morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-29
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Damascus - The Place Hostel
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

I decided to head on into Damascus instead of stopping at the next shelter. I stopped at the Whistle Pig (was Fatties) and had lunch. After unloading at the hostel I went to visit Ginny and her son at the Lazy Fox to share some watermelon and conversation. I will check into the Lazy Fox on Tuesday for 6 days and Bill will drive up on Thursday night with our bikes. Can't wait to see him and enjoy the Virginia Creeper TrailThis section of Virginia was my last one to complete for the 2nd time. Now I have hiked from Springer to PA twice and I believe I am done with the AT for a while. The AT is my first love but I need to hike other trails. P.S. I decided to hike on to Damascus because I was tired of thinking about the "Odd Man" behind me. The police and Lone Wolf came to the hostel and interviewed me and advised they already knew he was hiking toward Damascus and wondered when he would arrive. I told him he should arrive Wednesday or Thursday because he was sick and probably doing only 5 miles a day. Also, he was carrying a duffle bag and another bag (two pack). The policeman said he would check by every few hours just in case.
Date: 2010-08-30
To: Damascus - The Place Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After breakfast at Cowboys I bought cleaning supplies from Dollar General and cleaned the first floor of the hostel. Some section hikers came in today and I am glad for the company.After having lunch at Subway I walked by Tow's house who lives on the trail. He was working in his garden and told me to go in to meet a hiker and her dog that is staying with him for a few days. I met Catherine and her dog (?) who is a Epilepsy Seizure response dog. We talked about her adventures from Springer to Damascus with her dog and the friends she met. She is staying with TOW for a few months until she can save some money to continue her hike in the spring. Thanks again TOW for letting me use your phone since I have no signal in Damascus with AT&T. TOW invites all hikers to use his phone and let him know if there is anything they need. Nice guy!
Date: 2010-09-01
To: Damascus - Lazy Fox B&B
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I walked over to the hostel and met southbound thru hiker Green Bean and she said she had encountered the "Odd Man" before Damascus and that he scared her because he was angry and talking out of his head. She and a few others gave him the trail name, Duffle Man. Maybe after he stays at the mission a few weeks he will feel better because having Giardia and being dehydrated can cause you to be in a really bad mood!
Date: 2010-09-02
To: Damascus - Lazy Fox B&B
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I drove Ginny to the Wal-Mart 15 miles away and missed Duffle Man arriving in Damascus. Another hiker told me she saw him crossing the bridge but didn't connect that this was the "Odd Man". Well, this is the end of the story because I don't know what happened to him after arriving in town. He had plans to hitch or walk to Bristol. I told the police to give him a ride if they really wanted him out of town. He may be harmless but who knows....... Bill arrived around 7:30 and boy was I glad!
Date: 2010-03-17
To: Preparation for trip
Miles today: 0.0

I'm getting prepared for my planned 30 day hike beginning at Amicalola Falls starting April 6, 2010. In the last stages of my planning process...have all my gear layed out and beginning to purchase food supplies. The "Baltimore Jack" article posted on the WhiteBlaze website has been most helpful in preparing for food re-supply information. Looking forward to the trip...hope the weather warms a bit and most of the snow is gone from the Great Smokey Mountains...until next time. Bandana man
Date: 2010-03-22
To: Preparation 2
Miles today: 0.0

Steve Poole a tennis buddy of mine will be joining me on the second week of my trip. I am looking forward to the company and know we will have a good time. I have worked out our meals with plans to make town stops every 3-4 days. My wife Frances and Steve will join me after my first week on the trail. Still working out the packing of my pack and have not purchased the food yet to determine what my overall pack weight will be. I'm shooting for 40lbs which would be put me under the 25% total weight range. Just hope the snow is gone by the time I get to the Smokies.
Date: 2010-03-25
To: Preparaton 3
Miles today: 0.0

Ok, making progress....purchased enough food for three weeks which will be transportated/shipped to various town stops. I'm getting excited about the journey ahead and hoping Spring time is in full bloom prior to departure. I have all of my gear ready to load and will be sleeping in my new tent next week just to check it out. ....all is a go, so final preparations will be made next week and then I'll join the rest of the north bound migration. Looking forward to spending a weekend in Charleston before heading out. Until trail time....
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Amicalola Falls

