morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Bluff Mountain Campsite

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 11.0

Broke camp around 8:00 in a very heavy fog. My rain fly was saturated but I had stayed dry in my Copper Spur. Decided to head on up the trail and eat breakfast wherever I could find a sunny spot. Sling Shot left out about 7:00 headed for Hot Springs. Told him I would see him there. Weather turned out to be beautiful, actually rather hot in the afternoon on some of the steep uphills. Arrived in Hot Springs at 2:30 and met Rosemary who had already gotten a room at the Iron Horse Station Inn. It's a great place to stay and I definitely will come back sometime. We had dinner (after I had showered and changed into clean clothes) at the Spring Creek Tavern. The cheeseburger, fries, and beer that I had was the best meal I'd had in six days! We will drink one of the bottles of wine that Rosemary brought while we listen to the open mic music downstairs at our hotel. Saw Daniel Boone (Boonie) at the tavern. Great to see him again. I think I missed Steady by one day. She left Hot Springs this morning. I plan on a zero tomorrow to rest up and resupply. I'll hit the trail on Thursday.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Have met lots of hikers in town. Lewis and Clark from Cookeville, TN. Story, Boonie, Miles from Nowhere & Sidetrack, Hardtack & his family and Allen Asbury and his wife, Mary. Also, Sling Shot, Blockade Runner and High Tide (from Lenoir City, TN), 22 & Push Up. The town is full of hikers looking for a respite before returning to the trail. I got a massage at the Hot Springs Spa Resort. It was worth every penny! Helped my aching back considerably. The masseuse found sore places that I didn't know existed. Never realized that my neck was so tight and that my left calf muscle was really sore. Going to try the mineral baths tomorrow to see if it will flush the toxins from my body (their claim). So glad that Rosemary came here to meet me. It's been lots of fun. Doggie Daddy -- out.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to spend another night in Hot Springs to allow time for one more trip to the outfitters and a soak in a mineral hot tub at the Hot Springs spa. The hour soak really seemed to help my back. Attended the free dinner provided to the hikers by the Hot Springs community. Good, home-cooked food and interesting entertainment. Ran into Mark and John as we were leaving and invited them to our hotel bar for a beer. It was great to see them again. Planning to hit the trail in the morning.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Sure hated to leave Rosemary this morning. Don't know when I'll see her again. Left Hot Springs about 9:30 and hiked until 7:30. Found a stealth site so I stopped here. Expecting rain tomorrow. I hope it holds off for a while. Hiked better than 16 miles today. It's amazing what a few eggs and a big old slab of country ham can do for you. I can't believe I'm all alone tonight. I think most of the hikers headed for the hostel because of the weather prediction. Time for bed -- love you Rosemary.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Stealth Camp

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hit the trail at 8:00 this morning after a good night's sleep. Heard about trail magic at Camp Creek Bald. The Greeneville, TN hiking club had tremendous trail magic. They had everything! I had a hamburger, hot coffee, chocolate, salad, fruit, and dessert. It was great! Stopped early today, about 3:30, since the weather is supposed to get bad. It's 8:15 now, cold and windy. Still no rain although we're predicted to get 2 inches tonight. I met a nice group of guys from Charlotte here at the shelter. They're just out for the weekend. Hardtack came by earlier to introduce me to his girlfriend before they headed for the next shelter. Story is here with her mom and dad. I'll make plans for tomorrow when I wake up. The bypass trail (the new AT over the crest of the mountain) was beautiful but a tough hike. Shadow would have loved it. Lots of rock hopping -- up and down. Made Albert Mountain look like a kindergarten playground. Time for bed -- woof, woof.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

