morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-12
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

We got on the trail at 8:15. It was a pleasure walking because the trail was very easy and almost snow free. The sun came out and temperatures got into the 50's. We met a brother and sister in the shelter. His name is Disney and she doesn't have one yet. As we got close to Erwin we meet a nobo hiker, Eleven. We got back to Johnny's and checked out. We got my vehicle and headed to our next hostel Braemar Castle. Not an easy place to find at all. We have placed my vehicle at Iron Mt. Gap and are going to try to do from Carver Gap to here (14 miles) in one day but are bringing our full packs in case we have trouble making it all the way. We have reports the snow is 18" to chest deep. We will find out tomorrow!
Date: 2005-03-13
From: Carver's Gap

To: Iron Mt gap
Miles today: 14.0

We were up at 6. A quick trip to MacDonalds had us up to Carver's Gap by 8 A.M. We had snow as we left the parking area but it had been packed by skiers so it wasn't bad. Our first stop was at Roan High Knob (the highest shelter on the A.T., 6295 ft.) T. Jack had been driven into it by a snow storm and wanted to see it in better weather. We were surprised with a note from Grey Fox, who had been there yesterday to bring us trail magic. So close to my first trail magic this year. We than went to Cloudland Rhododendron Gardens where there use to be a hotel. While reading signs and taking pictures we saw a hiker coming toward us with a tall hiking pole and a bandana wery similiar to Grey Fox. We decided to wait instead of going to him. BIG MISTAKE! He took a side trail so we never found out if it was him. Back on the trail there were no more skiers so we started slushing through the snow. There were many drifts of three feet so the going was slow. Because of the height of Roan we were expecting the worst. (Another question for my do not ask list: How deep is the snow? It is always chest deep no matter how tall the person) We finally came out at 5:40, but still had to eat, Get T. Jack's vehicle and find Kincora Hostel where we will be staying the next few days. What a friendly owner Bob Peoples! It is now 10:45 and I am headed for my shower and bed!
Date: 2005-03-15
From: Carvers Gap

To: 19E
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

We left at 8 and ran into all kinds of conditions today. As we left Carver's Gap the trail had a lot of ice from the foot traffic. We made it to Round Bald with mixed snow frozen hard enough to walk on and bare ground. It was along here that we made our first long cut (opposite a short cut). The trail turned left down off the ridge but no double blaze to warn us to beware. We ended up climbing Grassy Ridge another 6000 ft. mountain but no white blazes. We had to double back and finally found the trail. The trail where people had walked was difficult on the knees and ankles because your feet would not land flat. The crust was hard enough to hold us up until 10:30. We got to the turn off to Overmountain Shelter at 11:15. It was suppose to be .3 mile to it so we decided to go see it. Our second long cut. We went at least 1 1/2 miles out of our way. We ended up walking at least 16 miles even though I can only count 13.7. The walk up Little Hump was bad enough but I felt I was crawling up Big Hump. The long horn cattle were not there yet because they don't bring them up till April 1 and bring them back down Nov. 1. They are a special breed from Africa that will eat the brush that grows there saving them the trouble of mowing. We got back to the vehicle qnd ate at Whiteway, a neat small restaurant on 19E that serves a good meal. It is 10:30 past my bed time.
Date: 2005-03-16
From: 19E

To: Walnut Mt Road
Miles today: 10.2

Although snow, gloom, and doom was predicted for today, it was only raining when we got up, so we got on the trail by 8:30. There has been some vandalism at 19E in the past, so I was glad to get this section over with. There was a lot of trash that had been dumped by the trail and where the trail crossed the road there was bags of garbage and old tires sitting there. I think this is some of the local folks way of protesting for having their land taken for the A.T. The hike was uneventful except for the lack of snow. This is my first day that I hiked without snow this year. We made it to Walnut Mt. Road in 4 hrs. 40 min. better than 2 miles an hour. The terrain was easy; it was raining so we didn't want to stop; and there was no snow which made for a faster day. We had to stop for lunch at Whiteway on the way back to Kincora. After we got back I had a long shower. I was able to talk to five college students that I had talked to last night. There trail names are: Mouse, B.A.T.B., Intrepid, Pirate Litefoot, and Chick-a-Dee. It was great talking to them. They get together on breaks and go hiking. How awesome is that!! Later that night a hiker named Mountain Man started hollering and threatening me. No one in the room knew what set him off. He has been trouble at other hostels. He and his 13 yr. old daughter walked out in the dark and pouring rain. On the brighter side Baltimore Jack came in earlier in the day. he was telling us many trail stories. I even think that some of them might be true.
Date: 2005-03-17
From: 321

