morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter, TN
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful morning, with glorious views from the Overmaountain Shelter barn. I got underway about 8:15 and began a long, uphill climb. Not too steep, but steady. Crossed some lovely balds, with 360 degree views that were prettier than anything I've seen yet. The downhill to Apple Shelter was rocky and slow-going, but I made the 8 miles in about 3 1/2 hours. I had a snack/break there and saw a menu for "Buck's Place" a mile up the road at the crossing just ahead. The siren call of "Town Food" was too much for me, so I hitched down for a burger. In hindsight, a mistake. Besides eating up an hour of my day, the (only fair) burger sat like a lump in my stomach for most of the afternoon. It made the uphill climb from the road even slower and more arduous, and the Root Beer gave me gas that saw me belching with every third step. The trail didn't seem to mesh with the map and the elevation charts, but I kept following the white blazes on the trees, the cardinal rule of AT hiking. At one point, I asked a scruffy, hillbilly local n a beat-up pickup truck at a dirt road crossing which road it was, and later found that he misdirected me. Apparently, the locals resent the hikers (going back to when the land was taken by Uncle Sam) and do anything they can to mess with them. I was beginning to get anxiuos, being "lost" in the Tennessee backwoods (remember Deliverance?) with locals not liking hikers, but finally got to the shelter just at dark. Freedom (an older guy) was there alone and I think was glad to have the company. I was certainly glad to be there, and later found out that the section was redone 2 years ago and 3-4 miles added. So instead of a 23 mile day, I ended up doing 26.4. No wonder it took so much longer and nothing added up.
Date: 2005-04-21
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove, TN - Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.0

Freedom proved to be an enjoyable shelter mate last night, and we both set off around 8:15. I hiked the six miles to Kincora Hostel, intending to shower, do laundry, reprovision and then move on. Slippery Rock (a girl setion hiker) was there when I arrived and offered to give Freedom and me rides to town for supplies and lunch. Had a great BBQ pork lunch, got food to get into Damascus with and then she talked me into slackpacking up the road about 9 miles so that I could stay at the hostel that night, since rain was forecast and looking likely. It didn't take much to convince me. She drove on to Hot Springs for the Trailfest Weekend coming up, but she was a great source of information and advice. Bob Peoples (wife Pat, who I didn't meet) is the nicest guy and generously gives of his time and experience to the trail. He runs the Hostel to help hikers, not make money, and does volunteer trail maintenance regularly. The atmosphere at the hostel was collegial, not like a frat house, and I was glad to be there. Went into town with Popeye (47YO, married, from Orlando FL) for Mexican dinner and had a nice time, other than getting caught in the rainstorm. Got a good night's sleep after taling to Patty and making preliminary plans for Damscus (just 2 days away!)
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Dennis Cove, TN - Kincora Hostel

To: Double Springs Shelter, TN
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a good night's sleep in the hostel and was up about 7:15. Two of the hikers were doing a trail maintenance day, so Bob dropped us off along with another slackpacker going back to the hostel like I did yesterday. I was able to grab a quick McD breakfast, so I was looking forward to a big hiking day. So far, so good. The weather was looking rather ominous, but I was hoping it would pass through. We've had eight good days, so I guess I can't complain too much. I passed about 4-5 other hikers early in the day, had lunch at Vanderventer Shelter, and then just after, the rain started. Light at first ( I uded my umbrella, being the optimist), buth then the wind and rain kicked up heavily and I went to full rain gear. It rained pretty heavily for about 2-3 hours, and while it was refreshing at first, it became, cold, raw and depressing very quickly. I kept the pace up though, because I wanted to get into Damascus early on Saturday. Was lucky to get the last spot in the Double Springs Shelter with Chuckles, GottaGo, Giggles, Fraggle and one other girl. Sara & Trent (Maine) pulled in after and had to tent down the trail. Hadn't seen them since Fontana Dam. Glad not to have to be in the hammock as it was damp, raw and cold out.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Double Springs Shelter, TN

