morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Dennis Cove USFS 50 Kincora Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

If yesterday was a great hike day, today was not so great, but not impossible. It started off with light rain so Southside and I left in rain gear. As we entered the Laural Fork Falls, the rain stopped so we changed. The falls and the sights along the river were beautiful. The climb was tough, so I fell behind Southside. I was slow today as we went up and up and up. But again, the rain held off and the views were great. Just as I got to Lake Watauga ,it started to pour (11:15) and got windy. On with the rain gear. I stopped at the Watauga Lake Shelter and Southside, Spruce, and 5 bags were all there having lunch waiting out the rain. The rain stopped but the wind howled and howled. We crossed over the TVA dam and hiked a ridgeline in the blowing wind. The wind was in my right ear, and it started ringing. The second half of the day I stayed with Southside. We hiked beside the lake- the color was somewhat like the Emerald Coast of Florida on the Gulf. On a clear sunny day this would have been a great hike. We walked the ridge and the lake below was in view all day. It could have been good, but not today. We got to the shelter and Spruce and Riley ( 5 Bags) were having dinner. They were going on to the next shelter. They advised us to do the same because it was freezing at the shelter and the wind was blowing hard. It would be a cold night. Southside left it up to me. I decided to stay. Lucky for us because just after they left the heavens opened and the rain came. Southside and I put up a tarp over the froont of the shelter to keep out the wind, dried off, got water, cooked dinner, and got right into the bags for the night. Gatorade came in later to share the shelter. It is 6:30 and I am writing this in my bag and getting ready for bed. What a life! What a day- no rain ,lots of wind, and few views. Just another day on the trail. Note: This was the second TVA Dam that we have crossed, Fontana Dam and Watauga Dam. F.D. Roosevelt during his New Deal created the Tenn Valley Authority and built some 22 dams in 6 states to provide electricity, jobs, flood control, and recreation to the area. A great example of government socialism at work. Today the TVA still exists as a gov't agency as part of the executive dept. The dam displaced some 700 families. Overall,the project displaced some 75,000 families total. Just like the Quabbin Resevoir in MA. on a larger scale. Happy Trails- Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

The longest day so far. Last night I got up and saw a sky full of stars. On the lake and town below, you could see the lights and hear the dogs barking. Quite a contrast from when I went to bed. In the AM, Southside and I and Gatorade got up early and caught sunrise. Very pretty but red "Sailors take warn.." Today proved to work out well. We hiked together again taking turns at the lead. We hiked hard. We never got the expected rain. ,It threatened all day and we put on and took off our gear many times but managed to stay dry. We hiked frequently on PUDS (pointless ups and downs)(trail term) but that's the trail. We kept the pace and did the longest day yet 22.7 miles in 9 and a half hrs. Usually this would take closer to 11 hours, but I think the terrain was easier, but more importantly,I am getting stronger and lighter. There were four people at the shelter, but it started to rain as we got there, and they made room for us even though the shelter callled for only five sleepers. Nice people. There was a couple going SOBO from Lynchburg, VA, Blueberry and the Wizard (Not Bill Ward as you could expect) and GreatfullGrandfather (No relation to Gerry Garcia) who has hiked the trail thru twice and Bull his friend from Texas. Southside and I shared a Mountain House Dinner Jamaican chicken or something. It was good. Blueberry had lots of relevant trail info and we chatted until bed time. The grandfather gave me his phone number in case I needed it when I got to Roanoke VA. Once again, we see the generosity of the people on the trail. It is raining. I am writing this at 7:20 ready for bed. Get a life. Happy Trails, Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascas VA Hiker's Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

