morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-11-02
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

YAY! Today we made it to Daleville, where we were met by Justin Terry at the local Mexican restaurant. JT took us home with him to Lynchburg where we crashed for the evening. Glad to be in town as we did end up running out of food today. For lunch we shared 1/3 jar of peanut butter...and that was it. We were so hungry by the time we got to town and the Mexican food was perfect! On the way to Justin's he took us to Sheetz...a convienence store that he loves and wants to share with everyone.
Date: 2010-11-03
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

What a wonderful ZERO!! Mo took JT to work and we ran errands for resupplying. After lunch JT took Mo to go Astroturf skiing at the Snowplex at Liberty...they had a blast. JT returned us to Daleville, where we visited the outfitters and the coffee shop. The coffee shop was hosting the Hillbilly Hoe-down - about 10 people in a circle with their banjos, guitars, mandolins, a stand up base, and a strange contraption that was a huge rubbermaid bucket upside down with a broom handle and one string. It was awesome. We had met a couple of guys who work there on the trail a couple of days ago and they told us we just had to visit the coffee shop becuase, and i quote, "we love hikers, we hate everyone else". they wouldn't let us pay for our coffee or tea. We had a grand time and as we were leaving, one of the pickers stopped mo and gave us a free CD of their music. Nice! JT took us to check into our hotel and then drove us over to the Waffle House - our first WH since we started the trail. Lovely.We walked back to the hotel after saying goodbye to JT who couldn't stay for dinner.
Date: 2010-11-04
From: HWY 311

To: Daleville
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

There is a 90% chance of rain today so we arranged with the outfitters to slack pack 19 miles back to daleville and stay another night at the hotel. when it is this rainy its nice to go to a warm shower and dry lodging. we had dinner at Pizza Hut. Ordered some subs to go for lunch tomorrow. today we visited McAffee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Even though it was a cold and rainy day, somehow when we at those two places, the clouds lifted and rain stopped just long enough for some good views of the valley and some great pictures. Met another SOBO couple today - Dodger and Domelight. Looking forward to seeing them again.
Date: 2010-11-05
From: Hwy 311

To: Pickle Branch shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

Had a big day planned today. Then we started hiking over the Dragon's tooth...and it kept going and going and going. Slow going. For some reason we were dragging. We were hoping for 22 miles. we did 12.6 by 3:30. We had a choice to make, hike on and make it to the shelter at about 8pm, or stop now. So we went ahead and stopped. We were able to read and nap and i cooked a goood dinner. We were joined by dodger and domelight late after sunset and it turns out we weren't the only ones slowed by the Dragon's tooth. Played with the naps tonight to see if i could guess when we will be in Damascus - maybe the 19th?
Date: 2010-11-06
From: Pickle Branch shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: clear sky

Long day. We started out and as we were going down the first hill, Mo's hiking poles gave out. One collapsed and the other shattered and he went down and hit his arm on a log step. We thought it was broken...fortunately just scratched and bruised. today is one of the coldest we have experienced yet....cold, blustery wind. Dodger and Domelight said it snowed on them yesterday when they were coming over the Dragon's Tooth. Oh i hope it doens't stay this cold long. I don't want to hike in snow. I don't have my winter bag quite yet. tonight's lows are predicted to be in the 20;s....
Date: 2010-11-07
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

