morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Hot Springs - Elmer's Sunnybank Inn

To: Zero Day - Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers, 4/19/13: So sorry for the delay in journal updates! I've been doing great, and the hiking has been spectacular. Internet service here in Hot Springs is spotty, so am slowly updating the entries from Fontana Dam onwards (thru 4/10 with entries done). Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who has signed my guest book! I love seeing the emails come through, they mean so much to me. I'll update this entry as I get caught up transcribing. I also don't know why the entry from 4/2 is missing - I can see it in my author account, so will need to do some investigating. Happy Trails! Pathfinder Updated 5/3/13: amazing to look back on my last zero day 2 weeks ago! The best $15 I've spent on the trail so far, bar none, was the hour long soak I had in the hot springs today - SO AMAZING. Future thrus, put that on your list for sure!! Even in the rain, what a great day today. Breakfast at Elmer's is not to be missed, and various chores later, great pizza with WP at the Smoky Mt Diner, came my relaxation time - the soak and then equally fantastic ice cream at Artisun's. A sad note - Bigfoot Jim's blisters aren't better, so he's going home and cutting short his section hike this year. It's so hard to see someone have to leave their dream, even if its only for a while. Other hikers are struggling with injuries, and I am so fortunate I haven't had many physical ailments thus far. Allergies are definitely starting, but those are more expected since I'm allergic to nearly every tree known to man. Another great shower and packing up for tomorrow - I've loved it here but am ready to get back to the woods. I feel strong - time to step up the miles and challenge myself. Wooyah!
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Zero Day - Sunnybank Inn

To: Hemlock Hollow Inn Hostel
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Good evening dear readers,Well, I didn't intend to end up at a hostel tonight, but encroaching darkness and no decent campsites not near a road (which I don't feel comfortable staying at by myself) and here I am! Today was a day of contrasts - fresh sunshine in the valley walking out of town and nearly interrupting a 5k race, to hot dry stretches where I was searching for water. The lovely little spring I found around 6pm saved my bacon!   The hike out of Hot Springs was up, up, up, but nothing different than usual. Some lovely view and sounds from the French Broad River, which was just roaring from the rain yesterday. Whirled Peas went for a soak in the hot springs after I raved about it, so I happily struck out on the trail by myself. Some nice trail magic at a gap by Bonsai's twin brother and wife was a nice treat - fresh green pepper, and I've so been craving fresh veggies out here, along with fresh sausage. I had packed out leftover pizza, which became a happy second lunch at Rich Mountain Tower along with some great views. A highlight of the afternoon was seeing OB slack packing south with his son and daughter in law. I lost a tangle with some pricker bushes, oh well some new scratches on my legs. Today proved I can do "big" miles even starting late, though I admit I was a bit freaked out when I was losing the light. The half mile road walk to the hostel was fine, but for the first time I felt conspicuous and out of place - a woman alone in rural Tennessee. I wasn't in any danger, it just struck me that I didn't belong. The hostel owners were great, and the bunkhouse comfortable. Should have eaten out of my food bag, but what thru hiker can pass up warm food? A quick burger and milkshake later, and I was quite content. The hacking cough had started - the dreaded congestion etc around my prime allergy season. Throat was very sore today with the drainage. Sigh.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Hemlock Hollow Inn Hostel

