morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 10.4

Today I completed my transit of the Smoky Mountain park. I spent the night at the Cosby shelter with a nice group including Lobster Man, Joe, Trooper and his friend "Birdman", Blue Sky, and a few others whose names I didn't catch. Got up early to meet Sue and Joanna who were driving down from home for a visit. I was hustling down the mountain, but kept getting delayed to take pictures of flowers, waterfalls, and scenic views. Finally got to where they were doing "trail magic", just before the Standing Bear hostel. They got to meet some of my fellow travelers, including Stitch, Lil' Aspen, Toothpick, Lobster Man, Joe, Jim from Maine, and a few others that I have shared campsites with. It was wonderful to see them, although after the initial hugs I kept my distance due to the hiker smell. A long shower and some clean clothes helped a lot. We've been to dinner, done a little shopping for a few essentials, and relaxing at the hotel for the night. The hike through the Smokies was great - excellent weather except for the one day from Clingman's to Mt Collins Shelter, but that was such a memorable adventure I wouldn't have wanted to miss that. There are lots of wildflowers in bloom, including some lovely yellow trillium. I don't think I've ever seen yellow trillium before. Anyway, tomorrow may be a zero day. I have tried to bring this journal up to date with the mileage figures, hopefully it is about right.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Green Corner Road

To: Roaring Fork Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

The zero day on Tuesday turned out to be a wonderful one. In the morning we (Jerry, Sue and daughter Joanna) headed over to Hot Springs NC to the outfitters to drop off a supply box for Jerry to pick up in a couple of days. On the way there we saw an eagle with two of her young flying along the river. The outfitter store was wonderful, a rather small space with just about anything a thur hiker could want or need. We shared some magic with hikers passing through town. Always a treat to meet these unique people.We hiked for a short while on the AT along the French Broad River. Beautiful hike. Met a few more hikers. (Doodlebug and Diggery-Dude) Ate lunch at a road side table then decided to head over to the Smokies. The weather, the views, the wildflowers, the mountain streams were just fantastic. We decided to head up to Newfound Gap to see if any hikers were passing through and maybe wanting a ride into Gatlinburg. On the way up we saw a bear meandering through the woods. At the gap we ran into 3 hikers who had just come from G¢burg and were headed to the shelter for the night, a hike of about 3 miles. We offered them some magic, talked for a while and took some pictures. The wild flowers were just everywhere, carpeting the forest floor. We saw quite a few wild turkeys. It was a glorious day!Wednesday morning just as the sun was rising we dropped Jerry off where we had met him on Monday. And he hiked off into the sunrise¢¦¢¦Truly he is a happy camper!Addendum by Jerry: After a sad farewell to Sue and Joanna, I headed up the mountain. It was a long steady climb over Snowbird Mtn. Along the way I came across a number of my fellow hikers whom I thought would be way ahead of me. King Krawler, Jay-B, Veto and Robo-Hiker were on the uphill. Later in the day I crossed Max Patch Bald, which is a really awesume view. We all would up at Roaring Fork Mtn Shelter for the night after a long day. Also met Doctor Rock and his girlfriend Kit Kat. The wildflowers were again extremely numerous and beautiful. Early in the day I continued to see the yellow trillium, along with bloodroot. Late in the day I started to see red and white trillium. At the shelter, the water source was a small waterfall - hence the name Roaring Fork, I guess. The pounding water was good hydrotherapy on my ankle.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Roaring Fork Mtn Shelter

To: Deer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

We had a wonderful evening at the last shelter before Hot Springs. King Krawler, Jay-B, Veto, Robo-Hiker, along with Dr Rock and KitKat, and two section hikers, Catcher (she is a mid-wife) and her husband Turtle. We had a nice campfire gathering. The hike was long and exhausting, but we continued to see lots of wildflowers. Saw a small purple one I had not seen before and looked it up here in Hot Springs - called Gay Wings, or paragala.   Also still some bloodroot as we go up and down elevations and through the "seasons",but the bloodroot is just about finished, I think. Lots and lots of trilliums. I found an abandoned aluminum spoon on the ground which I cleaned up, sterilized, and am using. Much better than my broken plastic spoons. Had a nice sunset and sunrise.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Deer Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: few clouds