To: DAMASCUS, VA!
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

FIrst one up about 6:15 and was underway about 6:45. It was cold and raw, sleeting and raining through the night. Hard to get out of the warm sleeping bag. Started off easy to warm up, but I kept up a strong pace all morning with the focus on getting into town early enough to get a room. The terrain was moderate, with only a few uphill bumps and no big climbs. It rained on and off, with even a few sleet particles here and there. Got into Damascus about 12:30 and was able to get a room at the Rogers Outfitters Hostel, recommended over The Place by Bob Peoples. I'm in Virginia - my fourth state! It was cold and damp in the hostel, with no heat, so I went down the street to The Hiker's Inn. Suzanne Bullard moved here from NC a few years ago with the express idea of having a place that was a grade above a hostel, with linen on the beds. It's a great place to stay, warm, cozy and she couldn't have been nicer. Felt like family more than a hostel. Had a big burrito for dinner and settled into Damascus. For a "hiker friendly" town, they don't make it very comfortable here. Pay phones are all outside and you see hikers outside in the rain freezing trying to phone home. And the only internet is at the library, closed Sat aft. and Sunday. ANd both of the "big" hostels have no heat and are a mess. I think Hot Springs was "friendlier" to hikers, in my opinion. Anyway, Suzanne has been great and let me use her phone and internet, so I take back some of what I thought about Damascus. I'm thinking of slackpacking up about 25 miles tomorrow, although the weather forecast doesn't sound too good.
Date: 2005-04-24
From: DAMASCUS, VA!

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hadn't planned on making today a zero day, but woke up to the lovely (but uninviting) view of snowflakes falling. And it's 10 degrees colder in the mountains, plus windy. The smart money is on staying in town today, mileage be damned. Suzanne got the forecast from the outfitter and it looks like tomorrow will be good, but not today. Patty is going to drive down tonight, probably not arriving until well after midnight. Suzanne moved me into the house so that we can have our own private room upstairs. I'm really starting to feel more like family than a hostel guest. Hikers started trickling in to the hostel late in the morning and now it's full. Some from the other places wanted a warm room (sounds familiar) and others were just delaying departure because of the weather. I had a nice omelette breakfast at The Country Place nearby and was contentedly full, relaxing with a hot tea and a wood burning stove. I wish I were getting some miles in, but I have to accept that the weather won't allow it. I may slackpack tomorrow (even though Patty is here) and then take Tuesday off with her. She and Suzanne can play Scrabble tomorrow while I hike. Suzanne invited all of the hikers staying with her to dinner in her house tonite. What a wonderful feast she put out. We had spinach salad (with a tangy, homemade warm dressing...), pot roast, chicken, a potpourri of FRESH fruit, homemade chocolate cake, wine, beer, milk. She made an extra effort to serve things we would NOT have on the trail and would especially like, and made the effort to accommodate a vegan in the group. It was a wonderful and special evening and we all had trouble believing this was all happening on our thruhike. It was like a holiday dinner, and none of us wanted it to end! I stayed up late for Patty's arrival, and she rolled in about 12:30AM. I felt like a puppy dog with my tail wagging, I was so happy to see her. We talked for about an hour then both drifted off to sleep...
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Summit Cut, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

