morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-30
From:  Flint Mtn Shelter

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

Well it rained most of the night last PM and I found out my tent leaks. Periodically I was woken out of sleep by a drop of water hitting my face. It was cold and rainy and foggy this AM so I packed my wet tent and other wet stuff and headed out again for a day of near zero visibility.I had not intended to go as many miles as I did, but the shelters are spaced pretty far apart and with the wet weather I really wanted to sleep in a shelter.I crossed over Big Bald Mountain this afternoon in dense fog and a cold wind. When I got to the shelter there was only one person there in a shelter that sleeps 10. Three others have shown up and I don't expect more. Needless to say, I am sleeping in the shelter. This shelter is at 5100 feet elevation and it is COLD. Have I mentioned that I am ready for spring?
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

One of my favorite pieces of gear is my sleeping bag and silk liner. When it's cold at night I love to get in my bag, pull up the hood and have just enough room around my face to breathe. I actually sleep quite well like that. Now, getting out of my bag in the AM is another story.Last PM the rain returned and I awoke to yet another rainy, foggy, windy day. The wet clothes and my tent which I had hung up in the shelter last PM were still as wet as when I hung them up. I'm pretty sure I have moss growing on my shirt. Erwin TN is a popular spot to stop in since it is right on the trail. I think I've been doing a few too many miles as my legs and feet are sore. We (I, Kirby, Cookie, The General and Cuda) decided to spend the night at Uncle Johnies which is a hostel right off the trail in Erwin. This also gives us a chance to do laundry, shower, get dry, and re-supply for the next few days.I'm really hoping for some sunny days sometime soon. I know the rain is necessary to keep the streams flowing, but I would like to have the rain occur one week prior to my travelling over a particular spot if I could decide such things.Wildlife update: one small rabbit spotted
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Erwin, TN

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Well, today I enjoyed the guilty pleasure of something called "slackpacking". I'm still here at Uncle Johnny's Hostel. Today, since there was an 80 percent chance of rain, we decided to get dropped off a few miles north and hike south back to the hostel without backpacks. The day turned out to be beautiful and the hike was wonderful. Hiking without a heavy pack is so easy! I needed a little break from doing so many miles and this was a nice way to rest while getting some miles in.Tomorrow I will get dropped off 8 miles north of here and continue onward from there.Since the hostel offer bikes to ride around on I thought I would ride into town and try to get my spoon fixed. I have a titanium spoon that has an open ended wrench on the end of the handle to be used on certain stoves. The problem is, the ends poke through my food bag and I have been wanting to get the end cut off or ground down. I set out to find a garage or shop to do this. I rode around until I found a shop, but there was no one there. Presently a guy drove up in a van also looking for the mechanic. Well, we got to talking and he ended up taking back to his house and letting me use a grinder he had. My spoon end looks a little funny, but at least it won't poke holes in anything anymore.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

Last night it rained all night and I was glad I stayed another night at the hostel. At the same time there were lights on outside and a radio playing all night so I was happy to be going back out into the woods today. Two guys came to the hostel last PM who are VA Tech students taking a semester off to hike the trail. It was fun talking to them.It's interesting how all this works out. After 4-5 days on the trail I'm ready to get to a town and take a shower and wash my clothes. It doesn't take long in town though before I'm ready to be back on the trail.Today was beautiful. The sun was out, the temperatures were in the 60's and there was some nice scenery to enjoy. I walked through woods, pine forests, and a few meadows. After I got to the shelter it began to rain a little. I'm here with Kirby and Cookie. Tomorrow looks to be an easy day to the next shelter.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a difficult day and perhaps the worst weather day yet.I awoke this AM to spotty rain and temperatures in mid 40's. The day began with a tough climb up Roan High Knob, a mountain that is about 6200 feet high. At the top the temperature had dropped to the mid 30's and there was thick fog, rain, and howling winds. There was a sign at the top telling about a grand hotel that sat at the top of the mountain in the late 1800's. It went on to describe the roaring fireplaces, the hot steam baths, and other amenities that just seemed to make the dismal surroundings I was in worse. We had a brief lunch in a shelter there that used to be a cabin, but it was cold and dark so we didn't linger. I thought that descending would improve the situation but it didn't. The trail wound around two balds at high elevation though we could barely see 20 feet in front of us and the wind kept getting stronger. I'm sure the gusts were (and still are) 60+ MPH as it was very hard to even stand in the wind. Since there was no option other than push onward that is what we did until we reached this shelter.I had wanted to stay here anyway since I had seen a picture of it in a book. Overmountain Shelter is an old barn. It's a bit drafty, but is is dry. My clothes are hung to dry though with the swirling fog, rain, and wind, I'm not too optimistic. I've got every stitch of dry clothes on and am in my sleeping bag to warm up. Ten miles from here is a little hostel. If the weather tomorrow is like today I will probably have to stop there. The wind is actually shaking the barn so it may be an interesting night tonight.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning the word of the day was WIND. During the night, the fog and rain cleared but the wind remained. I was able to get some pictures of the shelter before leaving. The trail crossed over two balds (Little Hump Mtn and Hump Mtn) and if I thought the wind was bad yeasterday, it was worse today. Never in my life have I experienced such winds. There were times I had to crouch down and dig my poles in the ground just to keep from being blown over. Standing was difficult; hiking worse, but at least there was no fog to obscure the views.Sometime around noon I crossed out of NC and into TN. Way back at mile 75 I crossed from GA into NC, then for the next 300 miles or so the trail has straddled the border between NC and TN. Now I have put another state permanently behind me.This afternoon the trail ran parallel to a nice river. Unfortunately it also began to rain. There may have been some nice camping along there had the weather been better. I don't know what I'd do if I had a few days of nice weather in a row, though I'd like to give it a try sometime.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove/Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

