice young lady! We think that now that Bushy has a comfortable pack, we can start picking up the pace to 15+ milers now. :-)
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Campsite at 355.0

To: Campsite at 355.0
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day Forty Five (23 April)We woke this morning to continued rain. So, we decided to wait it out...it rained ALL day! We called the Greasy Creek Hostel to let them know that we were not going to make it today, and asked for the weather report (we couldn't get a signal), and she said 100% chance of rain all day; up to five inches! So we are hunkered down in our tent; zeroing at campsite at mile marker 355.0, :-(. We experienced the most fabulous trail magic; the Corbinsons (sp?) family (all Virginia Tech alumni: Mac, May Catherine, Jen, and Dad), came to where we were camped (mile marker 355.0), along wit a bunch of other hikers, and their son (who is also hiking the trail), and set up canopies and a heater and a complete dinner (including: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, mac & cheese, biscuits, vegetables, cake, cookies, sodas, beer, coffee, and hot chocolate! It was like a home cooked meal brought out here to the trail!! This was awesome!!
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Campsite at 355.0

To: Greasy Creek Gap Hostel
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Day Forty Six (24 April)Today we finally got out of our tent and back on the trail. We hiked from campsite at mile marker 355.0 to Greasy Creek Hostel (367.6) for a total of 12.6 miles. The day started out overcast but a nice temp, by 1:00 p.m. it became chilly and foggy then drizzle. We finally made it to the Hostel. Since the Hostel was so crowded due to all the rain, we ended up in the bunk room; Bushy in the bottom bunk and me in the top. This is another new experience for us. :-). There is only one bathroom for all these hikers to share; what a mad house! They made a food run and everyone ordered from a menu and then gave the money to one of the hikers that was riding in. We ordered pizza, but couldn't eat it all so we gave it to the folks sitting on the front porch. Well, at least we are out of the rain tonight. Oh, and today we got trail magic from Rod (in the white van that has the friendly ghost on it)!!
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Greasy Creek Gap Hostel

To: Campsite near Stan Murray Shelter (382.4)
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Forty Seven (25 April) We got up early and got our clean laundry from Connie (owner of Greasy Creek Hostel), then packed our stuff and headed out. First we had to hike out of the Hostel to get back to the trail (which was a pretty good distance, and uphill), then we hiked from Greasy Creek Hostel (367.6) to a campsite just short of Stan Murray Shelter (382.4) for a total of 14.8 miles, including Little Rock Knob, Roan Mountain, Round Bald, and Jane Bald. Still hiking in sloppy mud and river bed trails, but no rain today. :-) We were trying to get to Overmountain Shelter (the Barn) but the trail was just too muddy/slippery. :-( Oh, and the view from all those Balds and Roan Mountain were the same; fog/cloud. :-( Certain sections of the trail were really gorgeous, with all the flowers, moss, and trees. Oh, and I finally lost my little bear bag hanging sack (the one that you put the rock in to throw over the tree limb); it was eaten by one of the trail trees, and has been left there for all to see. :-(
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Campsite near Stan Murray Shelter (382.4)

To: Mountain Harbour B&B
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Forty Eight (26 April)Today we rose to a beautiful sunrise from our tent. We had the campsite all to ourselves and it was so quiet! We hiked from campsite just short of Stan Murray Shelter (382.4) to Mountain Harbour B&B (393.7) for a total of 11.3 miles, that included Little Hump Mountain and Hump Mountain...and this was 'BIG' Hump Mountain (5559 ft.)! :-o. Although it was an excruciating hike up to the top, we were rewarded with a magnificent 360 degree view!! It was very windy up there but it wasn't that cold. Then we started to go down, which seemed like forever; down, a little up, then down some more; we thought that we would never get to Hwy 19E, but we finally did. Then it was just a short walk to the left, on 19E to get to the Mountain Harbour B&B (it is on the right side of the road). Once we got checked in, we ordered a couple of cheeseburgers, fries, and ice cold sodas!! When we got into our room (see photo) we jumped into the shower and then the hot tub. We must have stayed in the hot tub for an hour; it was fantastic!! Not sure what we are going to do for dinner, but at least we have a nice comfortable room to stay in for tonight...and maybe even tomorrow. :-)
Date: 2017-04-28
From: Mountain Harbour B&B