I am sitting in the Damascas Library catching up on the journal. This AM we woke the shelter up at 6:00 AM in the dark. Southside and I had told them we were leaving early. I wanted to get to town to get a place to stay and to catch up on the journal, and the library closed at 1:00 PM, and there were 10 miles to cover. Southside was planning a reunion with his son Bull (Chad is his real name). We , once again, ate cold breakfast to speed things up. We got ready in 30 min-a record, and left the shelter in the dark at 6:30 AM with everyone else in the shelter up. (Sorry). We hiked with headlamps on until the sun came up about 45 min or so later. It is interesting how the 2" by 6" white blaze can be seen even in the dark. The terrain was pretty flat, so we again set a record. Ten miles in 3 hours and 15 min. I kept telling myself not to be fooled the hills are still out there, and the Shenandoah's are yet to come. We are staying at the Hikers Hostel in town. I need to re stock my food. All I have left is two roman, 2 oatmeal, and some coffee. I need medical supplies, and my equipment needs some repair. I am going to the outfitters to have my pack adjusted. My back has been acting up, and I think my pack straps need work. On another note, one plus is that the Final Four is today and, I can watch the two games. What timing! I will miss the Nat'l Championship ,however. I will be somewhere in the woods of Virginia. There was some talk of doing a slack pack tommorow and returning here. We shall see. I know that I really need to do a laundry. The hike goes on. My plan is to return to be with Joellen during her April vacation, then to return to the trail and get to The Delaware Water Gap. That may be a little unrealistic. We shall see. Oh by the way, the other day I went over the 725 mile mark for both of my sections which means I have officially done one-third of the trail. Not sure what the next two weeks will bring. We fly by the seat of our pants out here day to day. I will report as I can. Happy Trails, Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Damascas VA Hiker's Hostel

To: VA 859 Grassy Creek Ridge
Miles today: 14.6

On Saturday afternoon I went to the outfitter for my 3rd can of fuel for my jet boil(not bad),restocked, visited the other hostels, and got off my feet. Got to catch up with 5 bags, Spruce, Gatorade, Matthew, Strides, Grateful Grandpa, Pick, Southside, and Bull. There was another young couple at our hostel from GA and another guy in our bunk room named Greg. I went to the Damascus Mill Rest for dinner and to watch the hoops games. Memphis with ex UMass coach Calipari easily defeated UCLA (Bring back the Wizard of Westwood). Of course, I had UCLA in the pool. I was too tired to watch the second game, so we left and went to bed early. Can you imagine me missing that game and going to bed early?? Today we got up early and had the MT Rogers Outfitter take us out to Grassy Creek up north (for a fee) to hike back to town with light packs. We prefer to call it Smart Packing. Tomorrow they will bring us back up again and we will continue north. This is called a SOBO slack pack hike. The hike was very scenic and picturesque. A great day with lots of sun and warmth. I only had on a t shirt. That was a first so far. There were lots of little streams and river crossings and the trees are starting to bloom. I hiked with Southside and Bull (He is trying to get his knee better to go on with his dad) We had a fun day. We got a real treat, an ice cream cone, when we returned. Back at the hostel, the owner Suzanne was going to Abingdon to a lecture by a woman who wrote a book about Jefferson's wives. She invited us along. It was tempting, but I decided to rest and go to MOJo's and catch up on my journal and mail. That is where I am right now. Damascas is a lot like Hot Springs. It is the second town that the trail goes right through. It relies almost completely on tourism for its success. They have an old logging rail trail here called the Creeper Trail which goes right along the river and between MT Rogers and Iron Mtn that is flat and gets a lot of bikers. Actually, a little of the AT is on the Creeper Trail. It goes over some neat old tresles and through a beautiful river/woods area. Actually, today's hike was one of the most picturesque on the trail given the great conditions ie sunny, warm, no pack. Tomorrow I am off to Grayson Highlands State Park and ultimately Atkins VA in a few days. Also, I hope to mail home some things I will not need any more (I hope). I will post when I can. Note The road up the mtn to Grassy Ridgewas named for JEB Stuart cavalry officer for RE Lee who lived in the area. Lee needed him at Gettysburg but he was late getting there a faux pas for which the CSA paid dearly. Happy Trails, Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Grassy Ridge Road