It was so cozy to wake up with Patty, and while I thought of getting up early to meet Train (trail name) and go out slackpacking, I just couldn't leave Patty after just reuniting. We cuddled in bed until about 8:00 and then went out to breakfast together. We checked out a bike rental/shuttle place and they had a van going out at 11:00 that could take Patty to Whitetop Mtn. to ride back on the VA Creeper Trail, and drop me at an AT trail crossing so that I could get a 17 mile hiking day in. So that's what we did. I hiked with my lightened day pack and my New Balance trail running shoes Patty brought me, and I could really fly with the light shoes and pack. I did the return trip in about five hours, so we'll have time for dinner and some relaxing together this evening. Not sure about the weather tomorrow, so I may take a zero day with Patty to play, or maybe will hike some more. I'm getting spoiled having Patty with me...it would be nice to have her shadow me the rest of the trip!
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA (again)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm a little embarassed to be reporting another zero day in Damascus. The weather forecast for today was precarious, and while I thought of doing some more slack-packing and then meeting up with Patty again, I decided to spend the whole day with her playing instead. While I'm not happy about having no miles to show for the day, we had a WONDERFUL time together, sleeping in a little, getting breakfast at a cozy little place, doing laundry and then exploring Abingdon VA, a charming historic town nearby. We toured the old buildings (some from the pre-Revolutionary era), had a leisurely lunch and watched for the forecast rain that didn't come until 5:00. I guess I'll have to hike extra miles for the next few weeks to make up for today, but it'll have been worth it to spend the quality time with my favorite person. For those who have been asking (and you know who you are...), Patty took the chip from my camera and will be downloading more pictures in the next several days so you can see me in action, and see some of the beautiful scenery I've been experiencing. The next section I'm to be hiking, I'm told has some of the most beautiful panoramas on the trail, so I'm going to try and slow down just a little and take pictures more often. Patty and I will get together next in Waynesboro, VA, which is about 400 miles upstream. I'm going to try and make it in just under three weeks, which is pretty ambitious mileage-wise. I'll probably try to keep my miles well over twenty each day to do it, meaning up-early and hike late, with no off days. But I'm told that Virginia has a lot of ridge hiking, where you get up on the ridges and then have only slight up-and-downs, rather than continual steep vertical climbs and drops, as I've been experiencing. We're both up early tomorrow morning so that I can be on-trail by 6:30 and Patty can be on the road back to NY for an evening meeting. We've both been dreading the moment when we say goodbye again, but it's gonna happen tomorrow, whether we like it or NOT. I'll miss the comfort and warmth of The Hikers Hostel and Suzanne's graciousness (four nites worth-can you tell I didn't want to leave!), but time to move on...maybe we'll come back again when this is all over and do a family trip on th VA Creeper Trail?
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Summit Cut, VA

To: Hurricane Shelter, VA (newly-built)
Miles today: 27.5

Saying goodbye to Patty this morning was no easier than it's been the past times at Springer or Fontana. It took several false starts into the woods before we both could be on our respective ways. It looked like the weather was going to be good at the start, cool but sunny. I made the summit of Mt. Rogers by 11:30, but that's when the first snowflakes began to fall. A thick cloud bank moved in and I had to don my full cold/wet weather outfit. When I got to the Grayson Highlands (supposedly one of the prettiest places on the trail), it was coming down pretty hard, with zero visibility. So much for the views. After about two hours, it cleared and the sun came back out. Then, (after I changed back to shorts) an hour later back to wind/cold/snow. This went on several times during the day, ending with just rain (at the lower elevations). I pushed hard to keep the miles up, and with the early start, ended up with my second biggest mileage day of the trip. So despite the weather, I was pleased (but tired). I stayed in the newly-built Hurricane Shelter (not even in the book or on the maps) with seven others, and was even able to get cell reception to call home to be sure Patty made it there OK from her 10 hour drive. Glad the day is over.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Hurricane Shelter (new)

To: Atkins, VA (Rt.11/683/81 intersection)
Miles today: 31.5
Weather: broken clouds

It wascold and damp last night but I stayed warm with my fleece bag liner. Everyone was up and out early today...I slept in 'til about 7:00 and was next-to-last out at 7:30. I promptly proceeded to miss a turnoff onto the AT and walked about 10 minutes out of the way before realizing it. Nothing like starting the day pissed off. It was sunny and cool, like the past few days, and I was lacking the oomph of yesterday. I think the rest time and "town food" in Damascus gave my body an energy reserve yesterday that was missing today. I was lethargic up the hills and wasn't motivated. Maybe I need Patty at each destination as my carrot to keep me pushing hard! But despite the sluggishness, by 3:00 I had made it 21 miles to Partnership Shelter (the only shelter on the trail where you can get pizza deliveries...). I ran into Popeye there, and we both decided to push another 10+ miles to the road crossing at Atkin and share a room at The Hike Inn, a motel that caters to hikers. So we got our mojo going on and made it there by 7:00, had dinner at a homey local restaurant and I got my soft-serve fix at Dairy Queen ( A Heath-Bar Blizzard..). So, a full stomach, a warm bed, a record mileage day and a chance to recharge for the next push to Bland VA (yes, Bland...a dull town), a couple of days away. And tomorrow 'll pass the 25% mark on the trail. Gettin' it done...
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Atkins, VA (Rt.11/683/81 intersection)