To: Campsite at 408.6
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day Fifty (28 April)Today we had to leave our oh so comfy room at the Mountain Harbour B&B and get back on the trail. :-(. The only drawback to the B&B is that they wouldn't give us a shuttle ride back to the trail head; granted it was only .3 miles up the road, it was still a busy highway, and after paying what we did, it would have been a nice courtesy. Anyway, we hiked from Mountain Harbour B&B (393.7) to campsite (408.6) for a total of 14.9 miles. We hit our 400 mile mark!! We were passed by a group of young people, including Pterodactyl, who were all slack packing; they were planning on hiking all the way to Hampton, TN today! The weather was beautiful today, but got a little warmish this afternoon. The trail was pretty dried out and there were a lot of ups and downs, but nothing crazy. The river was nice to hike by, with a couple of rapids. There is a park bench at 405.8, that had a beautiful view. Odd place for a park bench. Lol There at the bench, we met Toe, who was also from Tallahassee. Toe had to have his toe cut off so he could continue hiking, and he wears it around his neck. He was very nice and he knew a neighbor of ours, named Skip. We saw a couple of beautiful waterfalls, including Jones Falls! As you can see by the photo, we pulled out our chairs and took a nice break by the river (mile 400), it was so relaxing, with black/blue and yellow butterflies flying all around. The only bad thing about this campsite is that there were no limbs to hang a bear bag. So, we stuffed them in our packs with our smelling socks around them, and hope for the best. :-o. Tomorrow is Kincora, just a 10 miler.
Date: 2017-04-29
From: Campsite at 408.6

To: Black Bear Creek Resort 
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Day Fifty One (29 April)Today we hiked from campsite (408.6) to Black Bear Resort, Hampton, TN (418.8) for a total of 10.2 miles. We were so hot during our hike thinking it was just because we are so old but found out it is 91 degrees today! The bigger streams are still rushing sparkling and clear, but we have noticed many smaller streams are dried up. This section of trail was well maintained, with lots of rock steps and water control methods.We were heading to Kinkora, and picked up our mail drop. The only double room was taken so we switched to Black Bear Resort and they sent a shuttle right away, little did we know that they did not have wifi. :-(. Anyway, we got a cabin for $50, (they have a fitted sheet on the bed but no pillow), and showered and did laundry ($5).  We met "Amtrak" a very nice woman who offered to share the washer, now how nice was that? Saved me thirty minutes of waiting. Staff which may be family are all very nice. The only thing I dislike is that the cabin cannot be locked, if we want to go walking around, plus, they require that you leave your hiking poles on the porch of the cabin; our poles were purchased in Germany, made in Austria, so they're not being left outside. We put our rubber stoppers on just in case they inquire why they are not outside..
Date: 2017-04-30
From: Black Bear Creek Resort

To: Boots Off Hostel 
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Fifty Two (30 April)Today we hiked from Black Bear Resort, Hampton, TN (418.8) to Boots Off Hostel (426.9) for a total of 8.1 miles.  It was a short day, but we hiked over Pond Flats Mountain (3700 ft.). We knew it was going to be tough so we figured that would be enough. Plus, the next section of trail has had a lot of bear activities, and one Shelter has been closed, and you can't even camp in this section.  So, we will just hike through it tomorrow.  The beginning of the trail was awesome, hiking by the river, and then coming up to Laurel Falls; beautiful!! See photo. Part of the trail we had to hike on the edge of the rock wall; cool!! Trail Egge Then we hiked over Pond Flats Mountain; wow!  We finally got down the mountain and headed for Boots Off Hostel.  We learned that it was under construction and only had tenting available.  So, we decided to stay.  Jim, the owner, shuttled us into town for a lunch run and we ate at the Laurel Fork Diner; it was great!
Date: 2017-05-01
From: Boots Off Hostel 

To: Vandeventer Shelter 
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Fifty Three (1 May)Today we hiked out of Boots Off Hostel (426.9) to Vandeventer Shelter (436.1), for a total of 9.2 miles. We really enjoyed staying at this new hostel it should really be one of the best once completed. Toe showed us his card trick and the $5 illusion, the man is a master, sadly he is section hiking so will be going home after Damascus, we will miss him.The trail was in great condition with oh so many ups and downs. Water was scarce today with only one watering hole that you had to dip for water. The next one is just before Vandeventer which is a half mile down an extremely steep ravine, take a walking pole. It was like we hiked all around the lake. At US 321 we had to take the blue blaze around the flooded section by the lake. The wind was fierce nearly blowing Bushy over while walking over the Dam, since her pack cover kept catching the wind like a parachute!The highlight of the day was that Bushy saw Lady Slippers, which are rare, by the trail; see photo. So cool!!Lady SlippersLady Slippers Cliseup We still see wildflowers by the trail along with the rhododendrons and some trees. The wind was blowing pretty bad, and it started to rain off and on so we stopped at Vandeventer Shelter. Others have stopped in; Slappy and Boston who we have leap frogged the past week, Eagle and Sunshine,  Amtrak, Bambi, and Toe. They all kept on hiking.We had planned a 13 mile day but will stay at this shelter and make tomorrow the 13 mile day instead of 11 miles, plus it will be sunny tomorrow; this won't change when we arrive in Damascus. Pretty soon we will finally be in Virginia!
Date: 2017-05-02
From: Vandeventer Shelter 

