morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

It rained on and off most of the night, at times fiercely. About 1 am there was a clap of thunder that just rolled through the valley, for what seemed to be 10 seconds or more. It was followed by several more, each lasting a long period of time.Lying in my tent in the early morning, waves of wind would come over the mountain, sounding like a freight train coming through the pass. Finally venturing out to get some breakfast, I had hot chocolate, a breakfast bar, and to our amazement, pancakes courtesy of Flap Jack, complete with syrup!!The path from Flint Mountain was mostly downhill so I made good time down to Devil Fork Gap. Good fortune awaited and there was a shuttle driver waiting to give hikers a ride down the mountain to Laurel Trading Post. Now Laurel Trading Post wouldn't look too impressive driving by on the highway, its just a small building with 1 table for eating at, two racks of groceries, and a cooler for drinks. But to a hiker it was an oasis! I ordered a double bacon cheeseburger, 2 large glasses of milk, a Mountain Dew, and Orange Juice, and then topped it off with a Chili Dog; in addition to a Ham and Turkey sandwich to go! Pure heaven, it was one of the best bacon cheeseburgers ever! Patricia the manager/waitress/cook/cashier does a fantastic job! I purchased some butane fuel and a few other supplies and then got a shuttle ride back up the mountain.Back at the gap it was misting lightly as I started climbing toward Lick Rock. The clouds closed as I got closer to the top and then it started to raining steadily. Back down to Rice Gap and then up another 600 feet I arrived at Hogback Ridge Shelter all wet and soggy. The shelter was packed with hikers escaping the rain, and there probably a dozen tents near the shelter. Most of them were hikers I didn't know but mellow and Slouch were there. I also met Stitch, who had just left Laurel Trading Post as I arrived.I set up my tent in the rain, dove in to get warm ate ate my beautiful Ham and Turkey sandwich from Laurel Trading Post. I was asleep by 8 pm, warm and dry once again.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Stealth camp below Little Bald Mountain
Miles today: 12.5

It had stopped raining overnight and I awoke early. I packed up and had a honey bun from the Trading post! Ah, junk food! (but 570 calories) I walk up to the summit of High Rock and finally have a little cell service. Its cold out so I decided to pull my gloves out, but then minor disaster. I set my clothes bundle (a compression sack about the size of a football)on the ground and it started to roll. At first I wasn't worried about it with the thick covering of dead leaves on the ground, but it kept rolling past the switchback trail below, and then jumped a log, and then over another switchback, and then another log, and then bounced off a tree, and then over another dead limb - all the time gathering speed. I started running down the hillside when I realized that it could go all the way into the valley 1000 plus feet below. It finally did stop against a fallen log and I managed to catch up with it, mindful that gravity is not just a suggestion, its a law.It would have made for a funny video seeing this hiker running down a 40-degree hillside chasing a football sized ball of clothing yelling and screaming for it to stop as it gathered speed and headed for the valley below. I'm glad no one was there to witness my folly.After that minor excitement, I descended down into Sam's Gap and crossed under I-26. Then a long 1500 foot climb up towards Big Bald Mountain which held incredible views. It was very windy on the bald, but a nice day with the sun shining brightly. I walked down to the Big Bald shelter and had lunch, dried out my tent and got water. Then I took off trying to get some more miles in for the day. Up Little Bald Mountain for more incredible views and then down until I came to a good place for a stealth camp for the night. I set up camp, made a fire, cooked my dinner, and watch the sun settle below the mountains. When I climbed in my tent I realized it was totally quiet - no wind, no birds, no hikers, no noise what so ever. It was a beautiful and peaceful way to end the day.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Stealth camp below Little Bald Mountain