To: Grayson Highlands State Park Wise Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Needed to get out of town and back on the trail. Too much civilization is making me soft. Went to Cowboys for breakfast (Gas station) Returned and packed to go. Suzanne, the owner, got up and did photo ops with her. She was very nice. We hiked to the outfitter and got a shutttle out of town and up the JEB Stuart Highway. Set out with Southside and Bull. It was a great day-lots of sun and very scenic. This section of VA has been magnificent so far. Lots of streams, river crossings, and vistas. Met up with Spruce and hiked with him for a time. Got to Buzzards Rock White Top Mtn, and there were actually buzzards flying overhead (11:20). Interestingly, White Top Mtn has hosted a number of concerts and one of them was attended by Eleanor Roosevelt. We climbed MT Rogers, the highest point in VA (5729), and stopped at Thomas Knob Shelter. Southside and Bull stayed there for the night. Bull was tired as this was his first day back, and I could tell that his knee was not doing the best.( I spoke with Bull this AM from Bland, and he has gone home to rest his leg. I felt upset that he had to retire, but he tells me that he would like to return again). His dad is continuing on and I am sure he will catch me soon. Markie and Lily would like this story. Spruce and I continued on and ran into a herd of wild feral ponies. There was one that was just born and could hardly stand up. They graze all over the Grayson Highlands here in the wild, and we have to walk among them. One pony got in our way and gave us a hard time as we passed. They can be a little tough and nip at you etc. This one did not bother us as we hiked along. We arrived at the Shelter at 5:45. Of course, Strides was already there as was another kid from Maine, Faithful. He was going SOBO. Good kid- he got a fire going for the night. There has been no cell service at all lately. I am writing this at 8:00. Riley came in late. All is well. Happy Trails ,Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Grayson Highlands State Park Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left early after cooking a good breakfast. Started the day walking thru the fields with the wild feral ponies. What a way to start out the day. Once again, they did not bother me as I hiked. It was another beautiful morning. The sun was out and the sky was blue and the scenery was spectacular. Note: I had trouble with my sleeping bag last night. The zipper came apart, and I could not get it on track. I will have to see the boys at New England Backpacker when I get back. Also, my jet boil self start has not worked in days, Billy. Great day all day. Nice Views- VA hills are gentle (so far). The 20 mile hike went fast. Stopped with Riley at Old Orchard Shelter, then stopped twice more with Spruce and Riley beside a stream and at a waterfall (photo). Riley hitched to a town and brought us back two burgers with the works. Got to the shelter and, of course, Strides was there with Spruce. I had eaten but still had room for some burger (Yes,a burger. You will eat anything on the trail.) The shelter was nice- a 5 star with an inside fireplace in the middle. Spruce got a fire going to take out the chill. Strides who also hitched to town gave us a shaky weather report for the next 5 days. We shall see.(Actually, it did not turn out that bad.) Tomorrrow we go to Atkins (22 miles)to restock and clean up. Note: We walked thru the jefferson Natl Forest and there was to be a prescribed burn between USFS 86 and USFS 644. I called and there will be no burn this week. They actually burn down part of the forest to manage the growth and prevent forest fires. I know they do this on the cape in Truro behind the Murrays summer house. That's all for now. Happy Trails- Peace- Squire
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Atkins, VA VA683, I-81
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Started the day at 8:00 AM Walked out of the woods and into a field. Sunny and warm to start the day. This was the flattest route to date to start . The first 11 miles to Mt Rogers Natl Recreation Area only took me 3 and a half hour- great pace. Got to the VC there and saw Greatful Grandpa and a friend. Grandpa was having some heart problems. It was beating 180+. I gave him some on my little adult asperin. He told me he would be home now if I needed a ride to Roanoke later in the week. Great guy. From there the terrain got more difficult with a few ups. I stopped for a break at Chatfield Shelter and then had a chance to tour an 1890 farmhouse and school. It was called Settlers Museum of Southwestern VA. Kind of a neat place. The house was old and a lot like Sturbridge Village. I got to the Relax Inn ( a bit of a dive)at 5:15, did laundry, went to a truck stop for dinner, then went to a Shell station to re stock. I was almost completely out of food. It was tough to restock there, but we made do. Made a few calls, hung out, watched a Celtics game, wrote the journal, read a paper (a treat), and went to bed. Also, staying there were Brent and Roses, three Irish guys, Pogue, Leprechan, and Dropkick. An older fellow Traveler I found out later was also there. Oh,did I mention ,there were four of us in a small room the size of a Motel 6 and some did not do laundry. Imagine the smell with boots and day old clothes. Phew. Happy trails, Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Atkins, VA VA683, I-81

