morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Rte. 19e, mile 386.9

To: Road 293, mile 399.9
Miles today: 13.3

I was getting coffee in the lovely kitchen of this B&B and ran into Leaping Turtle, who we've known since early Georgia. Over breakfast he told us he was taking a ride 13 miles north and walking back to the hostel - and I realized this would be good for us as well. So we rearranged our packs with just a few things for day hiking and rode off with LT and Terry, the inn owner.At times slackpacking can be difficult - very early starts, or pressure to get to a certain point for a pickup on time, or very long miles. Today's opportunity was perfect: not early, hiking back to the inn, and not too many miles. And it allows us another night in good beds!It was a beautiful day, warm and partly sunny, and the trail was unusually beautiful and easy for many miles. We were powered by the excellent breakfast that Mary had fixed, as well. But by 4 we were ready to be done, and it was another half hour or so before we came out onto the road for the short walk to Mountain Harbor. This would be a great place to meet family if they wanted to visit you on the trail. The inn rooms are very pleasant and complete, and the hostel facility is down the hill in the barn loft. Something for everyone. Also it is on a main road so is easy to get to and easy to resupply from. If family wanted to see a little hiking experience, just drive over to Carver Gap north of Roan Mt. There's a parking area and a great, improved, graded trail up Round Bald (across the road from the parking lot) that is relatively easy to hike and gets astonishing views very quickly.We wound up the day with a visit to the King of the Road steakhouse, with several other hikers. This good food will help with the energy stores the next few days. Hope to visit Kincora hostel, which is very famous in AT lore. And then, a few more days to Damascus - YES!Oh, and we have reached 400 miles! Body fine, spirits good, and very grateful to have made it this far. Spring has never been so lovely or so present.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Road 293, mile 399.9

To: Dennis Cove Road. mile 410.9
Miles today: 11.0

Got my wish - I'm sitting on my bunk at Kincora, with peepers and wood thrushes singing out the window and hikers chatting with Bob Peoples, the owner, downstairs. Very warm and pleasant atmosphere here, as advertised. Each hostel has its own ambiance, and there are many pleasant variations.We awoke at Mountain Harbor this morning and enjoyed another splendid breakfast by Mary. Then we packed up and got a ride to the place we had slacked from yesterday, and hiked north. Thanks, Mary and Terry for a great stay! Warm, humid morning - foreshadowing weather to come! Neither of us liked it much - the body fat that makes me enjoy the cold weather works the other way in heat and humidity. Oh well.Quite a number of hills today - why do I keep being surprised by this? - but we hiked along at a good pace, and found ourselves winding our way down to the road by 3, and walking into Kincora by 3:30 or so. Six and a half hours for the 11 miles, and not too exhausted by it. This is good.Kincora is a log-cabin structure which is part Bob and Pat's house, with a large attached log compound that has a big porch, living room, three bunk areas of different sizes and a kitchen and several bathrooms. The setting is beautiful, fields surrounded by woods on the edge of spring, horses in the pasture, kittens, and a darling little dog who apparently showed up a few days ago.Hostels vary in how much supervision occurs, whether alcohol is allowed, and whether owners live in or near the hiker areas. You could choose lodgings according to your preferences if you pay attention to what people say about each place. Kincora is non-drinking, but certainly has ample patronage, if tonight is any example. The town run had a full vehicle heading down to the supermarket in Elizabethton...and now Quatro is fixing enchiladas while others share pizza and down quarts of chocolate milk.Tomorrow we will slack another section, which helps make miles with less (somewhat less) wear and tear on the body. Many hostel owners offer rides to help with slack packing, charging fees according to distance, and it helps hikers as well as the hostel by assuring patronage the following night. Everybody wins.After tomorrow, we will backpack a few more days to get in to Damascus, VA. New state, big milestone. Good night from Kincora.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Dennis Cove Road. mile 410.9