To: Kincora
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: light snow

we were planning to do another section but because of the snow Bob Peoples suggested this as an alternative. we started at 8:20 with a 1800 ft. climb then descended almost as much on the other side. It was still snowing and we were walking in 1-2" of snow. The trail was the same old thing until we got to the Pond Mt. Wilderness area. We descended to the Laurel Fork Stream and crossed it several times on foot bridges then we came to a tenting area. Mountain Man was ranting at something. At first I thought it was at us but I don't think he even saw us. Next the trail goes around a ledge right next to the stream. If the water would have been a foot higher we would have had to take the high water trail. Last we came to Laurel Falls. A beautiful gorgeeven if it was snowing. We made it back to kincora by 1:20.
Date: 2005-03-18
From: Walnut Mt Road

To: Kincora
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

We started hiking at 7:40. As we parked the car another car stopped behind us. They then turned turned around, drove by us, then backed up. They didn't seem to want to talk so we figured they were just trying to help out some idiot from Maine, then realized that he was a hiking idiot. The hike across was uneventful. The usual ups and downs, snow covering turning to slippery mud and slush. We stopped at Moreland Gap Shelter for lunch. Wingfoot's guide seemed to indicate one more mountain then down to Kincora. There were many ups and downs after the shelter. When we got back to Kincora we said hello to Eleven, a thru hiker we met just leaving Erwin, and good-by to Bob and Kincora. We packed up, retrieved my vehicle, and drove over to Damascus. We arrived after Mt. Rogers Outfitter had closed and the hostel was locked up. The trail took care of us. A worker(Packrat) was coming out just as we had given up. He got a key. As we were paying for the room($10) they asked us if we had seen anything of a man and a 13 yr. old girl. It seems the law enforcement branch of the forest rangers were looking for them. We filled them in on our encounter. We went out for Pizza(very good), then returned to the hostel. we talked to Packrat(not the one I knew last year)and listened to a lot of trail stories, some of them I think were true.
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A lot to do today. First we went to the police to find a place to leave my vehicle until Trail days. On the way, Jack needed to stop one more time at Sundowners, the outfitter. There went an hour easily. He behaved himself, Sondra, and only looked. The police directed me to a place for long term parking where they will keep an eye on my vehicle. Next I went an did laundry. Met some hikers, Garret and Cathy, who said they would be hiking Monday. Back to the hostel, I talked some more with Packrat. Very interesting talking to him. He was all excited about a hike he was leaving Monday for Springer back to Damascus. He was checking which of many packs he had or Mt. Rogers had that he was going to use. His enthusiasm was contagious. About 3 Jack's family, Sondra, Josh, and Jake showed up. What a beautiful family! They went looking for a hotel while I repacked my pack. I then closed my eyes for an hour. I might have even gone to sleep. They took me for supper at a seafood place with hiker portions. Too bad I didn't have mine yet. I got to talk to Jake on the ride to supper and Josh on the return. What great boys! Back to the hostel for final prep.
Date: 2005-03-20
From: 321

To: stealth camp 
Miles today: 12.7

Jack picked me up at 7 and we stopped for breakfast. I was on the trail by 8 and was at Watauga Dam by 9:30. There are some nice campsites along the lake and many beautiful sights. As you leave the dam you climb along a paved road then over this hill and back down to the road. Seems like a dirty trick to play on hikers. If you have read any trail journals, they talk about the climb up the mt. from the dam. Not only was the climb long but there are many bumps on the ridge once you get there. I took about an hour break at Vandeventer Shelter and am going to go another four miles to a campsite. 6:05 P.M. I have set up the tent, eaten, hung the bear bag, and am in the sleeping bag.I will be more selective where I set the tent up next time. The air matress is very slippery on the nylon floor of my tent. It was a good day walking and Jack has done a good job getting me in shape.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: stealth camp 