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

The last two days were pretty easy and we got lulled into thinking that VA would be pretty easy. Today we got back to reality and paid the price. Strides and I stopped to use the privy at Davis Path Shelter and ran into three hikers. Launch Pad, Jax, and Rat Sandwich. Word has it he got his name because he captured a mouse/rat in a shelter (some shelters have mice traps) and cooked and ate it over the fire. We hiked 10 good size ups in 70+ degree weather. The last up was 2000 feet to reach the crest at 4409 which would not be that bad, just another 4000 footer, but it was hot and sunny, and it came at mile 19 after a long day, and the climb occured over a 4 mile duration. Whew! A deer crossed my path today, and I had to chase a herd of cattle off the trail to get by. We had to cross several farmlands where the trail had to get easements from private people. The cows were roaming in the fields and woods. I climbed lots of ladders to get over barbed wire fences at the easement boundries. I met an older hiker "Traveler" (We are passing people left and right). He is a retired radiation oncologist from Sarasota, Florida. We chatted at length. He stayed at Knots Maul Shelter for the night. Spruce and I pressed on to Chestnut Ridge Shelter. It was tough, but I'm glad we went on. The shelter was neat. It was an old fire warden's house that was converted. So it looked like a house- door and all. (photo). Staying with the crew tonight Strides, Spruce and Riley. Riley hitched to Atkins for a drop and brought back cookies which he shared. All agreed that today was one of the toughest on the trail so far. Go figure in VA . I should mention to compound things water was scarce today and there was no water at the shelter, so we had to carry water with us up the last bald to the shelter. Water is heavy- 8 lbs. per gallon, and I use about 3 liters for dinner and breakfast. Writing this late- 8:30 and to bed. Happy Trails, Peace, Squire PS I got up in the night to use the privy and there was something very large in the woods near the shelter. My light was not strong enough to make out the animal. But it was big.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Bland VA
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: broken clouds

I got up and out early because we had a long way to go and we needed to be in Bland for 5:00 because Riley was meeting his parents (Dennis and Ingrid) and they were graciously taking us to dinner.I had been a little sun burned from the day before, so it seemed even hotter. Any chance I got I wetted my handkerchief that I use as a hat to keep cool. There were some ups and downs. I got to Jenkins Shelter at 12:15 and used the privy. I was making fairly good time but the long string of 20+ mile days were taking its toll. I got to Laurel Creek and the trail was rerouted for some reason. I got a little lost but returned to the trail when I did not find a blaze. We got some trail magic at Laurel Creek. A local church was offering meals on Monday to hikers with a shuttle, and they also left apple and orange juice on the trail in a cooler. It hit the spot (Thank you Lord). We met Riley's parents at 5:30 PM. They shuttled us in pairs to the big Walker Motel where Strides, Spruce, and I got a room. There were other hikers there as well Sandlewood and his niece Chatter from Ontario, CA. It turns out that she had done an internship in Worcester from Emerson College. Small world. We then went to a Round Up Steakhouse in Wythville VA for a meal. Wythville VA is, of course, named for the famous mentor of Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe. I tried to get them to put on Tommy's game but they did not get the VS channel nor did our motel. We stopped at the Food Lion to restock, went back to the motel, watched a little TV, and went to bed. The motel felt good (Sorry Sue). I had been on the hike for long hours, and I needed some R and R. My back was getting sore and the feet were not much better. Oh well, as they say, "No Pain no Maine' or whereever. Happy Trails, Peace, Squire.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Bland VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I am writing this from the Bland VA library. I hitchhiked into town with my pack and am going to try and hitch to the trail head 2.7 miles away momentarily. I hope I have the same luck as I had getting here. I was picked up by the first car, a hitchhiker who was a member of the same church that leaves out the trail magic. I thanked her. Actually,I thought about getting her to take me directly to the trail, but I wanted to catch up with my journal. it is now 11:30 AM. Spruce is with me but Strides went on. It will take me about 5 to 6 hours to get to the shelter so that should work out if I leave soon. I plan on taking 3 days to get to Pearisburg VA. I should be there in a church hostel (no cost) by Mon night. I will be flying home Tuesday or hiking thru Wed and driving a car home on Thursday. We shall see. The plan is for a stay at the Cape or somewhere and then a return to the trail for May. Only time will tell. Hope everyone is well. Thanks for reading and for your support. As you can tell, home support in many ways is very important, either for encouragement, restock , information, etc. Thanks again especially to Joellen. Shout out to Ali and Jamie. Happy Trails, Peace, Squire We were fairly lucky getting out of town. Spuce and I caught a ride from a turkey hunter. He threw us in the back of his pickup for the 3 mile ride. Today's hike was easy with lots of small ups and downs. I started with Spruce and got to the shelter at Jenny's Knob at 5:50 PM. Guess who was there, of course, Strides but also, a surprise, Southside. He had caught up to us. Actually, he had done a slack pack day while Bull was resting his knee in Marion. The water source was quite a way from the shelter. I got water, cooked dinner, and went to bed-fairly easy day. Tomorrow will be longer (20+) Note: last night my sleeping bag zipper opened on me again in the middle of the night. I fixed it in the night. Last night it was quite warm to start. I was sleeping in my skivies until about 2 or 3 oclock when a cold wave came thru. I mean cold. I was glad my zipper was fixed, and I put on my fleece and long undies. It is getting cold again. Happy Trails , Peace, Squire
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: light snow