To: Flint Gap stealth campsite
Miles today: 15.3

Good evening dear readers,What a difference a day makes! After a wonderful breakfast at the hostel we were shuttles back to the trail. Despite being tempted to slack pack back to the hostel with a few others, I declined since I have no reason to do so and want to keep heading steadily north. I was mildly surprised how many other hikers were at the hostel last night - instant camaraderie, but still surprising since just 1 day out of Hot Springs for most thrus. Long climb this morning up Camp Creek Bald and decided not to climb up to the tower. Rather happy about that decision later when I learned the tower was locked and no real view. Meandered down to Jones Meadow for lunch which would have been a great campsite. As I was finishing lunch, a great surprise, up strolls OB! We hadn't actually hiked together since before Fontana, so it was great to catch up and negotiate Firescald Knob's rock scrambles together, shared some awesome views. OB had mentioned seeing a few section hikers the day before who with big eyes told him it was really hard. We laughed a bit after the first little scramble, but we were wrong there was much more to come! It was fun actually - a nice difference from the everyday trail. We reached Jerry Cabin Shelter at 4pm which was far too early for either of us to stop. Passed several grave sites today, some amazingly maintained in a park like setting, which I would never had believed my eyes if I hadn't been there. After a steep descent into Flint Gap, we decided to stealth camp at a few nice looking sites since we had just enough water between us. I was whipped - even another mile, which of course was a climb out of the gap, seemed like too much. OB made a nice fire and we enjoyed good conversation and our dinners. The moon is amazingly bright tonight - almost don't need my headlamp! Milestone of the day: 300 miles! Last 100 have flown by, now we're talking! Allergy update: sore throat is better as long as I'm drinking water or sucking on hard candy or a cough drop. Worse is the nasal congestion - so gross to deal with the "snot factory" as I've called it in the past out here. My face bandana, normally reserved for wiping sweat off, is now my snot rat, just akk!
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Flint Gap stealth campsite

To: Low Gap campsite
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Good evening dear readers,A gorgeous sunrise greeted OB and I this morning from our tents. How I love stealth camping! Rarely do I get the same sorts of views at the shelter areas. I'm really digging my plan of doing 15 miles minimum and just seeing how I'm doing around 6pm. Really getting into the groove now A probar (new food choice for me courtesy of Bluff Mountain Outfitters) powered me up the climb to the shelter, which last night seemed so exhausting. At Devils Fork Gap, Headbones joined us! He lives in the area and had been taking some zeros at home. He was so nice and brought each of us a sandwich, chips, Gatorade, and homemade brownies, just yum! Rarely have I scarfed down a full meal at 10:30am, but didn't pause at this trail magic! It definitely helped power me up the long climb the next 4 miles. A lovely cascading waterfall was a nice photo opp, how I love waterfalls, so soothing, I just wish I could sit by one all day. Otherwise a few minor views, with Headbones pointing out Big Bald where we'd be tomorrow morning. It looked dauntingly far away, but as I've learned, my feet can carry me quite a distance each day. At Sams Gap, we were all hoping for some trail magic. Well, OB created it for us! Quick as a wink he flagged down a passing car and asked for a ride to a restaurant in our guide book. The trail angel had section hiked the trail before and said "get in!" OB and Snacks (there with his girlfriend Baby Einstein) jumped in and said they'd found up some food for us. The 3 of us remaining had a happy time taking a boots off break and chatting. The guys brought back some ice cream comes and marshmellows from a gas station store as the restaurant wasn't open then. Score!! Despite having good energy from the ice cream, the last 3.5 miles to the campsite were hard for me. The congestion is starting to settle in my lungs and its hard to draw as deep a breath as normal. When I struggle physically I'm down on myself, which really isn't helpful looking back. In camp though, a great fire, and roasted marshmallows for dessert, the first time for that for me out here! My mood easily picked up amongst great company.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Low Gap campsite

To: Temple Hill Gap stealth campsite
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good evening dear readers,A day of ups and downs for me. Well, not just because I'm here in the mountains! Unfortunately the congestion from my seasonal allergies is really staring to affect my asthma. The climb up Big Bald was relatively easy, but I pushed too hard and started to wheeze, which scared me. Gorgeous views though! Didn't help that I didn't sleep well due to the hacking cough. It's all of a piece some days, right? It was really special hearing Headbones' stories about Big Bald that he knows so well having lived and hiked in these mountains before. You know you're a thru hiker when....you get to a road crossing and without thinking twice throw down your foam pad and lay down to take a siesta. Umm, I'm really not a bum. Homeless right now, but I think I've gone into the category of "hiker trash!" Said very lovingly of course Back to topic, it was more I was seriously dragging, on the down hills no less which never happens. OB and Headbones had waited for me and were so concerned. I had an offer from a local man, a definite good ole boy, to drive me into Erwin, but I said I thought I'd be ok once I rested a bit, massive sinus headache was forming. So touched that people, even total strangers, cared what I was going through. Then, more trail magic! A guy looking for his friend who was hiking gave each of us a Mountain Dew, called Mountain Lightening! I love it.   Well, that picked me up right smart, and we easily did another 6 miles or so, the first section along a beautiful cascading steam,and then past the shelter where many hikers were camping. I haven't mentioned much about the Norovirus going through the hikers, but it is a nasty GI bug lots have been hit with around here. I've been avoiding shelters even more than usual recently, and OB and Headbones felt the same. We wanted a quick in/out of Erwin to resupply and get a meal, so the closer we could camp the better. We made it to Temple Gap after 7, and a nice younger couple from Florida welcomed us to camp with them - Mama and Papa Bear. A quick meal and then to bed with big plans for tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Slackpack SOBO from Bear Branch Road