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I arrived at Amicalola Falls St. Park today and set up camp in my tent next to the shelter. Met a fellow hiker (Boone) who arrived with his dog. Two friends (who happen to be deaf) drove him from Washington. I plan to begin hiking on Tuesday morning and arrive at Springer in the afternoon. The temps today were in the mid 80's.
Date: 2010-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Introduction:The longest mile I have ever walked was on the Appalachian Trail. If you enjoy meeting people, the outdoors, and a mental and physical challange, the AT is for you. The people are from all walks of life, varying ages, interests, and at different places in life and careers.The People:Boone, Springer Fever, Ben, Chicken Feather, Land Shark, Spoonfed, Rockafeller,Wild Hair, Rain Check, Robin Hood, Muddy Waters, Bobbie, Droid, Name, Steve, Razor (a trail runner), etc.Gear: Started with a 50 lb. pack, weight: 210All gear working wellMSR Stove, Black Diamond Hiking Poles, Steripen water purifier (once I started using lithium batteries), Keene Boots--great until it rained, then blisters started.Having a great time--weather has been hot and good most of the time. Cool nights, with one thunderstorm--rained hard all day, then turned cold. I have never heard the wind blow as long and as hard as it did that night. Woody Gap was a cold and wet passing.Food:Breakfast--oatmeal, grits, coffeeLunch--trail mix, power bar, guDinner--freeze dried mealWonderful experience thus far--wonderful people who look out for each other. We have crossed, passed, and caught up with about 20-30 hikers. Met in Hiawassee at the Hiawassee Inn--great time socializing and spending time with Steve Poole and my wife, Frances. Heading out today with Steve for a week. He plans to come out at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Happy Trails (Daily news on later entries)
Date: 2010-04-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Sunday, April 4, 2010Loaded pack and reviewed contents. Seth hoisted and weighed pack --49 lbs. Working to reduce food contents and reduce weight.Monday, April 5, 2010Final rearranging and packing. Reviewed details of trip with Frances--town stops, food drops, etc. She delivered me to Amicalola Falls State Park. After an emotional lunch at Atlanta Bread Company, we arrived at park, signed in, weighed pack (50 lbs), met Mountain Camel (who headed out this pm)--his pack weighed 25 lbs. Frances and I hiked to the falls then she hung around for me to set up camp--tent at shelter site. Rearranged pack for final departure. Temp. is 85 with warm night predicted. Ready to begin. Will visit park manager, Bill Tanner, and eat dinner at camp. Boone and his two deaf friends and their dog arrived at camp. Socialized and then to bed.Tuesday, April 6, 2010Temp. 85   Hiked--13.9 milesBroke camp and departed around 8:00 am. Climb up falls staircase was tough but made it okay. Saw a few hikers and campers along the way. Cool AM but warming now as I stopped for a break and snack. Headed to Springer Mt.Left Boone, dog and another camper at camp. Probably will see them later.Met Ben Evans at Black Gap Shelter. Stopped in for a much needed break and snack.Hooked up with Bob and we hiked to Springer. Checked out shelter, signed log and took photos of monument and first white blaze. Headed on out to Stover Creek shelter. Stopped and talked with folks and moved on--destination Long Creek Falls. Absolutely beautiful waterfall. Arrived just before dark. Set up camp and cooked dinner by headlamp. Polished off the wine and had a cup of tea. Headed to bed. Slept pretty good--sounded like heavy rain all night long. Wednesday, April 7, 2010Temp. 80 Hiked--8.7milesWoke up, had breakfast with Starbucks instant coffee (Thanks to Ben). Took our time, broke camp--Ben headed out around 9:30 and I left about 10:15. Caught up with Ben at Hawk Mt. Shelter. He was beginning to have blister problems on his feet. Got water and we headed out. Tough day--a lot of hills. The climb out of Horse Gap took its toll. Ben bailed out at Cooper Gap with a hiker with a vehicle who agreed to take him to Neel's Gap.Talked with "7", he headed out and I took a break for a while. Hiked on about 3 miles and camped along creek with about 10 others, "7" being one of them. He is a born again Christian. Cooking my first meal in a bag and heading to bed.
Date: 2010-04-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Thursday, April 8, 2010Hike--12 milesUp early and broke camp. Started raining a bit but able to eat breakfast and head out before rain set in. Stopped at Gooch Shelter for break and cover.Met Rollie--Houston, TX, All State Agent, retired. Also met Cane a deaf and practically blind hiker. Admired him but it had to be tough. Hiking through with girlfriend, Shamrock, deaf also, hiking part of the way. Met Roscoe, a GATC Trail Runner.Poured rain, thunder and lightening--got soaked. Stopped at Woody Gap where I met "Landshark". It was cold, wet and windy. I continued on in the pouring rain. Everything got soaked so I decided to stop early and set up camp in the rain. It stopped raining 15 minutes later and the sun came out! Hung out everything, cleaned out pack, and made hot chocolate. A few folks came by heading to the next shelter. I camped by myself--quiet night. Wind blew all night long. I've never heard such strong and continuous wind, but it still did not dry out my wet clothes and gear.Friday, April 9, 2010Hike--8 milesUp early--cold outside--breakfast and broke camp at 8:30am. Great time and distance. Hiked all day by myself and saw only a few campers. Thought I got off the trail (no markers) for 2 miles or so, but saw a blaze at the foot of Blood Mt. Hiked hard to meet my sister, Kathy, at Neels Gap. Blood Mt. was beautiful. Had lunch--got my first trail magic--saw Rockerfella and Landshark(wearing a kilt). The trail magic was 3 Snickers from a camper visiting Vogel and Blood Mt. A lot of kids and families were on the trail and at Blood Mt.Hiked down to Neels Gap and bought some dry stuff bags for clothes, food, fuel, etc. Kathy met me at 3:00 (with beer) and hung out until 5:00. Took pictures and shared beer with hikers staying in the hostel ($15 a room and donations for dinner and breakfast. Good times--had a shower, a beer, clean clothes and my lovely sister. Had meat loaf, potatoes, green beans, corn and chocolate cake with ice cream--yum! Regeared my pack and got ready for Saturday's hike. After supper, I went to bed. Lights out at 10:00pm. Slept good for a couple of hours, then the ensemble of snoring began. I hung in until 1:30am, then got up and took my sleeping bag to the living room. Good night's sleep on the floor atop the couch cushions.
Date: 2010-04-18
To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 76.3
Weather: clear sky