It was so miserably cold last night. the only way to stay warm was to snuggle as close as possible to get sleep. Can't wait to get my new winter bag. Soon. Oh and our water was frozen...solid...We stopped at Wind Rock to eat lunch where we found a spot of sunlight and no wind. Dodger and Domelight were there too, as well as a couple, who the guy had thru hiked before and was now revisiting some of the places he zoomed by during his hike to actually take a look out on the view spots with his wife. After Wind Rock we ended up hiking in SNOW! about an inch! The temperature had fluctuated just enough to turn parts to ice and it was slippery and slow going. We made it down a bit in elevation and the snow was gone. I didn't like hiking in snow...it makes your toes cold when hiking in Chacos, even with waterproof socks. We made it to the shelter before dark. This shelter is really nice with a FIREPLACE!!! YAY! So Mo and I gathered as much fire wood as we could and I made a roaringly warm fire. We knew it was going to be cold again tonight so we made sure we were warm before we got in our bags. Mo got the tent out and I used that to wrap up in along with the two summer quilts and all my clothes and slept great!
Date: 2010-11-08
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was beautiful. Beautiful meadows and weather. A bit warmer than the last couple of days. John caught up with us again at Symms Gap Meadow. We passed Rice Field Shelter, which was set off in a tree line overlooking a beautiful mountain bald and great views. Made it to town before dark and was misdirected up the next mountain by a local instead of taking the road to town. Fortunately we figured it out quickly and rerouted to town where we ate some mexican food and then joined john at a crappy hotel. the hotel had no sign but did have 24 hr tanning. The showers hot water didn't last longer than about a minute and a half. Worst hotel/motel on the trail by far!
Date: 2010-11-09
From: Pearisburg

To: Woods Hole Hostel, Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

ran errands this morning, laundry, resupply, post office, etc. Had breakfast at hardees and all the locals were very interested in our hike. Angels Rest was a long climb but the views were amazing. The hike to Woods Hole was through a ton of rhododenron tunnels. So lovely. Since we only were hiking a half day, we didn't start until 11:30 and just took our time. Once at the gap, a hunter was driving by so we managed to hitch a ride down the .5 miles to Woods hole Hostel. What a cool place this Woods hole. Its a renovated 1880's cabin that has been hosting hikers for a long time. the grand-daughter, Neville, and her husband now run it. Very rustic place. Great filling and home made meals. Neville invited us to watch a movie with her the night we were there and the cabin is SO cozy and warm. We made homemade pizza and salad and bread for dinner. MMMMMM!
Date: 2010-11-10
From: Woods Hole Hostel, Sugar Run Gap

To: Brushy Mtn
Miles today: 16.9

It was hard to leave Wood's hole this morning. Neville made us eggs, hashbrowns, cinn. toast, coffee, juice...great hiker bfast. Wanted to hike 20 miles...hiked about 17 before the sun set. Found a great camp site on top of brushy mtn that had a ton of firewood already piled up so we stayed there. I made a roaring camp fire and cooked dinner while Mo set up camp. Really looking forward to tomorrow as we are getting picked up by Mom and Mark!!! First family visit of the trail!
Date: 2010-11-11
From: Brushy Mtn

To: US 21/52/Bland
Miles today: 16.4

Rose early and took off to get to Bland to meet Mom and Mark! What great motivation. At the first shelter we came to we had to go in search of water which took a while. Finally found some! Hiked fast and hard and made it by about 3:15 to the rendezvous point. Mom and mark were running late so we hitched into town to the Dairy Queen where we scarffed down some chicken tenders and a blizzard. Mom and Mark arrived about 30 minutes later and it was a great reunion. They took us to the hotel in Marion - the General Francis Marion Hotel. Very nice, nicest place yet on the trail! We ate dinner at the hotel and stayed up catching up and telling trail stories. YAY for momma to be in town! Slept great in the big comfy cozy bed!
Date: 2010-11-12
From: US 21/52/Bland

To: Garden Mtn.
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: few clouds

we ate a wonderful bfast at the hotel this morning - fresh waffles and eggs and yogurt and toast and jam and jellies galore! Slacked NOBO from garden Mtn to Bland to get in some miles. Read in journal that John had some bear issues at the Jenkins Shelter we passed today. He didn't get much sleep at the shelter. We had mostly ridge walking today and met up with Mark and Mom about 2 miles from the end where they had walked it to join us. On the way back to the hotel we stopped at a Mexican restuarant. We are so happy to back in the land where there are Mexican restaurants. There werent any up north.
Date: 2010-11-13
From: Marion