7:00am - Wind is blowing like crazy, raining off and on. Waiting to see what happens with the rain. Erwin is still 41 miles away. It will be wet if I head out now but gotta take the bad with the good. It's 9:30am now and still raining with horrific wind. For now I will stay in my tent and wait it out. Don't want to trade warm and dry for cold and wet. Still have plenty of water and food. I can possibly get to Erwin in 2.5 days if I hike one 19.1-mile day, one 18.3-mile day, and then 5.8 miles into town. All of it will depend on the weather. 11:00am - Still cold, rainy, and very windy. I just visited the shelter. Some of the kids there are in bad shape. They have moved to the shelter to dry out after their tents failed, soaking their sleeping bags. I'm okay but could be better. I really need to leave here tomorrow. 3:45pm - Still raining off and on, wind gusts are pretty bad but it feels warmer. Just when you think the rain is over, it starts again. I had tuna and crackers for lunch. I think I may turn into a tuna. I already smell like one! I'll see what I can dig up for supper. 5:08pm - A little blue sky above, windy and cold but the rain has slacked. I'm heading out tomorrow and will take my chances with the weather. No way I can do 166 miles to Damascus in 12 days (that's just 14 miles per day). I have a goal. Have hung my food. Time for bed. Woof, woof
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Had to wait until 10:00a for the rain to stop. Broke a wet camp but the weather was beautiful after the rain. Met several people I know who were slack packing today: Lewis and Clark, U-Turn, and Robo Cop. Going to go as far as I can today. Not sure where I will end up.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.8

Broke camp at 9:00a this morning. Weather forecast was 40% chance of scattered thundershowers. Guess where that 40% chance was. Right over my head! Met up with 22 and Push Up on the trail and we decided to get a shuttle at Spivey Gap to Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin. Since the hostel was full, we ended up at the Super-8 in town. Tried to hitch a ride 1.5 miles to the Mexican restaurant but couldn't one. 22 and Push Up decided to have a snack at Mickey D's and then order pizza at the motel but I opted for breakfast at the Huddle House. The BIG breakfast -- 3 eggs, 3 slices of bacon, 2 sausage patties, hashbrowns, biscuits and gravy, and about 14 cups of coffee. I'm going to shower for about an hour and then hit the sack. We plan to slack tomorrow if the weather holds out. Met Chipmunk on the trail today. She's a fantastic 14-year old who's hiking the trail. Met her parents at Spivey Gap. Well, time for my long, hot shower. Woof, woof
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Spivey Gap

To: River Road, Unaka Springs Road
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: moderate rain

Slacked today with 22 and Push Up from Spivey Gap to River Road, which drops off right at Uncle Johnny's Hostel. A good place to re-supply if you have a stove. Met up with Miles from Nowhere and Side Tracked and hiked on in with them. They're staying here at the Super-8 tonight, too. Had some beautiful views of the Nolichucky River from the top of the mountain today. Rained again but I got to Uncle Johnny's before it came. Had authentic Mexican food tonight for supper. The family who runs the restaurant also owns a small grocery store here in town. I had a burrito as big as a football and ate the whole thing! Still trying to figure out a way to consume more calories each day. I'm afraid I'm losing too much weight. Going to Food Lion to resupply tomorrow. If all goes well, I should be at Iron Mountain Gap tomorrow. It's 9:30 and time for bed. Woof, woof
Date: 2013-05-09
From: River Road, Unaka Springs Road

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Slacked 20.6 miles today with 22 and Push Up. Met Sling Shot, Hardtack, Boonie, Pack Rat, Clinker, Barricade Runner, Hightide and others. Beautiful hike today. Weather was perfect. It's funny what things you think about as you are walking alone through the woods. Today, I was pondering what I would do if I met a bear on one of the trails where you can't go up or down. I guess the bear will determine what I do if/when it happens. I was also pondering how to keep my toilet paper dry if I have to "go" during one of those hellacious downpours. I'll figure that one out later also. I think that the hotel soap has caused a rash under my arms and on my crotch. I hope the zinc oxide helps or I may be doing a very short hike tomorrow. Re-supplied tonight at the Food Lion here in town. I plan to hook up with 22 and Push Up tomorrow at 12:00 and head back to Iron Mountain Gap. Will probably be 5 or 6 days before contact again. Bedtime. Woof, woof
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another zero day at the motel. Have been afflicted with some sort of allergic reaction to something. What I thought was a rash caused by the cheap motel soap has turned out to be something worse. Woke up with red, itchy whelps all over my body. Even the arches of my feet itch. Have never in my life had anything like this. Going to take some Benadryll today and see what happens.9:30 am -- Medicine seems to be working; looks like a go for tomorrow in the rain, 60% chance.9:00 pm -- Just called home. Will probably be out of touch for the next couple of days. Had supper at Huddle House; 3 eggs, bacon, biscuit & gravy, coffee. Don't think the coffee will keep me awake because of the Benadryll. That stuff puts me out. Looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow. Hiker shuttle run by Tom and Maria is a great service to hikers. They are super nice people and do a great job for a fair price.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Erwin