To: US 321, mile 419.9
Miles today: 8.9

A good opportunity came up to slackpack a 9 mile section from north to south, ending at Kincora. We took that opportunity! Basically, I view this hike as a backpacking trip with occasional slacks - particularly in the service of getting some rest while also getting some miles hiked. I don't think a thruhike can happen for me without slacking some of the time - it's just too hard on the body, and slow on the trail otherwise. So, that's how it is going to be. Different hikers have different "rules" for themselves, to motivate them and to structure the experience. You have to think for yourself and develop the rules or customs that make for the best hike for you. Whether to always go north, or always carry a full pack, or never take a bad-weather blue blaze, etc.Today's big event was seeing the first mountain laurel (or azalea?) blossoms - wild pinky-fuscia - in the canyon formed by Laurel Fork. Guess the canyon walls trap the heat and make a microclimate that bursts the blossoms out. Extremely beautiful. Of course, so was the stream that made the canyon - the last third of the hike took us along the river and past waterfalls and up, and I do mean up, the canyon walls. Beaver were active here at one time, judging by the gnawed stumps and one large dam. More butterflies are coming out now, probably along with the flowers. apple blossoms greeted us with sweet scent as we walked up the road to the hostel, both yesterday and today. It is such a sign of winter coming to an end when you begin to get scents in the air.Quiet here this late afternoon since most hikers went to town for church or resupply or dinner or all three. My laundry is spinning itself dry while I finish my notes in the balmy air on the porch. Tomorrow, full packs and one more mild day - then much cooler weather for a bit.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: US 321, mile 419.9

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Sitting in Vandeventer Shelter while various people fuss around making dinner and getting ready for bed. We set out in the muggy, partly cloudy morning, having been dropped off by Bob Peoples from Kincora. We were hiking with Leaping Turtle today, and aiming to make some miles toward Damascus. The hike took us from the shore of Watauga Lake up onto Iron Mt. ridge, when it began to sprinkle, then rumble thunder, then flash lightning at a distance, and presto! We're in the situation they warn you about - ridges in thunderstorms. But there was no place to go - either direction was more ridge line, and it wasn't obvious whether the storm was coming or going. But the rumbling put a fire under my feet, and I found myself at Vandeventer shelter before 3.We found Aqua Maria and Tailgate here already, encouraging us to settle in - although I had hoped to go a few miles further. To resolve the issue it began raining seriously, so we set up our spaces in the shelter. Before too long, three others(Pearl, Trainwreck and Nest) came in, totally soaked, and we managed to make room.Turns out we had met Pearl and Alex, now Trainwreck, back in Georgia - how about that?! New wildlife today was a lizard, black and brown camouflage, about 6" long, skittering into the underbrush. More tiny irises, which I suspect were introduced, and several really lovely new spring flowers, dark purple and resembling small columbines. Supposed to be cooler the next few days - that should keep us moving right along, rather than dragging in the humid warmth. We'll see!
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