To: stealth camp north of double springs
Miles today: 12.9

What a long night! I went to sleep around 8 so I was ready to get up by 4 A.M. Also I kept sliding into the side of the tent. I got up and on the trail by 7. The terrain was great today with gradual ups and downs. I found a fire going in the fire ring at Iron Mt. Shelter with no one around. I took several extended breaks today and still made it to Double Springs Shelter by one. I saw Mountain Man was here at 11:15. I got to the campsite at 3:30., got water, and set up the tent. I don't want to get in bed too early but what else is there to do? Go for a walk??
Date: 2005-03-22
From: stealth camp north of double springs

To: Damascus
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I haven't been walking against the wind today but almost and it was strong. It has been cool with little sun. There has been two descents to roads but of course two ascents on the other side. The climbs have been good to me today and I have been walking quite steady.I am now on lunch break with 7 to 8 miles to go to Dasmascus. The sun is starting to come out so it should get warmer. I saw a woodcock today. I have been in a void of animals. 6 P.M. I bragged too soon. The climbs started getting to me as the miles increased. With about 5 miles to go it was mostly down hill. It started clouding up and it became a race to see if I could get to Damascus before the rain. I got here at 2:30 just before it started raining. What a disappointment the Virginia sign was. I have showered, done laundry, and eaten. It is way beyond hiker bed time.
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Elk Gardens

To: Creek Junction Station
Miles today: 10.3

So much for the best laid plans of mice and hikers. My plan was to go to Creek Junction Station and start hiking north. I could only get a shuttle up to it at 10:30. That left me 14.5 miles up a lot of hills in 7 1/2 hours of light. It had me concerned all night. In the morning I asked Jeff, one of the owners of Mt. Rogers, what he thought. He said it was probably too far for the time I had. So I did this as a back up plan. A good thing I did! It took me 4 3/4 hours to do this section going down hill. I would have never have made it. The reason the shuttle was so late was some hikers (Disney, Garret, Cathy, and others) wanted to leave this late. As it was just before we left, they cancelled until 1 p.m. Seems they couldn't get out of bed. There was a lot of snow on White Top and the trail was poor. After I crossed USFS road 89 I met a thru hiker, Thicket. I should have gotten a picture. He was carrying a hugh pack and carrying another smaller pack in front. He said it weighed 55 lbs. I hurt just thinking of it. I will try not to complain too much, but some hiker (I think) took a Mountain Dew from a Trail Magic stash, carried it up the trail, and left it in a tree branch. Why does the world have to pick up after them. Yesterday when I was over visiting Eleven at the Place the caretaker was pointing out how someone had taken a shower and tracked mud all over the bathrooms. I volunteered to clean up. It is thoughtless acts like this that are going to ruin it for others that are following. Enough venting. After Lost Mt. Shelter I met Eleven. He was carrying at least 10 days of food. I made it back to the vehicle at 3:45. My shuttle is at 7 tomorrow. Unless I should sleep into 1, I should make it fine to where I want to go. Off to find supper and dry some clothes.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Elk Garden