To: Marion
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we decided to take a zero. We drove up to Grayson Highland which we wont be hiking for about 5 more days, and did a short hike. Perfect weather and tons of WILD PONIES! We were able to pet them and feed them some grass. We found a great rock to climb up and sit with a great view where we ate lunch. There are some wonderful facebook photos on Mom's profile - you should check them out. tonight we ate at a restaurant called Handsome Molly's where we enjoyed panini's and pizza. then we went to the Lincoln Theater where we saw a Celtic Bluegrass band - bluegrass instruments and scottish songs - and they were all in kilts. nice!
Date: 2010-11-14
From: Marion

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Had to say our goodbyes to Mom and Mark this morning. Not fun. Hiked to Knot Maul Shelter even though we were hoping to go further. Good things we stopped because as soon as we got to the shelter, it started raining, and we were under cover. Today we got to see some nice views of Burkes Garden, aka God's Thumbprint. it was the original choice for vanderbilt to build his biltmore estate. for some reason he chose ashville instead. read that there wasn't water at the shelter so we had to get some a mile or so before and hike it in. HOORAH - i have my new 5 degree western mountaineering bag - so i am cozy warm at night now!
Date: 2010-11-15
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice hiking today. Slept great last night in my new bag. Thanks Mom for getting that to me! Nice and easy hiking today for the most part. Got to 42 and there was TRAIL MAGIC in a cooler by the road! cokes and nutty buddy bars and other goodies. Great trail magic. Then we hiked to I-81 and ate a late lunch at restaurant in the Exxon. Good home cookin and the friendliest people EVER. i had the bbq plate and Mo had some hot wings and a grilled cheese. As we hiked to the shelter we passed the Settler's Museum and stopped in the old school house. Sadly we had to hike the last 4.5 miles in the rain so we were rather wet and cold by the time we got to the shelter. Since we ate so much for a late lunch we just snacked for dinner and cuddled up in our warm bags and went to bed. The weather is predicting even more rain tomorrow...
Date: 2010-11-16
From: chatfield Shelter

To: Troutdale
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: moderate rain

Got up early and headed to Troudale. Made it to the Mt Rogers National Recreation ARea around 11:30 - there was a covered area where we could eat lunch and I was able to charge my phone. Right near here is the Partnership Shelter and you can order pizza to be delivered from Marion. Everyone on the trail talks about it. Unfortunately we didn't have time to do that and make it to the road to hitch into Troutdale before dark. We did make it to the road and we were actually picked up by Mary Riggins, the wife of the pastor, whose church's hostel we stayed at! Perfect. We ate dinner at the only place in town - the trading post. They had great home country cooking. glad to be indoors tonight - 50+ mph winds shook the bunkhouse all night.
Date: 2010-11-17
From: Troutdale

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

This morning we started out with breakfast at the Trading Post and then hitched a ride back to the trail head. Today we were going to get to visit the Grayson Highlands again...this time hiking to the shelter just at the beginning. About mid morning we met a hiker out for a week or so hiking a loop from damascus on the Iron Mtn Trail, to the AT, and back to Damascus. We got to chat with him a bit at lunch and once we got to the top of Pine Mtn.today's hike was GORGEOUS! Good weather, not to cold or windy. Going up to Pine Mtn reminded me a lot of the woods in Maine. Even though most of the leaves are gone nowadays, especially with all the wind we've been having, Pine Mtn was green, green with moss and ferns and pines and spruce and hemlocks. Appropriately named. At the top we walked out to a beautiful meadow/bald and met a hunter out scouting the area.We moved on and passed an area called the Scales where cattle used to be weighed or something - and now where hunters gather in their warm campers to base out of to hunt the area. the highlands are so beautiful because they are so open and you can see forever on a nice day. This evening was wonderful. We watched the sun set and then made it to the shelter just after dusk. Only had to use headlamps for about 5-10 minutes. The shelter was surrounded by some rhododenron and other low trees to protect it from the wind. We slept great though i had a dream that a pony came and ate my shoes. There are stories of them doing that ya know....
Date: 2010-11-18
From: Wise Shelter