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 14.4

I awake before sunrise and the birds are chirping. It is cold, but still no wind. I look outside my tent and an orange glow is spreading across the eastern horizon. I snuggle back into my sleeping bag to warm back up and convince myself that I should wait for sunrise before getting up. As the sun comes over the horizon I struggle out of my bag and get up to take a few pictures. I make hot chocolate, eat my last honey bun and finish off the last of my precooked bacon. Today is about getting to Erwin and it will be a long day.   I pack up my stuff and survey the campsite to make sure it's Leave No Trace (LNT) approved. It was a really good campsite.I start walking down to Whistling Gap and I'm almost gliding, my steps are quick and my pack is as light as it will ever be since my food is mostly gone. As I'm going down in the Gap, I notice my shadow on the hillside next to me, the sun is beginning to warm the morning air - and I realize it is the Perfect Morning.Down 500 feet into Whistling Gap, and then a small climb up to High Rocks, and I'm rewarded once again with a magnificent view. The mountains in this area are spectacular, and nary a sign of civilization intrudes on them. The trail continues down into Spivey Gap another 1000 feet crosses a paved road and then it's a long climb up following a stream cascading down a mountainside. At the top it's about 10 miles and 2000 feet down to Erwin and the Nolichucky River. Along the way the AT trail designers managed to find plenty of places to send the trail up, when it seems like it should be going down. I stop at No Business Knob Shelter for lunch and R&R before making the final 6 miles into Erwin. Along the way I can catch glimpses of Erwin in the valley below, and I realize that it is much bigger than Hot Springs.When I finally get down into Erwin, I stop in at Uncle Johnny's to see if they have a cabin. They are booked up, so I call Cantarroso Farm and they have their cabin available. It's about a mile to the Farm so I decide to walk rather than find a shuttle. When I arrive at Cantarroso, I find a bunch of bee hives and the cabin. The cabin is amazing, set in amongst gardens and chicken coops. It's a very peaceful setting and I look forward to resting and re supplying for a day.As the sun is setting I'm sitting in a rocking chair on the cabin porch, I'm drinking a cold root beer, and the Perfect Morning was being followed by the Perfect Evening. I spent most of the day alone, seeing only a few hikers, and it would have been nice to have been able to share these perfect moments with someone else. Somewhere in time, I know I'll hike these mountains again, and maybe with someone to share them with.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0

A Zero Day. I have never taken a true zero day, and I started out not sure that I really would. I got into Erwin and the cabin at Cantarroso Farms last night about 6:30 thinking I might resupply and try to get out in the afternoon, just to get in a few more miles down the trail. I woke up early and sorted through my stuff making lists of what I needed and what I needed to do - pick up a mail drop, update trail journals, buy groceries, and get some people food (hopefully a lot of it).Cantarroso Farms is located in a gorgeous location outside of Erwin, right along the Nolichucky River. The owners, Mike and Peggy, are beautiful people who are gracious and generous of their time and their home. They offer hikers options of staying in their home in an upstairs suite or a downstairs bedroom, or in the cabin which I had selected. They also have a travel trailer which several hikers were staying in. They are bee keepers and have a number of hives, as well as keeping chickens and other organic gardens.I gathered my dirty laundry and took it up to the house where they washed it for a small fee, and then Peggy gave Paul and I a ride into town. Paul was a hiker from the UK and been staying with them several days recuperating from a leg injury. First stop was the post office to pick up a mail drop, then the library to update my trail journal. The library is located in the former train depot and its a beautiful building. The town of Erwin is so different from Hot Springs it kind of assaults you, you really feel as you are in a small city, complete with chain fast food franchises, strip shopping centers, and unfinished civil works projects. But the people are genuine and kind and so it still has the small southern town feel.After the library I was famished and had my sites set on the AYCE (all you can eat) KFC buffet. Unfortunately it's about a mile and a half north of town center and so a 30 minute walk for me. I got there and demolished 3 plate fulls of chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn. It felt wonderful after a week of camp food!!I then walked back to town and went grocery shopping, stocking up for a week on the trail. Mike picked me and another hiker, Hands, up and took us back to the Farm. After my afternoon of gluttony the decision was made, this would be a full fledged zero day and I would enjoy another night watching the sun fall behind the mountains sitting in my rocker with a cold drink in my hand.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Erwin, TN