Just a short jaunt down the trail from the shelter to Hot Springs today. Am staying at "Elmer's", a hostel right in town that is well known in the AT community. It is a very old house, dating to the 1870's. Elmer provides a very hospitable atmosphere, and serves vegetarian meals to the thru-hikers. I have had a big breakfast, visited the outfitter to pick up my re-supply box, done my laundry, and am getting a craving for some ice cream. I'm at the town library doing this update. Things are going well with the hike, although I continually miss my family. My gear is working out well. I am probably still carrying too much food, and will try to keep trimming down where I can to reduce weight. I especially enjoy getting up in the mornings and fixing a cup of coffee or hot chocolate,and oatmeal with dehydrated fruit. It is amazing how much time it takes each day to set up camp, and in the morning to break down everything to begin hiking. There is very little wasted time. The group of people I am currently hiking with is very enjoyable, and I hope we will stay on the same general pace for awhile, the companionship is one of the best parts of the AT experience. Tomorrow morning I head out from Hot Springs, and the next town stop is Erwin. Looks like a five or six day section, which means carrying a lot of food. Hopefully it will all fit in my pack, and I can lift the pack.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

From Hot Springs, walked with JB and King Krawler, up the side of the mountain overlooking the French Broad River, past Lover's Leap (great view), on to Spring Mountain Shelter. Also camping there were Veto and Robo-hiker, and Stumblewolf, a young man who told his story of how he was disabled due to some sort of brain aneurism, said he was in a wheelchair most of his life until he was 14, decided to get out of the wheelchair and is now hiking the AT. He moves quickly when hiking, but is very unstable and you worry just watching him walk. But he is making it. Hard to see how he will get very far, but he has come this far so it is no telling what perseverance will accomplish. One of the many inspirational stories out here.
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Things seem to be going well. 4/16 found Jerry in Hot Springs an interesting little hiker town. 11.8 miles later he pulled into Spring Mountain Shelter for the night. Still hiking with Jay B and King Krawler.Today's goal was a 15.4 mile day which would bring him to Jerry Cabin Shelter. According to the guide book 1.8 miles beyond the shelter he will pass through/over Big Butt. There is no description for this feature. Hmmmm...The hike today included going over White Rock Cliffs and Blackstack Cliffs, which were absolutely beautiful and very difficult, much rock scrambling but great views. We were all pretty exhausted by the time we got there. Much to my surprise, Stumblewolf made it to the shelter.
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Jerry called from the top of a mountain where he stopped for lunch. His phone coverage is really spotty these days. There are days when there are no bars ¢ on his phone that is! ¢ or on the trail for that matter.   His plan was to get to Hogback Ridge Shelter for the night, 312.9 miles from the start.He did 15 miles yesterday and 15 today. Yesterday¢s end was apparently fairly difficult. He said that the last few miles he had to think like a mountain goat since the area was all rock and very strenuous(and with that beard he is beginning to look like one also). Today he learned what ramps were ¢ it¢s a plant that grows wild and taste like onions. Apparently, he ¢thinks¢ he found some today and was going to add it to his supper pot. I guess by tomorrow this time we¢ll know if he thought right.All is going well.   Weather has been good.Camped with JB, King Krawler, Veto, Robo-hiker, Yahtzee, along with many others. A young fellow was there, doing a section. While preparing supper, his stove tipped over and he tried to grab it, and caught his jacket on fire, which he quickly put out but it did some damage to the pocket. So, King Krawler gave him his trailname: Hot Pocket.Diggery Dude and Doodlebug were there also, although Doodlebug was at first asking around if anyone had seen her husband - he wandered off but eventually found his way to the camp. Also met Yahtzee who was meeting a friend to hike with her for a few days. There were lots of ramps growing near the shelter. It was a long ways to the water supply but it was a good spring.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.1