Last night it rained hard and this AM I woke up to yet another rainy, foggy day. I decided it was time to dry off so I stopped into the Kincora Hostel for the night. After a shower, laundry, and a good meal, I'm feeling pretty good.I've been on the trail for 4 weeks now and I'm a little surprised that hiking is not really getting much easier. I guess I thought that by now hiking would not require as much effort yet I still struggle up hills and am exhausted by the end of the day.One thing I've found is that I am thinking constantly about food. At night in the shelters we are always talking about food and meals we want to eat. I've heard that is pretty common among thru-hikers.Tonight it is raining again so I am glad to be sleeping in the hostel. I am really hoping for a decent day tomorrow. I am staying here with Kirby, Cookie, Spock, Twiggy, and Warpaint.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Dennis Cove/Kincora Hostel

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

Today it was like the world went from black and white to color. The sun was out, there were flowers blooming, and I was walking with a big grin on my face loving life. We began the hiking along a swift river called Laurel Fork. Then we came to Watauga Lake and had a nice picnic lunch there on the shore. The trail then crossed a small dam and started to climb. After a long climb the trail followed a ridge with views of the lake all along it.Supposedly this 50 mile section to Damascus VA is one that people in two long days, but I'm not sure how. Just to get water at this shelter we had to hike 0.3 miles down a steep hill then back up, but I think 0.3 may be a low guess. We may try for a longer day tomorrow as the terrain looks like it flattens out some.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Vanderventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was perfect. The trail began following a relatively level ridgeline. I could look down on the emerald green velvet of the pastures below for quite awhile. We came across a grave marker of an Uncle Nick Grindstone who died in 1923. All that remains of his house is part of the chimney and fireplace which he apparently is buried beneath. On his grave marker is inscribed "Lived alone, suffered alone, died alone". Other than that somewhat depressing commentary on one individual's life, the day was perfect. The sun was out, the birds singing, and the miles just went by.I'm still with Kirby and Cookie. We plan to hike the 10 miles in Damascus tomorrow and take a zero the next day to recuperate.I have a trail name now. Cookie has dubbed me "Hard Bound" because of my love of books and frequent references to them.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was an easy 10 miles which we did in 3 hours to get to Damascus. Tennessee is now behind me and I'm in Virginia for the next 500 miles or so. Damascus is a nice trail town where the trail goes right down the main street of town. In about 4-5 weeks from now there is a big hiker festival here in town where AT hikers present and past all get together. I may try to make it back here for that.I went to an outfitter here because it has felt like my pack hasn't fit me correctly. It turns out I have lost weight and have no waist/hips anymore. I had to get a smaller waist belt and then a few other adjustments to make my pack fit again. Other than the outfitter, I did some damage to an all-you-can-eat pizza place for lunch then went to a small diner-like place for dinner. I also did laundry.Tomorrow Angie is coming down to spend a few hours with me (yeah!). I don't plan to do much other than spend time with her and go grocery shopping. There is a bike trail here that I might return to sometime after my hike.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I felt like I was on vacation. I woke up and walked to a nice coffee shop. Then Angie came and we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We sat there for a few hours catching up with each other there. She and I went grocery shopping together (which is our usual habit in real life). We spent some more time together and with Kirby and Cookie before she had to go home.After she left I went to the library and read the Roanoke Times (yesterday's copy) for the first time in over a month. Dinner at Dot's then I went to the Wed. Service at First Baptist Damascus.Tomorrow I get back on the trail heading my way north once again after a relaxing day in beautiful Damascus.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a perfect hiking day. I had a great breakfast at the coffee shop and headed out. Despite a full food bag my backpack fits so much better since I got a new hip belt and the whole thing adjusted.The trail ran somewhat parallel to the Virginia Creeper Trail which is an old railway turned into a bike trail. I chose to stay on the AT since I would like to return and bike the Creeper trail though some people hike the Creeper to save miles and effort.I feel good today though there are some big days coming up this week.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a great day. It began with a tough climb up Whitetop Mtn, but once up there the views were impressive. There is a lot of open space on Whitetop and Mt Rogers. I next went over Mt Rogers, the highest point in Virginia. Mt Rogers is the last time I will be over 5000 feet until I get to Vermont.After Mt Rogers is the Grayson Highlands though it all kind of runs together. The terrain is so different than anywhere else. It looked like something out of a Western movie in the sense that there is a lot of open prairie-like land with large rock formations and small clumps of trees and brush. The area is known for wild ponies and sure enough, there were lots of them grazing right on the trail. They seemed quite comfortable with people and we could walk right up to them. I would have liked to have one carry my backpack, but none seemed too interested when I asked them.Tonight the clouds are rolling in and it looks like it might rain. I'm glad it held off for me to get over the mountains today
Date: 2008-04-12
To: Angie Anderson
Miles today: 0.0