10am and it's foggy and raining and windy in this cement block shelter which is surprisingly effective against the weather. Relatively speaking. At 3am, Aqua Maria and Tailgate got up as planned and headed into the rainy mist, headlamps guiding their way...although headlamps at night in heavy fog are about the same as in your car, not very effective. And there's no yellow line on the trail to help out. We'll hear what happened when we get to Damascus. IF we get to Damascus...Marsh is down a quart this morning, and is sleeping while we wait to see if this rain clears. But so are the three others who came in later yesterday, so this wait-and-see approach to rain is not uncommon. More later.1:30pm and the rain has held off for the last hour or so, but the fog is thick and the temperature is dropping. Marsh not feeling well, and we are definitely here for another night. The only benefit of being nauseous is that you don't eat, so her food supply won't be affected by the delay. I will have to be cautious to have enough to hike two more full days on.Trainwreck, Pearl and Nest still here, waiting to try the 32 mile run into Damascus. Bones came in, got in his bag, and we'll see whether he'll stay the night. Several drenched and chilled hikers came in briefly by noon to eat and warm up, but the crowd here was probably really discouraging for them. More later.7pm Sun streaming into the shelter, the 3 aspiring Damascus-bound actually left around 3pm, and we had a couple of quiet hours. Marsh slept a lot and is feeling better, whew! Oh, the most ethereal thing happened - Bones brought out of his soaking wet pack a ukulele, and took much ribbing for this ridiculous instrument. But after a while, detecting the grim mood of the shelter-bound hikers, he just played and sang "Over the Rainbow" in the style of the Hawaiian guy - the exact song I have had in my head throughout this hike. Then he grinned and packed up to leave. Gave me goosebumps, and also a great burst of happiness. Wow. New hikers, Site, Sunbeam and Brownbag here right now, cooking dinner and settling in. Quite a day - I have no book, so spent most of it in my sleeping bag, sitting up against the back wall of the leanto, looking around or listening to people talk. Sort of like arctic expeditions when snowbound in the tent...Hope to set out hiking in the morning, in the cool, clear air. Supposed to get down in the 30's tonight.Still have my heavy long underwear bottoms and puffy jacket, so should be warm enough.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Low Gap campsite
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

Yes, the mileage is correct!But first, the rest of the story. During the night a huge round of high wind and driving rain brought in even colder temps, and we woke up to 20f and the ground crunching beneath our feet. It was windy, so it felt even colder. Nothing to do except get dressed and start walking - which we did. Marsh felt much better, so we could hike today. Much of the last 33 miles to Damascus are flatter and faster than the previous miles of trail, so it is common for hikers to hike more miles here. We were aiming for 14 or so, if the bodies held up - but when we got to Double Spring shelter, and the sun was out, and the air a tad warmer (still in the 40's), and there was gas in the tank, we decided to have a snack and hike a couple of hours more. It was only 3pm, so this was a reasonable thing to do. About 5pm we came to a campsite listed in the guidebook. Pretty enough except for the controlled burn that apparently took place a few weeks ago. The burned area stretched for at least 3 miles of trail, both sides. It only burned small underbrush, and spring flowers were coming up in it okay. But not the pleasantest effect to hike in. Must have some purpose, I'll be interested to find out.Planning to get to bed early, to get up early and hike the remaining 15 or so miles into Damascus asap. Then a planned zero day - YES! As I write this at 7pm, the wind is picking up and the temperature is dropping - another cold night, I think! We both noted that we do far better hiking in cold than heat, but we hope to adapt as the summer comes on.
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Low Gap campsite

To: Damascus
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Virginia!!!Another high-mileage day (for us), aided by the cold, clear air - so refreshing after some of the warm, humid air of late. We woke at our campsite, having no other hikers there after all. I kind of expected several people to hike in late, but no. The good thing about that is privacy, being able to talk as loud as you want, or change clothes easily. Usually, though, there are several others at any given shelter or campsite.We took off at 7:30am, to try to get the last 14 miles into Damascus with some "town time" left. And so we did. With minimal breaks, we were walking into town before 2pm. The trail goes right through town, like it does in Hot Springs, NC. It's a great feeling to cross into our 4th state, and the psychological 1/4 way through the AT. Systems review: feet are basically fine, with some general soreness after unusually long miles, but nothing else. Knees are holding up fine, with also only general soreness after longer days than usual. I think shoulders and grip are strengthening because of heavy hiking pole use. The basic sense I have is that my body really likes this level and type of activity! Mentally it has been great, as well. I think the mood does well with the high level of endorphins generated by the walking. I am finding that sleeping in a different place each night is fine - had wondered if it would be a strain on my consistency-loving nature. The other people on the trail are a huge source of fun and interest to me. I enjoy most everyone, and like the recognition that goes on between hikers, those you have met once or many times before, and those who are new. Being on trail journals has been a very helpful way to become known, and also to recognize others.I guess I AM the kind of person who does this kind of thing...! At any rate, so far, so good.We have a room at the Lazy Fox, a great B&B that came highly recommended by other hikers our age. Miss Ginny is charming, and very accommodating to our needs, and very familiar with the needs of hikers.Later today I will stroll around town, have dinner with friends, and also go to the library to see what's what in my email and trail journal guest book. Haven't had access to a computer for a long time - will be much to catch up on.Also we will spend time planning out Virginia - where to resupply, how long between stops and so forth. I picked up the Virginia maps on our way into town, nervous that they might sell out as was the case in Gatlinburg. Some folks don't carry maps, but I think it is important to know how to get off the trail if an emergency comes up - often there are ways that are much easier than backtracking on the AT, but without a map you can't tell. Also if you made a cell phone call in an emergency, it would be easier to pinpoint your location if the responder was not well acquainted with the AT.
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