Saturday, April 10, 2010Hiked--11 milesUp early (6:45 am) Beautiful day! Ate breakfast--pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee--headed out about 8:30. Caught up with some guys from Charleston, SC, Greg and Rick. Hiked to Low Gap together, had supper, visited the gang--about 20 campers, most of whom I have met. Off to bed at dark. Tent camping.Sunday, April 11, 2010Hiked   milesGot up early, ate breakfast and headed out with Rick and Greg. Another beautiful day. Hiked with them to Blue Mt. Shelter where we departed. They were coming off the trail at Unicoi Gap/Hwy. 76 (2 miles) and I needed a break. We exchanged email addresses then they headed on. Justin (guy in Rick and Greg's Sunday School class) got sick and they were anxious to get him home.Hung out with Halfmoon, Dustin, and Clothesline at shelter, then headed on. Took a break at Unicoi Gap then climbed the long and tough Rocky Mt. Hooked up with Robin Hood and we continued to climb to the Cheese Factory. Great place to camp, good views and good water source. Rest of gang trickled in with about 10-12 hikers camping. Ate dinner, socialized around the fire, met Wild Hair and his wife Rain Check, hung food bag, went to bed. Good night's sleep.Monday, April 12, 2010Hiked   milesBeautiful day! Hung out around camp, ate breakfast, prepared water and socialized around fire. Muddy Water built nice fire around 5:30am and brewed some great coffee. Broke camp and climbed Tray Mt. Tough and steady climb with beautiful views. Took a break at shelter with Bobby, Muddy Water, and Robin Hood. They headed out and I wrote in my journal. Camped at Deep Shelter--climbed Kelly's Knob--toughest mile yet. Great camping space and shelter. Good with cooking, etc. Heading to town tomorrow. Talked with Cooper. He lives in Damascus and will inherit lots of mola. Wild Hair and Rain Check are a nice couple who live in a motorhome and have thru hiked twice.Tuesday, April 13, 2010Hiked 3 1/2 milesUp early and headed out. 3 1/2 miles to Dick's Gap. Hitched a ride (Wild Hair, Rain Check, and Robin Hood, too) with a nice man in a pick-up truck. Checked into the hotel "Hiawassee Inn" in the honeymoon suite. Ate at Zaxby's. My wife, Frances, and my friend, Steve, arrived. We talked about the hike and gathered in the parking lot with 20 hikers. Finally caught up with Boone (or vice versa). Socialized, sipped suds and planned the next day.TOTAL MILES HIKED TO HIAWASSEE--76.3
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 109.2
Weather: light rain