To: Lost Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 17.3

YAY! Today we get to hike through the Grayson Highlands and see ponies...or so we thought. the whole time we were in the highlands today it never was above FREEZING! At Thomas Knob Shelter where we stopped for a break around 11:30 it was 29 degrees. AND We didnt see one durn pony. I guess they were hiding in the lowlands/valleys to avoid the bitter wind and ice. It was raining but the dew and mud were frozen solid. The lovely rock overlook we visited with Mom and Mark 5 days ago - we couldn't see for the fog and we couldn't stand to be still long enough to rest there due to the bite and chill in the air. What a difference 5 days can make! In the afternoon we went over Whitetop Mtn and found a sunny spot on a hillside where we thawed and just were amazed at the vast view. At Buzzard Rock we took some fun pictures - and today there was a bench at elk wallow to sit and relax on...but that was earlier in the day and it was toocold to stay for long.At Lost Mtn. Shelter tonight by ourselves...Damascus tomorrow!
Date: 2010-11-19
From: Lost Mtn. Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

You know, we woke up this morning and thought - we have less than 16 miles to get to Damascus...and we were so excited and motivated. Then we started hiking. And we were tired. It seems to be a theme when we are going into town nowadays - our bodies know that we are about to get some rest and they think they can shut down early. And to top it off we were tempted by the Virgina Creeper Trail today. The VCT is about 70+ miles and is a Rails to Trails project - what was once an Indian Footpath, then early pioneers including Daniel Boone used, then a train track, now a foot path again - as a hiking and biking trail for tourist and locals. The AT meets up with it about 10 miles north of Damascus, and you can take it to Damascus - well graded, lots of streams, bridges, tressels, and the best part - mostly FLAT....The AT then leaves it after 4/10 mile and goes up and down two mtn ranges...up and down...up and down...and you can see the VCT mocking you from below and beckoning you to take the easy way to town. Many AT hikers fall victim to the blue blaze option. But we remained strong and true to the thru and said goodbye to the VCT until Damascus. The AT rejoins the VCT for about 300 yards as you walk into town...and we finally made it to town around 2:30. as we were making our way to the Mt. Roger's Outfitters and hostel, a car pulled over and I thought - who are these crazy people trying to run us over?! Well it turns out it was two trail maintainers that we had met two days ago hiking up Pine Mtn. They were out handsawing some blowdowns on the trail and Micah helped then for a little bit. they recognized us and stopped to say hey and tell us some cool places to visit and eat. We went to the outfitters and bought some maps for Tenn and NC as we are now only ~4 miles from TENNESEE!!! YES! The outfitters also has a hostel for $20 per room so we grabbed a room and showered and laundried and then went to Quincy's pizza for dinner. GREAT Pizza - probably the best we've had on the trail yet! We ordered the Everythingpizza which literaly had every topping they offered on it (except anchovies - ew). I was worn out so i went to the room and crashed while Mo stayed and listed to some live music. The hostel is cozy and we really enjoyed our time in Damascus.
Date: 2010-11-20
From: Damascus

To: Campsite S of Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we left Damascus - but first we went to the Dairy King and enjoyed some great breakfast. We crossed the VA/TN state line pretty early in the morning which felt like a huge milestone. For some reason it really does feel like we are getting closer to home. We made some good mileage today and pushed past a shelter to a campsite about a mile south of it. the campsite was very nice with a perfect spring water source very close. We arrived there just at dusk. We cooked a huge dinner and snuggled down into our sleeping bags and slept under the stars. Though after dinner I moved our sleeping bags and ground cover about 4 times trying to find the flattest ground possible. Finally did and we slept pretty decently.
Date: 2010-11-21
From: Campsite S of Double Springs Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just guessed on the mileage for this day as I don't have the AT guide book with me to update. But we hiked to the Watauga Lake shelter and again arrived just at dusk. The lake was absolutely beautiful to hike along and we were expecting the shelter to be on the lake...it wasn't. Sad. Nothing too eventful today other than we hiked a bunch.
Date: 2010-11-22
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Campsite past Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Today we walked around Watauga Lake and enjoyed some beautiful scenery. We ran into John the Hiker again today and spent some trail time with him and lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. The falls were beautiful and there were several day hikers there. This would make a great day hike again one day in the future. Sadly we had to pass the famous Kincora hostel run by Bob Peoples. But we have to make it to Roan Mountain by tomorrow evening! So we pressed on and found a great spot in between some streams in a rhododendron grove. it was beautiful and not too cold.
Date: 2010-11-23
From: Campsite past Moreland Gap Shelter