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 9.2

HIked nine miles today to the hostel with Miles from Nowhere and Sidetracked. A good hike but the trail was slick and muddy from the rain. The fog obscured many of the beautiful mountain views that I'm sure were there. Rode into town in the back of a pickup with 14 other hikers. The truck bed was crammed full. Quite an experience going down the road at 60 mph but there was a pretty good hamburger, fries, and cherry coke at the end of the ride. I'm sleeping on the cot here at the hostel. Glad to be here.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: few clouds

The day started with a wonderful breakfast at the hostel. It was probably the best breakfast I ever had. She had everything you could possibly want, even salmon, French toast, and all kinds of fruit.Mud, mud, and more mud. That was the hike up from the gap, a long, slippery climb. The mud tried to suck the shoes off your feet. It grabbed your poles, leaving you constantly slipping. The other side of the mountain was rocks, lots of rough, wet rocks.The hike from Overmountain Shelter was just about all up. Hump Mountain was a bald and the wind was blowing us sideways. It was cold, so cold that my fingers couldn't feel the zipper on my pants and I thought I was going to wet them before I could get unzipped. Since we didn't hit the trail until 10:10, we knew that we would be pushing dark getting back but we were out of the woods by 8:00 pm. The last 5 miles down the mountain were tough and rocky but we made it okay. The three of us (Miles, Sidetracked and myself) are worn out. I had a honey bun and Coke for supper but I'll make up for that tomorrow at breakfast.Met Hardtack's parents on the trail today. Hardtack is back here at the hostel tonight, too. Also met U-Turn today.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.8

Left Mountain Harbor this morning after another great breakfast. Hiked with Miles and Sidetracked again today. All three of us could feel the effects of yesterday's 20-mile hike. I was tired after I climbed the first hill. It was a beautiful, cool day and tonight promises to be downright cold. We are camped alongside a pretty stream in a very small campsite. Rhododendron is thick here which I hope will act as a windshield against the icy breeze.Crossed the 400-mile mark today. I've already hiked 400 miles more than I ever thought I would. I still remember how I felt that first day when I saw the first white blaze. Never thought I'd get this far. I just knew that I had to go as far as I could. So far, it has been a wonderful trip.On a sour note, my wind jacket (my favorite piece of clothing) disappeared while I was at the hostel. I've searched high and low for it. I'm hoping it will show up somewhere in my pack but I really don't think so.It sure is nice to be camped here by the stream, listening to the running water. Oh my, I will probably have to get up in the middle of the night to pee.Woof, woof
Date: 2013-05-14
To: Black Bear Resort, Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 13.1

Woke up to a cold, brisk morning. Hiked with Miles and Sidetracked again today. Looking at the trail guide, the trail appeared to be a series of small ups and downs but, in reality, the ups were long and steep. The trail was good walking with not a lot of rocks. We decided to hike to Black Bear Resort and share one of the cabins. They were small and rustic but clean with nice bunk beds.The folks at the resort shuttled us to town to resupply at the Dollar Store. Then, we went to a produce store where we bought fresh fruit which we were all craving. Afterwards, we ate at McDonald's where I had an angus burger, large fries, and sweet tea. For dessert, I bought an ice cream sandwich at the gas station.This part of Tennessee is beautiful. I must come back here on my bike sometime. I ate a bunch of dried papaya on the trail. Guess what. I think I might be allergic to that. I feel like the rash may be returning. I took a Benadryll to see if it will help. I know it will help me sleep tonight. Saw my second snake today. A small black snake crossing the trail.Planning to do a 14-mile slack tomorrow and return back here for another night. The town of Hampton is small but the area is beautiful.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Wilbur Dam Road