Friday, April 23, 2010Hiked Stayed at Hike Inn--picked us up and took us to buy beer at the Fontana Village Resort (dry county) only place to buy beer. Most folks stayed at resort and I would have too had I known--got a draft beer and hot dog at beer store along with 12 pack. Took back to hotel but were told we couldn't drink until after supper--weird--didn't want us to be drinking alcohol or on breath when we went to town. Ate at Mexican resturant, came home, hung out on the porch and caught up with the guests. Cheap hotel and not what I expected.Saturday, April 24, 2010Hiked 12 milesTook us to dam and we began our hike across the Fontana dam into the Smokey Mnts. Thunder and lightening storms predicted but first four hours were warm and good views of the lake. Hiked about 4 hours in the rain and cold (thunderstorms, rain, got soaking wet). Got to shelter--filled up quick, changed clothes, got into my sleeping bag to warm up. Made tea and supper then on to bed. Miserable outside, wet and cold. Good night.Folks rolled in until late, about 19 in a 14 person shelter. Nice shelter and Ridge Runner Carl. Hung everything out to dry. Nice and social with all folks until sun went down. Made room for all hikers.Sunday, April 25, 2010Hiked __ milesStill cool and windy but rain gone. Took my time getting up and out. Several folks saw a bear at the water source. Beautiful day, sunny and windy with a 50/50 chance of rain. One lady thanked me for making room in the shelter. She was emotional with tears and apparently had a tough day in the storm. She and a female friend hiking together.Beautiful day for hiking--climbed Rocky Top and you could see Cade's Cove and Fontana Dam Lake. Spence's Bald was absolutely beautiful. Good bit of up and down, but getting to be a routine. Got to talk briefly with Frances. Hot Springs is about 10 days out. Looking forward to being home, but really enjoying the solitude and beauty of the Smokies.Small group at Derrick Knob Shelter. Cool wind. Nice shelter with fire place. Fire is very nice. One of the nicest hiking days--really enjoyed Spence's field. Ridge Runner--Flying Squirrel, Food Porn, Rooster, Lady Slippers, etc.Hard rain last night, rainy and cool this morning. Heading out. Doing Clingmans Dome today. Cloudy. Hope I can see.Monday, April 26, 2010Hiked __ milesStarted out. Cool and some rain. Stopped at Double Spring Gap for soup and tea, then headed out. Rain and cold the rest of the day. Climbed to Clingman's Dome tower and saw nothing but fog. Wind was fierce and cold. Headed on to shelter. Soaking wet and through the rain. Shelter was full of people. Some were kids (section hikers). Warm up as best I can.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

-2 pts We got breakfast at the Country Diner. Very good, but a longer than expected hike to get there. Then we stopped at the ATC office where they took our picture and LWOP got to talk to everyone. We then stopped at the outfitters where I was able to purchase a P38 - I lost my old one. We finally got out of town near 11:00 am. Easy hike with nice cool weather. It started raining around 4:00 pm and hasn't let up. When we got to the shelter, there were four other people there. Even though it's cold out, I opted to hang my hammock while LWOP stayed in the shelter.ps - for those who don't know, a P38 is a can opener - ask anyone who has been in the military if you want to know more.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