To: Hughes Gap - slackpacking SOBO
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Good evening dear readers,I am an IDIOT daypacker. Been a competent thru hiker for weeks now and all that wisdom - out the door in one fell swoop. Great minds, all 3 of us. In this instance idiot = foolishly unprepared when we should have known better. Here's what I didn't have in my daypack to walk 21 miles today - a long distance by most people's reckoning! I didn't have: enough good food (snacks galore), emergency shelter, rain pants, my satellite SOS device, any first aid supplies, or the ability to make a fire. Of the 3 of us, only I thought to bring my headlamp, and God was surely watching out for me there. Total fail really. We're just lucky nothing major or serious happened. However when you're doing your first night hike down a mountain what could go wrong tends to reverberate through your head! We had an open and frank "post mortem"'in the car afterwards and all agreed we were idiots and wouldn't be caught the same way twice. I think it comes down to this: We were so intent and excited about giving out trail Magic treats that we lost sight of the big picture - our goal was to do big miles (for us) to get OB caught up on his schedule. We seriously underestimated the terrain, and happily strolled through the woods in the morning having long conversations with friends new and old. Sigh. It was a ton of fun, and lunch on Hump mountain was great, and in general the views spectacular and Roan Mountain was cold at over 6000 feet! But the bottom line is - we were idiots and I don't like night hiking when I don't have all my gear with me. Giving out Trail magic and a big mileage day do not go hand in hand! We'll be more realistic tomorrow, and hashed out a good plan at Burger King. I solemnly pledge I won't be an idiot daypacker again!!
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Buck Mountain Road - slackpacking NOBO

To: Dennis Cove Road - slackpacking NOBO
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: moderate rain

Good evening dear readers,I am happy to report that I am back to my competent hiking self, and felt much more prepared today. We actually did the same amount of miles in 1 1/2 hours less time today, and at no time did I find myself running down a mountain. Not sure if I mentioned that yesterday in my rant against being unprepared but that happened too, during the night hiking portion no less! Yesterday was still a great day and so was today despite the rain. OB, Headbones and I knew we'd get wet, but it was with the knowledge that we'd have a nice warm and dry hotel room to come back to.   Despite not having enough sleep again, I began the day renewed and enjoying all the non-rain water! Waterfalls galore, and a beautiful river walk. Nice meandering hills despite somePointless ups and downs, made for an easy terrain day. Which, I definitely needed as my asthma is only getting worse from all the congestion, it's hard to draw a deep breath without giving out a hacking cough. I felt bad about making the guys wait for me since the climbs seem to be just as slow with a daypack as with a full pack at this point. After lunch, I told them I'd see them at he shelter in 5'miles and all was well until my afternoon slump hit. Either the lack of sleep was catching up to me or something else is going on because at least I are very well today. It was amazing the lethargy was so bad for an hour and then at 3:45 all of a sudden ZIP I had my energy back. So very weird. The rest of the day was spent contemplating slack packing and my contrary feelings towards it. I don't think I'll be doing much of it - the juxtaposition between town and trail that frequently was so jarring to me. While I seriously appreciate having the opportunity amidst the best conditions when a loved one of the group is a fabulous support person, the stress was a bit much. I hate making people wait for me, in no way did either of the guys or Mona make me feel that way, it's just how I am. In large part I came out here to get "off the clock" and having to go back to that I didn't enjoy. There are great parts to slack packing, but unless the circumstances are right, which would probably involve a hiking partner having support from a loved one, which is an awesome pro, I probably won't be slacking much, if at all. As if to remind me of my reasons for being out here, the last 2 miles of the day were absolutely serene. The woods were hushed from the rain, fresh and renewed, the tall trees like a cathedral and seemed to go on forever and the babbling streams in invigorated. Just incredible. Even though I knew I was making the others wait, I meandered happily and quietly until the road. What a day, indeed.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Buck Mountain Road - slackpacking SOBO nero day