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I was dropped off at Elk Garden at 7:30. It took me 2 1/2 hrs to hike through the rain, snow, and rocks to get to Thomas Knob Shelter. The 1 P.M. leaving crew was just getting ready to leave. I know it was only 10 A.M. but there they were! I had someone to take my picture at Fat Man Squeeze. Life was good. First we had to go by Greyson Highlands and the ponys. Were they awesome! You could go right up to them and if you had something to feed them, they would eat out of your hand. It was hard to leave them. Next on to Fat Man Squeeze. It was neat but dangerous because of all the ice. I mostly hiked with Garret, and Peter today or should I say followed after them because they are both strong hikers. The other three, Disney, Sassafrass (Cathy), and Mullady went another trail. The last 2 miles took Garret and I 40 min., (3 MPH). I must of been drafting behind him. They now have a good fire going. Maybe I can last longer to wait to go to bed. I got to talk with Peter today. He is hiking with the group for a week and then returning on his hike across the country. Today has just been great!!
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Today I was hiking with Peter and Sassfrass. This was her longest day by 8 miles. She was having a hard time but kept working at it. At one place the trail turned right but she went straight. We hollered but she had her headset on and couldn't hear us. Thankfully Peter had young legs and was able to run her down. I would hate to have had to hobble after her. The day was uneventful with great weather. We did go see the new shelter at Hurricane. What a nice shelter! It would have been great to stay there. The Trimpi Shelter holds six with a fireplace. Peter is already getting firewood. Sassafrass got within a 100 yds of the turn off to the shelter and thought she had missed it and was going to go back. She said a prayer for God to help her and gave a yell. We answered. We are now watching the fire in the shelter with 4 local people that have joined us. Disney in the spirit of friendship offered his toothbrush to one of them when she said she had forgotten hers. "Is my breath that bad?", she asked. We just had a coyote visit us. Not bad for a oh-hum day.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Trimpi

To: Partnership
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We found out that Disney and Jamie, a local girl, were out gazing at the stars last night. I told him that we could test how good a kisser he was by how much trail magic we found at Partnership Shelter. We found none. Need I say more! During the hike across I was worrying about the rain. It was constantly threatening but it never came. We did reach a stretch that followed an old railroad bed. I thought I was in hikers' heaven. It didn't last long enough. My mantra for the day was pizza,pizza,..., because we can order pizza from Partnership Shelter. We got to the shelter and read that hikers were unable to get pizza delivered. Were we bummed. We tried anyways. The pizzas are on the way. We each ordered a large, even Sassafrass. Life is good! Sassafrass might be headed home early. She is not having a good time. Let's hope for the best for her. While Peter and I were waiting for the pizza, trail magic drove up. Wildcat Bert, who I hiked behind last year, showed up with all kinds of goodies. (No thanks to Disney)
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Partnership

To: Atkins
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

It rained, the sun came out, and then it rained some more. L.K. Disney & Sassafrass decided not to hike in the rain and came by road to Atkins. Peter and I started with three long climbs ending on top of Glad Mt. Then it was down hill for 4 miles or more. Crossing Glad Mt. made me start thinking of the reasons to be glad out here: I am still walking, I am walking with 3 neat kids, I am walking down Glad Mt., and I am walking to a warm hotel. This doesn't mention all the other things away from the trail I am glad for. As we approached the motel a young boy asked "Are you hikers?", with awe in his voice. It was so great to answer "Yes we are!" We have laundered, resupplied (not easy at the truck stop) and are headed out to dinner. We will be back on the trail early tomorrow.
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Atkins

To: Knot Maul 
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a long day. We agreed to get up at 6:30 so we would leave at 7 but 4 people in a small motel room added time. We went to breakfast at Rhonda's Restaurant. It was 8:30 before we left town. All was going well for the first 5 miles, then Sassafrass got a pain in her heel. We stopped and waited while she and L.K. (Disney) decided what to do. They were going to walk to the next road and then decide. Peter and I waited another 20 min. so we would not rush them. We never did catch up to them, so we figured they must have gone out a side trail. We finally got to the shelter at 5:45. Imagine the surprise we had when L.K. and Sassafrass were here ahead of us. She loosened her boots which relieved the pressure, by 'yellow blazing' (going by vehicle on a road) a short section they were able to make it O.K. Tomorrow will be a short day for us. Maybe today was so long because I was carrying 5 days of food. Here tonight is Eleven. We have been talking about a lot of things. Sassafrass and L.K. are singing songs from Phantom of the Opera. Not Bad!
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Knot Maul 