-1 + -2 = -3 pts. It rained most of the night and was still pretty wet in the morning. LWOP stayed in the shelter with four other guys, while I stayed out in the wet and the cold in my hammock - just so it wouldn't be over crowded in the shelter. I slept as well as I can remember. I was warm and cozy all night long. During todays hike, the weather was cloudy and it only got up to about about 55 degrees. I kept my gloves on most of the day. Other than being a little cold, I felt good. LWOP seemed a little tired, but still hiked faster than I when he got ahead of me. We met several hikers along the way, but no through hikers yet. We had lunch at the Washington Memorial Park. Everyone let us know it was going to rain again tonight. When we got to the shelter, the same guys we met last night came in about an hour after us. LWOP is again sleeping in the shelter and I'm outsided in my hammock. The other four guys put their tents up - something about someone snoring too much, but no one seemed to know who.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace Hostel
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

+4 + -4 = 0 pts. Cold & rain all day. We got to the hostel before their 5:00 pm oening and for awhile were afraid they were closed. If they hadn't opened at five, we would have been in big trouble.
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Pine Grove Furnace Hostel

To: Alex Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

+3 + 0 = 3 pts. Still raining, but not quite so cold. Hiked with Squire most of the day. The three of us went to the Green Mountain Deli where LWOP & I got Roast Beef Subs and ate them at the shelter. Just as we finished dinner, the rain started up again. I set up my hammock inside the shelter, even though I know that's usually a bad idea.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: motel at US 11
Miles today: 11.9

3 + -1 = 2 pts. Much nicer day. Squire took off early to have breakfast in Boiling Springs while LWOP & I ate at the shelter. We met up with him again in Boiling Springs at the ATC office. We hiked on to Carlisle, PA where the three of us got a motel rm at the America's Best Inn. I was finally able to get a pair of reading glasses at the Flying J truck stop.
Date: 2009-05-07
From: motel at US 11

To: Cove Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

1 + 2 = 3 pts. We had breakfast at the Middlesex Dinner, next door to our Motel, the America's Best Inn. We stopped at the Darlngton Shelter for lunch. We then had a very long & rocky climb over two small mountains. Squire took off ahead of us, but met us at the shelter. They were two others at the shelter. One more showed up about ten pm. I set up my hammock outside.
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Cove Mtn Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

3 + (-9) = -6 pts. Short day down a steep hill Today is the 1st time we've hiked without rain since we started this hike!. We stopped at the Doyle Hotel. We're taking a rest here for resupply and relaxation. LWOP & I got a room and Squire is next to us. There are about nine of us hikers here. Next "rest" stop will be in Port Clinton, PA in about five days.
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

(-6) + (-2) = -8 pts. Another nice hike today. Got a little warm, but the wind was blowing pretty good. We (LWOP, Squire & myself) had breakfast in Duncannon, a fairly hard climb to the top of the ridge and the rest of the day was easy. Except for getting water at the shelter. 300 ft down and a hard climb getting back.
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

(-8) + 5 = -3 pts. Last night was a bit windy & cold, but I was fine in my hammock. This morning started out cood (at least for me), but got up to about 65 degrees around noon. It was a perfect temperature for hiking. The trail was nice to. Fairly level with only one long climb, which turned out to be easy. The 18 miles was a little long, but we just need to get use to it.
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

(-3) + 4 = 1 pt. Nice long hike today. Weather was cool, bordering on cold. I'm still not able to climb mountains very well, plus I'm not real happy with the PA rocks. But it's still a good hike! Wasn't able to hang the hammock and will probably be very uncomfortable. The forecast is for rain and cold and so decided to take the safe route and be a little warmer inside the shelter.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

1 + 2 = 3 pts. Pretty good day. Started out cold, but warmed up to 65 degrees in a couple hours. Two or three good look outs, but we always had to pay for them by having to go through bolder fields, otherwise known as PA rocks. Met about ten hikers today. Encluding two ladies named Mama Bear and Putz. We first met them at the Rausch Shelter a couple nights ago. They surprised me late in the afternoon. I was kind of tired, not looking up and almost ran into Putz. She looks a lot like Hammock Hanger. I think that's the most hikers we've seen in one day since we started this hike. LWOP, Squire and myself are still together, we lost Jake & Frijoler to Port Clinton, which was another 8 miles. We plan to be there tomorrow. LWOP needs a new pair of shoes.