To: Bear Branch Rd - slackpacking SOBO nero day
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: clear sky

Good evening dear readers,"In the mud again...." So sang Headbones as we started our short 3 mile walk this rainy Sunday morning to finish the little bit of trail between our 2 longer slack pack sections the past 2 days. Despite the mud from the rain yesterday and today, what a lovely walk this morning. Hiking southbound we saw several hikers we knew, who were quite confused to see us there since we'd seen them 2 days ago on Roan Highlands. The mist blew in and out, providing lovely views of the distant mountains and rolling pasture land. So fresh and serene, a great locale to celebrate a Sunday morning and the end to our slackpacking. Getting back to the road seemed to take no time at all, and M&M greeted us with the news that she found a local place that makes donuts fresh for you! We hurried to the appropriately named Happy's and chowed down. We made a quick detour by Mountain Harbour B&B/hostel, where I had my bounce box and food box sent. Fantastic place, all the hikers were raving about the breakfast. Future hikers, unless you have a great alternate lined up, looks like this is a place not to be missed. Other town chores fell by the wayside - showers, laundry, and the outfitters, Mahoney's, which has to be both the biggest and most crammed full of stuff place I've seen since starting the trail. They did have a replacement basket and tip for my left trekking pole, much to my delight, as I'd been dealing with it missing since the mud after Clingmans Dome in the Smokies ate it. The sales associate was so helpful, great experience there if you find yourself in Johnson City. After food shopping and gear cleaning we had a lovely potluck dinner in the breakfast nook at the motel! Shout out to the front desk staff who helped me print out a mailing label for my bounce box when the hotel's computer wouldn't connect to the Internet. He is a cousin to Miss Janet , trail angel legend, what a small world! Back to carrying the pack tomorrow, though Mom, my wonderful support person back home, is sending me my old Osprey and Gossamer Gear packs to Damascus as I'm further convinced the Catalyst is not the right size for me. Been hitching it up constantly and the straps keep slipping. After talking with others, and trying different configurations, I'm just done. Looking forward to switching the pack out! Even more looking forward to sleeping in the woods again and getting back to the normal routine. This has been a great experience, but I'm ready to get back to the simple life of a thru hiker. Thanks again, Magic Mona / M&M, for all you did for us!!
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Stealth Campsite ~ 2 miles before Vandeventer 
Miles today: 15.8