To: Maul Branch Shelter, VA
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Was slow getting going this morning. It was raining out and went to the restaurant across the street with Popeye for a hearty breakfast. I was hoping he would go with me today, but he is taking a zero to fight a cold that's coming, leaving me to go off into the rain alone. I enjoy hiking with him, but our schedules aren't entirely compatible, so we'll have to do it when we can, not on a regular basis. He has to go home mid-may for a daughter's graduation, so we'll probably be too far apart to hike together again. I left about 10AM and about a half-mile out slipped in the mud and fell on my arm. A nice muscle bruise, but no break. This clay sure is slippery when wet. I was hoping to put in a 20+ mile day and get to Chestnut Knob Shelter, but with the late start and the weather, I was afraid I'd get in too late and be sunk if there wasn't room. It is at a high elevation and very cold, so with the rain, I'd be in big trouble if no room for me. Stopped early at Maul Branch (4:30) with Skillet, Bottle, The Odd Couple (Ed & Scott), Tofu & Figaro and got a spot for sure. My toes were hurting me in the new trail runners and I'm afraid it's going to get worse, not better. I'd like to make it into Bland tomorrow, but not sure if I can make the big miles with foot problems...
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Maul Branch Shelter

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 30.9
Weather: light rain

Slept well, but lost one ear plug before I got into bed. You HAVE to wear ear plugs in a shelter to dull the snoring, movement, mice noises and other things that will keep you awake. So I slept on my side with the open ear down. Got up about 5:30 and was on trail by 6:30 before the crowd began moving. The terrain wasn't too bad, but it was slippery and wet all day. I stopped and dried my feet, changed socks to see if that would help my feet at about 3:00. Then I descended into the Little Wolf Creek area, deciding not to take the optional High-water Trail (trying to be a purist here..). Big mistake. The tail criss-crossed the creek about fifteen times, getting deeper at each crossing. At first, I was able to cross on rocks, but then it became a gymnastic endeavor, and finally all hope was lost (after falling in twice..) and I just waded in fully-clothed. It slowed me down tremendously having to try each crossing and being so wet with gushy feet. I saw "1/4 of the way" (hiker) who was 15 mins behind me, hiked slower and finished the section 10 mins ahead of me by taking the High Water Trail, which he said was easy. I was pissed at myself for not taking it, but it was too late. I still had 6.9 miles to go to Bland and it was two hours until dark. I hauled ass up Bushy Mtn., jogging whenever the terrain was level or downhill and pushed into the road crossing at Bland at 7:55. There were no cars on the road to speak of, so I began walking the 3 miles to town and was picked up by a woman with kids who had picked up Train (another hiker) earlier in the day. She took me to the motel, I went to Dairy Queen for dinner (how exciting..although Train came in, so at least I had company), washed some clothes, then to bed. Feet are both hurting with big blisters on each heel. I've got to do something about these shoes, but I don't think Bland has anything in the way of stores. It really is a BLAND town....truly.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Bland, VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter, VA
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