Hi Folks,First of all I still haven't heard from Ken yet. Apparently, there is no signal on Mt. Rogers. I will post his journal as soon I receive his email. On another note, he will be passing through here soon. It is difficult to know when exactly. He is planning on coming home for a couple days, then I will take him back to the trail (sniff, sniff). A lot of friends have expressed wanting to see the non-clean cut Ken when he comes through. We are going to have an Open House for him when he is here. Hmm, think it would be OK to ask him to make the cheesecake? I have talked to him about the open house so it isn't a surprise. I will post the time and date when he gets closer to Roanoke. You can call me at 819-4833 for directions.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Wise Shelter

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

Last night it rained hard so I was happy to be in the shelter. This morning it was still spitting a little rain and threatening more so I started out in my rain gear. Fortunately the sun came out and I was able to shed the extra clothes. Hiking in rain gear is a sweaty affair.Even though I hiked a lot of miles, the miles were relatively easy today. It is frustrating not having cell service. Tomorrow I will be getting closer to a town and these journals will get sent. I am staying in the shelter with Kirby, Cookie, and Whitefish.
Date: 2008-04-13
From:  Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was an interesting day. A lady who has been following Kirby wanted to do something nice for him and other thru-hikers so she met us at the first road crossing and picked up our packs. We then hiked the 10 miles to Partnership shelter without our packs. She then met us and took us into the town of Marion where we ate lunch. She then took us to the gym where she has a membership and we sat in the sauna and hot tub and swam in the pool. Of course, after we were all nice and clean we had to put stinky clothes back on. She then took us to a grocery store for re-supply and dropped us off at the shelter.I would have liked to get back on the trail this afternoon, but we got back too late. The shelter is packed full and I have a 15 mile hike tomorrow. It has been cold and snowing all day today and is supposed to stay cold for the next several days. It was a nice day to be in town and I wasn't sure if my parents were definitely coming down tomorrow until I got into town where I had a phone signal. It would have been nice to have an easy day tomorrow, but I'll try to get an early start.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Partnership Shelter