Started out nice, but turned into a misty day. Hiked over Big Bald which has great views but not today. Got to the shelter in the rain, early enough to claim a spot in the shelter. I had hitched a ride in the morning at Sam's Gap down to a gas station/market, to buy some fuel since I was running low. The didn't have HEET so I bought another gas line additive hoping it would work. I also stopped at a small restaurant and had a nice breakfast. That was a real treat. Then, had a hard time getting a hitch back up the road to the trailhead, wound up walking a mile or so, but eventually got a ride. Anyway, in the shelter I tried the fuel substitute and it didn't work at all, so I was a little short of fuel but just had to conserve. Quite a few people came in through the day and many wound up setting up tents in the rain.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Hiked out in the rain and mist in the morning. Caught up with a lady hiker who had tented the previous night. As we talked, she told me how she was a breast cancer survivor. Another example of amazing people who walk the trail, despite physical obstacles that would stop most people. Stopped at No Business Knob Shelter to make some supper, then continued on to get to Erwin before night. Made it around 5 pm, set up a tent at Uncle Johnny's, pumped up the tires on one of his bikes, rode about 6 miles into town to go to a Mexican restaurant for dinner, then rode back in the dark to Uncle Johnnys. Picked up a bottle of beer and some snacks on the way. Lots of people staying at Uncle Johnny's, but not my kind of place, glad I will only be here one night and then Sue, Jim, and Karen are coming in tomorrow.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Iron Mtn Gap

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

April 22-24 were spent in a cabin at the above campground. Jerry was joined by his wife, Sue and friends Karen & Jim. It was all good. Jim amd Jerry slacked packed on Friday about 10 miles while Karen and Sue did a little Trail Magic. Jerry slacked packed 10 miles on Saturday and Jim joined in on the magic. The place where the magic happened was called Beauty Spot. It certainly lived up to its name with a 360 view of the world below. All told we had about 28 hikers enjoy the magic (snacks, chips, candy, cookies, cold drings and chairs to sit on).Jerry's hiking buddys, Vito, Jay B and his wife Gwen, and King Krawler joined us for a supper of hot days, metts and brats roaster over a fire. Good times!The foursome Veto, King Krawler, Jay B and Jerry took off from Iron Mountain this morning at mile 360, elevation 3,723. The clouds were very heavy and it looked like rain. Not sure of the destination for tonight.Hopefully there will be new pictures up soon!The weather cleared up for most of the day as we did the hike up to Roan High Knob Shelter. At 6285 ft elevation, this is the highest shelter on the trail. King Krawler and Veto and I go there, and JB was behind us but never showed up. He had walked past the turnoff to the shelter. He has a tendency to walk with his head down, looking at this feet all the time, to avoid falling, and didn't see the sign. It rained some in the evening, but not too bad.
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

Left Roan, not knowing what had happened to JB. Passed Carvers Gap, up over several balds, then got to Stan Murray Shelter where we found JB. He had indeed walked past Roan and wound up camping in the parking lot at Carvers Gap. Later we took a break at Overmountain shelter, which is a rather large barn and could easily sleep 20 hikers. On we went, and then the weather turned very windy and rainy. Up over Little Hump and Hump Mtn, in the wind and mist and rain. The trail was wet and slippery, and exhausting to walk. Finally made it to Apple House Shelter.
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