To: US 19 E Mountain Harbour B&B
Miles today: 16.5

Today was a little wet and soggy, but we made it to the B&B around 3:30. We met Micah's parents there and they put us up in the B&B side of Mountain Harbour so we didn't have to stay in the hostel. Though the hostel is pretty awesome with a wood burning stove and is located in the upper portion of their goat and horse barn. The Hostel was wonderful and the owners so super sweet. Mo's parents took us to dinner at a great steak restaurant and we enjoyed getting to take long showers. Tomorrow we start our journey to surprise mom for thanksgiving!
Date: 2010-11-24
From: US 19 E Mountain Harbour B&B

To: Marietta GA
Miles today: 0.0

Today we rode to Mo's parents house for Thanksgiving celebrations. Mo's dad went and picked up Grandmother and we surprised her when she arrived - she had no idea we were getting off the trail for a few days. We went to dinner and a movie which is Thompson family tradition the day before thanksgiving.
Date: 2010-11-25
From: Marietta GA

To: Baldwin, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Mo's parents drove us to Baldwin, where we surprised my mom. And boy was she surprised! It was so much fun to be home for a holiday. We don't have traditional food at our thanksgiving - instead we had Crab Legs!! YUM! Its a nice change when you are visiting multiple sides of the family and become overstuffed on turkey and stuffing. Though I do love some good turkey and stuffing too!
Date: 2010-11-26
From: Winding Stair Gap US 64

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We don't have a ride back to where we left off on the trail in Tennessee until Sunday so we decided we should try and get some miles in a little closer to home. So we drove to Franklin, where we met up with Dr. Mike Younker, a friend of the family. We parked our truck at his mountain cabin then he dropped us off at Winding Stair Gap. We took off and the terrain was WONDERFUL...some of the easiest we've encountered. The night is supposed to be cold and potentially wet with rain so we pushed on past the campsite we were thinking of staying at and made it 23.5 miles to STanding Indian Shelter. We made it there by 7:30 (only ten hours after we started) and it was COLD! Tonight is one of the coldest we've experienced yet. We decided not to cook and just ate our lunch for tomorrow. We will cook our dinner for lunch tomorrow.
Date: 2010-11-27
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was cold...so we moved fast. we stopped once just long enough to cook up some ramen noodles with dried veggies. We met some weekend hikers and stopped at the shelter where they were staying to eat an avocado and trail mix before hiking to Dicks Creek Gap to meet Mom and Mark. They picked us up and we drove to Clarksville and ate at the Attic. Decent food - though i got car sick on the way there. We also met up with our good friend Kristy at the restaurant.
Date: 2010-11-28
From: Carvers Gap

To: Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Mom and Mark drove us to Carvers Gap on the TN/NC border and we slacked back over to Roan Mountain to the Mountain Harbour B&B Hostel. Mom and Mark hiked the first bit of the day with us - it was beautiful - perfect weather, we could see for miles and miles. Today was our first experience of ice on the trail. Parts of the trail were solid ice. The balds today were gorgeous - from Hump mountain we started to see the sunset. We finally made it back to the B&B where Mom and Mark had dropped off our stuff. We bought some ice cream and pizza from the owners, settled down for the evening, watched a movie and went to bed. We had the hostel to our selves.
Date: 2010-11-29
From: Carvers Gap

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The forecast is a lot of rain is headed this way. So we stopped early today and went to Greasy Creek Gap - Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel with owner Connie Pruitt. We had such a great time hanging out. The rain was predicted to be pretty bad so we may end up taking a zero tomorrow....
Date: 2010-11-30
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 4.2

Connie dropped us off this afternoon during a break in the rain so we could get in a few miles today at Iron Mtn Gap. We only were out for around 2 hours and fortunately missed all the rain. Back at the hostel we learned that the rain is going to turn into snow though...not cool...