An absolutely perfect spring day in Damascus, VA. We woke to a huge breakfast provided by Miss Ginny at the Lazy Fox. All kinds of good food, which we did our best to devour. Gucci and Barefoot were there too, so we had the unusual experience of talking with hiking friends over fine linen and china...odd juxtaposition!We then tucked into town chores - but as we were ready to head out, Crazy Horse stopped by to review the Virginia section of trail, and to offer advice and commentary on good places to see or things to do. He had met Uncle Tom last year, and had told Tom he would look us up when we got to town. Very useful info - thanks, Crazy Horse (and Uncle Tom)!"Day off" is not exactly right - most of the day you are sort of pressed to be sure everything gets done, in a town that is new to you, and on foot. Once the groceries are bought, and the route is planned, the box picked up from the PO and opened and sorted thru, then repacked and mailed back out, the laundry done and the minor items picked up from the outfitter or hardware store, THEN you begin to unwind...but it is 5:45 pm by then, and time to get supper. Tonight we went to the Old Mill, just down the street, and had good plates of barbecue pork and chicken, mashed potato and cole slaw. The latter I don't usually care for, but find myself craving its cool, crunchy sweetness. We had the company of Leaping Turtle and Hell on Bad Wheels (!), both nice guys, and called it a night by 9pm since we were hiking out in the morning. Headed back to the Lazy Fox to get some sleep.Except the bed was covered with bags of groceries and miscellanea, so I had to unpack and sort all that first. I think the true luxury would be to have 24 hours where you don't do anything related to hiking - maybe a second zero, sometime. I don't think I've ever concentrated on one mission as intensely as I have this hike. It's basically great fun, but definitely a "working vacation".That said, it continues to delight and amaze me, and I am grateful for every day out here, walking up the eastern edge of the USA, seeing the towns and meeting the people, living in the woods and mountains, basically outdoors 24/7. And we're in Virginia!
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Damascus

To: Mile 479.4
Miles today: 18.3

Another beautiful day, except warmer. And another wonderful breakfast at the Lazy Fox. Slept well, and got on the trail by 9am with heavy packs, as they always are going out of town. One last look at the green lawns, carefully tended gardens, pansies, irises, neat white houses and tidy streets, and back to the woods.We decided to take part of the Virginia Creeper trail, which is a National Scenic treasure - a rail trail that follows Whitetop Laurel Creek for miles, and parallels or joins the AT alternately - and it was absolutely stunningly beautiful. A good sized stream tumbling, racing, flowing gently beside the gently winding trail, flowers, birds, deer, geese, different trees - wonderful. Also many bicyclists and fly fishermen and women, enjoying this perfect weather. Several stopped to ask about our hike, which was fun, especially to see people be encouraged by seeing women our age doing this.Eventually we got to the Lost Mountain Shelter, a big, new-looking log structure with many good tent sites around. Several hikers we knew were there snacking and talking. We joined in, and also got word of good tenting a couple of miles further up the trail. And here we are now, tenting with Yazzie, having had our suppers and hung the food bags out of reach of animals -the nightly ritual. Rain is predicted tomorrow, and the wind is getting up as I type this. That was the main reason we came the extra miles today, to make tomorrow's hike a little shorter if conditions are poor. It's always an adventure - we'll see what happens!
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Mile 479.4