To: Stealth site on Unaka Mountain
Miles today: 9.3

I took a leisurely morning and repacked my pack, ate junk food for breakfast, and then Mike gave me a ride to the trailhead. I stopped at Johnny's to fill out some postcards for the nieces and nephews, and was finally on my way about 11:30 am. It was warm and sunny and hiking along the banks of the Nolichucky River was very pleasant - a good way to get back onto the trail. The trail then turned uphill and climbed 1200 feet to the first shelter where I stopped for lunch. As always I had brought too much food and my pack was weighing me down on the climbs once again.After lunch the trail continued with more gentle ups and downs to Indian Grave Gap, with views of Erwin slowly receding in the distance. The skies began to darken and it started raining and so I donned rain gear and pushed on toward Unaka Mountain. I was passed by a small oriental girl, China Rock, who I later heard from another hiker that she had completed the PCT last year. She was moving fast and I never saw her again.I had hoped to get to Beauty Spot Gap (a promising name) but it was getting late, so on the approach to Unaka Mountain I found a stealth campsite and decided to put in for the night. It had stopped raining so I quickly set up my tent and cooked some supper. It started raining again as I was eating so I cleaned up and dove into my tent. As soon as I got into my tent the skies started dumping and it poured, and then the thunder and lightning started. It rained all night and when I got up around 4am for a bathroom break, it was so foggy I couldn't see 20 feet. It was to be the start of a wet and cold hike up Unaka Mountain.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Stealth site on Unaka Mountain

To: Apple Orchard campsite
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: mist

One of the nice things about backpacking is that you have everything you need with you, so you can be very flexible about your plans.   It was still raining in the morning and very cold so I stayed in my sleeping bag until 9 am. I finally decided it wasn't going to quit anytime soon so I got up, made breakfast, and packed up. I was back on the trail by 10:30, so didn't have high expectations about getting too many miles in today. Unaka Mountain rises about 3300 feet from the Nolichucky River and I had about 1300 feet and 4.5 miles to get to the top, with a lot of ups and downs over those 4.5 miles.It was still very foggy and misty as I climbed which provided interesting and unique sights. As I climbed over a small bald I came upon what I called Sentinel of the Mist, a huge tree standing guard of the mist shrouded bald. On a clear day you would be paying attention to the views of the mountains and valleys from the bald, and probably wouldn't even notice the Sentinel.I passed another hiker coming down from Unaka and he was spent. He had spent the night on Unaka and it had sleeted several inches and he froze. He was pulling off the trail, that had been too much for him. As I climbed toward the summit the fog grew thicker and the wind grew stronger. It was late winter on Unaka.Near the summit, the vegetation turns into a dense spruce forest; there were still piles of sleet and snow under the spruce again reinforcing that it was late winter on Unaka. Over the summit and down 1200 feet to Cherry Gap Shelter, the sky started to lighten up and you could once again see views of the mountains in the distance. At Cherry Gap I met up with Slouch and Mellow once again. They told me they had a cool encounter with a young wild pig walking down the trail. They were staying the night at Cherry Gap Shelter to dry out after the wet night before.I wanted to get some more miles in so I continued on, deciding to try for a campsite called Apple Orchard. On the way down I walked with Count and Lavender. When we got to Apple Orchard there was already a big group camped there - Chicago, Bagels, Salty, Bandit, Carly and her dog Dexter, plus a couple others. Silver Toes was also camped there separately. It was Springtime at Apple Orchard, 1200 feet lower than Unaka, and the apple trees were in bloom. I got to visit with Count and Lavender while we were walking and setting up camp. They were a beautiful couple who were just back from living in the UK for 17 years. They were both engineers and decided what better time to do the trail than now, while they were transitioning back to life in the U.S. It was their Springtime too.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Doll Flats
Miles today: 13.3