Sunday when we dropped Jerry off in the morning it looked like a full day of wind and rain. However the clouds blew the other way and the day was cool and dry, great hiking weather.   The foursome hiked 12.5 that day. Monday was a different story. Wind, rain, and fog = wet hikers and gear. Monday night was spent at The Apple House Hostel which gave them a 15.2 mile day, their highest so far if I figured it correctly. Jerry said that everyone was very friendly at the hostel and that they were all fairly comfortable and some of the gear was still wet so they might just ¢have¢ to do a zero day. Apparently, one of the fellow hikers, Fun Dip, bought pizza for everyone at the hostel last evening. Magic strikes yet again!BTW, total mileage = 397.7. Someday, hopefully soon, I will work on correcting the mileage at the top of the page.Happy Hiking, Jerry!After a brief stop to check out a hostel, which was full, we decided to go on but first did a detour up the road a ways to a market where I got a pizza and some other goodies. Then a hitch and a walk back to the Trail, and on to Mountaineer Shelter. This shelter is fairly new, built I think in 2006. I understand that it was assembled in record time by a crew working over a weekend. They had everything prepped and ready to assemble. It was quite nice,and since it was raining, I was glad to have a shelter to stay in that night.
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: White Rocks Mtn Campsite
Miles today: 10.7

Back hurting today, slept in shelter last night, didn't sleep well. We are at a nice campsite about 4 miles from road at Dennis Cove. May be at a hostel tomorrow, no word yet from Veto's friends. Hope back is better tomorrow, if not must take a day off to see if it improves. Could be the end of my hike...
Date: 2010-04-29
From: White Rocks Mtn Campsite

To: US 321
Miles today: 13.8

Just got a quick phone call from Jerry. Seems that King Krawler has named him Slinky because of his hiking pattern.   He hikes ahead of the other three and then stops to look at the view or flowers or to take pictures and thus falls behind. Then he passes everyone again until he stops once again to enjoy whatever is being offered by the trail at the moment and then..... well, you get the idea. In my mind right now I¢m picturing a slinky going down steps. May he be as graceful on the rocky descents and not tumble to the side as a slinky sometime does. (followup note: Jerry rejected the trail name Slinky) They are in Hampton, TN at the moment, 421.5 miles in. Apparently Veto has some friends there and although Jerry did not know the exact plans for the evening he was hoping they might include a shower. It has been almost a week now. So I guess we have a   Stinky Slinky!After some wet weather they have had a day or two of sun.They should be hitting Damascus VA in 3-4 days. WooHoo, another state!   VA has the most mile of all the AT states ~544 all told.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: US 321

To: US 321
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day in Boone, NC, with Veto's hiking partners from a few years ago. A hot shower, laundry, food, drink, a soft bed, life is wonderful. We went for a day hike up Grandfather Mountain on our "day off".Sue's entry: Jerry called the other night. He didn't sound all that great. He was hoarse and said that he had twisted his back a few days ago. The good news of that is the timing. They had been picked up by some of Veto's friends, fellow thru-hikers from '06, and were taking a zero day. Not to mention the opportunity to sleep in a real bed for two nights. He called again yesterday and sounded a little better. I was hoping he'd have a chance to do an entry but apparently did not. However, I found that King Krawler did. So in King Krawler's words....We walked through some of the nicest area of the trail today. We hiked down to Laurel Fork Falls and then along Laurel Fork for a couple of miles, a beautiful stream. That was followed by a long, steep climb up Pond Mountain. The payoff following the descent to Watauga Lake was that we were picked up by one of Veto's 2006 thru hike companions, Bigfoot, who lives in Boone, NC, about an hour away. He took us back to Boone where we will spend the night. Veto and Slinky area staying at Bigfoot's house, and JAY-B and I are staying at Grey Goose's house nearby. Grey Goose, Bigfoot's brother-in-law, also thru hiked with Veto and Bigfoot in 2006.Slinky & Jay-B crossing Laurel Fork's Falls Footbridge We all had dinner at Grey Goose's and his wife, B.R.'s, home and we were all treated us to a slide show and memories of their 2006 thru hike.Reporting from the trail,KingKrawler
Date: 2010-05-01
From: US 321