To: Chestnut
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

I left at 7:30. L.K. and Sassafrass were slow getting out of bed and were just starting breakfast. It was a long climb down to the road. It took me 25 min. to go the footbridge that is .2 miles in Wingfoot's guide. Peter caught me at the half way point where I was talking to a couple, Aaron and Marcy, who were on spring break. They told us of water near the shelter so we didn't need to carry it up. Just before the shelter there is a small pond(you can see it from the shelter). Turn right on an atv trail, about 100 yds. down the trail is a very cold spring that has a white plastic pipe. We got to the shelter, it is a great four walls and a door shelter. Tommy, a possible 2006 thru hiker and local, came into the shelter 1/2 hr after we did. He told us this shelter used to be the cabin for a fire tower. He was able to point to Mt. Rogers and White Top which looks so far into the distance. He also pointed out other things of interest. It was a lot of fun talking to him. There was a 2000 ft. elevation climb in the last 4 miles. It wasn't steep but it was long.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Chestnut

To: Jenkins
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I made it! One year ago tonight I was in the hospital in Greenville, Tenn. I had been evacuated off the trail. It was on my mind a lot as I was walking. It was good to have these kids to walk with today. The day went well. I left ahead at 7:15. Sassafrass joined me for about a mile. She was complaining about being tired and not wanting to hike so I hiked on and left her to her brother. (What are brothers for?) I found if I take a 3-5 min. break every 45 min. I was hiking much stronger. I made it to the shelter at 1:30. Tommy had been here for an hour. We got to talk for a while until the other hikers came around 2:30. The trail was rocky so it was hard to move too fast, but it was enjoyable because you could see down into Garden Valley. Tonight it was discovered that L.K. had forgot Peter's light with ID attached at the last shelter. Tommy has volunteered to drive everyone around so they can go back and look without having to walk 10 miles each way. Yes, Sassafrass and L.K. are going to be yellow blazing up the trail again.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Jenkins

To: Helvey's Mills
Miles today: 13.8

Because the Yellow Blaze Kids were yellow blazing and Peter was going back for his light and ID, I didn't need to wait and got started at 6:40. Tommy was leaving as I was but the rest were in their sleeping bags. Oh, the joy of yellow blazing. The trail started out with a steep climb up Brushy Mt. On the other side of Brushy I had to make a decision to go the Wimpy Trail (high water blue blaze trail) or the regular trail. I chose the regular A.T. with 12 crossings of Little Wolf Creek. When I got to the first crossing, I took off my hiking shoes and put on my water/camp shoes. It felt great, the cold stream, on my feet. If I had known, I would have put my hiking shoes on between the sixth and seventh crossing, because it was a mile or more between. Another hiker was telling what a miserable time he had through here. It helps to be in a good frame of mind and prepared. After my 12th crossing I put my hiking shoes back on. The climb fron Va 615 was very gradual with many switch backs. When I got to USFS Road 282, Tommy left a Mountain Dew beside the trail. I sure hope he hikes next year. Payback will be fun. It was very confusing coming onto 52 because you are walking roads with few blazes. You have to turn left on Us 52, right on Va 612, cross 77 on the bridge (still on Va612) then down to the bottom of the hill where the trail goes to the right. (None of these roads are marked) I am now at Helvey's Mills, which is the dirtiest shelter yet. There is a lot of trash around the shelter. The guide is confusing about the water here. I thought it was on the blue blaze trail to the shelter but didn't see it on the way in. I walked all the way back to the A.T. and back to the shelter without finding it. I scouted around and finally found a blue blaze trail going down the hill. I found the water at the bottom of the hill at least a 1/4 mile from the shelter. I have walked 1 1/2 to 2 miles extra for water. It would have been much easier if the guide had said on the trail beyond the shelter or there had been a sign pointing to the water. Good thing I had a 1/2 hr break for lunch. I couldn't help myself. I picked up the trash and burned a lot of it. Peter showed up at 8 . He walked into here to bring me some fruit cups. Awesome kid!
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Helvey's Mills

To: Trent Store
Miles today: 16.3

When we woke up it was pouring, but had stopped by 7 when we left. Peter carried out the trash I couldn't burn and found some more. What pigs! There was no stopping because of the cold and rain so I was amazed when I reached VA611. I continued to make good time and arrived at VA606 at 2:45. Seven hours and 45 min. with a 40 min lunch break. After arriving here it started spitting snow. Peter and L.K. was able to find a place in the loft of the store's horse barn where we will spend the night with permission. It is now 9 P.M. It is snowing and blowing hard out. The temperature is 34. Great job guys! How neat is this, sleeping in a barn!