It was really cold during the night and this shelter style was really appreciated. Most of the AT shelters are 3 sided with one side totally exposed. However Roan High Knob Shelter is the highest on the AT and fortunately built like a cabin, with 4 walls and a door.Chuckie got up early as he was the coldest and built a fire. The rest of us eventually ventured forth, made our breakfasts, stood around the fire as much as possible. All of us were heading north except Chuckie, so we sent him off with a new trail name, Big Country. It just fit, a big ole country boy from North Carolina. Good Luck Big Country.The rest of us packed up and headed toward the Roan Highlands. The trail takes you down to Carvers Gap and a big parking area full of day hikers. The trail then starts ascending a number of balds that make up the Roan Highlands - Round Bald, Jane Bald, Grassy Ridge Bald, all with incredible views. The day hikers were blessed with easy climbs up to get these incredible views. The trail eventually descends into a valley where Stan Murray Shelter and Overmountain Shelter are located. Overmountain Shelter is especially popular because it is an old barn converted into a shelter. When I reached Overmountain shelter I met up with Carly and Bandit. Carly and Salty had arrived at 11:30 pm, Bandit had lost the trail eventually found it, and also made it late.I was tempted to stay at Overmountain because of the history, but that would make for a really short day and I decided to push on. The trail goes up 700 feet to Little Hunp Mountain, down 500 feet to Bradley Gap and then a steep 500 foot climb up Hump Mountain. The 360 degree views from these balds were just incredible and I was tempted to camp on top, but the skies were darkening and threatening, so I headed down. My goal was Doll Flats, 2.5 miles and a 1000 feet below. I was able to move quickly and arrived at the campsite and found a number of other tents, including Boots and WannaBe. There was a huge fire going and I met several new hikers - Mongo, Turbo, and Northern Lights from Nunavut Territory, Canada.The Roan Highlands were spectacular hiking, not only for AT hikers, but also for weekenders and day hikers. The views from the balds were incredible, something no camera can capture. The trail takes you to a unique ecosystems and it's a great way to experience the AT for a first time hiker or camper,
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Doll Flats

To: Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 3.0

I struggled to sleep last night, it was a noisy camp with snoring campers, jets passing overhead, and the occasional owl and coyote. The wildlife I'm fine with, it was just unusual because I haven't much for two weeks except birds chirping in the morning.I was going into Roan Mountain to resupply today and so packed up quickly and was the first one out of camp. I descended the 1700 feet and 3 miles quickly to the highway and started walking the 3.5 miles into town. I eventually managed to hitch a ride and was dropped off at the supermarket. I also got a hold of Ann at Roan Mountain B&B and she confirmed that they would have a room available. Today would be a Nearo Day ( near zero day), resupplying, resting, and reconnecting. May the Force be with You.I grabbed supplies, found lunch at Bob's Dairyland (the only restaurant open on Mondays), and called Ann to pick me up. Roan Mountain B&B was a welcome sanctuary for a hiker, the house is beautifully furnished with antiques, hardwood floors and comfy furniture. Three other hikers were staying here, Dr. Pepper and Martha Stewart (son and father), and Two Step. I did my laundry, took a refreshing shower, and after a lot of thought, shaved, and sat on the porch and caught up on email and trail journals. It was a refreshing break, and I finally realized, part of the trail experience. Coming into town, seeing places like Hot Springs, Erwin, and Roan Mountain, are not just a way of getting more food and supplies, but also a way of getting to know the people who have made the Appalachians their home. I needed to embrace that, and not feel guilty about enjoying some luxury instead of pounding out the miles.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Roan Mountain, TN