To:  Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

This AM I got up early and got on the trail by 7:00. I quickly did the miles to town because I was meeting my parents here. They drove down to see me and I'm glad they did. It snowed last night and has been raining, snowing, hailing all day. This is a good evening to stay inside. I did laundry and was going to send some of my winter clothes home, but I don't think I will.My parents took me out to eat then I got a pint of Ben and Jerry's which I just finished. Now I'm eating cookies and drinking coffee in the comfort of a warm hotel room. Tomorrow I will get back on the trail.Looking at the map, I predict a lack of cell service over the next few days. As usual, I will get my journals in as well as possible. Except for the crummy weather today, I have to say, I love Virginia-and not just because it's my home. I love the farm lands and mountains here. Most hikers complain about the state because it's the longest state to hike through, but I like it.
Date: 2008-04-15
From:  Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a beautiful day and a great hike. I always do better the day after loading up on calories in town.The Appalachian Mtns are composed of parallel ridges running roughly in a Northeast direction. Today the trail took a turn West. The day began with breakfast at the hotel then good-bye to my parents. I crossed over some farm land then over a ridge going west. At the top there was 1-2 inches of snow. I then went down the west side of the mountain and into lush green pasture land of the valley. In one field the trail went through there was a herd of cattle grazing and watching me go by. The trail then went up the East side of the next ridge then ran along the ridge line with views of the valley and previous mountain.I don't know if all that makes sense, but it made for a great day. I felt strong and arrived at the shelter in the early afternoon, but decided to stay put for the night as the trail tomorrow will have some big climbs. I'm still with Kirby and Cookie. I think it's going to be cold tonight, though warmer days are forcasted for this week.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To:  Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was another beautiful day. I slept really well last night though getting out of my sleeping bag was hard as the temperature was in the lower 30's. Once I got moving I warmed up.The highlight of the day was a ridge overlooking Burkes Garden. This is a large, lush, bowl-shaped valley surrounded on all sides by high mountains. From the ridge I was hiking along it was quite beautiful. This area was the Vanderbilt's first choice for their Biltmore estate which was later built in Ashville, NC. Now there are scattered farms but it looks like an ideal spot for a large castle or estate.There were a couple of long climbs today, but the views made it worth the effort. I forgot to mention yesterday that I saw one deer. I still haven't seen any bears.
Date: 2008-04-17
From:  Jenkins Shelter

To:  Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was a long day. I did the 14 miles to the first shelter by noon and wasn't ready to stop for the day. The problem was the next shelter was about 10 miles away and no water between shelters. I ended up hiking the miles and got to the shelter feeling pretty worn out. Today's trail was full of what are called PUDS (pointless ups and downs) plus it was the worst marked trail I've been on. Several times I was unsure if I was on the trail or not. The trail crossed over I-77 today. It looks like I will have an easier day tomorrow then in to Pearisburg by noon Saturday
Date: 2008-04-18
From:  Jenny Knob Shelter

To:  Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was great! The trail began along a ridgeline with views of farmland on both sides. It then dipped down into a valley and crossed the Kimberling Creek (river) on a suspension bridge. It then followed another river for several miles before climbing up to another ridge.At the risk of sounding like a tree-hugger, I have to say, the woods smelled good today. There is a combination of smells from wood, pine, and flowers that really makes for a pleasant walk.I had originally intended to a short day today. I did 14 miles or so to the shelter and had a nice long lunch. I felt so good I decided to keep walking. Tomorrow will be an easy day into Pearisburg.
Date: 2008-04-19
From:  Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: light rain

Last night was rough. A bear got my food bag and ate all my remaining food. Apparently I had some peanut butter on my fingers so some mice in the shelter nibbled off my fingers-that's why I'm typing this with my poor blistered toes. I have kept myself alive by chewing on the remaining leather of my boots since a racoon or something destroyed them. Other than that things are going well. My spirits are high...Actually...The trail this morning was pretty easy. I got to Pearisburg just as it was beginning to rain. I found a pizza place for lunch then my friend Hunt came and picked me up. I'm so glad he did. While it has rained and stormed I have had a shower, done laundry and had a great dinner. I am sleeping in a comfortable bed and after breakfast in the morning will be back on the trail. I'm hoping this weather front blows through tonight as right now the lightning is pretty fierce. Overall today has been great because of the hospitality of Hunt and his family.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Last night was wonderful! I slept so well and woke up and had a great breakfast. Monica sent me off with two delicious wraps one of which I had for lunch and the other I had with supper. It rained all night and this morning, but just as I got onto the trail the rain stopped. It looked like rain all day, but it stayed dry.I got to the shelter and discovered there was no roof. Apparently a tree had fallen onto the shelter and pretty much destroyed it so I'm tenting.Other than a climb this morning, the trail followed a fairly level ridgeline today with views west of West Virginia. Overall today was a good day. I always feel strong coming out of a town as I eat better there. I found out I have lost about 15 pounds since being on the trail. If I shaved all this facial hair off I could probably subtract another half-pound.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Ugh! Last night it rained. It was raining when I got up. It was raining as I hiked most of the day. It is now evening and I am dry in a shelter and it's sprinkling again. There were a few hours this afternoon when it was not raining. I felt like the sun was shining when I called Angie today, but that was just me.Starting this morning every part of the trail for the next 120 miles or so I have hiked in the past. Last June I hiked from where I started this AM to Catawba as a prep for my thru hike. I must say, today was a LOT easier as I have grown much more accustomed to backpacking over the past few weeks.There were a lot of rocks and boulders on the trail today. That, combined with the rain slowed me down. I also feel the beginnings of some tendonitis in my left peroneus at its insertion into the 5th metacarpal. I took some Advil at lunch time and that seemed to help.