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: broken clouds

Slacked 12.8 today back to Black Bear Resort. This a great place to stay (make note to return here on bike). The hike around Watauga Lake was beautiful. Lots of nice camping spots along the lake. Laurel Falls was spectacular but the hike out and up was pure torture. Steep uphill and thousands of rock steps. Met Hardtack, Story, Yuke, Grey Beard Virginia and several others along the way. Everyone is trying to reach Damascus by the weekend for Trail Days. No cell service here. Haven't called home in three days.We thought today would be easy but we didn't get out of the woods until 5:00 pm after only a 13-mile hike. For dinner tonight, I had a Big Mac, large fries, and a strawberry milkshake. I haven't touched a Big Mac in 20 years. I'm still losing weight and need to figure out how to consume more calories while on the trail. Leaving here tomorrow at 7:20.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Black Bear Resort

To: View Entry
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We left Black Bear at 7:20 this morning and were shuttled to Wilbur Dam Road. Stomach was not feeling good but I thought the feeling would pass. It was a tough climb up the mountain and I still wasn't feeling good at all. So afraid I might have the virus that had been attacking hikers along the trail. I finally made it to the top with Miles and Sidetracked keeping an eye on me. As soon as we stopped, I called Ralph (threw up). I knew I was sick but felt better after that. We sat there for a while before I decided to turn back. I sure didn't want to spread what I had and I didn't want to be in the woods sick, either. Sidetracked insisted on walking back down the mountain with me. He and Miles are truly good people and I have been blessed to have met up with them.It's 10:00 pm and I just ate half of a Micky D's biscuit and jelly that I bought this morning. I have thrown up 5 times during the day so there's nothing on my stomach. I couldn't even keep water down. I'm feeling better now but I think I'll stay here one more day to be sure.
Date: 2013-05-17
To: Elizabethton
Miles today: 0.0

Feeling much better today. Don't think I had the bug. I think I had a Big Mac attack. Will hang around here today just to be sure I'm okay.Afternoon: Still doing okay but a little weak and lightheaded. Probably dehydrated and suffering the effects of not eating anything substantial yesterday. Plan to hitch back to the trail tomorrow.Evening: Walked down to Zaxby's for a grilled chicken salad. Although I am losing a tremendous amount of weight, I can't continue to eat junk food. It makes me sick.Woof, woof
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Elizabethton

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning, John (Backfire) texted me to ask if I was going to Trail Days in Damascus. When I told him of my situation here in Elizabethton, he said he would pick me up at 11:00 and we would go to Trail Days together (what a great guy!).Trail Days -- Had a great time downtown today. People I saw: Steady, Mamaw B, Sidetracked and Miles, 22 and Push Up, High Tide and Blockade Runner, John and Mark -- a great reunion.An accident dampened everyone's spirits today. A car ran through the hiker parade and seriously injured at least 60 people. We missed being involved by just seconds. The accident was directly behind us. Four medi-vac helicopters were flown in for the injured. The incident made the national news.We are staying at The Place, a hostel operated by the Methodist church. It is clean and has rules so it will be a good place to stay. May purchase a hammock tomorrow at the half-price sale. I need more gear to carry!Gotta go now and get something to eat. It will NOT be a Big Mac!Woof, woof
Date: 2013-05-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

7:25 am: It's amazing how people who snore can sleep so soundly. On top of the snoring, the man in the bunk across the room from mine was sick all night. I really felt sorry for him. I think this might be my last stay in a hostel. It's just not worth it. I hope and pray that I don't get sick again. I have tried to be so careful.2:00 pm: Backfire and I went back down to the vendor booths today. I considered purchasing a Hennesey hammock since they were half-price, but I decided to keep my tent.Not sick yet. Keep washing my hands and hoping I don't get the virus from the poor fellow last night. He was so sick that he couldn't sleep but he packed up and left this morning.Backfire and I returned to Elizabethton and the Travelers' Inn. It's clean with very large rooms. Hopefully, I'll get a better night's sleep tonight. Plan to hit the trail tomorrow.Met "AWOL" at Trail Days. A nice guy. I thanked him for writing the trail guide. It makes the hike much easier.Woof, woof
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Wilbur Dam Road