To: Vango Memorial Hostel
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I sat in the sun, my feet and legs drying off after a wade and splash in the Elk River. I had finally done it, taken some time off from walking for the pure joy of doing nothing. The sweet, unadulterated pleasure of laying around.The day started wonderfully with Ann giving us a ride from the Roan Mountain B&B to Happy's Cafe. Happy's does a wonderful breakfast and Dr. Pepper, Martha Stewart, and I enjoyed a leisurely meal. I ordered a roast beef sandwich to go for for my trail lunch, and then Rose, the owner, gave me a ride to the trailhead. Dr. Pepper and Martha were taking a zero in Roan Mountain so we parted ways.The trail started out dramatically different from the last 4 days of the Roan Highlands, it stayed low and we found ourselves walking through forests and meadows. With some beautiful views of the Roan Highlands, the trail undulated between hillsides and bottomlands. I met Yoda while walking along a hillside, an impressive young woman with a great sense of humor. She was averaging 17 miles a day and just cruised down the trail.After about 5.5 miles I could hear the sound of a waterfall and a short side trail took us to Jones Falls. Falling several hundred feet it was beautiful and really tempting to go sit under. I met Freebird, Putt Putt, Tumbles, and Space Time here.Continuing on, the trail took us down to the Elk River flowing along a grassy plain with hills on each side. It was gorgeous, with warm sun, and the sound and sight of the river. This was hardly the AT of mountain tops and painful climbs. And we passed the 400 mile mark!! (I say we, but it's the thru hikers who started at Springer that passed their 400 mile mark). And that's when I decided to do it, take a break even though I didn't need to and go wading in the river just for the sheer joy of it.Miles, a free spirited young lady, came along as I was going for my wade. She was an ultralighter and we talked for a while as I was drying off. She was from Virginia and excited to almost be to her home state, and she would be putting in the miles to get there.The trail continued on through stream bottoms and then up a hillside when I ran into Buttercup, Splash, and Fire Devil. They were toting grocery bags of chips and salsa and tequila and headed for the river for a Cinco de Mayo party! They even had a pi±ata!Over the hill it started to rain lightly and I came to a bench with a view, a memorial to Vango. Not far from the bench is the trail to the Vango Memorial Hostel run by Scottie. Scottie (a Trekkie) has hiked the AT three times and the PCT. When I got to the hostel I took a bunk and then bought a pizza which Scottie baked for me. We had a great conversation about flying, NASA, space flight and the AT while I devoured my pizza. Scottie was a great guy and one more testament to the kindness of people on the trail.This section of the trail was vastly different from the mountains of the south, and presented a whole different feel as we walk our way north.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Vango Memorial Hostel

To: kincora Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

I was lazy this morning, enjoying the luxury of electricity and wifi and updated my trail journal, and caught up on the news and email. Shimmy and I shared the lower bunkhouse, a room with 6 bunks, a stove and refrigerator that didn't work, and shelves of Scotty's books. Other hikers were bunked in various other rooms on the property as well.After a trip "up the hill" to the outhouse, I packed my stuff, said goodbye to Scotty and was on my way about 9 a.m. At the trail junction I met Queen Bee and Bee Bee, a couple of young ladies that I had first met at Uncle Johnny's in Erwin. I walked with them for a while and we exchanged histories. They both English majors and were on the trail after graduation before starting their careers.After lunch they took off and I walked slower, taking pictures and enjoying the trail. It wasn't as scenic as the day before, but was still fairly moderate mostly walking up and down forested hillsides. An afternoon thunderstorm began building and I managed to duck into Moreland Gap Shelter just as it hit. I met Girl Scout, 6-12, and Book Bag in the shelter. They were waiting out the rain, but then got impatient and headed out in it, 6-12 saying "Embrace the Suck!". I waited out the storm in the shelter.After Moreland Gap and the thunderstorm, there were several climbs up into White Rock Mountain and then a long 1500 foot descent to Dennis Cove Road. Two hostels were located off of Dennis Cove Road, Black Bear Resort which sounded quite nice and had lots of advertising, and Kincora run by Bob Peoples, a trail legend. I choose Kincora, and walked 1/3 of a mile down the road toward it. As I arrived they were having a big hiker feed on the porch and they all yelled for me to drop my gear and join them. So I grabbed a plate and dug into huge pots of Chinese food that T-storm had prepared. As it turned out, most of the hikers had spent the afternoon slicing vegetables and helping her prepare the meal. What a feast to walk into.Kincora is not much to look at, more of a hippie hiker commune feel, but the friendship and appreciation of the trail radiates from the place. Inside the walls are plastered with pictures and cards from past hikers that have enjoyed the kindness and camaraderie of Bob Peoples' Kincora.