Good evening dear readers,The woods smell so fresh, clean, and natural. I know that I stink out here, but I really don't notice it unless we've had rain for days on end. My rain jacket is no way shape or form breathable, so it acts as a smell concentrator when I've been wearing it. However, in town, the "hiker funk"'is incredible, especially in the hotel room after its been shut up, just wow. I've never been this smelly in my entire life. Something else I notice when returning to the woods is how much I'm sore in town - sitting in chairs, cars, even sleeping in beds I so easily get the "hiker hobble" which just isn't as apparent in the backcountry, even sitting on the ground and crawling in and out of my tent. So strange! Well, that ends my ruminations on town vs trail, at least for today . Back on the trail by 8:15am, and a lovely hike to Laurel Falls amidst large rock formations, despite the slippery rocks making for a treacherous descent. The falls were so gorgeous, and bigger than I expected from pictures I'd seen. The rock scramble after the falls were crazy and totally made me understand why there was a blue blaze bad weather by-pass! A nicely switchbacked climb up Pond Flats Mt, but no real views. OB, Headbones and I had "first lunch" with Quaker, and shared Subway sandwiches we'd packed out (fantastic idea, we got the veggies on the side to help prevent mushiness), and really enjoyed our conversation with him. Watauga Lake was so neat to see through the trees, and then again close up during second lunch at the picnic area. I was thrilled the bathroom was open - it's the little things in life! A detour around a flooded area necessitated the first of several road walk today, and the warmer weather reminded me why I dislike walking on pavement now. Watauga Dam was interesting - not as big or impressive as Fontana, but how they handles the drainage was interesting - it was really far away from the dam and the lake, certainly a feat of engineering. All in all, so nice to have a non-hurried hike today, somewhat lazy after our last more hurried days.. Allergies seem to be getting worse, or perhaps it's just the contrast after sleeping in doors for a few days. Needless to say, I was tired and had a sinus headache which made the last mile or so somewhat trying. I was very happy to see OB and Headbones at a lovely little stealth camping site near a rather stagnant stream made for a nice campsite about 2 miles before the shelter. This stretch I feel I've been quite disconnected from everyone back home - on one hand I don't want to be bothered with technology out here but I should be polite and respond to emails and such! Maybe tomorrow, or the next town, even better
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Stealth Campsite ~ 2 miles before Vandeventer 

To: Campsite 1 mile before Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Good evening dear readers,Today was a struggle for me. The terrain was relatively easy, but between the snot factory going full force and the hacking cough, I can definitely tell my lung capacity has definitely been affected. I just feel worn out, and other than the first hour of the hike today felt like I was moving in slow motion. Feel just pathetic really, and I really dislike feeling that way. Ok, self absorbed rant is out of the way, onto happier topics! Lovely views into the valley and Watauga Lake from behind Vandeventer Shelter, but I was glad we stopped where we did last night - very few tent sites, and the shelter itself was small, dark, and dank, not at all what I expected. Gently rolling hills, primarily a ridge walk, filled with wildflowers, new grass and undergrowth, and leafing trees rounded out the day's hike until the last mile or so. Spring by scenery, summer by temperatures. Dipped my buff in 2 streams to cool off - so refreshing. A wonderful conversation at lunch with 2 section hikers, and the unexpected idyllic pasture walk complete with many many cows (Headbones said the look on my face was classic when I saw the stile to climb into the cow pasture!) were the diamonds of the day. The VA border tomorrow hopefully and Damascus the day after - the milestones keep on coming!
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Campsite 1 mile before Double Springs Shelter

To: Campsite ~ 2 miles before Damascus
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Good evening dear readers,I love kool-aid. OB let me bum some of his grape kool-aid mix for my water bottle (which I usually have a nuun electrolyte tablet in addition to my water bladder), and I *adore* it. Definitely the grape mix is going on my resupply shopping list in Damascus tomorrow, I'm a total convert. Has a absolutely no nutritional value, but it tastes good. So strange how taste buds have changed out here. Great mountain breezes dominated much of the hike today, cooler and cloudy, some sun at times, a nice change from yesterday. A few views through the trees, but today was more about the simple trail - the birds chirping, the pricker plants encroaching on the trail, the cushy ground beneath my feet. Today reminded me how happy I am to be out in the mountains everyday, despite distant town noise invading the serenity from time to time. The TN-VA border was definitely the highlight today - an actual state line, and another milestone achieved! Going back and forth between NC and TN for so long, it seems odd, but great, to be sleeping in VA tonight. Hiking today was still a bit of a struggle with the problems breathing and allergies, but I'm planning a zero in Damascus on Friday and hopefully the extra rest will help, along with talking with my doctor back home who sent me out with some antibiotics in case of an upper respiratory infection - thinking I have that going on now. I'm thinking this may be the end of hiking together with OB and Headbones as I doubt they need a zero, which saddens me a lot. The old dichotomy - hiking solo versus a "trail family", so odd how things morph and change along the trail, but perhaps this is a lesson the trail is trying to teach me - to be more flexible and independent. I guess I'll see what happens, regardless I'll hike on. Provided I can breathe, of course!