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Backfire dropped me off at Wilbur Dam Road this morning around 9:00. Wish he could have joined me on the hike, but he is going back to Fontana to do the Smokies. He is a good friend and I'm glad I had the opportunity to get to know him. Hated to see him leave. I know he wants back on the trail.Don't know if being sick or just being off the trail for four days is affecting me, but today was a tough hike. Seems like I should be getting stronger, but I feel like I'm much weaker. I had to stop on several occasions just to rest and snack. I pulled up early today to rest and, hopefully, avoid the predicted afternoon thundershowers. It came a pour down, frog strangler just as Backfire left me this morning. Had my rain gear on and it kept me dry.Stomach still doesn't feel normal. I hope I don't catch another round of the virus, if that is for sure what I had. I think there are two versions of the virus going around. Version 1 is an upset stomach and vomiting that lasts about a day. The upgraded and newer version is an upset stomach, vomiting, and a bad case of the runs. I hope and pray I don't get this Version 2.Don't know what to do to get my strength back. Lots of other hikers are having the same problem. I am trying to change my eating habits. Only three tents, a hammock, and two people at the shelter so far. Seems the crowds are thinning out finally. Today I met Special K and her dad, Halstrom. They are camped here also.
Date: 2013-05-21
To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Broke camp this morning a little before 8:00. A great day. Got sort of hot this afternoon. The black flies are terrible -- they love my arms. There are so many between my tent and the rain fly that they sound like rain as they hit the fly trying to find a way out.Met Blue Jay today and hiked a few miles with her. She is from upstate NY. Special-K and her dad are here also. Rosemary has reservations at the Old Mill for Wednesday and Thursday in Damascus. Looking forward to seeing her again.I hate to get out in these bugs but I have to eat and hang my bear bag. I think I will get a part in one of the zombie movies since I already smell like the living dead. Looking forward to tomorrow. Oh my, I hear thunder in the distance. Woof, woof
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 9.9

Came one hell of a thunderstorm last night. I kept thinking about the aluminum rod stretched across my head. The lightning lit up my tent like a street light. My Copper Spur tent held up good. I'm dry as a bone and after all, I am Doggie Daddy.As I came to the end of the last switchback before reaching the town of Damascus, the clouds opened up and poured rain. I headed up for the town gazebo to get out of the downpour and guess who was there. I walked up and a stranger said "Are you the infamous Doggie Daddy?" It took me a second to recognize him and I was totally taken aback. It was my nephew, Russ, and his son, Joshua! I couldn't believe that Joshua had grown into a little man. It was so good to see them! Within 15 minutes, Rosemary showed up. I had a hot shower and changed clothes and we all headed to the Blue Blaze Cafe for pizza. What a great way to end the day!
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Damascus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

At the Old Mill in Damascus: Rain today. A good day for a zero. Glad Rosemary is here. We're having a good time. Plan to slack 21 miles tomorrow, trying to make up for lost time while I was sick.9:10 pm: Had dinner here at the Mill. I ordered a half rack of ribs, trying to get some protein into my system for tomorrow. Have never seen such a large hunk of ribs! I may have eaten half of the rack, just couldn't eat that much meat. I can't gain all my weight back in one day so I've got to stop trying. I have to stop eating so much stuff that I don't normally eat. Today was a horrible day to be in the woods and a good day to be in town. So happy that Rosemary was here to spend the day with me. We shopped at the MRO (Mt. Rogers Outfitters), looking for a jacket to replace the one I "lost" at the hostel. No luck. Sat on the porch at the Mill drinking a glass of wine and listening to the rain. All was pleasant.It's late and I think the rain has finally stopped.Woof, woof