To: Double Springs Shelter 
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day Fifty Four (2 May)Today we hiked from Vandeventer Shelter (436.1) to Double Springs Shelter (450.5) for a total of 14.4 miles.  Not a bad hike; it was pretty windy all day long but the sun was shining and the trail was dry. The start was nothing different but finally found the flat section and we made some fast miles! There was a headstone on the trail that appeared to be using the old fireplace to create the monument. We crossed a beautiful pasture with cattle that were lounging under a tree in a corner so we missed them. The sky today was so crisp and blue next to the new green leaves, a sight to behold!We arrived at the shelter by 3:30pm so pretty cool. I am coming down with a cold so Dr. Bushy said hot tea and hot Ramen to get those sinus' moving and a nap. A nice family showed up later and now are joining us in the shelter. Tomorrow, we are going to try a 16 miler, to get as close to Damascus as we can, and then we will take a nero and zero in Damascus. Soooo close to Virginia, hopefully, we will cross the border tomorrow!
Date: 2017-05-03
From: Double Springs Shelter 

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Fifty Five (3 May)Today we hiked from Double Springs Shelter (450.5) to Dragon Fly Inn, Damascus (469.2) for a total of 18.7 miles!  Wow, that was our first 18 miler!! And, we crossed into Virginia! Bushy spotted more Lady Slippers and then, about a couple miles away from the TN/VA border, Bushy spotted a couple of gnome houses and a gnome out front of one of them!!  (See photos).Gnome HousesGnome HousesGnome House with gnome
Date: 2017-05-04
To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day Fifty Six (4 May)Today we relocated to Woodchuck Hostel and are staying in the Teepee! It is all ours for the next two days. :-). We are zeroing because a storm is coming through and wind gusts are 45 mph! What better place to hang out than Damascus! Did I mention we are in Virginia!!?? Wooo. Wooo!!
Date: 2017-05-06
To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day Fifty Eight (6 May)We zeroed One more day at Woodchuck Hostel, getting rid of this cold. :-( We did go to the movies; saw Guardians of The Galaxy 2!  Becky, another thru hiker, came up with the idea and coordinated the shuttle to and from with Woodchuck, and Bushy, me, Slow and Steady, a young German fellow, and another gentleman, all went to the movie. :-)  It was a nice get away from hiking.  Tomorrow, we are getting back on the trail, rain or shine.
Date: 2017-05-07
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Day Fifty Eight (7 May)Today we finally left the Woodchuck Hostel and got back on the trail.  We hiked from Damascus (469.2) to Lost Mountain Shelter (485.0) for a total of 15.8 miles. Before we left Bushy and I weighed our packs; Bushy's was only 27 lbs. and mine was 32 lbs., both with 4.5 days of food and two liters of water. :-). These were the Osprey packs too!  When we awoke at 5:30am the sky still looked ominous, we were determined to get going. We ate our fill of Woodchuck's delicious waffles and a boiled egg followed by a hot cup of coffee!8:30 we were walking down through the town and following those white blazes since the trail went thru the town. We got to say hey to Doc, he came out when we passed by, they slack packed so now are far ahead of us when they return to the trail. Slack packing is when a hiker stays at a hostel or B&B and they catch a shuttle to a trail head then hike back carrying only a small backpack with water, lunch, and jacket. They hike back to the place they are staying and stay another night. Some hostels even arrange with another hostel down the line so the hiker can hike to a trail head near them and they pick them up, the first hostel transfers the backpacks to the next hostel of course for a fee. Some people don't agree with this method since many times this lets the hiker go downhill on big mountains instead of climbing them. We don't care, for us the benefits are less people on the trail, more campsites available to us. :-). We personally will not slack pack, we want to have the full experience and we are in no hurry.This was our first day with our new packs and Bushy finally said she was truly happy. Jeff at Mt Rodgers outfitters sold her the right size and showed her how to properly wear it. He said he would never of sold the men's small to her it wasn't the right size. Jeff even showed me how to wear the one Bushy first bought that is my size. Today I wore it but I have to take more time tweaking the straps and I think it will work.The trail was the usual up and downs but the rocks on the trail beat up our feet something awful. Lots of water, and the rapids looked so pretty and powerful! They stock that river with trout so Bushy made note of this for when we come back in the motorhome. The Creeper trail runs by here and many take that instead of the AT since it is so pretty. I didn't appreciate the bikes whizzing by, driven by folks who haven't ridden a bike in years, so when the AT split back to itself we stayed on it.It was such pretty weather but windy and chilly. Now we are here in our sleeping bags, snuggled down with our feet wrapped in our puffy jackets, we will be fine.