To: Campsite at mile 434.7
Miles today: 13.0

Jerry just called from Vanevnenter Shelter,VA 430 miles in. Seems he had a few bars on his phone. They were trying to decide if they should stay at the shelter tonight or push on to the next one. Appatently the skies were darkening and there was doubt that they could make it to the next one without getting rained on.He saw his first Mayapple in bloom today, on May 1st. Mentioned other flowers that he has seen. He still is a little hoarse and there is still a twinge in his back but he is HAPPY. The flowers, the view, being able to look back over the mountains that they had hiked across - he is one happy hiker. It is where he need to be!He was so grateful for the last two nights and the zero day. Good food, good friends, generous beyond words hosts, a soft 'real' bed. Thanks to Veto's friends for taking care of the guys.His hope tomorrow is to do 13.1 miles to match the 13.1 miles his daughter Joanna will be running in the Flying Pig. A very nice campsite. JB and I tented a few hundred yards away from the "pit" where most of the others were on a nice grassy knoll. It looked like a spot that might have been a homestead years ago. A nice water supply over the hill,not too far away.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Campsite at Mile 434.7

To: Campsite at 448.4
Miles today: 13.7

The foursome spent last night and will spend tonight at a campsite along the trail. Jerry said that they put in 13.8 miles today. Some of that time consisted of enjoying Magic at a road crossing. Magic consisting of soup beans and corn bread, fresh fruit and berries. Sounded like they really enjoyed it.   He reports that the last couple of day the grade of the hills has been fairly easy, 'like a walk in a park'.   Hope he enjoys it while he can. Damascus is about 15 miles away. No decision as to whether or not they will try to make it there tomorrow.   His throat is still a little scratchy. Can¢t talk long before needing a drink ¢ of water.A nice campsite, on a ridge top just before a road crossing at Low Gap. We did a nice campfire this evening, one of the great pleasures of the Trail. It looked like rain coming in but the evening was good. Blue Sky passed through and went on to a hostel down the road, to get shelter from the coming rain.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Camapsite at Mile 448.4

To: Damascus
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

The foursome made it to Damascus VA today which means they did a little over 15 miles today. As luck would have it when they got there the hostel was full. However the hostel somehow has a connection with a vacation house across the street so our guys are put up in a house with beds, laundry and everything that makes a vacation house a vacation house. ( I¢m trying to think if Damascus would be the place for my vacation house if I had one.) Damascus¢ claim to fame as a Trail Town is the celebration of Trail Days that takes place the weekend after Mother¢s Day. I had the opportunity to be there twice once in ¢02 and again in ¢03. Fun time for the hikers! For me let¢s just say it was an eye opener. If you¢re interested, if you google Trail Days Damascus you can see more picture than you¢d ever want to see of this great event.So our guys are comfortable tonight. As I understand it, King Krawler, Veto and Jay B are going to slack pack for the next couple of days. However, Jerry will be donning his pack and plans on spending the next couple of days on the trail, trudging ever northward. Saw several pink lady slippers today, maybe half a dozen. Crossed over into Virginia.
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Damascus VA

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

Short and sweet ¢ Jerry left Damascus with a new pair of zip off pants this morning hiking solo for a while. Just needed to hike at his own pace and be alone for a while. For those of us who know Jerry that comes as no surprise. He was on top of a mountain describing the beautiful blue sky to me. Hopes to get to Lost Mountain Shelter for the night (how can you lose a mountain?) or will camp at a site along the way. If he makes it to the shelter it will have put in a 15.8 mile day ¢ that¢s some pace! Hike Happy!Left Damascus, hiked up the Virginia Creeper Trail a mile or so before getting into the woods. The trail was very nice but also very uphill. I passed a couple of older gentlemen who were really struggling with the climb. I hope I can still hike when I am their age. At some point I stopped to get some water from a small stream crossing the trail, and slipped on a wet rock and banged my right shin just above the ankle. Hurt pretty bad, but after a few minutes I hiked on. It took quite a while to get to Lost Mtn Shelter, it was getting dark. The trail followed some streams that were very beautiful. I saw some Jack-in-the-pulpits. The shelter area was excellent, with lots of flat sites to set up a tent, and a nice water supply.