To: Thomas Knob shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day - a great hike, great people, and new and different stuff. Woke up a lot all night so I was glad to get up when it finally was light, around 6am. I think it was the humid wind and rain, and the effect similar to animals alert all night lest their burrow flood... but it did not rain, and we set out for Mt. Rogers territory.Good trail much of the time, especially as we got onto the flanks of Mt. Rogers. Back in Spring Beauty territory, plus new flowers - red columbine and some tiny white flowers that had serious fringing on the edges, looking like tiny goose down petals. Maybe fringed phacelia - at least it was fringed enough!The wind picked up as the morning went on, and by early afternoon as we were winding around the edges of Mt. Rogers, it was building in stronger and stronger. The trail takes you up to a bare ridge, where the summit path departs from the AT, and the AT continues to Thomas Knob shelter. We stopped in for a snack and to decide how far to go when it began to rain. That settled it - here for the night.This shelter is logs with semi enclosed front, important because of the severe weather potential this high up on a fairly exposed ridge. The cool thing we discovered is that it has an upstairs - a loft reached by a tall ladder, and has two windows for light and a new metal roof. Looks warmer than the open downstairs, so I brought my stuff up.Soon a family came in with three kids and their dad - Hannah, Isaac, and his friend Evan, and Todd - and right now it's 6 people up here. But it is still early, so we may have more before the night comes. This family is fun - I haven't seen many kids on the trail, and they seem to be used to this and enjoying it.Later: Red Dog and Lucky Dog came in, and Yazzie, along with some other short term hikers who went along to a further campsite. Leaping Turtle came and went, as is his wont. I was tired, and went to bed about 7:30, up in the loft. The kids were staying up there too, and were so quiet coming up to bed I didn't even hear them. But later at night I did hear pounding rain and wind, and was very glad to be up there all snug!
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Thomas Knob shelter

To: Hurricane Mt. shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Virginia keeps putting out the red carpet, it seems - first it was the cruise down into Damascus from the state line, then the Virginia Creeper trail and its beauty, then today going through the Grayson Highlands and areas north and east of Mt. Rogers.These highlands are wonderful! Despite rocky pathways which make for slow going, the views are stupendous. No big trees, but grass and some shrubs and rocky outcroppings, and the horses! Herds of feral ponies live in this area, and graze all around - we saw some from a distance at the shelter last night, and this morning up close, and one came close enough to pat its nose!It was the kind of blue sky clear air day that often follows a storm, so everything looked ultra clear and beautiful. For miles we were hiking through this highlands terrain, and then the trail swung out of the barrens into the forest for the rest of the afternoon. We stopped around 3:30pm at Old Orchard shelter, and decided to fix dinner and take a good break, and see if it might restore us enough to hike 5 more miles to the next shelter. The reasoning was that we had stopped short yesterday for rain, and had done a relatively short day the day before, and could use some more miles. So, we did. Few flowers evident on the highlands, also few birds. But back in the woods this afternoon we saw many trout lilies and spring beauties. Robins, juncoes and I think the orchard oriole were all busy in the forest. Oh, and a big lesson today - at a trail junction in the highlands we were attracted by the ponies, and also noted some hikers coming up a trail and heading up where we had come from. So we headed down the trail, and after a while realized there were no white blazes. Ultimately, we went about a half mile off the AT before we realized it and turned around. But I found myself trying to make the route we were on be the right one, so we went further afield than we should have. Oh well, there are worse places to get lost, and for our efforts, we saw even more ponies!This shelter is brand new, facing ridges of mountains, and we have it to ourselves, which is a treat. Several hikers we know are tenting nearby, so it is friendly but also private in a way we almost never have.Tomorrow we plan another long day, if the body and terrain permit - we'll see!