My feet were still bothering me in the morning, so I got up late, had breakfast at DQ (lots of gourmet cuisine choices in BLAND), walked 2 miles to the town center and got a couple of food provisions from a very small, dismal IGA store. Then hitched to the trailhead and was lucky to get a ride from a nice woman driving a rolling trash can. Almost no room for me with the garbage, but I wasn't going to complain. It was a gorgeous day and I started slowly so as not to further inflame my feet. The terrain was very level (a ridgeline) so it was easy hiking and I made Jenny Knob Shelter by about 4:00. It was in a sun-drenched clearing, so I lay in the sun for a bit, took my shoes/socks off and just enjoyed a moment of beauty and rest. After about 15 mins I started up again, but my feet were really hurting, so I turned around and went back and decided to stay the night there. It was 7 miles until the next stop point, and I didn't want to cripple myself by pushing too hard. So I rested some more in the sun and spent the night there. Just Jimmy came in, a southbound section-hiker, and we had a nice conversation for the remainder of the evening. I was tentatively given the trail name "Highwater" by a family of five because of my trail choice yesterday, but I'm not sure it will stick. We'll see... Oh, and I found my lost ear plug in my jacket pocket (it must have fallen there..). Sound sleep is in my future!
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: WoodsHole Hostel-Sugar Run Gap, VA
Miles today: 20.0

Woke up early, but it was cold, so I stayed in the bag for the extra rest and got going about 7:45. My feet seemed a little better today, but I took it easy just in case. I'm hoping to be able to limp (literally) into Pearisburg and resolve my footwear problem, so I have to nurse myself. I planned to stop at a road crossing for a pizza lunch, but the map wasn't entirely clear and I missed it. PB&J again, I'm afraid. Rather than go 2.2 miles more to a shelter, I elected to stay at this hostel run by a sweet 80-something year old woman, who runs it in memory of her husband who started it many years ago and died there at the farm in the 80's. It was very rustic and charming. Joined by Train, 1/4 of the way, The Muppets and Food Bag, a 40's guy who is finishing a thruhike he stopped in 1999 (a six-year zero day, he called it) there. It's chilly tonight!
Date: 2005-05-03
From: WoodsHole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was like staying at Grandma's, with fresh biscuits for breakfast (after a very appropriate blessing by Train), followed by a group (family) picture before leaving. It was FREEZING cold during the night (no heat in the shed...), and chilly in the AM. When is Summer coming? Tillie gave me ONE blister bandage for my feet, which I cut in half, but it seemed to help some. It's only 10 miles into Pearisburg, so even with a "late" breakfast start of 9:00, I'll be there by noon. First order of business....SHOES! Stopped at Doc's Knob Shelter to remove warmth layers, then into town. I got off trail some and "trailblazed" my way into town, which was fun. More fun than just following the same muddy footprints as everyone else. Got to the Rendezvous Motel about 12:30 and got the last room. Met "Kitty Litter", whose name I've seen in the registers. A mice guy. Also met Figaro & Tofu, who had had foot problems, rented a car from the Ford dealer across the street and drove 20 mi. to Blacksburg to a good outfitter and got shoes. So I did the exact same thing and got some Montrail hiking shoes. I talked to Patty quite a bit on the cell (reception, finally!) and then back to Pburg for dinner with Train, Kitty Litter, 1/4 of the way and Popeye (who rolled into town late...). Popeye is still nursing a cold and is zeroing tomorrow again, so I'm once again on my own. We both have ambitious goals of getting to Harper's Ferry ASAP, so maybe we can still motiviate each other, even if we can't hike together every day. I'm hoping that my feet will clear up with the new shoes and I can start putting up the miles with the consistency I need to get through VA fast! Can't wait for the halfway mark so I can feel as if I'm headed for the home stretch!
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, VA
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up in time for the Post Office, Library (internet), grocery and return my rental car. TODAY IS PATTY's BIRTHDAY...and we talked first thing, just like with our morning breakfast meetings. I had her call me for her Birthday call...nice, huh? Started about noon and made it to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, about 22 miles out. The weather was beautiful and MY FEET FELT GOOD for the first time in almost a week! I've heard from others that a number of people have been abandoning their hikes in the past several days. Popeye left suddenly without saying anything...I hope everything is OK at home and that he'll resume later. I'll miss seeing him. I can relate, as I've considered quitting many, many times (usually twice a day, at least..). Was alone in shelter, but met Cubbie & Boston, who were tenting there. Weather has been cold nights, but clear and sunny. Hope for more of the same tomorrow. Did I mention how nice it was to not have my feet hurting?