7:45 start In @ 5:40 10 hours (one long stop).We all got up early. I cooked a little oatmeal. The rest did a cold breakfast. We planned on going to a deli at VA 606 about 6 miles down the road. We hiked quickly and went the .4 mile down the road to the deli and got there at 10:00AM. Southside, Strides, Spruce and I all had some breakfast and chatted with the local guys. It was a typical Sunday morning where the locals gather at the coffee shop to discuss whatever. They all had Southern accents, and it was hard at times to follow their conversation. I had an egg, sausage,and cheese sandwich, coffee, gatorade and an ice cream bar to top it off. (When you get a chance to eat real food you tend to go for it. Anything tastes good if it's not Roman noodles) We got back on the trail at 11:00 AM.- a nice break. We climbed to Wapiti Shelter and got there at 1:30,a pretty good time. We are all hiking faster now. On the way we ran into some SOBO hikers Flying House of Stephen and his young daughter. He,it turns out,is home schooling her on the trail. Not a bad idea. Also, Snidley Whiplash and Applecore (She is from Amherst MA) and Smokey and Piglet from Salem NH. We also passed a 73 year young fellow from Knoxville via Germany called Heaven Bound. Check that trail name out.The shelter was crowded. Sandlewood and his niece Chatter B0x (?) were there. Jake was in a tent. Strides, Spruce, Southside and I all crammed into one side so that there would be room for Heaven Bound. In came Whiplash and Applecore, but they tented. There were two very large ups and downs from the last shelter and it started to sleet freezing rain and snow as we got to the shelter. Sandlewood had a nice fire going. It was appreciated. It was really cold and getting colder. Get this. Strides had packed out the fixings for a pie from the deli in the AM. He had made a chocolate/ banana pie for us all for dessert. Southside had bought two cheeseburgers. He had one for lunch and offered me half of his because he was not that hungry. I made some ramen and a peanut butter sandwich,had the burger (Yes, I ate the burger),and had my pie. We sat around by the fire for a time but got into the bags very quickly. It was cold. I slept with my polypro, my fleece, and my wind coat, and it was still cold. I was hoping that my zipper would hold in the cold. It did. Thanks. One other problem on the day was that my boots blew out. The right sole was flopping off and I needed to duct tape it to finish the day. Little did I know that my left boot sole also had a hole in it. I will call the manufacturer about the boots but I think that they have at least 1000 miles on them. They should, however, wear out, I believe, and not come apart. I will try to fix them tomorrow. Happy trails , Peace, Squire